If you remember Ft Erie Aerie, this will break your heart

Fort Erie Aerie 3155 was, until its charter was surrendered this past year, the second-oldest aerie in Ontario with by far the largest property. The video below gives you a brief look at how spectacular the place was. It's an object lesson to all of us about how much we can lose, how quickly, by putting off whatever is necessary to keep our aeries prosperous and growing.

Toronto 2311 and Ft Erie 3155 were, before the OPA was formed in 1995, part of the New York State Aerie (while all other Ontario aeries were part of Michigan). In the old days, many of us traveled to New York Eagles events. Most times, it was traditional on the return trip, as soon as we crossed the border, to stop in for a beer "at home" in Ft Erie.

Last year, before the charter was surrendered, they had no functioning executive. At an OPA meeting we needed to send a letter to someone responsible advising them what we needed so we could try to help. Having no one, we decided to send the letter to every Ft Erie member on their roster. Nearly half came back as bad addresses. No one replied.

That's why it's such a relief that Toronto, London and Sault Ste Marie all have dedicated Secretaries keeping our records up to date, while new Secretaries in Heyden-Goulais River and Webbwood are eager to learn.

This beautiful property was sold to cover just some of their debts.

Blogger Linda Randall shot the video for her blog Niagara Region Ontario Canada / in September, 2011.