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 enlargeDream of kids everywhere — a ride on the fire truck came true for these Penetang lads after they won the Ontario Little NHL championship in Huntsville Saturday. Sunday afternoon found the NHL champs riding the big new truck in the foreground, while the junior “A” entry, eliminated in the semi-finals, got a ride on the older truck. Numerous cars joined in the joyful procession. 

Machinery is arriving steadily, on schedule, at the new Greening Wire plant in Midland. Here John Fox, left, and Gil Hamelin, are busy on one of the new spooling benches which have been set up. Earlier in the month floods swept across the floor of the factory. 

To persons not acquainted with the manufacture of wire rope, this machine turns out the finished product in startling fashion, weaving a number of strands around one central wire core. Attending the machine, in Midland’s new Greening Wire plant, is Mike Fox, one of about a dozen local men now steadily employed. 

Perfect weather on the weekend brought out a large number of divot-diggers at Midland Golf and Country Club. On hand to greet them for the first time were new pro Bob Rothmel and his wife, Betty, who will be in charge of the club house. The early birds found the course had wintered well and is in good condition. 

It was a real “dog day” for sure at the Roxy Theatre last Wednesday as the kids brought along their favorite pooches for the big dog show sponsored by manager Wilf LaRose. Happiest man when it was all over, Mr. LaRose, who spent an anxious half hour stopping dog fights and untangling himself from leashes. 

“I sure hope Toby wins a prize,” says little Carol Willett, three-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ross Willett, as they wait for the judges’ decision at the dog show held at the Roxy Theatre recently. Lending moral support to Carol (and Toby) is Roxy attendant Sharon McElroy. 

This is the time of year when bowlers collect the prizes they’ve won over the long, hard season just finished. Prizes for high individual scores in the Twin City League were won by left to right, front — Ina Knapp, May Williams, Shirley Jeffery; back — Leo Perrault, Gord Ross, Bob Somers. 

Members of the All-Stars, winners of the George Webb Trophy were May Williams, Phil Hamelin, Dorothy Spicer, Shirley Jeffery, Doug Swann and Joan Brechin. Not present was Pete Hamelin. 

Attendants of this gasoline pump at Six Mile Lake will have to swim to their jobs, unless the water goes down a foot or more before the customers start to arrive. Many private docks, as well as those of commercial establishments, are covered by a foot or more of water. 

Getting into this boat house at Six Mile Lake may be quite a problem for some time, unless the unusually high waters recede quickly. Although it doesn’t show, there’s a dock running along the left side of this picture to the boat house door. It’s covered by more than a foot of water. Level of the lake is governed by the level of the nearby Severn River. 

Among the “Old Timers” who attended the opening of the new wing at Mountain School April 6 were the women, and one gentleman, above, watching Mrs. Bertha Clark McQuay of Midland sign the guest book. Mrs. McQuay was the oldest graduate of the old red school present. Others are, left to right, Mrs. William Wallace, Midland, Fred Toole, Toronto, Miss Dorothy Bennett and Miss Mary Bennett, who still reside on the “mountain”, Mrs. M. Leatherdale, Midland, Mrs. Annie VanCamp, Balm Beach, and Mrs. Ethel Bateson MacMillan, Midland. 

Truly a family business is the S. Reid and Sons grocery at Victoria Harbour. Founded by the late Samuel Reid 65 years ago, the store is still run by his sons, William, left, and Walter, and daughter Miss Eva J. Reid. The store has been in continuous operation on the same site since April 8, 1895. 

 A year later in September of 1961 the siblings sold the store and retired.

Pupils of Port McNicoll Public School and their teachers held open house for parents Tuesday night in the school. Here Patsy Kelly and Judy Coughlin stand behind a table laden with some of the works of art of student cooks. On the wall behind them are skirts made by girls in the home economics class. 

Mr. & Mrs. Bert Armstrong seem proud of the work done by their son, Bobbie (Bob Armstrong), a pupil at Port McNicoll Public School. The school held open house for parents Tuesday night. The annual event attracted a good crowd. Also on display were articles made by the woodworking class. 

Return of more seasonable weather has also meant a return of construction activity in Midland. In the upper photo, a start is being made by Roland Desroches on an “eight unit apartment” building on Yonge Street, West. In the lower photo are some of the six new houses built by Rei Construction near the Leitz factory on Ellen Street. Most of them have been sold.

 

It’s John Thomas, getting an upside-down view of the world during his performance on the rings. Large crowds attended the annual physical fitness demonstrations put on by the ‘Y’ boys and girls during the two nights.

PROVINCE CANCELS PLANS FOR INFORMATION CENTER
Free Press Herald headline of April 27^th, 1960.
North Simcoe tourist promotion associations and resort operators, who were expecting that a permanent  information centre would be erected near Barrie this year, are going to be disappointed. The Georgian Bay Development Association revealed yesterday it had been informed by Travel and Publicity Minister Bryan Cathcart that no action would be taken on the project this year. The GBDA announcement said this information had been obtained in a recent follow-up on plans for the proposed permanent tourist information booth on Highway 400, near Barrie. GBDA officials said they had been given “strong assurances” last fall and throughout the winter months that, the booth would be in operation for the 1960 tourist season. The necessary funds for the building have not been released by the government,” it was stated. Expenditures of $60,000 for this project were contained in the Department of Public Works estimates, but Travel and Publicity Minister Cathcart told the GBDA that, in view of the tight money situation, certain expenditures had to be reconsidered under these new conditions.
 
MPDHS LEVY $210,795 FOR SEVEN MUNICIPALITIES
County Herald headline of April 29, 1960.
The seven municipalities which support Midland-Penetang District High School will be called on to pay a total of $210,795.13 of a total school budget of $454,207.79, according to figures, released by MPDHS board chairman T. M. McCullough yesterday. Midland’s share of the 1960 high school levy amounts to $90,776.24, an increase of $5,702.93; over last year’s figures. On the basis of the 1959 assessment this would mean about a five-eighths of a mill increase on the 1960 tax rate. But owing to an increase in the town assessment this year, it should amount to about .38 of a mill hike in the rate for high school purposes, Clerk W. A. Hack said. Penetang’s share of, the levy amounts to $28,900.97, an increase of $4,057.22 over the 1959 figure. It is estimated this will mean a little more than a 1.5 mill boost in the 1960 high school rate for that town. Estimated provincial grants amount to $237,172.66 and the balance, approximately $6,200, is made up of the cadet grant, fees from other high schools, marine school fees and other income. 

    Garbage dump troubles hit Tiny Township Monday when council heard a letter from Simcoe County Health Unit, asking the municipality to close a dump near Wyevale. Clerk G. Marchand also informed council he had received complaints from residents about garbage being dumped in the “Mountain” gravel pit, west of Midland. No action was taken on either complaint.

    Gangs of teenagers hanging around restaurants on Penetang’s Main Street caused considerable discussion at Monday night’s meeting of Penetang council. The matter came up when Mayor Jerome Gignac complained of broken bottles on the Main Street. He said he had stopped several times on the way to church Sunday morning to take glass off the street, before he could drive by. At that point, several councilors mentioned the trouble probably originated with gangs of teenagers who hang about in the restaurant area, particularly on weekend nights. 

    As an alternative to locks on the Severn River at Big Chute and Swift Rapids, C. S. Wice, yesterday suggested the possibility of diverting the Trent Waterway through Six Mile Lake, with locks at White’s Falls. He had expressed some concern over a possible heavy drain on water (also used by hydro plants) which might result during a dry period if locks are installed at the Swift and Big Chute. (At this time a lock at Big Chute was still being planned.) 

   Simcoe County council’s grant to Huronia Historic Sites and Tourist Association has been cut $200 this year. This fact was made known to the association at its meeting in Port McNicoll last week. The association had requested $1,200 from the county but is to receive only $1,000. The tourist promotion body was informed that its grant had been cut as a result of Barrie’s withdrawal from the county and the resultant heightening-of-costs-and expenditures and the lowering of revenue. 

    Midland has won its second traffic safety award in about as many years. The Canadian Highway Safety Council announced this week that the North Simcoe town has been awarded a special citation for having, by “united community effort”, completed 1959 without one fatal traffic accident. The awards are being presented to 57 Canadian cities and towns with populations between 5,000 and 10,000. Seventeen of these municipalities are in Ontario. 

    Executive of the Huronia Association for Retarded Children has estimated it will require a budget of $7,500 to operate this year. The proposed budget includes a salary of $3,250 for the principal of its school, $250 for her assistant, $2,500 for transportation, $500 for accommodation and transportation, $500 for classroom equipment, and $500 for a reserve. The association anticipates revenue of $2,500 in government grants, and $1600 in grants from nearby municipalities. At present it has $500 in cash on hand. An additional $2,900 is required to meet its proposed budget. 

BIRTHS
VESSAIR — To Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Vessair Honey Harbour, at St. Andrews Hospital, Tuesday, April 26, a son.
DUPUIS — To Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Dupuis, Port McNicoll, at St. Andrews Hospital, Thursday, April 21, 1960, a son.
LATONDRESSE — To Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Latondresse, Victoria Harbour, at St. Andrews Hospital, Wednesday, April 6, 1960, a son.
LAWLER — To Mr. and Mrs. William Lawler, Victoria Harbour, at St. Andrews Hospital, Thursday, April 21, 1960, a daughter.
MALLETTE  – To Mr. and Mrs. Ray Mallette, 150 Sixth Street, Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Wednesday, April 20, 1960, a son.
MCFARLAND — To Mr. and Mrs. Robert McFarland, Port McNicoll, at St. Andrews Hospital, Monday, April 25, 1960, a daughter.
MOREAU — To Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Moreau, Percy Street, Waubaushene, at St. Andrews Hospital, Wednesday, April 20, 1980, a son.
MORLEY — To Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Morley, 84 Hanly Street, Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Wednesday, April 20, 1960, a son.
St. AMAND — To Mr. and Mrs. Norman St. Amand, 80 Fifth Street, at St. Andrews Hospital, Thursday, April 21, a daughter. (Baby died).
 
TEN YEARS AGO THIS WEEK
Rt. Rev. J. M. Castex of Penetang flew to Rome and after an audience with Pope Pius XII spent a month at his birthplace, the village of Sacone in the Pyrenees Mountains. * * * Continuing deficit forced St. Andrews Hospital Board to increase the daily rates for patient care. Increases were: public ward from $3.75 to $4.25; semi-private ward rate increases were from 50 cents to $1 and private ward rate hikes ranged from 50 cents to $1.25. * * * The 30,000 Island Navigation Company of Midland announced the inauguration of a freight and passenger service between Midland and Parry Sound using the 112-foot “Coastal Queen”. * * * Penetang council had its first look at the new building and zoning bylaw drawn up by Councillors Bernard St. Amant and Jerome Gignac. * * * Victoria Harbour citizens met to consider the building of a skating rink and recreational centre. * * * Word was received from Ontario Minister of Highways, Hon. George H. Doucett, that Waubaushene would be on the southern loop of the new Trans-Canada Highway. * * * A summer school of archaeology, the first of its kind in Canada was announced by Dr. S. F. Maine, director of the summer school and extension department. University of Western Ontario. Under the direction of Dr. W. W. Jury, the school was to be conducted on the site of Fort Ste. Marie, near Midland. * * * Subscribers and renters of telephones served by the Coldwater Municipal Telephone System were notified by letter that their rates would be more than doubled. 

    Midland’s assessment department will commence the annual town census Monday, assessor Ian McLung said yesterday. Ivan Flynn, a member of the assessment staff, will be the census taker, Mr. McLung said. He explained that the annual census forms the basis for the $3.50 per person grant which the town receives from the government each year. He asked that the public cooperate with the census taker. 

    Penetang citizens had a novel experience Wednesday night. Many were startled when they heard a train whistle blowing in town shortly before midnight. In recent years, trains have come into town three times weekly, but during daylight hours only. E. J. Levesque, the CNR agent, said yesterday the train made a special trip to pick up a rush carload shipment from a Penetang factory. When reminded that Wednesday is one of the scheduled days for the train, Mr. Levesque said the railroad is operating under a new policy whereby the train comes in for full car shipments going either way. “We are how trucking all freight of less than carload quantity,” he said, “thereby providing a generally faster service.” 

   Waubaushene residents had something to beef about the first few days of this week. It was a beef — very dead and equally SMELLY. Maynard Thiffault first saw the animal, which had apparently drowned, floating in the main channel of Georgian Bay Sunday. It was also apparent that the animal had been a valuable one when alive; but no one was able to locate the owner. “Nobody was very anxious to fish it out of the water, either,” said Mr. Thiffault. It was finally hauled out Wednesday by a commercial company that specializes in removal of dead animals. 

   Just about the busiest place in Midland during March was St. Andrews Hospital. At Tuesday night’s board meeting, it was revealed that the hospital had recorded 2,738 patient days during the month, or 20 per cent above the budgeted estimate, according to Alex Craig, business manager. The average patient day, 88, was up by a similar figure. So far, the large influx of patients has not caused any embarrassment to the hospital. “We have been getting terrific co-operation from the nurses,” said Mrs. Jean Sutton, acting director of nursing. Meanwhile the board is proceeding with arrangements to open the first floor of the long idle Playfair Wing. Already on order is $3,500 worth of furniture. 

   I don’t know of a town in Ontario that has placed itself on the map in a historic manner as Penetang has done during recent years.” This was the opening statement of remarks made by Dr. Wilfred Jury at a meeting of directors of Penetang Chamber of Commerce, Tuesday noon. Mr. Jury stated that officials at the University of Western Ontario were extremely well pleased with the co-operation given by the town during the years the university had shown an interest in assisting with the excavation of local history. Speaking particularly of the Officers’ Quarters Museum, Mr. Jury said, “We are expecting the best year ever this season, but again we will be depending on the co-operation of local residents.” He mentioned that a number of improvements have been made since last year, some of which will provide a great deal more space in the museum. “I have arranged to bring six girls from the university to work in this district during the summer,” Mr. Jury said. He went on to explain that two would be working at the museum and four at the Indian village in Midland.

Submitted by local historian Dean Nicholls, April 2020

In the wake of the Arlington: The day she rose again in Midland Harbour.

 The life and times of the Burke Brothers of Midland ON. 

If you walked the streets of my town, Midland ON, any day and asked a resident about the sinking of the SS Arlington you would get a stare, that puzzling look and nod of sympathy that you are asking a dumb question. We have no old sailors occupying park benches under the railway canopy on the Town Dock any more; they, the railway and the old canopy are all gone.  Only a few family members remember that the two young junior hockey players, Ted Brodeur and Frank Swales, on their first trip ever as newly hired deckhands, were saved when their ship went down. Their ships captain, cooperating to keep them on a payroll all summer, being hometown players, so they could play for Midland next season, this was important stuff then, now forgotten. Nobody remembers that as soon as the hearings on the disaster were completed, spring of 1941, that no evidence of negligence, irresponsibility or responsibility was placed on anyone’s record, insurance was paid and the issue quickly passed. One family mourned the loss of a husband, father and brother, the Arlington’s Captain “Tatey Bug Burke”. But Canada was at war, greater tragedies were being reported every hour. Local young men were being killed far away from home, the community, as most would, moved on.

The S.S. Arlington was built in 1913 at Detroit Shipyard, in service called a “canaller”, steel-hulled, propeller-driven to accommodate Great Lakes narrow locks and river systems. She was 244 feet long and 43 feet in width, comfortably able to slide through the locks. In 1937 she readied for Burke Towing and Salvage Company, BT&SC (5) owned and operated by the Burkes Brothers Midland ON , and was equipped with the most modern navigational equipment available at that time. As new owners, brothers Captains Edward 1873 – 1958 and David Burke 1877 – 1941 persuaded their younger brother Frederick, born at Midland ON June 12^th, 1885,  to become her captain. The Burke’s, of Irish descent were great-grandsons of a British Military Soldier who like many others took Military Land Grants in Canada upon retirement. They selected properties in and around the British Military and Naval Establishment at Penetanguishene, on Georgian Bay.  Fred, the youngest brother, was known as a most capable, intuitive navigator using his special intelligence to navigate safely.  He had an unusual nickname known to all as “Tatey Bug”, except to his face.  As a youngster, Fred had a speech impediment and could not properly say his name. Known to the family as Teddy, he said Taydey Bug for Teddy Burke, which over the years became Tatey Bug even when as an adult he had lost his impediment. At times due to his compulsive and very hyper nature, this name was considered apropos.

As the brother’s salvage, towing and barging business, of which they were well known as specialist over the entire Great Lakes area, declined, they became aware in the early 1930’s that they had to diversify, “moving ahead with the times”. For them, the Arlington’s principal use and profitability was to haul grain in the early spring and late fall seasons, and pulpwood in midseason when the grain business was not so busy.

For years Fred had captained tug boats for his brothers towing timber rafts and sailing vessels on Georgian Bay.  But his longing to captain larger steamships and out of respect for James Playfair, a Midland ON industrialist, who owned the Georgian Bay Navigation Company (GBNC), he took to their larger vessels. One of Fred’s big ships, the S.S. Glenorchy, delighted him as he was having a good season on her until the night of October 29^th 1924 on Lake Huron, off the Lower Michigan shore, in heavy fog. The “Orchy” was struck by the S.S. Leonard B. Miller. The Miller, only partially damaged, carried the Orchy along allowing her crew to walk across their deck onto the Miller before the Glenorchy slid away, down. Fred was credited with heroism for saving an injured crewman on this occurrence, adding to the many tales that built his career as he had other groundings and mishaps that created his mystic. In 1925 we find him captain on a Playfair vessel the SS Glenisla. Then in 1926 following the transfer of GBNC fleet he became an employee of Canada Steamship Lines.

April 30^th, 1940 as the Arlington departed the Lakehead, downbound for Owen Sound ON with a load of grain; in her wake fate certainly was riding with her. Another vessel the SS Collingwood, bound for Midland ON with a load of grain, was leaving just behind her. As the CSL ship captained by Midlander Thomas Carson followed the Arlington away, Carson decided to stay in her wake as he knew she was fitted out with better navigation equipment than he possessed. May 1^st on Lake Superior he observed, in breaks in the snow storm, the Arlington was struggling. As the weather worsened he wondered at the changes of direction and reverses, but stayed his distance. Only when he realized she was in big trouble did he close. Through the snow storm and huge waves, he glimpsed Mate Junis Macksey readying lifeboats. Carson came to within 220 yards and prepared to take her hands aboard. Suddenly the Arlington rolled unsteadily to port, and then back to starboard away and down.  Recovered were 23 sailors excluding the captain who was not with them? It was not until they reached Sault St. Marie locks was Captain Carson able to send a message to Midland that the Arlington was gone. Upon the Collingwood’s arrival at Midland immediately an inquiry was scheduled for the following day. All survivors were cautioned to say nothing to anyone about the sinking. As they pulled dockside they found the dock heavily crowded with family, friends and observers. Security became very important.

The inquest started in Midland and continued for several months in different locations and I leave it for the reader to explore. My recommendation for the best synopsis read: True Tales of the Great Lakes by Dwight Boyer.

Everything changed, a year after the sinking for the Burke Company.  Captain David died suddenly leaving Captain Ed, the oldest brother, to run their affairs. He decided to shut down their company but finishing up the 1940’s and into the early 50’s he was often was called upon to assist with salvaging on the great Lakes. Dying in 1958 he spent his last years happily on the bay, aboard his private yacht, the Captain Ed.

And today what is heard of the Burke Brothers, their benevolence in our community or even their history here? Captains Edward and David are entombed in a family mausoleum in the old Military Cemetery of St. James on the Lines Anglican Church, Penetanguishene ON.

The once benevolent and accommodating Burke Company is no more. There are memorial plaques on the wall of St. Mark’s Anglican-Lutheran Church, 3^rd St. Midland in memory of Captain David and Captain Frederick John Burke, not mentioned as “Tatey Bug”!  And on the lawn in front of the church, as one would enter, stands a tall white Carillion Tower in memory of Captain Edward and his wife Estelle. The bells toll every Sunday while the congregation recite the Lord’s Prayer. As we hear the bells and say the prayer does anyone present wake the Arlington, the Burkes or their history?  Perhaps they all pray to have a Collingwood in their wake?

Photos from the May 8th, 1940 Free Press Herald, Huronia Museum collection.
Photo of the Arlington, Dean Nicholls personal collection.

 

 

 

 

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 enlargeA familiar scene was re-enacted at Port McNicoll Saturday as Harbourmaster Alex McCullagh, right, presented traditional “topper” to Capt. J. W. Lenckie. The Wiarton skipper brought the first cargo of the season to Port, 642,000 bushels, on the John O. McKellar. Capt. Lenckie also won a hat for opening the season at Prescott last year. 

Midland harbour sprang to life again on the weekend with the arrival of seven grain boats. The top hat went to Capt. A. R. Rafuse of Cornwall, who brought 672,000 bushels of grain to Tiffin elevator on the Scott Misener. Seen above with Mayor Charles Parker, left, and Albert Hill, Tiffin superintendent, Capt. Rafuse had won another “hat” at Midland back in 1947. He started sailing when he was 15 years old and has been at it for 42 years. 

Easter Monday this year had more than the usual significance for Mr. and Mrs. Robert Arnold of Victoria Harbour. It marked their 60th wedding anniversary, as well as the religious holiday. Although they lived for 40 years at Newmarket where Mr. Arnold was a CNR section foreman, they are no strangers to this area. The first seven years of their married life were spent at Waubaushene, and the past 13 since his retirement from the railroad, at Victoria Harbour. Mrs. Arnold, eldest of 11 children born to the late Mr. and Mrs. George Lidstone, was born at Coulson. Only one of her five brothers, Capt. Jack Lidstone of the Harbour, is living. She does have four sisters, Mrs. Merle Schigur of Milwaukee, and Mrs. James Sykes and the Misses Mabel and Ena Lidstone, all of Victoria Harbour. 

Many district families can attest to the Salvation Army’s generosity in their time of need.  Lieut. Wm. Johnston purchases children’s shoes and overboots (galoshes) from Midland shoe retailer Walter Woods.  

Many district families can attest to the Salvation Army’s generosity in their time of need. Lieut, and Mrs. Wm. Johnston sort some clothing which has been donated to the Army for distribution to those in unfortunate circumstances. 

“Its Water Over the Dam” Photo from the editorial page. Millpond dam at Coldwater. (Which reminds us that the Coldwater Lions Club annual Duck Race is postponed this year due to Covid-19) 

Some of the very youngest winners of scholarships at this year’s Midland Y’s Men’s Club music festival are shown following the concert at MPDHS auditorium. In the group left to right are, front row, Anne Cleaver, Gwen Duggan, Ruth Davidson, Mary Morden, Mary Lea Rutherford, Yvette Lortie; back row, Milan Borysek, John Svoboda, Linda Desroches, Theresa Martin, Jay Ellis and Michael Lefaive. 

“Open House” at Midland Public Library last week brought a fair turn-out of visitors, along with board members Don Swinson (left) and C. A. Walkinshaw, looking over one of the new books on view. Mr. Swinson is chairman of the library board. 

Before they used the tables for dancing!

“This picture is of the 1st Junior Civitan club chartered in Canada.  It was chartered by the West Toronto Civitan club. I don’t know what the connection was. I don’t think it lasted very long. The 2nd Jr. Civitan club to be chartered was the Huronia club. That was on March 13th, 1970 and I was the President. This club was sponsored by The Midland Civitan club which was chartered on July 28th, 1967.”

History submitted by Mike Tinney and yes if you do the math Mike has been a Civitan for 50 years.

 “Eleven Big Bulk Freighters Bring Record Grain Haul”

Free Press Herald headline of April 20^th, 1960. This past weekend saw one of the largest influxes of grain ever — 5,809,000 bushels in the first ship arrivals of the season at Bayport elevators in Midland and Port McNicoll. In the period from Saturday morning to Monday morning, 11 bulk carriers fought their way through fog-covered, rotting ice, all but four going to Midland. Included in the list was the CSL’s brand new Murray Bay, which brought 720,000 bushel of wheat to Midland’s Tiffin elevator on her maiden trip. It was much the same story in Midland, where the longshoremen and elevator employees worked long hours to get the ships out. It’s either a feast or a famine said one longshoreman, sweating in the first warm weather of the year in this area. This probably will be the largest concentration of ships in the Bayports for some time, J. G. Hendrickson, CSL manager in Midland said all but one of five CSL ships which came to Midland or Port McNicoll on the weekend would be going direct into the ore trade. 

“Clean up Scheduled for Midland Harbour”

County Herald headline of April 22, 1960.  The federal Department of Transport plans to clean up some “wrecks” in Midland harbour, Dr. P. B. Rynard, M.P. for Simcoe East revealed this week. Dr. Rynard said the clean-up operation would remove several old barges that have been a bit of an eyesore along the waterfront for some time. The Simcoe East member said little work had been done in the past to Midland harbour and docks in comparison with other centers. The proposed work was planned several years ago, he said, but was never done. 

    An 11-year-old Midland boy, who was invested last week as a Boy Scout, Sunday was credited with saving the life of a 10-year-old Midland girl who was walking along the floating docks at the town dock and toppled into about 20 feet of water. The boy was Ian Dalrymple, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Dalrymple of 290 Manly Street. The girl was 10-year-old Nancy Mahoney of Second Street. The incident occurred about 4 p.m. Sunday. According to eyewitnesses, Ian was standing on the main dock when he saw the girl fall into the water. He jumped down on to the floating docks, stepped out on an ice floe in the harbor and pulled her out of the water on to the ice. Then he helped her over to the main dock and ensured that she had a ride home in a car, to offset the effects of her icy bath. 

    Midland Chamber of Commerce has been voted the best all-round chamber of commerce operating in Ontario municipalities of 3,000 to 15,000 population, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce announced this week. Ernie H. Nicholson, president of the Midland chamber, has been advised officially that Midland has been given the “Gavel of the Year Award” by a special committee of judges appointed by the Ontario body. He has been requested to send a delegate from Midland to receive the award at the Ontario convention of chambers of commerce in Hamilton next month. 

    Fine weather on the Easter weekend nearly brought disaster to two Midland youngsters, for whom the lure of open water proved too strong. Rescued from a raft in the middle of Little Lake were Douglas Woods, 11, of 101 Bay Street, and Fred Maheu 12, 236 Sixth Street. Police said they were notified that the boys were in trouble on the lake around 12.30 noon Monday. The water in mid-lake was quite rough at the time. By the time police arrived, Bert Smith and Richard Ivans of Smith’s Camp had gone out in a boat and picked up the boys, soaked and frightened off the raft.

25 Years Ago This Week

Irritated by the delay in the proposed amalgamation of town board of education and PUC offices, Midland Public Utilities Commission went on record as declining to unite its office with the other two civic departments. * * * The Penetang Red Cross Society was organized with Miss Rose Tessier as president. Other officers were J. J. Mclntaggart and Mrs. V. A. Martin, vice-presidents; Miss Isobel Spearn, secretary, and H. H. Reid, treasurer. * * * The federal government had agreed to provide 900 feet of floating dock for the mooring of small boats in Midland harbour provided the town keep it in repair. * * * Members of St. Mark’s Anglican Church, Midland, were celebrating the 50th anniversary of the founding of the church. * * * The Waubaushene Athletic Club held a special meeting in the lOOF hall to discuss the possibility of building a community hall. * * * Midland, Penetang and district municipalities were making plans for jubilee programs in honour of the 25th anniversary of the accession of King George V, May 6. * * * Coldwater’s Lloyd Letherby was suggested as Simcoe East’s candidate for the Conservative nomination, should the present member, A. B. Thompson decline the nomination. * * * Balm Beach residents and campers were informed that the Hydro Board had agreed to make the necessary installations to provide electricity in the area. * * * The upper part of the building in which the Penetang branch of the Canadian Bank of Commerce was located was damaged in a $4,000 fire. 

Midland council briefs, from the meeting of April 11:
Approved was a move by the chamber of commerce requesting the Liquor Control Board of Ontario to keep its Midland store open Thursdays during the summer months. The chamber said the usual closing of the store on this day would inconvenience summer visitors.  – Resignation of Murray McComb from the Midland Community Centres Board for business reasons was held in abeyance. It was felt Mr. McComb was a valuable member of the board and an effort should be made to have him reconsider the matter.  – Council gave approval to a plan to have the provincial Little NHL finals in Midland in 1961. An invitation to the provincial body has already been extended by the local Little NHL committee. The games are usually held during Easter holidays.  – It was decided to give support to the chamber of commerce in its efforts to have the proposed new provincial police college located in Midland.  – The local committee of the CNIB was granted permission to hold its annual tag day in Midland May 17. Similar permission was granted the Salvation Army for the evening of July 15 and all day July 16.  – Applications of Eric W. Rankin for a taxi owner’s licence, and of Michael Morrow for a taxi driver’s licence, were approved on the recommendation of police chief George Wainman. – Accounts totalling $20,394 for March were authorized for payment. – Council will request the CNR to have its large diesel engines park overnight at Tiffin roundhouse, rather than near the downtown station as has been the custom. Deputy-reeve Clinton Smith said he and Alderman James Mackie had received many complaints from residents concerning noise from the diesels, which are left running all night. – A letter was received from W. E. Brown, manager of Greening Wire Midland plant, expressing appreciation of help given by town groups during the recent flooding of the new plant.  _ A report from the welfare committee revealed 175 persons currently receiving assistance from Midland. Of this number, 20 are being charged back to other municipalities. 

    The 1960 appointments of men from this district as masters and chief engineers for vessels of N. M. Paterson and Sons Limited, Fort William, have been announced as follows: Canadoc, W. Mooney, Orr Lake, chief engineer; Mantadoc, D. L. Blevins, Midland, captain;  Ontadoc, J. R. Smith, Midland, chief engineer; Paterson, H. Odesse, Penetang captain; Prindoc, A. S. O’Hara, Midland, chief engineer; Saskadoc, R. Simpel, Midland, captain; Soodoc, F. Butters,  Collingwood, captain; Vandoc, D. C. Wilson, Midland, captain; Lavaldoc, F. Boult, Collingwood, captain; Torondoc, M. Lavery, Penetang, chief engineer. Captain K. C. Clark of Midland is listed with Captain D. Steip of Wiarton as masters of the Senator of Canada. This is a temporary measure, the company announces, as Capt. Clark will take over command of the S.S. New Quedoc, now being built at Davie-Shipbuilding Co., Quebec, and to be completed this summer. The new vessel is a sister ship of the Senator of Canada. 

   Dear Editor: I was called to your town and to Penetang, March 16 to make arrangements for my aunt’s funeral at A. Barrie and Sons funeral home. I was very depressed and lonely, and a stranger to that part of Canada. As soon as I was introduced to Mr. Bruce Barrie, who was so friendly and congenial to me my loneliness soon disappeared. Mr. Barrie couldn’t have been more attentive to me if he had been my own son. He took me to his home for dinner, where I met Mrs. Barrie and their son. They, in turn, were just as friendly and kind as Mr. Barrie. It was the same with Rev. John H. Barclay, Edward Fox, a florist in Midland, and to Mr. and Mrs. Vic Scott, of Penetang. I didn’t think there were such wonderful folks still left in this world. I also want to thank Mr. and Mrs. J. Stewart for their kind welcome to me, while I was visiting my aunt, Margaret Rodger. She was a patient in their hospital for the past few years. I could go on and on, singing the praises of the above mentioned, but could never make up for all their kindness and hospitality to me — a stranger in a strange town. In closing, I would like to say if there were more folks in this world like the people I have just mentioned, the old world would be a better place to live in. A million thanks to all of them and — may God Bless each and every one of them.
Mrs. A. L. Grant,
1616 Houstonia West,
Royal Oak, Michigan 

“Tiny Talks” by Rhoda Downer
    April is such a lovely month. There’s a softness in the air. Although the nights can be pretty cold, every morning when you wake up you want to shut off the furnace. And every evening you are glad you didn’t. We generally play safe and wait for the first of May. April makes you feel young as a crocus, with the exciting sails of clouds in such a blue young sky, the earth greening in the bright sun and the plowing due to begin any day. It takes more than a few clouds to bother you as you rush out after breakfast to walk in the garden and see If the mud has dried out. April twilights are blue and deep, the air smells of growing things and sunning brooks. The ponds once more hold the reflection of the sky; the first star is lovelier than the opening white daffodil in the quiet gardens. But the star is there for all time, the daffodil for a day. Yet even transient beauty can fill the heart with joy. Yes, lovely spring is here again and what is nicer to hear these warm evenings than the “peat, peat,” of the little peepers in the ponds? Even the littlest, dirtiest pond holds music;

“From out the mud and scum of things, there’s always, always, something sings.”
    The verdant earth speaks to me of simple things and true. Of sunshine shimmering o’er the hills, white mists in crystal dew.
   A rakish crow on a tall pine, the collie on a hill. A straight clean road to follow, an oriole’s voice to thrill.
   A farmer walking o’er his fields, his good green crops to scan. And under all, the verdant earth that feeds both beasts and man.
   To everyone there comes a time to stand on safe green sod, and turn one’s eyes upon the hills to draw new strength from God.
—Rhoda Downer 

Obituaries
    Death came unexpectedly to Emery St. Amant of Perkinsfield, who died Saturday, April 9, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, after suffering a heart seizure. He was in his 61^st year. Born in Penetang, Mr. St. Amant moved to Perkinsfield, and then spent the first five years of his working life in Midland, following which he returned to Perkinsfield where he spent the remainder of his life. A well-digger and cook, he had not worked since becoming disabled in 1944. He was especially fond of hunting and fishing, and in politics was a Liberal. Surviving, besides his wife, the former Ella May Mayer, are seven sons, Raymond, Phillip, Edgar, Leo, David, Pierre and Gabriel, all of Perkinsfield, and three daughters, Mrs. Bill Schott, (Vehna), Tillsonburg; Mrs. Fred Dempsey, (Rita), Midland; and Jeanne, at home. There are four grandchildren.

    An employee of the CPR at Port McNicoll for 39 years, William Sutter died suddenly at his home there March 25, following a stroke. He had been in ill health for the past two years. Rev. F. E. Sullivan conducted funeral services at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, Port McNicoll March 28. Pallbearers were Jesse Handy, Tim Lewis, Raymond Belanger, Lloyd Cameron, Joe Connelly, and Francis Dignard. Temporary interment was at Lakeview Cemetery vault, Midland.

Born in Walkerton in Bruce County March 27, 1892, Mr. Sutter was married in that town Sept. 12, 1916, to the former Katherine Walsh. They came to Port McNicoll 43 years ago. A member of the Holy Name Society, Mr. Sutter also had served on Port McNicoll council for a number of years. Joining the CPR in 1917, Mr. Sutter served in various departments until 1924, when he became a bridgeman on the bridge and building crew. He became a carpenter in the same department in 1951 and remained in that capacity until his retirement in October 1958. Surviving are his wife, two sons, Sylvester, Port McNicoll and Mark, Toronto; and three daughters, Mrs. Charles Henry (Helen), and Mrs. Bernard Lesperance (Eileen), both of Midland, and Mrs. Ebner Day (Bernadine), of Port McNicoll.

     A resident of Midland for almost half a century, Grover C. Reynolds died at his home, 15 Horrell Ave., April 9, following a heart attack. Rev. L. J. Delaney conducted services at Nicholls’ funeral home, April 12. Members of the Midland Branch of the Canadian Legion, with Len Wiles, sergeant-at-arms, acted as pallbearers. They included Charles Stewart, Chris Gardner, Ralph McCall, Fred Ball, George Parr, and Jack Fitzgerald. Born at Orr Lake in 1886, Mr. Reynolds went to Hendrie school. He was married to the former Gladys Sager in Midland Nov. 27, 1912, and lived there a total of 48 years. A carpenter by trade, he was a member of the Anglican Church, the Orange Lodge, the Canadian Legion, and was a Conservative in politics. His main hobby was fishing. In addition to his wife he is survived by three nieces. Mrs. Wm. Martin (Helen) of St. Catherines; Mrs. Thomas Stephens (Eileen) Buffalo; Miss Betty Richardson, Barrie; and one nephew, Murray Richardson, Toronto. Other survivors include Mrs. D. R. Campbell, Morriss Musgrove, Mrs. Kathleen Cowan, Russell and Darcy Craighead, and Edwin Jardine, all of Midland, and Mrs. Reta Laughlin, Oshawa.

    After suffering for some years from chronic leukemia, Mrs. Thos. Simpson died at Penetanguishene General Hospital Sunday, April 10, just one month, after celebrating her 67th birthday. Born in Penetang and a resident there for her entire life, the former Rose Delima  Gendron married Thos. Simpson May 12, 1914. A Roman Catholic, she had been a member of the Girls’ Sodality and for a number of years sang in St. Ann’s choir. Her hobbies were fancy work crocheting and quilting. Surviving besides her husband are three sons, Cline of  Barrie and Everett and Melville of Penetang, and one daughter, Olga of Toronto. She also leaves two brothers, Charles and Louis Gendron of Penetang, and three sisters, Mrs. O. Montgrain, (Louise), Penetang and Mrs. Peter Trottier, (Ida), and Annie Gendron, Toronto. There are three grandchildren. Funeral service was held Wednesday, April 13, from Beausoleil’s funeral home to St. Ann’s Memorial Church, where Father L. Bourque officiated, assisted by Father J. Kelly and Father J. Marchand. Temporary entombment was in St. Ann’s Mausoleum. Pallbearers were Phil Montgrain, Phil D’Aoust, Gerald Vaillancourt, Gilbert and Lawrence St. Amant and Eugene Bellehumeur.

    A lengthy Illness in St. Joseph’s Hospital, Toronto, ended in death for Andy Bellehumeur, Tuesday, April 12. He was in his 57th year. A native of Penetang, Andy Bellehumeur was one of the town’s sportsmen who made a name for himself in the world of hockey, both professional and amateur. In hockey circles, he has always been known as Andy Belemer, and it said this resulted from his first team berth away from his home town. While playing hockey for New Hamburg, a town settled predominantly by German Immigrants, his family name was shortened to provide easier pronunciation for the fans, and easier writing for the sports reporters. His first jaunt into the big time came when he went to the Windsor Bulldogs at the start of the 1928-29 season where be became a star defenceman. He played for that team through a total of seven seasons. From Windsor, he went to Montreal Maroons of the NHL for two months, and from there went to play in a number of American cities, including Cleveland, Syracuse, Rochester, Kansas City, Tulsa and Dallas. As his playing days drew to a close, Andy turned to refereeing and spent 15 years officiating in OHA circuits. In his capacity as an official, he was highly regarded by players and management. Prior to returning to Windsor Bulldogs as head coach for the 1958-59 season. Andy piloted the Junior “B” club at Parry Sound for two years. When ill health struck at the beginning of the hockey season just over, he was appointed manager of the Bulldogs. Andy’s last official appearance in Penetang was at the opening of the arena two years ago, when he dropped the puck for an exhibition hockey game between Barrie Flyers and Toronto Marlboro’s. For the past 15 years, Andy had lived in Bala where he owned a restaurant. The late sportsman was buried in Windsor, where he had spent the greater part of his hockey-playing days, Saturday morning. A number of relatives from this area went to Windsor for the funeral. He is survived by his wife, Helen, and five brothers, Phil and Fred of Windsor, Harvey, Midland, Edward, Penetang and Arsene, New Orleans. 

    Teaching staff at Midland-Penetang District High School has unanimously agreed to the proposed salary schedule, MPDHS Principal R. C. Gauthier told the high school board last Wednesday night. The board’s proposal increases by $100 the maximum figure in each of the four categories, of teachers’ salaries. The categories are as follows: Category 1 — teachers with high school assistant’s type “B” certificate ($4500 – $7600); category 2 — teachers with a type “B” certificate endorsed or four years degree course ($4,800 – $7,900); category 3 — specialist ($5,300 – $8,800); and category 4 — heads of departments ($5,700 -$9,100). 

    Business offices of the Bell Telephone Company are to be closed at Waubaushene and Port McNicoll, May 31 , and June 3 respectively, H. A. Kilroy, Bell manager revealed yesterday. Mr. Kilroy said both moves are part of the preparations being made for the switch to dial service in both communities in 1961. Effective May 2, Maynard Thiffault, Waubaushene grocer, will act as Bell agent for the collection of accounts in that village, Mr. Kilroy stated. Effective May 9, Mrs. M. M. Dignard will be Bell agent in Port McNicoll. There will be no charge in either community for this service, the Bell manager indicated. After May 31 in Waubaushene and June 3 in Port, requests for service, account inquiries and so forth will be handled by the company’s main business office in Midland, he said. Chief operator Mrs. Lethbridge in Waubaushene and her staff and chief operator Mrs. Saundercook in Port and her staff will continue to serve subscribers until dial service is installed in the two exchanges, Mr. Kilroy stated. 

Births
GARRAWAY—To Mr. and Mrs. George Garraway, 316 Manley St., Midland, at the Penetanguishene General Hospital, Friday, April 22, 1960, a daughter
WALKER — To Mr. and Mrs. James Walker, 78 Midland Avenue, Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Monday, April 11, 1960, a daughter.
EDWARDS — To Mr. and Mrs. Donald E. Edwards, 252 Eighth St., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Wednesday, April 20, 1960, a son.
WATTS — To Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Watts, Fesserton, Ontario, at St. Andrews Hospital, Friday, April 8, 1960, a son.
BELANGER — To Mr. and Mrs. Marcel Belanger, R.R. 1, Orillia, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Monday, April 4, 1960, a son.
CHARLEBOIS — To Mr. and Mrs. Francis Charlebois, 189 Lindsay street, Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Thursday, April 14, 1960, a son.
MacKENZIE — To Mr. and Mrs. Forbes MacKenzie Victoria Harbour, at St. Andrews Hospital, Wednesday, April 13. 1960, a son.
SHEEHAN  –  To Mr. and Mrs. Maurice Sheehan, Victoria Harbour, at St. Andrews Hospital, Wednesday, April 13, 1960, a daughter.
SWALES — To Mr. and Mrs. Brian Swales, Port McNicoll, at St. Andrews Hospital, Thursday, April 14, 1960, a son.