Going North

Going North: The Story of Geraldine's Great Great Grandfather is the true story of James Willson's escape from slavery to Welland, Ontario in the 1800s. Some of his descdendants, including his great great granddaughter, author Bonita Geraldine Johnson de Matteis, eventually moved to Owen Sound which is the northern terminus of the Underground Railroad. Each year, freedom is celebrated at the annual Emancipation Day Picnic in Harrison Park. 2009 will mark the 147th anniversary of this picnic in Owen Sound.