Donaldson family celebrates centennial

Burriss, which marked its 100th anniversary back on June 20, was the setting for a family centennial celebration July 11.
Some 88 people were present for the occasion on the farm owned by Gale and Elizabeth Donaldson. Located on the south half of Lot 12, Concession 3 by the late Jared Donaldson, it is the only homestead in Burriss Township to have been continuously occupied by the family of those 1898 settlers.
Travelling the farthest to attend were Virginia (Donaldson) McKay, her two daughters, and a granddaughter, all from Texas. People also attended from London, Waterloo, and Thunder Bay.
An especially honoured guest was Doris Donaldson, 96, the only survivor of that generation.
A family farm sign painted by RobRoy Donaldson is now displayed there. Working from an old photograph, he has painted pictures of the founders, Jared and Belle Donaldson.
A program was held after the noon meal, with Jerry Donaldson acting as emcee. Family introductions, poems, and a musical skit by the grandchildren were features of the program.
An interesting highlight was the draw for a white Treadle sewing machine purchased at the Chicago World Fair in 1893 by Jared and Belle Donaldson. The machine, which was brought here from Illinois, survived the fire which destroyed their first home in Ontario.
The draw was made from the names of seven fourth-generation granddaughters, and was won by Heather (Manty) Miller of Thunder Bay.
Friendship gifts were won by Don DeBenedet and Peggy Gordon.
Because Belle Donaldson had been a Norris, sister of Greenberry Norris who homesteaded across the road, close family ties have always been maintained between the two families.
As such, several members of the Norris family were present to take part in the centennial festivities.
Despite the extreme heat of the day, everyone enjoyed the time spent reminiscing and visiting, and viewing the old family photographs and displays that were set up.