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.  

REPORT DAMAGE $7,000 IN CEMETERY VANDALISM
Free Press Herald headline of May 9^th, 1962. 

Damage caused by vandals at Lakeview Cemetery following a weekend rampage will likely hit the $7,000 figure, officials estimated yesterday. Thirty-two gravestones were damaged, most beyond repair, sometime Friday night or Saturday morning, cemetery board secretary Bob Bath said. Cemetery officials thought at first vandals had fired rifle bullets at the stones. It is now believed the damage was done by a hammer or similar instrument. Large chips were knocked off corners of some stones. Others were marked on the highly-polished surface. None of the marks can be removed without extensive grinding, which means new polishing and lettering, Mr. Bath said. 

   Midland taxpayers have again been given a booster shot in their tax arms by St. Andrews Hospital Board. At a meeting Monday night the board approved a motion to pay the full amount of the debenture  debt interest of $5,800 for 1962. The amount is the current interest due on $250,000 in debentures taken out by Midland to finance construction of the new hospital several years ago. 

   Superintendent of the Ontario Hospital at Penetanguishene for 12 years, Dr. William Arthur Cardwell, 72, died in Royal Victoria Hospital, Barrie, Sunday. A specialist in forensic psychiatry, Dr. Cardwell headed the Penetanguishene hospital from 1948 until his retirement in June, I960. Born in Cobourg, Dr. Cardwell graduated from the University of Toronto in 1914, and enlisted a few months later in the Royal Army Medical Corps. During four years with the corps he was awarded the OBE. Dr. Cardwell practiced in Toronto following the war, joining the staff of the Ontario Hospital, Cobourg, in 1928. Four years later be moved to the hospital in Whitby, where he spent 15 years. In 1937, Dr. Cardwell went to the University of Toronto as a gold medal post-graduate student in psychology. Following his retirement in 1960, Dr. Cardwell acted as consulting psychiatrist to the Attorney – General’s Department. He also served on the Department of Reform Institutions’ Advisory Council on offenders. Surviving are his wife, the former Jessie Elizabeth Lord, two sons, William H. A. Cardwell, Windsor, and Dr. Robert John Cardwell, Midland; and one daughter, Betty D. Perry, at home. 

    In the market for car seat belts? Then first check if the belts bear the imprint SAE. This indicates that the belts meet the specifications of the Society of Automotive Engineers. SAE is the recognized seat belt standard in Canada, until the Canadian Government Specifications Board and the Canadian Standards Association issue their own standards. Canadian car drivers will soon be able to buy belts that meet, and even surpass the rigid SAE standards, made by a Midland firm who recently completed negotiations for the manufacture of the Davis Safety Seat Belts. President Gordon Moss of Canadian Name Plate Ltd., announced this week that his firm has been licensed by Davis Aircraft Products Inc., of Northport, New York, to manufacture the belt in Canada. Production will commence immediately. Terming the Davis product “the Cadillac of seat belts”, Mr. Moss said it has found wide acceptance with major airlines and automobile manufacturers in the United States. Trans-Canada Airlines also uses this belt. 

    Cruise ship S.S. North American will make regular weekly visits to Midland this summer it was announced recently by officials of the Georgian Bay Line. The luxury cruise ship will include Midland on its weekly Voyaguer-Historic cruises starting the first week in August. It will leave Chicago Saturday afternoon and make calls at Mackinac Island, Detroit, Cleveland and Buffalo, before docking in Midland Thursday at 3 p.m. Plans include a two and half hour stopover to allow passengers to visit the Martyrs’ Shrine and other points of interest. 

    Well-known throughout Midland, where he was a carrier with the post branch since 1954, Gordon Burtch died suddenly in St. Andrews Hospital yesterday morning. He was in his 52nd year. Mr. Burtch was stricken with a heart attack in his William Street home early Tuesday morning. Mr. Burtch, who served overseas with the Fort Garry Horse, was for a time on the caretaking staff of Midland Armory before joining the postal service. He was formerly a sergeant with the Grey and Simcoe Foresters and had served as poppy fund chairman of Branch 80 Royal Canadian Legion, for several years. Surviving are his widow, the former Jennie McConkey, a son, Jim, Midland, and two daughters, Pearl (Mrs. Bert Lacroix), Midland, and Betty (Mrs. Allan Harper), Stouffville. 

25 YEARS AGO – 1937
Plans were being made for a week of celebrations, starting July 18 to mark the silver jubilee of St. Margaret’s Roman Catholic Church,  Midland. * * * The amalgamation of the Midland and Penetanguishene intermediate and junior baseball clubs was being discussed with Jim Shaw and I. C. Sheppard, representing the respective clubs. * * * Building of a new power line from Waubaushene to Fergusonvale was commenced. The line was to carry 38,000 volts. * * * Extensive celebrations were planned for May 12 and the day proclaimed a public holiday in Midland and Penetanguishene to mark the coronation of King George the Sixth. The Free Press published a special coronation edition. * * * Work was starting on a new highway from Coldwater to Waubaushene over the Sturgeon Bay hill. * * * For the first time in the history of the United Church the Presbytery of Simcoe was held in Coldwater with Rev. J. Pickering of Barrie presiding. * * * At a conference of representatives of various organizations in Midland, it was agreed a program of town beautification should be prepared and a permanent committee appointed by council to prepare and supervise such a program. * * * Midland’s Madrigal choir, under the direction of Douglas Major, presented a variety choral concert at Midland YMCA. * * * Port McNicoll’s reforestation project got under way with the planting of 8,000 trees in Coronation Park. 

 NO HIKE IN GENERAL LEVY, TAXPAYERS LUCKY IN TAY
County Herald headline of May 11, 1962. 

Township property owners learned this week they will pay the same taxes as last year following a hold-the-line budget handed down Tuesday by council. It set the general rate at 9 mills and commercial levy at 11 mills for 1962, the same as last year. With an assessment of just over $5 million, each mill represents $5,000, Clerk Ralph Dalton said yesterday. MPDHS RATE UP – High school rate for 1962 will be 9.5 mills. The township will pay only 8.2 mills to the county this year, a reduction of .8 mills from last year. 

    Claiming there has been “more medical progress in the last 20 years than in the preceding 20 centuries,” Ken Sims, a representative of a Montreal pharmaceutical firm, went on to mention such “miracles of modern medicine” as penicillin, broad-spectrum antibiotics and tranquilizers. Mr. Sims was addressing members of the Penetanguishene Lions Club at their regular meeting last night, when he cited the role of the pharmaceutical industry in this achievement. He claimed the medical revolution which has taken place in the last three score years resulted in increasing the life span of Canadians by almost 10 years.  

    The new autopsy room at St. Andrews Hospital has been praised as “the best in the county” by Dr. Grant Colpitts, Barrie pathologist who serves the Midland hospital. This statement was included in a report to the St. Andrews Hospital Board this week by Alex Craig, hospital administrator. The new-room is expected to be ready for operation shortly. 

    Midland Y’s Men are again appealing for assistance for a program that has brought community-wide benefits for more than a decade. On Tuesday night, nine teams of canvassers will knock on the doors of homes lying on the west side of King Street, Midland, to raise funds for their summer playground program. It will be the club’s annual peanut sales drive. Funds raised in the project will be used to provide competent leaders and assistants for a summer recreation program that includes swimming and water safety classes, organized games, group projects, craft classes and other wholesome fun. Team captains for the drive are Charles Walton, Harold Wilcox, Bob Voorzanger, Allan James, Bill Barnett, Jack Bridges, Ross Thompson, Harold McAllen and Walter Kluck. The Y’s Men are asking citizens to give generously. 

    Midland Junior Chamber of Commerce named 13 executive officers for the 1962-63 term at a meeting held May 3 in Bourgeois Dining Room. Elected were: Arthur Ambeau, president; Bob Bates, 1st vice-president; Gerald Lalonde, 2nd vice-president; Gary Wood, secretary, and Gordon Maroney, treasurer. John Nicholson, Ronald Parker, Kenneth Mackie and Bill Mitchell, were named to a one year term as internal directors. 

    A well-known young Penetanguishene native, Lucien (Luke) Gregoire, died April 21 in Penetanguishene General Hospital after a brief illness. He was in his 34^th year. Born and educated in Penetanguishene, he married Theresa Gignac here in 1950. He had been employed as a cutter at Fern Shoe Co. for over 16 years. He was a Roman Catholic and a member of the Holy Name Society. Mr. Gregoire was particularly fond of hockey, curling and bowling.  Surviving besides his wife are two sons, Larry and Peter, and one daughter, Susan, all at home. His mother, Mrs. Claire Gregoire lives in Penetanguishene along with one brother, Urbain. He also leaves four sisters, Mrs. Gerard St. Louis and Mrs. Adrien Lepage, LaTugue, Que., Mrs. Harold Robitaille, Penetanguishene and Mrs. Clement Gignac, Perkinsfield. Funeral service was held April 23 from Beausoleil’s funeral home to St. Ann’s Memorial Church where requiem mass was said by Father J. Kelly, burial was in St. Ann’s Cemetery. Pallbearers were Marcel Lacroix, Ronald, Philip, Louis and Norbert Desroches and Maurice Robillard. 

    An item from the January 11, 1923, Midland Argus. – The last place in the world one would expect to find a unique treasure hunt taking place is in the interior of a great grain elevator. Yet every year during the three autumn months, from September to November, when the wonderful “wheat rush’’- takes place from Western Canada, there occurs a queer treasure hunt in the huge terminal elevators at the lake port of Fort William, Ontario, where tens of millions of bushels pour in from the prairies for transshipment across the Great Lakes. From all parts of the Great Canadian west, tens of thousands of wheat laden freight oars come hurrying into Fort William, each car to be dumped in a few moments time. At the elevator the man in charge of the ‘‘cleansers” watch the golden grain as it pours through, to see what strange treasurers the cleansers will winnow from the yellow flooding tide of cereal. The most common articles to be sifted out from the grain are of various lengths and size. When it is taken into consideration that harvesters are continually using knives for cutting binder twine, it is easily understood how so many knives get mislaid, and eventually find their way into the grain. Hundreds are annually salvaged from the wheat. Bottles of liquor, and many more empty, the cleansers separate from the wheat. Probably the full ones come from tramps or smugglers, and the grain offers a handy place for hobos to throw empty ones when they have finished drinking. Paper bundles containing leftover food scraps are also common.  An odd find made recently was a side of bacon.  Hammers, saws, wrenches and other tools are fairly common. Now and then a cheap watch bobs up and less frequently a gold one. Occasionally a ring is found and often bundles of keys. Letters, bank books, un-cashed checks made their appearance more often than the average man would expect. In one case the owner of un-cashed checks worth several hundred dollars was located; the checks had traveled nearly a thousand miles in the wheat. A dead prairie chicken in a fair state of preservation once reached the terminal elevator. A cat alive, though very weak and almost suffocated came pouring out with the grain. It was revived and  adopted at the elevator. Stranger still was the arrival of a human corpse, that of a man who had been hurriedly placed on top of the wheat at a lonely way point where passenger trains did not stop in order to get him to the city. Unfortunately the word of the body’s coming was mislaid and so it was added to the list of strange finds. A cash registry, empty, and a pair of lady’s new dancing shoes with silk stockings carefully tucked in are two more articles whose presence in the wheat is particularly mysterious. How all these things got into the wheat would make a wonderfully interesting story if it were possible to trace them back. But as it is not one can only conjecture on the queer causes that led them to be there. 

 

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.  

AREA JOBLESS DROPS 206, FUTURE PROSPECTS BRIGHT
Free Press Herald headline of May 2, 1962. 

A drop of 206 in the number claiming benefits through the Midland office of the National Employment Service was reported this week by Harold Humphries, NES district manager. On March 31, 1,537 were registered for work compared to 1,743 at the end of February. “Prospects look very bright right now”, Mr. Humphries said. He attributed the drop to sailors returning to their ships, a new industry locating in town and two survival courses sponsored by the federal government at Midland Armory. The NES manager said he expects a further decrease of about 400 this month from the unemployed rolls. “There are still freight handlers and Great Lakes crews not yet out. When they return to work it will make quite a difference.” he stated. 

    Penetanguishene’s debenture debt is nearing the million dollar figure, according to town auditors A. F. MacLaren and Company, Barrie. The figure now stands at $928,856. Over three-quarters of this amount is in school debt – $644,100 for public school and $96,556 for the district high school.   

     Midland’s controversial dump slipped quietly back into the picture at Monday night’s council meeting. Bob McLaughlin, acting as spokesman for a number of residents on Scott Street and adjacent areas, asked council what progress had been made in locating a new site. “The matter was knocked around like a political football last year. We would like to know if the same thing is going to happen this year.” said Mr. McLaughlin. Chairman of the sanitation committee,  Reeve Arthur Argue said the dump was still very much of a live issue with council. He pointed out that the snow had only disappeared recently and his committee had not had an opportunity to delve further into the problem. “Alderman Woods and I have gone on several sight-seeing trips the past few days. We hope to bring the matter to a conclusion in the foreseeable future,” he told the delegation. 

    What to do about the condition of the large frame building housing Midland’s Huronia Museum was a question which gave Midland Council considerable concern Monday night. Town Engineer Ulo Luksep said he could only guess at the condition of certain portions of the building. In order to make a thorough inspection it will be necessary to tear up sections of the flooring to learn the condition of supporting beams and joists, he said. “With our road program, I do not have the time to make this inspection personally,” said the engineer. He recommended that council ask J. E. Lawlor of Midland, a professional engineer, to make the inspection. 

    A passenger thrown to the pavement in a two-car collision on No. 27 Highway Saturday was covered with a blanket and given up for dead by passing motorists until two Toronto nurses arrived at the scene. Nurses Janet Danter and Frances Lagel, who had been driving along the highway, detected a pulse beat from Peter MacMillan. Other motorists had thought he was dead and called a priest. 

    Midland Parks Commission’s policy of charging fees for cars entering Little Lake Park sparked a brief debate at Monday night’s meeting of town council. It came about when council was asked to give necessary formal approval, as required under the Public Parks Act, to the commission’s recent changes in fee structure. The park now has a 50 cent daily fee along with a $1 ticket, good for the entire year. There is no charge for any person entering the park on foot. Midland ratepayers also receive yearly tickets free of charge for their cars. “I am a strong advocate of no fee for visitors wishing to drive through our beautiful park,” said Deputy-reeve Wm. Orr, who added he was willing to go along with the fee for this year. Mr. Orr suggested that the commission explore the possibility of setting up parking lots, where fees could be collected, thus permitting persons to drive right through the park “I feel it is well worth $1 a day to enjoy the use of the park’s facilities, but I am still concerned that visitors cannot drive through,” Mr. Orr said. “I seem to recall that the original idea back of the fee was to enable the commission to earn money to put a new road across the back of the park. Has anything been done about this?” asked Alderman Walter Woods. Alderman Wm. Thompson also said a number of ratepayers had asked him the same question. Mayor Charles Parker said he felt the $1 per-year fee very reasonable, in view of the costs of keeping the park cleaned up each day and providing many free services. He said that eventually the commission would be doing away with all of its cottages. I don’t believe you or I will ever live to see that day. Maybe some of the younger councillors, but not us,” said Mr. Orr. Recalling issues raised in this paper last fall, Alderman Thompson asked if any consideration was being given to improving plumbing facilities. There had been reports of complaints at that time that toilet facilities in the park were no longer adequate, particularly when the tourist camp is full of visitors. Secretary for both council and the commission, Wm. A. Hack said the next meeting of the latter group was to be in the form of a tour of inspection of the park. Particular attention would be paid to toilet facilities and extension of park area, he said. “Consideration of a new road not been shelved by any means,” Hack assured council. He said the commission has decided not to erect any new cottages this year in order to strengthen its financial picture, particularly in the matter of capital debt to the town. 

 35 YEARS AGO
Midland Free Press published a 20-page tourist and industrial development supplement to their May 28th edition. * * * First steps were taken to secure a new railway station in Midland when representatives of town council met with visiting CNR officials. * * * The organizational meeting of the Women’s Canadian Club of Midland was held and Miss Baker elected president. Professor Keyes, University of Toronto, outlined the objects of the club. * * * Capt. C. P. Swartman, Waubaushene, was elected president of the newly formed Lake Huron and Georgian Bay Commercial Fishermen’s Association at a meeting in Owen Sound. * * * Rev. A. J. Eagle, Toronto, accepted a unanimous invitation from the United Churches of Victoria Harbour, Port McNicoll and Ebenezer. His new duties started July 1. * * * Radio inspector S. J. Ellis warned district residents that the days of grace had expired for the renewal of radio licences and radio fans operating their sets without the $1.00 licence were liable to prosecution. * * * Barrie district oratorical contest, sponsored by a Toronto newspaper, was held in the county town with competitors from Midland, Penetanguishene, Barrie, Coldwater, Collingwood, Gravenhurst, Cookstown and MacTier. * * * The steamer Gleneagles, with Capt. W. A. Lavigne, docked at Midland with 694,000 bushels of oats, believed to be the largest cargo carried down the lakes. The Gleneagles was built in Midland. * * * Joseph O’Shea, Midland’s issuer of vehicle licences, had issued 540 passenger car licences and expected to issue another 50. It was pointed out that this would mean on e car for every ten people in Midland. 

“There they are” says Peter Clause, centre, as he points out a few of the thousands of spawning pickerel at Port Severn to C. S. Wice, left, and Alex Lapere of Penetanguishene. A member of Georgian Bay Hunters and Anglers Association, Pete is one of a number of deputies helping game wardens make sure the fish are protected during the brief spawning season. 

“Early Swingers at Midland Golf Club” editorial page photo.

These Midland youngsters made a good showing in the recent “tykes” tournament held in the Scarborough Arena. Left to right are, front row – Ricky Desjardins, Steve Murley, Tom Gignac, Jerry Kay, Carl Todd, Stewart Duncan, Brian Tuttle; back row – Dennis O’Leary, Wayne Brissette, Ted Walker, Steve Leclair, Myles Gamna, Bill Jones. At rear are managers Bill Jones and Charlie Kay. Absent were Ian Sherriff, Brent Moreau and Jerry Cadeau. 

RESIDENTS FAIL TO STOP SALE OF PARK PROPERTY
County Herald headline of May 5, 1962. 

Victoria Harbour council turned a deaf ear to pleas from a delegation of about 50 village ratepayers attempting to block the sale of Mackenzie Park to a private developer for $1,500. Ignoring a petition bearing 265 signatures council gave the go-ahead at a stormy meeting Tuesday night to Victoria Harbour Marina Ltd., to proceed with its proposed $275,000 motel, restaurant and marina. Site of the future development is located between the two government docks on the village waterfront. Construction is expected to start later this month and to reach completion over a three-year period. Headed by ex-reeve Mrs. Florence Belcher, the delegation strongly protested council’s actions in selling the village owned property. Mrs. Belcher accused council of “high-handed” methods and demanded they resign immediately and call an election. She predicted they would be turned out of office. Claiming there is not enough money in the world to buy the waterfront property, now used by village residents for swimming, Mrs. Belcher said council had no right to enter into an agreement for sale. She urged them to hold a plebiscite and let the taxpayers decide. GIVEN TO VILLAGE Donated to the village about 30-years ago by the now defunct Victoria Harbour Lumber Company, the property is named after Dr. D. W. Mackenzie, well-known district doctor. 

   Police estimated damage at only $30 to a car which plunged down a steep bank into a town owned sandpit in Midland early yesterday morning. The car, a small English model owned by Mervyn Beatty, was parked in the yard at 43 Victoria Street when the brakes let go. The vehicle backed across Victoria Street and down the bank into the sandpit west of Sixth Street.

     A district youth had some embarrassing moments in Little Lake Park Wednesday evening when his car stalled. He got out to give the vehicle a push when it got away on him, crashing into a tree. His lady friend suffered minor cuts and bruises and damage to the vehicle was estimated at $150. 

    Upwards of 1,700 people toured the Ontario Hospital at Penetanguishene during “open house” Tuesday and Wednesday this week, when they were given access to practically every nook and cranny in the institution. 

    Penetanguishene police are experiencing some difficulty in enforcing curfew regulations in town and are seeking co-operation of parents. Sgt. Marcel Dorion said yesterday children are being found wandering the streets after attending the show weekday nights. “They don’t go straight home as they should.” he said. The officer said police are requesting parents to send their children to matinee performances rather than night shows. “In this way the children would not have an excuse that they haven’t had time to get home from the show.” “If the situation continues we will be forced to pick the children up and lay charges against the parents.” he said. 

    Faced with the problem of charging either business tax or a licence fee to small operations not maintaining business premises in town. Penetang council spent considerable time last week discussing the transient traders’ bylaw. Concensus has been that bread route operators and others should be making a contribution the same way as retailers operating from stores in the business section. Mrs. M. Babando told council Georgian Home Bakery is paying $160 in business taxes, $250 in property taxes and $200 in residential taxes. Clerk A. Doucette was finally instructed to prepare an amendment to the bylaw providing for $25 annual fee for any permanent resident whose sole livelihood is gained through peddling. A $10 fee will be charged where the peddler is working on a part-time basis. The amendment is expected to be ready for next council meeting. At that time bylaws of some other communities will be available for inspection. Mrs. Babando told council she felt the suggested fee is fair to all concerned. 

Work is already in progress on the installation of a 10-inch water main under Highway 12 to serve the new Kindred Industries plant near the Wye River bridge. This photo shows the huge clam used in digging the hole in which the men in the lower picture are threading a connection for the new pipe to go under the highway. 

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.  

BOARD TURNS DOWN LOAN FOR FOUR ROOM ADDITION
Free Press Herald headline of April 25, 1962. 

I feel confident the Ontario Municipal Board will give us approval for the $50,000 debenture loan once they have considered all the facts. They’re telling us to save money. And we’re showing them how this can be done.” This was the statement made yesterday by G. J. Robillard, Penetang Public School Board chairman, when questioned regarding the board’s refusal to grant the loan. The school board had asked permission to issue a $50,000 debenture to cover the cost of a four-room addition to the new 17-room school now under  construction in Penetang. According to Clerk-treasurer A. Doucette, the municipal board refused permission on the grounds that Penetang had reached the limit of its borrowing. He said no consideration had been given to the new assessment completed last fall. Mr. Doucette said he had been assured yesterday that the municipal board is again considering the matter and will take the new assessment into consideration. 

     A Willowdale man who tempted fate by riding on the unprotected back end of a motor scoot, is in St. Andrews Hospital with a badly gashed right arm. Police who investigated the accident said that Harry Millman, 41, was lucky he wasn’t decapitated. 

        Midnight Friday is T-Day for fishermen all over Ontario. It’s the day they get back on their favorite streams, in search of the wily trout. Around North Simcoe, fishermen will find the streams ice free and normal, verging on low, as far as water is concerned. A gradual run-off of winter snows and lack of spring rains has eliminated the hazard of flood conditions. The Sturgeon and Coldwater Rivers will again be the mecca for the Isaac Walton’s in search for the big fellows, the rainbows or steelheads. Many smaller streams in the area will have their complement of fans trying their luck for speckled trout. 

    Five ships which were stalled in heavy ice in Whitefish Bay, Lake Superior, were freed by the ice-breaker Alexander Henry last week. F. K. McKean, district marine agent, Department of Transport told this newspaper. Mr. McKean said the Coverdale, Sir James Dunn, T. R. McLagan, Fort Henry and Georgian Bay were the freighters stalled in the pack ice. The Fort Henry was headed for the Lakehead for wheat and the other bulk carriers were up bound for cargoes of ore. 

    At a recent meeting of the Georgian Bay Hunters and Anglers Association, an anticipated addition to the club house was announced by Harold Kettle, president of the association. Members were told that the addition would include kitchen, washroom and cloakroom facilities. Estimated cost is around $1,500.00. The club owns 100 acres of Ogden’s Beach Road, east of Midland. 

    Bob Scott was named the new president of Midland Hurons Baseball Club at a meeting held in the municipal building, recently. About 20 persons turned out for the meeting, which saw Al Jensen named treasurer, Doug Reid secretary, and Bruce Armstrong placed in charge of publicity. Gord Dyment and Buzz Deschamp will represent the players on the executive. Big problem at the moment is the securing of a coach. Practices have already started at Town Park. 

BIRTHS
QUINN — To Mr. and Mrs. “Bud” Quinn (nee Nancy White), Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, at St. Paul’s Hospital, March 31, a daughter.
MOREAU — To Mr. and Mrs. Donat Moreau, 120 Sixth, Street, Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital April 7, a son.
NOACK — To Mr. and Paul Noack, 126 Fourth Street, Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, April 11, a son.
BELCOURT – To Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Belcourt, Robert Street, East, Penetang, at Penetang General Hospital, April 5, a daughter.
CASCAGNETTE — To Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Cascagnette, 12 Robert Street Lane, Penetang, at Penetang General Hospital, April 8, a daughter.
COLUMBUS – To Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Columbus, Elmvale, at Penetang General Hospital, April 1, a son.
DESROCHES — To Mr. and Mrs. Norbert Desroches, Lafontaine, at Penetang General Hospital, April 12, a son.
EDWARDS — To Mr. and Mrs. Neil Edwards, Wasaga Beach, at Penetang General Hospital, April 2, a daughter.
DONALDSON — Carol and Ted are happy to announce the arrival of an 8 pound 15 ounce daughter. Heather Caroline, at the General Hospital, Parry Sound, on Tuesday, April 17, 1962. A sister for Paul, Mary Jane and Susanne, and a granddaughter for Mr. and Mrs. R. A. Megaw.
OAKLEY – Glenn-Robin is happy to announce the arrival of his baby brother, Bradley Warren Oakley, son of Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Oakley, Midland, on Thursday, April 19, 1962. 

    COLDWATER — Frank Russell, who died at his Port Severn home last week in his 79^th year, was widely known in the Severn River area. He operated a general store and post office at Port Severn for many years. Surviving besides his wife are two brothers, Clarence of Waubaushene, and William E., Toronto. 

TEN YEARS AGO
In its war against stray dogs and determined not to do things by halves. Penetang council appointed six dog catchers instead of the usual one. * * * John L. Tipping was elected president of Coldwater’s first horticultural society when interested citizens met in St.  Matthias parish hall. * * * Copeland Flour Mills Ltd., Midland and Renown Mills Ltd., Calgary, were merged with Pillsbury Mills, one of the largest U.S. milling corporations. * * * Midland council authorized a new warning system for its firefighters when it approved the purchase of a transmitter base station for the fire hall and 23 receivers to be placed in the homes of the town’s volunteer firemen. The cost was $3,144.80 installed. * * * St. Mark’s Anglican Church Young People’s Group presented the comedy “Here Comes Charlie” for three successive nights to capacity audiences in their parish hall. Midland. * * * Leamington Falcons defeated Midland Merchants, 79-46, in the last game of the Intermediate “C” Ontario basketball finals at the Midland YMCA. * * * Midland council authorized the purchase of the old Legion hall on Midland Ave., from Midland Branch 80, for the sum of $5,500. * * * Dr. James Small was elected president of the Midland Curling Club and E. H. Nicholson 1st vice-president.   

Top girls at Midland Ski Club this past season were, left to right, Fran Brodeur, Lynn McAllen and Jane Edwards. They were presented with trophies won in downhill and slalom events in club competitions during the busy season just ended.

Although the temperature reached the 70’s during the Easter weekend, there was still snow around to the delight of some sport fans and the reverse to others. Murray Yorke has found a new kind of hazard in the form of a snow bank at Midland Golf and Country Club. 

Well over 60 delegates attended the spring meeting of the Georgian Bay Waterworks Conference, held in the Legion Hall, Midland, last week. In TOP picture, Frank Holmes, left, and Stewart Holt, of Midland PUC, examine one of several types-of water meters on display. Three Penetang delegates, Martin Quigley, Jerry Kaus and R. J. Gauthier, are looking over a new-type valve in bottom picture. 

“Churning Water Marks Season’s Opening” editorial page photo. 

Construction of this new 17-room public school building at Penetang is progressing rapidly with the advent of spring weather. Work was held up through the winter when heavy snows prevented workmen from installing roof. 

These happy girls are members of the Regent School team which won the Midland Public Schools basketball title. Left to right are, front row—Lois Belsey, Renate Matthias, Lesley Longworth, Valerie Harmsworth, Marilyn Jackson; Second row—Joan Fish, Lee Gilmore, Penny Vaillancourt, Carol Banting; Third row—Jo-Ella Courriere, Susan Heels, Mrs. Doris Barrett, coach, Valerie Somers, Ruth McQuirter. Not present when picture was taken was Judy Wilcox. 

Regent public school won two basketball titles this year. Boys’ team includes, left to right, front row, Ian Dalrymple, Rickey Leaney, Calvin Todd, Herb Chapman; Second row—Brian Merkley, Laurie Thomas, Dennis Brabant; third row—Gerrit Huvers, Gary Crawford, Doug Langley, Bill Fish; Back row—Jurgen Baumann, coach Ken Trew, and Art McComb. 

A lot of hard work was lost as well as the building, when this large home, being re-modelled into three apartments, was destroyed by fire Thursday night. Located on the south-east corner of Bay and Sixth St. Midland, it was owned by Mr. and Mrs. George Haskill. Fire Chief Arnold Tippin said yesterday the financial loss has not been determined. The building will have to be demolished.

Midland firemen spent several hours fighting the worst fire in town in several months Thursday night and early Friday morning. Several members of the brigade are seen above at the height of the fire which destroyed the building owned by Mr. and Mrs. George Haskill at Bay and Sixth Streets. 

DEFICIT HITS $27,380 BLAME BUDGET PLANNING
County Herald headline of April 27, 1962. 

Miscalculations in budgeting combined with over-expenditures created a deficit of $27,380 in 1961 for Penetanguishene, according to an auditor’s report released to mayor and council this week by A. F. MacLaren and Company, Barrie. An unexpected increase of $8,000 in revenue prevented the deficit from going higher. A review of the figures would indicate council had budgeted for a deficit of $21,751. Once a budget is set, the general rule is that there is no authority to spend beyond this amount. A look at schedule “D” shows that all departments, with two exceptions, overspent by various amounts. 

    Frank Doherty of R. R. 2 Midland will be one of the busiest men in Simcoe County between now and June 18 when the federal election will be held. Mr. Doherty has been appointed returning officer for East Simcoe. The riding includes Midland, Penetang, Orillia, and the townships of Tiny, Tay, Matchedash, Orillia, Oro, Medonte and part of Baxter. At his headquarters on Highway 27 near Midland, Mr. Doherty will be responsible for appointing enumerators, drawing up voter’s lists and posting proclamations. 

    A Pembroke, Ont., woman who gave her life trying to save a mother and child from drowning in the MacDonald River last July has been awarded a post-humous award for heroism. Noreen Anne Harvey, 38, a non-swimmer, jumped into 10 feet of water to help Mrs. Rachael Wright, another non-swimmer, and her four-year-old son. All three drowned. The Carnegie Hero Fund Commission will send a bronze medal to Miss Harvey’s father. 

    Treatment of a 12-year-old partially crippled polio victim has sparked an inquiry into living conditions in a North Simcoe home Simcoe County Children’s Aid Society. Magistrate K. A. Cameron ordered the investigation after being told that the boy was found tied to a kitchen stove with an extension cord. He was taken from his parent’s home late yesterday afternoon by CAS officials and placed under government care in Orillia. 

    Two Victoria Harbour area men were given further jail terms when they appeared for sentence Wednesday before Magistrate K. A. Cameron in Midland police court after a two-week remand in custody. Robert 20, was given three months and Fred, 28, one month. In court earlier, the two men admitted stealing two pigs from Bert Waples and a pure-bred steer from Nelson Jones in April. The animals had been shot and cut up for meat. 

“If we want to keep our tourists, we must fill the role of good hosts at all times.” So said Willard Kinzie, ex-Barrie mayor and now Zone 3 chairman of the Georgian Bay Development Association in an address at St. Paul’s United Church, Wednesday evening.  Mr. Kinzie was speaking to a joint meeting of United, Presbyterian and Anglican Church Men’s Clubs. Walter Lumsden (Knox), Willard Kinzie, Clint Truax (St. Paul’s) 

Midland will have two teams in the Little NHL Ontario finals at Cobourg this weekend. Seen above is the junior “A” team. Left to right are, kneeling, Brian Phillips, Bill Deschamp, Jim Holden, Dale Simpson, Ted Edgar, Mike Dragoman, Stephen Stanway: standing: John McLaughlin, Wayne King, Doug Cable, Gary Valcheff, Larry Sauve, Danny Willette, Doug Hamelin and Mike Laurin, team captain. At rear is Henry Valcheff, manager, and coach Dennis Anderson. 

Public school pupils at Victoria Harbour will move to a brand new building next September. Still under construction, the new school is in a safe location, well off the highway. Old school, located on busy Highway 12 at the west end of the village, caused both motorists and parents much concern for the safety of the children. 

“Last Signs of Winter” editorial page photo. This range marker on Midland Point is a familiar sight to small craft going to and from Honey Harbour. Across the water in middle background is Present Island. 

When I saw this ad it reminded me of a previous post from February 1961 when the store opened. That caption read; The small corner grocery store that used to be known as Ken’s Marketeria at 170 Fifth Street is no more. Now three times as large it has blossomed forth as Ken’s Carload Marketeria, a greatly enlarged and remodelled building. Born and raised in Midland, Ken Crawford operated the old store on the same site for the past nine years. Last fall Burke Construction Co. began the work which has resulted in the sparkling new retail store on Fifth, at the corner of Montreal. In keeping with the larger building, Mr. Crawford has extended his lines to include meats, groceries, fruits, candy, drugs and sundries— “all the things you can get at the big stores downtown.” the proud owner pointed out. Ken was just a boy when he began learning the meat business under the late W. J. Bowman in the store now occupied by Gianetto’s. He served 9 1/2 years with Mr. Bowman. This happy story had a grim ending as related to us by Ruth Jeanotte. ” Ken and his wife never had any children, they were in a terrible car accident in 1975, their car was hit from behind and the gas tank blew, he fought to get his wife out of the car and he was badly burnt, his wife died of her injuries, he later worked at Loblaws store on King St. and Elizabeth.”

Just a reminder from County Herald staffer Cathy MacAllister to set your clocks ahead one hour Saturday night. Daylight saving time starts officially at 12:01 a.m. Sunday and continues till Oct. 28.