Thanks to all who made Wardsville Kin Day 1837 – 2009 a success. The year was 1837 and the Rebellion of 1837 had failed. Rebel leaders were fleeing across the St. Clair River to the U.S. side to escape hanging. Rumours were circulating that Dr. Duncombe, fugitive rebel leader, had successfully evaded militia men by disguising himself as a woman. There was a constant flow of visitors to the Wardsville Museum whose loyalty to Queen Victoria was being checked by Upper Thames Re-enactment Society’s militia men. Wardsville’s village centre hosted an open stage, barbeque, and museum talks while the children made rope, painted, and played games up in the park. At 3:00 p.m., patrons were treated to Marion Johnson’s Duncombe Rebellion 1837 in the Wardsville United Church. A fantastic feast was served under a big top tent by Villa Dining Lounge and the cast and crew put on their final closing performance in the evening. That wasn’t enough though. Bozena Bladek wowed the Afterglow revelers with her mile-long table of European cakes. The karaoke selections featuring rebellion and lost-love were sung by local voices that should be topping the charts. Rural Canadian Culture reigns.
“On behalf of the cast and crew of The Duncombe Rebellion, I would like to thank you for the exceptional hospitality we enjoyed on the final day of our tour. Coffee hour — lunch — then a gourmet dinner and finally a fabulous closing event — what more could you have done to welcome us and make us feel at home? Your generosity was amazing and so much appreciated! Thank you for making our final Duncombe Day one long celebration!” -Marion Johnson, Playwright, Duncombe Rebellion 1837.
“Great show and meal. Pass along my congratulations to your group. You put Wardsville on the map again.” -Deputy Mayor, Municipality of Southwest Middlesex, Vance Blackmore.
Wardsville was a triumph! Thank you for everything you did to create today’s huge success for the Duncombe Rebellion. Our cast was overwhelmed by your hospitality, grateful for the standing ovations and thrilled to bring your story to life. Wardsville is truly wonderful and so are both of you. Smiles and big hugs, Nancy Johnson, Producer, Duncombe Rebellion 1837
Wardsville Kin Day welcomes Kith and Kin home on June 19, 2010, the 200th Anniversary of George Ward establishing Wardsville.
