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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Wingham Advance-Times, 1954-08-04, Page 10The Wingham Advance-Tinies, Wednesday, Aug. 4fh, 1954 Mnal plans for the 75th anniversary celebration were discussed at a meet­ ing: of the town council last Tuesday, council made a last minute check over plans for the celebration to make eure everything was in order. Mr. Scott, of Seaforth, who owns service station at the corner of Patrick and Josephine Streets asked ^permission of the council to erect a ■jjsigri on town property in front of his service station. He said that the pre- jeezri sign, where it was now located, On Monday August 2nd the Robert Ctarrie centennial was held on the Franks of the Maitland to the rear of .James S. Currie's farm. The families gathered to -honor- the memory of fiheir pioneer forefather Robert Currie, one of the earliest settlers of this community. In the spring-of 1854 three brothers □"ohn. Robert and David Currie pur­ chased 400 acres of crown land 300 acres of which is still held in the ■Guxrie name. . At the picnic over one hundred descendents and friends drank toasts ■fccj. the Queen and the surviving children of Robert Currie and his wife Abb Linklater; David of Wingham, George of Lumby, B.C., and the adopt­ ed- daughter Mrs. Florence Kennedy csf Kamloops, B.C. All joined in sing- .freg the 23rd Psalm. Highlights of the picnic supper ■ were the cutting of the centennial cake 'by Mrs. Kennedy and presenta- fiffia of gifts to the oldest guest Mrs. Jennie Linklater of Kincardine; for the furthest distance travelled, Miss Olave Currie of San Francisco and George Currie of Lumby, B.C.; to the youngest present, Ruth Ellen, infant -daughter of John A. and Helen Currie ef the homestead farms. Guests were present from Moose­ jaw, Darmody and Elston, Sask., De­ troit, Lansing, Hillsdale Mich., Ot­ tawa, Toronto, London, Guelph, Galt, • Granton, Goderich, Clinton, Teeswater, lILucknow, Floradale and Listowel. The celebrations were climaxed voiien all enjoyed an old time family party in the Community Hall in ■WMtechurch which included Highland dancing and musical numbers by the - great grandchildren. could not be seen very well from the street. After some discussion council gave the necessary permission, on condition that the sign be removed if the council wishes it in future. Parking for the doctors of town in the laneway to the south of the town hall was discussed. Previously signs had been placed on the Walker Store building indicating that the area was reserved for doctors’ park­ ing, but the signs had disappeared. An investigation will be made to deter­ mine what happened to the signs. Council thought that the laneway was an ideal spot for doctors’ park­ ing, and thought that the practice should be continued. To Control Loudspeakers Control of cars with loudspeakers was asked by Reeve R, E. McKinney, who thought that owners of such cars should be required to get a license be­ fore being allowed to “broadcast” in the town limits, * Police Chief Bert Platt said that since many of the cars with public address systems belonged to religious organizations, it might be a "ticklish” proposition to try to control them. He reported that there were sometimes two cars at once on the main street, both with P.A. systems working. Council members seemed to feel that if a by-law were passed making a license necessary, there would be some control over the loudspeakers, and it would be possible to make them less noisy. Town Clerk W. A. Galbraith was instructed to consult with the town solicitor to find out what action could be taken in this regard. Mayor DeWitt Miller complimented Councillor Athol Purdon on the con­ dition of the main street and its side­ walks. He said that he thought the street was in very good condition for the anniversary celebrations. He also complimented the Softball Association on the fine job they had done in gett­ ing the ball park into shape when Johnny saw such a large turn-^0’ out and such nicely decorated bicycles, tricycles and doll buggies, he felt (that the children deserved more prizes 1 than they were getting. Sp * * Some of the oldtimers around town snorted, somewhat at the shirt-tail parade in the wee sma’ hours of Tuesday morning. They said they’d never seen a shirt-tail parade with so many people riding in cars. Per­ haps styles in, shirt-tajl parades have changed. Judging from the noise, yerybody seemed to be enjoying themselves. There’was a report that the horns could be heard as far away as Belgrave. * ** Eight minor accident victims were admitted to Wingham General Hospi­ tal over the week-end, four of them suffering slight injuries in partici­ pating in the 75th anniversary cele­ brations, Gordon Symons, 24, of Wingham, re­ ceived treatment for a sprained right ankle, after being injured while act­ ing as a clown in the parade. Mrs. Jean Brooks, 33, of Wingham, received an injured left foot while watchinug the cornerstone laying at the Wingham District High School op. Sunday. She stepped into a hole in the construction site and injured the foo^k David Walsh/ nine-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton Walsh of Kin­ cardine, was attending the celebration when he suffered painful injuries while out fishing. A fish hook became lodged in his ear and face, and doctors found it necessary to cut it out. •John Ludwigr 31, a Wingham paint­ er dislocated his shoulder while parti- pating in the anniversary celebration, sj I Eight former mayors were present for the celebrations, including the present mayor. All are residents in Wingham. Left to right, W. W. Gurney (1950- 52); W. H. Gurney (1919-20); Thomas Fells (1926-31); Fred L. Davidson (1944-46); J. W. Hanna (1934-38); J. H. Crawford (1939-43); J. E, Reavie (1949); and the present mayor, DeWitt Miller (1953-54), Members of one of the pipe bands which marched in the parade for the Drumhead service made their own little tour of town, on Sunday. after­ noon after the service was over. About five of them marched around town playing “The Road to the Isles’’ and other Scottish favourites, to the great delight of the citizens. **> * Members of. the registration com­ mittee at the town, hall were kept pretty busy throughout, the celebra­ tion. Although- there were appointed, hours for registration on the pro­ gram, people came in. all through the celebration, and kept the committee busy at all times. Make Celebration a Success It’s the little things that count, members of the present council, according to the old saying, and many the people who congregated at but - - - ~ - - ... - . - , - - the of the little things at the anniversary town hall seemed more interested in celebrations had a lot to do with talking about old times on the town making the whole thing a success. ■ hall steps, than they were 'in having Perhaps one of the most surprising j the mayors introduced. However, the At Wingham United Church on Sun­ day, visitors and friends were wel­ comed by a former minister, Rev. Dr. W. A. Beecroft of Ottawa, who had been invited back to assist in the 75th Anniversary of the town. Taking as his text """ ways unto emphasized life having of money or the reaching for fame and that of a life dedicated to the glory of God and committed to mak­ ing a better world. Speaking of the pioneers who had laid such solid foundations for our world today, he asked If we were doing as well for those who would celebrate the next 75th Anniversary in Wingham. A full choir under the leadership of Mr. Alan Bennett, organist and choir master, provided the music, singing the anthem, "Holy Lord God”, by Noble Cain. A solo, “Oh Lord Most Holy”, sung by Mrs. W. J. Callan was much appreciated. Registration tables had been set up in the vestibules, where visitors were invited to sign the guest book and receive name cards. This service was in charge of Mrs. Jim Hamilton, Mrs. Chas. Lloyd, Dr. A. W. Irwin and E. S. Copeland. "The Commitment of Our the Lord”, Dr. Beecroft the difference between a as its aim the acquisition things about the celebration was the way the merchants; of town decorated their store windows during the week before the anniversary. Almost every- store in town had relics of some des­ cription in the window, and some of them had quite elaborate displays of pictures, antiques and other objects of interest. A week ago only one or two stores were displaying such material in then- windows. Then people began to bring tilings in for display, and towards the end of the week space was at a prem­ ium, with most of the stores filled to capacity with oxen yokes, spinning wheels and what have you. Antique dealers could have had quite a field ; day in Wingham last week.! * ® # The play "Our Town”, although well received by its two audiences on Friday and Monday, ran into a bit of trouble due to the hot weather. The town hall auditorium got pretty warm at times, and unfortunately the air circulating system couldn't be used. The fan was turned on during the intermissions but during the play it made enough noise to make the hear­ ing difficult, and had to be left off. Now people are wondering if there ; isn’t some way of making the fan , more quiet, so time. it can be used all the X'♦ ♦ town park dampened Wednesday and Thursday August 4 and 5 Ronald Reagan “PRISONER OF WAR (Adult Entertainment) (Color) ■ ■ Dewey Martyn Friday and Saturday August 6 and 7 PRINCESS OF THE NILE'’«i Debra Paget Jeffrey Hunter Monday and Tuesday August 9 and 10 MAN CRAZY”If (Adult Entertainment) Neville Brand Christine White ■ (Adult Entertainment) John Payne Coleen Grey Last Complete Show 8.30 p.m. 1 i ■ « Rain at the the Saturday afternoon program con­ siderably, but didn’t do as much dam­ age as it might have done, while the fiddler’s contest was in progress, it started to come down by the bucket, and the whole thing was hastily ad­ journed to the town hall, where ap­ proximately 500 people were able to see the roundup of the fiddlers and the square and step dance contests, * *KSaturday's Barn Dance, with its all- time record crowd, was an eye-opener for a lot of Wingham people who perhaps don’t appreciate as well as they might the type of musical talent there is right here in town. Accord­ ing to Doc Cruickshank, the last time the barn dance played in Wingham, some ten years ago, exactly 47 people came to see them—in spite of the fact that they had been drawing good crowds all over the rest of Western Ontario. When the idea of having the Barn Dance here for the anniversary was first broached, there was a bit of head scratching amongst CKNX of­ ficials, and quite a bit of doubt as to whether it.was a wise idea or not. The last time they tried it, they Vowed "never again”. But you never can tell in Wingham. Saturday’s program drew the great­ est crowd ever to the Barn Dance, exceeding even an appearance of theirs in the Kitchener Arena. So Wingham probably has the record for both the biggest and smallest crowds.♦ * * Up at the public school the Back to School movement was a pronounc­ ed success, Over a hundred people registered .on Saturday morning and spent considerable time reminiscing about old days at the school. Roy Manuel had the school looking spic and span, for the occasion and its condition drew many compliments from the old timers. Principal Stew­ art Beattie and Miss Phyllis Johns welcomed former scholars back, and many were the names signed on the blackboard.* * * The introduction of former mayors was one item on the program that didn’t turn out exactly as planned. All the mayors were there, as Well as FIRST CLASS WATCH REPAIRS AT MODERATE PRICES Owing to lack of space, am com­ pelled to confine my repairs to watches only* George Williams Located In MASON’S STORE former mayors did get together for a picture, complete with John Hanna and his big cigar. Incidentally all the former mayors are at present living in Wingham, and didn’t need, to come very far * The conducted of the surprises Several people were heard to say ‘What’s there to see in Wingham 7’^ when the idea was first mentioned. Apparently quite a few people thought there was something to see, for the three busses were filled to capacity.’•> * Bill Harris, in charge of the proper­ ties committee, lost out on a week’s holidays because of the anniversary. He managed to get away for the first week of his holidays, but spent the second ejecting stands at the park, placing butter boxes and planks for the seats and' doing a few other odd chores that required to be done. We think Bill deserves a lot of credit for being such a public-spirited citizen and such a hard worker.* * * The town council float was actually made by the council members them­ selves. Somehow or other they man­ aged to tear themselves away from the ordinary business of the town to decorate the float, and a very credit­ able job they made of it, too. We understand they finished up Monday morning, just before the parade. % * * An interesting sidelight of Drumhead Service was the presenta­ tion of an old fireman’s horn to Mayor DeWitt Miller by Roy Manuel. The horn was won in competition between the Wirigham fire department and the Kincardine firemen in 1883,- when Roy’s father was fire chief. It will grace the walls of the fire hall as a momento of the prowess of Wingham firemen in the good old days. % * ♦ One of the nicest jobs of the whole celebration was that of Police Chief Bert Platt, who, working under con­ siderable difficulties, managed to keep everything well under control. At about 12 o’clock on Monday the main street was lined with ' parked cars, and everybody was betting that’ it would be impossible to get them out of the way before the parade ‘started at 1.15. With the aid of the CKNX sound truck, Bert and his men got the whole street cleared so that for probably the first time in history the mdin street had no parked cars on it. Other traffic problems were handled with the same efficiency, and one of the boasts of the town and of the police department was the fact that in spite of all the traffic in town over the week-end, there wasn’t so much as a dented fender. * * * Another surprise at the celebration was the Midnight Dance. Originally planned as a sort of fill-in, without too much hope of drawing a crowd, the dance turned out to be a money­ maker, with nearly 500 people In at­ tendance. * * * Several Kitchener people Who were on hand for the big parade ate re­ ported have said that the parade in Wingham was the equal of, if not better than the big parade for Kitch­ ener’s Gentenniat They agreed that certainly for the size of Wingham, the parade Was a standout.* * * Harold Dentils, who bagged a 16- pound carp In town a little while ago helped Robin Campbell with the latter's float for the big parade. He caught the 4-pdUnd black bass which the little boy kept pulling but of fish pond as the main street, Johnny Brent town's money On the children's parade than he intended to. The prizes had been set for the event beforehand, but for the occasion.* bus tour was one of the celebration. * the Wingham’s 75th. Anniversary was a huge success as were also the services, in. the several churches. Rev. David Perrie of Dromore, son of the late Dr. David Perrie,. who for 36 years ministered, in. St. Andrew’s, preached at the morning service. Mr. Perrie brought a most appropriate message to the capacity congregation which gathered to- hear him.. He spoke on security and pointed out that this is something of which everyone wants to be sure. Mr; Perrie spoke of security as something, that everyone strove to acquire for old age, against sickness and other misfortunes of life. Turn­ ing to the spiritual side he pointed out that the word security involved salvation. Salvation comes from Jesus Christ who. is the author and finisher of our faith. For the Christian this means security in this life and in the life to come. The minister, the Rev. A. Nimmo, conducted the morning worship and ! welcomed the many visitors from near and far who came to worship in the church of their fathers and also the old choir members who lead in the ministry of song. Mr. Nimmo also conducted the dedication service at the cemetery in the afternoon and welcomed Rev. Finlay Stewart, mini­ ster of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Kitchener, at the Legion ■ Drumhead Service. 1 The evening service, which was also • well attended, was conducted by Rev. • D. K. Perrie, with Rev. A. Nimmo : preaching. Mr. Nimmo chose as his ' topic “The Seven Roomed House of Justification”. He took his text from Romans 5: 1-2 and pointed out that : this was the possession of every ■ Christian. The seven rooms were as follows: faith, peace, prayer, grace, ! joy/ hope and glory. ‘I At the morning service the choir ! consisted of 34 former members. Two solos were sung, one by Miss Bertha ’ MacKay of London, “God Will Take 1 Care of You”, and the second, “The Glory of His Presence” by Mrs. A. Jolley, of Niagara Falls. As the con­ gregation was leaving the church the choir sang several old, familiar hymns.- At the close of the service each mem­ ber was presented with a suitably in­ scribed book mark. The regular choir sang at the even­ ing service/ the anthem being, “My Faith Looks up to Thee”. The solo parts were taken by Bernard Rut­ ledge, tenor, and Gordon Leggatt, baritone and Mrs. Ross Hamilton, of Seaforth, sang a solo, “Beside Still Waters”. Flowers had been placed in the church by Mrs. John Pollock and Mrs. Norman Fry, in memory of their parents, the late Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Gilchrist, and by Mr. W. J. Hender­ son, in merhory of his. parents,' the late Mr. and Mrs. Thos. Henderson. St. Paul’s Service Largely Attended The' service at St. Paul’s church on Sunday morning was largely at­ tended. The choir was augmented by two former members, Mr. Joseph Ella- cott, of Dorking and Mr. J. R. Spittai, of Seaforth. Rev. H. L. Parker, the rector^ took time out from his vaca­ tion to perform the service on this special anniversary occasion. Many guests registered their names and present addresses at the entrance* of the church in the new guest book. float passed up ♦ * spent more pf the the the Regular Sunday Services Sunday School 10.15 a.m. Remembering the Lord at 11.15 Gospel Mooting at 7.80 p.nu Each Thursday evening at 8 p.m Prayer Meeting and Bible Study A,—.L....I;, ... . ... . ...... ... LAUNDROMAT We invite you to take advantage of this Special Offer FOR THE WEEK-END ONLY New and Smart Patterns in PRINTED NYLONS 42” width Regular Thursday, Friday, . . . Has the most thorough washing, rinsing, damp-drying action of any automatic washer. Exclusive WASHaway RINSEaway action washes the dirtiest or the daintiest fabrics sparkling clean. Handy Weigh-to-Save Door and Water-Saver assure the correct amount of water for any size load of clothes. $1.95 yd. 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