Few clubs can boast so distinguished a list of guest speakers as Canadian Clubs. Since 1893, noted individuals from all walks of public life have spoken to audiences across the country - audiences whose desire to be informed first hand remains strong.
Here in Hamilton, the Women's Canadian Club of Hamilton is deeply indebted to its founders for their foresight in establishing the "Signature Book," into which speakers have been entering their names and comments since 1912.
Now an historically significant document, "The Book" is cherished by speakers, members, and historians alike. Even a brief stroll among its many names - Robert Falconer (1912), Hugh Walpole (1919), Bliss Carman (1923), Buffalo Child Long Lance (1924), John Drysdale (1929), Nicholas Ignatieff (1935), Bernice Minton Loft (1935), Grey Owl (1938), Li Ling-Ai (1948), Kate Aitken (1949), Princess Catherine Caradja (1956), Blair Fraser (1957), George Vanier (1960), Yousef Karsh (1962), Laura Sabia (1965), Lester B. Pearson (1968), Charlotte Whitton (1970), John Diefenbaker (1963), Roland Michener (1972), Celia Franca (1973), William Hutt (1977), Edmund Hillary (1980), Victor Goldbloom (1983), Charles Templeton (1984), Elwy Yost (1987), Elizabeth May (1988), Edward Broadbent (1992), Beverley McLachlin (1996), Pamela Wallin (1998), Farley Mowat (2000), Frances Wright (2002), Jackie Maxwell (2003), Katherine Barber (2004), Sonja Bata (2005), Max Reimer (2006) - evokes whole eras of Canadian history and our many avenues of interest and achievement.
The Book has undergone few changes over the years save those necessitated by age. In 19??, a much-needed new cover was presented to the Club by Eleanor Morrow in memory of her mother. This was replaced in 1999 when it became weakened through time and repeated use.
By 2004, though the new cover remained robust, the pages - now over 90 years old - were suffering; it was feared that precious records would be lost. Therefore, a decision was taken to have the book digitized and a replica created for day-to-day use, complete with copies of the old pages and blank pages for new speakers to sign. Once the replica was prepared, the original was entrusted to the archives of the Hamilton Public Library, where it may be viewed upon request. In coming years, the new signature pages will be added to the old and replicas will replace them in the day-to-day version.
To peruse "The Book," use the navigation bar at the top of the screen. You may move forward or back one page at a time by using the arrows, or select a specific page or year from the drop-down menu in the centre.
On the right side of each screen, you will find the photo of a single page of "The Book," and on the left side, the archivist's interpretation of the signatures and comments on that page. We hope to add to and amend this information over time and welcome insights from members, speakers, and guests past and present (please contact Women's Canadian Club of Hamilton).
And so we welcome you, and hope you will enjoy the Historic Signature Book (1912-2004) of the Women's Canadian Club of Hamilton.