Building Bridges: An Intergenerational Podcast and Community Play
In the heart of southwestern Ontario, where the Saugeen and Teeswater rivers meet, sits the village of Paisley; a place steeped in heritage, shaped by its rivers, and strengthened by generations of community pride. Here, curling games echo through the arena, familiar faces gather at the Legion, and yearly traditions like the Santa Claus Parade and the Fall Fair stitch the village together. On Queen Street, stone buildings stand as reminders of a long and vibrant past, while the spirit of neighbourliness continues to anchor daily life.
In 2024, Paisley marked an extraordinary milestone: its 150th anniversary. To commemorate the occasion, Trinity Theatre, the Paisley Artscape Society, and local partners embarked on a year-long journey to honour the stories, people, and history that define this beloved village.
Among the many events, two projects emerged as cornerstones of the anniversary: P150: The Community Play and Building Bridges: ARTifacts. Each offered its own unique lens into Paisley’s past and present, inviting residents to reflect, create, and celebrate together.
P150: The Community Play
Inspired by the vision of British playwright Ann Jellicoe and her tradition of community plays, P150: The Community Play brought Paisley’s history to life through the voices of its residents. Trinity Theatre collected memories from people of all ages; stories of childhood adventures, cherished places, beloved characters, and defining community moments.
These stories were woven into an original theatrical production performed by local residents. The result was a vibrant mosaic of Paisley’s identity, blending humour, resilience, music, and heartfelt recollections. Audiences were immersed in tales of founder Samuel Rowe, lovingly shared by Pat Kelly, as well as memories of skating at the arena, lazy afternoons by the river, and the everyday rituals that make Paisley what it is.
More than a performance, the play became an act of community storytelling; a chance for residents to see themselves and their neighbours reflected on stage, celebrating the shared values and experiences that bind them together.
Building Bridges: ARTifacts
Running parallel to the play, Trinity’s podcast Building Bridges: ARTifacts featured an intergenerational dialogue rooted in memory and creativity. This project built on Trinity Theatre’s ongoing Building Bridges initiative, which connects youth with seniors through storytelling and collaborative arts.
For the anniversary, residents were invited to choose an object from the Treasure Chest Museum, an heirloom, tool, keepsake, or personal artifact, and share the memories attached to it. Youth from Paisley Central School, alongside Trinity staff, recorded these conversations and turned them into a series of podcasts that preserved the voices of the community’s older generation.
Local artists then used these recorded stories as inspiration for original artworks including paintings, sculptures, jewelry, and textiles. When the ARTifacts Show opened at the Paisley Mill, visitors walked into a vibrant, emotional gallery filled with both history and imagination. Each artwork stood as a visual retelling of a resident’s memory, bridging generations and reminding the community of the power of shared stories.
Heritage Talks
Throughout the year, a series of Heritage Talks invited residents to deepen their understanding of Paisley’s past:
- Talk 1: The Founders (May 15)
Explored the legacies of Paisley’s earliest settlers and the vision they held for the growing village. - Talk 2: The Rivers (June 30)
Celebrated the essential role the Saugeen and Teeswater rivers have played in shaping Paisley’s identity, industry, and natural landscape. - Talk 3: The Artists (October 19)
Highlighted the creative individuals, past and present, whose work has shaped the village’s artistic character.
Each talk enriched the community’s understanding of the forces, people, and creativity that continue to influence Paisley today.
A Weekend of Celebration: Harvest of the Arts
The central weekend of festivities, held September 27–29, brought the entire village to life in celebration of its artistic, historical, and culinary traditions.
Festival of the Lost Arts
Hosted by the Treasure Chest Museum, this festival revived traditional skills like blacksmithing, quilting, and woodcarving. Demonstrations allowed visitors to step back in time, witnessing the craftsmanship that once played an essential role in everyday life.
Fill Your Bowls
At the newly renovated community centre, residents gathered for a beloved soup competition where local cooks showcased their best homemade creations. With laughter, conversation, and the warmth of shared food, the event embodied the heart of Paisley’s community spirit.
Carrying the Legacy Forward
As this commemorative year comes to a close, the stories and artworks gathered through P150: The Community Play, Building Bridges: ARTifacts, and the many heritage events form a remarkable snapshot of Paisley at 150 years. They honour the deep roots of the village while also looking toward its future.
Paisley’s beauty has always been found not only where the two rivers meet, but in the people who call this place home. With every story shared, artwork created, and memory preserved, the community has strengthened the bridges between generations, ensuring that Paisley’s character and spirit will continue to shine for decades to come.