Clinton News-Record, 1979-11-29, Page 3eopi
, • • ,• • - . •• . • • 1 , •
\ •
ofile:
by Sheltey McPhee
Norman Ball's a quiet man: He
lives a comfortable life, with the
companionship of, his dog at 32 Rat-
tenburY Street in Clinton.
• The house, which has been his home
for the past 31 years, is nicely fur-
nished. A quick glance , around the
room shows a bowl of candies, for
Norman has a sweet tooth. Every
table holds photographs, ,cold and
recent ones, for Norman is close to his
family. But on the walls- hang Nor-
man's real pride and joy, plaques
from Ontario's Premier William
Davis and former Prime Minister
Pierre Trudeau. The plaques honor
Norman on his birthdays, for Norman
is 95 years old.
To Norman, being 95 is not any
great accomplishment, he simply
appreciates the momentos he has
received for his birthdays.
Norman joked that somedays he
does feel like 95, but most of the time,
"It just seems like I was still in
school."
Although he has been in the hospital
a few times, his eyesight is not as
good as it used to be and his knees are
weak, Norman still enjoys a good life.
In the summer he keeps busy with a
vegetable and flower garden and
throughout the year joins with six
other men for weekly euchre parties,
held at the men's homes.
"I'm not too good a gardener," he
laughed, "And I lose as many card
games as I gain."
"We've been playing cards for
years. Some of the fellows I started
playing with are now gone, but it's
still a nice way of putting in an af-
ternoon," he noted.
Norman also enjoys the company of
his daughter, Mrs. Jean (Dougal)
Campbell of Mitchell, his sons Clarke
from Clinton and Reg of Goderich
along with a raft of grandchildren. He
has lost one son, Clarence, and two
wives.
Overall, life has been good; and
Norman wouldn't make any changes
if he had to do it all again.
While he still has a keen mind and
good memory, much of Norman's live
has been documented in diaries,
which he has proudly kept for over 50
years. In the brief notes written on the
now yellowed pages in the old books,
life on the farm, the weather, his
work, his family and his friends and
neighbors are remembered.
Norman was born in Hullett
Township in Summerhill on Sep-
tember 25, 1884.
Norman worked as a farmer, side
by side, with his brother Ed -on lot 32
and 33 in Hullett for years.
"We weren't all into one thing like
farmers are nowadays, " he
remembered. "We didn't have much
money and my brother and I worked•
back to back and shared the same
implementS."
"I wouldn't want to be a farmer
all hits 95
these days," he added, shaking his
head.
• But times weren't too tough back
then. Norman and Ed had the luxury
of setting up their own telephone, the
first in the area, so they could com-
Municate to each other from their
farms.
"I always had to work hard on the
farm," Norman reasoned as one of
the secrets tp his longevity, but has no
special Fountain of Youth formula.
He eats well, with his vegetables in
the summer and enjoys a four -course,
hot meal each noon hour, brought to
him by Meals on Wheels. He hinted,
however, that he doesn't get as much
pastry or sweets as he would like but
reasoned,, "I guess they know what
old people should eat."
Although Norman wishes he could
walk a mile a day, he's awake and
listening to the news each morning at
8 am. His day ends at 10 pm, after he
has watched All in the Family or
Front Page Challenge on the
television or has written in his diary,
a traditional job done every two or
three nights. He is also a member of
the Golden Radars senior citizen club
in town and occasionally makes it out
to a meeting.
Norman hopes to keep healthy and
able for as long as he can, but he
doesn't like to dwell on his age.
"You'll just make me seem older
than ever," he smiled at the reporter.
Fraud trial .
• from page 1
Wright if it was ever his intention to
pay Gordon Dale with the 38,700
pounds of beans and then •recover
insurance for the beans from the
Ontario Crop Insurance Commission,
Mr,Wright said it was not.
Crown .attorney ,Garylkfuntei-asked
Mr. Wright later, "You just plain
forgot all about them, is that what
you're telling this court?"
Mr. Wright replied, "Yes, they just
slipped my mind."
In response to further questioning,
Mr. Wright said, "I was busy and I
had a lot more on my mind than a few
little beans...it just never crossed my
mind."
Earlier in the trial, Mr. Dale told
the court he didn't grow any white
beans in 1978. In answer to the crown
attorney's question, "Did you ever
have Ken Wright deliver any beans
for the co-op in 1978?", Mr. Dale
replied, "No."
He told the court he didn't receive
any money from the beans.
Donald Scott, manager of the
Ontario Bean Growers' Co-operative
testified on Tuesday that the cheque
for the beans in Mr. Dale's name had
never been picked up.
ghe magic of Christmas
continues forever
1
am*N
Ail the beauty and brilliance of the
holiday season keeps glowing in the
fiery sparkle of our Christmas diamon-
, ds. We have diamonds in every setting
imaginable, from simple to sumptuous,
ready to outshine every gift under the
tree.
Always a vast selection of diamond
rings and jewellery, in all price ranges.
An rings purchased
can be sized in our
store, without delay.
We also offer fast
in-store engraving.
JEWELLERS LIMITED
the name you've ttusted...since 1950
203 Durham E. I 1 Albert Street 26 -Main St, S.
WALKERTON t LINTON SEAFORTH
881 -0122 4824101 527,1720
J
284 Main St. '
EXETER
235-2468
MENARFP AMEPi(„ At4 t,EM ' Wits
Over his 95 years, Norman Ball of Clinton has received many, gifts artit cards of
congratulations, but two of his prized possessions are plaques given to him by
Premier William Davis and former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau. (News -
Record photo)
the middle
The other day a lady came in to
offer me her sympathies.
"I read your column and you
seem to lead such a terrible life,"
she consoled.
I graciously accepted her con-
cern, but began thinking about the
woebegone tales that I have
written.
In comparsion to other people's
lives, I concluded that my tales of
tragedy ranked rather low. I must
admit that most where just
situations and character faults
iexaggerated and joked about.
So I may be on the chunky side,
that's hardly anything to complain
about after seeing those poor wee
Cambodian babies. So I may be
• broke, but at least I had the,rpone
• to spend in the first place. So I did
have, a mouse, but at least we both
had a warm, dry place to sleep,
unlike the unfortunate boat people.
I may not be the next Julia Child,
but at least I can find someone to
cook for me or take me out to
dinner. Occasionally I rant and
rave about my job, but at least I
have one to get angry about. I write
about my poor old body that's
always Rlagued with with a sore
throat and ninny nose, but my
physical health could he in far
worse condition. The old red bomb
may not be the snazziest car on the
road, but she runs fine and always
gets me where I'm going.
Yes, I must admit I have a pretty
good life and I'm quite thankful for
that. I have felt or seen very little
personal pain, suffering or tragedy
and instead enjoy the company of
close friends, and a loving family,
excellent health, a good education
and a good job. There is little more
I could ask for.
So don't really take me seriously
when I use this space as a personal
groaning • board. For really my
tales of tragedy are silly and
meaningless. That's why I write
them, they're all in fun.
Yes, if I had my lifeto live over I
probably wouldn't want the
femininity of Audrey Hepburn, the
wit of Lily Tomlin, the beauty of
Raquel Welch, the voice of Barbra
Streisand, the brains of Margaret
Mead or the wealth of Jackie
Onassis.
No, that would be too extfeme for
me. But, I wouldn't mind being just
being a little prettier, a touch more
intelligent and gee, if only I could
be skinny, the world would be
perfect!! !
HARRISON STONEHOUSE ANTIQUEn-
of Clinton •
j
WILL PAY CASH. FOR
COINS, GOLD, SILVER
WE BUY
SCRAP GOLD,
SILVER AND OLD
JEWELLERY
sotte•:6,1:4,17.14t,,
r.:•&.,7•44:4,.U;V:$,Or `r.1441,:,. A
Rings
We buy gold, silver and platinum
rings; rings with or without stones,
for scrap value only.
Chains
• We buy gold and silver chains,
bracelets, watch fobs.
Sterling Silver
We buy scrap sterjing silver flat-
ware, tea services, dresser sets,
jewellery, cups, etc.
WE BUY GOLD TEETH
NOW IS THE TIME FOR YOU TO
DISPOSE OF THAT SCRAP GOLD AND
SILVER AROUND THE HOUSE FOR
IMMEDIATE CASH
IN THE PRIVACY OF
YOUR OWN HOME
•OR OURS
REMEMBER - WE BUY
1. Foreign Parini' Money 5. Collector's Canadian
2. Foreign Coins •Money
3. World Gold Coins 6. Newfoundland Silver
4, Collector's U.S. Paper and Gold Coins
Money P. Ali U.S. tains
8. Orymple Gold and
Silver Coins
WE PAY IMMEDIATE CASH
(01/1111.
SILVER
COINS
101
25
50
$1.
"loc
25°
5051c
CANADIAN
1966 and prior
1967
1968 (silver)
1966 and prior
1967
1968 (silver)
1967 and prior
•
1967 and prior
WE PAY 80'
WE PAY 40'
WEPAY 40'
WE PAY '2.00
WE PAY 9.00
WE PAY '1.00
WE PAY '4.00
WE PAY '8.00
'5. and '10. Olympic
also wanted
UNITED STATES
1964 and prior WE PAY 80'
1964 and prior WE PAY '2.00
1964 and prior WE PAY '4.00
1935 and prior WE PAY '8.00
We buy all coins, sets and
medallions struck by the
Franklin and other mints
We pay IMMEDIATE CASH,
CONDITIONS OF SELLING
1. All Items bought and paid for in cash.
2. Due to market fluctuation, prices on old gold
and silver bullion 'item' are subject fa change
without notice. All other pekes guaranteed for
the duration of this event.
3. All coins and stamps must bo in at least
minumum condition in our opinion, in order for
us to puratale them.
4-- REMEMBER: NO COLLECTION IS TOO SMALL OP LARGE FOR (kilt CONSIDERATION
PLEASE DO NOT CLEAN COINS
tqtA. EASY OF ttiNtotel 014601 THE Stdri
Lk:WM
1. •
cuNTcoligwo,AgcogPi TkIVRAPAY,91.M.VMA4g9t-j,97,9'449,g,",
ta flus
• from page I -
clothing, most look as bright and good
as new.
"All the clothes that come in are In
good shape. .I wouldn't 04 anything
out that was shoddy. The people. May
6e poor, but they have their pride,"
Wynne reasoned,
• Often Wynnewill, sew on that
missing button,- re -dress an old doll,
or mend the clothing herself before 'it
is set out in the Clinton town hall.
Families in need then have come in
and select what they need. -
"It's sort of like a big rummage
sale," Wynne explained.
From December 12 to 14 and 15 to
16, Wynne meets with. the families,
one at a time, and gifts are selected.
"I like to see he larger families
come first and for some I make a list
of special needs, like a pair of ice
skates for a youngster or a pair of
pyjamas. For some, I picture their
needs and buy a few new things," she
explained.
Wynne sets up appointments with
each family so they can look at the
articles one at a time.
"This gives them a little privacy to
talk and look at the goods," she noted..
Money is given by the Family
Services to buy new articles as well
and according to Wynne area mer-
chants are also very helpful when it
comes to donating articles.
"The Family Services are very
good too. They always tell me not to
be afraid to go out and buy things like
groceries, underwear and pyjamas."
Many individuals donate to the
bureau. Some churches in the area
bring in things- not sold from their
bazaars and offer their White Gift
Sunday offerings to the bureau.
Anyone can make a donation, whether
it be clothes, games, toys, shoes,
boots or money, simply by calling
Wynne at 482-7312 or by dropping
donations off at the clerk's office in
the Clinton town hall.
"I like to have things come in right
from the word go," Wynne said. -
It is through her organization that
Wynne has been able to manage the
Clinton bureau by herself for the past
five years. Family services have too
recognized this quality and last year
honored Wynne for her work in one of
the largest bureaus in Huron County.
Wynne started her work with the
bureau over eight years ago when her
group 'at St. Andrew's Presbyterian
Church in Clinton prepared bales
which were delivered by the Kinsmen
to needy families.
Wynne explained that over the
years, It boiled, down to me, but I
rather Hite it now. Sometimes you can
do things better alone than you can 111
a group, Packing those bales used to
be chacS but now I've got a system
worked out and I really enjoy helping
someone at Christmas."
“EaGh year when they're preparing
for the bureau they call.. me and I've
never been ready to say I wouldn't
help," she afIded.
"This, is part of my Christmis
now," she smiled.
• Wynne thoroughly enjoys helping
the people and is glad to see when.
sonie needy person hai a' happier
• Christmas.
She remembers one woman who
came in with only a pair of old shoes
on her feet. The woman found a pair
of warm men's boots and socks- and
left with a happy smile on her face.
"Now, that's what I call need,"
Wynne recalled.
Wynne noted that some .people
come back year after year, "It must
be terribly frustrating for them to do
this year after year. Sometimes I feel
so sorry for them when they can only
be allowed so many things and they
need so much more."
However, it is through the efforts of
Wynne, the Family Services and
many thoughful people that Christ -
'Inas is made much happier occasion
for many less fortunate people.
But after all, isn't that what
Christmas is all about?
Readers write
Dear Editor:
This is to inform you that the
Stratford U.F. esearch team has^
been set up, effettve September 25th,
1978.
We investigate all U.F.O. sightings
and related phenomenon. All reports
are kept strictly confidential. If you
have had a U.F.O. sighting, we can be
reached at 271-6958.
If you are intere§teri in joining
-S.U.F.O.R.T: (and you are 21 years or
older) please contact me at 271-695s.
The Stratford U.F.O. research team
is a non-profit organization that has
been set up to handle U.F.O. reports
in and around the Stratford area.
S.U.F.O.R.T. is also associated with
C.U.F.O.R.N. (Canadian UFO
Research Network) based in Toronto.
• Pat De la Franier
Stratford
Director
GIFT BOXES AND
Gin. CERTIFICATES
On a Chilly Winter's day, he'll sure
appreciate a wooly cardigan or
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or both from our sweater collec,
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now.
Be sure to see our large
Selection of Fashionable Men's
Wear • •
You could be one of our
lucky Christmas Draw win-
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DATES ARE:
DEC. 8-$50. DEC. 22-$50.
DEC. 15-$50. DEC. 24-$100.
Enter with every '5.00 purchase
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CLINTON