The Huron Expositor, 1983-12-28, Page 3•
and area
residents are still digging out from this
weekend's blizzard which saw 20 cm, of snow
fall on the area. Light stands and parking
meters were buried by the snow. Having a
ball In the snow is Joseph Kenny and Josh
Reid. (WassInk photo)
New shoe factory in 1958
Ow 4GIgi y@aQs5 agony
DECEMBER 28 1883
One night last week some evil disposed'
persons deliberately smashed a large
number of panes of glass in the windows of
the Roxboro school buildings. At the annual,
meeting on Wednesday the trustees were
authorized to offer a reward of 515 for such
information as will lead to the detection and
conviction of the miscreants who committed
the mean act. It is to be hoped they will be
discovered and fittingly punished.
Christmas passed over quietly in Seaforth.
The weather was delightful, and it would
almost seem that the sleighing had come for
this occasion and it was very generally
availed of. Almost every person who could
secure anything in the shape of a ng was out
sleigh riding. The rink was a leading
attraction and many spent the afternoon and
evening there. The shooting match at
Harpurhey was also well patronized by the
sportively inclined. We hope New Year'sGill
pass as pleasantly.
DECEMBER 25, 1908
Robert Elgie of Tuckersmith was unload-
ing a load of grain at the Kippen elevator one
day last week, when his team took fright
and, being young and spirited. made a wild
dash for liberty. They ran through the
station yard and onto the railway track and
ran a considerable distance along the track
before they were captured. Luckily neither of
the horses were much worse for the run.
At a meeting of the Bell Engine and
Thresher Company held on Thursday
evening. the reports of the manager and
auditor for the year ending Oct. 31 were
considered and showed the business to he in
a very satisfactory condition. The usual
dividend of seven per cent will he paid at the
proper time.
Mr. J. Harris of Walton has purchased
from Mr. J. McGavin a handsome two year
old filly. for which he paid $135. Who says
horses are cheap?
DECEMBER 29, 193
Fire of an undetermined origin, compleq e-
ly destroyed the large frame store and
residence at Winthrop owned by Melvin
Clarke. early Sunday morning. Dec. 24. Mr.
Clarke and his family had left a short tin
before to spend Christmas in Varna.
buildingand contents were a total loss. Mr.
Clarke has rented a house on James Street
recently vacated by R.E. Jackson.
Roxboro school was the scene of a happy
gathering of about 150 people on Friday
evening w hen they attended the annual
concert which has come to be one of fame.
Miss Stella Richmond. the teacher, and
those who assisted are to:be congratulated.
Music was supplied between numbers by the
Plumptree and Broome orchestra. Mr. J.H.
Scott, of Seaforth madc a splendid chairman.
Santa Claus appeared and the presentation
of gifts took place.
DECEMBER 26, 1958
An informal reception and dance, Friday
evening marked the unofficial opening of the
new Seaforth Shoes Limited plant on West
William Street. The event combined the
employees annual Christmas party with a
preview of the new facilities to which
municipal officials. members of the Cham-
ber of Commerce and local service clubs
were invited. A formal opening will be held
in January. when an opportunity will be
afforded the public to view the new factory.
Two storage sheds roofs collapsed in
Brussels under the weight of heavy wet
snow. The roof of the metal coal shed of
Joseph Brewer caved in with a roar and the
roof of the United Church shed collapsed.
The church shed was used by Brussels
Motors to store cars. and some of the cars
were slightly damaged.
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Scott of Roxboro
marked their 60th anniversary of their
marriage on Sunday. Family and friends
called to extend congratulations.
Our farmers deserve pat on back
BY W. ROGER WORTH
With this year's crop either sold, in the
barn or in storage. it is perhaps time
Canadians were reminded that the nation's
farmers are making an incredible contribu-
tion to our well-being and standard of living.
Here are a few of tire important facts.
In West Germany, consumers pay about a
third of take-home pay on food items. lit
Japan, where steak can cost as much as 540
per pound, people spend close to 40 per cent
of take-home pay on food.
yet most times they've got good reason.
When interest rates went through the roof
to between 20 and 25 per cern less than two
years ago. for example. food prices failed to
rise enough to cover the higher payments on
huge farm loans. so many farmers were
forced into bankruptcy. Few consumers
noticed.
Again. when fertilizer and equipment
prices were rising dramatically. most
consumers yawned, even though a lot of the
farm community was actually losing money
on operations.
Yet in Canada, people spend onl an As a group. farmers tend to be outspoken.
average 22 per cent of take-home pa on Nevertheless. one thing is clear. The
fond, making us one of the better -off nation's farmers are doing a topnotch job,
countries in which to live. and they're doing it well.
So do we thank our farmers for a job well Still, there's one crucial fact that should
done? Not on your life' Again this fall we are he noted. While one country after another is
getting the usual complaints that food prices forced to import foodstuffs. Canada. thanks
are too high. even though price increases to our efficient farmers. continues to be a net
have been less than those nn manufactured exporter of food, so we're not about to face
goods, And consumers continue to decry shortages.
high food costs, even though farm profits are Consumers, and particularly those living
generally static or even down. in our major cities. should give these matters
Part of the problem is that the agricultural a little thought. Rather than complaints, the
community always seems to be complaining. nation's farmers deserve a pat on the back.
POLITICS/
FROM PAGE ONE
Another executive committee member,
long-time Reeve Cal Krauter of Brussels.
said it isn't necessary for council to support
the resolution. He did, however, 9uestion
the removal of nomination meetings at
election time.
"1 used to go to Ethel for nomination
meetings and it was crowded to the doors.
Now we have ratepayers meetings and just
the council shows up," said Mr. Krauter.
The Brussels reeve had another concern
about adding municipal politics to the
curriculum in schools.
"Then, teachers will want another $5,000
a year. Maybe we (council) could teach for a
kff less,"
The six councillors voting against support-
ing the resolution were: Tuckersmith Reeve
Robert Bell, Blyth Reeve Tom Cronin,
Morris Reeve Bill Elston, Reeve Kreuter,
Goderich Township Reeve Grant Stirling.
and Reeve Wilder.
1 nose young in taver of supporting the
resolution were: Grey Reeve Leona Arm-
strong, Ashfield Reeve John Austin, Hay
Deputy Reeve Tony Bedard, Goderich
Deputy Reeve Jim Britnell, Clinton Reeve
Ernest Brown, Seaforth Reeve Bill Campbell
Reeve Cunningham, Exeter Deputy Reeve
Lossy Fuller, McKillop Reeve Marie Hick -
nett, Bayfield Reeve David Johnston,
Colbourne Reeve Russel Kernighan, Wing -
ham Reeve Joe Kerr, Hensall Reeve Harry
Klungel, Turnberry Reeve Brian McBurney,
Exeter Reeve Bill Mickle, Usborne Reeve
Ger Prout, Howick Reeve Jack Stafford,
Stan ey Reeve Paul Steckle, Zurich` Reseve
Don Van Patter, Reeve Vincent, Stephen
Reeve Alan Walper, Stephen Deputy Reeve
Ralph Weber, and Goderich Reeve Harry
Worsell with two votes.
West Wawanosh Township Reeve James
Aitchison was absent when the vote was
taken.
THE HURON EXPOSITOR, DECEMBER 28, 1983 - A3
insalI book gives vivid picture'
f past- only to villagers
BY SUSAN UUNDERTMARK
61` pies of life in the village of Hensall
dating the past 100 years shine off the glossy
Page of the new Hensall history book. But.
to insider, the brief glimpses merge into
a kn reminiscent look at a village founded
by fftends and relatives.
Conftoning at the south half of Lot 21,
ession 1 in Hay Township, a village
s^ootJ grew around it when the owners,
ut'ge and James Petty offered a free acre
tote railway for a yard and station.
Betttifully illustrated with old pictures. the
hook traces the chronologies of founding
families, businesses and institutions.
Rtures of three of the earliest houses in
the settlement built by the Pettys which are
still. occupied today, provide an instant
flashback with an old drawing and a recent
Photograph side by side.
Besides the illustrations. the highlights of'
the book are interviews with one time
Hensall citizens such as James Wedge
whose father founded the oldest. moving
business in Ontario in 1878. Starting with 26
heavy dray horses, the company purchased
its first motorpowered van in 1916 and Mr.
Wedge remembers travelling to Montreal at
12 miles per hour over unpaved, bumpy and
hazardous roads. The van was also used to
Carry customers to Sunday School picnics.
Details such as Dr. James McDirmid's
delight every time he showed the 25 -cent
piece he earned for pulling his first tooth and
Thompson Murdock's 20 horses which he
rented out to young men who wanted to take
eir lady friends out for a drive on Sundays
also add life to the b6ok.
Much of the book. though, is a listing of
names which only have significance to
Hensall and area natives. Outsiders are left
feeling there are more colorful stories
behind those names.
A bit of trivia called "Queenie" also
makes one wonder if there's a.' great story
behind what amounts to;a riddle. "Queenie
was known as the town babysitter. Many
mothers sent their children to the front
window to watch for Queenie and the milk
wagon. Hours later they were still looking
for Queenie."
Was Queenie a horse, a dog, a person?
Why didn't she make' it and what did the
children do? While 'Hensall villagers may
know what's behind the riddle, outsiders are
Only frustrated by unanswered questions
and the feeling that they may enjoy a clearer
story.
Another oversight is the omission of the
Huron Expositor as a newspaper which
serves the Hensall community. Ironically,
the Expositor files are often quoted as a
source for historical information about the
village. What was that information doing in
the Expositor files if it does not serve the
arca?
Much hard work and lesearch is evident in
the 68 page book. The high quality paper
and the many illustration; sets the book
above many other small town history books.
But, with a little more work, the book could
have been more than a village, history; it
could have given a vivid picture of life in a
small town during the past 100 years for
insiders and outsiders alike.
The history book is available at Oscar's
Video in Hensall and sells for S6 for a single
copy.
ft
t!�1
THE \'ILL GE
01: III:\SALT.
Meal
Hensall history book
Where were we in '83?„o.,m.,
Ruth Cluff retires from the Seaforth post
office after 45 years.
A dance raises 51200 for the Van Allen
family of Hibbert township whose house was
destroyed by fire.
MAY 25
Brussels forms a Junior D hockey team
and plans to draw players from a 25 mile
radius.
Hamilton Tiger Cats trainer. Ray Jones
speaks to Seaforth high school students
about his career and hots to treat sports
injuries.
One in 10 women in Huron County are
beaten by the men they live with,
spokespersons for the Women's Community
House tells a group at a workshop on
battering in Goderich.
Cheryl Ann Stadelbauer replaces David
McKnight as minister for the Egmondville
United Church. She was ordained June 1 in
Brampton.
Vandals destroy two evergreen trees and
one bush in front of McKillop I iturance on
Main St.. Seaforth causing$I50/m damages.
The Olympia Restaurant in Brussels
charges 1960 prices during , a weeklong
promotion,
Recreation's master plan says Seaforth
should build on existing facilities rather than
detracting from what's here already. It also
says that Seaforth people are pretty happy
with facilities and programs.
JUNE 1
Seaforth taxpayers will pay 14.2 per cent'
more for town services; the average taxpayer
will pay 570 more.
The best crowd in Years attends the
Optimist Mardigras filling thg arena to
capacity and eating close to 800 steak
dinners.
A nutrition scientist, Elaine Gottschall
tells the Dublin Catholic Women's League
that food containing 40 nutrients is
necessary to keep your body working
properly.
King and Queen of the 1983 Seaforth high
school prom are Ron Godkin and Jayne ;
Delaney.
JUNE8
Seaforth area dairy farmers, Lloyd and
Betty Dale. achieve the third highest
producing herd in Canada on a composite
Breed Class Average.
About 2.300 people pack the new Seaforth
and District Community Centres for its
official opening. Clare Wescott. executive
director of Premier Bill Davis's office and
Seaforth native cuts the yellow ribbon.
Twice the amount of rain has been
recorded for the month of May compared to
1982 and three times as much as 1981.
Farmers have difficulty deciding whether to
plant corn or not.
The fourth year of peer tutoring at
Seaforth public school ends with 35
certificates presented to grade 13 SDHS
students.
Seaforth area teenager. William W.
Kinsman. 18. is killed in a single vehicle
accident on Perth County Road 17, near St.
Paul's.
JUNE 15
Hire -a -Student Week makes local busi-
nesses aware of problems students have
finding jobs.
Plans to repair Brussels dam are finalized.
Total estimated cost is 5225,000.
Father James Carrigan, priest of St.
Patrick's Roman Catholic Church in Dublin
celebrates 40 years in the priesthood.
Four Canadian National cars go off the
track when a train derails two and a half
miles west of Mitchell. Damages are
estimated at S30,000.
Part lot 24, con 4 in McKillop township is
considered for the new Seaforth and area
landfill site after more than 20 sites are
investigated.
Murphy, a seven.year-old dog, has a close
call with a salmon tin. Her owner's quick
thinking saves the dog from its painful and
embarrassing predicament.
JUNE 22
Demolition begins on the old flour mill
owned by Topnetch Feeds in Seaforth.
Seaforth's Hospjl Auxiliary celebrates
its 50 year anniversary. It is presented with a
plaque by Gordon Rimmer and hospital
administrator Goidon McKenzie..
Hanging flower baskets on Seaforth''
Main St. are taken down because the
brackets holding the plants are a halm',
council says. The Horticultural Society is
disheartened by vandalism after its attempts
to beautify the town. says the president,
Ruth Beuttenmiller. -
A part-time job opens for a secretary -re-
ceptionist, after the town's office bookkeep-
er, Dorothy Bassett retires.
• JUNE 29
Hensall council declares the village a
nuclear weapons free zone.
Close to 275 people attend Seaforth high.
school's honor banquet to see over 100
students earn 75 per cent or more and five
students nominated as Ontario scholars.
The foundation for a new house is poured
on the corner of James and Ann Sts. in
Seaforth before a building permit is issued.
The permit cannot be issued until an Ontario
Municipal Board hearing on an appeal by
neighbours is over, says Seaforth's building
inspector.
Property owners living near the proposed
landfill site in McKiltop township plan to
attend a public open house to voice their
concerns.
Seaforth Community Hospital is in good
financial shape with a 5100.000 reserve
fund.
The Huron Expositor wins five awards in
national competition from the Canadian
Community Newspaper Association includ-
ing best editorial page, second best front
page and a Blue Ribbon award.
JULY 6
A new heart monitoring system at
Seaforth Community Hospital offers reports
on patients' conditions in 30 seconds. It is
the first in Ontario, maybe in Canada.
A stop work order is served on the owner
of a Seaforth lot who had a new foundation
poured before he had a building permit.
Seaforth grocery stores make the final
switch to metric. Owners say the metric
system is somewhat confusing for older
patrons.
About 40 people attend landfill site
information meeting with a majority oppos-
ing the proposed site in McKillop township.
JULY 13
Hensall ratepayers face an 8.79 per cent
tax increase.
Brusselscouncil discuss changing the
zoning of a vacant Fina station from
residential to commercial but fear the land
could be used as a junk yard. Councillors say
they want to see "Ontario's prettiest
village” stay that way.
Former employees remember when Sea -
font's old flour mill was in its prime while
the mill, owned by Topnotch Feeds Ltd. is
torn down.
No Seaforth soccer players attend a soccer
camp held in town by the Ontario Soccer
Association,
Registrations for Sportsfest events come
in slowly and co-ordinator of the weekend
asks for more participation.
More than 200 farmers attend a soil
conservation day at a farm near Seaforth
held by the newly -formed Huron Soil
Conservation District. Methods such as
windbreaks, reforestation, ridging. no -till
and dike systems are discussed.
JULY 20
Expositor driver Bob McMillan picks up -
two hitch hikers whose home is Liverpool.
England. Travelling around the world for
five years, the two are heading to western
Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Asia
before returning home.
Kool Aid stand operators, Andrea Moore
and Meagan Alkemade made 54.50 in profit.
Seaforth's police station suffers S75
damages to the front door after a break-in.
Nothing of value is taken.
Seaforth'S Horticultural Society approach-
es town council with plans to beautify the
town. Council agrees that the town "could
stand some beautifying."
Renovations to the new police station are
on schedule and within the 525,000 budget.
It is located in the former ftrehall and has
three times the space than the present
office.
JULY 27
Dud -Boyce Warehousing inc. purchases
the former Gay -Lea building and employs 15
to 25 people manufacturing automotive
parts,
The old Seaforth Public School, built from
1867 to 1874 is for sale for 537.500. Despite
praise by experts that it is a fine and rare
example of early Ontario public buildings. it
attracts, prospective buyers because of the
site rather than the building.
Six acres of wheat is lost in a fire on the
farm of Walter McClure, lot 33, conc. five of
McKillop township. Probably cause is a spark
from a combine.
Exchange students from Quebec visit
Seaforth and area for two weeks as a part of
Society for Educational Visits and Exchange.
Seaforth students also spent two weeks in
Quebec.
AUGUST3
Seaforth District High School has five
Ontario Scholars. They include Jane Bell,
Linda Blake, Lynne Dodds, Greg Hoggarth.
and Wilma Van Dyk.
Fire destroyed a barn owned by Jim and
Brenda McIntosh of Tuckersmith township.
About 400 pigs were lost in the 5100,000
blaze. Lightning is suspected as the cause.
The Seaforth Agricultural Society is
restoring the roundhousenear the new
community centres. The first step in
restoring the 83 year old structure is a new
cedar shake roof.
A new 22 unit senior citizen apartment
complex in Hensall is nearing completion.
The building should be complete by the end
of August.
AUGUST 10
Quick thinking of 12 -year-old David
Cronin of St. Columban is what averted a
tragedy at the Seaforth Lions pool. David
noticed four-year-old Shannon Dale was in
difficulty and he came to her assistance.
"We need more swimmers like David." said
Carolyn Wilson. a lifeguard.
An Ontario Municipal Board hearing will
be held Sept. 13 concerning a minor variance''
application by Leo Medd, The hearing stems
from' appeals by neighbours on a decision
favoring the variance by the committee of
adjustment.
Hailstones the size of baseballs fell on
farms and hdmes in the Kippen and
Cromarty area for five minutes during a
Monday storm. The hail broke windows,
dented siding and cars. and shredded fields
of corn.
r
Liquor valued at 51400 was stolen from the
Seaforth Legion. Crowbars were used to gain
entry through a window at the main door.
Descendants of the Scott -Dickson families
'marked the ISOth anniversary of the arrival
of their ancestors at Roxboro. A plaque was
unveiled on the pioneer Scott farm now
owned by Ken Scott
AUGUST 17
A draft agreement binding Seaforth and
the townships of McKillop and Tuckersmith
in the acquisition and preparation of land for
a proposed landfill site was discussed by„
Seaforth council. rhe agreement split the
costs on a per capita basis between 'the three
municipalities. •
A Seaforth property owner pleaded not
guilty in Goderich Provincial Court after he
was charged with installing a foundation for
a new house without a building permit. A
trial date was set for Oct. 20.
Seaforth council withdrew a 5900 grant to
the Vanastra Recreation Committee. Sea -
forth did not think an annual grant was
expected by •Tuckersmith township.
Sportsfesf was held in, Seaforth on the
weekend. The event which involved hun-
dreds of hours of volunteer work, was a first
for the town. Over 2.500 people participated
in 18 different events, Seaforth is the
smallest centre to hold the event in its seven
year history.
AUGUST 24
The 106 -year-old Cardno's Opera Hall will
he restored in three phrases. Kenneth
C'ardno, owner. has applied to the Ministry
of Culture and Recreation for 50 per cent
corporate sector grant. The hall will be
restored to its original appearance.
A -decline in student enrollment is
expected in most schools in Huron County.
Last year Perth and Huron counties
experienced an increase in secondary
enrollments which was due to a scarcity of
employment.
The Seaforth minor baseball league held
their annual barbecue. Players spent
Saturday playing hall to end the 1983 ball
season.
About 20 horses and riders participated in
a trail ride in Morris Township. The ride was
Please see'
WHERE on page A7
CONaI MaOTY CALENDAR
Wednesday, December 28
8 a.m. - 5:20 p.m. - Jr. Ringctte
Tournament at arena.
1:30-4:30 p.m, Senior citizens shuffle-
board at arena.
8:15 p.m. - Winthrop vs Perth
9:10 p.m. Jr. Farmers vs Queens
10:00 p.m. Chiselhurst vs Parr Line.
7:30 p.m. Cross Country Ski Club meeting
at arena,
Thursday, December 29
7:35 a,m. North Stars vs Oilers
8:30 a,m. Kings vs Bruins
9:35 a.m. Nordiques vs Canadians,
10:30 a.m. Penguins vs Leafs.
11:35 a -m. Jets vs Flames
1:30-3 p.m. Public Skating
3-4 p.m. Mites
7:15 p.m. Easy Riders vs Bcndix
8:05 p.m. Parr Line vs Chiselhurst
8:55 p.m. Slabtown vs Jr. Farmers
9:45 p.m. - Dumpers vs Grads
10:'35 p.m. Winthrop vs Hawks.
Friday, December 30
8:30 p.m. Mt. Brydges vs Centenaires.
if you're organizing a non-proth
event of interest to other Seaforth area
residents, phone the recreation office
at 527-0882 or the Expositor et 527-0240
or mall the information to Community
Saturday, December 31
':35 a,[n. North Stars vs Bruins
8:30 a.m. Oilers vs Nordiques
9:35 a.m. Kings vs. Canadians
10:30 a.m. Penguins vs Flames
11:35 a.m. Jets vs Leafs
1:30-3 p.nt. Public Skating
Sunday, �J anuary 1
(, / GN `t(
tl ecu,,
tortiiruysi
194
•a
Monday, January 2
3:45 - 8:30 p.m. Regular Figure Skating
4.6 p.m. Junior Curling
7 & 9 p.m. Mens Curling
Tuesday, January 3
' p.m. Ladies Curling'
9 p.m Industrial Curling
8:15 p.m. Mitchell vs Midgets.
Calendar, The Huron Expositor, Box 60,
Seaforth, Ontario NOK IWO well In
advance of the scheduled date. Space
for the Community Calendar is donated
by The Huron Expositor.
4