It was very still and humid yesterday afternoon when I visited Corby Park in Belleville .
The park was quiet and for a long time I was the only one there. As I walked around taking my pictures and noting the buds which had already begun to open, a man and his dog took a shortcut down the winding brick path that traverses the park.
Not long after a young Mother and her little girl began a stroll around the park. The little girl was exuberant the way only a child can be as she climbed on the masonry wall of the water fountain.
‘Look, Mom ! There’s no water in here yet !’ she loudly proclaimed. Her Mother replied to her ‘No, I wonder when they will turn the fountain on? I would love to find a white rose . Let’s go and look down there.’. They continued on their way and eventually found the white roses they were looking for.
I noticed the yellow roses are starting to open up. Numerous shades of pinks and red were also in bloom.
I re-read the history of the park on the historical plaque at the centre.
The park is a testament to the love of one man for the community of Belleville , Henry Corby, and if he was hoping to leave a lasting legacy of pride and a feeling of peace and goodwill long after he was gone, he has surely done so with this park.
The other side of the plaque reads :
“CORBY PARK
Donated to the City of Belleville by the Corby family, July 24, 1905. Renovated by the City of Belleville and H. Corby Distillery Limited and re-opened as part of Canadian Centennial Year on the 28th of June, 1967.
HISTORY
Henry Corby, the founder of H. Corby Distillery Limited, came to Belleville from England in 1832. Throughout his life he actively promoted this growing municipality, and was, in the Confederation year 1867, the Mayor of Belleville. The following year, he was a member of the first Ontario Legislature to sit following Confederation. His son, Henry (Harry) Corby, expanded the family business, and participated in numerous activities benefiting Belleville and the community at large. These included:
· donation of Corby Public Library,
· donation of public baths and pavilion at Victoria Park,
· development of pleasure park at Massassaga Point,
· establishment of Corby Charitable Fund for the Poor and Needy – still administered by the Women’s Christian Association,
· promotion of the original bridge across the Bay of Quinte,
· donation of Corby Park.
Henry Corby, Jr. was appointed a senator in 1888 in recognition of his role in Canadian life, typified by this Centenniel park.”
I don’t know if it is the ancient trees, the hundreds of rose
bushes , the mixture of other perennials sprinkled here and there , the winding paths , the old benches, or the sense of quietness and peace, but one can’t help but feel wonderful when they spend time here.
Many couples start their married life in the park where hundreds of ‘just-married’s’ have come to have their wedding photos taken.
There are no dogs, worm-picking or bicycles allowed here and if you have your wedding photos taken here, please remind your guests not to throw confetti or rice.
There are numerous comfy benches sitting under the old and giant trees; a perfect place to bring a book and your lunch on a hot summer day or catch up on an intimate conversation with a friend. Your eye will follow Gray Squirrels and be greeted by friendly Grackles and other birds as they happily wile away the hours visiting one another and searching for their lunch in the park.
If you are in Belleville it is a must see. You can find Corby Park by traveling east from downtown on either Victoria or Bridge Streets. Watch for the blue Corby Rose Garden signs at the corners of William and Victoria or Bridge and Ann .
I’ll meet you on the weathered garden bench that sits under the old tulip tree near the water fountain. Make sure and bring your camera !
©JoSmith
