From the Advocate – 100 years ago (1918)
Erin soldier gassed
The Toronto Star of Wednesday last contains the photo of R.E. Speers, who has been gassed. He is the son of Mrs. J. Speers, 10th Line, and their many friends join in the hope that he may fully recover. Mrs. Speers also has another son at the Front.
Part of Category B men of Class 1 under the Military Service Act in this No. 1 Military District, have been notified by the Deputy Registrar to report for service on April 15th.
During the past week, Mrs. Justice received a letter from her husband, Major Justice, in Belgium. He speaks of not being far from the cemetery in which the late Pte. G. Sutton was buried and that he intends to go and see the grave.
Referring to Mrs. Tarzwell, he hopes that the citizens of Erin will take an interest in her welfare and see that she does not want for anything, through the loss of her son. He also thanks the Women's Institute for the Xmas boxes sent to the Boys from this vicinity.
From the Advocate – 35 years ago (1983)
New grant for non-profit housing
Erin Township is receiving a $20,102 interest free provincial loan for the 29-unit senior citizen non-profit rental building planned for Hillsburgh. The announcement was made by MPP Jack Johnson. The Non-Profit Housing Corporation has already received a $4,000 grant and a $7,000 interest-free loan. Rent-geared-to-income units can be up to 50 per cent of the building.
New plan to save soil
A new soil conservation and environmental assistance program begins this month, according to Mel Chamberlain, Wellington County agricultural representative. Farmers can get grants of up to 50 per cent of construction costs to a maximum of $7,500 for erosion control devices and up to $5,000 for one third of the cost of manure storage facilities.
From the Advocate – 25 years ago (1993)
Erin Public officially “Green”
Erin Public School has joined an elite group of less than 300 schools across Canada in being declared “Green” by a group called SEEDS (Society, Environment and Energy Development Studies). Students had to initiate and participate in 100 action projects related to the environment. Teacher Librarian Barb McKinnon said this would influence them for a lifetime. SEEDS has donated $135 for planting trees, and provided a Green banner and trophy.
Village needs a vision
An open invitation is extended to all 1,500 eligible voters to attend an upcoming meeting on updating the Erin Village Official Plan. Reeve Terry Mundell is calling it the Vision Meeting. “We’re trying to determine what the people in our community feel the municipality should look like in the next 10, 15 to 20 years,” he said.
From the Advocate – 20 years ago (1998)
Bell’s Hardware closing
After operating for three generations at the same premises on Erin’s Main Street, Bell’s Hardware has closed. Dwight and Judy Bell, who have resided their entire married life in the apartment above the store, decided to retire. The business was started by R.M. (Robert) Bell and continued by Dwight’s father Donald – who was known for selling TVs starting in the early 1950s.
109 Main gets new lease on life
The old village office at 109 Main Street is likely to be preserved. The garage is to be demolished, and but the OPP will use two offices, and EWAG will take over the council chamber and two other offices. EWAG Executive Director Irene Smedley said one room would be a drop-in centre for healthy seniors over 55. The basement of the building could become a youth centre, with support from Erin Optimists.
