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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1997-07-23, Page 43HOMECOMING '97, WEDNESDAY, JULY 23, 1997 PAGE 23. Memories offesteryears Sewers a big issue in 1898 Brussels From the March 18, 1981 issue of The Brussels Post. By Debbie Ranney It'll soon be time to get connected to the Brussels new sanitary sewage system and if you think you've got problems perhaps this story from an April 22, 1898 issue of The Brussels Post will make you feel better. Headlined: Sewers and Granolithic Walks, the story notes that "in view of the proposed by­ law to be submitted to the property owners of Brussels on Monday, May 9, it will be quite in place to state certain facts that will be of interest and perhaps clear up some points relative to the action of the council and show the benefits to be derived when the bylaw carries. WOOD SEWERS "The two wooden sewers now on Tumberry Street were put down in the year 1878 and with other street improvements then made, involved an expense of $2,200 for which debentures were sold to run 20 years, bearing seven per cent interest. These with the $20,000 due on the Ronald bonus, also bearing seven per cent interest, mature this summer, when it will be necessary to issue new debentures as the sinking fund was not established soon enough to have the necessary funds in hand to meet the full amount. Twenty years has played out the old sewers as was demonstrated last fall by the numerous cave-ins and on opening up the drains the timber was found to be badly decayed. This being the case it becomes a matter of necessity rather than choice to renew - not with plank again but something more permanent, viz. regular sewer pipe, which will probably be put deeper than the present sewers to ensure better drainage to the various cellars." A GENERAL RATE "In 1878, this work was done by striking a general rate on all ratepayers, but if the proposed bylaw carries the plan adopted will be by what is known as frontage tax, the properties immediately benefitted bearing the expense, less an amount to be deducted for benefit to street drainage or adjacent properties." "Of course the individual amount would not have to be paid in a year, but upon an equable assessment divided over a term of years, the money being procured by debenture." "Some advocate one sewer in the centre of the street from the Town Hall to the bridge and others consider that one on either side, as Kansas Farmer From the July 1,1987 issue of The Citizen. By Toby Rainey Throughout its entire 115-year history, the village of Brussels has produced more than its share of "characters": in fact, a clipping from The London Free Press, dated May 25, 1967, claims that of the population then of 846 souls, at least 150 were more than 70 years of age, with each and every one of them adding colour to the local landscape in one way or another. But never was there a more colourful, or more outrageous, character than the late Jack Thynne (pronounced "Tine", as in pitchfork), a home-grown entertainer who billed himself as "The Kansas Farmer" throughout the travels which took him from Newfoundland to the Rockies for more than 40 years, with frequent and generous forays into the U.S.A, at the beginning of his career. He did comic monologues, sang, and sawed on his fiddle at county fairs, local entertainment nights and "medicine shows", poking fun at everyone and everything, holding nothing sacred or safe from his biting humour, which on more than one occasion threatened to get him CONTINUED ON PAGE 24 at present, would be better and think the work should be carried south as far as St. John's Church." "No objection would likely be An estimate as to cost of both plans, one or two sewers will be prepared so that a fair comparison may be made." raised to the extension under the bylaw as the cost would have to be borne by the properties sharing in the advantages of better drainage. 1 ...i «. L Mid-summer entertainment— During its heyday, the Brussels Funfest drew large crowds to the numerous events and sales which were planned for the July weekend. Water activities were amongst the most favourite as Doug Cousins and Kevin Pennington paddle their way to the finish line during the bathtub race, at the 1990 version. John McKercher Construction Ltd. Congratulations to the Village of Brussels on the occasion of your 125th Birthday. Best Wishes for the weekend celebrations. From Ron & Trish Clarkson and all the staff of Brussels Variety Karen, Edith, Vanessa, John, Scott, Matt, Krista & Ann We will be open for your convenience Thursday, July 31 Friday, August 1 Saturday, August 2 Sunday, August 3 Monday, August 4 Brussels (519) 887-6224 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. I I iI II ! ! iI III sI10 n August of 1952 Glenn McKercher started his own gravel business with a 1951, 600 Ford single axle dump truck. The business consisted mainly of general road work, sanding for the highways and plowing snow mostly in Grey Township for 28 years. Business grew and more equipment was purchased. Glenn purchased his first backhoe in 1965. The original Jamestown blacksmith shop was the repair centre for the business until 1978 when a new shop was purchased and remains as the repair shop to date. Son, John worked in the gravel business with Glenn and the hired help since the early 1970s and in 1980 John purchased the gravel business from Glenn and began operating as John McKercher Construction. In 1987, the business became limited and now operates as John McKercher Construction Ltd. In 1988 John purchased the backhoe business from Glenn which brings us to date. We constantly strive to provide our customers with the same honest, reliable and efficient service as Glenn did during his 28 years in business. To all of our customers, old and new, we take this special time to say "Thank You." Congratulations Brussels on your 125th