April 30, 2014

Looking Back

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.