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The Goderich Signal-Star, 1987-07-29, Page 4PAGE 4 —GODERICH SIGNAL -STAR, WEDNESDAY, JULY 29, 1987 If you're willing to attach any credence to the notion that there's little to do around this area, then it's safe to assume you don't get outdoors much. Over the years, through its various departments has worked in concert with service clubs, groups and interested in- dividuals to organize a myriad of events and activities. And it's not all gut - wrenching, physically -demanding sports oriented acitvity. There is family stuff too, fair folk. And I'm just about ready for some frivilous entertainment after staining 8,394 feet of fence board and shutters on the weekend The brush had to be surgically removed from my blistered, twisted fingers. (please dispense with much sympathy for the writer ) The children helped too. They stained each other. They stained the grass and they put their little paws on stained parts DAVE SYKFS to see if they had dried just 30 seconds after application. However, they found that the aluminum door didn't stain too well. Thank goodness they don't have pets. Regardless, I'm ready to frolic and Tiger Dunlop Days may provide the tonic for semi -insanity or at least, push me over the edge. From Friday, July 31 through to the band concert in Lions Har- bour Park and the concluding sunset Sun- day evening, the second rendition of the town's Tiger Dunlop Days offers promise of some good fun, and entertainment. In fact, the events tend to border on the zany side and should cater' to the weird, crazy and lunatic fringe. Now I don't know about you, but I have always been on the opinion, and it may be a narrow-minded one at that, that this tourist town was in desperate need of top notch tourist attractions. How often can you flog clean air, the most unique Square anywhere, museums, great .n'nery inrf sunsets, shady parks and friendly people. That stuff just doesn't make it anymore with the discriminating tourist. But Tiger Dunlop Days will fill that void with such events as the Dew Worm Races set for the specially -designed track at the beach and the Minnow -Wrestling competition, which will take place in the same area Saturday afternoon. Being a sporting man by nature, the events that unfold this weekend would surely please an adventurous soul like Tiger Dunlop, who wandered to this area from Galt, to meet John Galt, the Canada Company commissioner. With promise of plenty of wiggling and squiggling, the Dew Worm Races ,get underway at 3:15 p.m: but if you think you train your own worm at home and get a decided advantage, you're mistaken. All thoroughbred racing stock will be provided at the sight to prevent entrants from grooming a ringer. If your sporting interests tend to be more aquatic oriented, then the minnow wrestling competition should sate those desires. Hulk Halibut and Jake the Splake should rival anything the WWF could produce. These events will be followed by the Glub-A-Dub-Dub competition which features home-made vessels in a race en- vironment. Also, at the south pier, the landing at Gojerich will be re-enacted. There are a variety of beach events planned for Sunday afternoon, including volleyball and a Coast Guard open house, as well ,as a number of activities for the children such as a costume parade and art in the park. And if your family is into craziness, Family Contest Capers in Courthouse park features bubble gum blowing, banana eating and count the peanuts competitions among other things. The entire weekend should make for some fun and laughs. Get involved. THE NEWS PORT FOR GODERICH & DISTRICT SINCE 1848 the® NEST ALL ROUND COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER IN CANADA ✓ ylCvwleuon Class 35Q6 -4500j C C N A Better Newspaper Compewm 1984 oaeric E..:IG..NJALST.AR P.O. BOX 220 HUCKINS ST. INDUSTRIAL PARK GODERICH, ONT. N7A 4B6 PUBLISHED BY SIGNAL -STAR PUBLISHING LIMITED rounded in.1848 and published every Wednesday at Goderich, Ontario. Member of the CCIUA and OCNA. Subscrip- tions payable in advance 522.00, (Senior Citizens 519.00 privilege card number required) in Canada, 560.00 to U.S.A., 560.00 to all other countries, Single copies 60°. Display, National and Classified advertising rates available on re- quest. Please ask for Rate Card No, 16 effective October 1, 1985. Advertising is accepted on the condition that in the event of a typographical error, the advertising space occupied by the erroneous item, together with the reasonable allowance for signature, will not be charged for but that balance of the advertisement will be paid for at the applicable rate. In the event of a typographical error advertising goods or services at a wrong price, goods or services may not be sold. Advertising is merely an offer to sell, and may be withdrawn at any time. The Signal - Star is not responsible for the lass or damage of unsolicited manuscripts, photos or other materials used for reproduc- ing purposes. General Manager ' Editor Advertising Manager SHIRLEY J. KELLER DAVE SYKES DON HUBICK FOR BUSINESS OR EDITORIAL OFFICE...please phone (519)524-2614 Second class fmail registration Member: 'C A number 0716 CGNA Heritage celebrations ITN TOURI f1 .30 BIG -114E DAYS, MAYBE WE • SHOULD SPRUCE UP 'OUR PORTS OF ENTRY. The second annual Tiger Dunlop Days (July 31 to Aug. 3) begins this Friday with over 45 events, designed with something for every member of the family in mind, taking place over the holiday weekend. In the course of all the fun and festivities it's easy to overlook the historical significance of the event. This year marks the 160th anniversary of the founding •of the "The Prettiest Town in Canada," and this weekend is a time for residents and visitors alike to be proud of the rich heritage of the Town of Goderich. While Goderich is very much a 20th -century town, with modern recreational, industrial and municipal facilities, it is also a historical place with many well -cared -for. reminders of the past, such as the old jail, the lighthouse, the Pioneer Museum and others. William Dunlop, John Galt and the other settlers of the Huron Tract, would surely be thrilled if they could see how carefully" this community has,been to maintain a sense of history while developing in a fast -paced high-tech world. – P.R. - Needs being met Statistics based on a 1985 enumeration indicate that in a little over two years, Huron Coun- ty will have a population of 8,060 residents over the age of 65, or 14.75 per cent of the total population. Those figures, of course, are in line with statistics for the entire nation. The ever-increasing percentage of older people in our society is certainly good news for those who are blessed with longer life – but they also pose new needs for planning by the younger generation who will be responsible for the care of the people who can no longer pro- vide for thier own personal needs. Fortunately, in Huron County many services have already been developed to meet the changing needs of society. One might imagine that hospital and nursing home services would be the prime requirements, but that is not so. What is more important is the provision of those services which will permit older people to remain in their own homes. Not only are they more likely to be happy among familiar surrounding, but it has been proven that the physical health of the elderly benefits from the familiar tasks and hobbies which usually can be enjoyed at home. We now have housekeeping assistance available on a part-time basis, as well as in-home nursing services where required. Meals -on -wheels have been a boon to those who are no longer able to provide fully for their own nutritional needs. The day centre for the home- bound and transportation for the disabled permit many older people to enjoy contact with friends and activities which would otherwise be denied them. As the years goon other and more varied needs will arise, so it is well that the problems of the aging are being met by so many interested organizations and their members, both paid and volunteer. Wingham Advance -Times. I have been to see the Tiger – and I have lived to tell the tale. With the upcoming excitement of Tiger Dunlop Days looming on the local horizon for the long weekend, things have been fairly hectic at your favorite community journal. Of course, things are usually fairly hectic at said publication, but nor- mally you can avoid a lot of the really ar- duous assignments by taking a really long lunch – say about 72 hours. This week, however, there was no get- ting around the fact that we had to put out a special Tiger Dunlop Days edition, which you will find inserted in your paper this week: Included in this insert, is a ,rather mundane -looking photograph of the tomb of Goderich founder Dr. William "Tiger" Dunlop. While the picture's no great shakes, I feel the team of photographers (Okay; there were only two of us, but that con- stitutes a team doesn't it?) assigned to obtain it should still receive the usual substantial bonus (A free subscription to the paper) that Signal -Star employees routinely receive for performing tasks above and beyond the call of duty. Actually, "above and beyond," is ex- actly where the Tiger's tomb is located. It's about 100 feet above the bottom of a treacherous 89 degree slope and beyond the reach of anyone without regulation Alpine mountain gear. Though I have lived in this area for about four years and have often passed the road leading to this historic site, I have never felt compelled to visit it, until the other day, when the editor compelled me. "Do you think he knew it would be like this?" I asked my associate as we wound our way through a dense forest of brambles and thistles along the assort- ment of paths leading to the goal. I was leading the way, using one of her aban- doned high heel shoes as an improvised machete at the time. to Ice breaker Alexander Henry arrives in Goderich during month of July 25 YEARS AGO July 26, 1962: The unique sight of an ice breaker in July occurred in Goderich Harbor, Monday at 9:00 pm., when the high-powered motor vessel Alexander Henry made her first visit to these waters. Based at Parry Sound, under command of the .Dominion Depart- ment of Transport, the red and white ice- breaker came into deliver incidental sup- plies to light keeper Walter Sheardown. Deep Run Danny, the good pacer owned by William McLean, will place a five straight win streak on the line in Kincardine on Monday afternoon in the featured Civic - Holiday free-for-all. Other Goderich pacers racing at Kincar- dine include swing Harmony owned by H.O. Jerry and In The Gold owned by Hugh Hill. For the 'first time Kincardine will offer pari -mutual wagering as well as well as dai- ly double. All will operate under the supervi- sion of the R.C.M.P. 50 YEARS,AGO July 30, 1937: An all-star Goderich soft -ball team, the cream of the Church ,Softball Leaque, received a first hand lesson on how the game should be played when, on Saturday evening the visiting Detroit Bourgeois team, captained by Lou (Joe). Murray, former Goderich boy, tacked up a 17-0 win in an ex- hibition game. Several hundred persons saw the game, the stands being well filled, and long lines of spectators stretching out in the in field. The visitors were letter-perfect in their She never answered me – probably because it's difficult to talk with saplings snapping across your face at regular in- tervals, but I knew what she was thinking - and it wasn't about the oft -discussed benevolence of our newsroom commander. As we climbed, clawed and cursed, our way to the top, I imagined the wonderous vision this tomb must be to require it be placed in such an unattainable spot to en- sure peace everlasting for its occupant. I envisioned marble pillars and ornate car- vings – certainly the photograph will be worth the climb. "What's it look like?" called Lou -Ann from the base camp she had established about 20 vertical feet from the top, leav- ing me to brave the summit unaccdimpanied. "Don't know. I can't see anything for this big stone wall," I replied. The stone wall turned out to be the bulk LOOKING BACK game in the field and were deadly at the bat against `.`Skip MacDonald, ace pitcher of the Goderich League. It was a treat for the crowd to watch the Detroiters field balls and run bases. The Bourgeois at first wanted to play American rules, with a smaller ball, longer pitchers box and gloves for each man, but Goderich lads wouldn't consent. The visitors also wore spikes, a departure unknown in this district. Working night and day, Hydro and town employees and groups from local organiza- tions and lodges are rapidly erecting decorations for the welcoming of Old Home Week visitors. New Lamp Standards which arrived on Monday were being erected by Hydro employees working late last Wight, and the job will be completed today. Arches have been erected at the head of each of the eight streets leading to -the square, and canopies for evergreen decorations have been built along the two blocks between Colbourne and Hamilton Streets. This work has been done by the Goderich Planning Mill under George Westbrook. 70 YEARS AGO July 26, 1917. Mr. L.H. Zinn while in his store on Thurs- day afternoon was startled to see a car mad- ly attempting to nose its way through the doorway. The light coach was driven by Mrs from this angle Petrick Raftis of the Tiger's shrine, surrounding a plain, concrete grave marker. That was it. The condition of the site was not enhanced by the behavior of the previous visitors. I had heard the Tiger was a man Sterling McPhail, who had turned in off the road to park her car in front of Mr. Zinns place of business. Although she could not say just hc w the • car happened to shoot across the sidewalk at break -neck speed and crash into the door front,, it is presummed that in attempting to apply the breaks, Mrs McPhail accidently stepped on the accelorator. The screen door on the store was smashed at the bottom and the door frame was so badly splintered and pushing out of place that the door would not close. Forturiatly no one was passing at the time or a more serious accident may have resulted. The on- ly damage to the car was,;l.he buckling up of the bumper on the front. Four times were the tables cleared and changed at the St. George's Church annual garden party and carnival on Thursday evening. Weather conditions made it necessary to serve supper in the Parish House to the long line of quests and as rain came down, the outside activities were abandoned. Some of the games were played 'for an hour or two, but it was finally decided to hold the carnival part of the program next Thursday evening. That is tonight. Whoever is responsible for putting the sign "Band Tonight" out in front of the bandstand had better make surethe band is going to play on the night indicated or he will have the wrath of citizens upon his head. For two successive Sunday Nights the sign has been out and numbers of people have come up town to sit in the park and listen to the concert. Eight o'clock has arriv- ed and nary a light went on, on the bands- tand, and nary a bandsman showed up for the concert. who enjoyed strong drink, but I hardly see that as fitting reason for those mak- ing the pilgrimage to bring a case '•if beer (actually, I can't imagine how they made the climb with a two-four under their - arm) to the site. Worse, having raised a Molsen toast the Tiger, they had then proceed to smash the bottles all over the immediate vicinity. - Recently the Signal -Star received a ,let- ter from a visitor who was appalled by the condition of the tomb and the path leading to it. I am now in full agheernent with the author. I£ we are going to hold a'celebi ktion in honor of the founder of this town, perhaps one of the priorities for preparation for future festivities should be to iasttre visitors can a) reach the Tiger's memorial (a wooden staircase would be nice) and b) not be turned off by the eon. dition of the,site when --they get there. Now, on with the eelebratioa!