J. Lindsay Thornburn lived in Port Elgin for most of his life and was an avid photographer of many people and places in and around Bruce County for decades, including passport and wedding photos.
Lindsay was raised on the 10th Concession of Bruce Township. His family moved to Port Elgin in 1919. Lindsay attended public school and high school in Port Elgin, Ontario. He graduated from Stratford Normal School in 1931. Commencing in 1931, Lindsay taught in rural schools for about five years. He graduated with an honors degree in history and English from Queen’s University in 1938. After graduating from Queen’s University, Lindsay taught English, history and music at Port Elgin High School.
Lindsay contributed to the community through involvement in various organizations. He was a life member of Port Elgin Lodge and a Past District Deputy Grand Master of the Masonic Order. He was also a member and President of the Port Elgin Rotary Club. He led the Presbyterian church choir for more than 40 years. The Queens Jubilee Medal was presented to Lindsay Thornburn in 1977 in recognition of his community service.
In 2013, the Thornburn family generously donated thousands of photographs and slides of images captured by Lindsay. The photographs above are just a few of our favourites.
