The evening of April 23, 2026, brought together a community united by shared memories and local history.
A Historic Gathering
Friends and families—many of whom hadn’t seen each other in years—came together to relive memories and celebrate a shared chapter of their community’s history. The evening included not only the documentary screening but also a meaningful meet and greet featuring former Rainbow Riders members and a table of memorabilia that sparked conversation and nostalgia.
On a special evening that will be remembered by all who attended, the Stratford & District Historical Society hosted a sold-out screening of the Rainbow Riders documentary—a 22-minute film that captured the stories and spirit of a beloved local club. What made this event truly extraordinary wasn’t just the full house, but the remarkable gathering of people whose lives intersected with this piece of Stratford’s past.
Reflections and Recognition
Jayne Trachsel, former president of the Stratford & District Historical Society, played a pivotal role in bringing this project to life. Her devotion and determination to acknowledge the Rainbow Riders club became the impetus for the documentary itself. During the evening, she reflected on Bob Nothof, one of the interviewees featured in the film.
Dean Robinson, vice president of the Society, shared personal recollections of another interviewee, Bill Strawbridge—a poignant moment made bittersweet by the fact that two of the six people interviewed for the documentary have since passed away, making the evening’s gathering all the more significant.
Why This Moment Mattered
Andrew C. Brown, the documentary’s filmmaker, expressed the profound rewards of this experience. Beyond hearing authentic stories directly from former club members, he witnessed the genuine enthusiasm of an audience filled with people from different eras of the club, along with their families—brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts, and lifelong friends. This in-person connection created something that online streaming could never replicate: a living, breathing moment of community history.
As Andrew reflected, “It was a unique opportunity to share a local history with those who were there or knew those who had been there—a glimpse of Stratford’s past shared by those who lived it.” He added a sentiment that captures the true essence of historical preservation: “What was probably more significant about this evening was that it got together people that might not have been able to get together before to share a monument in time in history. I think that is one of the most significant roles that the Historical Society can provide. If we can do that more often, I think that’s a blessing for the community and a banner for the Historical Society.”
Special Thanks and Next Steps
We extend heartfelt thanks to our guests and contributors:
- Terry, Bob, and Dave for their reminiscences at the meet and greet
- Bruce Hunt from British Columbia, who traveled to support his brother Dale
- Kathleen Freeman for photography throughout the evening
- Bob Buchanan, the Nothof family, Jayne Trachsel, and Nancy Musselman for sharing archival photographs that enriched the documentary
The next chapter of this project will bring the documentary to local Stratford seniors groups, allowing more members of our community to experience and celebrate a piece of history they may have lived through themselves.
This sold-out evening proved something vital: the Stratford & District Historical Society isn’t just preserving the past—it’s building bridges between generations and strengthening the bonds that make our community whole.
