Lindsay Lodge Ladies' Orange Benevolent Association in local parade. ca. 1960s.

The Town on Film

Organizations

Organizations stand as pillars of connection and progress for a small town. They play a pivotal role in fostering a sense of solidarity among residents, and for a journalist like Alan Capon during his tenure with the Post, they represented not only subjects of his lens but also fellow group members.

Public service announcement identifying key figures for Community Chest in the Lindsay Daily Post. October 10, 1962.

A Community Chest, often operating as a charitable foundation or a united fundraising entity, is dedicated to improving the lives of residents in a variety of ways. From providing essential financial aid to local families facing hardship to fostering educational and cultural enrichment, these associations are the guardians of a town’s welfare.

Contributions typically come from a myriad of sources such as individual donors, local businesses, corporate sponsors and fundraising events; oftentimes facilitated through the volunteers that have offered their time and expertise to the program.

The Community Chest

Advertisement from the Lindsay Daily Post for residents to donate to the Community Chest. October 17, 1960.

Dating back to 1947, the organization had already established a 14-year record of service when Alan Capon joined its ranks. One of the most notable aspects of the Community Chest was its unceasing dedication to increasing its financial goals year after year, driven by the unwavering belief that, as the fund grew, so did the number of lives it could change.

Grade nine collegiate students writing essays on why all citizens should give to the Community Chest. Top three finalists of the best essay were able to read their work on CKLY Radio. Article from the Lindsay Daily Post. October 17, 1960.

In 1962, Capon assumed the role of Publicity Chairman, a position that complimented his career with the Post. He became the voice and face of the fund, responsible for communicating its objectives and achievements to the town. His journalistic acumen and communication skills were instrumental in garnering support for the campaign; rallying the community to contribute to the cause.

Article in the Lindsay Daily Post acknowledging the dedication of postmen in delivering special folders that featured a question and answer on the Community Chest and its activities in a timely manner. October 7, 1960.

Through the paper, Capon shined a spotlight on the impact of the fund’s contributions, including the Canadian Red Cross, the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, the Salvation Army, the Victorian Order of Nurses, the Victoria County Association for Children with Developmental Disabilities, and the Girl Guides of Canada.

Article in the Lindsay Daily Post highlighting the inclusion of industry canvassing to raise funds. From left: Gordon Pepper, Marjorie Brown, Frances Tracey, Ivan Irvine, John Hetherington, and Albert Whittall. Members of the Schultz Die Casting Co. of Canada are meeting to discuss a plant-wide canvass of employees in aid of the Community Chest. October 6, 1960.

Capon’s role as Publicity Chairman amplified the stories of these organizations, emphasizing their importance in the community and encouraging generous donations from residents, businesses, industry leaders, and corporations alike.

Article in the Lindsay Daily Post announcing the success of the Community Chest in reaching its goal of $17,300 for the year. December 21, 1962.

Under the direction of Chest President Wm. J. Bundscho, the campaign was successful; surpassing 17 thousand dollars allocated to the most vulnerable populations.

Photograph from an article in the Lindsay Daily Post welcoming founder Hal Rogers to Lindsay for the Kinsmen Club’s 41st anniversary. President Jack Beliamy, left, and Past District Governor Jack Gleeson, right, are pictured on either side of Rogers. February 28, 1961.

The background of the Lindsay Kinsmen Club is closely tied to the broader history of Kin Canada. The organization was founded in 1920 by Harold A. Rogers in Hamilton, Ontario, with a membership of 10. The early Kinsmen Clubs were formed across Canada, organizing various events, fundraisers, and charity initiatives. The 1950s through to the 1970s marked a period of significant growth for Kinsmen Clubs. They expanded their community involvement, supporting local causes and projects.

The Kinsmen Club

The Kinsmen Crest.

During this time, the Kinsmen Club of London, Ontario, initiated the first national service project: the establishment of Cystic Fibrosis Canada in 1964. This project became the hallmark of Kin Canada’s commitment to making a difference in healthcare.

Photograph from the 15th anniversary of the Lindsay Kinsmen Club from the Lindsay Daily Post. Select charter members are standing around a birthday cake which marks the occasion. From the left: Lloyd Flack, Ches Richmond, George Williamson, Jack Beall, Gord Graham, and Lindy Mackey. December 13, 1961.

Over the years, clubs have expanded their reach both nationally and internationally. Kinsmen and Kinettes clubs often work together to maximize their impact. The Kinsmen Club of Lindsay was formed in December of 1946, however demand for club establishment dates back to 1939. It began with 22 charter members, channeling goodwill into numerous initiatives that generated a sense of shared purpose.

Lindsay Kinsmen Band in front of the Kawartha Lakes Public Library for a Remembrance Day ceremony. Jack Clarke is standing at the side of the band, while Frank Banks is conducting. The Kinsmen Club sponsored the band beginning in 1955. Photographed by Alan Capon while working for the Lindsay Daily Post. ca. 1960s.

The group has contributed to the Lindsay Kinsmen Boys and Girls Band, the Elmer Safety program, the Christmas toy project, Children’s Aid Society, among others. Founder Hal Rogers believed that fellowship and service were the cornerstones of Kinsmen Clubs throughout the nation and that these two aspects kept enthusiasm high.

“It’s the people who are Lindsay, Beaverton, Bowmanville or wherever…It’s the people who are the community.”

—Founder Hal Rogers

Photograph from the 1961 Kinsmen Karnival in the Lindsay Daily Post. The event featured parades, wrestling matches, dancing, games, and amusement rides for attendees. The Karnival was one of the first projects after the club banded, originally held in Victoria Park and later the exhibition grounds. Depicts the Post’s debut in the carnival world with a car loaned by George Finney. August 25, 1961.

Alan Capon was a Kinsman himself. His affiliation, under the direction of John Boyd of Kenlin Studio, sheds light on his enduring commitment to service. Although the exact duration of his membership remains undisclosed, records indicate his active participation in club meetings from the mid to late 1960s.

Alan and John Diefenbaker in the Lindsay Daily Post. Courtesy of Susan Capon. 

As a Kinsman, Capon would have embraced a role centered on philanthropy and camaraderie — a role inherently gratifying for someone dedicated to both journalism and community. The Lindsay Kinsmen Club not only represented a personal commitment but also a professional focal point during his career for the Post. The newspaper frequently featured updates on the club’s activities and upcoming events, making it a natural subject for reporting.

Photograph from an article in the Lindsay Daily Post depicting Kinsmen responsible for organizing the annual Radio Auction which broadcasted on CKLY. Items donated to the organization were bid on via telephone to raise funds for projects. Seated from the left are Earl Millie, Paul Davidson, Jim Pilkington, Murray Davis. Standing: Bob Puffer, Stewart Moors, and John Boyd. March 18, 1961.

Today, Kinsmen Clubs remain active in communities across Canada. They are indispensable institutions that breathe life into a community. These organizations are dedicated to fostering fellowship, friendship, and service among members, while simultaneously striving to address the needs of residents. Beyond camaraderie, these clubs extend a helping hand and compassion to those who require assistance.

Article in the Lindsay Daily Post highlighting the Kinsmen Club’s ongoing efforts to support the Ross Memorial Hospital. Donations went towards a building extension. At the time, it was one of the largest single donations from any one organization. October 22, 1960.

Alan Capon was well aware of these initiatives and exemplified the powerful intersection of engagement and service; the core of the club’s mission.

X. Service

Tom Madill, President of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 67, raising the Canadian red ensign and Remembrance Day poppy flag outside of Legion headquarters.