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 enlarge“Bull in a china shop” might be a good title for this picture, taken at the hobby show held at the Midland YMCA last week. Here Mary Lou Graham, director of a girls’ craft class at the ‘Y’, admires the collection of cattle gathered by Gene Crawford. 

Hobbies run in the family for Mrs. George Smallwood, Eighth Street, Midland, and her granddaughter, Jane Sheriff, 10, who lives on the same street. Here they compare some of their prized items at the “Hobby Show” held in Midland YMCA last week. Mrs. Smallwood collects china shoes and little Jane goes in for birds. 

If Midland’s George S. Dudley seems to be staring out into space these days, blame it on the miniature “sputnik” which decorates his desk. Presented to him by the touring Moscow Selects hockey team, it’s a replica of the famous space pioneer sent into orbit by the Russians. It even has a music box in the base, which plays Moscow radio’s theme music and also emits the famed three “beeps” by which scientists traced sputnik’s progress through outer space. 

Chosen from among the many competitors who took part in the “talent hunt” conducted by radio station CFRB in Midland recently were Bob Stanway of Midland, left, and Vola Leroux of Penetang. Seen with Wishart Campbell, the station’s music director, they’ll be heard over the Toronto station Feb. 5. 

 

PENETANG COUNCIL HEARS ARENA FINANCIAL STATUS; Free Press Herald headline of January 27, 1960. Reporting to Penetang town council, Monday night, councillor Clarence Sinclair, newly appointed chair of the Penetang Community Centre Board of Governors gave a rundown on the financial situation as he sees it to date. Mr. Sinclair said that although the rink is faced at present with a debt of $10,000 in one note plus a number of current accounts amounting to less  than $2,000, he felt there was no reason why it shouldn’t eventually stand on its own feet. 

NEW TELEPHONE SERVICE WILL BEGIN THIS JUNE; County Herald headline of January 29, 1960. Postponed because of a delay in building construction, toll-free calling between Midland telephones and those in Penetanguishene will be introduced this June. It had previously been announced that the new plan would start earlier this year. This was revealed by H. A. Kilroy, Midland Bell Telephone manager when he said this week that construction of the extensions to the dial exchange building in Midland and in Penetanguishene is now progressing on schedule. 

     Meeting Monday night, Midland council accepted the tender of Bourgeois Motors Ltd. for rental of a police cruiser at $145 per month. The only firm submitting a tender, the Midland firm will supply a four-door vehicle at the above rental, starting Feb. 1. At an earlier meeting this month, council had decided to try the rental proposition for the remainder of this year, at least. A number of other communities in the area are also using the rental plan, it was noted. 

    “We must make parents understand that pupils must get their required percentage or they will have to repeat,” Midland-Penetang District High School principal R. C. Gauthier told 1,000 parents at the high school’s annual parents’ night last Wednesday, “I think it is to their (the parents) advantage to get the accurate picture,” continued the principal, suggesting that the parent should accept such a disappointment as it was better for the student in the long run. Mr. Gauthier in telling of his proposal for promotion, which was the result of a four-year survey of students’ marks, noted that his recommendations had yet to be discussed with the high school Inspector and the MPDHS board. For promotion from Grade 9 to Grade 10, the principal proposes that a student with, an average per cent of 66 and not less than 60 per cent in any one subject, would be promoted to Grade 10 and permitted to take five options in Grade 10 as is presently the case. The student, with an average of 60 per cent and not less than 50 in any one subject, would be permitted to take four options and thus have more time and more, help for each subject. 

    Penetang town council took no action Monday night on a brief submitted by all members of the police force with the exception of Chief Jack Arbour. The submission was shelved for a special meeting to be called later when it will be placed on the agenda. The three constables and one sergeant are asking for an increase in salary of $300 per year. In addition, they are asking for a 40 hour week, which, according to Chairman Alf Cage, would necessitate hiring an extra constable. Another requirement is one and one-half days per month sick leave, accumulative to a total of 180 days. On termination of employment, after five years, they ask full pay for accumulated sick leave up to the maximum, and payment to the widow should an officer die. 

   BIRTHS – BARRON — To Mr. and Mrs. Laurence Barron, Port Severn, at St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, Tuesday, January 26, 1960, a son. DONALDSON — To Mr. and Mrs. Rodney Donaldson, 120 John St., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Monday, January 25, 1960, a daughter. GRAY — To Mr. and Mrs. Melville Gray, 311 Russell St., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Friday, January 22, I960, a daughter. HENDERSON — To Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Henderson, 133 Hugel Ave., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Saturday, January 23, 1960, a daughter. NICHOLSON — to Mr. and Mrs. Nevin Nicholson, Port Severn, at St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, Monday, January 25, 1960, a daughter. THOMPSON — To Mr. and Mrs. Alan Thompson, Port McNicoll, at St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, Thursday, January 21, 1960, a son. 

    OBITUARIES – MRS. ALDEN N. FRENCH On January 18, the victim of an unexpected stroke, Mrs. Alden N. French died at her home, 315 King St., Midland. She was in her 50th year. Born in Penetanguishene Dec.  18, 1910, the former Irene Beauchamp, married Alden French of Midland. Nov. 7. 1938. After two years’ residence in Bala, they moved to Midland where they had resided ever since. Requiem mass was celebrated at St. Margaret’s Church by Rev. F. Voorwerk, Jan. 20. Pallbearers were Leo Beauchamp, Pat Beauchamp, Alfred Beauchamp, J. E. Ayres, Murray McEachnie and M. Gignac. Mrs. French is survived by her husband, Alden N. French, one daughter, Betty; five sons, Neil, Bobby, Douglas, Billy and John; her mother, Mrs. Julien Beauchamp of Toronto; three sisters, Mrs. Hugh Melville (Jenny), California; Mrs. Don Jaeger (Theresa) California; Mrs. M. Gignac (Marie) Penetanguishene; four brothers, Leo and Alfred, Toronto, Pat, Windsor, and Ernest, Hamilton.  – ALMA ALFRETTA GANTON A lifelong resident of Medonte Township, Miss Alma Alfretta Ganton died at St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, Dec. 14. She was in her 79th year and death resulted from a stroke. Funeral service was conducted at the Bishop Lynn funeral home, Elmvale, by Rev. Robert Dingwall, Dec. 16. Pallbearers were Jack Rumble, Joseph Lea, Cliff Porter, George McFadden, William Douglas and James Barr.  Miss Ganton was born in Medonte Dec. 14, 1881, and attended Hillsdale public school. A member of the United Church of Canada, she was a past president of the local Woman’s Association. She is survived by a sister, Violet, and a brother, Fisher Ganton, former warden of Simcoe County. 

     A group of local sportsmen Sunday night sat in on what was only the second screening of King Whyte’s new film “Weekend in the Woods”, featuring a Midland father and his three sons. Taken at the well known Toronto TV commentator’s Shoe-Fly Lodge in Northern Ontario, the film tells the story of Pete Pettersen and his sons, Bjorn, Jon and Bruce, on a typical weekend on the crystal-clear Shoe-Fly Lake. Both the scenery, and the huge speckled trout netted by the youngsters, their dad and their host were mouthwatering to the snow-bound anglers who watched the film in the Georgian Hotel. Even tiny Bruce was pulling in four-pounders or better. Mr. Whyte said the record for this particular lake is 7 3/4 pounds. 

    25 YEARS AGO THIS WEEK – After ten years in business in Midland, the partnership of Roebuck and Sharp was dissolved. T. Sharp retired and J. B. Roebuck continued in the furniture, linoleum and tent-making business. * * * Midland’s civic elections returned S. W. McKinley as mayor, Wm. Hartman as Reeve and Oliver Smith, deputy-reeve. Returned as aldermen were: Ward 1, Wm. Offord and Stan Sturgeon; Ward 2, Wm. Wilford and Harry Wright; Ward 3, Alfred Argue and D. L. White, Jr.; and Ward 4, R. D. Preston and James Trew. * * * The steamer Waubic which operated along the eastern shore of Georgian Bay between Penetang and Parry Sound was offered for sale by its owners the Rockfort Navigation Co. of Kingston. * * * Installation of officers was conducted for the newly formed branch of the Canadian Legion at Coldwater. T. Langdon was the charter president. * * * Elmvale Clerk T. E. Smith was instructed by council to write the Department of Highways requesting that no snow ploughing or sanding be done on a reasonable portion of Highway 26 so that sleigh hauling on this road may not be interfered with. * * * Mystery surrounded the sinking of the Patterson Line freighter, Mantadoc, which, filled with water arid sank at the Aberdeen Elevator dock. She held a storage cargo of 230,000 bushels of grain. * * * Announcement was made that Midland and Owen Sound would be points of call for the new 276-passenger steamer “Cape Eternity” operating between Windsor and Sault Ste. Marie.  

     Ten of the 400 boats to be exhibited by 130 manufacturers at the Canadian Boat Show, Toronto, Feb. 5 to 13, will be from Penetang, the product of Grew Boats Ltd. This announcement was made yesterday by Andy Morrison, general manager of the Penetang plant. Grews will be showing in competition with exhibitors from coast to coast of Canada, from various parts of the United States and even from as far distant as England. The Grew exhibit, which is being arranged around a black and white theme of decoration, will include both inboard cruisers and runabouts as well as outboard models. With models ranging from a $500, 14-foot outboard to a $32,000 31-foot cruiser, the Penetang firm, will be showing a retail value of $112,000 in watercraft. They include three cruisers two of 31-feet and one 26-foot. Three other inboards will be of 23, 21 and 18-foot lengths in the runabout class. The outboard models will be two 14-footers and one each of 16 and 18 feet. With exception of the 23-footer which is a solid mahogany smooth skin, the boats are all of lapstrake construction. The 31-foot cruisers are the last word in luxurious boating, with all the comforts of home included in the construction. First Impression is one of roominess. Even a tall man can walk around comfortably in the six-foot two-inch headroom. Wall-to-wall broadloom and lovely drapes add a homey touch to the beautifully finished interiors. Accommodation is provided for six persons in the sleeping quarters, with daytime seating accommodation converting into night-time beds. A full galley is provided for the cooking duties, and at the extreme forward end, there is a bathroom that would do credit to any small home.  

     Wise & Otherwise – Editorial – For the life of us, we can’t understand why $42,000 of public funds had to be spent on a television program before CBC officials suddenly realized the drama would not be suitable for public reception. This type of irresponsibility on the part of allegedly responsible individuals would not be tolerated in a privately-owned system. It should be no more condoned in a publicly-owned corporation.

    In wartime, the slogan was “Join the navy and see the world.” The same effect can be obtained, in peacetime, following George S. Dudley around for the next few weeks. “Mr. Hockey” as he is known wherever the game is played, begins a busy schedule today when accompanied by Mrs. Dudley, he flies to Calgary as the guest of TCA. There he will take in the game between the Moscow Selects and a Calgary club. On Sunday the scene shifts to Winnipeg for another game in the cross-country tour of the Russian team. Following this Mr. Dudley will have just about time to stop off at his Midland home for a clean shirt before hopping a plane again for New York. There he will help set up the schedule for the hockey portion of the winter Olympic Games at Squaw Valley, Cal. He’ll be in Squaw Valley himself, starting Feb. 10, where he will be in charge of the hockey program. There his dual roles in the hockey world may cause him some embarrassment. As secretary-manager of the CAHA, and a good Canadian, he will want to cheer the Kitchener-Waterloo Dutchies along the way as they attempt to regain the Olympic title from Russia. This, however, may not win the favor of his cohorts in the International Ice Hockey Federation, of which he is also an executive member.  

    The rumour mill is talking about the end of one of Midland’s original and important businesses. Benson & Bray, Midland Wood Products, Midland Planing Mills Limited, Midland Buildall, Timber Mart, many names through 117 years of operation. We actually find the name of Benson & Bray, contractors and builders as far back as 1903. A book could be written.

  Below are some photos from the museum archives of those years.

Right click to enlarge the print

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 enlargeThese members of Simcoe County council seemed happy to be starting another session as the new term got underway in Barrie Monday. Representing North Simcoe municipalities, they are left to right, front row, Eldege Quesnelle, Tiny; Alf Cage, Penetang; Dalt Jermey, Medonte; Bernard St. Amant, Penetang; and Fred Kinnear, Tay. back row—Ernest Cadeau, Victoria Harbour; Albert Deconkey, Matchedash; George Mc-Fadden and Earl Trace, Flos; and Albert Calvert, Port McNicoll. On Tuesday, Mr. Deconkey was elected to the roads committee for a three-year term. 

Snow and sleet have transformed these boats, put up on a dock near Victoria Harbour for the winter, into strange new shapes. Ice fishing huts can be seen dotting Sturgeon Bay, in the background. 

Winners of one of the major prizes at Midland Rotary Club’s second annual bonspiel was this rink from the Y’s Men’s Club, skipped by Doug Haig. Left to right are; Bill Russell, Mr. Haig, Bert Banting and Clive Park. Incidentally, they DIDN’T win the cup at the right, the photographer learned later. 

Officials of Branch 80, Canadian Legion, Midland, for 1960, were inducted into office at a meeting in the Legion Hall January 13. Left to right are, front row, H. A. Wiles, secretary; Saul DeVries, 2nd vice-president; Borden Parker, president; George McLaughlin, 1st vice-president; Rev. J. L. Self, padre. Back row are James Mackie, Len Wiles, Oliver Lesperance, Ken G. Williams, Gene Lalonde and James Duncan. Mr. Wiles is the sergeant-at-arms and the others are members of the executive. 

One of the 12 new members of Simcoe County council this year is Deputy-reeve Clinton Smith of Midland. Trying out his new seat for the first time, Mr. Smith gets support from, left to right, Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Beauchamp and Reeve H. J. Beauchamp of Midland. Just a hint of what less fortunate parts of the province got from the weatherman on two occasions recently can be seen in this picture. Icy wires and trees are not nearly so heavily coated as their counterparts in the Orangeville area and Metro Toronto, following recent sleet storm. The picture above was taken on Highway 12, near Jones’ Corner. 

This tunnel, under the CPR tracks which cross Highway 12, near Victoria Harbour, has been the subject of much controversy following the motor accident which took the lives of two young people in November. A coroner’s jury at an inquest in Midland into their deaths recommended flasher lights be installed. More recently Victoria Harbour council has urged that the tunnel be widened as a winter works project. [Nothing was ever done until the CPR abandoned their route in the late sixties and the roadway was re-aligned. Many more serious accident and deaths were to occur.] 

• Midland Free Press headline of January 20^th, 1960; ELECT LISK NEW WARDEN, WINS IN WALK-AWAY VOTE. It was George Lisk all the way at Barrie Monday as the veteran Tecumseth Township reeve became Simcoe County’s 103rd warden. Although nine men were nominated for the post only Flos Reeve Earl Trace let his name stand in opposition. Mr. Lisk won by a landslide (53-11) on the first vote and Mr. Trace moved that it be made unanimous. 
• County Herald headline of January 22^nd, 1960; MPDHS PARENTS NIGHT HAS RECORD ATTENDANCE. “We were, very pleased and encouraged by the great turnout of parents Wednesday night. In fact, we were a bit floored by it all,” said R. C. Gauthier, principal of Midland-Penetang District High School, noting that more than 1,000 parents had attended the school’s parents night. “It caused us some disappointment too, for with such a large gathering it was completely impossible for the school staff to meet all the parents and discuss their children’s problems,” Mr. Gauthier, added. Pointing out that in previous years about 200 parents had attended the meeting. 

• NEARLY 100 Midland, Penetang and district citizens crowded into the ladies’ parlour of Midland YMCA Monday night to approve the formation of a local association of the Ontario-Association for Retarded Children and to elect officers for the coming year. President of the new group is Mrs. John Banks, Midland. Her executive includes Stanley Brooks, Midland, 1^st vice-president; Mrs. E. Niblock, Victoria Harbour, 2nd vice-president; Mrs. M. DeVillers, Penetang, 3rd vice-president; Mrs. F. Helson, R.R. 1, Midland, recording-secretary; Mrs. J Krochko, Midland, corresponding-secretary; and W. A. Child, Midland, treasurer. Committee chairmen elected were Public School Inspector K. J. Ellis, education; Mrs. R. Trepanier, Sunnyside, home care; Wm. Bennett, Midland, publicity and bulletin and Mrs. R. Lacroix Penetang, membership. Meeting chairman K. J. Ellis expressed his “amazement at the large turn-out”. He thanked Mrs. Banks for “doing much of the spade work in getting the meeting organized’, and this newspaper for its assistance.

• Reeve H. J. Beauchamp told Midland council at its inaugural meeting last week that there “is no room for party politics in municipal affairs”. “We should divorce ourselves entirely from party politics of any kind,” be declared. He felt the 1959 council worked conscientiously. Deputy-reeve Clinton Smith said many of the problems cited by Mayor Parker in his inaugural address were “continuing ones”, not necessarily stemming from last year’s council. He said he hoped he would be able to “make a good name” for himself at the county council, which he will be attending for the first time. 

• Coldwater’s well known retired harness racehorse trainer, Eddie Hawke, 78, died as the result of a truck accident at 6.30 a.m. yesterday morning in Coldwater. Mr. Hawke was dead when Dr. George W. Hall arrived at the scene of the accident. It is reported that a Weide Transport truck from Calgary, driven by 28-year-old Earl Holland, missed the turnoff on Highway 12 partway up Gray Street and in the dark and snow hit Mr. Hawke. OPP Const. Murray F. Tamblyn of the Victoria Harbour detachment is investigating. Known as a true sportsman on race tracks in the area, Mr. Hawke held a certificate from Elmvale Fall Fair attesting to this. 

• BIRTHS – HARTLEY — To Mr. and Mrs. Ed Hartley of Toronto, at the Scarboro General Hospital, Sunday, January 17, 1960, a son. La GRANDEUR To Mr. and Mrs. Rene La Grandeur, 298 Princess St., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Tuesday, January 12, 1960, a son. LATANVILLE — To Mr. and Mrs. Herman Latanville, 316 William St., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Tuesday, January 12, 1960; a son (Stillborn). LEVESQUE — To Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Levesque, R.R. 1, Victoria Harbour, at St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, Friday, January 15, 1960, a son. NICHOLSON — To Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Nicholson, Beausoleil Island, at St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, Friday, January 15, 1960, a son. YORKE — to Mr. and Mrs. Michael Yorke, 210A King St., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Saturday, January 16, 1960, a son. 

• TEN YEARS AGO THIS WEEK – Outcome of a motion approved by Midland council, aldermen were requested to hold ward meetings to get the recommendations of their constituents for the development of an overall town plan. The council also asked the public utilities commission, the park commission, public and separate school boards to set out their future land-use plans. * * *  More than 20 spectators, the largest turn-out in years, attended the inaugural meeting of Penetang council. The council chamber had been completely redecorated for the occasion. * * * It was June in January in 1950 as the mercury in the thermometers hovered around the 50-degree mark. Port Severn lockmaster Bob White reported seeing suckers swimming around the locks. Usually, he said, they don’t start to run until after the pickerel have spawned in May. * * * George Lisk of Beeton was elected president of Simcoe County Federation of Agriculture at the association’s annual meeting in Barrie. * * * A freak windstorm, which swept across North Simcoe, ripped roofs off summer cottages and toppled hydro and telephone poles in the area.  * * * Medonte Township marked its 100th birthday Jan. 21. The council and its retiring clerk, T. D. Robinson, who had served for 56 years, made plans to celebrate the centenary year of the municipality. * * * An adjourned sitting of Midland Court of Revision lopped $33,410 off the 1950 assessment roll. Among the business firm’s which received major reductions were the Roxy Theatre and Midland Shearlings. 

• OBITUARIES – LEO MARTIN EDGAR A lifelong resident of Midland Leo Martin Edgar died at his First Street home Jan. 10. He was in his 56th year. Requiem mass was celebrated at St. Margaret’s Church by Rev. F. Voorwerk Jan. 13. Honorary pallbearers were A. Bremer, J. Birch, T. Pyman, E. Pearson, P. Elby and D. Active pallbearers were M. Blackhurst, J. Lalonde, J. Donaldson, G. Kenwell, T. Lalonde and B. Lee. Son of the late Mr. and Mrs. James Edgar, one of the early Midland families, Mr. Edgar was born May 6, 1904, and received his education in Midland. On Feb. 14, 1923, at Midland, he married the former Grace Lalonde of Penetang. He was employed as a riveter at the James Playfair Shipyards until the general layoff at which time he went to work at the Port Weller shipyards. He was a member of the Boilermakers’ Union, Local 680, at Port Dalhousie. His hobby was boating. Besides his widow, he is survived by three sons, Martin, Douglas and Garnet; a daughter, Mrs. M. Blackhurst (Grace); three sisters, Mrs. Margaret Letherdale, Las Vegas, Mrs. Kate Cowan, Las Vegas, and Mrs. George Gawley of Midland; four grandchildren, Elizabeth, Kenny, John and Terry. Four brothers, Nicholas, Jacob, Charlie and Jim, and two sisters, Cinderella and Caroline predeceased him. * * *  MRS. CHARLES KAUS A lifelong resident of Penetang, Mrs. Charles Kaus died at the home of her daughter in Aurora Saturday, Jan. 2. She was in her 62nd year. Born in Penetang, the former Hilda Arbour, married Charles Kaus June 7, 1920, and, until his death several years ago, they had lived at 43 Fox Street. Mrs. Kaus had been living with her son, Gerald, recently. Surviving are one son, Gerald of Penetang; four daughters, Mrs. Louis Legare, Ohio, Mrs. Jack Lawrence, Aurora, Mrs. Ted Leonard and Mrs. Ed. Staurch, Toronto; one brother, Howard Arbour, Toronto, and five sisters, Mrs. R. Corriveau, California, Mrs. Alma Cowan, Mrs. Myrtle Walsh, Mrs. L. Holland, Mrs. C. Fordham, all of Toronto. Funeral service was held Tuesday, Jan. 5, from the Beausoleil funeral home to St. Ann’s Memorial Church where requiem high mass was sung by Rev. A. Louis Bourque, assisted by Rev. J. Kelly and Rev. J. Marchand. Pallbearers were R. Stewart, A. Lizotte, Maurille Marchand, Martial Desroches, Francis Dumais and Ted Light. * * * EMMA JANE JORY Widow of one of Midland’s most prominent businessmen, Mrs. P. H. Jory died at her King Street  South home Jan 13^th after a lingering illness. She was in her 82nd year. Born and educated in Hillsdale, she was the former Emma Jane Faragher. In 1902 she married Phillip Henry Jory in Midland. They lived in Midland for two years before moving to Haileybury where they spent 20 years, returning to Midland in 1924. Prior to his death in 1954, Mr. Jory was the proprietor of the King Street drug store now managed by his son, John. A member of St. Paul’s United Church, Mrs. Jory in her earlier years, was active in the work of the church and in Midland YMCA work. Her main hobby was needlepoint. She was a Conservative in politics. Funeral service, conducted by Rev. Wilson Morden, was held at her residence Friday, Jan. 15. Temporary interment was in Lakeview Cemetery vault. Pallbearers were James Playfair, Earl Cumming, Calvin Simpson, Lorne Faragher, Joe Faragher, all of Midland, and James Poppleton of Barrie. She is survived by a son, John; two daughters, Jean (Mrs. Jack McFarlane), and Helene (Mrs. Tom Currie), all of Midland; a brother Edward Faragher of Hillsdale and Midland; and five grandchildren. Bill and Mary Jane Jory, Suzanne McFarlane, and Kim and Craig Currie, all of Midland. A daughter, Phyllis, and a son, William, also predeceased her. * * * MRS. ROBERT JACKETT A resident of Midland all her life, Mrs. Robert Jackett died in St. Andrews Hospital Jan. 5 following a stroke. She was in her 77th year. Born in Midland Jan. 1, 1883, and educated there, she was the former Annie Wadge. In 1905, in Midland, she married Robert Jackett, who predeceased her in January 1949. She was a member of the Salvation Army. The body rested at A. Barrie and Sons funeral home until Thursday, Jan. 7, when it was taken to the Salvation Army Citadel for funeral service. The service was conducted by Lieut. William Johnston. Pallbearers were I. Rumney, E. Heels, C. Tait, P. Farrow and nephews Vic and Howard Wadge. Temporary interment was in Lakeview Cemetery vault. She is survived by two brothers, Frank of Timmins and Howard Wadge of Midland. 

• Walter Kluck, manager of Ernst Leitz (Canada) Ltd. Acted as the spokesman for a delegation which appeared before Midland council at its inaugural meeting last week. The petitioners were seeking action on a noisy hydro sub-station near their homes. Mr. Kluck admitted he and other homeowners in the area had possibly delayed action on the matter longer than they should. “We thought the PUC would be erecting a building similar to the Queen Street sub-station, which is a cottage-type brick building. When we realized just what they were putting up on Scott Street, it was too late,” he told the council. Alderman Douglas Haig told the group that council had also felt the building would be along the lines of the one erected on Queen Street. The Scott Street station and its “ugly wall” was an eye-sore, he agreed. Mayor Charles Parker said the installation of the sub-station on the Scott Street location was “definitely a violation of the zoning bylaw”. Mr. Kluck presented a petition signed by eight homeowners in the immediate area. 

• “You could say that Midland’s retail and commercial district represents the largest single industry in town’,” said R. B. Moffatt, secretary-manager of the chamber of commerce. “As a matter of fact,” he continued, “about 22 per cent of all Midland municipal taxes are paid by retail and commercial establishments. This, of course, is exclusive of industrial plant. “I might go farther,” said the chamber of commerce executive head, “and remark that more than 50 per cent of Midland’s municipal taxes come from commerce and industry.” When you consider that 33 per cent would have been a very good showing, it will be seen that Midland’s experience is excellent — one of the highest proportions in Ontario paid by commerce and industry. “Total town tax revenue is around $540,000.” Mr. Moffatt explained. “Of this, $215,000 goes for education and the balance for general purposes.” Of the 3,500-odd persons gainfully employed in Midland, about 600 work in retail or commercial establishments (exclusive of industry). Midland’s mercantile picture is well diversified. Retail outlets include food, clothing, furniture, appliances, variety stores, drugs, hardware, gift stores, florists, photographic and art supplies, flour and feed, shoes, tobacco and confectionery, bakeries, garages, accessories, and others. Mr. Moffatt points out that Midland has one of the most extensive commercial sections of any town of its size. It also offers a variety of goods comparable with anything to be found in Toronto; “Perhaps the explanation for this lies in the tourist trade,” Mr. Moffatt says. “The summer influx of visitors makes it worthwhile for merchants to stock high-quality items in adequate quantity.”

 

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. 

 Double click on photos to enlarge. Devotional period, conducted by Rev. L. J. Delaney of St. Mark’s Anglican Church, was one of the features of the inaugural ceremonies of Midland’s 1960 council. Listening to Mr. Delaney’s address, clockwise around the table from left, are Alderman Doug Haig, Deputy-reeve Clinton Smith, Reeve Herb J. Beauchamp, Clerk William “Bill” Hack, Mayor Charles Parker, George S. Dudley Q.C., aldermen Percy Crawford, Bill Orr and James Mackie. 

Midland’s council for 1960 is seen above following inaugural ceremonies at the municipal building Monday. Left to right, seated, are Deputy-Reeve, Clinton Smith; Mayor, Charles Parker; Clerk, William Hack; and Reeve, Herb J. Beauchamp. Standing are Aldermen James Mackie, William Orr, Douglas Haig and Percy Crawford. (Note the image was reversed in the newspaper, hankies on the wrong side, we have left it that way so that the newspaper caption lists the names in proper order.) 

Little league basketballers at the ‘Y’, John Thomas, Tom Gordanier, Lawrie Thomas, Jerry Beteau and Morley Bath kibitz with sports director Lloyd Stackhouse as Mr. Stackhouse gives them a few pointers. The little league cage games were introduced at the Midland ‘Y’ a week or so ago. 

Block the shot! That seems to be the aim of Hans Matthias, Chester Graham, Keith Craig and Fred Hacker, YMCA Little League basketball players as they attempt to block ‘Y’ President Morie Whitcher’s shot at the basket. Mr. Whitcher officially launched the new league Monday. 

The winter employment committee of North Simcoe district is endeavouring to encourage householders and firms to have renovations and repair work done now rather than then wait until spring. Here contractor Jim Cowan, currently in charge of revamping the Free Press Herald offices, lays flooring in the main office. 

Little Lake’s frozen surface provided plenty of activity for Midland children during- the Christmas holidays, here, at least four groups of boys have cleared off an area to play a good old fashion game of shinny. 

Manager of the Midland plant of Bausch and Lomb Optical Company Ltd., Larry Curran (right) explains the workings of a micromax control unit for fusing bifocals, to a group of B & L representatives who toured the plant Thursday. 

Some twenty general managers and sales managers of Bausch and Lomb Optical Company Ltd. toured the Midland plant Thursday. Miss Alice Brown operates a clear polishing machine for A. G. Parsons, North Bay manager (left) and J. T. Martin, Toronto. Partly hidden at right is Austin Upfold, Toronto branch manager. 

Coming up with one of his greatest efforts in a long career, Midland Flyers’ Morley Spiker scored five of his team’s goals in a 6-4 win over Meaford Chevvies here last Wednesday night. Spiker is seen poking the first of his quintet behind goalie Elgin Cubitt while Meaford forward Barney Walmsley (10) rushes in too late to help. Flyers host Collingwood here tonight. 

Good news for everyone in the Midland area, some 20 men are already at work in the new B. Greening Wire Company plant in Midland. Gil Hamelin (left) and John Fox are pouring the molten zinc which bonds the wire ropes securely into their sockets. Some 40,000 feet of such rope is being prepared here for use on three bridges in the Welland area. 

In the first spiel of the season held by Midland Ladies Curling Club January 6, a novice rink skipped by Mrs. Godfrey Trilsbeck of Penetang sprung a surprise by winning one of the top prizes. They are left to right, Mrs. Walter Spearn, Mrs. Orval Ambeau, Mrs. Len Carter and Mrs. Trilsbeck, with Mrs. Norman Greene, chairman of the bonspiel committee. 

Another top winner was Mrs. Ray Trew’s Midland entry. Left to right are Mrs. Lloyd Wilcox, Mrs. Stan Burton, Mrs. Ray Trew and Mrs. Mac Perrin. 

This new intertype machine in the Free Press plant features automatic type-setting equipment which handles teletype tapes as well as manual operation. Seated in front of the machine is veteran operator Frank VanStone. Grouped around, left to right; are Bob Goodall of the Intertype Company, Jack Jorna, Clare Holden and Bill Murphy.

County Herald headline of January 15, 1960; COUNCIL APPROVES PLAN TO RENT POLICE CRUISERS. At its first meeting of the year Monday, Midland council decided to call tenders for the renting of a police cruiser for use by the Midland department.  Noting heavy maintenance upkeep costs in the past Alderman James Mackie, chairman of the police committee, said he wished to try the rental service for one year on an experimental basis. 

Free Press Herald headline of January 18, 1960; SCORE NARROW UNDERPASS WANT HAZARD ELIMINATED. (Must admit I don’t understand this headline) Winter Employment Committee, representing six North Simcoe municipalities, Thursday night endorsed a resolution of Victoria Harbour council calling for the replacement of a narrow subway on Highway 12, about one mile west of the Harbour, with a regulation-sized underpass. The committee urged the federal Department of Transport to undertake the project as a winter work program this year.  The Harbour council resolution requested that the Canadian Pacific Railway subway be replaced by a more suitable subway to meet with present-day traffic conditions. 

• (A pivotal event in our communities history) A general meeting of parents of retarded children and interested persons has been arranged to discuss the organization of a local association of the Ontario Association for Retarded Children and the setting up of special classes for retarded children of Midland and district. The meeting will be held in the ladies’ parlor of the Midland YMCA at 8 p.m. Jan. 18. Special speaker for the meeting will be A. J. McAlister, director of public relations for the OARC. All organizations, service clubs, lodges, chambers of commerce, Legion branches, Women’s Institutes, Jaycees, church groups, the Ministerial Association, the Medical Society and health nurses have been asked to send representatives to the meeting. Public School Inspector K. J. Ellis has agreed to be acting chairman of this organizational meeting and Mrs. Orville McClung of Wyebridge will be the acting secretary.
• Total fire losses in Midland in 1959 of $7,565.00 was the lowest in many years. This figure was contained in the annual report of Midland Fire Department, prepared for the inaugural meeting of the 1960 council by Fire Chief Arnold Tippin.
• OBITUARIES – LOUIS MOREAU – A lifelong resident of Perkinsfield, Louis Moreau died in Penetang General Hospital Jan. 4. He was in his 85th year. Requiem mass was conducted by Rev. A. J. Desaulniers at St. Patrick’s Church, Perkinsfield, Jan. 7. Pallbearers were six grandsons, Leonard, Fernand and Jean Moreau and Ferdinand, Willard and Federe Moreau. Born at Perkinsfield Nov. 11, 1875, and educated there and at Lafontaine, Mr. Moreau married the former Caroline Doonan at Penetang in 1900. He was a farmer, a member of the Roman Catholic Church, and a Conservative in politics. His wife predeceased him in 1951. He is survived by eight sons: Isidore, Willie and Patrick of Perkinsfield; Louis of Toronto; Alexander of Beaverton and Adrien, Isaac and Donat all of Midland; and four daughters, Mrs. Marius Bald (Florida) of Penetang; Mrs. Martial Brunelle (Edesse) of Lafontaine; Mrs. Leo Robitaille (Mary Jane) and Mrs. Martin Robitaille (Nellie Jane) both of Midland. Two sons, Robert and Edward, and a daughter, Mrs. Frank King (Marie Louise), predeceased their father. Also surviving are four brothers, Simon, Exphire and Theophile, all of Penetang, and Albert of Toronto, and two sisters, Mrs. William Parent of Perkinsfield and Mrs. Joseph Grozelle of Penetang. Forty-six grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren also survive. * * * GEORGE M. PRESTON A native of Tiny Township and former resident of Wyebridge, George Milton Preston died in Toronto Dec. 29. He was in his 85th year. Funeral service was conducted by Rev. M. G. B. Williams at the Trull funeral home, Toronto, Jan. 1. Pallbearers were William Preston, Fred Fagan, A. Cunhingham, K. Hadley, F. Woods and Earl Preston. Educated in Tiny Township, he married the former Mary Brown March 30, 1901, at Midland and lived in Wyebridge before going to Toronto 37 years ago. He was a member of the Anglican Church. Besides his widow, he is survived by two sons, Murray and Martin of Toronto, and six daughters, Mrs. C. Tew (Bertha), Mrs. H. Lang (Leila), Mrs. A. Cunningham (Phyllis), Mrs. F. Woods (Helen) and Mrs. K. Hadley (Fern), all of Toronto, and Mrs. F. Fagan (Ruby), R.R. 1, Midland. A brother, Fred Preston of Midland, also survives. T. J. JOHNSTON A well-known physician and surgeon who practised in Midland for nearly half a century, Dr. Thomas John Johnston died in St. Andrews Hospital Dec. 18. He was in his 80th year. Funeral service was conducted by Dr. John McNab and Rev. J. L. Self, Dec. 21 at A. Barrie and Sons funeral home. Honorary pallbearers were Dr. W. L. Attridge, Charles White, V. G. Edwards, George Dudley, J. J. Robins, J. W. Smith, Alex Macintosh, Doug Haig, Wm. Wilford, R. R. Wilson, T. Tully and Dr. D. W. MacKenzie. Active pallbearers were Dr. A. D. MacKenzie, Dr. E. A. Grise, Dr. J. Small, Dr. Peter Brasher, Clark Edwards and Jack Thompson. Masonic funeral services were held Dec. 20. An elder, and former member of the board of managers of Knox Presbyterian Church, Dr. Johnston was a past master of Caledonian Lodge AF and AM, a former member of the YMCA board and for many years was prominent in the affairs of St. Andrews Hospital. Born at Carthage, Ont., Feb. 16, 1880, Dr. Johnston attended Listowel High School and graduated in medicine from the University of Toronto in 1908. On Feb. 28, 1912, at North Mornington he married the former Annie Burnett. She predeceased him in 1954. Following his graduation, Dr. Johnston interned at the Hospital for Sick Children and then spent a year in post-graduate work in a London (England) hospital. He set up his first practice in Midland in 1910 and remained here ever since. He is survived by a son, William, a history and vocational guidance teacher at Orillia DCVI; a daughter Margaret, Reg. N., at home, and five granddaughters. Also surviving are two sisters, Mrs. Hugh Davidson of Toronto and Mrs. Herbert Dowd of Carthage, and a brother, William of Vancouver. He was predeceased by two brothers, Samuel of Listowel and Russell of Carthage. Burial was in Lakeview Cemetery. FREDERICK C. HOPKINS  – ROSEMOUNT — In poor health for the last three years, Frederick Charles Hopkins, died at St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, Dec. 22. He was in his 76th year. Funeral service was conducted by Mr. Murdo MacLeod at the Robinson funeral home, Coldwater, Dec 26. Pallbearers were Aubrey Candlemire, Gordon Pratt, Bruce Irwin, Manley Irwin, Archie Irwin and Walter Grigg. A native of Uxbridge, he went to Sturgeon Bay where he received his education. On Jan. 3, 1912, at Elmvale he married the former Maude Hodgins. He was a Liberal in politics. Besides his widow, he is survived by four sons, Albert of Sturgeon Bay, Charles and Ivan of Midland and Mervyn at home; two sisters, Mrs. Fred Gratrix (Bertha) of Weston and Mrs. George Hewitt (Florence) of Toronto, and four grandchildren. Burial was in Coldwater Cemetery vault. IRENE FOSTER DENNIS – A Midland and district resident all her life, Mrs. Irene Foster Dennis died Dec. 30 following a lengthy, illness. She was in her 53rd year. Funeral service was conducted, Dec. 31, by Rev. W. L. Morden at A. Barrie and Sons funeral home. Pallbearers were Stanley Ligowski, Lloyd Crawford, David Wilcox, Arthur Ball, Frank Atkinson and Gordon Cook. Born in Tiny Township, the former  Irene Foster, she was educated in Evergreen School and on Feb. 17, 1930, at Midland, was married to Charles Dennis. She was a member of the United Church and a Conservative in politics. Besides her husband she is survived by a  brother, Chris Foster; two step-brothers, Leslie and Gordon Henderson, and a step-sister, Mrs. Archie Ironsides, all of Midland. Burial was in Lakeview Cemetery vault.
• COLDWATER HISTORY— In December 1878, there were more than 10 mills in this area. Medonte had 2,795 people on 16,836 acres of cleared land. There were seven saw mills, four grist mills and eight schools. Total population of the county was 77,583 and, according to the County of Simcoe Gazetteer and Directory, the county 81 years ago had 56 grist mills, 135 sawmills, seven woollen mills and nine foundries. In 1879 there were 200 churches. At that time in Coldwater, William Borland and J. T. Ryan operated hotels. George Bush, John Eplett, John Gray and Andrew Patterson were merchants. Shingles were made by Jos. Brown and Smith and Orr. M. A. Eplett had flour and sawmills and S. D. Eplett operated an express agency and was postmaster. William Wilson was the agent for the Midland railway and was clerk of Medonte. William Rawson kept the Coldwater lockup. In Fesserton, Joseph Craddock, father of the present (1960) Jos. Craddock of that village was hotelkeeper. George Ross was a lumber merchant and Josiah Kean and John Campbell shingle makers.
• Letter to the editor. – SNOWBOUND STREETS – Dear Editor- On my frequent visits to Midland during the winter months; I am amazed to find that nowhere in the town are the sidewalks kept free of snow. This makes walking difficult if not impossible. It also means that some residents, especially the elderly, are not able to get out at all during the winter season. Surely this is not good publicity and assuredly not “good business”. There are few towns in Ontario that compare with Midland in natural beauty. Why not make it as attractive to visitors in the winter as in the summer. In most towns, householders are required to be responsible for their street frontage, and failure to comply brings a bill for snow removal. Is there any reason why the town of Midland couldn’t do the same if the expense involved is now hindering the snow removal? Dorothy G. Little, Richmond Hill
• “We have apprehended 10 persons since Friday stealing coal from the Century Coal Co. stockpile,” stated Midland Police Chief George Wainman yesterday. We even caught two adults from Penetang loading coal into their car,” continued the chief noting that three juveniles had been apprehended Sunday for the same offence. “The company has reported a considerable amount of coal missing,” added the chief, observing that the coal pile “is in an out of the way place.”
• A multi-point program was presented by Mayor Charles Parker for council’s consideration at the 1960 inaugural meeting in the board room of the new municipal building Monday. Among them were re-activation of the planning board, new engineering for the proposed sewage disposal project, possibility of getting Tiny and Tay Township officials to consider a new joint garbage dump, development of the waterfront area, re-development of the Olive Street area for industrial purposes, and new alternate routes for heavy truck traffic serving the industrial areas.
• Free Press Herald carrier boy John Gignac fractured his right wrist Saturday night during the Little NHL hockey games at Penetang Arena. He fell off a ladder. Son of Mayor and Mrs. Gignac, John had climbed the ladder to change the score on the rear wall of the rink. As he was changing the numbers, somehow he lost his grip on the ladder and tumbled to the concrete floor about 15 feet below.
• BIRTHS – PUDDICOMBE — To Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Puddicombe, Wyevale, at St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, Friday, January 8, 1960, a daughter. ROBINSON — To Lt. and Mrs. D. G. Robinson (nee Mary Wood), Calgary, Alberta, Friday, January 1, 1960, a son, Chris Alexander. THAYER — To Mr. and Mrs. William Thayer, 101 Bay St., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital,  Saturday January 9, 1960, a daughter.
• 25 (85) YEARS AGO THIS WEEK – Annual report of the fire department revealed that fire loses in Midland were $5,6073 lower in 1934 than they were in the same period in 1933, and were $244,765 lower than the losses in 1932. The total loss to buildings and contents in 1934 was $23,155. * * * While the entire council of Penetang was elected to office by acclamation in 1935, every office was being contested in Midland. S. W. McKinley and H. J. Thompson were seeking the mayoralty honours. In the voting, the former was elected. * * * Effective Jan. 1, 1935, all revolvers and pistols owned by private citizens had to be registered at the offices of either municipal or Ontario Provincial Police. Thirty-five were registered Jan. 2. * * * Two Victoria Harbour girls, Jean Hutchinson and Velma Winfield—former Midland High School students, won proficiency awards in Modern and Canadian History. The prizes were presented by Mr. and Mrs. A. R. M. Gaviller. * * * Elmvale businessmen decided they would close their places of business every night of the week except Saturday. The new closing hours were to become effective Jan. 8. * * *  C. P. Stocking, secretary-treasurer of the Waubaushene Public School, returned his annual salary to the board. The money was to be used to help purchase a piano for the school. * * * Nearly 35,000 persons were killed in automobile accidents in the United States in 1934. Fatalities in 1933 totalled 30,000.
• BAKELITE’S BIRTHDAY An important step in the development of plastics was taken 50 years ago last December. Leo Backsland, a Belgian chemist working in the United States, took out the first patent for bakelite, which was named after him. It is a plastic derived from phenol and widely used for panelling and electrical insulation.