HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Huron Expositor, 1984-08-08, Page 3NEWS AND FEATURES
Renovations at opera hall
BY PASA NEWEY
Since the scaffolding was, erected In front
of Cardno's Opera Hall in Seaforth, both
residents and visitors alike have been
witnessing a gradual but definite change in
the appearance of the distinctive 19th
century building.
The erection of the scaffolding took
about one week and was completed by the
second week in July. Restoration work
began July 16 and the first job was to
replace the wooden gutter on the Mansard
style roof, A test patch was used to
determine the best method of cleaning the
yellow brick exterior of the building. High
pressure water seemed to be sufficient for
this purpose and since the original testing,
the process has been used on a larger trial
area over Seaforth Jewellers.
An ihtereNtt'itg feature of the building
also under rep r, is the clock mechanism
which appears almost as it did decades
ago. A portion of the clock works has been
removed for repairs, and adjustments to
the mechanism will be made so that the
clock can be powered by electricity. In the
past, the clock required manual winding
once a week. The four wooden faces of the
clock are scheduled for replacement and
the only original face, which was found on
the north side of the tower, has been
removed to be used as a pattern for the
new faces.
Other renovations, to date, include the
replacement of the roof over the Province
of Ontario Bank and over the clock tower
along with the removal and repair of the
flag pole. When completed, the pole, will be
reinstalled with a Union Jack flag flying
from it. Replacement of wooden mouldings
and decorative metal trim, which required
hand crafting in order to reproduce the
THE HURON EXPOSITOR, AUGUST 3, 19. ` A3
original design, are expected to be ready in,
the near future.
The cost of this extensive restoration
project to owner Ken Cardno has been
reduced by 50 per cent through a corporate
sector grant, This grant is administered by
the Ministry of Citizenship and Culture and
is available for privately owned commercial
or industrial properties that have been
designated as historically or architecturally
significant under the Ontario Heritage Act.
At least $10,000 dollars must be spent on
the restoration of the property in order to
be eligible for the grant.
Corporate sectorrants are one of four
components of the Building Rehabilitation
and Improvement Campaign (BRIO) which
has been established by the Ministry of
Citizenship and Culture to aid in the
economic development of Ontario.
Former publisher gets Gold QuiII
Service in the community weekly news-
paper industry extending over 50 years was
recognized when the Canadian Community
Newspaper Association presented Andrew
Y. McLean of Seaforth with the associa-
tion's Gold Quill award, The presentation
was made at the annual CCNA convention
held in Penticton, B.C. last week. Over 400
representatives off community newspapers
from across Canada attended.
Mr. McLean was publisher of The Huron
Expositor until the sale of the paper to
Signal Star Publishing Ltd. of Goderich two
years ago. He had been associated with the
paper since finishing school in 1931.
. In making the presentation, William
Pratt of the Tillsonburg News and CCNA
executive committee chairman, referred to
Mr. McLean's long activity in the com-
munity involving politics, the hospital and
Lions Park. He recalled that he was aast
president and honorary life member of the
CCNA and that' he had been made a
member of the Order of the British Empire.
Fire scares townspeople in 1884
AUGUST 1, 1884
The residents of Cardno's block and the
townspeople generally got pretty badly
scared on Tuesday evening last a little before
6:00. The fire alarm bell was rung and
immediately volumes of smoke were seen
issuing from the cellar of Messrs. Laidlaw
and Farley's Central Grocery. The fire
brigade were promptly on hand. A lighted
lamp had been left under a shelf containing
buttered paper dishes. These ignited, and the
`dense smoke which resulted alerted those in
the store and by prompt action the fire was
speedily extinguished.
Mr. J. W. McLean, headmaster of the
Dundas schools has resigned after 18 years
service and will shortly assume the manage-
ment of the Cornwall FreeHoldcr. This
gentleman is a brother of our esteemed friend
M. Y. McLean of the Seaforth Expositor.
IN THE YEARS AGONE
AUGUST6, 1909
The trustees of No. 5 school Hullett have
engaged Bessie McEwen as teacher for the
next year at a salary of 5400.
What might have been a more°serious
affair occurred on Monday of last week when
the horse driven by Jacob Ellesley, of
Benmiller took fright at a gypsy tent up at
Mugfords corner on the way to Goderich. The
horse wheeled around upsetting the buggy
and struck for home. The animal was caught
before going far. Mr. Ellesley was found to
have two broken ribs.
Hensel) bowlers intend making a hand-
some green on the lot they recently
purchased from G. C. Petty.
AUGUST3, 1934
Two large barns were completely des-
troyed by fire during the severe electrical
storm on Sunday evening. Fire caused by
lightning completely destroyed the fine bank
barn on the farm of John McDonald 1/2 mile
northeast of Walton, The barn on the farm of
James Hulley northeast of Winthrop was also
destroyed with the contents.
After purchasing linoleum from a pedlar on
Tuesday a resident of the north part of town
found that she received only about half the
linoleum she paid for. When she discovered
the fraud the man who had made the sale had
disappeared. Police were notified and are
investigating.
JULY31, 1959
Fire shortly after 10:00 on Wednesday
completely gutted a two car garage and
demolished a tractor on the farm of Lorne
Carter, two miles west of town. The farm
home 20 feet north of the shed was
threatened throughout the life of the blaze,
but scorched paint and burned shingles on
the south wall of the back section of the house
was the only damaged suffered,
Keys to a 1959 model car were handed to
Raymond Murray, RR 5, Seaforth on
Wednesday. Mr. Murray was the winner of a
car in a raffle conducted by the Catholic
Women's League, St. Columban.
More emphasis on family for Family Studies
There is more to Family Studies than
cooking and sewing. A greater emphasis on
the family unit and a program that is more
relevant to males are the two major changes
in the Family Studios program taught In
POO,
The Perth County Board of Education
approved the Grade 7 to 10 county -wide
Family Studies program at its June 5
meeting. The program, written for a
county -wide continuity, was written by all
Perth s Family Studies' teachers under the
leadership of Marilyn Ritchie of Stratford
Northwestern Secondary School.
Listowel Trustee Rev. John Anderson says
he "feels very good" about the new Family
Studies program more commonly known as
home economics. He feels particularly good
about the emphasis placed on the family.
"I recall when 1 was In school no boy who
was really a boy took this program.' said
Mr. Anderson.
He said there arc still some aspects of this
arca of education that have to be changed.
For example his son In Grade 7 takes e
woodworking course while the girls in his
class take home economics.
"We have to move the ministry (of
education) into the late 20th century," he
said.
Milverton Trustee Barbara Herman said
she also "appreciates" reciates" the high priority
given to the family unit.
"Here in Perth we're still striving to keep
the family unit in a good stae of health," she
said. She also suggested that household
chores. such as repairing an iron should be
part of the program. Mrs. Ritchie said the
Family Studies program teaches the stu-
dents "thing:: they have to know" to get by
in the world today.
She said she expects the changes
forthcoming at the secondary school l v 1
will mean less students for the course ffat
the program will be made "attractive" as ,a
secondary school option.
The program Is based on a different theme
each year - Grade 7. self: Grade 8. others:
Grade 9, family and Grade 10, community •
and how those themes relate to family.
Students learn of the different types of
families, including the two-parent families,
single parent families either mother or
father -led and the extended family.
Also the intcruatiutial phenomenon of
latchkey children - children conning horiic for
lunch or after school with no adult present -
is addressed.
Besides nutrition and family, clothing •
how to buy it, take care of it and sew it - is
still part of the Family Studies program.
Teachers are students in computer class
Heads arc bent over the warm, buzzing
machines, There is some talking going on as
the "students" work through computer
learning exercises in the classroom. However
this classroom is different because the
teachers are really the students.
Recently about 25 teachers from the
Huron•Perth Separate School system got
IMMIGRANTS/FoM PAGE ONE
Hemingway. His wife started her new job in
the kitchen at the Listowel hospital in 1981.
Today, the family have two vehicles, their
own home and a country they can call their
own. They have been successful "because we
saved very hard." says Mrs. Larprom.
"We never went for a holiday and have our
own garden. We don't buy new clothes
except for Christmas or birthday presents.
But we never dreamed we would have all
this," she says.
Raised as Buddtsts, the family are now
members of the Brussels Mennonite Fellow-
ship. They attended services at the Melville
Presbyterian Church for one year, but the
children became friends of a Mennonite
church family. The parents felt the move
would benefit the new friendships.
"Now we're Christians, not Buddist," says
Mrs. Larprom. "Even though we go to the
Mennonite church. all Canadian churches
seem the same. We don't think there is any
difference between Mennonite or Presbyter-
ian. Ali the churches helped us."
DREAMS COI O1G TRUE
When the Larprom family first arrived in
Brussels, they had goals and dreams. And
those dreams are coming true with the
SAFETY /FROM
continued support of their new friends. When
they moved into their new home, area
residents assisted with the redecorating.
And Brussels Public School . teacher,
Marjorie Huether, taught Mr. and Mrs.
Larprom about Canadian history in prepara-
tion to become Canadian citizens.
"We went over general things such as the
first prime minister of Canada, names of the
provinces and capital cities. They learned
who the leaders were of the federal and
provincial parties. They caught on very
quick," says Mrs. Huether.
Mr. and Mrs. Larprom passed the test to
become Canadian citizens with flying colors.
"It wasn't so bad. immigrants should learn
about Canada If they want to be citizens and if
they don't, It's too bad," says Mr. Larprom.
The family had their day in court last
Friday. "We had no problems. We're all very
happy to be Canadian," says Mrs. Larprom.
But we were still nervous in court,' says
Ratsamy, the eldest daughter,
"We don't want to move again because we
have moved a lot in the past. I'm not sure if
we get to vote, but 1 would like to," says Mr.
Larprom. "We plan to be here for a long
time."
PAGE ONE
see more older vehicles go through the
safety lanes. 1 recommend that drivers keep
their vehicles in good shape• -check that the
steering, brakes, body and exhaust are in
good shape."
Motorists can check their truck to see if
dirt is entering. If there is road dust, then
they have a problem, he said.
Fines for operating an unsafe vehicle
range from 568 to 5300. Motorists who left
their car or truck at home to avoid the safety
check could still be sent to another center
for the check. Local police also have the
authority to pull an unsafe vehicle off the
road said Mr. Claus.
NOT DONE ENOUGH
"Generally people are getting better
educated as to how to look after their cars.
What upsets me the most is when people
with small children let them ride in a car
that's unsafe," said Mr. DeVeullc.
"1 ,don't think it's done often enough.
Every community should hold safety
checks," said Mr, Claus.
FARMER /FROM PAGE ONE
The public will be invited to question the
candidates et the Aug. 22 meeting at the
Londesboro Public School. The meeting
will start at 8:30 p.m.
"We're interested in family farms.
People want questions answered. Farmers
want to plan for the long term and right
now. that's difficult to do," says Mrs.
McIntosh,
together once a week for a month to learn
more about computers from each other.
Organized by the board's computer com-
mittee which includes Stratford principals
Larry Cook and Don Farwell and St. Patrick's
school in Dublin teacher Terry Craig, the
class gives the teachers time to learn and to
become more comfortable with the computer.
As one teacher explained, the children
command the computer during school hours,
but In this class, the teacher gets the
important time at the computer.
There are other means through which
teachers may learn about computers, such a‘
Ministry of Education programs, but Mr.
Craig said the teachers are more co ortable
and learn more with their own col ea es.
For the weekly sessions, the teac ars
lugged the school computers to St) Patric
in Dublin from all across the tw counties.
However, the teachers stress thatomputers
won't take over the classroom.
'They're just tools in the classroom.'' Mr.
Craig said.
The teachers have been learning about
computers through self-taught lessons orig-
inally prepared by Toronto school boards for
Gracie 6 and 7 pupils. Any assistance needed
by the teachers is provided by the three men
in charge.
Board trustee Vincent Mcinnes, who is also
a member of the computer committee also sat
down at a keyboard. Besides just being
interested in computers, Mr. McInnes said
he would someday like to see a computer in
the board room. He visualizes it being used to
call up information needed during trustees'
discussions.
The children are excited by the computers,
say the teachers. And, with a little bit of
knowledge that excitement passes on to the
teacher.
Perth trustee question approving books
The Perth County Board of ucation's Trustee Rodney tied of Shakespeare said
annual approval of textbooks ma es at least he didn't see any difference in approving the
one trustee uneasy. Listowel tee Rev, monthly account for April of over S3 million.
John Anderson said trustees a giving He noted that only a few trustees examine the
approval to over 140 book titles ':lind". accounts closely and the rest of the board has
Every year trustees must give approval to to rely on their judgement.
book titles that are not included in the
Ministry of Education's Circular 14, a The books were approved. but not until
document'which lists book titles to be used in Milverton trustee Barbara Herman com-
Ontario schools. mented on one book. The book, entitled
Mr. Anderson said he isn't familiar with "Lazy Mary" caused her to ask if the book is
any of the titles presented at the bo_srd's May sexist. The book is to be used for primary
15 meeting. grades.
Director of education Paul Sherratt said Another trustee. Gerald Foster of Elma
teachers, department heads and principals Township. also questioned the title of a book
review the books before they are submitted for English literature called "Why Shoot the
for the board s approval to purchase. Teacher".
Tto the Editor
Elderly widows need help
Dear Sir:
1 have much sympathy for these older
widows who really do need assistance.
Many receive less than 5150 per month,
They are expected to live on this meagre
sum.
When it comes to assistance for widows
between the ages of 60 and 65, Canada is at
the bottom of the list for Western Countries,
in England and many other European
Countries widows 60 and over receive the
old age pension.
In Canada these same women may
receive Tess than 5150 per month Canada
Pension Plan. Some receive no CPP. Some
are not eligible for Spousal Allowance, How
does the government expect them to survive
on such meagre means?
The government supplements the wages
of young people trying to get into the job
market, and 1 agree with tont policy.
However there is nothing done to assist
widows trying to get work that pays a living
wage. No one can survive on 51.50 per hour
for baby sitting. There are not enough jobs
at the present time, for all Canadians to find
employment. We could make work for the
young people by pensioning off the widows
60 years of age and over.
These women can and should help
themselves by writing the various members
of parliament themselves and requesting
help. Many widows requested me to write
their letters for them. With help they can
and should do it themselves,
Thank you for helping a worthwhile
cause. Yours sincerely.
Mrs. Beulah Skipper
RR 6, Merlin, Ontario
NOP IWO
TO W A WA Y—Safety lanes setup In Seaforth
last Thursday saw 27 vehicles checked to see
11 they were safe 01 that number, eight were
taken oft the road Clara DevoulIe of the
Ministry of Trenaportetton and Communica-
tions checks the brakes and steering of
vehicles, but says rust holes In the floor and
trunk are also dermerou9. In the top photo he
checks the front end of a car He took the car
oft the road because of faulty brakes (boltorr
photos (Wasatnk photo)
Got a beef?
Wrifea Ietter today
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
11 you're organizing a non-profit event of Interest to other Seaforth area residents,
phone the recreation office at 527-0882 or the Expositor at 527-0240 or malt the
information to Community Calendar, The Huron Expositor, Box 89, Seaforth, Ontario
NOK IWO well In advance of the scheduled date
Wednesday, August 8
12.1 p.m. Business Swim
1:30-4 & 6 -8:30 -Public Swim
5-6 p m. Family Swim
6:30 p.m. Hanover vs Pee Wee Boys
Sunday, August 12
1.4:30 & 6-8:30 Public Swim
timist Slo Pitch' Tournament
7:30-10 p.m. Roller Skating
7p.m. Topnotch vs Firemen, (Lions Park)
(Opt. Park) 8:30 Mainstreet vs Creamery. (Lions
7 p.m. Turf vs Bears. (Lions Park) Park)
8:30 Creamery vs Villagers. (Lions Park)
3-6 p.m. and 7-8:30 p.m. Seaforth
Horticultural Flower Show, Seaforth
Legion Hall. Prizes awarded at 8:30 p.m.
Thursday, August 9
12-1 o.m. Business Swim
1:30.4 & 6-8:30 Public Swim
5-6 p.m. Family Swim
6:30 p.m. Girls House League (Lions
Park)
7 p.m. Sluggers Game (Opt. Park)
7;30 Beruh Boars vs Nationals
8:30 Brewers vs Beechwood Devils
9:30 ucens Cavailiers vs Bonier Makers.
Friday, August 10
8-10:30 p.m. Roller Skating
12-1 p.m. Business Swim
1:30-4 '& 6-8:30 Public Swim
5-6 p.m. Family Swim
2 p.m. Teddy Bear Picnic (Library)
timist Slo-Pitch Tournament
Saturday, August 11
1-4:30 & 6-8:30 Public Swim
Optimist Slo-Pitch Tournament
Monday, August 13
12-1 p.m. Business Swim
1:30-4 & 6-8:30 Public Swim
5-6 p.m. Family Swim
6:30 Tigers vs glue Jays (Lions Park)
7:45 Expos vs Red Sox (Lions Park)
6:45 Turf vs Creamery (Optimist Park)
8:00 Mainstreet vs Topnotch (Optimist
Park)
9:15 Mainstreet vs Queens (Optimist
Park)
Tuesday, August 14
12-1 p m. Business Swim
1:30.4 & 6-8:30 Public Swim
5-6 p.m. Family Swim
6:45 & 8:30 Ladies Ball League (Lions
Park)
8:15-Seaforth Womens institute will hold
their Citizenship and World Affairs
meeting at the home of Mrs. Lorne Dale.
Space /or tee Community Calendar
is donated by The Huron Expositor