34 FOCUS - JUNE 2017 PROUD TO BE THE WAGG FUNERAL HOME, McDermott-Panabaker Chapel, has a long and rich history, pre-dating confederation. Owned and operated by Myles O’Riordan for 27 years, the location of the business dates back to 1846, and all of the owners have been local residents. Originally a wooden structure, this building fell victim to the tragic fire which swept downtown Port Perry, destroying many historical houses and stores. In 1884, it was rebuilt with solid brick, and there have been many upgrades and en- hancements over the years. It all began 171 years ago, when John W. Davis purchased the prop- erty at the southwest corner of Queen and Perry Streets, and built a furniture store. He also served as the town’s undertaker. William Henry Letcher pur- chased the business from the Davis family in 1901 and eventu- ally passed it along to his son Merle. After his father passed away, Merle Letcher sold the business to Archie McDermott. The year was 1934. Twelve years later, in 1946, Art Panabaker came to Port Perry to work for Archie. They added a chapel and a casket room to the building in 1951. Art and Archie became business partners in 1955. Five years later, Archie’s son, Grant McDermott, bought his father’s share of the business. In 1981, Harold Wagg purchased the business from Grant and Art. (Harold grew up just outside of Uxbridge). When Harold decided to retire, he sold the funeral home to Myles O’Riordan onAugust 1, 1990. Myles was raised in Aurora and he worked in Richmond Hill and Toronto, before moving to Port Perry. “This is our home,” he said. “We love Port Perry and we are part of the community.” Myles, his wife Susan and their son Rory, had an amazing time go- ing to Vimy earlier this year, along with their friends and neighbours. Myles commented that he is, “proud to be to be part of local history.” By Lynn Campbell, Focus on Scugog CANADA DAY TRIVIA QUESTION: What’s older than Canada? ANSWER:The Wagg Funeral Home in Port Perry 1900’s WH Letcher Funeral Home An unknown gathering in front and beside the WH Letcher Funeral Home. The building across the street is the current Royal Bank. CONFEDERATION PREPARATIONS, JUNE 1867 Quote 2: Ontario Observer, June 27, 1867 The Great Day of the Dominion. There is nothing extravagant in looking forward to the improved approaching long to be remembered first day of July 1867 with anticipation of the most exuberant delight, seeing that on that day will be heralded for the joyful story, from the extreme east to the farthest west point of British America and peals of joyful sound that an entire nation has been born in a day. Let us go in for having a day of it.We need scarcely remind our readers that the great center of attraction is the celebration of Confederation date for North Ontario at least will be at Prince Albert, where the celebrations will be conducted on a grand scale.Where the candidates are parliamentary honours will discourse on the duties advantages and prospect of our then altered condition.Where the volunteers will turn out and go through some of those evolutions necessary to be known in order to defend successfully our rights from invasion.The lover of the“Turf” will have an opportunity of enjoying his favourite sport.While athletic games in every variety cannot fail to please the entire crowd.The stirring strains of music will be well supplied by the bands. It is to be a National Day. Let us have a national gathering. On that day we will cease to be English, Irish, German,Yankee or Scotch. Everyone who wishes to cast in his lot with the Dominion becomes from that day a Canadian. Let us young and old have a universal turnout and strive who can do most honour to the occasion. Van Camp & Keller LLP Chartered Professional Accountants Licensed Public Accountants 204 Casimir Street, Port Perry • 905-985-9725 • www.vcandk.com Serving Port Perry and Southern Ontario since 1988 Van Camp & Keller LLP CANADA CONSUMES THE MOST DOUGHNUTS AND HAS THE MOST DOUGHNUT SHOPS PER CAPITA OF ANY COUNTRY IN THE WORLD.