From the Advocate – 100 years ago (1914)
The Canadian government plans to keep 30,000 men continuously in military training, sending 10,000 to the front each month and bringing in 10,000 more trainees, until the War Office in London advises discontinuance. There is no shortage of volunteers.
A despatch from Nanaimo, British Columbia says a launch called the Empress Ninth was captured in Union Bay, and the crew of two men and a woman were charged with being German spies. The boat had provisions for nine months, three auxiliary engines and wireless apparatus believed to be intercepting messages from Cape Lazo.
From the Advocate – 45 years ago (1969)
The Hillsburgh Juvenile Girls Baseball team took the Western Ontario Championship with a come-from-behind victory over St. Mary’s in the final inning. Hillsburgh went ahead 8-6 in the 6th inning, only to fall behind 10-8 in the top of the 7th. When Hillsburgh came to bat, Judy Bulloch made it to 3rd base, and Sandra McDonald hit her home. Susan Bayne reached 1st, and a double steal put the tying run at 3rd and the winning run at 2nd. Bev Sinclair hit a double up the centre and the game was over.
Members of Erin Village council met recently with the Chamber of Commerce to discuss plans for a Recreation, Parks and Community Centres Board. It would be responsible for organizing a wide range of activities, including sports, hobbies, arts and crafts.
The Erin Badminton Club has launched its new season at the high school, electing Reina Dickson as President.
The Hillsburgh Volunteer Fire Department is holding a Turkey Shoot at the Feed Mill, with proceeds to Muscular Dystrophy. 12 gauge shotgun shells will be supplied, and guns as well for those who don’t have one.
From the Advocate – 35 years ago (1979)
Erin Township hasn’t had time to organize a protest of the 26% property tax increase announced last week – it has already been cut to 5%. A new assessment system was to blame for the large proposed increase, but the provincial government has announced that it will cap increases to a maximum of 5%.
Mary Lou Bradley of RR4 Rockwood was shocked to see horseback riders go through her rural mailbox and make off with an envelope containing $40. The Advocate noted that while it seemed like a case for the mounted police, Guelph OPP are investigating.
EDHS teacher Don Jonescu presented Beth Graham, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ken Graham of Hillsburgh, with the Norman Finnie Memorial Trophy. The award is in honour of the former principal, given to a student with high academic standing, plus exceptional conduct, community achievement and school spirit.
From the Advocate – 25 years ago (1989)
The CHICKEN Club for Grade 4 and 5 students, sponsored by the Erin Optimist Club, had its first meeting of the year at Erin District High School. The letters stand for: Cool, Honest, Intelligent, Clear-headed, Keen, Energetic and Not interested in drugs and alcohol.
The Hillsburgh Community Centre has been re-opened. It sustained major damage when a tractor trailer carrying 7,500 gallons of apple juice slammed into it. The big rig had swerved to miss a pick-up pulling out from Mill Street. It jackknifed, rolled on its side and took out a utility pole as it hit the building – without injuring the truck driver. Douglas Gregson of RR1 Hillsburgh, the driver of the pick-up, was taken to Orangeville hospital with minor injuries.
