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.  

When former Huronia Museum curator Jamie Hunter acquired the Midland Free Press negative collection containing over 75,000 images, he thought we had them all, but as we process and identify them it has become obvious that we only have about half of the photos actually used in the paper each week. Many were submitted by rural correspondents such as Cyril Martin from Coldwater who would have kept his originals. The photos taken from the Penetang office have been lost except for a few hundred. Many photos were submitted by citizens who were on site when events occurred. The negatives from this week in 1961 have also disappeared; there is not one original photo in the collection this week so we have gone to the “copy and paste” option. 

 NEW BYLAW LIMITS HOURS FOR GAS OUTLETS 

Free Press Herald headline from April 19, 1961.
Midland council at a special meeting Monday night gave third reading and approval to a bylaw regulating the hours of retail gasoline outlets in Midland. Reeve Percy Crawford and Alderman Albert Atkinson  were opposed to the bylaw. Alderman Oliver Lesperance with Mr. Crawford and Mr. Atkinson opposed the third reading of the bylaw. Alderman Wm. Thompson, Walter Woods and Deputy-reeve Grigg were in favor. Mayor Charles Parker cast the deciding vote in favor of the third reading. L. Bosley of Bosley’s Service Station objected to Taylor’s Service station being exempt from the bylaw and said there was discrimination against him (Bosley). The reeve agreed with Mr. Bosley. Reeve Crawford said he was opposed because council would be responsible if a court case arose from the decision. “I hope it doesn’t cause a lawsuit but it probably will,” added Mr. Bosley. The bylaw provides that service stations, Mondays to Fridays, will close at 7 p.m. and open at 7 a.m. the following  morning and on Saturday they will close at 7 p.m. and remain closed until 7 a.m. Monday. Two duty service stations will be permitted to remain open every weekend. [Bosley’s was at the corner of Fifth and Vindin, he operated a service station, drive in restaurant and coin operated car wash.) 

MIDLAND INDUSTRY LANDS BIG AIR UNIT CONTRACT 

County Herald headline of April 21, 1961
A substantial order for air circulation units of a design and type never before made in Canada has been awarded to Canadian Name Plate Company, Midland, President Gordon Moss told this newspaper earlier this week. Mr. Moss said the Midland firm is at present tooling up for the work. He said production will commence early in May and will continue indefinitely. The Name Plate president said the contract will mean at least 30 new employees will  be employed by the company as production of the units proceeds. He expected the plant would be in full production on the units by mid-summer. He explained that another Midland industry, Midland Industries Limited, also will benefit from the new product. MIL will supply three plastic parts used in the circulation units’ assembly. It is the only major supplier of parts. Mr. Moss said the largest component piece In the assembly is an extruded aluminum shape which will be made from raw aluminum billets on new equipment recently installed in the Name Plate plant. 

    A Penetang girl, Miss Claudia Stewart, has been named superintendent of nurses for the new Ontario Hospital School at Cedar Springs. She is the daughter of Mrs. Jack Stewart and the late Jack Stewart. Claudia is a graduate of the Ontario Hospital School at Orillia. She also completed’ postgraduate courses at University of Toronto and University of Western Ontario. She has had experience in both general and psychiatric nursing in Toronto, London, Orillia and Penetang. Prior to assuming her new duties, she was on the staff at the Ontario Hospital School, Orillia. 

    Midland Police Chief George Wainman said yesterday that, in the last six weeks, 19 bicycles had been reported stolen. All but three have been recovered, the chief noted, added that the majority of those stolen did not have licence plates. “It would be a great help to the police and a protection to the owners if they had bought the licence plates.” Commented the chief, noting that the licences cost only $I. 

    A Midland-owned beagle, Heidi by name, may have set some kind of record when she gave birth to no less than 14 live puppies recently. Owned by Mr. and Mrs. Clinton Truax, Russell Street, Heidi had 12 of her litter by natural birth and two others arrived only after a Caesarian operation. On Wednesday, 11 of the puppies were still living, and doing well. Heidi, who only weighs around 20 pounds soaking wet, was doing well too. She’s a purebred beagle, one of the smaller type of hounds. Average litter for this breed of dog is around five to seven pups, and the known registered record, as far as we have been able to find out is 12,” Mr. Truax told this paper. The big litter has meant extra work for the Truaxs’ who are helping Heidi with her feeding problems by means of a prepared formula which is fed to the pups via a bottle every six hours. 

     Members of Midland Curling Club, at their annual meeting Wednesday night, instructed the club’s directors to pursue further, and determine the advisability of the installation of a separate ice-making plant for the curling rink. The decision was taken after members  heard the arena board plans to increase the rate it charges the curling club for ice-making services. There were 78 members present at the meeting. 

    Captains and engineers of Great Lakes ships in the Midland area recently tendered a dinner to Allan Dane and Roy Wilson of the government wireless station and John Smith, government steamship inspector. The meeting heard that all three men will be leaving Midland at the end of the month when the wireless station and the steamship inspection office will be closed. Chairman of the dinner, held at the Georgian Hotel, was George Burns superintendent of Canadian Pacific Steamships at Port McNicoll. Percy Eagles of Great Lakes Boat and Machine Co. Ltd., paid tribute to Mr. Smith and expressed regret that the inspector was leaving Midland. Mayor Charles Parker said Midland was disappointed about losing the wireless station and the steamship inspection office and it was hoped they might return to Midland. 

Hi-Sterics by BONNIE ROURKE
The interhouse drama is coming to a close as houses Alpha and Delta begin rehearsing their plays. House Delta is presenting a Hillbilly play directed by Mr. Thompson. Play is about a man with three teen-age children who wants to marry a widow with two children. But “Paw” doesn’t think Daisy will want to marry him with such a brood, so he dresses them in short pants and ribbons. The play is hilarious and well played by: Jim McKean, Wendy Feltham, Leila Bower, Robbie Morrison, Nancy Jones, Ede Saelzer, Bill Young, Chris Brinkman and Roger Jackson. House Alpha is rehearsing “This Way to Heaven”, directed Mrs. Mckean. The play is a comedy fantasy about a man who is moving into the room of an elderly lady. The man is a ‘being’ from heaven who has to kill Gram before he can get his wings. He wants to kill her because she is an excellent cook and she is needed in heaven. Alpha is well supported by Richard Wright, Thelma Penhale, Jacques Beauchamp and Bonnie Rourke. 

    Fifty years ago today, April 19, 1911, was the date on which final signatures were placed on a charter of incorporation for Penetanguishene General Hospital. To mark the anniversary, members of the Ladies Auxiliary are holding a tea at the hospital, and the entire building will be open to visitors. W. J. Hanna was provincial secretary when the charter was granted in 1911 to the hospital, which opened in a home originally built for H. H. Thompson and later sold to Wm. Firstbrook. It was sold to the town to be used as a hospital in 1910. Some say the selling price was $4,000, while others maintain its was turned over for a nominal $1 payment. Originally, Penetanguishene General Hospital operated with a nursing school, provision for which was set out in the charter. The last class graduated in 1929. From the beginning to the present date (1961), the hospital has had a total of 21 superintendents. An historical booklet being produced for the anniversary indicates that official records are missing for a considerable portion of the first years of operation. An interesting bit of information contained in it shows that in 1928 ward rate was $1.75 per day, with $2.50 for semi-private and $3 for private ward. Sometime during the late 30’s or early 40’s, the financial situation of the institution became extremely precarious. It was In 1942 that the board finally moved to bring in a religious order to carry on the work. So the Grey Sisters of the Immaculate Conception took over the operation of the hospital. In the booklet, one of the original Sisters to arrive, and still on the staff, writes of some of the difficulties encountered during their first years. She tells of cutting cotton from a bolt, hemming it, and rushing back to make up a bed. There were many gifts of food to the institution, and the sisters spent long hours preserving fruits and vegetables for use during the long winter. One nurse comprised the night duty staff, and she often had to check on the furnace and occasionally shovel in the odd lot of coal to keep the place warm. The laboratory consisted of a microscope and a few fluids to do blood counts. 

Big news from the gossip column, Did You Hear …
Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Sweeting, Tom and Tim motored to St. Catharines for the weekend to visit Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Sweeting. 

25 Years Ago – 1936
Midland tax rate was set at 45 mills the same as the previous year. * * * Amalgamation of Midland’s municipal offices, public utility commission, and education and parks boards was put into effect with R. S. King appointed comptroller. * * * A chorus of Midland High School students, directed by Douglas Major, with representatives of 14 other schools presented a special choir of voices at Massey Hall, Toronto, in connection with the Ontario Educational Association convention. * * * The Canadian Corps’ capture of Vimy Ridge was celebrated by Midland’s branch 80 of the Canadian Legion at a dinner in the Queen s Hotel. * * *  The pickerel run had started in the Black and North Rivers according to Dr. W B Leatherdale, secretary-treasurer of the Gloucester Pool Cottagers’ Association. * * * A L Fitzgerald was elected president of the Penetang Baseball Club at its annual meeting. * * * H. H. McGill was appointed Midland’s municipal park superintendent and clearing of the park ground for another season was started. * * * Supplementary estimates tabled in the federal government intruded $16,000 for dredging and $9,000 for a wharf at Honey Harbour and $21,200 for a wharf at Penetang. * * * Capt. Cecil Clark of Midland was appointed shore captain of the Paterson Steamship Lines at Montreal. * * * A violin made by James Albert Benson of Sixth Street Midland won high praise from a number of Toronto violinists and was shown at the Midland Hobby Show.    

     The Midland 4H Strawberry Club held its organizational  meeting at Evergreen School House recently. New officers elected were, president, Sharon Benson: vice- president, Ronalda Belanger; secretary-treasurer, Donald Foster. The convener of the social committee is Ailene Wilcox, and of the fall fair executive, Wayne McMann. Two new members were welcomed at this meeting and on March 30 three more new members joined the club. Achievement day this year will be held July 4 when exhibits from each member will be judged; a test on this year’s work will be given; and individual members will have a chance to judge sample boxes of berries. The club has been trying out several new types of berries. One of these, Redcoats, put out by the government two years ago, appears very promising. It produces a large, firm, bright-colored berry with prolific runner-growth, and is also a good jam berry with a high yield per acre. Other varieties are being tried.

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.  

The quality of the newspaper reproduction this week has made it hard to copy text and to avoid having to type it all we have “clipped” entire segments. Many of the photos this week were of the Little NHL hockey tournament, the negatives are not in the collection, either taken by another correspondent or lost.

Click on photos to enlargeAn editorial page photo entitled “The Highlands of Huronia”. A combination of snow and bare ground forms a patchwork quilt over the re-awakening lands in the valley and along the hills of the scene pictured in today’s editorial page photo. The picture was taken from the top of the hill on the county road just east of the village of Waverley. The dark patches in the wooded areas are pine plantations. 

This miniature curling stone, seen beside a regulation rock, attracted a lot of attention at the recent mixed bonspiel in Midland. It was brought back from Scotland by Mrs. Don Macintosh of Woodstock (centre). Admiring the stone, perfect in every way except size, are Mrs. Clive Park of Midland (left) and Mrs. Alvin Gropp, Penetang. 

Mrs. Johnston, a Salvation Army officer in her own right and wife of Lieut Wm. Johnston of the Midland corps, fits a warm winter jacket on a little girl. The Army performs many such Christian acts in this area. 

These outstanding students at St. Theresa’s High School received their school letters from Rev. Ralph Egan of Midland last week, left to right are, Paul Tremblay, Carol Perrault, Bob McLaughlin, Father Egan, Pat Knicely, Gary Blake and Doreen Moreau. Ron Belanger was absent when the photo was taken. 

Members of the Students’ Council at St. Theresa’s High School, Midland, recently were presented with their school “bars.” Seated, left to right, are Doreen Moreau, vice-president; Paul Tremblay, president, exhibiting one of the bars; and Bob McLaughlin, secretary-treasurer. Standing are, left to right Elaine Dorion, Donna Contois, Michael Borsa and Margaret Ann Kearns. 

Winners of the Midland Recreational Hockey League playoffs this year was the Midland Foundry team, above. They defeated the Dynamoes in the finals to win the Craighead Trophy, last played for before World War 2. 

Editorial page photo entitled; “Road In a Rut”. Spring is taking its annual toll of roads throughout the province and the section of Tiny Township side road, near Waverley, pictured on today’s editorial page, is typical of the condition of many side roads at this time of year. 

Pictured during a ceremony at Midland IOOF Temple last week are these new candidates for the Encampment Branch of the IOOF. Left to right front row, are, W. T. Stewart, Waubaushene; Richard Dennis, Barrie; Clifford Newburn, Midland; Douglas Gordon, Waubaushene: middle row, R. Stamp, Midland; D. Hutchison, Waubaushene; Ernie Bates, Midland; Ed Collins, Midland; back row, Gerald Robinson, Barrie; Stuart Withers, Wyebridge; William Cain, Elmvale. 

Queen’s Park Bill O.K.’s $110,000 Hospital Grant 

Free Press headline of April 12, 1961
Present indications are that Midland will be reimbursed by payments from the county equal to the outstanding debenture on St Andrews Hospital. This was revealed at Midland council meeting, Monday night when a letter from town solicitor D. G. Haig was read. The letter read in part: I am pleased to announce the Province of Ontario in its wisdom has seen fit to enact the necessary amendment to the Municipal Act to grant authority to the County of Simcoe to pass a bylaw to allow re-imbursement to the Town of Midland for payments equal to the outstanding debenture held by the town on the hospital. 

    Idle for more than five years, Midland Shipyard property is to be the location of a new private company — Kerr Piping Limited —  manufacturers of prefabricated piping whose manufacturing headquarters will be at Midland. The plant will produce prefabricated piping assemblies for oil refineries, chemical plants, pipeline terminals, thermo-generating stations, and general industrial installations. Centre of operations will be the building formerly known as the punch shop. 

    High praise for the success of the Ontario Little NHL  championships held in Midland and Penetang Thursday to Saturday was voiced by a number of officials as the trophies crests were presented in Midland Armory to wind up proceedings Saturday night. “Undoubtedly it was one of the most pleasant and best-run series in our 20-year history,” said Ontario President Paul McKelvey of Alliston.  Two things stood out he said—billeting and refereeing. “It is wonderful to see two towns co-operate like Midland and Penetang did to house all of these youngsters, I have received nothing but words of praise from parents who along later to pick up their lads.” said Mr. McKelvey. “And if there was any beefs about the refereeing at any time, it did not reach official ears. Usually if there is any, we hear about it.” He sighed in relief. 

    Trenton’s aggregation in the Little NHL tournament parade in Midland late Thursday afternoon outshone their counterparts in other teams and won the Sharpe Trophy for the municipality making the best showing in the procession. Forty-two teams, St. Theresa’s High School Band, Midland Citizens Band, two fire trucks and floats entered by Midland Legionnaires, the Indian village, Penetang Museum, Cancer Society, Midland Shrine Club, Commodore Hotel,  Penetang Little NHL, Marchand’s Esso service and the Penetang Bottling Company made up the parade. The procession formed up at Midland dock and moved up King Street about 5.15 p.m. Members of Midland Y’s Men’s Club assisted with the organization of the marchers and teams from Milton, Dunnville and Bowmanville received honorable mention. 

    The 1961 Ontario Little NHL championships have been concluded and once again, as it did last year, the name “Penetang” will be inscribed on one of the trophies. In the three-day tournament which wound up Saturday night in Midland Armory, Penetang’s junior team emerged the winners in the “B” series for towns under 15,000 population. Last year it was the NHL team which brought home the bacon from Huntsville. 

    Joe Patenaude found it didn’t pay to back Montreal Canadiens in the Stanley Cup playoffs, and as a result he was forced to pay a bet by pushing a barrow load of potatoes up Penetang’s Main Street Sunday morning. Carrying signs “Rocket come back” and “Buy Lafontaine potatoes”, Joe pushed the barrow from the main intersection, south for one block. His load was two sacks of spuds, each covered with a Canadien sweater. 

    ”The situation appears decidedly gloomy at the moment.” That’s the way Bert Armstrong, superintendent of the CPR elevator at Port McNicoll, described the impending navigation season as far as the Bayports are concerned. His sentiments have been seconded by other elevator officials in Midland and Collingwood. “The Wheat Board seems to want to send all the boats direct from the Lakehead to Eastern Lake Ontario or St. Lawrence elevators.” Mr. Armstrong noted. “There seems to be no prospect, he said, of the usual large influx of grain ships to local elevators this spring.” 

    Four books designed to increase the waterborne tourist business in the Georgian Bay region are now on the market. Authored by Medonte Township resident Kenneth Wells, they are illustrated guide books to the waters of Lake Huron off the Bruce Peninsula, Georgian Bay, the North Channel, the Trent Severn inland waterway and the Muskoka and Parry Sound lakes. 

Ten Years Ago This Week
The first vessel, to dock in Midland harbor was the “Imperial Cobourg” with skipper Captain C. G. Sloan getting the silk topper, emblematic of the opening of inbound navigation. * * * Establishment of a Roman Catholic Separate, primary school in Victoria Harbour was being considered. * * * Midland council authorized the police to issue summonses to all violators who failed to pay the usual $1 fine for parking meter tickets. * * * “Springcapades” was being presented by the Hi-Y Grad Girls and Phalanx Club of the Midland YMCA. * * * Race horses were preparing for summer campaigns at the old Penetang race track. * * * A “Ranch Party” brought to a close the six-weeks course in social recreation held in the Old Fort School near Midland. * * * Midland Boys Band sponsored a skating carnival at Arena Gardens when nearly 1,500 attended a 12-act performance presented by skaters from the Toronto Granite Club. * * * Midland’s total debenture debt at the end of the year stood at $569,863 it was revealed in the audited statement. * * * A Toronto radio station, on a gasoline company program, featured the history and current attractions of Midland. Information for the program was prepared by the Midland Chamber of Commerce. * * *Every man woman and child in Midland used an average of 100 gallons of water daily at a cost of 1.5 cents per day, Midland Public Utilities statistics revealed.  

Province Grants MPDHS Composite School Status 

County Herald headline of April 14, 1961
The Ontario Department of Education has given its approval for Midland-Penetang District High School to become a composite school and provide vocational training for students. This was confirmed in a letter from C. W. Booth, deputy minister of education, which was read at the MPDHS board meeting Wednesday night. Expressing pleasure that the confirmation had been received, T. M. McCullough, board chairman said the next step was the appointment of an eight-member special committee of the board composed of employers and employees from industry as well as members of the board. Mr. McCullough requested all board members to give some thought to the appointment of members of the special committee and be prepared to propose names at the next board meeting. (Other business) The board accepted the resignations, effective June 30, of John Lamb of the science department; Miss M. J. Hargadon, who is teaching physical education, history and geography and J. W. Giroux of the French department. Eleven new teachers were hired by the board and will start their duties in September. The new teachers are: Michael Corcoran, English department: Murray B. Lovering, science: Mrs. Ruth Gammell, mathematics and physical education: Delmor Gingrich, motor mechanics; Mrs. Phillis (should be Phyllis) McCullough, English and music: Wm. Longlade, French and history; S. Clark Miles, commercial department; Miss Reba Young, head of the English department; R. LaChappelle, French special; Keith McNally, French; and R. Marsh, science. 

    The tower on Penetang’s town hall grew an additional 20 feet yesterday when workmen man-handled a steel structure of that height to the top of its flat roof. The fire siren will be placed on top of the tower, where it is hoped it will be more audible than in its present position. 

   Pre – school registration held Monday at Parkview and Regent Public Schools in Midland saw 124 children register to begin school in September. At Regent, 84 children (eight more than last year) were registered according to Principal M. O. Lewis. He said he expected there would be 10 to 12 more register before school starts in the fall. This will bring the fall enrolment at Regent to just over 700 and an all-time record, Mr. Lewis stated. At Parkview, 40 children were registered Monday which is 10 less than last year, reported Principal Kenneth Cowan who estimate there would be an additional 10 or 12 enrolled before school starts in the fall. This will bring our fall enrolment to about 400 which we have at present, Mr. Cowan stated. There was no pre-school registration at Bayview School. 

    A letter from the Department of National Defence advised Midland council at its meeting Monday night that the United States coastal escort vessel U.S.S. Farmington will visit Midland May 6 to 8. Noting that the visits of such vessels was a tourist attraction. Mayor Charles Parker said it was hoped that other American ships would visit Midland during July and August. The mayor suggested that the ship’s officers would be entertained at lunch during their visit, as was done on previous occasions. “It’s not a major item.” added Mr. Parker. 

    Douglas Martin, member of the Midland Volunteer Fire  Department, Monday night was appointed by council to the permanent fire brigade on the recommendation of Fire Chief Arnold Tippin. Mr. Martin’s six-month probationary period is to be effective from April 15.

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

Click on photos to enlargeVeteran resident of the Vasey area, Charles Beatty marked his 85th birthday March 29 at his home in Vasey. Still hale and hearty, he’s seen above looking over a few of the many birthday cards he received during the week. Mr. Beatty served with the church, school and the Orange Lodge in Vasey for many years. Twice married, Mr. Beatty was born in Toronto but moved to a Medonte Township farm at an early age and remained there most of his life. 

The four happiest people in Midland last week were these members of Lawrence Wilcox’ rink after they had won the main event in Midland Curling Club’s big annual bonspiel. Grouped around Lawrence, holding the Orr Trophy, are Mrs. Don Argue (left), Bert Banting and Mrs. Cecil English. They bested 39 other rinks to win the trophy and individual wrist watches. 

The telephone is one piece of equipment that is not long idle in the home of a Salvation Army officer. Here Lieut. Wm. Johnston of the Midland Corps provides solace and advice in one of the many appeals for assistance which the local corps officer receives in a day. 

Another Elmvale team which had a lot of fun this winter was the AHL or pee-wee squad, winners in their district. Left to right are, front row — Nelson Wood, Allan Howard, Bob Lalonde, Dave Columbus, Murray Archer, Paul Morley, John Ritchie, Brian Stone; back row, Bob Ingleton, Charlie Jordan, Sandy McAuley, coach Norman Crane, George Conn. Allan Lambie, Bob Baker, Pete Marley, team captain, was not present when this picture was taken. 

The winners of the third event in the Midland Curling Club playoffs was Dr. A. H. Pinchin’s rink with the Graham Swales Trophy. Left to right are lead Wils Harrison, second Fred Waltz, skip Dr. Pinchin, vice Harold Cleaver. 

Reg Mulligan’s rink won the fourth event. Left to right are lead Bert Holt, skip Reg Mulligan, vice Graydon Broad, and second Jack Copeland. 

Officials of Midland’s Aqua-Divers Club are seen above following their recent elections. Left to right are, front row — Doug Stephenson, secretary-treasurer; Bob Argue, president; Syd Nicholls, vice-president; directors, in back row are Bill Mitchell (past president), Bill Gallagher, Don Gray, Gord Brand and Dick Wells. Another director, Felix Kirschner, was not present for the picture. 

Midland Curling Club held its playoffs for the men’s division March 25. Winners of the top event and the Cumming-Nicholson Trophy, was Gord Logan’s rink. Left to right, they are Walter Bauer, Cecil English, Skip Gord Logan and Woody McConnell. 

Midland Curling Club held its playoffs for the men’s division March 25. Winners of the second event and the O’Keefe Trophy were lead Wayne Broad, skip Jack Wilson, vice Haig Abbott (pinch-hitting for Bill Setterington) and second, Clive Park. 

Winner of the second event in Midland Curling Club’s mixed bonspiel this year was Bill Howard’s Midland entry. Left to right are; Charles Walton, Mrs. (Barb) Howard, Mrs. (June) Walton and Bill Howard. They defeated Vern Johnson’s Midland rink 8-6 in the final. 

This display of African curios by Mrs. Regina Smolan proved a big attraction at the “Fun Fair” held by Bayview Home and School Association at the Midland school March 25. Gathered during eight years in Tanganyika, the display included a python skin, monkey skin, an Indian Ocean sea shell (held by Mrs. Smolan) and many other items. Fair was held to raise funds for projects of the association during the year. 

Many district leaders and Guides attended a Guiders training school in the Sunday School auditorium of Knox Presbyterian Church, Midland, March 25. Some of the guides present included Lesley Hudson, Waubaushene, and Bonnie Dion, Penetang, seated and standing, left to right, Mary Ellen Mulhall, Waubaushene; Linda Labatt, Penetang; Louise Parker and Laurie Young, Midland. 

Jerry Berriault of St Theresa’s High School, Midland, exhibits the school letters he designed. They were awarded to outstanding students at the school last week. 

Large increase in the membership of St. Paul’s United Church, Midland, in recent years has made it necessary to add 11 new elders to the church Session. Seven of them are seen above with the pastor, Rev. Wilson Morden. Left to right are, front row, Ross Jones, Elwood Marcellus, Gunter Freund; back row, James Short, Chesley Scovill, Mr. Morden, A. J. Gardhouse, Sills Denholm. Not present when this picture was taken were Keith Smith, Norman Shill, Ira Rumney and Bryson McQuirter. 

Designer of the prize-winning crest for Bayview Public School, Midland, was David English, a Grade 8 student (right) seen with his principal, William Barnett. David’s winning design was on display during the open house held by the Bayview Home and School Association March 25. 

TINY MOVES TO ESTABLISH NEW AREA SCHOOL SECTION 

Free Press Herald headline of April 5, 1961.
A long-standing school problem in Tiny Township moved one step closer to a solution as a result of action taken by Tiny council at its April meeting in Perkinsfield yesterday. Council instructed township clerk Gabriel Marchand to have the necessary bylaw prepared, incorporating Evergreen, Wyebridge and S.S. 21, Tiny, Schools into a new school section. Council asked the clerk to have the bylaw ready for presentation at its next meeting. The new area school plans were announced after Ed Copeland, an Evergreen School ratepayer and long-time board member, asked council what its plans were with respect to the problem at Evergreen. Mr. Copeland told council he felt the rural children would obtain a higher quality education if an area school was established. The smaller school sections, each with its one-room school, could not afford to pay salaries which would attract high calibre teachers. Mr. Copeland said, whereas an area school could. The Evergreen School board resigned en masse last year over what it termed was an unjust decision of a special board, called to mediate an assessment dispute involving Tay Township taxpayers, contributing to the support of the then Evergreen Union School, whose children were attending public schools in Midland. Much of the revenue which the union school had been receiving from Tay taxpayers in that section was switched to Midland Public Schools Board as a result of the ruling of the special board. The situation was further complicated when some Tay pupils continued to attend Evergreen School after the award had been made.

RATEPAYERS IN TINY FACE THREE MILL TAX INCREASE

County Herald headline of April 7, 1961.
Tiny Township council burned considerable midnight oil Wednesday before arriving at a budget for 1961. The rate will be slightly more than three mills higher than that of 1960 and includes expenses and items other than education. Since school levies vary throughout the township, it is not possible to include them in an overall rate. Clerk – treasurer G. Marchand said most of the school rates will be comparable to last year. There are, however, a few which are likely to be somewhat higher than previously. Major increases in estimated expenditures are for wages and salaries, fire protection, police equipment and a proposed building to house sanitary facilities and dressing rooms at Balm Beach. Most other items in the budget remain approximately the same as last year, with some being reduced. 

    With only two dissenting votes, directors of the Georgian Bay Development Association have condemned as an unjustified abridgement of local government autonomy the decision of the Ontario government to take away from local municipalities the right to grant fixed assessments. “This is just another case of the big cities who have the industries wanting to stop them moving to other centers,” was the opinion of many directors, “the haves versus the havenots.” “The last three industries which have come to Meaford have come under fixed assessments.” explained John Harabi of that town. It was the general conclusion of the GBDA meeting in  Orangeville that no municipality wanted to offer fixed assessment to anyone and everyone but that smaller communities, off the main lines had found in the past that they needed every sales weapon in their arsenal to attract industrial prospects. 

    Dr. P. B. Rynard, M.P. for Simcoe East, revealed this week that two North Simcoe firms have been awarded government contracts, one for dredging and the other for ship repairs. Dr. Rynard said the Waubaushene Navigation Co. Ltd. had been awarded a $23,625 contract for dredging work at Waubaushene. The other contract, for an unstipulated amount, was awarded to Atkinson Machine and Marine of Midland repairs and involves maintenance work on the government ship C. P. Edwards. 

     Cam Parker was elected president of Midland Progressive-Conservative Association, at the association’s annual meeting in the Georgian Hotel last week. He succeeds Frank Doherty who has held office for the past two years. Other officers are Gordon Henderson, 1st vice-president, Victor Smith, 2nd vice-president and Ray Newton who is serving his third year as secretary-treasurer. About 30 attended the meeting. Members were informed, that Dr. P. B. Rynard, M.P. for Simcoe East, will speak at a joint meeting of Men’s Clubs of several Midland churches, to be held in Knox Church April 19. 

   The federal cabinet has suspended for 90 days a freight rate increase, which was to have gone into effect Saturday, April 1st on export grain moved by rail from Georgian Bay elevators to East Coast ports. Prime Minister Diefenbaker said the suspension would give the government time to consider the report of the McPherson royal commission on transportation, due within a few weeks.  He said it would also “permit consideration of such additional representations as may be made”. The board of transport commissioners had authorized a rate of 33 cents per 100 pounds based on wheat shipments. The railways had sought an increase to 38 cents from the current rate of 25 cents, which includes some switching and elevator charges. 

    An uncle [we believe he is the step-brother] of James Playfair of Midland, Stuart Playfair, 84, has donated $1,000,000 [equivalent to 8.5 million in 2021] to the University of Toronto for research into nervous diseases. This was revealed recently by university president Claude Bissell who said the donor had insisted that his name be kept secret. “I wanted to keep it quiet stated Mr. Playfair, now in Florida, during a telephone interview with a Toronto newspaper. “I’ve been fortunate to have a bit of money.” added Mr. Playfair. “I figured it would be a good thing if a cure could be found for these dreadful diseases.” He stated be gave the money in memory of his wife, Helen, who died in 1959 after being afflicted with Parkinson’s disease for 16 years. That disease will be the first target of the research team using the money, it was stated. Stating that he was enjoying golfing every day, Mr. Playfair jokingly referred to his big donation again and added “I’ve scarcely got a buck-and-a-half left, just enough for three meals a day.” Mr. Playfair, who was born in Toronto in 1877, attended Jarvis Street Collegiate and Harbord Collegiate and started work at 16 with the Bank of Hamilton. He joined the army and served in the Boer War. In 1901, he formed the firm of Usher, Playfair and Co., stockbrokers and this firm became Playfair & Co. in 1928. The next year he formed the real estate firm of Playfair & Coke. Prominent on Bay Street in the years before World War II, Mr. Playfair was a director of many companies and a keen yachtsman. He married Helen McScott of Maryland in 1905. A keen golfer, Mr. Playfair has been a regular curler at the Granite Club, Toronto. 

 We had this 1956 photo of Mr. Playfair on file with the caption; Four prominent figures who have been involved with the progress of St. Andrews Hospital since its inception in 1918 are seen following ceremonies at the hospital Wednesday night. R. J. Pinchin, president of the board, Mrs. Emma Baker, superintendent for some 30 years and after whom a wing has been named; Stuart Playfair who unveiled a plaque honouring the contributions of his step-brother the late James Playfair, donor of the original building.

     Clare Armstrong, Midland dairyman, was the featured speaker at Midland Rotary Club’s meeting last week. Mr. Armstrong explained the various phases and operations of the dairy business. Guest at the meeting was Frank Gauthier. The sing-song was led by Jim Henry and piano accompanist was Ab Clark. 

    Zero hour arrives at 8 a.m. Thursday for some 42 teams who will be in Midland and Penetang to battle it out for provincial Little NHL honors this year. In Midland Arena, the host town will take on the champs from the rural Little NHL finals, held some weeks ago in Bradford. At Penetang, the Georgian Bay and Parry Sound winners will meet. Games in both towns will start the AHL match at 8 a.m., followed by the junior “A” at 9 a.m. and the NHL at 10 a.m. That’s only six of the 60 games that have to be played before the title holders in all three divisions are known. The 61st game which closes the three day hockey fest is a special. It is the junior “B” tyke game (under 9 years) under the sponsorship of the Society for Crippled Children. Famed wrestler “Whipper” Watson is expected to be on hand to give the trophy to the winner. 

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From the same page – Pure maple syrup, $5 per gallon, limited quantity. Bring your own container Phone LA. 6-6647 or LA 6-6637. 

25 YEARS AGO THIS WEEK – 1936
Midland relief recipients received their cheques at the relief office and accepted them with the 17 per cent cut imposed. * * * Medonte Township council decided that all relief payments would be stopped April 1. * * * C. L. Wiles was elected president of the Midland Branch of the Canadian Legion. * * * Penetang fire brigade elected  Jack McLaughlin assistant chief, to assist Chief Spearn who was appointed by town council. * * * Two Simcoe County swine clubs, one for members between 15 and 20 years-of-age, were formed with a membership selected from all parts of the county. * * * Some 600 persons attended St. Mark’s Anglican Church annual congregational supper held in the parish hall. Talking films were provided for those waiting their turn for supper. * * * Penetang Board of Trade decided to move the tourist information bureau to the town wharf, and re-elected its executive headed by president H. A. C. Osborne. * * * Douglas Tushingham was awarded a fellowship at the Divinity School of Graduate Studies at the University of Chicago. The fellowship is for three years at $600 per year. * * * Georgian Bay Hunters and Anglers held a joint meeting  with the Kiwanis Club and recommended that the Sturgeon River be closed for at least two years and stocked with trout from 12 to 18 months old. 

Up The Shore – Juanita Rourke
[This is an excerpt from Juanita’s excellent column “Up The Shore”. In this April 5^th column Juanita comments on the changes to the annual spring ritual of returning to the light stations.]

Out by Midland Point the ship turned its nose toward Port McNicoll. The helicopter took off for Parry Sound. The ice was heavy, the ship jiggled and bounced against it. Progress was slow. Mother Nature was putting up a staunch fight against-man’s modern means of destroying “Why don’t you let me take care of the spring break-up,” I imagined it was screaming. “Impatient men. Modern men. Always in a hurry. If you would wait. Give me a chance. You would get to the outer bay. You always have before.” It was quite a day indeed, when I ventured forth on this my first voyage at the opening of navigation. I was aboard a modern ice-breaker. I sat in a carpeted lounge watching television, while a helicopter flew overhead and a scoot circled us on the ice. I am not really convinced this is any better than the good old days.’ It seems a very short time since ‘old dobbin’ made the last trip down the bay just about this time. When the ice started to melt along the shores, we knew it was time to get in supplies for the break-up. Times have changed dramatically and quickly up the shore. We have gone modern in a big way.
And I sometimes wonder if we are better off because of it. 

This is the description of the book from Amazon; Up the Shore: The Lighthouse Years recounts the stories of a Great Lakes lightkeeper and his family. This engaging book lets us tag along with Frank and Juanita Rourke and their family as they live a life many will find intriguing, giving us a personal experience with an extinct part of Canada’s history. These true stories were originally written as a weekly column for the Free Press in Midland, Ontario by Juanita Rourke. Juanita’s daughter Bonnie Rourke has edited her mother’s stories into this unique account of the life that Juanita shared with her husband at various lighthouses in Georgian Bay and Lake Huron.

This book and many others are available online at the Huronia Museum gift shop.

Tiny Talks
When I arose this morning ‘March 27’, the first thing to greet me was a pair of robins in the old crab apple tree singing to the rising sun. Later on when I went outside I saw killdeers and butterflies, so I think spring is really here. Now that April has arrived, we are all quite pleased to see her. We longed for her in February. Then suddenly the air blew softly and light fell on the greening fields. The great winds of March have swept the fields clear and now the season of miracles is here. We felt it in the air as we squelched through the slush and listened to the music of the little rivulets that rushed down through the fields. At no season of the year am I so aware of the visible fulfillment of the promise: “While the earth remaineth, seed time and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night shall not cease.” Beautiful, unpredictable April! The days are as fresh and lovely as a child — days fulfilling the promise, “At evening it shall be light.” Spring is summer in the making and one wishes that it would last longer; that buds would take longer to burst into leaf. Even the sounds of April are gentle, The peepers in the swamp sing away on a cool night. A robin sings “cheeryup, cheery-up.” And then there is the low mooing of the cattle. I like to sit on the back steps and breathe in the good smell of growing things. “I lack the vanity to say God made that lilac cloud for me and the plum tree veiled in bloom; Because I am not vain. I say. God made these things and it is plain they are but facets of His grand design. But God made me as well with tastes, and eyes, and ears and sense of smell; With heart and brain whose potencies make the clouds and all creation mine.”
—Rhoda Downer. 

    Midland will have a new eight lane bowling alley in operation by early summer, it was announced yesterday. With Glenn Campbell as manager, Huronia Lanes Ltd. will be located on the second floor, over Campbell Bros, automotive parts, at Bay and Second Streets. Names of the heads of the new firm have not been released as yet. “It has nothing to do with the auto parts firm,” Glenn Campbell verified. Mr. Campbell said the new alleys would feature “the most modern equipment available”, including automatic pin-setters. Work on extending the second floor of the building to accommodate the new alley is to begin immediately. “Our plans are being drawn so that we can easily expand to 16 lanes if conditions warrant,” said Mr. Campbell. The plans also included a snack bar and a nursery where mothers can leave their children while they bowl. Mr. Campbell said Huronia Lanes would start booking teams for league play within the next two or three weeks.  Officials of a prominent bowling supply firm will supervise the setting up of the new alleys. They will also provide some topnotch bowlers on the occasion of the official opening, slated for some time between mid June and July 1. The bowling will be strictly five pin for the time being, at least, Mr. Campbell said.