About The Author - Jean Ramer
In 2006, I started a local community newsletter, primarily to promote local events before they happened, and it was funded in part by local businesses. A feature of the front page was a historical tidbit. However, with my family’s deep roots in Old South, and with a passion for history, I soon became hooked on finding out more than mere tidbits. In researching the stories behind local buildings, I was led to a fascination with the former inhabitants and their lives. But, what really surprised me, was that so many Old South residents can still recall people and events from bygone times. It didn’t take me long to find somebody who knew something connected to most of these stories! As a member of the London Regional Historical Society, the Old South Community Organization (OSCO), and a frequent visitor to the London Room at the Central Library, (which has a collection of my past articles), I am gratified that the stories have been so well received. In February, 2016, I was honoured with an award from the ACO (Architectural Conservancy Ontario) and Heritage London Foundation, for significant contributions to the archive and public knowledge of London’s history. |
This project, entitled, “Old South Tales…Historical Stories of Wortley Village & Old South,” is a book consisting of the stories behind the lives of earlier Old South inhabitants and their homes, accompanied by many pictures. This is a soft cover, black and white publication with dimensions of 10” by 8” to best display the numerous photographs.
The development of Old South is recent enough that its history is still accessible and many of today’s community members are linked to the city’s founding fathers, early business entrepreneurs, politicians and trail blazers. They tell stories of hardship, struggle, major setbacks, challenges, ingenuity and resilience, and how, despite considerable odds, the early citizens pushed on. Their stories form fascinating narratives that should be captured. Their personal stories, their legacies, shape a vibrant picture of the city’s beginnings.
This book is a collection of 40 such stories, and I hope that, through reading it, the community will gain insight and appreciation for bygone days and the settlement of this neighbourhood.
Jean Ramer
The development of Old South is recent enough that its history is still accessible and many of today’s community members are linked to the city’s founding fathers, early business entrepreneurs, politicians and trail blazers. They tell stories of hardship, struggle, major setbacks, challenges, ingenuity and resilience, and how, despite considerable odds, the early citizens pushed on. Their stories form fascinating narratives that should be captured. Their personal stories, their legacies, shape a vibrant picture of the city’s beginnings.
This book is a collection of 40 such stories, and I hope that, through reading it, the community will gain insight and appreciation for bygone days and the settlement of this neighbourhood.
Jean Ramer