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Dr. L. George Dewar (chairman of the board of the P.E.I. Potato Museum)September, 2003
O'Leary, Prince Edward Island, Canada
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Dr. L. George Dewar was the chairman of the O'Leary Museum & Library Association Ltd. and was involved with this organization since its inception in 1967. The Museum & Library Complex was completed and was officially opened on Centennial Day July 8th, 1967 by Lt Governor W.J. MacDonald. Because of his keen interest, enthusiasm, generosity and splendid leadership, the O'Leary Museum Complex continues to grow and develop as a major tourist attraction in the area.3
The P.E.I. Potato Museum and the big potato.1992
O'Leary, Prince Edward Island, Canada
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In 1982 the Museum claimed the title of the Prince Edward Island Potato Museum and was officially opened that summer during the P.E.I. Potato Blossom Festival. It was decided with all the potatoes grown in the O'Leary area that it was fitting that there should be a Potato Museum located here. According to Dr. Dewar, chairman of the Museum, the purpose of the Potato Museum was to : 1) preserve artifacts of the potato industry 2) preserve the industry's history 3) provide a place for students interested in doing research on the potato industry and 4) provide an attraction for visitors.5
The Log Barn1972
O'Leary, Prince Edward Island, Canada
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The log barn was constructed in 1972. The addition of the barn was made in order to display agricultural machinery and farm implements from the past.7
The Little Red School House1900
O'Leary, Prince Edward Island, Canada
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The little one-room school house was built around 1900 in the district of Alaska not far from O'Leary and continued to be used until 1972. It housed students from grade one to ten. In 1975 it was moved to its present site. In the fall of 1991, it was placed on a concrete foundation and other renovations were completed on the building. It preserves an educational institution which served the Island for over seven decades and the district of Alaska in particular.9
The Heritage Chapel1880
O'Leary, Prince Edward Island, Canada
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The Heritage Chapel has had an interesting history since it was constructed in 1879/1880. Through the years, it has served three faiths: Bible Christians, Methodists and Roman Catholics. Because of the changes in congregation, it was moved to O'Leary from its original location in Knutsford and later to at least one other location in O'Leary. The last services were held in 1990. Early in 1992, St. Theresa's Roman Catholic Church in O'Leary was given to the O'Leary Museum & Library Association by St. Anthony's Roman Catholic Parish. In 1993 it was moved again and restored to become part of the Museum complex.11
Museum Chairman Dr. George Dewar in front of a poster for the Amazing Potato Exhibit.1999
O'Leary, Prince Edward Island, Canada
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The Museum expanded again in 1999 to house "The Amazing Potato Exhibit." The exhibit had been previously displayed at the Science and Technology Institute and at the National Agricultural Museum in Ottawa. The expansion also incorporated the local Community Museum in the same building.13
The big potato1996
O'Leary, Prince Edward Island, Canada
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The idea of the big potato came Jimmy Stewart of Knutsford in 1996. He contacted Community Development Officer, Eva Rodgerson with the idea and she went to work on getting it built. It was brought before the Community Council and they agreed with the idea. The Public and private sectors were approached for donations and the spud was built for $7500. It gets seen by 10,000 visitors a year. |
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