PRINCE FANS OFFER REMEMBRANCES OF PHILIP’S VISIT
Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com
GRAVENHURST — Reminiscences of Prince Philip have sparked memories on social media of his day visit in Gravenhurst with Queen Elizabeth in 1959.
Gravenhurst Archives chair Judy Humphrey passed along a great little newspaper clipping about the “Flower girls for Royal visit.”
It may have come from the Gravenhurst Banner or one of the Toronto dailies that covered the Royal tour.
It offered a nice personal glimpse in to the prince and the Queen in a pair of brief encounters in Gravenhurst and Torrance with Cynthia Clairmont and Janet Pain.
“Unlike so many other flower girls, Gravenhurst’s Cynthia Clairmont did not find herself tongue-tied when spoke to by Prince Philip,” it begins.
“After he remarked that he had a little girls about her age at home, Cyndy asked why he hadn’t brought her.
“This led to a long conversation, in to which the Queen joined, on the differences between English and Canadian school holidays, a chat which we suppose Cyndy will never forget.”
The clipping goes on to say: “Torrance’s flower girl was six-year-old Janet Pain, the daughter of Reeve and Mrs. Archie Pain.
“With help from Her Majesty, Janet plucked a flower from the bouquet to present to Prince Philip, who wore it in his lapel.”
Gord Durnan remembers the big day well.
“I have a t-shirt with a picture of the Queen, Prince Phillip and myself as a young boy on it.
“I will wear it on the day of his funeral,” this coming Saturday, April 17.
“I was there, so exciting,” says Janet Merkley.
“Stellar article on remembrances of the Prince in Gravenhurst,” says Lois Cooper.
Dr. Ardyn Todd said he knew the Queen and Philip came to Gravenhurst, but wasn’t sure of the year.
He said it reminded him of the time he and his two sons saw Terry Fox hop, skip and jump down Bay Street.
Penny Varney writes: “I was there in Gull Lake that day as well. My father drove us into town for this special occasion.”
Sybil Jackson came down from Bracebridge, and writes: “A wonderful tribute to Prince Philip, Mark.
“I was there that day as well. We had a wonderful view of the royal couple as they drove past us. Then we walked over to the park to watch the rest of the proceedings.
“It had been a sad year for my family; but the event at Gull Lake Park was uplifting and memorable for us.
“We drove over to Parry Sound and watched as they headed out to HMY Britannia. She was just outside the harbour and beautifully lit up.
“Definitely a day to remember and what wonderful pictures you’ve included in this article.”
Mary van Ruyven adds: “First time I’ve seen the picture of you Mark! It totally captures the excitement of that moment. Thanks for the article!”
John Cooper wrote: “Thanks Mark, for today’s story; well done indeed, and a great memory refresher.”
Jane Barnes in Nanaimo says: I really enjoyed your story about Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip’s visit to Gravenhurst. I remembered it like it was yesterday and feel so privileged that I got to see the Queen and Prince Philip. The pictures of Cindy and you brought back a lot of memories of that special day.”
Chris Jones writes: “A wonderful tribute to Prince Philip, Mark.
“I remember that day, July 4, 1959, like it was yesterday. I was 13 and I was in charge of watching over you at home, waiting for the Queen and Prince Philip to pass by the house (while Mom, Dad and Cyndy were at Gull Lake. I had a Brownie camera waiting for the perfect photo. I took the photo of you in your nice new outfit while waving your flag. I remember how so very excited you were. What a great photo.
“He certainly was a Prince of a man. Thanks for the memories.”
Phil Brunt, who lives in Niagara-on-the-Lake, notes: “My father-in-law Ed LaPlante from Barrie was the train engineer who took the Royal Couple from Beaverton to Orillia that day.
“And WA Fisher who lived across from the LaPlante’s was the director of the Barrie Collegiate band that played on the barge.
“Small world.”
Kim Marley Barlow writes: “May Prince Phillip rest in peace.”
Kim Gerhart, of Huntsville, met the prince when she was growing up in England.
He presented her with the Duke of Edinburgh medal, which is given out as a result of completion of a number of social, community and athletics achievements.
She went on to become a police officer before immigrating to Canada, said her husband, Gerry, who adds “she downplays the whole thing, but is actually quite proud of it.”
See her story later today on MuskokaTODAY.com.
“The monarchy is an important part of our history and we should be proud to remember when they touch us briefly with their presence,” Judith Burkitt posted on yesterday’s story.’
“It’s a wonderful article and I, for one, would like to read more of people’s experiences.”
Let us know if you or anyone else came across the Royals.
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