Submitted by local historian Dean Nicholls, April 2020

In the wake of the Arlington: The day she rose again in Midland Harbour.

 The life and times of the Burke Brothers of Midland ON. 

If you walked the streets of my town, Midland ON, any day and asked a resident about the sinking of the SS Arlington you would get a stare, that puzzling look and nod of sympathy that you are asking a dumb question. We have no old sailors occupying park benches under the railway canopy on the Town Dock any more; they, the railway and the old canopy are all gone.  Only a few family members remember that the two young junior hockey players, Ted Brodeur and Frank Swales, on their first trip ever as newly hired deckhands, were saved when their ship went down. Their ships captain, cooperating to keep them on a payroll all summer, being hometown players, so they could play for Midland next season, this was important stuff then, now forgotten. Nobody remembers that as soon as the hearings on the disaster were completed, spring of 1941, that no evidence of negligence, irresponsibility or responsibility was placed on anyone’s record, insurance was paid and the issue quickly passed. One family mourned the loss of a husband, father and brother, the Arlington’s Captain “Tatey Bug Burke”. But Canada was at war, greater tragedies were being reported every hour. Local young men were being killed far away from home, the community, as most would, moved on.

The S.S. Arlington was built in 1913 at Detroit Shipyard, in service called a “canaller”, steel-hulled, propeller-driven to accommodate Great Lakes narrow locks and river systems. She was 244 feet long and 43 feet in width, comfortably able to slide through the locks. In 1937 she readied for Burke Towing and Salvage Company, BT&SC (5) owned and operated by the Burkes Brothers Midland ON , and was equipped with the most modern navigational equipment available at that time. As new owners, brothers Captains Edward 1873 – 1958 and David Burke 1877 – 1941 persuaded their younger brother Frederick, born at Midland ON June 12^th, 1885,  to become her captain. The Burke’s, of Irish descent were great-grandsons of a British Military Soldier who like many others took Military Land Grants in Canada upon retirement. They selected properties in and around the British Military and Naval Establishment at Penetanguishene, on Georgian Bay.  Fred, the youngest brother, was known as a most capable, intuitive navigator using his special intelligence to navigate safely.  He had an unusual nickname known to all as “Tatey Bug”, except to his face.  As a youngster, Fred had a speech impediment and could not properly say his name. Known to the family as Teddy, he said Taydey Bug for Teddy Burke, which over the years became Tatey Bug even when as an adult he had lost his impediment. At times due to his compulsive and very hyper nature, this name was considered apropos.

As the brother’s salvage, towing and barging business, of which they were well known as specialist over the entire Great Lakes area, declined, they became aware in the early 1930’s that they had to diversify, “moving ahead with the times”. For them, the Arlington’s principal use and profitability was to haul grain in the early spring and late fall seasons, and pulpwood in midseason when the grain business was not so busy.

For years Fred had captained tug boats for his brothers towing timber rafts and sailing vessels on Georgian Bay.  But his longing to captain larger steamships and out of respect for James Playfair, a Midland ON industrialist, who owned the Georgian Bay Navigation Company (GBNC), he took to their larger vessels. One of Fred’s big ships, the S.S. Glenorchy, delighted him as he was having a good season on her until the night of October 29^th 1924 on Lake Huron, off the Lower Michigan shore, in heavy fog. The “Orchy” was struck by the S.S. Leonard B. Miller. The Miller, only partially damaged, carried the Orchy along allowing her crew to walk across their deck onto the Miller before the Glenorchy slid away, down. Fred was credited with heroism for saving an injured crewman on this occurrence, adding to the many tales that built his career as he had other groundings and mishaps that created his mystic. In 1925 we find him captain on a Playfair vessel the SS Glenisla. Then in 1926 following the transfer of GBNC fleet he became an employee of Canada Steamship Lines.

April 30^th, 1940 as the Arlington departed the Lakehead, downbound for Owen Sound ON with a load of grain; in her wake fate certainly was riding with her. Another vessel the SS Collingwood, bound for Midland ON with a load of grain, was leaving just behind her. As the CSL ship captained by Midlander Thomas Carson followed the Arlington away, Carson decided to stay in her wake as he knew she was fitted out with better navigation equipment than he possessed. May 1^st on Lake Superior he observed, in breaks in the snow storm, the Arlington was struggling. As the weather worsened he wondered at the changes of direction and reverses, but stayed his distance. Only when he realized she was in big trouble did he close. Through the snow storm and huge waves, he glimpsed Mate Junis Macksey readying lifeboats. Carson came to within 220 yards and prepared to take her hands aboard. Suddenly the Arlington rolled unsteadily to port, and then back to starboard away and down.  Recovered were 23 sailors excluding the captain who was not with them? It was not until they reached Sault St. Marie locks was Captain Carson able to send a message to Midland that the Arlington was gone. Upon the Collingwood’s arrival at Midland immediately an inquiry was scheduled for the following day. All survivors were cautioned to say nothing to anyone about the sinking. As they pulled dockside they found the dock heavily crowded with family, friends and observers. Security became very important.

The inquest started in Midland and continued for several months in different locations and I leave it for the reader to explore. My recommendation for the best synopsis read: True Tales of the Great Lakes by Dwight Boyer.

Everything changed, a year after the sinking for the Burke Company.  Captain David died suddenly leaving Captain Ed, the oldest brother, to run their affairs. He decided to shut down their company but finishing up the 1940’s and into the early 50’s he was often was called upon to assist with salvaging on the great Lakes. Dying in 1958 he spent his last years happily on the bay, aboard his private yacht, the Captain Ed.

And today what is heard of the Burke Brothers, their benevolence in our community or even their history here? Captains Edward and David are entombed in a family mausoleum in the old Military Cemetery of St. James on the Lines Anglican Church, Penetanguishene ON.

The once benevolent and accommodating Burke Company is no more. There are memorial plaques on the wall of St. Mark’s Anglican-Lutheran Church, 3^rd St. Midland in memory of Captain David and Captain Frederick John Burke, not mentioned as “Tatey Bug”!  And on the lawn in front of the church, as one would enter, stands a tall white Carillion Tower in memory of Captain Edward and his wife Estelle. The bells toll every Sunday while the congregation recite the Lord’s Prayer. As we hear the bells and say the prayer does anyone present wake the Arlington, the Burkes or their history?  Perhaps they all pray to have a Collingwood in their wake?

Photos from the May 8th, 1940 Free Press Herald, Huronia Museum collection.
Photo of the Arlington, Dean Nicholls personal collection.

 

 

 

 

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 enlargeA familiar scene was re-enacted at Port McNicoll Saturday as Harbourmaster Alex McCullagh, right, presented traditional “topper” to Capt. J. W. Lenckie. The Wiarton skipper brought the first cargo of the season to Port, 642,000 bushels, on the John O. McKellar. Capt. Lenckie also won a hat for opening the season at Prescott last year. 

Midland harbour sprang to life again on the weekend with the arrival of seven grain boats. The top hat went to Capt. A. R. Rafuse of Cornwall, who brought 672,000 bushels of grain to Tiffin elevator on the Scott Misener. Seen above with Mayor Charles Parker, left, and Albert Hill, Tiffin superintendent, Capt. Rafuse had won another “hat” at Midland back in 1947. He started sailing when he was 15 years old and has been at it for 42 years. 

Easter Monday this year had more than the usual significance for Mr. and Mrs. Robert Arnold of Victoria Harbour. It marked their 60th wedding anniversary, as well as the religious holiday. Although they lived for 40 years at Newmarket where Mr. Arnold was a CNR section foreman, they are no strangers to this area. The first seven years of their married life were spent at Waubaushene, and the past 13 since his retirement from the railroad, at Victoria Harbour. Mrs. Arnold, eldest of 11 children born to the late Mr. and Mrs. George Lidstone, was born at Coulson. Only one of her five brothers, Capt. Jack Lidstone of the Harbour, is living. She does have four sisters, Mrs. Merle Schigur of Milwaukee, and Mrs. James Sykes and the Misses Mabel and Ena Lidstone, all of Victoria Harbour. 

Many district families can attest to the Salvation Army’s generosity in their time of need.  Lieut. Wm. Johnston purchases children’s shoes and overboots (galoshes) from Midland shoe retailer Walter Woods.  

Many district families can attest to the Salvation Army’s generosity in their time of need. Lieut, and Mrs. Wm. Johnston sort some clothing which has been donated to the Army for distribution to those in unfortunate circumstances. 

“Its Water Over the Dam” Photo from the editorial page. Millpond dam at Coldwater. (Which reminds us that the Coldwater Lions Club annual Duck Race is postponed this year due to Covid-19) 

Some of the very youngest winners of scholarships at this year’s Midland Y’s Men’s Club music festival are shown following the concert at MPDHS auditorium. In the group left to right are, front row, Anne Cleaver, Gwen Duggan, Ruth Davidson, Mary Morden, Mary Lea Rutherford, Yvette Lortie; back row, Milan Borysek, John Svoboda, Linda Desroches, Theresa Martin, Jay Ellis and Michael Lefaive. 

“Open House” at Midland Public Library last week brought a fair turn-out of visitors, along with board members Don Swinson (left) and C. A. Walkinshaw, looking over one of the new books on view. Mr. Swinson is chairman of the library board. 

Before they used the tables for dancing!

“This picture is of the 1st Junior Civitan club chartered in Canada.  It was chartered by the West Toronto Civitan club. I don’t know what the connection was. I don’t think it lasted very long. The 2nd Jr. Civitan club to be chartered was the Huronia club. That was on March 13th, 1970 and I was the President. This club was sponsored by The Midland Civitan club which was chartered on July 28th, 1967.”

History submitted by Mike Tinney and yes if you do the math Mike has been a Civitan for 50 years.

 “Eleven Big Bulk Freighters Bring Record Grain Haul”

Free Press Herald headline of April 20^th, 1960. This past weekend saw one of the largest influxes of grain ever — 5,809,000 bushels in the first ship arrivals of the season at Bayport elevators in Midland and Port McNicoll. In the period from Saturday morning to Monday morning, 11 bulk carriers fought their way through fog-covered, rotting ice, all but four going to Midland. Included in the list was the CSL’s brand new Murray Bay, which brought 720,000 bushel of wheat to Midland’s Tiffin elevator on her maiden trip. It was much the same story in Midland, where the longshoremen and elevator employees worked long hours to get the ships out. It’s either a feast or a famine said one longshoreman, sweating in the first warm weather of the year in this area. This probably will be the largest concentration of ships in the Bayports for some time, J. G. Hendrickson, CSL manager in Midland said all but one of five CSL ships which came to Midland or Port McNicoll on the weekend would be going direct into the ore trade. 

“Clean up Scheduled for Midland Harbour”

County Herald headline of April 22, 1960.  The federal Department of Transport plans to clean up some “wrecks” in Midland harbour, Dr. P. B. Rynard, M.P. for Simcoe East revealed this week. Dr. Rynard said the clean-up operation would remove several old barges that have been a bit of an eyesore along the waterfront for some time. The Simcoe East member said little work had been done in the past to Midland harbour and docks in comparison with other centers. The proposed work was planned several years ago, he said, but was never done. 

    An 11-year-old Midland boy, who was invested last week as a Boy Scout, Sunday was credited with saving the life of a 10-year-old Midland girl who was walking along the floating docks at the town dock and toppled into about 20 feet of water. The boy was Ian Dalrymple, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Dalrymple of 290 Manly Street. The girl was 10-year-old Nancy Mahoney of Second Street. The incident occurred about 4 p.m. Sunday. According to eyewitnesses, Ian was standing on the main dock when he saw the girl fall into the water. He jumped down on to the floating docks, stepped out on an ice floe in the harbor and pulled her out of the water on to the ice. Then he helped her over to the main dock and ensured that she had a ride home in a car, to offset the effects of her icy bath. 

    Midland Chamber of Commerce has been voted the best all-round chamber of commerce operating in Ontario municipalities of 3,000 to 15,000 population, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce announced this week. Ernie H. Nicholson, president of the Midland chamber, has been advised officially that Midland has been given the “Gavel of the Year Award” by a special committee of judges appointed by the Ontario body. He has been requested to send a delegate from Midland to receive the award at the Ontario convention of chambers of commerce in Hamilton next month. 

    Fine weather on the Easter weekend nearly brought disaster to two Midland youngsters, for whom the lure of open water proved too strong. Rescued from a raft in the middle of Little Lake were Douglas Woods, 11, of 101 Bay Street, and Fred Maheu 12, 236 Sixth Street. Police said they were notified that the boys were in trouble on the lake around 12.30 noon Monday. The water in mid-lake was quite rough at the time. By the time police arrived, Bert Smith and Richard Ivans of Smith’s Camp had gone out in a boat and picked up the boys, soaked and frightened off the raft.

25 Years Ago This Week

Irritated by the delay in the proposed amalgamation of town board of education and PUC offices, Midland Public Utilities Commission went on record as declining to unite its office with the other two civic departments. * * * The Penetang Red Cross Society was organized with Miss Rose Tessier as president. Other officers were J. J. Mclntaggart and Mrs. V. A. Martin, vice-presidents; Miss Isobel Spearn, secretary, and H. H. Reid, treasurer. * * * The federal government had agreed to provide 900 feet of floating dock for the mooring of small boats in Midland harbour provided the town keep it in repair. * * * Members of St. Mark’s Anglican Church, Midland, were celebrating the 50th anniversary of the founding of the church. * * * The Waubaushene Athletic Club held a special meeting in the lOOF hall to discuss the possibility of building a community hall. * * * Midland, Penetang and district municipalities were making plans for jubilee programs in honour of the 25th anniversary of the accession of King George V, May 6. * * * Coldwater’s Lloyd Letherby was suggested as Simcoe East’s candidate for the Conservative nomination, should the present member, A. B. Thompson decline the nomination. * * * Balm Beach residents and campers were informed that the Hydro Board had agreed to make the necessary installations to provide electricity in the area. * * * The upper part of the building in which the Penetang branch of the Canadian Bank of Commerce was located was damaged in a $4,000 fire. 

Midland council briefs, from the meeting of April 11:
Approved was a move by the chamber of commerce requesting the Liquor Control Board of Ontario to keep its Midland store open Thursdays during the summer months. The chamber said the usual closing of the store on this day would inconvenience summer visitors.  – Resignation of Murray McComb from the Midland Community Centres Board for business reasons was held in abeyance. It was felt Mr. McComb was a valuable member of the board and an effort should be made to have him reconsider the matter.  – Council gave approval to a plan to have the provincial Little NHL finals in Midland in 1961. An invitation to the provincial body has already been extended by the local Little NHL committee. The games are usually held during Easter holidays.  – It was decided to give support to the chamber of commerce in its efforts to have the proposed new provincial police college located in Midland.  – The local committee of the CNIB was granted permission to hold its annual tag day in Midland May 17. Similar permission was granted the Salvation Army for the evening of July 15 and all day July 16.  – Applications of Eric W. Rankin for a taxi owner’s licence, and of Michael Morrow for a taxi driver’s licence, were approved on the recommendation of police chief George Wainman. – Accounts totalling $20,394 for March were authorized for payment. – Council will request the CNR to have its large diesel engines park overnight at Tiffin roundhouse, rather than near the downtown station as has been the custom. Deputy-reeve Clinton Smith said he and Alderman James Mackie had received many complaints from residents concerning noise from the diesels, which are left running all night. – A letter was received from W. E. Brown, manager of Greening Wire Midland plant, expressing appreciation of help given by town groups during the recent flooding of the new plant.  _ A report from the welfare committee revealed 175 persons currently receiving assistance from Midland. Of this number, 20 are being charged back to other municipalities. 

    The 1960 appointments of men from this district as masters and chief engineers for vessels of N. M. Paterson and Sons Limited, Fort William, have been announced as follows: Canadoc, W. Mooney, Orr Lake, chief engineer; Mantadoc, D. L. Blevins, Midland, captain;  Ontadoc, J. R. Smith, Midland, chief engineer; Paterson, H. Odesse, Penetang captain; Prindoc, A. S. O’Hara, Midland, chief engineer; Saskadoc, R. Simpel, Midland, captain; Soodoc, F. Butters,  Collingwood, captain; Vandoc, D. C. Wilson, Midland, captain; Lavaldoc, F. Boult, Collingwood, captain; Torondoc, M. Lavery, Penetang, chief engineer. Captain K. C. Clark of Midland is listed with Captain D. Steip of Wiarton as masters of the Senator of Canada. This is a temporary measure, the company announces, as Capt. Clark will take over command of the S.S. New Quedoc, now being built at Davie-Shipbuilding Co., Quebec, and to be completed this summer. The new vessel is a sister ship of the Senator of Canada. 

   Dear Editor: I was called to your town and to Penetang, March 16 to make arrangements for my aunt’s funeral at A. Barrie and Sons funeral home. I was very depressed and lonely, and a stranger to that part of Canada. As soon as I was introduced to Mr. Bruce Barrie, who was so friendly and congenial to me my loneliness soon disappeared. Mr. Barrie couldn’t have been more attentive to me if he had been my own son. He took me to his home for dinner, where I met Mrs. Barrie and their son. They, in turn, were just as friendly and kind as Mr. Barrie. It was the same with Rev. John H. Barclay, Edward Fox, a florist in Midland, and to Mr. and Mrs. Vic Scott, of Penetang. I didn’t think there were such wonderful folks still left in this world. I also want to thank Mr. and Mrs. J. Stewart for their kind welcome to me, while I was visiting my aunt, Margaret Rodger. She was a patient in their hospital for the past few years. I could go on and on, singing the praises of the above mentioned, but could never make up for all their kindness and hospitality to me — a stranger in a strange town. In closing, I would like to say if there were more folks in this world like the people I have just mentioned, the old world would be a better place to live in. A million thanks to all of them and — may God Bless each and every one of them.
Mrs. A. L. Grant,
1616 Houstonia West,
Royal Oak, Michigan 

“Tiny Talks” by Rhoda Downer
    April is such a lovely month. There’s a softness in the air. Although the nights can be pretty cold, every morning when you wake up you want to shut off the furnace. And every evening you are glad you didn’t. We generally play safe and wait for the first of May. April makes you feel young as a crocus, with the exciting sails of clouds in such a blue young sky, the earth greening in the bright sun and the plowing due to begin any day. It takes more than a few clouds to bother you as you rush out after breakfast to walk in the garden and see If the mud has dried out. April twilights are blue and deep, the air smells of growing things and sunning brooks. The ponds once more hold the reflection of the sky; the first star is lovelier than the opening white daffodil in the quiet gardens. But the star is there for all time, the daffodil for a day. Yet even transient beauty can fill the heart with joy. Yes, lovely spring is here again and what is nicer to hear these warm evenings than the “peat, peat,” of the little peepers in the ponds? Even the littlest, dirtiest pond holds music;

“From out the mud and scum of things, there’s always, always, something sings.”
    The verdant earth speaks to me of simple things and true. Of sunshine shimmering o’er the hills, white mists in crystal dew.
   A rakish crow on a tall pine, the collie on a hill. A straight clean road to follow, an oriole’s voice to thrill.
   A farmer walking o’er his fields, his good green crops to scan. And under all, the verdant earth that feeds both beasts and man.
   To everyone there comes a time to stand on safe green sod, and turn one’s eyes upon the hills to draw new strength from God.
—Rhoda Downer 

Obituaries
    Death came unexpectedly to Emery St. Amant of Perkinsfield, who died Saturday, April 9, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, after suffering a heart seizure. He was in his 61^st year. Born in Penetang, Mr. St. Amant moved to Perkinsfield, and then spent the first five years of his working life in Midland, following which he returned to Perkinsfield where he spent the remainder of his life. A well-digger and cook, he had not worked since becoming disabled in 1944. He was especially fond of hunting and fishing, and in politics was a Liberal. Surviving, besides his wife, the former Ella May Mayer, are seven sons, Raymond, Phillip, Edgar, Leo, David, Pierre and Gabriel, all of Perkinsfield, and three daughters, Mrs. Bill Schott, (Vehna), Tillsonburg; Mrs. Fred Dempsey, (Rita), Midland; and Jeanne, at home. There are four grandchildren.

    An employee of the CPR at Port McNicoll for 39 years, William Sutter died suddenly at his home there March 25, following a stroke. He had been in ill health for the past two years. Rev. F. E. Sullivan conducted funeral services at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, Port McNicoll March 28. Pallbearers were Jesse Handy, Tim Lewis, Raymond Belanger, Lloyd Cameron, Joe Connelly, and Francis Dignard. Temporary interment was at Lakeview Cemetery vault, Midland.

Born in Walkerton in Bruce County March 27, 1892, Mr. Sutter was married in that town Sept. 12, 1916, to the former Katherine Walsh. They came to Port McNicoll 43 years ago. A member of the Holy Name Society, Mr. Sutter also had served on Port McNicoll council for a number of years. Joining the CPR in 1917, Mr. Sutter served in various departments until 1924, when he became a bridgeman on the bridge and building crew. He became a carpenter in the same department in 1951 and remained in that capacity until his retirement in October 1958. Surviving are his wife, two sons, Sylvester, Port McNicoll and Mark, Toronto; and three daughters, Mrs. Charles Henry (Helen), and Mrs. Bernard Lesperance (Eileen), both of Midland, and Mrs. Ebner Day (Bernadine), of Port McNicoll.

     A resident of Midland for almost half a century, Grover C. Reynolds died at his home, 15 Horrell Ave., April 9, following a heart attack. Rev. L. J. Delaney conducted services at Nicholls’ funeral home, April 12. Members of the Midland Branch of the Canadian Legion, with Len Wiles, sergeant-at-arms, acted as pallbearers. They included Charles Stewart, Chris Gardner, Ralph McCall, Fred Ball, George Parr, and Jack Fitzgerald. Born at Orr Lake in 1886, Mr. Reynolds went to Hendrie school. He was married to the former Gladys Sager in Midland Nov. 27, 1912, and lived there a total of 48 years. A carpenter by trade, he was a member of the Anglican Church, the Orange Lodge, the Canadian Legion, and was a Conservative in politics. His main hobby was fishing. In addition to his wife he is survived by three nieces. Mrs. Wm. Martin (Helen) of St. Catherines; Mrs. Thomas Stephens (Eileen) Buffalo; Miss Betty Richardson, Barrie; and one nephew, Murray Richardson, Toronto. Other survivors include Mrs. D. R. Campbell, Morriss Musgrove, Mrs. Kathleen Cowan, Russell and Darcy Craighead, and Edwin Jardine, all of Midland, and Mrs. Reta Laughlin, Oshawa.

    After suffering for some years from chronic leukemia, Mrs. Thos. Simpson died at Penetanguishene General Hospital Sunday, April 10, just one month, after celebrating her 67th birthday. Born in Penetang and a resident there for her entire life, the former Rose Delima  Gendron married Thos. Simpson May 12, 1914. A Roman Catholic, she had been a member of the Girls’ Sodality and for a number of years sang in St. Ann’s choir. Her hobbies were fancy work crocheting and quilting. Surviving besides her husband are three sons, Cline of  Barrie and Everett and Melville of Penetang, and one daughter, Olga of Toronto. She also leaves two brothers, Charles and Louis Gendron of Penetang, and three sisters, Mrs. O. Montgrain, (Louise), Penetang and Mrs. Peter Trottier, (Ida), and Annie Gendron, Toronto. There are three grandchildren. Funeral service was held Wednesday, April 13, from Beausoleil’s funeral home to St. Ann’s Memorial Church, where Father L. Bourque officiated, assisted by Father J. Kelly and Father J. Marchand. Temporary entombment was in St. Ann’s Mausoleum. Pallbearers were Phil Montgrain, Phil D’Aoust, Gerald Vaillancourt, Gilbert and Lawrence St. Amant and Eugene Bellehumeur.

    A lengthy Illness in St. Joseph’s Hospital, Toronto, ended in death for Andy Bellehumeur, Tuesday, April 12. He was in his 57th year. A native of Penetang, Andy Bellehumeur was one of the town’s sportsmen who made a name for himself in the world of hockey, both professional and amateur. In hockey circles, he has always been known as Andy Belemer, and it said this resulted from his first team berth away from his home town. While playing hockey for New Hamburg, a town settled predominantly by German Immigrants, his family name was shortened to provide easier pronunciation for the fans, and easier writing for the sports reporters. His first jaunt into the big time came when he went to the Windsor Bulldogs at the start of the 1928-29 season where be became a star defenceman. He played for that team through a total of seven seasons. From Windsor, he went to Montreal Maroons of the NHL for two months, and from there went to play in a number of American cities, including Cleveland, Syracuse, Rochester, Kansas City, Tulsa and Dallas. As his playing days drew to a close, Andy turned to refereeing and spent 15 years officiating in OHA circuits. In his capacity as an official, he was highly regarded by players and management. Prior to returning to Windsor Bulldogs as head coach for the 1958-59 season. Andy piloted the Junior “B” club at Parry Sound for two years. When ill health struck at the beginning of the hockey season just over, he was appointed manager of the Bulldogs. Andy’s last official appearance in Penetang was at the opening of the arena two years ago, when he dropped the puck for an exhibition hockey game between Barrie Flyers and Toronto Marlboro’s. For the past 15 years, Andy had lived in Bala where he owned a restaurant. The late sportsman was buried in Windsor, where he had spent the greater part of his hockey-playing days, Saturday morning. A number of relatives from this area went to Windsor for the funeral. He is survived by his wife, Helen, and five brothers, Phil and Fred of Windsor, Harvey, Midland, Edward, Penetang and Arsene, New Orleans. 

    Teaching staff at Midland-Penetang District High School has unanimously agreed to the proposed salary schedule, MPDHS Principal R. C. Gauthier told the high school board last Wednesday night. The board’s proposal increases by $100 the maximum figure in each of the four categories, of teachers’ salaries. The categories are as follows: Category 1 — teachers with high school assistant’s type “B” certificate ($4500 – $7600); category 2 — teachers with a type “B” certificate endorsed or four years degree course ($4,800 – $7,900); category 3 — specialist ($5,300 – $8,800); and category 4 — heads of departments ($5,700 -$9,100). 

    Business offices of the Bell Telephone Company are to be closed at Waubaushene and Port McNicoll, May 31 , and June 3 respectively, H. A. Kilroy, Bell manager revealed yesterday. Mr. Kilroy said both moves are part of the preparations being made for the switch to dial service in both communities in 1961. Effective May 2, Maynard Thiffault, Waubaushene grocer, will act as Bell agent for the collection of accounts in that village, Mr. Kilroy stated. Effective May 9, Mrs. M. M. Dignard will be Bell agent in Port McNicoll. There will be no charge in either community for this service, the Bell manager indicated. After May 31 in Waubaushene and June 3 in Port, requests for service, account inquiries and so forth will be handled by the company’s main business office in Midland, he said. Chief operator Mrs. Lethbridge in Waubaushene and her staff and chief operator Mrs. Saundercook in Port and her staff will continue to serve subscribers until dial service is installed in the two exchanges, Mr. Kilroy stated. 

Births
GARRAWAY—To Mr. and Mrs. George Garraway, 316 Manley St., Midland, at the Penetanguishene General Hospital, Friday, April 22, 1960, a daughter
WALKER — To Mr. and Mrs. James Walker, 78 Midland Avenue, Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Monday, April 11, 1960, a daughter.
EDWARDS — To Mr. and Mrs. Donald E. Edwards, 252 Eighth St., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Wednesday, April 20, 1960, a son.
WATTS — To Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Watts, Fesserton, Ontario, at St. Andrews Hospital, Friday, April 8, 1960, a son.
BELANGER — To Mr. and Mrs. Marcel Belanger, R.R. 1, Orillia, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Monday, April 4, 1960, a son.
CHARLEBOIS — To Mr. and Mrs. Francis Charlebois, 189 Lindsay street, Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Thursday, April 14, 1960, a son.
MacKENZIE — To Mr. and Mrs. Forbes MacKenzie Victoria Harbour, at St. Andrews Hospital, Wednesday, April 13. 1960, a son.
SHEEHAN  –  To Mr. and Mrs. Maurice Sheehan, Victoria Harbour, at St. Andrews Hospital, Wednesday, April 13, 1960, a daughter.
SWALES — To Mr. and Mrs. Brian Swales, Port McNicoll, at St. Andrews Hospital, Thursday, April 14, 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 enlargeWednesday was “open house” at Midland Public Library and here librarian Dawson Leigh shows an odd Japanese production to Mrs. Don Swinson, wife of the chairman of the library board. Seated is Mrs. H. MacLaren. This Japanese book has an unusual slipcover — made of wood. 

Plowing her way through lake ice in Midland harbour, the CSL’s Hochelaga is headed for the coal docks where she was joined Thursday by the Coverdale and the Georgian Bay. The latest word from Ottawa is the ice-breaker Alexander Henry will be at Midland Saturday to clear channels from Midland and Port McNicoll so the big freighters can head out. 

Ice and snow, and not the usual sandy beach, forms the foreground for this picture of the first ship struggling its way out of Port McNicoll Friday in an effort to start another navigation season. Seen off Paradise Point, the ship was followed by four others from Port. Along with a flotilla from Midland, they were aided on their trip to open water Saturday by the new Canadian Government ice-breaker Alexander Henry, which came down from the Soo. 

Midland and Penetang citizens still have time to contribute to this year’s Easter Seal campaign and thus assist youngsters like Midland’s Betty Morin and Penetang’s Douglas Mayer. With the youngsters here are, left to right, Wilf LaRose, Midland Kiwanis, L. J. Mayer (Doug’s father), Ray Murley and Doug Bensley of Penetang Lions Club. Ray is acting as the Penetang “Timmys” guardian and Mr. Bensley is chairman of the Easter Seal Campaign in Penetang. 

Top teams in Midland’s Academy bowling league this year were IGA and Pillsbury.  Winners in the regular schedule, the IGA team includes Bill Bryan (seated) and (left to right) Bob Jackson, Stan Brooks, Dave Hudson, Len Zablotny, Doug Hebner and Elmer Hebner. 

Top teams in Midland’s Academy bowling league this year were IGA and Pillsbury. Winners in the regular schedule, on the Pillsbury team are Charlie Yorke and Wray Faint (seated) and Albert Atkinson, Jack Stainton, Keith Fleming, Albert Blythe and Cecil Launder. 

North Simcoe is filled with music these days, with large entries in first the Midland music festival and, this week, another in Coldwater. Adjudicator Roy Fenwick is seen with three happy winners in the class for girls’ solos, 10 years and under. Left to right are Shirley Piotrowski, Elizabeth Piotrowski and Michelle Webb, who placed first with 85 points. 

Gathered at St. Paul’s United Church auditorium, Midland, March 31 several Scout and Cub leaders received their certificates following a recent basic training course. Left to right are front row, Lloyd Sallows, Mary Magloughlin, Ruth Bissette, “Bunny” Wood, Maimo Sauks and Gordon Walker; back row, Art Richards, Harvey Boyd, Lawrence Wilcox, Ray Worrell and Vic Denise. Veteran Scouters Boyd, Richards, Wilcox and Worrell assisted in the ceremonies. 

Cubmaster of 4th Midland Pack, Lawrence Wilcox is presented with his wood badge, which is comprised of Gilwell beads, neckerchief and parchment, by District Commissioner Harvey Boyd. The presentation was made in St. Paul’s United Church hall (sponsor of the group), Thursday night. 

Cub leaders Art Richards, and Lawrence Wilcox congratulate each other on achieving wood badges. Both received Gilwell training at Blue Springs camp, near Acton, last summer. The presentation was made in St. Paul’s United Church hall Thursday night.

 

Scouter Ray Worrell is presented with his long service medal by District Commissioner Harvey Boyd. The medal is granted to Scouters who have at least 10 years service. A cloth emblem, with a design in yellow, green and red, for wearing on the Scout uniform was also presented. The medal itself represents a cross-section of a tree with 10 annual growth rings. 

Dressy Dresses” were the theme for these three models at this stage of Edwards’ fashion show Friday. Mrs. Eric Paul (left) shows a beige cashmel dress, with oversize black bag, towering, crown black straw hat. Mrs. J. F. Morris (centre) models a tan figured silk dress with flowered hat. Dress worn by Mrs. Larry Dumais is pure silk in a sheen finish. It is worn with a lacy straw, straight-brimmed sailor hat. 

Lieut. William Johnston of the Midland Salvation Army Corps stands in front of the citadel in Midland. As a church, the Army marks 75 years of service in the community this year. 

Top artists in this year’s Midland Music Festival, sponsored by the Y’s Men’s Club, were awarded scholarships to further their studies. In this group, left to right, are Sandra Gung, Patricia French, Robin Benson, Lois Cowan, Louise Bellehumeur. 

This two-year-old German Shepherd, “Caesar von Auerberg,” won first prize at the Sportsman’s Show this year. He’s with his proud owner, Hans Albrecht, who operates a kennel on Penetang Road. 

“Seeing Double” is getting to be old stuff for Harold Cowden, right, Vasey farmer. No less than six sets of twin calves have been born on his farm in less than one year. All but one set, still-born, are living, and thrivin’. Helping Mr. Cowden to hold the year-old twins (a Hereford- Durham cross) is neighbour George Robinson. 

Winners of the play-offs in the Academy Bowling League recently was the Legion Red team, seen above in the new jackets presented at the annual banquet held at Bourgeois dining room last Monday night. Left to right the champs are, seated, Fred Bath and Howard Henderson; standing, Gordon Smith, Adam Staruck, Fred Lemieux, Murray McComb, Ted Brodeur and Charlie Scott. 

Top men in the Academy Bowling League this season were, left to right, Adam Staruck, Murray McComb and Dave Hudson. Staruck had high single 390, McComb high triple, 845, and Hudson high average, 222. 

Big smiles denote the winners in the doubles events at Midland garrison Badminton Club’s recent finals. Mary-Jo Hargadon (Quilty) and Elizabeth McTague, of the MPDHS staff, copped the ladies’ title. Men’s winners were Jack Yelland, another teacher, and Doug Gerow. 

Winners of the consolation awards in Midland Garrison Club championship games at the armoury recently were, left to right, front row, Mary Taylor, Barbara Thompson and Susan Wood. Back row, left to right, are Garnet Rourke, Dieter Heller and John Delaney. 

Big moment for the hundreds of young artists who took part in Midland Y’s Men’s music festival was the awarding of scholarships last Friday night.  Winners in the piano competitions are, seated, Anne Webster, Janet Setterington, Eleanor Boden; standing, Joanne Kettle, Robert Gervais, James Cleaver and Anne Lortie. 

Big moment for the hundreds of young artists who took part in Midland Y’s Men’s music festival was the awarding of scholarships last Friday night. Left to right, front row, are Jim McKean, Paul Howard, Paul Davidson, Lloyd Preston; back row, John Weeks, Tony Moffat, Wayne Farquhar and John Richardson. 

COLLECTIONS UP $20,195 AT MIDLAND CUSTOM PORT

County Herald headline of January 8, 1960. Increased industrial production in Midland is reflected in the annual statement of customs and excise collections for the 1959-60 fiscal year at the port of Midland. The report, issued by A. E. Martin, the collector of customs and excise at Midland, reveals there was an increase of $20,195.34 this year over the amount collected in the 1958-59 fiscal year. The 1959-60 collections in import duty, sales tax, excise taxes and sundry amounted to $775,517.94 compared with $755,322.60 for the same period last year. Mr. Martin’s statistics show there was a decrease of $52,452.64 in import duties for the fiscal year just ended. The 1959-60 total for this item was $122,073.84 as compared with $174,526.48 last year. But increases were noted in sales tax and excise tax collections. The figures (with the 1958-59 sum in brackets) are as follows: sales tax, $652,385.42 ($580,042.89); excise taxes, $654.43 ($217.98). Sundry was down from $535.25 last year to $404.25 this past term.  Of the total amount, Mr. Martin said $4,073.22 in import duty was collected at the outport office of Penetanguishene, which closed April 1. The decrease in the amount of customs duty was partly accounted for by reduced importations of bituminous coal from the United States, and by the fact that more and more goods are being transported by truck and are cleared at border offices rather than inland offices, Mr. Martin stated. 

WINTER WORKS PLAN RECEIVES COUNCIL’S OK

Free Press Herald headline of April 13, 1960. Midland’s hard-beset winter works program, stalled for more than a month because of severe weather conditions, appears to be on again. Under bitter attack by Alderman Percy Crawford at a meeting Monday night, the council voted to re-start the program “as soon as possible”. In the recent lull in the program, Reeve H. J. Beauchamp, chairman of the public works, arrived at the decision that much of the work could be done at a more economical basis on supplementary works program. Under the supplementary plan, the town would get back half the cost of the labour, plus half the cost of materials, from the provincial government, he said. Under the winter works program, a joint federal-provincial-municipal agreement, the town receives 75 per cent of the labour costs, but nothing on the cost of materials. For nearly an hour council debated the merits of the two systems, with a visibly upset Alderman Crawford holding out steadfastly for the winter works version. His peace of mind was further disturbed by the fact that, just prior to the meeting, he had taken his wife to St. Andrews Hospital for treatment for a broken arm. He had made one further trip to the hospital during the progress of the meeting. (There really was no clear headline in this newspaper; important news must have been scarce in “sleepy hollow” that week. This was the 29^th edition of the year and the 81^st year of publication.) 

    “We are just awfully lucky. It could have been so much worse,” said Cal Simpson yesterday, referring to his daughter’s accident in Collingwood arena last Saturday. Four and half-year-old Virginia “Ginnny” Simpson fell about 18 feet from the mezzanine floor to the rubber matting where the players step on to the ice. She received a four-inch clean break in her scalp, explained Mr. Simpson yesterday. “It would have been much worse if she had missed the matting and hit the concrete,” added Mr. Simpson who had taken his family along when taking a number of Little League Hockey players over to the finals in Collingwood. “She is out of Collingwood Hospital and back home now and she is going to be all right,” he said. 

   A group of Penetang Public School ratepayers, meeting in a special session with the public school board Wednesday night, apparently pressed for the establishment of an “English school,” with oral French being taught. A four-part resolution presented by the ratepayer’s group “Will be incorporated into the minutes of the board,” according to board chairman G. J. Robillard.

   “It is an achievement which is the first of its kind on the North American continent and has won the praise and admiration of electrical engineers all over the world.” These were the words of Lloyd Letherby, MPP for Simcoe East speaking in the Ontario legislature, Tuesday. He was congratulating the minister of energy resources, and the Ontario Hydro on the results received at Hydro’s one mile of high voltage test line built near Coldwater. “This accomplishment was a successful experiment in high voltage history throughout the world, and will prove to be of tremendous value in increased power supply as Hydro is called upon to look after our future needs,” Mr. Letherby stated. 

    “Marathon readers and speakers should be curbed,” contended Simcoe East MPP, Lloyd Letherby in the Ontario legislature Tuesday. “I think the rules of this legislature should be changed to limit a private member to speak for 20 minutes,” Mr. Letherby said. “What the average private member cannot say in 20 minutes is perhaps not worth saying.” 

    Should Midland try to sell the oldest of its four fire trucks, or keep it a few years longer and then donate it to Huronia Museum? That was the question raised by Alderman William Orr, chairman of the fire committee, at Monday night’s council meeting. He said the council would be lucky to get $500 to $1,000 for the “museum piece” even now. Reeve H. J. Beauchamp said about the only possible outlet for the sale of the old truck would be some Northern Ontario logging camp, where it might come in handy protecting forest limits. The question of the fire engine came up after Reeve Beauchamp, chairman of public works, asked council’s direction on the purchase of a new front-end loader. The present equipment, he said, is “completely caput”. 

    Although his month-end statement had been out only for a few days, Clarence Sinclair, chairman of Penetang Arena Board of Governors, was able to tell council Monday night, that the $7,200 showing on it as a debt against the arena, had been further reduced to approximately $6,600. A major part of this most recent reduction came through a $500 donation received last week from the Toronto-Dominion Bank. In his closing remarks, the chairman told council he is quite confident the building will be debt-free by the end of the year. 

     One new principal has been appointed and one transferred to a larger school by Midland Public Schools Board, following its meeting Friday night. The men are Kenneth Cowan former principal at Sixth Street School who succeeds James Robinson at Parkview and William Barnett, assistant principal at Regent, who will succeed Mr. Cowan at Sixth Street. Mr. Robinson will retire this year after more than 40 years in the profession. No decision has been made as yet as to a vice-principal to replace Mr. Barnett at Regent. Jack Yelland has been named vice-principal at Parkview School. 

     Seventy-five years ago, March 25, 1885, to be exact, a “war” began in Midland, but it wasn’t a shooting war. On that day, staff Capt. Eadie of Orillia Salvation Army Corps and a soldier set up the Midland bastion of Salvationists and left the citadel in command of Capt. Jennie Langtry. Since then the Army has existed as a church in the community, with an open door to all, and a practical application of Christianity that stemmed from a Christ-inspired love for mankind in whatever state they may be found. 

    Retiring after 47 years as treasurer of Wyevale United Church, James Wilson was honoured at a dinner and presentation at the manse of the Wyevale-Waverley charge April 4. Following supper, the church’s elders and stewards and their wives were led in a sing-song by Pastor Arnold Creaser. Chairman of stewards, Victor Stott, on behalf of those present, thanked Mr. Wilson and presented him with a gift. Expressions of appreciation and gifts were also made to Mrs. Cecil Blow the church organist, and to William Phillips who faithfully does many acts around the church building and grounds. Duke Caston made the presentation to Mrs. Blow and Mrs. Edison Doan presented the gift to Mr. Phillips. 

TEN YEARS AGO THIS WEEK
Midland public school teachers were requesting an increase in their starting salaries from $1,600 to $1,800 per year and that the maximum yearly salaries be increased from $2,200 to $2,550. * * * Proposal to reforest 40,000 acres under a municipal forests corporation in North Simcoe was receiving strong support with the release by Fletcher S. Thomas, MLA, of the report of the provincial government’s select committee on conservation. * * * Coldwater village officials were predicting a jump in the tax rate from 53 to 65 mills. The increase was reportedly due in large measure to increased educational costs. * * * Midland’s new zoning bylaw, dividing the whole town into areas for various purposes had received two readings from council and was being sent to the Ontario Municipal Board for approval. * * * “Centennial” celebrations were being held in the Presbyterian churches at both Penetang and Wyebridge despite the contention of M. H. McGuire of Penetang that work in both the congregations had started 117 years previously. * * * Pledges of a thousand dollars in land and cash were received at a public meeting in Waubaushene Legion hall, called to consider the erection of a memorial sports arena. * * * Canadian passenger ships on the Great Lakes between Sarnia and the Lakehead were reduced from six to two. The two remaining passenger ships were the Canadian Pacific’s Keewatin and Assiniboia running between Port McNicolI and the Lakehead. * * * A Toronto school supply firm was having difficulty selling its new five-foot canvas-backed maps in Medonte Township for the respectable community of Moonstone was listed as “Moonshine”. 

    (For the “boat nerds” out there, here is a list of CSL captains and chiefs for 1960, many of them from our area. An excellent record of CSL ships in service at that time, many of them built in Midland.)
The forthcoming navigation season will see the following masters and chief engineers in charge of Canada Steamship Lines Limited vessels. The company operates upper lake package and bulk freighters, self-unloaders and lower lake bulk and package freighters. Listed here are the vessels, their captains and chief engineers:

Murray Bay, A. Allen, E. G. Smith.
R. McLagan, R. Belcher, D. G. Pruder.
Sir James Dunn, C. Armstrong, R. Brooks.
Thunder Bay, E. A. George, R. D. Couper.
Nipigon Bay, G. O. Jamieson, R. E. Stephens.
Georgian Bay, L. G. Bird, A. E. Hardman.
Coverdale, L. Mallard. T. J. Coyle.
Hochelaga, W. G. Tomlinson, T. A. Mordecai.
Lemoyne, E. Jardine, C. D. Tuck.
Donnacona, E. S. Taylor, H. McCoag.
Gleneagles, O. Cromwell, M. Murphy.
Ashcroft, C. J. Hall. D. F. Lockwood.
Westmount, H. D. Miller, A. V. Smith.
Hagerty, G. S. Ward, C. A. Ross.
Goderich, W. C. Pitfield, A. E. House.
Prescott, S. Wilkinson, H. R. J. Canning.
Burlington, R. E. Maher, J. Cordes.
Fort York, H. L. Beaton, H. T. Phillips.
Fort Henry, R. Anderson, L. E. McCutcheon.
Collingwood, W. E. Kraus, F. B. Bonnell.
Martian, H. Laliberte. P. Gordon.
Renvoyle, J. P. Kimmerly, G. V, Stacey.
Stadacona, E. Gow, C. Kennedy.
O. Petman, R. Drummond, J. Wilson.
Midland Prince, C. K. Stowe, M. Wayrynen.
Coalhaven, G. A. Johnston.
Battleford, D. G. Nicoll. F. W. Davis.
City of Windsor, F. Gagne, W. J. Locke.
Fernie, J. Coleman, C. McKinley.
Lethbridge, J. McFadyen, P. D. Quinn.
Saskatoon, P. Morinville. L. H. Tremblay.
Selkirk, S. Thibert, R. G. Kelly.
Weyburn, J. R. G. Tompin, J. A. Adams.
Winnipeg, F. G. Wood, C. McCutcheon.
Elgin, J. J. Lacroix, R. Adams.
Grainmotor, S. St. Onge, E. M. Brown.
Hastings, F. Germain, L. LaFleur.
Iroquois, F. Fortin, W. MacPherson.
Metis, O. Pregent, W. Lander.
Simcoe, M. Buckland, A. Monder.
Teakbay, N. Donaldson, H. Glendillen.
Glenelg. H. Ambeau. A. Willams.
Eskimo, W. H. Cowie. R. Harrison.
Tadoussac, P. W. Murray, G. Laroche.
St. Lawrence, J. P. Doherty,  E. Laroche.
Richelieu, G. B. Lodge, J. A. Robillard

ONE PAPER NEXT WEEK
As Good Friday, a statutory holiday, coincides with the publication of the County Herald, there will be one issue only of the paper next week. It will be the Free Press Herald, which will be published and distributed Wednesday, April 13. Rural correspondents are asked to get their news in as early as possible.

    Claiming that Toronto was unhealthy, smelly, noisy and overcrowded, Lloyd Letherby of Coldwater, MPP for Simcoe East suggested to the legislature Tuesday, that the Ontario government should be moved to Orillia. Mr. Letherby, noting that a Toronto newspaper article had expressed the view that “Toronto was a leading contender for the title of the- smelliest and noisiest city on the continent”, pointed out Toronto’s medical officer of health had declared that “evidence is accumulating linking cancer, heart disease and chronic bronchitis with exhaust fumes.” Mentioning that Toronto is overcrowded, Mr. Letherby continued, “I question whether this is a fit and proper place to have the capital city of this great province of Ontario. 

VICTORIA HARBOUR—John Gilmour, a respected lifetime resident of this district died unexpectedly at his home here March 25, owing to a heart condition. The funeral was held March 28 from the Nicholls funeral home in Midland with temporary burial in Lakeview vault. Later burial will be in Victoria Harbour Cemetery. The service was conducted by Rev. C. H. Carter, and the pallbearers were Chas. Schissler, Walter Lumsden, Leonard Delahey, M. MacKinnon, Roy Gouett and E. J. Springthorpe. Relatives and friends from out of town attending the funeral included Misses Frances and Marjorie Crooke, Toronto, Mr. and Mrs. Jack Arbour, Penetanguishene, Mr. and Mrs. Dubeau, Owen Sound, Mrs. Jack Smyth, Mr. Tomlinson, Mr. Oliphant, Mr. Mullen of Toronto, and Herbert Merry of Oakville. Mr. Gilmour was born in Waubaushene in 1879 and came with his parents to live here 73 years ago. He was married in Victoria Harbour to Arabella Doran, who predeceased him in 1939. He was employed for many years by the Victoria Harbour Lumber Co. as a filer in their mills and later he owned and operated the ferry boat between Port McNicoll and this village. He was well known to the summer residents here owing to his great interest in boats. He had built many of them. Mr. Gilmour was a member of the Presbyterian Church. He is survived by two sisters, Miss Pearl Gilmour of Toronto and Mrs. Bruce Crooke (Addie) of Victoria Harbour. 

A resident of Sturgeon Bay for 60 years Mrs. Jennett Lawson died there, March 24, following a stroke. She was in her 83^rd year. Rev. Ross Gumming conducted the funeral service, March 26 at Nicholls’ funeral home, Midland. Pallbearers were Wilmot Wilson, William Potter, Harry Beckett, Tom Duffy, Dale Connor and Steve Gratrix. Born and educated at Hawkestone, Mrs. Lawson lived there for 18 years and was in Hobart for four years before moving to Sturgeon Bay. She was a member of the United Church. Her husband, Thomas Lawson, predeceased her in 1934. Mrs. Lawson is survived by five sons, Tom, William, John, George and Fred of Sturgeon Bay and Mrs. Elmer Gratrix (Sophia) of Waubaushene. Out-of-town relatives and friends attended the service from Coldwater, Foxmead and Orillia. Burial was in Lakeview Cemetery vault. 

Mrs. Harriet Norton Potter died at her home, Sturgeon Bay, April 2. She was in her 81st year. Rev. Ross Cumming conducted the funeral service, April 4, at Nicholls’ funeral home, Midland. Pallbearers were six grandsons, Leslie Hodgins, Bill Tinson, Albert Stewart, Bob Potter, Tom Adamson and Brian Low. Born in Mulmar Township and educated at Honeywood, Mrs. Potter, the former Harriet Lockhart, married Frederick Potter August 24, 1903, at Coldwater. She lived all of her married life at Sturgeon Bay. She was a member of the United Church and her hobbies were sewing and knitting. Mrs. Potter was predeceased by her husband in 1948, by a son, Robert, in 1951 and by a daughter, Mrs. Herb Hodgins (Mary), in 1958. She leaves six surviving daughters, Mrs. Bert Tinson (Annie), Gertrude Potter, Mrs. Jack Low (Fern) of Toronto, Mrs. Harvey Stewart (Edith), Mrs. Clarence Mount (Ellen) of Sturgeon Bay and Mrs. Thomas Adamson (Fredena) of (Coldwater) two sons, William of Sturgeon Bay and Jim of Welland; and one brother, Matthew Lockhart of Victoria Harbour. Forty grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren also survive. 

This memorial continues to be published, 43 years after the event.