MVTM celebrates birthdays of its most dedicated and generous founding members
Posted Feb 2, 2012 By Tara GesnerEMC News - It was your typical birthday party - family, friends, laughter, tears (a few) and plenty of love.
Saturday's gathering at the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum (MVTM) in Almonte celebrated the museum's "most dedicated and generous" founding members, Herb and Helen Pragnell.
Herb turned 90 on Jan. 28, while Helen turns 86 next Tuesday (Feb. 7).
"It was very nice of them (to do this)," said the Pragnell patriarch.
"The community as a whole owes the Pragnells a debt of gratitude," said Al Jones, president of the museum's board of directors.
"They have been actively involved in the community's heritage and preservation since their arrival in town in 1959."
As an active member of the Almonte Lions Club, Herb created the annual R. Tait McKenzie Scholarship Awards in 1967 - named after Almonte's world famous surgeon, sculptor and pioneer in physical therapy, Dr. Robert Tait McKenzie.
While a member of Almonte Town Council in the Centennial Year (1980), Herb spearheaded a committee to recognize Almonte's history as the woollen manufacturing centre of Canada (starting in the 1850s).
"This committee became the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum - now located in this National Historic Site, the Rosamond Woollen Mill," said Jones.
"It was a good retirement project," said Herb.
He said the early days were "glum," and the building was a wreck.
The president stressed that Herb has served the museum every year since its inception, and he was the second president and fourth president of the board of directors.
In addition, Herb served on the Local Architecture Conservation Advisory Committee (now the Heritage Committee).
"This committee was instrumental in the historic designation of the Victoria Woollen Mill, the Rosamond Woollen Mill, the Fuller Post Office and many of the other historic buildings in Almonte," said Jones.
Herb's an engineer, and he served his country during the Second World War.
As a member of the Almonte Branch (240) of the Royal Canadian Legion, Herb took part in the creation of Veteran's Walk, a tree-lined walking path to honour local veterans.
Another involvement includes the North Lanark Historical Society/Appleton Museum.
He guided a committee at the museum to generate a monument to remember the Dec. 27, 1942 train wreck in Almonte that took the lives of 37 people.
"He has passed along his historic knowledge to local residents by writing articles in the local newspaper, and he's presently assembling a book of local historic articles," said Jones.
early years she held the position of president.
"Helen sold roasted chestnuts during the annual Light Up the Night event, she convinced people to come to the museum's yearly fashion show, and for several years she had the highest number of volunteer hours with the Friends of the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum," said Sharon Onno, president of the Friends Committee.
The committee raises about $5,000 yearly for the museum. Much of the monies are spent on capital items, which "raises the value of the building and enabling better facilities for various events."
"The Friends are grateful for the dedication Helen has exhibited," said Onno.
"We really put our heart and soul in the community," said Herb.
"When I was hired five years ago, Herb was the first person to welcome me to town," said Michael Rikley-Lancaster, executive director/curator of the MVTM. "We still meet weekly."
To the birthday couple, Rikley-Lancaster added, "I am honoured to know both of you."
Herb and Helen's children - David, Ian, Richard and Scott - attended the party with their families.
"It's great to be here and see how the museum has evolved over the years," said Scott.
"My father and mother have been great role models for me and my brothers, always giving back and getting involved in community life," he continued. "They will leave a significant legacy."
"Thank you, thank you," said Herb. "It's always wonderful to get a pat on the back instead of a kick in the rear."
Suddenly emotional, he stressed that the work he and Helen do "comes from our hearts."
Financial support
At Herb's request, John Hannigan, vice-president of the museum's board of directors, spoke about the ongoing fundraising efforts of the MVTM.
"You may be under the impression you are here to celebrate the Pragnells' birthdays," he said with a laugh. "Actually, you have all been invited to hear about the museum and give us a chance to promote ourselves. Herb, the ploy worked - look at the crowd. At 90, you're as wily as ever."
To say there would not be a museum without the Pragnells - and a few others - is not an exaggeration, said Hannigan.
He acknowledged the numerous volunteers who continue to commit their time and energy, in countless ways, to keep the original vision of the founders of the museum alive.
"Without our donors we could not keep the doors of the museum open, said Hannigan. "I am happy to say private donations, from individuals, the Friends of the Museum and businesses, are becoming an even more significant part of the museum's revenue stream."
He noted the MVTM's private donations are "fast approaching" the monies received every year in operating grants from the town and the province put together.
"The town over the years has provided key support, both monetary and in-kind," said Hannigan. "We think it is a worthwhile expenditure - one that brings many rewards to the residents of Mississippi Mills. It is a bright feather in the cap of the town."
Rikley-Lancaster was recognized as a "top-flight curator and executive director" by the vice-president.
Ways to support the MVTM include becoming a member or volunteer.
"There are many advantages to being a member, and I think it is one of the best deals around," stated Hannigan. "We have a dedicated team of volunteers, but we have more activities planned and need more."
By way of donations, the museum is just past the six-month point of its annual campaign to raise $50,000 for operational needs.
"We are just below the half-way mark in reaching our goal, which is encouraging, but we still have work to do to reach our target," said Hannigan.
There's the Adopt-a-Window campaign to raise monies to repair and restore the 23 windows of the museum, and another fundraiser will add an audio-visual component to Fabric of a Small Town - the new long-lasting exhibition of industrial textile machinery.
As a registered charitable organization, all donations above $10 receive a receipt for tax purposes.
"For one of the founders of the museum, it is a brilliant legacy," said Hannigan. "I hope the Pragnell family share in this accomplishment. Thank you Herb and Helen from all of us, for the initiative, energy, commitment, financial support and vision you have given over the last 25 years to this treasure on the island."
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