As published in The Erin Advocate
From the Advocate
– 45 years ago (1969)
Construction workers laid the cement base this week for the new Erin
water tower, which should be in operation by June.
Education Minister William Davis has announced special tax relief
for municipalities where school board consolidation has sent taxes soaring by
as much as 200%. The school levies jumped after 1,446 local school boards were
amalgamated into 236 large ones.
The “As We Were” column looked back at the Advocate of 1920. Henry
Austin purchased land known as The Point near Stanley Park, in order to build
several cottages. “These will make a good addition to Erin’s beauty spot.”
Harvey Peavoy of Hillsburgh has sold his Supertest dealership to
furnace serviceman Dennis Barry of Erin.
A Letter to the Editor from four teenagers said now that the village
has a new liquor store, it’s time there was a recreation centre. “Many of the
parents and elderly people of our village complain that all we ever do is walk
up and down the streets. Well, we wouldn’t if we had something half decent to
do. Citizens! Help get us off the streets.”
From the Advocate
– 35 years ago (1979)
Two people were taken to hospital with back injuries after a crash
at the Erin Soaring Society on Concession 10. Guelph OPP said a glider was
attempting to take off, but was forced to abort and crashed.
A ceremony was held to celebrate the opening of the new addition at
Brisbane Public School. Speaking were Principal W.A. Higgins, Trustee Virginia
Kennedy, Wellington County Education Director W.G. Forsythe, Bert Wheeler from
the Township, Evelyn O’Sullivan from the Village and MPP Jack Johnson. Mrs. D.
Dick led the school choirs, including renditions of Born Free, Puff the Magic
Dragon and Let There Be Peace on Earth.
Terry Hryhor wrote a Letter to the Editor, complaining about lack of
community response to the Erin Flag Contest. He had proposed the contest as
part of the village’s Centennial celebration.
The Erin Separate School Committee held an open house to display
plans for the new school to open this fall. On hand to answer questions was
Trustee Rodney Bell. The initial semi-permanent steel-frame structure will be
built next to St. John Brebeuf Church on Millwood Road.
From the Advocate
– 25 years ago (1989)
After ten years of being in a portable school, staff and students at
St. John Brebeuf will get a permanent building. Principal Anne Atkinson
announced that the provincial government has allocated $1.7 million to the project,
covering 60% to 70% of the cost.
Eric Holmes, who was principal at Erin District High School for 9
years, has been promoted to principal at John F. Ross Collegiate in Guelph.
The East Wellington Advisory Group (EWAG), which has operated out of
three locations over five years, appealed to Township Council for permission to
build a new facility on Hwy 24 just outside the village boundary. The site
would have to be zoned to allow the sale of used clothing and books, plus a
kitchen and dining area, a library and a meeting room. Council told Executive
Director Marion Chambers that a decision would be made after a public meeting. Township
Planning Consultant Gary Cousins said the County discourages growth outside the
village, but there is no suitable site inside the boundary.
Lions
Club Chairman Fred Steen helped launch the club’s fundraising campaign to
finish the large vacant room on the second floor of the Erin Community Centre.
The Centre at the arena has been open for ten years, but there is a need for a
hall with washrooms and a kitchen, to handle large events. The wall will be
opened up to allow viewing of the ice surface.
