Lens-Artists Challenge #394 — Yesterday is History

Yesterday is History

Yesterday is History,
‘Tis so far away —
Yesterday is Poetry —
‘Tis Philosophy —

Yesterday is mystery —
Where it is Today
While we shrewdly speculate
Flutter both away^†

‘Though our history is a mere fledgling compared to most of the world, I’m very proud of it and, thanks to John’s brilliant challenge, so happy to share some of southern Ontario’s historic elements with you.  

The bridges of Maple Leaf Cemetery, Charing Cross, ON

In Charing Cross (Chatham), there is a charming cemetery through which meanders McGregor Creek. On cemetery drive, spanning the creek, are two beautiful arch bridges dating back to 1935.  Both bridges are listed on the historic register because there are very few arch bridges remaining in Ontario.

The arciform is one of the oldest types of bridge. Symmetrical, strong, effectual and elegant, the arch is widely thought to be the most aesthetically pleasing bridge design.  In Maple Leaf Cemetery, these narrow, old-fashioned concrete beauties, with charm galore, are indeed a picturesque sight. 

The North Bridge, in slightly better condition, is the only one of the two that remains open to vehicular traffic.  Another difference from the South Bridge is that the curvature of its deck is less pronounced.

Whilst wandering in the cemetery, taking pictures and admiring the bucolic setting, I encountered a couple on their daily walk who told me the sweetest tale about South Bridge. 

A couple of years ago, and because of its debilitated condition, the bridge was slated for demolition, to be replaced with a modern, utilitarian, beam bridge.  The hue and cry from the local (and not-so-local) residents and a petition signed by thousands put paid to that notion.  Instead, South Bridge is now open to pedestrians only.  The deck surface has been patched in lots of places and many of its balusters have been painstakingly replicated to replace those that had disintegrated.  

In Charing Cross, the arch bridges of Maple Leaf Cemetery are adored pieces of art and fortunately for visitors like me, the community seems dedicated to their protection and preservation. 

Wesleyville Village

On the meandering, picturesque, Lakeshore Road in Northumberland County, ever so slightly west of Port Hope, there is a tiny Ghost Town by the name of Wesleyville Village.  The property is being carefully and lovingly maintained and restored by a local group of volunteers known as The Friends of Wesleyville.  On the property are an old Schoolhouse, a church, a homestead, and two old barns.

Originally a wood structure, the Wesleyville Church began life as a Methodist church.  The existing (brick) building was constructed in 1860 and is protected under the Ontario Heritage Act and, in 1925 it became part of the United Church of Canada. The brick schoolhouse was built in 1899 and, amazingly, educated the children of Wesleyville until 1965.

Pengelley Family Cemetery

On Scriven Road in Otonabee-South Monaghan Township (just north of Rice Lake), there is a lovely, small, unmarked pioneer cemetery, set quite far back from the road.  Access is via a quaint, white picket gate.  One day, whilst out on a rural ramble, I “stumbled” across it, quickly stopped, hopped out and went to explore.

Turns out it is the Pengelley family burial site, located on the land of their homestead, and there are a number of Pengelly grave markers — some still standing, some a little askew.  But the first marker I noticed was a very tall and elaborate tombstone and that’s where my walking through yesterday^* began.  

This monument was placed to commemorate the life of Joseph Medlicott Scriven (10th September 1819 to 10th August 1886), whose name I did not immediately recognize.  Reading its inscription, I was delighted to see it was dedicated to the Irish/Canadian poet who wrote the words to what quickly became a greatly beloved hymn, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” — now sung during Sunday services in churches of almost all Christian denominations. The music to Mr. Scriven’s “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” was composed by an American, Mr. Charles Converse in 1868.

Chisholm Lumber Mill

In Roslin, Ontario — a very small hamlet on the Moira River in Hastings County — there is an old lumber mill that has been operated by the same family for six generations.  We’ve been there twice, and it was pure magic each time.  

Originally “Shipman’s Flour and Saw Mill”, the vast property was purchased by William Chisholm in 1857.  The Chisholm family has operated the mill ever since.

If you’re after stunning wood beams, custom-made fireplace mantles, live-edge planks or anything special in the lumber market, this is your place.  If you love wood, you’ll browse for ages – promise!  On one of our visits, we came away with the most spectacular piece of live-edge walnut for a mantle Cam built for us.  

The Carnegie Libraries of Essex County

During the first twenty years of the twentieth century, through Mr. Andrew Carnegie’s kindness, philanthropy and generosity, 111 libraries were built in Ontario, costing him a whopping $2,556,600 (a very big number at the turn of the century).  Three of those buildings are still in use here in Essex County.  

To accept an endowment, there were only three stipulations:

• The town or township had to donate the land; and
• The town or township had to staff the library, and to dedicate an annual budget of 10% of the construction cost to cover maintenance (and perform said maintenance); and the biggie
• It had to be free to everyone.

Built in 1911, the historic Carnegie Library building in my town,  Kingsville, operated as the town’s library for one hundred years until 2011.  Since then it has been known as “The Carnegie Arts and Visitor Centre” where the Arts Society of Kingsville (ASK), operates an art gallery.

To the amazing John, thank you so, so much for this challenge.  I admit to getting a little carried away, and I know I’ve nothing in my portfolio nearly as international or exotic as most Lens-Artists, but I sure had fun putting my post together.  I love history.  All of it.  

Please, please take a few minutes to read John’s very interesting tales about the stunning images he posted, you won’t regret a second of that time, promise:

Lens-Artists Challenge #394—History Through the Lens

’Til next time, y’all…

^†Emily Dickinson, Page 1044 in her anthology “Complete Works of Emily Dickinson”.
^*John Steiner, from his challenge “Lens-Artists Challenge #394— History Through the Lens” — 18th April 2026.