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. 

December in North Simcoe and the newspapers are full of election promises, campaign ads and thank-you messages. Most merchants are advertising heavily, churches are holding Christmas concerts and plays. Ships are laying up for the winter and the first snows have arrived.

PREDICT MILL RATE DROP FOR COUNTY LEVY IN 62’
County Herald headline, December 8, 1961 –Speaking at Tiny Township nomination meeting Monday, Reeve Montcalm Maurice predicted a drop in the mill rate for the county levy next year. “We are at the end of our building program, and this should reduce considerably the amount required by the county,” he stated. Reeve Maurice is also Warden of Simcoe County. 

TO EXPROPRIATE PROPERTY, OWNER REFUSES $500 BID
Free Press Herald headline, December 13, 1961 – Midland council Monday night ordered its solicitor Douglas Haig to start expropriation proceedings immediately against Joseph Kerbel of Toronto. Mr. Kerbel had refused council’s offer of $500 for property registered in his name on Borden Street, he is asking $1,650. The town sold the property to Midland Shearlings Ltd. for $1 plus $26.55 registration and bylaw costs in 1951. 

CHECK REVEALS BEAM ROT, CLOSED TILL REPAIRS DONE
County Herald headline, December 15, 1961 – Midland council was told by Town Engineer Ulo Luksep Monday the beam holding the easterly wall of the Huronia Museum has rotted away. The information was contained in a report made by the engineer after a preliminary inspection of the building December 5. He recommended the building be closed to the public until a detailed inspection can be done next year. 

    School safety patrols in Midland will not get under-way until January. This was decided at a meeting of the new safety council with school board, teacher, police and other representatives at the Municipal Building Tuesday. This decision was taken when Lou Hodgson, representative of the Department of Transport, said his schedule would not permit him to return to Midland before Dec. 18 to help set up the patrols. Members felt it would be better to leave the matter until the new term Jan. 2. Alderman William Thompson, who chaired the meeting, said 11 intersections had been decided upon as requiring school patrols. Three of these, Sixth and Hugel, Sixth and Yonge, and Russell and Yonge, will have adult guards as well as school-boy patrols. To be manned entirely by schoolboy patrols are the following: Seventh and Hugel; Russell and Elizabeth; Manly and Elizabeth; Elizabeth and William; Russell and Ellen; College and Ellen; Ottawa and Sixth; and Victoria and Fifth. [Girls were not included because ….?] 

    A University of Toronto graduate in civil engineering and a former construction superintendent with Toronto Township PUC, Ulo Luksep has recently been appointed Midland town engineer. Mr. Luksep came to Canada from Estonia in 1948. He is married and has a two month old son. His family is expected to take up residence here shortly. 

    Dear Editor: The Globe’ and Mail on Monday reported that there are now a dozen artificial and eighty natural ice rinks operated by the city of Toronto. Midland, as far as I know, has only one artificial ice surface and this must serve the needs of all the hockey players, figure skaters and pleasure skaters in town. This it cannot possibly do. There are many people, adults and children, who would like to make more frequent use of the arena but the time is not to be had. Some have been told already that the demands for ice have been so great that they will have to wait until the New Year before ice can be assured them. Surely, a town in the snow belt of Ontario and considered by many a winter playground can offer more than that. We believe it is up to the town council to serve all citizens, young and old. The reasons that justify public parks and swimming grounds should justify public skating areas. What better skating area can anyone suggest than Little Lake Park. Here is an ice surface to accommodate hundreds, if need be. In a setting of great natural beauty. With road access, change rooms, coffee shop already available we have a winter playground that could with little maintenance afford us considerable pleasure. Such a playground would, no doubt, on weekends attract as many visitors as our ski hills have been doing. The possibilities are enormous.
[Portion of a letter to the editor by Perrie Rintoul] 

    The quietness of the farm community of Vasey was shattered on the weekend with a lurid story of abduction and violent death. Earl Nash, 40, Toronto, a part-time car salesman was shot six times and died on the kitchen floor of a deserted farmhouse at the junction of Con. 7, Tay, and County Road 23. Wielding the gun was Mrs. Eileen Marshall, 40, who had been abducted from a Scarborough home Thursday by Nash and three companions. According to press reports, Nash, the father of six children and separated from his wife, and Mrs. Marshall, also separated, had lived together for some time. Later this year, Mrs. Marshall left Nash. In October, failing to get her to go back with him he struck her several times, breaking her jaw. Nash was to have appeared in court Friday on an assault charge, with Mrs. Marshall as chief witness. On Thursday, she was kidnapped by Nash and two companions who forced their way into her sister’s home at West Hill. The three men tied up the other woman, stole $7 and left with Mrs. Marshall. Leaving Toronto, the men drove north, stopping in Elmvale for groceries. From Thursday night until her escape Saturday morning, Mrs. Marshall told police she was in constant fear of being killed by Nash, who kept a revolver pointed at her most of the time. He also threatened to kill her by tying her to a tree, pouring water on her, and leaving her to freeze to death, the Toronto woman told police. On Saturday morning, police were told, Nash put the gun, a 32 caliber revolver, down for a moment to get something from his club bag. Mrs. Marshall made a desperate lunge for the gun, got it and kept pulling the trigger as Nash moved towards her. All six bullets hit Nash. 

    A motion passed by Midland Council Monday night stated no person receiving welfare benefits will be allowed to drive a car. Anyone applying for welfare assistance will be required to turn in their licence plates and ownership certificate for themselves or any dependent. 

   Stating that it was a recommendation of the Department of Municipal Affairs, Mayor Jerome Gignac Monday night asked council to pass a resolution calling for tenders to demolish the buildings on the P. Payette Co., property in Penetang. “I am very concerned with the condition of the building and the fact that children are playing in it and could get hurt.” he said. 

    Built in near-record time, the new $60,000 public school of SS 2, Baxter, Honey Harbour, was officially opened by J. H. Kennedy, assistant superintendent of Ontario elementary schools, Wednesday, afternoon. Chairman of the Baxter school board, J. Ross Birch acted as chairman for the opening program. Other members of the board are Ivan Schlegel and Tom Hewitt. Mrs. R. R. Wilson, Midland, is the secretary and Mr. Wilson the treasurer. Teachers at the two-room, electrically-heated school are Mrs. George Grise, principal, and Richard K. Rendle. 

    A record number of carloads of Christmas trees were shipped from the Penetang CNR station this year according to agent E. J. Levesque. Mr. Levesque said 89 cars of trees left here during the shipping season with practically all going to USA points. The three farthest points on the list were Gulf Port, Mississippi; Montgomery, Alabama; and Oklahoma City. Mr. Levesque said pulp shipments have also added to the local revenue this year with a large number of carloads being made to Thorold. [Christmas trees were also shipped from Midland.] 

    Dr. P. B Rynard, M P. Simcoe East, said yesterday that Midland Plastics Limited had been awarded $15,304.24 contract by the Department of Defence Production. It is understood the contract calls for the firm to supply more than 1,000,000 plastic buttons. The contract was awarded Dec 5.  

BIRTHS
DUSOME — To Mr. and Mrs. George Dusome, 48 Fifth Street, Midland, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Saturday, December 2, 1961, a daughter.
FORGET — To Mr. and Mrs. Martin Forget, West Street, Penetang, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Monday, December 4, 1961, a son.
LAURIN — To Mr. and Mrs. Marcellin Laurin, RR 1, Perkinsfield, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Monday, November 20, 1961, a son.
LeCAMP — To Mr. and Mrs. Leo LeCamp, 55 Poyntz Street, Penetang, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Monday, November 27, 1961, a daughter.
MAURICE — To Mr. and Mrs. Fernand Maurice, RR 3, Penetang, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Wednesday, November 29, 1961, a daughter.
NAHUIS — To Mr. and Mrs. Antonios Nahuis, RR 3, Elmvale, at
Penetanguishene General Hospital, Thursday, November 30, 1961, twin sons.
ROE — To Mr. and Mrs. Peter Roe, Wyevale, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Monday, December 4, 1961, a daughter.
SIBBALD — To Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Sibbald, Elmvale, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Sunday, November 26, 1961, a daughter.
MORRISON – To Mr. and Mrs. Robert Morrison, 56 Hambly Street, Toronto, at Toronto East General Hospital, Sunday, December 3, 1961, a daughter. 

10 YEARS AGO 
Dr. J. D. McPhee, Port McNicoll and George G. Johnston, Minesing, topped the polls for the Progressive – Conservatives in the provincial election in Simcoe East and Simcoe Centre respectively. • • • Despite ever-rising costs, Simcoe County Children’s Aid Society was meeting with success in its endeavors to live within its budget, according to Port McNicoll Reeve, Albert Calvert, chairman of the CAS finance committee. • • • Dr. Paul Scott, director of Simcoe County Health Unit, stated that neither Midland’s water supply nor milk distribution was responsible was for the “jaundice-like” malady which had brought sickness to many Midland children and some adults. • • • Three new switchboards had been installed at the Midland telephone exchange. • • •  Midland voters authorized a quarter million dollar debenture issue to finance new facilities at St. Andrews Hospital. • • •Elected to council were Charles Parker, mayor; W. Herb Taylor, reeve; Wm. H. Keller, deputy-reeve and Clint Smith, Charles Onley, Wm. Logan and Wm. Wilcox, aldermen. • • • Penetang Chamber of Commerce were requesting the town council  inaugurate one-hour parking on the streets in the business section. • • • In Penetang’s municipal elections, acclamations were given to George Kerr, mayor; Alf Cage, reeve and Archie Vernier, deputy-reeve.   • • • George Richardson was re-elected Worshipful Master of LOL 947, Midland. • • • Midland’s Santa Claus parade was sponsored jointly by Midland merchants and service clubs. 

Acclaimed Reeve of Port McNicoll for his 14th term, Albert Calvert is seen (right) in the top picture, signing papers for clerk B. J. Brownell.  Council and school trustee nominees seen in the lower picture,  include Tim Lewis and John Kent (seated) and (standing) Robert J. Young, John Maxwell, Robert Smith and Henry Valcheff. There was a good turnout for the nominations despite poor weather. 

Smiles were much in evidence, Monday night, when Midland Aldermanic candidate William Thompson celebrated his Ward 2 victory. Seen here are some of the people who helped Mr. Thompson achieve success at the polls. They are, (left to right), Doug Gerow, Mrs. Ron Mink, Mr. Thompson, Mrs. Ernie Mink, Ron Mink and Ernie Mink. 

Eleven-year-old Ruth Reynolds answered the door to Eileen Marshall after she had escaped from her abductor Saturday morning. Mrs. Marshall waded through knee-deep snow to reach the Reynolds’ home and blurt out her story. Willis Reynolds told police when they arrived minutes later at his neighboring farm looking for kidnapper Earl Nash and two companions, that Mrs. Marshall was safe.                      Eileen Marshall, 40. Toronto, is led from OPP office in Orillia by Det. Sgt. Irvine Alexander of Metro force after telling police she shot Earl Nash (inset), 40, six times. He and two other men kidnapped her last Thursday. Nash held her prisoner in farmhouse near Vasey for three days under the threat of death. She escaped through bathroom window to a neighbouring farm after shooting Nash.

“LOOK OUT BELOW, here we come,” say Norman Launder, front and Brian Hobbs, as they enjoy the first tobogganing of the year at Midland’s Little Lake Park. Hundreds of kiddies were out with sleighs, skis and toboggans on the weekend. 

Before yesterday’s rain, there was some pretty good skiing around Midland, following Friday’s snow storm. Pushing their way through about a foot of snow above are Sandra Nesbitt, left, and Joan Howard. 

First heavy snowfall of the season hit North Simcoe Friday, bringing, as it always does fun for the kids and work for their elders. There is no doubting how Jennifer and Jim Jeffery feel about the foot-deep white mantle.

There were more ‘players than fans’ at the Victoria Harbour nominations Monday night, when only 13 persons turned out. Some of the candidates seen above include, left to right, seated — Mrs. Mel Robertson, Ernest Cadeau, returned by acclamation as reeve, clerk James Heels, Wilfred Savage, 23 years a member of Harbour councils; standing Oliver Savage, William Grigg, Mel Robertson, Don Eplett, Herbert West and Dickson Brown. 

Most of the fire-works at the nomination meeting at Port McNicoll Wednesday night were provided by Cyril Larkin (seated), seen talking with councillor John Kent. Mr. Larkin threatened an injunction against the village if his nomination for council was not accepted. 

This big, three-panel mural, lends an attractive Christmas touch to the lobby of Midland’s Roxy Theatre. It’s the work of pupils of Regent Public School. The theatre hopes to make it an annual event, with different schools participating each year.

The young voices of Brownies will ring out in carols during Christmas week at Edwards Specialty Shop and over radio CKMP. Under ‘Brown Owls’ Mrs. Jim Lemieux and Lieut (Mrs.) William Johnston, the girls are the combined packs of 3rd and 4th Midland Brownies. Back row are the leaders of both groups. 

Built in near record time, the new $60,000 public school,  SS 2 Baxter, Honey Harbour, was officially opened by J. H. Kennedy, assistant superintendent of Ontario elementary schools, Wednesday afternoon. Chairman of the Baxter school board J. Ross Birch acted as chairman for the opening program. Other members of the board are Iven Schlegel and Tom Hewitt. Mrs. R. R. Wilson, Midland, is the secretary and Mr. Wilson the treasurer. Teachers at the two room, electrically heated school are Mrs. George Grise, principal, and Richard K. Rendle. 

There’s little resemblance between the spanking new SS 2 Baxter and the “Little Red School” Dr. P. B. Rynard, MP (seated) went to as a youngster. “Or in the books, either.” added Dr. Rynard. Looking on are Lloyd Letherby, MPP, and Mrs. Letherby, Coldwater, and Mrs. Rynard. They attended the official opening of the new school at Honey Harbour Wednesday. 

Almost everybody likes money, but there is a special treat for the rare or old coin fans at the Midland branch of the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce this week. The circular “coin” on this panel, for instance, is made of stone and is called Yap money. Some of these Caroline Island coins measured as high as 12 feet across and weighed up to five tons each. 

Mrs. Verna Marchant, Bell Telephone employee, is featured in an advertisement reminding subscribers that staff will be on duty to handle their holiday phone calls. 

First invitation bonspiel of the season was held by the ladies of Midland Curling Club this week. Winner was a Midland rink skipped by Mrs. Fred Hobbs. Left to right are Mrs. J. E. Maseles, Mrs. Ken Ellis, Mrs. Hobbs, and Mrs. Don Simpson. They defeated Mrs. Frank Bray’s rink of Mrs. Bruce Holt, Mrs. Frank Powell and Mrs. Ross Thompson 7-4, in the deciding game.

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. 

AREA BACK ON SKI MAP BIG MEET HERE IN ‘62
County Herald headline of December 1, 1961.

Midland district was put back on the national and international ski jumping map this week. Pete Pettersen, a leading figure in skiing circles on both sides of the Atlantic, told this newspaper yesterday he had purchased for an undisclosed figure the five acres of property west of Midland on which are located the junior and senior ski jumps. Mr. Pettersen also revealed that he had obtained long-term leases on another 17 acres of property in the fields at the foot of the jump hills. This property will be used for parking facilities he said. Idle since the International invitation meet in August, 1957, the jump structure itself has weathered well, Mr. Pettersen said. He feels it can be put in tip-top condition with a few minor repairs, which will be carried out next week. The facilities are to be known as Midland Ski Jump, owned and operated by Mr. Pettersen.  Mr. Pettersen said he also was pleased that Chris Foster and his associates would be operating other skiing facilities— the downhill and slalom slopes —adjoining the jump property. Assisting Mr. Foster, owner and operator of these facilities will be his son and son-in-law G. Goldsmith. Mrs. Foster and her daughter will operate the ski chalet and the refreshment booth. 

     The parking area at Penetang dock should be adequately lighted next year with work proceeding on installation of two large lighting standards. Concrete bases have been poured and cable laid under the pavement for the lights. Another part of the same contract held by Patenaude Electric is installation of 110-volt outlets for visiting cruisers. Existing outlets on the dock are 220-volt and few cruisers are equipped to utilize this heavier service.

    Lloyd Letherby, MLA Simcoe East, revealed this week that improvements to Highway 501, between Port Severn and Honey Harbour are to be carried out. Mr. Letherby said a sharp knoll, near the Honey Harbour school, is to be corrected within the next few weeks. He said this hazard had been pointed out to him by Father Burke of Honey Harbour.

    Largest cargo of grain ever to enter the Bayports, 782,791.8 bushels of No 2 northern wheat arrived in Midland yesterday in the holds of the John A. France, of the Scott Misener Steamships Ltd., it will be unloaded at Tiffin Elevator. The huge cargo was 5,000 bushels above the previous record, 777,400 bushels of winter storage grain in the Murray Bay last year. Albert Hill, superintendent at Tiffin, intimated it might take until early next week to unload the France. At present there is room for some 500,000 bushels in Tiffin and about 140 box cars will have to be loaded to make room for the balance of the France’s cargo.  Shortage of box cars is a big problem for Tiffin at the moment, Mr. Hill said. There are quite a few ships at the Lakehead ready to bring grain to Georgian Bay ports if there were room in the elevators. Prospects of a large winter fleet for Midland and Port McNicoll are good this year, according to Mr. Hill, who expects at least three of the largest bulk carriers will spend the winter months alongside Tiffin.   

 

Editorial page photo entitled “Across the Wye River”  Photo is of the trestle on the CNR line into Penetang, south of Wyevale.

 PARKER RE-ELECTED MAYOR – FOUR NEW MEN ON ’62 COUNCIL
Free Press Herald headline of December 6, 1961. 

In one of the closest fought mayoralty contests in Midland’s history, Monday, incumbent Charles Parker edged Herb Beauchamp by 101 votes. Mr. Parker received 1,425 and Mr. Beauchamp 1,324. Four members of this year’s council went down to defeat. Reeve Percy Crawford; Deputy-Reeve, Mervin Grigg; and Aldermen, Albert Atkinson and Oliver Lesperance.    Midland Fire Chief Arnold Tippin estimated $800 damage was caused by a “Molotov cocktail” fire bomb thrown through a bedroom window at the home of Robert Carson, 80 Montreal Street, Saturday night. It started a fire in the bedding and caused considerable smoke damage. The incident happened at about 8 p.m. Mrs. Carson had left home a few minutes earlier with her oldest son, William, 17, who was taking part in a play at Midland – Penetang District High School. At home were Danny, 14, who was acting as baby-sitter, Stanley, 13 Roberta Joyce, 8, Randy, 5, and Janice 2. 

25 YEARS AGO
Midland’s YMCA Young Men’s Club were preparing for their second annual ice carnival reunion party between Christmas and New Years. * * * Rev. A. E. W. Ingram, rector of St. Mark’s Anglican Church, was elected president of Midland Kiwanis Club with V. G. Edwards as vice-chairman. * * * A program of slum clearance to provide employment and a national system of unemployment insurance was advocated by Harry Murphy, president of the Ontario Federation of Unemployed when he addressed a meeting of the Midland Workers’ Association. * * * A. J. B. Gray, supervisor of the Ontario Department of Municipal Affairs, endorsed a recommendation of the Midland Chamber of Commerce to employ an industrial commissioner. * * * Midlander’s Lorne Lockhart and Chris Gardner were among the 300 ex-soldiers and nurses invited to a reception in Toronto to meet Lady Astor at Government House. * * * A deer visited Midland after crossing the bay ice and jumping up on to the town dock. Loping up to Bay Street, it was finally frightened away by workmen at the Midland-Simcoe Elevator. * * * Plans were being made for Midland’s first winter sports carnival with chamber of commerce and ski club members co-operating in preparation of the program. *  * * Through the efforts of Midland’s Dr. D. C. S. Swan the British Consols Athletic Club of Toronto decided to sponsor Junior and Intermediate hockey teams from Midland in the OHA hockey race. * * * The new Midland ski jump, on “the mountain” cost more than $900 and a public subscription was being taken to defray the cost. 

   Start of a face-lifting for the Grew Boats Ltd., property adjoining Penetang docks is well underway with a new office building nearing completion. The new 24 by 30 structure is located south of the present  office and showroom building. When complete it will have a stone front with sides and back stucco finished. Andy Morrison, general manager, said the new building will contain two private offices, large general office, and wash rooms on the main floor. The present office building will be torn down and levelled off. 

Players on Penetang’s intermediate “C” hockey team are being offered a hat by Mayor Jerome Gignac for the first one pulling a “hat trick.” Left to right, kneeling, Martin Forget, Terry Pike, Larry Merkley, Harvey Jackson, Charlie Scott; standing, Larry Bellisle, sec.-treas., Rene Lesperance, ass’t. mgr., Jerry Murphy, Alvin Robillard, Jerry Gerow, Mayor Gignac, giving the hat to goalie Harvey Benoit to hold for the winner, Al Jensen, Dave Culbertson, “Pit” Maurice Legault mgr., Harold Jackson, trainer, Murray York, playing coach. (Photo quality was poor from the negative.) 

A smiling Bill Thompson is seen with wife Barbara after being re-elected alderman in Ward 2 in Monday’s elections. Mr. Thompson defeated Don MacEachern by 101 votes to retain his seat. He polled 333 votes to Mr. MacEachern’s 232. 

Chairman of the Midland Recreational Council, Doug Gerow, right, is pictured above receiving cheque for $200 from Lions Club member Charley Kay. The money will be used to help Little NHL hockey in the Midland district. Each year the Lions donate toward some project sponsored by the Recreational Council. 

Some of the fifteen North Simcoe girls who won county honours for completing six 4-h Homemakers Club projects during the year are seen above during achievement day at EImvale Saturday. Left to right in the upper photo are, Heather Dobson and Betty Austin, Eady; Miss Peggy Hunt, county home economist; Rosemary Buchanan, Vasey and Susan Pottage, Hillsdale. In the lower photo are Mrs. Don MacDonald (seated), Lynda Corlett, Waverley, Wilhelmina and Lennie Noordegraaf, Edenvale, Sharon Leonard, Wyevale South. Margaret Hancock and Marion Bell, Van Vlack. Mrs. MacDonald was presented with a 10-year leadership diploma. 

It’s a long way from the forward end of the John A. France, where this picture was taken, to the aft end. Here the two legs of Tiffin elevator start the long task of removing a record 782,791 bushels of wheat from the holds of the 700-foot Scott Misener freighter. 

Piled high in the hold, this wheat is part of the record cargo brought to Midland Friday by the Scott Misener Line’s John A. France. Tiffin elevator employee is lowering the “leg” which contains the buckets that move grain from ship to storage bin. 

The John A. France docked at the Tiffin Elevator. She was built in Montreal in 1960, bought by Algoma Central Marine in 1994 and renamed Algoriver, laid up in 2000 at Montreal, scrapped in Turkey, 2002. (How many Midland youngsters have jumped off that cement wall, I have.)

 

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. 

PENETANG COUNCIL IN, VOTE-WARS IN MIDLAND
The County Herald headline of November 24, 1961. 

Penetang electors last night accomplished-two ‘firsts”. They elected the first woman to council and gave acclamations to all members of the first council to hold  office for a two-year term. Mrs. Frances St. Amant, wife of Richard St. Amant, will serve with eight men as the first of the fair sex to grapple with problems of running the town of Penetang. Only other new face on council will be Douglas Bensley. Jerome Gignac was returned to office as mayor, as was Alf Cage as reeve and Bernard St. Amant as deputy-reeve. Lionel Dion, Maurice Legault, Hubert Patenaude and Ralph White, all members of last year’s council, were returned. With the exception of Ralph White, all nominees qualified before leaving the meeting. Mr. White had indicated on a consent form his intention to stand for office. Apparently the most popular civic duty at present is service on the public school board. Eight persons — four of the present board, one who has had previous experience and three new persons — were nominated for the six seats. Mrs. Joyce Hamelin, G. J. Robillard, Bernard LeClaire and Chas. O. Martin were the sit ting members nominated. Maurile Marchand, who has served previously for 14 years, also was nominated. The three tyros are Jos. E. Lemoine, Andy Clapperton and Henry Hamelin Jr. 

    One of the largest crowds in Midland history turned out last night to see a total of 40 nominations made for 12 vacancies on council, public schools board and public utilities commission. At the conclusion of nominations in the municipal building, it appeared there would be three two-way battles; for the mayoralty, reeve-ship and deputy-reeve- ship when electors go to the polls Dec. 4. 

    Maurice Latour, president of Local 4696, United Steelworkers of America, has thrown his hat into Midland’s political ring for the first time. An employee of Midland Foundry, Mr. Latour was nominated last night to seek the council vacancy in Ward 3. Residing in Midland for 14 years, he lives at 51 Bay Street, with his wife Anne and son, Bobbie. Mr. Latour strongly stresses the need for more industry in the area. He feels added industry would bring greater job potential and thus produce more purchasing power in the community.      

    Midland’s Clerk – treasurer Wm. A. Hack has uncovered a discrepancy in census figures which could mean nearly $1,000 to the town. Mr. Hack revealed this week the Dominion Bureau of Statistics report from Ottawa showed the 1961 Midland census figure as 8,464 while the assessment roll for the same year was 8,731 or a difference of 267. As the unconditional grant from the provincial government is based on the last revised census population and paid at S3.50 per capita, this could mean a difference of $934 in Midlands’s favor. In view of the different figures, Mr. Hack said he had “lodged a disagreement” with the provincial government. 

   Frank Powell, head of the physics department of Midland- Penetang District High School, has been honored in being asked by the Chief Director of Education for Ontario to sit on a special committee preparing the Grade 13 examination paper in biology. This information was revealed at a recent MPDHS board meeting when a letter from the chief director, Dr. R. S. River, was read requesting Mr. Powell’s attendance at the committee. “It is quite an honor for Mr. Powell and it is a real advantage to the school to have him on such a committee,” commented MPDHS Principal R. C. Gauthier. Perrie Rintoul, head of the history department and John Dalrymple, head of the mathematics department, also are serving in similar capacities.

Obituary – Native and resident of this area for his entire life, Edmond Robillard died unexpectedly Nov. 12, at Penetanguishene General Hospital following a short illness.  Born April 29, 1888 at Lafontaine, he lived there for the first 30 years of his life, before coming to Penetang. He had spent a short while in between at Byng Inlet before retiring three years ago. He had been an attendant at the Ontario Hospital for 18 years. In public life he had served as a member of Penetang Public School Board. He was also a member of the Ontario Civil Service Association. He was a Roman Catholic in faith, and a Liberal in politics. He was particularly fond of hockey, fishing, hunting and boating. The late Mr. Robillard married Hattie Quesnelle at Penetang in 1910, and she still survives, along with three sons, Armand, Midland, Raymond and Leonard, Penetang; and four daughters, Elsa, Toronto, Clara (Mrs. Stewart Holt) Midland, Doris Mrs. Godfrey Trilsbeck, Penetang, and Jeannette, (Mrs. Roy Beale) West Vancouver. There are 16 grand-children.  He also leaves his mother, Mrs. Andre Robillard, Penetang and five brothers, Ligourie, Albert, James, Norman and Walter, all of Penetang. Funeral service was held Nov 15 from Beausoleil’s Funeral Home to St. Ann’s Memorial Church. Requiem mass was said by Rev. G. Hamel assisted by Rev. J. Kelly and Rev. L. O’Malley. Temporary entombment was in St. Ann’s Mausoleum. Pallbearers were Alvin, Marcel, Gilbert, Maurice and Nelson Robillard and Alvin Leroux. 

During a lively nomination meeting at the Midland municipal building, last night, Walter Woods, standing left, Ward 4 candidate and Mervin Grigg, standing right, candidate for Deputy-reeve, chat with chief returning officer Wm. A. Hack, seated left, and K. R. Hawkes. Ratepayers crowded the auditorium when 40 candidates were nominated. 

 

CANDIDATES SQUARE OFF IN BATTLE FOR BALLOTS
Free Press Herald headline of November 29, 1961. 

Mayoralty candidate Herbert Beauchamp said last night, “If elected I will hold the line on taxes.” He was speaking to about 175 people in the Canadian Legion Hall, Midland. A total of 19 candidates vying for posts on council, public schools board and public utilities commission spoke at the candidates meeting. Mr. Beauchamp, implored citizens to plan wisely for the future of the community. The decisions made today by our elected officials, be said, were the foundations for the Midland of tomorrow. He strongly advocated the establishment of new industry. Within our borders, he said are choice industrial sites that require access roads in order to attract industry. In his address, he indicated the need for an effective streets program to cope with the growth and development of the town. Mr. Beauchamp deplored the fact the winter works project had been late in commencing. Other points in Mr. Beauchamp’s platform were; re-location of the dump, alternate truck routes and lights for the ball park. 

       In one of the first cases to be tried in the province, a 20 year old man from St. Catharine’s, was found guilty of dangerously operating a motor boat, by Magistrate K. A. Cameron in Midland police court Monday. He was fined $50, and $32.50 costs. The charge arose out of a fatal accident at Honey Harbour, Sept 17, when Robert Clarke, 19, St Catharine’s, died almost instantly when thrown from the deck of a boat into a dock. 

    WAUBAUSHENE — Undergoing training in the RCAF’s new 1200-mph CF-101B jet interceptor is Flying Officer Morley L. Taylor, 27, son of Mr. and Mrs. M. F. Taylor, Percy Street, Waubaushene. A pilot with 410 All-Weather Fighter Squadron, F/O Taylor is based at Namao (now CFB Edmonton), just north of Edmonton. In a six-week course he will learn to fly the CF-101B interceptor which is replacing the CF-I00 Canuck in the RCAF’s Air Defence Command. On successful completion of the concentrated flying course, he, with other air-crews of 410 Squadron, will return to RCAF Station Uplands, near Ottawa, about Christmas time. 

35 YEARS AGO – 1926
Celebrating their 51st anniversary, Calvary Baptist Church, Midland, had as special speaker Professor Dougald Brown of McMaster University, Hamilton. • • •  Midland’s Knox Presbyterian Church was dedicating its newly constructed memorial Sunday school building Rev. Dr. Kanawin of Toronto was the special speaker. • • •  The 37th annual meeting of the Ontario Hockey Association re-elected Midland’s George S. Dudley to its executive. • • •  J. T. Belanger, Port McNicoll grocer, purchased the Midland grocery business of Downer and Latanville.  Mr. Belanger’s son was in charge of the Midland store. • • Veterans by unanimous vote decided to form a Midland Branch of the Canadian Legion. A temporary executive was appointed and consisted of L. Lockhart, chairman, D. Swinson, C. L. Wiles, D Hewitt, G. Morris, Joseph Sweeting, George Wilson, B Hogg and G. Foster. • • Hon Wm. Finlayson of Midland, minister of lands and forests in the provincial government was re-elected to his seat in the provincial election which elected 76 Conservatives to office under Premier Howard Ferguson. • • • George Brighty shipped the first silver fox from Midland. It went to Adam Dawson of Oakwood, Ontario. • • New Midland Bell Telephone directories advised that five-minute conservations with Penetang, Port McNicoll, Victoria Harbour or Waubaushene would cost 10 cents. The charge for three-minute conversations to Coldwater or Elmvale was 15 cents and for the same length of time the charge was 20 cents to Collingwood and to Barrie, 25 cents. 

    Two roads in the Midland Penetang area were mentioned during a report of the roads committee to Simcoe County Council in Barrie last week. The report said that considerable work had been carried, out on the 1 1/2 miles of County Road 2, linking Midland with Highway 27. (Vindin Street to the roundabout) The road is now ready for paving but this will not be carried out until spring. Cost of the work was given as $20,895. Also slated for next spring is the straightening of a dangerous curve on County Road 6, just north of Perkinsfield.   

A Vasey girl, 16-year-old Caroline Edwards, won the title of “Lassie Queen” for Simcoe County at the second annual competition held recently at OAC, Guelph. Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Edwards, R.R. 1, Vasey, Caroline has been a member of the Vasey 4-H Calf Club for several years. She was chosen on the basis of club achievements, her work with shorthorn calves, and personality. 

These uniforms, typical of the type worn by school safety patrols, were on display in a Midland store on the weekend. Uniforms for members of Midland patrols, to be inaugurated shortly, are being donated by the Ontario Motor League, an OML official stated at a meeting in the Canadian Legion hall, Monday evening. 

Fire of unknown origin completely destroyed this service station and coffee shop at Waverley Friday night. Water had to be trucked to the scene for use by Midland firemen, who attended. Owners of the building were not home when the fire broke out, around 8 p.m. 

New and old aspirants for seats on Tay Township council are seen above at signing-in ceremonies at Victoria Harbour Monday night. Left to right seated, are Deputy-Reeve W. Knechtle, Reeve Fred Kinnear, acclaimed for his 12th term, and Clerk Ralph Dalton; standing: council candidates, Ken Polkinghorne, Murray Edwards, Stan Smith, Tom Robinson, and Ken Mundy. Mr. Mundy is contesting the deputy-reeveship. 

Saturday night was a big night for youngsters at Vasey 4-H Calf Club as they received their season’s awards at a dinner in Vasey United Church. At left, E. W. Brown, manager of the Midland branch, presents the Royal Bank trophy to Donna Rumney. She was highest girl in the club. 

Dennis Brown receives tray from W. A. Child, manager of the Midland branch of the Bank of Montreal, for topping the rest of the boys in the 25-member club. 

Scoring the highest number of points for showmanship in Vasey 4-H Calf Club competition this year, David Jones won the trophy presented by the Swift Canadian Co. Making the presentation is company representative F. N. Donnersley. 

Free Press staffer Catherine MacAllister holds an Indian peace-pipe, but was not inclined to smoke it. The pipe was brought to Midland by Dr. May Roberts, medical missionary in India who has many relatives in this district. 

Midland’s senior citizens are seen here at their new drop-in center at the YMCA. With the senior citizens are other Midlander’s who are assisting in formulating plans for the newly formed club. The town’s older citizens have not had a drop-in center since the legion building was burned two years ago. 

Shown above is part of the overflow crowd that jammed Midland council chamber last Thursday night, to see 40 nominations for 12 vacancies on council, public schools board and public utilities commission. 

There were plenty of goals, and even more near misses, as Midland Flyers downed Barrie Falcons 9-7 at Midland Arena Wednesday night. Above, Falcon goalie Don Rich, has just made a fine save on Flyer’s George Westfall, skating away to the left. 

We couldn’t resist adding this photo from the Midland Argus, 1932. An idea not well thought out!