Legacies of Loyalist | Loyalist Township

Legacies of Loyalist is an oral history, storytelling initiative intended to capture the insight into the daily lives of those before us. The stories depict an array of both simple and significant moments in time from our communities past that you cannot find in a history textbook.

About the documentary

The first oral history project under the Legacies of Loyalist umbrella was created in 2023 thanks to the generous support of the Community Foundation for Kingston and Area. A professional videographer team was hired and helped to create a 75-minute documentary which showcased six individual stories that spoke to the communities within Loyalist Township and pieces of their unique past.

Documentary trailer

Full length documentary

waterscape looking at an island with wind turbines

"Legacies of Loyalist is a rich and moving tapestry that weaves together some two hundred years of life in our communities. The non-chronological, narrative emphasis of the film highlight the importance of understanding history as lived experience, and as belonging to all, not simply to its academic or political curators. Indeed, by telling the story of Loyalist through the memories and experiences of esteemed members of our community, the film appropriately reminds us that our particular story is not monolithic, nor is it found in great sagas or tomes, but rather in the lives of the many people who have laboured here, raised families, played sports, volunteered, and built a life here. In this way the film offers all residents an opportunity to meaningfully situate their own lives as important parts in our vibrant, unfolding story."

- Deputy Mayor Townend

Thank you to the Community Foundation for Kingston and Area for helping to fund this project through the Community Grants program, to the videography and production team at SPARK, the participants for their time and dedication, and to the staff within the Heritage, Culture and Tourism Division for inspiring this project and seeing it through to completion.

Meet the interviewees

As a long time resident of Bath, and an avid local historian, Cynthia’s knowledge stretches far beyond her time living in the Village. Her research brings us stories and a glimpse into the life of those who arrived on the shores of Bath with the Upper Canada Loyalist migration, all the way through to her own memories of raising a family within the community.

Cynthia was interviewed at the Fairfield Gutzeit House, Bath, November 2022.

Growing up on the banks of the Millhaven Creek, Ross and Donald share their stories of life with their family at the Babcock Mill. Their endearing stories about their ancestors, early days in Odessa, and the development of the Babcock Mill provide not only an in-depth genealogical timeline but also examples of engineering and technological advancements that happened right here in our community.

Ross and Donald were interviewed at the Babcock Mill, Odessa, December 2022.

Life on Amherst Island is unique and picturesque, and the stories shared by Keith and Shirley were truly heartwarming. Keith’s ancestors were of the first of the Irish to move to the Island, so his family history is deeply rooted with stories of farming, events, and how adaptable residents had to be through seasonal changes. Shirley, a prominent artist, shared how the community is her inspiration for sharing the stories of the people of the Island so they are not lost in time.

Keith and Shirley were interviewed at their home, Amherst Island, December 2022.

Spending his childhood growing up in Wilton and Odessa, Rick has a unique insight into what life was like in this rural part of Loyalist Township. Rick shares stories that provide a glimpse into the fast past world of softball and how he found out about his Indigenous roots as an adult. Rick is now an Indigenous educator and has published five books in his "Algonquin Quest Series."

"Loyalist Township is full of small communities with big stories that deserve to be told and need to be heard. This documentary did this. There needs to be more funding for future stories to be told. Just like when my ancestors passed down their stories, this project does the same."

Rick was interviewed at the Wilton Hall, Wilton, December 2022.

Sharing memories of communities coming together during the process of amalgamation, Paul provided a unique insight of the highlights of his time, and how he fought to preserve the individuality of the Township. Paul was inspired at an early age to join the political scene, moving to Amherstview in 1968 he talked about the changing scene in the community and his time on council between 1985-2000.

"SPARK, along with students at St. Lawrence College and staff of Loyalist's division of Heritage, Culture and Tourism produced an amazing very professional film which was enthusiastically received at its inaugural showing. I believe it can be used as a very effective educational tool in our local schools, community groups etc. to help foster pride and enthusiasm for this wonderful place we call home."

Paul was interviewed at the Council Chambers, Odessa, January 2023.

Share your story

Every one of us has a story to tell. It is important to understand how and why we are here today, and listening to other people’s stories gives us this chance. We hope this video is just the beginning, and that viewers are inspired to share their own stories.

If you would like to share your story, a memory, favorite community event, or snippet of life in Loyalist Township, we invite you to submit your story to the Legacies of Loyalist Oral History Project here.

We hope these stories will help you connect with the unwritten history of our community and the social stories that are not necessarily found in history books. These moments in time are a true reminder that every one of our stories matter, and once shared, can have an impact on generations to come.

montage of still pictures from Legacies of Loyalist film

"The Legacies of Loyalist oral history film is a heartwarming documentary that shares the stories and memories of five Loyalist Township residents. The film has a good mix of information and laughs throughout and is great for new and long-time residents."

- Mayor Hegadorn

Partners

Community Foundation for Kingston and Area - grant funding
SPARK