Documentary Film Seeking Descendants Of 1916 Quaker Oats Fire In Peterborough

Twenty-four workers died when a fire and explosion decimated Peterborough’s Quaker Oats plant on December 11th, 1916.

Now, a committee of descendants is working to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Quaker Oats factory fire. They are looking for other descendants of the workers who perished in the blaze to participate in a documentary film about the tragedy.

The planned 30-minute documentary—directed by Peterborough photographer Paul Brown—will provide a historical account of the disaster and feature personal anecdotes from survivors and family of the deceased workers.

While the makers of the film have already been in touch with some descendants, they are hoping that memories of all of the lost workers can be shared in this important documentary.

“It’s important that we pay proper tribute to the men who died in the fire and share their stories,” says Jane Garvey Gill, whose grandfather William John Garvey died as a result of the explosion and fire. “This tragedy touched so many families in our community. This is an important part of the history of Peterborough.”

The documentary is being planned in conjunction with a number of activities to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the fire, including a souvenir booklet, a special ceremony, and the dedication of a new monument to the workers who lost their lives.

Fellow descendants are encouraged to contact Jane Garvey Gill by phone at 705.652.6049 or by email at jandjgill@gmail.com. You can also follow this Facebook page which has been set up to share information and locate other descendants.

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