LOOKING BACK - April 30, 2008
Muriel Sheldon, Columnist
Ten years ago — 1998
The Avon Maitland District School Board will take a second look at the
decision not to establish junior kindergarten in Perth County schools.
The future of the Harrington Mill will be discussed at a public meeting to
be hosted by the Upper Thames River Authority. The original Harrington Mill
was built in 1846 by a man named Demorest and purchased by Robert Duncan in
1920. The mill was destroyed by fire in 1923, but was replaced in the same
year.
About 200 Arthur Meighen students, staff and volunteers will take part in
the third annual Green Ranger Clean-up.
According to Ray Bennett, the Parkview East Condominium development is
half-way completed, with four pods and 16 suites built. The Parkview housing
development is overseen by the Rotary Club, and Mr. Bennett is one of the
members who sits on the board responsible for it. When completed, Parkview
East will have 32 units in all, 24 of which will have garages.
As part of Green Week activities, seven Grade 8 students of Arthur Meighen
school planted 40 trees along a future section of the Grand Trunk Trail.
25 years ago — 1983
We See: That the 1957-58 All Ontario Maxwell Bantam Hockey team will hold
their 25th anniversary reunion. All players, executive, their families and
friends are welcome.
Ed Carr’s stone dwelling adjacent to Victoria Bridge is to be designated
under the Ontario Heritage Act. Councillor Bill Galloway presented council
with copies of 1864 photographs showing the building which indicated that
only minimum changes in the structure had been carried out since then.
“There’s no question of the historic significance of it,” the councillor
said.
Announcement - Having sold their Cookson’s Meat Market to Staffen’s Food
Market, Grant Cookson will be managing the meat operation of the Staffen’s
St. Marys Store. Signed Grant and Joyce Cookson.
The village of Embro will celebrate its 125 anniversary with a three-day
festival.
50 years ago — 1958
Misses Marie Levy and Grace Doupe of Stratford Teacher’s College are
teaching this week in Owen Sound. (Woodham)
The Hinde & Dauche Paper Company of Canada this week announced the
appointment of Mr. Fred E. Wood as Production Superintendent of the St.
Marys Plant. Mr. Wood started his employment in the corrugated paper box
industry in 1940.
The Stratford Drive In Theatre, located south on Downie Street, was
featuring the following movies, “You can’t Run Away From It”, “Last
Frontier” and “The Lieutenant Wore Skirts” - 2 Shows Nightly (rain or
Shine). Children under 12 free.
NOTICE - Children’s Pet and Vehicle Parade, May 19th. Decorated wagons,
bicycles, carriages may be entered as well as dressed-up dogs, goats, shaggy
old lions or any other live or imaginary animals you can find or make up.
All entries are to be at the Town Hall by 12:45 p.m. and the parade will
proceed to the Arena. Prizes will be awarded to the winners of each age
group.
75 years ago — 1933
The Central Relief Committee is again arranging to assist citizens in having
gardens this year. Vacant Cemetery land will be plowed into garden plots.
Those desiring land to work should apply to the Town Clerk’s office for
application slips. As last year, where necessary, seeds and plants will be
provided.
The Assembly Hall of Central Public School was crowded the two nights when
Miss Maxwell’s Music Work was lauded by many.
A number of friends and neighbours met at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Charles
Smith to honour their son Charles R. Smith and his bride, and presented them
with a table and chairs. A well-worded address was read by John Bolton and
the presentation was made by Messrs. J. H. Clark and Burns McKay. (Wildwood)
100 years ago — 1908
It is reported that our hamlet is to be favored with a lawyer and two banks.
The Messrs. Elliott pulled down the old bank last week.
The population of St. Marys is 3,396 an increase of 52 over last year.
C. W. Coupland, Auctioneer has received instructions from J. Keir to sell by
public auction at his residence at the GTR Junction a complete line of High
Grade Furniture and Piano. Band Wagon will leave Windsor and Garnet hotels
for the sale commencing at one o’clock, and during afternoon. Fares 5 cents
going and 5 cents return. Terms of sale; cash, except for the piano, terms
can be arranged to suit purchaser.
Telephone connection was made in the Methodist Church on the evening that
“The Crucifiction” was presented so that a couple of young people who were
detained at home through illness could enjoy the concert. (News About Town)
125 years ago — 1883
Perhaps some of your readers will wonder where this little hamlet is! Well,
for the benefit of such I will try and inform you. It is situated on a
gravel road between Ingersoll and St. Marys, 16 and eight miles respectively
from them. Also on the direct road between Belton and Lakeside. East
Nissouri is supplied with a daily mail from Ingersoll, contains two stores,
blacksmith shop, carriage and wagon shop and school. The township clerk has
his office here also. It was founded and named in 1859 by Mr. J. H. Beck,
who for a long time was the life of the place. It is situated in the midst
of a choice farming area. It enjoys perfect quiet, unbroken by either feudal
strife or abominable school question. (Medina)