Photo courtesy Facebook
Bury’s historical banner initiative
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
A relatively new initiative in Bury has been gaining attention as the town honours its military history and veterans through the installation of commemorative banners. Joel Barter, a dedicated member of the Bury Historical Society, has spearheaded the project, which involves the creation and display of banners depicting the town’s rich military heritage and honouring its veterans.
The project began with the installation of 28 banners for a military event last year, organized by the Bury Historical Society. Following the success of that event, Barter took on the responsibility of creating 14 exterior banners, detailing the history of Bury’s military from the 1866 Fenian Raids to the present day. These banners are displayed along the streets, with locations such as the Armoury being prominent sites.
“I thought it would be cool if we had veteran banners up as well,” Barter explained to The Record June 25. “I’ve seen them in places like Perth, Ontario, and St. Catharines, Ontario. So, I decided to give it a shot and see if anyone wanted to participate.”
The process of gathering information and contacting families has been a challenging one but Barter persevered by using various resources, including historical records and social media. Through extensive research and community outreach, he managed to compile a list of veterans and connect with their families.
“I’ve had people call me from across Canada, from British Columbia to Nova Scotia, and even Calgary. It’s been a lot of word-of-mouth and reaching out to anyone who might have a connection,” he added.
As of now, there are 32 veteran banners displayed in Bury, with more expected to be added. “Last year, we were able to get 32 veteran banners, and this year I’ve already got 20 paid, and I’m expecting about 30 in total,” Barter noted. The banners are displayed along Main Street, McIver Street, and Stokes Street, with plans to expand to other streets as well.
In addition to the veteran banners, the Bury Historical Society has sponsored banners depicting significant historical landmarks, such as the old train station and the Imperial Hotel. “We’re doing one for the train station because nobody even knows there was a train station there. It got demolished in the ‘80s,” Barter explained.
The project has received support from various donors, including Judy Cathcart, whose family has deep roots in Bury. “Judy has donated for six banners so far. She’s helped me track down some of the Hong Kong veterans because she knew some of the families,” Barter said.
Despite the challenges, Barter remains dedicated to the project. “It’s been pretty much me and my girlfriend doing the whole thing, but it’s worth it,” he said. The town of Bury has also been involved, using their employees to install and maintain the banners. Barter noted that the banners are only designed to last seven to ten years, and taking them down during the winter helps extend their lifespan.
Looking ahead, there are tentative plans to establish a military museum in Bury, with the Sherbrooke Hussars potentially housing their collection in the old fire hall. “We’re in talks with the Sherbrooke Hussars right now. If we can get the grants, there could be a museum at the old fire hall,” Barter revealed.
Despite the significant time and effort involved, Barter remains committed to honouring Bury’s veterans. “It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it to see the community come together and remember our history,” he said.
Donors can sponsor banners for $330 each. For more information about the project, residents can visit the Bury Historical Society’s webpage or the Eastern Township’s Roots Facebook group. The initiative not only honours the town’s veterans but also educates the community about its rich military history, ensuring that future generations remember and appreciate the sacrifices made by those who served.