Giving Back to the Town of Lindsay

Volunteering has a different meaning depending on the person you ask. It can be about giving your time to an organization, to a community or to an individual or neighbour. It is usually done unpaid, with the intention to make beneficial change or good in the lives of others.

Lindsay’s waterworks station while under the control of J. D. Flavelle, President of the Lindsay Waterworks Commission starting in 1900. 1898.

The Flavelle brothers did exactly that. Growing up learning to give back to the community and to others, throughout their time in Lindsay, they participated in civic matters and local gatherings to bring the citizens together to create a better, more prosperous Lindsay. 

Stuart Flavelle laying the cornerstone of the new Victoria & Grey Trust Company. William Flavelle was a director and then president of the loan company from its incorporation in 1895 until his death in 1943. Stuart succeeded his father as a director of the company and was affectionately known as “Mr. V & G” in Eastern Ontario. 1977.

Too often, the role individuals play in the local community is minimized due to current economic realities and decisions are deferred to elected officials which may not best represent public opinion. However, the role you play when volunteering may be highly valued and important.

In this section of the exhibit, you will find some of the institutions, communities and organizations that William and J. D. participated in to assert the relevance of the then booming Town of Lindsay. You will find the importance that individuals once and still can play in developing a community. 

Continue reading to discover ways in which William and J. D. gave back to their community.

Union School on Kent Street, Lindsay. Taking his mother’s passion for education, J. D. was elected to the Board of Education and from 1915-1917, elected President of the board, where he led changes to the educational system for Lindsay school. 1920.