Millbrook and Cavan Historical Society President Celia Hunter
speaks to a group at the Old Millbrook School where a memorial tree
was planted in honour of the late Peter Ramsay.
Last week a small group joined Millbrook and Cavan Historical Society President Celia Hunter in the garden beside the Old Millbrook School to dedicate a Hackberry Tree planted in honour of long-time Historical Society member Peter Ramsay. The tree was carefully selected: it is a large, deciduous native tree producing small fruit that remains on the tree throughout winter providing a source of food for birds and small mammals and is not dangerous for human consumption. It also hosts butterflies and provides shelter for birds. Peter would have approved.
Peter will be remembered as a dedicated friend, colleague and former President of the historical society. He applied his love of local heritage and history as a fierce champion of historical architecture on the Municipal Revitalization and Heritage Committee, and edited a book about Significant Architecture in Millbrook. A graphic artist by profession, he applied his skill in the creation of stained glass works, one of which was donated to the historical society and will be installed at the Old Millbrook School as a lasting memorial.
In recognition of his love of trees and gardening, this tree acknowledges the many gifts he gave to the community and stands near another newly-installed tree planted in honour of another community hero, the late Larry Lamb.