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  Hundreds of Midland residents paid their final respects to H. J. Thompson at funeral services held at St. Paul’s United Church. The casket is seen passing an honour guard composed of members of Caledonian Lodge A. F. and A. M. of which Mr. Thompson was a past master. Active in many phases of the town’s life during his 50 years residence here, Herman  Thompson died suddenly at his Yonge Street home Monday afternoon, he was in his 66th year.  Mr. Thompson was a member of St. Paul’s United Church, where he had been a member of the Board of Stewards for many years. As co-chairman of the Building Committee, he also played a prominent part in the raising of the money for the large new addition to the church opened in late 1955. Born at Woodford, a village near Owen Sound, Herman Thompson was only in his early teens when he came to Midland in 1907. In 1914 he became associated with  T. J. Campbell, who had established a plumbing and heating business on King Street at the turn of the century. In 1951 the firm of T. J. Campbell and Co. Ltd. surrendered its charter and became H. J. Thompson and Sons Ltd. Mr. Thompson became president, with Mrs. Thompson as vice president, Miss Charlotte Thompson (his sister) as secretary, and his son Jack, as treasurer. His other son, Bill, was also associated with the firm, which in later years expanded to include plumbing, heating, sheet metal and electrical contracting and appliance sales. (The Bill Thompsons were strong supporters of Huronia Museum).  In addition to his many business connections, Mr. Thompson served the town in a variety of organizations. A staunch supporter of the chamber of commerce, he had served as president and was chairman of the Industrial Committee when many new industries were secured. Mr. Thompson also served the town for a quarter-century on the old Board of Education and for a like period as treasurer of St. Andrew’s Hospital. But Mr. Thompson is perhaps best known for his interest in the Midland YMCA; on whose board he served for 30 years, including four as president. He also found time to serve on municipal council for two years, one term of which was as deputy reeve. Mr. Thompson also served his country in two world wars. In the first, he attained the rank of captain in the Grey and Simcoe Foresters and served overseas. In the second,  he served equally well at home as Midland chairman of eight of the nine victory loan campaigns. In ill health in recent years, Mr. Thompson had been forced to curtail most of his community activities. Surviving are his wife, the former Edith Bateman of Mount Forest; two sons, Jack and William; a sister, Miss Charlotte Thompson; and a brother, W. Ewart, all of Midland.

  New members of Midland Council pictured at their inaugural meeting. William Orr, R. J. Pinchin, Douglas Haig and Herb Beauchamp.

  Possibly the largest crowd to date to use the facilities of Midland Resorts Ltd. took advantage of the perfect conditions last weekend. This was the long line of skiers waiting for their turn on the rope tow. Midland Ski Club.

  A careless driving charge has been laid against a Midland resident after he forced the driver of this southbound transport onto the shoulder of William Street between Hugel Ave. and Elizabeth Street causing the truck to tip and spill its cargo of 23 tons of coal.

  Reeve W. H. Keller of Midland, on the left, congratulates Simcoe County warden Fisher Ganton of Medonte after his election Tuesday in Barrie. Keller’s defeat downed Midland’s hopes for their first Reeve in 40 years.

  Chairman of South Georgian Bay District apple day for 13 years, James A. Lennox, right, was honoured this week by members of the association for his work in furthering Boy Scouts in this region. Rev. Ralph Wright, pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, Midland, and president of the SGBD Boy Scouts Association presents Mr. Lennox with a gift.

  New owner of Wilson Taxi in Midland, Joe Levechia gets help from his wife Eleanor (nee Reynolds of Midland), seen speaking to one of the radio directed cabs from their trailer office on Dominion Ave. Mr. Levechia who comes from Port Colborne was a sailor for eleven years before buying the taxi business from Meredith Wilson.

  School board chairman Tom McCullough tries to cut the ribbon to officially open the new gymnasium at MPDHS to inter-collegiate sports. Someone intentionally or otherwise handed him a pair of scissors that wouldn’t cut paper, a problem he quickly resolved by breaking the ribbon with his hands. Bing Caswell, former Midlander who now directs boys athletics at Bloor Collegiate, Toronto, Bill Setterington, his counterpart at MPDHS, and principal Lorne M. Johnston look on.

 

Signing the forms of declaration of office at the inaugural meeting of the Midland Public School Board following their recent election are Mrs. H. McIntyre; chairman Frank Bray and Jack Thompson.

  Almost half a century of railroading came to an end Saturday when CNR conductor Jack Milburn, on the right, made his last run from Midland to Lindsay. He began his career in Lindsay as a brakeman in March of 1910 and still makes his home there. He is seen handing his orders to Engineer Jack Graham, a long time neighbour in Lindsay.

  Billows of smoke and steam from the CNR switcher attest to the below zero temperatures which held Midland in its grip recently. The cold weather returned again last Wednesday after two days of rain washed most of the snow visible in this picture into the bay.  

  Students of MPDHS watch as their senior boys basketball team play against Bloor Collegiate, losing both games to their city rivals. The girls won both of their games.

  Betty Binkley of Penetang is seen with her parents Dr. & Mrs. W. E. Binkley, she will be representing Penetang for a week at the big winter carnival in St. Paul, Minnesota.

  New director of nursing at St. Andrew’s Hospital is Miss Helen Hughes, a native of Cornwall and graduate of Kingston General. 

• Penetang has contracted to replace its eleven year old snowplow with a new FWD truck, the plow and other auxiliaries will be refurbished and used on the new truck at a cost of $10,450.00. Streets chairman Ray MacDonald told council that records show that the old truck had cost an average of $200.00 per year in maintenance, a very low figure for the work it does.
• Thousands are expected to attend the Penetang Winter Carnival on the first weekend of March, many will be drawn by the “scoot” races, an event unique to our area. The fishing derby is also a big draw, organizers are planning 1,000 holes and are hoping for a bigger winning entry than the six inch smelt that took the prize last winter.
• Midland has published its annual graduated rate of discounts and penalties for the payment of municipal taxes. Three percent can be saved in January, payment is at par by July and a three percent penalty will be imposed in December.
• “Wise & Otherwise” editorial feature; North Simcoe, indeed Simcoe County generally has been getting excellent publicity on the metropolitan sports pages for its skiing attractions. Twenty years ago who would have believed, for example, that the Midland-Penetang area would have been recommended by skiers as one of the best winter recreation spots in Ontario. Take a bow again, Pete Pettersen.
• At the Roxy, Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Man Who Knew Too Much” with James Stewart and Doris Day. Also “Rock, Pretty Baby” with Sal Mineo.
• W. S. Belfry a resident of the Vasey area all his life, William Stewart Belfry died Jan. 6 at his home following a stroke. He was 81. Funeral service was held Jan 9 at his home with interment in Vasey Cemetery. Rev. Ross Gumming and Rev. J . Dingwall officiated. Pallbearers were Fred Edwards, Orval Edwards, Frank Smitham, Roy Edwards, Morley Edwards, H. Vasey. Mr. Belfry was born in Vasey, Nov. 2. 1875, and received his education there. In 1903 he married Marion Ellen Cummings in Elmvale. A farmer for 45 years, Mr. Belfry was a member of the United Church and the Orange Lodge. He was a Liberal in politics. Besides his wife he is survived by two brothers, Peter and Albert in Midland; and two sisters, Mrs. May Brown, Toronto, and Mrs. J. Bowles of Barrie.          
• Mary Catherine Garrett, a resident of Port McNicoll for 41 years died Dec. 31 in Toronto of a coronary thrombosis. She was 76. Rev. Charles Carter conducted the funeral service held Jan. 3 from Nicholl’s Funeral Parlor. Temporary interment was in Lakeview Cemetery vault Midland. Pallbearers were Mel and George Marchant, Dalton Garbutt, Gordon Young and grandsons T. Lewis and A. Mateff. Garrett was born and educated in London, England, where she and Richard Garrett were married in 1901. Twelve years later the couple moved to Canada. After a years stay in Victoria Harbour, they moved to Port McNicoll. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church. Surviving relatives include Mr. and Mrs. Charles Marchant of Oakville, Mr. and Mrs. F. D. Garbutt of Toronto, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Garrett of Long Branch, Mr. and Mrs. J. Fryer of Toronto, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Garrett, of Port McNicoll, Mr. and Mrs. A. Young of Belleville, Mr. and Mrs. Percy Garrett of Port McNicoll, Mr. and Mrs. Jack Garrett of Toronto, Mr. and Mrs. Stan Armstrong of Belleville and six great-grandchildren.
• Joseph Mayer, Thunder Bay, Tiny Twp, died Dec. 31 following a heart seizure. Born in Lafontaine 74 years ago. Mr. Mayer had lived there and in Thunder Bay throughout his entire life. He married the former Armina Marcille at Lafontaine in 1918. Besides his wife, he is survived by four daughters. Mrs. Ludger Vallee (Florida), Thunder Bay, Mrs. Moise Beausoleil (Nalda), Lafontaine, Mrs. Philbert Marion (Jeannette), Penetang, and Mrs. Cleopha Marion (Alpha), Perkinsfield. He also leaves five sisters, Mrs. Alfred Forget, Penetang, Mrs. Sullivan, and Mrs. Kelly, Barrie; Mrs. Fred Deni, Midland, and Mrs. Paul Bressette, Victoria Harbour. There are 17 grandchildren. Mr. Mayer had been a farmer and laborer during his working years. Funeral service was held Thursday, Jan. 3, from his home at Thunder Bay to St. Croix Church, Lafontaine. Father T. Marchildon officiated. Burial was in St. Croix Cemetery, Lafontaine. Pallbearers were Thomas Vallee, Telesphore and Phillipe Forget, Martin Brunelle, Joseph Mayer and Ronald Beausoleil.
• Stricken with a heart attack as he was on his way to work shortly after 8 a.m. Monday, Thomas Roberts, Midland, died instantly. He was in his 71st year. Mr. Roberts had been an employee of the late D. S. Pratt for 48 years, the last 14 of which he had served as gardener at the Pratt home on Fifth Street. Carrying his lunch pail, Mr. Roberts collapsed in the yard near the corner of a workshop he had intended to enter. Called to the scene Dr. I. T. Weldon, Midland coroner, said no inquest would be necessary. Funeral services will be held this afternoon at 2 p.m. from the A. Barrie and Sons funeral home. Surviving are his wife and one son, Charles, also of Midland.
• Twenty Five Years Ago – The Women’s Relief Association appealed to the citizens of Midland to assist with monetary contributions for those affected most by the depression. The objective was $5,000. A benefit picture show was to be held for three days at the Model Theatre with all proceeds for the fund. — An explosion in a grain bin in the Collingwood elevator caused burns to one man and slightly injured eight others. Although some of the grain smoldered, a serious fire did not break out. — A new mode in transportation of railway passengers was inaugurated in Midland when a train arrived in town hauled by a “motor driven diesel engine”. —- A seventh death was recorded in St. Thomas following an outbreak of septic sore throat. —- Although the winter of 1931 was the mildest in more than 40 years, 1932 was not far behind for record mildness. In mid-January, 1932, reports were received at the Free Press of budding lilacs, green grass, and dandelions blooming, and several reports of robins. —- Two men from the Moose Point Indian reserve, Billie and Mose Williams, rowed their 17 foot rowboat 35 miles into Midland without seeing any ice during the trip. The first snow they saw was in Midland harbor. Mr. Williams, who had lived in the Harbour area for 30 years, said it was the first time there was no snow on the reserve at that time of the year.
• Bit of Fun — Said the beautiful Hollywood star: “I love the simple things of life.” And to prove it she married three or four of them.
• Wise or Otherwise – editorial- Decision of the Ontario government to abandon its appeal against a court decision overthrowing the Ontario Milk Board’s power to restrict distributors’ licenses, is wise. If this is to be a free enterprise economy no government agency should have the right to refuse a person permission to go into business for himself. (That thinking didn’t stick with government long)
• For the fourth consecutive year, Canada outranks all other countries in the number of telephone conversations per person, averaging 446 per capita. This is considerably above the United States, the second-ranking country, with 409 conversations per person.
• Mr. and Mrs. Jack Gerow are happy to announce the birth of a daughter. Margaret Jane, a sister for Eleanor, on Dec. 17 at St. Andrews Hospital.

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 Michael Bernard Jessome, nine pounds one ounce,  third son to Mr. & Mrs. Jerome Jessome of 307 Queen St. (now 349) was born Christmas morning in St. Andrew’s Hospital.

 First baby of 1957 in Midland is this 10 pound, 6 ounce baby girl, the 11th child of Mrs. Alcime Dorion of 57 Elizabeth Street East (now 181), Midland. Dr. Churchill Swan delivered the baby at 12:04 a.m., January 4th.

  Canadian Pacific #3722, a class N2bs, 2-8-0 steam locomotive built in 1912 by the Montreal Locomotive Works. The #3722 is shown inside the roundhouse at Port McNicoll. This engine would later become the last CPR steamer to leave Port McNicoll on April 30th 1960, the final day of regular freight steam service on the CPR in Ontario. #3722 was scrapped a few months later in September of 1960. Sister engine #3632 was also operating from Port McNicoll at this time.

 A large turnout at the Legion Hall in Victoria Harbour for municipal nominations. Florence Belcher, with purse on her knee at right, is running for Reeve and Vernon Morris, in the fur collared jacket on the left is running for school board.

  Walter Young Machinery and Equipment Company of Waubaushene is doing work for many area firms and large companies as well, Ernest Rambler is operating a German made lathe that is used to produce the many bushings and shafts needed in repair work. Fred Lawson of Sturgeon Bay and Clinton Burley of Waubaushene overhaul the engine from the Tay Township grader.

 Also at Walter Young Machine Max Garland does a welding repair on a “two yard” bucket from a Lima shovel. Not stated, but likely a piece of equipment from the construction of Highway 103, the Trans Canada, happening at that time near Waubaushene.

We have often lamented that the negatives from the Penetang office of the Free Press are not available, we assume they were discarded long ago. Although the quality will not be as good, by scanning we hope to show you some of the people and events from Penetanguishene and Tiny.  The same will be done for photos that were contributed by others such as Watson’s Studio, Rolfoto and the regional correspondents.

 

• Motor vehicle licences and driver’s permits will go on sale in Midland January 2nd. Serial numbers for the plates issued from the Midland office will run from C-44551 to C-47550. Highways Minister James Allen announced that the deadline for new licences would be January 31st, 1957.
• Simcoe County Health Unit reports that 16 percent of rural school wells are providing unsatisfactory drinking water for students. This is down from 60 percent in 1948. In some cases the water was good but the dispensing methods were poor. Multiple students drinking from the same container and poor cleaning and storage of containers.
• Obituaries  —- Hubert J. Ellis – Veteran CNR express agent at Meaford and father of Public School Inspector Ken J. Ellis of Midland, Hubert J. Ellis died in Meaford Dec. 26 after a brief illness. He was 74. Born at Meaford, he was the son of pioneer residents, the late Mr. and Mrs. Frank Ellis.    —-   Agnes Beauchamp –  Mrs. Napoleon Beauchamp died Dec. 14 at 237 Yonge Street, W. following a lengthy illness. She was 57. The funeral was held Dec. 17 from A. Barrie and Sons funeral home to St. Margaret’s Church, where Rev. M. A. Beriault. Rev. R. J. Egan and Rev. F. Voorwerk officiated. Burial was at St. Margaret’s Cemetery. Pallbearers were Doug Wilson, Isadore Arbour, Hec Kilroy. Len O’Leary, William Bourrie and Herb Beauchamp. Mrs. Beauchamp, the former Agnes Arbour, was born Aug. 24, 1899, at Waubaushene. She is survived by her husband, daughter Betty and son Donald, all of Midland.   —-   Miss Alberta Hook, Funeral service was held Dec. 28 for Miss Alberta E. Hook who died Dec. 26 at her home on Lot 105, Con. 1, Tiny, in her 72nd year. Service was held at the A. Barrie and Sons funeral home with temporary interment in Lakeview Cemetery vault. Pallbearers were six nephews, Fredrick Hook, Wallace Hook, Bruce Hook, Gordon Hook, Ernest Wright and Herbert Hornsby. Miss Hook was born in Midland in 1885 and spent her lifetime in this district. She is survived by four sisters, Mrs. J. T. Hornsby (Ettie) Penetang, Miss Amelia Hook, Midland, Mrs. E. E. Wright (Lena), Cane, Ont; and two brothers, Theodore, Midland and Gordon, Penetanguishene.   —-   Captain A.B. Smith, only son of pioneer parents Capt. Richard Smith and Annie Sybella Burke, died Dec. 24 in St. Andrew’s Hospital. Funeral service was held Dec. 27 from his home to St. Mark’s Anglican Church where Rev. G. R. Stanley officiated. Burial will be in the family plot at St. Jame’s Cemetery, Penetang. Pallbearers were Capt. S. C. Bell. Capt. K. C. Clark, James Clarkson, Orville Kitching, James Mackie and Capt. R. Simpell. Capt. Smith was born in Tay Township (Midland Point) Aug. 16, 1889, and lived his lifetime in this community. He was educated at S.S. No. 5 Tay, Midland schools and the Midland Business College. In 1918 he married the former Jane Lahey in Sydney, N.S. He began his sailing career at the age of 18 on tug’s towing saw logs for J. T. Charlton Lumber Co. He attended marine schools at Collingwood, Midland and Toronto and received his master’s inland and mates coastal licence. At the outbreak of World War I he worked in a munitions plant in Midland. He was commissioned in the RCNVR in the fall of 1916 and served as an executive officer on naval craft and minesweepers. Following the war he sailed on the Great Lakes until 1937, and served as captain on several ships, including the Valley Camp. In 1937 he purchased a wholesale gasoline business and operated gasoline supply boats in the district resort area. During World War II he went to the Midland Shipyards where he worked as a rigger and a pilot, and while there piloted many naval craft from the shipyards to Toronto and Kingston. When the shipyard closed he continued to pilot boats and for the past two seasons had been master of the City of Dover. His last trip was to take the “Dover” to Sault Ste. Marie in the fall. Capt. Smith was a member of St. Mark’s Anglican Church, where he served as rector’s warden and people’s warden, the latter when the late Rev. A. W. Ingram was rector. At the time of his death, Capt. Smith was on the parish council. A  Conservative in politics, he was a life member of the Caledonian Lodge, A.F. and A.M. He was fond of carpentry and gardening. Besides his wife, Capt. Smith is survived by three daughters, Donalda (Mrs. Clifford Arnold), Elizabeth (Mrs. J. L. Miller), Nora (Mrs. R. W. Miller); and two sons Douglas and Richard.
• McGill’s Ladies Wear, King Street Midland are holding a January clearance sale.
• 25 Years Ago – Many citizens were skating on Little Lake both day and night as it had been swept clear by the wind. (First week of January 1957 sees the same conditions on the lake) –  Breakfast bacon was 12 cents per pound and roast of beef was 13 cents in 1932.  –   80 percent of the eligible voters attended the polls in Penetang to elect   J. J. McIntaggart mayor over incumbent J. B. Jennings.   –   The Midland hockey executive ordered new green and white uniforms for the town’s hockey teams. The sweaters featured large “M’s” on the front.
• Strike by the CPR members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Fireman puts 75,000 Canadians out of work. Wm. Biggar, terminal agent at Port McNicoll, estimates that 95% of the village population depends upon the CPR for their livelihood and that 140 heads of families are off the job. The company is attempting to re-position firemen who are now redundant on diesel locomotives to other jobs.
• Rumours are still rife that sometime soon development plans may be announced for a residential sub-division on the south side of Little Lake.  All of which makes long term  planning by the township of Tay and the town of Midland that much more desirable. (2017 and it still hasn’t happened) .