Click on images to enlarge  Residents of Midland for almost all of their married lives, Mr. and Mrs. A. W. Marks celebrated their golden wedding anniversary at their Gloucester Street home Friday. A native of England, Mr. Marks came to Canada in 1905; his Scottish-born wife three years later as a new bride. Parents of beloved kindergarten teacher, Margaret Marks.

    A lot of recent immigrants to Canada could take heart, and a lesson, from the experiences of Arthur Wm. Marks of 119 Gloucester Street, Midland.  When he first came to Canada from England in 1905 his first job netted him less per month than many newcomers can earn in a day now, when they find steady employment. Mr. Marks wasn’t happy with the pay in his first job, either. So he kept moving around until he found conditions and pay that were satisfactory. Three years later he was able to return to England, marry the former Christina MacDonald and return to Midland the same year. On Friday Mr. and Mrs. Marks celebrated their golden wedding anniversary quietly in the Gloucester Street cottage that has been their home for nearly 40 years. A native of Reigate, Surrey, England, Mr. Marks learned the bookbinding trade in the Old Country. He is the last survivor of a family of seven children. 
    Coming to Canada in 1905, Mr. Marks first job was on a farm near Napanee — at the princely salary of $9 per month. He was there three months when a better job presented itself at Edenvale, near Stayner. This was a big improvement, as he was paid $1.25 per day for working in a stave mill. Within a couple of weeks, he had a raise in pay. But not even the offer of another raise could keep Mr. Marks at Edenvale when he had the chance to better himself by taking a job at Playfair’s lumber mill in Midland. In the winter months, along with the other men, he worked in the bush. After two years of this he found a new job at Potvin’s shook mill. Following his marriage on April 18, 1908, Mr. Marks returned to Potvin’s, remaining there until the outbreak of World War I.
   He joined the 117th Battalion, Grey and Simcoe Foresters, and was a member of that unit’s band for some time. During some 13 months in France, he earned the Military Medal and the Belgian Croix de Guerre.
   Back home in Midland after the war, Mr. Marks got a job at Ganton Dobson’s boat building establishment. Later, at the outbreak of World War II, he went to the Midland Shipyard, where he remained until age regulations forced his retirement. As a shipwright, Mr. Marks supervised the construction of the masts of all the big ships made in the yard during his years there. Boatbuilding still remains one of his chief hobbies, along with his garden and fishing. An elder of Knox Presbyterian Church, Mr. Marks was also a member of the old Sons of England Lodge when it played a prominent part in the social life of Midland. He still belongs to the lOOF. Mr. Marks meeting with Christina MacDonald came in a roundabout way, for she was a native of the Isle of Lewis, in the Outer Hebrides, off Scotland. She still retains more than a trace of her Scottish accent, too.  Christina had worked as a maid in one of the big estates in Surrey. So did Arthur’s sister. It was his sister who introduced Arthur and Christina to each other when he went to the home for a visit one day. Mr. and Mrs. Marks have three children living, including sons John of Altadena, Cal., and Arthur Wm. Jr., Islington; and one daughter, Miss Margaret Marks, a teacher at Regent Public School. One son and one daughter died many years ago.
   Like her husband, Mrs. Marks has taken an active interest in Knox Church, where she has been a member of the WMS for more than 30 years. Both enjoy a reasonable measure of good health and both agree they would “do it all over again” if the opportunity was offered to them. The couple was thrilled to receive a congratulatory message from Prime Minister John Diefenbaker.

Promotion literature by the tens of thousands is distributed annually through the Midland Chamber of Commerce. Dispatching another load are Walter Woods, left, tourist committee chairman; and secretary-manager R. B. Moffatt.

First new commercial building to be erected in Port McNicoll in some years, work on the new post office is now well underway. Located on Fourth Ave., the new building will also contain the residence of Mr. John Reedy, the Postmaster, and Mrs. Reedy. Mr. Reedy is shown in the lower photo painting door frames. 

Midland Jaycees executive members are busy plan planning their ‘Sports Show’ which is slated for April 28, 29 and 30. From left to right are President Jack Gardner, show Chairman Bill Bennett, Director Ken Webb and Secretary Herman Livingston.

  Photos from the Sports Show. Top photo Frank Swales and Ted Brodeur. 

The arrival of the first grain cargo in the spring is always an event of great importance at Port McNicoll, where the economy of the entire village is closely allied with the elevator. Hence the turn-out above for the arrival of the CSL’s Hochelaga, under Capt. C. E. Armstrong, Monday. Left to right are B. J. Brownell, village clerk; Sgt. John Clark, CPR police; Councillor Jack Fisher; S.F. Malin, superintendent CPR Steamships; Councillor Tim Lewis; Harbourmaster George Burns; Capt. Armstrong; Chief Engineer I. E. McCutcheon; Councillor Art Worth; Reeve Albert Calvert. 

Two veteran sailors, Captain C. C. Chattenburgh, center, and Chief Engineer Mel Leatherdale, right, were aboard the bulk freighter Gordon C. Leitch when the 1958 navigation season opened in Midland last week. On hand to greet them was Bill Russell, left. Mr. Leatherdale has been a Midland resident since 1913, and the Gordon C. Leitch was one of the last ships built at Midland Shipyards. 

Business is booming again at the port of Midland, as shown by the happy smiles of these men at the “topping” ceremony Monday, April 21 aboard the Gordon C. Leitch, the first arrival of the season. From left to right are CPR agent Harvey White, Chamber of Commerce president Frank Bray, Capt. Clyde Chattenburgh, Mayor Charles Parker, and M. E. Tully, superintendent of the Midland-Simcoe Elevator. 

Getting ready for another season means plenty of work for the groundskeepers at Midland Golf and Country Club. Above they are tackling a perennial trouble spot, the fourth green. The recent fine weather has lured a lot of early birds to the course. 

A big moment at the official opening ceremonies at the new Midland branch of the Toronto Dominion Bank came as Mayor Charles Parker cut the red ribbon to admit visitors on a tour of inspection. With Mayor Parker, center, are Norman Shill, manager, left, and Frank F. Hull, the assistant general manager from the bank’s Toronto head office. 

This week, the three young staff members of the new Midland branch of the Toronto-Dominion Bank are engaged in such mundane things as handling money and cheques. Saturday they were seen arranging flowers for the official opening ceremonies. Left to right are Kay Doherty, Leah Dwinnell and Ed Gamna, teller accountant, all of Midland. 

There will always be a part of Capt. Ed Burke on his beloved Midland waterfront as long as this flagpole stands. (Or until the town tears it down) The flag was flying at half mast in honor of the veteran mariner, who died last week. Capt. Burke had erected the valuable pole, and enclosed it in a suitable base, at his own expense. 

From the editorial page “From Our Viewpoint”.
   GEORGIAN BAY will never be quite the same again.   The master of the “Captain Ed” has gone. And gone with him is a larger part of the living history of the most colorful days the Bay has known.

  Captain Ed Burke was the last of the “sawlog sailors”— big physically, wise in the ways of its waters, a gentleman and a leader. The west wind was in his face and everything he undertook reflected his purposefulness.

   For over seventy years the winding channels of the Georgian Bay had known him. He and his brothers and their father before them tested the Bay in times both good and bad, and found them good. Captain Ed was the last of a line which stemmed from Penetang’s old military garrison and the log cabins along The Lines. They were an adventuring lot, always with their sights on the stars. In Captain Ed lived the spirit of the Georgian Bay. Even in these last few years of retirement, he did not and could not forget his link to the water.

   The flag which we trust will fly forever on Midland’s docks bears silent testimony to that love. The whole of the Georgian Bay area mourns a distinguished sailor, a senior citizen and community leader.

 A coincidence that I found this in the March 19th, 1903, Free Press, just before finishing this weeks post.

 

• Report 25 Percent Cut in Area Unemployment – is the Free Press Herald headline of April 23, 1958. About 100 people will be dropping off the unemployment insurance benefits this week, district unemployment Insurance Commission Manager Harold Humphries predicted yesterday. The main reason for the decrease in the number of jobless was the opening of navigation, he said. At a meeting of the Local Employment Committee Friday, Mr. Humphries reported a total of 1,264 receiving benefits on April 17 — about 25 percent fewer than in March. Practically none of those classed as “employables” were on relief, he said.
• Poachers Jump Officers Say Five Face Charges – is the County Herald headline of April 25, 1958. This newspaper was informed yesterday that at least five men who were involved in a fracas with Ontario Department of Lands and Forests officers and their deputies at Port Severn early Sunday morning will be charged. The battle started when the officers attempted to arrest a group of men who were alleged to have been spearing and netting pickerel spawning in the Severn River.
• $761,253 Paid by UIC to District Unemployed – is the Free Press Herald headline of April 30, 1958. “You might say it is an industry unto itself.” So said Harold Humphries manager of the Midland office of the Unemployment Insurance Commission. He was referring to the fact that the staggering sum of $761,253.65 had been paid out through his office in unemployment benefits during the fiscal year of April 1, 1957 – March 31, 1958. The number of unplaced job applicants on the files at the Midland office April 24 was 1,062, including both male and female. Figure on a comparative date a year ago was around 667.
• This newspaper was informed Friday by a Wyebridge woman, who wished to remain anonymous, that Mrs. Angus Rawn of Wyebridge had risked her own life in a valiant attempt to pull Bryan Banks, 5, from the waters of the Wye River April 7. A non-swimmer herself, Mrs. Rawn ran to the river and jumped in when she saw the lad down in the water. The hole where she jumped in was more than nine feet deep. Unable to reach the boy before he was swept away, Mrs. Rawn grabbed hold of some overhanging branches and pulled herself out of the water.
• A move is underway to see if residents of Hugel Avenue west of Eighth Street would be favorable to investigating the possibility of annexation to Midland, it was learned Monday. The area is now part of Tay Township.
• SWALES — Cathy, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Doug Swales, wishes to announce the arrival of her sister, Christine Ann, 9 lbs. 1 oz., on Thursday, April 17, 1958, at the Penetang General Hospital.
• 25 Years Ago This Week – The first Canada Steamship Lines ship to leave Midland harbor was the “Edmonton”, bound for Windsor and Hamilton for a cargo of package freight. She steamed out of the harbor April 17. The first ship out of the harbor, however, was the St. Heliers, which left April 15. * * * The president of the Ontario Educational Association was presented with a gavel made from wood taken from the hull of the U.S. warship Tigress, sunk in Penetang Bay during the war of 1812. Parts of the hull had been raised to the surface the previous summer. Father Brunelle of Penetang presented the gavel on behalf of the town’s board of trade. * * * The Ontario legislature had reduced the province’s 112 constituencies to 90. Simcoe East riding remained unchanged but Simcoe Centre was extended to include the township of West Gwillimbury and the village of Bradford; and Simcoe South West was changed to Dufferin-Simcoe, the townships of Mono and Mulmur being added. * * * The Canadian Pacific Railway announced that it planned to discontinue passenger train service out of Midland.  The action was being taken to curtail expenses. * * * First ship into Midland harbor for the 1933 season was the Pan Snider, an American ship. She arrived from Chicago with 148,000 bushels of corn and 85,000 bushels of oats on board.
• Proudest boy in Penetang Sunday night will be seven-year-old Terry Dubeau, who has been chosen by Penetang Lions Easter Seal Committee as the local “Timmy”. With Whipper Billy Watson appearing at the Penetang Easter Seal concert Sunday night, on behalf of the Fund for Crippled, Children, Terry will be able to meet the wrestling idol first-hand. The pair is scheduled to appear on the stage in an appeal for funds.
• George S. Dudley, CAHA secretary-manager and Midland’s ”Mr. Hockey,” continued to acquire honors, and job’s, accruing from his many years in the sport. Mr. Dudley was one of seven “builders of hockey” named to hockey’s Hall of Fame in Toronto on the weekend. The others in this group were Senator Donat Raymond, the late George McNamara (well-known in the Penetang and Thunder Bay area’s), the late James Norris Sr. (a huge bulk freighter bearing his name was built in Midland), A. W. Picard, Con Smyth, and Lloyd Turner.
• One of Midland’s established King Street business firms has opened a branch in Orillia. It is Watson’s studio and camera shop. The official opening Thursday, Friday, and Saturday climaxed about two months of renovations and alterations to the store on Mississaga Street, Budd said. Manager of the branch will be Budd Watson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Lorne Watson. Lorne Watson is the founder of the Midland firm. Assisting Budd in the Orillia studio and store will be his sister Peggy, who for the past three years has been employed in Eaton’s College Street store camera department.
• Ten Years Ago This Week – First ship into Midland harbor was the “Imperial Hamilton” whose skipper was former Midlander Capt G. S. Sloans. The ship arrived at 11.05 p.m. April 17. * * * Tay Township council accepted a tender of $500 per year from a Waubaushene garage man for the collection of garbage in the village. The tender followed on the heels of a petition from Waubaushene ratepayers. * * * Proponents of a proposed recreation commission for Penetang approved a bylaw outlining the organization and jurisdictions of the commission, at a special meeting in the Anglican parish hall. Nominated as a committee to present the legislation to council were J. M. H. McGuire, Dr. W. E. Binkley, Jack MacIntaggart, A. R. McDonald, O. L. Dubeau, W. H. Yelland, Clarence Sinclair, Charles Day and Andrew Morrison. * * * Liberals in Simcoe East named William L. Moore as their candidate in the June 7 provincial election. The convention was held in Coldwater. Simcoe Centre Liberals nominated Charles W. Henry of Thornton at their nomination convention in Phelpston. Mr. Moore was seeking to unseat Conservative Dr. J. D. McPhee of Port McNicoll, and Mr. Henry’s opponent was George G. Johnston of Minesing, MPP. * * * Sidney Pibworth was elected to fill the vacancy on Port McNicoll council caused by the resignation of David Dack. He defeated candidates Lloyd Cameron and J. Handy. Only 134 of the 500 eligible voters cast ballots.

Click on photos to enlarge Providing instruction for young lads in the safe handling of small-bore rifles is one of the useful projects sponsored by Georgian Bay Hunters and Anglers Association. Some members of the association are seen above looking over a selection of guns with instructor Geoff Jones of Barrie at a class held in the Midland ‘Y’ last Thursday night. Left to right are, front row; Lorne “Smoky” Wood, Mr. Jones, Peter Clause; back row, L. S. “Toots” Wallace, Ken Walker and Bill Russell. 

Teaching the lads the proper way to handle a gun is the best way to avert accidents, Georgian Bay Hunters and Anglers Association are agreed. Boys are left to right, Richard Jones of Barrie and Charles Scott, Morris Fransden, Don Zabzinski and Paul Dumais, from the Midland area. 

Annual dance of Midland’s Garrison Badminton Club was one of the highlights of the social season. Club President Brian and Mrs. Wood (Dorothy), right, are seen greeting Mr. and Mrs. Len Zablotny and Mr. and Mrs. Jim Galt at the dance, held Friday night in the Midland Armory. 

 The “LADY” in the center wasn’t saying much and never did sell a single balloon at the Midland Garrison Badminton Club’s annual dance in Midland Armory Friday night. Enjoying a spot of fun with the “lady” (a store figure) are Mr. and Mrs. Jim Collins, left, John Bourgeois and Margaret Ambeau. 

Waiting on the stairway for their escorts are four pretty girls who attended Midland Garrison Badminton Club’s annual dance. Left to right are Ray Stewart, Mignon Pearson, Margaret Ambeau and Evelyn McElrea. 

Nonchalant cigar smoker Bob Hamelin of Penetang was among those fighting a brush fire on the property of Norbert Bourgeois, Eighth Concession, Tiny, Thursday afternoon. A large stand of Christmas trees was untouched by the fire. 

Things are looking up on Hanley Street in Midland, where six modern homes are being built by Bernick Construction Ltd. These and two others on Donalda Street are under the supervision of Bill Ellis, superintendent of construction. The footings went in March 11, and the builders say the first house should be ready for occupancy by May 2nd. The wireless tower on William Street can be seen in the background. 

 

The four girls pictured won themselves big chocolate Easter bunnies through their ability with the skipping rope at classes held in Midland YMCA during the holidays. Left to right, the girls are, Ellen Okenka, Sharon Williams, Linda Duggan and Elizabeth Rutherford. Ellen won the singles title and paired with Sharon to capture the doubles for girls in the 9-10-year group. Elizabeth was top girl in the one-year group and also paired with Linda to win the doubles title. The girls are seen with instructor Lloyd Stackhouse. 

The first vessel to leave Port McNicoll this spring was Canada Steamship Lines’ ‘T. R. McLagan’, which pulled out Wednesday morning. The last load of clean laundry, delivered by Wagg’s, is being hauled aboard shortly before the departure. 

Delegates to the meeting of Zone 3, Georgian Bay Development Association, Wednesday toured three industries in Midland.  E. H. Nicholson of Midland, Steve Cerny, general manager of Bay Mills Ltd., and Howard Robinson, clerk of Medonte Township, examine a fabric in the Bay Mills finishing department. 

Reeve Albert Calvert, Port McNicoll, and Manning Stroud, Wasaga Beach, examine a plastic bread box made at Midland Industries Limited by Eunice Leduc. 

Two members of Zone 3, Georgian Bay Development Association, scrutinize a pair of lenses for sunglasses while touring the Midland plant of Bausch and Lomb. Left to right are George Thompson of Stayner, William Alderson of Alliston and Mrs. James Chretien, who operates the edging machine. 

Installation team for lOOF, Northern District 30, who have installed the officers of six district lodges, are pictured here. Back row is Garfield Steer, Tom Blair, Eric Heels, Archie Campbell and Omery Caudle. Front row, are S. Glassier, Harry Gray, DDG warden, Gordon Campbell, DDGM, Arnold Tippin and Albert Bowie. Last Friday night, J. Grant Chambers of Ottawa, grand master of Ontario, paid an official visit to this area and was guest of honor at a dinner at Parkside. (Copy of a photo by Andrews) 

Things are getting so mixed up these days it’s hard to tell the boys from the girls — well, almost. At Port McNicoll Public School’s “Open House” Tuesday night, Inspector Ken Ellis is seen above with Mary Kovalak, left, and Helen Elliott, who made the magazine racks they’re holding. Meanwhile, Allan Quesnelle displays his culinary prowess to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ernie Quesnelle, in the lower picture. 

 Bulging a bit as he crammed his way into a Grade 1 seat at Port McNicoll Public School, William Graham gets a close-up view of his daughter Nancy’s work. The occasion was the school’s “Open House” Tuesday night. 

Frank Bray, president of Midland Chamber of Commerce and owner of the Midland Planing Mill, became the first to use the dual-type around the clock depository unit recently installed at the Bank of Montreal Branch in Midland. It is the first unit of its kind in operation in Midland. 

• The Free Press Herald headline from April 16, 1958; “Back Strict Clamp-Down on Delinquent Parents” Parents, whose under-age children are caught roaming the streets of Midland after 9 p.m. in future, will face charges and the full penalty the law permits in fines. Chief Cameron said in the past-month 21 charges had been laid against juveniles for creating disturbances, swearing and making general nuisances of themselves late at night on Midland streets. The chief pointed out that a curfew in nearby Penetang was working quite effectively.
• The County Herald headline from April 18, 1958; “$150,000 Sewage Plant Under Study by Council” Possibility of a major program which would eventually provide a complete sewage system for Penetang, including treatment plant, was seen following Monday night’s meeting of Penetang council when two members of the Ontario Water Resources Commission were in attendance. Under the present system, raw sewage is flowing into the water directly, from two main outlets. One of these outlets is situated at the end of Burke Street, and the other at the end of Owen Street.
• Midland council has agreed to enter into a five-year lease with the Canadian National Railways for property which is to be sublet to Midland Yacht Club for a mooring basin. The lease, which is retroactive to March 1, 1958, involves two parcels of property on the west end of Midland Bay, one 320 by 20 feet and the other 872 by 265 feet. The property contains 311,980 square feet.
• Just how much will it cost to install a separate water system for the Ingram sub-division, and other parts of Tay Township west of Midland? And who is going to pay for it, not only now, but in the event that Midland may decide to yield to requests from a growing number of residents of this same area for annexation?
• The building boom predicted for Port McNicoll early last fall is now definitely underway, with activity on three fronts. The most important project is the new Maplewood Park sub-division being undertaken by the Meadows Land Development Co. Ltd., Toronto. Interviewed; yesterday, C. A. Meadows said his company plans to erect some 200 homes in the $8,000 – $12,000 bracket. The first phase of the project is the opening of several new streets. Actually, they are extensions of existing streets, McNicoll, Wardell, and Hayes, in the north end of the village. Work is also well in progress on the new post office being built by Jack Reedy. The building, of cement block construction, will measure 71 by 25 feet. The first 37 feet of the building will house the post office. The remainder will provide a new residence for Mr. and Mrs. Reedy. Work has also started on at least two homes for private owners, with others in prospect.
• Three long blasts and two short ones echoed around Midland Harbour early Tuesday morning, heralding the opening of another navigation season. The salutes were for the Canadian government lightship St. Heliers, starting out on its chore of setting up buoys and other markers along the route between Georgian Bay and the St. Mary’s River. A few hours later, however, and the St. Heliers was back at its berth in Midland. A ship’s officer said the boat encountered heavy windrows of ice off Giant’s Tomb.
• Customs excise collections at the port of Midland dropped $119,097 during the fiscal year 1957-58, says collector of customs and excise A. E. Martin in his year-end report. Total revenue this year was $798,648 as compared with revenue of $917,745 during the fiscal year 1956-57. Mr. Martin said that a decrease of $13,321 in excise taxes —only $725 was collected—is accounted for by the removal of certain excise taxes by the government.
• From the Want Ads page; – WELL ROTTED Manure, no straw, suit lawns and rose gardens. F. Vincent, Robert St. E., Penetang. * * * LUNCH COUNTER with fridge and stove. Zimmer’s Service Station, Howe’s Corners, Penetang. KI. 9-7753. * * * 12 WEANLING PIGS. Duncan Barr, R.R. 1 Midland, phone 70 ring 51, Victoria Harbour. * * * YOUNG Heavy Team Horses. Gilbert Desroches, E.R. 1, Perkinsfield. * * * 4th CLASS STATIONARY ENGINEER. Apply Wagg’s Laundry and Dry Cleaners Ltd., Midland. * * * FOR DECORATING, painting, or paper hanging, samples and estimates free. Earl Asselin, phone 121J, Victoria Harbour, 6 to 7 p.m. * * * ROOM AND BOARD for a business girl. $10 per week Phone LA. 6-6700, Midland. * * * Found, lighter near Leitz plant. See Doug Brooks, Post Office. * * * BEAGLE dogs and Pups. Apply Tobacco Farm, Cedar Point. Phone Lafontaine 43-R-3. * * * WOOD AND COAL RANGE— “Clare Jewel”, white enamel trim, good condition. Phone LA 6-6671, Midland.
• Ten Years Ago This Week — Police committee of Midland council approved the installation of parking meters on King Street, from Elizabeth to Bay Street, on a one-year trial basis. * * * The Canadian government ship St. Heliers left Midland harbour April 13 on its first voyage of the season. * * * North Simcoe citizens were out in force — the smelts were running in creeks and bays along the Georgian Bay. One Midlander, who had been smelting at the Hog River, returned with the floor of his truck buried a foot deep in smelts. * * * A special nomination meeting had been called by Victoria Harbour Clerk Walter Lumsden to nominate a councilor to replace Percy Brown, a railway employee who had been transferred out of town. * * * Harry Martin of Coldwater was elected district master of the Loyal Orange Association of Simcoe East. Another Coldwater citizen, Victor Turner, was named deputy district master. * * * Revenue in import duty, excise tax and sundry items for the port of Midland amounted to $428,573.89 for the 1947-48 fiscal year. The figure represented an increase of $92,058.08 over the previous year. * * * Colour movies of scoot races at Penetang’s winter carnival were televised over a New York TV station. It was believed to be the first time a news event in this area had been televised. The films were the work of Midlander Bert Maddox. * * * The third of five hopper barges which were being constructed for the French government by Midland Shipyards was launched April 12. It was christened “Iroquois.”
• Here’s one for the what-will-they-think-of-next department. The Bell Telephone Company has installed a drive-in phone booth in Toronto.
• When The Bank of Toronto and The Dominion Bank amalgamated Feb. 1, 1955, more than 183 years of banking experience combined to form one of the foremost banks in Canada. The first branch of The Toronto-Dominion Bank in Midland will be opened officially this Saturday afternoon, April 19 by Mayor Charles Parker of Midland. The office is located at 260 King Street and the extensive remodeling of the two-storey building has made it one of the most modern, well-equipped offices in the district.
• Captain E. F. ‘Ed’ Burke, member of an old Penetang family whose name has been synonymous with Georgian Bay shipping for three-quarters of a century, died in Midland yesterday. He was 84. Captain Ed, who sailed a tug up to Byng Inlet at 15 and became a captain at 21, had been active on the Midland Harbour Commission for many years. More recently, he became a valued member of the newly formed Harbour Committee.
• A fire of undetermined origin Tuesday night has left a Jarratt family of 11 homeless, despite a bucket brigade formed by neighbors. The farm home of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Rankin, on Concession 11, Oro Township, was destroyed in the fire, which started in the roof of a summer kitchen. The house had no electricity. Mr. Rankin and the couple’s nine children were all outside at the time and Mrs. Rankin managed to escape unharmed. Only a few pieces of furniture were saved, and it is believed the house was only partially insured. 
• A young man from Amsterdam, Holland, who hopes to get his Canadian citizenship papers next month, is the new manager of the fur department at Edwards’ Specialty Shop. He is Robert Voorzanger, who came directly to Midland from Holland five years ago. He was employed by Fabulous Formals for most of that time, attaining the position of head of the cutting department. But furs have long been in the Voorzanger blood, Bob’s father also had been a furrier and the son started to learn the business under his dad as a lad of 14 years.
• A native of Midland. F/O Clare Vasey is helping deliver jet planes to the German air force. F/O Vasey is the son of Ivan Vasey, superintendent of Georgian Manor, Penetang, and Mrs. Vasey. The family resided in Midland for a number of years before moving to Orillia.
• Five Midland lads, who called themselves “The Five Peppers,” walked off with first place honours in the amateur night contest at the Roxy Theatre, Thursday. The boys, who wrote, played and sang their own songs, were Harry DeVries, Winston Schell, Kevin Rogers, Larry and Gary French, one of the group had a snare drum and one had a guitar. Second place went to Barbara and Sharon Johnstone, who played guitars and sang. Linda Vernon and Sandra Reynolds, also of Midland, duet singers, were third. In fourth place were Jim Vassair and Reg Allen, guitar player and singer combination. Finals will be held April 24, when winners of the four contests will compete for the grand prize. Nearly 700 attended the event. Master of ceremonies was Roxy manager Al Perkins.
• A glimpse back 80 years to the front page of the March 1938, Free Press;

The Midland Free Press_1938-03-23 1

Click on photos to enlargePhotos from the sugar bush of Hormidas Laurin at the bottom of the 18th Concession of Tiny Twp. The camp was visited on a Sunday morning by Vern Farrow, Free Press editor in Penetang,  and his wife, on the invitation of Mr. Laurin’s nephew Marcel Bellehumeur. [The Penetang Free Press office was in the same building on Robert St. W. as M. Bellehumeur’s insurance office.]

 

The old and the new are graphically illustrated in this sugar bush where both horses and tractor are used. The team draws sleigh-mounted cask for picking up sap. 

Steaming hot and full of bubbles, maple syrup is drawn from the end of the evaporator and strained through several thicknesses of cloth to ensure a pure product. 

Hundreds of children, young and old crowded around the Easter bunny in Little Lake Park Saturday morning prior to the annual Easter egg hunt in the park. Here Mr. “Wabbit’s” well-wishers give him a cheer. Prior to the start of the hunt, the children took part in a sing-song of Easter songs led by V. B. Strickland. Each child also had an opportunity to shake hands with the bunny. More than 50 special prizes were distributed to those who found the lucky tokens hidden among the grass, leaves, tree roots and stumps in the park. There were few sticks, piles of leaves and stones left unturned after the wave of hunters had passed. 

Five hundred candy suckers were distributed by members of Midland’s Y’s Men’s Club to all children who participated in the mammoth Easter egg hunt at Little Lake Park April 5th. Harold Wilcox and Charlie Walton are shown handing out the suckers to the eager tads. 

Second schedule winners for women’s competition at Midland Curling Club was this rink pictured at the club last week. Seen with the Hartman Bros. Trophy are, left to right, Agatha Smith, vice-skip; Marnie Powell, lead; Islay Nicholson, skip and Mrs. Jack [Betty] Moss, second. 

Ike Cumming’s rink emerged winner of the H. J. Thompson competition at Midland Curling Club this winter. Left to right are Ed Sutherland, Ike Gumming, Charlie Walton and John Dalrymple. Other winners included Dr. Jim Small in the “Early Bird” competition and Karl Bertrand’s rink in the Industrial League. 

First schedule winners on the distaff side at the Midland Curling Club, are pictured here with the Men’s Club Trophy and handbags they won in the competition. From left to right are lead Margaret Johnston, skip Mrs. Charles Walton, vice-skip Mrs. James Tully and second Mrs. Ken Ellis. 

One of the most successful events of the winter season, Midland’s 9th annual mixed bonspiel was held recently. Winners were Milt Irwin’s Midland rink, seen above, who won the Orr Trophy and wrist watches for first prize. Left to right are Mr. Irwin, Mrs. J. May, Mrs. R. A. Megaw and Mr. Megaw. 

Coldwater’s old public School is to be demolished and replaced by five modern homes. Agreement of sale for the building and property was finalized this week. Steve Kepic of Brantford is the new owner of the property. [It was located on the North side of Gray Street beside the Anglican Church.]

Anything but a pleasing sight these spring days is the main slip at Government Dock in Midland harbor. Sand and muck cover the snow dumped alongside the dock, where it has been deposited all winter long from Midland streets. Tin cans, bottles, and other garbage litter the center portion of the slip. 

Spring flowers proved an irresistible attraction for hundreds of Midland residents who toured Mac Perrin’s shop and greenhouses March 30. Tour was sponsored by the Women’s Auxiliary of the YMCA.  Mrs. J. H. Sargent left, and Mrs. E. H. Zimmer stop beside a bed of chrysanthemums. 

Capt. and Mrs. George Stephens admire the many-colored cineraria. 

 Mrs. Perrin pins a rose on one of the youngest visitors, Perry Gordon. Watching are Gail Tremblay, left, and Sharon Moreau. [Perrin’s greenhouses were located along Bourgeois Lane behind Cathy Boyd’s Gallery, the former Perrin’s Flower Shop.] 

For the first time in some twenty years, veterans of the Midland area held a Vimy dinner at Parkside Inn Wednesday night, commemorating the great battle of April 9, 1917. Among the officials present were, left to right, Charles Stewart, Ernest Hurl, Envoy J. Thompson, Midland, and Cpt. R. G. Ellsworth, Orillia, both of the Salvation Army; Rev. W. R. Auld, H. A. Wiles. 

Warren French is one of 14 students in the OAC school of graduate studies who received post-graduate degrees of master of science in agriculture. Warren is studying chemistry at McMaster University proceeding to the Ph.D. degree. 

Officers of the newly-formed Huronia Hand Gun Club are seen above at a recent meeting. Left to right are, front row, Bill Mohan, Harry Couling, Mrs. Pete Abram and Charlie O’Dale; back row, C. L. (Bud) Preston, John Magnus, John Power and Pete Abram.

“Good weather is a boon to bridge construction on the new Trans Canada route.” 

• Headline from the Free Press Herald, April 9, 1958; “Centralized Fire Force Advocated for Township”  A recommendation that Tiny council considers establishing a central fire brigade was made to that body at its monthly meeting in Perkinsfield last week. The proposal was tabled by Harold Hunter, representing the Ontario Fire Marshall’s Department. Mr. Hunter also pointed out that the three existing brigades in the township have no official status, as authorizing bylaws have never been passed. Present bylaws set out fire protection areas but do not properly authorize brigades. Mr. Hunter explained that under existing conditions none of the fire departments has the right to go onto private property.
• Headline from the County Herald April 1, 1958; “Predict Enrollment 1,230, Need New School by 1965” Giving a preliminary report on information he and board Secretary R. S. King are now compiling on possible needs for future expansion, he said that by 1965, 14 more classrooms would be needed and enrolment could stand at 1,230. By that time, seven years from now, he said gymnasium, shop and home economics facilities would be inadequate. These figures were conservative ones and were based only on present elementary school enrolment; not taking into account possible increases in population. Present enrolment is 736. By 1963, only five years from now, Mr. Johnston predicts enrolment will be nearly 1,100 pupils and MPDHS would need 10 more classrooms than at present to accommodate them. [They were right.]
• [We have mostly avoided including the hundreds of tragedies that appeared in our local paper, car accidents, fire deaths and drownings are the most numerous. These were the years before seat belts, collapsible steering columns, and safety glass. During the summer in the fifties, at least one person was drowned in North Simcoe every week, often children. We include this item to remind us all to be vigilant.] The combination of a kiddie’s tricycle and a slippery river bank proved fatal for a little Wyebridge lad, who drowned in the Wye River Monday evening. Dead is Herbert Bryan Banks, the five-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Lorne H. Banks, who live near the north end of the village. Coroner Dr. D. C. Swan, Midland, called to the scene, announced that an inquest would not be necessary. Bryan had been playing with Ruth, 6, and Reid Rawn, 3, children of Mr. and Mrs. Angus Rawn who reside just south of the Highway 27 bridge over the Wye. The three children were near the first bend in the river east of the highway and were apparently making their way around to some other children further downstream, in some manner, Bryan and tricycle slipped down the south bank and into the stream.
• J. W. Bald was honored Monday night by members of Caledonian Lodge. A.F. and A.M. on the occasion of his 90th birthday. Oldest past master of the lodge in terms of years, Mr. Bald was presented with a potted plant.
• Fourteen-year-old Dietmar Wagner of Midland, a pupil at Regent Public School, yesterday won the provincial public speaking contest in Toronto. He was one of 11 elementary school pupils who took part in the competitions held in conjunction with the Ontario Educational Association convention being held this week in the Queen City.
• Georgian Bay Hunters and Anglers Association will commence the first of a series of courses on the safe handling of firearms, Thursday night. The meeting will be held in the Midland YMCA. Chief speaker will be Jeff Jones, a former weapons instructor at Camp Borden. His talk will describe the safe handling of guns and safety regulations. Lorne “Smoky” Wood of the GBHA said the meeting was open to persons 14 years and older. He said those who turn out will be divided into classes for the course.
• The “Bowery Four,” comprised of Shirley St. Amand, Pat Blanchard, Danny Donaldson and Debbie Hendrickson, won the amateur night contest at the Roxy Theatre, Thursday night. Nearly 600 persons watched the young dance team romp home to victory. All four are from Midland and are scheduled to appear on a Buffalo television station. Second place honors went to dancer Faith Cripps of Midland. Other contestants were dancer Jane Ladouceur of Penetang, Marcel Carriere, guitar player, Penetang, Wayne Bonar and Murray Drinkle of Midland, singers.
• The TCA flight which leaves Malton for Ottawa at 11 a.m. Thursday will have two very happy Midlanders aboard. They are Miss Judy Mclntyre and her mother, Mrs. Hugh Mclntyre. Judy earned the trip for herself and her mother, as the escort, when she won the Roxy Theatre’s “Queen of Hearts” contest in February.
• Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Robins announce the engagement of their daughter Marilyn Ann to Mr. Glen Bradley Bumstead, son of Mr. and Mrs. Archie Bumstead, Wyevale, the marriage to take place on Saturday, May 10, at 2 p.m. at the Church of the Good Shepherd, Wyebridge. [I enjoy the connections I discover in these articles. Over the years many people stand out as super nice and Mrs. Robins was one and Marilyn Bumstead another and now I know why, mother and daughter.]
• 25 Years Ago This Week – 1933 – Midland was to receive about $425 more in education grants from Simcoe County in 1933 than it received in 1932. The grant for 1933 amounted to $11,116.63. * * * The Royal Scotsman, crack British express train, was on its way to Montreal where it was to be assembled and run to Chicago for exhibition at the Century of Progress Exhibition. * * * Captain Percy Beatty of Midland won the silk topper at Toronto for the second consecutive year, when he took the first ship into Toronto harbor in 1913. His ship, the Coalhaven, had 2,000 tons of coal on board. * * * Dormant for three years, the Georgian Bay Hunters and Anglers re-organized. The new president was Lloyd Thompson. Other officers were Robert Davidson, Penetang, vice-president; Dave Haig, Midland, secretary; L. Thompson, J. B. Hanley, L. S. Wallace, N. K. Wagg all of Midland, Mr. Rawson, C. P. Stocking, Waubaushene. Mr. Davidson and Mr. Warnock, Penetang, directors. * * * Midland harbor was free of ice, the ice having left the bay sometime during the night of April 6. * * * The Canadian Canoe Association was negotiating with the town to hold its annual regatta on Little Lake. The two-day event, which was expected to attract more than 3,000 persons, was scheduled to be held August 4 and 5. * * * The Canadian Amateur Hockey Association had officially approved the forward passing rule in all three playing zones. *  * * Food, clothing, shelter and 20 cents a day were to be provided for 1,000 homeless men at a construction camp the Department of National Defence planned to open at Petawawa.
• Ontario Department of Highways is calling tenders on the structure and approaches for a bridge over the Moon River on Highway 103, five miles south of Footes Bay. Bids close April 23.
• More than 100 persons are expected to attend the Vimy dinner at Parkside Inn tonight. The dinner, the first to be held in Midland in nearly 20 years, is being sponsored by World War I veteran members of Branch 80, Canadian Legion, Midland. Chiefs speaker will be Capt. R. G. Ellsworth of the Orillia Salvation Army Corps.
• OBITUARIES – Mary Jane Bell, 77, died unexpectedly March 24 at the home of her daughter, Mrs. S. R. Cowdy, Yonge Street West, in Midland. Rev. L. Delaney conducted the funeral service held March 27 at A. Barrie and Sons funeral home.  Pallbearers were J. Stainton, A. Tybout, R. Hart, G. Smith, V. Sweeting and R. Vandervelde. Born August 27, 1880, in Peterborough, Mrs. Bell and David Bell were married there March 30, 1911. Mr. Bell predeceased her some time ago.  A member of the Anglican Church, Mrs. Bell had lived in Midland for 44 years. She was a charter member of Ideal Rebekah Lodge. She is survived by three sons; David H. of Midland, William H. and Andrew J. of Toronto and one daughter, Mrs. S. R. Cowdy (Kathleen) of Midland. * * * * W. Joseph Smith, 70, died at Georgian Manor in Penetang March 26, following a heart attack. Pallbearers were George Marshall, Jack Fitzgerald, Albert Smith, Jack O’Hara, Jim Smith and Henry Forget. Born at Wyebridge in 1888, Mr. Smith was educated at Evergreen School. He and the former Dolly Hawkins were married in Midland, but he spent all his life on a farm near Wyebridge. * * * * Native of Penetang, Joseph Bazinet died unexpectedly at his Water Street home March 8. Born in Penetang, Jan. 10, 1904, he had lived there all his life, attending Penetang schools. He had worked for many years for the McGibbon Lumber Co. Mr. Bazinet was a Roman Catholic. Surviving besides his wife, the former Delianne Hamelin whom he married in 1930, are two brothers, Herman of Penetang, and Louis of Montreal, and three sisters, Mrs. William Brophy (Marie), Penetang; Mrs. Rose Mullarky, Picton and Albertine Bazinet, Hamilton.  Pallbearers were six nephews. Allan and Clifford Therrien, Bernard and James Brophy, Edward Bazinet and Elric Dupuis. * * * * A resident of Midland and district all his life, Septimus Maughan died March 29 following an illness of two years. Pallbearers were Wm. Toole, Jack Waples, Elsworth Collins, Lorne Taylor, Morgan Edwards and Gordon Vipond. Born July 25, 1886, in Tay Township, Mr. Maughan was educated there. He and Katie Bennett were married in Toronto Oct. 25, 1924. After farming for several years in the district, Mr. Maughan joined the staff at Copeland Flour mill where he worked until he became ill. Besides his wife, he is survived by two daughters, Vivian and Norma (Mrs. Lloyd Roberts) of Midland; two sons, Ray of Midland, Donald of Edmonton, Alta.; three grandchildren Robin and Lynn Roberts and David Maughan, all of Midland. * * * * Funeral service was held April 1 at his home Lot 11, Con. 7, Tay Township, for Stanley Sallows who died March 30 at Gravenhurst. Pallbearers were Wm. Holm, Godfrey Lye, Elmer Tucker, Wm. Sallows, Joseph Gratrix and George McNeil. Born July 6, 1920, at Victoria Harbour, Stanley Sallows was educated at S.S. 15, Tay, Sturgeon Bay. He married Edith Gratrix Sept. 20, 1940, at Victoria Harbour. Besides his wife Edith, he is survived by sons Robert and Douglas, and his mother, all of Victoria Harbour. Also surviving are sisters, Dora of Mimico, Velma of Sudbury, and brothers Charles and Fred of Victoria Harbour.
• The name “Beatty” on products manufactured by The James Stewart Manufacturing Co., Penetang, is becoming well-known in establishments across the country where commercial cooking units are in use. In addition, the Penetang plant gained considerable prestige through a large exhibit at the recent Canadian Restaurant Convention in Toronto. Included in the exhibit were deep fat fryers, griddles, commercial hot plates, food warmers, commercial ovens and pull down or sandwich grills.
• One of North Simcoe’s legendary and well-known figures in public life, Lance Rumble died suddenly at Palm Beach Florida late Wednesday night. He was in his 63rd year. Often called Hillsdale’s “Ambassador at Large,” Mr. Rumble spread the fame of the tiny North Simcoe village over the far corners of the earth with his stories of the characters, real and fancied, who lived there a half-century or more ago.
• Team and individual trophies were awarded to Legion Branch 80’s crib team at Orangeville. Team members were Charles Spiker, Les Scott, Louis Latour, Garnet Drinkle, Charles Stewart, Herb Wiles, Darcy Fitzgerald, Bruce Woods, Mike Doherty and Jerry Borsa. The team will enter provincial competitions at North Bay.
• HUDSON-David and Eleanor Hudson happily announce the arrival of their daughter, Janice Elaine, at St. Andrews Hospital Midland, on Wednesday, April 9, 1058, a sister for Kathryn.
• KINNEAR — Mr. and Mrs. John Kinnear wish to announce the arrival of their daughter, Susan Frances, on Saturday, April 5, 1958, at St. Andrews Hospital, Midland.
• From the editorial page; “The Gordon Commission members appear to be concerned over the spread of wealth in Canada. So are a good many of their fellow Canadians.”

Two items from the old papers;

1931 Argus advertisement for The Georgian Bay Tourist Company and a 1923 Argus advertisement from the local Ford dealer for a conversion kit to turn your Ford into a sedan.