Chronicling Manor Park history
Former editor Jim Kenward reminisces on the Chronicle's role in Manor Park history
The Manor Park Chronicle has conveyed information about the thoughts, decisions and actions of the community throughout Manor Park history for the past 75 years, more than 20 years longer than any of the 12 other community newspapers in Ottawa.
The first issue of the Chronicle, in January 1947, was a modest typewritten six pages, which included, on its front page, the Manor Park Ratepayers Association Report.
The report was a strong plea to the City of Ottawa for much needed community infrastructure, like street lights and signage, parks and supervised playgrounds, publication of the community ‘news sheet’, establishment of a volunteer fire fighting committee, liaisons with Manor Park School and with school board trustees, and many other important matters.
The report galvanised the community and the city into strong action, including the permanent establishment of the Chronicle, with several newly formed committees using it to get out their messages.
School principal Jack Willard produced and edited the newspaper in its first year. Ken Parks, William Baldwin, Ross Munro, Roy Beamish and Inez Sunderland, a beloved teacher for so many years, followed Jack.
First post-war subdivision in Ottawa
As some readers are aware, development of the beautifully wooded area of Manor Park (previously known as the Rockcliffe Annex) took place between 1947 and 1953, and involved five developers, tasked with creating a village for postwar veterans and their families.
This was the first postwar subdivision in Ottawa. The first houses appeared on what was then Sandwich St., and the last on Hemlock Rd. Builders finished work on Manor Park Public School (MPPS) on Braemar St. in 1948. It replaced the temporary quarters, located in the stable, where the Church of St. Columba now stands.
The energy and enthusiasm of the first inhabitants were contagious, and ensured a steady supply of volunteers for the myriad of organizations which sprung up for all age groups. Already, the Chronicle had become part of the glue which brought the Park’s families together, and still does to this day.
For the first 25 years, life in the ‘Park was relatively simple, starting off with children going to MPPS, or other elementary schools in nearby neighbourhoods, before continuing to secondary schools outside the ‘Park.
They also enjoyed after-school and weekend sports on the MPPS grounds. The Chronicle has always been active in reporting these activities. Sadly, due to legalities, children’s photos can no longer be captioned fully, without parental consent, which removes some of the excitement of being featured.
‘Quantum change’
In the mid 1970s, a quantum change occurred, affecting the Chronicle, when the Lighthouse Programs (now known as Manor Park Community Council recreation, arts, child care, and early learning programs) were introduced. This has required from four to eight extra pages, and saw issues increase to 16 to 20 pages.
Since then the Chronicle has broadened its readership even further, with longer reports from its two sponsors, the Manor Park Community Association and the Manor Park Community Council, and the addition of specialty articles, like Business Buzz, Etiquette Matters, Meet Your Neighbour, Bird Watchers, and Dogs in the ‘Hood. We have also welcomed numerous new advertisers who have helped to keep the Chronicle financially viable. As a result, each issue now contains 40 pages or more.
From the cut-and-paste days of the past, the Chronicle switched to online composition, and to both online and print output in 2003. Our printer, Winchester Print, started with the Chronicle in 2009 and has been extremely accommodating for the past 15 years. As a largely volunteer organization, the staff and deliverers of the Chronicle have worked tirelessly for 75 years, for the community, and have never missed a beat, or should I say an issue!
Disney comes to Manor Park
In terms of memories, one of so many stands out. In January 1982, Disney Films came to Manor Park and filmed a Manor Park ice hockey game, when the sky was blue, the temperature -25, and the cameras were all swaddled in hot towels. Needless to say, all participants spent considerable time in the Field House, but those who went to the Canadian Pavilion at EPCOT a year later, felt very much at home!
In conclusion, may I say Manor Park has been my family’s home for over 45 years, and we couldn’t have picked a better place to live in and to enjoy so many friendships and activities, with many thanks to the Chronicle!
Jim Kenward was editor of the Chronicle from September 1980 to May 1982, and later distribution coordinator and treasurer. Jim still supports the paper by handling mail-outs of copies to institutions and advertisers.
For Marion Robertson’s reflections on her time as editor, click here.
