More than a Century of Supie: What’s Your Story?

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The Supie program is celebrating 112 years in 2021. Though there are similar programs across Ontario and throughout Canada, Hamilton is believed to have the longest continually running program in the country.

To mark the milestone and recognize a program that is unique to our community, the City of Hamilton is encouraging residents to share their stories, memories and experiences of Supie.

What’s your Supie story?

Do you remember Supie as a child in your neighbourhood? Were you hired as a summer student to work as a Supie? Do your children or grandchildren participate in Supie now? We want to hear from you!

History

Started by Francis Wolverton in 1909, the summer parks program was originally run by teachers to provide children with a safe place to drop in and play during the summer months with supervision and some structure. The first Supie park in Hamilton was located at what is now Hess Street School on York Boulevard.

In the 1930s, teenagers and young adults were engaged as program leaders to better connect with the young children who used the program. Since then, high school and university students have been hired to run the eight-week long program in as many as 90 parks across the city.

After being put on hold last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Supie is back this summer!

The Supie program is celebrating 112 years in 2021. Though there are similar programs across Ontario and throughout Canada, Hamilton is believed to have the longest continually running program in the country.

To mark the milestone and recognize a program that is unique to our community, the City of Hamilton is encouraging residents to share their stories, memories and experiences of Supie.

What’s your Supie story?

Do you remember Supie as a child in your neighbourhood? Were you hired as a summer student to work as a Supie? Do your children or grandchildren participate in Supie now? We want to hear from you!

History

Started by Francis Wolverton in 1909, the summer parks program was originally run by teachers to provide children with a safe place to drop in and play during the summer months with supervision and some structure. The first Supie park in Hamilton was located at what is now Hess Street School on York Boulevard.

In the 1930s, teenagers and young adults were engaged as program leaders to better connect with the young children who used the program. Since then, high school and university students have been hired to run the eight-week long program in as many as 90 parks across the city.

After being put on hold last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Supie is back this summer!

What's your Supie Story?

Do you remember Supie as a child in your neighbourhood? Were you hired as a summer student to work as a Supie? Do your children or grandchildren participate in Supie now? Tthe City of Hamilton is encouraging residents to share their stories, memories and experiences of Supie. 



Notice of Collection:
The City of Hamilton collects information under authority of Section 227 of the Municipal Act, 2001. Any personal information collected for the Supie engagement project will be used to assist with planning and information purposes. By providing your email address, you are consenting to receiving emails from the City of Hamilton and/or their agents/contractors for follow up related to the Supie program and engagement project. Information collected for this initiative may be stored on servers located in Canada and the United States and may be subject to Canadian and/or American laws.  Questions about the collection of this personal information can be directed to Sr. Manager of District Operations, City of Hamilton, Recreation Division, P.O. Box 2040, Hamilton, ON  L8P 4Y5, 905-546-3747.

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Memories. How sweet it was. First intro with supies was mid 60's I was around 8 or 9. I lived on the east mountain east 37th and seventh Ave. Across the street was Vincent massey field which stretch to supies upper gage and seventh ave. Supie always kept us very occupied with many games,arts and crafts even a dog eating contest. My Boston terrier won a ribbon for first prize cuz she was a pig and ate all the other dog's food. Supie I am sure was a God send to the parents (free babysitting for most of the day lol). Now what struck with me back then was on the grounds was at little red school house circa 1800's. They could found throughout various locations on the mountain. Always tried to find history of these schools but to no avail. As time went on it was demolished and a canada post building went up in its place which still bears the school's cornerstone 1800's. One day even at 10 years old I was in awe when I got to go inside the school helping supie moving her equipment for storing. The inside stood in time the same old desks with the old ink wells,old hooks for coats old blackboards with the brushes and chalk. Only thing missing was the ghosts lol
So there yu have it my fond memories of supie. Would be very appreciated for feedback on locating any history of the schools.
Thank yu MICHAEL


Michael Harrison over 2 years ago

Happy 112 Years to the Supie Program in Hamilton!! I was a Supie for 4 Years at 4 different parks ( Gage, Montgomery, Memorial and AM Cunningham) and Loved the children and the community !! Food! Fun and lots of games with the kids and families !!! Amazing Job ! Here’s to another 112 more years!! 🎉🛼🥇🎪

Marlene over 2 years ago

I remember the Supies at St.Christoper's park all throughout my childhood. What a fun and memorable experience I had! Playing at the water park, doing crafts and finger painting in the pavilion and racing around the open fields playing tag, soccer or whatever happened to be on the days agenda! I had a blast!

I am super happy to hear the Supie program is still pressing onward through the current COVID-19 situation. I had no idea the Supie program was so old? 112 years! Amazing!

I hope the Supie program runs for many more years to come!

tobahc over 2 years ago

Removed by moderator.

Jason Farr over 2 years ago

I loved being a Supie. My first real job. 1983. So many great memories. Off-grounds with 50 kids touring the McDonalds kitchen (can’t do that today, lol). Passive games in the shade. Sports in the hot sun. Wading in the wading pools. And lace. But my favourite memory of so many wonderful memories would have to be the end of summer carnival at Victoria Park. I was a Supie Supervisor then and 1000 kids from every park in Hamilton took the Big Yellow Rocket (HSR) and converged on Vic with many Supies bringing super Supie games (with donated prizes) and crafts and entertainment. It was a massive event and from organizing to completion, way too much fun for Supies. Kids too of course. Happy Anniversary Supies!!!

Jason Farr over 2 years ago

I used to go to Supie at Arcade Park, now( T. Melville Bailey) in the early 70s. We used to compete for points and prizes by picking garbage and glass around thr park! I became a Supie in the 80s (Buchanan, Fonthill, GL Armstrong, Eastwood and Jessie Patterson) we also had our "kids" pick up trash for points. My son became a Supie a few years ago and the trash picking was off the programming!

I also had Sheila Copps say "hi Supie" to me when I was working one day!

Also---George Morasse was a great first boss to have! Great memories of being a Supie.

Trudi over 2 years ago

I had some great memories from attending Supie at Mapledene Park in Stoney Creek. I loved participating in the crafts and that's where I learned how to make a "zipper" bracelet out of gimp, when I was 8. I am 32 now, and have never forgotten it. The staff were always so kind and had good role model attributes. It was a great way to pass a morning or afternoon on the Summer break from school. After the craft, I would spend time on the swings and chatting with the other kids that were there. Supie is a wonderful program and I hope it lives on forever in our City! It has a special way of creating positive memories and learning opportunities for children.

Natasha B over 2 years ago

I remember attending Supie as a young child in the early 90's at what used to be Peace Memorial school in ward 6. I am saddened by the fact that this year, my own kids can't attend the Supie program as it is currently not listed as being offered in our area (Mount Hope).

Lola almost 3 years ago