Dan Wladyka

The Wladyka family is no less than “legendary” in Port. Hope. Mike Wladyka was not only the mayor of Port Hope for a very long while, but he also owned the Queen’s Hotel with his brother. 

His children, including Dan, grew up with the hotel as their home. Dan, and his daughter Sarah, shared stories of the Queen‘s Hotel in its glorious era, when Port Hope town hall was (somewhat) run out of it’s famous dining room. They also talked about many parts of growing up in Port Hope and the differences between generations.

Despite the building that was the Queens Hotel being closed for decades, all these years later, many people in the project mentioned the delectable Ukrainian food cooked, with enormous love and care, by Mary and Mary. 

A wonderful story of 20th century Port Hope told by two generations of Wladykas.

Listen to clips from the interview here.

Jeff Lees

Jeff spent all of his 61 years in Port Hope. And nearly half of that was an active service as a council person for the town. Beyond that, Jeff volunteered and gave to his community as deeply as anyone ever has. Jeff’s stories of what it was to grow up in this town are truly amazing. 

Jeff Lees passed suddenly in January 2026, but will be remembered for generations for the work and impact he had in this town. His stories are filled with humour, honesty, and heart… Not unlike the man himself.

Listen to clips from Jeff’s interview here.

Robin Long

The Port Hope history of the Long family is, well… long! Indeed, the Long family photo collection is a treasure trove for history and photography lovers alike. So much of the 19th and 20th century questions about the town have been answered because of access to photographs, and to the Long family members themselves.

The family is historically and generationally impactful. Within Robin‘s own lifetime in Port Hope, he has witnessed, and been involved with, many amazing moments in town. 

His tales are always told with humour and charm, and paint a picture of a community that has changed over time, but has always remained an  richly entertaining place.

Listen to clips from Robin’s interview here.

Paul Bailey

Artist, philosopher, and multigenerational lifelong resident of Port Hope, Paul’s enthusiasm about the history of Port Hope and his family’s background within it, is contagious. From the tales of his famous great (x5) uncle, the Flying Tailor, to the tales of his own experiences as a teenager in this town, Paul’s stories are what story-collecting dreams are made of. Told through his creative lens and artistic eye, the stories feel like watching a movie, reading a book and staring at beautiful art all at the same time.

Listen to clips from Paul’s interview here.

Pamela Tate

Hearing Pam talk about her move to Canton, in Hope township and the growth of her decades long love affair with her home, is a wonderful thing. There is no question that where she lives is so much part of who she is, the art she creates, and the fabric of her family life. 

Pam‘s history in Port Hope extends long before that move though. As a child, she visited the area with family in the summers and has amazing memories of end-of-season parties at the Penryn estate… with a lot of square dancing!

Pam shares her art and the process regularly with the community, both online and in person at her beautiful studio, surrounded by nature.

Listen to clips from Pam’s interview here.

Julia Mark

Julia Mark began working for her family business, Yings Restaurant, when she was four years old. There aren’t very many people who lived in Port Hope through the 60s and 70s and 80s who weren’t fed by the Mark family at some point. By the time Julia was 18 she had enough work experience to outright buy the local shoe store and run the business for years. Truly a wonderful storyteller with an amazing family history, Julia shared about her families immigration from China and all that played into that over time and through generations. Although Julia doesn’t live in Port Hope anymore, she will always be deeply rooted in the lore of the town.

Listen to clips from Julia’s interview here.

Blake and Eileen Holton

Blake and Eileen are the Port Hope poster children for how to live, love and work in a town like this.

This amazing couple were married, grew a family, and ran multiple businesses together over decades and still really enjoy each other!  That, in itself, feels miraculous.

Beyond this, they have been cheerleaders for all things Port Hope for their whole lives, and continue to do so in their busy retirement.

Holton Flowers has been at the centre of all the celebrations of Port Hope for decades, and the origin story of these two newly married “kids” building a business from scratch, and making it work for years, is a wonderful tale to hear.

Listen to clips from their interview here.

Rod Stewart

Known internationally, for his heritage restoration work particularly involving all things plaster, Rod is a conservation legend. It’s easier to ask him what buildings  in Port Hope he hasn’t worked on or owned at some point.

But, talking with Rod about the other parts of his history in Port Hope was equally fascinating. Who knew that he was a beekeeper and theatrical troop manager as well!? 

It is fair to say that his 50 years in Port Hope has dramatically changed the landscape in many ways. And he continues to make impact, and create new stories, as we speak.

Listen to clips from Rod’s interview here.

Julia Mark

Julia Mark began working for her family business, Yings Restaurant, when she was four years old. There aren’t very many people who lived in Port Hope through the 60s and 70s and 80s who weren’t fed by the Mark family at some point. By the time Julia was 18 she had enough work experience to outright buy the local shoe store and run the business for years. Truly a wonderful storyteller with an amazing family history, Julia shared about her families immigration from China and all that played into that over time and through generations. Although Julia doesn’t live in Port Hope anymore, she will always be deeply rooted in the lore of the town.