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Tobacco museum marks 40th anniversary

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Paul Smith, the architect who designed the Delhi Tobacco Museum and Heritage Centre, was one of many people to visit the museum for a special 40th anniversary celebration and open house. Vincent Ball
Paul Smith, the architect who designed the Delhi Tobacco Museum and Heritage Centre, was one of many people to visit the museum for a special 40th anniversary celebration and open house. Vincent Ball jpg, BR

DELHI Paul Smith chuckles when asked about his involvement with the creation of the Delhi Tobacco Museum and Heritage Centre.

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“I remember thinking it was a great opportunity and then I met the mayor and council of the day,” the museum’s architect said Sunday at an open house marking the museum’s 40th anniversary.

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“They said they didn’t want some sort of Taj Mahal. They wanted something simpler, something that would be in a tobacco barn.”

That’s not exactly what Smith had in mind but now he can say the politicians were right.

“It’s a nice building that … continues to provide excellent service to the community.”

Smith was just one of many people at the open house, which was part of a weekend celebration that included a performance by The Schotts – Darrin and Alison — southwestern Ontario singer-songwriter who play a mix of country, bluegrass and folk music. The duo have played clubs and festivals across Canada and Europe and perform several songs related to Norfolk County.

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“It was a wonderful performance and a great way to celebrate our 40th anniversary,” said museum curator Carene Morrison. “We had 44 people attend the performance and they thoroughly enjoyed it.”

She said the open house was a chance for people to see exhibits and a video showcasing the history of the museum and the nearby Quance Park.

Although many people know about the community’s ties to the tobacco industry, they may not know the history and importance of milling in the area, Morrison said.

The museum, located on a hill in Quance Park on Talbot Road, was built in 1979 on land given to the Township of Delhi by the Quance family. The property is on Talbot Road (Highway 3), just west of the downtown.

The exhibit, which continues to Dec. 20, includes the deed of the property now known as Quance Park. It also includes information and displays highlighting the beautification of the property over the past 45 years.

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The museum is home to numerous exhibits, including machinery used on local tobacco farms, and holds events throughout the year.

“The museum and its exhibits tell the story of the important role tobacco played in the building of the community,” Morrison said. “People came here as immigrants and discovered it was a good area for growing tobacco.

“They worked hard and built good lives for themselves and for others. It’s a Canadian story.”

She noted that tobacco built community halls and churches and allowed people to send their children to university.

The exhibit also shows the resiliency and innovative spirit of the community, said Morrison, adding that many local farms are now being used to grow alternative crops, including ginseng.

“Quance Park is a beautiful place to visit and what we’re hoping the people who visit the park and the museum will get a good understanding of the rich history of the land.”

Vball@postmedia.com
twitter.com/EXPVBall

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