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 enlargePretty girls and a sailboat always make a pleasant picture, and there are lots of both Midland YMCA’s Camp Kitchikewana on Beausoleil Island. Here Lorrie Percy of Riverside and Rosemary Kennedy of Owen Sound get ready for a zestful sail on the water of Georgian Bay. 

“Holiday Happiness” Editorial page photo. Camp Kitchikewana on Beausoleil Island, Midland YMCA camp. 

“Yer out” says the umpire, as this young girl takes a healthy cut at the ball and misses during a game at Camp Kitchikewana on Beausoleil Island. Operated by Midland YMCA, the camp has provided healthy recreation for several generations of youngsters from many parts of the province, as well as Midland. 

Members of the senior girls’ group at Camp Kitchikewana are seen rehearsing at the new outdoor theater for their play “The Music Man”, to be presented later this month. Built by Webster-Smallwood Company of Midland, the new theater was donated to the camp in the name of W. H. Cranston and family. 

There was satisfaction for both the instructors of Midland Y’s Men’s summer playground project at Little Lake, and the swimmers who took part, as the Red Cross water safety awards were distributed last week. In the lower picture, instructor Carolyn Taylor is handing out junior crests to, left to right, Mike Hanna, Colin Pettigrew, Colin Williamson, David Paul and Ruth McQuirter. In the upper photo, Bud Fisher, Red Cross supervisor from Toronto, gives a senior award to Paul Howard, and intermediate crests to Sandy Corcoran, Blair Shakell and Ted Sauve. 

Newest apartment building in this area, Midland Haven (top) was open for public inspection last weekend and is being readied for occupancy Sept. 1. Mrs. Roland Desroches and daughters, Jean, 10, left, and Alice, 13, shows one of the eight modern kitchen units in the new building.   

These smiling faces daily greet visitors to Midland Y’s Men’s Indian village at Little Lake Park, rapidly becoming one of Ontario’s top tourist attractions. Lone chap at the left, who claims he “doesn’t stand a chance with all these girls”, is Jack Bridges. Girls are Faith Travers of Port McNicoll, Pat McConnell, London, Mary Mercer, Guelph, and Liz Ritchie, Fergus. 

David Paul, son of Mr. & Mrs. Eric Paul of Midland, was one of the winners of the Elmer Limerick Contest sponsored by the Ontario Safety League and this newspaper. His prize, a Sono-lite, is mounted on the handle bars of his bike. 

 Old chimney in background is all that remains of the home which Capt. James Keating took over when he came to Penetang in 1829 to become adjutant of the military garrison there. Plaque in foreground was unveiled in his memory Saturday by Hon. Bryan Cathcart. Others taking part in the ceremony were, left to right, Lieut.Col. J. S. Symons, W. H. Morrison, Dr. Wilfrid Jury, Hon. Bryan Cathcart, Mayor Jerome Gignac and Rev. John Barclay. 

Dignitaries taking part in the unveiling of a plaque in memory of Capt. John Moberly, RN, at Penetang Saturday posed for the above picture following the ceremony. Left to right are W. H. Morrison, Lieut. Col. J. S. Symons, Rev. John Barclay, W/0 1 David Bell, Hon. Bryan Cathcart, minister of travel and publicity, and Dr. Wilfrid Jury. 

For the second time in as many years, Midland had a visit from an American warship over the weekend. Arriving here Friday, the USS Worland (PCE-845) left again Monday morning for Chicago to wind up a two-week training cruise in Lake Michigan, Lake Huron and Georgian Bay waters. The ship was under the command of Lieut. Wm. H. Hannaford, who calls Evanston, Ill. his home. 

Dressed in sparkling “whites”, GMB Charles Barway, of St. Louis, Mo., gives Mrs. Lorraine Wise, Toronto, a few pointers on lining up the USS Worland’s three-inch gun during the ship’s visit to  Midland on the weekend. Hundreds of local residents and summer visitors took advantage of an “open house” to inspect the 850 ton escort warship ship, here during a two-week training trip for reserve personnel. 

Real adventurers are Mr. and Mrs. Siegfried Schwalbe of Midland, seen above in their William Street home drying out their 15-foot rubberized canvas-covered kayak. The couple and the boat were missing for nearly 24 hours when on a trip to Giant’s Tomb they had been prevented from returning home by high wind and heavy seas. They had been forced to seek shelter on a small island. 

Presentation of a cheque for $200 made by Midland Rotary club last week to help set up new school facilities for retarded children of the area. President of the Huronia Association for Retarded Children, Mrs. Jack Banks with the cheque in her Sixth Street  home by Jim Henry, left, Rotary president and Clint Truax, Rotary secretary. 

Outboard motor boat operator in foreground stands to watch as a group of seven pleasure cruisers tied up in Penetang Harbour Tuesday morning. Four were from Port Huron and the three others from Lake Simcoe Yacht Club at Keswick. Six craft can be seen in picture with seventh being hidden by the large boat in center. 

Three Deaths Result From District Motor Accidents
Free Press Herald headline of August 10, 1960.

Three local persons are dead following one of this area’s blackest weekends insofar as traffic accidents are concerned. Police of several forces were busy throughout the weekend investigating automobile crack-ups on many roads throughout the district. The dead were 10, 13 and 17 years of age. 

$125,000 Spent on New Plant and Equipment 
County Herald headline of August 12, 1960.

New equipment at Bay Mills Limited plant in Midland is valued at an estimated $100,000, and the addition to the plant including renovations cost a further $25,000. These figures were released yesterday by plant manager Fred Waltz who noted that the expenditures had been made over a three-month period. Most recent piece or equipment to be installed is new $20,000 oven for the cleaning of glass cloth. It is expected that this oven will be in operation within the next two or three weeks, Mr. Waltz stated. 

   Midland’s Royal Black Perceptory No. 552 and the Crystal Chapter lodges will celebrate Derry Day August 13 at Orillia. A bus load of the lodge members will leave the Midland Orange Hall at 10 p.m. 

    Official opening of the new outdoor theatre at Midland YMCA’s Camp Kitchikewana, Beausoleil Island, ran into a spot of trouble Sunday. It rained, forcing the ceremonies indoors. In a brief program, preceded by devotions conducted by camp director J. W. “Win” Smith, G. Edwards, chairman of the camp committee, outlined some of the contributions made to the community by W. H. Cranston other members of his family. Mr. Cranston had sparked the outdoor theatre project, and the theatre was later turned over by him to Camp Kitchikewana in the name of his family, it was stated. 

25 Years Ago This Week – 1935
Ontario Premier Hepburn handed back to the municipalities the administration of relief because it was too costly for the province. * * * Jim Playfair launched his 24-foot two-masted sailing yawl which was built at his home under the supervision of Len Cowdrey, boat builder with Midland Boat Works. * * * Federal election fever was beginning to rise with Hon. R. B. Bennett, Rt-Hon. W. L. Mackenzie King, Hon H. H. Stevens, J. S. Woodworth and Tim Buck (Communist Party) seeking national leadership. * * * St. James’ Church on-the-lines, Penetang, was celebrating its 99^th anniversary. * * *     While the crews of six freighters at Cornwall and two at Fort William struck for higher wages, there was no talk of a walk-out at Midland. * * * The 320th anniversary of the first mass to be celebrated in Ontario was observed by the Knights of Columbus, with a ceremony on the spot where the historic religious service was held near Lafontaine. * * * Midland’s British Consols baseball club clinched a berth in the North Simcoe intermediate OBAA when they defeated Barrie Wolves 6-5. * * * Midland Volunteer Fire Brigade set a provincial record for the hose reel race at the Simcoe County Firemen’s tournament held at Barrie. 

OBITUARIES –
JOHN H. REYNOLDS
One of Penetang’s senior citizens, John H. Reynolds died Tuesday, July 26, in Penetang General Hospital following a lengthy illness. He would have celebrated his 93rd birthday in October of this year. Born in Innisfil township, he moved to Penetang at the age of 16 and had lived there ever since. A sawyer by trade, he had worked in the Davidson Mill, later for Manley Chew and in the fibre mill. He retired 20 years ago. He was a member of the United Church, a life member of Penetang Orange Lodge, and in politics favored the Conservative party. His wife, the former Mary Emma Hust, whom he married at Penetang in 1898, predeceased him in 1934. Surviving are one son, Elvard of Penetang, and two daughters, Mrs. George Todd (Mary) of Penetang and Mrs. Fred Murray (Isabelle) of Mimico. There are 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Funeral service was held Friday, July 29, at Beausoleil’s funeral home, with Rev. A. J. Lewis officiating. Burial was in Penetang Presbyterian Cemetery. Pallbearers were Vic and Chas. Scott, Raymond Gauthier, Bob Young, Fred Murray and Bruce Todd.

LEO STANLEY ASSELIN
Leo Stanley Asselin, native of Victoria Harbour, died Sunday, July 31, in Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, following a lengthy illness. He was in his 39th year. Born in Victoria Harbour, he had moved to Toronto at the age of 18, and since then had alternated between Toronto and Victoria Harbour, finally settling in Orillia about two years ago. He had been a truck driver and lake sailor before becoming disabled two years ago. A veteran of World War II, he had served with the Irish Fusiliers. He was a member of Victoria Harbour Legion, a staunch Liberal, and interested in baseball and hockey. Surviving besides his wife, the former Agnes Middleton, whom he married in Toronto, April 12, 1940, are four sons, Jimmy, Billy, Wayne and Robert; two daughters, Joan and Margaret, all living at home; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Walter J. Asselin of Victoria Harbour; two brothers, Gilbert and Albert of Toronto; and four sisters, Mrs. Ben Chalk, Toronto, Mrs. Ed. Cascagnette,  Thorold, Mrs. Wilfred Vaillancourt and Mrs. Tim Bourrie, Victoria Harbour. 

    An old friend left Midland yesterday around 1 p.m., possibly never to return. Familiar sight to many generations of Midlanders and summer visitors, the former Canadian government ship St. Heliers has been sold to Lee Marine Co.,  Wallaceburg. “The Saint” had an old friend at the helm for the trip down the lakes, Capt. J. C. Patchell of Midland, her master for more than a decade. It has been rumored locally that the St. Heliers will be used in the stone trade at Wallaceburg. Before Capt. Patchell took over Capt. Joseph Oulette of Penetang had been master for 24 years. The St. Heliers was retired last fall after the commissioning of the new CGS Alexander Henry. 

Editorial
    Black and orange markings and the lights at each end of the narrow subway on Highway 12, west of Victoria Harbour, should help considerably to-reduce accidents at this underpass. Motorists no longer will be able to claim the tunnel is marked inadequately, it now stands out like the proverbial sore thumb. 

    More than 2,000 cars have stopped at the mobile information center, operated by the Department of Travel and Publicity on Highway 400 just south of Barrie. The figure is 500 more than for the same period last year and the booth has been in operation one week less than in 1959. It seems to us that this provides further evidence that a permanent structure is needed

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 enlargeSeven persons were rushed to St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, after this station wagon went out of control on Highway 12, west of Victoria Harbour, yesterday at round noon hour. Six passengers in the vehicle were teen-age youths staying at a YMCA camp in the Port Severn district. 

A favourite pastime of many permanent as well as summer residents in Huronia is a game of golf. Here a threesome makes its way along one of the fairways and on to one of the greens at Midland Golf and Country Club. 

The Kee or the Assinaboia (the experts will know which) departing Port McNicoll on the weekly run to the Lakehead. Picture used on the editorial page with the caption “She Was Framed”. 

Never before has Midland harbour seen so many fine cruisers, of 28 feet or over, as have visited here this year. Already 76 have been registered, almost double the entire quota last year. Some of the cruisers from the Port Huron, (Mich.) Yacht Club, which arrived here last week, are pictured in the two photos above. 

At the age of 72 blacksmith William Steer retires from the Simcoe elevator. His dad’s original smithy is set up in the backyard of his home at 300 Manley Street where he has lived since 1917. Born in Wyebridge his story is told in an accompanying article. 

Huronia House Museum is well on the way to setting a new record for admissions. The building was given a new coat of paint on the exterior walls and trim recently. Among the new exhibits at the museum this year are the Coutts-Hallmark collection of old time greeting cards and Frank Ridley’s collection of stamps from Red China.

“Y” Camp Bus Flips Twice, Seven Persons Injured.

Free Press headline of August 3^rd, 1969.
Seven persons were sent to St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, at noon yesterday when a station wagon in which they were riding went off Highway 12 near Victoria Harbour, rolled over twice and finally leaped 33 feet through the air over a five-foot fence before coming to rest on its side. The vehicle, which contained the driver and six young boys, was proceeding from Camp Wa-Sa-Ah-Bun to Midland. The camp, operated by the St. Catharines YMCA, is located on the east shore of Georgian Bay, between Port Severn and Honey Harbour. Driver of the station wagon, 18 years of age from Welland, has been charged with careless driving. 

Two Trucks in Collision, Report Damage $12,000

County Herald headline of August 5, 1960
Heavy property damage was recorded in two accidents investigated by Victoria Harbour detachment of the OPP Tuesday. One of these, a collision between two trucks on Highway 12 between Coldwater and Waubaushene, accounted for $12,000 in damages alone. Another $900 was chalked up in a one-car accident on Copeland’s Hill, near Penetang. Sgt. Blake Ball investigated the collision between the two trucks which occurred around 3.40 p.m. Tuesday. Involved were a dump truck and a refrigerated ice-cream truck.      

    Barring earthquakes, wars or other unforeseen calamities, Midland Y’s Men’s Indian village seems certain to set a new attendance record this year. When the gates closed Monday night following the long Civic Holiday weekend, more than 20,000 persons had already visited the village set up by Dr. Wilfrid Jury of the University of Western Ontario to portray the life of the Huron Indians in these parts 300 and more years ago.    

   Announcements to be made in the dining room of Camp Kitchikewana are no longer a problem. An amplifying system has been installed. The system is the gift of an old camper and staff member, Gowan Scarlett of Toronto. It consists of two large speakers, a crystal microphone and allied equipment. The installation work was done by Mr. Scarlett who conducts that type of business. Gowan grew up in Midland and his father, Tom Scarlett, was the original chairman of the camp committee set up in the early days of the Midland YMCA. Known as “Kitch” to campers of his day, Gowan was one of the young campers in the first season of the camp. Later he was maintenance man and operator of the camp boat “Marion” for several seasons. His son John attended camp this season for his first year.    

    Appearance of Penetang’s old town hall is being changed considerably as workmen dismantle the tower which held a flag pole, fire siren and the old fire bell. When the flag pole was being removed a couple of weeks ago, it was discovered beams in the wooden structure had rotted away, leaving the tower in an unsafe condition. Plans call for removing the entire wooden portion down to the level of the brick walls. A roof will be built on this part, and the siren installed there. While work on the tower is progressing the siren has been placed temporarily on the roof of the Dominion Store. No decision has been reached on disposal of the old fire bell. Since the installation of the, siren a number of years ago, the bell has been used only to sound curfew at 9 each evening. During the past year, after the police offices were moved from the old town hall, even ringing of curfew has been discontinued.    

    An emergency trip by Georgian-Bay Airways plane may have saved the life of 12-year-old Bill Couling on the weekend. Son of Harry Couling, lighthouse keeper at the Western Islands, and Mrs. Couling. Bill suffered a severe attack of appendicitis—on the Island, about 20 miles out in Georgian Bay from Midland. High winds and rough water made it impossible for Mr. Couling to get his son out by boat for medical help. Finally on Friday Mr. Couling  got a message through to the airways by radio telephone and pilot Guy Larocque was  despatched to see what he could do. Mr. Larocque was able to get his plane down in somewhat calmer waters in the lee of the island and Bill’s father was able to get him out to the plane by small boat. After some difficulty, young Bill was loaded safely into the plane and rushed to St. Andrews Hospital, where he was operated on by Dr. D. C. Swan of Midland. Officials said the lad arrived at the hospital with not too much time to spare to avoid serious complications.   

    Work started last week on the construction of a new warehouse and tank farm for the British American Oil Company in Penetang. According to Robert Stewart, it has become necessary to expand existing facilities. As no more land was available at the present site used by the company, a new site on Robert Street W., was purchased from the town. It will permit any future expansion the firm may contemplate.   

    Tom Heels —member of the OPP detachment at Victoria Harbour for the last six years, resigned last week. Mr. Heels had also served two years on the Midland Police Department prior to joining the provincial force. 

BIRTHS 
ROBITAILLE — To Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Robitaille, 70 Peel St. Penetang, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Wednesday, July 27, 1960, a daughter. 
RAWSON — To Mr. and Mrs. Beverley Rawson, Elmvale, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Wednesday, July 27, 1960, a daughter. 
BRUNELLE — To Mr. and Mrs. Louis Brunelle, RR 3, Penetang, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Sunday, July 31, 1960, a son. 
PARENT — To Mr. and Mrs. Albert Parent, Perkinsfield, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Sunday, July 31, 1960, a son. 
MAURICE — To Mr. and Mrs. Guy Maurice,  Wyevale, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Friday, July 29, 1960, a son. 
LARAMIE — To Mr. and Mrs. Napoleon Laramie, 191 Robert St., Penetang, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Friday, July 29, 1960, a son. 
NAHUIS — To Mr. and Mrs. Antonius Nahuis, RR 3, Elmvale, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Friday, July 29, 1960, a daughter. 
KNUFF — To Mr. & Mrs. John Knuff, RR 1, Elmvale, at the Penetanguishene General Hospital, Thursday, July 28, 1960, a daughter. 

    Provincial Police from Victoria Harbour detachment organized an air search Wednesday morning in an attempt to find a Toronto family reported missing on a fishing trip out of Thunder Bay. While the search was still in progress, the missing people turned up at the Thunder Bay cottage they had left two days earlier to go on a camping trip to Beausoleil Island. Dr. R. A. Stubbins, his wife and three children – a girl and two boys – were reported missing Tuesday night by  Mrs. Urgel Pauze when she had been unable to find anyone around after several trips to the Stubbin’s cottage Monday and Tuesday. 

Ten Years Ago
More than 150 rugs and quilts were displayed at the second annual  quilt and rug fair at St. Paul’s United Church, Midland. * * * Wm. A. Robinson, federal member for Simcoe East, was discussing with the federal department of labor suggestions for vocational classes for shipyard workers in this district. This retraining would help men to secure posts in other industries, it was stated. * * * A five to ten-year plan of capital expenditures to bring about the modernization of St. Andrews Hospital was requested by a representative meeting of leading Midland citizens in the Midland YMCA. * * * Hon. George Doucett, Ontario Minister of Highways, was hearing an appeal from Tiny Township council for an increase of S6,000 in provincial road grants. * * * An increase of one percent per loaf was made in Midland and Penetang branches of chain stores on bread marketed under the chains’ own brand names. The hoist was from 12 to 13 cents per loaf of unsliced bread and for 13 to 14 cents for sliced. * * * Francis Beer, former manager of Fine Silk Mills, Midland, died following injuries sustained in an automobile accident near Georgetown. * * * Maps of North Simcoe watersheds were prepared by the Ontario Department of Planning and Development to be used by municipal councils in the district in connection with the possible establishment of a conservation authority. Under this plan it was proposed to encourage reforestation on a wider scale. 

Wise and Otherwise
If provincial Department of Transport officials were forced to endure some of the traffic tie-ups and congestion at Midland’s King and Yonge Streets, they might be more amenable to the installation of traffic lights at this intersection. Street markings are an improvement but lights are the ultimate solution during the summer months at least.

Penetanguishene council has indicated that it is quite concerned over the state of tax delinquency in the municipality, and rightly so when one considers that the per capita tax arrears in the community are nearly triple the provincial per capita average of $6.   

    The 12-month farm accident survey Summary for North Simcoe has just been released. A total of 134 farm and farm home accident reports were forwarded for the 12-month period and these accidents resulted in eight fatalities, one permanent injury and 118 temporary injuries. More than 1,650 days’ work were lost as a result of the accidents and the medical costs and property loss totalled more than $64,000, that is close to $8,000 per township, or the value of a small farm. by STEWART L. PAGE North Simcoe Agrep.

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 enlargeDruggists in this area are carrying out a resolution passed at the annual convention of the Ontario Retail Pharmacists Association recently, that its members carry first aid equipment in their cars for use in highway emergencies. John Jory, Midland, shows one type of first aid kit recommended for use by ORPA. 

Four fair visitors from Port Huron, Mich., obtain information from Jack Blackburn on what to see and do in Midland and surrounding area. The women were among 15 persons on four fine cruisers which docked in Midland Tuesday on a trip that will take them to Peterborough before they return home. Left to right are Mrs. Robt. Schlitts, Mrs. Shirley Hart, Mrs. Al Ruttle and Mrs. Paul Palmer. 

Although it’s 80 in the shade these days, the men above are already planning for next winter’s intermediate hockey in Midland. They vow there will be no repeat of last year’s experience, when things were left too late. Left to right are Lloyd Atkinson, president, Charlie Scott, publicity, Jack Lethbridge, secretary, Guy Kinnear, manager, Doug Gerow, treasurer. Absent when the picture was taken was Al Hume, also on publicity, and Harold Jackson, trainer. 

Every Wednesday more than 100 youngsters from the Mount St. Louis-Vasey area descend on Flos-Medonte Park (Orr Lake) for their weekly swimming lessons and land games under the supervision of Simcoe County Recreation Service. Instructor Judy Baker of Elmvale is seen here with Ron Watson and Wayne Forbes, Dalston, Donna Waples, Hazel Vasey and Gary Brittain of Vasey. 

These children from the Vasey Mount St. Louis area kept well down in the water when taking their swimming lesson as cold winds blew at Flos-Medonte Park, Orr Lake. Sponsored by the Simcoe County recreation service, the class has 109 boys and girls enrolled from this area.  Marg Drury of Crown Hill (white shirt) is the instructor. 

Cooling off at Waubaushene. 

And Little Lake Park 

And Paradise Point 

“All Steamed Up” Pictorial photo of Keewatin from the editorial page.

 

Topples Off Rubber Raft, Two Tourist Revive Lad

Free Press Herald headline of July 27, 1960.
Two vacationers averted a drowning tragedy at Balm Beach shortly after noon hour Monday when they applied artificial respiration to a 12-year-old Penetang youth pulled unconscious from the water. The lad, Leonard Desroches, a son of Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Desroches of 115 Poyntz Street, Penetang, had been playing on a rubber raft with some other boys when he got into difficulty. The two men, whose names could not be learned, are credited with saving the life of the boy. 

Name Plate to Expand Add 20,000 Square Feet

County Herald headline of July 29, 1960.
Construction of a 20,000-square-foot addition to Canadian Name Plate Co. Ltd. in Midland is to be started by August 1, Name Plate President Gordon Moss told this newspaper Wednesday. Mr. Moss said Webster-Smallwood of Midland has been awarded the contract for the new structure. First plant expansion since the firm came to Midland in 1954, the addition will boost total floor space in the manufacturing concern to 60,000 square feet. It will be built on the northwest end of the present building. Mr. Moss anticipated that by the fall of 1961, when the new unit is in full operation, it will mean additional employment for 30 to 40 more persons. This would put the total Name Plate staff at 220, he said. 

    Another chapter in the gang war between Toronto and Victoria Harbour youths was written into the records in Midland police court Monday when Magistrate K. A. Cameron remanded Lloyd —–, 21, of  Scarborough in custody two weeks to await sentence. For several weeks, he and some of his friends have been battling with local brothers in Victoria Harbour. Earlier, one of the Harbour lads had been fined for discharging a firearm over the Toronto lad’s car.

    Members of the OPP detachment at Victoria Harbour said yesterday the two-car collision which claimed the lives of two women near Coldwater Sunday afternoon is still under investigation, with charges pending OPP Const. Jack Ambeau, who investigated, said the head on collision took place on a straight stretch of the new section of Highway 400, about 2 miles south of Coldwater. (Although we don’t include them, every weekend people were dying on local highways and drowning in local waters. The numbers are staggering compared to today’s statistics. We now have more people using the road and waterways yet we have managed to reduce this carnage by simple safety measures and equipment. Be sure to use your seat belt and wear that life jacket!) 

    Seven weeks of camp is the fare for 37 Indian children from the Mohawk Institute, Brantford, who are summering at the Christian Island Reserve. The children, all pupils of the institute, a residential school are being taken on trips around Huronia during their stay. According to Rev. Walter Wenham, camp director, the children are getting at least one tour each week. Last week a busload of campers visited Little Lake Park and the Indian village at Midland. They will also see the Martyrs’ Shrine, museums at Penetang and Midland, and other historic points. 

    A letter to the editor from a chap born in Minesing recounting his visits to our area before moving to Los Angeles where he is now living in 1960. Life is what you make it.
“Before returning to my 1955 visit to Huronia House Museum let me retrace some of my experiences. On April 17, 1900, Wilbert Armstrong and I rode his bicycle to Stayner and then to Collingwood to get jobs on the Majestic of the Northern Navigation fleet. We made a trip or two to Sault Ste. Marie. “Then I travelled by train to Penetang, walked to Midland and ‘pushed’ lumber for a day or two. On the S.S. Toronto, I went to 12-mile Bay to peel tan bark for contractor Charles Martin. Then I boarded a houseboat, towed by the tug ‘Bruce’ from 12-mile Bay to Beaverstone, to pick logs. There were 25 men and two French girls (cooks) on board. “What fun it was riding, or trying to ride, the logs. One day I found some bleached bones on a flat rock which had been used as a grave. Pieces of rock surrounded the skeleton which had been covered with earth, evidently carried from a cranberry marsh nearby. “In September I went back to saw logging at 12-mile Bay, returning there until March, the following spring. At that time I walked in, on the ice, to Penetang and returned home. In October, I went into the woods at Longford and from there to a basket factory in Orillia, then to a shoe factory in Aurora, to Allandale as a GTR trainman and to Buffalo, N.Y. In January, 1906, I obtained a steady job in Bowles Lunch, Baltimore, remaining there until Dec. 31, 1949. Then I went to Westfield, N.Y., where my wife died. I first went to Los Angeles to visit in November, 1951. “I have travelled upwards of 15,000 miles of North America by bus and car. “And now back to the ‘Playfair’ home where I saw the exhibits and pictures, including my S.S. Majestic. I hear you’re reconstructing a long house. “

25 Years Ago This Week 1935
With 75 per cent of Coldwater merchants petitioning in favor of a half holiday on Wednesdays, the village council met in special session to pass the necessary bylaw. * * *  The long established Midland business of Campbell’s Florists was purchased by the Fox brothers of Huntsville. * * * Union evening services for the summer months of Midland’s Anglican, Baptist, Presbyterian and United Churches began their third season with the service conducted at St. Paul’s United Church by Rev. W. R. Auld. * * * Midland harbor received an impetus when CSL freighter Ashcroft and Great Lakes Transit steamer Ralph Budd with her barge Glenbogie cleared to pick up a cargo of grain at Fort William. * * * Penetang’s Mayor Hatton, at a special council meeting, promised to give consideration to a request for cash relief when it was pointed out that Midland and other municipalities had already adopted the measure. * * * Irreparable damage was caused when fire destroyed the frame building housing the foundry patterns of the P. Payette plant in Penetang. Many of the patterns had no blue prints and could not be replaced. 

   A quotation from Dr. P. B. Rynard, MP for Simcoe East, debating a bill to raise the old age pension from $55 to $75 and urging the government to consider building special facilities for the elderly. “I am sure there is no one in this house who for one minute would deny the old people all that they have coming to them in their declining years for their comfort and their security. But I am also equally sure there are other fields in which we need expansion just as badly as we need this increase. I refer particularly to those cases of people in the sixties and seventies who are obliged to go to hospital and are placed to general hospital wings when they would be better placed in wings particularly devised for the treatment and the benefit of those people who are in the chronically ill class,” Dr. Rynard stated. He also spoke of the person who is not, acutely ill or not sick enough to be in hospital or in a geriatric wing, but who needs invalid care. Other than a few pilot schemes, he said, little has been done about this matter.” (Will all the rhetoric around nursing homes become just more “pilot schemes with little done” when Covid is gone?) 

     MRS. XAVIER LADOUCEUR Native of Penetang and a resident of this area for her entire life, Mrs. Xavier Ladouceur died at her Port McNicoll home, Monday, July 11. Born in Penetang, May 3, 1899, she was educated in Lafontaine, and in May, 1933 married Xavier Ladouceur in Lafontaine. She had lived in Lafontaine for 34 years, 26 years in Penetang, and the past year in Port McNicoll. Surviving, besides her husband are two sons, Rosaire and Lionel of Port McNicoll, two daughters, Mrs. John Scott (Marie-Rose),  Yellowknife and Mrs. Lawrence Charlebois (Dora), Midland; her mother, Mrs. Celina Beausoleil, Penetang: seven brothers, Albert, Ernest, Andre, Philippe, Edmund, Alcime and Alfred, and one sister, Mrs. Louis Lacroix. There are five grandchildren. Funeral service was held Thursday, July 14, from Beausoleil funeral home to St. Ann’s Memorial Church where Rev. L. Wall officiated. Burial was in St. Ann’s Cemetery. Pallbearers were Ernest, Philippe, Albert and Alfred Beausoleil, Olivier and Antoine Ladouceur.

       More than 5,000 pairs of feet have trod the floors of Fort Penetanguishene Officers’ Quarters Museum this year, according to records kept by the museum staff. These are the same floors which more than a century ago rang to the sound of cavalry and infantry boots of British Regiments stationed there. Included in the number of visitors are more than 2,000 school children who toured the museum by busloads in the weeks before school closed. 

    Arrival of six large cruisers in Midland harbour Tuesday afternoon brought the number of such boats (of 28 foot length or over) to 76 so far this year, already an all-time record. According to officials, this is already nearly twice as many as visited Midland all last year. 

    This week the dredging contract opposite Fesserton shore was completed for the Department of Public Works. Stumps and other snags in the Coldwater River, between the C.P.R. bridge opposite the Coldwater Press and the village dock, are to be cleared. Buoys will be placed by employees of the Department of Transport, from Waubaushene to the mouth of the North River. 

 We have included below a pictorial tribute to Louise Parker Bath who passed away on July 24^th. The photos and articles are taken from the Midland Free Press during the 1950’s and 60’s. They show not only her talent and ability but her generosity and compassion. One of the many volunteers who work quietly and humbly in our area for the good of us all.
Our sincere condolences to Morley, Christie, Cory, sister Grace and their families. Louise was a positive role model to so many people in her life, especially the young. 
https://www.leclaircremationcentre.ca/obituary/MaryLouise-Bath

 With another winter rapidly drawing to a close, Midland Lions Club’s skating revue will just about wind up activities at Arena Gardens for this season. The carnival has improved every year and the Lions are planning on this one being no exception. Getting in a spot of practice above are Mary Louise Parker, left, and Linda Revard. 

Brownie night at the Salvation Army Citadel, more than 30 members of the Second Midland Pack were present to receive awards or to be enrolled. Being enrolled were Linda Duggan, Linda Nopper, Karen Chapman, Eleanor Moffatt, Marie Louise Parker, Carol Launder, Marlene Douglas, Edith and Vivian Lowen, Janice Hawke, Sharon Howard, Barbara Ann Merkley and Cheryl Tyndall. Receiving golden stars and first year service stars were; Judith Reynolds, Patsy Dalziel, Linda Dagg, Gayle Langridge, Anne Davidson, Marilyn Vail, Becky and Patsy Paul, Jo-Anne Ambrose, Linda Bonner, Sharon and Connie Stelter, Judy Wilson, Laurie Young, Jan Worrell, Karen Greisbach, Peggy Krochko, Sally MacDonald. Second year service stars went to Elizabeth Boldt and Nancy Wilson. (My guess would be front row, third from the right.) 

Successful dance step skaters at Midland Arena Gardens Sunday afternoon, the group includes Jane Edwards, Sharon Stelter, Donna Cramm, Judy Lumsden, Margaret Lockhart, June Lumsden, Nancy Playfair, Louise Parker, Lynda Duggan, Selma Wensveen, Mary Lynn Boyd, Lynda Stewart, Dawn Annand, Judy Hack, John Svoboda, Maureen Mohan, Suzanne Ball, Barbara Spence, Jane Campbell, Angela Magnus and Beth Boyd. 

This was a solemn moment for these young girls as they took the “Guide’s Oath” administered by Mrs. J. E. Lawlor, district commissioner, in a ceremony at St. Mark’s parish house May 6. New members of 1st Midland Company Girl Guides (St. Mark’s) are, left to right, Sheryl Lattimore, Mary Louise Parker, Laurie Young and Karen Greisbach. 

Many district leaders and Guides attended a Guiders training school in the Sunday School auditorium of Knox Presbyterian Church, Midland, March 25. Some of the guides present included Lesley Hudson, Waubaushene, and Bonnie Dion, Penetang, seated and standing, left to right, Mary Ellen Mulhall, Waubaushene; Linda Labatt, Penetang; Louise Parker and Laurie Young, Midland. 

Always a matter of great anticipation at Midland public schools is the naming of the senior boy and senior girl for the year. Winners at Regent School this year were Louise Parker and Bobby Clayton. Mrs. M. Wilcox, above, presents the students with their awards on behalf of Regent Home and School Association. 

For the first time, the 1st Midland Girl Guide Company has first class badge holders’ in its midst. At the mother and daughter banquet, June 20, Mrs. J. E. Lawlor, Area Commissioner (right) presented the badges to these four girls; (left to right) Louise Parker, Barbara Galt, Brigit Neuman, and Sharon Stelter. 

The music committee of Midland-Penetanguishene District High School presented awards and scholarships at the closing assembly of the year, May 30. Girls receiving them were left to right, at top, Pam Ellison, $10 scholarship, Barbara Dalrymple, $7 award, Louise Parker, $7 award, Nancy Jones, $20 music camp award, Pat French, $20 music camp award. 

Everything got a good wash, including the girls and the service station attendants, as members of the Wendake Division of the Rangers held a car-washing bee to raise money Saturday. Hard at work above are Grace Ellen and Louise Parker and Kathy McLaughlin. The Rangers’ coffers were swelled by $52 after the day’s work.

April 1963 Music Festival Results;
Hymn playing 15 years and over, first Judy Rankin, 83, second Louise Parker, 82, and tied for third with 80 were Barbara Kirkpatrick and Marlene White. Piano solo, 17 years and under, first was Kim Smiley, 84; second Louise Parker, 82; and third, Margaret Ann Kearns, 80. All entrants in those two classes were from Midland. 

September 1966 MSS Hi-Sterics ;
The cheerleader trials will be held Friday afternoon after school in Gym 2. Louise Parker, this year’s head cheerleader needs nine others to complete her team. There are 13 of an original 23 left to choose from.  Six judges, teachers on the staff, will watch them perform a cartwheel, series of eight jumps, and two cheers. Seven of last year’s team are back again this year. They are: Heather McKee, Linda Russell, Debbie Willette, Janice Jeffery, Candas McKee, Louise Parker and Shirley Lesperance. —Cathy Harrison 

September 1965 
CHRISTMAS IN JULY Items valued at $10 were purchased and mailed to our foster child Lee Wai Koon this summer as his 1965 Christmas presents, said Louise Parker of MSS Students’ Council recently. She said the items had to be mailed before July 15 to reach the child by Christmas and suggested that a list of his gifts be kept so he does not receive the same items again. 

February 23, 1966. Waiting hopefully for the judges’ decision in the first round of this year’s Queen of Hearts contest at Midland’s Odeon Theatre are Anne Delaney, Sheila Elliott, Bonnie Leclair, Linda Lockhart, Barbara Merkley, Louise Parker, Linda Russell, Lola Russell (the eventual winner), Ilona Strasser and Sharon Stelter. 

July 1966
Courses were completed last Friday for some 259 Penetanguishene youngsters who have been taking swimming lessons since school classes came to an end in June. The children, who received certificates of their accomplishments, ranged from absolute beginners up to those ready to enter Red Cross instruction. Judy Ross was head instructor for the swim classes and she was assisted by Louise Parker, Mary Lou Gignac and Donna Belcourt. A group of mothers under the leadership of Mrs. Frances St. Amant supervised the children during classes. Sponsorship is under the local recreation council. 

May 1968
The board also approved the hiring of the following teachers on a probationary basis; Chester Graham, Hannelore Hajok, Harry Haskett, Miss Patricia Higgs, Juergen Koenigsbeck, Mrs. Lawrence Lefaive, Miss Louise Parker, Miss Susan Perkins and Miss Janice Rutherford. 

May 1968
Mr. and Mrs. Campbell Parker are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Louise, to Mr. Morley Bath, son of Mr. and Frank Bath. The wedding to take place June 8th, St. Paul’s United Church at 7 p.m.