William Patrick (W.P.) MacDonald was born in 1886 on his parents’ farm, near Stayner, Ontario. He graduated with honours from the Ontario Agricultural College in 1915. Fresh out of school, he accepted a government job. He moved to Petrolia and became the Lambton County Agricultural Representative. He held this position until he retired, forty years later, on June 1, 1956. According to the Petrolia Advertiser Topic, MacDonald “had an encyclopedic knowledge of Lambton soils and Lambton people.” He grew fond of his adopted community and likely passed up offers of promotion to stay in the area.
MacDonald’s greatest contribution to local agriculture was his involvement in the formation of many farming organizations. Lambton Federation of Agriculture, Lambton Junior Farmers’ Association, Lambton County Soil and Crop Improvement Association, and many other organizations have all benefitted Lambton’s agricultural community. Former Brooke-Alvinston mayor, Don McGugan, recalled of MacDonald, “I don’t think he ever spent a night at home. He was out to a Junior Farmers’, 4-H or a commodity group meeting every night. He inspired a lot of young people to become active in these organizations.”
MacDonald encouraged leadership skills in Lambton County’s young farmers. He led agricultural fieldtrips for students. Participant Roy Elliott recalled, “Mac always told us that a farm that would grow good crops would also grow good weeds.”
The Ontario Department of Agriculture established annual school fairs in 1909. The fairs were popular events for rural schools. They involved the whole community and were important for agricultural education. MacDonald was responsible for the school fairs in Lambton County. Students competed in events such as public speaking, drawing, or writing. Prizes included ribbons, money, and a two-day trip to the Royal Winter Fair. The school parade was a highlight. Participating schools earned money to buy sporting equipment. School fairs ended in the 1940s but fall fairs continue to include a school component.
MacDonald cared about his adopted community. In the late 1950s, he took part in the 3-year fundraising campaign to build a new arena and fair exhibit building in Petrolia. He celebrated success at the sod-turning ceremony in 1961.
MacDonald passed away on March 5, 1971. He is buried at Hillsdale Cemetery in Petrolia.
Community Contributions
- Lambton Federation of Agriculture
- Lambton Junior Farmers’ Association
- Lambton County Soil and Crop Improvement Association
- Numerous cattle clubs
- Petrolia and Enniskillen Agricultural Society
- Petrolia Chamber of Commerce
- Founding member of the Petrolia Curling Club
- Charter member of the Petrolia Rotary Club
- Member of St. Phillips Church
Contact Us
Subscribe to this page