LOOKING BACK - May 14, 2008
Muriel Sheldon, Columnist Ten years ago — 1998
All eight hospitals in Huron-Perth Counties have unanimously endorsed an innovative partnership approach.
Window boxes make a cheerful welcome to any dwelling. With gardening season already here, now is a good time to be thinking of containers and flower combinations.
The project to provide sewers for the west end of town is well underway. The project will end a 26 year wait for residents who have remained on septic tank systems since a major project in 1972 brought sewer to the rest of the town.
Thorndale-Zion Pastoral Charge, Avonton Presbyterian Churches were
advertising Strawberry suppers: Kirkton-Woodham Community Centre was having
a Beef Barbecue and St. Marys Presbyterian Church was sponsoring a Pork
Barbecue.
25 years ago — 1983
Attention Blanshard Residents: Final registration for Swim Lessons at Cadzow
and Quarry will be held at Rannoch Township Hall. 15 dollars each or 35
dollars per family.
The St. Marys Cement Plant, which began production May 4 after a prolonged
shutdown of five months, expects to continue production through June and
July. The Cement Compan,y which has been feeling the pinch of the nation’s
economic recession for the past couple of years recalled the remaining 56 of
its 137 workers at the first of the month. The plant had been shut down
since January 1, because of the lack of demand for cement.
50 years ago — 1958
Vacant for only a couple of weeks the town-owned So Cosy building in Cadzow
Park is fast becoming a shambles due to the activities of stone-throwing
youth and children. Scores of panes of glass have already been shattered and
if action is not taken by police and town officials it is likely further
extensive damage will take place.
A farewell service for Miss Stewart, R.N. home on Furlough, was held at the
Baptist Tabernacle. Miss Stewart will fly from Montreal on May 17th, along
with Miss Doreen Barrie, co-worker, to return to French Equatorial, Africa.
Recently, The Conservative Officer at Mount Forest reported an unusual find.
An animal had been found on No. 6 highway, near Fergus, apparently hit by a
car but not killed. The animal was identified as an opossum. The animal was
taken to Fred Tagley’s Zoo, where a speedy recovery is hoped for. This is
one of the few records of opossums in Ontario and maybe the most northerly
record.
We See: That workmen were busy dismantling a wooden lean-to building on the
north side of the stone Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans clubroom on
Wellington Street. This old structure once housed the presses of the former
St. Marys Argus.
Also - That McLean Forster are completing a new bridge in Downie Township
east of Conroy.
75 years ago — 1933
Members of the teaching staff of the Collegiate Institute attended the
regular meeting of the Collegiate Institute Board. They suggested, that in
view of present conditions, that the Board make a further cut in their
salaries, amounting to 5 per cent. A previous reduction of five per cent had
been made a year ago.
After having been closed for several months, the St. Marys Cement Co.’s
plant began operation in full today. Although there is very little large
construction going on in the province, St. Marys Cement is in demand from
some dealer throughout the County and many carloads are going out each day.
(News About Town)
Mr. Gordon Smith has purchased fifty acres from Mr. Wm. Moses. (Avonton)
100 years ago — 1908
Notice: Summer Resort Opening - At Lakeside on Victoria Day. Come and spend
an enjoyable day at the Lake. Dancing, Boating and Refreshments on grounds.
Wm. Dalrymple, Proprietor.
Pictured in this week’s paper is the Galt Kiltie Band (44 Strong). The Band
will take part in the Caledonian Sports event here on Victoria Day.
Mr. Henry Babensee and Miss Parr have purchased lots on the west side of
Church St. from Mr. Dan Sinclair. These lots formerly belonged to the
Coleman estate.
From St. Marys Public School Board - The Board decided to have the building
committee visit other towns for new ides on school buildings, and it was
proposed that the board authorize the committee to expend an amount
sufficient to cover expenses of said committee.
The I.O.O.F. Band will give the first open air concert of the season on
Thursday evening. They will appear in their new uniforms.
125 years ago — 1883
It is a great wonder that more accidents do not happen to boys which loaf
around the train station. Recently, while the noon train from London was
leaving the switch, some boys were hanging on behind intending to jump off
after the train had moved on a few yards, but in attempting to do so one of
them was sent flying head over heels.
Three of the bridges on the big creek were more or less damaged by the
spring freshet. The cost to the township for repairs is expected to mount up
to about two hundred dollars. (Lakeside)
The re-establishment of Fish Creek Post Office is appreciated by the people
in this vicinity. (Prospect Hill)