CONSOLIDATED TEXT Rural Ridgetown Women's Institute Mrs. George S. Brien's Records My grandmother, Mrs. George S. Brien, formerly B. Irene Simpson, was a charter member and first president of the Rural Ridgetown Women's Institute. Among its activities, the Institute encouraged its members to collect and document local history. Among my grandmother's possessions was a binder, consisting mostly of type written pages that appeared to be copies of some of the histories developed by members of the RRWI or copied from other sources. The following transcriptions were produced from those pages and are, for the most part, unedited. The articles generally relate to landmarks, schools, churches and families in and around Ridgetown. Index Some Pioneers Place Names Howard Agricultural Society Experimental Farm (1) Experimental Farm (2) Early Newspapers Charles Eastlake Willson, Lozar & Deane John McGregor & Monuments O’Neill, Township Clerk Some Prominent Men Harry Stennet Railroads Jack Leitch Rondeau Park Some Prices (1895 & 1945) Ice Storm (1950) Marsh Farm Fred Brien Farm Fox Farming Harrison Farm John Scane's Farm Property Scane Cemetery Ridgetown Town Clock Erie Street Church Mount Zion Presbyterian Anglican Church Marsh Street Baptist St. Michael's Parish Public Library Mills at Morpeth Stage Coach A.J. Sales / Kysor Laundries & Drycleaners Tube Turns of Canada Silcox Hardware Book Bindery Conklin Planing Mills Botany Church, Howard Twp Trinity Church, Howard Twp Trinity Women's Auxiliary Pentecostal Church Ridgetown Public Schools Ridgetown Schools Ridgetown High School SS #4, Greens School SS #5, Reeder School SS #6, Scane School Rushton School Kent Log School House Interesting Items / Fires Bits of History Early Ridgetown History Old Town Hall / Twp Hall Howard and Twp Hall Greenwood Cemetery RRWI - Final Meeting The RRWI no longer exists. An article, reprinted in the Ridgetown Dominion on November 27, 1985 under the banner "1975" read The white candle burned slowly - lower and lower - a brief interval of brightness follows and then the light is out. The organization known as the Rural Ridgetown Women's Institute, after 38 years of service to the community, closed its books and the end of an era became a reality. Rural Ridgetown W.I. came into being March 3, 1937 at the home of Mrs. Fred Brien, Erie Street South. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The following was transcribed from the records of Mrs. Geo. S. Brien, Rural Ridgetown Women's Institute. They are, for the most part, unedited. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pioneer Settlers of Howard Township South John Crawford - 1802. Settled on the lake shore adjoining the Howard, Harwich townline, the first white settler to settle in the mighty forest of Howard Township. This property later became Col. Patterson's at Eatonville. Joseph & Edward Hackney - 1812. Settled on the shore of Rondeau, later moving to Lot 88, Howard Township in 1815. The Cull Family - 1817. This family moved into the neighborhood of which Morpeth now forms a centre. There were 6 in number named John, William, Samuel, Jesse, James, and Thomas. James Cull, who owned the lot forming the northwest part of the village, diligently urged the village be named Jamesville, but the name Morpeth was conferred upon it by choice of the people in honour of Lord Morpeth, a kinsman of Col. Talbot. Joseph & Robert Woods - 1816. These men were Nova Scotians, the pioneers upon the site of Morpeth. The former's son, James, cut the first tree on the site of the village. John Desmond - 1818. Afterwards became one of the most prominent men in the Township. Nicholas Cornwall - 1818. Came to the Talbot settlement from the River front and later built a mill on his new location. Edward Lee - 1826. Opened the first store in Morpeth. THE RIDGE LOCALITY Edmund Palmer. Son of David Palmer, a Talbot Street pioneer, has the distinction of cutting the first brush-heap upon the site of the town of Ridgetown. He, in company with Alex. Marsh, who took up his residence in 1823, becoming the pioneer of the Ridge Road on Lot 9, Concession 10. Edmund Mitton- 1824. Located on Lot 10, Concession 9. Several families settled about the same time including John Willson, John Scane, James Watson, Richard Tyherst, and Ebenezer Colby. Others connected with the early settlement of the Ridge were Thomas French, George John and Henry Reeder, Levi Cornwall, James Scafe, John Palmer, David McKinlay, Thomas Dickson, Samuel Kitchen, John Byhurst and Richard Rushton, who gave the name to Rushton's Corners to that district. Scottish Settlers. Howard Township had a number of Scotch settlers come in 1819 among them the McKinlays - Duncan Robert and Peter, who settled between Talbot street and the Ridge. The Campbell Clan followed. A number of them had resided in Utica N.Y. others came from their Nova Scotian homes and formed a colony of Campbells extending over nearly half the township. Members of the Cameron, McDonald and McGregor families filed into the township about the same time. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Origin of Place Names in Kent County Have you ever wondered how the different places in Kent got their names? They may appear to fall into three general classes, or even a fourth; lst: Names of Old Country villages, etc. given to the new settlements by pioneers coming from the locality of the originals. 2nd: Family names given by the early settlers and traders or used to identify localities where families were settled or conducting stores. etc. 3rd: Names applied as being appropriate because of situation of place or some unusual features of the neighborhood. 4th: Some other places were named for no apparent or known reason. OF THE FIRST CLASS WE FIND SUCH PLACES AS BOTHWELL - This town was named by the late Hon. George Brown of the Toronto Globe. Bothwell was the name of his native village in Scotland, and it was in his honour that this place was named. The streets of the town got their names from members of George Brown's family. HIGHGATE - Was named by a family "Tolson" who before they came to America lived at Highgate, England, which is a short distance from Old London. Some say it was first called High Ridge from its position on the Kent Ridge. TILBURY - Early founders gave this name which was the name of the place from which they had come. MUIRKIRK - The name was given by a Scotch family from the "Kirk Muir" in the Highlands of Scotland. DUART - Was at one time a thrifty place but it was situated in a position forbidding advance. This place is also of Scotch beginning and the name was borrowed from another Duart in Scotland. MULL - Was named so its peoples claim from the Mull in Scotland. DEALTOWN - Situated on the banks of Lake Erie and on the Government HighWay in Raleigh Township was named from Deal in England and was established about 1850. PALMYRA - This village was named by Mr Jacob Street. The place from which he came in the States was called Palmyra; which is between Rochester and Syracuse. OF CLASS 2 FAMILY NAMES WE FIND CHATHAM - Was named by Wm. Pitt who afterwards became Earl of Chatham. Probably you all know that the Hotel built on King Street is called the Wm. Pitt. BUXTON - The origin of this name is a very interesting one. This village was started by escaped slaves who made their way out of the United States. They gave this name from the Earl of Buxton who was an active Emancipationist. MCKAY'S CORNERS - It was in 1846 that this place added to the name it had formerly adopted, that of "Corners". McKay was perhaps the most prominent and influential settler at this time and it was from him that this place got the name it now has. The McKay family is still in this community. MORPETH - This was decided by a popular vote of the people in 1830. Among the first settlers was James Cull who wished his family name perpetuated and suggested the place be called Jamestown. This met with opposition and after much debating agreed to let the vote of the people settle the name. Lord Morpeth, cousin of Col. Talbot, had visited the settlement about this time so Morpeth was the name chosen. This place boasts the honour of being the birthplace of our Canadian poet Archibald Lampman. A cairn was erected in the Trinity Church Yard in his memory; his father was Clergyman at Trinity at the time of the poet's birth. WALLACEBERG - This name is said to be a compromise between rival factions each of which wanted it to be called by their clan name. OUVRY - This place has had several names and several locations. Each time a new postmaster was appointed he moved the Post-Office to his own dwelling. In this way the location was frequently changed. In 1876 the present location was finally agreed upon. FLETCHER & GUILDS - These were both named after influential residents. The Guilds family still live at that place situated on No.3 Highway. Near it is the old home of Jean Blewett and her brother Archie P. McKishnie. They both attended Guilds Public School, and later Ridgetown High School. CONWAYS GROVE - This was named after the family name of one of its residents. RUSHTON'S CORNERS - Also took its name from the Rushton family, residents of the district. RUTHERFORD, TUPPERVILLE, TURNERVILLE, AND FLORENCE - Doubtless these places took their names from some of their residents. This practise of naming places from some family name is very interesting. Some schools, instead of being called by their Section Number, are commonly called after some nearby family. OF CLASS 3 NAMES SUGGESTED BY LOCATION ERIE LAKE - This word came from the Indian word "Eriale" meaning "to eat." The French in reality discovered the name. It is believed that the indentations of the shore line and the better evidence of Rondeau, made the Indians believe that the great water was eating away into the land. RONDEAU - The most romantic of all Kent's places. It is interesting to know the different names that have been given to it. Round O is one of the names and it was evidently so called on account of the shape of the bay. Rond Eau is a French name and Little Lake or Little Water, are the Indian names. These names sanction our belief that they were given on account of its position. SHREWSBURY - This place was laid out as a townsite by Governor Simcoe. This noted statesman visited the site while on one of his tours. Here he dreamed of a merchant armada and fancied his choice as a lake port that in later days would perhaps outstrip Toronto in importance; visioning all this, the Governor had his engineers lay out streets for a town. CEDAR SPRINGS - This was from a characteristic feature belonging to the place. CLEARVILLE - Situated on Clear Creek where it empties into Lake Erie. This place has moved back to Talbot Street (now Highway No. 3) When it was at the mouth of the Creek there was a busy mill and dam. People for miles around patronized this mill. There was a dock and vessels called there. An old Indian fort was situated there and archeologists have discovered some valuable material there which has found it's way to the Toronto Museum. THAMESVILLE - is said to have first been called Tecumseh, taking its name from the fact that the great Indian Chief fought his last battle in the immediate vicinity. A cairn was erected to his memory East of the village of Thamesville, the name the village afterwards took from the river "Thames". RIDGETOWN - this town without doubt was named because of its position on the high gravel ridge between the Thames River and Lake Erie. It became a post village in 1854, receiving mail three times weekly. COUNTY & TOWNSHIP NAMES - It is interesting to note that these names are similar to Old Country places. Also the Counties into which Ontario is divided have derived their names in the same way, they often have the same names as English Counties. At the time of the Constitutional Act, Governor John Graves Simcoe was trying to revolunize Canada, arousing all interest in Great Britain rather than the United States. Unrest was culminating and Simcoe saw the necessity of keeping Canada loyal. KENT - was first called "District of Hesse" before it was surveyed and named after Kent, England. HOWARD TOWNSHIP - The Township of Howard was surveyed in 1794 and named after Thos. Howard, Earl of Effingham, whose daughter, Lady Mary Howard, married Sir Guy Carlton the Governor-General of that time; in honour of her family the township was named Howard. The first township council was elected in 1850. ANTRIM - This place was situated on the lake shore south west of Morpeth. There was a dock where boats called and a hotel which did a thriving business. Although the town which Rev. Massingberd dreamed of never developed, he purchased three hundred acres of farm land in Howard Township in 1867 and had a map drawn of the village which he called Antrim. Then Rev. Msssingberd tired of Canada and returned to England. His granddaughters presented his map of the village of Antrim to the University of Western Ontario. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Howard Agricultural Society The first fall fair in Howard was held in 1854 on the Cyrus Smith farm, just east of the village of Morpeth, on Big Creek. Few people know that this fair owed its origin to the fact that farmers were dissapointed at the price they were receiving for their lambs and they were advised by an Agricultural expert that they must raise a better class of sheep to get better prices. Many of his listeners were industrious Scots or other old country folk and they determined to improve the quality of their flock. However the Howard farmers had become interested in better farming in general and began to get together to compare methods and results. The outcome of these meetings was the first fall fair, held in Howard in 1854. The displays were good, enthusiasm high, and the farm folk decided to make the event an annual affair. The first directors were names, George Duck, Col. Desmond, Richard Green, representing Howard, and Messrs Stewart, Gesner and Bury from Orford. As both townships Howard & Orford, were represented, the fair was held two years in Clearville, two years in Morpeth. In 1860 the townships decided to have seperate fairs, and the following were named as directors of Howard, Edward Tyherst, Zenas Watson, A.D. McDiarmid, Wm. McKerracher, Robert Shaw, and Thomas Buller. The first fair was held on Deacon Watterworth's farm in Ridgetown and it was so successful that the ambitious directors decided to make Ridgetown the permanent location. Even at that time the Briens had a fine exhibit of sheep and since have had prize winning exhibits at some of the largest fairs on the American Continent. Donations were given for the purchase of a fair ground and two acres were bought from the property now owned by the Experimental farm. The first trustees were Zenas Watson, Edward Tyherst, and A.D. McDiarmid. The organization grew so rapidly that soon two more acres were added. In 1871 September 7, the Society was formally incorporated and it was decided that a new and larger site must be secured. Thus in 1882 the original fair ground was sold to George Addeman, and a committee of five was appointed to find a new site . The Committee comprised Freeman Green, Chairman, Isaac Gardiner, Anson Fisher, George Rocky, and Henry Buller. Their final choice of the present property has proven very satisfactory. Improvements were made in the following years and during this time Freeman Green held office as President for eleven consecutive years. While W.R. Reek was Superintendant of the Experimental Farm, he gave much valuable assistance to the fair board in promoting field crop competitions. J.D. Brien ably served the Society as Secretary-Treasurer for thirty-six years, but in 1942 resigned due to other business interests. A banquet was held in his honour and Mr Brien was presented with a brief case and a Service Diploma, issued by the Department of Agriculture, for his outstanding service to the Society. The Society suffered in l942 when fire destroyed the fine barn that had been erected only fourteen years before. A new grandstand was built in 1945 and successful evening concerts have been held. In 1946 Service Diplomas were awarded George S. Brien and Peter Cameron for outstanding leadership in Agriculture. At the Annual meeting 1946 a notice of motion was read to change the name from the 'Howard Agricultural Society' to the 'Ridgetown District Agricultural Soeiety'. Permission was granted for the change in name by the Department of Agriculture and the new name was formally adopted at the Annual meeting in 1947. A noteworthy feature of the Society has been the manner in which sons and grandsons of the founders have continued to show their interest in the fair through successive generations. Officers for the year 1947 are: President - W.J. Parney, First Vice President - Lloyd Brien, Secretary - Warren-Green, Treasurer - Harry O'Neill. Material found in this article was written by Victor Lawriston and in the books kept by the Secretary. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Experimental Farm - 1st Article Among the first pioneers to settle on the Ridge Road was Richard Tyherst in 1824 on lot 11, 9th. concession Howard Township. The ownership of the farm passed from Richard Tyherst to his son Edward. In 1874 the farm was purchased by Mr E.D. Mitton, who sold town lots off the south corner of the farm. It is on one of these lots that the present High and Vocational schools are situated. Mr Mitton retained some of these lots on the corner of Main & Cecil Street and built himself a home before selling the remainder of the farm. Cecil street was named after his son Cecil Mitton. Mr W.H. Goodhue purchased the home and later sold it to Mr B.M. Willson the present owner. In 1902 Mr John Cochrane purchased the remainder or the farm from Mr Mitton and in 1904 sold it to Mr John W. Simpson. In 1906 Mr Simpson rebuilt the house which has since been remodeled, and it is the home of the present farm Superintendant. In 1910 Mr Simpson sold the farm to Mr J.D. Brien who added 100 acres, which he purchased from Mr J.J. Simpson. In 1922 Mr J.D. Brien sold his farm to the Provincial Government for an Experimental Station, the Government also purchased land from Mr B.M. Willson and at the present time the farm comprises 300 acres, other land is rented to carry on experimental crops. The conditions and crops in Southwestern Ontario differs from those in other parts of the Province, and the Government decided an Experimental farm would be of great value in this area. Experimental work in crops, fruit, and live stock is carried on, and the farm staff is always ready to advise and obtain accurate information for the farmers. Mr W.R. Reek who later became Deputy Minister of Agriculture, and then Dr. Reek, President of the Ontario Agricultural College Guelph, he was the first Director of the Experimental farm. In 1937 Professor J.C. Steckley succeeded Mr Reek, under his leadership the farm has become the centre of Agricultural training for the students of the High School as well as the farmer's of the district. Among the men who have laboured to bring Agricultural education to Ridgetown are Dr.Reek, the late J.D. Brien, Mr W.G. Thompson, who in 1945, when he was Minister of Lands and Forests saw that sufficient funds were set aside by his Government to meet the needs of the new College and on September 2nd. 1949, Mr Thompson was given the honour of turning the first sod for the Dormitories which have been completed and will be formally opened in September 1951. The building a two story brick will house 180 beds, a dining hall, and Kitchen units. Classes will be opened in rooms in the Dormitories, for the present as well as Offices for the staffs. The purpose of this new Agricultural College will be to give more advanced training in practical Agriculture to boys beyond High school age. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Experimental Farm - 1951 - 2nd Article On March 1st. 1922, the Ontario government took over a one-hundred acre farm and an eighty-seven acre farm in the township of Howard just at the edge of the town of Ridgetown. This farm was purchased from the late Duff Brien. This was in the days of the Farmer's Government headed by the Honorable E.C. Drury. The Honorable Manning Doarty was minister of Agriculture at the time and he represented the County of Kent in the Ontario Legislature. For many years previous to this farmers and Farm Organizations in South Western Ontario were continually advocating the establishment of such a farm owing to the difference in soil and climatic conditions and the cropping systems in this district varied considerably from the rest of the Province. The other institutions in the province doing Agricultural Experimental Work were not able to do the work necessary to cope with the problems of the district. It was felt that with the Experimental Farm situated in the district some of these problems could be more efficiently handled. The previous government under Sir William Hearst with Honorable George S. Henry as Minister of Agriculture really started the movement. At that time however no definite progress was made. Dr. W.R. Reek was appointed Director of the Farm and continued in that capacity until 1937. At that time he was appointed Deputy Minister for the Ontario Department of Agriculture and later became president of the Ontario Agriculture College at Guelph. In the Annual Report of that year reference was made to the purchasing of several lots of swine. These swine represented the following breeds:-Yorkshire, Duroc, Jersey, Tamworth, Birkshires, Chester Whites, Poland China, and Hampshires. Seven horses were also purchased. The crops the first year consisted of: thirty-eight acres of Oats, eleven of Barley, five of Potatoes, thirty Corn, five Sugar-beets, five tobacco, fourteen Beans, and about twenty-five in pasture, Orchard and building sights. Some experimental work was done that year with Sugar-beets, Corn and early Potatoes. An Apiary of fifty colonies of Bees was established for the purpose of rearing Queens for sale in the Province. During the next few years a great deal of time was spent in getting the farm in shape for experimental work. The land was in fair tilth as it had been run as a livestock farm for some years previous. It however, needed considerable under drainage and the whole plan of the farm needed to be changed. About one-hundred and twenty acres required underdrains and this was proceeded with during the first few years. During the twenties and early thirties a good deal of attention was made to the experimenting with different grades of commercial fertilizer. A lot of useful information was complied which has resulted in the more intelligent use of commercial fertilizer throughout South Western Ontario. These experiments were largely made with the special crops of the district - namely- White Beans, Corn, early Potatoes, Tobacco and Vegetables and canning crops. During this time several new varieties of grain and other crops were tested and many desirable varieties were introduced. This is particularly true of white beans. This particular crop was affected with a lot of diseases. The introduction of the Robust Beans was a great step in advance as it practically saved the bean crop. This variety was not susceptible to a lot of the diseases that affected other varieties at that time. The introduction of other new varieties of beans followed, namely, Michelite which is generally grown today. The Clipper, a new bean that promises rather well is being introduced at the present time. Many new varieties of other crops have also been introduced into the district. It has always been felt that when a variety shows up in test it should be multiplied and distributed in the district. This has always been the policy of the Farm. Among the best varieties that have been introduced has been Erban Oats, Dawbul Wheat and Tennesse Winter Barley. During the twenties and early thirties the pig population gradually drifted to one breed. Birkshires, Tamworth, and the other fatter types of hogs were dropped and an effort was made to show that the Yorkshire breed would do well in the district. A lot of breeding swine was distributed of this breed. Particularly was this true during the late thirties and early forties when an annual sale was held which distributed around one hundred head of Yorkshire swine each year. This was discontinued a few years ago after the South Western Ontario Yorkshire Club was organized. This Club comprises the Yorkshire Breeders of Essex, Kent, Elgin, Lambton and Middlesex. Assistance from members of the Staff was given to this Organization for the handling of two sales each year with the understanding that the experimental Farm would discontinue the selling of breeding stock. The Yorkshire herd now kept is only for the experimenta1, demonstration and commercial purposes. Up till the late thirties steer feeding was carried on extensively at the Farm. About 1936 a dual purpose herd of shorthorn cattle was established. This was changed over to beef type shorthorns about 1940. For a few years breeding stock was sold but like the pig program this has been changed during the last few years, and this herd is kept only for demonstration and experimental purposes. In 1937 the Director, Dr. W.R. Reek, was made Deputy Minister and J.C. Steckley became Director in his place. In 1941 Mr J.J. Neilson, who was part time at the farm in charge of Horticulture and Poultry, gave up his teaching program at the Vocational School and High School and became Assistant Director. In l949 Mr W.W. Snow, who had been with the Farm for two summers, graduated from the O.A.C. Guelph and was appointed on the staff as fieldman. There has been very few other changes in the staff since the Farm started, as many of the men hired the first year are still employed. In l941 after a few years experience with Hybrid Corn the farm undertook to produce the crossing stocks for Canada Hybrids for growers in Ontario. This was necessary as the demand for this type of corn increased. At that time it was not possible for the growers of this seed to purchase foundation stock from the States. This work had continued ever since but was particularly important during the war years when it was so hard to procure corn from outside countries. Practically all of the commercial corn during that time was produced in Ontario, and the Experimental Farm was particularly active in this program by the production and handling of foundation stock. Members of the Staff were always actively interested in Agricultural Education and co-operated during the period that the vocational School, in connection with the High School, was operating. They made available material for the students for their Vocational Course. They also have been continuing this since the School was changed to the District High School. In 1936 a two year course was organized and conducted by the Experimental Farm. This course was similar to the two year course at the O.A.C. Guelph and at the Kemptville Agriculture School. This course was handicapped by not having a Dormitory for use of the students and consequently was dropped early in the war until a suitable dormitory could be built. This is being built at the present time and it is expected that these courses will be re-organized in 1951. Members of the staff have always been interested in helping to establish Farm Organization. Practically all of the Farm Organizations in the district have received assistance in carrying out their programs. Services of different kinds have been established at the Farm from time to time where farmers can bring their problems and receive assistance. The Farm maintains a Seed and Cleaning and Seed treating Plant. This was established in 1937. This plant is open for customs work for a couple of months in the spring and for a couple months in the fall. A soil testing service is also maintained at the Farm where farmers can bring their soil for analysis and get advice as to the best type of commercial fertilizer to use. Services are also maintained for Poultry problems and many other problems such as weed control, as well as fungus disease control. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The First Newspapers in Ridgetown The early settlers had no newspaper, but as time went on a number of settlers combined to get a newspaper that was published in Hamilton, at an annual subscription of $5.00, this was read and passed around. The advent of the paper was so important that on one occasion when it stopped Thomas Scane, one of the settlers, made a trip to Hamilton to see what was the matter. In 1875 Mr J. Chapman, a druggist who owned a small printing press and several fonts of type, at varying intervals issued a small four page paper for the benefit of himself and a few others in advertising their wares. This paper was distributed free and served its purpose. The first real local paper, the East Kent Plaindealer, was first published in 1875 by Robert Constable who brought the plant here from Ingersoll. In 1881 he sold the paper and plant to Emanuel McKay, a former high school teacher and as a vigorous supporter of the Liberal Party he made it uncomfortable for local politicians and others with whom he differed. In 1897 McKay sold out to Claxton & Whitman, the later retiring in 1902 and going to Leamington. Mr Claxton continued until his death in 1923. In 1879 Doherty and Bockus of the Rondeau News of Blenheim published a Ridgetown edition of that paper, called the Telephone with P.H. Boyer as editor. During Robert Constable's time, the Plaindealer took little part in party politics. In 1880 a group of local politicians determined to have a Liberal Paper. E.C. Johnston of Buffalo was induced to come to town as editor and July l, 1880 the first issue of the Standard appeared with the motto, "The Good of the people ought to be the first and paramount consideration under its headline". Five months was enough for Mr Johnston and disposing of the paper and plant to P.H. Boyer he returned to Buffalo and the Standard now became the Conservative paper. From 1881 to 1885 J.S. Gadd was associated with the publication of the Standard. In 1892 John Mitchell, employed for a few months by McKay and encouraged by a few Liberals, published a paper called "The Liberal" - It was short lived and he returned to Toronto. In 1894 Mr Boyer sold out the Standard to William Wesley. The paper departed from its political faith and supported the Liberals. In 1897 Wesley sold out to Philip Waters who died in 1899. His brother John Waters conducted the paper until in 1901. Claxton & Whitwam, publishers of the Plaindealer, bought the Standard. Howard Gordon who had been foreman of the Standard office secured the plant and took it to Dresden. This left the Plaindealer the sole Liberal organ. In the meantime the spectacle of two Liberal papers in Ridgetown had been a source of worry to the Conservative soul of P.H. Bowyer and in November 1895 he commenced the publication of The Dominion which he conducted with vigor and success until 1917 when he sold to E.V. Bingham. The death of Mr Claxton in 1923 and the change in newspaper conditions during and following the war led to the merging of the Plaindealer with the Dominion and Ridgetown's oldest and youngest newspapers became one. Mr Bingham carried on publication of the Dominion through the war years and the depression period with a much depleted staff until in September 1945. Mr C.C. Craven purchased a half interest in the business. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Charles Eastlake December 22,1949 CHARLES H. EASTLAKE PASSES IN 88TH YEAR. The funeral for the late Charles Henry Eastlake was conducted from the Locke and Company Funeral Home, Ridgetown, Wednesday, December 21st. at two o'clock with Rev. T. Owen Hughes, minister of Mount Zion Presbyterian Church, Ridgetown in charge. Mr Eastlake passed away at his family residence. He was in his 88th. year. The late Mr Eastlake was in business in Ridgetown for more than 60 years prior to his retirement in 1945 from the firm of Bawden and Eastlake. In January of 1885, Mr Eastlake entered in business as a clerk in the David Logan Dry Goods store. After three years with this firm, he took over a similar position with the Craig Brothers, General Merchants. In 1902, he entered in a partnership which was known as Bawden and Eastlake with the late Mr John Bawden. This business was brought to an end by dissolution of their partnership in October 1945. Throughout his life Mr Eastlake took a keen interest in sports and he was responsible for bringing Lacrosse to Ridgetown in the year 1880. He was a member of the Ridgetown Lacrosse team for a number of years. He was an ardent bowler and was the first secretary of the Ridgetown Bowling Club. He was also responsible for introducing Curling in Ridgetown. He was the owner of the first pair of Curling stones in the town. The Curling rink was adjoining the Baptist Church grounds. He was Chairman of the Parks Committee for 23 years. For 35 years he was a member of the Ridgetown District Fair Board, and nine years President of the Horticultural Society. He served as a member of the Public School board for 21 years and was 38 years Secretary Treasurer of the Rod and Gun Club. In 1930 he was treasurer of the Old Boy's Reunion. During the first world war he was Secretary-Treasurer of the Soldiers' Aid Committee and in 1921, as a memorial to the fallen, he built what is now called, the Soldiers' Plot in Greenwood Cemetery. For 21 years he visited this plot each week and placed at each cross, flowers. He was a life member of Howard Lodge N.391,A.F. and A.M. Ridgetown and also of the Canadian Legion. The late Mr Eastlake was married twice. He was married to Ellen Niven McPherson on November 28, 1888. She predeceased him in 1924. In 1925 he married Margaret Mann. Surviving are his daughter, Helen (Mrs Edward Casey) of Royal Oak, Michigan and two sons, William of Montreal and James of Boston, Mass. His youngest son Mack paid the supreme sacrifice in the first world war. One sister, Mrs C. Lamb of Ypsilanti, Michigan, also survives. Interment was made in Greenwood Cemetery. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Willson - Lozar - Dean Benjamin W Willson, for many years Ridgetown's leading citizen, was born in Howard Township outside the town limits in 1847. From l872-1878 he was engaged in farming and cheese making. In the latter year he moved into town and for a quarter of a century was a leader in the grain and produce business in partnership with the late D. Cochrane. For four years he was Reeve of Howard Township; 4 years County Commissioner and 4 years was Mayor of Ridgetown. In 1882, Mr Willson was Warden for Kent County. In 1883 he contested East Kent for the Ontario Legislature and in 1904 for the House of Commons, in the Conservative interest. For several years he was the license inspector for East Kent. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ George Lozar came to Ridgetown in 1863, from the United States. He was a cabinet maker by trade and built the mill now owned by Frank Wheeler. He sold the mill to Charles E. Scane in 1874, finally taking in his son-in-law Thomes Buller. Scane later retired and Buller continued until his death in 1907. This is one of the 2 early industries that are still giving service. Lozar also built the large hotel on the south side of Maln Street called the Anderson and now owned by Frank Green. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ HANDICAP - 1950 Lloyd Deane, well known local athlete won further fame in the world of sports last week when he won the O.A.C., intra-mural boxing championship in the 155 pound class. Lloyd is a second year student at Guelph and although he has always starred in track and field events as well as hockey and soft-ball, he never went in for boxing until this term, but once he started he was not long proving that he could more than hold his own even though he lost his right arm in a grain-binder accident when he was three years old. Along with all the sports already mentioned Lloyd also plays basketball, soccer, volley-ball, billiards and bowling. His favourite sport of all, however, is hunting and every time he comes home to his father's farm he is out tramping the fields looking for game and generally gets his fair share. Lloyd hopes ultimately to become a teacher. After graduating from O.A.C. he hopes to take a course in athletics and possibly instruct in that line, which shouldn't be too difficult for a boy with his courage and ability. Lloyd's mother, Mrs. W. Deane, is a member of the Rural Ridgetown Women's Institute. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- John McGregor & Some Local Monuments Kent Historian Recalls Tale of Notable Pioneer The story of John McGregor, the outstanding figure of Chatham's pioneer days, was Chatham's first trader and industrialist, whose grist mill was the community's first successful industry. McGregor was three times elected M.P. for Kent, serving from 1804 to 1816. The most active figure of the Kent militia, after his mill was burned down by the Indians in Proctors retreat, McGregor became leader of the "Kent underground" in a period of American occupation, organizing a small mobile force, the "Loyal Kent Volunteers" which persistently harassed invaders. In the cold war following the British defeat at Moraviantown, McGregor was responsible for organizing a grape-vine telegraph which gave the settlers early warning of approach of American patrols and enabled them to hide their cattle and supplies and thereby saved the Lower Thames settlers from starvation. In the field of active warfare, McGregor in co-operation with a detachment of Norfolk and Middlesex militia led by Lord Metcalf, surprised and captured an American Army, superior in numbers, which was stationed at McCraig house a few miles down the river from Chatham. This exploit is marked by a cairn on River Road in Raleigh Township. McGregor also took part in a fight at Battle Hill in March 1814. Local Memorials Blake Huffman, M.P., said a movement, initiated by Dr. Fred Landon of the National Sites and Monuments Board resulted in the erection of a monument to an outstanding figure of the War of 1812 -- the celebrated Chief Tecumseh who was killed in the battle of Moraviantown in October 1813. A memorial was established at or near Wallaceburg to the Earl of Selkirk, founder of the Baldoon settlement. A new memorial plaque was also placed on the federal building commemorating the fact that on the same site in 1831, was erected the first public school in Chatham. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Harry O'Neill, Township Clerk Ridgetown -- New York Yankee slugger Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris, instead of cursing Los Angeles pitchers for their strikeouts in the World Series, perhaps should look a little deeper. The Yankee had trouble hitting, particularly balls breaking low and away from the strike zone - the perfectly thrown "slider". Admittedly credit should go to the Dodger's pitches and their control, but it also can be partially shared with the developer of the pitch. Canada may not have been able to claim much in contributing to the United States game of baseball, but can boast the originator of one of the most effective pitches. Ontario, Kent County and Ridgetown can also boast, for the developer was J.H. O'Neill, Howard Township Clerk. A former Philadelphia Athletic under Connie back in the American League, he admits that it was by a fluke that he discovered the pitch. Throwing batting practice in Boston with the Athletics prior to the 1922 contest, his teammates complained bitterly that the ball sailed. He assured Mack he was merely trying to take the "hop" off the fast ball to let his hitters connect. A public school teacher in Western Canada before World War I and the start of his professional career, he taught only two teammates how to throw the pitch, and they kept it to themselves until retiring. "It was our bread and butter pitch" he explained. Mack was impressed with the Canadian pitcher right from his first glimpse of him, in a tryout arranged in Detroit by Bill Shaw of Windsor, while he was playing with the "chicks" there. Assigned by the A's for seasoning in Augusta in the Sally League in August, Mr. O'Neill quickly hit his stride, winning his fourth game in five starts with a 1-0, no-hit decision over Greenville. Always with a better than .500 percentage win-loss record at the end of the season, his records show his battering average as high as .350. A second try with the American League Club in 1923 failed when he had arm trouble at an inopportune time. But he was colorful, and the hero when ever he played. Sold to Salt Lake City in the Utah Idaho League, he led the club from both the mound and the dugout as manager. They won division honours in his first year at the reins. Injured in a car crash near the end of the 1927 season having had his hip broken, he returned to baseball for one more year, guiding Boise, Idaho before retiring. The last batter to face him went down via the strikeout route. The victim was Lefty Gomez. Ty Cobb, Al Simmons, Lefty O'Doul, Jimmy Dykes, Cy Perkins, Ed Rommel, Frank Crossett, Dutch Leonard and Ike Boone are among other baseball greats the Howard Township native played with and against. On O'Neill's way up, he played the Michigan Ontario Baseball League, the International League and was on two consecutive provincial championship clubs in Medicine Hat, Alta. He played a key part in the championship for the 1st Reserve Battalion in the Canadian forces overseas competition in Europe, in 1919. With his baseball career over, he and his wife farmed in Howard Township, while raising their eight children, some of whom are as far away as Washington. Township Clerk in the Kent East Municipality for 30 years, he advises councils in making decisions and striking out budgets. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Some Prominent Men around Town O.K. Watson. Mr. O.K. Watson, K.C., was born in Ridgetown in 1868, son of Zenas Watson, one of the pioneers. After attending the Public and High Schools at Ridgetown and Osgood Hall, Toronto, he became a Barrister in 1892, carrying the political science course at Toronto University at the same time; completed the University course in 1894, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Arts; starting practice in Ridgetown the same year. Served on the Public Library Board for 3 years; in the Town Council for 2 years; on the Collegiate Institute Board for 3 years; and was Chairman of the Board; was named the Town arbitrator on the purchase of the electric light plant; was secretary-treasurer of the High School Board for many years; and on the Public Utilities Commission for thirteen years. Along with this busy schedule, he compiled a 180 page book of "Memories of Ridgetown" which was published in 1950. Mr. Watson passed away Feb. 3, 1954. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Hon. David Mills. Honorable David Mills, nearly half a century of public service will be commemorated on October 14, 1908*, when a bronze tablet is unveiled in this honour in the Municipal Building in Chatham, Ontario. Resources Minister Jean Lesage said that the unveiling of the tablet will take place under the auspices of Kent County Historical Society and that his department will be represented by Professor Fred Landon, Chairman of the Historical Board. The tablet was erected by the Department of Northern Affairs and National Resources, on the recommendations of the Board. Mr. Mills began his long career in public service as superintendent of Schools in Kent County in 1865. Eleven years later entered Parliament as a member for Bothwell and was Minister of the Mackenzie Administration from 1876-78. He was appointed to the Senate in 1896. He entered the Cabinet of Sir Wilfred Laurier as Minister of Justice and in 1902 was appointed Judge of the Supreme Court, holding that post till his death in 1902 in May. In 1860, Mr. Mills married Mary J. Brown of Chatham, and they had three sons and four daughters. [*Jean Lesage was appointed Minister of Resources in 1953. The date of 1908 is unrealistic.] _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ J.C. Locke. Of all the business places that were here when Ridgetown was a village still operating under the son-in-law Ben Smith, that of J.C. Locke alone remains. He came with J.J. Bradshaw from Jarvis and bought out the furniture stock and equipment of Charles Baker in 1897. Bradshaw and Locke continued partners for about 4 years, when Bradshaw left and entered into partnership with a Mr. White in Stratford. Mr. Locke later converted his business into a partnership, taking in his son-in-law, Mr. Ben Smith who still operates the furniture business with his son James Smith. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Jacob Smith, M.D. Smith, a descendent of the U.E. Loyalists of New Jersey, U.S. came to Kent County in 1844, taught school, graduated for a Dr. in Toronto in 1856, practiced in Bothwell; then in Ridgetown until his death. He was the first person interned in the Greenwood Cemetery. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Recreation Award to Harry Stennet February 1st, 1962 At a meeting of the Recreation Committee held at Ridgetown Arena Monday evening it was unanimous decision of the board that the 1st award for outstanding Service to the Recreation programme or the Community should go to the Late Harry Stennet, former clerk-treasurer of the town of Ridgetown, His contribution to the establishment of Churchill Park, which has since been renamed "Stennet Park", will always be remembered. The presentation of the certify for the Award was accepted by Arthur Stennet, eldest son, on behalf of the family, the citation at the banquet read as follows. The Late Harry Stennet. No name Stands out more than that of the Late Harry Stennet when one thinks of Recreation in Ridgetown. His pet project was perhaps the development of the Park that bears his name, but once completed, for years he almost single-handedly promoted the activities that could be accommodated there. No one, in the town's history gave as much voluntary time as he to promote healthful recreation during a certain period. That period was mostly before a Recreational Programme was sponsored by the town and at a time when such leadership was most necessary. Mr. Stennet's interests in Recreation included all branches of sports. He helped to promote handball; he was a booster of basketball and a regular attendant at games. He never missed a vocal track and field meet and he devoted a great deal of his time to promote softball, He was also interested in dramatics and took an active part, appearing on stage in several roles. He was one of the originators of a Recreation Programme for Ridgetown and when clerk of the town was probably the first one to see the wisdom of passing a by-law to put recreation in Ridgetown on a sound basis where a well-rounded programme would be assured and governments grants would assist financially. For these reasons, the Recreation Committee went back beyond 1950 to name the Late Harry Stennet for an award and are Proud to present a member of his family a certificate of appreciation for his outstanding contributions. Mr. Stennet was a highly respected citizen of the town having held different appointments over a period of years Chief amongst them was Police Magistrate and Secretary of the Public School Board, Mrs. Stennet, the former Nan Delmege was a patient in the Barnwell Nursing Home in her later years. Mr. Stennet succumbed of a heart attack at the Nursing Home while making his daily visit. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Coming of the Railroads The building of the railroads meant rapid development of the towns and country through which they passed. Previous to the construction of the Canada Southern Railroad through this part of the country, Morpeth had a much larger population than Ridgetown, it being situated near the lake port and on Talbot Street, now No. 3 Highway. The first survey for the railroad was made a quarter of a mile south of Talbot Street. The farmers of the district, who were not anxious to have their farms cut by a railroad, were greatly relieved when this survey proved too difficult owing to the number of ravines that would have to be bridged. The second survey was made a little south of concession twelve in Howard Township but this was abandoned for a third survey north of the village of Ridgetown. The road was constructed in 1872, thus Ridgetown, connected with the outside world, began to grow rapidly while Morpeth declined. The Canada Southern Railroad later became the New York Central road, which still serves this southern district. The Pere Marquette Railroad was named after Father Marquette, a famous missionary explorer of the 17th century. According to tradition when Marquette lay dying alongside a small stream in western Michigan in 1675 he directed his companions as to where they should bury him and to ring a bell and plant a cross over his grave. What more fitting memorial could there be to the memory of this heroic Jesuit then the ringing of many locomotive bells on the railway bearing his name. In 1903 the Pere Marquette Railroad wished to share in the huge trade which was developing between the Middle West and the Eastern Seaboard. The Lake Erie and Detroit River Railway from Walkerville to St. Thomas was accordingly purchased from its owners, the Walkers of distilling fame, and running rights over the Michigan Central road (now the New York Central) east of St. Thomas to the Niagara frontier. At the same time the Pere Marquette purchased the capital stock of a second Walker-owned railway, the Erie and Huron Connecting Sarnia and Erieau. The agreement also included a previously arranged lease of the London-Port Stanley line expiring in 1914 until which time the Pere Marquette ran trains to and from London. In so doing the Pere Marquette fell heir to a car ferry service and shipment of American coal across Lake Erie to Port Stanley. Subsequently it initiated the present business of importing through Erieau American coal so vital to Southern Ontario consumers. In the years preceding the advent of the motor car there was heavy passenger traffic on this railroad. The line was very popular for excursions and also special weekend rates brought many shoppers and visitors to Windsor and Detroit. At present not a single passenger train connects St. Thomas and Windsor on this road. The motor age has taken over this service. In June 1947 the properties and franchises of the Pere Marquette Railway Co. were merged with the properties and franchises of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway Co. and the combined properties will be operated as the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway Co. For operating purposes the Pere Marquette properties will be know as the Pere Marquette District of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway Co. Thus this important railway system connects the Lakes Michigan-Huron-Erie area with the Atlantic coast at Newport News, Virginia. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Reflected Glory - Jack Leitch As we have said before, and probably will continue to say, it is human nature to like to shine by reflected light. If we have no particular glow of our own we like to say of a prominent person that we "knew him when ..." This little foible is currently brought to mind by a picture to appear in another issue of the Dominion of Upper Lake Shipping Ltd. new bulk cargo carrier which has been named "Ridgetown". The big, 549-foot ship has been so named by the company's president, Jack Leitch, as a memorial to his parents. Not many of us will claim to have "known him when" but many of the older citizens can say it of his parents, Gordon Leitch and Hilda Bawden, and at least a few of the "seniors" class will remember his grandfather, Dan Leitch who played a mean bridge hand around the old Ridgetown Club, and John Bawden who at around 80 could chalk up a nice score at the golf club. But interest in Jack Leitch is not confined to the fact that his parents came from Ridgetown. By one of those coincidences that do happen, the current issue of Maclean's lists him among the "Outstanding Canadians in 1963". The listing is due to the fact that next to Judge T.G. Norris, Mr. Leitch has been the mainspring in the fight against Hal Banks and his Seafarer's International Union, which have made such a mess of things on the Great Lakes. Maclean's points out that while Judge Norris did no more than his duty in likening Banks to Hitler, Mr. Leitch went far beyond duty in actively supporting the Canadian Maritime Union in its fight against the Bank's dictatorship. The fight has cost Mr. Leitch and his associated in the neighbourhood of two million dollars, but is apparently being won though not yet finished. Because of his Ridgetown affiliations, the people here have probably taken more interest in the lakes dispute than most inland centres. It is quite understandable that we should feel proud of Jack Leitch and wish him complete success in his fight against the Bank's gangsterism. [Transcribers Note: According to "Ahoy & Farewell II", (Marine Historical Society of Detroit, Inc., Detroit, MI, 1994), the "Ridgetown" was built in Chicago in 1905. It was originally launched as the "William E. Corey" and was the flagship of the Pittsburgh Steamship Co. of Cleveland. It was subsequently renamed the "Ridgetown" in 1963 after being purchased by Upper Lakes Shipping Ltd. In 1974 it was sunk as a breakwater for the entrance to harbour at Port Credit.] _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Ridgetown - Historical Highlights. The first person to settle on the ridge, which runs through Howard Township, was William Marsh, a Loyalist, who moved to Ontario from Nova Scotia in 1823. Other farmers followed, taking up land along the ridge. But as of late 1837 there was no store at the settlement, and it was 1851 before a church was built. The first industry arrived in 1855 when George Moody built a flour and woollen mill. Four years after the Canadian Southern Railway went through in 1872, Ridgetown was large enough to be incorporated a village. By 1881, the populations was over 2,000 and Ridgetown became in fact a town. Just prior to incorporation as a town, Ridgetown had several light industries, including flour, saw and woollen mills, a foundry, and carriage factories. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rondeau Park By R.A. McLaren, Supt. The recorded effort to reach what is now the Park by road in 1795 when an order in council was passed directing Abraham lredell, a surveyor, to run a communication road to Rondeau, or Little Lake as it was sometimes called. Instructions were also given to establish a townsite at the terminus of the road at Rondeau, which later developed into the town of Shrewsbury. This road did not touch the Park, but it established means of ingress from Rondeau Harbour. In 1864, a survey was made of Rondeau Park and it was staked into farm land but due to its lack of suitability as farm land none was ever sold for that purpose. In 1894, the legislature of the Province of Ontario passed, "An Act to Establish a Provincial Park at Rondeau", effective as of April, 9. At this time there were just two families living at the Eau. The Government paid them thirteen dollars per family to give up ail rights and move off the park land . Mr. Isaac Gardiner of Howard Township was appointed the first Superintendent of the Park in 1894. Mr. Gardiner held the position until his death in 1913, when Mr. George Goldworthy was appointed Superintendent. During Mr. Gardiner's term of office there was a slow but decided growth of cottages at the Park. After Mr. Goldworthy assumed office, due to improved roads and the common use of the automobile, there was a rapid increase in the number of cottages. The years 1922 - l923 were the peak years, when about 140 cottages were built. The total now stands at 300 cottages. At Mr. Goldworthy's death in 1927, Mrs. Goldworthy continued as acting superintendent for the year. In 1928 Mr. Ralph S. Carman B.Sc.F. became Superintendent and he deserves a great deal of credit for his organization and management, having in a great measure laid the foundation for the development and control since that time. In l934 Mr. Carman was followed by Mr. W.R. Reek then Superintendent of the Western Experimental Farm at Ridgetown as acting Superintendent for the summer. The present Superintendent, R.A. McLaren, received his appointment in October 1934. in the year of 1947 a new subdivision has been opened along the Lake front and already 50 leases for cottages have been taken in this subdivision. The tenting grounds are also a great attraction in the holiday season, and the trailer cabins are very comfortable since the water and electricity have been placed throughout the grounds for their convenience. Rondeau Park is administered under the Department of Lands and Forests of the Provinee of Ontario as set in the Provincial Parks Act, and Rondeau Park Regulations. No land is ever sold within the Park, but may be leased under a Grown Lease for a period of 21 years for summer cottage sites with certain building requirements and restrictions. This has meant that all cottages on the Park are of above average standard for summer cottages. From the beginning improvements were made in the Park, starting with the Superintendent's present office and residence built in 1896, and ending this year 1947, wlth the completion of hard-surfaced roads in front of every cottage in the Park. The old dance pavilion on the Bay side, which was the scene of many community meetings and dances, was erected in 1899, and was originally just a roofed over open-to-the-weather building. Later it was enlarged and enclosed with the addition of screened windows, in 1939 the use of this building was discontinued, and a large new building of modern design was built on the lake side. Included in the new building is a restaurant and a large dancing floor which will accommodate the largest crowds. This year (1947) the building is being operated by Mr. Eli Gillings of Ridgetown who is a lease holder in the Park. The picnic grounds attract picnic parties from the surrounding towns and communities; ample tables are available and baseball grounds are provided for sports. Bathing and boating are among the park's main attractions. The Lake Erie shore line is perhaps the best bathing beach in the whole Great Chain. The virgin timber on Rondeau still stands much the same as it did hundreds of years ago and is the largest stand of natural forest in Southern Ontario. The Park contains in all about five-thousand acres. In the wooded area can be found much of the wild life that once roamed this territory. The deer, the bald eagle, wild duck, a great variety of bird life and wild growth of all kinds can be found. The splendid roads and trails that have been constructed through this great wooded area make it possible for all to view this great forest. The Park has become a great residential resort and attracts many people from various parts of Ontario and the United States. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Prices About 1895 and 1947 The following prices existed about 1895, and it may be of interest to the present generations to figure out what they would do with the balance of their pay cheque if they could buy fancy colored bed spreads for $1.19; white cotton, heavy quality, 4˘ / yard; muslins, 5˘ / yard; print, 7˘ / yard; corset covers, 75˘ each; ladies nightdresses, 39˘; men's unlaundered white shirts, 39˘; men's fedora hats, 75˘ each; 4 lb. ginger snaps; 4 lbs. raisins, 25˘; salmon, large can, 10˘; sardines, 5˘ per can; fancy dinner sets, 97-pieces, $5.25. Farmers received for live hogs: $6.50 cwt; butter 16˘ / pound; eggs, 9˘ / dozen; fall wheat, 57˘ a bushel; barley, 36˘; oats, 27˘; hay, $6 a ton; wool, if washed, 15˘, unwashed, 8˘ lb. Prices in the year 1947: Fancy colored bed spreads, $12-$25; heavy quality white cotton, 80˘ a yard; swiss muslin, $1.29 a yard; print, 59˘ - $1.19 a yard; ladies nightdresses, $2.49; men's white shirts, medium quality, $3.60; men's fedora hats, $8; 4 lbs. ginger snaps, 60˘; 4 lbs. raisins, $1; Maple Leaf salmon, large, 79˘; sardines, best brand, 25˘; fancy dinner sets, 97 pieces, $125. Farmers received for dressed hogs, $23 per cwt. plus government subsidy; butter, 72˘; eggs, grade A, large, 60˘; fall wheat, $1.55 / bushel; barley, $1.20; oats, 98˘; white beans, $6 a bushel; soya beans, $3.05 a bushel; apples per bushel, $2.50; onions, $2; corn, $2.50 per bushel (shelled); potatoes, $2.50 per 75 lb. bag; cattle, 15˘ / lb.; hay, $20 / ton; and wool, 31˘ / lb. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ice Storm - 1950 Ridgetown in Centre of Storm -- Without hydro over 48 hours -- Many rural districts will note be fully serviced for days. Ridgetown was in the centre of the storm this week. Darkness settled over Ridgetown and district at 6:27 Monday evening. Telephone and hydro lines went down under the heavy weight of one of the severest ice storms ever to hit the district. Telephone service was restored to some sections by eleven o'clock Tuesday morning, but many in the district are still without telephone services. The first electric power was brought into town Wednesday evening at 6:07 when the business area and part of Ward 4 saw the lights come on again. Street lights are still out all over town. Hydro men are still working to restore lights and repair damages. It is hoped to restore service to most of the factories and business places today (Thursday) and to the homes on Friday and Saturday. Giant Hands Destroy Tuesday morning those who dared the outdoors saw trees loaded to the ground with branches swaying feebly under weight of half an inch of ice. Trees, branches, hydro and telephone poles were strewn across the streets and sidewalks as if twisted like matches by some mighty giant who had strode through town. Many streets were impassable. Highways and country roads were also obstructed with roofs, trees, hydro and telephone wires hanging like strings. These were only a few of the damages of the storm. Temperature dropped. It was Monday noon when a heavy rain started to fall. In the early afternoon the temperature dropped to 30 degrees and then settled to 28 where it remained throughout the night. The rain continued to fall and ice formed rapidly. Within less than three hours the damage began and by 6:26 Monday evening Ridgetown and district was in total blackness. Housewives hurried for candles and coal-oil lamps. Rotarians ate by candle-light. Watchers by the sick held flickering candles. The town's supply of candles, matches, lanterns, lamps and coal-oil was exhausted in a few hours. Some enterprising persons contrived a light from batteries wired with auto lights. It was not only a problem of light; many homes are heated with oil furnaces electrically controlled or by coal furnaces stoked by electrically operated stokers. Again, ingenuity came into play. One man attached the motor of the power lawn mower to the furnace blower. It was the lack of power for the stoker which forced the cancellation of school at the Ridgetown District High School. Dairies The Maple Leaf Dairy sent the milk to Chatham to be pasteurized until Blenheim got power again. One restaurant in town that was able to make coffee with gas did a rushing business while other restaurants were unable to use coffee-makers depending on electricity. Restaurants were crowded with people who were unable to cook at home because of the failure to electricity. Over sixty hydro men rushed into the area were fed at local restaurants. Destruction was general in the town. Mrs. C.H. Marshall's residence suffered a broken window when a heavy timber missed the corner of the house by inches. The hydro connection was torn from the house and the clothes-line downed. On Main Street East, the residence of Dr. E.D. Gillis was damaged when a large limb of a tree fell on the sun-porch. Rural Areas The rural area has taken quite a beating. Lines running into Rondeau Park are down in many places. Near Clarence Stirling's on the townline, a large hydro transformer was blocking traffic. Poles along the Ridge were down with several poles down at frequent intervals. Highgate residents had to dig out the fallen debris. The Hydro department has done a superlative job. Six crews of linemen have been sent into the area. The P.D. Bates Company factory started work Wednesday night. More than a quarter of a mile of hydro lines must be rebuilt before the A.J. Sales Co. can start operating. It is expected that this will be Thursday night or Friday morning. Blenheim Helps The Ridgetown Dominion was unable to operate until Wednesday night. Meanwhile, editor Russel Schearer of the Blenheim News Tribune offered the use of his machine for news setting and Jack Spilsbury of the Dominion staff worked on the Dominion in Blenheim office Wednesday afternoon and evening. Filler Up The one service station which had a hand operated pump did a rushing business. A.E. Srigley hooked up a car to the electric pump and served his customers by motor power. The rear wheel was removed from the car and the axle fastened directly to the gasoline pump. Chickens Die Thousands of young chickens hatching at the Cochrane Hatchery died when the heating system failed due to the lack of hydro. Thousands of eggs failed to hatch because of the lack of a supply of heat. Mr. John Cochrane, the proprietor, estimates the loss in the thousands of dollars. Taken from the Dominion of February 16th, 1950. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Marsh Farm LOT 9, CONCESSION 10, HOWARD TOWNSHIP The land now owned by Mrs. J. Milton Thompson was granted by the Governor General of Canada, Sir Guy Carleton to the Honorable Isaac Buckanan, a wholesale merchant of Hamiton, consisting of 200 acres, signed by Governor Monk at Quebec on October 23, 1862. It extended from the 10th concession being Lot 9 of Howard Township, Kent County, north to Main Street in Ridgetown. William Marsh came from England around 1760 and bought this piece of land for 50 cents an acre. Travel was mostly on foot in those days through the wilderness; with an occasional ride on horse-back. As late as 1842 there were only 25 wagons in the whole of the counties of Kent and Lambton. In the primeval forest, for years every settler within 5 miles was a neighbor in reality. They enjoyed true contentment, and this is a blessing which the notary of wealth often seeks for in vain. The feminine sex showed themselves just as active as their men-folk. There was for instance, Sarah Marsh, wife of that sturdy Englishman, Wm. Marsh, one of the pioneers of Ridgetown. Born in Scotland in 1779, she was 45 years old when she first came to her husband's humble cabin in the wilderness. She often did her shopping at the only sizeable town which was then called York. A single distance was about 185 miles. She apparently would make the entire journey on foot carrying a load of heavy farm produce on the outward trip and bringing back with her the groceries she had managed to purchase. Mr. Marsh was notorious for his tall stories, some of which would rank well with Major Hoople's alleged exploits. When Daddy Marsh got his imagination in good working order, his wife, to save the family's reputation would burst the bubble with, "Daddy, yourn the worst liar the Lord ever let live. They raised 2 sons, of which some of Ridgetown's streets got their names. In 1879, Ridgetown held a public reception and presentation of a medal to Mrs. Marsh as she had attained the remarkable age of 101 years. It was held in John Mitton's field, now Victoria Park. Ridgetown then boasted a population of around 2000 people. What a wonderful experience for the first settlers to live and see this development. She died on her birthday, June 3rd in 1883, being 104 years old, surely one of Canada's oldest women and a testimony to the benefits of much walking. She lies buried in the most beautiful churchyard of Canada. It is on an elevated site, the graves dot the slopes. In the background filling the horizon are the blue waters of Lake Erie. Near the churchyard gate is a monument erected by the Author's Society of South Western Ontario to Archibald Lampman, the poet born in 1861 who was a son of the Rector at Trinity Church. In the Wheeler's Lumber yard, in the south corner is the burial place of Mr. Marsh as his wish was to be laid to rest on his own farm. In 1868, Honorable Buchanan sold 123-1/2 acres of this farm to David Watterworth, and the remainder to Rev. Sinclair who was a Church of Christ (Disciple). Minister Rev. Sinclair sold his part of the farm to Donald J. McLean. Mr. Charles Whitman bought 5-1/2 acres from Mr. McLean and erected a cement block (lined with brick) house and barn on the land. He died, leaving a widow who sold the place to Mr. J. Wesley Beattie, who in 1943 sold to Mrs. Milton Thompson who died in 1954. He sold 2 acres to James Leatherdale; but the remaining 3-1/2 acres is owned by his widow Ida Jane Thompson. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fred Brien's Property LOT 10, CONCESSION 10, HOWARD TOWNSHIP This property was first taken up by Ebenezer Colby about the year 1824. He was one of the first settlers at Ridgetown and part of this farm became Ward 3 of the town of Ridgetown. At this time, all was solid forest, part of this farm was very low land and was considered unlikely to ever become valuable farm land. It was known as the long swamp and was a paradise for wild pigeon and wild turkey. The patent to the property was obtained from Col. Talbot who was the land agent. A settler could obtain the patent to 100 acres on the payment of $20. Often it was 25 years before the settler was able to obtain this sum. Ebenezer Colby was an American from New York and never made known his reason for leaving the United States. He told of being pursued by thugs when returning from New York one time, and on arriving home he nailed the floorboards of his cabin and barred the windows against attackers. His cabin was situated behind the residence of the late Peter Bawden and the brick dwelling there at the present time was built by his brother Philander Colby. Ebenezer Colby married Jane Scane and when the town of Ridgetown was laid out Ebenezer and Jane Streets were named after them. They had no family. John P. McKinlay, whose wife was Mary Ritter from Ohio, was the next owner of this farm about 1854. The farm was still a forest and much of it was cleared in his time. Mr. McKinlay was a carpenter by trade and built the large frame house which is still the farm home. Mr. McKinlay had a family of three sons and one daughter - Arthur McKinlay, John who became Judge McKinlay of Detroit, Peter who died in youth, and Jennie who married W.G. Malcomson. The next owner of this farm was Edward Brien who never lived on it but traded farms with William Brien in the year 1900; his wife was Allie Scane who died young leaving a family of six sons and one daughter - James P, Joseph, Charlie, Harry, Fred, George, and Lillian. Mr. Brien cleared the farm of ail remaining timber, drained the and put it all under cultivation. He died in 1920 leaving his son Fred in possession of the farm; his wife was Verna Spencer and they have two sons and one daughter, Ralph, Harry and Ruth, who is now Mrs. Glenn Stephens. Fred and his son Ralph, whose wife was Frances 0'Neiil, and who have one son, Leslie, are still in the year l947 living on the farm. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fox Farming News Ridgetown Before 1912 Mr. Sin Coll was a Barber in Ridgetown. Fox farming was in its infancy in this Province but he was one of the first to see possibilities in its industry. He bought 10 acres of land about 2 miles south of Ridgetown on Highway 21. Built a lovely bungalow with roses almost surrounding it - beautiful when in bloom. He procured several pair for breeding stock from Prince Edward Island, Canada, paying $11,000 for a pair for good breeding stock. The color was a glistening blue black with a sprinkling of silver hairs, the blue black hairs are ringed with a tiny silver band which is impossible of imitation. In order to register a fox, Mr. Coll had to prove its black fox descent for 6 generations: no trace of red or crossed fox - pure breeds had a white tipped tail. His strain has been used for stocking Ontario Government pens at Riskfield. Mr. Coll was nominated President of Ontario Provincial Silver Fox's Breeders Association in 1930. When he first started, pelts sold for $35.00 to $125.00, but in 1926 the best pelts at New York auctioned at $500 each pelt; the average brought $200.00; yearly gross return for 1 pair - $400. In 1930 the price of a pair of foxes, which would classify in this $200.00 pelt class is $800.00. In 14 years he had 90 breeders male and female and 82 pups getting prizes at the Toronto Winter Fair. Some times Mr. Coll's tabby cat raised a high as 11 baby foxes at one time as foster mother, when a femaie fox gave birth to a littler too large to nourish herself. Mr. Coll conceived the idea of letting their cat see the mother, replacing kittens with fox puppies which was a credit to her as they are the tamest and most domesticated foxes on his ranch. In 1922 Mr. Coll's ranch was pronounced by competent judges the best in Dominion of Canada. Sanitation and feed is very important to raise healthy foxes. Pups after weaning get sweet whole milk and raw eggs along with a cereal mixture but they are not fully developed until 1-1/2 years old. Pens cleaned every morning. Shade for pens in summer for the kennels, he had peach trees. Each pen floored with wire netting, covered with 4" of earth, pens being 24 feet, fenced 7 foot high with wire netting. Entire ranch of pens supplied with hydro like the street of a town. An average cost of feeding a fox is $50 a year, while only a few dollars cover other expenses. Mr. Coll's great fondness of his foxes, as they would come running to him by calling their names, and at his suggestion would jump up on his knee. One handsome young fox was asked to give him a kiss which she did in a very affectionate style. Litters of pups varied from one or two up to a record of about ten, on the average there is a 100 per cent increase each year; that is 2 puppies for each pair of foxes. Always an abundance of fresh water. Mr. Coll had found his occupation not only profitable but attractive. He took great pleasure out of his work, and one of his greatest assets has no doubt been his love for the creatures he breeds. It goes to show what can be done by kindness when these most suspicious of animals are so thoroughly won over. A puppy is grown up at 8 or 9 months as large as their mothers. His foxes were mostly all sold for breeding stock. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Harrison Farm Property LOT 13 CONCESSION 9, HOWARD TOWNSHIP Mrs. Harrison was a Boer Farmer's daughter, when she became a widow, she took her son and lived in India 9 years, then went to England where he went to school, then got a job. He married an English girl, who had emigrated to Canada with her parents, as he had come to Canada, landing in Ridgetown. He bought from Canada Land Co. manager Edward Wilson, who had been granted a parcel of land to be sold and settled by the Crown, Lot 13 Concession 9 Howard Township consisting of 75 acres covered with maple and walnut trees. The farm is l-1/4 miles from easterly limits of Ridgetown on the Ridge Road. They built a log cabin and lived there awhile, then moved to London where he became a school teacher and taught for awhile, then came back to the farm. Mr. Edmund B. Harrison became Township Clerk in Civic Affairs, then 10 years later, 1860 he was appointed Township Treasurer. The tax collectors brought sacks of money to be counted and checked. After teaching a while he became School Inspector for Kent Co. and through his influence it was divided into East and West Kent. He considered it a disgrace to be a poor writer, so taught himself to be near perfect. A great chess player. A new frame cottage with extension was built in 1862, all lumber was cut on the farm, and the house was finished inside with walnut, there was a parlor, 4 bedrooms, large dining room, kitchen and pantry and front hall. In the extension was a large summer kitchen, store room, wood shed with double doors so a wagon load of wood could be backed into it and unloaded. Upstairs over the extension were 5 bedrooms, a large study and dark room for storage, also a small cellar. The house was built on a stone foundation and all outside walls insulated with sawdust. The contract was given to Ferguson Brothers of Thamesville for $245.00, which included cutting and finishing and painting of all wood work. A circle drive was planned with a double row of maple trees circling the house, and 2 poplar trees were planted at the gate. Named the farm "Mapleton" 300 rose bushes, along with many old England flowers were planted near the house, also fruit trees, raspberries and strawberries were also planted. The barn burned down and replaced by a steel barn in 1907, in 1919 the house was remodelled with a rug brick veneer and a sun porch added. Most of the old extension was torn down, and a fine basement added by the late Harry B. Harrison, In later years a cider mill was built near the road. Mr. & Mrs. E.B. Harrison had several children, one son William Thomas Harrison became a surgeon and Dr. and practised in Toronto later moved and practised in Keese, Peterborough County. Chris Sidney Harrison moved to Detroit. James M Harrison became a Methodist Minister and went to North West. One daughter, Edith Jane, was born April 1855, died June 1879, just before she was to be married to a neighbor school teacher. She had been to a picnic at the Lake and got soaking wet, contracting galloping consumption. Her mother also got the disease by caring for her daughter and died soon after. The youngest son Harry B. Harrison was born Feb. 1860, and died 1932, Sept., and was buried in Greenwood Cemetery, also the his father, Edmond B. Harrison died age 86 years, 1907 also burled in Greenwood Cemetery, leaving the farm entailed to his youngest son, Harry B. Harrison, and Harry's children. Harry B. lived on the farm, one time had an Implement, Harness and feed store in Ridgetown, and for some time was manager of Farmers Co-Operative. Harry Brailsford Harrison married Mary Squires who was born near Simco 1878, their children Mary Eleanor born Feb. 1906, married Smith Rason Sept. 1943, Harry Edmund, born April 1909,married Winnie Emma Monk Aug. 20,1936. Edith May, born Dec. 1912, married Ivor Charles Monk Aug. 1936. They have 2 children Robert Charles and Roy, who are both living in London. Still living on the farm is Harry Brailsford Harrison, widow Mary and their son Harry Edmund, and his wife Winnie, and their son Harry Patrick Harrison, born October 20th 1942. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- John Scane's Farm Property By Mrs. Charles Welbury Scane It has always been a great deal of satisfaction and pleasure to me to listen to the pioneers of the family telling me their past history, and that of the other old settlers in the community, so as I am complying to a request for the history of our land which no other person ever had a deed, and which still is in the Scane family, In the first place I will have to mention a little bit of the history of these old established settlers who were Ridgetown's earliest ones. As you will notice John Scane 2nd. was the owner of this property. The Scane family were of strong old English stock, well to do, highly respected and lovable people. They came to Canada from Yorkshire, England, in the year 1820. They came first to Toronto, which was then called York, then to St. Thomas, and finally to Ridgetown. In their native land England, they followed the trade of Whale fishing, owning their own sailing vessels. They followed this trade for over a century. Several of the older members of the family were drowned or lost at sea while working at this prosperous trade, but they were renowned sailors. This probably accounts for so many arriving in their sailing vessel in this fair country of their adoption -- Canada. The trip took them fourteen weeks at sea. They encountered rough seas, iceburgs, and many hardships on their voyage. They came to Canada as protestant missionaries of the Methodist faith. They preached the word of God and were faithful to their church. They brought with them scores of bibles, two to which are still in the family as property of Charles Wilbury Scane, the third heir. One of these old Bibles was the property of the old family many years ago, before it was brought to Canada. It dates back to August 10,1764. The first members of the family of whom any date was obtained were Thomas and his wife, who were born in Yorkshire, England. Thomas was born in 1765, and died in Canada in 1845,while his wife died in Canada in 1920. John the first born, married Bessie Mitton in 1800. She was born in England in 1798. They became the parents of nine sons, and two daughters, four of whom died in infancy. Their oldest son John 2nd. grew to manhood, and purchased the farm in question, which comprised of 100 acres, received from the British Government through their land agent Colonel Talbot. Thls land is situated on the tenth concession of Howard Township, Lot 5. The deal was made in 1842. Since the growth of timber was so heavy and there ware no trails, Mr. Scane always carried a compass until the trees were blazed. This land was very fertile, but offered very little promise of anything but hard work for many years to come. Mr. Scane was obliged to make a clearing for his new home. He was a strong man of muscle, brain and will power, and a true pioneer lumberman. He split rails, built the rail fences and framed and built a barn. Mr. Scane was also the captain and framer of most of the log houses and barns in this district at that time. Three years later he framed and built a new barn, hewing the huge timbers by hand. This barn is still standing. Although the boards are worn very thin from the weather, it is in good condition, The timber on this land was of maple, oak, black walnut, and a quantity of white walnut. Mr. Scane made poster beds for this new home, one of white walnut and one of black walnut. These beds are still the property of Charles Welbury Scane. In 1852 John Scane 2nd. married Catherine Marsh, grand-daughter of Sarah Montgomery Marsh, Ridgetown's first white settler. This Sarah Montgomery raised Catherine from a young girl. She was born in the United States, was well educated and a talented singer and musician. These gifts brought Catherine into the social life of the community and into the work of the church. Catherine and John were married on the 23rd. day of May, 1852, by the Rev. Wm. Price. Their wedding certificate is still in the family. They became the parents of three sons and one daughter, whose names are: Charles Welbury, who is still owner of the farms his father bought; John Leonard who died at the age of eight; Harry James and Elizabeth Alice. Catherine, this beautiful wife and devout mother, passed to her reward at the age of thirty-seven. She died on April 12, 1865, leaving her small family without a kindly mother. Around I860 John Scane purchased another farm on the Ridge - Road, lot 6, in Howard Township, near the home of his father. Here he erected the present house which has been well kept and is a good home. Mrs. Scane helped to plan this home but died before it was completed. Frank Brien had the contract to do all the wood work which he cut by hand. The lathing was done by P.J. Orendorf, and the plastering by Anthony Atkinson. This house has a basement under it, laid of large stone with a floor of brick, it being the first house to have a basement. The masonry was done by Mr. Scane himself. In 1867, Mr Scane moved his family out to their new home on the Ridge-Road, Charles, John 3rd. and Elizabeth went to the old log school at Rushton's Corners where they had gone before leaving the tenth concession, and where their father was chairman of the school board. Harry went to school in Ridgetown, and this school stood where Mr. P.J. Buckborough's home now stands, Later it was moved a block farther east to stand between the property of Mr. Russell Clark and the home of Mr. John Watson. Mrs. Stewart lives in it at the present time. Two lovely barns and a shed were also built on this property but they were destroyed by fire and there was no insurance. They were replaced in 1901 by a large bank barn still on the property. Charles Welbury Scane owns and still lives on this farm. He is seventy-seven years of age and has the same ambitious character as his father. He built his own straw stacks at the age of seventy-seven, which is a credit to him. Mr. Charles Scane is a model farmer with good traits of character and is often sought for advice on farming and many other matters. He was trustee of Scane's school for twenty-three years in succession. His four remaining children are Carrie May, Bessie Jane, Howard Marsh, and Gordon Leonard; his other son John Charles died on September 22,1908,at the age of two years and four months. John and Bessie were twins. This biographical record was written in 1922, when it was compiled by Mr Charles Welbury Scane, who passed away in his eighty-ninth year on September 30, 1943. Mr. Scane attended to all his business until his death. He had a wonderful memory and had retained all faculties until the last when he suffered a heart attack and passed away peacefully. He is survived by his wife, Nellie Clarke Scane, and his four children who mourn the loss of a kind and loving husband and father. Mr. Scane's four children are: Carrie May, who married Neil Lynn McMillan of Northwood on July 17,1929, and who have one son Lynn Scane McMillan born March 23, l943. Bessie Jane who married I. Gordon Love of Toronto on June 26, 1940. Howard Marsh who married Helen Horsman of Ridgetown on July 2, l941, and who have two children, Mary Jean born January 25, 1944, and Catherine Anne, born September 1, 1946; and Gordon Leonard, unmarried on the old homestead with his mother. Mrs. Charles Welbury Scane -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Scane Cemetery By Mrs. Charles Welbury Scane The Scane's cemetery is located on the east side of Scane's Sideroad and a few steps south of the Ridge Road. It was formerly the property of John Scane the First, and was given by him for this purpose. He was Ridgetown's second white settler, Mr William Marsh being the first, the Mitton's the third, then the Watson's came some time afterwards. The Scane family came out as Protestant missionaries from Yorkshire, England bringing with them several score Bibles. It took fourteen weeks to make the trip and they were very sick and weary. One of the family never survived the trip, passing away shortly after arriving in Canada. The Scane family consisted of John Scane 1st, his wife Bessie (Mitton) Scane, his aged father Thomas and his esteemed wife, John's brother Thomas and two sisters, Jane and Bessie. Jane married Ebenezer Colby and Jane and Ebenezer Streets in Ridgetown were named after them. Bessie married a Mr. Hartwick and she became the grandmother of Mr. Harv. Lumley or Bessie Hartwick. A sister Ellen also came over but did not weather the storm of the Atlantic, and died soon after her arrival in Canada. They arrived here in the fall of 1818, settling near St. Thomas, and came to Ridgetown in 1822. John's thoughts were to preach the gospel, administer to the sick and dying, better conditions and surroundings, all this they did without limit and to a marked degree of satisfaction, holding church services and Sunday school in their log cabin. He helped to finance the building of each Methodist church built. He died one year after the erection of Ridgetown's present church in 1876. Two of the Bibles dating back to August 10,1764, still remain in the family of the late Charles Welbury Scane, who departed this life on September 30,1943. Mr. John Scane was a devout Christian gentleman and enjoyed the respect of all, being dearly beloved by his family and friends and his word was considered as good as his bond. In a short time he found a cemetery was a necessity as his mother and father were buried on their own farm just across the road from what is now Scane's cemetery. Mrs. Thomas Scane was buried first and then Mr. Scane. One year later this cemetery was reverently and solemnly dedicated as God's acre by a travelling minister, as there were no permanent ministers in these parts at that time. His name was Rev. Mugridge (his first name I do not know). The remains of Thomas Scane and his wife were transferred to the family cemetery, where all the Scanes and their relatives could be buried if they so wished. The oldest marked grave that I could find is dated 1824 There are one hundred and thirty-nine marked graves as well as a large number of unmarked ones. Mr. Mathew Wilson of Chatham, some years ago on a history visit to our cemetery, said it was the oldest cemetery in Kent County or this part of the country. He had found markers there to prove his statement. Some years later the old rail fence was replaced by the present one, which was made possible through donations from each of the Scane families. All the older heirs of the five generations bearing the name of Scane are buried there with the exception of Charles Welbury Scane, who is burled in Greenwood cemetery, Ridgetown. The last graves opened in the old cemetery were for John Scane 2nd, son of John the 1st and Bessie (Mitton) Scane, and the husband of the late Catherine (Marsh) Scane, who died on April 22, l901, at the age of seventy-seven years. The next was John Charles Scane, son of Welbury and Nellie R. Scane, who died September 22,l908, at the age of two years and four months. In June 1909 Jane Scane Toll of Troy was buried there, she was the oldest living member of the Scane family and this closed the first chapter of the old family. Jane Toll was a daughter of John and Bessie (Mitton) Scane, Ridgetown's third white settler. In January 1916 Euna Pyne was buried there and she was the last buried in the cemetery. This history is as it was told to me by my deceased husband Charles Welbury Scane, and his aged aunt, Jane Scane Toll at the age of ninety-two years. She has been deceased for thirty-seven years. They had good memories, their minds were clear and their words could be relied upon. The rest came from old history we have in the family. Mrs. Charles Welbury Scane (ca. 1946) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ridgetown Town Clock By Mrs Milton Thompson During 1902, a group of men led by Roy Hunter conceived the idea of presenting Concerts in the McKinley Block Opera House to raise money for a Town Clock that was to be placed in the Municipal Building being built on Erie Street South. Mr Hunter and some of his concert helpers (the Bullers) moved out west, so the funds they had collected lay idle in the Bank for a number of years. Many donations were given by local individuals, a Miss Bell Buller being one of the generous ones. Then at a meeting of the Ridgetown Women's Institute, held in August 1915, a clock board was formed. It was comprised of Convenor, Mrs Sales, and helpers Mesdames Bowyer, Coll, Mitton, Alexander, Craig, Miss Buller, Waterworth, the Shaw sisters, Mrs Watt and Miss E. Backus as Secretary Treasurer. The Members of the Women's Institute served lunch two days at Ridgetown Fair and sold tags on the grounds, raising $141.77 toward the clock fund. This was balanced by members soliciting the business people and canvassing the town of Ridgetown. January 1920 - Mrs A Wright President of Ridgetown Women's Institute reported that Reeve Beck had asked the Treasurer of the Clock Ffund, if the Women's Institute would still endorse their previous offer to raise $1,000.00 toward paying for a Town Clock. February 1922 - a resolution stating - Ridgetown Women's Institute of erecting Town Clock, would turn over the money in their possession collected for the purpose of erecting Town Clock, as also will Mr Hummel, the amount in his possession, collected for same purpose, to the Ridgetown Council, in the event of their erecting a Town Clock. As this Institute has taken up the work of Civic Improvement in establishment of a Women's Rest Room (a movement which fills a long felt need, and a work we wish for the co-operation of Town Council), we cannot vouch for a specified amount over and above that already raised for the Clock purpose, but will endeavour to augment such amount provided Town Council grant the Ridgetown Women's Institute free use of the Council Chambers of the Municipal Hall, heat and lights included, for the purpose of holding any teas, or other meetings they may deem necessary to increase the fund for the purchase of a Town Clock, to the $1,000.00 for which the Institute have been asked. In March 1922, Council accepted this resolution so the Women's Institute canvassed again, receiving $147,15. With interest accrued and amounts subscribed in 1915, as nearly as could be estimated, the total would practically amount to $945.00 - a balance of $55.00 yet to be raised. September 1922 - Reported the clock was bought and being shipped as it had been purchased from a Croydon Clock Firm in England. Cost of clock $1900.00, of which the Council paid the balance, after the Institute's agreement to pay $1,000.00 and $738.70 in Mr Hummel's possession; having been raised for same purpose. The head firm in England sent their man from England to Ridgetown to place it in its present position. When it needed repairs, the factory in England had been bombed out during the war and its patents destroyed and lost. However, Lloyds of England, the owners, had a branch in Toronto, Canada. The second clock was bought from "Lloyds" but the head Firm in England had a clock branch in Toronto supply Ridgetown with the clock. Mr Lee Simpson and Mr Roy Squires have parts of this first clock in their antique collection among other historic relics. The new clock was to be placed where the town bell had been in the Municipal Building's Tower. However the face of the clock was larger than the openings where the bell sound came through. Mr J.L. Wilson (who owns the Broom Factory) and Mr Richardson built a scaffold around the Tower and made the hole bigger so the face of the present clock fitted into its position. John Richardson of Ridgetown, who had the job of looking after the weigh scales on the market square (now a parking space near Kemp and Hooper Service Station), also looked after the of ringing the Town Bell in the Municipal Tower. Although the clock does not strike the hour today it stands a landmark in the town and reminds us of the untiring effort of the Women's Institute of 1913, who worked so hard to better the town of Ridgetown. Mrs Milton Thompson -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Erie Street Church The first Methodist Church services and Sunday school were held in the log cabin of John Scane who settled on the Ridge Road, in 1822. He brought a number of Bibles from England and his thoughts were to preach the gospel and administer to the sick and dying; two of these Bibles dating back to August 10, 1764, are the prized possessions of the family of the late Charles Scane. Travelling ministers visited the district and held services. There was no regular minister until a Rev. Ferguson Wesleyn began holding meetings once a month in the school-house, built on Levi Cornwall's place near Thos. Scane's place about 1828. The Methodists were organized and held meetings in the settlement in 1852. There were three divisions in the Methodist denomination: (1) The Wesleyn Methodists, (2) The Episcopal Methodists, and (3) The new Connection who were never strong enough to have a church of their own. The Episcopal Methodist first held services in the Presbyterian Church every two weeks at 7 p.m. In 1876 they built a brick church on the corner of York and Albert Streets. Mr. John C. Smith sung in this choir and his cousin Mr. Fred Lutz was the choir leader. In 1889 this church was sold to the town for $1,500 and was used for a public hall until destroyed by fire. After this church was sold the congregation held services in a hall on Ebenezer Street, where Mr. Vester is living at the present time. The three denominations -- the Wesleyn Methodists, the Episcopal Methodists, and the United Brethren -- decided to unite, but it was sometime before the three congregations really agreed to worship together as one in the Eire Street church which was built in 1875. The site for the church was given by John Mitton, Ridgetown at first was included in the Morpeth charge. In the Ridgetown circuit were Morpeth, Troy, Townline, Duart, and Aldborough. Mr. Woodsworth was the minister at the time the church was built, and the membership numbered 189. Rev. D. Ives was the preacher at the dedication of the church. An appeal was made for funds and the whole debt was $300 over subscribed, although much of the money subscribed was never paid. During Mr. German's pastorate the church was in debt and the congregation again asked Mr. Woodsworth back to clear off the indebtedness. The first record of a Sunday school in Ridgetown was a Union School organized in 1857 by Charles Grant Sr. In 1869 during the pastorate of Rev. W. Chapman, a school was organized in the Methodist Church; the first superintendent was Charles Elford and the first organist Amelia Page. Other Superintendents were D.A. Maxwell who was a public school teacher, M. Flemington, L. Wilson, C.P. Simpson, S. Sinclair, J.R. Gundy, L.J. Reycraft, W.R. Ellison, I.B. Robinson, T.J. Scane, Dr. E.W. Irwin, and the present Superintendent in 1948 is Angus Johnson. The present Secretary, Mr. M.W. Street has held the position for the past thirty-two years. The Ladies' Aid was organized in the pastorate of Rev. R.W. Woodsworth, with the Pastor's wife the first President. Since Union in 1925, the name Ladies' Aid has been changed to the Woman's Association. In 1929 a new pipe-organ was installed at an expense of $5,000 and the old organ. The congregation made a contribution of $500 and the Woman's Association paid for the balance. Organ Chimes, valued at $500, were presented by Mrs. W.J. Taylor, Mrs. Wm. Merrifield and Mrs. Alex Rockey, Mrs. George Mickle holds the record for service in the Women's Association, having served 18 years as president. The Women’s Missionary Society was organized in 1889 by Mrs Joseph Graham. This organization leads the church in Missionary education, besides yearly a splendid amount of money for missions, The evening auxiliary was organized in 1925 with Margaret McArthur the first President. The Mission Band is of great interest to the children, The choir plays an important part in the worship service, At the dedication Service Mrs. H.Catton was organist, and Professor Tupper was choir leader. Succeeding organists have been Mrs. W.E. Smith, Professor Wright, Mrs. J.B. Smith, Mrs. Hummel, R. Moore, Miss Rowe and Mr. Sales. Other leaders have been D. Teer, J. Martin, Mr. R.C. Young, R. Pierce, J.C. Smith, G. Badin, Mr. J.C. Smith has 50 years of service to his credit. On his 25th anniversary the congregation presented him with a medal for faithful service, Mrs. Lou Hummel has the distinction of having been organist nor thirty years. The Young Peoples Society dates back to 1895 when Henry Wilkinson was President, Succeeding him was Lou J. Raycraft, S.J. Jefferies, W.E. Gundy, Miss Lena Young, Roy Hunter, Frank Raycraft, Miss Anne Newcomb, J.C. Smith, W.R. Ellison, E.C. Beebe, Morley White, Mrs. H. Laitch, H.A. Cousins, John Crawford, Alex Mackay, Fred Osborne, Ward Turner and Audry Kourtz. The Church celebrated its Diamond Jubilee services in June 1935, with special services for three Sundays. The speakers were Rev. F.E. Clysdale, Rev. George Weir, Rev. A.E. Doan, and Rev. D. James Endicoott. Special services and social gatherings were held during the week ending on June 24th with a Congregational Reunion, Tea meeting and concert. The Rev. E.J. Roulston was the pastor at that time. In the year 1925 the three denominations, Methodist, Presbyterian and Congregational united to form the United Church of Canada, At the 65th Anniversary several gifts were dedicated to former faithful members: Pulpit by Mr. & Mrs. Ben Smith, in recognition of services by J.C. Smith, Pulpit Light in memory of Mr. S.J. Jefferies, by the family, Pulpit Bible in memory of Mr. & Mrs. Richard Moore, by Mr. W. Moore. Pulpit Hymnary, in memory Mrs. Angus Crawford, by Mr. & Mrs. A. MacDonnell, Three chairs (1) in memory of Mr. & Mrs. Wm. Brien, by the family; (2) in memory of Mr. J.H. Willson, by the family; (3) in memory of Frank Clark, by Mrs. Clark and Gordon, Baptismal Font, gift of Mr. & Mrs. G.T. Mickle and Mr. and Mrs. Frank Mickle, Communion Table, gift of Mr. and Mrs. Cox, Chalice, in memory of Mr. John Crawford by the family, Flower Vase, in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Ship, by the family, Offering Plates, in memory of Mr. Walter Devereaux, by the family, Flag, in memory of Captain C.W. Ralstead, M.C., by his wife. Ministers previous to the building of the present church: Richard Philps (1852-3); Joseph Hugil (1854); Wm. Diagnan (1855-7); Abraham Dayman (1856-60); Thos. Hanna (1861-3); William Hawke (1867-8), Wm. Chapman (1869-70); J.L. Kerr (1871-3); R.W. Woodsworth (1874-6), assistant W.P. French. Ministers since the church was built: R.W. Woodsworth (1875-7); J.W. German (1878-9) R.W. Woodsworth (1880-2), assistant Hugh Locke; J.R. Gundy (1883-4), assistant Edwin McCallum; Benjamin Clement (1885-7); James Graham (1888-90); E.B. Lancelay (1891-3); Joseph Philip (1894-7); Stephen Bond (1898-1900); Jasper Wilson (1901-4); J.S. Book (1905-8); A.J. Langford (1909-11); J.E. Holmes (1912-15); W.G. McAllister (1916-19); Emmanual Medd (1920-22); A.E. Doan (1923-6); George Weir, associate from Mount Zion Presbyterian Church (1925). Following Union, F.E. Clysdale (1927-9); W.G. Buell (1930-1); Rev. E.J. Roulston (1932-43); A. Hone (1944-51); Rev. R.W. Young (1951-1958); Rev. G.E. Morrow (1958- ). -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mount Zion Presbyterian Church - 1850 Among the early settlers of Howard Township a considerable number were in religious belief adherents of the Presbyterian form of church government and in 1850 when this portion of the Province was known as Upper Canada. Duncan McLinlay, John McKenzie, John McKerracher, Robert McKinlay, John Patterson, William McLure, Charles Cruickshank and a number of others united for the purpose of forming themselves into a Congregation and obtaining Sunday services. An application to the London Presbytery was responded to by a deputation being sent to Ridgetown, and after investigation the people were organized into a congregation. Duncan McKinlay, and John McKenzie were ordained as ruling Elders. The congregation was then placed under the supervision of the London Presbytery and ministers were sent in from time to time to give services whish were held in the schoolhouse. Ninety-three years ago Ridgetown was little more than a cluster of houses, a little cross-road village. But these sturdy, virile followers of John Calvin and John Knox desired a place of worship, and with true pioneer faith, energy and perseverance they went to work and in 1854 they erected their first church building. The land was a gift from Ebenezer Colby and was part of his farm which is now known as Ward three Ridgetown. The church was a small white wooden edifice and stood on the back end of the grounds occupied by the present church, the entrance being from Ebenezer and Church Streets. When completed with its little spire, and its plain drab colored seats, pulpit and wainscotting, the little company felt proud of their Kirk. In the fall of 1854 the Rev. William King of Buxton was appointed by the London Presbytery to dedicate the church and organize the congregation as a charge when Duncan McKinlay, John McKenzie, and Jonathan Bell were inducted as the first Elders. By 1856 the congregation had increased in numbers and financial strength and felt warranted in calling a minister. The petition was acted upon by the Presbytery. A 'call' was extended to Mr Wm. Forest. The ministers salary of $400 per year was collected and paid every six months. The Presbyterians of Guilds, Morpeth, Duart, Indian Lands, Botony, Thamesville and Mull all came to Ridgetown church and occasionally the minister gave them night services. (week-night) He also gave Sunday services at Botony and there about 1860 they built a church. In 1860 the Ridgetown congregation substituted lamps for candles in the church. Robert Grant was the first caretaker of the church at a salary of $10 per year. Rev. Wm. Forest resigned on account of ill health in 1864. Rev. Wm. Coven was ordained and inducted October 25,1865, remaining until 1872. During his ministry the house next to the present Manse was prepared and fitted up for the minister. Rev. A. Currie was in Ridgetown 1873-1800.The congregation through the Session, requested permission from the Presbytery of Chatham to make a beginning in the building of a larger church. The next step was to secure a building site and so we read in the church records of March 30, 1875 that Hugh McDonald, John Moody and Daniel Willson were appointed to purchase lot 8, corner of Main and Church Streets from L. Gosnell. This was done April 27,1875.The price paid for the house and lot was $400. Then at a congregational meeting on October 23,1878, Hugh McDonald and John White made a motion that a new church be built providing a subscription list of $10,000 be secured, otherwise the building shall not be proceeded with at present (Carried.) The following was the subscription committee, Donald McLaren, John Moody, Hugh MeDonald, John Crawford, D.G.Wilson, John Patterson and John White. The subscriptions were to be payable in four annual instalments beginning May 1, 1878. The money must have been secured for we read in the record of November 19, 1878, that Mr Moody and Mr. Archie McLaren moved that the following be the building committee, John Moody, Donald McLaren, John G. McGregor, Robert McGregor, Duncan Smith, Jacob Smith, M.D., Archibald McLinlay, James McKinlay, John Patterson, John Crawford, Robert Constable, Hugh McDonald, John Wilson, Sr., D.G. Wilson, Robert Wilson, Rev. A. Currie-Chairman, John White-Secretary, and Charles Grant-Treasurer. Space forbids us to give all the details of the undertaking, other than to say that the architect was W.G. Malcomson, Detroit Mich., Messrs Tolmie and Wilson were the contractors. On May 20,1879,the corner stone of Mount Zion Presbyterian Church, Ridgetown was laid by Rev. Wm. Coven, D.D. Principal of Knox College Toronto, assisted by Rev. J.R. Battisby, Moderator of Presbytery of Chatham, and by members of the Presbytery. The service of dedication was held on Sunday, January 11,1880 with Rev. Dr .McLaren, M.A. Professor in Knox College, Toronto and Rev. Wm. Gray of Windsor present. For twenty years Mount Zion served its purpose well, but in two decades many changes had taken place. The church had become dingy, the seats out of date. It was decided to remodel the exterior and the interior of the whole building. When built in 1879 the church was 100 feet long, and 60 feet wide. The Tower was 212 feet high and the entrance to the building was by two sets of high outside stairs in front of the church (copied from the Plaindealer, January 18, 1900) The appearance of the exterior has been changed and improved by the erection of a lobby in front and a wing on either side of the building behind. Passing through the front lobby in its English Gothic style with cut-stone ornaments you pass directly into the church from the ground. Wide handsomely finished stairs lead up to the main auditorium, and another flight goes down to the basement. Ascending to the main auditorium one is struck by the many improvements the propertion has been greatly bettered and the acoustic properties also by lowering the ceiling several feet and substituting a deep panelled timbered ceiling for a plastered arch. There are many improvement in the main auditorium such as the sloping opera house floor, aisles leading directly from pulpit platform to exits, the lowering of the choir loft and the pulpit platform, the abolition of the gallery and the introduction of beautiful comfortable, cushioned seats. In the day-time the light is softened by fine ornamental leaded glass windows and at night four brass chandeliers, each containing eight electric lamps furnish the illumination. The back of the choir loft is filled by the magnificent pipe organ. Of the two wings at the rear one is to furnish an entrance to the basement and the main auditorium of the church and the other on the ground floor a beautiful vestry, and in the basement a kitchen and pantry. The organ needed the services of a pumper until April 10,1924,when an electric blower was purchased. On June 18, 1906, owing to damage done to the church spire by a severe wind storm two years previous, it was decided by the board that expert advice be sought regarding the condition of the tower and the possibility of its falling. The result being that a Committee composed of W.R. McDonald, J.R.Wilson and John Niddledith was appointed to take it down and put in a false front or cover it over for the present. In 1916 the Board authorized that the tower be rebuilt. This leaves the exterior of the church as it now stands. The ministers of the church: Rev. Wm. Forest (1857-64), Rev. Wm. Coven (1865-72), Rev. A. Currie (1873-80), Rev. G.G. McRobbie (1881-91), Rev. R.J. Hunter (1891-98), Rev. G. Munroe (1896-1906), Rev. G.M. Dunn (1906-13), Rev. M.J. McPherson (1914-16), Rev. George Weir (1917-25), Rev. J.H. Barnett (1925-32), Rev. J.M. McCurlie (1932-36), Rev Norman McKay ( 1936-39), Rev. F. MacAvoy (1940-45), and Rev . T Owen Hughes (1945-1950), Rev. Donald MacInnes, 1950- In 1854 the little church with the spire had no pipe organ or for that matter, any kind of organ. They had no choir but they did have the man with the tuning fork, who raised the tune and all united in singing the Psalms and Paraphrases. William McLure was the first precentor 1854-58. He was a shoemaker at Morpeth. John Davidson came next. He also was a shoemaker and walked from Morpeth every Sunday through the bush. After him came Robert Wilson about 1875. He organized the first choir. It was sometime in the year 1881, the first organ was used in the church service, Lena Constable was the first Organist. The brick sheds, which were sold and torn down the fall of 1945,were built during Mr Dunn's ministry in 1906,and the Manse building fund started. In 1914 during the ministry of Rev. M.J. McPherson the present Manse was built with J.D. McLean, Thomas Craig, and D. Cochrane as the building committee. The Choir gowns were purchased by the choir in 1914. The church was redecorated in 1947,and in 194& the organ was rebuilt. In May 1950 the one-hundredth anniversary was celebrated and a Historical Sketch edited by Mrs John Dell. At the present time (1951) the tower is being repaired. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Anglican Church in Ridgetown At the request of a number of people of the Anglican faith, the Rev. John Downie, Rector of Morpeth, decided to hold services every second Sunday afternoon at Ridgetown. The first service was held in the old Town Hall on Main Street (now the Township Hall) on November the 3, 1878. Mr. Downie had been giving a fortnightly Sunday afternoon service at Clearville. The people of Clearville felt they could attend Trinity Church, Howard, and were willing to give up their services so that Mr. Downie could preach in Ridgetown. The following Easter, 1879, a vestry was organized and the congregation was to be known as St. George. Owing to the fact that several churches in the Diocese of Huron were known as St. George, Bishop Baldwin requested the name be changed, and suggested the parish be called "The Church Of The Advent", which name was adopted. In 1880 Canon Downie began to hold weekly Sunday afternoon services in Porter's Opera House, and mid-weekly services were given to Highgate, Duart, and Clearville. This arrangement continued until June 25, 1882, when there was a re-organization of the work in Howard and Orford Townships, and Ridgetown, Highgate, and Duart became a separate parish under the Rev. Wm. Murton Shore. Mr. Shore preached his first service in the Opera House on July 23, 1882; the average attendance at that time was between thirty and forty. Soon after, the services were again held in the Town Hall and the congregation grew to between seventy and eighty. The first recorded Baptism was that of James Presling, an adult. Three children, Mary Jane Fisher, (now Mrs. Eli Gillings), her brother John and her sister Ella May, were baptized in the Town Hall by Mr. Shore. The first confirmation service was held in the Town Hall on July 18, 1884 when Bishop Baldwin confirmed twelve candidates, the congregation numbered 200,and the collection was $16.40. Following the service a reception was held to give the people a chance to meet and welcome the Bishop. Out of this reception grew a strong agitation for the building of a church, and within the short period of four months following the confirmation, the corner stone was laid by the Masons on Church Street on October 29, 1884. Attending were the Rev. W. Rally of Duart , the Rev. Dixon of Bothwell, the Rev. Downie of Morpeth and the Rev. Taylor of Wardsville. The building lot was a gift from a Mr. Horton. The Ladies Aid was organized in 1881, by Mr. Downie. The first money made by he Ladies Aid for a building fund was by means of a Bazaar, dinner and tea on May 24, 1883. Proceeds were over $200. The church was officially opened on July 5, 1885 with fitting services, when he Rt. Rev. Bishop Baldwin, Bishop of the Diocese of Huron, preached at both morning and evening services, and in the afternoon Mr. Downie preached Attendance at morning service was 400, afternoon 200, and evening 450. The Presbyterians withdrew their evening service to allow their members to attend the Anglican evening service. The ornamental window at the west end of the church above the entrance was a contribution from the children of the Sunday school. The first church Wardens were Mr. Wm. Simpson and a Mr. Barnard. The first marriage recorded in the church books was that of John Savage and Fanny Metcalf on December 3,1884 by the Rev. N. Shore, at the rectory. The first wedding to take place in the church was that of Charles Bruce Kelly, a commercial traveller from Montreal, and Lottie Vanderlip of Ridgetown on June 4, 1891. The first Baptism in the church were two babies, Mabel Irene Kennedy, on August 17, 1886 and Barry Roderick Elliott, on September 9, 1886. Previous to the building of the rectory the following houses served as rectories, Mr. F. Kourtz' house on Main Street 2nd east of Memorial Park; Mrs. P. Campbell's Erie St. South; Mr. C. Johnston's Main St. just west of the gristmill; and, T. Hore's on Harold Street. Rev. Wm. M. Shore owned the two lots adjoining the church and these were purchased from him in 1887 for $210. In 1899 the Anglican Church at Selton was sold to the Church of Christ (Disciples) for $300 and the money was given to the Ridgetown Church to help in the building of the rectory on Church St. The rectory was built in Rev. Edwin Lee's time and Rev. and Mrs. F.M. Baldwin were the first to move into it in 1900.At first the rectors paid rent for the rectory until 1906 when it became free as part of the rectors salary. Mr. Shore was succeeded by the Rev. A.B.B. Burt in 1887, and during Mr. Burt's incumbency the first organ was purchased. This organ had foot pedals and also an attachment for pumping by hand. The first organist was Miss M. Bernard. The first mention of the Women's Auxiliary was during Mr. Burt's time. Following a visit to the Parish by Rev. Cowper Robinson of Japan, it was decided to open a branch of the W.A. here. Mr. Burt was succeeded by Rev. Wm. E. Scott in 1891. The Ladies Guild was organized in Mr. Scott's time. Mr. Scott was followed by Rev. Edwin Lee in 1897. Owing to ill health Mr. Lee resigned in 1899 and Rev. F.M. Baldwin came in 1900. Mr. Baldwin died on February 2,1901, and his successor was Rev. W.F. Brownlee who in turn was followed by Rev. A.L. Murray in 1906, and Rev. A. Shore (brother of Mr. Wm. M. Shore) in 1908. At first the church was lighted with lamps. Later a Mr. Bowman had gas piped from his place to light the church. After a time they returned to lamps until replaced by electric light in 1914. During Mr. Brownlee's incumbency it was decided to form a branch of the Anglican Young People's Association, and their first regular meeting was held on December 4, 1905. When Mr. Murray was rector the basement of the church was cleared and fitted for a Sunday school room, Mr. John Bobier donated chairs for the basement. In 1907 a Baptismal Font was placed in the church as a memorial to Miss Annie Backus, aunt of Miss Evelyn Backus, who died in August 1906, and who remembered her church in her will. When Mr. Shore was rector the Sunday school gave the Communion Table. The Ladies Guild bought from Lyes of Toronto the Pipe Organ with motor attached for electrical pumping, the purchase price was $1,200 . In 1915 Mr. Shore was followed by Rev. T.J. Hamilton. Mr. Hamilton died on December 29, 1918, a victim of the dreadful influenza of that year. Rev. S.S. Hardy came in 1919. The Chancel Guild was formed while Mr. Hardy was rector, gave the Credence Table and Church Linen. The Credence Table was of oak, also the Communion Table mentioned before, were made at Watson and Taylor mill, by their carpenter Mr. James O'Connor. The design for the Credence Table was chosen by the Chancel Guild. Mr. Hardy's successor was Rev. P.G. Powell in 1920, who in turn was followed by Rev. Wm. Wallace in 1924. During Mr. Wallace's term extensive renovations and additions in the form of a Choir room and kitchen were built on the south side of the church. Rev. Walter Jones came in 1929. The Highlight of his stay in Ridgetown was in 1935, when the Golden Anniversary of the opening of the church was celebrated. The church was redecorated for the occasion. The Golden Jubilee was marked with special services on Sundays, June 30, July 7 and social functions during the week. Mr. Powell, a former rector preached at the morning service on June 30, and at the evening service the preacher was the Very Rev. C.E. Jenkins, Rector of St. Paul's Cathedral, and Dean of Huron. On July 7, Rev. Reginald Scott, son of Rev. Wm. E. Scott a former minister, preached at the morning service, and Rev. Stuart Brownlee, son of Rev. W.F. Brownlee, preached at the evening service. On July 2, there was an entertainment by the Sunday school and the A.Y.P.A; July 3 - a picnic at Rondeau Park; July 5, a Birthday Party was held on Dr. Marr's lawn from 3-6 p.m. Bishop Seager giving an address. Rev. J.H. Geoghagen succeeded Rev. Walter Jones in 1937. While he was here the seating in the church was changed to allow a centre aisle. The A.Y.P.A gave new carpet. A brass cross, dedicated to the memory of Victoria Mark and Robert S. Brown, was given by their son Hamilton S. Brown, and their daughter Mrs. Gaskin. Lawton Simpson and his sister Mrs. A.E. McLean gave two brass candlesticks dedicated to the memory of their parents, Mr. and Mrs. David Simpson. Mrs. McLean supplies candles to be burnt at every service held in the church. The St. John's Bible Class gave two flags and a third flag was given by Mr. and Mrs. Brown. The Communion brass railing was given by a friend of Rev. J.H. Geoghagen. Rev. C.J. Queen came in February 1940. The old gymnasium of the High School was bought that year for the sum of $275. It cost to tear down, move and rebuild, and approximately $600 for heating, lighting and other equipment. The church barn was torn down and rebuilt into a kitchen and garage annexed to the Parish Hall. The Parish Hall has a large banquet hall, with a small Clubroom at one end of the building. The Clubroom has a fireplace, the gift of Mr. M. Anions. Above the Clubroom is storage for the Parish Hall, and this task was accomplished in three years. In 1945 another storage room, also lavatories have been added to the building at a cost of $900 paid by the Men's Club in one year with $100, assistance from the Ladies Guild. Sunday School is now held in the Hall. Mr. Anions in 1941 made and gave a new lectern to the church. On March 7, 1943, two Oak Honour Rolls costing $l20. each were unveiled . The Honour Roll for the War 1914-1918 was unveiled by Mr. Anions and Robert S. Delmage called the roll. The Honour Roll for World War II, was unveiled by Mr. Alvin Fraser and names read by Miss Christine Dickman. The World War I Honour Roll bears the names of forty-one, eight being casualties, namely Murton Shor, Victor Pyne, Reginald Holmes, Roy Ctinkersmith, George Patterson, Truman Priestlely, Berte Smith, and William Storing. The World War II Honour Roll has fifty-six names, four being casualties. Howard Jones, John Andrews, Robert Puttock, and William Dauphin. Rev. D.S. Henry, who succeeded Mr. Queen, came on April 11, 1944. In 1946, Mrs. Marr gave the church a Walnut floor, candelabra, and Mrs. Jane Backus gave a large Bible for the lectern. This Bible was dedicated to the memory of Rev. T.J. Hamilton. Four sons of former rectors are now serving in the ministry, Reginald Scott, Stuart Brownlee, Howard Hamilton, and Derwyn Jones. Stuart Brownlee and Howard Hamilton were born in Ridgetown. Derwyn Jones preached his first sermon after his ordination at the 61st. anniversary of the Church of The Advent. In 1946, new eaves trough costing $l20 was installed; the foundation was repointed and rebuilt, as well as one of the buttresses on the north side at a cost of $40. Insulation was installed (Johns-Mansville) in the Nave and Sanctuary Roofs at a price of $590. The whole cost of $750 is one half paid to date. Mr. C.F. Johnson and Mr. G.C. Craven, who were Wardens at that time are to be commended for their work in this respect. In 1947 the Chancel Lighting was improved, Mr. M. Simpson and Mr. Harry Phillips the Wardens, being largely instrumental in this. Compiled April 1947 .................. May 1951; Anglican Church History (cont'd) In June 1948, the Ladies Guild installed new lights, four lanterns in the church and paid for the wiring. The Ladies Club paid for the hardwood flooring in the Chancel, and the men did the work. In 1949,the church roof was re-shingled at a cost of $538.75, shingles and nails costing $317.37, and labour $2l6.38. The Parish was canvassed and more than enough money donated to cover the complete cost. The verandah on the rectory was torn down and replaced by a small porch. The material from the verandah was used to make a screened porch at the back of the rectory. In 1950, the Parish Hall gas heater and the rectory roof were repaired. In September 1950, Mr. Henry went to Amhertsburg and in November Rev. J.H. Smith became rector. Rev. J.H. Smith retired owing to ill health. Rev. E.E.S. Ewald, B.A. took charge in 1963. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Marsh Street Baptist Church, Ridgetown During the summer of 1868, Elder George, a Baptist Minister preaching in a little Baptist Church on the Ridge Road just opposite Newcomb's Cemetery, began holding services in Ridgetown, first in the Church of Christ (Disciples) and later in the Temperance Hall on Jane Street. At this time there were only two settled ministers in what is now known as our Western Association. During the summer of 1873, with the advent of the Railway through Ridgetown a number of new families took up their residence in town and the Baptist interests were strengthened so much that on December 30, 1873, a meeting was held at the home of Deacon Watterworth, for the purpose of organizing a Baptist Church. This being done, Elder Turner was chosen as pastor and Mr. Watterworth and Mr. Hancock as Deacons and a Council was called in January 1874 for the purpose of organizing the newly formed Church. In the year 1875, steps were taken for the erection of a new church. Deacon Watterworth purchased and presented the lot on which the Church now stands. A subscription list was opened with the result that on the December 26, 1875, the Church was opened, dedication services being conducted by Rev. Rowland. At this service in the afternoon, Rev. Turner baptized twelve candidates, eight from Palmyra and four from Ridgetown. Two of the four, Mrs. Walter Boughner and Mrs. George Lawton were residents of Ridgetown. The building cost at that time about $8,000 and was one of the finest churches in town. In 1877, Rev. Turner resigned and was followed by Rev. McLaurin of Sparta was called to the church. During Mr. McLaurin's pastorate it was found necessary to enlarge the church, this was done by adding about 10 feet. At this time the whole interior was redecorated, and a furnace put in. In 1887, Rev. Wm Prosser began his pastorate. It was about this time the Church became self-sustaining and separated from the home Mission Board. In 1886, Rev. Prosser resigned to accept a call to Leamington Baptist Church. In 1894, Rev. Prosser was called back to Ridgetown Church and remained here until his death in 1903. Early in 1900 it was again found the church was too small to accommodate the people, and it was enlarged, another 12 feet being added. The building was raised and re-bricked on the outside and cement basement put in. Since Rev. Prosser's death some of the ministers who have served here were: Rev. H.S. Spencer, Rev. Harry Nobles, Rev. H. McDiarmid, Rev. C.W. New, Rev. C.S.G. Boone, Rev. Jones, Rev. C.E. Gosnell, Rev. O.D. Priddle, Rev. Dingman, Rev. Proudfoot, Rev. J.W. Hissey, Rev. Smally, Rev. Joseph McDermid, and Rev. Harvey Merritt, who is pastor at the present time. Last year, 1946, the present building which has remained unchanged outside since early in 1900, was redecorated, and the interior somewhat changed, also war memorials were presented. A Communion Table was present by Mrs. K. Rickard in memory of her son Lieut. Jack Rickard, who gave his life in France in 1944. Two beautiful Pulpit Chairs were donated, one in memory of Pte. Fred Runnels who gave his life in France in 1943, and the other chair was a gift from Mrs. C. Day. In looking back over the past years we know that our work has not been in vain as there are men and women in various parts of the land who look back to the Ridgetown Baptist Church as the place where they first experienced the saving Grace of God. The Rev. Merritt left in May 1950, and was succeeded by the Rev. O.R. Maude in September 1950. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- History of St. Michael's Parish, Ridgetown St. Michael's Parish, Ridgetown is an offspring of a little mission church of St. Joseph, which was located on the seventh concession of Howard Township in the County of Kent. It was in the care of the Jesuit Fathers, St. Joseph's Parish, Chatham, Ontario. As for the history of the early mission church, Rev. Fr. Gocklin, S.J. wrote as follows: "St. Joseph's Church, Howard Township was commenced by the Rev. Fr. Jaffray, S.J. on the 17th of March 1858. The first log building was 32 feet by 10 ft. high to the roof. By the zealous co-operation of the faithful the building was under roof in one week, although, owing to lack of funds, its completion was deferred to autumn, when Mass was celebrated in it for the first time. To meet these expenses, Fr. Jaffray devised the expedient of a dinner which was well patronized. A second dinner was resorted to, which realized the sum of twenty-seven dollars." The building committee was comprised of John Moore, John Cosgrave and James O'Connor, these gentlemen were afterwards appointed to be trustees of the church. John Moore, resigning, Rev. Fr. Petit S.J. appointed Patrick Weldon in his place in 1860. The grounds for the church were generously donated by John Cosgrave and comprised two full acres, lying on the north east corner of lot no. 3, concession 8, in the Township of Howard. The pews were built and paid for by the heads of families and were held one year without rent. In June 1862, Fr. Gocklin wrote "At a meeting of the trustees presided over by Rev. Fr. McQuaid, S.J., it was agreed whereas the log church was too small for the congregation, the trustees should call on the faithful for subscriptions to enlarge the church and to flat-board the log portion of the building. There was one subscription for twenty-five dollars and other were in amounts of one, two, three and four dollars. One poor German paid fifty cents. The mission was in the charge of the Jesuits who came by horse and buggy from Chatham once a month to celebrate Mass and to attend the spiritual needs of Parishioners. The Rectory was a little log house in one corner of the church yard, which was used by the priests while they were at the mission. The priests who attended during the fifteen years it was under their charge 1858-1873, were Fathers Wm. Gocklin, P. McQuaid, J. Reynolds, A. Baudin and F. Michel. As for the parishioners in those days some of them came from the tenth concession of Harwich. They were the McGrath's, Foran's, and Curtis'. Today on the corner of this road and the Mull Sideroad can be found the Mission Church of St. Isidore, which was opened in July 1943. On the church road which was the seventh concession of Howard Township lived the Moore's, Sinnett's and many others. Wm. Mooney lived on the lake shore which would be twelve miles from church. George Eberle came from Morpeth, a distance of nine miles. Some came from Kilmarnak, which is Duart today and is a distance of twelve miles. Other parishioners were as follows: Weldon, Pricour, Cosgrave, McClusky, O'Connor, Clancy, Reed, Mattimore, Downing, Feehaly, Simmons, Donovon, Brosnaham, McDonald, Quigley, Slevin, Lamb, Dilliott, and Limberger. There was a Peter Moore, known as Sailor Pete, another of the same name known as Long Pete, and still another as Fat Pete. Some of the early settlers migrated from Wexford, Wicklow, Rosecommon and County Clair, Ireland. Two came from Berlin, Germany. The first Baptism on July 9, 1862, was that of Theresa Dilliott, daughter of Sebastian Dilliott and Anna Schindler, the first marriage was that of Peter Hoye and Elizabeth Doyle. One of the parties of the third marriage performed in the little mission church seventy-four years ago is alive to-day and very active in the parish. She is Mrs. Mary DeShaw, living at Muirkirk. Parish entertainments were held in those days to help defray the church debt. They had a Parish dinner on October 1, 1864. Lamb and beef were served. They bought knives and forks for $15.00 and after the meal they sold them for $15 and 50 cents. The receipts for the dinner were $193.44. Many of us today would say they did well. Mention is made of school being conducted in the church building. The teacher, Miss Regan of Glamworth, who afterwards became Sister Evangelist of St. Joseph's Communion, London. Monies for the upkeep of the church came from rent of the pews and offertory collections. Offertory collections amounted to 65˘ and $1.01 on the Sundays. In 1873, the Jesuits relinquished the care of the mission. The same year Bishop Walsh appointed Rev. P. Fitzpatrick to take care of Howard and the adjoining missions, living in Bothwell, he was a man of small stature, kindly and amiable and devoted to the people of his mission. Fr. Fitzpatrick left in July 1874 and was succeeded by Fr. M. Kelly, who was a striking figure--tall, rugged and athletic. His days as a pastor ended in May 1878. At this time the Franciscan Fathers had charge of St. Joseph's Church, Chatham and also of the little mission church. Among the Fathers who attended the mission were Fathers Michel, Hoffman, Bernadin, Stanislaus and William. The Franciscan Fathers made plans for the erection of the new Catholic Church in Ridgetown to be known as St. Michael's. In 1880 the corner stone was laid for the Church which is located in the South West of town on George and Maple Streets. On Sunday, July 3, 1881, the church was dedicated. Bishop Walsh was present and was assisted by his secretary, Father Mahoney, Fr. Lot and two Franciscan Fathers, William and Stanislaus. After the new St. Michael's Church was completed, the little old church was to be torn down and moved to Ridgetown by William Fitzgibbon and Timothy Hardy. It was then rebuilt into a house on Victoria Avenue. With the year of 1882, the parish was again under the care of the Diocesan priests. At this time, it was attached to the parish of St. Patrick's Raleigh, and attended once a month. Rev. T.T. West took charge in the early part of 1882 and left in July 1884. He is remembered by the people as a man of childlike faith, the holy man of God, having at heart at all times the good and welfare of the community. He was a true priest of God who served his Master for nearly fifty-nine years. Succeeding pastors of Raleigh having charge of Ridgetown were the Rev. E. Hodghinson from July 1, 1884 - October 14, 1887; Fr. M. Cummins from October 1887 - December 1888; (his is the first record of a communion class) twenty-three receiving on November 4, 1888). The parish picnic held on June 20, 1888 netted $238.80 Fr. Thomas Quiglay followed in January 1889, and remained until the fall of 1892. Another successful picnic was held on September 5, 1889, which netted $150.00. These picnics were held in Scane's bush which was located on the corner of the seventh concession and Scane Sideroad, where Neil Campbell's house now stands. The jovial Fr. McCabe came in the fall of 1892, remaining until the end of 1896. On October 19, 1893, Bishop O'Connor made his first visit to the parish and confirmed seventeen children. These five pastors made the trip once a month from Raleigh by train, and at times by horse and buggy. The weekends were spent in the parish teaching catechism on Saturday, and attending to the spiritual needs of the people on Sundays. As there was no parish house, they stayed with a Catholic family living on Main Street or the Ridge Road as it was called those days. Beginning February 1, 1897, the parish had its first resident pastor in the person of Rev. D. McMenamin. On his arrival he rented a house from D. Watterworth, paying six dollars rent per month. A contractor from the parish had charge of the erection of a new parochial residence which Fr. McMenamin occupied in 1898. He left the parish in August 1899. September 8, 1899 saw Fr. O'Donohue of the Basilians in charge. On June 25, 1900, Fr. O'Donohue announced that the church debt had been paid. In July 1900, Rev. B. Boubat was appointed pastor by Bishop McEvay. He was noted for his neat appearance on the street in dress coat, plug hat and cane in hand. He possessed a very musical voice. Fr. Boubat paid the debt off the house during his years as pastor. In May 1905 he left the parish and Fr. T. Hussey, pastor of West Lorne, became administrator. The quiet and gentle Fr. Mugan came as pastor on January 2, 1907. He made many repairs to the church and placed therein the first stained glass windows, five in number. On two occasions he invited Fr. Sinnett, a former boy of the parish and later a Chaplain in the South African War, to address the people in the town opera house. Fr. Sinnett gave a description of his travels and his work in the war. The concerts netted the parish $193.60 which was used to install a furnace in the church. Each Sunday in his records, Fr. Mugan noted the weather conditions. His last days were spent in St. Joseph's Hospital and House of Providence, London. Fr. T.J. McCarthy was administrator of the parish from June 1914 to January 1915. Fr. McCarthy then became a chaplain in the first World War. Ft. Daniel Forster succeeded as pastor the same month. He had the walls of the church painted for the first time, had the house wired for electricity, and installed a hot water system in the house and church. Major, the Rev. E.G. Doe came in November 1918 after being Chaplain in the first World War. He built a cobble-stone verandah on the house. In August 1919, St. Mary's Church, Blenheim was attached to the Ridgetown Parish and remained until the Capuchin Fathers came in 1927. Fr. Joseph Fallon arrived in July 1924 to take charge of St. Michael's Parish. He excavated under the church and built the parish hall. Rev. Wm. Moran came as pastor in September 1926. The church was decorated in 1929 for the occasion of Rev. Aaron Gignac's first Mass. Several years later four beautiful stained glass windows were placed in position. In the spring of 1941, the church and house were painted on the outside for the day which no doubt, was the greatest of his days spent in Ridgetown, his Silver Jubilee. The memory of that day will not soon be forgotten by the Bishop and priests in attendance on that occasion. Fr. Moran was a big, jovial, kind-hearted, Irish man, beloved by all, regardless of the their creed. "In his duty promt at every call He watched and wept, and prayed and felt for all." Fr. Moran died on February 23, 1942. Fr. Fergus Laverty became administrator upon Fr. Moran's death and remained in the parish until June 1942. In June 1942, Rev. L.H. Power was appointed pastor by Bishop Kidd. Fr. Power is a deeply religious, dignified priest who has endeared himself to all. Many improvements have been made by Fr. Power -- two additional stained glass windows having been placed in the church, and the church tower replaced by a new one. In June 1946, he celebrated his Silver Jubilee. A number of young men and women of the parish embraced the religious life. One of the young men was Rev. John Sinnett, born August 7, 1855, in a log house on the seventh concession of Howard. He was a member of the Jesuit Order. Soon after he was ordained he went to the West where he remained for forty years. A town in Saskatchewan is named after him. During the Boer War, he was Chaplain in South Africa. He died March 1928. Rev. Aaron Gignac joined the China Mission College and was ordained in May 1929. He died in China on October 30, 1940, following an appendicitis operation. Among the young women who joined the St. Joseph Community in London were: Hannah Brosnahan - Sister M. Hildegarde, now deceased; Stella McDonald - Sister M. Madeline; Annie DeShaw - Sister M. Frederick; and Louise Goodal - Sister M. Emerita. To the Ursulines in Chatham went three members of the O'Neill family. Dorothy, Alice and Minnie - Sister Anita, Sister M. Joseph, and Sister St. Patrick. There were also two members of the Goldhawk family - Edith and Vera - Sister Mary Bertha and Sister Mary Fabian. Esther Thompkins became Sister M. Francis Xavier. St. Michael's parish extends from Lake Erie on the south to the fifth concession of Howard Township on the north, a distance of ten miles, and from Elgin and Kent County Road on the east to the Mull Side-road on the west, a distance of sixteen miles. There are sixty-five English speaking families and forty foreign families composed of Belgians, Czechs, Slovakians, and Poles. The parish is considerably enlarged during the summer months by tourists from Government Park. Fifteen young men from the parish went overseas during the World War II. Three were injured in the invasion of Normandy. Two paid the supreme sacrifice, Pilot Officer William Casey being the first casualty from the Ridgetown district and Sergeant Joseph Downey of the Algonquin Regiment was killed during the invasion of Germany. (This information was taken from the records of St. Michael's Church, Ridgetown, February, 1947; prepared by Muriel Dilliott.) In March 1949, Father Power entered St. Joseph's Hospital, London for an operation, his condition was found to be very serious and he died in the Hospital in August. In March 1949, Bishop Kidd sent to St. Michael's as assistant Priest Rev. Fr. C.A. Pettit - a saintly, kindly young Priest, filled with zeal for the work of God and his Church. Following Father Power's death, Father Pettit was named Administrator of the Parish. He immediately began an Improvement Campaign on a mammoth scale, and in 1949 over six thousand dollars was raised for the work. The first Garden Party was held on the lawn of St. Michael's in August which realized the sum of twelve hundred dollars. Our American visitors showed their interest in our Parish by sponsoring several projects which added several hundred dollars to our fund. The Church Rectory and garage were re-roofed with moss green asphalt shingles. Complete new heating system was installed. A hot water system in the Rectory and steam heating in the Church and hall. Father Pettit then began work in the Rectory. The kitchen was remodelled and modernized, a new bathroom installed, a new cement for laid in the basement and the remaining rooms in the Rectory decorated. In June 1950, to the great joy of the Parishioners, Father Pettit was appointed Pastor of St. Michael's Parish by Bishop Cody. In August a second Garden Party was held which realized the magnificent sum of seventeen hundred dollars. In September the old plaster was removed from the sacristy and replaced by tentest and a new attractive asphalt floor laid. Then began the task of getting the Church ready for decorating, the first item being the repairing of the plaster. At the present time, April 1951, the great work still goes on with the hope in our hearts that in the near future we may see St. Michael's Church newly decorated. In October Father Pettit re-organized the Catholic Women's League, and they have undertaken many parish projects. Rev. H. Van Vyneht came in June 1961, but ill health overtook him and Rev. G.H. Dill came in July 1963. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ridgetown Public Library by Mr. E.V. Bingham (1964) What is now the Ridgetown Public Library was established in a Mechanics Institute, which started in England in the 19th century. It held night classes with book circulation to bring education to the working people. The first one was in St. John's Newfoundland in 1823: the one in Ridgetown was established in 1879. The Institutes in Ontario were converted into public libraries by legislation in 1895. The first minutes are those of the director's meeting of May 1894, of which Dr. S.N. Young, president, S. Pringle was secretary. Other directors were: G. Little, High School Principal; Lawyer W. Mills; W.B. Graham; J. Davidson; H.N. Smith; H. Johnson; H.N. Gillies; elected annually. At the annual meeting of 1895, Miss Sadie Drake was engaged for $800.00 a year as Librarian. The library was kept open 5 nights and 2 afternoons weekly. She resigned in Nov. 1898. Mr. S.S. Wilson was hired till Feb. 1900, when he quit and was succeeded by Mrs. P. White at $60.00 a year and stayed until Nov. 1915. Miss Evelyn Backus was the next librarian, followed by Mrs. George Wedge who resigned in 1917, succeeded by Miss Anna Prossor, who had the record of 32 years, to her credit, when she quit in 1948. Then Mrs. Gordon S. Craig continued till her death in 1958. Mrs. Murray and Mrs. Giffiths were librarians for a couple of years, till Mrs. Fred Cudney, the present librarian was appointed Sept. 1961, with Mrs. Gruden assistant. In 1896 the Board with the Provincial library inspector, Dr. May, asked the council to make it a free library, but the request was not granted. So the library is financed by members fees of $1.00 annually and grants from the town, township and government, of which helped, along with the Board conducting lectures, dances, entertainment, also some donations from I.O.D.E and clubs. Membership averaging 175 and book circulation in the 3 to 4 thousand annual range. Fiction books help a great deal among the younger readers. A Mr. F. Campbell was a voracious reader and purchased books for himself, then after reading them, he sold them to the library at greatly reduced prices -- 135 books for $35.00. About 1926 library finances began to improve through the influence of W.E. Galbraith, who was a member of both the town and township councils, succeeded in getting grants for the library. In 1929, due to a violet storm which toppled the chimney on the Municipal Hall crashing through the roof, ceiling also completely damaging the stairway. So the library was closed during March and April pending repairs. Its operation continued on a uniform record of receipts, expenditures and patronage until 1948. From the library branch of the Department of Education, also under the Library Act, it was within the power of the local council to pass the necessary by-law for a free Library. Mr. Angus Mowat, provincial director of the library service, also Mrs. Rochester, head of Kent County Corporative also was present at this time with the town council. When the extensive repairs to the Municipal building were undertaken; and largely due to the interest of that year's property chairman, Mr. Henry Buller that the library room was converted to a bright attractive condition in which it is today. As soon as the public heard the library was free, the borrowers jumped from formerly 175 to about 1200 in the first year, and is continually increasing due to the efforts of the Board to instil the reading habit in the minds of young people. In this effort it is fitting to recognize the assistance given by the chief librarian and staff of the Chatham Public Library. The township makes an annual grant on condition the High School pupils from townships being allowed to use the library. The Mayor, 8 Boards of Directors appointed by the Town Council are 3 of the town council. Their names are: G.E. Haslam; Mrs. E.V. Bingham; Eberle Goldhawk; Dr. Edwards; J.J. Neilson; Mrs. Wm Merrifield; Mrs. Wm Goldhawk and Mrs. Eldon Spence. It is financed by a per capital grant from the town, also from the department of education amounting to about 60% of the town's portion. At beginning books averaged about $1.50 each, now in 1963, costs on an average of $5.00 each. Town gets back about one third of its grant in rent from the room. The Board's operating expenses run nearly $5.00 per borrower per year, but if the borrower had to pay for the books, it would cost him around $200.00. Of the present board, Dr. Edwards has served since 1933, J.J. Neilson since 1935, Mrs. Bingham since 1948, Mrs. Wm. Merrifield about the same time. Mr. E.V. Bingham ahs been treasurer since 1948 and has been connected with the library since 1918. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mills at Morpeth By Mrs. M. Thompson per Mrs. C. DeCook Morpeth's early history is linked with the Port of Antrim at the mouth of Big Creek. Cutting through the Ridge, this deep creek crossed Talbot Road at the bottom of steep Morpeth Hill, thence south west to empty into Lake Erie. Its wide mouth formed a convenient harbor for sailing craft along the north shore. Registry office records from 1826 show a family "Ruddles" bought 327 acres abutting on Lake Erie including the lower reaches of Big Creek and an excellent natural harbor. They opened a trading post first in Kent. A mill site was located just before the creek crossed Concession 12 road to enter lots north of Talbot Road. The mill farthest north of 4 on Big Creek 1821. The last operators of this mill were the Campbell Brothers, one the father of Hon. Issac Campbell of Winnipeg. The mill was used for grinding grain till destroyed by fire in 1880; but the dam was maintained by Howard Township 16 years longer because it formed part of Concession 12 Road. The Big Creek dam east of Morpeth formed part of Talbot Road; the dam south of Morpeth was used as part of the side road between lots 91 and 92 South Talbot Road. This saved the Township the outlay for cutting down the steep banks and building the bridge necessary to span the stream. These were 3 of the mills on Big Creek; the forth near the creeks mouth. This grist mill and trading post was at Antrim. The Lake Road, running close to the shore, carried over the creek on a lofty wooden bridge high enough over the stream to permit masts of small sailing vessels to enter the harbor north of the road. The harbor and village of Antrim handled heavy [ ] , with small sailing craft in the harbor and lines of wagons waiting, in season, to deliver grain at the warehouse. Mrs. M. Thompson per Mrs. C. DeCook -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thamesville-Ridgetown Stage Coach By Mrs. M. Thompson / Mrs. C. DeCook A celebrated institution of history was the Thamesville Ridgetown Stage. Following the construction of the Great Western Railway, this stage mail route was established in 1864. The first driver was Mr. Ostrander who kept a store at Selton, midway between Ridgetown and Morpeth. He was succeeded as stage driver by Mr. Robinson and son. In 1872, Duncan Campbell took over. In 1878 Wm. McDonald took over and drove for 12 years. Then Bob Walters drove for 4 years, then handed the contract over to "Gentleman Tom" Sheppy. Next Leon Poulin drove the stage for 15 years. Eventually in 1913, this, one of the last of the old stage routes, discontinued operating with the advent of rural mail delivery. The old time stage drivers had many tales to tell of snowdrifts, deep mud, especially spring freshets, when the Thames River rose above the bridge level, flooding the country for miles; when Thamesville stores were filled with water as high as the counters and people went around in boats. For many years the stage stopped not merely at Selton Post-Office, but at the nearby Half-Way House to water the horses and permit thirsty travelers to clear their throats. Ultimately, the old tavern was cut in two and the sections moved in the opposite directions to form parts of farm houses. When the store was closed, Selton Post-Office found varied other purposes, till at last, rural mail delivery and the Great Western Railway at Ridgetown put the stage coach and its activities off the route between Ridgetown and Morpeth. Morpeth had the 2nd Post-Office in Kent County. 1st Fall Fair in 1854. Mrs. M. Thompson / Mrs. C. DeCook -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A.J. Sales Co. Ltd. of Ridgetown Sold to Kysor Industrial Corporation of U.S.A. It was 16 years ago Jan. 16, 1948, Mr. Sales started his business in the old Monk barn, later buying a building from Ward Buller on Erie Street South. This building has been expanded 3 times and is still expanding with a warehouse in the making. Also bought the Chatham Plating Ltd. Principal product is produced by the new owners who recently bought Sales Company out is the Kysor Industrial Corporation of U.S.A. whose main office and plant is in Cadillac, Michigan. They manufacture automatic radiator shutters for the motor truck industry throughout the world. Truck cab heating and air conditioning are also produced. They are prominent in producing temperature control equipment for the diesel locomotive producers as well as motor bus and larger engine manufacturers. This will give expansion of Kysor in Canada. Mr. A.J. Sales, President will still remain as President and becomes a member of Kysor management staff and no changes in his personal staff for the present. Sales Company has been producing many small parts for the motor car industry. The new company will still export to U.S., using Ridgetown as the base for expanding shipments to world markets. Mr. R.A. Weigal, President and D.R. Ferris, Vice-President of the parent company, both will be directors of the new Canadian firm. Some of the present Ridgetown personnel are Doug Green, Vice-President in charge of engineering with Kenneth Morrell, assistant; Robert Hills, secretary, also of the new firm. Charles Evans, Vice-President in charge of production, Warren F. Payne, factory manager of the parent body and a director of the new firm. At present, 114 men are employed. by Thompson and De Cook -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Laudries and Dry Cleaners of Ridgetown The 1st steam laundry in Ridgetown was the Lutz laundry situated on Main Street East, about where Wilson's Polar Pantry was located. Later a Mrs. Ferguson operated a laundry almost opposite to the Municipal Hall on the property now owned by the Srigley Service. About 1902, Mr. Sam Kennedy bought out Mrs. Ferguson and ran the laundry for 20 years. Mr. Kennedy also took in some laundry to be sent to outside points usually London. This laundry was packed in huge baskets and sent by train. At the same time a Chinaman operated a laundry on Main Street East in the building now used by Dr. Feegan (the dentist). Later this Chinaman sold his business to another Chinaman, who later moved to another building on Main Street West. No steam laundry for a number of years. The first dry cleaning establishment in town was started by Jim Toll and a Mr. Gibson in the building later used by Squire and Sons, upholstery. Harry Stennet bought out Gibson and Toll but later moved his plant to the property where City Service is located. Mr. Stennet sold out to Clare Giddes in 1922. Later Giddes moved to where Dr. Feegan is now. Giddes did all dry cleaning brought in but sent laundry to Alymer. About 1942, Giddes closed. For a number of years, anyone wishing articles dry-cleaned had to have them sent to Chatham or Alymer which had agencies in town. In September 1947 Byrene and Hannay opened a dry-cleaning plant on the corner of Marsh and Ebenzer Streets. Hannay took over alone in 1949. It is a solvent plant doing all cleaning brought in, but any dyeing is sent to an outside plant. In cleaning, 1st there is the cleaning cycle in which a petroleum solvent, dry cleaners soap or detergent is used; leaving articles in for 20 minutes; then a 10 minute period is necessary filtering out impurities; then the "drying cycle" of 5 to 10 minutes, in a spin dryer; final deodorizing and drying takes 20 minutes in the "tumbler" where hot air is sent circling through the clothes. Suits, overcoats and heavy articles are finished on the "steam presses" and all silks and such material on a "steam finishing board". -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tube Turns of Canada, Limited On April 10th, 1956 - terms were completed with Tube Turns of Canada to purchase the P.D. Bates plant in Ridgetown. Success of this deal is given by the untiring efforts of the Chamber of Commerce men John Roberts, Harold Bates, and Charles Evans, also Mayor Monte Anions and his council. Firstly, Mr. Charles Carrol, President of Bookshelf Bindery, Ltd. had faith to purchase the empty plant from Progressive Welders (Canada) Ltd. and who worked hard to secure new industry to fill the plant. Also problems dealing with the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway Company in relation to the plant, in all the Chamber of Commerce worked 15 months, seeking out relatives of deceased people formerly associated with the lands to obtain a clear title such as the heirs of Moody Estate, the Watson Estate and then get new deeds from trust companies, railways and banks. It meant contacting people from California to Montreal, several personal trips by Mr. Roberts to Toronto and other cities to get clear titles. The Tube Turns started in Chatham in 1949; 1st of the Tube Turns in Canada is a subsidiary company of Tube Turns of Louisville Kentucky, U.S. Most of the employees, 15 men, came from Chatham when the plant came to Ridgetown. Their machinery made welded pipe fittings up to 12 inches in diameter. Orders can be shipped out the same day as received, thus keeping trade in a highly competitive market. Now at present, April 1963, they have more machinery to handle orders for pipe fittings up to 34 inches in diameter and have 45 men employed at present time. Mr. James Battist is the President of Tube Turns of Canada, Ltd. [Handwritten note: 1963 - Mr. Battist is no more with Tube Turns.] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Silcox Hardware Mr. J.H. Slater disposed of his hardware business to Mr. A.J. Silcox of St. Thomas. Mr. Silcox conducted a hardware business in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada before his business in St. Thomas. The building in which the Silcox Hardware is located has seen many changes of occupants. Prior to the turn of the century, a General Store was operated by Haggermah and Jull. They were followed by a firm "The Northway Company." Mr. Joe Laing then took over and set up a hardware business. After Mr. Laing's death, the business was carried on by his son George Laing, and later the firm became known as Cruickshank and Laing. The Welster Brothers, who operated the store for a time, sold to Mr. Slater in 1919 at the close of the First World War and from this Slater, with a cousin, Mr. Bill Gibson of this district. Of the number of merchants who were in business in 1929 when Mr. Silcox took over the business, it is believed that only four are left - Mr. E.V. Bingham of the "Dominion Press", who has a partner Mr. Craven at present time; Mr. Harvey Stewart of the Drug Store; Mr. Ben Smith and son, formerly of Locke and Co. and Roszell and Graves. However the Mitton Jewellery store, operated by Fred Mitton was in 1926 operated by the present owner's father, Mr. E.L. Mitton. Although there have been many changes of occupants, the building has changed very little. A warehouse has been added on the rear and otherwise the structure is as it has always been. A warehouse across the street has been in use for some time. A picture of the store taken in 1926 shows a prominent display of hoes and forks outside the front of the store and now forks are not only little used, but are scarcely, if ever, sold. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ridgetown Book Bindery 1963 The Book Bindery was founded by the late W.A. Bressy in 1915 and was housed in the building now occupied by the Dominion Press at the corner of Main and Walnut Streets. Mr Bressy was a skilled craftsmen of the old school and under his management the "Bressy's Bindings" became synonymous with the best in library binding. Public libraries in Canada sent their books to Ridgetown for binding. Following the death of Mr. Bressy, Mrs Bressy continued the business until 1945 when she sold out to Mr Charles W. Carrol who operates a chain of binderies in the United States. In 1946 Mr Carrol purchased the present site of the bindery and organized the business as the "Bookshelf Bindery Limited" with himself as President and A.P. Gugger as Vice-President. In September 1947 they moved to their present location. Eighty-seven (87%) of the bookbinding done in Canada is done here in Ridgetown. There are 12 employees, some on full time duty, others on part time. There are a great many operations in re-binding a book. The pages have to be repaired, covers torn off and the sewing and glue ground off. A machine is used for taking off the sewing and glue. Then approximately 8 pages are placed together for sewing. This is known as sectioning. Carrols have 2 of the only four sewing machines in Canada used in sewing books. Outer front and back pages are hinged. The back of book is then covered with glue and rounded with a machine. Bressy's did the rounding by hand, but some paper won't take the machine. Additionally, some books are to small or to large for the machine and have to be done by hand. The glue used is a flexible, synthetic glue that is much better than the glue made with bone and hide. A lining is used at the back to keep the cover separate from the binding of the book. After pages are sewn, the edges of the pages are sprinkled with diamond dye to camouflage the dust that might gather. Now comes the cover. First "-board sheer" (a compressed paper much stronger than card board) is put on to compensate the thickness of the cover. Then the fronts are trimmed. Covering the "board sheer" is a buckram material which has a water-proof coating woven into the material. A "covering-turning in" machine, the only one in Canada, is used to put on the buckram. Some books are covered with the illustrated "Treasure Trove Covers", obtained from Des Moines, Iowa, U.S.A. The covers are washable and vermin proof material and are a good advertisement for the Bindery. Lastly is the lettering and a 25 carol-gold leaf 1/3000 inch thickness is used. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Conklin Planing Mills in Ridgetown 1958 The Conklin Planing Mills Limited of Kingsville has purchased the lumber yard from Wheeler Lumber and Builder's Supplies; Mr Wheeler will continue as manager and the present staff will be maintained. This is the eighth lumber yard owned and operated by the new firm. The Wheeler Lumber and Builder's Supplies purchased the yard in 1944 and has served the public well since that time. Mr. Wheeler has taken an active part in the community, associated with Ridgetown Chamber of Commerce, Ridgetown Rotary Club, Marsh Street Baptist Church, Red Cross Society, Boys and Girls Band, also was a member of the Town Council for two years. The Conklin Family, whose company has succeeded to the business of Wheeler Lumber in Ridgetown has been identified with the lumber trade in Essex County during the past seventy-five years. It is a fact since the late Dave Conklin went to work in the timber woods ninety-six years ago, at the age of eight. In 1884 he began his own saw-mill and planing mill near Kingsville and continued the saw-mill at this location until his death in 1952. Mr. David Conklin was joined in the business by his son, the late William T. Conklin. In 1903 the saw milling and planing mill businesses were operated, and the planing mill machinery was moved to Kingsville to its present location; under the direction of William T. Conklin until his death. During the past summer, he expanded the business during his lifetime to the point where he was operating seven retail outlets in various towns in Essex County. The present owner of the Conklin lumber business is William David Conklin, Q.C., who joined his father in the business in 1945, devoting all to the business since 1949 when he discontinued the practice of law in Kingsville after thirteen years. Beside his lumber business he is also very active in community affairs in the various towns where he carries on business. Among other interests; Mr. Conklin is a member or Ontario Water Resources Commission, and was a member of the investigating committee which preceded the commission. He was mayor of Kingsville for two years, also active in service club, church and youth activities. Mr Conklin said of Mr. wheeler he is most reliable in his dealings and highly competent to advise on building and financing problems. Mr Wheeler is now in business for himself selling paints, and wallpaper and many other things. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Botany Church, Howard Twp. Botany United Church, Kent, celebrated its centennial in June 1955. The present minister, Rev. J.C. King. Church services were first held in the School Section 1. In 1845 Mr. John McDonwell deeded free of charge a site for a chapel and burying ground and was finished for worship in one year. The first minister was Rev. Becket at a salary of $385 per year. Communion was a three-day affair. The communion set consisted of two plates for bread and a pitcher and two cups for wine. In time the younger generation with modern sanitation ideas criticized the idea of the common cup. In the old church, the custom was in reverse to the present - they stood to pray and sat to sing. The collection boxes consisted of a box 4 by 6 mounted on the end of a six foot handle. The ushers stood in the aisle and could thrust the box to the far end of the pew. Two events influenced the life of the church. The first was the building of the new church in 1900 and moving the site a mile east. At this period, several members severed their connection. The second event was church union in 1925. The old church was staunch Presbyterian. Botany did not vote on union, but quietly moved into the union. Botany church has been a blessing to the neighbourhood through those who have gone from it carrying their Christian faith principals and ideals, has been a blessing to many places in Canada and far foreign lands. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- History of Trinity Church, Howard Township On a gravel hill that slopes away gently to the south, the blue waters of Lake Erie a mile distant, with the rich garden-like land intervening, stands Trinity Church, Howard, one of the most attractive historic landmarks in Kent County. Even before Colonel Thomas Talbot had the Talbot Road, now No. 3 King's Highway surveyed, settlers on their own initiative had come to Orford and Howard. The religious opportunities of these pioneers were confined to the visits of travelling missionaries, the Rev. James Stewart, who held services in homes. In 1844, some of the people decided it was time to have a permanent place to worship and steps were promptly taken to erect a church. John Green Sr. gave the land which was part of lot 83, South Talbot Road. Everyone in the community gave generously. Much work was done gratis, and most of the lumber was secured from the nearby farms. The foundation was laid in the fall of 1844 and the church completed and opened in 1845. The Church as originally completed, was a frame building. The seats were made locally from solid walnut. Joseph Jewitt gave a large flagstone for the doorstep. This stone was taken from a Schooner which called at the early trading port of Antrim. Lord Morpeth, a kinsman of Colonel Talbot, gave a donation of Ł25 sterling. The James Stewart Missions donated a set of service books and Irish Linen Alter Cloth. A beautiful silver communion service was a gift from Charlotte, second daughter of Governor Simcoe. The Church Bell was given by Colonel Talbot in memory of Bishop C.J. Stewart. This same Bell calls the worshippers to services today. The first Baptism recorded by Rev. James Stewart was in a home on February 28, 1843. Before the church was completed, Bishop Strachan, of the Diocese of Toronto, confirmed a class of thirty candidates. On August 31, 1845, the first funeral service conducted in the church was that of Miss Elizabeth Armstrong, the minister being the Rev. F.W. Sandy's. The first marriage recorded by the church was that of William Ford of St. Mary's and Elizabeth Bury of Orford Township, the minister was Rev. J. Stewart. In 1898, the old church was remodelled, the Chancel, Vestry and Choir room built within the church, the Choir gallery at the back was removed, the roof raised to a higher pitch, the steeple re-constructed, the church veneered with red brick, and an entrance porch added. Following the Rev. James Stewart, the second travelling missionary was the Rev. F.W. Sandy's, whose circuit extended from Tyrconnel to Sandwich, a distance of 150 miles, and rain or shine, he conducted the services in Trinity Church every second Sunday until 1849. The first regular incumbent was the Rev. Henry Holland, and following in order were Rev. Colin C. Johnson, Rev. Archibald Lampman, Rev. Mr. Wilson, Rev. William Brookman, Rev. Dr. Newton, Rev. John Downie, Rev. Freeman Harding, Rev. S.L. Smith, Rev. J.G. Hooper, Rev. Edward Softley, Rev. F. Whealan, Rev. W.B. Hawkins, Rev. A.W. Richardson, Rev. Walter Jones, Rev. F.V. Abbot, Rev. E. Jacques, Rev. R.M. Weeks, Rev. T.M.B. Parker, Rev. W.N. Porter, Rev. R.A.E. Ruch, Rev. R.L. Jennings, the present pastor. At first, Trinity Church was in the Diocese of Toronto, but in 1857, it became a parish of the newly formed Diocese of Huron. The ground surrounding the church is used as a cemetery, the earliest dated stone is that of William Ridley Jr., January 10, 1831. In 1898, under the leadership of the late Alfred Spencer, the cemetery was beautified, weeds were leaned out, stones straightened, ground levelled, and grass cut. In 1912, through the efforts of Jack Mason and the late Albert W. Walters, church Wardens at that time, a cemetery Endowment Fund was established to ensure a fund for the permanent upkeep of the cemetery. In this cemetery near the road, a memorial cairn was erected in 1930 in honor of the Poet Archibald Lampman, who was born in Trinity Rectory in 1861, his father being rector from 1858 - 1867. His mother was Susannah Gesner. This well kept cemetery with its beautiful stone fence, iron gates and archway, is a source of pride to the community. It is now more than a hundred years since Trinity Church, the first religious edifice in South Kent was built. Although maintaining the doctrine and ritual of the Church of England, it has been more than a sectarian institution; it has been an integral part of the whole community, serving all. In its cemetery are buried people of all Protestant denominations. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Trinity W.A. Celebrate Silver Anniversary, 1950 Mrs. F.L. Sifton was the first president, and Mrs. Austin Walters, Vice President. The Women's Auxiliary of Trinity Church, Howard, celebrated its twenty-fifth anniversary at the Rectory, Wednesday afternoon, with guests attending from Windsor, Chatham, London, Ridgetown, Rodney, Morpeth and Clearville. The President, Mrs. C. Shipp, presided and welcomed the guests. The Diocesan President, Mrs. A.C. Calder, brought greetings from the Diocesan, and Mrs. Billingsley, Deanery President, spoke for the Deanery. Mrs. F.L. Sifton read the history of the Branch, covering the past quarter of a century. She said there is no record of the congregation of Trinity Church having had a women's organization during its first seventy-five years, but it is known that in later years the women wished to have a missionary society. Names of Officers. With the encouragement and co-operation of the late Albert Walters, a branch of the Women's Auxiliary to the M.S.C.C. was formed on October 23, 1924. The Rector, Rev. F.V. Abbot, presided and named Mrs. F.L. Sifton, President, Mrs. Austin Walters, Vice-President and Mrs. J.W. Mason, Secretary-Treasurer. Mrs. F. Anderson, Diocesan President, delivered the inaugural address. Of the sixteen women whose names were enrolled, eleven are now living. Eight women have served as President and three as Treasurer. The attractive tea table was covered with a lace cloth and centered with a three-tiered cake flanked with tall white tapers. Mrs. C.E. Desmond and Mrs. F.L. Sifton, both charter members, poured tea and Mrs. John Marn of Windsor, a charter member, cut the cake. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- How Pentecostal Came to Ridgetown Rev. S.H. Wilson opened a work in Chatham and in the summer of 1937 erected a tent in Blenheim. A few from Ridgetown attended these tent services. Following these services a hall was rented and regular meetings held there with Rev. Gordon Mills of London as pastor. The people finding it inconvenient to go so far to church, desired to have a place of worship in Ridgetown. The Pastor was consulted and the Township Hall rented. Services were held here twice on Sunday with Sunday School in the afternoon and a mid-week service on Thursday evening. Prayer meetings were held in homes in Highgate once a week. As the congregation grew they decided they would like a place of their own to worship in. A building was purchased in Tillsonburg and a lot obtained on Head Street. The building was trucked here and erected. Mr. Mills and his successor Rev. Victor Brown conducted services in both Blenheim and Ridgetown, along with Prayer meetings in Highgate. The work became so heavy it was found necessary to divide the work in Blenheim from the work in Ridgetown, and the Rev. Bruce Stallwood became Ridgetown's Pastor. Mr. Stallwood's successor was the Ernest Clemens who in turn was followed by the present pastor, Mr. Robert McKay, who has not yet been ordained. In 1946 one end of the church was partitioned off to furnish living quarters for the minister. Mr. McKay had a fine aggressive Church and Sunday School. He was followed by Rev. Alex Ness, who was greatly blessed and saw a Manse purchased which is beside the Church. He was followed by Rev. G. Lucas. He was succeeded by Rev. T. Campbell, who stayed for four years and who in turn was followed by Rev. R. Hiscock in 1958. In 1961 and 1962, the congregation are in process of building a new Church. It is being built on the same site of the old one. Some help is being donated by the congregation of the Pentecostal Churches near here. The new church was opened and dedicated April 7th, 1963 with the Supt. of the Western Ontario Pentecostal Assemblies, Rev. J.H. Blair, and many visiting Pastors and officials in attendance. This was a red letter day for the assembly. The estimated value of the new church was $25,000. Three quarters of the cost was paid for on opening. Mr. Sales, 90 years of age, has so wonderfully assisted in this new building, his family donated a lovely $2,000 Conn Electric organ in memory of Mrs. Clara Sales. Mr. G. Sales officiated at the organ. Mrs. Clemen, whose husband was a former Pastor, was present and dedicated a lovely Communion Table in memory of her husband. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- History of Ridgetown Public Schools One of the achievements for which the pioneers should be especially commended was the establishment of Public Schools as soon as there were a reasonable number of children to attend them. Knowing full well the handicap under which they themselves lived because of the lack of a fair common school education they were determined that their children should have a better chance of an education. Schools were built and opened when it meant the addition of another burden on their already almost hopeless finances. The first Public School of Ridgetown was built in 1828 on a site almost across from where Scane's School is now. From the hewing of the first log to the making of the teacher's desk, the work was done entirely by the settlers. This building was used as a meeting house and school for many years. A list of the pupils who attended this school when it was opened in 1828 contains such names as Mitton, Scane, Scafe, Carlisle and Marsh. The first teacher in this school was Mr Gowdie, who according to report, was very strong on discipline. The next teacher was Sophia Nash, who later married one of the first settlers, James Watson. Then Alexander McKillop and a Mr Thompson. Money was scarce and the where-with-all to pay the teacher was hard to procure. This difficulty was partly overcome by having the teacher board around at the different homes, one week for one child and two weeks for two. Each parent, at the beginning of the year, pledged a certain number of children to attend school. At the end of the term the expenses were divided into as many parts as there were children pledged and each parent had to pay for the number he pledged whether they attended or not. The next school was built on a lot donated by James Watson in l840. It was situated on the corner of Main Street and Erie where the Community Grocery now stands. This site became valuable for business and a new school was built on the North Side of York Street. Mr E.B. Harrison was the teacher. He later was the County Inspector. A wing was built to this school in 1872. Soon accommodation became limited and in 1875 the building and grounds of the Methodist Church on Ebenezer Street were bought by the Public School board. What was formerly the church became the primary wing of the public school. In 1882 the present School was built on Jane Street on the site where a sawmill had burned down. It has remained the only Public School in Ridgetown. The citizens of the town in February 1948 have just voted on and carried a by-law to build a new public school on the site of the present school. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ridgetown Schools The first schoolhouse of Ridgetown was a long building situated on the east corner of lot 7 in the 9th concession of Howard Township, almost opposite the brick schoolhouse known as No. 6, Howard (Scane School). It served for meetings and school for many years and was opened in 1828. The teacher was supported by subscriptions from the parents according to the number of children sent from each home, whether they attended or not. Part of the salary of the teacher was paid by boarding around with the families who were sending children - board taken as payment on the salary. The second schoolhouse for Ridgetown was built on the next corner on lot 9 in the 9th concession where Johnston's Shoe and Gent's Furnishings is located. Charles E. Scane was the teacher. A wing was added in 1872 and 2 teachers. A crowded condition came. In 1875 the building and ground of the Methodist Church on Ebenezer Street was bought by the Public School Board. It became the primary wing of the Public School. In 1882 a large brick, 2 story and basement, school on the south side of Jane Street was built. Additional rooms were added in 1889; now 10 teaching rooms. On September 1883, the High School was opened in 2 rooms of the public school building with around 30 pupils, average age 17 years. In 1885 - 145 pupils. The first high school building was completed in 1884, costing $7,162.47 for school and equipment, engaging 5 teachers. In 1926 the Agricultural Vocational School was built and 42 pupils were enrolled. An additional building was added. It offered a 4 year course equivalent to University matriculation. Have now 11 regular teachers and 1 part time for the 2 schools. A great deal of credit goes to Mr. Angus Gillanders and Mr. Reek who was in charge of the experimental farm. School Buses were provided to bring pupils to school and return them home, at expense of those using them. Thus the children came from a greater distance to receive the higher education. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ridgetown High School Ridgetown a pioneer in the field of secondary education for this district established its first high school in 1883. When it opened, there were only two rooms in the Public school building with 30 pupils and two teachers. Mr G.A. Chase was Principal and S.B. Sinclair was the assistant. The average age of the pupils was seventeen years. After the Christmas holidays, 82 pupils were enrolled. Mr Robert Moir, B.A. was added to the staff and the old Temperance Hall on Jane Street was pressed into service for a third room. In 1884 there were one hundred and forty-five pupils enrolled. A new school building was completed in 1885. The Architect was Frank Brien and the contract price of the building was $7,467. After adding equipment and furniture, the total price was $10,162.47. The number of pupils in attendance in 1885 was 155. A number came from a great distance, attracted by the reputation of the school and particularly of Mr Chase, the Principal, who was an author of many of the literature texts used in the high schools of the province. The number of teachers employed in l885 was five and in that year the Government requirements were met to have the school rank as a Collegiate Institute. It remained a Collegiate Institute for many years but the requirements to keep it in that rank eventually became so excessive that it, with a number of other five teacher schools, had to reduce its rank to that of a high school. In July 1889 the Collegiate Institute Board accepted the resignation of Mr Chase and Mr J.G. Little was appointed Principal at a salary of $1,100. Mr J.H. Smith was appointed assistant principal at a salary of $800.00. Mr J.G. Little remained Principal of the school until ill health forced his retirement in 1911. After Mr Little resigned there were frequent changes of Principals and there followed in order: Chas. Potter, F.H. Frost, J.G. McLaurin, J.R. Cameron, Thos. Preston and R.H. Young. In 1926 the need for more practical home making and agricultural courses resulted in the erection of a vocational school building on the same site as the high school. Interest in the courses in agriculture has resulted in visits of Ministers of Agriculture and Education from Ontario, Saskatchewan, Australia and Tasmania. Additionally, school boards from a number of schools have introduced similar courses. The Agricultural School building is modern in every respect. It has two standard classrooms, four science laboratories, fully equipped cooking and sewing rooms, home nursing rooms, auditorium with stage and a mechanics room complete with power and hand tools for carpentry, forge work, tinsmithing and metal work. Judging courses are taught in the Judging Pavilion of the Experimental Farm. The High and Vocational Schools are operated as a unit. The first Principal of the combined schools was Mr Norman Davies who later became an Inspector and moved to Toronto. The present Principal, Mr J.W. Edwards, a member of the Senate of Western University, London became principal in 1932 and the first Principal of the New High School which was completed in 1941. The new school provides the latest in equipment, lighting and heating; contains four regular classrooms, a library, a commercial room, a science laboratory, girls and boys lunch rooms and showers and one of the finest gymnasiums in the province with a playing floor 80 feet by 46 feet. Buildings at the present time (1946) have a value of $250,000 (pre war estimate) with equipment valued at $20,000. The enrollment at present is 240 and the school can accommodate another 200 pupils without further building. The Ridgetown Area comprises Ridgetown, most of Howard and Orford Townships and a section of Harwich Township. Each morning five buses leave Ridgetown to pick up pupils in the surrounding area, about sixty-five per cent of the entire enrollment at school arrives in buses. SPECIAL FEATURES Bus transportation free from January 1947 Annual Medical and Dental inspections Accident Insurance covering all pupils Free Hot Lunch dishes - October to April Summer supervision of home projects Radio programmes (Department of Education) bi-weekly Visual aid equipment including sound and silent projectors Cadet training, shooting competitions, STAFF 1946 - 1947 Mr J.W. Edwards, B.A., B.S.A., B.Pead., - Principal, Physics, Agr. Sc. Miss Marion Anglin, B.A.- Home Economics, Health, P.T. Miss Olive Clark, B.A. - Mathematics Mrs Edna Craven, B.A. - French , Music Mr B.B. Foster B.S.A. - Chemistry, Agr. Sc. P.T. Miss Marguerita Garner, B.A. - Latin, English, Art Mr T. Murray, B.A, - English, History Mr N. Muir, B.A., B.Pead. - English History Mr Victor Noad, B.A, - Commercial subjects Mr J.M. Powell, B.S.A.- Mechanics, Agr., Sc., Health Miss Edith Wilcox, B.A. - Home Economics, Health, P.T. Mr E.L.Woodley, B.S.A. - Biology, Agr. Sc., P.T. HIGH SCHOOL BOARD Dr. W.E.Lake, Chairman; Mr Fred Brien, Mr J.Dick, Mr P. Goodbrand, Dr. D. Marr, Mr L. Meredith, B.A, Mr L. Wilson; Secretary - Treasurer: Mr Carl Watson, B.A. VOCATIONAL COMMITTEE Mr J.C. Steckley, B.S.A., Chairman; Mr R. Desmond, Mr H. Scane, Mr D. McLaren, Mr N. obertson, Mr H. Wilson. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- S.S. No. 4, Green's School The first schoolhouse was a log building, built in the year 1848 on the corner of Moore's Sideroad and the eleventh concession road, about a mile east of Highway 21. This school was opened in 1850. Evening classes were held and the students and adults were to bring their own candles for lighting. A Mr Carson taught music and a Mr Little taught writing in this early log building. In l856 we have the record of the first minutes of an Annual meeting. John Patterson, Secretary, Arch. McDiarmid were chosen Trustee and Miss Mary Campbell, teacher (the first teacher of whom we have record). She received her last payment in March 1857 which left a balance on hand of $4.25 - the teacher receiving $3. W. Latimer was collector. In the copy of minutes of annual school meeting January l4, 1857 it was unanimously agreed that parents or guardians should pay four York Shillings per quarter for each pupil and the remainder of the teacher's salary was to be raised by a local tax on the section. Levi Green elected trustee, Arch. McDiarmid Secretary-Treasurer. On February 2, Miss Flora Campbell was hired as teacher for six months for the sum of eighty-four dollars. On February 1,188, Miss Grout was hired as teacher for six months for the sum of $10 a month, the lowest salary on record in this school. In January 1862 at the annual school meeting it was unanimously agreed that there should be free school in section No.4. and that the teachers salary be raised by rate on the property. John Patterson was appointed Auditor, A. McDiarmid Secretary-Treasurer. In the year i860 the average attendance 9-1/2; number of children of school age in the section was 27; total number in Section - old and young - 106. On January 29, 1870, at a special meeting in the schoolhouse of which due notice was given, it was agreed by the majority of those present that a new school house be built on Lot l4 in the 12th. Concession of Howard Township. Wm. Tape as Chairman and Archie McDiarmid, Secretary-Treasurer paid George Kemp for building fires in 1869 the sum of $1.50. The new schoolhouse was built in the year 1870 on Lot 14 Concession 12 Howard North Half. The site being leased for a term of seventy and ninety-nine years, for the sum of 20 cents per annum, the same payable on the first day of July in each year, that is, to John Green 10 cents and to Richard F. Green 10 cents - the term of the lease beginning on the first day of July 1870. The estimated value of said schoolhouse and site is six hundred and twenty-five dollars. December 30,1871 -- David Smith was duly appointed Auditor of the school accounts. It was ordered that two new benches be made and some old ones be repaired and also that the blackboard be lined for the use of singing school and music lessons. In 1872 the total population of the section was 175 and children from 5 - 16 years numbered 66. In 1872 William Lane was paid $11.25 for 11 1/4 cords of wood; the Sunday school Library consisted of 123 volumes. The Sunday School was held under direction of Wm. Tape and David Smith. In 1889 a brick schoolhouse was built on the same site as the old one, Lot 14, Concession 12. The old frame building was moved to Ridgetown and used as the Latter Day Saints Church in 1889. In 1939 the building was remodelled - the windows being removed from one side, new blackboards installed and platform removed. For several years the minutes recorded a good flow of natural gas which was used to heat the schoolhouse. This noted schoolhouse was always named Green's School because there were so many people of that name living in the Section and all buildings, when built, were on farms owned by Greens. Of the many teachers we could name, many of note. Of the men teachers three became lawyers and three became doctors. Many of the lady teachers became good mothers, wives and homemakers. Green's School Section is proud of the record set by our noble boys in the two world wars. The present School Board of 1946 is: Leonard Clunis, Chairman John ONeill Carman McAllister Duncan R.McDiarmid, Secretary-Treasurer (On his thirty-sixth year) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- S.S. No. 5, Reeder School The first school in section No. 5 (Reeders) was situated on the Thamesville Sideroad, south of the Ridge Road. It was a log building and was built on the farm of Mr John Wilson. On December 4, 1872, one half acre of land was purchased from Mr John Reeder in Lot l4, concession 9 Howard Township. This was more central. On it was built a log school which served until the attendance became too large for it to accommodate. Afterwards a frame building was erected of large basswood boards with straight board benches for the children to sit upon. During the year of 1872, Henry Richardson and Miss Margaret Hill taught. Mr Joseph Mitton was janitor. Mr Joseph Boothroyd and Mr Edmund Mitton were auditors. Then in 1874 Mr Joseph Boothroyd was paid $5.OO for acting Secretary- Treasurer for that year. In 1875 Mr Ezra Bonham and Mr Joseph Boothroyd were auditors and Mr Henry W. Reeder was Secretary-Treasurer with $4.00 per year salary. On January 26, 1875, a special school meeting was called with Mr Benjamin Willson as Chairman and Mr Henry Reeder Secretary. It was decided to build a new brick schoolhouse on the present site that year and that $1,425 be raised in two annual payments to pay the costs. It was erected by Mr John W. Hawkins, and was opened with Mr Frank Sinclair as teacher at a salary of $200. Then Mr John Barr taught from September until the end of the year for $100. Mr John Reeder, Mr Edmund Mitton, Mr Joseph Boothroyd were the trustees. Mr Edward Ridley taught from January until August when Mr E. Marsales taught until the following year. A new tight board fence was put up around the school-yard in l877. The trustees in 1878 were Mr J.N. Wilson, Mr Jacob Lutz and Mr J.S. Boothroyd. They bought wood from Mr David Green at nine shillings per cord. In 1880, when Mr Edwin Reeder took the census there were 48 children between the ages of 5 and l6 years in the section. Singing school was held in the school-house. Mr Samuel Sinclair taught in l88l from January until April for $180. Mr Hugh Gillespie was hired for the balance of the year. Miss Margaret Bell taught in l883. A new iron fence was put up in front of the school grounds. All non-resident pupils were charged 20 cents per month each. Miss Gertrude Hay taught in l885 at a salary of $300. Miss E. Bruce taught in 1886 when Miss Harrison took over for 1887-1888 at $280 per annum. In 1889 Mr Robert McDonald was Chairman for the December Annual meeting and Mr Joseph Boothroyd Secretary-Treasurer. It was then decided to pay the teacher quarterly. Miss Tena Wilson was hired to teach at $300. for the year. Mr H.B. Harrison was the new trustee. The schoolyard was to be decorated with evergreens. Out of 44 applicants for teacher, Miss Lottie West was hired in 1892 for $27%. Miss Rutherford taught in 1893. Mr Joseph Whitsell drilled for gas on the school grounds, and when he struck gas, he blew the whistle as a signal for the trustees to meet. Miss Rutherford taught until August; Miss Alma Johnson finished out that year and remained. The windows were fitted with screens and a new flag was purchased. In 1896 Miss Lena Young was hired to teach at $250 and she continued on until 1901 at $300. Trustees at that time were Mr John Barton, Mr Thomas Gosnell and Mr Joseph Rhody. In l899 four lots in Orford Township were accepted into Reeder's School Section thus making it a union school. These ratepayers were Mr Thomas Gosnell, Mr J.B. Gosnell, Mr Thomas Johnson and Mr John Baxter. A new wood shed was built. Miss Eliza Chambers was hired to finish out the year of 1901 and remained until 1904, when Miss Sara Gosnell taught until 1905. Miss K. Andrews taught the next 3-1/2 years. In 1908 One half acre of land was purchased from Mr George Reeder for $50 to enlarge the school grounds on the west side; also a new metallic ceiling and walls were put in the school and painted, and three brace rods were put lengthwise through the schoolhouse. Miss Pickard was then teacher. New adjustable chair and desk sets were installed in 1909. Miss Vanalstine taught until 1912 at a salary of $575. A new Waterbury furnace was installed in the schoolroom and a flagpole was erected. Hiss Allison took charge in 1913. Then Hiss Breeze finished out the year and taught for 1914-1915. Enrollment then was 35. In 1914 it was decided to pay the teachers' salary monthly. Miss Arnold was hired in 1915. Plans were made for the school fair. A new flag was bought gas lights were installed and a telephone was put in in 1917 and used there until 1921. Miss Bessie Handy took charge in 1918, at salary of $600. A large door was put on the woodshed so it could be used for a garage. Miss Cela McRae taught in 1919 and Miss Edith Buller in 1920. The enrollment then was 49. A cement walk was built from the schoolhouse to the road with provision made on either side of the walk for flower beds. Miss Mary Gillanders was hired in 1921-22 at $1,000. Enrollment then was 45 pupils. Mr Ernest Chambers, Mr John H.Wllson and Mr John Barrett were the trustees, with Mr H.B. Harrison Secretary-Treasurer at $15 per year. A school nurse was hired for 1923 at $84 salary. Miss Drew taught from September 1923 until Christmas 1924 $l,000. In that year a hardwood floor was laid in the schoolroom and cloakrooms. A cement basement was put under the school and a second furnace was installed. Miss Fleming taught for the years 1925-27 at $1,000 a year, salary. Miss Dallas was hired for the following year. Mr John Simpson, Mr Erle Johnson and Mr William Cudmore were the trustees. Miss O. McMullen of Napanee was hired at $1,000 for 1929-1930. Miss Edna Mitton took charge in 1931 at $700. A supply of library books were bought. Highway signs were placed on the road. A piano was purchased, and in 1931 the school was wired for electricity at a cost of $47.50. Miss Aileen Chambers the first one of Reeder's own girls, was hired in 1935. Mr Merton Gosnell, Mr Emery Long and Mr J.H. Dilliott were the trustees. The school was newly painted and Manual training was introduced. In 1936 Miss Helen Gosnell was hired to teach music and a new supply of library books were bought. Miss Chambers remained to teach for 1937-38 at $650. Mrs M. Ellsworth was engaged to teach music at $60. per year. It was decided to buy all school supplies for the pupils. In 1938 all necessary equipment was purchased to supply hot lunches for the children. A set (20 Volumes) of the Books of Knowledge were bought for $80. Miss Sloan took charge in September 1938 until 1939. In January 1939 the school was burned inside and afterwards repaired and newly painted; the piano was overhauled; a new electric clock and hot plate were installed; and a large new library was purchased. Miss Betty Vester was hired to teach from September 1939 and continued until June 1943. She was followed by Roberta Haggins of Cottam who taught one year, then another of Reeders own girls, Miss Donna Long took charge in September l944. A new lawn mower was bought and an Iron Fireman Stoker furnace at a cost of $400. Two new septic toilets were also installed. The school board in 1947 is Garnet Lenentine, Tom Gosnell, and Mr Coatsworth. The teacher is Donna Long. Boy's from Reeder's in World War I: Bruce and Norman McDonald who were born and raised in Reeder's and later moved to Saskatchewan, spent considerable time in Toronto and later overseas in France; Clarence Guyitt and Clare Geddis were both in France; Clifford Smith spent some time in London, Ontario, Canada and was placed in a lower category and discharged in London. Merton Gosnell spent some time in London, Canada and one year in England after the Armistice was signed. Clifford O'Connor was in London and later overseas. Bert Graves was placed in a lower category and discharged in London, Canada. .............................. Miss Yvonne Patterson of Lambeth took charge of the school in September 1948-1951, with salary $1,900. During the Easter holidays of 1951 a new Clare coal-burning furnace was installed at a cost of $457.20. This furnace with four hot air registers added greatly to the efficiency of the heating system of the school. [Additional hand-written notes: In September 1951, Miss June McAllister took charge and was rehired in May 1952 with salary $2300.00. In September 1953, Eileen E. Rea was hired at a salary of $2,400.00 a year and she is still teaching in 1966-76 with 21 pupils in attendance. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- S.S. No. 6, Scane School The first school in what is now S.S. No. 6, Howard (SCANE'S) was a log building built in 1828, on the corner of Lot 7, Concession 9 - a little to the west and across the road from the present school. This building served as a meeting place as well as a school for a number of years. The work of building the school from the hewing of the first log to the making of the teacher's desk was done entirely by the settlers. The first teacher was an Irishman by the name of Gowdie who was strong on discipline. Each family having children attending school paid the up-keep of the school and the teacher's salary according to the number of children they had going to the school. Part of the teachers' salary was paid by boarding the teacher. When this school opened in 1828, pupils by the name of Mitton, Scafe, Carlisle and Marsh were in attendance. Thomas Scane was one of the first trustees and his son John was Secretary. Teachers following Mr Gowdie were Sophia Nash, Alexander McKillop, a Mr Thompson and Alexander Goulet. This log school was destroyed by fire, date not known, and prior to the building of Mitton's school in Ridgetown, the pupils of this section attended the log school at Rushton's Corners. After Mitton's school was built most of the pupils came to Ridgetown School, later pupils attended Ridgetown's second school on York Street. As the rural population was increasing it was felt a school outside the village of Ridgetown would best meet the needs of the people. 0n January 8, l879 a meeting of the ratepayers was called by John Hartwick, who had been authorized to do so by the Howard Township Council, for the purpose of electing three trustees for the section. This meeting was held at his home and the following trustees were appointed -- John P. McKinlay, John Hartwick and James Scane. Duncan McKinlay was named Secretary. A second meeting was called on January 15 of the same year, and after much discussion it was decided to purchase one acre of land at the north west corner of Lot 8, concession 10, from the Misses Betsy Jane and Ann Scane, daughters of Henry Scane, for $150.00. On February 25 following the contract to build the school for $1,115. was awarded to the firm of Tolmie and Wilson. The first meeting held in the school was on November 17, 1879, when the trustees met to examine the school and engage a teacher for the following year. Walter McBrayne was chosen as first teacher at a salary of $400. for the year. His duties included lighting the fires and cleaning the school. Mr McBrayne taught for two years and was followed by James Decon, who in turn was succeeded by Anson Smith. With the exception of Wm. Ruthven, who is said to have taught some years later, these three men are the only men to have taught in the school. In 1884 Miss Sarah Smith was engaged as teacher at a salary of $360. A complete list of teachers who have taught since 1885 is not available, but the following have taught: Miss Robina Munro, Miss Lizy Smith, Miss Elizabeth Smith (the two Miss Smith's were not related), Miss Harriet Henry, Miss Edith VanAlstine, Miss Stevenson, Miss Ada Gesner, Miss Sasah Gosnell, Miss Violet Savage, Miss Sarah Gosnell (second time), Miss Mabel Ramm, Miss Shirley Agar, Miss Blanche Marshall, Miss Flora Gesner, Miss C. Crawford (supply for short time as Miss Gesner was ill), Miss Mabel Ramm (second time), Miss Hazel H Hawes, Miss Marjorie Moody. When the school was first built the winter attendance is said to have exceeded fifty pupils. In 1942 there were only seven resident pupils in the section. The inspector decided the attendance was so small it was advisable to close the school. The pupils to attend the Public School nearest their homes. Since there are now more public school pupils in the section the school is being reopened on September l, 1946 with Miss M. Moody as teacher. From the time of Miss Sarah Smith, who received $360 per year, the salaries were gradually raised with $1,050, being the highest paid in 1922-1923. After the depression the salaries were lowered from $1,000 gradually to $650 in 1936. In 1937 salaries began to rise. The salary being paid for the year 1946-47 is $1,450. From the time the schools (present and log) were built, there has never been a year in which there hasn't been a Scane on the school board until the present year (1946) and one of the present trustee's grandmother was a Scane. Charles W. Scane who became trustee in 1907 was trustee for 23 consecutive years. In 1912 during the Easter vacation, the chimney and one wall of the school gave way. Once again it was necessary for the country pupils to come to town to school, but this time they had their own teacher. The school section paid the town $20 for the use of the vacant room in the Ridgetown Public school from April l5 to the end of June. The present school has been extensively remodelled. In 1934 the window lighting system was changed, a new hardwood floor was laid, and the school redecorated. In 1938 a basement was added, making the building in its present condition one of the best remodelled schools in the Province. Hydro lighting was also installed at that time. In 1939 a little more than an acre of land adjoining the school lot was bought at the back for $100 through Walter Hamil from Tony Russell (the English name of a native of Poland) for a reforestation plot. The County paid $50, the Township $25 and the school section $25 of the cost. On this lot around 6,000 trees have been planted. Some are coniferous trees, others deciduous. The section cares for the plot and trees are given to any desiring trees for re-planting. More than 300 people have passed through the doors of the present school. Owing to the fact that the school lot adjoins the town, some of the town pupils, those living in the western part of the town found it nearer attend the country school than their own town school. While on the other hand pupils of the section who had to pass through the town to reach their country school, went to the town school instead. Some have entered the professions, some of the field of commerce, while many still live in the vicinity. Former pupils who served in the First World War were Dan McGregor, Francis Crawford, Alexander Crawford, Jack Brien, Walter Adams, Charles Turner, George Harrison, James Eastlake, Will Eastlake and Mack Eastlake. Three from the section who attended town school and who served in the first World War were John Linton, Reggie Turner and Victor Pyne. Mack Eastlake, John Linton and Reggie Turner gave their lives in the "War to end all Wars". In 1916 the ladies of the section sponsored a garden party on the school lawn. The proceeds were given to the Red Cross, and during the evening a new flag pole was erected and a new flag donated and hoisted to honour the memory of Mack Eastlake. Charles Scane who had been trustee the longest was given the honour of hoisting the flag for the first time. Phil Henry who was Mayor of Ridgetown at that time and also a rate-payer of the section was Master of Ceremonies. Former pupils to serve in World War Two were, Earle Brien, Billy Casey (who paid the supreme sacrifice), Lea Vickery, Lorne Luther, Frank Gawne, Harold Gawne, Kenneth Burley, Joe Kocela and Earle Fox. Two former pupils of the old log school house worthy of mentioning are Thomas Scane and Ebenezer Scane. Thomas Scane (the third to bear the name of Thomas) was born in l834 and was the first pupil from the log school to attend a University (Toronto) He became a surveyor and one of his first big jobs was surveying along the McKenzie River for the Canadian Government. He and his men are said to have been the first white men to traverse the territory. Ebenezer Scane born in 1838 was of this locality to become a lawyer, having studied law at Victoria College. He played a prominent part in the municipal affairs of Chatham where he had opened a law office in 1865. He was Mayor of Chatham three times. (History was written ca. 1946) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rushton Log & Brick Schools Rushton's Log School was built in the year 1843 and received its name from the first settler and owner of the farm on which it was "built. It was situated on the north east corner of the Ridge Road and the Howard-Harwich Townline on lot 7 of Howard Township. After many delays due to the rebellion of 1837, the Crown Deed of Mr Rushton's farm was received. Although he had resided on this property as early as 1825, Mr Rushton passed away before the Crown Deed was received. The family of Jacob Rushton consisted of five sons and two daughters, namely: Richard, Thomas, Esther, George, Charlotte, Joseph and Jeremiah. Richard Rushton, like his ancestors, was a Liberal and an active worker for his party. He held the office of Justice of the Peace and assessor of Howard Township for several years. He attended the Methodist Church in which he was very active. He had one son James born in the old homestead November 23, 1833 where he grew to manhood. In 1875 James moved to Ridgetown and started a grain business and he was also interested in a brokerage concern. He became well liked and prominent and served the Ridgetown Council as Reeve for two years and was made Justice of the Peace and a member of the town council for twelve years. He was also a valued member of A.O.U.W. Lodge, being its treasurer for twenty-one years. At his retirement they presented him with a gold watch for his loyal and faithful services. While living at Rushton's Corners on the farm, he was trustee of the school for sixteen years and on moving to town he held the same position on the school board there. The Rushtons owned the first cheese factory in this district and after one hundred years had elapsed the Stirling Construction Company workmen unearthed from under the old road a wooden drain in perfect state of preservation This drain had carried the whey and waste from the old cheese factory to Mr Rushton's pig sty on the north side of the road. Those who took part in the erection of the old log school in l843, were the trustees and rate-payers who all gave their time free. The farmers and builders of the school were Oxley Rushton, John Scane II, Samuel McCully, Captain Cochrane, Henry Mitton (father of D.L.Mitton), Malcolm McLean (grand-father of Mrs Wm. Tape), Mr Mills, the Rushton's Colonel Patterson and the other old settlers. So anxious were these old people to hear the word of God, Mrs McCully organized a Sunday School and she was a most capable teacher. Her father was a Baptist minister, so with help from the settlers Sunday services were held in the school. A letter, written to John Scane II who was the first Treasurer of the old log school in 1834, is still in the possession of the Charles Welbury Scane family. It is dated June 31, l847 and states "I would come back to teach if the trustees would agree to give me one hundred and twenty dollars for the period of six months and you, John Scane, let me have my room back where the stove is for studying, as I want to write off an exam myself this year. I will be of no bother and I will cut what wood I burn and do such like." signed "Yours Truly, Samuel Harper, Ann Arbor, Michigan". On October 8, 1852 another letter was written to Mr Scane asking for wages for the quarter term amounting to two shillings and six pence. This letter was signed by Jacob Smith. We are told Samuel Harper did not get the wage he asked for, but nevertheless came back. Some of the old settlers have told us the reason he came back was that he was in love with Maggie Moodie. Some of Mr Harper's pupils were, John Cochrane, Charles W. Scane, Gilbert Cochrane, Mrs Joseph Hamil (Alice Scane). The names of some of the teachers who taught in the old log schoolhouse were: Samuel Harper, who boarded with John Scane II and his wife Catherine Marsh Scane, in the years 1843 - 1845 Miss Margaret McKinlay 1846 Samuel Harper returned, 1847 - 1849 Samuel Kirby l850 - l851 Jacob Smith l852 David Mills (Hon. David) l856 - 1860 Mr Harrison 1861 - 1863 Miss Lucindia Shewburg l864 - l865 Miss Francis Smith 1866 - l867 Miss Elizabeth Smith 1869 - 1871 Mr James Logan 1872 - 1876 In 1876 a new brick school was erected directly across the road from the old log school. This old log school was torn down in 1920. The trustees of the new brick school were Rubin Mattice, Samuel McCully, Henry Mitton and James Rushton, treasurer. These trustees went with a party of other men of the district including Jack Elliott, Samuel Elliott, Charles Scane Sr. and Charles W. Scane to the World's Fair in Philadelphia in 1876. Here they purchased the school bell, which was placed on Rushton's first brick school and still remains in use on the present school, which was remodelled in 1915. Miss Blanche Marshall was the teacher at the time of remodelling and taught in the old log school until the work on the other school had been completed. This closed the chapter of the old school and it was torn down in 1920. The timbers were still in good condition and were taken to Crew's Fishery at Port Alma, where they were made use of. The teachers in the first brick school were: Transferred from the log school in 1876 Mr James Logan 1876 - 1879 Miss Jennie Robertson 1882 Mr J.C. Black 1880 Miss Bessie Mills 1885 Mr Walter McBrayne 1886 Miss Burr 1887 Miss Florence Armstrong 1890 Mrs Minchell 1892 Miss A.E. Alfred 1894 Mr Robert Ingram 1895 Miss Mamie Campbell (Mrs Duncan McDiarmid, 1900, Sept. - December) Miss Blanche Campbell 1901 Miss Florence Cuchan 1902 - 1904 Mr George Campbell 1904 - 1905 Miss Blanche Marshall 1905 - 1908 Miss Lizzie Cameron 1909 - 1912 A few more of the later teachers were: Miss Ada Holmes 1913 - 1915 Miss Blanche Marshall 1915 - 1916 Donald Shaw and Miss Alice Little 1917 - 1918 Miss Bessie Handy 1918 Miss Alma Cummings 1918-1919 Miss Zeta Mervin 1919-1920 Miss Mabel Russell 1921 - 1922 Miss Irene Moore 1923 - 1925 Miss Jean Skakel 1926 - 1929 Miss Watts 1930 - 1931 Miss Ruth Chapel 1932 Miss Greta French 1933 - 1937 Miss Jean Sommerville 1937 - 1941 Miss Eileen Chambers 1942 Miss Esther Young 1943 Mrs Ferguson Rae (Eileen Chambers) 1944 - 1946 Miss Betty Cowell 1947 - 1948 Mrs Neil McMillan 1948 - 1953 Mrs Harold Childs 1953 - 1958 Mrs Fred Walters 1958 - The same bell that called the children in at nine o'clock seventy-one years ago is still performing its duty. Some of the professional men who attended the old school were: Dr. Samuel McCully Dr. John McCully Mr. Ralph McCully Dr. Lewis Eastlake Dr. Robert Smith Dr. M. Warren Mr. Angus Smith, Civil Engineer Miss Margaret Smith, Teacher From the "brick school: Dr. Robert Ingram Mr. John Mitton Dr. Harold McLarty Dr. William Davis Dr. Kencil Mitton Boy's who served in World War 1. Harold McLarty John Cochrane William Louch Noble Cooper George Louch Robert Nablo Dr. Robert Ingram World War 2. George Gilbert Norman Beehler Carl Lenentine Eddie Stepenick James Attwood Lewis James Fox Dr. Robert Ingram, a scholar and teacher at the brick school, got his Public schooling under the teaching of J.C. Black. He started to teach in 1895 at Rushton's Corners at a salary of $300 which they soon raised to $400. He later became a medical doctor and for some years has been doctoring at Coboconk. Dr. Ingram was a son of Mr and Mrs Mathew Ingram on the Howard Road. One of the old families was the McCullys, who settled at the corners in l835 Born to Samuel McCully and his wife Hannah (Pipes) McCully were Dr. Jonathan, Hannah, the wife of Charles Eastlake, Margaret, the wife of Louis Rowe, Dr. Samuel and Ralph. Mrs Samuel (Hannah Pipes) McCully during her girlhood in Nova Scotia was a member of the Baptist Church and as a Sunday School Teacher she taught Sir Charles Tupper, whose father was the minister of their church at that time. Henry Thumb was born in New York State in 1801 and his wife Elizabeth Clark in England in l8l7. They came to Rushton's Corners in 1843 and Mr Thumb was a blacksmith. They had six daughters and one son, namely: Agusta (Mrs Jeremiah Rushton), Catherine (Mrs Walter Coleman), Eliza (Mrs Henry Redny who had a son, a dentist, in Chicago), Anna (Mrs James Alexander), Emma (Mrs John Knights who had four children), Ida (Mrs John Haggart) and John. In 1885 John Thumb married Emma Hughs of Dresden who was born in England in 1862. They had one daughter Dell Marion born April l4, 1901, and she was a successful school teacher and a born artist. The Robert Barnes family came in 1839. Mr Barne's trade was paper embosser and colourer in England but he followed the blacksmithing and shoemaking in his spare time while farming on his farm in Harwich Township. They had eight children: Louis, John, Mary (who was an artist and some of her paintings are in Toronto Art Galleries), Emma (who was a graduate of Whitby Ladies College and school of Art -- one of her paintings being the house of Harriet Bucher Stowe in which was written the book "Uncle Tom's Cabin") and Thomas who was a mechanic and he built a peppermint mill and manufactured oil of peppermint as well as cultivating several acres of herbs. John Scane the II was one of the first white settlers. He was born at the home of Colonel Talbot on old Talbot Street and was the first white child born on Talbot Street between London and Windsor. The Scane family is mentioned elsewhere in this book. The Shewburg family were early settlers but unfortunately we have little history of this respected family. We do know, however Lusinda Shewburg taught school in the old log schoolhouse around 1865 and Peter, her brother, served as trustee at one time and was one of our long-term councillors of Howard Township. Lusinda Shewburg married George Gilbert and became the mother of Rose and Roy Gilbert. The Henry Mitton family (son of James Mitton). James Mitton was born in Yorkshire England. He came to Canada and settled on the tenth concession, lot 4 in Howard Township in the year 1838. He had one daughter and three sons by the first marriage, namely: Jane, John, Robert and Henry, and one daughter by a second marriage. Henry Mitton, the youngest son of James Mitton, lived on the homestead on the Ridge Road. He married Mary Jane McBrayne. They had six children, namely: James, Archie, Katherine, Whaley, John A. and Dorward L. Dorward L. Mitton, the youngest son, lived on the homestead. He married Bertha Misner of Bothwell, Ontario. They had three children, namely: Kencil, Edna and Bernice who died at one year of age. Henry Mitton was one of the first trustees of Rushton's school. Later Dorward L. Mitton was trustee and Secretary-Treasurer from 1917-1946. Kencil Mitton received his public school education at Rushton's school, then attended Ridgetown High School. He later attended Western University where he received his Doctor's degree. He is now practising in Schenectady, N.Y. Edna Mitton, who married Andrew N. Everitt, is now living on the homestead on the Ridge Road. The Mills family is one of the old families and Bessie Mills was one of the school teachers at the old school. Her brother Nathanial Mills was at one time a lawyer in Ridgetown. Mr. David Mills was the fourth teacher of the old log school and became a very prominent man. Hon. David Mills, as he was later called, in time became Superintendent of Public Schools. In 1864 he was elected to Parliament and in 1876 was made a cabinet minister, serving under Alexander McKenzie for two years. He was returned to Parliament in 1882 and again in 1886, serving until 1896, when he was appointed Senator. In 1897 he was made Minister of Justice. He was also Attorney General. December 17,i860, Mr Mills married Mary Brown of Chatham, and resided in the old homestead at Palmyra until l885, when they moved to London. In 1883 he was called to the bar and in 1890 he was made King's Council. In 1872 he was hired by the Province to examine and define the North West boundary of the province and was one of the council in England in 1884. He was a man of culture and dignity and a staunch Liberal. Mr Walter Mills formerly barrister of Ridgetown and Mr Blake Mills of Palmyra were sons of David Mills and there were several other children. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kent County's Last Log School This structure was the last of the log school-houses, built about 1828-30 at the juncture of the Howard Harwich Town-line and Ridge Road, serving families around Rushton's Corners. The Rushton family was the first. They came from Nova Scotia in 1825, also the McCully's from Nova Scotia, then the Barnes family from the United States, but formerly from England. Then cane Ridley's, Alexanders, Mills, Gilberts, Mattice, Coopers, Fenacy's, Thumbs and others who took up land around the Corners. Cabins of the settlers were made of logs, also farm buildings, no care being taken with the foundations which soon rotted. This schoolhouse building however was well made from the start and elevated on piers. It outlasted many later buildings of frame and board construction and even the first brick schoolhouse built to take its place. It remained in constant use as a schoolhouse till 1876 when a brick schoolhouse was built across the road, now the site of present Union S.S. No. 7 Howard and No. 1 Harwich. The log building was then abandoned as a schoolhouse and used by the farmer on whose land it was situated for various purposes, first as a sheep pen. By 1907 the brick schoolhouse was 31 years old but condemned by Education Department and had to be rebuilt. In order to carry on school while a new one was being built, the old log building was again called into service. After the livestock was removed and the building thoroughly cleaned, temporary black boards were installed, seats moved from across the road and schooling continued under Mrs Blanch Marshall Slacer who was living in Ridgetown. The Log building did not long survive the erection of the new school. The adjoining farms had by now passed to another generation and strangers, who had no reverence for its historic significance, did have use for its timbers; so it was demolished. None of the early schools seems to have playgrounds as it was not deemed to be part of education of children - plenty of work for the settler's families. First wages paid to the teachers for a quarter term was 2 shillings, 6 pence. In 1876 a bell was purchased. The Log school was torn down. Some who attended this school who became professional in manhood are: Dr. Sam McCully; Dr. Bob Ingram, Dr. John McCully, Dr. Robert Smith; Dr. M. Warren, Dr. Lewis Eastlake, Lawyer Ralph McCully, Angus Smith, civil engineer, Lawyer John Mitton, Dr. Kencil Mitton, Dr. Wm Davis, Margaret, learned teaching. The same bell that called the children in at 9 o'clock 71 years ago is still performing its duty. One of the scholars in the log schoolhouse, John Scane II was the first white settler born at the Colonel Talbot home on Talbot Road between London and Windsor. Dr R. Ingram became one of the teachers in the brick building - salary $400 a year. He was the son of Mathew Ingram, a farmer near Rushton's Corners. Henry Thumb of York State, a blacksmith by trade came to Rushton's Corners in 1845. Robert Barne, whose trade was paper embosser in England, came in 1859. Shewburg family came from England. Their daughter Lucinda taught in the log school in 1865. James Mitton who came from Yorkshire, England in 1858, attended the log school. He married and had one daughter and 5 sons by 1st marriage: Jane, John, Robert, Henry, and one daughter by 2nd marriage, Mary. David Mills taught in the log school and became the Superintendent of Public Schools. In 1864 he was elected to Parliament and made Cabinet Minister. In 1896 he was appointed Senator. In 1897 he was made Minister of Justice and Attorney General. Mr Walter Mills, formerly a barrister of Ridgetown, and Blake Mills of Palmyra were sons. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Interesting Items / Disastrous Fires Interesting Items about Ridgetown The Ridgetown Post Office was opened on March 6, 1853, with Richard L. Marsh as Postmaster. Ridgetown's first brick building built about 1855, still stands and is now occupied by Dr. Feagan, Dentist. The first concert in the Township Hall was given by the Morpeth Brass Band in 1856. All travelling shows were given and all public meetings were held in the Township Hall until Porter's Opera House was built in 1879. The Porter Block (now known as the McKinlay Block) was the first three story structure built in Ridgetown. The first show given in the Opera House was "Uncle Tom's Cabin". The Public Library was started under the name of the Mechanic's Institute in 1879. At the present time, the Public Library is in the Municipal Hall. Miss Anne Prosser, Librarian. About 1880, Ridgetown had a Cricket Club, the grounds were south of the Baptist Church. At one time Ridgetown had two skating rinks, one owned by Charles Dauphin, the other by a Mister Martin. Dauphin's rink was used as a gymnasium in the summertime. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Disastrous Fires in Ridgetown Fire in 1873 levelled all buildings from what is now Dr. Orr's and McCallum's office to an open space near what is now O'Donnell's store. July 22, 1874 - Charles Graham's Hotel. September 23, 1874 - The Southern Hotel. 1879 - Moody's first Mill. May 10, 1882 - Fire swept all the Main Street buildings from what now is Locke's to Walnut Street. On the North side and most of the buildings on the South side opposite. The fire apparatus and company from St. Thomas came up and rendered assistance. July 11, 1889 - Moody's second mill burned. April 6, 1889 - Town's second boiler explosion, Watson Bros. Heading Mill. Four were killed. October 24, 1899 - Fire destroyed north side of Main Street from Erie to Albert carrying down all the magnificent three story blocks, located there. November 11, 1903 - Explosion of acetylene gas in the Lozar House. 1926 - Moody's third mill (then operated by Howard Farmer's Co-operative Society) burned. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A Few More Bits of Ridgetown's History Another new establishment is the B & H Dry Cleaning situated at the corner of Marsh and Ebenezer Streets, Proprieters Armand Hanney and George Byrne. At the present time in 1947, there are two hotels - the Arlington with the Siskand Brothers as managers and the Anderson Hotel with Frank Green, owner and manager. Mr. Thomas Hore & Son and Mr. Dan Hitch are the local coal merchants for the town and surrounding district. [Mr. Hore now deceased 1969 and Mr. Hitch is retired.] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Another Account of the Early History of Ridgetown The early history of Ridgetown was bound up with that of Howard Township until Ridgetown was incorporated as a village. Up to this time all the affairs of Ridgetown were handled by the Township Council. The first white settlers came into this district for permanent settlement about the year 1824. There were no roads, nothing but solid forest, they had to secure the service of the Indian trappers who were at that time swarming through the thick forest in search of furs. The early settlers were not literary men, but they were real workers. Some were farmers and some were mechanics, but whatever their trade, they were no loafers. Each had to grow his own living or go hungry. Among the first settlers to locate what we now call Ridgetown were Tom Marsh, James Watson, Edmund Mitton, Thomas Scane and an American named Ebenezer Colby. These early settlers were very much handicapped by having no wagons. They did their own hauling on carts called jumpers made by taking two long poles which were slightly crooked in one end and pinning them together in the form of a long sled. As late as the year 1837 there were no stores near Ridgetown where supplies could be purchased. There was however a small store at Morpeth and one at Antrin. Antrin was located on the lake shore road near Fred Coll's Fishery. The first record of a place of business in the village of Ridgetown is found in the minutes of the Township Council of December 1851. Malcolm McLean was granted a license to keep a saloon and a grocery store for which he had to pay a fee of two pounds and give two securities. For the next few years, Ridgetown grew quite rapidly and was incorporated as a village in 1875 with a population of 1,027. Most all of the buildings along Main Street were of frame construction and were very flimsy. A fire broke out in 1873 on the south side of Main Street and levelled everything from where Dr. Orr's and McCallum's officers are to an open space just past the Anderson Hotel. Another disastrous fire broke out on May 10 and swept away all the Main Street buildings from what is now called Locke & Co. to Walnut Street on the north side and most of the buildings on the south side opposite. On October 24, 1899 another fire destroyed the north side of Main Street from Erie to Albert Streets. The properties destroyed by fire were rebuilt in uniform construction and were all brick buildings. Before the fire there were only three brick buildings in town, the oldest being what is now called Dr. Feagan's office. Ridgetown had two boiler explosions in the mills. In the second, 4 people were killed and several others injured. The first Post Office was at the corner of Main and Walnut Streets. It was a one story frame with a lean-to attached. It was served with mail delivery by a stage from Thamesville that went to Morpeth three times a week. At this time, Morpeth was a thriving town much larger than Ridgetown owing to its situation, all shipping being done by water at this time. With the building of the Canada Southern Railway through Ridgetown, shipping and travel of all kinds became less at Morpeth, and the result was that Ridgetown experienced a real boom. Soon homes and factories were rushed to completion and Ridgetown found itself with 3 saw mills, 2 flour mils, 2 heading mills, a cheese box factory, a stave and hoop mill, an ashery and several other small concerns. During winter, much of the employment was cutting logs and wood, but as the lumber disappeared so did our saw mills and factories. Ridgetown was incorporated as a town in January 1882 with a population of 2,097. Our first Mayor was J.H. Cunningham. The first school house in town was of log construction located on the corner of Main and Erie Streets. In 1885 the old High school was completed at a cost of $10,162. The new High School was opened a short time ago at a cost of $80,000.00. The Vocational School was opened in 1926. The first cement walks were laid in Ridgetown in 1902. The first pavement on the roads began in 1920. The first street lighting system in town was oil-lamps. These remained in use for some time, then gas lights were installed and used for some years until McMaster Bros. installed an electric system which was later purchased by the present Public Utilities Commission in 1912. The first newspaper, "The East Kent Plaindealer" was first published in 1875 and continued until the death of Mr. George Claxton in 1923. The first Agricultural Fair was held in Ridgetown in the year 1860 on the Watterworth farm, and was known as the Howard Agricultural Fair. The fine arts, baking, etc. were displayed in the Township Hall on Main Street and the Poultry was shown in crates on the lawn of the Hall. Those who wished to exhibit livestock were obliged to bring fence rails and build their own pens. The Fair proved to be such a success that the Director's decided to make it a permanent affair and purchased some four acres of land on which now stands the home of the late Duff Brien. This was used as a fair ground for about 20 years or up to 1882 when it was sold and the present grounds purchased. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Old Town Hall - Now the Township Hall On April 16, 1855 by-law No. 8 of the Township of Howard was passed for the purpose of providing a Township Hall for the Township of Howard. The by-law recites that Ebenezer Colby had offered a free site, village lot No. 7 on Main, Ridgetown; that the inhabitants of Ridgetown had raised by subscription the sum of one hundred pounds; that the 2nd 100 pounds was to be raised by the collection of rates over the whole Township. The building committee named in the by-law was Charles Grant, John Wilson, John McKinlay, John Ferguson, John Mitton. On June 15, 1855 the 2 tenders submitted for its construction were opened. D. McIntyre at $1,400.00 and James Ferguson for $1,175.00. The tender of James Ferguson and Sons (being John & Robert) who finished their days in Thamesville, was accepted. The building was built and first meeting of the Council was Aug. 30, 1856. James A. Rolls was Reeve; C. Ashwin, Deputy Reeve; (both elected by the Council itself); Wm. McKerracher; Francis Ogletree, John Desmond were councillors. Wm. Latimer as clerk and treasurer, Richard March and, E.B. Harrision was auditors. The Township Council, before this time, did not have a permanent meeting place. This building was the centre of communal life of Ridgetown and district until Ridgetown was incorporated as a village, when it provided its own meeting place, which was a combined fire hall and council chamber, built in 1879, corner of Erie and York Street. The next Council, Council Chambers was the old M.E. Church on the corner of York and Albert Street bought in 1889, burned in 1896 and finally the present Municipal Building. All public meetings were held there; until the Porter Opera House was built in 1878, now owned by Mrs. Arthur McKinlay on the corner of Erie and Main Streets. First show in Opera House given was Uncle Tom's Cabin and the building was the first 3 storey structure built in Ridgetown by a Mr. Malcolmson, son-in-law of John P. McKinlay as architect adn Henry Porter was the owner. The old town hall still exists. It has since been bricked and enlarged. The Township of Howard uses it as its municipal headquarters, also where the Rural Ridgetown Women's Institute holds its regualar monthly meetings. The one room up-stairs is used by the I.O.D.E chapters for their meetings. There are 2 office rooms at the front of the building. One is used by Mr. Harry O'Neill, clerk of the Township since Feb. 1934. He is also the treasurer since 1952. The other room is occupied by the Assessor for the Township of Howard. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Howard and the Township Hall The Township of Howard was surveyed in 1794 and named after Thomas Howard, the Earl of Effingham, whose daughter, Lady Mary Howard, married Sir Guy Carleton, who was Governor General of Canada at that time. Some of the first white settlers of Howard came from the British Isles; others were Americans who after the War of 1812-1814 still wished to be under British rule. The four main corners of what is now Ridgetown were taken up by Edmund Mitton, William Marsh, James Watson and Ebenezer Colby. The first three mentioned were English, Mr. Colby was an American. The first Township Council for Howard was elected in January 1850, and held its first meeting in Mitton's schoolhouse on January 21. George Duck was Howard's first Reeve; he was also Reeve in 1851. He was Kent County's first Warden and held that position for two years, 1850-1851. The population of Howard, including Ridgetown, at that time was 2,465. The meetings were held in different places in the Township, causing long walks for some. They felt they needed a Hall in a central place. Ebenezer Colby gave the Township a free site on the main street of Ridgetown on which to build a Hall. On April 16, 1855, by-law No. 8 of the Township was passed authorizing the building of a hall on the free site given them. The inhabitants of Ridgetown raised by subscriptions the sum of one hundred pounds, a second one hundred pounds was to be raised by the collection of rates over the whole Township. The Building Committee named in the by-law were: Charles Grant, John Wilson, John McKinlay, John Ferguson and John Mitton. On June 15, 1855 tenders were received for its construction. Mr. D. McIntyre tendered for $1,400 and James Ferguson & Sons for $1,175. The latter was accepted. The first hall was a frame building and the first meeting in this hall was held on August 30, 1856. James A. Rolls was Reeve, C. Ashwin, Deputy-Reeve, the Councillors were: Wm. McKerracher, Francis Ogletree and John Desmond; Wm. Latimer was Clerk and Treasurer; Richard Marsh and E.B. Harrison were auditors. The Hall was the community centre for Ridgetown and District until Ridgetown became a village. Later on this Hall was condemned and its was suggested a new hall be built outside the town, but in looking over the old deed it was found Mr. Colby had a clause inserted to the effect that if it was ever discontinued as a site for the Township Hall, it was to go back to the Colby heirs. This decided the Council to remodel the old hall, hence the reason for the Howard Hall being in Ridgetown. Plans for re-modelling the Hall were made in 1909 and tenders called for. Several tenders to do the work were received, but that of Watson and Taylor at a cost of $4,500 was accepted. The present hall, a brick building, is a credit to the community. It has a large Council Chamber, Offices at the front of the building, and a large basement with hot-air furnace. The clubrooms above the Offices at the front of the building were not completed until about 1928 and the council rents them at present to the I.O.D.E. for $100.00 a year. [Transcribers note: I.O.D.E. - Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire, founded in 1900 by Margaret Polson Murray] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Greenwood Cemetery By Gordon McGregor Formerly there was a small cemetery close to the North corner of the town of Ridgetown. By 1880 it was becoming crowed and two old men, Jas. W. Brown and Chas. Shaw purchased 12-1/2 acres from Deacon John Willson, and this later became Greenwood Cemetery. Only 10 acres were intended for burial purposes. A map of this part was made by an artist, a relative of Chas. Shaw which probably explained the circling drives and lots that are splinters and all the known triangles with burials not only made from East to West, but North to South and to every point of the compass. The 2-1/2 acres in front was intended to give the Cemetery seclusion, a wide drive was made across this part where teams could be tied on either side and gates were placed where the drive joined the Cemetery. When funerals were held, only the people were allowed inside the gates, the same rule applied to visitors. A set of rules was printed and a copy given to each lot owner. They were very good rules and most of them are still in force. Permanent upkeep was promised. The price of lots was set at 10 cents per superficial square foot, 2 cents of which (per foot) was placed in the Bank to form a sinking fund. The interest was to take care of the up-keep. Anyone should have known that this could not work; yet, I believe at that time both owners were honest. Later Chas. Shaw was accused of all the crimes on the calendar including grave robbing. The town was appointed Custodians of the Sinking Fund and work began. With time and patience, they were ready to offer lots for sale. On November 27 Doctor Jacob Smith passed away. The town closed up, the schools were given a holiday and all roads led to the cemetery - it seemed the Gods were favoring the new cemetery. The Doctor was liked and respected by all who knew him. He was the ideal family doctor and still a comparatively young man. Being the first burial, the family received a Gift Lot. For a few years the Cemetery owners were literally smothered in wealth (almost). Each funeral meant a lot purchased and many lots were sold to persons who desired theirs in a certain place. The McKinleys were a populous Clan at that time and purchased 8-1/2 lots in a block. Leanus Watson bought 4, Chas. Eastlake bought 2. Trees were planted and while the Spruce outgrew their beauty, they were very nice while small. The pyramid Cedars are still beautiful. Unfortunately the prosperity was short lived and soon the planting ceased. As we mentioned before, Shaw and Brown were both old men, but for a short time they kept the Cemetery very beautiful. Mr. Brown was the first to drop out. It might not have been more than 5 years that he was able to take an active part and then Mr. Shaw carried on alone. He had no family of his own, but had a nephew and a niece. The nephew was an actor, possibly a bad actor. It was reported all Chas. Shaw's money went to get him out of scrapes. Whether this was true or not, we do not know, but Mr. Shaw was in the financial difficulty. Then he stopped paying the Sinking Fund into the Bank. Later, things became worse and he sued the town to regain what he had already paid in. The town won the suit but as Mr. Shaw had nothing, the Judge allowed the town to pay the court costs out of the sinking fund. In looking backward, it is hard to believe so much could happen in so short a time. The Cemetery had sprung up, became a thing of beauty and then became neglected and deserted looking. James Brown died in 1901, Chas. Shaw in 1902. Only a few lots that the owners cared for were neat, and a neat lot between 2 neglected ones, with sunken graves and wild roses or briars, looked almost worse than if none were cared for. A mortgage for $100.00 on the Cemetery part had not been paid. After Mr. Shaw's death, his niece (Mrs. Sutherland) carried on long enough to place a mortgage of $225.00 on the front 2-1/2 acres and then she moved to Michigan. John Willson died and his son Ben took his place. Ben Willson did the only thing he could do - buy the small mortgage. He didn't want the Cemetery and tried to get the town to take it at a price covering the Mortgages. The Town voted "No" and so it was advertised for sale ($20,000 worth of Cemetery lots for sale - NO buyers.) Shortly after 1900 the Government began to take an interest in Cemeteries and passed Legislation whereby Trustees might be elected in Cemeteries where desired. James Serson thought this might be used to advantage in Greenwood. A meeting was called for that purpose. George McDonald, James Serson and Al Long were appointed Trustees. A meeting of Lot holders was called to which Mr. Ben Wilson was invited to discuss the matter. I might add that James Serson and Geo. McDonald were the last 2 men on the earth to do any business with Ben Wilson. They were both good Grits while Mr. Wilson was a good Tory. In addition, he had tried for member of Parliament a few years before and Serson and McDonald had worked hard against him. Also, when he tried to turn the Cemetery over to the town, Geo. McDonald canvassed to have the voters vote against it and it was said afterwards he celebrated the victory by getting drunk, so the outcome of this meeting could only be failure. As many as could attended the meeting, all out for blood - anybody's. Mr. Serson opened the meeting by saying "this was a new venture and it might be necessary to go through a process of law to find where everybody stood". That was all Mr. Willson wanted to know. He arose and said "if it's law you want - I'll give it to you" and walked out. Mr. Serson was always strong on law - one of the men who always kept the lawyers happy. The meeting continued and the lot holders were persuaded that all they had to do was put up sufficient money for a law suit and the Cemetery would be theirs. Three hundred and fifty dollars was collected and the suit was on. In as much as the Town was Custodian of the Sinking Fund, they were made a party to the suit. Unfortunately the Judge didn't see it the same as Mr. Serson. He said "the Cemetery was Mr. Willson's and if the Trustees wanted it, they must buy it". He said, "however, the sinking fund belonged to the trustees" so, you can understand why there are Directors and Trustees. The lawsuit was quite expensive. The lot holders paid their $350.00, the Town $400.00 and I believe Mr. Willson a like amount - a total nearly equal to what Mr. Willson asked the town for the Cemetery a few years earlier. A Trustee serves until another is appointed in his place. Mr. Serson died and 3 new Trustees were appointed. They met in O.K. Watson's office to discuss ways and means. One suggested that in his opinion, they must own the Cemetery first. Mr. Watson advised that it would be better to form a Company, as Trustees were only supposed to hold something in Trust. Mr. Virgil Springsteen said he was a distant relative of Mr. Willson's and on the same side of politics and he would see what he could do. He reported at a later meeting, with an option for 6 months for $1600.00. Mr. Willson had built or moved a small house and barn onto the cemetery property so $1600.00 was not more than he had put into it. When it was learned the Trustees had an Option, several offered to help. John W. Spence helped canvass. Geo. Leatherdale proved to be the best canvasser - his method was somewhat original - he didn't ask for money - he told everyone we have to pay and they did. Geo. H. Grant supplied the solution of how to raise the money, making it equal for all and not a hardship for any. Shares of $5.00 each should be sold. The Lot holder who owned 1/2 lot should buy one, those who owned a whole lot buy 2 shares. In 3 weeks $1235.00 was pledged. That, with the Sinking Fund remaining and the amount from the Lots Mr. Willson had sold, paid for the Cemetery. The Company was formed and all they had to worry about was how they could care for the Lots and build up a sinking fund at the same time. By this time 400 lots had been sold and less than 150 were in the Company - the others were waiting to see if it would be a success before joining and it couldn't be a success until they did join. After 12 hard years, an attempt was made to care for the whole Cemetery. There were good years and bad ones. Once a Secretary had to pay the caretaker's salary for the last month in his year from his own pocket. However, by the end of another year things were looking up again. One of the first acts of the new Company was to raise the price of Lots. Four cents per foot was added, the excuse being, it would put those who bought Lots on the same footing as those who had bought Lots earlier and joined the Company later but not enough to make 1/2 lot owners. In the early years no attempt was made to care for any lot not in the Company and sometimes they didn't get very good care. The lot owners who said unkind things of the former owners said unkind things of the Company. The only bright spot was each year the Sinking Fund was a little larger and the Directors felt they were a little nearer the time when all the Cemetery could be cared for. As much as possible the pleasanter part of the history has been recorded. Mr. Serson's blunder was all out in the open at the time and no harm should result from its repeating. Besides it was very import and might have wrecked everything and made the history of Greenwood Cemetery much different. There were other blunders that cost the Cemetery plenty, but they came when the Company was out of the woods and running strong and were only able to slow things up for a while. They are safely buried and we will forget them. Life is much sweeter if we think only of the pleasant things with which we come in contact. During the 44 years since the Cemetery Company was formed, the world has seen many changes and one wonders if the Company has become outdated. The rules call for an Annual meeting. How many years since a meeting was held? All Deeds and checks should be signed by the Chairman and Secretary of the Board of Directors. The Board doesn't have a Chairman - he died. The Board, and for that matter, the whole Company has narrowed down to one man - The Secretary". He is Scotch. Thank goodness they don't quit, but they can get very tired and discouraged. Financially the Cemetery is in good shape. The Sinking Fund is big and ever growing. The Cemetery is well cared for and, on surface, all is well. This is not intended as fault finding or criticism and is only an attempt to point out that while the present system worked thirty or forty years ago, it is not working today. The Company is slowly dying from indifference and needs a strong shot in the arm or a decent burial. Is there a better method, something more suitable to meet today's needs? On the first page of the Cemetery Register appears "C. Shaw Lots 1,2,3,4" and across the page is a receipt dated May 29, 1886 for $95.68 cts signed Thos. Schlinker, for Sinking Fund on Greenwood Cemetery. Lots sold according to Register. Apparently this was the beginning of the Sinking Fund and the payment was made directly to the Treasurer of the Town. With the information at hand, it is impossible to be exact in either dates or figures, but as the Cemetery was opened in 1885 and Mr. Willson was in control in 1905. It was in the Shaw Family for about 20 years. During that time 320 Lots were sold. The Sinking Fund on an average sized Lot was just over $5.00 and should have totalled $1600.00. The amount in the Bank at the time the Company too possession was $232.00. -------- [Transcribers note: This history was in an envelope marked "Gordon McGregor" that was loose in a binder "Ridgetown Rural Women's Institute, Local History, Records of Mrs. George Brien". It is believed that Gordon was Secretary for the cemetery and this was, in fact, written by him.] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rural Ridgetown Women's Institute Tribute & Final Meeting Institute branch ceases activity The white candle burned slowly - lower and lower - a brief interval of brightness follows and then the light is out. The organization known as the Rural Ridgetown Women's Institute, after 38 years of service to the community, closed its books and the end of an era became a reality. Rural Ridgetown W.I. came into being March 3, 1937 at the home of Mrs. Fred Brien, Erie Street South. Twenty-five women from Scane, Reeder and Green's school sections attended the first meeting. Six charter members remain - Mrs. Fred Brien, Mrs. George Brien, Miss Dorothy Coll, Mrs. Warren Green, Miss Mabel Ramn and Mrs. John Simpson. There were 15 members at the time of the Institute's closing. Membership reached its peak in the 1950's with 77 members. First president of the group was Mrs. George Brien. Miss Mabel Ramn was secretary-treasurer. Miss Dorothy Coll was song leader and held that position for 38 years. Miss Grace Green (Mrs. Kelso Simpson) was the first pianist. For 35 years the Branch held its meetings in the Howard Township Hall. Prior to that time the ladies met in the member's homes. Much has been accomplished by the Rural Ridgetown Women's Institute during its rather brief but active life span. Among the many activities was the first public dinner, which was served in the Municipal Building above the Post Office. More than 200 people sat down to a full course roast beef dinner at 35 cents per plate. The dinner was sponsored by Kent Ploughmen's Association. The first birthday dinner was served in the Morpeth Hall by Morpeth Women's Institute. This was followed by a dance with music supplied by a three-piece band which cost the R.R.W.I. the sum of $3. Fair dinners were served for several years in a large tent on the Ridgetown Fairgrounds. Later they moved up into the new arena dining room. They were able in a short time to buy and have installed the two burner gas stove in the arena kitchen. Their war record was outstanding - 196 quilts, 1,048 sewn articles, 538 pieces of knitting (sweaters, scarves, mitts, socks, caps, afghans), 253 pillows were made and stuffed. During the war years the ladies prepared 7,160 pounds of jam and honey. The jam was made in the kitchen above the Post Office using donated fruit. Cash taken in for war work amounted to more then $2,000. The names of 47 boys - sons of members and families in the three communities on the Honour Roll - hang in the Township Hall. Forty-five of those boys came home and the Institute presented each with a $10 bill. The members have adhered faithfully to the Institute objectives during the years. They have contributed in part in developing leadership, helped to identify and resolve the needs and problems in the community and have helped develop better informed, happier and more useful citizens. The final solemn ceremony was conducted November 19 by Mrs. George Brien and R.R.W.I. president, Mrs. Jane Thomson. Two white glowing candles were in place on a white lace covered table with an arrangement of fall flowers. A memorial service with two minutes of silence being observed for the departed members was followed by a prayer composed by a later member, Mrs. E. Chambers. One of the candles was left burning. A fitting tribute to the Branch, the past officers and members was read followed by singing "Blest Be The Tie That Binds" and "The Lords Prayer". Mrs. Thomson then blew out the second candle and the Rural Ridgetown Women's Institute ceased to exist. Although the solemn ceremony brought to a close the existence of the Branch, the memories of that era will long be remembered by the members and friends of R.R.W.I. Prior to the closing ceremony, the 15 members had had dinner at the Plaza Restaurant in Morpeth. Ridgetown Dominion, November 19, 1975 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The transcriptions and the consolidated text was prepared by E.D. (Tedd) Brien, Ottawa, grandson of Mrs. George S. Brien.