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

Click on photos to enlarge“Wonder if these would suit him?” went through the minds of a lot of mothers as they sifted through piles of hockey (and figure) skates at Midland YMCA Friday. An annual event under the sponsorship of Midland Home and School Associations, hundreds of sets of skates are exchanged each year in this method. 

MPDHS senior “gridders” missed a chance to add to their scoring record for the year as this convert attempt sailed wide of the post last week. They didn’t need the single point too much. Final score was MPDHS 66 Barrie Central 0. 

New players’ boxes are among the renovations being carried out at Midland’s Arena Gardens in preparation for another season. Here workmen are putting the finishing touches on the boxes, which will give the players a chance to sit down for a change. 

Two members of the Columbian Squires are seen above presenting trophies to the boys’ and girls’ track teams of Sacred Heart School, Midland, winners of a four school meet held recently. Michael Moreau is presenting the trophy to the girls, who are, left to right, front, Brenda Fournier, Sharon Cadieux, Karen Doran, Geraldine Borsa: back — Brenda Beardsall, Lorraine Contois, Nancy Moreau, Sally Latour. Seen with Paul Tremblay, the boys’ team was, front row — Michael Dion, Gerald Jeannotte, Len Roach, Jerry Robitaille, Ronnie Jeannotte: back —Terry Contois, Garnet Desjardins, Philip Delorme, Don Robitaille and John Sutton. (The caption writer has missed one of the girls, we would appreciate knowing her name and the correct order?) 

Further evidence, if any is needed; that winter can’t be too far away can readily be seen in the above picture. Bleak skies, near-leafless trees and a beached boat, ready to be hauled out of the water, tell their own story.  

One of the newest youth organizations in Midland is the Columbian Squires of St. Theresa’s High School. Some of the members are seen above with the trophy they presented for competition among four elementary schools in Midland and Penetang. Left to right are, front row, Bob McLaughlin and Paul Tremblay, Chief Squire; back row — Michael Moreau, Ronald Belanger, Gary Blake, and John Charlebois. 

These men should be real handy around the house after they finish a term at MPDHS’ night school in wood working, which got underway this week. W. E. “Bill” Hanna, the instructor, is giving one group some pointers on the use of the jointer machine. 

Many women from North Simcoe communities (30 of them) are enrolled in the typing class at the new MPDHS night school. Here Mrs. E. McKean instructs Mrs. Evelyn Willis (left) and Mrs. K. Murcklen in proper settings for their machines. 

Metal working is one of the classes which have attracted a number of men to the night school at MPDHS this fall. Seen above, left to right, are Charles McElroy, instructor R. C. Dick Moffatt, Mervin Penhale and Bob Scott. So far 28 have enrolled in this class. 

These women are among 40 taking basic sewing in the new night classes being sponsored by Midland-Penetang District High School. Miss Anne Hermann (Mrs. Charlie Scott) (seated) is explaining the intricacies of the sewing machine to, left to right, Miss Joyce Gregoire, Mrs. Joyce Smith and Mrs. John Maxwell. 

The home of the Salvation Army, has a new white stucco front. Removal of the old bell tower earlier this year has also added much to the appearance of the building on Dominion Ave. West. 

Another YMCA campaign for funds gets underway Nov. 14, with an objective this year of $13,000. Laying plans are, left to right, Keith Smith, ‘Y’ general secretary, J. W. Smith, executive secretary, J. E. Lawlor, campaign chairman and Frank Hartman, publicity chairman. 

Looking after the physical welfare of the young folk of the community is still one of the main projects of Midland YMCA which opens a $13,000 campaign for funds Nov. 14. These girls recently obtained their first service stars for work on the side horse. Left to right are; Patsy Jeffery, Barbara Spence, Sharon James and Wynne Gilmore, instructress. 

Editorial page photo entitled “Waubaushene Reflections” 

 Two Forces Press Search for Killer in Penetang

Free Press Herald headline of October 26, 1960 

What will probably go down as the blackest 48-hour period in the history of Penetang Police, ended Saturday morning with the discovery of the shotgun pellet-riddled body of 56-year-old Oliver Forget. At the time of the discovery, police still were working on an armed robbery which included the pistol-whipping of Mrs. Harry Turner, and a car accident which took the lives of two teen-agers. Mr. Forget was killed when a shotgun was discharged at close range sometime Friday night. The shot had been fired from outside the window of Forgets one-room cabin on lonely Cambridge Street, in the north-east part of the town. Oliver Forget worked as a foreman for Ferguson Brady, proprietor of Caradoc Nursery at Strathroy. The property which the cabin is located about 10 acres in size, and planted in Christmas trees, was owned by Forget, and he used the cabin when he came here in early summer and late fall to work on trees. The murder was discovered by Mr. Brady when he went in search of Mr. Forget, who had failed to turn up for work. Looking through the window, he was able to see a body on the cabin floor. He immediately contacted police. Chief Jack Arbour said he responded to the call, and on arrival found it impossible to open the door, which was blocked by Forget’s body. Going around the cabin, he found the east window swinging open on its hinges, and the blind pulled down. It was after he climbed through the window he realized the man was dead. A widower, whose wife died about seven years ago, Forget originally came from this area. He has not lived here for some years, although he was well known in Penetang. He leaves 11 children, three daughters and eight sons. 

Survey Notes Big Boost in Visits of U.S. Cruisers

County Herald headline of Friday October 28, 1960

The port of Midland showed the greatest percentage increase in the number of yachts visiting Georgian Bay region ports, according to reports received so far to date by Neville Keefe, general manager of the Georgian Bay Development Association. Mr. Keefe expressed disappointment that a number of private firms and other groups in the GBDA region had not carried out promises to help in the registration of visiting yachts. “This information is vital if we are to concentrate our future efforts in selling our cruise waters.” Mr. Keefe pointed out. “This will be done with the data now available,” he said. Of the 551 yachts covered in the survey, 90 per cent were from two American states, 58 per cent from Michigan and 32 per cent from Ohio. Ontario was third highest with eight per cent and the remaining two per cent was scattered over six other American states. 

    First snow flurries in Midland and district Friday soon disappeared. Monday’s snowfall, however, which was the first real fall of the season permitted youngsters to build “forts” and “snowmen”, but these were not long lived. Monday’s snowfall was two days ahead of the same event last year. 

    Residents of Christian Island Indian Reserve will have a liquor vote Thursday, Chief Lewis Jackson told this newspaper yesterday. Chief Jackson said the island residents would be asked to cast ballots on the question of whether beer and liquor could be purchased and brought to the reserve for consumption. The chief said Christian Island is one of two reserves in Ontario which do not permit beer and liquor to be consumed on the reserve property. Chief Jackson said he was one of 38 Indian chiefs who attended special conference at Brantford over the weekend. At the convention Chief Jackson was appointed to the finance committee of the Union of Ontario Indians. 

    Three additional classes have been added to the night classes conducted at Midland-Penetang District High School. This was revealed yesterday by MPDHS Principal R. C. Gauthier who said he was “very encouraged by the public response to the night classes”. “The people too are pleased for we have had to add classes in typing, bookkeeping and metal shop,” continued Gauthier, pointing out that at a later date a class in advanced sewing might be considered. Paid registration totalled 254, the principal noted and some 75 people are taking two courses, he stated. 

    With 205 donors enrolled the Red Cross Blood Donors Clinic, an additional 95 donors are required to replenish the blood used in hospitals in this area. This was revealed by Frank Spence, president of Midland Lions Club who are co-sponsors of the clinic in Midland. The clinic is being held at the Midland municipal building tomorrow (Thursday) between 2 and 4.30 and 6.30 and 9 p.m. Forty-three donors are required for the afternoon session and 52 for the night clinic, Mr. Spence emphasized. Appealing urgently for Midland and district citizens to donate their blood tomorrow, Mr. Spence said. “Remember the Canadian Red Cross supplies blood and blood products, free of charge to all patients in any hospital, and it is only through clinics like ours that make this vital humanitarian service possible. 

Ten Years Ago

Canada Steamship Lines’ three major Great Lakes shipyards, Midland, Port Arthur and Collingwood — were in the market for 3,000 tons of steel per month for the next six months. This was required for bulk carriers to be constructed at Midland, Port Arthur and a tanker at Collingwood. * * * “Midland’s pet poisoner continuing his work”, commenced a front page story. Twelve dogs and one cat were the casualties reported at going to press. * * * Midland Free Press Herald won the Mason Trophy as best all-round weekly in the over-3,000 circulation range. Editor and publisher was W. H. Cranston and News Editor Fred Helson. * * * Annual YMCA campaign objective of $7,500 was 17 per cent subscribed in its first day. Charles M. Vent was drive chairman and George S. Dudley theme speaker at a meeting of 100 volunteers. * * * Cubs and Scouts of First and Third Midland groups netted $286 from their annual Apple Day. * * * New Zealand High Commissioner T. C. A. Hislop, CMG, was scheduled as next speaker for the Midland Women’s Canadian Club; subject, “What the World Looks Like from Down Under”. * * * “Attendance at the Martyrs’ Shrine has been excellent in spite of the cold summer weather,” Rev. T. J. Lally, S.J. stated. “Outstanding events.” he said, “were the Family Rosary Crusade Rally, – attended by about 10,000 people on May 24, and the inauguration of the first summer school of archaeology and the finding of the cemetery of Fort Ste. Marie by Wilfrid Jury”.   

    October 17 was another long day in Midland police court for Magistrate K. A. Cameron and other officials, and there is every promise that things will continue in the same vein for several weeks, with no lull in sight. Several contested cases had to be adjourned until later dates Monday, when court sat all morning on guilty pleas alone. Several other hearings were also put off, including one which is expected to take up an entire day itself. Three of the cases hich reached the decision stage resulted in cancellation of licences for the motorists involved, of periods varying from two to six months. 

Births

MAGEE — To Mr. and Mrs. Ross Magee (nee Isobel Moore) at the General Hospital, St. Catharines, Ontario, Wednesday, October 19 1960, a daughter.

NICHOLSON — To Mr. and Mrs. Claude Nicholson, Honey Harbour, at St. Andrews Hospital, Wednesday, October 19, 1960, a son.

QUESNELLE — To Mr. and Mrs. Lionel Quesnelle, R.R 2, Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Thursday, October 20, 1960, a daughter.

STONEHOUSE — To Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Stonehouse, Perkinsfield, at St. Andrews Hospital, Tuesday, October 18, 1960, a son.

TURNER — To Mr. and Mrs. Albert Turner, Coldwater, at St. Andrews Hospital, Friday, October 14, 1960, a daughter.

DESROCHES — To Mr. and Mrs. Justin Desroches, 59 Harriett St., Penetang, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Monday, Oct. 10, 1960, a daughter.

GOUETT — To Mr. and Mrs. Marshall Gouett, Waubaushene, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Saturday, October 8, 1960, a son.

LADOUCER — To Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Ladoucer, Church St., Penetang, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Monday, Oct. 10, 1960, a daughter.

 COPEGOG — To Mr. and Mrs. Harold Copegog, R.R. 1, Port Severn, at St. Andrews Hospital, Sunday, October 23, 1960, a daughter.

DUNCAN — To Mr. and Mrs. James Duncan, 253 Charles Street, Midland, at St_ Andrews Hospital, Tuesday, October 25, 1960, a daughter.

HUME — To Mr. and Mrs. Allan Hume, 284 Fifth Street, Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Wednesday, October 26, 1960, a son.

LAURIN — To Mr. and Mrs. Gabriel Laurin, 12 Centre St., Penetang, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Friday, October 14, 1960, a daughter.

LEONARD — To Mr. and Mrs. Harold Leonard, 400 King Street, Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Sunday, October 23, 1960, a daughter.

MAIERHOFER — To Mr. and Mrs. Frank Maierhofer, 285 Dominion Avenue, Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Tuesday, October 25, 1960, a daughter.

MacDONALD — To Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence MacDonald, 45 Peel St. Penetang, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Thursday, October 16, 1960, a daughter.

WILSON — Born to Mr. and Mrs. Robert Wilson (nee Jeanne Beauchamp) a son 8 lbs 14 oz. (Allen Michael), at Trafalgar General Hospital, Oakville, Ontario, October 22, I960.

ARMSTRONG — To Mr. and Mrs. Garnet Armstrong, 391 King Street, Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Monday, October 17, 1960, a daughter. Stillborn.

BRASHER — To Dr. and Mrs. Peter Brasher, 279 Sixth Street, Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Wednesday, October 19, 1960, a son.

D’AOUST — To Mr. and Mrs. Lambert D’Aoust, Perkinsfield, at St. Andrews Hospital, Tuesday, October 18, 1960, a son.

MOREAU — To Mr. and Mrs. Murray Moreau, Waubaushene, at St. Andrews Hospital, Friday, October 14, 1960, a son. 

    A census just completed by the Town of Penetang shows an increase of 164 over the last official figure of 4,692. This brings the town’s population to 4,856, exclusive of patients in the Ontario Hospital. At the time of census 641 people were registered in the Hospital. A breakdown of the figures shows 2,24 persons under 20 years of age. This group, broken down further shows 781 children in the group five years and under, 1,062 from 6 to 14 and 404 from 15 to 19. The biggest single group is in the 20 to 59 year classification where there are 1,955. From 60 on up there are 654 persons. This last group is split, 60 to 64, 178; 65 to 69, 150; and the pensionable over 70 group to 326. As comparison arising out of the above figures shows that there are 292 more children under the age of 20 than there are persons in the 20 to 59 year group which is the age group generally considered to be parents. Adding the population being subsidized through children’s allowances and old age pension, a figure of 2,252 persons results. The added population will also assist in bringing a larger per capita grant to the town. The increased figure should bring something over $500 extra in this unconditional payment from the provincial treasury.