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Canadian history as seen through the eyes of a boy continued from p.12 Navigating around the Bras d'Or Lake as a young boy with his two brothers, he became aware of the power of the wind and what it could do. From those early days, a lifelong curiosity was born, which would lead him to become an extraordinary engineer and gifted pilot with a list of glittering aviation firsts. I was asked by Professor MacDonald to give some postperformance speeches at the museum about my grandfather, Honorary Air Commodore, The Hon. J.A.D. McCurdy. He was Canada's first pilot who made the first flight in the British Empire on Feb. 23, 1909 in Baddeck, N.S., as a member of the Aerial Experiment Association, in a fragile aeroplane he designed and built called the Silver Dart. To be able to give a talk in the Bell Museum under a replica Silver Dart built by a group of volunteers, of which I was one, was an unforgettable moment. The Aerial Experiment Association was born on Oct. 1, 1907, in Baddeck. Members of the group called themselves "Associates" and were five in number: Alexander Graham Bell, J.A.D. McCurdy, Casey Baldwin, Thomas Selfridge, and Glenn Curtis. The Aerial Experiment Association was formed with one purpose in mind, "To get a man into the air." Commenting on the A.E.A., Bell had said, "We breathed an atmosphere of aviation from morning 'til night and almost from night to morning... I may say for myself this Association with these young men proved to be one of the happiest times of my life." Not only did we participate in The Bells of Baddeck, but my wife and I travelled on to Halifax where we were graciously invited by His Honour Brigadier-General the Honourable J.J. Grant, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia to stay in Government House for the unveiling of a magnificent portrait bust of J.A.D. McCurdy, commissioned by the Province of Nova Scotia. Some 60 years ago, I had, over the course of my grandfather's tenure as and National Historic Site contains an impressive collection of art and antiques that reflect the province's history and heritage. Their Honours insisted Amanda and I explore the history and beauty of Government House, adding we were free to wander throughout the residence. It was wonderful to revisit so many of the magnificent rooms I had last explored as a young school boy. And Government House was a treasure trove of fascinating rooms to a curious 10 year old. On being called downstairs to meals, I remember the long banister which I would zoom down with wild abandon much to the disapproval of my concerned grandmother, but to the great amusement of my grandfather. I also recall many discussions with my grandfather and the lessons he passed on to me, as I quietly sat at his feet. My grandfather taught me some of the endearing and durable qualities that make Nova Scotians such special people. He was born in Baddeck and never forgot his roots. When Prime Minister MacKenzie King appointed him Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, he said he was privileged and honoured and would perform his duties "as well as a country boy from Cape Breton could." In spite of the many honours that came his way during his lifetime, he always remained a modest man, who invariably directed the conversation towards others. As the King's Representative, McCurdy relished his new position because it provided him the opportunity to serve his beloved province from where so much of his worldwide fame came. In his Vice-Regal position, he met many people and whatever he accomplished in his post as Lieutenant Governor, it was McCurdy's talent for maintaining the common touch -- in spite of the required dignity of his official position -- which endeared him to the thousands who came to know him. And, to a young boy such as myself, he was a magnificent figure in his official uniform. He truly was my hero. see Oakville on p.17 13 | Thursday, September 22, 2016 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com J.A.D. McCurdy bust Michael Creagen photo the 20th Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, stayed at Government House numerous times. It is the oldest official residence in Canada and has been the working residence of the Sovereign's representative in Nova Scotia for more than 200 years. This beautiful Georgian home Skyway Jewellers Love and Cherish DiamonD Jewellery 10K anD 14K GolD CuStom DeSiGn Jewellery repairS 2501 Third Line, Oakville 905.827.0700 www.skywayjewellers.com