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 enlargeSpeaking at the annual meeting of the Tiny Tay Agricultural Society and referring to the Fall Fair, Mayor Charles Parker said, “Midland will continue to grow, and you will have to grow along with it.  He said he was somewhat disappointed to learn that the Tiny and Tay Society had abandoned the idea of setting up new, larger grounds at the end of Dominion Ave., west of town. “You are greatly handicapped by the limited area of the present site and will have to acquire a larger area sooner or later if you are going to carry on,” said Midland’s mayor. “With a little work and a little faith, we can have an even better fair.”  Mr. Gardiner explained that the property the board had purchased west of Midland had proved too rough and stony. It had been sold because it would have proven too costly to develop, Mr. Gardiner explained. 

The annual meeting of Tiny and Tay Agricultural Society, held in the Oddfellows’ Temple, Midland, Saturday night, drew a good turnout. Seen above are, left to right, Ellsworth Collins, re-elected president for 1960, and three past presidents, Victor Beatty, Arthur Gardiner and Ralph Dalton, now clerk-treasurer for Tay Township. All departments of the Society reported a good year in 1959. 

Wintertime is still a wonderful time for Canadian youngsters, despite what their disgruntled elders might say about the subject. Having a “whale of a time” in the snow at Midland Ski Club are, top to bottom, Nancy Gayle, Sharon Elizabeth and Wendy Louise Biggar, energetic daughters of Mrs. Don Simpson (nee Barb West), Midland. Mr. Biggar was killed in an RCAF flying accident before his youngest daughter Nancy Gayle was born.

Free Press August 18, 1954, Front PageCounty Herald, August 27, 1954, Front Page. 

Residents of the Midland and Penetang area will get a chance to bolster Canadian Red Cross blood supplies by attending blood donor clinics to be held in the Knights of Columbus Hall on Feb. 9 and at the Midland municipal building, Feb. 10.  Mrs. Venard LeCamp, the laboratory assistant at St. Andrews Hospital, carries out some blood typing operations. The clinic hopes to attract 600 donors. 

“Ernie Mink shows Bernie Willette the new EUREKA vacuum cleaner just arrived at H. J. Thompson and Sons Ltd. Of new design this cleaner has all the features of higher-priced machines — here are the main advantages.”

This copy and photo were used in an advertisement for H. J. Thompson and Sons Ltd, furniture and appliances.

(Ernie, seen on the left, had been a sales representative for the distributor of Eureka cleaners when he lived in Kitchener, his calls in the Georgian Bay area and his association with H. J. Thompsons and Sons Ltd. encouraged him in 1959 to move here and continue his sales career with Thompsons. Ernie died last August but his company, Mink Insurance, under the guidance of son David, continues to flourish in Midland.) 

Editorial page photo entitled “Winter at Macey’s Bay”. 

Patients at Midland’s St. Andrews Hospital might have a hard time recognizing these gals, all set for an old-fashioned sleigh ride and quite apparently enjoying the experience. In more sedate moments, they are all nurses at St. Andrews, where they assume more formal garb. Sleigh ride, held Thursday night, was made possible by the generosity of a former patient at the hospital. 

Work has resumed on Midland’s portion of the winter works program, sponsored jointly by municipal, provincial and federal authorities. Men above are installing a new cement curb on Ruby Street, despite wintry conditions. [Note the “Copeland & Strong plumbing, sheet metal, appliances” sign and the large display windows. The building later became Strong,s corner grocery store, then part of Armstrong ‘s Dairy stores.] 

Making model aeroplanes is still an exciting hobby for many boys, even with the advent of the rocket age. Displaying their DeHavilland Beaver at the hobby show held in Midland YMCA last week are left to right, Mervin English, Edo Wensveen, Tom Atkinson and Horst Jatzek, leader of the model aeroplane club. 

George LeMesurier asks, “How much am I offered?” as he held a stamp auction in connection with the hobby show at Midland YMCA last Friday and Saturday. “Clerk of the auction” is Peter Berry of Penetang. 

Next week is “White Cane Week” across Canada when residents of North Simcoe can join with other Canadians in helping their less-fortunate friends. At present, there are 56 blind persons under the jurisdiction of the Midland-Penetang District Advisory Committee of the CNIB. One of them is George Paterson, Yonge Street, Midland, seen above, enjoying a session with his “talking book” machine, one of several services provided through the local committee. One of the chief functions of the CNIB and its committees is in the preventative field. 

In one of the most horrifying accidents in this area in some years, Frank Parke, 27, of Long Branch was killed instantly Sunday morning by the whirling propeller of a “scoot” on Penetang Bay. According to police, the scoot was owned jointly by Ken Cote, Midland, and his brother Cliff, of Penetang. The three young men were setting out around 7.45 a.m. to go fishing near the Cote’s cottage, some miles “Up the Shore”, police said. Apparently, they had some difficulty with the scoot sticking to the snow and ice and Mr. Parke had been shoving the vehicle at the rear. When the scoot was some 20O feet offshore, Mr. Parke attempted to jump on the vehicle, it was stated. Either his foot slipped while he was doing so or he was sucked into the whirling blades of the propeller. Both blades of the prop were badly damaged but the craft proceeded another 200 feet out onto the bay before coming to a stop, police said. Dr. Roland Lauzon and Dr. A. D. MacKenzie attended the scene. An accountant, Mr. Parke was married but had no children. Mrs. Parke is a granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Gendron, formerly well-known residents of Penetang. 

Editorial page photo entitled “Spring’s Mill, Wyevale”. Spring’s Mill, later Withall’s Mill on the Wye River at Concession 4, Tiny Township, just east of County Rd. 6. A popular scene for photographers. 

“BUSTER” GIBSON flashes a big smile as he played his accordion for Wishart Campbell, music director for radio station CFRB, Toronto. “Buster” was one of a number of persons who took part in a “talent-hunt” staged by the radio station at the lOOF Temple, Midland, on Saturday. 

Midland electrician Ed Walker is presented with a Gold Medallion Award by Harry Foy, manager of the Electric Service League. The award is presented to owners of homes that have been built and equipped to meet a high standard of electrical excellence.

Representing the Electric Homes Association of Ontario, Ronald K. Pile discusses a feature of the control panel with Mr. & Mrs. Ed Walker. The Walker’s new home is completely electrical including the heating system.  [“Live Better Electrically” was the slogan of the day, now having electric heat is no longer a celebrated option.] 

Her reign now nearly over, Gisele Bezner, 1959 Queen of Hearts, will give up her crown to her successor on Feb. 11 in the Roxy Theatre when a new queen will be chosen. Red-haired Gisele who hopes to be here for the pageant, is now in residence at Whitney Hall at University College, Toronto, studying to become a secondary school teacher. Her course is Honor English. The contest is sponsored jointly by businessmen of Midland and Penetang and Roxy Theatre manager, Wilfred LaRose. Contestants for the Queen of Hearts contest are chosen on a popularity basis by students at Midland Penetang District High School. From grades eleven, twelve and thirteen, the girls aspiring for the Queen’s crown were the top ten in number of votes polled. By general agreement, the girls wear a sweater and skirt school outfit on the first elimination night (Thursday) and the following week the five finalists will wear the gown of their choice from a selection of styles by Celebrity Formals. 

 

MIDLAND HOME BUILDING REACHES PEAK IN 1959

   Free Press headline of February 3, 1960. For the second year in a row, the value of building permits issued in Midland exceeded the million-dollar mark in 1959, according to figures released this week by W. F. Turnbull, the building inspector. Included in the $1,472,050 grand total was $659,850 for residential construction, an all-time high in Midland, Mr. Turnbull said. Other figures for last year were $131,000 commercial, $532,700 industrial, and $148,500 government. The latter figure is largely accounted for by the construction of two schools by the Midland Separate Schools Board. June was the best month in 1959, with permits issued having a total of $537,000. September accounted for another quarter million. April had $216,200 and October $172,400. Last year’s total was made more impressive by the fact that no permits at all were listed under the first three months of the year. Helping to swell the total for residential construction were 57 permits, including 25 for September alone. July at 10 and April at 8, were the next best months. Another 36 permits were issued for renovations, etc. Commercial permits included two service stations, a hardware store and a warehouse. The new B. Greening Wire Co. plant accounted for all but $82,700 of the industrial total. By comparison, the total value of permits issued in 1958 was $1,268,760, and in 1957 it was $748,650, just a little better than half the 1959 total.  

PUC TO BARE NEW PLANS FOR NOISY SUB-STATION

    County Herald headline of February 5, 1960. The uproar arising out of the alleged unsightliness and loud hum rising from Midland PUC’s new Scott Street sub-station appears to have been stifled, for a month at least. At a meeting in the commission board room Wednesday night, the PUC agreed to have a design prepared setting out any future alterations and the final appearance of the sub-station. Copies of the design will be sent to Midland council and to Walter Kluck, representing a number of homeowners adjacent to the new station who have protested both the appearance and the hum.  

BIRTHS – ADAMSON — To Mr. and Mrs. Clare Adamson, Victoria Harbour, at St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, Friday, January 29, 1960, a son.” BRANDON—To Mr. and Mrs. James Brandon, 261 Midland Ave., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Wednesday, January 27, 1960, a son. DWINNELL — To Mr. and Mrs. Raymond DwinnelI, 289 Queen St., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Tuesday, January 26, 1960, a son. ESPEY — To Mr. and Mrs. Espey, Sunnyside, Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Wednesday, January 27, 1960, a daughter. GAGNON — To Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Gagnon, 382 Russell St., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Friday, January 29, 1960, a son. IRVINE — To Mr. and Mrs. Earl Irvine, 326 Midland Ave., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Wednesday, January 27, 1960, a son. ZARAWSKI — To Mr. and Mrs. Henry Zarawski, Victoria Harbour, at St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, Monday, February 1, I960, a son. WILSON — To Mr. and Mrs. Paul Wilson, Perkinsfield, at St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, Monday, January 25, 1960, a son. 

TEN YEARS AGO THIS WEEK – Continuing mild weather led to cancellation for the year of the annual winter carnival at Penetanguishene. Outstanding among the expected events were “scoot” races. It was feared ice would be unsafe for contestants and spectators. * * * A middle-aged Honey Harbour guide was seriously burned attempting to light a fire in the kitchen stove with kerosene. Flames shot out of the stove and entered the can, which exploded in his hand. * * * It was reported that losses encountered on the care of indigent patients had caused a deficit in St. Andrews Hospital finances. The deficit was about $5,000. * * * A speaker before the Ontario Municipal Board said, in part: “The town of Midland is a compact, homogeneous and progressive municipality. It has dynamic industrialism. It shows commercial enterprise and growth.” * * * Two Midland curling club rinks had visited the international bonspiel in Quebec City the previous week. One was composed of “Smoky” Wood, Ange Hartman, Karl Bertrand and Ernie Nicholson, skip; the other, Vern Johnston, Tom McCullough, Cy Ney, and Ab Hartman, skip. The two rinks came into competition and the Hartman rink won. “A good time was had by all.” * * * Al Perkins, manager of the Roxy Theatre, won a special showman award for ingenious promotion of the film “Father Was a Fullback.” To this end, he had enlisted the combined support of high school football [One of the few times we have composition errors in the paper, the balance of this item and the beginning of the next were missing] Harbour was selected as “Campus Queen.” * * * People were still talking about “the new look” in styles and hair-dos.

    Back in the Hills of Penetang – Operating a still without a licence cost two district men a $300 fine each, or three months in jail, when they appeared before Magistrate K. A. Cameron in Penetang police court Thursday. Forced to take the alternative to the fines were a 37-year-old North West Basin man and a 32-year-old man from Perkinsfield. Neither was represented by counsel. A. A. Ingram, Midland barrister, prosecuted the charges for the Crown. RCMP Const. W. H. Cascagnette of Orillia detachment said he and Cpl. J. Lougheed came upon the two accused in a bush lot near Cook’s Lake, north of Penetang, Dec. 31. The two men were carrying three vinegar jugs containing what later proved to be spirits. Tested in Ottawa, the contents of the jugs proved to be 94.4 per cent proof spirits, containing 53.9 per cent by volume of ethyl alcohol. Investigating further, the RCMP constable said they found a home-made, commercial type still in an old wooden shack. Also in the shack were several wooden barrels containing about 115 gallons of mash which tested out at 19.7 per cent proof spirits. Displayed in court, the “still” proved to be a portion of an old copper washtub, some copper tubing and a small oil drum.

   Winter seemed a little less bleak Sunday for two Perkinsfield residents. As they sat in their home and looked out the window at the deep snow in the fields, a robin suddenly flew up and perched on the limb of a tree outside the window. The first robin spotted in Midland was seen by Garfield Steer, 108 Quebec Street, perched in a russet apple tree behind his home on Wednesday morning. 

    Ownership of one of Midland’s oldest industries has changed hands. Announcement of the purchase of the Midland Boat Works, said to have been founded in the 1880’s, was made yesterday by John MacRae and Ken Thistle, two young businessmen in Toronto. Principal shareholders in the newly reorganized company, Mr. MacRae said the purchase was completed Jan. 25. The purchase price was hot revealed. The new owners stated their present plans call for an expansion of boat storage facilities, the extension of dock facilities to double the length of existing docks with “arms” added to provide extra accommodation. Gas pumps are also to be more conveniently located, they said. Both single men, Mr. MacRae is 30 and Mr. Thistle is 31. The parents of the two men own cottages at Wymbolwood and Balm Beaches, respectively, and have summered in this area for many years. Mr. MacRae has stored his 20-foot cruiser at Midland Boat Works for the past three years. Other members of the board of directors of the newly reorganized company, which will retain the name of Midland Boat Works, are Tom McCullough of Midland, J. B. Kennedy of Toronto and Balm Beach and Richard Perry, Toronto solicitor. Superintendent of the boat works since 1912, Len Cowdrey will remain in that capacity with the new company. Founded in the early 1880s by “Pop” Smith, a canoe builder, the boat works was later purchased by John Hacker. Mr. Hacker sold his interests to Capt. John G. Gidley and the firm became known as J. G. Gidley and Son. Shortly after World War I, Mr. Gidley sold the business to Ganton Dobson. In 1922, the Honey Harbour Navigation Company, headed by N. K. Wagg, bought the small pleasure craft division of the boat works from Mr. Dobson. In 1941 the same firm bought the remaining Dobson interests known as the Georgian Bay Shipbuilding and Wrecking Company. In 1945, Midland Boat Works became the official name of the firm. During World War 11, the plant produced seven Fairmiles and two minesweepers in addition to other smaller naval craft and army pontoons. Since the war it has built small pleasure craft and in 1957 completed a 96-foot coastal patrol boat for the Royal Canadian Navy. 

    Port McNicoll — The Annual Mariners Service was held in Bonar Presbyterian Church, Sunday evening, with a capacity crowd in attendance. The church was decorated with flags and various other items of marine equipment, including a bell, ship’s wheel, starboard and portside lights, a miniature lighthouse and model ships. The service began with the sounding of the ship’s bell and the hoisting of the colours by Wayne Garrett and Jim Zummach. Rev. C. H. Carter welcomed the congregation. He especially mentioned those from a distance. The Scripture lesson from St. John, Chapter 3, was read by Capt. Fred Harpell of Midland. The guest preacher was Rev. Cameron Orr, of the Welland Canal Sailors’ Mission. The theme of his sermon was “Life”. The music was under the direction of Mrs. J. D. McPhee. Special guests were the Midland Quartet — G. Ingram, R. Bell, W. Steer and P. Smith. They sang “The Solid Rock” and “The Harbour Lights”. The choir’s anthem was “If With All Your Hearts”, by Mendelssohn. The service was closed with the singing of the National Anthem and the lowering of the colours. An hour of fellowship followed the service with refreshments served by the ladies of the church. The ushers were Capt. A. McCullagh, and Engineers C. Ward, C. Rother and A. Mateff.

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“Bull in a china shop” might be a good title for this picture, taken at the hobby show held at the Midland YMCA last week. Here Mary Lou Graham, director of a girls’ craft class at the ‘Y’, admires the collection of cattle gathered by Gene Crawford. 

Hobbies run in the family for Mrs. George Smallwood, Eighth Street, Midland, and her granddaughter, Jane Sheriff, 10, who lives on the same street. Here they compare some of their prized items at the “Hobby Show” held in Midland YMCA last week. Mrs. Smallwood collects china shoes and little Jane goes in for birds. 

If Midland’s George S. Dudley seems to be staring out into space these days, blame it on the miniature “sputnik” which decorates his desk. Presented to him by the touring Moscow Selects hockey team, it’s a replica of the famous space pioneer sent into orbit by the Russians. It even has a music box in the base, which plays Moscow radio’s theme music and also emits the famed three “beeps” by which scientists traced sputnik’s progress through outer space. 

Chosen from among the many competitors who took part in the “talent hunt” conducted by radio station CFRB in Midland recently were Bob Stanway of Midland, left, and Vola Leroux of Penetang. Seen with Wishart Campbell, the station’s music director, they’ll be heard over the Toronto station Feb. 5. 

 

PENETANG COUNCIL HEARS ARENA FINANCIAL STATUS; Free Press Herald headline of January 27, 1960. Reporting to Penetang town council, Monday night, councillor Clarence Sinclair, newly appointed chair of the Penetang Community Centre Board of Governors gave a rundown on the financial situation as he sees it to date. Mr. Sinclair said that although the rink is faced at present with a debt of $10,000 in one note plus a number of current accounts amounting to less  than $2,000, he felt there was no reason why it shouldn’t eventually stand on its own feet. 

NEW TELEPHONE SERVICE WILL BEGIN THIS JUNE; County Herald headline of January 29, 1960. Postponed because of a delay in building construction, toll-free calling between Midland telephones and those in Penetanguishene will be introduced this June. It had previously been announced that the new plan would start earlier this year. This was revealed by H. A. Kilroy, Midland Bell Telephone manager when he said this week that construction of the extensions to the dial exchange building in Midland and in Penetanguishene is now progressing on schedule. 

     Meeting Monday night, Midland council accepted the tender of Bourgeois Motors Ltd. for rental of a police cruiser at $145 per month. The only firm submitting a tender, the Midland firm will supply a four-door vehicle at the above rental, starting Feb. 1. At an earlier meeting this month, council had decided to try the rental proposition for the remainder of this year, at least. A number of other communities in the area are also using the rental plan, it was noted. 

    “We must make parents understand that pupils must get their required percentage or they will have to repeat,” Midland-Penetang District High School principal R. C. Gauthier told 1,000 parents at the high school’s annual parents’ night last Wednesday, “I think it is to their (the parents) advantage to get the accurate picture,” continued the principal, suggesting that the parent should accept such a disappointment as it was better for the student in the long run. Mr. Gauthier in telling of his proposal for promotion, which was the result of a four-year survey of students’ marks, noted that his recommendations had yet to be discussed with the high school Inspector and the MPDHS board. For promotion from Grade 9 to Grade 10, the principal proposes that a student with, an average per cent of 66 and not less than 60 per cent in any one subject, would be promoted to Grade 10 and permitted to take five options in Grade 10 as is presently the case. The student, with an average of 60 per cent and not less than 50 in any one subject, would be permitted to take four options and thus have more time and more, help for each subject. 

    Penetang town council took no action Monday night on a brief submitted by all members of the police force with the exception of Chief Jack Arbour. The submission was shelved for a special meeting to be called later when it will be placed on the agenda. The three constables and one sergeant are asking for an increase in salary of $300 per year. In addition, they are asking for a 40 hour week, which, according to Chairman Alf Cage, would necessitate hiring an extra constable. Another requirement is one and one-half days per month sick leave, accumulative to a total of 180 days. On termination of employment, after five years, they ask full pay for accumulated sick leave up to the maximum, and payment to the widow should an officer die. 

   BIRTHS – BARRON — To Mr. and Mrs. Laurence Barron, Port Severn, at St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, Tuesday, January 26, 1960, a son. DONALDSON — To Mr. and Mrs. Rodney Donaldson, 120 John St., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Monday, January 25, 1960, a daughter. GRAY — To Mr. and Mrs. Melville Gray, 311 Russell St., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Friday, January 22, I960, a daughter. HENDERSON — To Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Henderson, 133 Hugel Ave., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Saturday, January 23, 1960, a daughter. NICHOLSON — to Mr. and Mrs. Nevin Nicholson, Port Severn, at St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, Monday, January 25, 1960, a daughter. THOMPSON — To Mr. and Mrs. Alan Thompson, Port McNicoll, at St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, Thursday, January 21, 1960, a son. 

    OBITUARIES – MRS. ALDEN N. FRENCH On January 18, the victim of an unexpected stroke, Mrs. Alden N. French died at her home, 315 King St., Midland. She was in her 50th year. Born in Penetanguishene Dec.  18, 1910, the former Irene Beauchamp, married Alden French of Midland. Nov. 7. 1938. After two years’ residence in Bala, they moved to Midland where they had resided ever since. Requiem mass was celebrated at St. Margaret’s Church by Rev. F. Voorwerk, Jan. 20. Pallbearers were Leo Beauchamp, Pat Beauchamp, Alfred Beauchamp, J. E. Ayres, Murray McEachnie and M. Gignac. Mrs. French is survived by her husband, Alden N. French, one daughter, Betty; five sons, Neil, Bobby, Douglas, Billy and John; her mother, Mrs. Julien Beauchamp of Toronto; three sisters, Mrs. Hugh Melville (Jenny), California; Mrs. Don Jaeger (Theresa) California; Mrs. M. Gignac (Marie) Penetanguishene; four brothers, Leo and Alfred, Toronto, Pat, Windsor, and Ernest, Hamilton.  – ALMA ALFRETTA GANTON A lifelong resident of Medonte Township, Miss Alma Alfretta Ganton died at St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, Dec. 14. She was in her 79th year and death resulted from a stroke. Funeral service was conducted at the Bishop Lynn funeral home, Elmvale, by Rev. Robert Dingwall, Dec. 16. Pallbearers were Jack Rumble, Joseph Lea, Cliff Porter, George McFadden, William Douglas and James Barr.  Miss Ganton was born in Medonte Dec. 14, 1881, and attended Hillsdale public school. A member of the United Church of Canada, she was a past president of the local Woman’s Association. She is survived by a sister, Violet, and a brother, Fisher Ganton, former warden of Simcoe County. 

     A group of local sportsmen Sunday night sat in on what was only the second screening of King Whyte’s new film “Weekend in the Woods”, featuring a Midland father and his three sons. Taken at the well known Toronto TV commentator’s Shoe-Fly Lodge in Northern Ontario, the film tells the story of Pete Pettersen and his sons, Bjorn, Jon and Bruce, on a typical weekend on the crystal-clear Shoe-Fly Lake. Both the scenery, and the huge speckled trout netted by the youngsters, their dad and their host were mouthwatering to the snow-bound anglers who watched the film in the Georgian Hotel. Even tiny Bruce was pulling in four-pounders or better. Mr. Whyte said the record for this particular lake is 7 3/4 pounds. 

    25 YEARS AGO THIS WEEK – After ten years in business in Midland, the partnership of Roebuck and Sharp was dissolved. T. Sharp retired and J. B. Roebuck continued in the furniture, linoleum and tent-making business. * * * Midland’s civic elections returned S. W. McKinley as mayor, Wm. Hartman as Reeve and Oliver Smith, deputy-reeve. Returned as aldermen were: Ward 1, Wm. Offord and Stan Sturgeon; Ward 2, Wm. Wilford and Harry Wright; Ward 3, Alfred Argue and D. L. White, Jr.; and Ward 4, R. D. Preston and James Trew. * * * The steamer Waubic which operated along the eastern shore of Georgian Bay between Penetang and Parry Sound was offered for sale by its owners the Rockfort Navigation Co. of Kingston. * * * Installation of officers was conducted for the newly formed branch of the Canadian Legion at Coldwater. T. Langdon was the charter president. * * * Elmvale Clerk T. E. Smith was instructed by council to write the Department of Highways requesting that no snow ploughing or sanding be done on a reasonable portion of Highway 26 so that sleigh hauling on this road may not be interfered with. * * * Mystery surrounded the sinking of the Patterson Line freighter, Mantadoc, which, filled with water arid sank at the Aberdeen Elevator dock. She held a storage cargo of 230,000 bushels of grain. * * * Announcement was made that Midland and Owen Sound would be points of call for the new 276-passenger steamer “Cape Eternity” operating between Windsor and Sault Ste. Marie.  

     Ten of the 400 boats to be exhibited by 130 manufacturers at the Canadian Boat Show, Toronto, Feb. 5 to 13, will be from Penetang, the product of Grew Boats Ltd. This announcement was made yesterday by Andy Morrison, general manager of the Penetang plant. Grews will be showing in competition with exhibitors from coast to coast of Canada, from various parts of the United States and even from as far distant as England. The Grew exhibit, which is being arranged around a black and white theme of decoration, will include both inboard cruisers and runabouts as well as outboard models. With models ranging from a $500, 14-foot outboard to a $32,000 31-foot cruiser, the Penetang firm, will be showing a retail value of $112,000 in watercraft. They include three cruisers two of 31-feet and one 26-foot. Three other inboards will be of 23, 21 and 18-foot lengths in the runabout class. The outboard models will be two 14-footers and one each of 16 and 18 feet. With exception of the 23-footer which is a solid mahogany smooth skin, the boats are all of lapstrake construction. The 31-foot cruisers are the last word in luxurious boating, with all the comforts of home included in the construction. First Impression is one of roominess. Even a tall man can walk around comfortably in the six-foot two-inch headroom. Wall-to-wall broadloom and lovely drapes add a homey touch to the beautifully finished interiors. Accommodation is provided for six persons in the sleeping quarters, with daytime seating accommodation converting into night-time beds. A full galley is provided for the cooking duties, and at the extreme forward end, there is a bathroom that would do credit to any small home.  

     Wise & Otherwise – Editorial – For the life of us, we can’t understand why $42,000 of public funds had to be spent on a television program before CBC officials suddenly realized the drama would not be suitable for public reception. This type of irresponsibility on the part of allegedly responsible individuals would not be tolerated in a privately-owned system. It should be no more condoned in a publicly-owned corporation.

    In wartime, the slogan was “Join the navy and see the world.” The same effect can be obtained, in peacetime, following George S. Dudley around for the next few weeks. “Mr. Hockey” as he is known wherever the game is played, begins a busy schedule today when accompanied by Mrs. Dudley, he flies to Calgary as the guest of TCA. There he will take in the game between the Moscow Selects and a Calgary club. On Sunday the scene shifts to Winnipeg for another game in the cross-country tour of the Russian team. Following this Mr. Dudley will have just about time to stop off at his Midland home for a clean shirt before hopping a plane again for New York. There he will help set up the schedule for the hockey portion of the winter Olympic Games at Squaw Valley, Cal. He’ll be in Squaw Valley himself, starting Feb. 10, where he will be in charge of the hockey program. There his dual roles in the hockey world may cause him some embarrassment. As secretary-manager of the CAHA, and a good Canadian, he will want to cheer the Kitchener-Waterloo Dutchies along the way as they attempt to regain the Olympic title from Russia. This, however, may not win the favor of his cohorts in the International Ice Hockey Federation, of which he is also an executive member.  

    The rumour mill is talking about the end of one of Midland’s original and important businesses. Benson & Bray, Midland Wood Products, Midland Planing Mills Limited, Midland Buildall, Timber Mart, many names through 117 years of operation. We actually find the name of Benson & Bray, contractors and builders as far back as 1903. A book could be written.

  Below are some photos from the museum archives of those years.

Right click to enlarge the print

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 enlargeThese members of Simcoe County council seemed happy to be starting another session as the new term got underway in Barrie Monday. Representing North Simcoe municipalities, they are left to right, front row, Eldege Quesnelle, Tiny; Alf Cage, Penetang; Dalt Jermey, Medonte; Bernard St. Amant, Penetang; and Fred Kinnear, Tay. back row—Ernest Cadeau, Victoria Harbour; Albert Deconkey, Matchedash; George Mc-Fadden and Earl Trace, Flos; and Albert Calvert, Port McNicoll. On Tuesday, Mr. Deconkey was elected to the roads committee for a three-year term. 

Snow and sleet have transformed these boats, put up on a dock near Victoria Harbour for the winter, into strange new shapes. Ice fishing huts can be seen dotting Sturgeon Bay, in the background. 

Winners of one of the major prizes at Midland Rotary Club’s second annual bonspiel was this rink from the Y’s Men’s Club, skipped by Doug Haig. Left to right are; Bill Russell, Mr. Haig, Bert Banting and Clive Park. Incidentally, they DIDN’T win the cup at the right, the photographer learned later. 

Officials of Branch 80, Canadian Legion, Midland, for 1960, were inducted into office at a meeting in the Legion Hall January 13. Left to right are, front row, H. A. Wiles, secretary; Saul DeVries, 2nd vice-president; Borden Parker, president; George McLaughlin, 1st vice-president; Rev. J. L. Self, padre. Back row are James Mackie, Len Wiles, Oliver Lesperance, Ken G. Williams, Gene Lalonde and James Duncan. Mr. Wiles is the sergeant-at-arms and the others are members of the executive. 

One of the 12 new members of Simcoe County council this year is Deputy-reeve Clinton Smith of Midland. Trying out his new seat for the first time, Mr. Smith gets support from, left to right, Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Beauchamp and Reeve H. J. Beauchamp of Midland. Just a hint of what less fortunate parts of the province got from the weatherman on two occasions recently can be seen in this picture. Icy wires and trees are not nearly so heavily coated as their counterparts in the Orangeville area and Metro Toronto, following recent sleet storm. The picture above was taken on Highway 12, near Jones’ Corner. 

This tunnel, under the CPR tracks which cross Highway 12, near Victoria Harbour, has been the subject of much controversy following the motor accident which took the lives of two young people in November. A coroner’s jury at an inquest in Midland into their deaths recommended flasher lights be installed. More recently Victoria Harbour council has urged that the tunnel be widened as a winter works project. [Nothing was ever done until the CPR abandoned their route in the late sixties and the roadway was re-aligned. Many more serious accident and deaths were to occur.] 

• Midland Free Press headline of January 20^th, 1960; ELECT LISK NEW WARDEN, WINS IN WALK-AWAY VOTE. It was George Lisk all the way at Barrie Monday as the veteran Tecumseth Township reeve became Simcoe County’s 103rd warden. Although nine men were nominated for the post only Flos Reeve Earl Trace let his name stand in opposition. Mr. Lisk won by a landslide (53-11) on the first vote and Mr. Trace moved that it be made unanimous. 
• County Herald headline of January 22^nd, 1960; MPDHS PARENTS NIGHT HAS RECORD ATTENDANCE. “We were, very pleased and encouraged by the great turnout of parents Wednesday night. In fact, we were a bit floored by it all,” said R. C. Gauthier, principal of Midland-Penetang District High School, noting that more than 1,000 parents had attended the school’s parents night. “It caused us some disappointment too, for with such a large gathering it was completely impossible for the school staff to meet all the parents and discuss their children’s problems,” Mr. Gauthier, added. Pointing out that in previous years about 200 parents had attended the meeting. 

• NEARLY 100 Midland, Penetang and district citizens crowded into the ladies’ parlour of Midland YMCA Monday night to approve the formation of a local association of the Ontario-Association for Retarded Children and to elect officers for the coming year. President of the new group is Mrs. John Banks, Midland. Her executive includes Stanley Brooks, Midland, 1^st vice-president; Mrs. E. Niblock, Victoria Harbour, 2nd vice-president; Mrs. M. DeVillers, Penetang, 3rd vice-president; Mrs. F. Helson, R.R. 1, Midland, recording-secretary; Mrs. J Krochko, Midland, corresponding-secretary; and W. A. Child, Midland, treasurer. Committee chairmen elected were Public School Inspector K. J. Ellis, education; Mrs. R. Trepanier, Sunnyside, home care; Wm. Bennett, Midland, publicity and bulletin and Mrs. R. Lacroix Penetang, membership. Meeting chairman K. J. Ellis expressed his “amazement at the large turn-out”. He thanked Mrs. Banks for “doing much of the spade work in getting the meeting organized’, and this newspaper for its assistance.

• Reeve H. J. Beauchamp told Midland council at its inaugural meeting last week that there “is no room for party politics in municipal affairs”. “We should divorce ourselves entirely from party politics of any kind,” be declared. He felt the 1959 council worked conscientiously. Deputy-reeve Clinton Smith said many of the problems cited by Mayor Parker in his inaugural address were “continuing ones”, not necessarily stemming from last year’s council. He said he hoped he would be able to “make a good name” for himself at the county council, which he will be attending for the first time. 

• Coldwater’s well known retired harness racehorse trainer, Eddie Hawke, 78, died as the result of a truck accident at 6.30 a.m. yesterday morning in Coldwater. Mr. Hawke was dead when Dr. George W. Hall arrived at the scene of the accident. It is reported that a Weide Transport truck from Calgary, driven by 28-year-old Earl Holland, missed the turnoff on Highway 12 partway up Gray Street and in the dark and snow hit Mr. Hawke. OPP Const. Murray F. Tamblyn of the Victoria Harbour detachment is investigating. Known as a true sportsman on race tracks in the area, Mr. Hawke held a certificate from Elmvale Fall Fair attesting to this. 

• BIRTHS – HARTLEY — To Mr. and Mrs. Ed Hartley of Toronto, at the Scarboro General Hospital, Sunday, January 17, 1960, a son. La GRANDEUR To Mr. and Mrs. Rene La Grandeur, 298 Princess St., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Tuesday, January 12, 1960, a son. LATANVILLE — To Mr. and Mrs. Herman Latanville, 316 William St., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Tuesday, January 12, 1960; a son (Stillborn). LEVESQUE — To Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Levesque, R.R. 1, Victoria Harbour, at St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, Friday, January 15, 1960, a son. NICHOLSON — To Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Nicholson, Beausoleil Island, at St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, Friday, January 15, 1960, a son. YORKE — to Mr. and Mrs. Michael Yorke, 210A King St., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Saturday, January 16, 1960, a son. 

• TEN YEARS AGO THIS WEEK – Outcome of a motion approved by Midland council, aldermen were requested to hold ward meetings to get the recommendations of their constituents for the development of an overall town plan. The council also asked the public utilities commission, the park commission, public and separate school boards to set out their future land-use plans. * * *  More than 20 spectators, the largest turn-out in years, attended the inaugural meeting of Penetang council. The council chamber had been completely redecorated for the occasion. * * * It was June in January in 1950 as the mercury in the thermometers hovered around the 50-degree mark. Port Severn lockmaster Bob White reported seeing suckers swimming around the locks. Usually, he said, they don’t start to run until after the pickerel have spawned in May. * * * George Lisk of Beeton was elected president of Simcoe County Federation of Agriculture at the association’s annual meeting in Barrie. * * * A freak windstorm, which swept across North Simcoe, ripped roofs off summer cottages and toppled hydro and telephone poles in the area.  * * * Medonte Township marked its 100th birthday Jan. 21. The council and its retiring clerk, T. D. Robinson, who had served for 56 years, made plans to celebrate the centenary year of the municipality. * * * An adjourned sitting of Midland Court of Revision lopped $33,410 off the 1950 assessment roll. Among the business firm’s which received major reductions were the Roxy Theatre and Midland Shearlings. 

• OBITUARIES – LEO MARTIN EDGAR A lifelong resident of Midland Leo Martin Edgar died at his First Street home Jan. 10. He was in his 56th year. Requiem mass was celebrated at St. Margaret’s Church by Rev. F. Voorwerk Jan. 13. Honorary pallbearers were A. Bremer, J. Birch, T. Pyman, E. Pearson, P. Elby and D. Active pallbearers were M. Blackhurst, J. Lalonde, J. Donaldson, G. Kenwell, T. Lalonde and B. Lee. Son of the late Mr. and Mrs. James Edgar, one of the early Midland families, Mr. Edgar was born May 6, 1904, and received his education in Midland. On Feb. 14, 1923, at Midland, he married the former Grace Lalonde of Penetang. He was employed as a riveter at the James Playfair Shipyards until the general layoff at which time he went to work at the Port Weller shipyards. He was a member of the Boilermakers’ Union, Local 680, at Port Dalhousie. His hobby was boating. Besides his widow, he is survived by three sons, Martin, Douglas and Garnet; a daughter, Mrs. M. Blackhurst (Grace); three sisters, Mrs. Margaret Letherdale, Las Vegas, Mrs. Kate Cowan, Las Vegas, and Mrs. George Gawley of Midland; four grandchildren, Elizabeth, Kenny, John and Terry. Four brothers, Nicholas, Jacob, Charlie and Jim, and two sisters, Cinderella and Caroline predeceased him. * * *  MRS. CHARLES KAUS A lifelong resident of Penetang, Mrs. Charles Kaus died at the home of her daughter in Aurora Saturday, Jan. 2. She was in her 62nd year. Born in Penetang, the former Hilda Arbour, married Charles Kaus June 7, 1920, and, until his death several years ago, they had lived at 43 Fox Street. Mrs. Kaus had been living with her son, Gerald, recently. Surviving are one son, Gerald of Penetang; four daughters, Mrs. Louis Legare, Ohio, Mrs. Jack Lawrence, Aurora, Mrs. Ted Leonard and Mrs. Ed. Staurch, Toronto; one brother, Howard Arbour, Toronto, and five sisters, Mrs. R. Corriveau, California, Mrs. Alma Cowan, Mrs. Myrtle Walsh, Mrs. L. Holland, Mrs. C. Fordham, all of Toronto. Funeral service was held Tuesday, Jan. 5, from the Beausoleil funeral home to St. Ann’s Memorial Church where requiem high mass was sung by Rev. A. Louis Bourque, assisted by Rev. J. Kelly and Rev. J. Marchand. Pallbearers were R. Stewart, A. Lizotte, Maurille Marchand, Martial Desroches, Francis Dumais and Ted Light. * * * EMMA JANE JORY Widow of one of Midland’s most prominent businessmen, Mrs. P. H. Jory died at her King Street  South home Jan 13^th after a lingering illness. She was in her 82nd year. Born and educated in Hillsdale, she was the former Emma Jane Faragher. In 1902 she married Phillip Henry Jory in Midland. They lived in Midland for two years before moving to Haileybury where they spent 20 years, returning to Midland in 1924. Prior to his death in 1954, Mr. Jory was the proprietor of the King Street drug store now managed by his son, John. A member of St. Paul’s United Church, Mrs. Jory in her earlier years, was active in the work of the church and in Midland YMCA work. Her main hobby was needlepoint. She was a Conservative in politics. Funeral service, conducted by Rev. Wilson Morden, was held at her residence Friday, Jan. 15. Temporary interment was in Lakeview Cemetery vault. Pallbearers were James Playfair, Earl Cumming, Calvin Simpson, Lorne Faragher, Joe Faragher, all of Midland, and James Poppleton of Barrie. She is survived by a son, John; two daughters, Jean (Mrs. Jack McFarlane), and Helene (Mrs. Tom Currie), all of Midland; a brother Edward Faragher of Hillsdale and Midland; and five grandchildren. Bill and Mary Jane Jory, Suzanne McFarlane, and Kim and Craig Currie, all of Midland. A daughter, Phyllis, and a son, William, also predeceased her. * * * MRS. ROBERT JACKETT A resident of Midland all her life, Mrs. Robert Jackett died in St. Andrews Hospital Jan. 5 following a stroke. She was in her 77th year. Born in Midland Jan. 1, 1883, and educated there, she was the former Annie Wadge. In 1905, in Midland, she married Robert Jackett, who predeceased her in January 1949. She was a member of the Salvation Army. The body rested at A. Barrie and Sons funeral home until Thursday, Jan. 7, when it was taken to the Salvation Army Citadel for funeral service. The service was conducted by Lieut. William Johnston. Pallbearers were I. Rumney, E. Heels, C. Tait, P. Farrow and nephews Vic and Howard Wadge. Temporary interment was in Lakeview Cemetery vault. She is survived by two brothers, Frank of Timmins and Howard Wadge of Midland. 

• Walter Kluck, manager of Ernst Leitz (Canada) Ltd. Acted as the spokesman for a delegation which appeared before Midland council at its inaugural meeting last week. The petitioners were seeking action on a noisy hydro sub-station near their homes. Mr. Kluck admitted he and other homeowners in the area had possibly delayed action on the matter longer than they should. “We thought the PUC would be erecting a building similar to the Queen Street sub-station, which is a cottage-type brick building. When we realized just what they were putting up on Scott Street, it was too late,” he told the council. Alderman Douglas Haig told the group that council had also felt the building would be along the lines of the one erected on Queen Street. The Scott Street station and its “ugly wall” was an eye-sore, he agreed. Mayor Charles Parker said the installation of the sub-station on the Scott Street location was “definitely a violation of the zoning bylaw”. Mr. Kluck presented a petition signed by eight homeowners in the immediate area. 

• “You could say that Midland’s retail and commercial district represents the largest single industry in town’,” said R. B. Moffatt, secretary-manager of the chamber of commerce. “As a matter of fact,” he continued, “about 22 per cent of all Midland municipal taxes are paid by retail and commercial establishments. This, of course, is exclusive of industrial plant. “I might go farther,” said the chamber of commerce executive head, “and remark that more than 50 per cent of Midland’s municipal taxes come from commerce and industry.” When you consider that 33 per cent would have been a very good showing, it will be seen that Midland’s experience is excellent — one of the highest proportions in Ontario paid by commerce and industry. “Total town tax revenue is around $540,000.” Mr. Moffatt explained. “Of this, $215,000 goes for education and the balance for general purposes.” Of the 3,500-odd persons gainfully employed in Midland, about 600 work in retail or commercial establishments (exclusive of industry). Midland’s mercantile picture is well diversified. Retail outlets include food, clothing, furniture, appliances, variety stores, drugs, hardware, gift stores, florists, photographic and art supplies, flour and feed, shoes, tobacco and confectionery, bakeries, garages, accessories, and others. Mr. Moffatt points out that Midland has one of the most extensive commercial sections of any town of its size. It also offers a variety of goods comparable with anything to be found in Toronto; “Perhaps the explanation for this lies in the tourist trade,” Mr. Moffatt says. “The summer influx of visitors makes it worthwhile for merchants to stock high-quality items in adequate quantity.”