Clinton News-Record, 1971-08-12, Page 6PART III OF A SERIES
Miss Cecil McLeod recalls that the dam and flume ceased to
operate sometime between 1898-1900. Her mother, Mrs. Adelaide
McLeod once told Lucy of the frantic efforts to save the dam in the
spring break-up. She said that they even dumped loads of hay into
the water to try and prevent the pressure of water breaking through.
After the dam broke the current of the river changed and began
eroding the slightly higher land on which the brick house stood. And
in the spring freshet, the water rose so high that the home was
flooded. It was then that James Thomson bought the property on
the north bank of the river, east of the old road to Goderich. At one
time wlien there was no bridge people crossed on the top of the dam
to the foot of this road running north from the river.
Dr. Robert Hutchison Gairdner built this beautiful old home
overlooking the river valley and lake about 1860. Frank Deegan told
of sometimes opening the gate for Dr. Gairdner when he drove up to
his home in a phaeton. And the small boy never forgot the Doctor's
thanks and gracious bow. After Dr. Gairdner moved to the village to
be with his brother Jas. A. Gairdner, the Rev. H. Gibson, the first
Presbyterian minister of St. Andrew's—the Auld Kirk—resided there
until 1875. The McGill family, cousins of Dr. Gairdner also lived
there for a time. From old documents in possession of Mrs. R.H.F.
Gairdner, it appears that the place was up for sale in 1893.
In 1903, the Thomson family Vacated their home on the flats and
occupied the former Dr. Gairdner home.
Born June 4, 1837, James Thomson died September 19, 1923.
Lucy recalls that this elderly gentleman often walked to the village
and back when one wondered if his slowing steps would ever reach
the top of the hill.
His wife Isabel lived until December 17, 1931 when she was 95
years of age. She had a keen intellect and was well-versed ifs law. In
those pioneer days when lawsuits were frequent, she was the family
counsel. Wm. H. Woods told Lucy this when she was a small girl, and
she was imprested by his statement that it was a well-known fact
that the Thomsons never lost a lawsuit.
The Thomson home was where all the members of the family
were welcomed. Hence in the summers it was a veritable paradise for
children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and other relatives.
Lewis Thomson continued to live there until shortly before his
death in 1943, when his sister Adelaide and niece, Miss Cecil
McLeod cared for him in their home.
After his death, his brother John, Ft. Francis managed the
property. Some members of the family refused to allow it to be sold.
They felt that it had been such a delightful spot for holidays and
with all the family associations, they should keep it for their
families.
It was left, fully furnished as when Lewis took ill. In housing
difficulties under Rent Control of the war when Mrs. Anne Bishop
(later Mrs. Wm. Mall) and her sister Mrs. Kate Garrioch were forced
to vacate their home in Toronto, it was offered to them. Mrs.
Bishop, (a daughter of Jane Struthers) came and looked at it and
decided with a little redecorating they would be comfortable.
When they moved, the furniture van got here ahead of them.
They motored from Toronto and found the van driver waiting for
them. Vandals had been in the night before. Glass cases of stuffed
animals and rare birds had been broken ?deer and moose heads
mounted on the wall broken, dishes sniashed, jars of fruit emptied
out, furniture broken and overturned, etc.
The place was in such a state that all the debris had to be cleaned
out before their furniture could be unloaded. Sometimes they saw
the funny side, for instance when they spied a stuffed squirrel
peeking out from underneath an overturned chair.
These vandals were the first of the so-called "hippies". They also
did damage to cottages in The Highlands and up the lakeshore before
being apprehended by police. (Mrs. Bishop later bought George
Castle's house on Chiniqey Street and moved to the village.)
For several summers members of the family enjoyed vacations
there. After John's death, Mrs. Malcom Fraser and her husband, Fort
William, tried to look after it. They bought lumber and boarded up
the broken windows. That completed, they went to the next farm to
visit Mrs. George Lindsay for an hour. Going in for one last look at
the old home on their way to the village, they found boards ripped
off.
The home 11,!.ig isolated held a great attraction for visiting
children who called it "the haunted house". Soon it was found that
a pole had been driven right up through the roof, letting the water
in.
Then the fine furniture began disappearing. And the looting is
said to have been done by adults who in no sense of the word could
be described as "hippies"..
Villagers sand neighbours who knew the Thomsons might walk
over and look at it but they respected the Thomson family and their
personal property and the private rights of others. This beautiful old
pioneer home in a choice setting was deliberately set on fire. It la
said to have been done by teenagers with a yen for a big blaze. Thus
a home which could have been preserved as an historical point of
interest was razed to the ground June 15, 1966.
(To Be Continued)
toys at childrens' auction
clear voices, "Do I hear 19
cents? Twenty? Twenty! Do I
hear twenty-one cents?"
For many children, some not
old enough to know that money
is not to eat, this was their first
experience with the rules of
buying and selling.
Lemonade and cookies were
an added attraction on a hot
afternoon, and 90 cups were
doled out.
The auction continued until
about 3:30 p.m., and the money
— $33.75 dearly meted out in
pennies and dimes — will go to
the Bayfield Agricultural
Society.
ambling with Lucy
• ** .. -•••••••-- %,M:::•''''SWarenireaSM
BY LUCY R. WOODS
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SEPTEMBER 18
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59A HAMILTON ST.
524-8366
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Londesboro
Aimwell Unit welcomes 50
at picnic at Lear's
BY LIZA WILLIAMS
The Bayfield town council
discussed a rather unusual
request during its regular
meeting on August 4.
A local organization wishes to
take over and rehabilitate the
old town hall. It was the feeling
of the council that village
property should not be turned
over without retaining
considerable control. Any
contribution for the work of
rehabilitation would be
gratefully accepted and suitably
acknowledged.
It was felt that restoration
should be in the form of
repairing structural weakness,
painting, decorating, installing a
new heating system and sanitary
facilities, and restoring the
original outside siding.
A further reason for the
village to retain control is that
this is the only hall large enough
to hold village meetings. The Sea
Scouts and Rangers have been
given the use of the building for
the coming winter.
They are planning to form a
band, run art classes, put on
plays, create a marine museum,
Guests
at Camborne
House
BY ERIC EARL
Guests with Canon and Mrs.
F. H. Paull of Camborne House
for Civic Holiday weekend were
the Misses Carrie Dixon,
Florence Yardley, Jean Emigh,
Marion Vansickle, Jean Milian,
Pearl Lamb, Marjorie Hamel,
Adele Brocklebank, and Mrs.
Evelyn Harburn. These girls are
members of the "Friday Night"
Club and are all from Brantford.
Miss Lillis Powell and Miss
Irene Isaac of London are
staying at "Enfield" Cottage.
Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Makins
spent a few days camping at Port
Elgin last week.
Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Makins
and Bonnie spent the weekend
at Port Elgin.
Mr. and Mrs. Fred Hulls
attended the funeral in
Georgetown of their
sister-in-law, Mrs. Doris Currie.
Mrs. Currie was the former Mrs.
Wm. Hulls.
Mr. Fred Hulls has contracted
to design and build a new
18-hole golf course at
Kincardine.
Mr. and Mrs. Spencer Ervine
spent the weekend camping.
Spin is looking like his old self
again, after his stay in a London
hospital.
and are also willing to assist in
rehabilitation of the building.
Diseased and dangerous trees
in the village are being
progressively removed.
Council was informed and
invited to attend a meeting of
the Ratepayers Association to be
held Saturday afternoon, August
21, 1971, at 2 pap.
Plans and specifications for
the Margaret Tuyll drainage
scheme are being prepared, and
it is hoped that they will be
ready very shortly.
Building continues in the
village. Art Brisson, Main Street,
is planning an extension to his
present building.
Reeve Oddleifson reported
that the village would be
receiving a $200 rebate from the
County Planning Board for
information used out of the
village's zoning by-law in the
preparation of the county
official plan.
Villagers and visitors are
reminded that it is unlawful to
discharge any kind of firearm
within the village boundaries.
This by-law is enforceable by the
O.P.P. and by the village
authority.
60 kids buy
BY LIZA WILLIAMS
A Children's Auction took
place Tuesday at 1 p.m. in the
Hunter's garden in Bayfield.
The auction, a custom revived
in the Hunter family, was
attended by between 60 and 70
children, some of them
accompanied by mothers, and
even a few fathers! Toys galore,
contributed by virtually all of
the merchants in Bayfield,
caught the delighted eyes of
children of all ages. Most were
from Bayfield, but some were
tourists or vacationers.
Christine and Jocelyn Downie
were the hostess-auctioneers,
and were assisted by Abby and
Mary Lee Champ, Tony and
Mary Pemberton, and Esther
Deitch. The auctioneers wore
black top hats, and called out in
Middleton
Mrs. Robert Stirling is a
patient in St. Joseph's Hospital,
London. Her many friends wish
her a speedy recovery.
Mr. and Mrs. Stewart
Middleton spent Sunday with
Mr. and Mrs. James C. Shearer,
Fairfields Farm, Bright.
K.40,1mv ows.wb
Farif11117114,
The street light at the
Municipal Building has been shot
out twice this summer. Those
responsible are reminded that
they are subject to severe
penalties for this infraction of
the law, and will be prosecuted,
An infraction of the zoning
by-law has resulted in charges
being laid, and these charges will
be heard in court in the next
session.
The clerk, Gordon Graham,
reported that the road budget is
becoming strained. Council
decided to slow down on further
road work, but to continue with
necessary maintenance,
Ted Gozzard thanked the
Community Centre Board for
the use of their facilities in the
Arena Building during their
recent week-long Scout
Jamboree. He reported that an
excellent camp-out had been
held.
The oil contract for
municipal buildings in the village
was awarded to the low bidder,
B. P. Products.
The next meeting of council
will be on August 16.
Irla Martin, daughter of Mr. and
Mrs. Joseph Martin, R.R. 2,
Zurich, graduated on May 6
from St. Mary's School of
Nursing, Kitchener. She received
the award for proficiency in
bedside nursing. She is a
graduate of Central Huron
Secondary School, Clinton.
Varna
BY FRED McCLYMONT
Services in the United Church
will be withdrawn during the
remainder of August.
The ladies of the U.C.W. held
a successful sale of baking at
C ia nt
Mrs.
ai s yi
Bayfield on Saturday last.
Mr. Bruce Elliott had charge
of the services at Varna and
Goshen ited Churches last
S
Doug Robinson
'
Lorrie,
and Carol of Willowdale
are
' hdvy ting at the home of Mr.
and Mrs. Fred McClymont this
week.
The Reid picnic was held at
Harbour Park, (loderich on July
31. Memberq ore present from
Saginau ant' Ant Mich., Sault
Ste. Marie, Ottawa, Kitchener,
Weston, Goderich, Clinton,
Seaforth, and Varna. All report a
very enjoyable day.
Mrs. Bernice McClinchey was
a guest of Mrs. Ida McClinchey
over the weekend. Mrs. M.
Beatty returned on Saturday
from London, where she had
been visiting the MacVickers for
the week.
Guests at the home of Mrs.
Geo. Reid recently have been
Mrs. Verna Greenbury, Flint,
Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Reid,
Ottawa, Mr. and Mrs. Rod
Garril, Weston; Mr. and Mrs. Ed
Rowse and family london and
Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Reid, Sault
Ste. Marie.
Brucefield
BY MRS. H.F. BERRY
Mr. and Mrs. Harry
Gunderman and grand-daughter,
spent the weekend with their
friend Mrs. Ge4:1•Henderson.
Mr. and Mrs. George
Westcott, Michigan, spent the
weekend with Mrs. Westcott's
parents Mr. and Mrs. John
Henderson.
A large shower was held at
the Brucefield $0 . 101 for Jo-Ann
Aldwinkle, an ...,gust Bride on
Saturday.
Mrs. Bert McKay, London,
visited friends and relatives over
the weekend.
Brucefield firemen were
called on Monday to a grass fire
East of Kismen home of R.
Forrest.
Mr. and Mrs. James Wambold
spent the weekend in Trenton.
Mr. and Mrs. Wambold will move
shortly to Trenton air base.
The families of Mr. and Mrs.
Lorne Wilson, Brucefield spent a
pleasant afternoon at the home
of their daughter, Mrs. James
Deveraux, on Sunday.
BY MRS. BERT SHOI3BROOK
The Ainawell Unit held a
picnic on Sunday, August 8 for
the members and their families
with 50 people present at the
home of Harry and Gail Lear.
Races were held for
pre-schoolers. Results were:
Boys and girls under 10, Danny
Jewitt, Cathy Jewitt; boys and
girls over 10, Steven Jewitt,
Dennis Fothergill; kicking the
slipper, 10 and under, Danny
Jewitt, David Jewitt; kicking
slipper over 10 yearg, Dennis
Fothergill, Nancy Fothergill,
Steven Jewitt; three-legged race,
David Lear and Wayne Hulley;
wheel-barrow race, Steven Jewitt
and Kevin Hulley; guess number
of candies in jar, children,
Steven Jewitt, adults, Addie
Hunking; tree contest, Stan
McDonald and Steven Jewitt.
A picnic lunch was enjoyed
by all. Following supper, Gail
Lear read an action story
involving the whole group. Harry
Lear led a sing song. Marjorie
Duizer read a poem, "What Have
I Done Today?" and led in
prayer. The children enjoyed a
candy scramble. The evening
closed with Benediction led by
Rev. McDonald and singing of
Taps.
Mrs. Lewis Vogel and son '
Douglas of Washington, D.C.,
spent a few days last week with
Mrs. Myrtle Fairservice and Ann.
Mr. and Mrs. Stan Shobbrook
of Toronto visited on Sunday
with Mrs. Harvey Hunking.
Mr. Ken Shobbrook, Janine
and David of Oshawa visited past
week with Mr, and Mrs. Bert
Shobbrook and Mr. and Mrs.
Ron Ellerby of Clinton.
Mrs. McKinley of Burlington
and Miss Ruby McVittie of
Clinton visited with Mrs. Lillie
Webster last week.
Miss Alice Arbuckle of
Toronto visited with her cousin,
Mrs. Morgan Jones last week.
Miss Edythe Beacom returned
home Friday night from taking a
six-week course in Toronto.
Mrs. Edna Holmes of Dresden
and daughter Mrs. Doris Scratch
park
balloon relay, Bob Norman and
Bill McAsh; spooning ice cream
relay, Don Rathwell and Stewart
Grigg.
Pre-school children had a
candy scramble and received
balloons. Danny Turner and
Tina Bruinsma won the
pre-school race.
Great appreciation was shown
to the game conveners, Bill and
Sandra Rathwell and Mildred
and Doug McAsh.
The reunion will be held in
Seaforth Lions' Park again next
year on the third Sunday in
July.
of Detroit visited relatives in the
village over the weekend,
attending the Lyon picnic in
Exeter on Sunday. Mrs. Harry
Durnin returned to Dresden with
her sister on Sunday.
Mr. and Mrs. Bob Thompson
and Mrs. Lloyd McCluskie spent
last week with Mr. Lloyd
McCluskie at French river.
Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton of
Moorefield spent past week with
Miss Beth Thompson.
Mrs. Mabel Scott held a very
successful sale on Saturday,
August 7.
Captain John Pickett, Mrs.
Pickett and family of Ottawa
and Mrs. Mary Appleby of Blyth
were dinner guests of Mrs.
Gordon Robinson on Saturday,
also visiting Mrs. Cowan.
Mrs. Jack Creighton of
Clinton visited Mrs. W. Howatt
on Saturday.
Mr. and Mrs. Bert Shobbrook
spent Sunday afternoon with
their daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Ron
Ellerby and family of Clinton.
Mr. and Mrs. Morris Rivers of
Tweed spent the weekend with
Mr. and Mrs. Jack Lee and
family and visited aunts, Mrs.
Cowan and Mrs. Robinson.
Sunday Visitors with Mr. and
Mrs. Jack Lee were Mr. and Mrs.
Murray Lee, Robbie and Susan,
Mrs. Bill Wall of Kincardine, Mr.
and Mrs. Bill Lee, Clinton, Mr.
and Mrs. Robert Erb of Hensall
and Mrs. Gladys Gourley.
Mrs. J.D. Elsley and daughter
Mrs. Russell Reddon of
Listowel, visited on Tuesday
with Mrs. Harvey Hunking.
Visitors with Mr. and Mrs. Bert
Shobbrook Wednesday p.m.
were Mrs. Russell Flemming of
Seaforth and Mr. George Cole,
daughter and family of Flint,
Mich.
Mr. Ross Millson spent Friday
night with Mr. and Mrs. B.
Shobbrook. Mrs. Millson and
children returned home to
Woodstock on Saturday.
6 Clinton News-Record, Thursday, August 12, 1971
Bayfield council won't turn
over old hall to local organization
Forty-five persons attended
the 13th annual Rathwell
Reunion held at Seaforth Lions'
Park recently.
Cliff Stewart was elected as
president for the 1972
executive. Bill McAsh will be
vice-president; Bruce Rathwell,
treasurer; Garry McAsh,
secretary and Elaine and Bennie
Sturgeon, Joan and Don Gower
and Betty and Stewart Grigg will
be in charge of sports.
Several contests were held.
Winners were:
Most articles in pockets, Tom
Rathwell; youngest child,
Roylen Norman; 25th name on
the register, Don Johnson; best
tan, Jean Turner; longest
sideburns, Don Johnson; loudest
blouse, Mildred McAsh; longest
hair, Mrs. Fred Sloman; guess
what's in the can, Muriel Grigg;
newspaper game, Bruce
Rathwell, Bob Norman and Fred
Bruinsma; animal hunt,
Ma d el a ine Rathwell; water
45 attend Rathwell
reunion at Seaforth