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."