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. 

A condensed version this week, sorry, ran out of time! It’s the pictures most people enjoy and they are all here.

Click on photos to enlargeMidland Brownies and Guides step smartly along behind their leader Mrs. J. E. Lawlor, in the parade which preceded the monster rally of Guides and Brownies in Midland Saturday. Midland Citizens Band led the parade. 

Flanked by an honour guard of Sea Rangers, the colour party of Brownies and Girl Guides march into Town Park, Midland. The girls were representative of troops in Wendake, Orillia and Parry Sound districts who took part in a rally Saturday. 

Lined up for review, when this photo was taken, were hundreds of Guides and Brownies from North Simcoe and Parry Sound areas. The rally formed part of the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Guide and Brownie movement. 

A ‘Sixer’ of extra large numbers from Parry Sound, Wendake, and Orillia district circled their toadstool at the Saturday rally, just as they do in opening exercises of their own pack meetings. More than 800 girls and leaders were present for the event. 

Seated under their giant toadstool, Brownies from Wendake District packs solemnly depict a fairy, sprite, elf, gnome, pixie, and little people on the Arena Gardens floor, included in the fairy ring are Elizabeth Robitaille, Norma Clarke, Melanie Dyer, Mary Jane Cavanaugh, Bonnie Solmes and Vivian Lacroix. 

Near perfect weather blessed the big rally in Midland Saturday, marking the 50th year of the Girl Guide and Brownie movement in Canada. The Medonte Troop found a sunny spot in the outfield of the ball diamond at Town Park for their noon snack of pop and sandwiches. 

One group which attracted a lot of interest at the Guide and Brownie rally in Midland Saturday were these Indian lassies from Christian Island Reserve (now Beausoleil First Nation). Seen with their leader, Miss Lillian Hawkins (rear), the troop was formed six years ago. The Guides are known as the Blue Canary and Rose troop, while the  Brownies are the “little people, fairies and gnomes”.  (Identification thanks to Myrtle Jamieson – Top row; Winnie Hawke, Cynthia Jamieson, Donna, Edie, and Cheryl. Bottom Row, Bonnie, Joanne Flontek, Myrtle Jamieson, Betty, Mary Hawke (Norton), Joyce (Monague) Solomon, ? can’t recognize and Carol (Kal) Monague. (We would appreciate filling in the missing names?) 

Tops among athletes are these boys and girls, who have scored at least 32 points in inter-school competitions to win coveted bars to their school letters. Left to right are Bill Binkley, Ron Marchildon, Doug Setterington, Elizabeth Cook, Anne Maher and Beverley Scott. Awards were made at recent athletic banquet held at the school. 

Not content with winning their school letters by scoring 16 points in inter-school competition, these four MPDHS girls have won bars to their “MP’s” by doubling that count. Left to right are; Ellen Barber, Lynn McAllen, Linda Riley and Arlene Armstrong. 

Youngsters at Midland Public schools are hoping for a break from the weatherman today, when they hold their annual track and field meet at Town Park. These Regent School lads, Chester Graham, Cecil Merkley and Hans Matthias, left to right, are watching Dalton Moore get in a bit of practice at the shot putt. 

It will be “get set, on your marks, go,” in earnest for Midland public school athletes at the annual track and field meet to be held in Town Park this afternoon. Here the Parkview senior boys practice starts under watchful eye of Ken Cowan, Sixth Street principal. From front to back of picture boys are Jim Sharp, John Barbour, Garnet Rourke and Bill Argue. 

No need to call the police but these chaps are actually fishing for bass out of season. It was all in good cause though, as members of the Georgian Bay Hunters and Anglers Association rounded up more than 60 errant fish, on each of two occasions, which, were able to stray from Little Lake into a nearby pond because of high waters. Lending a helping hand are, left to right, Joe Walkiewicz, Peter Clause, John Power, Jan Orchowski and RossWillett. 

This year’s annual prom at MPDHS had a sea-going theme for a “Cruise to Italy”. Ship’s bell and wheel make good props for, left to right, Suzanne D’Aoust, Joyce Gregoire and Molly Malone. 

Three pretty “sailors” trying their hand with the Aldis lamp are, left to right, Marion Lavigne, Pat Playford and Linda Stewart. Girls were helping to set up the MPDHS gym for the annual prom, themed this year on a “Cruise to Italy”. 

This was a happy week for Reg Vosper of Russell Street, Midland, when Mrs. Mona Duignan, of London, England, came to visit. It was the first time brother and sister had seen each other since 1927. Although due to return home shortly, Mrs. Duignan told this paper she hopes to visit Midland again for a longer time later this year. 

A ship which aroused unusual interest in Port yesterday was the Gaspedoc of the Paterson Sons Ltd. line. Now a stodgy freighter, it once had a much more-glamorous career as an LST (landing ship, tank) in the U.S. Navy. The ship, 316′ 5″ long, with 50 foot beam and 24.6 depth, was built at Galveston, Texas, during World War II. Big doors in the bow, where perhaps men and tanks poured out on to some distant war-time beach, are still visible, although welded closed. The Gaspedoc still has a square stem, too, for loading at the end, and twin screws. 

More than $1,300 damage was caused when fire broke out in this Simmonds Transport trailer at Midland Industries Monday afternoon. The trailer was loaded with cartons of cake mixes from Pillsbury Canada Limited and cartons of plastic hose made at MIL, Fire Chief Arnold Tippin said. 

Another bumper season seems to be in prospect for Midland’s Little Lake tourist camp. Park Superintendent Harold McAllen, examines some of the registrations that already nearly fill the racks for cottages, cabins and tent or trailer spaces. 

Among the improvements being carried out at Midland’s Little Lake Park this spring is new curbing along the north edge of the main road leading into the park from King Street. Job is being done under the joint municipal-provincial-federal winter works’ program. 

Midland Parks Commission has added three new cottages to its guest accommodation this year. Two of the nearly-completed units are pictured here. They differ in exterior appearance from those built in recent years. 

Fifty years of marriage was celebrated Saturday afternoon and evening by Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Curry of Midland. Mr. and Mrs. Curry are pictured at the tea table, centered with a candelabra and their golden wedding cake. The couple has been a long-time resident of the Midland district.

(We enjoy the life stories that often accompany anniversary announcements, a look at life as it was, mixed with some local history and genealogy.)

    Strong family ties have always marked the married life Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Curry, 316 Queen Street Midland, who observed their golden wedding anniversary May 31. Getting a slight jump on the event, the Curry’s held “open house” for their many friends at the IOOF Temple Saturday afternoon and evening. Born at Rockland near Meaford, 76 years ago, Thomas John Curry is the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Curry. There were five sons in this well-known district family, all of whom grew up on the homestead back of the Ontario Hospital at Penetang. Tom’s four brothers, all still living, are Bob, who lives in Alberta, David and Nelson of Midland, and Hugh who still lives on the old homestead. They all got together a few years back for the first time in more than 30 years. Tom had gone out west, too, early in his career, and when he came home he met a young girl named Rita Florence Kennedy at the skating rink one night. They started going together and May 31, 1910, were married at North Battleford Sask. The new Mrs. Curry had reached the “ripe old age” of 16 years at the time. Although she was only 16, Mrs. Curry had already been out working for four years and was no novice at housework. Born at Byng Inlet, she was one of four children born to the late Mr. and Mrs. J. N. Kennedy. One sister, Mrs. Alma Bradley of Philadelphia, still survives. Foreman in one of the French River lumber camps, her father was drowned when she was only five years old. The young girl was raised by her grandmother, Mrs. Hannah Kennedy, on a farm at Midland Point, and at the age of 12 years was out working in the home of one of the doctors at the Ontario Hospital. After a year of this, she spent three years in Toronto, where she helped look after a family of young children. The first 10 years of the Curry’s’ married life was spent on a farm in Saskatchewan. Returning to North Simcoe, they operated a farm at Wyebridge for another quarter-century, retiring to Midland 15 years ago. Mr. Curry now helps his son Manson, who operates a  service station on King Street. There are four other children besides Manson, who has one brother, James of Toronto. His three sisters are Mrs. Sandy McQuaig (Eleanor) or Orillia, Mrs. Garfield Synott (Ethel), Port McNicoll, and Mrs. Len Murday (Alma), Hillsdale. They have provided their parents with four grandchildren. In their younger days, both husband and wife were members of LOL lodges at Waverley and Penetang. Mrs. Curry is still a member of the Rebekah Lodge in Midland. Her flowers and her garden still form a big part of Mrs. Curry’s everyday life. The canning season is the busiest time for her. “I must still think I’m on the farm, for I always do down hundreds of jars of fruit and jams,” she smiled. Most of it she gives away to friends, or to St. Andrews Hospital. Nevertheless the preserves do come in handy, for rarely a weekend goes by that Mrs. Curry doesn’t have a dozen or so visitors to feed. Seems that the family likes gathering together at home, and the feeling is mutual. “We have been very fortunate. None of our children ever caused us a moment’s worry,” said Mrs. Curry, who left no doubt that she would be happy to start wedded life all over again — with the same hubby. Both husband and wife still enjoy reasonably good health. 

An innate sense of humor that refuses to bow to advancing years is probably one good reason Thomas Lowes was able to mark his 90th birthday at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Howard James, Sixth Street, Midland, Monday.
    Nowadays, most employees would have to have a great deal more than a sense of humor to walk from Port McNicoll to Penetang, put in a day’s work, and walk home again. And all for 16 cents an hour! “I only did it for a couple of weeks,” Mr. Lowes admitted. One day he was asked to do a particularly dirty job in the tannery where he was employed in Penetang, without the benefit of rubber boots or other protective clothing. He told them what they could do with the job, he recalled. 

25 Years Ago This Week
On June 1, J. H. Cranston and his son, William H. Cranston, took over the operation of the Midland Free Press which they had purchased from Alfred Wilkes and other shareholders. * * * With the new provincial government amusement tax of two cents on children’s tickets and five cents on adult tickets. Midland’s Capitol theatre announced the following increase in admission prices — matinee: children ten cents to 12 cents; adults 20 cents to 25 cents and evenings: children 15 cents to 17 cents and adults 33 cents to 38 cents. * * * W. H. Keeler moved his place of business from Dominion Ave. East, to the premises known as I. K. Brown garage, Hugel Ave., West. (Midtown Motel or ShaNaNa’s) * * * The Barrie Presbyterial of the Presbyterian Church in Canada was held in Knox Presbyterian Church, Midland. * * * A dedication ceremony was held for the Firth’s Corners Gardens with Hon. Dr. L. J . Simpson, minister of education, and Dr. G. E. Tanner, MPP, as principal speakers. * * * Midland Public Utilities Commission ordered a strict check up of citizens who were watering their lawns without paying the $3.75 fee. * * * Midland citizens were law abiding for according to Police Chief Wm. MacDonald’s report for May, no charges of any nature had to be laid by local police during the month.  * * * Mrs. Ida Kavanagh, manager of the Penetang office of the Bell Telephone Co., was forced to retire following a prolonged period of ill-health. * * * Cottagers at Cook’s Lake and Tiny Beaches from the 12^th Concession to Dault’s Bay were preparing for the arrival of Hydro to the area later in the month. 

    Toronto police said yesterday the body contained in a car hauled out of Toronto harbor was that of a Midland woman. The car had been in the water six years. Police identified the body as that of Mrs. Audrey Chew Pierce, a divorcee from the Midland district who vanished in 1954. She was then 45 and had threatened to commit suicide, they said. Mrs. Pierce is the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Manley Chew of Midland. Police said the car, found in 25 feet of water by a pier in Toronto harbour, is owned by Edward Chisnell of Ottawa, is on the stolen list and a warrant charging Mrs. Pierce with the theft is still outstanding. Police planned to have the harbor bottom searched yesterday in an attempt to find the woman’s skull.

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.  

Click on photos to enlargeUnusual level of water in this gully near the King Street entrance to Little Lake Park encouraged black bass in the lake to do some exploring. This photo was taken at the King Street end of the deep ravine, where heavy rains produced the flood conditions. 

“SENTRY” Box — These workmen are putting the finishing touches to one of the two new “box offices” at Midland’s Little Lake, where a $1 admission charge for non-residents went into effect on the weekend. Most motorists paid their dollar for their window sticker, good for one year. Others declined. 

Stan Ligowski of Midland, who leaves June 6 by plane for Poland, where he will spend a two-month vacation. During this time he will see celebrations marking the l,000th year of nationhood in that country. Mr. Ligowski, who operates a small grocery store on Dominion Ave. East, is a veteran of WW II. 

 

Planted last fall to help mark the 50th anniversary of the Guides and Brownies in Canada this year, the tulip bed near Midland’s cenotaph was badly damaged by vandals Friday night. Dozens of the yellow blooms were broken off or tramped down. Surveying the damage are Geraldine Koenig of the Guides (left) and Carol Banting, a Brownie. A giant Guides and Brownies rally is slated for this Saturday in Midland. 

Seen during the half-time interval, Midland Huronias defeated Orillia 5-1 in Midland Saturday in the opening soccer game of the season. Left to right, members of the team are, front row — Wally Meisinger, Herman Härtung, Wolfgang Gieseler, Sandor Szigeti, Wolfgang Jaenisch, Joe Foitzik, Pete Van- DerVelden; back row — Karl Lehr, Eugen Engelsberger, Willi Schwartz, Bill Rittershofer, Hank Van Dervelden. 

Seen above as he inspected the MPDHS Cadet Corps Wednesday afternoon, Lieut.-Col. A. J. Symons of Penetang is the new commanding officer of the Grey and Simcoe Foresters. Lieut.-Col. Symons took over command in a ceremony at Owen Sound on the weekend. 

There was plenty of the traditional “brass” on hand for the annual inspection of MPDHS Cadet Corps. Left to right are, front row — Capt. R. C. Gauthier, MPDHS principal; T. M. McCullough, MPDHS board chairman; Lieut.-Col. A. J. Symons, new CO. of the Grey and Simcoe Foresters; Cadet Lieut.-Col. J. Parker; Wm. Morrison, board vice-chairman; Major W. C. Setterington, chief instructor; back row — Lieut. R. Desroches, Lieut. J. Downer, Sgt. Major D. Bell and Capt. J. S. Corcoran, Grey and Simcoe; Lieut.-Commander J. Jefferies, area sea cadet officer; Capt. H. G. L. Hutton, area cadet officer; and Lieut. A. Batty, Grey and Simcoes. 

 

Officials are having their worries at Pier “A” in Midland harbor, where the fill along both edges of the dock keeps sinking, taking with it the new tarmac surface. The area was filled with crush stone (at left of picture) some weeks ago, but another large crack has opened up some four feet to the right of the gravel. 

It’s a mess right now, but motorists using Hugel Ave. East in Midland will eventually have a fine new road surface to travel on, a welcome improvement over conditions of past months. Similar work is being done on several other streets in the town in preparation for ultimate paving. 

Waiting their turn to display their dresses at the “School Days” fashion show held at Midland-Penetang District High School auditorium Thursday night are Ann Sweet, left, and Sandra Curry. 

These girls have reason to be proud of the dresses they made for themselves and displayed at MPDHS “School Days” fashion show last week. Left to right are Wendy Feltham, Bonnie Brisebois and Carol Dexter, Wendy and Carol made sun dresses and Bonnie a shirt-maker dress. 

Whether or not any work will be done on Midland harbor under a new plan announced this week by Transport Minister George Hees is an unsolved question at the moment. Under the plan the federal government would match, dollar for dollar, any improvements undertaken by municipal governments, provided the improvements receive the approval of the department.   

Pictured are three of the four girls who won their letters as members of MPDHS track and field teams this year. Left to right are; Elaine Binkley, Junia Corcoran and Thelma Penhale. Other winner, not present when the picture was taken following the MPDHS athletic banquet Wednesday, was June Montgomery. 

Most valuable players on MPDHS senior basketball teams this past season were Gary Donovan and Anne Maher. Gary holds the Ray Doolittle Memorial trophy and Miss Maher the Helen Booth (Penetang Bottling) trophy, presented for the first time this year. 

Winning their “letter” is still a big achievement for young athletes, whether of high school or college ranks. These lads were given their “MP’s” at the annual MPDHS athletic banquet Wednesday. Left to right are; John Kingsborough, David Stainton, Ingo Hildebrand, Ben Archer, John Dion and Rodney Rankin. Another winner, Bill Swann, was not present when the picture was taken. 

Twenty-five years can bring about a good many changes, as Midland electrical contractor Ed Walker can well attest. On May 23, Walker’s electric celebrated a quarter century of business association in Midland. According to Mr. Walker, they have been 25 very happy and fruitful years. When Mr. and Mrs. Walker came to Midland in 1935, their son Ken was one year old. Today they are the proud parents of six children and the grandparents of three grandchildren. Mr. Walker feels Midland is an excellent community and says he has enjoyed his business and social relationships in the town. So, apparently, do three of his sons, for they have joined their father in the electrical contracting business. Now working with the firm are Kenneth, Gordon and Alan. Ed, is a past president of Midland Lions Club, and a past deputy district governor of Lions International. He has taken a keen interest in the Lions Club public speaking competitions held annually. As well he is a member of Caledonian Masonic Lodge and has served as an elder of St. Paul’s United Church. (Mr. Walker died in February of 2009, in his 98^th year.) 

Public School Supporters get .343 Cut in Tax Rate
Free Press Herald headline of May 25^th, 1960. Following a number of lengthy committee meeting’s, Penetang council last night was able to pass a bylaw setting the 1960 mill rate at a slightly lower level than that on which ratepayers paid in 1959. Residential taxpayers by reason of the unconditional grant pay a slightly lower rate than that assessed against commercial and industrial properties. Residential rate for public school supporters is .343 mill lower at 89.540, while Protestant Separate School supporters have a reduction of 2.356 at 86.92 mills. Public school commercial rate is an even 99 mills for a reduction of .122 mills, and separate school is 96.38, or 2.140 mills lower. The comparative figures, with 1959 in brackets are: public school supporters, commercial, 99 (99.122); residential, 89.540 (89.883); Protestant Separate School, commercial, 96.38 (98.515); residential 86.92 ( 89.276). 

May Employ Consultants to Prepare Official Plan 
Possibility of employing planning consultants to draft a town plan for the future development of Midland were discussed Wednesday afternoon at a special meeting of the town’s planning board. It was intimated that the board will discuss the matter further at its regular meetings and decide whether or not to employ outside planning consultants. 

    After several budget meetings, Midland council yesterday set its commercial, and residential mill rates for 1960. The former was increased one mill from last year and the residential rate is up 1.5 mills over 1959. Commercial rate for 1960 is 79 mills and the residential rate is 71.6 mills this year. The general town rate, public schools and high school rates are as follows with the 1959 rate shown in brackets: town general, 49.32 (49.17); public schools 17.92 (17.45); high school, 11.76 (11.38). The separate school rate this year is the same as the public schools rate. 

    Penetang Police force will again revert to a five-man force at the end of this month when the resignation of Sgt. L. Robillard becomes effective. This announcement was made by Police Committee Chairman Reeve Alf Cage at Tuesday night’s council meeting. Reeve Cage said he had received a written resignation from Sgt. Robillard, with an effective date of May 30. 

   Huronia Historic Sites and Tourist Association has been informed that the high school curriculum, as set down by the Department of Education, does not stress local history and gives little attention, if any, to Canadian history. This was the consensus of Helen Gillies, Wasaga Beach; Harold Overend, Orillia; J. A. Coutts, Barrie and J. R. Chittick, Midland. They had been authorized at a previous meeting to contact principals of district high schools in their communities, to determine the possibility of establishing an essay contest on knowledge of Huronia in secondary schools. It was moved by R. B. Moffatt of Midland and Mr. Overend that the Huronia Association sponsor a brief to the Minister of Education, emphasizing the need for teaching Canadian history, and particularly local history, in the secondary schools of Ontario. 

    For Sale:    Well furnished cottage, 2 bedrooms, living room, storeroom, sun porch, 2 piece bath, modem kitchen with large refrigerator, hot and cold water. $3,350. cash. No. 60 Grand View Beach, Port McNicoll. 

TEN YEARS AGO THIS WEEK
  The medical staff of St. Andrews Hospital officially placed before the hospital board a request for the enlargement of the hospital. * * * Closing of Midland Red Cross branch and the lack of a town recreational director threatened to shelve the summer playground and water safety programs at Little Lake Park. * * * Penetang mill rates dropped 21.96 mills for public school supporters and 10.62 mills for separate school supporters but the increased assessment for the majority of taxpayers made little difference in the tax bills, officials stated! * * * Donations of thermos bottles, flashlights, work socks and hip length waders were being collected in Midland and Penetang for shipment to Winnipeg flood victims. * * * Penetang’s water problems were believed over with the testing of a new well on Robert Street West which produced an estimated two million gallons per day. * * * The S.S. Coverdale, built at Midland Shipyards, had successfully completed her trial runs and maiden voyage. Her master was Capt. Alex MacLennan of Midland. * * * Midland Clerk-treasurer R. S. King, his assistant, W. A. Hack, and assessor R. White attended a “school” on municipal affairs and procedure sponsored by the Department of Municipal Affairs in Barrie. * * * Coldwater council asked the public school board to advise council whether or not the vacant continuation school would be needed again for educational purposes. * * * Rev. Arthur G. Reynolds accepted a call from Elmvale United Church where he succeeded Rev. M. G. McFarlane. 

    Midland Foundry and Machine Company of Midland has been awarded a $50,119 contract by the Department of Defence Production. The contract, one of 176 amounting to more than $10,000 each, awarded to Canadian firms by the department, is for jacks. The Midland company has received several contracts in the past for this purpose. 

    Maybe it’s the Midland air that seems to keep the town’s oldsters still reasonably spry and active long after they’ve passed the traditional threescore and ten years allotted most people. Two good examples are J. W. Bald and Mrs. Andrew Clark. Mr. Bald, who is 92, built himself a new boat just to help pass the winter months. Mrs. Clark, who doesn’t build boats, marked her 90th birthday May 15. She still, however, looks after the big home at 210 (now 228 Manly) Manley Street. Mrs. Clark ought to know every nook and cranny of this home, where she has lived for 66 years. It was built three years before her marriage to Andrew Clark Jan. 17, 1894. Born Harriet Rachael Brown, May 15, 1870, she was raised on a Cartwright Township farm near Lindsay. She is the only survivor of a family of seven children. When she was only three years old, Mrs. Clark’s parents moved to Tiny Township, where they operated a farm on Con. 4. Later they moved again, this time to another farm near Triple Bay. Then, when she was 23, Harriet Brown married Andrew Clark, who predeceased her 22 years ago. At the time of his marriage, Mr. Clark was a brakeman on the old Grand Trunk Railway, later becoming a conductor for the GT and subsequently the CNR. A railroader all his life, he had retired some seven years before his death. Like her mother before her, Mrs. Clark also had seven children, five of whom are living. Included are three sons, James Beverly, a store-keeper in Parry Sound, and two lake captains, John Lloyd and Kenneth Cecil Clark, both of Midland; and two daughters, Mrs. Robt. Wiles (Anitta), Toronto, and Mrs. Walter Burkholder (Stella) of Montreal. There are several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A member of the United Church, Mrs. Clark had little time to take part in many activities outside her home. “I was too busy right here, looking after seven children,” she told the Free Press Herald. Neither had she time for hobbies’. “I’m just a real housekeeper,” she smiled. Although she claims the present state of her health is merely “fairly good”, Mrs. Clark certainly has much better hearing and eyesight than the average nonagenarian. And there certainly isn’t anything wrong with the way her mind functions even at this advanced age. 

OBITUARIES
    Former school teacher and a past president of the Catholic Woman’s League, Mrs. Théophile Dupuis died at her residence, 145 Bay Street (Now 385), Midland, May 14, following a lengthy illness. Requiem high mass was celebrated at St. Margaret’s Roman Catholic Church, May 17, by Rev. L. Petitpas, assisted by Rev. R. J. Egan and Rev. F. Voorwerk. Burial was in St. Margaret’s Cemetery. Pallbearers, all nephews of the deceased, were Philip Forget, George Dupuis, Norman Dupuis, Oliver Dupuis, Herman Robillard and Phillip Quesnelle. Born in 1872 at St. Georges de Beauce, Que. Mrs. Dupuis was the former Ernestine Gonthier. She married Théophile Dupuis at Waubaushene in 1913, and lived in Port Severn until 1920. In that year Mr. and Mrs. Dupuis came to Midland, where Mrs. Dupuis taught at St. Mary’s and Sacred Heart Separate Schools. She was also a member of the Altar Society. Besides her husband, Mrs. Dupuis is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Raymond Lagree (Rosemary); three sisters, Mrs. H. Closset, Albertine Gonthier and Alice Gonthier all of Montreal; and one brother, Joseph Gonthier of Leominster. There are also four grandchildren 

    A life member of the WMS of Knox Presbyterian Church and a resident of Midland since 1905, Mrs. Ethel Brechin died in St. Andrews Hospital, April 28. Rev. J. L. Self conducted the funeral service, April 30, at Nicholls funeral home. Pallbearers were William J. Benson, Harold Benson, Lorne Richard, Joe Rix, Ernie Bath and Fred Howard. Born at Plainville, Ont., in 1877, she married James Manley Brechin at Midland in 1917. Mr. Brechin predeceased his wife. Surviving are a son, James of Midland; two daughters, Mrs. W. D. Strathearn (Joyce) of Midland and Mrs. G. F. Gower (Joan) of Don Mills, and a sister, Mrs. O. D. Barlow of Midland. Out-of-town relatives and friends attended the service from Coldwater, Warminster, Creighton, Toronto, Acton and East Aurora, N.Y. Burial was in Lakeview Cemetery. 

BIRTHS
(Now moved into the want ads section?)
CRAWFORD—To Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Crawford, Wyebridge, at St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, Thursday, May 19, 1960, a son. CRAWFORD — To Mr. and Mrs. Harry Crawford, 69 Elizabeth St., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Tuesday, May 24, 1960, a son.
CORBIER — To Mr. and Mrs. Lennox Corbier, Honey Harbour, at St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, Sunday, May 22, 1960, a daughter. COUSINEAU — To Mr. and Mrs. Frank Cousineau, Honey Harbour, at St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, Thursday, May 19, 1960, a daughter.
GEROW — To Mr. and Mrs. Jack Gerow, 2 Horrell Ave., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Simday, May 22, 1960, a son.
HAOURT — To Mr. and Mrs. Frank Haourt, 78 Ottawa St., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Wednesday, May 18, 1960, a son.
KELLY — To Mr. and Mrs. Donald Kelly, Port McNicoll, at St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, Wednesday, May 18, 1960, a daughter.
PHILLIPS — To Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Phillips, Honey Harbour, at St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, Tuesday, May 17, 1960, a daughter.
DERKS — To Mr. and Mrs. Peter Derks, R.R. 1, Midland, at Penetanguishene General Hospital. Thursday, May 19, 1960, a daughter.
DESHANE — To Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Deshane, 98 Lorne St.,
Elmvale, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Monday, May
23, 1960, a son.
HILL — To Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Hill, Wyevale, at Penetanguishene
General Hospital, Wednesday, May 18, 1960, a son.
MARACLE — To Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Maracle, Robert St. W., Penetang, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Saturday,
May 21, 1960, a son.
MARION — To Mr. and Mrs. Philibert Marion, Perkinsfield, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Saturday, May 21, 1960, a daughter.
PERRAULT — To Mr. and Mrs. John Perrault, 260 Fox St., Penetang, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Thursday, May 12, 1960, a son.
HALL — To Mr. and Mrs. Edward Hall, Wyevale, at Penetanguishene
General Hospital, Friday, May 13, 1960, a daughter.
DESCHAMPS — To Mr. and Mrs. Emery Deschamps, Cambridge St., Penetang, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Saturday, May 14, 1960, daughter.
HITCHMAN — To Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Hitchman, Church St., Penetang, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Saturday, May 14, 1960, a son.
QUESNELLE — To Mr. and Mrs. Simon Quesnelle, Robert St., Penetang, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Monday, May 16, 1960, a son.     

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.  

Click on photos to enlargeNational survival is an important topic all over the world these days, and it formed a part of the demonstrations put on by MPDHS cadets at their annual inspection Wednesday. Here a group of cadets lower a “casualty” from the roof of the cafeteria. P.S. They got him down safely.

The “carnage” at the fifth annual inspection of Midland-Penetang District High School Cadet Corps Wednesday afternoon was terrific. Fortunately no blood was  shed, and the casualties quickly revived under the nearest shade tree. It was a combination of hot sun and nerves that proved too much for some 40 boys and girls, who failed to survive the long wait before the actual inspection began. Some fell on the wet field, others were led away by comrades when they started to sway too violently.

 Safe to say we will never again see a Sherman tank or a squad with Bren guns at the ready in the high school parking lot. (Photo from the 1959 cadet inspection.)

One of the highlights of the annual inspection of MPDHS cadets is this closing ceremony, known as the “feu de Joie”, in which each member of the party fires in quick succession. It’s an old British regiment tradition, denoting loyalty to King and country.

Big event of the year for Midland-Penetang District High School Cadet Corps is the annual inspection, which takes place this Wednesday afternoon. Above are the corps’ corporals, who are, left to right, front row — Larry Thompson, Eric Jennett, Bob Swales, Clarence Woods; centre — John Sweet, John Sibbald, Dave Edwards; back row — Bill Snider, Steve Bell, Bryson McQuirter and Alton Light.

Roman Catholics in North Simcoe honoured the Virgin Mary at their annual rosary rally in Midland Sunday afternoon. A statute of the virgin was transported to the Town Park in this convertible, guarded by 11 Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus of Huronia Council. The statue was placed on the outdoor alter erected in the park for the afternoon service. 

Annual rosary rally in Midland Sunday afternoon attracted hundreds of parishioners from Roman Catholic parishes in North Simcoe. The parade formed up at St. Margaret’s Church and wended its way along Midland streets to Town Park. In this photo, altar boys and Brownies and Guides were caught by the cameraman as they walked along Bay Street towards King. 

These four girls are mighty proud of their YMCA awards, symbolic of gymnastic championships in the ‘Y’ physical training program. Kneeling in front are Glenda Stewart and Barbara Spence, Back row, left to right, are Joyce Collins and Wynne Gilmour. 

This quartet was rated top gymnastic champions in Midland YMCA physical training program. Tests were completed recently and were under the direction of Lloyd Stackhouse. Holding championship crests are, left to right, Bobby Clayton, Paul Quesnelle, Blair Shakell and Paul Howard. 

Several MPDHS students took part in the Orillia Music Festival last week and these three boys placed first in their classes. Left to right are Dan Richardson, French horn, Doug Setterington, tuba, and Tony Moffat winner of a $25 scholarship proficiency with the clarinet. 

One of the popular events at Midland-Penetanguishene District High School this spring was the “School Days” fashion show which attracted a good-sized audience last Thursday night. Above are Bernadette Beausoleil, left, and Sharon McElroy. 

Gathered around the wishing well are three of the girls who took part in Midland-Penetanguishene District High School’s fashion show last week. Depicting the different types of costume worn by the active teen-ager of today are; left to right, Nancy Jones, Heather Scott and Mary Banks. 

Winners of $25 scholarships at the Orillia Music Festival last week were Robin Benson, left, and Lois Cowan, members of the instrumental class at Midland-Penetanguishene District High School. Robin plays the viola and Lois the cello. 

Former cancer patients themselves, Mrs. Frank Rourke and James Shaw, right, can well appreciate the success of the recent campaign for funds staged by the Midland-Penetang unit of the Cancer Society. Here Lester Gumb presents Brian Kilpatrick, representative of the Ontario division of the society, with cheque for $6,252, more than three times the objective originally suggested by Mr. Kilpatrick. 

That happy time of the year for young hockeyists —presentation of trophies, jackets and a big “feed” was enjoyed by members of Midland’s Little NHL teams Saturday night. In top photo 7160, in front of Mrs. A. Irish’s home where dinner was held, are the Robin Hood Trophy winners as most valuable players in four of the league’s seven divisions. Left to right are; Doug Atkinson, Tom Sweeting, Bobby Clayton and Keith Tippin. Lower photo 7180, manager Tom Scott admires some of the new jackets worn by four lads on the AHL team which lost out in the provincial final at Huntsville recently. 

Keeping the books is an important part of 4-H Club work, and here are a few of the many on display at the achievement day, held in Wyebridge Community Hall last Saturday. Holding the sign are Carol Graham, left, of Wyevale South club, and Rita Lalonde, North Wyevale. 

“Who cares about the rain!” say this happy trio, united again for the first time in 32 years. Ernest Barlow (left) and William Barlow are visiting their sister, Mrs. Wilhelmina McFarland, Lindsay Street, Midland. The brothers, who hail from Birmingham, England, are also visiting two other brothers in Detroit whom they have not seen in many years.

 

EDUCATION RATE UP .47 1960 LEVY IS 17.92 MILLS
Free Press Herald headline of May 18, 1960.
Gross expenditures in the 1960 budget are estimated at $227,758 an increase of some $10,300 over 1959. The main item of increase was in teachers’ salaries comprising some $8,000, it was pointed out. Increased revenues reduced the total net expenditure by $5,000. The total estimated revenues are $94,400 as against $89,400 in 1959. The increase is due primarily from additional tax levy from the Township of Tay after the board took over part of Union School Section No. 3, Tiny and Tay, and Union School Section No. 2, Tay, and through increased assessments from this area. Board Secretary W. A. Hack advised that provincial government grants are estimated to be $2,500 higher than last year but this is offset by a decrease in sundry revenue of some $2,000. 

PREDICTS NEW HIGH SCHOOL NEEDED WITHIN FIVE YEARS
County Herald headline of May 20, 1960.
C. Gauthier, Midland – Penetang District High School principal, told Penetang Chamber of Commerce Tuesday night that the school’s $454,000 budget “is one of the most important expenditures of your community.” Mr. Gauthier explained that only about 14% of this is collected from area taxes, the remainder coming in government grants. Mr. Gauthier foresees a total of 900 pupils registered next year with a staff, of 37 teachers. Recalling his days as principal of the old Penetang High School, the speaker said, “It has been quite an experience to take part in the operation of this school. Of course my period as vice-principal was of great help, but still the jump from a five-room school to what will be 45 rooms next year, is some leap.” Speaking of increased enrolment he said the last five years have produced some interesting figures. Populations of the towns has increased by four per cent and of the rural area by eight or nine per cent during that time. But population of the school has risen by 33% in that time.  “This means we are keeping students for a longer period than previously, and this has brought a large number of problems.” One of, the big problems is the fact that mass education can produce quantity. “But this does not always mean quality.” He named two factors which are keeping students in school longer; cessation of payment of family allowance when a child leaves school; and the lack of jobs for non-educated which tends to keep pupils in longer. 

    OVERCROWDING at Regent Public School will necessitate the shifting of some 40 pupils from that school, in September, to Parkview and Sixth Street schools. This was decided at the Midland Public Schools Board meeting Friday night. The board also decided that a few pupils from the Sunnyside area, now attending Sixth Street School, would have to be moved to Parkview School. Pupils would be from Grades 7 and 8, the board ruled. Noting that it was impossible at present to determine the areas from which pupils will be transferred to other schools, Board Chairman Frank Bray said, “There will be a hue and cry no matter who is chosen but it is the only thing we can do.” An additional classroom will be set up in both Parkview and Sixth Street Schools in September, the board ruled, and two additional teachers are being employed for the fall term. This will give a total of 36 classrooms in the three schools; 17 at Regent, seven at Sixth Street and 12 at Parkview.  The principals’ reports showed the following total attendance by schools with the daily average and percentages for the month of April shown in brackets: Parkview, 412 (367.33 – 95.50%) Regent, 639 ( 579.20 – 96.92%) and Sixth Street, 157 (149.13 – 94.99%).

        Member of one of Penetang’s pioneer lumbering families, George Arthur Beck died Saturday morning in Toronto General Hospital. Born in Penetang 72 years ago, he was a son of the late Charles Beck. He moved to Toronto in 1928, and was secretary of the lumber firm of C. Beck Manufacturing Co. A past master, and life member of Georgian Lodge, A.F. and A.M. Penetang, he was the recipient of his 50-year jewel last summer on one of his visits to Penetang. Prior to that time he had been ill for a period during which it had been necessary to amputate one leg. Since then he had enjoyed good health until shortly before his death. He is survived by his wife, the former Grace Cane; a brother, William F., and a sister, Mrs. Y. E. Eager of Hamilton. Funeral service was held Monday at the Morley S. Bedford Chapel in Toronto, and burial was in the Beck family vault in the Presbyterian Cemetery, Penetang. 

    The Raymond Robillards of Penetang likely will remember Friday, May 13, for some time, following the excitement they experienced on that traditionally unlucky day. While Mrs. Robillard’s father, G. Tersigni, was visiting the household Friday, he noticed smoke emerging from the television set. Grabbing a rug, Mr. Tersigni attempted to smother the set. When this failed, he picked up the set, carried it outside, deposited it on the lawn, and just managed to get out of range when it exploded. Only lucky part of the entire episode is that two days remained on the warranty period, although the firm from which it was purchased is no longer in business in this area. Damage to the house itself was confined to smoked walls, drapes and furniture. 

    A church parade, dinner and dance will be the main activities when the Grey and Simcoe Foresters (Active) hold their sixth reunion in Midland June 4 and 5. The event marks the 20^th anniversary of the unit’s mobilization, June 12, 1940 as an infantry regiment. At Debert, N.S. the unit became the 26^th Army Tank Regiment and went overseas as a regiment of Grey and Simcoes, June 16, 1943. They became part of the 26^th Armoured Brigade. In England, in July, 1943, the unit was split with members going to the Fort Garry Horse, the Sherbrooke Fusiliers, the 16th Hussars, the Governor-General’s Foot Guards, the Grenadier Guards, the Ontario Regiment, the Three Rivers regiment, the Calgary Regiment and the Governor-General’s Horse Guards. Members of the unit, which has a regimental mailing list of 700, are expected to come to Midland 250 strong, from such places as Haileybury, Timmins, Cobalt, Cochrane, New Liskeard, Sault Ste. Marie, Owen Sound, Orillia, Barrie, Penetang, Midland and the immediate vicinity.  

BIRTHS
ARGUE — To Mr. and Mrs. Robert Argue, King Street, Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Monday, May 16, 1960, a daughter. Mother and daughter both well.
BEARDSALL — To Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Beardsall, George Street, Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Sunday, May 15, 1960, a son.
EDMINSTON — To Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Edminston, Waubaushene,
at St. Andrews Hospital, Thursday, May 12, 1960, a daughter.
JORDAN — To Mr. and Mrs. George Jordan, Elmvale, at St. Andrews Hospital, Sunday, May 15, 1960, a daughter.
BELCHER — At Humber Memorial Hospital, Weston, May 10, to Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Belcher, a son.

    In conjunction with the 25^th anniversary of the founding of Alcoholics Anonymous which will be celebrated in Miami, Florida, in June, and which will be attended by A.A. members from all over the world, the Midland Group of the fellowship is planning an open meeting tonight (Wednesday) in the Orange Hall, Second Street at 8.15 p.m. Purpose of the open meeting is to give people an opportunity to learn something about the problem of alcoholism and the methods used by A.A. to arrest the sickness. With this in mind the Midland Group has circularized many members of the professions, the clergy, businessmen and industrialists, heads of educational bodies and others who might show an interest. The mayor and members of council also have been invited. While the success of A.A. in this immediate district has been spectacular, members believe that much more might be accomplished if more people understood the problems of the alcoholic. The very word “alcoholic” is repulsive to some people. They picture an alcoholic as someone who has lost all material and personal possessions, one who has no home, is destitute, and who drinks anything from liquor to rubbing alcohol, it was stated. 

25 YEARS AGO THIS WEEK – 1935

D. Tushingham, Midland manager of the Bell Telephone Company, completed 25 years’ service with that company and was made a life member of the Telephone Pioneers of America. * * *  The North Simcoe Softball League was formed with clubs from Hillsdale, Elmvale, Waverley and Vasey. * * *  On account of the small amount of lake and rail freight passing through Port McNicoll, council of that village found it necessary to give relief work to 71 men. * * * A. B. Thompson of Penetang, member of the federal house, was appointed chief executive for Ontario under the Canadian Farm Loan Act. * * * W. J. Attridge, local superintendent for an insurance company, saw a red deer while driving with his wife near the Midland Golf and Country Club. * * * F. R. Hodgkins, King Street butcher sold his Midland business to E. H. Price of Penetang. * * * Broadcasts advertising Midland were made daily for several weeks from a Toronto radio station. * * * There was only one case to be heard in Midland police court and that concerned a Coldwater man charged with illegal possession of liquor. * * * Total monthly accounts for Midland schools were as follows; high school, $2,297.08 and public schools $3,007.33. 

Editorial:
 The Department of National Defence reports it has 15,000,000 yards of cloth, enough for 3,000,000 uniforms. On the basis of the approximately 120,000 strength of the armed forces today, the department has enough cloth to provide each man with a new uniform a year for the next 25 years. However, some of the cloth has been spoiled because it has been in storage for at least eight years. If nothing else, this material should provide Ottawa politicians with a subject for chewing the rag. 

    Pupils at Midland-Penetang District High School aren’t the only ones to get good reports. “We have received a very favorable report from two high school inspectors about our teaching staff, the new principal and assistant principal,” stated MPDÍHS Board Chairman T. M. McCullough at the meeting last Wednesday. “It was a most acceptable report and for you, Dr. Parrott (chairman of school property) they mentioned that the school’s housekeeping was very good.” added Mr. McCullough. Noting that 14 inspectors had Visited the school since September, Principal R. C. Gauthier said, “Maybe I can take some credit but a principal has to have a good staff like I have to carry out his wishes.”   

     A native of Penetanguishene, Dr. Peter Spohn of Vancouver died last weekend as a result of an accident at his summer home on Paisley Island, near the west coast city. Dr. Spohn, 43, was assistant clinical professor of pediatrics at the University of British Columbia. An inquest held in Vancouver May 10 to investigate the circumstances surrounding Dr. Spohn’s death, was told that the doctor may have fallen from a log and struck his head while tying up his boat. 

   Neville Keefe, general manager of the Georgian Bay Development Association, last night proposed a vigorous campaign for development of the tourist industry in Midland. He spoke to the Midland Lions Club. He laid down 11 suggestions which he felt would correct this situation. They were: Promotion of special events, such as Barrie, Collingwood and Penetang do each year; Make Midland the convention centre of Georgian Bay (would require private capital); Consider shipyards and coal docks for bayside park area amusements, etc., to be installed; Consider other areas on Georgian Bay for recreation (at present lack of swimming facilities in Midland limits, tourists who want to swim in the Bay, although it is one of our chief advertising points); Sponsorship of a motor boat jamboree into the islands in co-operation with marine dealers in area; Eliminate half holiday during summer months, serve the tourists through the short season; Use of more garbage receptacles along the main streets to keep the town clean; Instruct and advise merchants and sales clerks in value of friendly smiles — use of gimmicks in the stores — give away folders for things to do and see, at all stores; Improve attitudes and advice on U.S. money exchange, discount it but do it nicely; Use courtesy parking tickets, warn the tourist by fake summons; Off street parking and canopies, try a two-day no-parking restriction on main street, advertise this trial and obtain public attitude through voting coupons in stores.