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i 1997 0ld$mol i? sP^EiSiS 2728 Courtlcé Rd., and Hwy. #2 YEARS ! vURTH BOOK - Slier Leetooze holds a copy of her book Buill on Faith and Fortitude: a Brief History of Hope Township, due for release in November, and a certificate certificate from the Ontario Heritage Society. The Bowmanvillc writer was presented with the heritage award last month for her work researching, writing and self-publishing the histories of the townships in the former former County of Durham. OVER 50% OFF "IN STOCK" REMNANTS EŒ39 VINYL FLOORING 'Memories - 14 patterns, 42 colours M .78/sq, ft, 'Candide - 10 patterns, 35 colours $ 2.73/sq, ft. Promotional Vinyl (Limited Stock) 67C/sq. ft. CARPET 18 oz. Commercial - 15 colours 56<*/sq. ft. 30 oz. Richmond Graduate Plus 19 colours $1,78/sq. ft. 'Price in effect to October 31,1997. Installation available upon request. Rice & Co. | 4 St. George Street South, Bowmanville 623-1622 : GENERAL MOTORS üf»LOYEE DISCOUNTS EXTRA! Hwy. #2 a R°y | w Nichols Motors Courtice (905) 436-2222 Toronto Une: 1905) 427-4444 OJ.P. i /"\./l/?' l t ref 0 by Lorraine Manfredo Staff Writer After a year of digging for names, dates and anecdotes, anecdotes, Bowmanvillc author Slier Leetooze has written the final chapter in lier history history of Hope Township. When the 185-pagc book goes to print in early November, the Bowmanvillc writer will have penned the "brief' histories of four of the six former counties of Durham. Her efforts have already earned her a heritage heritage award from the Ontario Heritage Foundation. "Four down and two to go," laughs the tireless history-hunter. history-hunter. Having already delved into the colorful past of Darlington, Clarke, Cartwright, and now Hope, she's not winded in the least: In fact, she is now ferreting around for material material to include in her next project, Manvcrs Township. Leetooze named her latest latest work, Built on Faith and Fortitude, in tribute to the major role religion played for the residents of Hope. "They had more churches churches in Hope Township than in any other township. It was quite evident that faith was important to them," says the author. Back in the 1850's, the town's 7,000 residents had their choice of at least 24 churches. Leetooze speculates ! their deep faith was connected connected to their determination determination to make it in a frontier where more than a harsh Canadian climate and illness illness threatened survival. "They looked to their faith whenever the Ganaraska River would wash people's homes and : businesses away. They had to have a lot of stick-to-it- ncss." For the cover of her book, Leetooze chose the front page of a 1852 newspaper, newspaper, The Port Hope Watchman, one of many papers that kept folks informed, mainly about where to shop. "If someone fell off a barn and broke their arm, the whole town would know about it before the paper Could write the story," Leetooze notes. Apparently, townsfolk were more interested in reading about where to buy stuff. "When you're living in wilderness in a log cabin, and a shipload of real fancy goods comes in from England, that's news." The town thrived in the !860's and the arrival of the locomotive brought the promise of even greater prosperity. But, ironically, Leetooze argues that the train contributed to a downturn in lake shipping and the eventual closing of the once-bustling port. The train made it easier and economical for rural families families to travel to the bigger urban centres. As in her previous history history books, the author has tried to include many of names she came across in her research. That includes merchants, spiritual leaders, leaders, school officials, military military personnel, hotel and tavern-owners, millers and more. Her attention to names has earned her praise from genealogical societies. . It's not the facts and figures, figures, but her "people perspective" perspective" that makes history history come alive. One of the more unforgettable unforgettable characters Leetooze writes about is a. notorious barkeeper. Mrs. Foe lost her husband in 1838 and opened a tavern to support herself. Her establishment at Hwy 28 and Concession 5 in Rossmount met with instant approval from the men of the township, who spent a scandalous portion of what leisure time they had at "The Widda's", including Sundays. "When Foe retired in 1861, there was a collective collective sigh of regret from her many loyal patrons, .and their , wives sighed just as loudly with relief to have their husbands home again," says Leetooze. ' Built on Faith and ' Fortitude: a Brief History of Hope Township will be available at the Clarke Museum and at the Bowmanville Museum as well as at The Book Studio in downtown Bowmanville by November. The price is $18.95 without coupon. Discount coupons are printed in this issue of The Canadian Statesman. Slier Leetooze, a Clarington resident for 38 years, is also a storyteller who frequently performs in pioneer costumes at local schools and fairs. BUILT ON FAITH AND FORTITUDE A brief history of Hope Township Name Address No. of Books @ $12.00= plus $3.00 postagc/dclivcry = 3 or more books add $5.00 postage DELIVERY mid TO laic NOVEMBER - JUST IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS! Mail before Oct. 31/97 Sheer Lceloo/.e, 80 Roser Cres., Bowmanville, Ontario oj.p. Courtice Rd.