Marry Wilson

Written by Justin Brett

At the time of this writing, the Sault Museum is showing an exhibit in the Durham Gallery of the Bandettes, a local Drum-and-Bugle Corps, or more commonly referred to as a Marching Band. These are very common in cities or towns, and the Bandettes are a very notable part of the Sault's history. Much of that is thanks to a woman by the name of Mary Wilson.

Mrs. Wilson founded the Bandettes just over sixty years ago (this year being their sixtieth), for the purposes of giving young women a group to belong to, and to let them give back to the community with the group's philanthropic duties. She is said by many members of the Bandettes to value generosity and service, and has the nickname 'Mom Mary' for helping keep the group together over the years.
Many credit Mary with helping these girls gain experiences they wouldn't ordinarily have had, and she has received many accolades along with that credit. This includes the 2002 Queen's Jubilee Medal, the 2000 Women of the Year with the Business and Professional Women's Club, and 2001 Director of the Year with the International Drum Corps. She was also the very first recipient of the Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Citizen Award, created in 1976 and the highest honor the average resident of Canada can achieve.

Without Mary Wilson it is safe to say the Bandettes would never have been created, and would not have the legacy they do today. The Museum is still showing the Bandettes exhibit and will be for some time. If this entry has impressed you, feel free to stop by and see the fruits of her labor.