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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Exeter Times-Advocate, 1953-12-31, Page 2Hail 1954! THE TIMES-ADVOCATE, EXETER, ONTARIO* THURSDAY MORNING, DECEMBER 31, 1953 By STANLEYTHE OLD HOME TOWN 'TIMES" Go By iiiiiiitiHiiinHiiiiiniiiininiiiiiiiiHimiiiitiniHiiiiiiinniiuiiiHiiiiiiii This journal shall always tight for progress, reform and public welfare, never be afraid to at­ tack wrong, never belong to any political party, never be satisfied with merely printing news. Jottings By J.M.S. Devonshire Cream Yule Treat THURSDAY MORNING, DECEMBER 31, 1953 Best Wishes For A Happy New Year This district continued to enjoy more progress, more prosperity during 1953. Per­ haps the past year hasn’t been as outstand­ ing as previous peak years but it has been good to most of us, General improvements were continued throughout the rural and urban areas. Bet­ ter farm practices were introduced, con­ servation measures were extended, new farm buildings and farm services were built. In the towns and villages services were im­ proved and construction of new homes and businesses increased the value of commun­ ities. On the other side of the ledger, tor­ nadoes, fickle weather, farm produce sur­ pluses and a strike of canning workers which closed the local factory, dipped into people’s pockets. Despite these setbacks, the balance for the years was distinctly black. Let’s make a general review of what happened in 1953. Agriculture Probably the most significant agri­ culture event locally was the failure of the Canadian Canners Ltd. plant to operate. Unionists refused a company demand that they eliminate an overtime clause in their contract and, consequently, the company failed to can crops of peas, beans and corn. The union finally accepted the company's terms and some cabbage was canned. How­ ever, the cancellation of meant, a loss of thousands enue, not only to farmers men, too. Despite some queer the major crops of dollars of rev- but to the work- summer weather, most crops were good. Farm prices dropped generally but not seriously. Local farmers, led by Preston Dearing and son, Gerald, and Robert Hern, Granton, captured major prizes for livestock at the Royal Winter and other fairs. Trend towards specialization in live­ stock and interest in purebred cattle con­ tinued to mount. The Huron County Soils and Crop Im­ provement Association had another good year, as did the Federation. In junior work, the 4-H program was extended to the largest in histoi'y. The coun­ ty achievement day was the largest in the province. Two girls were chosen to repre­ sent Ontario at the national 4-H clothing competition. Agriculture program at S.H.D.H.S. was named tops in the province. One of the many feats of the department was to place second in the provincial school match at Cdbourg this year. Education Schools throughout the district con­ tinued to face the problem of increasing en­ rolments. Public schools at Grand Bend and Exeter were forced to build additions; two new teachers were required at S.H.D.H.S. and the board began to consider more •accommodation. Upper school results at S.H.D.H.S. created a new scholastic record with 99.7% success of all exams tried. The old public school at Lucan was de­ stroyed by fire and a new building is under construction. Entertainment The trend towards larger local enter­ tainments was maintained. Highlights includ­ ed the S.H.D.H.S. Commencement, the Hur- onia Chorus Concert, fairs, Dominion Day and Labour Day Celebrations, and the Kirk­ ton Garden Party. In addition, communities in this area joined together at special pro­ grams to mark the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. Elections Elections were rather dull during the year. The federal vote resulted in little change at Ottawa; however, in the local con­ test, which pitted two incumbents against each other, Elston Cardiff was elected to become the first Conservative to represent South Huron since 1917. Two prominent i Canadians, Minister for External Affairs Lester Pearson, and Conservative John Die- Hail 1954! This lusty youngster brings us 365 more days during which we can improve our lot, collectively and personally. For everyone, of course, we wish health, happiness and prosperity during 1954. May it be a memorable year for the good things it brings! Our special list of New Year’s wishes includes many new ones and a number of others left over from last year. Here fhey are. For Exeter: greater industrial promo­ tion, a plan for sewerage, more cooperation and interest in community activities, con­ tinued improvement of Riverview Park, re­ creation for 'older folks, better organization of recreation for youth. For the Ausable Valley Conservation Authority: more effort and greater* coopera­ tion towards a public park in the Pinery. For farmers: better prices, no United States farm produce bans, lower production costs, a scheme by which Canada can con­ tribute food instead of arms to under­ privileged countries. For drivers, more care and fewer traf­ fic accidents. For S.H.D.H.S.: continuation of high academic standards, hockey teams. For councillors, school trustees, public officials, church and community leaders: more cooperation and interest and apathy and hindrance. less Thank You As 1953 comes to an end, The Times- Advocate would like to express its apprecia­ tion to those who make it possible for us to publish this journal. We thank our diligent and faithful cor­ respondents who record life in the surround­ ing area; o,ui- readers who continue to pur­ chase the paper in increasing numbers; the advertisers who use this medium to reach theii* customers; our critics and supporters; our co-operative news sources; those who contribute items and report meetings; and last, but not least, the competent staff which produces The T-A every week. 50 YEARS AGO Rev. Mr. Beer, who was sta­ tioned in Exeter some 30 years ago, occupied the pulpit of James St. Church on Sunday. In a report of the students concert at Alma College, St. Thomas, the Times of that city reports Miss Eva Goodwin, of Ex­ eter, played a piano solo showing a clever executive ability. Mr. P, J. (Ed.) Robinson, of Denver, a former Blanshard boy and nephew of the late John White of the “Tinies,” has re­ cently been made a member of the U.S. Supreme Court. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Snell, Mr. and Mrs. John Mclnnes, Mr. and Mrs. D. McInnis and Miss Passmore attended the marriage of their niece, Miss Lily Pass- more, Thames Road, to Mr. Wil­ liam Pybus, Tuckersmith. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Tapp, of Virden, Man., arrived in town last week and will spend a couple of months visiting rela­ tives and friends. 25 YEARS AGO Mrs. James Pickard,91, fenbaker visited the area. Exeter Highlights of the year in town included the opening of the artificial ice arena and the installation of a trap rock floor. Organ­ izations, led by”the Legion, joined together in a successful drive to pay for the floor. Through the cooperation of the Ausable Val­ ley Conservation Authority, the pond above the dam was dredged in the first step to­ wards a large improvement plan in the area. An initial attempt was made to attract in­ dustry. Businessmen formed an association to promote trade. A new housenumbering system, sponsored by the Kinsmen, was completed. a General The South Huron Hospital officially opened at the beginning of the year and its facilities were expanded through the help of the Hospital Auxiliary and other organiza­ tions. Through careful management and sup­ port from the district, it appeared as if the hospital would operate in the black. A Stephen township community centre was constructed at Crediton by volunteer labor. Grand Bend voted “wet”. In Lucan, a drive was started to build Scout House. Accidents were lower than in 1952. Only one traffic fatality was recorded in the area serviced by the local detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police. The Ausable Valley Conservation Au­ thority progressed little in its efforts to establish the Pinery as a public park. How­ ever, its farm pond and reforestation pro­ grams were very successful. No major con­ servation measure was attempted during the year. Hensall reeve, A. W. Kerslake, was warden of Huron county during 1953. These, and many other developments, made 1953 a good year for the district, Exeter ®imeg=&bfoocate Times Established 1873 Amalgamated 1924 Advocate Established 1881 Published Each Thursday Morning at Exeter, Ontario An Independent Newspaper Devoted to the interests of the Town of Exeter and District Authorized as Second Class Mail, Post Office Department, Ottawa Member of the Canadian Weekly Newspaper Association Member of the Ontario-Quebec Division of the OWN A Member of the Audit Bureau of Circulation Paid-*n-Advance Circulation as of March, 1953 —• 2,494 SUBSCRIPTION RATES Canada, in advance, $3.00 a year — United States, in advance, $4,00 a year “ Single Copies 7f Each Published by The Exeter Times-Advocate Limited a pioneer resident of Exeter, was brought here from Toronto for burial. She left Exeter in 1923 to make her home with her son, Mr. Jpd. Harwood. Exeter* High School commence­ ment exercises in the Exeter Opera House attracted a large attendance. Mr. J. G. Stanbury, who was chairman for the eve­ ning, delivered an appropriate address and diplomas were pre­ sented by Principal E. J. Wethey. Mr. J. C. Hogarth, of Purvis, Man., is visiting with his bro­ thers and sisters in the commun­ ity having been called here by the serious illness of his sister, Miss E. Hogarth Miss Lena Pym, of Usborne, won a pig in a guessing contest put on by Rivers Meat Market the week before Christmas. At the Hensall United Church manse, Flora Grace, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Higgins, was united in marriage to Mr. Bertrand North, of Woodstock, by the Rev. A. Sinclair. 15 YEARS AGO Only the number needed fill municipal offices qualified to so there will be no election. Reeve W. D. Sanders will return to of­ fice with J. W. Hern, E. M. Dig- nan, II. O. Southcott and B, W. Tuckey as councillors. One of the heaviest storms in years crippled holiday traffic. Highways were .passable but dangerous. Concession roads were blocked. R. D. Hunter received injuries when his car was struck from the rear by a London motorist as he stopped to clear the snow from his windshield. On December 24, Clifford James Allen and Marjorie Jean Etlieringon were united in mar­ riage by the Rev. William Mair at Thames Road Manse. Daniel Mclsaac, well-known resident of Crediton, died sud­ denly at his home after suffering a stroke. He took an active place in the community and word of his passing was keenly felt by Crediton and district. During a severe snow storm, a chimney on the home of Mr. and Mrs. H. J. Kestle, Station St., took fire. Fortunately it was brought under control before 'be­ coming serious. _ IO YEARS AGO Following word that their son had been wounded in Italy, Mr. and Mrs. S. J. V. Cann received a telegram from Ottawa stating that Pte. Stewart Cann who had been wounded December 8, had passed away later the same day. Stewart was educated in “ went overseas in June, went overseas, in June Dashwood hunters on rabbit drive, bagged 38 and three red foxes. Exeter has filled all municipal offices by acclamation and there will be no election this year. Reeve B. W. Tuckey, warden of the county for the past year, was returned to office for the fifth term. W. R. Goulding, on the second night of 16 Christmas concerts to direct, damaged the transmis­ sion of his car due to condition of the roads. Biddulph Township council's treasurer, Elijah Harlton, ported a surplus of $9,500. Local merchants report the Christmas trade far beyond their expectations, though stocks were incomplete with many items be­ ing off the market entirely.. News From Our NEIGHBORS Fifty-Ninth Year Once again it is the happy privilege of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Elliott, esteemed residents of Dublin village, to mark the an­ niversary of their marriage which took place on . December 27, 59 yea^s ago. Last year the celebra­ tion embraced children and grandchildren but on Saturday when the observance takes .place they, with brothers, sisters and their families, will gather at Staffa Hall. Both are in good health and active members of St. Mary’s Anglican Church, Dublin. Mrs. Elliott is 79; her husband 82. (Mitchell Advocate) Wins Certificate Rag Apple Carnation Ida, a member of the purbred Holstein herd of David R. Stevens, of St. Mary, has added another to her claims to fame with the com­ pletion of the yearly Record of Performance test of 24,958 lbs. milk containing 1,095 lbs. fat, average test 4.38 per cent butter­ fat. This record was made as a six-year-old on three-times-a-day milking and qualifies her for a certificate of Superior Produc­ tion awarded by- the Holstein, Friesian Association Of Canada. (St. Marys Journal-Argus) Breaks Logs Sleighing Little John Nielson, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Nielson, New Hamburg, and former residents of Seafotth, had the misfortune last Saturday, while on his sleigh Exeter, a jack rabbits re- iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiKitiiiiiiiiKiiiiiiiiKiiiiiiiituiiiiiiiiiiKiixKiiiiKO* tiiliuiiHti'murHiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiliiitiHiiiiliiUlhiiiiiiUiiiHutii, a hill, to slide The vehicle pass- coasting down under a truck, ed- over his legs, breaking one and injuring the other. (Huron Expositor) Moved To Brantford Rev. Michael Griffin, Kirkton, will take over new duties as Rector of the Coronation Angli­ can Church, Brantford, January 1. Mr. Griffin, who came to Kirk­ ton from Ireland three years ago, was rector of the churches at Kirkton, Granton and Saintsbury. (St. Marys Journal-Argus) To Close At 6:30 Commencing the first week in January, most Seaforth mer­ chants will close thefr offices and stores at 6:30 p.m. Saturday nights. The decision to effect Saturday night closing, in line with many other municipalities in the district, was reached after a petition was circulated this week by members of the, Cham­ ber of Commerce. Saturday night closing will remain in effect to the end of March. (Huron Expositor) Breaks Windows Early Saturday morning, win­ dows in the store fronts of Gal­ braith’s Radio and Television and the office of the Huron Co-Opera­ tive Medical Services, were broken by a young man, Douglas Stevens, 20 years old. He was apprehended by Constable Quayle Christmas season is always a season q£ family reunions and it was a pleasure to see so many home to place their feet once more under the family table. Our family spent the day with my sister Stella and brother Orville. There were 15 of us gathered around the festive board and we did full justice to a 25-<pound turkey that my brother Rev. R. E, brought along for the occa­ sion. But it was not the Christmas turkey that I started out to write a'bout. It was a delicacy with which we topped off the evening meal, a rare delicacy in these days which I venture to state few others enjoyed and yet I fail to remember a Christinas that it has not been a choice tid-bit on our table, It is what is known as Devonshire cream, or more com­ monly called scald cream. The making of Devonshire cream was one of the grand cus­ toms brought from Devonshire, England, by the early settlers in this community. Exeter in those days was quite widely referred to as ‘Little Devon’ and at one time a store and post office and a hotel stood at the corner of Highway No. 4 and the Crediton road. It was known a$ Devonroad. It Corners. Alfred Walters, a shoe-maker by trade and father of H. Walters, conducted the hotel when he first came to this coun­ try from England. In those days, what we now consider an innocent game of dominoes, was prohibited by law from being played in a hotel. A license inspector dropped in on Mr. Walters and found him play­ ing dominoes with a friend and reprimanded him. “If you would s. only let coming playing ters. After Walters business the first Bible Christian Church in Exeter- and his shop was fre­ quented by some of the top notch checker players, a game, like many other things, that is fast dying out in Exeter, A pair of shoes made over 45 years ago by Mr. Walters is now in possesion of Mr. Henry Delbridge and arg still in good condition. The building was moved to the back of the lot and was used as a storehouse and the present building used by Mr. C. V. Pic­ kard, town clerk, was erected in its place by the late J. G. Jones. But getting back to Devonshire cream. During the early history of the community Devonshire cream was often used in place of butter, particularly before the butter churn became an estab­ lished utensil in the home. A goodly number of town people kept cows which ran at large on the village streets. For making Devonshire cream, fresh milk was put into, shallow pans and allowed to stand until the cream had risen to the top. Then the pan of milk and cream was with water and placed on the stove and very slowly brought to the scalding point. After cooling the scalded cream was. then taken off in layers and usually placed in a fancy 'bowl, ready for the table, The scalded milk was very- palatable and would keep sweet longer than the fresh milk. In the not too far distant past when tea meetings were held in me know when you were around we wouldn’t be dominoes” said Mr. Wal- retiring to Exeter Mr. conducted a shoe repair on Main St. in what was placed into another pan By JIM GREENBLAT = \ • Canadiana: This week's od­ dities in the news seems to have come mainly from Saskatchewan: At Kennedy, Hallowe’en pranks cost five youths a total of $165 in penalties, damages and costs following damage to school prop­ erty ... at Ebenezer, Clarence Hoffman was working at night near his tractor on summerfallow when a wild screaming cry and a patter of footsteps coming toward him drove him to the security of his tractor which he drove away from the field; next morning went to investigate and saw a cougar rise and walk into a near­ by "bush ... at Wadena another spring chicken was fooled by the unseasonable weather, a Barred Rock pullet hatched in spring on the farm of Mr .and Mrs. Esko- wich came out of hiding on No­ vember 16 with 14 tiny fluffy chicks . . . was he spoofing to the Grenfell Sun when Rev. Eifert brought in a perfectly round stone found in a pasture which was claimed to be an “early Indian billiard ball” . , . Unable to find a caretaker for the United Church at Spy Hill, men of the congregation volun­ teered for a week each at the job . . . and in Alberta, at Drum­ heller, Clint Smith is out to win a $40i0i wager by sleeping out in the open under the stars until December 23; he is a former fighter-pilot of the RCAF ... at Bonnyville, Steve Twerdochlib out hunting, for horses and carry­ ing a .22 rifle, ran smack into a 400 lb. female bear; getting a spruce tree between him and the bear he kept shooting until he hit the enraged animal, finished it off with a jackknife ... At MacLeod, Mrs. H. Perkins waited all her life for Friday the 13th, then got her perfect 29 hand against her husband in a game of cribbage . . . near Orillia, Ont., Mrs. J. A. Jamieson has an unusual cactus, flowers white and red, which blooms at 10 *p.m., remains open' for two hours be­ fore closing with a clicking noise . . . Archie Pete, young Indian, came back to . Kamloops, B.C., from Korea, got a fine welcome after returning by “friends” who robbed him of all he had . . . The Barrie, Ont. Examiner thinks we ought t o have a “Police Week”, commenting that “It’s pretty unfortunate that too many people regard the police as a necessary evil—that is until they need their help. •I Wetaskiwin (Alta) Times: If the community provides- no­ thing in the form of healthy rec­ reation, we find that trouble de­ velops in the form of drinking, parties and other rowdyism that always involves a number of other young people on the fringe of things who would not ordinar­ ily succumb to this type of at­ traction. •' Camrose (Alta) Canadian: Practically all the gold mines in Northern Ontario and Quebec are shut down by labor troubles. Seems that the matter of wages can easily be settled but the mine operators are adamnant in their refusal to accept the union check­ off. As a matter of principle we feel that the operators are right, Why shouldn’t the unions collect their own. dubs? On the other hand, the federal government re­ quires that all business operators in Canada collect without charge, income tax The ethics similar, and •I Bafrie , Canada starts offering cut-rate bargains to Britain or other big food purchasers, certainly our competitors will be tempted to do low the Canadian market, what sort of argument can we put up — if say, Japan or Germany start offering textiles, or toys or sewing machines at cut rates? Of course when other nations do that we call it dumping. We would be more honet the same thing when ourselves. to call it we do it On the CPA and TCA con­ troversy 'in Ottawa, the Boisse- vain, Man., Recorder has its say: “And in their statement that competition does not result in better service, the government is decrying the very heart of our democratic system—free enter­ prise;—since when have monopo­ lies in any form given the best service. Competition is and al­ ways has been an incentive to in­ creased business . . . this case should be re-opened for review, so that the best interests of all can be served. • < Powell River (BC) News: The principal difference between a young couple setting up house­ keeping today and 50 years ago is that the pioneer couple’s first big splurge after getting out of debt was to acquire a piano. The modern first acquisition is a car. There was something about a piano that sort of anchored the family to the home and placed a stamp of genteel security on the wnole household. • Hartland (NB) Observer: Canadians might well do some thinking about what governments should do. It may be that at all levels, municipal, provincial and federal are expecting too much, or are perinitting ourselves to be sold on the idea of costly services which are not in any way essen­ tial. The Film Board may be no worse than a number of other Government activities, but it is an obvious example where sav­ ings could be made without dam­ age to any vital national asset. from its employees, involved are very equally unfair. (Ont) Examiner! If and disciplinary measures, it is the same, Moreover, if we offer understood, are being taken; our' so-called surplus .productsi, are oemg tuiieii. our' so-called surplus .products (Clinton News-RdcOrd) abroad at 10 to 50 per cent be- the church, the crowning dessert was apple pie with scald cream. Not everyone cared for scald cream, just as everyone does not care for maple syrup, but the ’ super extra special dessert was apple pie and scald cream top­ped off with a littje maple syrup. Yum! Yuni! Then again, as if Christmas cake with all its delicacies was not enough in itself, Grandfather May used to top it off with a little Devonshire crpain. Today the making of Devon­ shire cream is practically a lost art, as is butter-making in the home. Yoq have to be on pretty good terms with someone who knows how to make it if you are to enjoy some of it on Christmas day. The cost is about the same as butter, Grandson Baptised One of the highlights of Christ­ mas day was the christening of our grandson Michael Gage, son of Donald and Barbara Southcott, by his great uncle, Rev. R. E. Southcott, of Oil City. This cere­ mony took place just after we had gathered around the Christ­ mas tree for the usual distribu­ tion of gifts, with their resultant surprises. Last week I mentioned that for years we enjoyed Christmas breakfast in the home of Mr. and Mrs. E. A. Follick. Since that time on Christmas day we place a telephone call to their daugh­ ter, Mrs. Edna Hearts, Toronto, and each member of the family in turn, conveys his Christmas greetings. As we enter a new year I wish for all who read my rambling re­ miniscences, a most happy and prosperous New Year. The Reader Comments Letter* to the editor published hereunder represent the view* of individual persona. We invite our readers to make use of this column. Exeter, December, 1953 To the Editor: The enjoyment of the Christ- season on the local scene been greatly enhanced by more-than-usual variety of music so splendidly mas has the Christinas rendered by the various local groups. This writer feels that the pub­ lic wish those who have given leadership to these events and those know much quite Idea that occurs from the many pleasant comments we have heard. The innovation of the school children singing in front of the post office was very nice. We en­ joyed hearing and seeing these groups. Too, the Trivitt Memor­ ial bells were much enjoyed. Could we hear the 'bells more often? Citizen. who gave their talent, to that their efforts were appreciated. This letter is unofficial. It is just an JASPER T Maclean's Magazind He: I went to the bank to bor­ row some money today. She: You have no security to offer. Did you expect to borrow on your face? He: YeS . . . that’s how I come out ... on my face. *1