March 20, 2023

The Friends of South Grey Museum celebrate Agnes Macphail's birthday at Annesley in Markdale

BY SOUTHGREY.CA STAFF — March is Agnes Macphail month in Grey Highlands. It's a time to annually pay homage to our Lady from Grey and recognize her significant place in Canadian history.

Agnes Campbell Macphail was born on March 24, 1890. During her life, she became the first woman elected to the House of Commons (1921–40) and was one of the first two women elected to the Ontario legislature (1943–45, 1948–51). Macphail also became the first female member of a Canadian delegation to the League of Nations and was a founding member of the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (the forerunner of the New Democratic Party). Her determination and social activism paved the way for many more women to follow her example and accomplish new heights in Canadian politics.

This year, the Friends of the South Grey Museum, in partnership with Annesley Events in Markdale, are resuming their annual Agnes event. The celebration will take place on Sunday afternoon, March 26 from 2-4 pm, when tributes will also be paid to other notable women of Grey Highlands.

Terry Mokriy will return as MC and organizers will present a special showing of the documentary, No Bed of Roses on a big screen in the sanctuary of Annesley United Church. Attendees can enjoy a piece of birthday cake and light refreshments. Admission is free with donations appreciated.

 

---

At South Grey News, we endeavour to bring you truthful and factual, up-to-date local community news in a quick and easy-to-digest format that’s free of political bias. We believe this service is more important today than ever before, as social media has given rise to misinformation, largely unchecked by big corporations who put profits ahead of their responsibilities.

South Grey News does not have the resources of a big corporation. We are a small, locally owned-and-operated organization. Research, analysis and physical attendance at public meetings and community events requires considerable effort. But contributions from readers and advertisers, however big or small, go a long way to helping us deliver positive, open and honest journalism for this community.

Please consider supporting South Grey News with a donation in lieu of a subscription fee and let us know that our efforts are appreciated. Thank you.