Travel back in time in Buxton - by Susan Poizner
Sunday Sun, 8/21/2005

Thousands flock to former Underground Railroad destination for annual reunion

Postmistress Harriet Dyke sits in her rocking chair as she argues with the journalist from the New York Tribune. She lives in The Elgin Settlement in Buxton, Ontario. It was founded in 1849 by a white reverend called William King. His goal was to prove that with education, free Blacks could build a self sufficient community.

But now it's the late 1860s and the American Civil War has ended. The Tribune reporter, Mr Parker, challenges Harriet, asking why so many residents abandoned the community after the war. In her feisty southern drawl, Harriet gives Mr Parker a piece of her mind saying that many of the runaway slaves went back to be reunited with family.

"And I'll remind you, Mr Parker, that this is one fine community!" admonishes Harriet as dozens of smiling spectators around her hoot and cheer. "Yes, I think it is!"

Now, you may think that historic characters like Harriet Dyke are long forgotten. But they're still alive in the hearts of the 200 Black residents of the town of North Buxton. Each Labour Day weekend, the community celebrates their history with re-enactments and other events during their Annual Homecoming Celebrations.

About three thousand tourists flock to Buxton to enjoy the fun, which also includes hayrides, a parade, a vintage car show and a genealogy conference. Many of those who come for the event are the descendents of those early inhabitants who fled slavery in 19th century America to seek freedom in Canada, where slavery had been abolished in 1833.

But others are also welcome and can learn about Buxton's history at The Buxton National Historic Site and Museum. There are many restored historic buildings including an 1862 schoolhouse, a number of historic churches, and an 1880 train station. There is also a lovely old graveyard where many of the first settlers were buried.

This year the museum will also be unveiling one of the original log cabins from the Elgin Settlement which has been moved to the site, lovingly restored and furnished in period style. Experts estimate that the cabin was built as early as 1853. Many of the re-enactments will take place at the various historic locations.

More information about the three-day event – and about the Elgin Settlement – is available at www.buxtonmuseum.com. But for me, the best part of each year's celebration is to meet the residents and visitors and to hear their family histories. Most of them have fascinating stories to tell and they're they are happy to share them with those bold enough to ask.

Susan Poizner is the producer of "Mother Tongue", a TV series exploring the stories of remarkable women from Canada's ethnic communities. The episode on Eliza Parker of Buxton, Ontario will be broadcast on Canadian Learning Television on September 12 at 9.30pm Eastern time. For more information, visit www.mothertongue.ca.