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. 

AWARD TWO LOCAL FIRMS GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS
County Herald headline from June 15, 1962. 

Grews Ltd., Penetanguishene, is to get a federal government contract for construction of a large search and rescue vessel, plant manager Andy Morrison said yesterday. Mr. Morrison said he had received a wire indicating that a contract is being prepared and will be forwarded to his firm for signature. The 66-foot vessel is one of three to be built for search and rescue work on the Great Lakes and is being purchased by the Department of Transport. This is part of the Great Lakes navy announced some time ago by Hon. George Hees.” Mr. Morrison said. The local firm tendered on the construction some time ago, and officials have made several trips to Ottawa on the matter. The recent telegram is the only confirmation received to date, he explained. The ship will be somewhat larger than the RCMP patrol vessels which were the last large craft built locally. Mr. Morrison said specifica­tions indicated it will be a “very well equipped vessel for its pur­pose”. Marine fire-fighting equipment will be included in its equipment. The manager said the vessel will be powered by a diesel en­gine and “I anticipate it will be a fairly speedy craft”.   $56,000 CONTRACT  – Ernst Leitz Canada Limited, Midland, which recently celebrated its tenth anniversary, has been awarded a $56,000 contract by the Department of Defence Production. The contract is for the repair, overhaul and modification of aerial cameras and accessories. 

Simcoe East returning officer Frank Doherty warned yesterday that loudspeakers, party ensigns, banners, bumper stickers and other promotional material on trucks and automobiles is prohibited on polling day, June 18. Mr. Doherty said anyone displaying such material on, vehicles could be prosecuted. ‘He added that any candidate or party worker who supplies or uses party badges, ribbons or other favors two days before the election, as well as the person who wears them, can be prosecuted. Both the distributor and the wearer can be penalized, he said. 

The strike-idled trucking industry was responsible for an hour’s lost production at Fern Shoe Co. plant, Penetanguishene, Wednesday, officials said. A shortage of stock forced a shut-down at 4 o’clock, one hour ahead of the usual quitting time. Stock – keeper Cecil Solmes said the material which would have normally travelled by transport has been shipped by rail freight. CNR employees at Penetanguishene, assisted by men from the shoe plant, co-operated in working overtime to have the stock delivered Wednesday evening so production could continue at plant opening time Thursday morning. 

Midland Y’s Men’s Club has commenced registration for its annual summer playground pro­gram, which is scheduled to get under way at Little Lake Park, July 2. Dave Docherty, Midland YM­CA program secretary, will be in charge of the playground pro­gram. He expects registrations will surpass the 1961 mark which totalled 443 children. Deadline for local entries is June 20. Now in its 38th year, the pro­gram extends over a six-week period, which will be broken up into three two-week sessions. Mr. Docherty said last year 167 were taught to swim and 82 advanced swimming awards were presented. Since 1958, of the 2,354 who registered, 477 children were taught to swim and 349 received advanced swimming awards. 

A mushrooming student population, reported by Principal R. C. Gauthier, created problems for the Midland-Penetanguishene District High School Board meeting Wednesday night. Both cadets and industrial arts will be pruned to meet swelling numbers of students, it was decided. Up to now cadets have been compulsory except for Grade 12 and 13 students. Senior students remain in cadets on a voluntary basis,” Principal Gauthier explained. “The school has become so large we almost need a full time man to maintain cadet uniforms and equipment. The cadet program disrupts the school. Instead of 450 boys in uniform we should have 150 to control the situation,” he said. The board felt students should still experience cadet discipline. Approval to limit cadets to grade nine pupils was granted to Mr. Gauthier.  “Boys’ industrial arts is becoming impossible for all. As the vocational classes increase the industrial arts will have to decrease said Mr. Gauthier. Under the present system both shop teachers would be overloaded for the upcoming school year, it was stated. “We should give shop as an option to all 13 Grade 9 classes. After that it may not be possible unless they take straight technical,” the principal pointed out. 

Clerk of the session of Knox Presbyterian Church, Donald Swinson admires a new stained glass window recently dedicated by Dr. J. McNabb, former minister at the Midland church. Window is in memory of John Anderson and Esther Grigg and was erected by their daughter, Elizabeth. 

Flags of the various troops of Wendake Division of the Girl Guides made a colorful display at the annual field day held at MPDHS field Saturday. Left to right the standard bearers are Patsy Ladouceur and Catherine Dupuis, 2nd Penetanguishene;  Geraldine Borsa, 2nd Midland; Carole Banting, 1st, Midland; Penny Vaillancourt, 2nd Midland and Karen Clarke, 1st Midland. 

Who says there aren’t any speckled trout in this district anymore? You couldn’t prove it by these four Midlanders, who got 16 fine specimens in less than 40 minutes recently. Largest of the fish was a two-pounder. Left to right are; Ed Murphy, former Free Press Herald editor, John Power, George Lott and Bill Bartlett. 

A five-game winning streak for Atherley Arms in the Orillia District Softball League came to an abrupt ending at town park Wednesday evening as Midland Flyers dumped the previously-unbeaten loop leaders for a 7-0 setback.  Victory for manager Jim Johnston’s Flyers, was their third as against one defeat in four official starts. Result of one other league game for Flyers is still ending loop executive ruling. Atherley collected but three hits off Flyer fire-baller Bob Grier over the full seven-inning route. But faulty fielding was as much to blame for their downfall as their lack of bat power.

TWO RIDINGS IN SIMCOE RE-ELECT PC MEMBERS
Free Press Herald headline of June 20^th, 1962 

Although the verdict nationally was indecisive Simcoe East voters left no doubt as to their choice for the 25th Parliament in the federal election Monday. They returned Dr. P. B. Rynard, Orillia physician and surgeon, Progressive Conservative candidate, with a majority of 1,698 votes over his three opponents and a plurality of 4,508 over the runner-up, John R. MacIsaac, Liberal, Orillia contractor and farmer. Of the 30,188 citizens eligible to vote in the riding, 24,880 cast ballots to give roughly an 82 per cent turnout at the 140 polling sub-divisions and six advance polls. 

Midland Public Utilities Com­mission set a new electric house heating rate of 1.1 cents per kilowatt hour at Monday’s meet­ing. “The new rate specifics a separate heater meter must be installed.” said Stewart Holt, PUC secretary-manager. With the standard 10 per cent dis­count for prompt payment the rate would be 1 cent, he com­mented. The commission approved purchase of a portion of land owned by Greening Wire Com­pany to be used for construc­tion of a new PUC sub-station. “The property is the V-shaped area where Highway 12 curves around south of the Greening plant, Mr. Holt explained. The new sub-station, in opera­tion by September, will have a dual role. “It is necessary for future power needs of the ex­panding industrial centre on Highway 12 south as well as to provide a tie line to Scott Street for better power distribution, ’ said Mr. Holt. 

For the first time in its his­tory, Huronia Museum, Midland, last week, had 250 school chil­dren inspect its exhibits at one time. The children, all Welland Pub­lic School pupils, arrived in six chartered buses, leaving the canal city about 5 a.m. James Robinson, former prin­cipal at Parkview Public School, Midland, and an assistant at the museum, told this news­paper Friday that 2,000 school children have visited the muse­um to date. He said this num­ber was up a few from last year’s total for the same per­iod. Mr. Robinson said the muse­um also was one of the points of interest in the Midland area which was viewed by touring United States weekly newspa­per editors. 

MDPHS Principal, Ray Gauthier explained Ontario Premier J. P. Robarts’ new education plan to the Midland Kiwanis Club at their luncheon in the Georgian Hotel Monday. “The plan gives students nine possible choices entering high school.” Mr. Gauthier said. “The Robarts’ plan will be put into effect at MPDHS in September”. There are three main categories: a five-year, four-year and two-year high school course, explained Mr. Gauthier. Before discussing the courses in detail, the principal pointed out that criticism of the speed with which the changes were instituted was unjustified. “This was not the great reform in education it was made out to be. I would say government leaders could foresee it nearly 20 years ago when the district high school system was first planned,” Mr. Gauthier stated. Under the five-year plan, three distinct courses of study will be possible, he reveled. They are: arts and sciences, leading to admission to a university; business and commerce; and technology and trades. The four-year plan offers three choices: arts and sciences, giving a junior matriculation but not involving languages; business and commerce; and technology and trades. The two-year plan has only two branches of study: business and commercial and technology and trades, he added. In addition, a special transferee group is the ninth category. “Students who can’t pass from elementary school will, with the consent of the school inspector, the elementary principal and the high school principal, be admitted. These students, too old to be included in a regular Grade 9 class, will learn occupational trades,” said Mr. Gauthier. 

A mixed two-ball competition for senior-junior teams turned out to be a very popular event at Midland Golf and Country Club Saturday. In this picture, Colin Pettigrew lines up a putt while Ken McCaughen, Jack Pettigrew and Gary McCaughen await results. Checking score cards in picture 8391 are, front row, John Hartman, Judy Scott, Paul Krochko and Deborah Bertrand; back row, club president Alex Preston, Doug Haig, Mrs. Bill Scott, Harry Major and Les Taylor, who organized the event. 

Editorial page photo entitled; “A Sturgeon Bay Step to Summer Happiness” 

One of the points of interest for some 30 American newspaper editors who toured this area Friday was Huronia Museum in Midland. Gathered around an old millstone are, left to right, W. N. Keefe, general-manager of Georgian Bay Development Association, who acted, as a guide for the Midland portion of the tour, Roy Coieson, Sommerville, Tenn., Mervin Gilbertson, Parkston, S.D., Frank Szcys, Bottineau, N.D., J. E. Choffin, Greenwood, S.C., and L. B. Smith, Brady, Texas. 

25 YEARS AGO – 1937
The future ownership of Old Fort Ste. Marie was thrown open to wide speculation following the death of owner James Playfair. He had bought the historic ruins many years previously as part of a personal duck shooting preserve. * * * The Penetanguishene Herald moved to the Green Block, above the W.M. Thompson store. The change was necessary due to extensive alterations in Canada House, former home of the newspaper. * * * “We are back to the best days of the 1820-30 period, claimed Captain H. J. Aitken, S. S. Noronic, as 525 passengers flooded Midland to officially open the tourist run. The steamer Midland City took 200 of the visitors on a 30,000 Islands tour. * * * In the first Midland lacrosse game slated in 20 years the Collingwood Junior Shipbuilders defeated the Midland Juniors, 8-6. Outstanding player, Reg McPhee, Port McNicoll, netted four consecutive goals against Collingwood. * * * Free Press editor Wm. Cranston had a visiting Arabian clairvoyant. Prof. Hasan Ben Ali, analyze the character of five well-known local persons. The five were: Fred H. Bell, Dr. Garnet Tanner, J. H. Pearse, Mike Cirivello and Franz Johnston. * * * Renowned world opera prima donna Bertha May Crawford, an Elmvale native, died in Toronto. Miss Crawford had sung in England, Italy, Poland and Russia during World War 1 and the 1920’s. * * * Simcoe County council left from Port McNicoll aboard the S.S. Keewatin for Owen Sound; Council decided to replace their annual warden’s picnic with a yearly boat excursion. * * * District pupils of Miss Isobel MacIntosh staged their second annual dance review at Midland YMCA. In all, 34 numbers were presented. * * * Father Kenneth Moreau said his first mass at St. John’s Church, Waubaushene. Father Moreau was born in the village, the youngest son of Mr. & Mrs. Trefly Moreau. An older brother, Cecil, had said his first mass in the same church two years earlier. 

Time means little to these two venerable gentlemen, both well-known figures in Simcoe County life for many years. Left is Hon. E. C. Drury, 84, and Tom Simpson, 91. Picture was taken during unveiling of a plaque commemorating Dr. Drury’s services as premier of Ontario and sheriff of the county at his Crown Hill home June 8. Mr. Simpson is the county’s oldest living ex-warden. 

 MPP for Simcoe East, Lloyd Letherby, Coldwater had the honor of unveiling a plaque to Dr. E. C. Drury, on behalf of Premier John Robarts, at Crown Hill June 8. The plaque is one of 32 which have been erected in Simcoe County in recent years. This one was through the efforts of the Simcoe County tourist and industrial committee.

 

Huronia Museum has two amazing events coming up in September during Indigenous Arts & Culture Awareness Week which is happening in North Simcoe between September 18 and 24, 2023

Space for both of these workshops is limited so please call 705.526.2844 or email to register.

Please visit the Culture Alliance of North Simcoe’s dedicated page for a listing of all special events in North Simcoe for Indigenous Arts & Culture Awareness Week.

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. 

County Assessment Level Rises to $144,611,563
County Herald headline, Friday, June 8, 1962 

Midland and Penetanguishene are among several North Simcoe communities which will have slightly lower percentages of equalized assessment for county purposes next year than they have for 1962. The 1963 figures were presented to Simcoe County council yesterday by its equalized assessment committee. They show the equalized assessment for county purposes in 1963 will total $144,611,563. Population of the county increased from 104,560 in 1961 to 105,405 in 1962, an increase of .79 per cent. Midland’s equalized assessment for 1963 is given as $11,740.329 or 8.1185 per cent of the total for the county. This year it was 8.1516 per cent. Local taxable assessment is listed as $17,540.255. New equalized assessment percentage for Penetanguishene is 2.3337 per cent, down slightly from the 2.3515 per cent in 1962. Local taxable assessment is listed as $4,470,272 and the equalized assessment as $3,374,759. 

Two taxi licences were approved by Midland council Monday night. Noel Sims, Wyebridge, applied for a taxi owner’s licence to operate in conjunction with Reliable Taxi, owned by Wilfred Pilon, 201 Dominion Ave., West. Council approved the application providing Mr. Sims moves to Midland and providing sufficient space is available for the additional taxi stand. Also approved was a taxi driver’s licence for Leon Murphy. He is to drive for Hebner’s Taxi. 

Homer Spring and Tiny Township council Monday night settled their differences involving a strip of land Mr. Spring had been occupying for some years, and which was actually discovered to be part of the road allowance of Findlay Drive, Balm Beach. Present at a meeting of council, with his solicitor, E. B. Kendall, Mr. Spring approved the terms of an agreement drawn up by Mr. Kendall. Part of the disputed land is being sold to Mr. Spring for $150, plus all legal fees. The rest will be used to widen the corner of Findlay Drive at that point. In return, council has agreed to close up an unused road allowance behind Mr. Spring’s property. When closed, the land is to be deeded to Spring.  

Wm. Scott, plumbing and building inspector, has been appointed inspector and local administrator of the new Construction Safety Act approved by the provincial legislature earlier this spring. The appointment was made by Midland council Monday night.

The owner of what one member of Midland council termed a “shack” has been ordered to demolish the building within 48 hours of receiving notice of Midland council’s decision. If the owner fails to take action, council has ordered that the building, located at Dominion Ave. and George Streets, be demolished and any charges and costs involved charged to the taxes of the owner of the property. Council was informed that for months the structure has been a hazard for children and a menace to the health of those living in the area. Chief Arnold Tippin said the building had been condemned and placarded some time ago. He said the windows and doors have been boarded up on several occasions but the boards had been torn off. 

A reported car’s backfire cost Elgin Gilmour both his 1947 automobile and garage today.  Garage man Tim Nesbitt was helping Mr. Gilmour, retired, get his car out of winter storage at 147 Hugel Ave. E. “The car stalled, Tim was bent over the open hood with a can of gasoline in his hand, when I pressed the starter. There was a flash of flame.” said Mr. Gilmour. “The flames spread to some old cushions stored in the garage. We tried to pull the car out but it was impossible. My wife, Margaret called the fire department.” he added. Both the car and garage were completely burned. They were insured. Mr. Nesbitt singed his arm but there were no other injuries. 

Jim Lemieux blossomed forth as a pitcher last night as Midland Indians downed Collingwood 3-1 under the shadow of the Blue Mountains in a South Simcoe Baseball League game. Normally an outfielder, Lemieux held the home team to four hits and was in trouble only in the first inning. 

Editorial page photo entitled; “Stone and Tree Design at Midhurst Park” 

Simcoe County warden, John McDonald is seen greeting some of the Midland elementary school pupils who paid a visit to county council Monday as guests of Reeve Arthur Argue and Deputy-reeve William Orr. Left to right are Mary Jane Mohan, Bayview, Robert Guthe, Regent, Valerie Cosey, Sacred Heart, Donate Lichtenfeld, St. Mary’s, and Reeve Argue. 

Midland lawyers John Gammell (left) and Douglas Haig watch Mrs. W. J. Casey operate a mimeograph machine during the official opening of the new Simcoe County registry office Tuesday. Visitors were taken on a tour of the building, which provides ample room for members of the legal profession and others having business there. 

Top pupils from five Midland elementary schools got a chance to see Simcoe County council in action Monday. Left to right are, Michael Farewell, St. Mary’s; John Webb, Bayview; Betty MacKay, Parkview; Romalda Belanger, Sacred Heart; Marg Walker, Parkview; Wendy Short, Regent, and Deputy-reeve Wm. Orr. Seated is Warden John McDonald. 

Lieut. Governor of Kiwanis District 5, Bruce Burden, Toronto, paid his official visit to the Midland Kiwanis Club, Monday. Pictured here with Mr. Burden (centre) are Midland Kiwanis President, Wilf LaRose (right) and J. J. Robins, past Lieut-Governor Kiwanis District. 5. – Rolfoto 

Public Schools Levy up .25 on Commercial Rate
Free Press Herald headline of Friday June 13, 1962. 

Midland Public Schools Board set the mill rate for 1962 educational purposes during its June meeting Friday night. Rates are 8.82 commercial and 7.93 residential. As the result of a new assessment this year, the 1962 mill rates cannot be compared, as such, with last year’s figure, it was stated. This year’s gross expenditure is $272,322, up from $258,794 for 1961. For the second year Department of Education provincial grants based on average daily pupil attendance eased the tax squeeze for residential ratepayers and made necessary the dual mill rate, one commercial, the other residential.  Anticipated provincial grants are expected to amount to $115,664, compared with $92,200 in 1961. 

W. J. Mann, president of Canadian Curtiss-Wright Ltd., announced today his company’s acquisition of a substantial interest in the Midland Foundry and Machine Co., of Midland. The Midland company’s product line includes hydraulic equipment for oil companies, the automotive trade and the aircraft industry which includes hydraulic jacks, tire removing, and handling equipment, material handling equipment, and industrial and automotive compressors. In addition to head office and factory in Midland, the company operates sales warehousing and servicing facilities in Montreal, Toronto and Winnipeg. Mr. Mann said, this step adds new marketing capabilities as well as product lines through Canadian Curtis Wright’s established business in the aviation, electrical, and electronic field.

35 YEARS AGO (1927)
Three hundred dinner guests officially opened The Georgian Hotel and heard Mayor George T. Gooden praise Dr. G. E. Tanner’s efforts in building up the commercial section of Midland. The Model Theatre orchestra provided gallery music. With the arrival of the evening train the first guests registered. * * * Not to be out Charlestoned or Black-Bottomed, the Blue Room Dance hall, boasting a seven piece band, opened with a Hospital Guild dance. Profits went to St. Andrews Hospital. The Blue Room was above the present day Georgian Bay Hardware Co. Ed. Jeffery was manager. (Crow’s Nest) * * * Midland Shipbuilding Co. set a continental speed record, accomplishing the launching of two canal-size freighters and a tug in 30 minutes. The whole town turned out for the “fleet” christening ceremony. The Canada Steamship Lines’ freighters Weyburn and Saskatoon were 258 feet long and displaced 2,400 tons each. * * * After 45 years of petitioning Waubaushene turned out in force to open the Narrows bridge. Schoolchildren paraded, the Orillia Citizens’ Band huffed and puffed, and Wm. Finlayson cut the ribbon. Rev. A Bourrette blessed the structure. * * * A party of Chicago supply and machinery manufacturers, stopped off at Midland during a week-long cruise of the Great Lakes. Mayor George T. Gooden escorted the visitors to vicinity points of interest and saw them off aboard the S.S. Noronlc several hours later. * * * Every Ontario motorist was to carry a driver’s licence ruled an order-in-council of the Ferguson government. Highways Minister George S. Henry said the $1 fee would be charged to experienced drivers. Novices must pay another dollar to be tested by government-approved inspectors. * * * Midland’s fourth grain elevator (Simcoe), with a two million bushel capacity, opened for the September rush of fall grain to the seaboard. More than 300 men worked day and night to finish the structure. The new elevator brought to 12 million bushels the storage capacity at Midland. * * * Rev. P. C. Cameron led a two-day conference of the Collingwood Association of Baptist churches in Midland. Opening day was Women’s Day and Mrs. McCracken welcomed out of town delegates.  

Arthur LePan, a member of this newspaper’s staff since 1955, has been appointed news editor of the Free Press Herald and County Herald, managing editor Wils Harrison announced this week. During his seven years with the firm, Mr. LePan served as a reporter and later publication manager. In his new post, he succeeds Edward Murphy who has joined the staff of the Richmond Hill Liberal. Newcomer to the Free Press staff is Bob Sutton of New Liskeard, a graduate this year of the School of Journalism at Ryerson. Serving as women’s editor and general reporter for the summer months is Miss Marion Lavigne, a Midland girl who has completed her first year of journalism at Ryerson. 

A number of original land grant deeds, indentures and other old official papers received recently by Fort Penetanguishene Museum provide some interesting reading as well as bringing to light some names apparently long since gone from the scene. A number of the documents, all of which are printed and written on fine old parchment carry dates in the year 1834, when Sir John Colborne was Lieut Governor of Upper Canada. Included in these are the following: Charles Langlade, the Elder, (presumably an ancestor of the Longlades now living in the area) was granted Park Lot 35 on the west side, of Penetanguishene Bay, containing 20 acres. The document was dated April 23, 1834. In the same year, Dedin Revol received a grant for “Lot 18 in the first range on the South side of Water Street in the Village of Penetanguishene. Etienne Frechette of Penetanguishene was granted Park Lot 17 containing 15 acres, and Pierre Rolland received his deed for Park Lot 22. Pierre Lepin, who later had some connection with the present Vimy Inn in Penetanguishene became deeded owner of Park Lot 36. Park Lot 18 went to Antoine Lafrenier in that same year, and Augustin Pricour received Lot 9 in the second range north of Pointz St., in the Village of Penetanguishene. Wm. Simpson, gentleman, a forebear of the man who donated the documents to the Museum, was granted the Northwest ¼ of Lot 8 in Concession 14 of the Township of Tiny. The earliest deed centering around sale of land appeared with a February 1834 date. In this, James Farlinger, for the sum of 25 pounds deeded to Athenis King 100 acres of the West of Lot 14 in Concession 3 of Tay Township. [There are several more, comment if you wish to see them] 

Simcoe County lawyers will no longer be able to complain about lack of space to carry out their searches for deeds, titles and other documents in the old county registry office. They have plenty of space, and modern facilities, in the new office, above, officially opened in Barrie last week. 

This was part of a colorful parade of girl guides of Wendake Division at the Midland-Penetanguishene District High School field, Saturday. The march past proceeded the annual field day, held between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. for Midland and Penetanguishene Girl Guides. Good weather prevailed for the Guides’ annual sporting event.

Editorial page photo entitled; “Wind and Waves at Victoria Harbour”. 

Friday was a big day for Hon. E. C. Drury, former Ontario premier and ex-Simcoe County sheriff, when an historic plaque was unveiled in his honor at the Drury homestead, Crown Hill. Dr. Drury, 84, (top picture) is chatting with Rev. A. W. Downer, MPP for Dufferin Simcoe (left) and Dr. W. W. Jury, noted archaeologist. Lower: W. H. Cranston presents Warden John C. McDonald with a replica of a painting of John Graves Simcoe, first Lieutenant-Governor of Upper Canada. The reproduction was made possible through the interest of Hon. Bryan Cathcart, minister of travel and publicity.