Port Perry / Scugog Twp. Heritage Gallery

Colonel The Honourable
HERBERT ALEXANDER BRUCE
Port Perry - August 19, 2010
The Ontario Heritage Trust, Lake Scugog Historical Society and the
Township of Scugog unveil a plaque to commemorate the opening of
Dr. Herbert A. Bruce Community Park.

Herbert A. Bruce commemorated at an impressive ceremony Dr. Herbert Bruce has finally been given due recognition in Scugog. On Thursday August 19, with well over 100 in attendance, a plaque dedicated to Dr. Bruce was unveiled by Lieutenant-Governor The Honourable David C. Onley. Led by an initiative of the Lake Scugog Historical Society, the venture was supported by the Township of Scugog and the Ontario Heritage Trust. The ceremony included speeches by several dignitaries including the former Lieutenant Governor Lincoln Alexander and the present Lieutenant Governor. Also present were Durham MPP John O'Toole, Scugog Mayor Marilyn Pearce and Toronto historian Mike Filey. All commented on the significance of the life and accomplish-ments of Dr. Bruce. “Sandy” Bruce, Dr Bruce’s grandson spoke on behalf of the Bruce family and welcomed more than 20 Bruce descendants in attendance from as far away as Calgary. The keynote address was given by Dr. Charles Godfrey, a practicing doctor who knew Dr. Bruce. Dr Godfrey has also written a biography. He commented on Dr. Bruce’s accomplishments which were outlined in last month’s issue of Focus on Scugog. The speakers all praised the Heritage Trust, the Township of Scugog and the Lake Scugog Historical Society for the worthiness of the project. The Port Perry High School Cadets gave dignity to the occasion and their pipe band, now wearing the Bruce tartan, stirred the entire crowd. The plaque stands in the appropriately re-named Dr. Herbert A. Bruce Community Park just south of McDonalds. The park is located at the northern end of what was the Bruce farm, from 1873 to 1898. From here the young Herbert Bruce made his way across the fields to Port Perry High School and graduated from there in 1884. Now everyone who passes by can be reminded of this great man. By Paul Arculus Focus on Scugog	COLONEL THE HONOURABLE HERBERT ALEXANDER BRUCE, MD, LLD 1868-1963 (inscription on the plaque) Herbert Bruce was born at Blackstock in 1868, and grew up on a farm located on this Port Perry site. In 1893, he graduated in medicine from the University of Toronto. Specializing in surgery, he rose to the top of his profession, and in 1911 founded the Wellesley Hospital, Toronto. During the First World War, he was appointed Inspector-General of the Canadian Medical Services and produced the Bruce Report, a frank criticism of medical care provided to Canadian soldiers serving overseas. In 1919, Bruce married Angela Hall. Dedicated to public service, Bruce was appointed Lieutenant Governor of Ontario (1932-1937) and served as the Conservative member of Parliament for Parkdale, Toronto (1940-1946). In 1934, Bruce condemned the state of Toronto's poorer neighbourhoods, and was a vocal member of the Opposition during the Second World War. Bruce championed cancer care in the 1920s, social housing in the 1930s, better health care for the military and veterans, and the introduction of contributory health insurance in the 1940s.
Scugog residents and members of council take in the ceremony, which took place near the site of Dr. H.A. Bruce's childhood home, in south Port Perry.	The Honourable Lincoln Alexander enjoyed visiting with those attending and took time out to visit with anyone who approached him.
Herbert Alexander "Sandy" Bruce, oldest grandson of Dr. H.A. Bruce addressed those attending on behalf of the Bruce family, of which about 20 attended.	Former Lieutenant-Governor Lincoln Alexander with members of the three piece band that took part in the ceremony.
Former Lieutenant-Governor Lincoln Alexander chatting with some of the Cadets. From left, Taylor Lamond, Jolene Hubbard and Justin Cook.	Lieutenant Governor David Onley is assisted removing the cover to official dedicate the park to Dr. H.A. Bruce.
Lieutenant Governor of Ontario David C. Onley during his remarks to the assembled crowd.	His Honour Lincoln Alexander beside the plaque. following an impressive unveiling.
His Honour David C. Onley with the commemorative plaque.	Dr. Charles Godfrey, an old friend of Herbert A. Bruce, delivers a message about the man and his accomplishments.
Durham MPP John O'Toole with Dr. Charles Godfrey, the keynote speaker and former friend of Dr. Bruce. Paul Arculus, one of the organzers of the event, right.	Lieutenant Governor Lincoln Alexander gives a 'high five' to a young lad attending the ceremony.