Community Living history highlighted in museum display

A portion of the display on the 70th anniversary of Tillsonburg Community Living highlights the ceramics that were created by Arcwood Acres, including the Christmas trees. (Jeff Helsdon Photo)

Jeff Helsdon, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A walk through the display on the 70th anniversary of Community Living Tillsonburg at Annandale National Historic Site is like a walk back in time for Tillsonburg residents.

The milestones, and people, of the organization will be familiar to anyone living in Tillsonburg.

Ask anyone who grew up in Tillsonburg, or surrounding area, and they likely have seasonal memories of ARC Industries famous ceramic Christmas trees. This is part of the display on the history of the industry, and of course, includes a tree. There are also ceramic tobacco leaf ashtrays, mugs and a Tillsonburg ash tray.

The list of presidents of Community Living Tillsonburg and its predecessors is sure to pique the memory of community leaders. Many students will remember principals Matt Alabastine and Steve Kyle. Father JJ McCormick and Rev. Ross McCann were well-known religious leaders in town. Some other well-known figures include Julien Versnick, Eugene Heath, David Streefkerk, Richard Epple, George Jenkins and Jill Bossy. Of course, many people are familiar with long-time president Doug Cooper.

Another portion of the display highlights the timelines of the organization. It starts with the formation of the Tillsonburg and District Association for Retarded Children in 1955, highlights the opening of Rotary Westmount School in 1959, ARC Industries in 1965 and Arcwood Acres in 1976. The name changed to Community Living Tillsonburg in 2000.

The display runs until Oct. 31.