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One thing about fishing, age is no factor in the enjoyment of this universal pastime. Bobby Roduck examines one of the many “flies” tied by veteran angler G. A. Walkinshaw at the hobby show in Midland YMCA Thursday night. 

Although its value is under dispute in government and military circles at the moment, the aeroplane still attracts the fancy of many Midland lads who formed their own model club at Midland, YMCA. Keith Craig, left, and Tom Atkinson display two of the larger models on view at the hobby show in the ‘Y’ Thursday night. 

Midlanders who failed to attend the hobby show at the YMCA Thursday night missed some interesting exhibits. This one, from the collection of Mr. and Mrs. James Sherriff, won a special award. Examining one of the interesting articles are Mr. and Mrs. Mervin Beatty. 

One of the main features at the annual North Simcoe seed fair at Elmvale has been the potato competition. Telesphóre Forget, left, is this year’s grand champion, with Ida Maurice as reserve champion. Both men are prominent seed potato growers from the Lafontaine area.

Top honours in the bacon section of this year’s North Simcoe seed fair and bacon carcass show at Elmvale Friday was won by Adam Wolosky of Victoria Harbour. Mr. Wolosky is seen With Ron Dennis, left, of the Canada Dept. of Agriculture, and Stewart L. Page, North Simcoe ag-rep. Mr. Wolosky’s exhibit won the grand championship in its class.

Floor hockey has long been one of the favorite sports for boys of Midland YMCA. In the lower photo are the Mustangs, this year’s winners. Left to right are; kneeling, Ronnie Jeannotte, Bob Weckman, Gene Suzuki; standing, Allan Cornell, Chris Lyons, and Frank McLean. Runners-up, Golden Eagles are Rafael Shushan and Jimmy Martin in front, and Paul Henderson, Ricky Howard, and Tom Fisher, rear.

Having heard that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, the boys of Grades 7 and 8 at Port McNicoll Public School soften up their dads a bit each year by preparing and serving a supper for them. “Cooks” above are, “left to right, Frank Kelly, Leo Beausoleil, and Ian Spencer. 

Winners of the snowshoe races staged at Penetang’s Winterama March 1 receive their prizes from Jaycee Eugene Bellehumeur, right, chairman of the snowshoe race committee. Right to left are Larry Jones, Midland, first in men’s; Tom Tobey, Honey Harbour, 2nd in men’s, and Angela King, Honey Harbour, 2nd in women’s.  Betty Jones, Midland, winner of the women’s event, was absent when the photo was taken. 

Winner of the Monarch flour contest held at Loblaw’s Midland store recently was J. A. Stewart of 303 Second Street, Midland. Mr. Stewart, right, gets his aluminum cooking wear prize from store manager “Sandy” F. A. Dempster. 

Midland Armory will be a busy spot this weekend when the Garrison Club plays host to the Georgian Bay District, badminton championships. Four Midland stars Dave Dunning, Tom Marion, Carson Brown, and John Bourgeois, are seen above tuning up for the big event.

Tractor mounted snow blower clears the snow beside the CSL freighter “Hochelaga” in front of the Port McNicoll elevator before the ice cutting crew moves in to cut the ice into moveable blocks. Once the ice has been removed the freighter can be freed ready for her first spring trip. Petroff’s tow truck is being used to move ice. (Not the same one that pulled me out of the ditch last week.)

• County Herald headline of March 11, 1959; Man Attacks Young Girl – Flees from Irate Citizen. Midland police today are continuing their search for a “scruffy looking” man who attacked a 12-year-old while she and several companions were on their way home from a Girl Guide meeting about 9:15 p.m. Wednesday. The girls had left St. Mark’s parish hall about 9 p.m. and had reached the intersection of Hugel and Seventh Streets when one of them was grabbed by a man who had been following them and was thrown down on the snow. The girls’ screams attracted the attention of Herb Young, 371 Bay St. W. who took after the girl’s assailant and chased him to the vicinity of Knox Presbyterian Church where the suspect escaped up a lane.
• Free Press Herald headline of March 11, 1959; Gang of Safecrackers Loot New Supermarket. The first major robbery in Penetang since the municipal force took over from provincial police several years ago netted an estimated $4,000 to $5,000 for a crew of hungry thieves who cracked the safe at Robbie’s IGA sometime during the weekend. The new store was opened only last month. The exact time of the break-in and robbery has not been determined, according to police, although there is some indication that it took place Sunday afternoon or night. The theft was discovered when employees opened the store on Monday morning. Getting into the safe, apparently took a considerable period of time and, while working, the culprits apparently got hungry, for they drank some milk and ate apples, chocolate bars, and biscuits. No evidence of an attempt to get into the safe through its door could be seen. Instead, using an axe, pick and wrecking bar, a hole was chopped through thin metal which covered the back.
• Drop-outs number about the same as this time last year but percentage-wise they are down slightly because of the greater attendance, MPDHS Principal L. M. Johnston told the High School board meeting Wednesday night. Of the 11 pupils that had dropped but since his last report to the board in February, Mr. Johnston pointed out nine had gone to gainful employment.
• Active in Boy Scout work, the Simcoe County Police Association and Conservative circles, William John Moriarty, died unexpectedly at his Port McNicoll home March 11. He was in his 58th year. Born in, County Kerry, Ireland, where he was educated, he came to Canada 33 years ago. After three years as a private detective at the Royal York Hotel, Toronto, he came to Port McNicoll to join the staff of the CPR police where he remained until his death.
• After an absence of about eight years, Huronia Choral Society is being reorganized. The initial rehearsal and organizational meeting of the group, which is open to all district residents, will be held in the board room of the Midland municipal building at 8 p.m. March 17. The society, formerly led by Allan Harrington, Alex Docherty and Wm. Cameron, will have Al Hume as its new leader.
• With the opening of its new second-storey addition, Midland’s Midtown Motel now ranks with the best between Toronto and North Bay. That’s the firm belief of the proprietors, Karl, and Keith Bertrand, who not so many years ago were operating a garage on the site of the present motel. Still leaving room for another 20-unit addition if the need arises, the new second-storey addition is located “amidships”, atop the original building. It provides a fine lounge, 18 by 30 feet, as well as 10 new sleeping units.
• BARGE “AGAWA” Dear Editor: The steel barge “Agawa,” official No. 111807, was built at Collingwood by the Collingwood Shipbuilding Co. for the Algoma Central S.S. Co. and launched July 19, 1902. Her length was 379 feet, width 46 feet, and depth 26 feet; gross tonnage 3308. In 1907 she was made a steamer of 2468 gross tons. She stranded on Advance Reef off Michael Bay, south coast of Manitoulin Island. The tug General from Detour took her crew off. She was released June 3, 1928, taken to Collingwood and repaired with gross tonnage 3525. On May 20,  1929, she was sold to Arrow S.S. Co. of Toronto and renamed Robert P. Dunham. In 1939 she was, sold to the Quebec and Ontario Transportation Co. of Thorold and renamed Heron Bay in 1940 and is still in service. —W. R. WILLIAMS.
• Victoria Harbour electors gave a split decision in their vote on four liquor questions Saturday. They supported women’s beverage rooms by a vote of 296 yes to 191 no, for a majority of 78 percent and defeated the men’s beverage room question by a vote of 288 yes to 198 no. On the dining room licence issue, the question was carried by a 60.87 percent majority, 294 voting yes to 189 no. The cocktail lounge licence went down to defeat with .289 voting in the affirmative to, 197 in the negative.
• One of several visitors at Tiny Township council meeting Saturday, Ed Copeland showed council his “time books” to prove he had closed his sawmill as he had threatened late last year. “If you hadn’t put on that $9 a year business tax I wouldn’t have closed it,” Mr. Copeland told council. “For a matter of $9 you are quitting the business?” asked Deputy-reeve Eldege Quesnelle. Mr. Copeland: “That’s right, I was sick and tired of government intervention in my business.”
• “If the library is to continue to offer the service which the statistics show the people of Midland want, the only solution is an addition to the building. It cannot be started too soon; said Dawson M. Leigh, Midland Librarian, in his annual report issued recently. The last year saw more books and magazines borrowed than ever before — 69,479; continued Mr. Leigh. “This in spite of crowded conditions which almost compel patrons to be contortionists or giraffes. This amounts to each person borrowing 8.4 books per year. From available reports, no other municipality within 40 miles can show as high a per capita average and few in Ontario.” (The national average is 3.4 volumes a year.)
• Births – GIANETTO — To Mr. and Mrs. Maurice Gianetto, Sunnyside, Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Friday, March 6, 1959, a daughter. LAURIN — To Mr. and Mrs. Henry Laurin, 266 Dominion Ave., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Monday, March 9, 1959, a son. LeFRENIERE — To Mr. and Mrs. Leonard LeFreniere, King St., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Saturday, March 7, 1959, a son. PINKNEY — To Mr. and Mrs. Robert Pinkney, 109 Hugel Ave., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Wednesday, March 4, 1959, a daughter. PUDDICOMBE —To Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Puddicombe, 248 William St., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Friday, March 6, 1959, a daughter.
• 25 Years Ago This Week – Extensive damage, was caused to the Midland Engine Works by a fire that broke out about 8.45 p.m. The fire was believed to have been started by a spark that had smouldered for some time following casting operations in the afternoon. * * * The federal government was considering the discontinuance of the $2 licence fee on each radio receiving set, replacing it with a tax on tubes.  * * * Dr. J. M. Nettleton of Penetang was being mentioned as possible Conservative candidate for the Centre Simcoe riding in a forthcoming provincial election. * * * Ontario Department of Highways reported there were 99 fewer fatalities on the highways in 1933 than in the previous year. A total of 7,877 persons were injured in the 8,634 accidents reported. * * * Ice at Moose Point was reported to have been 36 inches thick, extending out in the bay as far as the eye could see. *  * *  Twenty-five local men had obtained employment in the general overhaul being given to the Northern Navigation Company’s cruise ship Huronic. The passenger steamer was at Midland Shipyards. * * * Moonstone defeated Jarratt 4-3 in the final game of the East Simcoe Rural League. The hockey game was played in the Palace Rink at Coldwater. Moonstone was awarded the Eplett cup. * * * Provincial Livestock Director R. W. Wade reported that Ontario municipalities had paid out $20,000 for damage caused to sheep flocks by marauding dogs.
• Over 200 “bird bashers” from eight Simcoe and Muskoka centers will congregate in Midland this weekend for the Georgian Bay District Badminton tournament, to be held in Midland Armory Friday and Saturday. Entries for the tournament have poured in from Orillia, Bracebridge, Parry Sound, Barrie, Camp Borden, Owen Sound, Utterson, and Midland.
• On the basis of statistics submitted in the House of Commons the other day, the Avro Arrow cost every man, woman and child in Canada about $30 each. Since the average family consists roughly of four persons, it meant $120 was being drained in one form or another of indirect and direct taxation from the family wage earners pay envelope for this item alone.
• At a meeting in Tiny Township council chambers, Saturday, the council was approached by six members of the Georgian Bay Hunters and Anglers Association with the idea of making Tiny marsh a wildfowl sanctuary. Many will recall when this marshland or lake, as it was known, was drained so it could be used as farmland. However, it was found later to be of no value for such a purpose and was abandoned. Tiny Township agreed this piece of property was of no use to anyone in its present condition and that it was costing the township money to maintain ditches that are there for the purpose of catching any drainage water from this property. The council was unanimous in its decision to turn over this property to the Georgian Bay Hunters and Anglers Association for a wildfowl sanctuary.
• Obituary – MRS. EARL PAUL A Midland resident for most of her life, Mrs. Earl Paul died in St. Andrews Hospital, March 1, in her 34th year. Funeral service was held at Nicholls funeral home March 3, with Rev. J. L. Self officiating. Pallbearers were Norman, Harry, and Ed Paul, Don and Jack Simpson and Calvin Cowdrey. Born and educated in Penetanguishene, Mrs. Paul was married April 12, 1947, at Midland. Besides her husband, she is survived, by four children, Grace, Betty, Maryann and William, and her mother, Mrs. Grace Shields of Kingston. Two brothers, Bill and Bob, both of Toronto also survive. Burial was in Lakeview Cemetery vault.
• Midland Business and Professional Women’s Club held its monthly dinner meeting in the Georgian Hotel Feb. 9. President Mrs. R. R. McGrattan was in charge. Following the business session, the annual candlelight ceremonial was held in observance of International Week. The ceremony is a tradition through which the International Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs history is recalled in a symbolic fashion. Mrs. Earl Cumming entertained the members of the club at her home Feb.3.
• Two four-year-old Lafontaine children escaped possible death by a narrow margin Sunday afternoon when they were struck by a truck as their sleigh glided onto the main road in the village. According to Tiny Chief Fern Maurice, the pair slid in front of a truck driven by Marcel Laurin, and owned by Ovide Laurin. Louise Mullie suffered a fractured elbow and bruises, and Gerard Beausoleil was confined to hospital with severe bruises and shock. Chief Maurice said the truck had to be jacked up to remove the Beausoleil child who was caught under the rear springs.

From the August 11th, 1943 Free Press Herald comes this article on the wartime shortage of heating fuel. It’s hard to imagine what the air quality must have been in Midland on those cold, still, winter mornings when every house burnt wood or coal.

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“OPEN HOUSE” at Midland-Penetang District High School Wednesday night brought out a large number of parents to see their children’s work and discuss problems with teachers. This jumper, made by Carolyn Blythe of Grade 10, drew favourable comment from Mrs. Marie Desrochers (Marie’s Dress Shop), left, and Mrs. W. G. D’Aoust of Penetang, seen chatting with teacher Mrs. M. I. Rayner, right. 

A practicing dentist and a resident of Midland for the past 36 years, Dr. C. N. James died unexpectedly at his Midland home early Thursday morning. Active in lodge, curling and golf circles, Dr. James succumbed to a heart condition. He was in his 60th year. Dr. James had curled in Barrie Wednesday with Reg Mulligan, Dave Milner and Jerry Gerow. He had complained of feeling tired during the afternoon, Mr. Mulligan said. The body is resting at Nicholls funeral home until Saturday when it will be taken to St. Paul’s United Church for service at 2 p.m. 

The walls come out and the roof drops in. That’s what happens when the snow load on a summer cottage roof gets too heavy. Cottage owned by Harold Collins, Toronto, and fronts on the main road between Balm and Cawaja Beaches. It was built only about a year ago and contains a considerable amount of furniture. 

This string ensemble brought honour to Midland-Penetang District High School this week by placing first in its class at the Kiwanis music festival in Toronto. Seen with their director, W. A. Bartlett, are, left to right, seated, Marion Miller, Catherine McAllister, Karen Blair; standing Elizabeth Holt, Lois Cowan, Ellen Barber, Lloyd Preston, and George Haskill. Also a member of the group, Robin Benson was not present when the picture was taken. 

Shiny new typewriters in the commercial room attracted the interest of Mrs. Walter Lumsden as she and her husband attended the Midland-Penetang District High School “open house” Wednesday night. Typing critics are Mr. Lumsden, left, and Edward Cable, of the MPDHS staff. 

It was a proud night for Mr. and Mrs. Crawford “Fawf” Wilcox when their son Don came back to Midland Arena Tuesday night in the uniform of the Hamilton Cubs, an OHA junior “A” team. Don, along with his brother Jim, who plays for the Toronto Marlboros, are products of Midland’s extensive minor hockey set-up. Unfortunately for Don, Barrie Flyers edged his Cubs 4-3 in the exhibition encounter. 

One of the most avid hockey fans in Midland, Miss J. Carson, a teacher at Regent Public School, didn’t pass up the chance to see Hamilton Cubs and Barrie Flyers meet in an exhibition game in Midland Tuesday night. Here she chats with an old friend, coach “Hap” Emms of the Flyers. 

North Simcoe is tired of the long, cold winter but nobody, probably, is more so than the men engaged in outdoor construction and road work. Heavy snow and subzero temperatures have been the steady diet of the men working on the branch of the Trans-Canada Highway east of Coldwater. Top is a portion of the road stretching towards the Medonte hills, with the new bridge over the Coldwater River in the foreground. Lower photo, a big truck pours cement for a foundation of the bridge, despite temperatures many degrees below freezing.It looks pretty rough at the moment, but a few months from now motorists will be speeding around Coldwater on this new road, linking Highway 12 and the Crown Hill – Coldwater arm of the Trans-Canada Highway. 

It took Harold Barbour, 307 First Street, Midland, more than half an hour of thrilling action to land this 14 pound Lake Trout in Lake Simcoe on the weekend. Harold, who enjoyed every minute of it, said it was the biggest trout he had ever caught. It was taken in 70 feet of water off Eight-Mile Point, using a live minnow and light tackle. Wilfred Ball of Waubaushene helped Mr. Barbour with his prize catch. 

Giant squeeze play between CSL freighter Sir James Dunn and the Thunder Bay resulted in some odd snow formations at Tiffin elevator, Midland. Snow packed as hard as ice was forced up between the ships when one was lightened of its winter storage cargo. The same thing happened on the other side of the ship, between it and the dockside. 

Just like “Rocket” Richard, little Ross Cousineau, right, pulled the fans out of their seats every time he started down the ice with the puck during Midland Little NHL’s junior “B” final at Arena Gardens last Wednesday. Ross fired both Weston goals past Scarborough goalie Jerry Deschamp but it wasn’t enough. Scarborough won, 3-2. The tiny lads could skate under the crossbar of the goal without bumping their heads. Another “final night,” featuring three more games, is slated for tonight. 

• Midland Free Press headline of February 25, 1959; Report Hospital Finances Improved by $56,685. Citizens attending the March 25^th annual meeting will be greeted with a much healthier financial picture than at this time last year when a ”state of emergency” existed, resulting in a special meeting to re-organize hospital affairs, it was stated. According to figures presented by the board Monday night, the “net improvement” in the picture amounts to $56,685. As of Dec. 31, 1957, it was noted, liabilities exceeded current assets by $42,484. By Dec. 31, 1958, the picture had changed so that current assets exceeded liabilities by $14,200, making the change of $56,685. Contributory factors to the improved financial picture were said to be operating surplus (excluding depreciation) of $13,278; and donations to the operating account of $8,000 by the doctors, $1,000 by the Lions Club, and $1,275 from private sources, a total of $23,553.
• County Herald headline of February 28, 1959; Hospital, School, Benefit in New Ontario Budget; Ontario’s biggest-ever spending program, unveiled Wednesday in the Ontario legislature by Provincial Treasurer James N. Allan, will bring new financial assistance to North Simcoe district hospitals and the Midland-Penetang District High School. The no-tax-increase budget will see hospitals in this county receive $73,800 in special grants this year. Budget figures reveal that St.Andrews Hospital, Midland, is to receive $15,750; Penetanguishene General Hospital, $9,450; Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital, $15,750; Collingwood General and Marine Hospital, $12,900; and Royal Victoria Hospital, Barrie, $19,950. The grants amount to $150 for each bed available for service, as of Dec. 31, 1958. They may be used for the retirement of capital debt, to be placed in a special account to assist in a future expansion program, or set aside in a special account to meet depreciation on items of fixed equipment, Mr. Allan said. Of major importance in North Simcoe is the government’s decision to include the costs of industrial arts shops and home economics classrooms in the base for computing grants. Also, altered is the approved cost for each classroom and science laboratory in secondary schools. This has been raised to $25,000 from $20,000 per classroom.
• Completely bedridden with arthritis for the past 16 years, Charles Stephen Carter died at his Victoria Harbour residence Monday in his 72nd year. Before his illness, Mr. Carter was well known throughout the district for his active interest in the Conservative Party. A veteran of World War I, he was a former general manager of the Holt Timber Company which operated at Parry Sound. Mr. Carter is survived by his widow, the former May Scott, a daughter, Mrs. Cameron Grey (Helen) of Toronto and two sons, Rev. Charles Carter, and Walter of Victoria Harbour.
• Plagued in past years with the possibility of thin ice or thawing conditions, Penetang Winterama Committee this year faces a different problem—deep snow. George Kerr, the committee chairman, this week issued a plea to residents to leave their cars at home Saturday. “Conditions created by the abnormal snowfall have greatly limited our available parking areas. Space to accommodate out-of-town visitors will be at a premium, and the situation can be helped greatly by local motorists if they win follow our request,” he said. Preparations were well underway Tuesday for a start in clearing the area for the fishing derby. It will be necessary to push aside several feet of snow before a large number of holes can be drilled.
• “We have quite a smattering but it is not serious,” Regent Public School Principal M. 0. Lewis stated yesterday afternoon when asked by this newspaper if there were many cases of chickenpox among the pupils of his school. “There are about four cases per room up to Grade 3 and an average of one in the grades above that,” continued Mr. Lewis, “It is definitely on the wane for two weeks ago we had ten cases per room in the lower grades.”
• Penetang Clerk W. A. Argue said this week that preparations are proceeding for a plebiscite on liquor lounges to be held in April. Mr. Argue said enumeration of voters’ lists would start soon in the town’s eight polling subdivisions.
• St. Andrew’s Hospital, Midland, had a record-breaking month in January, the board heard at its February meeting in the hospital Monday night. Figures presented to the board showed a total of 2,377 patient days for the hospital in January. The previous high was 2,334 in the same month in 1957. Best month in 1958 had a total of 2,106 patient days. Representative to the board from the medical staff, Dr. Peter Brasher said the hospital usually had an influx of patients in January and February, tailing off to normal proportions by the end of April. Because of the difficulty of obtaining staff, the hospital is continuing to operate on a 75-bed basis, Dr. Brasher said, with two beds reserved for emergency cases. When occupancy drops to 73 beds, two more patients on a somewhat lengthy waiting list are admitted, it was explained. Few patients have to wait more than a week or two to gain admittance. Where possible, the doctor notifies the hospital three weeks in advance. Preference is given to the more urgent cases, and to cases involving the wage earner of the household, it was stated. The business manager of the hospital, Alex Craig said that only a few patients were coming into the hospital now without insurance coverage of some kind. Several municipalities, he said, are paying the Ontario hospital plan premium for persons on relief. “At $50 per year it is a wise move,” said Gordon Moss, board chairman. “At the present ward rate of $15 per day, it would take only three days to use up that amount for an uninsured person.”
• Five rabid skunks were found in January, Simcoe County Health Unit reports. “The rabies situation has abated somewhat during January with fewer cases in cattle (19) and more cases in foxes (11) and skunks (5),” the report states. “Incidence of the disease in cattle should drop fairly soon,” the report continues,” as most of these animals have been stabled well over three months and the incubation period is generally shorter than this.”
• BIRTHS – ARGUE — To Mr. and Mrs. Robert Argue, 178 Colborne St., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Sunday, February 22, 1959, a son. HORDIJK — To Mr. and Mrs. Marmus C. Hordijk, 119  Yonge St., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Thursday, February 19, 1959, a daughter, Darlene Carol. NODWELL — To Rev. and Mrs. R. G. Nodwell, Victoria Harbour, at St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, Friday, February 20, 1959, a daughter. STACEY — To Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Stacey, 293 William St., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, Thursday, February 19, 1959, a son. TUCKER — To Mr. and Mrs. Charles Tucker, Waubaushene, at St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, Thursday, February 19, 1959, a son. VALCHEFF—To Mr. and Mrs. Henry Valeheff, Port McNicoll, at St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, Tuesday, February 17, 1959, a son.
• Obituaries – ANGUS A. McKINNON – A veteran of the first World War, Angus Alexander McKinnon died in Sunnybrook Hospital, Toronto, Feb. 6, in his 70^th Mr. McKinnon, was born in Woodville, Ont., and spent 20 years in Victoria Harbour. He was wounded in France and invalided back to England during World War 1. A Liberal in politics, he was active in baseball and hockey. Rev. Charles Carter officiated at the funeral service at Nicholls funeral home, Midland, Feb. 10. Pallbearers were Charles Schissler, Bruce Crooke, Roy Gouett, Leslie Winfield, Fred Hodgins, and William Clark. Mr. McKinnon is survived by a sister, Flora Brown, and a brother, Murdock, of Victoria Harbour, and a sister Mrs. Archibald Smith, Boissevain, Man. * * * ALTON FREEMAN TODD Unexpectedly in his 37th year, Alton Freeman Todd died at St. Andrews Hospital Midland Feb. 14. Rev. L. J. Delaney and Rev. R. Wright officiated at the funeral service at Nicholls funeral home Feb. 16. Pallbearers were Elmer Belfry, Edwin Cleary, Len Webster, Garnet Drinkle, Bob Carson and Irwin Ball. Born and educated in Midland, he married the former Doreen Taylor July 16, 1942, in Midland. Besides his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Shirley Anne; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Todd, and a brother, Aimer, all of Midland. * * * MRS. MILDRED H. SMITH A member of the YMCA Auxiliary and the Women’s Association and Women’s Missionary Society of Knox Presbyterian Church, Midland, Mrs. Mildred Helena Smith died at St. Andrews Hospital Feb. 6 in her 82nd, year. The funeral service was conducted Feb. 9 at Nicholls funeral home by Rev. J. L. Self. Born and educated at Port Hope, Ont., Mrs. Smith was a member of this community for 74 years. In 1900 she was married to the late Harvey Ritchie of Elmvale who died in 1943. She married W. K. Smith in 1944 and he predeceased her in 1953. Mrs. Smith is survived by a sister, Mrs. M. Campbell, Midland, a brother, George McArdle of Niagara Falls, and two nieces, Mrs. W. Doubleday, Kingston, and Mrs. R. W. Hofland, Midland. * * * ALFRED WAGNER A Tiny Township resident for more than 70 years, Alfred Wagner died at St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, Feb. 14. The funeral service was conducted by Rev. W. L. Morden at A. Barrie and Sons funeral home Feb. 17. Pallbearers were: James Archer, Allan Hart, Theodore Hook, W. H. Taylor, Wesley Toole, and Stanley Tipping. Mr. Wagner was married twice, in 1904 to the late Elizabeth Rowat, and in 1930 to the late Martha Drysdale. Mr. Wagner had lived with his daughter, Mrs. Stanley Shaw, Midland, for about three years prior to his death. Born in Omemee and educated in Tiny Township, Mr. Wagner was a member of the United Church and a Conservative in politics. He is survived by three daughters, Mrs. Stanley Shaw, Midland, Mrs. James Dean of Toronto and Ruth of Montreal; a son, Arthur of Sarnia; and a sister, Mrs. James Rowat (Carrie) of Dauphin, Man. Two sisters, Mrs. Samuel Archer, and Mrs. D. Jennett predeceased him. * * * MRS. I. C. DAVIDSON A life member of the Woman’s Missionary Society of the United Church and a resident of the Midland district for 57 years, Mrs. Isabella Carruthers Davidson died Feb. 19 in her 84th year. Funeral service was conducted by Rev. W. L. Morden at Nicholl’s funeral home, Feb. 21. Pallbearers were: Campbell Parker, Lome Campbell, Elmer Campbell, Adrian Isaac, Melville Sandercock, and Albert Sandercock. Born at Harwood, Ont., where she was educated, she married Francis Hugh Davidson Jan. 13, 1901, at Midland. Besides her early days and two years at Cold Springs, Mrs. Davidson spent the rest of her life in the Midland district. Besides her husband she is survived by two sons; Roy of North Bay and Leslie of R.R. 2, Midland; two sisters, Mrs. Philis Sandercock, Camborne, and Mrs. Albert Stickles, Clifford, Mich., and a brother, Robert Carruthers, Ladd, Illinois. Four grandsons also survive.
• PORT McNICOLL — Because Tay Township council has shown a reluctance to enter into an agreement with the council and volunteer fire department here, the fire department has asked Port council to restrict the use of fire equipment to the village limits, other than on Mutual Aid calls.
• Reported by A. R. LAPERE – Tonight’s the big night for the members of eight Penetang Little NHL teams as they battle it out in the finals for the championships of their respective divisions at Penetang Community Centre. Starting with the junior OHA final at 7 p.m., the AHL, NHL and senior OHA finals will follow at hourly intervals. Some good hockey should be in store for the fans in the four hours of action.
• Penetang curlers will be battling next month for a 47-year old trophy, unused in competitions for the past 33 years. Donated to Penetang Curling Club in 1912 by The C. Beck Co. Ltd., the trophy was returned by W. Beck, Jr., who asked that it be put up for competition this year. It has not been awarded since 1926. The trophy was never won by a home-town team for the first five years of competition. Barrie, Collingwood, and Stroud kept it until Geo. Robinson skipped the rink that won it for Penetang, March 9, 1919. With him were H. G. Todd, J. D. Flynn, and W. F. Beck. Apparently, there was not another winner until 1921 when W. J. O’Connell won it, assisted by C. T. Devlin, A. R. McDonald and W. H. Hewson Jr.
• 25 Years Ago This Week – North Simcoe residents were caught in a deep freeze. The mercury in thermometers had hovered between the 15 and 13 below mark for three days. Grocery delivery men had difficulty in keeping eggs, apples, and potatoes from freezing while they were delivering orders to homes. * * * Midland Boat Works, which usually had closed down during the winter months for several years, had reopened after the firm had obtained a large order for boats. * * * Nearly 7,000 persons had used outdoors skating and hockey rinks set up by Midland Park Commission in the latter part of December. * * * Midland Simcoe elevator had secured an order to ship half a million bushels of wheat to Halifax for export. * * * Marine men predicted that 1934 would be the latest opening of navigation at Sault Ste. Marie in years. Owing to the thickness of the ice, it was stated that navigation would not likely open until the first or second week in May. * * * For the fourth time in 100 years and for the second time in the 20th century, Easter fell on April 1 in 1934. * * * Penetang’s tax rate had been set at 67 mills for public school supporters and 60 mills for Protestant Separate School ratepayers. The public school rate was down two mills from the previous year and the separate school levy up two. * * * A Midland branch of the Simcoe East 20th Century Liberal Club was organized at a special meeting in the Liberal committee rooms in the Ingram block.
• An application for a licence to establish a radio station in Midland, being submitted by R. Bruce Armstrong on behalf of a company, will be heard by the Board of Broadcast Governors March 16. It is one of nine applications for radio licences to be heard by the board that day. The application made by the company proposing to establish the station in Midland calls for a new AM broadcasting station of 250 watts, operating on 1230 kilocycles.
• Hotel and motel clerks in this part of North Simcoe are a harried lot these days as they search frantically for a means of caring for the hundreds of reservations pouring in for accommodation during Winterama weekend. As early as Monday of this week it was impossible to find a vacant room in any hotel or motel in the Penetang, Midland and Elmvale area, officials said. It is understood some are booking rooms as far away as Barrie for this carnival weekend.
• WYEBRIDGE NEWS — Wednesday, Feb. 18, the Ladies Guild met at the home of Mrs. Alvin Leonard with 14 members present. The meeting was opened with prayer by the president. The ladies reported making two quilts and quilting six in the past month. After the meeting, refreshments were served by the hostess assisted by Mrs. James Haughton. Mrs. Clayton Leonard spent a few days in Midland with Mr. and Mrs. John Parker. A number of people attended the funeral in Midland Saturday of Mrs. Frank Davidson, a former resident of this district. Howard Leonard is a patient in St. Andrews Hospital, Midland. Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Robins visited Mr. and Mrs. Dean Jones in Toronto last week. Mr. and Mrs. Wm. McCoy and Kathryn of Toronto visited Mr. and Mrs. G. H. Murdoch, Sunday. The W.I. held a quilting bee at the home of Mrs. Howard Toole last Thursday. Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Coghill and family of Toronto are visiting Mr. and Mrs. Howard Leonard. Mrs. Douglas Dawes and Janice of Peterborough spent a few days with Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Downer. Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Bell and Ronnie of Orillia spent the weekend with Mrs. Geo Parker.
• VASEY NEWS — Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Robinson and Allan visited Mr. and Mrs. Harold Bolander, and Mrs. Ferris at Weston recently. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Brown visited Mr. and Mrs. Ed Wismer and Mrs. David Webb at Barrie Sunday. Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Edwards spent the weekend with friends at Barrie. Mrs. Robert Graham of Elmvale spent last week with her daughter, Mrs. Stanley Robinson, who had fractured her ankle. The Robinson children returned home with her for a visit. Weekend visitors of Nathan Edwards were, August and Fred Rode, of Weyburn, Sask., Jack Rode and Ted Robinson of Camp Borden,  and Mrs. Jack McGurn and Carol of Pembroke and Mr. and Mrs. John Wylie of Stouffville. Mr. and Mrs. Ross Faint, Gwen and Bobby spent Sunday afternoon with Mr. and Mrs. Harold Graham at Wyevale. Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Edwards and Kathy of Coldwater spent Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Edwards. Miss Sandra Robinson, who is affiliating at the Ontario Hospital, New Toronto, visited her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ken Robinson, over the weekend. Miss Eleanor Edwards spent a few days in Toronto. Mr. and Mrs. Eldon Nixon, Bradley and Scott of Toronto spent Saturday at Charles Brown’s. Miss Norma Cowden and Bruce Edwards were married Saturday, Feb. 21, in the United Church. Weekend visitors of Manley Edwards were Mrs. Lockhart and Tom of Hillsdale, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Harper of Willowdale, Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Johnston and baby, of Barrie, and Miss Emmaline Edwards of Toronto. Harold Buchanan, Lorna, Arkle, Lloyd, and Dale spent Sunday with Mrs. Mary Buchanan and Mr. and Mrs. Russell Marshall. Glenn Nixon of Toronto visited Mr. and Mrs. Jack Nixon over the weekend.