Dave Adair, the dreamer - 50 Stories for 50 Years
Dave Adair, our old director, was such a character. He was a woodworker, a creator, an outdoorsman, and the boss. He loved making and creating things. He wasn’t always very practical, but he was a philosopher, a dreamer, and he had a dream. This Neighbourhood House was his dream. He called the concept “barn raising” and used it to create this House. There used to be a workshop in the basement that he designed, and when he got bored with us, he would go downstairs and make things. He created the stages for the coffee house, tables, etc., Hamlet the Talking Pig, and a multilingual peace pole that is in Guelph Park.
Dave was very connected to the outdoors, and he taught hundreds of people who had never been in a boat or kayak how to be in nature. It was such an interesting time working with him. He was not a micro-manager and created an environment where we were all actively involved in running the House.
Dave Adair passed away quite suddenly. His approach to being the director was very hands-on and hands-off at the same time. There was a real shift in the culture of the House when he was replaced. Changes needed to be made. It was a bit of a bumpy road after he passed away, but the House survived.
Story 11 told by: Sharon Babu - ex-staff - worked at MPNH between 1986 and 2004
50 Stories for 50 Years at MPNH is a collection of meaningful stories that celebrate the lasting impact our Neighbourhood House has had over the years. These stories come from long-time participants, families, youth, volunteers, community members, and regular visitors whose lives have been touched, supported, or transformed through our programs, services, and connections at the House.
