Trent Valley Archives Hosting Free Presentation of Quaker Fire of 1916

Trent Valley Archives has launched its new season of talks, walks and tours in a free presentation on a new understanding of the substantial Quaker Fire of 1916 at the Highland Park Cemetery Visitor on April 25.

Photo courtesy of Trent Valley Archives.

The presentation takes place from 7 to 9 p.m.

This year’s speaker, Matthew Flagler, author of ‘Held to the Fire,’ grew up in East City and is related to Dennis O’Brien, his great grandfather, whose body was never recovered in the explosion at Quaker Oats on Dec. 11, 1916.

‘Held to the Fire’ dissects the shocking event piece-by-piece, throwing back the curtain of time to reveal an incredible story of resilience and courage in the face of adversity.

Flagler will discuss the challenges of writing about an event over 107 years ago, the impetus for writing Held to the Fire, do a select reading from the book and answer questions from the audience.

Refreshments will be served and the annual general meeting will follow the discussion. Matthew’s book will also be available for sale that evening.

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