Mary Fix

Born in 1896 into an Irish/French family in Ottawa, Mary Fix’s strong will was evident from an early age. Mary, along with one of her friends created the Equal Franchise Association to fight for women’s right to vote when she was only 16 years old. In 1918 she graduated from Osgoode Law School to become Ottawa’s first female lawyer. The times were not ready for Mary, however and, as the law firm she worked for refused to allow her to work on any important cases, she left the practice.

Soon, Mary Fix would hold many positions instrumental in guiding development and growth of historic Mississauga. Mary entered into politics in 1953 becoming Toronto Township’s Deputy Reeve and the Township’s first female politician. She was elected Reeve in 1955.

The issue of the day was a direct result of the context of this period; World War Two had ushered in a large industrial and residential growth in the area which, compounded by a lack of laws and by-laws made it difficult for the Provincial and Municipal levels of government to operate adequately. As a result, a looming 300% tax increase was a major concern for local ratepayers and was the context in which Mary Fix entered the political arena. Another matter of alarm for this pioneering public servant was the unregulated commercial development in the area; she became increasingly concerned with preserving residents’ quality of life.

A quick-witted woman dedicated to public service, Mary Fix became instrumental in the formation of the Heritage Mississauga’s predecessor, The Toronto Township Foundation, becoming its first President. Her correspondences as President of this organization with relevant groups revealed a similar dedication and drive “to get things done”.

Sir John Beverly Robinson

In the Fall of 2004 the Mississauga Heritage Foundation moved into the Robinson- Adamson Grange. This old house has a lot of history. “The Grange” was built for Sir John Beverley Robinson, the first Chief Justice of Upper Canada, sometime between 1828 and 1833, for the dual purpose of being a government office and a rural retreat from his rigorous professional schedule. The Ontario Regency style of architecture and the high quality craftsmanship reflect the status of its original owner.

Sir John Beverly Robinson was a man known for his contributions, particularly in the legal realm, to Upper Canada. At just age 21, Robinson was made Acting Attorney General during the War of 1812. He later studied law and was called to the bar in 1844. He was known for his unswerving dedication to preserving the rule of law.

Perhaps fittingly, then, the house is now home to Heritage Mississauga, a Foundation that has worked tirelessly within the community for the last fifty years to raise awareness of and preserve the history of this area. The Grange, as a testament and example to living history, provides a fitting environment for the work that the Foundation strives to accomplish and is a constant reminder to its staff, directors and volunteers about the importance and relevance of the goals we work to accomplish.

Ben Madill

Ben Madill epitomized a lifetime of giving and is fondly remembered and well respected in Mississauga’s heritage community. He regaled generations with his stories and knowledge of the “old days” of Britannia, of farming, of life in a one-room schoolhouse in the midst of what is now the City of Mississauga.

Ben’s extensive knowledge of farming techniques, including rope making and woodworking, were exceptional – equalled only by his love for sharing his knowledge with young and old. His passion for clocks – his former home at Britannia was literally filled with clocks – was a source of interest and humour for all who visited him. Ben was a long-time supporter of local history and heritage, giving tirelessly of his time, energy and enthusiasm over the years to the Friends of the Old Britannia Schoolhouse, Heritage Mississauga, his beloved Britannia United Church and Cemetery, and the Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives (PAMA), amongst many other organizations. From blue potatoes and hand-made toys to his wooden bicycle, Ben shared his enthusiasm for the world around him with all who knew him.

Always humble, Ben has been honoured twice with awards from Heritage Mississauga (1999 & 2007) for his involvement in the community, and in 2010 Ben recieved the Lieutenant Governor’s Heritage Award for Lifetime Achievement.

Grant Clarkson

Grant Clarkson was born in Dixie, Mississauga in 1915 to farmer Arther Wilmont Clarkson and Elizabeth Alice Price. Clarkson was a descendent of William and Sarah Clarkson, who settled in Toronto Township (now Mississauga) in 1850. They were one of the founding families in the village of Dixie. Clarkson grew up on the family farm and attended Etobicoke Collegiate. He remembered riding the old electrical railway line to school after milking the cows on the farm.

As he grew up, he was a very active member of the Mississauga community throughout his whole life, including Heritage Mississauga, Peel Museum and Art Gallery, ErinoakKids, CVCA and Streetsville United Church. One of his proudest moments was saving The Grange from demolition, now the home of Heritage Mississauga.

He also enjoyed a political career starting with Toronto Township Council and carrying through to the council for the Town of Mississauga. He was elected as the Town of Mississauga’s Ward 4 councilor in 1968 and became deputy reeve in 1971. He passed away at Credit Valley Hospital on February 6, 2011.

Oscar Peterson

Born in Montreal’s St Henri district, for many years Oscar Peterson and his family called Erindale, Mississauga their home. After many exhausting, exhilarating world tours, and gigs, it was here that the jazz star returned to recharge. Here he could allow his natural spirituality to strengthen and to comfort and prepare him, helping him to live a complete life. In Mississauga he balanced his work, with his role as family man, who could indulge in his hobby as a gifted photographer, or express his neighbourly generosity with his time and willingness to help others, or to pursue his extensive interest in exploring his own heritage.

Oscar Peterson was been an honorary patron of the Mississauga Heritage Foundation from the 1990’s. He shared his phenomenal talent as a jazz pianist, accompanist, composer and consummate musician worldwide. He sought excellence undoubtedly for himself, as well as for those who were privileged to know him personally as an educator and mentor. Unlike the intrusiveness of someone in conversation not listening to what has been said, Oscar Peterson listened to his fellow musicians so that the dialogue between them had depth of meaning, building tension, anticipation, yet remaining respectful and deferent. Likewise he listened to the rest of the world around him and responded.

He showed us that we can re-interpret our world, if it is done respectfully and if we endeavour to find what else life has to tell us. He reached out and touched all of us with encouragement to become aware of the many levels life has to offer.

Rosamund Vanderburgh