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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Huron Expositor, 1975-04-10, Page 2Sugar and Spice by Bill Smiley x. Around here, it's one of those grand end-of-March days, with the sun pouring down, ,the air positively balmy (about 40 degrees), the defeated snow clinging grimly to the shadowed corners, and that lovely smell of rotten earth that precludes spring. If it were fall, of course, and the temperature were the same, we'd be saying: "By, George! Nippy enough, ain't it. Looks like winter's not far off." Rut at this time of year, the weather is more a state of mind than a matter of temperature, and all across the land Canadians go slightly hysterical with the jubilant certainty that once more they have made it through that masochist's delight — a Canadian winter. P With the first relaxing of •those icy tentacles, we go a bit haywire. Rubbers are kicked into a corner. Sweaters and scarves are hurled into closets.Babies are plunged into prams. And we all come down with a spring cold that is only slightly worse than the vicious one we nursed all winter. Typical example. This morning was garbage day. Just because the sun was shining and it wasn's snowing, I nipped out in my pajamas and slippers to deposit the plastic bags. 'It was a trifle nippy, but the sun was shining and there was that ineluctable essence in the air. I winked at a sexy squirrel in the cedar tree. I made a V-for-Victory sign at Old Sol. I hallooed at a beautiful crow,, I stopped to stroke the cat, who was lying in the mud, basking. And I've been sneezing and blowing ever since. No matter. Winter is over. Those long black nights and those short white days are gone for another six months, and, as far as I'm concerned, fill up the bowls and let joy resign unconfined. Usually, we straggle into spring with nothing more hilarious than. a slight lessening of- despair, but this year the old lady and I ended winter with a gallant fillip. Some would call it a flip. • As you know, if you are keeping up with the soda] news, we "took up" cross-country skiing this spring. Most people take up sports during the season, but we don't Operate that way. As I recall, we took up golf in the fall, after the leaves had begun to tumble. Anyway, we took to skiing like a cat takes to nip, and in no time 'we were arguing about what kind of wax to use (we have two kinds, red and black) and clamping around in our boots like real Skiers. Our timing was perfect. On what turned Out to be the last day of skiing for the season, 'we took a shot at a hill. Or maybe it was the other way around. It was a long. straight hill: no trees, no rocks, nothing that a capable six-year-old couldn't handle with both hands in his pockets. We were certainly polite enough. It was: "You go first, you're the man." And: "No, no,' dear. Ladies first, you know." - As usual, I was out-manoeuvred. I steeled myself with recollections of driving a bicycle head-on into a cow during an English black-out, of diving into a hell-fire of German anti-aircraft fire. I took off. One thing I dislike about skiing is that there are no brakes. You can't even drag your feet. Well, sir, the only way I can describe my descent of that slope is hell-bent. Squatting like a kangaroo in labor, eyes rolling, went down there at what I reckon was' about 140 mph. • And I made it. No ignominious tumble. No splits. Thirty feet from the end of the run, all danger behind, I straightened up, waved one ski-pole nonchalantly „and turned my head to see if The Chicken was impressed. Just then the snow, with unbelievable crust, rose up and smote me a mighty smite on the head. My cap flew off. I knew I wasn't in hell, but I sure felt bent. I lay there, quietly uttering words I haven't heard since my Dad used to go down and ' beat the coal furnace with a shovel. I heard a scream. "At least she knows I'm dying," I thought bitterly. "Boy, is she going to be sorry for some of the things she said to me, over the years," Then I heard another scream. "Bill, get out of the way! I'm going to run over you " Wrenching my broken neck around. looked uphill. There was a dark figure flying toward me. It looked like a witch, but it was riding two broomsticks, instead of one. Then the broomsticks began to part, in what seemed slow motion, and I knew the witch was going to split right up the middle unless the nightmare ended. It did. I woke up. The witch was dead. One broomstick pointed straight in the air. The other was pointed back up the hill, 'Mere was silence. Then: "Are you all right?" And: "I don't know.Are you?" And: "I dunno. I think I'm gonna cry," (That was me). Boy, am I glad it's 'spring, and there's no more skiing until December. But skiing eerie lot, LOI1CS you up. I can now touch my toes with no problem at all. I use a yardstick. And my wife can knit like a demon with one h and.She got good at it while her left arm was in a sling. iii a s dgone Since 1860, Serving the Community First PUblished'at SEAFORTH, ONTARIO, every Thursday morning by McLEAN BROS. PUBLISHERS LTD. ANDREW Y. McLEAN, Publisher SUSAN WHITE, Editor Member Canadian Community Newspaper Association Ontario Weekly Newspaper Association <s• and Audit Bureau of Circulation Our spring editorial Outside Canada (in advance) $12.00 a Year SINGLE COPIES — 25 CENTS EACH Second Class Mail Registration Number 0696 Telephone 527-0240 SEAFORTH, ONTARIO, 'APRIL 10, 1975 Subscription Rates: , irs Canada (in advance) $10.00 a Year This is the time of year when editorial writers get the- fever and; write lyrically of spring.-We had planned thispeek to do just that. The sun was feeling warmer, there were a few robins chirping about and, the odd spring flower had appeared around town about 10 days or so ago. , And we thought, aha, it's tire for that spring editorial, the one that is pleasant, even fun to write. it helps to say goodbye to winter with finality and give us a chance to look forward to the warm days and nights of summer that can't be too far away. But then we got that nasty Easter Sunday storm. You know, the one that saw snowmobile suits replace Easter bonnets. And Wednesdy evening it started to snow rather heavily too. it will all be gone in the morning, we thought, ,following the pattern of most of this winter's storms. But Thursday morning; weather conditions were even worse and it was apparent to even the most 'optimistic lover of spring, that winter was back with a vengeance. And it kept . coming, leaving Western Ontario buried in the worst April, snow storm that anyone around here can remember. Something strange is happening to our weather. If you can't count on at least a semblance of spring in April, what .can you count on? ' The past couple of years we haven't even been able to count on a real blizzardy snowbelt winter either. As one wit around town said the -other day "You don't have to worry. about being able to travel at Christmas time• anymore. It's Easter when the really bad weather hits." Stay tuned for that spring editorial though . . . maybe we'll- be able to write it in July. Amen By Karl Schuessler Gee, little-old-ladies-Who-quilt-blankets-in- church-basements, I had you all wrong. I never did understand why yoti were going to all that bother. Of cutting up material into all sorts of shapes and then turning right around and sewing them back together again. Oh, you were making beauties alright. Out of squares triangles and rectangles and every other. angle. But all those hours? Those stitches? Those pricked fingers? To lay one blanket on the bed? When lamb's wool would do?. But now I know better. Because I attended a quilt exhibition. I learned not to ask such silly questions. The ladies were setting traps ,for -men like irie. They knew what they „set Mug :When they • hung up their quiltt on the" wall. Magnificent quilts in bold colours and steady rhythms. In sublte hues and strict cadence. They knew those quilts would catch my eye. Command attention. And keep me looking up and up, as the' quilts reached the ceiling. I felt my eyes 'blur and water. What were those quilts doing to me? And before I could blink my eyes clear again, I sensed a woman standing beside me. , "Men are quite emotional about quilts," she said. I'm• sure she was trying to ease my embarrassinent. "Yeah," 1 said, "It must be those c&lours. They're, really hard on the eyes." "No," she insisted, "It's not just the colours. It's an emotional thing. You're looking at a quilt. A blanket. There's much emotion tied up with a bed and bedding." Well, who was I to 'doubt that& Now that she said it. It was sort of obvious. There's lots of things that do go on in a bed. Love. Birth. Life. Death. Sickness. Sleep. I've' heard it said that a person spends at least one third of his life in bed. 'You can find good times there.Sad times. Poor times. I knew that "going to your room" often means shutting the door, flopping down on the bed and crying. A bed is a very private place. A personal place. A lonely place. An alone place. To let out all kinds of feelings. "It's no wonder, then" she said, "There's so much meaning and ritual connected with bed things." Now that she -mentioned it, 1 had to agree To the Editor: I found it very interesting to read that all Townships excepting. Tuckersmith have agreed to pay their share of arena support. According to the usuage basis Tuckersmith is well represented at Seaforth rink, and l feel should definitely contribute their share. It seems to me that we. need closer working relationships and rapport between municipalities. Especially when there is a suggestion for a survey to be conducted in the near future on the need for another Senior Citizen's Residence in Seaforth. know that there , are Tuckersmith residents who would like the opportunity of living in. these 4artments who can well be accommodated if Tuckersmith doesn't renege on its share of the deficit. It seems to me that Tuckersmith will accept anything that doesn't cost them anything. They were very agreeable that with that one too. Bed clothes. Bed slippers. Bed prayers. Bed stories. Bedtime kisses. Bedside manners. "Beds can make you feel so snug and secure," she went on. "And keep you cozy and comfortable," I ' helped hei out, "We all have our security blankets. In,-bed ,.and out, of "But that's nor ishe said, .`.Quilts can be historig WOO". That did it! Now I knew she was carrying this quilt business too far. Did she want me to believe that every time I drew up my blanket over my shoulders, I was snuggling up to a historical statement? Was she trying „to put me into stitches? Of course not she insisted. Quilts carry a load of history. She told me about the quilts made out of ,the uniforms from the men who marched in Fenian's Raid. She talked about the Centennial quilt she made. She pointed out the maple leaf quilts, the log cabin quilts, the Job's tears quilt. She told me to look at those clfab and dark quilts. Depression quilts. She touched a silk and satin and velvet quilt. The good-times quilt. She said quilts tell family history. With bits and pieces sewed in from ribbons and bows. From neck ties and sashes. Wedding gowns and christening robes. Sunday dresses and Monday's aprons, Quilts tell a story.. They represent life. They are life. "A quilt is a very special gift.,," she said, "It's a gift of love." See what I mean ladies? Inever kneyea quilt could say so much. And mean so much. So I must apologize to all you ladies quilting away in church basements and in your homes. And to the younger ones too. For quilting's catching on. • When I see yi:M quilt, no more will I see only your ' patches and needies t your pins and small talk. I get the point. The main point. Your needle sews--and sows--life and love. ...forth should have a Day Care Centre as long as it didn't cost them anything. There is a deep ditch created by the Township when Con. 3 west was reconstructed a few years ago that in all these years has never had a guard rail. Plowing may be hanipered if a guard rail is constructed but where do priorities lie, with plows or people's lives? • There has been one life taken at a dangerous R.R.Way crossing going into Harpurhey. It is nearly impossible to see any approaching trains at this, crossing especialq in winter when the snow banks are piled high. Would not a snow blower aid this situation? - Come on Tuckersmith Council, consideration is needed and expected on these issues. I as a taxpayer feel Ave are r nd gging in important Township business due to our changing titres need to face is reality. ' June Martene 9.12.4, Seaforth APRI*49thl 875 Aleitattiler Robertson, of McKil p, informs us that he this spring purchased several varieties of cabbage seed from Messts.Stronq and FaJrley,,of Seaforth, and, in 15 hours from, 0, the time he sowed the seeds the plants were visible above the ground. " ' Rev. Mr. Gracey of Usborne, was made the recipient of a very handsome present from the Presbyterian Congregation at Kirkton. It was a purse containing $60.00. F. Cornish .of Usbprne has sold his farm in Usborne, to Richard Blatchford for $5,500, 41 . Andrew Govenloek of McKillop -has opened a zeneral store at his mills in McKillop. Thos. Lougbeau McKillop has sold his farm to Wm. Evans for $1500. There are about 45 acres cleared. , - Mr. Malcolm of the Rodgetville cheese factory gives notice that he intends offering for sale, by public auction, on or about the first of May, 50 first class cows on six months credit. James R. Ross, a resident of Seaforth, has purchased the • farm owned by the late Geo. Willis in McKillop and intends • going to live on it in a feiv weeks. John Pattison of the Township of Morris, has a young goose which laid an egg measuring 8% inches one way and 5% the other and weighing 111/2 ounces. The snow has .noW nearly all disappeared from the fields and we have been enjoying spring wea ther. Several farmers have been plowing during the present week. John Par ker of Brussels, intends erecting a large hotel in the village and has purchased the ground for the site from John Leckie and J.R.Grant. The building will be situated on Tiirnberry Street and will be fitted up with every convenience. Thos. Kidd of Seaforth has removed the veranda in front of his store and replaced it with a handsome awning, APRIL 6th, 1900 George, son of David McCutcheon of, McKillop, was walking along the, side of a load of wood, when it upset on him, covering him completely. He lay for about half an hour where he was found by' Calvin Hilleri. Isaac Jarrott of Kippen has moved to his farm adjoining the village. The home of Geo. Thompson, London Rd. was the scene of a very pleasant gathering' of the members of St. Andrews Church, Kippen, when they showed in a- substantial way their appreciation of the services of Mr. R. Fisher, in the Sunday School. They presented hiin with four pieces of silver. Henry -Chesney, of Tuckersmith, has purchased, from Mr. Gardiner of Usborne, a fine yearling thoroughbred bull. A 'large congregation met in the Presbyterian Church, Egmondville, to bid farewell to David Stevenson, and his daughter, before tneir leaving for Manitoba. Mr. Stevenson was, preseined with a well:filled purse. The home of Mrs. Rpbert Willis of town was the scene of a pleasant social event when the teachers and officers of the Methodist Sabbath School met to do honor to Miss Bertha Crich who was leaving for Hartney„ Manitoba. Addresses were given by W.D.Bright, Wm, Hartry, and :Rev. .Mr. Russell. J. B. Hefiderson of Tuckersmith had his right hand in a straw cutter. It was badly cut; but is now recovering. Messrs. William and Andrew Wallace of Tuckersmith who • were so Severely injured by the falling of a tree, are both recovering. Chas. Mason sold a fine imported horse to go to Manitoba. David Millson of Constance has purchased the 50 acre farm '011 'adjoining his own from Henry Colclough for $3,500. APRIL 7th , 1950 Robert Scarlett, a native of McKillop Township, and well known 'resident of Seaforth, celebrated his birthday at his home, Church Street. Miss Sarah Brown of Harpurhey marked her 94th birthday. She lives alone and does most of her own work. Wm, M urray of Egmondville will be 87 this coming week. Frederick Eckert of Dublin received many congratulations on the occasion of his 83rd birthday. He is the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. John Eckert who came to Canada from Bavaria, Germany, in 1854. Mr. and Mrs. Alex McGregor of Kippen made a return trip to Sault Ste Marie in less than fourteen hours. The trip was made by 'plane. . Monday night's rain created several small lakes in Seaforth and district. The former recreation ground was completely under water and the residence of Geo. Dixon resembled a house boat moored in mid-stream, Mr. and Mrs. Th os. M. Grieve of EgMondville quietly celebrated' their '60th wedding anniversary, Band Master E. H. Close was honoured on retirement when he was prespnted with a rocking chair by Senator W. H. Gblding. Mrs. Margaret Maloney of Seaforth celebrated her 82nd birthday. She received many congratulations during the day. Edgar McBride of Kippen has purchased a new studebaker car from the local agent, Robert Dalrymple. Bruce Armstrong has purchased the 50 acre farm in Hibbert, known as the Laverty farm. • ,tr The death of John. E. Daley, highly respected former resident of Seaforth, occurred in Scott Memorial Hospital after'a long illness.' D. L. Reid and Miss Hazel Reid were in Wallaceburg owing to the death of their uncle, the late Clayton Baughman. Mrs. Mae Doig,, Mrs. Alex Lillico, Mrs. Chester Lee and Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Trott were in Wingham when a play "'Bread upon the Water" written by Mrs. Doig was presented. The second "family night" was held in First Presbyterian Church with a good attendance. Rev. D. Glenn Campbell presided over an interesting program. Eginondville school closed until after the Easter holidays owing to the epidemic of measles and chicken pox. APRIL 12, 1925 • Ernest Epps of Varna has purchased the house and lot of the late Mis. Stewart. 'A large number from Zurich attended the Hensall Spring Fair, and a number of the local horse fanciers carried off the blue ribbon. Farmers are all busy at Hensall, and within a few days, no doubt seeding will be soon completed, , The death occurred at-his home in Brussels of W. H. Kerr one of. the most outstanding proprietors and editors in Ontario. Harry Hinchley , left recently for Sharbot Lake where he will spend the summer. Thos. Daly has purchased the residence on High Street from the executors of Mrs. E. Drake's Estate. J. R. Scott adjoining town was the first to finish seeding in this district. John Webster of town is gathering material for the erection of a new residence on his lot on Jarvis Street. • Wallace Archibald, O.L.S. intends opening an office in Seaforth for civil engineering and surveying. Wilford Maloney of Beechwood has returned from Detroit where he spent the past two months. Harry Hambly of Staffa is taking a course in his father's blacksmithing shop. The Seaforth Whist Club entertained the Mitchell Whist Club at the home of Mr. James Watson.Thos. S.-Smith sang two Scotch songs. r To the Editor Should share deficit, reader says 0 4 (C"