editionap.ca PROFILE Manson left a lasting impression as an educator in Cornwall By Lisa Etherington-Runions
teachers now are much more significant.” “I used to enjoy telling my classes about how I got the strap in Grade 1, Grade 2 and Grade 3 to illustrate the differences in disci- pline. Minor transgressions were dealt with severely and I bore no grudges, as a matter of fact, one of those teachers was my favou- rite. I had her in grades 2, 4 and 5.” Manson always admired the teachers he had in elementary school and decided when he was in Grade 7 or 8 that he would like to be a teacher. Fond memories Many have fond memories of the modest educator, with a keen sense of humour, who spent most of his career at Central Public School. Manson had a certain unique passion for teaching, especially when it came to history, and it was not uncommon to see interest- ing exhibits or unique displays of artifacts in his classroomportraying the early Canadian settler experience. I recall, as one of his students, the unique experiment we did in the peeling, and natu- ral drying of apples, much like the pioneers did in the 19th century. Manson retired in December 1996, but still recalls the wonderful years he spent as a teacher. He has always had an interest in history, so genealogy is a natural extension of that,
twice president. He was also involved with the SDG Genealogical Society from the ear- ly 80’s until it folded a few years ago. He edited the newsletter for more than 20 years and, as an aid to researchers, he also volunteered a couple of hours a week in the Cornwall Room at the public library and one afternoon a month at the Wood House museum. Manson was also involved with the Mar- tintown Mill Preservation Corp. for more than 12 years. “In the years, I’ve also built a database of families with local connections, which now numbers almost 64,000 individuals,” said Manson. The educator has also published, along with Lily Worrall, two volumes of old news- paper columns from the 30’s and 40’s. Find- ing forgotten tidbits of history and sharing them has been one of his most enjoyable experiences. “These Down the Lane col- umns by George Wilson are genealogical and historical gems,”Manson added. Since retirement, when not researching or working on genealogical projects, Man- son until recently did a lot of gardening and found this to be relaxing and enjoyable. He also enjoys historical drama movies such as The Last of the Mohicans, as well as 50’s and early 60’s music, and the odd moment to catch interesting television shows.
The day Lyall Gordon Manson was born, Dec. 30, 1941, he set a length record at the former Cornwall General Hospital, enter- ing the world at 24 inches in length. This was the first of many amazing events in the life of Manson, and to this day he re- calls his life experience with pride. “I grew up in Mille Roches,” explained Manson,“ and moved to Cornwall Centre in 1955. “ “This was during the building of the Sea- way, and we moved in the house as it was pulled along the road. This was a monu- mental event in the lives of many growing up in what now is referred to as The Lost Villages.” As a teenager Manson attended St. Law- rence High School, then the Ottawa Teach- ers’ College, and by fall 1962 he started teaching. In 1964 he married Margaret Turnbull, who had immigrated to Canada from England as a child. Contrast in times “Education and society are almost totally different from what they were when I was starting my teaching career 50 years ago,” said Manson. “I suppose that could always be said about any 50-year period, but I think the challenges facing students, parents and
Photo Lisa Runions
and over the years he has worked on sev- eral indexing and other projects as geneal- ogy aids. He is a life member of the SDG Historical Society having served on executive from the early 1970’s to the early 90’s and was Lyall Manson had a unique passion for teaching, especially history, during his years at Central Public School in Corn- wall.
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