Allan & Laura McNabb Narrative
Allan was born and lived all of his life on the family farm in Springwater Township in Edenvale. Laura moved to Edenvale when they were married on September 11, 1954. In 1966 they bought the family farm and continued to live and raise a family there. Having six children, Allan and Laura naturally became involved in the local softball community as their children started to play.
As a member of the Vespra Recreation Committee (1974–1979), Laura was instrumental in the planning, fundraising and opening of the Doran Park ball diamond in Midhurst in the mid 70’s. As the chairperson (1974-1976), she made a presentation to the council in October of 1974 outlining the need for a lighted ball diamond in Vespra. The project had been talked about for a long time but, the search for an appropriate space began in earnest after this meeting. A public meeting was held on July 27, 1976 to present plans and a proposed budget to residents. The first game held on the new diamond was in mid-July of 1977. Laura was honored to throw the first pitch to Reeve Carl Doran as part of the opening ceremonies.
Laura and Allan went on to run the Doran Park refreshment booth for several years, providing refreshments to the fans and perhaps a little advice to the umpires from behind the home-plate bleachers. Proceeds from the booth were used to support softball in a variety of ways (e.g. to purchase uniforms and equipment).
As the McNabb family was searching for information and artifacts to support this nomination, they came across a file containing a scribbler and tax notices from the Edenvale Athletic Association. This was indictive that Allan and Laura acted as treasurers for the association as well.
Allan began his involvement in softball as a young player on the Edenvale teams and continued into adulthood, playing third base in the Vespra Men’s league. As their children began to play in the late 60’s, he and Laura became involved with their teams and by the mid 70’s, both were coaching and involved at the organizational level. Their involvement continued well into the 80’s.
In 1979, on the occasion of their 25th wedding anniversary, Allan and Laura were presented with gifts from the softball community as a thank you for their many years of service to the local OASA teams. The esteem held for them by the community, is evident in the fifty family names recorded on the accompanying card.
Allan and Laura’s love of ball has continued throughout their lives, most recently as avid supporters of the Edenvale River Rats. This team is the only remaining original slow-pitch team in the annual Minesing Labour Day Slo-pitch tournament. For over 50 years, they have cheered on their children and now grandchildren, instilling a love of ball in generations to come.
Allan grew up as a member of the Edenvale, and later Minesing, United Churches where he was a valued member and enjoyed singing in the choir.
Allan was a longtime member of the Midhurst and District Lions Club, and was presented with the Melvin Jones Fellow Award in 2003, as well as, the Distinguished Service Award for his contributions from 1980-2007.
Allan (and by extension, Laura) was a Director with the Ontario Plowmen’s Association representing Simcoe North for over 30 years. From 1971-2002 they contributed each year to the International Plowing Match. Even after he stepped down, Allan and Laura continued to volunteer in various capacities at the yearly plowing match.
In 1994, Laura was honored as the Minesing Citizen-of the Year at the annual Mini-Fest. Her many achievements included: Edenvale Women’s Institute (WI) president for two years, vice-president of the District WI unit, involvement in the Edenvale and Minesing United Churches (as acting church secretary), Evening Ladies Fellowship founding member, Sunday School teacher, member of church council (becoming chair of council in 1992), leadership role in the church garage sale and numerous other fundraising efforts, and member of the Midhurst Lioness Club since its inception just to name a few.
For 29 years, in memory of their grandson, Jonathan, Allan, Laura, and their family members offered an annual Easter Egg Hunt held in the family sugar bush. Laura and her “helper bunnies” would spend the year gathering and purchasing treats and trinkets for the hunt. At the height of the popular event, as many as 400 – 500 goodie bags were distributed The Easter egg hunt was followed by pancakes and syrup in the bush.
Allan and Laura raised six children, who have given them fifteen grandchildren and 17 Great-grandchildren to date.
Laura is currently living in a long-term care facility in Stayner.
In memory: Allan passed away August 6, 2021 at the age of 91.
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