Wednesday, May 2, 2007 · Page 8 United Empire Loyalists plan conference BY ANDY COMBER Early settlement along Lake Erie and the hardships endured by the Loyalists who came to Canada between 1784 and 1790 were the topic of discussion at the April 26 meeting of the Harrow Early Immigrants Research Society. Plans for an upcoming conference hosted by the United Empire Loyalist Association of Canada (UELAC) were also discussed. Guest speaker Kimberly Hurst, UE, education director and conference chair for the Bicentennial Branch of the UELAC, spoke about the lack of knowledge on the contributions made by the Loyalists, who came to Canada during the time of the American Revolution. "They were told, join or die," said Hurst, speaking of the hardships endured by the Loyalists who refused to participate in the rebellion against Britain. Following the Revolutionary War, Lt. Col. William Caldwell obtained almost 100 lots of land along the north shore of Lake Erie Kimberly Hurst, UE, education director and conference chair for the Bicentennial Branch of the United Empire Loyalist Association of Canada, spoke in Harrow April 26. for settlement by the Loyalists. The lots were obtained by treaty with the First Nations. Granted in 1784, the properties were named the New Settlement of Lake Erie, Gosfield and Colchester, and were settled by Loyalists of varied backgrounds including German Hessians, British, Pennsylvania Dutch and Blacks. Despite the creation of the settlement, Hurst said many Loyalists were not equipped to tame the natural state of the lands, which were heavily forested and undeveloped. "Many ended up going elsewhere. They were starv- ing to death," said Hurst, showing a computer slide presentation geared to Grade 7 students, which is made available at the Kingsville Historical Park. UELAC is holding their conference "At the End of the Trail" in Windsor from May 31 to June 3. One of the oldest Loyalist settlements in Canada, Old Sandwich Towne will be the focus of the conference, with tours including the DuffBaby House, McGregorCowan House, St. John's Anglican Church, and Mackenzie Hall. An alternate tour of Amherstburg will be offered.