Sometimes there is little left behind in terms of memories of days gone by. But sometimes, there is a treasure-trove of stories. And once in awhile, those recollections are preserved and written down for both present and future generations. Such is the story of Ben Madill, a much beloved and passionate advocate of the preservation and our stories, local history, and of his home community of Britannia. Not only did Ben, with the support of his wife Marjorie, write a book – he wrote three, and even then, they only scratch the surface on the array of stories and insight he shared over many years of active involvement in his community – he also gave freely of his time and was a stalwart supporter of the Britannia Schoolhouse, Britannia United Church and Cemetery, and of the Friends of the Schoolhouse. Although the Madill farm, once located northwest of Hurontario Street and Highway 401, is no longer on our landscape, Madill Boulevard runs through part of the former farm property and is one of the ways in which the Madill family name is remembered today on our landscape.

Ben Madill epitomized a lifetime of giving and is fondly remembered and was well respected in Mississauga’s heritage community. He regaled generations with his stories and knowledge of the “old days” of Britannia, of farming, of life in a one-room schoolhouse in the midst of what is now the City of Mississauga. Ben and Marjorie Madill owned their farm at Britannia from 1946 until 2009.

Ben’s extensive knowledge of farming techniques, including rope making and woodworking, were exceptional – equalled only by his love for sharing his knowledge with young and old. His passion for clocks – his former home at Britannia was literally filled with clocks – was a source of interest and humour for all who visited him. From blue potatoes and hand-made toys to his wooden bicycle, Ben shared his enthusiasm for the world around him with all who knew him. Over the years at Heritage Showcase exhibits Ben could often be found assisting the Friends or displaying his own clocks, much to the delight of visitors.

Always humble, Ben has been honoured twice with awards from Heritage Mississauga (1999 & 2007) for his involvement in the community, and in 2010 Ben received the Lieutenant Governor’s Heritage Award for Lifetime Achievement.

Ben’s memories of growing up and raising his own family in Britannia and of attending the Old Britannia Schoolhouse are recorded for future generations of Mississauga residents in three books:

• Britannia School and School Farm ... and My School Days (1992)

• Family History and Memoirs of Benson A. Madill (1994)

• Memoirs and Reflections of Benson A. Madill, Volume 2 (1997)

Marjorie Madill with plaque honouring Ben Madill at the Britannia Schoolhouse

If you visit the Old Britannia Schoolhouse today, although no a longer functioning element of the Peel School Board Education program (something that would certainly dismay Ben), you will find part of the garden identified as Ben’s Corner: this “spot” was intended as a place for visiting children to listen to stories about schools of long ago, and for others to enjoy a quiet, contemplative moment. Ben’s Corner was created by the Friends of the Schoolhouse to honour Ben Madill’s many years of association with the schoolhouse. Ben attended the Britannia Schoolhouse in the 1920s, and Ben continued throughout his life to support efforts to preserve the schoolhouse. A plaque installed in the garden reads in part:

Ben Madill, Lifetime Achievement Award presentation

Ben’s Corner|This conversation and storytelling corner of our garden is dedicated to the memory of Benson A. Madill 1915-2013

Ben’s stories, reflections, humour and kindness enriched the lives of all who knew him. Madill Boulevard is one small way in which Ben and the Madill family are remembered on our modern landscape, although in terms of local history, Ben left a treasure trove of stories and memories behind.

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