Tuesday 17 September 2013

The enduring appeal of Gracie Fields at Parkwood

The Parkwood staff has always known that Gracie Fields was a visitor of the McLaughlin Family. During WWII, Sam McLaughlin had solicited her help to narrate a National Film Board mini -movie that he produced to assist the Canadian Red Cross with its homefront campaign efforts. We also knew that in November 1941 she and Adolphe Menjou were guests at the Estate as part of the General Motors War Bonds campaign. Throughout our programs and events, where we tell the Parkwood Second World War story, Gracie has always been a figure of our interpretation.
Gracie Fields, ALM, Billie Mann,RSM


For those of you who follow our blog, Twitter and Facebook accounts, you understand that we are always discovering new gems among our artefacts and archives collections. Today is a 1941 Toronto Star article about the Chrysanthemum Tea and Mr. McLaughlin supporting the Sailors' Christmas Fund of the Navy League entitled; "Parkwood" Thrown Open in Aide of Sailors' Fund. Col., Mrs. R.S. McLaughlin Hosts to Hundreds- Gracie Fields Speaks to Guests ,   "co-operating with the Navy League in its efforts to cheer and comfort Canada's merchant seamen and sailors, Colonel R.S McLaughlin, honorary president, Ontario, has accepted the honorary treasurership of the Sailors' Christmas Fund.......may provide Christmas cheer for the thousands of sailors who will be far from home and loved ones."
Miss Jean Mowbray, guest at tea

The article continues to describe the décor, the chrysanthemums, and the fitting menu of seafood and lobster. It also describes what the Navy League will do with the monies raised by the McLaughlin event where donations are actively collected among the 600 guests attending the tea and flower show.
"The league will give Christmas dinner, cigarettes, entertainment, woollens, and other comforts from the Sailors' Christmas Fund."

The big dollar philanthropy of the McLaughlin Family is well documented. The Parkwood staff continue to find examples of McLaughlin community spirit, both local and national, which is important to ensure that the McLaughlin legacy and story doesn't disappear from our collective memories.

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2 comments:

  1. Aaron Bangay17 September 2013 at 19:04

    What a wonderful story! They knew the importance of helping others and I wish there were more families like that!

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  2. Parkwood Estate19 September 2013 at 11:43

    What I love most about these private philanthropy stories of the family, is that even though Sam could use his persona to enable funds to be found or raised, these are always at the grass roots level, community levels. It's these stories I and I believe most of the public can relate too. These parallel our own lives. I will never be able to erect a building and have my name on it for legacy, but I can contribute to my community. I love using these types of finds in our interpretation because of those links. Thanks for the follow Aaron, I hope you are doing well.

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