Photo supplied.
A photo from the scene of a fire that devastated the town of Millbrook. The Millbrook Cavan Historical Society will be celebrating the role of our volunteer fire brigades over the years at an event in October.
A key part of our local Historical Society’s reason for being is to bring people together to share stories and encourage interest in recording and preserving those memories. As the Millbrook Cavan Historical Society launches its new season, the number of opportunities for fans of history to get together to make this happen has grown significantly, largely thanks to our increased collaboration with Cavan Monaghan Libraries.
First on our Special Events calendar is a celebration of the hometown heroes that make up our Volunteer Firefighters. On Thursday, October 12, as part of Fire Prevention Week, we will feature the role that our volunteer brigades have played over the centuries here. From devastating fires that have wiped out downtown businesses and thriving farm operations to floods, crashes, a spectacular explosion and a destructive tornado, our firefighters have stepped up as first responders. Come and hear their stories, tell your own, and look back at some of the photographs and records in the Historical Society collection as we get together at the Legion Hall in Millbrook. To kick off the event, the Firefighters Association will be opening up the Old Fire Hall for tours. Look for details in the October issue of The Millbrook Times, or go to our website, millbrookcavanhs.org.
The Old Fire Hall Museum will also be featured in our virtual Tour of Millbrook’s Heritage Properties, a special afternoon presentation at the Millbrook branch of the Cavan Monaghan Libraries, on Wednesday, October 11. In the comfort of the Harry Williams Room at the library, we’ll enjoy a narrated, illustrated tour of the properties highlighted in the Historical Society’s self-guided tour booklet, Heritage Millbrook. Every home has a story; each property comes with a tale or two.
This afternoon event is just one of the new and exciting opportunities that our collaboration with Cavan Monaghan Libraries makes possible. Communal storytelling and memoir writing workshops become a regular feature of programming in September at both branches of the library and beyond. See the Cavan Monaghan Libraries article in this issue for more details.
Become a MCHS member! Support our programs, find out about volunteer opportunities, enjoy free admission to our special events, and receive our newsletter. Memberships run from September 2023 through to August 2024. Forms available on line and at your Cavan Monaghan Libraries branch.
Find us at the Millbrook BIA Fall Festival Event on September 23 where we will have news about coming events including our holiday themed Trivia Night, November 30. Teams, get ready!
By Celia Hunter
