From the Advocate – 100 years ago (1914)
Nine Austrian soldiers died when a bi-plane accidentally collided with a dirigible airship taking photographs of army maneuvers near Vienna. The bi-plane pilot had circled over the airship as a prank, as though to drop a bomb on it, but miscalculated his approach, ripped a hole in the balloon and caused a massive explosion.
From the Advocate – 45 years ago (1969)
The Advocate reports that Toronto Telegram featured an article on “Erin’s Silversmith”, artist Arthur Brecken. The public was invited to tour his 115-year-old home at the corner of English Street and Main to see his many silver creations, and 562 people attended. Hosting and décor were handled by Brenda Lee Denny, Elly Vanzoelen, Gail Chard and Valerie Behm.
The Erin Minor Softball season kicked off with a ceremonial first pitch. Councillor Jim Mundell was the batter, Corey Herrington, President of the Erin District Chamber of Commerce was the catcher, Norm McMahon, President of the Erin Legion was the umpire and Bill Weber, President of the Erin District Lions Club was the pitcher.
Gray Coach Lines is advertising affordable trips between Erin and Toronto. One-way tickets are $1.95 and return fare is $3.75.
From the Advocate – 35 years ago (1979)
Bylaw officer Bob Stewart has done a door-to-door tour of Erin village to ensure that all dogs are licensed. About 100 people have not bought licenses, risking fines of $20.
Water problems in Erin Heights have prompted Stewart to warn violators of the water bylaw that they could have their water turned off, and have to pay $12 to get it turned back on.
Paul Knox has been announced as the new principal of Erin District High School, replacing Peter Durksen who is going to John F. Ross High School. He will be joined by new vice-principal Eric Holmes from Centre Wellington, replacing John Akin who is also going to Ross.
The Down Memory Lane column recounted the victory of the “Wet” faction in a 1954 Erin Village plebiscite, approving retention of a beer and wine license at the Busholme Inn. More than 93 per cent of eligible voters turned out.
Erin’s Inter-County Fastball team defeated the league-leading Glen Williams, on the strength of Bob Braiden’s two-run homer and Elmer Ellerby’s 4-hit pitching. The night before, Erin tied the first half of a double header with Hespler 1-1, but lost the second game 4-0. Ken Steen pitched 13 innings before Braiden took over in relief.
From the Advocate – 25 years ago (1989)
Councillor Barb Tocher was the only member of Erin Township Council to vote against approval of the Fringe Area Study. Deputy Reeve George Root and Councillor Carol Graham voted in favour, while Reeve Duncan Armstrong and Councillor Doris Topolsek declared conflicts of interest as they both own land in the study area, so did not vote. Tocher said she had concerns about creating additional industrial-zoned land just north of Erin village, which already has 105 acres of vacant industrial land.
Robin Keeler of Orton has been selected as a goalie for the All Ontario Field Hockey Team this summer. The Grade 8 student, who will travel to Saint John, New Brunswick for a competition, thanked her coaches Laurie Heimbecker and Wayne White for their help.
Liz Armstrong of the group Rural Dignity said that while customers are happy with rural postal service, “The people doing the job are underpaid and overworked.” She said changes by Canada Post to move some operations into stores mean that some postmasters are working at one third the wage of their predecessors.
