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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes-Advocate, 1988-02-03, Page 23LEDGER UNCOVERED - Nola Love (left) of Grand Bend -and Clayton Amos of London look over an old ledger from one of Grand Bend's general stores around the turn of the century. Amos' father was the postmaster and owner of the store, the window of which (in background) was recently found in Sarnia. STORE LOCATION - The general store which William Amos operated around the turn of the century in Grand Bend was located in this building, which is currently the Grand Bend Emporium. Historic window at Lambton Museum The Lambton Heritage Museum has added to its collection an item of nostalgic significance to residents of Grand Bend. The original post - office window from the former Main Street general store has been recovered from its hiding place in Sarnia. Ralph McKinnon, an operator of the general store for a number of years, sensibly kept the old window from the scrapyard when the build- ing underwent renovations. McKin- non moved to Sarnia, but kept the window and offered it to the Heri- tage Museum a few weeks ago. Paul Miller, historian and re- searcher for the museum, cannot be certain of the age of the window. "We don't even know when the building was constructed," said Miller. "We're just guessing at the 1880s." The building stands today as the Grand Bend Emporium. The window is somewhat the worse for wear, with several cracked and broken panes, but the hand - painted lettering boasting thc post - office's hours is mostly intact. Clayton Amos from London was on hand to inspect the new-found window. Amos' father was the op- erator and postmaster of the general store around the turn of the century. Amos was not aware of the win- dow's existence until Miller notified him of its recovery. The operation of a post office in the post -confederation era was close- ly tied with government policy. The usual practice was to change postmasters with each changc of government. For some reason, William Amos was able to with- stand these trends in political pat- ronage. "My dad and his family wcrc al- ways Liberals," said Amos. How,- ever, ow-ever, the election at the time saw the pro -free trade Liberals defeated by the Conservatives. "The Con- servatives wanted a Conservative man to run the post office." Letters between John Sherritt and J. J. Merner M.P. dated February 1912 clearly describe the conflict. "He is a good Post Master. He votes Reform, it is true, but as far as I can learn, he does not fight us at elections," reads Sherritt's letter. "Amos is a Sunday School Superin- tendent, a staunch Temperance man and I know you will agree with me that in the interest of the Conserva- tive party, we don't want to stir up those different factions." As a result, Amos was allowed to retain his position, but records indi- cate he left for Ailsa Craig in 1913, where his son Clayton was born. "That's what makes this window fascinating," said Miller of the do- cumented history of this particular post office. It may be possible some time in the future to incorporate the window into the general store," said mu - scum curator Bob Tremain. The museum has a replica of a general store constructed in one of its gal- leries. Amos also brought with him to the museum the original ledger from his father's store. It details the transactions on the accounts of the village's residents, from the consta- ble to the merry-go-round operator. Many of the names which appear in the book are still familiar in the arca today. "This is just ,amazing," said Mill- er, who did not know Amos still had the ledger. It contains accounts from 1906 to 1911,. a time when a pair of overalls in Grand Bend's gen- eral store cost $1. • •� GEORGE GODBULT CLU RRSPs Personal • RRIF's • Annuities • Mortgage Insurance Creditor Term • Business Insurance WAYNE RATZ and Group • Investment Funds • Group Life & Health • Disability Insurance • GIC's -30 days to 5 years. • Life Insurance GODBOLT INSURANCE AGENCY LTD. DEVON BUILDING EXETER, ONTARIO 235-2740 Agent for Mutual Life of Canada & Mutual Investco Inc. Nine units almost ready Oakwood Workmen are busy at Oakwood Inn, as nearly all nine units are now available to be rented in the Pana - bode Motel. The furniture and elec- trical work have yet to be installed in the last few rooms. In the new complex adjoining the dining room, the roof is on and the doors and windows installed, around the indoor pool. Work is progress- ing steadily, and Mrs. Valerie Scatcherd has returned to supervise the next phase, of interior decorat- ing. The target date is a spring opening for the 1988 season, and if the weather continues to cooperate, they just may make it. The new ce- dar log buildings are visible from the highway as walls, roofs, and windows take shape, dominating the golf course. Catholic news Pastor Paul Beck was celebrant at all masses over the weekend at Im- maculate Heart of Mary Church in Grand Bend. Rose Vanbruane was the reader at the 11 a.m. mass and Paul Dietrich was the cantor. Ro- berta Walker performed a solo "Panis Angelicus" at communion, while Rose and Jerry Vanbruane were communion distributors. Father Beck's remarks concerned an update for the parish in the past six months as pastor. Father listed the need for the Parish Council or Advisory Board to be revived, plus the need for cantors and choir mem- bers to sing at the other masses on weekends. Communion will soon be distrib- uted under both species, bread and wine, in this parish, as soon as the mechanics are worked out. Father Beck did address the recent Supreme Court ruling on Abortion laws in Canada, reminding everyone that what is legal is not always mo- rally correct, as in apartheid in South Africa. May this new ruling serve to focus our attention on the rights of the unborn. There was an Ecumenical Service on Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. in the Trivitt Memorial Church in Ex- eter, to pray for Christian Unity. The church was crowded with Christians; as host Rev. Walter Vipperman, of the Anglican church, led the blessings. Rev. Paul Beck, of the Catholic Church, Rev. Rich- ard Hawley of the United .Church, Exeter, Clayton Keupfcr of the Zu- rich Mennonite church, and Rev. Don Rodger of the Exeter Pentecos- tal all participated in. the program. The New Huronia Singers provided some beautiful music for the occa- sion. St. Peter's Seminary, in London is inviting young men toan open house during the weekends of March 11 - 18, to see what semi- nary life is all about. Over the years, St. Peter's has sent more than 800 priests to serve in Canada and missions all over the world. If expansion you are interested, please talk to Fr. Beck or phone Fr. John Co- miskey at 1-455-4740 in London. Don't forget the presentation at Mt. Carmel on February 7, on "Sexuality and AIDS" in the school gym at 7:30 p.m. Parishi- oners and students are invited to at- tend. Growing together at UC It was pleasing to see all those cheerful faces in the choir last Sun- day morning at the Grand Bend United Church. A special touch to the service was their song "Morning Has Broken" by Cat Stevens, with Adella Gabel at the organ. Rev. R. Peebles named his topic "Prayer Accomplishes...?", based upon the Psalm 34. He said that if God has another plan, your prayers may be changed. A true, genuine, prayer for others makes you more compassionate and understanding. "What is a patent?" he asked the children. It is something you invent to keep for yourself, allowing no one to copy it. God'asks only for one-tenth.of your profits, you may keep nine -tenths. Flowers in the sanctuary were placed in memory ofStan Mitchell, father of Pat Hendrick. A meeting of the stewards' com- mittee will be held on Thursday, February. , alt 8 p.m. Choir practice is Wednesday evening at 7 p.m. Four -game streak in play - downs The Parkhill Novice Panthers have increased their winning streak to four games in a row. Last Friday night at home the team downed Watford with a 5-1 score. Simon Desjardine and Mark Maguire each scored twice, and winger Matthew GB company dealer for Doral boats Warner Auto -Marine, located in Grand Bend, Ontario announces they have been appointed an au- thorized dealer for Doral Boats. The addition of Doral will complement the luxurious Carver Line of cruis- ers and motor yachts of which Warner Auto -Marine is one of Canada's largest dealers. President Peter Warner reports he is very excited about the new Doral line. Doral has become the undis- puted leader the Canadian boating industry and has earned a reputation for its combined innovative design, state of the art engineering and high quality craftmanship. Warner's Boat Lines will now be exclusive Carver & Doral, and fur- ther, will be offering leasing as an alternative to purchasing either a new or pre -owned craft. More permits issued in 1987 Grand Bend Council received a breakdown of the various building permits and the fees and values for 1987 Monday night at their regular council meeting and the figures seem to confirm the steady growth rate in the village. There were a total of 58 permits issued in 1987 by the Inspection Division of Lambton County. That figure is up by 14 over last year's total of 44 permits. Non-residential or accessory build- ing permits showed the highest in- crease with seven issued in 1987 as opposed to the two issued in 1986. There were 10 residential con- struction permits granted in 1987 as opposed to four in 1986. Residential alterations or addition permits also climbed from 19 to 24. The value of total construction in the village was $1,485,781 in 1986. In 1987 it had increased to $2,469,600. About people you know The Grand Bend Winter Carnival will carry on, regardless of the lack' of snow, according to Chairman Dave Shepperd. The most famous aspect of the weekend, the teams competing in the snow sculpture, will have their snow. Provisions have been made for a snow ma- chine to be available, if necessary, and right now that looks like the answer. The snow pitch, parade, steak barbecue and dance will go ahead regafdless. The skating party on the old riv- er bed will depend on the ice condi- tions, and the golf tournament at Oakwood also depends on the con- dition of the course. The businesses and individual snow sculpture competitors will have to come up with their own snow, however, so unless Mother Nature decides to cooperate at the last minute, they'll be out of luck. With nearly all the events still tak- ing place, the crowds should still turn out to enjoy the carnival. Those planning snowshoe tours of Southcott Pines and cross- country skiing at the Pinery, though, had better pray for snow. Good Luck! Member of the Alhambra, Algar- ve #168 enjoyed a Casino Night last Friday evening at their Alcaza- rhall. There were plenty of card games, crown and anchor, food and • fun for those who attended, so the event wilt be scheduled again next year. Womcn Today of Huron County arc offering programs for children, beginning Saturday, February 6, from 1 - 5 p.m. Children will be invited to "Kids Today" in "Creating Our Space' workshop, featuring puppet making, shopping and furnishing the Kids Today Room and sharing ideas on new di- rections. If you arc interested, please call Carol Casey 523-4933 or the women Today Office at 482- 9706, Clinton. The workshops will be held at the Women Today Flousc in Clinton. $ Mortgages for any purpose • instant approvals • poor credit accepted if enough equity • no credit check • interim and bridge financing also available • fast and confidential BETTRIDGE FINANCIAL SERVICES LTD. TROY VAN DYE -JERRY BETTRIDGE CaU toll free (London) 1-800-265-4117 pager71054 $ or office 679.5.380 Best Interest %1O5/8* Investmenuoronteet Certificates • subject to change Galser.Kneale GigInsuronce.8rokers Inc Crater Grand Bond 235.2420 238-8484 Clinton Honsoll 482-9747 262.2119 Times -Advocate, February 3, 1988 Page 7A proceeding quickly DeJong added a single. Assisting these goalgetters were Casey Wall, Ian MacGregor, Kyle Vermeulen and Jimmy Watson. On Saturday the minor hockey players travelled to Thames- ford.Shane Maguire was in net for this shut -out with a 2-0 score. Des- jardine and Vermeulen were the goalgetters. The Shamrock team play at home this Friday night against Lucan, then Sunday in Belmont. Church of God The guest preacher for Sunday January 31 at the Grand Bend Church of God` was Rev. Art Krueger from Owen Sound. His morning message outlined what it means to be a Christian. A person who realizes the depth of his sin and accepts God's for- giveness through Christ is a Chris- tian. He is one who has a deep faith in God and love for others. He stud- ies God's word and constantly seeks the guidance of the Holy Spirit. A Christian is also generous in giv- ing of his abilities and resources to help where there is a need. George Winegarden was the wor- ship leader. Joy Mason and Phyllis Desjardine sang a duct "Until Then." Rev. Krueger preached in the evening service on Jesus' call of Matthew, the tax collector, to be- come his disciple. Matthew had been imprisoned by greed when Je- sus released Him from that prison. Richard Desjardine led the song ser- vice. Construction has begun on thc church to add a large foyer or en- trance, a church office and extra class space. It is hoped to have it completed by spring. Bible Study, There were 21 ladies out for the Tuesday morning Bible study at Sauble Court. Nita Sinclair opened with prayer and Millie Desjardine led the hymn sing. In summing up Chapter 9 "Who Plans My Life?" they read about David in Psalm 18, which tells how God took care of him under many different circumstances. Da- vid ends the Psalm praising God for guidance and for His faithfulness. We too arc stronger and able to cope with different things that hap- pen to us "by taking all to the Lord in prayer." They -studied the new chapter 10 "Docs My Sin Matter of God?" finding the answers in reading II Samuel 8, 9 and 10. Ethel Lennox was thc discussion leader who gave a closing prayer, remembering the sick and shut-ins. Grand Bend council briefs Monday night Grand Bend council discussed a letter of grievance from summer visitors to the arca who had a mishap with a pair of dogs in the dock arca. Asking that council adopt some sort of policy about dogs in the arca, die writers noted their dissatis- faction over the way the matter was handled by dock attendants. Reeve Harold Green asked why the matter wasn'tbrought before the Harbour committee and expressed displeasure over thc attendant's fail- ure to notify Harbour. "If they had let us know, we prob- ably could have put a sign up last year," Green said. Council resolved to post the arca with signs while deputy reeve Den- nis Snider pointed out that techni- cally all dogs must be kept on a leash in the village, as outlined in an existing bylaw. * * * Two tenders were issued for the town's used truck which has been replaced with new vehicle. Dale Hayter came in low with an offer of $2,150 while Grand Bend Plymouth Chrysler offered S2,505. Council elected to turn down both tenders on the grounds that they arc far too low. Green noted that a plow, which was included with the truck, would cost as much new as the tenders have offered for the whole truck. Council granted the Grand Bend Winter Carnival committee permis- sion to operate parking lots behind the PUC building and behind the Grand Bend Legion during long weekends over the spring and sum- mer. The committee hopes to raise funds by charging S2 per day for the parking facilities. Council also granted permission to erect proper parking signs explaining where the money is going. * It was decided that councillors Barb Southcott and Bruce Woodley will be responsible for handling complaints concerning animal con- trol during the spring and summer. ALINVESTMENTS FINANCIAL CENTRE 122 The Square Goderich 524-2773 - . - 03 "GIC MATES 10 1 /2 .55 v4 rt,, 9 8 % L 3 Yi I Yr. Short Term . NEIL OSTRANDER PHOTOGRAPHY • Weddings • Portraits • Commercial • Groups • Framing • Custom Black & White R.R. 3 Parkhill, NOM 2K0 238-5056 Hwy. 81 halfway between Grand Bend and Parkhill • � Grand Asa FASHION OCarnival "*" SHOW D ,Aq Lf g and do Carnival Queen Contest Friday, Feb. 5th - 8 p.m. NEW LEGION HALL, GRAND BEND *Clothing by* • Perry Originals, Exeter & Grand Bend • Expressions, Grand Bend • uiena of California London *Make-up by Stendhal-* Courtesy Whites Pharmacy, Grand Bend *Fashions Accessories Demonstration* Uniquely You, Grand Bend " Hair By' Designer's Unisex, Grand Bend *Complimentary Hors d'oeuvres* CARNIVAL QUEEN DANCE Saturday, Feb. 6th - 9 p.m. - 1,. a.m. NEW LEGION HALL, GRAND BEND Music by FOREST CITY JAll BAND AND CROWNING OF 1988 CARNIVAL QUEEN Tickets at Barefoot Pedlar, Grand Bend • per person $ 7.50 - Fashion Show $ 7.50 - Dance $10.00 - Combo (both nights) These events under the Authority of Goliger's Special Occasion CKSL ��O Permits