Virtual Exhibit:
Giants of Lindsay: William and J. D. Flavelle exhibit at Virtual Museum of Canada
It is worth highlighting the business and civic achievements of William (1853-1943) and John Dundas (J. D.) Flavelle (1850-1925), who together helped develop the Town of Lindsay and Victoria County in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Both William and J. D. knew that there was no infallible way towards success and that one must create energy and a determination to overcome any obstacles that besieges life’s path. This sentiment was used to establish and expand their many businesses which included a milling company, dry goods department store, and a cold storage and creamery.
William and J. D. contributed much more to Lindsay than their business acumen. They believed that in order for Lindsay to develop they must make a selfless decision to take up civic roles that would be to the betterment of their neighbours. Their involvement was not exclusively executive roles as they also helped create and foster community pride through sports and community gatherings.
About
Explore the many aspects of William and J. D.’s life from their early days growing up in Peterborough, to their move to Lindsay to start their businesses with a deep dive into each of them: Dundas & Flavelles Limited, Flavelles Limited, Lindsay Creamery Limited, and Flavelle Milling Company.
Aside from their businesses, you’ll learn that the brothers took their mother’s strength and determination and used it to help develop Lindsay in many different volunteer capacities. Organizations explored include Lindsay Curling Club, Ross Memorial Hospital, and J. D.’s time as one of the most influential bureaucrats in the Ontario government when acting as Chairman of the Board of License Commissioner of Ontario to enforce prohibition.
“While we have no desire to punish a man, the interests of the Province and the community which are at stake will always weigh much heavier than the interest of the individual.”
–J. D. Flavelle speaking in June 1915 shortly after being appointed Chairman of the Board of License Commissioners of Ontario