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 enlargeThese members of Simcoe County council seemed happy to be starting another session as the new term got underway in Barrie Monday. Representing North Simcoe municipalities, they are left to right, front row, Eldege Quesnelle, Tiny; Alf Cage, Penetang; Dalt Jermey, Medonte; Bernard St. Amant, Penetang; and Fred Kinnear, Tay. back row—Ernest Cadeau, Victoria Harbour; Albert Deconkey, Matchedash; George Mc-Fadden and Earl Trace, Flos; and Albert Calvert, Port McNicoll. On Tuesday, Mr. Deconkey was elected to the roads committee for a three-year term. 

Snow and sleet have transformed these boats, put up on a dock near Victoria Harbour for the winter, into strange new shapes. Ice fishing huts can be seen dotting Sturgeon Bay, in the background. 

Winners of one of the major prizes at Midland Rotary Club’s second annual bonspiel was this rink from the Y’s Men’s Club, skipped by Doug Haig. Left to right are; Bill Russell, Mr. Haig, Bert Banting and Clive Park. Incidentally, they DIDN’T win the cup at the right, the photographer learned later. 

Officials of Branch 80, Canadian Legion, Midland, for 1960, were inducted into office at a meeting in the Legion Hall January 13. Left to right are, front row, H. A. Wiles, secretary; Saul DeVries, 2nd vice-president; Borden Parker, president; George McLaughlin, 1st vice-president; Rev. J. L. Self, padre. Back row are James Mackie, Len Wiles, Oliver Lesperance, Ken G. Williams, Gene Lalonde and James Duncan. Mr. Wiles is the sergeant-at-arms and the others are members of the executive. 

One of the 12 new members of Simcoe County council this year is Deputy-reeve Clinton Smith of Midland. Trying out his new seat for the first time, Mr. Smith gets support from, left to right, Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Beauchamp and Reeve H. J. Beauchamp of Midland. Just a hint of what less fortunate parts of the province got from the weatherman on two occasions recently can be seen in this picture. Icy wires and trees are not nearly so heavily coated as their counterparts in the Orangeville area and Metro Toronto, following recent sleet storm. The picture above was taken on Highway 12, near Jones’ Corner. 

This tunnel, under the CPR tracks which cross Highway 12, near Victoria Harbour, has been the subject of much controversy following the motor accident which took the lives of two young people in November. A coroner’s jury at an inquest in Midland into their deaths recommended flasher lights be installed. More recently Victoria Harbour council has urged that the tunnel be widened as a winter works project. [Nothing was ever done until the CPR abandoned their route in the late sixties and the roadway was re-aligned. Many more serious accident and deaths were to occur.] 

• Midland Free Press headline of January 20^th, 1960; ELECT LISK NEW WARDEN, WINS IN WALK-AWAY VOTE. It was George Lisk all the way at Barrie Monday as the veteran Tecumseth Township reeve became Simcoe County’s 103rd warden. Although nine men were nominated for the post only Flos Reeve Earl Trace let his name stand in opposition. Mr. Lisk won by a landslide (53-11) on the first vote and Mr. Trace moved that it be made unanimous. 
• County Herald headline of January 22^nd, 1960; MPDHS PARENTS NIGHT HAS RECORD ATTENDANCE. “We were, very pleased and encouraged by the great turnout of parents Wednesday night. In fact, we were a bit floored by it all,” said R. C. Gauthier, principal of Midland-Penetang District High School, noting that more than 1,000 parents had attended the school’s parents night. “It caused us some disappointment too, for with such a large gathering it was completely impossible for the school staff to meet all the parents and discuss their children’s problems,” Mr. Gauthier, added. Pointing out that in previous years about 200 parents had attended the meeting. 

• NEARLY 100 Midland, Penetang and district citizens crowded into the ladies’ parlour of Midland YMCA Monday night to approve the formation of a local association of the Ontario-Association for Retarded Children and to elect officers for the coming year. President of the new group is Mrs. John Banks, Midland. Her executive includes Stanley Brooks, Midland, 1^st vice-president; Mrs. E. Niblock, Victoria Harbour, 2nd vice-president; Mrs. M. DeVillers, Penetang, 3rd vice-president; Mrs. F. Helson, R.R. 1, Midland, recording-secretary; Mrs. J Krochko, Midland, corresponding-secretary; and W. A. Child, Midland, treasurer. Committee chairmen elected were Public School Inspector K. J. Ellis, education; Mrs. R. Trepanier, Sunnyside, home care; Wm. Bennett, Midland, publicity and bulletin and Mrs. R. Lacroix Penetang, membership. Meeting chairman K. J. Ellis expressed his “amazement at the large turn-out”. He thanked Mrs. Banks for “doing much of the spade work in getting the meeting organized’, and this newspaper for its assistance.

• Reeve H. J. Beauchamp told Midland council at its inaugural meeting last week that there “is no room for party politics in municipal affairs”. “We should divorce ourselves entirely from party politics of any kind,” be declared. He felt the 1959 council worked conscientiously. Deputy-reeve Clinton Smith said many of the problems cited by Mayor Parker in his inaugural address were “continuing ones”, not necessarily stemming from last year’s council. He said he hoped he would be able to “make a good name” for himself at the county council, which he will be attending for the first time. 

• Coldwater’s well known retired harness racehorse trainer, Eddie Hawke, 78, died as the result of a truck accident at 6.30 a.m. yesterday morning in Coldwater. Mr. Hawke was dead when Dr. George W. Hall arrived at the scene of the accident. It is reported that a Weide Transport truck from Calgary, driven by 28-year-old Earl Holland, missed the turnoff on Highway 12 partway up Gray Street and in the dark and snow hit Mr. Hawke. OPP Const. Murray F. Tamblyn of the Victoria Harbour detachment is investigating. Known as a true sportsman on race tracks in the area, Mr. Hawke held a certificate from Elmvale Fall Fair attesting to this. 

• BIRTHS – HARTLEY — To Mr. and Mrs. Ed Hartley of Toronto, at the Scarboro General Hospital, Sunday, January 17, 1960, a son. La GRANDEUR To Mr. and Mrs. Rene La Grandeur, 298 Princess St., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Tuesday, January 12, 1960, a son. LATANVILLE — To Mr. and Mrs. Herman Latanville, 316 William St., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Tuesday, January 12, 1960; a son (Stillborn). LEVESQUE — To Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Levesque, R.R. 1, Victoria Harbour, at St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, Friday, January 15, 1960, a son. NICHOLSON — To Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Nicholson, Beausoleil Island, at St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, Friday, January 15, 1960, a son. YORKE — to Mr. and Mrs. Michael Yorke, 210A King St., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Saturday, January 16, 1960, a son. 

• TEN YEARS AGO THIS WEEK – Outcome of a motion approved by Midland council, aldermen were requested to hold ward meetings to get the recommendations of their constituents for the development of an overall town plan. The council also asked the public utilities commission, the park commission, public and separate school boards to set out their future land-use plans. * * *  More than 20 spectators, the largest turn-out in years, attended the inaugural meeting of Penetang council. The council chamber had been completely redecorated for the occasion. * * * It was June in January in 1950 as the mercury in the thermometers hovered around the 50-degree mark. Port Severn lockmaster Bob White reported seeing suckers swimming around the locks. Usually, he said, they don’t start to run until after the pickerel have spawned in May. * * * George Lisk of Beeton was elected president of Simcoe County Federation of Agriculture at the association’s annual meeting in Barrie. * * * A freak windstorm, which swept across North Simcoe, ripped roofs off summer cottages and toppled hydro and telephone poles in the area.  * * * Medonte Township marked its 100th birthday Jan. 21. The council and its retiring clerk, T. D. Robinson, who had served for 56 years, made plans to celebrate the centenary year of the municipality. * * * An adjourned sitting of Midland Court of Revision lopped $33,410 off the 1950 assessment roll. Among the business firm’s which received major reductions were the Roxy Theatre and Midland Shearlings. 

• OBITUARIES – LEO MARTIN EDGAR A lifelong resident of Midland Leo Martin Edgar died at his First Street home Jan. 10. He was in his 56th year. Requiem mass was celebrated at St. Margaret’s Church by Rev. F. Voorwerk Jan. 13. Honorary pallbearers were A. Bremer, J. Birch, T. Pyman, E. Pearson, P. Elby and D. Active pallbearers were M. Blackhurst, J. Lalonde, J. Donaldson, G. Kenwell, T. Lalonde and B. Lee. Son of the late Mr. and Mrs. James Edgar, one of the early Midland families, Mr. Edgar was born May 6, 1904, and received his education in Midland. On Feb. 14, 1923, at Midland, he married the former Grace Lalonde of Penetang. He was employed as a riveter at the James Playfair Shipyards until the general layoff at which time he went to work at the Port Weller shipyards. He was a member of the Boilermakers’ Union, Local 680, at Port Dalhousie. His hobby was boating. Besides his widow, he is survived by three sons, Martin, Douglas and Garnet; a daughter, Mrs. M. Blackhurst (Grace); three sisters, Mrs. Margaret Letherdale, Las Vegas, Mrs. Kate Cowan, Las Vegas, and Mrs. George Gawley of Midland; four grandchildren, Elizabeth, Kenny, John and Terry. Four brothers, Nicholas, Jacob, Charlie and Jim, and two sisters, Cinderella and Caroline predeceased him. * * *  MRS. CHARLES KAUS A lifelong resident of Penetang, Mrs. Charles Kaus died at the home of her daughter in Aurora Saturday, Jan. 2. She was in her 62nd year. Born in Penetang, the former Hilda Arbour, married Charles Kaus June 7, 1920, and, until his death several years ago, they had lived at 43 Fox Street. Mrs. Kaus had been living with her son, Gerald, recently. Surviving are one son, Gerald of Penetang; four daughters, Mrs. Louis Legare, Ohio, Mrs. Jack Lawrence, Aurora, Mrs. Ted Leonard and Mrs. Ed. Staurch, Toronto; one brother, Howard Arbour, Toronto, and five sisters, Mrs. R. Corriveau, California, Mrs. Alma Cowan, Mrs. Myrtle Walsh, Mrs. L. Holland, Mrs. C. Fordham, all of Toronto. Funeral service was held Tuesday, Jan. 5, from the Beausoleil funeral home to St. Ann’s Memorial Church where requiem high mass was sung by Rev. A. Louis Bourque, assisted by Rev. J. Kelly and Rev. J. Marchand. Pallbearers were R. Stewart, A. Lizotte, Maurille Marchand, Martial Desroches, Francis Dumais and Ted Light. * * * EMMA JANE JORY Widow of one of Midland’s most prominent businessmen, Mrs. P. H. Jory died at her King Street  South home Jan 13^th after a lingering illness. She was in her 82nd year. Born and educated in Hillsdale, she was the former Emma Jane Faragher. In 1902 she married Phillip Henry Jory in Midland. They lived in Midland for two years before moving to Haileybury where they spent 20 years, returning to Midland in 1924. Prior to his death in 1954, Mr. Jory was the proprietor of the King Street drug store now managed by his son, John. A member of St. Paul’s United Church, Mrs. Jory in her earlier years, was active in the work of the church and in Midland YMCA work. Her main hobby was needlepoint. She was a Conservative in politics. Funeral service, conducted by Rev. Wilson Morden, was held at her residence Friday, Jan. 15. Temporary interment was in Lakeview Cemetery vault. Pallbearers were James Playfair, Earl Cumming, Calvin Simpson, Lorne Faragher, Joe Faragher, all of Midland, and James Poppleton of Barrie. She is survived by a son, John; two daughters, Jean (Mrs. Jack McFarlane), and Helene (Mrs. Tom Currie), all of Midland; a brother Edward Faragher of Hillsdale and Midland; and five grandchildren. Bill and Mary Jane Jory, Suzanne McFarlane, and Kim and Craig Currie, all of Midland. A daughter, Phyllis, and a son, William, also predeceased her. * * * MRS. ROBERT JACKETT A resident of Midland all her life, Mrs. Robert Jackett died in St. Andrews Hospital Jan. 5 following a stroke. She was in her 77th year. Born in Midland Jan. 1, 1883, and educated there, she was the former Annie Wadge. In 1905, in Midland, she married Robert Jackett, who predeceased her in January 1949. She was a member of the Salvation Army. The body rested at A. Barrie and Sons funeral home until Thursday, Jan. 7, when it was taken to the Salvation Army Citadel for funeral service. The service was conducted by Lieut. William Johnston. Pallbearers were I. Rumney, E. Heels, C. Tait, P. Farrow and nephews Vic and Howard Wadge. Temporary interment was in Lakeview Cemetery vault. She is survived by two brothers, Frank of Timmins and Howard Wadge of Midland. 

• Walter Kluck, manager of Ernst Leitz (Canada) Ltd. Acted as the spokesman for a delegation which appeared before Midland council at its inaugural meeting last week. The petitioners were seeking action on a noisy hydro sub-station near their homes. Mr. Kluck admitted he and other homeowners in the area had possibly delayed action on the matter longer than they should. “We thought the PUC would be erecting a building similar to the Queen Street sub-station, which is a cottage-type brick building. When we realized just what they were putting up on Scott Street, it was too late,” he told the council. Alderman Douglas Haig told the group that council had also felt the building would be along the lines of the one erected on Queen Street. The Scott Street station and its “ugly wall” was an eye-sore, he agreed. Mayor Charles Parker said the installation of the sub-station on the Scott Street location was “definitely a violation of the zoning bylaw”. Mr. Kluck presented a petition signed by eight homeowners in the immediate area. 

• “You could say that Midland’s retail and commercial district represents the largest single industry in town’,” said R. B. Moffatt, secretary-manager of the chamber of commerce. “As a matter of fact,” he continued, “about 22 per cent of all Midland municipal taxes are paid by retail and commercial establishments. This, of course, is exclusive of industrial plant. “I might go farther,” said the chamber of commerce executive head, “and remark that more than 50 per cent of Midland’s municipal taxes come from commerce and industry.” When you consider that 33 per cent would have been a very good showing, it will be seen that Midland’s experience is excellent — one of the highest proportions in Ontario paid by commerce and industry. “Total town tax revenue is around $540,000.” Mr. Moffatt explained. “Of this, $215,000 goes for education and the balance for general purposes.” Of the 3,500-odd persons gainfully employed in Midland, about 600 work in retail or commercial establishments (exclusive of industry). Midland’s mercantile picture is well diversified. Retail outlets include food, clothing, furniture, appliances, variety stores, drugs, hardware, gift stores, florists, photographic and art supplies, flour and feed, shoes, tobacco and confectionery, bakeries, garages, accessories, and others. Mr. Moffatt points out that Midland has one of the most extensive commercial sections of any town of its size. It also offers a variety of goods comparable with anything to be found in Toronto; “Perhaps the explanation for this lies in the tourist trade,” Mr. Moffatt says. “The summer influx of visitors makes it worthwhile for merchants to stock high-quality items in adequate quantity.”

 

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. 

 Double click on photos to enlarge. Devotional period, conducted by Rev. L. J. Delaney of St. Mark’s Anglican Church, was one of the features of the inaugural ceremonies of Midland’s 1960 council. Listening to Mr. Delaney’s address, clockwise around the table from left, are Alderman Doug Haig, Deputy-reeve Clinton Smith, Reeve Herb J. Beauchamp, Clerk William “Bill” Hack, Mayor Charles Parker, George S. Dudley Q.C., aldermen Percy Crawford, Bill Orr and James Mackie. 

Midland’s council for 1960 is seen above following inaugural ceremonies at the municipal building Monday. Left to right, seated, are Deputy-Reeve, Clinton Smith; Mayor, Charles Parker; Clerk, William Hack; and Reeve, Herb J. Beauchamp. Standing are Aldermen James Mackie, William Orr, Douglas Haig and Percy Crawford. (Note the image was reversed in the newspaper, hankies on the wrong side, we have left it that way so that the newspaper caption lists the names in proper order.) 

Little league basketballers at the ‘Y’, John Thomas, Tom Gordanier, Lawrie Thomas, Jerry Beteau and Morley Bath kibitz with sports director Lloyd Stackhouse as Mr. Stackhouse gives them a few pointers. The little league cage games were introduced at the Midland ‘Y’ a week or so ago. 

Block the shot! That seems to be the aim of Hans Matthias, Chester Graham, Keith Craig and Fred Hacker, YMCA Little League basketball players as they attempt to block ‘Y’ President Morie Whitcher’s shot at the basket. Mr. Whitcher officially launched the new league Monday. 

The winter employment committee of North Simcoe district is endeavouring to encourage householders and firms to have renovations and repair work done now rather than then wait until spring. Here contractor Jim Cowan, currently in charge of revamping the Free Press Herald offices, lays flooring in the main office. 

Little Lake’s frozen surface provided plenty of activity for Midland children during- the Christmas holidays, here, at least four groups of boys have cleared off an area to play a good old fashion game of shinny. 

Manager of the Midland plant of Bausch and Lomb Optical Company Ltd., Larry Curran (right) explains the workings of a micromax control unit for fusing bifocals, to a group of B & L representatives who toured the plant Thursday. 

Some twenty general managers and sales managers of Bausch and Lomb Optical Company Ltd. toured the Midland plant Thursday. Miss Alice Brown operates a clear polishing machine for A. G. Parsons, North Bay manager (left) and J. T. Martin, Toronto. Partly hidden at right is Austin Upfold, Toronto branch manager. 

Coming up with one of his greatest efforts in a long career, Midland Flyers’ Morley Spiker scored five of his team’s goals in a 6-4 win over Meaford Chevvies here last Wednesday night. Spiker is seen poking the first of his quintet behind goalie Elgin Cubitt while Meaford forward Barney Walmsley (10) rushes in too late to help. Flyers host Collingwood here tonight. 

Good news for everyone in the Midland area, some 20 men are already at work in the new B. Greening Wire Company plant in Midland. Gil Hamelin (left) and John Fox are pouring the molten zinc which bonds the wire ropes securely into their sockets. Some 40,000 feet of such rope is being prepared here for use on three bridges in the Welland area. 

In the first spiel of the season held by Midland Ladies Curling Club January 6, a novice rink skipped by Mrs. Godfrey Trilsbeck of Penetang sprung a surprise by winning one of the top prizes. They are left to right, Mrs. Walter Spearn, Mrs. Orval Ambeau, Mrs. Len Carter and Mrs. Trilsbeck, with Mrs. Norman Greene, chairman of the bonspiel committee. 

Another top winner was Mrs. Ray Trew’s Midland entry. Left to right are Mrs. Lloyd Wilcox, Mrs. Stan Burton, Mrs. Ray Trew and Mrs. Mac Perrin. 

This new intertype machine in the Free Press plant features automatic type-setting equipment which handles teletype tapes as well as manual operation. Seated in front of the machine is veteran operator Frank VanStone. Grouped around, left to right; are Bob Goodall of the Intertype Company, Jack Jorna, Clare Holden and Bill Murphy.

County Herald headline of January 15, 1960; COUNCIL APPROVES PLAN TO RENT POLICE CRUISERS. At its first meeting of the year Monday, Midland council decided to call tenders for the renting of a police cruiser for use by the Midland department.  Noting heavy maintenance upkeep costs in the past Alderman James Mackie, chairman of the police committee, said he wished to try the rental service for one year on an experimental basis. 

Free Press Herald headline of January 18, 1960; SCORE NARROW UNDERPASS WANT HAZARD ELIMINATED. (Must admit I don’t understand this headline) Winter Employment Committee, representing six North Simcoe municipalities, Thursday night endorsed a resolution of Victoria Harbour council calling for the replacement of a narrow subway on Highway 12, about one mile west of the Harbour, with a regulation-sized underpass. The committee urged the federal Department of Transport to undertake the project as a winter work program this year.  The Harbour council resolution requested that the Canadian Pacific Railway subway be replaced by a more suitable subway to meet with present-day traffic conditions. 

• (A pivotal event in our communities history) A general meeting of parents of retarded children and interested persons has been arranged to discuss the organization of a local association of the Ontario Association for Retarded Children and the setting up of special classes for retarded children of Midland and district. The meeting will be held in the ladies’ parlor of the Midland YMCA at 8 p.m. Jan. 18. Special speaker for the meeting will be A. J. McAlister, director of public relations for the OARC. All organizations, service clubs, lodges, chambers of commerce, Legion branches, Women’s Institutes, Jaycees, church groups, the Ministerial Association, the Medical Society and health nurses have been asked to send representatives to the meeting. Public School Inspector K. J. Ellis has agreed to be acting chairman of this organizational meeting and Mrs. Orville McClung of Wyebridge will be the acting secretary.
• Total fire losses in Midland in 1959 of $7,565.00 was the lowest in many years. This figure was contained in the annual report of Midland Fire Department, prepared for the inaugural meeting of the 1960 council by Fire Chief Arnold Tippin.
• OBITUARIES – LOUIS MOREAU – A lifelong resident of Perkinsfield, Louis Moreau died in Penetang General Hospital Jan. 4. He was in his 85th year. Requiem mass was conducted by Rev. A. J. Desaulniers at St. Patrick’s Church, Perkinsfield, Jan. 7. Pallbearers were six grandsons, Leonard, Fernand and Jean Moreau and Ferdinand, Willard and Federe Moreau. Born at Perkinsfield Nov. 11, 1875, and educated there and at Lafontaine, Mr. Moreau married the former Caroline Doonan at Penetang in 1900. He was a farmer, a member of the Roman Catholic Church, and a Conservative in politics. His wife predeceased him in 1951. He is survived by eight sons: Isidore, Willie and Patrick of Perkinsfield; Louis of Toronto; Alexander of Beaverton and Adrien, Isaac and Donat all of Midland; and four daughters, Mrs. Marius Bald (Florida) of Penetang; Mrs. Martial Brunelle (Edesse) of Lafontaine; Mrs. Leo Robitaille (Mary Jane) and Mrs. Martin Robitaille (Nellie Jane) both of Midland. Two sons, Robert and Edward, and a daughter, Mrs. Frank King (Marie Louise), predeceased their father. Also surviving are four brothers, Simon, Exphire and Theophile, all of Penetang, and Albert of Toronto, and two sisters, Mrs. William Parent of Perkinsfield and Mrs. Joseph Grozelle of Penetang. Forty-six grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren also survive. * * * GEORGE M. PRESTON A native of Tiny Township and former resident of Wyebridge, George Milton Preston died in Toronto Dec. 29. He was in his 85th year. Funeral service was conducted by Rev. M. G. B. Williams at the Trull funeral home, Toronto, Jan. 1. Pallbearers were William Preston, Fred Fagan, A. Cunhingham, K. Hadley, F. Woods and Earl Preston. Educated in Tiny Township, he married the former Mary Brown March 30, 1901, at Midland and lived in Wyebridge before going to Toronto 37 years ago. He was a member of the Anglican Church. Besides his widow, he is survived by two sons, Murray and Martin of Toronto, and six daughters, Mrs. C. Tew (Bertha), Mrs. H. Lang (Leila), Mrs. A. Cunningham (Phyllis), Mrs. F. Woods (Helen) and Mrs. K. Hadley (Fern), all of Toronto, and Mrs. F. Fagan (Ruby), R.R. 1, Midland. A brother, Fred Preston of Midland, also survives. T. J. JOHNSTON A well-known physician and surgeon who practised in Midland for nearly half a century, Dr. Thomas John Johnston died in St. Andrews Hospital Dec. 18. He was in his 80th year. Funeral service was conducted by Dr. John McNab and Rev. J. L. Self, Dec. 21 at A. Barrie and Sons funeral home. Honorary pallbearers were Dr. W. L. Attridge, Charles White, V. G. Edwards, George Dudley, J. J. Robins, J. W. Smith, Alex Macintosh, Doug Haig, Wm. Wilford, R. R. Wilson, T. Tully and Dr. D. W. MacKenzie. Active pallbearers were Dr. A. D. MacKenzie, Dr. E. A. Grise, Dr. J. Small, Dr. Peter Brasher, Clark Edwards and Jack Thompson. Masonic funeral services were held Dec. 20. An elder, and former member of the board of managers of Knox Presbyterian Church, Dr. Johnston was a past master of Caledonian Lodge AF and AM, a former member of the YMCA board and for many years was prominent in the affairs of St. Andrews Hospital. Born at Carthage, Ont., Feb. 16, 1880, Dr. Johnston attended Listowel High School and graduated in medicine from the University of Toronto in 1908. On Feb. 28, 1912, at North Mornington he married the former Annie Burnett. She predeceased him in 1954. Following his graduation, Dr. Johnston interned at the Hospital for Sick Children and then spent a year in post-graduate work in a London (England) hospital. He set up his first practice in Midland in 1910 and remained here ever since. He is survived by a son, William, a history and vocational guidance teacher at Orillia DCVI; a daughter Margaret, Reg. N., at home, and five granddaughters. Also surviving are two sisters, Mrs. Hugh Davidson of Toronto and Mrs. Herbert Dowd of Carthage, and a brother, William of Vancouver. He was predeceased by two brothers, Samuel of Listowel and Russell of Carthage. Burial was in Lakeview Cemetery. FREDERICK C. HOPKINS  – ROSEMOUNT — In poor health for the last three years, Frederick Charles Hopkins, died at St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, Dec. 22. He was in his 76th year. Funeral service was conducted by Mr. Murdo MacLeod at the Robinson funeral home, Coldwater, Dec 26. Pallbearers were Aubrey Candlemire, Gordon Pratt, Bruce Irwin, Manley Irwin, Archie Irwin and Walter Grigg. A native of Uxbridge, he went to Sturgeon Bay where he received his education. On Jan. 3, 1912, at Elmvale he married the former Maude Hodgins. He was a Liberal in politics. Besides his widow, he is survived by four sons, Albert of Sturgeon Bay, Charles and Ivan of Midland and Mervyn at home; two sisters, Mrs. Fred Gratrix (Bertha) of Weston and Mrs. George Hewitt (Florence) of Toronto, and four grandchildren. Burial was in Coldwater Cemetery vault. IRENE FOSTER DENNIS – A Midland and district resident all her life, Mrs. Irene Foster Dennis died Dec. 30 following a lengthy, illness. She was in her 53rd year. Funeral service was conducted, Dec. 31, by Rev. W. L. Morden at A. Barrie and Sons funeral home. Pallbearers were Stanley Ligowski, Lloyd Crawford, David Wilcox, Arthur Ball, Frank Atkinson and Gordon Cook. Born in Tiny Township, the former  Irene Foster, she was educated in Evergreen School and on Feb. 17, 1930, at Midland, was married to Charles Dennis. She was a member of the United Church and a Conservative in politics. Besides her husband she is survived by a  brother, Chris Foster; two step-brothers, Leslie and Gordon Henderson, and a step-sister, Mrs. Archie Ironsides, all of Midland. Burial was in Lakeview Cemetery vault.
• COLDWATER HISTORY— In December 1878, there were more than 10 mills in this area. Medonte had 2,795 people on 16,836 acres of cleared land. There were seven saw mills, four grist mills and eight schools. Total population of the county was 77,583 and, according to the County of Simcoe Gazetteer and Directory, the county 81 years ago had 56 grist mills, 135 sawmills, seven woollen mills and nine foundries. In 1879 there were 200 churches. At that time in Coldwater, William Borland and J. T. Ryan operated hotels. George Bush, John Eplett, John Gray and Andrew Patterson were merchants. Shingles were made by Jos. Brown and Smith and Orr. M. A. Eplett had flour and sawmills and S. D. Eplett operated an express agency and was postmaster. William Wilson was the agent for the Midland railway and was clerk of Medonte. William Rawson kept the Coldwater lockup. In Fesserton, Joseph Craddock, father of the present (1960) Jos. Craddock of that village was hotelkeeper. George Ross was a lumber merchant and Josiah Kean and John Campbell shingle makers.
• Letter to the editor. – SNOWBOUND STREETS – Dear Editor- On my frequent visits to Midland during the winter months; I am amazed to find that nowhere in the town are the sidewalks kept free of snow. This makes walking difficult if not impossible. It also means that some residents, especially the elderly, are not able to get out at all during the winter season. Surely this is not good publicity and assuredly not “good business”. There are few towns in Ontario that compare with Midland in natural beauty. Why not make it as attractive to visitors in the winter as in the summer. In most towns, householders are required to be responsible for their street frontage, and failure to comply brings a bill for snow removal. Is there any reason why the town of Midland couldn’t do the same if the expense involved is now hindering the snow removal? Dorothy G. Little, Richmond Hill
• “We have apprehended 10 persons since Friday stealing coal from the Century Coal Co. stockpile,” stated Midland Police Chief George Wainman yesterday. We even caught two adults from Penetang loading coal into their car,” continued the chief noting that three juveniles had been apprehended Sunday for the same offence. “The company has reported a considerable amount of coal missing,” added the chief, observing that the coal pile “is in an out of the way place.”
• A multi-point program was presented by Mayor Charles Parker for council’s consideration at the 1960 inaugural meeting in the board room of the new municipal building Monday. Among them were re-activation of the planning board, new engineering for the proposed sewage disposal project, possibility of getting Tiny and Tay Township officials to consider a new joint garbage dump, development of the waterfront area, re-development of the Olive Street area for industrial purposes, and new alternate routes for heavy truck traffic serving the industrial areas.
• Free Press Herald carrier boy John Gignac fractured his right wrist Saturday night during the Little NHL hockey games at Penetang Arena. He fell off a ladder. Son of Mayor and Mrs. Gignac, John had climbed the ladder to change the score on the rear wall of the rink. As he was changing the numbers, somehow he lost his grip on the ladder and tumbled to the concrete floor about 15 feet below.
• BIRTHS – PUDDICOMBE — To Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Puddicombe, Wyevale, at St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, Friday, January 8, 1960, a daughter. ROBINSON — To Lt. and Mrs. D. G. Robinson (nee Mary Wood), Calgary, Alberta, Friday, January 1, 1960, a son, Chris Alexander. THAYER — To Mr. and Mrs. William Thayer, 101 Bay St., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital,  Saturday January 9, 1960, a daughter.
• 25 (85) YEARS AGO THIS WEEK – Annual report of the fire department revealed that fire loses in Midland were $5,6073 lower in 1934 than they were in the same period in 1933, and were $244,765 lower than the losses in 1932. The total loss to buildings and contents in 1934 was $23,155. * * * While the entire council of Penetang was elected to office by acclamation in 1935, every office was being contested in Midland. S. W. McKinley and H. J. Thompson were seeking the mayoralty honours. In the voting, the former was elected. * * * Effective Jan. 1, 1935, all revolvers and pistols owned by private citizens had to be registered at the offices of either municipal or Ontario Provincial Police. Thirty-five were registered Jan. 2. * * * Two Victoria Harbour girls, Jean Hutchinson and Velma Winfield—former Midland High School students, won proficiency awards in Modern and Canadian History. The prizes were presented by Mr. and Mrs. A. R. M. Gaviller. * * * Elmvale businessmen decided they would close their places of business every night of the week except Saturday. The new closing hours were to become effective Jan. 8. * * *  C. P. Stocking, secretary-treasurer of the Waubaushene Public School, returned his annual salary to the board. The money was to be used to help purchase a piano for the school. * * * Nearly 35,000 persons were killed in automobile accidents in the United States in 1934. Fatalities in 1933 totalled 30,000.
• BAKELITE’S BIRTHDAY An important step in the development of plastics was taken 50 years ago last December. Leo Backsland, a Belgian chemist working in the United States, took out the first patent for bakelite, which was named after him. It is a plastic derived from phenol and widely used for panelling and electrical insulation.

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.  

This five-pound, twelve-ounce young miss, Kelly Ann Asselin, was the first new arrival at St. Andrews Hospital New Year’s Day. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jules Asselin, now residing in Owen Sound.   (Original scan of article below)  

 

 

Department of Transport ice-breaker Vercheres will be stationed at Midland for the winter, to enable lake shipping wintering in this area to get an early start when navigation opens again in the spring. Department officials say the Vercheres is being used on an experimental basis. Railway tank cars on the dock are likely for refuelling the government boats. (From museum friend Chris Dunn; “You can see the CP Edwards in the background. The experiment showed the Vercheres was underpowered for Georgian Bay ice and in 1963 she was sold for other purposes and scrapped in 1967.”) 

Although the camera doesn’t lie, sometimes it can be a trifle misleading. In this picture, for instance, the tug David Richard seems to be towing the giant CSL freighter Nipigon Bay. Actually, both boats are tied up at the Midland Shipyard dock. The Nipigon is one of six giant bulk carriers wintering in Midland this year. 

Long prominent in farm and church circles in this area, Mr. and Mrs. James Darby celebrated their golden wedding anniversary at the home of their son, Morris Darby, at Waverley, Dec. 29th. Both husband and wife have spent all their lives within a few miles radius of Waverley. Mr. Darby was one of the founders of the Junior Farmer movement in North Simcoe.

   James Darby was one of a family of seven born and raised on a farm on Con. 2, Tay. Mr. Darby has two sisters still living, Mrs. Tom Reynolds of Waverley and Mrs. Rena Murray, Midland. He also has one brother, Dick, a merchant in far-off Honolulu. The two brothers haven’t seen each other for just one year short of a half-century. Jim was only 11 years old when his parents, the late Mr. and Mrs. Henry Darby, moved from Con. 2 to Lot 87, Con. 1, Tiny, high atop the big hill just north of Waverley. For 56 years Mr. Darby lived on the old homestead before setting up a new, smaller home of his own at lot 82, Con. 1, Tiny, some eight years ago.    The new, smaller home cost much more to build than the old homestead. Built in 1903, the huge old home is still “sound as a dollar”. Jim helped his father build the home, which cost an astounding (by present-day prices) $2,400. “First class carpenters were glad to work for $1 per day and their meals in those days,” Mr. Darby recalled. Mr. Darby operated the homestead for 42 years himself before turning its operation over to his son, Morris.     The former Lilly May Sproule, Mrs. Darby, Sr., was born on Con. 1, Tiny only two lots removed from her present home. Her father, the late John Sproule, was twice married and there were six children in each family. Mrs. Darby has four sisters still living, one of whom, Mrs. Harold Johnston, lives close by her present home. The others are Mrs. Charles Lumree of Victoria Harbour, Mrs. Vera Montgomery, Kingston, and Mrs. Lila Odonohue, Toronto. The fact both husband and wife still enjoy good health may be traced to their childhood. Long before the days of the school bus, both had to walk healthy distances to and from school. Mrs. Darby tramped at least six miles daily to learn her three R’s at Waverley. As best they can recall; Jim Darby and Lilly Sproule first began to take notice of each other during revival meetings held in Waverley. Jim began “walking her home” the three miles after the meetings. Then there were the three miles, and more, he had to walk back alone to his own home. The walking came to an end Dec. 29, 1909, when Jim and Lilly were married at the Anglican rectory in Elmvale. 

Former residents of Midland, Mr. and Mrs. John Miller marked their 50th wedding anniversary at Waverley Dec. 29. Now living with their daughter Mrs. Frank Stacey, John Miller and the former Ruth Haughton were married in the old Methodist parsonage at Penetang Dec. 29, 1909. Both had been born on farms in the Wyevale area. Following their marriage, Mr. Miller worked as a stonemason in and around Midland until 1930. They then moved onto a small farm on Highway 12, just east of Midland, where they remained until 1956. They have been living with their daughter since that time. 

Newcomer Donald Eplett, extreme left back row, led the poll in voting at Victoria Harbour Monday. Others, left to right, are Theo Bernard (defeated), Wilfred Savage (elected), Mrs. Florence Belcher (nominated for reeve but withdrew), Oliver Savage (elected). Front row, village clerk James Heels, Reeve Ernest Cadeau, (acclaimed), and Cecil Walker (elected). 

Local youngsters are most fortunate, in having wonderful facilities for winter sports right in Midland, at Little Lake Park. In this picture, Denis Abbott has rigged up his own ski jump, using one of the stone stairs as a “landing field”. Denis got 23 feet on this leap. In picture 6197, a Midland mother has just launched her small daughter on a “flying saucer” trip down one of the hills. Brother needed no help on his toboggan. There was also ice skating on the nearby lake for other kiddies. 

This dynamometer, being checked by Mike Fox, is designed to test the strength of cable being prepared in the new B. Greening Wire Company plant in Midland, for use on bridges in the Welland Canal area. The stress of 45,000 pounds, twice the working load, must be maintained for one hour. 

Employees of the Free Press Herald had an unobstructed if a somewhat chilly view of the stores across King Street when workmen removed most of the front wall last week. This was necessary in order to get many of the large presses out of the building into the commercial printing plant on Hugel Avenue. Replaced the next day, the large plate glass window eventually cracked under the strain. 

Operation shift was in full swing at Midland Printers Limited when this photo was taken last week. Here workmen steady the Gordon press as it is winched up skids onto the truck to be moved to the new commercial printing division quarters on Hugel Ave E. Most of the heavy equipment was moved in one day. 

 

Midland Free Press headline of January 6, 1960; INQUEST JURY ADVOCATES FLASHER LIGHT AT TUNNEL.    A coroner’s jury assembled in Midland Monday recommended flasher lights be installed at both ends of the CPR tunnel on Highway 12, 1.1 miles west of Victoria Harbour, where two young people met death in a motor accident Oct. 24. At the inquest into the death of Karen Gaidies, 16, of Victoria Harbour, the jury also recommended that “reduce speed” sign be properly spaced on both approaches to the tunnel. Earlier in the afternoon, another coroner’s Jury which also met in Midland’s municipal building enquired into the Nov. 25 death of Alfred Edward Spence, 66. Mr. Spence was killed when the tractor he was using to haul a load of wood on a farm trailer jackknifed and fell on top of him. Out only 15 minutes, the jury returned a verdict of accidental death for Mr. Spence, resulting from an accident caused by slippery road conditions. Dr. D. C. Swan, Midland, acted as coroner for the inquest into the death of the young German-born Victoria Harbour girl. Wm. A. McArthur was chosen foreman of an all-Midland jury which included John Jory, Harold Boyd, Albert Taylor and Lawrence Dumais. [Ironic and sad that John and Helen Jory’s own daughter would be killed in a similar accident at the tunnel.] 

County Herald headline of January 8^th, 1960; REPORT 9.3 PERCENT CUT IN AREA UNEMPLOYED.  District unemployment, as of Dec. 31, 1959, is down 9.3 per cent compared with the situation on the same date a year ago. This was revealed Wednesday in figures released by Harold Humphries, manager of the National Employment Service office in Midland. He said the figures show that at least in this district we are not too badly off. The only factor that Mr. Humphries could suggest which contributed to the drop was “district Industries are employing more than they were a year ago.” Noting that there were approximately the same number of sailors and seasonal workers unemployed this year as last, Mr. Humphries said the number drawing unemployment insurance as of Dec. 31, 1959, was down 160 from the same date in 1958. The figure at the end of ’59 was 1,436 compared with 1,596 the previous year. These two figures include both men and women, he said. 

• Nineteen fifty-nine saw an increase in sales for most Midland retailers, according to a survey made this week. Albert Hartman of Hartman’s attributed the increase to “more business, more money and a good summer.” Mrs. James Offord, the owner of the Beverly-Ann Shoppe, agrees. “Sales are definitely up,” she said. “There are more people and industry in Midland.” Edwards has had “quite a good year, and a very good Christmas,” according to V. G. Edwards. Why the increase? “Pushing, merchandising and salesmanship,” Mr. Edwards replied, ”and advertising has also had a bearing on the increase.” Paul Noack, co-owner with Lionel Hanmer of Argue’s Meats, has had the store only since August. “But from records available, there has been a definite increase,” he said. He thinks the upswing can be attributed to more advertising, better merchandising and a wider variety of merchandise. Simpson-Sears has also, probably had a good year according to Miss Smith, office manager. “There have been more cash sales than in previous years,” she added. Mrs. John Deakos, the owner of the Eleithia Shoppe, said, “Sales are up, but I don’t know by how much yet.” Walker’s too has had an increase in sales. And the manager, Lorne Craig, is “looking for another good year.” He attributes the increase to the favourable employment picture and an exceptionally good tourist season in July and August. Jim Wright of Del Hastings also puts the firms good year down to the tourist boom, although because of the heat, summer goods almost exclusively were sold. “Christmas sales were steady, not rushed,” he said.
• Nobody was locked up over New Year’s and in fact, we have made only one arrest of a common drunk since before New Year’s Eve,” said Midland’s Police Chief George Wainman yesterday. “It was a very quiet holiday season for our department outside of a few minor accidents which were the result of icy road conditions rather than poor driving habits,” added Chief Wainman.
• BIRTHS – BLACKHURST — To Mr. and Mrs. Miles Blackhurst, 102 Colborne St., Midland at St. Andrews Hospital, Wednesday, December 23, 1959, a daughter. CAMPBELL — To Mr. and Mrs. Frank Campbell, Toronto, at St. Michael’s Hospital, Jan. 1, twin sons. CONTOIS — To Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Contois, Queen’s Hotel, Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Saturday, December 26, 1959, a daughter. Baby died December 28th. HERRON — To Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Herron, 195 Yonge St., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, Friday, December 25, 1959, a daughter. LINDEMANN — To Mr. and Mrs. Victor Lindemann, R.R. 1, Waubaushene, at St. Andrews Hospital Midland, Wednesday, December 29, 1959, a daughter. NICHOLLS — To Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Nicholls, Cornell Dr., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Wednesday, December 23, 1959, a son. PELLETIER — To Mr. and Mrs. John Pelletier, Port McNicoll, at St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, Thursday, December 24, 1959, a son. THOMPSON — To Mr. and Mrs. Bill Thompson, 286 Seventh St., Midland, at Queensway General Hospital, Toronto, Saturday, December 26, 1959, a son. WILSON — To Mr. and Mrs. Ross Wilson, at the General Hospital, Terrace Bay, Ontario, Friday, December 25, 1959, a son. A brother for Debbie. ASSELIN — Tor Mr. and Mrs. Jules Asselin, 239 Ninth St. E., Owen Sound, at St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, Friday, January 1, 1960, a daughter. CALVERT — To Mr. and Mrs. Bert Calvert, at Humber Memorial Hospital, Weston, Ontario, Wednesday, January 6, 1960, a daughter, Cynthia Jean.  DORION — To Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Dorion, 39 Olive St., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Saturday, January 2, 1960, a daughter. DORION — To Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Dorion, 12 Montreal St. Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Saturday, January 2, 1960, a son. HOOD — To Mr. and Mrs. James Hood, 215 Russell St., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, “Thursday, January 4, 1960, a daughter. LAWSON — To Mr. and Mrs. Colin Lawson, R.R. 1, Penetang, at St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, Thursday, January 4, 1960, a daughter. LeFAIVE — To Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Lefaive, 295 Russell St., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Wednesday, January 3, 1960 a son. NICHOLSON — To Mr. and Mrs. William Nicholson, Honey Harbour, at St. Andrews Hospital. Midland, Wednesday, December 30, 1959, a daughter.
• TEN YEARS AGO THIS WEEK – Flowers were blooming in Midland gardens over the New Year’s holiday. Two weeks of mild weather and rain had pansies and crocuses blooming in flower beds at several homes. * * * National Employment Service officials in Midland indicated that as of Dec. 31, 1949, there were 917 men and 77 women out of work, or roughly five per cent of the population of the district. The figures were higher than those for the previous year. * * * Owing to a coal shortage, Canadian National Railways announced that trains between Penetanguishene and Allandale would run only three days each week. No cut in rail service to Midland was scheduled. * * * By a vote of 169 to 123, Coldwater taxpayers decided their library would become a public institution, supported by local tax funds and provincial funding. The plebiscite was held in connection with the municipal election. * * * Midland Postmaster Don Swinson revealed that Christmas mail handled at the Midland office during the pre-Yuletide rush was 15 per cent greater in 1949 than it was for the previous year. More than three-quarters of a million pieces of mail were handled. * * * At its first meeting of the new year, Penetang council updated and approved a curfew bylaw that had been on the books for some years. As a result, children under 16 years of age, unless accompanied by parents or guardians, had to be off the streets of Penetang by 9 p.m. each night. The bylaw had been passed originally on June 1, 1892.
• Apparently sporting goods manufacturers have developed a new golf ball that has a tempered spring steel centre instead of the usual liquid core. Its makers claim increased distance and bounce can be obtained with the new ball, while hooking and slicing is reduced. It seems, “so far as duffers are concerned,” the U.S. missile testing hasn’t been entirely fruitless.
• Best possible news so far as Midlanders are concerned, 20 men from this area are already at work in the new B. Greening Wire Company plant. The men, from Midland and surrounding villages, are helping to prepare 40,000 feet of wire for use on three bridges in the Welland area. All were trained in the new Midland plant, adjoining Highway 12 near Martyrs’ Shrine. First productive work ever carried out in the new Midland plant, the wire ropes (made in the parent Hamilton plant) are being cut to length, pre-stressed and socketed. Eventually, the entire operation, including the manufacture of such ropes, will be carried out in the new building.
• Residents of Lafontaine were thankful that high winds, which had prevailed during the previous three days, had subsided when fire broke out Thursday in a work-shop back of Marchildon’s Store. While flames from the burning workshop and adjoining storage shed, fanned by a steady south breeze, threatened both the store building and adjoining school for a time, there was no damage other than smoke to, these nearby buildings.
• Trans-Canada Air Lines will be completely converted to turbine jet aircraft by June of this year, TCA travelling sales representative Jack Finley told Midland Y’s Men’s Club Tuesday evening. The next step will come with the delivery of 10 DC-8’s, American built long-range aeroplanes with British Rolls Royce engines. They will carry 127 in complete comfort at cruising, speeds of 550 miles an hour, 35,000 feet high, he said. Each has washrooms, two kitchens, a hi-fi and a standup bar. They will take you from Toronto to Vancouver in four hours and 20 minutes or from Toronto London, England, in six hours and 50 minutes, the speaker stated. The cost is six million dollars each. [In sixty years the speed and times have not changed. Only the price.]
• A Penetang link skipped by Mrs. Godfrey Trilsbeck proved the sensation of Midland Ladies Curling Club’s invitational bonspiel Wednesday. Introduced to the roaring game only two years ago, the Penetang gals won the 9 o’clock draw by scoring three wins and 22 points.” Other members of the rink were Mrs. Walter Spearn, Mrs. Orval Ambeau and Mrs. Len Carter.If Midland Flyers’ 6-4 win over Meaford Chevvies here Wednesday night in a Georgian Bay intermediate OHA group game is any indication, this could be a big year for playing coach Gerry Gerow’s charges. Flyers looked like the proverbial “million” in chalking up their first win after dropping all three starts in the still-young season. And Flyers had to be good in stopping the Chevvies, who rode into town still kicking their heels after a 6-1 win over the loop-leading Collingwood Shipbuilders the previous evening. Right in Collingwood, too. Stocked entirely with seasoned campaigners, the Meaford team required its foes of the evening to be right on their toes to cope with their crafty strategy. Flyers did just that, blanketing the visitors effectively with persistent forechecking and backchecking. In fact, the Flyers never looked back after firing the game’s opening salvo after only 1.52 of the first period. They led 3-2 and 4-3 by periods. Despite this top-notch, all-out team effort, two Flyers, centre Morley Spiker and goalie Bruce Hook stood out like sore thumbs. A whirling dervish all game, Spiker undoubtedly enjoyed one of his finest hours in a Midland uniform as he triggered five of the home team’s six’ goals. Plays engineered by first Jim Lemieux and then Dave Culbertson set Morley up for a pair of first-period counters. They followed Harvey Jackson’s quick opening tally for the home side. Spiker’s lone goal of the second stanza, matching one fired by the visitors, was first credited to line-mate Ike Nicholls. It was confirmed later that Ike hadn’t deflected Morley’s shot past goalie Elgin Cubitt. Spiker was right back on the beam with two more goals in the final period, with helping, hands from Lemieux and Nicholls. [There is no byline on this article but the prose would indicate Charlie Noquet, he made the reading of the sports news enjoyable in itself.]