Prominence Point: A Place of Recognition

Adelaide Hunter Hoodless
1857 or 1858 – 1910
Inducted 2003

Adelaide Hunter Hoodless was born, in Brant County on February 27, 1857 or 1858. She was moved by the tragic death of her fourth child to help women improve their domestic science and child care skills. In 1897, Hoodless co-founded the Women's Institute, with Erland Lee from Stoney Creek, for which Hoodless coined the motto "For Home and Country". The organization expanded to become the Federated Women's Institutes of Canada and Associated Country Women of the World. Hoodless was involved with the YWCA, the Victorian Order of Nurses, the National Council of Women, the University of Guelph's MacDonald Institute and McGill University's School of Household Science, and also introduced domestic science courses in schools at the secondary and post secondary level. She died on the eve of her birthday in 1910.

Alexander Graham Bell
1847 – 1922
Inducted 1999

Born in Edinburgh, Scotland in 1847, Alexander Graham Bell grew up surrounded by inspiration. As a young man, he was motivated by his parents to become a teacher of the deaf. With a background in elocution, Bell also had a strong interest in telegraphy. On July 26th, 1874, Bell sat in the dale at his father's Brant County home and pondered the quest for a "speaking telegraph." Here, inspiration struck: Bell grasped the principle on which his most famous invention, the telephone, would work. On a subsequent visit here, he completed the world's first successful long distance telephone call from Brantford to Paris, Ontario.

Allen Pizzey
Inducted 2004

Born in Brantford, November 19, 1946, Allen Pizzey is an award-winning journalist of a unique calibre. His work as a CBS foreign news correspondent based in Rome since 1989 has earned him numerous journalistic awards and accolades, including two Emmy Awards and four Overseas Press Club Awards. Pizzey's work has covered international stories from the Berlin Wall to Kosovo to South Africa. Throughout his prestigious career, he has maintained his pursuit of excellence and has earned an unmistakable reputation worldwide for the level of quality and courage his reporting consistently delivers.

Arnold Anderson
1929 – 1999
Inducted 1998 

Dubbed "Mr. Local Sports," Arnold Anderson was the voice of sports at CKPC radio for over 50 years, retiring in 1998. He was the play-by-play announcer for many Brantford Red Sox baseball games and all Brantford Alexanders Junior A hockey games. Anderson was a positive support to countless teams, organizations, parents, and individual athletes. Young and old listened faithfully to hear their names and words of encouragement on his daily broadcasts. He won many local, provincial and national awards for his community contributions. Involved in many local events beyond sports and radio, Arnold Anderson was known as a great Brantford booster.

The Cockshutt Family
Inducted 2000

Ignatius Cockshutt was the patriarch of an industrious family who touched the lives of many in the last half of the 1800s and the early 1900s. As "Mr. Brantford," Ignatius gave leadership to many municipal works and personally endowed several institutions for the benefit of our citizens. Of those, Cockshutt Road and Cockshutt Park continue in use today. Following his good exampie, his sister established and operated the Jane Laycock School. His son James built the Cockshutt Plow Company, which employed many citizens and was managed for over 90 years by his sons "W.F.," Frank, Harry, and grandson Gordon. The art gallery and park at Glenhyrst Gardens, still in use today, were donated to the City by his son Edmond.

Emmy Award-winning choreographer Debra Brown is world-renowned for her distinct approach to movement. Through a unique combination of dance and gymnastics, Brown is famous for her incredible work as the principal choreographer of the Cirque du Soleil. In addition to the Cirque, Debra travels the globe choreographing pieces for rock musicians such as Madonna, Celine Dion, Shakira, and Aerosmith. She also works on major operas, film, theatre and ice shows around the world. Brown continues to push the confines of human kinetics and strives to break new ground in combining all forms and elements of movement.

Born 1955
Inducted 1997

Doug Jarvis was born in Brantford in 1955 and was a graduate of Pauline Johnson Collegiate. Following his junior hockey career with the Peterborough Petes, he went on to play 13 seasons in the National Hockey League Career highlights include: Frank J. Selke Trophy winner in 1984, Bill Masterson Memorial Trophy winner in 1987, Stanley Cup champion in 1976, 1977, 1978 and 1979 as a player with the Montreal Canadiens, Stanley Cup champion in 1999 and 2001 as assistant coach with the Dallas Stars and the Boston Bruins. Holds an NHL record for most consecutive games played (964).

E. Pauline Johnson Tekahionwake 
1861 – 1913
Inducted 1998

Born on the Six Nations Reserve in 1861, Pauline Johnson moved to Brantford in 1884. Johnson began reciting her poems to small audiences and then to enthusiastic crowds on the professional circuit. By the turn of the century, she had become one of the best-known performers of her time. Johnson also earned a reputation as a popular writer. She retired from touring in 1909 and moved to Vancouver, British Columbia, where she died four years later.

"My paddle will lull you into rest.

O! drowsy wind of the drowsy west, Sleep, sieep,

By your mountain steep,

Or down where the prairie grasses sweep!

Vow fold in slumber your laggard wings,

For soft is the song my paddle sings."

from "The Song my Paddle Sings"

Dr. Emily Howard Stowe
1831 – 1903
Inducted 1999

Emily Howard Stowe was a teacher with the Brantford School Board prior to becoming the first woman principal of a public school in Upper Canada at Central School in Brantford. Her marriage to John Stowe in 1856 brought her to Mount Pleasant, where they had three children. In 1867, she became the first Canadian woman to receive a medical degree from a foreign country and set up a practice in homeopathic medicine in Toronto. It was not until 1880 that she was granted her medical license, making her the second licensed female physician in Canada. In 1877, Dr. Stowe helped found Canada's first suffragette group. Emily Stowe died in 1903. Women received the vote in Canada, in 1917, due in large part to her tireless campaigning.

Gary Farmer Hayetwahs
Born 1953
Inducted 2004

Born on the Six Nations Reserve on June 12, 1953, Gary Farmer is an accomplished actor and has extensive experience in film, television, theatre, and radio. He has numerous awards to his credit including Male Performer of the Year (1997), Best Actor Award for both the American Indian Film Festival and the First Americans in the Arts Festival. He is the recipient of the James Buller Award for Male Performer of the Year (1997). Farmer founded and is founder of the Aboriginal Voices Radio Network. Through his commitment and foresight, he continues to create an artistic forum which highlights the pride of his aboriginal culture, Aboriginal Voices Magazine.

Dr. James Hillier
1915 – 2007
Inducted 1997

In 1938, Dr. James Hillier, a scientist and inventor, designed and built, with Albert Prebus, the world's first practical electron microscope. Hillier spent much of his time refining his invention and marketing it to research laboratories and universities. He received 41 patents for devices and processes. After retirement he promoted science education in developing countries. The James Hillier Foundation was established in 1993 to award annual scholarships to Brant County students pursuing an education in science.

Jay Silverheels
1912 – 1980
Inducted 2003 

Born Harry J. Smith on the Six Nations Territory, Jay Silverheels was a remarkable boxer and lacrosse player. His lacrosse talent took him across North America to Los Angeles where he merged into Hollywood when American Indians were portrayed by non-Indians in a negative fashion. In 1949 he was the first Aboriginal to play an Indian on TV. His fame came as Tonto of The Lone Ranger. Silverheels became an activist for Indian rights continuing to appear in film, TV shows and commercials. Jay became a spokesman to improve the portrayal of Indians on TV. From 1962 to 1968, he worked tirelessly establishing the. Indian Actors Workshop, an organization to train Native actors and to prepare them for a difficult task: to rise in Hollywood against racism and stereotypical roles. He expanded the theatre school in 1968. Jay's legacy was to rise above racism and to break barriers into a well-established industry.

John Turner
1807 – 1887
Inducted 2019 

Born in Wales, John Turner was a prominent Canadian building and landscape architect. He is responsible for some of the most distinguished Victorian architecture in Brantford, the County of Brant and the Province of Ontario. Turner's architectural work shows his ability to master many different building types and styles. including courthouses, churches, town halls, stores, schools, and parks. His most notable works in Brantford include the Brant County Courthouse, Grace Anglican Church and Victoria Park. Turner also had a long-standing municipal career, serving as a town Councillor from 1849-1864, and is recognized as Brantford's first Fire Chief when the City's first fire department was formed in 1836.

Joseph Brant Thayendanegea
1742 – 1807
Inducted 2002

Captain Joseph Brant Thayendanegea was a Mohawk born in 1742. His Mohawk name, Thayendanegea, meaning "two sticks of wood together," symbolized the strength he reflected throughout his life as he combined the traditions of the Longhouse with European culture. From its early beginnings as "Brant's Crossing" to the present-day, Brantford is proud of the historical legacy left to it by this extraordinary man.

June Callwood
1924 – 2007
Inducted 2005 

June Callwood, C.C., O.Ont., LL.D., was born June 2, 1924 in Chatham, Ont., and moved to Brantford in June 1940. As a student at Brantford Collegiate Institute & Vocational School, she was editor of the school's newspaper. She went on to become a cub reporter at the Brantford Expositor from February 1941 until September 1942 before being hired by The Globe and Mail. As a freelance journalist, Callwood hosted television shows and wrote newspaper articles, magazine pieces and books. Her desire for social justice resulted in the founding of over 50 Canadian social action organizations including women's hostels, a Toronto hospice for people with AIDS, PEN Canada and the Canadian Civil Liberties Association. In 1978, Callwood was made a member of the Order of Canada, promoted to Officer in 1986 and Companion in 2000.

Lawren S. Harris
1885 – 1970
Inducted 2005 

Born October 23, 1885, Lawren Stewart Harris is one of Canada's best-known painters. The Harris family was the Harris of the Massey-Harris Co. Ltd. His family's successful business allowed him to travel and paint the Canadian landscapes that he is famous for. In the 1920s, Harris was instrumental in the creation of "The Group of Seven," a group of painters looking to create a Canadian style of art. He painted in Atlantic Canada, the Arctic and the Rocky Mountains, and was a pioneer of Canadian abstract painting. As a founder of, and through his work with the Federation of Canadian Artists, and as a trustee at the National Gallery of Canada, Harris promoted younger artists and was later honoured for his work, receiving the Order of Canada in 1969.

Linda Schuyler, C.M., O.Ont.
CEO, Epitome Pictures Inc.
Born 1948
Inducted 2004

Born in London, England, and raised in Paris, Ontario, Linda Schuyler is best known as the co-creator and Executive Producer of the multi-award winning Degrassi television franchise. Broadcast in more than 150 countries, the series is recognized as one of Canada's most valuable cultural exports. Degrassi showcases the rich, universal issues of adolescents and celebrates the human experience through Linda's dedication to frank and authentic storytelling. Degrassi embraces characters of sexual, economic, racial, physical, and cultural diversity, reassuring young people everywhere that they are not alone. Through Degrassi, Linda has become an avid mentor. In 1994, Linda was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada, and in 2012 was inducted into the Order of Ontario.

Century of Olympians (1900-2000)

Tom Longboat, Marathon (1908); William Wood, Marathon (1908); Norman General, Marathon (1920); Sylvanus (Syl) Apps, Pole Vault (1936); Sara Barber Jenkins, Swimming (1956, 1960); Debbie Miller, Track & Field (1968); Grant McLaren, Track & Field (1972, 1976); Gregg Smith, Canoeing (1976); Marg MacGowan Hendershot, Track & Field (1976); Robert Martin, Track & Field (1976); Candy Clarkson Lohr Jirik, Basketball (1984); Todd Brooker, Skiing (1984); Julie Howard, Swimming (1992, 1996); Wayne Gretzky, Hockey (1998); Mike Beres, Badminton (2000); Kevin Sullivan, Track & Field (2000)

Century of Paralympians (1900-2000)

Pat Godin
Born 1953 
Inducted 2000

Born in 1953, artist Pat Godin received a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Biology and a Master of Science in Waterfowl Ecology at the University of Guelph. His artistic specialization is birds and waterfowl, emphasizing their environmental significance. In 1976 a wood carved and painted bird by Godin was awarded "Best in World," beginning a series of 12 World Championship titles spanning five decades. A passion for nature has provided the motivation for him to pursue wildfowl sculpture as a lifelong career. Based in Paris, Ontario, Godin's unique style and creative vision have placed him in a class few artists achieve in their own lifetime.

Phil Hartman
1948 – 1998
Inducted 1997

Born in Brantford on September 24, 1948, Phil Hartman resided at 225 Dufferin Avenue. Hartman began his career in 1975 with the famed Los Angeles comedy troupe The Groundlings. Hartman spent eight years using his extensive repertoire of accents, dialects, impressions, and characterizations on the landmark television show Saturday Night Live. The Emmy Award-winning actor/writer also starred in feature films and television on the series NewsRadio for four seasons, as well appearing on The Simpsons for nine seasons, and recording a number of voice-over roles throughout his diverse career. Thanks to the efforts of his family, friends and fans, Phil Hartman was awarded a star on Canada's Walk of Fame, along with the Cineplex Legends Award in 2012.

Samuel W. Steadman
1881 – 1965
Inducted 1998 

From modest beginnings in 1890, Samuel W. Stedman and his brothers, Edward, and George, built a chain of retail stores that stretched from coast to coast. The first was Stedman Bookstore located at 154 Colborne Street, followed oy the country-wide chain of Stedman Brothers variety stores. In his time Stedman was one of Brantford's best-known and most highly respected citizens. He was a dedicated community supporter and gave generously to the people of Brantford until his death in 1965. The citizens of this community continue to benefit from his industry and interest through the Samuel W. Stedman Foundation.

Summerhays Brothers
Inducted 2005

The name Summerhays is synonymous with the sport of boxing. The brothers were known as gentlemen in their sport, both in and out of the ring. Managed by Frank Bricker, the Summerhays brothers proudly represented Brantford Branch 90 Legion Boxing Club for their entire careers. Having competed against nine eventual world champions and several other world-crass boxers, brothers Terry, Gary, and John Summerhays put Brantford on the boxing map during the 1960s, 70s and 80s. All three brothers turned professional on April 20, 1970 in Windsor, Ontario. They were the only three brothers to box in New York Madison Square Garden on the same night, October 25, 1974. A Brantford boxing tournament was named after them in 2000.

Terry Summerhays, born March 7, 1948 - Welterweight Division Ranked 3rd in Canada

Gary Summerhays, born May 16, 1949 - Commonwealth Light Heavyweight Champion 1978

John Summerhays, born July 29, 1951 – Canadian Lightweight Champion 1974-1976

Thomas B. Costain
1885 – 1965
Inducted 2002 

A journalist for many years, Thomas B. Costain wrote for various Canadian newspapers including the Brantford Expositor and later Maclean's magazine. He became editor of The Saturday Evening Post in New York City before becoming a best-selling author of historical novels. At the age of 57, Costain published his first romance novel, For My Great Folley. The novel was an immediate success and was followed almost yearly by historical adventure tales. Among his many publications he wrote popular novel, Son of a Hundred Kings (1950), which was inspired by his boyhood days growing up in Brantford.

Walter Gretzky
1938 - 2021
Inducted 1999

Born October 8, 1938 in Paris, Ontario, Walter Gretzky is a tireless Brantford ambassador and Canada's best known hockey dad. Waiter worked for Bell Canada for 34 years, and he and his wife Phyllis settled in Brantford to raise their five children, Wayne, Kim, Keith, Glen and Brent. While being the father of Wayne Gretzky made Walter well-known, it is his zest for life, charitable work, and generous support of the local community that have made him well-loved. Walter has worked with the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, and many other charitable organizations and community activities. For his significant community contributions, Walter Gretzky has received several honours, including the Order of Ontario and the Order of Canada. He was appointed the Lord Mayor of Brantford in 2007

Born 1961
Inducted 2004

Born in Brantford on January 26, 1961. From the young age of six, Wayne Gretzky's talent was evident to everyone who watched him skate. During his illustrious career, he became the National Hockey League's all-time leading scorer. After 20 seasons in the NHL, Gretzky announced his retirement in 1999 with four Stanley Cup Championships, nine Hart Memorial trophies, ten Art Ross trophies, two Conn Smythe trophies, five Lester B. Pearson awards, four Lady Byng memorial trophies, and much more. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame the same year and his number, 99, was retired league-wide. Wayne Gretzky holds or shares 61 NHL records, including most points, most goals, and most assists. On or off the ice, he will be forever remembered as one of the greatest athletes of the 20th century.