The audience consisted of residents from all walks of life including homemakers, farmers and business people. Two of which are the volunteer's parents. Some residents of Brooklin have spent their entire lives here, and it's important for them to feel that their past and experiences are restored. That's why the Brooklin Heritage Society guides interviews and presentations with elders to learn about their history.

During his presentation on our history, he elicited personal stories from the guests, and even the volunteers had stories of their own to share as numerous of the residents were born and raised in the town. 

They reminisced about their childhoods and talked about what life was like before the city underwent urbanization. The Brooklin Heritage Society provided the opportunity where older members of the community had the chance to share their personal stories and memories through discussions and interviews. The town of Brooklin has been actively involved in the preservation of its rich heritage. This has included providing financial support to various organizations dedicated to heritage conservation, as well as developing accessible resources for individuals to deepen their understanding of their cultural legacy.

However, there was the inevitable decay of many historical buildings in Brooklin since its inception. For example, the Globe Hotel burned down and the property remained vacant until 1907 when Charles Grass bought the land and created Grass Park, which still stands today. There have numerous efforts to preserve and restore several of these landmarks. The Brooklin Mill at 25 Cassels Road East was built in 1848 for John Campbell, and the date is still visible on the west side gable of the building. The original mill, built in 1840, was destroyed by fire in 1847. It has since been transformed into a Montessori school. The Brooklin Community Centre, located at 45 Cassels Road East, was previously a Christian Bible Church and continues to be a prominent fixture in downtown Brooklin. Many other buildings have also been carefully restored and renovated, serving as poignant reminders of our town's rich history.

The two-story store at 50 Baldwin Street was constructed in the 1850s by Henry Daniels. His original store was a log cabin on Cassels Rd. E., across from the mill. In the 1890s, the building housed a drug store run by John Warren. Around 1897, Alferd C. Elliot settled in Brooklin and established Elliot's General Store at the site now occupied by the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce. His son, Charles Wesley Elliot, took over the store after his father retired and successfully operated it for over half a century. In the early 20th century, a house was added to the north of the store. The building and house were demolished in 1967, and the CIBC was built in 1972.

The town of Brooklin serves as a living testament to the importance of preserving our heritage. Through the tireless efforts of dedicated volunteers like Brian Wick and the Brooklin Heritage Society, the community has fostered an environment where the past is not only remembered but celebrated. By providing opportunities for older residents to share their stories and memories, society has ensured that future generations will have a deeper understanding and appreciation for the rich history that has shaped their lives.

Despite the inevitable decay of historical buildings and the transformation of the town through urbanization, Brooklin's commitment to preserving its past remains unwavering. The careful restoration and renovation of key landmarks, such as the Brooklin Mill and the Brooklin Community Centre, stand as tangible reminders of the town's storied history. Even when change is unavoidable, the town's historical photographs allow us to retrace our steps and reconnect with the past.

Ultimately,  I was very pleased by the presentation at the Court of Brooklin. The town demonstrates the profound impact when a community comes together in its dedication to preserving its heritage. By protecting the traditions, values, and customs passed down through generations.