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.

November 1, 1961, Free Press headline;
IRATE RESIDENTS PROTEST, COURT ACTON THREATENED

Basing their appeal on the grounds that they have been illegally assessed, 27 owners of cottages on Christian Island may take their case to either the County Court or Court of Appeal. A representative portion of the group was told yesterday that Tiny Township Court of Revision had no authority to deal with assessability. Practically without exception the 32 appeals were on the grounds that assessment was illegal and also that it was too high. One or two had asked for a change of school support which can be made by the court with little difficulty. Total assessment involved is $20,000 on buildings and $3,200 on land. Spokesman for the group was Jos Kyselka. Quoting extensively from the British North America Act and the Federal Indian Act, Mr. Kyselka claimed that only the parliament of Canada may legislate in regard to Indians and lands reserved for their use. UNDER INDIAN ACT He maintained the land in question remains under the Indian Act, since cottagers only lease it on a 10-year renewable term. The annual rental is $40. The spokesman said the lease expressly states it is subject to provisions of the Indian Act and all its regulations. 

    COLDWATER — When the level of the Severn River was dropped last week between Big Chute and Port Severn, to check the marine railway and other installations, the usual appearance of the channel and adjacent water was altered almost beyond recognition. During inspections of equipment on the Trent system, water levels from Lake Couchiching to Port Severn were lowered as much as 12 feet. Thousands of acres of flooded land were uncovered, disclosing stumps left after lumbering operations, numerous shoals, jutting rock, and other formations on the river bottom.

    Attending a christening in Toronto Sunday morning proved an expensive trip for Mrs. Violet Jones of Midland. In her absence, thieves took the opportunity to break into Vi’s coffee shop on Highway 12 operated by Mrs. Jones. They decamped with $75 in cash and an unknown quantity of cigarettes. The break-in, via a rear window, took place between 2 a.m. and 9 a.m. “It was the fourth time we’ve been broken into since May 24,” Mrs. Jones said ruefully Tuesday morning, as she prepared to close up her shop for good. She is giving up the business but has no immediate plans for the future. Sunday’s break-in was also the eighth she has experienced in the eight years she has run the popular coffee shop in Midland’s south-east end. Although, hardly happy about her “going away party”, Mrs. Jones said she did appreciate the business given her by Midland and district residents during the eight years she ran the shop. 

  I’m English-born and thus used to red tape, and very patient. Mrs. E. J. Dyer, of 101 Elizabeth Street has had her patience put to quite a test in recent months. She applied for a licence to operate a confectionery stand at her home last April. Midland council finally gave her the necessary approval last week. Mrs. Dyer isn’t sure she could not have gone ahead with her project months ago, on the advice of her lawyer. Her Elizabeth Street home was in a commercial zone at that time, and still is, as far as she knows. “However I didn’t want to tread on any toes, so I tried to be patient and wait,” Mrs. Dyer told the Free Press Herald. She did admit, however, that her patience was wearing a bit thin in recent weeks. “We hope to run a good clean place that won’t be a nuisance to our neighbors,” said the elated housewife. “Now I can get after my husband to get his saw and hammer out and get started.” 

OBITUARIES:
MRS. J. BERRIAULT – Mrs. John Berriault died Saturday, October 21 in St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, following a lengthy illness. She was born in Perkinsfield, July 30, 1899. Josephine Sauve married John Berriault at Midland in 1917. Previous to spending the past 42 years in Midland she had lived in Perkinsfield, Port McNicoll and Windsor. Surviving, besides her husband are three sons, Gerard, and Howard of Midland and Leonard of Wyevale; five daughters, Lorraine, (Mrs. Leonard Lacroix); Margaret, (Mrs. Wilfred Hamelin); Bernadette, (Mrs. Jack Contois); Annette, (Mrs. Geo. Scott), all of Midland and Geraldine, (Mrs. Paul Bellamy), Halifax. Also surviving are her mother, Mrs. Eli Sauve, Port McNicoll, three brothers, Leo, Andrew and Herman Sauve, Port McNicoll, and four sisters, Mrs. Hubert LeCamp, Mrs. Gerard Garneau and Mrs. Alex Chatterton, Port McNicoll, and Mrs. Jack Adams of Uptergrove. Funeral service was held Tuesday, Oct. 24 in St. Margaret’s Church, Midland, where requiem mass was said by Rev.  Berriault, assisted by Rev. L. A. Tamas and Rev. R. Egan. Burial was in St. Margaret’s Cemetery.
MRS. ALBERT MAURICE – A total of 148 descendants mourned the death of Mrs. Albert Maurice who died Sunday, Oct 22, in Penetang General Hospital following a lengthy illness. Born in Lafontaine, June 25, 1876, Victoria Marchand married Albert Maurice at Lafontaine in 1897. She lived her entire life in that community Her husband predeceased her in 1954. Mrs. Maurice was an ardent gardener and very fond of knitting. She was a Roman Catholic and a member of Lafontaine Ladies of St. Ann. Surviving are three sons, Arsene of Penetang, Gerard and Leo of Lafontaine; five daughters, Claire, (Mrs. Herb Robitaille); Alida, (Mrs. Telesphore Forget); and Sister Victor Albert all of Lafontaine; Sister Roland Maurice, Alexandria, and Sister St. Priscilla, Perkinsfield. There are 55 grandchildren and 83 great grandchildren. Also surviving are one brother Philippe Marchand and two sisters, Mrs. Mary Jane Gignac and Mrs. Josephine Robitaille, Penetang. Funeral service was held Wednesday, Oct. 25, from Beausoleil’s funeral home to St. Croix Church, Lafontaine, where equiem mass was celebrated by Rev. T. Marchildon, assisted by Rev. J. Marchand and Rev. Y. Marchand. Burial was in St. Croix Cemetery. Pallbearers were Paul, Andre and Joseph Maurice, Albert Laurin, Remi Robitaille and Martial Forget. 

BIRTHS
BARRON — To Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Barron, Port Severn, at St. Andrews Hospital, Tuesday, October 24. 1961, a son.
CARPENTER — To Mr. and Mrs. Allan Carpenter, Port McNicoll, at St. Andrews Hospital, Wednesday, October 25, 1961, a daughter.
CORBIER — To Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Corbier, Honey Harbour, at St. Andrews Hospital, Sunday, October 22, 1961, a son.
HOY  To Mr. and Mrs. Donald Hoy, 104 Quebec Street, Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Sunday, October 22, 1961, a son.
MONAGUE — To Mr. and Mrs. Bert Monague, Christian Island, at St. Andrew’s Hospital, Wednesday, October 25, 1961 a son.
O’HARA — To Mr. and Mrs. Frank O’Hara, Victoria Harbour, at St. Andrews Hospital, Saturday, October 21, 1961, a daughter.
REID — To Mr. and Mrs. Edward Reid, 342 William St., Midland, at St. Andrews, Hospital, Wednesday, October 25, 1961, a daughter.
TREMBLAY — To Mr. and Mrs. Robert Tremblay, 292 Bay Street, Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Friday, October 20, 1961, a daughter.

TEN YEARS AGO – 1951
Complete outline of historic Fort Ste. Marie may have been found with the discovery that summer of the Indian compound located at the south of previous excavations, it was stated. • • • Alvia Crowe of Elmvale was appointed returning officer for Simcoe Centre riding for the provincial election Nov 22. • • • Cottages and boathouses bore the brunt of a gale, with winds estimated up to 65 mph which lashed Georgian Bay shores and caused the water to rise four feet-six inches. Pier “A” at Midland dock was underwater. • • • A new cenotaph at Victoria Harbour was unveiled by Mrs. Laura Belfry commemorating the dead of two world wars. • • • Mary Louise Corriveau, a native of Lafontaine and a nursing sister with the RCN was given the position of personal nurse to Princess Elizabeth when she sailed from Halifax to Newfoundland in the cruiser HMCS Ontario. • • • Connie Ambeau, Joan Day, Joanne Edwards, Dianne Flynn and Nancy White were the five finalists for the title of Midland District High School s “Campus Queen” sponsored by Midlands Roxy Theatre. • • • A limed-oak carving, portraying a windswept Georgian Bay island, was presented by Danish-Canadian artist and designer Thor Hansen to Huronia House Museum, Midland, whose president was A. D. Tushingham. • • •  As part of the “outreach campaign” in which the Presbyterian Church in Canada was undertaking to raise a million dollars for church extension. Knox Presbyterian Church, Midland, was starting a campaign to raise $5,211. • • • St. Andrews Hospital board heard that $250,000 would be available in federal and provincial grants for a new 46-bed addition on the southern end of the hospital property. 

     Following a successful season as a cruise ship, the Haidee fell prey to thieves last week, Midland police reported. Absent for several days, owner Bruce Eplett of Victoria Harbour discovered some of the ship to shore radio equipment missing upon inspecting the boat on his return. 

Staring dejectedly into vacant cash register is Mrs. Vi Jones, proprietor of Vi’s Coffee Shop, on Highway 12, after being robbed for the fourth time this year. The thieves entered by a rear window early Sunday morning and escaped with cash and merchandise. This marked the eighth time Mrs. Jones has been victimized at this location. 

These chaps were cool, but cool man!, as they painted the rings on the ice at Midland Curling Club in preparation for a new season slated to start Monday night. Painting one of the ten big rings above are, left to right Norm Polmateer, Ross Thompson and Jack Wilson. 

It was a case of paint that line rather than hold it as the sports scene gradually shifts from football to curling. Haig Abbott is holding the paint can for Harold McAllen and Jim Moss as they paint in one of the “hog” lines at Midland Curling Club. 

Pictured above is Frank Keenan, manager of the Midland Cross Country Store, presenting the $45.00 transistor radio to the winner Miss Lola Brown of 173 Sixth Street, Midland. Photo used in an advertisement for the store. 

Come winter, skiers will zip up this 1,000-foot run at Midland Ski Club by tow. It’s an even more awesome ride right now, on the big bulldozer that is smoothing out the tow run. 

Although the number of persons turning out for the blood donors clinic in Midland last week was below expectations, there were some busy moments in the municipal building, scene of the clinic. Here Cal Simpson (seated) and A. H. Tweedle check through one of the volunteer donors. 

Much-needed improvement for the fans attending MPDHS football games made its appearance last week in the form of new bleachers. Erected on the west side of the field, they were put in use for the first time last Saturday at the Pickering – MPDHS junior game. 

County Herald headline, November 3, 1961.
AUCTION 168 PROPERTIES TO RECOVER BACK TAXES

Taxpayers in five villages and nine surrounding townships face seizure of their property for unpaid taxes. A total of 168 parcels of land will go on the auction block before the end of the year, with $32,226.88 in tax arrears against them. Port McNicoll leads the way with 14 parcels, followed by Victoria Harbour, 11, Coldwater,8, Wasaga Beach, 2, and Elmvale, 1, slated to be sold to the highest bidder. Tax rolls in Coldwater show the highest amount outstanding in the five villages with $4,863.68. Costs of $141.57 brings the total to $5,005.25. Victoria Harbour is second with $3,716.25, composed of $3,598.85 in taxes and $117.40 in costs. In Port McNicoll tax arrears amount to $641.88 and costs of $184.13 for an $826.01 total. 

    Only hours after the opening of their new store on Yonge Street Friday, the old Griffis IGA store on Queen Street, Elmvale, was destroyed by fire Thursday evening. Fire which broke around 6 p.m. completely gutted a storage addition at the rear of the old store. Front of the building was also badly damaged. Firemen of the Elmvale, Flos and Wasaga Beach brigades were able to prevent serious damage to the adjoining Bank of Toronto and Whitfield drug store buildings. 

    Port McNicoll has been having an almost daily, and most unusual, visitor recently in the form of a young bull moose. Best time to see the big animal would appear to be early in the morning or just around dusk. And the most-likely spot to see him would be alongside the road from the village to Paradise Point. 

   The nearest thing yet to pocket phone service will be introduced here early in November. The Bellboy, a pocket-size transistor signal set, is Bell Telephone’s new instrument for people away from their homes or offices who don’t want to miss important calls. “Essentially, it’s an extension of the bell on your telephone,” said H. A. Kilroy, Bell manager for this territory. “We also consider it a step toward two-way pocket telephone service. “If someone calls while you are away from your regular telephone, the Bellboy sounds a gentle beeping tone. The beep lets you know you should go to the nearest telephone and call your office or other prearranged place. “Bellboy service will be particularly valuable to such people as doctors, clergymen, sales, service personnel and contractors,” Mr. Kilroy said.  

    A feature of Penetang Legion’s Remembrance’ Day services, November 11, will be dedication of a new organ at St. Ann’s Memorial Church. The usual Nov. 11 parade is scheduled to return from  Memorial Park by way of the church, where it will break off for the special ceremony. The recently completed organ is being dedicated in memory of members of the armed forces from Penetang who gave their lives in the service of their country. The annual cenotaph service is being held at Memorial Park, commencing at 10.45, with the usual silence at 11 a.m.    

These gals had themselves a whale of a time Tuesday afternoon at the bowling alley, before going home to “shell out” for the youngsters on Halloween. They are all members of the Topperettes League. 

Feature of an “Arctic evening” to be held in St Mark’s Church parish house Wednesday night will be a display of Eskimo carving and graphic arts by Innukpak (left) and Pauloosie. The two 31-year-old Eskimos are staying with Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Yearsley, Third Street. The carvings and drawings done by the two men, and those collected by Mr. Yearsley, can best be described as “terrific”. 

This piece of soapstone, being chipped by Innukpak (left) will one day emerge a valuable piece of Eskimo carving under his expert hands. Some of the finished work is seen alongside his friend, Pauloosie. Many of their carvings and prints will be on display at St Mark’s parish house tonight. 

The smile on Planning Board Chairman J. E. Lawlor’s face may well result from the public reaction to the advance showing of the plan last Monday night, this photo, left to right are Gerald Therrien, Ed Lawlor, Kenneth Cowan and Myer Mostyn; Photo 7755 shows three members of the board studying the 83 page text of the official plan. Left to right are, Stuart Glassier, Walter Kluck and Cec Moreton. 

Planning board Chairman J. E. Lawlor is seen here explaining the central business district section of the official plan to a group of 44 interested citizens who attended the advance showing of the plan Monday night. 

Francis Somers is proud of the big Northern Pike he caught Monday night off the CSL elevator in Midland harbor. Measuring 35 inches long, it weighed 12 pounds. Francis used a small chub to catch his finny prize. 

With little or no frost in this area to date, flowers are still blooming in many district gardens. Most unusual are these two Easter lilies, blooming in the garden of Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Miller, 352 Queen Street Midland. Showing off the flowers is little Lora Galivan, 3-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Don Galivan, Queen Street. 

November 8, 1961, Free Press Herald headline.
EX-EMPLOYEE SUES TOWN, ASKS FOR WAGES, DAMAGES 

A former town employee, Walter “Bud” Turnbull has commenced legal action against the Corporation of Midland for wrongful dismissal, claiming severance pay, expenses and damages. Mr. Turnbull is asking for $5,000. He was employed as superintendent of works prior to termination of his employment, March 27, of this year. This occurred at a lengthy council meeting closed to press and radio representatives. Mr. Turnbull, through his solicitor, G. E. McTurk, of Barrie, asked council in a letter July 7, for six months salary in lieu of notice. in addition to accrued vacation and pension benefits Mr. McTurk told council he was of the opinion Mr. Turnbull was wrongfully dismissed. He further stated his client would accept settlement on this basis provided it is made clear there are no suggestions or inferences as to misconduct or dishonesty on Mr. Turnbull’s part. The solicitor said,” Mr. Turnbull would expect a proper reference in seeking further employment.” 

    The long awaited decision on the location of Midland’s new federal building was announced this week by the Federal Department of Public Works. Walter H. Hayes, district manager, property and building branch, told the Free Press Herald, Monday, by phone from Toronto, the structure will be built at the southeast corner of dominion Avenue and First Street. 

    Provincial police are investigating a break-in at Eplett’s hardware store, Victoria Harbour, early Sunday morning. Reported stolen were seven guns, including shotguns and rifles, ammunition, flashlights, and other hunting articles. According to police, an attempt was made to set fire to the building before the intruders left by a side door. The fire did not catch. Entry to the building, scene of several previous break-ins was by a rear entrance. 

    A weekend tragedy, which occurred near Port Loring, inflicted a double blow on one family in the small North Simcoe community of Moonstone. William Austin, 39, Moonstone, and his brother-in-law, Harold Shannon, 32, Toronto and formerly of Moonstone, were two of four deer hunters asphyxiated in a cabin forming part of Fremaury Lodge, about 40 miles north of Parry Sound. The other hunters who lost their lives were Herbert Ritchie, 38, and Frederick Hamden, 38, both of Toronto. Their deaths were attributed to carbon monoxide fumes generated in a stove used to heat the cabin. Charcoal was said to have been used by the hunters as fuel for the stove. Austin and Shannon left the Moonstone home of the former Saturday, to join their Toronto companions. The men had hunted together for the past three seasons. On other trips they had used a trailer but this year rented a cabin. 

Winner of the Midland public schools oratorical contest Monday night was Ronald Brockmeyer, a Regent School pupil. Placing second was Romelda Belanger, of Sacred Heart Separate School. Ronald will advance to the district finals in Barrie. 

These lads, members of MPDHS senior football team and their coach, Doug Swales, are beaming the smiles that come only to champions. They won the central group title Saturday and will meet Thornhill Friday for the Georgian Bay COSSA title. Game time is 2.30 p.m. at MPDHS Field. Left to right are Frank Wice, Grant Robinson, Brian Dubeau, coach Swales, holding Elmslie trophy won for the first time by the school, Don Popple, Gerry Reedy and Chris Rebhan. 

Friday was a big night in Elmvale, with the gymnasium of Elmvale District High School the scene of the annual commencement. Picture shows Wils Harrison (right) presenting Midland Free Press awards to Douglas Eberhardt, Mary Joan Dutcher, Judy Campbell and Douglas Cox. 

Joy at the opening of his new IGA store in Elmvale last week was somewhat tempered for Fred Griffis when the old store on Queen Street was gutted by fire Thursday night. Mr. Griffis is seen above in the rear of the store, which bore the brunt of the damage. 

It’s curling time again across the land, in Midland as elsewhere. The men’s section of the Midland club has over 20 new members. Some are seen getting their preliminary instruction in the besom and stane (broom and stone) art. In this picture veteran “Toots” Wallace shows one group the proper way to release a stone while Doug Haig, at left in picture 7842, shows the way to “soop her up” with the broom. 

Power of yesteryear, the remains of the mill dam in Coldwater, washed out by Hurricane Hazel. 

Peewee lacrosse, revived in Midland after a lapse of several years, proved quite a success over the last few weeks. In the final, held in Knox Church auditorium last week, the Iroquois edged the Hurons 9-8 to win the trophy presented by Mayor Charles Parker. Mayor Parker is seen above with winning captain Eric Major (left), Ian Dalrymple, Huron captain, and Rev. Len Self, who promoted the league. 

Spaciousness and fine appointments of the new Elmvale OPP detachment office are evident in this picture. Seated at desk is Cpl. Ken McCutcheon, head of the seven-man detachment which recently took over the OPP’s Tiny Township beat, formerly looked after by Victoria Harbour. The Elmvale men cover Highways 27, 92 and 93 and adjacent areas. 

November 10, 1961, County Herald headline.
SEE SLASH IN WELFARE COSTS IF NEW METHOD ADOPTED 

The findings and recommendations of a special committee of county council may result in a new method of handling all welfare services and costs in Ontario. It is studying the feasibility of combining welfare service in 31 Simcoe County municipalities under one head. If the plan is adopted, it would reduce costs in 14 and increase them in 17. Penetang would show the largest reduction, over $6,000. Midland’s costs would be cut by more than $5,000. Coldwater, Port McNicoll, Victoria Harbour, Tiny, Tay and Medonte Townships would also receive reductions. 

    Judging by the turnout at the first meeting of the Winter Works Committee Wednesday night, nobody appears to be too worried over unemployment problems in the Midland area. Only five persons, all from Midland, showed up for the meeting. They were the Chairman, Mayor Charles Parker, Secretary, Harold Humphries, Deputy-Reeve, Mervin Grigg, Joseph Huston and Chris Gardner. Mr. Humphries said notice of the meeting had been sent out to committee members  (more than 20 of them) a week ago. “We need the presence of representatives from Penetang, Tay, Tiny and other municipalities. The more people we have, the more ideas we will have on possible winter works projects,” said Mayor Parker. Next meeting has been set, tentatively, for Dec. 6.    

    Pastor of Trinity United Church, Penetang, died in Penetang General Hospital Wednesday night. Funeral service will be held at the Church Saturday afternoon. Coming to Canada from England in 1903 he served in the missions of the Presbyterian Church while studying for the ministry. In 1921 he was elected member of parliament for the riding of Swift Current, and during his term the United Church emerged from a union of Presbyterian and Methodist Churches. Following his parliamentary career he returned to serving churches in western Canada. Rev. Lewis came east to Cookstown in 1941 and retired there in 1952. Shortly after retirement he served as supply at Alliston for a few months before coming to Penetang in 1953. He has been pastor here ever since. 

Perhaps one of the most interesting of the new members of the MPDHS teaching staff is Mr. Clark Miles, far right. Born in Toronto, he graduated from high school there, and then joined the army. After 15 months in the army, he returned to school and graduated from the University of Toronto in 1949 with his Arts Degree. He has been in the teaching profession since 1949. During the past 7 years he has been taking summer courses to gain his commercial specialist’s standing. His move to Midland enabled him to make use of this specialized knowledge. He teaches History of Commerce, Typing, Economics, and Bookkeeping. A married man, Mr. Miles has one son. He is an ardent skier and skater, and enjoys many outdoor sports. We are glad you like Midland, Mr. Miles, and hope that you will be with us for many years.  This year we welcome back Miss Reba Young (left side) to the MPDHS teaching staff after an absence of four years. Previously Miss Young had been head of the history department for two years. Miss Young was born and educated in Trenton, Ont. After high school graduation she attended Queen’s University, Kingston. On graduating from there with an honours degree in English and history, she went to O.C.E. Toronto. This year Miss Young is the head of the English department, teaching the senior grades English. Later she will be in charge of training students for public speaking. Miss Young is also a member of the Business and Professional Women’s Club, the I.O.D.E., the United Church Ladies auxiliary. —Interviewed by Elaine Binkley. 

This new salad tray truck is the gift to St. Andrews Hospital by LOL 947, Midland. George Richardson (left) is seen presenting cheque for $157, covering cost of the truck, to Alex Craig, hospital administrator. 

Midland’s new drop-in centre for senior citizens was officially opened in the YMCA Wednesday. Mrs. Stan Harman is pictured above serving cookies to; (left to right) Mrs. E. M. Puddicombe, Mrs. E. Salisbury, Mrs. Jessie Wood and Mrs. Frank Glaspell. The town’s senior citizens have been without a drop-in centre since the legion building burned two years ago. 

For many years, until this fall, there had been no lacrosse in Midland, much less trophies. Now two trophies have been provided for the peewee league which wound up the season recently. William Orr (right) is seen presenting one formerly used by Georgian Bay intermediate league to Eric Major, captain of the title-winning Iroquois. At left is league director Rev. Len Self. The old trophy lay unclaimed in Mr. Orr’s store basement for many years. 

Last Friday was a big night in Elmvale, with the gymnasium of Elmvale District High School the scene of the annual commencement. Pictured above, left to right, are Frank Clute, a native of Elmvale and now a high school inspector, Elaine Lougheed, Sharon Cowan and Bob Eberhardt, who gave the valedictory address. All three earned honour graduation diplomas last year. Mr. Clute had previously taught at Sixth Street School in Midland. 

When the new Midland intermediate “A” Flyers take to the ice at Arena Gardens against Orillia Friday night, coach Jim Johnson will be looking for big things from the three seasoned stars above. All from Oshawa, they are, left to right, Lloyd Arnold, Dave Nicholishan and George Westfall. Arnold’s career includes several seasons with British and European teams. Nicholishan was a member of the world champion Whitby Dunlop’s and Westfall has also had wide experience. 

Keeping the puck out of the Midland Flyers net will be the job of these three chaps, among others, at Arena Gardens tonight. Goalie Clarence Gagnon is flanked by defencemen Bob Hendrickson (left) and Doug Swales. Flyers open the season against Orillia Lakeview’s, who lost their home opener to Barrie Falcons Tuesday night.