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 enlargeReeve of Port McNicoll for 12 years, Albert Calvert, ‘signs’ up for a 13th term. At his right is Clerk B. J. Brownell. Waiting to qualify are, left to right, standing, Alex McCullagh, R. J. Belanger and Johnson Young, along with Mrs. Jack Reedy, who declined a seat on the school board. 

Sound financial position of Port McNicoll brought smiles to these men studying a report prepared for Wednesday night’s nominations by Clerk B. J. Brownell. Left to right are; Robert Smith, Tim Lewis, Lloyd Cameron and John Kent. 

There were smiles from some and disappointment for other candidates in Midland’s election Monday. Three winners above, left to right, are Mervin Grigg (Deputy-Reeve), Oliver Lesperance (Alderman Ward 3) and Walter Woods (Alderman Ward 4). 

Four more successful candidates in Monday’s municipal election in Midland watch Free Press Herald Manager Bob Chittick totalling the counts on an adding machine. Left to right are Tim Nesbitt, returned to the school board, Albert Atkinson, new alderman for Ward 1, Herb Carpenter, who gained a seat on the PUC, and Frank Bray, several times chairman of the schools board who was re-elected. 

“It looks like . . but no, the ball hit the rim and stayed out” Taking part in this  Little League basketball action at Midland YMCA are, left to right, Doug Taylor, Don Moffatt and Dalton Moore. 

Editorial page photo entitled, “Kennedy at Orr Lake?” 

These toys being checked off by Cecil Launder, left, and Ray Church look like they’ve just come off the store shelves. Actually it took many hours of work by volunteers from Pillsbury’s Midland staff to get them back in good condition for distribution to needy children at Christmas time. More toys are still needed, any person who wants to rid his attic or basement of wagons, dolls, carriages or other playthings discarded by his own children is asked to call the Pillsbury office. 

Reeve Ernest Cadeau and the public school board were returned to office by acclamation at nominations held in Victoria Harbour Monday night, but there will be an election next Monday for the four seats on council. It will be Mr. Cadeau’s fourth term as reeve, following several years as councillor. Seven candidates have lined up for the battle, including sitting members Oliver Savage, Wilfred Savage and Don Eplett.  Also qualifying were Herbert West, Mel Robertson, Allen Vallee and Albert Cameron. Three sitting members of the public school board, all returned by acclamation for two more years, were William Grigg, Lorne Ball and Forbes MacKenzie. Still with a year to go are Bruce Crooke, Dick Brown and Mrs. Bob Murray. For two of the men, nominations at Victoria Harbour are not new. They are Lorne Ball, on the school board for a quarter-century, and Wilfred Savage who, Mr. Heels said, had- spent “a third of his life on council”. Mr. Savage later said this will be the 21st year he has served as councillor or reeve of the village. Although he wasn’t present Monday night, Mr. Grigg is the dean of them all in Victoria Harbour, with nearly 30 years on the school board. 

“Oh for the life of a sailor” hardly applies at this time of year, when temperatures dip near or below the zero mark and the stormy winds do blow on the Great Lakes. The Golden Hind, which brought a half-million bushels of grain to Port McNicoll Monday, is a good example of the hardships which must be endured by both men and ships. Ice in many spots on the ship was more than two feet thick. 

’Twas an icy world Gilles Ferron looked out of as the freighter Golden Hind docked at Port McNicoll Monday to lay up for the winter season. Sub-zero temperatures and strong winds coated the ship with many tons of ice as she fought her way down the lakes from Port Arthur with her last cargo of the season. 

Members of the Midland Salvation Army Corps are raising funds for their Christmas Cheer campaign for the needy by playing carols at various points on Midland streets. Here, except for the modern school crossing and street signs in the background, a quintet of Salvationists present a picture that is symbolic of old-time Christmas card scenes. 

Landmark in Midland for more than half a century, the old Midland Boat Works building has been torn down and will be replaced by a more modern marina structure. The two photos (7019) show the building as it was being dismantled. 

The Third Midland Brownie Pack, led by Lieutenant  Mrs. William Johnson, sing Christmas carols in the Edwards store Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 7:45 until 8:15. The program will be broadcast live on CKMP radio. Names were provided by volunteers, not published with the photo. Back row L to R Melanie Dyer, Mary Lea Rutherford, ?, Gail Langridge, ?, Judy Scott, Susan Cochrane. Front row L to R Bonnie Hornsby, Mary Paul, Jane Adams Marilyn Douglas, Judy Douglas, ?, Eve Kurschner, Betty Paul, Karen Gray, Barb Douglas. 

May Make Manor Wing Winter Project

County Herald headline of December 9, 1960. 

Possibility that the Georgian Manor addition at Penetang may become a winter works project was seen in part of Tiny Reeve Montcalm Maurice’s nomination speech at Perkinsfield, Monday. Reeve Maurice said the committee in charge is conferring with government officials at present to determine whether it could be turned into a winter project, with work continuing through the cold weather. 

OWRC Sets Up New Code to Governs Plumbing Trade

Free Press Herald headline of December 14, 1960.

Amended plumbing regulations for Ontario are now in effect, Midland council heard Monday night in a letter from Dr. A. E. Berry, general manager of the Ontario Water Resources Commission. The new regulations, passed under the authority of the Ontario Water Resources Commission Act, apply to all municipalities and set up standards of materials and their installation. The original plumbing regulations which were made under the Public Health Act are now administered by the OWRC and the letter states that, as a result of the changes, health officers have been advised that all municipal plumbing bylaws made thereunder (Public Health Act) cease to have force or effect on that date (date of order- in-council Sept. 30) and are now superseded by the Plumbing Code. The new regulations place the responsibility for plumbing inspections on the municipality  without designating which branch of municipal government does the work. Referring to the new regulations, the letter continues: “No person shall construct, repair, renew or alter plumbing except in conformance with these regulations. Where plumbing has been constructed, repaired, renewed or altered, the plumbing shall not be put into use until it has been inspected and found to conform to these regulations. Every municipality shall carry out such inspections as are prescribed by these regulations. 

    A medical doctor member of the Commons predicted Monday that viruses will be almost completely conquered in 10 years. Dr. P. B. Rynard (PC—Simcoe East) made the prediction in speaking on a Liberal member’s resolution for a national survey on mental illness. Dr. Rynard said many children are born mental defectives because of virus infection in the pregnant mother. There was nothing more tragic than the arrival of a mentally retarded child in a home. He said the number of mental defectives probably will be reduced when viruses are conquered. One estimate was that one out of every 10 children born today would be in a mental institution at some time in its lifetime. Half the numbers of people seeing doctors today were going to them because of emotional disorders. 

    Louis O. Breithaupt, well known in Penetang as owner of a tannery, and as a summer resident with a cottage “Up the Shore” died unexpectedly in a Toronto hospital Tuesday afternoon, after being rushed there by ambulance from his Kitchener home. Mr. Breithaupt was better known to the rest of the province through his service as lieutenant-governor of Ontario for five years. He had been interested in civic affairs from an early age and at 32 was the youngest mayor ever to serve the city of Kitchener. He was elected to a seat in the federal house in 1940, and held it until his provincial appointment in 1952. He had been chancellor of Victoria College, Toronto, succeeding Lester B. Pearson in that post. Premier Leslie Frost adjourned the legislature half an hour early on hearing of the death. Speaking of Mr. Breithaupt, Mr. Frost said. “Mr. Breithaupt was a man of fine intellect who had great knowledge of this province and its ways.” Funeral service was held yesterday in Kitchener with a large number of government officials present. Burial was in the family plot in a Kitchener cemetery. 

Births

HATLEY — To Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hatley, Port McNicoll, at St. Andrews Hospital, Tuesday, December 6, 1960, twin sons.

LABRASHE — To Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Labrasbe, 7th Concession, Perkinsfield, at St. Andrews Hospital, Friday, December 2, 1960, a daughter.

MOREAU — To Mr. and Mrs. Donald Moreau, 137 Fourth Street, Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Friday, December 2, 1960, a son.

PENDER — To Mr. and Mrs. Russell Pender, 372 William Street, Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Wednesday December 7, 1960, a daughter.

RICHARDSON — To Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Richardson, 81 Bay Street, Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Saturday, December 3, I960, a daughter. 

    All the excitement Monday night wasn’t concerned with the Midland elections. An Ontario Hydro helicopter trying to land after dark attempted to land on the playing field of Midland Penetang District High School, but there was not sufficient light there. After circling the area a number of times, it was finally able to land on the lawn next to the Shamrock motel on Yonge Street west. “It caused quite a bit of excitement,” Harvey Ellison stated “and quite a few people came to the motel to see what was going on.” The Hydro men had been repairing a broken line at Twelve Mile Bay and had expected to get to Midland before dark but were unable to make it until nearly 6 p.m., Mr. Ellison stated. 

    With the last ships already in or on their way, at least 13 lake freighters will winter in the Bayports of Midland and Port McNicoll this winter with the possibility of one more to add to the list. The 13 ships have already brought a total of 6,728,000 bushels of grain to the Bayports and the expected arrival of the CSL’s Hagarty at Port McNicoll Friday will add another 400,000 bringing the total to more than 7,128,000 bushels. Also slated to winter in Midland are the new government ship Alexander Henry and the older government ship, the C. P. Edwards. Biggest single cargo, 777,000 bushels, is in the hold of the CSL’s Murray Bay at Tiffin elevator in Midland. The T. R. McLagan is also at Tiffin, bringing the total there to 1,471,000. Nearby, at Aberdeen elevator, two Algoma Central ships, the Algosteel and Algocen, have around 616,000 bushels in their holds. At the CSL elevator are Nipigon Bay, 560,000 and Goderich, 398,000 just short of the million-bushel mark at 958,000. Across the bay three Paterson Line ships have 1,325,000 bushels for the Midland Simcoe elevator. They are the Senator of Canada, Paterson and New Quedoc. Biggest total load, 2,358,000 bushels, is already berthed at the CPR elevator in Port McNicoll. Ships are the Jobn E. F. Misener, 619,000; Sir James Dunn, 591,000; John O. McKeller, 643,0001 and the Golden Hind, 505,000. Also slated for Port McNicoll is the CSL’s Hagarty, carrying around 400,000 bushels. Officials said the Hagerty may proceed to drydock in Collingwood later, if weather permits. Three CSL ships, which usually winter in Midland, will be missing this season, according to J. G. Hendrickson, CSL manager here. They are the Coverdale, stranded in Montreal by the Seaway closing; the Donnacona in drydock at Fort William and the Lemoyne, in drydock at Collingwood. (It will take approximately 3,500 boxcars to move this grain to the east coast.) 

     Jack Blackburn has been appointed harbormaster at Midland, Dr. P. B. Rynard, M.P. for Simcoe East, announced Saturday. Mr. Blackburn succeeds the late Dave Hewis. 

    Facing a ballot for the first time in three tries for the mayoralty of Penetang, Jerome Gignac was returned Monday by a whopping 333 majority over George Kerr. Mr. Gignac polled 717 votes compared with 384 for Kerr. Both questions submitted to the voters carried with a large majority. Sunday sports was approved 802 to 225. The two-year term for council carried on a count of 688 to 289. 

    A sudden cold snap, following on the heels of a spell of unusually mild weather for this time of year, froze Midland Bay Sunday. Ice in the harbor thickened Monday and Tuesday as temperatures dropped. Thermometer readings ranged from four to ten below zero.  

    A ratepayers’ meeting at Port McNicoll Dec. 7 was informed that the village’s population had reached a new peak since the community was incorporated by an act of parliament in 1917. The population new stands at 1,016 an increase of six since Sept. 30 of this year. Assessor John Hartford reports that the total assessment for Port for 1961 will be $I,356,670 compared with $1,328,605 in I960. Land assessment is $246,745 (up $61,000): buildings $1,095,960 (up $19,860); and business $13,965 (up $2,105). 

25 Years Ago

Henry Jackson, known as Chief Red Hawk, chief of the Christian Island Indians, was attempting to collect $I,500,000 treaty money allegedly owed to the Canadian branch of the tribe by the United States government. * * * A “Southern Cinderella”, a three-act comedy, was presented by the Christian Mothers in St. Mary’s parish hall Victoria Harbour. * * * Midland Kiwanis Club sponsored a midnight revue at the Capitol Theatre in aid of Christmas cheer for local needy children. * * * Midland council objected to a ruling by the Department of Municipal Affairs that the owner of a home free of encumbrances is not entitled to shelter relief until he is three years in arrears with taxes. * * * Taking the first step for a province-wide organization, a North Simcoe branch of the Ontario Potato Growers Association was formed at a meeting of Simcoe County potato growers in Barrie. * * * Midland Boy Scouts made a house to house canvass for clothing on behalf of the Canadian Red Cross. * * * Miss Dorothy Kerr, Toronto, secretary-treasurer of the Ladies Ontario Hockey Association, expressed the hope that Midland would be represented at the association’s annual meeting and that Midland would be able to enter a girls hockey team in the league. * * * Ivan Smith was elected president of the newly-formed Midland High School Alumni Association at a meeting in a Bloor Street tea room, Toronto. * * * The play “The Bloaters”, produced by the Coldwater Anglican Young People’s Association, was presented to an audience in Foxmead. 

Editorial Page

Dwight D. Eisenhower: “Whenever a government does for its citizens that which they have the capacity to do for themselves, individually and in groups, it begins to destroy both their capacity and their incentive to do for themselves. It begins to weaken rather than to strengthen the foundations of freedom and the means of progress. I can work my girls arithmetic problem better for her than she can work it for herself. I can get the right answer almost every time. And she would like to have me do it for her. She’d even vote for me if I would. But I don’t do it. Not because I don’t love her or want her to succeed — but because I do.” 

    Once again it s December and our country world is wider now, with only dark bare branches between us and the horizon. The road to the end of the concession line is visible, and the postman stopping at the mail box is pleasant to see with no leafy screen of bushes to hide him and in the distance, I can see sturdy Christmas trees standing so strong and bright. Yes, it’s December again and besides being the gala month of the year it s a busy one for us farm folk with geese chickens and turkeys to pluck and get ready for market. But with stations where you can get your fowl plucked for a few cents a bird, we’ve lost the fun we used to have at the old time plucking bees when neighbors would go to one home and pluck geese, then to another the next day to pluck the turkeys. It seemed more like fun than work in those days. As I look out at the snow it brings back memories of Christmases’ of 40 or more years ago, when our family was young and all with us. We used to take the family and drive 10 miles to grandads for Christmas dinner. Dad  wrapped to his ears in a fur coat and a woolen scarf tied around the collar, would drive the team and bobsleighs up to the kitchen door. The sleigh would be filled with straw covered over with horse blankets. The children would be piled in and covered with buffalo robes. Then away we would go, the icy snow crunched and crackled under the sleigh runners, the bells on the tongue poured out with a welcoming sound, wisps of snow sent up by the horses hoofs whipped across our face and went swirling by to light on the rail fences that lined the sides of the roads. When we reached our destination dad would stagger out under his load of Christmas parcels and the family would follow, hardly able to walk under all their wraps. As they neared the door, grandma and grandpa would be there to welcome them with open arms. In the old-fashioned kitchen, the table would fairly groan under its load of good things to eat. There would be roast goose, mashed potatoes, creamed carrots, pickles of every description, bowls of red ripe apples, dishes of nuts and candies and never-to-be-forgotten smell of good things.  And lastly but not, least, there was good old-fashioned plum pudding and flaky home-made bread. After grandad asked the blessing, everyone ate till they were uncomfortable. The children played around the Christmas tree with their numerous cousins. The parent caught up with all the neighborly news such as weddings, births, auction sales and family affairs. Suddenly dad or mother would glance at the clock and once more it would be time to bundle up and start for home. As we drove home we suddenly realized that Christmas was something to be shared with loved ones, it was a time when old arguments, wounds and heartbreaks were forgotten. When we headed for home, regardless of whether we were rich or poor, it wasn’t what we had, but the fact that being home for Christmas spelled happiness for “you and yours.”

God bless you all

This Christmas day

May Bethlehem’s star

Still light the way

And guide thee to

The perfect peace

When every fear

And doubt shall cease.

And may thy home

Such glory know

As did the stable

long ago.

— Rhoda Downer

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 enlargeTay Township Clerk Ralph Dalton (seated) was a busy man following Monday night’s nominations as various candidates waited their turn to “sign up” for the election Dec. 12. Left to right the candidates are; Walter Knechtle, Stan Smith, Henry Swaile, Ernie Hurl, Wilf Lafrance, Ken Polkinghorne and John Skelton. 

Clint Truax holds the draw box while pretty Barbara Murday draws the ticket that won a transistor radio for Marlene Curry of Wyebridge. Other prizes went to Mrs. Gordon Duggan (Shirley Duggan) of Port McNicoll (toaster) and Jim Stewart Midland (kettle). Barber and Haskill anniversary sale draw. 

Some fine new homes have been built in Hillsdale recently, and the two above would look well in any community. Perched on a pleasant knoll in top picture is the home of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Scott. Lower photo is the new home of former Simcoe County warden Fisher Ganton and Mrs. Ganton. 

Winner in Monday’s election, Mayor Charles Parker expresses his thanks to the electors over radio station CKMP. With him is Mrs. Parker, whom the mayor said talked him out of retirement plans. 

William Beaton, PUC candidate, William Logan (led poll in PUC contest) and Percy Crawford, newly-elected reeve, study results of Monday night’s municipal election. 

They look pretty hopeless now, but this dilapidated wagon and worn out doll’s carriage will bob up looking like new under some deserving tot’s Christmas tree a few weeks from now. John Dumais (left) and Bob Gidley are only two of the members of Pillsbury’s Midland staff who are devoting several nights a week to putting the old toys back in shape. 

Many needy children in this area will have a little brighter Christmas this year through the work of staff members of the Pillsbury’ Canada Ltd., who have volunteered to make old, discarded toys look like new for redistribution.  Len Maheu sands some of the rust off a doll’s carriage while John Brandon puts the finishing touches on another nearly completed carriage. P.S. They can still use more toys. 

Little League basketball got underway at Midland YMCA this week and here Morie Whitcher, ‘Y’ president (behind players), tosses up the first ball for Paul Downer, left, and Wayne Holden to battle over. 

Elmvale Harvesters will be gunning for another Central Ontario group OHA intermediate “C” victory at Arena Gardens here tonight when they take on Stayner. Three of the black-shirted Elmvale stalwarts are, left to right, Ron McAuley, Bob Stacey and John Cole. Stacey is a defenceman and the other two lads are forwards. 

his large new clubhouse will provide excellent facilities for members and visitors at Brooklea Golf and Country Club on Highway 27, south of Midland, next summer. There is also a swimming pool just out of the picture to the right. 

Many years of service to the community have been given by these members of Crossland Women’s Institute, gathered for the 50th anniversary ceremonies Wednesday. They are, left to right, Mrs. Jim Strath, Mrs. R. T. Wallace, Mrs. J. H. Locke, Stayner, and Mrs. Harry Borthwick. Mrs. Locke is a life member and the other three women are charter members of the organization. 

Members of Crossland Women’s Institute are seen above just before the start of ceremonies marking the 50th anniversary of that Centre Flos organization. First winter’s storm of the season failed to cut attendance at the event. [The ladies in this photo were not identified. We know the four in the front from the previous photo and the woman in the very middle back is my wife’s wonderful aunt, Jean Webb of Wyevale, deceased in 2014. We would appreciate more names for our archives.] 

The first snow fall of any account this season hit this area Wednesday, covering the roofs and windows of these cars on Lionel Bourgeois’ car lot. But North Simcoe received only a fraction of the 3 1/2 feet of “the beautiful” dumped on the Buffalo area and to a lesser extent the fall at the Lakehead. 

Says Town Water Supply Endangered by Sewage
Free Press Herald headline of December 7, 1960 

A suggestion that a drainage ditch running through Tiny Township, which empties into an area where Midland obtains its water supply, carries more than just drainage water. This was voiced at Saturday’s meeting of Tiny Township council. Mrs. M. Marchand asked council what steps were being taken to have the ditch cleaned. She said, “You  don’t know all that goes on around that ditch. Some people even run their toilets into it. They don’t have septic tanks.” The ditch has its beginning on one of Mrs. Marchand’s farms along the south border of the town of Penetang. It runs from there in a south-easterly direction behind several houses on the west side of Highway 27, crosses the highway, and eventually empties into the swampy area in the Midland Public Utilities watershed area where wells and reservoirs supplying the town’s drinking water are situated. 

Schedule Improvements for Docks in Midland
County Herald headline of December 2, 1960. 

Improvements to various government docks, floats and warehouses in Midland are now being considered by authorities of the Federal Department of Public Works. This optimistic news was the highlight of a public meeting in Midland’s municipal auditorium last night. It was broken to the packed auditorium by Ward 1 aldermanic candidate Arthur W. Argue. Mr Argue said he had received this information in a letter from T. B. McLennan, assistant district engineer for the department in Toronto. In his letter Mr. McLennan, said he referred in particular “to the system of floats between piers C and D which require complete renewal with a new type of float now being designed in this office” Mr. McLennan said he hoped a considerable portion of the work can be done this winter so conditions will be improved for the opening of navigation in 1961. 

    A 63.15% overall vote gave Charles N. Parker a 1,060 majority over his mayoralty opponent Les Taylor in Midland’s civic election Monday. Mr. Parker received 1,999 and Mr. Taylor 939. The record turn-out of electors (14.05% more than last year) brought a see-saw battle for the reeveship and deputy-reeveship that hung in the balance until the last of the 15 polling sub-divisions had been reported. 

    Penetang council agreed at its meeting Monday night to take an option on land known as Lions Park. Some time ago, the land was sold by the Lions Club for a housing sub-division. Recently, the property had been offered back to the club, to be used for park purposes.  

    Bay Mills Ltd. Midland, and Local 1033, Textile Workers Union of America, have concluded a new contract. It is to run for two years, effective from October 24, 1960. This newspaper was informed that the new contract calls for wage adjustments affecting about 10 employees, of 1c to 4c per hour, overall wage increase of 4c per hour during the first year of the contract, and 2c per  hour during the second year; company to pay 50 per cent of the health and welfare plan instead of 3c per hour worked, effective Jan. 1, 1961. In the second year of the contract, a reduction in hours in some departments from 433 hours to 424 hours, with same take home pay. Increase in the period an employee is on probation from 20 days to 60 days; clarification of some clauses in the existing contract. 

BIRTHS
COMBER — To Mr. and Mrs. John Comber, Port McNicoll, at St. Andrews Hospital, Saturday, November 26, 1960, a daughter.
COUSINEAU — To Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Cousineau, Victoria
Harbour, at St. Andrews Hospital, Monday, November 28, 1960, a daughter.
GENDRON — To Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Gendron, Port Severn,
at St Andrews Hospital, Saturday, November 26, 1960, a
daughter.
HAUSKINS — To Mr. and Mrs. Harland Hauskins, 110 Colborne Street, Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Friday, November 25, 1960, a daughter.
LEVESQUE — To Mr. and Mrs. Armand Levesque, Port Severn, at St. Andrews Hospital, Wednesday, November 30, 1960, a daughter.
MURPHY — To Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Murphy, 18 Alexander Crescent, Penetang, at St. Andrews Hospital, Monday, November 28, 1960, a daughter.
PILON — To Mr. and Mrs. James Pilon, Port Severn, at St. Andrews Hospital, Tuesday, November 29, 1960, a son.
STANICH — To Mr. and Mrs. George Stanich, Port McNicoll, at St. Andrews Hospital, Sunday, November 27, 1960, a son.
BRUNELLE — To Mr. and Mrs. John Brunelle, 13 Wolfe St., Penetang, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Tuesday, Nov. 22, 1960,  a daughter.
CARRIERE — To Mr. and Mrs. Albert Carriere, Highland Point, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Thursday, Nov 24, 1960, a daughter.
ROBITAILLE — To Mr. and Mrs. John Robitaille, RR 3, Penetang, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Tuesday, Nov 22, 1960, a daughter.
STONE — To Mr. and Mrs. William Stone, Phelpston, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Thursday, Nov. 24, 1960, a
Daughter. 

TUG “MARY STEWART”
Dear Editor: The single – screw wooden steam tug Mary Stewart, Official No. 85415, was built in 1882 as the “Waubaushene” at St. Catharines, by the Royal Navy Maltese shipbuilder Louis Shiekluna, and registered at that port. Her length was 71 feet, width 18.2 and depth 8.8 feet, gross tons 97.34. She had a single cylinder high pressure engine built by Capp Brothers and Batty of Hamilton, 100 horse power with 22-inch stroke and cylinder 18 inches in diameter. In 1911 her registry was transferred to Midland, as owned by D. J. Burke of Midland. Her name was changed to D. J. Burke and afterwards changed to Mary Stewart. In 1917 she was purchased from D. J. Burke by the Ontario Rock Co Ltd. of Toronto and in 1918 was sold to Canadian Stewart Co. Ltd. of Toronto. In 1919 her registry was transferred to the port of Toronto. On July 6, 1921, she was  sold to Toronto Harbour Commissioners and on April 23, 1930, was sold to Russell Construction Co. Ltd of Toronto, becoming their tug #2. Her register was closed Feb 11, 1949 following advice from the owners that she had sunk in Lake Ontario in December, 1940.   W. R. Williams. 

In 1950, Midland’s population was 7,260.

 And a quick look back to 1955 and the Midland Red Wings.Current edition of Midland’s junior Red Wings is seen here. They will be out to redeem themselves against Lindsay at Arena Gardens Thursday night following a trouncing by Newmarket Monday.  Wings won their other game to date, in Parry Sound. Left to right are — front row, Bob Pewer, Ross Irvine, Bob Scott, Roger Grey, Harvey Jackson, Ken Simms, Jim Lemieux; back row—Harold Jackson, Don Ring, Dave McCall, Clare Armstrong, Bill Quinlan, Bob Pickering, Dalt Cruise, Gord Brand and coach Garnet Armstrong.

And their cheer leaders;  Kathy Hall, Marj Powers, Pat Martin, Margaret Ann Moore, Lorna Edwards and Marion Lemieux.

 

 

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 enlargeThis old mill (Rumble Mill c.1869) and water flume at Hillsdale provides many an interesting angle for camera bugs. Water power plays only a minor role in the workings of the mill nowadays, but not too many years ago it provided all the power for the mill, focal point for area farmers for several generations.

Two Midland organizations got financial boosts from the Midland Rotary Club at the latter’s dinner meeting Tuesday night. Rev. Len Self is seen accepting a cheque for $50 to help carry on Little NHL programs from Rotarian’s “Chuck” Stelter left, and Bob Scott. 

Reminiscent of the days of King Arthur is this “groaning board” Sunday. It contained such gourmets’ delight as trout, pot roast of moose and all the goose, duck and pheasant one could eat. Among the diners were Woody McConnell, Dr. D. C. Swan, Harold Kettle, Clarke Edwards, Bill McArthur and “Toots” Wallace. Dinner was sponsored by Pete Pettersen, with assistance from his fishing and hunting pals. 

“Yep, they’re ready,” says Pete Pettersen, right, as he samples some of the game provided for some of his hunting and fishing pals at a dinner at Bourgeois dining room, Victoria Harbour, Sunday night. Nodding in agreement are, left to right, Bill McArthur, chef Wilf Bourgeois and his assistant, Raymond Moreau, and noted sportsman King Whyte of CBC television fame. On three trays, left to right, are moose, goose and duck. 

Last week’s nomination meeting in Midland was one of the liveliest in years, with 30 candidates named for various positions. John Sharp already has the “score board” well filled, only part way through the meeting. 

Last week’s nomination meeting in Midland was one of the liveliest in years, with 30 candidates named for various positions. Clerk William Hack explains qualification procedures to Chris Gardner while Mayor Charles Parker enjoys a joke with friends seated nearby. 

This was the picture in Midland’s municipal building Thursday night shortly after nominations for council, school board and utilities commission got under way. Spectators in the front seats watch intently as the names of candidates are chalked up on a large blackboard set up in front of the platform.

Editorial page photo entitled “Depot for Pilgrims”. Railway passenger shelter at the Shrine.

Two Fight For Mayoralty in Midland Ballot Battle
County Herald headline of November 25, 1960. 

There is every indication that Midland electors this year will have no dearth of candidates when they go to the polls Dec. 5. Following nominations in the municipal building last night, the outcome now appears to be two-way battles for the mayoralty, reeveship, deputy-reeveship and the aldermanic seat in Ward 3. In Ward 1 at least six names are in the running; in Ward 2 and Ward 4 three each. Three men also will contest the two seats vacant on the public utilities commission, and four have been nominated to battle for the three seats on the public schools board. 

Need 21-Room School, May Cost $420,000
Free Press Herald headline of November 30^th, 1960. 

A letter read at Monday night’s meeting of Penetang council indicates public school ratepayers may be faced with a new $420,000 debenture debt in the near future. Purpose of the debenture will be construction of a new 21-room school. The letter asked council to consider raising a debenture issue of that amount to provide for construction of the proposed school to replace the present Robert Street building, which has been known as the boys’ school. Council shelved the matter pending receipt, of further information from the public school board. 

    Deer hunting can be a dear business. This newspaper was told that four deer hunters were returning home last week after a hunt in the Sudbury district. Loaded on their car were two deer and a Jersey calf. When they arrived at the checkpoint, somewhat astonished conservation officers noted the calf first and began to ask questions. Non-plussed by the officer’s queries, one of the foursome produced a bill of sale for the calf that had been shot. Oh yes, the cost – $400. 

    There are ten persons waiting to get into Georgian Manor in Penetang, according to a report of the Homes for the Aged Committee, placed before Simcoe County council this week. The same report gives the waiting list for Simcoe Manor at Beeton as “O”. Capacity of Georgian Manor is listed as 27 ambulatory patients and 26 bed care, compared with 63 ambulatory at Simcoe Manor and 47 bed care. Present occupancies are given as 24 ambulatory and a capacity 26 bed care at Penetang, with 58 ambulatory and 44 bed care patients at Beeton.

    Coming as it does during a period of low employment, definite word that James Stewart Manufacturing Company’s operations at its Woodstock plant will be for the most part, carried out at Penetang, brought a new wave of optimism to the town. General Manager Clayton Israel yesterday morning confirmed reports of the move which have been prevalent for several weeks. He said the move will coincide with the closing of production in the southwestern Ontario plant. 

    In its report to county council this week, the tourist and industrial committee said it is “particularly pleased” that the Ontario Government has proceeded with construction of the Ontario Lakeland Tourist Reception Centre, to be built on Highway 400 south of Barrie. 

    Long distance charges will be eliminated next summer for all telephone calls between Midland, Waubaushene and Port McNicoll and between Port McNicoll and Penetanguishene. According to H. A. Kilroy, Bell Telephone manager for this territory, elimination of long distance charges is part of a program to widen local calling areas of telephone exchanges throughout the district. They will come into effect coincident with the introduction of dial telephone service in Waubaushene and Port McNicoll. 

    The Victoria Harbour branch of the Canadian Bank of Commerce was broken into and $2,600 stolen during the noon hour yesterday, the OPP detachment at Victoria Harbour reports. Bank manager L. Thompson reported that the bank’s back door had been forced open and one of the till drawers had been forced. All the money has been recovered from where it was hidden in a tub of soiled clothing, police stated. Charges have been laid against an area man. 

    Seven houses were reported to Penetang Police as having been broken into and ransacked over the past weekend. Six of the incidents occurred late Sunday afternoon. Except for a ring and a family allowance cheque, the loot from the Sunday afternoon entries was reported to be less than $10. In all cases, police say brute strength was used to force open doors said to have been locked. 

    Preliminary estimate of commercial fish production, recently issued by the Ontario Department of Lands and Forests for the first six months of 1960, shows a reduction in landings of 26.8 per cent from the corresponding figures last year for all Ontario waters. In the Georgian Bay small increases were noted in all species with the overall catch up 66.6 per cent to 65,000 pounds. Whitefish and yellow pickerel caught increased to 13,000 and 14,000 pounds respectively the report continues. 

25 Years Ago

Major Fred Grant, of Midland, who served with the 48^th Highlanders in France presented that regiment with giant snuff mull, the base of which was a large black-nosed ram’s head which came from Edinburgh. * * * Earl Jellicoe, “the hero of Jutland,” had Just died and Midland’s Henry Dunkleman, who had served under Jellicoe, said the admiral was a good sport and fair with the officers and men under his command. * * * First Penetang Brownie Pack was celebrating its 9^th birthday. * * * Mrs. M. Finch, business agent of the National Clothing Workers of Canada, conferred with Dan Scroll and as a result, Midland Garments Ltd. was being organized as a union shop. * * * Midland’s fall fair held by the Tiny and Tay Agricultural Society showed a profit of nearly $500 the annual meeting was told. The meeting decided to hold its fair in 1936 immediately following the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto. * * * A giant masquerade skating party opened Midland’s winter sports season and plans were being made by the chamber of commerce to make Midland a winter sports center. * * * Midland’s basketball team was defeated in a pre-season game by Simpson Ave. United Church team from Toronto. The score was 47-23. * * * Penetang discarded its antiquated fire truck and replaced it with a fully equipped up-to-date model purchased at a cost of $2,500. 

    ‘Tell the truth’ panel decides by LOUISE BELLEHUMEUR Whether or not to publicly criticize a student actor’s performance in a school play, was the difficult job asked of a panel at last Sunday’s meeting of St. Ann’s YPC. Anita St. Amant, Jean DeVillers, Ann Maher, John Gowett, Don D’Aoust and Jacques Beauchamp were the panelists. The problem posed was whether or not the editor of a school paper should publicly criticize the performance of an actor in a school play. Consensus was that the critic should tell the actor personally, and delete his honest opinion of the actor’s ability from the report. Club spiritual director agreed the actor should be told personally in order to avoid a letdown later. He said the truth should always be spoken, but there are times when it is not necessary to say anything, and at such a lime even the truth could cause harm. Our Glee Club is busy preparing for Christmas and many new carols are being learned under direction of Vola Leroux. Hockey teams are being chosen for this year’s YPC games. Peter Lacroix is in charge of this phase of activities, and full team line-ups should be announced within the next two weeks. 

    Simcoe County’s reforestation committee has recommended the purchase of three plots which would add a total of 275 acres to county forests at a cost of $10,150. Over the signature of its chairman, Reeve Dalton Jermey of Medonte, the report recommended the purchase of two lots in Flos Township from Joseph O’Neill and one in Tiny Township from the Alfred Dorion estate. Both O’Neill lots are 100 acres each, the south half of lot 16, Con. 3, Flos, contains 85 acres of level, sandy land and 15 acres of bush, made up of elm, spruce, poplar, balsam and cedar. Price of this lot is $4,000. The other O’Neill lot is the north half of lot 16, Con. 2, Flos, and is priced at S3,750. It contains 68 acres of open land and 32 acres of elm, maple, poplar and spruce. The Dorion estate plot contains 75 acres of lot 10, Con. 17, Tiny, and the price is $23,200. Included is a nine-acre plantation of 20-year-old pine. The rest is made up of 28 acres of open land and 38 acres of hard maple, white ash and beech.