In praise of Ottawa’s unsung heroes! Beechwood’s 25th annual historical walking tour Sunday, Sept. 8
What better way could there be to wind down a glorious run of summer than by taking a leisurely stroll through history in one of Ottawa’s finest park-like settings?
On Sunday, Sept. 8, Beechwood Cemetery Foundation will be hosting its popular annual guided historical walking tour to visit the gravesites of a few of the 87,000 people who are buried in Canada’s national cemetery. The free outdoor annual tour, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, starts at 2 p.m. and lasts about an hour.
For the past quarter of a century, Beechwood has been sharing the life stories of famous and lesser-known figures in Ottawa’s history through these entertaining and informative walking tours. In previous years the tour has visited with the likes of Bytown founding father William Pittman Lett, composer Violet Archer, engineer and inventor Sir Sandford Fleming, and pioneer settler and 1812 Anglo-American War heroine Maria Hill.
It’s a way of keeping the memories and the stories of these people’s accomplishments alive, says Nick McCarthy, Beechwood communications director.
“Each person who is buried here at Beechwood had a life that is worth celebrating,” he says. “We don’t always realize how innovative many of these people were, or understand the depth of their influence within the community.”
The theme for this year’s tour is “Unsung Heroes,” a celebration of the lives of four local citizens who made a significant, positive impact in their communities during their lifetime: Firefighter Howard Lambert (19382002), Jamaican community leader Isis Officer (19252000), Second World War veteran and Child Amputee Program (CHAMP) founder Hugh Clifford Chadderton (1919-2013), and businesswoman, parliamentarian and philanthropist Jean Pigott (1924-2012).
At each gravesite, actors from the Ottawa School of Theatre will perform vignettes based on the lives of these featured figures. Local musician Pierre Séguin will be on hand to add a note of 1950s-style crooner mood music.
“We decided to focus on these people who were part of Ottawa’s day-to-day community, but who are not often celebrated,” McCarthy says. “They made an impact on this city, our country and the world, and we want to highlight their accomplishments so that their contributions are not forgotten.”
Lambert, for example, rose through the ranks to retire as executive fire chief for the Ottawa Fire Services. While he barely made the height and weight requirements when he joined, he soon earned the respect of his colleagues for his vigour and bravery.
Jamaican-born Officer came to Canada in 1965 to work as a nurse at the Ottawa Civic Hospital, but soon got active working with the police and community to improve race relations in Ottawa. The Ottawa Police Service created the Isis Officer Ethnocultural Equity Award in her name.
Chadderton, who lost part of his right leg during the Second World War, joined The War Amps and rose to become the organization’s CEO. His main achievement centred on founding CHAMP to help cover costs of artificial limbs and support programs for children. He received numerous awards, including the Order of Canada.
While Pigott was a more recognizable pillar of the Ottawa community, McCarthy says many people likely don’t remember the strong work ethic that this daughter of bakery owner Cecil Morrison was raised on. When she was 42, she took over the family bakery, and saved it from bankruptcy by strategically branching into the frozen food business. She was one of only three female CEOs in Ottawa at the time.
“Even though Jean Pigott is a well-known name — she was an Officer of the Order of Canada — many people don’t realize just how much work she did in the city as a successful businesswoman prior to serving as a Member of Parliament for the riding of Ottawa-Carleton, and as chair of the National Capital Commission,” he says. “She did an incredible amount of philanthropic work in support of mental health services and other charities in this city.”
It is recommended that people who will be joining the tour wear comfortable walking shoes and clothing suitable for the weather, and bring along water if needed. Following the tour, guests will be offered a tasty ice cream treat before they leave.
“We are hoping everyone will come out and enjoy a small slice of Ottawa history,” McCarthy says. “We have such compelling content, and it’s nice to be able to share it. The afternoon walk will be a nice way to end off a wonderful summer.”
For more information about the Unsung Heroes guided walking tour, call 613741-9530, email foundation @beechwoodottawa.ca or visit www.beechwood ottawa.ca.