September 17, 2014

Canada to benefit from war

From the Advocate – 100 years ago (1914)  
Dr. Adam Shortt, Civil Service Commissioner in Ottawa, says Canada will benefit economically from the war due to the heavy demand in Europe for food supplies and natural resources. Quebec has donated 4 million pounds of cheese to the “Mother Country”. Shortt said economists in England believe the war will be over in a few months as Austria and Germany are starved into submission.

F.E. Walker, Manager of the Union Bank in Erin, says a branch has been opened at the Valcartier Military Camp so money can be transferred directly to officers and men there. In England, the Earl of Darby has offered his private grounds for mobilization of the Canadian Expeditionary Force.

The Erin Advocate and the Family Herald of Montreal have a joint offer, for the next 30 days only. For just $1.50, subscribe to both papers for one full year and get a free War Map, 30x40 inches, showing every city, town, village and river in the European war zone.

From the Advocate – 45 years ago (1969)  

The first meeting of the Pax Bible Class for high school students was held in the Christian Education Building at Burns Presbyterian Church. There was a reading by Sean Richardson and a scripture lesson by David Herbison. The chairman for the evening was Brenda Bruce, and the usher was Ken Steen.

In an exciting game before a large home-town crowd, the Hillsburgh girls’ baseball team defeated Rockwood 23-8 – their seventh straight playoff win. Barb Johnston was the winning pitcher and Captain Mary Wetering accepted the Jackson Trophy for the Tri-County Championship. The coach is Jack Hunter and the manager is Isobel Bayne. The team will now meet Belgrave in the Western Ontario semifinals.

From the Advocate – 35 years ago (1979)  

The OPP has started foot patrols in the Village of Erin to counter the recent surge in vandalism. News of Erin citizens patrolling the streets in CB-radio equipped cars was noted in the Globe and Mail, and camera crews from four TV stations were in town to cover the story.

Judges Bill Doole, Bob Dixon and Joanne Page picked the winning entries in the Village of Erin Centennial Flag and Crest Competition, but village council could not decide whether to accept them, how they will be used during 1980, and whether to create a medallion. Designs were to be guided by the “origin, culture, heritage and early industry in the village”.

Auditions have been completed at Burns Presbyterian Church for the CHCH-TV New Faces Show. Selected were the Jeff Barry Band, the Graham Sisters, the Howlett Family, Sharon Sweeney, Bobby Reynolds, Ken Ransom with his fire eating act and George Davis, the oldest fiddle player in the area.

From the Advocate – 25 years ago (1989)  
The Fall Fair will have their annual Craft Show and Sale after all. Earlier, the event in the upstairs dance hall at the Agricultural Building was cancelled after a Fire Marshall’s inspection. Village Fire Chief Brian Ritchie has granted a 120-day extension so the show can be held, but until major renovations are done, no events involving alcohol are allowed.

The Erin Legion held its first-ever open house for the public, and World War I veteran Bob Inkster, 90, was on hand. Membership Chairperson Joan Conway says they hope it will be an annual event. The Erin branch has the largest membership for a small community in Ontario, with 700 members including 100 in the Ladies Auxiliary.