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The Hamilton Musical Arts Society was a musical group that performed classic operatic works, as well as Gilbert & Sullivan pieces. From 1938-1949, they operated under the direction of conductor Leslie Sommerville. In 1949, the group disbanded and many of the members subsequently joined the Hamilton Savoyard Operatic Society.

The Hamilton Naturalists’ Club is a not-for profit organization dedicated to preserving, protecting and promoting the natural environment of Hamilton, Ontario and the surrounding areas, through education and activism. The Club was first established in 1918, and was officially incorporated as the Hamilton Bird Protection Society in 1919. The Club’s original function was to protect and preserve birds and bird habitats from extinction. Over time, members of the Club broadened their scope to include all aspects of the natural world, changing their name to the Hamilton Nature Club. This name remained in place until 1959, when they officially became known as the Hamilton Naturalists’ Club. Since the early days of the organization, members have been instrumental in raising awareness and securing the protection of the environment such as the 1927 designation of Cootes Paradise as a wildlife sanctuary by a Provincial Government order. In 1961, the Hamilton Naturalists’ Club became the first conservation society and not-for-profit organization in Canada to purchase land in perpetuity for nature and wildlife sanctuaries. For the past century, the Hamilton Naturalists’ Club and its members have worked to protect and preserve the environment through their conservation projects and programs, playing an active role in environmental issues that affect the local community.

The Hamilton Naturalists’ Club is a not-for profit organization dedicated to preserving, protecting and promoting the natural environment of Hamilton, Ontario and the surrounding areas, through education and activism. The Club was first established in 1918, and was officially incorporated as the Hamilton Bird Protection Society in 1919. The Club’s original function was to protect and preserve birds and bird habitats from extinction. Over time, members of the Club broadened their scope to include all aspects of the natural world, changing their name to the Hamilton Nature Club. This name remained in place until 1959, when they officially became known as the Hamilton Naturalists’ Club. Since the early days of the organization, members have been instrumental in raising awareness and securing the protection of the environment such as the 1927 designation of Cootes Paradise as a wildlife sanctuary by a Provincial Government order. In 1961, the Hamilton Naturalists’ Club became the first conservation society and not-for-profit organization in Canada to purchase land in perpetuity for nature and wildlife sanctuaries. For the past century, the Hamilton Naturalists’ Club and its members have worked to protect and preserve the environment through their conservation projects and programs, playing an active role in environmental issues that affect the local community.

The Hamilton Naturalists’ Club is a not-for profit organization dedicated to preserving, protecting and promoting the natural environment of Hamilton, Ontario and the surrounding areas, through education and activism. The Club was first established in 1918, and was officially incorporated as the Hamilton Bird Protection Society in 1919. The Club’s original function was to protect and preserve birds and bird habitats from extinction. Over time, members of the Club broadened their scope to include all aspects of the natural world, changing their name to the Hamilton Nature Club. This name remained in place until 1959, when they officially became known as the Hamilton Naturalists’ Club. Since the early days of the organization, members have been instrumental in raising awareness and securing the protection of the environment such as the 1927 designation of Cootes Paradise as a wildlife sanctuary by a Provincial Government order. In 1961, the Hamilton Naturalists’ Club became the first conservation society and not-for-profit organization in Canada to purchase land in perpetuity for nature and wildlife sanctuaries. For the past century, the Hamilton Naturalists’ Club and its members have worked to protect and preserve the environment through their conservation projects and programs, playing an active role in environmental issues that affect the local community.

The Hamilton Naturalists’ Club is a not-for profit organization dedicated to preserving, protecting and promoting the natural environment of Hamilton, Ontario and the surrounding areas, through education and activism. The Club was first established in 1918, and was officially incorporated as the Hamilton Bird Protection Society in 1919. The Club’s original function was to protect and preserve birds and bird habitats from extinction. Over time, members of the Club broadened their scope to include all aspects of the natural world, changing their name to the Hamilton Nature Club. This name remained in place until 1959, when they officially became known as the Hamilton Naturalists’ Club. Since the early days of the organization, members have been instrumental in raising awareness and securing the protection of the environment such as the 1927 designation of Cootes Paradise as a wildlife sanctuary by a Provincial Government order. In 1961, the Hamilton Naturalists’ Club became the first conservation society and not-for-profit organization in Canada to purchase land in perpetuity for nature and wildlife sanctuaries. For the past century, the Hamilton Naturalists’ Club and its members have worked to protect and preserve the environment through their conservation projects and programs, playing an active role in environmental issues that affect the local community.

In 1961, the Hamilton Opera Company was founded by the soprano June Kowalchuk and the former D'Oyly Carte singer Clifford Cox. The Gypsy Baron was the group’s first production, which was performed at Hill Park High School. The Hamilton Opera Company had three directors: George Crum, Music Director at Canada’s National Ballet School, Lee Hepner, former conductor of the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra and the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra, and William Santor. From 1970 to 1972, the company collaborated with the Mohawk College Opera Workshop to offset the lack of a suitable theatre, of local musicians experienced in opera, and of funds. After 1972, the company disbanded, and its supporting body, the Hamilton Opera Corporation, transferred to Mohawk College's opera productions.

The Hamilton Poetry Centre was established in 1983 as a not-for-profit, volunteer run organization in Hamilton, Ontario, for the purpose of promoting and furthering the appreciation of poetry writing in the city. The Centre conducts poetry writing workshops and hosts Canada Council-sponsored poetry and author readings within the community.

The Hamilton Savoyard Operatic Society was founded in 1929 by Thomas Ashworth. The Society' purpose was to stage Gilbert and Sullivan's Victorian comedic operas, and opened with the production H.M.S. Pinafore at Delta Collegiate in Hamilton. The Society performed at many local venues, including the Westdale Theatre, and the Grand Opera House on James Street North.

In 1949, the Society changed their name to the Hamilton Savoyards after acquiring new members from the Hamilton Musical Arts Society. The group disbanded briefly in 1957 and was re-established in 1961 under the same direction of Thomas Ashworth. In 1966, the Savoyards changed their repertoire from only reproducing Gilbert and Sullivan comedic opera productions, to a variety of styles to show their theatrical flexibility.

The Hamilton Savoyards merged with the Hamilton Theatre Company to expand their musical productions. The Company eventually was incorporated to become Hamilton Theatre Inc., a group that currently holds its headquarters at 140 MacNab Street North and continues to entertain the Hamilton community.

Founded in January 2006 as the Hammer City Roller Girls, this league was are the first not-for-profit, skater operated, flat track roller derby league in Canada. On July 22, 2006, in Burlington’s Central Arena, the league was founded by Lasha “Whiplasha” Laskowsky and a group of skaters where they held the first modern public roller derby bout in Canada. Hammer City has established itself as a competitive, hard-hitting league. The roller derby season is annually from March to June.

Harold Harrison was born 1902 in Chorley, Lancashire, England to Margaret and John Harrison. His musical career began at the age of 5 years old. When Harold was 16, he had his own 16 piece orchestra consisting of his siblings and other musicians where they played at the Winter Gardens in Manchester, England. In 1922, Harold emigrated to Canada. The following year, he became the pit pianist at the Savoy Theatre in Hamilton, Ontario, and eventually became the orchestra leader. In 1927, was unemployed as a result of the popularity of talking movies. During the Depression, Harold worked as a projectionist at different movie theatres throughout the city. In 1939, he joined the Canadian Royal Air Force and toured Canada as their pianist. Upon returning from the air force, Harold returned to Hamilton and worked at the skyway drive-in theatre. He also played piano at various legions, in particular the Lancashire Club in Hamilton. Harold retired from playing music in 1967.

Harold married Ethel (nee Gartside) in 1926 and they had three children: Harold Winston (1929), Ronald Derwyn (1932), and Gene Sherwood (1942).

The Head-of-the-Lake Historical Society was established in 1944, when Lieutenant Colonel Charles R. McCullough convened a meeting of historically-minded residents of Hamilton to discuss the establishment of a new local history society to replace the former Wentworth Historical Society (1889-1925). The Head-of-the-Lake Historical Society exists to promote Hamilton’s history through its motto: Explore, Preserve, Relate. The Society holds regular meetings and annual Heritage Day dinner celebrations, as well as outreach activities such as lectures and day outings to local historical sites. The Society has collected and preserved historical photographs of the Hamilton area, many of which have been included in its publications on Hamilton history. In partnership with the Hamilton Historical Board, the Society has sponsored several historical plaques to commemorate important people and events in the city of Hamilton and the surrounding region. The Society has also been actively involved in restoring important historical landmarks such as the incorporation of the Old City Hall clock into the Hamilton Eaton’s Centre, and the Gore Park Fountain in downtown Hamilton.

This chapter was named in honour of William Alexander Denison Sutterby who gave up his studies at the University of Toronto to enlist in the Battery and serve overseas. He was killed in the battle of Passchendaele on October 30, 1917. He was the only child of William John Sutterby (d.1956) and Margaret D. Wilkinson Sutterby (d.1953). She served as the Regent of the Chapter from 1926 until 1943. It received its charter October 5, 1926. It had been a Children of the Empire (COE) chapter called the Bartonville Chapter until it received its charter as a primary chapter in 1926. The chapter's motto was "For Others." The 67th University Battery Chapter was disbanded in 1987.

The Admiral Percy W. Nellles Chapter was a Junior Chapter sponsored by the Princess Marina Chapter in 1942. Percy Walker Nelles (1892-1951) served as Chief of the Naval Staff of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) from 1934-1944 overseeing the wartime expansion of the RCN and turning it into a major player in the Battle of the Atlantic. He was sent to London as Overseas Naval Attache coordinating RCN operations for Operation Overlord. He retired in January 1945 as a full Admiral.

This chapter was named after James Chisholm (1858-1944) a Hamilton lawyer and founding member of the 91st Highlanders (later the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders). He served as their first commanding officer from 1903 to 1911, and in 1924 was appointed Honourary Lieutenant Colonel of the Regiment.The chapter's motto was "Always willing."

Emma Francis Jane (Vail) (Birge) Pratt (1851-1917) was born in New York but came to Hamilton at a young age as her father was one of the partners in the firm of Sanford, Vail & Bickley. She attended the Wesleyan Ladies’ College and graduated with two diplomas. She first married Morton Birge in 1870 and later Thomas H. Pratt in 1879. She was very active with women’s organizations such as the WCTU and was one of the founders of the Hamilton YWCA in 1889, co-writing their constitution.

The General Allenby Chapter held their first meeting on February 13, 1918. They were named after Field Marshall Edmund Henry Hynman Allenby, 1st Viscount Allenby (1861-1936). He fought in the Second Boer War and in World War I, commanding the Egyptian Expeditionary Force in the capture of Palestine in 1917. He served as the High Commissioner for Egypt and Sudan from 1919 to 1925. The chapter's motto was: "Faithful in Service, Fide ete Labore" [Loyalty by Toil]. The General Allenby Chapter was disbanded in 1968.

The General Sir Archibald Wavell Chapter IODE was organized in January of 1941 and named after Sir Archibald Wavell (1883-1950). The chapter was sponsored by the St. Hilda Chapter. He served in the Second Boer War, World War I and World War II and was Governor General and Viceroy of India from 1943-1947. The chapter's motto was "Keep your ideals high and your resolve unshaken." It was disbanded in 1947.

This chapter was named after the soldiers participating in the Dieppe Raid of August 19, 1942. The Royal Hamilton Light Infantry saw combat for the first time at Dieppe. Only 102 of the 582 soldiers who landed were not among the casualties: 197 killed, 174 captured and 194 wounded (including 85 also captured). The Heroes of Dieppe COE Chapter became a primary chapter in 1949. It was disbanded in 2008.

The Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire is a women's charitable organization based in Canada. They provide scholarships, bursaries and awards, and pursue other philanthropic and education projects in communities across Canada. The organization was established in 1900 when Margaret Polson Murray of Montreal, encouraged the formation of a federation of women to promote patriotism, loyalty and service to others. The first chapter, Federation Daughters of the Empire, was formed in Fredericton, New Brunswick on January 5, 1900. Primary chapters were formed across Canada along with junior chapters. In 1901, the Federation was incorporated as Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire and Children of the Junior Branch. IODE was incorporated as a Canadian women's organization by a special act of the parliament of Canada in 1917.

The first Hamilton chapter was founded in 1900 and called Fessenden Chapter, after Clementina Fessenden (1843-1918), the Ancaster woman who founded Empire Day. In 1902, the name changed to Municipal Chapter and the first meeting was held March 3 of that year. In 1938, the chapter acquired the house Fonthill located at 168 Jackson Street West, from the Greening family, and it became the headquarters for all of the Hamilton chapters. The provincial headquarters moved into the house as well until 1985 when the house was sold. In 2012, the Municipal Chapter was the last of the Hamilton chapters to disband.

Royal Hamilton Light Infantry Chapter was established as a Junior Chapter in 1944. This chapter was named after the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry which started as the 13th Battalion in 1862, changing its name in 1927 to Royal Hamilton Light Infantry. It was disbanded in 1964.

The Island of Malta Chapter was established as a Junior Chapter on November 17, 1943 under the sponsorship of the Sir Allan MacNab Naval Chapter. It became a full chapter on February 15, 1944 when it received its charter at the Annual Meeting of the Sir Allan MacNab Naval Chapter. The chapter's mottoes include: "Small but Mighty" (Island of Malta); "At My Country’s Call I am Ready" (Lord Louis Mountbatten); and "Faith in Our Work" (Nursing Sister Kenny). The chapter was disbanded in 1956.

The Jennie Herald Greening Junior Chapter was organized February 24, 1939 under the sponsorship of the St. Cecilia Chapter. This chapter was named after Jane Rose (Jennie) (Herald) Greening (1858-1937). She was actively involved with the IODE for 33 years serving as honourary regent of Municipal Chapter for 19 years. She was also a Life Member of the National, Provincial and Municipal Chapters. After her death her children donated her house, Fonthill (168 Jackson Street West), to the IODE to use as the headquarters for the Municipal Chapter and to use for other purposes. The chapter's motto was "With All One’s Might." It was disbanded in 1960.

Flt. Lieut. Malcolm Charlton Crerar (1898-1917) was the youngest son of Mr. & Mrs. Peter Duncan Crerar. He was educated at Highfield School, Upper Canada College and the Royal Military College. In May of 1916, he was given a commission in the Royal Field artillery but decided to take aviation. In September of 1916, he left for England and was attached to the Royal Flying Corps at Reading. After 3 months he was sent to Egypt and subsequently participated in the British drive through Palestine. He died on August 3, 1917 at 19 years of age of injuries received in a flying accident when in pursuit of an enemy aeroplane in the Gaza district, Palestine. His grave is D. 34 in the Deir El Belah War Cemetery in Israel. The chapter's motto was: "Per Ardu Ad Astra" [Through difficulty to the Stars]. The Malcolm Crerar Aviation Chapter was disbanded in 1949. The money in the treasury was given for scholarships in music to King Edward School and Queen Mary Collegiate.

This chapter was named after Margaret Gage (Mrs. Harry F.) Burkholder (1869-1927) and grew out of a group of girls who were sewing for the soldiers. Mrs. Burkholder brought them together as a chapter. According to The Hamilton Spectator: “When the Imperial Order of Daughters of the Empire was first conceived, in 1901, Mrs. Burkholder was one of the first members of the Municipal chapter of Hamilton. In 1906 she organized St. Cecelia chapter, now one of the most active chapters of the order in Hamilton. She was regent of this chapter from its organization until 1918, when, at her resignation, she was presented with the jeweled badge of the order. At the formation of the Provincial Chapter of Ontario, Mrs. Burkholder had the honor of being unanimously chosen its first president, an office which she held until her death…Mrs. Burkholder had been a member of the National executive for 12 years and, at the time of her death, was first vice-president of the National chapter" (Oct. 22, 1927). The chapter's motto was "Duty First." The Margaret Gage Burholder Chapter was disbanded in 1977.

The Municipal Chapter was originally called Fessenden Chapter, from 1900 to 1902, when they petitioned to have their name changed to Municipal Chapter of Hamilton, which was granted. Their first meeting under the new name took place March 3, 1902. The inaugural meeting of the Municipal Chapter at Fonthill was on April 1, 1938. This was the first meeting at the house after it became the headquarters of the Hamilton IODE. The Municipal Chapter was disbanded in 2012.

This chapter was formed in 1907 as a military chapter to assist veterans. The first meeting took place at the residence of Lieutenant Colonel Moore on Hess Street South. The chapter’s name refers to the Battle of Paardeburg, fought in February, 1900. It was the Canadians’ first engagement in the Boer War. Mrs. P. D. Crerar, regent of Hamilton Municipal Chapter, began the chapter with the goal of providing care for members of the armed force and their children. At that time, each member had to have a husband, son or brother in the Canadian Army or Navy. The chapter's first project took the form of band concerts. Money was used to purchase musical instruments for the Army Medical Corps Band and to aid South African War veterans and their families. Soon after the chapter's formation, Mrs. Gordon Henderson proposed that the chapter organize a girls’ club and boarding house in the east end of Hamilton for business girls from out of town. By 1908, efforts were underway. A charter was secured, allowing for the purchase of property by the Daughter of the Empire Club, Hamilton, Limited (1911-1996). Hamilton chapters shared the responsibility of funding The Daughters of the Empire Club boarding house and girls' club. From 1913 to 1950, the Paardeburg chapter presented a rifle to Central Collegiate for the best marksman. In 1915, under the leadership of Mrs. H. S. Griffin, regent, a hospital committee was formed. It made supplies and raised funds for Number 2 Hospital in France. Around this time, Paardeburg Chapter acquired its own chapter house when Mrs. W. B. Bruce offered the use of her old home at 17 Jackson Street West, a site later occupied by the Bell Telephone Company (1929). In April of 1919, the chapter house was closed. After World War I, an organization within the chapter called the Big Sisters of Paardeburg was formed to assist daughters of deceased Hamilton soldiers, the Little Sisters of Paardeburg. In 1937, Paardeburg sponsored the formation of the Rt. Hon. Stanley Baldwin Chapter as a junior chapter. During World War II, the Paardeburg Chapter raised funds selling ice cream, candy and soft drinks from a chalet in the Rock Garden. In November of 1996, the shareholders of the Daughter of the Empire Club, Hamilton, Limited voted to surrender their charter. The remaining money held by the girl's club, in the amount of $55,000 (after expenses), was donated to McMaster University for the establishment of a Bursary Fund in perpetuity. The amount was matched by the Ontario Government. The chapter's motto was: "Always Ready."

First meeting took place October 31, 1934. The chapter was named after Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark (1906-1968), the bride-elect of Prince George of England. The marriage took place November 29, 1934. The chapter's motto was "Onward to Peace." The Princess Marina Chapter was disbanded in 1990.

The Queen Elizabeth Chapter was formed as a junior chapter composed chiefly of senior girls of the Delta Collegiate Institute on January 7, 1937. They were sponsored by the St. Elizabeth Chapter. At some point they became a primary chapter under the name Queen Elizabeth Chapter. They were named after Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother (1900-2002). The chapter's motto was "Deeds not Words." The Queen Elizabeth Chapter was closed soon after their last meeting of 1963.

This chapter began as a COE (Children of the Empire) chapter in 1937 and became a primary chapter in 1943. This chapter was named after Stanley Baldwin, 1st Earl Baldwin of Bewdley (1867-1947) a British Conservative politician who served as Prime Minister from 1935-1937, the only premier to have served under three monarchs (George V, Edward VIII and George VI). The chapter's motto was "Love, Loyalty and Zeal."

Established January 14, 1907, this chapter was named after St. Cecilia, the patron saint of musicians who was martyred in the 2nd Century A.D.
This chapter's motto was: "There is Nothing so Kindly as Kindness and No Other so Royal as Trust." The St. Cecilia Chapter was disbanded in 1977.

This chapter was named after St. Elizabeth (1207-1231), the daughter of the King of Hungary, who devoted her life to helping the poor and needy of Thuringia. The chapter's specific mandate was to support the Sanatorium, which opened at the same time they were founded. They also provided prizes for public schools and in 1958-1959 adopted St. Elizabeth’s School, Algoma Mills, in addition to supporting schools around the world. The chapter's motto was: "The Noblest Motive is the Public Good."

The chapter was organized April 19, 1918 and named in honour of Col. Bertram Osmar Hooper (1879-1951), a Hamiltonian, who won high honours for his services during World War I. After some years, Col. Hooper asked that the name be changed to that of his wife, and the chapter be known as the Nina Louise Hooper Chapter [Nina (Barrow) Hooper died 1914]. However, this did not conform with the rules of the Order regarding the naming of Chapters, so on November 24, 1930, the name was changed to Wentworth Chapter in honour of the late Sir John Wentworth, who was Lieut. Governor of Nova Scotia from 1792 to 1808. According to The Hamilton Spectator: “During the First World War he originated and led the first daylight attack from trenches, a type of raid that later culminated in the Commandos of World War Two. Col. Hooper was also credited with inventing the box barrage, a precedent-making step in machine-gun warfare. For his bravery on the field he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order and the Military Cross. His contributions to tactics rank as great Canadian achievements" (Oct. 1, 1951). The chapter's motto was: "Keep Smiling." It was disbanded in 1985.