The photos found in this blog post are the property of Huronia Museum, Midland, Ontario. Any reproduction for commercial use without permission is prohibited.  Any other distribution must credit Huronia Museum.  Please contact the museum with any questions you may have. 

AREA BACK ON SKI MAP BIG MEET HERE IN ‘62
County Herald headline of December 1, 1961.

Midland district was put back on the national and international ski jumping map this week. Pete Pettersen, a leading figure in skiing circles on both sides of the Atlantic, told this newspaper yesterday he had purchased for an undisclosed figure the five acres of property west of Midland on which are located the junior and senior ski jumps. Mr. Pettersen also revealed that he had obtained long-term leases on another 17 acres of property in the fields at the foot of the jump hills. This property will be used for parking facilities he said. Idle since the International invitation meet in August, 1957, the jump structure itself has weathered well, Mr. Pettersen said. He feels it can be put in tip-top condition with a few minor repairs, which will be carried out next week. The facilities are to be known as Midland Ski Jump, owned and operated by Mr. Pettersen.  Mr. Pettersen said he also was pleased that Chris Foster and his associates would be operating other skiing facilities— the downhill and slalom slopes —adjoining the jump property. Assisting Mr. Foster, owner and operator of these facilities will be his son and son-in-law G. Goldsmith. Mrs. Foster and her daughter will operate the ski chalet and the refreshment booth. 

     The parking area at Penetang dock should be adequately lighted next year with work proceeding on installation of two large lighting standards. Concrete bases have been poured and cable laid under the pavement for the lights. Another part of the same contract held by Patenaude Electric is installation of 110-volt outlets for visiting cruisers. Existing outlets on the dock are 220-volt and few cruisers are equipped to utilize this heavier service.

    Lloyd Letherby, MLA Simcoe East, revealed this week that improvements to Highway 501, between Port Severn and Honey Harbour are to be carried out. Mr. Letherby said a sharp knoll, near the Honey Harbour school, is to be corrected within the next few weeks. He said this hazard had been pointed out to him by Father Burke of Honey Harbour.

    Largest cargo of grain ever to enter the Bayports, 782,791.8 bushels of No 2 northern wheat arrived in Midland yesterday in the holds of the John A. France, of the Scott Misener Steamships Ltd., it will be unloaded at Tiffin Elevator. The huge cargo was 5,000 bushels above the previous record, 777,400 bushels of winter storage grain in the Murray Bay last year. Albert Hill, superintendent at Tiffin, intimated it might take until early next week to unload the France. At present there is room for some 500,000 bushels in Tiffin and about 140 box cars will have to be loaded to make room for the balance of the France’s cargo.  Shortage of box cars is a big problem for Tiffin at the moment, Mr. Hill said. There are quite a few ships at the Lakehead ready to bring grain to Georgian Bay ports if there were room in the elevators. Prospects of a large winter fleet for Midland and Port McNicoll are good this year, according to Mr. Hill, who expects at least three of the largest bulk carriers will spend the winter months alongside Tiffin.   

 

Editorial page photo entitled “Across the Wye River”  Photo is of the trestle on the CNR line into Penetang, south of Wyevale.

 PARKER RE-ELECTED MAYOR – FOUR NEW MEN ON ’62 COUNCIL
Free Press Herald headline of December 6, 1961. 

In one of the closest fought mayoralty contests in Midland’s history, Monday, incumbent Charles Parker edged Herb Beauchamp by 101 votes. Mr. Parker received 1,425 and Mr. Beauchamp 1,324. Four members of this year’s council went down to defeat. Reeve Percy Crawford; Deputy-Reeve, Mervin Grigg; and Aldermen, Albert Atkinson and Oliver Lesperance.    Midland Fire Chief Arnold Tippin estimated $800 damage was caused by a “Molotov cocktail” fire bomb thrown through a bedroom window at the home of Robert Carson, 80 Montreal Street, Saturday night. It started a fire in the bedding and caused considerable smoke damage. The incident happened at about 8 p.m. Mrs. Carson had left home a few minutes earlier with her oldest son, William, 17, who was taking part in a play at Midland – Penetang District High School. At home were Danny, 14, who was acting as baby-sitter, Stanley, 13 Roberta Joyce, 8, Randy, 5, and Janice 2. 

25 YEARS AGO
Midland’s YMCA Young Men’s Club were preparing for their second annual ice carnival reunion party between Christmas and New Years. * * * Rev. A. E. W. Ingram, rector of St. Mark’s Anglican Church, was elected president of Midland Kiwanis Club with V. G. Edwards as vice-chairman. * * * A program of slum clearance to provide employment and a national system of unemployment insurance was advocated by Harry Murphy, president of the Ontario Federation of Unemployed when he addressed a meeting of the Midland Workers’ Association. * * * A. J. B. Gray, supervisor of the Ontario Department of Municipal Affairs, endorsed a recommendation of the Midland Chamber of Commerce to employ an industrial commissioner. * * * Midlander’s Lorne Lockhart and Chris Gardner were among the 300 ex-soldiers and nurses invited to a reception in Toronto to meet Lady Astor at Government House. * * * A deer visited Midland after crossing the bay ice and jumping up on to the town dock. Loping up to Bay Street, it was finally frightened away by workmen at the Midland-Simcoe Elevator. * * * Plans were being made for Midland’s first winter sports carnival with chamber of commerce and ski club members co-operating in preparation of the program. *  * * Through the efforts of Midland’s Dr. D. C. S. Swan the British Consols Athletic Club of Toronto decided to sponsor Junior and Intermediate hockey teams from Midland in the OHA hockey race. * * * The new Midland ski jump, on “the mountain” cost more than $900 and a public subscription was being taken to defray the cost. 

   Start of a face-lifting for the Grew Boats Ltd., property adjoining Penetang docks is well underway with a new office building nearing completion. The new 24 by 30 structure is located south of the present  office and showroom building. When complete it will have a stone front with sides and back stucco finished. Andy Morrison, general manager, said the new building will contain two private offices, large general office, and wash rooms on the main floor. The present office building will be torn down and levelled off. 

Players on Penetang’s intermediate “C” hockey team are being offered a hat by Mayor Jerome Gignac for the first one pulling a “hat trick.” Left to right, kneeling, Martin Forget, Terry Pike, Larry Merkley, Harvey Jackson, Charlie Scott; standing, Larry Bellisle, sec.-treas., Rene Lesperance, ass’t. mgr., Jerry Murphy, Alvin Robillard, Jerry Gerow, Mayor Gignac, giving the hat to goalie Harvey Benoit to hold for the winner, Al Jensen, Dave Culbertson, “Pit” Maurice Legault mgr., Harold Jackson, trainer, Murray York, playing coach. (Photo quality was poor from the negative.) 

A smiling Bill Thompson is seen with wife Barbara after being re-elected alderman in Ward 2 in Monday’s elections. Mr. Thompson defeated Don MacEachern by 101 votes to retain his seat. He polled 333 votes to Mr. MacEachern’s 232. 

Chairman of the Midland Recreational Council, Doug Gerow, right, is pictured above receiving cheque for $200 from Lions Club member Charley Kay. The money will be used to help Little NHL hockey in the Midland district. Each year the Lions donate toward some project sponsored by the Recreational Council. 

Some of the fifteen North Simcoe girls who won county honours for completing six 4-h Homemakers Club projects during the year are seen above during achievement day at EImvale Saturday. Left to right in the upper photo are, Heather Dobson and Betty Austin, Eady; Miss Peggy Hunt, county home economist; Rosemary Buchanan, Vasey and Susan Pottage, Hillsdale. In the lower photo are Mrs. Don MacDonald (seated), Lynda Corlett, Waverley, Wilhelmina and Lennie Noordegraaf, Edenvale, Sharon Leonard, Wyevale South. Margaret Hancock and Marion Bell, Van Vlack. Mrs. MacDonald was presented with a 10-year leadership diploma. 

It’s a long way from the forward end of the John A. France, where this picture was taken, to the aft end. Here the two legs of Tiffin elevator start the long task of removing a record 782,791 bushels of wheat from the holds of the 700-foot Scott Misener freighter. 

Piled high in the hold, this wheat is part of the record cargo brought to Midland Friday by the Scott Misener Line’s John A. France. Tiffin elevator employee is lowering the “leg” which contains the buckets that move grain from ship to storage bin. 

The John A. France docked at the Tiffin Elevator. She was built in Montreal in 1960, bought by Algoma Central Marine in 1994 and renamed Algoriver, laid up in 2000 at Montreal, scrapped in Turkey, 2002. (How many Midland youngsters have jumped off that cement wall, I have.)

 

The photos found in this blog post are the property of Huronia Museum, Midland, Ontario. Any reproduction for commercial use without permission is prohibited.  Any other distribution must credit Huronia Museum.  Please contact the museum with any questions you may have. 

PENETANG COUNCIL IN, VOTE-WARS IN MIDLAND
The County Herald headline of November 24, 1961. 

Penetang electors last night accomplished-two ‘firsts”. They elected the first woman to council and gave acclamations to all members of the first council to hold  office for a two-year term. Mrs. Frances St. Amant, wife of Richard St. Amant, will serve with eight men as the first of the fair sex to grapple with problems of running the town of Penetang. Only other new face on council will be Douglas Bensley. Jerome Gignac was returned to office as mayor, as was Alf Cage as reeve and Bernard St. Amant as deputy-reeve. Lionel Dion, Maurice Legault, Hubert Patenaude and Ralph White, all members of last year’s council, were returned. With the exception of Ralph White, all nominees qualified before leaving the meeting. Mr. White had indicated on a consent form his intention to stand for office. Apparently the most popular civic duty at present is service on the public school board. Eight persons — four of the present board, one who has had previous experience and three new persons — were nominated for the six seats. Mrs. Joyce Hamelin, G. J. Robillard, Bernard LeClaire and Chas. O. Martin were the sit ting members nominated. Maurile Marchand, who has served previously for 14 years, also was nominated. The three tyros are Jos. E. Lemoine, Andy Clapperton and Henry Hamelin Jr. 

    One of the largest crowds in Midland history turned out last night to see a total of 40 nominations made for 12 vacancies on council, public schools board and public utilities commission. At the conclusion of nominations in the municipal building, it appeared there would be three two-way battles; for the mayoralty, reeve-ship and deputy-reeve- ship when electors go to the polls Dec. 4. 

    Maurice Latour, president of Local 4696, United Steelworkers of America, has thrown his hat into Midland’s political ring for the first time. An employee of Midland Foundry, Mr. Latour was nominated last night to seek the council vacancy in Ward 3. Residing in Midland for 14 years, he lives at 51 Bay Street, with his wife Anne and son, Bobbie. Mr. Latour strongly stresses the need for more industry in the area. He feels added industry would bring greater job potential and thus produce more purchasing power in the community.      

    Midland’s Clerk – treasurer Wm. A. Hack has uncovered a discrepancy in census figures which could mean nearly $1,000 to the town. Mr. Hack revealed this week the Dominion Bureau of Statistics report from Ottawa showed the 1961 Midland census figure as 8,464 while the assessment roll for the same year was 8,731 or a difference of 267. As the unconditional grant from the provincial government is based on the last revised census population and paid at S3.50 per capita, this could mean a difference of $934 in Midlands’s favor. In view of the different figures, Mr. Hack said he had “lodged a disagreement” with the provincial government. 

   Frank Powell, head of the physics department of Midland- Penetang District High School, has been honored in being asked by the Chief Director of Education for Ontario to sit on a special committee preparing the Grade 13 examination paper in biology. This information was revealed at a recent MPDHS board meeting when a letter from the chief director, Dr. R. S. River, was read requesting Mr. Powell’s attendance at the committee. “It is quite an honor for Mr. Powell and it is a real advantage to the school to have him on such a committee,” commented MPDHS Principal R. C. Gauthier. Perrie Rintoul, head of the history department and John Dalrymple, head of the mathematics department, also are serving in similar capacities.

Obituary – Native and resident of this area for his entire life, Edmond Robillard died unexpectedly Nov. 12, at Penetanguishene General Hospital following a short illness.  Born April 29, 1888 at Lafontaine, he lived there for the first 30 years of his life, before coming to Penetang. He had spent a short while in between at Byng Inlet before retiring three years ago. He had been an attendant at the Ontario Hospital for 18 years. In public life he had served as a member of Penetang Public School Board. He was also a member of the Ontario Civil Service Association. He was a Roman Catholic in faith, and a Liberal in politics. He was particularly fond of hockey, fishing, hunting and boating. The late Mr. Robillard married Hattie Quesnelle at Penetang in 1910, and she still survives, along with three sons, Armand, Midland, Raymond and Leonard, Penetang; and four daughters, Elsa, Toronto, Clara (Mrs. Stewart Holt) Midland, Doris Mrs. Godfrey Trilsbeck, Penetang, and Jeannette, (Mrs. Roy Beale) West Vancouver. There are 16 grand-children.  He also leaves his mother, Mrs. Andre Robillard, Penetang and five brothers, Ligourie, Albert, James, Norman and Walter, all of Penetang. Funeral service was held Nov 15 from Beausoleil’s Funeral Home to St. Ann’s Memorial Church. Requiem mass was said by Rev. G. Hamel assisted by Rev. J. Kelly and Rev. L. O’Malley. Temporary entombment was in St. Ann’s Mausoleum. Pallbearers were Alvin, Marcel, Gilbert, Maurice and Nelson Robillard and Alvin Leroux. 

During a lively nomination meeting at the Midland municipal building, last night, Walter Woods, standing left, Ward 4 candidate and Mervin Grigg, standing right, candidate for Deputy-reeve, chat with chief returning officer Wm. A. Hack, seated left, and K. R. Hawkes. Ratepayers crowded the auditorium when 40 candidates were nominated. 

 

CANDIDATES SQUARE OFF IN BATTLE FOR BALLOTS
Free Press Herald headline of November 29, 1961. 

Mayoralty candidate Herbert Beauchamp said last night, “If elected I will hold the line on taxes.” He was speaking to about 175 people in the Canadian Legion Hall, Midland. A total of 19 candidates vying for posts on council, public schools board and public utilities commission spoke at the candidates meeting. Mr. Beauchamp, implored citizens to plan wisely for the future of the community. The decisions made today by our elected officials, be said, were the foundations for the Midland of tomorrow. He strongly advocated the establishment of new industry. Within our borders, he said are choice industrial sites that require access roads in order to attract industry. In his address, he indicated the need for an effective streets program to cope with the growth and development of the town. Mr. Beauchamp deplored the fact the winter works project had been late in commencing. Other points in Mr. Beauchamp’s platform were; re-location of the dump, alternate truck routes and lights for the ball park. 

       In one of the first cases to be tried in the province, a 20 year old man from St. Catharine’s, was found guilty of dangerously operating a motor boat, by Magistrate K. A. Cameron in Midland police court Monday. He was fined $50, and $32.50 costs. The charge arose out of a fatal accident at Honey Harbour, Sept 17, when Robert Clarke, 19, St Catharine’s, died almost instantly when thrown from the deck of a boat into a dock. 

    WAUBAUSHENE — Undergoing training in the RCAF’s new 1200-mph CF-101B jet interceptor is Flying Officer Morley L. Taylor, 27, son of Mr. and Mrs. M. F. Taylor, Percy Street, Waubaushene. A pilot with 410 All-Weather Fighter Squadron, F/O Taylor is based at Namao (now CFB Edmonton), just north of Edmonton. In a six-week course he will learn to fly the CF-101B interceptor which is replacing the CF-I00 Canuck in the RCAF’s Air Defence Command. On successful completion of the concentrated flying course, he, with other air-crews of 410 Squadron, will return to RCAF Station Uplands, near Ottawa, about Christmas time. 

35 YEARS AGO – 1926
Celebrating their 51st anniversary, Calvary Baptist Church, Midland, had as special speaker Professor Dougald Brown of McMaster University, Hamilton. • • •  Midland’s Knox Presbyterian Church was dedicating its newly constructed memorial Sunday school building Rev. Dr. Kanawin of Toronto was the special speaker. • • •  The 37th annual meeting of the Ontario Hockey Association re-elected Midland’s George S. Dudley to its executive. • • •  J. T. Belanger, Port McNicoll grocer, purchased the Midland grocery business of Downer and Latanville.  Mr. Belanger’s son was in charge of the Midland store. • • Veterans by unanimous vote decided to form a Midland Branch of the Canadian Legion. A temporary executive was appointed and consisted of L. Lockhart, chairman, D. Swinson, C. L. Wiles, D Hewitt, G. Morris, Joseph Sweeting, George Wilson, B Hogg and G. Foster. • • Hon Wm. Finlayson of Midland, minister of lands and forests in the provincial government was re-elected to his seat in the provincial election which elected 76 Conservatives to office under Premier Howard Ferguson. • • • George Brighty shipped the first silver fox from Midland. It went to Adam Dawson of Oakwood, Ontario. • • New Midland Bell Telephone directories advised that five-minute conservations with Penetang, Port McNicoll, Victoria Harbour or Waubaushene would cost 10 cents. The charge for three-minute conversations to Coldwater or Elmvale was 15 cents and for the same length of time the charge was 20 cents to Collingwood and to Barrie, 25 cents. 

    Two roads in the Midland Penetang area were mentioned during a report of the roads committee to Simcoe County Council in Barrie last week. The report said that considerable work had been carried, out on the 1 1/2 miles of County Road 2, linking Midland with Highway 27. (Vindin Street to the roundabout) The road is now ready for paving but this will not be carried out until spring. Cost of the work was given as $20,895. Also slated for next spring is the straightening of a dangerous curve on County Road 6, just north of Perkinsfield.   

A Vasey girl, 16-year-old Caroline Edwards, won the title of “Lassie Queen” for Simcoe County at the second annual competition held recently at OAC, Guelph. Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Edwards, R.R. 1, Vasey, Caroline has been a member of the Vasey 4-H Calf Club for several years. She was chosen on the basis of club achievements, her work with shorthorn calves, and personality. 

These uniforms, typical of the type worn by school safety patrols, were on display in a Midland store on the weekend. Uniforms for members of Midland patrols, to be inaugurated shortly, are being donated by the Ontario Motor League, an OML official stated at a meeting in the Canadian Legion hall, Monday evening. 

Fire of unknown origin completely destroyed this service station and coffee shop at Waverley Friday night. Water had to be trucked to the scene for use by Midland firemen, who attended. Owners of the building were not home when the fire broke out, around 8 p.m. 

New and old aspirants for seats on Tay Township council are seen above at signing-in ceremonies at Victoria Harbour Monday night. Left to right seated, are Deputy-Reeve W. Knechtle, Reeve Fred Kinnear, acclaimed for his 12th term, and Clerk Ralph Dalton; standing: council candidates, Ken Polkinghorne, Murray Edwards, Stan Smith, Tom Robinson, and Ken Mundy. Mr. Mundy is contesting the deputy-reeveship. 

Saturday night was a big night for youngsters at Vasey 4-H Calf Club as they received their season’s awards at a dinner in Vasey United Church. At left, E. W. Brown, manager of the Midland branch, presents the Royal Bank trophy to Donna Rumney. She was highest girl in the club. 

Dennis Brown receives tray from W. A. Child, manager of the Midland branch of the Bank of Montreal, for topping the rest of the boys in the 25-member club. 

Scoring the highest number of points for showmanship in Vasey 4-H Calf Club competition this year, David Jones won the trophy presented by the Swift Canadian Co. Making the presentation is company representative F. N. Donnersley. 

Free Press staffer Catherine MacAllister holds an Indian peace-pipe, but was not inclined to smoke it. The pipe was brought to Midland by Dr. May Roberts, medical missionary in India who has many relatives in this district. 

Midland’s senior citizens are seen here at their new drop-in center at the YMCA. With the senior citizens are other Midlander’s who are assisting in formulating plans for the newly formed club. The town’s older citizens have not had a drop-in center since the legion building was burned two years ago. 

Shown above is part of the overflow crowd that jammed Midland council chamber last Thursday night, to see 40 nominations for 12 vacancies on council, public schools board and public utilities commission. 

There were plenty of goals, and even more near misses, as Midland Flyers downed Barrie Falcons 9-7 at Midland Arena Wednesday night. Above, Falcon goalie Don Rich, has just made a fine save on Flyer’s George Westfall, skating away to the left. 

We couldn’t resist adding this photo from the Midland Argus, 1932. An idea not well thought out!

The photos found in this blog post are the property of Huronia Museum, Midland, Ontario. Any reproduction for commercial use without permission is prohibited.  Any other distribution must credit Huronia Museum.  Please contact the museum with any questions you may have. 

SHELVE JUDICIAL INQUIRY, TERMS TOO BROAD
The Free Press Herald headline of November 15, 1961. 

Another lengthy six-hour session marked the last regular meeting of Midland council Monday night before the December elections. On the agenda was the judicial inquiry, the long simmering gravel question, acceptance of the official plan and the much-discussed Turnbull affair. All were aired during the marathon meeting. Town solicitor Douglas Haig, informed council by letter that in his opinion a judicial inquiry into the affairs of the town was unwarranted. The notice of motion put forth by Aldermen Thompson and Woods September 11 asked for an inquiry into all matters of the government of the municipality for a ten year period dating  back to 1951. Mr. Haig told council the wording of the motion was entirely too broad in scope and it was doubtful that a county Judge would agree to undertake as Mr. Haig termed it, a “Herculean task.”

    According to a reliable source on Penetang Town Council, efforts are being made to sell the Payette Foundry property to the highest bidder. This decision was reached at a special meeting of council, Nov. 6. Information supplied to this newspaper is a metro legal firm has been retained by insurance companies who had issued fire policies on the Payette building, purchased by the municipality. It is understood the fire policies were taken out when the company operating the plant went into bankruptcy two years ago. Approximately $6,000 was owing to the town in back taxes.   

    In a friendly, informal talk, Ossie Waffle, Reeve of Etobicoke, told the annual meeting of Penetang Chamber of Commerce, they should play up the fact Penetanguishene is the oldest incorporated town In Ontario —if not in the Dominion The speaker mentioned that Etobicoke never fails to mention their municipality is the first planned community in the province. “A lot of people hear of Penetang and Penetanguishene and think there are two towns.” Mr. Waffle said, “I like Penetanguishene. In abbreviating it you lose something. Some place in your literature you should explain that they are one and the same place. “Penetanguishene — there’s a catchiness to this name that I like. It’s a real selling point that I believe you should use continually.” Mr. Waffle said there were many towns and municipalities in Ontario, well removed from Metro, which he is always pleased to visit. It’s not the bricks and mortar that make a town: it’s the spirit of the people in it. You have a tremendous feeling and spirit right here in Penetang. “I enjoy myself much more in Penetang than I do in Midland because the people here are much friendlier. I know whereof I speak, because as a cottager on an island not too far distant, I have occasion to visit both places. 

   Penetanguishene housewives had the opportunity at the beginning of this week to purchase and use a brand new product before any others in the world. The product — an entirely new type of cake-mix,  for which manufacturers have been striving since they became popular. Pillsbury’s Midland plant is the first in the world to perfect and produce a cake-mix using vegetable shortening. Bill Stevens, manager of Penetang branch of Dominion Stores gained the distinction of putting the new product on sale before any other retail store in the world when he displayed it Monday morning. According to Pillsbury officials it will be several days before any other retailer will have the mix on his shelf. Dan Webb, salesman at Pillsbury, said the mix was developed in Midland and will not be available to American Pillsbury customers for some time.

   Intensive investigation carried out by Penetang police has revealed a steering failure was likely the prime cause of an accident which took the life of one Penetang man and sent another to hospital in serious condition. John Stanley Raaflaub, 29, a native of Magnetewan died within a few hours of the crash. It occurred at the intersection of Fox and Robert Streets east about 11.45 Friday night. Along with the driver of the car, John Reynolds, 24, of Sault Ste. Marie, Raaflaub was rushed to St. Michaels Hospital Toronto. Treatment there for cerebral lacerations and hemorrhage failed and he died four hours later. Mr. Reynolds, whose parents, Mr. and Mrs. Elvard Reynolds, Church Street, Penetang, was reported yesterday to be in poor condition.    

    Midland’s St. Andrews Hospital has had its ups and downs in past years, but nothing to match the record of its one active elevator at the moment. Increased occupancy of the hospital led to the property committee making a survey recently as to the advisability of installing a new elevator in the old shaft in the Playfair Wing. A time study taken from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on an average day revealed the one elevator now in operation made 229 trips during the 10-hour period, or an average of one trip every 2.6 minutes. “It can easily be imagined the chaotic state of affairs which could exist should a major breakdown occur at any time,” Alex Craig, hospital administrator, pointed out in his report to the St. Andrews Board Monday night. 

    Midland, it seems, has its own version of Abby Hoffman, the girl who set the Toronto sports world agog a few years back by more than holding her own in a city boys’ league. In Midland the word is watch out for Patsy Dalziel. Competing in the new girls’ division of the Little NHL, Patsy came up with five goals last week to help Jets trim the Comets 6-3. 

25 YEARS AGO – 1936
Midland council met for its regular November meeting and just 35 minutes later had finished all business on the agenda and passed the motion to adjourn. * * * Trains started to run over the new subway at Martyr’s Shrine and it was expected that the road under the subway would be ready for motor traffic in a few days. * * * Midland Boy Scouts, under the direction of Major Van Tausk, were repairing toys for presentation to under privileged children at Christmas. * * * The Midland Y’s Men’s Club was presenting the comedy, “It’s a Knockout”. * * * The fourth annual dramatic contest of the Simcoe Council of the Anglican Young People’s Association was held in St. Matthias’ parish hall, Coldwater.  Parishes taking part were from Orillia, Barrie, Midland, Penetang and Coldwater. * * * Franz Johnston, director of the Balm Beach School of Art and a prominent Canadian artist was the guest speaker at the regular meeting of Women’s Canadian Club of Midland. * * * It was announced the amalgamation of the Simcoe Foresters and the Owen Sound Greys regiments would become effective December 15. “D” Company, comprising Midland and Penetang men would remain unchanged, it was stated. * * *  St. Ann’s Young People’s Club, Penetang, was presenting a three-act comic opera, “The Royal Chief”, with a cast of 50. 

One of the largest deer shot by local hunters in several years is this 238-pound giant, bagged by Leo Light of Sunnyside Friday afternoon. Leo was one of a party of five hunting in the Gibson River area when he brought this one down with one shot. Others in the party were his brother, Phil Light, Fred Trott, Mel Murphy and Capt. Andy Allan, commodore of the CSL fleet. 

Learning how to look after a bed patient is part of the nurses’ aide course being held at St. Andrews Hospital, Midland. In this practice run, Shirley McDonald, Alliston, serves as “the patient” for Carol Wylie (left), Collingwood, and Ann Raspberry, Smooth Rock Falls. 

Officials of the Midland District Unit of the Canadian Cancer Society were highly pleased with the turnout for their annual meeting in the YMCA Thursday night. Unit officials and principal guests are seen above. They are, left to right, front row — Miss Annette DesRoches, Mrs. (Dr.) Peter Brasher, Mrs. W. L. Attridge and Dr. Vera Peters, senior radio therapist, Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, the principal speaker; second row — Miss Rita Dubeau, Miss Margaret Wilson, Dr. Peter Brasher, N. R. Shill, Harold Boyd and Maurice Grimes, Toronto, executive director for the Ontario division of the Canadian Society. 

Guest speaker at the Remembrance Day dinner held for the first time in the new Legion Hall in Midland Saturday night was R. C. Gauthier, principal of Midland-Penetang District High School. Mr. Gauthier is seen above addressing the large turnout of veterans and civic officials in the new $80,000 hall. 

Clad in traditional short, short skirts, these Thornhill cheerleaders didn’t let the snow-covered field for the football final at MPDHS Field Thursday faze them one bit. They felt warmer when their team won the title, 14 – 6. Better equipped, but less fortunate in the final result, were MPDHS fans Dave Hook, left, and Doug Scott, who came prepared with snowshoes. 

FILE COUNTER-CLAIM SUIT, SEEK $12,500 DAMAGES
The County Herald headline of November 17, 1961. 

At a special meeting Thursday night, Council was advised by its solicitor, Douglas Haig, that a counter-claim for $12,500 will be entered against former works superintendent, Walter (Bud) Turnbull. The action, authorized by council, stems from a writ recently issued against the town by Mr. Turnbull. He is suing the corporation for $5,000 and unstated damages for wrongful-dismissal earlier this year. Mr. Haig told council the counter-claim is asking for $5,000 for conversion of materials, goods and machinery belonging to the town by Mr. Turnbull; $5,000 for damages for improper inspections, incompetence and dereliction of office while he was employed as works superintendent, and $2,500 for punitive damages. It also asks for costs and other damages as the court shall deem fit to award. 

   Several Midlanders were involved in the $300,000 fire which swept through a Collingwood business block Monday night. One of the stores destroyed was Mostyn’s Men’s Wear, one of several now operated by Myer Mostyn. Driven from one of the apartments above the four business establishments involved were Mr. and Mrs. James Wood and sons, James, 13, and Murray, 4. The Wood family lived on Yonge Street, Midland, until they moved to Collingwood earlier this year. “We had just nicely got going there and all our books and papers went up with the stock.” said Mr. Mostyn. He said it would probably be some time before the buildings were restored and he was uncertain as to whether or not he would establish a shop in Collingwood.  

    Former reeve and county council representative, Herbert J. Beauchamp, has declared himself officially in the running for the mayor’s chair on the 1962 Midland council. Mr. Beauchamp told the County Herald, Thursday afternoon, that he has let his name stand after requests from various labor and civic groups in the town. He said that he gave it long and careful consideration before reaching this decision. The mayoralty candidate has a varied and successful career behind him in municipal affairs. He was first elected to council as the alderman for Ward 2 in 1947 and in 1948-49 he was a commissioner on the parks board. Mr. Beauchamp represented Ward- 3 in 1957 and 1958, before being elected to deputy-reeve in 1959. The following year he was elected reeve and while holding this position he served on the finance committee of county council. As chairman of public works in 1959, he was responsible for the extensive paving program carried out by his department. It was during this year that blacktopping was done on Ellen, Fredrick, Mildred, Centre, Elizabeth and Dominion Avenues, as well as Fifth Street. Also included in the program was the paving of the town dock.  

    At a special meeting last night Midland council authorized a stabilization program for a number of town streets. Council gave the “go ahead” to engineer H. Luksep for the reconstruction of Johnston, Scott, Robert and Donalda Streets, to stabilize the freshly placed granular base. An application of liquid calcium was recommended at an estimated cost of $320. Because of the weather, blacktopping of the streets will have to be left until spring. Cost will be subsidized by the Department of Highways if council passes a bylaw transferring this item from its paving budget to construction of gravel roads. 

Proud in their new roles as crossing guards in Port McNicoll’s first school patrol are these youngsters, seen with Ray Belanger, right, chairman of the school board which is backing the venture. Left to right are, front row—James Richardson, Linda Maxwell, Sheila Dundas, Patrick Kelly, Darryl Sibley, Robert Larkin; back row —Linda Comber, Elaine Beausoleil, Bryan Garrett, Sheila Cavanaugh, Nancy Kelly, Linda Adam. 

Sponsored by the public school board, Port McNicoll now has a school patrol to assist pupils across four main crossings near the school on Seventh Avenue. Above, Elaine Beausoleil is seen with a group of youngsters waiting to cross the street in front or the school. 

Members of Midland 4-H Strawberry Club received their awards for their season’s work at a dinner held in Wyebridge Community Hall Wednesday night. Former manager of the Dominion Store in Midland and now a district inspector living in Toronto, C. H. Long is seen making presentations to, left to right, Sharon Benson, who placed third, Ken Reynolds, second, and Judy Rankin, who placed first in the competition. 

Holding the ticket worth §100, won by Mrs. Fred Hodgins, V. G. Edwards is shown making the draw for the St. Andrews Hospital Auxiliary Nov. 3. Centre is Mrs. Gordon Boyd, auxiliary convener of the draw, and right Mrs. D’Alton Hudson, president of St. Andrews Hospital Auxiliary. Approximately $300 was raised and is to be used to pay for a second stretcher-conveyor donated to the hospital. Second prize winner of a transistor radio was Mrs. T. J. Henderson and the third prize of $25 was T. Przybyszewski. 

Last Saturday’s senior football final here between MPDHS and Thornhill was played on a snow-covered field. An M-P player is buried here under dark Thornhill jerseys as the visitors picked up their first point in scoring a 14-6 win to take the title. 

Born in Ottawa, Mr. LaChapelle attended local schools until high school graduation, and then he went to the University of Ottawa where he earned his BA in social science. In his first year as a teacher at MPDHS, Mr. LaChappelle is teaching history and geography to grade nine, in addition to advanced and basic French. As yet be is not supervising any extracurricular activities, but later in the year he may be assisting Miss McMullen with the French Club. Mr. LaChappelle plays badminton every Saturday and is fond of skating in the winter. He says that he likes Midland and MPDHS very much and as things stand now, he hopes to remain here for a few years at least. —Maureen Killoran 12A 

Editorial page photo entitled; “Waiting for Summer”. 

These two pretty, young students attending the certified nurses’ aide course at St. Andrews Hospital have a new boy friend, “Mr. Bones”. They are Mieke VanderKnapp, Collingwood, and Barbara Dion, Midland. 

Oldest living past president Branch 80, Royal Canadian Legion, Midland, Donald Swinson is seen addressing the large crowd that attended the laying of the cornerstone of the new Legion Hall Saturday. 

COUNTY ENDORSES SWEEPS FOR HOSPITALS IN ONTARIO
The Free Press Herald headline of November 22, 1961. 

Meeting in Barrie Tuesday, Simcoe County Council endorsed resolutions by Peel County and Penetang General Hospital, seeking support for a petition requesting Provincial and Federal governments to legalize hospital sweepstakes in this country. The resolution was one of seven put forward by the legislation committee for action by council, which went into a committee of the whole to discuss them. Reeve John MacDonald of Orillia acted as chairman for the discussion. Fred Cook, deputy-reeve of Bradford, said he was against the proposal on two grounds, firstly, because Bradford council had turned it down in an earlier discussion, and secondly from a personal viewpoint. “It would make our government into a sort of gambling syndicate,” he declared. Reeve Ernest Cadeau of Victoria Harbour, said the  resolution was favorably received by his council, and that he was also personally in favor.

    With Penetang’s municipal nominations slated for Thursday night, there is pronounced lack of enthusiasm evident around the town. Even the fact this election will be for a two-year period, has not stirred the general public. In fact, several people called yesterday by the Free Press, didn’t know the date set for nominations. There are many- unconfirmed rumours circulating that Mayor Jerome Gignac will have at least one opponent in the mayoralty race. Some  speculation has placed ex-assessor Edgar Moreau, as one of the would-be candidates. 

    A lonesome hound-dog scoured the woods around Severn Falls last year, after the hunting season ended. The homeless wanderer searching for its master was adopted by D. Smith of the Falls, who christened it “Stubby.” Stubby led the life of a contented canine until hunting season re-opened this year. One day a stranger, gun slung over his shoulder, strode past Stubby’s kennel. The hunter whistled as he walked and the notes reached the ears of the kennel’s inhabitant. Quivering with joy, a furry bundle hurled itself into the arms of the passing hunter who shouted “Mike.” That evening, Mike alias- Stubby, was homeward bound to Guelph. Commandeering the entire rear seat of the station wagon on the trip home, Mike, as any smart dog would do, vowed to give up hunting forever. 

    Trounced 14-5 by Barrie Falcons in Barrie Friday night, coach Jim Johnson’s Flyers will be out to avenge this shellacking against the same club at Arena Gardens tonight. Midland fans can look for some new faces in tonight’s line-up as Johnson continues his efforts to provide the faithful with a winner. The fans will also be able to bask in a little warmth from the new electric heaters recently put into operation. 

 BIRTHS
DUBE —To Mr. and Mrs. Larry Dube Penetang Road, Penetang, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Nov. 4, 1961, a daughter.
DUMAIS — To Mr. and Mrs. Maurice Dumais, 64 Water St., Penetang, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Nov 3, 1961, a son.
CARRAWAY — To Mr. and Mrs. Wilkie Carraway, Poyntz St., Penetang, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Nov 4, 1961, a daughter.
HOOK — To Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Hook, 40 Burke St., Penetang, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Nov 3, 1961, a daughter.
INGRAM – To Mr. and Mrs. Jas Ingram, 50 Church St., Penetang, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Nov 9, 1961 a son.
LAURIN – To Mr. and Mrs. Gabriel Laurin, 12 Centre St., Penetang, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Nov 7, 1961, a son.
LEROUX – To Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Leroux, 49 Water St., Penetang, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Nov 12, 1961, a son.
MARCHILDON – To Mr. and Mrs. Lionel Marchildon, 156 Main St. Penetang, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Nov. 10, 1961, a son.
REID — To Mr. and Mrs. Neil Reid Perkinsfield, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Nov 3, 1961, a son.
ST AMANT — To Mr. and Mrs. Oswald St Amant, 62 Robert St., W. Penetang, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Nov. 1, 1961, a son.
VAILLANCOURT — To Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Vaillancourt, 140 Poyntz St., Penetang, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Nov. 5, 1961, a daughter.
WINDROSS — To Mr. and Mrs. Ken Windross, Robert St. E., Penetang, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Nov. 17, 1961, a son. 

TEN YEARS AGO
An agreement was reached between the Joyce Cridland Company of Dayton Ohio, and Midland Foundry and Machine Co. Ltd. under which the Midland firm would manufacture hydraulic jacks for the United States and export markets. • • • Wm. A. Robinson, MP for Simcoe East, was elected chairman of the radio committee of the House of Commons.  • • Midland council approved an agreement with Simcoe County Council for the upkeep and repair of streets within the corporation which were extensions of, or connected with, roads included in the county road system. • • • A new trophy for Midland District High School was presented to Principal J. J. Robins by Jim Harrison, publicity manager for National Theatre Services. Known as the Roxy Trophy it was to be presented for annual competition for the MPDHS senior boy. • • • Proposal for the formation of a Penetang High School cadet band was outlined by Principal Ray Gauthier when he asked for financial assistance from the Penetang Legion. • • • The Manson J. Bradley Chapter, Order of The Eastern Star, presented a  new oxygen tent to St. Andrews Hospital, Midland. • • • William Jeffery, Midland, was president of the Georgian Bay Branch of the Navy League of Canada. The group was holding its tag day in support of the Sea Cadet movement. • • • Candidates for the provincial election in Simcoe ridings were Simcoe East — Wilfred H. Hoult, CCF; Dr. John D. McPhee, PC.; John R. MacIsaac, Liberal: Simcoe Centre —George G. Johnston, P.C. and F. Charles Newton, Liberal. • • • Doctors and private citizens were joining in a plea for a “yes” vote on the new hospital by-law to be put before Midland ratepayers. 

It was a big night Tuesday for members of the Junior Chamber of Commerce at Brooklea Golf and Country Club when they entertained their National President, R. H. (Reg) Dorrett of Regina. Pictured above, after the signing of the guest book at town hall are, left to right; Lloyd Delaney, Ontario Jaycee president, Reg Dorrett, John Bourgeois, president of the Midland club and Miles Blackhurst, immediate past president. 

Banner which proclaims Clara Taylor, 20, of Saanichton, B.C., as Canada’s “Dairy Princess” for 1961 is admired by Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Etherington of Victoria Harbour. Appearing at the Royal Winter Fair last week, Miss Taylor stopped off to visit her Victoria Harbour cousins on the way home. 

Second nurses aid course to be operated at St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, is now well, underway with 11 students on hand. Seen above, left to right are: front row—Carol McGee, Port Colborne; Mrs. Shirley Widdes, Midland; Mrs. W. Bramah, instructress; Louise Ballantyne, Egbert; Mieke VanderKnapp, Collingwood; back row—Leola McMillan, Owen Sound; Ann Raspberry, Smooth Rock Falls; Carole Wylie, Collingwood; Shirley McDonald, Alliston; Barbara Dion, Midland; Mrs. Pearl Cowden, Midland; Jean Emms, Barrie. 

To Mrs. Charles Melville, who lost two sons in World War II went the honour of laying the cornerstone for Midland’s new Canadian Legion Hall, November 11. Mrs. Melville was also a guest at the Remembrance Day dinner in the evening.