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A last word
Fifteen weeks at the Uxbridge Cosmos… oh my, does time fly. It was just yesterday when I drove into the frigid backwoods of Uxbridge, brimming with curiosity as I walked into the Cosmos office, where I met my new editor, Conrad, and his faithful four-legged friend, Lacey.
This story however, has a peculiar beginning. My very first trip to Uxbridge followed after my discovery of the Foster Memorial, which, funny enough, I managed to find purely by accident while surfing the abyssal Internet. It was during the last weeks of May 2009 that I drove up to see this magnificent structure. Once there, I stepped out of the car and took a long stare at it, almost in disbelief, wondering, “Someone should call the Vatican. Something's missing.”
As it happens though, I returned to Uxbridge at the end of 2009, during my second year of college. It was my very first major photo story. My colleagues and I were assigned to cover the Santa Claus parade in Toronto, but due to the lack of breathing room and inferior lens equipment, I was forced to abandon hopes that I'd get a required shot of Santa Claus. With the deadline slowly approaching, I caught wind from my professor, Ted Barris, that the Uxbridge Santa Claus parade was happening on the following day. This time, I drove into the heart of Uxbridge, enduring an unforgiving snow storm on the way up. As I walked up Brock Street towards the Arena, the skies cleared up, turning into a crystal-clear day of warm sunshine. The experience turned out to be a blessing, since not only did I manage to grab my necessary shots (one of which won an award at Centennial) but I soaked in the atmosphere and the overall pleasant feel of the local cheer, which in turn, boosted my spirits.
My presence in Uxbridge didn't return until January this year, when I chose the Uxbridge Cosmos for my internship, the last stretch of my journalism program. It was, in fact, on my third day at the Cosmos that I fell into the township's history and affairs. I was tasked by Conrad to find the Altona Inn, after learning of its possible demolition by the Federal Government. I then hopped in my Civic, hoping that I'd find this (somewhat fabled in my mind) village of Altona. In fact, I became so mesmerized by the idea that I overshot the correct road, ending up on the outskirts of Pickering. A quick call to Conrad later, and I eventually stopped near the remains of the Inn. On the pile of rubble sat an excavator, like a mean kid who just kicked over a work of art. After taking a few photos, I looked around the somewhat lonely locale. Not a person in sight, just the wind passing through desolate, empty trees. I then left behind the depressing scenery to report my findings. It was perhaps my first indication that there is more to Uxbridge and indeed its surrounding areas, hiding precious and perhaps forgotten stories.
I was equally privileged on meeting local historian Allan McGillivray, after being assigned to discover Uxbridge's link to the War of 1812. I can safely say Allan (along with his book) gave me a crash course in some of the township's history, which turned out to be much richer than it initially appears. Down the road I discovered the existence of the Hela Spice factory, where I managed to enjoy a thorough tour of (the aromas were truly delicious). Suddenly, my small image of a sleepy town began to dissipate into an overwhelming amount of active material, everything from grateful and giving locals such as Margaret Britton, to adventurous gear heads like Mathieu Noualy, to gifted artists like Daniel Colby. And of course, what day was complete without the melodies of Jennifer Neveu-Cook's lovely plethora of singers, as well as her own wonderful singing voice.
But just as I received a crash course in the town's history from Allan, I received one in local politics, some of which were a challenge to immerse myself into but satisfying nevertheless. My thanks go to Mayor Gerri-Lynn O'Connor and the Township Council who've always made the time to speak to me, regardless of their chaotic schedule. And, of course, special thanks to my editor, Conrad, to Lisa and Roger, for guiding me through this tough but awarding experience.
Finally, thanks to the township of Uxbridge, for its splendid paths through lush hills, its roads through sleepy woods and calm atmosphere. We'll meet again…don't know where…don't know when… - Octavian Lacatusu
July 14, 2011
