By Stephen Vance, Staff
Born in Scotland in 1823, naturalist, author, environmentalist, founder of the Sierra Club and the National Audubon Society, John Muir is certainly worthy of celebration, and the Meaford Museum has some big plans in store to do just that.
Though Scotland-born, Muir was raised in the wilds of Wisconsin, where he lived until 1864 when he left for Canada, eventually making his way to the Meaford area where his brother had been living and working for the Trout family sawmill on the Big Head River. Once he arrived, Muir would join his brother working at the sawmill.
Noting his abilities for problem-solving, the Trouts offered Muir a share of increased profits if he was able to increase their production. In less than two years Muir had indeed increased production at the sawmill, and all signs indicated that he would settle in the area for good. However, Muir had much larger projects ahead of him, even if he didn’t know it at the time.
In 1866 the sawmill burned down, and by the following year, Muir was on his way back to Wisconsin. After much exploration of the American wilderness, Muir would eventually make California his home.
After Muir returned to America he would go on to become one of the country’s best-known naturalists, and he would begin an environmental and conservationist movement that is still alive today.
The celebration of John Muir will take place on Saturday, September 26, and will begin with a guided tour of the Trout Hollow Trail, named after Muir’s employer while he lived in the Meaford area. The tour will include the cabin site, the mill, and information regarding the archaeological dig that was undertaken there several years ago.
In the afternoon on September 26, there will be an open house at the Meaford Museum with free admission. Those attending will be able to view displays inside the museum, and there will also be a scavenger hunt and several vendors showcasing their wares at the newly-expanded museum gift shop.
Also part of the day’s events will be a musical smorgasbord at the Rotary Harbour Pavilion that will include Scottish drummers along with performances by several musicians and bands, including The Celts, Amanda Dorey, The Drum Guys and Lone Piper. Admission to the performances will be by donation.
