Public Art Project

Mabel Bruce was a professional nurse appointed the first superintendent of Bowmanville's new hospital at the time of its opening in 1913. In 1915, Mabel Bruce enlisted as a Canadian Nursing Sister in World War I and served overseas. She was honoured with distinguished service awards and medals, which were given to Bowmanville Hospital after she passed away.

Marion Rickard Farr was born in Bowmanville in 1912. She attended local schools and later graduated from the University of Toronto with a degree in Latin and Greek. She had a long secondary school teaching career and was a lifelong learner, philanthropist, and supporter of history and education. She was also an author who wrote books about her family and Clarington's local history.

Captain Ada Hind was among the first Salvation Army representatives in Bowmanville and was instrumental in the establishment of the Bowmanville congregation in 1884. Historical descriptions indicate Captain Hind was an intelligent, well-spoken, and very persuasive figure who served as a commanding officer and guided the rapid growth of the Salvation Army's presence in Bowmanville.

Marie Hubbard (née Nickerson) was born and raised in Bowmanville. She had a long career in local politics and civic engagement, serving on various committees that helped shape the community. Ms. Hubbard was the first female mayor of the Town of Newcastle (now the Municipality of Clarington). She previously served as a local Councillor, Regional Councillor for Durham Region, and Chair of the Ontario Municipal Board. In 2019, she was appointed associate chairperson of the Ontario Land Tribunals (formerly Local Planning Appeal Tribunal) and, in 2020, became the Executive Chair of the newly-created Ontario Land Tribunals organization.

Dr. James was born in Bowmanville in May 1909 and attended local schools, including Bowmanville High School where she graduated Valedictorian. She completed a medical degree from the University of Toronto and undertook post-graduate studies in paediatrics. Dr. James served as a medical advisor to the Infants' Homes in Toronto and was the physician in charge of medical services with the Children's Aid Society.

Nina Neads is known as one of Bowmanville's first successful businesswomen. She opened her own insurance business in 1919 when there were few professional opportunities available to women. Ms. Neads continued to lead her insurance practice, which served several high-profile local clients, until her death in 1963. Ms. Neads grew up in Bowmanville and attended Central Public School and Bowmanville High School.

Nellie Lyle Pattinson was the author of The Canadian Cookbook, later renamed the Nellie Lyle Pattinson's Canadian Cookbook. Nellie was born and raised in Bowmanville and attended local schools, including the former high school on Queen Street. She studied at the University of Toronto and became a department head of "domestic science" at a Toronto High School. In the 1920s, she collaborated with Ryerson Press to publish the first collection of recipes for "Canadian cuisine."

The story of the Sky Woman is part of the local indigenous culture. The Sky Woman falls from the sky and is greeted and carried by sky animals to land on the back of a great turtle. With the help of a muskrat, she acquires a handful of soil from the deep waters and begins to form Turtle Island (North America).