Lorne Pinkham

Lorne Pinkham was a prominent business leader in the village of Sunderland during the difficult period spanning the two world wars. Born in 1875 near Little Britain, he moved with his parents to a Brock farm on lot 8, concession 6, eventually taking over this farm’s operation. In 1920, Lorne purchased the funeral home on River Street and quickly expanded his business to include a successful furniture store. Still, he never lost his love of farming. In particular, he was a fine horseman. Records document the many prizes that he won in the equine classes at the annual fall fair.

The community’s confidence in Lorne Pinkham’s leadership was clearly reflected by his election to the positions of township Councillor, Deputy-Reeve and Reeve. Additionally he sat on the public school board, the library board, the cemetery board as well as serving many years on the cemetery board as a Director and President of the Sunderland Agricultural Society.

Family history captures Pinkham’s great love for his work in Freemasonry. King Edward Lodge No. 464 records reflect Lorne’s participation in all of the lodge’s offices. Undoubtedly his prowess in this work was reflected by the unprecedented turnout of Masons for his funeral in 1948.