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. It’s hard to say what Bonnie Reynolds is thinking as she holds this pumpkin at the Midland fair. It would make a nice tummy-filling pie or a fine jack-o-lantern at Halloween. Bonnie is the 2-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bert Reynolds, Wyebridge. 

“Gee daddy isn’t, he cute”, said 4-year-old Bonnie Worthen of Midland as she cuddled this ram at Tiny and Tay Fair Saturday. He’s no toy from the midway, either. Owned by W. E. Crawford of Minesing, the quiet old ram was champion of his class at this year’s CNE. If you look closely the old fellow seems to be smiling, too. 

This year’s Tiny and Tay Fair in Midland, blessed with excellent weather for a change, attracted large crowds. Mr. Arthur Gardiner, (left) presents marching trophies to R. G. Marshall, principal of Penetang Protestant Separate School, and Mrs. Dorothy Edwards, of SS 11 Tay (Vasey). 

Although there were only 11 of them, the pupils of SS 11 Tay (Vasey), won the rural school marching award at Midland fair Friday. They are seen with a youthful member of the Lamont Pipe Band of Stayner. 

This year’s Tiny and Tay Fair in Midland, blessed with excellent weather for a change, attracted large crowds. Mayor Charles Stevenson, left, who officially opened the fair, is seen with Elsworth Collins, fair president, and Arthur Gardiner, veteran past-president. 

A resident of Midland for more than 50 years, George Shakell examines the last crop of grapes he will pick in his garden on Horrell Ave.   One of Midland’s better-known elder citizens; George Shakell has sold his Horrell Ave. home and is moving to Toronto shortly.    Now in his 81^st year, Mr. Shakell was born and raised in North River. He is the last surviving member of the family of five born to his father by the latter’s first wife. After attending school at North River, Mr. Shakell worked on the farm until he was 20 years old, then helped engineers build the CPR line to Parry Sound, including the big bridge over the Severn River. After a year with the CPR, he joined the rival rail forces of the day working out of Hudson, a distributing point for Northern  Ontario. Mr. Shakell came to Midland in June 1906, just a week after his marriage to the former Emma Maude Church, who had been his schoolmate at North River. He built the two cement brick houses which still stand in fine shape opposite each other on Horrell Ave. When World War II came along Mr. Shakell was quick to join up, eventually being assigned to the 19^th Battalion. He earned the Military Medal for his services overseas. A carpenter by trade, he worked in that capacity here for more than forty years. Six children, three boys and three girls comprised the family of Mr. and Mrs. Shakell.  His wife died last December. One son, William, lost his life by drowning while his father was overseas. He was only eight years old. Other members of the family are sons Roy and Nelson, both of Midland and daughters Annie (Mrs. John Little), Lillian (Mrs. Edgar Noland) and Pauline (Mrs. A. Romanchuck), all of Toronto. With little time for sports in his younger days, home and garden formed the only recreation for Mr. Shakell, who is a member of the United Church. At one time he was able to grow a good crop of peaches behind his home, but heavy frost last winter made it necessary to cut down the tree. Despite his age, Mr. Shakell said he has little to complain about as far as his health is concerned. 

Mr. & Mrs. Garfield Brown, 50th wedding anniversary. Mr. and Mrs. Brown have only one son, Clarence, who resides in Medonte. They have five grandchildren. Mrs. Brown (nee Eva Pulling) has been a member of the Waverley United Church for 30 years. 

Pupil’s of Evergreen School, always strong contenders for top honours at Tiny and Tay fairs, are seen marching up King Street as they vie for the rural schools marching award. 

Always an important part of the Tiny and Tay Fair at Midland are the 4-H Club competitions. The winners in the Vasey Calf Club achievement day events, left to right are Grant Robinson, top dairy calf, Bob Rawson, champion showman, and Jim Cowden, top beef calf. 

Blayne Edwards tries his skill in the Vasey 4 H Tractor Club competitions at the Midland fair. 

Waiting hopefully while the judge studies their palomino ponies at Tiny and Tay Fair are (left to right) Diane Vivian (the winner), Coldwater, Eden Morrison, Mrs. Mary Henderson and Joan Edwards, Midland. Joan was thrown heavily a few minutes after this picture was taken when her pony suddenly decided to head for the rest of his stablemates. She was not seriously hurt. 

Only a few months ago, the site of Bev’s Marina in Midland was a jumbled mess of old wood from a long-deserted lumber mill. Now the land has been filled and levelled and numerous craft ride snugly in the dredged and protected harbour. The marina is located at the north end of William Street. [At one time it was Rycroft’s Marina, now in 2019 it is the site of new condominiums.] 

Ready to lead the life of Reilly, Arthur Finkle was presented with the chair to do just that, by fellow employees of the Canadian Name Plate Company Friday. Employed in the Shipping department, Mr. Finkle has been with the firm since December 1944 and is the third employee of the firm to retire on pension. He also served as chairman of the employees’ committee. Mr. Finkle is seen with Frank Spence and Ralph Sheffield, works superintendent (white shirt). 

If more new industry comes to Midland’s southeast section, hydro officials hope to be ready for it. Discussing a change in the location of metering equipment are; left to right, C. S. Wice, area manager, Penetang; Charles Stone and Claire Moffatt, line maintenance supervisors from Barrie regional office; R. B. Moffatt, secretary-manager of the Midland Chamber of Commerce; Frank Yon and Morland Mount of Midland PUC. 

(1958 caption) First such club formed in Ontario, Midland 4-H Strawberry Club sponsored this exhibit at Tiny and Tay fair in Midland last week. Pretty Barbara Shaw of Wyebridge is seen above with some of the plants on display. The club had 15 members in its first year. (1959 caption) First of its kind to be established in Ontario, the Midland 4-H Strawberry Club will have a display at the Midland fall fair this week. Pictured above is the club’s exhibit, at the 1958 Midland fair. 

1958 Fall Fair. The next few days will be busy ones for directors of Tiny and Tay Agricultural Society whose annual fall fair will be held in Midland Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Above is a panoramic picture of last year’s fair. Among the highlights of the 1959 fair will be Scottish pipe bands and an old time fiddle contest. 

Gathered around the empty ticket booth of the midway’s “crack-the-whip” these children were a bit ahead of time when they visited the site of Midland’s Fall Fair Wednesday afternoon. They will be back again today and Saturday when the fair, sponsored by the Tiny – Tay Agricultural Society, is in full swing.

This heap of rubble is all that remains of the Gloucester Pool cottage in which Ron Silvi, 16, of Toronto, lost his life in a fire early Sunday morning. Four other boys were critically burned in the blaze, which started when Silvi attempted to revive a fire in the stove with naphtha gas. Two of the other boys died later in hospital.  

• Free Press Herald headline of September 16^th, 1959; Want Tighter Controls – Bingo Row Sparks Move. In future, Midland council will maintain a closer surveillance of the fund-raising activities of its’ band committee, it was intimated at Monday night’s meeting of council. Discussed at some length were the weekly bingos held to raise funds for the band operation. One of the features of the hearing was the appearance of former mayor Charles Parker, a strong supporter of the band since its inception in 1945. The band bingos, held this summer every Tuesday night at Mr. Parker’s Parkside Inn, conflicted with another bingo operated by Midland Lions Club’ at the curling club. They have been discontinued for the rest of the year, it was announced.
• County Herald headline of September 18^th, 1959; MPP Reveals Plan to Improve Area Routes. Lloyd Letherby, MPP for Simcoe East, revealed this week that further improvements would be made on Highway 501 between Port Severn and Honey Harbour. Mr. Letherby said a contract had been awarded to Miller Paving Limited to stockpile crushed gravel on the Honey Harbour Road. “Last winter work was started on the Honey Harbour Road as a winter work project. We hope to see further work done this winter in straightening out dangerous curves and improving bridges,” Mr. Letherby stated. The Simcoe East member also stated that the Department of Highways is calling for tenders for grading, culverts, granular base and hot-mix paving on Highway 93, from Craighurst to Crown Hill.
• Free Press Herald headline of September 23^rd, 1959; Youth, 16, Dies in Blaze – Four Pals Badly Burned. A weekend trip to a Severn River cottage turned into a veritable nightmare for six Toronto boys when the cottage caught fire and burned to the ground early Sunday morning. As a result one lad, Ron Silvi 16 is dead. Four others are in serious condition, two in St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, and two others who were moved later from St. Andrews to the Western Hospital, Toronto. OPP Const. H. R. Banting, in charge of the investigation of the fire, said young Ross Martin showed remarkable coolness for a 15-year-old under such trying circumstances and “did a wonderful job.” Const. Banting pointed out that Martin had to practically carry his four horribly burned companions to an 18-foot cruiser and head for Port Severn, four miles away, knowing his other friend, Ron Silvi, lay dead in the ruins of the cottage.
• A meeting of the business men’s committee of Midland Chamber of Commerce decided Monday night that retail stores would remain closed all day Remembrance Day, Nov. 11. The consensus was that, as most stores remain closed for all or part of the morning on Remembrance Day, and as Nov. 11 falls on a Wednesday (a regular half holiday), businesses should remain closed all day.
• Seven University of Toronto students and graduates and Rev. A. Knowlton, a priest at St. Michael’s College, completed a 95-mile walking pilgrimage to Martyrs Shrine yesterday afternoon. The group, members of the world-wide university organization called the League of Christ the King, included Rev. A. Knowlton, Mary Jane Norris of Boston, Violet Amendola of Deep River, Martha Heard of Toronto, John Freer of Toronto, Michael Doran of Rochester N. Y., Rolf Hascnack and Frank Quinn, both of Toronto. “The spirit of the group was tremendous,” said John Freer, spokesman for the group, who noted that the pilgrims were in their early twenties and “there wasn’t too much foot trouble.
• In service less than two months, the 35-foot luxury cruiser “Starflight” hit a rock and sank in nearly 20 feet of water near Minnicog Island Sunday afternoon. Built by Folmer Neilsen of Port McNicoll and launched there on July 17, the boat was the property of R. N. Starr, prominent Toronto lawyer. The all-mahogany craft had taken several months to build and contained the most modem equipment available. Emory O’Rourke, who operates a boat works at Honey Harbour, said he had managed to raise the boat and tow it to his yard at Honey Harbour. He said the rudder and strut were pushed in from the impact with the rock. It will take several weeks to repair the damage, which Mr. O’Rourke classed as “extensive.” The engine of the boat had to be removed to effect repairs.
• Ontario Water Resources Commission has given final approval Io plans for the installation of water services to the new B Greening Wire plant. Alex Macintosh, chairman of the Midland Public Utilities Commission stated yesterday. Mr. Macintosh said the PUC had been informed Monday that the OWRC had approved the plans. He said the plans are now in the hands of Greening officials and that the OWRC is calling tenders for the construction of the service today (Wednesday). The supplying of electricity and water to the new plant, located on Midland’s eastern outskirts, were two of the main items of business discussed at the commission’s meeting Thursday night.
• Midland’s radio station CKMP was off the air for 10 hours Friday because its transmitter was struck by lightning in the early morning hours. John McCullough of the station staff explained yesterday that lightning hit the transmitter and “burned out quite a bit of equipment” before the station normally started to broadcast. Intermittent signals from the transformer made testing difficult, Mr. McCullough stated but the station was able to resume broadcasting at 4 p.m. Estimated damage from the lightning amounted to about $200. Mr. McCullough said
• Board Robert McKee told Penetang council Monday night that, “it is a lost cause, and there hasn’t been a meeting this year”. “The basement is a mess” continued Mr. McKee. “We have a good library and the best librarian but even the library budget was prepared by the secretary.” To a question by Mayor J. J. Gignac, Mr. McKee replied that he would be willing to remain on the library board if it became active. The mayor advised that he would take up the matter with Library Board Chairman Jan Ulrichson. Asked yesterday to comment on Mr. McKee’s request to be replaced, Mr. Ulrichson told this newspaper, “it’s grossly exaggerated, I have no comment.”
• BIRTHS – CARSON — To Mr. and Mrs. Robert Carson, 68 Ottawa St., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Monday, September 14, 1959, a daughter. DALZIEL — To Mr. and Mrs. Robert Dalziel, 114 Donalda St., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Friday, September 11, 1950, a son. FRENCH — To Mr. and Mrs. Royce French, R.R. 3, Elmvale, at St, Andrews Hospital, Midland, Sunday, September 13, 1950, a daughter. GEROUX To Mr. and Mrs. Allan Geroux, 50 Fifth St., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Saturday, September 12, 1959, a daughter. Hebner To Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Hebner, 190 Manley St., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Wednesday, September 10, 1059, a son. LALONDE — To Mr. and Mrs. Frank Lalonde, Coldwater, at St, Andrews Hospital, Midland, Thursday, September 17, 1959, a daughter. MACEY — To Mr. and Mrs. John Macey, Honey Harbour, at St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, Wednesday, September 10, 1959, a son. MOREAU — To Mr. and Mrs. Murray Moreau, Waubaushene, at St, Andrews Hospital, Midland, Saturday, September 12, 1959, a son. MURDAY — To Mr. and Mrs. Robert Murday, 104 Laclie St., Orillia, at St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, Friday, September 11, 1959, a daughter. ROBITAILLE — To Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Robitaille, 312 Bay St., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Thursday, September 17, 1959, a daughter. TAYLOR — To Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Taylor, 543 William St., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Thursday, September 10, 1959, a son. WRIGHT — To Mr. and Mrs. Garry Wright, 146 Fourth St., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Monday, September 14, 1930, a daughter.
• If proposals discussed at a meeting of the merchant’s committee of Midland Chamber of Commerce Monday night reach the firm stage, Midland’s King Street business section will undergo some face-lifting. Favoured suggestion arising out of the committee talks, was the erection of a translucent canopy along the entire length of the business section, exclusive of intersections. It was suggested that each merchant could pay for the canopy on a frontage basis. (This idea was raised again in the seventies.)
• Fiftieth Anniversary – Like the vast majority of married couples, Mr. and Mrs. Wilbert Wilson of 207 Manley Street, Midland, have had their share of ups and downs, peaks and valleys, in their 50 years of wedded life. But looking back over those 50 years as they sat among their anniversary gifts last week, they were quite agreed they had enjoyed life together very much. Married in the old Methodist Church parsonage in Hillsdale Sept. 8, 1909, by the late Rev. A. Spencer, Mr. and Mrs. Wilson have lived all the intervening time in Midland with the exception of three years at Caledonia, near Hamilton. “We had hoped to have Mr. Spencer at our anniversary, but he passed away last fall. He used to go hunting when he was well over 80 years of age,” said Mrs. Wilson. Son of the late Mr. and Mrs. George Wilson, Wilbert Wilson was born on a Medonte Township farm near Vasey. He is the only surviving member of a family of eight children. Following his school days, Mr. Wilson worked on farms and a variety of jobs, including the spell in the bush common to all young men of his era. For 28 years, however, he was a machine man for Simcoe County, doing road maintenance work. He retired officially six years ago but still does the odd job for the county, “just for something to do.” Mrs. Wilson, the former Mary Edith Grigg, also was born on a Medonte farm not far from her husband-to-be, near Orr Lake. She was the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Albert Grigg and still has one brother, Fred of Elmvale, and one sister, Mrs. Reg Overs (Lily) of Niagara Falls, living. She attended Taylor’s School, east of Orr Lake. Growing up together in the same area, neither husband nor wife could remember any special occasion when they first met. Both Mr. and Mrs. Wilson have been valuable servants of Midland’s Calvary Baptist Church, where Mr. Wilson has been treasurer since 1937. Mrs. Wilson served as secretary of the senior mission circle for 28 years. The Wilsons have four daughters’ and one son, Aldon, who also lives in Midland. The girls are Mrs. Albert Hill (Bernice), Mrs. Tom Bell (Laurene), Mrs. Lorne Craig, (Marie) and Beth. Oddly, all are still residents of Midland, too. Too busy in his youth to engage in many sports, Mr. Wilson used to be fond of fishing. He didn’t have far to go, as the Sturgeon River ran through his father’s farm. “You could go down there at day break and come home with a dozen speckled’ trout, all weighing around two pounds, in little more than an hour,” he recalled.
• Barnyard golfers (horseshoe pitchers) will move indoors in Midland. Peter Clause, told, this newspaper yesterday that a group of Midlanders have obtained permission to use the town-owned building on Bay Street (the old Pratt building) for indoor horseshoe pitching activities. He said three or four pits would be set up in the building. He added artificial lighting was adequate for playing the game. The club will meet every Thursday night.
• Ten Years Ago This Week – A majority of the delegates attending the Georgian Bay Municipal Electric Association annual convention at Honey Harbour protested a proposed Hydro policy to charge 60-cycle areas with conversion costs of consumer equipment in 25 cycle areas. * * * Coldwater fair officials were left holding the bag when a mid-way operator failed to put in an appearance with his rides and other attractions. No reason was given to officials for the change in arrangements. * * * Rev. Frederick Lynch S.J., committee chairman of the Salute to Canada Pageant, announced that financial loss on the pageant was in excess of $16,000. * * * S. S. Noronic, Canada Steamship Lines Queen of the Great Lakes, was destroyed by fire at a Toronto dock Sept. 17. The early morning fire snuffed out 130 lives. She had called at Midland on many occasions. * * * While no figures were revealed, Tiny and Tay Agricultural Society said the 1949 fall fair at Midland drew the largest attendance in its history. There were more than 500 individual competitors. * * * An average increase of 40 per cent was noted by property owners in Penetang when they received their 1950 assessment notice. The town had been reassessed. * * * The third survey for the proposed route of a superhighway linking Crown Hill and Waubaushene had been completed. The new route was to run in a comparatively straight line from Crown Hill to Waubaushene. * * * Midland Shipyards officials announced that its giant new bulk carrier, S.S. Coverdale, built for Canada Steamship Lines would be launched Oct. 15. Previously, it had been planned to launch the ship in mid-December.
• Attendance at the three public schools has increased by 44 over last year, the principal’s reports to Midland Public Schools Board revealed at the board’s meeting Friday evening. Total attendance as of Sept. 11 this year was 1,219, compared with 1,175 a year ago. This year’s total is made up as follows: Parkview, 418; Regent, 645 and Sixth Street, 156.
• Obituary – THOMAS W. SCOTT Following a lengthy illness, Thomas Wesley Scott, who had spent all his life in this district, died, in Sunnybrook Hospital, Toronto, August 25. Funeral service, arranged by Branch 80 of the Canadian Legion, was conducted, August 29, by Rev. Charles Carter at Nichols’ funeral home. Pallbearers were James Mackie, Walter Nichols, Chris Gardner, Grover Reynolds, George Parr and Charles Stewart. Born in 1881, at Toronto, Mr. Scott was educated at Coldwater and in 1922 at Midland he married the former Margaret Stevenson. Mr. Scott had been employed as a stationary engineer with the Midland Public Utilities Commission. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church and a Conservative in politics. He served with the 116th Battalion during World War I. Besides his widow he is survived by a son, Wesley of Peterborough, two daughters Mrs. Robert MacLeod (Audrey) and Mrs. Norman Donaldson (Betty), both of Midland and four grandchildren. Burial was in Lakeview Cemetery. 

Additional items from 80 years ago, the Midland Free Press, September 19^th, 1939. 

• PENETANG — A. B. Thompson, Penetang, father of Pilot Officer Alfred Burke Thompson, who was reported as forced down and interned in Belgium last week, received news that his son is now reported “Missing”. The wire received from the Air Ministry read: “Regret to inform you that report of the internment of your son, Pilot Officer Alfred Burke Thompson, has not, repeat, not been confirmed. He must, therefore, be regarded as missing”.
• PENETANG — Three hundred public utilities commissioners, their families and friends attended the annual convention of the Georgian Bay District Power Association aboard the S. S. Keewatin. The Keewatin sailed from McNicoll at 2.30 p.m. and returned around 10.30 p.m. The annual meeting of the association was held in the ship’s dance hall during the afternoon. Main speaker of the meeting was R. T. Jeffery, chief municipal engineer of the Hydro Electric Power Commission of Ontario. Mr. Jeffery reviewed the history of the Georgian Bay Power District as regards to the increasing consumption of electricity and told the assemblage that large expenditures would soon be necessary if there was to be no shortage of power.
• At a meeting of the Georgian Badminton Club in the Curling Rink in Midland, Monday night, the following officers were elected: President Les Taylor: Vice-President, Margaret Hartman: Captain. Cy Richardson, Penetang; Vice-Captains, Irma Finch, Penetang, Mae Greene, Midland and Willard Bacon, Midland: Secretary, Marlon Grigg; chairman Transportation. T. McCullough. It was decided to begin play tonight. The curling rink will be available to players Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights thereafter. The annual fee is to be two dollars payable on or before October 6th. Tom McCullough and George West were named as a committee to bring in recommendations regarding new net standards. Secretary’s report, read by secretary Edith Argue, showed a favourable balance of $83.15 in the Treasury.
• PENETANG — Guards at the Fox St. station and the Penetanguishene reservoir were commenced on Saturday evening. The area surrounding the reservoir was also surrounded by lights.
• There will be more than a few Midland residents who will shed at least a mental tear when the yacht “Venetia” goes on the auction block on the 28th of this month. For the “Venetia” is more than a yacht in the memory of many. She is remembered by most as the submarine chaser used by the United States Admiralty during the Great War which was responsible for the destruction of the German submarine which sank the “Lusitania.” She carries on her lofty smokestack two gold bars symbolic of her success in sinking two enemy U-boats during the war of 1914-18, one of which was responsible for bringing the United States into the conflict. Built in the shipyards of the Hawthorne Co. of Leith Scotland, about 1903, she passed from one private owner to another, thence to the hands of the United States government, and finally, after the war, returned again to private ownership. Purchased by the late James Playfair, she was brought to Midland from Santiago, Cal., via the Panama Canal. Until the time of his death a year ago, it was the favorite recreation of Mr. Playfair to gather together a group of his friends and cruise the inland coastal waters. Since that time the “Venetia” been tied up at the docks of the Great Lakes Boat and Machine Company. She is 226 feet in length and has a beam of 27 feet. She draws fourteen feet six inches of water. Fuelled by oil the ship has a top speed of 12 knots.
• The distinction to be the first enlistment from Midland with the Canadian active force is claimed by John Evans (Chris) Gardner, and it would appear very likely that the Midland sleight of hand expert has pulled the double bat trick for it’s the fifth enlistment for the durable Chris. On Aug. 22, 1915, at Mons, Chris Gardner, with the Royal Horse and Field Artillery was but 25 yards away when Corporal Thomas of the Royal Irish Dragoons raised his rifle to fire the first shot from the British forces in the war. Wednesday Chris presented himself for enlistment as a sapper with the Second Field Company Canadian engineers. Winner of the Military Medal at Vimy, Chris came to Midland after the war. He joined the Simcoes in 1928 and served as company sergeant-major. Now he’s back in it again with the same enthusiasm that caused his first enlistment 27 years ago. “I passed my test O.K., and now I’m a sapper again, he smiled.
• PENETANG — Ross M. Cockburn of Hamilton took over the management of the Canada House in Penetanguishene at the beginning of this week. Mr. Cockburn’s family, consisting of his wife and three young children, will move to Penetanguishene shortly. Several years ago Mr. Cockburn visited Penetanguishene regularly when he was a district sales manager for the AC Spark Plug Company, a subsidiary of General Motors. Recently Mr. Cockburn has been operating a service station in Hamilton, and for a time he managed a hotel on Toronto Island. Mr. Cockburn is a Great War Veteran, going overseas with the 116th battalion. Later he served with the 73rd in France and towards the end of the war transferred to the Royal Artillery. He returned with a lieutenant’s commission. He is also a former football player, being a member of the Varsity Intermediates during his college days. “Now,” said Mr. Cockburn “my sporting activities are confined to golf and watching hockey.
• Despite the lateness of the season the Martyrs’ Shrine near here was the scene of considerable activity over the weekend. Nearly 50 women from the Catholic Women’s Business League of Toronto visited the shrine Sunday, and a special mass was conducted early Sunday afternoon for pilgrims who arrived on the Steamship Noronic from Sarnia. Of the 350 passengers on the Noronic about 150 paid a visit to the shrine.
• H. Sheppard of Waubaushene has offered his yacht, the Ambler, as a gift to the Department of National Defence. She will probably be used in the Naval Service on the Atlantic coast.
• The marriage of Sadie Eileen, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Wm. Heels of Waubaushene to Cyril George Ney, son of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Ney of Midland, took place Saturday at 9 p.m. at the United Church manse, Midland, with the Rev. W. R. Auld officiating. The manse was prettily decorated for the occasion with hearts of France asters. The bride was lovely in a dress of teal blue crepe, matching off-the-face hat, fur jacket and corsage of white orchids. Her only attendant was her sister, Miss Helen Heels, who wore a dress of moss green wool, matching hat, black accessories and a corsage of gladioli. Mr. Ormond Blevins of North Bay was best man. Following the ceremony, a reception was held at the home of the bride’s parents, for the immediate families. Mr. and Mrs. Ney are residing on Third St.

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.Deliverance day for mothers came Tuesday as their offspring finally got out from under their feet and off to school again after what seemed like a very long summer. The children don’t look too unhappy as they await the first bell at Sacred Heart Separate School. 

The same scene was being enacted a few blocks away at Regent Public School. The boy in the white shirt is Stewart Duncan, two to his left beside the post is Judy Ridyard, three to the right also in a white shirt I believe is Brian Hopkins. 

Getting registered for school for the first time is supposed to be a serious business. But Sharon Stewart (left) and Wendy Cornett seem more interested in the County Herald camera. Meanwhile, Mrs. D. Cornett gets on with the more serious business as Miss Margaret Marks (seated) and Mrs. Ken Cowan take particulars for Regent School’s Kindergarten classes. 

Camp counsellor — Robin Benson, recently completed the Canadian Girls-In-Training camp counsellor’s course at Port Ryerse. Sponsored by the W.A. and WMS of St. Paul’s United Church, Midland, Robin, was one of 74 girls representing all of Ontario on the 10-day course. 

It’s an ill wind that doesn’t blow some good and the winner of Midland Rotary Club’s boat and motor, Arthur McGarr of Port Dalhousie has discovered the truth of this axiom. The McGarr family was shopping in Midland this summer, left the car parked in one spot too long and received a parking ticket. Lacking proper change to pay the fine at one of the street fine boxes, Mr. McGarr bought a ticket on the boat to obtain the change. Here Rotary President Jack Duggan congratulates the winner while Parks Superintendent Harold McAllen, Rickey McGarr, 8, and Mrs. McGarr look on. 

Midland firemen had a difficult time lighting (not fighting) this fire in an abandoned house on Victoria Street. The weather-beaten, water-soaked old frame building was ordered demolished by the council, it took a lot of persuasion in the form of gallons of gasoline before it would burn. 

There was plenty of action for motorboats of all sizes and types at Victoria Harbour regatta over the holiday weekend. Photo shows some of the speedy hydroplanes, capable of 70 mph. Drivers front to back are George Simpson, Toronto; Syd Aldridge and Ken Allen Highland Creek; George Onuluk, Richmond, Hill; and Jim Alderidge, Highland Creek.

Frank Shaver of Brampton, a Paradise Point cottager won the 35 hp and free-for-all class in this boat. 

It takes both nerve and skill to drive these hydroplanes (they used to be called sea-fleas), and there was one spill at Victoria Harbour regatta Monday. But the driver climbed back into his boat and finished the heat, although well back of the pack. These craft were hitting 60 mph Monday, officials estimated. 

This year’s Victoria Harbour regatta included events for water skiers as well as swimming and boat races. Bernice Bridges (left) and Frances Brodeur, both of the Harbour, are being presented with trophies by Ken MacDonald, sponsor of the regatta. 

Seen with Frank Whiteman; Midland CNR agent, this crew pulled what is believed to have been one of the longest trains ever assembled in Canada last Thursday. Leaving Toronto at 6 a.m., they had 205 cars of freight and coal, behind their four engines in the stretch between Allandale and Uhthoff. They still had 122 cars left when they reached Midland. Left to right, Cecil Flaherty, conductor; Mr. Whiteman; M. C. Crux, engineer; back row, Bud Broderick and Jack Tasker, brakemen, and Bob Armstrong, fireman. (The caption is somewhat misleading in that most of the cars were empties, stone cars for Uhthoff and grain cars for Midland) 

The season came to a sudden end for Midland Indians on the weekend, as they were eliminated by Campbellville Merchants in the intermediate OBA major “A” playdowns. First Campbellville batter of Saturday’s game, second baseman Ken Moore, is seen missing the third pitch but Merchants went on to win 7-2. 

What better way to end the wrestling season than with the popular midgets, on the August 31st card at Midland Arena. Some of the torrid action is seen above as Brown Panther gives Sky Low Low “the works”, under the watchful eye of referee “Bunny” Dunlop. 

The magnitude of the new Greening Wire Co. plant being built along Highway 12 in Midland’s east end is evident in this picture. Steel is all up as the concrete block walls are nearly complete except for a small section in the foreground. Officials hope to have the plant ready for operation this fall. 

• Midland Free Press headline of September 9, 1959; Police Plan Crack-down on Loiterers in Streets. Warning that Penetang Police will initiate a crackdown on loiterers in the vicinity of restaurants in the community, was given yesterday by Chief Jack Arbour. Chief Arbour said the situation has degenerated to the point where citizens hesitate to walk on the sidewalk in front of town dining establishments. The condition is generated mainly by young people who make the restaurants and surrounding areas a “hang-out,” the chief said.
• County Herald headline of September 11, 1959; March to Queen’s Park to Back Road Demands. Residents and businessmen along the four-mile section of Tiny Township’s Champlain Road, Tuesday night threatened to “go straight to Queen’s Park” to oppose any move to construct a new road west of the existing route. The large group, invited to a special meeting of Tiny council to discuss the road, was told the Department of Highways would not consider paving the present Champlain Road. Members of council quoted highways officials as stating the only road they would put a permanent surface on would be a new one proposed to run along the hill top.
• Included in the lengthy list of 54 top-flight entries for the Canadian horseshoe pitching singles’ championships at the CNE this weekend will be a pair of Midlanders, Wray Faint and Logan Cruise. A pastime that has grown in popularity in leaps and bounds over the past five years, horseshoe pitching has now reached the status of a major sport in many parts of the country. Especially so in southern and western Ontario, where sizeable leagues have been formed that play on a year-round basis, with both outdoor and indoor courts. (Charlie Noquet wrote this article and titled it Two Midlanders vie for “barnyard golf” titles.)
• 25 Years Ago This Week – From the standpoint of fire losses, 1933 was the best year Canada has had since 1927. The value of property destroyed by fire was $9,519,501 less than the total for 1932. * * * Marlin Nelson of Fort Dodge, Iowa, won the 15-mile, CNE marathon swim for men for the third year in succession. On two occasions the swim had to be postponed because of low water temperatures. * * * Ruth Wagner, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Wagner, Midland R.R., graduated from Midland High School with her senior matriculation at the age of 15. During the five years she attended high school, she did not fail in a single paper. In her final year, she wrote 10 papers obtaining three firsts, three seconds, two thirds and two credits. * * * Mrs. E. E. Stewart, Collingwood, won the Simcoe County women’s golf championship, defeating a Mrs. Walker of Barrie. * * * The Ontario Department of Agriculture announced it was devoting money, and men to perfect a method for controlling starlings which were menacing Southern Ontario fruit crops. * * * Frank Porter, a highly esteemed resident of Waubaushene, died following a series of strokes. He had graduated from medical school in 1898. * * * Seven lake freighters, six carrying cargoes of grain and one a cargo of coal docked at Midland between August 31 and Sept. 4. * * * Sixty-four more pupils enrolled at Midland High School at the commencement of the fall term than had registered the previous year. The total for opening day in 1934, was 430.
• Editorial – After the new pavement was laid in Midland this summer, a taxpayer said he was willing to bet two-to-one that it would not be too long before a section of it was broken up. If he had any takers, he has won his bet. An area north of the Hugel Ave. – Eighth Street intersection had to be broken up when excavations were made for water mains connecting the new pressure pump system, serving the Tay area west of Midland. Since it was known for some time that the pressure system was to be installed this year, another taxpayer now wants to know why the hard-top surface was applied before the project was completed. (Will we take bets on the new pavement on Hugel Ave. being cut before winter?)
• Woodland Beach cottagers told Tiny Township council Saturday they were very much concerned about the decaying material in a cove, about which they had been complaining for some time. They said, although they had been assured the material was not pollution, nevertheless it gave off a very offensive odour. The decaying matter was said to be about a foot deep and was located at the shore. Council agreed to have a machine bury the decayed matter. The delegation also complained about beach parties running from 2 a.m. to as late as 6 a.m. They said the revellers tore down fences, ran over lawns, left broken glass, damaged boats, and made so much noise it was impossible to sleep at times. They asked for a bench patrol during those hours on Friday and Saturday nights.
• Things were really hot at the opening of Midland-Penetang District High School this week, but nobody was expelled. “It (the temperature) reached 95 degrees in the upstairs hall this afternoon,” Principal Ray Gauthier told the MPDHS Board at its September meeting Wednesday night. “The rooms themselves weren’t too bad but the halls were like ovens.” Making his first report to the board since his appointment as principal, Mr. Gauthier said 839 pupils had registered opening day compared with 822 last year. Official count, for departmental purposes, is made at the end of the month, he pointed out. Last year at that time the enrolment was 825. Mr. Gauthier felt the eventual enrolment would be somewhere between 830 and 840 this year. Earlier there had been doubts that the enrolment would reach the 800 mark. At present most classes have between 35 and 38 pupils.
• Births – ALLSOPP — To Mr. and Mrs. Clare Allsopp, 84 Fifth St., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Tuesday, September 8, 1959, a daughter. DIGNARD — To Mr. and Mrs. Leo Dignard, Port McNicoll, at St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, Monday, September 7, 1959, a son. DUSOME — To Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Dusome, 92 Quebec St., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Friday, September 4, 1959, a son. SALICHUK— To Mr. and Mrs. Norman Salichuk, 209 Lindsay St., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Tuesday, September 8, 1959, a son. THAYER – To Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Thayer, 151 Gloucester St., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Thursday, September 3, 1959, a daughter.
• Bruce Alexander Nicholls, a man who was instrumental in saving the lives of crew members of the Sarniadoc when it foundered in the Lower Lakes 30 years ago, died in St. Andrew’s Hospital, Midland, Wednesday afternoon. Ill for a year, Capt. Nicholls was in his 73rd year. A native of Burnt River, Ont., where he attended school, Capt. Nicholls married the former Nellie Price in Orillia July 17, 1912. They had lived in Midland, Victoria Harbour for six years, and in Waubaushene 36 years. A sailor all his life, he had served on tugs owned by the Burke Towing Co, and the Waldie Lumber Co. In 1927 he obtained his master’s ticket. His first big ship was the S.S. Valley Camp, a self-unloading coal freighter owned by the Valley Camp Coal Co. of Canada. He was captain of the Valley Camp from 1929 until 1956 when he retired. It was during his first year as master of the Valley Camp that he went to the rescue of the Sarniadoc which had run aground. During World War II he made a record number of trips with his ship, carrying cargoes of coal. His war effort was recognized by his firm in the presentation of a watch. He was also honoured by the Queen, being awarded a Coronation Medal. He was a member of Victoria Harbour Masonic Lodge, a life member of Waubaushene lOOF Lodge, a Conservative in politics and an adherent of the Anglican Church. Surviving besides his widow are four daughters, Mary of Barrie, Dorothy of Midland, Clarke of Toronto and Bette of Gravenhurst; four brothers, Cleve of Stroud, AI and Clark of Blind River, and Capt. Walter Nicholls of Midland; two sisters, Mrs. Jack Wilson of Midland and Mrs. Frank Schissler of Richmond Hill, and six grandchildren. The body is resting at Nicholls funeral home, Midland, where services will be held Saturday at 2 p.m. Burial will be in the Waubaushene Cemetery.

 

An item from the September 13^th, 1939 Free Press.

 

 Click on photos to enlarge.  

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.  

Large limb blown from a tree in Wednesday afternoon’s rain and wind storm caused some $200 damage to the electrical wiring in the James Clarkson residence, 230 Elizabeth Street, Midland (Just west of First Street.). When the limb fell it narrowly missed hitting a new car in the foreground. 

There’s plenty of eating in this cucumber held by Peter Muirhead, grown by C. Moreau, 96 Donalda Street, it was 30 inches long, and there were some even longer in the Moreau garden, Mr. Muirhead reported.

Fellow members of Midland Golf and Country Club turned out Friday night to welcome Mrs. Cecil (Maddy) English after she won the Simcoe County women’s golf title in Barrie that afternoon. It was the ninth time Midland ladies have taken the top county honour since competitions began in 1922. 

Tuesday was a proud day for Lloyd Dunlop and family as they opened their new furniture wing of their Moonstone store; son Douglas, a vice-president of the firm at 18 years of age, was given the honour of cutting the ribbon. Watching are his father, brother Jim, and Mrs. Dunlop. 

Opening of the new wing of Dunlop’s Furniture and Appliance store drew large crowds to Moonstone Tuesday. Lloyd Dunlop is seen greeting old friends as they filed into the new wing, a general view of which is seen. 

Some breathtaking views can be had from the top of the CPR elevator in Port McNicoll. This is how Port McNicoll looks from more than 100 feet up, with the CPR steamship Assiniboia nestling in the foreground, in front of the freight sheds. 

Both natives of Lafontaine, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Contois marked their 57th wedding anniversary at their Midland home August 30. The first 21 years of their wedded life was spent in Britt, the rest in Midland. 
There aren’t too many couples in this area who can count 57 years of married life, or 57 grandchildren and, 12 great-grandchildren. Mr. and Mrs. Peter Contois of 20 Olive Street, Midland, could do all these things as they marked their 57th wedding anniversary August 30. Forced to take things easy for the past two years because of ill health, Mr. Contois, now 76, was born in Lafontaine. So was his wife, the former Rose Hanna Bottineau, two years his junior. Following their marriage in Lafontaine in 1902, the young couple (she was just 16) went to Britt, near Parry Sound. They remained there 21 years, with Mr. Contois being employed as a labourer in various lumber mills. Then they came to Midland and have lived here ever since—36 years in all. Mr. Contois continued to find employment in the lumber mills and later at the shipyard. Fishing and gardening took up most of his spare time. Mr. and Mrs. Contois had Í4 children of their own, equally divided between boys and girls, and later raised two of their grandchildren. Nine of their own children are still living. Included are their sons Peter Jr., Frank, Tommy, Wilfred and Clement, all of Midland and daughters Rose (Mrs. Phil Delorme), Midland, Marie (Mrs. Robert Merkley), Midland, Vina (Mrs. Gordon Nelson), Niagara Falls, and Yvonne (Mrs. C. Cruise), Midland. 

Only 12 years of age, pretty blonde Kathleen Beatty of Midland, already shows great promise as an artist and dress designer. In fact, Kathleen already has had a number of her articles, about a dozen of them, accepted by the teenage magazine “Katy Keene”, printed in Santa Barbara, California. 

This old wooden pestle was found by Teddy, 12, and Tommy Parkes, 14 of Toronto on the south shore of Midland’s Little Lake last week. Dr. Wilfrid Jury, University of Western Ontario archaeologist, has identified the pestle as of the type used by the Huron Indians of this area to pound grain into flour some 300 years ago.

Sweeping view of Hog Bay and Victoria Harbour can be had from the roof of the CPR elevator in Port McNicoll. Trees in the foreground are part of Maple Island, which contains the elevator and grain door divisions of the company’s vast operations in Port McNicoll. 

Just before the battle between Midland Indians and Campbellville Merchants Saturday, the umpires went over the ground rules with representatives of the two clubs. The game was “called after 13 innings with the score tied, 1-1. Left to right are Murray Yorke, the plate umpire, Andy McLean, manager “Bun” Deschamp, umpire Jim Cauthers, manager Len Andrews and Bill Elliott of Campbellville. Same teams meet here again Saturday at 5 p.m.

Employees of Penetang Bottling Co. have discovered that a front-end loader makes an ideal adjustable picnic table. When lunchtime comes round they roll a loader into position in the spacious storage area and enjoy their meal at a table set to their desired height.

One of the items on the agenda of the summer meeting of the directors of the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association in Midland this week was a visit to Pillsbury Canada Limited cake mix plant. Of particular interest to the women was a visit to the laboratory, where home economist Mrs. Don Robertson is explaining the good points of a pineapple cake. Allan James, analytical chemist, is seen at left. Delegates examine another phase of production in the modern plant. 

• Free Press Herald headline of September 2, 1959; Vandals Damage Tug Sinks at Shipyard Dock.

• County Herald headline of September 4, 1959; 23 Percent Drop Noted in Area Unemployment. National Employment Service officials in Midland reported, yesterday there had been a drop of 23 per cent in the number of unemployed persons registered at their office on August 31, compared with the same period last year. Harold Humphries, NES office manager, said unemployment conditions in the district were considerably improved over last year. On August 31 this year, there were 199 unplaced males and 92 unemployed females registered at the Midland office. On the same date last year there were 267 men and 111 women registered as unemployed.
• A fire of undetermined origin levelled a landmark at Tiny Township beaches Tuesday afternoon when the cottage of Miss Charlotte Addison was found blazing shortly after the noon hour. Penetang fire brigade was not called until about an hour after the blaze broke out. The cottage was leveled by the time they arrived. However, as it was surrounded by thick woods, adjacent cottagers were fearful of the fire spreading to their properties. Built in 1913, the Addison cottage is believed to be one of the oldest, if not the oldest, in Tiny Township. It was the first one north of the Balm Beach Cottagers in the surrounding 13th Concession have nostalgic memories of the Addison cottage. A large rambling structure, it was used throughout the prolonged summer months for church services each week. Miss Addison had an organ brought in to provide music for the services.
• A tiny tot from Toronto had a prolonged stay in Midland Sunday. The two-year-old boy was left in the Indian village but police and firemen came to his rescue. The lad’s parents from Dundas Street W. Toronto, and 10 other relatives and friends had come to Midland for the Travelling in two cars, the group got back home Sunday night· and found Ray was missing. Everyone thought that he was “in the other car.” A call to the Midland police calmed the mother for the boy had been found unharmed at the Indian Village. The family made a return trip to Midland and found Ray munching on a sandwich and watching television at the fire hall.
• Two North Simcoe girls were among those involved in the collision of two roller coaster cars at the Canadian National Exhibition, Toronto, Saturday. The girls were Isabel Borrow and Anne Lovering, 15, of the North River area. Isabel had her glasses broken and Anne was taken to St. Michael’s Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. Sixteen persons, one seriously, were injured in the crash. The accident was attributed to an error in judgement by a brakeman. Officials said he failed to realize his carload of midway visitors was too close to the car ahead. His vehicle struck the car ahead.
• One of the products of a Penetang plant is now being marketed on a national basis through Canada’s largest supply house for the printing and allied trade. The product is “interlock shelving” manufactured by Grew Boats Ltd. and it is being distributed by Sears Ltd. Whose head office is in Toronto and has branches from coast to coast.
• BIRTHS – CALDWELL – To Mr. and Mrs. Austin Caldwell, 1381 Chrisiden Dr., Port Credit, at St. Andrew’s Hospital, Midland, Sunday, August 30, 1959, a daughter. COWDEN – To Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Cowden, 278 Midland Ave. Midland, at St. Andrew’s Hospital, Monday, August 31, 1959, a daughter. CUNNINGHAM – To Mr. and Mrs. Charles Cunningham, R.R. 1, Honey Harbour, a St. Andrew’s Hospital, Midland, Friday, August 28, 1959, a daughter. DION – To Mr. and Mrs. Robert Dion, 352 Russell St., Midland, at Andrew’s Hospital, Saturday, August 29, 1959, a daughter. DORION – To Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Dorion, Victoria Harbour, at St. Andrew’s Hospital, Midland, Saturday, August 29, 1959, a daughter. GILBERT – To Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Gilbert, 143 Sixth St., Midland, at St. Andrew’s Hospital, Sunday, August 30, 1959, a son. LALONDE – To Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Lalonde, Yonge St., Midland, at St. Andrew’s Hospital, Wednesday, August 26, 1959, a daughter. LATONDBESS – To Mr. and Mrs. Donald Latondress, King St. Midland, at St. Andrew’s Hospital, Thursday, August 27, 1959, a daughter. McINTAGGART-To Mr. and Mrs. Michael Mclntaggart, 178 Lindsay St., Midland, at St. Andrew’s Hospital, Saturday, August 29, 1959, a son.
• TEN YEARS AGO THIS WEEK – Two inches of rain which fell throughout North Simcoe brought a temporary respite from a prolonged drought that seared pasture fields and dried up many wells in the district. * * * Midland shipyard officials announced that the new bulk carrier, S. Coverdale, would not be launched in September as scheduled. No reason was given for the change in plans. * * * Dr. Wilfrid Jury of the University of Western Ontario and his staff uncovered a major find in their excavations at Fort Ste. Marie. They had unearthed the northwest bastion of the fort on the edge of the Wye River. Biggest discovery of the week, however, was made at the home of John S. Drinkwater, Orillia, R. R. 2, where a series of maps of Fort Ste. Marie, made by Rev. George Hallen, rector of St. James on the Lines were found. * * * Nine hundred and twenty pupils, 67 more than in September 1948, registered for classes at opening day in Midland Public Schools. There was an increase of 18 pupils noted at the town’s two separate schools. Total registration at Penetang Public School was 742, about the same as the previous year. There were eight fewer at the Protestant Separate School. Midland District High School registrations were 347 or 11 more than in 1948. Penetang had 126 students, the same as the previous year. * * * A Grimsby man had leased the Colwaboard factory in Coldwater and planned to start a canning factory in the building Sept. 15. He expected to employ six or seven persons.
• BP Canada Limited has announced it is making arrangements to purchase a service station on Hugel Ave., W. operated for some years by Doug Swann. BP officials said that prior to the opening in late September the premises will be completely renovated and modernized. A two-bay fully-equipped station will be the result of these proposed changes, it was stated.
• The old Cooper-Weeks building has been sold and will blossom out as a modern marina. Operated by Ken McDonald, the new venture will be called Victoria Harbour Marina. Mr. McDonald said last week he hopes to employ 12 men in the new firm. A native of Sarnia, Mr. McDonald more recently served as a machine shop foreman for a Toronto firm. He has been in the business for 15 years. “There is still a lot of work to be down around the building, replacing the glass and making other repairs necessary to a building which has not been in use for some time”, said Mr. McDonald. The new marina will offer complete outboard and inboard service; guided fishing tours, motorboat rentals, chartered boat service, launching facilities for large and small craft, gasoline and motor oil sales.
• Midland Citizens’ Band has added to their string of successes by winning, yesterday, the class II, CNE brass band championship. Under bandmaster AI Hume the band repeated their success of last year when they also came first in the CNE competition. Success in competition is not new for the Midland Citizens’ Band for since 1955 when Mr. Hume took over as leader it has won eight firsts, four seconds and one third in various band competitions.
• Believed to have been struck by a train while he was crossing a double railway track in fog near Cartier, Francis Edward Cadieux, 21, died August 28. Requiem mass was said at St. Margaret’s Church, Midland, August 31 by Rev. L. Petitpas. Pallbearers were Leo Cadieux, Larry Cadieux, Louis Cadieux, John Cadieux, Francis Contois and Jack Horsfall. Born in Midland, Oct. 6, 1937, and educated at Sacred Heart School, Mr. Cadieux had sailed for some time, and three weeks ago took employment as an underground miner, at a LeVack mine. He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Cadieux, Olive Street, Midland, a brother John Cadieux and seven sisters, Mrs. D. Chapman (Patricia); Mrs. Robert Hilton (Veronica); Mrs. Emery Ducaire (Géraldine); Mrs. Ossie Frandsen (Stella); Mrs. Jack Horsfall (Mildred); Mrs. E. Quesnelle (Eleanor) and Marie at home. Burial was in St. Margaret’s Cemetery. 

80 Years ago, on September 3^rd, 1939, Britain declared war on Germany and Canada immediately committed her support. 

• BRITAIN AND FRANCE GO TO POLAND’S AID WHEN HITLER BEGINS NEW WORLD CONFLICT Ultimatum Ignored by Nazi Fuehrer—German Submarine Sinks Canada-Bound Liner “Athenia”      
• When Chancellor Adolph Hitler ignored the pleas of the British and French governments that he negotiate the differences peacefully with Poland and instead ordered the German army to attack Poland early on the morning of Friday, September 1st, the long-dreaded world war began. There was just a faint hope for nearly two days that the dogs of war might be called back. Britain and France did not immediately implement their pledge to come to the aid of Poland if attacked by Germany. Instead, they called the attention of the Nazi government to the fact that it had ignored Poland’s willingness to negotiate, and had instead marched on Poland and bombed its cities from the air. The two democracies said they were willing to take part in a five power conference proposed at the last moment by Premier Mussolini of Italy, but only on the condition that Hitler immediately cease hostilities and recall his troops from Poland. If he was willing to do that they were willing to overlook his attack on Poland and begin conversations with the hope of reaching a peaceful settlement.
• In a radio address to the Canadian people, Prime Minister Mackenzie King on Sunday announced the intention of Canada to stand by Britain in the war against Germany. He declared that Canada as a member of the British Commonwealth was bringing her co-operation voluntarily. He appealed to his fellow countrymen “to unite in a national effort to save from destruction all that makes life itself worth living, and to preserve for future generations, those liberties and institutions which others have bequeathed to us.
• “D” Company of the Grey-Simcoe Foresters stationed in Midland-Penetang is now up to skeleton strength. It is possible that the present number of 84, in case of Dominion orders, would be doubled, making one company from each town. Other companies of the Foresters are stationed in Meaford, Owen Sound, Barrie and Orillia. There is none at Collingwood at present.
• PENETANG — An organization meeting of Penetanguishene women in response to a request received by Mrs. J. M. Nettleton from the National Council of Canadian Women was held in the Public Library on Tuesday evening. The purpose of the meeting was to elect a chairman and a committee that would be capable of inaugurating a voluntary registration of Canadian women, desirous of assisting in a National emergency. The idea, started by the National Council of Women, is to have a volunteer organization of women in every community, capable of assisting their country if and when needed. The questionnaire answered by those registering contains questions regarding every type of work the answerer has done or is capable of doing, including questions on ability as camp organizers, mechanics, dietitians, stenographic, airplane pilots, farmworkers, knitters. The officers of the local organizations as set up on Tuesday evening were not available at press time, and it is expected that actual registration will not be commenced for a few days. The plan formulated a few weeks ago before the declaration of war is now being rushed to completion. Registrations will be accepted by Mrs. J. M. Nettleton, after Saturday.
• “Canada must not repeat the mistakes it made in the last war,” said Col. William Finlayson during a round table discussion at the Midland Kiwanis Club luncheon on Tuesday. “There was a tremendous waste in the 1914 system of recruiting. Men were rushed into the army who had no business being there, while others who could have gone stayed at home. Some form of conscription is undoubtedly the fairest method of getting men, but that will be difficult to introduce because of the fact that one province is so strongly opposed. “There should be a tribunal in every municipality which should have the power to say which men can best be spared for war service. There are some in every community who are key men in the business and industrial life, and much as we admire their patriotism they can give better service to their country by staying at home than by going to the front. There are ample young men without family responsibilities, who should go before those who have wives and children to take care of. It costs the country a great deal more to send old men than it does young men. In the last war, we carried on the strength of the Canadian Expeditionary force thousands of men who should never have been accepted at all.
• Midland began her preparations for war last week. Starting Saturday afternoon the Public Utilities Commission placed a guard on the town reservoir. At a meeting of elevator executives with the Mayor on Saturday morning, the heads of the buildings in which is stored a large percentage of Canada’s wheat supply decided to place their own guards on duty to prevent sabotage until provincial or dominion authorities took further action. Mayor James Mackie reported that by Friday a large number of young men and old had come to ask about volunteering. “I referred them to Capt. C. Nettleton,” his Worship stated.
• While war beclouds the world, Port McNicoll is busily engaged in erecting their war memorial for those of the Village who lost their lives in 1914-18. Under the direction of a stonemason, William McKenzie, of Midland, the cenotaph is being quarried from Port McNicoll stone, will be ten feet square at the base and carry an eight square column, two feet and a half through. On the imposing structure which will stand near the Corporation buildings, will be set a bronze plaque. The unveiling is set for November 11.
• Midland’s veterans of the Great War turned out in such large numbers for the emergency meeting last night that the Legion rooms were inadequate and the hundred-odd men who had assembled moved to the Town Hall in order to secure sufficient accommodation. Albert Smith, zone commander, was in the chair and addressed the meeting. He said that once more the time had arrived when the veterans would be asked to serve again, even though it might not be in any active capacity. He asked that any veterans who had not already registered do so at once. Discussion of guarding vital zones was discussed. It was pointed out that the first men to be called for guard duty and the like will be men who are married and unemployed. The last will be those who are at the present time receiving war veteran’s allowance. Mr. Smith alluded to the time when he was on duty at the wireless station during the last war and made comical reference to the time when one of the guards—not himself—shot a marauding cow in September 1914.
• The people of Canada have been asked by the British government to send clothing, boots and shoes, blankets and other covering for the children who have been evacuated from London and other cities of England and Scotland. It is explained that many of the little ones come from poor homes where clothing and covering is always scarce, and many thousands of them have been billeted in homes as poor as those they come from. With the approach of the winter, it is necessary to provide that they shall be warm and comfortable. Until some local organization is ready to take care of donations for this purpose the Midland Free Press will be glad to receive them at its office on King Street. Be sure that all bundles are well boxed or papered and securely tied. 

Other items from the Midland Free Press of September 6^th, 1939. 

• PENETANG — Henry Arthur Columbus, Penetanguishene, believed to be a direct descendant of Christopher Columbus, discoverer of America, was buried in Penetang this morning, following a double funeral service for him and his brother-in-law, James Quigley, both men died on Monday in the Quigley family residence, here. Columbus was the grandson of Louis Columbus who came to Penetanguishene as a gunsmith for the local garrison during the war of 1812-14. Louis Columbus, in turn, was the son of a well known early Toronto gunsmith, Isaac Columbus, who conducted a shop on Caroline St., in Toronto. Isaac Columbus Lived to be one hundred and four years old. Isaac came to Toronto from Montreal where he was born. Isaac’s parents, according to family history came from France. Isaac’s father was supposed to be one of two sons of Christopher Columbus who went to France from Genoa, the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. The other son of Christopher Columbus reportedly went to Morocco and the local branch of the family has no trace of his descendants. Henry Columbus, who died early Sunday morning is survived by four sons, Frank, Christopher, Cletus and Leo, and one daughter Ethel. Mrs. Columbus and a daughter Edna are predeceased. During his lifetime, the recently deceased Mr. Columbus was a lumber camp foreman for the McGibbon Lumber Co., Penetang. James Quigley, who died a few hours after Mr. Columbus in the same house, had been ill for seventeen months. He was in his 83rd year. A lifelong resident of Penetanguishene, Mr. Quigley was the son of Irish immigrants who settled in this district. He is survived by his wife, the former Susan Columbus, whom he married in 1888, and three sons, James and Arthur in Calgary and Howard in the United States. The funeral cortege of Mr. Quigley met that of Henry Columbus which started from his brother’s home at the outskirts of Penetanguishene, and the combined cortege proceeded to Ste. Anne’s Jesuit Memorial Church, where Requiem High Mass was sung by Rev. Father Walsh, interment of both men was in Ste. Ann’s cemetery.
• PENETANG — Well over nine hundred public and separate school children in Penetanguishene answered the nine o’clock bell signifying the opening of school for the fall on Tuesday morning. Over one hundred were attending school for the first time. Little was done on opening day, beyond giving the pupils, a list of the books they will need during the school term. Actual school work did not commence until this morning (Wednesday). At the separate school, under principal W. J. Armstrong 175 students were present, on opening day, 18 of them in Grade I. Mr. Armstrong stated that he expected additional registrations in the course of the next few days. In the public school, 747 students were present in the eighteen classrooms. Eighty-four of the total are primary pupils. First work of the public school pupils will be to harvest the crops from their gardens that were planted as a school project in the spring. The gardens are located between Robert and Poyntz Streets, next to the cemetery. The pupils planted many types of vegetables and flowers in their garden.
• PENETANG—At a very pretty double wedding Tuesday morning, September the fifth at Ste. Anne’s Memorial Church, Genevieve Quesnelle, of Penetanguishene, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Quesnelle, was united in marriage to Francois Andre Charlebois of Penetanguishene, son of Mr. and Mrs. Leger Charlebois. The bridesmaid was Adele Marchildon and the best man was Lawrence Charlebois. The second couple at the double wedding was Electa Maurice of Penetanguishene, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Maurice, who was united in marriage to Hilaire Tessier of Penetanguishene, son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Tessier. Bridesmaid was Miss Beatrice Tessier and the best man was Omer Quesnelle. Rev. Father Castex officiated at the double wedding. Both couples will reside in Penetang on their return from the honeymoons.
• Ability to buy woollen goods at better prices was proved to be one of Canada’s big drawing cards for American tourists as the Western States docked in Midland Labor Day morning with 350 passengers from Detroit. (This was a huge drawing card for the American tour boats, woollen goods and British china.) An immediate beeline was made for the stores carrying blankets, woollen sweaters, woollen coats. When it was found that these were all closed due to the America-wide holiday, the passengers stormed the newspaper office in an endeavour to have the press use its influence to open the shop doors.
• PENETANG — Well over two hundred Penetanguishene baseball fans attended the Marchildon night at the Maple Leaf Stadium in Toronto, Friday. They comprised over one third of the total attendance. The two special buses chartered for the occasion were filled to capacity and dozens of private cars were heavily burdened. Despite the fact that “Babe” Marchildon was pulled from the game, fans as a whole are pretty well satisfied. “Babe” pitched good ball and seemed to appreciate sincerely the efforts of the Penetang Board of Trade in arranging the night in his honor. The presentation of the club bag and the purse, which had been subscribed to by many local residents, was made by Mayor Joseph Hatton and ex-Mayor Clair Gendron. The Penetang Spencer Rangers appeared on the field in their regular uniforms for the presentation. Further evidence to the fact that the evening was enjoyed by the local people came from the time at which many arrived back in Penetang. The first busload pulled in at 3.30 a.m. on Saturday and the second was just an hour later. Even those who went down by car did not return until long after midnight.