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 enlargeThis stately old home (Georgian Lodge) among the pines has long been a Midland landmark. Located across the bay behind the Midland Simcoe Elevator it was the center for much of the towns social life a few generations back.  (From our website- This dry stone wall is all that remains of the Georgian Lodge, the home of John J. Drummond and his family. In 1900 Drummond opened the Canada Iron Furnace in Midland, which became one of the town’s largest employers. At its peak, the company employed about 350 men and its payroll was said to be the largest in Simcoe County. The family enjoyed its role as part of the social elite, and helped to shape the economic interests of the fledgling town at the beginning of the 20th-century. The wall not only acts as a reminder of the economic and social history of Midland, but is also an example of a simple and masterful craft that is seldom seen and preserved today.)

Last Thursday night’s freak thunder storm resulted in minor damage to Midland’s famed Huron Indian village when lightning set fire to a few palisade poles at the south end of the enclosure. Fortunately none of the buildings inside were damaged. 

No place for the squeamish is this high perch of painters working on the Pillsbury flour mill in Midland. When finished, the paint job will brighten up Midland’s waterfront considerably.

There were lots of high jinks as well as football as MPDHS seniors played Camp Borden High School last Thursday. Lending inspiration to the gridiron hero’s were, left to right, back row – Lynda Riley, Ellen Barber, Lois Todd, Lynn McAllen, Karen Blair; front row – Marion Lavigne, Helen Elliott, Marie Cordes, Jane Campbell, Gail Richardson, Barbara Murday and Junia Corcoran. 

It’s another first down for MPDHS seniors in their game with Camp Borden High School here last Thursday. With the score already 54-0 against them, the Borden players don’t seem too interested in the outcome of the measurement. They did get a TD later to make the final score 54-6 for MPDHS. 

At the fashion show held at Edwards’ Specialty Shop recently, Miss Doris Wainman, left, showed a white scuffle coat with the new dramatic collar effect. Mrs. Walter Woods modelled a brown tweed boxy suit and brown felt hat. 

One of the features of Edwards’ Specialty Shop these days is a new fur salon. At left, Mrs. L. Parliament features a three-quarter length mouton coat, with mink crushed collar. Mrs. Eric Paul’s coat is a full-length grey Persian Lamb with three-way sapphire mink collar. 

This corner of the new fur salon provided a resting spot for Mrs. Walter Woods, left, and Mrs. Willi Germann during the recent fashion show al Edwards. Mrs. Woods is modelling a sapphire mink pocket stole and Mrs. Germann a “Lassie” beige wool coat topped by a leopard skin hat. 

New millinery bar forms an attractive nook in the realigned Edwards Specialty Shop, Midland. Madame can see herself from just about any angle in this maze of mirrors.

This was the the apparent feeling of Morris Brown and his brother, both of Toronto, following the recent wave of vandalism at Balm Beach. Some 20 cottages were reported entered and an estimated $12,000 damage done. 

Victim of a hit and run driver more than two years ago Mrs. “Jock” Jenkinson was left badly crippled by the accident. The driver was never apprehended. Here she receives a visit from her minister Rev. J. L. Self of Knox Presbyterian Church. A shut-in, Mrs. Jenkinson enjoys the television set (background) given to her by her children. 

Work is well underway on the new 17-room building which will replace the present Sacred Heart Separate School in Midland. Located at Elizabeth and William Streets, the new school will cost around $275,000 and is slated to open next September. 

Two Governments Okay $66,475 in Winter Work
Free Press Herald headline of October 19, 1960 

Reeve H. J. Beauchamp told the regular meeting of Midland council Monday night that the federal and provincial governments had approved the town’s three applications under the winter works incentive program. Approved were projects involving sidewalks, storm sewers and curbing. The total cost for material and labour was $66,475, Mr. Beauchamp stated. 

Saturday Polling Day Holds Edge in Survey
County Herald headline of October 21, 1960 

Preliminary results in a public opinion poll indicated a cross-section of Midland voters show a slight preference for changing the municipal voting day to Saturday. Of five housewives, selected at random yesterday by this newspaper, three favored Saturday and two supported Wednesday. (Very scientific!) 

    Midland’s Branch 80, Canadian Legion, plans to build a new building, which will cost in excess of $40,000 to replace its burned out building on Bay Street. This was revealed by Legion spokesman Ken WilIiams when a delegation appeared before Midland council Monday night, to see if council would consider selling a portion of land on Bay Street between Gloucester and Queen Street. 

    Tower TV Ltd., which has provided five-channel cable television service to Midland subscribers for the past five years, has been acquired by Neighbourhood Television Limited which operates similar systems in Guelph, Owen Sound and Huntsville. Its president is Mr. Fred Metcalfe who was the first head of the National Community Antenna Television Association of Canada. In announcing the sale, W. H. Cranston, President of Tower TV said that the change of ownership stemmed from recognition by the Midland directors that future expansion and improvement in the local system was dependent on an association with other cable systems and on expanded technical services which a single operation could not sustain. 

25 YEARS AGO
The Midland Bugle Band appeared in new uniforms of blue capes turned back and buttoned at the shoulders to show a bright red lining. White shirts and blue trousers completed the uniform. • • • As a tribute to the late Mrs. W. E. Preston, Midland stores remained closed between 2 and 3 p.m. to enable clerks to attend the funeral. • • • Nearly 2,500 jammed Midland Arena to hear Premier M. F. “Mitch” Hepburn speak on behalf of the Federal Liberal Party, which was later swept in to power with a majority of 103 seats. * * * The Canadian Dredging Co. of Midland was awarded a contract for improving the Collingwood harbor at a cost of $32,846. • • • The Vasey annual fowl supper was held in the basement of the United Church. The admission charges 40 cents for adults and 25 cents for children. • • • The Midland YMCA was marking 25 years of service with a campaign for 250 additional members and $3,000. • • •  A notice appeared in the Local newspaper stating that any person owning, driving or operating a motor vehicle without the approval of the Welfare Committee will be struck off relief. • • •  The Penetang Town Boys’ Hockey League was sponsored by Penetang Kiwanis Club and saw five teams comprising 72 boys in competition. 

    COLDWATER –  An amber flashing light was installed and placed in use last weekend at the intersection of Main and Gray streets. In addition to the flasher there is a smaller white light a short distance west of it which goes on and off at intervals when the larger one is blinking. The safety lights were placed by the Highways Department following a request by Coldwater Council. Hope is expressed the installation will reduce the accident hazard at the corner where Highway 12 enters Coldwater’s Main street at a right angles. 

   Work started Thursday morning on two paving projects in Penetang, both of which are expected to be completed this week.  A strip of dirt surface on the south side of Robert St. W., from the old Town Hall to Main St. is being paved. Loaders, trucks and a grader were busy yesterday morning digging out the area preparatory to adding granular base. According to Streets Committee Chairman, Ray McDonald, the right of way alongside Fern Shoe plant, leading to Tessier Planing Mill, will also be hard surfaced. He said this road, sometimes called the Shoe Factory Lane carries a lot of traffic, both to the shoe plant and to the planing mill. Both pieces will be finished with an asphalt surface, the chairman said.

Obituary
MRS. MARY H. JAMES – An active worker at St. Paul s United Church and a Past Regent of Kitchekewana Chapter IODE Mrs. Mary Helen James died at Toronto, Oct. 3, following a heart attack. Rev. W. L. Morden conducted the funeral service at St Paul’s United Church, Midland, Oct. 6. Pallbearers were C. M. Vent, Dr. James Small, Clarke Edwards, Jack Wilson, Alex Preston and C. H. Webb. Born at Renfrew, July 4, 1904, Mrs. James received her education at Arnprior and there on April 16, 1926, married Dr. C. Norman James. Dr. James predeceased his wife in February of last year. Mrs. James lived in Midland following her marriage until the death of her husband when she moved to Toronto. She was a past president of St Paul’s Evening Auxiliary, a soloist in St. Paul’s choir and was active in many church groups. She was also interested in golf and curling. She is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Dan Webb (Mary) of Midland and Mrs. F. C. Israel (Callie) of Richmond Hill and a son Bill of Blind River. Two brothers, John Wishart of Arnprior and George Wishart of Belleville also survive. Out-of-town relatives and friends attended the service from Toronto, Richmond Hill, Ottawa, Arnprior, Belleville and Carleton Place.  Burial was in Lakeview Cemetery.  

Wise & Otherwise
Nothing exceeds a Canadian autumn for richness of color and breath-taking beauty of nature resplendent in her fall dress. And, this year, North Simcoe has had its full share of this annual kaleidoscope work of The Master Painter. (Encore in 2020)

Prayers and hugs Marion, a speedy recovery for one of Midland’s special angels.

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 enlargeSaturday is “APPLE DAY” for the cubs and scouts of the South Georgian Bay District and this is the way their leaders hope things will turn out – the coin boxes full and the apple baskets all empty. Scout Jim Wood of the 1st Midland Troop, left, holds the “full” tins, while Cub David Banks, 4th Midland, has the empty basket. 

This rope making machine is known as a “closer”, the largest in use in Canada at this time, has been installed in the new Greening Wire plant in Midland. Only about a third of the 105-foot-long set-up is seen in the two pictures comprising the front end of the machine. It went into operation for the first time Friday. 

Newest addition to Midland’s business fraternity is Harry Hughes, recently appointed manager of the IGA Foodliner on King Street. Native of Toronto, Mr. Hughes was born there in 1925 and received his education in the Ontario capital. He began his business career in 1942, remaining with one nationally known grocery chain for 16 years. For six of those years he managed stores in Toronto.  More recently, Mr. Hughes operated his own business in Owen Sound prior to coming to Midland. His wife and five children will remain there temporarily while Harry does a spot of house-hunting in Midland. In Owen Sound, Mr. Hughes led an active life as bulletin editor and treasurer of the Kinsmen Club. He also served as coach in the club’s Little Baseball League activities. Mr. Hughes said he hopes to continue in service club work in Midland, although it won’t be with the Kinsmen, one of the few service organizations not represented here. He also hopes to find time to pursue his favourite hobbies – hunting and fishing. The Hughes’ are members or the United Church. 

 

With tanks now in place workmen are putting finishing touches to BA Oil Co. distributing centre on Robert ST. W., Penetang. Metal clad building contains office and storage for packaged goods. Semi-circular drive allows trucks to load without having to turn around. 

At a meeting held in Parkside Pavilion last week, Midland District Labor Council elected it’s new executive officers and also received its Canadian Labor Congress charter. Seen above, left to right, are George Brough, Orillia, general representative of the CLC; Maurice Latour, recording secretary; Ralph McConnell, president; Lawrence Perrault, treasurer; and Les Rivard, vice-president.

Editorial page photo entitled, “Beauty and the Rails” 

When this buck moose “came to dinner” at their hunting camp, Albert Brunelle, left, and Dr. R. Lauzon, both of Penetang, took advantage of the situation and made dinner of the moose by way of a bullet.

$12,000 Damage Done in Balm Beach Break-ins
Free Press headline of October 12, 1960 

Total damage estimated as high as $12,000 has been discovered in close to 30 cottages in the Balm Beach area by owners and Tiny Township police who have been working on the case for nearly a week. According to Const. A. Dumais three juveniles have been apprehended in connection with the vandalism. A fourth lad, over the juvenile age may be implicated, and has also been picked up for questioning. Const. Dumais said yesterday the list of cottages broken into is growing daily. Police are also getting leads and hearing many reports of incidents which apparently occurred through the summer. One eyewitness who had travelled through the area north of the main road to Balm Beach said some cottages appeared as though they had been struck by a holocaust. Windows and doors have been smashed by axes, bowling pins and other instruments. Entrance in most cases was apparently gained in this manner. In the cottage or E. I. Surridge an electric stove and brand new refrigerator had been maliciously slashed with an axe, and were completely wrecked. Chairs were smashed, cupboards dumped. Smashed dishes and glassware littered the floors or many cottages. 

Expect Change in Berth For Federal Ice Breaker
County Herald headline of October 14, 1960 

“We expect the Alexander Henry will be berthed in Midland this winter,” said Dr. P. B. Rynard, MP for Simcoe East, in a telephone interview with this paper Wednesday. The big government ice breaker, put in service about a year ago, was kept at the Lakehead last winter. 

    The largest rope-making machine in Canada is now in operation at the Greening Wire Co. plant in Midland. Installation of the machine, known as a “closer” was completed last week and the first runs made were held Friday.  Made in England by Larmouth and Bulmar, it took three freight cars to transport the huge machine which occupies floor space 106 feet long in the new Greening plant. Although the largest wire ropes now in use measure 3-1/2 inches in diameter, the new machine is capable of turning out 4-inch ropes. It is capable or closing 30 tons of rope in one length. Plant officials say this is equal to seven miles of rope of one inch diameter. In other words, if the rope was run off the machine and out the east door of the plant, it would stretch to a point well the other side of Victoria Harbour. 

    Funeral services were held yesterday for David George Hewis, for the past several years harbormaster for the Port of Midland. Mr. Hewis died in St. Andrews Hospital on Saturday. He is survived by four sisters, including Mrs. Lorne McMillan and Miss Mayme Lewis of Midland. A more-detailed story of Mr. Hewis’ career and funeral services will be carried in a later edition or this paper. 

BIRTHS
BRESSETTE – To Mr. and Mrs. Freeman Bressette, Port Severn, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Thursday, Oct. 6, 1960, a daughter.
BRYANT – To Mr. and Mrs. George Bryant, Penetang, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Thursday, Sept. 29, 1960, a daughter.
CRONK-To Mr. and Mrs. Murray Cronk, Victoria Harbour, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Wednesday, Sept. 28, a son.
MOREAU – To Mr. and Mrs. Elzear Moreau, 231 Hugel Ave., Midland, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Wednesday, Sept. 28, 1960, a son.
MOREAU – To Mr. and Mrs. Leo Moreau, Perkinsfield, at
Penetanguishene General Hospital, Thursday, Sept. 29, 1960,
a daughter.
NELSON – To Mr. and Mrs. Donald Nelson, R.R. 1, Phelpston,
at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Monday, Sept. 26, 1960, a daughter.
PARENT – To Mr. and Mrs. Rene Parent, Perkinsfield, at
Penetanguishene General Hospital, Tuesday, October 4, a son.
LECAMP – To Mr. and Mrs. Leo Lecamp, 55 Poyntz St., Penetang, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Friday, Oct. 7, 1960, a daughter.
MARACLE – To Mr. and Mrs. Emerson Maracle, 56 Peel St., Penetang, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Wednesday, October 28, 1960, a son.
QUESNELLE – To Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Quesnelle, Ontario Hospital, Penetang, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Wednesday, Oct. 5, 1960, a son.
REYNOLDS – To Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Reynolds, Elmvale, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Friday, Oct. 7, 1960, a daughter.
RUMBLE – To Mr. and Mrs. Jas. Rumble, Hillsdale, at Penetanguishene
General Hospital, Wednesday, Oct. 5, 1960, a daughter.
VALLEE – To Mr. and Mrs. Armand Vallee, R.R. 2. Penetang, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Tuesday, Sept. 27, 1960, a son.
LADOUCEUR – To Mr. and Mrs. Aldee Ladouceur, 191 Robert St., Penetang, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Tuesday, Oct. 4, 1960, a daughter.
BEAUSOLEIL – To Mr. and Mrs. Gerard Beausoleil, 60 Harriet St., Penetang, at St. Andrew’s Hospital, Wednesday, October 12, 1960, a son. Baby died.
BELZER – To Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Belzer, 436 Springvale Avenue., Eggertsville, New York, at St. Andrews Hospital, Monday, October 10, 1960, a son.
CRUISE – To Mr. and Mrs. Logan Cruise, 132 Hannah St., Midland, at St. Andrew’s Hospital, Tuesday, October 11, 1960, a daughter.
ISAAC – To Mr. and Mrs. John Isaac, R.R. 1, Midland, at St. Andrew’s Hospital, Thursday, October 6, 1960, a son.
LECLAIR – To Mr. and Mrs. Robert Leclair, 129 Dominion Ave., Midland, at St. Andrew’s Hospital, Friday, October 7, 1960, a daughter. 

    A lengthy discussion on winter works arose at Tuesday night’s meeting of Penetang town council, when Councillor Leonard Ladouceur asked for direction on how much the municipality could spend. Consensus of opinion appeared to be that while it was unanimous council would like to see a program of winter work inaugurated, the municipality has no money to devote to such a project. Councillor Ladouceur said he had attended a meeting in Midland where he learned among other things that the federal government is prepared to subsidize construction of municipal buildings. He said he believed there might also be some subsidy on materials for such a project. Mayor Jerome Gignac suggested there “Must be some things we could do that could be debentured,” Clerk W. A. Argue cautioned that the municipality had reached its limit of borrowing power, and he doubted the municipal board would approve any debenture scheme. 

Obituaries

ARTHUR Wm. MARKS
Arthur Wm. Marks a resident of Midland for more than half a century, died in St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, Oct. 4, following an illness of several months. Services were held Oct. 7 at Nicholls funeral home and burial was in Lakeview Cemetery. Rev. Len Self and Rev. C. H. Carter were in charge of the services. Pallbearers were Earl Allsopp, Herbert Carpenter, Carl Church, Arthur McElroy, Charles McElroy and Victor Wadge. Friends and relatives from Toronto, Barrie, Port Credit, Guelph, Montreal and Victoria Harbour attended the services. Last survivor of a family of seven children, Mr. Marks was born in Reigate, Surrey, England, where he learned the book binding trade. Coming to Canada in 1905, his first job was on a farm near Napanee. After three months he moved to Edenvale, near Stayner, where he worked in a Stave mill. Coming to Midland, Mr. Marks first found employment at the Playfair lumber mill. After two years there, including winter work in the bush, he took a job at Potvin’s shook mill. Returning to England briefly in 1908, Mr. Marks was married to the former Christina MacDonald, a native of the Isle of Lewis, Scotland. On their return to Canada, Mr. Marks continued to work at Potvin’s until the outbreak of World War 1. He joined the 177^th Battalion, Grey and Simcoe Foresters as a bandsman. Later he served 13 months in France as a stretcher bearer, where his services won him the Military Medal and the Belgium’s Croix de Guerre. Following the war Mr. Marks found work in Ganton Dobson’s boat works, and later he was employed by the Midland Shipyard as a ship wright, retiring several years ago. Boats, along with fishing, remained one of Mr. Marks’ chief hobbies after his retirement, and he built several of them. In his earlier days in Midland, Mr. Marks had been a member of the Salvation Army and served as corps bandmaster. Later he become a member of Knox Presbyterian Church, where he served as an elder for more than 20 years. He also taught Sunday School for many years in both churches. Also in his younger days, Mr. Marks had helped introduce the Boy Scout movement in Midland. Besides Mrs. Marks, he is survived by two sons, John of Altadena, Cal., and Arthur Wm. Jr. of Toronto, and one daughter, Miss Margaret Marks, a teacher at Midland’s Regent Public School. There are also four grandchildren and a great-granddaughter.

WILLIAM J. BROPHY  – A large segment of the sporting section of Penetang was considerably shocked Wednesday October 5^th when they learned of the unexpected death of William J. (Bill) Brophy. Mr. Brophy passed away after suffering a stroke while at his work at the Penetang Bowling Alley. He had passed his 74^th birthday August 30^th of this year. Born in Flos Township where he remained until he was 18, Bill Brophy had lived later in Bracebridge and Toronto. He had lived in Penetang for about 45 years. Foa a quarter of a century he had worked as a scaler for McGibbon Lumber Co. During the past four years he had become particularily well known to the sporting fraternity while working as a maintenance man at the bowling alley. A Roman Catholic, he was a member of the Holy Name Society, and a third degree member of Huronia Council of Knights of Columbus. He had also served on the public school board for a number of years. Surviving besides his wife, the former Marie Bazinet, whom he married in 1918, are two sons, Bernard and James of Penetang, and six daughters, Mrs. Elric Dupuis (Peggy), Mrs. Henry Dupuis (Betty), Mrs. Maurice Dumais (Eileen), all of Penetang, Mrs. Leo Dupuis (Marie) Midland, Mrs. Robert Hannon (Frances), Toronto and Mrs. Ken McNally (Helen), Scarborough. There are 34 grandchildren. Pallbearers were Joseph Martin, Doug Dubeau, Bill Murray, Ray Lesperance, Alvin Gravelle and Bernard Leclaire.

CHURCH WORKER STRICKEN

A great worker at St. Marks Anglican Church particularly among the young people and her Bible class, Miss Violet Edwards died yesterday following a heart attack. Miss Edwards, who had been in failing health for the past few years, had taken a short motor drive yesterday afternoon. Prior to her illness Miss Edwards had managed the office for her brother Wilfred’s motor magazine business. She had previoulsy worked for Byrie-Birks in Hamilton before returning to Midland 14 years ago. Miss Edwards is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Dalt Hudson and Miss Gladys Edwards and two brothers , V. G. Edwards and Wilfred Edwards all of Midland and a third brother Thomas of Hanley, Saskatchewan. 

TEN YEARS AGO THIS WEEK

Elmvale Forage Club, the first of its kind in the province held its achievement day at the Elmvale fall fair. • • • Demolition of the old wooden storage shafts at “Town House” elevator, Midland, was rated to reduce the storage capacity of the elevator from four million to three million bushels. • • • Hon. Harold Scott, Ontario minister of Lands and Forests, announced that a survey of the Midland district including the townships of Tay, Tiny and Medonte would be made as the first step in a planned reforestation program for North Simcoe.  • • • Possibility of reopening the Breithaupt Tannery, Penetang, was suggested as the company’s Kitchener plant was reaching capacity. • • Charles Parker, chairman of the Midland Boys Band  Committee, announced that the committee had purchased new instruments at a cost of more than $5,000. • • • The Santa Clause parade, Armistice Day observance and whether or not to support an application for a liquor store and brewers warehouse were contentious issues at a meeting of the Midland merchants’ committee of the chamber or commerce. • • • Huronia Choral Society started its fifth season under its new conductor Wm. M. Cameron, who took over form Alec Docherty. Catherine Richardson continued as accompanist. • • • A dog poisoner was at work in Midland with poison bait being used to kill 10 dogs and one cat. Most incidents occurred in the Manley-Hanna Streets area.

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 enlargeSt. Andrews Hospital had a bit of the atmosphere of former years Monday morning when the first group of students commenced their enrolment and studies in the newly-instituted, school for certified nursing assistants. Some years ago, the hospital operated a school for registered nurses, under the direction of the late Miss E. Baker. Twelve of the 50-odd applicants for the course were accepted. Six of them have been on St. Andrews staff as nursing aides. When they complete the new course and are successful in written examinations conducted by the nursing division, Ontario Department of Health, they will receive CNA certificates. 

N.M. Paterson line’s Soodoc was tied up at Midland coal dock when this picture was taken Thursday afternoon. The ship’s crew, members of the Seamen’s International Union, went on strike against the Paterson firm. Other members of the Lake Curriers Association, except Canada Steamship Lines, said they would tie up their ships. The strike was settled last night. 

Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association held its annual convention at Martyrs’ Shrine Thursday. Here Vincent Noonan of Collingwood, Mrs. E. Smith of Barrie, Mrs. Corrie Hamelin of Midland, Sister Mary Stephen, St. Theresa’s, Miss M. Tipping, Orillia, F. J. Macdonald, inspector of public and separate schools, and Edward E. Stewart of the Department of Education, speaker at the convention, examine one of the many new books on display at the convention.

Bill Johnson of 12 Victoria Street, Midland, left, holds the 22-pound, 46-inch muskellunge he caught off Methodist Island Tuesday morning. His fishing companion, Bill Hebner of 115 Gloucester Street, holds an eight-pound, 30-inch pike he caught the same day. They were fishing with Guy Hebner.

One or the chief factors in Mr. and Mrs. John Lepage of Penetang attaining their golden wedding anniversary Saturday has been good health. According to one of their seven daughters, neither husband nor wife has ever had a serious illness. Both Mr. Lepage and his wife, the former Ella Mae Carriere, were born at Highland Point across the bay from Penetang. (Story on same page.) 

Frigid skies failed to chill the spirits of St. Theresa’s High School athletes as they held their field day in Midland Friday. In the top picture the three boys champions are, left to right, Mike Borsa, junior, Paul Tremblay, senior and Mike Duval, intermediate. Tremblay rolled up 79 points for his win. Top girls in lower picture were Susan Barron and Marie McLaughlin, who tied at 20 points each for junior laurels, Donna Contois, senior, and Delores Contois intermediate champ. 

Editorial page photo entitled, “Maze at Hog Bay” 

This Waverley combination of grandfather and granddaughter walked off with first and second prize with their senior yearling Jerseys at the Elmvale fair Sept, 21. “Grandpa” is well-known Bert French and the little girl is his eight-year-old granddaughter, Debbie. 

Still just a big hole in the ground, work is well under-way on the 14-room addition to Midland – Penetang District High School. 

Members of the Brooklea Golf and Country Club, and visitors, will have brand new club house facilities next season. 

Steel is already in place and the roof is going on for the new addition to the Canadian Name Plate plant in Midland. 

A long ten months of study lies ahead of these members of the new Certified Nursing Assistants course which opened at Midland’s St. Andrews Hospital this week. Left to right seated, are, Mrs. Mary Magloughlin, Miss Barbara McQueen, Mrs. Laura Steer, Mrs. Audrey Moreau, Mrs. Beverley West, Miss Joyce Leonard; standing – Mrs. Mary Okenka, Mrs. Gladys Marchant, Mrs. Jean Wilcox, Mrs. Nettie Grenier, Mrs. Marjorie Gibson, Miss Marie Reynolds.

 

Midland Population Up – Note 2.6 Per Cent Hike
Free Press Herald headline of Wednesday October 5, 1960 

Ian McLung, Midland assessment commissioner revealed yesterday that the town’s total taxable assessment is $383,010 more than in 1960 and the population had increased 2.6 per cent. The total taxable assessment as of Oct. 1 this year was $8,135,650 compared with $7,752,640 last year, Mr. McClung stated. Midland’s population is increasing, the assessor noted. As of Oct. 1 there were 8,625 people in the municipality compared with 8,402 in 1959, an increase of 223. 

Say 10 Per Cent Increase in Tourist Registrations
County Herald headline of Friday October 7, 1960. 

A report of operations of the Penetang Chamber of Commerce information booth during the past summer shows 3,421 persons from Canada, United States and four European countries registered at the centre. It is estimated that the figure represents a 10 per cent increase over the number of visitors in 1959. 

    The S.S. City of Dover is to sail again. Midland Chamber of Commerce announced this week that the passenger vessel has been purchased by Andrew Light of Midland. He plans to make the necessary repairs and alterations this winter so the cruise ship will be ready for the 1961 tourist season. 

    Nearly 300 persons have made application to take night classes at Midland-Penetang District High School this winter, Principal R. C. Gauthier revealed yesterday. 

    A letter from Ralph Cowan, read to Penetang Chamber of Commerce executive Wednesday night indicated a sufficient number of pheasants will be on hand for a pheasant shoot on Christian Island this fall. Equipment now installed on the island which will be put into operation next year, is large enough to hatch 14,500 chicks in a season. 

BIRTHS
ALAIRE – To Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Alarie, 347 King Street, Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Wednesday, September 28, 1960, a son.
BEAUDOIN – To Mr. and Mrs. Robert Beaudoin, 51 Bay Street, Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Friday, September 30, 1960, a son.
BELLISLE – To Mr. and Mrs. Norman Bellisle, 194 Charles Street, Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Thursday, September 29, 1960, a son.
GILBANK – To Mr. and Mrs. Jack Gilbank, 268 William Street Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Friday, September 30, 1960, twin sons. (One died later)
GRANT – To Mr. and Mrs. William Grant, Con. 1, Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Saturday, October 1, 1960, a daughter
HUMPHRIES – To Mr. and Mrs. Robert Humphries, (nee Florence Spicer) Toronto, at Toronto General Hospital, Wednesday, September 28, 1960, a daughter.
MERKLEY – To Mr. and Mrs. Robert Merkley, 103 Donalda Street, Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Saturday, October 1, 1960, a daughter.
PAUL – To Mr. and Mrs. Albert Paul, RR 2, Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Saturday, October 1, 1960, a son.
PERRAULT – To Mr. and Mrs. Leo Perrault, 48 Fifth Street, Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Tuesday , October 4, 1960, a son.
POTTER – To Mr. and Mrs. William Potter, R.R. 1, Waubaushene, at St. Andrews Hospital, on Wednesday, October 5, 1960, a son. 

    George H. Burns has been appointed superintendent of Canadian Pacific Railway’s Great Lakes Steamships, with headquarters at Port McNicoll, effective October 1, it was revealed yesterday.

Obituary
NAPOLEON (Poly) PERRAULT – Widely known throughout this area, and a resident of Highland Point all his life, Napoleon ( Poly) Perrault died unexpectedly Saturday, Sept. 2, after suffering a heart seizure at Parry Sound. Born at Highland Point, August 3, 1891, Mr. Perrault had spent most of his working years as a guide. In 1921 he married Delphine Trudeau at Penetang. Surviving besides his widow are two sons, Edgar of Chicago and Raymond of Toronto. There are five daughters, Mrs. Edward Gregoire (Rose) Parry Sound, Mrs. Fred Johnson (Agnes), Mrs. Carl Eikiland (Theresa), Mrs. Harry Burquist (Bernadette), and Miss Doris Perrault all of Chicago. There are 14 grandchildren. Funeral service was held from Beausoleil’s funeral home to St. Ann’s Memorial Church Wednesday, Sept. 28. Father J. Marchand sang requiem high mass, assisted by Father L. O’Malley and Father G. Bean. Burial was in St. Ann’s Cemetery. Pallbearers were Leonard Landrigan, Isadore, Andrew and Louis Trudeau, Frank Perrault and Jim McMillan. 

    For the first time in its 41-year history two schools finished in a tie for top honors in the Tudhope track and field meet, held at Barrie North Collegiate, Saturday. Deadlocked at 71 points each were Midland-Penetang District High School and Orillia DCVI. Climaxing a big day for MPDHS, the girls’ team finished second in the Thompson track meet held simultaneously, only three points back of the winning Barrie North team. 

    It’s a long jump from Penetang Hurons of junior OHA class ”C” ranks to the professional Sudbury Wolves but Midland’s “Buzz” Deschamp appears to have bridged the gap successfully. The 20-year old son of Mr. and Mrs. “Bun” Deschamp, Russell Street, “Buzz” inked a contract with the EPHL Wolves recently. Under it he will get a five game trial with the Wolves. If he shows coach Murph Chamberlain enough in that time he will remain in Sudbury. 

25 YEARS AGO
Hon. Harry Stevens, leader of the Reconstruction Party addressed a Midland audience, he also spoke at Coldwater, Elmvale, Barrie and Orillia. • • • A race for delivery rigs, open to all comers, was one of the features of the Tiny and Tay Agricultural Society’s fair. • • • A terrific electrical storm tangled the feeder lines of the Midland hydro system and cut off power for three-and-a-quarter hours. • • • A potato shortage on the Toronto and Midland markets was considered only temporary. This was confirmed by an official of the W. E. Preston Co., Ltd. •• • Hon. Duncan Marshall, Minister of Agriculture,  addressed a joint meeting of farmers and Kiwanians sponsored by the Midland Kiwanis Club. • • • A distinct upturn in business was experienced by Midland Wood Products as reported by its manager M. J. Bray. • • • About 3,000 persons participated in the official opening ceremonies of the new Midland docks. Mayor S. W. McKinley and Dr. G. E. Tanner MPP, officiated at the ceremony. • • • A. B. Thompson, retiring M. P. for East Simcoe and a native of Penetang was guest of honor at a banquet given by his fellow citizens.

News from  two July 1921 editions of the Free Press.