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.

Honouring R.S. McLaughlin and his legacy with the Parkwood Promenade

Each September the Ontario Regiment (RCAC) celebrates its birthday (147 years in 2013), along with honouring Sam McLaughlin's birthday with the Parkwood Promenade.






The relationship between the regiment and Parkwood has been a lengthy one, with R.S. McLaughlin being the patron of the regiment's band for many decades, funding the purchase of the band's instruments and uniforms during these

years, and financing the building of band shell at Oshawa's Memorial Park to provide the bandsmen with their own venue to entertain Oshawa's citizens.

R.S McLaughlin was appointed honorary lieutenant-colonel of the 34th Ontario Regiment in 1921 and held this position until 1931, at which time he was appointed honourary colonel of same unit, renamed the Ontario Regiment (RCAC), a reserve armoured regiment based in Oshawa. Affectionately known as "Colonel Sam," McLaughlin served as honorary colonel until 1967, earning the distinction as the longest continuously serving colonel in the history of the Canadian Forces.

After R.S.M died, son-in-law, Major-General C. C. Mann (ret'd) became honourary colonel of the regiment from 1973-1975. Followed by his wife, honourary colonel, E.V. (Billie) McLaughlin Mann from 1983 until her death in 1993. 

C.C. Mann & Billie McLaughlin- wedding day 1930 at Parkwood

The Ontario Regiment will once again celebrate its shared history with Parkwood on Sunday afternoon with their promenade program, highlighted with a Change of Command Team Parade.




R.S. McLaughlin would be pleased to see
that the legacy continues.