LOOKING BACK - March 26, 2008
Muriel Sheldon, Columnist Ten years ago —1998
We See - That the Optimist Club of St. Marys presented cheques to three
sports organizations; minor hockey, minor soccer and minor ball.
The Provincial Chapter of Ontario IODE, along with 185 chapters located
across Ontario, including the Nora Clench chapter of St. Marys, has been
busy collecting money donations and arranging for distribution of urgently
required supplies to shelters and families in Eastern Ontario and Quebec
affected by the ice storm.
25 years ago — 1983
At Downie Central School the students are reaping the benefit of the
co-operation between the school and the community. Through the combined
efforts of the students, teachers and Home and School group, three computers
and television attachments were recently installed in the school.
A new four-bay garage and storage area for housing PUC trucks and equipment
may be constructed east of the present Board of Works garage on Widder
Street.
50 years ago — 1958
We See: That like an “old soldier” the ice on the River Thames merely “faded
away” this spring. There was no big break-up of the ice on the river above
the dam. This is regarded as rather unusual.
Pictured in this week’s Journal Argus is the St. Marys Junior Institute and
Junior Farmers who meet on the second Thursday of each month at the St.
Marys District Collegiate. The 1958 executive includes Shirley Brown, Joanne
Ford, Edwin Hawkins, Don Arthur, Bernice Steele, Bessie Hotson (President of
Junior Institute), Keith Stephen (President of Jr. Farmers), Jim Bearss.
75 years ago — 1933
The Coroner’s Jury brought in a verdict of accidental death at the Long
Crossing Crash. Weg-Wag Warning is deemed necessary at the Dangerous Point
just west of St. Marys where W. H. Whetstone, of Blanshard was instantly
killed two weeks ago.
‘Twas great excitement among the local firefighters and citizens generally,
when the new modernized firefighting equipment recently decided upon and
ordered by the Market, Fire and Police committee arrived in Town. The truck,
which is a heavy duty Ford 1-1/2 ton dual wheeled chassis, on which is
mounted a standard steel fire truck body, with rack for ladder and 1,450
feet of standard hose.
David Maxwell passed away early Sunday morning. He was head of large St.
Marys Industry and had resided here for 45 years. He was born at Paris,
Ontario and served apprenticeship in his father’s factory. He was the son of
the late David Maxwell Sr., founder of the Maxwell industry. His father was
a pioneer in the Agricultural industry business and was of an original and
inventive turn. When the plant was removed to St. Marys in 1888, David at 25
years of age became works manager. In 1913, the firm had been previously a
partnership concern, David Maxwell & Sons, was incorporated as Maxwell’s
Limited and began developing a line of hardware specialties. Following the
death of his brother, James, Mr. Maxwell became President and General
Manager of the Company. He was succeeded in the latter position a few years
ago by his son Harold W. Maxwell.
100 years ago — 1908
The executive meeting of the Township Sabbeth School Convention was held at
Kintore recently. (East Nissouri)
The Oddfellows have engaged the Opera House for Lodge of Instruction. Romeo
and Avon lodges of Stratford will assist in conferring degrees. The various
lodges of the district will be represented.
At a joint meeting of the Session and Mangers of Avonbank Presbyterian
Church it was decided to hold Jubilee services and an entertainment on June
28th and 29th.
Letter to the Editor - Dear Sir: I desire through the column of your paper
to draw the attention of parents - who have children whom they desire to
send to school for the first time - to the fact that the school board and
teachers feel that it would be much better for young children not to start
to attend school till after the summer holidays. Our classes are at present
very largely attended, in fact some of the teachers have more pupils than
they can efficiently handle. By having the little ones come in after summer
holidays we can assure them constant attention and efficient instruction.
Your sincerely, D. G. Anderson, Principal St. Marys Public School.
After an agitation lasting several years, the residents of Blanshard, living
near Salem, have managed to secure a post office for themselves. The new
post office which is near Salem School was opened on Monday. It is named
“Berrylands” in honor of Mr. Robert Berry. Mr. Isaac Bailey, at one time
postmaster at Science Hill, has charge of the office. As Berrylands is on
the St. Marys-Exeter stage line it will have two mails per day.
125 years ago — 1883
The tea meeting at McIntyre’s Church, under the auspices of the Orange
Society was well attended and proved a success. The ladies provided an
excellent lunch. Mr. H.A.L. White, being unable to attend, Mr. Robert Rea
was appointed chairman: Appropriate music was furnished by the 8th line
choir. (Prospect Hill).
Lumber - The subscriber now has a Portable Saw Mill on his farm and persons
desiring any kind of Lumber can be supplied an application. For particulars
apply to John McLaren, Lot 28, Concession 8, East Nissouri.