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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Wingham Advance-Times, 1954-08-04, Page 2The Wingliam Advance-Times, Wednesday, Aug1. 4th, 1964 EDITORIALS ■ JFUN, WASN’T IT? Wingham’s 75th anniversary celebration is over, now that the tumult and shouting has finally died away, people are really beginning to appreciate what a success it was, Even the most critical of the town’s critics must be forced to admit that the thing was a success. Ten thousand people can’t be very wrong. Without trying to analyse too deeply the reasons for the success of the anniversary celebrations, we’d be inclin­ ed to put it down to several things. There is, of course, the fact that the general chairman worked himself to the bone. Apart from that there are several other reasons why the celebration went over with such a bang. Right from the start the council was behind the whole effort They had enough foresight to see that you can’t work without capital, and they grubstaked the venture to the tune of $2,500. As it now turns out they may make a little profit on the deal, in spite of the fact that they had originally not even expected to get their money back. Another reason for the celebration’s success was the enthusiasm which was generated in the townspeople. Starting from small beginnings this enthusiasm spread and accumulated until .almost everybody was engaged in some kind of work for the celebration. Enthusiasm is catching and this is one time it really caught. And finally, in our opinion, one of the biggest contri­ buting factors to the success of the anniversary was the fact that it was conceived on a large scale—large enough to loom as a major attraction in a day of so many counter­ attractions. Wingham’s celebrations were certainly a success. And the main reason they were was that so many people be­ lieved they could be, and went out and did something about it. and HELENS Mr. and Mrs, Gordon Cameron, Misses Marjory and Helen and Master Jackie Cameron of Blackie, Alberta, are visitors with his brother, John and Mrs. Cameron, It is 21 years since Gordon visited his old home. Telephone service was disrupted at Harvey Webb’s and Allan Miller’s and several trees including the big spruce beside the Miller store were splintered during the severe electrical storm on Saturday morning but the most dairi- age was done at Mr, Will Webster’s home. Here the chimney was knocked off, the bolt coming down into the bedroom of Mr. and Mrs. George Web­ ster, knocking down the stove pipes and plaster and splintering the floor. The baby, asleep in her crib, narrowly escaped the falling plaster. Mr. Donald Murray has been a pat­ ient in the Wingham General Hospi­ tal where he has been receiving treat­ ment for an infected finger, Miss Isabelle MacPherson spent the week-end, the guest of Miss Jo-Anne Easom, Auburn. Mr. and Mrs. Jack Berndt Jr., of Detroit, Corporal Gordon Berndt of Fort Knox, Kentucky and Mr. Keith Black of Centralia, were recent visi­ tors at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Gor­ don MacPherson. iwntePoffcvOupjg 1 ■ N ■ *** SHOWS WHAT YOU CAN DO The success of the anniversary celebrations would seem to be an indication of what, can be done in the way of community co-operation when the community really sets its mind to it. Probably never before have the people of Wingham dug so deeply into their time and energies to put on a celebration which, as it turned out, did full justice to their efforts. Particularly worthy of mention are the efforts of Johnny Brent, as chairman of the celebration committee, the decoration committee, under Clare Cantelon, who did such ,a wonderful job of decorating the town, the invita­ tions committee, which spent many hours in compiling a list of names and mailing out invitations,, the properties • committee which worked so hard erecting benches and seats, and all the other committees, merchants and citi­ zens who contributed their time and energy to make the event ,a success. A lot of credit, too, goes to the folk of The district who contributed articfes of historical interest -for the many store window displays. The anniversary celebration is an indication of what ■can be done when everyone in the community pitches in .and helps. *** how About a museum The great amount of interest shown in the store win­ dow displays of pioneer objects, many of which were brought into town from the surrounding district, again brings dp the subjects of whether a district museum would be a good idea in Wingham. From the amount of histor­ ical objects on display during the celebration, one would .think that at .least there must be sufficient material. All too often such objects become lost or damaged, through too long a stay in the attic, and their numbers must be decreasing year by year with the passing of time. Even the modest beginnings of a district museum would preserve many of these historical objects for future generations, and provide a stopping point of interest for visitors to the town. *** BRAIN AND BRAWN Perhaps one of the most potent reasons why Canada Is a bit backwards culturally, is the fact that the people of this country have always had a healthy disregard for book­ learning. Large sections of the population have come to regard book reading as a sort of mild secret vice, in which no healthy, red-blooded Canadian boy would indulge. Perhaps all new countries have the same trouble. Per­ haps you have to be old and decadent before mental ac­ complishments become more important than physical prowess. Perhaps Canadians are used to being too busy with the ordinary, workaday chore of earning a living,, to bother about reading, culture, intellectual pursuits and all that. Whatever the reason, we hope it’s not too permanent. ♦twat Published at Wingham, Ontario Wenger Brothers, Publishers, W, Barry Wenger, Editor Member Audit Bureau of Circulation Authorized as Second Class Mail Post Office Dept .Subscription Rate — One Year |2.50, Six Months $1.25 In advance U S. A. $3.50 per year Foreign Rato 33.50 per Advertising Rates oh application year * GORRIE Frances Mr. and the fun- The following are from a few of the letters received at the Advance- Times from former residents of the town regarding the 75th anniversary and the Advance-Times Historical Ed­ ition ; Archdeacon Win. H, Hartely, of Dur­ ham, who taught in Lower Town School 1891-93, has pleasant memories of Wingham and believes that there are some of his pupils still residing here. Mr. Hartely is now living retired and sends his best wishes for the cele­ bration and his personal regards to Will Fleuty and all other old friends, 0-0-0 Mrs. E. Cuthbertson of Toronto, re­ grets being unable to attend but is not in the best of health. 0-0-0 Mrs. Herb Govier of Auburn, was looking forward to attending service in St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church on Sunday, with Rev. David Perrie in charge. Mrs. Govier nursed him in the cradle. Norman Blatchford, Mrs. Govier’s son, played the' mouthorgan and guitar over 10 BP when he was in his teens. have a copy of the historical edition. Mrs. Lutton intended being here for the celebrations,♦ * ♦ And from Miss Cora R. L. Fisher, of Paisley a request for a copy for her sister, Mrs. Margaret Wingham Fisher, the first baby girl born in Wingham, Mrs. Fisher was of course very inter­ ested in the plans for the celebration, and hoped, with her sister, Miss Cora Fisher, to visit in Wingham with their cousin, Mrs. Geo. Hanna over the holi­ day. Mr. Robert Graham, Mrs. Strong, Mr. Roy Strong and Mrs. E. H, Strong attended eral in Tara on Monday afternoon of ! Mrs. Clifford Strong of Tara. ' Miss Beryl Bennett, Miss Thelma Stafford, Kitchener, Mac Hutchison, Newtonbrook and Jim Walker, of . London, spent the week-end and holi­ day at their respective homes. j Mr. and Mrs. Harold Hyndman, j Gwen, Jim and Jerry, are spending ; two weeks at Port Elgin. Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Jardine and Mr. Glen Jardine left Saturday on a motor trip to Moosejaw, Sask. Miss Jean Campbell and Mrs. Walsh, 1 Listowel, Miss Annie Bramhill, Palm- ■ erston and Miss Jean Sparling have returned from a trip to Ottawa, Hull, ' Montreal and Lake Placid, New York. Mrs. Effie Elliott, Harvey, Illinois; Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Wolland, Toronto, visited Mrs. Ethel Bradnock last week. Miss Jean Lohr, Thelma and Shirley Bennett, Marie Hastie and Margaret Brown are holidaying at Pt. Elgin, Mr. and Mrs. Lorne Laird, of Tor­ onto, were guests last week of Mrs. Tessie Zimmerman. Mr. and Mrs. Carter McKee, of Galt, and the Rev. Geo. and Mrs. Wylie and John, of Otterville, are visiting with Mrs. John Wylie. Mr. and Mrs. Tom Baird of Brucefield, were Sunday guests at the same home. Guests at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Hilton Ashton on Tuesday, July 27th, were Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Radford, Clinton; Mr. and Mrs. C. Hobbs, Monkton; Robert and Barry Ashton, Hamilton; and Mr. and Mrs. Leland Ashton, Susan and Catharine, Toronto. Fraser Ashton and Kenneth Jones, of Lucknow, are holidaying at the same home. Miss Phyllis Wilson, Fordwich, is holidaying with relatives here. Captain John Neilson and Mrs. Neil­ son and family, of Shiloh, Man., are spending a few weeks ip, the village. Mrs. L. Neilson, who has been a pat­ ient at Mrs. Effie McCrackin's Nurs­ ing home for the past several months is at her home for a few days. Mr. and Mrs. Albert Heibein, Miss Margaret Heibein, and Mr. and Mrs. Lyle Watson were in Milverton on Saturday attending the wedding of the former’s son, Mr. Wm. Heibein arid Miss Margaret Orr, London. We ex­ tend hearty good wishes to the bride and groom'. Mr. and Mrs. Mel Gilkinsoh were in Fergus on Tuesday, for the funeral of Mr. Gilkinson’s little nephew, Ter­ rance Gilkinson, who was accident­ ally killed by a car. Mr. and Mrs. Ray McIntyre, of Owen Sound, were renewing old ac­ quaintances here on Sunday and Monday and were guests of Mr. and ; Mrs. Norman Wade and Mr. and Mrs. Wes. Strong. Mr. Lawrence Short, of Fergus, spent a couple of days last week with his parents and sister. Mr. and Mrs. • Percy Colmer, Gary and Donna, of Toronto, are spending their holidays with relatives here. Miss Patricia Harris, of Fordwich, spent last week with her cousin, Miss Sandra Edgar. Miss Mabel Irwin was home from Wingham for a few days last week. Mr. Jack Gibson and daughter, Miss Margaret, of Durham, visited on Sun­ day with Mr. and Mrs. Mel Gilkinson. Mr. and Mrs. F. E. Russell, Donald and’ Jimmie Patterson, have returned to Sarnia for the month of August. Mr. and Mrs. Ross Plant, of Lon­ don, spent the week-end with the for­ mer's mother, Mrs. Bertha Plant. Mr. and Mrs. Manfred Irwin ahd Mr, and Mrs. Don Irwin returned on Sunday night from a ten day trip to Brandon, Manitoba. They went by way of the U.S.A, and returned by the Northern Ontario route. Mrs. Jean Macdonald, of London, spent the week-end With Mr. and Mrs. W. G. King. Guests of Mr. ahd Mrs, Hector Hamilton on Sunday Were; Mr. and Mrs. Melville Beecroft and family, of Otterville, Mr, and Mrs, Gilbert Bee­ croft and Mrs. nosh. Friends will be sorry to learn that Mrs. W. C. King has been confined to bed for the past Week and all are hoping for a speedy recovery. 0-0-0 A letter from Mrs. R. J. Munshaw of London, stated that she was sorry she would not be here for the occasion. Mr. Munshaw operated a jewellery store here from 1894-1905, and Wing­ ham was remembered as a thriving town. He has since passed away and Mrs. Munshaw is now over 90 but still active. ' 0-0-0 Mrs. R. B. Jones (Lou Ferguson) of 1 Long Beach, Calif., left town with her J parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Ferguson I in 1910. Her father had been clerk and I treasurer for 25 years. Sirs. Jones has i not been in Wingham for some years. 0-0-0 I A letter from John C. Maxwell, of ! Orillia, sends regrets to John Hanna, ’ all the McLean family, the VanNor- ’ mans, McKibbons, Swarts, Sherbondys, ’ Hannas, Youngs, Walkers, Bill Mc­ Cool, Tom Currie and many others. Mr. Maxwell left Wingham in 1921. ; He well remembers the special edition : issued some 25 years ago, edited by the late Tom McLean as a masterpiece ; of nostalgia. - 0 - 0 - 0 - From Norwich, Conn., John Bullard : writes that he remembers the erection i of the town hall. He is a son of Joseph . Bullard, a former police chief here, : who died in 1898 following an accident at Button & Fessant’s chair factory; Mr. Bullard is now 73 years of age. He remembers many of the old-timers quite vividly. 0-0 - 0 Charles MacKay of Dunnville, was born here in 1887 and hoped to be here for the festivities. Mr. MacKay stated that he would especially like to see the hatchet that must have been bur­ ied when the Times and the Advance amalgamated. 0-0-0 C. W. Wood, of Toronto, son of Wm. Beese Wood, and Pearl Lockridge writes that his parents were both born and raised here and is sure they will enjoy the anniversary edition. His mother has a copy of the T. McLean edition which she thoroughly enjoyed and still treasures. 0-0-0 Mrs. W. A. Brackley of Gravenhurst formerly (Anne Blackhall) a daughter of Mrs. C. S. Blackhall, of town, who is 88 years old and .has resided here 55 years, and the late C. S. Blackball, one of the founders of Fry- & Black­ hall, has enjoyed in times past the writings of the late Peter S. Fisher. 0-0-0 Regret at not being able to attend celebration expressed by Mrs. H. A. 'House (Florence M. Constable) of Toronto, (pelighted to know there is the "dear old home town’s" 75th anni­ versary. Her father, Wm. H. Constable is now 87 years old and would like to take part in the cele/brations but is unable to be here because of ill health Mr. Constable was with his uncle, the late Thos. Bell in the furniture manu- ufacturing business from 1890 until about 1909. Emily (Mrs. Edward Doherty), Fred . W., Walter R. and Florence (Mrs. H. A. House), all live in Toronto and a son of the late Harry F. Constable, is ’ with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police at Red Deer, Alta. L 0-0-0 Mrs. J. Lutton, of Toronto, a grand- ‘ daughter of the late Anne Cornyn Currie, the first white woman in the town of Wingham, felt she really must Eccles Dow, of Wawa- 0-0-0 Lillian Anderson, of Hamilton, was looking forward to the anniversary. She moved from Wingham 86 years ago but is usually a summer visitor here and has kept in touch with acti­ vities in Wingham. 0-0-0 From Ralston, Alta., Victor A. Jerm­ yn, states that if he were in Ontario' he would not pass up the opportunity of attending the 75th, but he program there conflicts. He attended school in Wingham, starting 65 years ago. Miss Catley was his first teacher and A. H. "Mossey" Musgrove, principal. Mr. Jermyn is the writer of "True to Life Stories", "The last of’the Hall- ahans", "A Ring Around the Bath­ tub", "The Old Red Rooster" and "Meet Me in Dreamland" and several other songs. He sends his regards to Leon Cantelon and his mother. 0-0-0 Miss Irene Davis of Toronto, daugh­ ter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Henry Davis (Collector of Customs) likes the way the A-T boosts the home town. She is interested in Wingham and likes to see it prosper. Due to ill health Miss Davis will not be able to attend the anniversary, but she hopes it will be a huge success, and her best wishes go to all those who have put so much time and effort in the preparation. 0-0-0 Tom Kelly of Banff, Alta., was un­ able to get to Wingham this year but is interested in the "goings on" and the success of the activities. It is 29 years since he has been here. 0-0-6 A resident of Arcola, Sask., and former Winghamite, Mrs. Margaret Riddell, wonders if we believe in mental telepathy. She was wondering if a special issue of the A.-T. would, be prepared in commemoration of the celebration, went to the post office,, and found notice of same. Mrs. Rid­ dell visited Wingham last year, but had she known of the celebration coming up this year would have wait­ ed to attend the festivities. 0-0-0 D. Guest of Wadena, Sask., a form­ er Winghamite left here in 1907 and moved to Saskatchewan where he has resided since that time. Mr. Guest still has relatives here and considers Wingham his home town. 0-0-0 A 24-hour visit to Wingham last year brought back memories to W.R.. Smythe of Nelson, B. C. He stated that he took a,walk past the school and his hands and wrists seemed to, sting and smart all over not too fond memories “Lickin’’ out in the hall, says that looking back BEIMORE Aitken Reunion The Aitken families held a reunion' last Saturday afternoon and evening at the home of Robert S. Aitken on the 4th concession of Culross. Rela­ tives were present from Moosejaw, Darmody and Saskatoon, Saskatche­ wan and JIamilton, Guelph, Kitchener, Kincardine, Ripley, Belgrave, Blue­ vale, Wingham, Walkerton, Clifford, Elmwood and Teeswater, Mrs. Fred Johann . and Wilfred .attended from Belmore, Mr. Wm. Mundell of Wing­ ham was the oldest person present and Heather Alane little daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Stewart Johann of Tees­ water was the youngest. Personals Friends will be interested to know that Mr. and Mrs. Robert Corrigan, of Barrie, are the proud parents of a baby boy and Mr. and * Mrs. Stewart Aitke.i, of Kincardine, have welcomed a little baby girl to their family. Mr, Howard Aitken, of Saskatoon, and Mrs. R. J. Scott, of Wingham, spent Friday night with Mrs. J. S. Inglis and Jean. Mrs. Thomas Aitken, Mrs. E. Smith and Irisj of Elmwood, are spending some time in the community visiting relatives and friends. Mr. and Mrs. Carmen Lucas, of Mil­ waukee,. called on Miss Nellie and Mr. John Doig. last Wednesday also visited his former home where Mr. and Mrs. .Norman Kamrath. now live. Mrs. James C. Davidson, of Boston, Mass., left fpr her home last Wednes­ day after spending a month visiting relatives and friends, here. Mrs. David­ son was the former Helen Inglis. Miss Betty Aitken, of Hamilton, spent Saturday with- her cousin Mrs. F; Johann. Rev. Maurice D. McNab; of Mount Forest, occupied the pulpit in the Presbyterian Church Sunday after­ noon. Master Russell Press spent this past week with his uncle and aunt Mr. and Mrs. Jack Higgins, of Morris. Walter and Brian Edwards, of Lon­ don, are holidaying with their grand­ parents, Mr. and Mrs. Clark Renwick. Mr. and Mrs. Don Schatte and Gary' visited recently with Mr. and Mrs. George Merkley and girls. We wish at this time to extend our sympathy to Mrs. Carl Douglas, whose grandmother, Mrs. B. King, of Morris, passed away last Monday, July 26th. We are pleased to report that Mrs. Ken Bennett, who underwent a major operation in a Toronto Hospital this past week, is progressing favourably. Congratulations to Mr. John Fitch Sr., who Wednesday, July 28th cele­ brated his 88th birthday. Mr. Fitch’s sister Mrs. Elizabeth Smeltzer of Alu- met, Sask., who is 82 was present for .the occasion also members of his family and friends called to offer congratulations. Mr. and Mrs. Jim Brown, of Toron­ to,. spent the week-end with Rev. H. West, Mrs. West and. Jean. Mr; George Inglis is this week attending a Dominion. Legion Confer­ ence in Toronto; Paisley Youths Enjoy New Pool ” ► Under the supervision of Bill Allum, recreational director; the children of Paisley are enjoying their first organ­ ized swimming "pool" in Paisley. Village children of this centre are quite at home in their “pool," which is in the Saugeen River fenced off for the summer months. The bank above the pool has been bulldozed giving the bathers plenty of room to sun themselves. A near-by building will be used for dressing rooms and it is expected swimming instruction will be given the kiddies this week. At present some 50 to 60 children take the daily dip and in the evening adults follow their example. The site is located at Riverside Park. Recently a tag day was held to secure funds to help fix up the grounds around the pool, A DOROTHY GRAY EVEN I $2.50 ieir S U for both the Times and The for Blake Elliott and Mr. I si Phone 66 IIMIIIMIIH NUTALL LEIGH IMPERIAL AWNINGS YOURSELF. L*«li Imperial Awn- ?*••• tactwdwd In . •. only *£**** N Mudad. TMy *• up In mlevtet, have na unsightly brace*. again from of many a Mr. Smythe ,___ . o he realizes that he deserved it and loved it’alL. Changes noticed were the lack of the salt block and race track. Mr. Smythe was printers devil for Blake Elliott at The Times,one summer dur­ ing holiday season for l$.5O per week. o-o-o Allen S. Reid, one time employee of of Times and now of (Detroit, Mich., wanted a historical edition because “I can’t miss this opportunity of see­ ing for myself what the old girl can do when she gets the hit in her teeth!" Mr. Reid asked to be remembered to Leon Canfeeion and other old Wing­ ham friends. 0-0-0 Mrs. J. E. Lockridge (Maud Sherk), of Brantford, is another former citi­ zen who was at one time connected with newspaper work here, having set type Advance Hall. 0-0-0 Many other very interesting letters were received from people ordering their historical editions. We are sorry that space does not permit us to in­ clude information received in all these letters, but we know that our readers will be interested to’ hear about the people we have been able to mention. (CHURCH OF ENGLAND IN CANADA) Eighth Sunday after Trinity Morning Prayer and Sermon Mr. K. E. To ten London, Ont. for Summer Comfort Year ’Round Protection AWNINGS and CANOPIES Thera l> no and to comfort and buauty Aat Leigh Imperial awning* will add to your hama ... all year ’round. In lummur, thay *hada your window* and keep your home many de­ gree* cooler. Ventilated Io provide ample air circulation at all time*. During the winter month*, your window* and «tprm window* *• f •Melded from the Inroad* of Hoot, rata aad MOW. 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