Hilliard Township centennial pride on display

HILLIARD TOWNSHIP (Staff) -- It may have been one of the most rain-soaked centennial celebrations the district has seen, but the sense of community still shone through the clouds in Hilliard Township last weekend.
The township celebrated its 100th year August 21-22 and, though a few events were altered or cancelled because of the heavy rainfall on Saturday, residents and visitors still enjoyed the chance to get together and reminisce.
“Rain was the biggest disappointment, as we were planning on good weather, but in spite of the rain the crowds were good, some events had to be cancelled but overall we were pleased with the turnout,” said Hilliard Township Administrator Joel Carleton.
The lawn tractor races could not take place because the track was too muddy and the events at the Hilliardton Marsh were cancelled said Mr. Carleton.
He said the volunteer centennial committee worked hard to prepare for the event and were pleased with the crowds that turned out for the fish derby, the car-rally, fireworks, corn roast and centennial supper.
Mr. Carleton wanted to thank the volunteers and the people who donated prizes for the fish derby and car-rally.
The children’s inflatables had to be moved inside the garage because of the all-day downpour, along with an antique display.
CENTENNIAL PLAQUE
One of the highlights of the celebrations was the Centennial Plaque unveiling on Sunday, August 22.
As the rain held off, dozens of people attended the ceremony along with dignitaries Timmins-James Bay MP Charlie Angus, Timiskaming-Cochrane MPP David Ramsay’s Executive Assistant Darlene Bowen and Hilliard Reeve Morgan Carson and members of council.
That sense of history and community was evident at the Municipal Park next to the Blanche River.
“I don’t know if I’ll be your representative at the next centennial,” joked Mr. Angus, “but I’m proud to be here today.”
In presenting a plaque to the township, he said the occasion was a chance to “think of the people who first came here when it was all bush. I think of those people and their amazing spirit.”
“They came here with faith that if they put their efforts into the ground it would pay off,” he said, “and it has thousands of times over.”
The scroll from MPP Ramsay congratulated Hilliard, saying in part “I would like to express my appreciation for the hard work and dedication that has made Hilliard Township the vibrant community it is today.”
Ms. Bowen commented that she was a former resident of Hilliard “and I can say it is a vibrant community.”
“It was a great place to raise our sons,” she said, “community involvement was as alive then as it is now.”
Reeve Carson thanked Mr. Angus and Ms. Bowen and the crowd for attending the ceremony.
“On behalf of the council of the Township of Hilliard, thanks to all of you for coming out,” he said.
A century is a long time and it’s hard to comprehend, he said, asking those present to “stop and take a moment” to “think of all the people that have come and gone” and reflect on their accomplishments and sacrifices.
“We’ve had wonderful people who developed this community,” he said. “I’m proud of what we have.”