“Yesterday I went on the Canadian Studies 221H trip, and thoroughly enjoyed myself. I found it hard to believe all the history that I walk by in downtown Peterborough day after day and don’t recognize. The idea of removing the students from lecture – if only for one day – helps us to realize the reality of what we are learning. Also incorporating places that the students often go to creates a real interest for us. I can’t tell you the excitement I had when I learned we were going to the Red Dog and the Pig’s Ear. Two of the great weekend places to attend and to learn the history of the places made me want to share it with my friends. Learning about the Oriental and Centennial Hotels really opened my eyes as a Peterborough resident and helped me to see that it’s not all about what Peterborough is now, but rather what it was, and what it has become.

“Although not a good day weather wise, that did not stop me from enjoying the trip because I think getting the students out into the community is a great way to help us truly comprehend the history we overlook daily. At first I can truly say I did not grasp the concept of the tour, however before long I was lost in the history of a great town and also learned many things about places where, as a Trent student, I spend much time. I learned that there is far more to the streets of Peterborough than what we see and I very much enjoyed the tour of historic Peterborough. I just wanted to thank the Canadian Studies Department for allowing (and financing) this trip in order for us to learn things we may very well have never known.”

Posted on Thursday, October 9, 2008.