"TOM PATTERSON, 1920-2005" - Ontario Provincial Plaques on Waymarking.com

This Ontario Provincial Plaque is located in Stratford, Ontario near the Stratford Festival Theatre. The plaque is dedicated to Stratford native Tom Patterson, who started the festival in July 1953. He was also the founding director of the Canadian Theatre Centre and founding president of the National Theatre School as well as being an Officer in the Order of Canada.

PLAQUE TEXT:
"A native of Stratford, Ontario, Tom Patterson grew up during the Great Depression and dreamed of plans that might revitalize his community. After serving in the Second World War and completing university, he worked as an associate editor for a trade publication in Toronto. During the early 1950s, Patterson began discussing plans to establish an internationally renowned Shakespearean festival in his hometown. Although considered a risky venture by some, Patterson gained encouragement from Mayor David Simpson and the local council, and from British Shakespearean director Tyrone Guthrie. Through determination and perseverance, Patterson was able, in less than two years, to turn his dream into reality. The Stratford Shakespearean Festival opened in July 1953 with a production of Richard III, and created a new standard for North American theatre. Remaining with the Festival until 1967, Patterson was also founding director of the Canadian Theatre Centre and founding president of the National Theatre School. He received numerous honours for his work, including Officer of the Order of Canada (1977)."

Address or location of plaque: 55 Queen Street, Stratford, ON Physical location of plaque: Park "Ontario Plaques" Website for this "Plaque": [Web Link] Description of any physical remains at site of "Historical Plaque": Stratford Theatre This 'Plaque' describes: A 'Person' Condition of sign: Excellent Is this a bilingual sign?: No ! A web-site for more details.: Not listed What is the second/third language?: Not listed

Visit Instructions:
A "Visited" only remark, will be deleted.
No Waymark owner "Visits" allowed when setting up the Waymark.
Subsequent visits, at another time with photo are acceptable.
NOTE: All photos must include the 'O.H.P.Plaque' at its location to qualify for a "Visited"

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Date Logged Log User Rating   08/09/2023 SweetPea57 visited it