The photos found in this blog post are the property of Huronia Museum, Midland, Ontario. Any reproduction for commercial use without permission is prohibited.  Any other distribution must credit Huronia Museum.  Please contact the museum with any questions you may have.  

For the first time in its long history, Simcoe County has a warden of French-Canadian ancestry. Above wearing his robes of office for the first time following his election Monday is Montcalm Maurice, – reeve of Tiny Township. Equally proud and happy is Mrs. Maurice. “Monty,” as he is familiarly known to his colleagues in county council, is the first warden from Tiny Township in 48 years. 

It was a long time between wardens — 48 years in fact — for Tiny Township. New Simcoe warden Montcalm Maurice (seated) hears congratulations from Tom Simpson, who was the last reeve of Tiny to win the warden-ship, back in 1913. 

Now starting his 15th term in county council, Reeve Montcalm Maurice was elected warden by 40 votes to 26 in a two-way battle with Flos Township Reeve Earl Trace. The first to congratulate the new warden, Reeve Trace moved that Reeve Maurice’s election be made unanimous, a motion that was greeted by sustained applause. As a number of people, including senior county judge, J. G. Harvie, mentioned, it is the first time a man of French Canadian ancestry has been named to the County’s highest post. 

Armand Levesque, 26, of Port Severn, its driver, stands beside the damaged dump truck involved in accident on Highway 103, near Waubaushene, Saturday afternoon. The truck, loaded with fill, was hit on the left rear corner. Other vehicle involved was a small European car (Volkswagen beetle).

In the first fatal accident of the new year in the North Simcoe area, John D. Cousins, 34-year-old Thornhill resident, was killed instantly in a collision involving a small European-type car and a loaded truck Saturday afternoon. The accident occurred on Highway 103, near Waubaushene. OPP Constables Michael Chapman and Glen Graham inspect car in fatal accident.

 Old-Timers who took part in the hockey game between Barrie Radio-TV All-Stars and the Midland Selects last Tuesday night were glad to find a place to sit down between periods — any place. Above are Ed Houle (front) and, left to right at back, Sib Brodeur, Jack Sager and Bun Deschamp. The game netted $300 for Midland’s Little NHL activities. 

Still looking as much alike as the proverbial “two peas in a pod” Mrs. Constant King and Mrs. Mary Belanger spent their birthdays together in the former’s farm home at Mount St. Louis Monday. Remarkable thing about this is it happened to be their 80^th birthdays. 

Accustomed to hard work all their lives, both look quite capable of chalking up another decade, at least, barring accidents. “We can’t complain about our health much at our age,” Mrs. Belanger told this paper. Born in Penetang January 16, 1881 Sarah and Mary Louise Bonneau were the daughters of the late Mr. and Mrs. Octave Bonneau. They were three years old when their father, a carpenter, moved his family of 10 children to Lafontaine. Still living besides the twins are; Mrs. Tom Fox (Rachael) Port McNicoll; Mrs. Andrew Moreau (Ida) Port Severn; Tom Bonneau, Prescott and Phillip Bonneau, Hastings. Mary Louise was the first to get married when she wed James Belanger in 1900. Her husband who died some six years ago worked in the bush or farmed all his life. After a year in Penetang when they were first married the Belangers then lived for various times in Midland, three years, at Madison in Northern Ontario for seven years, back to Midland for more than 15 years, and finally, a quarter century ago to Mount St. Louis, where they had a farm on Concession 3, Medonte. Mrs. Belanger brought a grand total of 20 children into the world, including two sets of twins. Nine children are still living, including twin sons Edgar Belanger of Midland and Phillip of Hillsdale, with whom she now lives. Other living children are George, Beamsville; Mrs. Alcide Pauze (Rose), Elmvale; James, Midland; Mrs. A. Belcourt (Margaret) also Midland; Roland, Peterborough; Arthur, whom she hasn’t heard from in years; Mrs. Francis Grenier (Bernadette) Elmvale and Eugene of Mount St. Louis. Two years after her sister, Sarah married Constant King and they too started their wedded life in Penetang, where they remained five years. A farm at Port Severn was their home for the next 32 years, and the last 18 years of their lives have been spent on a farm on Con. 4, Medonte, a half-mile north of the “Mount”. Mrs. King has three daughters and an adopted son, Robert King, who lives at Severn Falls. The daughters are Mrs. Earl Barber (Blanche) and Mrs. Fred Kibbel both of Buffalo; Mrs. Theo King (Lorrette) who with her husband, lives on home farm. Mrs. King still carries out the household duties in her home. Mrs Belanger still knits, sews, quilts and spins, skills she learned many years ago and has carried them on throughout her lifetime. 

If these chaps look a little weary – they were, after three tough 12-end games in the Governor-General’s competition in Midland Wednesday. Although you’d hardly know it, these two Midland rinks emerged the winners of the double-rink event and will advance further in the play­downs. Seated are the two skips, Karl Bertrand (left) and Al Steer. Their mates were, left to right, Marty Fitzgerald, Harold McAllen, Stan Burton, Harold Wilcox, Lloyd Wilcox, and Dennis Mohan. 

The proof readers at the Free Press rarely missed an error in the newspaper but “Skating Ring” may have been one of them.

Municipal Board Vetoes County Grant to Hospital 
Free Press Herald headline of January 18, 1961.

Midland ratepayers got a $111,577.50 sock in the eye as Simcoe County council assembled for its first real day of business of the new term at Barrie Tuesday morning. One of the first communications read by Clerk Fred Hunter was one from the Ontario Municipal Board. Over the signature of B. Vickers, acting secretary, it said, that in view of information deceived from County Solicitor J. G. Currie it could not give approval for county council to assist with the payment of debentures issued on behalf of St. Andrews Hospital, Midland. Which means, the town of Midland will have to pay the $117,577.50 in hospital debentures. 

Future May Be Brighter for Boat Building Firms 
County Herald headline of January 20, 1961.

A trend in preference toward wooden boats, indicated in several U.S. surveys, could have far-reaching effects on the Canadian boat-building industry this year, Andy Morrison, general manager of Grew Boats, Penetang, told this newspaper yesterday. Mr. Morrison said American previews indicate a trend back to the wooden boat. Trade magazines have published interviews with many men in the industry, and all seem to agree the wooden boat is coming back into its own, he said. Mr. Morrison said that people who have purchased molded fiber glass and aluminum boats are now showing a preference for qualities offered in boats constructed of wood. 

    A former member of Port McNicoll council and a barber in that village for 14 years, Jack Fisher died unexpectedly Wednesday evening at his home. He was in his 62^nd year. Besides his widow, he is survived by two sons, Jack of Midland and William of Rochester, and two sisters, Mrs. Sadie Turner of Coldwater and Mrs. Edna Taylor of Fort Erie. Funeral service will be held at A. Barrie and Sons funeral home Saturday afternoon. 

    Dr. P. B. Rynard, M.P. for Simcoe East, revealed yesterday that the government wharf at Victoria Harbour is to be repaired this winter. Dr. Rynard said the contract for the work had been awarded to Lloyd Murday of Midland. The Midland contractor’s bid on the project was $3,600. The wharf was built about eight years ago. 

    Announcement was made week that the reward offered for information leading to conviction of the murderer of Oliver Forget has been doubled and now stands at $2,000. Chief Jack Arbour of Penetang said the additional sum is being offered by the CIB (Criminal Investigations Branch) of the OPP. The Town of Penetang originally had put up $1,000 reward in an attempt to assist police in solving the Oct. 22 slaying. 

    The year-end financial report of Penetang Memorial Community Centre, submitted by Chairman Clarence Sinclair, showed the large debt had been reduced to $3,800 despite the fact a $3,640 capital expenditure had been necessary during the year. Still owing is $2,700 on the ice machinery and $1,100 on the rear wall repair work. Total  payments made during the  year ran to $17,231.98. Curling was the big revenue producer for the year. The men’s club turned in $3,425 and the ladies $2,165. Scheduled hockey produced $779 and industrial hockey $328: General skating accounted for $1,138, and ice rentals brought $650. Almost one-half of the total $24,616 revenue came from donations and fund-raising projects, with a combined total of $12,276.  

TEN YEARS AGO
Action of the Midland Public Schools Board in withdrawing from the central accounting of Midland town office was termed “unwarranted’ “arbitrary” and “precipitate” in a formal resolution passed unanimously by Midland council. * * * Largest bulk freighter of the Upper Lakes and St. Lawrence Transportation Company fleet was under construction in the Midland Shipyards. * * * It appeared unlikely members of council would agree with the proposal of County Assessor Eric Simpson that there should be a 25 per cent reduction in rural land assessments. * * * New councillor George Kerr, who headed the polls at the elections in Penetang was elected chairman of relief and welfare after councillors Archie Verriere and Jerome J. Gignac had refused the positions at council’s inaugural meeting. * * * Midland council authorized a grant of $500 to be used in organizing a civil defence headquarters in Midland. * * * Victoria Harbour residents were talking about their newly formed Boys and Girls Band which was conducted by Arthur Laley, bandmaster of the Midland Boys Band. * * * Fred Brown, Coldwater Postmaster and Past Master of Karnak Masonic Lodge Coldwater, had the distinction of installing his son William as master of the lodge. Six members of the Brown family had been masters of the Coldwater lodge. * * * Alfred Andrew Thompson, first clerk and treasurer of the united townships of Tiny and Tay which were to celebrate their 100th anniversary, Jan. 30, 1951, was also the first mayor of Penetang when it was incorporated as a town in 1881. 

OBITUARIES
ESTHER PATENAUDE
After a lengthy illness, the death occurred Jan. 3 in Penetang General Hospital of Esther Patenaude. In her eighty-ninth year. Mrs. Patenaude leaves eight children and a large number of descendants, including 35 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. Born Sept. 17, 1872, in Lafontaine, she was married there in 1894 to Peter Patenaude. The couple moved to Penetang after the wedding and she had lived there ever since. Her husband predeceased her in 1917. In politics, she was an active supporter of the Liberal party. A Roman Catholic, she was buried from St. Ann’s Memorial Church, Penetang. Rev. J. Marchand and Rev. A. O’Malley conducted the service, assisted by Rev. Kenneth Robitaille. Pallbearers were Ron Robitaille, Jim, Peter, Albert, Larry, and Marc Patenaude. Temporary burial was made at St. Ann’s mausoleum. Surviving are five sons. Ed of Washago, Archie and Lawrence of Highland Point, Harry of Penetang and Francis of Vasey; and three daughters, Geraldine (Mrs. Ernest Robitaille) of Midland, Annie of New Brunswick, and Helen (Mrs. Stanley Moreau) of Penetang.
JOSEPH BROOKS
Life-long resident of Penetang and Midland, and a well-known chief engineer on Great Lakes ships, Joseph Brooks died at St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, Jan. 9. Rev. John Barclay conducted funeral  services at Nicholls funeral home, Jan. 11, with temporary interment in Lakeview Cemetery vault. Pallbearers were Alex McCullagh, Omery Caudle, George Richardson, Robert Munro, Andrew Morrison and Edward Brooks. First four years of Mr. Brooks life were spent in Brentwood, where he was born Aug. 1. 1876. He received his education in Penetang, where he was a resident for 59 years. On Dec. 31, 1912, Mr. Brooks was married in Midland to the former Margaret Ellen Elliott, who survives. He resided in Midland for 21 years. Employed on many boats, Mr. Brooks finished his career with the CSL. Member of the United Church, Mr. Brooks also belonged to the Masonic and Loyal Orange Lodges, and was a member of the Royal Black Knights. His favorite sport was hunting, and in political matters he was a follower of the Conservative party. In addition to Mrs. Brooks who resides at 81 Ottawa Street, Mr. Brooks is survived by daughters Mrs. Otto Cordes (Florence), of Pickering, and Mrs. Douglas Swann (Peggy) of Midland; and sons Robert, Alfred, William and Douglas, all of Midland. There is also a brother, Hiram of Midland, and two sisters, Mrs. David Nicholson and Mrs. M. Machesney, Toronto.
EUDGERE QUESNELLE
Eudgere Quesnelle a well known citizen of this area, died unexpectedly in St Andrew’s Hospital Sunday. Jan 8 after suffering a coronary thrombosis. Born at Perkinsfield Feb 1, 1901, Mr. Quesnelle had lived there until he married Celina Robitaille at Lafontaine in 1934. After spending seven years in Lafontaine, the couple moved to Midland 25 years ago. At the  time of his death, Mr. Quesnelle was employed by Midland public works department. A Roman Catholic, he was a member of St Margaret’s Holy Name Society. He was fond of hockey, and was a staunch Liberal in politics. Surviving besides his widow are three brothers. Eugene of Penetang, Leo of Wyebridge and William of Perkinsfield, and three sisters, Mrs. Arthur Pauze (Clairice), Penetang, Mrs. Armand Beauchamp (Delia), Perkinsfield and Mrs. Andre Duquette (Marie), Estaire, Ont. Funeral service was held Wednesday, Jan. 11, from the Beausoleil funeral home to St. Margaret’s Church, Midland, where Rev. L. Tamas officiated. Temporary entombment was in St. Ann’s mausoleum. Pallbearers were Urgel, Albert and Martin Pauze, Maurille and Gabriel Robitaille and Leonard Quesnelle. 

    Colour television will probably come to Canada within the next year or so. This was the prediction of Carlyle Allison, vice-chairman of the Board of Broadcast Governors, who was the principal speaker at the Midland Canadian Club meeting in Regent Public School last Tuesday evening. The high cost of color television was one of the main reasons for the delay in the arrival of this medium, Mr. Allison contended. He noted that a color television set in Canada would cost in the neighborhood of $795.

 

The photos found in this blog post are the property of Huronia Museum, Midland, Ontario. Any reproduction for commercial use without permission is prohibited.  Any other distribution must credit Huronia Museum.  Please contact the museum with any questions you may have.  

Click on photos to enlargeInaugural meetings are the order of the day for councils in North Simcoe at this time of year. Town solicitor Douglas Haig administers the oath of office to Mayor Charles Parker while Clerk Wm. A. Hack busies himself with affairs on the agenda. 

Town solicitor Douglas Haig administers the oath of office to Reeve Percy Crawford and Deputy-reeve Mervin Grigg at Monday’s inaugural meeting of Midland council. Listening at left is Alderman Albert Atkinson. 

Members of Midland Lions Club heard Dr. P. B. Rynard of Orillia, MP for Simcoe East, discuss Canada’s problems for 1961 at a dinner in the Georgian Hotel Thursday night. Seen with Dr. Rynard (centre) are club members Fred Grigg, Dan Nicholls, Bruce Armstrong and Arthur Tweedle, left to right. 

Monday evening, Charles Hanes and his wife, Mary, climbed into a horse-drawn cutter, just as they did 60 years ago when they set out to be married. Monday the weather was milder than on that day when they drove from Sturgeon Bay to Elmvale to be wed by Rev. A. Bedford. This time the drive took them from their home on Midland’s Quebec Street to the Georgian Hotel where there was a dinner for the family and a few of their brothers and sisters.

Residents of Midland since 1915, Mr. and Mrs. Hanes now make their home at 14 Quebec Street, where many members of their family, as well as friends, were on hand to wish them well on their diamond anniversary.

There were plenty of aches afterwards, but everybody was in gay mood before Monday night’s hockey game between the Barrie Radio-TV team and Midland “Selects,” which netted $300 for Midland’s Little NHL. In this picture, Bob Stanway, left, and Rev. Lloyd Delaney “help” Rev. Len Self struggle into his sweater. 

Three police laddies are, left to right, Ross Willett, Art Ambeau and Ernie Bates. 

Thousands of tickets were churned up in this drum before Mayor Charles Parker of Midland reached in and selected the winner of the Home of the Week contest. Looking on are Free Press Herald editor Wils Harrison and Advertising Manager Harry Brown.

Winner of the first of 12 Polaroid cameras to be awarded in the contest was Mrs. Jean Elsom of 324 Bay Street W., Midland. Here Mrs. Elsom who also won a $5 merchandise certificate earlier in the contest, receives her prize from Editor Wils Harrison.

Members of Victoria Harbour’s council for 1961 are seen above during their inaugural meeting Monday night, following a devotional period conducted by Rev, Charles Carter (standing). Seated, left to right are Councillors Oliver and Wilfred Savage, Clerk James Heels, Reeve Ernest Cadeau, and Councillors Albert Cameron and Don Eplett. Mr. Cameron is the only new member of this year’s council. 

Hydro inspector Ed Brewer, left, and a plant employee, watch temperature gauge during “run in” of new aluminum machine at the Canadian Name Plate factory in Midland Friday. Gauge shows a temperature of 800 degrees Fahrenheit being applied to the aluminum billets used in the new extruder.

Installed recently in the new addition to the Canadian Name Plate plant in Midland, and now in operation, is this aluminum extruder. Aluminum is heated 800 degrees Fahrenheit in the oven in the top picture… One of the 36-inch billets is seen coming out of another portion of the machine in the lower picture. The hot billett is then pushed through dies of various shapes under pressure of 900 pounds per square inch, emerging on to 115-foot long run-out tables. 

Installed recently in the new addition to the Canadian Name Plate plant in Midland, and now in operation, is this aluminum extruder. Aluminum is heated 800 degrees Fahrenheit in the oven in the previous picture. One of the 36-inch billets is seen coming out of another portion of the machine in the lower picture. The hot billet is then pushed through dies of various shapes under pressure of 900 pounds per square inch, emerging on to 115-foot long run-out tables.

Employees at the Canadian Name Plate plant rubbed their eyes in disbelief last week as they saw Bob Contois and Derek Spencer walk out on to the bay behind the plant with a lot of skin-diving equipment. They were even more startled when the two men calmly cut a hole in the ice and proceeded to enjoy their favorite pastime. Contois (with glasses) and Spencer are seen at the left as they checked their oxygen tanks. At right Bob is ready for first plunge as Derek watches. Heavy rubber suits kept out the freezing effects of the water. 

Two more members of Midland’s winter fleet are pictured above. They are the Algosteel, nearest the camera, and the Algocen, both of the Algoma Central Steamship Line. They are berthed at Aberdeen elevator, where they make frequent visits during the navigation season. 

Midland has four new Queen’s Scouts in Tom Gordanier, Marvin Howard, Ken Cleary and Gregory Griesbach. They are seen in the top row along with four other lads on their way up the Scouting ladder. Other Scouts are clockwise from left, David Gosselin, sporting 13 proficiency badges; Paul Delaney, a 1st class probationer; the four Queen’s Scouts; and 1st class probationers Art Langley and Allan Bellchambers.

Editorial page photo entitled, “Span for Sportsmen”. 

 

Mayor Calls for Drive on Delinquent Taxpayers 

Free Press Herald headline of January 11, 1961.
In his inaugural address to Midland council Monday, Mayor Charles Parker called for a renewed drive to collect outstanding taxes for 1960 and tax arrears for 1959 and previous years. Council in 1960 authorized the registration of properties three years or more in arrears, the mayor continued. “This was done in some cases to clear up old estates and vacant properties.” “I am advised now that, of a tax levy for 1960 of $614,000, some $537,000 was collected or 90.65 per cent,” the mayor stated. “This is considered average for all towns in Ontario. However, we cannot overlook the fact that some $57,000 is still outstanding on 1960 taxes. Add to this arrears for 1959 and prior years of some $32,000 and it means a total of $89,000. “This is not alarming when compared with other Ontario towns but it is alarming when you consider a wholesale collection of these arrears could mean a possible reduction in tax levies for future years. These arrears pertain mostly to residential properties but on the other hand, the commercial area counts for some $29,000 of this amount. 

Need A New School by ’66 Board at MPDHS Hears 

County Herald headline of January 13, 1961.
Midland – Penetang District High School board, at its inaugural meeting Wednesday night, heard that a new high school would be needed by 1966. This was the opinion expressed by MPDHS-Principal R. C. Gauthier when the board was discussing a report on future enrolment, requested by the Ontario Minister of Education. The minister’s letter requesting future enrolment data said in part: “Secondary schools of the province will be faced with expansion during the next five years which will be of proportions unprecedented in our history. It is anticipated that by September, 1965, secondary school enrolment may have increased by 140,000 students or nearly 60 per cent over the September, 1959, enrolment. SEES MAJOR EXPANSION “In the next five years we face expansion in secondary school enrolment and construction relatively greater than that which has occurred during the past 15 years.” the minister’s letter stated, and noted that the enrolment figures were required so his department could review and revise their long-term financial plans. Mr. Gauthier reported that a conservative estimate of enrolment for the next five years, as of Sept. 30, was as follows: 1961, 939; 1962, 983; 1963, 1,050; 1964, 1,105 and 1965, 1,125. Present enrolment at the school is 908.

        Port McNicoll skating rink will be closed pending further investigation of its structural soundness, the village council decided at its inaugural meeting Jan. 3. Councillor John Kent, chairman of council’s recreation committee, said he would obtain information on the cost of transporting villagers to some other rink on a group basis. In a letter from Johnston Young, council learned he had inspected the village rink. Mr. Young did not consider it safe for public use until certain repairs were carried out. 

    At the inaugural meeting of Penetang council Monday night, Mayor Jerome Gignac made several suggestions for council action in 1961. With the chairman of the public school board sitting in the audience, Mayor Gignac dropped a bombshell when he said, “I am voicing a strong protest that the school board has forced duplication of Grades 9 and 10 on public school ratepayers. I was against it when it started and I am still against it” He was referring to the fact classes for Grades 9 and 10 students have been set up in Penetang Public School. “The board is going to ask us to debenture $420,000 for a new school. I can’t help but sympathize with the Mayor of Richmond Hill who today, recommended his council go to jail rather than collect money for school purposes.” Mayor Gignac said. He mentioned this would, be one way of bringing to the attention of provincial authorities the heavy burden which education costs are placing on the municipal tax payer. 

    Recalling the crowded conditions which arose last year when 1,200 parents came to collect Christmas reports and speak with teachers. R. C. Gauthier, principal of Midland-Penetang District High School, has decided to hold three parents’ nights instead of one. The first parent’s night will be held at the school Jan. 17 and will be for parents of pupils in Grades 9, 12, special commercial and Grade 13 only. For students of the honor club (those who attained 75 per cent or better the previous year) and who have attained at least 66 per cent on this year’s examinations, a supper for both students and parents is planned in the school cafeteria Jan. 24. Guest speaker at this honor students’ supper will be F. J. Clute, director of guidance for the Ontario Department of Education, Mr. Gauthier stated. 

    First official hint of the location of a proposed new 21-room public school to be built in Penetang came at Monday night’s inaugural meeting of council, when Board Chairman G. J. Robillard asked for a speed-up of approval on debentures. Queried as to the location, Mr. Robillard said the board had two locations in mind, “but we have now pretty well settled on a location at Lorne and Burke Streets.” (This is to the east of the old high school building which, at present, is being used by the public school.) Some indication that the entire board is not in complete accord on the location came when one of the members, Chas. O. Martin, said. “The location is not settled yet.” 

    (Reading a Charlie Noquet report on a hockey game is like sports poetry. Add to that the memories of familiar names from our communities.)     
With Murray York showing up as a big crowd pleaser with continued rink-long rushes, Penetang Hurons outplayed Stayner intermediates to the tune of 8-3 last Wednesday night. Originally scheduled for Saturday, the game had been moved up to accommodate a Saturday bonspiel. Hurons bulged the twine twice in the first period, with Dave Culbertson scoring first on an assist from Murray York and Ken Arbour. Terry Pike counted the second on a pass he had taken from Ed Trudeau. The homesters opened up again in the second, and before the visitors could get into scoring position, had racked up another pair. Charlie Scott tallied from a Terry Pike passout, and Alvin Robillard made it 4-6 with Terry’s assistance. Stayner got their only goal of the period at the six-minute mark when Groves beat Roger Gray on Irwin’s assist. Hurons put the score at 5-1 before the period closed when Martin Forget scored with the help of Trudeau and Scott. With the game still in a freewheeling state, Hurons came back in the third and scored shortly after the opening whistle with Alvin Robillard using Jerry Murphy’s pass. Martin Forget tallied a few minutes’ later on Robillard’s assist. Stayner’s Sly came along 66 seconds later in a three man rush with McKeen and Irwin, and put one past Gray. An excellent example of York’s work came at the 16-minute mark when he made another rink long rush, and lost the puck in front of the goal. Robillard picked up the errant rubber, slid it over to Murray who made sure of it in a rifle shot into the twine. Forget was sitting in the sin-bin at the time.
Penetang Hurons — Roger Gray, goal; Jack Dubeau, Jerry Murphy, Alvin Robillard, forwards; Ken Arbour, Dave Culbertson, defence; alternates Larry Merkley, Terry Pike, Martin Forget, Murray York, Ed Trudeau, Charlie Scott. Referee Mike Rains, linesman Buster Somers.

   Nearly 40 persons who attended the meeting of Huronia Association for Retarded Children in Midland ‘Y’ Monday night heard how retarded boys and girls learn by doing and by repetition the subjects taught to them. Principal speaker at the meeting was Mrs. A. M. Stocker, inspector of auxiliary education services, Department of Education. Mrs. Stocker, who obtained her teacher’s certificate in Edinburgh, Scotland, and taught there in the school for retarded children and mentally disturbed, holds her master’s degree in psychology. Mrs. Stocker was one of the founders of the school for retarded in York Township and was a principal in Toronto. She showed slides of classes for the retarded in other communities, depicting the work of the various age groups. Some of the same type of work is being taught in the Midland School for retarded. Mrs. Stocker inspected the morning and afternoon classes in Midland and commended the association and school authorities on the bright quarters that had been provided for children. 

   Tiny Township Planning Board has washed its hands of a proposed sub-division plan for Giant’s Tomb Island and turned over the proposal to council, with several recommendations. The plan has been partially draft-approved, and apparently the planning board had been unable to reach a conclusion with the sub-dividers. Objection had been raised to subdividing only a narrow strip of shoreline, and to community water supply and lack of provision for roads. Council agreed to consider the plan, and will invite the sub-dividers, Axler and Palmer, to attend its next meeting. 

    Lloyd LaPlume was appointed Chairman for 1961 of Midland Separate School Board at the board’s inaugural meeting. Mr. LaPlume is serving his final year of a two-year term. Allan Roach, elected this year for a two-year term, was appointed vice-chairman of the board. Others elected for two-year terms on the board were Howard Deschamps, Joe Lalonde and Larry Curran. Board members completing the final year of two-year terms are William Bourrie, Gerry Therrien and Father Ralph Egan. At the inaugural meeting, committees and chairman were appointed. In a motion, the board extended its appreciation to F. S. Johnstone for his services as secretary-treasurer. Wm. Murphy was re-appointed separate school representative on the Midland-Penetanguishene District High School Board.  Accounts amounting to $5,300 were approved for payment. 

Obituary
A retired farmer of the Lafontaine area, Telesphore Moreau died Wednesday, Dec. 28 in Penetang General Hospital following a lengthy illness. He was in his 78th year. Born at Perkinsfield, he had moved to Lafontaine with his parents while still a babe. After farming there through his active years, he retired in 1945. Mr. Moreau had served on the Lafontaine Separate School Board for several terms. Surviving besides his second wife, the former Delphine Bernard, whom he married in 1942, are five sons, Gerard of Penetang, Constant and Rosaire of Lafontaine, Laurent of Ajax and Gabriel of Norfolk, Conn.; and five daughter, Mrs. Gilbert Gignac, (Irene) of Penetang; Mrs. Sam Stone, (Giselle), Mrs. Gerry Gollob, (Cecile) and Mrs. Norm Brooks, (Joan), all of Toronto and Mrs. Al. Griffith, (Marie Jeanne) of Sudbury. He also leaves one brother, Bartholomie of Lafontaine. There are 37 grand-children and 11 great-grand-children. His first wife, the former Marie Marchildon, died in 1932. Funeral service was held Saturday, Dec. 31, from Beausoleil’s funeral home to Ste. Croix Church, Lafontaine, where Rev. T. Marchildon sang requiem high mass. Interment was in Ste. Croix Mausoleum. Pallbearers were Marcel, Gilbert, Raymond and Jean Moreau, Pierre Gignac and Gilbert Gignac, Jr. 

25 Years Ago This Week
Midland’s mayor S. W. McKinley was returned to office with a majority of 147 votes more than his opponent J. B. Roebuck. * * *  Daylight saving time was rejected by the voters 1,219 to 800. * * * Houses dotted the snow covered ice of Midland bay and fishermen, lowering their lines to the bottom reported several catches of perch and whitefish. * * *  Wm. Henry Bulger, Chatham Collegiate, was Appointed principal at the Penetang High School. * * * Nearly 2,500 hockey fans saw Midland British Consols defeat Camp Borden Flyers 7-5 in an intermediate “A” game at Midland arena. • • • Midland’s winter sports carnival, including skiing, horse racing, hockey, curling, dog derby, skating, tobogganing and dances, was being planned by a citizens’ committee for Feb. 1 to 8. • • • Dr. Morley Harvie, chairman of the Midland Board of Education in 1935 was re-elected chairman at the board’s 1936 inaugural meeting. • • • R. D. Keefe, former principal of Penetang High School, who had been appointed Inspector of Attendance for the Ontario Department of Education was honored at a meeting of the Kitchekewana Chapter of the A. F. and A. M. Mr. Keefe was a charter member when the chapter had been formed 27 years previously. * * * Building of a rink for youngsters skating on the cast side of Midland was being discussed by Midland council. 

   Frank Ridley, a member of the Humber Rod and Gun Club, the group which sparked the proposal to turn Tiny Marsh into a game and wildlife sanctuary, presented an engineer’s report to Tiny council Monday. It had been prepared for the Department of Lands and Forests. According to the report, produced by W. G. McGeorge of Chatham, estimated cost of the entire project is $110,000. The report indicated the rural basin covers an area of some 1,500 acres. The drains, which were originally constructed to provide agricultural lands with drainage, are not now in proper condition to do the job for which they were intended, it was stated. 

    Penetang fireman had a lengthy session Wednesday night when they were called to the residence of Mrs. Sim Dumont, Park Street, where they found part of the kitchen wall and ceiling ablaze. According to Chief R. Stewart, the fire is believed to have started from an overheated stove. Flames then got into the walls and ceiling of the tinder dry wooden structure. It took almost two hours before fireman were certain the blaze was extinguished. Furniture was removed from the home by neighbors and passersby. Fire damage made the structure unfit for habitation, and the household effects were not returned after the fire was extinguished. 

    Condition of four-year-old Michael Huvers was said to be satisfactory yesterday afternoon after he had been struck by a car on Yonge Street Wednesday afternoon. Son of Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Huvers, 319 Queen Street, Michael sustained a slight concussion and a cut on the head, police reported. He was rushed to St. Andrews Hospital following the accident, which occurred at 4.50 p.m. According to police, the little lad came out from behind a snowbank on the north side of Yonge Street, near Simmonds Transport offices. He ran into the side of a westbound vehicle driven by Harold Cleaver 48, of Midland. No charges were laid by Const. Arthur Ambeau, who investigated. 

    The Dominion Freightways group of transport companies announces with pleasure that Simmonds Transport Ltd. is now associated with them, and the appointment of Mr. Cecil W. English as general manager. Mr. English is well known locally and in the  industry, and has been with Simmonds Transport Ltd. for 25 years. Simmonds Transport will continue its same operations and by this new association will be able to offer wider service to its many customers. (Advertisement) 

Births
EDWARDS — To Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Edwards, Vasey, at St. Andrews Hospital, Friday, January 6, 1961, a son.
LOWES — To Mr. and Mrs. Robert Lowes, Wyebridge, at St. Andrews Hospital, Wednesday, January 11, 1961, a daughter.
McCONNELL — to Mr. and Mrs. Ivan McConnell, at St. Andrews Hospital, Tuesday, January 10, 1961, a daughter.
ANDROSS — To Mr._and Mrs. Chester Andross, Midhurst, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Saturday, January 7, 1961, a son.
FORGET — To Mr. and Mrs. Edward Forget, Penetang Road, Penetang,  at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Wednesday, Jan. 4, 1961, a daughter.
HAMELIN — To Mr. and Mrs. Albert Hamelin, 141 Hannah St., Midland, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Thursday, Jan. 5, 1961, a son.
MARION — To Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Marion, R.R. 2, Midland, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Saturday, Jan. 7, 1961, a son.
WOOD — To Mr. and Mrs. Laurence Wood, R.R. 1, Wyebridge, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Friday, Jan. 6, 1961, a daughter.
 

Further Back 40 Years to 1921 

Justice was swift in 1921.

On Thursday last a young man named Frederic * * * * hired a horse and buggy at Edmund Bourgeoise’s livery barn at Victoria Harbor to come to Midland. Upon arriving here he attempted to sell the horse for $100, claiming he had bought it from Charles Robinson at Coldwater. He was entertaining an offer when further negotiations were stopped by Chief Wright on Saturday morning, who placed the young man in custody. Three hours later he appeared before Police Magistrate Cook, and, upon pleading guilty, was sentenced to six months at Burwash prison farm. 

Forty years later….

It’s a case of an old friend in a strange setting, as the venerable cruise ship, City of Dover, spends the winter in the Trent Waterway locks at Port Severn. Idle last summer, work is being carried out on the Dover by the new owner, Capt Andy Light, who will put the ship in operation again this season. February 1961.

Forty Four Years Later ….

The old Georgian Bay steamer City of Dover was beached high and dry when the level of Gloucester Pool was dropped six feet last week to enable repairs to the dam at Port Severn. The Dover’s owners, Mr. and Mrs. Byron Sheffield, hope to make a more permanent berth for the vessel when the water rises again. Their plan is to use her as a novel recreation centre for their resort. October 1965.

The photos found in this blog post are the property of Huronia Museum, Midland, Ontario. Any reproduction for commercial use without permission is prohibited.  Any other distribution must credit Huronia Museum.  Please contact the museum with any questions you may have. 

Click on photos to enlargeA fellow the bees keep busy the year round is Ed Woods of Hillsdale. Ed has just finished “packing” some 70 hives he has located in 25 farm yards around Simcoe County. Now he hopes to complete the fine two-storey cement block structure he began building last fall. One of the few commercial structures built in Hillsdale in many years, the new building measures 50 by 155 feet. 

Snow and boys go together, particularly in North Simcoe during Christmas holidays. Nonchalant tobogganer in this picture is Maurice Dorion, who found the hills in Little Lake Park to his liking. 

King Street was a busy place during Christmas and New Year’s as both Midland residents and those from the surrounding area completed their holiday shopping. Above is a typical mid-afternoon scene, with every available parking place full. Country roads remained open despite heavy snowfalls. 

  

Santa left a new plastic sled under the Christmas tree for little Stephen Copeland during his visit to Midland Dec. 25th. Giving Steve a helping hand are his sisters, Anne, left, and Donna, as they frolicked in the snow at Little Lake Park. 

Nestling happily in mother’s arms is Jennifer Barr, all 8 pounds 12 ounces of her, who arrived at St. Andrews Hospital around mid-afternoon Tuesday to become the first baby born in Midland this year. Jennifer will have a host of gifts, donated by Midland merchants, to take home to her two sisters and one brother. Parents are Mr. and Mrs. Norman Barr, 227 Yonge Street. 

New addition to Midland-Penetang District High School is rapidly taking shape. Above, steel is being put in place for the two-storey portion of the addition, at the southwest corner of the present school. A one-storey addition, at the east end, is even further advanced. 

Winner of the contest sponsored by Midland Rotary Club to determine the town’s “most courteous clerk” over the holiday period was Mrs. Ed Gamna of the Dominion Store. Mrs. Gamna is seen receiving a plaque from Rotarians Joe Faragher, left, Lorne Garrow and Bob Scott. The Rotary Club plans to make the presentation an annual event. 

New caps and uniforms signify the progress made by members of the first class of the certified nursing assistants’ course at St. Andrews Hospital, Midland. Snapped during the ceremony in the nurses residence Tuesday are, left to right, front row — Mrs. Nettie Genier, Miss Joyce Leonard, Mrs. Mary Magloughlin, Mrs. Marie Reynolds, Mrs. Mary Okenka, Mrs. Jean Wilcox; back row—Mrs. Laura Steer, Mrs. Marjorie Gibson, Mrs. Gladys Marchant, Mrs. Beverley West and Mrs. Audrey Moreau. 

These classrooms, in the new Sacred Heart Public School at the foot of Elizabeth Street, look a bit drafty at the moment. Soon, however, they will be closed in and tradesmen will be busy with plastering, wiring, painting and other jobs necessary before the school opens for business next September. 

GBDA Takes up Gudgel, Fights Rail Rate Hikes 

Free Press Herald headline of January 4, 1961.
The Georgian Bay Development Association took steps this week, to protect four Georgian Bay ports, Collingwood, Midland, Owen Sound and Port McNicoll by forwarding a brief to the Prime Minister of Canada in an attempt to curb proposed freight rate increases on grain shipments from the Bay ports to the eastern seaboard terminals. The CNR and CPR have submitted an application to the Board of Transport Commissioners to increase trans-shipping rates from Georgian Bay to Montreal and St. Lawrence ports easterly. 

30 New Students Apply for Nurse’s Aide Course 

County Herald headline of January 6, 1961.
One of the most successful ventures undertaken in North Simcoe in some time has been the certified nursing assistants’ course sponsored by St. Andrews Hospital in Midland. This was revealed during a ceremony at the nurse’s residence Tuesday when 11 members of the course received their first caps and white uniforms. Questioned by this paper following the ceremony, Mrs. Jean Sutton, superintendent of nursing at St. Andrews, said more than 30 applications have already been received for the second course, not slated to get underway until next fall. Only 12 applications were accepted for the first course, which got underway in September. One of the applications received, Mrs. Sutton said, came from far-off Barbados. She was unable to say how word of the course being held at St. Andrews got that far afield. There is little likelihood of the number of persons permitted to take the course at St. Andrews exceeding the present dozen.  

    In an article on winter carnivals, Maclean’s magazine says the city fathers of Quebec who proclaimed their first snow and ice festival in 1894 “were neither the first Canadians nor the last to decide they couldn’t wait till summer to raise a little h…”. The magazine says Samuel de Champlain, closely connected with the history of Penetang, halfway through a winter in Acadia, invented “L’Ordre de bon Temps” the Order of Good Cheer — to get him through the second half. The article continues to sat there are only six carnivals in Canada that really are carnivals down to the last drop, the Winter Carnivals at Quebec Ste. Agathe, Vernon and Banff, the Trappers’ Festival at the Pas, Manitoba, and what the up-to-the-minute burghers of Penetang call the Winterama. 

   Motor vehicle licences for 1961 went on sale yesterday. This was confirmed by Jim Bath, licence issuer in Midland. “On the first day (yesterday) applications for licences were quite steady.” commented Mr. Bath. He added that he hoped it would remain that way so there will not be any last minute rush. Expiry date for the 1960 plates will be March 15. After that date all vehicles operating on the roads must bear the 1961 plates which are black plates with white letters and numbers. Motorists are also advised that as of last year they must present a certificate of liability insurance when making application for new licences. Failure to produce such a certificate will result in an additional fee of $5 over and above the normal registration fee for the vehicle. 

Ten Years Ago
First steps towards the establishment of a five-part civilian defence organization for Midland were taken at a citizens’ committee meeting in the town hall. Preliminary organizational plans were drawn up by Alex Lucas, manager of Bausch and Lomb, Midland. * * * Staff at Midland Shipyards Ltd. was slowly expanding in preparation for winter work and for the construction of two large bulk carriers. * * * Penetang’s mayor and owner of one of the town’s two drugstores, W. D. Hunter sold his store to James C. Hartt of Orillia. * * * Walter Middleton, former warden of Simcoe County, was re-elected reeve of Flos Township and Fisher Canton was re-elected reeve of Medonte Township. * * * King Concrete Colorite Products, a new company which made liquid substances for preserving building surfaces, was a established in Coldwater. * * * Rev. J. L. Self, formerly of Norval, was being inducted as minister at Midland’s Knox Presbyterian Church. * * * Howard Burse had formed an eighteen member mouth organ band at Waverley and plans were being made for it to play at Midland’s Roxy Theatre. 

    We are not certain what it portends for 1961, but for the first time in a goodly number of years Midland’s St. Andrews Hospital did not have a New Year’s baby to record this year. And, as recently as yesterday morning, gifts donated by Midland businessmen still remained unclaimed.

    Fire of unknown origin destroyed what was left of the old CNR roundhouse at Tiffin yards last night. Unused since the advent of the diesel locomotives here a couple of years ago, there was nothing of any great value left in the building this paper learned. All there was to burn, was the roof, the wooden partitions and wooden floors, it was stated. The fire apparently started after 10 p.m. There are always fires burning at the town dump, some distance to the west of the roundhouse, and it was some time before watchmen learned it was the building that was on fire and not the dump. Midland fire brigade was notified but was unable to take the trucks through several feet of snow covering the long unused road leading into the roundhouse.  

   Tuesday marked the day on which Mr. and Mrs. William Wilcox of Midland observed the 55th anniversary of their wedding. Mr. and Mrs. Wilcox were married January 3^rd, 1906 at the home of her parents, the late Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Crawford, in Tiny. Owner of a grocery and meat business on Colborne Street, Mr. Wilcox is a well-known supporter of hockey teams in Midland. The couple has seven children living in Midland and the area nearby. Sons are Orval (Joe), Crawford (Fawf), and daughters Mrs. Charles Yorke (Annie), Mrs. Rudolph Stamp (Margaret), Mrs. Howard Ritchie (Clara May), Mrs. Fred Monkton (Helen), and Mrs. Trottier (Gwen).

The births section was damaged and we were unable to cut and paste it, so we are placing it here for you to decipher.