Mackenzie House on Pi Day - Eaton's Goes to War

On Pi Day, we usually do something Pi/Pie related or go to the Science Centre. But, this year, Pi Day is smack in the middle of March Break and that means the Science Centre would be packed. So, instead, we decided to head downtown and visit one of our favourite museums.

We finally got to see the exhibit  "Eaton's Goes to War: Family, Memory and Meaning" at Mackenzie House. It is about the people who went to fight in the First World War who worked at Eaton's Department Store.

I was at Timothy Eaton Memorial Church for Remembrance Day last year and they did a wonderful service with beautiful music paying special tribute to the members there who served in both of the World Wars. (The whole service is available online at https://www.temc.ca/sermon/decisions-nightfall.) It got me wondering about the people who served and so, I really wanted to see this exhibition.

I didn't expect to see something about someone younger than me going to war. He was 13, working at Eaton's and he enlisted in the army along with his older brother, Fred.

picture from Archives of Ontario's site http://www.archives.gov.on.ca/images/soldier/I0073097.jpg

Both brothers lied about their ages to enlist, but when they were in England, Fred told the army about Stanley's age and he was discharged. 

picture from Archives of Ontario's site http://www.archives.gov.on.ca/images/soldier/I0073098.jpg

 Fred Gledhill received a Distinguished Conduct Medal, and became the youngest Regimental Sergeant Major in the British Army. 

One thing that is special about this exhibit is that it looks at how these men who served are remembered by their families and what happened after. 

I always hear stories about my Grandfather (Mom's Dad) and my Great Grandfather and Great Uncle (Dad's Grandfather and grand-uncle) and I know that being in the army in World War II was a part of their lives, but they were so much more. 

Eaton's Goes to War is on at Mackenzie House until April 30th this year. 

Ryerson Interior Design Students also have an exhibit up at Mackenzie House. 

Can you see the silhouettes of Mackenzie and his daughters?

There is also a display of objects made from human hair.

And of course, we spent some time in the Print Shop. 

Thanks to Alex and Jared for the wonderful afternoon!

And a special thank you for having the well thought out exhibit on Eaton's Goes to War. You always have such great exhibits!