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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 1977-12-22, Page 34Larry J. McCabe Deputy Clerk-Treasur :t< rR' PAGE 10A--- sODERICH SIGNAL -STAR, THURSDAY, DECEM$ER,22, 1977 ear 5 students say Christmas has changed Christmasis a wonderful time of the year. One of brotherhood and peace. Batteries not included. Is.Christmas really a time of love and happiness or is it merely a time of year of financial difficulty and a confused bustling about? In my opinion. Christmas has changed greatly from the past. Today, Christmas is too commercialized. When most of us think of Christmas, we think of Santa Claus as being the important figure. But what about Jesus? Shouldn't we consider the birth of Jesus the true meaning of Christ- mas? Isn't that why we celebrate this season:' Secondly, our greedy society seems to think only of the gifts they will receive. It angers me also to see that many people believe that it is not the thought that counts but the price of the gift. We tend to forget why we give gifts at Christmas. Isn't it to show our love for the person just as the wise men gave gifts to Jesus to show their love? It also angers me to see all the advertisements around Christmas time. Did you ever realize that the most ex- pensive toys are advertised, thus capturing the interest of the children. It is especially difficult for a poor family to be able to buy these luxuries for their children. It seems unfair that so many people can have so much but yet neglect to remember the more un- fortunate. This neglect can be easily seen if you just look into the Kinsmen boxes and see how empty they are. When we think of Christ- mas shopping, we tend to think of a relaxed at- mosphere. But in reality it is a nightmare. People pushing and shoving you in every direction. Prices that seem to be higher than usual and the anxiety of finding what you wanted to buy has already been purchased. Around Christmas time, we often hear the statement "Peace on Earth, Goodwill towards men." But did you ever stop to wonder just how true this statement really is? —Joan Bennett As the tidings of Christmas joy welcome in the New Year, men turn to one another throughout the universe, forgetting their past dif- ferences, and people unite for perhaps one brief, moment in the year. Despite the fact that Christmas is annually decried as an advocate of commercialization and a product of today's society, the fact still remains that the season of Noel is perhaps the only remaining celebration of joy man has left himself. Christmas is a time when people can express their love for one another freely, without any attaching stigmas, and in fact, do so spontaneously as the in- fectious, festive spirit affects one and all. In even the bloodiest of wars, ceasefires are unanimously declared, and a peace descends upon these troubled areas. People of all ages will suddenly open their pockets and their hearts to others, giving generously to the poor and less fortunate in the world, so that they too,,, - will he able to celebrate Christmas joyously. Suddenly, the churches are filled to capacity, as people flock everywhere to the beautiful midnight and morning services offered everywhere. It is incomprehensible to me that there .are so many „Scrooges" in our world today, who constantly belittle and ridicule this ancient tradition common to all mankind, transcending beyond the ordinary barriers of language, race and religion. The very fact that we are surrounded by people who are living examples of Christmas spirit each Noel, proves these cynics to be ill-founded in their beliefs. It is merely a matter of opening one's eyes and one's heart to appreciate the true beauty and meaning of the. season. — Una Costello Christmas is the greatest time of year, when "good will towards men" is at its peak. At no other time of year are the salesmen and merchants .more friendly and courteous. Coincidentally, this increased friendliness often results in increased sales_ It's obvious that the merchants can sense the true meaning of Christ- mas. The generosity of people is quite prevalent in the amount of money they spend on Christmas gifts: Some people may spend three or four hundred dollars on gifts, not allowing things like religion to interfere with the true meaning of Christmas. It's just wonderful how carollers stay up hours after their bedtime and stand outside singing their little hearts out, spreading the joy of Christmas to everyone. Nov, even television com- mercials are spreading the joy of Christmas by using carols to hack up their fine and worthwhile products. As a matter of fact, it gives one a warm feeling to see a Christmas tree beautifully arrayed with McDonald's gift certificates. Perhaps the hest thing about Christmas is the festive mood of people. This is evident in the number of people who get roaring drunk at events like staff parties, Christmas dances, but most of all; the Christmas dinner. This is a great meal, un- spoiled by thoughts of half the world's population starving. After all, we did give a quarter to the fellow ringing the hell on the corner. WORK BOOTS AND CLOTHING ....Priced Right! SMITH'S FARM & GARDEN CENTRE 66 HAMILTON ST GODERICH 524.8761 DAVE HAYLOW ELECTRICAL Serving Industrial, Commercial, Residential Needs 529-6038 �T Christmas is quite educational. We teach our children that "Santa Claus ' corning to town" rather than something significant like the birth of Christ. Children also learn much about con- servation of energy by seeing everyone's house lit up with multi -coloured lights. All we are saying is that Christmas has become very commercialized and out of context with the spirit of the true meaning of Christmas. — Mike Lapaine — Bill Walters Why can't every day be like Christmas? Why can't the feeling of joy and forgiveness go on and on. Christmas only happens once a year but WOW what a feeling. Although many people may complain about not being able to find anything worth buying or not having enough money to buy it with, they always seem to get by. Have you ever seen people friendlier or more expectant? Remember, as a youngster, how good you were around Christmas time and how you always wished and wished for thitigs that only a magical Santa Claus could produce? Remember what Christmas used to be like? The ex- pectant excitement on Christ ;las' Eve and the im- metrse satisfaction of knowing you have made someone happy. Remember sitting around the Christmas tree with a fire crackling in the fireplace, the flames jumping higher every time a new piece of wrapping paper is added; the waiting and expectant joy of receiving and opening the first present; the faint, but audible strains of Christmas carols floating from the stereo combined with the sound of tearing paper and excited voices. The mingled smells of roasting turkey, oranges, candies, pine needles, and smoke from burning logs produce a special holiday aroma. Remember also how happy you were when aunts and uncles came for the day! Remember when, you were Turn to page I IA • ent Carrie O'Connor seemed more interested in the gymnasium floor than in a poem recital by Sandra Van Osch at the St. Joseph's School at Kingsbridge Christmas Concert Friday. Carrie, the one year old daughter of Ron and Irma O'Connor, turned her back to the stage to try to figure out what that gold thing was on the floor. (staff photo) 1 MILE SOUTH OF BLYTH ld �Ilill TELEPHONE 519-523-4595 Out in the country, on top of the hill one mile south of Blyth 11111m— CHRISTMAS t1 CHRISTMAS STORE HOURS Beginning Friday, December 16 OPEN EVERY NIGHT TO 9 P.M. Christmas Eve, December 24 to 6 p,m. December 25 - CLOSED December 26 - 9 to 6 p.m. Regular store hours begin again December 26 Remember our 17th annual Fac- tory Outlet Sale Ends Saturday, Dec. 31. Don't miss bur extra special final clearances. 'Goderich itilluewitter Taxi Is open.for business from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. NOT ONLY From Monday to Saturday BUT ALSO On Sundays We do not solicit business by going door to door, or by interrupting your privacy by telephoning, Please feel free to phone: 524-7305 or524-6594 -We-will be closed: DEC. 24 AT 6 P.M. TO 6 A.M. DEC. 26th We will take time calls Christmas Morning if phoned in 2 Days in Advance We will be open: New Year's Eve 'til 3 a.m. BUS DEPOT will be closed from Dec. 24 at 5 p.m. to Dec. 26th 7:30 a.m. PLEASE BUY YOUR TICKETS IN ADVANCE We would like to wish everyone a Merry Xmas! Town of Goderich Notice of Intention to Designate Heritage Properties In the matter of The Ontario Heritage Act, 1974, S.O. Chapter 122 And in the matter of the lands and premises set out below, In the Province of Ontario: Notice of Intention to Designate Take notice that the Council of the Corporation of The Town of Goderich, on the 3rd day of October, 1977, decided to designate the lands and buildings, set out below, as a property of historical value in in- terest under the,Ontario Heritage Act 1974, S.O. Chapter 122. Short statement of The Reasons for the Proposed Designation: Reason for Designation: The Henry Horton Cottage is recommended for designation for architectural reasons. Built by Henry Horton in the early 1860's, it is an excellent example of the Picturesque Cottage, characterized by such details as the peaked projecting frontispiece, the scrolled "gingerbread", the gothic window in the peak, and the half gothic windows in the gable ends. This is an ex- ceptionally well preserved example of grout con- struction; this material was not uncommon in Goderich at one time, but extant examples are scarce. (156 East Street.) Reason for Designation: The Strachan house is recom- mended for designation for architectural reasons. Significant architectural features include the mansard - roofed corner tower, the heavily modelled window headings, the patterned shingles, and the delightful iron cresting which crowns the roof. Most important, however, is the building's consistency of detail, for it is "a remarkably unaltered example of late nineteenth- century eclectism, invention, and ostentation—the quin- tessential Victorian house." — from Ontario Towns, Oberon Press (20 Wellington Street.) Reason for designation: The Whitely house is recom- mended for designation for architectural reasons. The main house is a typical heavy timber framed Georgian house. The trim on the verandah and bay window is a particularly good example of the type of fretwork and turnery characteristic of the Goderich area. The entire house is beautifully propor- tioned and fits well into the neighborhood scheme. Since it is a residential structure that has been converted for commercial use, it forms an excellent buffer between the commercial area to the east and the residential district to the west. (58 Elgin Ave. E.) Reason for Designation: The Goderich Public Library is recommended for designation for architectural and con - textural reasons. It is an excellent example of the Romanesque Revival style, often used for public buildings at the turn of the century. The large round tower, with its special interior space, the round headed windows, and the irregular roof are all representative of this style. The architecture of the library, with the large tower at the focus of Montreal and Lighthouse streets, is ad- mirably suited to its vista location. (52 Montreal Street.) Reason for Designation: The Johnston house is recom- mended for designation for architectural reasons. Built in 1863 by Hugh Johnston, it is a . good example of the Georgian style as adapted by local builders, with some influence of the Regency in the verandah and French doors,• and a touch of the Italianate style in the brackets under the eaves. Although built in the vernacular, the house is highly formal; this formality is displayed on the exterior in the striking door surround, with sidelights, double transoms, and flanking half columns, in the formal row of columns ranged across the verandah, and in the bay and French windows, to either side of the door. (38 St. Vincent Street.) Reason for Designation: The Seegmiller house is recom- mended for designation for historical and architectural reasons. The house was built by Jacob Seegmiller, a trader and tanner, important to the town of Goderich for ten years before he settled here in 1841. Built in the simple rec- tangular Georgian style around 1857, the house was soon altered to the present saltbox shape, highly unusual in Goderich. The house is significant for its Georgian proportions, with the smaller second floor windows, its two Cross and Bible doors, one of which is now interior, its original wavy glass window panes, and its unusual saltbox shape. (87 St. Patrick Street.) Reason for Designation: The Hutchinson house is recom- mended for designation for architectural and contexture reasons. It is an excellent example of the mid nineteenth century local version of the Georgian style. Significant architectural features include the local grey brick, the smaller second floor, win- dows, the adjustable louvered shutters, the semi -circular hood supported by Doric columns and pilasters, and the geometric mullioning of the sidelights and transom. The Hutchinson house closes the vista down Wellesley Street in a handsome manner. (191 Britannia Rd. W.) Reason for Designation: The Huron Historic .Gaol is recommended for designation for historical and ar- chitectural reasons. It is one of the oldest public buildings in Western Ontario and had an instrumental role in the creation of the District of Huron. The gaol, with its unusual plan based on the octagon, is unique in its quality of execution and almost perfect state of preservation. Significant details include the classical portico, tapering passageway, pediments, and glazed cupola. The gaol has been designated a National Historic Site. (181 Victoria Street.) Reason for Designation: Hands' Bakery is recom- mended for designation for historical and architectural reasons. Built in the early 1840's by D.B.O. Ford, it was the scene of a costume ball mentioned in - In the Days of the Canada Company. Used as a bakery by Henry Hands during the 1850's and 1860'sr the house is reputed to have served as a guaedhouse during. the Fenian raids of 1866. This building is one of the very few examples in Goderich of Greek Revival design, as shown by its plan, with gable end toward the street, pediment with "Palladian" window and dentellae trim, flush boarded front, and bold door surround with fluted Doric columns and heavy entablature. (169 West Street) Reason for Designation: The Captain Dancy house is recommended for designation for historical and ar-2 chitectural reasons. It was built in the mid 1860's by; Thomas Dancy, a captain on the lake schooners. Although the style of the house,, Georgian, is typical of mid nineteenth century buildings in Goderich, the material, stone, makes this house quite' unusual. The many changes; and additions that have taken) place have not irrevocably. altered this handsome stone' building with its symmetrical. facade, dressed stone voussoirs over the windows] and gable roof, 1108 East; Street) Reason for Designation: The Lawson house is recom3 mended for designation for historical and architectural, reasons. Sir Casimir Growski, famous civil engineer and military man, is reputed to have used the house as his Goderich field office in the 1860's while it was the residence of Walter Lawson, surveyor. Built around 1851, the house is a well maintained and beuatifully proportioned example of the small Georgian home. Significant architectural features include, the pilasters, entablature, and flanking sidelights around the, door, the well p clapboarding, and the smaller second floor windows. 137 Essex Street.) ReasonforDesignation: TM "'Town Hall". The presenl ToWn Hall of Goderich situated on West Street, wa• formerly the Dominior Government Post am Custom's Office. Built in 189( the building was designed b) Thomas Fuller, one o Canada's leading early ar chitects. It has an imposini and dignified presenc( enhanced by its set back am detachment from the neigh bouring commercial blocks The predominant buildinl material is stone inw1" Romanesque style Thi massively gables. rusticatedSton coo arsing goo it w capping monumental appearance. Thi building is of significant valve both architecturally ani historically aesnd:s mos ani worthy of preservation designation under thee, act, West Street) Lot tt t Description: Plan Notice of objections to the designation may be served on the Clerk within thirty days of Dated at Goderich this Eighth day of December, 1977 •