Ronald & Joan Brown Arts & Culture Wall Of Fame

Ronald and Joan (Orr) Brown were both born in Niagara Falls, he in 1930 and she in 1932, and have lived here most of their lives.  Together they have formed an influential partnership to enrich the lives of friends, cohorts and the community.  They are a formidable team: Ron using his gifts of writing, musical talent and vivid imagination; and Joan with her gifts of design, historical knowledge and organizational skills.

As leaders of the Friends of Stamford Village heritage group, this industrious  couple have promoted the local history of Stamford Township for almost twenty-five years.  Ron served as president of the group five times with Joan complementing his role as behind-the-scenes organizer and planner.  Artistically, they have led the production of ten musical dramas based on historic themes at St. Andrew’s United Church, always to sell-out crowds.   Ron wrote the scripts and sourced the music while Joan assumed the costuming for a variety of periods from Bonnie Prince Charlie to World War II.

Ron wrote  newspaper articles featuring local history with a twist.  These articles appeared in the Niagara Falls Chronicle, the Niagara Falls Review and the Niagara Advance.

Meanwhile, Joan organized fashion shows featuring her costumes and period pieces.  Her most memorable show was of vintage wedding gowns.  Using her extensive collection of memorabilia, Joan set up displays at Canada Day Celebrations, at the Willoughby Historical Museum and the Niagara Falls Public Library.

Their enthusiasm for their 1805 era home launched one of the first historical designations in Niagara. In 2009 Ron and Joan were presented with the Niagara Falls Civic Pride award.