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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Times Advocate, 2004-07-07, Page 5Wednesday,July 7, 2004 Exeter Times—Advocate 5 Opinion Forum News ROSS HAUGH BACK IN TIME I OYEARS AGO July 6, 1994 -Winning the Moncur Scholarships at Thursday's graduation exercises at South Huron District High School were Molly McClure and David Morlock. Ontario Scholars at SHDHS are David Morlock, Molly McClure, Jon Soer, Christine Passmore, Danny Martens, Scott Finlayson, Erin Kraftcheck, Michael Becker, Victoria Bisback, Linda Wallis, Laura Coolman, Fiona Walker, Jeffrey Lingard, Lisa Kernick, Heather Steckle, Linda Hardeman, Jason Wein, Sara Wallis, Douglas Rook, Linda Snell and Steven Farquhar. 25 YEARS AGO July 6, 1979 - The 36 -year teaching career of Mrs. Esther Rau ended last week. Currently princi- pal at Precious Blood Separate School in Exeter, she was honoured at a retirement party Sunday morning. The Exeter Public Utilities Commission has agreed in principle this week to purchase from Ontario Hydro the sub -station located east of the library. Taking the Moncur Scholarships at SHDHS for the year 1978-79 were Robin Little and Marian Martens. Other Ontario Scholars were Brenda Fletcher, Anne Dearing, Doug Scott, Sandra McLeod, Catherine Abbott, Brad Taylor, Steve Paton and Lucy Van Esbroeck. Tops in grades 9 to 12 were John Kester, Paul McAuley, Kevin Glasgow and Sarah McClure. 35 YEARS AGO July 3, 1969 - John Goddard of Hensall was the top student in grade 13 this year at SHDHS and marked the fourth consecutive time he has headed his class. Best in the other four grades were Beth Cook, Hensall; Anne Herdman, Centralia; Susan Tuckey, Exeter and John Blackwell, Hensall.' 40YEARS AGO July 7, 1964 - Only 202 Huron county chicken farmers turned out to cast ballots for the plan to set up a provincial egg marketing board. However, while the number of voters was low, they did rep- resent about one-third of the total chicken popula- tion. While less than 10 percent of ballots cast in Ontario, the plan received the necessary two-thirds majority. A fire believed started by spontaneous combus- tion levelled the large barn on the farm of Alton Isaac at R.R. 1, Clandeboye, Monday afternoon. He estimates his loss at $10,000. Besides the barn, a quantity of hay, some machinery and one cow were lost. Exeter council this week set a new policy for employee holidays. Councillor Derry Boyle present- ed the motion which called for a three-year stint before two weeks of holiday time are granted to town employees. The Exeter Kinsmen playground opened this week with registration hitting the 70 mark by Tuesday. Supervisors will this year again look after activities in all three Exeter parks under the direc- tion of rec director Don Gravett. 45 YEARS AGO July 4, 1959 - Canadian Canners Ltd. faced with an exceptionally good crop of peas, was forced to begin round-the-clock operation at the local plant Wednesday night. Sixty personnel from RCAF Centralia came in until midnight Monday night. 55YEARS AGO July 5, 1959 - Climaxing a crime wave which swept through the district since December, provin- cial police arrested seven youths and sent out a warrant for an eighth, all from the Parkhill dis- trict.. The Sandy Bawden lawn bowling trophy was won Wednesday afternoon by an Exeter rink com- posed of Ken Hockey, Ulric Snell and Lex MacDonald. 80YEARS AGO July 5, 1924 - Mr. Henry Reynold of Victoria park in town picked from a single bush in his fine garden, twenty-one quarts of gooseberries. Mr. and Mrs. Preston Dearing of the second con- cession of Stephen township drove to town on Saturday night and left the horse and buggy stand- ing near Wes Simmon's blacksmith shop. On their return they found the harness had been cut to pieces, in fact, they had to purchase a new set to get home. Seniors' Perspective By Jim Bearss ADULT ACTIVITIES C0 -ORDINATOR Coming Events Usborne Central School 40th Anniversary: IT'S NOTTOO LATETO REGISTER! The 40th Anniversary of Usborne Central School is fast approaching, to be held on July 10th. Everyone from the community is invited to help celebrate this event. Memorabilia Rooms will be open at the school from 1 to 4 p.m. The Program at the school is from 2 to 4 p.m. There will be a Beef BBQ at South Huron Rec. Centre from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Advance Tickets only. Loonie Raffle from 5 to 8 p.m. Come dance to the band "Decades" from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Contact Judith Parker at 235-0978 or Sharon Pavkeje at 229-6891 for further information, tickets, or memorabilia to contribute. Tickets available at Wuerth Shoes and Kirkton Market. Exeter Pond & BackyardTour: Friday July 16 - 5 - 8 p.m. Saturday July 17 - 10:00 - 3 p.m. Visit lovely Exeter and area backyards at your leisure. The tour features different styles of gardens, from formal to more relaxed,Country and cottage gardens, perennial beds, ponds, and more. There will be something for all garden lovers. Most gardens on the tour are within walking dis- tance, with two on the outskirts of Exeter off Huron Street West. Rain or shine. Let your eyes feast on the gardening treasures of Exeter and area. This is a fundraiser for the Exeter Agricultural Society. Tickets are available at Stedmans or Barb Down - 235-1900 Cathy Seip - 235-2828. Exeter Legion Auxiliary Bingo: Mark your calendar for Thursdays at 7 p.m. July 8 & 22, August 5 & 9 and September 16 & 30. Help support local charities. GiantYard & Bake Sale: August 14, 2004 - The Exeter Legion is hosting a gigantic Yard and Bake Sale. This will be one of your last chances to pick up that article you have been hunt- ing for all summer. More donations are needed to make this sale successful. For more information call Jim Bearss at 235-4243, Ron Helm at 235-2644, Vera Armstrong at 235-0780 or The Legion at 235-2962. September 24th Gaither Homecoming Concert Grand Bend Golden Agers would like you to join them in attending this great inspirational gospel singing concert at the John Labatt Centre in London on September 24th 2004. For prices and motor coach details contact Marjorie Love at (519) 243-4036 September 25th Annual Wellesley Apple Butter & Cheese Festival - Come for the pancake break- fast, crafts, meats, cheeses, etc., market, smorgasbord dinner, farm tours, cider mill tours, apple fritters & dumplings, sausage/schnitzel on a bun, chicken BBQ, local entertainment, quilt auction, horseshoe tourna- ment, antique cars & tractors. September 30th Grand River Dinner Cruise - Grand Bend Golden Agers are arranging a Motor Coach Tour to the Grand River Country. For more information con- tact Marjorie Love at (519) 243-4036 December 2nd Simcoe Panorama of Lights - Contact Marjorie Love at (519) 243-4036 to guarantee a seat on a comfortable motorcoach to see a spectacular selection of Simcoe's famous Christmas light displays on Dec. 2, 2004. An enjoyable meal is also planned. Contact Marjorie Love at (519) 243-4036 September 11 - 13 Huron Pioneer Threshers Show to be held at Blyth. Contact Marian Hallahan 523-9330 September 14 -16 Canada's Outdoor Farm Show to be held at Woodstock. September 22 - 26 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo held at Meaford Grey County. Legion Hall for Rent: Calling all farm organizations, manufacturers, service clubs, seniors etc. : The Legion has its hall for rent for your occasion, whether it's for meetings, weddings, meals, games, etc. Contact the Legion Branch 167 at 235-2962. Rain Barrels: Bluewater Recycling Association (BRA) is pleased to offer rain barrels for sale. The barrels hold 205 litres (45 gallons) and are Canadian made. These specially designed barrels are priced at only $55 delivered to the Municipal Office. For orders please contact Trista Russell at 235-0310 x230. Fraud: Whether the project is a new roof, a driveway or an addition to the kitchen, when you are planning a home repair project, take some tips from Ontario Government experts on smart shopping. Avoid fly-by-night operators that will take your money but won't complete the work. Do your homework before the work begins • Ask friends and family to recommend a company. • Get three written estimates before repair work begins. • Make sure all the details are spelled out in the con- tract before you sign. • Keep deposits to a minimum. • Check your invoice to make sure all the work is clearly identified. • Contact the Ontario Government if you have ques- tions or concerns at the following numbers. Consumer Helpline: 1-800-268-7095 or cbsinfo@cbs.gov.on.ca or www.cbs.gov.on.ca An optimist is a person who votes for a politician, because the politician promised to lower taxes and elim- inate government waste. Lest We Forget: Sergeant Percy R Lawson. Sergeant Percy Lawson was Born in Crediton, Ontario in 1895 and most of his life was spent in Crediton, and Stephen Township. He enlisted in the 33rd Battalion in Exeter, Ontario, in 1915, and at that time he was working with his uncle, Mr. Thomas Mawhinney, of Stephen Township. He left for overseas in 1916, and it was not long after arriving in France that he saw action on the front lines. He enlist- ed as a Private, but it was not long, after arriving at the front, when he was promoted to Sergeant. It was his continuing acts of bravery on the field of battle that won him his sergeant stripes. Lawson was one of the soldiers who went into the bat- tle for Vimy Ridge, along with soldiers from the 161st who were part of the Canadian Corps, assigned to do what the British and French had tried and had failed to do for the past three years - take a heavily fortified ridge at Vimy, the anchor of the Hindenburg Line, and consid- ered impregnable. The attack began April 9, 1917, and by April 14, the Canadians had gained more ground, captured more guns, and taken more prisoners than any previous British offensive. This stupendous accomplish- ment was the only significant Allied Victory that year. The cost in life was equally stupendous. There were 10,602 casualties; 3,598 of them were fatal. Vimy Ridge was the first battle in which the Canadians attacked together. Despite the carnage, their achieve- ment created a sense of national pride, and great self- confidence. At the Vimy Ridge battle Sergeant Percy R. Lawson was with the 4th Canadian Mounted Rifles, and his service number was #401326, which he was given when he enlisted into the Canadian Army. It was at this Vimy Ridge Battle which started April 9, 1917, and ended on April 14, 1917, where Sergeant Percy R. Lawson was killed in action on April 9, 1917, which was the first day of the attack. Percy's body was put to rest in a soldier's grave near where he fell at Vimy Ridge on April 9, 1917. The Chaplain of his unit read the burial service over his grave at the time. He was buried in the Thelus Military Cemetery, in the locality of Pas de Calais in France. Thelus is a village in the Department of the Pas de Calais, 800 metres west of the N25 Arras -Lens main road, and 6.5 kilometres north of Arras. Thelus Cemetery is in the open country, 1.5 kilometres north-west of the village. He was the son of Thomas H. and Elizabeth Lawson, of 1308 Euclid East, Detroit, Michigan, U. S. A. His parents had been living in Crediton, Ontario when Lawson was born and later in life they moved to Detroit Michigan. Next week James Russell Marshall Remember when...? • You knew who was driving by your house from the sound the car made. • You could walk to the grocery store, and when there rattle off a list of items and the store keeper would fetch each one and place them on the counter in front of you. When all was gathered, all you had to do was say charge it. • You paid your bill at the grocery store every Friday and upon doing so the storekeeper gave you a sack of candy. • The store sold kerosene or coal oil which was needed for the stove on the back porch, which was only used for cooking during the summer. • You could tell by the smell, even if blind -folded, whose neighbor's house you were in - and you can remember those smells, good or bad to this day. • You cleaned your living room carpet by hanging it over the clothes line and hitting it with a metal wand- like contraption to knock the dirt out. • The ice man delivered ice for your wooden ice -box from a horse-drawn wagon and chipped off, from huge blocks of ice, the amount that a card placed in the win- dow showed was wanted (card showed on each of its 4 sides an amount such as 10, 20, 25, 50 - meaning pounds of ice wanted). Kids of the neighborhood fol- lowed after the wagon, gleaning the chips of ice to suck which came flying off the ice block as the iceman chipped away. 0-7 Jim Bearss See PERSPECTIVE page 6