The Chatham-Kent Heritage Network (CKHN) took the opportunity to unveil their newest historical plaque at the Wheatley Harbour on Sunday, June 28 in conjunction with the ongoing Wheatley Fish Festival.
A public gathering to unveil the plaque attracted a large crowd as members of the Heritage Network spoke about Wheatley’s history and how the plaque came about.
From Canoes to Commerce: Wheatley’s Fishing Story is the title of the plaque which now stands in front of the Wheatley Harbour Authority office.
CKHN has been erecting plaques across Chatham-Kent for four years, according to opening speaker and Chair of the CKHN, Lisa Gilbert.
“This is plaque number 27,” she said. “I think that’s quite a feat. The goal is to reach 35 plaques.”
Eventually, it’s hoped that all of the plaques will be on the Chatham-Kent municipal website, so that residents can read about each small town across the municipality. Gilbert also encouraged people to take a trip to each of the towns to read about their heritage and the importance of being involved in local heritage and knowing your roots, and those of neighbouring communities.
Chatham-Kent Mayor Darrin Canniff and Ward 1 Councillor Melissa Harrigan were also on hand, along with Harbourmaster Bobby Cabral.
“It’s so important to keep history alive,” said Canniff. “I love that it’s brought our community together across Chatham-Kent.”
Gilbert credited plaque author Cindy (Taylor) Robichaud, who was born and raised in Wheatley but now lives in Chatham.
“I reached out to the community and I asked for information, stories and memories, and the community did not disappoint,” said Robichaud in her quest to gather information for the plaque. “For generations, fishing was the lifeline for countless families and many are still in the fishing industry today.”
Robichaud spoke about the book “Open Boats”, written in the 1980s by local historian Rita Lobzun, who was on hand for the celebration. Mrs. Lobzun had compiled many stories from old-time fishermen along with fellow historians Gail Tofflemire and Marguerite Carter.
William McLean built the first commercial fishery in the village in 1866 and the rest is history.
McLean’s descendants were among those who unveiled the plaque when the cover was removed. The young members of the Bluteau family represented the McLeans and they were joined by the youngest members of the Cobby family to expose the plaque to great applause by those in attendance.
Wheatley Harbourmaster Bobby Cabral with plaque author Cindy Robichaud.
SUN photo by Mark Ribble
Heritage Network Chair Lisa Gilbert, left, with Chatham-Kent Mayor Darrin Canniff and Ward 1 councillor Melissa Harrigan.
SUN photo by Mark Ribble
