Name/Title
Roy Wilson - Wasaga Beach Town Crier UniformEntry/Object ID
2026.1.1Description
Roy Wilson's Town Crier UniformContext
Roy Wilson was a staple at Wasaga Beach’s community events. Roy Albert Wilson (May 9, 1927-January 20, 2013) was The Town Crier. He would call for the attention of the crowd by ringing his bell and then ask for people to echo his calls of “Oh Yeah”!! Working as a Metro Toronto Sargeant of Police until his retirement, Wilson moved to their family cottage in 1987. When a contest for the town crier was held circa 1998 in Wasaga Beach, Roy Wilson won. Provincial competitions were also held by the Ontario Guild of Town Criers - one even hosted by former Mayor Cal Patterson in Wasaga Beach. Roy Wilson almost won!
Roy Wilson was committed to his duties for the Town for almost 15 years. He was a fantastic “good will Ambassador” for the Town. He and his wife Kay enjoyed public appearances and even walked the full length of the Santa Claus parades. The couple were honored with the Order of Wasaga Beach in 2008. Roy and Kay Wilson were also presented with the Rotary International Paul Harris Fellowship in 2010 in recognition of their educational and humanitarian efforts in the community. Unfortunately, Roy passed suddenly in January 2013.
The Town Crier uniform, generously donated by family friend Bill Aiken in 2026, is of colonial style. Also called “livery” and never “a costume”, the frock coat was representative of the community. Town crier uniforms were distinct featuring specific elements of the heritage of the area they represented. The Wasaga Beach Town Crier uniform, with red, gold and blue, reflects the heavy influence of British military tradition and the significant historical role the area played during the schooner Nancy’s War of 1812 defense of the British Empire and then the British Navy’s Establishment at Schooner Town 1815-1818.
As Town Crier, Wilson helped promote many events going on in the municipality. His persona helped create a sense of community spirit and pride. Historically, the role of the Town Crier was to convey messages from the authority of the land to the public. Being a respected and honorable profession, the position was often filled by retired military officers. Roy Wilson's uniform reflects the importance of the role of Town Crier. The uniform quickly drew attention whenever Wilson appeared.Acquisition
Accession
2026.1Source or Donor
Bill AikenAcquisition Method
Gift
