Dalkeith Historical Society (2012) Annual Meeting Friday May 10, 2013
DHS held its first major activity in its new home. The meeting started off with a welcome & introductions.
Ms. Uwizeyimana- Jacob, Ontario Ministry of Citizenship, Immigration, Tourism, and Culture & Sport Regional Advisor were our guest.
DHS has started a tradition both at the Executive Meetings & the General Meetings that someone present will be responsible for sharing a “history tidbit.”
This meeting’s history tidbit began with a song— Carlton Weavers by Clancy Brothers
The song goes as follows:
“I am a weaver, a Calton weaver…I am a brash and a roving blade…I have silver in my pouches..And I follow a roving trade…chorus.
As I walked into Glasgow city…Nancy Whiskey I chanced to smell…I walked in, sat down beside her…7 long years I loved her well…chorus.
The more I kissed her, the more I loved her…The more I kissed her, the more she smiled…I forgot my mother’s teaching. .Nancy soon had me beguiled…chorus Now I rose early in the morning…To slake my drouth it was my need…I tried to rise but was not able…Nancy had me by the knees …chorus I’m going back to the guild of weaving…I’ll really make those shuttles fly…I’ll make more at the Calton weaving…Than ever I did in a roving way…chorus So come all ye weavers, ye Calton weavers…Weavers where e’re ye be…Beware of Whiskey, Nancy Whiskey…She’ll ruin you like she ruined me : CHORUS: Whiskey, whiskey, Nancy whiskey …Whiskey, whiskey, Nancy O”
The CALTON WEAVERS were an exemplar community of well-trained Handweavers. They were located just outside Glasgow on the river Clyde. As the Industrial Revolution gained strength many Scottish cottars were forced off their lands ending up in the mills looking for work and depressing prices considerably. The development of the powerloom also contributed to the glut of weavers on the market. In 1878 the Calton Weavers went on strike for increased wages. The Police were called in and 6 weavers were killed. Many Weavers immigrated to Eastern Ontario in the early 1800’s and John could have been one of them. Documents reveal that he was in Upper Canada in 1803 when his eldest surviving daughter, Mary was born. When John signed an agreement for Lot 7, he identifies himself as a Weaver. The song first appeared in print around 1900 but its origins are from a much earlier time period. Dalkeith John Robertson was in his early 30 in 1803 and from documents researched he appears to have been a more serious weaver than the one described in the CALTON WEAVERS song. This new bit of research identifying John as a Weaver adds a new dimension to Dalkeith (On) History.
The Annual meeting then continued as follows:
ONE: A motion for approval of DHS by-laws was submitted & approved by the membership.
TWO: Election of Officers-all slots were filled.
THREE: Treasurer’s Report-The Treasurer reported positive statistics for 2012.
FOUR: President’s Report-2012 was an exciting year as DHS gained its charitable status and became property owners. As well DHS supported a number of successful community events and ended up the year (2012) with 22 paid members…
FIVE: Ms. Jacob & visiting guests were invited to say a few words to DHS members.
SIX: The Meeting was adjourned. SEVEN: Ms. Jacob was invited along with those present to Robertson Mills Park for a tree planting ceremony. Ms. Jacob planted an 1812 Heritage Rose that was donated to DHS. The Tulips that were donated & planted last fall were in full bloom.
EIGHT: Lunch & camaraderie followed.
Thanks to everyone who helped make the annual meeting day activity the resounding success that it was. There were so many busy hands all the previous week doing all the little & not so little things in preparation. Many, many thanks.
