Only one newspaper this week due to the timing of Good Friday in 1959.Successful dance step skaters at Midland Arena Gardens Sunday afternoon, the group includes Jane Edwards, Sharon Stelter, Donna Cramm, Judy Lumsden, Margaret Lockhart, June Lumsden, Nancy Playfair, Louise Parker, Lynda Duggan, Selma Wensveen, Mary Lynn Boyd, Lynda Stewart, Dawn Annand, Judy Hack, John Svoboda, Maureen Mohan, Suzanne Ball, Barbara Spence, Jane Campbell, Angela Magnus and Beth Boyd. 

This happy sextet had received word from the judges that they had passed their compulsory figure tests at Midland arena Sunday afternoon. They are Jane Campbell, Judy Hack, Dawn Annand, Donna Cramm, Angela Magnus, and John Svoboda. 

Only four of the 34 horses which started in Saturday’s running of the Grand National steeplechase in Aintree, England, got back to the finish line and Golden Strong wasn’t one of them. That’s the horse Mrs. Mary Dodgson and friend, 2-year-old Johnny Kinnear, had their hopes pinned on for one of the big Irish sweepstake prizes. However, there will be a consolation prize for Mrs. Dodgson, who resides in Midland but works at the Ontario Hospital in Penetang. 

“Uschi”, who also carries the letters “Sch. H. 2” after her name, is a female German shepherd, imported from Germany a few months ago by Hans Albrecht. She made an auspicious debut to her new homeland recently by practically sweeping her class at the Canadian Sportsman’s Show in Toronto. 

Winners of the Graham Swales competition, bottom row, were Jim Clark, Bill Kennedy, Bill Bourrie and skip Ossie Downer. Top rink, which included Murray Yorke, Cecil Merkley, Harold Wilcox, skip, and Dave Milner, won the Adams Trophy. 

Inter-club competitions for male members of Midland Curling Club have been wound up for another year. Bottom row, won the Cumming-Nicholson Trophy, left to right are Graydon Rogers, Phil Fuller, Ross Hastings and Jim Lennox, skip. Top, a rink including Norman Shill, Armand Robillard, Stan Burton skip, and Frank Powell won the O’Keefe Trophy. 

First event of the season, the “Early Bird” bonspiel, was won by Dave Milner, Aaron Shulman, skip Al Steer and Jim Clark, seated. Industrial League winners were, at rear, Murray Yorke, Les Barber, skip Armand Robillard and Jack Duggan. 

These two lads, who will be moving up to Scouts in about two weeks time, have obtained the greatest number of Wolf Cub proficiency badges of any boys in South Georgian Bay District. On the left is Colin Williamson 11, and Fred Hacker 11, members of 3rd Midland (Knox Presbyterian Church) A Pack. Both have 12 badges. Cubmaster is George Williamson and his assistants are Catherine Williamson and Don Pringle. 

After this long hard winter, the flowers in Mac Perrin’s greenhouse were an even more welcome sight than usual during an open house sponsored by the Ladies’ Auxiliary of Midland YMCA Sunday. In the top picture Pat Cowden shows an eye-catching red emperor tulip to Mrs. E. Goldberg. Lower, Mrs. J. E. Lawlor couldn’t resist smelling the polyantha roses while Mrs. Charles Vent, Mrs. K. Huvers and her daughter, Debby Lawlor, await their turn. 

Every winter CPR Bridge and Building gangs go over the long trestle at Port McNicoll, keeping the near-mile-long bridge up to strength to handle the huge grain trains that pass over it almost daily. Similar care on other edifices around Ontario would have saved many dollars and lives this past winter. (Reference to the arena roof failure in Listowel) 

Dressings used in the operating room are first sterilized in this autoclave. St. Andrews nursing assistant Doreen Dupuis removes dressings from one of two autoclaves in the central supply room at the Midland hospital. 

An important part of our hospital is the laboratory. Hospital accountant Clarence Day watches lab technician Ronald Hamelin make a blood test in the centrifuge. 

Nursing assistant Kathryn McMillan demonstrates the use of the Gomco suction pump, right foreground. It was donated to St. Andrews by the Nurses’ Alumnae in 1958. 

Twenty-six head of cattle, 16 pigs and a Shetland pony perished Saturday night when a fire completely destroyed the large barn on the farm of Bert Desroches, Con. 4, Tay. Also lost was a quantity of hay and grain and considerable machinery, including dairy equipment. The loss, which will run into thousands of dollars, was covered by insurance in part at least. 

(I’m not believing that the wind did this!)

• The Free Press Herald headline of March 25, 1959; New Municipal Building Proposed for Penetang. Discussion at Monday night’s meeting of Penetang council indicates strongly that Penetang will have a new town hall to replace the present 68-year-old building damaged by fire earlier this year. Three proposed plans for a new building were inspected without any being accepted as shown. Council did vote in favor of a building to be constructed on one level, with a basement.
• A new business, Florence’s Tots-&-Teens was opened recently at 229 King Street, Midland, just two doors south of the Bank of Montreal. The proprietor of the shop is Miss Florence Gignac who is no stranger to North Simcoe. Born in Penetang, Miss Gignac received her early education in her home town and then enrolled at St. Michael’s Hospital where she graduated as a registered nurse. Following graduation, Miss Gignac nursed in Kapuskasing for eight years and then her travels took her to California, Michigan and finally Peoria, Illinois, where she has been for the past year and a half. “We have been fortunate in making arrangements to handle a number of the leading brands in our complete range from infants to fourteen,” the new shop owner told the Free Press Herald. Miss Gignac is a sister of Penetang’s Mayor Jerome Gignac.
• Penetang Police were a bit unhappy Friday night when their cruiser disappeared as they were quelling a disturbance on the Main Street. As a result, two young men will appear in court Thursday on charges of car theft. According to Chief Jack Arbour, Constables Marcel Dorion and W. Lacroix were called to settle a disturbance on the Main Street around midnight Friday. Rather than making an attempt to get an inebriated man into the cruiser, they walked him the short distance to the cells. On their return, the cruiser, which had been parked with the keys in the ignition, had disappeared.
• JACK STEWART —a member of the Penetang Volunteer Fire Department for more than 25 years died Tuesday morning following an illness of two years. Funeral Service will be held at St. Ann’s Memorial Church, Penetang, Thursday morning.
• COLDWATER — A number of farmers in Coldwater district stand to benefit by a federal-provincial Simcoe County plan to compensate them for the loss of cattle by rabies since April 1, 1958. The latest count of deaths by rabies among wild, domestic and farm animals in Simcoe County is; 112 foxes; 8 dogs; 17 cats; 95 cattle; 3 horses; 12 sheep; 2 hogs; 2 raccoons; 22 skunks and one groundhog. The total is 274, the second worst-hit county in Ontario.
• The committee which recently picked the most valuable players in Midland’s Little NHL has now completed its job by naming the most valuable goalies in the six divisions. They are as follows: Junior “B”, Lloyd Graham; junior “A”, Laurie Thomas; AHL “B”, Jurgen Baumann; AHL “A”, Gregory Somers; NHL “B”, Bill Black; NHL “A”, Bill Silvey.
• 25 Years Ago This Week – Third Street, Midland, was lined with cars and trucks as district motorists sought to obtain their 1934 licence plates and drivers’ permits on deadline day. Licence issuer Joseph O’Shea reported it was the busiest day he had had in years. * * * Tay Township had entered suit against the town of Midland for $2,500 allegedly owed to the township in an adjustment of county levy made in 1931, plus interest of five percent per year from the date of the adjustment. * * * Inspector MacGregor of the Department of Game and Fisheries, whose patrol areas were in Simcoe County, reported that 62 dogs had been shot chasing deer. Sixteen of the dogs were hounds. The remainder comprised various other breeds. * * * Balmy spring weather which had encouraged district farmers to commence plowing their fields, ended abruptly with a storm that blanketed North Simcoe with several inches of snow. Snowplows were required to clear the roads and sidewalks after the two-day blow. * * * Penetang’s public health nurse reported that she had found 24 cases of defective teeth, 12 cases of enlarged glands but only one case of malnutrition among the town’s school children. * * * Capt. Reg Belcher of Victoria Harbour, master of the S. S. Collier, sailed the first ship out of Toronto harbor to officially open the 1934 navigation season for that port. The previous November Capt. Belcher brought the ice-coated Collier into Toronto and safety after bucking a severe storm on the lakes. She was the last ship to lay up in the fall. * * * Midland council and citizens were attempting to have the provincial government complete Highways 27 and 12 as a means of encouraging more tourists to visit the district.
• Obituaries – MRS. EDMOND LACROIX A heart seizure suffered as she sat in a hair dresser’s chair, Wednesday, March 4, resulted in the unexpected death of Mrs. Edmond Lacroix, Penetang. Born in Penetang Nov. 14, 1899, she had spent her entire life in this community, marrying Edmond Lacroix there in 1916. A Roman Catholic, Mrs. Lacroix was a valued member of the General Hospital Ladies’ Auxiliary, Catholic Women’s League, and the Extension Society of the Roman Catholic Church. Besides her husband, Mrs. Lacroix leaves three daughters, Mrs. J. Fournier (Sylvia) and Mrs. H. J. Lefaive (Laivie) of Oshawa and Mrs. L. E. Quinn (Mona), Midland. There is also one sister, Mrs. Theo. Moreau, Penetang. Funeral services were held Saturday, March 7, from her Maria Street home to St. Ann’s Memorial Church, where Father L. Ramsperger, Father J. Marchand and Father J. Kelly officiated. Interment was in St. Ann’s Cemetery. Pallbearers were Alfred Beauchamp, Gordon Beauchamp, John and Wallace Lacroix, Henry and Bernard Deschamps. * * * CHARLES M. FLEMING A member of Midland Lions Club and Caledonian Lodge No. 249 AF and AM, Midland, Charles Morris Fleming died in St. Andrews Hospital March 14. Funeral service was held March 16, at Nicholls funeral home with Rev. J. L. Self officiating. Pallbearers were John Mackie, Lloyd Murday, Don Argue, Elmer Belfry, Bill Scott and Bob Bath. Born in Midland, Nov. I, l903, Mr. Fleming was a wholesale distributor of hardware and garage tools. He lived in Toronto for 12 years and in Montreal for four years and returned to Midland in 1948. Prior to going to Toronto, he had sailed on the Great Lakes out of Midland. Mr. Fleming was an ardent golfer and a member of Knox Presbyterian Church. On Oct. 31, 1931, he married the former Helen McKenzie of Jarvis, Ont., at Toronto. Besides his wife, he is survived by three brothers: Keith of Midland, Leslie of Cincinnati and Gerald of Toronto, and four sisters, Mrs. J. Lang (Jessie), Scarborough; Mrs. C. A. Ferguson (Jeanne), Toronto; Mrs. A. Kenyon (Edythe), New Liskeard and Lena, Toronto. 

Looking further back we find this article in the July 12^th, 1944 Free Press describing a shrine that is familiar to many who boat on the Bay. I was probably 14 or 15 when I first saw the Madonna high up on a rock ledge at the entrance to McRae’s Lake and had always wondered about its story. There is another version circulating in which a trapper is mauled by a bear but this one seems more plausible.

By TED A. BECKER SR. BUFFALO, N.Y.

On a craggy cliff overlooking Georgian Bay a statue of the Virgin Mother may be seen, a mighty sentinel, watching the wild beauty of the realm below her. Justly may she claim the title, for, in the ten years of her guardianship, she has served as a beacon light to countless tourists, guiding their steps over the treacherous passes of the bay to safety, not once has there been an accident reported since. My own escape from death was a miraculous event 11 years ago.

Early in 1930, my six-year-old daughter Marjorie was stricken with severe whooping cough. Her condition was a cause of great worry to the family. Our family physician advised us to move near a body of fresh water. We had been in northern Canada before and remembered the beautiful sur­roundings and invigorating climate of the Georgian Bay where thirty thousand (30,000) islands of all sizes and shapes procure a beauti­ful treat for the human eye. It was there we decided to take Mar­jorie. The thought of going to this paradise raised the hopes and am­bitions of the entire family. Even Marjorie, weak from constant whooping, showed signs of bright hopes. We left Buffalo May 28, 1930, and travelled 200 miles by auto Midland Ont., where a chartered launch was ready to take us 20 miles north on the shore of Georgian Bay, where the Thirty Thousand Islands make their first appearance. With us came Dr. Weider and his wife; our party of six Ted Jr., Marjorie, my wife and I accompanied by our English setter Sporty.

The pilot of the launch took us to McRae’s Lake where it’s fresh spring waters flow into Georgian Bay. Here, on a huge almost bare rock, we unloaded our baggage and supplies with two small boats; from this point, we had to portage 300 feet to the higher lake with our entire needs for the trip. Being late in the day, we only took what was needed, leaving the balance for an early trip in the morning. We traveled about three miles on this peaceful and beautiful lake to the shore where an abandoned log cabin was ready to house us for an indefinite period of time. We were soon set up for the night and ready for bed. The ever calling Whippoorwill whipped us to sleep, being very tired from eighteen hours of travel.

Morning came with a delightful warm breeze and the sun out of a clear sky. The doctor, Ted Jr. and I, traveled by boat to the portage for the rest of our supplies and equipment. It was there, as we had left it. Just about noon of the first day we were well settled and ready to enjoy the camp. For three days our party enjoyed nature and outdoor meals. On the fourth day, Dr. Wieder, his wife, and Ted Jr. had to leave for Buffalo. With my small boat and motor, I took them to Midland where they used the car to drive to Buffalo. I returned safely in time to enjoy another fine, day at the camp. Now, we three with our dog “Sporty”, made plans to spend at least a month in this little paradise. Life went on peacefully until the eventful night of June 3rd. We retired about 10.30 p.m. Shortly after I was awakened by my daughter who heard something eating its way into one corner of the cabin. Taking my 22 rifle by the barrel I opened the door to locate the noise. Stepping out in the dark, a large animal came towards me. It was so close I could only strike for defense. When I hit this animal with the stock, the butt of my gun, the bullet in the chamber discharged, striking me in the abdomen, passing through the stomach and the liver, hitting the spine and finally lodging in the right thigh where it is still embedded. The shock and the terrific pain made me unconscious. Having regained consciousness I found myself lying on a rock, my whole right side paralyzed and causing great pain in my stomach. The blood rushed to my stomach producing frequent vomiting. I gathered all my strength and called my wife to come out of the cabin. I told her what had happened and begged her to be brave and to be prepared to see me die. Death I did not fear, knowing my family would be provided for after my death. I told my wife of my critical position and of the uselessness to seek help,  for a stretch of several miles separated us from any place where help could be obtained. Moreover, she did not know the outlet of our lake nor the treacherous rapids – one hundred yards long – we had to cross to get out. Normally we portage our boat over this point, but that means manpower which we could not muster at the present time.

Undaunted by the dismal situation, my faithful wife dragged my disabled body to our frail motorboat. Taking our six-year-old daughter and our English Setter pet with us we pushed offshore and by an act of divine help I cranked the motor and up the lake we started for the portage and rapids I feared most.

It was now 11 p.m. The darkness was relieved by the bright rays of a crescent moon, and by its light, we guided the boat to an unknown destiny. After 30 minutes of dodging rocks and shoals, our worst fears were realized as we entered a course that was leading us directly into this disastrous channel. Our little daughter was calm and useful. When peril was greatest she knelt down and prayed to the Blessed Mother, asking Her help a where no mortal help could be found.  Now we were but twenty-feet distance from the madly dashing waters which spelled death unless we change our course. The rocks threatened the safety of our boat. I had been continually vomiting much blood and my strength was ebbing away. Placed as it were between Scylla and Charybdis, in an imminent grasp of death, I made one superhuman effort to adjust the boat and the motor for a direct shoot into the rapids. At this moment I called on Marjorie to hold fast on to the dog-which would get her to shore should we capsize. The wise English Setter sensed the danger and gave a warning howl which still echoes in my ears when I think of this moment of a close call to a watery grave. Weakened by agonizing pain, and in view of impending danger, I prayed and waited for the outcome, trusting in Divine Providence. After what seemed to me a long time I opened my eyes. Our little boat passed the treacherous waters and we were floating safely to the other side in Georgian Bay. Once more I put my feeble strength to the task. I placed the outboard motor in position and the little boat was once again tugging along a channel in the direction of the nearest settlement where locals lived the year round. The greatest menace, the rapids, were behind us, but dangers still ahead of us. The shoals under water, rock, and shadows were like many hideous ghosts looming everywhere, ready to cripple the fragile boat. In ten minutes we were around Weber’s Island and could see Mrs. Herdman’s cottage on her island. All was dark, but I knew she was there so I headed for her shore. About two hundred yards from this island, I ran our boat on a shoal or underwater rock and there we stuck. We felt strangled, helpless. I collapsed from pain and exhaustion, little caring for the future. It was midnight. No light pierced the distance gloom on the shore. As the last resort, my wife and daughter began frantically calling for help, their voices echoing in the darkness deadened by the swishing water lapping the side of our boat. It was to our great joy that the shouts were answered from the cottage. Very soon Mrs. Herdman and her caretaker came with a boat and pulled us off the shoals and towed us to Fred Vasseur, about three miles down the Bay. I was transferred to a speed boat made ready for a 15 mile trip to the nearest hospital in the town of Midland. Mr. Fred Vasseur, a very capable guide and boatman, chose a short but dangerous course direct to the town. His task perfectly executed, we arrived at Midland dock at 1.30 am. Still vomiting blood and experiencing terrible pain, I was constantly fighting for my life.

    It was June 30th, 1.30 a.m. and the town was dark. No street lights only that crescent moon that played a great part to get us so far, gave aid to a guide messenger who leaped quickly to the dock and ran two miles for a doctor. Dr.  Johnston, a learned surgeon from the world war responded in his auto in less than fifteen minutes. He felt my pulse and encouragingly said: “Keep courage young man, you have a good pulse. I will arrange everything to save your life.”  He rushed to St. Andrew’s Hospital, aroused four nurses and two more doctors, sent for me and made ready to care for me.

The town clock struck two and soon an undertaker ready for any kind of service appeared at the dock. I was lifted from the boat into a long narrow basket that was hard and uncomfortable. Did this man get to the right scene? It happened he was the only service available, although not the best. They slid me in his worn out  Ford truck. He cranked the motor, jumped in and started for the hospital. The way led up an incline to get over the railroad tracks and before we got over the car stalled. Being an experienced undertaker, he took his time to get going. He got out and cranked, and cranked, but no start. At intervals, he would come to the back of the truck and say, “Are you still alive?” My pain was so intense that I could only groan. Fortunately, I could groan to have him try again. About ten minutes passed and the car started. It was a rough ride but we arrived safely. The doctors and nurses were anxiously waiting. Dr. Johnston inquired about the delay. An encouraging sight for me to see. Four doctors, six nurses and a modern hospital ready to serve and save a stranger! Not one person had seen or heard of me before this early hour of the morning. Out of the basket and on the X-ray table to locate the bullet— it was in a good place—to the operating room and soon I was in “paradise”. No more pain and in good care. The doctors and nurses did a fine job repairing the damage and leaving the bullet where it was and perhaps still is. The report reads that I made a good shot; the bullet missing all the vital parts, shooting through the stomach and the liver, striking the spine and grazing the right thigh and embedding itself in the tissue.

For three long weeks following the accident I hovered between life and death at this hospital. My right side and entire right leg was paralyzed. The fourth week I showed marked improvement and on the seventh week left the hospital. During the seven long weeks at the hospital, I had ample time to think of the past. I knew that my life was spared me by the miraculous help of God. I recalled my daughter’s kneeling figure in the boat, her praying to the Blessed Mother. Realizing the goodness of God and the protection of the Blessed Virgin, I made a promise that I will make a pilgrimage to the place where the miracle occurred and somewhere in a secluded spot erect a little shrine of our Blessed Mother and Her Divine Son in thanksgiving for having saved our lives.

In May 1931, this little shrine was erected high upon the above the rapids. Upon a crude foundation rises a statue of the Madonna and the Child Jesus, hidden in a natural cove behind birch and pine trees. My private place of adoration and thanksgiving to God.    Very soon after the shrine was made known by the guides who soon found it a treasure and encouraged others to visit it. In telling the story the locals have added fictitious tales. I found notes asking for the true story of the shrine, whenever I visited the place. Prior to this, I felt no necessity to disclose the secret which I guarded carefully. But upon the pressure of my friends, I hereby acknowledge in public the great favors received through the Divine Providence and loving care of the Blessed Mother Mary, the Madonna of Georgian Bay.

Click on Photos to Enlarge 

Silverware these women are holding will be presented to the winners of various sections in the Georgian Bay badminton tournament finals in Midland Armory Saturday. Left to right are Muriel Cameron, Camp Borden; Marie Abbotts, Owen Sound, last year’s women’s champion who lost out in the quarter-finals this year; Pamela Nixon, Barrie; and Joyce Rutherford, Midland. 

A portion of the new lounge at Midland’s Midtown Motel and a new guest room.  New addition of the lounge and ten other units to the second storey of the motel was opened recently. 

Midland Lions will sponsor these two budding orators in the Ontario-Quebec finals of a public speaking contest for high school students. President of the Midland club, Harold Humphries is seen with Marion Lavigne and Raymond Desrochers. Marion was best of the seven English speaking finalists. Raymond, a Penetang boy, will advance in the French-speaking division. 

Seen with President Doug Bensley are the two MPDHS orators the Penetang Lions Club will send to the Ontario-Quebec finals of the public; speaking contest for high school students. Contestants are Rudie Whaling of Midland, left, and Pauline Charlebois, Penetang, a French-speaking contestant. 

Penetang Little NHL – South Georgian Bay Champions – Don Deschambault is receiving the trophy. Top, Paul Solmes, Mike Dubeau, Bill Lepage, Martin Robillard, Ron Robillard. Middle, Donald Light, Paul Devillers, Ian Dick, Jimmy Martin, Peter Berry. Front, Donald Dupuis, Ted Mason, Gerald Gignac. Free Press caption; SOUTH GEORGIAN BAY champs in the Little League NHL section, Penetang entry beat Collingwood in a photo finish. Standing under pictures of former Penetang “greats,” Don Deschambault, team captain, holds the Rev. J. L. Len Self trophy. It was presented by Frank Spence of Canadian Name Plate, the donors. (Thanks to “Waxy” Gregoire for identifying the team members.) 

It was a jubilant Midland team in the AHL section of South Georgian Bay Minor Hockey League that accepted the Pillsbury trophy Saturday from C. L. Weckman. Dennis Abbott is surrounded by his teammates as he takes over the trophy at the end of the 4-2 win over Orillia. (This photo is from the Free Press negative collection, the only one we thought, yet in the photo below that was published in the newspaper Bobby Clayton has appeared, middle right.)

Even without the trophy, the big smiles would indicate Lloyd Wilcox’ Midland rink had emerged the winners of the CSL bonspiel last Wednesday. Left to right are Harold McAllen, Graydon Rogers, Lloyd Wilcox, R. C. H. Reed, assistant superintendent of CSL who presented the trophy, and Lawrence Wilcox. The annual event attracted 30 entries, each of whom played one game at Penetang and two at Midland. 

Winners of the Orr Trophy at the annual Midland-Penetang District High School bonspiel at Midland Curling Club Saturday were John Moss’ rink, seen receiving their trophy from Principal L. M. Johnston, Members of the rink are, left to right, Rodney Rankin, John Moss, Mr. Johnston, Gunther Haibach and John Quinlan.

R. Chittick, general manager of Midland Printers Limited, congratulates Jack Jorna, who received his Canadian citizenship in Barrie Wednesday, March 11. Mr. Jorna, a compositor at the Free Press, was one of fifty new Canadians who were presented with citizenship certificates. 

Midland’s new Liquor Control Board store, at Queen and Bay streets, is rated one of the most modern of its kind by manager Lorne Garrow, center in the upper photo. Flanked by clerks Darcy Fitzgerald, left, and Ossie Downer, Mr. Garrow comes to Midland from Oshawa, where he served for the past 13 years. (You penciled the product number of your choice on a piece of paper and the staff retrieved it from the stock, seems to me that Walker’s Special Old was 68B or was that Bacardi’s light amber rum.)

Editorial: A little more than a year ago Midland’s St. Andrews Hospital was critically ill with what had been diagnosed as financial anemia. Its future, to say the least, was not rosy. The hospital board of directors had resigned. Hospital finances were in such dire straits, it was said the institution might have to close its doors. A special meeting of citizens was called to discuss the problems and to attempt to formulate some course of action which would ensure this vital community service would be continued.  The new municipal auditorium was filled to capacity. The crowd, one of the largest to attend a public meeting in Midland for some years, represented all walks of life. The air was electric with suspense as the cards were laid on the table by the various speakers. Ultimately, a new board of directors was named. Next Wednesday night the men and women who were appointed to the board that night will make their reports at the annual meeting of the Corporation of St. Andrews Hospital. The meeting will be held in the same auditorium but a different story will be told. This story will be equally as electrifying, for it will be, in a sense, the story of an uphill fight for the survival of a hospital. It will be the story of how the entire hospital staff, doctors, Midland service clubs, fraternal organizations, businessmen and citizens, the councils and citizens of the surrounding municipalities contributed funds, worked long hours and co-operated to restore this ‘patient’ to a healthier state. It will be the story of devotion to a cause, of administrative surgery and financial transfusions. It was not an easy struggle or an entirely pleasant one. The financial charts now show that as of December 31, 1958, current assets exceeded liabilities by some $14,000 and the net improvement in finances since December 31, 1957, as $56,685. The hospital is now passing through the convalescing stage. Let us hope it does not have a relapse. 

Board of Directors of St. Andrews Hospital paid tribute this week to the excellent co-operation received the past year from the local doctors and the entire hospital staff. At the beginning of its term of office, the Board appealed to the doctors and staff to make every effort to help the Board deal with the problems that had to be solved. Without exception, a board spokesman stated, the medical men and staff of the hospital expressed willingness to co-operate fully. By maintaining patient occupancy at a relatively constant level,  minimizing Saturday operations, timing activities with the availability of nurses and streamlining the system of medical records, which in some instances needed duplication, the medical staff assisted greatly with the economy and overall operation of the hospital, it was stated. Another feature of the excellent co-operation enjoyed between the medical staff and the board was the invitation to the board chairman and the management committee to attend and discuss administration matters at the regular monthly meetings of the medical staff. At times during the year when the hospital was actually temporarily understaffed because of an unexpected increase in the number of patients, the nurses of the hospital worked cheerfully for Ionger hours to ensure that no essential duties and services were neglected. The helpful spirit of the entire staff and their patience in coping with difficulties was especially appreciated during the whole year, the board spokesman stated. 

Responsible for the smooth operation and efficiency throughout the hospital are Nursing Superintendent Miss Jean Holt and Business Administrator Alex Craig. Miss Holt is in charge of the medical responsibilities of the staff while Mr. Craig supervises the administration of the hospital. 

Last year 372 new citizens spent their first few days in St. Andrews nursery. Registered nurses Patricia Hook and Lois Rey were on duty when this photo was taken. Midland Lions Club provides a $300 annual grant for nursery equipment maintenance and supplies. 

Jean Sutton, Reg. Nurse makes sure the oxygen tent, a $1,000 gift of the Hospital Women’s Auxiliary is working properly. The tent is one of a series of gifts donated to the hospital by the Auxiliary in recent years. Nurses Alumnae also have contributed generously to the hospital. 

Nursing stations are manned 24 hours a day. Two-way intercom system permits conversation between duty nurses and any patient on the floor. Registered nurses Judy Wright, and Mrs. L. Mac Arthur are at first-floor station. Files contain medical histories of patients. 

More than 60,000 meals were served at St. Andrews in 1958, which included special diets as well as regular fare. Shirley Henry, left, receives instructions from Lyla Ritchie, a qualified dietician who is in charge of meal planning at the hospital. 

Pipes which almost obscure chief engineer Allan Busch are part of the heating system that keeps the hospital warm and comfortable, the temperature is controlled by an outside weather eye. A 24-hour duty is maintained in the boiler room. Last year 380 tons of coal were needed to heat the hospital. 

In 1958 more than 3,399 x-rays were taken on equipment in St. Andrew’s Hospital. Here Anne Gunn, the hospital’s X-ray technician prepares to take a patient’s “picture”. The equipment is comparable to any in other hospitals in Ontario. 

Members of Branch 80, Midland, proved their superiority at cribbage as District “E” of the Canadian Legion held its tournament Saturday. The Midlanders won both the ten-man team and doubles titles. Above, Herb Wiles receives the trophy from Ossie Truman of Weston, district sports officer, on behalf of the Midland victors.

 

• Free Press headline of March 18, 1959; Road Crew Breaks Main Creates Crisis in Village. Highway construction workers, using a drag line on the new Coldwater bypass right-of-way, Monday afternoon broke the main water line running from the village reservoirs into Coldwater. Since the accident, which occurred about 3.30 p.m. Monday, irate councillors have dispatched telegrams and telephone calls to Highways Minister Fred Cass and Lloyd Letherby, MPP. Emergency arrangements for fire protection have been made with Simcoe County Mutual Aid Fire Association. The villagers reportedly have been without water in their taps since 9 p.m. Monday night.
• County Herald headline of March 20, 1959; County Holds Tax Line, Road and General Levy 10.5 This year’s levy is made up of 7 mills general rate and 3.5 for roads. Last year it was 7.2 for general and 3.3 for roads. This year’s general rate of 7 mills is expected to raise $695,025 and the 3.5 mills for roads should bring in $347,512. Last year’s figures were $837,055 and $366,928, respectively. Midland’s share of the tax levy this year will be $60,175 for general and $30,087 for roads, a total of $90,262 as compared with $86,854 last year. For Penetang the figures are $17,558 for general and $8,779 for roads for a total of $26,337 as compared with $25,835 last year.
• As Good Friday, a statutory holiday falls on the publication day for the County Herald, only one paper will be published next week. It will be the Free Press Herald, to be published and distributed to book stores and by carrier Wednesday. Rural correspondents and advertisers are requested to have their copy into this office early.
• A teenage gang of shop-lifters was broken up on the weekend with the apprehension of six youths, Midland Police Chief Robert Cameron told this newspaper Monday. The chief said two youths had been charged and charges were pending against the others. Chief Cameron said the shoplifting crew, all Midland lads, would enter a clothing store and, while a couple of them kept the clerk occupied, another would steal an article of clothing. In other instances, they would try on an item of clothing and then leave with the new item without paying for it.
• Thirty-one teachers at Midland-Penetang District High School will receive a $500 across-the-board wage increase, effective Sept. 1, as a result of a decision by the district board at its meeting last week. For some, experienced teachers, specialists, and heads of departments, the new salary schedule adopted by the board will mean substantial increases over the present salaries.
• A total of 401 persons heard Victor White, a travelling missionary for the Watch Tower Society, deliver a Bible lecture on the subject, “A Paradise Earth Through God’s Kingdom.” The setting for this lecture was Parkside Pavilion, Midland, Sunday. The talk climaxed a three-day circuit assembly of Jehovah’s Witnesses from an area bounded by Burks Falls on the north to Cookstown on the south and Orillia on the east. During the three days, delegates received Bible instruction and counsel in their ministerial activities. A baptism service was held Saturday afternoon.
• Two district women were among the many motorists reported to have been caught up in the heavy gales which swept across Ontario Sunday afternoon and night. According to word reaching this paper, Miss Margaret Boden, Midland, and Miss Lena Woolley, Penetang, were en route to Toronto early Sunday evening. They were near Cookstown when the gale-force winds reportedly drove their small car across the road, turning it over several times. Damage to the vehicle was reported at around $300 but no person was seriously injured.
• A new commercial establishment will occupy the premises now housing Bev’s Marine Ltd., Midland, May 1. Brake Specialty and Parts Company of Toronto has recently completed an agreement with B. H. Keefe, president of Bev’s Marine Ltd., for a long-term lease of the showroom and shops located at 263 Midland Ave. Russ Brazier, general manager of Brake Specialty, indicates the company would start with four employees but hoped to add to this once the business is established. The main business of the new company is the distribution of wholesale automotive parts. They now have a number of locations operating throughout Ontario.
• Bandmaster of the Midland Salvation Army band for 25 years and a life member of Caledonian Lodge, No. 249 AF and AM, Midland, Richard Harry Gregory died at Greater Niagara Falls Hospital March 14 at the age of 80. Mr. Gregory was the husband of the late Emily L. Edwards. He is survived by a son, Raymond, and a daughter, Mrs. Elsie Mills, both of Toronto, and two brothers, George, and Gregory of Navisink, N.J. Mr. Gregory, a bricklayer and a contractor was for 10 years property building inspector for the Salvation Army in Toronto. At one time he ran a fish and chip store near the present site of Orr’s Jewellers.
• Ten Years Ago This Week – Presentation of the charter of incorporation was made to Penetang Chamber of Commerce by Mayor W. D. Hunter. The charter was presented to J. M. H. McGuire, president of the chamber. * * * Penetang Hospital Board and women’s organizations in the town were making plans for a house-to-house canvass to raise funds for furnishing and equipping a new X-ray room in the proposed new hospital. Campaign objective was set at $10,000. * * * The Ontario legislature voted down a private bill calling for municipal elections at Wasaga Beach to be held during the summer rather than at the year-end. Also sought was authority for summer residents to hold municipal office. The legislature committee felt the bill left the preponderance of voting power with citizens “who would not be on the job except for a short time during the summer”. * * * Simcoe East member Wm. A. Robinson announced that letter carrier service would commence in Midland May 2. He said five to seven local men would be employed in the delivery service. * * * Audited financial statement for the town of Midland showed the town had incurred a $6,104 deficit on its 1948 operations. The mill rate in 1948 had been set at 46 mills. * * * Entries in the Midland Music Festival hit a new high in 1949. A tabulation showed 490 entries had been submitted in the various classes. It was estimated that approximately twelve to fifteen hundred contestants would be taking part. * * * Following a study made by county council’s agricultural committee and a member, of the Ontario Department of Agriculture, it was recommended that Stewart L. Page, county agricultural representative, be provided with an assistant. The assistant was to report June 1.
• Annual spring fashion supplement, sponsored by Midland and Penetang businessmen, will appear with this issue of the County Herald. The 12-page supplement contains news and advertising messages describing the latest style trends.
• “The people have been very good this year. It has been quite steady for the past couple of weeks,” stated Alex Macintosh, Midland’s issuer of motor vehicle licences. Indicating that he estimated about 80 percent of the licences had been sold, Mr. Macintosh said there had been no heavy, rush. “It is certainly better than last year.” Business at the Penetang licence issuing office was steady throughout Thursday, the day following the deadline, according to Mrs. Boyd Hollister. “There has been no rush, just a steady business all day long,” she said. Mrs. Hollister said she believed the majority of car owners in this area had their plates before the deadline. “We will still sell quite a few, however, to those people who have been unable to get their cars out because of the heavy snow conditions,” she said.
• Letter to the editor; Dear Editor: I read in Wednesday’s Free Press Herald where Bev’s Marine has leased its building to a new firm, and I presume Mr. Keefe and his associates contemplate construction of a marina on property adjacent to the Midland coal docks. Neville Keefe, manager of the Georgian Bay Development Association has been asked by the town council to try to finalize purchase property which is supposedly partly owned by the railway. That’s all very good but I think the mayor and or members of council ought to do anything possible in order that this much-needed marina may become a reality. Last fall I walked over the proposed site of the marina, and it appeared to me that a tremendous work will be involved before the place can be put to use. Not only will it take a great deal of labor, but I imagine the cost will be very heavy. As there is no apparent immediate move by the government to supply funds for a marina, I believe that anyone who has enough courage and foresight to undertake the task ought to receive whatever possible support council can give. There is a steadily growing need for a marina here in Midland, not only for local boat owners but as a means of encouraging tourists to our town. Signed, an old Salt. (It is hard to imagine Midland without a marina.)

We are working at the moment on the 1943 Midland Free Press microfilms and wanted to add a page from that era.

Pages from Free Press Herald_1943-10-20 OCR

 

 

Click on Photos to Enlarge 

One thing about fishing, age is no factor in the enjoyment of this universal pastime. Bobby Roduck examines one of the many “flies” tied by veteran angler G. A. Walkinshaw at the hobby show in Midland YMCA Thursday night. 

Although its value is under dispute in government and military circles at the moment, the aeroplane still attracts the fancy of many Midland lads who formed their own model club at Midland, YMCA. Keith Craig, left, and Tom Atkinson display two of the larger models on view at the hobby show in the ‘Y’ Thursday night. 

Midlanders who failed to attend the hobby show at the YMCA Thursday night missed some interesting exhibits. This one, from the collection of Mr. and Mrs. James Sherriff, won a special award. Examining one of the interesting articles are Mr. and Mrs. Mervin Beatty. 

One of the main features at the annual North Simcoe seed fair at Elmvale has been the potato competition. Telesphóre Forget, left, is this year’s grand champion, with Ida Maurice as reserve champion. Both men are prominent seed potato growers from the Lafontaine area.

Top honours in the bacon section of this year’s North Simcoe seed fair and bacon carcass show at Elmvale Friday was won by Adam Wolosky of Victoria Harbour. Mr. Wolosky is seen With Ron Dennis, left, of the Canada Dept. of Agriculture, and Stewart L. Page, North Simcoe ag-rep. Mr. Wolosky’s exhibit won the grand championship in its class.

Floor hockey has long been one of the favorite sports for boys of Midland YMCA. In the lower photo are the Mustangs, this year’s winners. Left to right are; kneeling, Ronnie Jeannotte, Bob Weckman, Gene Suzuki; standing, Allan Cornell, Chris Lyons, and Frank McLean. Runners-up, Golden Eagles are Rafael Shushan and Jimmy Martin in front, and Paul Henderson, Ricky Howard, and Tom Fisher, rear.

Having heard that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, the boys of Grades 7 and 8 at Port McNicoll Public School soften up their dads a bit each year by preparing and serving a supper for them. “Cooks” above are, “left to right, Frank Kelly, Leo Beausoleil, and Ian Spencer. 

Winners of the snowshoe races staged at Penetang’s Winterama March 1 receive their prizes from Jaycee Eugene Bellehumeur, right, chairman of the snowshoe race committee. Right to left are Larry Jones, Midland, first in men’s; Tom Tobey, Honey Harbour, 2nd in men’s, and Angela King, Honey Harbour, 2nd in women’s.  Betty Jones, Midland, winner of the women’s event, was absent when the photo was taken. 

Winner of the Monarch flour contest held at Loblaw’s Midland store recently was J. A. Stewart of 303 Second Street, Midland. Mr. Stewart, right, gets his aluminum cooking wear prize from store manager “Sandy” F. A. Dempster. 

Midland Armory will be a busy spot this weekend when the Garrison Club plays host to the Georgian Bay District, badminton championships. Four Midland stars Dave Dunning, Tom Marion, Carson Brown, and John Bourgeois, are seen above tuning up for the big event.

Tractor mounted snow blower clears the snow beside the CSL freighter “Hochelaga” in front of the Port McNicoll elevator before the ice cutting crew moves in to cut the ice into moveable blocks. Once the ice has been removed the freighter can be freed ready for her first spring trip. Petroff’s tow truck is being used to move ice. (Not the same one that pulled me out of the ditch last week.)

 

• County Herald headline of March 11, 1959; Man Attacks Young Girl – Flees from Irate Citizen. Midland police today are continuing their search for a “scruffy looking” man who attacked a 12-year-old while she and several companions were on their way home from a Girl Guide meeting about 9:15 p.m. Wednesday. The girls had left St. Mark’s parish hall about 9 p.m. and had reached the intersection of Hugel and Seventh Streets when one of them was grabbed by a man who had been following them and was thrown down on the snow. The girls’ screams attracted the attention of Herb Young, 371 Bay St. W. who took after the girl’s assailant and chased him to the vicinity of Knox Presbyterian Church where the suspect escaped up a lane.
• Free Press Herald headline of March 11, 1959; Gang of Safecrackers Loot New Supermarket. The first major robbery in Penetang since the municipal force took over from provincial police several years ago netted an estimated $4,000 to $5,000 for a crew of hungry thieves who cracked the safe at Robbie’s IGA sometime during the weekend. The new store was opened only last month. The exact time of the break-in and robbery has not been determined, according to police, although there is some indication that it took place Sunday afternoon or night. The theft was discovered when employees opened the store on Monday morning. Getting into the safe, apparently took a considerable period of time and, while working, the culprits apparently got hungry, for they drank some milk and ate apples, chocolate bars, and biscuits. No evidence of an attempt to get into the safe through its door could be seen. Instead, using an axe, pick and wrecking bar, a hole was chopped through thin metal which covered the back.
• Drop-outs number about the same as this time last year but percentage-wise they are down slightly because of the greater attendance, MPDHS Principal L. M. Johnston told the High School board meeting Wednesday night. Of the 11 pupils that had dropped but since his last report to the board in February, Mr. Johnston pointed out nine had gone to gainful employment.
• Active in Boy Scout work, the Simcoe County Police Association and Conservative circles, William John Moriarty, died unexpectedly at his Port McNicoll home March 11. He was in his 58th year. Born in, County Kerry, Ireland, where he was educated, he came to Canada 33 years ago. After three years as a private detective at the Royal York Hotel, Toronto, he came to Port McNicoll to join the staff of the CPR police where he remained until his death.
• After an absence of about eight years, Huronia Choral Society is being reorganized. The initial rehearsal and organizational meeting of the group, which is open to all district residents, will be held in the board room of the Midland municipal building at 8 p.m. March 17. The society, formerly led by Allan Harrington, Alex Docherty and Wm. Cameron, will have Al Hume as its new leader.
• With the opening of its new second-storey addition, Midland’s Midtown Motel now ranks with the best between Toronto and North Bay. That’s the firm belief of the proprietors, Karl, and Keith Bertrand, who not so many years ago were operating a garage on the site of the present motel. Still leaving room for another 20-unit addition if the need arises, the new second-storey addition is located “amidships”, atop the original building. It provides a fine lounge, 18 by 30 feet, as well as 10 new sleeping units.
• BARGE “AGAWA” Dear Editor: The steel barge “Agawa,” official No. 111807, was built at Collingwood by the Collingwood Shipbuilding Co. for the Algoma Central S.S. Co. and launched July 19, 1902. Her length was 379 feet, width 46 feet, and depth 26 feet; gross tonnage 3308. In 1907 she was made a steamer of 2468 gross tons. She stranded on Advance Reef off Michael Bay, south coast of Manitoulin Island. The tug General from Detour took her crew off. She was released June 3, 1928, taken to Collingwood and repaired with gross tonnage 3525. On May 20,  1929, she was sold to Arrow S.S. Co. of Toronto and renamed Robert P. Dunham. In 1939 she was, sold to the Quebec and Ontario Transportation Co. of Thorold and renamed Heron Bay in 1940 and is still in service. —W. R. WILLIAMS.
• Victoria Harbour electors gave a split decision in their vote on four liquor questions Saturday. They supported women’s beverage rooms by a vote of 296 yes to 191 no, for a majority of 78 percent and defeated the men’s beverage room question by a vote of 288 yes to 198 no. On the dining room licence issue, the question was carried by a 60.87 percent majority, 294 voting yes to 189 no. The cocktail lounge licence went down to defeat with .289 voting in the affirmative to, 197 in the negative.
• One of several visitors at Tiny Township council meeting Saturday, Ed Copeland showed council his “time books” to prove he had closed his sawmill as he had threatened late last year. “If you hadn’t put on that $9 a year business tax I wouldn’t have closed it,” Mr. Copeland told council. “For a matter of $9 you are quitting the business?” asked Deputy-reeve Eldege Quesnelle. Mr. Copeland: “That’s right, I was sick and tired of government intervention in my business.”
• “If the library is to continue to offer the service which the statistics show the people of Midland want, the only solution is an addition to the building. It cannot be started too soon; said Dawson M. Leigh, Midland Librarian, in his annual report issued recently. The last year saw more books and magazines borrowed than ever before — 69,479; continued Mr. Leigh. “This in spite of crowded conditions which almost compel patrons to be contortionists or giraffes. This amounts to each person borrowing 8.4 books per year. From available reports, no other municipality within 40 miles can show as high a per capita average and few in Ontario.” (The national average is 3.4 volumes a year.)
• Births – GIANETTO — To Mr. and Mrs. Maurice Gianetto, Sunnyside, Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Friday, March 6, 1959, a daughter. LAURIN — To Mr. and Mrs. Henry Laurin, 266 Dominion Ave., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Monday, March 9, 1959, a son. LeFRENIERE — To Mr. and Mrs. Leonard LeFreniere, King St., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Saturday, March 7, 1959, a son. PINKNEY — To Mr. and Mrs. Robert Pinkney, 109 Hugel Ave., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Wednesday, March 4, 1959, a daughter. PUDDICOMBE —To Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Puddicombe, 248 William St., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Friday, March 6, 1959, a daughter.
• 25 Years Ago This Week – Extensive damage, was caused to the Midland Engine Works by a fire that broke out about 8.45 p.m. The fire was believed to have been started by a spark that had smouldered for some time following casting operations in the afternoon. * * * The federal government was considering the discontinuance of the $2 licence fee on each radio receiving set, replacing it with a tax on tubes.  * * * Dr. J. M. Nettleton of Penetang was being mentioned as possible Conservative candidate for the Centre Simcoe riding in a forthcoming provincial election. * * * Ontario Department of Highways reported there were 99 fewer fatalities on the highways in 1933 than in the previous year. A total of 7,877 persons were injured in the 8,634 accidents reported. * * * Ice at Moose Point was reported to have been 36 inches thick, extending out in the bay as far as the eye could see. *  * *  Twenty-five local men had obtained employment in the general overhaul being given to the Northern Navigation Company’s cruise ship Huronic. The passenger steamer was at Midland Shipyards. * * * Moonstone defeated Jarratt 4-3 in the final game of the East Simcoe Rural League. The hockey game was played in the Palace Rink at Coldwater. Moonstone was awarded the Eplett cup. * * * Provincial Livestock Director R. W. Wade reported that Ontario municipalities had paid out $20,000 for damage caused to sheep flocks by marauding dogs.
• Over 200 “bird bashers” from eight Simcoe and Muskoka centers will congregate in Midland this weekend for the Georgian Bay District Badminton tournament, to be held in Midland Armory Friday and Saturday. Entries for the tournament have poured in from Orillia, Bracebridge, Parry Sound, Barrie, Camp Borden, Owen Sound, Utterson, and Midland.
• On the basis of statistics submitted in the House of Commons the other day, the Avro Arrow cost every man, woman and child in Canada about $30 each. Since the average family consists roughly of four persons, it meant $120 was being drained in one form or another of indirect and direct taxation from the family wage earners pay envelope for this item alone.
• At a meeting in Tiny Township council chambers, Saturday, the council was approached by six members of the Georgian Bay Hunters and Anglers Association with the idea of making Tiny marsh a wildfowl sanctuary. Many will recall when this marshland or lake, as it was known, was drained so it could be used as farmland. However, it was found later to be of no value for such a purpose and was abandoned. Tiny Township agreed this piece of property was of no use to anyone in its present condition and that it was costing the township money to maintain ditches that are there for the purpose of catching any drainage water from this property. The council was unanimous in its decision to turn over this property to the Georgian Bay Hunters and Anglers Association for a wildfowl sanctuary.
• Obituary – MRS. EARL PAUL A Midland resident for most of her life, Mrs. Earl Paul died in St. Andrews Hospital, March 1, in her 34th year. Funeral service was held at Nicholls funeral home March 3, with Rev. J. L. Self officiating. Pallbearers were Norman, Harry, and Ed Paul, Don and Jack Simpson and Calvin Cowdrey. Born and educated in Penetanguishene, Mrs. Paul was married April 12, 1947, at Midland. Besides her husband, she is survived, by four children, Grace, Betty, Maryann and William, and her mother, Mrs. Grace Shields of Kingston. Two brothers, Bill and Bob, both of Toronto also survive. Burial was in Lakeview Cemetery vault.
• Midland Business and Professional Women’s Club held its monthly dinner meeting in the Georgian Hotel Feb. 9. President Mrs. R. R. McGrattan was in charge. Following the business session, the annual candlelight ceremonial was held in observance of International Week. The ceremony is a tradition through which the International Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs history is recalled in a symbolic fashion. Mrs. Earl Cumming entertained the members of the club at her home Feb.3.
• Two four-year-old Lafontaine children escaped possible death by a narrow margin Sunday afternoon when they were struck by a truck as their sleigh glided onto the main road in the village. According to Tiny Chief Fern Maurice, the pair slid in front of a truck driven by Marcel Laurin, and owned by Ovide Laurin. Louise Mullie suffered a fractured elbow and bruises, and Gerard Beausoleil was confined to hospital with severe bruises and shock. Chief Maurice said the truck had to be jacked up to remove the Beausoleil child who was caught under the rear springs.

From the August 11th, 1943 Free Press Herald comes this article on the wartime shortage of heating fuel. It’s hard to imagine what the air quality must have been in Midland on those cold, still, winter mornings when every house burnt wood or coal.