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One of the most unique lads in North Simcoe is Allan Mosley, the 11-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Mosley, R.R. 1, Wyebridge. Know any other boy hereabouts who has a two-goat team? Allan uses the team to sand the steep hill leading to his father’s farm and to haul milk cans to the nearest sideroad. Goats are Linda, left, and Lucie. Or is it Lucie, left, and Linda? 

Everything’s up to date at MPDHS as well as in Kansas City, and this cut-away torso is the latest equipment added to the school for the benefit of students. Various organs are detachable for closer study by Grade 13 Zoology and Grade 10 Science students. Here, Warren J. Jacklin, left, explains some parts of the human body to Gail Brand, Grade 10E, while principal L. M. Johnston looks on. 

With sub-zero temperatures and howling winds prevalent this year; not many parties have attempted to climb Midland’s “Black Mountain” range in recent weeks. No “mountains” like these near Midland, you say? You’ll find them between the CNR tracks and the bay, on Century Coal Company property. 

One of these ten girls will be this year’s “Queen of Hearts” at MPDHS. Five of them will be eliminated in a preliminary contest at Midland’s Roxy Theatre tomorrow night. Left to right are, front row, Anne Hamilton, Judy Bellaire, Carol Van Luven, Karen Robinson; back row, Marie Gignac, Rosemary Shiels, Gisele Bezner, Bev Scott, Annette Ducaire, Carol Cowan. 

This has been a real old-fashioned winter for young Canadians, from Newfoundland right through to the Rockies. Getting some of the color in their cheeks that doesn’t rub off are Susan Swan and Betty Jean Watkinson (fixing skis) and Susie Sutton and Gayle Ellison. The four Midland girls were among the hundreds of skiers, from local and distant points, who took advantage of near-perfect conditions at Midland Ski Club on the weekend. Temperatures both days hovered around the zero mark, even in mid-afternoon. 

Simcoe East member, Dr. P. B. Rynard of Orillia receives a memento of his visit to Midland Thursday night, from Lion Gilmour Nesbitt, left. At right, Lions Club President Harold Humphries looks on. Dr. Rynard spoke to Midland Service Clubs, describing his recent world tour with Prime Minister Diefenbaker and party. 

Toronto Alderman Philip Givens was the guest speaker at an organizational meeting of the East Simcoe Liberal Association held in the Georgian Hotel, Midland, Tuesday, Jan. 27. Left to right are John Maclsaac, Orillia; Mrs. Ross Heidman, Orillia, secretary of the association; Ald. Givens; and riding president Jack Andre, also of Orillia. 

Smiling faces above reflect the good news found in the reports presented at the annual meeting of the Midland Chamber of Commerce Monday night. Seen are, left to right, front row — R. B. Moffatt, secretary-manager; Frank Bray, retiring president; back row— directors Ted Lounsbery, Ken McCaughen, Harvey White and Dave Finch. Mr. White was later named 1st vice-president of the Chamber. 

A roller bracket on the Goss newspaper press which broke in three places Wednesday afternoon brought publication of the Free Press Herald to a halt. Here Orville Puddicombe of Fenton’s Welding Service is pictured as he affected temporary repairs to the bracket. The press was ready to run again about 11 p.m. Wednesday. Photo by Rolphoto. 

Two prime requisites for a successful ski enterprise nowadays are plenty of snow and a good tow. Midland Ski Club has snow to burn, literally, and the tow has been greatly improved this year.  

From a 1930’s Midland paper, when we had control of our own schools.

 

• Headline from the Midland Free Press of February 4^th, 1959; Two Gun Wielding Thugs Kidnap Midland Druggist. A prominent Midland resident was robbed of $12 at gunpoint on a lonely Tiny Township side road early Monday morning. The Midlander was forced inside a car on a Midland street while he was on his way home from visiting a friend. Midland police said druggist William Irwin, 326 Manley Street, was accosted shortly after midnight Sunday as he approached the corner of Elizabeth and Manley Streets, a car pulled up alongside. Police said a man got out wearing a face mask and ordered Mr. Irwin into the car. Turning east on Elizabeth, the car then turned south on William and proceeded west on Highway 12. The driver of the vehicle also wearing face mask then drove across a concession to Highway 27. The vehicle continued on west until it reached a point about 2 miles past the Midland drive-in theatre. At this point police said Mr. Irwin was forced, gun at head, to turn over the money he had on his person which happened be $I2, he was also relieved of the keys to his King Street store. Mr. Irwin was then ordered out of the car, which drove away leaving him stranded on the concession road. Walking about three-quarters of a mile, Mr. Irwin reached Les Davidson’s house, where he phoned Midland police. At 1:15 a.m. Midland police and members of the OPP detachment at Victoria Harbour picked up Mr. Irwin while a watch was kept on the drug store.
• Headline from the County Herald of February 6, 1959; Program of Winter Work Under Study in Penetang. Penetang may institute a “winter work program,” with government participation if discussions at last Monday night’s council meeting materialize. Mayor Jerome Gignac initiated the discussion, stating he had attended a meeting last week in Midland during which he learned much about this type of program. He said government sources would provide up to 75% of the labour costs of approved programs.
• A native of Elmvale, Hugh Ritchie died in Vancouver last week after undergoing surgery for cancer of the liver. A University of Toronto engineering graduate, Mr. Ritchie attended schools in Elmvale and Barrie. He was one of the stars of the early U of T football teams. He played for the Varsity team that won the first Grey Cup in 1909 and was considered the best kicker in Canada in that era.
• When Penetang council talked Monday night about installing a new ceiling in the council chamber of the town hall as part of a winter work program, they little thought they would be in the same building early Tuesday morning surveying fire damage which makes more than a new ceiling essential. The blaze, which caused damage estimated as high as $10,000, was discovered about 2 a.m. by a passing motorist, who turned in the alarm.
• Ten Years Ago This Week; Father T. J. Lally S.J. and Father D. A. Lord S.J., were conducting interviews for prospective members of the cast of the Salute to Canada pageant which was to be staged at Martyr’s Shrine in the summer. The two clergymen estimated that a cast of 350 would be required for the project * * * Annual meeting of St. Andrew’s Hospital was informed that the deficit on the 1948 operations would amount to $10,606. In 1947 the deficit had been $13,263. * * * Pointing out that average age of Canadian-owned lake vessels was 42 years, Simcoe East member Wm. A. Robinson contended that it was imperative that effective steps be taken without delay to replace the ageing Canadian lake fleet. He recommended that the federal government assist the Canadian shipbuilding industry. * * * Fire caused by an over-heated stove completely gutted the Roman Catholic Church at Honey Harbour Members of Waubaushene Volunteer Fire Brigade fought desperately to save the concrete and frame structure but were unable to control the flames. * * * Work had commenced on the construction of a new 196-foot wooden dock, jutting out into Penetang Bay parallel with the existing cement dock. * * * No directors were elected at the annual meeting of Midland Recreation Council. Instead, a committee of five was appointed by the meeting to interview clubs and municipal organizations to determine whether these groups favored the continuance of the organization.
• Sometimes an ill wind can blow some good. That’s what Midland Chamber of Commerce is hoping in connection with the Canadian Marconi wireless station, slated to be shifted from Midland to Wiarton in the not-too-distant future. In his report to the public affairs committee at the annual meeting of Midland Chamber of Commerce Monday night, Hugh Blair said his committee has “most reluctantly recommended to the directors that the file be closed on this question.” Noting that the chamber had protested vigorously the closing of the Midland station. Alderman Bill Orr recommended that every effort be made to gain control of the property to replace the popular lookout across William Street that had been fenced off by the property owner. Also causing the chamber of commerce some concern is a new site for the tourist information booth. The old one was located for many years on property owned by the town near the King-Yonge intersection, which is also the Junction of Highways 12 and 27 (Junction later moved west to Hwy 27), main entrances to Midland. The property has recently been purchased by private interests (Les Taylor). President Frank Bray noted at one time a joint booth to serve both Midland and Penetang had been proposed for Firths Corners, at the Junction of Highway 27 and County Road 6. Department of Highways officials have vetoed this proposal.
• MOONSTONE — School Area No. 1, Medonte Township, has eight schools and a total of 10 teachers, including the music instructor. Mrs. Alma Caston of Craighurst is the teacher of the senior room, Hillsdale school, and Mrs. Margaret Cathcart of Craighurst teaches in the junior room. At Mount St. Louis school, Mrs. Dorothy Miller of Mount St. Louis is the teacher. The teacher at No. 16, Vasey, is Miss Patricia Johnston of Parry Sound. Mrs. Wilma Fallis of Vasey is the teacher at No. 12, Vasey. Miss Janice Edwards of Vasey teaches at Moonstone. Eady school teacher is Mrs. Jean Reid of Eady. Bruce Lush of Tweed teaches at Grenard. The teacher at Hobart school is Miss Allison Harvie of Orillia. Mrs. J. L. Self of Midland is the music teacher for the area.
• Superior Propane Limited who recently bought out the Midland division of Georgian Bay Propane Ltd. will be making major changes in the spring to the premises at Midland’s dock. This was announced last week by Wilfred Polmateer, newly appointed branch supervisor for Superior Propane in Midland. “The new branch will be servicing and delivering to all of the accounts previously serviced by the Midland division of Georgian Bay Propane,” Mr. Polmateer stated. Jack Blackburn, the former local manager, will be remaining with the new company at least for the present and by mid-summer, we expect to have three additional men on our staff.
• Postmaster General William Hamilton has announced that a new postal facility is now available for the convenience of the public — curbside mailing. Recognizing that the world of today lives largely in automobiles. The Post Office Department has been experimenting with various types of curbside mail receptacles and a new “Snorkel”, type curb box has been devised. The new installation is a specially designed large-size red mailbox having a funnel receptacle facing the road for motorists, as well as the conventional flap-type opening facing the sidewalk for pedestrians use. Motorists need only draw up to the side of the road, reach from the auto and deposit their mail in the “Snorkel” or funnel receptacle, and then drive on.
• Many years have passed since the name “Strathbogie” was heard in everyday conversation in Midland and Penetang. Nev­ertheless the name is not for­gotten. The big two-masted two-deck steel tug ‘‘Strathbogie”, along with her engine (official No. 134499) was built as the Laval in 1914 by the Smith Dock Co.,  Southbank, Middlesborough, England. Hull No. 581 for the British Government. Her length was 120 feet, width 26 feet, depth 12 feet, gross 332 tons. She had one coal-burning Scotch boiler and a triple expan­sion engine with cylinders 16-26-43 by a 30-inch stroke. Her hull was painted grey, cabins red and pilothouse white, the stack being black. She was equipped with wireless and carried two davit mounted lifeboats. A powerful searchlight was lo­cated on top of the pilot house. The galley was in the bow and its two bell-mouth ventilators rose just above the boat deck. In 1921 she was sold to the Dominion Towing and Wrecking Co. of Port Arthur and, with her fifteen-man crew came across the Atlantic under her own power. In 1922 she was re­named Strathbogie and in 1925 was sold to the Midland Trans­portation Co., which in 1931 was listed as the Burke Towing and Salvage Co., of Midland. They used her to tow log rafts from the North Shore to the Letherby and Manley Chew’ saw­mills. In 1936 she was sold to the Provincial Paper Co. of Port Arthur who used her to tow pulp wood rafts from the mouth of the Nipigon River to their mill. In 1949 she was sold to the Abitibi Power Co. of Port Ar­thur but has been out of com­mission since 1953. While at Midland she was used each winter to break the ice so that grain-laden steamers could be placed in position for unloading at the elevators.
• Births – CARRINGTON — To Mr. and Mrs. William Carrington. Waubaushene, at St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, on Friday. Jan. 30, 1959, a daughter. MCDONALD — To Mr. and Mrs. Ray McDonald, at Penetang General Hospital Friday. Jan. 23, 1959, a son. RAMLER — To Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Ramler, Waubaushene, at. St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, on Monday. Feb. 2, 1959, a son. STEWART— To Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Stewart. Victoria Harbour, at St. Andrews Hospital, Midland, on Friday, Jan 30, 1959, a daughter. THOMPSON — To Mr. and Mrs. Ross Thompson, 174 Robert Street, Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, on Sunday. Feb. 1. 1959, a son. WINDROSS— To Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Windross, R.R. 2, Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, on Thursday, Feb. 23, 1959, daughter.
•  PORT MCNICOLL NEWS  – Mary Calvert left Sunday for Toronto where she has secured a position with Canada Life Insurance. * * * Barrett Smith, Toronto, weekended with relatives in town. * * * Gert Neilsen entertained several friends at his home on Saturday on the occasion of his tenth birthday.  * * * Weekend visitors of Mrs. J. Calvert were Mr. and Mrs. Bert Calvert, Mount Dennis, Nancy, and Bruce Calvert, Toronto. Mrs. A. Calvert and Jamie spent Monday and Tuesday in Galt. * * * The junior and senior choirs of the United Church and their choir leader were entertained at the home of Rev. and Mrs. G. Nodwell, Victoria Harbour, Friday evening. Mr. Nodwell showed colored slides taken during his visits to Europe and while he resided in Scotland.

Click on Photos to Enlarge.A genuine Scottish atmosphere was lent to Knox Men’s Club celebration of “Robbie Burns’ Night” by veteran Scot, Duncan Cowan of Allandale. Mr. Cowan is seen above, he sang some of the great Scottish bard’s immortal songs. 

A lively sword dance put members of the Knox Church Men’s Club, right in the mood to observe “Burns’ Night” last Wednesday. Dancers, directed by Mrs. Audrey McLeod, are left to right Joan O’Hara, Lee Adele Hendrickson, Patsy Woods, and Bonnie Martin.

What better time than “Robbie Burns’ Night” for an exhibition of Scottish dances. Directed by Audrey McLeod, these youngsters enlivened the evening for members of Knox Church Men’s Club Wednesday night. Left to right the dancers are; Sandra Brodeur, Patti Brooks, Danny Donaldson, Debbie Hendrickson, and Shirley St. Amant. Patti kept right on going despite the loss of a shoe. (This is not the photo that was used in the paper so the names may not match.) 

Some of the area’s representatives in county council are seen above in an informal shot prior to the opening of the 1959 session at Barrie Monday. Left to right are, seated, Reeve W. H. Keller, Midland, and Reeve Albert Calvert, Port McNicoll; standing — Reeve Harold Nash, Elmvale, Reeve Montcalm Maurice, Tiny, and Deputy-reeve Bernard St. Amant, Penetang. 

Newly-appointed assistant to Judge J. G. Harvie, Judge D. F. MacLaren is seen, left, as he administered the oath of office to Reeve James Patton of Nottawasaga Township after the latter had been elected Simcoe County Warden for 1959 in Barrie, Monday. It was the fifth try at the office for the veteran reeve. 

Finding his seat in county council chambers for the first time Monday, Deputy-reeve H. J. Beauchamp of Midland, center, gets help from Reeve W. H. Keller, left, and Ernie Miller. Now in charge of County buildings, Mr. Miller is a former Reeve of Coldwater and an ex-warden of Simcoe County. 

Looking like the footsteps of some giant who has broken through the ice, these air holes beside the dock at the Midland Simcoe elevator have a real practical value. They are caused by air bubbling up from holes in a submerged plastic pipe and they help facilitate the movement of winter storage cargoes in the four ships at the elevator. The compressed air method of keeping harbours free of ice is extensively used in Scandinavian countries. 

Much of the success of the various farm youth clubs in North Simcoe is due to the keen interest of the club leaders. The 4-H Homemaking Clubs are no exception. Leaders of the clubs in this area are seen above during achievement day in Elmvale Saturday. Left to right are, seated, Mrs. F. Coombs, Eady; Miss Mary Wright, Simcoe home economist; Mrs. M. J. Frawley, Mount St. Louis; Mrs. G. Giffen, Edenvale; back row, Mrs. Earl Jones, Vasey; Mrs. Howard Grier, Wyevale North; Mrs. W. Sibthorpe, Waverley; Mrs. Vic Campbell, Wyevale South; Mrs. Gord Strath, Saurin; Mrs. H. Madill, Allenwood. 

Twenty men were on the job Monday morning as the winter work program got underway in Midland. Some of the men are seen above as they started digging a trench for a new storm sewer on Frederick Street. Another ten men reported for work yesterday and the number will be increased as work becomes available. It was almost 20 below zero when the men started work Monday. 

Two men above, part of a gang of twenty which found employment at the start of Midland’s winter work program Monday, had to chop through several inches of ice before reaching the road surfaces on Frederick Street. Next foot wasn’t much better as workmen dug through frozen ground to open a trench for a new storm sewer. 

Representatives of several Midland service clubs met with council Monday night to revive interest in a recreational council. A six-man committee was set up to start the ball rolling. Left to right are; Frank Doherty, Rotary Club; Stewart Holt, Kiwanis; Charles Stewart, band committee; R. B. Moffatt, Lions; Don Galivan, Legion; Fred Howard, Y’s Men’s Club. Midland Jaycees were also represented. 

Nothing like a game of badminton to keep in trim and dozens of members of the Midland Garrison Club are doing just that twice weekly at the armory. Above, president Jim Lemieux helps four women members choose sides for a friendly match. Left to right are; Mrs. Joyce Bowman nee McRae, Miss Joyce Rutherford, Mrs. Robert Berry, and Mrs. Jack Yelland nee June Crawford. 

Seconds after this shot was taken the ball seen leaving Frank Okenka’s hands swished through the webbing to give MPDHS juniors a short-lived lead against Barrie Central in a COSSA basketball game at MPDHS gym last Wednesday afternoon. Central later rolled to a 23-13 victory in taking two of the three games played that day. 

With rumours of a provincial election in the offing, East Simcoe Liberals are already holding a series of meetings, including one at Midland’s Georgian Hotel Tuesday night. Among those in attendance were, left to right, Jerry McAvoy, Victoria Harbour; Walter Woods, Midland; Mrs. George Cooper, president of Orillia Women’s Liberal Association; Mrs. Philip Givens, wife of the Toronto alderman who was guest speaker; and Arthur A. Bell of Port McNicoll, vice-president of the East Simcoe Association. (Phillip Givens was the mayor of Toronto in the early sixties, an MP, MPP, and judge.) 

Neither County Herald General Manager J. R. Chittick nor Bank of Montreal Manager Wm. Child knows the contents of this letter which contains the fashion expert’s selections in the Pick The Fashions contest No. 1. The contest, being sponsored by the County Herald and Midland business firms, commences today. The judge’s decision is being kept in safe-keeping at the bank. 

“Minor Hockey Week in Canada” was marked officially in Midland Tuesday night at a bantam-midget doubleheader. In this picture, Capt. Art Perry drops the puck to start the Bantam game while “Fawf” Wilcox, veteran Midland minor hockey official, watches. Players are Larry Blakeman of Collingwood, left, and Midland’s Ed Zablotny. In the lower photo, coach Garnet Armstrong gives his midgets a pep talk prior to the game. It must have been a good one, as Midland won, 6-4. 

• County Herald headline of January 23, 1959; Start Fifty Men Next Week on Winter Work Projects. The first project of a proposed $80,000 expenditure on a winter work program for Midland will get underway next week. Mayor Charles Stevenson told this newspaper yesterday. Mayor Stevenson said between 50 and 60 men would be employed. He expected the work would get underway Monday or Tuesday, and emphasized that those seeking work should apply for jobs through the National Employment Service office in Midland. The work will be under the supervision of the town’s public works superintendent. The initial project, an expenditure of $16,000, will get underway on Mildred and Frederick Streets where sewers and flood control measures will be implemented to drain storm water from the Mildred-Frederick Street area.
• Free Press Herald headline of January 28, 1959; Service Groups Endorse Recreation Council Plan. A six-man steering committee, headed by Rev. J. L. Self, was named Monday night to approach Midland organizations and obtain names of their representatives to be included in a list of nominations for a proposed revitalized recreation council. The committee is to submit its list of nominees at the Feb. 9 meeting of Midland council, along with its recommendations so council can make appointments to a recreation council. The six men, Rev. J. L. Self, Stewart Holt, Frank Spence, Don Galivan, Frank Doherty and Ed Walker, were named at a joint meeting of members of council, and representatives of the Legion, YMCA and Y’s Men’s, Rotary, Lions and Kiwanis Clubs, Jaycees, and the band committee.
• County Herald headline of January 30, 1959. Million Mark Exceeded in 1958 Building Boom. Midland Building Inspector W. F. Turnbull has announced this week that permits issued for construction in Midland in 1958 exceeded the total for 1957 by more than half a million dollars. Mr. Turnbull’s annual report shows that the total value of permits issued last year amounted to $1,268,760. In 1957, the total amounted to $748,650. A total of 118 building permits were issued last year compared with 96 in 1957, Mr. Turnbull revealed. Top month in 1958 was February when the two permits amounted to $394,000. The second highest month was November when 19 permits sent the total to $180,850 for the month. Major building constructed in Midland last year was the new Pillsbury Canada Limited cake mix and refrigerated food plant.
• Acting on the advice of the police chief and chairman of the police committee. Midland council last week turned down a proposal from the St. Andrews Hospital Board that four members of the police department operate the ambulance service. Police Chairman James Mackie said he had discussed it with Chief Cameron and the chief had stated that one section of the standing orders for officers on the force forbid it; that no officer is permitted to take any job other than the one he is engaged to do. The chief felt it would complicate the whole schedule of police operations, especially where officers were called out on night runs in the ambulance, Mr. Mackie said.
• Midland council last week gave its endorsement to a proposal to construct a yacht mooring basin in the west end of Midland Bay. The endorsement was contained in a motion requesting the federal minister of public works to give his attention and support to the construction of the basin. The motion further requested that terms of a lease between the town and yacht club for the property at the west end of Midland Bay be drafted for approval. Before endorsing the motion, councillors emphasized they would do so, as long as no cost to the town was involved in the construction of the mooring basin.
• While it has nothing to do with the visit of the royal yacht Brittania July 4, there is a possibility that dredging may be carried out at Port McNicoll this spring. An engineer from the Department of Public Works, Ottawa, has made a number of soundings, in the outside channel as well as in the slip, Bert Armstrong, superintendent of the CPR elevator, said this week.
• ELMVALE NEWS— Mr. and Mrs. Walter Draper celebrated their golden wedding anniversary Jan. 13. They have two daughters, Dorothy at home, and Mrs.W. J. Everett (Missie) of Whitby. Mr. and Mrs. H. V. Carnahan spent a few days with relatives in Barrie. Mr. and Mrs. George Terry and Billie spent the week in Toronto with friends. Mrs. Alvin Archer spent Wednesday in Toronto. Elmvale-Flos Volunteer Fire Brigade held its annual meeting with 18 members out of 20 attending. The officers for 1959 are as follows: president, Harry Rowley; vice-president, Stanley Ritchie; secretary, Ross Hutchinson; treasurer, Leslie McKay; auditors John Ferguson, George Pearson, Jerry Reynolds. Accounts amounting to $27.86 were paid. It was reported that $194.25 was the net profit realized from a contest. A committee composed of Jerry Reynolds, Harry Rowley, and Elgin Ritchie was named to purchase some furniture for the meeting room. The sum to be spent was not to exceed $195. The treasurer reported a donation of $25 was received from John Watson in appreciation of efforts of the fire brigade when called to his new store.
• LAFONTAINE NEWS — Mr. and Mrs. Pierre Desroches, Elliot Lake, visited Mr. and Mrs. Constant Desroches and Mr. and Mrs. Herby Robitaille and relatives. Mr. and Mrs. Armand Corriveau, Penetang, spent the weekend at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Marcel Corriveau. Mrs. Alfred Marchildon’s efficiency homes at Thunder Beach will be called “Happy Hill Homes”. Normal School students, who were teaching in the vicinity, have returned to Ottawa. They are Miss Yvonne Maurice, Miss Therese Moreau, Miss Rosita Robitaille, Miss Rosita Maurice, Augustin Desroches, and Viateur Laurin. Philippe Gervais and Robert flew from Malton airport to Windsor where they will visit Augustin Gervais. A meeting of the Circle Lacordaire and Ste. Jeanne d’Arc was held in the school hall last Wednesday night. The new committee presided for the first time. They are president, Lionel Maurice, son of Mr. and Mrs. Gerard Maurice; vice-president, Benoit Laurin, son of Mr. and Mrs. Hormidas Laurin; secretary, Urbain Maurice. Rev. Sr. St. Urbain has returned from Montreal.
• No one can accuse Coldwater councillors and reeve of being in municipal politics for the money. The village council must be one of few councils in the province, if not the only one, that is serving without remuneration.
• YMCA News Review by George Le Mesurire –  Well, all the clubs are busy with active plans for the new season. The hobby clubs are working towards the annual hobby show in March, the physical department is working hard on the April gym show, and the Phiat and Phalanx Clubs are planning a variety show in May. GIRLS’ CRAFT CLASS with the assistance of Arlene Armstrong, the girls’ craft classes are working on shell craft, making brooches and earrings. The groups meet Saturday mornings after gym classes. Some of the work of the girls will be on display at the hobby show. PHYSICAL DEPARTMENT Entries are now coming in for the table-tennis series so don’t forget the deadline is Jan. 31. It’s open to all boys and girls 9 and over and men 16 and over. The gym classes are taking on a new look now. Lois Cowan is providing piano music for the gym show routine. Let’s give Lois our full support by coming to classes on time. Boys should be at the ‘Y’ at 6:30 sharp on Fridays, and girls at 9 a.m. Saturdays, Arlene Armstrong is instructing girls 12 and 13 in basketball at 11. Floor hockey results to date; Golden Eagles with 65 points, Mustangs, and Stampeders both with 58, and the Satellites with 51. AFRICAN VOYAGE On a cold winter night this week, members of the Phiat and Phalanx Clubs heard Chris Thompson, of the high school, speak on his tour of Africa. The talk was well illustrated and enjoyed by members of the two clubs. TIP-IN SPORTS Foot comfort, which, plays a very important role in one’s game, is something all should consider. It is important whether one plays badminton, soccer, basketball or squash. Each year many players complain about blisters and athlete’s foot. Many ankles are turned and some even broken. If this is your problem, drop into the ‘Y’ and see Lloyd Stackhouse. INDIAN CLUB INCREASES The boys Indian Adventure Club is continuing active with a larger membership at each meeting. The club meets each Monday evening at 7. One of the assistant leaders is Terry Lethbridge. UNAMOTUS HI-Y CLUB Last weekend, members of the Unamotus Club held a special party. More than 30 attended. The following night they sponsored a dance for youth, and more than 50 attended. The club will meet with the Barrie Hi-Y Jan. 31 for a joint social evening. NEWS ITEMS The model airplane club has a full membership now and is meeting twice a week to complete projects for the hobby show. — The annual meeting of the Midland YMCA will be Feb. 17. — The radio club is now learning code and radio theory. Members hope to send messages over the air on the night of the hobby show. — Well, that is all for this week, see you at the ‘Y’.
• Penetang Public School Board this week accepted a tender for construction of a new school building which has been under consideration for some time, according to G. J. Robillard, a member of the board. Tenders had been called and opened about mid-December. But bids given at that time were felt to be far out of line, and a recall was ordered by the board, with changes in specifications. Robillard said the figures considered in the latest tender were approximately $50,000 lower than the previous price. Recommendation for acceptance of the tender of W. G. Howe (Toronto) Ltd., has been forwarded to the Department of Education for approval. The board does not anticipate any difficulty in this move, and expects word of acceptance in the near future, he said. The Howe firm’s first job in Penetang was the construction of the General Hospital, followed by Georgian Manor, and more recently the completion of the community center building. At present, the firm is working on a supermarket building for Mr. Robillard’s IGA store.
• Measles headed the list of communicable diseases reported by Simcoe County Health Unit in its report for December. There were 67 cases. Chicken Pox came second with 43 cases. There were 10 cases of mumps and seven of whooping cough, while there was only one case of scarlet fever which brought the total to 128 cases reported to the health unit.
• “Sandy” Campbell is said to be in satisfactory condition in St. Andrew’s Hospital, Midland, following a serious accident in a basketball game at MPDHS gym last Wednesday. Son of Mr. and Mrs. Alex Campbell, First Street, Sandy collided with a Barrie Central Collegiate player during a junior COSSA game. Rushed to St. Andrews, the young player was found to have sustained a serious kidney injury. Mr. Campbell said Monday that his son is now making good progress but would be kept in hospital for at least three weeks.
• BIRTHS – KEEFER — To Mr. and Mrs. Harold Keefer, 5 Ontario St., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Thursday, Jan. 22, 1959, a son. LEVACK — To Mr. and Mrs. Norman Levack, 239 William St., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Saturday, Jan. 17, 1959, a son. HARPER — To Doreen and Peter Harper, 420 Hugel Ave., Midland, a son, Paul, on Friday, January 23, 1959. Sincere thanks to Dr. Neal and the Staff of St. Andrew’s Hospital. EDWARDS— To Mr. and Mrs. Ross Edward, Port McNicoll, at St. Andrew’s Hospital, Midland, on Friday, Jan. 23, 1959, a daughter. MILLER To Mr. and Mrs. Ross Miller, Waubaushene, at St. Andrew’s hospital, Midland, on Sunday, January 25, 1959,  a son. PERRAULT  To Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Perrault, Perkinsfield, at St. Andrew’s hospital, Midland, on Tuesday, January 27, 1959, a daughter. RUMNEY — To Mr. and Mrs. Robert Rumney, R.R. 1, Victoria Harbour, at St. Andrew’s Hospital, Midland, on Tuesday, January 27, 1959, a son. SHAW to Mr. and Mrs. Howard Shaw, 11 Simcoe St., Penetang, at St. Andrew’s Hospital, Midland, on Sunday, Jan. 25, 1959, a son. JONES To Mr. and Mrs. Ross Jones, 108 John St., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital on Thursday, January 23, 1959, a daughter.
• 25 Years Ago This Week, 1934 – Kiwanis Club of Midland joined with clubs all over North America to celebrate the 19^th anniversary of the founding of Kiwanis International. * * * Local radio “hams” reported being in shortwave communication with Port Lincoln, South Australia. * * * Dr. T. J. Johnston, Midland’s Ministry of Health officer, reported after analysis that Little Lake water was still absolutely pure, and fit for drinking purposes. * * * George Lynn of Penetang, in charge of Beausoleil Island, was to be honoured by the Christian Island Indian community. An Indian name was to be conferred upon him May 24, in recognition of his services in improving the Indian cemetery on Beausoleil. * * * Ottawa’s approval of relief works was again in the news. About 30 new projects had been sponsored, bringing the cumulative total to $8 million. * * * Edward Dutton, reeve of Victoria Harbor, was the newly elected warden of Simcoe County. An editorial comment said: “If Warden Dutton can finance the county as successfully as he has his own village, he should be appointed to that position for life.” * * * George Arliss was the current attraction at the Capitol Theatre in the motion picture “Disraeli”, brought back by popular demand. * * * Famed coach Walter Knox, aged 55, was announcing his intention of competing in the May 24 athletic meet at Orillia. The report read: “At 55 years of age Mr. Knox is considered to be in good physical condition and is conceded a good chance in some of the weight events.” * * * E. W. Beatty, president of the CPR, said of the current depression early in 1934: “We see along the road leading to its end more clearly and further than we did a year ago . . . I believe . . . that we have definitely passed through the worst and most trying phase of the period.”
• A well-known representative of the boating industry in this area, Andy Morrison of Penetang will be taking an active part in the first annual presentation of the Canadian Boat Show, to be held in the Queen Elizabeth Building, Exhibition Park, Toronto, Feb. 6 to 14. Planned as the “show window of the boating industry” and designed to keep abreast of its growth and development, this exhibition is being jointly sponsored by the Canadian Boating Federation and the Canadian National Sportsmen’s Show. A total of 60 exhibitors, from the Maritimes, Quebec, Ontario, British Columbia, and the United States, will show their wares and as many as 175 boats will be on display at the big “boatarama.”
• For the eleventh consecutive year, citizens of the Midland-Penetang district will have an opportunity to choose a Queen of Hearts. Ten candidates for the queen title were nominated by students at Midland – Penetang District High School Monday. The girls are Judy Bellaire, 52 Chatham Street, Penetang; Gisela Bezner, Sunnyside, Midland; Carol Cowan, 338 Mildred Street, Midland; Annette Ducaire, 51 Chatham Street, Penetang; Marie Gignac, 81 Poyntz Street, Penetang; Anne Hamilton, Penetang Road; Karen Robinson, Victoria Harbour, R.R. 1; Bev Scott, 133 Dominion Ave., Midland; Rosemary Shiels, Waubaushene, R.R. 1; Carol Van Luven, Sunnyside. Preliminary judging will take place at the Roxy Theater Feb. 5, when five of the contestants will be eliminated. Finals and the selection of the new queen will be Feb. 13, the day before St. Valentine’s Day.
• Obituary  – MARY WINNIFRED BELL   A past president of St. Andrew’s Hospital Auxiliary and of the ladies’ section of Midland Golf Club, Mrs. Mary Winnifred Bell, a Midland resident for 41 years, died in St. Andrews Hospital, Jan. 12, in her fiftieth year. The funeral service, held at Knox Presbyterian Church, was conducted by Rev. J. L. Self, Jan. 14. Pallbearers were; Dr. C. Swan, J. W. Watson of Hamilton, J. A. Thomas, R. A. Cowan, Orme Johnson and Guy Buchanan of Toronto. Born at Beaverton, the former Mary Winnifred Walton, she married the late Frederick H. Bell in Midland, Oct. 15, 1938. Her husband predeceased her in January 1957. Mrs. Bell is survived by a son, Stephen, her father, George Walton, and a brother, Charles Walton, all of Midland. Burial was in the Lakeview Cemetery Vault.

Click on Photos to EnlargeSurrounded by 110 friends from Orillia, Midland and district, Reeve W. H. & Mrs. Keller celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary at a special dinner at the Parkside Pavilion Wednesday night. They are shown here as they cut the cake. County councillors, county officials, long-time Midland friends, and associates paid tribute to the Reeve and his wife. 

The 1959 officers of Legion Branch 80, Midland, left to right are, front row — Clare Payne, social; James Mackie, executive member; Borden Parker, 1st vice-president; Tom Boast, president; George Magloughlin, 2nd vice-president; Ken Beatty, executive; back row—C. Scott, IPP; Murray McComb; R. Campbell, membership chairman; Fred Lemieux, executive; Don Toole, secretary; Alf Scott, service bureau; Don Galivan, sports; Norm Brock, executive. Not present when the picture was taken were Andy Sedore, executive; Fred Bath, building chairman; Howard Henderson, treasurer; Ron Toole, executive; and Len Wiles, Sgt-at-arms. 

Original directors of the North Simcoe Soils and Crop Improvement Association, and the presidents who have served during the 20-year life of the organization, were honored at a dinner held in Barrie Tuesday. Left to right are, seated — R. N. Hickling, Barrie; Ernest Crawford, Oro Station; Eric Simpson, the first president, Barrie; Carman Robinson, Moonstone; Arthur Gardiner, Wyebridge; standing — Hunter Russell, Midhurst, president in 1958-59; Joseph Dyer, Elmvale, past president; Arthur Walt, Midhurst; James Darby, Waverley; Herb Barker, New Lowell; Roland Maurice, RR 3, Penetang. 

Ex-wardens Walter Middleton, Roy Hickling, Fisher Ganton, George Sheppard, Arthur Evans, D. K. Harvey back row, and Smith Campbell, Thomas Simpson, and Charles Eplett front, see the new warden elected. 

New CPR agent at Port McNicoll, Lorne Saundercook, seated, is seen with the other members of his staff. Left to right are Greg Carroll, grain clerk; Russell Coughlin, accountant; Edgar Heels, general clerk; Charles Walton, chief clerk. 

Hazards of winter driving are plainly (and painfully) evident in this picture. Parked behind Boyd’s Garage in Midland (SW corner of Yonge and King), all the vehicles were victims of hazardous road conditions last week.  Repair bills will run into many hundreds of dollars. Similar scenes can be found in and around many other garages throughout North Simcoe as a result of one of the severest winters in many years. 

Two Vasey girls, Lorna Brown, left, and Pauline Robinson admire one of the many blouses on display as North Simcoe 4-H Homemaking Clubs held their achievement day at Elmvale Saturday. The theme of this term’s project was “What Shall I Wear” a familiar question for the ladies, young or old. 

Judging other people’s work as well as their own is part of the experience given members of North Simcoe 4-H Homemaking Clubs. Busy judging at the achievement day in Elmvale Saturday were, left to right, June Langman, Allenwood, Pat Luck, Edenvale, Margaret Healey, Vasey and Brenda Moreside, Wyevale. 

Faithful attendance at club meetings and many hours of work at home paid off for these young members of North Simcoe 4-H Homemaking Clubs. Margaret Goodfellow of Edenvale club, extreme left, is a provincial honor winner, having completed an even dozen 4-H homemaking club units. Other girls won county honors, having completed six projects. County winners, left to right, are, Marion Stott, Wyevale; Joan Graham, Saurin; Eileen Lockhart, Vasey; Jean Troughton, Mount St. Louis; Elaine Alderson, Eady; Pat Playford, Hillsdale, Picture was taken during achievement day at Elmvale Saturday.

Dr. A. D. MacKenzie points out to Penetang Hospital Board Chairman Jerome Gignac that the accreditation certificate for Penetang General Hospital is actually dated May 7, 1958. Penetang is the first hospital in the district to receive accreditation. Looking on at left are Dr. Henri Marchildon and Dr. D. J. Patchell; at right, Dr. W. E. Binkley and Dr. R. Lauzon. 

The photo below is from the April 20th, 1955 Free Press, front page. It was not used in the blog from that date but there is something compelling about it. A young man’s dreams.

• County Herald headline of January 16, 1959; Area High School Board Bans Smoking on Buses. Midland-Penetang District High School Board, at its inaugural meeting Wednesday night, made it plain they would not tolerate any hi-jinks, horseplay or smoking on buses transporting pupils to and from the high school. The matter was brought to the board when it was told that two pupils had been put off the Hillsdale route bus Tuesday afternoon at their destination and told by the bus driver not to come back the following day.
• Free Press Herald headline of January 21, 1959; Queen Here in July. July 4, long identified with the birth of American independence, will have a different significance for residents of this area this year. That’s the day that has been set aside for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip to visit the North Simcoe and Muskoka area. And residents of Port McNicoll will get the first opportunity of any community in this district to welcome the royal visitors. They are slated to arrive there on board the royal yacht Britannia prior to going on a motor tour of the area. They will return to Port McNicoll later in the day to resume their journey by boat to Chicago. Details of the visit were announced yesterday by Prime Minister Diefenbaker. Still to be worked out, however, are the exact places the Queen and her consort will visit in this district. Neville Keefe, general manager of Georgian Bay Development Association, will go to Ottawa tomorrow to attend a meeting of the royal tour committee. (The final route was changed to; arrive Penetang harbour, open car to Midland and Little Lake Park reception, departing by passenger train from Midland CNR station.)
• A group, representing Penetang Chamber of Commerce asked Penetang council Monday night to prepare a bylaw to provide for a vote on the question of dining lounge licences and lounge licences in the town. A committee consisting of Deputy – Reeve Bernard St. Amant, and Councillors Ray McDonald and Hubert Patenaude was appointed to get the necessary information and report back to council.
• A total of 55 girls and 44 boys were given physical fitness tests last week at a clinic held in Midland YMCA. Known throughout the United States and Europe as the Kraus-Webber method, the tests specify that there be no warm-up prior to their being taken. There were six tests in all. Tests are designed to show the strength of abdominal and hip muscles, both singly and jointly, hip and lower abdominal muscles, the strength of both upper and lower back, and the flexibility of back and leg muscles.
• Midland News (Gossip) Mr. and Mrs. Norman Schell were in Owen Sound for a recent visit with the latter’s mother, Mrs. George Shouldice, and the former’s mother, Mrs. Norman Schell, Sr., in Stayner. Mrs. Dougald Brown has returned from Guelph where she spent the holidays with her brother-in-law and sister, Mr. and Mrs. T. Clendenning. Mrs. Art Payette of Sudbury is a guest of her sisters, Mrs. Thomas White and Mrs. Blake Lawrence. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Rutherford and Mrs. Thomas Laidlaw were visitors in Etobicoke Sunday of Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Donnell. Mrs. Charles Vent returned from Toronto after visiting Mr. and Mrs. Howard Faulkner. Mrs. H. J. Thompson had as a guest last week her sister, Mrs. Bob Davies of Mount Forest. Mrs. George Harpell of Owen Sound is visiting her son and daughter-in-law, Captain and Mrs. Frank Harpell. Miss Gertrude Bristow of Bright is visiting in town, a guest of Miss Ethel Wagg. Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Garrett, Mrs. Florence Nimens, Ronald and Pauline Nimens, all of Sarnia, are visiting relatives in town. R. H. Scarlett, Toronto, has gone to Garden Grove, Calif., to spend the winter with Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Scarlett and family.
• Births – FUNSTON—To Mr. and Mrs. D. J. Funston, 273 Fifth St., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital Monday, January 12, 1959, a son. HENDERSON — To Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Henderson, 284 Midland Ave., Midland, at St. Andrews Hospital, Friday, January 9, 1959, a son. MOREAU — To Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Moreau, Penetang Road, at St. Andrews Hospital, Tuesday, January 13, 1959, a son.
• LAFONTAINE — While talking on the telephone to Mrs. Louis Moreau, her daughter, Mrs. Thomas Brunelle here collapsed. Alarmed by the sudden end to the conversation and an odd noise coming over the phone, Mrs. Moreau telephoned her brother, Martial Brunelle, and told him what had happened. He rushed to his mother’s home and found her lying on the floor. Mrs. Brunelle was rushed to Penetanguishene General Hospital where she is being treated for pleural pneumonia.
• We are not sure what evils they portend, but there are three “Friday the thirteenths” in 1959, one in February, one in March and one in November. The sole “unlucky day” in 1958 was Friday, June 13.
• It seems Cubans now have two valuable diamonds in the capital city of Havana — one in liberator Fidel Castro and the other a 24-carat stone in the floor of the capitol building, used as a starting point in measuring all distances in Cuba.
• Penetang Winterama Committee got into high gear at a meeting in Memorial Community Centre Hall Friday night, when most of the program was drafted and additional committees were named. Murray Dubeau, Ernie Marchand, and Ossie St. Amant were appointed as a committee under vice chairman Bill Stevens to take charge of the Saturday night program in the community center.
• Ten Years Ago This Week – Twelve cases of diphtheria had been reported in Penetang in six weeks. Simcoe County Health Unit officials stated, however, that the outbreak by no means had assumed epidemic proportions. * * * Mrs. P. Beckstead of Severn Falls was elected to Matchedash council. It was believed she was the first woman in Simcoe County to hold a municipal office other than school trustee. * * * Charles M. Vent, a former mayor of Midland, was elected chairman of Midland District High School Board. He succeeded Dr. J. Ross Parrott. * * * High winds that swept through North Simcoe caused heavy property damage throughout the area. Most serious damage was caused at Vasey United Church where part of the west gable end was blown in and half of the roof on the north side was blown off. Lawrence Parker’s barn on Old Fort road and T. Brandon’s barn south of Midland also suffered severe damage. * * * Penetanguishene General Hospital reported a surplus of $1,812 on its operations in 1948. As well, the annual meeting of the hospital board was told that several thousand dollars worth of new equipment had been installed during the year. * * * Budgeting for an increase to expenditures of more than one hundred thousand dollars, Simcoe County council struck a county rate nearly two mills more than the 1948 level. C. T. S. Evans, reeve of Bradford was elected warden of Simcoe County for 1949. 

A look back to the January 25^th, 1923 edition of The Midland Argus under the heading of “Local News”, 96 years ago.

   A contract has been already let for the new elevator to be placed in St. Andrews Hospital, to a Galt firm, and it is expected it will be installed within the next couple of months. * * * The changeable weather of the past few days has been responsible for an unusual amount of illness, and severe colds, bronchitis, and other ailments are quite prevalent. * *  *  The ice breaker owned by Burke Bros. was moving about in the harbor on Monday morning smashing up the ice and placing some of the grain boats at the elevator. * * * A large number of hardwood logs have been brought to town during the past few days. The recent fall of snow has provided excellent sleighing throughout this district and heavy loads are being transported with comparative ease. * * * The first game of curling between Penetang and Midland teams for the Grant cup will take place tonight, four rinks playing here and four at Penetang. The games were called for last week but a mild spell spoiled the ice. * * * The cement block on King Street where the fire took place last week has been purchased by N. K. Wagg and others. Just what will become of it is not yet known, but it is quite unlikely any move towards re-construction will be made until spring. * * * The mill firm for so many years carried on under the name of Chew Bros. has been changed and a new company organized to be known as Letherby & Chew with a capital of $700,000. They will carry on a general sawmilling business as heretofore. (The mill was located in the area of the current Pettersen Park.) * * * Mr. and Mrs. F. O. Preston left last week for California and Mr. and Mrs. James Playfair and Mrs. Featherstonehaugh for South America. Mr. and Mrs. D. S. Pratt and daughter Edna will leave in a week or two for Havana and other parts of Cuba. * * * Three students from Knox College, who are going out to the foreign mission fields will conduct the services at Knox church on Sunday next both morning and evening. It should be interesting to hear the message these young men will have to give. * * * The remains of Miss J. M. McMullen who died at Victoria BC  on Sunday, January 14th arrived here on Monday and were taken to the home of her brother, Mr. J. G. McMullen, First Street from which place the funeral took place on Tuesday afternoon to the Church of England cemetery at Wyebridge. * * * The C.P.R. Company is contemplating the erection of a permanent bridge to take the place of the trestle work across the head of the bay leading to Port McNicoll. The engineers have been busy taking sounding for some time. Last year part of the present temporary structure settled and extensive repairs had to be made. * * * The latter half of January is now disappearing day by day and the days are lengthening perceptibly. On a bright afternoon, the lights are no longer necessary until about five o’clock. People who dread the winter have little to fear now. Lent is less than a month away, Ash Wednesday falling on the 14th of February. * * *  Manager Bugg of the Model Theatre has just entered into a contract with the famous Fox Film Co., for a series of very high-class productions that will be featured during the next few weeks. The list commenced this week on Monday with the presentation of that fine picture – “Over the Hill.” The contract runs into several thousand dollars and is the first secured from the Fox Company. * * * A new line of rowboats is being built at the Gidley Boat House, operated by the Honey Harbor Navigation Co. They are of the smooth planking designs and are said to be much superior, both in strength and durability to the lapped plank style. A large number are being built in anticipation of a demand for rowboats from among island cottagers next summer. They are also constructing a number of small and large lifeboats.  

This is a description of the fire mentioned in the article above. Hoping our history sleuths may be able to identify the location.  Shortly after one o’clock on Monday, a fire broke out in the cement block directly south of the Argus office and entirely gutted the building, consuming the stocks of three firms occupying the premises. Garber & Son, boots and shoes, J. Simpkin, clothing and gent’s furnishings and B. Freiligh, gent’s furnishings and boots and shoes. The building was owned by Staiman & Cohen. The fire apparently started in the back section of one of the stores and before it was noticed had gained considerable headway. The building was of such a nature as to allow of the swift spread of the flames, which swept away the light partitions and took a firm hold upon the consents in a very few minutes, A false roof saved the flames from breaking out for a time but it served to hold the fire with the result that the smoke became so dense as it rolled out of the building as to stifle the firemen and those who sought to check the progress of the fire. Several lines of hose were at work, one line giving attention to the Argus building which stood in great danger for a time when the smoke became so thick that the firemen were driven off. They got back to the task, however, in time to save the building. There was $6500 insurance upon the building destroyed, B. Freiligh had $14,000 on stock and J. Simpkin $5000, while Garber & Son had no insurance.