On Friday afternoon, the lawn outside of Litchfield’s municipal hall was the site of a barbecue in honour of the municipality’s 180th anniversary. Attendees were treated to free hamburgers, corn on the cob and popcorn, as well as cakes decorated with the municipality’s colours. Hats and t-shirts bearing the municipal logo were available for purchase, as was a cookbook of local recipes.
Mayor Colleen Larivière gave a speech to mark the occasion, touching on the history of the rural municipality.
“One hundred eighty years, when you say it out loud it really makes you stop and think,” she said. “How many generations have come before us [ . . . ] The township of Litchfield was officially created in 1834 and our municipality dates back to 1846. In fact, Litchfield once covered a much larger territory than it does today. Over the years portions of the original territory became other communities such as Bryson and Campbells Bay. When we talk about Litchfield’s history, we are really talking about an important part of Pontiac’s history itself.”
She added that the community is only as strong as the people who built, and continue to build it.
“For generations, Litchfield has been shaped by hardworking people, strong families, and a deep sense of community,” she said. “We are fortunate to live in a place surrounded by beautiful farmland, forest and lakes. A place where people know their neighbours, lend a hand when it’s needed and they also take pride in their community. That strong community spirit is what’s carried Litchfield through 180 years.”
Larivière thanked councillor Courtney Harris for her work fundraising for the celebration, noting that it was put on without using taxpayer dollars.
To mark the milestone, the town’s elected officials unveiled a new hand-painted sign created by local artist Bobby Crawford.
Larivière said that Crawford’s talents were well known in the community and he agreed to help them mark the anniversary.
“We approached him, and he was happy to do it,” she said. “We didn’t know what he was going to do, it was all his [idea].”
Crawford, 91, said that he’s been painting since 1959, and created the sign itself, out of “Pontiac pine” as he called it. He added the inspiration for his piece, which depicts a snowy scene with horses and log buildings, originated in his head rather than a photo or existing location.
“It’s no particular place, just a lumber town,” he said.
He said that he had been at work on the sign since the previous spring.
Larivière added that the sign would be displayed prominently in the municipal office.
