These Memories I Leave to You

About the Book

The Settlers around Mary Lake arrived in the early 1870s. Unlike many of the settlers of the day, most of these families came by steamship and were from well-educated middle class families. They soon formed a dynamic community around the lake that was focused on Port Sydney. Their concerts, readings, sports and social life were unique. These people intermarried and formed a society that is still strong and has made Port Sydney a special community.

The authors prepared this book through hours of interviews with older members of the area. These older people provided invaluable pictures, information, anecdotes and insights into the lives of their parents and grandparents. The book is a window through which the reader can identify with this life around beautiful Mary Lake.

About the Author

After preparing an historical walking tour of Port Sydney for the Chamber of Commerce on the occasion of the Millennium celebrations, Ryan Kidd, a retired school administrator from Peel County, decided to revisit the older people who were the sources of the information in the tour. He enlisted the help of his neighbour David Scott, also a retired educator. David is a descendant of one of the original settlers and he operates Clyffe House whose ownership has remained in this family for nearly 100 years. Together they conducted interviews with these people over a period of two years. Their ancecdotes and warm reception to the project brought life, humour and understanding to the history of the community that is shared in this book. Special mention must be made of Bill Clarke who mentored the authors and Eleanor Kidd who edited the book and who made many valuable suggestions.