Huronia Museum – Looking Back 60 Years Ago in North Simcoe – November 1st to 7th, 1958

Click on Photos to EnlargeA very successful season for the Vasey 4-H Calf Club, which won a number of collective and individual County honors, was climaxed by an awards dinner in Vasey United Church Wednesday night. Sponsored by Tiny and Tay Agricultural Society and Vasey Junior Farmers, the calf club had 20 members this year. All but one of them achieved a total of 800 points or better, out of a possible 1,000, on their year’s work. Left to right are; Pauline Robinson, Bob Rawson, Blayne Edwards, Grant Robinson, Lloyd Curry, Bill Armstrong, David Jones. 

This was all that was left of Port McNicoll police chief John Magnus’ car after it had rolled over several times near the CPR subway, on Highway 12 between Midland and Victoria Harbour, early Monday morning. Unconscious for several hours, Chief Magnus is now progressing satisfactorily at St. Andrews Hospital, Midland. 

It seems like only a few weeks ago that Midland’s Little Leaguers, hockey version, were winding up their 1957-58 season. Wednesday night they were back again to start a new season. Action above shows a game between Toronto and the Canadiens in the National League section. 

These men found much to be happy about as they gathered together Monday night to check first returns of Midland YMCA’s campaign to raise $10,500. They found that $6,179, or 69 percent of the objective had been reached so far. From left to right are; Harold Boyd, Ed B. Kendall, Frank Bray, Bill Thompson, Charles Vent, and John Bridges. 

Dangers of setting buildings on fire purposely, as was done to the old Grant home on Wireless Hill Halloween night, were pointed out by Arnold Tippin chief of the Midland Fire Department, in a letter to this paper. Chief Tippin pointed out that the department did not light the fire, nor were any members present when it was lit. “At 8 p.m. that evening,” said Chief Tippin, “I informed the owners that wind conditions made it impossible to have the burning on that night. However, at approximately 9 p.m., I received a call by telephone stating that wind conditions were nil and that a large crowd had gathered.” “I replied that I would proceed to the property and again check wind conditions,” the chief said. Because of the huge traffic jam in the area, the fire was already going strong when Chief Tippin reached the area. A call was put into the fire hall to send the pumper and members of the brigade. The pumper too was delayed by traffic and several cars had to be moved in order to reach a hydrant with hose lines from the pumper. Cars were parked on both sides of every street bordering the area. 

Burning with intense heat, flames from the large wooden structure quickly drove all spectators back to a safe distance. A northerly wind carried burning embers and sparks in the direction of a number of houses on nearby Donalda Street. Firemen also had to control fires which sprang up in the long grass area and wild shrubs in the area. Streams of water were played on one house nearby to curtail the effects of heat from the burning home and outbuildings on the same property. It was estimated that nearly 500 cars were in the vicinity of the Halloween night blaze. 

Near perfect weather made things pleasant for the “shell outers” in Midland Halloween night. Above, Mrs. Ernie Bates fills up the bag for some youngsters from the Russell-Dominion area. Police reported it was the quietest night in years. 

These miniature paddle-wheel “steamers” may be a feature attraction at Little Lake Park next year. Representatives of an Owen Sound firm which builds the Saranac paddle boats gave a demonstration of the craft’s features to members of the parks board Oct. 28. Commissioners Walter Wood (front) and Bill Murray are getting a firsthand view of the boat’s handling and safety qualities. 

Plenty of energy, if not a great deal of finesse, characterized the final day’s action in Midland’s Little Soccer League Saturday. The scene above was taken during the National League final, won by Toronto. The league, for boys of public school age, was originated and sponsored by Huronia Soccer Club. 

  • County Herald headline November 7, 1958; Grant Penetang Firm $14,570 Assessment Cut. Faced with only three appeals,  Penetang Court of Revisions gave reductions in two cases Monday night and sustained the third at its present level. The court was composed of Jerome Gignac, Chairman Oscar Ross, Deputy-reeve Archie Verrière and Councillor Jan Uhlrichsen and Ralph White. The biggest reduction was to Beatty Bros. Ltd., and James Stewart Manufacturing Co. Ltd., with a total amount of $l4,570. The basis of the appeal presented by James Stewart Co. Manager Clayton Israel was the fact that certain portions of the plant are not being used under present production levels.
  • Free Press Herald headline November 5, 1958; Per Capita Grant Boost Likely for Municipalities. This was outlined in a letter from the Ontario Hospital Association which was read to Tiny Township council Monday. The letter was taken as an indication of the provincial government’s concern with respect to payments for indigents under the new hospital insurance scheme which becomes effective Jan. 1. The hospital association statement indicated that municipalities can pay if they so wish, the insurance registration fee of persons on relief, to eliminate some of the indigent hospitalization costs. One specific paragraph in the letter said the provincial government would be increasing unconditional per capita grants to assist municipalities with the higher indigent costs under the new insurance scheme.
  • With the capture Thursday night of six youths, five of them under sixteen years of age, Midland police believe they have nabbed a group responsible for a series of break-ins and acts of vandalism in the town within recent weeks. Police Chief Robert Cameron said the boys were caught by Const. Ross Willett after they had broken into a prefab summer cottage, owned by V. B. Strickland and located on Midland’s King Street, N.
  • One of Canada’s first female tellers, Mrs. Alma Hancock balanced her cash for the last time, Friday, Oct. 31, at the Penetang branch of The Toronto Dominion Bank, and started on a well-earned retirement. Contrary to the general opinion that women tellers were an innovation of World War II, Mrs. Hancock entered this branch of the banking service when manpower became scarce during World War I. Mrs. Hancock started as a stenographer in Midland when the manager of the bank of British North America received a call from his head office asking whether he knew of any girls who were good at figures, and who would like to enter the banking business. He knew of Mrs. Hancock, then Alma Beaudoin, and immediately mentioned her name. When she was contacted, Mrs. Hancock recalled: “I was very much thrilled and interested.” She was sent to Toronto head office of the bank where she learned the intricacies of dealing with money and finally arrived back in Midland in 1916 where she took over the teller’s cage. Speaking of the “cage” as it actually was at that time, Hancock said it gave one quite a feeling of importance to be standing, locked alone in a cage with cash in the drawer and spread out on the desk, “and a revolver by your side!” This brought up the question as to whether she ever had experienced a hold-up, to which she quickly, answered, “Oh, my goodness no. But I did detect counterfeit money on several different occasions.” The veteran teller said she had detected the spurious currency, each time by its “feel.” “The bills were very well printed, and I don’t think I could have told the difference by that, but the paper just didn’t have the right feel,” she said. She continued working in the bank for some 15 years until she married Bill Hancock, a well-known hockey coach. At that time she settled into the duties of a housewife and remained at home until early in the second World War. Short of help, with many of their employees joining the armed services; the manager of the Bank of Toronto at Penetang called on her for assistance. When her husband died before the employment emergency ended, Mrs. Hancock stayed on at her work and continued there until her retirement. Admitting she had worked for four different banks, Mrs. Hancock said, “and I never got away with a nickel of their money.” She started with the Bank of British North America; which eventually became the Bank of Montreal. In her second stint, Mrs. Hancock started with the Bank of Toronto, which became the Toronto-Dominion Bank only a few years ago. Summing up her banking experience, Mrs. Hancock said, ‘”The work was no hardship because I loved every minute of it. It is an interesting occupation, and I am sure that at my age I couldn’t have stood on my feet all day if I hadn’t been interested and liked it.” As to her retirement, Mrs. Hancock thinks she will continue to tend her garden which holds a great deal of interest for her. She would also like to do some travelling. Mrs. Hancock is a native of this district, having been born at Lafontaine, the daughter of M. Beaudoin, a well-known merchant of that village. He was also clerk-treasurer of the Township of Tiny for many years.
  • Ralph Dalton, clerk-treasurer of Tay, said yesterday he does not think there is “a single live fox in the township.” Most of the animals, Mr. Dalton said, perished in the rabies epidemic which caused considerable concern in Tay early this year. Workmen engaged clearing the way for the new road between Craighurst and Waubaushene found dozens of carcasses lying alongside the right-of-way, he reported. “We were very fortunate that the rabies epidemic hit the Township before the cattle were put out to pasture.” Said Mr. Dalton.
  • With thirty-two pairs of matched “rocks” expected to arrive from Scotland before Nov. 24, there should be a smell of heather around Penetang Memorial Community Centre when curling officially starts on that date. Prospective curling club members, who met Monday night, heard the rocks are ready for shipment from Glasgow and should be in this country before the opening date. A social evening has been scheduled for Nov. 19 when all prospective members will be invited to inspect the new lounge facilities on the mezzanine floor of the rink.
  • The Business and Professional Women’s Club of Midland met Oct. 15 at the home of Mrs. Lavina Faires and Miss Mary Heels. There were 16 members present. Plans were made for a bake sale and bazaar to be held at the Georgian Hotel later this month. The club’s monthly dinner meeting was held at the Georgian Hotel Oct. 27 with 16-members present. The latter part of the evening was spent at a meeting of the Horticultural Society.
  • Bert Armstrong of Port McNicoll used a little applied science and recovered a wallet containing a considerable sum of money, which he lost one day last week. Bert drove his car to Benson’s service station to get some gas. He took his wallet out of his pocket, paid for the gas and then, for some reason, laid it on the trunk. A few minutes later he drove off. When he arrived home, he looked for his wallet but couldn’t find it. Then he remembered what had happened and returned to the service station. A search there proved fruitless. Placing another wallet of the same weight and in about the same position on the trunk, he drove off with two companions riding on the back bumper to see when and where the substitute wallet would fall off. Retracing his earlier route along the Evergreen side road, Mr. Armstrong discovered the second wallet fell off near Wyebridge. The three searched the side of the road near the spot where the second purse had slid off the trunk. A few yards away they found the original wallet with its contents intact.
  • PERKINSFIELD— Dr. J. M. Nettleton visited friends and week-ended at his cottage at Cawaga Beach. – Mrs. Simone Colvey (nee Asselin) has had her home south of the Separate School enlarged and modernized. She will be residing there after the sailing season is over. – Bernard Lefaive is attending the G. M. classes in Oshawa. His wife accompanied him to Oshawa. – Gildore Quesnelle entered the Richmond Hill hospital Monday, for a minor operation. – Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Villeneuve of Weston week-ended with relatives here and in Penetang – Hilare Lesperance’s burns on his hand and back have started healing a little, but he had to be transferred to a Toronto hospital for further treatment Monday. – Homer Charlebois of Barrie has moved into his new home across the road from Henry Pauze’s property. – Mrs. Albert Morin and her son, Edmund, visited Irene in Villa Marguerite Bourgeoys, Toronto, over the weekend. – Ted Beauchamp is progressing favorably in the Penetang General Hospital. – Mr. and Mrs. Etienne Marchildon, Denis and Marc, and Charles Lefaive week-ended with relatives in Hamilton.- Mrs. Art Ridout has returned home from a week’s visit to Toronto. – Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Marchildon spent the weekend with their daughters in Buffalo.
  • COLDWATER — The rubble and charred wreckage at Cecil and Lloyd Biggs’ farm on Bayview Hill is being replaced rapidly by a new barn, through help from friends and neighbors. Already the cement block foundation for the barn which was destroyed in a $25,000 fire October 12, has been completed. Cecil Biggs, who hopes the barn will be completed within a month, said that gangs of men arrive every day to assist with the work of clearing the wreckage and getting the rebuilding He stated they had brought feed for his animals, were helping with other chores and in general had made it possible for him and his brother Lloyd to make a new start.
  • Twenty-Five Years Ago This Week – F. C. Battrick, chairman of the relief committee of Midland council, submitted a new system for handling relief provisions. One of the proposals, adopted by the council was that only one week’s allowance of either, bread, milk or meat be given at a time. * * * Deputy-reeve Mackie of Midland reported to council that wood was being stolen from the civic wood yard and Reeve Hill reported that bundles of lath had disappeared from his lumber yard. * * * The annual meeting of St. Andrews Hospital Board heard a financial report from H. J. Thompson which showed an operating surplus for the year of $1,817.26. It was insufficient to meet the annual reserve for depreciation which amounted to $6,968.90, leaving a deficit of $5,151.64. * * * Krikor Hekeimian, a husky Armenian young man, had a novel way of earning his bread and butter during the depression. “Give me enough to buy a dinner and I’ll go for a swim in the lake for you. It will make a good story for your paper.” After checking his credentials, the Free Press agreed. The paper got its story after Mr. Hekeimian had his swim in Little Lake at the end of October. * *  * An advertisement guaranteed a permanent wave “for only $2.” * * * The Tobermory wireless station was closed permanently at the end of the navigational season. * * * A small item from London, England, said: “Television may be possible in every household within a year or two.”
  • Midland and district residents have started adding their donations to the Springhill Disaster Relief Fund, local bank managers advised yesterday. Of the four local banks, one had received seven donations and the others one donation each. While bank managers were reluctant to disclose any names or amounts; it is reported that the crew of the S.S. Coverdale, tied up in Midland harbor, has made a substantial donation (many Maritimers crewed on the Great Lakes). Two Midlanders, Bud Laity, tenor, and Stan Harman, organist at Knox Presbyterian Church, are among a group of district citizens who have agreed to assist in an all-night telethon tonight. CKVR-TV officials at Barrie state. The telethon is being held to raise $10,000 for the Springhill relief fund. About 100 men were saved and 70 other miners died in a “bump” in the Nova Scotia coal mine 10 days ago.
  • A native of Midland, OPP Const. Jack Ambeau joined the Victoria Harbour detachment this week. Son of Mrs. Lavena Ambeau and the late George Ambeau, Const. Ambeau has been stationed at Gananoque for the past four years. Married to the former Germaine Bellisle of Penetang, he has a one-year-old daughter, Sandra. The arrival of Const. Ambeau brings the strength of the Harbour detachment to an even dozen men, headed by Sgt. Blake Ball.
  • Visitors from many far-away places came to Midland’s Huronia Museum this past season. “They came from all over the United States, the British Isles, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand and| nearly all the provinces of Canada,” declared Dick Grigg, assistant curator at the museum, yesterday. While Mr. Grigg indicated that the attendance was down slightly from last year, 10,700 were admitted to the museum during the season. “There didn’t seem to be as many American tourists around this summer and that likely accounts for the drop in attendance,” Mr. Grigg explained.
  • Editorial – If the lineup of lake freighters, presently tied up in Midland harbor, is any indication of what this area can expect once the St. Lawrence Seaway becomes fully operational, district mariners face a bleak and uncertain future, as does one vital segment of the economy of this area.
  • Road conditions in winter months demand tire safety with the vehicle equipped with chains or traction type tires, Ralph Hager, manager of petroleum company tire sales for B. F. Goodrich Canada, told an Ad and Sales club meeting in Orillia last week. “It will not be long before safety and law enforcement officials recognize the importance of proper tires and equipment for winter driving,” he said. He predicted that some areas of Canada with heavy winter traffic problems would demand that motorists have their cars equipped with either chains or winter traction tires as a safety precaution. 

On this 100th anniversary of the end of World War 1, we wanted to show the toll that influenza was having on our local population at the time with excerpts from the Midland Free Press October 31st, 1918. 

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Deaths in the last week of October 1918.
(Regent Street Hospital is the Regent Street School.)
[Unless otherwise designated, the below deaths occurred in Midland.]
REAR.—On Oct. 30th. Thos. Rear, aged 75 years and 10 months.
BROCK.—On Oct. 30th. Mrs. Harold Brock, aged 26 years, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Lucas. There are no children.
GRANT.—At Regent Street Hospital, on Oct. 28th. Miss Carrie Grant, aged 19 years.
WHEELER—On Oct. 30th, Mrs. Wm. Wheeler, aged 26 years, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hayward.
BEARD.—In Toronto, of pneumonia, Carrie Irene, a nurse in training, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Beard, of Coldwater, aged 20 years.
PARK.—On. Oct. 27th, Jean Keefer Beatty, wife of Mr. James Park aged 27 years.
DUPUIS.—On Oct. 26th. Joseph Dupuis, aged 35 years.
FERGUSON.—On Oct. 26th. Thomas Milton, son of Mr. and Mrs. Thos. Ferguson, aged 16 years, 1 month and 11 days.
SCOTT.—On Oct. 26th, Jean Carson, beloved wife of Mr. Albert Scott aged 25 years, 11 months, and 15 days.
HOLMES.—On Oct. 23rd. Herbert Willis, son of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Holmes, aged 15 years and 1 month.
SMALLWOOD.—On Oct. 25th.  John William, son of Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Wm. Smallwood, aged 11 months and 6 days.
McCAW.—On Oct. 25th. Francis James McCaw, aged 33 years, 5 months and 8 days.
LEGAULT.—On Oct. 26th. Peter Legault, aged 20 years 1 month and 14 days.
McKAY.—On Oct 23rd. Violet Mary, wife of Dr. Chas P. McKay, aged 27 years.
LeClaire.—At North Bay, on Oct. 24th. Theodore LeClaire aged 72 years and 9 months. The body was brought here on Oct. 25th for interment.
CADIEUX.—On Oct. 25. I. Cadieux, unmarried man, aged 21 years, 8 months and 21 days. Interred in the Roman Catholic Cemetery.
MONGRAW —On Oct. 27th. Mrs. Lloyd Mongraw, aged 28 years.
ATKINSON. —On Oct. 27th.  Ena Lillie Atkinson aged 24 years and 10 months.
BELL. —On Sunday, Oct 27th. Frederick James Bell, aged 35 years, 7 months and 11 days.
HARTMAN – In Midland, on Monday, Oct. 28th. Florence Helena Lunan, wife of Mr. W. C. Hartman, aged 32 years and 5 months.
SMITH —On Oct 27th. Mrs. Eli Smith, aged 50 years Mr. Smith died a few weeks ago. One son and one daughter remain.
NOBEL__ On Oct 26th. Mrs. E. W. Nobel, aged 25 years. Her husband and four children survive.
HANES —On Oct. 26th. Mrs. Samuel Hanes, aged 20. Her husband is overseas. One child is left.
LEMEAUX. On Oct 26th. Mary Lemeaux, aged 14 years. A sister was buried just two weeks ago. Her parents live here. (s/b Lemieux, Marie (Mary)Anna Beatrice, her mother was Mary Lavereau and father Philias (Felix) Lemieux. Her sister Alice Marie died on the 18th of October.) 
GONEAU—In Penetang on Oct. 25. Mrs. Eli Goneau, aged 35 years. Her husband and eight children survive.
LONGLEAD—In Penetang, on Oct. 25th. Mrs. Wm. Longlead, aged 20 years. Mr. and Mrs. Longlead had been married only one month. One of her sisters was buried two weeks ago. (s/b Longlade, she was Marie Ella May Beausoleil, and her daughter was Laura. Her mother was Josephine Precourt and father Antoine Beausoleil)
HANES.— On Oct. 25th. An infant child of Mr. Geo. Hanes.
ANDERSON.—On Oct. 29th. Rose Eliza, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hugh R. Anderson, aged 1 year, 8 months and 9 days. The funeral took place on Tuesday morning from the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Robt. A. Macriner, Fifth Street, the grandparents of the child.
BRISSETTE.—At Victoria Harbour on Oct. 27th.  Jane, wife of Mr. Nelson Brissette aged 20 years. A young child survives, besides Mr. Brissette.
WHITE.— In Penetang on Oct. 22nd, Mrs. Julian White, a sister of the late Thos. Fitzpatrick. Interment at Penetang.
JUNEAU.—At Victoria Harbor, on Oct. 29th, Mrs. Daniel Juneau, aged 25 years.
 
MANY FAMILIES BEREAVED—IT IS HOPED EPIDEMIC NOW UNDER CONTROL.
(More detailed information on some of those listed above.)
 
 The severity with which influenza struck Midland brought separations and sorrows hitherto unheard of in the same space of time. Last Friday the deaths were less than they had been for a few days previously. But on Saturday and Sunday, they again mounted upward, though all were cases which had been contracted a week or more earlier. Sunday was again a bad day for the sufferers, but Monday showed a little improvement, though at least three fairly well-known people succumbed.
The opening of Relief Rooms in the Brisbin Block helped to systematize the distribution of food, broths, and other necessaries, so urgently needed by helpless families, but in many instances, the victims were beyond all human assistance. Many of the town ladies are taxing their strength to the utmost in nursing the patients, while others have laid aside all personal considerations In order to assist in the relief work.
Conditions Improving.
The last two days have provided a much brighter outlook, as only odd cases were reported, and conditions are much more satisfactory than they have been since the outbreak. With reasonable precautions, the opinion is expressed by the Medical men that the worst is over.
SON OF A SOLDIER.
Herbert Willis Holmes died on the 23rd after ten day’s illness. He had been working as a rivet heater on the new boat  (War Fiend) and was intensely interested in his work, but died the day previous to the launching. Mrs. Holmes lives on Quebec Street and has five other children, all of whom have been sick, as well as herself, but are recovering. Mr. Holmes went overseas with the 157th battalion and is at present in No. 12 Canadian Hospital, Bramshott, England. The family attends the Methodist Church, but Rev. Captain Coburn has also been confined to his room for some days and in his absence, Rev. J. J. Elliot conducted the funeral services.
MISS ENA. L. ATKINSON.
After several days combating influenza on behalf of others, Miss Ena Lillie Atkinson, a nurse in the Marine Hospital, was herself attacked and died on Sunday night. She was a daughter of Mrs. R. Atkinson of Victoria Street, and a general favorite among her acquaintances.
MRS. LLOYD MONGRAW.
Mrs. Lloyd Mongraw died in Dollartown on Sunday, leaving her husband and three small children. She had been ill only a few days.
MRS. (DR.) Chas. P. McKAY.
The death of Mrs. (Dr.) Chas. P. McKay occurred on the 23rd following a very brief illness. One little girl, about 9 years of age and her husband survive. The body was sent to Toronto for burial.
Mrs. AGNES STAMP CAMPBELL.
On the 24th Inst. Mrs. Agnes Stamp Campbell, the widow of the late Joseph Campbell, died at her home on Compton Street (College Street). She had been unwell for three or four months, but the end was doubtless hastened by an attack of influenza. She is survived by one daughter for whom a great deal of genuine sympathy is expressed.
MRS. JAMES PARK.
On Monday, Mrs. James Park died after a week’s sickness. She left one baby girl about a year and a half old and her husband. Mrs. Park was formerly Miss Jean Keefer Beatty of Galt, and the body was sent to that town on Tuesday for interment.
A TORONTO BOY.
After a splendid struggle for his life, Mr. Roland A. West breathed his
last on Friday. He had seen service and hardship at the front, where his father was killed in action and had been invalided to Canada. Having partially recovered he came to Midland to work in the Shipyards where he was taken ill and removed to the Regent St. Hospital. His mother was notified and came from Toronto to assist in nursing him. Within a few minutes of his death, she was advised that her two remaining sons were also suffering from the same disease at their home. Mrs. West bore her afflictions with a truly Christian fortitude and her resignation was not only a revelation but a source of comfort and strength to several of those who were doing what they could for other suffering victims.
FRANCIS JAS. McCAW.
Death had no terrors for Francis James McCaw, who died on Friday. He was unmarried and was living with his mother, who has three other sons and was employed in Plant No. 2 of the Midland Engine Works. On the 12th inst, he was taken ill, and though anxious to live like any other healthy man, when he realized the seriousness of his condition, he spent the last few hours of his life chanting some of his favorite hymns. He was a regular and devoted attendant at the services of the Brethren and was satisfied that death was but the beginning of a better life. Interment took place on Sunday afternoon.
JOSEPH OLIVER DUPUIS.
Mr. Joseph Oliver Dupuis died on Saturday. The body was taken to
Penetang for interment in the Roman Catholic Cemetery on Monday.  Mr. Dupuis was born at Port Severn and came to Midland to take charge of the Hewis House when it was purchased by the present owners, though he had been in their employ in different capacities for some years. He was married twelve years ago at Byng Inlet and leaves a widow and one little girl. His illness extended over only one week.
MRS. ALBERT SCOTT.
The taking away of Mrs. Albert Scott on Saturday was one of the saddest occurrences of the present epidemic. She became ill a few days previously and though every possible assistance was obtained, she passed away. Besides her father, Mr. Wm. Carson, she leaves a husband, and two little girls aged 4 and 6. She was born in Toronto and came to Midland on May 7th, 1897. Mrs. Scott occupied an enviable position in the estimation of all those who knew her, and the regret which is expressed at her early death is only surpassed by the sympathy felt for the bereaved home, where several others, including the little tots, have been ill, but are happily recovering.
THOS. M. FERGUSON
Mr. and Mrs. Thos. Ferguson, Fifth Street, were deprived of one of their two sons on Saturday when Thomas Milton passed away. He was born in Midland a little over sixteen years ago and spent his life here. The funeral was held on Monday afternoon.
FREDERICK JAS. BELL
Mr. Frederick James Bell, who died on Sunday, was born at Fenelon Falls 36 years ago. After reaching manhood he spent four years in Toronto as a builder and contractor but owing to illness he retired and came to Midland. He, however, could not lead an inactive life and went to Lions Head where he purchased a sash and door business, but again for the same reason returned to Midland about a year ago. He then opened a ladies ready-to-wear and fancy store with the assistance of his wife and was prospering until his illness assumed a serious turn about a week ago. He leaves Mrs. Bell, a son of 5 and a daughter of 8 years of age. He attended the Methodist Church and was a member of Coronation Masonic Lodge in Toronto, and also the Oddfellows in that city. Mr. Bell also leaves two sisters, Mrs. W. J. Morrow Fifth Street, and Mrs. M. Whaley, King Street Midland, and one brother, Mr. O. Bell, of Toronto who came up for the funeral, which took place on Tuesday afternoon.
CAPTAIN R. O. ALEXANDER.
Mr. Ernest Alexander was in Toronto last week attending the funeral of his brother, Captain R. O. Alexander, who died on the 22nd. His death was due to an automobile accident in which he was injured over a year ago. Interment took place at Bolton on Friday. Captain Alexander was born at Bolton 41 years ago. He was in business in Midland for some time then went to Toronto. When war broke out he enlisted as a lieutenant in the 118th, subsequently becoming a Captain. He was ready to accompany his battalion overseas when ordered to remain at Camp Borden as an instructor. He, however, declined to accept that position, having joined for active service and therefore resigned.
BOTH WERE TAKEN.
That the epidemic is not confined locally by any means is evidenced by the fact that in Saskatchewan various families are being wiped out, the effects of which are keenly felt here. On Friday Mrs. Adam Reid was advised that her son-in-law, Mr. Frank Kennedy, had died and that her daughter was very low. She at once started for the West and while on the train, received a message stating that Mrs. Kennedy had also passed away. Both were buried at Pennant. Sask. Mr. Kennedy was formerly an operator at the G. T. R. station here; he was 29 and his wife who was Miss Clara Reid, was 26 years of age. They leave one little boy. They went west about six years ago. Miss Reid of the Public School staff is a sister and Miss Berry of the Post Office staff is a cousin of Mrs. Kennedy. Another message notified Mrs. Reid that her husband was ill at North Bay, and Mrs. Reid has gone to that town to assist him.
MRS. WILL C. HARTMAN.
The death of Mrs. Will Hartman on Monday was learned throughout town with very sincere regret. She was formerly Miss Florence Helena Lunan, of Collingwood, and was married just eight weeks ago. The body was taken to Collingwood on Wednesday morning for interment. During her, all-too-brief residence Mrs. Hartman made several warm personal friends. She was a trained nurse and her self-sacrifices to save others, since the epidemic commenced, doubtless lessened her powers of resistance when influenza attacked herself.
A COLLINGWOOD COUPLE
Word was received here on Tuesday that Mrs. Chas. Appleton had died in Collingwood on Monday night and was followed the next day by her husband. They leave two young children. Mr. and Mrs. Appleton were married in Barrie about six years ago. The latter being, Miss Mamie Robinson. After their marriage, they went to the Soo until last spring, when they moved to Collingwood. Mrs. Appleton was a cousin of Mrs. Chas. Goodfellow, of Midland; Mr. Appleton belonged to Beeton.
ARRIVED TOO LATE.
A brother of Mr. Armand Gauthier who died on the 25th arrived from
Sturgeon Falls two days ago and was too late to see him. The funeral had taken place.
 
Penetang News
The Sisters of Service S. O. S. have been doing excellent work meeting every day at the Library basement, preparing and collecting nourishing food for the invalids, while numerous townspeople have generously tendered the use of their autos and helped to distribute the food to the patients. 
The remains of Mrs. Juneau were buried in the Memorial Church Cemetery on Monday morning. She left a large family of small children, being one of four who left an aggregate of thirty-three children—three leaving eight each and one leaving nine.
The remains of the late Thos. Fitzpatrick of Midland, and his sister, Mrs. White, were laid to rest on Thursday in the Memorial Church Cemetery, side by side in the same grave.
Chief Henry Jackson and Mr. Marsden, storekeeper at Christian Island, were in town on Friday and report, fifty deaths among the Indians so far and Dr. Sinclair, of the Department, is still there, but that the epidemic is abating.
Mrs. Norman McGibbon, Mrs. D. McGibbon, and Mr. C. Jarvais, in town, are still very low, but convalescing.
 
CASUALTY LIST.
KILLED IN ACTION.
3.310.573   J. Borrow. Orillia.
644.328      J. Vaillancourt, Penetang.
644.094     V. R. Phillips. Orillia.
644.56       O. H. Hurst. Penetang.
644.697     R. Rumble, Penetang
642.135     J. Beaven. Collingwood.
3.310.606 W. Goodwin. Orillia.
3.180.572 L. Colburne. Collingwood.
 
ILL.
3.109.143   J. J. Mclsaac. Orillia.
 
WOUNDED.
316.984     W. Shearn, Penetang.
2.356.388  E. Bush, Collingwood.
                         Lt. C. G. Frost, Orillia.
643.813     R. J. Shunn, Barrie.
853.406     F. Skelton, Collingwood.
3.232.622  N. Stalker, Penetang.
3.317.267   J. T. Bellehumeur, Penetang.
3.032.519   E. Sarazin, Midland.
331.743      E. F. Gardener, Orillia.
2.138.516   W. D. Kitchen, Hillsdale.
643.233      W. A. Cooper, Barrie.
3.317.345    J. C. Sinclair, Barrie.
338.190      V. Clark. Victoria Harbor.
——947.    C. Wests. Barrie.
112.234      F. E. Harris. Carrie.
643.941     Corp. D. Radcliffe, Orillia.
83.108        H. Beatty. Elmvale.
 
Mrs. Edward Sarazin has received official notice from Ottawa of the wounding of her husband. Pte. Edward Sarazin by a gunshot wound in the left arm and fracture of hand. He is now in Warden House Hospital, Deal, England.
Mr. Clarence W. Simpson, who enlisted in the British Royal Engineers for service in the water motor branch, has become a Lance Corporal. He joined the army between last Christmas and New Year’s and forty days later was in France.
PTE. FRED THOMPSON DIED OF WOUNDS.
On Saturday the flag on the municipal buildings was floating at half mast in honour of Pte. Fred Thompson, No. 3.317.352. who had died of wounds on the 10th. The message conveying the sad intelligence was received by his mother, Mrs. Dorothy Thompson, King Street.

Huronia Museum – Looking Back 60 Years Ago in North Simcoe – October 23rd to 31st, 1958

Click on photos to enlarge; 

Accountant for the town of Midland, Miss Hilda Martin (seated) could be $140,000 richer if a horse named Aggressor wins the Cambridgeshire Handicap in England this morning. Sharing Miss Martin’s pleasure upon receiving word she had a ticket on the event are Miss Norine Bell and William Hack, clerk-treasurer of Midland. (The “crackling” on the photo is the result of the negative being stored for 60 years and the reason the Museum is actively digitizing the Free Press collection.)

(“Aggressor” came third in the race and Miss Martin won $28,000, it was reported at 10 a.m.) 

The historic picture above marked the departure of the last CNR passenger train from Midland, Saturday, October 25th. The cut-off meant the end of a service Midlanders have had for nearly 80 years. Left to right, Conductor Roy Whitney, brakeman Harvey Wallace, Midland, agent Frank Whiteman, fireman Jack Rowell express agent Harwood Gosselin, engineer Jack Cochrane, baggage man Roy Head. 

The smiles look a little forced, as indeed they were when CNR agent Frank Whiteman, left, shook hands with conductor Roy Whitney as the afternoon train left Midland Saturday. It was the last regular passenger train to leave Midland. The service has been discontinued because of a lack of passenger revenue in recent years.

The cutting off of CNR passenger service to this area Saturday brought many memories for the two Midlanders in the photo. Mrs. Charles Laughlin, now 90, was just a child when the first train went through Fesserton.  J. G. McArthur, who later had a railroad career of his own in the U.S.A., went from Port Severn with his parents to see the first train arrive at Waubaushene in the late 1870’s. Both now reside at 313 Manley Street, Midland. 

The very latest thing in Chevrolets — 30 years ago — was this 1929 model. Almost a museum piece now, the old sedan was sold for $40 at an auction sale in Midland Saturday. 

Carol Cowan—says “we young people in Midland are indeed fortunate to have a YMCA with excellent leadership to provide us with the opportunity to grow physically, socially and in character.” Your financial support is needed to keep the ‘Y’ active — support your YMCA in its financial campaign for funds commencing today. 

Getting a birds’ eye and a tail-end view of the situation are these four big freighters tied up at the shipyard in Midland harbor. The view from either end, as far as lake shipping is concerned, is far from pleasant. These four giants, along with four smaller ships, have been tied up for many weeks, long before the end of the navigation season. Ships are, left to right, the Gleneagles, Sir James Dunn, Hochelaga and Thunder Bay. 

The first step towards a coveted YMCA crest are the certificates held by the three lads above. Showing their gymnastic achievement awards to Lloyd Stackhouse are, left to right, Paul Howard, Burke Thompson, and Gary Bryant. Paul is a three-star man; the other boys have one each. Campaign for funds with which to carry on this and other work at Midland ‘Y’ starts this week. 

Picture used in an ad for the YMCA fundraising campaign, the copy read as follows; HELP KEEP THESE DOORS OPEN Join with your friends and neighbors by giving financial support to your YMCA. Every dollar is needed if the YMCA is to continue its active program with the youth of the district. -YOUR YMCA CAMPAIGN FOR FUNDS STARTS TONIGHT – The volunteer canvasser who calls at your home is giving his time voluntarily for a cause he believes in — please don’t disappoint him.   -CAMPAIGN OBJECTIVE $10,500-  If by chance you are not canvassed but you would like to make a donation to this worthwhile cause please telephone LAkeside 6-6461 or call at the YMCA on Hugel Avenue West, Midland. 

The YMCA’s annual drive for funds got off to a good start at the campaign’s opening banquet in the “Y” Wednesday night. Before the meeting adjourned, more than 20 percent of the objective of $10,500 had been received in cash and pledges. Susan Heels, Joanne Kettle, Sonja Beatty, and Janet Setterington receive certificates from Lloyd Stackhouse. 

This home on the old Grant farm in Midland, between Ruby and Donalda Streets, will be put to the torch in a spectacular Halloween night fire. Midland fire brigade will standby to prevent its spread. 

Past and present Grand Lodge officers who attended the 75th-anniversary dinner of Caledonian Lodge, Midland, Wednesday night are shown, assembled in their regalia. Left to right, front row, are Rt. Wor. Bro. R. T. C. Dwelly, formerly of Penetang, Rt. Wor. Bro. George S. Dudley, Q.C., Wor. Bro. W. M. Perrin, both of Midland, the latter master of Caledonian Lodge, Rt. Wor. Bro. C. M. Pitts, DGM of Canada, Ottawa, Rt. Wor. Bro. J. J. Robins, Midland, and Rt. Wor. Bro. J. K. McAuley, Elmvale. Back row, Very Wor. Bro. G. Clemence, Stayner, Rt. Wor. Bro. W. A. Blackburn, Stayner, Very Wor. Bro. C. A. Flowers, Midland, Very Wor. Bro. W. R. Bagley, Orillia, Rt. Wor. Bro. W. E. Bacon, Orillia, Very Wor. Bro. Robt. Trustham, Midland, and Rt. Wor. Bro. W. R. Allen of Stroud. 

Both MPDHS football teams are enjoying another good season on the field this year, aided and abetted by their pretty cheerleaders. Girls are, left to right, front row —Gail Richardson, Junia Corcoran, Mary Lou Brissette, Rosemary Shiels, Marilyn Thompson; back row—Gail Rankin, Shirley Newton, Marion Lavigne, Betty Ann McCullough, Carol VanLuven.

  •  County Herald headline from October 24, 1958; Penetang Foundry Firm Secures Major Contract. Working in competition with more than 50 firms across the province, a Penetang plant, P. Payette Co. has been successful in obtaining a contract for 185 brick kiln cars with an estimated gross value of approximately $65,000. Anticipating production of three cars daily, Chas. Sweet said yesterday, the order will keep his plant busy for more than two months. “We are going to have to keep jumping to meet the final delivery date of Jan. 1,” he said. Pilot car of the order was nearing completion when a reporter visited the plant yesterday. Employees were busy throughout the machine shop setting up and proving jigs which will be used in the production. Containing a total of 1,400 lbs. of material, the cars have an overall dimension of nine feet four inches by six feet six inches. They are mounted on a flanged wheel with special type bearings between the wheel and axle.
  • Free Press Herald headline of October 29, 1958; Midlander Holds Ticket on Sweepstakes Favourite. Midlanders in general and Miss Hilda Martin, in particular, will have an ear cocked this morning for the results of a horse race being run in England. Miss Martin’s interest is understandable. She happens to have a sweepstake ticket on a horse named Aggressor in the Cambridgeshire Handicap. If Aggressor comes first, he will make 24 persons happier and richer to the tune of $140,000. Miss Martin, and the other 23 ticket holders won’t do too badly if he merely places second or even drops to third. They’ll collect $56,000 for place and $28,000 for show. (Aggressor came third in the race and Miss Martin won $28,000, it was reported at 10 a.m.)
  • County Herald headline of October 31, 1958; Gasoline in Car Explodes, Tiny Man Badly Burned. For the second time in his life, Hilaire Lesperance, 39, received serious burns to a large part of his body late Saturday afternoon as the result of a fire which started while working underneath his car in front of his Con. 3 home, Tiny Township. Lauzon said the injured man is suffering third-degree burns to a large area on his right arm, second degree burns to other parts of his right arm and hand, second degree burns to his back from his neck to the tip of his spine, and second degree burns to his left hand. The doctor said Mr. Lesperance’s condition is “as well as can be expected, and plans are being made to have him transferred to a Toronto hospital for skin grafting in about 10 days.” “He will need a great deal of skin grafting,” the doctor said. When questioned further, he intimated the process could take more than a year. As a young lad, Mr. Lesperance had his back badly burned when he tumbled backward into a tub of boiling water. Medical men believe the scar tissue which formed on his back was of little use to him, and that now he will be better off when grafting operations are complete.
  • The seventy-fifth anniversary of the founding of Caledonian Lodge, AF and AM, No 249 G.R.C., Midland, was marked by a banquet in the Sunday School auditorium of Knox Presbyterian Church Wednesday night. Thirty visitors from district lodges were included in the 150 who attended the anniversary dinner. Rt. Wor. Bro. G. S. Dudley gave a brief history of Caledonian Lodge beginning with its transfer from Angus late in 1882 and the first election of officers in 1883. The first, officers in Midland were: H. F. Switzer, worshipful master; Henry S. Ruby, (grandfather of Sargeant Ruby) senior warden; Richard Finch, junior Warden; Edward Peplow, secretary; Josiah Hicks, treasurer; William Henderson, inner guard; Bennett Jane, senior deacon;  Andrew Miscampbell, junior deacon; and Frank K. Vincent, tyler. Mr. Dudley pointed out that during the 75 years, Caledonian Lodge has been honored by having five of its members elected to the office of District Deputy Grand Master in the persons of: Richard Raikes, Alexander C. Adams, M. Seymour Keller (brother of Reeve W. H. Keller who was a worshipful master in 1954), George S. Dudley and John J. Robins. The lodge has had four past masters who have received from Grand Lodge the title of Very Worshipful. They are as follows: Arthur W. Bell, William H. Thornton, Roy S. King, and Charles A. Flowers.
  • Dear Editor: Owing to a recent broadcast over CFRB, there’s an idea abroad that I do not know how I came into possession of Capt. Elmes Steele’s sword. I would like to clear up this aspersion on my memory, for it is remarkably good, not only for an old lady of nearly 75 but for any age. These are the facts: About 70 years ago, I was playing with the sword in Steele’s drawing room when John Steele (Capt. Elmes Steele’s eldest son) and my father, who was then the newly-appointed rector of St. Matthias’ Church, Coldwater, came into the room. Mr. Steele was churchwarden and a friend of my father. When they came into the room, they watched me for a few minutes. I was playing David and Goliath. Then Mr. Steele turned to his niece, Miss Currie, and said, “Maggie, I think that we will give the sword to the parson’s lass.” I have always loved the dear old thing and so have my children and grandchildren. But at the request of my cousin, Dr. C. H. Hale, I gave it to the Sr. Sam Steele Memorial Building. I felt it would be seen by a larger number of people who are interested in the things of Canada’s early days than would be the case if it had been kept in my own home. ADA SHEPPARD WALKER, R.R. 1, Coldwater.
  • It was announced at the Tuesday night meeting of Midland Y’s Men’s Club that Miss Wendy Howard was the winner of the annual $50 scholarship. Miss Howard was the top student at MPDHS last year. She obtained nine firsts and two seconds with an average in all subjects of 84 percent. She is at present attending Teachers’ College in Peterborough. The presentation on behalf of the club will be made Nov. 8 by Frank Powell.
  • At least four North Simcoe citizens reported seeing Sputnik III as it travelled across the sky from the southwest to the northwest between 6:14 and 6:19 p.m. Monday. A Coldwater woman and three Midland people said they watched the Sputnik. It was launched into orbit In May. Mr. and Mrs. Jim Murray of Midland said the satellite could be seen quite clearly and looked like a bright star.
  • When the CNR passenger train pulled out of Midland station at 2.30 p.m. (EST) it marked the end of an 80-year era. Some 40 persons, on a “sentimental journey,” were aboard the train when it pulled into Midland an hour earlier. On its outward trip, the train carried about the same number, several of them children getting their first train ride. The advent of Highway 400 drove the final nail into the coffin as far as railway passenger business out of Midland to Toronto was concerned. Private cars or buses can get to Toronto in easily half the time taken for the rail journey. One of the veteran residents of Midland who still remembers the advent of the railway to this town is W. T. Bath, Fourth Street. Born in England, Mr. Bath came to Canada in 1875 with his parents, the late Mr. and Mrs. John Bath. His father was a stonemason. The Baths arrived in Orillia at a time when Baron Von Hugel was building his Midland Railroad from Port Hope to Midland. Bath Sr. got a job as foreman on the railroad and in 1878 brought his family as far as Waubaushene, at that time the end of the line. They made the remainder of the trip by small boat. Thus Tom Bath was in Midland when the first train arrived in 1879. The arrival of the train brought the entire population of the struggling village down to the tracks. Many more came from Penetang, already a well-established town, and from neighbouring farms.
  • Major problem of St. Andrews Hospital after the Ontario Hospital Services Commission Act comes into force Jan. 1 will be patients not protected by some type of hospital and medical insurance. This was the fear expressed by Chairman Gordon Moss when it was learned the per diem rate for ward patients after Jan. 1 will be at least $14. It may run as high as $16. Many Ontario hospitals, including Royal Victoria at Barrie, have intimated their new ward rate under the hospital plan will be $17, which provides payment for drugs as well as ordinary hospital services. “A stay in the hospital could be disastrous financially for the ordinary citizen who does not belong to an insurance plan,” said Mr. Moss. “We must do everything we can to point out to the people of our area the protection that is available to them for only $50.40 per annum. That covers the entire family.” “The average person simply cannot afford not to have this insurance,” Mr. Moss pointed out.
  • Coldwater – Liquor and beer stores received approval of the majority of voters in this village Monday by a narrow margin. The village, which has been dry for half a century, did not vote on other types of liquor outlets. The votes were: for a beer store, 250, against, 152; for a liquor store, 242, against, 160. In each case, the vote for beer and liquor was slightly more than the 60 percent required by the Liquor Control Act.
  • Ten Years Ago This Week – Street lighting in Midland was so poor and sidewalks so hazardous that women and children were carrying a flashlight when they walked anywhere at night. Utility commission officials said the dimly glowing street lights were primarily the result of a direct hit by lightning on a booster transformer. PUC workmen were rewiring the “series” system lights to avoid recurrence of the problem. * * * Citizens of Elmvale had submitted an application to Simcoe County council requesting it approve full village status for the community. The request was to be presented at the November meeting of council. * * * Coldwater council had been advised that the federal Department of Public Works had authorized the leasing of the Maconachie building on Main Street as the location of the new post office for the village. * * * Tiny Township Court of Revision was swamped with 40 appeals on assessments, necessitating a second sitting of the court. * * * Power shortage was causing half-hour cut-offs daily in Penetanguishene. All power in the town was shut off between 5 and 5.30 p.m., and consumers were warned the cut-offs would become more severe if more savings of power were not affected immediately. * * * Dr. W. B. Boyd, a resident of Coldwater since 1894, died at his Eplett Street home. Because of ill health, he had not practiced medicine since 1937. * * * The Ontario government had authorized the establishment of six new fish sanctuaries in waters of the southern end of the Inside Channel, Georgian Bay.
  • WAVERLEY NEWS — Mr. and Mrs. Don Irwin and Nancy of Barrie spent last week with Mrs. Irwin’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Reynolds. – Mrs. Charles and Mrs. Hounsome of Wyebridge visited Charles French last Tuesday. – Dave McFadden of Toronto spent Sunday with his sister, Mrs. Freeman French. Mrs. French and Esley went to Toronto with Mr. McFadden Sunday evening. – Carolyn and Janice Reynolds of Wyevale spent last week with their grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Reynolds. -An item in Friday’s paper should have read: Mrs. Corlett, Mrs. Miller, Mrs. Drinkle and Mrs. Whetham spent an afternoon in Barrie purchasing new drapes for the United Church hall here. Mrs. Fred Archer donated the funds for the new drapes.
  • Port McNicoll This Week Evening Group of the United Church sponsored a bake sale last Friday afternoon in Todd’s store. The conveners were Mrs. L. Todd, Mrs. M. Lattimore, Mrs. L. Vasey, and Mrs. D. Spencer. – Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Morris and Jill arrived in Port last Friday, from Stone, Staffordshire, England. They made the journey to Canada aboard the S.S. Empress of Britain. The “Morris’s spent the weekend with Mr. and Mrs. C. Larkin prior to moving into the Loney apartments Monday.  – Mr. and Mrs. A. McCullagh Sr., Mrs. M. J. Armstrong and Mrs. A. Gallagher, spent last Thursday in Orillia and Barrie. – Mr. and Mrs. Lennox Vasey spent the weekend with the latter’s parents  Mr. and Mrs. W. Stapleton in Newcastle. –  A. G. Calvert and A. Van Pypen spent Thursday of last week in Toronto.  – Among the guests at the Badalie – McGuffin wedding in Toronto, Saturday, were Mr. and Mrs. Jack Lever, Mrs. H. Gammon, Mr. and Mrs. J. Reedy of Port McNicoll, and Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Cooke, Victoria Harbour.  – Mrs. J. Duncan left Monday to spend a week in Smiths Falls.  – Recent visitors of Mr. and Mrs. A. Calvert, were Mr. and Mrs. Harold Bartley, Toronto.  – Mr. and Mrs. R. C. Chapple, Judy and Patti of Toronto visited Mrs. D. Spencer Monday. – Many of the townspeople attended anniversary services in the United Church at Ebenezer Sunday. – Irene Valcheff entertained several friends at her home on Saturday on the occasion of her ninth birthday.
  • Obituaries GEORGE NELSON AMBEAU As the result of a heart attack, George Nelson Ambeau died at St. Andrews Hospital Oct. 16. Born at Byng Inlet, April 13, 1904, Mr. Ambeau had spent most of his life in Midland except for one year at Sarnia, Ont. He was married to the former Lavena Latour in Midland Oct. 26, 1925. The son of Nelson Ambeau and the late Mrs. Ambeau, he is survived by his wife, sons, Gordon and Thomas of Midland and Jack of Gananoque and daughters, Mrs. Lorne Lagree (Jean), Newmarket, and Mrs. Rudy Hochrein (Connie) of Toronto, and six grandchildren, two brothers, Orval of Penetang and D’Arcy, London, Ont., and a sister, Mrs. Alf Latour (Myrtle), Sarnia, also survive. Solemn high mass was celebrated at St. Margaret’s Church, Midland, by Father R. Egan Saturday, Oct. 18. Pallbearers were Herman Ambeau, Lawrence Latour, Alf Latour, Edward Tocher, Sam Alarie, and Leo Fournier. Burial was in St. Margaret’s Cemetery, Midland. * * * MRS. RICHARD LETHBRIDGE A life-long resident of Midland, Mrs. Richard Lethbridge, died at Balm Beach Oct. 19 at the age of 67. Born in Midland Oct. 1, 1891, the former Elsie Hannah Bonter, she received her education here and was a member of Knox Presbyterian Church and the Rebekahs. In 1910 she married Richard Lethbridge in Penetang and for brief periods lived in Penetang, Orillia, and Toronto. She is survived by her husband, a son, Fred, and a daughter Frances (Mrs. Charles Bell), both of Toronto. Pallbearers were J. J. Robins, C. A. Flowers, Ernie Hurl. James Clarkson, Frank Whiteman and Wm. Leitch.