Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Huron Expositor, 1962-05-03, Page 7utter Mbls Are Bcisi icor Textile, Designs An attraction at the spring tea being sponsored-4by Group Two, UCW, at Northside Unit- ed Church on Wednesday, will be the presence of Elizabeth Wilkes Hoey, noted designer and printer of textiles. • A recent story by May Bray in the 'Family Herald describes Mrs. Hoey's work and describes the long established farm on which she lives. "Many of the ordinary, iev- eryday articles that were used in Canadian homes a long time • ago have a two -fold value. They are clues to a vanished way ,of life, leaking history • tangible and immediate. And their beau- ty and simplicity of design are pleasing in their own right. "For those reasons, Elizabeth Wilkes Hoey believes that the • designs on the old butter molds which were once common in farm homes should be preserv- ed. A textile artist of note, she ,uses butter mold designs for much of the fine screen print- ing of fabrics which she, her husband Bill and. her two teen- • age daughters combine with their farm work at, their home near Moffat, Ontario. " 'In preserving -these designs on text�}'ls,'. Mrs. Hoey says, 'I hope to make Canadians aware Off the lovely carvings of their ancestors.' "She has collected butter molds throughout the country in a variety of shapes and de- signs such as sunflowers, Scotch thistles, leaves and sheep. "'Some have been sent or loaned to me by friends. Others • .have come through the mail from people who have heard of my work,' Mrs. Hoey says. `They hesitate to discard them so they send them to me to be preser''- ed.' "She has borrowed a couple of butter molds from Pioneer Village at Woodbridge for her • designs, and she buys the odd one at an antique store. " `People often chose a .but- ter mold design to represent some family characteristic,' she explains. 'For instance, a fam- ily of Scottish ancestry might have chosen a thistle design for • their butter. When they took the butter to market, buyers recognized the trademark. Be- cause of the lovely designs, the marketing of butter had some beauty in it.' Century -Old House • "The Hoeys have a farm of 100 acres and a substantial stone house dating back 100 years. Since buying the house five years ago, the family have been restoring it to its original designs In 'the kitchen, on a spot -where• the former owner • had a large range, they have uncovered an old fireplace still in working' order. "At present the farm has 140 sheep and five horses. The fam- ily decided to raise sheep be- cause they were small and easy to handle and their farm, which is rocky and difficult to culti- • vete, provides excellent pas- turage. "They brought in western range ewes from Alberta, and cross bred them with Corrie- daleram. They also have brought in shearlings_.. from Western Canada. In five years they hope • to have a stable flock of breed- ing ewes. "Recently Mrs. Hoey visited a packing house at Kitchener, and took a lesson in grading from the government grader. " 'I watched ,the lambs com- ing in and 1 graded four," she • says. 'I first felt their back. I learned that if the backbone is bumpy, the lamb is not ready for market, for it should have a smooth covering. I 'also felt the loins to see if they were thin or fat. When I carne home, Sell that unnecessary piece of • furniture through a Huron Ex- positor Classified Ad. Phone 141, • ►' told my husband, who hadn't been able to accompany me be- cause of illness, all I had learn- ed about grading.' "The farm provides a pleas- ant background for Mrs, Hoey's textile designing and printing. Her interest in design dates back to the days before World War II. At that time an expert saw her flower paintings and told her that she would have an aptitude for textile design- ing. "She spent a year trying to learn the art of her own by trial and error. Then she de- cided to join up with an- artist and his wife who had turned an old mill near Toronto into a house and workshop. ' "'My husband and I used to carry the 40 by 60 -inch screens, which are used to print textiles on the street car to the city limits,' Mrs. Hoey says. 'Then we'd take the radial car and finally walk the last two miles to the mill. We - carried the screens between us while my coat:;pockets bulged with bot- tles of dyes. Sometimes, if we Were lucky, a car big enough to take the screen would offer us a lift.' "Later the Hoeys moved to Oakville where they rented the hayloft of a barn for their workshop. 'We put up a ladder to the outside hay door and carried the screens and supplies in that way,' Mrs. Hoey relates.. 'A horse was stabled below and the only way we could get down was to climb into his manger. We were not too sure how he would react to our presence.' "The printing table was plac- ed in the middle of the loft and the more hay the horse ate, the better pleases: the Hoeys were as it gave them more room. "'I'll never forget the night we printed our first order which brought us real money,' Mrs. Hoey recalled. 'The mosquitoes were so bad I had to wear my husband's battle dress.' "Their next move was to a house and barn at Bronte. Gaining Practical Experience "'All this time we were learning more and more about dyes,' Mrs. Hoey explains, 'and about building a steamer which sets the dyes on the cloth.' "The first steamer the family used was 'a small cylinder, 24 inches long and eight inches in diameter. They rolled the cloth, put it in the cylinder, and forc- ed steam in from ao kettle through a hose. Some of the curtains printed in this way have lasted 12 years. Next they used ah oil drum as a steamer with -tiro kettles, and a double burner gas stove. Eventually they were able to have a pro- per steamer and two 10 -yard printing tables. "When Bill Hoey accepted a position as industrial engineer with a Bronte firm, his wife continued her designing and printing with the help of local boys. Over the years, however, she felt that the family could live a happier and healthier life on a farm,and her husband agreed with her. When the Elm Tree Farm was advertised for sale, the family fell in love with the eight -room house and its surroundings and decided to take up farming. "The driving shed is now us- ed as the printing shop. In it are kept two long tables, fans for drying the cloth and the steamer. And herd the family gather to help Mrs. Hoey print material. First she draws a de- sign on paper and then traces it on a screen of clear nylon sheer, stretched on a frame. That part of the design which is to remain uncolored is filled in solid so that the dye cannot penetrate the mesh. A squeegee, an implement edged with rub- ber, is used to spread the dye, Ind thick as jelly, over the 'screen and press it through td -the ma- terial below. It takes' two peon ple, one on' either side of Me table, to operate a squeegee satisfactorily. "Three colors can be used on one screen, but it must be com- pletely free of dye for each coloring process. For this, the Hoeys have worked out a meth- od of using brushes and a pres- sure hose te. conserve water. Before the next color is ap- plied, the material is dried with electric fans for 20 minutes. "The dyes change as they dry. Blue, -for instance, is yellow when a design is started and green looks like red. After the material is dyed, it, is nec- essary to steam it to set the colors. The steaming is follow- ed by washing which softens the areas where the print ap- pears. Then the material is pin- ned on tables to dry and later ironed. Sometimes farm wives in the district give Mrs. Hoey a hand with this last step. "Mrs. Hoey's textile designs have been used for drapes, place mats, skirt lengths and tea towels. She also makes tiles and correspondence cards us- ing the same hand -screen pro- cess. The tiles, of course, have to be fired in a kiln, and the cards are printed with ink in- stead of dye. "While Mrs. Hoey's primary interest at the moment is but- ter mold designs, she incorpor- ates -other subjects which inter- pret the . Canadian way of life. In order to help preserve some of our country's historic back- ground, she and her husband have become collectors of an- tiques in a small way. "Are the family. happy that they moved to a farm? ` "'We all love the life here,' Mrs. Hoey declares, 'and plan to continue farming and sheep raising in a larger way. And while the sheep are growing, my, fabrics will keep us, and we can live a healthy, happy life away from the hustle and bustle of the city.' ZION Mr. and Mrs. Earl Vipond, of Mitchell, called on Mrs. Mary Malcolm on Monday. Mrs. Shiller and Angelo, of Waterloo, spent Sunday with r. and Mrs. Morley Lannin. Mrs. Len O'Rourke - a n d Vickey and Patti visited at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Herb Britton, on Friday. Miss Mary E. Graham, Dres- den, spent a few of her holidays with her aunt, Mrs. Mary Mal- colm and- Mr. and -Mrs. Dalton" Malcolm, and also -visited other friends. Miss Susan Friend spent' a few days with Gayle Lannin: Mr.. Wayne Pepper returned home for the summer from OAC, Guelph, on Thursday, hav- ing completed his second year. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Roney and Mrs. Albert Roney attend- ed the Simpson and Ahrens wedding on Saturday in Mitchell United Church. Mr. and Mrs. Ross Gordon, Donna and Barry with -Mrs. Mary Malcolm Saturday even- ing. Mrs. Greta De Clute, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur De Clute, Mr. Rob- ert De Clute and Miss Earlene Peacock, of Toronto, spent Sun- day with Mr. and Mrs. Dalton Malcolm and. -Mrs: Mary Mal- colm. Communion service was held in Zion Church Sunday after- noon, conducted by Rev. A. H. Daynard. Larry Ronald Barker, Terry Brian Barker,.Glen Grant Pepper, Kenneth Ernest Annis, Keith James Malcolm and Jan- et Marie Eisler joined the church on profes§ion of faith. Mrs. Dalton Smale, Mr. R. En- gel and Mr. Frank Clark join- ed by letter. , TEEN.S! A Tremendous Selection of CORDS and CANVAS OXFORDS Buy these exciting colors in Washable Corduroy — Black, White, Black Watch, Grey, Green, some Red, some Gold .......$2v98 Try These Very Fashionable -Colors in Black, White, Olive Check and Multi -Stripe CANVAS OXFORDS $2.98 Imported Black, CORDS ORD S Gold or Green tir at $1.99 Look over the Terrific Bargain in Bone and White FLATS or PUMPS • Broken lines — assorted sizes Priced Below Cost • MEN! BOYS! See the many Foam Soled SUMMER CASUALS in - Suede or Leather, on SALE AT COST OR LESS vot• t.%5 SHOES FOR THE FAMILY SHUT: r ?AT BOX. /F THOSE SNAKES AND WORMS GET bOQ,SE ON TH/S WELL NEVER F/ND THEM. ST. JAMES' CWL MAKES APPOINTMENTS TO COMMITTEES - The Catholic Women's League met Tuesday evening in St. James' school auditorium. After the prayer and opening hymn in honor of Mary, the conveners gave their reports. For 1962-63 the new conveners are: Spiri- tual Life, Mrs. Russ Pringle; entertainment, Mrs. John Flan- nery; library, Mrs. John Ma- loney; magazines, Miss Isabel Anderson; decorating, Mrs. Ar- thur Devereaux and Mrs. Jos. DeGroot; lunches, Mrs. Clar- ence Malone and Mrs. Alvin Smale; press,,, Miss Rita.. Dun- can. It was decided to send a don- ation of $10 to the television School of Christ Mrs. Gordon Reynolds 'and Mrs. Frank Nigh agreed to represent, St. James' parish at the CWL convention in London. Mrs. James. Devereaux re- minded, the meeting that dues for the CWL magazine and membership should be paid in May and June. A member of the League will be calling • at each home before the end of June. The rectory tea is to be on June 13. Conveners for the tea are Mrs. J.,M. McMillan._.and 'Mrs. R. S. Box, and for the bak- ing, Mrs. Joseph Devereaux and Mrs. Frank' Nigh. Mrs. Reynolds thanked Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Cleary for their helpfulness in handling the gift of eggs sent at Easter time from the parish to Fontbonne Hall and the House of Provi- dence. Thanks were also ex - WITH THE w,% The Boy Scouts, Girl Guides and Wolf Cubs wish to thank all those who supported the Minstrel Show to make it such a successful event. The High School auditorium was packed for a most enjoyable evening's entertainment. The St. Thomas' Minstrels are to be congratu- lated for the varied program they presented; also for the time and effort put into the show in aid of Scouting. * * * During Easter Week several events took place. The Scouts held a work -bee at the camp site, when the piles for the bunkhouse were placed. _ Cubs of Pack "A" held their first hike to Glen Mac Camp on Tuesday. A nature scavenger hike was held and their tree charts were started. ,On Fri- day, Pack "A" journeyed by train to Goderich. They visited the Museum, which was very educational, then out to Sky Harbor Airport, where they were allowed to examine the planes in the hangar. The bus then took them around the docks to the Arena, where they saw part of the Young Canada Hockey Tournament. They re- turned by train to Seaferth. On Saturday, Pack "B" hik- ed to the Camp for their first spring ramble.. Five leaders and 15 Scouts of the Egmondville troop held an overnight hike at the Camp on the weekend. Bill Wood and Ken Verbakel were invested by Scoutmaster Ron Eyre. A most enjoyable time was had by all. On Wednesday evening local Scouters attended the District Scquter meeting in Milverton. The topic for this meeting was "Camping." pressed on behalf of the parish to Regier's Transport for their taking the eggs to London and the clothing to the St. Vincent de Paul store. Mrs. Reynolds reminded the members that new spring flowers from the gardens are welcome for the altar in the church, especially for First Fri- day and Sundays. After Father Sullivan's pray- er, the business meetin gclos- ed. Mrs. John Flannery read a thought-provoking article, en- titled, '"Harangue of a House- wife." Father Sullivan describ- ed his recent vacation trip to Florida, and Mrs. A. G. A. Mc - Court thanked him. The mystery prize was won by Mrs. J. J. Cleary. BRUCEFIELD Mrs. Lindsay Eyre's unit held a lovely daffodil tea, apron and bake sale on Wednesday after- noon of last week. Brucefield United Church choir played "Happiness Ahead" to a full house Wednes- day evening. Mrs. 11lurdoek,the efficient organist and choir lead- er, deserves credit for her ef- forts to work, with a fine group of people. Miss Sharon Strong, accompanied by Miss Carol Pep- per, sang several numbers and was much appreciated. Mr. and Mrs. Murray Squires, of Sarnia, spent the Easter holi- days with Mrs. Squires' parents, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Allan. Mr. Robert McGregor, of Orangeville, spent, Easter week at the home of his parents, Mr, and Mrs. John McGregor. Next Sunday evening at 7:30, the IOOF of, Brucefield will hold their anual district service in Brucefield United Church. Brfcefield choir presented their play, "Happiness Ahead," in Varna Town Hall, Monday night. Owing 'to the severe storm and hydro interruptions, the crowd was not as large as expected. - DUBLIN Mr. and Mrs, George' E., Hol- land have returned home after spending the past four months in Montreal and Toronto. Mr. Teddy Feeney, of Kitch- ener, with Jackie Costello. ' Mr. and Mrs. Howard Bur- gess, Flint, Mich., with Mr. and Mrs. Joe Dill: Karen and Billie Dill returned with them. Mrs. Mary Schulman has re- turned home from Buffalo. Miss Mary Gaffney, Toronto, spent the weekend with Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Holland. Mr. and Mrs. Jim Curtin and family, Streetsville, with friends in the village. Mrs. Kathleen Feeney has returned home after spending the winter months in Toronto. Allan Butters, Strathroy, at his home. Miss Monica Byrne in Blyth with Mrs. Tem Kelly. Mrs. Elsie Jordison in .An - caster. Mr. and Mrs. Tom Butters have' returned from Daytona Beach, Florida. Announcements Mr. and Mrs. George Stone wish to announce the engage- ment of their eldest daughter, Marie Theresa, to Raymond Norman Scoins, of Seaforth, the wedding to take place June 16, at 4:00 p.m., in St. Thomas' Anglican Church, Seaforth. Mr. and Mrs. Bert Postma wish to announce the engage- ment of their daughter, Anne, to Mr. Robert Alvin Walters, son of Mr. and Mrs. Bert Wal- ters, Brucefield, The marriage will take place in Brucefield United Church on Saturday, May 19, 1982; at two o'Llock. s 4TUARIES MM. EDNA 001A4D Mrs, r4pa aswakd, Zuriek died 'uesdAy-,fit th,g, ho=ne . of hei• granddaughter, Mrs .#,ward-' 'inkbeiner, Tuck- 'ersmith Township, Tile widow of ' Daniel Aswl ld, sha is sur- vived by grandcbiidre>e, Mrs, Finkbeinerl Mrs. Murray ton, Seaforth; Nelson McClin- chey, Exeter, and three. great- grandchildren, She is also sur- vived by a brother, Nelson Wurm, Zurich. .,Suneral service is to be held at the Westlake funeral home, Zurich,. at 2:00 pan. Thursday, May 3. Burial will be 'in the Evangelical WWI Brethren Cemetery, Bronson Line. MRS. FRED H. BEACOM A native of Seaforth, Mrs. Fred H. Beacom passed away in St. Joseph's Hospital, Len - don, Monday. She- was 50 years of age. The former Florence Olive Schade, she had lived in London for the past 30 years, with the exception of a few years spent in the Seaforth dis- trict. She is survived by her hus- band; son, Michael, at home; daughters, Miss Kathleen and Miss Sharon, at home;. Mrs. Jas. (Patricia) Redman, London; sis- ter, Mrs. Kenneth (Carrie) Can- dler, Stratford; Mrs. Ruth Don- aldson, Lindsay; brothers, Scott Schade, of Edmonton; Victor, Brockhurst, Calgary; and step- father, Thomas Brockhurst, To- ronto. She is also survived by, four grandchildren. - Resting at the John T. Dona- hue funeral home, London, Re- quiem High Mass was sung at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church Thursday morning. Bur- ial was in St. Peter's Roman Catholic cemetery,. London: CHESTER R. HENDERSON Chester R. Henderson, • Sea - forth, passed away suddenly in the early hours of Saturday, April 28, in Scott Memorial Hos- pital. He was 'in his 68th year. The deceased was born and educated in McKillop Township and until he move,d to Seaforth in 1949 was a well-known farm- er in that township. A veteran of World Wax I, he was a mem- ber of Seaforth Branch 156 Roy- al Canadian Legion. He was a member of Duff's (McKillop) United Church. . Surviving him are his wife, the former Anne Stewart; two sons, Stewart, of Mitchell, and Raymond, Seaforth, and four grandchildren. Funeral services were held Monday at 2:00 p.m. from. the G. A. Whitney funeral home, Rev. J. C. Britton of Northside United Church officiated. Inter- ment was in Maitlandbank cemetery, the pallbearers being: Gordan Papple, R. M. Scott, Bill Spier, John Henderson,_ James Elliott and 'Cecil Ad- ams. Flowerbearers were Wil- liam Henderson, James Hogg, Art Henderson and Dave Shan- non. Young Liberals Meet Monday Seaforth area Young Liber- als will hear a discussion of the problem of educational costs, when W. G. Nediger, of the SDHS staff, address them Tues- day evening. The meeting is being held in the Community Centre and vvill be ac- 'cording and oto followed elubdotficers.nch, TIM,KIEQS worm .then the fairy godmother turned the frog back into a hap- less wage slave, and the beautiful princess lived off him happily forever after.". Garden Supplies Garden Seeds: Packaged and Bulk Flower Seeds: Packaged Lawn Seed and Lawn Fertilizer: Emerald Green Lawn Seed $1.25 per lb. Evergreen (6-9-6) and Plant Food (10-6-4) $4.00 — 80 lbs. USE of FERTILIZER and SEED SPREADER FREE WITH PURCHASE CERTIFIED SEED POTATOES Available in 75 -Ib Bags _r We have a good supply of Grass Seed and Fencing Materials ° in stock OPNOTCH;-FEEDS LIMITED "The Most • Value For the Farmer's Dollar" PHONE.. 775 SEAFORTH TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS. MONEY -SAVING TVBONUS OFFER 1962 ADMIRAL TV with Big 23" Screen PLUS Giant Panda Bear Measuring full 33 inches in length Both for only . $199 The New 1962 ADMIRAL Features .00 and trade • Convenient all -front controls and a super powered quality chassis • 18,000 volts picture power provides dramatic picture bright- ness • Wide angle 23 -inch picture tube and improved deflector yoke eliminate distortion, weaving, tilting. ACT NOW -- TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS SPECIAL OFFER! Box Furniture Phone 43 • Seaforth