Wednesday, March 4, 2015

No Bones at Youngtown Museum

I read the news today and O-boy… another inaccurate perception of what museums are really all about. It is indeed true my friends… Seems the term “MUSEUM” is sometimes misunderstood and even used in a derogatory way if you can believe it! Yup, apparently some folks have a narrow, stereotypical notion of what museums are all about… likely left over childhood memories of mummies n dinosaur bones and such…(which is of course cool stuff by the way). Well, maybe it’s time to get the facts straight. The term museum applies to many different types of institutions and can accordingly imply many different things. Essentially however, museums are about preserving, educating, showcasing, and enjoying aspects of our heritage – past and presently unfolding. Many museums such as Youngtown engage both the past and present in a form of celebration of our journey and our times. Perhaps it’s not museums that are lost in the past but maybe some peoples understanding is in need of up-dating. Nope, museums aren’t restricted to dusty, worn out, dried up, petrified, squirrel dung or whatever some might be a thinkin. For us, Youngtown Museum… well, come enjoy and celebrate the wonderful past “AND THE PRESENT” impact of the thing we all love most…that rock & roll music! If ya still don’t want to be calling us a museum, then how bout calling us – Youngtown, that far-out music fun house in Omemee that dig’s Neil Young…. hey hey

Omemee, Ontario … Come Visit!

Omemee, Ontario … Come Visit!

One Fine Day in 1993: The Scott Young Public School Official Opening (Omemee, ON)

Scott Young – BIOGRAPHY / HISTORY
Scott Young was born in 1918 in Cypress River, Manitoba. He started his writing career at age 18 for the Winnipeg Free Press in 1936. He was soon writing sports columns in Winnipeg, and later Toronto, and in 1949 published the first of 40 books. He wrote a number of books which cover parts of his own life such as Neil and Me — a book about his son Neil Young; and A Writer’s Life — an autobiography. His career in journalism produced thousands of articles for The Globe and Mail, The Telegram, Sports Illustrated, Maclean’s and other magazines during the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. Young served in the Royal Canadian Navy during World War II (1944-1945). Previous to this he was sent to England by Canadian Press (CP) to cover the news of the War. He received numerous awards and a Doctorate of Letters, Honoris Causa, from Trent University. He was married three times (Edna Blow Ragland aka Rassy; Astrid Carlson Mead; and Margaret Hogan) and had a number of children and step-children (Neil, Bob; Deidre, Astrid; Maggie, Caitlin and Erin). Scott Young died in 2005.
(From Trent University Literature)
Looking back… In the Fall of 1993 The Scott Young Public School officially opened it’s doors in Omemee.  Here are a few images from that historic event…      (Note Scott speaking at event, also images of Neil and Bob Young)

Astrid Young – Another Creative Force Behind The Young Family Legacy

Along with her father Journalist Scott Young and brother Neil, Astrid is yet another creative and notable force behind the Young Family legacy.
Born August 16th, 1962, Astrid is the daughter of Scott Young and his second wife Astrid Mead.  A singer, songwriter, author, wine expert, and more, Astrid first made her mark on the music scene in the 1980’s. A strong presence in the band Sacred Child, Astrid later expanded her pursuits to include extensive solo work, back-up vocals with brother Neil and collaborations with various notable artists. While we may not always hear of Astrids accomplishments on the world stage, her work here in Canada is much recognized and her contributions to the arts are extensive. In 2008 Astrids book “Being Young: Scott, Neil, and Me” hit the book stores with positive reviews and remains recommended for anyone wanting an inside perspective on the Young Family. Youngtown salutes the ongoing work of Astrid Young with wishes for continued success. (Photo of Astrid (Below) by T.R. Hosier)
Being Young: Scott, Neil, and Me
Book Description – Publication Date: April 1, 2008
Neil Young is known as one of rock’s great artists, his influence extending far beyond his own generation. Being Young looks at a lifetime of love, humor, disappointment, and proud moments, picking up where Scott Young’s book Neil and Me left off in 1984. The book is a testament to a Woodstock-generation rocker whose independence and determination have seen him through his life as a prolific musician who is still producing to this day.
Being Young by Neil Young’s sister, Astrid Young, offers a fresh perspective on one of rock’s most recognized cultural icons. Astrid goes deep inside the motivations that shaped their family unit, exploring all the ways it came apart and how, in the end, a tenacious and undeniable kindred spirit was able to pull it back together. The story is in part a celebration of the legacy of a family that many of us grew up feeling we knew and in part the meaningful and intimate reflection of one who experienced it all.
Astrid Young started writing creatively at an early age. A musician by trade, her career has taken her around the world, both on her own and singing backup for her brother Neil Young.
Check-out this Breakfast Television interview with Astrid from 2009  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCqvli42qkE

The House That Scott Built: Get Back to The Country… Scott Young’s Farm

The House That Scott Built: Get Back To The Country… “The Farm” Revisited
 When the Young Family left Omemee in the 1950’s, Scott Young returned to the village some years later (mid 1960’s) and built his dream home just south of town. High in the Cavan Hills, Scott and his good friend Jay had hunted on and around the 100 acre property for years. When the opportunity presented, he purchased the scenic land and “The Farm” was born. Farm?, well not exactly…more like beautiful forest and scrub land with the house perched strategically above. Author and journalist Scott Young wrote many treasured books at his beloved retreat from the 1960’s until his passing in 2005. He also had many special visitors. One can only imagine the great stories if the walls could talk. A private residence, the Farm was sold early in 2011. Several years ago while out for a drive with Jay, I captured most of the photo’s presented here other than book cover and pic of Scott. (Not to be reproduced). These pictures are respectfully shared to offer a glimpse of the grounds and home occupied by one of Canada’s great writers – Mr. Scott Young. Also shown, a picture of my good friend “Jay”… 85 years old and going strong, Omemee’s King Street, and the Youngtown museum.  (T.R. Hosier / Youngtown)  NOTE: Pictures not to be reproduced.
List of Books by Scott Young – http://www.canadianauthors.net/y/young_scott/

Scott Young – Young Family Piano Finds New Home (Omemee)

Omemee, ON – It is with much pleasure that we report on a special new addition to the Youngtown Museum. Specifically, the museum is now home to the Young Family Piano from The Farm of Scott Young and his wife Margaret Hogan. This wonderful piece is a Mason & Risch upright piano obtained by Neil and Astrid Young in Peterborough Ontario in late 1993. Our understanding is that Neil, Astrid, and Bob were in the area to attend the opening of the Scott Young Public School in Omemee around the time of purchase. Neil and family members played this piano many times during visits to the family farm. As outlined in “A Writer’s Life” by Scott Young (page 216) – It was apparently raining quite heavily the day the piano was delivered. Consequently, the delivery truck ran into difficulty making its way up the hill to the farm house. Out of necessity, the deliverymen had the task of pushing the piano up the hill in the pouring rain!  (I personally know it couldn’t have been an easy undertaking for them as my boy’s and I had the challenge of moving the piano to the museum in the snow this past weekend!)
We are so very pleased to accept the piano on behalf of the museum, volunteers, and supporters. Although sad that Mr. Scott Young has passed on and his prized home in the Cavan Hills has found new ownership, we hope that the Young and Hogan Family (and museum guests) will find joy in seeing the piano on display.  (Note:  Additional reference to this piano can also be found in Astrid Young’s book – “Being Young”.)
Sincere thanks to Margaret Hogan and family for this very special donation.
Trevor “T.R.” Hosier / Youngtown Museum
Photo’s:  “The Farm” (Above) and The Piano on the move to Youngtown (Below).

Neil Young to Receive Humanitarian Award at Junos – 2011


SHAKEY SCORES AGAIN!!Another well deserved recognition for Canada’s own Mr. Neil Young.  Beyond his outstanding and ongoing contributions as musician and songwriter extrordinaire,  perhapes less known (at least in some circles) is Neil and Pegi Young’s commitment to community service / humanitarian efforts… ie The Bridge School, Farm Aid, and numerous other causes. Once again, thanks for all you do Neil!
March 28th., 2011 Neil Young Day!  
Update!!! March 27, 2011