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 enlargeHeavy snow on the roof was blamed for the collapse of a multi-car garage at Parkview Terrace apartments, Hugel and Seventh Streets, Midland, Friday morning. Fortunately, there was only one car in the garage at the time. Although not deep, the snow was ice packed following recent thaws and freezings. 

Two Midland school girls were the winners of these huge, plush shaggy dogs as a result of a contest sponsored by Edwards Specialty Shop Ltd. recently. Seen with Jim Hamer, manager of the basement store, they are Elke Krueger, 382 Manley Street, left, and Audrey Clarke, 94 Hanley Street. 

This is all that is left of the tow equipment and the hut housing it, at Midland Ski Club following a fire Friday night. Gordon Wallace, the owner of the burned motor in the background, estimated damage at $500, none of it covered by insurance. Cause of the fire is unknown. 

Little league hockey in Midland got a big financial boost last Tuesday when Barrie Radio-TV All-Stars played a group of Midland Old-Timers in a game that attracted nearly 800 fans to the arena, largest crowd of the season. Among the old-timers taking part were, left to right, front row, Bev Scott, “Sib” Brodeur, Bert Armstrong, “Fawf” Wilcox; back row, Frank Swales, Jack Sager, Jack Toole, Lloyd Roberts, Garnet Armstrong, Bill Mohan and J. A. McCauley trainer. The Old Timers managed to hang on for a 14-13 win.

On almost their last day at Coldwater for this winter, Howard Kennedy, Percy Waples and Clint Gordon (left to right) are completing some of the many chores that must be done around a racehorse stable. They were making ready for a long trip on the weekend as Keith Waples moved some 15 horses to Rockingham Park, near Boston, for another season’s campaign on the tracks. 

Both of these chaps have good reason to be proud —Mighty Dudley because he turned in the fastest mile ever raced by a harness horse in Canada, and Keith Waples, who handled the reins in the 1.59 3/5 jaunt at Montreal’s Richelieu Park last summer. Keith is part owner of Dudley, whose family tree reads “Dudley Hanover-Pronto Mite.” 

An employee of the CNR at Midland since 1939, Harry Howard was presented with gifts by fellow employees last week to mark his official retirement. Taking part in the ceremonies were, left to right, Orville Hawke, Midland agent H. S. Howes, Jack Sturgeon, Mr. Howard, Stan Sturgeon and Jack Labrie. Born in Hastings County, Mr. Howard has been a resident of Midland since 1900. 

Winners in Midland Ski Club’s downhill and slalom Trophy competitions last Sunday afternoon proudly display their trophies. Left to right they are Bob Scott, senior winner, men’s division; Frances Brodeur, senior women; and Ron Jeffery, junior men’s. 

The intense heat generated by the fire at Peoples Store on King Street Friday March 4 cracked windows in stores across the street almost 70 feet away.  Windows in Struthers Drugs shown here and Cross Country Store had to be replaced. 

Penetang firemen were stationed at the rear of Peoples Store during the March 4 disastrous fire in Midland. Action was just as hot and heavy at the back as it was in front of the King Street stores. Grim walls were pulled down last Monday. 

Firemen from Victoria Harbour and Port McNicoll saved this building when fire broke out in it around noon hour Thursday. The frame building, known as Moore’s Hardware, is believed to be more than 60 years old. The fire started around the chimney. 

It’s obvious from this picture that Midland’s “Barbershoppers” enjoy their part in “preserving the art of barbershop singing in America.” They are seen above as they opened the annual “Harmony Night,” staged at MPDHS auditorium before a good audience Saturday night. Conductor at left is Ray Atkinson. 

Four Orillia players watch entranced while teammate Nels Kennedy and Midland Flyers’ Jim Lemieux battle in the third period of Saturday night’s game. Minutes after referees Red Favero and Andy MacLean finally pried the warriors apart, Kennedy departed the scene for the night. He had already picked up two majors and a misconduct, in addition to the match misconduct rap. Orillia won the game, 6-1. Orillia players are Howie Forbes (14), Turk Lees (4), Ron Rowe (15) and Whit Mousseau (6). 

You’d never guess it from the picture, but you’ll be seeing these chaps in church Sunday — and in the pulpits, no less. In more serious moments they are, left to right, Rev. Frank Voorwerk, of St. Margaret’s, Rev. Lloyd Delaney, St. Mark’s, Rev. Al Smith, Creemore United, Rev. Len Self, Knox, and Rev. “Bud” Morden St. Paul’s. Aided by layman Bob Stanway at rear, they formed the clergy’s line that took part in the “Old Timers vs Barrie Radio-TV All-Stars hockey game at Midland Arena Tuesday night. 

 

“Oppose Current Proposal for CAS Centralization”
Free Press Herald headline of March 16, 1960. Five years ago Simcoe County council paid to the now-famous management consultant firm of J. D. Woods and Gordon Ltd., a substantial sum of money to examine the operation of the county children’s aid society. Council members felt at that time that the society was costing too much in relation to the services performed. In the course of their rather extensive study, Woods and Gordon studied the operations of a number of children’s aid societies in Ontario. The conclusion was firmly put: “We recommend that the branch organization structure be continued.” This is the system under which social workers and offices are maintained at Orillia, Midland, Collingwood and Alliston in addition to the head office in Barrie. Now, less than five years later, the county children’s aid society, whose operating costs are borne by the taxpayers through taxes paid to the county, has completely reversed its policy, disregarded the recommendations made by the Woods and Gordon study, and is rapidly centralizing all its staff in the city of Barrie. The bills are still being paid by the entire county but local offices are being steadily closed down and workers withdrawn. For example, in this district, the children’s aid staff will soon consist largely of a phone answering service plus periodic visits by Barrie personnel.  

“Cars Hamper Brigades, Medonte Home Razed” County Herald headline of March 18, 1960. Hampered by about 100 motor cars at the scene, the efforts of fire brigades from Hillsdale, Elmvale and Moonstone proved fruitless to save the two-storey residence of Mr. and Mrs. George Mino, two miles east of here on the 2nd Concession. The fire completely destroyed the house and all the possessions of the occupants. Living in the same building with the Minos were their son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Duncan Barr, and their children Keith, 6, and Helen, 7. 

“Establish Seasonal-Fee for Admission to Park” Free Press Herald headline of March 23, 1960. In line with a policy already established by the Department of Lands and Forests, several conservation authorities and by other Ontario municipalities, Midland Parks Commission has decided to charge an admission fee to non-resident vehicle owners wishing to use public accommodation in Little Lake Park. Commission secretary Wm. A. Hack said Saturday an admission charge of $1 for the season will be levied. A windshield sticker is to be issued to those who pay the fee. Mr. Hack said Midland vehicle owners would not have to pay the fee. Separate windshield stickers will be issued to town residents free of charge. Midland citizens merely will present their licences as proof of residence. The stickers will be distributed from the camp office at the west end of the park on or before May 24. The commission secretary said park guests and pedestrians would not be required to pay the admission fee. Chartered buses, however, will be charged a daily $5 fee, he stated. 

  [At this time a battle had been raging in North Simcoe over the French language issue in Penetang. Even Le Devoir, the Montreal newspaper had been involved, declaring Mayor Jerome Gignac and Father Castex traitors to the French language cause. The following article was placed at the top of the March 16^th newspaper.]  Penetanguishene and the North Simcoe district have for years proudly boasted that they represented “a little Canada”. Here people of French and English origins and of both tongues lived together in full harmony. Here were Catholic and Protestant, Englishmen and Frenchmen, and many new Canadians working together for the good of the community. It was not French Catholic versus English Protestant. In Penetanguishene’s beautiful St Ann’s Church, services were and still are said in both languages. The town was and is bilingual in the best sense. At its approaches are two statues. One is called “Ontario” and one “Quebec”, not because as many tourists used to say Penetang is on any dividing line between the two provinces, but because the people of Canada’s two major races here lived together happily. True, English was the main language, spoken by nearly all of its inhabitants. Penetanguishene was and is deep in the heart of an English speaking province. Its young people, while continuing to speak and to learn French, realized that their future ability to earn a good living depended on a good knowledge of English, especially if finding a job required moving to Toronto, to Barrie or even commuting to other nearby centers in which French was not as frequently used. There was little or no opposition to this general pattern of life. It was accepted as practical and correct. If anything, throughout the North Simcoe district, more and more children of English-speaking families were starting to press for the teaching of more French in the schools. They did not argue that it “must” be, but rather that in a bilingual country, the non-French-speaking families had some responsibility to have their children learn at least some French. The new principal of the district high school in predominantly Protestant, English-speaking Midland is a Roman Catholic of French origin and the community accepted the appointment without outcry. 

    At the suggestion of Reeve Herb Beauchamp, Midland council Monday night agreed to open each meeting with the Lord’s Prayer. Both the reeve and Deputy-reeve Clinton Smith said that county council sessions were opened with a prayer. Mr. Beauchamp pointed out that council had a brief religious service at its inaugural meeting and he felt that each meeting should at least be opened with prayer. 

    The near-mile stretch of Highway 12 west of Midland town limits to the junction with Highway 27 is now officially a 45 mph zone. This was revealed by Magistrate K. A. Cameron during a police court hearing in Midland Monday. Mr. Cameron said he had received notification that the necessary Order in Council reducing the speed limit on this portion of the highway from 50 to 45 mph had been passed. (Eventually 30 MPH) 

    In future, motorists who block the access of fire trucks and firemen fighting fires in the Midland area may find themselves in front of a magistrate. This was intimated by Midland Fire Chief Arnold Tippin, following a fire Sunday afternoon which completely destroyed a 1 ½ storey brick home at Sunnyside. Chief Tippin estimated the loss at between $5 to $6,000, only partially covered by insurance. Two Midland pumpers, each equipped with 500-gallon water tanks, were rushed to the scene, around 3.15 p.m. One of the trucks got to the Quesnelle residence without trouble. The other had to fight its way through parked cars on the narrow road and arrived too late to be of any material help, Chief Tippin said. More trouble was encountered when the trucks attempted to get back out to replenish their tanks as there is no hydrant or other water supply in the immediate area. “If a provincial policeman had been available I would have had him tag the lot of them (the parked cars),” said Chief Tippin. 

BIRTHS
BISSON — To Mr. and Mrs. William Bisson, William St., Victoria Harbour, at St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, Wednesday March 9, 1960.
GARDINER — To Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Gardiner, 153 Sixth St., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Thursday, March 10, 1960, a son.
KING — To Mr. and Mrs. Abraham King. Christian Island, at St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, Friday, March 11, 1960, a daughter.
LEHR — To Mr. and Mrs. Karl Lehr, 408 King St., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Monday, March 14, 1960, a daughter.
McCULLOUGH — To Mr. and Mrs. William McCullough. Croham Ave., Toronto, at the Scarborough General Hospital, Wednesday, February 24, 1960, a daughter.
MOREAU — To Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Moreau, 182 king St. Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Friday, March 11, 1960, a son. (Stillborn).
MOREAU — To Mr. and Mrs. Peter Moreau, Edward St. Clarksburg, Ontario, at St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, Sunday March 13, 1960, a daughter.
PAUZE — To Mr. and Mrs. Garnet Pauze, Perkinsfield, at St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, Friday, March 11, 1960, a son.
PHILLIPS — To Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Phillips, Honey Harbour, at St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, Monday, March 14, 1960, a daughter.
LADOUCEUR — To Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Ladouceur, R.R. 3, Penetang, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, March 10, 1960, a son.
BELCOURT — To Mr. and Mrs. Augustin Belcourt, 73 Water Street, Penetang, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Thursday, March 10, 1960, a daughter.
LADOUCEUR — To Mr. and  Mrs. Ted Ladouceur, 184 Poyntz Street, Penetang, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Friday, March 11, 1960, a daughter.
FOURNIER — To Mr. and Mrs. William Fournier, First Ave., Port McNicoll, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Saturday, March 12, 1960, a son.
BURNS — To Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Burns, R.R. 2, Elmvale, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Sunday, March 13, 1960, a son.
CASTON – To Mr. and Mrs. Lorne (Bud) Caston, Wyevale, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Sunday, March 13, 1960, a son.
LADOUCEUR — To Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Ladouceur, Main Street, Penetang, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Wednesday, March 16, 1960, a son.
LEROUX — To Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Leroux, 122 Poyntz Street, Penetang, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Wednesday,
March 16, 1960, a daughter.
GIGNAC — To Mr. and Mrs. Augustin Gignac, R.R. 3, Penetang,
at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Friday, March 18, 1960, a daughter.
GAISSON — To Mr. and Mrs. Mike Gaisson, Sunnyside, Midland,
at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Saturday, March 19, 1960, a son.
SYLVESTER — To Mr. and Mrs. Remi Sylvester, Christian Island, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Saturday, March 19, 1960, a daughter.
BUMSTEAD — To Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Bumstead, R.R. 1, Victoria Harbour, at St. Andrews Hospital, Monday, March 14, 1960, a son.
DIGNARD – Mr. and Mrs. John Dignard, Port McNicoll, wish to announce the arrival of their daughter, Janice Elizabeth, a sister for Nancy, at the Penetanguishene General Hospital, Monday, February 29, 1960. 

    Members of Penetang council will attend two separate meetings scheduled to be held in Midland municipal building Wednesday evening, March 23. Deputy-reeve Bernard St. Amant and his sanitation committee decided Monday night they would accept Midland Mayor Chas. Parker’s invitation to attend a joint meeting to discuss garbage disposal problems. It is proposed to have representatives of Tiny, Tay, Penetang and Midland at the meeting. 

    (I always enjoy Rhoda Downer’s column “Tiny Talks”.) Once again March is here and winter is on the wane. And without looking at the calendar, we know spring will soon be here. The warm bright sun we’ve enjoyed these last few days is really honeycombing the snow on the South sides of the banks. The groundhogs are out and the crows are back. The blue jays and chickadee’s don’t hang around looking for handouts as much as they did a few weeks ago. And to those who were raised on a farm with a sugar bush, March always brings back nostalgic memories. Not too many years ago, most farmers had their own sugar bush, but these days there’s not too many who bother to make maple syrup. So to most people these days, the cry of ‘sap’s running’ means only that maple syrup is on the market; and that they can have pancakes or hot biscuits with maple syrup for tea if they go out and buy the syrup. Nothing very romantic about that! Those who have not been too long away from the farm and who have become city dwellers, what memories it recalls! It takes them back to the farm woodlot where bright tin buckets hung from every maple tree. How they loved to hear the “ping” of the big drops falling into the freshly-emptied buckets. Then there are memories of taffy pulls and sugaring-off-parties when sometimes they had to walk half a mile to the north side of some gully to get enough snow to pour the taffy on to harden. I think it was John Buchan who said, “Human nature loves to dignify the past and decry the future. To look back to a golden age is one means of acquiring hope for the future since what has once been may come again.” So a backward glance in these disturbing times is good for us, though there is much that we would not want back again. It is a little humbling though, to remember those lusty pioneers who knew little comfort yet built a good life for themselves and left a solid foundation for us to build on. “If thou of fortune be bereft And in thy store two loaves be left. Sell one and with the dole, Buy hyacinths to feed the soul.” —Rhoda Downer  

OBITUARIES
Following a lingering illness; GEORGE DENIS died Feb. 29, at his residence, 233 Elizabeth Street, Midland, in his 83^rd year. He was a Roman Catholic and a member of the Holy Name Society. Father Egan, pastor of St. Margaret’s Church, was at his bedside at his death. George Denis was born Oct. 5, 1877, at Coteau Landing, Quebec, son of the late Jean Basie Denis and Axlasine Miron. The Denis family came to Penetang in 1879. George attended McAveela School. After finishing school, he worked as a saw setter for the Beck Company for a few years. After leaving the company, he took a course as a master of a steam tug boat in minor inland waters. He was known as a competent master. In 1897, George Denis was united in marriage to Albina Lalumier in St. Ann’s Memorial Church, Nov. 23. In 1920 the George Denis family came to Midland and resided on Fifth Street. In 1953 they moved to Elizabeth Street. Besides his widow, the former Albinia Lalumiér, he is survived by three daughters and one son, (Alexina) Mrs. L. Alsrie, St. Clair Shore, Michigan, (Alva) Mrs. Richard Meade, Toronto, (Marie) Mrs. Wm. Garbutt, Willowdale; John Denis, Toronto; and one brother, Edward Denis, Hamilton. He also leaves 18 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Funeral service took place Thursday morning March 3 in St. Margaret’s Church at 9 a.m. Rev. L. Petitpas sang the mass, and among the Knights of the Altar was his grandson Paul Denis. Mrs. Wm. Bourrie was organist and accompanist for Mrs. Wilson and Mrs. Bellehumeur. Pallbearers were, Wm. Garbutt, Andre Light, Alcime Light, Ernest Somers, George Somers, Treffle Marchildon. Temporary interment was in St. Ann’s mausoleum. 

   (A call that will never come again in Midland.) Aft-end crews for seven Canada Steamship Lines’ vessels in Midland and Port McNicoll will report to their ships Monday, according to J. G. Hendrickson, CSL manager in Midland.  About 16 men — engineers, oilers and firemen — will report to each ship, along with a cook and a porter. Four of the ships the Coverdale, Hochelaga, Nipigon Bay and Georgian Bay are berthed in Midland. The other three, the T. R. McLagan, Thunder Bay and Sir James Dunn, are at the CPR elevator at Port McNicoll. Mr. Hendrickson said  Thursday that all seven ships will leave harbour “as soon as possible.” They are bound to encounter plenty of trouble before reaching open water, however. More than a week ago Capt. Reg Belcher reported 16 inches of ice between Midland and Port McNicoll as he operated the tug-ice-breaker Bayport between the two ports. A week of sub-zero temperatures in the interim has strengthened the ice even further. “There is no sign of open water in Georgian Bay from any point on the North Simcoe peninsula.

TEN YEARS AGO THIS WEEK
The federal Department of Public Works announced that $417,000 would be spent on marine projects in the Georgian Bay area. About $160,000 was to be spent on improvements to Midland harbour, $50,000 on a new dock at Beausoleil Island National Park, and $207,000 for dredging the Inside Channel from Midland to Pointe au Baril. * * * Ontario government officials’ revealed that the Trans-Canada Highway would pass through Simcoe County, with a link-up at Crown Hill. An alternative route was to be constructed through Orillia. * * * Seven Midland boys, John Bissette, Hugh Smith, Don Attridge, Eddie Maddox, John Pinchin, Dave Gaviller and Ken Walker, were presented with King’s Scout badges at a special awards night at Knox Presbyterian Church. An eight-member of the group, Ted Smith, was absent. * * * Dave Hudson’s Midland rink won the first schoolboy Bonspiel, defeating rinks from Galt, Guelph Penetang, Mount Forest, Orillia, Hamilton, Parry Sound, Gravenhurst, Huntsville, Welland and Fenelon Falls. Other members of the Midland rink were Doug and Pete Hudson and Bob Hodges. * * * Mr. and Mrs. BarthoIamew Kelly of Phelpston celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. Mr. Kelly was 92 and his wife was 88. They had been life-long residents of Flos Township where they had farmed until 1937. * * *  A telegram, protesting the regulations which tended to disqualify lake seamen from unemployment insurance benefits, was sent by Midland council to the Minister of Labor at Ottawa. * * * More than $60,000 damage was caused when the Dudley Block on Midland’s King Street was destroyed by fire. Swept by the flames were Midland Flour and Feed Co. Ltd., law offices of Mr. Dudley, and an apartment occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Fred Jeffery. Extensive smoke and water damage was caused to Spiker’s barbershop and to the hydro shop operated by Midland Public Utilities Commission. 

    A marathon session of Midland Public Utilities Commission, which started Monday evening and lasted until 1.30 a.m. Tuesday, resulted in the settlement of a one day strike by the commission’s nine pump house and electrical department employees. With the signing of the new agreement about 1 a.m., the one man required in the pump house returned to work and the remainder reported back at 8 a.m. Tuesday. The main issue solved by the three members of the commission and union representatives was the matter of wages. Commissioners present were vice-chairman Wm. Logan, O. H. Smith and Leslie Barber. Absent from the meeting because of other business were PUC chairman Wm. Beaton and Mayor Charles Parker. Early in the evening, when it was felt there might be a possibility of a settlement, union members called Gordon Austin, local 1647 business manager of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, in Orillia. He immediately drove to Midland to complete the negotiations. 

    Police committee of Penetang council, at a recent meeting, selected  Bruce Hook from a group of applicants for the position of a constable on the Penetang force. Chairman Alf. Cage said the new constable is at present on a probationary period. We are really using him as a relief man now. Men of the existing force are taking a one-week holiday each to cut down on the usual 10-week period of short staff while holidays are in progress,” Mr. Cage said. 

    Mumps led the field of communicable diseases reported to the Simcoe County Health Unit in February, the monthly report of Dr. P. A. Scott reveals. The health unit report notes there were 240 cases of mumps reported. Numerous cases were reported in Midland and Penetang schools last month and rural correspondents of this newspaper indicated the disease was prevalent in their communities. Other communicable diseases listed were: chickenpox 115; measles 85; German measles 39; jaundice 21; whooping cough 13; scarlet fever 7, and meningitis 2. 

   WAUBAUSHENE — Jack Duggan of Midland held a perfect “29” cribbage hand while playing with Jack Carrington of Waubaushene, recently. Mr. Duggan held three fives and the jack of clubs. When the cut was made, the five of clubs was turned up. 

   AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY. Large living room, 2 bedrooms, well decorated and comfortable. $65, including hot water. Top floor. Adults. L. W. Watson, 310 First Street. Days Phone LA. 6-2671, evenings LA. 6-2902. 

    Midland Public Schools Board Required for September Male or Female TEACHERS Junior Grades SALARY Category system in effect Minimum $3,000.00 Special Allowances for experience Annual Increment $200.00 Cumulative Sick Leave Plan Apply in own handwriting, requesting an application form. WM. A. HACK Secretary-Treasurer Midland Public Schools Board Box 100, Midland, Ontario. 

25 YEARS AGO THIS WEEK
Neville Keefe of Penetanguishene won the wrestling championship for the 125-pound class at an intermediate inter-collegiate assault-at-arms at the Ontario Agricultural College, Guelph. Participating in the tourney were students from the University of Toronto, University of Western Ontario and the OAC. Mr. Keefe represented the University of Toronto. * * * A Midlander reported finding two caterpillars basking in the sun on the railway tracks near the old smelter. Disturbed by the passerby, both moved off at a lively pace. * * * The Black Watch Association of Toronto had commenced construction on the first of 10 summer homes it planned to build on a 15-acre site on the Sturgeon River. * * * Annual report of Midland’s industrial commission revealed that the total annual wages and salaries earned by citizens employed in town industries and businesses amounted to $850,000 in 1934. There were 965 men and women employed fulltime and 320 working on a part-time basis. * * * The town of Barrie’s tax rate for 1935 had been set at 50 mills, the highest in the history of the municipality. * * * Officials of the Department of Marine at Ottawa indicated that water levels on the Great Lakes would rise in 1935. The levels had been “exceedingly low” for several years. * * * Sir Malcolm Campbell set a new world’s, land speed record in his Bluebird. At Daytona Beach, Florida, he reached a speed of 276.81 miles per hour over a measured mile.

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 enlarge The scene of the fire that completely gutted the 50 by 100-foot, three-storey brick building which housed the Peoples Store. Other nearby businesses, for a time, were seriously threatened by the leaping flames and intense heat. 

Many people think a fireman’s life is an easy one, but you couldn’t prove it by Ken Crawford, left, and Harry Howard. Coated with ice, the two Midland firemen talk things over after the disastrous fire which levelled the Peoples Store on Midland’s King Street Friday, March 4. 

Thousands of gallons of water were poured on the flames and smouldering embers of Peoples Store by valiant firefighters of Midland, Penetang and Port McNicoll brigades. Rivers of water ran down King Street as the fireman fought to contain the blaze to one building. 

For a time this gas station on Hugel Ave., (Karl Strohm’s), as well as Jory’s drug store, the Bank of Commerce and H. J. Thompson and Sons, were threatened by the leaping flames from the burning Peoples Store.

Flames and smoke were rising in billowing masses while four firemen staunchly held their ground on an adjacent roof and fought off the rampaging demon with thousands of gallons of water. This photo was taken shortly after the roof and floors in the business block caved-in Friday morning. 

Firemen seemed to be waging a hopeless battle in rooftop photo of the $250,000 Peoples Store fire in Midland Friday morning. This picture was taken atop the Free Press Herald building as flames threatened to engulf H. J. Thompson’s appliance store. 

We don’t whether this truck was carrying coal to Newcastle but, if it was, it didn’t get there. Instead, it turned over on its side Thursday morning, spilling its load on Midland’s Bay Street. Driver and helper escaped without serious injury in mishap blamed on brake failure. 

Thirty years of service as manager of Tay Township municipal Telephone System came to an end Saturday night for William Grigg. Mr. and Mrs. Grigg were presented with chairs and other gifts at a dinner at Bourgeois’, Victoria Harbour. Tay Township officials grouped around the Griggs are, left to right, Reeve Red Kinnear, Walter  Lumsden, Councillors Murray Edwards and Walter Knechtle, Deputy-reeve Ray Atkinson, Clerk Ralph Dalton, Stan Robinson, who succeeds Mr. Grigg as manager, and Councillor Norman Widdes. 

New manager of Tay Township Municipal Telephone System, Stan Robinson will have a long way to go before he can match the experience of the other three men in this picture. Stan is seen shaking hands with William Grigg, honoured at a dinner at Bourgeois’ dining room Saturday night as he retired after 30 years’ service with the telephone company. W. B. Crooke, left, and Herb Rumney, right; had helped erect the company’s first telephone lines, 50 years ago. 

Coach Vic Grigg was counting heavily on Charlie Scott, left, and Jim Johnson for defence duties when Midland Flyers meet Orillia Lakeviews in the third game of the OHA intermediate “A” play-offs at Arena Gardens tonight. The latest word, however, is that Johnson won’t be able to play. The best-of-seven series between the teams is tied at one win each. 

No show tonight!

(We should all try to see a movie this summer at our local drive-in, a unique experience for the kids that may not be available in the future as our viewing habits change and the drive-ins disappear. (There are 18 in Ontario and only 37 in Canada.) 

Runners-up in Midland YMCA’s Little Basketball League this season were the New York Kickerbrockers, who lost out to Rochester Royals. Left to right boys are front row, Bobby Clayton, Chester Graham, Hans Matthias, Don Morris; back row, Fred Hacker, Keith Craig, Greg Somers. 

Winners of Midland YMCA’s Little Basketball League championship finals last week were the Rochester Royals. Left to right, the boys are, back row, P. Downer, W. Holden (Capt), Axel Duwe, F. Hegadorn; front row, G. Jeannotte, Max Morden and Dave Morris. 

 
Penetang Customs Port to Close Doors March 31
Free Press Herald headline of March 11, 1960.
A custom port, or outport for more than 130 years will be closed at the end of this month when George Scott, collector at Penetang, turns the key in the lock and moves to the Midland customs office. Official notice of the closing was confirmed Thursday by Bert Martin, head of the customs office at Midland, who has held jurisdiction over the outport of Penetang. Mr. Martin said the closing move has been brought about through a decrease in collections at Penetang over the past several years. He mentioned an amount of little more than $5,000 collected in last year’s operations. When queried, he admitted there were two major factors combining in the decrease of business. The first came through a new ruling in the collection of sales tax, several years ago. At that time, firms were permitted to send returns by mail, and the whole collection of sales tax for this area was consolidated in the Midland office. The other factor was the change in operation at the Beatty Bros. plant. Where this manufacturer had been a big importer while operating under the Beatty name, the new James Stewart Manufacturing Co. imports very little. This one change brought about a considerable drop in revenue it was stated. 

11 Municipalities Pay $321,193 to County
County Herald headline of March 11, 1960.
Increases in their county levies for 1960 will mean 11 North Simcoe municipalities this year will contribute a total of $321,193.31 to the county coffers in taxes under the general and roads budgets for county purposes. J. R. Coleman, county treasurer, said yesterday that the 11 levies constitute between 30 and 35 per cent of the total levy. The rate is 7 mills general and 3.8 for roads, the latter up .3 from last year. Midland ratepayers’ will pay $97,088.24 to the county in 1960, $62,927.56 under the general levy and $34,160.68 for roads. In 1959, the municipality’s tax contribution for county purposes was $90,262.50. Midland Clerk treasurer Wm. A. Hack estimated that the approximately $7,000 increase in the county levy would mean about a .45-milI increase in the town tax rate this year.

    Ian Dick, a 15-year old Penetang lad, supplied one of the questions which stumped a TV panel Saturday night between periods of the Toronto-Boston hockey game. As a result, he will receive a complete Maple Leaf uniform made to his own size. Ian asked the panel to identify, in the two minutes allotted, the half-circle in front of the penalty box, introduced into the game last year. Players are not allowed within this area to argue with the referee. The panel included King Clancy, Ed Fitkin, and the wife of a Toronto daily sportswriter. 

    Fred Carruthers, manager of the Peoples Store, Midland, which was burned in a disastrous fire Friday morning, said yesterday the owners of the property intend to start rebuilding as soon as possible. He said present hopes are that the new building will be completed by mid-summer and ready for occupation. J. H. Morgan, advisory director of Peoples Stores Ltd., was in Midland Monday and made a study of the wreckage. Owners of the property are Sarah and Patricia Pattenick of Toronto. Mr. Carruthers revealed that temporary quarters for the business would not be obtained. He said money contained in the store’s vault was removed Friday evening. Store records were lost in the blaze, Mr. Carruthers revealed but added that duplicate records are sent out at the end of each day to the company’s head office. 

    “My great interest in this is the nonsense of dragging a man of the calibre of Msgr. Castex through the mud.” This statement was made yesterday by Mayor Jerome Gignac of Penetang after he had read articles appearing in two Toronto papers. The Metro stories, sparked by releases from a Toronto French-language newspaper, spoke of a “language war” in progress in Penetang. “I know what I want for my children, and would quietly see that they got it, but my interest is drawn into the matter when these ‘radical French Nationalists’ try to lower the standards of a man who has more brains than the whole lot of them put together,” he said. Quoted in one Toronto paper as saying there was a “language war”, Mayor Gignac said, “I think they have put it a little strongly. I still feel this is pretty much a one-sided affair sparked by a small group of people who want to isolate the town into a French community. 

 25 Years Ago This Week  

    Dreams of an early spring in North Simcoe were shattered when one of the worst  snow storms of the season blanketed the district in a foot of snow. Grass on lawns in Midland, which was beginning to turn green, was buried and highways were blocked for a time. * * * A group of Waubaushene property owners met with health officials in a move to establish a water system in the village. Fred Hodges was instructed to obtain prices on a filtration plant and main pipes. * * * S.S. Noronic, the flagship of Canada Steamship Lines northern division, suffered $5,000 damage when one of four vessels torn by ice from their moorings in the St. Clair River sideswiped her. The four were moored to the one line and went careening down the river. The Maple Court struck the Noronic and smashed holes in her upper plates. * * * Clem Sohn leapt from an aeroplane 12,000 feet above Daytona Beach, plummeted 2,000 feet, then spread his arms and legs which were equipped with a set of homemade, web-like wings and “flew”. He looped-the-Ioop three times, soared briefly and then pulled the ripcord on his parachute and dropped slowly to the ground. * * * Italian troop transports were bound for Italian Somaliland following a border incident between Ethiopian and Somaliland native troops. The incident precipitated a new crisis in international affairs. * * *  “D” Company, Simcoe Foresters, had commenced training classes for officers and NCO’s in the armoury at Penetanguishene. Men from Barrie, Orillia, Midland and Penetang were attending the eight-week course. * * * An increasing number of robins and crows were being seen in communities throughout North Simcoe. One resident of “The Mountain” area in Tiny Township reported seeing a flock of robins in a grove of maples near his home. 

    Midland’s long-idle shipyard came in for more discussion at a meeting of Midland council last week. It came about in a roundabout way. The Winter Employment Committee some time ago had requested the Georgian Bay Development Association to implement action which might result in the yard becoming operative again. The GBDA replied it could not act on a request by such a committee, but could if it were forwarded through a chamber of commerce or municipal council. “The shipyard isn’t going to run again,” said Deputy-reeve Clint Smith, an employee of the firm which owns both the Midland and Collingwood yards. Mr. Smith said the Midland yard would be liquidated shortly and is for sale. 

Obituaries

    MRS. WILFRID FORGET Following a lengthy illness, Mrs. Wilfrid Forget died Monday, Feb. 22, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Manuel Pilon, Penetang. She was in her 84th year. Born in Lafontaine, Mrs. Forget had spent her entire life in this area, living there and at Wyebridge until seven years ago when she moved to Penetang. A good part of her married life was spent rearing 14 children. She was particularly fond of knitting and quilting. Mrs. Forget was a member of the Roman Catholic Church. Predeceased by her husband in 1944, she leaves eight sons, Louis, Waterloo, Henri and Clement, Wyebridge, Urgel, Penetang, Eudgere, Ajax, Ovila, Cobourg, Wilfrid, Orillia, and Albert of Barrie; six daughters, Delima, (Mrs. Manuel Pilon), Penetang, Deliane, (Mrs. Wilfred Curtin), Peterborough, Ernestine, (Mrs. Simeon Laurin), and Alda, (Mrs. Francis Hocken), Port McNicoll, Flora, (Mrs. Arthur Marion), Toronto, Marie-Louise, (Mrs. P. J. O’Halloran), Fergusonvale. There are 121 grandchildren as well as great and greatgreat-grandchildren. Funeral service was held Thursday. Feb. 25 in St. Ann’s Memorial Church where Father Kelly officiated, assisted by Father J. Marchand and Father A. Bourque. Temporary interment was in St. Ann’s mausoleum. Pallbearers were her six sons Eudgere, Ovilla, Louis, Urgel, Wilfred and Clement Forget.

REV. J. H. OLMSTEAD Funeral service was conducted in Calvary Baptist Church, Midland, for Rev. John Herbert Olmsted, Feb. 13, pastor of the church for 10 years. Dr. P. P. W. Ziemann, Dr. D. Bums, and the present pastor of Calvary, Rev. Ralph Wright, officiated. In his 75th year, Mr. Olmsted died at his home, 163 Yonge Street, as a result of a coronary thrombosis. Retiring from the Midland pastorate five years ago, he had since been minister at large for the Baptist Church. Previous to coming to Midland, he held pastorates in Uxbridge and Goodwood where he was ordained, in Toronto, in London for 10 years, and in Windsor six years. Before entering the ministry, he had been a commercial artist. He attended Park School, then Toronto Bible College, and entered McMaster University, graduating in 1909. His marriage to Ellen MacClaren took place in Toronto in 1907, and her death occurred in October 1946. During his ministry, he was for several years greatly interested in the Indians on the Oneida Reserve, near London, and became associated with the Baptist work there. The Indians made him an honorary chief of the tribe. Surviving him are a daughter, Margery of Midland, a son, Charles of Strathroy; his sister, Mrs. Hesp of Toronto, and one grandson, John Olmsted of Strathroy.

JAMES ROBERT SAGER Resident of Midland most of his life, James Robert Sager died at his home, 301 Russell Street, Feb. 28, following a heart ailment. He was in his 71^st year. Funeral services were held at Barrie and Sons funeral home March 2, with temporary interment at Lakeview Cemetery vault. Rev. Wilson L. Morden of St. Paul’s United Church conducted the services. Pallbearers were Chris Gardner, Fred Ball, Jack Fitzgerald, Les Henderson, Charles Stewart and Walter Cadieux. Born at Deseronto, Ont., June 1, 1889, Mr. Sager came to Midland as a young lad and spent nearly 60 years in this community. For more than half of that span, 32 years, he resided at 301 Russell. Mr. Sager had worked as a longshoreman for many years in Midland and was later employed in the car department of the CNR at Tiffin yard. He was an ardent ice fisherman in his spare time and also enjoyed doing carpentry work around, his home.  Surviving are his wife the former Lena B. Hogg, whom he married in Midland June 22, 1911, one daughter, Mrs. Ernie Hamilton (Dorothy), Midland, and a brother, Nicholas Sager, Goderich. 

ROBERT G. NESBITT Funeral services were held March 1 for Robert G. Nesbitt, a resident of Midland for more than 60 years, who died in Beechwood Private Hospital, Penetang, Feb, 27. Rev. J. L. Self conducted services at Knox Presbyterian Church, where Mr. Nesbitt had served as clerk of session for half a century. Temporary entombment was made at Lakeview Cemetery vault. Pallbearers were William Jeffery, Eric Heels, A. McGill, Ralph McCall, Harold Humphries and Ernie Nicholson. Born at Woodville, near Cannington, April 25, 1863, Mr. Nestitt attended school there and later at Peterborough Normal School. His long teaching career included schools in Penetang, Waubaushene and Midland, where he served as principal of the old Manley Street School when it was still in operation. In addition to his interest in educational affairs, Mr. Nesbitt was also active in church, fraternal and fair organizations. He had been a member of Midland IOOF Lodge for 71 years, much of it as secretary of the lodge, and had received a 65-year Jewel at a ceremony held while he was a patient at St. Andrews  Hospital. Mr. Nesbitt also had been a member of the Caledonian Lodge, A.F. and A.M. for 54 years, which included a number of years as a member of the Kitchikewana Chapter. Mr. Nesbitt also had received provincial recognition for his long service as secretary of the Tiny and Tay Agricultural Society. Following his stay at St. Andrews Hospital, Mr. Nesbitt had also been a patient at Jay-Haro Lodge, Coldwater from January 1958, to November 1959, prior to going to Beechwood. He had marked his 97^th birthday while a patient at Jay-Haro. Surviving are his wife, the former Gertrude Hall, two sons, Gilmour Nesbitt, Midland, and Robert J. Nesbitt, Kitchener, and one daughter, Mrs. D. McDonald, Kitchener. There are also three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. 

Births

   MIXEMONG — To Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Mixemong, Christian Island, at St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, Monday, February 22, 1960, a son.
MURPHY — To Mr. and Mrs. John Murphy, 72 Elizabeth St., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Thursday, February 25, 1960, a daughter.
NOACK — To Mr. and Mrs. Paul Noack, Sunnyside, Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Tuesday, February 23, 1960, a daughter.
SHANNON — To Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Shannon, Victoria Harbour, at St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, Friday, February 19, 1960, a daughter.
SMITH — To Mr. and Mrs. Ben Smith, 108 Donalda St., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Wednesday, February 24, 1960, a son. (Baby died).
BOURRIE — to Mr. and Mrs. Beverly Bourrie, 284 4^th St., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Saturday, March 5, 1960, a daughter.
CURRAN — To Mr. and Mrs. L. D. Curran, 160 Colborne Street, Midland, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Monday, Feb. 29, 1960, a son.
DEMPSEY — to Mr. and Mrs. Fred Dempsey, 1 Bay Street, Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Friday, March 4, 1960, a daughter.
DESROCHERS — To Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Desrochers, Perkinsfield, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Tuesday, March 8, 1960, a  daughter.
DeVILLERS — To Mr. and Mrs. Andrew DeVillers, 33 Main Street, Penetang at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Tuesday, March 8, 1960, a son.
DUBEAU — To Mr. and Mrs. Remi Dubeau, Perkinsfield, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Friday, March 4, 1960, a daughter.
DUMAIS — To Mr. and Mrs. Andy Dumais, Robert Street, W., Penetang, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Thursday, March 3, 1960, a daughter.
JOSLAND — To Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Josland, 88 1/2 4th Street, Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Tuesday, March 8, 1980, a daughter.
LAURIN — To Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Laurin, 96 Peel Street, Penetang at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Tuesday, March 1, 1960, a son.
LEBLANC — To Mr. and Mrs. Leo Leblanc, Lafontaine, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Wednesday, March 2, I960, a son.
MARION — To Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Marion 3, Penetang, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, March 3, 1960, a daughter.
MARCHILDON — To Mr. and Mrs. Aurele Marchildon, Penetang Road, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Tuesday, March 8, 1960. a  daughter.
SAGER — To Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Sager, 305 Russel Street, Midland, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Saturday, March 5, 1980, a daughter.
TAMBLYN — To Mr. and Mrs. Murray Tamblyn, 347 King St., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Thursday, February 18, 1960, a daughter.
WOODS — To Mr. and Mrs. Albert Woods, 146 Colborne St., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Sunday, February 28, 1966, a son. 

    Tim Nesbitt, chairman of Midland Y’s Men’s Music Festival Committee, revealed this week that never before have there been so many entries submitted for the festival as this year. Entries in the piano classes are so numerous that a good part of the second day of the festival will be required to adjudicate them, he stated. He said some of the classes will have to be heard in rooms upstairs. The festival is to be held March 28, 29, 30 and 31, with the “Stars of the Festival Concert being held in Midland-Penetanguishene District High School auditorium, April 1. Entries have been received from Perkinsfield, Coldwater, Waverley, Penetanguishene, Victoria Harbour, S.S. 5, Tay, as well as Midland. Also serving on the festival committee are Bill Barnett, co-chairman, K. J. Ellis, concert chairman, Frank Powell, treasurer, and Barbara Howard, secretary. Mrs. Jim Crawford will be accompanist. (And now there are none. If you are interested in helping the Midland ‘Y’,s Men’s Club stage a successful 2021 event contact them and offer your support. ) 

    Everything seems to be coming in pairs at the farm of Harold Cowden, on County Road 23, just east of Vasey. On Tuesday one of his dairy cows gave birth to twin calves. This is rare enough but this happens to be the fifth set of twin calves born on the Cowden farm in a 10 month period. All but one of the five sets are getting along well, the exception being a set that was still-born recently. 

   Suzanne Gignac, Penetang, emerged with the highest score among pupils competing in the “Concours de Français” at Lafontaine last Saturday. Along with Basil Marchand, Marie Boucher and Richard Lalonde, she will compete in a district contest at Welland, March 19, also going to the Welland competition will be Bernadette Desroches, Perkinsfield, and Bertrand Robitaille, Lafontaine, winners among pupils from schools of less than five classrooms.

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 enlargeThe Midland Flyers open up a best-of-seven playoff series with Orillia intermediates this week and coach Vic Grigg’s Flyers’ will be looking forward to top efforts from these three forwards. Left to right they are Dave Cudbertson, Dalt Cruise and Harvey Jackson. Series gets underway here tonight and shifts to Bracebridge, where Orillia will play its home games, Saturday night. 

Old man winter Thursday night lashed out again at Ontario residents one week after he had whipped the province with the worst storm in 25 years. Here, a car is dwarfed by the snowbanks left along a countryside road after a rotary blower plow had cut its way through deep drifts. 

A new natural gas infrared heating unit has been installed in Midland arena, on approval of the Community Centre Board. The unit is suspended above a block of seats and warms them by a ray system. The board says if fans respond and support local hockey teams more of the same type will be installed for the comfort of spectators. 

(Missed this photo back in January.) Her bow etched with the silvery lines of ice and water she plowed through to get here, the ice-breaker Alexander Henry pulled into Midland dock last Thursday afternoon. She is now reported to be in Parry Sound but is expected to return to Midland.

Thick billows of smoke cast a pall over a large section of Midland this morning when fire completely gutted the 50 by 100-foot, three-storey brick building which housed the Peoples Store. Other nearby businesses, for a time, were seriously threatened by the leaping flames and intense heat. 

Thousands of gallons of water were poured on the flames and smouldering embers of Peoples Store by valiant firefighters of Midland and Penetang brigades. Rivers of water ran down King Street as the fireman fought to contain the blaze to one building. MORE PHOTOS NEXT WEEK 

Line-up of motorists behind this car blew their horns but it didn’t have much effect when this car blocked Midland’s King Street earlier this week. The car, on its own, backed out into the middle of the street from a parking space. A few minutes after this photo was taken the embarrassed driver arrived on the scene and moved it. 

Saturday was a big day for Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Brown of Sunnyside as they marked their 50th wedding anniversary. Long-time residents of Toronto, where Mr. Brown was a trainman with the CNR, the couple came to Midland in 1948.For you Mary Ann.

Request  Thorough Probe of Parking, Traffic Flow

Free Press Herald headline of March 2, 1960. “A thorough investigation of the municipal parking problem, traffic flow and one-way streets” was called for at a meeting of Midland council Monday night. These were put forward by Alderman Douglas Haig as urgent matters for Midland’s 1960 planning board to study. The planning board held its first meeting of the year last night.   “I am convinced personally that the only solution to our traffic problem is to make King Street, First Street and Midland Avenue one-way streets,” Mr. Haig told council. Mayor Charles Parker also expressed concern about parking problems, especially, if the rumored new federal building on First Street becomes a reality. Mr. Parker advocated amendments to the existing zoning bylaws providing for “set-backs” for all new buildings on main arteries, where such is not already provided. Mayor Parker included in this list First Street south from Elizabeth, Yonge Street, and King Street south from Yonge. “We should try to retain that wonderful boulevard of trees on King Street,” Mayor Parker suggested.  

Business  Block Gutted, Say Fire Loss $250,000

County Herald headline of March 4, 1960. Fire, discovered about 7:45 a.m. today swept through a King Street business block in Midland and at press time was believed to have caused a quarter of million dollars damage. The spectacular blaze, which completely gutted the People’s Store block, caused major smoke and water damage in Jory’s Drug Store, smoke and water damage to a lesser degree in H. J. Thompson and Sons, and in apartments above, the B-P Service Station, also attracted hundreds of spectators. About two hours after the alarm was first turned in by Mrs. Lillian Cripps, an occupant of a small apartment above the store, the 50 by 100-foot, three-storey brick structure was reduced to a steaming burned-out hulk. The full complement of equipment and men of Midland fire brigade and two pumpers and men from the neighbouring town of Penetang battled the roaring flames to a standstill. At times the vivid orange flames were leaping more than 100 feet in the air. A thick, black pall of billowing smoke blanketed a large part of the business and residential section to the south. Seven families, consisting of 15 persons, were driven from apartments above Jory’s, People’s, H. J. Thompson’s and the Ontario Cafe. Two Simmonds Transport trucks hauled away all the showroom stock and office records carried out of H. J. Thompson and Sons. Both Jack and Bill Thompson said they greatly appreciated the speed with which the trucking firm responded to the emergency. Contents were trucked away by Hanson’s Transport from some of the apartments and the remainder was carried by volunteers into the business offices of the Free Press Herald. Homeless for the time being are, the Isadore Arbours, Rose Mould, Marion Barnett, Mrs. Lorenz and son, Const. Tom Currie and family, and Mrs. Lillian Cripps. Built in the early 1900’s, the People’s Store block was once the site of the old “opera house”. In 1950 it was purchased from L. S. Wallace and N. Schaubel by Sarah and Patrick Patternick of Montreal. The store area was renovated in 1951 at a cost of about $20,000, it was stated. At one time it also housed Woolworths and some years ago the upper floor was used by the Masonic Lodge as lodge rooms. In recent years, the second storey was occupied by Midland Business College and the offices of the late Dr. C. N. James, dentist. It is understood the third floor was unoccupied at the time of the fire. Old-timers recalled that the building had been burned out once before about 40 years ago. Other major King Street fires were the Dudley Block, March 7, 1950, and the Royal Bank and Cross Country Cut Rate Store, Dec. 6, 1957 The Ontario Cafe and the Salvation Army served hot coffee to the valiant firefighters. 

    On the premise that they can’t very well tell where they are going without a map, the first thing Midland’s new planning board did Tuesday night was to ask for one — an up-to-date one at that. In asking Midland council to provide an up-to-date map of the plan of Midland, it was noted the one currently in use is dated March 20, 1917. Town Assessor Ian McClung said some additions had been made to the map in the early 1950’s. Even so, it is far from complete, the planning board felt. I hope you get it. I’ve been trying for a year-and-a-half.” said Mr. McClung. With only four of its eight members able to be present, the board was able to accomplish little of a concrete nature at its first meeting of the year. Present were last year’s chairman, L. H. Taylor and new members Walter Kluck, Jerry Therrien and Stewart Glassier. 

    March came in like a lamb this year in North Simcoe. Tuesday, March 1, was one of the balmiest days of the season. A major snowstorm, forecast for this area yesterday had failed to materialize by 6 p.m. last night. Weather office personnel had predicted one of the worst storms of the year would hit Central and Southern Ontario. 

 BIRTHS
 BOJTOR — To Mr. and Mrs. Leslie Bojtor, 216 Manley St.,
Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Tuesday, February 23, 1960, a son,
BRESSETTE — To Mr. and Mrs. David Bressette, Victoria Harbour, at St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, Friday, February 19, 1960, a daughter.
COURTEMACHE — To Mr. and Mrs. Edward Courtemache, 62 Ottawa St. Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Thursday, February 25, 1960, a daughter.
GONNEAU — To Mr. and Mrs. George Gonenau, R.R. 1,
Waubaushene, at St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, Friday. February
26, 1960, a daughter.
GRANT — To Mr. and Mrs. Beverley Grant, 182 Fourth St., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Saturday, February 20, 1960, a son.
 

    M.P.D.H.S. Hi-Sterics  By KAREN BLAIR    After the string ensemble played “The Arundel Suite” in Eaton’s Auditorium last Wednesday, Feb. 24, a group of girls from North Toronto Collegiate questioned some members from our ensemble in this manner: “Do you live on the Islands?” “Well, how do the kids that live on the islands get to school?” “Are there schools on the Islands?” and finally “Is Penetang a town?” They seemed to think we came from the backwoods and were amazed at how well we played. We found- this amusing but it is rather shocking to think that people living less than 100 miles south of Midland picture us as an uncivilized community with dog-teams and sleds as our only means of transportation. 

    Although sunshine prevailed during most of Penetang’s annual Winterama, the weatherman was responsible for a much smaller crowd than usual, officials say. The Saturday attendance particularly was affected by storms the previous two days in Southern Ontario, they said. Despite the small attendance, the Winterama committee carried on with all events through the two-day session.  

    This newspaper learned yesterday that the S.S. Dover, summer cruise ship in the 30,000 Island area, is being offered for sale. Lloyd Atkinson of Atkinson Machine and Marine, Midland, has been asked to act as a sales agent for Larry and John Bellmore and Mrs. J. Bellmore of Sault Ste. Marie, current owners of the ship. Mr. Atkinson said he believed the Dover could be obtained and put into operation for approximately $6,000 plus insurance costs. The figure would include the balance of the mortgage on the vessel, equipment owned by the Bellmores, drydock inspection and repairs. He said he hopes someone will take over its operation as there are indications the Dover will not be operated this summer by its present owners. He felt it was a valuable asset to Midland’s summer tourist trade.  

  Huronia Association for Retarded Children told this newspaper yesterday it now has firm hopes it will be able to open classes for retarded children in Midland in September. Present plans are to obtain space in Parkview School. It is expected that classrooms currently being occupied by pupils from St. Mary’s Separate School will be available at that time, as the construction of an addition at St. Mary’s will be completed, it was stated. It was pointed out, however, that in the meantime “a thousand and one things” have to be completed first. In this, the executive of the association asked for the co-operation of service clubs, Women’s Institutes, church groups and commercial and industrial establishments. The project must be financed, it was stated. Among the equipment and items needed for classes for the retarded are educational toys, cloth picture books, a portable record player, children’s records and so forth. 

   Funeral services were held yesterday for one of Midland’s oldest, and most highly respected citizens, Robert G. Nesbitt. In his 98th year, Mr. Nesbitt died Saturday at Beechwood private Hospital, Penetang, Rev. J. L. Self conducted the funeral service at Knox Presbyterian Church where, up until a few years ago, Mr. Nesbitt had taken a prominent and active part for more than half a century. A school teacher at Waubaushene and Midland in his younger days and former principal of Manley Street School, Mr. Nesbitt later was largely instrumental in keeping Tiny and Tay Agricultural Society’s annual fair in Midland a going concern. At one point, in 1934, the fair board had decided to cease operations. Mr. Nesbitt, who served as fair secretary for more than 20 years, played a large part in the fair’s revival. 

Ten Years Ago This Week

    Midland Shipyards announced there would be a sharp increase in the number of men employed at the yard. The firm had received an order to convert the bulk carriers, Collingwood and Martian, into package freighters. The work had to be completed by the time navigation opened. * * * J. B. Roebuck, who was named chairman of Midland Parks Commission for 1950, was serving his 25th year on the commission. He was a former mayor of the town. * * * Pumping tests taken at Midland’s deep water wells showed that their maximum capacity was 11 per cent less than when they were tested in 1928. Water consumption in Midland in 1949 reached an all-time of 37,055,000 gallons. * * * Penetang High School had to close its doors because of the combined efforts of an influenza epidemic and extreme cold weather. Nearly 30 per cent of the pupils in Midland’s elementary schools were absent through illness. * * * Penetang Water and Light Commission had signed a contract with a well-digging firm to drill a new well for the town’s water supply. It was expected to provide an additional million and a half gallons of water a day for consumers. Work was to begin about the middle of March. * * * Because of the necessity of completing several costly repair jobs, Penetang Library Board asked the council to increase its 1950 grant to the board. It was estimated that an additional $2,300 would be required over and above the 1949 grant. * * * Coldwater Telephone System was confronted with several major problems. At a special meeting, the telephone commission resigned and left the affairs of the system in the hands of the village council. As well, telephone operators were threatening to go on strike if they did not receive a day off each week and an increase in pay. * * * Under the joint sponsorship of Midland Kiwanis Club and North Simcoe Agrep Stewart L. Page, plans were underway to organize a boys’ and girls’ forestry club for the Midland district. Zone foresters agreed to assist with the project.     

   Midland AA’s now have 350 members second-largest group outside Toronto.   The most startling thing for guests of the Midland group of Alcoholics Anonymous at their 15th-anniversary dinner Thursday night was the absolute candour of the group’s members. Where else would one find a group of men publicly admitting they had been just plain ordinary “drunken bums” at one stage of their careers? These men weren’t proud of their past roles, nor unduly boastful of what must have been near-miraculous salvage of their lives. As one man said, “We are just happy to be here tonight — sober”. It was a tribute to the sincerity of these men, and the thankfulness of their wives, that some 140 persons braved a threatening snowstorm to attend the dinner, held in the auditorium of St. Paul’s United Church. There were AA’s present from Penetang, Elmvale, Gravenhurst, Port McNicoll and Collingwood, as well as Midland. During his 13 years with this paper, this reporter has covered a variety of events — sports, council meetings, weddings, funerals, fires, drownings — and heard a multitude of speakers on just about every subject under the sun. Quite frankly, we’ve never had an experience like this one before. We can quite safely say that the many guests who had never attended an AA meeting before had never had such an experience either. 

    WAUBAUSHENE — Mr. and Mrs. Henry J. Gouett, Waubaushene celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary, Saturday Feb. 27. More than 100 friends, neighbours and relatives called to extend their congratulations to the couple, both of whom enjoy good health. They were married in Waubaushene in 1900; Mrs. Gouett was Margaret St. Amand and was born in and attended school at Beaverton. She lived in Montreal and Midland before coming to Waubaushene. Mr. Gouett was born in Waubaushene and is believed to be the oldest living native of the village. During their married life they owned and operated hotels in Port Robinson, Port Severn and Waubaushene. They also operated a grocery store, ice cream parlour and cafe in Toronto and a livery stable and as well as farms at Perkinsfield and Duck Bay. Sixteen years ago they returned to Waubaushene after residing in Oshawa for three years. On retirement, they purchased a house on Pine Street, where they lived until the fall of 1959 when they took an apartment in the home of their son Harry. The couple had five children, three sons and two daughters — Albert of Elliot Lake, Harry of Waubaushene, and Arthur, deceased, Irene (Mrs. R. Pilon), Perkinsfield. Loretta (Mrs. M. Doyle), Willowdale. They have 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.