Thought this item from current SHS Newsletter might be of interest to list. Page 4. Winter 2004-2005 Stanstead Historical Society Newsletter THE RESTORATION OF PIONEERS' MONUMENT There are plans afoot to restore the Pioneers' Monument at Dufferin Heights. This historic site has fallen into a state of serious disrepair since its last face lift many years ago. Stimulated by the research surrounding its 75th anniversary celebrations and encouraged by a group of local residents interested in the monument, the Society contacted the owner of the property, MRS. ISABEL BERRY, and her son JOHN BERRY about the monument's condition and received an encouraging reply to the effect that the family is committed to ensuring that the site is returned to good condition. Initial discussions suggest that the family, the SHS and the group of local residents coordinated by MIKE HACKETT, are ready to contribute financially to its restoration. In the case of the SHS share, a bank account has been opened which already contains funds contributed for this purpose by former MLA ROBERT BENOIT and by BOB ALGER, who put together a donation from a group of friends. Board member ED HYATT has acted as an effective liason between the Board and the resident's group. Arrangements have been made for a visit to the site this month by representatives of the groups mentioned above. HARRY ISBRUCKER and TOBY ROCHESTER of the SHS and representatives of the residents' group will be accompanied by the designer and former Board member GUY CLOUTIER as well as by ROBERT CHAUVETTE, expert stone mason. CLOUTIER and CHAUVETTE have kindly agreed to contribute their advice on restoration and costs. The monument was put up in 1927 on the initiative of some local residents led by COLONEL BENJAMIN MORRILL, T. LEE QUIMBY, A. E. CURTIS and HOMER G. CURTIS. COLONEL MORRILL was the then owner of the property and father of the current owner, as well as the first president of the SHS. The bronze plaque set into the fieldstone base carries the names of 105 pioneers who, accompanied in most cases by their families, settled in Stanstead Township between 1792 and 1820. ORSON WHEELER later (1940's) designed the plaque which directs the attention of visitors to various local topographical features. Access to the site, is assured by the BERRY family as well as the cooperation of the Dufferin Heights Golf club. =================== For more information contact the Stanstead Historical Society. Website: http://www.colbycurtis.ca/ SHS e-mail address: [email protected]