1

In 1975, the Essa Historical Society erected a five-tonne, globe-shaped cairn at the front of the Homestead to honour the accomplishments of Sir Frederick Banting, co-discoverer of insulin.

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The Banting Cairn.
1975
5116 Sir Frederick Banting Road, New Tecumseth, Ontario

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Text on cairn: "Birthplace of Sir Frederick Banting."

The text on the plaque alongside:

"BIRTHPLACE OF SIR FREDERICK BANTING

Frederick Grant Banting, discoverer of insulin, was born November 14, 1891 on the original Banting homestead immediately behind this Cairn.

In this quiet rural environment he gained a deep understanding of the ways of nature. From his parents he learned inquisitiveness, resourcefulness, persistence, sincerity and true godliness.

Always fond of dogs during his boyhood Dr. Banting was later to experiment with these animals in the discovery of insulin. Life and hope resulted for diabetics around the world.

Died February 21, 1941 in Newfoundland.

Erected with the assistance of Essa Township.

Simcoe County Historical Association, 1975."

4

Cairn at the Homestead.
20 April 2006
5116 Sir Frederick Banting Road, New Tecumseth, Ontario

5

Robert Thompson Banting notes that "the globe shaped cairn was erected long after our youthful days. I do remember seeing it and thinking that although we made a playground of this farm, we never thought too much of its historic significance, with respect to Dr. F.G. Banting. It was probably due to the incredible humility that grandma and grandpa displayed and expected from the family. They did at times speak of Fred Banting but only out of respect for his great accomplishments, not as a relation. I must say that I am proud of what he contributed to the world, but mostly, I am proud and happy to have been a part of the homestead where he himself was raised. I had called my first place of residence Ballyfin West here in the rockies, after the farm in Alliston."

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Sir Frederick Banting
1911

7

Marie (Banting) Shields provides a child's perspective of her famous Uncle Frederick:

"I know we were always quite excited when he was coming. He was an uncle from the city. ... [But] he would just blend in. He was just another person."
Pete McGarvey, a Banting cousin, adds that "[t]ime away from his duties (and fame) was almost always spent at Alliston, with his devoted mother, his brothers and sister. I recall him as a friendly, through somewhat reserved gentleman, similar in nature to Uncle Nelson."

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Scale model of the Homestead.
1920
Alliston, Ontario

9

Frederick Hipwell, cousin and close friend to Sir Frederick Banting, reveals:

"Theirs was a happy home. Work on the farm was hard, but there was always the reward of honest toil. The fertile soil gave of its best. There was domestic comfort, and always a full larder. The Bible was read daily. No one had aught to conceal from the others, or from anyone for that matter. Each had his tasks and they were efficiently done. Peace and contentment, work and happiness, personified the home in which Fred Banting spent his boyhood."

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Plaque on the Banting Cairn.
20 April 2006
5116 Sir Frederick Banting Road, New Tecumseth, Ontario

11

A close-up of the plaque on the cairn, which shows the image of the original Banting Homestead house.

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It seems possible that Sir Frederick Banting himself would find our exploring his Homestead through a child's eyes appropriate.

As Frederick Hipwell observes:

"Intensely shy, he always avoided social activity and did not ever really enjoy his fame and popularity. He was more at ease with children: he understood them and it is significant that his first real battle between death and insulin was at the Hospital for Sick Children."