Clifton Britton was born in Moose Creek on June 19, 1915 and raised on a farm four miles north of Avonmore in a settlement called Lodi. His parents were James Britton and Alberta Montgomery, both of whom played the violin. Cliff started playing the banjo first. He...
Alexander Mark Smith was born April, 25th 1901 at 18/4th Concession of Kenyon, the second son of Duncan and Catherine (Grant) Smith. He grew up with both parents speaking Gaelic, and his Mother sang "mouth music" and taught him to dance when he was very young. When...
George Montgomery was one of the best known pipers throughout the S.D.& G. Area. Throughout his piping years he played at just about every concert, fair, Orange Walk and parade as well as many weddings and funerals in the three United Counties. In 1910, George was...
Neilie, born February 5, 1884 at North Lancaster, was the son of Austin R. McDonald and his wife Flora Campbell. He was widely known throughout the county for his entertainment; his musical ability contributed to the enjoyment of many at concerts, weddings, socials...
On March 13th, 1940, Glengarry’s Johnny Ranald MacDonald died from viral pneumonia at the age of 63. They say artists are born and not made; from all accounts, “Johnny Ranald” was one such man. A stationary engineer by trade, he is best remembered as an extraordinary...
For nearly fifty years, the people of Glengarry and beyond have been so very lucky and blessed to have the Glengarry Pipe Band in their midst. Indeed, it is gratifying to know how the wonderful traditions of Scottish culture have benefited from the influence of this...
In February, 1975, Bob joined the Brigadoons with Rob Taylor, Gaye Leroux and Brian McDonell. Through the years, the group gained popularity in Glengarry and the outlying areas. They played throughout SD&G counties as well as Ottawa and the surrounding areas. They...
With her twin, Cosie, Grace was the youngest of seven children of Angus J.A. and Elinor MacDonald. Born in 1912, she attended school in Alexandria and later at Iona Academy in St. Raphael's. In 1920, Grace began dancing lessons from Miss Carrie Biggers and soon became...
As a performer, a teacher and an accompanist, Agnes MacDonald earned a reputation as a supporter of the Celtic music tradition of Glengarry. "When Agnes was of tender school age, her aptitude for music was noted by the Sisters of the Holy Cross teachers."* Her parents...
In 1980 Paul Louis Lacombe, Stanley Robinson and I, Jean Marie Lacombe, all from Glen Robertson, Ontario met together regularly to play violin music. At this time we would drive down to Bob’s Hotel in Dalhousie Station, Quebec to hear Viola MacCuaig, well known...