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The Georgetown Boys
100 Years Later: Celebrating the Georgetown Boys

Aside from their own reunions and get-togethers, much effort has been put into honouring and remembering this important part of Canadian history on international, national and local scales.

In 1973, the 50th anniversary of the boys’ arrival in Canada was recognized with several projects. This included researching and recording their history, which inspired one of the boys, Jack Apramian, to write a book, The Georgetown Boys. It was published in 1976.

Front and back covers of programme for Georgetown Boys 45th Anniversary and Reunion, 1968.
Front and back covers of programme for Georgetown Boys 45th Anniversary and Reunion, 1968. Details
Inside pages of programme for Georgetown Boys 45th Anniversary and Reunion, 1968.
Inside pages of programme for Georgetown Boys 45th Anniversary and Reunion, 1968. Details

On July 1, 1984, a plaque was unveiled on Cedarvale Farm to recognize the significance of the area and its history. Important documents and records were sealed behind the plaque as mementos, including a message from then-Premier of Ontario, William G. Davis; messages from two of the “boys”, Paul Adourian and Jack Apramian; a complete list of the Georgetown Boys with their assigned number and arrival date; and other documents.

In his dedication at the unveiling of the plaque, Jack Apramian said, “The people of Georgetown, our first Canadian neighbours, befriended us during the mid-twenties, and often came to visit us at Cedarvale – our beautiful, first Canadian home. So closely associated with the town that its name was given to us.”

Message from the Premier of Ontario, William Davis, for the unveiling of the plaque recognizing the historical significance of the Armenian Boys and Cedarvale Farm, 1984. Click details to read in full size.
Message from the Premier of Ontario, William Davis, for the unveiling of the plaque recognizing the historical significance of the Armenian Boys and Cedarvale Farm, 1984. Click details to read in full size. Details
Dedication by one of the Georgetown Boys, J. Apramain, for the unveiling of the plaque recognizing the historical significance of the Armenian Boys and Cedarvale Farm, 1984. Click details to read in full size.
Dedication by one of the Georgetown Boys, J. Apramain, for the unveiling of the plaque recognizing the historical significance of the Armenian Boys and Cedarvale Farm, 1984. Click details to read in full size. Details

Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch wrote the book, Aram’s Choice, based on their story in 2006. The book was then adapted by Director Sam Hancock into a play for the Georgetown Little Theatre’s Youth Company in 2008.

Halton Hills designated Cedarvale, the Armenian Boy’s Farm Home, as a historical heritage site in 2010.

In 2023, the 100th anniversary of the boys’ arrival in Georgetown was celebrated by the descendants of the Georgetown Boys at Cedarvale Park. It marked an important anniversary for not just national and local history, but also for the families.

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