The Société d’histoire de Toronto and Alliance Française invite you to join them on Sunday, October 5, between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm for a picnic as part of “Lafontaine-Baldwin Day at the Temple of the Children of Peace” in Sharon, northeast of Newmarket, at 18974 Leslie Street.

The Temple is a National Historic Site, completed in 1832, renowned for its architecture and symbolism, and also for its role in the historic alliance between Robert Baldwin and Louis-Hippolyte Lafontaine.

Participants will be welcomed at 11:00 am at the Temple by none other than David Willson who founded the Children of Peace nearly two hundred years ago. They will then visit the historic Doan farmhouse where Mrs. Doan will greet them and tell them of some of the political turmoil which characterized this part of Ontario in the 1830s and 40s and the effects it had on the community which built the Temple.

M. Lafontaine himself is scheduled to make an appearance, addressing the crowd to explain why he, a French Canadian, accepted the nomination to run in this English-speaking riding in Canada West. (There will be many interesting anecdotes about how this came to happen!) After his address, M. Lafontaine will answer questions.

There will then be time for lunch and refreshments. Games and crafts will be available for children and families, and the historic 1845 pipe organ in the Temple will be played. The day will conclude around 3:00 pm.

Admission is $5.00 per adult. Accompanied children under sixteen are free of charge.

Phone the Temple of the Children of Peace at 905.478.2389 or la Société d'histoire de Toronto at 416. 924-7631.