A Fact a Week about Smiths Falls

A Fact a Week about Smiths Falls

FACT No. 13

THE BELL TELEPHONE COMPANY

The first telephone exchange in Smiths Falls was opened in 1885 and was located in the late Mr. R. W. Steacy’s jewellery store on Beckwith Street, - the present site of W. S. Bell's store. Mr. Steacy was the first manager and there were only seventeen telephone sub­scribers in Smiths Falls at the time. Since that time the telephone has made rapid progress and the little group of seventeen subscribers has now grown to 1414. After occupying space for some time in Mr. Steacy's store, the exchange, having outgrown these premises was transferred to larger quarters, on the second floor of the Shields Block. The exchange remained there until the present up-to-date building was constructed on William Street. This modern building was built for and is devoted entirely to the purpose of giving to Smiths Falls the best possible telephone service. Thirteen skilled operators complete an average of 9,000 local calls daily and, in addition, they also handle an average of 600 long distance calls every day. Telephone users are increasing annually, there being an increase of 238 subscribers in the last three years. During the past year many im­provements have been made in the long distance service. One item alone might be stressed. Repeaters for stepping up the voice on long distance lines and improving transmission have recently been installed at an approximate cost of $30,000.00. Calls to nearby Towns are now handled practically like a local call and the service is thereby speeded up to a large degree. Besides the operating staff of thirteen, there are ten plant employees and two commercial employees engaged in serving the public and in endeavoring to make the town's telephone service the best that it is possible to provide. The local office is in charge of Mr. Harry Soanes, Manager; Miss H. M. Faughnan, Chief Operator, and Mr. W. N. Bennett, Plant Wire Chief. A visit to the Bell Telephone Company's office is an experience that the ordinary person will long remember .

FACT No. 15

THE PUBLIC LIBRARY

In the early part of the last century, a few men, the majority, of whom were of Scotch descent, living is South Elmsley found that they could not live by work alone but must have books to refine their minds and build their characters. As a consequence, a handful of men, in the year 1837, formed what was known at the time as the Elmsley Library Association, Mr. John Romanes and Mr. John Ballantyne being the chief promoters. At first there was a monthly ex­change of books which were all contained in a basket and this con­tinued for several years during which time the readers increased in number until it became necessary to provide a more central location and they were moved to Smiths Falls, forming the foundation of the present library. A place was provided for a time over the wagon shop of Mr. Henry Lake. Then a portion of Mr. Wm. Keith's store on Main Street was used for the library until a Mechanics' Institute was formed and the Library and reading rooms were moved to the Washburn Block on Main Street. The Library remained here until 1903 when the present beautiful structure was erected at the corner of Beckwith and Daniel streets. The Library building is one of the town's most useful assets and is modern and convenient in all details. A woman's room and a spacious and beautifully decorated lecture hall are included in the building and are busy throughout the year. Reading rooms are provided for men, women and children and the reading tables are supplied with forty-one different papers and maga­zines. A reference library is maintained for the use of students and any others who desire information. On the shelves of the library there are over 10,000 volumes of the world's best literature by all of the best authors and covering many varied subjects, including phil­osophy, religion, sociology, psychology, history, arts, literature, travel etc. In consequence of the heavy demand of borrowers and to keep up-to-date many new volumes are added each year. At the present time, there is a membership of 3,427 registered members and during the past year, 34,719 books were issued to the readers. The money for the building in which the library is housed was given by the late Andrew Carnegie; negotiations for the same originated and were carried to a successful conclusion by the late G. F. McKimm, and it is to his efforts and to the generosity of the late Senator F. T. Frost, C. B. Frost and W. H. Frost that the town has been provided with such a splendid library which is a permanent memorial to these men. Miss Ouida Vickers is the Librarian and she is assisted by Miss Agnes Baird. The Library hours are from 2.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. and from 7.00 p.m. until 9.30 p.m. The wicket is open from 3.00 o'clock to 5.30 in the afternoons, and from 7 to 9.30 in the evenings.

FACT No. 31

THE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

One thing which impresses the Smiths Falls visitor perhaps more than anything else is the scenic beauty of this town Smiths Falls is a town of flower lovers and there are few homes indeed which do not boast a pretty, green lawn set off with bushes and flower beds, forming pretty color contrasts which are a delight to the eye. In summer, Smiths Falls is at its best and the many tourists who pass through the town all remark upon the picturesque beauty of the lawns and parks. The Horticultural Society of Smiths Falls is, in a large way, responsible for this beauty, for it is this Society which constantly urges the citizens to beautify their homes with lawns, flowers and shrubbery. The Society is evidently appreciated by the householders of Smiths Falls judging by the number of members who are at present enrolled. The Horticultural Society formerly conduct­ed an annual garden competition for which splendid prizes were of­fered and this encouraged friendly rivalry among local flower lovers. It is an important organization in Smiths Falls and has done much to improve the appearance of the town in general. The present execu­tive of the Society is composed of Mr. M. G. Henniger, president, Mr. H. S. Hunter, vice-president, and Mr. Harry Sutton secretary­ treasurer. The Horticultural Society has existed for many years and some years ago was very strong, boasting a large member­ship. Of late years the membership has fallen off to some extent and it is to be hoped that the Society will again become an important factor in Smiths’ Falls circles. There can be no doubt of the value of the Society to the town and predictions are that the Society will re­gain many of the members who have lost interest in the organization.

Fact No. 7

THE POST OFFICE

Jan 24th, 1927

The Post Office in Smiths Falls is the hub of the town and it is one spot that is always busy. From sunrise to sunset, every hour of the day and night, there is someone at work in the Post Office sorting the mails so that the citizens of the town may receive their letters and parcels at the earliest possible moment. The first post office in Smiths Falls was situated near the spot where Mrs. G. S. Snyder's millinery store is now located. A few years later the Post Office was moved to where W. E. Halpin's store now stands. In 1895, the "Office" was moved to the present location and it will probably be there for many years to come. Three persons comprised the staff in 1895 when the Post Office was situated on the Front street, but the present staff consists of nine persons and these nine are kept busy in seeing that the mails are sorted and boxed on time. The Post Office has been twice renovated and enlarged since it was moved to the present location and today the Smiths Falls Post Office is spa­cious, efficient and up-to-date in its equipment. The local Post Office was rated on a city basis in 1917 and is one of the smallest post offices to be put under this rating. Twelve mails arrive and are sorted daily in the Smiths Falls Office and twelve mails are sent out daily. There are five rural routes which serve some 250 patrons. When a letter is dropped into the slot in the Post Office it falls into a basket and this basket is constantly being cleared. The letters are then run through the stamp canceling machine and later arranged in bundles according to their destination. The Christmas Rush, days of hard work and worry for Post Office employees, will be in full swing in a week or so and this is probably an appropriate time to ask local residents to get their old country and foreign parcels in early. From now until Christmas day, the Post Office will be the busiest place in town. Later on, the Record-News will arrange a special feature story upon the Post Office. The following is the staff employed at the Smiths Falls Post Office :-Postmaster, E. J. Parsons , Assistant Postmaster, H. Bar­ker ; Postal Clerks-Miss M. Hallinan, Messrs. W. S. Fergusson, R. Corbett, Hector Mossop, J. P. McDermott, William Miller, H. Carson.

TOTAL ECLIPSE OF SUN

 Pic: As seen by Londoners recently. Crowds stood for hours in driving rain to witness the great solar performance

Fact No. 16

THE BOARD OF TRADE

One of the most valuable organizations in the Town of Smiths Falls is the Board of Trade, whose purpose is to make Smiths Falls into a far bigger and far better town, and which is doing much good work. The Board of Trade was first organized in March, 1889, when the late D.A. Fergusson signed the Charter and the late J. Edwin Frost became the first secretary treasurer. At that time the member­ship of the Board comprised only forty members and today there is a membership of approximately 100 members composed of the repre­sentative and progressive business men of the town.      During the past year the persistent activity of the Board has been much appreciated by residents of the Town, and, in this respect, it might be stated that the Board welcomes suggestions from those within its range of local action and also desires correspondence with outside residents who wish to acquaint themselves with the possibilities of the town in every respect. Smiths Falls is blessed with physical features which are equal, if not superior, to those of any town in Canada. As a railroad centre, Smiths Falls is less than three hours run from the commercial metro­polis of Canada and the greatest ocean port in the Dominion-Mon­treal; It is only six hours run from the Queen City, Toronto; It is ten hours from the metropolis of the United States, New York, and it is only one and one-half hours run from the Capital of Canada and the seat of the Federal Government, Ottawa. As the main en­trance to the beautiful Rideau Lakes, which are annually attracting an ever increasing army of tourists, Smiths Falls is the only resort of its kind in Canada. It is excellently supplied with all public utilities which may be obtained at the lowest possible rate.   In short, nothing is lacking to make Smiths Falls an ideal place of residence for those seeking pleasant home conditions. Many flourishing and progressive towns in Canada and the United States can trace their first successful efforts and ultimate progress to the interest and activity of the Board of Trade and Smiths Falls boasts a body of successful business men who are anxious to see their town move ahead. Mr. H. E. Smith is President of the Board of Trade and the Vice-Presidents are Messrs. R. M. Fergusson, M. D., and Stanley Crabbe, who has recently been transferred to London, Ontario. Mr. J.E. Burns is secretary treasurer and an advisory committee of twelve assists the executive.

FACT No. 17

THE MARKET

The corner of Market and William Streets is one of the busiest spots in Town on Wednesdays and Saturdays for farmers from the vicinity of Smiths Falls flock to town on those days and in season the Smiths Falls market is a veritable hive of industry. The Smiths Falls market came into being in 1892 at the same location it now occupies, and the Public Market building was erected in the same year. Through­out the thirty-six years since its institution, the market has rendered valuable service to both buyers and sellers and an immense amount of farm produce, dairy produce, and fuel has been sold on this spot. Mr. Fred Horning, the present Market Clerk, has officiated in that capacity for almost nine years. He is on the job every day except Sunday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., and his duties are to weigh the produce which is brought in and to collect the market fees. Farmers are charged a fee of 10c for a double wagon or car and a fee of 5c for a single wagon. Three scales are kept at the market for the purpose of weighing the products. The largest scale has a capacity of six tons and is used for weighing hay, coal, grain, wagons, etc. A second scale with a capa­city of 1500 pounds is used for weighing produce, potatoes, etc., and a third and smaller scale is used for the purpose of weighing butter, chickens and such like. The Market Building houses a feed store and the Ladies' Rest Room, which will be dealt with in a later Fact a Week. This building has rendered great service during its thirty-six years of existence and is still a valuable piece of property. Farmers from Lombardy, Toledo, Montague, Easton's Corners, jasper and other surrounding places make regular visits to the Smiths Falls Public Market and town housewives with thrifty motives never miss a market day. The Smiths Falls Market has been a boon to both the farmers and the purchasers-and its continued success is assured.

FACT No. 18

THE REST ROOM

Under the able direction of Miss J. Lawford, the Smiths Falls Rest Room in the Market Building has been wonderfully successful since it was opened in May, 1926. This building has proved to be a great aid to Smiths Falls’ citizens and out-of-town people who may secure information, rest or other aid at this cosy little corner in the heart of the town. The Rest Room idea was first put into force dur­ing Old Home Week, when a portion of the market building was set aside for a Rest Room. Shortly afterwards the Town Council were asked for permission to use the room as a Rest Room throughout the year. This request was granted and, in addition, the cost of heat­ing and lighting was assumed. The rest room was cosily furnished by the Local Council of Women and the U. F. W. O. of the surround­ing country, also by many private donations and the little haven is comfortable and homelike. Smiths Falls was indeed lucky in secur­ing a matron as capable as Miss J. Lawford. Miss Lawford's hours are from 9.30 a.m. to 6 p.m., except on Market Day, Saturday, when she is expected to be on duty from 8.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m. Miss Law­ford, however, is so wrapped up in her work that she is constantly on duty and is ever willing to assist anyone who needs her help. Miss Lawford resides in rooms over the Rest Room. At first, the Rest Room was something of a venture and it was thought that few would take advantage of the building. Later, however, the popularity of it was shown and there are very few days when no one calls at the building. There have been times when the Rest Room has had one hundred and fifty callers and several instances when the number had been well over one hundred. The average number of visitors is fifty daily. The Smiths Falls Rest Room was recently the subject of a very complimentary article in the Kingston Whig-Standard, which newspaper paid tribute to the usefulness of such an institution and to the kindliness and ability of the matron, Miss J. Lawford. The Rest Room has indeed proven itself undecided success since its incep­tion and has been a boon to many a weary mother.

FACT No. 19

THE VICTORIAN ORDER OF NURSES  

Over twenty-five years ago, the Victorian Order of Nurses came into being when Lady Aberdeen laid the foundation of this Order as a memorial to Queen Victoria. Since then, the V. O. N. has made rapid strides until today it stands in Canada as a great organiza­tion which does much to prevent disease and promote health. The main object of the V. O. N. is to teach prevention of disease and the care and promotion of health. The country is divided into districts and nurses are maintained in each of these to care for the sick in the homes and to hold classes for the promotion of public health. These nurses are under orders from the head office, at Ottawa, but a Dis­trict Committee is organized in each district to take charge of the nurses. The officers of the District Committee in Smiths Falls are President, Mrs. A. Foster; Vice President, Mrs. W. H. Kerfoot; Treasurer, Mrs. G. F. McKimm; Sec'y, Miss A. E. Buchan. There is also a finance committee, a nursing committee and a publicity committee. Miss E. Laird is the local nurse and has been in this dis­trict for about sixteen months, coming to Smiths Falls in October 1926. The V. O. N. was organized here in 1924. The Order makes no charge for educational visits, when advice is given and only a small charge for visits where actual bedside care is given. In cases where the sick person cannot afford to pay, no charge is made and there were 73 free visits made during 1927. A total of 2,853 visits were made during that year, 453 being educational visits. The Well Baby Conference is conducted every Thursday in the Library Hall with Miss Laird in charge. At this clinic, Miss Laird weighs and measures the babies and each is given an examination, the nurse then advising the mother as to the baby's health. The attendance at this conference in 1927 was 882 and 99 babies were put under the care of a doctor. 296 Child Welfare visits were also made during the past year. The Victorian Order of Nurses has indeed rendered wonderful service in Smiths Falls and the growth of this Order is truly marvellous.

FACT No. 2 0

THE CANADIAN LEGION

When Canada went to the assistance of the mother country in the Great War in 1914, Smiths Falls rallied to the flag and sent her youth out to fight for the King and Country. After four years of fighting and life in the trenches, what remained of the Smiths Falls band returned to their home town and it was then, at the close of the war, that the Great War Veterans' Association was formed, the Smiths Falls branch having a small membership, as many local soldiers were still in France. Mr. E. J. Parsons, the present postmaster, was the first president and the meetings were held in a small room on Main Street. In 1919, however, the membership had increased to about 175 and, during the presidency of Mr. C. H. McKimm, the "Vets" moved to the present clubrooms on Beckwith street, an im­mense improvement over the small room in which the Association was first housed. In May, 1927, the Canadian Legion of the British Em­pire Service Legion came into being uniting all Canadian Veterans' Societies into one, and the G. W. V. A. became the Canadian Legion. Every Canadian, who has served in any way during the war, is eligible for membership in this organization which boasts an enormous mem­bership throughout Canada. The present membership in the local branch is about 100 members and the officers for the present year are as follows:-President, Mr. Ken. Foster; Vice-President, Mr. Norm Douglas; Sec'y-Treasurer, Mr. Don Grant. Mr. Thomas Pull, who is in charge of the clubrooms, has been a member of the G.W.V.A. since it was first organized and was also the oldest man from Smiths Falls to see actual service at the front. Many thrilling stories could be heard if Canadian Legion members would talk of their exploits and many members possess enviable records and medals. The Club Rooms are comfortably furnished and provide a pleasant place to spend an evening. An English billiard table, many card tables, a gramophone, piano etc., provide entertainment for the members and many a splendid evening has been spent here. The Club Rooms are maintained by the Town.

FACT No. 21

THE REBEKAHS

The Order of Rebekahs is one of the world's foremost women's organizations and is claimed to be the oldest women's fraternal society in the world. The order is founded upon the familiar Bible story and the Rebekahs are affiliated with the Oddfellows' Order. The Rebekahs, like the Oddfellows, have a world wide existence. The Order of Rebekahs was first organized in Smiths Falls twelve years ago in April when Chimes Rebekah Lodge was instituted by Miss Linda Clark of Cornwall, past president of the Rebekah Assembly of Ontario, and at that time president of the Rebekah Assembly of Ontario. At institution, Chimes Lodge Degree work was exemplified by the Maple Leaf Lodge, Brockville, in which district Smiths Falls had been placed. Since the institution of Chimes Lodge in Smiths Falls, similar organi­zations have been instituted in Perth, Carleton Place and Kemptville, and the Chimes Lodge assisted in conferring the degree work at the instituting of these. Chimes Lodge was instituted with 63 members and the membership has steadily increased until today there are over two hundred upon the roll. Recently the Almonte District was or­ganized to take care of the growth of this branch of the Order in this part of the Province, and Smiths Falls was transferred to this Dis­trict. Chimes Lodge has, been honored with the appointment of a Grand Lodge Officer, a number of District Deputy Presidents and the appointment of several of its members to Grand Lodge Committees. This Society is strong financially, fraternally and socially, and is one of the most progressive ladies' organizations in Smiths Falls. It per­forms much benevolent work among its members and, known as the "social degree" of the Order with which it is affiliated, Chimes Lodge seeks to promote social relations and financially and materially assists in the maintenance of the Oddfellows' Home in Toronto. The Re­bekahs meet twice each month in the Oddfellows' Hall.

FACT No. 22

THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS

On April 17th begins an annual drive of the League of Nations to secure membership and funds for their society and this drive will be a Dominion-wide campaign. Throughout Canada, in almost every City and Town, are societies which are known as League of Nations Societies, and Smiths Falls has only recently organized one of these. This week, at a public meeting, held in the Library Hall, a League of Nations committee was formed, the officers being, Chair­man, Dr. C. A. Patterson; Treasurer, D. S. Noad; Secretary, P. A. McKeown; Publicity Committee, Mrs. J. L. Callan, convener; Speakers' Committee, Mrs. Chas. O'Reilly, convener; Field Workers' Committee, Mrs. S. J. Wark, convener; Executive Committee, Mrs. C. L. B. Stammers, Mrs. T. DeMuy, Messrs. H. H. Layng, Mayor D. H. Gemmell, F. M. Rutter and J. S. Gould. This Society's purpose is to create interest in the League of Nations through meetings, the dis­tribution of literature, etc., and also to secure members and funds for the League. The officers and members will be very busy during the early part of next month, in preparing for the great drive which will undoubtedly result in an enormous increase in Canadian members of the League of Nations. Up to this time there had been no League of Nations society in the town, and interest in the League was only aroused by a League of Nations committee of the Local Council of Women, this council being instrumental in the organization of the present society. The Public Schools hold a corporate membership in the League as does the Collegiate Institute and there are many other corporate, family and individual members throughout Smiths Falls. A programme for the great campaign of the League is now being plan­ned and it is expected that local membership will be greatly increased when the drive is over.

FACT No. 2 3

THE I.O.D.E.

During the Boer War, in 1900, the late Mrs. Clark Murray, of Mon­treal, conceived the idea of a great Empire organization of women. Mrs. Murray realized the need of organization and finally achieved the formation of an order which now exists, not only in Canada, but in the Bermudas, Ba­hamas, India, Newfoundland, and even among the British people in the United States. This organization is the Imperial Order of Daughters of the Empire, endorsed and approved by the King and based upon all that is best and noblest in the world. The motto of the order is, "One Flag, One Throne, One Empire," and it aims to bind the women of the Empire together into a strong, compact body. The Daughters of the Empire in Canada, boast, today, a membership of over 30,000 and there are 700 Chapters throughout the Dominion. The Poonahmalee Chapter of the 1.O.D.E. was organized in January, 1913, with only 10 charter members upon the roll. Since then, the local Chapter has grown to a great degree and is now a pow­erful organization among the women of the Town. The Daughters of the Empire are engaged in every sort of worthy cause and to enumerate them would be like counting the sands of the sea-it cannot be done. They do not seek publicity and praise for what they have done on behalf of their beloved country and their satisfaction is found in service. The local Chap­ter performed wonderful work during the Great War in assisting the soldiers and providing for their needs, and since then they have been engaged in var­ious good works. The Chapter donates a scholarship of $100.00 in cash to be competed for by S. F. C. 1. Students and this means much to the boys and girls of Smiths Falls. The present officers of the Poonahmalee Chapter are, Honorary Regent, Mrs. J. E. Ruby; Regent, Mrs. Chas. O'Reilly; 1st Vice Regent, Mrs. R. Hawkins; 2nd Vice-Regent, Mrs. G. F. McKimm; Secre­tary, Mrs. W. J. Wilson; Treasurer, Mrs. W. A. Gray; Educational Sec'y, Mrs. A. R. Cawdron; Echoes Secretary, Mrs. A. McGillivray;      Standard Bearer, Mrs. W. McCouan. Ten Councilors are also upon the executive. The local Daughters of the Empire meet on the first Saturday of each month in the Library Hall. The St. Eloi Chapter will be dealt with later.

Fact No. 29

ELGIN PUBLIC SCHOOL

The latest enterprise of the Smiths Falls Board of Education is the fine, new Elgin Public School, an imposing structure situated in the eastern part of the Town. Elgin school was erected in 1916 to replace the former school which was destroyed by fire on February 9th, 1916. The site for the building, comprising four and one half acres, was purchased at a cost of $6,750.00 and the total cost of the school, including site, building and equipment totaled $55,000.00. Newlands and Son, of Kingston, were architects for the building and the school was erected by John Davidson. The building is valued to­day at $75,000.00. The first principal of Elgin School was J. B. Bal­four. The school is a fine, substantial building, modern in every way and equipped with up-to-date necessities. It contains eight large and roomy class rooms, besides a spacious playroom in the basement. The members of the Board of Education that year were Messrs. E. H. Wickware, W. Sutherland, H. Sutton, G. A. Crate, R. Tassie, W. H. Churchill and J. J. Gardiner. The present teaching staff comprises Mr. W. J. McShane, as principal, and Misses Hazel Shields, Margaret McCreary, Elizabeth Weekes, Helen Elward, Hira Ower, Elizabeth Woods and Vera Chalmers. This concludes the history of the Smiths Falls Schools, which, we hope, has furnished interesting reading to many in Smiths Falls as well as numerous subscribers who are now in far away places. Many who received their early education in local schoolhouses will read with pleasure the history of Smiths’ Falls schools and bring back those cherished memories of their school days. Smiths Falls today boasts an educational system that might well be envied by larger towns. Each school is equipped with the latest conveniences and the board has indeed been fortunate in securing school accommo­dation at such low prices. The Record-News is indebted to the Secretary of the Board of Education, Mr. John McEwen, for much of the information contain­ed in these articles.

FACT No. 33

THE HIGHWAYS

Smiths Falls is blessed by being connected with neighboring towns and cities by excellent highways. A net work of excellent roads lead out of Smiths Falls and the motorist is enabled to make week-end trips today which a few years ago would have been im­possible. All highways are in fair shape, conditions varying from very good to fair, and these roads annually bring a large number of motor tourists to Smiths Falls. The main arteries are the Provincial Highway, leading from Ottawa to Kingston, and the road from Brockville to Carleton Place. The Provincial Highway is in splendid condition practically all of the way and takes in a large number of towns along the way. Smiths’ Falls motorists, however, when jour­neying to Ottawa, generally take the Carleton Place route, thus shortening the trip by several miles. Starting from the Post Office, the motorist continues down Elmsley Street, turning onto Cornelia Street, through the subway, and continuing on the Carleton Place road which connects with the Provincial Highway at Carleton Place. The Provincial Highway makes a loop, taking in Perth, but by trav­elling direct to Carleton Place the local motorist saves many miles. The Kingston Highway is reached by going South on Beckwith street and turning to the right at the bridge, continuing along Lombard street. To get to Brockville, the local motorist simply continues straight along Beckwith Street, onto Brockville Street and then onto the Brockville road. At Brockville, this road connects with Provin­cial Highway number 2 and the motorist may continue too many other towns and cities. There are many motorists in Smiths Falls and all are quite familiar with these highways. Week-end trips to nearby towns and cities are made and the highways have become things of paramount importance in Smiths Falls.

FACT No. 3 7

PARKING SPACE

Municipal Councils in large towns and cities are given consid­erable worry over the parking problem. In late years the number of car owners has increased until today the problem which makes them see distorted visions of parking lines in their dreams is the necessity of finding spots upon which the car owner may park his cherished auto­mobile. Smiths Falls is exceptionally fortunate in having little or no parking problems. When the founders of the town laid out Smiths Falls they were evidently looking toward the future for the main streets were of a far greater width than usual and today there is plenty of room to park cars in the centre of the streets. This centre system of parking has proven itself to be the most convenient as it does not impede traffic in either direction. Beckwith Street, Smiths Falls' main thoroughfare, is wide enough to allow cars to be parked in the centre, yet leave a wide avenue for traffic on either side. From Russell Street down to the bridge, parking spaces are marked out, and on the mark­ed portion of Beckwith Street alone there is sufficient space to park eighty-seven cars. On Saturday nights and holidays, the upper por­tion of Beckwith Street from Russell Street is also utilized as a parking space and another large number of cars can be accommodated. Main Street is another parking area which can accommodate a large number of cars. From Market, street to the west end of Main, parking spaces are marked out and on the marked portion alone, 125 cars can be parked. There is a large portion of Main Street which is not marked and many other cars could be parked here. Thus, with exceptional parking advantages, Smiths Falls is well prepared to take care of a large increase in the number of car owners. There are already many cars in Smiths Falls, but parking space is ample for the present number and the traffic problem will not worry the Town Council for some years at least.

FACT No. 12

THE SKATING RINK

Down on Winnifred Street, near the C. P. R. station, a weather beaten old building raises its rounded head and, on a frosty night, Smiths Falls’ folks stream through its battered doors to enjoy an exhilarating evening upon their skates. This building is the Winnifred Street Arena and the scene of many a Smiths Falls hockey victory. It is a far jump from the first Smiths Falls skating rink to the present day structure. The first rink in town was situated on Lock Street, and although built for curling was run as a skating rink in later years but it soon went out of date and Captain Foster erected a new ice palace near Daniel Street. A new curling rink was also built in the rear of the skating arena and these rinks lasted for many years Capt. Foster's arena was also used for roller skating. Previous to this time there was another roller skating ring upon the present site of the public library. The present Winnifred Street Arena was built in 1912 by Robert Trench, of Teeswater, a gentleman who was, and still is, greatly interested in hockey and skating. Mr. Trench also built sever­al other rinks in different towns at about the same time and he still retains some of these rinks. The Arena proved popular from the first and all of the Senior and Town League games were played upon the Arena ice. The local rink boasts one of the largest ice surfaces in Ontario, the ice sheet having an area of 240 by 76 feet. The rink is a very large one and, though it has never really been packed to capacity, it is estimated that over 2500 fans could be comfortably placed to witness a hockey game. Three dressing rooms are provided for the hockey teams and are completely equipped and well heated. There are also two large rooms on the left and right of the entrance for the comfort of hockey patrons and where skaters may don and doff their blades. A completely equipped restaurant is maintained the building and the rink compares favorably with structures in larger towns. Mr. R. Chapman is manager of the rink and he has two assistants, regularly employed to keep the ice surface in shape. The newly formed Junior Hockey League will also play its schedule games at the Winnifred Street Arena which, despite its years of hectic hoc­key battles is still "going strong."