10 years ago – 2002
There will be no user-pay garbage system instituted in St. Marys for the next three to five years. That decision was finally reached after three recorded votes at the first 2002 Council meeting. But citizens were warned that if the amount of waste is not reduced to the landfill, user fees will be the next step.
The provincial government has rejected an application for grant funding from its “Superbuild” program to help to construct a recreational complex for seniors which would adjoin the St. Marys Community Centre.
The Rotary Club of St. Marys is sponsoring the first Dragonboat Festival on July 13.

25 years ago – 1987
Dislodged from the silos which stood behind the Opera House, dozens of pigeons have been hovering around the building on the south side of Queen Street west of Wellington. Some storekeepers have noted that pigeon droppings have been turning the sidewalk white in front of their stores. The birds have apparently been spending nights under the arches of Victoria Bridge.
From the Friendship Centre: We are presently looking for people who may wish to give or receive a call as part of our telephone reassurance program. Anyone wishing to participate in the project give Barb a call at the Centre.

50 years ago – 1962
Wanted: a home for an aged vehicle. The estimated worth of the car? To date we have heard three guesses: $2,000, $3,000, and $1,200. The car in question is the 1902 Baker Electric. The car is owned by the St. Marys Museum, a legacy from the estate of the late Mr. George Snoddy of London.
Campaign Chairman John Bolton and Treasurer Jack Bremnan of the St. Marys Rotary Club Crippled Children and Community Service Fund are very happy that the 1961 campaign has gone over the top. The latest figure of contributions is $4,131.21 as supplied by the Treasurer.

75 years ago – 1937
A pleasant time was spent in the Sunday School recently when a crokinole party and bazaar was held. The many articles donated were quickly sold and the sum of about 11 dollars raised. Lunch was served and brought to a close a most enjoyable evening. (Glengowan)
Better times are reflected in A.T. Gould’s flower business this past year. Mr. Gould is arranging to erect another greenhouse this coming season and will have three greenhouses to accommodate the floral end of business.
Dr. and Mrs. I.J. Hance and Billy, accompanied by a friend from Toronto, are leaving shortly on a trip to Florida by motor.
To those old timers, whose ranks are thinning in the Stonetown, the name of Chris McKeough, up until recently superintendent of transportation for the Stratford Division of the CNR, is associated with the old days of the St. Marys Junction when it was a busy spot. James McKeough, father of Chris, kept the old frame hotel on the west side of the railroad yard. Chris joined his three brothers in the railroading fraternity as a member of the fence gang, and later as a brakeman out of Stratford. That was in 1892. Two years later he was promoted to conductor. For 11 years he was in charge of Grand Trunk freight trains running to Port Dover, Goderich, Palmerston, and Fort Erie. Over the years he received further advancements.

100 years ago – 1912
The banquet tendered our firemen and the Fire and Light Committee and Town Council by Mayor Fred Sanderson is well-earned recognition of the speedy service the firemen have rendered in the promptness and the quickness of their response to the siren’s call is most commendable.
Snowshoes, moccasins, and toboggans at clearing prices at Reesor’s Bookstore.
Dr. Matthison is in Ottawa this week in the interest of the cement manufacturers.
Owing to the stormy weather of the past few days, work at the Horse Shoe Quarry and also at the Cement Worker’s building is suspended until the weather moderates.
A banquet will be given on Burns Night, January 25, under the auspices of the Sons of Scotland at the Windsor Hotel.
The farm of Mr. George Hamilton, near Guelph, has been sold by the owner to the Provincial Government, who will add it to the O.A.C. The price paid was $125 per acre. The O.A.C. has been cramped for room for some time, owing to the increase in the experimental plots.