Looking back 60 years in North Simcoe takes a look at archived photographs and newspapers from the local area to give a glimpse of what life was like 60 years ago.

Huronia Museum – Looking Back 60 Years Ago in North Simcoe – December 22nd to 31st 1956

Dec 24th, 1956, the Midland Penetang Advisory Committee of the CNIB held their annual Christmas party at the Midland YMCA, the young man is Doug MacMillan.

Sorting it out at the Midland Post Office are, C. R. (Chuck) Stelter, A. Marion and R. Mitchell. Ten extra staff were hired bringing the Christmas rush total to 27.

Amid a sea of cards, staff at the Midland Post Office had a busy time this week. Al Hennin, Clarence Dingman, R. White and postmaster W. F. Bourrie. (The employee on the right was cropped out of the photo in the newspaper.)

Waiting for Santa Claus, at the Y’s Men’s Christmas party for member’s children Tuesday night, Mary Jane Walton, 4, and Wendy Walton, 7, can hardly wait.

Waiting for Santa Claus, at the Y’s Men’s Christmas party for member’s children Tuesday night, Jimmy Courtemarche looks a little apprehensive. He is two and a half.

Dec 24th, 1956, at the Y’s Men’s Christmas party held at the Midland YMCA, Mrs. Cy “Sadie” Ney and daughter Geraldine, 2, and brother Ricky, 6.

Half century of membership in Midland’s Caledonian Lodge, A. F. and A. M. was the reason for this happy gathering at St. Andrew’s Hospital last Sunday. J. J. Robins presented a veteran’s jubilee metal (50 year jewel) to R. G. Nesbitt, who at 94 is still able to smile his appreciation. Left to right, Gilmour Nesbitt, J. W. Bald, Capt. Ed Burke, Charles Flowers, Sidney Thompson and R. S. King.

Chris Brasher of London England is showing local doctor and twin brother Peter Brasher the gold medal he received in the 3,000 meter steeplechase at the Melbourne Olympics last month.

Mr. & Mrs. Eldon Brown and son Johnny, 3, are part of the many people who took advantage of the lack of snow on Boxing Day to enjoy the ice on Little Lake. Note the lack of snow in the background.

Ad: The best New Year’s Party is Always at the Parkside – Music by Harold NcNamara and his band.
Notice: Canadian Steamship Lines – Warning the C.S.L. tug “Tiffen” will be breaking ice in Midland, Port McNicoll and the Tiffen and Aberdeen wharfs.
There are two “First Baby” contests, one in Midland and one in Penetang. Penetang contestants will come from Penetang and Tiny Township, Midlands’ from Tay, Medonte, Matchedash and Baxter.
Ontario Department of Health suggests that Midland PUC seek financial and technical help from the newly formed Ontario Water Resources Commission regarding its municipal water supply. The Department feels that Georgian Bay is the long term answer to Midland’s water supply but not until a sewage treatment plant is installed. [Ultimately deep artesian wells would supply our drinking water]
A special Christmas edition of the County Herald is filled with Christmas and New Years greetings from nearly every local merchant, politician, professional and industry.
Did You Hear? The Midland Social Week. – Captain Dick Simpell of the S. S. Soreldoc is home for the winter. Captain Mel Buckland is also with his family for the winter months from his ship the S. S. Penetang. Captain Norman Donaldson from the S. S. Elgin and Captain G. Kirk of the Star Ship Enterprise S. S. Gleneagles. Jack Simpell is home from the S. S. Goderich.
W. H. “Bill” Cranston, executive vice-president of the Shoe Corporation of Canada Ltd., told more than 350 employees of the firm at a Christmas dinner held at the Parkside Inn Wednesday, that their “family of employees” may increase by 100 persons next year.
New vehicle licence plates for 1957 will feature white numerals on a black background. The plates are made at the Ontario Reformatory in Guelph.
We published this Christmas menu from the Hotel Brulé previously, but it sounds too good not to do it again; – Fruit Cocktail, Shrimp Cocktail, Royal Consommé, Celery Hearts with Stuffed Olives, Sweet Crunchy Pickles, Roast Young Turkey (sage dressing and cranberry sauce), Roast Domestic Goose (thyme dressing), Roast Long Island Duckling (with apple fritters), Baked Sugar Cured Ham (with fried pineapple ring), Creamed, Mashed or French Fried Potatoes, Mashed Turnips or Asparagus Tips, Steamed Christmas Plum Pudding (with caramel brandy sauce), Hot Mince Pie, Deep Apple Pie with Whipped Cream, Christmas Cake and Mixed Nuts, Vanilla Ice Cream, Tea Coffee or Milk. $3.00
A blast furnace moved from Midland’s smelter in 1918 to Algoma Steel’s plant at Sault Ste. Marie is to undergo a major remodelling job after 38 years of service. The No. 4 blast furnace will get a $700,000.00 upgrade. In 38 years No. 4 has produced more than 4 million tons of pig iron.
For 42 years, beginning in 1913, sisters Mrs. M. P. Worden of Melville Sask. and Mrs. E. H. Piggott of Midland have been exchanging the same Christmas card. The little card only measures 1 1/2 inches by 3 inches and simply says “One of the happiest things about Christmas is you”. Each year they inscribe the date on it.
Edwards Specialty Shop announces that they will be closing all day Wednesday during January, February and March. [At this time many stores closed half days on Wednesdays]

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM THE COLLECTIONS DEPARMENT AT HURONIA MUSEUM

Huronia Museum – Looking Back 60 Years Ago in North Simcoe – December 8th to 21st

Click on Photos to Enlarge Mrs. John Hare, left, who celebrated her 93rd birthday November 25th, looks at pictures of her two great-great grandchildren with her daughter Mrs. R. J. Wilson of Waubaushene. Born four years before Confederation, Mrs. Hare had lived in Midland for almost 50 years before moving to Coldwater to live with her daughter. Married at 16 to John Hare, 19, the couple moved to Midland where John managed a brick yard, helped build the Aberdeen Elevator and continued to work there for several years, he also served on the Midland Police Force before his death in 1928. Of the thirteen children born to the Hares only three daughters and one son are still living.

Over 200 years of service to the CPR and its steamship service is represented in this picture taken aboard the S.S. Assinaboia at a dinner marking the retirement of Capt. Joseph Stewart Friday night. Front, Capt. Frank Davis, 83 and retired 18 years from Toronto; Capt. Stewart; S. H. Binns retired locomotive foreman for the Ontario Division, Toronto; back row, Tom Morgan, Port McNicoll, retired chief clerk; Louis Belanger, retired first mate; W. S. Struthers of Midland, who retired recently after 36 years, many as a chief engineer; W. A. Piitz, Penetang, retired first mate with 35 years of service.

Five day trip from Toronto to Port McNicoll turns into a twenty-one day adventure as these two tugs encountered bad weather. The tug “Sipat” under the command of Capt. C. Courtemarche of Midland left Toronto Nov 16th with the much larger tug David Richard in tow. The 130 foot “David Richard”, was once used to maintain navigational aids in the area and was called the “Murray Stewart”. The big tug is owned by the Waubaushene Navigation Co. and was manned by two employees, Leo Montgomery and Joe Brousseau. At one point on Lake St. Clair sixty mile per hour winds broke both tow cables. On Lake Huron more high winds caused a 12 ton winch to break loose on the David Richard. On Monday the big tug was moved to the Midland Shipyards where cranes removed equipment to make room for a new diesel engine to be installed at Waubaushene over the winter months.

Three members of the Midland Lion’s Club are seen in Gord Boyd’s basement refurbishing and sorting toys for distribution throughout the area at Christmas. Gordon Boyd, Cec Launder and Gordon Paice.

More Midland Lions repairing toys for Christmas. Jack Frame, Harold McAllen and Charlie Rutherford.

Dec 24th 1956, the Midland Penetang Advisory Committee of the CNIB Christmas party was held at the Midland YMCA, Mel Lavigne with the fiddle and Bill Jivcoff. Pianist Ab Clarke is hidden. They all donated their time.

Appropriately dressed, Glen Nicholls reads from the works of Robert Service at a special assembly at MPDHS Thursday morning. Students of 12B acted out the Shooting of Dan McGrew.

Cecil Parker, deputy Reeve of Tay Township, was instantly killed Friday night when his car slammed broadside into a tree on Highway 27. The accident happened on the first curve north of Waverly and a blown right front tire is suspected. The picture taken at Carruthers Garage in Wyebridge.

Industrial Safety in Ontario was the subject under discussion at an oratorical contest held Thursday morning at MPDHS. In the top photo the judges are Gordon Moss of Canadian Nameplate, Jan Ulrichson and Bryce Moffatt of Penetang. In the bottom photo are the judged, Hartmut Bezner, Sylvia Silvie the winner and Glen Mount.

Children of St. Paul’s United Church, Midland, on Sunday combined with the adult congregation for the annual white gift service. Here Brian Gazley, son of Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Gazley, deposits his white gift while Peggy Bray, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Frank Bray, and Gudrun Mandler, daughter of Dr. & Mrs. Walter Mandler, await their turn. Manger scene was erected by Florence Broad, Gladys Robinson, and R. W. Irwin. Lambs were made about two years ago by the late Mrs. Walter Auld. Yuletide decorations at the King Street entrance were installed by Len Martin, Alex Ayers, Don Edwards, Watson Battrick and Woodrow McConnell.

Five hundred Midland and Penetang youth wait eagerly every year for the Little Hockey League to open for the season. Typical age and size of the three groups are; John Argue, Toronto Leafs; Jerry Beteau, AHL Hershey Bears and Earl Scott, a whirlwind on skates for the Junior OHA Marlboros.

Woodcarving has proven an entertaining hobby for Frank Shulman of Midland, owner of Shulman’s Furniture. Here he is seen with three statues he created.

Coldwater Santa Claus parade December 1956. Jovial Lloyd Letherby, MPP for Simcoe East takes a back seat to Santa.

Seventy-one year old town employee Joseph Chapman killed by fall from sanding truck. (we older Midlanders will remember when two men stood in the back of a dump truck and shovelled sand into a spreader towed behind the truck) Mr. Chapman and Sam Butineau had just finished sanding Bay Street, the truck, driven by Herman Latanville, had turned around in the Nameplate parking lot and was crossing the double tracks when Mr. Chapman fell. The men had finished sanding and were standing against the back of the truck cab. Several witnesses at the inquest confirmed that the truck was moving very slowly over the tracks. The only recommendation made was for the provision of hand rails in the truck box.
Monsignor Castex lays the corner stone for the new Knights of Columbus Hall in Penetang Sunday afternoon.
District Knights of Columbus donate a life-sized nativity scene to the Victoria Harbour Knights to be erected in the village.
Many Penetang stores to remain open until 9 p.m. Christmas Eve.
The United States paid Russia $7,200.00 for Alaska in 1867, the equivalent of two cents an acre.
Cumming and Nicholson are selling the “Desert Boots”, $7.95 to $12.95 per pair.
Port McNicoll council ends the year with a $6,000.00 current surplus, consider purchasing a new fire truck for the village. Also recommended by the Reeve was a small loader, “no one likes loading gravel by hand anymore” he said. Reeve Calvert pointed out that only $16,000.00 of local taxes are available to council, the rest goes to the County, education and other costs.
Former Midlander Bob Vanstone is playing bit parts in a million dollar movie being made on a 120 acre estate 25 miles from Toronto. The TV serial movie is “The Last of the Mohicans”.
The PUC’s plan to test Little Lakes ability to supply a million gallons of water a day to cost over $100,000.00.
Waubaushene father of three, George Allan Fallowfield, was killed in a tree felling accident Wednesday morning. The tree he cut struck a smaller one that was rotten part way up, the top fell striking him on the head.
Four young men, one local, are sentenced to four years in prison for indecently assaulting a 16 year old girl at a house party. The judge also ordered that each should be given three lashes three times during their imprisonment.
S.S. Assiniboia and S.S. Keewatin tie up after another season. S. F. Malin, steamship superintendent, said the two boats carried 10,563 passengers this year, an increase of 141 over the previous year. The ships also carried 125,000 tons of cargo, up more than 2,500 tons over 1955.
Victoria Harbour councillor Edmund Walker died in Penetanguishene General Hospital Wednesday morning, he was 66. Mr. Walker, who was retired, was formerly the owner of the Victoria Harbour Dairy.
Hydro Electric Power Commission of Ontario is celebrating 50 years of supplying power to Ontario. The first hydro power was turned on at Berlin on October 11, 1910. Niagara power was delivered in 1911 to Midland and Penetang who were 25th and 26th to receive hydro in Ontario. The hydro commissions first new build was opened at Wasdell Falls on the Severn River in October of 1914. The Big Chute station, also on the Severn, was built in 1909 by the Simcoe Railway & Power Company and purchased by the HEPCO in 1914. (Renamed “Ontario Hydro” in 1974)
Arrangements have been made for a 40 member choir from Regent and Parkview schools to sing carols at the hospital. The public school board expressed their gratitude to Laval Dubeau for offering free bus transportation for the choir.
Major fire in Wasaga Beach destroys part of the municipal building, including the fire hall and police station. (Midland would follow in a few years when their municipal building and fire hall burnt)
Sixteen freighters are wintering, eleven in Midland, five in Port McNicoll, as the navigation season closes. This represents over five million bushels of wheat to be unloaded over the winter months. Last winter there were twenty two vessels but some were barges and tugs.
Meredith Wilson announces that Wilson’s Taxi has been purchased by Joe Lavechia.
Christmas turkeys are selling for 38 cents per pound.
Mr. & Mrs. Wally Hook wish to announce the birth of their daughter Wendy on November 29th.
Mr. & Mrs. Stanley Shaw announce the engagement of their daughter Shirley Elizabeth to William Gordon Wallace, only son of Mr. & Mrs. J. W. Wallace.
Second annual ski school will be conducted at the Midland Ski Club by Budd Watson December 26th to 29th.
Milk customers of Armstrong’s Dairy, Dubbin’s Dairy and Jone’s Farm Dairy are reminded there is no milk delivery December 25th or 26th and January 1st and 2nd.
John Diefenbaker to lead the Conservative Party.
“Twirp Season” is in full swing at MPDHS according to the Hi-Sterics column and Kay and Elaine. TWIRP stands for “The woman is requested to pay”.
In 1955 the annual average Canadian income went up 8% to $4,460.00.
Land swap, the town of Midland has received a triangular parcel of land east of Olive Street and five acres of property on the northeast corner of Vinden & Fifth Street. The CNR in exchange is getting a strip of land lying south of their right of way near Manley Street. (In 1956 Manley Street is still being spelled in honour of its namesake, Manley Chew)
At The Roxy – Walt Disney’s “Song of the South”
Do you remember? McGuire’s Furniture, Simcoe St., Penetang – Zoschke Footwear, Simcoe St., Penetang – Singer Sewing Center, King St. – Morrison’s Rexall Drugs, Main St., Penetang – Sushan Custom Furs, King St. – MacNeil Motors, Vinden St. – Harrison Iron Works, 180 Manley St. – Blondin Sales & Service, 102 Robert St. W. – Onley & Haig Barristers, 217 King St. – Household Finance, 222 King St. – The Wool Shop, 307 King St. – The Grigg Co., King St. – Flos Hatland, 217 Hugel Ave. W. – Del Hastings Men’s Wear, 276 King St. – Gignac’s Children’s Wear, Penetang – Economy Stores, Main St., Penetang – Walter Woods Shoe Store, 277 King St. – Roebucks, King St. – Peoples Store, King St. – Dunlops of Moonstone – Meads, Penetang – Sally Shops, 265 King St. – Marchildon Hardware, Lafontaine – Hollister Sporting Goods, Penetang – Maher Shoe Store, Penetang – Struther’s Drugs, King St. – Graham Swales Men’s Wear, Midland – O’Leary’s Fashions, Main St., Penetang – Hartman’s Hardware, 258 King St. – Central Shoe Repair, Jack Martin, Midland – McNamara Food Market, Penetang – Harvey Ellison Limited, 259 King St. – Ted Lounsbery Men’s Wear, 285 King St. – Fenton’s Welding, Midland – Eleithia Shoppe, King St. – Jim Crawford Men’s Wear, King St. – Eisenberg’s Radio & TV, Main St., Penetang – Livingston Men’s Wear, 201 King St. – To Name A Few.

Huronia Museum – Looking Back 60 Years Ago in North Simcoe – December 1st to 7th 1956

Click on photos to enlarge

Burned out of house and home just about a year ago these pupils of Crossland Public School now have a brand new building, opened officially by George G. Johnston, MPP, Friday night. About 30 children attend the one room school where Miss Marlene Strath is the teacher. Classes have continued in the nearby community hall, the former Methodist Church.

New one room Crossland Public School in Flos Twp. southwest of Elmvale, officially opened November 30th, 1956. The old school burnt on January 11, 1956 and construction began on August 1. The building is now a private residence and no longer looks like it did in 1956.

Mr. & Mrs. Joe Strath served as caretakers of the old Crossland Public School for 18 years before it burned down on January 11th of this year. They will continue to look after the new school which has cost $26,000.00 to build and equip, including air conditioning.

President of the Midland YMCA, James Playfair, (son of Norman Playfair the stepbrother of Midland industrialist James Playfair), is seen addressing nearly 100 new and youthful members of that organization at induction ceremonies in the “Y” last Wednesday night. Demonstrations on the floor followed the more solemn part of the program.

Group of first year members of the Midland YMCA demonstrate tumbling during a parents night at the “Y”.

Open house night at the Midland YMCA last Wednesday night gave new youth a chance to demonstrate some of the abilities learned at the “Y”.

Twenty-five officers and men of “C” squadron, Grey & Simcoe Foresters staged a wood cutting bee at R. J. Gilmore’s farm on the 3rd of Tay (Midland Point) on Sunday to aid their comrade who is seriously ill in St. Andrew’s Hospital. Two buzz saws were used to cut 18 bush cords of wood into furnace size. Ten cords were piled in the basement, the rest close to the house.

Captain Joseph Stewart and his wife in the wheelhouse of the Assinaboia on the occasion of his last trip of the season and of his 36 year career with CPR steamships and 50 years of sailing.

Harold Gibson, CNR freight agent at Penetang, said yesterday that the last carload of Christmas trees left Penetang for the United States Monday afternoon. Mr. Gibson said that the 57 cars shipped this year was about average. All trees shipped by rail from Penetang are exported, with the majority going to mid-U.S. centers. One carload went to Corpus Christi, Texas. (Photo of Penetang station is undated)

Not too many years ago, when Anthony Blouin was learning the trade, contact to ships from shore was by Morse key or primitive wireless transmission. Now Mr. Blouin can pick up the phone and talk to almost any ship on Georgian Bay, as far away as the Soo. Telephone connection between the ship and its headquarters in Toronto, Montreal or elsewhere is also made through the Midland Marconi station.

For the past five years, Anthony Blouin has taken great pride in keeping the grounds and buildings of the Canadian Marconi station in Midland in trim shape. Mr. Blouin watches his son Emile, a teacher at MPDHS, apply white paint to the trim of the radio building.

For those who do not remember the wireless tower, myself included, it can be seen in the background of this photo taken at the corner of Donalda and Irwin Streets. Other stations in Tobermory and Port Burwell had two towers, does anyone remember if there were two here as well?

Estimate loss at $75,000.00 in stubborn fire in the Grise block. Chief Tippin said the blaze was the worst King Street fire since the Dudley block burned in 40 below zero weather in 1949. There were no soaring flames but the fire burned in the ceiling of the first floor in the middle of the building and took five hours to bring under control. Thick smoke kept firefighters from getting at the source of the blaze.

Huge mess in the Cross Country Cut Rate store about 3:00 a.m. Thursday morning after Midland firefighters poured thousands of gallons of water on a stubborn fire in the Grise block. This store, Martin’s Shoe Repair, Onley & Haig Barristers, The Royal Bank and the office of Dr. Ed Grise were all badly damaged by smoke and water.

Veterans of politics in Port McNicoll are pictured during nominations last Wednesday night. Clerk Treasurer B. J. Brownell, seated, clerk for 23 years, was able to name Reeve Albert Calvert to his uncontested position for 1957, his ninth term in that office.

Seven men have qualified for four council seats in Port McNicoll ensuring a lively election on December 17th. Cyril Larkin, George H. Burns, T. E. Lewis, Steve Thoms, Jack Fisher and seated Alec McCullagh. Absent was Jack Zummach.

Signing up all the youngsters in Midland and Penetang who wish to join Little League Hockey is a big job, as is finding equipment, ice time and coaches. Front, David Scott, Bobby Ruston, coach Freddie Scott of Penetang and Jim McKinnon. Rear, Rev. Len Self, director of Midland LHL and Bob Morgan, a director of the Penetang league.

Mayor Charles Parker acclaimed for his seventh term as Midland’s mayor. Elections were held annually in December at this time.
Well known Midland accountant Frederick “Freddie” French died suddenly at St. Andrew’s Hospital Sunday in his 61st year. Mr. French had recently purchased the home of the late Dr. J. D. McPhee of Port McNicoll. For many years Mr. French was the bookkeeper for the D. S. Pratt Co. and prior to that worked for the old Manley Chew Lumber Co.
Flos Reeve, Walter Middleton, acclaimed for his 15th term. He has served Flos council for 24 consecutive years.
Seventeen students receive certificates at commencement exercises at Port McNicoll Continuation School.
The regular court room in the band hall on Dominion Ave. was tied up with four polling booths, Magistrate K. A. Cameron found himself presiding over court from behind a table in Fire Chief Arnold Tippin’s office in its temporary quarters on Bay Street.
25 YEARS AGO 1931 – Capt. W. A. Lavigne, skipper of the Gleneagles, was instantly killed when the car in which he was riding struck a freight train between Fort William and Port Arthur. — The first snowfall of the winter hit Midland on December 1st — Midland’s new arena, under construction, was said to be “the best looking arena north of Toronto”. It was to feature “gleaming white walls and a roof of slate-coloured three-ply asphalt.” —Dr. J. M. Nettleton reported to Penetang council that the town had the second highest infant death rate in the province. Of 87 local births, 10 died before the end of the first year. — One of the most modern barns in the district, owned by Howard Smith on Penetang Road, was destroyed by fire. Although most of the stock was saved, 12 pigs and 3 calves were lost. — The new Ritz restaurant was destroyed in a fire that also damaged surrounding stores. Damaged by smoke and water from the blaze was McKillen Bros. Men’s Wear.
Three people had run into the new glass walls in the entrance to Regent School in one day. Red placards have been put up as a warning.
Penetang solicitor A. B. Thompson, (“Great escape” veteran) wins the only ballot facing voters, the mayoralty. Mr. Thompson received 612 votes against 277 for his opponent George Kerr. Penetang’s first mayor, when it was incorporated in 1882, was Alfred A. Thompson, grandfather of the mayor elect. Father of the new mayor, also A. B. Thompson, served this area for many years in the provincial legislature. Another member of the Thompson family who entered civic life was Wm. A. Thompson who served as mayor before receiving an appointment as Crown Attorney for Simcoe County.
Onley and Haig, barristers, wish to announce that their office is now located at 217 King Street, formerly Strathearn’s Jewellers.
Coldwater sees 80% turnout of voters due to efforts of the Junior Chamber of Commerce.
$25.00 reward offered for information on the theft of a boat and motor from the dock behind the Boat Works, signed Howard Dragoman, Cities Service Station, Bay & First Sts.
The tree that wasn’t there last year on top of the Midland Simcoe Elevator isn’t there again this year. The tree is made up of strings of coloured lights festooned from the flag mast. The tree illusion is created at night only, in the daytime it disappears.
Odeon Theatres Canada appealed the assessment on the Capitol Theatre they own on King Street as it has not been used for several years as a theatre. Midland Foundry and Machine appealed the assessment on their Manton Foundry building on Manly Street that is being assessed by the cubic foot. C. E. Onley on behalf of Midland Foundry argued that the 40 foot high roof had been designed to fit the needs of the previous owners and that present operations only required a 15 to 20 foot ceiling. They were awarded a $1,500.00 reduction on their $23,040.00 assessment. The Jesuit Fathers of Upper Canada were also awarded a reduction on the 30 acres they own between the Wye River and the CNR tracks which they were renting out for $25.00 per year as pasture.
Two Toronto men will spend two years in jail for stealing the cash register containing $91.00 from Wilford’s Service Station on October 22nd.
Midland election results, Reeve, W. H. Keller; Alderman, Clinton Smith, Bill Orr and Doug Haig; PUC, Bill Logan and Charles Stevenson; Public School Board, Frank Bray, Mrs. McIntyre and Jack Thompson. Turnout of voters was 42.6% compared to 38% in 1955.

Huronia Museum – Looking Back 60 Years Ago in North Simcoe – November 16th to 30th 1956

Click on photos to enlarge New Wyebridge community hall is completed on the west side of Highway 27 in Wyebridge. Local Women’s Institute has catered hundreds of local events in the last few years to raise the needed funds.

George Dudley QC of Midland, barrister and secretary manager of the Amateur Hockey Association, was interviewed in his office Wednesday night by cameraman Bob Crone for CBC Television News. He said that the association, by a vote of 13 to 10, had decided in the light of Russian actions in Hungary, not to send a team to Moscow in February for the world championships. The cup in the background is the world championship trophy won by Canada in 1950.

[Read more about George and other area athletes at the Midland Sports Hall of Fame web site.] http://www.midlandonsportshalloffame.com/george-dudley.html

Yard engine belonging to the Century Coal Co. in Midland has been converted from steam to diesel. The new engine is actually being repurposed from a Canadian military Sherman tank.

Among other improvements Century Coal Co. has recently replaced the old 400 foot wooden dock with cement and steel.

First snowman of the season, built by sisters Mary Ellen McCormick, 10, and Cheryl, 3, of 268 Midland Ave.

Unamotus Hi-Y members with a radio blaring peppy music in the background prepared to clean and paint the hall entrance to the YMCA dance floor Wednesday afternoon. Back to front, Wayne Broad, John Bell, John Edwards, Bryson McQuirter and Don Green.

First Midland winner of the annual oratorical contest sponsored by the Simcoe County Trustees and Ratepayers Association, Winston Schell, 13, of Horrell Ave. displays the trophy he won Friday night in Barrie. Father Norman Schell looks proudly on.

High honours were heaped on these two graduates of Elmvale District High School at commencement exercises in the school auditorium Friday night. Wilmur Giffen and Edith Robertson were winners of Dominion-Provincial bursaries. Wilmur also won the Canadian Legion scholarship. Both have chosen teaching careers.

Midland’s Caledonian Lodge had enough Y’s Men among its numbers to form a team for the master mason’s degree, exemplified for Ken McCaughen and Haig Abbott last Monday. Back Row, Harold Boyd, Ken Ellis, William Mutch, Tom McCullough, Wells Hartman, George Ingram, Charles Vent, L. S. Wallace, Ange Hartman, Frank Whiteman; front row, John Krocho, Frank Powell, Bev Keefe, candidates Ken McCaughen and Haig Abbott, Mac Perrin and Bill Setterington.

Coffee tasted extra good to these three Midlanders who weathered a rough passage from Thunder Bay to Port McNicoll on the Paterson freighter S. S. Bricoldoc, especially November 21st. They encountered 100 MPH winds, 40 foot waves and a ship that rolled beyond the 23 1/2 degrees considered a safe maximum. Four Midland people were on the crew, Ernst McKeown, 2nd mate, Mrs. Mary Clay, 1st cook, Doug Robitaille, oiler and Cecil Leclair, porter

Crewmen and workers at the CPR elevator in Port McNicoll are using hot water to de-ice the hatches of the S. S. Bricoldoc, a scene that will be common until the end of the navigation season. Bricoldoc was 36 hours late reaching Port McNicoll and had a ten degree list to port, but high winds and huge waves were the reason, not icing.

Nio Gianetto is seen hanging up deer and bear in the walk-in cooler at his store. Nio was part of a gang that hunted near Dorset that included; Ed Copeland, Hugh Blair and Clarence Hall of Midland, A. L. Fitzgerald, Cleo Genier and his father, from Penetang, Charles and Bill Watson and Jack McTavish of Newmarket.

Three young forwards are being counted on by coach Garnet Armstrong to supply a lot of scoring punch for Midland’s junior “C” team this year. They are Dennis Turner, “Buzz” Deschamp and Doug Campbell. Turner was with Elmvale’s OMHA juvenile champs last winter. Deschamp starred with Midland midgets. Campbell also performed in juvenile ranks in Orillia.

Replaced by electronic gear the old hand operated Morse key is still music to the ear of veteran operators like Anthony Blouin who has worked for the Canadian Marconi Co. for forty years and is currently the operator at Midland. Mr. Blouin has worked in the Soo as well as several Quebec stations. Anthony was on duty in 1914 at Grosse Isle in the St. Lawrence and heard the Empress of Ireland’s distress call the night she sank with the loss of 1,012 souls, eight more than Titanic two years earlier.

Tony Blouin, the “wireless” operator at Midland, explains the operation of a “Maggie” detector to K. V. Rainberg. This equipment is now a museum piece although in use during Mr. Blouin’s career. They are surrounded by all the electronics now used in a modern Marconi station.

Midland’s wireless station, call letters VBC, was located at what was then the south end of William Street at the highest location on the west side. The station and the operator’s house are still standing. A Midland contractor (I am searching for the name) built the identical stations in Midland, Kingston, Tobermory and Port Burwell. The Midland station operated from 1912 till 1961.

Things are a little easier for the picketers manning the line at the Canadian Name Plate plant on Bay Street during the recent strike, by the erection of a shelter to give some relief from the cold.

The November 30th County Herald contained an article regarding this two week old strike by the 126 UAW workers. It was presented as a discussion, with the union representative making a point and Mr. Gordon Moss responding to it. The points on both sides seemed quite reasonable.

Upside Down Cake? – Dempster’s bread truck headed to Midland and driven by Ernest M. Foster of Barrie got into trouble on the slippery road at the south end of King Street. No charges were laid, damage estimated at $50.00.

Simcoe County forester Joe Lea retires after 28 years of building the forests of the county.
Ontario Department of Highways has refused Tay Townships request for a 30 MPH speed limit on Hugel Ave. W. from Eighth Street to Hwy 27. The township is concerned because there are no sidewalks past Eighth Street, 750 pupils have to walk on the roadway.
Ad in the paper announcing that Walter Zimmerman has taken over the Meat Market formerly operated as Argues Meat Market in Victoria Harbour.
MPDHS to get $400.00 electric timer and scoreboard for the gym.
Realtor W. J. Sansford is offering a stucco bungalow in the south end, 3 bedrooms, hardwood floors, oil heating, clothes closets in all bedrooms, laundry tub, 4 piece bathroom, built-in cupboards. Heated last year for $72.00. Full price $8,500.00.
PUC still looking to increase towns water supply and Little Lake is still the best new resource with water always testing “Grade A” and Department of health supporting the plan.
Realtor Vic Strickland at a public meeting suggested that more citizens would run for public office if the stipend was increased. Clerk Wm. Hack explained that currently $2,000.00 is distributed among the mayor and councilors annually, using a graduated scale based on attendance at meetings. The Mayor maintains it is a duty to serve your community. Alderman Clint Smith felt it was an honour to be elected to public office.
Newcomer A. B. Thompson, Penetang barrister, will run against the present mayor of Penetang, George Kerr.
The real estate firm of W. J. Sansford has launched a new subdivision across the bay behind the Midland Simcoe Elevator. Jim Bennett, the firms representative, said “Sunnyside Heights” would be limited to $10,000.00 and over homes with a possible shopping center behind if interest warranted it.
Start will be made next year on the four lane super highway from just east of Barrie (Crownhill) to Coldwater.
Bourgeois Motors announces that their car lot for both new and used vehicles is now located at their Midland Avenue site, just north of Hugel.
Maritimer A. MacNeil acquires the local General Motors franchise and will open on the former Warman property on Vinden Street, recently occupied by Bourgeois Motors.
Local Canadian Tire Store closes half day owing to the death of the firm’s founder, J. W. Billes.
Midland’s downtown merchants to circulate a petition proposing a five day work week except during the tourist season.
Tenders for the sale of properties owned by the town of Midland – #1 Community Center 311 King street, 2 1/2 story brick veneer, hot water heating, stoker, full basement, modern plumbing, apartment on upper floor. (currently CompuSolve) – #2 Band Hall, 218 Midland Ave. corner of Dominion, 1 1/2 storey brick hall, oil heating, basement, 6 room apartment on upper floor with separate entrance. (currently Better Life Chiropractic) – #3 Town Garage, Yonge Street E., solid brick, 50′ x 49′, concrete floor, two 12′ x 12′ folding doors. (currently 382 Yonge St. former home of the McCuaigs)
Winner of the 3,000 meter steeplechase at the Olympic Games in Melbourne this week, Britain’s Chris Brasher is a brother of Dr. Peter Brasher, Midland.
More than 6,000 residents are eligible to vote in the upcoming municipal elections in Midland & Penetang.
Steel windows for the new municipal building, promised for August from a British company, have not yet arrived.
Le Camp’s Clothing Store at First and Ney in Port McNicoll is going out of business due to sickness, everything being sold at cost. “P.S. – We’ll sell the store too.”
Midland’s first advanced poll will take place on December 1st from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the rear of town hall, off Dominion Ave. Those eligible must sign a declaration stating they will be absent on the day of the regular election. Those allowed will be railway workers, armed forces, transport drivers and others whose business makes it impossible for them to be in Midland on the regular polling day.
In 1945 sixty six percent of Canadians who paid income tax earned less than $2,000.00, in 1953 only twenty two percent were below $2,000.00.
Two local hunters are wounded during the deer hunt. Port McNicoll postmaster and popular citizen Jack Reedy managed to shoot himself in the foot while hunting in the Cognashene area. Joe Barden, Coldwater photographer and poolroom operator was shot in a hunting accident east of Bracebridge. Shot fired from another hunter 300 yards away fractured his shoulder, broke three ribs and punctured a lung.
Vasey United Church Sunday School superintendent Nathan Edwards reported that 85 children were enrolled last year with average weekly attendance of 64.
OBITUARIES – Mrs. Damasse Lalumiere died November 5th at her home, she was in her 91st year. She came to Penetang with her parents at age 15 and married Damasse in 1882. She is survived by Aimer at home, Eugene in Buffalo, Adolph in Galt, Lea (Mrs. Simeon Moreau), Anna (Mrs. Theophile Marchildon), and Melina (Mrs. Isreal Robitaille). – A lifelong resident of Coldwater, Mrs. Sarah Rachel Sallows nee Howell died at home on Nov 7th, she was 66. She is survived by her husband Reuben, two sons, Henry and Theodore and a daughter Margaret, Mrs. Walter Rose of Fesserton. – Mrs. Septimus Lowes nee Mary Ellen Jackson, died at her home Sunday in her 82nd year. She is survived by her husband, and three sons, Kenneth and Francis of Midland, and Tom of Oshawa. – Mrs. Frederick Norman Carruthers nee Edna Lois MacDonald of Wyebridge died November 11th in St. Andrews Hospital in her 64th year. Predeceased by her husband in 1947 and son Allan in March of this year. Survived by one son, Clayton of Midland. – Mrs. Joseph J. Fallis, nee Mary Tinney, who died in the Beechwood Nursing home on November 11th in her 90th year. Predeceased by her husband 22 years ago and a daughter Rita 30 years ago. Survived by two sons, Harvie and William of R.R. Midland a daughter Hazel, Mrs. William Taylor of Vasey. – Andrew McLawrence Lovering died on November 23rd at the age of 83. An active participant in his community, he served for eight years on council, telephone commission for 15 years, school board trustee for 18 years and captain of the Coldwater fire brigade for 30 years. He and his wife, the former Maude Hawke, farmed the original Lovering homestead deeded from the Indians. He is survived by his wife, a daughter Ruth, Mrs. Charles Danby and two sons, Walter and Horace.
WEDDINGS – Muriel Blondin, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Martial Blondin, Lafontaine and Richard Lesperance, son of Mr. & Mrs. Albert Lesperance, Perkinsfield, at Holy Cross Church. Anatole Charlesbois sang two pieces accompanied by his wife on the organ. – Catharine Ann Reid, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. James F. Reid and Douglas Wm. Fagan, son of Mr. & Mrs. Cecil Fagan, Wyebridge, at St. Mark’s Anglican in Midland, Nov. 10th. – Germaine Bellisle daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Bellisle, Penetang, and OPP Officer John W. Ambeau, son of Mr. & Mrs. George Ambeau, Midland at St. Ann’s, October 29th.
25 YEARS AGO, 1936 – Following a week of below freezing temperatures the thermometers jumped to 68 and 70 degrees. – An old landmark was destroyed when the Waubaushene Inn owned by Henry Gouett burned to the ground in a midnight fire. – Midland YMCA won the 33 mile marathon race from Midland to Orillia for the second time and established a new record by clipping seven minutes off of their previous years record. Midland runners were Stan Symington, Dudley Tushingham, Horace Scott, Charles Noquet, Harold Hornsby, L. Larmand of Victoria Harbour, Cliff Davis, Capt. Merkley, Borland, Switzer, McKenzie, Bremner, Edwards, Coombs and Vosper.

Huronia Museum – Looking Back 60 Years Ago in North Simcoe – November 8th to 15th 1956

Click on photos to enlarge

Parkview School held a Remembrance Day service Friday morning directed by teacher Jack Yelland. Grade Eight student Charles Ward stands before the backdrop that was prepared by Mrs. (Joan) Wm. Barnett’s Grade Six class. Bugler Jim Ingram played the last post and Len Wiles, the caretaker and legion member, made the cross.

The Bracebridge Legion Pipe Band led Legion members, Ladies Auxiliary and Penetang Firemen through the rain and sleet to the cenotaph on Monday, November the 12th. Under the guidance of Legionnaire W. H. Hewson, the groups, which included a small number of townspeople, joined in singing hymns, the National Anthem and O Canada. The names of those who fell in all wars were read by Auxiliary president Miss Kathleen Dubeau and G. J. Robillard was the bugler.

The new safety booklet issued Wednesday to Midland elementary school children by Branch 80, Canadian Legion, receives the serious attention of Chief Robert Cameron, Regent School principal, Morgan Lewis, student Barbara Dalrymple and legionnaire H. A. Wiles, past zone commander.

Winner of the Branch 80, Canadian Legion scholarship, Ross Hindmand receives a cheque for $100.00 from Branch 80 treasurer Howard Henderson, Ivan McConnell, left, Branch 80 publicity director looks on. Ross plans to enter the University of Toronto when he graduates from MPDHS and later enroll in law school.

Oratorical contest winner at Regent School Friday night was Winston Schell of Regent. He is receiving his prize from John Dalrymple of the Midland Lions Club. Winston gave a humorous account of his experience as a golf caddy. There were twenty entries this year which resulted in a marathon session lasting over three hours.

Arm waving is out at public speaking contests but these young contestants had some fun after the contest imitating the days of dramatic elocution. Betty Jean Walkinson of Parkview laughingly admonishes her listeners.

Diane Peutz of St. Mary’s school confronts the audience with a firm stand.

A bit of a quiz to see who is up on their barn identification. Clue, located in Tay Township.

John Powers reports in his column “Outdoor Diary” that “a few flocks of geese have been seen landing in the Lafontaine area”. Now in 2016 it wouldn’t be unusual to see a flock of geese in your back yard.
This week a party from Coldwater including Forester G. R. Lane ad MPP Lloyd Letherby motored up the new section of Trans-Canada Highway from Port Severn to the site of the new Six Mile Lake campsite and park being laid out by the Department of Lands and Forests. Good progress has been made and the park should be ready for visitors next season. Further graveling and other work is still to be done on the new highway before paving can be done.
At the Pen, “The Great Waltz” with Louise Rainer and Fernand Gravet. At the Roxy, “High Society” with Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly and Frank Sinatra.
Midland Curling club members give the rink a fresh coat of paint before the season begins.
WEDDINGS, Rita Jean Martin, eldest daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Martin and Andrew Gauthier, son of Mrs. Zed Gauthier at St. Ann’s, October 6th.— Elaine Roselyn Gerow, only daughter of Mr. & Mrs. G. W. Gerow of Midland and David Frederick Milner, only son of Mr. & Mrs. Cam Milner of Midland and Honey Harbour, at St. Mark’s Anglican October 20th.
— Bernice Florence Leonard, daughter of Mrs. B. MacDonald and the late Lorne Leonard of Wyebridge and Donald Roy Abbott son of Mrs. E. Abbott of Toronto at St. Mary’s Anglican Toronto.

— Anita Patricia Gravelle, youngest daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Albert Gravelle Penetang and Robert F. Lamoureux youngest son of Mr. & Mrs. Fred Lamoureux Midland at St. Ann’s October 8th.

— Helen Margaret Hounsome, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Charles Hounsome Wyebridge and William Crippin son of Mrs. Peter Crippin Penetang at the Church of the Good Shepherd Wyebridge on October 20th.

— Marie Marchand daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Celestin Marchand and B. Johnson, son of Mr. & Mrs. Jacob Johnson Toronto at St. Ann’s.

— Rejeanné Marchildon daughter of Edmond Marchildon and Jean Baptiste Marchand son of Romeo Marchand all of Lafontaine at Holy Cross on October 6th.

— Joan Stewart daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Stewart Penetang and Marcel Maurice son of Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Maurice North West Basin at St. Ann’s October 13th.

— Erna Ostertag daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Donald Ostertag Penetang and Lionel Duquette son of Mr. & Mrs. Anthime Duquette Pentang at St. Ann’s October 20th.

— Jeanette Ruth Oliver daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Stan Oliver North River and Douglas Hebner son of Mr. & Mrs. Elmer Hebner Midland at Knox Presbyterian October 27th.
New 21 inch “big screen” Admiral TV can be seen at Eisenberg’s, 47 Main Street Penetang.
At Eplett’s TV and Appliance in Midland it’s a free turkey with every TV purchase.
Midland Council changes insurance company and saves $1,600.00 on Arena Gardens insurance. Coverage will be $184,000.00.
Barber & Haskill Limited opens their new store at 278 King Street, formerly McKinley Automotive. The store had been located on the east side of King ten years ago then moved to a new location on Yonge Street. The Owen Sound brothers-in-law now have a staff of five, electricians Bruce Spicer, Gordon Duggan and Charlie Spiker, salesman Clint Truax and heating specialist Dave Hudson.
TEN YEARS AGO — First new Cadillac to be seen in Midland since the war was on display at Bertrand Motors. — Mayor Charles Vent unveiled a new memorial plaque at the cenotaph on Remembrance Day. — Midland and Penetang hospitals recorded 54 births in the month of October.
At the Victoria Harbour cenotaph Cpl. John Bernard unveiled a bronze tablet honouring the dead of World War I and Sgt. William Quinlan another honouring those who died in World War II.
Three Hannah Street residents request sewers and will have them installed by the town at a cost of $200.00 each.

Huronia Museum – Looking Back 60 Years Ago in North Simcoe – November 1st to 7th 1956

Four prominent figures who have been involved with the progress of St. Andrews Hospital since its inception in 1918 are seen following ceremonies to open the new James Playfair wing at the hospital Wednesday night. R. J. Pinchin, president of the board, Mrs. Emma Baker, superintendent for some 30 years and after whom a wing has been named; Stuart Playfair who unveiled a plaque honouring the contributions of his brother the late James Playfair, donor of the original building. Another plaque was unveiled honouring the services of Dr. J. Ross Parrott, right, and his associates, who did much of the planning for the new building opened last year.

New laundry facilities at St. Andrews are examined by John Burke, building committee chairman, W. A. Robinson, M.P., and former nurse, Mrs. John Burke.

Ground Observer Corps members Mrs. Don Tuttle and chief observer Alf Tuttle are proud of their new table for plotting aircraft flights over the area. Mr. Tuttle made it himself and it is an exact replica of the one used at the RCAF filter center in Barrie. The fifteen member group report that 48 sighting calls were made to the filter center last month, the largest since the group started.

Laying the section of the new Trans Canada Highway that runs from Waubaushene to Port Severn is a job that requires big machinery and big material. These large slabs of rock provide excellent fill for the many marshy areas.

Over 300 delegates attend the annual meeting of District 8, Ontario Secondary School Teacher’s Federation held at MPDHS on Friday. Students helping in the cafeteria to feed all the guests are, Karen Wilcox, Robin Benson, Gerry Geere, Allan Kirkup and Shirley Foster.

More than seventeen members of the Georgian Bay Hunters and Anglers were present at a building bee last weekend at the clubs new site back of the Martyr’s Shrine. Studying plans are president Bill Russell, Jim Duncan and Lloyd Wilson.

Forty years of service as a volunteer fireman on Midland’s fire brigade was honoured Thursday night at the Parkside Inn. Henry Woods, 2nd Liet., watches as Bill Crawford, center, is presented with a wallet and money by Jack Argue, chairman of the fireman’s finance committee.

In the bottom photo Earl Allsopp, secretary and 1st Lieut., on the left, and Dalton Jennett, captain, on the right, join in on congratulating Bill Crawford and presenting him a certificate.

S. C. “Bert” Hanly hands over his waterfront crane to Midland Machine Shop operator Lloyd Atkinson, who has purchased the historic equipment from its long-time owner and operator. Bert built the hand operated crane about 1917 at a cost of $1,100.00 but previous to that had performed the same function from an oak bottomed scow equipped with two cranes. There was no set fee, the charge was estimated by the “bigness” of the craft, beam and draft being as variable as length. He averaged about 300 boats per year. Tomorrow he sets off on the annual deer hunt, a tradition since 1896. Bert is 83.

Delegates to a boys’ rally, sponsored jointly by the Boys’ Work Board and the Christian Education Committee of Simcoe Presbytery of the United Church, register at St. Paul’s United Church, Midland. The rally Saturday afternoon featured games, stunts by the boys and their leaders, talks and films.

[This photo was on the front page of the Free Press on November 7th 1956 but none of the names were included, please comment if you recognize anyone.]

It has been suggested that the the lad in the plaid shirt is Harry DeVries, the one in the leather jacket is Frank Okenka and the one on the extreme left is Winston Schell. Looking at other photos of these young men I would agree except Frank is hard to judge without a better look at his face. (Tom at the museum)

Major damage in the fire at St. Mary’s Separate School early Friday morning occurred in the class room which was occupied by grades 5 and 6. The room was completely destroyed. The students have been accommodated in surplus rooms at Parkview and Sixth Street schools. Four other class rooms were badly damaged by smoke and water.

Wendy Howard of the MPDHS junior girls volleyball team gets ready for a smashing serve over the net at the high school tournament Saturday morning. Orillia won top place of the four teams entered.

In a letter to the editor a local group seeking liquor outlets in town has turned down any request for beverage rooms, their objective is to have a liquor and beer store only in Midland. They also want organizations to be able to obtain a liquor license for special events so that groups would be less likely to take events outside of Midland.
The first two of the Ontario government’s historic site markers were unveiled last week in Toronto. Midland’s W. H. “Bill” Cranston, chairman of the Ontario Archaeological and Historic Sites Board opened the ceremonies with remarks. Premier Frost paid tribute to Midlander J. H. “Herbert” Cranston whom he described as a “great Canadian” in pioneering the preservation of the province’s historical heritage.
Every week there is a “gossip column” in the paper called “Did You Hear, The Midland Social Week”. The Penetang column is called “On Dit”. In the County Herald, November 2nd we learn that Mr. & Mrs. Nap Laurendeau will leave Malton by plane Saturday to fly to Winnipeg for a few days. — Mrs. Charles Hardy entertained members of Lady Parkhill Lodge, LOBA (Lodges of the Ladies Orange Benevolent Association) after their meeting of October 19. — Miss Marion Evans, to be married to Arthur Argue tomorrow at Knox Church, has been the guest of honour at several miscellaneous showers. On Oct. 25, thirty five friends and neighbours were present at the home of Mrs. F. E. Lowes, Fifth Street, which had been decorated with pink and white streamers. The previous Monday, 25 employees of Wagg’s Laundry gathered at the home of Mrs. Roy McConnell. — Miss Pat Perrin will be in Toronto until the end of this month. She is working and studying florist work in the shop of Eunice Denby. — Mrs. Jack White, Mrs. Flora Banting and Mrs. Edward Jeffery Sr. are leaving Tuesday morning for the south. They will spend the next six months in St. Petersburg, Fla. — Miss Joan MacEachern, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Donald MacEachern, who is a nurse in training at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Barrie, visited her parents Sunday, prior to leaving for Toronto where she will spend three months affiliation training at the Hospital for Sick Children.
Beaver Lumber is advertising everything the handy man needs to create that new room in the house called the “Recreation Room”. They suggest you “Start now in your after supper hours -“
Cinema usherette in the dentist chair when asked which tooth was giving her trouble replied, “Second from the left in the balcony” —– “I don’t like the look of your husband” said the doctor gravely. “Neither do I” the wife replied “but he’s kind to the children.” These little bits of humour, used as space fillers are found in most of the Free Press and County Herald papers.
Singer Sewing Center, machines rented by the week or by the month.
In Penetang police court , 19 year old Leo Patrick Dier, giving his residence as Penetang, pleaded guilty before Magistrate K. A. Cameron on a charge of obtaining liquor while under age. Unable to pay the $25.00 fine he was remanded in County jail for the alternative 10 days. Sometime later in the Penetang police office next to the court, Provincial officer Mervin Robinson noticed a wanted poster on the wall for a Leo Patrick Deir, also 19, of Brockville. Despite the difference in spelling it turned out to be the same person and he was returned to Brockville. [I included this article wondering how often, before we had our sophisticated computer systems, criminals were able to get away from officers undetected.]
In the PMCS News column, Judy Quesnelle reported that an election was held on Oct 8th to elect new officers for the Port McNicoll Continuation School for 1957.
Alfred Simon, a twenty year old roofer from Toronto, died in Penetang hospital from injuries received when he fell from the roof of the new Simcoe County Home for the Aged in Penetang.
A lifetime spent in the lumber business came to an end Monday when Marcel Tessier died following a heart attack. Owner of Tessier Planing Mill in Penetang, which he has managed since the death of his father 25 years ago. The only other sibling, Father Phillip Tessier is returning from Brooks Alberta to attend the funeral.
Established in Orangeville 36 years ago by A. J. Grigg, the Grigg Company will open a new branch store in Midland Friday. Termed a junior department store, the new addition to Midland’s downtown will be located in the building formerly occupied by Loblaws Limited.
Thirty-eight teams in Midland and Penetang have been organized for Little League and Midget hockey this year.
25 YEARS AGO THIS WEEK — Fire of unknown origin destroyed a boat storage building owned by Gidley Boat Company of Penetang. Thirty-three boats including several launches stored for the winter were lost. Damaged was estimated at $50,000.00. — A football tournament at Beck’s field in Penetang went on despite heavy rain that made the field a sea of mud. Both Midland’s junior and senior teams were defeated by Orillia, but Penetang juniors carried home town honours by defeating Balmy Beach 3-0. Some of the Penetang players were, Trilsbeck, Don & Ed Copeland, O’Hearn, Crippen, Grise and Quigley. Penetang juniors were Ontario semi-finalists in 1930. — Three adjacent cottages in Waubaushene that had just been completed in the summer, were destroyed by fire. The cottages were owned by Toronto residents and had been vacated for the winter. — Exactly one year after the Ontario Cafe and adjoining beauty parlour were destroyed in an early morning fire, flames devoured a two-story frame building on Bay St. near the Canadian Department Store. The blaze was discovered by a Mr. Byrne, who also discovered the fire the year previously. [Is that a coincidence or is his name an even bigger coincidence.] — Nine helpless inmates of the Ontario Hospital in Penetang died when a men’s sleeping cottage was destroyed by fire. The cabin destroyed housed aged cripples, who could do little to help themselves.
In 1911 the Roman Catholics of Midland had no church or meeting place large enough for their growing congregation to celebrate Mass. Father Laboreau of Penetanguishene was the priest in charge of a large parish that extended to the Coldwater area. The Reeve of Midland at the time and Master of the Orange Lodge, Lorenzo MacFarlane, offered Father Laboreau the Orange Hall for services. After overcoming his surprise Father Laboureau accepted the offer.
Fire destroyed a 30 by 14 foot boathouse on Picnic Island owned by Cecil Shaw of Welland. Two sixteen foot boats and a canoe were lost in the blaze. One was the first of its type built by Alfred H. Gidley of Penetang and the other was the last boat built by Mr. Gidley, who is Mrs. Shaw’s father.
Midland Brass Band requires boys 10 years old and up, instruments available.

Huronia Museum – Looking Back 60 Years Ago in North Simcoe – October 16th to 31st

Click on photos to enlarge

Apple Day headquarters 1956 is a room in Knox Presbyterian Church. Scouts Gary Blake and Jerry Berriault receive their apples and money cans from Assistant District Commissioner Harvey Boyd and Cubmaster Ida Gardiner. In the back row are Cubmaster Wilf Hamelin, Scoutmaster Tom Gilbert, Assistant Cubmaster Art Richards and District Scoutmaster Charles Roberts look on.

Saturday was Apple Day for Cubs and Scouts all over Ontario. Billy Cameron and Billy Graham tidy up their baskets before continuing their rounds of Port McNicoll homes. They are members of the 1st Port McNicoll pack.

Yeggs’ strike local IGA store. Manager George MacFarlane points to the tiny hole drilled into the store safe in an unsuccessful attempt to open it. The safe was embedded in concrete at the front of the store. Two display stands had been moved to conceal their activities. Stealing is hard work and the would-be thieves had to take a break, consuming two pops and a large chocolate bar.

Midland’s new municipal building is taking shape on the old Central School grounds between Second & Third Streets on Dominion Ave. Late in arriving, steel for the new building has been erected this week , which will permit other work to proceed.

Getting ready to feed the hundreds of guests expected at the opening of the new public school in Coldwater are members of the Home and School Association, Mrs. Mervin Abott, Mrs. Clem Swailes and Mrs. James Emslie, convener of the group.

This new addition, on the left, to the Waverly United Church was dedicated at services Sunday afternoon. Termed a Christian Education and fellowship room, it will also serve as a general auditorium. Many members of the congregation provided volunteer labour on the addition which cost around $8,000.00.

Well equipped kitchen is included in the new addition to the Waverly United Church which will be dedicated Sunday afternoon. Mrs. Elmer French and Mrs. Reg Drinkill examine a storage rack under the serving window which will hold more than 65 pies. First customer at the counter is Rev. Wesley Glazer.

Homeowners in the new Ingram Subdivision of Tay Township were all smiles Saturday as workmen completed the first layer of pavement for the new street, a continuation of Hugel Ave. The street is now more than two miles long and runs from William Street in Midland’s east end to Highway 27 in the west.

The girls, members of the Tironae Club of Midland YMCA, are sorting rubber footwear for cleaning and repairing before sending it to the Salvation Army. Elsewhere in the room another group is sorting clothing for the same destination. Carol Fox, Karen Robinson, Mary Ann Nicholson, Sheila Barber and Shirley Ann Silver.

The young lads are getting a few pointers on how to build up muscles through exercises on the parellel bars. They are one of the many groups who receive weekly instructions on gymnastics at the Midland YMCA. Boys are David Carpenter, Ronnie Gosselin, John Thomas, Randy Jones, Paul Henderson, Jerry Beteau, instructor Alex Owen, Edo Wensveen and Gerald Karch.

There were seldom any empty seats during the five days that Loblaws held their cooking school in the Capitol Theatre, King Street, Midland, last week.

In a rustic setting, these white washed stones direct the visitor to the Simcoe County Camp of the Ontario Department of Reform Institutions near Hillsdale. In spite of the open gateway there were no escapes attempted this summer at the experimental project where 50 prisoners worked under a few unarmed guards.

This sturdy bridge on the conservation farm was built by prisoners in nine days at a cost of about $15.00. With the extensive rockery lining the stream, dammed up when the photo was taken, it will add much to the scenic beauty of the Kiwanis property.

Caretaker at Parkview School, Len Wiles, boards up another broken window, part of a long string of senseless vandalism occurring in Midland recently. Window to the right has a hole in it as well, just to the left of the pumpkin.

Good progress is being made on Midland’s newest industrial building, that of Pinecrest Products Limited. Located at the extreme easterly end of Bay Street, the new factory will produce unfinished furniture.

Dressed for initiation these four students are attending the Collingwood vs. Midland junior football game last week. Members of the HiY Unamotus Club the boys are; Ernie Somers, Ron Parker, Gary Woods and kneeling, Bill Swann.

Simcoe District teachers inspect a new text book during a meeting at Regent School, Midland. Henry Bergen of Christian Island; Ken Cowan, Midland; Wesley Anderson and Walter Black of Christian Island.

Barbershoppers are featured in this week’s “Pot Luck” in the editorial column of Wednesdays paper. Bottom, Glen Campbell, Ray Trew, Lloyd Atkinson and Archie Campbell.

MPDHS almost beats Collingwood junior football team, lose 22-16 despite Larry Leroux on the left catching three touchdown passes thrown by John Dubeau on the right.

Keri Beteau pulls the winning ticket at the recent cooking school sponsored by Loblaws and H. J. Thompson and Sons Ltd. at Midland’s Capitol Theatre. The winner of a new stove supplied by Thompsons was Mrs. Charles Robb of RR 2 Penetang. With Keri on stage are sponsor Bill Thompson, Mrs. Elsie Clay Rogers, who conducted the school and E. G. Saigle, a promotion official with Loblaws.

October 17th was a happy day for downtown shoppers in Midland as the public works staff began the job of removing and storing all of the parking meters until spring. Ken Walker, left, smiles as Constable Tom Currie tells him to put his money away. Removing the meter is Sam Butineau.

St. Andrew’s Hospital board member H. G. W. Paice, left, receives a cheque for $1,000.00 from Lions Club president Bill Jeffery.

Midland’s newest nonagenarian is Philip Henry Blake who marked his 90th birthday at his Yonge Street home Saturday. A native of Ottawa, Mr. Blake has been a resident of Midland for 51 years, most of which time he was engaged as a lumber inspector.

People from all walks of life attend the funeral services at St. Paul’s United Church for A. D. Tushingham, recently curator of Huronia Museum and retired manager of the Bell Telephone Company in Midland. Mr. Tushingham died of a heart attack while on a motor trip with his wife and daughter to the east coast, he was 73.

Big thermometers on the corner of King & Hugel and King & Colborne will indicate the progress of Midland YMCA’s campaign for $8,500.00 with which to operate its many services during the coming year. With the hammer is Jack Courtemarche, Haig Abbott, Alex Owen and Frank Hartman. By Wednesday noon the amount was $2,432.00, eventually $9,500.00 was raised. [Note the Pentecostal Assembly Church in the background on Colborne St., now with a second storey it is an apartment complex.]

No trouble cleaning this fish as the owner is a butcher by trade. Isadore Arbour of 242 King (now 264) caught this 12 pound, 36 inch Northern Pike off the Tiffin Elevator last week with a Canadian Wiggler. Guy Hebner and Clarence Cowie were in the party.

Workmen applying a new “all metal” roof to the Midland Arena Gardens.

Msgr. Castex throws the first ball to open Penetang’s new bowling lanes.
Grew Boats receives an order for two, 50 foot RCMP patrol boats. Manager Andy Morrison feels that extra staff will need to be hired and full staff will be needed all winter to supply current orders. The new patrol boats feature twin 350HP gasoline engines and sleeping quarters for the crews.
Consumers Gas Company seeks a franchise from Midland Council to provide natural gas to the community. Supply will be available as soon as the Trans-Canada pipeline from Alberta passes east of here, sometime in the spring of 1958. The company is supplying American natural gas from Toronto as far north as Richmond Hill.
Two towns plan joint interlocking schedules and administration for the coming Little Hockey League this winter. It is expected that 400 boys will take part in the Penetang league sponsored by the Penetang Boys Club and 450 to 500 in the Midland League sponsored by the Lions Club. Penetang will play in the Arena Gardens until the natural ice is available in Penetang.
1st Battalion The Canadian Guards will be holding a recruitment drive at the Midland Armouries, Thursday October 25th.
Injured recently when his overalls became entangled in the shaft of a wood cutting machine, Robert Mosely Jr. awoke Thursday morning to the sound of tractors in his farm yard. By nightfall all of his fall plowing had been finished. While his neighbours worked Mr. Mosley remained in the fields on his crutches and his wife prepared lunch for the men.
Resident of Penetang for 51 years, death came unexpectedly to Prosper Beausoliel on Saturday, October 20th at his Robert Street home. Born in Lafontaine he moved to Penetang in 1905 and has been a funeral director for the past 32 years.
Sixty students, largest class ever, have enrolled in the Midland Business College.
John Henry Reynolds of Penetang marks his 90th birthday, he has been a resident for 74 years. “Everywhere I worked you never got holidays, six days a week, often twelve hours a day, I guess I will take them now that I am retired.” His daughter-in-law with whom he lives says he is up every morning at five and until two years ago cut and split nine cords of hardwood every year for the furnace.
The new James Playfair wing of St. Andrew’s Hospital will be officially opened by his brother Stewart Playfair of Toronto on Wednesday evening.
Attendance at “Kitchi” hits a 37 year record.
Father of three small children, Clarence Cousineau 28, of Honey Harbour, died in St. Andrew’s Hospital early Sunday morning from a gunshot wound received in a hunting accident 15 miles north of Honey Harbour about 4 p.m. Saturday. Mr. Cousineau was sleeping in the front of a fifteen foot boat when the shotgun of one of his two companions discharged.
Party of ten ready for deer hunt. Ten members of the Midland Hunt Club will leave this week for their camp at Eagle’s Nest bay on the French River. Madore Latour, Gerrard Berriault, Elmer Contois, Peter Clause, Rex Downer, Charlie Scott, Stan Brooks, Gerry Gammon, Bill Johnson and Stan Sturgeon.
Rumour is that a group is planning to petition the town to take a vote on a brewer’s warehouse and liquor store in Midland. Midland has been dry since January 7, 1907. An attempt to repeal the by-law during a municipal election in 1915 was unsuccessful. In order to force a vote the signatures of 25% of eligible electors is needed, that would be 1,155 names.
Believed to be the town’s oldest native citizen, Mrs. S. A. Jelly recalls early days, written by Ken Somers, Free Press, Wednesday, October 24th, 1956.

“Although she makes no claims to the fact, perhaps the oldest native resident of Midland is Mrs. Simon A. Jelly of 306 Fourth Street (now 352 just off Yonge). Daughter of the late Mr. & Mrs. H. S. Ruby, who themselves were among the earliest residents of Midland, Mrs. Jelly was born here 78 years ago, August 30th, 1878.
Three years earlier her father, one of Midland’s first bakers, had moved his family to Midland from Barrie. The Ruby’s had eight children, all of them girls but one. Mrs. Jelly is the last survivor of that big family. Born Mabel Louisa Ruby in the home that adjoined her father’s bake shop on Midland Ave., she started her schooling in the old Manly Street School, the only one in the town at that time. The old Central School that burnt a few years ago, was being built then, and Mabel Ruby also attended that school for a few years.
The Manly Street School was a four room frame building on the site of the brick school built some years later and now occupied as a dress firm. [Glen Mohr Frocks then Fabulous Formals and now a private residence] The Baptist Church was right next to the school. The principal at Manly Street was Tom Truman, who also taught at Central.
Midland was pretty much a lumber town in Mabel Ruby’s younger days. Most of the buildings and what sidewalks there were had been built of wood. The area around her home on Midland Ave. was one of the busiest in town, with her father’s bake shop on one side and a grist mill and a woolen mill just across the street.
In addition to his bake shop , where he sold huge loaves at 10 cents each, Mr. Ruby also had an ice cream parlour and china shop in the downtown section at the north end of King Street. Crawford’s Men Shop is located on the same site at present. There was only one flavour, vanilla, which Mrs. Ruby made in her own home. Nearly all of Midland’s stores back in Mrs. Jelly’s childhood were located in the two blocks between Hugel Ave and Bay Street. There was one hotel she remembers away up at the corner of King and Yonge.
The young people of that day often passed the old hotel, especially to go swimming on a hot summer afternoon after Sunday School. Little Lake, then as now, was a popular spot with the younger set, although getting to it was a different matter than it is now. There was just a trail in from the south end of King Street, with several stiles to climb and a marshy path to thread. The area around the lake was not cleared for some years after it was given to the town by Squire Fraser.
Mable Ruby was married to Simon Jelly on January 31st, 1917. Although her husband’s employment took him to Toronto for many years, Mrs. Jelly always stayed in Midland. The couple had no children of their own but Mabel has nieces and nephews that visit her frequently. They have no trouble finding her as she has lived at 306 Fourth Street since 1910 and has no intention of moving.”

[Mable Ruby died in Midland on March 13th, 1962 at the age of 84 and her husband Simon “Andrew” Jelly followed her 19 days later.]

Midland YMCA’s Camp Kitchikewana received one of only eight citations awarded in the British Commonwealth this year from the Royal Life Saving Society in London for promoting and furthering the aims of the society. The citation was signed by Admiral the Earl of Mountbatten of Burma, K.G., P.C., G.C.S.I., G.C.I.E., G.C.V.O., K.C.B., D.S.O.
A Barrie man, James Lynn, has purchased the former Bishop Funeral Home in Elmvale from William P. Hutchinson. It will now be known as the Bishop-Lynn Funeral Home. [James and wife Joan eventually moved to Midland and operated the James H. Lynn Funeral Home on First Street]
Chris Gardner, Midland’s man of mystery, this year celebrates his 52nd year in magic, 32 of them in Midland.
Penetang taxi operators announce a fare increase commencing November 1st. Town trips .50 cents, one stop, .10 cents for additional stops.

Huronia Museum – Looking Back 60 Years Ago in North Simcoe – October 1st to 15th 1956

Click on photos to enlarge

Grey and Simcoe Foresters from North Simcoe participated in “Operation Mandible” a training exercise at the Meaford tank range. Pictured is a formidable line of Sherman tanks. Over 700 men from Canadian Army militia units of the Central Command were involved.

Photo of four Free Press newspaper carriers in front of the Free Press office on King Street, Wallace Crawford, Gary Blake, Elizabeth Cowan and Graham Shaw. Midland Free Press employs 38 carriers, each running their own business. Every publishing day they draw their quota of papers and at the end of the month they are billed for the number they have purchased. Then they collect 35 cents from each customer and out of this monthly amount they average about 14 cents per customer.

Beautiful cheerleaders Elmvale style pictured at the fair last weekend, kneeling, Stephanie Shaw and Betty Marcellus, standing, Bonnie Flotron, Lois Rowntree and Myrna Ingleton.

Bill Swann is seen winning the heat in the junior 100 yard dash during the MPDHS track and field meet last week. Bill later won the final in the same event and will represent his school at the Tudhope Meet in Orillia.

A true Thanksgiving is in store for the family of Pat Arthurs who was killed in a car accident August 30th. His wife and six children were left destitute and have been living in this tar paper shack just off Second Street in Port McNicoll. A fund administered by Rev. Leo Austin reached nearly $1,600.00 and made possible the new home where Father Austin is pictured with five of the children. The house was built with volunteer labour.

Port McNicoll Parish Priest Rev. Leo J. Austin is seen offering good wishes to his successor on the left, Rev. Frank Sullivan, former chaplain at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Toronto. Father Austin left Saturday to become pastor of St. John the Evangelist in Whitby.

Adeline Carpenter married Peter Smith at the age of 20 and they farmed most of their lives, over 50 years, on a farm on the 2nd concession of Tiny Twp., moving to Midland 20 years ago. Mrs. Smith is ninety-two. Several of her nephews still live in the Waverly area, Walter, Jack and Fred Carpenter, Mrs. Frank Reynolds in Waverly, Mrs. Henry Reynolds in Wyebridge and Mrs. Percy Woods in Ebenezer are nieces. It has only been the last 12 years or so that Mrs. Smith has been sightless but continues to knit hundreds of pairs of socks and mittens for local children.

New taxi with 1,300 miles on it ends up in the bay off the town dock. The driver was Dalton Crawford who went down with the car but managed to roll down a window and escape. Owner of the taxi is Bert Martin. Several attempts had to be made by Ken Beatty before the heavily damaged vehicle was salvaged.

New MPDHS cheer leading squad bolstered by the addition of two boys. Front, Gerald Sibbald, Sheila Barber, Linda Contois, Shirley King, Janice Switzer and Don Biggs, rear, Sylvia White, Marilyn Thompson, Gail Gamna, Gail Marshall, Lucille Duquette and Rosemary Shields.

Often called the greatest invention of the 20th century and credited with saving hundreds of lives, workers paint the white lines on the newly surfaced highway through Victoria Harbour.

New choir leader and organist at Knox Presbyterian Church Midland is Stanley Harman seen relaxing in his Manly Street home. Recently retired after serving 30 years as an official with the CNR in Toronto and Montreal.

Huge boulders and lots of stone were encountered by contractors as they extended the Tiny Township portion of Hugel Ave. out to Highway 27. Many of the larger boulders were re-buried in pits alongside the new road.

Midland Parks Commission crews are removing and cutting into firewood about twenty mature trees in Little Lake Park which have been considered unsafe. Chairman W. J. Murray said that sixty, four year old pine, larch, elm , maple, polar, oak, walnut and butternut trees have been moved from the arboretum at the park’s west end and transplanted. Two photos below from 1953 show the planting of the arboretum.

Scouting youth and leaders as well as Midland Parks Commission staff are seen examining newly planted seedlings on the North side of Little Lake. Twenty two different varieties have been planted, signs mark Norway Spruce and European Larch. St. Margaret’s Scout group help weed the Midland Parks Board arboretum seed bed. Men in the photo are Scoutmaster Ted Johnstone, Park Board Chairman William Murray , Parks Superintendent Harold (Mac) McAllen. Boys in the group are John Barber, Francis Cadieux, Lloyd Kaus, Bill Deschamp, Larry Deschamps, George Johnstone, Doug Blake, Phillip Charlesbois and Ronnie Dalziel.

Rover Scouts Bill Lavigne and Guy Johnstone; Scouts, Ross Lavigne and Ronnie Larmand and Cubs Bernie Montgomery and Wayne Lavigne weed seedling trees. Little Lake is in the background.

Courses in basic English and citizenship for new Canadians operated by the Midland – Penetanguishene High School Board will open Tuesday October 9th. Registration begins at the YMCA at 7:30 p.m. Friday, October 5th.
The board of the Protestant Separate School in Penetang has found it necessary to open a new classroom this term and has been successful in finding a new teacher. Board chairman Ed Webster said attendance at the school has increased by 42 students during the past three years, from 172 to 214.
CKVR TV in Barrie seeks to increase the power of its transmission much to the dislike of many local viewers. While few viewers were happy with the allocation of channel 3 to Barrie because of the virtual block-out of channels two and four from Buffalo, the increase in power will extend that interference to a larger part of the province.
Lawrence Fournier of Penetang, while playing cribbage with fellow Beatty employees, was dealt a perfect hand.
Wood for sale; 4′ lengths $10.00 per cord, 16″ lengths $12.00 per cord.
Perkinsfield farmer fined $25.00 by magistrate K. A. Cameron for not filing his 1952 income tax return. His defense included, “I don’t know whether I made a dollar or spent one, I don’t keep any records. It’s all the same to me, I can’t read or write anyway.”
At the Pen, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz in “The Long, Long Trailer”.
At the Roxy; Gary Cooper, Charles Bickford, Ralph Bellamy and Rod Steiger in “The Court Marshall of Billy Mitchell”.
Advertisements: Hillsdale – Waverly Bus Line to Midland, daily except Sundays. Parkside Pavillion, A Jamboree of Country Rock & Roll starring the fabulous Red Monroe and the Country Mainliners. Bourgeois Motors, see the magnificent 1957 Meteor today at our Vinden Street showroom. Fall Fashion Show accompanied by live models, put on by Edwards and held at the community hall in Wyevale. Mrs. Olive Brunelle wishes to announce that the Chalet Beauty Salon at 248 King Street will no longer be open for business. Thanksgiving Dinner at Bourgeois Lakeshore Dining Room, $1.50 for either turkey, fried chicken, roast beef or pork chops and $1.75 for T-Bone steak. Gammon Tires, 189 Dominion Ave., Don’t wait until the snow falls, winter tires, 670-15’s, $29.00 a pair. Cottage Lots, now available for lease on Christian Island Reserve. Opening October 15th, Major Hairdressing at 215 King Street, Gertrude Major proprietress. G&M Shoppe and Watson’s Ladies Wear , Elmvale, are promoting “Teena – Paige” fashions sizes 7-15 and “Harbrook” English sweaters.
Plastics division of Percy Harmant Co. becomes the Plastic Division of Midland Industries Limited, 36,000 square foot addition to Elizabeth Street plant to start immediately. Harmant has been in the plastics business for 20 years operating from a six storey factory on King Street in Toronto.
H. J. Payette, son of Mr. & Mrs. Napoleon Payette and a native of Penetang, received papal honours when he was elevated to knight commander of St. Gregory the Great in a ceremony in London Ont. where he now works for the Catholic School Board.
Ontario vehicle registrations in 1955 were 1,617,000, forty percent of Canada’s total. In 2015 the total was 7.9 million, thirty six percent of the national total.
Doug Strathearn moves his jewellery business from 215 King to 245 King, the former site of Ted McKillens clothing store. The store operated by his grandfather, George Strathearn, was originally located near the Queen’s Hotel at the corner of King and Bay and was advertising in the Free Press in 1872. It then moved to where the Bank of Montreal is located, then to 215 King where it has been for 28 years.
Jim O’Hearn is to manage the Knights of Columbus bowling alley that is to be officially opened Friday night.
St. Andrew’s Hospital Auxiliary is holding a “Pantry-shelf Pick Up” Thursday and Friday. Includes Jams, Jellies, Juice, Fruit, Vegetables, Pickles, etc. Labelled contributions to be placed in a conspicuous spot on your veranda by 10 a.m. Sealers only will be returned empty, if name and address is on the label.
Georgian Bay Propane formerly situated on the town dock has moved to 207 Hugel Ave. E., the Georgian Block.
25 YEARS AGO, 1931 – Foundations for the new $34,900 post office and customs building at Main and Robert Streets in Penetang, had been started. May 1932 was the date set for completion. Stanley Dobson of Midland broke his own junior shot put record in the eight-pound event at the track and field meet at the Barrie Fair. He also won the 12-pound event. In a relay race from Victoria Harbour to Midland, a Victoria Harbour team defeated a Midland aggregation. First lacrosse game in Penetang in 20 years , saw Penetang gain a 3-2 win over a team from Barrie. Midland council, under the direction of Mayor Roebuck, held a special meeting to draft a program of work for the town’s unemployed. Fire which broke out in Lionel Bourgeois’ service station in Victoria Harbour about 9.30 a.m. October 7th, completely destroyed the building. Only the cash register, a desk and chair were saved. A severe electrical storm swept across North Simcoe causing major damage to hydro lines in Midland. Transformers at St. Andrew’s Hospital, Midland Shipyard, on Queen, Johnston, William and Yonge Streets were in some cases damaged beyond repair.
Keith Preston of Midland out-fiddled nine other contestants last week at Elmvale to win the old time fiddlers contest at that community’s fall fair.

Huronia Museum – Looking Back MPDHS Official Opening Oct 3rd 1956

From sugar bush to super school, only a few short months ago George Ingram’s sugar bush occupied the land on which sits this million dollar building, the new Midland Penetanguishene District High School. Pressed into use last January the building will be officially opened Wednesday (Oct 3, 1956) afternoon and evening.

The official opening and laying of the cornerstone by former MHS principal J. J. Robins for the new MPDHS high school in Tay Township just west of Midland. Mr. Robins had been principal of MHS for 32 years prior to his retirement. At an evening function Mr. Robins was presented with a television set in recognition of his long service to the community. Rev. B. G. Brightling of Penetang conducted the dedication service. J. J. Robins speaks at the official opening.

J. J. Robins, retiring principal of MPDHS was once a pupil of the Hon. W. J. Dunlop, minister of education for Ontario. The two men and spouses met again during the official opening of the new MPDHS in Tay Township.

Relaxing on the lawn after the serious business of laying the cornerstone of the new MPDHS, officials are Tom M. McCullough, chairman of the board and W. H. Morrisson vice-chairman; Dr. W. J. Dunlop, minister of education for Ontario; board members, Clarke Edwards and Dr. J. R. Parrott. Facing sideways on the right is Rev. B. G. Brightling of Penetang who conducted the dedication service.

Program for the official opening was; Laying of the corner stone before the entire student body at 2:45 PM. Rev Arthur J. Lewis of Penetang to perform the dedication. [He was taken ill and replaced by Rev. B. G. Brightly of Penetang] Ex-principal J. J. Robins will lay the cornerstone followed by the presentation of the trowel by trustee Dr. J. R. Parrott. Following a banquet for invited guests, the evening program begins at 8 p.m. with selections by the school glee club, directed by R. C. Ireland. Guests will be introduced by MPDHS board chairman T. M. McCullough. Trustee Clarke Edwards will make a presentation to J. J. Robins. Trustee W. H. Morrison will introduce the guest speaker, Hon. Dr. W. J. Dunlop, Minister of Education for the province of Ontario. Principal L. M. Johnston will address the gathering, after which the public will have an opportunity to inspect the school. Light refreshments will be served in the cafeteria.
Clarke Edwards presented the gift of a TV and Tower TV hookup to retired MHS principal J. J. Robins with these words. “As a representative of the board, it is my pleasure to express appreciation to J. J. Robins, who retired as principal of MPDHS 2 years ago, after 33 years in the position. Mr. Robins began teaching in the MHS in September, 1920. In 1923 he received his high school principal certificate and was appointed principal of the school, the youngest high school principal in the province at that time. In the beginning he had 110 pupils and 5 staff and over the years this increased to 18 teachers and 575 pupils. During this time two additions were built on the school. Mr. Robins achieved the amazing record of not missing one day of school for the first 30 years, and then only due to an operation.”
The first high school board in Midland consisted of chairman W. J. Parkhill, and members James Playfair, Peter Potvin, F. J. McCallum, F. W. Jeffery, A. A. Osborne, I Freeman and T. I. Trueman. That was in 1904 when E. Simpson was engaged as the first principal of the new four roomed building on Sixth Street south. Midland’s first venture into secondary education. Eighty-five students enrolled in the first school, built by J. M. Wallace and A. Cook. D. Patchell was supervisor of construction and T. J. Campbell installed the heating and ventilation system. Principal Simpson died in 1909 and was succeeded by W. A. Glass who resigned in 1922. Miss E. M. Boyle , who had been in the school for seven years, was the next principal followed a year later by J. J. Robins. Contractors Webb and Cumming built a new wing on the school in 1923. That year also saw the first edition of the year book the “Tattler”. Never to be forgotten, are the 28 young men who gave their lives in World War II and the scores of former members of the school cadet corps who served in time of war.
In June, 1953, Midland and Penetang councils first approved the building of a joint high school for the Georgian Bay area in Tay Township. Strong support in promoting the decision to the councils came from W. H. Morrison and Msgr. J. M. Castex in Penetang, and T. M. McCullough in Midland.
School cost estimates close. When the MPDHS board met in mid May of this year, it had about $3,500. “leeway” after raising and spending just over one million dollars on the new school building.

Jane Lippert, young Toronto artist works on the huge mural that will decorate the main hallway of the new Midland Penetanguishene District High School in Tay township. School board members Tom M. McCullough, chairman Clarke Edwards and Karl Bertrand.

We have no names for these five. The photo was used in the paper but the boys were not identified. They may be grade eight students on orientation. Please comment if you know any of them.

Serving counter in the new cafeteria at MPDHS.

Bright sunny classrooms like this one on the west side of the new Midland Penetang District High School are designed with a new type of move-able desks that add to the adaptability of the room.

Midland Penetang District High School new combination gym and auditorium can seat 1,000 people and be divided in two by giant folding doors for various functions. The fine stage area will feature a grand piano and in the future will host many events. (When I attended we used the gym also as a cafeteria and it was informally called the cafatorium)

Midland Penetang District High School industrial arts wood working room.

Penetang High School, in fifty years, produced its full share of pupils whose names are heard daily in the professions, on Parliament Hill and in many countries of the globe. Set high on a hill to the East of Church Street, the old school commanded a beautiful view of Penetang Bay and the hills beyond. Today (1956) the old school , now owned by the municipality, is still dispensing education. Since September 1955 it has been used to take the overflow of boys from the Public Schools. A Mr. Allingham opened high school classes in the town hall in 1905 while the new school was being built. Mr. Keoh and Mr. Hutchinson were teachers in the new school with Mr. Allingham the first principal. A short time after the opening R. D. Keefe, father of Midland’s Beverley and Neville Keefe, assumed the duties of principal. In the early thirties Mr. Keefe moved on to the Department of Education and W. H. Bolger became principal. He was followed by Emmett Doris. The last principal was R. C. Gauthier, now assistant principal at the new MPDHS.
Many contractors and suppliers placed ads in the newspaper congratulating the school board and community on the completion of the new high school. T. G. Wilcox, of Midland, excavating, grading and sodding. Cuthbert Annand of Midland, roofing and flashing. A. Barrie & Sons of Midland, furniture for the ladies staff room and dining area. Sutherland-Schultz Electric Co. of Kitchener, electrical work. Page & Steele architects. Wood’s Sanitation for the Nation, janitorial equipment. Edwards of Midland, flooring, draperies. Preston – Noelting Co. of Stratford, office furniture. National Show Case Co. Ltd., laboratory desks, teachers desks, all office fixtures. George Price & Co. Ltd. of Coldwater, plumbing and heating. Hospital & Kitchen Equipment Co. of Toronto, kitchen and cafeteria equipment. Ball Bros. Ltd. of Kitchener, general contractors. Gestetner Canada Ltd. of Toronto, duplicators. Terrazzo Mosaic & Tile Co. Ltd. of Toronto, tile and terrazzo.

Huronia Museum – Looking Back 60 Years ago in North Simcoe – September 24th to 30th, 1956

Click on photos to enlarge

Busiest men in Elmvale this week were R. W. Bertram, fall fair president and his secretary, J. A. Robertson. The fair was deemed a success despite the weather. Another sour note was the refusal by the musicians union to allow the army band from Camp Borden to participate in the parade.

Three members of the Elmvale 4-H Calf Club are seen with their prize-winning dairy calves at the Elmvale Fall Fair. Calder Hunter, left, had the best calf and placed second in showmanship, Barbara Strath had the third place calf but placed first in showmanship and Donald Palmer took second with his calf and third on showmanship.

Judged the best float entered by a one room school at the Elmvale Fall Fair was the one from SS #8, Flos. Taking care of Humpty are Eelke Tjweedsma, Jackie Thurlow and Earl Cooper.

One of the best school fairs in Simcoe County is the one held in conjunction with the Elmvale Fair. First prize for public school float was won by Elmvale Public School. Melodie Ritchie, 6, was Little Miss Muffet.

Another fine float entered by Waverly Public School had little Debbie Currie, 5, as queen of the fair.

Elmvale main street during fall fair parade, school children, SS #15 Gibson float and marchers.

Sheaves of golden grain such as this one displayed at the Tiny-Tay Fair are a rarity this year as rain has spoiled many of the field crops in Ontario. Dale Jackson, right, and Gail Morden of Midland are seen looking at the prize-winning sheave.

A large group of public school children pictured at the ball diamond during the Midland Fall Fair.

Community Concert Association officials pictured at their campaign dinner in the YMCA Monday night are, seated, Mrs. (Art) A. H. Tweedle and Mrs. (Bill) W. E. Hannah (Joan), standing, J. Stuart Nall, Mrs. Ken J. Ellis and president Charles E. Onley.

Local contractor Tom Laidlaw removes the bell tower from the Salvation Army Citadel on Dominion Ave. The tower was a prominent part of the second Baptist Church in Midland when it was dedicated in 1899. It was acquired by the Salvation Army when a new Baptist church was purchased on Midland Ave. from the Methodist congregation who had moved into their new church on King Street in 1902.

Held up for nearly a week due to inclement weather, the first track meet on the new MPDHS grounds was held Tuesday. Helping to keep things on schedule and recording the results are Dean Nicholls, Doug Swales and John Dalrymple.

Diesel locomotives in Port McNicoll to test the trestle. Steam is being replaced by diesel across the CPR, Port will be the last place in Ontario to use regularly assigned steam locomotives. The scene is beside the coal chute in the Port McNicoll yard. Officials were concerned about the weight of the engines affecting the trestle, their combined weight was 518,000 pounds. The first train pulled across the 2,740 foot long trestle by diesels contained 63 loads of grain bound for the East Coast.

T. A. “Bert” Armstrong is the new man in charge at the CPR elevator in Port McNicoll. Bert takes over from J. B. Winfield who died last July. Well known in sporting circles in Midland and area, Bert has been a local resident since he was eight years old and started his CPR career in 1926.

Marino Construction Co. Ltd. of Toronto has been awarded a town contract to install sewers, water mains and roads in the Ward Four Beauchamp subdivision, work to be completed by November 23rd. The $48,664.00 contract is for the southern section of the subdivision where several homes are already under construction, the land is largely owned by Ernest Leitz Co. and H. J. Beauchamp. Mr. Marino owns considerable property in Midland.
Earliest snow in 116 years whitens North Simcoe Thursday evening but the Collingwood – Orangeville area received four to six inches.
Huronia Museum, after a successful season with 12,000 visitors, will close on September 30th, announced curator A. D. Tushingham.
Thirteen year old Elmvale lad killed in an accident with the family farm tractor he was driving to Wyevale School to pull their fall fair float. Trustees cancelled fair plans and the school was closed until after the funeral.
Kiddies pure nylon snow suits, quilted lining, regular $6.00, special sale $3.99, Cross Country Cut Rate Ltd. King Street.
Imported Dutch bulbs, .69 cents per dozen or $5.50 per hundred at Mac Perrin’s Flower Shop, King Street opposite the Post Office.
PMCL offering Autumn Color Tour to Algonquin Park this Sunday.
Public Notice, Town of Midland proposes a by-law to close Lilly and Ella Streets in the town of Midland and those affected will be heard at a council meeting to be held on October 15th. [Ella & Lilly ran parallel between Railway and Center Streets, the current site of Midland’s Water & Waste Water Treatment Center.]
More than 100 local residents motored to Toronto on Sunday to attend the mass rally of more than 12,000 Anglicans at Maple Leaf Gardens.
Footings were poured for a new curling rink in Elmvale, located west of the Memorial Arena.
Captain D’Alton Hudson to bring his 400th cargo into the port of Goderich this week. His first was back in 1918.
MPDHS board anticipates a record crowd for the official opening of the new high school on Wednesday evening.
Penetang’s population according to the recent census is 5,317 which includes 600 persons at the Ontario Hospital.
J. A. Gervais, Department of Transport inspector and son of Mrs. C. W. Gervais of Waubaushene, has been in town recently logging the geographical location of each radio transmitting station. The four stations in Midland not including the Marconi Wireless station are; Georgian Bay Airways, Deluxe Taxi, Wilson Taxi and the Town of Midland.
According to Gregory Clark, noted author, the best paddles and oars made anywhere along Georgian Bay, are fashioned in the Penetang workshop of Levi Simon, formerly of Christian Island. “They are worth twice what he asks for them.”
Walpole Island, Island 41 in Six Mile Lake, to be sold at public auction to recover tax arrears of $27.90.
Wednesday night was moving night for five bowling alleys for the new Knights of Columbus Hall in Penetang. Stored since last winter, the heavy, cumbersome alleys were carried nearly a block by seventy volunteers. A sixth alley is on order from a supplier.
Ten shippers were forbidden to ship milk and 15 others warned after a series of tests by Simcoe County Health Unit officials found the milk to be low-grade. Main cause was found to be faulty cooling and improper care of milking machines.
Weddings; Margaret Dundas, daughter of Earl Dundas, Wyebridge and Morley Marchant, son of Mr. & Mrs. George Marchant, RR 1 Midland, at St. Mark’s. Theresa Lalonde, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Herb Lalonde, Perkinsfield and Herman Quesnelle, son of Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Quesnelle at St. Patrick’s. Ida Gillespie, daughter of Mrs. Stella Gillespie and John Evans Gardner Jr., son of Mr. & Mrs. J. E. (Chris) Gardner, Midland, at Knox. Betty Beausoleil, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Clement Beausoleil, Penetang, and Marcel Bidan, adopted son of Mr. & Mrs. Marcel Grenier, Tiny Twp., at St. Ann’s. Rena Merle Wilson of Midland and John Horace Bell of Waubaushene were married in a quiet ceremony at St. Paul’s. Marlene Marie Paradis, second daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Felix Paradis, Penetang and Paul Marson, son of Mr. & Mrs. Ed Marson, Toronto, at St. Ann’s.

Huronia Museum – Looking Back 60 Years ago in North Simcoe – September 16th to 23rd 1956

Tight semi-final series between Midland & Allenwood softball teams came to a climax when Allenwood took a 4-3 verdict to win the series 3-2. Allenwood will now meet Elmvale for the Georgian Bay title. Midland team members are, front row; Bill Yorke, Jim Johnson, Ted Brady, Jack Toole, Les Scott, George McFarlane. Back row; Connie Adams, Garnet Drinkle, Charlie Spiker, Jerry Borsa, Murray Yorke, Fred Hook and “Buck” Rogers.

Foundation for Midland’s newest factory, Pinecrest Products, a manufacturer of unfinished furniture. The building is being constructed by Webster Smallwood of Midland and will have 8,000 square feet of space. It is located on the south side of Bay Street between Olive and William and owned by Robert Holt.

Burglary equipment found on the roof of Walker Store Ltd. on King Street is displayed by chief Constable Robert Cameron Monday after an unsuccessful break in attempt.

Mrs. Annie Ridley is celebrating her 89th birthday at her home on Third Street in Port McNicoll Wednesday. Born at Burton-on-Trent, England, Annie came to Canada as a girl of 12 and has lived in Port for the last 8 years.

Five of the six men connected with boy’s athletics at the new MPDHS are pictured here. Bill Kennedy, assistant coach in charge of junior rugby; Doug Swales, head coach who pilots the senior teams; Bill Setterington, head of the physical education department; Tom Cavanagh, who is assisting the junior football program; Emile Blouin, track and field coach. Absent is Don Kenwell.

Football season is just around the corner at MPDHS and Doug Swales is seen watching the lads in the backfield during a practice. Bob McIntyre, Joe Huston, Ed Trudeau; back row, Jerome St. Amant, Frank Holmes, Vic Zabzinski. Quarterback is Connie Maurice.

Hive of activity is this gravel pit filled with pieces of equipment just north of the overhead railroad bridge in Victoria Harbour. Operated by the Beamish Construction Company the pit is being used to supply the new surface to Highway 12 between Midland and Waubaushene. The work is nearly completed.

[There were many Fall Fair photos in the Free Press during this week in 1956, but the negatives are not in our collection. Most of the photos, for which we have negatives, are being shown in this blog each week except for the mangled automobiles and the many fish photos. Below are two more negatives from 1954]

Bill Barnett handing trophies to three young boys who are also wearing ribbons on their gym shirts. Tom Tushingham center, Central School junior champ in the Midland Public School’s track and field meet. Paul Crawford grade eight at Regent School intermediate champ and John Koeing grade seven at Sixth Street, senior champ.

Champions of the girls division of the Midland Public Schools track & field meet held at the town park. Joan Budarick , grade six at Central School and Elizabeth Swales Grade Six at Regent School tied for junior girls champ. Carol Cowan grade eight at Sixth Street School, intermediate champ and Pat Fraser grade eight at Regent School, senior champ. All holding trophies and wearing award ribbons.

TEN YEARS AGO 1946; The bell of the corvette “Midland” was presented to the town by the Department of Naval Affairs at a ceremony in the Arena Gardens. The bell was to rest in the town hall. — Henry Laroche, a 24 year old from Dosquit PQ, suffocated when he fell into the grain hold of the Bryn Barge while it was docked at the Simcoe Elevator. — Midland’s active service veterans from World War II were to be presented with wallets inscribed with “Presented by the Town of Midland to Veterans of World War II”. Presentation was to be made by mayor C. M. Vent at a civic reception in the Arena Gardens. — A valuable diary containing the story of this community and the people in it for a period of forty years was destroyed when the owner accidentally burned it while housecleaning. —- A 6400 series CNR steam engine , one of the most modern and mightiest, arrived from Toronto with an excursion for the Martyr’s Shrine. It was the first time one of the streamlined monarchs had ever been on local lines. —- Plans had been completed and tenders called for Midland’s new theatre by Toronto architect H. G. Drurr. The new theatre has been designed to seat 850 patrons and was to be entirely fireproof.
Local firm, Allgerow Enterprises owned by George Gerow has been awarded a $41,500.00 plumbing contract for 100 houses being moved by the city of Hamilton from the downtown to a residential area.
Ken Williams (May) set a new record for both male and female bowlers when she scored a 412 game in league competition, 12 more than the previous record set by Mrs. Bruce Spicer (Dorothy) last year. The men’s best is a 407 bowled by Ross Cioe. A perfect game is 450.
Tiny Township police chief Raymond Belcourt reports that a cottage was broken into and the only thing stolen was the toilet.
Advertisement for Romey’s Grill, 231 King Street.
Seventeen schools march in Coldwater’s Huronia Fair parade. Fourteen were one room schools.
The Free Press in 1956 is still very much geared to the local farmers. Article in the paper urges growers to watch out for “ring rot” in your potato crops.
Simcoe County CAS has 449 wards currently in their care, in boarding homes, on adoption probation, in wage or free homes, at Ontario hospitals, training schools and elsewhere.
Canadian Nameplate posts a half page letter explaining its position in the contract negotiations with its unionized work force.
Article on the history of the R.C. Church in Honey Harbour states that services dated from 1878 when Jesuit priests came from Manitoulin Island once or twice a year. The first recorded baptism was Christina Lalonde in 1868. The first church ws built in 1909 by Father Cabot, S. J. with organ, prayer books and pews provided by Father Barcelo of Midland.
The mayors of Midland & Penetanguishene proclaim the week of September 24, 1956 to September 29, 1956 officially as Community Concert Week.
Ontario’s Attorney General’s Office has ordered that sellers of used cars must provide a certificate of mechanical fitness to purchasers.
The first Canadian census was taken in 1666 and showed 3,215 inhabitants exclusive of first peoples.
D. L. Nicholls Funeral Home announcement that during enlargement and renovation of their facility, funerals will be conducted from the former R. E. Simpson & Sons Funeral Parlour, entrance off Elizabeth Street.
Many advertisements in the paper for merchants showing at the Fall Fair, inviting people to visit their booths.

Huronia Museum – Looking Back 60 Years ago in North Simcoe – September 8th to 15th 1956

Click on photos to enlarge

90 Ton punch press is used by Canadian Name Plate in its new Midland plant for blanking and forming stove and refrigerator panels and trim. Operated by one of the many female employees at the plant.

A sample board in the front entrance of the Canadian Name Plate Co. Ltd. plant on Bay Street displays only a few of the hundreds of panels and trim manufactured for the automobile and appliance industry. Adding another item is employee Mrs. Dora Taylor.

Foreman of the polishing department of Canadian Nameplate, Gordon Higgs is seen inspecting a piece of metal that has come out of the automatic polishing machine.

Electroplating is one of the many operations carried out at the Canadian Name Plate plant in Midland. Rudolph Pheiffer examines a rack of stove panels that he processed in the nickel tank.

Ferric chloride acid is used for etching copper and brass at the plant. Art Miller, foreman of the etching department is checking a rack of samples.

This big power off-set printing press is used for printing acid resisting ink onto sheet metal. Foreman in the white coat is Tom Boast.

Bill Edwards displays his first Muskie which he caught off Present Island. Bill and his companion, former Midlander Brian Dunfield, were trolling when Bill caught this 43 inch 20 pound fish.

Mount St. Louis school marches to the Coldwater Fall Fair, complete with their own clown.

Pretty girls and pretty flowers at the Coldwater Fair. Miss Glenda Gill and Mrs. Iris Beach , both of Coldwater, admire the display of the Huronia Horticultural Society.

Former Penetang councillor and WW 2 veteran Jack Robbins has been appointed plant superintendent at Canadian Name Plate, Midland.

Near perfect circle formed by two large trees and lower shrubbery is plainly visible to north bound drivers on Highway 27 a mile south of Wyebridge.

The museum’s Free Press negative collection begins in 1953, we started the blog in November of 1954, so we will include a few images of 1953/54 from time to time.

March 1954. Midland Shearlings 25,000 square foot plant on Yonge Street E. is destroyed by a fire which started in a drying room, loss valued up to $250,000.00. Ninety people are out of work. Local partner and manger is Henry Bernick. The building was torn down in 1957.

April 1954. Midland Red Wings hockey team pictured on the ice at the Midland Arena Gardens. Back home at 4:00 AM after winning the Junior “C” Championship in Ingersoll Friday night. Back row, Jack Reid, Ken Webb, Homer Barrett, stick boy Barry Crawford, Murray Yorke, Jack Hendrickson, Ken Simms, Stan Ritchie, Middle row, Larry Reid, secretary Cliff Newburn, Bruce Calvert, Gerry Gerow, Bud Quinn, Don Hudson and Charlie York, kneeling; Mike Belejac team captain, Johnny Lizotte, Mervin James, trainer Harold Jackson.

Parking meters are coming off on October 15th for the winter season.
Eight Midland streets got a face lift within the past week. Crushed stone and tar, “chip & tar”, have been applied to Hanley [sic] Street, Donalda, Ruby, William from Ruby to Hanley, Eighth to Dominion, Seventh to Hugel, Montreal to Seventh.
Tay Township and Midland agree on sewage charges, Tay to pay for connecting the new MPDHS in Tay and residential lots on Hugel Ave. to the Midland system.
CNR petitions the Board of Transportation Commissioners to remove the grade crossing warning device on Robert St. W., scene of a fatal accident last winter. Installed in 1915 when four passenger trains and two freights plus extras used the line daily, now reduced to one freight three times a week. Railway would replace the signal with manual flagging.
Yeggs (burglars) steal $800.00 from two vaults in the Waubaushene general store of W.H.F. Russell and Sons.
Midland Council opens four bids for sanitary landfill services, lowest bid for a five year contract was $6,495.00 annually. Bidders were Thomas Wilcox, Charles Morden, Herman Latanville and Charles Stewart. The proposed site is the old Letherby mill property. Council deferred action. [The dump eventually went to what is now Tiffin Park. The garbage was collected in trucks and was dumped over the edge of the south facing hill.]
Five hundred Lamprey Eels and three thousand suckers were removed from the Sturgeon River this year by Robert Thomson working for the Department of Lands and Forests. Mr. Thomson noted that the eels are most active from sunset until 2 a.m. and when water temperatures are warmer.
Toronto bridegroom spent his honeymoon in jail after being charged by Const. Murray Tamblyn with drunk driving. His bride and another couple spent the night in their car at a Fergusonvale garage.
Shoe Corp. of America and Monsanto Canada form a new company, United Shoe Plastics Limited. It will lease office and manufacturing space in the planned expansion of the shoe factory on Elizabeth Street and employ a dozen persons initially.
Twenty five thousands visitors tour the Huron Indian Village this summer reports the Midland Y’s Men’s Club.
MPDHS board will pay the same for milk this year as it has since the school opened. Five tenders opened at Wednesday’s meeting all quoted the same price, 5 cents per half pint and 19 cents per quart. The dairies have been alternating on a monthly basis supplying the school.
Midland Drive-In, their Monday – Tuesday special this week is free admission for lady drivers.
Argue’s Meat Market, Midland and Victoria Harbour, is selling government inspected baby beef, front quarters .29 cents/lb and hind quarters .39 cents/lb.
Effective this Saturday the chartered banks in North Simcoe will be raising the interest rate paid on savings accounts to 2-1/2 %.
PUC secretary Stewart Holt tells the inaugural meeting of the commission that water tests taken from the bay “were very bad” although Little Lake water consistently tested satisfactory. “Without a sewage treatment plant health officials will never allow the town to use bay water.” Staff were instructed to price the enlargment of the current reservoirs.

Huronia Museum – Looking Back 60 Years ago in North Simcoe – September 1st to 7th 1956

Click on photos to enlarge

Ceremonies marking the end of the Ignatian year highlighted events at the Martyr’s Shrine Sunday. St. Ignatius founded the Jesuit Order with which the Martyr’s Shrine and Ste. Marie are linked. The caption talks about the possibility of Russian spies in the crowd due to the majority of those present being Polish.

Newly inducted to the three point charge of Victoria Harbour, Port McNicoll and Ebenezer is Rev. N. Bruce McLeod seen with his mother, father and wife. Norman McLeod, father of the young minister, is chairman of the board of finance of the United Church in Canada. The event took place in Port McNicoll Thursday night. The Rev. N. Bruce McLeod became the youngest moderator (leader) of the United Church of Canada in 1972.

Proud of his flower beds is Midland Footwear and Midland Plastics Ltd. caretaker John Hewitt. Admiring his work along the front of the joint plants on Elizabeth Street East are Alice Schmitz and Dana Zapletal, members of the office staff.

Pamela Leduc, held by Tom McCullough, draws the winning ticket in the Lion’s Club boat raffle. The winner of the $2,500.00 craft was three year old Rickey Cuffe of Hydro Glen. The location is the Midland Curling Club. [I have seen this same ticket tumbler in a Penetang Lion’s Club photo being used at the Penetang arena]

Helping to keep the big Simcoe County golf tournament running smoothly at the Midland Golf & Country Club are Les Marsell, “Moe” Beteau and Jack Danby, the home club captain. A total of 91 players took part in the 27 hole event.

Mrs. Pat Arthurs, right, lost her husband and eldest daughter in a motor crash near Coldwater last week. Shown here with her mother, Mrs. Ida Kent, the Port McNicoll woman said she has been touched by the offers of help from both friends and strangers after she was left destitute with six small children.

This unused frame dwelling in Port McNicoll, Rev. L. J. Austin says, may be renovated for the use of Mrs. Arthurs and her six children. A fund has been set up and with donations of money and labour it is hoped the home can be ready soon.

An area man, 23 year old Ronald Lea of RR# 1 Midland, died from injuries received when this car went out of control and careened into a ditch on the curve just north of Wyebridge early Monday morning. Mr. Lea was unmarried and lived with his mother at Firth’s Corners.

Two boats collide and sink on the Severn River at 3:30 a.m. Sunday. Severn Fall’s resort operator charged with dangerous operation of a vessel.
65 year old Toronto tourist was struck and killed by a CNR train while taking scenery photos from the railway bridge at Hydro Glen.
18 year old Port McNicoll sailor Bernard Swales injured in Toronto Harbour while operating a steam winch on the freighter Charles L. Huntley. Bernard is the son of Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Swales of Port. Andrew Swales is the second mate on the Assinaboia.
Body of Roger Gauthier is discovered in a Sudbury Hotel. Mr. Gauthier, aged 43, had left Penetang Saturday for Sudbury where he was to teach in a primary Separate School. The son of Mr. & Mrs. Henry Gauthier, Roger had taught all his life, including SS #18 Tiny. Death was the result of coronary thrombosis.
While her husband was returning from early Mass Sunday morning Mrs. Adolph Charlesbois barely escaped with her life as their home on Poyntz Street was completely destroyed by fire. Everything was lost and there was very little insurance.
Midland Free Press wins Mason Trophy again, emblematic of the best all-round large circulation paper in Canada.
Harry Gill of Coldwater, one of a triumvirate of Athletes produced in North Simcoe at the turn of the century, dies in Orillia hospital at the age of 81. Like his compatriot Walter Knox, Gill was a track and field star. He later coached at the University of Iowa, Beloit College and the University of Illinois.
TEN YEARS AGO – Workers at the Shipyard signed a new agreement giving them a 44 hour work week instead of 48, for the same take home pay. — Rev. Basil S. Ellard has been appointed to succeed Father McNamara as parish priest at St. Margaret’s. — Prof. T. J. McIlwraith of the ROM announced that he believed archaeologists working near Warminster had discovered Cahiague, the greatest of all Huron villages. — Five Penetang High School students had been awarded scholarships valued at $100.00. Douglas Gendron, Evelyn Gendron, James Chillcott, Clarence Marchand and Doris McLaren.
Four hundred and eighty Simcoe County children learned to swim this summer through the Simcoe County Recreation Service, thirty-nine in our region.
Entries are now being received for the Old Tyme Fiddlers contest and the Horseshoe Pitching contest at the Tiny Tay Agricultural Fair, contact Jack Blackburn, secretary.
Wanted at once, twenty girls and women for fitting room work in Midland and Penetang. Apply to Fern Shoe Co. Ltd. Penetang or Midland Footwear Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Midland.
“Baby’s Night” (Age 21 to 101) “She’s in for free if she’s on your knee” when you purchase your ticket to the Midland Drive-In, Monday and Tuesday, September 10 and 11. Monday, blondes only; Tuesday, brunettes; redheads both nights. Free to the ladies every night throughout the week, Rosepoint Dinnerware.
Midland Public School teachers for 1956; Regent School, enrolment 545 including 57 Kindergarten pupils. Margaret Marks, Kindergarten, Mrs. Blanche Trew 1A, Mrs. Harold Cleaver 1B, Mrs. Frances Bell 2A, Miss Helen Laidlaw 2B, Mrs. Leona Lukes 3A, Miss B. McGrath 3B, Miss Hazel Healey 4A, Miss Annie Ross 4B, Miss Jessie Carson 5A, Mrs. Eleanor Mahoney combined 5B and 6B, Miss Margaret Duffett 6A, Don Brickett 7B, vice-principal Bill Barnett 8B, principal Morgan Lewis 7A and 8A. —- Parkview School, enrolment 370 . Miss Margaret Hood, Kindergarten, Miss Genevieve Drysdale grade 1, Mrs. W. Watkinson grade 2, Mrs. Orchard Marshall grade 3, Miss Pauline McMullen grade 4, Jack Lyle grade 5 and 6, W. D. Duncan grade 7, Jack Yelland grades 7 and 8, principal James Robinson grade 8. — Sixth Street School, enrolment 185. Miss N. G. Mullen grade 1, Miss Alberta Heasman grade 2, Mrs. Ken (Betsy) Cowan grades 3 and 4, Leslie Davidson grade 5, Miss Francis Kerr opportunity class, principal Ken Cowan boy’s promotion class.
Liquor vote in Wasaga Beach, wets lose.
Well known local man dies, Theodore King, 54, operator of King’s “Bad River” Camp near the mouth of the French River. Survived by his wife, one son Theodore and three daughters, Yvonne, Rebekah and Barbara.

Huronia Museum – Looking Back 60 Years ago in North Simcoe – August 1956

Click on photos to enlarge

Sorry, August has been a busy month and I have fallen behind with our weekly blog, what follows is a quick review of the month’s happenings, 60 years ago.

Visiting Midland last week, Miss Jill Edward of Sudbury found many things to interest her, especially around the harbour. The deck of the yacht “Captain Ed” proved a good vantage point for Miss Edward and her uncle, Jack Wiggins. Miss Edward was a guest of her grandparents Mr. & Mrs. J. W. Preston, Elizabeth Street, during her visit.

Ceremonies marking the end of the Ignatian year, highlighted events at the Martyr’s Shrine Sunday. Among the many dignitaries was James Cardinal McCuigan seen in the center of the procession wearing his mitre and carrying the crozier. St. Ignatius founded the Jesuit Order with which the Martyr’s Shrine and Ste. Marie are linked.

This old thread spool dispenser brings back memories for Carson Brown and William J. Edwards of Vasey. For many years it was one of the store fixtures of the 70 year old country store at Vasey purchased by Mr. Brown in 1945. Already replaced by a brand new store the old building is being torn down to clean up the property. The spool dispenser and a few barrels are all that is left.

Not worried, smiles Camp Kitchikewana kitchen staffer Eva Koenig of Midland, she’s got the dishwasher. But she and six other workers still have a busy time feeding more than 200 campers and counsellors at the Midland YMCA camp on Beausoleil Island.

New sign erected near the base of the new ski jump hill at County Road 6 proclaims the Midland Ski Club, site of the Canadian Ski Jumping Championship, February 23rd and 24th, 1957. Joan Reid, Diann Flynn and Barbara Allsopp.

Many individuals and groups have helped build a new home for Mrs. Amy Moreau in Victoria Harbour, whose husband died several months ago. Mr. Moreau had served the village as a councillor, fireman and village foreman. In this photo Mrs. Moreau tends 3 month old Roberta while cousin Bobby Moreau works on laying new flooring in the new five room home near the sub-station.

Religious summer schools called “Good News Clubs” were held in Midland and Penetang last week and attracted more than 120 local youngsters. At Midland’s Nameplate Park a band has formed using instruments provided by the Child Evangelism Fellowship.

Midlander Fred McClung, now 82, captained the fabulous Hillsdale ball team in 1910 and will relive those days tonight when eight of the nine team members meet for a reunion and dinner in the village.

Memories of games of the past came flooding back for these members of Hillsdale’s great ball team of 1910 gathered for a banquet in Hillsdale’s United Church Wednesday night. All but Lance Rumble in the white were regular members of the team. Front row, Joe Hutton, Fred McClung and Mr. Rumble; back row, Ed McClung, Gordon Hough, Ernie Scott, Bill Davenport, Fisher Ganton and Albert McAvoy. Only members missing were Lionel Shortreed and the late Art McDonald.

Mr. & Mrs. Ben Wright of 11 (now 645) Quebec Street celebrate their golden wedding anniversary. On hand to help celebrate is Judy Lemieux one of their 21 grandchildren. Mr. Wright who came to Midland in 1915, operated one of the province’s largest fish bait businesses for many years.

Parks commissioners John Burke, Gordon Boyd, Bill Beaton, Al Perkins and secretary Bill Hack watch Chairman William Murray cut the ribbon to open the new tennis courts behind the armory in Little Lake Park.

Costume prize winners at Legion Carnival Friday night are; front Elaine Onley, second row, Lenny Roach, Joan Ward, Billy Ward and Carol Scott; back row, Roger Parrish and Bjorn Pettersen. Judges were Mr. & Mrs. Bill Barnett, Wm. H. Keller, Charles Onley and J. J. Robins.

Elaine Onley receives her prize as best costumed 5-7 year old from Legionnaire Len Wiles who represents the sponsors of the Carnival, Midland Branch 80 Royal Canadian Legion.

Do it yourselfers watch as employees of Midland Reinforced Plastics Ltd. coat an old 14 foot cedar strip boat with the first coat of resin before applying plastic cloth supplied by Midland’s Bay Mills. How to make an old boat new again? Fiberglas. The Crealock`s “Royal Ann” is in the background as is the “City of Dover”. A pop truck is re-supplying the Dover.

Both tourists and residents complain there are too few spots and amenities at the government dock in Midland and that this is not encouraging cruising tourists to dock here.

Ted Pearson, veteran Midland barber greets S. G. Chamberlain of Chatham who is the honorary president of the Canadian Bandmasters Association which held its convention in Midland over the weekend. Now 72, Mr. Chamberlain played in the Midland IOOF band with Ted more than 50 years ago.

Ted Pearson started with the Town Band in 1906, which disbanded after a few years and Midland had no band until the Boys Band was formed after WW2. It has since become the Midland Citizens Band. One of the first bandmasters was Jack Roberts, father of Mrs. Fred French.

Scaffolding erected around Midland’s Post Office so that re-pointing can be done and removal of some heavy gabling. Local contractor Lloyd Murday expects the work to be done in three to four weeks. The Post Office was on the ground floor, Customs and Inland Revenue were on the second and there were quarters for the caretaker in the attic. The contract for the construction of the building was let to Mr. E. A. Bleakeney of Ganonaque for $47,700.00 and it took 20 months to complete. The building became the Midland Public Library in July of 1967 and was renovated again in the 1980’s and 90’s. An expansion was built in 2012.

Work on the new municipal building in Midland is right on schedule despite some concerns caused by the shortage of concrete. Alfred Rei of Midland is the general contractor and the building should be ready by early December.

The experts agree on the winner at the Midland Horticultural Society flower show held Friday at the Knox Presbyterian auditorium. Charles McElroy, society president, Miss Paulene McMullen and judge Harry Stainton.

A. Gibson, 45, of London Ontario takes over as secretary-manager of the Midland Chamber of Commerce.
Council and Midland’s police force reach two year agreement on wages and working conditions. It confirms the appointment of Patrol Sgt. George Wainman at an annual salary of $3,400, three officers at $3,300, and wages of two officers at $3,000. The men must purchase their own clothing.
R. Y. Eaton, president of the T. Eaton Co. Ltd. for 20 years, died at 8:45 p.m. Saturday, in St. Andrew’s Hospital, Midland.
Remember the Eastern Star penny sales, the names of the winners were listed in the paper.
The recently re-opened Breithaupt Leather plant has shipped 25 tons of pickled hides from Penetang to its Campbellford plant for finishing. The plant employs seven men.
46 year old DeNure and Son Transport has been sold to Haslam Transportation of Hamilton.
Peter Brasher, Bristol England, joins the medical practice of Dr. T. J. Johnston.
Penetang Fire Brigade wins three first place trophies in the annual Ontario Fireman’s Association tournament in Port Colborne.
Ball Bros. of Kitchener, the contractor who built the new MPDHS building, wins the contract to build a 150 cell addition to the Oak Ridges Ontario Hospital in Penetang. Work on the two million dollar addition is to begin in three weeks and will employ 200 men.
Work has begun to lengthen and lower the base of the ski jump at the Midland Ski Club’s property. Pete Pettersen expects jump distances to increase by twenty feet.
Miss Anna Magnus given highest honour by 38,000 member Federation of Women Teachers Association to be held at the Royal York in Toronto. 45 years of teaching, 34 of them in Penetang, she will be made an Honourary Member.
Bay Mills and Textile Worker’s Union employ conciliator to end disputed contract. Main focus is the elimination of the 48 hour work week.
New Trans-Canada Highway being built north of Waubaushene has started a boom in the sale of lakefront cottage property.
Beausoleil Motors, proprietor J. R. Beausoleil, opens BA gas station at the corner of Bay & Second Streets.
Ten Years Ago; Four nurses graduated from St. Andrew’s Hospital school of nursing, Mary Duncan, Phyliss Bernice Jennett, Doris Lapp and Bernice Laidlaw. — Organized in the spring of 1946, the Midland Boy’s Band was preparing for its debut before the public at a concert in Little Lake Park. — Penetang’s Phil Marchildon pitched the Philadelphia Athletics to a 4-1 victory over Detroit. It was his ninth win of the year. — St. Ignace ll, a Huron village of 1,200 was uncovered on the banks of the Sturgeon River about a mile south of Highway 12. — A new record was set at St. Andrew’s Hospital when Dr. D. C. Swan attended at the birth of five babies between the hours of 4 and 5 a. m. July 15th, 1946 — Arena Gardens was crowded to capacity when Canada’s Oscar Peterson and his trio came to town. One of the main attractions was the bass player, former Midlander Bert Brown. — An ex serviceman from Toronto, Bruce Armstrong purchased the “Porter House” hotel in Waubaushene. — Beck’s box factory in Penetang was forced to close due to a shortage of nails arising from a steel strike.
Workmen began widening Main Street in Penetang north of Simcoe by removing the boulevards and curbs, new paving will be full width in the business section.
Earlier in the month a vacationing woman at Six Mile Lake had been bitten by a rattlesnake she had picked up, mistaking it for a water snake. The paper had several articles declaring rattlesnake bites had never proven lethal, procedures to follow in the event of a bite and statistics showing how most bites were harmless. She died in Orillia hospital eight days after the bite.
Brand new look for Parkview School in the fall. $10,000 has been spent on windows, paint, flooring and other repairs and maintenance over the summer.
W. L. Weckman has been appointed director and general manager of Pillsbury of Canada Limited with headquarters in Midland. William H. Pinchin, former manager, became vice-president of Pillsbury Canada. The company operates four mills here and in Calgary.
Percy Crawford, superintendent of construction at the new Simcoe County Old People’s Home in Penetang has unearthed what he estimates will be two to three hundred pounds of honey in the walls of the old hospital building being demolished. Trick will be to get by the swarm of bees, local keeper has been unsuccessful to date.
Giuseppe “Joe” Tersigni retires after 44 years in the retail and wholesale business. Joe is simply closing his 15 Simcoe Street location and saying thank you.
Knights of Columbus Hall on Poyntz Street is nearly completed. All summer, volunteers have worked evenings and weekends to complete the structure. The attached bowling alley will be open to the public.
Free Press Herald again rated the nation’s best all-round weekly, first or second five times in the last seven competitions. Awarded the 1956 Mason Trophy. Editorial thanks editor Wils Harrison for being a big part of the success.
New bridge over the Wye River west of Wyebridge was to be completed August the 15th, first pilings are just being driven now.
Marilyn Monroe in the “Seven Year Itch” is playing at the Roxy. The poster shows that famous scene with the skirt.
Tay Township police chief William Magnus has his police cruiser stolen.
“Church in the Pines” at Cawaja Beach continues to draw one hundred or more worshippers during the summer months as it has for 30 years.
New phone exchange overloaded, in operation only a few weeks the new exchange may already be too small. “There have been several occasions when the long distance volume was so great we could not keep up with it on our ten position board” said H. A. Kilroy, manager.
Waggs Laundry and Midland Foundry and Machine receive Department of Defence contracts worth $35,000 and $15, 250 respectively.
Fred Miller wishes to thank all the customers of his Supertest Station & Grill, Victoria Harbour. As of August 1st Tony Snyder will manage the station and welcomes all former clients.
Hearty congratulations to the Toronto Dominion Bank on its 100th birthday.
Claiming a traffic survey failed to show they were warranted , Ontario Department of Highways has refused Midland Council permission to erect traffic lights at the King – Yonge intersection.

Huronia Museum – Looking Back 60 Years ago in North Simcoe – Sunday July 16th to 30th 1956

Click on photos to enlarge

The end of a long ride for Debbie Currie of Wyebridge and Glenda Edwards of Vasey who rode in the Orangeman’s Parade in Midland, Thursday. They are both five years old and their mothers belong to the Waverly LOBA (Ladies Orange Benevolent Association).

Portraying “King Billy” upon his spirited charger is Cecil Wood of Waverly, county Marshall of the East Simcoe Orange Lodge. Mr. Wood led the July 12th parade in Midland and has been with the lodge for forty years.

Seven and seventy-seven. Age doesn’t matter when it comes to a parade, everyone turns out. Herman Trew, 77, of Waverly LOL 589, or seven-year olds like William L. Black of the Midland lodge juveniles.

Pictured with their banner, previous to the July 12th Orangemen’s parade in Midland, are these laughing members of Waverly LOBA 781, all past mistresses of the lodge, Mrs. John Miller, Mrs. Herman Trew and Mrs. Wallace Wood.

[Not to diminish the injustices done over the decades on both sides, but the sentiment of many Canadians about the Twelfth is summed up by Stan Rogers in his song the “House of Orange”, Google the “House of Orange Stan Rogers” ]

Parade on King Street, band being led by majorettes in conjunction with the Canadian Bandmasters Association convention being held in Midland.

Looking quite confident that she can master the French Horn with one lesson from Sgt. F. Reidstra of the Royal Canadian Dragoons band is Debra Waiman, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Wainman of 380 (now 496) King Street. Debra went to Little Lake Park Saturday to hear a band concert arranged in conjunction with the Canadian Bandmasters Association’s convention.

Allan Rees, 9, of Brantford, doesn’t think he will take up the tuba right away. He is helped by Al Reid who plays for the Orillia Kiltie Band and is here for the concert in the park in connection to the Canadian Bandmasters Association convention being held at the Parkside Inn.

Carrying flowers for the decoration of graves of departed members, representatives of the Oddfellows, Rebekah, Orange Lodges, LOBA and the Canadian Legion march to Lakeview Cemetery for the united memorial and decoration service.

Photo related to the one above but not used in the newspaper, no description.

Freak twister on Sunday, July 8th, wrecked this 30 by 90 foot frame building on the Green farm in Tiny Township, uprooted trees in the nearby orchard, whirled over the top of Thunder Bay Beach and finally blew itself out over Georgian Bay.

Passing tourists stop and stare at the new ultra modern Roman Catholic church, St. John the Baptist, just outside of Port Severn on the road to Honey Harbour. The one storey structure is situated near the Trans Canada Highway now under construction in that area. [Before the Trans Canada the route to Honey Harbour from Midland passed through Port McNicoll, Victoria Harbour, Waubaushene, Coldwater, North River and Port Severn.]

Members of the summer school of archaeology working at the Forget Site were lunch guests of Mr. & Mrs. Fred Cook at the Grange in Wyebridge on July 4th. Front row; Leonard Laurin, Penetang; Thelma Sovey, Midland; Ross Channen, Barrie; Bea Ivey, Port Dover; second row, Elizabeth Cook, Wyebridge; Miss Josephine Phelan, Toronto; D. A. MacKenzie, Woodbridge; David Darker, a student at Upper Canada College Toronto; Eleanor Thompson, Cobourg; Lois Jackson, Sarnia; Miss Elizabeth Loosely, Oakville; back row, Wilfred Jury University of Western Ontario archaeologist; Cindy Reid, Toronto; Mrs. Fred Cook, Mr. Cook, Wyebridge; Mrs. Jury; F. C. Jennings and Harry Williams, London.

Free Press staff member Barbara Allsopp dons a giant puff-ball as a hat. Fifty inches in circumference it was found at the rear of A. W. Bath’s plumbing shop by Eddie Doyle of Dominion Ave. He found a second one that measured 46 inches in circumference.

Demonstration of the sanitary land fill method of garbage disposal on a vacant Vindin Street lot, Midland. Process was being demonstrated by W. L. Ballentine Company Ltd. with a specially fitted bulldozer designed for the job. System is being used in many towns including Orillia.

Midland Boat Works president T. M. McCullough signs the navy acceptance form during commissioning ceremonies for the HMCS Cormorant at Midland town dock Monday. The ship’s sponsor Mrs. Murray Wagg can be seen to the left of the microphone stand. Commander Henning, representing naval headquarters, and Lt. Cmd. C. R. Manfield, commanding officer, watch the signing. At right is S/Lt. Don C. Young.

Old soldier, George Finley Walmsley, 85, of Port McNicoll shows his World War 1 medals to his 10-year-old grandson Bobby Duncan.

At the Downer family reunion in Tiny Township on July 21st, Rev. A. W. Downer of Duntroon, MLA for Dufferin – Simcoe is surrounded by children. Midland alderman Ossie Downer is also in the picture and is host of the event this year at his home on “The Mountain” west of Midland. All are descendants of two brothers, William and Henry Downer, who came to Canada from County Cavan, Ireland in 1842. The original Downer’s settled near Peterborough but most of Henry’s descendants were born in Tiny Twp.

Mrs. Ed Jeffery Sr. presents the trophy to the ladies champ at the Midland Golf & Country Club. L to R; Mrs. H. L. Wilson, Mrs. Jeffery, Mrs. Cecil English, winner of the event and also last year’s club champion; Miss Jean Wallace and Mrs. A. J. Preston.

Parkview Public School, graduating class of 1956. Note that this photo was taken in the multipurpose room at Regent School, I wonder why, construction perhaps at the newly acquired Parkview School?

Regent Public School graduating class of 1956. I have to point out my sister, Ellen Barber, third from the left, front row. I recognize several others.

Amateur archaeologist Gordon Baker of Hamilton puffs on an Indian pipe he found near the Maxwell farm at Port McNicoll. The large soapstone bowl was fitted with a reed stem, three budgie feathers and some modern tobacco. Mr. Baker’s best finds were a pair of French iron scissors and a copper arrow-head. The same paper writes that drivers delayed by bulldozers doing roadwork near the Dutton farm (OSPCA) were unearthing native artifacts that they were collecting as they waited. From the previous paper, Mr. Tushingham, the Huronia Museum curator, informed the paper that Beamish Construction had inadvertently dug up what he believes was a native ossuary on the nearby Maxwell Farm.

Beating the July heat in North Simcoe:

These ladies have solved the problem of beating the heat by moving their lawn chairs into the water at Little Lake Park Wednesday afternoon.

Within a few short years, Port McNicoll’s Paradise Point has become one of North Simcoe’s major beaches. Once known as Flat Point due to the flat limestone formations, the area had few cottages but a boom began when village council sold many acres to a Toronto developer.

Rugged shoreline of flat limestone rocks is preferred by many cottagers and visitors who come to Port McNicoll’s Paradise Point. The rock extends only a few feet into the water before giving way to a fine sand bottom. Enjoying the sun are Mrs. W. A. McLeod, Toronto, in the foreground, and Judy Parliament of Port McNicoll.

After a long swim these young campers at YMCA Camp Kitchikewana on Beausoliel Island enjoy some “Loafing’ In The Sun” time.

“Flyin Flivver” manufactured by Midland Reinforced Plastics Ltd. of Ellen Street is demonstrated in Midland Harbour by company official Bob Yates, accompanied by Karen Gracie of Toronto.

Shuffle board court at Little Lake Park provides some shaded activity for players and spectators.

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Moreland Lynn of Penetang, Wendy Large and Beverly Balmer of Toronto and Honey Harbour are riding in the new “Le Capitaine” model Grew boat with fiberglass reinforced hull by Midland Reinforced Plastics Limited. [Moreland told me that as a Grew employee he had the “job” of bringing this boat to a Midland boat show.]

Midland Parks Commission bans motors of 5 HP or more on Little Lake to protect swimmers.
Midland Press Limited owner of the Midland Free Press and County Herald newspapers and associated printing and publishing business will now be known as Midland Printers Limited. The restructuring involves no changes to employees or operations except the addition of J. Robert Chittick as vice-president in charge of sales and the promotion of James Lennox to vice president in charge of production.
James Alan, minister of highways, announces an increase in speed on the 400 highway from 50 to 55 miles per hour for non commercial vehicles only.
Value of Midland building permits doubles in the first six months of 1956, $221,100 compared to $101,075 in 1955. But that is well below the first six months of 1954 when permits totalled $690,800 and ended the year at 1,334,725.00.
Mayor Charles Parker has moved his 18 hole miniature golf course, which until now had been located on the corner of Yonge and Eighth Streets, to the basement of his Parkside Pavilion.
Midland Parks Commission requested that park booth concessionaire John Deakos obtain a paper cup soft drink dispenser. The request was made in view of the number of swimmers who are suffering cut feet on broken soft drink bottles.
Members mark the 120th anniversary of the historic St. James on the Lines Church. Only modernization allowed has been the installation of electric lights. A faithful reproduction of the church was built by patients at the Ontario Hospital and is on display in the church.
Former Midlander Robert (Bert) Holt has let a contract to Midland construction firm Webster Smallwood for a 6,000 square foot plant on the south side of Centre Street (Bay East of William). The new plant will house Mr. Holt’s Pinecrest Products furniture company that has been operating in Toronto for the past seven years and will employ 20 staff.
One of the largest institutions of its kind in the Georgian Bay area, the Iron City Fishing Club, this week marks its 75th anniversary. The club is located in the Sans Souci area and a majority of the club members hail from Pittsburgh PA. Every summer for many years a big express car would arrive at Midland’s CNR dock siding from which personal effects of the members would be loaded onto the “City of Dover” or “Midland City” for transport by water to San Souci.
Midland’s telephone exchange conversion to a direct dial system also changes the way our public pay phones work. Previously a caller didn’t put their nickel in until the operator made the connection. Now you put in your nickel to acquire a dial tone and the ingenious device returns it to you if the line is not answered or is busy.
From the “Outdoor Column” by John Power, “Remember, snapping turtles destroy an enormous number of fish and should be trapped and killed whenever possible”. [This of course is incorrect as snapping turtles eat mostly vegetation, carrion and slow moving bottom feeding fish.]
“Notice” Ken Puddicombe has purchased the M.S. Waterbus and business.
At the Pen Theatre, “Rebel Without a Cause” James Dean.
House for sale – Nine room brick home partially furnished, $3,500.00, early possession.
Superintendent of Midland’s Aberdeen Elevator, Murray Lattimore, received severe electrical burns while working in the plants sub-station Monday morning. Dr. I. T. Weldon said Mr. Lattimore received first, second and third degree burns to his face, neck, right arm and hand.
Guy and Bill Hebner advertising chartered boat trips for all occasions and fishing charters.

TEN YEARS AGO this week 1946;

Beatty Brothers (Spencer Division) Penetang was planning an expansion. Two new buildings were built and more than 50 new employees were to be hired.
Mr. & Mrs. James Lazonby of Coldwater celebrated their 43rd wedding anniversary by taking a canoe trip, as they had done each year since their marriage. [The canoe is in the collection of Huronia Museum.]
Victoria Harbour’s newest citizen was Thorbjorn Pettersen of Drammen, Norway, who operates a taxi and service station. A skilful ski jumper, Mr. Pettersen had hopes of organizing a district ski club and training local jumpers.
Melville Wilkie, inmate at the Ontario Hospital, Penetang, made his first of several breakouts.
Midland’s town dock became a veritable “Times Square” when 200 sea cadets and all their kit struggled their way down the dock while 400 passengers from the S. S. North American were making their way toward the main street. The cadets were boarding the “City of Dover” and the “Midland City” on the last leg of their journey to the island camps. Interested spectators from Midland and many tourists jammed the docks with bicycles, baby carriages and cars, making the congestion worse.
St. James on the Lines, Anglican Church, celebrated the 110th anniversary of its founding. Organist for the occasion, Miss Laura Kemp had held the position of organist for 60 years.

25 YEARS AGO this week 1931;

Boat trips from Midland to Honey Harbour, Minnicog and return, had a fare of 75 cents. Moonlight excursions were 50 cents and a three-day cruise to Point Au Baril was $121 return fare.
For the first time since its purchase in 1921 the Georgian Bay Shipbuilding and Wrecking Company’s floating dry dock was moved from its position at the foot of the company’s yards. The occasion, to make room for the self-unloading coal freighter S. S. J. E. Savage which arrived with 2,000 tons of coal.
Simcoe County’s two largest towns, Midland and Orillia, were to be joined by a paved highway. The road was authorized as a King’s highway.
A new Gospel Hall building was opened at Midland and Dominion Avenues, to replace the smaller building on Dominion Ave. near First Street.
One of the top movie hits of 1931 , “A Connecticut Yankee” starring Will Rogers, was playing at the Bijou Theatre in Penetang.
Busiest day in the history of Little Lake Park was recorded when thousands thronged the park to escape the heat wave which had hit the district. Nearly 200 tents dotted the slopes of the camp site.

Obituaries;

25 year veteran of the Midland PUC, David Hurrie, 76, died in St. Andrew’s Hospital July 19th.
Former Penetang mayor William Douglas Hunter dies in Barrie on July 19th. Mr. Hunter came to Penetang in 1926 and purchased the drug store that is now known as Hartt’s Drug Store. At one time he also owned a Midland drug store now operated by W. W. Struthers. In 1951 he moved to Barrie to operate a drug store in Allandale.
Norman Lyon Playfair an outstanding citizen of this community for 55 years died July 18th at his 338 King Street home (now 414, formerly owned by Clint & Bev Truax) at the age of 85. He was associated for many years with Milton Bray in the Midland Planing Mills and was a half-brother to Midland’s James Playfair. He is survived by two sons John and James of Midland and a brother Stuart B. Playfair of Toronto.
Mrs. Phil Blake, nee Marguerite Irene Sharlow, died at her home at 161 Yonge Street (now 389) on July 3rd. Born in Port Huron Michigan, August 4, 1893, she married Phillip Blake on September 17th, 1913 in Penetang. She had lived in Midland for 58 years.
Mrs. Wilfred Vaillancourt, nee Philomene Juneau, died on July 1st in Penetang General Hospital. She was born in Lafontaine in 1881, coming to Victoria Harbour at age 13 has resided there for 62 years. She married in Midland in 1901 and is survived by four sons and a daughter.
John Bruce Winfield in his 64th year, died July 13th of a coronary occlusion en route to Midland hospital. He was born and educated in Victoria Harbour and married Grace Malcolm there in 1916. He was well known as the superintendent of the CPR elevator on Port McNicoll.

Weddings;

Anne Louise Sweeting, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Sweeting formerly of Midland and Gordon Johnston, son of Mr. & Mrs. Wesley Johnston were married in St. Catherine’s July 7th.
Isabel Ellen Woodrow daughter of Mr. & Mrs. James Woodrow, Coulson, and James A. Reynolds, son of Mrs. Thomas Reynolds, Waverly, were married in the Hobart United Church July 7th.
Rita Dumais, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Gilbert Dumais, Penetang, and William Leclair, son of Mr. & Mrs. Willard Leclair of Midland were married at St. Ann’s RC Church.
Beatrice Bechard, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Andre Bechard, Penetang and John Dusome, son of Mr. & Mrs. Levi Dusome , Penetang, were married in St. Ann’s on July 2nd.
Cecile Beausoliel, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Andre Beausoleil, Penetang and Richard Desroches, son of Mr. & Mrs. Constant Desroches, Lafontaine, were married in St. Ann’s.
Anita Teresa Robitaille daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Clement Robitaille, RR 2 Midland and Arthur Joseph Beausoliel, son of Mr. & Mrs. Prosper Beausoliel, Penetang, were married at St. Patrick’s Church, July 2nd.
Eleanor Marchildon, daughter of Etienne Marchildon and Stan Therrien, son of Mr. & Mrs. Leonard Therrien, Penetang, were married at St. Patrick’s Church.
Bernice Lacroix, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Treffle Lacroix, Penetang, and Henry Hamelin Jr., son of Mr. & Mrs. Henry Hamelin, Penetang, were married at St. Ann’s Church, July 2nd.

Huronia Museum – Looking Back 60 Years ago in North Simcoe – Sunday July 15th 1956 – 3:01 A.M. Bell Telephone Converts Midland to Direct Dial

[The information in this article was obtained from the Huronia Museum’s Free Press collection, the County Herald newspaper dated July 13, 1956 and the Midland Free Press Herald dated July 18, 1956.]

The first manufactured telephone to reach Midland was around 1880, shortly after the incorporation of the Bell Telephone Company of Canada in April of that year. Owner of the first pair of telephones, installed between his bakery and his retail outlet two blocks away, was Henry S. Ruby who had come to Midland in 1875 from Barrie to establish the bakery. Acoustic telephones like Mr. Ruby’s required a straight piece of iron wire stretched between the two stations, no bends. Bells rigged up over the phones were rung by simply shaking one of the units. Ruby’s “acoustic telephone” is in the collection of Huronia Museum and is displayed below by former curator A. D. Tushingham. Mr. Tushingham was telephone manager and later “wire chief” at Midland from 1930 until his retirement in 1949.

The phone systems that developed at that time were privately or municipally owned. Bell Telephone entered Midland in 1886 when a long distance line was constructed between Midland and Penetang. John White became the initial Bell agent and the exchange was set up in his grocery store at 243 King Street (now 261). He had six telephone customers. Two years later a long distance telephone line was constructed linking Penetang and Barrie. The line took more than 28 miles of poles and 42 miles of copper wire and linked Midland to the expanding telephone network in other parts of Ontario, Quebec and the United States.

The November 1889 Midland Telephone Directory listed 17 customers, all of them businesses. The listings were: Anderson, Jas., Anderson Fish and Tacking Co.; Clarkson House, J. B. McNaughton prop; Coutermanche, N., merchant King Street; Free Press office, P. J. Ryan editor, King Street; Grand Trunk Rwy. elevator; Grand Trunk Rwy. station, Dominion Ave.; Lynett, Rev. John, residence, Hugel Avenue; Midland Manufacturing Co., Third Street; Miscampbell, A., lumberman, mill office; Ontario Lumber Company, mill office; Peters, C.M., hardware merchant, King Street; Queen’s Hotel, William Rogers prop., King Street; Raikes, Dr. R. M. Midland Ave.; Sneath, C. R., drug store, King Street; Steers and Ambrose, barristers, King Street; Western Bank, King Street; White, John, grocer, King Street.

In January of 1890, Midland was incorporated as a town. The population was getting close to two thousand and the number of telephone customers had risen to 21. In 1892 a fire destroyed Mr. White’s store and the telephone exchange. The salvaged equipment and grocery business was re-established at 234 King (near the Free Press ffice). The exchange was moved twice more before 1920, first to 197 King (now 221) and later to its current (1956) location, 260 King (near Johnstones). Also in 1892 a long distance line connected Lafontaine to Penetang.

A major changed occurred in May of 1900 when continuous 24 hour service was provided. A total of 70 listings appear in the Midland directory of December 1900. By July 1902 there were 86 subscribers and any remaining iron lines were replaced with copper wire resulting in a general improvement in transmission. In 1903 there were 100 phones in Midland and by 1910 there were 260 in use. A line from Elmvale to Penetang was constructed that year as well as a long distance line linking Midland and Orillia.

John White was listed as agent for the last time in the April 1912 Midland directory. He had served the company for 26 years and his daughter Lilian, who had been Midland’s first operator, took over as agent. There was very little expansion during the war years. In 1919 the local staff consisted of Miss Lilian White, chief operator, Edward Robitaille, lineman, Frank Harbour, lineman, and operators Ada Smith, Mary Smith, Jean Ayres, Chilina Smith, Zada Molan and Ella Gillbanks.

On May 5th, 1926, after years of “cranking” their telephones to get the operators attention, the system was updated to battery power and the switchboard enlarged to accommodate up to 1,200 customers. The chief operator was Helen L. McGrath.

In 1931 there were 1,298 customers, but due to the stock market crash of 1929 and the ensuing depression, by 1935 there were only 984 customers. A. D. Tushingham became the local manager in 1931 and retired 19 years later.

During the second world war resources were in short supply and the number of phones in Midland in December 1945 was 1,301, little changed from 1931. However by December 1949 the number had risen to 2,223. Bell employees in Midland numbered 26 and an average of 785 toll calls together with 9,698 local calls were being placed daily.

In 1950 the Bell Telephone Co. purchased property on the corner of Hugel and Midland Avenues. In 1951 the business offices were moved to 276 King St. (now 296 Leisure Sports former Midland Beauty Parlour). Before the end of the year, three new switchboards were added to the exchange for a total of seven local positions and nine long distance positions. More than 30 operators were busy placing an average of 900 long distance and 11,500 local calls daily. At present (July 1956) there are 2,870 phones in service.

August 1955. Sidewalk superintendents keep a close watch as the first piles are driven for the new Bell Telephone exchange and office building at Midland and Hugel Avenues. It was an added step when it was discovered that the ground was wet and unstable. The machine is placing large wooden timber mats upon which it traverses the wet ground. This was the site of the former Midland Woolen Mill. Bourgeois Motors can be seen in the background.

November 1955. Pouring cement pillars on the upper floor of the new Bell Telephone Co. dial exchange building, southwest corner of Hugel and Midland Avenues. The building incorporates poured cement foundation, floors and roof, which is the reason for all the wooden forming and wooden support pillars. The general contractor for the project was the Emery Engineering and Contracting Company of Barrie.

February 8, 1956. Despite the cold weather the brickwork is nearly complete on the new Bell Telephone exchange building on the corner of Hugel and Midland Avenues. The building is scheduled to open early next summer.

The building will house the complex dial equipment on the first floor with the wire room and power supply equipment in the basement. The second floor will contain the new long distance exchange. The building is fireproof throughout with brick exterior and was designed to harmonize and add to the attractiveness of the neighbourhood. The 33 by 31 foot business office will be housed in the single storey area to the right.

Business office staff were also busy prior to changeover obtaining and checking new listings, writing service orders and so on. Derys Stoodley, Rita Martin and Yvonne LeBlanc.

As part of the companies program to make sure all customers are familiar with the equipment employees have been calling customers in recent weeks to demonstrate the various tones heard and asking them to place a test call. Karen Small, pictured here, also visited local schools to demonstrate the dial system to the children. Bell had been installing dial phones or phones that could be converted to dial for quite some time before the actual change over.

Training on the new long distance switchboard board was given to all permanent operators, the system will go into service with the conversion to dial. Operator Ruth Shaubel is seen putting through a test call as chief operator Helen L. McGrath observes. Miss Shaubel is using a set of keys, similar to those on an adding machine, to send out the number of a telephone in a distant city.

This crew of installers was busy for many weeks preparing for the cut over by placing new dial phones and services in local homes and businesses. Seen behind the new building with their trucks are; Jim Adlam, Bob Taylor, Ross Smith, Paul Hetherington, installation foreman Gordon Scott, Manfred Leimgardt, Bob Dunlop and Joe Markle.

Part of the change over was the splicing of every phone line in Midland to the huge cables leading into the new dial exchange building on Hugel Ave. Stan Gilchrist, Bell splicer, is seen in at work splicing wires in a man hole on King Street.

A Bell tower, two and half miles west of Midland in Tiny Township, was also put on line and will bring public phone service to Cognashene Island, Gloucester Pool, Six Mile Lake and Mclean Lake. Later this summer Go Home Bay will be added to the system. Some 1,000 cottages and several large summer hotels and lodges will be within reach of the new public phones.

A check of the dials and indicators on the main power control board in the basement of the new dial telephone exchange reveals all is in readiness for the cutover of the Midland system to dial operation. Sim Panfound, central office expert, makes sure the battery charging equipment is functioning properly as he inspects the voltage regulation controls.

Eric Renkl, skilled Northern Electric employee is seen at work on the main distributing frame in the new Midland dial telephone exchange building. The frame provides the link between the cables serving the town and the dial switching equipment. Each pair of wires among the thousands leading from the cables must be matched with the corresponding pair leading to the dial switches and soldered together.

Claude Kimball, Bell technician, checks the operation of some of the switches at the new Midland exchange. Normally the switches are covered with metal canisters to protect them from dust and dirt. The floors of this room are never swept, only wet mopped to prevent dust in the air and the room is air conditioned.

This is the last photo of the manual phone exchange. All permanent employees will still be needed to staff the new long distance, information and assistance switchboards. From the moment it was decided to convert Midland to automatic dialing provisions were made for staff. All permanent staff were guaranteed their employment, staff retiring or leaving were encouraged to stay until the switchover and new operators were hired on the understanding their jobs were only temporary. Standing left is Mrs. Laura Bacon supervisor and Miss Adilene Bell of Collingwood a chief operator who filled in for two weeks before the change.

With the building complete and all preparations made the day arrived when the familiar “number, please” would be replaced by the hum of a dial tone. Bell selected a day and time when there would be very little activity on the lines and few people would be inconvenienced for the few moments, less than two minutes, it would take to cutover the new system.

It took just 35 seconds early Sunday morning for Bell Telephone technicians to take Midland’s manual system out of operation and put more than 3,000 telephones on dial service. When the exchange “went to dial” all telephone numbers were simultaneously changed to the new “LAkeside6” (526) designation. Shortly before 3 A.M. Sunday morning operators asked customers using their phones to hang up and reconnect in two minutes using the dial. At the command “pull coils” a group of Bell employees standing behind the old main frame pulled on cords attached to hundreds of fuses, two for each line, littering the floor in seconds. With the fuses removed the old common battery switchboards were dead. Using a special phone line word was passed to the new exchange building to activate the dial equipment. Another group of men, stationed in front of the rows of switching equipment, pulled on cords attached to hundreds of blocking tools, little plastic insulators which were keeping the dial equipment from functioning. Direct dial had come to Midland.

Five staff wait for the call to activate the dial system by pulling the cords and removing the blockers. Pictured are Warren Aikin, Grant Morrow and Claude Kimble.

Practically all those waiting for telephones in Midland will get service with the switch to the new dial system, states H. A. Kilroy, Midland Bell manager. Twenty five additional telephones will be placed in service. Recent upgrades to rural lines will also improve service and reduce party lines to eight or less. The new long distance switchboard on the second floor is the most modern available and is almost noiseless in operation, no bells ring, no telephones jangle. The timing of long distance calls is done by electric calculagraphs at each switchboard position. Similar to punch clocks used in factories, the operator punches a card when the call begins and when it ends. Room lights in this room are connected to an emergency power supply in the event municipal power is interrupted.

The new system is powered by large storage batteries located in the basement. DC power is supplied and the batteries are charged using AC power. If the AC supply from the local utility is interrupted the system will continue to work for at least eight hours on the storage batteries.

The new Midland directory, the Blue Book, contains 9,817 new and changed listings, including Barrie, Collingwood, Alliston, Beeton, Bradford, Camp Borden, Cookstown, Penetanguishene, Port McNicoll, Thornbury, Tottenham and Waubaushene. Listing are now in three columns on pages much larger than the previous books. For the second year in a row the directory features a drawing of the county court house in Barrie on its cover.

The two editions of the newspaper that covered the conversion to direct dial were also full of advertisements from local merchants that highlighted their new phone numbers. Several that kept their number for many years, Hebners Taxi 526-2217, Midland Free Press until 2013 when it closed 526-5431, Wagg’s Dry Cleaners number is now used by French’s Dry Cleaners 526-5436, Chalet Blue Motel now the Silverstar still has the same number 526-6571 as does the Midland Drive-In Theatre 526-2411.

This amazing technical advance took only 80 years from the day in 1876 when Alexander Graham Bell called Watson in the other room. It has been 60 years since direct dial came to Midland and technology has moved on, now we are switching to cell phones that not only let us see and talk to one another but give us access to a world of knowledge and information on the internet.

Huronia Museum – Looking Back 60 Years ago in North Simcoe – July 8th to 15th 1956

Click on photos to enlarge

Five year old Michael Dorion, son of Mr. & Mrs. Alfred Dorion, Tiny Township, comforts his puppy after a freak twister damaged their home and flattened a nearby stable.

Jean Chretien, Mrs. Alfred Dorion, daughter Theresa, sons Basil and Michael and Captain Mike Chretien were witnesses to a freak tornado that damaged the Dorion home and created a water spout near the boat Captain Chretien was piloting.

Lloyd Douglas Bowman, known as “LD”, in front with a knife on his belt and Bob Popple of Penetang demonstrate a life saving hold practised on land at Camp Kitchikewana as they work towards their Royal Life Saving Society award.

Midland Y’s Camp Kitchikewana director J. W. Smith, entering his 30th camping season, explains the camping scene to his three year old grandson Lee Morris.

Mr. & Mrs. Harvey Archer of Third Street, Port McNicoll, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary Wednesday, are seen with their granddaughter Dorothy, 4, and Darlene who is 3.

Missed death by inches. Harold Copecog, 23, of Honey Harbour was sitting in the front of his boat around midnight Monday night when the stern was completely cut off in a collision with another boat in the South Channel. Driver of the 16 foot outboard Eddie Lizotte, 27, was thrown several feet in the air by the impact and was drowned.

Displaying luscious strawberries grown in Wyebridge on the farm of R. W. Preston are Molly Swales, a member of the Loblaw’s staff and Merritt McCue of Christian Island, head picker for Mr. Preston. The big berries were developed by Mr. Preston in conjunction with the late Dr. E. A. Smith of Ohio. It has taken five years to get the plants to production stage.

Flash Fire Races Through Kitchen – Seventy-seven year old man rescues women eighty-six. The presence of mind of her 77 year old neighbour, Joseph Cripps, prevented Mrs. Sarah W. Morris, 86, of 363 Queen Street (now 465) from being burned to death. Mr. Cripps, an employee of the town and the Midland Free Press, was out in his back yard when he noticed smoke pouring from the Morris home. He wrenched open the front door of the burning home and made his way through the smoke to the kitchen and led Mrs. Morris to safety. She suffered first degree burns to her forearms, shoulders and face. Paraffin wax was being melted on the stove to seal the jars of preserves she was making.
Summer dig students at the Forget Site native village southeast of Wyebridge have discovered it to be one of the few known double palisaded native communities. The two palisades range from four to seven feet apart. “There was a double palisade across one end of St. Ignace near Sturgeon Bay, but not around the entire village,” explained professor Wilfrid Jury of the University of Western Ontario.
Thieves steal more than thirty fur coats from Edwards Specialty Shop, forced rear freight door to gain access.
Constable Mike Chapman injured when the police cruiser driven by fellow officer George Winter was struck broadside at Firth’s corner by a westbound car.
Midland and district Orangemen prepare for a big parade in Midland on the twelfth. Lodges from Coldwater, Warminster, Uhthoff, Orillia, Seabright, Hawkestone, Craighurst, Vasey, Waverly, Elmvale, Allenwood, Wyevale, Penetang and Gravenhurst are expected to join in.
Two Penetang lads injured in a motorcycle accident on County Road 6 near Perkinsfield Thursday night as their machine went into the ditch. Rene Martin has been unconscious since the accident and was rushed to Toronto General Hospital Sunday for emergency surgery to relieve pressure on his brain. [Local people will remember Rene Martin as the ever friendly ticket seller around Penetang for many years]
A fourteen year old Coldwater boy admits to placing a bolt on the CNR track near Coldwater to see if it would be flattened. This was within an hour of the accident that took the life of Darwin Raymond of Waubaushene, when the track car he was riding on struck a bolt in the same area.
Charged with drunk driving, a 30 year old soldier from Base Borden is sentenced by Magistrate K. A. Cameron in Penetang court. [I find it interesting that the penalty I believe is more severe than today. There was no other history mentioned and no one else involved when his car left the road and ended up in a farmer’s field, yet he received seven days in jail, lost his licence for a year and had his car impounded for 3 months.]
Two new navy ships to be commissioned, the HMCS Mallard built by Grew Boats and the HMCS Cormorant built by the Midland Boat Works were launched several weeks ago and will now be officially commissioned. The participants and dignitaries will attend a joint reception at the Midland Armory.
All Midland telephone numbers will change with the cutover to the dial system early Sunday morning. Midland numbers will be LAkeside 6-6123, that is the police number, and calls can be completed by just dialing the last five digits but all seven will be required for long distance calling. To call long distance or obtain assistance, dial the “operator”. Directory information can be reached by dialing 113.
Jack Blackburn, special constable in charge at the Midland docks, yesterday issued a warning that Midland Harbour waters are unfit for swimming. He said the Simcoe County Health Unit have posted signs indicating the water is polluted and unsafe. [At this time Midland sewage went directly into the harbour.]
During July and August the Brewer’s Retail stores in Penetang and Port Severn will be open until 8PM on Fridays and Saturdays.
Lucky Friday the 13th at the Midland Drive-In, free admission to all drivers with a “13” on their licence plate, the driver of every 13th car, all families of “13” arriving in one car and the girl friend of any driver with a “13” on his driver’s licence.
Thirteen Midland home owners face fines if they fail to immediately take action to connect to the municipal sewer system and install proper toilet facilities.
220 boys attending Camp Kitchikewana as it opens for its 37 the season.
The Midland Library is inviting summer cottagers to take out a membership, only .10 cents for the summer with a $5.00 refundable deposit.
Singer Sewing Machine Company opens a store in Midland at 203 King Street (now 227).
The asking price for even a stoney water front lot on Georgian Bay runs from $10 to $15 per foot and good shore property is selling on average from $20 to $25 per foot.

Huronia Museum – Looking Back 60 Years ago in North Simcoe – July 1st to 7th 1956

Click on photos to enlarge

I think the Free Press photographer was on holidays the last week of June and the first week of July 1956, there are very few photos and they come from correspondents, previous news items or Rolfoto and Budd Watson. The Watson photo is a good one of our town band in the band shell at Little Lake Park.

This photo appeared on the bottom right corner of the front page of the Free Press, July 4th, 1956. Unfortunately the corner was torn, taking away 90% of the caption. The heading is “Natural Science Lesson” and the only name we can make out is Clifford Ga?? A Harbour is mentioned so it could be Honey Harbour or Victoria Harbour. We pulled out the original copy of the paper and confirmed that the corner is missing.

Let us know if you can identify this group!!

Activities for another year wound up at SS #15 Tay, June 29th, with a picnic and open house. Gathered around a social studies project are Alma Galbraith, Ruth Galbraith, Lois Todd and Vernon Morris, teacher of the 16 pupil school at Sturgeon Bay.

To fill out the photo section we will include some local photos from a collection acquired by the Free Press that relates to a 1956 booklet called “The Story of Simcoe County” published by the County of Simcoe and edited by the Honourable E. C. Drury. The photos depict agriculture, leisure activities, tourist locations, historic sites and the natural beauty of Simcoe County.

2006 0020018 Little Lake Park in the winter prior to 1956. The log cabin was a gift from Dr. Garnet Tanner and was used as a post office for the campers. It was removed in the spring of 1956. The second photo shows the old store, also prior to 1956 and the band shell. The third, taken at the west end of the park, shows the small cabins that ended up in back yards all over the area.

Row boats for hire, Little Lake Park.

The GTR / CNR roundhouse and service facilities at the Tiffin. The roundhouse has been reduced to what appears to be five stalls and by 1956 the steam locomotives had disappeared and these facilities, such as the water tower to the right in the photo, would no longer be needed. The roof of the Aberdeen or Tiffin #1 can be seen on the left as well as the smoke from the town dump. By 1956 the town was looking for a better way to handle its waste.

CPR summer station at Port McNicoll with the ice house in the background. For years this was one of the most photographed sites in Simcoe County, not just by the passengers but it was a popular spot to visit by locals on a family outing.

Martyr’s Shrine before the reconstruction of Ste. Marie. Note the passenger shelter used by tourists that arrived by passenger train and the small house behind it.

The Parkside Inn on Yonge Street Midland.

Government dock at Victoria Harbour.

Owl Pen, the home of Kenneth Wells and Lucille Oille in Medonte Township near Creighton.

There were many “glamour” shots like this one with women in bathing suits on the beach, in boats and canoes and mostly sitting on rocks, but only this one was used in the book, but with a young man driving. The photographer certainly made an effort to get a good selection.

For the second year in succession the Midland Citizens’ Band has brought home the Canadian championship for Class 1 junior brass bands.
A thirteen year old girl from Hamilton was struck and badly injured by a power boat while swimming at Little Lake Park. The Parks Commission is seeking a ban on high horsepower boats on the lake.
Midland and district public and Catholic schools published promotion lists
Ted McKillen is closing his men’s clothing business at 245 King Street after 38 years. When brother Lloyd returned from overseas they set up shop in the Georgian Coffee Shop under the name McKillen Brothers
Lloyd Letherby, MLA for Simcoe East announces a new million dollar super highway to be constructed from Highway 400 to Gravenhurst. The original plan called for a two lane highway paralleling Hwy 93 from Crown Hill to Craighurst then branching off to Coldwater to meet Hwy 12. The new plan calls for an extension from Coldwater through Matchedash and Orillia Twp’s to Hwy 11 at Gravenhurst. (As we know this road was never built. The 400 extension went as far as Coldwater where it joined #12 which joined the Trans Canada Highway #103 at Waubaushene. With the bypass of Coldwater built several years ago and the widening of the 400 extension to four lanes the 400 highway now goes as far as Parry Sound and will soon reach Sudbury.)
Two Midlanders, Lionel Bourgeois and Siegfried Appelt, have both been charged after being involved in a traffic accident at Fourth and Quebec Streets.
In Canada the poisoning of lakes and re-stocking with game fish has become a proven tool for restoring lakes where coarse fish have taken over. (Really!!)
Mr. & Mrs. Amos Mateff wish to announce the arrival of their son, Glen Howard, a brother for Lana and Karen.
Mr. & Mrs. Howard Leonard wish to announce the engagement of their daughter Carolyn Maureen, to John Ralph Fagan, son of Mr. & Mrs. Cecil Fagan of Wyebridge.
The Roxy is showing “The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit” with Gregory Peck, Jennifer Jones and Frederic March. The Pen Theatre has live stage entertainment as well as their screen performance. The first one hundred patrons receive a free Elvis photo.
The areas newest dining spot is the Grange in Wyebridge. Once a community meeting hall, jail, home of group of seven artist Franz Johnston, the new restaurant is owned and operated by Mr. & Mrs. Fred Cook.
Midland Parks Superintendent Harold McAllen told this newspaper yesterday that results of a water test by the Simcoe County Health Unit show the water in Little Lake to be satisfactory.
Promotion results from Moore’s Corner. Grade 8 to 9, Shirley Holm, Tom Smith – Grade 7 to 8, Mary Holm, Maizie Mount, Garnet Sallows – Grade 6 to 7, Eldon Irish, Karen Sallows, Sharon Sallows, Brian Webb – Grade 5 to 6, Eleanor Holm, Neal Mount, Shirley Sallows – Grade 4 to 5, Wanda Russell – Grade 3 to 4, Judy Bumstead, John Holm, Allen Mount – Grade 2 to 3, Jennifer Bumstead, Mary Burnie, Sharon Rumney, Rodney Sallows – Beginners to Grade 1, John Burnie, Bruce Rumney
BBQ’d chicken now available at Midland IGA Foodliner, barbequed before your eyes with our new “Sun Valley” Rotis-O-Mat, $1.29 for regular bird and $1.49 for a stuffed bird.
25 YEARS AGO – Port McNicoll Masons, who a few weeks previous had purchased the old Star Theatre in the village, dedicated their new lodge rooms in the second story of the building – Increase in postal rates took effect July 1st, letter rates were two cents for local mail and three cents for anywhere else in Canada, the new rate is one cent more. – North Simcoe is in the grip of a heat wave, the temperature has been 96 degrees for three days.

Huronia Museum – Looking Back 60 Years ago in North Simcoe – June 24th to 30th 1956

Click on photos to enlarge

Some of Midland’s “shut-ins” were entertained at the Salvation Army Citadel Thursday night. Front row; Mrs. F. Wadge, Mrs. M. Drinkle, Mrs. A. Edwards, Miss Mae McCallum, back row; Mrs. Emma Fallis, Mrs. D. Prescott, Mrs. E. Walters, Mrs. C. Woods, Mrs. K. Keller. A program of music and song was provided for the ladies.

Getting ready for the wedding are these members of the Elmvale School of Ballet, pictured at a dress rehearsal Saturday morning. The bride at center is Mary Corbett and the attendants are Betty Trace left, and Adele Caesar. Mother of the bride is Nan Roberts, instructor at the school for the last four years.

Elmvale School of Ballet is holding a recital at the Elmvale Community Hall and these two fire flies are in it. Nan Roberts is the instructor for the ten pupil class and mother to Nancy, center, and Carolyn. Piano pupils of Mrs. W. W. Shaw will also be taking part.

This photo, connected to the previous ones regarding the Elmvale School of Ballet was not used in the newspaper leaving us with no description, but with the power of the internet we were able to contact a relative from Elmvale who was living in Vancouver and discovered an interesting twist to the story.

Adele Caesar is the girl bending down (far left) and Betty Trace is the girl endpoint on the far right. Dad says he thinks the girl next to Adele is Mary Corbett. ( he’s sending it on to his sister Nancy to check, I’ll let you know). This is where it gets good. The ‘girl’ in the front row with the tambourine is actually my uncle, Bruce Roberts, and the ‘girl’ standing behind him in the back row with the tambourine, is my dad, Douglas Roberts. Apparently gran (Nan Roberts) used to make them join in when they were short on girls! If the photo is from ’56, then dad was 11 and Bruce was 7 or 8.

Constable Ernie Bates who is parked at the town dock demonstrates the new two way radio system as he communicates with police chief Robert Cameron. Radios have a range of 25 to 30 miles. (The actual photo in the paper included a photo of chief Cameron on the phone, one the paper had used the year before showing the chief working in his temporary office on Bay Street, not on the radio with Ernie.)

Staff from the provincial fish hatchery in Collingwood perform a census of fish stocks in Little Lake. Lorne “Flash” Hutchinson holds a nice two pound bass while John Hunt at left and Fred Chew, Midland’s conservation officer, look on. Mr. Hunt, manager of the Collingwood hatchery, said bass form 90 percent of the lake’s fish population, only intruders found were gar pike.

St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church in Victoria Harbour celebrates its 50th anniversary Sunday. The week-long celebration came to an end Sunday, pictured are local native Rev. J. P. Schissler, guest preacher, soloist Mrs. A. B. MacQuarie of Fergus, wife of former Harbour public school principal MacQuarrie and Miss Bessie Winfield the oldest member of the congregation. Miss Winfield taught Mr. Schissler at Victoria Harbour Public School.

They were there fifty years ago when the Victoria Harbour Presbyterian Church was opened. Shown at the special anniversary service Sunday are, Mrs. Wm. Hazelton of Vasey, Miss Kate Brown, Mrs. George Cooper, William Moore, Mrs. J. L. Winfield and Miss Laura Gill.

John Waldie Jr., son of the late John Waldie who was the owner of the Victoria Harbour Lumber Company and who donated St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church to the village, is seen with his daughter after the morning service at the church. Behind are elders, Capt. W. A. Stewart and Douglas McNabb.

Senior pupils of the Christian Island United Church Public School are shown with their teacher F. E. Kempling in front of the YMCA following a tour of the Midland Free Press Friday afternoon. Group also visited a grain elevator, Midland Footwear, Midland Reinforced Plastics, Canadian Nameplate and played a baseball game with Sixth Street School following a picnic lunch in Little Lake Park.

Rare blooms for this part of Canada, this rhododendron in the garden of Douglas Grant at 298 Midland Ave.(now 344) is the finest seen north of Windsor, states local florist Mac Perrin. The four year old plant requires heavy protection during the winter months.

Two veterans of their communities were pictured at the annual CNIB picnic held at Little Lake Park Wednesday. Mrs. George Wyles, 91, of Barrie and William Archer of Elmvale, a healthy 92 year old. Mr. Archer, whose father was one of the first settlers in North Simcoe, comes from a family known for their longevity.

Loss of sight hasn’t diminished the spirit of this nonagenarian, one of the guests at the CNIB picnic in Little Lake Park Wednesday afternoon. Mrs. Sophia Hart of Craighurst, who marked her 95th birthday December 11th and who looks quite capable of hitting the century mark. Mrs. Hart is a member of one of the pioneer families of the district.

Top students at Midland public schools are receiving awards from Ken Ellis public school inspector for the area. Hugh Gunn, Bill Clause, Lynn Johnson, Ellen Barber and Lois Cowan. Marjorie Bolt was absent.

Veteran teacher in Midland public schools but now retired, Miss Ethel Wagg presented books on behalf of the Midland branch of the IODE to these two grade eight students from Parkview School at graduation exercises held in the Regent School auditorium Tuesday night. Award is given for the highest marks in social studies and the winners are Gerry Wittig (Mueller) and Wayne Farqhuar.

The highest marks in social studies at Regent School won awards from the Midland branch of the IODE, Mrs. Thomas Brandon presents books to Karen Blair and Ross Hebner during the graduation exercises held at Regent School. (Karen, and Gerry Wittig from the previous photo, married)

Piano pupils present recital – Pupils of Margery Olmstead were heard in recital Thursday night before a capacity audience in the Calvary Baptist School hall. Beginners solos, Barbara Jones, Susan MacFarlane, Judith Rankin, Lorna Lyons, Freddie Hacker, Judith Coughlin, Tamie Morrisson, Brian Clark, Margaret Walker Davis Glazer, Ruth Webster, Susan Schell, Reta Rutherford and Karen Wood. Grade I, II and lll selections were played by Sharon Park, Jerrold Karch, Ardythe Boden, Peggy Krochko, Ruth Blackmere, Allan McElroy, Eden Morrisson, Kenneth Trew, Peggy Robertshaw, John Cranston, Linda Marchand, Mary Louise Parker and Helen Farrow. (I took lessons from Miss Olmsted but she would have agreed that I was better at cutting her lawn.)
Grand opening of Farmers Snack Bar in Orr Lake
Bill Hack shoots a 33 on the nine hole Midland Golf & Country Club course.
Johnstone’s (Music) are advertising beach balls, swim rings, life preservers, swim fins, masks and snorkels. 262 King Street
Holiday dancing at Mel’s in Honey Harbour
Popular Waubaushene resident Darwin Raymond dies when the “jigger” he was riding on struck a bolt on the CNR tracks east of Coldwater, vandalism is suspected.
TEN YEARS AGO JUNE 1946 – Violence against lake ship operators and non union crews broke out in Midland. Twenty men on the crew of the Altodoc were forcibly removed and their belongings thrown to the dock. – Collingwood’s population of 7,027 tops Midland by 147. Barrie has a population of 10, 153. – Seven girls and two men were injured when a portion of the dance floor at the Parkside Pavilion collapsed. Forty persons and a telephone booth were catapulted into the basement. Recent basement excavations had weakened the supports. – Work had started on the demolition of Dr. Garnet Tanner’s residence on the corner of King and Elizabeth Streets to make way for the new theatre. – More than 4,800 pounds of serviceable clothing and bedding was donated by Midland residents for destitute families in Europe.
Juveniles, aged 10 and 15, steal a case of beer from a Brewers Retail truck in Dollartown.
Veteran of two world wars, islanders elect Riley Root as Chief of the Christian Island Band.
Department of Highways releases plans for the new intersection at Firth’s Corner, the scene of many serious accidents. Intersection of Highways 12 and 27, now Hwy 93 and the Balm Beach road. Yonge Street used to go straight through, to the north of Full Line Electronics, Sundowner Road is the remains of it. The curve into Midland from the south on Hwy 27 can still be seen east of the present intersection.
Mr. & Mrs. Milton Bray celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. Effie Eugenie Sherwin lived in the farming district of Port Hope where she met her husband. When they moved to Midland it was to live in the new two story house on Seventh Street that he had built himself and where they are still living. They have five children.
1,500 buy tickets to midget wrestling at the Arena Gardens, more than the three previous weeks combined.
From John Powers column “Outdoor Diary”; Sunday morning Chuck Stelter, Ted Holder and myself arose and shone well before the sun and the chickens – 3:45 a.m. to be exact. With the mist rising off the water of our favourite trout stream we caught trout after trout, keeping 41 fish in all and returning about 50 under eight inches.
Huronia Museum’s authentic Indian Village, which hosted 20,000 visitors last year re-opens Saturday afternoon for the new season. A highlight of the opening will be a performance of dances by Indians from the Six Nations Reserve near Brantford. The village will be in charge of curator William Barnett, assisted by Ken Cowan, Carol Cowan and Stewart Guthrie.
Kids Saturday Matinee at the Roxy, Gene Autry in “Last of the Pony Riders” plus Three Stooges and 3 cartoons. “Mister Roberts” is playing at the Pen.
Midland’s per capita debt is now $150 compared to $390 in Edmonton, $238 in Toronto and $180 in Ottawa.
Walkers Store celebrates 31st anniversary. Advertising children’s denim jeans for .88 cents.
Lightning destroys the barn of Henry Pauze a mile south of Perkinsfield on the County Road. Family loses calves, chickens, pigs, milking equipment and a large stock of berry baskets needed to harvest the strawberry crop that is now ripe. Milking herd was sold at a loss Wednesday as they have no equipment left to milk with. Their house was struck last summer, a bolt that removed plaster from the walls and splintered wood work.
New factory on Highway 12 outside Coldwater is nearly complete and still there is no announcement of what it will produce, latest rumour is metal tubing.
Bruce Duncan launches his latest home built cabin cruiser the “Torna B III”. Built in his garage in Port McNicoll over the winter the craft is 23 feet long and 8 feet wide, powered by a 30 hp engine and will sleep four.
Veteran marine instructor and chief engineer for CPR steamships, John Moses dies at 70. Long time friend and fellow instructor at the local Marine School, Capt. Robert Mitchell also died within the last year leaving the school without its two veteran instructors. Mr. Moses was working as a night watchman and engineer for Wagg’s Laundry in Midland and that is where he died, being found by arriving staff.
Severe electrical storm kills Eli Vaillancourt as he is tying up his boat in Penetang Bay. His son Jack was standing beside him when the lightening bolt struck and threw his father into the water.

Huronia Museum – Looking Back 60 Years ago in North Simcoe – June 16th to 23rd 1956

Click on photos to enlarge

Four of more than 200 grade eight pupils who toured the new MPDHS building get their first taste of higher math from Mrs. J. Cardenas. Bernadette Hamelin, Penetang; Claudia Reynolds, Parkview; Donald Daoust, Perkinsfield and Karen Blair, Regent.

Midland ‘s main street gets a much needed face-lift, new asphalt from the CNR tracks to Yonge Street.

It Was Only Three Days – When the re-surfacing was being done last week several local wags offered odds on how long it would be before the new pavement was torn up again. It was just three days. The work shown is being done by Bell Telephone, installing cable for the new dial exchange coming in July.

Last Rites for a War Hero – One of the five drowning victims in the Southern Georgian Bay region this year Captain Anthony Van Steeden of Vancouver was accorded military honours at his internment in Lakeview Cemetery Midland. Holder of the OBE, MC and MM, Capt. Van Steeden was engaged in secret service work during World War II. Members of Branch 80 Royal Canadian Legion and the OPP detachment at Victoria Harbour attended the service. Bugler at right is Norman Jackson of Midland.

Mrs. Walter McMann (Helen) of 392 (516 new) Russell Street shows a white tulip that produced five blossoms on one stem.

Public School Field Day Champs – The girls are, Ellen Barber on the left, intermediate champ; Lynn McAllen junior champ; Carolyn Bath won the senior title but was not present for the photo. Boy’s winners were Gary Carr, intermediate; Gerald Wotherspoon, senior and Tom Jenkinson junior.

Thirty years ago, Fred Mitchell, an MPDHS student, would have been the envy of all his classmates, for this 1926 Auburn was then an elegant limousine. The Prince Albert suit he is wearing is the one his grandfather, Henry Gouett of Waubaushene, bought for his wedding in 1900. Fred purchased the car recently, it hadn’t been run for three years but started right up with a fresh battery. Purchased by the late Fred Hill for $3,400.00 back in 1926 when the average price of a car was under $1,000.00. The car has 36,000 miles on it. Fred lives at 338 (402 new) Frederick Street.

Midland Lions Club members attending their annual meeting at the Delawana Inn in Honey Harbour, relax on the front lawn.

(We have no names for this photo, help would be appreciated, I recognize Jean Somers, Marg and Harold McAllen)

Officials of the Midland Friendship Club check over the program during a picnic held at Little Lake Park Saturday, Jack Moore president and Mrs. James MacLeod are seated, Ted Rivers, Mrs. George Whitaker and Robert Wiles secretary treasurer, standing.

Four top golfers from each of the four towns competing in the ladies county cup match at the Midland Golf & Country Club Thursday are seen gathered around the big scoreboard. Mrs. Keith Robinson, Collingwood, who had a 91 gross; Mrs. J. A. Hepburn, Orillia, 97; Mrs. John Ough, Barrie, whose 85 was the best score of the day; Mrs. Sandow, representing MG&CC and Mrs. Ken Lewis who headed the Midland contingent with a 90.

A fine example of the new homes being built in the Ingram Subdivision in Tay Township near the new high school. This one, well advanced towards completion, is being built for Mr. & Mrs. Jack Argue of Midland.

The new Loblaws store at the corner of King and Elizabeth Streets is slated to open Thursday, June 21st, 1956. Shelves are being stocked and last minute items completed in the building. Note the H.S. St. Amant & Sons panel truck parked in front, the well known local business provided all of the plumbing and heating for the new building. Other local suppliers included Walker’s Electric, Jeffery’s Hardware and Midland Planing Mills.

Getting ready for the big opening, Bill Howard, right, manager of Midland’s new Loblaws store, makes last minute checks with his chief superintendent A. R. Wallace of Toronto. All of Mr. Howard’s seventeen years with the company have been in Midland including five as store manager.

Over one thousand customers attend the grand opening of the new Loblaws market on King Street with hundreds lined up to receive free gifts distributed to the first thousand shoppers.

National Cancer Institute of Canada holds its second national conference at the Delawana Inn. One hundred of the finest doctors and research scientists in the world are attending, including guests from Israel, France, England and the United States. The conference discussion has been divided into five categories; the cell, Leukemia, chemotherapy, hormone and cancer immunity.
A hole was burned in the wall of a classroom in Elmvale District High School last week when some chemicals exploded.
Ernst Leitz Sr. head of Ernst Leitz, Wetzlar, died at Wetzlar Friday in his 86th year. Dr. Leitz was the second generation of his family in the optical company and when his elder brother Ludwig was killed in 1898, he took over at the age of 27 the direction of the firm that now employs more than 6,500. Surviving are three sons, Ernst and Ludwig of Wetzlar and Guenther of Midland.
The twice-weekly CPR boat train is back in operation for the summer season, leaving Toronto at 12:01 PM Wednesdays and Saturdays and connecting with the Assinaboia and Keewatin at Port McNicoll.
IGA is offering a taxi ride home for with your order if you live in town and your order is $10.00 or more, cost .15 cents.
Newest item for building patios, the concrete patio slab is being produced in North Simcoe by Wyevale Concrete Products.
$8,462.00 worth of cigarettes stolen from DeNure and Sons Transport warehouse on Easy Street. $5,000.00 worth of cigarettes were stolen from the same warehouse on May 9th.
300 children attend St. Paul’s United Church Sunday School picnic at Little Lake Park Wednesday afternoon.
Polio vaccine proving successful, only six cases reported in Ontario so far this year, none in a vaccinated child.
Simcoe County council spent Thursday afternoon cruising Georgian Bay on the Penetang Eighty Eight.
Wrestling at the Arena Gardens Monday June 25th at 8:445PM. Pat O’Connor vs. Lord Athol Layton. Special midget tag team match, Fuzzy Cupid and Sky Hi Low vs. Little Beaver and Cowboy Bradley.
Esteemed wife of United Church pastor, Mrs. W. R. Auld dies. The former Mary Elizabeth Clark was born at Mountain Ont. in 1889.
Midland PUC introduces lawn watering restrictions. New hours are 7:30 to 8:30 AM and 6:30 to 7:30 PM.
The Dam Busters and The Glenn Miller Story are playing in local movie houses.
Leitz constructing another 2,000 square foot addition.
Port McNicoll School Board decides not to join MPDHS area, cites full complement of teachers in place and classroom space available. Port McNicoll students who wish to gain their senior matriculation (Grade 13) will continue to enroll for their final year at MPDHS.
Every issue of the paper has “gossip” columns from the area’s towns and villages, the “who visited whom” section, submitted by local correspondents. This is the Honey Harbour report from the County Herald, Friday June 22, 1956. As I read it many of the names were very familiar, how many do you recognize? ‘Mr. & Mrs. Henry Gamelin of Victoria Harbour week ended with their son-in-law and daughter Mr. & Mrs. Ed Boucher Jr. – Miss Yvonne Boucher and Ronald Murphy of Toronto were weekend guests of Miss Boucher’s family, Mr. & Mrs. Ed Boucher Jr. – Miss Beatrice Macey and Bob Massey of Toronto week ended with Mr. & Mrs. Frank Macey. – Floyd Oulette of Peterborough visited his mother, Mrs. Margaret Oulette, over the weekend. – Jack Gillard and Cal Cook visited Mr. & Mrs. Frank Rourke (O’Rourke) over the weekend. – Miss Carol White who has been attending Nardin Academy School for girls in Buffalo N.Y. for the past year, and Mrs. Louise Parish will spend this coming weekend with Mr. & Mrs. Art White. – David Jacques of Preston visited his brother and sister-in-law, Mr. & Mrs. Joe Jacques during the weekend. – Mrs. Tom Curry and son have returned from the Bahamas and are residing in Honey Harbour for the summer with Mrs. Curry’s brother-in-law and sister, Mr. & Mrs. Joe Jacques. – Mr. & Mrs. Clifford Paradis, caretakers at Brebeuf lighthouse, and their daughter and son-in-law Mr. & Mrs. Herman Lacroix of Midland, visited Mr. & Mrs. Wilfred Paradis during the weekend.’
Basic salaries of municipal employees has nearly doubled in the last eight years, mayor tells local Kiwanis Club. Police Chief $2,370 in 1948 to $3,700 in 1956. Senior constables $1,800 to $3,300. Fire chief $2,100 to $3,200, senior firemen $1,920 to $3,000. Public works labourers .55 cents per hour to $1.05, truck drivers .66 cents to $1.15. Public school teachers $1,870 to $3,350.
Over thirteen million trees have now been planted in Simcoe County forests since 1922, 401,000 in 1955. This far sighted project has been a huge success and a great benefit to the residents of Simcoe County. http://www.simcoe.ca/dpt/fbl/about#ui-id-1

Huronia Museum – Looking Back 60 Years ago in North Simcoe – June 8th to 15th 1956

Click on photos to enlarge

While regular MPDHS students stayed home to prepare for exams, 243 public school pupils from the area visited the new school in Tay Township for orientation. Glendola Haliburton of Hillsdale tries her hand at the modern sewing machine in the home economics room while instructor Mrs. I. Rayner looks on. Watching are June Elliot of Parkview School, left, and Gail Brand of S.S. #8 Tay, Port Severn.

New instructor of instrumental music at MPDHS, W. A. “Bill” Bartlett explains the operation of the euphonium to local grade eight students during the recent orientation day at the new high school. Listening are Lynn Johnston, Regent School, Lois Cowan, Parkview, Yvonne Cheetham, Waubaushene and Ken Copeland, Hillsdale.

On the same orientation day Perkinsfield twins Lorraine and Ellen Lalonde enjoy lunch from their matching dinner pails. Daughters of Mr. & Mrs. Herb Lalonde.

Grade eight students visit the shop area of the new MPDHS while on orientation day. R. C. (Dick) Moffatt, instructor, explains the use of a “Brake” to bend metal to Orland French, Waverly, and Maurice Dusome, Penetang Public School, both seated and Tom Smith, Moore’s Corner and Winston Gillespie, Regent School.

The Martyr’s Shrine has an extensive program to increase the natural beauty of their large property on the Wye River. William Doney, head gardener digs the holes while his assistant George Leduc transplants white lilies along a newly opened path. At 72 Mr. Donley was assistant head gardener at a large Cornwall, England estate before taking up farming in Saskatchewan forty years ago. After one year of retirement he took on the job at the Shrine. The men have 1,500 bedding plants to put out in the next two weeks.

Eight pound nine ounce pickerel, one of forty caught by Ted Holder, pictured in the photo, Alex Smith and Harold Fox at the Port Severn lock last week using minnows. The men kept fourteen of the forty.

Jim Stephenson, who this week opened Midland’s newest industry, Bay Meat Packers on William Street, is seen in his large walk-in cooler surrounded by pork carcasses and freshly strung sausage.

Canadian Tire Store on Bay Street, built only a few years ago, has been completely remodeled to give a wide open effect on the display floor. Dave Finch, proprietor, checks fishing gear with manager Murray McComb.

Canadian Tire Store on Bay Street (north side of Bay between King and Midland Ave.) has been remodeled including the lawn and garden display. Vic Denise is seen arranging a display of the new style plastic garden hoses.

Eight graduates of the citizenship classes sponsored by the MPDHS School Board and held at the YMCA are seen with two of their teachers. Six achieved marks between 95 and 99 percent in English and civics and the other two were over 90 percent. Front left, Mrs. D. H. Wray instructor, Mrs. Frans Wensven, Mrs. J. W. Smith instructor, Mrs. Paul Wittig, Mrs. Guenther Hille, back row, Horst Befort, Frans Wensven, Frank Van Putte, Paul Wittig and Guenther Hille.

New Bank of Nova Scotia opens in Penetang June 11th on the site of the former Pen Bowling Alley.
J. S. Corcoran (Helen) was re-elected president of the Midland Home & School Association. She will be assisted by Mrs. Leonard Reynolds and Mrs. James Cowan.
Miss Barbara Hanes receives her nursing diploma from the RVH Nursing School in Barrie with a prize for the highest standard in bedside nursing. Iris Wilson and June Church, both of Midland, also graduated.
Eleven Cubs of the First Penetang Pack receive their first star and are considered to have “One eye open to wisdom”. Bill Robbins, Stephen Galt, David Hook, Harry O’Hearn, Donald Caughey, Rex Mason, Bob Binkley, Gary Bryant, Robert Larmand, Terry Lapere and Eddie Svoboda.
New vibrated cement blocks available at Penetang Concrete Products, Louis Gignac proprietor.
The old North Simcoe Baseball League disappeared from the sports picture at a meeting in Stayner Tuesday night. In its place, a Bruce League grouping will accommodate the Midland Indians, the lone survivor of the North Simcoe.
Delawana Center books seven conventions this summer.
Retreads by Gammon’s Tire Shop, 189 Dominion Ave, phone 1740.
Midlanders to use old phone books until dial system comes on line in July, other areas in the same book such as Barrie and Collingwood have the new book already.
The Phys-Ed department at MPDHS announced that participants in their programs will need to refrain from smoking entirely during the playing season. They are prepared to withdraw their teams from competition if needed.
Pepsi-Cola Canada has a full page ad thanking Midland and district for making their product the fastest growing beverage in Canada. Ad was placed by the Hinds Beverage Company Orillia.
National Employment Service office manager at Midland, Harold Humphries told this newspaper he has 40 unfilled jobs in applications from local employers and doesn’t know how they will be filled.
Three and a half year old Stewart Duncan, son of Mr. & Mrs. Russell Duncan, Midland Ave., is listed in satisfactory condition after being run over by a car on King Street and suffering multiple chest and head injuries.
Penetang Tourist Information booth moved to a new site at the entrance to town near the Penetang Bottling Company.
Expect 1,000 attendees at annual Alcoholics Anonymous picnic to be hosted by the Midland chapter and held for the ninth time at Little Lake Park.
Pete Lepage’s Eighty-Eight is almost ready to begin another season among the 30,000 Islands and features many improvements made over the winter.
Fifth drowning victim in the area and only the middle of June; 9 year old boys drowns in a pond near Waverly, two boys drowned in the open bay off Tiny Twp, one man drowned at the Musquosh River and another in Orr Lake.
Peggy Turcotte, nee Watson, wins award as a top ornamental swimmer in Toronto. Peggy holds swimming instructor certification and a silver medal in lifesaving.
TEN YEARS AGO THIS WEEK JUNE 1946 — Mayor William Thompson of Penetang informed council that considerable headway had been made with the Wartime Housing Corporation for the erection of 30 houses in Penetang, each to cost about $4,000.00. — Fuel dealers in Midland & Penetang were stock-piling wood for winter use as coal supplies from the United States appeared uncertain. — Citizens of North Simcoe communities were making a concerted drive for clothing, to be sent to destitute people in Europe.– An estimated $1,000.00 in cash and postal orders was stolen from the Elmvale Post Office.
An incensed gardener in Flos shoots three of his neighbours cattle after months of trying to stop them from entering his property. Fined $100.00.
Items from the Midland Public Schools Board monthly meeting; resignation of Alex Docherty accepted with regret, accounts totalling $14, 724.56 were ordered paid, truant officer was called once to Sixth Street School, twice to Parkview and nine times to Regent in the previous month, Parkview principal James Robinson was authorized to purchase two new radio record layers at a cost of $100.00, Fenton’s Welding were contracted to supply three 30 foot flagpoles at a cost of $208.35 and Don Brickett of Parry Sound and Leslie Davidson of RR 2 Midland were officially engaged on the full time teaching staff.
Victoria Harbour staff removed two fences along the public beach at Robbins Point Friday morning as directed by council, Friday afternoon they were back up, Sunday afternoon a group of irate citizens again removed them.
Embassy Theatre in Coldwater closes.
Auto Races every Saturday night under the lights at Wasaga Beach Speedway
Harbourmaster D. G. Hewis told this paper that the scheduled visit next Tuesday of the U.S. cruise ship North American had been cancelled.

Huronia Museum – Looking Back 60 Years ago in North Simcoe – June 1st to 7th 1956

Click on photos to enlarge

Lumberman’s Safety Association presents Joe Charlesbois a Turtle Club award certificate. Joe won the exclusive award while employed by Mr. Ed Copeland in forestry operations. A heavy limb fell 20 feet striking him on the head but he was saved by wearing his safety gear, the hard hat.

Gleaming OPP pennant displayed by Corporal Blake Ball will identify three new craft delivered by Grew Boats, Penetang, for service in Simcoe and Muskoka waters. The boats are the “Seamaster” type, 20 feet long with an 8 foot beam and 105 horsepower Buchanan motor giving speeds of 27 mph. One will be stationed in Midland, one in Baysville and one in Bracebridge.

Pat Ivey, a University of Western Ontario student holds one of the native masks that will be on display this summer at the Y’s Men’s Club Indian Village in the Little Lake Park.

Mrs. D. H. Wray and Mrs. W. H. Cranston arrange Iroquoian masks in preparation for the opening of Huronia House Museum on June 1st for the 1956 season.

Tom Shaughnessy Sr. caught this seventeen pound, forty inch pike Sunday while fishing with Murray Wagg and Joe Trottier near Fred Hewitt’s Camp in the Minnicog area. Tom Shaughnessy Jr. stands beside his granddad Robert Thompson of Waubaushene who is holding the fish which is almost as long as Tommy is tall.

Eight pound, twenty seven inch Pickerel caught on Sunday by Bev Day above the locks at Port Severn using a minnow from the dock. His mates Ted Holder and Alex Smith caught three between them.

Midland Penetang Huronias play in the Simcoe Soccer Association league, team members are; front row, Andy Clapperton, Wolfgang Jaenisch, Ernst Schneider, Eugen Engelsberger, Siegfried Zingel; back row, Karl Lehr, Gerd Dobkowitz, Wilhelm Schwartz, Berhard Baumann, Rudolph Sindermann and Horst Hasenier.

The formal gardens at the CPR passenger dock in Port McNicoll are readied for another season. Mike Tersigni, assistant to head gardener John Bell, does the work. Staff are inspired by Superintendant S. F. Malin’s interest in the gardens.

Mrs. N. J. Carlson chairman of the CLGU par committee for the Ontario Division has just knocked four strokes off the official ladies par at the Midland Golf & Country Club which now stands at a tough 72. Front row, Mrs. F. H. Bell, Mrs. Carlson, Mrs. Ken Lewis, Miss Jean Wallace, Mrs. Verne Wilson, back row, Bob Sandow, former pro at the club, Mrs. Sandow, Bob Sandow’s father Marc, Mrs. Charles White and Mrs. Gord Moss.

Mary Ann Charlesbois, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. P. Charlesbois, Penetang, received her degree of Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Toronto last Friday and will practice in Toronto.
Penetang merchants find the change from Saturday to Friday night opening has not hurt their trade and in some cases such as the grocery store, business has increased.
At the Roxy, “Guys & Dolls” with Marlon Brando, Frank Sinatra, Jean Simmons and Vivian Blaine. “Forever Darling” with Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz.
At the Pen, “The Naked Spur” with James Stewart and Janet Leigh. “You’re Never Too Young” with Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis.
Kenneth Wells and Lucille Oille return from their 6,000 mile journey in “Moonstruck ll” their 18 foot outboard cruiser. Leaving Toronto last November, the Wells cruised down the Ohio River to the Mississippi, to New Orleans, Gulf of Mexico and Florida. After spending six weeks in the Caribbean they headed up the inland waterway to New York, the Hudson River, Erie Canal, Buffalo, Welland Canal to Toronto. As the Trent-Severn waterway is closed, the boat will be returned to Midland by truck.
Pro wrestling returns to the Arena Gardens Monday June 4th and every Monday night. Main event is Pat O’Connor vs. Fred Atkins.
Ad rates for the Midland Free Press and the weekend County Herald are .75 cents for the first 15 words and extra words are .03 cents each.
Coldwater Dairy ups the price of milk by 2 cents per quart, from 18 to 20 cents, citing increased cost of production.
Victoria Harbour council orders cottagers to remove fences obstructing beach front at Point Beach. (Robbins Point)
Leo “Lefty” St. Amant has been promoted from parts department manager to salesman at Gropp Motors, joining Ken Tannahill on the sales team.
Alex Docherty, for seven years the supervisor of music in Midland’s public schools and high school, and organist and choirmaster at St. Paul’s United Church, has resigned. Mr. Docherty will take up new duties at Simcoe District High School in September. Main reason for moving was the loss of vocal music beyond grade nine in Midland.
“Heavy Rains Cut Runnels in Tiny Roads” (In sixty years many words have fallen out of common use in Canada, including runnels. The Free Press often uses the word “yeggs” to describe burglars.)
Unable to purchase the final two properties needed to build a road from Hwy 27 to the new high school, Tiny Township has started expropriation procedures.
25 YEARS AGO, June 1931 — The Ralph Budd docked at the Midland Simcoe Elevator with a cargo of wheat from Fort William. She towed the Glen Bogie also loaded with wheat. It was her fourth trip in a month. — Two softball fields had been constructed in Little Lake Park for the use of campers. — The Bijou Theatre in Penetang had announced its re-opening date. The renovated theatre had installed sound equipment. Leslie Letherby, brother of owner Arthur E. Letherby of Barrie, was to be manager. — A resident of Port McNicoll for nine years, Gabriel Gardy was electrocuted when he attempted to cut power on a switchboard near the docks. — The Letherby-Terry-Nicholson mill was to be reopened . Between 140 and 150 men were to be employed for several months.
First orientation day set for 240 grade eight students to visit MPDHS. Regular students will be home studying for exams (maybe).
Tests made by the Simcoe County Health Unit revealed that the water in Little Lake is in A-1 condition. Tests were taken in eight locations.
County Road 6 between Elmvale and Penetang to be paved.
Huronia Museum opens June 1st for the season with curator Arthur Douglas Tushingham and Dr. Arthur Douglas Tushingham, director of Archeology at the Royal Ontario Museum, performing the ceremonies.
Do you remember “Sunbeam Bread” with Miss Sunbeam on the wrapper.
Announcing the opening of a Brewer’s Retail at Port Severn June 1st.
Midland Citizens Band will perform in their new uniforms Tuesday evening when they march from the band hall at Dominion and Midland Avenues to the Parkside Inn where they will perform concert.
Highways Minister James Allan has let tenders for the grading, culverts and granular base on Highway 103 from Waubaushene to Port Severn. Contractors are now engaged in re-surfacing Highway 12 between Waubaushene and Midland and into Port McNicoll.

Huronia Museum – Looking Back 60 Years ago in North Simcoe – May 24th to 31st 1956

Click on images to enlarge

1994 0132 0069 Msgr Castex 85th Monsignor Castex celebrates his 60th anniversary in the priesthood. Over 100 clergy of the Roman Catholic Church attended. Most Rev. B. I. Webster, D.D. Bishop of Peterborough, Rt. Rev. J. M. Castex, James Cardinal McGuigan of Toronto and Rt. Rev. E. Brennan Toronto, toastmaster.

85 year old Monsignor Castex at a reception for his 60th Anniversary in the priesthood. Chatting with Crown Attorney Wm. Thompson, QC. (Monsignor Castex died in 1971 at age 99.)

Mr. A. L. Fitzgerald’s retirement as superintendent of Beatty Bros. Foundry. Mr. Fitzgerald is speaking to Alf Atkins, on left, one of three men who were working at Beatty Bros. when Mr. Fitzgerald started 32 years ago. The other two were Jack Russell and Archie Cote.

Girl Guide Cookies. Doreen Moreau, 2nd Midland Guides, Mrs. Thomas Shaughnessy district commissioner and Ann Davidson 3rd Midland Brownie Pack get ready for the annual event which takes place in Midland this Saturday.

Looking deserted because of the unseasonable weather is John Deako’s (Johnny fries) new park store at Little Lake. All cement block construction is a big improvement over the wooden booth that occupied the site for many years. Band shell in the background.

Seventy year old Mrs. Midas King was found by her son Clifford at Basswood Point on Gloucester Pool Channel early Sunday afternoon. Wet from the rain and wearing only her underclothes and no shoes she was found some eight air miles from her home, she had been missing for over 48 hours.

Searchers helping to locate Mrs. Midas King, nee Simons, near Honey Harbour over the weekend. Soldiers from Base Borden, local police, neighbours and relatives all tromped the wet bush between Honey Harbour and Gloucester Pool. Mrs. King had been spotted twice over the three days in the area of the new Trans Canada Highway and was finally found by her son Clifford near Gloucester Pool Channel. Andy Simons Mrs. Kings brother, Adam King, Mrs. Dave Tobey (a sister), Mrs. Violet Simons and Larry Simons.

Sixty-six members of the RCASC (Royal Canadian Army Service Corps) School at Camp Borden regroup to resume the search for Mrs. Midas King along the route of the new Trans Canada Highway north of Port Severn.

Excavator owned by contractor Thomas G. Wilcox & Sons loads waiting dump trucks as they prepare the site of the new municipal building on Dominion Ave.

Top athletes at MPDHS honoured at an awards banquet in the new cafeteria Thursday night. Marlene Gouett was the top girls athlete and Mel Windover the most valuable player on the senior boys basketball team.

Five MPDHS athletes receive their letter at the athletic dinner Thursday night. Letter awards are based on an accumulation of points over your high school career. Carol Cowan, Judy McIntyre, Frank Holmes, Bob Marshall and Bruce Calvert. Not present, Angela Cronin.

Donna Kinnear (Mrs. Jim Nicholson) receives the J. J. Robins trophy for competition between Georgian Bay Schools junior basketball teams from Mr. Robins the former MDHS principal. Donna is the captain of the Midland team which won this past season. Since first awarded in 1935-36 Midland has won it all but six times.

Result of a crash on Bay Street early Saturday morning, two identical model cars with near identical damage. Total cost was estimated at $1,400.00 by Midland police.

Midland council OK’s $27,000.00 contract to repave Kings Street from the town limits to the CNR tracks; from King west on Yonge to Fifth; from King west on Bay to Fourth and thence north to the junction of Vinden Street and the county road. Brennan Paving Co. will begin immediately as they are now completing the paving of Highway 27 from Wyebridge to Elmvale.
Three seaman’s unions sign new wage agreement with the Lake Carriers Association after a nine day strike. 5,000 men are affected by the new agreement that sees the monthly rate for a deckhand go from $190 to $284.
Tourist promotion fizzles, 21 Midland merchants met a week ago and enthusiastically called for a promotion planning meeting Thursday morning but only four members showed up.
Georgian Bay Hunters and Anglers members plant five thousand Scots Pine and one thousand permanent trees including Larch and White Pine on their new club site below the Martyr’s Shrine.
Tomato plants and a good selection of annuals for sale at Vivian Gardens, 365 Hugel Ave. W.
Waitresses wanted, both full time and summer help, Totem Pole, Penetang.
Last of a series of narratives written by Rev. James Evans, a Methodist missionary, 120 years ago. “Called to Council, the Ottawa’s and Chippewa’s , each of whom claimed the Munnedoolin Island, relinquished the same on condition that the Governor should secure it to both and their heirs forever. It was likewise proposed that the Chippewa’s from Saugeeng should relinquish all title to their extensive territory on Lake Huron, retaining only the peninsula between the said lake and the Georgian Bay, the line to commence at the bottom of Owen’s Sound and to extend directly across the peninsula. Thus the Indians again were removed from the spot to them dearest on earth and constrained to give place to those who, receiving greater encouragement, make consequently greater improvement.” Rev. James Evans took exception to a great many statements in Sir Francis Head’s official reports regarding these transactions and published a series of articles in the April 11 and May 9, 1838 issues of the Christian Guardian.
For the first time in the history of organized ski competitions in Canada, one club has been granted the Canadian Championship two years running. Midland Ski Resorts Limited will again host the Canadian ski jumping contests February 23 and 24, 1957.
Ten Years Ago – 1946- A Tiger Moth plane, en route from Oshawa to the Muskoka Airport, made a forced landing in the field back of Regent School; The Small Holdings Branch of the Department of Veterans Affairs announced the purchase of the 43 acre M. J. McCullough farm on Highway 12 (Yonge Street) west of Midland. The land was to sub-divided into 2 acre lots for a veteran’s housing development; Midland High School track star Doug Kettle captured three firsts in an Ontario Athletic Commission meet at Geneva Park, Orillia. With entry limited to three events, Doug chose high jump, running broad and hop step and jump, easily winning all three; The SS Capt. George Hindman ran aground on a sand bar at the entrance to Midland harbour; Henry Gauthier, 34 year old Penetang veteran, was appointed Indian agent at the Christian Island Reserve.
Cartoon section of this weeks paper includes Blondie, Muggs and Skeeter, Elsworth and POGO.
Over 400 attend the unveiling Sunday afternoon in Bradford the plaque honouring Prof. W. H. Day. originator of the Holland Marsh.
Midland Council orders dog catcher Jos. Proulx to crack down on dogs running loose. Any dog unclaimed within 24 hours will be destroyed.
Deaths on Simcoe County roads totalled 45 in 1955 and 1,111 provincially. (In 2015 there were 299 deaths on OPP patrolled roads in Ontario. There were 1.5 million vehicles registered in Ontario in 1955, in 2015 there were 11.5 million.)
Penetang Bottling Co. Ltd. announces the new “King-Size” bottle. King-Size, 6 bottles for 41 cents and Standard-Size, 6 bottles for 36 cents (plus deposit). Actual volume of the bottles is not given in the ad.
Boyce Garage at 190 Dominion Ave E. is advertising the new Studebaker models.
87% of Ontario farms are served by electricity in 1956
Anthony Van Steedon, 41, captain of Toronto furrier Jack Creed’s luxury yacht drowns in the Haystack Rapids on the Musquosh River, local Capt. T. O. Light survives as their small boat capsizes.

Click on images to enlarge

85 year old Monsignor Castex at a reception for his 60th Anniversary in the priesthood. Chatting with Crown Attorney Wm. Thompson, QC. (Monsignor Castex died in 1971 at age 99.)

Excavator owned by contractor Thomas G. Wilcox & Sons loads waiting dump trucks as they prepare the site of the new municipal building on Dominion Ave.

Result of a crash on Bay Street early Saturday morning, two identical model cars with near identical damage. Total cost was estimated at $1,400.00 by Midland police.

Midland council OK’s $27,000.00 contract to repave Kings Street from the town limits to the CNR tracks; from King west on Yonge to Fifth; from King west on Bay to Fourth and thence north to the junction of Vinden Street and the county road. Brennan Paving Co. will begin immediately as they are now completing the paving of Highway 27 from Wyebridge to Elmvale.
Three seaman’s unions sign new wage agreement with the Lake Carriers Association after a nine day strike. 5,000 men are affected by the new agreement that sees the monthly rate for a deckhand go from $190 to $284.
Tourist promotion fizzles, 21 Midland merchants met a week ago and enthusiastically called for a promotion planning meeting Thursday morning but only four members showed up.
Georgian Bay Hunters and Anglers members plant five thousand Scots Pine and one thousand permanent trees including Larch and White Pine on their new club site below the Martyr’s Shrine.
Tomato plants and a good selection of annuals for sale at Vivian Gardens, 365 Hugel Ave. W.
Waitresses wanted, both full time and summer help, Totem Pole, Penetang.
Last of a series of narratives written by Rev. James Evans, a Methodist missionary, 120 years ago. “Called to Council, the Ottawa’s and Chippewa’s , each of whom claimed the Munnedoolin Island, relinquished the same on condition that the Governor should secure it to both and their heirs forever. It was likewise proposed that the Chippewa’s from Saugeeng should relinquish all title to their extensive territory on Lake Huron, retaining only the peninsula between the said lake and the Georgian Bay, the line to commence at the bottom of Owen’s Sound and to extend directly across the peninsula. Thus the Indians again were removed from the spot to them dearest on earth and constrained to give place to those who, receiving greater encouragement, make consequently greater improvement.” Rev. James Evans took exception to a great many statements in Sir Francis Head’s official reports regarding these transactions and published a series of articles in the April 11 and May 9, 1838 issues of the Christian Guardian.
For the first time in the history of organized ski competitions in Canada, one club has been granted the Canadian Championship two years running. Midland Ski Resorts Limited will again host the Canadian ski jumping contests February 23 and 24, 1957.
Ten Years Ago – 1946- A Tiger Moth plane, en route from Oshawa to the Muskoka Airport, made a forced landing in the field back of Regent School; The Small Holdings Branch of the Department of Veterans Affairs announced the purchase of the 43 acre M. J. McCullough farm on Highway 12 (Yonge Street) west of Midland. The land was to sub-divided into 2 acre lots for a veteran’s housing development; Midland High School track star Doug Kettle captured three firsts in an Ontario Athletic Commission meet at Geneva Park, Orillia. With entry limited to three events, Doug chose high jump, running broad and hop step and jump, easily winning all three; The SS Capt. George Hindman ran aground on a sand bar at the entrance to Midland harbour; Henry Gauthier, 34 year old Penetang veteran, was appointed Indian agent at the Christian Island Reserve.
Cartoon section of this weeks paper includes Blondie, Muggs and Skeeter, Elsworth and POGO.
Over 400 attend the unveiling Sunday afternoon in Bradford the plaque honouring Prof. W. H. Day. originator of the Holland Marsh.
Midland Council orders dog catcher Jos. Proulx to crack down on dogs running loose. Any dog unclaimed within 24 hours will be destroyed.
Deaths on Simcoe County roads totalled 45 in 1955 and 1,111 provincially. (In 2015 there were 299 deaths on OPP patrolled roads in Ontario. There were 1.5 million vehicles registered in Ontario in 1955, in 2015 there were 11.5 million.)
Penetang Bottling Co. Ltd. announces the new “King-Size” bottle. King-Size, 6 bottles for 41 cents and Standard-Size, 6 bottles for 36 cents (plus deposit). Actual volume of the bottles is not given in the ad.
Boyce Garage at 190 Dominion Ave E. is advertising the new Studebaker models.
87% of Ontario farms are served by electricity in 1956
Anthony Van Steedon, 41, captain of Toronto furrier Jack Creed’s luxury yacht drowns in the Haystack Rapids on the Musquosh River, local Capt. T. O. Light survives as their small boat capsizes.

Huronia Museum – Looking Back 60 Years ago in North Simcoe – May 8th to 15th 1956

Click on photos to enlarge

Girls Corps at MPDHS marched on the field during the annual cadet inspection on what was a very cold afternoon for shorts and a blouse. Leaders of the corps; front row, Sylvia White, Vera Sibbald, Simone Beauchamp, Betty Binkley, Doris Hyde, Murielle Martin; back row, Marie Lepage, Jean King, Hazel Boucher, Lucille Duquette, Ruth Gibson and Marita Lalonde. (Short hair was in)

Dancing around the Maypole was one of the highlights featured during a program in the MPDHS gym following the annual cadet inspection Wednesday afternoon. Performers included, Ann Williams, Carol Cowan, Trine Ulrichsen, Kathleen Vincent, Nancy Jardine, Helen Parker, Linda Contois, Pat Fraser, JoAnn Holmes, Diane Ball, Ruth Humphries, Pat Fitzgerald, Dorthea Reynolds, Barbara Piitz, Jackie Jenkinson and Frances Marchant, directed by Miss Barbara Murphy.

Getting bigger every year, the MPDHS Cadet Corps is seen at their annual inspection on the playing field of the school. Some cadets had to appear in partial uniform due to the increase in numbers. At a meeting the same day a motion was approved to increase the size of the corps from 235 to 350. The Girls Corp can be seen in white sweaters to the right. Also attending was the Midland Citizens Band and a platoon of Sea Cadets. (Many of the houses in the background along Yonge St. were constructed by military veterans of WW 11 under the Veteran’s Land Act of 1942. Over 140,000 ex-servicemen took advantage of the low cost long term loans. Recently a new subdivision was started on the vacant property shown here and the heavy hardwood bush that grew up on this open field over 60 years was cut down. Also note the ski jump towering on the horizon.)

A feature of the annual cadet inspection at MPDHS was a gymnastics display under the direction of instructor Doug Swales. Mel Windover and Gary Baker are seen flying over six of their mates.

Philip Arbour Post Master at Victoria Harbour for the past 28 years, right, has reached retirement age. A Harbour resident for 60 years Mr. Arbour meets with Ken Pelletier his successor.

Field secretary for the CNIB, Wm. Murdoch, Mrs. A. H. Tweedle, past president of the Midland Canadian Club and Doug McMillan, president of the Unamous Hi-Y Boys, chat after Mrs. Tweedle had officially opened the boys tea in the YMCA Saturday afternoon. The tea and bake sale funds were donated to the CNIB. ( I suspect this photo is reversed as four people appear to be left handed.)

A familiar landmark at Midland’s Little Lake Park the old log cabin is being removed completely. A gift from the late Dr. Garnett E. Tanner, it served as the post office for the campers for a number of years and was then made into living quarters.

Mike Dion of the Columbus Jets gets a hit as the season gets underway for Midland Lions Club Little Baseball League. Catcher for the Montreal Royals is Johnny Thomas and the umpire is Fred Scott.

1994 0132 0030 Coke Plant

1994 0132 0031 Coke Plant

Huge new bottling machine installed recently at the Penetang Bottling Co. turns out soft drinks at the rate of 240 cases an hour, a 50 percent increase over previous equipment. Process starts with the top photo where Ed Charlesbois is shown putting full cases of bottles onto the endless belt which takes them through the washer. A pneumatic machine lifts all 24 bottles from the case at one time. The delivery end of the washer is shown in the second photo, where bottles travel past an inspection point with Mrs. Phillip Quesnelle (nee Exilda Contois) shown searching for dirty, chipped or broken bottles. Heart of the whole machine, third photo, is where the bottles receive a charge of syrup, then a charge of water and carbonation and finally the all important cap. The last photo is the delivery line where half way along the mixer turns the bottles over and over to thoroughly mix the contents. At the far end Martin Quigley takes the bottles from a turntable and places them into a case for delivery.

Official sod turning for Midland’s new municipal building on Dominion Ave, former site of Central Public School. Mayor Charles Parker did the honours about 5:15 PM Monday evening using a gold or was it bronze handled shovel. James Clarkson, H. G. W. Paice, L. R. Diver, Neville Keefe, Mrs. Paice, Mrs. Ross Willett (Pat Carroll), Robert Cripps, alderman Ossie Downer, Charles Onley, Clint Smith, Bill Logan, R.G. Gilles, contractor Alfred Rei and deputy reeve Bill Cranston.

Seventeen teen aged drivers turned out to take the Midland Jaycee’s Road-e-o course at the town dock. Drivers had to complete various maneuvers and tests during the competition, a large crowd turned out despite the poor weather. Norm Eisenberg was the overall winner and will advance to the regional finals in Woodstock.

Commencing May 25th Penetang stores will be open late Friday nights instead of Saturday.
Workmen’s Compensation premiums to become mandatory for retailers, January 1, 1957.
25 YEARS AGO this week– Canadian Department Stores celebrating its third year of operation in Midland, employed a staff of fourteen under management of Larry Barnum and was located at Bay and King Streets. — Midland Steam Laundry and Bon Marche Manufacturing Company, owned and operated by N. K. Wagg, re-opened with modern equipment following a fire which destroyed the former plants. — The Ontario Government decided to proceed with construction of two buildings for the mentally insane at Penetang at a cost of $500,000.00 and planned removal of all criminally insane from Guelph to Penetang, leaving Guelph to be used as a reformatory for first offenders. — James Hamilton died at Orr Lake at 90 years of age on the farm owned by his father and operated as a wayside inn for travellers in the district’s pioneer days (Penetanguishene Road). — Midland Kiwanis Club provided more than 10,000 bottles of milk to various Midland schools and 30 members undertook supervision of 30 boys as part of their good citizenship training.
Excerpt from a narrative written by Methodist missionary Rev. James Evans which first appeared in the Christian Guardian September 28th, 1836 and was re-published in eight parts in the County Herald under the title “Mission Tour on Lake Huron”. Monday August the 8th Munnedoolin Island: This morning the ground, excepting the bark wigwaums and red faces reminded one of a fair in the happiest of lands; — all astir, walking, running and in high glee. But there is one difference which has been a subject of remark among us – that among about 2,000 adults, we have never heard an angry word, or seen an angry look; much less have any of them come to blows, either in anger or diversion. About sixteen hundred men, women and children received their presents from the British Government. In this manner the Indians were annually supplied with clothing and many had spent nearly the whole summer months in journeying to the place of distribution. What was distributed; Deserving Chiefs, 2 1/2 yds woolen cloth, 1/2 yd stroud (a course woolen fabric), 3 yds linen, 1 three point blanket, 1 cotton shawl, 1 oz thread, 4 needles, 1 comb, 1 awl, 1 knife, 4 lbs tobacco, 3 lbs ball, 9 lbs shot, 4 lbs powder, 6 gun flints and if needed a gun. Deserving Warriors: 2 1/2 yds rateen (a course loosely woven cloth), 2 1/2 yds cotton, 1/2 oz thread, 3 lbs tobacco, 2 lbs ball, 7 lbs shot, 3 lbs powder, 4 flints and 1 blanket. Common Warriors: Same as last except 1 lb less tobacco. Deserving Women (being the wives of chiefs or warriors who had been in actual service during the late war): One 2 1/2 point blanket, 2 1/2 yds cloth, 1 1/4 yds molton ( a twill fabric with a velvet like nap on one side) , 2 1/2 yds printed calico, 1 oz thread, 4 needles, 1 awl, 1 knife and 1 comb. The remainder of the women received the same except lesser quantities. Boys from 10 to 15 years of age: One two point blanket, 1/2 yard rateen, 1/2 yd stroud, 2 yds cotton. Boys from 5 to 9 years of age: 3/4 yd caddies (?), 1/4 yd stroud, 1 1/2 yds cotton and one 1 point and a half blanket. Girls 10 to 15 years of age: 3/4 yard caddies, 1 1/4 yd stroud, one 2 point blanket and 2 yds calico. Girls 5 to 9 yers of age: 1/2 yd caddies, 3/4 yd stroud, 1 1/2 yd calico and one point and a half blanket. Children under 5: 1/2 yd stroud, 1 yd calico and one 1 point blanket. Pork and flour was also distributed to all.
Description of Hudson Bay Point Blankets from Wikipedia: The short black lines woven into the blanket just above the bottom set of stripes are referred to as “points.” About four inches in length (except in the case of half points, which are two inches), they indicate the finished overall size (area) of a blanket and allow a blanket’s size to be easily determined while remaining folded. The “point” system was invented by French weavers in the mid-18th-century since then, as now, blankets were shrunk as part of the manufacturing process. The word point derives from the French empointer, meaning “to make threaded stitches on cloth.” Although the company had been selling blankets since its founding in 1670, the first Hudson’s Bay “pointed” blankets appeared in 1780. A four point blanket today is approximately a double bed size.

Huronia Museum – Looking Back 60 Years ago in North Simcoe – April 16th to 30th 1956

Click on photos to enlarge

IGA grocery store promotion of fresh Florida oranges comes to Regent Public School. Ruth Newman, Miss Florida Sunshine, distributes oranges to every child in Midland primary classes. Brenda Dalziel and Shirley Hornsby and teachers Bill Barnett and Mac Wilson watch from behind.

Mrs. M. Adamson celebrating her 85th birthday on April 12. She has been a Midland resident for 20 years.

Hero of Dieppe where he won the V.C., Major John W. Foote, minister of Reform Institutions for Ontario has agreed to establish a pilot project for a conservation farm in North Simcoe at a meeting in Midland Thursday night. Greeted here in the Midtown Motel by Simcoe North MPP Lloyd Letherby of Coldwater, left, and Reeve Fisher Ganton, center, whose Medonte Township is ideal for the project. This is a reform school for juvenile delinquents, know to us as Camp Hillsdale.

Eugene Ladoucer, left Midland for British Columbia in 1907 and this is his first trip back home since then. He visits with his brother Peter, on the right, of 173 Lindsay Street. A sister, Jenny, Mrs. Joe Lefaive of Perkinsfield was surprised to see her brother. The three are the only survivors of 5 boys and four girls of Mr. & Mrs. Eugene Ladoucer Sr., originally from Cedar Point. Eugene has had his own cattle ranch near Kamloops most of his working life.

Young players from MPDHS perform the play “Happy Journey” in the hall at St. Paul’s United Church part of a district high school drama festival. Patsy Perrin greets bride and groom Vera Sibbald and Dennis Murphy and their attendants in the back seat, Anne Shiels and Frank Okenka.

“Happy Journey” had a happy ending Friday night for these students from MPDHS when their play won the top award in the Georgian Bay Drama Festival staged at St. Paul’s auditorium. Dennis Murphy, Frank Okenka, Anne Shiels, Wayne Parker, Patsy Perrin and Vera Sibbald.

Three area sightless citizens are seen at the Midland YMCA receiving knitting instruction from Miss Emily Philpott of the Barrie CNIB office. Meetings are held every two weeks. Seated are; Mrs. George Smallwood, Midland; Miss Georgina Robitaille, Penetang; Miss Cassie Campbell, Midland.

John Fraser, veteran Scottish baker loves living and working in Midland. John came here in 1924 and worked for A. W. Ruby. When Ruby sold to Ontario Bakers John moved to Timmins returning in 1926 when Ruby got back into business. He worked in Toronto during the war returning to Midland he worked for Art Fry, Stoneburghs and finally Burnies on Elizabeth Street.

1950 model car pulled from the bay Sunday at the Simcoe Elevator slip. Owned by Leonard Archer of Elmvale who had parked it 66 feet away from the water while he visited a friend on board a freighter only to be notified it had rolled into the bay. The ship crushed the roof as it moved away from the dock and the car is a right off. The location is behind Boyd’s service station on the south east corner of Yonge and King Streets. Good view of the entrance to Wagg’s Laundry on Yonge Street.

Permanent paving coming for Penetang streets. Province to fund 50% of the five mile project and 80% of the replacement of the bridge over Copeland Creek. Councillor Ray MacDonald explained that doing a larger project reduced the cost and that a 20 year debenture would be used. It currently costs $4,500.00 per year to oil the streets.
Shirley Ann Thompson, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Robert Thompson, Midland, marries James Albert Park, son of Mrs. and the late J. H. Park, Midland. The flower girl was the grooms niece Mary Jane Park. March 24th at the Calvary Baptist Church, Midland.
$15,000.00 bequest from the estate of Emily A. Bryson gives hope that St. Andrew’s Hospital may break even this year.
Public Utilities Commission in Midland studies a proposal to meter water to town residents.
Georgian Bay Hunters and Anglers plans to proceed with scheduled projects on its 50 acre property below the Shrine, President Bill Russell revealed. Plans include a club house, trout ponds and reforestation.
Construction started on Wednesday April 18th of the new County Aged Home by local contractor W. G. How, estimated cost, $275,000.00. Emery Electric will do the electrical, George Price & Co. of Coldwater the plumbing, W. Lalonde of Midland will do the painting and decorating. Percy Crawford of Midland will superintend the project.
Polio shots available to all elementary students in the County this year, with parental consent.
Mostyn’s advertising two stores to serve you, 234 and 238 King Street.
Hay selling for $20 to $25 per ton this spring in North Simcoe.
Public Notice – Parking meters will be in operation in Midland, Monday, April 30th. (they still put them away every winter)
Door to door peanut canvas by the Midland Y’s Men’s Club to raise money for playground equipment.
Public Notice – All putrid and decaying animal or vegetable matter shall be removed from all cellars, buildings, out-buildings and yards on or before the 1st day of May each year. Simcoe County Board of Health
Midland Community Concert Association holds last event Monday night, advent of television blamed for declining numbers. Soprano Ethel Barrymore Colt headlined the final event.

Huronia Museum – Looking Back 60 Years ago in North Simcoe – April 8th to 15th 1956

Click on photo to enlarge

With several of her sister ships, CSL’s Stadacona ploughed her way through thick ice fields Thursday and headed for the lakehead. The Georgian Bay cleared Port McNicoll harbour at 5:00 PM Wednesday. One ship is already reported Midland bound with grain for the empty elevators.

Midland’s only championship winning hockey team this season is seen in the lobby of the Georgian Hotel having just returned from Parry Sound Saturday night. They won the junior OHA section of the provincial Little Hockey League finals. Front row, Bill Argue, Doug Scott, Cecil Merkley, Jim Cleaver, Mike Dubeau; seated on chesterfield, Barry McIlvarey, Willard Perrault, Jim Dubeau, John Swan captain, Dennis Abbott, Wayne Holden, Chester Graham; standing, Jerry Beteau, Morley Bath, Paul Devillers, Herbie Wright and Doug Faint. Men at rear, Rev. Len Self, Jack Doughty, Clare Holden and Jack Gouett.

Joanne Cruise, dressed up as a lady bug for the Midland Figure Skating Club’s annual carnival sponsored by the Midland Lions Club.

Two senior members of the Midland Figure Skating Club drew rounds of applause for their performance in the “Ice Follies of 1956” sponsored by the Midland Lions Club. Mary Ann Nicholson and Donna Kinnear.

“Midland Ice Follies of 1956” tin soldiers give a snappy salute, Kennedy Self and David Walker.

Many hours of hard work by parents goes into costumes for a skating carnival. Midland Figure Skating Club participants Lorraine Jones, Jane Moss and Dianne Marcellus make convincing fairies.

“Men About Town” seen at the Midland Figure Skating Club’s “Ice Follies for 1956” Friday and Saturday night are Linda Stewart and Judy Hack.

Scout leaders John Reynolds and Jack O’Hara of Penetang chat with conservation expert Stan Hudson of the Ontario Department of Lands and Forests after a conservation rally at the Parkside Inn last week. Mr. Hudson was the chief speaker.

Theophile Fortier (left) had been working on the CPR railway for 44 years when this photo was taken inside the locomotive shop in Port McNicoll Friday afternoon. He is receiving a wallet, with cash, from Jack R. Lloyd division master mechanic on the occasion of his retirement. Mr. Fortier was raised on a farm on Conc. 19, Tiny Twp. and has worked for the railway since March 17, 1916.

After 25 years as a Great Lakes captain Charles H. Cole had never earned a “topper” for opening the season in any port until this year. First into Sault Ste. Marie, Port Arthur and now Port McNicoll. The master of the John E. F. Misener of the Colonial Steamship Ltd. shakes hands with Reeve Albert Calvert, while Chief Engineer J. H. McCleverty of Wales Ont. and councillor Jack Fisher look on. The Misener delivered 600,000 bushels of wheat to the almost empty elevator.

Elmvale Bantam team were runner-ups in the Ontario Minor Hockey Association finals, both the first place Juvenile team and the Bantams will be given jackets at a banquet to be held in the community hall April 25th. Team members front row; Raeburn Lawson, Andy Copeland, Bill Hogg the captain holding the Harold Dunk Trophy, Elvin Frankcom, Earl Spring; middle row, Russell Ritchie, Nelson Jordan, Ross Heacock, Bill Large; back row, C. M. French manager, Ed Bumstead, Sky Flotron, Bob Greenlaw and Larry Simpson. Absent, Tory Stevens.

It’s a long way to Peterborough where members of the Midland Hi-Y Club attended a convention of clubs in the canoe city. Bob McIntyre, Sandra Kettle, Bob Thompson, Helen Smith, Bev Day and Jane Bell. Bob Megaw and Shirley Perrin also attended.

George Ingram stokes his evaporator and fills his maple syrup tins in his sugar shack at the end of Hugel Avenue as he has for thirty years. His sugar bush is soon to become the site of MPDHS.

Syrup – Oui, Maple – Non, Canned Cane. One gallon cans of coloured cane sugar labelled in French are being sold as maple syrup locally, better to buy from local sugar bushes.
Midland PUC and Local 1932 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers signed their first agreement Friday afternoon. Signing for the workers was Morland Mount, Lloyd Alsopp and Elgin West.
Midland Housing Authority is having trouble with wet basements in the new low rental housing development on Donalda Street.
$200,000 subdivision for west end of Midland, builder to start Monday. Russell J. Peever, general contractor from Weston and local real-estate agent V. B. Strickland plan to build seventeen three bedroom brick homes in the Ingram subdivision opposite the new high school. Two versions, one at $11,200 (38 x 26) and a larger home for $11,700, (41 x 25).
Waverly youth, Warren K. French wins $800.00 bursary, he will pursue his post graduate studies in organic chemistry.
Didace Grise announces the construction of 24 more suites at the Delawana Inn this year bringing the total capacity to 250 guests.
A list of all the citizens, organizations and businesses that contributed to the new hospital building fund in 1956 was printed in the April 13th paper along with the amount donated.

Huronia Museum – Looking Back 60 Years ago in North Simcoe – April 1st to 7th 1956

Click on photos to enlarge

Easter Sunday proved a perfect day to parade your Easter finery, these girls were on their way to church. Margaret Cadeau, Anne Doran and Colleen Pearson.

Mary McFarland was crowned queen of the Adelphi Hi-Y dance at the Midland YMCA Thursday night, she is seen with some of the many prizes she won, which were later stolen from her parent’s car on the main street.

Prior to Easter, public and separate school children in the area were introduced to Elmer the safety elephant under a program set up by the Midland & District Safety Council and sponsored by the Simcoe County Police Association. Children were given talks by local policemen and shown films on the latest safety measures. In front of Regent Public School student Barbara Kirkpatrick admires Elmer’s cape. Provincial constable Tom Heels, Midland Constable Ray Atkinson, chairman of the council, and Sgt. John Clarke of the CPR Police, Port McNicoll, with Regent principal Morgan (Orson) Lewis.

Hundreds of kids turned out for the second annual Midland Y’s Men’s Club Easter egg hunt in Little Lake Park Saturday. Medal discs with multiple perforations were spread throughout the park and when found were exchanged for candy. Big winners were Billy Ward, 6 year old son of Mr. & Mrs. Dalton Ward and Nancy Wilson, 10 year old daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Don Wilson. Both received a large box of candy. A big chocolate egg went to second place winners Lorne Fenton, David Lamb, Ron Sharpe and Jerry Beteau. Every child taking part in the hunt received a lollipop.

Midland firemen prepare to enter a second story window at the home of Mrs. Ed Puddicombe, 189 George Street, which caught fire Thursday morning. The eighty year old widow who lived alone was able to get out when an overheated chimney caught fire. Mrs. Puddicombe had returned the night before from Toronto where she had appeared on television with her twin sister Mrs. George Puddicombe.

Midland rinks won two of three trophies at the seventh annual Mixed Bonspiel, winning the second event and the R.R. Wilson Trophy are; Mrs. M. Magloughlin, Stan Spence, Miss Joyce Bowman and skip Jack Wilson.

Midland rinks won two of three trophies at the seventh annual Mixed Bonspiel, winning the main event and the Orr Trophy and prizes were; Marie Ladoucer, John Scott skip, Mrs. Al Scott and Doug Haig.

Mr. & Mrs. Herman Trew of the 2nd concession Medonte celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. Herman was born at Jennetville south of Lindsay January 20th, 1879 and Mrs. Trew nee Mable E. Brown of Vasey was born August 29, 1887 and they married on March 28, 1906.

Midget Boys basketball team on front steps of the Midland YMCA on Hugel Ave. hoping to avenge a defeat they received at the hands of the Orillia squad at a recent tournament at the Orillia YMCA. Front, Pete Davis, John Bell, John Nicholson and John Richardson; center, Lawrence Curry, Wilbert Lamb, John Edwards and Ken Mackie; back, Fred Jackson, Frank Okenka and Dave Bertrand.

Peter Grigg, fire chief in the Town of Midland for 28 years is presented with a miniature fire hydrant as a gift from the citizens of Midland on his retirement also an award of merit from the mayor. In the photo; fellow fire fighter Hank Wood, Mr. Grigg and Phil Blake.

Peter Grigg center, fire chief in the Town of Midland for 28 years is presented with a wallet with a fat bank note by fellow fire fighter Hank Wood at a banquet held at the Parkside Inn to celebrate his retirement. Jack Argue on the right.

Members of the Adelphi Hi-Y Club are seen in their club room at the YMCA sorting a collection of pop bottles, coat hangers and six quart baskets, a fundraiser to send children to summer camp. Bob Megaw, Bob Bell, Roger Gray and Joe Denis.

It’s spring clean up time, Wendy Howard and Marlene Fraser, members of the Amicae Hi-Y Club do their part by painting the cement floor in their club room at the YMCA.

Members of the Amicae Hi-Y club are working to clean up their club room at the YMCA. Faye Swann, Shirley Doucette, Ann Merkley and Jacqueline Robillard.

Rei Construction, Midland, was the low bidder on the new Midland municipal building to be erected at Second St. and Dominion Ave. Midland council examined seven bids with the architects before selecting Alfred Rei’s bid of $192,853.00.
Grew Boats in Penetang is headed for its biggest year ever, states manager Andrew Morrisson. Seventy persons are now on Grew’s staff and some are working four nights a week to keep up with demand. The new 6,000 square food building is completed and new production machinery installed.
Council names Arnold Tippin Midland’s new fire chief.
The Wagon Wheel dance hall at Balm Beach, owned and operated by Midlander Herb Beauchamp, was completely destroyed by fire Sunday afternoon, a loss of $20,000.00. The Wagon Wheel, opened for business on May 24th, 1948, measured 80 by 60 feet and was one of the best appointed halls in the district. Herb also owned the Circle B Hall on county road #2 just west of Midland.
Girl Guide Marie Lepage of Penetang is one of 222 Ontario Guides to be honoured at U of T Convocation Hall and receive her gold cord certificate from Mrs. Louis Breithaupt wife of the Lieut.-Governor.
Elmvale District High School to proceed with four room addition.
Installation of dial telephones in homes and businesses served by the Midland exchange got under way this week in preparation for the cutover of Midland’s system in July. A large number of local phones are convertible to dial, others will be replaced with dial models. A temporary number card showing the present phone number will be placed in the center of the dial. Customers are asked to remove the card at the time of cutover to reveal the permanent new dial number underneath.
TEN YEARS AGO 1946; A grass fire which started near the Penetang Arena, completely destroyed the 17 year old structure in less than one hour. Radar, an invention of the war years, had workmen at the Midland Shipyards busy installing it in the CSL freighter, Lemoyne. Rev. J. M. Castex, rector of St. Ann’s Church, was made Right Rev. Monsignor J. M. Castex, he was 74.
At the Roxy; Long John Silver, the Tall Men and Count Your Blessings. At the Pen; King Richard and the Crusaders, East of Eden and When Worlds Collide.
Swann’s garage and Henry Laurin’s Shell are advertising a free car wash with every spring change over.
Fifteen ships have cleared local ports, beginning with the CSL’s Sir James Dunn from the Tiffin.
A new business opens at 249 King Street next week, the ‘Cross Country Cut Rate Store’ will sell camping and outdoor equipment, clothing, footwear and government surplus. The site was the former Arcade Store operated by G. W. Broad.
Hub Motel in Elmvale plans a 300 foot long by 75 foot wide swimming pool parallel to the Wye River in front of the motel units. (This is not an April Fools joke).
Open A. A. meeting in Midland tonight, more than 200 men and women have felt the impact of A. A. in their lives since the Midland group formed nine years ago.
Grain elevator managers, grain handlers and hundreds of other employees connected with the trade are in a happy mood again after five ships brought a total of 2,826,565 bushels of wheat to near empty elevators in Midland and Port McNicoll Sunday and Monday.
See “Flirty Spring Straws” at Flo’s Hatland, 217 Hugel Ave. W., Midland’s Only Individual Hat Store. Sure cure for buck fever, “White Bucks” are here again at Cumming – Nicholson Fine Shoes. RIP Jim, thanks for all you did for Midland.

Huronia Museum – Looking Back 60 Years ago in North Simcoe – March 24 to 31st 1956

Click on photos to enlarge

Huge cakes of ice are broken off by the USCG cutter Mackinaw as she plows her way down the harbour at Port McNicoll Monday morning. The Mackinaw made the 220 mile trip from Cheboygan Michigan to facilitate the movement of the winter fleet in Midland and Port McNicoll. She encountered 36″ thick ice in the Giant’s Tomb area. The job of keeping the harbours fluid is normally done by the CSL tug “Tiffin” which is out of service awaiting repairs. This photo shows the size of the two CPR freight sheds at Port McNicoll. I may be corrected, but I believe this shed was known as the westbound shed.

Six proud scholarship winners photographed after the final concert of the Midland Music Festival. Back row, Patricia Morrison, Jim Cleaver, Eleanor Paice and Mary Lou (Louise) Parker. Front row, Andrew Zgudziak and Jay Ellis.

Midland merchants, Walter Woods and Web Struthers, take time from their business to create sets for the Midland Figure Skating Club’s annual carnival, sponsored by the Midland Lion’s Club.

Midland Y’s Men transported these Bantam basketball players to an invitational meet in Orillia on March 17th. Though they didn’t win, a good time was reported. The photo taken on the front steps of the YMCA on Hugel Avenue. Front row, Gerry Hamilton, John Scott, Ron McConnell, Tom McCullough, Ron Hyatt; Center row, John Carpenter, Doug Setterington, Roger Leclair, John Cowie. Back row, Wally Brock, Ross Clute, Boy Wilson and Bob Grey.

Four of the five trophy winners at the spring invitation jump meet at the Midland Ski Club Sunday are seen in this photo. Bob Staubhaar, Midland, winner of the class “C” division; Eric Kurrie, Midland, third in the main event; Rheal Seguin, Ottawa, runner up and Frank Elsigan, Buffalo, the big winner. Hubert Shaunig, Midland, runner up in the “C” class was absent.

Midland ladies preparing costumes for the Midland Lion’s Club annual skating carnival on April 6 and 7. Mrs. H. G. W. Paice, Mrs. Francis Lowes, Mrs. Lloyd Wilcox, Mrs. Ed Walker and Mrs. Harold (Marg) McAllen.

Six of eighteen scholarship winners in the Midland Music Festival are seen in front of the fireplace at the YMCA on Hugel Ave. Back row, Betty French, Bob Popple, John Marshall. Front row, Robert Morrison, Ann Webster and Diane Vivian.

The center of activity around Nottawaga Beach for many years, Patchell’s Store burnt to the ground on the morning of March 20th. Walter Patchell received burns about his face, head and arms while attempting to rescue a few belongings. Mrs. Patchell recently released from the hospital after a serious back injury had to escape in her night attire.

Penetang to build town sheds at the west end of Robert Street. Fred Laurin has been retained to superintend the job
Junior Chambers of Commerce from Midland & Penetang bring forward a plan to re-open the 140 year old military road from the Angels to Hugel Ave as a walking trail. Future plan would be to continue south to Wyebridge
Fern Shoes and Midland Footwear to receive new production machinery that will increase output by 40%
Weddings – Shirley Fournier and Edwin Simmonds, St. Margaret’s Rectory – Shirley Henderson and Gerry Gammon – Frances Duquay and Rolland St. Onge, St. Margaret’s Church – Ann Dickie and Russell Vaillancourt, St. Margaret’s Church –
County Council committee accepts bid by Wilfred G. How Construction to build the 50 bed home for the aged in Penetang. How Construction was also the general contractor for the Penetang General Hospital. Work will start in April and it is expected to take eight months to complete
Penetang General Hospital receives chest x-ray machine
F Turnbull hired as new Public Works Superintendent in Midland
& Mrs. Cecil Woods of Wyevale had not heard from their son George in eight months until they read in a Toronto newspaper that he had become a hero of northern British Columbia, snow shoeing 125 miles in six days to get help for his injured trapping partner
Under a policy laid down by His Holiness Pope Pius XII, Roman Catholic Easter liturgical ceremonies used by the church in the Middle Ages will be adopted this week. Holy communion will be received Good Friday afternoon, churches will be closed at Midnight Thursday and there will be an Easter midnight mass
Andrew’s hospital to save $600.00 per year by using disposable paper plates and cups, savings in labour, dish washing cost, breakage costs. Board member Mrs. L. Attridge suggested that some of the elderly women patients may not appreciate their tea in a paper cup
The Hon. Bryan Cathcart, Ontario Minister of Travel and publicity, speaking in the provincial legislature, praised the Midland Y’s Men’s Club’s reconstruction of a Huron Village as an outstanding example of community tourist promotion, ranking it with the Stratford Festival and the Fergus Highland Games
Penetang Barbering service charges as of April 2, 1956. Adult haircut .75, brushcut 1.00, shaves .50, children’s haircut .50, children’s haircut Saturday .75
25 Years Ago This Week – A proposal had been made to build a hotel on the eastern bank of the Wye River, adjacent to the Shrine – A new service station was being erected on the site of the Midland Steam Laundry, destroyed by fire several months previously – W. E. Preston and Co. opened a new branch in the McMurtry Block known as Preston’s Uptown grocery. It was located next to A. W. Ruby’s “High Class” pastry shop – New styles for the spring of 1932 called for skirts to be worn about 10 inches from the floor, dresses were straight cut and hats featured floppy brims worn away from the face – Stanley Dobson of Midland broke the Ontario shot put record at a YMCA track meet in Toronto
Thirty four new citizens were born in St. Andrew’s Hospital in the month of February, eight more than last February
MPDHS entered two teams in the Dominion of Canada Rifle Association competition
Kenneth Wells releases his newest book “By Jumping Cat Bridge”, paperback $1.99, cloth covered $4.00

Huronia Museum – Looking Back 60 Years ago in North Simcoe – March 16th to 23rd 1956

Public school pupils in Coldwater may be attending this new school next fall, construction has been stalled until a new contractor can be appointed.

“Johnny Van”, one of the two year old pacers in Mrs. R. S. Shepherd’s Burnbrae stables, Coldwater. Johnny’s mother died when he was only a few weeks old and Mrs. Shepherd had to bottle feed him for some time. Trainer Ed Hawke has high hopes for the frisky youngster.

North Simcoe farms that depend on cisterns have had to rely on Earl Rowntree of Elmvale and his water truck as the long cold winter with no thaws has affected water supplies. With this 1,100 gallon tank Mr. Rowntree ranges from Midland to Stayner serving over fifty customers. Copeland flour mill Elmvale in the background.

Winners of the boy’s vocal solo class for Grade 3 in this year’s Midland Music Festival are Barry Schissler, Victoria Harbour first place; Ken Trew, Midland, third place and Doug French Midland, second place. (Ken Trew “Kenny” passed away February 22, 2016 at the age of 68)

Kitchener Canuck team, winners of the Junior OHA title in Midland’s Little Hockey League. Front, Arnie Blake, captain Tom Burgie, Paul DeVillers, J. Cathabine; middle row, Thomas Wilcox, Doug Faint, Tom Gray, Jim Murday, Tom Gordanier, Bill Mackie, Michael Dorion and Rev. Len Self; back row, Randy Small, Nelson Cote, Morley Bath, Jim Cleaver, Cecil Merkley, John Cranston and coach Wray Faint.

Midland’s new police chief, Robert J. Cameron, aged 49, Aberdeen Scotland born and living in Canada since 1920, will begin his duties on March 26th. Recently a lieutenant at the Ontario Reformatory in Mimico, Robert served with an artillery unit during the war. His annual salary will be $3,700.00.

New record set for the opening of navigation in Midland when the American ice breaker USCG Mackinaw arrived on March 18. This beat the previous record set in 1953 by ten days. The traditional “topper’ party included Alderman Clint Smith, Capt. Clifford MacLean, Major A. C. McCaul of the Chamber of Commerce and William Ball chief engineer of the Mackinaw. The powerful icebreaker made quick work of the two foot thick ice in Midland and Port McNicoll harbours.

Imported direct from Hawaii, Hula girls entertain at the annual Midland Garrison Badminton Club party Friday night. A closer inspection revealed them to be Lorne Scammel, Bill Baker, Jim Wright; back row, Doug White, Tom Marion and Bob Hodges.

Principal of Sixth Street Public School, Ken Cowan shows Mrs. Fred Hoy and Mrs. Bert Kaus their sons school work. Open house is observed in all Midland public and separate schools as part of education week.

Auxiliary class work for girls at Sixth Street School attracted a lot of attention at the annual open house on March 8th. Second from left is teacher Miss Frances Kerr who shows samples of dish towels, dresses and cloth toys the students have made.

Parent teacher night at Sacred Heart Separate School on March 8th. Looking over papers in the Grade 1 room are parents Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Montgrain, 108 Gloucester Street (now 300 Gloucester Street) and daughters Mary Lou, 6, and Carol a grade 3 pupil.

Midland Public Schools final hockey matches, including games between the girls of the west side representing Parkview and Sixth Street schools and Regent School representing the east. Don Wilcox is seen giving some of the west side girls some pointers; Carolyn Blythe, Betty Jean Watkinson, June Elliot, Joy Lowes, Patsy O’Hara and Shannon Bazinet.

Six of eighteen scholarship winners in the Midland Music Festival are pictured in front of the fireplace at the YMCA on Hugel Ave. Back row, Ellen Barber, Arlene Armstrong, Sharon Robillard. Front row, Lois Cowan, Wendy Feltham, Penny Lapere.

Dr. J. W. Windrem, an Elmvale veterinary surgeon, administers rabies vaccine to Bo-Bo the pet of Miss Joanne Wadge of Midland. A rabies inoculation clinic was held at the Midland police department Saturday afternoon. Everyone looks happy except Bo-Bo.

First Elmvale team to ever win a provincial title. They won the OMAHA juvenile “D” crown in three straight games, beating Ayr 5-3 Saturday night. Pete Steele, Joe Marley, Dennis Turner, captain Gary Crowe, John Cole; back row Tom Copeland, Jack Fleming, Grant Ritchie, Dave Stephens, Daryl Beteau and Ron Frankcom.

Safe at home again after being found two miles from her home is Susanne Brown, 4, of Vasey, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Newton Brown, and her dog which accompanied her. She was found by neighbour Mervin Edwards, on Concession 4, Tay.

Fire Chief Peter Grigg tenders his resignation to Midland council after 37 years with the department, citing health reasons.
250 attend Spring Fashion Show put on by the Business and Professional Women’s Club of Midland.
Writer to the editor, when complaining about all the potholes on King Street, also mentioned the danger of cars backing out of the angle parking
Only one paper next week as the publication date for the County Herald falls on Good Friday, a combined Free Press and County Herald will be distributed on Wednesday March 28th
Inaugurate gun club in Penetang, outcome of trap shooting competitions held at the Winter Carnival
Midland Public Schools Board to buy fire extinguishers for three town schools on fire departments recommendation, Regent School to remove flammable and combustible materials from basement storage
Daniell’s Welding delivers third steel scow, this one to the Department of Northern Affairs and National Resources, to be used between Kingston and Brockville
RCAF recruiter will be at the Midland Armouries on March 23
Miss Edna Breithaupt, on behalf of the company proposing to develop Giant’s Tomb, showed Tiny Twp. Council a partial plan of the proposed work
Town Council meetings are always interesting in Midland, last Monday’s meeting addressed a 34 point agenda, with two deputations. The meeting lasted for four hours without a break
At the Roxy; “Artists and Models” with Gerry Lewis and Dean Martin
At the Pen; “Ma & Pa Kettle at Waikiki”
Bad luck for Mr. & Mrs. Walter Patchell, several weeks ago Mrs. Patchell received serious back injuries in a car accident, Tuesday morning the Nottawaga Beach store, where the Patchell’s also make their home, was completely destroyed by fire
Powerful American ice breaker clears local harbours to release the winter fleet. CSL Captain Reg Belcher of Victoria Harbour flew from Malton to Sault Ste. Marie where he was picked up by helicopter and taken aboard the 320 foot U.S. Coast Guard ship Mackinaw to act as pilot
Mr. & Mrs. Cecil Butson observe their golden wedding anniversary. Residents of Midland and Penetang for over 40 years, Mr. Butson, a certified shipwright, has been a boat builder all his life and is considered to be one of the finest in Ontario
St. Andrew’s Hospital Midland was one of three Ontario hospitals to receive a federal Health Department grant, Midland got $106,650.00
Charles Onley, a Midland barrister, wins a one thousand dollar prize in a Penetang Legion fundraiser. Legion is erecting a decorative metal fence around the cenotaph
Johnstone’s are advertising “Western Records” by top artist, Elvis Presley, Webb Pierce, Carl Smith, Hank Snow, Jean Sheperd, Kitty Wells. Basement Store – Phone 434
Webster’s in Penetang are advertising records also, “We’ve Got What It Takes to Suit Every Taste” “Whether you crave the classics or dote on Dixieland” – 24 Robert St. W. Phone KI-9-7477 (Penetang has direct dial system before Midland)
400 Midland street lights destroyed within 10 days by BB guns
MPDHS board accept lowest bid for 150 tons of coal for heating the high school, J. M. Wallace and Sons Ltd had the lowest bid at $13.30 per ton
Three former Midland hockey players are “doing all right for themselves” in the pulp and paper town of Marathon, population 2,000. Ed Bolan, now assistant recreational director at Marathon, Jack Henderson and Gerry Gerow. Their team the Marathoners won their league title
Ten Years Ago This Week – More than $66,000.00 was to be spent by Midland Public Utilities for the erection of a new water storage tank in the south part of town (Hanly St.) – Morris Shushan, his son Dave and brother Joseph purchased the Georgian Bay Cannery from Dr. G. Tanner and intend to operate the building as a fur processing plant

Huronia Museum – Looking Back 60 Years ago in North Simcoe – March 8th to 15th 1956

Education Week in Ontario, Mr. & Mrs. Martial Moreau visit their daughter Shirley’s second grade class at St. Mary’s Separate School. Shirley, 7, is a pupil of Miss E. Curry and her sister Carol, 5, completes the family picture.

Free Press sports scribe Charlie Noquet will have to be on his toes with a spelling champ in the house, daughter Vicki, a grade eight student at Sacred Heart, out-spelled students from Midland, Oshawa, Owen Sound and Orillia to advance to the finals.

“Talking Shop” comes naturally to these men gathered around a wood planer at the new Midland Penetanguishene District High School. They are all instructors in shop work at various schools in the Georgian Bay District. Jim Warren, Orillia; William Hanna, Midland; Professor Jack Spry, OCE Toronto; Gordon Luther OCE; Don Ritchie, Parry Sound; L. M. Johnston, principal MPDHS; Addison Black, Thornbury; Murray McGill, Meaford; Richard Moffatt, Midland and William Farmer, Sutton.

Do you remember the racoon tied to the roof of a car at the Penetang Winter Carnival, hundreds of kids visited the racoon, including three-year-old Darcy Lawson of Bellville.

Winning top awards in potato competitions is nothing new for these two Lafontaine farmers, Gabriel Maurice and Roger Brunelle were grand champion and reserve champion respectively at the North Simcoe Seed Fair in Elmvale Friday. Center is E.W. Cuppage, Coldwater, secretary of the Potato Growers Association.

“Domino Dynamiters” used three dark horse “imports” in their line up for the Winter Carnival broom ball game in the Penetang Arena, the night of March 3rd. Unidentified players are at back left, front left and second from the right back row. Known members are Bob Scott, right front and in the back row Bill Stevens, Doug Gerow and Gordon Brand. Imports were obtained from the spectators when the Dynamiters were short players. (Comment if you know the missing names)

Well kept secret is the ultimate use of this new factory building on Highway 12 at the easterly outskirts of Coldwater. Rumours are that it will be used in the manufacture of products related to the steel industry. (Good rumours, plant opened as Taman Industries, a kitchen sink manufacturer, bought out by Elkay from the USA then repurchased by Canadians in 2002. In 2015 the plant is still operating but in a new building just around the corner from this one which was destroyed by fire, 95 people are employed. If you are buying a new sink make sure it was made in Midland or Coldwater )

Walter Grexton and Paul Beteau are seen receiving gifts from Bruce Gazley on behalf of their many co-workers and friends who attended their retirement party at the Parkside Inn. Both men worked for the CNR in the car department in Midland.

Octogenarian, Mrs. Samuel Smith of 152 Colborne Street celebrated her 84th birthday on March 6th. Devoted Anglican, Mrs. Smith is confined to her room after serious heart problems a year ago but keeps in touch with her 13 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren using an extension phone in her room ( a very new thing in 1956). She lives with her daughter and son in law, Mr. & Mrs. W. E. Wilson. Her son Ivan Smith was recently inducted as an Anglican minister.

Local Hunters and Anglers Association alerts Lands & Forest, Simcoe County Health and Port McNicoll Council to the dumping of 3,800 gallons of oil into Port McNicoll harbour by the crew of the Capt. C. D. Secord. Harbourmaster asked the crew to clean up the oil and that has been done. Practice of ships throwing garbage onto the ice will also be stopped.
Local girls receive their caps at the Royal Victoria Hospital’s nursing school, Vera Lambie, Sally Ann Bowman and Joan MacEachern of Midland, Reta Brabant and Joan Reynolds of Penetang.
Open house at Parkview Public School gives 500 parents a glimpse of the renovated facility.
Martyr’s Shrine to open for the season on May 20th
Matchedash Council and the Orillia Power Commission have started discussions on the building of a road to the Swift Rapids dam on the Severn River from Hydro Glen. The Swift community can only be reached by air or water, a connecting road would bring more cottagers and stimulate the communities economy. (The opposite occurred, the road was built south to connect with Carlyon Line and the community slowly died.)
A shortage of water in the Medonte Coldwater area has created a business for Joseph Gratrix of Tay Township. He is daily trucking water to local farms and even communities. In some parts of Medonte farms have no wells and rely on cisterns which are running dry due to the lack of winter thaws. Other operators are working out of Elmvale and Barrie.
Professional Services in Midland; Chiropractors – Kenneth S. Lewis, Doctor of Chiropractic – Naturopathy, Electro-Therapy. Dental – Dr. John S. Corcoran – LDS – DDS – Dental Surgeon. Insurance – Lorne A. Ball, Les Taylor. Funeral Director – Nicholls Funeral Home. Legal – Finlayson & Dudley, Onley & Haig, Edward B. Kendall. Monuments – Sanderson Monument Company. Optometrist – A. H. Tweedle, Hugh W. Reisberry.
MPDHS sets up new “House” system of student government. Student body is divided into four houses, selected by lot, equal number of boys and girls, each with a captain and vice-captain appointed by staff advisors. The captain and vice nominate a slate of directors which the students vote on. From the Houses grows the Student Council, composed of the four captains and vice-captains and one executive from each house.
Patricia Frances Carroll, daughter of Francis and the late Albina Carroll married Ross Willett, son of Mr. & Mrs. William Willett of Parry Sound, in St. Margaret’s Rectory on February 25th.
Lands and Forests to wage war on Lamprey Eels in the Sturgeon and Nottawasaga Rivers.
OMB to meet in Midland to hear an appeal by Midland Shipyards that may reduce Midland’s tax revenue by $9,400.00.
24 to 30 inches of ice in Midland and Port McNicoll harbours may mean a slow start to local shipping. Earliest recent start was March 28th in 1953 and the slowest was April 27th in 1943.
Army reservist is killed when he falls from a set of steel stairs in the St. Catherine’s Armory. Native of Midland, 37 year old Francis (Leo) Beauchamp was the son of the late Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Beauchamp.
25 YEARS AGO 1931 – Ice in Midland Harbour was melting during the first week of March. The canopy which stood over the wooden dock at the end of King Street was to be transferred to the town park to be used as a shelter near the beach. A new Diana Restaurant was opened in Midland after being destroyed by fire the previous fall. It was described as “one of Simcoe’s finest cafes”
M. Paterson and Sons Steamship division announces captains and engineers for 1956 season; from Midland/Penetang – Altodoc, Captain K. C. Clark. Mantadoc, Captain H. Odesse. Ontadoc, engineer J. R. Smith. Vandoc, Captain D. G. Wilson. Newbrundoc, engineer A. S. O’Hara. Soreldoc, R. Simpell. SS Paterson, Captain T. C. Jewitt formerly of Penetang.
Allan W. Perkins, manager of the Roxy Theatre announced today that Odeon Theatres (Canada) Limited has acquired the Roxy Theatre, the Midland Drive-in and the Capital Theatre. No changes are anticipated at this time.
A son was born to Mrs. Guenther Leitz, Sunday, March 11, in St. Andrew’s Hospital. He will be named Guenther and is only the second boy born in the fourth generation of the Leitz family.

Huronia Museum – Looking Back 60 Years ago in North Simcoe – March 1st to 7th 1956

Click on photos to enlarge

Staging a terrific comeback in the last four minutes, Windsor Bulldogs defeat Owen Sound 6-5 to win the senior OHA title in the Tuesday night Little Hockey League finals. Front, “Rusty” Ironside, Allan Walker, Bernard Deschamps, Ken Mackie, Ron Merkley, Doug McGibbon, back row; David Bertrand, William Wilcox, who presented the trophy, Wayne Broad, Sheldon Hanes (captain), Rev. Len Self, Doug MacMillan, Murray McComb, Ed Desroches, Fred Lemieux (coach), A. Bell, Rodney Rankin and J. Currie.

Last week I forgot to include this photo with the announcement that Roger Brisbois and Len Carter had purchased the former Pete LePage Motors on Robert Street and re-named it “Huronia Motors”.

Recently returned from representing Ontario at the St. Paul, Minnesota, Winter Carnival, Waubaushene twins Kay & Elaine Munday pull a (staged) twelve pound Northern Pike from Penetang Harbour. The girls are dressed in their Penetang Winter Carnival costumes and admission badges.

The Midland District Women’s Progressive Conservative Association marked its first birthday at a party in the Orange Hall, Midland, Monday night. Front row, Mrs. Douglas Grant, Mrs. J. Gillett, Mrs. J. G. Caswell, Mrs. Howard Smyth; back, Mrs. J. D. McPhee, Mrs. Lorne Faragher, Mrs. Ray Smith and Mrs. Percy Hopkins. Absent were Mrs. George Stephenson and Mrs. J. Stainton.

Fire started in the attic of this home on the corner of Mildred and Yonge Streets late Wednesday night. Owned by Herbert Ellery and occupied by his son Wallace, Mrs. Ellery received third degree burns while rescuing her two children aged 4 and 9. The fire broke out in the attic while Mrs. Ellery was in the kitchen and the children in their rooms upstairs. Fire officials believe Mrs. Ellery was alerted by the sound of falling plastic upstairs.

Youth provided entertainment during an amateur contest to raise funds for Scouting in Port McNicoll, held at the Public School auditorium. In the photo are; Reg Sauvé, Mirella Battio, Murray Fagan, Betty Ann Beausoleil, Lucille Hood, Faith Cripps and Valorie Kirdeikis.

A small part of the large crowd, either fishing or watching the fishermen, at Saturday afternoon’s Winter Carnival in Penetang. More than 5,000 persons “bobbed” for two hours each with their eye on the boat and motor prize. The event was so popular that some were turned away when all the available fishing lines were sold.

How did they make all those ice fishing holes. The ice auger, flown into Malton Airport from Minnesota and rushed up to Penetang is given a test run. The Penetang crew later added an extension so that downward pressure could be applied to speed up the operation.

The nine inch ice fishing holes were being drilled through two feet of ice at the rate of one every 45 seconds, spaced one every five feet. The area has been laid out in the form of a wheel with the holes along the “spokes” and the judges in the middle. This photo shows the effect from the air.

The result of all the planning and drilling and rigging of 500 fishing lines was the catching of the most valuable fish ever pulled out of Penetang Bay. This six inch smelt won the beaming John Boucher a new boat and motor worth $555.00. Some mathematicians have calculated the smelt was worth $2,500.00 per pound. King Whyte, well known outdoor editor and judge of the contest commented “Never was so much won by so little.”

Champs of the National League Division at Midland’s Little League finals held recently. Coached by Jack Gouet, the Boston Bruins edged New York 4-3 after 23 minutes of overtime. Front, Don Zabzinski, Wayne Ferris, Sandy Campbell, Charlie Ward; middle, Rev. Len Self, Alf Patterson, Danny Richardson, Paul Tremblay and coach Jack Gouet; back row, B. Clause, Ron Marchildon, Dave Stainton, Paul Dion, absent Larry Cripps.

Providence Reds capture American League honours in the Little League playoffs against the Cleveland Bruins, 3-2. Kneeling, Bob Ruston, Doug Piitz; center row, Bill Kissock, Ted Mason, Brian Dubeau (captain), Larry French, Art Richards coach; back row, Rev. Len Self, Ron Robillard, Bernie Montgomery, Larry Marchand, Ray Moreau, Bill Girard and John Hanley. It was the third time in four years a team coached by Art Richards had won a LHL title.

Sadly Art Richards died on the February 21st this year at the age of 80, his wife Mary Lou Merifield died on March the 6th.

Winners of the annual Owen Sound Ladies Curling Club Spiel were the Midland rink of Mrs. Ken Ellis, Mrs. Charles Walton (June), Mrs. Jim Thomas (the Skip holding the Hindman & Evans Trophy) and Mrs. Jim Tully. A Midland rink skipped by Mrs. Dalton Hudson won the trophy in 1952, the first year it was up for competition.

The best spellers in Midland and district are shown at Regent Public School on the night of February 29th, just before they competed in an old fashioned spelling bee. They are the winner, Sandra Lattimore, and Patricia Puddicombe, Lois Puddicombe, Elizabeth Holt, Carol Armstrong and David White.

Among the “Old Monarchs” honoured by the Midland Lions Club at a party last Thursday at the Parkside Inn, all with 15 years or more of service, are Howard Smyth, Hugh Riesberry, Lorne Watson, Walter Woods and Gordon Paice. International director William Garner of Barrie was on hand to present long service pins to ten members of the Midland club.

Multi-million dollar 1956 Provincial Public Works budget for North Simcoe includes, seven bridges (Good title for an Eagles song) beginning with one over the CNR at Waubaushene, one over Matchedash Bay at Waubaushene, one maybe two over the Severn River, the Moon, Muskoka and Gibson River bridges, all for the new Trans Canada Highway #103. Grading and gravel between Waubaushene and MacDonald River. A new intersection at Highways 112 and 27 west of Midland, a new bridge over the Wye River at Elmvale and resurfacing of roads from Midland to Waubaushene, Midhurst to Wyebridge on Hwy 27.
Thirteen more miles of hydro lines are to be built by the Penetang District, adding 732 new customers
Archie Bishop, 30 year old son of Mrs. Joseph and the late Captain Bishop has received his Master’s Papers with honours. Captain Bishop Sr. served on the Keewatin for a number of years.
100 boys and their fathers attended St. Paul’s United Church “Tuxis and Trail Ranger” banquet. This was before Scouting which started in St. Paul’s in 1958. Last week a similar Scouting banquet was held in the same hall to mark Baden Powell’s birthday, February 29th.
Mr. Holder assures Mayor Parker that there are no empty lard pails behind his bakery that would attract skunks. The mayor suggested that Reeve Bill Keller lives next door and maybe they were headed there.
1956 was the Centennial year for the 60 foot circular stone lighthouse, known as an Imperial Tower, with attached dwelling, on Christian Island’s Bar Point. Built in 1856, its first keeper was Capt. William Hoar, R.N. The light was in service until 1922 when it and the surrounding forty five acres were sold by the Department of Marine and Fisheries to the Indian Affairs Branch. It remains today, the property of the Beausoliel First Nation.
Roxy Theatre is having a special matinee showing Saturday of “Barbed Wire” starring Gene Autry plus Stooge Comedy and 3 cartoons. Free comic books will be given. March 5-6 the six year smash stage hit Mr. Roberts is now on screen, starring Henry Fonda, James Cagney, William Powell and Jack Lemmon. Nominated for best actor and best picture.
A. Kilroy, local Bell Telephone manager for our region, reported that 110 new telephone services were added in Midland in 1955 bringing the total number to 2,850.
February 18th at Knox Presbyterian Church saw the wedding of Garnett Armstrong and Saundra Gay White, both of Midland.
“Tiny Talks” by Rhoda Downer; Not many years ago after a heavy snow the men would set out to open the roads. Usually 8 or 10 men with six horses on the plow. Sometimes the horses would get their front feet high on a hard packed drift and their back feet would break through, there they would stand until the men dug the snow out from in front of them. I’ve seen eight men and three teams work a whole morning to open one mile of road. They would come home, feed their horses, have lunch and go back to work until after dark to open another mile. Last Sunday after the big storm, most of the roads were open in time for the farm folk to get to church, where it would have taken days with horse power.
Estimate 6,000 people attended the Winter Carnival in Penetang.
OPP to help Penetang police after the sudden death of Acting Chief Wilfred Perrault, which left the force without a senior officer.
A thief robs Midland meat market and groceteria while all but one of the town’s police force was meeting with town council.
Penetang home owned by Basil Secord destroyed by fire around 2 a.m. Tuesday. Mr Secord with the help of his father had built the home himself, completing it just a couple of months ago. It was covered by insurance.
First in Midland, Homogenized Milk, available Friday March 9th from Dubbin’s Dairy.
10 years ago – J. Ross Stewart, a native of Lindsay, was appointed manager of Liggett’s Drug Store, Midland. Liggetts purchased the Midland drug store operated for 29 years by George Ross, who retired after 37 years in the trade. + Lindsay born Archie MacDonald had been named chief of Police for Midland, his new duties to commence on March 15th.
For North Simcoe trappers, muskrat season officially opened March 1st and will extend until April 21st.
Victoria Harbour council will seek legal advice with regard to the contentious issue of grocery orders being delivered from outside points into the village.
Last week we read the HMCS Penetanguishene had been turned over to the Norwegian Navy and renamed, but the name has not been lost but honoured in the Maritimes as a new subdivision of 300 lots on the road to the airport has been named Penetanguishene.
The “Cooking Chatter” column has a rice, cheese and corn flakes recipe suggestion for Lent
The Newsreel at Roxy Theatres this week featured the Canadian Ski Championships, film taken at Midland’s own ski jump and Collingwood.

Huronia Museum – Looking Back 60 Years ago in North Simcoe – Feb 23rd to the 29th 1956

William Barnett’s grade six class is seen rehearsing a play in the Parkview School auditorium, their goal is to raise money for the junior Red Cross. Barbara Day, Judy Crawford, Brigitta Dawe, Bernice Chapman, Peggy Jones, Kirk Weldon and Verne Kettle; front, David Simmonds, Peter Moss, David Magloughlin, David Lamb and Bill Doherty.

Gymnasium of Parkview Public School, recently taken over by teachers and pupils of Midland’s Sixth Street School provides plenty of room for a grade four square dancing class, directed by teacher John Lyle.

Former Sixth Street School students have a wealth of facilities in their new home, the former Midland High School on Yonge Street, the home economics room is great for sewing and knitting. June Elliot, Joy Elliot, Patsy O’Hara, Betty Kettle and Carol Weatherell.

Formerly one of the science rooms in the old high school, this room is being used for art classes in the newly named Parkview School. Joyce Somers, Judy Somers, Jerry Witig, Charles Ward, Larry O’Hara, Barbara Stainton and Rose Windover.

Winner of the spelling bee at the Port McNicoll public school was Sandra Lattimore, a grade six pupil at Old Fort School. Sandra outlasted seven other contestants, most form higher grades. Standing behind her, father Murray Lattimore, seated are spell master John Hart, and her teacher Miss Doreen Barrick.

Students at MPDHS were served hot meals from the kitchen of the new school in Tay Township for the first time this week. Sizzling cube steaks were on the first day’s menu and Mrs. Alex Pownell, head cook, is seen preparing a batch for hungry students. The exhaust system had not been connected yet and the smoke and odour filled the kitchen and the cafeteria.

One of 59 Canadian Scouts and Cubs to be honoured for bravery, Brian St. Amand admires the letter of commendation he received from the Deputy Chief Scout of Canada, for saving the life of his eight year old brother Peter.

Leap Year Leap year baby, Capt. C. H. Webb, Victoria Harbour broom factory operator, points to the magic date on which he was born. Father of Ken and Dan.

Several people in Midland have birthdays today, February 29th. This aunt – nephew combination of Phil Lemieux, Third Street and Bill Wright of Fourth Street are two of them.

Ian Vasey, 2 1/2 years old, with his sister Hazel, 5, and his mother Mrs. Ted Vasey, who despite having four children is celebrating her ninth birthday today, February 29th.

David Kenneth Ritchie of Concession 7, Flos, has waited four years for his first birthday. Seen with his mom, Mrs. Ken Ritchie and his brother Paul Donald, 2 1/2. He has another brother, Robert John, who is only two months old.

Looking sharp for a rare birthday party is Brian McGrath, 8, of Flos Township, seen with his mother, Mrs. Rupert McGrath. Brian is one of three youngsters born on February 29th in the Elmvale area.

Balm Beach in its winter dress, all that is missing are a couple of polar bears swimming in the open pool in the foreground. Further evidence that Huronia is a beautiful place all year around.

Pete Pettersen, Midland’s Mr. “Ski,” told Midland Kiwanians at their luncheon in the Georgian Hotel Monday, that tentative plans are being studied for a summer ski jumping competition this year at the new 60 metre jump in Tiny Township.
Arthur Gardiner, president of the Tiny and Tay Agricultural Society, told a meeting of the fair’s board of directors last week that the Midland fair ranked third in the province in total gate receipts and was one of the few Ontario fairs to show a profit last year.
Special ice auger has been flown in from St. Paul, Minnesota, to drill the holes needed for the Penetang Winter Carnival ice fishing derby. Hundreds of lines are being prepared, which entrants will use, complete with hook, line and sinker, wound on a stick imprinted with “Penetang Winter Carnival, 1956”.
Most North Simcoe Mayors and Reeves support the recent proposal to instate two year terms instead of one for all municipal councils in Ontario.
The Coldwater News was sold this week by Frank Williams, publisher for the past 9 1/2 years, to youthful partners Norman Similas and Kenneth Jennings from the Toronto area.
Wallace Hook, son of Mr. & Mrs. Theodore Hook of Midland, has been appointed a junior partner in the firm of A. F. MacLaren and Company, chartered accountants, Barrie. Wallace is married to the former Patricia Hodges of Midland.
Oils and water colours, certificates, properly framed. J. W. Bald, 274 Fourth Street, Midland.
Mrs. Adolph Hubert, nee Mary Louise Dube died February 18th of a heart attack. Born in Victoria Harbour, in 1910 she married Adolph Hubert in Penetang. Pallbearers were six nephews, George and Bruce Dunn, Thomas Davidson, Alfred Linton, Medas Boucher and Gordon Logan.
The Third Company of the Penetang Girl Guides will be in charge of the first aid tent at the Winter Carnival Saturday. In addition they will operate a refreshment booth serving hot coffee and snacks.
Rain, sleet, snow and ice caused the postponement of the Penetang Winter Carnival. Worst spot in North Simcoe Saturday was the “Angels Hill” on Hwy 27 just south of Penetang. From 1 PM until midnight hundreds of cars battled continuously to get in or out of town. Organizers re-scheduled for next Saturday.
For the first time in six years a July 12th celebration will be held in Midland. Officers and members of Maple Leaf LOL No. 947 Midland, are completing plans to observe the 266th anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne.
Four skunks were seen crossing King Street near the Roxy Theatre by Mayor Parker. “I am told they come to lick the grease pails at the back of Holders Bakery”, the mayor told this newspaper.
Par Auto Electric at 244 Bay Street is advertising 45 plate car batteries, guaranteed for 48 months, installed for $11.95. Exchange price for most makes of generators is now $10.85 plus installation.
Two Penetang couples, Mr. & Mrs. Basil McLaughlin nee Shirley Logan and Mr. & Mrs. Edgar Moreau were married on February 29th. The McLaughlin’s due to army red tape and the Moreau’s realized too late the significance of the date. Lost in love!
The Department of National Revenue, Taxation Division, will be in Midland March 5 -9, to assist taxpayers in preparing their 1955 Income Tax Returns. You are invited to take advantage of this free service at the Midland Post Office.
Federal transport minister George C. Marler predicts ” a major drop in rail grain traffic” through Georgian Bay and Lake Huron ports when the new Seaway opens. Currently the large lake boats cannot transit below Prescott.
Lloyd Letherby pilots a bill through the Legislature that allows the township of Mara to exempt the Presbyterian Church camp, Glen Mohr from land taxes. The ten acre property was donated to the church by the late Mrs. James Playfair.
Roger Brisbois and Len Carter buy the former Pete LePage service station business and re-name it Huronia Motors.

Huronia Museum – Looking Back 60 Years ago in North Simcoe – Feb 16th to 23rd 1956

Click on photos to enlarge

Jane E. Birchall nee Lippert, a young Toronto artist, works on the huge mural that will decorate the main hallway of the new Midland Penetanguishene District High School in Tay Township. School board members Tom M. McCullough, chairman Clarke Edwards and Karl Bertrand look on.

Sidewalk superintendents will be happy to see construction begin on the new Loblaw’s Groceteria as the Bell Telephone building is nearly completed. Note how little snow there is in February 1956.

Pupils of MPDHS were served their first hot meals from the kitchen of the new school Monday at noon. Barbara Piitz of Penetang, on the right, seems pleased with her meal of cube steak, potatoes, carrots, milk and ice cream. Mrs. Bryan Jones, the cashier, totalled the check up to 40 cents. Standard dinner is 25 cents, milk and desserts are extra.

This rink will meet the Orillia – Muskoka winner this week for the right to enter the Ontario finals of the Colt’s Competition in Toronto, March 8th. Bill Shields, Ken Gauthier, skip John Scott and Dennis Mohan. Nine rinks took part in the play downs at Midland on Monday.

Despite the Toronto Maple Leafs poor standing in the NHL at the moment, there was a warm welcome for defenceman Jim Thompson at the Father and Son Scouting Banquet at St. Mark’s Anglican Parish House.

Consistent goal tender for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Tod Sloan is seen here signing autographs for 1st Midland Cubs & Scouts at their annual Father Son Banquet at St. Mark’s Parish House.

Elizabeth Holt, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Holt and a grade eight pupil at Parkview School was the winner of the spelling bee at Regent School Monday night. The event is sponsored by the Midland Home & School Association. Pictured are Elizabeth (left) with spelling master Jack Yelland and runner up Earla McCuaig, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. E. “Red” McCuaig, a grade eight pupil at Regent School.

Champlain’s Cross commemorates the arrival of the famed French explorer in 1608.

It won’t be long before summer returns to Little Lake Park.

The provincial Department of Health has advised Midland Public Utilities that it would have to install a water intake pipe beyond Midland Point before they would approve the bay as a source of water for Midland. The existing open reservoir system is proving inadequate and the town is looking for a new supply. Until a sewage disposal plant is build in Midland the bay water is contaminated by the sewage that empties into it.
Where to buy a stamp after the Post Office closes is no longer a problem as a new vending machine has been installed outside the Midland PO. Although you cannot buy a single stamp the unit will dispense twenty five cents worth of postage.
Pillsbury buys out its partner in the cake mix business, Kellogg of Canada Ltd. and moves the head office to Midland, states W. H. Pinchin, vice-president and general manager of Pillsbury of Canada Ltd. Mr. Pinchin will direct the cake mix plant in London Ontario and the two Canadian flour mills from his Midland office.
A. Robinson, M. P. for Simcoe East, tells a North Simcoe audience that a nationwide health insurance program is close to reality.
Y’s Men celebrate their thirtieth anniversary in Midland. Wells and Ange Hartman, Tom McCullough and George Ingram are charter members that are still in the club.
F. Taylor, manager of the Royal Bank in Midland is being replaced March 5th by William Mutch from Paisley.
Penetang business men set up a Jaycee Club
Ladies of St. Mark’s Guild stage a vaudeville night to an audience of 300 in the Parish Hall.
Canada sets a $490,000.00 budget for Lamprey Eel control including Georgian Bay
R. McCarthy, assistant superintendent of elementary education in Ontario supported the demand of the Simcoe County Trustees and Ratepayers Association that children of five years of age are too young to be in the school system. Children are legally allowed to attend school at five in Ontario.
PUC maintenance costs soar as 36 street lights are broken in the Regent School area by B-B guns
Winterama (called Penetanguishene Winter Carnival) Saturday Feb 25th – Scoot Races, Ice Fishing Derby, Airplane Rides, Moccasin Dance at the Arena, Ski-Joring, Trap Shooting
Experienced grocery store clerk wanted, apply in person to Ken’s Market, 170 Fifth Street
W. Jones, Simcoe County’s engineer gives annual report, 3.8 miles of road east from Lafontaine to receive mixed mulch pavement. After twenty years on the job Mr. Jones recalls that in 1936 no attempt was made to snow plough county roads, road machinery consisted of four light motor graders and about 25 team graders, with no facilities for inside storage or repair
Saturday, March 17th, Midland Firemen’s 45th annual dance at the Parkside Pavillion. Modern and Old Tyme dancing, admission 50 cents, Dress Optional. (interesting)
Eight school pupils, Louis Jackson and Chief Leonard Monague attended Queen’s Park legislature in full regalia. After walking four and half miles to the mainland the group motored to the Royal Ontario Museum before lunch then were met at Queen’s Park by local member George Johnson and speaker A. W. Downer. The group was given an enthusiastic greeting when introduced to the house.
Thirty cans of local milk were condemned and returned to the producers in January, reports the Simcoe County Health Unit. Careless handling and milking is the common cause
Ed Webster announces the appointment of Urbain Moreau to the full time sales staff of Webster’s TV & Appliances

10 YEARS AGO – 1946

– Midland was having police problems, chief William J. MacDonald had submitted his resignation after 22 years on the force, 20 as chief – council had purchased the new Barber-Green snow loader for $7,950.00 – 35 boys from age 12 to 17 had enrolled in the Boy’s Band under the direction of A. J. Laley – 140 carloads of ice were being shipped from Pot McNicoll to southern Ontario, 35 men were engaged in the work, the ice being 15 inches thick – the Perkinsfield correspondent reported a crow had been seen in the vicinity of the village.

Recent deaths;

Wilbert Stanley Moreau, Victoria Harbour.

Mrs. Octave “Rose” Gregoire nee Goneau, Midland.

Miss Carrie Lovering, 57, Matchedash, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. George Lovering.

Joseph Peter Butineau, infant son of Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Butineau, Midland.

Freeman Andrew Vail, CPR employee, survived by his wife Ann Helen Rumley, two sons and two daughters.

Sarah Jane Stacey, nee Nicholson, Vasey and Honey Harbour, survived by husband John and six children.

William Harris, 97, former CNR employee, Midland and Beeton.

William H. Johnston, Penetang, pensioned from Kodak in Toronto, he moved to Penetang ten years ago.

George Charles Wilson, has lived in Coldwater for 65 years, was a skilled bricklayer and mason, predeceased by his wife Margaret Ann Lawson in 1917.

Veronica Kvasnak, has lived in Port McNicoll for 25 years, survived by husband Steve, son Rudy and daughter Helen, Katie, Ann and Elaine.

Frederick T. Stott, Tiny Twp. resident, 84, survived by wife Susan Parnell, sons, Victor and Jack, daughter Anne.

Huronia Museum – Looking Back 60 Years ago in North Simcoe – Feb 8th to 15th 1956

Under the title “Tiny Talks”, the author is not identified.

“Sleigh Bells’ Song is Gone”

As I stood outside on a cold sunny day in February I realized the sounds of winter have changed. A few years back on a day such as this I would hear the monotonous twang of the crosscut saws in the bush as they cut slowly through the big logs. Picture tired men on each end of them steadily sawing from day light till dark. Today I hear the much louder power saws as they scream their way through the logs in bushes to the north and west of us.

Years ago, on this frosty day, you would hear the quick jingle of the string bells that hung across the driving horses backs and kept up a merry tune as they trotted along. Then there were the loud chimes nailed on the shafts of the cutters, and last but not least you could hear the steady ding, ding of the big bells that hung on the harness of the heavy horses, and kept tune as they plodded along with their heavy loads. Everyone knew the sound of their own bells and many a farm wife would listen to hear if their men-folk were coming home. As I write this I can only hear the hum and rumble of the cars and trucks on the highway a mile away.

Click on photos to enlargeA. E. “Andy” Davidson has been appointed administrator of St. Andrew’s Hospital, relinquishing his position as secretary on the board to do so. Replaced on the board by Frank Spence. Mr. Davidson had been the office and personnel manager at Leitz since they opened in Midland in 1952 and prior to that was a senior systems analyst with the Steel Company of Canada. Previous to that he had seven years in the banking business and had served in WW11. Andy is married to Beulah Silvester of Midland and has four children.

Despite the cold weather the brickwork is nearly complete on the new Bell Telephone exchange building on the corner of Hugel and Midland Ave. The building is scheduled to open early next summer.

No better site in Canada for a winter ice carnival than Penetang Bay, seen here from Highland Point looking into Penetang. February 25th the annual Winterama will take place here and will include scoot races, ski-joring (being pulled on skis behind a scoot) and trap shooting.

Chimneys and rubble are all that remain of Grisé’s Store and dance hall in Honey Harbour after a fire early Sunday morning. The one story 70 x 150 foot structure was built by George Grisé Sr. eighteen years ago and George Grisé Jr. was in the process of converting it into a fourteen unit motel.

Mary Wilson of Midland was the unanimous choice of the audience for the Queen of Hearts title held at the Roxy Theater. Among her many gifts was an all expense paid trip for two to New York city. Runners up were Marg Ambeau, Jeanne Sauvé, Annette Martin and Noreen Shiels.

Poster contest winners from Midland high school and public schools with two members of the WCTU (Women’s Christian Temperance Union). Seated, Ingabord Krauss, Mrs. C. V. Freeman, Carolyn Bath, Mrs. Wilfred Farquhar and Lynn Howard. Standing, Wayne Farquhar, Christian Rebhan, David Bertrand and Frank Okenka. Dawn Annand was absent when the photo was taken.

Special school grant from the province of $2.00 per pupil will cut local school taxes by $10,000.00
Employment at Midland Reinforced Plastics on Ellen Street has increased to five full time and five part time employees, orders for the 8 foot sport outboard boat, the Flying Flivver are strong
Penetang town clerk W. H. Hewson and his wife report seeing a robin in their yard Saturday morning
United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners withdraw pickets from the Orillia Collegiate and Midland Bell Telephone building sites to allow other trades to continue their work. The pickets have been on the two sites since September 21st
In the want ads we see three ads with chicks for sale, standard varieties, broiler chicks, special hybrids, Pilch, White Rock, Ames in-Cross, Arbor Acre
Waitress wanted, apply Globe Restaurant, Elizabeth Street, still a nice place to eat 60 years later
Re-organization of Midland Police unanimously decided by council. Council admitted there had been insufficient liaison in the past two years between the chief and the chairman of the police committee. Constable Ed Armstrong will be retired on pension, Chief William Nicholas has been asked to submit his resignation as of March 15th, and the remainder of the force will also be dispensed with on March 15th. Advertisements have been placed for a new chief, constables and probationary constables with applications to close March 1. Members of the present force are free to apply.
Knox Church will host the Mariner’s Service this year, the lesson will be read by Captain Frank Harpell, other officers and sailors will be ushering, including Mel Buckland, Norm Donaldson and Dick Tuck
MPDHS senior and junior basketball teams score a double win over Collingwood
Glen Mawr Frocks Limited are holding a sale of Remnants, Mill Ends and Seconds, assorted Trimmings and Material, corner of Manley and Hugel. (In 1956 Manly Street was always spelled with an “e”)
Mr. & Mrs. Walter Patchell, well known in Midland and Tiny Twp. were injured in an auto accident at LeFaive corner Wednesday morning. Mrs. Patchell is hospitalized in Penetang with her injuries. The Patchell’s operated a grocery store on Yonge St. E. Midland for many years and in recent years operated a store and summer post office at Nottawaga Beach
At the Pen, James Stewart in Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Rear Window” and James Stewart in the “Man from Laramie”
At the Roxy, Cary Grant and Grace Kelly in Alfred Hitchcock’s “To Catch a Thief”. Filmed in Monaco where she will soon live and reign as a princess
St. Margaret’s Parish Credit Union has, since its inception in 1945, made 487 loans valued at over $100,000.00
Why run for the phone when you can have an extension anywhere in your home for less than .05 cents per day
Midland council calls for tenders to build a new municipal building
Between 900 and 1,000 entries expected for the tenth annual Midland Music Festival, under the joint auspices of the Midland Y’s Men’s Club and the Midland branch of the Ontario Registered Music Teachers Association, to be held in the YMCA
Penetang Council asks Chief of Police, John Power, for his resignation
Remember TV Snack Tables? Only $1.59 with every $5.00 purchase at the Red & White Food Stores
McNamara Construction of Toronto (summer home at Thunder Beach) has been awarded the $702,135.00 contract for the next section of the new Trans Canada highway between the MacDonald River and the Muskoka River (Musquash maybe)
Winterama fishing derby prize to be a new boat and motor

Weddings

January 28th, Yvette Marie Moreau, daughter of Mrs. Willie Moreau, Perkinsfield and John Frederick Kaus, son of Mr. & Mrs. Fred Kaus, Penetang, at St. Patrick’s in Perkinsfield.

January 28th, Barbara Helen Dillon, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. J. V. Dillon, Penetang, and Gerard Gabriel Genier, son of Mr. & Mrs. Honore Genier, Lafontaine, at St. Ann’s Memorial Church.

January 14th, Lucille Dumais, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Albert Dumais, Penetang, and Alvin Gravelle, son of Mr. & Mrs. Albert Gravelle, Penetang, at St. Ann’s Memorial Church.

January 14th, Annette Sauvé, daughter of Mrs. Joseph Sauvé of Port McNicoll, and Joseph Lewin, son of Mr. & Mrs. William Lewin, Toronto, at Sacred Heart Church, Port McNicoll.

Obituaries

Emily Adelaide Beatty, died at St. Andrew’s Hospital, February 3rd. Born in Wyebridge in 1874 and married there to John Beatty on June 11, 1902. Related to the Drummond-McCaul smelter family and moved here when the smelter opened. Pall bearers were a “who’s-who” of Midland. V. G. Edwards, Capt. Ed Burke, J. J. Robins, Albert Hartman, James Clarkson, George Dudley Q. C., Dr. T. J. Johnson.

David Bell Sr. died February 1st in St. Andrew’s Hospital of a heart attack, aged 76. Rated as one of the top boxing and running trainers of his day. Born in Scotland Mr. Bell came to Canada in 1907 and lived in Midland for 42 years. Shipbuilder by trade, David married Mary Jane McWha at Peterborough in 1911. Father of Davie Bell of Midland.

Huronia Museum – Looking Back 60 Years ago in North Simcoe – February 1st to 7th 1956

Taken last Sunday during the Provincial Ski Jumping Championship, this photo shows part of the large crowd that turned out for the meet. With more onsite parking and the help of the Provincial Police and a provost corps from Base Borden, organizers were able to keep traffic flowing freely. Skiers eye view from atop the 60 meter ski jump looking north east towards Midland. The roadway is now called Sundowner Road but in 1956 it was the road to Perkinsfield and Balm Beach. It connects directly to Yonge Street and coming west on Yonge Street today you can still see that Yonge led directly to the base of the ski hill. Little Lake is on the right.

Long identified with skiing in Midland, William A. Robinson, MP for Simcoe East, cuts the ribbon to officially open the new sixty meter ski jump at Midland Resorts Ltd. during the provincial meet Sunday. Mr. Robinson was also the first president of the organization. Photo includes Pete Pettersen, manager of the resort, Mr. Robinson, Mayor Charles Parker and Ross Larway, Toronto, ski zone official.

A crow is perched on a mop in the porch of Mr. & Mrs. Clare Marcellus of 183 Elizabeth St. (now 449). When released he headed home to the residence of Mr. & Mrs. Norman Reynolds, 168 Lindsay Street (now 176) where he is the pet of their son Frank Reynolds. “Tommy” was picked up as fledgling last year at Cedar Point and is a common sight around Regent School. He prefers to be indoors during the cold weather.
I remember this crow when I was a kid, until I saw this article I thought of him as “my pet crow” but I guess he had another life beyond our yard.

“Reached the Limit”. Midland librarian Dawson Leigh stores books in the basement of the library on Hugel Avenue that should be out on the shelves but there is no room. In the top photo, a ladder is needed to reach these books and they were shelved right to the floor, you would have to lie down to read those titles. Angus Mowat, father of Farley Mowat and director of Public Library Service for Ontario, advised the town to either add an addition or construct a new library building. In 1940 when the town first obtained the services of a professional librarian the book stock totalled 8,075 and circulation was 51,000. In 1955 the book stock was 21,750 and the circulation was 69,170. Present membership (1956) stands at 3,610.

Mrs. F. Grimshaw reported to the Penetanguishene library board that 2,046 members had borrowed 20,065 books during 1955.

The winter fleet at Port McNicoll holds 2.5 million bushels of wheat which will be unloaded during this winter. Seen at the dock in front of the huge elevator are the T. R. McLagan, Georgian Bay, and Coverdale of the Canadian Steamship Lines; Golden Hind and the Capt. C.D. Secord of the Mohawk Navigation Company. Also the barge Alexander Holley and tug Helena. CPR Passenger ships Assiniboia and Keewatin winter on the other side of the slip.

“Credit Union Appoints New Officers” St. Margaret’s Parish Credit Union directors were chosen at the annual meeting Tuesday. Front, S. Leclair, Mrs. W. J. Murray, secretary; Tom Pyman, president; L. Berriault; Back row, K. Moreau, F. S. Johnstone treasurer, W. Leclair.

Midland Business College, the Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday night classes now have an enrollment of 49 students. The classes in typewriting and accounting have proved popular with adult residents of North Simcoe. Head of the business college is Norman Schell who is seen standing in these two photos.

Work to begin next week on the new Loblaw’s Groceteria on King Street. G. C. Bennett of Bennett & Pratt Ltd. of Toronto told this newspaper that 30 to 40 men would be employed, many of them local. The firms other partner is ex-Midlander, Lorne Pratt. The building will measure 67 by 140 feet.
Flight-Lieut. Edward R. Jackson of Midland received the Distinguished Flying Cross from Governor General Vincent Massey at an investiture in Ottawa, January 24th.
R. J. Cardwell was named president for 1956 of the Midland Medical Officers Association at their recent annual meeting. Dr. James Small, vice president and Dr. E. A. Grise, secretary.
Gropp Motors special of the week, 1953 Ford 2-door sedan, two tone blue, radio, heater, excellent tires, $1,395.00.
Not the winter of 2015/16; on January 29th, Art Connell, Bill Pheasant, Lloyd Taylor and Mel Wyley of Coldwater drove to Go Home Lake and travelled from there to Gloucester Pool on the Severn River. They reported seeing about twenty five cars and a tractor on the river ice.
25 YEARS AGO, 1931; The newly organized ski club with Wm. A. Robinson as president met to plan the development of the club and the town as a winter resort area. Two jumps were built in the park, one five feet and one three feet. – Robert Andrew Kent of Hillsdale died in Coldwater in his 90th year. Excerpt from the January 22, 1931 Orillia Packet & Times; in 1865 he was engaged on the sessional staff of the old province of Upper Canada. This was the session preceding Confederation and in 1867 he was engaged in the sessional staff of the Legislature of Ontario, a position which he filled annually up to and including the last session. It was his great pride that he had never missed a session. He also served on the staff of the Dominion House for seven years during the period in which they met at different times. About the time of Confederation he moved into Flos Township and farmed there until 1901, when he retired to the Village of Hillsdale.
Kent was a remarkable penman and to him fell the honour of writing out the copy of the British North America Act which was sent to Queen Victoria.
One of Mr. Kent’s earliest recollections was of having seen Lord Elgin, then Governor General of Canada, pelted with rotten eggs and filth following the signing of the Rebellion Losses Bill. That night the parliament buildings were burned, also the Premier in effigy. He was in Ottawa when Thomas D’Arcy McGee was shot and next morning examined the bullet still sticking in the door of McGee’s boarding house. – January 17, 1931, one of the largest rock falls in the history of Niagara Falls occurred when a large “U-Shaped” formation tumbled down.
Edwards Specialty Shop announces the opening of their “Housefurnishings Department”.
Federal government contracts have been awarded to two Midland firms, Atkinson Marine & Machine and Daniells’ Welding Service, to construct two steel scows for the Department of Northern Affairs. One of the 35 foot scows will be used at Beausoleil Island National Park.
Coach Johnny Mariucci’s U.S. Olympic hockey team win a stunning upset over Canada at Cortina, Italy. Mariucci is well known in Midland. As a member of the defunct St. Louis Flyers, he was a fan favourite when the team trained at the Arena Gardens for two seasons.
From the Christian Guardian, archives of the United Church of Canada, the Free Press printed the account of a canoe voyage taken in 1833 from Coldwater to the Saugeen Indian Mission at the mouth of the Saugeen River on Lake Huron, now the home of the Saugeen First Nation. In the letters Matchedash Bay was known as Mahjedushk Bay, Penetanguishene was Penatonguishingk, Nottawasaga River was Notawaysaugah River, Owen Sound was Chewingkatung, Saugeen was Sahgeeng. The voyage was taken in one canoe by four men, averaging 30 miles per day, following the shoreline to Owen Sound.
Hobart School to reopen after being closed for five years.
Midland Friendship Club of Toronto to hold its second annual meeting in the Oak Room at Union Station, Mayor Charles Parker to be guest speaker.
Pen Theatre advertising family nights, “No need to get a baby sitter, bring the kids with you” up to four children in a family admitted free on Thursday nights.
Jeffery’s Hardware is selling McClary refrigerators for $199.00 (I bet some of them are still working)
Illness of less than a week, 14 year old John Murray Viger, an MPDHS student, dies of rheumatic fever.
1956 campaign, anti-polio Salk vaccine to be given to one million Ontario children.
Over seventy grade 12 and 13 girls nominated for Queen of Hearts in the eighth annual contest.
HMCS Penetang has been transferred to Norway, renamed KNM Draug in a colourful ceremony in Halifax.
Roger Adams, 17, finds a small oyster in a can of frozen oyster soup, about the size of a B-B pellet, pear shaped and blue in colour.
All rubber type overshoes on sale for $2.98 a pair at the Midland General Store, 222 King Street.
Midland & Penetang’s Queen of Hearts contest, in co-operation with MPDHS, will choose by audience applause five finalist on Thursday night at the Roxy

Weddings

January 21st, Anne Marie Hamelin, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Henry Hamelin, Penetang and Donald Cyril Lavigne, son of Mr. & Mrs. Cyril Lavigne, Midland at St. Ann’s Memorial Church.
January 21st, Joan Beteau, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. James Bath and William A. Hack, son of Mrs. Charles Hack, both of Midland, at Knox Presbyterian Church.

Obituaries

Frederick A. Hacker, one of Midland’s oldest and most respected businessmen died suddenly Tuesday at his home at 310 Second Street. He was in his 71st year. Born in Midland, he was the son of William & Sarah Hacker. His father operated what is now the Midland Boat Works. He is survived by his second wife Ethel Mae Turner and his son Stanley.
Mrs. Milton Eplett nee Matilda Nichol Willison, 73, a well respected and active citizen of Coldwater for 53 years. Pre-deceased by her husband Milton Eplett, a Coldwater merchant, in 1954. Surviving are a daughter Marjorie and a son Harry.

Off topic but interesting, from the Official Automobile Guide of Canada 1912.
Orillia to Midland
-Leaving Orillia go west on Mississaga Street past Orillia Opera House and turn right, then left on Coldwater Road, top of the hill pass the cemetery on the right at mile .7, through Marchmount, a good gravel road to Warminster. Just before the creek leave the telegraph poles and turn to the left at mile 9, then follow the road, at mile 11.1 meet the main road with telegraph poles, turn to the left, jog to the right, follow poles to Midland. Clay road fairly good from Warminster to Coldwater. Here is the Dennison House Hotel and a good gravel road. Turn left at mile 15 over the railway bridge and go on to Fesserton, a winding gravel and sand road, fairly good to Waubaushene and the Queen’s Hotel. On to Victoria Harbour, straight on following the lake shore through to the Old Fort. Good road all the way to Midland, the Queen’s Hotel and Etwell’s Garage.

Huronia Museum – Looking Back 60 Years ago in North Simcoe – Jan 24th to 31st 1956

This was the front page photo of the January 25th, 1956 Free Press Herald, but as we continue to catalogue the Free Press negative collection we discover that many of the more important images are missing. Major events such as ship launches or Hurricane Hazel are gone, possibly loaned and never returned or just given away to those interested in them before the museum received them. This photograph, with added text and portrait inserted, was re-photoed from the May 8th, 1991 edition of “Perspectives”, an insert in the “Coldwater Canadian” printed by the Star Group of Newspapers Inc. It adds a little human interest to the original. Also in the Perspectives” were editorials by Shirley Whittington, Allan Fotheringham, Stan Redman, Mark Bourrie.

As the men cut the ice it was being removed by a rail mounted bucket crane and piled on the shore. The bridge in the foreground carried the track around the shore where it joined to the tracks leading to the Simcoe Elevator. The Town House elevator had a fixed unloading leg unlike the other elevators in Midland and Port McNicoll where the leg or legs could be moved on rails to facilitate access to the entire length of a ship. At the Town House the ship had to be moved. The shadowing on the left of this photo is common on many of the thousands of negatives in the Free Press collection, the result of up to sixty years of poor storage before we received them. Many are much worse than this and unable to be saved. With proper temperature and humidity black & white photographic film can be stored for several hundred years.

Nearly 350 guests attended at the United Church in Coldwater to honour the 50th wedding anniversary of Charles and Ethyle (Caswell) Eplett. It was likely the largest social event of its kind in Coldwater to that date. The bride and groom were born in Coldwater and have deep roots in the village. They both have a long history of community involvement including church, politics, service clubs, fall fair, WI, school board and business. Mr. Eplett’s business career included the livestock and produce business in Coldwater, operating auto agencies for R. A. Brown in Barrie, Midland and Orillia, he also owned and operated the grist mill in Coldwater until retiring last year. His son Argyle took over operation of the mill.

Hockey isn’t just for the boys in Port McNicoll. Getting ready for a scrimmage with the boys at the community rink are; Nancy & Mary Calvert, Marilyn Newton, Sheila Armstrong and Diane Wilcox.

Midland Marine School students attending engineering, navigation and masters classes at the Midland YMCA. Studying for Master’s ticket are Herb LeMaitre, Midland; Bernard Gravelle, Penetang; Bill Shields, Louis Girard and Dick Smith, all of Midland. Standing are course instructor Capt. E. J. Parrish and his assistant Gordon Glover.

Midland Marine School is in its tenth year of operation and is a project of MPDHS, classes are held at the Midland YMCA. The men use simulated navigation situations and navigational markers. Seated, Don Heidman, Parry Sound; Ernie McKeown, Midland; Larry McClung, Wyebridge; Carl Sangster, Midland; Fred McReynolds, Penetang; W. A. Armstrong, Gore Bay; Andy Light, Sunnyside; Joe Dupuis, Midland; Herb LeMaitre, Midland; John Bissette, Midland; standing, Dick Smith, Midland, Capt. E. J. Parrish chief instructor and his assistant Gordon Glover.

Two of forty girls to compete in the sixtieth St. Paul, Minnesota, winter carnival snow queen contest are packed and ready to go. Kay and Elaine Munday from Waubaushene are the only Canadians in the contest. The twins will appear on National TV and meet the governor.

Ten seek MPDHS Queen of Hearts crown in 1956. Looking at a picture of last year’s winners are, from bottom to top on the left, Myrna Bannan, Margaret Ambeau, Dori Hyde, Helen Smith, Noreen Shiels; center row, Mary Popple, Jean Sauvé, Annette Martin; last row, Mary Wilson and Vera Sibbald.

All set for its first major event. Down this slope skiers from all over Ontario will compete this Sunday for the Ontario Provincial Ski Jumping Championship. Newly constructed, the ski jump will be officially opened by Wm. A. Robinson, MP and deputy speaker of the House of Commons. Sadly the man that made it happen, Pete Pettersen, died in an automobile accident in 1964 and without his enthusiasm and drive the jump was dismantled in 1966.

These boys were flying. First ski jump meet of the season in Midland attracted a good number of entries and these four were among the top jumpers present. Hans Elder, Art Luostarinen, Louis Moser and Reino Kafja. Elder won the event and set a record of 164 feet on the new sixty meter jump.

“County road to ski jump boasts a traffic tangle equal to Toronto’s best” The recent invitational meet along with the growing number of recreational skiers at Midland Ski Resorts Ltd. created a huge traffic jam as cars parked on both sides of the road from Hwy 27 to the hill. A plan is needed before the Provincial Championships on the 29th.
Premier Leslie Frost announced tenders for a 150 bed unit to be built next year for the criminally insane at Penetang. Expansion will double the size of current facility.
Huronia Council, Knights of Columbus have purchased and will store the equipment of the Pen Bowling Alley until a suitable building can be erected. Jerome Gignac, chairman of the building committee of the Knights of Columbus confirmed the announcement.
Five out of ten Queen of Hearts contestants plan a career in teaching
OMB approves Midland’s plan to build a new municipal building on the site of the old Central Public School.
Plans and sketches for the new home for the aged in Penetang are released. The building on two levels will accommodate fifty four residents and include a hobby room, barber shop and hair dressing rooms, board room and library.
St. Andrew’s Hospital board chairman R. J. Pinchin, speaking to the board; “unless there are effective steps taken to balance expenditures and revenues there will have to be a sharp curtailment of services now being given at the hospital”, “a seeming lack of concern by some members of the medical staff towards the hospitals problems and a maintenance of services the hospital cannot afford”, “the growing tendency of an increasing number of people using the hospital’s facilities to feel that they do not have to pay for this hospitalization. Outstanding accounts now total in excess of $80,000.00”.

Huronia Museum – Looking Back 60 Years ago in North Simcoe – Jan 16th to 23rd 1956

Mr. & Mrs. Charles Hanes of 14 Quebec Street, Midland, celebrate their 55th wedding anniversary January 9th. Charles was born at Egbert, near Camp Borden but moved with his family to Sturgeon Bay as a boy, getting his limited education at Rosemount School. There were about 40 houses and some stores clustered around James Playfair’s mill at that time recalled Charles. He worked for 35 years for various farmers in the summer and in the logging camps around Georgian Bay in the winter. Top wages farming were $20 per month with board and $26 per month in the bush. In 1915 they moved to Midland and Charles worked in the various sawmills then spent 14 years with the Benson and Bray planing mill. His next work was with the shipyard in the blacksmith shop and for the past nine years he has worked for the Midland Park Commission. Mrs. Hanes, the former Mary Potter, daughter of Jeremiah Potter, was born near Vasey and also grew up near Sturgeon Bay. Her first memory of Charles was being chased by him and a group of his friends near the swimming hole at Rosemount. Of their three sons and two daughters only Garnet lived in the Midland area.

June Bates, 90 Fourth Street, has the largest Free Press route in Midland carrying 192 papers twice a week. She also carries for a large Toronto evening paper in which she entered a contest to increase subscriptions, which she did by adding 125 customers in two weeks and winning an all expense paid trip to New York City.

Retiring District Commissioner of Scouts for the South Georgian Bay Association, Major A. C. McCaul receives a thank you pin from Area District Commissioner Harvey Boyd at a ceremony held at the Midland Chamber of Commerce office on King Street. Mrs. M. Chilcott secretary, awaits her turn to present a set of bronze Boy Scout bookends.

“Glow Bowl”, a symbol which once marked all the old time pharmacist shops. This one is hung in the shop of Mord S. Millard whose father, Charles G. Millard brought it to Coldwater in 1896. Filled with water and copper sulfate, it would glow.

This old mortar and pestle survived a 1906 fire in Millard’s Drug store in Coldwater. It is still used but mostly to break up bulk drugs for animals.

North Simcoe now has the highest ski jump tower in Canada at the new Midland Ski Resorts Ltd. about one mile west of town. The tower is 111 feet high and the ramp is 300 feet long, jumpers will be going 50 to 60 miles per hour when they reach the take off point.

Eplett’s Electric receives a large order of Admiral televisions, black and white of course.

Girls practicing on the pommel horse at the Midland YMCA. Left, Jackie Palmer group leader, Linda Riley on the horse, other girls in the junior gym team are Eden Morrison, Betty Jean Henderson, Peggy Jones and Lynn DeNure. Mrs. Frank Hartman (not shown) is the instructor for the class held every Friday afternoon.

2006 0020 2029 The Canadian Steamships Line has been keeping a path open between Midland and Port McNicoll all winter to move ships for unloading, the CSL tug Tiffin has been doing this but is now stranded by a broken gear box. Don Kelly and John Dignard, both of Port McNicoll are seen using dynamite to break a channel to retrieve the tug. Six sticks are set off by a battery on their sleigh. Bottom picture shows a geyser of ice and water in front of the Tiffin elevator.

Albert J. “Bert” Maddox stricken by a heart attack, 54 years of age. Bert had spent his working career in the marine freight and passenger business. He was the agent for several east coast concerns and during the war he joined the RCAF marine branch where he was in charge of several east coast bases. He held a Master’s Certificate. After the war he worked as sales manager for Midland Boat Works, general manager of the Penetang firm that ran the Midland City and City of Dover for several years, he owned his own 42 foot vessel the “Sea Flight” and turned his hobby into a photographic supply store on King Street.
Children’s Aid Society of North Simcoe asking for a $45,000.00 increase from last year’s actual expenditures of $219,771.00. In 1930 it was $13,012.00.
Deaths in Midland in 1955 were 92, exactly the same as 1954. Births in 1954 were 389, dropping to 311 in 1955. The Baby Boom is slowing down.
Trundlers will have to find a new home as the Pen Bowling Alley will become the new Bank of Nova Scotia in Penetang. Arrangements have been made to complete the league season in Midland.
House for rent at Highland Point, hardwood floors, built in cupboards, oil heated, $40.00 per month.
25 YEARS AGO; Martyr’s Shrine extends their property by purchasing 100 acres, including the hill to be used as a lookout. – Public is invited to tour the new Bank of Montreal at the corner of King Street and Dominion Avenue. – The skating rink at Little Lake Park, operated by the Charity Committee of the Town Council, was closed because privileges were being abused by adults who were crowding children off. – The Relief Committee of Town Council decided that “certain work be done under direct relief, with no man to have more than two days work at a time, and those refusing to work would be cut off relief.”
Weddings; Gertrude Swale of Waubaushene and Elmer Yon of Waubaushene. Charlotte Peden, Midland, and Andrew Beaudoin of Penetang. Doris Tooz of Welland and Harvey Beauchamp of Midland. Mary Robertson of Kirkcaldy, Scotland and Donald Kinnear of Midland.
Midland & Penetang led the County in the number of indigent (poor non-paying) patients last year, the cost is charged back to the ratepayers as welfare and was 56% of the County total. Patient days for Collingwood were 1,961 for example where Midland’s was 4,340. St. Andrew’s also claims it supplied $3,288.00 worth of hospital extras for which it receives no compensation.
Ernst Leitz Canada offers a $1,000.00 annual scholarship, one year’s tuition, to Canadian high school students wishing to study veterinarian medicine. Winner to be selected by the German ambassador, Dr. Dankwort.
A headline you wouldn’t see now. “Lions Hear Talk on Retarded Tads”
New ski jump is nearly completed standing 111 feet tall, if it had been four feet taller the Department of Transport regulations would have required a beacon light for aeroplanes. (that word has disappeared from our language)
The newspaper advertisements for the Midland Arena showing the times of different events, mostly hockey games, is sponsored by O’Keefe’s Brewery.
Tiny Township hires first constable for its new police force. Applicant indicated he did not want to be chief as he had no police experience. Hired with a three month probationary period it was decided by Council that he would use any pieces of uniform from the two previous officers that would fit him until his probation ended.
The feature at the Roxy is Disney’s “Lady and The Tramp”
Milk quotas used to be reduced in North Simcoe in the winter but the demand from Toronto for milk has increased and shippers are looking for 100 extra cans per day.
At the IGA butter is .59 cents per pound and bologna is .19 cents per pound.

Huronia Museum – Looking Back 60 Years ago in North Simcoe – Jan 8th to 15th 1956

Weddings;

Myrna Pardon, daughter of the Mr. & Mrs. Jack Pardon, Midland, and Ernest Hounsome, son of Mr. & Mrs. Charles Hounsome, Wyebridge. December 17th, St. Paul’s United, Midland.
Lorraine Forget, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Lucien Forget of Midland and Howard R. McNamara, son of Mr. & Mrs. P. G. McNamara, Lafontaine. December 27th, St. Ann’s Church, Penetang.
Elinor Jane Lidstone, daughter of Capt. & Mrs. J. W. Lidstone, Victoria Harbour and Paul Richard Lord, Sudbury, son of Mr. & Mrs. E. Lohnes, New Liskeard. December 29th, St. John’s United Church, Victoria Harbour.
Roma Maurice, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Alcime Maurice, Lafontaine and Alcime Ladoucer, son of Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Ladoucer, Midland. December 27th, Holy Cross Church, Lafontaine.
Irene Amy Gilbank, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Cadwell Gilbank of Coldwater and Douglas Ralph Edwards, grandson of Mr. & Mrs. C. Beatty of Vasey. December 27th, Coldwater United Church.
Marjorie Fowler Vollick and Arden Tinney at the home of Mr. & Mrs. Jack Fowler, Elmvale.
Betty Anne Walker, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Cecil Walker of Welland and Robert Houle, son of Mr. & Mrs. Walter Houle of Midland. December 30th, Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Welland.
Marion Lawler, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Tom Lawler, Port McNicoll and Alcime Desjardins, son of Mr. & Mrs. Herb Desjardins of Penetang. December 24, Bonar Presbyterian Church, Port McNicoll.
Anne Lavina Kimberley, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. William Kimberley of Orillia and John Albert Simpell, son of Mrs. Albert Simpell and the late Capt. Simpell of Midland. December 21, Calverly Pentecostal Tabernacle.

Items of Interest

What it cost to break the law in 1956; failing to remain at the scene of an accident, $100.00; impaired driving, $100.00 and three months suspension; driving without a licence, $10.00; careless driving, $15.00 to $50.00; for impaired, combined with causing a disturbance and wine in a place other than a residence, $125.00.
Midland council votes to go back to municipal elections being held on “washday” Monday after complaints about the mid week election this year, clerk Wm. Hack has been instructed to investigate the setting up of an advance poll next year.
H. J. Thompson & Sons are advertising a deluxe Beatty wringer washer complete with pump and timer for $129.50 with trade in. Terms available at as little as $2.00 per week.
100 cords of pulp wood have been harvested this week at Orr Lake and are being shipped to the paper mill at Thorold.
Midland Alliance Tabernacle adopts a new name, the Alliance Church.
United Auto Workers four month strike against General Motors Canada has caused the layoff of thirty four employees at Canadian Name Plate in Midland. Name Plate makes trim for GM’s Frigidaire line of appliances. (when appliances were actually made in Canada)
Crossland Public School west of Elmvale destroyed by fire.
Thirty Tay Township lots to be auctioned for tax arrears.
Maybe it is the new blue-on-white colour scheme that is driving licence plate & permit sales ahead of last year suggests issuer Alex MacIntosh. Sales began January 3 and end January 31. There is no letter prefixing the numbers on licence plates this year and the number series for the Midland district begins with 37201.
Municipal tax discounts and penalties for 1956 have been posted in the paper, a discount of 3% will be given for taxes paid in January declining to par in July and a penalty of 1% will be applied in August increasing to 3% by December.
Mr. & Mrs. Ed Carpenter celebrated 50 years of marriage on January 3rd. They are the parents of Herb Carpenter and grandparents to Dave & John. Charles Edward Carpenter was raised on a farm in Matchedash Twp. near Coldwater and Mrs. Carpenter, nee Eva Maud Hall, though born at Hogg’s Bay (Victoria Harbour) her family moved to Matchedash. Mr. Carpenter spent his entire career as a sailor on the Great Lakes, many of those on the yachts of James Playfair.
20,000 Leagues Under The Sea is playing at the Roxy.
Ted Lounsbery Men’s Wear is offering a 20% discount on all merchandise with made to measure suits starting at $49.95.
Clarence MacKenzie, owner of the Victoria Harbour Dairy has invested $2,500.00 in new cooling equipment and an updated milk handling system to make his operation one of the most modern and sanitary in North Simcoe. The value of the tourist trade is evident by the statistics shared by Mr. MacKenzie, in the winter he sells 400 quarts of milk daily, that number soars to 4,000 quarts in the summer months.
Collingwood’s Jozo Weider installs a Poma Lift at Blue Mountain, the first of its kind in Ontario.
Midland council and their police force may go to arbitration or a new force says Mayor Parker. The mayor feels the police force lacks the training needed to deal with the public. He went on to point out that the Provincial Police school only offers a six week course to qualify an officer.
Making hot news in the “Hi-Y’d and Happy” column was the winning of the foul shooting contest by Ken Mackie, 10 out of 20 tries. Prize; a box of chocolates.

Double click on photos to enlarge:

“Sleeping Giants” Three CSL bulk carriers, the Sir James Dunn, the Hochelaga and the Thunder Bay are wintering in front of the Tiffin Elevator filled with thousands of bushels of grain yet to be unloaded and behind them at the Aberdeen are the Algosteel (A.S. Glossbrenner, then Algogulf) and Gleneagles.

“Winter’s Prisoners” Snow covered super structure of the Lemoyne provides a frame for other ships of Midland’s winter fleet. At the CSL winter birth are the Hagarty and the Stadacona while across the bay at the Simcoe Elevator are the S.S. Paterson and two Mohawk Navigation Co. ships the Shaunghnessy and the Mohawk Deer.

Swearing in ceremony for the 1956 Midland council, Aldermen William Logan and Ossie Downer, Deputy Alderman W. H. Cranston, Mayor Charles Parker, Reeve W. H. Keller and Aldermen Charles Onley and Clint Smith. Standing are G. S. Dudley QC, the town solicitor, Rev. J. L. Self and clerk Bill Hack.

“Snowy” is a three month old Samoyed puppy that was found floating on a cake of ice between the ships at the CSL winter berth by one of the ship’s engineers. Leaving town he gave the pup to watchman & CSL employee J. W. Wallace. The three happy owners are, Lorne 4, Robert 8 and Mark 5, sons of Rev. G. R. Stanley of St. Mark’s Anglican Church. “Snowy” wandered away from home last week and Mr. Wallace is certain he spent at least one night on the ice. The Stanley’s, after futile searching, placed an ad in the Free Press and when the watchman called the paper to see if the dog had been reported missing the owners were reunited with their pet.

Mrs. K. V. Stephenson enters text into the new teletype-setter recently installed at the Midland Free Press. Keystrokes create perforations in the tape emerging from the machine that are then used to control the type setter.

Teletype tape is examined by Wm. J. Murray of the Free Press staff and Bob Goodall of Toronto Type Foundry Limited as they prepare to run it through the new high speed Intertype. The tape will automatically operate the keyboard of the typesetter. The Free Press is one of the first Canadian newspapers in the weekly or semi-weekly field to install the new high speed production equipment.

Editorial Department’s new home, knotty pine and acoustic ceiling tile are some of the features of the new editorial department at the Free Press. Built by local contractor Alf Rei the second story extension is 25 by 18 feet and features large windows. Staffers Harry Hughes and Barbara Allsopp are shown at their desks.

Mrs. Viola Leece Cornell, 78, of Coldwater displays one of her crocheted table cloths, 78 by 84 inches in size and requiring 6 months to complete. She estimates there is enough thread in one to stretch the 32 miles to Barrie and part way back.

Winners of last year’s big spiel and the Imperial Oil Trophy at the Midland Curling Club had to be content with winning the fourth event this year. Stan Burton, Harold Wilcox, Alvin Steer skip, and Lloyd Wilcox. Ike Cumming’s rink won the fifth event giving Midland teams three of the five events.

Captain D’Alt Hudson is holding the big Imperial Oil Trophy his rink won as the top men’s curlers in the 23rd annual spiel. His two sons, Doug Hudson left and Dave Hudson right, flank Len O’Leary of Penetang who played second stone.

Members of the Midland Public Utilities Commission are seen gathered around their new chairman, David Hurrie, as he took office at the inaugural meeting Tuesday. This was Mr. Hurrie’s 28th year on the commission and the eleventh time he has been chairman. Frank Yon, superintendent, Charles Stephenson, O. H. Smith, Alex MacIntosh, and Stuart Holt, secretary.

Huronia Museum – Looking Back 60 Years ago in North Simcoe – Jan 1st to 7th 1956

National Employment Service (NES) reports that there were 400 fewer jobless in the North Simcoe district in 1955. At December 31st 1955 there were 1,008 males and 111 females drawing benefits and 35% of the men were sailors.
William H. Hewson, Penetanguishene barrister and clerk – treasurer of the town was appointed Queen’s Counsel. Bill carried on the work of his father W. H. Hewson who died in 1928 and was Penetang’s clerk for almost fifty years.
Only nine absentees of the 687 students registered at MPDHS on opening day, Thursday January the 5th, the best day in three months and a sign of things to come hopes principal Lorne M. Johnston. Students were given time tables with room numbers at their last day in the old school, this helped to avoid lost students wandering in the unfamiliar halls. Shops should be ready by Monday, PA system by Wednesday, home economics lab in a week and the gymnasium by the end of January. (This morning I was informed of the passing of Annabelle Lovering a former home economics teacher at MSS and wife of science teacher Murray Lovering)
Sir James Hamet Dunn, 81, dies at his home in St. Andrews, N.B. Sir James controlled many companies that had a direct connection to the fortunes of Midland and many of us remember watching his namesake, the CSL bulk carrier Sir James Dunn, spending her last years tied up at the coal dock waiting for a cargo that never came. Sir James controlled the Algoma Steel Corporation, Canadian Steamship Lines, Midland Shipyards, Century Coal Co. and the Midland Grain Elevator Company.
Chief Leonard Monague of Christian Island is recovering in Midland hospital from injuries he received in an assault at his home on New Year’s Eve. Charges have been laid.
Lorraine Mfg. Company and Cyril N. Larkin and Sons now represent half of Port McNicoll’s industrial presence. For many years a one industry town the Larkin family now employ sixteen people in the manufacture of textile goods that they sell to Eaton’s, Simpson’s, Gordon MacKay and many other large wholesalers and retailers.
Only a week after Remi Asselin of Perkinsfield died in a collision with the Penetang freight train on Robert Street in Penetang a young mother is killed in a similar accident in Elmvale involving the thrice weekly train. Mrs. Donald McFadden was enroute with her husband from Toronto to her in laws, Mr. & Mrs. Leonard McFadden, Conc. 10, Flos.
The Midland Public School Board is sponsoring a contest to name the new public school that was MPDHS. The writer of the article, Barry Hughes, is suggesting geography might give some ideas for a name, perhaps “Westside” or “Parkside”. Founding families or individuals such as Samuel Fraser, Jabez Dobson, J. B. Horrell, T. I. Trueman or the first settler in Tay, Michael MacDonnell could be other options.
Notice in the classified section; “Would the person who borrowed sleigh and harness bells Christmas Eve from Frank Carroll, promising to return them the next morning, kindly do so and oblige.”
From “Wise and Otherwise” a quote from Pete Pettersen; “the credit for the success of the new Midland Ski property should in no small part go to Budd Watson. Budd’s instruction classes have won high praise from many visitors and some Torontonian’s have joined the club just to benefit from his teaching. Shutter bugging and slaloming have something in common with Budd who is also building up a reputation as a stage comic.”
Don Boyce is joining Duggan Motor Sales as Service Manager. Don has 25 years experience in automobile mechanics.
Midland police shot a wolf in the yard of A. Irvine on Dominion Avenue last week, photo and write up in the Midland Free Press caused Mrs. Norman Clarke of 167 Fifth Street, (two blocks away) to identify her 10 month old German Shepherd as the wolf. (a bit more humane than running over it multiple times)
Big part of Christmas for 1,250 Penetang kids was the free ticket distributed to them on the last day of school before the holiday by the Pen Theatre and Mrs. Milly Watson the manager. Special films were secured for the kids and had to be shown twice to accommodate everyone. It is also known that the Pen regularly gives free Saturday admission to school safety patrollers.
Pete Pettersen strapped on his skis for the first time in seven years after badly breaking his leg, the only serious injury in the history of the Midland ski jump.
Port McNicoll volunteer firefighters man the village skating rink again this year, two of them every evening.
No charges of impaired driving over the New Year holiday weekend by OPP, Midland or Penetang police.

Click on photos to enlarge.

Mrs. Robert Carson, 68 Ottawa Street, gave birth to the first baby of 1956 at 3:45 A.M. January 4th, somewhat late for the New Year’s celebration. Teddy Carson will be a brother to Roberta Joy Carson aged two. Missing the first baby honours by a few hours were Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Howe whose daughter was born at 9:15 AM December 31. Dr. Ike Weldon had the honour of delivering both the last baby born in St. Andrew’s in 1955 and the first in 1956. First baby in Penetang, a boy, was born January 3rd to Mrs. Robert Rowat of Elmvale. Grade 3 and 4 students waiting for the bell to ring at their new school on Sixth Street, the former MHS. Formerly students of Central School they and their teachers will no longer have to endure early risings and staggered classes.

Getting the old Midland High School or more recently the MPDHS building on Yonge Street converted to a public school over a Christmas holiday week was no easy chore. It was noted in the newspaper that because the taxes of Separate School supporters had been used to fund the operation and some of the capital expenses of the old High School, the approval of the Separate School Board would be required before the building could be transferred to the Public School Board. Approval was given.Moving a piano to the second floor of the old Midland High School in preparation for public school pupils to begin using the building. Jim Crawford on far left, Bill Bowen, Charlie Stewart and Len Wiles.A rush job converting the MHS facility for public school use over the Christmas holiday, carpenter Ken Trew is seen boring holes for ink wells in 40 grade eight desks as well as other jobs throughout the school.Principals Lorne Johnston, right, and Ray Gauthier did not get much of a Christmas holiday as they worked to ready the new MPDHS for students who actually got two extra days off, reporting to class on Thursday.No Yule Holiday for them, Bill Elrick, left, and Len Wiles, caretakers of the combined Central and Sixth Street schools are seen arranging desks in the Grade 1 class at the newly acquired school on the corner of Yonge and Sixth Streets.I missed a good Santa photo last week. This one is from 1954.

Santa Claus pays a pre-Christmas visit to the Midland YMCA. On Santa’s knee is John Thompson, other children from the left are Karl McAllen, Ken Trew, Tommie Attridge and Betty Ann McCullough.

“Waxing the Hickories” Young skiers learn the proper way to apply ski wax from Budd Watson, downhill and slalom ski instructor at the Midland Ski Club.Golden wedding anniversary of Mr. & Mrs. William Wilcox of 403 Nelson Street. They are seen reading congratulations from Prime Minister Louis St. Laurent, Premier Frost, Deputy Speaker Wm. A. Robinson and MPP Lloyd Letherby.Once a member of the famed RAF “Dam Busters” squadron, Frank Harmsworth of Midland looks over a model of a Lancaster bomber used in the raid. Although he joined the squadron after that raid he was involved in many others and was shot down over Germany. With the help of the French resistance he eventually made his way back to Gibraltar and Britain. He turned 20 during his escape. Now pursuing the more mundane job of selling flooring in Edwards Specialty Shop, Frank would eventually have his own very successful flooring business during the time when we carpeted every room. He is a member of the Order of the Boot, Caterpillar Club and RAF Escaping Society. With him is Al Perkins manager of the Roxy Theater. Interest in this story was occasioned by the showing this weekend at the Roxy Theatre of the epic new film “The Dam Busters”.

Frank died at Midland, July 20th, 2014, age 91.

The year 1955 is just so much water over the dam now. Photo taken New Years Day at Port Severn.

Huronia Museum

Central Ontario's history, heritage, and culture.

Looking Back to 1956

Huronia Museum – Looking Back 60 Years ago in North Simcoe – March 24 to 31st 1956

Huronia Museum – Looking Back 60 Years ago in North Simcoe – March 16th to 23rd 1956

Huronia Museum – Looking Back 60 Years ago in North Simcoe – March 8th to 15th 1956

Huronia Museum – Looking Back 60 Years ago in North Simcoe – March 1st to 7th 1956

Huronia Museum – Looking Back 60 Years ago in North Simcoe – Feb 23rd to the 29th 1956

Huronia Museum – Looking Back 60 Years ago in North Simcoe – Feb 16th to 23rd 1956

Huronia Museum – Looking Back 60 Years ago in North Simcoe – Feb 8th to 15th 1956

Huronia Museum – Looking Back 60 Years ago in North Simcoe – February 1st to 7th 1956

Huronia Museum – Looking Back 60 Years ago in North Simcoe – Jan 24th to 31st 1956

Huronia Museum – Looking Back 60 Years ago in North Simcoe – Jan 16th to 23rd 1956

Huronia Museum – Looking Back 60 Years ago in North Simcoe – Jan 1st to 7th 1956

Huronia Museum – Looking Back 60 Years ago in North Simcoe – March 24 to 31st 1956

Huronia Museum – Looking Back 60 Years ago in North Simcoe – March 16th to 23rd 1956

Huronia Museum – Looking Back 60 Years ago in North Simcoe – March 8th to 15th 1956

Huronia Museum – Looking Back 60 Years ago in North Simcoe – March 1st to 7th 1956

Huronia Museum – Looking Back 60 Years ago in North Simcoe – Feb 23rd to the 29th 1956

Huronia Museum – Looking Back 60 Years ago in North Simcoe – Feb 16th to 23rd 1956

Huronia Museum – Looking Back 60 Years ago in North Simcoe – Feb 8th to 15th 1956

Huronia Museum – Looking Back 60 Years ago in North Simcoe – February 1st to 7th 1956

Huronia Museum – Looking Back 60 Years ago in North Simcoe – Jan 24th to 31st 1956

Huronia Museum – Looking Back 60 Years ago in North Simcoe – Jan 16th to 23rd 1956

Huronia Museum – Looking Back 60 Years ago in North Simcoe – Jan 1st to 7th 1956

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