The Exeter Times-Advocate, 1961-12-20, Page 14, ,777-7-777177
bet•. 2. 1944
Another Christman day draws near and
soon. Christians„everywhere will celebrate again
the birth of Christ. His birth marked the begille-
-' xiing of a new era in the history of the world.
°Glory to God in the highest, peace on earth, good
'will toward then” was the theme of the angelic
chorus at His birth, That has also been the goal
aid the hope of Christians through the long years.
*-�
The centuries shire that historic event, in
•,pito of all the recurrent cruelty and injustice of
elan to man, have seen some progress toward .that
ideal, even if that progress has at times seemed
to be slow. Despite the unrest. international tension
and. a divided world, peace, disarmament and good
will are still the aims of all who worship the Prince
of Peace.
The First Christmas brought the Prince of
Peace, who came into the world with a message
of good will toward all men, The Holy Child in a
manger at Bethlehem was a symbol of hope for all
:mankind. Jesus, the iaviour, was born and with
}Iis birth the weary world received a message of
good cheer that gave promise of peace for all
mankind.
The message of the first Christmas is ,still,
the same and the Christmas story has been the
same through the centuries, It is true that some
Christmas seasons in recent years have witnessed
our world in greater conflict and turmoil than
others but always there has been the Christmas
message shining out against a dark background of
cares and troubles. That message can again be
heard and read by all who iVish to understand it.
The birth of Jesus was recognized by the Wise
Men and shepherds. They came to worship the
Christ Child just as hundreds of thousands have
been paying homage ever since. Everyone realizes
how lovely is the Christmas spirit in the hearts and
homes of all who today recognize Jesus of Bethle,
-�
world.
stens as the Christ of the
At Christmas time, in Christian lands, kind -
Thiess of the human heart seems more in evidence
than at any other time of the year, It is natural
forsacrificetobehelpfultoothers.
folks to and
0
There seems to be a desire to make Christmas
more than just another holiday and make it instead
a "holy" day, a day of memories of the past, grati-
tude for present mercies and a day of hope for
the future. Hearts do beat a little faster and every-
one seems to be a bit more friendly than at other
times. This broadminded thought -of -others feeling
shows itself in gifts, greetings to friends and neigh-
bors and in happy social gatherings. Christmas has
thus become our most beautiful and delightful
festive season.
It is then we seem to be at our best, most
fully to recognize our common humanity; to see
the fundamental truth that, in spite of our many
differences, everyone belongs to the one great
brotherhood of humanity. From the very nature of
our world today this universal brotherhood, in-
spired by the Christmas challenge, is one of neces-
sity, Today it is silly and suicidal for individuals,
Su ar an
Ever stop to wonder what
you really want out of life?
Some people seem to know,
from the time they are kids,
and go after it, letting nothing
stand in their way. These birds
can be pretty ruthless. When
they; come roaring along the
path, behind you, it's just as
wellto step smartly out of
their way, if you want to avoid
being bowled over.
I've always known what I
didn't want out of life, hut
have.never had a clear idea of
what I did want, As the years
go by, I find that it doesn't
matter much, anyway. Every
so often, as you are charging
madly along toward some goal.
life will give you an unexpect-
ed shove, and you find your-
self tottering off in a new di-
rection. Now, I just stumble
off along the new track, and
it seems to work out fine.
* *
This annoys my wife deeply.
Like most women, she don't
take "nothin' offa life. She be-
lieves that life, or fate, should
be taken by the scruff of the
neck and given a good shaking.
"Surely you know what you
WANT out of life," she cries in
exasperation, demanding that I
name it, or them. 1 mumble
something vague and low, about
wanting a little peace. But for
the life of me, I can never
name anything concrete that is
my heart's desire.
I don't want a lot of money,
though I'll take, and spend,
any given amounts. I have no
desire for power. I don't even
want good looks, my, vanished
youth, my once -luxuriant hair,
a big car, an expensive ward.
robe, a second wife, obedient
children, a posh home, public
acclaim or private respect.
And it's just as well I don't,
ice
because most of these things
are out of reach.
.But that's all pretty neva=
tive, and I don't blame my
wife and kids for being irritat-
ed. They've been at me for
weeks, and they can't even get
me to say what I want for
Christmas,. I realize how un-
fair this is, so I've decided to
co-operate, and to list here
exactly what I want most in
the world. I'll expect to find it
under the tree.
I want two years off. No
work of any kind. This gift is
to be wrapped in a magic car-
pet that will transport me any-
where, in the twinkling of an
eye. I would dearly love to see
the places and people. of the
world. But I'd want to get
home for weekends, even from
Hong Kong, or the Kalahari
Desert.
* * *
Next, t want 10 more child-
ren, as bright and lovable and
annoying as the two 1 have.
They'd range in age from Hugh,
who is 14, down to six weeks
old, Among them, I'd like a
sprinkling of black and brown
and yellow ones, for variety.
And for the Old Girl's sake,
about four trained "nannies,"
done up in the same package.
Third, I would like three or
four times in my life. when I
was cruel, or cowardly, or
mean, given hack to me, so
that I could try to do better
this time, All the other times,
when 1 was thoughtless, or
lazy. or mete, or vain, or pom-
pous, or silly, or crabby, or
weak, I will let go. But 1'd like
those few back, suitably gift-
wrapped.
Under the tree 1' would like
to find in small packages, the
following: a day next spiting
in which I would catch niy
Mlle (Exeter Z5itnezabbotate
Times Established 1873 Advocate Established '1881
Amalgamated 1974
utlz
fsublished Eaah Thursday Morning At Strafford, Ont.
Authorized At ;zecond Blass Mails, Post Office Dept, Ottawa
AWARDS .,. prank �weto.Beattie ahiald, boofront pave a (»
ai-
scJa),
1957; A. Vx Nolan Trophy, general excelfenee for news-
paper; published in Ontario towns between 1,500 And. 41500
population, 1958, 1957, 1956, J. George Johnston Trophy, typo,
graphical axcollence {Ontririo), 1957; E. T, Stephonson Trophy,
best front page (Ontario), 1956, 1955; All -Canada lnsurar,cs'
Fedcretian national safety +.tweed, 1953.
Pa d ln,Advdnco Cireuietiotl, Sopf. 30, 196f — 3,505
SU tisdklPTiON 1 `';'TESL Canada $4,00 For Year USA 460
A CHRISTMAS
,M.ESSAGE B f
RAY. DUNCAN;
M, GUEST
.of Centralia
United Church
on living
f' 1 tv
conznwtzities or nations to attempt to go g
without definitely
friendly Y relations withi others.rs.
On the ocean of the future all the people of
the world are on the sante ship, whether we are
members of the crew or passengers, black, white
or yellow. If that ship is sunk we will all be sunk.
The name of that ship is "Comradeship". And the
only secret of our safety lies in heading our ship
toward a certain outstanding star, the Star of
Bethlehem, and having as our goal, "Peace on
Earth, good will toward men."
The significance of the Nativity story after
over 1900 years is just as vital today as it was on
that first Christmas morning. In the final essence
it is the expression of the most fervent hope that
dwells in the hearts of men today that the nations
of the world might somehow, some day achieve a
real and lasting degree of peace on earth and that
individuals the world over might acquire the
courage to extend a fuller pleasure of good will
toward their fellow men everywhere.
dispensed by Bill Smiley
limit of fat speckled trout; a
day next summer in which I
would shoot a game of golf in.
the low seventies. Just one of
each, please.
That's enough. That will do
for this Christmas. You'll no-
tice that I have asked only for
personal things. I could have
asked for many other things I
want, such as food for all the
hungry of the world, peace on
earth, a long and healthy life
and a big pension for every-
one. But these are outside the
limited scope of my family's
resources, so I've merely ask-
ed for a few small, selfish
things.
And if they can't manage to
round them up by Christmas
morning, it doesn't matter, for
I've already had the nicest
Christmas present a fellow
could receive. It came from
Mrs. Janet Mallett, who is 88,
flat on her back in hospital
for the past 1$ months, and a
reader of this column. She
wrote, in part:
"I want to tell you I had not
laughed in months, nothing but
tears, and one of your columns
made me laugh so hard my
nurse rushed into my room to
see why 1 was crying so hard.
When I shed tears, no one
heard me. So you can see how
surprised and pleased my nurse
was to hear me laugh. You can
see what it is to read some-
thing that will lift you up and
make you forget for a time
the sadness and loneliness."
Oh yes, there is one more
thing I want out of life, one
more Christmas present. And
if I can't have any of the
others, please give me this
one, I want a Christmas Day
of love and warmth and peace
and deep happiness for all the
readers of this column, and
all the ones they love,
No KngCOhire,s,a µ In., Uterd h,h„rrsenrd.
"The last time Fred went on lti diet, all he lost was
three bets that he'd stick with it."
/3X3
amonm
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1,110M K r.G l .,,.jr..0srr'l',, . l«, ,trop
4 Al illi inn. t as important 8,8 You thank, Mist
Mate x Wart to marl I/ouitgl
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114
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MA, xtny polos S9adfe, te, tne,. World richtR rM4reee, 12.1
'? don't like rte and. I'LL be wearing it nest year
you knows."
Fairfield"s history
Fairfield public school, after
being in operation for almost
100 years, is about to be elated
and in future the pupils will
join the Stephen Township
School Area,
At a Christmas party at the
school Mr. Herman Powe read
a history of the school from
which we have taken the fol-
lowing information.
Originally Fairfield was a
Devonshire mission and a Wes-
leyan Methodist church was
erected in 1862. Fairfield was
i i 't inthe
theoldestcon n unr
Y
district being anti -dated
b
Y
little Devon, two miles south
of Exeter, where Methodist and
Anglican churches were built
about 1847.
The first school was started
at Devon around 1840. Council
used to meet in this building,
SS No, 1 Stephen was later
moved to Fairfield where a
church and parsonage were
built on the southeast corner
where the cemetery still stands.
There was a blacksmith shop
owned. by William Mitchell.
The old log -school was on the
farm now owned by Sohn Reed-
er.
The first teacher in the log
school, more than 100 years
ago was John Parsons, later
the owner of a mill and gen-
eral store in Crediton. Later
teachers were William Roche
and Chester Prouty. Mr. and
Mrs. Warburton taught jointly
in the two -room school which
was torn down 31 years ago.
While Mr. Dalgety taught, the
school section was divided,
some going to Crediton and
some to Centralia.
The old log school is de-
scribed as a square, low 'build-
ing,- with a row of desks around
three side, benches occupying
the centre. These were the days
of large families, Wilson's with
13 children, Handford's 12 and
others with 8 to 13.
The second school stood for
63 years and some of its brick
was used in the new school
built in 1930, the trustees be-
ings Messrs. Byron Hicks,
George Hepburn and Leslie
Richard, The contractor was Mr.
Dinnin, of Seaforth. The base-
ment was fitted with washing
sinks and hard and soft water.
The schoolroom was lighted
JQTTINGS BY JMS-
with hydro, had hardwood
floors, slate blackboards, single
seats and cloak rooms for the
boys and girls,
This, the thirst school, was
opened 31 years ago, with a
fine celebration and a hot
chicken supper served to about
150 people. Mr. H. E. Huston,
a former teacher, gave an in-
teresting talk on his early days
as pupil and -teacher. He spoke
of Mr. Prouty as the best
teacher in South Huron, send-
ing out the most teachers from
his school,
Siis
e the present ent sch of eo
-
sider d the finest in rural On-
tario,
was built, teachers who
followed Miss Beryl Hill and
her assistant, Miss Reta Rowe
were Mr. Warren Bamford,
Miss Violet Watkins, Miss
Grace Andrew, Mrs. Freeman
Moriock, Mrs. Ivan Prouty,
Miss Colleen Stobo, Miss Donna
Bowden and Mrs. Mervin Car-
ter, now serving her second
her second term.
In 1941 the Centralia airport
was built, breaking up the sec-
tion and the attendance dwin-
dled to 11, forcing SS No, 1
Stephen, to enter the school.
area.
The Reader
Comments
The whip hand
To the Editor,
This letter is written to tell
of our experiences when a
local school section is closed.
11 would appear the Depart-
ment of Education holds the
whip hand, their local repre-
sentative pulls the strings, and
the area school board seems to
fail to represent the taxpayer
any more.
Our local school was closed,
with the promise to the par-
ents, that the pupils would be
transported to a nearby school
with no extra cost or tuition,
in addition to the public school
taxes. We are now forced to
pay transportation and tuition
in addition to school area tax
— Please turn to page 4
As the "Times" go by
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE T -A FILES
la YEARS AGO
Bill Tuckey, Bill Vyse, Bob
Pryde and Paul Balkwill were
initiated into Exeter Kinsmen
Club Thursday night. -
Mr. 'and Mrs. Alfred Hun -
kin, Thames Road, have moved
to their home in Exeter.
Seven extra employees have
been required to handle Christ-
mas mail at the local post of-
fice.
Robert Hoperoft of. Port
Colborne, son of Mr. and Mrs.
Thomas Hoperoft of Dashwood
has been elected deputy -reeve
of that village..
Mr. Ken Duncan and Mr,
Ross Francis, Kirkton, at-
tended the fur sale in Montreal
this week when Mr. Francis
sold the bulk of his furs.
The Bray Hatchery is mak-
ing great progress ill the erec-
tioa of a new Hatchery on Sta-
tions Street.
15 YEARS AGO
Melbourne Coughlin, 47,
Lambeth, who built the garage
at -Exeter North for Mr. Ward
Fritz, died in Clinton Hospital
es a result 'of car injuries.
Mr. Stanley Tudor presented
the Huron -Perth cup to Hensall
Baseball Team at a banquet in
the NeW Corhmere'al Hotel,
llensall,
Exeter council have pur-
chased a tractor and snowplow
to keep the sidewalks clean
through the 'winter,
Mr, and Mrs, John Kuntz,
Dashwood, celebrated their
60th wedding anniversary on
Sunday,
The Cubs udder the leader-
ship of Misses Jean Brock and
Margaret Melville 'and Assist-
ant Scoutmaster Ross Tuckey
field a Christmas banquet at
the, arenas Wednesday evening.
The Dashwood Businessmen's
Club have arranged to bring
Santa Claus to Dashwood on
Christmas Eve after the church
service.
Shopkeepers this Chtistines
are nicking sure that dolls ar-
rive in their new homes with
titan feces and every hair in
place, They're slipping trans
parent polythene bags oven the
dolls' heads lel protect Chetn
from 'handling by shoppersa.
30 YEARS AGO
The Hensall Firemen have
their Christmas tree in front
of the Town Hall all nicely
decorated with colored electric
lights.
Mr. and Mrs. John 'Hein Sr.,
Zion, are enjoying a new elec-
tric radio installed by W. J.
Beer, Exeter.
Miss Margaret Penhale who
is attending Normal School,
London, was home for the
weekend.
Features ^ of the Christmas
concert of Caven Sunda y
School were the orchestra led
lay Harry Gidley, recitatinns
by Annie Mason, Alex Strang,
Shirley Moir and Mary Eas-
ton and a piano solo by Helen
Stanbury.
Mr. and Mrs. Patti Madge of
Milk River and formerly of
Thames Road celebrated their
golden wedding anniversary
recently.
Miss Helen Stanbury of
North Toronto Collegiate and
Kenneth Stanbury of Osgoode
Hell are spending the holidays
at their lions .in town.
50' YEARS AGO
A few days ago the price of
turkeys dropped front 19 cents
live weight to 181/i cents dres-
sed. There is a ray of hope
that a Man with average means
will be able to have turkey for
Christmas.
Among students who are
home for the Christmas boli,
days are: Misses Maud Johns
and Anna Dow, London; Lula
Martin and Gladys Kestic,
Clinton, and Lillian ITedgcrt,
Seaforth,
Mr. Dan Samders, who leb
for the West about six years
ago, returned Monday to spend
the. winter in Exeter.
The new band were out, for
the :first time Friday night and
have been engaged to play at
the rink for1 "
the Vint
et',
Mr, hell Mrs, Samuel Ford,
Woodham, celebrated their
golden wedding anniversary
December I9, 'Chet►' three soils
in Vaneelrver presented then
with $800 is twenty dollar pie-
ces,
Mi. Levitt iia°s the iitw rink
tomp1eted fin the mashie. The
t.,i 1 . e t`..
i tsi�e wl l sen►1 he liilslterlr
•
elMS'efaeleettetnie„
„Alp, ;n
the joys
of the Yuletide
season be
yours in great.
abundance)
Guenther Turkey
Transports Ltdo
THE MANAGEMENT AND STAFF
Phone 25
Exeter
w1ti•trr.•.AA%0% i *.ti?la+ 410MS.;:Cir. mtralltantrt4 roStrigldar;4•o!tt ORti'y
i
et us lift our voices
in hy/l1ns of
praise , e e
let us hear
the glory of His
message. Let
us rejoice
at Christmas,
"For God so loved the world that He gave His
only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in
Him should not perish but have everlasting life,"
—John 3-16
Exeter Frozen Foods
From the Staff of
C. Morley Hall
?ifs tit:Oid?tis t:is*. ttfttz!;tfG?taw?:Gft" <i rAiCi'r ti t ?i: s ttilMetn
...
P
May you 'be blessdd with
abundant ha}ipiness this Ciiristmcis taasotl,
Exeter AUC
and Staff
I't bt4t 127
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