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It is a well-known fact there are lots of black bass in Midland’s Little Lake, of the big mouth variety. Wayne Guppy, Toronto, has evidence above that there are some good specimens of the smallmouth variety, too. This 14-inch, one lb., nine-ouncer was caught by his dad, Ted Guppy, around 8 p.m. Friday night using a frog as bait. The Guppy’s are staying at Smith’s Camp. 

One of the quietest, and often most rewarding ways to spend a holiday weekend is fishing. Three men and a young boy were trying their luck just off busy Highway 12, at the Wye River bridge, when the Free Press Herald cameraman snapped this picture Friday. 

There’s plenty of building going on in Midland right now, with a number of projects of major proportions underway. In the above picture, a start is being made on laying the footings for the new addition to the Bausch and Lomb Optical Co. plant on Lindsay Street. 

Victoria Harbour residents should have safer walking on some of the new sidewalks being laid around the village. Above, workmen have just completed a new section in front of Clarence MacKenzie’s dairy and ice cream bar. In keeping with the new sidewalk, the dairy has been extensively renovated as well. 

There’s hardly a boy living, even in these modern days, who hasn’t made like Michaelangelo with a piece of wood and a jack-knife. Albert Warner of 100 Sixth Street, Midland, progressed far beyond the boy-with-jack-knife stage. Now it’s a profitable as well as an interesting hobby with him. Mr. Warner, who came to Midland in 1900 from Prescott, gets a fairly good monetary return from lampstands, ashtray stands, flower stands, fern pedestals and similar articles. All are carved from single pieces of willow with no paint or stains. 

Flower gardens around Martyrs’ Shrine offer many fine studies for the colour film addicts. One of the many picturesque spots is this little pool, with statues, just to the west of the main entrance of the shrine. Grounds have been extensively renovated in recent years under the guidance of Rev. J. McCaffrey, shrine director. 

The hillside below the Martyrs’ Shrine church was a mass of colour on the weekend as a multitude of flowers were bursting into bloom. The church and its surrounding grounds, famed in history, are also one of this area’s beauty spots visited annually by thousands of pilgrims and visitors.

• Midland Free Press headline of August 5, 1959; 11 Premises Ransacked in an Epidemic of Break-ins. This past week saw a large-scale outburst of housebreaking in and around Midland, and also, in the Waubaushene, Six Mile Lake area, police reported yesterday. In Midland, there were break-ins at the homes of James Clark, K. J. Ellis and James Crawford; all in the Eighth Street, Hugel Avenue area. Also entered were the homes of Walter Lumsden, F. A. Salmon and Andrew Sedore, on the Tay Township extension of Hugel Ave., just west of Eighth Street. Acting Chief George Wainman of Midland said the Eighth Street break-ins apparently occurred, sometime before, midnight Saturday, Mr. Crawford was first to report his house entered, at 1:20 a.m., Sunday, and the discovery of the other entries followed. At Waubaushene, the W. H. F. Russell and Sons’ store was entered sometime Monday night or Tuesday morning and a quantity of cigarettes and other articles taken.
• County Herald headline of August 7, 1959; Say Filth Floats in Cove, Tiny Cottagers Alarmed. Woodland Beach Cottagers Association is becoming alarmed over pollution of water in their area of Tiny Township. A delegation asked Tiny council Saturday what steps should be taken to get some action toward remedying the situation. Various opinions were expressed as to the source of pollution. Some thought it came from Wasaga Beach, while others maintained it came from Collingwood. According to cottagers from Woodland, the pollution drifts into a cove and remains there. The summer residents are fearful of an epidemic developing from the water. “RAW SEWAGE” The statement made to the council was that the pollution is heavy, raw sewage, and the quantity leads them to believe it doesn’t travel any great distance before reaching Woodland. Complaints of pollution were registered last year with the Simcoe County Health Unit, and inspectors examined the condition. Nothing further was heard of the investigation either by the Woodland Association or by Tiny council.
• According to statistics “released by R. B. Moffat, secretary-manager of Midland Chamber of Commerce, this area is well on the way to setting a new record for summer visitors. Mr. Moffat said yesterday that, up to July 31, the two information centers operated by the chamber at the eastern and western approaches to Midland had served 5,983 people in the 1,845 cars that had stopped at the centers. He said these figures were almost triple the number served by the single information centre on King Street last year. He added that there was also a higher percentage of American visitors calling at the centers this year. Mr. Moffat explained that a survey revealed tourist business at district resorts was the best it had been in several years.
• Missing since the previous Monday evening, the body of Mimi Demuile was found floating in Nottawasaga Bay Sunday afternoon. Miss Demuile was 22 years old. The body was first noticed by a passing pleasure boat, approximately one-half mile from shore, and about three and a half miles from where the young woman had last been seen.
• Tiny Township councillors were forced to admit, Saturday they didn’t know whether the municipality is considered “wet” or “dry” by the Liquor Control Board of Ontario. The question came up when a man approached council inquiring whether or not he would be given a permit to build a hotel at Wyebridge. He informed the council that one thing he would require before starting to build is an assurance that he would get a liquor licence. Council admitted they knew little of the requirements toward issuing a licence. It was pointed out that, if the municipality is listed as “dry,” a vote would be required.
• BIRTHS – CARDWELL — To Dr. and Mrs. R. J. Cardwell, 171 Hugel Ave., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Monday, August 3, 1959, a son. CARPENTER — To Mr. and Mrs. Allan Carpenter, Victoria Harbour, at St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, Thursday, July 30, 1959, a son. DUNKLEY — To Mr. and Mrs. Ian Dunkley, Waubaushene, at St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, Sunday, Aug. 2, 1959, a daughter. PROULX — To Mr. and Mrs. James Proulx, 129 Fifth St., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Wednesday, July 29, 1959, a son. ST. AMAND — To Mr. and Mrs. D. J. St. Amand, Victoria Harbour, at St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, Wednesday, July 29, 1959, a daughter.
• COLDWATER — Previous records for traffic through Coldwater were exceeded civic holiday weekend. In addition to the peak volume of vehicles to district resorts, there has been a marked increase in autos and transports passing through Coldwater to head north on the new Trans-Canada Highway from Waubaushene. The Coldwater by-pass will not be completed and opened to traffic until later in the season, with the result that there are cars, many with boats on trailers, huge tractor-trailers, and other vehicles passing through the village. Tourist operators in Coldwater district reported business at capacity and in most cases, accommodation facilities were exceeded.
• TEN YEARS AGO THIS WEEK – Boat traffic “up the shore” reached its peak on August 7, with both the 30,000 Island Navigation Co. and Georgian Bay Tourist and Steamships Ltd. reporting excellent business. * * * The Hon. Lionel Chevrier had announced a $60 million, five-year shipbuilding program for Canada; to “maintain and develop the Canadian shipbuilding industry,” and it was believed that the Midland shipyards would benefit. * * * It was reported: “For the first time in many years, and for the first time in the history of Midland on such a large scale, the grain is being moved from Midland elevators to Montreal and the Atlantic seaboard by ship.” * * * Camp Kitchikewana, opened this week on Beausoleil Island with its biggest enrolment to date, Midland YMCA reported. There were 180 girls between eight and seventeen, mainly from Midland, Barrie, Toronto and Hamilton. * * * Sherwood Fox, former president of the University of Western Ontario, had recently published a book on the discovery of St. Ignace on the Sturgeon River. Material incorporated discoveries by Dr. Wilfrid Jury, “Western” archaeologist and expert on Huronia. * * * Plays, at the Midland Summer Theatre, held in the curling rink, included “Mr. Pim Passes By”, and “Arsenic and Old Lace.” Jack Blacklock was the producer and director. * * * Although net proceeds were lower than those of the previous year, the Midland Boys’ Band carnival was considered an outstanding success. There was a large draw prize list.
• Obituaries – MRS. HANNAH M. CHARLES — An active member of the Presbyterian church Ladies Aid, Mrs. Hannah May Charles, died in St. Andrews Hospital, July 24 of a heart attack. She was in her 75th year. Funeral service was conducted by Rev. Alan Ross at A. Barrie and Sons funeral home, July 27. Pallbearers were Dave Douglas, Arthur Gardner, Lorne Carruthers, Marvin Grigg, Bert Reynolds and Alvin Reynolds. Mrs. Charles was educated in Wyebridge and in 1916 married Wm. Charles at Midland. She lived on a Tiny Township farm until moving to Wyebridge 13 years ago. A member of the Wyebridge Women’s Institute, Mrs. Charles was fond of flowers and gardening. Besides her husband, she is survived by two daughters. Mrs. Kenneth Hounsome (Margaret) of Wyebridge and Mrs. A. Blair ’Jean’ of Haileybury; four brothers, Frank of Waverley, Henry of Wyebridge, Fred of Midland and Ernest of Richmond Hill. Two grandchildren, Connie and Billie Blair also survive. Burial was in Wyebridge Anglican Cemetery. MISS MABEL G. JEFFERY An active member of Knox Presbyterian Church throughout her life. Miss Mabel Gertrude Jeffery died, July 25, after a lengthy illness. She was in her 82nd year. Funeral service was conducted at Knox Presbyterian Church July 28 by Rev. J. L. Self. Pallbearers were Ron Cooke, George Cooke, Fred Jeffery, Jim Tully, Bob Bell and Dean Todd. Miss Jeffery was the second eldest daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. F. W. Jeffery and spent all her life in Midland. She is survived by two sisters; Mrs. A. T. Hunter (Olive), Toronto, and Mrs. H. B. Adams (Anne), Orillia and a brother C. C. Jeffery, Midland. Also surviving are a niece, Mrs. James Wright (Judy) of Midland and a nephew, Jeffery Baxter of Toronto. Burial was in Lakeview Cemetery. WILLIAM E. CASTON – A lifetime resident of this district, William Ellsworth Caston died at St. Andrew’s Hospital July 24 following a coronary thrombosis. The funeral was held from his home, 361 Russell Street, Midland, July 27 and was conducted by Rev. J. L. Self. Honorary pallbearers were Albert Arsenault, Norman Gagnon, Lloyd Stephens, Ted Caston, Bud Caston and Con Caston. Active pallbearers were Frank Caston, Duke Caston, Don Arsenault, Gil Arsenault, Herb Trollope and Cliff VanLuven. Mr. Caston was born in Midland July 15, 1911, and received his education in Wyevale. On October 1940, at Elmvale, he married the former Therese Emond. He was a lifetime member of the Presbyterian Church. Besides his wife he is survived by five daughters; Mrs. Alex Desjardins (June), Barbara, Doreen, Clara and Patricia and two sons, James and Dave. Two sisters, Mrs. Mary Black and Mrs. Rosebell Chambers, and five brothers, Clarence, Frank, Ted, Duke and Bud also survive. Burial was in Lakeview Cemetery. JAMES ROBERT LONEY – A school trustee of S.S. No. 18 Tay for two years, James Robert Loney died in St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, July 27, following a short illness. He was in his 73rd year. Funeral service was conducted by Rev. Charles Carter at A. Barrie and Sons funeral home, July 30. Pallbearers were Dalton Loney, Thomas Seymour, John Calhoun, Milton Montgomery, Frederick Allsopp and Earl Allsopp. A lifelong resident of Tay Township. Mr. Loney was a Conservative in politics and a member of the Loyal Orange Lodge. In 1920 at Victoria Harbour, he married the former Vera Calhoun. Mr. Loney is survived by five daughters; Mrs. D. McArthur (Joyce), Orillia. Mrs. F. Kectch (Vera), Victoria Harbour, Mrs. H. Starr (Iona), Oro Station, Mrs. R. Douglas (Mildred) Moonstone, and Miss Muriel Loney, Midland, and two sons. Goldy of Timmins and Burton of Goderich. Three sisters. Mrs. T. Seymour and Misses Edna and Hazel Loney of Coldwater, and two brothers. Harvey of New Liskeard and Ernest of Charlton, as well as eight grandchildren also survive. His wife predeceased him in 1945.  Burial was in Lakeview Cemetery.
• A complete survey for a protected channel through the 30,000 Islands of the Georgian Bay was this week submitted to the hydrographic section of the dominion government in Ottawa by the Georgian Bay Development Association. The association has been endeavouring to entice the hundreds of yachts now visiting the harbours and channels north of Manitoulin Island to the southern end of the Georgian Bay but has been handicapped by the lack of proper charts for these waters.
• As Midland summer playground at Little Hake Park closes August 14, a final week of activity has been planned, Monday afternoon will see the entire playground take part in a giant treasure hunt. Tuesday afternoon a mammoth field day will take place, with prizes for those taking part Wednesday evening a playground variety show for parents will be staged in the YMCA basement. Thursday will be the summer playground baseball league finals and Friday is the day for the all-day party for playground members, with final awards and presentations. Morning programs will continue as usual with crafts and swimming instruction. Advance swimming work will also take place in the morning during the final week. The playground is open to all children age 6 to 12 from 9:30 daily. Recent activities have included all-day hikes for the various sections with meals being cooked on the hike. Some 30 members of the playground have taken part in special overnight camping trips this season. The summer playground is sponsored by the Y’s Men’s Club of Midland. During this season some 425 children have taken part.

The first week of July 1931;

• Three drownings in one afternoon was the terrible toll exacted by the waters of the Georgian Bay yesterday. A young man was the first victim and his life was extinguished from a freighter at the Tiffin elevator. About the same hour, a double tragedy occurred at Little Beausoleil Island, where William Douglas, six-year-old son of Mr. John Douglas McCarter and the family’s Scotch maid, Christina McLean, 30 lost their lives while bathing. Both bodies were recovered by the child’s father and were brought to Midland, where they were met by Coroner Dr. Johnston and Provincial Officer Harry Wrights. They were taken to the Barrie Undertaking Parlors and were forwarded this morning to Toronto. Miss McLean had been in the employ of the family for about 3 months, she is of Scottish parentage. From the information available it appears the child got beyond its depth and in her efforts to save it, Miss McLean lost her own life.      

• All previous records were broken at the Little Lake Camping Grounds last weekend when the largest number of motor tourists in the history of the Camp was accommodated. The Camp population reached the almost incredible figure of just under the 1,800 mark. Monday was a Civic Holiday in Toronto and other large centres, and early on Saturday, the tourists began to flock to the Camp in ever-increasing numbers. The usual staff at the registration office was hopelessly inadequate, to cope with the greatly increased flow of tourists, and was reinforced by members of the Park Commission, who gave generously of their time. By Saturday night the books showed no less than 424 camps on the grounds, and still, the cars were driving in. Not until midnight did the last tourist arrive, and on Sunday morning the flow began again. A number of the regular campers, whose week had expired on Saturday night, had returned to their homes meanwhile, but the additional influx of tourists on Sunday raised the number of tents pitched to the peak figure of 433.
• PENETANG, Aug. 6. — Penetang citizens turned out by the hundreds. Midland sent a contingent of almost as many more, and the country surrounding this town co-operated in making the Kiwanis Street Carnival here last night one of the most successful ever staged in this town, in spite of subnormal conditions. By seven o’clock when the night’s program was scheduled to start with a parade through the town, the crowd lined both Main and Robert streets; by nine o’clock, when the amusements were well underway, the block on Robert St. in front of the fire hall, which was reserved for the Carnival, was almost completely filled with merry, milling, jostling throngs. Mr. Phil Charlesbois was generalissimo of the Carnival and from very early in the evening, long before the program was scheduled to commence, until the last booth had been cleared away, he was here, there, and everywhere, an indefatigable mine of energy. The success of the Carnival this year must in justice be credited largely to his efforts, and to those of his equally efficient lieutenants. Unfortunately, through one of those unavoidable hitches that occur in spite of the most careful preparations, there was a misunderstanding as regards to transportation and the Midland Band was late in arriving. As a result, the parade began half an hour or more behind schedule. But when it came, it was apparent that it was worth waiting for. The variety of the attractions, their number, and the novelty and ingeniousness of them, were remarkable. Mrs. J. T. Payette, mounted on a saddle horse and dressed in a flashing cowboy costume, at first headed the procession. Before the parade reached Robert St., however, she dropped out and the Midland Citizens’ Band, led by Bandmaster Fraser, led the way. The parade formed up in front of the Station, at the foot of Main Street, and proceeded south of Simcoe street, thence to Church St., and south on Church to Robert St. Crossing Main St., the procession passed in front of the judges, near the fire hall and doubled back on itself to pass the judges the second time before breaking up.
• The Sinclair Oil Co., which a few months ago established offices in town with Mr. R. S. McLaughlin as the manager, is building two 10,000-gallon gasoline supply tanks here to service dealers in this district. The tanks will be located at the foot of Queen St., in the vicinity of the Midland Engine Works. Both tanks are already up, and being put in condition to receive gasoline. A pumping machine is now on the way and it is expected that it will be installed and the tanks ready for use in about two weeks’ time. It is not the Intention of the Sinclair Oil Company to operate a service station, but purely a warehouse for supplying dealers in this district. Their warehouse is 20 ft by 60 ft and the Company will feature prompt deliveries of their oils, and other products. (This company declared bankruptcy in a short period of time and the tanks were sold.)
• On Tuesday the laying of rails commenced on the recent extension to the Government dock, at the foot of King Street, which will doubtless prove a great convenience in handling of traffic to and from the boats. It is understood a considerable addition to the shed will be also erected. The extension has already justified the expenditure on it as a unique source of revenue to an enterprising citizen. On Saturday morning a man was observed taking a picture of an extensive ’Field’ of grain from this vantage point. To anyone who may be sceptical of the fact, we have the “Bald” truth.
• The number of visitors to arrive here on Saturday was not entirely confined to those who had as their objective the motor camp, but a large crowd passed through on their way to different points up the lakes. The special tourist train was made up of many extra cars that carried large companies of American as well as Canadian visitors. Most of these were transferred to the Midland City and other boats here and distributed to different place among the islands while a large number passed on through to Parry Sound and Point Au Baril. The Midland City carried its largest crowd of the season and handled a tremendous amount of baggage. Many people from the city also took advantage of the lake trip and were able to return on Monday so as to get home again in time. Traffic up the shore thus far this season has been particularly good and much better than expected in view of the widespread depression. Many people are making shorter trips while others are cutting down on the length of their vacation, but with all the talk of hard times, people seem to be spending money in liberal quantities for anything they require. Looking down King Street on Saturday night one might well ask the question “where is the much-talked-of hard times?” Motor cars lined both sides of the street while a continuous stream of these vehicles passed up down the pavement for several hours. The sidewalks were crowded with well dressed and apparently happy people. There was no semblance of poverty in the crowd and one was led to the conclusion after watching the passing throng that this “hard time” cry is to all appearances being overdone.
• Business is beginning to hum. Better than a million and a half bushels has come to the local houses since the last writing and according to word, it has not yet finished. Three-quarters of a million bushels of corn was the cargo of the Perseus which put in an appearance on the last day of July at 6:00 p.m., following the McLaughlin with 406,000 of wheat which had arrived an hour and a half previously, both having come from Chicago. They cleared light for the same port. On August the 2^nd the A.E. Clarke arrived at 11.15 a.m. with better than 537,000 bushels from Chicago and the Sheardale from Milwaukee at 7:15 p.m. with 380,000, both cargoes of wheat. From Fort William on the fourth came the Anna Minch at 12.30 a.m. having 200,000 bushels of wheat. She cleared light for the head of the lakes at 2.30 p.m. The five C.P.R. boats are running and full cargoes of mill stuffs are being carried. The Athabasca arrived on Sunday morning and finished unloading on Monday morning clearing immediately, light for Port Arthur where she will go into dry-dock for the periodical inspection. The Manitoba, Keewatin and Alberta followed the Assiniboia since the last writing with capacity loads on eastbound trips and while the westbound traffic is not heavy, there is no reason to complain.
• The shades of evening are falling considerably earlier now and shortly after 8 o’clock, even on a clear night it is becoming dark. It will not be very long before things will be taking on a fall aspect. In fact, it sounds that way already, with the coal barons unloading the black diamonds into the bins of the stores and private residences.

Click on photos to enlarge.The ever-popular midgets, seen in action above, drew more than 1,400 wrestling fans to Midland Arena this week. Heading the card Monday night will be a match between two “villains” no less, as Hardboiled Haggerty takes on Gene Kiniski. Dick Hutton meets John Foti in the semi-final and Don Jardine wrestles Karl Kulaski in the opener. 

Aside from the midgets, the most popular wrestler to visit Midland is undoubtedly Whipper Billy Watson. “Whipper” is seen above, besieged by youthful autograph seekers, prior to a recent bout with Don Leo Jonathan at Arena Gardens. 

This is all that remains of the farm home of Robert Mosley Sr., Con. 1, Tay Township, following a recent fire. Mr. Mosley, a widower, was having supper at his son’s farm nearby when the fire, of unknown origin, was first noticed. 

These “Indians”, decked out in war paint and deer skins, added an authentic touch of atmosphere to Midland Y’s Men’s Indian Village Friday afternoon. Upon closer inspection, the redskins turned out to be paleface members of Dr. Wilfrid Jury’s summer school of archaeology. 

These youngsters, from Girard Ohio, near Cleveland, lost no time “wetting their lines” when they stopped off briefly in Midland last week. Under the direction of Rev. Gerald Curran, parish priest, the boys and girls, ages 8 to 15 are on a 27-day trip which will take them as far as the Maritimes. The party of 28 youngsters is travelling by bus. 

USS Daniel A. Joy, a destroyer escort attached to the Great Lakes Squadron of the United States Navy, just after she had made fast to the berth at the CSL Elevator on the afternoon of July 24. Word of her arrival quickly attracted a crowd, including many tourists from Little Lake Park. 

This stop sign at Perkinsfield has come in for a lot of criticism from motorists hauled into magistrate’s courts in Midland and Penetang in recent weeks. Court officials agree that the visibility of the sign isn’t all it might be and have requested county authorities have the new red and white stop sign erected, at the proper location. 

Although he popped out to short in this turn at-bat in the first inning, Midland’s “Buzz” Deschamp later garnered three singles as the Indians downed Collingwood Lions 3-1 in the opener of their best-of-seven group finals here Monday night. The teams meet again in Collingwood Tuesday night. 

Still, a center of tourist activity in the North Simcoe beach area, Balm Beach drew large crowds during last week’s heatwave. The picture above shows only a portion of the crowd which dotted sands and water one afternoon. 

One of the most popular spots in town with the younger set is the new drinking fountain installed at the corner of Bay and King Streets, Midland. Four of the town’s younger crowd is seen above around the new fountain, which replaces the old “horse-trough” at that point. Another fountain is to be installed elsewhere later. (The “horse-trough” mentioned is now located outside Huronia Museum, but for safety reasons is not operating. And a lack of horses.) 

Former sergeant in charge of CPR police at Port McNicoll, John S. Clarke and Mrs. Clarke were honoured by former fellow employees when they returned for a visit last week. Mr. Clarke, now an investigator for the department at London, was presented with a five-year clock and his wife, the former Bernadette Lefaive of Port McNicoll, with a coffee percolator. S. F. Malin, steamship superintendent (right front) made the presentation on behalf of the employees. 

• County Herald headline of July 22^nd, 1959; Water Resources Group Meets Penetang Mayor. A delegation from Penetang has reported a sympathetic hearing from officials of the Water Resources Commission at Toronto, Tuesday. Purpose of the meeting was to discuss plans for a sewage disposal plant for Penetang. Mayor Jerome Gignac, Deputy-reeve B. St. Amant, Engineer V. G. Bardawill and Clerk-treasurer W. A. Argue made up the delegation which explained to the Commission what steps had been taken to date by the town toward the disposal plan. According to reports of the delegation, the possibility of establishing a lagoon type of disposal system was broached, and Commission engineers were sympathetic to this proposal. It is understood geological surveys will be made to determine the feasibility of such a system. Lagoon disposal, according to information available could be introduced at considerably less cost than other types of systems. In the lagoon system, effluent is turned into huge lagoons where nature is left to work on the solids through oxidation. The system has proved both practical and efficient in other centres.
• Midland Free Press headline of July 29, 1959; Two Girls Listed Missing, One Believed Drowned. Tiny Township police are faced with the task of locating two girls missing from the beach areas, one of whom is believed to have drowned Monday night. Missing, and believed drowned is Mimi Demuile attractive 22-year-old young lady whose home is in Saskatchewan. Miss Demuile was reported missing about nine o’clock on Monday evening when she failed to return from a swim. The missing girl’s clothing was found on the beach, about half-way between Balm and Cawaja Beaches. She had been seen earlier, about a quarter-mile from shore. The water at that point is shallow enough for bathers to wade out a considerable distance without going beyond their depth.
• County Herald headline of July 31^st, 1959; Planning Board Council, Meet Ontario Officials. “If your planning board doesn’t have at Ieast one good Donnybrook with the council within three years, then it isn’t much of a planning board.” So said John Pearson, of the Ontario Department of Planning and Development, at a joint meeting of Midland Planning Board, PUC and town council Tuesday night. Mr. Pearson had been invited to attend the meeting to give some guidance in the future relations between the two bodies. Admitting that the board was not functioning too ably at the moment, Chairman L. H. Taylor said at the same time there were no members of the board not anxious to have it function properly. In reply to a question from the council, Mr. Taylor said he did not know at this time whether the board needed more members or not. “It all depends on how much work we can get out of the present members”, he said.
• Rector of St. James on the Lines and All Saints parishes for the past four years, Rev. Beverley Brightling will assume new duties at the Church of the Resurrection in Toronto, early in September. Mr. Brightling said his new charge is on Woodbine, north of the Danforth. This is a large well-established congregation in a residential area of the city.
• At a meeting held Tuesday night, Midland council confirmed the appointment of Arthur Ambeau as a constable with the Midland police force. Mr. Ambeau has had previous police experience with the OPP including a period at police college, James Mackie, police chairman, said. Mr. Mackie said 15 applications had been received, and these had been narrowed down to four for final consideration. Mr. Ambeau had been the first choice of the police commission and was also recommended by acting chief George Wainman, the chairman told the council.
• New patients, waiting to see Dr. M. Charlesbois, DDS, have surprises in store. Not only is the white-coated dentist a woman; she’s young and round and pretty. On her desk are freshly-cut flowers. The operating room is decorated in pastel colours with dental equipment painted a pale blue. So reads the first paragraph of a personality story which ran in the Toronto Daily Star. Dr. M. Charlebois is better known in Penetang as Maryanne Charlebois, the comely young daughter of Mr. and Mrs. P. A. Charlebois. Maryanne grew up in Penetang and got her early education here before going on to seats of higher learning.
• 
• Plant superintendent for Imperial Oil Ltd. at Midland for the past three years, Paul Mooney has been appointed Imperial Esso agent of the Midland – Penetang area. At the same time, it was announced that William Logan, a veteran employee of the company and member of the council and public utility commissions for several years, will in the future work out of the Barrie plant. Mr. Logan will, however, continues to reside in Midland. An Imperial Oil official said this week the changes are designed to give the firm’s customers in this area “better, personalized service”. Mr. Mooney, 30, was born at Goderich and attended schools there and at Pickering College. Made plant superintendent at Midland in June 1956, he has been with the company 12 years. Since coming to Midland, Mr. Mooney has been active in the chamber of commerce, the Rotary Club and St. Mark’s Anglican Church. Once an oarsman with the famed Argonauts of Toronto, Paul still retains a keen interest in rowing and does his share of fishing in local waters.
• Births – ADAMSON — To Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Adamson, 330 King St., Midland, at St. Andrew’s Hospital, Saturday, July 25, 1959, twin daughters. (One stillborn). CURRY — To Mr. and Mrs. Morris Curry, R.R. 3, Penetang, at St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, Monday, July 27, 1959, twins, son and daughter. FAGAN —To Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Fagan, 155 Sixth St., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Friday, July 24, 1959, a daughter. NICHOLSON — To Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Nicholson, Honey Harbour, at St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, Saturday, July 25, 1959, a daughter. PAUZE — To Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Pauze, Orr Lake, at St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, Saturday, July 25, 1959, a son. PRISQUE — To Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Prisque, Honey Harbour, at St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, Wednesday, July 22, 1959, a daughter. SCOTT — To Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Scott, 362 Bay St., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Tuesday, July 21, 1959, a daughter. STRONG — To Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Strong, 270 Russell St., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Saturday, July 25, 1959, a daughter. (Baby died)
• 25 Years Ago This Week – John Dillinger, a Midwestern gunman of some notoriety, was shot down by 15 peace officers in front of a theatre on the north side of Chicago. * * * The projected Wasaga Beach to Baghdad flight of “The Trail of the Caribou” was postponed because of unfavourable weather conditions. Distance involved would have been 6,500 miles. * * * Penetang Kiwanis’s carnival was scheduled for August 1, and Midland Kiwanis’s carnival for August 6. * * * Large pilgrimages were reported as visiting the Martyrs’ Shrine, some from as far distant as Minneapolis and St. Paul. * * * Midland tourist camp had 324 tents over the weekend and camp attendants reported a quiet weekend with no mishaps. * * * Two dozen men from Midland and Penetang were attending a 10-day camp of the Simcoe Foresters at Owen Sound. Other units in the camp were the Algonquin Rifles, the Northern Pioneers, and the Owen Sound Greys.  * * * Editorial comment of the week “One tourist” at Park Lake Camp said he came here for a rest, but the fighting qualities of the big bass in the lake kept him all tired out during his visit. * * * News item: “Seagulls are getting so tame in this district that motorists are sometimes compelled to stop their cars to prevent running over them.”
• It is more than half a century since “Shag” Crosson left Midland to seek fame in the hockey ice lanes, but he still retains an interest in Penetanguishene where he was born, and in Midland where he grew up. Now 71, a veteran of both World Wars, and recently retired from the Government of Saskatchewan Printing Bureau, where he had been employed since 1948, Mr. Crosson recalled many Midland families and local landmarks. “My Dad was an engineer for the Playfair’s, and when I was making a dollar a day as an apprentice printer at the Free Press, which was then on the main street upstairs, next to Peter’s Hardware, he was making $11 a day, which was pretty big pay then,” said Mr. Crosson. “Our family built the first house on Frederick Street,’’ he added. After leaving Midland, Ernie Crosson became something of a traveller as he plied his printing trade in the 48 states and most Canadian provinces. A member of the Beck Millionaires who won a Canadian hockey championship, Mr. Crosson found his hockey-playing services much in demand, by 1911 he was playing for a Weyburn, Sask., team. From there he went to Joseph Missouri, to pitch professional baseball. His hockey and baseball careers, along with the printing, took him to many cities, and it was not until 1935, when he was 47, that he finally laid down the bat and ball. Having just retired from the printing trade, Mr. Crosson told Mr. Chittick that he looked and felt much younger than his age and that in a few days he was flying out to Vancouver to join his nephew. They were going on a flying tour in the United States, in the latter’s own plane. 

The Midland Free Press July 26, 1939 

• PENETANG—Fire of unknown origin, breaking out about 3.50 a.m. on Thursday morning, completely destroyed C. Berthelot’s blacksmith shop and a chopping mill owned by Art Durnford, both housed in a large wooden building at the rear of Tersigni’s store. Stock, belonging to G. Tersigni stored in an adjoining sheet-metal warehouse was also partially consumed. Completely ablaze when the fire brigade was called, the men finally subdued the flames after a two-hour fight and saved nearby buildings which were in imminent danger. The building occupied by the blacksmith shop and chopping mill was owned by Art Durnford. Loss, divided between the blacksmith shop, chopping mill and Tersigni’s warehouse is expected to total about $3,000.00 dollars. Neither Durnford nor Berthelot carried insurance. The fire, the worst so far this year in Penetanguishene, attracted many spectators. Mr. Berthelot stated that he had shoed the last horse of the day about 4 p.m. on Wednesday and that the fire in his forge would be well out before the blaze commenced. The chopping mill has not been operating during the past two years.
• PENETANG—Two young girls, one only eleven years old, the other seventeen, were arrested in Midland on Monday evening by Provincial Constable Hugh Gibson and the older charged with stealing a quantity of cigarettes from Hunter’s Drug Store, Penetang, and Parker’s United, Midland. The girls were apprehended when they attempted to sell the cigarettes in a Midland restaurant. They will appear in Penetang police court tomorrow.
• Five hearts have been broken in Midland during the past month by a gang of thieves for whom we have little sympathy. An epidemic of bicycle thieving has hit Midland, and no less than five “wheels” all but one of them practically new, have been stolen from boys whose families’ hard-earned money had gone to provide their sons with the bikes. In some cases, at least, it means that the boys will not have another bicycle for many years, and police and citizens generally are incensed. No trace of any of the five machines has been uncovered. On Saturday afternoon from the yard back of Jory’s Drug Store a blue C.C.M. bicycle, serial No. 3A 1191, belonging to Fred Hack, and a red Universal machine No. 500372 were taken. One of the bikes was locked and the other unlocked. Two weeks ago, a twenty-year-old chap by the name of Benson, working on a farm near Victoria Harbor, purchased a wheel with his pay, and the next day. it was stolen from him at Little Lake Park. Three weeks ago Jack Ayres, who uses his cycle for delivering papers, had it stolen while he left it momentarily to watch through the window at the dance revue at the Midland Arena. It was not left unguarded for more than five minutes. A dark maroon C.C.M. bike, serial No. X27496. with a carrier basket, was stolen from the son of Thos. Scott Midland, on July 18 while at Little Lake. Anyone able to identify any of these bicycles by serial number or by description should notify the Midland police immediately.
• Nearly 2,000 people, the largest crowd of the summer, attended the community sacred song service in Little Lake Park on Sunday evening. All the seats around the grandstand were filled, and hundreds sat on benches below the roadway and in the scores of cars which were grouped around the stand. The singing was heartily entered into. Walter Auld of St. Paul’s United Church was in charge of the service, and he was backed by a large choir composed of members from all the Midland choirs.

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Click on photos to enlargeWork is now underway on the new 85,000 square foot factory building for the B. Greening Wire Company Ltd. Frid Construction Co. Ltd. has the contract for the building located beside Highway l2, about a quarter-mile west of Martyrs’ Shrine. (The Tiffin elevator can be seen in the background.) 

Sweethearts of the big Orange parade in Elmvale Saturday were Joanne Blow, left, and Joan Caston. Carrying their big flower basket, the two little girls marched with the Wyevale Lodges in the mile-long parade. 

Big enough to make many a veteran fisherman’s mouth water, these four-pound speckled trout were caught by Bruce, 6, and Jon Pettersen, 12, in the Gogama district of Northern Ontario. Along with brother Bjorn, 15, the three boys provided the human interest in a week-long outdoor life movie being made in the north country for a number of sporting goods firms. “Too much movie and not enough time for fishin’,” was the somewhat disgruntled verdict of the boys upon their return to Midland with dad, Pete Pettersen. 

As part of the festivities in connection with the visit of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip to this area July 4, the officer’s mess of “C” Squadron, Grey and Simcoe Foresters, held a military ball in Midland Armory last Saturday evening. Among the officers present were, left to right, Major Jack Symons, Capt. J. S. Corcoran, Lieut. Ken Macdonald (formerly of Penetang) and Lieut. Jim A. Park. Ladies are, from left to right, Mrs. John Corcoran (Helen), Mrs. Ron Desroches, Mrs. Jim Downer, Mrs. Macdonald and Mrs. Jim  Park (Shirley). 

One of the best fish taken out of Midland’s Little Lake in many a year was this six-pound largemouth black bass held by lucky angler Paul Davidson. Son of Mr. and Mrs. Andy Davidson, Midland, Paul was fishing just off the south shore late Thursday night when the big fellow decided to sample his “hula popper,” a type of surface plug. The fish measured 22 inches long and 14 inches in girth. 

Built in Port McNicoll by Folmer Neilsen, Danish-born boat-builder, the 35-foot cruiser “Starflight” was successfully launched in the slip at Port Friday morning. Owner of the fine new craft, R. N. Starr, Toronto, is seen (left) talking to the builder in top photo. Seated are F. D. Allen, Toronto, Mrs. Starr and Mrs. Allen. “Starflight” is seen in the lower photo on one of Sylvester Sutter’s trailers just prior to the launching. 

With 13 years in the plastics industry behind her, Mrs. Martha Hewlett is well qualified for her position at Midland Plastics Ltd. Familiar with every type of this material, Mrs. Hewlett is head of the grinding department, where she oversees the grinding of scrap material and its return to the proper bins. Making it a real family affair, her daughter, Mrs. Charles Dimmock (Shirley) is employed in the head office, Toronto. Mr. Dimmock was also employed in the same firm before resigning to become a Toronto policeman. Mrs. Hewlett is seen above with some articles returned for re-processing. 

Largest commercial oven ever built at the James Stewart Manufacturing / Beatty plant in Penetang is shown here with three men comfortably accommodated in the upper deck. Oven sitting on top is a standard domestic built-in type for kitchens. Built for the Iron Ore Co. Ltd. for use in their mining camps in Labrador, 98 nine-inch pies or 144 loaves of bread can be baked at one time and the unit weighs 4,000 pounds. A considerable number of commercial installations have been made by the Stewart Manufacturing plant in Penetang. A list reads much like a directory of a majority of the new large buildings erected in Ontario and Quebec during the past several years. One of the large orders being produced at the present time is equipment for new sanitarium buildings in Hamilton. Many of the newer hotels throughout the two provinces, are also using Beatty commercial equipment. 

• County Herald headline of July 17, 1959; Building Permits Balloon, Permits Reach New High. Despite an exceptionally slow start, the value of building permits issued in Midland during the first half of 1959 is even higher than for a similar period in 1958’s near-record year. Figures made available by W. F. “Bud” Turnbull place the total value of permits up until the end of June this year at $826,900. Total for the entire 12 months of 1958 was $1,268,760, of which $796,860 was recorded in the first six months. Best year on local records was 1954 when the total was $1,334,725 and the half-year total was 990,800. This year’s high was achieved despite the fact no permits were issued in the first three months of the year. But $216,200 was chalked up in April, including $94,000 for the 12-apartment Parkview Terrace Building. The new Jeffery hardware building provided almost half ($35,000) of the May total of $73.700. A-whopping $450,000 for the new Greening Wire Plant soared the June total to $537,000. New dwellings and renovations to existing buildings also figure heavily in this year’s totals. Last year’s figures for corresponding months were: January, $5,000; February, 394,000; March, $27.300; April, $97,560; May, $101,500; June, $171,500.
• Midland Free Press headline of July 22, 1959; Safe Robbers Enter IGA, Third Time in Six Months. For the third time, in the less than six months it has been open, thieves, early Monday morning, broke into the Penetang IGA Store and smashed open the safe, making off with a little more than $100 in change. The first intimation of a break-in came before eight o’clock when a nearby resident, Mrs. Maurille Marchand phoned the proprietor, G. J. Robillard to say that one of the entrance doors looked as though it had been left open. Police Chief Jack Arbour was called immediately and on an investigation, he found the large plate glass door had been forced open, and the safe rifled. The heavy safe which had been reinforced with boilerplate following the first break-in had been moved from a niche at the front of the store. Immediately in front of the meat counter, the thieves had turned the safe over on its back and pried the door open. Tools used for the job were a railway spike puller, pinch bar and hammer, The tools proved sufficiently, powerful to bend the safe locking bars, and tear the metal from around the locked door. Later investigation showed the tools had been stolen from the local CNR shed where they are stored for use of the section gang, footprints found around the shed matched those found around the store. To acquire the $100 in change, all that the safe held, the thieves did more than $500 damage. The “In” door, plate glass in a metal frame was cracked and smashed, and the frame and lock bolt were badly bent. The safe itself is a total loss.
• Total enrolment for the three Midland Public Schools for the month of June amounted to 1,165. Midland Public Schools Board heard at its regular meeting July 10. This total was made up of 607 at Regent School, 402 at Parkview and 156 at Sixth Street School. The board was advised that 1,426 feet of the blackboard in the three schools had been refinished at a cost of $629. “The ones that have been done look very well,” said board member Jack Thompson. Mr. Thompson told the board 35 new desks had been ordered for Parkview School and 25 for Regent School. These new desks will be used by the increased number of pupils in the fall, he said.
• Midland’s Indian village at Little Lake Park will receive further prominence in a documentary film to be telecast over Channel 3, Barrie, July 21, on “Spotlight”. The show will be re-broadcast on July 27.
• Two Midland firms have been awarded contracts totalling $81,334 from the Department of Defence Production at Ottawa. Ernst Leitz Canada Limited received a $60,000 contract for the overhaul of aerial cameras. Midland Foundry and Machine Company Limited has won a $21,334 contract for the manufacture of hydraulic jacks.
• Although it doesn’t employ very many men as yet, North Simcoe got a new industry last week. The Nixon Building Products Ltd. of Barrie set up a new ready-mix concrete plant at Midland. The new plant, which uses the very latest in equipment, is located on the south side of Highway 12, across the road from the new Greening Wire plant now under construction. John Elliotts is the manager of the new industry. Established in 1953, the Barrie firm also has plants in Camp Borden and Orillia. Two of its 14 huge ready-mix trucks will be located at Midland.
• Work will be completed this week on two miles of new, hard-surfaced roads in Midland. Long-anticipated by local residents whose streets have been torn up for lengthy periods, the paving alone will cost around $50,000, according to W. F. Turnbull, public works superintendent. This does not include the cost of curbing, grading and other preparations prior to paving. Streets paved or being paved in all or part include Mildred, Frederick, Hugel, Fifth, Victoria, Dominion, Centre and Ellen.
• An announcement this week of wide interest to the resort district and residents of the area, in general, stated that the Royal Hotel at Honey Harbour is for sale, owing to the illness of the owner. This well-known resort, on an island at Honey Harbour, has been operated for many years by Phil Grisé, a former resident of Midland. In recent years he has been assisted by his son Clarence. Phil Grise’s father, the late Didace Grise, was a pioneer businessman in Midland, arriving in that town in 1879, from Fenelon Falls. After engaging in the butcher trade, Mr. Grise senior started a hardware business which he later sold to F. W. Jeffery. Mr. Grise then went to Honey Harbour where he acquired the Victoria House from Nickerson Bros. After a year, the Royal Hotel was built. The Victoria House, on the mainland, became the Delawana Inn and is now operated by Didace Grise. At one time, the Grise brothers; Ernest, George, Fred and Phil owned a furniture business in Midland. Phil Grise is the last survivor among the brothers. Fred Grise, father of Didace Jr., George Grise, and Phil Grise, all became well-known businessmen, and resort operators at Honey Harbour. “The Royal” was a favourite point of call when such tourist passenger vessels as the Midland City, City Queen, Waubic, Dover, and Tenno, plied the waters of the 30,000 islands. Under the Grise family, the Royal Hotel developed into a leading summer resort with international patronage.
• (For those of us who had never visited Huronia House Museum, located in the former home of Mr. & Mrs. James Playfair, this is verbal tour, courtesy of David Maheu, Free Press reporter.) The other day I went to Huronia Museum to take a few glimpses into the past. As I entered the door I was confronted with a portrait of the late James Playfair, one-time owner of what some people call today “the old barn”, because of its massiveness. At one time, I believe, it was planned to have the town use it as a rest home. It was felt, however, that the home would be a more valuable asset as a museum. On passing through the doors, I noticed a large staircase directly in front of me. The thought that passed through my mind was how many times the mistress of the house must have swept this stairway with the hem of her long dress on the way up to see to the comfort of her guests and other duties which would call her to the upper floor. It is said, though, that not much entertaining was done by Mrs. Playfair, the former Miss Ogilvie of the Ogilvie flour family. On the lower floor, there are four rooms, two on each side of the staircase. On the left-hand side facing the staircase are two rooms containing exhibits of wildlife, small game and clothing of early days. These rooms originally were Mr. Playfair’s sitting room and billiards room. On the right-hand side of the staircase were the dining and living room area. Now they contain Indian pottery shards, bones and displays of artifacts. I wondered how Mrs. Playfair would feel if she could return and see her home as it is today filled with displays and tourists. Upstairs two ancient canoes were on display at the head of the stairs. Turning to the right, I entered one of the original guest rooms. Today it is furnished with pioneer period furniture. From there I continued on to the other two rooms noticing the oil paintings on the walls as I walked along. Here, too, were many tangible symbols of the pioneer way of life. On the other side of the hall is a room that would gladden the heart of any old seafarer. It contained hundreds of pictures of old ships. At one time, it was Mr. Playfair’s bedroom. In Mrs. Playfair’s bedroom, an old-time kitchen and tools and utensils used by housewives of an earlier era were on display. In the other rooms are pictures of early hockey stars, old guns, organs and pianos, and old clocks and timepieces. After a fast jaunt down the staircase and out into the golden sunlight. I was back in the 20^th century again. I looked out over the bay and saw the sun throw its bright rays of light on the town of Midland and the Huronia Museum, symbolic perhaps of this bright new world.
• “We were very lucky it wasn’t worse and the firemen did a fine job of confining the fire,” said W. H. Copeland of the family which owned the Copeland Lumber Mill, three miles from Hillsdale, which was completely destroyed by fire early Friday evening. Mr. Copeland, who said there were approximately 15 men employed in the mill, stated that he expected that the men employed in the burnt-out mill would be employed in their mill at Elmvale. The estimated loss of the wood and sheet iron building was placed at $50,000 and Mr. Copeland said: “it was partially covered by insurance.” (This mill was at Martinsville, in what is now the Copeland Forest, a 4,400-acre resource management area owned by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. Once powered by the Coldwater River and located beside the CPR Sudbury mainline, it is now an entrance point for people using the park.)
• Two young boys from the Mount St. Louis area died together in a tragic accident at the junction of Highways 103 and 501, just north of Port Severn Sunday evening. Killed instantly when struck by a car as they attempted to walk across the intersection were Kenneth King, 13, and Robert John Belanger, 14, both of R.R . 1, Hillsdale. The two lads lived almost across the road from each other on Con. 4, Medonte just north of Mount St. Louis, where they attended school together.
• A request from Midland Curling Club for permission to remove four trees close to the curling rink was approved by Midland Parks Commission July 9. The club, the commission was informed, wanted to remove the trees near the building so it could improve the parking area. A second request from the club, which involved the removal of several sections of the ornamental fencing around the rink property, was turned down. (The same fencing that still surrounds the cenotaph.) One of the large trees to be removed is too close to the foundation walls of the rink and one of the others is almost dead. Commissioners were told that, after the trees were removed, the club planned to gravel the area and make a parking lot of it.
• A new butcher shop and a new laundry service opened for business in Midland last week, giving the Elizabeth Street shopping area a welcome lift. Ralph W. Davidson is the owner and operator of the new butcher shop and the laundry service is operated by Coinwash Ltd. A native of Fredericton, N.B., Mr. Davidson learned his trade in that Maritime province. He owned and operated his own stores in Fredericton before coming to Ontario ten years ago. Since that time he lived in New Toronto and Port Credit, where he also operated butcher stores. Like many a new Midlander, Mr. Davidson and his wife spent some of their holiday periods in this area, liked what they saw and decided to move here. For the present, they are staying at Balm Beach for the summer, pending more permanent arrangements.
• Births – BEARDSALL — To Mr. and Mrs. Henry Beardsall, 163 Bay St., Midland, at St. Andrew’s Hospital, Sunday, July 19, 1959, a daughter. BEAUDOIN — To Mr. & Mrs. Robert Beaudoin, 51 Bay St., Midland, at St. Andrew’s Hospital, Sunday, July 19, 1959, a daughter. DILWORTH — To Mr. & Mrs. Raymond Dilworth, 162 Fifth St. Midland, at St. Andrew’s Hospital, Thursday, July 16, 1959, a daughter. SALLOWS – To Mr. & Mrs. Gordon Sallow, Wyebridge, at St. Andrew’s Hospital, Midland, July 14, 1959, a daughter. WOOD – To Mr. & Mrs. Leonard Wood, 291 King Street, Midland, at St. Andrew’s Hospital, Friday, July 17, 1959, a daughter. HERRING — At Penetang General Hospital, Tuesday, July 7, to Mr. and Mrs. Jim Herring, a daughter, Linda Anne, a sister for Debra. SWALES—Cathy and Christy, little daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Doug Swales, are happy to announce the arrival of their baby brother, Kirk Douglas, 8 lbs. 5 ozs., at the Penetanguishene General, Hospital, on Friday, July 17, 1959.
• Ten Years Ago This Week – Elmvale council held its inaugural meeting July 25 following the official incorporation of the community as a village, and the municipal elections. Reeve was Lawson Robinson and councillors were Wm. McFadden, Reginald A. Cooper, Harry Rowley and Frederick Webster. The council’s first official act was a motion calling for applications for the post of the village clerk. * * * The director of the Martyrs’ Shrine, Midland, announced that a special pilgrimage from France would come to the shrine in September. The pilgrimage, which was being sponsored by the Pere Marquette – Committee, was to be in charge of French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman.  * * *  Attendance at and entries in Simcoe County’s first quilt and rug fair exceeded the “fondest hopes” of the fair’s sponsors. The quilts and rugs were displayed in St. Paul’s United Church Hall, Midland. * * * A federal grant of $15,700 was approved to help pay the costs of additional staff members for Simcoe County Health Unit at Barrie. * * *  Total attendance at the five performances of the “Salute to Canada Pageant” at Martyrs’ Shrine, directed by Father Daniel Lord, S.J., was 40,000. * * * Boat traffic up the shore set a new peak. The S.S. Dover, M.S. Midland City, M.S. Georgian and Westwind carried near capacity passenger loads on their daily excursion runs. Both passenger and car-ferry business was up over 1948, officials said. * * * Midland Shipyard officials were elated over an announcement by Hon. Lionel Chevrier, minister of transport, that the federal government was implementing a $60,000,000 ship-building program for Canada. It was felt the Midland yard would benefit from the program.
• MOONSTONE — Construction is underway on another addition to Dunlop’s appliance store in Moonstone. The new wing will be used for introduction of a furniture line, and demonstration of high fidelity music combinations, and other models. Since 1955, Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Dunlop owners of the store have been responsible for much new construction on their property. After their store and home and almost all the contents were burned in the fall of 1954, the Dunlops carried on business for a time in the basement of the Community Hall, and resided in Robert Cumming’s home. On Oct. 19, 1955, they opened a modern new appliance store, and then they have built a residence and a warehouse addition to the store.

This week in 1931 as taken from the Midland Argus; 

• The Public Works Department of Canada within the next few days will be calling for tenders for the complete reconstruction of the esplanade here, from the foot of King Street to a point beyond the C.S.L. elevator. Tenders for the work it is understood will be advertised within the next few days. It is proposed to make a permanent structure by a system of sheet piling and cribbing with a cement and rock fill. Just what precaution will be adopted to protect labour is not known but it is believed that the Government will make it plain that the work is for the benefit of unemployed men and the contract will be surrounded by such regulations as will give employment to a large; number of men during the winter I months. In addition to the esplanade work, it is the purpose to erect a large freight warehouse that will be 100 x 80 feet. (The building was sold and moved to Brebeuf Road, perhaps in the eighties. It has been known over the years as the “Sugar Warehouse” and the Sea Cadet building.) Just where this will be located is not yet definitely settled, but it is understood to be placed almost midway between the foot of King Street and the elevator. This will be a substantial permanent structure that will be convenient for water, rail and motor traffic. The work on the esplanade will require millions of tons of filling and if this is handled by manpower as it undoubtedly will be, it should absorb all the idle men hereabouts next winter and relieve the town of the heavy burden that it would again have to bear to help those out of work. Just what the appropriation for the work will be is not known by us as yet but it will be ample to permit a good start on the work being made.
• By an advertisement in another column, it will be observed that the national park at Beausoleil Island that has been set aside by the Dominion Government is now ready to accommodate visitors. The Department of Public Parks has constructed a fine dock there and there is splendid accommodation for campers. A fine sandy beach affords unusual advantages for bathing while good fishing is to be had in Beausoleil bay and among the adjoining islands. The Boys’ Summer Camp is also located upon this island and visits thereto will always be found interesting. Mr. Chas. Lynn of Penetang is in charge of the Park for the Government and every attention will be given to all those who may desire to avail themselves of the conveniences afforded, which are all free.
• For the past five years efforts have been carried on mainly by Hon. Wm. Finlayson to induce the Ontario Government to take over the main road between Orillia and Midland with the idea of making it a permanent highway and part of the King’s Highway System. During that time it had formed a part of the County system with the result that little permanent work has been done thereon aside from that which Mr. Finlayson was able to induce the government to undertake from time to time. This has resulted in two sections, at last, being paved, viz., at Victoria Harbor and Coldwater. By persistent efforts the Minister has been able to persuade the Government to assume charge of the centre thirty miles and the road will be converted into a modern paved highway serving not only a large territory as a trunk road but connecting up two other main highways which converge at Orillia, one being part of the trans-Canada highway or a link thereof. The road from here to Orillia has followed what was known as the “Iroquois Trail” a picturesque route probably from a romantic standpoint, winding here and there in a dizzy maze of turns, uphill and down dale, but utterly unsuited to the requirements of today when motor cars are hitting twenty-five to fifty miles per hour.
• The new boat for the Owen Sound Transportation Co. that has been under reconstruction at the yards of the Georgian Bay Shipbuilding Co. for the past couple of months left here for her home port, Owen Sound on Monday afternoon and reached that city after a most successful trip. The vessel was manoeuvred about the bay here for some time in order to thoroughly try out the new engine before striking out for open water. Everything was found to work fine and the trip was made in remarkably good time. Upon arrival at Owen Sound, she was met by a welcome from the whistles of all the craft in the harbour and a large gathering of people lined the docks. The boat, formerly the “John B. Elliott” has been re-named the “Normac” in honour of the skipper, Mr. Norman Mackay, who took the vessel over. Mayor Roebuck and a few members of the Council enjoyed the trial trip and after the vessel had safely landed at Owen Sound, motored back to Midland.
• The first big picnic of the season will be here on Saturday next when the CNR car and shop men from Toronto, Mimico and Leaside along with their families will spend the afternoon at Little Lake Park. It is expected that about 2,500 will be here arriving at about 11 o’clock in the morning by two special trains. During the afternoon an extended list of games will be indulged in, including, it is expected, a softball game. The visitors will leave for home again at about seven o’clock in the evening.
• Overseer McGregor released another large trap net in Georgian Bay at Sturgeon Point, opposite Victoria Harbor, last Sunday. It was first located by a troller being used by Mr. Karns, a summer visitor from London while fishing the day before. When seized the net was full of fish, which Overseer McGregor released. This makes the 16th trap net taken out of that part of the bay by Mr. Mcregor, who says these nets are one of the worst infractions of the Game and Fisheries Act.
• All cars making a left hand turn off any road must signal with the left hand, holding the same in a horizontal position. Cars turning to the right off any road, the driver will signal with a wave of the left hand to traffic at the rear. Slow driving on the highway is prohibited. All drivers must keep up traffic at a speed not more than 35 miles per hour on highways. The department has given instructions to all traffic officers that these amendments to the Highway Traffic Act are to be strictly enforced.