Huronia Museum has chnged to our Fall and WInter hours.

We are now open Monday to Friday – 9AM to 4:30PM. Last admission at 3:30PM

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. 

Council Approves New Plan to Improve Intersection
Free Press Herald headline of Wednesday, July 18, 1962. 

Midland council got advice on the town’s traffic control problem from Roy Cowley, traffic consultant, Department of Transport, at a special Monday night meeting. Mr. Cowley pointed out that a thorough traffic study had been made in 1956 and a verbal report followed in 1960. “What I recommend here may not influence council a bit, you are not bound to carry out my suggestions,” he said. Mr. Cowley opposed installa­tion of a traffic light at the King-Yonge intersection. “As was suggested previously, the corner radii should be increas­ed from 5 to 30 feet at this intersection. Road markings should be repainted,” he main­tained. Reeve Arthur Argue said, “This problem has been kicking around for seven years. Let’s get some action.” Council moved to carry out curb changes in accordance with Mr. Cowley’s advice. “The curbing may cost $200 and in­volve 40 feet of change,” Uto Lupsek, town engineer, stated. Mr. Lupsek said pavement markings would be painted this week. 

A number of citizens in Midland’s east end apparently thought Midland Industries Limited was breaking public utilities commission rules with regard to water restrictions on lawn watering. Authorities were called and investigated. They discovered the water being used in the sprinkling operation was being taken from the raw water system and not the town mains. MIL is one of several firms which use industrial raw water in their manufacturing processes. 

Just how desperate the water situation was in Midland a few days ago is easily evidenced in this picture of one of the reservoirs in the Vindin Street water area. Water is only about a foot deep in the pool and some three feet below the normal water line, visible near the top of the cement wall. 

Nora Armitage, 16-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Armitage, Detroit, died last evening en route by boat from Cognashene to Penetanguishene hospital.  Nora is reported to have come to the cottage where the family was staying and told her mother she had been bitten by a snake. The child then col­lapsed. 

– What if  you get bitten?
Don’t panic! Not all bites result in venom being injected. One quarter of all rattlesnake bites are “dry” bites.
Stay calm and reduce movement.
Clean the wound – wash with soap and water
Remove jewelry on the affected limb.
Call emergency services (911) and get to a hospital as quickly and safely as possible. [We would add, do not drive yourself to hospital]
DO NOT apply ice or a tourniquet.
DO NOT cut or apply suction to the bite area. 

A Department of Transport motor vehicle safety check unit is busy testing district and tour­ist cars at Midland town dock until Friday, announced Mid­land police Sgt. R. E. Bates. “This is a purely voluntary test for drivers interested in a thorough check of their cars. During the summer many of the cars tested belong to safety­ conscious tourists on holidays. Owners are obliged to repair their vehicles according to the test findings,” Sgt. Bates said. “It takes five to seven men from five to 10 minutes to check one car. Working steadily Wed­nesday through Friday the safe­ty crew should be able to check 400 units. If the demand war­rants it, the department crew has agreed to remain here Sat­urday.” he continued. 

“The economy of the Georgian Bay Region is gen­erally buoyant and prospects for the future are bright,” said Economics and Development Minister Robert W. Macaulay following an economic survey of the region in late June. Sponsored by the Georgian Bay Development As­sociation, an 800 mile tour of 20 municipalities in the region was conducted by Mrs. M. B. Levit and P. J. Young of the Department of Economics and Develop­ment. Accompanying the delegation was Neville Keefe, General Manager of the Association. Eighteen of the 20 communities covered are members of the GBDA. One to three-hour tours of the municipalities were conducted by representatives of the com­munities, who could speak for their industries, their tourist op­erators and their general bus­iness climate. 

One of the largest crowds ever to assemble in Midland was on hand to watch, or take part in, the Orange parade, Saturday. A portion of the crowd which jammed King Street, between Elizabeth and Hugel, is seen in this picture. Photos were taken from the roof of the Loblaws store.

Among the 80 lodges which took part in the big Orange parade in Midland, Saturday, was Waverley, seen above with their banner as they marched down King Street. 

No Orange parade would be complete without a “King Billy” on a white charger. He’s seen here, followed at a respectful distance by a modern addition to the parade, a group of majorettes. 

Last but not least in the big Orange parade Saturday was the host Midland lodge, which had a good turnout of members. Officials estimate at least 4,000 took part in the parade, while thousands more watched. 

Midland Flyers’ catcher Gord Blake is seen hustling across the plate for a run against Mimico in the softball tournament held in connection with the Orange celebrations in Midland Saturday. Team-mate Bill Quinlan and umpire Fred Scott watch Gord dent the rubber while the Mimico battery chases a loose ball. 

TEN YEARS AGO
Midland fire department installed a $3,500 radio alarm system climaxing a year’s debate to provide speedier protection. The King Street fire hall transmitter beamed instant communication to 21 receiving sets in volunteer firemen’s homes. * * * An archaeological sensation shook accepted theories when Islington contractor Frank Ridley assembled pottery fragments at several “Lalonde” sites. The pottery matched designs on Iroquois pottery excavated from northern New York State. Mr. Ridley exhibited his pots at Huronia House Museum as proof of his claim that the Iroquois once inhabited Huronia. * * * Footings for 20 Wireless Hill rental houses, built in anticipation of the needs of newly arrived Ernst Leitz (Canada) Limited workers, were poured on Midland’s outskirts. Construction of the Leitz factory kept pace with steel roofing being erected. * * * The Inter-Town softball League admitted a Gravenhurst team, creating a five-team loop. The original four teams were: Midland, RCAF, Stewarts and Barrie. * * * A war against the mosquito menace was advocated at a Midland Kiwanis Club luncheon by Bill Keller Jr., son of Deputy-reeve and Mrs. W. H. Keller, Midland. Bill, a student entomologist at University of Manitoba, confirmed there are 59 varieties of mosquitoes in Canada. “Though the adult mosquito has a lifespan of only two or three days, he may travel 20 or 30 miles in a high wind.” the student said as he called for widespread spraying to deal with the pests. * * * Coldwater’s four United Church pastoral charges received Rev. A. Cumming, formerly of Huttonville. Rev. W. R. Auld, Midland, presided at the induction ceremony. Rev. A. K. Kaellgren, Uhthoff, addressed the new minister and the congregation. Rev. Auld commended the good work completed by former Coldwater pastor, J. R. Holden, called to Little Current. * * * Waubaushene’s fifth annual regatta, staged by the local chamber of commerce, drew more than 1,000 spectators. Midland Boy’s Band led a parade including Waubaushene scout troop and decorated cars to the town dock where water sports were held. * * * The Waubaushene opening of Elim Homes attracted 250 spectators. Sponsored by Ontario Gospel Halls, the home was designed to care for needy, aged or infirm Gospel Hall members. 

Applications for power and capacity plates for small boats are now available at the Midland customs office. All small boats 16 feet and under, equipped with a ten horsepower or more motor, must carry the capacity and horsepower plates, government regulations state. Forms are available in Penetanguishene at the dock, from Pete LePage, harbor director, at the Grew Boats, at the Post Office, and at Morrison’s Drug Store. In Honey Harbour they are available at the boat works. The new power and capacity plates are a steamship inspection safety requirement. 

District Doctors Back Western Colleagues
County Herald headline of Friday, July 20th, 1962. 

Midland and district doctors have thrown their support behind their Saskatchewan colleagues (one of whom is a former Midlander) in their dispute with the government over the western province’s Medical Care Insurance Act. At a special meeting Tuesday of local doctors of Midland, Penetanguishene and immediate area, a resolution endorsing the Saskatchewan medicos’ refusal to accept the existing Medicare Act was endorsed unanimously. The resolution reads: “We, the local doctors of Midland district wish to record our support of the Saskatchewan doctors in their refusal to accept the Saskatchewan Medical Care Act. We also deplore the dictatorial, undemocratic and tyrannical attitude of the Saskatchewan cabinet.” 

Reportedly sparked by an editorial which appeared in this paper recently, several Department of Highways officials made an appearance at Tiny Township council meeting Tuesday  night in regard to the finger board sign at the intersection of Highway 27 and County Road 6. Council was told that this type of multiple finger board signing is now obsolete and none of this type is being repaired or replaced. Spokesman for the group said a large white and green sign is being erected south of the intersection carrying the words “Simcoe Road 6 Wyevale and Perkinsfield”.  

Motorists using the Champlain Road will very shortly have smoother travelling for the first three-quarter mile with paving operations started this week, according to information given Tiny Township council Tuesday night. Work on the balance of the four-mile stretch, designated as a development road is expected to commence with the end of the summer, council heard.  

To serve Georgian Bay district’s more scattered cottage country, several additional points in central locations carry the snake anti-venom serum. They are: Honey Harbour area, Whalen’s General Store, Whalen’s Landing; Cognashene area, Murray Wagg; Coldwater area, Dr. G. W. Hall, Bass Lake, and Dr. R. F. Brown, Coldwater. Area hospitals supplied with serum are: Barrie, Royal Victoria Hospital; Bracebridge, Memorial Hospital; Midland, St Andrews Hospital; Orillia, Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital; Penetanguishene General Hospital; Parry Sound, General, St. Joseph’s General Hospital. 

Widening of Highway 11 north from Orillia has been given priority by the Highways Department over the continuation of Highway 400 from Coldwater to Gravenhurst according to Robert J. Boyers MPP for Muskoka. No date has been set for a start on the Highway 400 extension. [In 1962 the idea of extending Hwy 400 from Coldwater to Gravenhurst had not yet died. Is it still a good idea today?] 

Editorial page photo “Fun Time at Thunder Bay Beach” 

Second engineer on the coast guard ship C. P. Edwards, Ted Middleton retired this week after serving on the ship since 1949. He is seen here receiving a travelling bag from Capt. Jerry Masales (right of photo), on behalf of the crew members. Mrs. Middleton was also presented with flowers by Allan Hutchinson, chief engineer. 

County Road 2 (Vindin Street) received its long awaited hard-surfacing this week. A pavement layer and a roller are seen at work above, on the two mile stretch between Midland and Highway 27.

Officers of the RCN frigate “Victoriaville”, in Midland during a training trip on the Great Lakes, were entertained  by Midland council at Midland Golf and Country Club Tuesday evening. A portion of the group, including councillors, members of the harbour commission and chamber of commerce, and officers, is seen in this picture. In picture 8469, left to right are A. J. Preston, president of the golf club, Lieut-Cmdr Ben Oxholm, executive officer, Mayor Charles Parker, and E. B. Kendall, who welcomed the visitors during the dinner. [The council and the Chamber of Commerce members paid for this dinner out of their own pockets.]

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. 

Freak Line Storm Lashes North Tiny Beach Area
Free Press Herald headline from Wednesday July 11, 1962. 

Dozens of boats were reported damaged on the west shore of Tiny Township when a furious line storm struck that area about mid-Sunday afternoon. Rain, hail, and extraordinarily high winds ac­companied the storm as it raced across the country­side in a narrow swath. Hardest hit were Highland Point and Penetanguishene areas. Indications are that the storm was approximately 400 yards wide when it raced in off Nottawasaga Bay at Wahnekewing Beach where boats were said to have been tossed like nut­shells. 

Many ancient trees in the Wanekning Beach area west of Penetanguishene fell a cropper to Sunday’s short but violent windstorm. This one came to rest against a cottage owned by A. M. McNamara of Windsor. Directly across the road, another tree put a big hole in the roof of a cottage owned by P. G. McNamara, RR 3, Penetanguishene. 

Trees in town, as well as in the park, were not spared by the storm Sunday. Half of this huge old elm crashed down in the yard of Rolf Litchenfeld, King Street. Fortunately it landed squarely between two houses and no great damage was caused. This occurred late at night, long after the original storm. 

Two Midland women received severe face and head injuries when these two cars collided at Firth’s Corners, one mile west of Midland, last night. A third car, not seen in the picture, was also involved but sustained only minor damage. Most seriously hurt were Mrs. Mac Perrin, driver of one car, and Miss June Hansford, a front seat passenger, both of Midland. Miss Hansford was thrown through the windshield and sustained severe head and facial lacerations. Mrs. Perrin suffered a broken jaw and lost a number of teeth. Another passenger in the car, Mrs. Elsie Puddicombe, riding in the back seat, escaped with minor bruises. Miss Hansford and Mrs. Puddicombe were being driven home from the Brooklea Golf and Country Club where they were employed by Mr. and Mrs. Perrin. 

Temperatures that soared into the 90’s Sunday afternoon proved anything but a boon to South Simcoe Baseball League officials in staging their second All-Star game in Midland Sunday afternoon. The defending champion Midland Indians thwarted the All-Stars’ plans for two straight wins by coming up with a 5-3 victory. All-Stars had won the first game last year by trimming Alliston Braves, the 1960 champs, by an 8-3 margin. League officials had hoped for a crowd of 500 or better to boost their injured player fund. But the heat and high humidity sent many fans to the beaches, or other cooler spots, and only about 300 turned up at the game. Despite the humid atmosphere and a brief rain and wind storm midway through the affair, the fans were treated to a tidy tussle between playing coach Gord Dyment’s Indians and 17 players chosen from the other 12 teams in the two-section league. 

Midland Indians proved poor hosts Sunday afternoon when they defeated the South Simcoe League All-Stars 5-3 in the second annual “dream game”. Discussing ground rules in this picture are Indian manager Gord Dyment, umpire Ted Watson, All-Star manager Dean Heliotis and umpires Bob Grier and Lloyd Patton. 

There were really two All-Star teams in action in the South Simcoe Baseball League “dream game” in Midland Sunday, judging by the results. Defending league champions, Midland Indians scored a 5-3 win over the All-Stars chosen from the other twelve teams in the wide-spread league, shown here. Hot weather kept attendance below expectations. 

There were some near misses, and not a little confusion at times, as these members of the 1st and 2nd Midland Girl Guides’ companies tried for their bosuns’ badges at Little Lake recently. 

These eight girls are up to their ears in kids these days as they help look after the more than 400 children signed up for Midland Y’s Men’s Club’s summer program at Little Lake. Left to right are; front row — Mary Lou Graham, in charge of crafts; Betty Jean Watkinson, games, and counsellors Barbara Dalrymple and Gudron Mandler; back row — counsellors Betty Ann McCullough, Judy McIntyre, Eden Morrison and Wynne Gilmore. 

 We included this promotion list because it reminds us of what a one-room school was like. All grades in one class, one teacher and every child of one household attending the same class every day. Seven families made up the 23 students at Mount St. Louis.

Midland householders will have to keep their garden hoses dry for a few more days yet, Public Utilities Commission secretary-manager Stewart Holt told this paper yesterday. Any use of a hose by house-holders was ordered discontinued Friday when officials became alarmed at the low level of reserve ponds in the reservoir area in the north-west section of town. All-time record pumping figures hastened the decision. 

Hydro Rate Cut?? We may never see that again!

UP BOOK BUDGET TO MEET COST HIKE
County Herald headline of Friday, July 13, 1962. 

   Increased textbook costs for the 1962-3 school year posed a budget problem for Midland-Penetanguishene District High School Board, meeting Wednesday night. “We face a jump of 30 per cent on all books bought this year yet our budget of $2,500 remains the same. In most cases students can buy textbooks second hand, but cost to the student is bound to rise,” admitted MPDHS Principal Ray Gauthier.    Principal Gauthier in his monthly report listed percentages of failures throughout the school. In Grade 9, 67 of 288 students failed for a rate of 23.26 per cent. Grade 10 had 38 failures in 237 students for a failure percentage of 16.03. There were 45 failures among Grade 11’s 178 students. The failure rate was 25.28. Grade 12 recorded 28 out of 147 students, or 19.04 failures. Overall failure rate was 20.94 per cent, up from 16.1 last year. On the other hand, 17.79 per cent of pupils had honour standings. “From a drop-out rate of 12 per cent for 1958, double the provincial average, we have dropped to 7.1 per cent this year,” Mr. Gauthier reported. 

Midland will have gobs of gobs — navy, that is — for the next eleven days. (An Old English meaning of the word gob is “a sailor.” ) The tars — 140 officers and men — comprise the crew of HMCS Victoriaville which pulled into Midland harbour last night and officially docked this morning. She will leave Midland July 23 at 9.30 a.m. The 301 by 37-foot Canadian Navy vessel is one of several RCN ships which carried out gunnery practice on Georgian Bay earlier this week. (Sailors became known as Jack Tars because of their clever use of this natural gooey substance to waterproof things. The name Tar, in this context, dates back to the 17th century and is short for ‘tarpaulin’ which in those days meant a seaman.) 

Tiny Township School Section No. 14 at Wyevale will have doubled its present capacity by the end of this year, according to Jack Brock, one of the trustees. At a recent public meeting, ratepayers of the section agreed to the additional expenditure. According to Mr. Brock, the new construction will include two classrooms, a new heating system and new washrooms. Estimated cost for the work is $53,000. Mr. Brock told Tiny Township Council that the enlarged school would, if found necessary in the future, be big enough to accommodate an area school. 

Jim Neilon, Victoria, B.C., proves that the big ones don’t always get away. He is shown here with his niece, Kathryn Bourgeois, holding the head of an 18-pound catfish he caught in the Muscosh (as spelled in the paper) district recently. Mr. Neilon is currently visiting his sister Mrs. Lionel Bourgeois of Midland. 

One of the men who is pleading for peace between the Saskatchewan government and doctors of that province is Father Athol Murray, remembered by many citizens of Penetanguishene. Now 70 years old and famous for his work in establishing Notre Dame College in Saskatchewan. Father Murray held his first post as a priest at Penetanguishene. He came to this town as assistant to Father Brunelle after being ordained at Scarborough. Father Murray is credited with much of the organization work behind the 1921 Old Home Week when numerous historical plaques were erected around the town, and a ceremony was staged commemorating the end of the war between Hurons and Iroquois. The venerable priest is also credited with having developed the original idea of the donation of a pair of angels which today stand at the south entrance to town. 

Midland firemen got a long run Sunday morning when they were called to the farm home of Orval Truax in Tay Township, near Waverley. Burned was a shed containing a number of chickens and ducks. A fireman is seen here trying to put out a large pile of firewood which also fell prey to the flames. 

Model home on Noreene Street built by Beaver Lumber and this photo was used in an advertisement announcing an open house Saturday and Sunday, July 7 & 8. Mortgage as low as $56 per month.  [This house burnt around 2018 but was rebuilt.]  

July is the month for pruning your Christmas trees, announc­ed Arthur W. Leman, district forester, in his weekly Lake Simcoe district report. “Pine trees generally grow too fast to produce well balanc­ed, bushy specimens unless they are pruned.” he said. “In each of the first two grow­ing seasons pines normally grow six to 10 inches. But in the third growing season, the major­ity start to stretch out and grow as much as 18 to 20 inches. This is too much growth. A 10 to 14 inch growth per year and proportionate side branch growth will produce well shaped trees at six feet. One man can shear 50 to 80 trees an hour. Pruning should be carried out annually to maintain a conical shape until they reach marketable size.” forester Le­man advised. [Pruning Christmas trees was hard work but a good source of summer income for many North Simcoe young people.] 

A Tay Township man was in Penetanguishene police court, July 5, and was fined $25 and costs for creating a disturbance. OPP Const C. W. Boone told the court he had found the man on County Road 6, June 23, on his hands and knees in the middle of the road praying. His actions were obstructing traffic, the officer said. He also told the court the man had been drinking.