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Local history is a way of life for Margaret Buxton By David Lea OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF An Oakville woman will be among those recognized by the Lieutenant Governor at Queen's Park today in a ceremony saluting those who preserve and protect Ontario's heritage. Earlier this week it was announced that Margaret Buxton, 86, would be a recipient of the Lieutenant Governor's Ontario Heritage Award for Lifetime Achievement. The Town of Oakville nominated Buxton because of her nearly 30 years of volunteer service with the Oakville Historical Society (OHS) where she has worked as director and archivist. Buxton is currently working with recently donated 1800s land deeds and mortgage documents, which are being catalogued and added to the historical society's collection. "I was quite pleased to hear about the award, needless to say," said Buxton, who noted her recently deceased husband, Harry, received the same award two years ago. Buxton said she and her husband acquired their love of history during their time in England where they lived in a city that dated back to the 14th century. "That got me interested in looking back at history," she said. "When we moved to Oakville, I was looking for something to do because by that time my children were older. A lot of my friends were volunteering at the hospital, but that didn't 7 · Friday, February 24, 2012 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com DAVID LEA / OAKVILLE BEAVER lifetime achievement: Margaret Buxton working with the archives of the Oakville Historical Society. Buxton will receive the Lieutenant Governor's Award Friday in recognition of her efforts to preserve Oakville's heritage. appeal to me, but history did, so I started volunteering for the historical society." Buxton first worked at the historical society's Thomas House, an 1830s-1840s pioneer home. She would entertain visitors by dressing in period costume, carrying out household duties the way the pioneers would have done, and educating people about the Thomas House and its history. "I would light the fire and get that going so I could have something cooking because when people come in they like to see some activity. They don't want a dead place with someone sitting twiddling their thumbs," said Buxton. "This always made it interesting for them and the children loved it because I would make scones or cookies or something like that. On weekends, I would cook a chicken on a spit over the fire." While fun, Buxton admitted it was hot work particularly in the summer. Most days, she said she would have to go straight home and jump in the shower -- a luxury pioneers didn't have. Buxton said once she and some friends decided to cook an entire meal using only what the pioneers had available. The meal, which included pea soup and rabbit stew, turned out great, but took nearly the entire day to prepare. "People were very interested in finding out how people lived. It's good to keep up teaching the children a little bit about their past and how people had to survive," said Buxton. "It was very hard work for women and for men, too, and even children because the children would also have to pitch in and help." As the years passed, and hauling huge buckets of water and cooking over a roaring fire became too much for Buxton, she shifted her volunteer work for the historical society to the archive room at the society's King Street office. "I took over looking after the archives, which means that every time someone gives us a photograph or something it has to be recorded and packed carefully, subject cards made and filed and these sorts of things," she said. "I don't know how much longer I'll be able to continue going down and helping out there, but I enjoy doing it. I want to keep my hand in as long as I possibly can." Hear Your Loved Ones - Our Patients Do! Here's what they have been saying: "I can't believe what I have been missing!" and "I wish I had done it sooner!" Visit The Oakville Hearing Centre for the very best in hearing healthcare.We are proud to offer only the highest quality products and services to our clients. NICOLE CLARK B.A., M.CI.Sc., Reg. CASLPO Be sure to enter our February Prize Draw* for your chance to win a FREE pair of premium Widex hearing aids! A proven professional with the expertise to handle your hearing healthcare needs. save up to $1000 ** 1235 Trafalgar Road Suite 207, Oakville Exclusive anniversary offer on select pairs of hearing aids. Visit www.oakvillehearing.com/savings to www.oakvillehearing.com T: 905.849.5894 *The draw will take place at the end of February. **Receive up to $500 in savings if a single aid is purchased. Offer applies on select hearing aids. Offer expires February 29, 2012.