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 enlargeDruggists in this area are carrying out a resolution passed at the annual convention of the Ontario Retail Pharmacists Association recently, that its members carry first aid equipment in their cars for use in highway emergencies. John Jory, Midland, shows one type of first aid kit recommended for use by ORPA. 

Four fair visitors from Port Huron, Mich., obtain information from Jack Blackburn on what to see and do in Midland and surrounding area. The women were among 15 persons on four fine cruisers which docked in Midland Tuesday on a trip that will take them to Peterborough before they return home. Left to right are Mrs. Robt. Schlitts, Mrs. Shirley Hart, Mrs. Al Ruttle and Mrs. Paul Palmer. 

Although it’s 80 in the shade these days, the men above are already planning for next winter’s intermediate hockey in Midland. They vow there will be no repeat of last year’s experience, when things were left too late. Left to right are Lloyd Atkinson, president, Charlie Scott, publicity, Jack Lethbridge, secretary, Guy Kinnear, manager, Doug Gerow, treasurer. Absent when the picture was taken was Al Hume, also on publicity, and Harold Jackson, trainer. 

Every Wednesday more than 100 youngsters from the Mount St. Louis-Vasey area descend on Flos-Medonte Park (Orr Lake) for their weekly swimming lessons and land games under the supervision of Simcoe County Recreation Service. Instructor Judy Baker of Elmvale is seen here with Ron Watson and Wayne Forbes, Dalston, Donna Waples, Hazel Vasey and Gary Brittain of Vasey. 

These children from the Vasey Mount St. Louis area kept well down in the water when taking their swimming lesson as cold winds blew at Flos-Medonte Park, Orr Lake. Sponsored by the Simcoe County recreation service, the class has 109 boys and girls enrolled from this area.  Marg Drury of Crown Hill (white shirt) is the instructor. 

Cooling off at Waubaushene. 

And Little Lake Park 

And Paradise Point 

“All Steamed Up” Pictorial photo of Keewatin from the editorial page.

 

Topples Off Rubber Raft, Two Tourist Revive Lad

Free Press Herald headline of July 27, 1960.
Two vacationers averted a drowning tragedy at Balm Beach shortly after noon hour Monday when they applied artificial respiration to a 12-year-old Penetang youth pulled unconscious from the water. The lad, Leonard Desroches, a son of Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Desroches of 115 Poyntz Street, Penetang, had been playing on a rubber raft with some other boys when he got into difficulty. The two men, whose names could not be learned, are credited with saving the life of the boy. 

Name Plate to Expand Add 20,000 Square Feet

County Herald headline of July 29, 1960.
Construction of a 20,000-square-foot addition to Canadian Name Plate Co. Ltd. in Midland is to be started by August 1, Name Plate President Gordon Moss told this newspaper Wednesday. Mr. Moss said Webster-Smallwood of Midland has been awarded the contract for the new structure. First plant expansion since the firm came to Midland in 1954, the addition will boost total floor space in the manufacturing concern to 60,000 square feet. It will be built on the northwest end of the present building. Mr. Moss anticipated that by the fall of 1961, when the new unit is in full operation, it will mean additional employment for 30 to 40 more persons. This would put the total Name Plate staff at 220, he said. 

    Another chapter in the gang war between Toronto and Victoria Harbour youths was written into the records in Midland police court Monday when Magistrate K. A. Cameron remanded Lloyd —–, 21, of  Scarborough in custody two weeks to await sentence. For several weeks, he and some of his friends have been battling with local brothers in Victoria Harbour. Earlier, one of the Harbour lads had been fined for discharging a firearm over the Toronto lad’s car.

    Members of the OPP detachment at Victoria Harbour said yesterday the two-car collision which claimed the lives of two women near Coldwater Sunday afternoon is still under investigation, with charges pending OPP Const. Jack Ambeau, who investigated, said the head on collision took place on a straight stretch of the new section of Highway 400, about 2 miles south of Coldwater. (Although we don’t include them, every weekend people were dying on local highways and drowning in local waters. The numbers are staggering compared to today’s statistics. We now have more people using the road and waterways yet we have managed to reduce this carnage by simple safety measures and equipment. Be sure to use your seat belt and wear that life jacket!) 

    Seven weeks of camp is the fare for 37 Indian children from the Mohawk Institute, Brantford, who are summering at the Christian Island Reserve. The children, all pupils of the institute, a residential school are being taken on trips around Huronia during their stay. According to Rev. Walter Wenham, camp director, the children are getting at least one tour each week. Last week a busload of campers visited Little Lake Park and the Indian village at Midland. They will also see the Martyrs’ Shrine, museums at Penetang and Midland, and other historic points. 

    A letter to the editor from a chap born in Minesing recounting his visits to our area before moving to Los Angeles where he is now living in 1960. Life is what you make it.
“Before returning to my 1955 visit to Huronia House Museum let me retrace some of my experiences. On April 17, 1900, Wilbert Armstrong and I rode his bicycle to Stayner and then to Collingwood to get jobs on the Majestic of the Northern Navigation fleet. We made a trip or two to Sault Ste. Marie. “Then I travelled by train to Penetang, walked to Midland and ‘pushed’ lumber for a day or two. On the S.S. Toronto, I went to 12-mile Bay to peel tan bark for contractor Charles Martin. Then I boarded a houseboat, towed by the tug ‘Bruce’ from 12-mile Bay to Beaverstone, to pick logs. There were 25 men and two French girls (cooks) on board. “What fun it was riding, or trying to ride, the logs. One day I found some bleached bones on a flat rock which had been used as a grave. Pieces of rock surrounded the skeleton which had been covered with earth, evidently carried from a cranberry marsh nearby. “In September I went back to saw logging at 12-mile Bay, returning there until March, the following spring. At that time I walked in, on the ice, to Penetang and returned home. In October, I went into the woods at Longford and from there to a basket factory in Orillia, then to a shoe factory in Aurora, to Allandale as a GTR trainman and to Buffalo, N.Y. In January, 1906, I obtained a steady job in Bowles Lunch, Baltimore, remaining there until Dec. 31, 1949. Then I went to Westfield, N.Y., where my wife died. I first went to Los Angeles to visit in November, 1951. “I have travelled upwards of 15,000 miles of North America by bus and car. “And now back to the ‘Playfair’ home where I saw the exhibits and pictures, including my S.S. Majestic. I hear you’re reconstructing a long house. “

25 Years Ago This Week 1935
With 75 per cent of Coldwater merchants petitioning in favor of a half holiday on Wednesdays, the village council met in special session to pass the necessary bylaw. * * *  The long established Midland business of Campbell’s Florists was purchased by the Fox brothers of Huntsville. * * * Union evening services for the summer months of Midland’s Anglican, Baptist, Presbyterian and United Churches began their third season with the service conducted at St. Paul’s United Church by Rev. W. R. Auld. * * * Midland harbor received an impetus when CSL freighter Ashcroft and Great Lakes Transit steamer Ralph Budd with her barge Glenbogie cleared to pick up a cargo of grain at Fort William. * * * Penetang’s Mayor Hatton, at a special council meeting, promised to give consideration to a request for cash relief when it was pointed out that Midland and other municipalities had already adopted the measure. * * * Irreparable damage was caused when fire destroyed the frame building housing the foundry patterns of the P. Payette plant in Penetang. Many of the patterns had no blue prints and could not be replaced. 

   A quotation from Dr. P. B. Rynard, MP for Simcoe East, debating a bill to raise the old age pension from $55 to $75 and urging the government to consider building special facilities for the elderly. “I am sure there is no one in this house who for one minute would deny the old people all that they have coming to them in their declining years for their comfort and their security. But I am also equally sure there are other fields in which we need expansion just as badly as we need this increase. I refer particularly to those cases of people in the sixties and seventies who are obliged to go to hospital and are placed to general hospital wings when they would be better placed in wings particularly devised for the treatment and the benefit of those people who are in the chronically ill class,” Dr. Rynard stated. He also spoke of the person who is not, acutely ill or not sick enough to be in hospital or in a geriatric wing, but who needs invalid care. Other than a few pilot schemes, he said, little has been done about this matter.” (Will all the rhetoric around nursing homes become just more “pilot schemes with little done” when Covid is gone?) 

     MRS. XAVIER LADOUCEUR Native of Penetang and a resident of this area for her entire life, Mrs. Xavier Ladouceur died at her Port McNicoll home, Monday, July 11. Born in Penetang, May 3, 1899, she was educated in Lafontaine, and in May, 1933 married Xavier Ladouceur in Lafontaine. She had lived in Lafontaine for 34 years, 26 years in Penetang, and the past year in Port McNicoll. Surviving, besides her husband are two sons, Rosaire and Lionel of Port McNicoll, two daughters, Mrs. John Scott (Marie-Rose),  Yellowknife and Mrs. Lawrence Charlebois (Dora), Midland; her mother, Mrs. Celina Beausoleil, Penetang: seven brothers, Albert, Ernest, Andre, Philippe, Edmund, Alcime and Alfred, and one sister, Mrs. Louis Lacroix. There are five grandchildren. Funeral service was held Thursday, July 14, from Beausoleil funeral home to St. Ann’s Memorial Church where Rev. L. Wall officiated. Burial was in St. Ann’s Cemetery. Pallbearers were Ernest, Philippe, Albert and Alfred Beausoleil, Olivier and Antoine Ladouceur.

       More than 5,000 pairs of feet have trod the floors of Fort Penetanguishene Officers’ Quarters Museum this year, according to records kept by the museum staff. These are the same floors which more than a century ago rang to the sound of cavalry and infantry boots of British Regiments stationed there. Included in the number of visitors are more than 2,000 school children who toured the museum by busloads in the weeks before school closed. 

    Arrival of six large cruisers in Midland harbour Tuesday afternoon brought the number of such boats (of 28 foot length or over) to 76 so far this year, already an all-time record. According to officials, this is already nearly twice as many as visited Midland all last year. 

    This week the dredging contract opposite Fesserton shore was completed for the Department of Public Works. Stumps and other snags in the Coldwater River, between the C.P.R. bridge opposite the Coldwater Press and the village dock, are to be cleared. Buoys will be placed by employees of the Department of Transport, from Waubaushene to the mouth of the North River. 

 We have included below a pictorial tribute to Louise Parker Bath who passed away on July 24^th. The photos and articles are taken from the Midland Free Press during the 1950’s and 60’s. They show not only her talent and ability but her generosity and compassion. One of the many volunteers who work quietly and humbly in our area for the good of us all.
Our sincere condolences to Morley, Christie, Cory, sister Grace and their families. Louise was a positive role model to so many people in her life, especially the young. 
https://www.leclaircremationcentre.ca/obituary/MaryLouise-Bath

 With another winter rapidly drawing to a close, Midland Lions Club’s skating revue will just about wind up activities at Arena Gardens for this season. The carnival has improved every year and the Lions are planning on this one being no exception. Getting in a spot of practice above are Mary Louise Parker, left, and Linda Revard. 

Brownie night at the Salvation Army Citadel, more than 30 members of the Second Midland Pack were present to receive awards or to be enrolled. Being enrolled were Linda Duggan, Linda Nopper, Karen Chapman, Eleanor Moffatt, Marie Louise Parker, Carol Launder, Marlene Douglas, Edith and Vivian Lowen, Janice Hawke, Sharon Howard, Barbara Ann Merkley and Cheryl Tyndall. Receiving golden stars and first year service stars were; Judith Reynolds, Patsy Dalziel, Linda Dagg, Gayle Langridge, Anne Davidson, Marilyn Vail, Becky and Patsy Paul, Jo-Anne Ambrose, Linda Bonner, Sharon and Connie Stelter, Judy Wilson, Laurie Young, Jan Worrell, Karen Greisbach, Peggy Krochko, Sally MacDonald. Second year service stars went to Elizabeth Boldt and Nancy Wilson. (My guess would be front row, third from the right.) 

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 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 1st Midland Company Girl Guides (St. Mark’s) are, left to right, Sheryl Lattimore, Mary Louise Parker, Laurie Young and Karen Greisbach. 

Many district leaders and Guides attended a Guiders training school in the Sunday School auditorium of Knox Presbyterian Church, Midland, March 25. Some of the guides present included Lesley Hudson, Waubaushene, and Bonnie Dion, Penetang, seated and standing, left to right, Mary Ellen Mulhall, Waubaushene; Linda Labatt, Penetang; Louise Parker and Laurie Young, Midland. 

Always a matter of great anticipation at Midland public schools is the naming of the senior boy and senior girl for the year. Winners at Regent School this year were Louise Parker and Bobby Clayton. Mrs. M. Wilcox, above, presents the students with their awards on behalf of Regent Home and School Association. 

For the first time, the 1st Midland Girl Guide Company has first class badge holders’ in its midst. At the mother and daughter banquet, June 20, Mrs. J. E. Lawlor, Area Commissioner (right) presented the badges to these four girls; (left to right) Louise Parker, Barbara Galt, Brigit Neuman, and Sharon Stelter. 

The music committee of Midland-Penetanguishene District High School presented awards and scholarships at the closing assembly of the year, May 30. Girls receiving them were left to right, at top, Pam Ellison, $10 scholarship, Barbara Dalrymple, $7 award, Louise Parker, $7 award, Nancy Jones, $20 music camp award, Pat French, $20 music camp award. 

Everything got a good wash, including the girls and the service station attendants, as members of the Wendake Division of the Rangers held a car-washing bee to raise money Saturday. Hard at work above are Grace Ellen and Louise Parker and Kathy McLaughlin. The Rangers’ coffers were swelled by $52 after the day’s work.

April 1963 Music Festival Results;
Hymn playing 15 years and over, first Judy Rankin, 83, second Louise Parker, 82, and tied for third with 80 were Barbara Kirkpatrick and Marlene White. Piano solo, 17 years and under, first was Kim Smiley, 84; second Louise Parker, 82; and third, Margaret Ann Kearns, 80. All entrants in those two classes were from Midland. 

September 1966 MSS Hi-Sterics ;
The cheerleader trials will be held Friday afternoon after school in Gym 2. Louise Parker, this year’s head cheerleader needs nine others to complete her team. There are 13 of an original 23 left to choose from.  Six judges, teachers on the staff, will watch them perform a cartwheel, series of eight jumps, and two cheers. Seven of last year’s team are back again this year. They are: Heather McKee, Linda Russell, Debbie Willette, Janice Jeffery, Candas McKee, Louise Parker and Shirley Lesperance. —Cathy Harrison 

September 1965 
CHRISTMAS IN JULY Items valued at $10 were purchased and mailed to our foster child Lee Wai Koon this summer as his 1965 Christmas presents, said Louise Parker of MSS Students’ Council recently. She said the items had to be mailed before July 15 to reach the child by Christmas and suggested that a list of his gifts be kept so he does not receive the same items again. 

February 23, 1966. Waiting hopefully for the judges’ decision in the first round of this year’s Queen of Hearts contest at Midland’s Odeon Theatre are Anne Delaney, Sheila Elliott, Bonnie Leclair, Linda Lockhart, Barbara Merkley, Louise Parker, Linda Russell, Lola Russell (the eventual winner), Ilona Strasser and Sharon Stelter. 

July 1966
Courses were completed last Friday for some 259 Penetanguishene youngsters who have been taking swimming lessons since school classes came to an end in June. The children, who received certificates of their accomplishments, ranged from absolute beginners up to those ready to enter Red Cross instruction. Judy Ross was head instructor for the swim classes and she was assisted by Louise Parker, Mary Lou Gignac and Donna Belcourt. A group of mothers under the leadership of Mrs. Frances St. Amant supervised the children during classes. Sponsorship is under the local recreation council. 

May 1968
The board also approved the hiring of the following teachers on a probationary basis; Chester Graham, Hannelore Hajok, Harry Haskett, Miss Patricia Higgs, Juergen Koenigsbeck, Mrs. Lawrence Lefaive, Miss Louise Parker, Miss Susan Perkins and Miss Janice Rutherford. 

May 1968
Mr. and Mrs. Campbell Parker are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Louise, to Mr. Morley Bath, son of Mr. and Frank Bath. The wedding to take place June 8th, St. Paul’s United Church at 7 p.m. 

 

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 enlargeUnusual twin visitors in Midland harbor were the two Royal Canadian Navy ships seen above berthed at the town dock. They are the HMCS Lanark (nearest camera) and the HMCS Outremont. On training cruises of the Great Lakes, the Outremont left Midland Saturday and the Lanark on Monday. 

All findings at the Forget Site of Dr. Wilfrid Jury’s summer school of Indian archaeology were recorded on this scale map. Two of Dr. Jury’s main helpers were Dawn Phibbs of St. Thomas, left, and Loukie Weyerman of London. 

Happiest golfer in North Simcoe this week is Fred Lemieux of Midland, who got himself a hole-in-one on the 160-yard eight at Brooklea Golf and Country Club Tuesday night. Fred is showing the lucky three wood that did the trick, while June Hansford, left, and Mrs. Willi Germann look on. 

Two vehicles were classed as total wrecks following a collision Friday evening on the Thunder Bay side road. The car in one photo is owned by Majoric Desjardins of Penetang. Mr. Desjardins and his wife were taken to Penetang hospital with serious injuries. The 1960 model car in this photo is owned by Thomas Vallee. 

Robert Gervais —15-year-old Lafontaine lad who has become quite an accomplished pianist, was recently awarded first class honours in conservatory examinations. He received 85 per cent in a music performance as a solo performer, 93 , in Grade 10 technical and 80 in Grade 4 theory, counterpoint. He is a pupil of Holy Cross studio in Penetang. 

This motorist isn’t making things any better for pedestrians by crowding over the white-lined crosswalk at King and Hugel. Cars should be stopped behind the walk pointed out chief Wainman. (The crossing markings had been recently applied and were part of a campaign the chief was on to protect the pedestrians on Midland streets. We include the photo more for the view of King & Hugel and the vintage car, love those wings.) 

 

Provincial Subsidies Cut – Curb Public Works Plans
Free Press Herald headline of July 20, 1965 

Drastic curtailment of the town’s public works program was considered at Monday night’s special meeting of Midland council. A revised works plan, which will be discussed in detail at a later meeting, was necessitated when council heard that it is unlikely additional monies will be forthcoming from the provincial government on the town’s supplementary bylaw for $80,000, of which, only $33,500 had been approved by the government. 

Policy Setting Session Revamps Public Works
Free Press Herald headline of July 22, 1965 

Alteration of the organization and procedures carried out by the public works department were approved by Midland council at its special meeting Monday night. After lengthy discussion, which included questions from Fred Horton, representing local contractors, council approved changes in the following areas: Field inspections and certification of goods supplied and services rendered; job number allotment and accounting; schedules of payments for equipment, goods and services; allotment of work and such other recommendations as deemed fit. 

    Sites on the old naval and military establishments at Fort Penetanguishene will be the settings for the unveiling of two historical plaques, Saturday, August 6, according to Dr. W. Jury. Hon. Bryan Cathcart, Ontario Minister of Travel and Publicity, will be among the dignitaries present to take part in the unveiling ceremonies. These two plaques will bring Penetang’s total to six, the existing ones being at the Officers’ Quarters, the Naval site at the Red Dock, the site of Lieut. Henry Wolsey Bayfield’s headquarters, and at St. James’ Church on-the-lines. The naval plaque is to be erected near the site of the residence occupied by Capt. John Moberly, R.N, not too far distant from the old military cemetery. It is a picturesque setting, on a gentle slope looking out over the waters of Penetang Bay. The military plaque is to be placed near the old chimney at the southwest corner of the military establishment which marks the site of Capt. Keating’s comfortable home near the bay.

    Mumps continue to top the list of communicable diseases reported to Simcoe County Health Unit. The unit’s monthly report issued this week lists the diseases as follows: mumps 144; chicken pox 23; measles 10; scarlet fever 9; German measles 4; salmonellosis 2. Health unit director Dr. P. A. Scott notes that this year marks 12 years of service for the unit. 

    Sunday, July 24 has been chosen as the date to mark the 124th anniversary of historic St. James’ Church on-the-Lines at Penetanguishene. St. James came into being through a grant of land by the government in 1835, for a church for military, personnel and residents of the district. Through the efforts of Captain John Moberly, R.N. and Capt. James Keating, military commander at Fort Penetanguishene, funds were raised locally and in England, and St. James’ was built in 1836. Original dimensions of the structure reached as far as the present chancel steps. The chancel and reredos, famous for its unique military motif and coloring, were added in 1870. The unique woodwork and pews, with initials carved on them, are still in the old church, just as they have been for more than a century.  

    WAUBAUSHENE — The approach to St. John’s Roman Catholic Cemetery, Waubaushene, has been enhanced during the last few weeks by the removal of the wire fence and the erection of a wrought iron fence. The fence recedes at the centre to form an alcove in which has been erected a bronze statue of “Christ on the Cross” in life size. In front of this is a polished kneeling bench. The work has been done by various men of the congregation, working together on Saturdays and evenings. 

    Working in cooperation with writer Beatrice Riddell of The Financial Post, the Georgian Bay Development Association has been securing much favorable publicity for the cruising waters of the Georgian Bay. The Financial Post may seem like a rather strange publication in which to do this promotion but it is one which is read by the people who have money enough to run the big yachts attracted to these waters. W. N. Keefe of the Georgian Bay Development Association is to be congratulated on securing this additional publicity for our area. 

    Penetang’s IGA store continues to be a mark for would-be-thieves, with the latest break-in occurring Saturday night when the culprits failed to complete the job of blowing open the store safe. According to Constables W. Lacroix and Bruce Hook, who were called to investigate, the thieves gained entrance to the building by sawing metal bars on the window of a wash room. They made their exit by smashing a large rear door in the building. Police believe the attempted robbery was carried out by amateurs, as a considerable amount of nitro glycerin was spilled on the floor around the overturned safe. Apparently the safe was turned on its back, and the door dented with a hammer to provide a convenient spot to pour the explosive fluid into the crack around the door. A quantity of children’s modelling clay found at the scene indicated it had been used to hold the detonating cap against the safe. A blanket apparently was used in an attempt to muffle the explosion. It is believed only the detonating cap exploded, blowing a hole in the blanket without setting off the nitro or damaging the safe in any manner. 

    For the YMCA, camping is big business. Just how big was revealed recently by J. W. “Win” Smith, secretary of Midland’s Y’s own Camp Kitchikewana, largest of several such ‘Y’ camps in the Beausoleil Island-Severn River area. Doing a bit of quick figuring, “Smitty” estimated that between 1,500 and 2,000 boys and girls will attend camps in this area during July and August. Of the Ontario camps, seven of them are located in the Georgian Bay area, including four on Beausoleil, one on the Bay, one at Go-Home Bay, and one on the Severn River. There are many other camps in the district, of course, operated by other associations. “I would estimate the budget of these camps at well over $150,000 for the season, much of it spent with merchants in this area,” said the Kitchi director. 

    One of the pioneer men of the baking industry in Simcoe County and a prominent resident of Waubaushene for many years, Philip Thiffault, 76, died following a two-car collision in Miami, Florida, Monday. Maynard Thiffault, a son, of Waubaushene, said his father and step-mother had left Waubaushene July 11 for a southern holiday. Mrs. Thiffault, the former Eva Cronin Tibbett, suffered a broken arm, facial cuts and other injuries.  Born in Champlain County, Quebec, Mr. Thiffault came  to Waubaushene as a boy and his first employment was at the old Waubaushene Lumber Co. mill. Later he started a bake shop in Waubaushene. “My father was one of the first men to deliver bread by truck in this county. He was doing this in Orillia before World War I,” his son Maynard told this paper yesterday. Mr. Thiffault Sr. went out of the business at the start second world conflict. 

    PERKINSFIELD—At Chateau Gai, July 16, women of the church here held their annual chicken dinner and bazaar. A total of 1,600 plates were served. The weather was ideal. Prizes for the various contests were made by private citizens or donated by Midland and Penetang businessmen. 

Ten Years Ago This Week
General Leather Goods, Victoria Harbour, doubled their staff to a total of 50 employees. * * * Average attendance at the excavations, conducted by Dr. Wilfrid Jury, at Fort Ste. Marie I were 500 per day with the record day reaching 650 persons. * * * The former Hanly Foundry and Machine Shop, having fallen prey to vandals, was acquired  by the town of Midland by tax registration. * * * A severe electrical storm struck Waubaushene, burning out electrical transformers and keeping some parts of the community without power for most of the day. * * * The CPR’s S.S. Manitoba after sailing the Great Lakes for 61 years was being dismantled in a Hamilton shipyard. Flames from a cutting torch ripped through her bow. * * * Due to a fall down his cellar steps, James Lazonby who provides this newspaper with its weather reports, was unable to spend his wedding anniversary in his usual manner — a canoe trip with Mrs. Lazonby on the Severn River. * * * Coldwater’s new fire truck was used for the first time under actual firefighting conditions when it was called to a blaze at the home of Cliff Woodrow. * * * Members of the same destroyer flotilla during a phase of World War II, Lieut. Eric Earnshaw (RCN) and Dr. James Small met again when Lieut. Earnshaw brought his ship HMCS Portage into Midland on a training cruise. On active service, Dr. Small was a surgeon lieutenant during the war. 

    Wise & Otherwise – The miraculous feat of seven-year-old Rodger Woodward, first person to go over Niagara Falls unintentionally and live, holds a lesson for every person who sets foot in a motor boat — wear a lifejacket. The fact the 70-pound lad was wearing one is said to be the main reason, he is alive today. It is a piece of equipment that could work equally as effectively in an emergency for those on the heavily travelled waters of Georgian Bay and district. 

Obituaries;
WILFORD J. JEWITT Born and educated in Midland, Wilford Joseph “Bub” Jewitt died unexpectedly of a heart attack at his home in Huntsville, July 2. The body rested at Addison funeral home, Huntsville, until Sunday evening, July 3, when it was brought to the Midland home of his brother-in-law and sister, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Murphy, 300 Yonge Street. Solemn requiem high mass was celebrated in St. Margaret’s Church, Midland,  July 5. Celebrant of the mass was Rev. J. P. Johnston, a cousin of the deceased. He was assisted by Rev. A. Dorcel, deacon, and Rev. R. J. Egan, sub-deacon. Burial was in St. Margaret’s Cemetery. Pallbearers were Pat McIlroy, Tom McDonald, Howard Deschamp, Ginger Davies, John Woods and Ray Morris.     Born in Midland in 1914, the son of the late Capt. And Mrs. W. J. Jewitt, he was educated at Midland public and high schools. In 1937 he was married to the former Marion Gendron of Penetang. He had lived in Toronto, Stayner and Huntsville, the last named for the past nine years. A Roman Catholic, he was a member of the Holy Name Society. Mr. Jewitt had served in the Canadian Army in World War II for more than two years. He was a past president of Huntsville Lions Club, and had served on the executive of the CNIB advisory committee for three years. He also was a credit union executive officer. He was a Liberal in politics. Besides his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Judy, at home; and two sisters, Mrs. Glen Taylor of Erin and Mrs. William Murphy, Midland. Another sister, Mrs. Bob Murray, predeceased him.

JOHN J. MACKSEY A resident of Midland for, 73 years, John Joseph Macksey died in St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, June 30, following a short illness. Funeral services were held July 2 at A. Barrie and Sons funeral home, with burial in Lakeview Cemetery. Rev. R. Wright officiated. Pallbearers were John Todd, Cliff Strong, Keith Fleming, Almer Todd, Garnet Drinkle and Elmer Belfry. Born Nov. 4, 1880, at Lindsay, Mr. Macksey spent only six years of his life there before moving to Midland. A lifelong member of the Baptist Church, he had also served as welfare officer in Midland for some 20 years. Predeceased by his wife in 1948, Mr. Macksey is survived by three daughters, Josie (Mrs. M. Foster), Thornhill, Marjorie (Mrs. Chas. Grove), and Bernice (Mrs. B. Walker), both of Willowdale; and one son. Jack of Midland. There is also a sister, Mrs. M. Rachar, Edgar, a brother, Arthur Macksey, Midland, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

ALICE H. MILLS Born and educated at Victoria Harbour, Mrs. Alice Helena Mills died in St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, July 12. She was in her 71st year. Six nephews were pallbearers at the funeral service July 15 at A. Barrie and Sons funeral home, conducted by Rev. R. G. Nodwell. Mrs. Mills, the former Alice Ball, lived in Toronto for 50 years and returned to Victoria Harbour last year. On May 13, 1914, at Toronto, she married James Howard Mills. She was a member of Rebekah Lodge, Waubaushene, and the United Church. Besides her husband and a son Wesley of Toronto, Mrs. Mills is survived by the following brothers and sisters: Mrs. Lena Hurdy, Midland; Mrs. Edna Donovan, Mrs. Laura Belfry, and Mrs. Claretta Belcher, all of Victoria Harbour; Mrs. Rita Benriett of Detroit and Sentlo Ball and Charlie Ball, both of Barrie. Burial Was in Victoria Harbour Union Cemetery.

 (Birth announcements are still missing from the newspaper.)

Front page of the Free Press 80 years ago this week.

Pages from The Free Press Herald_1940-07-24

   

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 enlargeGuest in Midland harbour these past several days, HMCS Outremont has seen what, for her must have been much more exciting ports and certainly more exciting days. Her ship’s plaque carries battle honours won in the Atlantic, Arctic and in the Normandy invasion, all in 1944. Launched in Quebec July 3,1943, the Outremont is listed as a Prestonian class frigate. She displaces 2,360 tons, is 301 feet in length and has a 36-foot beam. (In the photo are; Audrey Stonehouse, Sudbury, ABEN Allan Vass, Port Arthur.) 

Navy whites and blues are a familiar sight on Midland streets this week during the visit of the HMCS Outremont, on a training-cruise of the Great Lakes. Above, ABEN John Savage of Newcastle, N.B., explains the workings of one of the frigate’s anti-aircraft guns to Katherine Zimmerman, a fair Toronto visitor. 

Elmvale Presbyterian Church got a real sprucing up in preparation for the congregation’s centennial services this week. Here Jack Ritchie tidies up the lawn while Tom Cooper, an elder for many years, dusts off the “All welcome” sign. 

Poor old Pat Flanagan, flat on the mat, was having a hard time reaching help from his oversized partner, Mighty Jumbo, in this wrestling action at Midland Arena Monday night. Fans who patronize the Monday night bouts are also helping the sponsors, Midland Minor Hockey Association, in their efforts to provide hockey for local youngsters in the winter months. 

Dr. Wilfrid Jury, famed Indian archaeologist, is a happy man these days as the 22 pupils of his summer school uncover the secrets of this 700-year-old longhouse used by Indians who dwelt on what is now known as the Forget Site, high over the Wye River. It was a real “long house”, 140 feet of it, which must have housed a number of Indian families in the fore-runner of the modem apartment buildings. 

More than three decades of service in the customs and excise division of the Department of National Revenue’s Midland office came to an end Tuesday night in the retirement of A. E. Martin. Murray Kearns, another longtime employee in the Midland office will be acting collector pending a permanent appointment. 

This handsome silver trophy held, by Women’s Editor Lillian Rutherford will be awarded by General Foods and the Free Press Herald to the champion jam and jelly maker at Tiny and Tay Agricultural Society’s fall fair in Midland in September. J. R. Chittick, general manager, holds a replica of the trophy which will be retained in the permanent possession of the winner, and a silver spoon to be awarded to the runner-up in the combined jam and jelly division.

 Below are some photos from the same time period that were not published. In order are, the Delawana Inn and the Royal Hotel at Honey Harbour. Henry Laurin’s Ambulance Service across from town hall on Dominion Ave. Georgian Bay Airways plane at their office on the Midland pier.

 

 We think “Mr. Free Press” as he was known, reporter/photographer Ken Somers, may have been taking some summer holidays as there are fewer staff photos this week. Below are some “cut & pastes” taken by others.

 

Two Year Wage Contract Offered to Town Force
Free Press Herald headline of July 14, 1960. 

After he had tabled a motion Monday night which would have sent Penetang Police force wage demands to arbitration. Reeve Alf Cage said he was “fed up with the whole situation”, and would gladly resign his post as chairman of the police committee. Reeve Cage further stated that his committee had met with the chairman of the finance committee and Mayor Gignac, and after putting a lot of time into discussion had sent a proposal to members of the force. “They were supposed to have a letter to me by the weekend, outlining their views, and to date I have not heard a word. I’m fed up and would like to see the thing go to arbitration,” he said. 

OK Architects’ Plans For Addition at MPDHS
County Herald headline of July 15, 1960 

Architects’ plans for the 14-room addition to Midland-Penetanguishene District High School were accepted by the board at its meeting Wednesday night. The motion by Dr. J. R. Parrott and John Burke accepting the plans also authorized the architects, Page and Steele, Toronto, to complete the specifications and then advertise for tenders for construction. The tenders are to be submitted to the board as early as possible in August. Plans for the addition call for seven standard classrooms, six Industrial Arts rooms and a music room. The board also approved the acquiring of two temporary buildings for two classrooms to accommodate 70 pupils. These buildings are to be ready for the opening of school In September and are to be insulated, heated and lighted. Lockers and blackboards are also to be installed. 

    All regular monthly meetings of Midland council starting in September will be broadcast by radio station CKMP. This was decided at Monday night’s council meeting following a motion to that effect by Alderman Douglas Haig and Walter Woods. Clerk-treasurer W. A. Hack read a letter from R. B. Armstrong, general manager of the radio station, asking that CKMP be permitted to provide this service. “We should establish a policy and it is Important that the public at large is an enlightened public,” commented Alderman Haig, “We are not here for the purpose of entertainment and there are some items that are not properly conducted in public.” Pointing out that council business, such as employer-employee relations should not be made public, Mr. Haig suggested the radio station be permitted to have the same representation as the local press. “Council meetings have the complete support of the press and there has not been any breach of confidence by the newspaper in the four years I have been on council,” Mr. Haig stated.  

25 Years Ago This Week – Midland Alderman D. L.  White predicted renewed prosperity for the town if the federal government’s proposed wheat policy was put into effect. * * * Midland Public Utilities Commissioners voted themselves an annual salary of $100 with the chairman to receive $200. * * *The Waverly home of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Jordan, Sr., was burned to the ground in a fire reportedly started by an overheated kitchen stove. * * * Dr. D. C. S. Swan and Dr. A. H. Pinchin were elected first vice-president and secretary treasurer respectively at the annual meeting of the Simcoe County Medical Association, held at Orillia. * * * Midland’s new Salvation Army officers were Adjutant and Mrs. John Hart who arrived in town after two years’ service in Stratford. * * * H. M. Warnock of the Gidley Boat Co., Penetang, suggesting that more tourists heralded better times, stated that more money had been spent in fitting out boats that spring than for some years past. * * * Ruins of a ship of the same fleet as the famous “Nancy” were believed discovered with the finding of a blackened oak keel in the bed of Barrick’s Creek at Woodland Beach. Discovery was made by Fred Barrick, York Township, and J. Wilson and son George, both of Toronto. * * * During the absence of Rev. E. F. Smith, Penetang Mayor N. Hatton occupied the pulpit for the morning service in the United Church. 

    Coloured  covers are a feature of the 1960 telephone directory which will be distributed this week to nearly 45,000 telephone users in the directory area.  Distribution of the directory in this district will be as follows: Midland—3,700, Penetang —4,550, Honey Harbour—230,  Port McNicoll—265, and Waubaushene—255. H. A. Kilroy, Bell Telephone manager, said the Midland and district directory is among the first in the Bell Telephone Company’s territory to be bound in a multi-colored cover. 

    Races and special events featured the annual Sunday School picnic of Knox Presbyterian Church, Midland, held at Little Lake Park, Wednesday afternoon, June 29.  An estimated 250 adults and children attended. 

    Workmen are putting finishing touches to construction of new floating docks, and repairs to the long floating dock at Penetang wharf. Two new docks have been added, making a total of four docks where small boat owners may tie up their craft. The last one was anchored in place Wednesday afternoon.  

    Three Canada Steamship line freighters are now laid up temporarily it is hoped; at the CSL’s winter birth in Midland harbor. Officials said the ships—Westmount, Prescott and Goderich— will be laid up for an indefinite period. It might be a few days or a few weeks. It has not been uncommon, especially during the last two years, to have some ships laid, up for a time in Midland, then resume trade sometime in September, it was stated. Closing of a portion of the Soo canal is also said to have played a part in the laying up of the three ships.  

   One man was drowned and another injured Thursday night when a farm bridge over the Coldwater River collapsed under the weight of a tractor hauling a load of hay. Harry Johnston, 50, of SR 3, Coldwater, was drowned when he was pinned to the river bed by the tractor he had been driving. A neighbor, David Wilson, 44, who had been helping him, is in Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital, Orillia, with  undetermined injuries. The accident occurred on the Johnston farm on Con. 10, Medonte, about four miles west of Coldwater. OPP Const. Michael Chapman, who investigated, said he is waiting word on whether or not an inquest will be necessary. Police said the two men were hauling in a load of hay over the 30-foot bridge when it collapsed. Mr. Johnston was driving the tractor and Mr. Wilson was riding on the wagon. He received his injuries when it fell into the river.  

    Remember when the Midland Fire hall burnt and the men were able to rescue the fire trucks? How about the time someone broke into the jail? – Breaking into the Midland jail June 25 has earned an 18 year old Midland youth, a two-month holiday — in another jail. Appearing before Magistrate K. A. Cameron in Midland police court Monday, he pleaded guilty to a charge of unlawfully committing theft to a value of less than $50. O. H. Smith, QC, acted for accused, with W. Kennedy, assistant crown attorney, prosecuting. Sgt. Ernest Bates said the accused first came to the Midland police office around 12.30 a.m. with some cigarettes for a friend who had been taken into custody. Police on duty at the time were about to answer a call and told him to come back later, court heard. Arriving back at 1.45 a.m., Sgt. Bates said the accused found the police office locked up and the officers still away. He then entered the building through a window in the magistrate’s office. After giving his friend the cigarettes, he then took a bottle of liquor being held as evidence in a police court case, the two keys which operated the cell doors, and then left through the same window, Sgt. Bates said.