The first week of July 1959 was an exciting time for North Simcoe as Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip arrived in Penetang on board the royal yacht Brittania and departed from Midland by train. During the same week Bausch and Lomb announced the construction of a 10,000 square foot, $100,000 dollar addition to their Midland facility, the inaugural broadcast of CKMP radio occurred and the  Brooklea Golf Course opened.

Unfortunately, there were no royal visit photographs in the museum’s Free Press collection. It seems that many of the important negatives used in the newspaper such as Hurricane Hazel and the launching of the McLagan disappeared before the collection came to us. 

Click on photos to enlarge 

Getting this huge 3,000 KVA power transformer into position at Midland’s new Scott Street sub-station was a man-sized job. The big transformer, weighing 24,400 lbs., towers over PUC Chairman Alex Macintosh, left, and Stewart Holt, manager, (on trailer) and Dave Durgy, sales representative for Ferranti-Packard. More than 12 feet high, the transformer takes up a 9 by 6-foot base. 

Official opening of Reg Mulligan’s new drug store on King Street, opposite the United Church, was held Friday. Another King Street merchant and old friend, Lorne Watson (left) extends best wishes to Mr. Mulligan while ladies serve coffee and cake in the background. 

No trouble getting these Grade 8-B students to smile as they received their graduation diplomas at Parkview Public School, Midland, Thursday night. Seen with them is teacher, Jack Yelland, the pupils are left to right front row – Janice Bowen, Mary Lynn Boyd, Gayle Ellison, Beth Boyd; centre row – John Burke, Gerhard Bezner, Jim Cleaver; back row – Peter Ellery, Dalton Crawford, John Delaney. 

Graduation night for Grade 8 pupils of Midland’s Sixth street Public Schools brought special honours to these pupils. Left to right, they are Charles Scott (Sixth St.), Rickey Mohan, Fay Robins, Beth Boyd, Susan Swan, Betty Morrison and John Burke. Susan and John Burke were named senior girl and senior boy at Parkview, with Fay Robins and Charles Scott taking similar honours at Sixth Street. 

Top award winners at the Grade 8 graduation exercises at Midland’s Regent Public School Thursday night were left to right, Detta Ridd, Nancy Jones and Grant Langridge. Detta won the lODE prize for social studies, while Nancy and Grant were named senior girl and boy, respectively. 

Midland’s legal fraternity increased by one June 15 when Frederick B. Horton joined Edward B. Kendall in the practice of law. A graduate of McMaster University, as is Mr. Kendall, Mr. Horton completed his studies at Osgoode Hall this year and has subsequently been called to the Bar. Prior to attending McMaster, he attended University College of Los Angeles in California where he received his high school education. For the summer Mr. Horton his wife and their young son Peter are staying at a cottage at Honey Harbour. Mrs. Horton is a granddaughter of Mrs. Olive Hunter the former Olive Jeffery of Midland. 

Operated by Mac Perrin, Midland florist, the new Brooklea Golf Course on Highway 27 southwest of Midland, was officially opened July 1. General view of the new course is seen in the top photo, Mrs. Vera Perrin watches Mrs. Bill Howard (left) and Mrs. Clive Park tally up their course scorecards. Raring to get started on another round is “caddy” Russell Howard. 

You don’t have to go to Queen’s, Yale or Oxford to have a formal graduation, say these youngsters, who will be moving up to Grade 1 from kindergarten next year. Wearing black crepe paper “mortarboards” are, left to right, Dennis Salichuk, Kirk Rutherford, Debbie Mount, Doug Howell, Lynne Harmsworth and Debbie Edwards. They attended classes at Regent School under kindergarten teachers Miss Margaret Marks and Mrs. Ken Cowan (Dorothy) this past term. 

Another new thoroughfare is being opened to serve a rapidly expanding Midland. Trucks and bulldozers can be seen above working on Scott Street which runs between William and Johnson Streets, in the Wireless Hill district. 

Great adventure in the Gogama woods lies ahead for these three Midland lads, seen with their father, Pete Pettersen. Boys are (left to right) Bruce, 6, Jon, 12, and Bjorn,15. The boys’ activities will be filmed by two cameramen under the sponsorship of sporting goods and boat firms. All phases such as camping and fishing will he filmed during the one to three-week stay in the northland.

• County Herald headline of July 3, 1959; Optical Firm Announces New $100,000 Addition. A 10,000 square-foot addition to Bausch and Lomb’s Midland plant, almost doubling the size of the firm’s existing building, was announced at noon hour yesterday by Roy O. Pennock, vice-president and general manager of Bausch and Lomb Optical Co. Ltd., and Larry Curran, head of Midland operations. The new wing, which will cost $100,000, will be built, at the northeast end of the present building and will extend northerly toward Hugel Ave. Mr. Pennock said the company hoped it would be able to move into the new wing by early November. Of structural steel, masonry and brick construction, the proposed new building will house the lens inspection department, packaging department, frame manufacturing and assembly, shipping and receiving departments, offices and a lunchroom for employees. One storey in height and 80 by 120 feet in size, the building has been designed to blend in with the existing plant.
• Free Press Herald headline of July 8, 1959; Three Drown in Channel One Body Still Missing. In addition to their duties in connection with the visit of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, police in this area had a busy time keeping up with accidents over the weekend. Four-deaths were recorded, one on the highway and three by drowning. Another man received a badly gashed foot when struck by the propeller of his own motorboat. It might easily have been his head. The drowning occurred early Saturday morning as four people were being transported to Christian Island in a small boat. All four were from Buffalo N.Y., but one victim, Patricia Marsden (nee Hawke) was originally from the Island and was coming to visit her mom. The fourth person to lose his life was Pte. Gerald Paupst, 31, of Toronto, who died in St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, as a result of injuries received in a motor accident on Highway 103.
• After an absence of more than 30 years, the Midland Penetang area again has a radio station of its own. Midland’s first radio station (It was also one of the Canadian pioneers) was CKPR operated by Ernie Swan and Ralph Parker. Some of the first sports broadcasts ever aired in Canada came across CFPA, which later moved to the Lakehead around 1928. “Its call letters can still be seen on a door of the Georgian Hotel where it had its studios,” Mr. Armstrong noted. CHMP (the MP stands for Midland-Penetang) went on the air for the first time July 1 and got a “very favourable” reception for its efforts, said Bruce Armstrong, general manager, and one-third owner. His partners are Stan Tulk, Vice-president and chief engineer, and Grant Forsythe, program director. All three were formerly associated with the CBC. Operating on 250 watts at the 1250 spot on the dial, the station broadcasts from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. daily except Friday and Saturday, when it will remain on the air an hour longer for the summer months at least. We hope to offer good coverage for the Georgian Bay – Muskoka area, from Collingwood to Parry Sound.” said Mr. Armstrong. The station will feature hourly news updates, musical programs, sports and public events. CHMP gets a good break in the public events field right bang off with the royal visit scheduled for this area Saturday. Extensive plans have been made to cover the event from the time the royal yacht Britannia drops the royal barge outside Penetang Bay until the party leaves from the CNR station in Midland. Other members of the staff of 12 include Bob VanStone, former Midlander, as commercial manager, John McCullough, news editor, Kim Maitland, women’s editor, Lorne Tulk technician, Roy Goran and Walter Hume, announcers. Cy Tulk, Western-style singer and announcer, Arlene Armstrong, (Bruce’s daughter), receptionist and Madeline Vallee of Penetang, secretary. CHMP’S transmitter is located at the southwest corner of Little Lake, on Cecil German’s farm. It will be remotely controlled right from the studio, located in the Cumming-Nicholson Building. [We assume the CHMP is a typo, the actual call letters being CKMP?]
• Many thanks to Brent Armstrong, grandson of station owner Bruce Armstrong for providing us with this link to the very first broadcast from CKMP. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jDpmjQFybkDptW2zqIhliAJvF4ZP3msP/view?usp=sharing
• Police Chief Robert Cameron of Midland warned all merchants and businessmen in Midland to lock the back doors of their premises while watching the royal procession Saturday. Chief Cameron said he had received information that merchants in other centers had been victimized by sneak thieves, who entered places of business by the back door while the owners were standing out in front watching the royal cavalcade pass by.
• An official of the CNR freight office confirmed yesterday that the railway intends to bring in a number of new freight cars and spot them at the extreme east end of Midland on the north side of the mainline, while the royal tour train is en route from Midland to Orillia. The cars will be placed in front of the grain doors at the Tiffin elevator; it was explained as that is the area where the cars get cleaned out.
• Obituaries; CUTHBERT ANNAND Roofing contractor, Cuthbert Annand died June 14 of a heart attack following an operation. Funeral service was held June 17 at Nicholls’ funeral home with Rev. W. L. Morden conducting the service. Pallbearers were Ivan Vasey, Ian Bowman, Wallace Daniels, John Fagan, Homer Spring and Gerald McNamara. Born at Penetang, Dec. 27, 1911, he received his schooling at Wyevale and Wyebridge. On July 20, 1939, at Penetang, he married the former Annie M. Adamson. Following his marriage, he lived for two years in Waverley and then moved to Midland where he had lived for the last 17 years. He was a former member of the Midland Lions Club and a member of the Midland Chamber of Commerce. He starting his roofing business in 1944, Mr. Annand had been a licensed crane operator at Midland Shipyards during the war. In 1957 he purchased property at Ossasane Beach and built a summer store and tea-room. Besides his widow, he is survived by a daughter, Dawn, his father, James Annand Sr. and two brothers, James Annand, Jr. of Penetang, and George of Midland. His mother predeceased him in 1957. Burial was in Lakeview Cemetery. LEWIS E. JONES, A farmer all his life, Lewis Edmund Jones died June 23, on his farm, R.R. 1, Midland; in his 76th year. Just two years ago, he and Mrs. Jones, who was the former Rhoda E. Switzer, celebrated their golden wedding anniversary at their Con. 4, Tay, farm home about a mile west of Port McNicoll. Mr. Jones who had always looked after large stocks of both cattle, and sheep, was for some 16 years in the wholesale milk business, the CPR  boats at Port McNicoll being his largest customers. A resident of this district practically all his life, Mr. Jones had lived for the first six years following his wedding, June 19, 1907, on the old homestead at Vasey and in the spring of 1914 moved to the present farm outside of Port McNicoll. Funeral service for the former elder of Port McNicoll United Church was held June 26 at the A. Barrie and Sons funeral home and was conducted by Rev. Gordon Nodwell. Pallbearers were George Marchant, Wm. Grigg, Victor Beatty, Edgar Heels, Albert Calvert and B. J. Brownell. He is survived by a son, Edmund of R.R. 1, Midland, and a sister, Miss Annie Jones, of Midland. His wife died in July 1957 and two brothers, James and Wilmot, also predeceased him. Burial was in Omemee Memorial Cemetery.
• Increasing sales of home freezers is affecting locker plant establishments, according to the Simcoe County Health Unit. In a recent report, it was noted that a number of plants are planning a reduction in locker space, and one plant has closed down entirely.
• The newest addition to the recreation facilities of this area, Brooklea Golf Course was officially opened for play on the holiday. Operated by Mr. and Mrs. Mac Perrin, Midland florists, the new course is located on Highway 27 about two miles southwest of Midland. Directly across the road is a driving range which is being operated in conjunction with Brooklea. The golf course and the driving range are only two features of a long-range plan which Mr. Perrin hopes to complete within a few years. Included in the plan are riding stables, swimming pool, lawn bowling and a large clubhouse. For this season, what is to be eventually the pro shop and golf cart storage building will serve as the clubhouse, pro shop and lunch counter. Dressing room facilities are provided for both men and women. Work on the new course got underway Sept 20, 1958. While Mr. Perrin is the first to admit playing conditions are as yet not ideal, remarkable progress has been made in that comparatively short time. Several of the fairways are already close to “summer rules” conditions. A few of the fairways have been laid out on what was a cornfield as late as October. Even these are in quite a playable condition. Getting rid of the wrong type of grass that persists in popping up on his greens is “Mac’s” big problem at the moment. By mid-summer, however, he expects the greens will reach the “good” status, with play and cutting. At a casual glance from the highway, the new course still looks somewhat on the bare side for trees. A few years from now a lot of golfers are going to wish it had remained that way when the 900 deciduous and 4,000 evergreen trees Mr. Perrin has planted begin to reach mature size. On his fairways, “Mac” has seeded 2,000 pounds of Highland bent, Kentucky blue, creeping red fescue and ryegrass. Marion bluegrass, Kentucky bluegrass and Highland bent is the composition of the tees. Greens have been seeded in Pencross, a new hybrid grass developed especially for its wintering qualities, long a problem with most Canadian courses. It also provides a fine, matted base for putting. Although there are only nine greens as yet (another full nine will be built on land across the road when conditions warrant) the provision of alternate tees makes it possible to alter the yardage to give the effect of an 18-hole course. Men’s par out is 36 on a 3,100 yardage. The “in” nine has a par 35 for 2,999 yards or a total of 6,099.
• Ten Years Ago This Week – Nearly 40 lodges, 1,000 marchers, three King Billies and nine bands took part in the Orange walk in Elmvale July 12. * * * Farmers in the north half of Flos Township and the southern part of Tiny Township were fighting a scourge of armyworms (tent caterpillars). Groups of men spread poison bait to halt the marching horde. * * * Viscount Alexander of Tunis, governor-general of Canada, and Lady Alexander visited the North Simcoe communities of Elmvale, Penetang, Midland, Victoria Harbour and Coldwater. * * * Camp Kitchewana, had the largest enrolment in its 30-year history. All available space, including six new cabins, was filled to capacity. * * * Rev. Ralph Egan had been appointed parish priest at St. Margaret’s Church, Midland. His curate was Rev. Edmund McCormick. The two men replaced Rev. Basil Ellard and Rev. R. J. Monahan. * * * A cast of 500 persons was rehearsing daily for the opening night of the salute to Canada Pageant to be presented at Martyrs’ Shrine in honour of the 300th anniversary of the deaths of the North American Martyrs. The pageant was under the direction of Rev. Daniel Lord, S. J. * * * Survey crews were working in Medonte Township on the proposed route of a three-lane highway that was to run from a cloverleaf at Crown Hill northerly to Parry Sound and Sudbury. * * * Influx of summer visitors hit an all-time peak in a 10-day period. It was estimated that the resort area crowds exceeded the previous year by 10 per cent.
• Births – HIGGS — To Mr. and Mrs. Robert Higgs, 190 Fifth St., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Friday, June 26, 1959, a daughter. MURRAY — To Mr. and Mrs. Jim Murray, Midland, at Penetang General Hospital, on Thursday, July 2, J959, a daughter, Lori Jane. SEATON — To Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Seaton, Waubaushene, at St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, Sunday, June 28, 1959, a son. WATT — To Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Watt, R.R. 1, Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Monday, June 29, 1959, a son. BELLISLE—At Penetang General Hospital, Sunday, July 5, to Mr. and Mrs. Len Bellisle, a daughter, sister for Stephen. BRADLEY — I’m here at last! My name is Amy Bradley and I made my debut at the Penetang General Hospital on July 16, 1959. My proud parents are Bill and Mona. My brothers are Billy and Steven. I am fine, my mummy is doing well and my daddy is recovering slowly. CONTOIS —To Mr. and Mrs. Henry Contois, 52 Ontario St., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Friday, July 3, 1959, a son. HAWKE- To Mr. and Mrs. Orville Hawke, 160 Sixth St., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Saturday, July 4, 1959, a daughter. ISAAC — To Mr. and Mrs. Wilson Isaac, 285 Dominion Ave., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Monday, July 6, 1959, a son. JONES — To Mr. and Mrs. Allan Jones, Waubaushene, at St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, Friday, July 3, 1959, a son. MITCHELL—To Mr. and Mrs. Ted Mitchell, 215 King St., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Sunday, July 05, 1959, a son. NIBLOCK — To Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Niblock, R. R. 2, Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital Saturday, July 4, 1959, a son. RUTHERFORD — To Mr. and Mrs. Fred Rutherford, 289 King St., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Sunday, July 5, 1959, a son. SCOTT — To Mr. and Mrs. Robert Scott, Honey Harbour, at St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, Monday, July 6, 1959, a son. VASICEK—To Mr. and Mrs. James Vasicek, 410 Bay St., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Friday, July 3, 1959, a son. WHITE – To Mr. and Mrs. Elgin White, Honey Harbour, at St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, Monday, July 6, 1959, a son. [We were the baby boomers!]
• Thousands of small boats greeted the ocean-liner Britannia and her destroyer escort as the Queen and Prince Philip neared the shores of Huronia, Saturday afternoon, following an overnight cruise from Sarnia. Practically every person living around the Penetang Midland area who owned a boat and hundreds of cottagers from the 30,000 islands met the royal yacht as she approached Giant’s Tomb Island. Water in the vicinity was churned to a maelstrom from an estimated 2,000 boats waiting for their first glimpse of the Britannia. Several persons were amazed that none of the craft was upset and passengers drowned in the melee. [Second article] One of the interesting points of the royal tour in the Penetang-Midland area, so far as Queen Elizabeth was concerned was the large number of small craft that greeted the Britannia as she approached the shores of Huronia. According to Mayor Jerome Gignac, at least twice during her short stay at Penetang dock, the Queen commented on the number of boats and wanted to know where they came from. Mayor Gignac pointed out the reason for her amazement was perhaps due to the fact that privately-owned boats are not so prevalent in England as they are here.
• Flowers were presented to Queen Elizabeth by Katherine McLaughlin of Sacred Heart School and Catherine Brandon of Regent School. Both aged 9, they were selected because they obtained the highest marks in their schools and because they were the same age as Princess Anne. Both wore frilly summer dresses. National press representatives covering the royal tour said both girls made the best curtsey to the Queen that they had seen to date on the tour.

Each week we try to pick an article from the time period in which we are presently working. In 1921 the effects of land speculation in Port McNicol in the late teens can be seen by the list of tax sale properties in 1921. Note that some people purchased multiple blocks of land hoping for a building boom that was to follow the arrival of the CPR. Pages from Midland Free Press_1921-11-10

 

Click on photos to enlargeMidland became an international port over the weekend, even though the “ships” were a bit on the small side. Actually, the two vessels involved were outsized outboard cruisers that would delight the hearts of many a local boating enthusiast. First to arrive, at noon Saturday, was the Transco II, en route from New York to Oregon. Docking Monday afternoon was the “Coronet Explorer”, en route Montreal to Chicago on this occasion. Last year the Coronet gained worldwide publicity by becoming the first outboard-powered cruiser to cross the Atlantic. Built in Denmark, it made the crossing from Copenhagen to New York in 10 days, 17 hours, according to Jack LaFrendre of Lake Forest, Ill, in charge of it now. 

Route of the Transcona II on its 5,280 mile trip from New York to Oregon is seen on the above map. The only detour is 400-mile stretch over the Continental Divide in Montana and Idaho. 

Three Collingwood sailors, including Capt. Percy Butters, 64, lost their lives when the tug Bayport sank off Collingwood harbour Monday. Other victims were Ed McCoy, 49, a crewman, and engineer Ken Mclnnis 41. During winter months the Bayport was a familiar sight in Midland harbour, where she was used as an ice-breaker. (Happier days in this photo from September 1954.) Bayport returns from boiler work in Collingwood, on board are two captains and two first engineers. Capt. J. W. Scarrow of the Hochelaga, and Capt. C. S. Ward of the Goderich. J. G. Hendrickson general agent for CSL Midland and P. J. Rutherford, chief engineer of the Goderich.  Bayport was moored at the end of the (Sea Cadet shed) custom shed dock, near the Townhouse elevator. 

Hanging flower baskets on light standards along King Street has been an annual job for Midland’s Jaycees for a number of years. With the visit of Queen Elizabeth coming up July 4, the baskets (72 of them) are larger and better than ever this year. Helping with the job are, left to right, Jaycees George McLaughlin, Don Swinson, Doug White and Bill Mitchell. [Mac Perrin’s greenhouse behind the flower shop where the parking lot is now. The two flat-roofed houses in the background, built by Mac, are still there on Midland Ave.] 

Midland has begun its preparations for the royal visit July 4. Workmen above are attaching “ER” shields to light standards along King Street. Town employee on right is Jim Stewart. 

Familiar scene around the Midland-Penetang area these days are strawberry-picking groups like the one above, adjacent to Highway 27. A good rain is badly needed, however, to assure more than an average crop this year. Grain crops are also reported to be suffering from lack of moisture in the past three weeks. [Sandy Rankin had a patch at the south end of King Street and would pay us 5 cents a box to pick for him.] 

Fast becoming one of the most popular picnic spots in North Simcoe, the Flos-Medonte Park at Orr Lake has been all spruced up for another season. Caretaker of the park, Joe Lea is seen above starting work on a new stone fireplace. A number of churches in the area have already “booked-in” for picnics in June. 

Huronia Museum in Midland has opened for another season and one of the features this year is a display of paintings by Simcoe County artists. Some of the pictures, collected by the county arts and crafts association, are seen above with Mrs. D. H. Wray of the museum staff. John Desrochers of Penetang completed the one of Magazine Island (top centre). Other artists represented in the pictures above include Katherine Day, Orillia and J. L. Vleming, Port McNicoll. 

Happy pupils are members of Principal James Robinson’s grade 8-A class at Parkview School, who move on to high school in September. Class includes – Larry Ferris, Stephen Galt, Robert Gray, Sylvia Grexton, Nancy Hawke, Dorothea Heron, Alan Holt, Marvin Howard, Paul Howard, Gail Lalonde, Suzanne Lamb, Marilyn Lamorandiere, Richard Lemieux, Terrence Lethbridge, Kathleen McElroy, James McKean, Bob Mathis, Brian Mohan, Patrick Mohan, Elizabeth Morrison, Sharon Murday, Douglas Mutch, Beverley Nichols, Janice Nicklee, Joan O’Hara, Janet Playne, Jean Playne, Collette Preston, Carol Scott, Susan Swan, Lawrence Toutant, Frances Weatherell, Steven Weatherell, John Weeks, Dianne Wilcox, William Young. 

All spruced up for the grade 8 graduation exercises at Regent School last Thursday are, left to right, front row – Frank Reynolds, Barry Mcllravery, Ed Zablotny, Dave Carpenter, Randy Green, Graham Shaw, Ken Langley, Bill Scott, Jim Butson, Grant Langridge; back row – Ross Hutchinson, Bruce Moss, John Jensen, Art Langley, John Argue, Peter Dunn, Ted Black, Ron Merkley, Dave Belsey, Wayne Edwards, Gary Wood. 

Girls of the graduation class of grade 8, Regent School are shown above following exercises Thursday night. Left to right are, front row -Linda Revard, Carol Bridges, Barbara Caston, Wallace Graham, Edna Vernon, Nancy Jones, Detta Ridd, Christianne Brinkmann, Peggy Dempsey, Wendy Feltham; back row – Elaine Stainton, Marilyn Nicholson, Heather Davidson, Donna Lovell, Donna Jackson, Diane Cruise, Joanne Kettle, Mary Ironside, Judy Davidson, Helen Farrow, Pia Zuidema. 

Just in time for the Queen’s visit July 4, the dock area at Midland harbour is getting a new hardtop. The contractor is Jim Anderson, Midland. Improved surface for the dock has long been sought by local authorities. 

Midland firemen have successfully concluded another bicycle road-e-o in which public school pupils try written tests and later give an actual demonstration of their ability to handle their bikes on the road. Some of the winners include, left to right, front row — Mary Jane Mohan, Wendy Walton, Peggy Krochko (holding the lamp kit she won for placing third in the contest), Eleanor Boden, Connie Stelter; back row—Ronald Jessome, Danny Donaldson and Blair Shakell. Missing were Katherine Brandon, John Cranston, David Gosselin and Tom Atkinson. 

July 4 will be a long remembered day for 8-year-old Mary Lou Gignac of Penetang, chosen to present flowers to Queen Elizabeth on the occasion of her visit to that town. Seen with her mother, helping to fit her brand new dress, Mary Lou is the daughter of Mayor Jerome and Mrs. Gignac. 

Brand new bikes were the rewards for Maureen Mohan and Ralph Battrick, who knew their rules of the road, and how to apply them in practice. With fireman Dave Hudson, left, and Chief Arnold Tippin, Maureen scored 780 and Ralph 786 out of a possible 824 marks in the bicycle road-e-o sponsored by Midland Fire Department June 20. One of the bikes was the joint donation of Gordon Moss and W. H. Cranston and the other of the fire department. 

Midland Indians needed an extra inning before edging Orillia Terriers 5-4 for the Inter-county League championship of the Little Baseball League at Town Park Wednesday night. Members of the winning team are, left to right, front row—Bill Offord, co-captains John Hawke and Bob McLaughlin, and league director Len Self; second row—Edgar Dorion, Fred Jackson, Gary Blake, Ernie Charlebois; back row—Al Fournier, Rodney Todd, Ralph Blake and Ron Contois. 

Captains of the winning teams in Midland’s Little Baseball League finals are seen above with their trophies. Left to right are Bobby Offord (Brantford White Sox), Frank Reynolds (Baltimore Orioles), John Webb (St. Louis Cardinals), and Billy Jory (Toronto Leafs). Standing behind the lads is league director Rev. Len Self. 

When Farmer Humphrey climbs into the wrestling ring, it generally means a tough night for the ring, as well as his opponents. “Humph”, all 600 lbs. of him, hails from Georgia. He won a decision over Karl Kulaski at Midland Arena Monday night when Karl, who made sure his playmate didn’t fall on him, was disqualified. 

UGH!—”Hey, cut that out,” says Whipper Billy Watson, right, as Hard-Boiled Haggarty sinks a mighty right into the Whip’s tummy at the wrestling matches in Midland Arena Monday night. 

 

• Free Press Herald headline of June 24^th, 1959; Investigate Theft Try, Police Arrest Three. Penetang police questioned three North Bay men in connection with an attempt early Monday morning, to crack the safe at Penetang IGA store. It was the second time since it opened less than six months ago, that thieves had broken into Gillie’s IGA Foodliner at Penetang. Unlike the previous occasion, March 8, when more than $5,000 was taken from the safe, this latest attempt proved unsuccessful when the marauders were disturbed by police. Penetang police got a tip shortly after 5 o’clock Monday morning that men were around the store. As he approached, Const. Wally Lacroix saw a man running toward the rear of the store. Hastening around to the back, Const. Lacroix came face to face with a man about to leave by the rear door. As the intruder turned again and ran toward the front, Const. Lacroix fired a warning shot in the air.
• County Herald headline of June 26^th, 1959; Council Bows to OWRC Request; Approves Sewage Plant. Midland council has agreed to proceed with the construction of a primary sewage treatment plant for the corporation, to conform with the policy established by the Ontario Water Resources Commission. Initial cost for stage one of the project, which includes the plant, a digester, 15 per cent engineering costs and contingencies and the diversion of the William Street outfall, is $349,000.
• Free Press Herald headline of June 30^th, 1959; Commission Approves New Low Rate Schedule. Midland will now have one of the lowest electric rate structures in Ontario, Midland public Utilities Commission Chairman Alex Macintosh announced today. Mr. Macintosh said the new rate structure has just been approved by the Hydro-Electric Power Commission of Ontario for the town of Midland. “We have boon negotiating with hydro officials for some time in an attempt to have local hydro rates reduced,” continued Mr. Macintosh, “and our manager has just received verbal confirmation from the Barrie that the Hydro commission in Toronto has approved our request for a rate revision.” “I believe, there is only one other municipality in the whole of Ontario that has a similar rate structure. It places us in the lowest bracket normally approved by the HEPC.
• Ten Years Ago This Week – 1949, Two special trains — one of 16 coaches and the other 10 coaches — brought 1,235 pilgrims from London and Chatham to the Martyrs’ Shrine. Nearly 400 others arrived from Detroit and Windsor on the S.S. South American. * * * For the first time since the war of 1812-14, a ship of the United States Navy visited Georgian Bay waters. She was the patrol craft escort No. 894 of the U.S. Naval Reserve Training Centre, Chicago. She docked at Midland. * * * According to a report prepared by Simcoe County Assessor Eric Simpson, the county’s population climbed four per cent in 1948. The total population was listed as 91,933 or 3,573 more than the previous year. * * *  Twenty-five pupils — the entire Grade 8 class of Coldwater Public School passed their entrance examinations, Orillia Collegiate Principal D. H. McGill announced. More than half of the class did not have to try the examinations, passing on their year’s work. * * * Tourist resort operators and businessmen in North Simcoe and southern Muskoka reported that the early invasion of summer visitors indicated the district in 1949 would have one of the best years for tourists. * * *  Franz Johnston, internationally famed artist and one of the originals of the Group of Seven, died in a Toronto hospital following a cerebral hemorrhage.
• A new record was established at Midland Y’s Men’s Club’s Indian Village June 19 when more than 1,000 school students and teachers visited the famed village at the east end of Little Lake Park. They formed a large part of the more than 4,000 students and teachers from 74 schools who have visited the village this year since the last week in May. Each of the groups has heard lectures by Dr. Wilfrid Jury, assisted by three students from the University of Western Ontario. Of the 74 schools who have visited the village this spring 25 were from the Toronto area. Names of other towns represented sound almost like a complete road map of Ontario.
• The final week of classes brought 110 school groups to Martyrs Shrine last week to boost the total to 234 groups for the season. An exact count of the numbers who came was not kept, but judging from the number of buses, seven thousand children seems a conservative estimate, shrine officials said. The number of groups visiting the shrine has risen from 24 in 1951 to 150 last year and to 234 this year so far. School principals, teachers and parent-teacher associations are largely responsible for this increase.
• PLAUDITS FOR PARK – Dear Editor: About two weeks ago, my family and I made use of your excellent park in Midland. I must say that we were pleasantly surprised to find such high calibre accommodation and facilities. Since coming to this country four years ago, we have visited a good many communities in Ontario, some of them with a much larger population than your town, where the picnic and amusement and even the parks themselves were in a much shabbier state. On our visit to Midland, we were particularly impressed by the beautiful sand beach and the cleanliness of the park and picnic tables. The park workmen are to be commended for the care and attention they give to these While we were there, we noticed one disturbing thing, and that was that a number of the cars driving through the park seemed to be exceeding the speed limit. Perhaps they were the exceptions to the rule. With so many small children playing nearby, one would think their own common sense would cause the drivers to take it just a little bit slower. “J.P.”  – Toronto
• Community groups in Simcoe County are now, making plans for summer vacation programs for their children. In co-operation with the Simcoe County Recreation Service, swimming classes and day camps for 30 groups or communities will be held in almost every section of the county beginning early in July. Swimming classes, under the director of swimming and water safety, Mrs. Mary Elliott of Barrie, will be held from Tottenham to Waubaushene and from Oro to Oakview Beaches. More than 2000 children are expected to participate. Courses for regular classes include seven lessons.
• Penetang Police were called in to solve the case of a one-man nudist colony set up on the town’s Main Street Wednesday evening. With the principal in the case a completely naked two-year-old, the job resolved into one of going from door to door in the area until his home was found. According to the information given Sgt. L. Robillard, the youngster had been wandering around naked for approximately 10 minutes before he was taken in tow.

Taking that glimpse further back we are invited by the CPR to enjoy a cruise on one of their “gleaming white ships” on the inland seas. This page is from the Midland Advertiser paper, April 1940.

CPR Lake Cruise

Click on photos to enlargeThis painting of the old lumberman’s church at Port Severn, by Barrie jeweller Gordon Reeve, is one of a number by district painters assembled by Simcoe County Arts and Crafts Association for display at Midland’s Huronia Museum this year. Assistant curator R. A. Grigg is seen with the painting; which occupies a prominent place in the lower hall. The museum will be officially open Sunday. 

This odd-looking craft, currently tied up in Midland harbour, is the brain-child of Harold Keefer, Ottawa Street. Resting on two steel pontoons, the craft will be powered by an outboard motor. Mr. Keefer is waiting for a nice calm day to try the boat on the broad waters of the bay. 

Once a passenger cruise ship on Georgian Bay, the Vyroya of Midland, formerly owned by Roy French, has been sold to Imperial Oil. This past winter it was converted to a gas supply boat. Here it is beginning the first leg of a highway cruise to Lake Temagami in Northern Ontario. It was loaded on the float at Midland Shipyards.

Yukon Eric got a mixed reception as the first of the cards for this season got underway in Midland Arena Monday night. In the top picture, Eric is besieged by young fans wanting his autograph. In the lower picture, Dick Hutton leaves the imprint of his big boot in Yukon’s tummy, much to the delight (seemingly) of referee  Joe Gollab. 

Playing prominent roles in the success of the Midland Indians in the South Simcoe Baseball League race this year are, left to right, pitcher Gord Dyment and outfielders Larry Greene and Jim Lemieux. Indians have an important game in Creemore with the league leaders’ tomorrow night and return home to host Utopia here Saturday night. 

Best way to beat the heat, said Lynn Hoy, Florence Chapman and Audrey Hoy, left to right, is to get a pop-sickle and stay near a drinking fountain. The 90-degree heat didn’t seem to bother these youngsters too much as they and hundreds of others rushed down to Little Lake right after school, last week. 

Somewhat unusual this early in the season, this huge puffball was found by four Midland lads as they explored the shore of Little Lake. Puffballs of this size are much more common in the fall of the year. Left to right are; John Burke, Bob Fielder, Bill Argue, and Peter Moss. 

Saturday was a big occasion for the members of Midland lOOF Lodge 274 and Rebekah Lodge 199 as the cornerstone of their new temple on Dominion Ave. West, was officially laid. Among the dignitaries taking part were, left to right — Bro. Percy Smith, Noble Grand; Bro. Thos. Sharp, Past Grand Master; Rev. Ralph Wright, Calvary Baptist Church; Mrs. J. A. McCauley, PDDP; Bro. J. W. Bald, Past Noble Grand; Mrs. A. Johnston, PDDP; Mrs. R. Stamp, Noble Grand of Rebekah Lodge. 

During the recent heat wave, just about the most popular spot in this area was Midland’s Little Lake Park. While the younger fry enjoyed a swim, the older folks sat in the shade of the huge old elms. 

The 1,564 votes Lloyd Letherby received in Midland played a big part in his re-election as PC candidate for Simcoe East in the provincial elections Thursday. Here Mr. Letherby, right, smiles appreciatively as James Forester chalks up the winning figure. Party worker Frank Doherty also seems happy at the outcome. 

Ecole Publique Saint-Joseph

• The Free Press Herald headline of June 17, 1959; Midland Taxpayers Face Outlay of $1,000,000. As a result of an ultimatum from the Ontario Water Resources Commission, Midland ratepayers are faced with an expenditure of nearly $1,000,000 on a new sewage disposal plant. The ruling was contained in a letter from Dr. A. E. Berry, general manager of the OWRC, read at a special meeting of Midland council Monday night. The commission refused to approve a request from Midland council to install 2,738 feet of sanitary sewers in the Scott Street sub-division. Dr. Berry’s letter stated: “It is the policy of this commission to not issue certificates of approval for sewer extensions until a program has been adopted for providing adequate treatment of the sewage. We do not have in this case information from you as to what is planned for meeting those requirements.”
• The County Herald headline of June 19, 1959; Area Municipalities Face Increases in County Levy. Schedule of equalization of assessment for Simcoe County, which will receive final approval of county council in Barrie today, this year reflects, among other items, the effects on the 31 municipalities involved, of Barrie’s withdrawal from the county. The increases in equalized assessment for 1959 compared with those for 1958, as listed in the county assessment committee’s report, run the gamut from Orillia’s $1,384,229 to Creemore’s $32,851.
• Penetang’s committee in charge of local arrangements for the royal tour is getting some idea of the vast amount of coordination and effort being put into the affair by similar committees, across the country. Local information officer Marcel Bellehumeur this week received a book, titled “Royal Tour of Canada, 1959, Arrangements.” The 344-page volume gives a comprehensive picture of the royal party’s activities every minute they are in the public eye, from the time they arrive at St. John’s Newfoundland, tomorrow (Thursday) at 3.30 p.m. until they depart embarking aboard HMY Britannia at Halifax, Nova Scotia, 10.30 p.m., Saturday, August 1. An example of the minute-by-minute scheduling can be seen in the entries for Penetang and Midland, which read as follows:.”2.45 p.m., royal barge leaves HMY Britannia. 3.15 p.m., the royal barge arrives federal dock. The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh disembark, accompanied by Hon. J. M. Macdonnell (Minister without Portfolio). Mr. Macdonnell presents the mayor of Penetanguishene (J. J. Gignac, Esquire) and Mrs. Gignac. The mayor presents member of Parliament for Simcoe Centre and his wife, The Warden of Simcoe County (J. Patton, Esquire) and Mrs. Patton, the general manager of the Georgian Bay Development Association (Neville Keefe, Esquire) and Mrs. Keefe and members of the town council and their wives. Her Majesty is asked to sign the guest book and also to accept a bouquet presented by Miss Mary-Lou Gignac. 3.20 p.m. the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh enter their automobile and leave the federal dock. Route: Main Street to Poyntz, west on Poyntz to Owen, North on Owen to Robert, East on Robert to Penetang Road, South on Penetang Road to the town limits.”
• A new and improved type of drinking fountains will be installed at the corners of King and Bay Streets and King Street and Hugel Ave., it was decided at the Midland Public Utilities meeting Monday night. “We had better see that they are well anchored,” suggested commissioner Wm. Benton. “Maybe when we get them installed we should notify the town council and get police protection for them,” countered PUC Secretary-manager Stewart Holt who suggested that it would be about two weeks before the new fountains would be installed.
• More than 400 children have submitted entry forms for the Midland firemen’s bicycle road-e-o, to be held on the municipal parking lot June 20. Dave Hudson, secretary of the Committee sponsoring the event, said first prizes for the boy and girl who obtain the most points in the road-e-o were bicycles. Second prize will be a $10 merchandise certificate at Eisenberg’s tire and sports. Eight other successive winners will receive crests.
• Accepting a recommendation of its police committed, Midland council Monday night appointed Sgt. George Wainman acting chief of police for Midland, on a six-month probationary basis, and paid on the basis of a $4,200 annual salary.
• by Charlie Noquet  – Two immovable objects — in the form of Midland Huronias and Collingwood Kaufmans — met head-on in an important Barrie and District Soccer League fixture at Midland’s Parkview School Saturday night. When the dust from the high wind and fast action had cleared, Collingwood had preserved its unbeaten record with an 8-3 win over Huronias, also unbeaten up until Saturday night.
• Demonstrating the immortal Willie Keeler’s “hit’em where they ain’t” technique to perfection, Midland Indians blanked Barrie Flyers 4-0 in a South Simcoe Baseball League game here Monday night. Held to only four hits, Indians made every one of them count in the run-scoring as they tallied all their runs and hits in the second inning. Going the distance for Indians Monday night was southpaw Joe Faragher, who at other times covers first base. Joe came up with a sparkling mound chore as he scattered five hits and was never in danger of losing his shutout.
• 25 Years Ago This Week – 1934; Mayor J. B. Roebuck of Midland officially opened the new five-acre Eastside Park in Midland’s east end. The park was situated in an area bounded by Yonge Street East, Elizabeth and Borden Streets. * * * Nearly 500 delegates attended the 20th annual meeting of Barrie Presbyterial WMS of the Presbyterian Church in Canada, held at Barrie. Mrs. M. W. Heslip of Penetanguishene, president, was in charge of the sessions attended by delegates from as far north as Bracebridge and south as far as Beeton and Bradford. * * * Simcoe County Warden Edward Dutton entertained county councillors, their wives and friends (about 350 in number) on board the CPR steamer Keewatin. The party left Port McNicoll at 2 p.m. aboard the flag-bedecked ship and returned 6 p.m. after cruising the waters of Georgian Bay. * * * When official nomination day for the provincial election had drawn to a close, there were 262 candidates in the running. They were comprised of 90 Conservatives, 82 Liberals, 37 CCF, 13 Communists and 14 independents. Among the party affiliations of the independent candidates were “Dry Liberals”, Labor, Labor-Socialists, Socialists and “Workers Industrial Party”. * * * An Alderman on Midland council for 11 years and a member of the Midland Citizens Band for 30 years, T. Harry Trill died unexpectedly at his home. * * * A deputation from Penetang Retail Clerks Association demanded that Penetang council enforce its bylaw calling for a Wednesday afternoon holiday. Council agreed to instruct the chief of police to lay charges “against any merchant who saw fit to resist council” on the half-day closing bylaw. * * * As clouds of dust were making driving conditions dangerous, the Department of Highways oiled Highway 12 between Midland and Orillia.
• Obituaries – LEGER J. BELLEHUMEUR  – A native of Penetang and a resident of this area throughout his entire life, Leger J. Bellehumeur died June 11 in Penetang General Hospital, following a cerebral haemorrhage. He had been unable to work following, a heart seizure about five years ago. Born in Penetang in 1893, he had lived here and in Lafontaine during that time. Mr. Bellehumeur remained a bachelor. Until he took a position at Beatty Bros, foundry about 25 years ago, he had been a machine operator at the C. Beck Co. Ltd. He was a Roman Catholic. Surviving are six brothers, Joseph Arsene of New Orleans, La., Fred and Theophile, Windsor, Andrew of Bala, Harvey of Midland and Edmond, Lafontaine. One brother, Thomas, predeceased him. Funeral service was held Saturday, June 13 from Beausoleil funeral home to St. Ann’s Memorial Church where mass was said by Rev. Leo Ramsperger. Interment was in St. Ann’s Cemetery. Pallbearers were Marcel, Hebert and Lawrence Bellehumeur, Rosaire Moreau, Theodore Simon and Joseph Bobus. * * * EUGERE BEAUCHAMP – A lifelong resident of this area, Eugere Beauchamp died Friday, June 5, at his Penetang home following a heart seizure. Born in Perkinsfield June 28, 1886, Mr. Beauchamp had farmed until he retired in 1940, moving to Penetang at that time. He had been educated at Penetang Public School. Five years ago, Mr. Beauchamp, and his wife, the former Victaline Mailloux, celebrated their golden wedding anniversary. Of the fifteen children born to the couple, four predeceased him. Besides his wife, he leaves, seven sons, Bernard, Armand and Alcime, Perkinsfield; Harvey and Jack, Penetang; Edgar and Lionel, Lafontaine; and four daughters, Bernadette, (Mrs. Tony Juneau), Alida, (Mrs. P. Desroches), Veronica, (Mrs. Norman Robillard), all of Penetang, and Albertine, (Mrs. A. Marchildon), Lafontaine, and one sister, Miss Hortense Beauchamp, Penetang. Two brothers, Julian and Napoleon predeceased him. There are 69 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren. Funeral service was held (Monday, June 8, from Beausoleil’s funeral home to St. Ann’s Memorial Church where a solemn requiem high mass was celebrated by Father J. Kelly, assisted by Msgr. J. M. Castex. Interment was in St. Ann’s Cemetery. Pallbearers were six nephews, Alfred, Donald, Raymond and Gerard Beauchamp, Eugene and Herbert Mailloux.
• Additional gas mains are to be installed in Midland, Bud Turnbull, Public works superintendent for Midland, reveals. He said a start would be made immediately to install 2,600 lineal feet of new mains for the Consumers’ Gas Company, he said. The new lines are to be installed on Seventh Street, Montreal to Quebec; Robert Street, Russell to Johnston; Ottawa Street, Fifth to Sixth; Dominion Ave, Lindsay to William; Johnston, 200 feet south; and Midland Ave., Bay to Dominion. (It is easy to forget sometimes that under our feet lie all the gas, phone, sewer, water and hydro services.)
• At the official opening of Fort Penetanguishene Museum Wednesday, Dr. W. W. Jury said the University of Western Ontario and the town of Penetang have been trying to make history live in their work at the old military establishment. He went on to say that he was confident he would be able to rectify some errors in locations of historic sites in this area before the end of this year. Msgr. J. M. Castex said many local people “don’t even realize what the museum is.” He paid tribute to those who have worked in the restoration of the historical site and singled out J. M. H. McGuire, who died last year, for special praise. Mr. Jury said the museum was fortunate to have been the recipient of Labatt’s generosity.” The firm provided funds to completely furnish a room in the museum in period style. “This museum is history in a complete way. It tells us what our ancestors have done, and we should show an appreciation of it,” Msgr. Castex said. “We have here the making of a second Fort Henry and I am hoping we will be able to march right along with this development,” Mr. Jury said.
• P. B. Rynard, M.P. for Simcoe East, announced yesterday that two Midland firms had been awarded a total of S32,375.37 in federal government contracts. Dr. Rynard the firm of Wilson and Bell had been awarded the contract for plumbing and electrical work on two comfort stations and a house, and heating work in a house. The contract, amounting to $11,041. is for work on Beausoleil Island and was let by the Department of Northern Affairs and Natural Resources. The other contract, amounting to $21,333.52 was awarded to Midland Foundry and Machine by the Department of Defence Production.
• Under arrangements made by Reeve Montcalm Maurice. Tiny Township, some 75 members of Simcoe County council, their wives, and a number of county employees will visit Christian Island this afternoon. The visitors are slated to leave Penetang dock around 3 p.m. to travel to the island by the Penetang 88. Port McNicoll’s Reeve Albert Calvert, pointed out that in World War II every able-bodied man on the island reserve had served in one branch or other of the armed forces. “A few members from the Christian Island Reserve have since settled in our village and we have found them to be good citizens.” Reeve Calvert told other members of the council.

A look further back at some articles from the early days of Midland. 

February 8, 1939 –

Magistrate Col. C. F. Bick fined eight persons $2.00 and costs ranging from $3.00 to $3.50 for not possessing radio licenses, in Midland police court Thursday. One of the delinquents, Edward Cox of Hamilton, was fined for the operation of a car radio without a license. Girard Berriault, who shot a partridge out of season, was fined $10.00 and cost on a charge laid under the Game and Fisheries Act. 

October 1, 1931 –

The miniature golf course that has been operated here for the past couple of years on the Oddfellows lot, King Street, has been closed for the season this week. There was some little interest taken last season, but the novelty rapidly wore off and this season interest in it has almost entirely disappeared. It is hardly likely in view of conditions this summer that the institution will reopen next spring. The people here took little or no interest in the new game, although the course was made as attractive as it possibly could be. 

August 29, 1918 –

The ‘Pathfinder.’ the large private yacht owned by Mr. James Playfair, Midland, was in Owen Sound harbour yesterday and attracted a great deal of attention from the citizens. She arrived off King’s Royal Park about eleven o’clock Wednesday night and dropped anchor there, coming on into the river about nine o’clock yesterday morning. On board were the owner, Mr. James Playfair, and Mayor D. L. White and Mr. D. S. Pratt, manager of the Canadian Dredge Company, both of Midland, and Mr. J. S. Bell, general manager of the Bank of Hamilton, and Mr. W. E. Finn, also of the Bank of Hamilton. The trip was made from Midland for the purpose of conveying the latter two gentlemen part way on their trip to Hamilton. During the stay of the boat in town, Mr. Playfair and his guests were entertained by a number of prominent citizens of the town, including Mayor Webster, and Messrs. E. Lemon. J. M. Kilbourn and H. B. Smith. Mr. Playfair also visited the Kennedy plant. The boat is a beauty. 154 feet long, built like a battleship with protruding ram in front and a battleship stern. She is in command of Capt. Kitchen, a well-known lake mariner, and carried a crew of 13 officers and men, including a wireless operator. The boat was built in Rachine, Wis., for Mr. Burnham, of Chicago, one of the best-known yacht racing enthusiasts in the United States, and is capable of a speed of 24 knots. She is of steel construction and is handsomely equipped with all modern appointments as could be desired. Here furnishings are all of the very best and she makes an ideal gentleman’s yacht. She left for Midland at 12.30 p.m. yesterday. 

1918 was a war year and in contrast to the pleasant scene above, this picture appeared in the October 1918 issue of the Midland newspaper.

April 11, 1936, the Catholics win,

Happy first day of summer North Simcoe!