History buff Manson ‘enjoyed anything to do with Hamilton’
Former teacher wrote books on city neighbourhoods, did talks and walks
The historical, theatrical and art gallery communities are mourning the loss of Bill Manson, who was active in those pursuits, plus many others.
The retired high school English and drama teacher — who died of cancer at age 79 on Nov. 3 — was also active in the Hamilton Secondary School Teachers’ Federation — where he served as president — the Hamilton Future Fund, Information Hamilton and the Hamilton Arts Council. He had been a member of the Hamilton Club.
“Bill, when he went into something, he was really dedicated to it,” said his wife Ann, a retired elementary school teacher. “He put himself into it completely. He held himself to high standards.”
Manson was best known for his passion for history. He wrote four books, plus one with his wife, on the histories of several downtown neighbourhoods. He wrote articles for The Spectator (he was also a member of the Spectator Community Editorial Board), gave historical talks and created 18 historical walks.
Manson served on the city’s heritage committee and the Hamilton Historical Board, where he was chair. He won the Reverend T. Melville Bailey Heritage Award.
Graham Crawford, who ran the former Hamilton HISTORY + HERITAGE story on James Street North, had known Manson since 2005 and sat on the historical board with him. He recalled Manson giving talks at his store.
“His talks would fill the place on a Saturday morning, often requiring a second presentation after lunch,” Crawford said on social media. “The demand was so great. He never sought payment, just an opportunity to talk about the city he loved so much.’
Former MPP and cabinet minister Ted McMeekin said Manson will be missed and is now “himself a piece of our historic heritage.”
“He loved history, but he loved Hamilton,” said Ann. “He had a strong interest in the city and how it developed and the way it developed. He just really enjoyed anything to do with Hamilton and its history.”
Manson was the only child born to William and Florence Manson. He arrived Dec. 9, 1941. His father was a steelworker and his mother worked in the offices at the Right House department store.
Manson attended Memorial Public School and Delta Collegiate Institute. He graduated from McMaster University in 1963 with degrees in English and history, and went to work for the Hamilton Board of Education.
He was a member of the Players Guild, served as drama coordinator for the school board and served in many jobs in the Sears Secondary Students’ Drama Festival. He taught at such high schools as Westmount and Sir Winston Churchill, and his wife recalled him staging memorable student productions of “My Fair Lady” and “Oliver.”
“There are many people in Hamilton who will remember him as a teacher who made a difference in their lives,” said Gail Rappolt, a friend and retired teacher, on social media.
Manson and his wife were volunteers at the Art Gallery of Hamilton. He served in many roles on the AGH’s volunteer committee, including chair, and was a docent at the gallery. He received the AGH Volunteer Lifetime Achievement Award.
Friend Jullia Kollek recalled Manson one time giving what was supposed to be a 15-minute tour at the AGH. She said the group was eager for more.
“Without missing a beat, and no notes, he took us into the next room and gave us an impromptu history of the paintings and their artists,” she said on social media. “We were transfixed.”
His first book with his wife was “Up and Down Locke Street South” and it came out in 2000. His second book, “Getting Around Hamilton,” came out in 2002 and detailed the transportation and transit history of the city. “Footsteps in Time: Exploring Hamilton’s Heritage Neighbourhoods” came out in 2003 and detailed the histories of such neighbourhoods as Durand and Corktown. Volume 2 came out in 2006 and focused on the North End and the long-gone neighbourhood of Port Hamilton. He updated the Locke Street book last year.
His wife said Manson loved to cook and travel — the couple were big on cruises.
“He loved London,” Ann added. “He got to know that city pretty well.”
Manson is survived by his wife.