Ten years ago — 1998
Stratford Festival has announced that attendance for the 1998 season is a record 523,000 up from 504,000 last season.
The new Grand Trunk Trail is closed for at least two weeks. The closure will allow a contract to install cement walls to stop erosion which is taking place at the approaches to both Emily Street overpass and the Sarnia Bridge.
Fundraising is in full swing for a one million dollar “Field of Dreams” campaign in connection with the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.
From Town Council - The final phase of Town Hall restoration will take place next spring with repairs to the roof estimated at $150,000. About $38,000 of that amount will be needed just to erect scaffolding around the town hall for workers to make the needed repairs. Since the scaffolding will be in place, any painting, eavestrough repairs and pointing of stone will be done at the same time.
Congratulations to Janine Jackson who was a member of the chorus in the recent production of Oliver performed by the Stratford Community Players. (Union Church News)
25 years ago — 1988
Town Council gave its approval which would permit a fast food outlet on James Street immediately north of the fire hall property. Construction of a proposed 1,500 square foot building which will be similar to a Harvey’s food outlet.
The Book Shop, 13 Wellington St. North, was advertising the Perth 1982 Historical Atlas History, farm and home stories, maps with lot holders. “We have a few left and it will not be reprinted.”
50 years ago — 1958
We See - That the Grey Coach six o’clock bus on Saturday remained in St. Marys because of the wintry blizzard conditions. Some passengers were accommodated in the Royal Edward Hotel.
Also - That plastic hoods have been placed on all parking metres in St. Marys for the month of December. “Park Free for one hour” will be in force. This arrangement was made by the Town Council at the instigation of the retail merchants. Police will still be checking parking and anyone abusing the hour privilege will be ticketed.
Footlong hot dogs, a popular roadside eating place delicacy, particularly in California, are going to be featured by Pat Gardner, the new proprietor of the Westcourt Motel and Coffee Shop on Queen St. West. Mr. Gardner, the former proprietor of the St. Marys Grill bought the West Ward Coffee Shop and Motel Business from Bert Dalrymple.
75 years ago — 1933
Have you got any broken toys? Many kiddies in Canada will go without toys on Christmas unless those who can help, do their part to brighten little faces by making Santa Claus real to hopeful children. A well-known citizen of St. Marys has a good idea. He is collecting broken and in some cases wounded toys from his friends and repairing them so that they look like new.
At a meeting in the Town Hall the United Church Badminton Club was organized. Officers elected were: President J. C. Stevenson; vice Pres.: Mrs. L. May; Secretary, Helen Agnew, treas. Tom McIntyre. Members to play in church gymnasium, Friday nights.
100 years ago — 1908
Mr. T. J. Rundle has built a fine residence on Water Street, North which when completed will be occupied by Mr. Wm. Bartlett of St. Marys Hardware Company.
From Town Council - By-Law No. 116, for the acquiring of 15 acres of land immediately west of the existing cemetery for enlarging the cemetery and authorizing the Maya and Clerk to execute a conveyance of a portion of the existing cemetery land to J.C. Patterson, was given the necessary reading. By this by-law 10 acres to the east of the cemetery is sold to John C. Patterson for 1,000. dollars and 15 acres lying to the west of the cemetery is purchased from Mr. Thos. Roger for the sum of 1,875. dollars or 125 dollars per acre. The by-law was simply read and passed. Also - after passing a motion that the Clerk instruct the St. Marys and Western Ontario Railway, that the Board wanted settlement for the Lockup School property by December 14th, the Board adjourned.
The Journal trusts that everyone of its readers will carefully read the letters of leading citizens on the value of pure air, as published on page four.
Before the evening service on Sunday, Rev. Mr. McCamus voiced his approval of the Fresh Air agitation and drew attention to the enormous death rate in Canada from lung trouble. (News About Town).
125 years ago — 1883
Mr. Thos. Steele has moved into his new house, a fine brick building, which is very tastefully laid out, both as useful and ornamental. (Avonbank)
Mr. Chas Ruthig, of Glengowan, has erected a sawmill which will be used in connection with his flour and grist mill.
The boys of the mouth organ band of the town, will play at the Model School entertainment, Stratford on Friday evening next.
The Presbyterian Congregation have decided to put off building a new church for another year. They are shingling the old one. (Avonbank)