"Cowardice asks the question...is it safe? Expediency asks the question...is it politic? Vanity asks the question...is it popular? But conscience asks the question...is it right? And there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular but one must take it because it is right." ~Dr. Martin Luther King

Thursday 13 September 2012

Ideas Spill Over

The Sesqui-centennial committee met in the Chamber last night and heard ideas for the celebration . 
I was there. I had some . I have more.
The chairman reads the blog so I will  present them here while I think of them. 
There can't be too many ideas for a gig like this. 
Some will fit some won't.
At one time,  there was a town hall on the  north corner of Mosely and Yonge. Among other facilities, like a jail cell  a library, and the fire reel, a market  occupied  the building. 
For  the season of 2013, the market could return to Yonge Street.
From Mosely to Wellington the street could be closed for five hours, from seven on a Saturday  morning.
Vendors should be in the roadway, like at the street sale.
Sidewalks clear for store  and window shopping. 
The Historical Society could work with  store keepers and restore window displays to times past with artifacts from the museum collection.
Signs could  once again hang out over sidewalks to recapture authenticity and celebrate the freedom.of the past.  
The July 1st parade could be shortened.So that  children could  walk, in  home made costumes with decorated doll's prams and bicycles.
The  soap box derby  down Tyler Street hill, that used to be organised by the Volunteer Firefighters, should be raced once more.
A  sesqui-centennial coin featuring the Church Street School museum on one side and Brittannia on the other, bearing remarkably familiar features  could be struck.
The museum. could be  restored to  its rightful place. 
The Mackenzie Rebellion could be re-enacted in the parade.
Temperance  Movement Women in costume  could march down Yonge Street  singing and proclaiming  once more the evils of demon rum.
Councillors in costume around a table on a float, ever mindful of decorum by reason of a projectile mallet.  
I think  a festival of good ole country, rock and roll
and hip-hop music and  gyrations, all or one should be featured in the park on the August  holiday week-end.
Artists among us could be invited to fashion figures, using recyclable materials,  to be seated on various benches down-town leisurely observing the passing throng.
The gazebo at the United Church should have lanterns and carol singers at Christmas and other scenes depicting our Christian heritage
Maybe we could  have  traffic calming in the mid-town block to compel vehicles  to use  side street and leave Yonge Street for the purpose intended, shopping, and gather in groups to gossip on the sidewalks,
Maybe  an Easter Parade in  bonnets and parisoles  and dandies with fancy canes and Cousins Dairy  Ice Cream Shop or facsimile with sixteen different varieties. and Barber shop quartets and town band and Marian the Librarian and a chorus line of high steppin' dancers. 
I have to stop  now  and go hang out the laundry.     

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Huh????

Close Yonge street every Saturday? I am sure that the Region, YRT, GO and the general public will endorse that.

What about a reconstruction of a gallows beside the jail? We can bring up MorMac members one by one.

Anonymous said...

OK Here's an off-beat idea - fell free to take pot-shots. In a effort to be all-inclusive, could the Rangers & the Legion be asked to put together something reflecting war service over the years? Maybe a segment of the parade or an exhibit? It could take people to their places to see what they actually do during the year. And it might keep Dear Nigel & Councilor Ballard occupied.

Christopher Watts said...

10:12 AM Both Ballard and Kean seem to be sufficiently pre-occupied with their piss and vinegar routine.

To the point about the Market on Yonge Street I appreciate the concern raised by 8:51 AM.

What about considering the stretch of Mosley from Yonge to Victoria?

It ties into Yonge Street without disrupting traffic.

There is ample parking in the area, a crosswalk at the intersection of Yonge and Mosley to aid in bringing pedestrians from west of Yonge.

Shorter walking distance to businesses in the historic downtown core which are not being served with the Market's current location.

Also provides closer proximity to cultural detestations such as Aurora Public Library.

The current Market location (both outdoor and indoor) does need to be addressed, perhaps the anniversary is the necessary catalyst for this.

Anonymous said...

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Anonymous said...

No gallows. It's a family affair. Maybe stocks & rotten veggies? But how would you entice them? They likely would suspect a photo op offer.

Michael Suddard said...

About that United Church Gazebo....

Perhaps rebuilding the one that was removed two years ago might be the first order of business.

Underlining the Importance of Correct Spelling said...

"...cultural detestations (sic) such as Aurora Public Library."

LOL

Anonymous said...

Michael Suddard
Great idea. Send it to Alison C-M c/o the Auroran.

Anonymous said...

The week, Alison is serving Roast Council Members. Very tasty. I suggest you try them.

Anonymous said...

"About that United Church Gazebo....

Perhaps rebuilding the one that was removed two years ago might be the first order of business.

13 September, 2012 1:05 PM
Anonymous said...
Michael Suddard
Great idea. Send it to Alison C-M c/o the Auroran.

13 September, 2012 5:06 PM"

Would this not be something the Church should be asked about? There are reasons things are done.

Michael Suddard said...

The main problem with the old Gazebo is it became a litter and vandalism attraction. This despite there being a town owned garbage bin right in front of it.

The church is probably not going to rebuild the gazebo any time soon.

I would propose looking elsewhere to commemorate this event.

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