Homecoming '75: The 150 Year Commemoration
Reenactment of the Peter Robinson boat landing at the Del Crary Park (Little Lake), Nogojiwanong-Peterborough in 1975 during the commemoration. This image features the replica boat built by Nick West based on Peter Robinson’s original plans.
Official Homecoming of '75
In 1975, a group of dedicated volunteers formed the Steering Committee for Homecoming ’75, an event commemorating the journey of the 1825 Peter Robinson emigrants. This committee included Fred O’Grady, Ken Armstrong, Stan Shippam, Nick West, Jim Hooper, Don Kingdon, Dick Cavanagh, Alderman Glenn Pagett, Woody Howard, Bill LaBranche, Sean Eyre, and Don Sargent. The successful commemoration extended from April until October of 1975, with a rich array of events that celebrated the historical significance of the emigration (see scan of the full 1975 schedule below).
The Homecoming ’75 event featured weeks filled with diverse activities such as fairs, auctions, arts festivals, garden parties, races, train trips, and various other festivities and recognition happenings. These events were meticulously planned to reflect the heritage and contributions of the Peter Robinson settlers. The schedule included numerous community engagements, encouraging participation from all age groups and fostering a sense of pride and unity among the descendants and residents of Nogojiwanong-Peterborough and surrounding areas.
The commemorative events not only highlighted the historical journey of the settlers but also reinforced the cultural and societal impact of their contributions. Through exhibitions, historical reenactments, and educational programs, Homecoming ’75 successfully bridged the past and present, providing a platform for reflection and appreciation of the region’s rich heritage. This extensive celebration underscored the enduring legacy of the Peter Robinson emigration and its pivotal role in shaping the local community.
Boat tour on a replica of a shore boat from the time of the Peter Robinson Emigration at Del Crary Park (Little Lake), Nogojiwanong-Peterborough in 1975 during the commemoration.
Scan from the Official ’75 Homecoming Souvenir Booklet which breaks down the almost weekly events and happenings during the 1975 commemoration. Original Booklet by the ’75 Steering Committeee member Bill Labranche.
Letter of Summary
We are pleased to share a reflective summary by Ken Armstrong, who played a pivotal role in the 150th anniversary commemoration of the Peter Robinson Emigrants’ arrival in 1975. Ken’s letter provides a detailed and vivid recount of the events that made the commemoration so memorable, capturing the essence of the community spirit and the significant contributions that marked this special occasion.
We are deeply grateful to Ken for his dedication and leadership in orchestrating this historic commemoration. His efforts not only honoured the legacy of the early emigrants but also brought together our community in a remarkable way.
Please read on below for Ken’s words on the event.
A child’s t-shirt with the Homecoming 75′ design from 1975.
Homecoming ’75 - For Six magical months, thirty years ago, Peterborough celebrated its roots!
A Letter of Summary by Ken Armstrong • May 7, 2005
The occasion was the 150th anniversary of the arrival of the Peter Robinson settlers to this area from southern Ireland.
I had the privilege of Chairing the combined City/County Celebration Committee under the sponsorship of the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce.
Without question, the highlight of the celebrations was the six time re-enactment of the arrival of the Robinson boat from across Little Lake to the George Street Marina. On six beautiful summer evenings, the boat sailed from Lock 20, across the lake, filled with settlers and crew dressed in period costume and on each occasion the boat’s complement was made up of residents from different townships of the County.
The replica boat had been beautifully built by Nick West from authentic sketches throughout the winter and spring of 1974-75 on Nick’s front lawn on Little Street. All of the lumber had been supplied free of charge by Peterborough Lumber. It was truly a labour of love.
At the end of the summer the boat was deposited on permanent loan for public display at Lang Century Village only to be neglected and left to deteriorate.
Surrounding the boat landings were a number of associated and supporting events emphasizing the Homecoming theme.
A local Canadian Irish Club was chartered under the Presidency of Sheriff Stan McBride and it thrives on a solid and very enthusiastic membership to this day. Fred and Shirley O’Grady were successful in obtaining an exclusive charter to initiate and stage a Canadian Rose of Tralee contest from 1975 to 1989 and fourteen local “Roses” were sent overseas to compete.
The C.N.R.’s #6167 Steam Train powered its way from Toronto, through Peterborough to Lakefield and return. It was the final trip up the east bank of the Otonabee and admirers thronged to see the age of steam return to the Kawarthas for the final time.
The local media, both electronic and print, bought into Homecoming ’75 with enthusiasm. Sean Eyre and the late George Franks (Elwood Cranston) spread the word far and wide (within the reach of Chex) that Peterborough wanted its former citizens home and invited tourists to witness the unchained enthusiasm of the city and county.
Bill LaBranche, Editor the “The Review” published Peterborough Snapshots, a hard-bound compilation of visual Peterborough history. It was to be a sell-out! Alf and Jean Cole, well-known local writers co-authored the Peterborough County Historical Atlas, a much sought after reference book for local historians.
There were a succession of special guests and dignitaries found in the area that special summer. The gracious Lt. Gov. Pauline McGibbon, along with her husband witnessed the first boat landing. Prior to that event the Lt. Gov. inspected a company of summer recruits from the Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment in Victoria Park after which she attended a Civic dinner hosted by the Mayor, the late Joe Behan. In addition, another occasion featured the diminutive Lady Robinson, who was then living in Toronto. She was a relative of the original Peter Robinson by marriage.
The sole remaining feature of the special summer is the Homecoming Monument which stands at the northern entrance to Millenium Park in Peterborough. The Chair of the Committee was Fred O’Grady and for many years after Fred always planted potatoes in the spring at the stone’s base in honour of those early Irish settlers.
Thirty years later, the boat, many of the steering Committee and many local heritage buildings have disappeared from the local scene but the spirit of the community is still very much alive.
It was that same spirit that became so evident and effervescent during the summer of 1975.
Homecoming ’75 banner on display above a replica boat during the commemoration events of 1975.
Below the banner is a replica boat which represented the means the emigrants had to reach the shore during their long journey. The plaque below reads:
“A REPLICA OF THE BOAT USED BY THE ROBINSON SETTLERS IN THE SUMMER OF 1825. ‘The boat alluded to was flat bottomed, and was propelled by several oars at each side. It would carry between twenty and thirty persons with a large amount of baggage, and, with hard work, the distance from Gore’s Landing to “Scott’s Plains” could be made in a day. The landing place was that before mentioned, just above Spaulding’s Bay, and at the spot afterwards used as a steamboat landing.’ – From “The Early Settlement of Peterborough County” a quote of Dr. T.W. Poole found on Page 5.’
Listen to a Slice of History
Immerse yourself in history with this 8-minute clip introducing Homecoming ’75. This audio recording delves into the history of the Peter Robinson Emigration, shedding light on the memorandum and the reasons behind the mass migration of Irish people to Canada.
The Story of the Irish Immigration to the City and County of Peterborough, Ontario
Steering Committee of Homecoming '75
A photo of the Steering Committee for the Homecoming ’75.
Front row (left to right): Fred O’Grady, Ken Armstrong, Stan Shippam, Jim Hooper.
Back row (left to right): Nick West, Jim Hooper, Don Kingdon, Dick Cavanagh, Glenn Pagett, Woody Howard and Bill Labranche.
Absent: Sean Eyre and Don Sargent.
The Official Homecoming ’75 Commemorative Booklet by Bill LaBranche
The 1975 souvenir booklet serves as a comprehensive keepsake of the Homecoming ’75 commemoration. It introduces the Steering Committee, a group of dedicated volunteers who orchestrated the event’s success. The booklet features a detailed event calendar listing all the year’s activities, providing a roadmap of the celebrations. It also contains a brief historical overview of the 1825 emigration, offering context and insight into this significant historical event.
Notably, the booklet includes the Petitions for Emigration letters, which provide a unique perspective into the decision-making process for selecting emigrants for the journey. A brief biography on Peter Robinson and a Ships’ list for each of the nine ships that came to Canada are also included, enriching the narrative with personal stories and essential details. This well-crafted booklet stands as a tribute to the rich history of the Peter Robinson emigration and the efforts of those who commemorated it in 1975.
Acknowledgements for the original publication were extended, firstly, to Peterborough’s HOMECOMING ’75 COMMITTEE, a dedicated group of volunteer citizens from the city and the county who made Homecoming ’75 a great success. Their tireless efforts and commitment to commemorating the journey of the 1825 Peter Robinson emigrants left an indelible mark on our community.
The committee members included Fred O’Grady, who chaired the Homecoming Queen Contest, the Irish Trip, and the Robinson Monument; Ken Armstrong, the Homecoming ’75 Chairman; Stan Shippam, the Homecoming ’75 Secretary from the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce; Jim Hooper, the Budget Chairman for the Homecoming ’75 Parade; Nick West, the Pageant Committee Chairman; Don Kingdon from the City of Peterborough; Dick Cavanagh, former Peterborough County Reeve and County Liaison; Alderman Glenn Pagett from the City of Peterborough; Woody Howard, the Sports Events Chairman; and Bill LaBranche, responsible for Publicity and the Souvenir Booklet. Sean Eyre managed publicity, and Don Sargent was the Special Events Chairman.
In addition, the final production of the souvenir booklet was arranged by Marianne MacKenzie, Archivist of the Peterborough Centennial Museum; Mrs. Doris Unitt; Mr. Ron Cross of Total Graphics Limited, publishers of the booklet; Miss Donna Mackenzie; and Mr. Howard Pammett. Their invaluable assistance in preparing this book was crucial for documenting and preserving the rich history of the Peter Robinson emigration and the remarkable Homecoming ’75 celebration.
An anniversary edition of the Offical Homecoming ’75 Souvenir Booklet. Available for purchase through Trent Valley Archives.
Peterborough Scrapbook by Bill LaBranche. Another of his publications reviewing Peterborough’s history between 1825 and 1975.
The arrival of the Lieutenant-Governor Pauline McGibbon during the Homecoming 75′ commemoration in July 1975.
Historic Peterborough Brochure from 1975
Exterior and interior panels of the Historic Peterborough brochure given out during the 1975 comemmoration events. Click to enlarge.
Globe and Mail article that reviews the Homecoming ’75 published July 15, 1975.