Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 1978-04-27, Page 19thederich SIGNAL.—STAR 131 YEAR -17 THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 1978 Trees look pretty stark at this time of year but what can match their beauty in summer and fall? Today is Goderich's fourth annual Arbor Day, a day set aside for the planting and appreciation of trees. Trees are a beauty of nature that provide shade, serve us ecologically and even increase the value of our homes. Throughout the day students will be holding tree planting ceremonies on,school grounds and cleaning up the various parks in town. (Photo by Joanne Walters) Trees contribute to our community BY JOANNE WALTERS Can you imagine the town of Goderich without its many trees? What a barren and desolate place it would be! Trees .may often be taken for granted by people when they shouldn't be: Sometimes they are seldom given a thought and yet they are a beauty of nature providing us with shade, serving us ecologically and even in- creasing the value of our homes. No doubt, Goderich's trees along with the proximity to the lake and the big old homes, attract tourists and are part of our claim to fame as "The Prettiest Town in Canada". Today is Arbor Day in Goderich. It is a day set aside for the recognition and planting of trees. The very first 'Arbor Day was observed in 1872 and while this day is now a distant memory in many places, it is refreshing and encouraging to know that this town has celebrated it for the past four years. While other holidays repose upon the past, Arbor Day proposes for the future. These are the words inscribed on a monument erected in memory of J. Sterling Morton who fostered that first Arbor Day in 1872. The words im- press upon us that the trees we plant now, will be enjoyed far many years to come by others as well as ourselves. The planting and looking after of trees then, is ,a very unselfish act. The purpose of Arbor Day is to dramatize the need for • trees and to impress the meaning for conservation in the minds of citizens, par- ticularly the use of the country. Elsa Haydon, chairman of the Goderich Parks committee, saw Arbor Day as a means of promoting the town's parks and making people, especially young people, more aware of the importance of trees and greenery, when she first promoted Arbor Day four years ago. And, over those four years, students have come to play the biggest part in Arbor Day celebrations. All the elementary schools intown, have assemblies and other special programs on Arbor Day. Sepcial emphasis is placed on environmental awareness ,in the classrooms in the hopes that each student will better recognize the influence his actions could possibly have on nature. Tree planting ceremonies take place on school grounds and students clean up the various parks around town. In this way, says Mrs. Haydon, not only are students learning about the importance of nature but they are also playing a helpful part in keeping the parks dlean. - Mrs. Haydon says some principals and teachers feel that the promotion „of Arbor Day in the schools has something to do with having Tess tree vandalism here than in some other places. Children are taught to respect chipping the bark off and Goderich's 'parks and trees. laying the tree open to They come to think of the disease. Litter sometimes parks as extensions of their gets so matted up with fallen parents' gardens not to be, leaves and twigs that water mistreated and misused. cannot penetrate the soil. Dogs who use trees as fire TREES CONTRIBUTE hydrants can ruig the bark TO COMMUNITY and make the soil ten times saltier than is already con- sidered harmful. And in the winter, road salt is splashed into the tree's soil by passing cars, weakening and killing .trees. (A non-toxic salt is available, although more expensive than regular road salt). Certain trees have been bred to withstand many of these urban problems but botanists say that a town should invest in a range of different tree species so that it won't be as hard-hit by any disease that might arise. Disease or no disease, few trees can avoid the many hostilities of thoughtless humans' and that is why Arbor Day is so important. By observing this day, our town and its citizens are realizing that more can and must be done to see that trees grow and prosper. As urban tresses are diminishing our precious tree population, it is important to keep in mind the ways in which trees contribute to our homes and communities. Much of the following is taken from an article by Ralph Nader entitled, Trees and You. Nader says• that probably the most valuable service trees provide is ecological. An acre of trees for instance produces enough oxygen each year to keep 18 human beings alive, while contributing to a balanced climate by ab- sorbing carbon dioxide. And a mature tree transpires about 100 gallons of water a day --the cooling equivalent of five air ' conditioners of 10,000 BTUs each running 20 hours a day. Besides cooling the air through their mosture and shade, trees help filter smoke, dust and odor out of GODERICH PEOPLE the atmosphere says Nader. CARE Noise reduction is another plus not lost on highway. Lots of people in our town planners or residents along " do care about the town's roadways. And, of course we trees, according to Mrs. all know some trees give Haydon. While other towns fruit --apples, pears, oranges have long forgotten Arbor to name a few. Day, enthusiasm in our town Everyone can appreciate makes it a worthwhile event, the aesthetic relief that trees one which Mrs. Haydon hopes have to offer, especially in will become a tradition and Goderich where trees are a continue for years to come. part of the town's character Each spring Goderich and make-up. Many people people are asked to call in don't realize however that their requests for trees to be their trees also have a planted in their neigh - monetary value. One realbourhoods and the list of estate survey has indicated requests is always more than that attractive trees and what can„`b u plied, says shrubs around a home can Mrs. Hai >u luso, people add about $1,500 to its value. call if they'” think a certain All these benefits -- tree is injured or dying and aesthetic, environmental and requires care. They also call monetary -- have not been if they are concerned about overlooked by poets. certain trees being cut down. Longfellow spoke of "the Most people in town keep spreading chestnut tree" and their gardens nice and have Joyce Kilmer said he would an appreciation for the parks, never see ''A poem lovely as a feels Mrs. Haydon. The tree" and continued to Goderich Garden Club and remind us that "only God can the Green Thumbers are also make a tree." .. enthusiastic groups who often donate trees and plants for all CITY TREES HAVE the town to enjoy. IT ROUGH Besides offering good tree maintenance, there are Trees have been on earth various ways for towns to for about 100,000 years and promote trees. There is a cities have been around. for matching funds system which only 10,000 years. It's not has been tried in some places surprising that trees have a to encourage city' neigh - rough time in the cities. A bourhoods to raise money to tree that can't stretch out its •plant trees. roots without running into Since city parks depart - cement or asphalt can ments cannot possibly know asphyxiate. The city soil often about the welfare of all their has few nutrients. And often trees, the responsibility for trees are cut down if they keeping a community's trees grow too tall and interfere alive and well must with telephone lines, etc. sometimes rest with in - As if this isn't all bad formed citizens. Some of the enough, says Nader in his most effective support for 'article, trees are regular trees has come from in - victims of 'various passersby. dividuals (who could forget Bicyclists like to chain their Johnny Appleseed, one of the bikes to trees, sometimes Turn to page 11A • Mrs. Ralph (Grace) Neville is Regent of the Ahmeek Chapter of the 1.O.D.E. This chapter is the third oldest in the country having been founded in 1901 by Mrs. Dan MacDonald and their claim to fame is the establishing of the first hospital in Huron County. Ahmeek comes from the Chippewa Indian language meaning beaver which Mrs. Neville shows here (Photo by Joanne Walters) Robertson corrections The Signal -Star editor last week inadvertently switched the cutlines on two pictures in the Robertson spread. The corrections are published below for those readers who are keeping files. Robert Spelman Robertson, third son of Mr. and Mrs. W. R. Robertson, Goderich, conducted a brilliant law practice in Stratford and Toronto, twice appeared before the Privy Council, and in 1938 was appointed Chief Justice of Ontario without having been°a judge in lower courts. Also, the author of the stories, W. E. Elliott, has pointed out that the more correct heading on the story at the top of page IA last week would have. been "Scots pioneers in Huron, N.S., slept under a huge elm tree." Reader likes Dr. John C. Robertson, eldest son of William Roderick Robertson and Fanny (Smith) Robertson, attended the first (two -room) High School here, graduated from the University of Toronto, taught Classics in secondary schools and became Dean of Arts at Victoria College. historical items Colin M. Young of Don Mills writes in appreciation of the article in the Signal - Star, March 30, 'about S.S. No. 3, Colborne. "I am sure it struck a responsive chord in the hearts of a good many Signal -Star readers," he writes, "and brought memories flooding back, especially to those of us who attended No. 3 as youngsters. "Three generations of my family attended No. 3. My grandfather was five years old when the family came to Colborne,and he was one of the pupils when the school opened in 1840. Dr. Peter Strang was principal when my father attended, and he taught the senior classes. Miss I§abel Sharman, who was at Central School for many years, taught the junior room at that time.Dr. Harold Elborn was, my first teacher at No. 3, and two of the pupils in the 1912 picture which appcarvu ul Ln l' 2ll Lll'IC - my cousin, Isobel Young, and Grace Hamilton, were my teachers as well. From the list of former teachers con- tained in the article, several can be identified as former students at No. 3. The school had a special reputation for the quality of the teaching. "The excerpts from Mr. John Elliott's writings were of special interest to me, as I also, as a youngster, raced over those same fields and hills whiwere then owned by my father. .... Mr. W.E. Elliott's writings over the years have provided a valuable record of the early families in Goderich and surrounding area, that I can pass along to my own three sons, who were born ar,d are growing up in this large city -- an en- vironment far removed from Colborne and Goderich and a way of life I knew when l' was their age." SECOND SECTION IODE has two Chapters in Goderich BY JOANNE WALTERS I.O.D.E. These are familiar initials to many Canadians. But how many ever stop to consider what these initials are•all about? At a time when Cahiadian unity seems to be on everyone's mind, I.O.D.E: plays an important role. According to Ontario's Lieutenant Governor Pauline McGibbon, "Volunteers strengthen our country. They build a web of national unity." Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire (I.O.D.E.) is a national organization of women volunteers which has been involved in the development of Canada and concerned with the welfare of Canadians since ' it was founded on February 13, 1900. Because the 18,000 members raise and spend more than $1,000,000 each year, this involvement is visible and practical. I.O.D.E, is alive and well in Goderich. In fact, this town is fortunate in having two' chapters, one of which is the third oldest in the Dominion and whose claim to fame is the establishing of the first ,hospital in Huron County. If the image of I.O.D.E.' is a combination 'of its deeds, successes and members, then the Goderich chapters have certainly lived up to this image well. Let's begin with a look at the oldest chapter in town, the Ahmeek Chapter taken from a report by former secretary Della M. Gibbons. Organized at the time of the Boer War and coming through two World Wars, the Chapter has put forth a mighty effort for peace and victory. Daughters of the British Empire was founded by Mrs. Clarke Murray of Montreal, a patriotic Scotswoman, on February 13, 1,900. Its im- mediate purpose was to aid the families of ,. soldiers fighting for the Empire in ' South Africa but also for other patriotic and charitable work as necessary. The second branch was founded in Toronto with Mrs. Nordheimer, of the piano family, as Regent. She was a close friend of Mrs. Evelyn Brough MacDonald of Goderich. Mrs. MacDonald's husband Dan was Registrar of the Surrogate Court and she and her daughters lived at Strathdonald on Wellington Street in town. On March 7, 1901 Mrs. MacDonald gathered some of her friends together to form a branch of the I.O.D.E. rin Goderich which was to receive the third charter in all of Canada. Thirteen women came and were eager to start a,. new movement. Mrs. MacDonald was elected Regent. THE HOSPITAL The original membership of 13 increased to 60 by the end of the ye; r. Fees were 25 cents in those days with 10 percent going to the head office in Montreal. The branch or chapter was to be called •Alexandra after the Dowager Queen but the purely Canadian name "Ahmeek was chosen from the Chippewa Indian language meaning Beaver. The motto, "Advance with Courage" was adopted and the first project, to establish a hospital to be known as .the Alexandra Marine and General Hospital, was un- dertaken. 'All money raised other than the 10 'percent sent to head office was given toward the hospital project fund. Meetings were held in the Law Library of the Court House. Interviews were held Tufo to page 19A • Mrs. W. J. (Doreen) Garrow has been the Regent of the Maple Leaf Chapter of the 1.O.D.E, since February. The Maple Leaf Chapter was formed as a junior chapter in Goderich in 1901 with 12 members ranging in age from 10 to 12 years. Shortly before World War I it became a senior chapter. Today there are 79 members ranging in age from 20 to 70 years. Mrs. Garrow says "We. are quite proud of our membership. The age span makes for good organization:" (Photo by Joanne Waiters)