Click on Photos to EnlargeTwo fairies, Brenda MacDonald and Bobbi Carson, will be seen in the big Santa Claus parade in Midland Saturday afternoon. With them is Mrs. Ed MacDonald, who does the sewing of the dresses after they have been designed by Mrs. Bob Carson. The ladies already have orders for over fifty costumes for the parade being sponsored by the business men’s committee of the Midland Chamber of Commerce. 

 Mary Scott in her butterfly costume and Jane Sheriff, Little Red Riding hood try on their costumes designed by Mrs. Bob Carson, center, who has forty more to go. 

Some of the more than fifty dresses designed by Mrs. Bob Carson and sewn by Mrs. Ed MacDonald for the Santa Claus parade. 

Following in the footsteps of her brother Winston, a frequent oratorical contest winner, Susan Schell placed well up in the Simcoe County weed essay contest sponsored by county council this fall. Daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Norman Schell, Susan is seen with her teacher Miss Margaret Duffett and Morgan Lewis, principal of Regent Public School. Every member of Miss Duffett’s grade six class submitted essays. 

Seven new members were added to the Penetang Legion Monday, November 25th. They are shown here with the installing officers standing behind. Seated, Ken MacDonald, Earl Vivian, Jerry Quesnelle, Phil Lacroix, Edmond Leduc and Omer Ladoucer. Carson Rae was absent when the photo was taken. Standing, Larry Desjardins, George Scott, Wilkie Garraway, John Houston and Julien Gignac. 

Marianne Wheeler and Honalore Schmid pass a covetous eye over toiletries during teenagers day at Edward’s Specialty Shoppe Saturday afternoon. Girls in the back are Dorothy Prescott and Ann Shaw. 

Teenagers had a gay time for themselves at Edward’s Specialty Shoppe Saturday afternoon. The special event just for teens included modelling clothes, costume jewellery and toiletries, complete with coffee and cokes. In charge of the beverage counter is Doris Wainman and Dianne Willock. 

Mrs. David Markgraf passes an approving eye over costumes worn by Stephanie Shaw, Joanne Christie and Betty Trace. The girls modelled the clothes at Edward’s coke and coffee party Saturday afternoon in Elmvale.

 Every year at this time, members of Midland Junior Chamber of Commerce put up Christmas decorations on light standards along King Street. Bill Spiker, left, and Johnny Gianetto place two of the wooden candy canes on a pole at King and Bay Streets. Wary of falling pliers, Herman Livingston holds the ladder. 

• The Midland Free Press headline of December 4, 1957. Firm to Build New Plant – Cost Tops $1,000,000.00. Pillsbury Canada Limited is building a new plant in Midland at a cost of more than $1,000,000. Executive Vice-president William H. Pinchin announced today. The modern 35,000 square foot structure will house lines for the production of cake mixes and refrigerated fresh dough products. It will be built adjacent to the company’s Midland flour mill.
• The County Herald headline of December 10, 1957. Forecast Boom at Port in Housing & Industry. An unmistakable feeling of optimism hung over the municipal offices in Port McNicoll Wednesday night, despite a rather disappointing turnout for the annual nominations. It wasn’t hard to gather, however, that Reeve Albert Calvert and other members of council feel the year 1958 will be an important one in the village’s history. “I feel next year will be a turning point,” said C. N. Larkin, operator of a small manufacturing plant in Port and seeking re-election to the council for 1958. Reeve Calvert said the village had excellent hopes of obtaining three new small industries and one larger one. Reason for the optimism is based on the proposed new low-cost housing sub-division to be built in the northwest corner of the village, by the Meadows Company.
• Let drop several years ago after a number of successful parades, the big Santa Claus parade is being revived again this year for the benefit of Midland and district children. To be held this Saturday, the parade is being staged through the efforts of the business men’s committee of Midland Chamber of Commerce. It will get underway at 2 p.m. at Midland Town Park. Chairman Walter Wood said yesterday that the parade is assured of at least 17 floats. [The Midland Civitan Santa Claus parade held last Saturday was their 40th consecutive, there were 60 entries.]
• Unless persons using, or who have used the services of St. Andrews Hospital accept the responsibility of paying their bills, they will shortly have no hospital. This was the blunt statement by Chairman R. J. Pinchin during last week’s meeting of the St. Andrews board. Non-payment of accounts left the hospital “no alternative” to the raising of rates, recommended by the Ontario Hospital Commission and reported earlier in this paper, Mr. Pinchin said. Financial statement of the hospital, as of Oct. 31, showed a staggering total of $103,266 in accounts receivable.
• It’s not only the toy makers who are capitalizing on Sputnik. Shoe Corporation of Canada announces that the Hewetson factory at Brampton has introduced a new line of strato shoes. And, in keeping with the Christmas season and the Intercontinental influence, the first strato style has been christened “the missile toe”.
• Future citizens of Midland, who may at some time have cause to open the copper box contained in the cornerstone of the new municipal building, should have a fair idea what life was like in the town in 1957. Contents contained in the box were as  follows: Copy of construction by law of Midland’s first town hall; copy of construction bylaw and Ontario Municipal Board’s order re the new building; portrait of the 1956 council; portrait of 1957 council; copy of Nov. 27th edition of the Free Press Herald; records regarding Caledonian Lodge; records regarding YMCA and Y’s Men’s Club; records regarding the Midland Lion’s Club; picture of present members of Kiwanis Club; Souvenir year book, Midland-Penetanguishene High School, 1956 – 1957; souvenir program of the opening of the new building.
• Nearly 50 Midland-Penetang High School students will participate as actors or stage crews in the school’s inter-house drama festival to be held in MPDHS auditorium Friday night. All four houses—Alpha, Theta, Sigma and Delta—will present plays. Under the direction of Mrs. Tait and Mr. Moffat, House Alpha will present “Rich Man, Poor Man,” from House Theta will come “The Monkey’s Paw,” directed by Mr. Thompson. Sigma’s entry, “Brothers in Arms,” will be directed by Miss Kincaide and Mr. Elliott, “Quiet Please” will be directed by Miss H. Moderwell and Mr. Hanna and will be presented by Delta House.
• 25 Years Ago This Week 1932 – Two county councillors,  Councillor Cunningham of Alliston and Councillor Brandon of Tottenham, submitted a proposal to the November session calling for changes in the council’s constitution. Among their recommendations, was the one suggesting that representation on the council be reduced to the reeve of each municipality. It was felt that this cut in members and other recommendations they made would pare the costs of county council 50 percent.  *  * * The Holland House, a summer hotel at Waubaushene, was destroyed by fire which broke out about 3 a.m. The owners of the building were in Toronto at the time. Midland fire brigade was called to help keep the flames from spreading to other buildings. * * *  East Simcoe Liberals, at a meeting in Midland’s Capitol Theatre, mustered their forces for the forthcoming federal election. J. T. Payette was re-elected president and Wm. A. Robinson was returned as secretary  * * * Coldwater dog owners were up in arms over an epidemic of dog poisonings which had occurred in the village. * * * A report from Berlin, Germany, indicated that a post office official in that city was suing his wife for divorce because of her “excessive and inconsiderate cigar-smoking.” * * * Honey Harbour permanent and summer residents had requested the Ontario Hydro to construct power transmission lines into the area. The power could be brought in from Port Severn, the group suggested.
• Faced with a $17,000 deficit, Victoria Harbour council has announced it will impose a one percent compound interest penalty on all tax arrears, effective Jan. 1, 1958. The decision was taken at a special meeting of the council Nov. 29 and was contained in a motion submitted by Councillors Theo Bernard and W. A. Savage.
• Chief of the Ontario Department of Lands and Forests lands division at head office, A. S. Bray, son of Mr. and Mrs. M. J. Bray, Midland, has been appointed regional director over the northwestern section of the province. He will be stationed at Port Arthur.

 

Click on Photos to EnlargeThis is great fun says Jay Ellis, one of the youngest visitors who attended the motor and fashion show sponsored by the Midland Junior Chamber of Commerce in the armoury on the weekend. Jay is the daughter of Ken Ellis, public school inspector for the area and Mrs. Ellis. 

Completed at a cost of nearly $200,000.00 for building and furnishings, Midland’s new municipal building will be officially opened this afternoon, Wednesday, November 27th, 1957. The open house will be held this afternoon and evening. Thursday night, in the new auditorium, nominations for candidates for mayor, Reeve, deputy-reeve, public school board and public utilities commission for 1958 will be held. 

“Well and truly laid” the cornerstone of Midland’s new municipal building on Dominion Ave. is set in place by mayor Charles Parker at a ceremony held Wednesday. Alderman Clinton Smith, program chairman looks on. 

One of the outstanding features of the new Midland municipal building is the large room on the west side that serves as a courtroom, council chambers and auditorium. 

Typical of the fine appointments in Midland’s new municipal building is this lounge in the main rotunda. Public school inspector Ken Ellis looks on while Marion Wilcox, left, and Miss Diane Anest try out the new sectional furniture. 

One of several outside organizations with offices in the new municipal building is the Georgian Bay Development Association. General manager Neville Keefe is seen going over some work with his secretary, Mrs. Lillian Chilcott. 

Happy in his new office at the new municipal building on Dominion Ave. is clerk-treasurer Bill Hack. 

Firemen are well accommodated in the new municipal building. Chairman of the fire committee, Alderman Bill Orr examines the very latest in resuscitators. With him are Jack Small on the left and Chief Arnold Tippin. 

Good police facilities are one of the features of Midland’s new municipal building. At work in the general office are Sgt. Ernie Bates, Sgt. George Wainman and Chief Robert Cameron. 

 

A hen owned by Jack Deschamp of Cedar Point really went overboard on the production line last week. The result was the two eggs in one, shown above. The smaller one, about the size of a normal egg, although more round in shape, was inside the big one, which measured three inches in length and was two inches thick. The egg was among two dozen Mr. Deschamp delivered to Mr. and Mrs. Jack Valliear, Midland. The other 23 were of normal size and shape. 

 

Last weeks successful fashion and motor show sponsored by the Midland Jaycees was a big occasion for the ladies as well as the males interested in the latest in motor cars. The sponsor of the fashion show, Mrs. R. B. Moffatt of the Wool Shop, on right, goes over details with her commentator Mrs. Josie Tersigni of Penetanguishene. 

Mrs. Norman Ladoucer of Penetanguishene won the jackpot of $280.00 worth of silver dollars on her theatre program at the Pen Theatre last Thursday night. She is shown here receiving the silver from Bill Belrose, manager of the Pen Theatre. Mrs. Ladoucer said she would use the money for Christmas shopping. 

[A spiced up version of the classic Charles Laughton and Maureen O’Hara movie]

 

IOOF officers of Midland Lodge Number 274 for the coming year are; front, Stuart Glassier recording secretary, John Sharp financial secretary, Charles York noble grand, Percy Smith vice grand, Albert Bowie treasurer; middle, Archie Campbell conductor, John Eakley LSS, Eric Heels RSNG, I. Rumney chaplain, Ed Collins warden; back row, Ernie Bates JRPG, Ellsworth Collins RSS, Allan Cameron OG, Albert Blythe IG, Omery Caudle RSNG, Garfield Steer RSVG. 

 The above photo was one of a series of safety ads that ran in the newspaper in 1954 and 1959, the people and locations are all local.

• The Free Press headline from November 27th, 1957. Two-Way Mayoralty Fight in the Offing for Midlanders. Mayor Charles Parker told this newspaper yesterday he plans to make another bid as mayor; if he is nominated. Although they did not wish to reveal the name of the “dark horse” candidate, two sources indicated the incumbent mayor would likely be opposed. Both Reeve W. H. Keller and Deputy-reeve R. J. Pinchin indicated they would stand for nomination again this year. There were reports, too, that these two seats might be contested. In the aldermanic race, all four aldermen on this year’s council, have signified they are willing to stand again for the nomination. They are Clinton Smith for Ward 1, Wm. Orr for Ward 2, Herb Beauchamp for Ward 3 and Douglas Haig for Ward 4. Other possible candidates for alderman are William Wilcox, former, alderman for Ward 4, and Ozzie Downer, former Ward 2 alderman. Of the school board members up for re-election this year, at least one has indicated he is dropping out, Dr. John Corcoran, a public schools board member since 1949, said the pressure of business and reserve army work made it necessary for him to withdraw this year. Still considering the proposal is Tim Nesbitt. Harold Wilcox could not be contacted at press time to determine whether he would offer himself for re-election. It is felt, however, that he will stand. Public utility commissioners O. H. Smith and Alex Macintosh said they would let their names go before electors for service on the PUC. Mr. Smith is chairman of the PUC this year.
• The County Herald headline from November 29th, 1957. Board Boosts Ward Rates – Hikes Range .50 to $1.00. Informed by the Ontario Hospital Commission there was no hope of further financial assistance from government sources, St. Andrews Hospital Board Wednesday night decided to put into effect one of the recommendations of the commission — an increase in rates. Proposed new rates for St. Andrews are $7.50 per day for standard wards of over four beds (up 50 cents on the present rate); $8 for standard wards, four beds up $1) ; $10 for two-bed semi-privates (up $1) ; $9.50 for three-bed semi-private (up 50 cents). Other increases are $11, $12 and S16 for private, as compared with $10, 12 and $15 at present; $7.50 children’s ward (up 50 cents); $3 for the nursery, the same as at present; $4.50, for nursery after the mother has left the hospital (up 50 cents).
• Struck by a car on Main Street, Penetanguishene, early Saturday evening, Joseph Geroux, 70, of Port McNicoll, was instantly killed. A widower, Mr. Geroux lived alone in a small home in Port McNicoll, where he had been employed as a teamster and a labourer for many years. There are no children, village officials said.
• Penetanguishene’s now famous winter carnival is suffering “growing pains”. To help alleviate these, a change in name was decided on last week on the suggestion of Marcel Bellehumeur, chairman of the committee responsible for the event. As of now, the big winter fun event is to be known as Penetanguishene Winterama. The committee hopes this name will gain favour until the old winter carnival designation is forgotten, and Winterama will be synonymous with Penetanguishene. The queen contest, which was first added last year, will again be a feature of this year’s Winterama.
• An unidentified Penetanguishene pedestrian had a close brush with death from electric shock Saturday night when he failed to heed the warning of police, and stepped on a live wire carrying 2,300 volts. Constable Art Lizotte said several live wires were lying in a maze along Main Street near the Rural Hydro office after a car driven by Orville Tremblay had collided with a pole, snapping it off and scattering the wires. The constable said he saw the man coming and warned him of the danger, only to receive some “back talk”. Immediately the man stepped on one of the live wires and was lifted about three feet off the ground. Fearing to go into the mass of wires, the police officer stood for a moment and watched the victim lying on the ground. Within a short time, the pedestrian apparently recovered, got to his feet and walked away, apparently unharmed by the stiff jolt.
• Comments of residents of this area who attended the Whitby-Russia hockey game at Maple Leaf Gardens Friday night were almost unanimous in favour of the more wide-open game played under international rules. Several fans said the absence of vicious board-checking, a prominent feature of the Canadian game, was one of the most pleasant features of Friday’s game.
• Ten Years Ago This Week – Mayor and council of Penetanguishene for 1948 were elected by acclamation. Mayor-elect was William D. Hunter. The only newcomer to the council was Gerald V. Martin. * * * Midland had to call a second nomination meeting to obtain sufficient members for its new public school board. Only four of 11 candidates nominated at the first meeting signed qualification papers. * * * Four Kiwanians—Dave Haig, J. H. Cranston, Francis Beer and V. G. Edwards — debated the merits of a town planning commission at a meeting of Midland Kiwanis Club. The debate ended without a final decision being taken. * * * Dr. James Small of Midland, Rev. R. L. McLaren of Penetanguishene and Rev. George Morrison, Wyevale, were among a group of 12 men appointed to study the possibility of establishing a juvenile and family court in Simcoe County. The committee was to submit its recommendations to the January session of the county council. * * * Simcoe County council favoured the establishment of a county health unit. One of the men spearheading the proposal was Reeve George Patterson of Port McNicoll. * * * Ten members of Coldwater Home and School Association attended a council meeting in the village to discuss the appointment of a village representative to the Orillia High School Area Board. Mrs. Robert MaConachie was asked to accept the appointment.* * * North Simcoe farmers were warned by Ontario Department of Agriculture officials to feed carefully to make their hay supply last through the winter. Wet weather had resulted in considerable spoilage of the 1947 hay crop.
• Vasey — The annual meeting of the Sunday School was held at the home of Mrs. Geo. Hawke, Nov. 13, with 15 in attendance. Ross Faint read the 23rd Psalm and prayer was offered by Miss Eleanor Edwards. Mrs. Orville Edwards acted as secretary the evening. The report showed an enrolment of 85 including the Cradle Roll, with an average attendance of 56, for the 41 Sundays of Sunday School. The treasurer, Ken Robinson, reported a balance of more than $70.
• St. Andrew’s Hospital Board Wednesday evening accepted “with regret” the resignation of its administrator A. E. “Andy” Davidson. Mr. Davidson, who is accepting a position with  Pillsbury of Canada Ltd. asked that his resignation become effective at the earliest possible date.

Click on Photos to Enlarge

Little League hockey at the Arena Gardens means a lot of work for comparatively few men as well as a lot of fun for more than 500 boys in Midland, Penetanguishene and surrounding areas. Equipment manager for the night, Frank Webb, is seen handing Brian Berriault a set of uniforms for his Boston team of the NHL B section. Play starts at 7 a.m. Saturdays, meaning an early rise for players and officials. 

There may well be some players among the 500 taking part in Little League hockey in Midland and Penetanguishene who will hit the “big time” someday. Rival players rate Bob Mathis as one of the hardest goalies in the league to beat. 

Knox Church Midland was filled to capacity Monday when funeral services were held for Wm. A. Robinson, QC, deputy speaker in the last House of Commons and a member of the legal profession in this town since 1926. A native of Penetanguishene, Mr. Robinson also took an active interest in promoting skiing in this area in his younger years. Internment at Penetang Presbyterian Cemetery. 

Three of the honourary pallbearers at the funeral of William Robinson are pictured here, Dr. D. C. S. Swan, Midland; W. L. Moore of Orillia, a former Liberal provincial candidate; Hon. Walter E. Harris, minister of finance in the last Liberal government. 

There will be nearly 300 more feet of docking facilities for small craft in Midland harbour next year. Three Midland men, Homer and Bob Wilson and Mac Dempsey prepare the 12-foot long cedar timbers that will form the base of the docks. 

After a lapse of several years, Midland Junior Chamber of Commerce is reviving its combined motor and fashion show at Midland Armory, November 22 and 23. Checking the venue are Jaycees Norm Palmateer, President Jack Gardner and Ray Smith. 

Electronic range (microwave oven) now on the market attracted a number of curious Midland women while it was on display at Barber & Haskill Limited’s anniversary celebrations. Demonstrator Audrie Boake shows how the unit cooks eggs in 20 seconds and bakes potatoes in four minutes using radio waves. 

Three of the models taking part in the Junior Chamber of Commerce motor and fashion show to be held at the Midland Armory, Nov 22 and 23. Fashion portion is sponsored by the Wool Shop. Models are Mary Arbour, Grace Edgar and Mrs. Walter Wood. 

Roy Salisbury of RR 1 Penetanguishene has his own collection of monsters in his cottage, The Cedars, Midland Point. This strange creation was created by cutting the first slab off of a spruce log in a mill at Emsdale. They have them (widely publicized) in Scotland and British Columbia, so there seems no reason why North Simcoe can’t have its Lake Ness monster or Ogopogo. At one time Mr. Salisbury had more than 50 odd-shaped pieces in his collection. He is also the proud possessor of a “talking dog” that can perform a number of mathematical stunts. 

Everybody had reason to be proud of the football teams at MPDHS this year and their feats were honoured at an athletic banquet Thursday night. Bill Kennedy, coach of the junior team, John Dubeau, junior co-captain, Doug Swales, senior coach, Bob Megaw quarterback and Joe Huston captain of the senior team and Bob Popple co-captain of the junior team. 

There’s nothing hardier than a hardy fisherman, such as the one seen in this picture taken below the dam at Port Severn last Sunday. There was snow on the ground, and a biting north wind, but that didn’t stop this fellow, and others out of range of the camera.

 

• The headline from the Free Press Herald, November 20, 1957; Predict $20,000 Deficit for Simcoe County CAS Amid complaints about the “carping criticism of sniping busybodies trying to discredit the work of the society,” the president of the Children’s Aid Society told county councillors Monday the CAS was in the red after nine months operation in 1957. W. G. E. Cumberland gave the interim financial report at the opening meeting of the November session of Simcoe County council in Barrie. In spite of an increase of $6,184.21 over expected revenue for the first nine months of 1957, the report showed the CAS spent nearly $21,000 over the budgeted expenditure for that period. Or $14,795.65 more than the actual revenue for that period. The budget included an amount of $17,820 to be paid to other societies during the entire year for their wards chargeable to Simcoe County. During the period up to Sept. 30, $28,152.35 was spent for this purpose, while $18,145.89 was the amount received for the above.
• The headline from the County Herald, November 22, 1957; Federal Vote Early in ’58, Election Supplies on the Way There are indications in this riding this week that electors may be casting ballots in a federal election early in 1958. J. D. McNamara, the returning officer for Simcoe East, told a representative of this newspaper he had received notification yesterday that four mail bags of election supplies were on the way.
• The electorate of Penetanguishene was conspicuous by its absence when all three elected boards of the town were left to decide their own fates for 1958. Only four citizens turned up at the nomination meeting in the town hall Friday evening. A total of 14 persons six members of the council, three of the school board, one town employee, and four citizens stood around the council chambers until nominations closed at 8.30 p.m. The number was swelled to 16 by the addition of the town clerk and a representative of the press who took no part in the procedure, other than recording nominations as they were presented. The entire 1957 council was returned to office when the only other person nominated failed to qualify by the Saturday night deadline.
• Some 50 residents of Georgian Manor, Penetanguishene, are in need of entertainment, particularly with the arrival of colder weather which keeps them indoors, Ivan Vasey, superintendent of the home, said this week. Mr. Vasey said he hoped clubs, church groups or other organizations would provide some form of entertainment at the manor. [Local service groups provide a monthly birthday party for the residents]
• Knox Presbyterian Church, Midland, Monday afternoon, was filled to near capacity for the funeral service of William A. Robinson, Q.C., former deputy speaker in the House of Commons, who died in Toronto General Hospital Friday. He was in his 53rd year. The flower-banked sanctuary of the church was evidence too, of the esteem in which the former Midland barrister and Simcoe East member was held. Appointed honorary pallbearers were Hon. Lester B. Pearson, Hon. Walter E. Harris of Markdale, Hon. James Sinclair and William Benedickson of Ottawa, Maurice Bourget of Levis, Quebec; R. J. Pinchin of Midland; George McLean, John Mclsaac and Wm. L. Moore, Q.C. of Orillia; George Burns of Port McNicoll, Jan Ulrichsen of Penetang, Judge James G. Harvie of Barrie, Maurice Ollivler of Ottawa, Frank Goatcher and Dr. D. C. S. Swan of Active pallbearers were L. S. Wallace, Wells Hartman, Norman Shaubel and T. M. McCullough of Midland; John Evans of Montreal and George Grondin of Ottawa. Born in Penetang July 12, 1905, he was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. George Robinson, prominent Lumberman and merchant of that town. He attended Penetang public and high schools, completing his senior matriculation at Upper Canada College, Toronto.
• Several officers and sailors from this area are aboard the steamer “Alexander Leslie,” reported being in difficulty on Lake Erie yesterday. Master of the vessel, which unloads frequently at Century Coal Co.’s dock in Midland is Capt. Alex McCullagh, Jr., of Port McNicoll. Crew members include Marvin Hebner son of Mr. and Mrs. Bert Hebner, Midland, and Lloyd Scott of Wyebridge. Although of Canadian, registry, the Alexander Leslie is operated by the American owned Lake Erie Navigation Co., it was learned here.
• Midland Church News – published weekly – ST. MARKS ANGLICAN; The Cubs and Scouts have exchanged meeting nights. Cubs will now be meeting Wednesday at 7 p.m. and the Scouts will meet Mondays. This week the Scout group committee will meet Wednesday at 8 p.m. There will be corporate communion for the Women’s Auxiliary on St. Andrew’s Day, Saturday, Nov. 30. KNOX PRESBYTERIAN; The November meeting of the Dorothy Lukes Auxiliary was held Tuesday evening in the ladies’ parlour with Mrs. J. Tully’s group in charge. The study for the year has been ‘The Church in South Eastern Asia’. The final chapters of this book were summarized by Mrs. C. Price, Mrs. J. Corcoran and Mrs. J. Wallace. Mrs. Lorne Johnston played a piano solo. Scripture was read by Miss Campbell and Mrs. P. Walton, followed by prayer by Mrs. W. Manson. A social hour followed the meeting. CALVARY BAPTIST; At the meeting of the W.A. held at the parsonage last Thursday; Mrs. J. H . Cranston led the devotions and gave a reading on “The Meaning of Church Service”. Plans were made to assist again this year with the Cradle Roll Christmas party being convened by Mrs. S. Thompson. The congregation learned with regret of the passing of Rev. R. D. Wright’s mother, Mrs. Dadson, in Orillia last Friday. The members of the Midland Fire Brigade were guests at the morning service last Sunday. The Fourth Midland Cub and Scout Auxiliary held a rummage sale last Thursday. ST. PAUL’S UNITED; Tuesday evening there was a joint meeting of WMS groups in the church hall. Members of St. Paul’s and district attended. Mrs. George Perkins presided over the worship service. Miss Claudia Reynolds sang with Miss Lois Cowan as piano accompanist. Dr. Winifred Thomas of Cheltenham spoke on “Christian Giving” and was introduced by Mrs. Orchard Marshall. Mrs. S. Ruby thanked the speaker. Refreshments were served later by the group. ALLIANCE TABERNACLE; The regular bi-monthly meeting of the Women’s Missionary Prayer Band will meet Nov., 25 at 7:45 p.m.
• Obituary – A resident of this community all her life Ruth Alice Lummis died Oct. 15 at Wyebridge. She was 85. Funeral service was held Oct. 18 at her home at Wyebridge. Rev. John R. Fralick officiated. Burial was in the family plot at Wyebridge Cemetery. Pallbearers were Munro Adams, Oliver Anderson, Jack Eakley, Bruce Kitching, Billie Preston and Allan Cameron. Mrs. Lummis, the former Ruth Alice McRae, was born Feb. 17,1872, at  Wyebridge, where she was educated. On Aug. 9, 1898, she married Frederick Lummis in Penetang. She had resided a few years in Midland and then at a fruit farm near Wyebridge before her husband purchased the Wyebridge store where they lived for 17 years. Following this, they moved to Balm Beach for 11 years. Mrs. Lummis was associated with the first telegraph operation in Wyebridge. She was a member of the Anglican Church and in early years had been organist in the Presbyterian Church in the village. Mrs. Lummis was the charter treasurer of the Wyebridge Women’s Institute. Predeceased by her husband Nov. 19, 1938, she is survived by a daughter, Joy (Mrs. Ernie Robins) of Wyebridge and son Hercule of Wyebridge. * * * Ann Howard, wife of the late Harry Howard, died Nov. 3 in St. Andrews Hospital, following a heart attack. She was in her 88th year. Rev. J. L. Self conducted the funeral service held Nov. 5 at A. Barrie and Sons funeral home, Midland. Burial was in Lakeview Cemetery. Pallbearers were Harry Howard, J. Howard, Wm. Hodges, Wm. Borland. and A. E. Martin. Mrs. Howard was born Nov. 27, 1869, in Ireland, County Mayo, where she received her education. In 1879, Rev. David James married her and Harry Howard at Midland First Presbyterian Church. She had lived five years in Sturgeon Bay and the remaining 65 years in Midland. A member of the Presbyterian Church, she enjoyed flower gardening, knitting and crocheting. Predeceased by her husband April 6, 1933, she is survived by two daughters. Ruby Palmer of Toronto and Charlotte Jenkinson of Midland. There are seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
• Well known in Midland in his earlier years, George Pierce MacArtney, Phar. D.M.B., M.D., C.M., died in Bradford Nov. 10. He was in his 92nd year. Dr. MacArtney and a brother operated a drug store at King Street and Dominion Ave. for several years, following which Dr. MacArtney lived in Bradford and Stratford for various periods. He returned to Midland some years ago but moved to Bradford following the death of a sister a few years ago. They resided on Hugel Ave. W.
• One hundred and sixteen girls turned out last Saturday afternoon for the first day of lessons with the Lions’ figure skating club. Instructress again this year is Miss Joan Meloche who teaches six groups of skaters in 40-minute sessions, beginning at 3.15 p.m. For the first two or three weeks, Miss Meloche will assess the skating of each member for possible transfers to other groups.
• 25 Years Ago This Week 1932; Midland council took steps to ease the burden of taxpayers who were behind in payment of current taxes. The percent penalty added to overdue taxes was not to become effective until Jan. 1, 1933. * * *  The director of education for Ontario advocates the abolition of departmental examinations for secondary school students. He said they only tortured the pupil and were no real test of his ability. * * * Cyril Uwins, a British pilot, set a new world’s altitude record for aircraft reaching 43,976 feet or nearly 8 1\2 miles. Uwins received a broken neck when his plane crashed during World War I and was forced to wear a metal brace to hold the vertebrae in place. * * *  Midland council had awarded the contract for the installation of an artificial ice plant in the arena. The project was to cost $26,000. * * * Organist, and choirmaster at Calvary Baptist Church, Midland, for eight years. Professor Joseph Reay, RGCO, resigned because of ill health. * * * Germany was faced with a political crisis. The Junker Cabinet had resigned and Adolph Hitler, fiery chief of the Nazis’ was to have a major part in the formation of a new cabinet. * * * At its final session, Simcoe County council decreed it would no longer guarantee debentures for constituent municipalities. The county itself had no funded debt. * * *  A Midland man gathered a dozen dandelions while at his cottage at Cawaja Beach. Although centres farther south were shivering from the blasts of winter, North Simcoe citizens were enjoying a spell of balmy weather.