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A Canadian Aviation Historical Society Chapter |
The Canadian Aviation Historical Society Board of Directors is pleased to announce the creation of the latest Chapter - the CAHS Georgian Bay Chapter. Please continue reading as to the genesis of the chapter. |
In recent years, Robert Winson and Dr. H. Robert Galway - members of the CAHS Toronto Chapter who also have ties to the Muskoka and Simcoe Municipalities - believed there could be an opportunity to hold chapter meetings in those areas north of Toronto. Mr. Winson and Dr. Galway conducted population research of the region and concluded there should be enough potential membership candidates living in the areas to support a CAHS chapter and its meetings. In the most recent postwar years, the two municipalities have enjoyed substantial population growth through migration, and a retiring population has moved into the two municipalities. Due to the proximity of Georgian Bay, too many lakes to name, and some of the finest recreation facilities in the province, the area has attracted many military and civilian retirees and workers to relocate. Many of these new arrivals fit the perceived “demographics” of future CAHS members. This gave Mr. Winson and Dr. Galway the grounds to begin substantial conversations about establishing a CAHS Georgian Bay Chapter.
The next step involved conducting a survey of aviation facilities and history/heritage resources located in the catchment area. This revealed that there were at least seven active civilian airports/aerodromes in the area, numerous seaplane bases, and two museums with aviation displays. CFB Borden is an outstanding heritage site as one of the major Royal Flying Corps (RFC) Canada training centres in 1917-18. Between the wars in 1924, the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) was largely created there. During the Second World War, Borden became the No. 1 Service Flying Training School (SFTS), which operated the excellent North American Harvard aircraft. After consultation with the Borden Military Museum, the Harvard was selected as the official airplane of the Georgian Bay Chapter.
The first meeting of the chapter was held at the Barrie Legion on 14 September 2024. Meeting goals included attracting potential Chapter members and gaining experience with the meeting site. It was wonderful to see eight people attend the inaugural meeting: 6 current CAHS members, 1 former member, and 1 guest. Robert (Bob) Winson chaired the meeting and welcomed everyone. Then the meeting opened with an excellent video presentation by historian Brian Cotter, titled “The Life and Times of LAC Doug Smith.” The meeting continued with a few words from Dr. H. Robert Galway, a round table discussion followed outlining the planning for the proposed Chapter, both in the short and long term. Brian Cotter has agreed to act as Military Liaison for the Chapter since the Chapter wishes to hopefully obtain some presentations from the military side of life.
Details on future meetings and initiatives will be posted on the CAHS website, as well as the supporting website.
The next step involved conducting a survey of aviation facilities and history/heritage resources located in the catchment area. This revealed that there were at least seven active civilian airports/aerodromes in the area, numerous seaplane bases, and two museums with aviation displays. CFB Borden is an outstanding heritage site as one of the major Royal Flying Corps (RFC) Canada training centres in 1917-18. Between the wars in 1924, the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) was largely created there. During the Second World War, Borden became the No. 1 Service Flying Training School (SFTS), which operated the excellent North American Harvard aircraft. After consultation with the Borden Military Museum, the Harvard was selected as the official airplane of the Georgian Bay Chapter.
The first meeting of the chapter was held at the Barrie Legion on 14 September 2024. Meeting goals included attracting potential Chapter members and gaining experience with the meeting site. It was wonderful to see eight people attend the inaugural meeting: 6 current CAHS members, 1 former member, and 1 guest. Robert (Bob) Winson chaired the meeting and welcomed everyone. Then the meeting opened with an excellent video presentation by historian Brian Cotter, titled “The Life and Times of LAC Doug Smith.” The meeting continued with a few words from Dr. H. Robert Galway, a round table discussion followed outlining the planning for the proposed Chapter, both in the short and long term. Brian Cotter has agreed to act as Military Liaison for the Chapter since the Chapter wishes to hopefully obtain some presentations from the military side of life.
Details on future meetings and initiatives will be posted on the CAHS website, as well as the supporting website.
Scroll down to discover Chapter events, including local meetings information, and if this Chapter offers publications, including newsletters, as part of its Membership.
