County to display photograph of former employee Vera Myers

GUELPH – A dedicated and versatile county employee was highlighted during the Cultural Moment at the Feb. 27 Wellington County council meeting.

At the meeting, the county accepted the donation of a photograph of Vera Myers, taken by photographer K.C. Tam when she retired in 1982 after more than 30 years of service.

“We’re receiving a very special donation that recognizes someone who played a very special role in the county’s history,” said Wellington County Museum and Archives administrator Janice Hindley.

Myers joined the county staff in 1948. She became deputy clerk-treasurer in 1952 and clerk-treasurer in 1963.

“In 1979 she decided she didn’t have enough to do so she added administrator to her title,” said Hindley, noting that made Myers “The first person and the only person ever to hold three positions at one time. She was the clerk, treasurer and administrator.”

Hindley noted Myers guided several major projects during her career, including construction of Wellington Terrace and the renovation of the county courthouse and administration centre.

“And she did all this in addition to being a wife and a mother,” said Hindley, who noted Myers (nee Cudney) married Lyle Myers in 1942 and the couple had two children, Lisa and Jayson, who attended the Feb. 27 presentation. Vera passed away in 1998 and Lyle died in 2002.

“We’re very proud that mom was the first woman to hold a major administration post in county government, but most of all we’re proud of her accomplishments and of the big impact she had on county government,” Lisa stated.

Hindley said the photograph “will now become part of our art collection … and it will hang in a place of honour here at the administration centre.”