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 enlargeIt’s a case of an old friend in a strange setting, as the venerable cruise ship, City of Dover, spends the winter in the Trent Waterway locks at Port Severn. Idle last summer, work is being carried out on the Dover by the new owner, Captain Andy Light, who will put the ship in operation again this season. 

Another season for Midland’s Little NHL will pass into history Wednesday night, when the second of this year’s “final nights” is held. Here Jerry Deschamp, left, and Stan Snyder help sort our sweaters and pads while league president Vern Sweeting gets a goalie’s stick ready for the fray. After Wednesday night, President Sweeting and other officials will concentrate their efforts on the provincial finals to be held here during Easter week. 

Winners of Midland YMCA’s Little League basketball finals Saturday night were the Syracuse Nationals, who outlasted Boston Celtics 35-29. New champs are, left to right, front row, Dave Carr, Morley Bath, Wayne Holden (Capt.), John Cranston; back row, Fred Hacker, Dalt Moore, Dave Belsey and Axel Duwe. 

Following in his dad’s, and grandfather’s footsteps is Charlie Belanger, 5, a familiar figure around the Belanger grocery store in Port McNicoll. Charlie is seen with his dad, Ray Belanger, operator of the store started by T. J. Belanger 50 years ago, and his aunt, Miss Agnes Belanger, who also works in the store. Mrs. Belanger Sr. is now one of Port’s oldest residents. 

Unknown photo?? The man on the left is Dave Walling, TV aerial salesman from Lindsay pitching one of our local TV retailers or servicers. Do you recognize the man on the right? 

Million Dollar Market Seen for Spud Growers 

County Herald headline of February 24^th, 1961.
The seed potato industry in the Lafontaine area, once valued at a half-million dollars annually, and now declined to less than half that amount, could conceivably be brought back and increased to a value of at least a million dollars a year. In a move designed to increase the lagging production, three meetings were held in Lafontaine this week under direction of the Department of Agriculture. The statement on the value of the industry was made by Harold Whiteside at a meeting yesterday afternoon. Mr. Whiteside is the officer in charge of seed potato certification for the Canadian Department of Agriculture. Mr. Whiteside said North Simcoe acreage of seed potatoes has declined from 1,032 acres in 1957 to less than 500 acres last year. 

Re-Assessment in Books for Penetang Ratepayers 

Free Press Herald headline of March 1, 1961.
Penetang’s assessment is scheduled for a complete revision in 1961, following a decision by Penetang council Monday night. The re-assessment work will be carried out by Paul Emile Mantha of Ottawa. Mayor Jerome Gignac and Councillors Maurice Legault and Leonard Ladouceur were absent from the meeting. Reeve Alf Cage occupied the mayor’s chair.  During the lengthy discussion on re-assessment, there appeared to be reluctance on the part of some members of council to reach a decision at this meeting. However, after it had been pointed out time was running-out, the resolution was finally tabled and passed. 

    Two Midlander’s caused a real flurry of excitement among Ottawa officialdom Wednesday morning when they landed their light plane on Dow’s Lake and parked it among the pleasure cruisers at the front of HMCS Carleton in the capital city. Aboard the plane were Lloyd Atkinson, pilot, and Arthur Argue, both of Midland. They landed in Ottawa about 10 a.m., secured the craft and went on about their business, little realizing the stir they were to create. A short time later RCMP officers arrived and stood guard around the plane, Mr. Argue told this newspaper yesterday that unknowingly they had landed in a restricted area. They chose the lake as it appeared to be a much safer landing spot than the river. The RCMP guard left the plane at noon after handing the case over to the Department of Transport. At one time, four police cruisers were parked near the aircraft, awaiting the return of its occupants. Department of Transport officials told an Ottawa newspaper that the regulations forbid a pilot landing in a built-up area, particularly within the confines of a city, unless an emergency occurs. It was indicated, however, that- no charges would be laid against the pilot this time. 

    Midland Public Library hit a new high in membership and book circulation in 1960, the annual report of Librarian Dawson Leigh reveals. He noted in addition that the “number of reference questions increased greatly both in scope and complexity”. In 1960 more than 630 people joined the library or approximately 150 more than the previous five-year average. The circulation figure was given as 81,448, or 10,486 higher than in 1959. Mr. Leigh said this was the largest circulation increase in 15 years and most of the increase was noted in the non-fiction field. 

    Midland council, at a special meeting Wednesday, approved the sale of town property at Queen and Bay Streets to the Midland branch of the Canadian Legion. At the Dec. 21 meeting of the 1960 council, a bylaw authorizing the sale to the Legion was given two readings and the Legion’s $2,000 cheque was deposited to the town account. The bylaw’s third reading was deferred pending a report from the town engineer. The Legion then gave the present council until Feb. 1 to reach a decision. 

    Midland Printers Limited and the Free Press Herald and County Herald have today become associated with the Advocate, the daily newspaper serving Red Deer Alberta and the Estevan (Sask.) Mercury, a leading weekly in southern Saskatchewan. This association has come about through the purchase of an interest in Midland Printers by Liverpool Daily Post and Echo (Holdings) Ltd. The Liverpool, England, publishing and printing company, which also has an interest in South Wales television, acquired the two western Canadian newspapers several years ago. 

Obituary
The death occurred Feb 13 of Mrs. Newton K. Wagg following a heart seizure. Mrs. Wagg was born in the Township of Pickering in 1880 and received her education in Uxbridge. Her marriage to Newton Kirby Wagg took place in Toronto in 1908 and the couple subsequently came to Midland to live. She was a member of the United Church of Canada. Until the time of her death, she was the president of Wagg’s Laundry. Rev. Wilson Morden conducted the funeral service at A. Barrie and Sons funeral home, February 15. Pallbearers were Allan Gunn, Jack May, Tom O’Shaughnessy, Midland, Gordon Lightfoot,  Gilbert Smith of Orillia, and John Oakley of Gravenhurst. Burial was at Lakeview Cemetery. Friends and relatives attending the funeral were from Toronto, Orillia and Gravenhurst. Mrs. Wagg was predeceased by her husband in 1940 and is survived by one son, Murray, and three grandchildren, William, Betty (Mrs. Price Taylor) and Carol Anne. One sister, Mrs. Len Smith of Toronto, also survives. 

    Midland Chief George Wainman said there were a number of irate motorists in Midland Sunday morning, himself among them, who found the air had been let out of the tires of their vehicles during the night. Several of the drivers caused further damage to their tires by driving a short distance before noticing they were flat. The incidents occurred in several parts of town. 

    A vehicle which went through a stop sign at King and Yonge Streets, went up a lane between two homes and through an empty garage into another behind it, caused quite a stir in Midland around midnight Friday. The driver told police he had been travelling east on Yonge Street when his accelerator stuck as he approached King Street, a through street. Before the car came to a halt, it roared across King Street, up the driveway at Mrs. Alex Macintosh’s home, through her empty garage and into another behind it, where two other vehicles were parked. Police said a 17 year old Willowdale man has been charged with careless driving and with consuming alcoholic beverages  while under age. 

Ten Years Ago
The photographic story of the varied activities of the Grey and Simcoe Foresters from the time of their mobilization until they embarked for overseas service was being shown to Midland school children. * * * OPP Const. Jack Shepherd, stationed at Waubaushene and Police Chief William Beach of Coldwater both donated trophies for competition in the public schools in the “Elmer the Elephant” safety campaign. * * * Parents of Penetang High School students were stung into action at a meeting when Principal R. C. Gauthier rapped them sharply for lack of supervision over their children. A parents’ committee was formed as a result of the meeting. * * * Thirty thousand island cruise boats, the Midland City and City of Dover which once operated exclusively out of Midland and in 1949 and 1950 had Penetang as their home port started to serve both towns under an agreement between directors of the 30,000 Island Navigation Co., Ltd., of Midland and the Georgian Bay Tourist and Steamships Ltd., of Penetang. * * * Coldwater Lions Club had started a campaign to raise funds for a moving picture projector which was to be available to Coldwater and district groups for educational and entertainment purposes. * * * An editorial note stated “Canada has truly entered a new era. The A-bomb was a herald of things to come but the real convincers are the six cent ice cream cone and the seven cent chocolate bar. * * * Midland Sea Cadets of RCSCC Huron honoured their commanding officer, Lieut.-Commander Charles Scott who retired after three years as C.O. of the unit. He was presented with a ‘clipper ship’ mantel clock at a testimonial banquet in St. Margaret’s hall. 

    Sales of Japanese footwear to Canada were three times as great in the first seven months of I960 as in the same period of 1959. So Professor J. C. Cameron of Queen’s University told a recent conference in Montreal of the Shoe Manufacturers’ Association of Canada. The danger of imports gaining an even larger hold on the Canadian market, Professor Cameron pointed out is increased by reason of the fact wage increases have been much larger than the increase, in productivity. 

    Despite cloudy skies which threatened to pour down rain at any moment Saturday afternoon, thousands of visitors invaded Penetang and swelled the weekend crowd to what Winterama officials believe was a new high. Additional thousands took advantage of the sunny weather Sunday, and lined the parade route several deep for its entire length. Ice on the bay, where much of the activity centered Saturday, was wet, but entirely safe so far as thickness was concerned. Friday evening activities, centering around the Legion and Knights of Columbus Halls, and hockey games at the arena, forecast the record attendance. Dance halls were filled beyond capacity, and a better-than-average crowd attended the hockey games. Noon hour Saturday a group of residents from Christian Island performed a traditional welcoming ceremony at the main intersection. This appeared to be a real crowd pleaser, for hundreds of spectators wanted to have their pictures taken with the group following the ceremony. The annual Winterama parade, well over a mile in length, drew a total of 36 floats. Judges experienced difficult in picking the winners in three different classes.

We have no Winterama photos from 1961 but have reposted a favourite from 1957.

A giant pinwheel, that is what the fishing derby at Penetang’s recent (1957) Winterama looked like from the air. The arrangement of the holes and the anglers gives an appearance of a giant pinwheel. The photo was taken by Free Press photographer Vern Farrow from a Georgian Bay Airways plane.

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 enlargeVisitors to the fishing colony on Sturgeon Bay may be a wee bit startled when they see this shanty and its sign reading, “Dressing Rooms for Bathers,” then under it another sign “Women”. But the shanty is not what it appears to be. An ingenious angler is making use of it as a fish hut during the winter months. 

District Commissioner Harvey Boyd, left, and Nancy Mahoney, right, admire an award for bravery which Scout Ian Dalrymple received from William Child, president of South Georgian Bay District Boy Scouts Association, standing behind the trio. Ian, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Dalrymple, has been awarded a gilt cross for rescuing Nancy from Midland harbour last Easter Sunday and is to receive it later this year from the Governor General, at a special investiture. Sunday he received the cloth badge which he will wear in lieu of the medal, and a letter from Deputy Chief Scout Nicholson. 

Setting up the pneumatic controls for the heating and air conditioning system in the new addition to MPDHS is the job of Pat Murphy. Many district tradesmen are being employed throughout the winter on the 14 room addition to the school. 

Work is going on inside the east wing of the new additions to Midland-Penetang District High School as fast as possible, in hopes of having this section ready for classes following Easter holidays. Here general superintendent Len Zinger, left, watches Morley Blow hook up part of the heating and ventilating unit in the east section. 

Mixing mortar is a tricky business on construction jobs during winter months. Here Jack Puddicombe, left, feeds sand into the machine under the watchful eye of Len Zinger, general superintendent for Laverne Assmusen Ltd., on the new additions to MPDHS. 

In the summer months, Wally Meisinger makes a specialty of kicking soccer balls into the nets for Midland Huronias. Above (foreground) he is seen laying bricks on the west section of the new addition to MPDHS. Other workman is Sig Walters. 

There’s great joy in Hillsdale, for Pat Playford Thursday night became “Queen of Hearts” for MPDHS in 1961 at the finals held in the Roxy Theatre. Pat is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Playford. 

Contented proprietor — The atmosphere is informal at Cornell’s in Coldwater. At intervals, between waiting on customers or making deliveries, proprietor Arthur Cornell relaxes in a rocking chair in the centre of the store and smokes a favorite cigar. The same family has operated the grocery store and bakery for 62 years.—Photo by Cyril Martin. [We did not have the negative that went with this caption but have used another photo we have of Ed with Dorothy Laughlin on the left and Edna Walker. Note the canned goods, the doughnuts beside Dorothy and the bare light bulb hanging down.]

Paul Dion is this year’s winner of the Roxy Theatre trophy. The award presented Feb. 16 at the Queen of Hearts finals, is made to the student at Midland-Penetanguishene District High School who is considered the most valuable football player in the senior division. 

Winner of he “Queen of Hearts title among MPDHS students this year, Patsy Playford (seated) and her four princesses have been invited to ride on one of the many floats which will take part in the parade which will open Penetang’s Winterama festivities this weekend. “Princesses” are, left to right, Bonnie Rourke, Arlene Armstrong, Margaret Spicer and Karen Mick. The girls took part in the final contest at the Roxy Theatre Thursday night. 

A small, neat home at Martha and Richard Streets, Victoria Harbour, was the mecca for literally dozens of friends from the village and surrounding Tay Township who came to pay tribute to Mr. and Mrs. William Grigg on their golden wedding anniversary Wednesday, Feb. 15. Tay and the Harbour have good cause to honour the Griggs. They have lived all their lives, with the exception of two years, in either the village or the township. In addition, Mr. Grigg served the township faithfully for more than 30 years as lineman and general manager of its telephone system. He retired only last year, although he marked his 75th birthday Tuesday, only one day ahead of his wedding anniversary.

Council Tempers Flare in Chamber Grant Talks 

County Herald headline of February 17, 1961.
Tempers flared and no decision on grants was reached when Midland council met as a finance committee Thursday night, Feb. 9, to consider grants to Midland Chamber of Commerce and the Georgian Bay Development Association.  Mayor Charles Parker explained that the chamber of commerce previously received a grant of $3,500 plus $225 for the information bureau as well as accommodation in the municipal building. The GBDA last year received 10 cents per capita amounting to $834.80 the mayor stated, pointing out that the GBDA also received $1,500 from county council which amounted to approximately 24 cents per capita. “It would be a grave error to take industrial promotion from the chamber of commerce and put it into municipal hands.” commented Alderman Wm. Thompson. He emphasized that companies considering a Midland location are reticent to let their names become public and don’t want to get involved in local politics. 

Tay, Harbour Councils Plan Joint Fire Force 

Free Press Herald headline of February 22, 1961.
Representatives of Victoria Harbour council met with Tay Township council at a special meeting, Feb. 17, to discuss joint fire protection for the area. Harbour representatives at the meeting were Donald Eplett, Fred Savage, Albert Cameron and Oliver Savage. A representative of the Ontario Fire Marshal’s office, Harold Hunter, who was present to give advice, suggested that any debentures that might be issued, should be issued by one municipality. Mr. Hunter also suggested that a member of the Victoria Harbour and Waubaushene brigades should attend the training school at Gravenhurst. Representatives of Tay Township and Victoria Harbour’s councils have verbally agreed to enter into an agreement on fire protection and tenders for a fire truck have been invited, Tay Township Clerk Ralph Dalton said yesterday. It was suggested that each council bear 50 per cent of the cost of the truck, hose, clothing, maintenance and insurance and Victoria Harbour council offered to provide the building to house the truck. Both councils would share equally the fire grants, it was agreed. 

    A number of patrons at the Tuesday night bingo held at Parkside Inn paid, or will pay, $7.50 for tickets, but it didn’t help them win any prizes.’ Instead, the money will go to provincial and Midland coffers in the form of fines for illegal parking. Members of the OPP detachment at Victoria Harbour wrote 30 tickets under Sec. 89-9 of the Highway Traffic Act against motorists who allegedly parked their cars in a manner which interfered with the movement of traffic and snowploughing. Members of the Midland police force added 10 more they found inside the boundaries of the municipality, each of whom will pay a $1 fine. Tile ticketing commenced after provincial police had received complaints from transport drivers who had difficulty moving their vehicles along the highway, lined both sides with cars. 

    Penetang council, Monday night, passed a bylaw engaging a private trucker as garbage collector for the municipality. For many years the garbage collection has been the responsibility of the town crew. With costs rising continually, council felt money could be saved by calling tenders for the work. Sanitation chairman, councillor Leonard Ladoucer reported that 11 tenders had been received, with bids running from S4,495. up to $12,000. Leo Mailloux, who submitted the lowest tender, was given the contract and will be asked to enter into an agreement before commencing work Feb. 27 Mayor Jerome Gignac offered some objection to employing an out-of-town man for the job. He said he felt a local man should be given preference, provided his price was close. Council learned that the lowest tender from a Penetang man was $5,200. Practically every member of council said they felt the contract should go to a Penetang man if at all possible. However, under existing conditions, they did not consider it justified in this instance. Over the objections of Councillor Ralph White, town foreman Ovila Cascagnette was appointed dog catcher for 1961. 

    There should be a lot of smashed clay, burned powder and spent lead pellets around the grounds of Penetang Gun and Rifle Club when the smoke clears following the Winterama trapshooting competition this Sunday. A little over two tons of clay birds and shotgun shells was received in a shipment this week, to be used for this special occasion. Shooting addicts will find things a little more comfortable around the Fuller Ave. range this year. Recently, the club erected an addition to its facilities which doubled the size of the club house. Two traps are expected to be in operation from 9 a.m. until close to dusk, with a record number of entries indicated. 

   Penetanguishene General Hospital will celebrate a half-century of service in the healing  of the sick, April 19, 1961. First move toward marking the event came at the last board meeting when J. D, Roderick, only surviving member of the original board, was named honorary member of the current board. Board President Jerome Gignac said this week a committee has been named to “dig up” as much Information as possible on the hospital and its operations through the years. 

    The summer home of Midland YMCA, Camp Kitchikewana, has proven as popular as ever, states camp director J. W. ‘Win’ Smith when he announced Monday that the camp is now filled for the summer. More than 70 applications from prospective campers had to be returned last week. Mr. Smith continued “Some children have applied now for two or three years, but because of the camp’s popularity with former campers the intermediate and senior sections are now filled so the applications  from new campers had to be refused” Mr. Smith stated. Kitchikewana handles 180 campers and 45 staff daily during July and August, the camp director noted. 

    Moose meat and vension were the bill of fare for 75 members of the Georgian Bay Hunters and Anglers and their guests at the club’s February dinner meeting at Bourgeois Dining Hall Feb. 15. Some of the moose meat was supplied by Stan Brooks and Jack Frame. The venison donated by Lorne Smokey Wood and Stan Brooks. Jack Frame showed a film of the moose hunt, so guests could see the moose that provided part of the main course of the meal. Maynard Thiffault also showed movies of his trip to Florida. 

BIRTHS
CADEAU — To Mr and Mrs. Thos. Cadeau, Port Severn, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Tuesday, Feb 7, 1961, a son.
ASSANCE — To Mr. and Mrs. Fred Assance, Christian Island, at St. Andrews Hospital, Monday, February 6, 1961, a son.
BELCOURT — To Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Belcourt, Robert St. E., Penetang, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Feb. 2, 1961, a daughter.
DAWE — To Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Dawe, 11 Montreal Street, Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Tuesday, February 7, 1961, a daughter.
DUSOME — To Mr. and Mrs. Peter Dusome, Vinden Street, Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Tuesday, February 7, 1961, a daughter.
GRAHAM — To Mr. and Mrs. Glen Graham, 208 Queen Street, Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Monday, February 13, 1961, a son.
HANSFORD — To Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Hansford, 135 Yonge Street, Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Wednesday, February 8, 1961, a son. Baby died.
LeBLANC — To Mr. and Mrs. Leo LeBlanc, R. R. 3, Penetang, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Friday, Feb. 3, 1961, a daughter.
MAYER — To Mr. and Mrs. Martial Mayer, R.R. 2. Penetang, at St. Andrews Hospital, Monday, February 13, 1961, a son.
MIXEMONG — To Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Mixemong, Christian Island, at St. Andrews Hospital, Sunday, February 12, 1961, a son.
MOREAU — To Mr. and Mrs. Simeon Moreau, 82 Main St. Penetang, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Tuesday, Feb 7, 1961, a daughter.
NODWELL — To Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Nodwell, Victoria Harbour, at St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, Wednesday, February 15, 1961, a son.
PLAYNE — To Mr. and Mrs. John Playne, Sunnyside, at St. Andrews Hospital, Tuesday, February 14, 1961, a daughter.
QUESNELLE — To Mr. and Mrs. Gabriel Quesnelle, R.R. 1, Perkinsfield, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Wednesday, Feb. 1, 1961, a son.
ROBITAILLE — To Mr. and Mrs. Cena Robitaille, 30 Fox St., Penetang, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Wednesday,  Feb. 1, 1961, a son.
ROBITAILLE — To Mr. and Mrs. Gabriel Robitaille, West St., Penetang, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 1961, a son.
SIMMONDS — To Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Simmonds, 215 Russell Street, Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Wednesday, February 8, 1961, a daughter.
AMANT – To Mr. and Mrs. Philip St. Amant, Perkinsfield, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Monday, Feb. 6, 1961, a son.
VASICEK — To Mr. and Mrs. Vaslade Vasicek, 316 Fourth Street, Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Monday, February 13, twins, a son and daughter. 

OBITUARY
XAVIER THERRIEN  – A native of Lafontaine and resident of Penetang for the past 50 years. Xavier Therrien died ‘Saturday, Feb. 11, at the home of his son, Leonard Therrien. He was in his 82nd year. Retired since 1945, he had  married Albina Martin at Lafontaine in 1900. He was fond of fishing and was a Liberal in politics. Surviving besides his widow are seven sons, Gilbert of Port Colborne, Leonard of Penetang, Oscar and Norman in Toronto, Lawrence and Denis of Barrie and James of Ottawa, and three daughters, Mrs. Russel Baker (Leona), Ottawa, Mrs. Lou St. Germain (Marie) and Mrs. Jos. Hawkins (Margaret) of Toronto. There are 41 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Funeral service was held Monday, Feb. 13, from Beausoleil’s funeral home to St. Ann’s Memorial Church. Father J. Kelly officiated, assisted by Father L. O’Malley and Father J. Marchand. Pallbearers were Robert, Ronald, Stanley, Allan, Jack and Danny Therrien.
ROCH PILON
A former chief constable of the Tiny Township police force and well-known throughout this district, Roch Pilon died at Penetang General Hospital, January 18. He was in his 62^nd year. Requiem mass was conducted by Rev. A. J. Desaulniers at St. Patrick’s Church, Perkinsfield, Jan. 21. Pallbearers were Lawrence and Isaac Pilon, Albert Gouett, Joe Lalonde, Julien Bourgeois Henry Quesnelle. A lifetime resident of Perkinsfield where he was born April 9, 1899, Mr. Pilon married the former Irene Gouette at Penetang in September 1940. He is survived by his widow, two sons Gerald of Toronto and Ron of Perkinsfield, a stepson, Larry Curran of Midland and eight daughters, Mrs. Russell Ladouceur (Doreen), Perkinsfield, Mrs. Bernard Mastronadeo (Lorraine), Jean, Mrs. Gordon Forfar (Terry), Mrs. Fred Richardson (Bernadette) and Mrs. Eric Kennedy (Gloria) all of Toronto. Mrs. Jack Lloyd (Margaret) of Barrie and Mrs. Fern Maurice (Marian) of Lafontaine. Surviving also are 31 grandchildren. Temporary entombment was in St. Ann’s Mausoleum with burial later In St. Patrick’s Cemetery. 

25 YEARS AGO
Nutrition classes were started by the Midland Red Cross Society and were held in St. Mark’s parish hall. • • • Announcement was made that the Letherby and Son Lumber Mill would open in the summer and it was expected to employ 125 of Midland’s unemployed. • • • Miss Norma McKinley was crowned “queen” of the Midland skating carnival at Midland arena when more than 200 citizens took part in various skating activities. * * * Midland curlers retained the Shaw Cup, donated by ex-president Shaw of the Port McNicoll Curling Club, for annual competition between the two clubs. The majority for the six Midland rinks was 35 shots. * *  * Elmvale’s second annual Board of Trade banquet was held with lion Dr. I. J. Simpson and D. F. McCuaig, MP, as guest speakers. * * * Penetang Horticultural Society spent $60 beautifying Memorial Park, Huronia Park and the General Hospital grounds. * * * The provincial government reduced its relief contribution to Midland and as a result the town had to raise $60,000 as its share of relief in 1936 or cut relief. * * * Midland Orange Lodges were preparing for the annual convention of the Grand Lodge of Ontario West when more than 1,200 visitors were expected. 

    The number of farm wagons showing up in factory yards and elsewhere in Penetang during the past several days could lead a stranger to think the town is seriously considering the possibility of becoming engaged in agriculture. The wagons, however, are going to be used for a purpose never dreamed of by their manufacturer. They will be the base of floats in the Winterama parade next  weekend. A bit of “snooping” around reveals that six years of parades have given Penetang people considerable education and originality of ideas in producing floats. Each year, floats in the parade are becoming more unique, and display even greater amounts of creativeness on the part of their builders. 

    More than 200 people attending the annual Warden’s banquet in St. Joseph’s Hall, Barrie, Thursday night heard Judge J. L. Harvie complimented Montcalm Maurice on being the first French Canadian to be named Warden of Simcoe County. Later, in his short speech, Judge Harvie said. “Mrs. Maurice has done something very close to my heart in making certain her children can speak both French and English. I have felt it very deeply that I couldn’t talk in French to Montcalm while he is able to talk to me in English. Judge Harvie mentioned that the average French Canadian can speak French. I learned French in University, but I cannot speak it now.” he added. The speaker urged the two Provincial members present to take back to Premier Frost a recommendation that French be taught in our public schools. 

   As the mortgage on the auditorium addition was being burned Saturday evening, members of Penetang Legion revealed further major improvements and additions to their building at Simcoe and Peel Streets are contemplated. President Doug Rogers mentioned plans are underway to purchase and install a new heating system for the entire building. Preliminary consideration also have been given to a project which would add a second floor to the auditorium extension. This addition would be used as a recreation area, he said. The actual mortgage burning was carried out by President Doug Rogers, Harry Turner, one of the older members of the branch, and Fred Locking, zone commander, Legion Zone E4. Past President George Scott presented the specially engraved lighter, used for the ceremony to Harry Turner. 

   Application for permission to open a second-hand store in Penetang was held over for two weeks, when council will hear the bylaw concerning the matter. The application was signed by Herb Secord who said he wanted to open such an establishment at the corner of Wolfe Street and Simcoe Lane. Mayor Jerome Gignac told council he was certain there was a town bylaw which would prohibit such a store being opened. Clerk A. Doucette is to bring the bylaw to the next meeting of council. (Shades of the movie “Needful Things”)

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 enlargeWell-known in Midland and Penetang, Mr. Trustham is one of that strange breed known as a “ham” radio operator. His interest began in 1926 and has never flagged in the intervening 35 years. Bob came to Midland in 1955 after he retired as a guard at the Ontario Hospital Penetang where he was employed for some 40 years. He brought his radio equipment with him and set it up in his new home at 176 Colborne Street. (Now 440 Colborne) 

Editorial page photo “Blanketed Fairways” 

The small corner grocery store that used to be known as Ken’s Marketeria at 170 Fifth Street is no more. Now, three times as large, it has blossomed forth as Ken’s Carload Marketeria, a greatly enlarged and remodelled building. Born and raised in Midland, Ken Crawford operated the old store on the same site for the past nine years. Last fall Burke Construction Company began the work which has resulted in the sparkling new retail store on Fifth, at the corner of Montreal. In keeping with the larger building, Mr. Crawford has extended his lines to include meats, groceries, fruits, candy, drugs and sundries— “all the things you can get at the big stores downtown.” the proud owner pointed out. Ken was just a boy when he began learning the meat business under the late W. J. Bowman in the store now occupied by Gianetto’s. He served 9 1/2 years with Mr. Bowman. (From Ruth Jeanotte – Ken and his wife never had any children, they were in a terrible car accident, their car was hit from behind and the gas tank erupted, he fought to get his wife out of the car and he was badly burnt. His wife died of her injuries. Ken later worked at the Loblaws store at King and Elizabeth Streets. 

Mr. Crawford is also a familiar figure around the bowling alley, where he plays in a number of leagues. He is also a member of the Orange Lodge and volunteer fireman. Married to the former Lois Macellen, the couple has no family. 

Things looked pretty black for the MPDHS junior girl’s basketball team during this time-out in the game with Camp Borden last Wednesday. They trailed by 10 points at the time. Although they came back strongly during the rest of the game, the MPDHS girls fell two points short and dropped a 23-21 decision to the visitors. 

Mrs. D’Alton Hudson, extreme right, smiles happily, after being presented with an honourary life membership in the Midland Ladies Curling Club. The presentation was made Wednesday afternoon by President Mrs. Allan Gunn, centre. Looking on is Mrs. Del Hastings. 

The golden book registering guests contains the names of more than two hundred persons who called Saturday to wish the best to Mr. and Mrs. William Ney of 212 Second Street, Midland, on their golden wedding day. And just as many, who couldn’t visit, sent cards.

Bill Ney’s branch of the family is by far the largest for he is one of 11 children. Now living, besides himself, are two sisters, Mrs. Sherman Belfry (Essie) originally of Victoria Harbour, now of Midland, Mrs. William Collins (Edna) of Stayner; and two brothers, John J. Ney of Hamilton, and Leslie Ney who lives in Midland right across the street. The Bill Neys have only one son, Cy, and one grandson, Ricky. Mr. Ney, his son and grandson, and his two brothers are the only family members with the name ‘Ney’ (which somewhere along the line dropped out an “a” from the original Neay). Cy and his wife Sadie, also have two daughters, Geraldine and Nancy. Mr. Ney was born on St. Valentine’s Day in 1874 near Caesarea on Lake Scugog and in his teens moved to a farm in Tay Township near Old Fort School. By the time he was 15 he was out working in one or other of the many sawmills and lumber camps which dotted North Simcoe and Muskoka. Around 1900 he decided on a career as a blacksmith and worked in many shops in this district. When he sold his business on Bay Street to Elmer Shaw, he was Midland’s last smithy. Before he opened his business with the late Dick Taylor (now a part of Midland Foundry) he was employed as a blacksmith at the old Kennedy Iron Works, around the Simcoe Elevator location. For three years, after he sold his own shop, he worked at the Midland Boat Works, but has been retired from all employment for the past ten years.

Mrs. Ney was born Jean Stephenson in Toronto and moved with her family to Penetang. From a family of eight, there are only two sisters left along with Mrs. Ney; Mary (Mrs. Hulbert) lives in Lowville, N.Y., and Mabel (Mrs. M. Cameron); lives in Toronto. They moved to Midland and she shortly thereafter left for Denver, Col., where she stayed for two years. Returning to Midland, she met her future life-mate through their church associations, and on Feb. 7, 1911 their marriage took place at her parents’ home. Her wedding clipping from the Free Press giving an account of the marriage stated that she was becomingly attired in a semi-princess style dress and ended by stating  “ The Free Press extends its greetings, wishing for Mr. and Mrs. Ney many long years of health and happiness.” The Free Press got its wish and there is every good reason to feel that many more years will follow the fifty they have completed together. 

 

Lop $24,374 Off Budget Finance Body Proposes 

Free Press headline of February 8, 1961.
A number of budgets submitted by various Simcoe County organizations will be knocked down today if county council acts favorably on the recommendations of its finance committee, submitted in Barrie yesterday. The committee recommended cuts totaling $24,374. In its report, the finance committee said it had “studied carefully” the many estimates, grant applications and budget requirements submitted by various committees. “If our recommendations are accepted,” said finance chairman Ross Williams, “we are of the opinion that with careful spending the general county rate can be held” at seven mills (same as last year), with an additional mill for hospital construction grants. 

County Levy up One Mill 1961 Rate Set at 11.8 

County Herald headline of February 10, 1961.
Simcoe County levy for 1961 will be one mill higher than the 1960 figure. The county rate has been set at 11.8 mills; seven mills for county purposes (the same as last year), one mill for special hospital construction grants and 3.8 mills for road purposes. The road levy is the same as in 1960. The increase in the levy this year was necessitated by council’s new grant formula for county hospitals. The debate on the recommendations of the finance committee may have been too much for one councillor. Deputy-reeve Wilfred Downer of Sunnidale. Mr. Downer suffered a heart seizure just prior to adjournment and required medical attention. Friends said the Sunnidale representative would be taken to hospital for further observation and care. Chairman of the finance committee, Reeve W. R. Williams of Alliston was named by Warden Montcalm Maurice to chair a committee of the whole council to discuss the finance committee’s recommendations. 

    0ne Tiny Township landowner, who was advertising lots for sale along the proposed new section of Champlain Road, apparently will have a long wait for the expected development. Reporting on a visit to the Department of Highways, Reeve Montcalm Maurice and Deputy-reeve Douglas Holt said they have no idea when, or if, that section will ever be built. Apparently authorities now have their mind set on improving the existing road as the development road project. “They have apparently abandoned the idea of the top road,” Reeve Maurice said. The Tiny representatives were told plans now provide for ditching, gravelling and installation of culverts on the old road. “We don’t know how much they will do on straightening out the curves,” Mr. Holt said. 

    With total assets of $65,000, Penetang Consumers’ Co-operative turned over sales in 1960 of $280,000, producing a gross profit of $36,893, according to a financial report presented to members at the annual meeting Wednesday night. Liabilities, excluding members loans, run to $27,000. This is more than covered by property and equipment valued at almost $55,000. From the net profit of $2,858 the membership voted to pay a dividend of 1.5 per cent on members’ purchases during the year. In this connection, manager Ed Desrochers said less than one-half of the store’s sales were being recorded in returned slips. The manager reported that the business was running well with the stock having been turned over 16 times during the past year. He said good business practice required it to be turned over at least 12 times annually.  

    Winterama programs, fresh off the press, have now been shipped and mailed in thousands to various parts of the country for distribution, as plans for the big event Feb. 24, 25 and 26 moved into high gear this week. The program for the 1961 edition of Winterama follows closely that of the past two years. One notable exception is the moving of the trap shoot from Saturday to Sunday. This was done to accommodate many trap shooters who said they would find it easier to attend on Sunday. Two new features which have been added are Go-Kart races and a hockey game, to be staged Sunday afternoon. Detailed information on these two new events is being kept under wraps for the moment, pending receipt of additional information. 

    Victoria Harbour Fire Chief Donald Cadeau stated yesterday that he thinks the oil furnace of the 60-year-old Royal Victoria Hotel, Victoria Harbour, exploded early Friday morning and started the fire which completely demolished the hotel. “There had to be an explosion to cause a fire of that size,” added Chief Cadeau. The 50-room structure burned down within an hour and firemen from Midland, Port McNicoll and Waubaushene assisted in the 25-below zero temperatures. Owner Jack Harvie bought the hotel five years ago. 

    Purchaser of an auctioneer’s licence from Simcoe County for 40 years, Napoleon Hamelin is to receive one for free this year. This was the recommendation of the finance committee to council yesterday. Clerk Fred Hunter was instructed to prepare an honorary licence for Mr. Hamelin, of Penetang. 

BIRTHS
DUNN — To Mr. & Mrs. Norman Dunn, 85 Wellington St. W., Barrie, at
Penetanguishene General Hospital, Friday, Jan. 27, 1961, a daughter.
GIGNAC — To Mr. and Mrs. Remi Gignac, 16 Maria St., Penetang, at Penetanguisbene General Hospital, Thursday, Jan. 19, 1961, a daughter.
HAMELIN — To Mr. and Mrs. Mark Hamelin, Broad St., Penetang, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Monday, Jan. 30, 1961, a daughter.
JAMIESON
To Mr. and Mrs. Mrs. Morley Jamieson, Elmvale, at Penetanguishene
General Hospital, Wednesday, February, 1961, a son.
JOLIE — To Mr. and Mrs. Gerard Jolie, Hillsdale, at Penetanguishene
General Hospital, Friday, Jan. 27, 1961, a daughter.
KIDD — To Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Kidd, Elmvale, at Penetanguishene
General Hospital, Wednesday, Jan. 25. 1961, son.
KING — To Mr. and Mrs. Remi King, 60 Robert St., Penetang, at Penetanguishene Hospital, Saturday, January 28, 1961, a son.
LACROIX – To Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Lacroix, Midland, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Saturday, January 28, 1961, a son.
LEDUC — To Mr. and Mrs. Jos. Leduc, Victoria Harbour, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Monday, Jan. 23, 1961, a son.
LESPERANCE — To Mr. and Mrs. Richard Lesperance, Perkinsfield, at
Penetanguishene General Hospital, Sunday, Jan. 29, 1961, a son.
LONGLADE — To Mr. and Mrs. Henry Longlade, Highland Point, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Thursday, Jan. 26, 1961, a daughter.
MAYER — To Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Mayer, 31 Peel St., Penetang, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Sunday, Jan. 29, 1961, a son.
MOREAU — To Mr. and Mrs. John Moreau, 109 Seventh St. Midland, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Jan. 29, a son.
STEPHENS – To Mr. and Mrs. Jas. Stephens, 86 Queen St., Elmvale, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Monday, Jan. 23, 1961, a daughter.
TUCKER — To Mr. and Mrs. Charles Tucker, Waubaushene, at St. Andrews Hospital, Thursday, January 28, a daughter.
CABLE – To Mr. and Mrs. Edward Cable, 192 Colborne Street, Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Sunday, February 5, 1961, a son.
HEBNER — To Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Hebner, 297 Princess Street, Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Sunday, February 5, 1961, a daughter.
HELLER — To Mr. and Mrs. Karl Heller, 106 John Street, Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Friday, February 3, 1961, a daughter.
JACKSON — To Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Jackson, 329 Midland Avenue, Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Sunday, February 5, 1961, a daughter.
LaCROIX — To Mr. and Mrs. Leonard LaCroix, 138 Yonge Street, Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Thursday, February 2, 1961, a daughter.
SALLOWS — To Mr. and Mrs. Robert Sallows, R.R. 1 Victoria Harbour, at St. Andrews Hospital, Saturday, February 4, 1961, a son. 

25 YEARS AGO
Two days of high winds and drifting snow temporarily blocked roads into Midland and Penetang and a possible shortage of milk was being contemplated. * * * Amalgamation of Education, Public Utilities and Midland town offices, discussed at intervals the previous year, was being seriously reconsidered. * * * After several years as clerk and treasurer of Midland, Ralph R. Wilson returned to the insurance business and opened an office in town. * * * Citing the example of York County council in appointing a director of hospitalization. Simcoe County council was endeavoring to reduce the cost of indigent patient hospitalization. * * * A minstrel show was presented at the new Ontario Hospital building, Penetang, by patients for friends. * * * Unemployment relief in Midland was going to cost $493.15 every day during 1936 according to estimates passed by the town council. The total estimates for the welfare committee were $180,000 with the provincial government paying the lion’s share amounting to $154,000. * * * As a result of continued expansion of business, Midland Garments Ltd., planned to install another bank of machines which would require the employment of 25 additional operators. * * *  Midland YMCA was marking the seventh anniversary of the opening of their new building. * * * Horse racing on Little Lake Park was one of the features of Midland’s four-day snow carnival. * * * Dr. R. Morley Harvie was elected chairman of the Midland Board of Education and his brother James G. Harvie elected to the same position in Orillia. 

    Construction on the first house in Port McNicoll’s Maple Wood Park sub-division got under way this week. C. A. Meadows of the Meadows Land Development Co. told this newspaper Wednesday that the excavation of the basement for the new home had been completed Tuesday and that construction would start Thursday. Mr. Meadows said he is building the house for his own use under NHA regulations. The land development firm head said the new sub-division consists of the westerly portion of McNicoll Street, Wardell Street and Hayes Street, lying between Fourth Ave. and Seventh Ave. Mr. Meadows said he was unable to say how many new homes would be built on the subdivision at the present time. He said under existing government regulations, individuals obtain NHA loans but could not build blocks of homes as had been the in previous years. 

    Under a proposed merger, announced earlier this week, Midland’s Canadian Bank of Commerce and its satellite branch in Victoria Harbour, will have a new name. When the proposed amalgamation of Canadian Bank of Commerce and the Imperial Bank of Canada is ratified by a two-thirds vote of the shareholders of each banking firm, the new name will be Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce. J. S. Proctor, president of the Imperial Bank and N. J. McKinnon, chairman and president of the Canadian Bank of Commerce, announced the merger in a joint statement issued Feb. 4. This week, new Canadian Bank of Commerce signs were erected on the Midland branch of the firm. 

    Three members of 1st Penetang Scout Troop reached the highest level in Scouting Wednesday night, when District Commissioner Harvey Boyd pinned Queen’s Scout badges on their uniforms. Bert Mason, David Hook and Dennis Larmand had passed all necessary tests some time ago and had been awaiting the presentation. In speaking to the boys, Scout Master Dr. B. Boyd pointed out their achievement had been reached before he had taken over leadership of the troop. He gave credit to Elmer Hook and Ken Ball as being the two persons most responsible for any instruction the boys had received. 

OBITUARIES
HENRY JAMES GOUETT — Believed to be the oldest native of Waubaushene at the time of his death, Henry James Gouett died at his home here February 2^nd, after a lengthy illness, he was in his 86th year. Funeral mass was conducted Feb 4 by Rev. J. McDonough at St. John’s Church, Waubaushene. Pallbearers were Pat Gouett, Marshall Gouett, Boyd Bonneville, Ronald Pilon, Larry Curran and Fern Maurice. Born April 22, 1875, Mr. Gouett received his education at Waubaushene and on Feb. 26, 1900 was married there to the former Margaret St. Amand. Mr. and Mrs. Gouett celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary one year ago. Mr. Gouett was a hotel proprietor, a former Waubaushene constable and post master for two years. He was a member of the Holy Name Society and in his younger years was a member of the church choir. His hobby was boat racing. Mr. Gouett also lived at Port Severn, Victoria Harbour, Perkinsfield, Duck Bay, Toronto and Oshawa for short periods, returning each time to Waubaushene. Besides his widow, Mr. Gouett is survived by two sons Albert and Harry of Waubaushene and two daughters, Mrs. R. Pilon (Irene) Perkinsfield and Mrs. M. Doyle (Lorette) of Toronto. A son Arthur predeceased him. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Temporary entombment was made in St. Ann’s Mausoleum, Penetang, with burial later in St. John’s Cemetery, Waubaushene. 

    A host of prizes await the winner of the “Queen of Hearts” contest which is being held this week and next for the 14th consecutive year. All pupils at Midland-Penetang District High School, the ten contestants have been selected by a vote of the MPDHS students. These ten contestants will appear at intermission time (8.30 p.m.) at the Midland Roxy theatre Thursday night when five finalists will be chosen. The following Thursday at the same time the queen will be chosen at the Roxy. Among the prize’s the queen will receive are a three-day trip to Ottawa with her mother the guests of the Free Press Herald and the Roxy theatre, a Travelgard overnight case donated by the Eleithia Shoppe; a pair of the latest style shoes from Fern Shoe, Penetang, photographs of the queen and her princesses from Rolfoto Studio, five L.P. record albums donated by radio station CKMP and a dinner for herself and family at the Commodore Hotel, Penetang. The following to a list of contestants in alphabetical order: Arlene Armstrong, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Armstrong, Midland, who is in Grade 13 general course. Robin Benson daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Benson, R.R. 1 Midland also in Grade 13 general course. Marie Cordes daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Cordes, Penetang, a Grade 11 student in the general course. Marlies Delori, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Adolf Delori, Midland who is in the general course Grade 11. Bonnie Flotron, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Flotron, Elmvale, who is taking the special commercial course and some Grade 13 subjects. Karen Mick, daughter of Mrs. Frances Mick of Victoria Harbour is in the Grade 11 general course. Barbara Murday, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Murday, Midland is in the Grade 12 general course. Pat Playford, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Playford of Hillsdale is in the special commercial course. Bonnie Rourke, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Rourke, Sunnyside, is in Grade 11 general course. Margaret Spicer, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Spicer, Midland, is a Grade 12 student in the general course. 

    Three Midland girls and one each from Hillsdale and Victoria Harbour reached the finals in the “Queen of Hearts” preliminaries held at the  Roxy theatre last night. Chosen to compete in the finals in the same theatre next Thursday night were Margaret Spicer, Arlene Armstrong, Bonnie Rourke, all of Midland, Pat Playford, of Hillsdale, and Karen Mick, Victoria Harbour. The 10 contestants, all Midland-Penetang District High School students, were presented at  intermission time to the audience and judges Bruce Armstrong, George Bryant and Rolf Lichtenfeld. The finals will be held at the same time next Thursday night at the Roxy Theatre when the “queen” will be crowned and her princesses chosen.

Wilfred Larose, Odeon manager, Pat Playford to his left, Margaret Spicer and Arlene Armstrong seated; left arm Bonnie Rourke, right arm Karen Mick.