On Sunday May 28, 2000, the Incorporated Militia of Upper Canada had the distinct honour of participating in a ceremony honouring Heintzmann House which is located in the town of Thornhill-Markham.
³The Town of Markham honoured the Heintzmann House by authorizing the ceremony as an official Markham 2000 event. Presented on May 28, 2000 a medallion as a memento of the celebration.
The Heintzmann House is one of Thornhill-Markham¹s oldest buildings (circa 1816) with a rich history. The first owner of the property was a New Jersey Loyalist officer, Anthony Hollingshead.
In recognition of the heritage of The Heintzmann House, The United Empire Loyalists¹ Association of Canada made a special presentation of a First Union flag, a combination of the Cross of St. George and the Cross of St. Andrew. This flag was saluted by Lieutenant Governor James Graves Simcoe when he opened the first parliament in Upper Canada in 1792, and the flag the Loyalists carried when they sought a new life in Canada.
Other properties in the Greater Toronto area to receive this recognition from the national association are Queen¹s Park and Fort York.
The medallion designed by Warren Carroll, the front features an early illustration of the House drawn and graciously donated by Dorothy Clark McClure. The back depicts the First Union Flag along with the symbol for the Town of Markham¹s Year 2000 events.²
The Incorporated Militia acted as part of the historical honour guard for the flag presentation and UEL Historical Site designation ceremony.
The Royal Yorkers were also in attendance. Both groups were instrumental in providing an appropriate uniformed presence at Heintzmann House. A three volley salute by the Yorkers and the Incorporated Militia was very well received by the crowd and dignitaries present. Representatives of the Seneca Runners were also present, portraying their traditional role of ally to the Canadian and British regiments.
The recently revived IMUC corps of drums led by Drum Major Flowers, were a real crowd pleaser.
After the official ceremonies, guests and visitors of Heintzmann House were able to tour the house and visit the Seneca, Yorker and IMUC camps to learn more about early Canadian history. As usual this is one of our favourite activities!
