The Practical Scrapbook

Compiled by Evelyn (Bole) Storey, of Pakenham.

Received from George Stewart of Almonte - [email protected]

Page Forty-Nine

Mr. R. A. Stewart, Reeve of Pakenham, proudly announces the official opening of the Pakenham Fire Hall. The opening cutting of the ribbon and presentation of the keys took place Saturday, December 11, just before the Christmas parade.

Page Fifty

Two members of the Pakenham Horticultural Society arrange flowers in the Barr Memorial Trophy during the Society's show Saturday. The trophy goes to the member of the society who has done the most work for it.

Page Fifty-One

November 2, 1975 marked the occasion of the fortieth wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Joe Bowman of Fitzroy Harbour . Mr. and Mrs. Bowman were married in All Saints Anglican Church, Westboro by the late Colonel Stacey. They have made their home in Fitzroy Harbour for many years. On the actual anniversary of their wedding the couple went out for dinner with their family and the week prior to their anniversary, their children organized a big surprise party for them at the Royal Canadian Legion in Arnprior. Mr. and Mrs. Bowman's family are son Grant of Perth, his wife and their children Rodney, Glenn and Heather; son Eddie, his wife and their children Perry and Lisa and daughter Bessie, her husband Robert McGuire and their children Linda, Karen and Scott.

Kemptville College Grad - Earl Bruce Campbell, son of Mr. and Mrs. R. J. Campbell of White Lake graduated from the Kemptville College of Agricultural technology Of May 8, 1970 .

Page Fifty-Two

IRISHTOWN

Now Howard Sadler, as everyone knows,

Is a man who walks on his heels and his toes;

He lives on a farm right forninst Irishtown,

Growing beans and potatoes most all the year round.

He's lived on this farm some hundreds of years,

Growing spinach and squash and corn in the ears,

And carrots and beets and peas in the pod;

Sure, all come up smiling when Howard turns sod.

In summer he'll fill up the back of the truck

With produce of garden and field and the muck,

And off into town he'll drive with the stuff,

And everyone wonders "Has be brought us enough?"

He'll stop at the houses and talk till noon bell

With gossip and stories, all news fit to tell,

Of things agricultural, local, historical,

And nary a word of it merely rhetorical.

One day I asked Howard, in spite of his fame,

"Do you mind all the Irish? Remember their names?

All of your neighbours, their houses, and, well,

If Irishtown talked, what do you think it would tell?"

Well, Howard, he stopped and he wrinkled his brow

He stared past the hedges, the pond and the plough

He pushed at his chin with a three-fingered hand

Took a deep breath, and thus he began.

The Old Country Doctor. A tribute to the late Dr. A. A. Metcalfe

Years have passed since those old days,

And I think I can see him yet,

The Country Doctor, coming along,

Our worries and troubles, we'd soon forget.

When sickness came into our home

We tried every remedy that we knew

When all things seemed to fail,

We'd call our doctor, and he'd come through.

Snow-filled roads or sleet and rain

Our good old doctor always came,

His step at the door, and a shake of the hand

Was always welcome, for he'd understand.

His horse was put in the stable and fed,

And doctor was ready, with his patient in bed,

The temperature he'd take, and a look at the tongue

And then his medical work was begun.

The concern was seen in his keen old eyes,

But the sick little patient got no surprise

For he was as kind as he could be

And they soon felt better when him they'd see.

When a new baby was on its way,

He'd settle down, prepared to stay.

Till the new-comer arrived, and all was done,

Pleased that it was over, he'd head for home.

He was our doctor for forty years,

Always sharing our joys and tears,

A friend on whom we could depend

Down through the years, to the very end.

We missed him so when he passed away

One cold and stormy winter's day.

But a just reward will surely come

For the good deeds that he has done.

MRS. FLORENCE WATT, Almonte , Ontario .

Page Fifty-Three

Pakenham W.I. 50th Anniversary - Mrs. Elsa Stewart was hostess for the December meeting of Pakenham Women's Institute on Tuesday evening, December 14, when about forty-five ladies partook of a delicious dinner at 6 p.m. Members of Appleton W. I. were guests on this occasion and helped Pakenham celebrate its 50th anniversary. Special anniversary guests included Mrs. Catherine Wilson, first president, Mrs. Edith Aselford, first secretary, Mrs. Winnifred McKenzie, first vice-president, and Miss Flora Sadler. Mrs. McKenzie and Miss Sadler are the only charter members who have continued in active membership throughout the fifty years. Both are life members of Pakenham W.I. Blue and gold candles were lighted by the ladies who had been officers in 1926, and they as well as the District President, Mrs. Marion Timmins of Appleton, were each presented with a rose. Other special guests were two local 4-H leaders, Mrs. Bev. Pirie and Mrs. Verna Humphries. After dinner the regular business meeting took place with Mrs. Stewart presiding, assisted by the secret and treasurer, Mrs. Marion Dodds.

Word from the Public Health nurse indicated that the swine flu vaccine is available at the doctor's office.

A letter from Mr. Armstrong, principal of Pakenham Public School, invited the members of the W.I. to the school concert on the evening of December 20.

Appreciation and thanks were tendered the 4-H club leaders, who were each presented with a gift. Mrs. Pirie and Mrs. Humphries replied suitably.

Mrs. Timmins spoke briefly mentioning a few dates to remember, January 17 at 8 p.m. in the G. L. Comba School , Almonte, Peggy Hemphill, our representative from Subdivision 3 at the P. E. I. Conference will tell, with the use of slides, of her experience there. The District Annual for Lanark North is May 25 at Hopetown. There is to be a W.I. Rally on Wednesday, June 15 in Pembroke.

The program was under the convenorship of the branch directors, Mrs. Hilda Saunders and Mrs. Marg Sauerman.

Christmas was in the air and all present were provided with listening and involvement all the way from sense to nonsense.

Mrs. Annie Barr's paper, entitled "A Christmas Message" had a beauty all its own and presented a challenge and a hope for this season. With Mrs. Dorothy Deugo at the piano, a series of carols were sung and enjoyed at intervals throughout the program. The fun began when each lady had to burst a balloon and follow the orders given on a note inside it.

Mrs. Edith Craig on behalf of Appleton members thanked Pakenham Institute and Mrs. Stewart for the lovely evening.

Among others who expressed appreciation was Mrs. Marg Ferguson, who on behalf of the local members thanked our gracious and generous hostess for all her kindness.

Page Fifty-Four

Mr. and Mrs. Green of Arnprior enjoyed themselves at St, Michael's Parish Hall, Tea and Bazaar. December 1, 1976 - The Arnprior Guide.

Page Fifty-Five

Siren blowing, the Pakenham Township Fire Truck leaves the newly constructed Fire Hall during opening ceremonies. The new hall was built in accordance with Glenn Timmins Construction Ltd., and Glen Timmins himself present the hall keys to the Fire Chief.

Page Fifty-Six

Senior Citizens have their day - A picnic for Senior Citizens was held on Wednesday August 4th in Carp Agricultural Hall. There was a large attendance of members who came from Pakenham, Kinburn, Carp, Fitzroy Harbour and Kanata. Mr. Dave Eastman, president of Kinburn - Fitzroy Club opened the programme with the singing of "O Canada" with Miss Ruby Colton at the piano. This was followed by the Lord's Prayer. Fitzroy Harbour, under Mr. Morley Smith put on their programme. Dancing was enjoyed with the following taking part - Michelle Harris, Kerri Craig, Kim Willis, Leanne Sawyer, Jeanne Martin, Patty Kelly and Tracy Phillion, Pady Nado from Carlsbad Springs stepped danced. They each received a silver dollar. Mrs. Bessie Gillan, as president of Pakenham Senior Citizens brought on their programme. The choir under the leadership of Mrs. Thora Pugh sang many songs which were thoroughly enjoyed by all. Mrs. Heather Skuce was at the piano. Mrs. Thora Pugh sang a solo entitled " Sunrise and Sunset" after narrating the story of the song. Lunch was served at 12 o'clock with Alf Hudson saying "Grace". The programme resumed at 1 p.m. and Mr. Leo Colton from Ottawa spoke to the members about the Westboro Club and closed his speech with a few stories. He also told them about the Ten Commandments for Senior Citizens.

1. Speak to people.

2. Smile.

3. Call people by name.

4. Be friendly and helpful.

5. Be Cordial.

6. Be generous with praise.

7. Consider the feelings of others.

8. Be alert and ready to give service.

9. Be humorous.

10. Be humble and patient and you will be rewarded many times.

Mr. Colton reminded the members to (no more info)

Keys to Rev. Murray A. McBride - Stewart House Received By United Church Sun. Sunday, afternoon, Stewart House, Pakenham, located close to Pakenham's famed five-arch stone bridge, was formally presented to the Ottawa and Renfrew Presbyteries of the United Church of Canada. The key to the house was presented to Rev. Murray A. McBride, Minister of Grace St. Andrew's United Church Arnprior, and chairman of the Board of Directors of Stewart House Incorporated. Mrs. R. A. Stewart formally handed over the keys to Stew­art House and neighboring dor­mitory residence, the "White House" to Rev. McBride in an outdoor ceremony. She spoke briefly of her dreams and aspirations, and said how much she had enjoyed the help and cooperation of her fellow-workers. Rev. McBride expressed his gratitude and said he was speaking for some 85,000 individuals in the two Presbyteries. He termed the gift by Mr. and Mrs. R. A. Stewart "a magnificent gift", and had high words of praise for all those involved in bringing this dream to fruition. The Arnprior clergyman said he was positive that their efforts would be more than justified by the results from the establishment of this center for Christian Conferences and Leadership Development. Special Speaker Rev , George Young, Executive Director, "Five Oaks", a United Church Christian Workers' Centre, Paris, Ontario, said in his address that every newborn babe indicates the Creator's Faith in humanity. There is, he assured the large gathering, a wonderful new movement afoot in the world. A movement which had spread beyond the actual walls of the Church itself - a blending and cooperation of divergent faiths - a coming together of races. Stewart House, Five Oaks and many others are part and parcel of this wonderful, hopeful justification of God's faith in His world. Rev. J. D. Carson, Ottawa, pronounced the Benediction. Large Gathering. Parking facilities in the area were strained, and more than 500 guests signed the book as they entered the stone home through a doorway more than a century old. They viewed the beamed dining hall, descended to the lower assembly hall, and up into the top floor studio. Guests also toured the White House dormitory next door.

Page Fifty-Seven

Above is the Arnprior High School 4th form (Grade 12), 1924. Front row, left to right: Frank Cunningham, Donald MacNab, Ken Morgan, Willie Nesbitt, Lloyd Wilson. Second row: Kay Beattie, Geraldine Boyce, Jessie DeRenzy, Mary Moles, Jessie Munro, Jean Grierson, Calista Gormley, Van Mulvihill, Thelma Hanson. Third row: Mabel Nesbitt, Grace Taylor, Clara Rowan, Edith Mathewson, Audrey MacDougall, Bea Thomilson. Fourth row: Gladys Fulton, Bessie Penney, Gertrude Lynch, Ethel Moles, Zella Morgan, Mary Stewart, Audrey Charbonneau. Fifth row: Edna Rowan, Hilda Charbonneau, Mary Coburn, Miss Stewart (teacher), Louise Savoy. Sixth row: Haldane Reid, Tom Scanlon, Francis Nugent, Roy McLaren, Ferguson Clifford, Phil Cranston and Sam Greene.

Page Fifty-Eight

-- PAKENHAM 1976 --

Another year has rolled around

And so I take pen in hand

And try to compose another poem

About Pakenham our fair land.

We hope our theme is known far and wide

As I'm sure of it you often hear

For there's something of interest in Pakenham

At any time of the year.

In summer we have celebrations

On mostly every occasion.

You can play ball or go swimming

Or just on the beach be lazing.

You might go see Wendy

And learn at her Eldercraft Shop

And at the new leathercraft store

Now don't forget to stop.

You can cross our Five Span Stone Bridge

And get to Andrew Dickson's studio and craft shop,

There you'll find quilts, stained glass windows, and Pottery

But be sure you don't let them drop.

Now in Pakenham you will find

You can get groceries at Scott's or Mann's

Get your hair done at Eleanor's or Debbie's

And get gas or oil at Langford's or McCanns.

You can get your electrical supplies at Bradleys,

Your hardware at John Parish's Store.

But if its eating you want to do

Why Chenier's and Centennial have it galore.

There are other sources of business

In Pakenham all year.

And in case you think I've forgotten them,

I'll try to name them here.

Go to Branje's or Barr's for your welding

For Plumbing and heating John Early or Deugo Bros. get

Travel by Barr's own bus lines,

And Ed Coady's lumber pro­ducts don't forget.

There's Scheel's butcher where they sell steaks and roasts

There's a good fire hall next door of which we often boast,

We have a fine library where you can get good reading

And cross the corner is the Dr's office sometimes you might be needing.

There's the Royal Bank on the main street

Our fine school where the children are bused to and fro

The Council Chambers on the corner,

And to Berry's for feed you might go.

There's Wood's fleet of trucks

Which draw cattle far and near

And right beside it is Stewart House

While there you may have no fear.

Peter Lehman has moved out of the village

To a new home fairly near,

But don't you worry folks

Because he still sells John Deere

There may be a few I have left out,

Now I didn't intend it you hear?

But if I have forgotten you,

I'll try to remember next year.

We're so proud of our fair village

Where there's nothing but good will,

And you may worship at St. Andrews ,

Or St. Marks or Peter Celestine on the hill.

Now if it's sports you have a liking to

There's the curling rink where you might raise your hopes,

And if that doesn't entice you,

You might go to Mount Pakenham 's slopes.

Now this time of year is really important here

As each one rushes on his ways,

There's an awful hustle and bustle

As it's Winter Carnival Days­--

There's so much activity in ten short days,

Be it skating, dancing or skidooing trips.

Contest for Miss Pakenham and Lumber Jacks and suppers

The pace would nearly make you flip.

This started out to be a short poem

I got carried away, that's clear

But remember there's "Something of interest in Pakenham"

At any time of the year. M. L.

No one seems to know for sure what people want these days, except that they won't accept a cent less.

Page Fifty-Nine

Sept. 1, 1955 - Family Herald and Weekly Star, September

Tuxedo School - No. 3208, with the author's car and tent in the background. Saskatchewan Pilgrimage. LAST JULY, 3rd, at half past eleven Winnipeg time, I sat on the steps of a one-room school fifty miles northwest Moose Jaw . While I talked with a tanned farmer, of forty-five years about Saskatchewan 's past and present, I watched the daylight fade over the Vermilion Hills. I saw the little shack, east of a  house at the bottom of the hill fade into the shadows. That little shack was the place I stayed in Western Canada , thirty-nine years ago; the school where I had pitched my tent, was my first teaching appointment on the prairie; the farmer, beside me, was one of my six, Grade One pupils. This visit was a return pilgrimage. I had been motoring from Winnipeg to the mountains when I noticed a road leading to Ernfold. Ernfold! The name brought back memories. The summer of 1915 I had travelled West by day coach to take charge of Tuxedo School, number 3208. Passing through Brandon I had pointed to a large building on the hill. "That's the asylum." My companion said. "It is filled with women who have gone crazy from loneliness on the prairie." I thought of his words as I got off the train at Ernfold and was met by a farmer, a fair haired, little Cockney with a wisp of a moustache. Leaving Ernfold we followed a trail winding past sloughs, bumping over the prairie towards the darkening hills. I heard the mournful call of coyotes but my driver paid them no heed. Welcoming Gophers. At last we carne to Dick Cleland's two-roomed shack. I was told that I could sleep in the kitchen until I found a boarding place. It was generous of them as Mrs. Cleland was expecting another child. The shack now lost in the night shadows was the same old shack; the boy who had peeked from behind Mrs. Cleland's skirt that night was the farmer beside me. I remember I arrived early at my school the next morning, after walking two miles over a rough prairie trail. Then the school had stood at the junction of two trails. (Later moved to present site.) It was painted white, the only painted building for miles. The students hadn't arrived but there was a welcoming committee of gophers. They popped out of their holes and looked at me in a friendly manner. Later I decided they weren't so friendly. The pupils and I started a garden. Our lettuce, onions, and radishes came up only to be eaten by those same gophers. The pupils waged war on them, carrying water for a quarter of a mile to drown them out of their holes; they put cord snares over their holes - but the gophers won the battle. After a few days I went to board at Oliver Kerr's. It was a mile closer to the school and I had a room to myself. Today there are trees around the house, but then there wasn't a tree for fifteen miles. I remember asking one of my pupils, who had made a trip to see the trees, how he liked them. "Fine," he said, "but trees don't look like I though they would." I asked Oliver's father, who had come from north of Lake Superior how he liked the prairie. "It would be all right if I could only see a tree," he said, sighing. "My eyes get tired just looking for trees." To partly pay for my board, I helped Oliver with his job as secretary-treasurer for the Municipality. It seemed as if every farmer was behind in his taxes. But no wonder as there had be a crop failure in 1914. Oliver was hard working but lacked patience, and then he farmed with oxen. His language would have blistered the ears off mules, but his oxen simply chew their cuds. I stayed with him for a month; then as Mrs. Kerr was 'expecting' I was asked to look for another place. I had trouble finding one where there hadn't been a baby just born, or another one expected. A Bachelor Shack. I finally moved from Kerr's to a shack where I was to batch for the rest of the summer. It had two rooms, rough boarded, with a sod wall at the back.  It was vacant because the old man, who had lived in it, had committed suicide just before my arrival. I never saw any ghosts. The truth was that any decent ghost would have stayed away from it. Batching then, as now isn't my forte. But frequent invitations to Oliver's for a meal, and getting one meal a day at old Mr. Kerr's for twenty-five cents, saved me from starvation. I had another bright idea. I would shoot jackrabbits, take one as a gift to a farmers' wife, and in return I would get invited to a home-cooked meal. To get milk to drink I milked Mr. Boss's cow and was paid in milk. They lived in a sod shack set in the side of a hill. One evening I stayed for supper. It had rained. The sod roof was overgrown with grass. Their calf, not knowing where the roof began and the hill ended, stepped onto the roof to graze. Just as we were eating cooked dried apples, the calf's leg came through the roof, sprinkling the apples with earth. I wasn't the only student teaching summer school on the prairie. One Sunday morning I borrowed a horse and rode off to visit Isabel McDougall. She was teaching in Log Valley, about seven miles to the Northwest. We had been at Queen's University together and I just had to see a familiar face to banish a wave of homesickness... and to talk over the problems of teaching summer schools. The trail through the hills was seldom used but I had no trouble following it in daylight. We had our visit, decided that summer schools had disadvantages because they could only be open such a few months each year; the pupils had different teachers every year, and to study in the heat was sometimes torture. Since, I've learned that the finest people on the prairies began their education in those lonely, little prairie schools. But that night it was dark before I started back to my bachelor shack. The darkness didn't worry me. Western horses, I had been told, always knew their way home. My horse turned out to be an Ontario immigrant like myself. I let him have his head. He trotted for a bit then lagged and decided to graze. I allowed it for a few minutes then urged him on. Again he stopped. I dismounted to see if we were on the trail. We weren't and all I could see was the dim outlines of hills that looked alike. I was lost. I might ride in a circle for miles without finding a house in this ranch land country. I listened. There was no sound of even a coyote, but thinking of them I had an idea. I mounted my horse, and howled like a coyote ... or as near as I could manage. A Lead Home. I listened. Far off I heard the barking of a dog. That meant a house. I rode towards the bark, stopping often to imitate a coyote, then ride on. Finally my howling and the dog's barking led me to a house. I shouted hello and a farmer stuck his head out of an upstairs window. I told him I was lost. He grunted then turned to explain to his enquiring wife. "It's that damn fool teacher from Tuxedo .. he's lost." But he gave me my directions and I finally reached my shack. But what about my teaching? I was pretty ignorant about teaching small children. I am not sure that I gave them a great deal. World War One was in its second year and my mind was divided. The next spring I enlisted. They were like able children and mostly eager to learn. Sam Cleland assured me that the ones who still lived there were good citizens. Perhaps that is as much as I should expect. Finally I said goodnight to Sam and crawled into my sleeping bag. I lay there thinking about the prairie changes. Many of the people I knew had moved away. In 1915 I could stand on the top of a hill and see the sun's rays on a score of houses; today the farms have become larger; the houses fewer but larger too. They are painted and have trees and telephones and radios. In spite of the homes being further apart there is not the same isolation: the same loneliness. Today they can get a doctor quickly .. get to town .. to church. In those days the road were trails; today there are gravel roads. The next morning, at daybreak, I was driving along one of them to a concrete highway .. away from the past, toward the future.

Page Sixty

Pakenham Curling Club - (Read by Mrs. Art Gillan at the Club's thirtieth birthday)  

A rink for Pakenham's curling throng

For many a year has been getting along

So I take off my hat to those boys of old

If it wasn't for them, no stories would be told.

The skeptics said it couldn't be done

It'd take too much money to make it run

But they practically told them to go to hell

They were building a rink and doing it well.

So with perseverance and many "I think"

They succeeded in building a curling rink.

Now that was the time when things were tough

And many a family were getting it rough,

But they were the boys that couldn't be licked

And built it of cedar when they couldn't buy brick.

Now most of those boys have passed along

I hope up there a happy throng,

I like to think they are watching as

And now and again are making a fuss.

So in there grand celestial nook

Are keeping tab of the ice we took,

And a voice is heard with a golden chime

Now make that shoot right down the line.

He's missed his ice and on that side

He is going to be away too wide,

And someone says with a bit of a wink

If he were out much more, he'd have missed the rink.

Now he has forgot what he was taught

We showed them how to make that shot,

You know how well we all can curl

From a clubhouse seat by a beautiful girl.

But think how much better you could do

With an angel sitting up close to you.

Looking back now we understand

A language they brought from some foreign land.

But we didn't always follow the rules

And maybe we played like a bunch of fools,

They often laughed at the things we did

But experience has taken off the lid.

Like once when Reggie Downey was lead

The skip, he wanted a better speed,

A little on it now would do

So on the rock came Reggie too.

To Ollie once the skip did shoot

I wish that you'd knock Dudly out

So Ollie heaving up a rock

He would have give him quite a shock.

but Alex came up on the run

And showed him how it should be done,

The skip says Donald's much too fast

And by that rock is going past,

But Percy saw a helper's need and sprinkled some alfalfa seed.

Georgie Noonan tells with care

How he and Donald and Leslie Blair,

Would go to the county town of Perth

And play the game for all it was worth.

And nobody ever took a sup

But they always brought home the County Cup ,

Tough some say the Perth boys filled it up

So no wonder they played for the County Cup .

The Thompson cup for months did stay

And Almonte couldn't take it away,

Of course the wasn't all the time

But it generally was in the summer time.

Besides there was a jovial crew

Made Smith's Falls there Waterloo ,

When coming home the car froze up

They filled it up with the Soper Cup.

Ah those were the good old curling days

When the metals went forty different ways,

And noone then would hardly dare

To play Allan McCann or Attie Blair.

And Jack Forsythe said with a smile

I could hit a rock at half a mile.

If bringing it back weren't such a trial.

And Billie Wood could really shout

And always could hit a rock a clout,

He's built a fine political voice

But curling turned out to be his choice.

Some were the envy of every girl

For the boys all whistled when Alvira curled,

Susy just never did get caught

She'd take out seven and stay for shot

And Dudley he would draw like nothin

Around eleven rocks and stop on the button,

When Reggie played a faster shot

It would end up over in Fulton 's Shop.

But you should have seen what Robert got

When he took out Mary's and left us shot.

But Alex says if you think that's tough

You should play with Fanny when she got rough,

We have lots of curlers tried and true

And boys and girls we are proud of you,

So get one Briar, it's all we ask

For you it shouldn't be such a task.

With a club like ours that is just the best

I know you'll be able to beat the rest,

All the members thats here about

If you do your part we'll help you out.

Twenty-five years is quite a spell

For those who supported our rink so well,

We hope you'll be able and feeling spry

To help us make many more years go by.

I assure you no offense was meant

I wish you well in this poem I've sent.

Page Sixty-One

New George L. Comba School Opened Officially at Almonte - ALMONTE, March 21.--(Special) - The official opening of the new $80,000 George L. Comba Public School took place Friday night and a large gathering was on hand to see Mr. Comba hand the key over to Principal John C. Sutherland. The four-classroom school which accommodates 140 pupils was named in honor of Mr. Comba for his 35 years service as secretary-treasurer of the Public School Board. The school, which is H-shaped, has a combined area of 5,800 square feet. It was built in such a way that additional classrooms could be added in the future without changing the oil-heating system. Howard Davey was the general contractor and included in the list of sub-contractors were J. H. Martin of Almonte, who did the heating, plumbing, and ventilation, and A. W. Smith of Almonte who did the lighting. Senior School. D. Ward McGill, chairman of the Public School Board, acted as chairman for the opening ceremonies and Mayor Alex McDonald welcomed the guests. In receiving the key from Mr. Comba, Mr. Sutherland said he hoped to see the school grow and develop from a junior to a senior school.. Grades one to six are now being taught by Mr. Sutherland and the following staff: Miss A. Gillie, Miss M. Turner and Mrs. M. Turner. Arthur W. Smith, president of the Almonte branch of the Canadian Legion, made the presentation of the school flag and commended the school board for their work in the new project. J. W. Barber, inspector of public schools, spoke briefly and said everyone should feel proud and give, thanks for the new school. There would have to be many sacrifices made, however, until it was paid for. Dedication of the new school and the closing benediction was given by Rev. F. F. Reade of Almonte. During the evening Miss Judy DeSadeleer made the presentation of a bouquet of flowers to Mrs. G. L. Comba in appreciation for her services helping her husband carry out his duties during his recent illness. Members of the local Scouts were on hand to help during the ceremony and included in the guest list were the present, school board along with last year's members and members of the town council. At the close of the evening Mrs. John Sutherland and Mrs. George L. Comba poured tea and refreshments were served.  

Mrs. Mary Finn. - WAKEFIELD, March 21. (Special) - Funeral services for Mrs. Mary Elizabeth (McKim) Finn of Low, Que., who died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Ambrose Gannon of Low, were held from her daughter's home to St. Martin 's Roman Catholic Church, Martindale. Rev. F. Brennan, PP, officiated there and burial was in the parish cemetery. Mrs. Finn was a daughter of the late John McKim of Kingston and his wife, the former Mary Ann Cannon. She was born 86 years ago at Kingston and received her education there. She was twice married, first to Bartlett Johnston, who died in 1911, and in 1916 at Valleyfield to John Finn, who also predeceased her. She was a parishioner of St. Martin 's Church and a member of the Catholic Women's League. Surviving are two sons, Stanley Johnston, of Guelph, and Norval Johnston, of Huntingdon. Que., one daughter, Mrs. Gannon (Gladys); one brother, Charles McKim, of Kingston, and two sisters, Miss Susan McKim and Mrs. Ida Corrigan, both of Kingston. There are also 10 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Margo Sandra Wright - KEMPTVILLE, March 21. (Special) - The funeral service for little Margo Sandra Wright, 14-month-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Wright, was held Thursday at the Kidd and Dickinson funeral parlors with Rev. Stanley Kerrison, rector of St. James' Anglican Church, officiating. The little girl had been in poor health for some time and died on Wednesday. Surviving besides her parents is a brother, Wayne, and a sister, Wanda. The body was placed in the vault, for interment in the Spring in St. James Church cemetery.

Page Sixty-Two

The picture shows the Arnprior and area tour group at Killarney ( Ireland ) just before they went off for a ride on a jaunting cart. They are all decked out in rain wear as that was one of the few time they encountered rain.

Page Sixty-Three

The much photographed bridge at Pakenham

Page Sixty-Four

Pakenham five span bridge - a pretty scene any time of the year.

Page Sixty-Five

Pakenham Bridge

Page Sixty-Six

April 1976 - A roaring Mississippi plunges under the stone bridge at Pakenham and over the flat rocks and willows in the park. (D. W. McCuaig)

Page Sixty-Seven

GILES - Peacefully in hospital. Ottawa, Ontario on Saturday, January 19, 2002 . - William Mervin Giles - October 17, 1935 - January 19, 2002 - AT AGE 66. Beloved husband of Paula Mae Duncan. Dear father of Greg (Angela). Cedar Hill; Tracey (Mrs. Steve Rothwell), Cedar Hill; Tanya Giles-McMartin, Carp; Brent (Shelly (Affleck)), Almonte and Chris at home. Dear brother of Millie (Mrs. Russell Lowe), Almonte and Willard Giles, Arnprior. Dear brother-in-law to Alma Giles and Howard Boal. Also survived by 9 grandchildren Jennifer, Stacey, Corbin, Colin, Mellissa, Gavin, Rebecca, Zack, Megan and several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by 2 brothers Harvey, Jim and 3 sisters Myrtle, Eleanor and Marion. The Funeral. Friends called at the Kerry Funeral Home, 154 Elgin Street. Almonte for visiting on Wednesday from 12:00 noon until time of Memorial Service at 2:00 p.m. in the CHAPEL. Rev. S. Derek Shelly officiated. Donations made in memory of Mervin to the Almonte General Hospital would be appreciated by the family. Kerry Funeral Homes and Chapel

BLAIKIE - Peacefully in hospital, Almonte, Ontario ON Saturday, January 19, 2002 . - William Alexander Blaikie - April 8, 1919 - January 19, 2002 - AT AGE 82. Beloved husband of Elizabeth Cairney, Almonte. Dear father of William (Janet) Blaikie, Portsmouth, England, Ken Blaikie, Cornwall and John (Suzanne) Blaikie, Orleans. Dear brother of Nessie (Mrs. William Newbigging), Scotland. Also survived by 4 grandchildren Michelle, Katherine, Philip and Scott, Good friend of Peter and Sherry. The Funeral. Friends called at the Kerry Funeral Home, 154 Elgin Street, Almonte for visiting on Tuesday from 12:00 noon until 1:45 p.m. A private family funeral service was held in the CHAPEL at 2:00 p.m. Rev. James Ferrier officiating. Cremation and interment took place at Glenhaven Memorial gardens, Kingston , Ont. Donations made in the memory of Bill to the Almonte General Hospital would be appreciated by the Blaikie family. Kerry Funeral Homes and Chapel.

STEEN, Annie (nee Campbell ) On Tuesday, January 15, 2002 at home in her 98th year. Predeceased by husbands Clifford Cole and Earl Steen and brother Wallace Campbell. Beloved mother of Graham Cole (Marjorie), Georgia; Jim (Maureen) and Elaine of Ottawa. Cherished grandmother of Melanie of Toronto, Tom of Ottawa, Pam of Vancouver, Grant and Elaine of Georgia. Great-grandmother of Amanda and Tess of Toronto and Chad and Nicole Georgia. Annie was a great storyteller and loved to recite poetry. She will be greatly missed by friends, family and neighbours. Friends may visit at the West Chapel of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry, 150 Woodroffe Avenue (at Richmond Road) on Friday, January 18 from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel on Saturday, January 19 at 2 p.m. Interment at St. Mark's Anglican Cemetery, Pakenham in the Spring. Contributions to the charity of your choice would be appreciated. Hulse, Playfair & McGarry 728-1761

BARKER, ROBERT (BOB) JAMES - With courage and unimaginable strength and consideration for the family he loved and surrounded by that same family at his home on Tuesday, January 15, 2002 . Bob Barker of Almonte, age 57 years. Dearly loved husband of Agnes Shean and much loved dad of Corey and Tammy. Fondly remembered by his granddaughter, Breanna. Dear brother of Wanda Bellfountaine (Ken) of Calgary, Alberta; lan (Louise) of Almonte and Faye of Perth. Predeceased by his brother; Laurie. Much loved uncle, friend & co-worker. Friends called at the C.R. Gamble Funeral Home & Chapel 127 Church Street Almonte, Ontario. From 12 noon Friday until time of service in the Chapel at 2 p.m. Rev. S. Derek Shelly officiated. Interment of Cremated, remains, Auld Kirk Cemetery, Almonte. Donations in memory of Bob may be made to the Almonte General Hospital or Fairview Manor and would be greatly appreciated by his family.

The End of the Practical Scrapbook - 26 January, 2002 - Keith Thompson, Clayton, Ontario

Posted: 07 September, 2004.