Donnelly trilogy now available The much-awaited first two volumes of Jim Donnelly’s history of Huron County have been published
Friday April 25, 2008
The much-awaited first two volumes of Jim Donnelly’s history of Huron County have been published. Joining the best-selling Donnelly on Law, Donnelly on Huron and More on Huron, are expected to be just as popular.
With his retirement as Justice of the Ontario Superior Court approaching, the Honourable James M. Donnelly proposed to Huron County Council in October 2004 that he update the history of Huron County.
Previously, James Scott of Seaforth had undertaken the history of Huron County, starting his project in 1954 and publishing in 1966. Donnelly proposed to update the county history within an estimated time of two years with no remuneration. County Council accepted his proposal, and provided support in the form of a computer, furniture, phone, and photocopying. The Town of Goderich provided a small office in the Goderich Library.
Three years later, his extensive research has resulted in three volumes. Donnelly on Law is Donnelly’s own history of court cases and legal stories, many serious but also many self deprecating and amusing.
It was published at the author’s expense as a fundraiser for the family of the late John O’Keefe, and appeared under many Christmas trees this past season.
The two new volumes are published on a cost recovery basis by the county. Donnelly on Huron highlights intriguing moments in Huron County history and municipal politics, including the sometimes-complicated process of electing county wardens.
Women on council and political personalities are also covered. Readers may find themselves in this tome.
Volume two, More on Huron, continues Donnelly’s reminiscences of court house activities. One particularly interesting chapter outlines the county council debate about what to do with the outdated 1856 court house. The issue was resolved by the fire in 1954 which destroyed the court house.
In this volume, Donnelly enlists the assistance of other writers.
Gordon Hill writes a chapter on agriculture, featuring several farm families and rural organizations including the independent telecommunications companies and agricultural co-operatives.
George Brophy contributes a chapter on small rural communities, both their role in supporting surrounding homesteads, and the historical causes of their decline.
Patricia Hamilton, curator of the Huron County Museum, writes a chapter on the Huron Historic Gaol, from its first prisoner in 1841 through the completion of its construction, and its brief role as Huron County Court House.
Smaller chapters are contributed by Evelene McDonagh on child care in Huron County, and Robert Ponton, on the transfer of court administration from the province to the county in 2001.
Donnelly’s trilogy on Huron is a valuable contribution to the history of Huron County. Donnelly on Huron and More on Huron sell for $85 as a set or $45 each. They are available at Fincher’s in Goderich. Jim Donnelly will be at Fincher’s on Saturday April 26 from noon until 2 p.m. for an author signing.
Proprietor and published by Bowes Publishers Limited at 120 Huckins Street, Goderich, Ontario, Canada N7A 4B6
