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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Wingham Advance-Times, 1954-07-28, Page 380 TWrty-eight The Wingham Advance-Times, Wednesday, July 28, 1954 * Simon Mitchell Ran Cement Plant A resident of Wingham for over 30 years, Binion Mitchell took an active interest in the town’s welfare and .activities. He was a member of council for- over 13 years and also held the position of reeve. Mr. Mitchell was a fearless debater and was ever ready to express his views in municipal affairs. In the days when fie held a position on coun­ cil, the outcome of an election was the result of a hard-fought battle. One year it was stated that he had won over his opponent by the width of a ribbon. Mr. Mitchell was a mem­ ber of the municipal body at the time of his death in 1921, at the age of 76. In politics he was a Conservative, He was also dist Church, a member of the Cana­ dian Order ’ ~ ’ Loyal Orange Lodge and the Royal Black Preceptory. When Mr. Mitchell came to Wing­ ham from Arthur, he purchased the a member of the Metho- of Chosen Friends, the Board of Trade An organization that has tried hard to function in Wingham, with only moderate success, has been the Board of Trade. First formed in 1884, it re­ mained active for only a few years, and periodically the charter was re­ vived, only to)cease operations again Within a short time. One of the most active re-organiz­ ations of the Board of Trade took place in 1917, when A, H. Wilford was elected president. Mr. Wilford was married that year, and while op his honeymoon to Chicago, busied him­ self in trying to induce several in­ dustries to locate in Wingham. He did succeed, however, in bring­ ing a branch of the Clinton Knitting Company here, Mr. Libby, the mana­ ger, stating that the reason he came was that Mr. Wilford pestered him so much that he had to move to Wing­ ham to put an end to his insistent calls, Today Wingham is served by a Chamber of Commerce and the Wing­ ham Business Association. The latter organization assumed responsibility for the arrangements of the 75th An­ niversary Celebrations. Town’s Original Present Local The Wingham cemetery was first situated on the property now used as a ball park on the northwest corner of Josephine and Alfred Streets, and was opened in 1866. During the first few years wheat grew op the western half of the graveyard, and across Josephine Street, up the eastern hill of Alfred, were fields of grain owned by the Cornyn family. The growth of the village spread northward, and it was decided that not only should Wingham have a larger cemetery, but that it should be farther removed from the town. Ten acres of land were purchased from Alex Kelly in 1877, just outside the town plot, and the graves were re­ moved from the old grounds. The parish of Sacred Heart Church later purchased on«-acre of land ad­ joining the municipal plot and within the past month they have deeded over their property to the town, and it is now being* maintained by the cemetery committee. A shape! was erected in 195?, a dig­ nified building of red brick, op the north side of the property. On the main floor there is room for those Who attend burial service, so that they need not be exposed to the weather during the winter months. On the lower floor is space for about fifty caskets. The buildipg was dedi­ cated ip November of thSt year. The Wingham cemetery is kept in immaculate condition. Credit for this situation is due to the efforts of Robt. Deyell, who has served as caretaker for the' past 44 years. TOWN’S WORST BLAZE RAZED BEAVER BLOCK <4 / for-his Legion Borne Purchased By Grateful Residents of District cement works on the corner of Jose­ phine and Charles Streets, the pre­ sent location of Gordon Davidson's residence, and continued to operate the business for many years. Mrs. Fred Fuller, of town, is a daughter of the late Mr. Mitchell, and Mrs. Lettie Mitchell is a daughter-in- law. membership responsible Council of Lodges ©f the Past A Camp of the Sons of was organized and known as "Cale­ donian Camp” in 1891 with R. A. Graham as past chief and Dr. Mel­ drum as chief. Sicily Lodge No. 32, of the Knights of Pythias was formed in 1891 with a charter membership of 23. The Council of Royal Templars was organized in 1901 with a of 50 and J. Buchanan for its formation. Formed in 1894, the Chosen Friends was still active in 1909 and met in the Chisholm Block. At the time the lodge was instituted there was a membership of fifty, and in the fifteen years that followed not a single break was made by death, the membership increasing to 70. A Camp of the Canadian Order of Woodsmen of the World was formed in 1901, the new lodge being given the name "National”, being instituted in the year of the erection of the National Iron Works, One of the very early lodges was the Good Templars, Star of the West, receiving its warrant on January 22, 1863. Meetings were held on Tuesday evenings over a store in Lower Wing­ ham. The Anchor of Hope Lodge No, 280, Independent Order of Good Templars, was organized in 1890 with a member­ ship of 116. The first meeting to form a Can­ adian Legion branch in Wingham was. called by Herb Campbell, who acted as chairman for the meeting in the town hall. The Wingham Branch of the Can­ adian Legion No. 180, received its charter from the Provincial Command in 1931, the charter members being: Herb Campbell, Ken Weaver, R. H. Lloyd, George H. Ross, George How- son, Harry Town, William Galbraith, E. S. Copeland, H. C. MacLean, Frank Sturdy, G. L. Baker, S. Forbes, Chas. Gillespie, Alf. Posliff, James T. Cur­ rie. During the first few years, meetings were held in two rooms above the present offices of Crawford and Heth­ erington, and later the Legion took over the Armouries. At that time the Armouries, not having been used for some time, was in need of repair. The Legion made the necessary renova­ tions, and until 1947 it was used for monthly meetings and a club room. The pj-esent floor in the Armouries wag laid by voluntary help of the Legion members. The Legion Home on John Street was purchased in 1945, through a gen­ erous grant from the Town of Wing­ ham and surrounding townships, in appreciation of those who served their country during the second war. A great deal of the credit must go to the veterans of World War I, who made many changes and decorated the building. There are now meeting rooms for both the men-, and the La­ dies’ Auxiliary, as well as modern club rooms. Following World War II the Wing­ ham Legion tripled its membership, and is, at the present time, one of a thriv­ a book­ sawmill, KINSMEN CLUB WAS FORMED SIX YEARS AGO Wingham’s second service club was was formed'under the sponsorship of the Kincardine club, the first meeting being held on September 24th, 1948, with charter night on November 19th of the same year. Twenty-nine mem­ bers were enrolled an charter night, officers being President Art Loucks; 1st Vice-pres., Stewart Scott; 2nd vice- pres., Bob Ferguson; sec., Scott Reid; treas., Ross Hamilton; registrar, Jim Hamilton; directors, DeWitt Miller, Andy Scott and John Strong. Among the projects which have en­ gaged the attention of the Kinsmen Club have been: Sponsorship of the Bantam hockey team; annual sponsor­ ship of the Salvation Army’s Red Shield campaign; purchase of two hos­ pital beds for public use; donation of ‘5 $4000 to the artificial ice fund; as­ sistance to the Manitoba flood relief; purchase of two additional hospital beds; donation of a wading pool to the town of Winghant; contributions made to the European flood relief. Chatter members still active in the club are Clare Cantelon, LlOyd Ella- cott, Bob Ferguson, Jack Gorbutt, Jim Hamilton, Jack Lloyd, Vic Loughlean, Frank Pickell, Andy Scott Walker. Officers Of the present Pres., Lloyd Ellacott; 1st Warren Callan; 2nd vice-pfes., Jack Gorbutt; sec., Charlie Farrott; treas., Jack Walker; registrar, Nels Cun­ ningham; directors, Jack Lloyd, Jim McGleash, John Currie. Peter S. Linklater Was Storekeeper Peter S. Linklater was born in the Orkney Islands, and came to Canada with his family when only twelve years of age. They settled in this sec­ tion and Mr. Linklater saw the town site converted from forest to ing community. He was for many years keeper at the J. J. Anderson and then went into business for him­ self, operating a general store in Lower Town, and later on the cor­ ner of Josephine and Alfred Streets, where the Wingham Fruit Market is today. Mr. Linklater was a member of the Presbyterian .Church and served as elder for nearly thirty-five years, and for many years was active in Sunday School work. He was a Liberal in politics and took an interest in affairs of the community. Peter S. Linklater was the father of Mrs. Peter Gowans and Peter Link­ later, of town, and he died in 1912. fend Jack club are: Vice-pfes., the stronger branches in the district. Two life memberships have been granted, one to S. Forbes, who holds, the position of service officer for this district, and the other to Dick Bur- bidge, in recognition of their untiring efforts for the welfare of the branch and its members. Legion members have raised funds by sponsoring bingos and other money-making projects, to assist in : welfare work. During the second war many parcels were sent to those serv­ ing overseas, and the Legion has as­ sumed a great deal of responsibility ' in aiding veterans and their depend- , ents who were less fortunate. \Don Adams holds the office of presi- i dent, and others who have served in that capacity since the formation of the Wingham branch are Herb Camp- • bell, H? C. McLean, Ken Weaver, Geo. Williams, D. Kennedy, Chas. Coultes, W. G. Hamilton, W, W- Armstrong, - W. Vanwyck, A. W. Irwin, DeWitt ■ Miller and F. John Bateson. Formed in 1908, the YMCA appears to have been short lived in Wingham. Officers elected at the organizational meeting were W- J. Price, pres.; W., D. Pringle, vice-pres.; Geo. Mutton, sec.; and Robt. Maxwell, treas. F. Buchanan was a member of the Coun­ ty Committee. A Ladies’ Auxiliary was formed the following year with Mrs. J. F. Linklater as president. A young men's club known as the Parish Club was organized in 1907. It was undenominational and met% in Mills Memorial Hall, the old Congre­ gational Church which had been pur­ chased by T. A. Mills and donated to St. Paul’s Church as a-parish hall. Renovations were made and it was fitted up with a bowling alley, read­ ing room, gymnasium, etc., with the main auditorium for a lecture hall. There was a membership of about 75 and the club was a popular place during the winter months. A Ladies’ Auxiliary was formed and the women met in the'afternoon, once a week for "bowling. At one time the business men form­ ed a club and occupied rooms on the second floor of the Meyer Block which accommodated a reading room. There was later a social club with rooms fitted up in the Bank of Commerce building, now occupied by Drs. Cor- rin and Palmer. Kid gloves to suit every person, in all shades, styles, and at 25c upwards at M. H. Mclndoo’s. Also a very large and well assorted stock of silk taf- fette and lisle gloves. See them. —Ad 1888. J4A Holmes' Blacksmith Shop Probably one of the largest fires in Wingham was that in the Beaver block, the handsome mercantile build­ ing across from the Brunswick House where Edighoffers Store is now locat­ ed. This disaster took place in 1887. Fire was noticed in the mansard or top floor about 1.30 a.m, The alarm was sounded and firemen arrived on the scene in record time. With aid of citizens, the fire was soon brought under control while s.till confined to the top floor. At this juncture the water supply failed. Investigation revealed that a pinion in a shaft that controlled the water supply at the water works building had broken. The pinion was some eight feet under water and it was imposs­ ible to repair it in time to be of any further service that night. The fire broke out again and with no water at hand, the firemen could see that it was impossible to save the block. JJr. Cline,-chief of the fire brigade, appealed to the citizens to carry pails of water in order to save the surrounding buildings. There”was a high wind at the time. Several buildings nearby took fire but the brigade and willing citizens with pails of water extinguished the flames. Frame buildings at the immediate rear of the burning block were pulled down to prevent the spread of fire in that direction. The front of the wall crash­ ed across main street,and hours the entire building lished. supply nearly der ordinary circumstances the dam­ age would not have exceeded $1,000. Tom Manuel worked in ice cold wa­ ter at the water works for about two hours, replacing the broken pinion. On the ground floor of the building there were three large store occupied by C. W. and J. Henderson, dry goods; Smith and Pethick, hardware and W. G. Collins, who had been in town but one week. On the second floor was the Mechanics’ Institute; S. G. McGill, law office; Robert Mclndoo; J. S. Jerome, dentist and W. F. Brocken- shire, photographer. A tailor shop on the third floor whs operated by Gor­ don and Mclndoo and Robert Orr, who jointly hired a tailor to turn out their ordered goods. within two was demo- the waterto the failure of the fire caused destruction of $40,000 worth of property. Lin­ R. E. N. BARRON WAS FIRST SCOUTMASTER enA Boy Scout troop was formed Wingham in 1910. R. E. N. Barron was scoutmaster, J. Allen, assistant, and G. Howson and F. Manuel were patrol leaders. Scout George Bowman was present­ ed with a scroll of honor for life saving in 19’12 by H. G. Hammond, provincial secretary of the Boy Scouts’ Association, Meetings were held in rooms over the Meyer Block on Josephine Street. For some time the organization was active and then was disbanded. Scout­ ing was re-organized again in 1925, when A. L. Posliff was scoutmaster, and since that time troops have come and gone, the last one with Bill Con- ron as scoutmaster, folding about 1949. Cubs Now Functioning Cubs have had a similar history. Previous to the organization of the present group last fall, Stewart Beat- tie and Stan Hall had charge of the Cubs, the group disbanding about 1948. The Cubs now have a membership of about 70, those taking charge at the time of re-organization being Jack Alexander and Jack Lloyd, with Pat Carmichael, Barbara Edwards, Mac Cameron and Bev, BroOks as assist­ ants. Later in the year Bill Rintoul assisted Jack Alexander in ‘B’ pack. Meetings are held in 'the United Church gymnasium on Monday and Thursday nights With the regular at­ tendance registering about 50. The Wlngham Lions Club hopes to be able to purchase a section of the H- hut at the Wingham District High School when the new school is com­ pleted, and have it moved to a new location, for a meeting place for the Cubs. It is also hoped that at that time a Boy Scout troop can be Or­ ganized, and that with their own ac- Z * » <, < . ’"’"T „6j,_ m v TTTTm commodation, these two grbups soWilliam Holmes opened his business in 1877 and had learned his trade from .,_. ,x .« , .John Paterson, a veteran horseshoef and mechanic, who operated a shop youth«°£ the c m“ where the Branswich Motel now stands. Mr.' Holmes’ shdp was on the site j hittfiity, Will meet with better success of the present Bert Armstrong garage. ‘ I than in the past.of the present Bert Armstrong garage.than in the past. (Working as a young ’lad __ father on the Wingham Advance, W. J. “Bill” Fleuty decided to write a weekly column of comment about lo­ cal affairs of the day. To spruce UP the heading of the column, which he titled "The Man on the Street”, Bill had a wood cut made by an engraver. The picture you see above is printed from the same wood cut and the col­ umn below was penned by its original author.) ? It may be a surprise to some people of this day ahd generation to know that the Wingham Town Hall was erected without the services of an architect. A citizen of the town got the contract and he drew all the plans and specifications and supervised its construction. His name v^&s-Carr. This was in 1890. Who would say he didn’t make a good job of it? 0-0-0 This special anniversary number would not be complete without making mention, for the benefit especially of the boys of 75 years ago, who resided in Wingham, of the many berries that grew on trees on the prairies near the river. What feasts of these ries the boys did enjoy. Have old-timers who are back in town gotten them? Not likely. 0-0-0 In Wingham’s early days horse ing was a popular pastime on the icei of the north branch of the Maitland, and in some winters, skaters travelled as far up the river as the outskirts of Wroxeter. ber- you for- rac- a girl about twelve years of her parents were or where from was a mystery. James a teacher, tried to worm 0-0-0 On the evening of the day that Wingham was incorporated as a town an inebriated resident of Lower Wing­ ham, incensed at his portion of the town plot not being included in the limits of the corporation of the town of Wingham, made an attempt to wreak his vengeance by setting fire to the public school building. A few minutes after the blaze was started, another person took the short cut across the commons from John to William Street and by scattering the pile of blazing dry branches of wood, easily extinguished . the small flame. No action was taken against the would-be incendiarist. 0-0-0 When Lower Town pupils came to Upper Town public school, one of them was age. Who she came Campbell, out some facts regarding her parents. She told him she hadn’t any, that she came down in a heavy rain storm when the spring freshet was on. Any­ thing further than that, she could not or would not divulge. 0-0-0 George Hutton was. a son of the member of the firm of that name of Hutton, Price and Carr of Lower Wingham flour mills. He lost a leg while playing around in the Lower Town sawmills. He met his death in a fracas in Seattle, Wash., when that city was known as the toughest port on the Pacific coast. 0-0-0 Charlie Kent, a son of Sextus Kent, was one of the most popular men in the town of Wingham, in its earliest days. He was fond of horses and dogs. At one time he was the proud pos­ sessor of a handsome grey driver that he had purchased in London. The first day he had his horse on the street it was the cynosure of all eyes, and not to be eclipsed by its hand­ some appearance, it could trot a mile in three minutes. That was something to be proud of in those days, Charlie also owned two dogs, a Man­ chester terrier and a bullmastif. These two animals were as good friends as any two humans could be. An Uncle Tom’s Cabin Co. came to town ohfe day, and On their departure the big dog was missing. A year Or so later the show came back to town. A parade was put on in the afternoon to adver­ tise the evening’s performance. Three supposedly vicious bloodhounds were shown, dog. 1 Louis Blake Duff Worked for "Times” Louis Blake Ruff may be regarded as c^ie of the Wingham old boys. Born in Bluevale, he graduated from Lietowel High School before there was a high school in Wingham. He taught for four years at SB- No. 9, East Wa- wanosh, near Wingham. In these days • he was a sports enthusiast, playing with the Wingham football team and competing in bicycle races. In a spirit of adventure he acquired a driver so wild his friends were afraid 10* ride with him. x After teaching, Mr. Duff took up newspaper work, reporting for the former Wingham Timqs (under Blake Elliott), and then for the Stratford Beacon and the Galt Reporter. While in Galt he was a memher of the Galt football team which made a victorious tour of the West. Mr, puff went to Welland in 1905, later bought' the Welland Telegraph and published it for many years. When he sold the newspaper, he be­ came president of the Niagara Fi­ nance Company. More recently he es­ tablished his own financial business. Mr, Duff has been president of the Ontario Historical Society, and as­ sociate editor of the Ontario History Magazine. His main interest is in history and he is an authority on the history of the Niagara Peninsula. He is an experienced public speaker, and has also written several books, chiefly on historical subjects. In 1952 the Western Uniyersity, Lon-‘ don, honored Mr. Duff with the degree of L.L.D. for his accomplishments in journalism and history. George Alien Was Police .Chief 37 Years A familiar figure in Wingham wa» George Allen, who served as local Chief of Police for over 37 years. Mr, Allen was born in Mount Shan* non, Ireland and came to this country at the age of eighteen. He was a rail-- road man for over twenty years, and. had worked in London as an engineer for the C.N.R. before coming to Wing­ ham* about 1901, following an accident which made it impossible to carry fen­ in his former profession. Mr. Allen was a member of St. Paul’s Churcn and a life member of the Masonic Order. He was married to the-former Elizabeth McKenzie, of Wingham, who still resides here. Mr. Allen died in 1953. Betty Taylor Attended Olympics at Berlin, 1936 Many^ of the citizens of Wingham Miss Taylor also ran in the remember Mr. and Mrs. Thos, Taylor ]• World^ Games in London and family, former residents of town. Mr. Taylor operated a fertilizer plant here for some years, coming from IfJgersoll in 1918, On leaving Wingham the Taylors moved are now 'residents to of of Hamilton, and Burlington.' five, Jessie, and Betty, all Of a family Bill, Nancy, Margaret were athletic, and it was quite custom­ ary for the Taylor children to walk off with the ribbons at the local track and field meets. Bill, now of London, gained prominence as a poll vaulter. While attending high school here, he set a record at the W.O.S.S.A. at Lon­ don. He was also the local Cadet Corps .303 crack shot. One of them was Charlife’s owner of the show was con- by out townsman, who at once recognised his property. ‘The showman vehemently denied this, Clairtilng he had botight the dog in New Orleans, To prove his ownership Chatlie tobk the little* black ahd tan terrier ahd The tacted Women’s; in 1934, girl, Mrs.. 11.6r. I placing second to a German Englehardt, both' being timed at a new world record. While in England Betty made broadcasts to Canada, and was sented with an evening bag by Lord Decies. Two years later Miss Taylor won. the Ontario senior hurdles, the Cana­ dian senior hurdles and became a member of the Olympic track and field: team, later being chosen captain of the, team. two- pre­ Betty was later to become a cham­ pion hurdler, running her first race in Hamilton in 1930, when she won the 60 yard Intermediate hurdles at the Canadian track and field champion­ ships, with a new Canadian record of nine and eight-tenths seconds. Al­ though Betty was in the junior age group, she was given special permis­ sion to enter the Intermediate race, as there was no junior hurdles event. The race took place during the week of the British Empire Games in Ham­ ilton, and Lord Burghley, a member of the British, team and a hurdles champion himself, commented that her style was as good as' any in the world. For the rest of that season Miss Taylor ran in open competition. Eighty metre hurdles were intro­ duced in Canada in 1932, and the spacing of hurdles changed. In that year Betty placed second in the 80 metre hurdles, Canadian champion­ ships and Olympic trials, and was chosen to represent Canada at the games in Los Angeles. There were nine girls on the track and field team, Miss Taylor’s heat being won by ‘Babe’ Dedrickson, who made a new world record placed placed which rickson in 11.7, another Taylor was fourth at 11,9. The follow­ ing year she won the Canadian title at Vancouver. Placed Second in England In 1934 Roxy Atkins and Betty tied in 80 metre hurdles at the Canadian Championships. Miss Taylor led by about five feet until the last hurdle, when her. foot touched the timber and Mrs. Atkins pulled up even. They made a new Canadian record of 11.9. Betty was then chosen for the British Empire Games team, which competed in London, England, that year. Hefe she placed Second, with Marjorie Clarke of South Africa winning in 11.8. of 11.8, The two girls second and third third and fourth was also won by in this in the ‘Babe’ record. who heat, final Ded- Miss To Berlin in 1936 At Berlin Miss Taylor was accident-^- ally elbowed by Italy’s Trebisonda Valla as four girls jumped the final hurdle together, and was beaten by inches. She was ahead when Miss-. Valla’s elbow dug her in the ribs,, knocking her off stride momentarily. The lost stride or two was the margin; that carried Miss Valla to victory,, with Amy Steuber of Germany, second Miss Taylor third and Claudia Testoni, of Italy, fourth. All were credited with. “ 11.7 seconds. There was no doubt that she was the finest girl hurdler in the- games and perhaps the best stylist of either sex. Experts figured that the- Canadian girl would have covered the distance in possibly 11.5 had* she not been interfered, with. Miss Taylor was awarded the Velma Springstead Trophy, which is present-- . ed to the best woman athlete of the year and was nominated for the Lou Marsh Trophy. She has held the In­ termediate Senior 60 yard hurdles re­ cord, the Intermediate Senior 80 metre- hurdles record, and the indoor record^- for 50 yard, open. Betty Taylor graduated from Mc­ Master University in 1937 in Moderns. (French and German) and then at­ tended the O.C.E. in Toronto. The following year, in 1938, she took a position as teacher at the High School of Commerce in Ottawa. She was mar­ ried in 1944 to William F. Campbell, a graduate of' McMaster and Cam­ bridge Universities. They have two children, Margaret and David, and re- side„ in Ottawa. Pottery A pottery industry was carried on at the foot of Josephine Street, near the Maitland River in the early days,, the clay there being suitable for the purpose. The products from the pot­ tery supplied a large area, there being no other industry of its kind closer than Seaforth and Mildmay. Mr. Tait operated the pottery in 1888. dropped it into a box stall in the Royal Hotel stables, Recognition was instan­ taneous and the two canines went through all the antics of old friends having a happy reunion. The show owner was alloWed to keep his blood­ thirsty bloodhound. 0-0-0 OLD PAL I wish that We could live the old days over, Just once more. wish' that we could hit the together,\ , JUst onfee mote. Gay Pal, the years* are slipping by, With many a dream and many a sigh, Let’s chum together before we die, Just once more. I trail Broom Factory Wingham bfeasted a broom factory in 1889, owned and operated by Gefe, McKenzie, in a building on the north- side' of the Maitland River oh JoSfeW phine Street (south of where Reavie Motors is located today). Two em­ ployees Were hired at first, producing 80 dofcen brooms a week in five dif­ ferent grades. Pump Factory Harry Cook operated a pump fac­ tory in Wingham, starting in business in the year 1880. Hodiad been a resi­ dent of Goderich before locating here. WOodert and iron force and lift pumps Were, manufactured at his fac­ tory, and turning and repairing Whs done. Mt. Clatk hlpo installed hydrau­ lic rams.