44 FOCUS - JUNE 2017 PROUD TO BE THE CANADIAN HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THE BEAVER The beaver was given official status as an emblem of Canada when“An Act to provide for the recognition of the Beaver (Castor canadensis) as a symbol of the sovereignty of Canada” received royal assent on March 24, 1975. After the early European explorers realized Canada was not the spice- rich Orient, the main profit-making attraction was the beaver population. In the late 1600s and early 1700s, the fashion of the day demanded fur hats, which needed beaver pelts.As these hats became more popular, the demand for the pelts grew. King Henry IV of France saw the fur trade as an opportunity to acquire much-needed revenue and to establish a North American empire. Both English and French fur traders were soon selling beaver pelts in Europe at 20 times their original purchase price. The trade of beaver pelts proved so profitable that many Canadians felt compelled to pay tribute to the buck-toothed animal. Despite this recognition, the beaver was close to extinction by the mid-19th century. Today, thanks to conservation and silk hats, the beaver – the largest rodent in Canada – is alive and well all over the country. A social media campaign on Twitter and Facebook to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday began on February 1 and will continue for 150 days. Each day an interesting Scugog fact and picture is posted. The hashtag is #Scugog150. Like Scugog Shores Museums: Village, Heritage Centre & Archives on facebook @ScugogMuseum Follow the Museum on twitter @ScugogMuseum LOVE OUR LOCAL HISTORY? BE SURE TO FOLLOW US! 27 Easy Street, Port Perry 905.985.7800 www.stevensinsulation.com HAPPY 150TH CANADA! from the team at Stevens Insulation www.stevensinsulation.com PORT PERRY ONTARIO Serving Southern Ontario and Quebec for over two decades. tel: 905-982-2750 • cell: 905-429-1907 geertransport@gmail.com • www.GeerTransport.com Renovations from the outside in, we can do it all! Call John: 905 434 0517 • 905 985 8569 Referrals are the core of our business CANADA– Built to last. Happy 150th!