Next year will mark a half-century since Acton and Georgetown were merged together to form Halton Hills.
But Heritage Acton is working to ensure the town's individual political history won't soon be forgotten.
The group is looking to restore what was once a vital symbol of local power: the reeve of Acton’s chair (the title of mayor didn't start being used until the 1950s.)
After Acton was absorbed into Halton Hills, the royal-looking furniture became an important piece of local history. The chair's life post-amalgamation saw it without any formal purpose, but it has taken on ceremonial roles.
Decades of use have caused wear and tear though, rendering the chair in need of some restoration.
The chair has made appearances at the Acton Fall Fair and the local Rotary Club’s Citizen of the Year dinner, and generally serves as a point of interest for those who rent a room at the Town Hall Centre.
“This is one of the interesting historical pieces we have at the hall," said Anne McIntyre of Heritage Acton. “If it weren’t for the hall, the chair wouldn’t have any significance."
The Acton Town Hall Centre was where the reeve and his council colleagues made important decisions impacting local residents. Debates were had, and decisions were made in the very chair the McIntyres are now seeking to restore.
A restorer has not been selected yet for the work. Anyone interested in offering their services can email Heritage Acton at [email protected].
