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An annual event at Port McNicoll public school is the tea put on by the grades 7 and 8 home economics pupils for their mothers and grandmothers. Held last Wednesday afternoon, the event drew a large attendance again this year. Some of the girls of Mrs. W. Moriarty’s class are seen above at the close of the reception.

Wife of the chairman of Port McNicoll public school board, Mrs. Ray Belanger is being served by two young ladies of Mrs. W. Moriarty’s home economics class at the annual tea held in the school Wednesday for the mothers and grandmothers of the girls in the class. Serving are Lorraine Bell left, and Faye Cameron.

Winners of the Atkinson Marine goalie awards received their trophies at the hockey banquet which climaxed Midland’s Little NHL season Monday night. Left to right are Lloyd Graham (Junior “B”), Greg Somers (AHL “A”), Jürgen Baumann (AHL “B”), Bill Silvey (NHL “A”), Ted Black (NHL “B”), and Laurie Thomas (Junior “A”).

Named “Most Valuable” players in their sections of Midland’s Little NHL, these lads received the Robin Hood trophies at the hockey banquet in Parkside Inn Monday night. Left to right are Ernie Boast (junior “A”), Mike Robitaille (AHL “B”), Jon Pettersen (AHL ”A”), Mike Borsa (NHL “B”), Ed Zablotny (NHL “A”), and Gord Paul (junior “B”).

Presentation of trophies was one of the highlights as Midland’s Little NHL wound up the season at a banquet Monday. Captains of the winners in the various sections are, left to right, Mike Robitaille (AHL “B”), Ed Zablotny (NHL “B”), Jon Pettersen (AHL “A”), Larry French (NHL “A”), Tommy Borsa (junior “A”), and Tommy Sweeting (junior “B’).

Donated by William Wilcox in memory of his son, the Kelvin Wilcox Trophy was presented to Windsor Bulldogs, winners of the Police-Legion sponsored senior OHA section of Midland’s Little NHL at the hockey banquet Monday night. Left to right are, Billy Reay, former Toronto Maple Leaf coach, Mr. Wilcox, Cpl. Ernie Bates, Larry Cripps (captain), John Hanley, Billy Girard, Dennis Marsell, Fred Burgie, Ronald Contois, Ricky Manson, and Const Ross Willett. Absent were Charles Ward and Randy Green. (The trophy was lost in the arena fire.)

Pomp and pageantry came to Midland Saturday night as the Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario, Hon. Keiller Mackay, officiated at a recognition ceremony for some 50 new Queen’s Scouts. Preceded by his aide de camps, His Honor is seen entering MPDHS auditorium with Mrs. Arthur Ferguson, wife of the regional, commissioner for Scouts. Behind them are Mrs. Mackay and Commissioner Ferguson, followed by Mayor Charles Stevenson and Mrs. Stevenson of Midland.

This was a solemn moment for these young girls as they took the “Guide’s Oath” administered by Mrs. J. E. Lawlor, district commissioner, in a ceremony at St. Mark’s parish house May 6. New members of 1^st Midland Company Girl Guides (St. Mark’s) are, left to right, Sheryl Lattimore, Mary Louise Parker, Laurie Young, and Karen Greisbach.

Twenty new girl guides were enrolled in the 1^st Midland Company (St. Mark’s) last Wednesday in a ceremony in the parish house. Above, District Commissioner Mrs. J. E. Lawlor pins Girl Guide badge on the tie of Joanne Ambrose.

Among the best catches of the day as the trout season opened May 1 were these two rainbows caught by Midland’s Bev Day. The big one topped five pounds and the smaller one was a pleasing 2 ½. A number of good catches were reported throughout the district.

The rain which eventually drove hundreds of participants in the family rosary parade and rally in Midland Sunday scurrying for shelter hadn’t hit as yet when the two pictures above were taken as the parade formed near St. Margaret’s Church. Top: On the float, all from St. Ann’s Parish, Penetang, are left to right Shirley King, Marcel Moreau, Iber Cadeau, and Michael Murphy.  Lower: Perkinsfield and Penetang children make up the personnel on this float. Included are Lorraine Lacroix, Exilda Moreau, Gerry Parent, Lucille Lesperance, Irene Robitaille, Gilbert Moreau, Robert Brunelle, Lorraine Ducaire and Gerald Jones. 

These are “spit and polish days” at Midland – Penetang District High School as the cadet corps prepares for its annual inspection Thursday. Members of the colour party are giving the colours an airing under the watchful eyes of the quarter-masters staff. Left to right are S/Sgt. R. Blair, Sgt. P. Smith, S/Sgt. J. Vincent and W.O. 2 J. Rankin of the QM staff; and color party members Sgt. J. Quinlan, Lieut. G. Crowe, Sgt. S. Campbell, Lieut. R. Attridge, and Sgt. J. Brodeur.

Much of the success of any army group depends on the efficiency of its NCO’s, and high school cadet corps are no exception. Above, Major W. C. Setterington, chief instructor of the MPDHS corps, makes sure this group of corporals knows its assignments for Thursday’s annual inspection. Corporals are, left to right, front row, L. Anderson, P. King, P. Bellehumeur, W. Puddicombe, G. Ronald; back row, R. Irvine, H. Charlebois, J. Quesnelle, N. Zoschke, B. Small.

Officers of the battalion headquarters staff of Midland – Penetang District High School cadet corps are seen above during a lull in training for Thursday’s annual inspection. Left to right are Cadet Major Hartmut Bezner, Cadet Major Paul McDonald, Cadet Major J. Parker, 2 I/C; Cadet Lieut.-Col. K. MacEachern, commanding officer; Cadet Major Wayne Morrison, adjutant; Cadet Major R. Scott, and Cadet Major M. Reynolds.

• [The Free Press Herald front page of May 13th, 1959, is missing from the microfilm. We will examine the original copies in the museum archives to see if it was an oversight by the people who originally photographed our Midland-Penetang newspapers or whether it was ever in the collection. The museum is always attempting to add to the Free Press collection, many editions and many years are missing. Missing are most papers prior to 1939 except 1950 which is missing entirely. If you have an old Midland or Penetang newspaper from these years you wish to donate please contact the museum, 526-2844. ]
• County Herald headline of May 8, 1959; Employment Scene Good, Future Prospects Bright. Ranks of unemployed have been depleted considerably and prospects for future work look bright, district National Employment Services officials believe. Employment in the construction industry is good and local industry is employing as many if not more than they did this time a year ago it was stated.
• Midland Junior Chamber of Commerce last night commenced plans for its seventh annual fireworks display to be held in Little Lake Park, Midland, May 18. Jaycee President Bill Bennett said the “Jaycees will really light up the sky over the lake that night” Bennett explained that very few residents realize this is a non-profit venture, paid for by the donations collected at the entrance to the park each year. He said although, receipts have been good, approximately $50 was raised in this manner last year. This was about $200 short of the actual cost of the 1958 display. If it were not for the assistance from the town of Midland and Midland service clubs, who help underwrite the loss, the Midland Jaycees could not carry on each year, President Bennett He said the club itself does not have the funds to cover the additional expense.
• Two young, members of RCSCC “Huron” Midland, spent an anxious few hours adrift on Georgian Bay yesterday afternoon before they were finally rescued by a provincial police boat. Michael Moreau and Ron Belanger, both about 16, set out around 8 a.m. for a sail in one of the sea cadet corps dinghies. They took their lunches with them, intending to spend the day afloat. By mid-afternoon, the wind freshened considerably and the seas got rougher. The two inexperienced sailors decided to let the sail down and drift with the wind about 2.30 p.m. Tom Scott an employee at the CSL Town House elevator, had seen the boys’ sailing around Midland harbor on several occasions during the day. When he again spied the dinghy with the sail down, he feared the craft might have capsized and contacted the police.
• Long distance charges between Midland and Penetanguishene telephones will be eliminated early next year H. A. Kilroy local Bell Telephone manager announced today. He said the change is being made to keep pace with the steady growth in the community of interest between Midland and Penetanguishene. This growth is reflected in the long-distance calling between the two communities.
• TEN YEARS AGO THIS WEEK – Midland council was considering asking the Canadian Home Underwriters Association for an inspection of the municipality with a view to lowering fire insurance rates. Council’s action stemmed from a recommendation made by Fire Chief Peter Grigg. * * * More than 400 North Simcoe’ citizens attended the official opening of Bausch and Lomb’s new lens manufacturing plant, in Midland. * * * C. L. Chittick of Barrie was elected president of Simcoe County Children’s Aid Society at the May 10 meeting of the society’s board of directors. He succeeded G. S. McConkey. * * * Elmer Wood, youthful deputy-reeve of Orillia Township won the Simcoe East Progressive – Conservative nomination at a riding convention in Coldwater. His opponent, A. “Affie” Thompson, was nosed out by only 10 votes. The nomination assured a three-way fight in the federal vote. * * * New addition to the Canada Steamship Lines fleet, the S.S. Coverdale was nearing her launching stage at Midland shipyard. The new bulk carrier was 640 feet long. * * * At a special meeting in Vasey May 13, plans were discussed for the construction of a community hall for the village. The dinner meeting was sponsored by the Vasey Women’s Institute. It was suggested that the proposed building be erected in a corner of the athletic field. * * * Midland had the youngest airman in Canada in possession of a commercial pilot’s licence. He was Bert Barbour of Toronto and he was flying out of Midland for Georgian Bay Airways. * * * Members of the Masonic Order from lodges in the Lindsay to Meaford area were present when Rt. Worshipful Brother J. J. Robins, district deputy grand master of Georgian District, paid his official visit to Caledonian Lodge, Midland. It was reported to have been one of the largest Masonic gatherings in Midland in some years.
• A native of Midland and a member of one of the town’s oldest families, Howard Chew is now the sole proprietor of Royal Oak -Lodge on Yonge Street, West. In 1956 Mr. Chew and Elmer Portwood of Philadelphia purchased the tourist and guest home from W. Sterrett. Now Mr. Portwood has returned to Philadelphia and has sold his interest in the business to Mr. Chew.
• Penetang has lost one of its most active new residents. Kenneth Macdonald, manager of the Bank of Nova Scotia, established here in June 1956, has been moved. Mr. Macdonald was notified on May 6 that he was being transferred to the managership of the bank’s branch in Haileybury. It is the only bank in the Northern Ontario town, which is the district town for the District of Temiskaming. Since his arrival in Penetang, Mr. Macdonald has taken a keen interest in community activities and has been closely connected with many civic groups.
• When the royal yacht “Britannia” enters the St. Lawrence River this summer for the official opening of the Seaway, it will be the first time that the vessel has been in fresh water in the 100,000 miles she has logged in many of the world’s sea lanes since she was launched in 1953. After the opening at Montreal June 26, “Britannia”, escorted by Royal Canadian Navy warships and Royal Canadian Mounted Police patrol boats, it will carry the Queen through the St. Lawrence and the Great Lakes on the first stage of the 44-day royal tour. Hundreds of pleasure craft will swarm about the ship in mass excursions organized by yacht clubs along the route. The United States is to send a force of 28 warships to the opening. They may also join the “Britannia” on the trip up the river. The “Britannia” visited Canada once before. She picked up Prince Philip in 1954 after he attended the British Empire Games at Vancouver.
• Members of St. Margaret’s and St. Ann’s Teen Town Clubs last Sunday night danced to the music of Jack Beauchamp and his band. The orchestra consisted of Mrs. Beauchamp at the piano, Jack on saxophone, Guy Johnstone, drums, George Johnstone, trumpet and Moris Dusome, guitar. During the social Harvey Boyd and Marian Lavigne won prizes for the spot dance. The presidents of both clubs thanked each other for their hospitality.
• William C. Lennox, son of Mr. and Mrs. James Lennox of Midland, received a $50 award for standing first among students in his year at Waterloo College. Bill was the top man of six students who received honors in promotional exams for the winter term in the co-operative engineering course at the University of Waterloo. All six gained honor marks in their first year.

Looking further back, 80 years ago, May 10, 1939, and the Midland town council report.

GRANTS-IN-AID
At the regular meeting Monday night, Midland Town Council received confirmation of the basis of the federal and provincial grants-in-aid for relief, 74.07 percent for the first quarter of the year, and 80 percent thereafter provided the total costs do not exceed $130,200.
GRANT PERMIT
Application for permission to operate a dry cleaning plant in the former Taylor  Auto showrooms, Dominion Ave. E., from James Mackay, was passed.
AMEND BY-LAW
By-law 1181, Sec. 28 was amended to provide a taxi stand for Chas. Stewart on Dominion Ave. East.
MUST GIVE RECEIPTS
A by-law was passed requiring vendors of cordwood or firewood within the Town to furnish written or printed receipts, stating the name and address of the vendor, the number of cords, and sale price. This does not apply, however, to kindling, mill waste or mill cuttings.
ACCEPT OFFER
Council accepted an offer of $300, provided suitable payments could be arranged, from William Crawford for the property at 294 Dominion Ave. on the understanding that the premises would be completely overhauled and repaired.
TENDER ACCEPTED
Tender of T. Calhoun of $50.00 for the barn on 203 Third St. was accepted.
SELL HOUSE FOR $750
A considerable discussion arose on the sale of the property and house at 378 Hugel Ave. W., known as the Trilsbeck house to H. A. Humphries for $750 cash. It is a housing commission building, and over $2,300 is still owing to the Town on it. Capt. Ed. Burke pointed out that for an expenditure of $250 the house could be put in a first-class state, rent at $18 per month and eventually liquidate the whole amount outstanding against the property. “At the $1,000 valuation, you would be getting 10 percent on your money in addition to paying, full taxes,” he declared. Mayor Mackie objected, saying that the Town was not in the real estate business. Mr. Humphries’ offer was finally accepted, 3-2, with Aldermen Burke and Argue dissenting.
GRANT PERMISSION
Permission was given the Horticultural Society to beautify the Rest Room lot. 
DRIVE AGAINST DUMPING
A determined drive will be made against persons dumping scrap or garbage on vacant properties around town. It was pointed out that one irresponsible individual had gone so far as to dump a load of scrap in the Town Park.
BETTER DEAL
Tenders were considered for the steel in the old malleable iron building, the highest bid being $1,077, but it was decided to leave the matter with Capt. Ed Burke to attempt to make a better deal at a private sale.

Also,
New dry cleaning establishment, May 10, 1939.
In an advertisement carried elsewhere in this issue, James MacKay of Toronto, laundry and dry-cleaning machinery engineer, announces the lease for four years with an option to purchase of the former Taylor Garage showrooms on Dominion Ave. E., Midland. Workmen have been busy since Friday installing a modern cleaning and laundering plant which features machinery of the latest type. The building has been redecorated in a smart green and white motif, and plans call for a start of operation later this week. Blue and grey has been chosen for the firm’s truck. James McKay, born near Glasgow in Scotland, owns the firm, to be known as the French Dry
Cleaners and Launderers, which will be managed by his brothers. “This firm has absolutely no connection with the former Marvo Cleaners,” commented Mr. McKay. Many specialty cleaning jobs will be featured by the new concern, and agencies opened in neighbouring communities.

The photos found in this blog post are the property of Huronia Museum, Midland, Ontario. Any reproduction for commercial use without permission is prohibited.  Any other distribution must credit Huronia Museum.  Please contact the museum with any questions you may have. 

Click on photos to enlarge.One of the founders of Beaverbrook Branch, Canadian Legion, Waubaushene, Frank Goatcher of Midland and Mrs. Goatcher (In-laws of Pete Pettersen) stand beside the new cenotaph unveiled Sunday afternoon in the village. District Legions and Legion Auxiliaries were represented at the services. 

Mrs. James Plouffe, Mrs. M. Hodgins and Mrs. H. Blanchard represented the Silver Cross Mothers at the unveiling of the new war memorial in Waubaushene Sunday afternoon. The memorial, erected through the efforts of the Legion and community organizations, is located in the village park. 

Jo-Anne Moreau, Grade 8 student al Regent Public School, Thursday evening earned the right to proceed to the district finals, in Barrie, of the public speaking contest sponsored by the Ontario School Trustees and Ratepayers’ Association. 

For the second year in succession, Bob Rawson achieved the highest standing in Vasey’s 4-H Calf Club. He’s seen here (right) receiving a silver tray from W. A. Child, Midland manager of the Bank of Montreal. The presentation was made during a banquet held in Vasey United Church Tuesday night. 

Climaxing big year for Vasey 4-H Calf and Tractor Clubs and Midland Strawberry Club, a banquet was held in Vasey Tuesday. Here calf club leader Murray Edwards presents a cheque to John Stewart, Sandra Curry and Jim Cowden, first-year members. 

These girls knew most of the answers posed them during their work with Vasey 4-H Calf Club this past year. Receiving cheques from E. Christopherson of Midland are, Carolyn Edwards, Janet Stewart and Madeline Stewart. 

An addition to the Penetang Bottling Co. plant will provide more storage space, and Ieave room in the plant formerly used for storage, available for the advertising department. 

 

• Free Press Herald headline of November 18, 1959; Two Way Mayoralty Tilt Looms in Midland Vote. If the present intentions of Midland councillors are any criterion, Midland ratepayers should have an interesting election this year. At the present time, a two-way fight for the mayoralty is looming. Reeve W. H. Heller has stated that he intends to seek election to the top municipal post, and the incumbent, Mayor Charles Stevenson, has indicated he plans to seek a second term.
• County Herald headline of November 20, 1959; Back Plans in Principle, Delay Action on Addition. Meeting in Barrie Wednesday, Simcoe County council adopted “in principle” the plan for a new 50-bed addition to Georgian Manor, Penetang, but ordered its architects not to proceed with the working drawings and specifications until the January session of the 1960 council has had a chance to study finances more thoroughly. Reeve Fred Kinnear of Tay Township started the delaying action by noting other large expenditures for buildings already started, or proposed, and the separation payment to the city of Barrie. “Where is the county rate going to go”, asked Reeve Kinnear. Reeve Lawrence Devine of Coldwater said a start on a new registry office, already delayed some three years, was urgent. “We must look after living bodies first. The registry office can wait,” argued Reeve Joseph Belford of Tottenham, chairman of the committee of the Homes for the Aged, who brought in the report calling for the $354,000 addition to Georgian Manor. Reeve Belford noted there was a large waiting list for both the Beeton and Penetang homes. Two new applications had been made only this week, he said. “And at least 90 per cent of our applications nowadays are bed patients, making the matter even more urgent,” said Mr. Belford. He said the addition was “very badly needed.”
• Nyle Arthur Switzer, 18, of Orono and formerly of Midland, died on his way to St. Michael’s’ Hospital Saturday after being hit by a car on Bayview Ave. extension and was thrown 80 feet against a guardrail. Police said young Switzer had been driving behind his brother, Edward, on the Bayview extension when his brother’s car I broke down near the Prince Edward Viaduct. Nyle parked his car on the shoulder of the road behind his brother’s auto and then walked forward and spoke to him through the window on the driver’s side. As he turned to go back to his own vehicle, he was struck by a car, it is reported. The driver of the other car, Frederick George Thomas, 32, of Redwater Dr., Etobicoke, has been charged with criminal negligence in the case which brought the number of persons killed in Toronto to 83. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Switzer. Funeral services will be held this afternoon at Nicholls funeral home. Burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery.
• Simcoe County council yesterday approved, without a dissenting vote, the report of its separation committee estimating the new City of Barrie’s equity in county assets as $139,381. The county separation committee will now meet again with its Barrie counterparts for final approval of the deal. The Simcoe group has recommended that the $139,381 be paid in five equal annual instalments, without interest, spread over a period, of five years. The first payment is due in December 1960. The committee also recommended that all agreements with Barrie for the use of the courthouse, health unit and homes for the aged be for a five year period, to be terminated by either party giving notice one year previous to the termination date. The report also said Barrie had agreed to pay the county treasurer $1,500 yearly to compensate him for the extra work he will-have in connection with the above agreement.
• Tiny Township council is undecided whether it will continue to pay an annual $500 grant to the Penetang General Hospital. This problem arose after the council learned the institution had been turned over to the order of Grey Nuns. Councillor Normand Marchand said he didn’t know whether or not the municipality can legally pay a grant to a privately-owned institution. “What do they do with the profits they make?” he asked. Reeve Montcalm Maurice said he hadn’t known of the transfer until he attended a meeting of the hospital board in September. “I heard them talking about the Sisters owning the hospital, and I didn’t know what it was all about until I asked some questions,” he said. Councillor Doug Holt suggested the grant bylaw was passed before the hospital was taken over, and he felt the municipality was morally obligated to pay for the 10-year period it has to run. Both Midland and Penetang hospitals were included in the bylaw with $500 to be paid annually. “I believe these hospitals really need the money,” he said.
• Cold, wet and generally poor weather conditions for the last couple of years was the main reason for the cancellation of Midland’s Santa Claus parade this year according to D. J. Finch, chairman of the business men’s committee of Midland Chamber of Commerce. “We also felt that the parade must be improved if it was to continue and at present, we could not come up with any way of improving it,” added Mr. Finch, yesterday. Mr. Finch said he and his committee with the co-operation of the town businessmen are working on an alternative plan. He did not wish to disclose details of the project at present.
• Del Hastings, well-known Midland men’s wear store owner, was rushed to St. Andrews Hospital early yesterday morning, following a heart attack at his home. Mrs. Hastings said today that her husband was as well as could be expected. He had curled for the first time this season Monday night and appeared to be in the best of health.
• BIRTHS – BATH — To Mr. and Mrs. Stewart Bath, Fourth Ave., Port McNicoll, at St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, Friday, November 6, 1959, a son. BEFORT — To Mr. and Mrs. Horst Befort, 94 Fourth St., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Tuesday November 10, 1959, a daughter. DESJARDIN — To Mr. and Mrs. Robert Desjardin, 190 Russell St., Midland, at St Andrews Hospital, Saturday, Nov 14, 1959, a daughter. FRENCH — To Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence French, Waverley, at St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, Thursday, November 5, 1959, a daughter. HAIG — To Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Haig, 345 King St., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Saturday, November 14, 1959, a daughter. IRVINE — To Mr. and Mrs. Alec Irvine, 186 King St. Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Wednesday, November 11, 1959, a daughter. (Stillborn). LEDUC — To Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Leduc, Port Severn, at St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, Thursday, November 12, 1959, a daughter. (Baby died) LEVESQUE —To Mr. and Mrs. Annand (maybe Armand) Levesque, Port Severn, at St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, Saturday, November 14, 1959, a daughter. TOBEY — To Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Tobey, Honey Harbour, at St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, Thursday, November 12, 1959, a daughter, (Stillborn). TROLLOPE — To Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Trollope, Scott St., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Sunday, November 15, 1959, a son. WEBB To Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Webb (nee “Verna Lambie), I26 Fourth. St., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Thursday, November 22, 1959, a son. (Brian Kenneth).
• 25 YEARS AGO THIS WEEK – More than 200 veterans attended the first “Armistice Day” dinner in Midland. The dinner, held in the Georgian Hotel, was the result of a suggestion of George Parr of Midland. Lorne Lockhart presided and suggested that the event be made an annual affair. * * * Warden Edward Dutton, reeve of Victoria Harbour, noted at the county council in Barrie that he was serving his 27th year in municipal life. * * * William Borrow, Matchedash, J. P. Fitzgerald, Medonte, C. J. Gratrix, Tay, and T. J. Dewell, Tiny, were elected directors of Simcoe County Livestock Improvement Association. * * * Ven. Archdeacon A. R. Beverley, rector of Trinity Church, Barrie, was elected suffragan bishop of Toronto diocese, the first to hold the post in the newly-created office. * * * Prince George of England and Princess Marina of Greece were married in Westminster Abbey. Notables from every part of the world attended the event. * * * In spite of two severe snowfalls, pansies were blooming in the garden of Mrs. W. A. Stephen of Ottawa Street, Midland. * * * Ontario’s deer population became so depleted in 1934 that game and fisheries department officials announced drastic steps would have be taken to conserve the animals. A buck law and closed seasons for several sections of the province were recommended. * * * Forty-one nations indicated they would enter athletes in the 1936 Olympic games. The games were to be held in Germany.
• OBITUARIES – ROBERT HARRY FERRIS Ill about two weeks, Robert Harry Ferris died in Penetang General Hospital Nov. 12. He was in his 78th year. Rev. J. L. Delaney conducted the funeral services, held Nov. 14, from St. James on-the-Lines Anglican Church. The pallbearers, all grandsons, were John Ferris, Ron Ferris, Charles Corbeau, Eric Corbeau, Gordon Ferris Jr., and John Richardson. Mr. Ferris was born at Alliston Dec. 18, 1881, and at four years of age moved with his family to Penetang where he received his education. In May 1901, at Penetang, he married the former Effie Mara of the southern United States. He spent most of his life in Penetang except for three years in Toronto. He was a millwright by trade and for 46 years worked with C. Beck Co., Ltd. Two weeks after he was married an accident seriously injured one of his legs. He was an Anglican and at one time was  very fond of fishing. Besides his widow, he is survived by seven sons, five daughters, 30 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. “Two sons were killed in accidents, Richard in February, 1959, and John in 1928. The surviving sons are Arthur, at home; Douglas, Penetang; Robert Harry “Bill”, Cleveland; Carl, Midland; Kenneth, Port Arthur; Gordon, Toronto and Donald of Whitby; and daughters, Mrs. E.  Richardson (Ruby), Mrs. Norman Greer (Grace) and Mrs. D. Dorion (Fern), all of Toronto, Mrs. E. Choate (Milla), Windsor, and Mrs. C. Corbeau (Katherine) of Penetang. MRS. MARTHA E. ELLIOTT – A resident of Waverley and vicinity all her life, Mrs. Martha Elizabeth Elliott died unexpectedly of a heart seizure at her Waverley home Nov. 5. She would have celebrated her 80^th birthday Nov. 23. Funeral service was conducted Rev. A. G. Fairhead at St. John’s Anglican Church, Waverley, Nov. 7. Pallbearers were John Whitton, Wm. Ball, Frank Lockhart, Bert Reynolds, Earl Thomson and Elba Brown. Born in Tay Township, Nov. 23, 1879, she attended Ebenezer school and in September 1901, at Barrie married Fed Elliott who died April 4, 1916. She was a member of the guild of St. John’s Church and a charter member and past mistress of the LOBA No. 781, Waverley, where she was a member for 32 years. She was a Liberal in politics. She is survived by a son, Fred of Ottawa, and by five daughters, Mrs. Tom Devitt (Gladys) of Toronto; Mrs. Bruce Brown (Stella), Waverley; Audrey at home; Mrs. W. A. Whitton (Mary), Elmvale, and Mrs. Harold Lawson (Edna) of Toronto. She is also survived by three brothers, John E . Johnston and Harold Johnston of Wyebridge and Wesley Johnston of Second Line Flos, and three sisters Mrs. Horace Lamb, Cannington; Mrs. E. Brown, Unionville and Mrs. Wm. Carruthers of Wyebridge. Burial was in St. John’s Anglican Cemetery, Waverley.
• In his report to the MidIand-Penetang District High School Board last Wednesday evening, Principal R. C. Gauthier said parents of 27 more students were called in for interviews this month because their children’s homework habits were not satisfactory. The parents of only one student, who were called in last month, had to be called again this month, Mr. Gauthier told the board. Assistant principal A. Gardhouse, who was officially introduced to the board for the first time at the meeting, said he believed 100 per cent in the principles that Mr. Gauthier was developing in the school. This homework matter is definitely putting the pressure on the students, and Mr. Gauthier has other plans to improve the standards at the school. He’s doing an excellent job. A letter from the Department of National Defence advised tine board that the cadet corps had received a mark of 82.2 per cent in its latest inspection. Mr. Gauthier pointed out this was a pretty fair mark and that at least 80 per cent must be obtained for the school to get 100 per cent of its grants “amounting to approximately $1,100.” The school had 375 cadets on parade, the principal noted.
• Lawrence Moreau, a young Tiny Township farmhand, learned the hard way yesterday it doesn’t pay to leave a tractor motor running while the gas tank is being refilled. Moreau drove up to McClung’s service station, south of Wyebridge, around 3 p.m. Thursday for some gasoline. Because the battery was low, he decided to let the motor continue to run. Some of the gas spilt out onto the manifold. Now it won’t start, period, because of the fire which resulted. Midland fire brigade rushed to the scene, but the fire had been put out by the time they arrived. Fortunately, there was no explosion. The tractor was owned by Ralph Mertz, of R.R. 1, Wyebridge.
• Maude McKillen, found last night in a semi-conscious state on the floor of her bedroom in her Second Street home and rushed to St. Andrews Hospital, today was reported to be in satisfactory condition. Her neighbour, W. Best noticed there had been no lights in Mrs. McKillen’s home for two nights and notified police. Police obtained permission from Mrs. McKillen’s sister-in-law to enter the house. They found her clad only in night attire and no heat in the house, Dr. R. J. Cardwell ordered the woman taken to hospital.
• The mechanical millenium apparently has arrived at long last. Prominently displayed in a King Street store window this week is an electric can opener! Drudgery for the captains of the kitchens is now a thing of the past.

A few items from 80 years ago, November 1939. 

• There will be no change as far as the building of the new government dock at Midland goes according to notice received from the Deputy Minister of Public Works at Ottawa. This fact was made known at a council meeting held in the town hall on Monday night. Mayor James Mackie told the Council that he had received word from George McLean, M.P. to this effect. It was believed in some quarters that the outbreak of war might have caused proposed operations to be cancelled.
• That two major menaces to Midland citizens may be eliminated early in the new year was forecast at the recent meetings of the Midland Council. The council have asked for tenders on a snowplough, and while the present council may not be able to meet the entire cost of (in) its 1939 budget no obligation (objection) was voiced at Monday’s meeting to the purchase on a two-year basis. Councillors Ed Burke, Alf Argue, Wm. Offord and Mayor Mackie led the discussion. It being introduced by Ald. Offord who suggested that the 1/2 mill returned to the municipality by the gas tax rebate, should be used for the benefit of the motorists in keeping the streets clean. Municipal garbage collection appears to be headed for introduction in Midland also early in the new year. If it can be financed without raising the present tax rate. I am heartily in favour of it,” Commented Mayor Mackie. “By the use of additional relief labour which we have under the new regulations, I believe it is feasible.” Figures at the cost of collection were obtained by Ald. Wm. Offord who introduced the project, from Collingwood and Orillia. Collingwood pays $50 per month for a weekly garbage collection for all citizens, with relief assistance being furnished the trucker. The garbage is collected from 6 to 9 a.m. each day. Orillia lets out the collection contract to two men at $1400 per year each, with no relief labour employed. It was further pointed out that regular garbage collection would undoubtedly decrease medical health costs in areas of the town where sanitary conveniences are not common and garbage is allowed to collect in the ditches.
• The announcement was made by Peter Jaegge, acting manager of Fine Silk Mills, Midland, that the new company which have recently bought out Dominion Rayon and which occupies the old Wood Products Building, is making plans for immediate construction of a number of new offices in the plant. Present floors are to be changed and either hardwood or linoleum substituted in the office section. Mr. Jaegge stated that while there were several Midlanders working regularly on the staff, a half dozen more would be added as apprentices in the next ten days.
• Fire of unknown origin Sunday swept through a sawmill at Elmvale leaving it a complete ruin and endangering the rest of the town. The sawmill was owned by the Copeland Milling Company. It was suggested by company officials’ that the fire might have been the result of carelessness on the part of a tramp who had entered the boiler room to keep warm for the night, might have dropped a match. Loss including the main building of the sawmill, the corrugated iron engine room and $5,000 worth of machinery was conservatively estimated at $10,000. As of yet no decision has been reached whether the mill will be rebuilt.
• Contracts for 24,000 soldier’s hold-alls and 800 officer’s kit bags have been secured by J. B. Roebuck Limited of Midland. Contracts total close to $15,000 and are for delivery in the near future. J. B. Roebuck anticipates that between 20 and 25 men and women will be employed locally in the production of these war orders from Ottawa.
• PENETANG — Mayor Joseph Hatton officially opened the new dial telephone exchange in Penetang on Tuesday morning, when he telephoned his son, Rev. Noble Hatton in Cobalt at exactly 7 a.m. The call marked the completion of months of intensive work by the Bell Telephone Company in Penetang. The local exchange is now one of the most modern, fully automatic types. “Turning the crank,” for years a feature of the local system, ceased at 10 minutes to seven and in less than 20 minutes the new system was in complete working order.
• Dave Lamarsh, operator on a crane at the Century Coal Dock had a narrow escape from death early Saturday morning when he took a fainting spell at the controls. The clam and cab ran wild and ended up hanging over the water. Only a few inches kept the big piece of machinery from plunging into the bay. Lamarsh was in the cab but managed to escape from the precarious position. Damage is estimated at several thousand dollars and repair work will occupy some weeks.

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Who’s Who 1940