http://www.theenterprisebulletin.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2547097 Time to celebrate a piece of Collingwood's history By ISABEL GRIFFIN OUR PAST IS RENEWED: Collingwood is a town that cares about its past. It has many 'firsts' and at least one 'only'. That is a good reason for visitors to seek out its well-maintained museum at 45 St. Paul Street. You could mistake the building for a railway station because that's what it was originally. When train service to this area was dishe inside of the station was redesigned. The Station Museum has an item that I doubt you will find anywhere else... a statute of Father Time. Around 1878 he was carved from a single white pine log by David Fleming, brother of Sir Sandford Fleming, who gave Canada 'standard' time. Until railways were built across Canada, communities kept pretty much to themselves. Being able to travel changed things, and 'Time' was more important. The Fleming family lived in Craigleith, but Sandford owned property in Collingwood. Collingwood became a town in 1858 and, by 1878, there were a number of businesses on Hurontario, the main street. In even crossed 'Front', now 'First' Street, for a short distance. At the corner was the Globe Hotel (now the Mountain View). GODFREY McLEAN was Collingwood's first continuing jeweller and watchmaker. His trademark was Father Time, which he used until his retirement in 1900. Son of farmer Malcolm McLean, Godfrey was born at Kentraw, Islay, Scotland, on May 26, 1835. Malcolm brought his family to Canada about 1841 and settled near Caledon East. Advertisement In the late 1850s, Godfrey came to Collingwood and opened his jewellery, fancy goods and watchmaking business at No. 1 Hurontario Street. The premises became too small, so in 1874, Godfrey moved to the south-east corner of Hurontario and Huron. Father Time was hoisted to a ledge over the first storey of the building (The Enterprise, Aug. 21, 1890). From this location, he witnessed the growth of the town. In 1894 Godfrey's son, Godfrey Edward (Ted), went into the tobacco retail business, calling it G.E. McLean Wholesale. Godfrey senior died in 1909, but the statue remained in the family until the 1950s when it was donated to the Huron Institute. this was located in the basement of the Carnegie Library at Second and Maple Street. As you entered the small museum, Father Time was standing there to greet you (On Track,Jan./Feb. 2009). In 1963, the Carnegie Library was destroyed by fire, but Father Time and a number of other valuable articles were saved. TIME TAKES ITS TOLL:Wood doesn't last forever and, in 2008, the Station Musuem staff noticed that Father Time needed repairing. A professional sculpture conservator in Kingston was contacted. He looked carefully at the statue and estimated repairs at $5,375, plus GST and other preparatory items (Jan./Feb. 2009 newsletter). A special appeal in the local newspapers showed that the public was interested in this historical project. By July, 2009, community support stood at $1,827.50. Hopefully, interest will continue and Father Time will be around to proudly greet future museum visitors. Tax receipts are issued for $5 or more. Donations can be made by cash, cheque, VISA, MasterCard, or Interac. The museum address is P.O. Box 556, 45 St. Paul St., Collingwood, L9Y 4B2. SPECIAL EVENT:On the evening of April 14, 2010, 'restored' Father Time made his first public appearance. Town Crier Ken Templeman officially announced this happy event. Museum members, guests and other interested persons were on hand to watch the unveiling. Mayor Chris Carrier and Deputy-mayor Sandra Cooper had the honour of presenting 132-year-old Father Time. Prior to this, information was given about the restoration. Alex Gabov, professional sculpture conservator, and his assistant, Sara Gabova, had done a splendid job. The final step was a coat of acrylic neutral grey paint to keep out moisture and pollutants. NOTE:Alex and Sara are not related. Why does Sara's name end with an 'a'? In their language, as in French, words have a male and female form. To date the community has raised $2,982.25, but more is needed. During 2010, general donations to the museum will be used for this project. Father Time, may you continue to greet museum visitors for many years!