History comes to life
Given that the Second World War is recent family history for many (including me), I am very grateful to those who shared their stories of service and life during the war with me.
It is amazing what one hears in random conversations at the annual Gathering of the Classics that takes place at Edenvale Aerodrome. This classic Wings and
Wheels event was held on Saturday, August 9 and once again, the themes of local history and personal stories emerged as strongly as ever.
Passing these stories into the ears of the next generation is important, and to hear them from someone who had been there is a truly special experience.
As Sept. 2 is the 80th anniversary of the official ending of the Second World War, there are only a few persons who can still relive these days from real life. The question now is how to keep these stories alive and lessons learned so that they can be heard for eons into the future.
At Clearview Public Library, we have an extensive collection of fiction that is set in the war time years. Girls of Flight City by Lorriane Heath is inspired by true events that took place in Texas with the Royal Air Force, as is The Secret Book of Flora Lee by Patti Callahan Henry (Operation Pied Piper) and The Tapestry of Time by Kate Heartfield (Operation Overlord). Look for more staff recommendations at our circulation desk displays at our Creemore, New Lowell and Stayner Branches.
The next edition of the Gathering of the Classics will take place on Saturday, August 8, 2026. Please mark your calendars so that you can join us at this unique interactive history lesson where classic autos, motorcycles and airplanes from the Second World War and the Cold War come to life.
Michele McKenzie is deputy CEO of Clearview Public Library.
