LOOKING BACK - April 23, 2008
Muriel Sheldon, Columnist Ten years ago — 1998
We See: That Kinsmen Club members and Grand Trunk Committee members will be
doing a clean-up around the abutments of the Sarnia Bridge.
Area interest in the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum has been
increasing considerably with the announcement that John Harlton of Granton
has been appointed executive director. Questions continue as to progress to
date and whether the project will open this year. The answer is a definite
“yes” though the extent to which phase one will have progressed is dependent
on the fundraising team and other volunteers.
Concern over the downtown core took centre stage at a recent Town Council
meeting when Stonetown Heritage Festival organizer June Cunningham made a
presentation, asking that Council pass a motion making the Festival a
town-sanctioned event. Two years ago, Mrs. Cunningham was hired to create a
long-term event to bring tourists to St. Marys. Hence the creation and the
name “The Stonetown Heritage Festival” as an event that celebrates our
beautiful stone architecture.
25 years ago — 1983
The 16th annual Thames River Classic Canoe race has been re-scheduled for
this Sunday. The event was postponed when the weather forecast indicated
strong winds would make Fanshawe Lake in London too dangerous to cross at
the end of the race. Proceeds from pledges go to the Thames Valley
Children’s Centre in London which serves 13 counties in Southwestern
Ontario. We See: That St. Marys resident Karen Hughes has been appointed to
the executive of the Provincial Chapter of IODE.
The St. Marys Volunteer Firemen will carry out their annual clean-up
campaign Saturday next.
A capacity crowd filled the lower level of Grace Community Church as members
and guests met for dinner as part of the church’s missionary conference.
The new executive for the Catholic Women’s League is as follows - Spiritual
Director Mon. V. H. Grespan; Past President Mary Albers; President Margaret
Vanderschot; 1st vice - Joanne DeBrabandere; 2nd vice - Rita Teahen; 3rd
Vice - Marie Pyne; Secretary Jennie Robinson; treasurer Mary Sterkenburg.
Shelma Trout Farms Retail Store, corner of Hwys. No. 7 and 19 was
advertising Fresh Trout for sale.
50 years ago — 1958
For Sale - Frame house at entrance to St. Marys Memorial Hospital. Building
to be removed in 60 days. Payment in full prior to start of removal. All
material to be removed. Submit tender by letters only to L. P. Whaley,
Secretary.
Forty-six students, accompanied by two teachers, from St. Marys District
Collegiate Institute enjoyed a weekend trip to Canada’s Capital City. The
group is pictured in this week’s Journal Argus with Prime Minister John
Diefenbaker. The group travelled by train from St. Marys Station.
We See: That the Hinde & Dauche Paper Company, the town’s newest industry,
is making steady progress in the accumulation of a staff which will operate
the new plant when production gets underway soon.
Marziali and Nairn’s bulldozer was at work for the town levelling an old
earth and rubble dumping ground on the west side of the Thames River, north
of the Park Street footbridge. This will be a big improvement in the area
and will make the job of cutting weeds much easier in the future. Years ago
this area was the site of an old stone quarry.
75 years ago — 1933
New Priest Named - Rev. J. P. Brennan will be the Third Incumbent at Holy
Name Church in 54 years. Rev. Brennan of Wallaceburg is to fill the vacancy
caused by the death in March of Rev. John Ronan. Rev. P. J. Brennan came to
St. Marys in 1878. As a result of his efforts, the present beautiful edifice
was erected during his pastorate and was dedicated on July 16, 1892. After a
pastorate of 31 years he died on Christmas Eve 1909. He was succeeded early
in 1910 by the late revered priest, Rev. John Ronan.
Mrs. Sarah Atkinson, Concession 3, Blanshard passed away recently in her
93rd year. She came with her parents to Canada in 1841 along with other
members of the family. She was born in Newtonstewart, Ireland. Mrs. Atkinson
was the oldest known resident in Blanshard.
100 years ago — 1908
The following is the list of the St. Marys Public School Teachers: Miss
Webster, Miss Gordon, Miss Abbott, Miss Hamilton, Miss Mitchell, Miss
Irvine, Mrs. Atkinson and Miss Waring, D. G. Anderson, Principal.
Alex Enright, our local hatchery man, is having a busy time supplying his
many customers with baby chicks. (Glengowan)
125 years ago — 1883
Mr. P. Whelihan, Registrar, and wife, will leave next month for a summer
trip to Europe. Mr. Richard Box also starts on a similar joint at this same
time.
Mr. H. F. Sharp has purchased the Dartnell (Ardmore Park) property. This
property is delightfully situated and ought to have been secured by the town
for a park. There are eleven acres in the plot, on which there is a
beautiful grove, and which has been used as pic-nic grounds for many years.
With a very small outlay, a well appointed town park could be made of the
grounds.