Youngtown
Museum
Season
Five!
2012
Music museum in Omemee now
up and running
"We're on one of the busiest routes in the City of Kawartha Lakes. . . we want people to stop, not just drive on by." Debb Coote
Date: 2008-05-22 By Catherine Whitnall
When Trevor Hosier began his music memorabilia collection, he had no idea he would be sharing it with others.
However, roughly 40 years later, that's exactly what has happened. On May 17, Mr. Hosier officially opened the doors to the Youngtown Rick & Roll Museum. Located in a turn of the century former 'five and dime' at 45 King St. E., the museum showcases rare, vintage and one-of-a-kind artifacts, documents, autographed items, photographs and memorabilia. The lion's share of the items on display come from Mr. Hosier's own personal collection.
Mr. Hosier has lived in the area since 2006, having opened a private counselling practice. Impassioned by a combination of music and history - especially how music has impacted society's evolution - Mr. Hosier was thrilled to be able to share that through the museum. The collection is part of Mr. Hosier's self-confessed "life-long obsession".
In addition to thanking a number of individuals for the support and help - including Rose and Bud Healey, parents of Jeff Healey who passed away earlier this year, to whom he presented a special award during a VIP celebration on May 16 - Mr. Hosier expressed gratitude to his extremely tolerant family; wife Brenda and their three children. Mr. Hosier's efforts as well were met with praise and appreciation.
Omemee Business & Community Improvement Association project coordinator Debb Coote said the museum is a definite boon for the Village. As both a resident and OBCIA liaison involved with the revitalization of Omemee through the OBCIA's efforts, she is thrilled to see the museum find a home on the community's main drag.
"We're on one of the busiest routes in the City of Kawartha Lakes. . . we want people to stop, not just drive on by," she said, confident the museum will be a benefit.
Mayor Ric McGee was also excited about the museum. "What they [the Hosier family] have done on the east side of Omemee and the collection they have assembled there, is absolutely priceless," said Mayor McGee, noting it's a shining example of the direction the City is taking to "set itself apart from everywhere else."
Victoria County Historical Society director John Carr noted the museum will definitely "add to the experience when people come to the area to enjoy our heritage." He added the museum is somewhat different from others in the City in that it not only looks at the "life and times of days gone by" but also offers a glimpse into a facet of life that continues to have a tremendous impact on the world. "We really appreciate that T.R. has taken out his personal collection and is sharing it with others," said Mr. Carr.
Along with showcasing its namesake - Neil Young, who lived in the Omemee area for many years - the bulk of the showcase will centre around Mr. Hosier's favourite three decades; the 50s, 60s and 70s. Some of the items featured include items worn by John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix, Elton John, Cher, Rick Danko, Roy Orbison, Stevie Nicks, Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis along with Bob Dylan's harmonica and Jerry Garcia's banjo. The museum will operate Friday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., April to November. Anyone who has items they would like to include in the museum, either by selling, donating or lending, is encouraged to get in contact with Mr. Hosier.
For more information call 799-2903 or e-mail youngtownmuseum@hotmail.com. Mr. Hosier is also working on expanding his website (www.youngtownmuseum.com).
