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Altona is a hamlet at
the intersection of the
Second Concession
Road and the
Uxbridge -Pickering - —
townline. Mennonites were
among the settlers in that area.
Altona may have been named
after Altona in Germany, where
old books valued by the
Mennonites had been published.
Reesor's plan for Altona was reg-
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THE HISTORY OF OUR SE`1'TLEtviENT
At the dawn of our provincial history some two hundred odd years
ago, we find, according to the records of the French missionaries,
several Indian villages in existence on the north shores of Lake Ont-
ario. The Indians who inhabited these Villages were of the tribe of
Senecas, one of the famous Five Nations or Iroouois. Their ancestral
territory was south of Lake Ontario within the great forest that
stretched from the Niagara to the Hudson; but a considerable portion
of the tribe seem to have made permanent homes for themselves on the
Northern shores of the lake, attracted doubtless by the game and fish
which were there, easily obtainable in rich abundance.
The French 11iissionaries M. Fenelon and M. Trouve had established
missions in two of these Indian Villages, one in Prince Edward County,
the other where Port Hope now stands, and in the year 1669 lvi. Fenelon
proceeded still farther westward to a third Villa4e, Gandatsetiagon,
or Frenchman's Bay. This village was later to become one of the best
shipping ports on the lake, all the grain and timber from this section
being teamed and shipped from there. Now, nothing remains to show any
signs of these activities and the lake shore has become a summer resort.,
In passing we may say that an Indian burying -ground was in later years
discovered near the present Atha School. In 1791 the Constitutional
Act was passed which divided the province of Quebec into the two
'UpperCanada and Lower Canada. On Feb. 22nd of the same
Provinces,
year, instructions.were issued from the Surveyor --General's office in
Quebec, to one Augustus Jones, to survey and mark the front line of a
row of townships from the mouth of the River Trent to Toronto, and to
carry the side of each township back one mile. It is interesting to
note that the work was completed in the fall, by the surveyor and the
(2)
the men he was to employ, the time being 79 days, the sal::-:ry £34,
11S. 3d. or $172.80.
The first township meeting was held on the first 14ionday of March,
1811, when a to -.An clerk, assessors, collectors, Path -Masters, pound -
keepers and wardens were chosen. The cencus of the township at this
time being around 180 persons. In 1911, Centennial Year, a suitable
celebration was held at Brougham, the population of the township at
this time being near the 6,000 mark.
ate'
HOW ALTONA SETTLED
The year 1830 marks the beginning of a new era in the history of
Upper Canada. It is estimated that 34,000 settlers entered the Province
in 1831, and during the four years, 1829-1832, fully 160,000 were added
to the population. Pickering Township had its growing time in this
period in common with the rest of the province. It was during this
period that the communities in which we are interested, namely Atha
and Altona, received their influx of settlers. Among the first settlers
of come to the eigth concession was Nathan Bentley, who came in 1831
and purchased the bush farm, Lot 32, Con. 9 where he resided contin-
uiusly till his death in 1874. One of his daughters, N rs. C. IflcAvoy,
remained on the farm until the death of her husband, the owner now
being Mr. A. Carruthers. The Lehman family seem to be one of the next
to come. Daniel Lehman came in 1833, bought the south half of Lot 35,
Con. 8 and in 1835 he and his bride settled on the farm. he erected
a sawmill, which continued in busy and successful operation as long
as he lived. After his death in 1867 one of his sons, Abraham, contin-
ued to operate the saw mill, which was later transformed into a chopping
mill. The mill at this time is not in use, but the property still
(3)
remains in the family. Mr. Eli Lehman, being the present owner.
John ;dell, a native of Dumfriesshire, Scotland, came to Janada,
with his wife, in 1834, and settled on Lot 28, Con. 7. One of the
sons, John r�. Bell, married and remained on the horiiestead, making stock —
raising a prominent feature of his f.rming activities. His daughter
Tars. Peter Stewart, and her two sons, John and Peter, lived there until
the death of the former, also the son John, and the property was then
purchased by Mr. Joseph Byer.
1vichael Nighswander and his bride Susannah Barkey, came in 1838
and located on Lot 34, Con. 7. In 1845 he erected a sawmill on the
farm in which he did a good business for 45 years. Their family
numbered ten, two sons, Michael and Tillman liveG on the homestead
until their death, and the property is now olan,d by Mr. Kirton.
The Whitson family also came from Scotland, settling on Lot 26,
Con. 7 in 1839. One of the sons John, lived at Lot 28, Con. 8 and
since the death of their p-.rents, the two daughters lh,isses Ella and
Georgie, still reside there. Samuel Hoover of Markham purchased Lot
34, Con. 8 on Oct. 13, 1843. It was then known as Mercer's Swamp,
Navin, been granted in 1806 to Andrew Piercer on his fulfillment of the
settlement duties.
In 1847, Abraham Hoover, a son, with his wife t_ok possession,
a house having been built and about 10 acres cleared prior to that
time. He became the owner of about 4.00 acres of land and the only farm
still belonging to the original Hoover's is that owned by Pir. J. B.
Hoover, the others now being ot•ned by Mr. Tran, Mr. Louis Hoover, and
Firs. D. MacDonald.
Adam Spears, a native of Scotland, settled on Lot 29, Con. 7,
in the forties and established a saw�rrill on the stream running
through the farm. Large quantities of lumber were teamed from here
to be shipped at Frenchman's Bay. This mill was continued in operation
by his sonJames till about fifty years ago. 'he property is now owned
by Mr. Frank Bielby. Other pioneer names familiar are, Lapp, Brown,
Lott, Harrison, Hishey, but all of these have now left the district
and others have taken their places.
One of the earliest settlers in the Altona district seems to have
been the Daniel Yake family, who carve about the year 1804 to North
i k The c�rne overland to Canada from
z Lot 33, Con. 9, Pic ering. y a
Pennsyloania, with their family, their little effects and three cattle.
Of the children only Michael remained in Pickering.
About the year 1816 he married Jane Van Zant by whom he had a
family of t`relve. One of the daughters, Polly, married lair. Jones
and spent all her long life on the farm at Lot 1, Con.2, Uxbridge.
ThF farm still remains in the Jones name, Ralph and Mary, still
residing there. Another son, Abijah, also lives in Altona, his name
long being connected with the Union Sunday School. Another name
familiar to Altona people, was that of Monkhouse. Joseph i,,onkhouse
came from Cumberland, England in 1849 and began storekeeping in Altona
the following year. In 1857 he married Christena Reesor and leaving
the store be, -an milling, at the mill built by Abraham Reesor. In
1865 his wife died and in 1874 moved to Lot 32, Con. 9 now owned by
Mr. Wm. Heesor, and for twelve years r,anageca the farm.
His second wife was Elizabeth Kester. Besides being a successful busin
ness man and farmer he was interested in public affairs. Serving ten
years on the council. On his brothers death he returned to the sore
and remained there until his d eath in 1903. "e eras succeeded by his
son `.Millis J. i,.onkhouse. At an early date, Samuel Nighswander built a
mill at Lot 31, Con. 9. For a number of years this mill was operated
by Tti r. Cliff as a woollen mill, later by Mr. Enos 1�ighswander as a
grist mill, and now by Peter Nighswander as a cider mill. Daniel
Barkey was born in Whitchurch township in 1824 and settled on N
lot 28, Con. 9 in the early forties. ne was a preacher of the
Mennonite faith andLived to a ripe old age. The farm is still in the
family and occupied by his grandson Charles Barkey.
Other pioneer names familiar were Peter Reesor, Samuel Hoover,
White, Jacob Stouffer, MacFailone and i,-iliard.
It, is difficult for the young people of the present generation
to appreciate the hardships and sacrifices of the pioneers. Immigrants
at this time had to face a long tedious and often dangerous sea voyage
and a trailsome journey from the ports of the lower provinces or the
Atlantic states. lv.,any came from far away countries, and have made
wonderful progress in this area.
6ki f M� - ;, -I J%" `6 .� _-A
"Altona" by Abi iah Jones
We lift the curtain as we try to gaze into the dim and distant
past and present a short sketch as far as possible of the times of the
olden days. The custom of the early settlers, their deprivations, the
hardships, their successes, disappointments., their failures with the
raising of large families of eight to twelve children in every home.
They toiled knowing "'by the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread.',
Altona settlement situated on the townline dividing the townships
of Pickering and Uxbridge, has its main street running north and south.
We shall commence at the south end at the old carding mill owned by
Edwin Cliff 'liter did a rushing business for many years where the farmers
took wool to be made into ;pats and rolls ready for the old spinning
wheels,to be spun into yarn, fine for the plaid dresses of malty patterns
and many colours; and coarser for the warm petticoats which has almost
been discarded and become a think of the past. There was a time when they
were worn but that was long ago. The grey fullcloth for the mens pants
and warm coats. The double and twisted yarn for heavy socks - when two
skeins of yarn were rolled in separate balls the size of turnip and
placed in pans. The old spinning wheel put into action and the yarn from
each ball placed on the spindle together rolling in the pan and the nimble
fingers of the spinner soon had a skein of double twisted yarn for mens
heavy wool socks. Now no more is heard the humming of the old carding mill,
the buzzing of the old spinning wheel or the click of the measuring reel
which you heard in the old pioneer homes of long ago.
Coming to the old mill lane, there stood an old house where the
Bodins and Andrew families lived on the south west corner. It has
disappeared these many years and a new home erected. Crossing the old
mill lane to the north west corner stood the old blacksmith shop of James
Chambers and his residence, who met an untimely death when the large mill
dam broke in June about the year 1851 when he was drowned. James Wilson
married his widow and carried on the blacksmith business for marry years.
Not far fvom this was the workshop of Joe Monkhouse with hall overhead
where preac'ner Day, father of Professor Day, held services some seventy
years ago. These places have disappeared and a beautiful home stands on the
site.
Coming to the hill of mill lane or mill street, stands the
large grist mill erected by Reesors eighty or ninety years ago. Some of
the upper pottion has been taken down and made much lower. The mill and
the little mill cottage across the street and the old Reesor homestead
across the stream are landmarks of the days long ago.
We leave the old mill pond and retrace our steps up mill lane
and pass its corner where splendid homes are built. We turn north again
on main street and on the west side stands a comfortable home erected
many years ago. Beside it stood the old brick schoolhouse, where within
its walls we often felt the sting of the schoolteacher's five fingered
strap on the birch rod. One one occasion, he sent one of the boys down
to the head of the old mill pond to cut a rod, as the old one was getting
used up by continual use. In the olden days, you could get a good fish
pole at the head of the pond eight to twelve feet long. So the boy cut
a fish pole instead of a rod. When he bro,.-?bt it in, the boys began to
snicker, wondering if our good old Scotch teacher was going fishing and
they were going to have a half holiday, but soon they found out the
holiday was different to what hey haad hoped for. The teacher cut the
small end off the pole and the boy, who was sent for the rod, got the first
taste.. The boys that snickered got the next taste. The teacher's body is
now resting in the quiet churchyard in the hamlet. He died in 1851, age
seventy years.
We now cross to east side of main street, where once stood
a frame dwellifg house. The end,facing the street, was the store.
When the site was purchased by Thomas Monkhouse, he erected the large
brick store and when the foundation was laid and the first floor
covered with boards, the Honourable George Brown made a political
speach and the woods around rang with his oratory. This large brick
store, where a fortune was made in groceries and china, is now closed.
But it still stands as one of the landmarks of the olden days.
Adjoining is the old Dutch church and church yard of reverent
and sacred memories where many of the old pioneers' bodies rests who
in life often heard the dismal howl of the wolf, saw the prowling bear
and fleeting deer. The church still is used as a place of worship by
its good people and the beautiful church ►a.rd,so well kept, might well
be an example to some larger church yards. To the north, where now
stands the old Dutch shed, once stood the old log schoolhouse with its
small playground.
We now come to the dividing line of the townships of Pickering
and Uxbridge and cross over to the corner where the old Altona Inn, with
its gilded sign and gilded bar room, has long since passed away and a
more pretentious brick building erected. Now no longer a bar room but a
growing store which is a benefit where the people of the little hamlet
and surrounding district can get groceries of all kinds. The names of
the hotel keepers who once stood behind the bar were Lindsay, Cooper,
Fishburn, Brown, McKay? Graves.
On the opposite corner, the Jones farm, once stood the old
shoe shop where a busy trade was done. One had to have the foot measured
for the long cowhide boots reaching up to the knee. When removing the
boots it was necessary to use a boot jack. There were copper -toed shoes
for the boys and girls and kip and calf skin for the women. The old
shoe shop which was once a dance hall has long passed away. The old
shoe makers are all sleeping in the quiet church yard. The names of
those shoe makers were Campbell, Baikie, Swanson, Reath and Jobitt.
All
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THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 1975
The Second Section
Sports News District News
A neighborly place, but i,n airport plans
ALTONA — "We've
progressed a lot of ways
as far as things go, but
the feeling is really lost."
That was how a longtime
resident of Altona
summed up her feelings
about the community to
The Tribune last week.
borhood as we knew it:
that's old history now,"
remarked Fred Lewis,
proprietor of Altona Feed
and Supplies and a
lifetime resident.
The community of
Altona comes under the
plans for the Pickering
airport and now, most
lifetime residents have
moved away, or have
plans to move.
areas around Ontario:
Lindsay, Peterborough,
Barrie, Orillia, Stratford,
and elsewhere.
But, as Mrs. Bert
Lewis puts it, "When
Most older residents you've been there that
"The old neigh- have moved to other rural long, the roots get awful
k
This building *as first used as a hotel, took place there. Operating the building as a
then general store, and then apartments. it store, beginning in 1921, was Oliver Madill,
was known as the "Look -See Brown Hotel," who retired in 1955.
and it is said that many hair-raising events
deep. It's hard to pull
out." Mrs. Lewis and her
husband lived in the
Altona area much of
their lives and now reside
on Watson Drive,
Stouffville, In the old
days, as Bert Lewis, 80,
recalls it, "you went to
Stouffville on a Saturday
night, and .you knew
everybody. That was the
main shopping night and
the streets would be lined
with horses."
Their son Fred
described Altona as "just
one of the little rural
communities that con-
tained a pond to swim in
and a school yard to play
ball in and a general store
to buy a chocolate bar
in.,,
Fred, a former
councillor in Uxbridge
Township, had proposed a
plan a few years ago to
move some of the historic
buildings from Altona to a
new site to be called
"New Altona."
The plan also called
for moderately -priced
housing for people ex-
propriated from the
Airport lands. The
scheme died, however,
for lack of support from
Township and Regional
government. The
proposed location was on
"Century City" land.
By now, most
families are already
living in new homes far
from Altona. Others, such
as Desmond and Adelaide
Kerr, have made plans
for a new life. They are
setting up a Christian
camp called "Camp
Agape," near Huntsville.
The Kerrs came to
Altona from Toronto
about 25 years ago, and
soon learned to ap-
preciate the community.
Altona was special, "just
in the way the community
is expected to function,"
said Mrs. Kerr. "Like at a
funeral — everything that
has to be done is done by
the neighbors that know
you."
The Kerrs' older
children attended the one -
room. school where there
was "a real closeness
amongst the kids, like a
family ... a real per -
Story and
pictures by
Ted Wilcox
sonalness about," Mrs.
Kerr said.
Some of the happy
times that Mrs. Kerr
remembers were quilting
bees and sewing classes
held in carious homes in
the winter. "They were
really just an excuse for a
get together and a gab,"
she said.
They also thought
back to using battery -
powered crank phones
with 15 to 18 co -members
on a party line and never,,
having their' sideroad
ploughed in the win-
tertime.
But the most
memorable aspect of
Altona were the neigh-
bors. When Albert Foster,
on the ninth line, had his
barn burnt down, the
neighbors rebuilt it. And
when a visitor from the
city got stuck in the snow,
neighbor Stanley Reesor
hooked up his team and
pulled them out.
Although the
buildings in Altona may
remain for several
years, those flesh and
blood people who made
the old community are
now but a few.
Even if the airport
hadn't come in, Mr. Kerr
said, "something was
changing."
Classified ied Section
"Monkhouse" was a well -respected name in Altona among the early
settlers there. In 1841), Joseph Monkhouse came to Canada and a veal- later
set up a store in Altona that came to be known in the district for its fine
tableware. The above gravestone is found in the cemetery beside the old
Mennonite Church.
Old buildings remain
}
Altona spioneers
65 7spitable ro� UP
.
A
41,
The Frank Barkey home is one of Altona's oldest. At the top of the
picture, the inscription "D.B — 1857" can be seen carved into a stone. The
home was built by Daniel Barkey, ancestor of Frank, who settled at the
farm in 1837.
ALTONA — Even
with the threat of an
airport nearby, Altona
today has a peaceful
appearance to it. Its
remaining graceful old
buildings and houses tell
a story of simpler, less
hectic times.
"People were more
friendly. Folks dropped in
to see you without a
special invitation." That
was the recollection of
Mrs. Barkis Reesor of
hospitality in her grand-
mother's day, as stated in
a presentation to the
Altona Women's Institute
in 1926.
"Dancing, skating,
Sunday School picnics,
logging bees, sleighriding
parties were all en-
joyed," she wrote.
"Father's word was
law ... All were concerned
for soul saving and
church attendance."
Altona was
predominately a Men-
nonite settlement from its
early days. As the story is
The two oldest living residents of Altona, Jane, and Stanley. Today, Bert lives on
Bert and Stanley Lewis, are shown here on Watson Drive, Stouffville, while Stanley still
their parents' farm in 1897. From left to right resides in Altona.
are: their father Thomas, Bert, their mother
told in "From Paths to
Planes", a history of the
Claremont area, "names
such as Nighswander,
Reesor, Barkey and
Monkhouse were well
known and highly
respected in this pioneer
settlement."
Some of the land-
marks include the old
hotel, later used as a
general store and today
as apartments.
In 1850, a store, was
begun by Joseph
Monkhouse, which
became well known for its
abundant stock of
groceries and dry goods
as well as fancy china.
The cider mill, still in
operation last fall, had
originally been used for a
woollen mill, saw mill
and grist mill. Formerly,
up to a ton of apple butter
was being produced
there, but the con-
centration of late has
been on cider.
The farmers of
Altona were involved
mostly in mixed farming,
and the farms were
handed down generation
to generation. One of the
last remaining is the
Barkey farm, operated
by Frank Barkey,
member of the sixth
generation from Daniel
Barkey who settled in
Altona in 1824.
Another important
landmark in the com-
munity is the Community
Centre, converted from a
one -room schoolhouse.
The present building was
built in 1911.
A recollection of the
early schooling is given
by Abijah Jones, who died
in 1889. Within the walls
of the "old brick
schoolhouse," he wrote,
"we often felt the sting of
the schoolteacher's five -
fingered strap or the
birch rod. On one oc-
casion, he sent one of the
boys down to the head of
the old mill pond to cut a
rod, as the old one was
getting used up by con-
tinual use."
The oldest standing
building in the com-
munity is the old Men-
nonite Church, built about
1853. The church there
had connections with
those Mennonites settling
in Whitchurch and
Markham Townships and
services "have always
been in circuit with
others in the district,"
according to "From
Paths to Planes."
T h e A l t o n a
Missionary Church was
erected in 1875, with
several alterations made
since then.
This old dam, now fallen into disrepair, grist mill and finally a cider mill. Today, the
formerly powered a mill owned by four mill is powered by a Studebaker car engine
generations of Nighswanders. The mill was rather than water.
first a woollen mill, than a saw mill, than a
The Mennonite Church in Altona is the oldest building in meetings were held in a log school on the north corner of the
the community, being erected in 1852. Prior to that, present community centre property. '1WCt_ M)T �'- /-%
bout ca&m—
by Traveller ]Ross Johnston]
Rosslohnston was a mvellingsalesman forthe Whitby Chronicle.
In the years 1883-1884 lie wrote a series of articles about his ad ventures in the villages and itandets of PickerittgTownsltip under the heading "Our Town and County:'
He signed himself simply as "Trd veller." This item on Altona first appeared on 12 December 1884.
k�Z r t �;yrrr A;,�.L>
ReesorMills from the Illustrated Historical Atlas of the County of Ontario (Toronto: Beers,1877).
All about Altona—'Traveller' taken
for a medicine man by a vinegary
virago —Men, Mennonites and mills —
'Traveller' burns the mid -night oil.
Whitby, Dec 9th. — Last letter left
me hurrying along on the town line
between Pickering and Uxbridge on the
way to Altona.
When at a considerable distance
therefrom (I will not say how far as I do
not wish to locate the exact position) I
met with the fast rebuff experienced in
my travels. It was getting towards
evening, and a drifting snow storm had
set in which proved anything but agree-
able, especially with the wind in my
face. Thinking it wise to take shelter a
while, I called at a house by the way-
side, when after repeated knocking the
door was opened about three or four
inches and a female face of doubtful
age, not the most inviting ever beheld,
peered out at me and demanded my
business there. Putting on my blandest
smile I replied 'May I come in awhile:
'Can't come in here' came the answer
sharp and shrill. 'You might at least
show common courtesy to a stranger, I
only wish to stay a few minutes till the
storm blows over,' was my apologetic
reply. 'No room here, house full
already,' was hissed out from between
the thin lips and the door closed with a
bang, leaving Traveller to face the storm
as best he could. Learned afterwards
that the 'house full already' was all a
sham as I expected at the time. Too
much vinegar in the atmosphere to
allow of a houseful. Don't think a baby
could live there without having tits.
Hold on, this is too severe. I take half of
it back again. The fact is, I had on an old
rubber overcoat, buttoned up to the
chin, one hand supported an umbrella,
and in the other was my constant trav-
elling companion, my satchel which
make up probably gave me the appear-
ance of a pertntbulatingmedicine man.
Alas the medicine man of this partic-
ular type, however worthy of honour,
does not in this country and age receive
the homage paid him in less civilized
communities. Civilization you see
does not necessarily mean civility. The
treatment of a medicine man in the
wigwams of the untutored Indians
would have been much less rude than
that accorded me as above stated; but
let us not forget that the circumstances
are different. Might enlarge on this head
but will pass on. Had a good laugh all to
myself as I pursued my solitary way.
Found no such difficulty at my next
calling place, as I was not only kindly
received but invited to remain to ten,
which I gladly did.
Making a fresh start I pushed on
westward and finally reached the
Altona Hotel kept by Mr. Andrew
Brown.
Tired enough was I, as the roads
were getting heavy.
Andrew keeps a quiet comfortable
house and does his best to make his
guests feel at home. He professed to be
a law-abiding citizen, and is therefore
unlikely to give the License Inspector
much trouble. He has been 20 years in
business here and elsewhere, and is
very fond of gardening. Mr. Thus.
Monkhouse (brother of the much
respected Reeve of Pickering) is the
Post -Master and mercantile man of the
place, and keeps a fine variety of goods
embracing all lines needed in a country
store. He is evidently doing an excellent
business here. The business was estab-
lished in 1850 by his brother Joseph,
who carried it on for 15 years, since
which time it has been conducted by
Thomas. Can any mercantile house in
the township show a longer record? Of
church buildings there are two, both
brick. The first, or oldest, is a small
building owned by the Mennonites, of
which body I understand Mr. Samuel
Hoover is the present minister. This
church has been in existence here for
many years. The other building is much
larger, and was as I learned erected on
union principles about 25 years ago,
and is still so held, the Reformed
Mennonites owning the largest share. A
Union Sunday School is held here of
which Mr. D. Barkey is the worthy
superintendent.
The village school is also brick and
was built in 1858, the old school house
having been built in 1834 when the
school section was first formed. Mr. Jas.
E. Forfar is the present highly esteemed
teacher. I am told that five out of six of
his pupils who tried passed successfully
the intermediate examination. Just
come over with me and have a look
through the 'Altona Mills' close by on
the south side. Here we are, and here
too is Mr. Abram Reesor the occupant,
busy making repairs in the mill -race.
Building frame, three and a half stories,
water power, old process, machinery
complete, mill been running about 20
years, capacity about 40 bbls. a day.
Three run of stones, business chiefly
gristing and chopping at present, but
intention is to do more extensive busi-
ness by and by. You have our best wish-
es Mr. Reesor for the success both of
yourself and your mill.
Then close by is Mr. Flavius Reesor,
also a miller, and thresher as well. His
mill is a cider mill, and there is no lack
of grists this season. He also runs a
steam thresher, termed'Sawyer's Grain
Saver.' These Reesors work into each
other's hands you see. The one threshes
the grain and the other grinds it. Now,
although through with the 'Altona
Mills; I am not through with the mills
of Altona. There is quite a difference
Y
Tolt•it h"Te arGvccic �'tr�ttii��y rcxct lfa�eclyc o> ..
Plan of Al tona, surveyed by George McPhillips for David Reesor,1857.
between a horse chestnut and a chest-
nut horse.
We will now take a run down further
south and see the Altona woolen mills.
A fine stream of water is the propelling
power by which the machinery is kept
in motion. But water -power and the
best machinery would not accomplish
much without brain -power, and that
finds its embodiment in Mr. Thus.
Waterhouse, the wide-awake
Englishman who runs this establish-
ment. The late partnership between him
and Mr. Farlanc, has been dissolved and
Mr. Waterhouse has the business in his
own hands. Went all through the mill,
but having already described two other
woolen mills I will save myself and
MARKET HOTEL,
C,')CNxR rROWr AND QY0269 ATIL,
rr0MZ02114 Wo-
Z'; ONE IKII.i.AR PER DAY.
WIN firFt-claw NfAnxr.T 110TM having
been leased by UK. ANDREW Bnowtt. (late
of Altr,na, C'A"ge j is the bout dollar-M.-
day 11013HO arotrttd tl10 ivarket- Holkiting
a call A-oni rw old jr�alias � 111a sqp.
rounauig eutu,trT. w m xm*
St;d tbeuuselvea at lttrrna.
17-y. A:NDEZ« BROA74, PrsP.
From Pickering News, 1 December 1882
readers the infliction of a third attempt
in that line. Mr. Waterhouse manufac-
tures yarns, flannels, sheetings, horse -
blankets (in which he challenges any-
thing in the trade),blankets, tweeds &c.
&c. The machinery is very complete,
and the work turned out of excellent
quality. Traveller would gladly have
purchased tweed for a good suit had he
seen his way clear for getting it home.
There is a large amount of local trade
done in addition to heavy shipments to
Toronto and Montreal. There, I must
shut off stein for the present as the old
clock has struck the noon of night, and I
must be up and off in the morning.
in 1890 the
Stouffville Free Press
ran this item about the
Monkhouse store:
The place is noted because of
Mr. Monkhouse's store. The store
is noted not only because of its
large stock of dry goods and
groceries. but esnenallv because
it carries the largest stock of delf
[sic] ware in this district. The
whole of the upper flat of the
large building (erected about
twenty-five years ago) is trans-
formed into a veritable China
Hall. The visitor's attention is first
arrested by counter after counter
covered with handsome Dinner
and Tea sets. This large assort-
ment is found in a variety of col-
ors in print and enamel, with
plain gold or spangle. Under these
counters are arranged scores of
Toilet Sets from the comparative-
ly plain to those of the most
handsome design and superior
quality. Next in order are
arranged large counters of glass-
ware, plain and in colors. On both
side of the building run wide
counters the full length, covered
with a bewildering variety of
fancy china. Much of this stock
comes by direct importation from
Europe. This fact is indicative of
prices at "China Hall" No one in
this vicinity need go to Toronto to
buy fine table ware.
LAND FOR ALE.
P% A T of LOT 4 No. Q etwi 714,
Etch C'o!1"Sakin nod riclernlit.,
rnrttttining 125 Acres, 30 of wbieh
Ir
n tl Lam] ft tXIM-01F'eaarr)o ere P vpell-
in
inn }1,nu-ie wnd 1lern, a young Clr,
rharil sinol an ,xr►-llcnt NUR Site. The Lisod is of
the f1ru riu+i► ily, and V-ill be 9c,Jtf law for cas& for
fvnbr infurnmtico rnquirm at lbe Subirntwr, sin Ote
irrrrnis DAVID KRF:Tr FR,
i l_.E'i+'lt��netg, .T►ahr .;��, I1'�'_ _------- `�-3°wl:�p -
From The Constitution (York), 6 September 1837
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THE TRIBUNE, STOUF FVILLE, . ONT., - THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 1958
Twelve Home Sub -Division Planned
For Altona, Uxbridge Council Told
Mr. Mervin Bunker has pre-
sent could be obtained, a proper
sented Uxbridge Twp. Council
plan would be submitted. He
with a sketch for a proposed
also stated that the Planning
Board had referred him to coun-
cil. The land is under sub.
townline running west from the
division control and is classed
Altona Corner. Mr. Bunker, it
,
as agricultural. f
was revealed, had been to the
Mr. Bunker suggested that as,
�-
township Planning Board prior
the school on the south side o
to council but no recommenda-
Pickering Twp. required renova-
tion was received on the plan
tion it would be advisable to
for council members.
I
form a union section and take
Trustees of School Section
in some 500 acres which would
No. 6 (Glasgow) attended the
take care of all the children in
council meeting on Monday
the district.
night and pointed out that while
Council referred the matter
they were not there to either I
back to the Planning Board.
support or oppose the plan, they I
Site Not Suitable
"
wished to draw attention to the III
A committee a ppointed by the
'
fact that it would be necessary
Planning Board to report on
_
to build an addition to the pres-
the desirability of the purchase
ent school which at present has
of a site for the Goodwood
f3 u n k e r
an attendance of 38 with one
school, reported they considered
teacher. I
the site on the Alger Maye farm
The Trustees also stated that
as unsatisfactory. It was stated,
the present grounds were not
that the land would require
1
of sufficient size to warrant a
considerable expense in grading.
larger school.
Members Turner, Forsyth and
The plan presented by Mr.
Don St. John suggested that the
Bunker, who is a resident of
school board look over Nther
Altona, showed his property
sites. They suggested that an
divided into twelve lots with a
entire new school might be
dead-end street about half way
erected rather than an addition.
up. He stated that the drawing
Council referred the report to i
-vas only temporary and if ron- the Planning Board.
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(-!£AT11Erc DIAINJE 1nttLu ANS MAR. zo, 1975
PHy FLIZnBETH W%LLI AMS 5L-PT. 23, 1179
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4
r qbta Altona
By ELEANOR BUNKER
ALTONA — The com-
munity of Altona continues
to expand. A new home is
under construction on the
lot west of Mr. and Mrs.
John Greenshields' resi-
dence for Mr. and Mrs.
Privott. The corner home
belonging to Mr. and Mrs.
McKinnon has been sold
and the new owners are
making renovations.
Expands
"CHARLIE" ENJOYS ALTONA HOME
' Uharlie", a pet crow, has
and milk is a favorite dish.
found a permanent home with
When "Charlie" was but a
Mr. and Mrs. Mervin Bunk-
er, Altona. lie was captured
few weeks old be would
when very young and ha
perch on the back of the fam-
since become a familiar fig-
il,y's collie dog and ride an
ure around the district. The
ound the yard. Pictured albove
crow has an enormous aippe-
is "Charlie', perched on the
Cite, eating everything from
shoulder of 6-year-old Tommy.
WO.Vms to chicken feed. Bread
Bunker of Altona.
Altona Student W
Two Academic Awards
Uxbrid.WWI
ge
UXBRIDGE — An -Al.
tona student has won two
of the top scholarship aw-
ards at Uxbridge Second-
ary School. Tom Bunker,
son of Mr. and Mrs. Mervin
Bunker, was prominent on
the platform at the annual
Commencement Exercises,
iday night. He is now en -
Red in Engineering at
Tonto University.
In addition to an Ontario
r±holarship of $400, Tom
so received the I.O.D.E.
Mathematics Award, a Life-
time Honour Pin and a
Letter `U' Award.
TOM BUNKER
SLA, 01q IS IG
LdWJjra5 Doty Is
I'rmw gip'
Weekly coli..-.Lmn�
/?k L
on education
Like most communities,
Whitchurch-Stouffville is an
education -conscious Town.
To help bridge the gap between
the home and the school, The Tri-
bune now has an education col-
umnist.
She's Lynda Williams, a former
teacher and mother of three. She
introduces herself to readers on
Page A-2.
Mrs. Williams' interests are
wide-ranging. In the weeks ahead
she'll be dealing with such topics
as discipline, busing, homework,
report cards, smoking, drugs,
fund-raising, computers, P.A.
Days, parent -teacher organiza-
tions, street -proofing, `back to the
basics', (reading, writing and
arithmetic), and more.
Mrs. Williams isn't anticipating
positive responses to everything
she writes. She's interested in
negative replies as well. Letters
pro and con can be left at The Tri-
bune Office, 54-56 Main St f Pet
West or mailed to Box 40, Stouff-
ville, (LOH 1LO).
Student, parent, teacher or
senior citizen, education effects
us all. What Linda Williams says,
should interest us all.
y�e�- -�ro rn ��,�'r►�et- ova I v u,in � � ne
Me,rV (Bankex
Ly o its.
Thomas Bunker
Wins silver medal
�U 1 y lc/ jU
ALTONA - Thomas Alan
Bunker, son of Mr. and
Mrs. Mervyn Bunker,
Altona, has graduated
from the Faculty of Ap-
plied Science and
Engineering, University of
Toronto with a B.A.Sc.
degree.
A graduate of Uxbridge
Secondary School, Tom
headed his class of 63 and
has been awarded the W.S.
Wilson Silver Medal. He
established an average
mark of 82.3 percent.
Tom is employed by
Sutcliffe Company of New
Liskeard and is presently
on �a job at Manitouwadge,
Ontario.
Thomas tsunker
�. La eo r e_ Lord
i' U n 4-ay
05;
mr. ana lvlrs. !Merv. .Bun- *AL
ker and family have return-
ed from a holiday in the
Eastern Provinces. Don and
Glenna Goudie visited her
family in New Brunswick at
the same time and the boys
had a couple of days good
fishing there. Janice return-
ed homq after spending the
summer with her grand-
parents.
Mr. and Mrs. J. R.usch and 17�'U' S �
91 Chris moved from their j
home here to anotlftr near k
Oshawa and closer to Mr.
Rusch's work. Mr. and Mrs.
Bragg and two sons are now
settled in the Rusch home.
We welcome them to our
community. Since moving
ink their eldest son was
rushed to Newmarket Hos-
pital for an appendectomy
but was able to return home
on Monday.
ALTONA WOMIEN'S INSTITUTE
l;
THE ART
OF A
WHITTLER
Mery Bunker's an original
F YOUR FAVOURITE televi-
sion shows are Bonanza,
Gunsmoke or Big Valley,
then you'll love Mery Bunker's
whittling.
The Wild West comes alive
in the dining room of
his Minden home
where one can see
wooden miniatures of
horse-drawn stage-
coaches and
Conestoga wagons.
"I've never seen any
whittling done nor do
I care to," says Bunker. "I want
to keep my own style, be it
good, bad or indifferent."
His style is definitely good
as witnessed by the awards
he's racked up in the three
short years he's been whittling.
"I don't know what made
me start," says the owner of
Bunker's Hill, which is not
only his home, but where he
makes and sells reproduction
pine furniture.
"I only have a Grade 8 edu-
cation and I've always worked
with wood."
Bunker was a general con-
tractor living in Stouffville
when the federal government
expropriated his land for the
Pickering Airport site in 1972.
He used to fish in the Minden
area in the late 1940s and he
rihad good memories of
the scenery. He and his
wife Eleanor bought
some land and built a
cabin, thinking they'd
make a go of it for a
summer. They never
looked back.
The cabin is now a
workshop and the couple and
their youngest son, Chris, now
live in a modern house that
was designed by Bunker to
resemble an old farmhouse. It's
the perfect setting for the stun-
ning wood pieces scattered
throughout the house. .
A massive pine corner cabi-
net and hutch in the dining
room sits alongside a dry sink
stand. The cupboards in the
kitchen are made with wood
taken from an old barn and
have porcelain knobs dating
back to the mid-19th century.
I want to keep my own style, 'says Mery Bunker
whose whittling has won many awards
.T,
✓i� p
y,
`xr
z
Ilka
g
v
This beautifully detailed stage coach and horses show Mery Bunker's unusual talent
The beds upstairs are romantic
enough to melt even the h_rd-
est heart. The spare room has a
bird's eye maple ensemble that
includes a pyramid -style head-
board and matching dresser
and washstand.
"When we first moved 'here,
I was invited to a woman's
house to play cards," says
Eleanor Bunker. "When I went
to leave, I retrieved my coat out
of a bedroom and there was
this beautiful set. I came home
and told Mery and he said to
phone her up and ask her how
much she wanted! I told him I
couldn't do that; I barely knew
the woman! But that's Merv."
That's Merv, indeed. He's a
real tease with a heart as big as
Continued on page 12
m page 11
ne of those tree trunks he
,rks with. On this day, he's
ne home just long enough to
interviewed, then he's back
-oss the road where he's
.11ing a well for the house
's building for his grown
.fighter. One feels like a long-
ie friend as both Bunkers
er a dizzying array of food
i drink.
"We built this house to meet
r needs," says,'Bunker. "We
ginally had plans drawn up
a modern home and then
e day we saw and old farm -
use being restored. I'm shy
I didn't ask if I could have a
>k at it. But I came home and
etched it and that's how we
ded up with this house. We
ew it had to be a place where
r furniture would fit in."
The models for his whittling
;o come from things he has
mired and remembered. He's
e first to admit that he's a
.........:....:..
County Life — May 1.2, d992- Pago 1 t
country boy and it was this
love of a simpler way of life
that inspired his first carving. "
"First he made the logs, then
he added a horse and finally
the cutter," says Mrs. Bunker.
There are two cutters; the
other one carries little stuffed
passengers that Mrs. Bunker
made. The horses pulling the
cutters are made out of pine
but the rest of Bunker's carv-
ings are done with butternut
wood. They include a hawk
and moose,- along with the
wagon and stagecoach.
Every detail is covered: from
the wiffle trees and blinders on
the teams of horses to a tiny
water -barrel on the side of the
wagon. All the carvings portray
something being caught in
action; either a hoof raised or
the angle of a head.
"I won't ever whittle a duck
just sitting there. I like to carve
something as if it's living."
Each team of horses have
names, usually after neigh-
bours and bowling and card -
playing friends. When asked if
he would name one after this
reporter, his wife immediately
understood the seriousness of
the request.
"We know people that say
they'd rather have one of
Merv's horses named after
them than a child!" says Mrs.
Bunker.
Bunker did the stagecoach
carving, which is called Going
West after looking at photos in
a book on early horsedrawn
vehicles. It won first place in
1991 at the Agnes Jamieson
Gallery's Best of Members
show. It was only the second
time Bunker had submitted
anything for judging.
"The year before was the
first time. I entered the cutter
and it didn't do quite so well.
This year the wagon, which I
call Rest Time on the Trail, also
Continued on page 13
'I'll only sell because
I want to, not because
I have to, 'he says
y
From page 12 Bunker won't say what type
placed first in the same show. I of money his whittling could
modeled that after one Eleanor garner but he will say it's in the
and I saw at Black Creek four digits. He'd like to try his
Pioneer Village last fall. The hand at competitions outside of
staff let me in to the exhibit the local area where he's
area so I could take some mea- unknown and then he might
surements of it. It's representa- think about selling his work.
tive of an interesting time in "I've worked for 49 years to
Pennsylvania history when be able to do this. It takes me
people started moving west — three to four months of 40-hour
the early 1700s till the mid weeks to whittle one model. So
1800s. I've actually had some I'll only sell because I want to,
offers on that one." not because I have to."
Everything old is new again
dah posts. Eleanor designed the bargeboard
trim around the verandah and Mery created
it. The house was done by April 1977.
Of all the things in all the boxes Eleanor
had driven up in the pick-up truck, the only
thing irreparably damaged was a white -fox
collar on a winter coat she had stored in the
garage. "Somewhere, there was fur -lined
mouse nest, but we never found it."
But that's only half the story of the Bun -
by Susan Belson
Some homes are interesting because of
their history. Some are interesting because
of how they were built. Still others are inter-
esting because of what they contain. Mervyn
and Eleanor Bunker's house qualifies on
two counts.
Their house isn't old enough to have a lot
of history. But as virtually a one-man con-
struction job and as the repository of a col-
lection of pine furniture, each piece with a
narrative of its own, it certainly meets the
other two criteria handily.
Remember the Pickering airport? The
Bunkers lived in Altona, three miles outside
of Stouffville — once a village of its own,
now so absorbed into the nearby community
that it no longer rates a mention on the map.
But as they say in the real estate business,
only three things matter: location, location,
and location. The Bunkers were among the
people who had their homes swiped out
from under them as the federal government
prepared for the airport that would never be.
The 1974 expropriation forced them to
contemplate where they wanted to live and
Haliburton County was the region they de-
cided explore. (They knew the area from the
grandfather of a friend of Merv's: said grand-
father had a cottage on lake Kushog near
Pine Springs and Mery had been up here a
few times.) He wanted fishing, she wanted
flowers, and, for their children, they needed
to be on a school -bus route and handy to
town. They found what they were looking
for off Highway 35 west of Mountain Lake.
"It was trees right down to the road," Mery
recalls. "We made a picnic table out of two
trees and a piece of plywood, and sat around
it on lawn chairs under a tarpaulin."
The next year, over two weekends, Mery
built a cabin 20 feet by 30 feet on block
pillars to get them out of the caterpillars and
the black flies. In April 1976, they got down
to the business of house -building. Mery
stayed at the site with the family dog. Some-
times he didn't leave the property for six
weeks at a time. Eleanor commuted with the
two younger children, Pat and Chris, on
weekends. (The two
older children, Tom
and Linda, were al- "The p
ready married with
families of their prohibiti
own.)
Mery had been a compare
custom homebuilder
all his life, starting guys who e
out in his father's
business. This would more. Bu
be the third house he smoothne
built for his family,
all of his own design.
(The first was made from the materials of
the house that both he and his mother had
been born in.) "We saw an old farmhouse
west of Sunderland and the exterior got my
mind going about what this house would
look like," he recalls. "We sure had lots of
old furniture to go with it."
"We didn't know a soul up here," says
Eleanor, "not suppliers or contractors. But
Mery and Eleanor Bunker's (above) house was inspired by
an old farmhouse near Sunderland. Mery turned the posts
of the verandah on an old lathe and fashioned the barge -
board after Eleanor's design (detail right).
the meat manager at the A&P in Stouffville
said that Carnarvon Lumber was a good
place to deal."
For what labour he needed, Mery relied
mostly on people he'd worked with before
around the Stouffville area. Block layers
and plumbers who had been regular subcon-
tractors put themselves out to come up and
work on the house.
They had the same problem, of course, as
everyone who builds a house in Haliburton:
bedrock. But the excavation and other sites
d
rice of wet plastering is
ve for most people today,
to drywall. And the old
an do it aren't around any
t you can't beat it for the
ss of the finished look. "
on the property yielded the granite for the
living -room fireplace, which Mery hefted
into place himself. For it was, by and large,
a one-man job, though Eleanor and the kids
helped. According to her father, Pat, their
younger daughter, "could wheel cement like
a man."
When summer came and the children were
out of school, Eleanor started moving things
north in the pick-up truck. Sometimes
she'd make two trips a day. There were
12-by-12 hand-hewn beams from an
old barn, a old bell -house off the garage
in Altona that now sits on top of the
garage here, rough pine siding cut right
out of the bush near Claremont. And all
that 19th-century pine furniture that
Mery had spent untold hours restoring.
Finally, moving day. "On August
21st," Eleanor recalls, "we had an auc-
tion sale in Altona of everything that
was left. We slept on the floor overnight
and moved up here August 22nd."
The family lived in the little cabin all
summer and fall while work continued
on the house. Then winter came. "It'd
be minus 30 outside and you could sit in
there without your shirt on," says Merv.
"But don't put your feet on the floor.
There was even ice under the bed."
"It was fun," Eleanor says in retrospect. "I
figure we pioneered up here."
It was 15-year-old Pat who finally got the
bright idea of moving into the basement of
the new house. That way they'd have better
heating and running water and a toilet! Just
before Christmas, they shifted.
And the work continued. George Broney,
a plasterer who had done all Merv's work in
years gone by, came and lived with them for
six weeks while he did the interior walls.
"The price of wet -plastering is prohibitive
for most people today, compared to drywall,"
says Merv. "And the old guys who can do it
aren't around any more. But you can't beat
it for the smoothness of the finished look. It
compensates for all the irregularities in the;
studs the way drywall never can."
As things got more finished, Eleanor'
started to come into her own. "I did all the:
painting and decorating," she says. "As Merv'
finished out the trim, I started painting and
we met in the breezeway. Then Ron Murdoch i
came in and laid the carpet as I was hanging;
the curtains. The day after that, the furniture-
was in. Do you think we were in a hurry?"
The board -and -batten siding went up..
Mery bought an old lathe to turn the veran
Mery and Eleanor Bunker enjoy a cup of coffee in front of the
fireplace he built with granite from the property. The "table " in
front of them is actually a box, made from Merv's mother's
dough box. The lid was Eleanor's grandmother's bake board.
kers' house. The other half is what's inside.
It started with an old pine table from her
father that was black with age. Mery stripped
and refinished it. That led to chairs and
cupboards and hutches and desks and beds.
"Our bed is made from old church pews,"
Mery announces.
"There was a Presbyterian church in New-
market that had decided to get some new
pews to go with their new interior decor and
I was asked to put in an offer on the old ones.
Turned out they only got
one other offer on them,
but even though this chap
would have given them
more money, they didn't
like the fact that he had,
well, sort of a snootful
when he came to see
them. So they accepted
my offer. I got a call one
day saying the pews had
to be out of there the next Sunday, right after
service. They were still counting the collec-
tion when we started loading the pews. There
was an old chap there who said the pews had
been brought into the church 97 years before
and they were old then. And it's been 20
years since I bought them. There were enough
pews to seat 250 people. I used two of them
to make the bed and sold the rest."
There are many other similar touches.
Like the kitchen cupboard doors made of
granary boards. The kitchen table made out
of a feedbox. The coffee table in the living
room made out of Merv's mother's dough
box with a lid that was Eleanor's grand-
mother's bake board. The bathroom mirrors
made out of large, ornate picture frames.
Half the story is the
design and building of
the house; the other
half is what's inside it.
What all these pieces, and many more be-
sides, have in common is that most people
wouldn't have touched them with a ten-iuvi
barge pole, if they'd seen what god -forsaken
messes they were when Mery first laid eyes
on them. Now they are treasures.
With a twinkle in his eye, Mery points to
more furniture around the house that he has
brought back to life. "More old wood," he
says. "We can't afford any new wood."
With their deep-rooted value for things
that carry their own
stories, Eleanor and
Mery opened an an-
tique store 'beside
their house and kept
it going for the past
seven years or so.
But it's getting in the
way of his fishing
and her flowers. So
they're not going to
do that anymore. Mery will make custom
pieces of furniture on request, but that's it.
Except for building a few more houses for
the family, that is. A few years ago, he built
one up near Kushog Korner for his niece and
he's just put the finishing touches on one for
Pat across the road from their own place.
Losing the house in Altona was a shock
and a disappointment. But the Bunkers have
won through by dint of their strength and
talent. Merv's assessment of how things
have worked out? "I wouldn't trade this
place for the whole ed ��,
,+,j,,"A V1'91iE i `a�
This is the third in a series of articles
about interesting homes in Haliburton
County.
mease loin
Mervyn and Eleanor
Bunker as they
celebrate fifty years of
marriage.
Reception to be held at
Club 35, He, sLske
(10 km north of
Carnarvon on Hwy 35) an
Sat. Apr 18th, from
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
Beat Wishes Only.
Call Chris Bunker at
905-887-5487 for more
Information.
As I stepped
onto Bunker's Hill, it
was like walking into M
an entirely different
world .... a world much B E
reduced in scale, filled
with incredibly detailed buildings all
created at one -twelfth their original
size. The care and attention to even the
smallest detail is impressive and one
wonders about the skill and amazing
ability of the person who constructed
it.
Mery Bunker is the man who
built the 12 miniature structures plus
the out -buildings that go with them.
Merely constructing the buildings
Would be a feat in itself, but Mery did
not stop there. Each of the structures i
finished, inside and out, with various
furnishings,. accessories and tiny
details that match the era in which the
building existed and the purpose it
served. For example, the small school
house is equipped with tiny desks. On
the blackboard, behind the teacher's
N
■ desk, are the names off
BY some of the students
who attended the Stanin-
ISTY hope School.
NETT All the furnishiningsm
and interior decorations
were made by Mery or his wife,
Eleanor. Tiny stoves, an iron forge, a a
globe and garden tools are just a feww
examples of the items that Mery has.s
made to scale to decorate his village.e.
Merv's display is not just a
presentation of -beautiful craft -work,:,
but also a lesson in history. The builild-
ings are all representations of buildhings
which existed during 61oneer times.
Reproducing a specific buildinng
in exacting detail can be a challengge.
s If the building exists Mery will visitit it,
measuring every detail, including haow
the building was constructed. If the
building no longer exists, he will
gather details from people who remuem-
ber the structure, or from his own
memory and build it accordingly.
SummerTimes 0 S7
The tin world
The G.E.O. Watson Livery Stable
is an exacting copy of the livery which
3 Tune 20, 1997 once existed in Stouffville, a commu-
nity where Mery grew up. The building
� • includes a weather vane on the roof in
a urn er s / the shape of a horse, which actually
rotates with the wind.
The weather vane is one project
that Mery remembers vividly. While
he was cutting the wood, he acciden-
tally ran his thumb through the saw. He
I drove to the Minden Hospital, the
wound was sewn closed with 14
stitches, and he returned home to finish
the project.
The blacksmith shop is a recon-
struction of the business that once
existed in Fenelon Falls. It is outfitted
with many wonderful details. The forge
and accompanying chimney was
created out of stone held in place with
(more on page 4)
Miniature buildings capture moments in history
Mery and Eleanor Bunker have created a finely detailed miniature village.
(from page 3)
Mery began creating his mini-
ature village, built to the scale of one
inch to one foot, in the early 1990's. At
the same time he was also a furniture
maker, constructing "normal" sized
items for area residents.
The miniature village is located
in a building behind the Bunker home
north of Minden. As one steps into the
display building, the first structure
visitor sees is "Bunker's Sawmill" This
is one of the few buildings which is not
a direct replica of a previously existing
structure.
"The sawmill is a combination of
several buildings. There were no big
circular sawmills in the area, so I
created this one from what I thought it
should look like," says Merv.
Not only is it a highly detailed
representation of a sawmill, the me-
chanics of the building actually operate
with a motor and belt to turn the saw
blade. All the working parts were made
by him, from pieces of scrap metal.
"I can't bring myself to buy pre -
made pieces for the buildings. Once I
do that I might as well throw it all
away. It won't be fun any more," he
says.
Bunker's Sawmill with is circular saw that actually rotates.
mortar. The bellows, which fan the
"coals" (there is only so far one can
take realism) of the forge, are fully
functional in the miniature reproduc-
tion of the shop. Tie rings for securing
horses dot the interior walls while
numerous smithing tools lie about the
shop as if the skilled hand of the
smithy is all that is needed to bring the
scene to life..
Pettinger's Grist Mill, the mill
that once stood in Coboconk, is also a
part of the village. The water wheel,
adjacent to the building, turns end-
lessly as water flows over it and into
the landscaped pond below. A water-
fall runs parallel to the wheel and fills
the room with the soothing sound of
tumbling water.
A firehall is also part of the
miniature town. Copied from the one at
Black Creek Pioneer Village, it houses
a replica of the pumper on display at
the museum north of Toronto.
With each building there is a
brief written description relating the
history of the structure. Some of the
displays also have photographs or
newspaper clippings featuring the
original structure.
Mery estimates the buildings in
the display include over 50,000 cedar
shingles. All were cut by hand, as were
all the other pieces that comprise the
miniature
village. Even
the wooden
siding which
covers many
of the struc-
tures has been
cut in tongue
and groove
style and
painstakingly
put together.
While
cedar domi-
nates on the
roofs, pine is
used through
other parts of
the construc-
tion.
"That's
" what they
' used back
then to make
their build-
ings, so that's
what I use for
the reproduc-
tions," says
Merv.
The
foundations of
Welcome to the Stanhope Schoolhouse, one of 12 buildings at most of the
Bunker's Hill. Note thepot belliedstove, the globe on the teacher's buildings are
desk and the dangling cord attached to the bell overhead. constructed
using stone and mortar. The
bricks in the chimneys were
crafted by him as well. The
bricks are cement, with a colour-
ing agent added.
The village is Merv's pride
and joy and obviously his pas-
sion. When he starts working on
a replica, time means little to
him. The work will consume 10
to 15 hour days, seven days a
week. Sometimes, he admits, he
becomes so engrossed by the
project that he has no idea,what
Aay or month it is.
Detail of the water wheel and waterfall
next to the Pettinger Grist Mill,
"Some people ask me how I can
be so patient, but it has nothing to do
with patience, it's stubbornness. I am
not a patient man," says Merv.
Another building of interest in the
village is the John Hulbig homestead.
The original structure is currently
covered by boards, but a few of those
are removed in order for Mery to
measure the logs that are hidden
beneath. The replica was built as it
originally stood, a cedar log home. The
wood which Mery used for the house,
was taken from the Hulbig property as
the pioneers had done when the origi-
nal was constructed. Even the windows
of the replica are made of glass found
on the property.
Other structures in Merv's
collection include: a cobbler shop;
Stanhope School; Twelve Mile Lake
Presbyterian Church; The Reid House
(a part of the Haliburton Highlands
Museum display in Haliburton); and
the home of hiss grandfather.
Mery and Eleanor welcome
visitors to the miniature world they
have created. Bunker's Hill is sure to
captivate those interested in history,
impress anyone who works in mini-
ature and intrigue just about everyone
else. There is a $3.50 admittance
charge and Mery and Eleanor ask that
visitors telephone first to ensure they
are open. The number is 286-1417.
Bunker's Hill is located on the Twelve
Mile Lake Road off Highway 35, just
south of Hart Lodge.
1
j Ak ti
Seventeen year old Larry Spiece, R.R.3, Stouffville, has been an entry in shot put
competition only two years but already is considered one of Ontario's best in Juvenile
class. —Jas. Thomas,
Larry Spiece n ",.; 1 ),0
Puts fordista"ce
STOUFFVILLE - To
pick up 12 pounds of steel
requires enough physical
effort, but to then throw it
50 feet requires strength,
timing and technique that
few possess. Larry Spiece,
a seventeen year old
student of Stouffville
District `3econdary School
is a member of this
minority group. After
competing for just two
years, `his handsome,
husky youth has qualified
for the Canadian Shot Put
Championships to be held
in Vancouver. He earned
this right as a result of his
third place finish in the
Eastern Canadian Track
and Field Finals at
Etobicoke.
Larry trains with the
Victoria Park Track and
Field Club in Scarborough
under the direction cf
British Commonwealth
gold medalist, Dave Steen.
In addition, he spends
many hours working with
barbells in his basement
gym. After months of
supporting too much
weight, including elevator
cable weights, the bar
buckled. On learning of
Larry's requirement for a
more substantial bar, the
At1 Allo s Com any
past two years in the
Georgian Bay Meet and
ranked high in various
trials leading up to the
Eastern Canadian Finals.
His greatest distance in
practice is 55 feet 2 inches
and 51 feet 10 inches in
competition to earn
recognition as one of
Ontario's best in Juvenile
Class.
as Y p Recently, this young
responded with a gift of a seven foot chromed man has been putting his
weighing pounds behind a shot
o
vanadium bar to help him 220 16 pounds with
in his conditioning g g p
rp ogram considerable success. A
--few weeks ago he placed
second at a Newmarket
meet. His specialty,
however, is the 12 pounder.
In this class he has cap-
tured first place for the
Once in a
AI T NA — Twenty -one-
year old Wendy Williams of
Altona must still think she's
dreaming. Next week,
however, she'll experience
the reality of a three-month
tour that will take her as far
distant as Bolivia, Ecuador
and Panama.
Wendy is a member of the
Continental Singers, one of
seventeen American -based
choirs that travels all over
the world. She auditioned
last fall, following a worship
service in Uxbridge Baptist
Church attended by more
than 600 people. She re-
ceived the good word in
November.
"I'd almost given up
hope," Wendy said, noting
that only a few are selected
lifetime
WENDY WILLIAMS
from all across Canada.
Those closest to this per-
sonable Christian girl,
attest to her beautiful sopra-
no voice. She's one of nine -
Wendy says she's never
had voice training, but par-
ticipated in music festivals
as a wee gal in public school.
Little did she dream then
that the ultimate singing ex-
perience would result ---a
three-month tour with one of
the most famous choirs in
North America. And the
community agrees, it
couldn't happen to a finer
girl.
Guelph University student
Larrie Spiece, a Grade 13 graduate of
Stouffville Dist. Secondary. School, will attend
the University of Guelph in the fall, for adegree in
Bachelor of Science of Agriculture. He hopes to
be a veterinarian. Larrie is the son of Mr. and
Mrs. K. W. Spiece, Stouffville, R. R. 3.14rei .
tour
members in a group called
"Soul Foundation" that
sings at special services in
Uxbridge Baptist and other
churches around the area.
She's the daughter of Colin
and Doris Williams, R.R. 3,
Stouffville.
A graduate of Uxbridge
Secondary School and
Centennial College, Wendy
holds a degree in Early
Childhood Education. She's
a member on the staff of
Richvale Day Care Centre
near Richmond Hill.
From Toronto, Wendy
will fly to Canyon Meadows,
California and attend a pre -
tour rehearsal camp. From
there, it's on to Arizona,
New Mexico, Boston, Flor-
ida then down to South
America. A final concert is
scheduled for May 8 in Los
Angeles. She'll arrive home
the following day.
This particular choir has
25 members accompanied
by a 14-piece orchestra. The
young people range in age
from 16 to 25.
"I'm really looking for-
ward to it," Wendy said,
adding that her mother and
dad have been very suppor-
tive.
La
-- N -1
��----�l
-
_
�
=
i / ^
49
A Snort history of tn,a (Old) Mennonite Church
ALTO NA
The history of the Mennonite Church seems quite inseparable from the history
of the Altona comamnity for several reasons. The original united group seems to be the
only denomination to have built a meeting house in the hamlet, and until (5 the present
church was the only one; whil0ln that year the second c_r.uren was built, t also was
formed with a Mennonite group holding one hall interest. At one tif�.e too, the Comm],ity
seems tc have been more praominartly Mennonite than it is at the present, the western
part of Pickering forming an overflow from the settlement in Markham TVP. which also
overflowed into Vaughan and Whitcauren, and these churcnes at one time were al.l at1iiiated
witn the Aitona congregation. It also seems probable that the hamlet received its name
througn Mennonite familiarity with Altona in Europe. Tile .Dutch Mennonite congregation
in this German city enjoyed, under Danish rule from lbi^ on for many years, great free-
dom as compares. Mitn other persecuted sections, and produced many prolific writers. Two
writings, one a catechism widely used soli, and another, a book of sermons never trans-
lated to English, were famiiiar boo.&s in many h:enEionite homes, and Altona :vas a familiar
name. The cnurch seems to have exerted quite an influence too, in early times, and aspec-
iai.Ay when the English language was first intruattced, perhaps more of the nLigr_bourhood
attenaea its services than after more other caurcaes were built.
The early history is a.aite uncertain. The MenDonita settlement in Markham Twp.
began about _g'`S, and the Stouffers came to the viliage named after them: in 16N , and
seem to nave worshiped here, since there was no enuren at Stouffville until much later,
and some of them served as trustees for this property, though there is evidence that
they may also have worshiped at Dixon's hill, especially a.:ter the M.b.0 grou_o was formed.
but wrere the congregation worshiped, and <Nno were tLe ministers, is a question. The
first minister re.:oraea is Daniel Kreider in 162'-, and the log school on the north
corner of the present property was apparently built in 1834, This building was used as
sebooland church until 1852, although the congrgation was well estabiisnad before this
date. It can only be conjectured that they worshipers in the homes of members until 2934
and trat until 1625, and from 1636 (when Han.Kreiaer moved to Ohio) to 1851 the ministry
was Sup,, -lied, probably from Wideman's in Markham.
The present brick building was apparently built in 1852. The trustee's minute
book shows tha first meeting in 1650, held in Stouffviiie, with Abraham Stouffer of
Wnitcaurch, and Samuel Hoover and Martin N eiswander of Pickering as trustees, when
axrangements were made for the transfer of the one acre, more or less, from Christian
Stouffer, (wno had moved to Oxford Co.) for tce sum ci five pounds. Tee dead was not
registered until# 1652, and retevved, apparently, in 165(, when the counties of York,
Ontario and Peel were separated. 'Trustee meetings were held every year for a time. In
/51 and /52 tney were hela in the schoolhouse. In 1653 t.le meeting was held in the
meeting house, Swhicn nas led to the assumrtion treat in the su=t er of /52 the enuren
was built, although zLere is no recording o* a motion to do so. 'inhere seams to haae
been a building boom, on at this time toc, since many of the old colonial houses of
the district were built about this time. One wonders why tie enuren was not built
larger, considering the district it was designed to serve. Tne cemetery has al',_ays
been a community one, and it is significant that the fi st eve is Elizaoeth Stouffer,
wife of the pioneer Abraham Stouffer of Stouffville. R. 1335.
Other historical business meetings were held in 1 2n, when the churcn sneds
were built on the west sixa (it is not known when the first ones we're built) and in
1c-31 when at a public meeting it was deciaea to :Lrprove the cemetery; while in 1 52
it was deci-ed to sell both of the sheds and arrange better parking space. Trustees
and their term of service nave been as follows, beside those me�-_tioned. Samuel ivigrs-
wander, , 1651-53 ; Peter Reesor, , 1051-53 ; Jacob Le! ma n,1851 53; Abraham Reesor,1853-55;
Martin Ni nswander,1853-78; Jonn_ Stouffer,(oi Uxbridge),1853-D5; Samuel Hoover,1855-57;
Daniel Lehman,1855-&`; Abraham Hooverl8bn; Martin hignswander,Jr. 1862-1;15; Samuel
h2grlswander,18b3; Jacob Lehman,1864-7; Joan G.rioover,l876-1;08; Edwin Moyer,1878-51;
Solomon Burkholder,l8c�lt Henry Byer,l-n2-22 ?; Isaac Reaman, 1J08-25; Enos Ivighswander,
115-17; David Nignswander, 117- Thomas Diller, 122- Isaiah Hoover, 1g25-;
Alien widaman, 1552- .
On the spiritual side i6 should be mentioned Luat t.ie services here have
always bean in circait witn others in the district. From the earliest records meetings
were held here every four weeks. This probably applied until about ibis; or a little
later, when another group Seas formed, and tna two groups held services alternately
until 1y1�. During this time services were hell at least every two weeks, likely
oftener. After 1'!1; one group aiscontinued and the present group held services
every four weeks until 1y28, when � a schedule of two and four weeks
alternately was adopted. Yinisters serving nave been as follows. Daniel Kreider, 1825,
(perhaps earliarl - 1636; (proably Jacob 'Grove or Joan E.Reasor, both ordained in
1636, resident in Markham 1wp.); Henry Barkey, 1651-76; Samuel Hoover, 1873-;3;
Christian B-axkriolder,18&V ; Levi Grove, 1906-3n; Fred L.Nigc_swander, 1037- :
John G. Hoover, 1892-1 ;14; L.,T.isurkholder, 1 11}-ly.
Acknowleagements to L.J.Burkholder, Robert F'reidmann, Wm. R. Wood, and others,
by Fred L. Nighswander
PLAN TO A T TEND
THE TRIBUNE:, THUR51JAY, 6Erl. Z:), IU73U
•
nhi*stor*ic service
ALTONA — On
Sunday, Oct. 5, a
special service of
thanksgiving and
remembrance will be
held in the historic
Altona Mennonite
Church. Rev. Paul
Martin of the
Wideman Mennonite y'
Church is the guest
speaker, Paul
Burkholder, R.R. 1,
tario" by Lewis J."s.
Burkholder, places the
church's date of
construction at 1852.
Christian Stouffer
conveyed one acre to
r, I
16
the Mennonite Society On Sunday, Oct. 5, the historic Altona Paul Martin of the Wideman Mennonite
for this purpose. Mennonite Church in Pickering will be re- Church will bring the message with
Names such as Daniel historical background on the building by
Lehman, Henry opened for a special service at 3 p.m. Rev. Paul Burkholder, Markham, R.R. 1.
Barkey, Samuel
Hoover, John G. Reesor are listed as Mennonite Church was major renovations and 'roots' in the Altona
Hoover, L . J . prominent ministers closed as a worship remains in relatively community is invited
Burkholder, Jacob G. and deacons there. centre in 1974. The good condition. to attend the worship,
Reesor and Samuel G. The A 1 t o n a interior has had no Anyone with Oct. 5.
Altona Mennonite Church
• • •
uture i a fmite
By Jim Irving He said the last farming and the land, Rev. Paul Martin.
ALTONA — Altona service held in the church "hindered us somewhat," He said that "life for
Mennonite Church may was Sept. 15, 1974, when it Mr. Reesor said, "and all is a pilgrim age," with
be gone as a "meeting was "abandoned as a kept us from becoming God opening doors and
place," but it's far from regular meeting place." doctors," and following providing opportunities
forgotten. Aaron Grove, a other professions. which people didn't
Sunday afternoon, a former pastor, said he He said he was always see.
large crowd returned to always felt badly when "trying to bbe generous," Harvey Nighswander
the little country chapel, churches are no longer but their "weaknesses said it was "wonderful to
closed since 1974, to recall used. However, he and shortcomings" must have lovely things," but
both the pleasures and believed every church, be evaluated; their not everything is lasted.
some of the pains of its used or unused, has still a values must be em- "We have to use these
long and enduring past. "speaking message to braced. experiences to God's
It is the hope of those all." The message, "Let us doing ... "I believe there
supporting the service of He said the church arise and go back to are greater things
"thanksgiving and was "a solid reminder" of Bethel," was delivered by ahead", he said.
remembrance", to renew the spiritual presence of ——-*1-�-
sufficient interest in the those who once lived in
building, which has been the area.
maintained in church- He said he attended I The bullding, rain
going order, to decide its the church as a child, in Burkholder, one of the
fate as something other all kinds of weather, speakers, told the
than just a local land- sometimes running congregation, was
mark. behind the sleigh to keep erected in 1852. Bricks
"We want to see warm, only to arrive were brought in from
whether it should be "and find it just as cold C h e r r y w o o d a n d
preserved or moved," Joe inside." pinewood from nearby.
Nighswander, chairman Mr. Grove said the In 1857, the church
of the worship told The services were always property was formerly
Tribune. He said it had conducted in German, deeded to the Society of
long been used by the old until his Uncle Levi Mennonites, one of the
order of Mennonites, but managed to introduce stipulations being that the
when the church became some in English at trustees were all to live
affiliated with the Thanksgiving and on within five miles of the
Mennonite Conference of Good Friday. site.
Ontario in 1964, the "The people didn't Mr. Burkholder then
services were divided like it much," he said, listed various names that
among a circuit of three "but we kids did." read like a who's who of
churches. With the ex- Cecil Reesor, another Mennonite families and
ception of a few mem- "former participant," original settlers from the
bers, the congregation praised the beauty of the Stouffville - Markham
from Altona then at- setting of the church and area. Among the familiar
tended the Mennonite recalled the "simplicity n a m e s w e r e
Church on Steeles of faith" of its adherents. Nighswander, Stouffer,
Avenue, on the Scarboro- Despite the latter, Wideman, Hoover, Leh -
Markham townline. their rigid adherence to man, Burkholder, Moyer
L-
---`""'- . ` ------ and Reesor.
.4
1`•Irss••�.
/y�9hswanderPM,(ie4;f1 �Gr�� e p)l Urk�k�lr4r
Sr�rt) G.2eesor, lf.Nigkswa„�le r C.l2e
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relt Mice. q
•�9II71I. ��G9!��L ..,r''1 ud %%1 R/t1.•I�/IL 2l,IL�?G('!'
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Ye
I
Attonn Mennonitr Thitrrh
Sunday,October 5/80
At 3:00 Pm
This Service Is Designed To Be Of Significance
For All Interested Persons. You Are Welcome.
in51de- on n6-x+ Payer
fi
Oc+c,ber 9 P o
PROGRAM
SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE AND THANKSGIVING
CHAIRMAN - JOSEPH NIGHSwANDER
SONG LEADER - GEORGE REESOR
DEVOTIONAL MEDITATION
HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE ALTONA MENNONITE CHURCH
- PAUL BURKHOLDER
TESTIMONIALS BY Two OF THE FORMER PARTICIPANTS
OF THE CONGREGATION - AARON GROVE
- CECIL REESOR
MESSAGE - PAUL MARTIN
"LET US ARISE AND GO BACK TO BETHEL"
NOTES
I. The to ateea o6 .the chmah and gtounda ate pteaa ed
at the inteAut shown by 6Ai.end6 and 6oAmeA pa4ti,-
c-LPant6 o6 the Afton Church. They weQcome you to
this set vice, and hope you Witt take time to waZk
through .the gtounda, and at.ao to 6e?.Qowahip with
each other abtet the aenvice today.
2. The Hymn Books used in the service ,today have been
kepi Prom 6ohmeA days, and were made avai,Qabee 4ot
th,ie seh.v.ice.
3. TheAe w tt be an oi4ehi,ng box at .the door o6 .the
church 60A your donations towaAd the upkeep o 4 .the
bu i tdc ng and gAounda .
Joe HighewandeA " the caatodcan o4 the quunda, and
Witt weecome contAibutiou to the eauee at any time.
^port tn_ of � S'.t� :a 'r,--_1nnttr)
'Al here did Altona get it's name? 14hy does the _Meng onite Church here seem to be
the only one existing from early times? Where have the early pioneers gone?
Where are their families today?
The answers to these questions make interesting history. The history of
the 'Mennonite ChAnch seems quite inseparable from the history of the Altona
community, for several reasons. No doubt the name of the hamlet came from
that of Altone (Hamburg-Altona) in Germany., The S)utch Mennonite congregation
in that city enjoyed, under 'Danish rule from 1610 on for many years, great
freedom of worship as compared with other persecuted areas, and produced
many prolific writers. Tiro writings, one a catechism widely used still, and
another, a book of sermons for every Lord's Day and every religious holiday
in the year were familiar books in many Menn6tite homes, and Altona was a
familiar name. The writer can remember his grandfather, Abraham Lehman, read -
an these sermons regularly., In other Mennonite areas, notably Manitoba and
Penneylvenia, there are also Al tona's.
Yo doubt the reason this was the only church building in Altona for a
long time is due to the fact that the community was predominantly Mennonite
in those times, as was the entire west edge of Pickering Township. Even the
Union Church built in 1875 was an outgrowth of the church here, with the
Mennonite Erethren in Christ holding half interest
It is regretable that so little of the early history was written.There is
no record of a church building here until the log school house, apparently
built in 1834, was used also as a meeting house. It stood near the corner
north of the cemetery The first minister recorded is Daniel Kreider, in 1825.
The Stouffers came to the village named after them, in 1804, and seem to
have worshipred here, There w,es no Mennonite Church in Stouffville until
much later. So it can only be conjectured that the congregation worshppred
in the homes of the members until 1834. Daniel Kreider moved to Ohio in 1836,
and there is no record of another minister until 1851, so perhaps the
ministry was suprlled, probably from 'rdideman's in 1,7arkham, except when Kreider
was here.
The present brick building was apparently built in 1852- The trustee's
minute book showd the _first meeting in 1850, held in Stouffville, with
Abraham Stouffer of tdhitchurch, and Samuel '',over -arid idartin Nighswander of
Pickering, as trustees. At this meeting arrangements were made for the
transfer of the one acre, more or less, from Christian Stouffer, (who lead
%coved to Oxford Co) for the sum of five pounds. The deed was not registered
until 185?, and renewed, apparently, in 1857, when the Counties of Fork,
Ontario, and Peel were separated. Trustee meetings were held every year for
a time. In 1851 and 1852 they were held in the schoolhouse. in 1853 the meet-
ing was held in the meetinghouse, which has led to the assumption that in the
summer of 1852 the church was built,although there is no recording of a, motion
to do so, There seems to have been a building boom on at this time The brick
house on the Nighswander farm, Lot 31, on the Reesor farm, Lot 30, and the
olcl school building, were ell built about that time, The bricks were hauled
from the Cherrywood brickyard, and at one time the writer remembers that the
Older residents knew who the bricklayer was• One &nly wonders why the church
was not built larger, considering the district it was designed to serve,
The cemetery his always been a community one, with many non-I.Tennonite
families burying here. It is significant that the first grave is that of
Elizabeth Stouffer, wife of the pioneer Abraham Stouffer of Stouffville and
is dated 1835.
Other historical business meetings were held in 1920, when new church
sheds were built on the west side. In 1931 at a public meeting , it was
decided to improve the cemetery. Isaiah Hoover, a, deacon, took charge of this
work, together with David Nighswander the caretaker and a good job was done
which took most of that summer. In 1952 it was decided to sell moth sheds
and arrange for more parking space. Trustees and their term of service have
been as follows (in addition to the original ones): Samuel Nighswander, 1851-
53; Peter 7eesor, 1851-53; Jacob Lehman, 1851-53; Abraham Reesor, 1853-55;
Martin Yighswander, 1853-78; John Stouffer, (of Uxbridge) 1853-5,5, Samuel
voover 1855-57; Daniel Lehman, 1855-60; Abraham Loover 1860; Tsartin
T'Tighswander, Jr. 1862-1915; Samuel T'ighswa.nder, 1863; Jacob Lehman,1861-6^;
John G.Hoover, 1878-1908; Edwin Moyer, 1878-91; Solomon Burkholder, 1881-92?
Henry Byer. 140-1922?; Isaac Rearman, 1908-?5; Enos Nighswander, 1915-17;
David PT ghwwand.er, 1917-61; Thomas Diller, 19?2-70; Isaac 1-Toover,1927-7? ;
Allen Wideman, 1952-66; Jos, Nighswander; 19_.____.__. ;? �a.rvey Yighswander.
Enos Nighswander,
The spirit-,ual ministries at the place �r.,n early +i mes ; was in circuit
with other meeting houses in the distri.ct.This was the method used by many
denominations during pioneering days. It was perhaps due to a shortage of
ministers, but in many cases it was contin'bd too long after the population
warranted regular services at each place, Meetings were held at Altona
either every two or four weeks. Among the ministers who served here, mention
should be made of the following: Daniel%Kreider,18?5 (perhaps earlier) -1836;
Probably Jacob Grove and/or John H,Reesor, both ordained in 1836; in Markham
Twp,; Henry Berkey, 1851-75; Samuel Hoover, 1873-93; Christian Burkholder,
1889-1916; John G.Hoover, 1872-1914; L.J. Burkholder, 1878-19 ; Levi Grove,
1906-36; (as bishop 1937-74); Fred.T,Tighswander, 1937-65, (moved to Emo, Ont
serving under Conservative Mennonite Gospel Ylission); Cecil Reesor, 1952-59;
Alvin Baker, 1961-68?;
In 1889-90, when the Ontario Conference of Mennonites was formed, they and
the Old Order rennonites held services alternately until 1919,jfter 1919, the
Ont^rio Conference discontinued the Sunday School and services here and their_
interest in the Altona community, except for P brief period from about 1935-
1940, when, after consultation with the members of the Altona congregation,
they opened a work in the old Yethodist building at Glasgow. The raster of
this work, Gordon Shreg, lived in the Altona community, and several efforts
were carried out in co-oreretion with the memb°-rs at Altona . '..hen t.l-e effort
at Glasgow discontinued, the congregation here Pegan looking more to foreign
f ielas as an outreach,
In 1930, the "Old Order" Mennonites in this district became the "Yarkham
Conference, and in 1940 the "'Markham -Waterloo Conference`: During the '30's,
'40's and '50's, attendance increased, as did spiritual fervor -rd the church
enjoyed a healthy growth.Quite a number of young people from Non -,Mennonite
and non --Christian homes found the Lord and warm fellowship here during this
Period.
C)
has completely re -organized into three different affiliations in 1964, so Unfortunately, due to urbanization and other influences, the congregation
that Altona figured less and less in the life of the former worshippers. Todaa�
they and their families are found in widely scattered communities,(a.nd
faiths) and some are in Other conntr ies.
For a few years after 1964, those of the congregation who affiliated with.
the Conservative Mennonite Church of Ontario held Sunday School and evening
services here. Some from the community and from as far away as Toronto were
attracted to the Altona DCXXXXXX 1,1eeting uouse. But eventually this was also
discontinued. The expropriation of the area and the dislocation it produced
seems to have removed the possibility that the building might again be used
for the breaching of the Gospel.
On Sept 15, 1974, the last service was held, after which the building was
abandoned as a regular meeting place, leaving it as it is today, only a
remembrance of the past.
One could regret that it is so. The country church was eery much part of
the backbone of the country and the early communities. It helped produce
a Christian conscience and gave spiritual ministration in the place where
the people were found. Everyone know each other, and friendliness and
and orderliness were t're norm. They made a good climate for the greeting
of other, and spiritual meetings that stirred the country in a much more
proper way than countries are "stirred" (up) today.
22.
You are Invited to Attend
INFORMATION
a Commemorative Worship Service at
31tona Aennon"tte Cburcb
*unbap, October 3, 1982 at 3:00 p.m.
Guest Speaker: Dr. Frank H. Epp
Waterloo, Ontario
Writer & Historian
"sett it to Coming 6enerationg"
�(.Toe +
U
1. TGti.s chuteh buitd.ing wad eonsttuc ted 130 yea-cd ago
PROGRAM
in 1852.
Regu.ean senv.icu were heE.d untie 1974. On Oe tobet
Chairperson; JOSEPH M. NIGHSWANDER, Trustee
5180 a seAvice ob Thanksg.iv.ing and Remembna.nce
wad weft attended by peuo" .inteAuted in th,i.d
Song Leader: ERNEST HOOVER
building and in the adjoining cemetery.
2. The chuneh and cemetery atewithin the perimeters
Devotional: REV. ARTHUR BYER, Pastor,
ob ,the land exptopxi.ated by the Govetwent ob
Steeles Avenue Mennonite Church
Canada bot the new Toronto I ntvuw t i.o nat Atnpon t,
but were exempted bram the 1972 exptopuation
Historical Sketch of
the Altona Community: MRS. LUELLA LEWIS
ptoeeds.
Mrs. Lewis is a member of one ,of the pioneer
3. Abraham Stoubbet and h.i.d wibe, Etizabeth., bounders
families of this area.
a b .the Town o b Stout bviUe, are bun i,.ed .in t tis
cemetery. you may see their tombstones .immediateey
Address: "TELL IT TO COMING GENERATIONS"
east ob the church buitding.
DR. FRANK EPP, Waterloo, Ont.
Dr. Epp is author of a number of books
including "History of the Mennonites in
Canada". He is Past President of Conrad
Grebel College.
He has served as Editor of the Mennonite
Reporter.
May the Faith in Christ which gave
hope and courage to our ancestors
be real and have meaning to us and
our children.
4. The peed mt turteed o b the chuteh and cemetery,
Enos N.ighswandec, Harvey N.ighswandet and Joseph
Nigrawandet, are gtatebut bon the .interest shown
by br.iendd btom near and bat.
5. Obber.i.ng boxed at the dootd ob the church are
provided bar anyone who wooed eike to share .in the
experts e o b maintaining n.ing the building and grounds.
3
Page 1. 0t1•-5/�-Z-
Honoured guests, ladies and gentlemen,
I feel it an honour to be asked to participate in your Commemorative Worship
service in this little church.
First, let me introduce myself. About 35 years ago, I came to this area
from Goodwood to teach at the little red school house across the road. I have been
involved with community and church work in this area ever since, even though we moved
to Vivian following the Government Expropriation here. At the present time, I am the curator
of the Altona Women's Institute Tweedsmuir History of this area, and it is from
this information contributed by Mrs. Barkis Reesor, Mrs. Lillian Byer and Mr. Fred
Nighswander I have gleaned the history that I wish to share. Further information
was taken from the Reesor Family in Canada and the Stouffville Centennial Books.
The theme on your program states - may the faith in Christ which gave
hope and courage to our ancestors be real and have meaning to us and our children.
Let us look back for a few minutes and see when and how this church was started.
The Mennonites, so called because of their leader, Menno Symons, having
met with persecution in Switzerland had come out to America on the invitation of
William Penn in the early eighteenth century. Even on these lonely frontiers, the
Mennonites continued the life of their religious community without interruption,
meeting in the homes of their members and electing their ministers from among
their members. As the American Revolution against Britain came about, they maintained
their policy of non-resistance and non -participation and went about their own affairs.
They had taken an oath of allegiance to Britain for sanctuary in America and even
after the revolution made no move to renounce their British citizenship. As late
as 1804 they were allowed to pass the border without permits, as British subjects.
The routes to the north were easier, too, than over the mountains to the west.
After many others of their group had already migrated to Canada, Christian
Reesor had stayed in Elizabeth Town Penn., until after his father's death(Peter Reesor),
at the age of 91. The new land had already been scouted out and found to be cheaper
and having good soil suitable for their needs. You have all no doubt heard of Peter
Reesor's history making adventure to Canada, as a young man, from Pennsylvania
about 1796 and trading his horse and saddle for a 600 acre track of land in York
County. According to the Stouffville book he was accompanied by his sister's husband,
Abraham Stouffer, but the Reesor book suggests that he travelled the 7 week 500 mile
trek alone. Having returned to Pennsylvania on foot, in 1804 Christian and Fanny
Reesor and family, including Peter Reesor and Abraham Stouffer emigrated to Canada
in 4 large conestogq wagons bringing possessions and livestock with them and taking
Page 2
6 weeks to make the trip.
Peter Reesor and his family settled in Markham Township where he and his
father, Christian built a sawmill where Lc st Hill now stands. Tragedy struck when
Christian Reesor, leader and pastor was killed by a falling tree in 1806. Peter
nobly carried on in his father's shoes and divided the estate among the family.
Abraham Stouffer, after whom Stouffville got its name, with his wife
Elizabeth (Reesor) and family had proceeded 8 miles further porth and purchased
a plot of land in 1805 where he built mills and farmed in this area. In the same
year he bought 100 acres, a part of which is now Stouffville. His wife died in
1835 and is the oldest recorded grave in this cemetery.
As was the custom, a father secured sufficient land for his sons to
begin farming and it is recorded in the Reesor Book that 2500 acres were acquired
in the surrounding area in the early nineteenth century. (by the Reesors)
The name, Altona, probably came from the much used books of catechism and
sermons used by the mennonites. These books were published in Altona, Germany.
At this time the Mennonites gathered in the homes of the members for their church
services. the first recorded minister was Daniel Kreider in 1825. This meeting
arrangement apparently worked well until the congregation grew too large for the
small log homes. At this time they resorted to using the old log schoolhouse, which
was immediately north of this building, and built about 1834. This building was
used as school and church until 1852 although the church congregation was well
established before this date.
The present brick building was apparently built in 1852. The trustee's
minute book shows the first meeting in 1850, held in Stouffville, with Abraham Stouffer
of Whitchurch, and Samuel Hoover and Martin Neiswander of Pickering as trustees.
Arrangements were made at this time for a transfer of the one acre more or less,
from Christian Stouffer, who had moved to Oxford , for the sum of five pounds.
The deed was not registered until 1852 and renewed in 1857 when the count ies of
York, Ontario and Peel were separated. Trustee meetings were held every year
for a time. In 1851 and 1852 they were held in the schoolhouse. In 1853 the meeting
was held in the meeting house, which leads us to assume that the church was built
in the. summer of 1852 with the masonary done by W.M Feaster and the remainder of
this work by the congregation. There seems to have been a building boom at this time as
many of the old colonial homes of the district were built then. One wonders why
the church was not built larger, considering the district it was designed to serve.
The first church group in Stouffville is recorded as meeting in the schoolhouse
here in 1840 where the present cemetery is located and the first church was built in
1874. So the people from that area it is assumed attended services at either
Page 4.
How well I remember the valley
And that little old brick church.
The hours that we spent just learning
of God and His love for us,
When we gathered together on Sunday,
The most sacred day of all,
In that dear little church in the valley -
These memories we now recall.
Those carefree days of our childhood
Have gone and will never return,
But no matter what life will bestow on us,
In our hearts we always will yearn
To be back in that peaceful valley,
Just to wander along the way
And to meet with old friends and loved ones
In that shrine of our childhood day.
Ellen Ostrom
�h-cue , a /v a-wzaJ a4e�
d
It
Page 3
Dickson's Hill or Altona.
The Cemetery surrounding this building has always been a community one
with some burials here even in recent years.
The first minister in the new building was Henry Barkey, followed by
Samuel Hoover, Christian Burkholder, John G. Hoover, Levi Grove, L.J. Burkholder,
Fred Nighswander, and so on,These preachers were not professionally trained but were
members of the congregation who were chosen by lot. The men gathered on one side and
the women on the other to partake in the all German service. The first English
services were introduced in 1875 by Mr. Samuel Hoover because his wife could not speak a
word of German.
In April 1872, a second church was organized at Altona to be known as
the Altona Christian Church. The meeting place for the first three years is not known.
Land was donated by Mr. Abram Reesor and the present building was built in 1875 in
union with the Mennonites, now known as the Missionary Church. Church services were
held alternately but other services were united. It wasn't until 1903 that a
church for this denomination was started in Stouffville.
Other former places of interest in this community worthy of mention were
China Hall built by Thos./'4onkhouse, which stood next door, (so Ala temperance
hall on the N.W. corner, a tavern, later a general store on the N.E. corner and still
later made into apartments, a butcher shop; a blacksmith shop, the school which later
became a community centre and in later years a food and supply store. As you can see
these other businesses have been long gone. However, the 2 church buildings remain,
even though the worshippers have gone elsewhere. We are pleased to see the one
church building still in use now as the Altona Christian School.
All through the years this church, as well as the others in the area,
have had an important influence in the community.
Let me close with a poem taken from the Ideals Magazine.
THE CHURCH IN THE VALLEY
In that little old church in the valley,
The shrine of our childhood day,
We gathered together on Sunday
To sing and to kneel down and pray.
We prayed for the Lord's tender blessings
And His guidance we would seek.
Then we left the church in the valley
To begin another week.
Former pastor conducts service at historic church
Rev. Fred L. Nighswander, former pastor at membrance. Mr Nighswander, now retired, re -
the Altona Mennonite Church, returned to the sides at Emo, Ont. The future of the church is
132-year-old country "meeting house", Sunday undecided as trustees seek opinions of former
to conduct a service of thanksgiving and re- members. ,. /� S:-'.V --- Jim Thomas
PROGRAM
Chairperson: HAR VEY NIGHSWANDER
Song Leader: ERNEST HOOVER
Devotional: REV. DOUGLAS GRAY
Reporting: J.M. NIGHSWANDER
- on the 1984 questionnaire
- on the current status of the church building
and the cemetery
Address: REV. DANIEL NIGHSWANDER
- Daniel is an ordained minister in the Mennonite Church.
- he has served for 5years as pastor of the Cassel Mennonite
congregation.
he is currently studying at the Toronto School of Theology.
- he and his wife Yvonne and two daughters will be moving
to Jerusalem in January of 1987 where Daniel will be a
research scholar at the Ecumenical Centre for Theological
research
May the Faith in Christ which gave hope and courage to our
ancestors be real and have meaning for us and our families and
friends.
Usher: NORMAN LEHMAN
INFORMA TION
1. This church building was constructed 134 years ago, in 1852.
2. Regular services were held until 1974. On Oct. 5, 1980, Oct. 3, 1982
and on Sept. 23, 1984 special commemorative services were weld
attended by people interested in this building and the adjoining -
cemetery.
3. The present trustees, Norman Lehman, Harvey Nighswander and
Joseph Nighswander are grateful for the interest in this historic
building sho wn by the people of the community ofAltona an , s .
rounding areas
4. The property on which the church building and cemetery areo.'
situated has not been expropriated by the Federal GovernmenI
for the planned airport, and is entirely the responsibility of thoe
trustees. Plots are available for any family who might be in-
terested in using this cemetery as a burying ground.
A perpetual care fund is set aside and administered by the Public
Trustee and the interest is available to the trustees for
maintenance of the cemetery.
5. On Jan. 29186 the property was designated a historic site under
the Ontario Heritage Act, and some financial assistance is
available through the Town of Pickering for maintenance.
6. An offering will betaken for the expenses of this meeting and to
assist with maintenance of the building and cemetery.
You are Invited to Attend
a Commemorative Service
at the
AItnntt Mennonite (114urt4
ii�unbag, October 5, 1986 at 3:88 p.m.
Guest Speaker: Rev. Daniel Nighswander
Toronto, Ontario
Daniel is a member of one of the pioneer families
of the Altona area
A �cruitc Of U4ttnksgiuing & 9emembrance
Altona Mennonite Church
Declared h0
istoric site
ALTONA—On Jan. 29,1986, the Altona Menno-
nite Church was designated an historic site under
the Ontario Heritage Act.
Built in 1852 on the south-east corner of the
Uxbridge -Pickering Townline and Sideline 30,
the church was used for regular services until
Sept. 15, 1974.
The first grave is that of Elizabeth Stouffer,
wife of pioneer Abraham Stouffer, Stouffville.
It's dated 1835.
The church is maintained by a fund managed
by a board of trustees. Maintenance and pre-
servation of the building is possible through the
help of donations from groups and individuals.
This money can then be matched by equal funds
from the Government.
A commemorative plaque was recently
erected at the site. It reads:
"Altona Mennonite Church —1852. This build-
ing was constructed by pioneers who emigrated
to this area from Pennsylvania in the early 1800s.
Members of the congregation hauled the bricks
from the Cherrywood brickyard. Heads of local
families served through the years as trustees.
These included Reesors, Widemans, Nighswan-
ders, Hoovers and Stouffers. The first grave is
dated 1835. The last regular service was held
September 15, 1974. The church and cemetery
are reminders of the work and influence of the
Mennonites in the development of this com-
munity."
S - Tn. b-U ►, a APr. zo/i
Cornm,Pmcra%rve Church $&#-vice
held Uct, 19 -�-P
Harvey Nil hs wa. nde r
oonald Pugh
Lynda. W;ll-ams
Joe Wq hs Loa.n der
Altona Mennonite Church designated an historic site
Plaque unveiled
To the Editor:
On Jan. 29, 1986, the
Altona Mennonite
Church was designated
an historic site under the
Ontario Heritage Act.
Built in 1852 on the
southeast corner of the
Uxbridge -Pickering
townline and sideline 30,
the church was used for
regular services until
September 15, 1974. The
first grave is that of
Elizabeth Stouffer, wife
of the pioneer Abraham
Stouffer of Stouffville,
and is dated 1835.
The building is main-
tained by a fund manag-
ed by the Trustees of the
church. Maintenance
and preservation of the
building is possible with
the help of donations
from groups and in-
dividuals, which can then
be matched to equal
funds from government
grants. A
Thanks to a grant
from the Ministry of
Culture and Communica-
tions and donations, a
commemorative plaque
has been erected on the
site.
Lynda Williams
Trustee
a Commemorative Service
at the
Altona Mennonite (nhurxh
Wunbap, October 16,19SS at 3:00 p.m.
Guest Speaker. Rev. Donald Pugh
21 Cameo Dr., Leaminton, Ont.
Rev. Pugh is a native of the
Altona area
A #eruice Of 04ttnksgiuing & +i9ememhrance
PROGRAM
Chairperson: JOSEPH M. NIGHS WANDER
Song Leader: ERNEST HOOVER
Devotional: REV. STEPHEN DRUDGE
Reporting: MRS. L YNDA WILLIAMS
- on the current status of the church building
and the cemetery
Address: REV. DONALD PUGH
- Rev. Pugh was born and raised in the Altona area and serv-
ed as pastor of the Altona Missionary Chunce from 1970 to
1976.
- currently he has the United Church Mersea pastoral charge
near Leamington, Ontario serving as pastor to three
congregations.
May the Faith in Christ which gave hope and courage to our
ancestors be real and have meaning for us and our families and
friends.
The Altona Mennonite Church, Sideline 30, Town of Pick-
ering, has been designated an historic site under the Ontar-
io Heritage Act. A commemorative plaque has been
erected on the property. The church, built in 1852, was
closed in 1974. The first grave is that of Elizabeth Stouffer,
wife of pioneer Abraham Stouffer of Stouffville. It is dated
1835.
---Jim Thomas
ALTMA WOMEN'S
Usher: KATHY NIGHS WANDER
37
You are Invited to Attend
PROGRAM
a Commemorative Service
at the
Altoila Meppoilite Qurch
A Historic Building Constructed in 1852
Supday, Septeniber 29, 1991 at 3:00 p.nl.
Guest Speaker: Rev. Stephen Drudge
Pastor of the
Rouge Valley Mennonite Church
R.R. #1, Markham, Ontario
A Service of Thagksgivigg & Remenibrapce
RESTORATION PROJECT: FINANCES
1. A fairly major restoration of the building interior has only recently been
completed. This consisted of replacement of the ceiling plaster, repair of
the walls, new window sash, and other more minor repairs.
2. The cost of this summer's repair and restoration work totals $6573.36. Most
of this cost was covered by a grant from the Town of Pickering under the
Ontario Heritage Act as well as insurance coverage of damage caused by
a racoon. These amounts totalled $5775.56, leaving a balance of $797.80
still to be raised. Any donation toward this deficit will be very much ap-
preciated. Fund raising efforts include manufacture and sale of collector
plates, which are available at a cost of $12.00 each.
3. Some fairly major repair work is also needed in the cemetery. The old slab
type stones are deteriorating. Most stones need to be cleaned to stop damage
from algae and moss growth. There is not enough money in the cemetery
fund to do major repairs. Families may wish to replace stones of relatives,
or to assist with cleaning and repair work, or to donate to the cemetery fund.
4. If you have suggestions or wish to assist, please contact one of the trustees.
5. Again, the trustees wish to thank everyone who has expressed interest or
given assistance in maintaining this historic church building and the
cemetery.
Welcome and Introductions: JOE NIGHSWANDER
Congregational Singing Led By: DOUG HOOVER
Reporting: LYNDA WILLIAMS
Special Music: JOHN HARDER
Offering:
Scripture Reading Er Prayer: REV. LAWRENCE BURKHOLDER
PASTOR - WIDEMAN MENNONITE
CHURCH
MESSAGE: REV. STEPHEN DRUDGE - PASTOR
ROUGE VALLEY MENNONITE
CONGREGATION
May the faith in Christ which gives hope and courage to our
ancestors be real and have meaning to us and our families and
friends.
USHER:
WE REMEMBER THE PAST
KATHY NIGHSWANDER
1. This church building was constructed 139 years ago, in 1852.
2. Regular services were held until 1974. Commemorative services have been
held in 1980, 1982, 1984, 1986, and 1988. The purpose of these services
is to remember the past; to give thanks for the present, and to think and
plan for the future of the building and the cemetery.
3. On Jan. 29186 the building was designated under the Ontario Heritage Act
as a site of architectural and historical significance.
WE THINK OF THE PRESENT
1. The Trustees, Lynda Williams, Kathy Nighswander, Joseph Nighswander
are grateful for the interest shown by people from the community and other
areas in preserving this building and the adjoining cemetery. A major
restoration has only recently been completed.
2. There is.still space in the community cemetery, and plots are available for
families who may be interested. A perpetual care fund administered by the
Public Trustee provides some interest income for routine maintenance.
WE ARE AWARE OF THE FUTURE
1. The trustees and many others feel strongly there is value in preserving and
maintaining the building and cemetery. Ongoing assistance is required from
the broader community to make this possible. An offering will be taken
today for this purpose.
2. The trustees welcome suggestions for the preservation and possible use of
this building.
A .T(J * rio t Csirr W S
P WBUNE SEPTM ER 27, 1995
A It
Mennonite Church
hosts special service Oct. 1
COMMEMORATIVE SERVICE
Altona Mennonite Church is holding a Commemorative service
Sunday, Oct. 1 at 3 p.m. with guest speaker Rev. Winston Thurton,
pastor of the Markham Missionary Church. The historic building,
located on Sideline 30 at the four corners of
Altona, was constructed in 1852 by what was then
known as The Society of Mennonites, and regular
worship services were held there until 1974.
The daughters of Colin and Dory Williams were
so taken with the fine old church that one got
married at the -location last October and the other
is to be married there Oct. 21: Since regular ser-
vices ceased, commemorative services have been
conducted in 1980, 1984, 1986, 1988, 1991 and
1993 in order to remember the past, give thanks
for the present and ask the community to consid-
er the future of the building and the adjacent
cemetery.
Repairs have been undertak6n and, while r�
major work on the church is anticipated in tnw
immediate future, continuing maintenance is nec-
essary. Although some work has been done on the
cemetery, more is required to meet current stan-
dards imposed by The Cemetery Act.
Funds are needed to cover continuing lawn
maintenance, tombstone repairs and perpetual
care fund requirements. Space for burial plots is
available in the cemetery and inquiries about pur-
chasing plots should be addressed to trustees
Lynda Williams at 640-4981 or Joe Nighswander
at 640-1536.
Any assistance from the community will -be very
much appreciated and comments and suggestions
on the preservation of the building and its possi-
ble uses are welcome.
Reporting:
- It
You are Tnvitedto
-Attend a Commemorative
Service at the
-A tong -Mennonite Church
An Historic Building Constructed in 1852
Sunday, September 28, 1997 at 3:00pm
Guest Speaker: David Ianuzzo
Associate Pastor of the
Stouffville Missionary Church
1. The Church Building - No major repair work is anticipated for the immediate
future. However, routine maintenance will continue to be
needed. WE THINK OF THE PRESENT
There is a cash balance in the church account at the
C.I.B.C., Stouffville of $547.08. 1
The value of the collector plates inventory is approximately
$500.00. Orders for plates will be taken today.
Insurance and maintenance costs continue. Any financial
contributions are very much appreciated. Receipts for
income tax purposes can now be issued through the 2
Mennonite Historical Society of Ontario.
2. The Cemetery
Some repair work has been done in the cemetery. More is
required to meet current requirements of The Cemetery
Act. Additional capital is needed to provide income for
lawn maintenance, tombstone repairs, and perpetual care
fund requirements.
Families of persons buried here may wish to assist, and any
assistance will be very much appreciated.
The trustees, Lynda Williams, Kathy Nighswander and Joe
Nighswander are grateful for the interest and assistance of community
people in preserving the building. Restorative work has been done on
both church and cemetery. However continuing maintenance is
required:
There is space in the cemetery for additional burial spaces, and plots
are available for sale. A perpetual care fund and a small amount of
capital provide some income for lawn mowing costs.
WE CARE ABOUT THE FUTURE
1. The trustees and others in the community feel strongly that there is
value in preserving and maintaining this property. Ongoing assistance
is required from the broader community to make this possible. An
offering will be taken today for this purpose.
2. The trustees welcome suggestions for the preservation and possible
uses of the building.
Program
Welcome and Introductions
Congregational Singing
Historical Perspective
LYNDA WILLIAMS
Trustee
LOUISE POGUE
LORNE SMITH
Historian
Reporting: JOE NIGHSWANDER
Trustee
Special Music
Offering for Church Building Maintenence
Scripture Reading & Prayer:
Hymn:
JOHN JENNINGS ,
LOUISE POGUE
Message: DAVID IANUZZO
Associate Pastor
Stouffville Missionary
Church
Usher: KATHY NIGHSWANDER
Trustee
May the/ faAtly i w ChV&St what lti gOWe� heel
a ,& cat,wa.ge,, to- our a-vt.c�o s- lv/ rea, l to- ay
a v& to o-t w a i& fruo d6
WE REMEMBER AND GIVE THANKS FOR THE PAST
1. This church building was constructed 145 years ago, in 1852 by wliat
was then called "The Society of Mennonites"
2. Regular services were held until 1974. Commemorative services have
been held 1980, 1984, 1986, 1988, 1993 and 1995. The purpose of
these services is to remember the past; to give thanks for the present;
and to encourage the community to think of the future of this building
and the adjoining cemetery.
3. On January 29, 1986 the building was designated under the Ontario
Heritage Act as a site of architectural and historical significance.
39
01 40&
THE ALTONA MENNONITE MEETING HOUSE
F-vervone is `velc o
September 15, 2002
from
1:30 PM - 5:30 PM
to celebrate the
1 -0th � versa
of the,
"Ial M0,41ii o o a
❑ Decoration; Open House; Hymn Suig.
O 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. arrival and decoration of cemeter,
U 3:30 p.m. hymn sing, meditation and special music.
❑ Followed by refreshments at the tent.
to
r
a
OUR HISTORY
The meeting House was constructed 150 years ago in 1852.
Regular worship services were held until 1974. Since 1980
commemorative services have been held biennially. The purpose
of these services is to remember the past; to give thanks to God
for the present; to think of the future.
Today's service has been planned to bring together those who
enjoy the traditional style of hymn singing and worship in song; as
well as to encourage interest in this historic site.
The Trustees are grateful for the continuing interest of many
people. Current maintenance needs are exterior brick repairs, roof
repairs, new steps and a fund needs to be developed to replace
the west roof shingles in the near future. An offering will be taken
today for the above needs. Tax receipts are available; please use
the envelopes and make your cheques payable to "THE
MENNONITE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF ONTARIO".
The building is available for compatible uses such as weddings,
historical tours and events of historical or educational value.
The adjoining community cemetery is still available for families
who may be interested in plots. Please speak to one of the
trustees if you have inquiries.
May the faith of Christ which gave hope and
courage to our ancestors be real to us, to our
families, and to our friends.
There it stands, solid and simple, yet attractive, at the intersection of
Uxbridge/Pickering townline & sideline #30, in the Township of Pickering.
Since 1852 the Altona Mennonite Meeting House has graced the rural hamlet
of Altona. It is surrounded by the only cemetery in the community and by the
graves of the pioneers who settled in the area.
A number of Mennonite families were among emigrants from Pennsylvania
and, in a few cases, from other areas. Until 1825 the Mennonites gathered for
worship in the homes of members. When the congregation grew larger they
began using a log schoolhouse on the S/W corner of the intersection.
According to an old minute book, a trustee meeting was first held in the "new"
church on January 19, 1853; thus establishing the church was built in 1852.
Wm. Feaster was the builder. Daniel Kreider was the first minister.
The reddish/yellow brick building, with its two doors facing the road; its eight
small windows with 7" x 9" panes; its pine floors and pews; its simple interior
with the main meeting room and two small anterooms, reflects the simple life
style and theology of the people who built it so long ago.
The floors and pews have never been painted or varnished, and are as they
were in 1852. The plastered walls and ceilings are stark white as they have
been all through the years. Two rows of cast-iron clothes hooks are attached
to two-by-fours suspended from the ceiling; but only on one side. This reflects
the fact that the women sat on one side of the central aisle, and the men on
the other. Since there is no cloak room for the men, the hat hooks were
essential. A simple long pulpit is the focus for persons sitting in the pews. The
church building has never been enlarged or renovated.
The past & present trustees have tried to use only authentic materials for
necessary repairs and maintenance. The church building is currently in an
excellent condition structurally. The cemetery is well maintained.
Continuous worship services, although not every Sunday, were held in the
church until 1974. Commemorative services have been held biennially since
Oct. 5, 1980. Two weddings were held in this historic building for daughters of
local families.`
Tours are welcomed! Please contact any one of our trustees:
Joe Nighswander, James Nighswander, Kathy Nighswander, Larry or Susan
Cogar.
"(Courtesy of the Pickering Township Historical Society)
PROGRAM
WELCOME - Susan Cogar
OPENING HYMNS - led by Doug Hoover
REFLECTION & PRAYER - Pastor Gord Alton
SPECIAL MUSIC - Men's Quartet
CONGREGATIONAL SINGING - Doug Hoover
SPECIAL MUSIC - Men's Quartet
TRUSTEE REPORT & OFFERING - Larry Cogar
CONGREGATIONAL SINGING - Doug Hoover
CLOSING REMARKS - Joe Nighswander
We would like to thank all those who participated in this
afternoons events. Special thanks to Pastor Gord Alton of the
Stouffville Community Mennonite Church, the Men's Quartet
(Quinton Neufeldt, John Harder, Bob Wideman, and Neil
Drudge ) and Doug Hoover of Wideman's Mennonite Church.
ALTONA WOWN-Is INyrMra 40
0
ALTOQNA
"CHINA HALL," ALTONA
As we passed through the little
,village a few days ago and saw a
few men sitting about the corner in
an .indolent mannem,a cow aicross the
street chewing her end, and a few
sheep panning in the fence corner,
mur mind went baiok to the busy
fjiays when (Monkhouse's 'China Hall'
south of the corner was the hub
and ibeehire of industry. Way back
when the present owner, Willis
Monkhouse wasrunning around in
dresses this father the late Joseph
Monkhouse was the leading business
man within many miles.
A reference to his busy store
was made in an old ipsue of the Free
Press, a paper publislhed in Stouff-
ville back in 1890,. It said: —
In 1745 the- old wailed -city of
iCarlisle in the north of England was
task n by 'Charles the Pretender. It
was decreed that the bell in the
tower of St. Mary's Cathedral
should pat be rung for one hundred
years, In 184,5 when Mr. Joseph
Monkhouse was serving his appren-
ticeship in his native city, he was
permitted' to hear the old bell, so
lone silent, ring out in jubilant
notes. Five years later, at the
suggestion of the Rev. Ludwig
Krib'bs, he came out to keep store
in Stouffville, but settled with his
brother the late Thomas (Monkhouse
at his (present stand. Altona is the
eastern suburb• of Stauffville, and
so it appears here. The place is not..
ed because of Mr. iMonkhouse's
store. The store is noted not only
because of its large stook of dry
goods and groceries, but especially
because it carries the largest stock
of delf ware in this district. The
whole of the upper flat of the large
ibuilding (erected about twenty-five
years ago,) is transformed into a.
veritable China, Hall. The visitor's
attention is first •arrested by counter
after counter covered with hand-
some Dinner and Tea Seas. This
large assortment is found in a var-
iety of icolors in print and enamel,
with plain gold or spangle. Under
these counters are arranged scoree
of Toilet Sets from the compara-
tively plain to those, of the moss
handsome design ana superior qual•
ity. Next in order are arrangee
large counters of glassware, plain
and in colors. On (both sides of tht
building run wide counter-3 the ful
length, covered with a bewilderinf
variety`of fancy china. Much of tbi:
etock comes ,by direct importatioi
from Europe. This faict is indicativi
i o:f .prices at "China Hall." No oni
I in this rvictnity need go to Toronti
'to buy fine table ware.'
i
Morrxfiousm—John Monkhouse came from Cumber-
land, England, in 1851, to Altona. He died in 1855 and
his wife, Sarah Monkhouse, in 1862. Their sons were
Joseph and Thomas Monkhouse, of Altona.
Joseph Monkhouse came to Canada in 1849 and began
storekeeping in Altona the following year. In 1857 he
married 'Christena Reesor, and leaving the store began
milling. In 1865 his wife died. In 1874 he moved to
Lot 32, Con. 9, and for twelve years managed the farm.
His second wife was Elizabeth Kester. Besides being
a successful business man and farmer he took consid-
erable interest in public affairs and served for ten years
in the council, being reeve from 1884 to 1887 and
warden of the county in the latter year. On his bro-
ther's death in 1886 he returned to the store, contin- 1
uing till his death in 1903. He was succeeded by hisq !.
soli, Willis J. Monkhouse, who still continues the busi-
ness. L+1-y, *�.ta�` tt•.� I.,,
a
r
Tid221 i/ / G
7-
�- 100 llz J
��• /' is ;; l f � ! l f f/Gz- r� 2 2�/Y � .
✓'41�
This month's cover is by Fred Gor-
man of Smith's Falls, Ont. and is a
tribute to the General Merchant. He is
becoming rarer as the years go by and
the Super-dooper-markets reach out into
the country and I suppose one day he
will make his exit from the stage of
country life. Meantime, the sizzling
stove is his trade mark, reminding us
that he offers friendship and hospitality
along with his brooms and twopenny
nails. You are assured of a welcome
whether you,are a farmer come to buy
n month'c srrnnlies- a small bov come to
19. Deaths
MONKHOUSE — Lauretta al
the Rubby General Hospital
Whitby on Tuesday July
31st., 1973, Lauretta Hood
beloved wife of the late Willis
J. Monkhouse, dear mother
of Mrs. T. Seymour (Ethel)
of Whitbyin her 94th year.
Resting at the W.C. Town
Funeral Chapel, Whitby for
Service in the chapel on
Friday Aug. 3, at 3 p.m.
Interment Stouffville
Cemetery. In lieu of flowers
donations to the chaiity of
your choice would be appri-
ciated. visitors commencing
7 n m Th.—A..
JOSEPH MONKHOUSE
-'RECEIPT rOR TAXES.
Roll No. l��. , i.
c�Town.-hip of Uxbridge ....................1876.
t
Assessment on Real Property...................
Assessment on Personal Property .....�I ................
.i
` AXES.
County and hencral Sehool hate, 20 cts
ou the 100. I AD
r
Township Rate, 20 cts. on the ...... .........
Trustees Irate, Section''- o .� ......... ......... . .
Do do No
Do do No ....... ... `. .
Pailway Rate, 15 cts on the $100...... v
Surveys....................................... .............
Commutation Statute Labm ........:.
Dogs.. ................... .................
Arrears of Taxes......... ............ .
Total .......
Rec'd Fayment
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GhUrc� and CI„h� (-}ally— taken �ror�, r.r� cict'
Pcs� �arc� cia%e�1 /y13.
Late Fletcher Goudie
Fire destroys
apartment
ALTONA—Damage was
extensive in a fire, May 30, that
destroyed the rear interior of the
Hyde Apartments, better known
in the community as the former
Fletcher Goudie home.
Four families were affected,
nn although the blaze was con-
centrated in the section used by
\ Mr and Mrs Fred Hyde Jr. Mrs
\ Hyde, according to neighbors,
r` was at work at the time. Mr
Hyde's parents occupied the
front portion of the residence.
They have since moved to
Bradford. The whereabouts of
other tenants is not known.
Since the property is part of
the airport expropriation site,
there is little likelihood the
building will be repaired. Only
for the quick response -by
firemen, a neighbor said,
the entire structure would have
been lost.
134,ldlnr lurri cic:vn
,NgTown-"home"
Fletcher Goudie,
long-time Stouffville
resident, passed away
Thurs., Jan. 6 at the J.
D. Ruddy Hospital,
Whitby, where he'd
been a patient three
weeks.
Fletcher was born at
Maryborough, Ont., in
1895, the son of Rev.
Samuel and Eliza
Goudie. With his father
a minister, they lived
at different Mennonite
charges before moving
to Stouffville in 1906 to
make this town their
home until moving to
Whitby. Fletcher was
predeceased by his
only sister Pearl in 1910
and a brother Allen in
June, 1982.
Fletcher was well-
known as a tinsmith in
Ernie Button's Hard-
ware Store for many
years. Later, he was
employed as a steam -
fitter in the Toronto
area along with his two
sons, Ivan and Don.
Fletcher was prede-
ceased by his first wife,
Ina Mertens in 1966. He
is survived by his wife
Reta (Paisley) Barnes.
He was the dear father
of Ivan, Stouffville;
Eleanor Bunker,
Minden; Helen Davis,
Georgetown and Don of
Mississauga; also a
step -son, Gwynne
Barnes; 15 grandchil-
dren and 15 great-
grandchildren.
Service was held
June 10 from the W.C.
Town Funeral Chapel,
Whitby with inter-
ment, Stouffville
Cemetery. Pall-
bearers were -Harold
Lewis, Bob Lewis,
Charles Goudie, Milton
Halpenny, Gwynne
Barnes and Jerry
McKay.
7. IN MEMORIAM AND
CARDS OF THANKS
GOUDIE -- In loving mem-
ory of a dear mother and
grandmother, Mrs. Fletcher
Goudie, who passed away
February 21, 1966.
You still live on, in the hearts
and minds
Of the loving family you left
behind.
Sadly missed by
Ivan, Doreen and family.
GOUDIE — In loving mem-
ory of my sister Ina, Mrs.
Fletcher Goudie, who passed
away Feb. 21, ,1966 and my
Dad, Joe Mertens who passed
away Feb. 22, 1959.
Ever remembered,
Margery Mertens.
Twenty _
Back around the year.1946, Stouffville High School had an excellent array of athletes, both boys an
girls. Recreation for the girls was more restricted but as long as they could skate and wield a broom, th
sport of broomball flourished. You may (recognize many of the players. They are — front row (left to right
Betty -Jean Free],__ Audrey Slack, Miss Swinton, Margaret Freel and Marion Sanderson. Rear row__fjeft t
right) Shirley BunUr, Mary Valleau, Jean Hodgson eanor Gou�dib) Vera King, Erline PaisleyCHelen Goud
and Marian Murphy.
Broomball
THEY VALUED EDUC=ITION
A large majority of those who settled in Pickerin- iti thr earlier'
days were men of -air education, and among them there were not a few
who had received such training aS fitted diem fo- business of a public
kind, such as drawing contracts and other legal documents, keeping
accounts and recording the minutes of religious and other public
gatherings. Such men valued education an were careful at as early a
date as Lossible, to establish schools in which their children :night
enjoy its advantages. Practically nothing is known of school life
in the township till the period of tht ti�irties. It is probable that
there were small gatherings of children under instruction before that
time, but the formal buildinE of schools and their systematic main-
tenance begins about that time. the first schools were rough log
structures, crudely chinked and 1,_,lastered, with unplaned planked floors,
and absolutely devoid of maps, globes and all the modern apparatus of
education. The desks, always homemade, usually ranged around the
walls and the pupils sat on the backless benches facing them. the
Centre was occupied by a big box stove, about which sometimes when
the seats around the walls were all filled, other benches .,,,ere placed
for the smaller children. As in other parts of Ontario, school life
often languished in the bummer months, but Wien the fall frosts pre-
vented fr_irther field labor, the bi ;er boys and girls, and often young
men and women calne flocking back to school, which became a very hive
of busy work for Winter.
i r aa-
OL-
Country Schoolhouse
I passed by it the other day,
"The country school," by the
Queen's highway.
Q
A huge iron lock was on the door
�' A
And baby mice played on the
floor.
" Vi
Where children's feet now make
no noise.
l
It's vacation time for girls and
boys.
The I L'Ay bell looked down so
(�
sad,
The water in the well was bad.
Oh, the country school had a
lonely face,
_
But the yard was gay with Queen
Anne lace.
Myrtle Davis.
Chatham.
The record book of the
Altona School section 17--entitled "the Secretary and Treasurers
Book for Union Section No. 3 Pickerink; and 5 Uxbridge," bears the
fol__owi_lg on its opening page; School section formed 1844: School
house built 1834: numuer of inhabitants, 1856--286; Unable to read
and write -- about 30 per cent. At thi: distance of time perhaps we
may by permitted to hope that the estimate of the illiteracy was some-
what higher than was warranted by the facts. In any case the school
was there and doubtless was doing its best to iriprove the condition.
The teacher at this time and for nine or ten years following was
Mr. A. McSween. His salary for 1856 was £$0 (or 41375)'and for
1857, £85 (or $400).
dew
Ontario County's Early,
Educational History as
�eported by Inspectors,
This week's article deals with
two school inspectors' reports
to County Council at the turn
of the century. The reports are
interesting when the figures
relating to school population,
teachers' salaries and costs per
pupil are compared with to-
day's educational costs.
Teachers' Salaries in the
Different Municipalities
Pickering, highest salary
,paid male teacher, $475; average
paid male $365.38; average paid
female, $282.73; Whitby—$500;'
$350; $265; E. Whitby — $450;
$327.14, $233.09; Reach — $380,
'Cost Per Puril
These- statistics show that the
average cost per pupil is some-
what less than Ill per year in
the public school. In the high
schools and collegiate institutes
the cost per pupil is scarcely
ever less than $20 and often
$30 or $40. Considering the en-
ormous number of pupils who
receive their whole education
in the public schools it appears
to me that some means should
be devised whereby more lib-
eral provision could be made
for our public schools as a
means of securing the services
of more highly qualified and
more competent teachers. I
do not think that a provision
of $20 per year,per pupil could
possibly be considered extrava-
gant. The salaries of teachers
are in many cases kept at the
present low figure in the inter-
ests of the ratepayer who has
no children to be educated, and
unfortunately in many cases
even the parents of the child-
ren are willing to elect such
ratepayers as trustees. Fre-
quently it is quite impossible
for the inspector to secure
much -needed improvements in
the building and equipment of
the schools through the neglect
or economy of such trustees. I
am sorry to have to report that
at least three of the school
buildings in my inspectorate
are not suitable for school buil-
dings at all, and I regard these
as dangerous to the health of
the children. On the other hand
I am glad to be able to say that
in most cases trustees and rate-
payers have shown a com-
mendable interest in carrying
out suggestions for the im-
provement•of the school prem-
ises.
School Visits
Much might be done to aid
and encourage the teacher and
to stimulate the pupils if the
trustees and local clergy en-
deavored to visit the schools
at least twice per year. A ref-
erence to this statistical report!
will show that in many cases
neither trustees nor clergy,
ever enter the school from
Iyear's end to year's end during I
teaching hours.
Educational Reform
In the matter of the entrance
examination the present trend
of educational opinion seems
to be towards its simplification
by eliminating such subjects as
history, physiology and temper-
ance, English literature and the
more difficult problems in a
ithmetic and English gram-
mar, thus making the standard
for entrance largely depend
upon the pupil's proficiency in
reading, writing, spelling and
the simpler operations in arith-
metic. It is thought that; the re-
maining subjects would be bet-
ter taught if more freedom
were allowed to the teacher in
dealing with them than can
possibly be allowed in prepar-
ing candidates for a set exam-
ination.
Uniformity
The last four years have de-
veloped a spirit in all ranks of
the teaching profession for
greater individual freedom in
the management of schools than
has hitherto been allowed by
the regulations of the educa-1
tion department. The maxim of
this party in educational
re-form is expressed in the words
of President London, of To-1
Ironto University —":'Zo system
.is so dead as a perfec ystem."
There can be no doubt that
over -regulation of the courses
of study and of methods of
school management must tend
to repress the individuality
alike of teachers and of Pupils'
but it must be. remembered
that great freedom means grea-
ter responsibilities and better
teachers to fulfil such respon-
sibilities. In other words the
greater freedom given to the
teacher would call for increas-
ed energy, devotion and ability
on the part of the teacher. I
am not without hope that the
time is near at hand when a
much enlarged freedom mays
safely be given to the schools
and when each teacher may
within reasonable limits follow
out his own educational ideas
under judicious inspection. Af-
ter all, a competent and able
officer is worth far more either
in the civic or educational life
of the community than a statu-
tort' regglation however judi-
cious.
Voluntary Schools
The uniformity which has
been descrtt ed as the great fai-
ling of the present education
system has given rise to a de-
mand on the part of some sec-
tions of the community for vol-
untary schools which shall re-
ceive state aid. Another reason
which has been adduced by
their advocates in support of
them has been already referred
to in the first paragraph of this
report, namely, that the inter -I
ests of the parent are sacrificed
to the interest of the ratepayer(
who is not a parent.
It is claimed that in the man-
agement of a voluntary school
the parent would have full
control, and that needei im-
provements in the building,
equipment, etc., of the senool
would not be hindered by the
penuriousness of the non -par
ent ratepayer. These, I think,
are the only valid reasons that
have yet been given in support
of the claims of such schools. )
But it would, I think, be a
monstrous injustice to with-
draw one dollar of the people's l
money from the public schools':,
for the use of special communi-
ties such as would arise in
this way, and as I have already,
indicated, it is quite within'
the area of probability that
both these valid objections to
the present public school sys-
tem may be obviated by judi-
cious legislation.
Practical Education
A great demand for practi-
cal education has been keeping
the course of study in our
schools in a stale of continual
ferment for the last 15 years.
1 Everybody seems to want prat -
tical education, but no two of
these practical educators have
reached any unanimity of o-
pinion as to what consitiutes
an education which shall be,
really practical. To one man it
means training in elementary
science, to another, bookkeep-,
ing and typeAvriting, to a third'
manual training, to still an- i
other agriculture or engineer-
ing. It may very probably turn
out that none of these views!
are wholly correct and that'
practical education must bell
sought in quite another direc
tion. Much as I would like to
deal more fully with the ques- 1
tions suggested here, I feel ,
that I have already taxed your
indulgence. I•f, however, an
opportunity is given for the,
publication of educational re
ports as last year, I shall take'
advantage of the opportunity:
afforded to deal with these
questions in greater detail.
All of which is respectfully
submitted.
Your obedient servant,
- John Waugh,
Ins ector Pub. Schools, S. Onl-1
,�.� a .�,
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IN IP"T
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Front Row, Left to Right.
Virggie Mowder, Bertha Roper, Gladys Mowder, Myrtle Yake, Eva Brown, Gertie
Mantle, Clarence Barret, Mina Burnham, Lola Parker, Adelaide Hoover, Maggie
Davis, Annie Davis.
2nd Row, Left to Right
Mildred Mowder, Mamie Hoover, 7dith Roper, May Davis, Laura Forsyth, Ruth
Burkholder, Bessie Mantle, Mildred Barkey, Albert Elson, James Cooper,
Mrg.John Tran, school teacher.
3rd Row, Left to Right
Zellah Mowder, Della. Lehman, Edna Breuls, Margaret Burnham, Loyal Barrett,
Freeman Mantle, Clayton Baker,Peter Nighswander, Caleb Taylor.
4th Row, Left to Right
Luella Mowder, Martha Cooper, Laura Boothby, Libby Barkey, Florence Roper,
Ellen Yake , Roy Barrett, Benjamin Boothby, Fred Lehman.
5th Row, Left to Right
Ernest Forsyth, David Nighswander,
Burkholder, Charles Boothby.
Arthur Roper, Pearl Boothby, Orval
The school building in this picture is a former one, but
on the same site but slightly closer to the road and south
a little. Shool grounds were much smaller then.
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AUTO WOhMI MW
Students at Altona Public School in 1899 line-up outside the building
for the school picture. The teacher, who is standing at the right, is John
Tran. In the front row is (left to right) Virgie Mowder, Bertha Roper,
Gladys Mowder, Cora Mantle, Myrtle Yake, Eva Brown, Gertie Mantle,
Clarence Barrett, Mina Burnham, Lola Parker, Adie Hoover, Maggie
Davis and Annie Davis. Second row — Millie Mowder, Mamie Hoover,
Eddie Roper, May Davis, Laura Forsyth, Ruth Burkholder, Bessie
Mantle, Millie Barkey, Harold Elson, Roy Yake and Jimmv Cooper.
Third row — Zellah Mowder, Della Lehman, Edna Bruels, Maggie
Burnham, Clayton Baker, Peter Nighswander and Caleb Taylor. Fourth
row — Louis Mowder, Martha Cooper, Laura Boothby, Libby Barkey,
Florence Roper, Ellen Yake, Loyal Barrett, Freeman Mantle and Fred
Lehman. Fifth row — Earnest Forsyth, David Nighswander, Art Roper,
Pearl Boothby, Orvil Burkholder, Charlie Boothby, Roy Barrett and Ben
Boothby.
remember?
This classroom photo should stir the memories of former pupils at Altona Public School, S.S. NO. 17, Pickerinj
Township. The year is 1926. Students are: Front row (1. to r.), Clifford Barkey, Roy Slack, Fred Alsop, Garfieli
Drewery, Walter Slack, Carson Tindall, Harvey Nighswander. Centre row (I. to r.), Mary Nighswander, Louie Hoov
er, Hilda Madill, Edith Nighswander, Ella Hook, Eva Hook. Rear row (I. to r.), Miss Bessie Robinson (teacher)
Olive Madill, Viola Bunker, Verna Wagg, Arthur Wagg, Stanley Slack, Reg Ramer, Stanley 12eesor, Lorne Kester.
Do You Remember? — S.S. No. 17, Pickering Twp. (Altona) —19
This photo should stir a few memories for former pupils of Altona Public School (S.S. No. 17) Pic
Township. The year is 1928. The teacher (left rear) is Miss Spring. The children are: Front Row (left to
— Harold Lewis, Roy Slack, Harvey Bunker, Roy Tindall, Clifford Barkey, Harvey Nighswander, Fred Lewis.
Row (left to right) — Lucille Howsam, Mary Nighswander, Lois Kester, Elsie Eckardt, Alma Fretz, Ruby Tinda
Hook, Rettah Eckardt, Norman Fretz. Rear Row ( left to right) — Miss Spring, Ella Hook, Mabel Eckardt,
Nighswander, Florae Durden, Florence Tindall, Stanley Reesor, Lorne Kester, Walter Slack.
r �)
Altona School Coronation Programme June lsta 1951
1. Opening Chorus - 0 Canada
2. Frayers for Coronation, followed by The Lord's Prayer
3. Poems - by the pupils
Lorne? Esther, Fvelyl; Feter, Max, Ruth Meyers,
Ruth Nighswander, Charlotte Anne McNair.
4. Solo - Mrs. Reesor (Millard)
5. Talk - by 14r. Fred Nighswander
6. Solo - Mrs. Ressor
7. Presentation of Medallions by Mrs. Walter Carter.
8. Songs by Seniors. 1. Fairies
2. Long, Long Ago.
3. Canada
4. Dear Land of Home.
9. The Queen.
10. Planting of tree (donated by Pickering Twp. Council.
11. Refreshments.
0
-az,
Promotion Results
Of Altono School
Grade 8 to Grade 9
Roy Dauphinais, Ivor Hig-',
ginson, Carole Jakeman, Ron-
ald Spenciey, Edwin Spencley,
Norma White, Peter Yawarski.
Grade 7 to Grade 8
Gordon Eckardt, Alan Elson,
.Jean Lewis, Earl Thompson,
Evelyn Whitty. ;{
Grade 6 to Grade 7
Frank Dauphinais, Shirley El -
son, Enos Nighswander, Violet
Thorvaldson, Gwen Higginson.
Grade 5 to Grade 6
Shirley Lewis, Roy Lewis.
Grade 4 to Grade 5
Joyce Lewis, Esther Nighs-
wander, Nicky Yaworski, Ken-
neth White.
Grade 3 to Grade 4
Earl Elson, Winston Higgin-
son, Lorne Thompson, Robert
McNair.
Grade 2 to Grade 3
Monty Higginson, William
Higginson, Brian M•acAloney.
Grade 1
Thomas Bunker, Frances
Daughinais, Glen Fretz, June
Lewis, Bradley Jakeman, An-
na Mary Nighswa-nder, Nancy i
Wideman, •Sharon Wideman. f
Mr)_ Woad cock --Teacher
r),-
,15-1- ALTONA
Congratulations to Miss Me -
Laren, Mrs. Colby and Altona
school pupils on winning three
firsts at the Ontario County
Music Festival held in Ajax
last week. On Saturday evening
the children sang at the win-
ners' concert. Altona had the
distinction of being the only
school to win in three classes
at the festival. More than 7,000
children took part. Dr. Ray Fen -
wick was the' adjudicator again
this year.
This Friday evening, May 22,
at 8 o"clock, Altona school will
be participating in the Music
Night held at Uxbridge Music
Hall. A number of other schools
Nancy and Sharon Wideman
and Bradley Jakeman had the
honour of representing Altona
School when they sang in the
150-voice choir at the Teachers'
Convention in Toronto on Tues-
day. The choir, made up of pu-
under the music supervision o!
Mrs. D. Colby will also take
part. Parents and friends are
invited to attend.
Mr. and Mrs. Fred Lewis, Mr.
and Mrs. Ken Reesor, Stan Ree-
sor and Art Wideman were,
among the lucky ones to get
away for a fishing trip during
the long weekend. For the rest
of us, it was a good time to
stay home and catch up on
some outside work.
Mr. and Mrs. Vivian Carson
and Ondine of Toronto had sup-*
per with her parents, Mr. and
Mrs. Norman Bunker on Mon-
day.
A number of ladies from here
attended the W.I. district An-
nual held at Claremont on Wed-
nesday.
pils from rural schools ip On-
tario, was under the direction
of Cyril Hampshire, music di-
1 rector for Hamilton schools, and
a concert pianist of note. Fif-
teen pupils under the music
supervision of Mrs. Colby were
chosen to sing in this choir.
They will be heard next Satur-
day morning on Richmond Hill
Radio Station at 8.45 a.m. Be
sure to listen.
:./� //1'v'ar .� � �� / ��LL/4.�:�:J / .�.¢.�.-ate. VST� v�'P-c'"f✓.� � �� �z�—_ -- _ 1, ' _
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These Schools Will Not Reopen In September
At the conclusion of the June term, two school buildings in Area No. 1, Pickering Twp.
will close their doors, possibly forever. One of these is No. 13 at '.lit. Zion, erected in 1875. The
pupils will be transported to Greenwood, a move that was favoured by the ratepayers.
—Staff Photo.
Another school to be shut down is located at Balsam. The board favoured this move stnee
enrollment is small and the building is in need of major repairs. The pupils will be transported
by bus to Cedar Creek. Note the old hand pump in the playground. —Staff Photo.
Pace THE STOUFFVILLE TRIBUNE Thursday, May 20, 1965
To Close Two Schools
In Twp. Area No. 1;0
MoviFe
AlAtona Sr. -Room
Two schools in Pickering Twp. Area No. 1 will not
be reopened in September. Board Chairman, Don Gib-
son confirmed the report that both Mt. Zion and Balsam
schools will be closed permanently at the conclusion of
the June term.
he Balsam students, which will number about 10,
will be transported by bus to Cedar Creek, a few miles
to the west. Mt. Zion pupils, estimated at about 30,
will attend the school in Greenwood.
Mr. Gibson said that the closing of the school at
Mt. Zion was favoured by the majority of ratepayers
in that community following several public meetings.
He said that in all likelihood, the board would have
kept it open for at least one more year. He said that the
building was in a fair state of repair but the former
trustees had experienced .some difficulty in retaining a
qualified teacher. The structure was erected in 1875.
Considered Unfair
The Balsam school is one of the oldest in the town-
ship. The condition of the building is not suitable and
the attendance is small.
The board chairman said that it would only be
fair for the Balsam children to receive the same educa-
tion service as other pupils in the area since they were
charged the same rate.
The Altona school will remain open but grades 7
and 8 will be transported to either Greenwood or Green
River. One room, containing grades 1 to 6, will be re
tained.
ALTONA' OMEN'S INNSTITUTIF
5
2
chool (S.S. No. 17) Pickering Twp.
In September, 1940, Altona Public School had an enrollment of
26 pupils. The teacher was Gordon J. Bolender, now the Principal of
Rosemount Public School, Kitchener. Mr. Bolender is shown here,
(right -rear), along with the following students: Rear Row (left to right)
—Murray Tindall, Keith Howsam, Clarence Baker, Mary Davis, Audrey
Baker, Audrey Slack, Lois Baker, Eileen Baker, Evelyn Davis, Elsie
1940
Tindall. Centre Row (left to right) —Levi Fretz, Bob Lewis, Bill McKay,
Marjorie Madill, Isobel Davis, Jean Hodgson, Gloria Whitehead, Kath-
leen Thompson, Mary Eckardt. Front Row (left to right) —Mervyn
Bunker, Paul Whitehead, David Gammon, (unknown), Harold Howsam,
Fred Davis, David Whitehead.
ALTONA PUBLIC SCHOOI L. �_. �.� Iq ( C
Altona School
To Closer
Permanently)) �Df
By ELEANOR BUNKER
ALTONA — Altona's little
red schoolhouse will be clos-
ing it's doors permanently
next week so a community
picnic is planned for this
Friday evening. All pupils,
past and present, their par-
ents and former teachers,
are invited to attend. A pic•
nic basket supper will be at
6:30 p.m. with beverage pro-
vided but please bring your
own dishes. Supper will be
followed by a short program
in the school.
Strange Quiet
At Altona- School
13YELEANOR BUNKER
ALTONA — School start-
ed on Tuesday but all is
quiet at Altona where the
building was closed at the -
end of the June term. New
staff members at Glasgow
are Mr, Armour and Mrs.
Binstead.
IELL '20 THE COUiiTHY 3CHC0L
by
1rs. Lkdelaide iLerr
of /1'46
tilt ona
The door of the little red schoolhouse is closed,
rind the desks are empty and bare.
The chalkboard stands silent, no lessons inscribed,
iind the cloakroom has no coats to wear.
The old weathered door, that swung open each morns
Flaking way for reluctant feet.
That kept out chill winds and braved recess time hase„
Is quiet and yet somehow too neat.
Though the once cluttered room be empty and bare,
And the schoolyard bereft of its noisy games
Though the roster be ended,the last flower bloomed
That grew in its garden of games.
Still the little red schoolhouse will never be gone
4hile we who have known it, live,
And pass on to our children, its warm happy tales
find the future our rememberings give.
The door of the little red schoolhouse is open
In memories golden that we may impart,
rind its happy times linger in minds time forever.,
And an open door , here in my heart.
AI,TOI�IA 11M)MENS M7;"L'rUTr•
.S
.................•.:...,.•...n,.w:,•x;v:a;<a:n>:L:xra,..vrm•.aw:..K;.�o::«::..; -
....
Church, Community
Both .Want School
ALTONA — Who is en-
mitted an offer and it was
titled to purchase the old
accepted.
Altona schoolhouse — the
Mr. Lewis argues that
ratepayers of the section
the structure should be
made available to the
or the Board of the Altona
whole community. He is
United Missionary
agreeable that the church
Church?
use it when necessary. He
Fred Lewis, Altona busi-
has taken his appeal be-
nessman, was notified by
fore the Township Coun-
the Pickering School Area
cil.
Board that the building
Councillor Harvey Spang
could be purchased as a
in whose ward the build -
Community Centre for
ing is located, feels that
$1,500.
prices should have been
accepted on a tender basis.
Before he had time to
"I think they gave the
reply, church officials sub-
property away."
Sale Of Old SchOol rea e C is
ALTONA — The report-
ed sale of the former Al-
tona schoolhouse to -the
Altona United Missionary
Church, has sparked a
controversy among many
residents here. -
Some feel that it should
belong to the community
while others contend that
the property should be
owned and maintained by
the church. Thirteen per-
sons were contacted by
The Tribune. Replies were
divided evenly with one
ed by some community
residents concerns wheth-
er the Church Board will
allow the building to be
used for dances and euchre
parties. The Tribune• could
not learn if any policy had
yet been established.
Mr. Fred Lewis has al-
ready appealed to Picker-
ing Township Council for
a ruling on the matter and
the issue could be re -open-
ed for discussion when the
Area Board meets October
17.
refusing comment.
The Pickering Township
School Area Board No. I
has already accepted the
$1,500 application by the
church. Mr. Fred Lewis,
named to act on behalf of
the community, said he
had insufficient time to
call a meeting. The main
fear is that the church
will be too restrictive in
the use of the building.
NOT SELECTIVE
Trustee. Gordon Pearce
denied that the Area Board
had been selective in the
sale. "The church was the
only organization to accept
our offer," he said. Mr.
Pearce told The Tribune
that if no offer had been
received from within the
community, the property
would have been offered
for sale by public tender.
Bob Lewis, a trustee on
the Church Board said he
was surprised at the con-
troversy that had been
created. "We have no in-
tentions of keeping the
community out, it can be
used by both." Mr. Lewis
said that the church trus-
tees had made enquiries
about the building last
February when they learn-
ed it would be available.
"We were told to have our
offer in by September 26
which we did."
ALLOW DANCES?
The main question voic
c�
L
Controversy
Community Centre
For Altona School
ALTONA — Past prob-
lems concerning the ulti-
mate use of the old Altona
schoolhouse appear near
an end. Many ratepayers
in the former No. 17 sec-
tion want the building re-
tained as' a Community
Centre. Some members on
the board of the United
Missionary Church want
it used for a Sunday
School. Now, it seems,
both sides will benefit.
Mrs. Lloyd McKean,
chairman of Pickering
Township School Area 1
recommended, Mond'av
night, that trustees repre-
senting the entire commu-
nity be selected to form a
Board and operate the
Centre 'in the best inter-
ests of everYonc'.
Mrs_ Lloyd Bi-kton,
Stouflville, RR 3, spoke on
behalf of the Community
Association. Ellis Melton,
Claremont, RR 2, addres-
sed the Board on behalf
of the church. They both
agreed that the 'co-opera-
tive venture' could be tri-
ed for one year. The Area
Board will retain the deed
to the property.
Organiz(31
Community.
Centre
ALTONA — Frank Bar -
key, Claremont, R.R.3, has
been elected President of
the -
the new Altona Commun-
ity Centre. A public meet-
ing was held Monday night.
Other members of the
executive include Norman
Fretz, vice president; Mrs.
Lloyd Britton, secretary -
treasurer; Mrs. Ted .Jones
and Mrs. Fred Lewis, direc-
tors.
The community program
will include both the Unit-
ed Missionary and Men-
nonite churches and the
Women's Institute. The
former Altona school
building will be the centre
of activity. It will be the
location of a meeting, Dec.
5, at 8 p.m., to discuss
plans for the future. A
formal name for the organ-
ization will be selected and
suggestions will be wel-
comed. ,(�� - 7/4
Concert
ALTONA — The lights
went on again at the old
Altona schoolhouse last
week and indications are
that the site will become
the centre of community
At, Altona School
�. , .,.E
activity. Lorne Lewis on his accor-
The building has been dion; Effie Bullock at the
made available to area res- piano; a violin -accordion
idents in a co-operative duet by Walter Davis and
project promoted by the Frank Bielby; a guitar
Pickering Township Trus- duet by Earl Lewis and his
tee Board. The Communi- music teacher and an in
ty Centre President is terlude of instrumental
Frank Barkey. tunes performed by the
On Dec. 22, an estimated Altona Women's Institute
Kitchen Band.
..00 persons attended an
old-fashioned Christmas
Concert in the school, with
Mr. Barkey the Master of
Ceremonies.'The program
included numbers by
CAROL SINGING
The gathering joined in
the singing of Christmas
carols led by Don Burns
with Mrs. Burns at the pi-
ano. Lovely Christmas mu-
sic was provided by Bob
Flowers on the electric
organ accompanied by
Ted Jones on drums. Mrs.
Orval Fretz' Sunday
School class presented a
play followed by a pageant
presented by the Menno-
nite Church with Emily
Nighswander, the narrator
assisted by Mary Lois,
Cynthia and Rosalie Nighs-
wander. The pageant was a
highlight of the program.
Katharine Cummings
was all decked out in cos-
tume for her Highland
Fling dance number. Tom-
my and Morgan Britton
presented recitations.
"It's just like old
times," commented one
resident.
Folk Dance Lessons At
Altona Community Centre
A&C Zf /eAli,
By ELEANOR BUNKER ery of Hamilton. with their parents Mr. and
ALTONA — The old
tona School is current
the centre of communi
activity. Following t
pre - Christmas gatherin
an evening of square da
ing was held Tuesd
night. Beginning Jan. 1
lesons in folk dancing w
be offered every seco
week.
Mr. Joe Faulkner
London, England arrive
Wednesday to surprise h
son and daughter and da
ghter-in-law and to spe
the holiday season wi
them here. Mr, and Mr
Rick Faulkner and Mi
Linda Faulkner have bee
making their home wit
their uncle and aunt, M
and Mrs. Frank Kerwood
Last Friday evening,
and Mrs. Fred Lewis ente
tained their staff an
friends to a party in Alto
School. .
Mr, and Mrs. Wm. Lor
enjoyed Christmas at th
home of Mrs. Lord's siste
Mr, and Mrs. T. Montgo
Alton
w
m
Al- Mrs. Norman Bunker Mrs. Fred Lewis along with
ly spent Christmas with her Mr, and Mrs. Don Hanson,
ty son Harvey and family of Mr. and Mrs. Wilfred Brad-
o Goodwood and stayed over ley, Mr, and Mrs. Gordon
gs for a few days visit. Powell, Mr. and Mrs. Roy
nc- Walter Barkey was home Lewis and Mr. and Mrs.
ay from Toronto to spend Bert Lewis. Mr. and Mrs.
3, Christmas with his par- Jim Harper were unable
i11 ents, Mr. and Mrs. Chas. to attend due to illness.
nd Barkey. Mr. and Mrs. Mery Bunk.
Christmas Day guests er entertained Miss Marg-
A with Mr. and Mrs. Charlie ery Mertens and Helen and
d Hodgson were Mr. and Mrs. Don Davis, Larry and Bri-
is George Fowlie of Lamont, an of Weston on Christ-
u- Alberta, Mr, and Mrs. El- mas Day.
nd gin Wagg, Mr. and Mrs. Mr. and Mrs. Frank Bar-
th Fred Parcels of Peterboro, key and Sharyn enjoyed
S. Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Byer Christmas with Donna's
ss and Sharon, Mr. and Mrs. parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jack
n Ernie Smith, Charlene and Johnson of Pine Grove.
h Blair and Mr. and Mrs. Ha- Mr. and Mrs. Bob Lewis
r. rold Hodgson and Chris- and family entertained the
tine. Wideman side of the fam-
Mr. Mr, and Mrs. Williams, ily to a pre -Christmas din-
r- Sr. of Toronto spent ner on Dec. 17. Guests pre-
d Christmas with their son sent were Mrs. Morgan Hill
Colin, Mrs. Williams and Mrs. Ed. Wideman, Mr. and
grandchildren, Barry and Mrs. Bob Logan and fam-
d Wendy. _ fly of Palmerston, Mrs. Art
e Mr. and Mrs. Dave John- Wideman, Sharon and Nan-
r son of - Milverton were cy, Ron Sargeant and Lin -
home to spend Christmas da Foster.
ALTONA NyoNI 'S iiv� "".
ALTONA NyoNI 'S iiv� "".
THE STOUFFVILLE TRIBUNE, Thursday, December b, 1957
One of the most colourful ternoon was entered by the was decorated with dozens of placed second in the school
floats in the Stouffville Santa Altona Public School. Entitled multi -coloured imitation flow- float competition.
Claus Parade on Saturday af- "The May Queen," the entry ers made by the pupils. It —Staff Photo
s
z
TSe little red brick schoolhouse at Altona was officially closed at the conclusion of the term in June.
Erected in 1917, it has served as the education centre for hundreds of children, many of whom still reside
in the community. —Staff Photo.
Altona School Closed
But Memory Lingers
On
(By MRS. LUELLA LEWIS) —
ALTONA — The end of an era has come,.
Call it progress or what you will, but school, as
we have known it, will never be the same.
Feb `
Recently, a community picnic was held on
Pancake.the
grounds of the little red brick schoolhouse at
Altona
'
(S.S. No. 17, Pickering Township) to
mark the occasion of its permanent closing. Many
At:.
boys and girls in years gone by, received their ele--Contest
mentary education in the present building, erect-
ed in 1911 and also in the old schoolhouse that it
replaced. It is with a feeling of nostalgia that the
Altona ,,o
community will no longer see the young genera-
tion strolling along to its door or hear the tolling
ALTONA—It was a pan -
cake menu at the Altona-
of its bell, calling the, children to class. Instead,
Community Centre, Feb. 7
more buses will be employed to carry our children
and, coupled with a crok-
to other communities.
inole party, the event at-44
Many former teachers and pupils attended the fare-
tracted close to 100 per -
of all ages.
well gathering. Former teachers present included — Mrs.
sons
The evening was so suer
Irene Jones (Harper) who taught from 1921.26; Mrs.
Luella Lewis (Harper), 1946.48; Mrs. Mary Woodcock,
cessful in fact, that a sec.
and crokinole fun -night is
1951.58; Mrs. R. Betsworth (Webber), 1961.63 and Miss
Sturdy,
for Friday, Feb "
S. 1963.65.
planned
17 at 8:15 p.m.
The eldest former pupil in attendance was Mrs. Nor-
A highlight of the gatll -_
Bunker who presented an interesting talk on the Altona
eying was a pancake -eating
School as she had known it and where her entire family
contest with fourteen en -
and a number of her grandchildren attended.
tries. Albert McQueen of
An estimated 129 persons listened attentively as a pro-
Claremont consumed • 10
gram was presented by the teacher, Miss Linda Grill and
cakes in 3 minutes to win
pupils from grades 1 to 5.
first prize. Runner-up was
We do not know what the future holds for the build-
ing, but we do know that this marks the end of the centre of
Gordon Powell of Union-
ville, downing 9 cakes in . .
our community. Mrs. Adelaide Kerr penned a few lines
especially for this occasion which expresses the feelings
the same time.
Crokinole winners were.
of- us all —
Jackie Paisley of Stouff-
Esther Davis, Stouff-
FAREWELI. TO THE COUNTRY SCHOOL
ville;
Michael Assinck, Al
The door of the little red schoolhouse is closed,
And the desks
ville;
tona and Kenneth Tindall
are empty and bare,
The chalkboard stands silent, no lessons inscribed,
also of Altona.
And the cloakroom has no coats to wear.
For crokinole playe .-
who work up an appetite,
The old weathered door, that swung open each morn,
a hot lunch will be served
Making way for reluctant feet.
on Friday night.
That kept out chill winds and braved recess -time haste,
—
Is quiet and yet somehow, too neat.
Though the once cluttered room be empty and bare,
And the schoolyard bereft of its noisy games.
Though the roster be ended, the last flower bloomed.
That grew in its garden of names.
i
Still the little red schoolhouse will never be gone,
While we who have known it, live.
And pass on to our children, its warm -happy tales
And the future, our rememberings give. _
The door of the little red schoolhouse is open,
In memories golden that we may impart.
And its happy times linger in mind's eye forever,'
And an open door, here in my heart.
`i 73
VOL. 79, NO. 1 STOUFFVILLE-MARKHAM-UNBRIDGE, ONT., THURSDAY, JUNE 1, f9bi
The little red brick schoolhouse at Mount Zion in Pickering Township is
one of three similar structures that has been purchased by Mr. Arthur Latcham of
Stouffville. Each will be turned over debt -free to be used as community centres.
Other buildings are located at Altona and Atha. —Staff Photo.
Altona Holds Reunion To Honor
,16,
Benefactor Arthur Latcham
ALTONA — The second
annual Altona reunion and
community picnic took on
a two -fold meaning Friday
night. It brought together
former teachers and stud-
ents who attended the pub-
lic school, now the Altona
Community Centre. It also
permitted the executive
and residents of the area
an opportunity to honor
Mr. Arthur Latcham of
Stouffville. It was through
Mr. Latcham's generosity,
that the school was purch-
ased and donated debt -
free to the community. It
is now the centre of activi-
ty in the section.
Mr. Fred Lewis present-
ed Mr. Latcham with a per-
sonal framed photograph.
It was presented in turn to
committee chairman, Frank
Barkey to be retained by
the Centre. In addition to
Mr. and Mrs. Latcham,
guests included, Toronto
Fire Chief, --Frank Coak-
well and Mrs. Coakwell
and Mr. and Mrs. Austin
Pearse. Mr. Pearse is a
member of the Pickering
Township School Area
Board.
FORMER TEACHERS
Ten former teachers
were in attendance- Mrs. I-
rene (Harper) Jones; Mrs,
Bessie (Robinson) Wide-
man; Mrs, Edna (Steven-
son) Ramer; Mrs. Mary
(Graham) Barkey; Mrs.
Margaret (Wallace) Couper-
thwaite; Mrs. Luella (Harp-
er) Lewis; Mrs. Mary Wood-
cock, Miss Frances Schultz,
Miss Sharon Sturdy and
Miss Linda Grill. Mrs. Nor-
man Bunker, a life-long re-
sident of Altona, gave a
short history of the area
and the names of teachers
from 1856 to 1966.
Attending from the far-
thest distance was Mr.
Charles Boothby of Mission
City, British Columbia. The
oldest former student was
Mr. Frank Baker, 89, of
Jackson's Point. The young-
est pupil who attended at
Altona was Gordon Britton,
age 7 and the youngest at.
the picnic was Troy Hanson
13 weeks. The oldest form-
er Altona teacher was Mrs.
Bessie Wideman and -the
youngest, Miss Linda Grill.
Platform entertainment
featured Beverley Bell;
Tommy, Earl and Terry Le-
wis; Sharon and Nance
Wideman; Lorne Lewis
and the Altona Women's
Institute Kitchen Band.
Frank Barkey was Master
of Ceremonies.
CROKINOLE party, all ages,
Friday, March 3rd at 8.15
9 p.m.: Altona Community
Centre. Everyone welcome.
Come and support your com-
munity project. Admission
Mc. lunch included.
Commencing
Tues, May 2nd,
Two Weeks of Special
GOSPEL SERVICES
at the
Altona Community Hall
Special music and singins each night.
Sat, night will he .young people's night.
Old Time Pentecostal Meetings,
EVERYONE WELCOME
-- Special Speaker% -•-
Servic" 8 p.m. eery night except Monday.
7
Arthur Latcham
16,uys Three Schools
-1
-,or Community Centres
. STOUFFVILLE-Three rural communities in -
the Township of Pickering, are this week
acclaiming the generosity of- Mr Arthur Latc
ham of Stouffville. The country hamlets of
Altona, Atha and Mount Zion now have their
own individual Community Centers, completely
debt free. Three school buildings have been pur-
chased by Mr. Latcham and presented with no
strings attached, to the sections where each is
located.
The three centres have
their own committees but
each was finding it difficult
to raise sufficient funds to
cover the cost of acquiring
the schools. The business
arrangement 'was worked
out by Mr. Latcham with
Lloyd Johnston, Adminis-
trator of Pickering School
Area No. 1.
The buildings will con-
tinue to serve as the cen-
tre of community recrea-
tion and money earned
will be used for interior
improvements to the pro-
perty. ---
ARTHUR LATCHAM
�ver Sixty Register
In Altona Softball
By ELEANOR BUNKER
ALTONA — Last Friday
evening over 60 boys and
girls from 7 to 17 years
gathered at the Al-
tona Community Centre
to register for softball.
Altona hopes to enter sev-
eral teams in a North Pi-
ckering Township League.
Don Cross, Mike Con-
nors, Dave Bell and Gary
Bambrough of Toronto
were guests of Tom Bun-
ker on Saturday.
Mr. and Mrs. Colin Wil-
liams, Barry and Wendy,
enjoyed supper with her
brother Mr. and Mrs. Rus-
sel Hilts and children of
Toronto on Saturday.
Anyone interested in a
bus trip to Varsity Arena
to hear Dave Wilkerson,
author of "The Cross and
the Switchblade" May 19,
get in touch with Sue Brit-
ton (640-3551) or Pat Lew-
is (640-3796) by May 16.
At Monday nights' eu-
chre at the Altona Com-
munity Centre Mrs. Tom
Ogden and Walt Slack
won 1st prizes. Lloyd Brit-
ton won the door prize.
r� +� )1 , 1917
Altona
euchre
winners
By Blanche Tindall
ALTONA — Recent
euchre winners at the Al-
tona Community Centre
include — Mrs. Forgie,
Emma Clodd, Margaret
Gall, Harold Morgason, El-
roy Clodd and Les Gauslin.
The lucky prize-winner
was Dianne Pickering. The
next euchre is Dec. 2.
4 Mr. and Mrs. Harold
Lewis attended the dedi-
cation of the new Christian
Education Centre at Mark-
ham Missionary Church,
Sunday.
Miss Mabel Huson spent
the weekend with Rev. and
Mrs. Frank Huson.
Altona W.M.S. have
been invited to Ringwood
Christian Church, Decem-
ber 3.
Mrs. Robert Lewis host-
ed a mother and daughter
banquet for her Sunday
School class at the home of
Mrs. Norman Lehman.
Mr. and Mrs. George Bar-
rett of Gormley, visited
with Rev. and Mrs. Frank
Huson, Saturday.
................... --
Lose Centres
PICKERING TWP. — Antic-
ipating the expropriation of
lands for the new International
Airport, funds contributed by
Arthur Latcham of Stouffville,
for the purchase of Community
Centres at Altona and Atha, will
be re -distributed between Cen-
tres at Claremont and Mount
Zion.
The contribution by Mr.
Latcham was $3,000, fifteen
hundred dollars to Altona and
the same to Atha.
It has also been agreed that
once the kitchen facilities are no
longer required at the Atha
Centre, they be removed and in-
stalled in the Centre at Mt. Zion.
Christmas concerts revive in rura ar
ALTONA — it was an
o 1 d fashioned- country
Christmas Concert at its
best, Thursday evening at
Altona. The location, once
a school, and now a Com-
munity Centre, brou(.*ht
back fond memories to
the majority of Moms and
Dads present. The audi-
ence, estimated at 170,
filled the little red brick
building to capacity.
The program, that in-
cluded many vocal and in-
strumentdl numbers, was
well received. In fact, the
smaller the artists, the
more enthusiastic the re-
sponse.
Members of the Nursery
School opened the show
with a selection entitled
'Christmas Tree'. Thev
decorated a tree while
they sang. Other numbers
followed including t h e
family of Mr. and Mrs.
Don Boake; a piano solo
by Susan Fretz; a piano
and guitar duet by Marian
and Stanley Kerswill; a
vocal duet by Don and
Dawn Boake; an accordi-
on solo by Lorne Lewis
and a poem, written by
Mrs. Burns and read by
Mrs. Britton. The talented
Pearce family presented a
tap dance number follow-
ed by a piano solo by
Dawn Boake. Helen Nighs-
wander won applause for
her accordion solo and a
similar reception was ac-
corded a quartet number
rendered by Don and Lau-
rie May Boake and Robert
and Keith Lewis entitled
'O Star of Bethlehem.' Don
Boake played two well
known Christmas num-
bers on his mouth organ.
rs
Plays were presented by
ci
members of both the Pen-
tecostal and Mennonite
churches with the inter-
mittent singing of Christ-
mas carols by the audi-
ence. The evening's enter-
tainment was concluded
with the arrival of the sea-
son's favorite gentleman,
Santa Claus.
New Pentecostal Church ready for
The sod -turning for the Stouffville Pentecostal Church, I
Main Street East, was performed April 29. Three months
later, the chapel is near completion and should be ready for
occupancy early this fall. At present, Sunday services are
held in the Altona Community Centre. The pastor is Rev.
Stanley A. Grant. —Jim Thomas.
Honor newly weds
By Blanche Tindall
visited Nov. 16 with their
ALTONA — A commun-
daughter Joyce and David
ity shower will be held
Johnson of Milverton.
Friday, Nov. 21, in the
Mr. and Mrs. Philip
community centre for Mr.
Bard of Chilliwack, B.C.,
and Mrs. Kenneth Wide-
have been visiting at the
man. Everyone is invited.
home of her sister, Mr.
Mr. and Mrs. Ronald
and Mrs. Gordon Wide -
Sargent, Mr. and Mrs. Har-
roan, and attended the
old Lewis, Mr. and Mrs.
wedding of Mr. and Mrs.
Robert Lewis and Mr. and
Kenneth Wideman.
Mrs. Fred Lewis were
Mr. and Mrs. Elwood
guests at the wedding of
Hardy were recent visitors
Mr, and Mrs . Kenneth
at the home of Mr. and
Wideman, Nov. 14.
Mrs. Stanley Lewis. Mr.
We are sorry to report
and Mrs. Earl Lewis of
that Bert Lewis and Ricky
Manitoulin Island were
Harper are confined to
also recent visitors at the
Centenary Hospital in
Stanley Lewis home.
Scarborough.
Mrs. Robert Lewis visit -
Mr. and Mrs. Fred Lewis
ed recently with Mrs. Phy-
llis Schneider of Blooming-
}
dale.
Congratulations to Mr.
and Mrs. Lloyd Kerswill
who were married Nov. 15
in the Stouffville United
Church.
SQona Com'
UARE Centre Al Saturday'
day,
munity m. Frank
Jan. 17, 8.30 p.
Barkey caller and m.c. Lunch
provided. $1.25 per person_
Cheque aids Altona nursery school
j The Altona Nursery School has received a $25 donation from the Claremont
1 'Lionettes', the ladies' branch of the Claremont District Lions Club. Teacher,
Mrs. Marie White (left) accepts the cheque from Mrs. Marlene Webb of Good-
wood. The pupils are (left to right) - Connie Ward, Steven Carruthers and Gale
Vogelson, all of Claremont. —Peter Harris.
A 50th wedding anniversary celebration for Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Jones
drew over 250 friends and relatives last week in Brooklin. The Jones are
formerly of Mt. Zion and were married in 1926 in Goodwood. t el 7 6
Mr, and Mrs. Cecil Jones 4_,_-Me r hee:. her 't-
A If onct se hoc
early this fall
1F T
PENTECOSTAL
�` U
33d .d i e
si Altona students walk down memory lane
Teachers - Altona
1856
Mr. A. McSween
1869
Mrs. M. Millard
1894
Mr. Mason Flumerfelt
1899
Mr. John Tran
1911
Miss Annie Murray
Miss L. J. Ridley
Miss Irene Reesor
1917
Miss Biehn (Drewery)
Miss Fannie Ramer (Pugh)
Miss Viola Lee
1921-26
Miss Irene Harper (Cecil Jones)
1926
Miss Bessie Robinson (Ed Wideman)
1928
Miss Spring
1929
Miss Kate Reesor (Walter Carter)
1935
Miss Florence Edna Stevenson (Reg Ramer)
1939
Miss Doris Watson (Gary Houck)
1940
Mr. Gordon Bolender
1942
Miss Mary F. Graham (Cliff Barkey)
1943
Miss Margaret Wallace (H.J. Couperthwaite)
1945
Miss Gloria Harding (C. H. Clarke)
1946-48
Miss Luella Harper (Harold Lewis)
1948
Miss Miriam Lucille Heise
Apr. 1951
Mrs. Margaret (Vic) Symes
Sept. 1951-58 Mrs. Mary (Chas.) Woodcock
1958
Mrs. Vera (David) Francis
1959
Miss McLaren
Mr. Jim Empringham
Miss Frances Schultz
1961-63
Miss Webber (R. Betsworth)
1963-65
Miss Sharon Sturdy
1965
Miss Linda Grill
Inspectors
Mr. Fotheringham
Mr. Hutchison 1944
Mr. McCelland
Music Mrs. D. Colby
S.S. #17 will be remembered in grand style in early Altona Public School opened in 1911 and closed in 1966.
September. When former students honor the school's 50-year history,
Former students and their spouses are invited to attend the they'll take along walk down memory lane.
Altona Public School reunion at the school grounds on Most of the former students now live in Stouffville, organiz-
September 11th, beginning at noon. ers said.
I FLASHBACK
a
a
�1
w
READY FOR REUNION: Altona Public
School, located just east of Stouffville, will hold a reunion on Sept.
11 at the school. Opened in 1911, the school closed in 1966. Above,
the school population in 1940. From left, front row, Mery Bunker,
cAt Paul Whitehead, unknown, unknown, Harold Howsam, Albert Davis
and Ray Whitehead. Middle row, Levi Fretz, Bob Lewis, Bill McKay,
Marjorie Madill, Isabell Davis, Jean Hodgson, Gloria Whitehead, Kay
yv Thompson and Mary Eckardt. Back row, Murray Tindall, Keith
Howsam, Clarence Baker, Mary Davis, Audrey Baker, Audrey Slack,
Lois Baker, Eileen Baker, Evelyn Davis and Elsie Tindall.
PHOTO COURTESY MARY ELSON
Altona "children'
heading back.to school
; as
chool days, school days,
Dear old golden rule days.
Readin' and writin' and 'rithmetic,
Taught to the tune of the hickory
stick,
You were my bashful barefoot beau,
I was your queen in calico.
You wrote on my slate, "I love you —Joe.
When we were a couple of kids.
BACK TO SCHOOL: Former students of the Altona School
returned to the community, just east of Stouffville, for a reunion. About 270 people
from as far away as Australia and California attended. The school closed in 1966.
JIM MASON PHOTO
school. "I had to walk about 600 feet, he
recalls. Often he'd wait until the first bell
had rung before starting out — and still
arrive in plenty of time.
As a child, Joe was not a robust lad,
earning him the nickname `Little Joe'.
"When it came to picking sides for ball
games, I was often the last one chosen," he
remembers. However, when it came to
pranks Joe was usually in the centre of
Memories, memories. They'll come
flooding back when former students and
that, at the time, one could purchase a
pound of tea for a dollar; a pound of butter
things.
"We'd catch garter snakes in the
teachers of Altona Public School, (S.S. No.
for eight cents and a dozen eggs for five
cemetery and chase girls to hear them
17), Pickering hold a gala reunion. The
location is the exact same spot where these
cents.
It was the custom `back then' for the
scream," he recalls.
Higher learning was not part of his dad's
memories were created — the little red brick
older boys to work on the farms during the
plan, said Joe. "I remember Kate Reesor
schoolhouse, a hop, skip and a jump south
summer and attend school in the winter. In
begging my father to let `little Joe' go on to
of the community's four corners.
the winter of 1869, the recorded enrollment
high school but he refused. This was
The date is Sept. 11 at 12:30 p.m.
was 80 pupils.
common among many Mennonite families,
It was Mary Anne (Fretz) Schlabach,
now of Vineland who planted the reunion
The school that still stands was closed in
1966. Trustees at the time included —
he explained.
But Joe was not to be denied. He took to
seed. Others on the committee include —
Nlary (Eckardt),Elson;,Susan (Fretz) Cogar;
Gordon Wideman, Millard Reesor, Joe
Nighswander and Marion Meyer,
reading, acquiring books by the dozen from
the Stouffville Library. Later, while still
Nelda (Elson) Morley, Joe Nighswander
(secretary).
farming, he attended Hamilton's McMaster
and Grant Hill.
During Mr. Nighswander's tenure as a
University and then went on to become the
Mr. Walks The present structure, now used for a
student, he had only one teacher, Kate
chief executive officer at Parkview Home
Mr. Archibald church, is the third of its kind to serve the
Reesor.
and Parkview Village, a position he held for
community. The first was a log building on
"She had a great effect on my life," he
20 years.
the south-east comer of the intersection. It
recalls.
In 1990, he was named Whitchurch-
was replaced in 1834 and remained in use
Did he ever receive the strap?
Stouffville's `Citizen of the Year'.
77 years. During construction of its
"Only once," he recalls, "but I don't
This is but one success story from
replacement, classes were held in a
remember what for,"
student records of S.S. 17. There are
Temperance Hall on the north-west corner.
And afterwards?
hundreds more, many of which will be
Completion date was 1911.
Joe Nighswander, a former student and
"She gave me a hug," he remembers.
Highlights of his public school years?
shared Sept. 11.
That's when Altona's little red brick
`home.'
trustee, has done considerable research into
The advent of electricity; Christmas
schoolhouse' welcomes its children
this and earlier school history. In doing so,
he discovered that one teacher, a Mr. Swain,
concerts; Arbor Days; spelling bees; a trip
to Niagara Falls and carrying drinking
Jim Thomas is a Stouffville resident who
was paid an annual salary of $375. Mr.
water from a nearby spring -fed pond.
has written for area newspapers for more
Nighswander's quick to point out, however,
Joe's parents' farm was close to the
than 45 years.
MR
__t_..t.. - r --
. 1
i
The Andrew's house on the south-east corner at the
approach lane below the four corners of Altona between
Pickering and Uxbridge townships; was burned down nearly
seventy years. A new brisk house was erected some fifteen
or twenty years ago by Mr. McIntosh who disposed of it to
Mr. James a couple of years ago who resides there at the
present time.
J
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L4 I" JVJ C i-i to S h Cam Jaynes
REESORS HISTORY OF THE OLD MILL.
1. Abraham Reesor married Christina Shunk, came to Altona in 1850, and
built a saw mill, a grist mill and a house. He died in 1855 leaving a widow
with seven children. He died of typhoid fever. Their children were Anna
who married Jacob Stouffer and lived on the farm of 150 acres, now owned
by Stanley Lewis. Mary married Mr. Spink, another married Mr. Robinson
at Markham. Isaac, on his way to England, was drowned in St. Lawrence River
with a load of cattle. The name of the boat was Vixburg. Flavius married
Mary Barkey and lived at Cherrywood, later in Altona. They lived to
celebrate their diamond wedding. Ketura was drowned, and Abraham Reesor
married Mary Jane Kester and they had one son Floyd.
2. Mr. Joseph Monkhouse came to Canada in 1849 and began storekeeping
in Altona. He lived in Toronto before and well remembered when the Lake
Ontario came up to their back door on Front St. Then he married the widow,
Mrs. Abraham Reesor in 1857 and ran her mill until she died in 1867 as
he had a life lease. They had one daughter, Sarah, Mrs. Joseph Millard, and
they lived on the farm on the second , cbn.jowned by her daughter, Mrs.
Lud Hoover, north of Altona. In 1874, he moved to Lot 32, Con. 91 and for
twelve years managed trefarm now owned by William Ressor. His second wife
was Elizabeth Kester and they had one son Willis. Mr. Monkhouse took consider-
able interest in public affairs and served for ten years in the council
being Reeve from 1884-1887. On his brother's death, Thomas Monkhouse, in
1886 he returned to the store continuing until his death in 1903. He was
succeeded by his son Willis J. Monkhouse. He kept four clerks and dealt in
dry goods, groceries, hardware and crockery. Mr. Abraham Reesor Jr., took
over the mill when his mother died in 1865. After his death Wm. Vanzant
purchased and run it. Then William Kaiser was the owner. During his time
the dam went out. Mr. Alex Jones was the next owner. After him came Mr.
Hugh McIntosh, who purchased the mill March 1, 1924. He sold it to Mr.
Earl Howsam who remodeled it. It was burned March 10, 1944.
5. DEATHS
HOWSAM, Wilfred Earl ---
Suddenly on Thursday, July
20th, Earl Howsam, beloved
husband of Cora Kerry and
dear father of Harold, Green -
bank; Lucille (Mrs. Lloyd
Weldon, Stouffville; and
Keith (deceased) and nine
grandchildren. Rested at the
#uneral home of Low and
Low, Uxbridge, for service in
the Chapel on Saturday,
i July 22 at 2 p.m. Interment
Kendal Cemetery, Utica.
VICIOUS RAIN STORM TEARS OUT
This photo was taken looking
through a thirty-five foot gap
which the flood tore in the
�, ^ 4 •.1. L-MPnt on the
Alexander place (former How.
, sam mill) at Altona. This was
a comx)let- nPw water course
ROADWAYS,
tearing out 150 feet of road-
way. That's Norm Bunker,
local contractor surveying the
damage.
0
FBE R.VILSAA
AT FORT CHIPPAWA
Pte. Earl "Bud" McNair, son of
. and Mrs. William McNair of
:ona, who is a member of the Irish
giment now stationed at Fort
ippawa, North Bay. I yT
.see 4
Toronto Thrills t® 48th Return
AI}r%na Cnimle 1-4ty Years r1i"lamea
Friends and relatives gaith-
ered.at the home of Mr. and
Mrs. William McNair of Alto-
na last week to honor this po-
pular couple on the occasion
of their 50th wedding anniv
ersary. The couple have lived
more than forty-five years at.
Altona, retiring from their
farm nearby six years ago.
Mrs. McNair was the former
Elizabeth Meyer, daughter of
Edward .'Meyer, Pickering, and
her • husband is the son of the
late Jonathon Me -Nair of Beth.
esda. They were married on
Dec. 1st, 1903 by the Rev. W.
Percy on the 9th concession of
Pickering at the bride's home.
immediately following their
marriage the couple spent four
years on the 5th con. of Mark-
ham prior to coming to Altona.
An interesting highlight of
the celebration was a phone
call from Tisdaie, Sask. from
John D. McNair who was the
-best man at the ceremony fif-
ty years ago. Miss Alice White
w'ho was the bridesmaid and
who now lives in Fergus, w:1s
able to be present.
Both the honored guests en-
joy comparatively good health.
Mr. McNair who has a ready
wit enjoyed by a wide circle of
friends, while not indulging in
public life, was always an ard-
ent curler and horse -shoe hit-
cher.
The couple have two sons,
Fred of Stouffville and Earl of
Enniskillen and one daughter,
Mrs. Stan Thompson. There
are ,eight grandchildren.
A wonderful lady
Sept. 25 is a special day for a very special person.
Mrs. Elizabeth McNair, Main Street, Stouffville
and formerly of Altona will be 91. She resides at the
home of her daughter, Mrs. Stan Thompson.
/ 9 7 v Jas. Thomas.
Mrs Elizabeth McNair
A respected lady
STOUFFVILLE —
Four years ago, Mrs.
Elizabeth McNair
celebrated her 90th
birthday at her residence
near Altona, the
community where she
was born and lived most
of her life.
The venerable lady,
who moved to Stouffville
with her daughter three
years ago, passed away
Sept. 4 at Parkview
Home. f9.73
Mrs. McNair was the
daughter of Edward and
Magdelina Meyer. She
would have been 94 on
Sept. 25.
Her husband,
William McNair, pre-
deceased her 11 years
ago. Apart from five
years spent on the 5th
concession of
Markham, they re-
mained in Altona.
Mrs. McNair's life
revolved around her
home, her family and the
Missionary Church where
she was a devoted and
active member of the
congregation.
She is survived by
sons Fred of Stouffville,
Earl of Enniskillen; one
daughter, Flossie • (Mrs.
Stan Thompson),
Stouffville; eight
grandchildren and eight
great grandchildren.
Rev. Donald Pugh of
Altona, conducted the
service from the O'Neill
Funeral Home, Sept. 6,
with interment, Altona
Cemetery. The pall
bearers were — Robert
and Lockie McNair;
John, Earl and Lorne
Thompson; and Larry
Schell.
Sudden Deaths Shock Altona
By ELEANOR BUNKER
ALTONA — Altona com-
munity has been shocked
by the number of sudden
deaths of past and present
residents during this past
week. Sympathy is extend-
ed to the family of the
late ZiEowsam who ran
the feed mill at Altona, to
Mr. and Mrs. Elwood Elson
and family on the passin
of his father, to Mr. nd
Mrs. Howard (Ted) onA
Sue and Mike on the sud-
den death their son an
brother C—Edward', and t
Mrs. 9enr er and fam-
ily on the passing of her
husband.
We are glad to report
that Chas. Kerswill is home
from jhe hospital after his
recent. operation.
Mrs. George Harvie spent
the past two weeks at the
home of her son Bud at
Keswick while his wife was
in hospital.
Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Hodg-
son enjoyed the weekend
with cousins at St. Cathar-
ines.
Mr. and Mrs. Bragg, Dan-
ny and Peter returned
home Saturday after a
month's visit to the west
coast.
g
d
Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Lord
enjoyed holidays with
friends last week with a
visit to Expo and a bit of
fishing at her sister's - cot-
tage at Lake Skootamata.
° Misses Kathy and Patti -
Jean Bell of Windsgr were
weekend guests of the
Lloyd Britton family.
Last Thursday evening
Mrs. Don Goudie was hos-
tess to a miscellaneous
shower for Cheryl Brown,
a one-time Altona resident,
whose marriage to John
Quesnel takes place this
Saturday.
Mr. and Mrs. Don Goudie
and family and Mrs. Merv.
Bunker, Lynda and Patti
attended a. surprise birth-
day party for their father,
Fletcher Goudie, at his
home in Whitby.
��C;J3V
/(-
Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Morgan
Newlyweds on tour with puppet show
Sue and Glenn Morgan are currently on tour of Canada and the United States
with their award -winning puppet show.
�-- SUE POWELL
Ken Ma `,'_r�t of K R. May Real
Estate Limited takes pleasure in an-
nouncing the appointment of Mrs. Sue
(Jones) Powell to their sales staff. Sue
has been a resident of the Stouf-
fville/CLaremont area for many years.
She is a graduate of Stouffville District
High School and has successfully
completed courses at both Seneca
and Durham Colleges. For any of your
real estate needs, please call Sue at
(Bus.) 640-2223 or (Res.) 649-2424.
To entertain
school children
STOUFFVILLE — Many
newlyweds embark into
the big wide world of show
business, a little unsure of
the future.
Not so for Sue Jones,
daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
Howard Jones, R.R.2,
Markham and Glenn Mor-
gan, formerly of Bethesda
and now living at Niagara
Falls.
Following their marri-
age on Saturday in the
Stouffville United Church,
they left on a three-year
tour of the United States
and Canada, residing in an
18-foot trailer and carry-
ing with them a troupe of
marionettes.
Sue and Glenn are own-
ers of the Van Winkle
Marionettes and have a
contract to appear in
schools across North
America. Together, they
put on a twenty minute
variety show which is in-
tended to be educational
as well as entertaining.
No attempt is made to
hide the operators from
the audience or the strings
that operate the puppets.
The fact is, they want the
children to see for them-
selves exactly how it's
done.
Glenn purchased the
show 2 % years ago. He
has appeared in the Cal-
gary Stampede and the
Edmonton Klondike Days.
Sue became a part of the
program last summer and
now takes the place of
Glenn's father.
The contact with the
schools was obtained after
an audition. There were
more than 80 entrants.
The Van Winkle Marion-
ettes placed third.
Sue and Glenn left on
Sunday, flying to Nash-
ville, Tennessee where
they staged their first
show, Monday. They plan
to be home for Christmas
and will appear at Eaton's
Fairyland.
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SYnopis of the Accompann�arcels of Land in Altona about
Seventy-five Years Ago. 1825.
Mr. Boothby owned the property marked and operated a blacksmith
shop. In 1908, he sold it to a farmer by the name of Mr. March. In
1925, Mr. March sold it to Mr. Fred Pilkey.
Mr. Skeen owned the adjoining property south, and sold it in the
1870's to a Mrs. Scott, a widow with three small children. In 1921,
Norman Bunker purchased it from her estate.
Mr. Jacob Stover owned the next adjoining property. It was later
sold to a Mr. Lawn who sold next to a Mr. Brown. It was then passed
on to a Mr. Forsythe, then to Mr. Burnham and later to Norman Bunker
in 1929.
Then comes the Altona street; as it was named in the earlier days.
This was a street to allow for getting into the parcels of land off
of it. The building at the east end was a slaughter house where stock
was killed to be sold in the butcher shop adjoining the house up at
the entrance of the street on the south north corner.
South Side of Street
Not sure how long this property belonged to Mr. Kee, A Mr. Forfar
had it rented and taught school at Altona; after that a Mr. Gordon owned
it. It is presumed that he erected the butcher shop and slaughter house
at the end of the street; the butcher shop and slaughter house has been
torn down years ago. Then the Monkhouses' took over this property but it
was tenanted by several people up until 1905 when purchased by Thomas
Burnham from Mrs. Barnes, her maiden name being Monkhouse. Norman Bunker
purchased this property from the Burnham estate in 1933•
Mr. Mighton owned the neXt adjoining property which Mr. Abijah Jones'
purchased in the 1880's. After living there for a goodly number of years
sold it to a Mr. March, a brother of Mr. March that owned the Boothby
property. Mr. March s_)Id to a Mrs. Kensett. Mrs. Kensett to Mr. Robert
Hook. Mr. Clarkson now owns it.
The Morden property next, was sold to a Mr. Millard and was tenanted
by several people for a. number of years, when Mr. George Irwin, a mason
by trade bought it in the early 1900. This property passed on to his
son Wayman and since his death in June 1952 has been vacant.
Between 60 and 70 years ago the next property south was known as the
Abram Lehman property. Afterwards Jacob Barkey, father of Isaac Barkey
of Stouffville rented it for a time. About fifty years ago Abijah Jones
bought this place, tore down the old buildings and bull' the present ones,
which he rented out for a few years, and then moved there himself with
his wife, who died there in 1926; he lived alone up until four years
before his death in Stouffville Brierbush Hospital. dv-yA%Ah`irwin purchased
this property, and since his death, Mr. C. Storry bought it and now
Elwood L.lson who lives there is the new owner.
Altona Inn, as it was called sometime in the 1800's, was first owned
by a man named Cooper. This property was purchased by Andrew Brown. The
east half of the two storey building was the residence and the west half
the bar room. In 18757 Andrew Brown had the bar room torn down and erected
the largetwo storey brick building and attached it to -he two storey frame
building as it is to -day. The south west room on the ground floor of the
new building was the new bar room. Two of the large rooms also on the ground
floor was uded as dining rooms. There was also erected to this new building
a large open shed and stables for the accommodation of horses. These
buildings were filled to capacity on numerous occasions.
In 1902, Mr Brown died and is buried in Altona cemetery across the
road. This property was sold to a Mr. Graves who also operated it as a hotel
until 1907. When James Wellman andhis don Harry rented it and did likewise.
In 1909, when local option came in force in Uxbridge Township, the Wellmans
then bought a farm at Glasgow. The Graves came back to live for a short time
and then sold it to Mr. Peters of Toronto who in turn lived there at short
interve.-s and then rented it to several tenants who lived there for short
periods of time in 1921. Mr. 0. M. Madill purchased the property and opened
up a geney4al store•. He tore down the old shed and stables and erected the
present large garage. 0. M. Madill served the public in this capacity until
July 1953 when he sold his business to the present owner Mr. Brown who came
from Port Elgin and also operates this as a store..
ALTONA WOMEY- 3 INSTIME 6-7
J
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v
MADILL — In loving mem-
ory of our dear father and
grandfather, Oliver M. Ma-
dill, who passed away Aug.
11, 1968.
His life was earnest, His
actions kind,
A willing hand and an active -
mind,
Anxious to please, loath to
offend,
A loving father and faithful
friend.
Sadly missed by
Olive, Hilda,
Marjorie and family
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Uxbridqe Times -Journal History of Business. Wednesday, November 6, 1991
Altona Inn had a very colorful, long history
Altona, formerly a thriving
little hamlet, lost its chance to
grow and prosper when the pro-
posed Pickering airport emp-
tied it of both land and people.
. Dividing its loyalty between
Uxbridge and Pickering
townships, Altona was settled
predominantly by Mennonites
in the early 1800s.
The Mennonites named the
hamlet,, located on the Ux-
bridge/Pickering Towwnline and
Concession 2 after Altona,
Germany.
The first known settler was
John Willson, who took land in
1805 on lot 1, Concession 2. Other
early settlers were Daniel
Yake, who came from Germany
in 1804 to settle first in Penn-
sylvania and then to Ontario.
Settlers on the north side of the
line were Casters, Browns,
Shoefelts, Jones, and Vanzants.
Altona was orginally a far-
ming community which grew
around the crossroads.
Mills, necessary to the
farmers, began to sprout up in
the early days helped by the
Altona Creek which flows into
Lake Ontario as part of Duffin's
Creek.
Sam Nighswander built at
lot 32, Concession 9 at an early
date, creating first a wollen mill
operated by Edgar Cliff. It later
became a grist mill and finally
a well-known cidar mill known
as the Apple Butter Factory.
This building burned down
in 1978.
Another old grist mill was
located on the southeast corner.
Unfortunately, it too burned
down in 1944. It had been used
as a bird sanctuary for a time.
The large mill off Sideroad
30 was hit with tragedy in 1951
when the dam broke and
blacksmith Jasme Chambers
was drowned.
As the hamlet grew,
businesses began to be built.
Joseph Monkhouse arrived
from Cumberland, England and
became the owner of the Altona
General Store in 1850. He also
operated a saw mill. He left the
store in 1857 and ran a mill built
by Abraham Reesor.
r. Monkhouse moved to a
property on Concession 9 and
managed a farm from 1874 to
1886.
A well-known resident, Mr.
Monkhouse served on council
for 10 years and returned to the
store after his brother's death
and worked there until his own
death in 1903. At that point, his
son Willis took over.
The Altona Inn, located on
the northeast corner, was own-
ed in the early days of its con-
struction by Luxey Brown. With
a bar and dance floor, it became
a stopover for many, especial-
ly those who were visiting the
China Hall, added onto the
general store by Thomas
Monkhouse.
Joseph Monkhouse had
joined his brother in Altona. The
popular China Hall, located in
the upper storey of the store;,
was known for miles around. It
was devoted to dinner and tea
sets, glassware and, of course,
china.
During its heyday, the store
had the largest display of china
between Toronto and
Peterborough.
Unfortunately, this land-
mark also burned to the ground
in 1973. .t ,
The Altona Inn itself -ex-
perienced many changes
through the years. In 1875, the
bar was removed and a large
two -storey brick addition built
at the front with a new bar
room.
The building acted as a
hotel until 1907. It was rented
out until 1921 when it was bought
and used as a general store by
Oliver Madill. It also acted as
an egg grading station and gas
station for a time.
It was sold in 1953 and used
as apartments.
For a tirrfe, Altona pro-
spered as a business communi-
ty with a butcher shop,
slaughter house, shoe shop, and
blacksmith shop. By 1952, none
of these businesses remained.
Later, Stanley Lewis pro-
spered with his beehive
business.
Because the hamlet is
divided between two townships,
school children who played
together during the day were
separated with those on the Ux-
bridge side going to Glasgow
and those on the Pickering side
Abraham Ressor on Concession
going to Altona school.
9, Pickering. In 1968, a Sunday
There was no record of a
school auditorium with base -
church until 1834 when the little
ment classrooms was added.
log schoolhouse was built avid
After celebrating 100 years,
also used as a meeting house,
the church is. no longer. After re -
standing near the corner on
maining empty for a year, the
Concession 2 north of the pre-
church became the Stouffville
sent cemetery.
Christian School.
The first school was actual-
In 1958, a 12-home subdivi-
ly built on the townline where
sion was built near the nor -
the Missionary Church was
thwest corner.
eventually built.
During the same period,
After the second school .
Fred Lewis opened a hardware
burned down, a new brick
store, 'visited 'by hockey
building was constructed in 1911
superstar Bobby Hull.
on the east side of Concession 2
This was the last period of
where it stands today.
growth for Altona.
The school was closed in
The announcement in 1972
1966 and bought by Art Lat-
and subsequent expropriation of
cham, who turned it into a com-
land by the federal government
munity centre.
When the second school
burned, the Temperance Hall,
located on the northwest corner,
was used for the children's
education until the new brick
building was built.
The hall, torn down in 1926,
was located on the Abijah Jones
land and used for the first__
meetinbgs of the Women's
Institute.
The first minister in Altona
was DanWl.Kreidex, who arriymc
ed in 1825 and left in 1836.
The first church, bult in 1852
by the Pennsylvanian Dutch,
was the Mennonite Meeting
House, wl, ch still stands by the
cemetery on the south side of
the townline on Concesion 9,
Pickering. Services were held
until 1960 once a year.
According to the
Tweedsmuir History compiled
by the Altona Women's In-
stitute, Elizabeth Stouffer, wife
of Abraham, who attended the
Altona church was the first
Wried in the cemetery in 1835.
The second church; Altona
Christian Missionary, was built
in 1875 on land donated by
for the Pickering airport still
leaves a bitter taste in the
mouths of former residents.
Although citizen groups
successfully fought the airport
scheme, the government still
owns the land.
Now, the Christian school is
all that remains with a handful
of original owners still leasing
their property from the
government.
"It's not the way it used to
be," said former resident
Louella Lewis in a 1986 inter-
view. *If I could buy my place
back, we still wouldn't go back.
"The community spirit is
gone and the families are scat-
tered. Altona was destroyed by
the expropriation."
ALTOM WO'.KEN'S LNSTU UU./
6
�S
Stouffville, Ont., Thursday, April 29, 1954
Searchers Find
Boy Marooned
l
On Wednesday morning of ( —
last week about fifty searchers
scoured the Altona district for
Kenny Tindall, 3-year-old son
Of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Tindall
when word was received that
the young lad .had wandered
away from home and had not
returned. Hilker Brown, oper-
ator of the Altona 'General
Store organized a search party
and an hour later Geo. ,Brown,
George Brown
21, a farm employee on the farm,
of Walter Carter discovered I
the boy stuck waist -deep in a
swamp about one mile from his
Home. Mrs. Tindall said that
she feared her son had eibher l
been kidnapped or had drowned
in a nearby stream.
W, CA ime�
�a R M.
92 Fox Bounties
In Pickering Twp.
More than 1,000 foxes were
killed in Ontario County in
1953. In a report prepared by
the !County Clerk William Man-
ning it is shown that a total of
1,134 foxes were killed in the
county during the year. Boun-
ties totalling $3,402 were paid
to the hunters.
In Ontario County, as in
many counties of the province
a. bounty of $3 each is paid to
fox hunters when they present
their trophy to the municipal
clerk. This bounty applies all
year 'round but in some of
the more thickly populated ar-
eas, .fox hunting is prohibited
during certain months of the
year.
The, greatest number of fox-
es were killed in Peach Town
ship with Brock Township, im-
mediately north of Reach, run-
. ning a close second. The least
number were killed in the
Town of Whitby, as would be
expected.
Here is the distribution of
foxes killed.
municipality No. Bounties
Brock Twp------------------------- 173
East Whitby Twp--------- ------ 59
Mara Twp.---------------------------- 63
Pickering T'wp• ------ ---- ----- 92
Rama Twp---------------------------_-- 90
Reach Twp• --------------------- 180
Scott Twp- ---------------------- ---- 121
Scugog Twp----------------------------- 29
Thorah 'Twp-----------_-- ------ 116
Uxbridge Twp-------------- ------ 142
Whitby Twp- -------------------------- 63
Whitby Town --------------_--------- 6
Ontario County
Tax Rate A �kx
Up Four Mills 'ys�
The Ontario County levy -for
1954 will be 11.6 mills. This is
a r1se�of 4 .mills over last year's
rate. The by-law confirming the
rate for the current year was
passed at the closing session of
the Ontario Council in Whitby
on Thursday afternoon.
At the February session of
the council, the mill -rate was
almost agreed upon. But mem-
bers, after viewing the pro-
posed expenditures of the On-
tario County Road Committee,
decided that this budget should
be trimmed although it would
still amount to only five Mills,
the same rate as in 1953. Ac-
cordingly, the road committee
was asked .to make alterations
in the budget to bring the total
expenditures down. This year
sees the payment of certain
grants to hospitals in the dist-
rict, hence an increased county
levy.
For all purposes, the county
will this year spend $515,302.87.
This money is to be used for
the general government of the
county, the operation of Fair-
view Lodge, County Roads and
bridges and the Suburban Road.
On an assessment in the coun-
ty of $44,422;661 this amounts
to the above mentioned levy.
For general government of
,the county, $230,997.84 is re-
quired: For Fairview Lodge,
$88,845,32 is required and for
County and Suburban Roads,
$195,459.71. The total County
Road expenditure this year has
been set at $423,000. This fig-
ure was arrived at when the
Council ordered the Board to
trim its expenditures this year
to last year's figure of $405;000
and add to that the ($9,000 sur-
plus from last year's operation.
The surplus will be used on
subsidized works and will
therefore make a possible ex
penditure of $18,000 to be add-
ed to last year's figure.
Heaviest contributor to the
County treasury will be the
Township of Pickering which
will pay $94,992.48; second is
the 'Town of Whitby which will
this year be requested to pay
$63,095:23; third comes the Im-
provement District of Ajax,
with $52,240.87. -
ALTONA UNION CHURCH
GREAT
Missionary Service
SUNDAY EVENING, MAY 2
7.30 p.m.
REV. HAROLD HALLMAN,
Missionary from Nigeria, West Africa, will
speak.
Mrs: Shirk Thirty
Years on Central
On Thursday, April 1st, Mrs.
Edgar -Shirk, Claremont's well
known switchboard operator at
the B. & S. Exchange, for near-
ly thirty years, passed away in
the Stouffville Brierbush Hos-
pital following a stroke. Mrs.
Shirk was stricken on Tuesday
and was discovered lying on
the floor by one of the operat-
ors. She was rushed to hospit-
al but failed to, recover. Mr.
Shirk passed away about three
years ago.
She leavers to mourn her'
passing, one soa Elmer here
in Stouffville, three brothers,
Percy. in Port Arthur, Jacob of
Stouffville, Harold in Flin Flon,
Manitoba and four sisters, Mrs.
Ira Rusnell of Stouffville, Mrs.
Stanley Lewis, Altona, Mrs. V.
Gambrill, Richmond Hill and
Mrs. Frances Glover in Sask.
Funeral service was held on
Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. at
O'Neill's Funeral Chapel and
was conducted by
Huson of theStouffville United
Missionary Church. Interment
was made at Heise Hill Ceme
tery. The pallbearers were, Jas.
Coates, -Howard Hockley, Fred
Morley, Walter Ward, Judd
Ward and ,Stewart Graham
URSDAY, APRIL 1, 1954. 13
This is
Luella Creighton
kn sfe:(.
Whose Novel
(A McClelland and Sfeworf Cook)
is proving even more popular than
her earlier best seller, High Bright
Buggy Wheels,
Altona Grocery Store Business
Marks Thirtieth Anniversary
- A
On Dec. 5, 1921, Mr. O. M. Madill
ving, and reroofing a portion of
purchased the property on the
the building. The outbuildings on
northeast corner at Altona known
the premises were torn down and
as the "Look See" Brown Hotel.
the land high with underbrush at
The property was badly in need of
that time, was cleared up.
repair when taken over by Mr.
Mr. and Mrs. 'Madill entered the
Madilk who hailed from Toronto.
business at a time - when prices
The place had been operated
were dropping rapidly, and Mr.
previously by an Italian family
Madill tells us that they were
and was only opened for a 'brief,
forced to sell the goods bought one
time each summer. The corngr
week for -cost to keep up with the
block was at ,one time, the Altoila
slumping market.
,Hotel and was the last time oper-
Today, the place is well -stocked,
ated as such by Mr. Harry Well-
the creek which traverses the pro.
man. (Following the introduation
perty to the east has been beauti-
of local option in Pickering, the
fied and , a bridge added. Water
place was changed to a grocery.
pressure is also available in the
Mr. Madill was born near Broug-
building. Mr. and Mrs. Madill wish
ham, and Mrs. Madill was a
to extend their appreciation to
native of Woodstock. The couple I
their customers and friends for
were industrious and completely l
the trade they have enjoyed over
renovated the former hotel site
the past thirty years on this their
for grocery sales, installing shel-
anniversary occasion.
Chicken Thieves
Active at Altunas 3
Provincial Police Constable
Wilton of Uxbridge was sum-
moned to the farm of Mr. Rob-
ert Lewis at Altona on Wed-
nesday morning when it was
learned that thieves had stol-
en between 50 and 75 chick-,
ens from their pens. Mr. Fred l
Lewis, a neighbour heard
queer noises in the middle of
the night and suspecting
chicken thieves he began
searching the area. However
in spite of all efforts to track f!
clown the burglars, the un-
wanted callers made good
their escape. Mr. Robert Lew
is keeps about 500 chickens at
his place.
Mr. and Mrs. O. Madill of
east -end Stouffville spent this
Wednesday in Toronto with
their daughters, Olive (Mrs.
Gerald Pointon) and Marjorie
(Mrs. Roy Law), this being the
45th wedding anniversary of
the local couple. Mr. O. Madill
is .not only the oldest of nine
children, but the only one of the
nine with no break as to man
'and wife. Of the remaining
eiglit, Annie, Hazel, Ernie and
.Earl have all passed away.
I George of British Columbia and
Henry of Lindsay, each have
been married twice. Rhoda (Mrs.
Zeller) of Stouffville and Odella
(Mrs. Fossey) of Toronto have
each lost their husbands. Mr.
and Mrs. Madill moved to Stouff-
ville five -years ago from Altona
where they resided for thirty-
two years. V,0 jf- l i f t fi-F.
SNOW -ISOLATED
YORK,VILLAGES
Skiers Haul Food and
Fuel to Many Centres
Which Faced Famine
PLOWS BUCK DRIFTS
I
upplies yesterday reached near
y a score of villages in the Uxbridge
and Sutton districts which have
been snowbound for almost a week,
and which faced a shortage of
food and fuel. Bread, meat
and other much -needed sup-
plies , were hauled in on tobog-
gans by skiers who travelled over
roads buried in twelve to fifteen
feet of snow.
But while roads were opened to
many places, several villages still
remained entirely isolated. Rav-
enshoe, near Sutton, and Leaskdale,
north of Uxbridge, are still snowed
in and the residents face the pros-
pect of being shut off for another
two or three days.
Brownhill, Woodville and Burke -
ton were all reached by snowplow
late last night. Two bread trucks
loaded with supplies followed the
Plow into Brownhill, where resi-
dents were completely out of bread,
meat, butter and other foods. "If
the plow hadn't reached us we were
going to arrange to have the stuff
flown in to us," declared David
Hillis. "Things were getting pretty
desperate. But everything is alright
now."
A team and sleigh broke through
yesterday to Seagrave to relieve a
serious shortage of bread there.
There has been no mail for a week,
and things were beginning to look
bad, according to Wesley Crozier.
Sonya and Cresswell are isolated,
according to Mr. Crozier.
A fuel shortage was still a serious
concern in Woodville and Goodwood.
The situation is expected to be
somewhat relieved in Woodville to-
day, since the plow broke through
last night. Goodwood residents have
resorted to burning what wood they
can find, in the hope that they can
hold out until the plow breaks
through from Stouffville. It took i,
from early mornTing—U71'r late last
night for the plow to progress)
three-quarters of a mile.
Two huge plows from Uxbridge
are among the victims of the snow-
drifts, and lie abandoned some-
where along the way. Gangs of
thirty to fifty men were shovelling
out the snow to allow the plows to
make headway in most districts, as
the snow became packed hard. Near
Burketon the men and plow had to
fight fifteen -foot drifts, according
to H. G. Gill.
Baldwin was reached yesterday
after fifty villagers worked des-
perately to meet a gang of 100 men
shovelling their way in from Kes-
wick.
.' Q f�Wo N,ST—NNSTri1-TE
70
ALTONA STORE CHANGES
HANDS AFTER 32 YEARS
Jacob Meyer, 80,
Recalls Early
Life in Town
On Friday of this week Mr.
Jacob Meyer, a resident: of
Church St. in Stouffville, w*l
celebrate his 80th birthday.
Born on the sixth concession
of Markham in the vear 1873,
the son of the lateEdward
Meyer and Magdelina Wide-
man, he moved at an early age
to the ninth concession of
Pickering and resided .on the
present Fretz farm. He and
his wife, the former Rosanna
Byer, celebrated their golden
wedding anniversary some sev-
en .years ago. Mrs. Meyer pas-
sed away six years ago. There
is one son, Allan, on the 9th
of Pickering and four grand-
children.
Mr. Meyer received his pub-
lic school training at Altona
and later was appointed a trus•°
Long- Established Home
Closes at Altona
When the household effects in long-established home is pa
the Ab. Davis home at Altona were from existence. "`But," said of
finally moved out last Saturday the neighbors, `the Davis place
always be such to we older p(
afternoon, following the public because here we have come b
auction sale, it was the final scene many years, always assured
in closing out a household that had warm welcome and friendly
been in existence there for about We have seen a large family
to womanhood and manhood
45 years. The late Ab. Davis was from this single home many
one-time drayman in Stouffville homes have sprung up heade
and shortly after the turn of the the children, and so, such is
century he settled in the house such is expansion."
and lot at Altona which he pur- A white-haired old man nc
chased at that time from the late approval of these sentiments
Nelson Mowder. Here Mr. and nothing more was said, folks
Mrs. Davis remained until the end about as though they were at
of their days. ing a funeral, and somehow
The family of five girls and three was a similarity.
boys had grown up, and long since All unaware of the feeling
married. Since the death of Mr. the old-timers who had come
Davis some months ago, the only gone from that home over n
member of the family left at home half a century, out in the
was daughter Esther, who now is Auctioneer Farmer and a
Mr. O.M. "011ie" Madill re-
seldom equalled. Mr. and Mrs.
tee at the Atha Public School
taking tlp residence in Stouffville;
small crowd were intent or
centiy disposed of the Altona
Madill will take up residence
He moved to Stouffville twen•
tv three ago and purchas
where .h, will .be engaged as a
clerk in k,4 Gc lden Clothing Store.
business before them —the au
eer urging for bids and the c
General Store after carrying
in Stouffville.
.years
ed the Truman hon on Church
Old friends aril neighbors stood
g
dro m
dropping in a quotte here and 1
on the business There for the
e
i Street, which has since been
about at the auction'last Saturday,
The scene soon passed bi
past ears. The new owner
p Y
ecnverted into. an apartment
and as is to be expected there is
memory will never be efface
is Mr. Hilker Brown of Tiber-
The well known Asa }Millard �
house.
always a note of sadness when a
some.
ton, Ont. near Port Elgin. Mr.
Brawn took over on Saturday
farm at Altona belonging to Mrs.
Wm. Reesor, has been sold to Mr.
Mr. Meyer recalls much of
the early life Here in the early
and will operate the business
Dudley White who 'lives south of
1900's. Wpere the present post -
a thriving
with his 21 year old son.
Altona. This is a very desirable farm
office na -stands,
grist mill business once oper-
Almost. 80 years old, this
with fine buildings and an ideal
20 the has l
aaed. The mill was replaced by
country store at Altona was
home. For years property
an ice and roller skating arena
ht one time a hotel operated by
been tenanted by Mr. D. Crosier who
Which was later wiped out by
-Mr. Andrew Brown for nearly
Y
will take off this year's crop, when
fire. From the site of the prey- _
fifty years. It was then taken
he will move into Altona in a house
ent Post Office west to O'Brien
over by Mr. Ted Graves who
now being . reconstructed for him
Avenue, numerous sheds were
dreamed of turning the est.ab-
with modern plumbing, etc. The sale
used by drivers to shelter,
lishment into a summer resort
price of the Millard farm is reported
their horses. Tie posts were lo-
-
but nothing was ever develop-
at $10,000. The property has a,
The Millard's cameo
cated at regular intervals al-
ong the gravelled -Main St. Mr.
ed along this line. The hotel
historic setting.
:Meyer recalls the two grocery
was then taken over by Mr
to Uxbridge Township from New-;
stores operated by Mr. Fred
-Marry Wellman, now a resi-
market about 95 years ago. Timothy
,
Spofford and W. Sam Warrin-
dent of Glasgow.
Millard bought the 200 acres known
er. Those were the days when,
The old bar now serves as a
as lot 3, concession 2. These farms
although a man worked for
counter where groceries and
were first granted from the crown in
fifty cents a day, he could pur-
other goods have been passed
1805, the crown deed had the seal
chase eggs at .10c a dozen. but -
along to hundreds of country
of George 3rd attached which is istill
I
ter at .12c a pound and :34:
of sugar for $1.00. The
customers during the past I
the possession of Mrs. Reesor.
pounds
Grand Trunk Railway operated
thirty-two years. Many awee
-- -- - -- _— _
a wood -burning engine through
ry traveller was given a
Stouffville and was re -fuelled
night's lodging during its fifty
from a huge pile of cordwood
years of operation as a hotel.
which covered a five acre lot
Mr. Madill had the unique
BUNKER — Mr. and Mrs. Mer-
near the station. Wood could
helped erect in 1903. He serv-
experience one day of serving
vin Bunker, Altona, are hap-
be purchased for $5.00 a cord.
I ed as a trustee in the former
his wares to four generations,
py to announce the birth of a
Going back a few years, Mr.
I Mennonite Church for twenty
the Tran families. Mr. George
daughter on Tuesday, Jan.19,
Meyer can recall the Fall Fair
years. Mr. Meyer has always -
Tran made a purchase, also
1960, at the Uxbridge Cottage
which was held where a port-
ion of the new Lloyd Avenue
had very keen eyesight and for
this reason he coached his son
his son D.J. Tran and his son
Hospital.iatfricia Saws, ,
subdivision is located.
in many ploughing match
Joe and his daughter then four'
---- __ _—
Mr. Meyer still enioys very
competitions. He also handled
,years of age. Such an event is!
good health and during the
the team on the cabbage plant -
summer months he spends
er for Brillinger Bros. a numb
much of his spare time at his
er of years ago.
son's farm near Altona. He is
a regular attendant at the Un-,
The Tribune takes this op -
portunity of wishing Mr. Mey-
ited Missionary Church in er many more .years of good
town, a building which he i health and prosperity.
Stouffville Brigade
To Serve Altona
Fire Area o 65
Messrs. Ken Reesor
Stanley Thompson, reprei
ing some thirty farmers in
north-west portion of - Pic
ing 'Twp. appeared be
council on Monday afters
to request assistance in sl
dering the $100 standby
asked by the Stouffville
Brigade for servicing t
particular area. Council d,
ed to spread the cost over
municipality. The reside
however will bear the ho
rate involved should a fir(
cur in their particular sec
Mr. Ken Reesor, spokes
for the delegation stated
following a meeting of fart
in the area it was decided
remain under Stouffville
protection rather than C
mont because the majorit
residents were on the St
ville telephone exchange. I
modern equipment, to
hose and a chemical unit
tended to support such a
sion. The Stouffville bri,
reduced their standby req
from $160 to $100
HOOVER'S CANADIAN
COUSINS LIVE MERE
Stouffville holds the distinction
of having a relative of President
Herbert Hoover in our midst.
Many persons do not know that the
late Timothy (Millard, fptse-- of
Mrs. Esther Robinson of t,C 1'lle,
was a cousin to the mother of the
President. Timothy (Millard was
born in Newmarket but spent much
of his 1'. on the farm at Altona
where hk died 50 years ago.
For st,me time considerable prom-
inence has been given to biographi-
cal sketches of the Hoover family,
and the fact has been truly men-
tioned in them that President
Hoover's mother, whose maiden
name was Hulda Randal Minthorn
was left a poor wlaow in the year
1878 with three children. She was
a Canadian.
As a small child the president's
mother attended a little school at
Norwich, Ontario, and their is one
very old lady there to this day who
recalls Huldia, IMinthorn as a small
child when they attended the little
Quaker Church in the country
distrilet. The Minthorn family
trecked in 1858 to Towa taking with
them their family a: six small
children including llul a who was
some day to be the u_ ter of a great
president.
We are proud to have in our midst
one within the rang of relationship
with the White House, and as Mrs.
Robinson holds relationship in two
widely known families—Millards
anal Hoovers, a treck might possibly
be organized from York Cot- ' to
visit the White Hous > s.:'1 gLon
We are sure the Presl,. ,c •id Ili,
glad to see desctn(?a.,: = r''e ":irrdy
Canadian stock tha, stayed in
Canada.
Atha gins
Young Peoples'
Hockey Crown
Atli-Lt Flyers led by Don Dun-
keid % ith three goals captured
the Youth for Christ Hockey
Championship in a sudden
death game played in the
Stouffville Arena on Friday
night. Atha defeated Bethes-
da 6-3.
The Bethesda boys took a
one goal lead early in the
game on a goal by Ray Atkin-
son but Atha stormed back
led by Durikeid to tie the game
and roll on to the Champion-
ship. Other marksmen for the
winners were Grant Hill and
Noel Storry. Ray Atkinson
with two and Dave Rateliff
were the goal scorers for Be-
thesda. Glenn Taun guarded
the Bethesda net. In their six
previous meetings in the reg-
ular schedule Bethesda had
captured four contests and
were favourites to win the ho-
nors.
/?6-,t
Signs
New signs, provided by the
Altona Feed and Supply com-
pany will be erected on the
Uxbridge -Pickering townline at;
„Altona. They will act, as a warn-
ing to motorists to take ex-'
tra. precaution ' when ' passinE,
through the school crossing
zone.
COMMEMORATES MARKHAM PION
Cairn erected by the descendants of Christian Reesor, pioneer
Markham, to commemorate his arrival there from Pennsylvania
years ago. It stands on Highway No. 7, one mile west of Loc
Hill, where several hundred of the Reesor clan will hold a reun
on -June 23. Upward of five thousand of the pioneer's descends
are now living.
141
�,9$47�
1
Times Have Changed The Site At Altona Corners
It doesn't seem like too many year s ago that 011ie Madill operated the Gen- This is the same property as we know it today. The structure; recently
eral Store on the north-east corner of Altona, renovated, is now up for sale.
Widow of Ct A Madill
1, f• r�, J �, S • 'TRIBUNE Thursday, February 3, 1972
iuried at Stouffiffle Harry Wellman — 90th birthday
Oliver Madill
Altona storekeeper
STOUFFVILLE — Fol-
he spent his entire life in
lowing a period of fail-
the area. He was active
ing health, Mr. Oliver Ma-
in Richardson Lodge, A.F.
dill, a well known and
& A.M. and held the office
highly respected resident
of Master in 1939. He was
of the Stouffville area,
also a past Grand Lodge
passed away in Brierbush
Officer. A special Masonic
Hospital, Sunday, Aug. 11.
service was held at the
He was 81. i" -ia; ,,
O'Neill Funeral parlors,
Mr. Madill, known as
'011ie' to all his friends,
operated the Altona store
for a period of 32 vears,
selling out in 1953 to take
up residence in the east
end of town.
Mr. Madill was justifi-
ably proud of his ancestral
heritage which dated back
through m a n y genera-
tions. His great grand-
mother, Ruth Wixon was
the first white child born
in Pickering Township.
Mr. Madill was born
near Brougham, the son
of Joseph Wixson Madill
and Martha Burnham. He
attended school at Sand-
ford and Mongolia.
With the exception of
a period spent in Toronto,
STOUFFVILLE — The
death occurred this week'half
of Florence Ena Madill, house
widow of the late run Altona s ��
Madill, for many yearr pro, Helped
prietor of the corner store at Altona. The couple had
been living retired here GLASGOW - It's The Altona Hotel Later, he lived north
for some years. Deceased been a good many was licenced, Mr. of Victoria Square, in
was in her 79th year and years since Harry Wellman recalled and S t o u f f v i 11 a a n d
was identified during her Wellman worked with. since Stouffville was Glasgow. Names like
lifetime with the Mission• his parents, James and •dry' the site was a Christie Armstrong,
ary Church. Sarah Wellman in the popular place, par- 'Shine' Davis and
Surviving are three old hotel on the four ticularly at night. It George Storey are
daughters, Olive (Mrs. too with corners of Altona. was popular
Gerald Pointon), Hilda p p familiar to him.
(Mrs. H. Baker) and Mar. The location was a travellers, usually "Christie and I used to
jorie (Mrs. Roy Law); there kind of 'half -way- `landing in' around be -great pals," he said.
are seven grandchildren house' - half way mealtime. An adjacent I `'Peg' Martin, son of
and two great grandchil- between Stouffville shed could ac- the. one4ime operator
dren as well as two sisters, and Claremont. Livery commodate up to ten - -
Mrs. Mabel Baker, Scar- men with their horses horses. A gallon of oats of Stouffville's Mar-
boro and Mrs. Edith Pled- and rigs would stop by i cost ten cents. tin's Hotel, is also a
ger, Agincourt. on their way to and "We never had any resident at Fairview.
The funeral, Tuesday, from the two com- trouble ," Mr. .Wellman Harry Wellman has
was conducted from the f
O'Neill Funeral Home by munities. said, they. were all a sister Mary. She is
Rev. Frank Huson assisted On Sunday, Jan. 30, { real gentlemen". In 84.
by Rev. John Hamilton. Harry Wellman, now a his time there, he only Without complaining
The pallbearers were — •esident at,,,Fairview served one woman. about his present
Messrs. B. Burnell, Earl ,odge in Whitby, " "Ladies didn't drink in residence, M r .
Brillinger, Gordon Wagg, celebrated his 90th those days."•he joked. Wellman readily
M. Elson, Walter Atkinson birthday. I Harry Wellman was admits 'there's no
and Mervin Bunker. Inter- born at Headford in the place like home'.
ment was made in the former Twp. of Friends wish him a
Stouffville Cemetery. Markham. He at- Happy Birthday.
tended Headford r
Public School, going
out to work on district
farms at an early age.
He can recall earning
$50 over a period of."f1�l �?l1+111'.i+I' i:` `'i;� �Ts
seven months. -
Oliver Madill
31 years
Stouffville, Monday even-
ing prior to a public ser-
vice in the chapel, Tues-
day afternoon at 2 o'clock.
Rev. Frank Huson of
Altona United Missionary
Church was in charge,
with interment, Stouffville
Cemetery. The pall bear-
ers were: Millard Reesor,
Roy Law, Earl Brillinger,
Kenneth Madill, Norman
Neal and Charles Hodg-
son.
Besides his wife, the
former Florence Edna
Mills, Mr. Madill is sur-
vived by three daughters,
Olive (Mrs. Gerald Poin-
ton) Toronto; Hilda (Mrs.
Grant Baker) Toronto and
Marjorie (Mrs. Roy Law)
Richmond Hill. There are
also two sisters, Rhoda
(Mrs. Oliver Z e I I e r)
Stouffville; Della (Mrs.
Tom Jackson) West Hill
and two brothers, Henry
of Lindsay and George of
Vancouver. There are sev-
en grandchildren and two
great grandchildren.
Ilarry Wellman, formerly of Glasgow, and now a resident of Fairview
L )(19P, Whitby, celebrated his 911th birthday, Jan. all. r>7:L—Jas. Thomas.
- 6 �
AIR
_ r ,
� �i - ----------------- 1 _
H;T_
.. j
This is the little house across the
road from the Altona Inn Hotel, on
the Jones' farm over 100 years ago,
where a cobbler made home-made boot:,
at one tine, which has been torn
down over fifty years ago.
f I_
//f/S µJAB THE M 14 1_9A. D I c
r
j t
Abijah Jones Sr., had this house
erected on the north east corner of
hisfa= near the line fence of the
adjoining farm to the north which
provided shelter and home for an
old man named Johnny Herbert which
he had rent free, it has also been
demolished many, many years ago.
i
A
Lot 13, Con. 21 Uxbridge.
I,A Mr. Gordon lived in this same house about 65 years
'ago. He also operated a butcher shop which was built
up to the left side of the house. It extended out at
far as the sidewalk which came along by the house about
four feet from the edge of the vetandah; not the present
one but an old one7 before that a Mr. Forfar lived there
and taught school. at Altona. The old butcher shop has been
torn down for nearly fifty years. There has been a lot of
remodelling inside and outside as well. The ground floor
in the front part of this house is made of planks standing
on their ends lathed and plastered on the planks. In 1865,
this part of the house was moved on this ground from down the
road farther and the back part built to it. So it is hard to
say just how old this part of the house is, but is built
with beams some which are in a barn,
h", t!;e• b rneci
This is the Morden house years
ago. Several people have rented'.
and owned it. The present owner
is Mr. Loss Hill, Altona.
(Many years ago this property belonged to a Mr. Fallas or
Jim Coulter (not just sure which). At that time a log
house stood herewhich was torn down and replaced by this one. -
This is the Abram Lehman property somewhere around seventy years
or more ago. This is not the same house, but was built with some
of the material from the old house which was much larger. This is
next to Mr. Loss Hills' which is pictured at the left corner below. -
Likewise the same has had a number of tenants and owner and it now
is owned by Elwood Elson, Altona.
4►1
AILTDIIIA
P to/LORI EMMERSON
The old fashioned way
Volunteer Gladys Clarkson whips up a batch of Whitchurch-Stouffville Museum's annual pancake
pancakes, 1800s style, last Sunday at the breakfast. f1;t htNr /' (for«: r'N
Lillie Francis Smith turned the 100th-birthday corner
with an open house at the Silver Jubilee Club on Sat-
urday Aug. 10 and a large cake here held by niece
Gladys Clarkson and Tara Clarkson, great -grand
niece. Photo/SJOERD WITFEVEEN
Bill Clarkson -- I_Ouiso- t (Orris)
I
I g}' �V I�T - C 1 I �`�Sm,
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F19 j RC. 13 re, W f17 x
In M
CLARi
mem(
father vvi,U ydsseu away on February 21,1984.
There is someone who misses you sadly
And find the days long since you went
There is someone who misses you daly
And tries to be brave and content
So we shed a tear in silence
And bresthe a sigh of regret
For ,your were ours and we remember
Th,)ugh all the world may forget
In Stouffville Cemetery sweetly sleeping
Where the flowers gently wave
Lies the one we loved so dearly
The one we could not save.
— Sadly missed and lovingly remembered,
Gladys & Family.
Stouffville Real Estate Ltd., is pleased
to welcome Alan Elson back from an
extensive vacation. Alan is again
looking forward to serving the real
estate needs of his clients and friends
and can be reached at 640-1200 or
649-2266.
�N, Ale, rs
-,lut-I�aCh
1�1
Mr, and Mrs. Elwood
Elson recently celebrated
their 45th wedding anni-
versary with a family gath-
ering at their sons, Mr.
and Mrs. Mansell Elson in
StouffvilIe- -Lu.Z /y G
V
ELSON - Wesley Ellwood,
suddenly on Tuesday May 31,
1977, beloved husband of the
late Isola Nighswander.
Dear father of Mansel, Ar-
nold, Lionel, Stanley, Nelda
(Mrs. Wilfrid Morley);
Allan, Shirley (Mrs. R.
Bruce Leask); and Earl.
Loving grandfather of 26
grandchildren and 3 great
grandchildren.
Brother of Laura (Mrs. Fred
Riddle), Nelda (Mrs. Wesley
Shreeve), Kenneth, Lorne
and Ella (Mrs. Victora
Long). Funeral service was
held in the chapel from Low
& Low Funeral Home, Ux-
bridge. Interment Uxbridge
Cemetery.
ALTONA WOMEN'S INSMUTE
! 1, 15t + I I
THE TRIBUNE, STOUFFVILLE, THURSDAY JANUARY 5, 1956
Receive Messages from Queen and Prime Minister
Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Clarkson Diamond Wedding Anniversary
MR. AND MRS. CLARKSON
Married 60 years
AL 0NA
Over forty sat down to New
Year's Day dinner at the home
of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Clarkson
on the occasion of their 60th
wedding anniversary. A number,
of friends and neighbours called'
in the afternoon to wish them
happiness on this special day.
Mr, and Mrs. Ted Assinck en-
tertained his parents, Mr, and
Mrs. John Assinck Sr. and his
brothers John, Bill, Joe and An-
ton, their wives and families on
New Year's Day. On Tuesday of
this week Mr. and Mrs. Assinci
Sr, left for their home in Hol-
land.
Mr. and Mrs. Al Jet,eman ara,
Mr. and Mrs. Don Davis wel-
comed in the New 1 ear at t.%o
home of Mr, and Mrs. Merv.
Bunker. On Sunday Mr. and
Mrs. Harve Bunker and family
were guests of his brother Merv.
Mr, and Mrs. Levi Fretz and
family entertained his parents
and brothers and sisters on
New Year's Day.
Mr. and Mrs. Bob Lewis and
boys, Mr. and Mrs. Harold Lewis
and family, Mr. and Mrs. Stan
Lewis and Mr, and Mrs. Bert
Lewis and Ernestine Cooper',
were Monday guests of Mr. and j
Mrs. Fred Lewis and family.
Mr. and Mrs.. Ted Jones and
family entertained her sister,
Mr. and Mrs. Len Flowers and
boys of Peterborough on New
Year's Day.
Cookirtg Respoitsborle
For Happy Marriage
Stouffville, Jan. 7—(Special)— wives can't even boil water to -
Sixty years ago, 15-year-old day," she exclaimed. Mr. Clarkson
Louisa Morris, a schoolgirl bride, at 79 is also hale and hearty. He
was married to 19-year-old Wil- is loud in his praise of his wife's
liam Clarkson of Stouffville. This baking ability and feels that her
,week Mt•• and Mrs. Clarkson cele- cooking is mainly responsible for
brated their diamond wedding their happy marriage, Mrs. Clark -
anniversary at their home in Al- son baked her own anniversary
tona, two miles east of here. cake.
More than 100 friends and Mr. Clarkson is well known for
relatives called to extend /con- his sheep -shearing ability, a trade
gratulations. which he gave up only last year.
The celebrating couple have He has shorn "thousands" of
one son, Arthur in Montreal, six sheep around the townships of
grandchildren and 14 great grand- Pickering, Uxbridge, Whitchurch
children. and Markham.
Mr. and Mrs. Clarkson were Immediately after their mar-
s4owered with cards and gifts, riage Mr. Clarkson worked as a
their most treasured being a hired hand on various farms in
cable from Queen Elizabeth and the district. His wages ranged
a telegram from Prime Minister from $1.00 per day to $15.00 per
St. Laurent. month. The couple first became
At 75 years of age, Mrs. Clark- acquainted at Sunday School and
son enjoys • excellent health. "I throughout their married life
am certainly in favor of youthful have been regular church and
marriages," says Mrs. Clarkson, Sunday School attendants. They
"so long as the young bride is are members of the Altona
able to cook. Too many teen-age United Missionary Church.
Mr. & Mrs. W. H. Clarkson
Married Sixty Years
On Sunday, New Year's Day,
Mr. and Mrs. William H. Clark- never owned a car but relied
son, residents of Altona for the mainly on a horse and buggy
past 24 years,, celebrated their for their transportation.
diamond wedding anniversary. The celebrated couple have
The well-known and highly re- always known hard work but
spected couple were the recip- they both believe that manual
ients of many cards, gifts, labour isn't a deterrent to long
flowers and congratulatory mes- life. They regularly attend Sun -
sages. A much treasured cable day School and morning service
from Queen Elizabeth and a tel- at the Altona United Mission-
egram from Prime Minister ary Church.
Louis St. Laurent were also re- The Tribune takes .this op-
ceived, During the day, dozens portunity of wishing Mr. and
of friends and relatives extend- • Mrs. Clarkson of Altona many
ed congratulations to the cele- more years of health and hap-,
brated Altona couple. Close to piness together. I
fifty visitors enjoyed the anni-
versary dinner in the Clarkson
home.
Mrs. Clarkson is in excep-
tionally fine health. At 75, she
continues to do her usual house-
ihold chores. She prides herself
In her ability to cook and her
many friends will vouch for her
accomplishments in, this art.
She baked her own anniversary
cake.
. Mrs. Clarkson was born east
, of Stouffville, the daughter of
the late Jane -Ann Stotts and
Edward Morris. She attended
both Glasgow and Stouffville
Public Schools. Mr, Clarkson
was born near Lincolnville on
the farm now owned by Mr. S.
Pollard. He was the son of the
late Jane Swales and Robert
Clarkson, He received his
schooling at Bloomington.
Looking back More than six-
ty years, the happy couple re-
call how they first met when
attending Church and Sunday
School at Bloomington. They
were later 'married in Stouff-
ville by Rev. Elder Percy and
took up residence north of town
on the Prof. Logan farm. To
the union was born one son,
Arthur of Montreal. They have
six grandchildren and fourteen
great-grandchildren. Mrs. Clar-
kson has four sisters, Mrs. An-
na Barkey of Tillsoniburg, Mrs.
Herbert Burnett, Mrs, Arthur
„Starry, and Mrs. Arthur Smith,
all of Bloomington, and two
brothers, Mr. Carman' Morris
of Stouffville and Mr. Delos
Morris of Tillsonburg. One sis-
ter, Mrs. Herb Jarvis, is de-
ceased, Mr. Clarkson has two
sisters, Mrs. Herbert Southby
and Mrs. Violet Stadelbauer,
both of Orangeville.
Mr, Clarkson will be 80 years
old in October. He is noted for
his knowledge of shearing
sheep, an art that he practised
up until last year. Over the
years he has sheared literally
"thousands" of sheep in Pick-
ering, Uxbridge, Whitchurch
and Markham .Townships. He
also teamed gravel into Stouff-
ville for the construction of
many of • the town's present
sidewalks. A man and team
would draw three loads of gra-
vel per day at a wage of $4.50.
All the loads were shovelled on
by hand. Both Mr. and Mrs.
Clarkson recall seeing the first
cars in this district. Dr, Walter
,Sangster owned one of the first
horseless carriages in Stouff-
ville. Mr. and Mrs. Clarkson
JGUST 12, 1965 _ TWELVE PAGES
Ai
J k,
ALL
ru
Vt'a(ci("Runkrr)�cne5 Icl
L'
Heart Seizure Fatal
Jo Norman
Bunker,
Abu Resident.
A heart seizure, suffered six-
each year in the cultivation of
teen days ago, proved fatal for
a fine garden.
Mr. Norman Bunker, a resident
Besides -his wife, he is sur-
of Altona more than fifty years.
vived by three sons, Clarence
Mr. Bunker passed away on
and Harvey of Goodwood; Mer-
Sunday, Aug. 8th, in the Ux-
vyn of Altona, and two daugh-
bridge Cottage Hospital. He was
ters, Leta (Mrs. Vivian Carson)
76.
of Toronto and Viola (Mrs.
Born in Pickering Twp., the
Richard Jones) of Buttonville.
son of the late Frederick and
A third daughter, Ethel ( Mrs.
Elizabeth Bunker, he took up
Arthur Wagg) is deceased.
residence at Altona following
There are five brothers, Har-
his marriage in 1911 to the
vey, Archie, Clarke, Thomas
former Margaret Burnham. On
and Lorne Bunker and three
March 1st, 1961, they celebrat-
sisters, Mrs. Fred Madill, Miss
ed their 50th wedding annivers-
Florence Bunker and Mrs. Mae
ary. Mr. Bunker was a skilled
Patterson. There are 18 grand -
cement mason and contractor
children and 13 great grand -
by trade. He was a. member of
children,
Richardson Masonic Lodge in
Stouffville and a Masonic ser-
vice was conducted from the
O'Neill Chapel on Tuesday
I
(BUNKER — in loving
night. He was identified with
memory of my dear husband
Ethel and
the Altona United Missionary
and daughters,
Leta, Ethel July 23, 1944,
Church where the funeral was
Leta, March 2, 1971 and
held on Wednesday afternoon,
beloved husband August 8,
conducted by Rev. Frank Huson
1965.
and Rev. Dow Sargent. The
Time is swiftly passing,
pallbearers were all grandsons,
One by one the family chain
Bruce Jones, Kenneth Wegg,
is broken
What a day that will be when
Jack Bunker, Harold Bunker,
our saviour we see
Donald -Bunker and Thoinas
And the tears are all wiped
Bunker Jr. Interment was in
away from our eyes.
the Stouffville Cemetery.
Loved too much to be
Mr. Bunker enjoyed working
forgotten. mm'
Mother`
outdoors and took much pride
Beloved wife and
Bunker
wi. wtevn her
r
A
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WIFE �f ar a � BL{I
1HUSBAND
Born T eh ' (J �/ +
Born o I A 1 1 1 q 0
Place 0i G kern w
Place
Residence
Marriage date
Occupation
Place
Religion
Church
Diedlkq -? I
Died C, 3 1 � �7 /t
Place
Place
Cemetery
Cemetery
Father rQ JGr� �k
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Father L)m �t r n �1elm
Mother
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Other marriages
Other marriages f
CHILDREN
Born
Died
Married
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Sources & Other Information
Former Goodwood resident was antique car buff , r, b�
Back in the 60s, Harvey Bunker of Goodwood was re-
nowned for his skill in refurbishing antique cars. Show
entries won many awards all across Ontario. Twenty-five
years have passed, (1963), since this photo was taken. Mr.
Bunker moved from Goodwood to Lake Kushog twelve
years ago and only recently took up residence at Minden.
Pictures and trophies serve as memories of a day when a
Harvey Bunker classic car, similar to the one above, was
`king of the road'.
Sun cs /t'trer��4rN 1` l3+�nke�- ''Jim Thomas
��rrner Alfrii« ��m��„be,
I,VAN__'
The Boothby Property, now owned by Fred Filkey.
In the 1870's this property was the scene of a busy place. Mr. Boothby,
a blacksmith by trade, operated a blacksmith shop down by the road, north of the
driveway leading to the residence. His third eldest son, Freeman, operated a
tailor shop in one of the large rooms upstairs in the house. He was assisted
by his sister, Annie, now Mrs. George Hughes, who with her husband resides on
Lloyd Ave., Stouffville.Many men folk for years had their suits and coats
made to measure. This large house which is still there to -day, was built by
Mr. Boothby. The woodshed attached was part of the old house previous. They had
a large family of ten children, five boys and five girls; the three eldest
childred, two boys and one girl died of typhoid fever when young. Around 1900
Freeman, the tailor, discontinued his trade, went west and became a minister
until the time of his death a few years ago. The parents and those that were
unmarried continued to live there several years longer, but the father gave
0
19 9!- Ninetieth birthday celebration
On Saturday, Feb. 2, Mrs Elsie Pil-
ters Irene Bacon. R.R. 4, Stouffville,
key, a resident of Parkview Home,
(left). Alma Timbers, Clarke Street,
Stouffville, marked her 90th birth-
Stouffville, (right) and sons Ken of
day. The occasion was celebrated
Holland Landing, (left) and Carl of
with a family gathering, Saturday
Assiniboia, Saskatchewan, (right).
- evening. Mrs Pilkey, the guest of
honor, is pictured here with daugh-
Elsie Pilke93, TIMBERS — Mr. and Mrs
Georg^ Timbers are happy to
announce the birth of their
up his trade and sold the property to a Mr. March in 1908. Mr. Boothby moved
loved
to Toronto where he died; his wife P
survived him a number of years longer.
gardening
STOUFFVIIrLE — Service was life-long interest, first at Dick -
They are both buried with their three oldest children in Glasgow cemetery
held at the Stoluffville Missionary son's Hill, then Altona and later
Church April 1,9 for Mrs. Elsie Pil- Stouffville Missionary.
south of the school house.. Also Mr. and P'irs. Boothby, elderly parents lived with
key following hier passing April 16 Mrs. Pilkey was close to her
at Parkview Hlome. t yj', family including sons and daugh-
She was 93. ters-in-law, Carl and Ann Pilkey
them and died in the same house. The Boothb s were wonderful neighbors always
Y g Y
Mrs. Pilkey,, the former Elsie of Assiniboia, Saskatchewan;
Raymer, was Iborn near Lemon- Ken and Maryann Pilkey, R.R. 1,
ready to lend a helping hand when anyone was sick. They were also faithful
ville, daughter of Abram and Newmarket; daughters and sons -
Matilda Raynner. She attended in-law, Irene and Ken Bacon,
Lemonville Pulbllc School. R.R. 4, Stouffville; Alma and
church workers in Glasgow Methodist church and attended at Alton as well.
Mrs. Pilkey, was associated George Timbers, Clarke St.,
with Dickson ,s Hill Missionary Stouffville.
Church and later Altona Mission- There are 13 grandchildren and
Mr. Boothby was a faithful Sunday school teacher of the Adult Bible class
ary Church folllowing Ter mar- 10 great-grandchildren.
in Altona Sunda School. There are just three of the family living to -day
Y � Y g Y
riage in 1925. Or. and Mrs. Pilkey Rev. Douglas Gray was in
moved to Baker Ave., Stouffville, charge of the funeral service
in 1955. assisted by Pastor Charles
Mr. Pilkey dlied 10 years later
Annie (Mrs Hughes of Stouffville) Charles of Mission City, U. S.A. and
Mashit
following a tralgic accident. ner. Rev. and Mrs. Gray
rendered a beautiful duet. A
Mrs. Pilkey nnoved to Parkview
Home in 1983. grandson, Wayne Bacon, deli -
Benjamin of Los Angeles 1954.
An avid gardiener, Mrs. Pilkey vered the eulogy.
"lived all winter for spring." She Pallbearers were six grandsons
By Mrs. No Bunker, 1954.
enjoyed working among, her flow- —Dale Pilkey, Evan Pilkey, Ter-
ers. Her lawn vvas always beauti- ry Pilkey, Barry Pilkey, Bruce
fully cut and trimmed. Bacon and Mark Timbers. Inter-
Church assoc-iation remained a ment was in Stouffville Cemetery.
``
1'
1
PILKEY — In loving mem-
ory of Frederick J. Pilkey,
who passed away, Dec. 6,
65.
19We
4ii"
little knew, when we
>
woke the morn.
/
The sorrow the day would
bring.
I
For the call was sudden,
1
The shock severe.
r ,
To part with one we loved
so dear.
Ever Remembered by
-wife, Elsie and family.
P14KEY, Elsia — At Parkview Home, Stouffville,
on Saturday, April 16, 1988. Elsie Raymer, of
Stouffville in her 94th year, beloved wife of the
late Fred Pilkey, loving mother of Irene and her
husband Ken Bacon of R.R. 4, Stouffville, Alma
and her husband George Timbers of Stouffville,
Carl and his wife Anne of Assiniboia,
Saskatchewan, Ken and his wife Maryann of
R.R. 1, Newmarket. Dear grandmother of 13
grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
Resting at O'Neill Funeral Home, Stouffville on
Monday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Service from the
Stouffville Missionary Church on Tuesday at 2
P.m. Interment Stouffville Cemetery. If so
desired, memorial donations to Porkview Home
or Stouffville Missionary Church M.W.I. would
be appreciated.
-` v `yeah
Street home of Elsie Pilkey, '
,i `W0MW5 V
son Mark Douglas on May
9, 1970 at York County Hos
pital, Newmarket. A brotl-
for Becky, 1,2 70
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01
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�(.�-GAO/ c �J.��'-t�-��L�• ., r. T3 � c �1�!�"��'.'.�,��w,G�zvi�
Fourth Section A Metroland Community Newspaper Wednesday, April
Retirement means
he's still on call at
Stouffville Co-op
By BRUCE STAPLEY
Ross Wideman has come in out
of the cold. And at the age of 69,
he's making a strong case for the
_idea of seniors continuing on in
the work force in a limited capac-
ity once they have outgrown the
rigours of the daily grind.
The Altona resident, who drove
an oil truck for the Stouffville
;Coop from 1952 until his `retire-
ment' three years ago, has been
,on call' ever since. And as it turns
out, the call just keeps on coming.
"I guess I'm averaging around
20 hours a week since I retired"
claims the fit looking gentleman
with the contented approach to-
wards life. "Some times, I'll work
eight hours in one day, other
times I'll work eight hours in a
whole week."
His oil truck driving days,
however, are over, as he is now
doing strictly inside work. "I
finally decided to retire from oil
delivery because the pressure got
too great. There were some long
hours, and a lot of time spent out
in the cold. I had to start worrying
about my health at my age."
Does he miss the old routine?
"I kind of wished I hadn't stop-
ped for a while there afterwards",
he admits, having gotten used to
the routine after so many years.
"It was an ideal job for someone
like me."
For Ross, driving the oil truck
for the Coop meant he was able to
have a certain amount of inde-
pendence. He never minded the
lone wolf aspect of the job, in fact
he thrived on it.
"I work best alone." he claims.
"I spent a lot of time on my Dad's
farm alone hoeing and the like
when I was younger —People like
to chat sometimes, but I always
felt I had a job to do."
Ross's relationship with his cus-
tomers through the years has al-
ways had special meaning to the
man who believes in old time ser-
vice.
".People come to trust you
through the years," he says. "I
like to feel that the customers are
my friends, and I've always
known that it was the customer
WIDEMAN, Ross - Entered into the
presence of his Lord on February 8, 2006 at
home after a long, patient struggle with Lewy
Body Dementia at the age of 86, surrounded
by his family. Loving husband for 49 years to
Ivy (Schneider). Adored and respected
father to Paul (Vickie), Harold (Brenda), Lois
(Ron) and Norman (Isola). Precious grand -*
father to Holly Forrest (Matthew) and Sean
Wideman, Amanda, Wes and Jared
Wideman, Jesse, Nicholas, Bianca and their
father Calude Maillet and Alex, Richard and
Rose Wideman. Predeceased by brother
Bruce. Missed by sister Betty Ballantyne-
Brown (Tom), brothers Harley and Lloyd
(predeceased by Margaret). Remembered
by sisters-in-law Lena and Alice and sisters
and brothers-in-law Jean (Jack) Hall, Mary
(Stan) McMullen and Joyce Schneider.
Friends may call at East Ridge Church (10th
Line and Main Street) Sunday from 2-5 p.m.
Service from the church Monday at 11 a.m.
Interment Dickson Hill Cemetery. Special
thanks to Dr. Patterson, Cindy, Vivien and
staff at St. Elizabeth Health Care. Arrange-
ments entrusted to O'Neill Funeral Home,
Stouffville, (905)642-2855.
'Absent from the body, present with the L ord"
who was paying my salary."
He has been equally comfort-
able through the years with his
fellow employees at the Coop, a
business which prides itself on its
family type unity, and the fact
that employees tend to stay
around for a long time.
"Stability is a positive factor in
a business," he maintains. "You
learn to get along with people. I
always bent over backwards to
get along with my fellow em-
ployees."
As for his staying put for so
long, Ross admits to not having a
restless nature when it comes to
seeking out other employment
opportunities. "I don't care for a
change. I'd have to be pretty' up-
set to leave a job, and I was al-
ways happy to stay. I'm not a
gambler."
In fact, he believed there were
so many positive aspects to his job
that it would have been almost im-
possible to match the benefits
anywhere else. "I liked every-
thing about the job. The fresh air,
the exercise, and the independ-
ence."
Ross was born and raised on his
father's farm in Dickson's Hill, on
what is now the site of the hotel.
He was employed on the farm un-
til the. age of 36. He married his
wife Ivy in 1955, and bought the
four -acre plot in Altona where
they still live today. Ross and Ivy
have four grown children and six
grandchildren.
He credits his placid attitude,
and his overall contentedness to a
strong Christian faith. "The
Lord's been good to me," he in-
sists. A keen Bible student, he
claims that his beliefs have made
it possible for him to keep an even
keel throughout the years.
Ross remembers the early
days when he would make oi. de-
liveries in the Coop's old Interna-
tional truck. "Top speed was ab-
out 40 miles per hour," he recalls.
"It carried about 800 gallons,
compared to today's trucks that
will hold around 2,500."
And it was a pretty rugged
routine back then. "You'd often
find yourself working til 9 p.m. or
whenever the job was done. I re-
member being on the job until
past midnight one cold New
Year's Eve." He was on call if a
customer was to run dry of fuel oil
in the middle of the night.
He claims the introduction of
the `degree day' system, whereby
a card is kept for each customer's
house which takes into accunt
how cold the weather has been,
went a long way towards elimi-
nating the emergency fill ups at
odd hours.
That, plus Ross's own intuitive
s,ense of which houses went
through more fuel oil under the
various winter conditions.
As for how much longer he feels
he will want to stay on as a part-
time employee, Ross just shrugs
and says he has no idea of what
the future will bring.
Although he's retired, Ross Wideman is still on the job 1955. Ross says the part-time arrangem
part time at the Stouffville Coop where he's been a just fine. WO 93
familiar figure as an oil delivery truck driver since ALTO A,
NIS ENSTULYTIF
Ke,Kvv)0�
r, MAY 3, 1973
Airport expropriations
Airport land sale
'► �\ could help Century
City property owners
UXBRIDGE TWP.— The
federal government has in-
dicated a willingness to pay
approximately $2.6 million as
total compensation for all in-
terests in 1,100 acres of land
owned by Century City
Developments Limited.
The greatest portion of this
property is located in Uxbridge
Township, and will be ex-
propriated for the proposed
Pickering International Airport.
News of the offer was made
public this week by Revenue
Properties Limited. Century
City is a 76.5 per cent subsidiary
of the parent firm.
A spokesman for Century
City said the valuation figure is
under study. Approximately $1.6
million of the monies offered by
the Government must be used to
pay encumbrances and real
estate taxes on expropriated
lands.
The 1,100 acres represents
part of 6,600 acres owned by
Century City in the Uxbridge
area. The Government has also
offered to purchase an ad-
ditional 500 acres at a price to be
negotiated.
UXBR IDGE TOWNSHIP
yL EG1w►•1~D
`SNERW001D GREEN
c OSTA1r1 SVOUIVISION
HOME SM%TH 3 ..SULLIVAN♦
ULLIVAN SuflO.
�'kt*VR1.Mfit It GATE SUISD.
Sti t`L' fR W E�OD E STATES of
Tow N
0 V
^uRORA _+ pR0poSEo POPULATION
20,000 T.C.R«JON PLAN
Advised, is
PICKERING TWP. - "Sign
nothing". This is the advice
offered owners within the air-
port expropriation area, by
Ontario Riding M.P., Norm
Cafik.
"Sign no documents and
accept no offers until I've had an
opportunity to satisfy myself
that you are being fairly
treated," he directed.
Ronald Huck, Mr. Cafik's
executive assistant said the
local Member was "extremely
upset" over values established
on some properties. He has
arranged a public meeting for
the auditorium of Pickering
Dist. High School, Friday, at 8
P.M.
"I'll fight with all my power
to assure consituents affected by
this expropriation, that justice
will be done, and that they will
ign nothing'
. ; i 73
/t L° C & 1 v t' cl t�J i /7-� x e <� t' rx, c, �- C, 1 ram.
,4rr±1I, eX1,,4e4/
,4 t h a. C. n d
receive compensation to permit
proper replacement value for
properties," he concluded.
Farm land appraisals vary
from $1,600 per acre to $2,400.
Buildings are included,
however, with no breakdown
between the two.
Individual offers include,
$30,750 for the Mt. Zion Com-
munity Centre; $29,000 for the
Alton Community Centre;
$31,000 for the Missionary
Church parsonage and $68,000
for the A_lto_na Missionary
Church.
A public meeting was held
Tuesday, at the Altona Centre,
to discuss individual appraisals
and rules under the Ex-
propriation Act. One caller
summed up the feelings of
many when he said: "It's a
mess".
/flC�Uc�P�1 Par? �t C�,�a5 C, :l� v /��ion2"
/-lan C{G/ICL
Many signs and slogans are located convincing than the message on the garage
throughout the proposed Airport Area of door at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Monte
Pickering Township. None, however, is more Dennis, Altona.
� y 73
PICKERING TOWNSHIP DISTRICT
Free Prizes Every Day
New Modern Store and
Warehouse Opening at
Altona Next Week
The modern new home of
the Altona Feed and Supplies
will be officially opened on
Monday, April 18th. Mr. Fred
Lewis, the owner and operator,
will be giving away hundreds
of dollars worth of valuable
prizes to lucky winners who at-
tend this three-day event. The
draws will be made on Mon-
day, Tuesday and Wednesday
evenings at 9 o'clock. In addi-
tion to the free gifts, there will
be dozens of opening -day spe-
cials on display. For the kiddies
there will be free rides and re-
freshments. The new store
will be open weekly, Monday to
Saturday from 8 a.m. to 9.30
p.m.
Work on the new construc-
tion was started back in Octo-
ber of last year. At the rear
of the store is a giant ware.
house capable of storing 250
tons of bagged feed and 150
tons of bulk feed. The estimat-
ed value of . the products to be
handled by Mr. Lewis will am-
ount to $20,000. There is a
2,000-sq: foot basement under
the front portion of the build-
ing and two apartments will be
completed above the store. On
the second storey above the
warehouse, 14 bins have been
built, each to contain two tons
of mixed feed. Four additional
bins are to be installed very,
soon. All the most modern mill-
ing has been purchased includ-
ing an oat roller, feed mixer,
hammer mill and other pieces
of machinery. A large garage
is conveniently located on the
west side of the building. The
store and warehouse are separ-
ated by a fireproof wall.
The store is a spotless show-
place-. Modern picture windows.
in the front are most attractive
to the country customer. The
interior of the store is equally
inviting with more than 3,000
different items on display. Whe-
ther it be a chocolate -bar or a
bottle of pop for the young lad,
a chain saw or electric drill -for
Dad or a mixing bowl set for
Mother, they all may be seen at
this new shopping centre.
To the right, immediately in-
side the door, is Mr. Lewis' own
private office. Another desk is
located nearby for the book-
keeper or sales clerk. The con- i
struction of this new building
is a ten-year dream come true
for Mr. Lewis. During the DastJ
and meet him next week. He
will be glad to see you.
Nearly a thousand people at-
tended the official opening of
Altona Feed and Supplies new
store on Monday, Tuesday and
Wednesday of last week and
100 door prizes were given away
during the three nights. Repre-
sentatives of a number of firms, `
with which Fred Lewis deals,
were on hand with displays of
their products. In the evening,
before the draws were made, a ;
number of the salesmen con-
gratulated Fred on his modern
up-to-date, country store. Ev-
eryone in the community also
wishes Fred every success. _
Space For Hundreds of Tons of Feed
New Home of Altona Feed and Supplies
The Owner, Mr. Fred L ewis
Apr: ,, , , y ,5Z ,
�x.�,o-C� �'t-�I..�.-C�.�2�� C�-�!�--c,c..Q..��L.-�l.�t.k... , •--�.rrh.,e�-� c:,CtJ•c
eo*,--
'New Idea' Proves Popular j e., /96L
A spreader filled with popcorn, 35 bushels of it, attracted plenty of attention at the big. `Hay Day'
event at Altona Feed and Supplies on Friday. The entire load was consumed by hungry children and adults
too.
— -- — - — — —_ —Cadieux Studio.
� i> -I ALTOHA ,46ti
Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Brown of
Toronto, Mrs. Bertha Foster
and Miss Vivian Foster of Osh-
awa and Mrs. B. Valleau and
Miss Viola Valleau of Welling-
ton were visitors with Mr. and
Mrs. W. Lord this week.
An estimated 500 to 600 per.
sons attended the "Hay Day"
sponsored by Altona Feeds on
Friday. An item of interest was
a manure spreader full of pop-
corn for everyone to munch on
with free pop nearby. There
must have been some full tum-
mys the way the kids dug in.
In the evening, the feed room
was transformed into a dance
hall with an overflow crowd
dancing in the garage to the
music of Art Celsie.
After the big doings at the
store, all of the Fred Lewis
family and Mr. and Mrs. Bert
Lewis went to the Markham
Motel to celebrate Mr. and Mrs.
Bert Lewis' 45th wedding anni-
versary and also Mr. and Mrs.
Jim Harpers' anniversary. Con•
gratulations!
Hockey Star
On or off the ice, Chicago's
Friday at the Hay Day demonstrati
Fred Lewis (left) receives one of hi
TO ro — honor
standing
ALTONA - Anyone after the place is locked up thought. )�17 .1- 6j / 97Z)
thinking of paying a visit to for the night should give Fred has employed the
Fred Lewis' Altona Store the matter a second services of a 113 pound
mm—� Moft policeman - underweight
y human standards, but
big when you consider the
fact the guardian is a dog.
`Toro' was purchased as
prowler protection', a
year and a half ago, but to
increase his effectiveness,
Mr. Lewis enrolled him in
school.
Following a ten week
course in an Oshawa
Obedience Course, `Toro'
graduated third in his class
Of 39, with a mark of 1.94 out
of a possible 200 events.
Only eight of the 39 dogs
entered, graduated.
`Toro' sits on the front
keeping a
on the
earned not
iut he will
truders by
- and he
mtil help
Hay Day Demonstration At Altona Attracts Large Crowd
When Fred Lewis of Altona Feed and Supplies puts on an implement show and demonstration, it's worth travelling a few
miles to see. On Friday, an estimated 1,000 persons attended both the afternoon and evening program that included a free dance, lucky
lraws and all the popcorn and soft drinks you could eat or drink. Pictured here, a Ford tractor and forage harvester are displayed under
actual field -working conditions. Staff Photo.
9 �, 1 ` 6
obby Hull Proves Popular Attraction
Fred Lewis of Altona and his trained German Shepherd `Toro'.
Doors to close soon
on Altona Feed stor
V , T_ribean,4k , i /97S—
By TED WILCOX y other kinds of goods were emp
ALTONA — Altona Feed and Supply
opened its doors for the first time in 1946.
On August 23, of this year, the store will be
open for the last time. Owner Fred Lewis
will retire from business and move to a new
home near Barrie.
Any remaining stock is to be sold in a
final auction sale September 1.
Mr. Lewis told The Tribune that he was
forced to make the move due to airport
expropriation. They couldn't operate ,the
business on the kind of "short-term, high -
price lease" that the government was of-
fering, he said.
The situatiori was also an insecure one
for his employees, he added.
Since first being confronted with the
problem of moving, Mr. Lewis says that "a
lot of things have fallen into place" and the
loss of farming and rural customers in the
area made his decision easier.
Through the years, the store has
always been one to adapt to new situations,
however. A July, 1969 article in Canadian
Farm Equipment Dealer magazine used
the business as an example of one that had
successfully changed with the community
where it was located.
One activity that put the store on the
map was an annual "Hay Day," featuring
dancing, refreshments, prizes and hay
equipment demonstrations. The honored
guest on more than one occasion was none
other than Bobby Hull.
The store began as a feed mix mill,
dealing mainly in poultry feed. By 1968,
that part of the business was dropped and
NMI
hasized
instead.
These included not only farm equip-
ment, but also hardware items, motor-
cycles and most recently, mo-peds. Chain
saws, paint, garden tractors, tires, farm
boots, nails, hammers, and dog food were
all sold at Altona Feed and Supply.
At one point in the store's evolution, the
format ofrthe store was changed to more of
a "supermarket" approach, with
customers serving themselves.
The store has also specialized in ser-
vicing and supplying parts for both farm
equipment and small engines.
At the time the 1969 article was written,
the store was % turning over $500,000 in
business annually. And Fred Lewis had
become a seemingly permanent part of the
Altona community.
But the Pickering airport plans
changed that.
"It gives us all mixed feelings," Mr.
.Lewis commented. "There are thoughts we
can't digest yet, but I'm sure we'll all keep
close together and hope the end results are
good."
He expressed appreciation for the
"customer support" and "employee
contribution," over the years and
especially singled out his wife, who "fit
herself in with my heavy and irregular
schedule."
The Lewis family will take up
retirement in a new home built on two
acres of hardwood land about six miles
west of Barrie. Mr. Lewis added that they
will "certainly welcome friends and
customers to call on us."
Four auctioneers
sell feed store
down to the boards,�
Vv BRIA,N i11ILNFR
Star staff writer
A L T 0 N A — Buyers
carried off everything but
the floor boards yesterday.
when the Altona Feed and
Supplies Store sold its way
out of business in the big-
gest auction ever seen here.
Fred Lewis, who started
the business "right from
scratch" in 1946, said last
night about 3.00) sales were
made at the day -long, three-
ring auction that attracted
I more than 3,3JJ persons to
I this small hamlet east of
St:ouffville.
The feed store property
and a nearby house owned
by Lewis were expropriated
by the federal government
for the, proposed Pickering i
Airport.
N o r in Faulkner, t h e!
Stouffville auctioneer who j
conducted the sale, said he
had never seen a three-ring
auction. Four auctioneers,
including Faulkner, were
employed to sell items
ranging from small nails to
tractors, snowmobiles and
I equipment.
Lewis said cars started
arriping at 7:30 a.m., a].
most three hours before the
auction's advertised start.
ing time. BY mid -afternoon,
the grounds were crowded
With merchants, farmers
and auction addicts from as
far as Goderich.
End of an era
AL
i
Fred & Ruth Lewis
TONA FEED & SUPPLIES CO. LTD
R., R `(
When the remaining stock is auctioned
Sept. 1, a chapter in the life of Fred Lewis
will close. The proprietor of Altona Feed
and Supply will close the door after nearly
alaE"3
RIO
Altona Country Barn
ON THE UXBRIDGE/PICKERING TOWNLINE
OPEN 10:30 am TO 5:00 pm EVERY SATURDAY AND SUNDAY
ANTIQUES ' ART ' CRAFTS
CANADIANA OLD COINS
DECORATOR ITEMS COLLECTABLES
OIL PAINTINGS ' WATERCOLOURS
POTTERY • PUPPETS " TOYS
" EVERYTHING IMAGINABLE
GIANT GARAGE SALE
DEALER ENQUIRIES: Box 407
Stouffville, Ontario LOB ILO
Phone 294-1533
30 years. A victim of airport expropriation,
Mr. Lewis plans to live in Barrie.
— Ted Wilcox
—Star Ahate by Drew Bragg
NAILS, ;TRACTORS and about 3,000 items in between were sold one of four auctioneers on duty, seeks a bid for tools held high by
yesterday at the auction that disposed of the stock and property of Don Sear. The business and the home of its owner, Fred Lewis;
the Altona Feed and Supplies store, east of Stouffvil)e. Earl Gauslin. were expropriated to make way for the proposed Pickering airport.
e carat' Pr.r o Siou�tvellC 19 ryJU,.l SI�1 t!rJUtr
u{Yristran Sc�ocl in 14P,2. abtttr.,.,j.,e[1 ��'. �:"
' � •-,,,;._. w� as "Mr
OVERGROWN
HOBBY
Minesing collector displays
roadside line-up of
Fnrd trurks and tractors
Farm Review Tuesday, September 12, 1995
M
Fred Lewis (clock-
wise from right)
with restored Ford
truck. Bruno
Kuchar works full-
time on restoring
trucks and tractors
for Fred Lewis. A
100 year old Oliver
plow. Lewis with
wife, Ruth and his
tractor lineup.
by Lesley Hain( pecial)
The comment Fred Lewis most often hears
from awestruck strangers is, "I've been passing
by here for the past 10 years, but I just never
stopped in."
What amazes those strangers so much is the
extensive collection of mint -condition classic
Ford trucks and farm equipment that surround
Lewis' home.
Motorists often stop and wander over for a
closer look, but Lewis doesn't mind. There's
rarely any problem and he's had very few cases of
vandalism. The only one that comes to mind is the
mysterious disappearance of several small parts
off of a tractor — someone probably used them on
their own tractor, he guesses.
The energetic 73-year-old describes his collec-
tion as "an overgrown hobby" and says with a
chuckle, "it keeps me off the streets".
Lewis has always had a love of old vehicles,
especially Fords. He and his wife Ruth operated
Altona Feed and Supply Company, near
Stouffville, for 30 years. They also had a Ford
franchise there. The land was expropriated for an
airport that was never built and about 20 years
ago they moved to their home at the corner of
County Rd. 28 (Minesing Road) and Seadon Side
Road.
Although he has a vast accumulation of trac-
tors and farm implements, the core of his collec-
tion is Ford trucks dating from 1949-52. The first
truck he owned was of that vintage, and they are
still his favorite.
"That was before they started rolling the steel
out so thin. They were really made of something
back then."
He brought a few working trucks north with
him when the business closed. He currently has
about 40 tractors and 20 trucks finished, and any-
thing on display is for sale. They're stored to pro-
tect them in the winter. He still uses some of his
trucks, old and new, for working his sawmill,
located across the road, and his 100-acre gravel
pit, also located nearby.
He's become so well-known as a Ford truck
collector that Lewis no longer has to go looking
for them. People call when they have a vehicle
they think might interest him. Lewis and his wife
make at least one or two trips a year out west to
look at trucks. He buys trucks exclusively from
the western provinces, from places such as
Calgary, Medicine Hat, Regina and Prince Albert,
as they don't use salt on the roads and the trucks
have no rust.
A few vehicles have been found in fantastic
shape, and only need a polish, but most require
lost of work. Many have been sitting in a bush for
years. The trucks are dismantled for cleaning
once Lewis gets them home. About 90 per cent
have seized motors, so they are removed and sent
away to be rebuilt. This often costs up to $3,500.
Lewis has a full-time helper, Bronislaw
(Bruno) Kuchar, who refurbishes the vehicles.
New glass is often required, as well as rubber
stripping , bolts, interiors and a variety of other
parts. It's a challenge obtaining certain parts, but
Lewis has discovered where to pick things up
over the years.
Lewis has four trucks on the go right now and
he's been working on those for nearly a year. In
the past five years, he's restored about 25 trucks
to mint condition. When completed, the trucks
sell for about $12,000 to $15,000. Urban profes-
sionals such as doctors, lawyers and dentists are
his biggest clients for both the trucks and the
antique tractors, says Lewis. They drive the
trucks in the big city during the week and the trac-
tors on their small hobby farms on the weekends
l
Altona.
tFro a our ovcn C.irresg�+ndent 1
(Held over from last week.)
I
SilrrmsE —Gn Tueslav evening.
De,.ember `Gth, 1899, a number of {
young people assembled and took
possession of the home of Mr. and Mrs.
Abram Reesor. 'It was the Sundry
School class composed of 14 girls of {
the Altona Christian Sunday School. E
taught by _Mrs. Reesor, who had come
to give their teacher a greeting.
After all had fared sumptnonsly atl
the repast, she young party engaged
themselves daring the remainder of
the evening in games, music, etc., un-
til about 10 o'clock, when each ore
was seated. Mrs. Reesor was then
made the recipient of a beautiful AI -
burn and a Glass Fruit Dish. .The
presentation was made by bliss Ella
Davis and Miss Pearl Boothby, after
which Miss Olive Hoover read the
following address, to which their most
worthy teacher made ,a short but
touching reply, saying, though she
knew her efforts were feeble, yet she
always tried to teach them what
wculd be beneficial, and hoped they
would live in the way of Trutb
Dear Sunday School Teacher, —
We, the pupils of your Sunday;
School class, take this privilege of ex
i�
pressing our gratitude to you for the ``
many kind words of instruction you
have impa;ted to us. We can truly
say we have received many blessings
trout your teaching, and we feel it our
%ury to bhcw you how it :;as been al,-
preciated. You hates been very dili-
geutand painstaking on our part, and
we doubt whether we have been as
diligent as we might have been to re-1
ceive the instruction you wished to
impart to us. We ask you to accept
this Album and Glass Fruit Dis'r as it
were token of thb esteem in which you!
are held by your class. We do not I
wish you to look upsu it as any great
value, brit, when using pit, you ni.,�
bring to remembrance the many Sun-
days we spent together in the Sunday
School. We hope we shall have the,
pleasure of listening to your kind
teaching for many years, and tru-t'
that your path will be strewn with
blessings in so doint,. We all join in
wishing you a prosperous and hap, y
New Year.
Signed in behalf of the class,
ELLA DAVIS,
PEARL BoorIIBY,
OLIVE M. H000Ll:.
Decembtr .2.66u 99.
- -
A SURPRISE PARTY
On Wednesday night of last week
the members and fe iends of the Altona
Christian Church made their pastor,
Rev. C. H, Hainer, anrd wife, a very
pleasant and agreeable surprise. Be.
tween sixty and seventy, withouttnv
formal introduction, entered the par- i
nonage and took ,possession, to whom
the pastor and wife, for the time being,
gave up all claim. Basket after basket
was brought in filled with the rich
biands of earth, until the table fairly
groaned beneath its burden. After a
mo=t snrnptuons tea, which was en-
;oyed by all, a very pleasant time was
,peat in singing a.nd conve,sation,
after which Mr. Jacob Burkholder
,Called order by placing the pastor at,d
wife at the head of the table. To
whom Mr William Reesor read an
address expressive of the high appre-
ciation of The Altona Christian chur0i
of the faithful service and untiring
zeal of their pastor. Elder Hainer
made an appropriate reply, tba.ni iug
them for their presence in his home,
for these tokens 4 their approval an#
appreciation of his service. He spoke
of the unity that exists ip the g:burch,
an,l the strong ties that bind pastor
and people together, and how it en-
cour,iged him in his stork, after serv-
in them as pastor for nine years, to
know the bonds are still growing
stronger that hind us togeth*r. The
Pastor then led in prayer, after which
the co"kpany left for their homes,
leaving with tbeir pastor a parse cnn-
twining 8� in money besides many
other valuables, such as every cellar
and home needs, and if the Elder's
horse could speak we have no doubt
brit he could express thanks for a
well filled oat -bin. Thus an exceed-
ingly pleasant evening was spent, and
`{all went home feeling the better for
hwving clicered the heart of their i
pastor in his labor of love, leaving'
him one richer by over $30.
ALTONA UNION CHURCH
The Christian Church was organ-
ized at Altona on April 22, 1875 as a
Community Church and a beautiful
basement added in 1937 and officially
opened on June 20th, of that year.
Two congregations: Christian
Church and Mennonite Brethren in
Christ worship together in the great-
est possible harmony.
The Bible School numbers about
125 and the prayer meeting, held
each Wednesday at 8.00 p.m. with
about 30 present is a great blessing.
The present pastor of the Chris-
tian Church at Altona is Mr. S. H.
Cockburn whose postal address is
Ringwood, Ontario.
4
ALTONA
By Mrs. Fred Byer
On the twenty-second day of April,
1$71 a church was organized at Altona
t7te known as the Altona Christian
Church. 'The covenant read as follows:
"To all to whom it may concern:
This is to certify that we the under -
.signed members of the Altona Christ-
ian Church, do hereby agree to walk
together in Christian love and sweet
fellowship with the household of faith.
We agree to watch over each other for
good and in all respects to discharge
faithfully the duties and obligations of
a member of the body of Christ. We
acknowledge no head but Christ, no
creed but the Bible, and no name but
Christian, and Christian character our
only test of Christian fellowship."
The place where this group met to
worship for the first three years is not
known. Land was donated by Mr.
Abram Reesor and the present church
was built in 1875 in union with the
:Mennonites .(now known as United
Missionary church). Church services
were held alternately, but other ser-
vices were united. The same proced-
ure exists to -day.
Outside of the organization meeting
and covenant which had been copied
into the present minute book, there
are no records availably, except the list
i of members and by whom and when
baptized, until 1901.
'The record of members is complete
to present date but there is no indica-
tion of who the charter members were.
These first minutes mention Elder
C. H. Hainer tendering his resignation
after eleven years of faithful service.
From the list of members and by
whom they were baptized names such
as Elder Wm. Percy and Elder Wit-
loughby precede Rev. C. H. H-ainer, so
it is thought they may have been form-
er pastors.
In 1903 one of the members, a Mr.
Jacob Burkholder, who lived in Stouff-
ville felt the need of a Christian Church
in Stouffville, as others had moved in
to retire, so he purchased the present
Stouffville Memorial Church which
was then an inactive Congregational
Church. Altona Christian Church went
through some lean years after this
migration of members.
In 1937 a basement was added to the
church to accommodate the needs of
the Sunday [School. Present member-
ship is 42 and Rev. G. Brown is in his
thirteenth year as pastor.
L2
Pastor's Wife Was
Born At Atha
Alma Hoover, wife of that
Reverend Alfred T. Mercer,
died at the Park Manor Nurs-
ing Home, Bloomfield, New
Jersey 'on May 9th. She had
been seriously ill for the past
year. She was born October 7,
1884 at Atha, and was the
daughter o"2r. and Mrs. Sa-
muel B. Hoover.
Mr. and Mrs. Mercer were
married in 1910 and moved to
the United States where Mr.
Mercer was Pastor of a church
near Rochester, New York.
They spent most of their marri-
ed life in the vicinity of Roches.
ter, N.Y. and East Orange, N.J.
For several years he was
pastor of Central Baptist
Church, East Orange. N.J.
Upon his retirement from the
active ministry, they went to
live with their son Charles,
who 'has written several books,
at Glen Ridge, N.J. The funeral
service was held on Wednesday,
May 12 at the Weat.herhead.
Funeral Home in Orange, N.J.
Mrs. Mercer is survived by
her older sister Olive. wife of
the Rev. Fred I: Hainer, of
Bogota, N.J.
U
U`t Gr„L -vL CL
e
OFFICERS
President,
Mr. George Ferrier
Green River
Vice -President,
..Mr. Barkis Reesor
ona
See'v-Treasurer,..
Mr. J. H. Michell
Claremont R. R. No. 2
Superintendent,
Adult Departmt.
nAndrew Allison
Elementary Grades.
Mrs. Frank Hall
Secondary Division,
Mr. E. L. Chapman
Tkiiwher Training,
Airs. Roach
Missionary Department,
Mrs. Frank Turner
'
Temperance Department,
Mr. David Annis
'
Home Department.
Mr. W. J. Turner
Visitors -Mr. C. Todd and Mr, E. Wilson.
The Local Committee extend a hearty welcome to
all delegates and friends.
Programme
MORNING SESSION =
10.00-Devotional Exercises, led by the
President, Mr. George Ferrier.
10.15-Song Service.
10.25-President's Address.
10.40-MuAc.
10.45-Delegate's Report of each school
lf).(5-Report of School Visitors.
11.10-Music.
11.15-Ronnd Table Talk, by Provin-
cial worker.
11.45-Appointment of Nominating
Committee and Closing Exer-
cises'.
= AFTERNOON SESSION =
2 00-Devotional Exercises, led by Rev•
AtiyeEnituerson, -
1.15-1Vords of Welcome. by Elder E.
_Sievenp'per:
VY2 OFFICE[
W'h¢ yEnnrcQl John Phil]` ps, Brougham
cc,President---
'donuention of the Eli Lehman, Claremont R. R. No, 2
�c.-Treasurer-,.
ieker�ng 5'ownship
juJ. H. Michell, Claremont R. R. No. 2perintendent-Girls' Division,
Mrs. G. M. Forsyth, Claremont
Boys' Division,
�. �..�ss6��'l�itl�n p� Gerald Cowan, Roseban]<
�@ Young Pe,. Division,
� E. L. C` ;man, Pickering
\YELL. BE HELD IN Adults' D," .:.,on,
R. W. 1,, ^nn. Myrtle R. R. No, 1
THE UNION CHURCH `ham Home'
M. n :)n, Locust: Hill R.MAO
" Teache. Department
Miss t. a, ,3rown, Locust Hill R. F. 1
ALTONA
Missionary Mrs•. Ralph Mowbray, Brut,.. , R. R. 1
On Wednesday, the " T-rnpe .e Department,
V. j. 'urner, Clarem(`- R. R. 2
1916 Children's Department
26th of January, Miss Maud Miller litevale
�wat.mt al Committee extend a hea.. e
sTNc NEWi' PAINT
IK to all delegates and friends.
4
2 30-Provincial Convention Report,
- by Rea, D. V. Van Norman.
3.00-Music, -
3.05-Reports of Departments, by the
Superintendents.
3.20-Music and Roll �`+P,il.
3.20=Discussion of Del, par•tments,led
by Provincial worker.
4.00=Music.
4.05-Offering.
4 15-Nominating Committee's Report
and Closing Exercises.
= EVENING S.1psION =
7.00--Devotiomd Exercises.led by Rev.
A. McLellan.
7.15-Secretary-Tre;;sur•er's Retort.
7.25=Address: "Relation of the Sab-
bath School to the Nation," by
Rev. J. 0. Totton.'
7.55-Music.
8.00-Address by Pros incial Worker.
8 30-01(fering.'
8,35=Add: ess by Rev. John Mutch,
9.05-Introdtiction of 'new President
ane Closing Exercises.
PROGRAMME
-MORNING SESSION
10.30-Devotional Exercises, led by the
President, Mr. John. Phillips
10.50-Singing
11.00--Conference, led by the Provincial
Worker, Dr. Fletcher
11.40-Appointment of Nominating Com-
mittee and Closing Exercises •
APTER'NOON SESSION' '
2.00-Devotional Exercises, led by Rev.
Mr. Rackham
2.15-Words of Welcome by Rev. E.
Morton
2.25-Music
2.30-Report of Provincial ,Convention,
by Mrs. Norman White
.3 1.4
Annual
Convention of the
iekeriffg 5owmAip
6 6. Association
WILL Ia; II1"T-I1 IN
THE UNION CHURCH
ALTONA
Can Thursday,
January the 13th, 1927
3.00-Selection by Quartette
3.10-Report of Departments
3.25 - Congregational Singing and Offier-
ing
3.35 -Address by Dr. Fletcher
4.05-Roll Call
4.15-Conference, led by Mr. J. Todd
4 30- .-Nominating Committeels Report
and Closing Exercises
EVENING SESSION
7.00- Devotional :Exercises, led by Rev.
A. G. Warder
7.15-Secretary-Tr .asurer's Report
7.:30-Address by Pi ^. McLellan,"A
Talk to Yw* , . eople"
8.00-Congregatio. .l Singing and Offier-
ing
8.10-Music by Quartette
820-Addressby Provincial'Worker, Dr.
Fletcher
8.50-Special Music
9,00-Introduction of New Officers and
Closing Exercises
r�Y AlAll
�:'Y" 4 1 1
°'-�l 1R
90
ryy�c.. -�Q r�na
7 i- i b 4 ri LilVViiW IJKiaaawJ
lb C v , I/
A photo of the Altona Church Sunday School Class of 1927 McNair, Ross Stover, Fred Byer. Third Row (left to right)
was loaned to The Tribune by Mrs. Jean White, Mill Street, — Fred Draper, Earl McNair, Duncan Spang, Aubrey
Stouffville. Members are: Rear Row (left to right) —Ernie Spang, Willis McNair, Murray Dunkeld, Tony Spang,
Carruthers, Arthur Lehman, Elgin Wagg, George Byer, Arthur Wagg, Allan Meyer, Blake Reesor. Front Row (left
Gerald Pointen. Second Row (left to right) — Kenneth Betz, to right) — Roy Wagg, Jack Parr, Kenneth Reesor, Sammy
Walter Carter, Lorne Wagg, Wm. Reesor (teacher); Fred Renfrew and Wray Bielby.
1
Former PAstor of
Mennonite Church
Passes in 68th Year
Rev. Isaac Brubacher passed)
away at hishome on Main St. East
Saturday, ,Sept. 2nd, at 3 a.m. He
had not enjoyed good health since
suffering a stroke 5 years ago. The
late Mr. Brubacher was born in
Waterloo County near Kitchener,
the son of Isaac Brubacher and
Mary Ann Betzner Brubacher 67
years ago. Thirty-eight years ago
he was united in marriage with
Cora May Sider, who survives him.
To them were born two sons, Elgin
G. who died in Nigeria, Africa,
while engaged in missionary work,
-and M. John of Stouffville. Mrs.
Elgin G. Brubacher is still in
Africa. There are three grand-
children surviving, as is a sister,
Mrs. H. W. Brown (Lillie) of
Kitchener.
�i��i/w�j7%irr% • �aG�'�
Altona Union Sunday School
is proud to boast of one of the
largest country schools in the
district. There. are two hun-
dred on the roll, with over one
hundred and. fifty .in attend-
ance each Sunday. ,This Thurs.
day, July. I5th, is the Annual
Sunday School picnic in Stouff-
ville Memorial Park.
Altona S.S. Rally
And Anniversary "H I i The rural church at Altona. On -
On Sunday morning, Sept.
tario, broke all records on anniversary
19, Altona S.S. had its Annual
Sunday, October 14, when 227 jam -
Rally with a record attendance
med the building for Sunday school.
of 203. Rev. Arthur Lehman,
Mrs. Lehrman, Faith and Rosa-
This former union congregation
line, and Lawrence Lehman
joined the United Missionary Church
were present from Muncey In
ithe spring
n e s p g and since then has paid
dian Reserve, near London,
all conference funds, fully supported
Ont. A little Indian girl, Donna
its pastor, and raised over $3,300 on
Snake, accompanied them.
the indebtedness of its new parson -
Rev. Lehman gave the mes-
age.
sage and the family provided
This wideawake Sunday school is
the vocal numbers, accompa-
the largest in the township. The pas-
nied by the pianist, Miss Doro-
thy Meyer of Altona. Their se-
for W. D. Sar eant aims at visiting
g , g
lections were surely of great
every home in the community and
inspiration to all.
has been in 94 of them since confer -
There was also a large attend-
ence. Your editor had the privilege
ante at the evening Annivers•
of being the speaker for the anniver-
ary service. Rev: Arthur Leh-
sary.
man gave the sermon based on
James 4:14.
The musical numbers were
SC GOSPEL BANNER
provided by the Lehrman Quar-
tette again, and the • Stouffville
"Youth For Christ Banc)".
Altona Congregation
Votes to Join the �=s-
Local United Missionary
Tile Altona Union Church, clays. The Sunday School ha-
just east of town, hats voted been a united effort.
I almost unanimausLy to affiliate Tire new congregation wild
,N ith the St.ouffvllle United Mis have a menvbers4vvp of about SO
sionary Church. This mural
church has a goad congrega- menvbers. About habf of these
Lion and a Sunday School at- are already memba s of the
tendance of more than a hun- United Missionary Church.
dred, The final change -aver will be
For many years this has been made in June of next ,yeam
a union church with some of when bath denominations hold
Rhe members belanging to the their annual Coniference. At
United Missionary Church and rthat time Altona will become a
s.cme helotging to the Chris� separa'P appointment, oe the
tian Church. FaStcrs ,from the. Lnited .14i,sionary Church and
taro denx-�minatio,rs have served %vill be given a pastor of its
the church on alternate Sun awn.
^1 TOC
1 _
fi'17 t,e'�n -'(]; �.�,, �." ^ Foy✓Y�.� c�,�� -
'1.j_c�, (1 ,'I1 P- l I. et;�-ilL ll;e8 `'el?(;�
-fie = ,or
TT tT 7 ^1tc'r "'re tn toT7rf'Z''..�7.e
noT:7) s �'',(�r� r? ^� L1 ^j n� l 'beL
- '- �.
T tr't^^ter;e, O-r o11e„-,i-,�r
TTT �' TT'�r T-3T P, r �.- �O, ,i,� �,.,1�
- s
+s _
T r, rh A? rh — 1.?Llr r�, Y rlt l ;l �►
T�1i.-_.e._
TV - ra - to , Ta^ .c Leh!n^n, Joe Dyer,
o l nd.-y School Curt. )
^teeo^sd, church ',-:!ec't.
Ll OU T'_: - Ml ,�e, -id r.eO r:. e ,vex,
V rr ,ustees a cl 01-lurcl,. '=o-nO w th the
Trustee^ t^''_fin t_-e 9_--nit ^tive,
Wednesday, June 13th
PROGRAMME
The One Hundred and Thirty-first Sessions
of the
CONGREGATIONAL - CHRISTIAN CHURCHES
in Ontario
To be held in
ALTONA CHRISTIAN CHURCH
Wednesday, June 13th, to Sunday, June 17th,
19 56
8.00 p.m. Service in charge of Christian Endeavour Union.
Speaker - Rev. William Hiltz
Music by the Wideman Male Quartette.
Thursday, June 14th
10.00 a.m. President in charge
Devotions - Rev. E. Morton
Address of Welcome
Roll Call
Approval of Conference Program
Report on Foreign Missions - Mrs. C. Hodgson
Report on Churches & Church Property - Mr.E.Davis
Report on Christian Endeavour - Airs. Walter Vague
Report on Tidings - Mrs. Herb. Yakeley
Report on Ministry - Mr. Jacob Grove
Report on Social & Moral Reform - Mrs. Jack Wright
12.30 Dinner
2.30 President in Charge
01 Devotions - Air. Kenny Edwards
Address - Rev. F. G. Huson
Women's Missionary Sessions
5.30 P.M. Supper
8.00 p.m. President in Charge
Friday, June 15th
Speaker - Rev. D. C. Percy 10.00 a.m. President in Charge
Music by Crawford Street Church Group Devotions - Rev. F. A. Dearmond
Roll Call
Minutes of Previous Sessions
Treasurer's and Auditor's Report
W. M. S. Financial Report
Minutes of Executive Board Meetings
12.30 Dinner (Nomination Committee will meet during
the noon recess)
2.30 President in Charge
Report of Nominating Committee
Election of Officers
Unfinished Business
Report on Resolutions - Miss Nora Stapleton
Address and Communion Service - Rev. D. C. Percy
5.30 Supper
8.00 Service in charge of Women's Missionary Society
Speaker - Rev Horace Bradin - Missionary from Ethiopia
Music by the Altona Trio
Sunday, June 17th
11.00 a.m. Speaker - Rev. D. C. Percy
Music by the yyS��touffville Christian Church Choir
30 %tom ii( KC'v • D. C. Percy
G�
Vol 67, No. 5
131st Conference of the
Congregational Christian
Churches at
Altona �6-r,
.:
On Wednesday evening, June i
evil is prayer. "The effectual fer.
13,the annual conference of, the
'
vent prayer of a righteous man
local Christian Churches was
availeth much." We are too
opened in the Altona Church
prone to attempt to solve our
N- with the Christian Endeavour
problems by ourselves. Let us
Union conducting the service.
avail ourselves of His promise l
Rev. Wm. Hiltz was the guest
to help us, for of our own selves
speaker, taking as his theme,
we can do nothing. Let us pray
"Ye are the salt of the Earth."
without ceasing that we as a
1 The Wideman male quartet
nation might not be overcome
brought the message in song.
with evil, but that we might
The business sessions were
overcome evil with "
good.
opened on Thursday morning
by Rev. Morton with Rev. R. W.
Serrick in charge: As the var-
ious reports were read, it was 1
shown that the Conference had
progressed financially during the
year, contributing nearly $1700
to the foreign mission project
in addition to many smaller do-
nations to Home Mission efforts.
Rev,. F. Huson brought the
message on Thursday after-
Are we aware of the tre
noon. The Thursday evening ser-
dous amount of drinking
vice was addressed by Rev. D.
smoking among our teen-age
C. Percy who made the point
Recently I sat in a restaur
that we are saved to serve.
at the noon hour, where m
On Friday afternoon Rev. Per-
high school students gathered
cy admonished the gathering to �
eat their lunch. I was horri
"bear fruit" and let God's good-'
to note how many of these
ness flow through us. Rev. Percy.
boys and girls were smoking
?� assisted by Rev. F. Dearmond
Then there is the nation
and Mr. Kenny Edwards, admin-
disregard for the Lord's
istered the sacraments of the
which we have been comman
Lord's Supper.
to keep holy.
The Friday evening service
Glance over the book
was in charge of the Women's
magazine stands of today fi
Missionary Society and Rev.
with questionable reading
Horace Bradin, a missionary
terial. Listen to the horrid
from Ethiopia, told of the great
sensuous so-called music,
work being carried on in that
popular with our young peo
country under the leadership of
All these are working in
native workers. His pictures of
subtle and deadly way to to
the field illustrated his points.
our moral standards. Sur
Rev. Percy brought the mes-
there is a great,need for so
sages at both services on Sun-
and moral reform in this
day with Mrs. Percy and their
in which we live:
daughters Dorothy and Janet
Paul in his epistle to the G
assisting musically. Mr. Percy
tians lists some of the fr
continued the thought of the
of the flesh. Is not our pres
Conferenr„e that, although the
social and moral condition
numbers are few, we still have
result of seeking after the fie
a great responsibility to those
We are reaping the fruits of
around us.
flesh, and we must , realize
One highlight of the business
seriousness of the situation. T
sessions* was the presentation
may seem a dark picture,
of the Report on Social and
we must face up to the tr
Moral Reform by Mrs. Jack
Things will inevitably gr
Wright of Keswick. The follow-
worse with each succeeding g
ing is the text of the report:
eration unless we get at the r
The social and lx>oxal prob-
of these evils.
Then what is the answer
lems . ,ir pre-zent generation
our problem. What can we
give -ious concert
We ° eek to er
to stem the tide of evil?
_
our c1.. .very possible pre
le
our cn
must remember that out of
from the evils tii�
tectworld
heart proceedeth good and e
today by guiding them .zd
These things cannot
the things of the Lord, and s'inc
alone a sla
more severe lter
we do not expose ourselves
and provision for greater pe
o p
the evils around us, I cam
ties for infractions. If it w
help but wonder if we are a,
possible to banish trashy lite
fully awake as we ought to be,
ture from our magazine stan
_ — to the appalling evils that exist
do away with alcoholic bev
in our towns and cities, and even
ages and tobacco, and com
In our own communities.
people to "Remember the S
-
bath day to keep it holy " the
men -
and
rs?
ant
any
to
fied
fine
.
wide
Day
ded
and
lled
ma -
and
so
ple.
a
wer
ely
cial
age
ala-
uits
ent
the
sh?
the
the Ihis
but
uth.
OW
en-
oot
to
do
We
the
vil.
ght
tion
ra-
ds,
er-
pel'
ab-
de-
sire to sin would still be in the
heart, and we would have ac-
complished very little.
In Paul's writings to Timothy
we are exhorted to be an exam-
ple to those around us: Are we
as a church doing that? Are we
standing firm against the things
we know are evil? May we as
His children never be guilty of
causing our brother to stumble.
It seems to me our greatest
weapon against the forces of
MOTHERS AND CHILDREN from Mrs.
Sargeant's Sunday School class in Altona
pose in this 1960's photograph. Shown
from left are (rear row) Mrs. Sergeant's
Sunday School class in Altona pose in this
1960's photograph. Shown are ( rear I to r)
Mrs. Sergeant, Dorothy Jones with
Yvonne, Mrs. Don Dunkeld with Bernice,
T2 9 , /%/v6
SUn School
Picnic Friday
ALTONA — Altona Sun-
day School picnic is this
Friday, July 8th, at Bruce's
Mill Conservation Park.
Bring your own dis tomes an&
picnic basket for supper at
6 o'clock. Beverage will be
provided.
Mr. and Mrs. George Har-
rison and Mr. and Mrs. Bill
Harrison of . Owen Sound
were Saturday visitors with
Rev. and Mrs. Frank Huson.
Sunday callers with Mrs.
Norman Bunker were Mr.
and Mrs. Ken Pilkey and
family of Stouffville, Mrs.
Delos Graham of Stouffville,
Mrs. Mac Patterson of
Markham, Mr. and Mrs.
Dick Jones of Buttonville,
and Mr. and Mrs. Harve
Bunker and Don of Good-
wood. On Tuesday. Mrs.
Bunker left to spend a week
with � her daughter, Mrs.
Viviau Carson and Ondine
in Toronto.
Janice Goudie left on the
holiday weekend to spend
part of the summer with her
Aunt Kathy in St. John,
N.B.
Please phone 640-1427
with your news for this
column.
Ernestine Melton with Marion, Marion
Myers and Paulett and Mrs. Pew; (front
1 to r) Joyce McDowell with Sheila, Marg
Lewis with Shirley, Adelaide Kerr with
Diane, Louella Lewis with Alan, Alice
Baker with Philip, Glenda Dunkeld with
Susan and Heather and Laura May Boake
with Dawn.
Mrs. Allan Meyer
Named Presided
ALTONA — The Wom-
en's Missionary Society of
Altona United Missionary
Church held its organiza-
tional meeting Nov. 1, at
the home of Mrs. Arthur
Wideman.
President Mrs. Allen
Meyer was in charge.
Prayer was offered by
Mrs. Albert Foster and
Mrs. Mel. Johnson.
Letters from Mr. and
Mrs. John Blosser, India,
Mr. and Mrs. Harold
Knights and Miss Esther
Cressman, Nigeria, were
read by Mrs. Allen Jones.
Mrs. Frank Huson took
charge of the program.
The study course was
taken by Mrs. Albert Fos-
ter on the life of Mr. and
Mrs. Ford Barker, who
served as missionaries in
Turkey and Armenia.
A duct was rendered by
Mrs. Bruce McDowell and
Mrs. Clifford Dunkeld.
Officers elected for 1967
are Honorary President,
Mrs. Frank Huson; Presi-
dent, Mrs. Allen Meyer;
1st Vice-president, Mrs.
Mel. Jdhrison; 2nd Vice-
president, Mrs. Ellis Mel-
ton; Secretary, Mrs. Bruce
McDowell; Assistant Sec-
retary, Mrs. Cliff. Dunkeld;
Treasurer, Mrs. Stan
Thompson; Missionary Re-
porter, Mrs. Allen Jones.
photos courtesy Mang Lewis
Sewing committee, Mrs.
Mel Jones, Mrs. Frank Biel -
by, Mrs. Harold Lewis,
Mrs. Albert Foster.
Pianist, Mrs. Allen Jones.
Program committee, the
executive and Mrs. Fred
Byer and Mrs. Murray
Johnson.
Social committee, Mrs.
Bob Lewis, Mrs. Norman
Lehman, Mrs. Fred Mc.
Nair, Mrs. Murray John-
son.
Nominating committee,
the executive and Mrs.
Frank Bielby, Mrs. Ross
Wideman.
Press reporter, Mrs. Nor-
mN�
Approve Altona
Church Addition
ByELEANOR BUNKER
ALTONA — At a congre-
gational -meeting of the
Altona United Missionary
Church, Monday evening
it was decided to build an
addition to the church.
The tender of Harold Lew-
is, an Altona contractor,
was accepted.
Dave and Vera Francis
and boys and Bob and
Margaret Lewis and Shir-
ley spent the weekend at
South River with 'Vera's
brothers Milford and Mel-
vin McLaren. Thev en inyed
seeing maple syrup in the
making.
While you are at your
spring housecleaning keep
in mind the W.M.S. paper
drive. if you have papers
and magazines, phone Mrs.
Allan Mever at 640-2147
by April 2_1.
Mr. and Mrs. Fred Mc-
Nair and Mrs. Flossie
Thompson visited on Fri-
Altona Church School
Names Officers, '66-67
ALTONA — The Sun-
day School of Altona Uni-
ted Missionary Church
held its organizational mee-
ting Sept. 22 and elected
officA*e TffG teachers for
the 1966-67 season.
Supt: Paul Meyer; Asst.,
Des Kerr.
Secretary -Treasurer Clif-
ford Dunkeld; Asst., Allan
McBride.
Missionary Treasurer Lin-
da Foster.
Departmental Supts.
Cradle Roll Mrs. Albert
Foster; Asst., Mrs. Robert
Lewis.
Junior Church Mrs. Mur-
ray Johnson; Helpers - Mrs.
Des Kerr, Mrs. Geo. Neal,
Mrs. Ellis Melton, Mrs. Clif-
ford Dunkeld, Mrs. David
Francis.
Home Dept. Mrs. Fred
McNair; Asst., Mrs. Frank
Bielby.
Temperance Supt. Albert
Foster.
Missionary Supt. Mrs. Al-
lan Meyer.
Pianist Mrs. Donald Bo-
ake; Asst. Mrs. Frank Biel -
by.
Ushers Geo. Neal, Bruce
McDowell, Allan Jones, Do-
nald Boake, Glen Byer.
Song Leader Donald Bo-
ake; Asst. Allan Wellman.
Librarian Isaac Lehman;
Asst. Carl Lehman.
Teachers
Cradle Roll
Teacher - Mrs. Des Kerr
Asst. - Mrs. Ellis Melton
Beginners
Teacher - Alene Meyer
Teacher - Mrs. Fred Byer
Asst. Mrs. Donald Boake
Asst. - Mrs. Allan Jones
Primary
Teacher -Mrs. Albert Foster
Teacher Helen Johnson
Teacher - Mrs. Paul Meyer
Asst. Linda Foster
day evening with Mr. and
Mrs. Cecil Jones of Brook -
fin.
Several carloads of
Women's Institute ladies
and friends attended the
Hatenanny at Uxbridge,
Tuesday afternoon. The
Altona group modelled
their new spring creations.
Mr. and Mrs. Stanlev
Lewis, Mrs. Norman Bun-
ker and Mrs. Walter Davis
called on Mr. and Mrs.
Wm. Wallace at their new
home in Stouffville, Mon-
day afternoon to extend
best wishes from the Alto-
na community. They pre-
sented them with a chaise
lounge, a matching lawn
chair and a pot of mums.
Our loss is Stouffville's
gain but we hope to keep
in close touch by having
Mrs. Wallace as one of our
Altona Institute membb� 9
*" S
AL f Ur4A:.,....
Asst. - Mrs. Clifford Dun
keld"
Asst. - John Gilham
Junior Girls
Teacher - Joyce Reynolds,,
Asst. - Mrs. Chas Reynolds
Junior Boys
Teacher - Mrs. Murray
Johnson
Asst. - Ronald Sargeant
Junior High Girls
Teacher -Mrs. Robert Lewis
Asst. - Mrs. Fred McNair
Junior High Boys
Teacher - Murray Johnson
Asst. - Des Kerr
Young Ladies Class
Teacher - Mrs. F. Huson
Asst. - Mrs. Fred Byer
Young Mens Class
Teacher - Robert Lewis
Asst. • Paul Wellman
Mothers Class
Teacher -Mrs. Frank Bielby
Asst. - Mrs. Harold Lewis
Married Couples Class
Teacher = R oss Wideman
Asst. - Rev. F. Huson
Bible Class #1
Teacher - Millard Reesor
Teacher - Norman Lehman
Asst. - Ellis Melton
Asst. - Fred McNair
Mrs. Rebecca A. Ritchie
talented musician who
plays a variety of musical
Instruments including 424
sleigh bell, 32 hand bells,
28 musical glasses and a
set of silver chord bells,
and who will be heard
with Rev. Thomas. Ritch-
ie, wellknown Irish evan-
gelist, in the Altona Unit-
ed Missionary Church,
commencing Tuesday,'
Feb. 28, and continuing
each night except Satur-
day until Sunday, March
12. Services will be held
on Sundays at 10:30 a.m.
and 7:30 p.m., and on
week nights at 8 o'clock.
In addition to the musical
program and the dynamic
preaching of Rev. Ritchie,
a number of outstanding
Gospel films will be
shown during the meet.
Open new $27,000 Altona church sunclay school, March 17 04 V
The new $27,000 Sunday School addition to the Altona United Missionary Church, will be officially opened, March at 2:30 p.m. The guest
speaker will be Rev. Ward M. Shantz of Kitchener. The church school enrollment is 175. The Superintendent is Mr ' Meyer. —Staff Photo
et -V our light s o thine be-
fore tuen, that
r�SENTATION OF KEYS AND CUTTING OF RIBBON
iervice of Dedication Ik-arch I7th.I968
2:30 p.m.
?iano Prelude
Doxology
Invocation Prayer
Hymn 2I `Come ,Thou Almighty King"
Scripture reading and Prayer Rev.D.Sargeant
Sol o-Mr. LeRoy Soper
Greetings -Remarks -The 1astor Rev.F.G.Huson
Offering
Dedicatory address-Rev.T'ard A�.Shantz
Prayer-Rev.?"ard 117.Shantz
Presentation of Keys and Cutting of Ribbon
Dedication
Solo-Mr.LeRoy Soper
Dedication of Sunday School Auditorium and
Class Rooms
Rev.71ard hrl.Shantz
Hymn "To God Be The Glory(one verse)
Benediction
D �iC� H�S�f��11Jf01
The Builder : —fir. Harold Lewis
�1 het the b eautu ofi the Lovo
oiir Goa tie upon ii6 :and
establish thou tl� work of our
fifluth upon us. »_LV ,0 ,.
they ulav
.... work. adg gee vou�� good ori- .
�v vou� atlwr whichis i1i heaven.
Iv:ATIHE JJ
A. P. H.
"As the one representing those who have
given material form to the plans for this
Sunday School Auditorium I present the keys
to the Chairman of the Building Committee,
to the end that this building may be dedicated
to the service of God"
The Chairman of the Building Committee
Mr.Ellis Yelton
"Representing the Building Committee of
this Auditorium,we accept this sacred respon
sibility and yield the keys to the minister
of this Church to proceed with the Dedication"
The 1inister:-Rev.F.G.Huson
We rejoice that God has put it into the
hearts of His people to accomplish this pro
ject for His Glory.
We will now enter -and Rev.Shantz shall
conduct the Dedication.
Centennial Service
By ELEANOR BUNKER
ALTONA — A special
centennial. service was con-
ducted at the Altona Unit-
ed Missionary Church, Sun-
day evening. Numbers by
the centennial choir were
enjoyed in addition to a
mouth organ selection by
Mrs. Norman Bunker. Sev-
eral in the congregation
gave their testimony and
Mrs. Fred Byer presented a
reading. Many wore cen-
tennial costumes.
!► t. ToAb i_ wo=49S LNST91" �
dtona Missionary Church, Arthur Lehman ceremonies for the evening. Present pastor
left) was on hand for sacred music night Donald Pugh greets Mr. Lehman.
Unqualified success
f )5
Altona church turns 100
- - - - ------------
REV. DON PUGH
of Palmerston
Passed away very peacefully at
Port Loring, Ont.
on Saturday, August 26, 1989
in his 68th year.
Beloved husband of Dorothy Bramhill. Dear
i father of Paul & his wife Joan of Plattsville,
Don Jr. & his wife Lois of Richmond Hill and
Barb and her husband Dirk Loose of Mississ-
auga. Fondly remembered by his 5 grand-
children, Brigette and Barbara Pugh, Deanne
and Emily Pugh and Jennine Loose. Brother
of Phyllis (Mrs, Elroy Schneider) of Kitchener
and Jean (Mrs. John Colley) of Florida. Pre-
deceased by his parents, Fred & Fanny Pugh.
Over his 42 years of ministry, Don pastored
in the communities of Palmerston, Aylmer,
Manitoulin, Port Elgin, Plattsville, Altona,
South Buxton, Gorrie and most recently in
Leamington.
THE family of the late Fred
Pugh wish to express t eir
to friends,
deep appreciation
relatives and neighbours for
their many acts of kindness
during the sudden passing
of a beloved husband and
father. Special thanks to
Rev. A. Walsh and Rev. F.
G. Huson for their consol-
ing words, also to the W.M.S.
ladies for lunch provided.
Thanks also to Dr. Brodie
and the O'Neil Funeral Di-
THE ALTONA
CHRISTIAN
MISSIONARY CHURCH
rectors for their kind and
efficient service.
4--e.194,1 Fannie Pugh,
invites
you to celebrate wit.: us
Donald and Dorothy Pugh,
John and Jean Colley,
Elroy and Phyllis Schneider
for
our
ONE
HUNDREDTH
ANNIVERSARY
ALTONA CHRISTIAN MISSIONARY CHURCH
N
M . M..
on the week -end of
SEPTEMBER 19, 20, 21, 1975
You have had a share in our fellowship in
the past, and we would like you to share in
our anniversary services.
Friday,_ __September 19
8.00 P.M. Youth Night - at the church
with Mr. Eric Strachan
�" Saturda Se tember 20
7.30 p.m. Musical Evening at the church
Sunday, September 21
Morning Service 10.30 - Rev. Dow Sargent
Afternoon 2.00 - Rev. Frank Huson
Refreshments provided
Evening 7.30 - Rev. Gibson Brown
The Church doors will be open from
11. a.m. on Friday until 11 p.m. on Sunday
Anyone wishing to drop in will be most welcome
,A,1,TOKA WOMENsS'L":STI'rm- -
1875 - 1975
Altona
Christian - Missionary
Church
Altona Christian -Missionary Church
1875 -1975
- - Holding Forth The Word Of Life For A Century -
This history of the Altona, now Missionary, Church has been
compiled to commemorate its 100th Anniversary. The real Church
is the body of believers in Christ. This building of brick and
mortar was erected in 1875 to be a meeting place for the
"believers" in this area.
Three years prior to the building of the Church, a group of
Evangelical believers formed a congregation at Altona as members
of the "Christian Church" denomination. On April 22, 1872,
Elders Tatton and Sholtz came up from the Brougham Christian
Church to organize the group. They held their services in a
building known as the Temperance Hall which was just north of
the Altona crossroads. Prior to this, these folk worshipped either
at the Brougham Church or at their homes. This congregation
started with sixteen members.
Likewise, there were those in the Altona area who were
members and adherants of the "Mennonite Brethren In Christ"
denomination. They attended services at the Dickson Hill Church
or in local homes until the Altona Church was built.
Mr. Abram Reesor donated the land for this Church. We have
the original copy of the subscribed donations for the building fund.
Each has written his own name and the amount that he wished to
give. There are ninetytwo names on the document. The heading
paragraph is beautifully written in a type of penmanship rarely
seen to -day. It reads as follows -
"We the undersigned hereby agree to give the sums opposite
our respective names for the purpose of building a "Union Church"
at Altona, to be built east of the creek and on property of Abram
Reesor, and to be opened for the use of Congregationalists
Christians, Mennonites and other Orthodox denominations, and for
Sunday School. Sums to be payable on the 1st. of November
next 1875.
Provisional committee
Daniel Barkey
Abram Reesor
Menno Nighswander
It is presumed the reason the "Congregational" denomination
is mentioned here is that they also held meetings in the Tem-
perance Hall. However, this group built a Church in Stouffville,
now known as the Stouffville Christian Church.
The largest donation given toward the building of Altona
Church was $ 200, next largest was $ 50. Four pledged $ 25 each.
The rest are in amounts of $ 20 down to 80 cents. A number of
the names are those of women and no doubt the amount they
pledged, though small, had been saved out of their "pin money".
Two ladies have signed their names as Widow Wideman and
Widow Ramer. All donations on the document total $867.80.
Preserved in a small book are the recorded pledges as they were
paid off. It shows further donations from some of the original
donors. As the Lord prospered them, they were able to give more.
Records state that there was a fi
second day of dedication. The first of
sod was turned or whatever they did
one at the opening. However, we are
that the choir gave $ 5 at the second
this that the Christian denomination
three years in the Temperance Hall.
rst day of dedication and a
ie may have been when the
at that time, and the second
not sure on this. We learn
dedication. We presume by
had a choir during their
A Mr. Wm. Feaster did the mason work on the Church. It is
said that while working on it he caught a cold which resulted in
his death.
One statement says that Mr. Henry B. Reesor insured the
Church at the time of its opening for "a risk of one thousand
dollars".
The earliest minutes to be found re administration are dated
Feb. 10, 1876. It reads, "Meeting of the Stockholders of Altona
Union Church to elect a trustee. A Rev. Mr. Day was appointed
Chairman. At that meeting, Mr. Y. Millard was the elected trustee.
It appears that there were three trustees. One new one was elected
each year or the retiring one re-elected for another three year
term. These trustees looked after the business of the Church
building, re up -keep, heat, light etc. They were elected from both
denominations. Each denomination paid half of the yearly ex-
penses. In 1895, twenty years after the Church was built, a record
shows the expenses for upkeep to be $ 16.60 for the year.
Mr. Daniel Barkey was the first "Mennonite Brethren In Christ"
minister. His son Wilmot also was a local preacher at Altona.
It is not known who the above Rev. Mr. Day was nor where he
resided.
Altona Union Church
1875
The Sunday School was a union effort of the two congregations.
It was the only Sunday morning meeting. Sunday School super-
intendents were alternated at yearly business meetings. No pastor
was in attendance at these Sunday School services because they
were fulfilling duties at their other charges.
The Sunday evening services were alternated and a pastor
came from a sister denomination. Each denomination had its own
executive to deal with business within its own group. This
arrangement worked very well. The two denominations wor-
shipped together in harmony. Proof of this is the fact that the
arrangement continued for 80 years. In Nov., 1955, the "Christian"
denomination members asked to join with the "United Missionary"
denomination members. By this time the name "Brethren In
Christ" had changed to "United Missionary". Still later the word
"United" was omitted and the denomination became "The
Missionary Church" on July 19, 1968.
At the time of the decision to unite, Rev. F. Huson was the
"United Missionary" pastor and Rev. G. Brown was the "Christian"
pastor. In 1955, Rev. Brown moved to Wheatly and Mr. Kenyon
Edwards filled in the remaining months as the "Christian" pastor.
Quoting from a remark made by Rev. Huson at the time, "The two
congregations have had a long and wonderful courtship and have
now decided to be married". The final decision was made in
Nov., 1955. The change took place in June 1956 which was
conference month for both denominations. Altona was the host
Church for the "Christian" denominational conference that year.
The uniting of the two had no real problems. Both were evangelical
and had few doctrinal differences.
Many of the members on both sides were relatives. All were
friends and neighbors and had worshipped together in each other's
services for many years. In June, 1956, this united body of
believers started out with about eighty members, each having had
about forty before. At this time, "Altona Christian United Missionary
Church" became a separate appointment with its own pastor
appointed by the conference. The congregation purchased
the former Mervin Bunker home for a parsonage. Rev. Dow
Sargeant was the first resident pastor and stayed eight years.
In 1964, Rev. F. Huson was posted to the Altona Church. The
Husons said that it was like coming home as he had been a
previous pastor here. In 1970, Rev. Donald Pugh came to pastor
the flock. He was a local boy and to him it, too, was like coming
home, although he had attended the "Missionary" Church at
Stouffville.
3
An 1894 report mentions the Sunday School having a library.
We have a book in which the librarian kept a record of books loaned
from 1893 - 1899. Also preserved is the library card of one, Edward
White. At present time there is a goodly number of books for loan.
In earlier years, The "Christian" denomination used a foot
pedal organ to accompany the singing of the hymns. The "Brethren
In Christ" denomination preferred to sing without an instrument
for their services. There was an appointed song leader. In these
early days, one of the outings looked forward to by the young people
was the singing classes held in the homes. Folk learned to sing
by note without an instrument. The blending of voices in the
singing of the hymns in the Sunday services was a joy to hear.
The earliest minutes to be found of the Sunday School is for
the year 1892. Mr. E. Reesor was elected superintendent. Mr. P.
Stouffer was assistant superintendent and Mr. F. J. Reesor elected
Secretary -Treasurer. Teachers were elected for nine classes and
until the basement was built all classes were held in the auditorium.
The secretary's report was "read" each Sunday at the close of the
session. It told the number of officers, teachers and scholars
present, number of verses memorized and the amount of offering.
A clipping, preserved from a newspaper dated Dec. 16, 1899,
states that fourteen girls of the young ladies' class paid a surprise
visit to their teacher, Mrs. Abram Reesor. They had met to present
her with a gift. It reads as follows -
"We the pupils of your Sunday School class take this privilege
of expressing our gratitude to you for the many kind words of
instruction you have imparted to us. We can truly say we have
received many blessings from your teaching. You have been very
diligent and painstaking on our part and we doubt wether we
have been as diligent as we might have been to receive the
instruction you wished to impart to us. (At this time they asked
her to accept their gift) We hope we and others shall have the
pleasure of listening to your kind of teaching for many years and
trust that your path will be strewn with blessing in so doing.
We all join in wishing you a prosperous and happy New Year
and we'll all be back again next Sunday, and we hope every
Sunday to hear more of the Lord's Word as we study it together''.
It is signed by Ella Davis (who was Fred Byer's Mother) and
Pearl Boothby (who lived where Ross Wideman lives).
No doubt the same heartfelt tribute has been felt but not
spoken in word to many dedicated teachers over the years. May
the Lord reward them for their many labors.
4
When Mrs. Barkis Reesor was teacher, the young ladies'
Sunday School group organized the "Twinkling Star Class". In
addition to their Sunday morning classes, they met once a month
in their homes for Christian education and fellowship. In 1930,
these girls saved their "pennies" for one year to buy a piano for
the Church. This piano is still used in the main auditorium. Mrs.
Walter Carter followed Mrs. Reesor as teacher of this active class.
Two photos of this class, one when Mrs. Reesor was teacher and
another when Mrs. F. Byer was teacher, show twenty-one members.
A photo of Mr. Wm. Reesor's class of young men shows a
group of 26 in number. Mr. Wm. Reesor, born the same year as
the Church was built, was a dedicated Sunday School teacher.
He taught the young married class for a number of years as well.
His son Millard Reesor has followed in his father's footsteps as
a teacher. Another father and son team of Sunday School teachers
at Altona was Isaac Lehman and his son Norman Lehman.
Sometime about 1952, the "Twinkling Star" class invited the
young men's class to join their monthly fellowship meetings and
became a young people's group. The Young People's organization
began under the leadership of the Christian Church pastor, Rev.
G. Brown, plus the two class teachers, Mrs. F. Byer and Mr. N.
Lehman. Their first project was the gift of the present communion
table to the Church. At the time of the union of the two denomi-
nations in 1956, this group became the "Young People's Missionary
Fellowship". At present Mr. and Mrs. John Gilham are their adult
leaders.
Around 1932, the young, married ladies organized for monthly
meetings in their homes, using the undenominational "Christian
Endeavour Society's" name and program for their meetings.
Missions was their main interest. At the time of union, this group
became the Altona "Women's Missionary Society". Mrs. A. Foster
is the present president.
A men's "Missionary Fellowship" was organized in 1958. They
meet once a month, usually at the Church. Mr. Albert Foster is
the current president.
The attendance at the weekly Bible study and prayer meeting
increased and benefited in recent years under the arrangement
of different age groups.
The Sunday School at Altona has always been well attended.
There have been classes for all ages from cradle roll to seniors.
In some places, Sunday School seems to be thought of as mostly
for the young - not so at Altona. There has always been a goodly
number of adults in the Sunday School.
5
The Altona Sunday School had been an active unit of the
Pickering Sunday School Convention during the lifetime of the
township Sunday School organization. Many times Altona Sunday
School had the highest enrollment and attendance of Sunday
Schools affiliated with the township convention. It was named the
"Banner Sunday School of Pickering Township".
In the year 1961 quoting from an article in the "Gospel
Banner", "Altona Sunday School broke all records on Rally Sunday
for Sunday Schools in Class C within the denomination when 227
attended". A shield was received for the honor.
After Rev. Sargeant came, a morning preaching service was
begun following the Sunday School hour. At this time, Mrs. Sargeant
started a primary worship service at the same hour in the basement.
It closed out due to inadequate space, lack of facilities and sound
carrying to the auditorium above. With the new addition, a primary
group known as "Junior Church" has met in the Sunday School
auditorium following the Sunday School session.
Mrs. F. Huson organized a Happy Hour for juniors. They met
on Fridays at 4 p.m, in the Church, with Mrs. Huson as leader.
This group continued to meet while the Husons were at Altona.
In 1973, Mrs. Robert Ellsmore organized a pre -teens group which
was under her leadership. They meet every two weeks in the
Community Centre.
RENOVATIONS
In 1937, the Church was renovated to some extent. A basement
was put under it and a new heating system installed. The basement
provided much needed Sunday School classroom space. Some
changes in the entrance and pulpit area were made at this time.
Volunteer labour of members and neighbours under the guidance
of contractor, Mr. Norman Bunker, lessened the cost of the
improvements. Mr. Stan. Thompson was the contractor when the
new roof was put on in 1952.
The new Sunday School auditorium with basement classrooms
was built by contractor Mr. Harold Lewis. The dedication service
for this was held March 17, 1968. At the same time there were
improvements to the main auditorium and a new foyer entrance
stretching across the south end was added with washrooms below.
This resulted in the original entrance being closed and a new
entrance between the new addition and the rear west side of the
original structure put in. The main sanctuary arrangement was
reversed. A sizable legacy left to the Church by the late Mr. Fred
Ramer was the nucleus for the new addition and renovations.
The entire cost was paid off by 1971.
R
The pews and the windows are the original ones.
At renovation time, Mrs. F. Beilby made the gift of an electric
organ in memory of her parents - Mr. and Mrs. Eli Lehman. The
new pulpit Bible, open on the communion table, is a memorial to
the late Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Byer. A well was dug and given at
this time in memory of Clifford Reynolds.
The members are grateful for the many other gifts that have
been made to the Church by individuals at the time of renovation
and since.
One young man from the Altona Church felt the call of God
to train for the ministry. Rev. Arthur Lehman studied at the Chicago
Evangelistic Institute and was ordained by the Mennonite Brethren
In Christ denomination. He is now pastoring at Rosemont, Ontario.
The first wedding conducted in the Church was in 1935 when
Miss Beatrice Carter was married to Mr. Arthur Wideman. A Bible
was presented to them at the close of the ceremony. Since then,
many couples have said their marriage vows before the altar. The
Sunday School, for a number of years now, presents each newly
married couple of this Church or of the community, with a copy
of God's Holy Word.
The Church believes in and has evangelistic services, usually
once a year, lasting a week. In former years, these services
generally lasted two weeks. As well as souls being saved, others
were and are built up in the faith through these services.
The Ordinance of the Lord's Supper is open to all "believers".
In former years, the communion wine was taken from two, glass
goblets. Later individual cups were purchased and are now used.
The unit, donated anonymously to the "Christian" members was
given to the Stouffville Missionary Church at time of union. The
unit, now used at Altona, was a gift to the "United Missionary"
group by Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Lehman, as also were the present
offering plates.
Our belief is that baptism be by immersion. In previous years
it took place in local, outdoor waters but more recently in a sister
church's baptistry.
At the time of recording this history, the Church has a
membership of sixty-six. The Sunday School has an enrollment
of one hundred seventy-four.
There has always been a wealth of talent at Altona which has
resulted in manifold blessings. Just as the members have been
/1
diligent, maintaining and refurbishing their place of worship, so
have they been diligent in their worship, in their teaching, in
prayer and Bible study and in their Christian living - thus giving
witness to the entire neighbourhood. This Church has had scrip-
tural preaching by their ministers and Bible -based teaching in the
Sunday School. Because it is impossible to mention all of the
names, we salute, as did Paul, those who are "helpers".
Quoting from an article written by the late Mrs. B. Reesor,
"The Bible is the greatest book in the world. You will also find
the greatest things in life can be traced back to God and the
Church. In any generation, the Church stands above all other
organizations in the community for the good of the community."
The Altona Church family offers their praise and thanks to
God for His goodness to them, having cared for and watched over
this part of His Church for 100 years. We would say, "May we
ever be worthy of it and seek to pass it on in our time and to
those who come after." We remember in gratitude the pioneering
members and all who have gone before, for bequeathing to us a
spiritual heritage.
With the song writer we can sing, "Many things about to-
morrow we don't seem to understand but we know who holds
tomorrow and we know who holds our hand". The Church and
parsonage property was expropriated in March 1973 for the
"proposed" new Pickering Airport. A number of the members and
adherents of the Church have, by this time of vyriting, already
found new homes for themselves in other areas. The Conference
is holding the expropriated monies in trust for, if and when, the
Altona congregation decide to re -locate.
This history is dedicated to all those who have given of them-
selves to build, to maintain, to project and forward the Lord's
work in His vineyard at Altona through 100 years.
The Stouffville Sun, Wed., October 11, 1989
efo„ZpiLJ Gy
1AT1. -'i ll ian O yE,L
8
Airport expropriation didn't kill couples' club
A couples' club in a small
rural hamlet still keeps in touch
-- despite the fact its home base
is in the hands of the federal
government.
The Altona Couples' Group
started in the early 1950s,
meeting at the Altona Mis-
sionary Church, just east of
Stouffville, once each month.
With Altona lands ex-
propriated for the propsed
Pickering airport, the group
continues to meet once each
year either in the Kitchener or
Stouffille area. The group is
spread across Ontario from Ot-
tawa in the east to the Stratford
area in the west and north to
North Bay.
Most recenty, Latcham
Hall in Stouffville was the
meeting place for 50 group
members.
THE ALTONA COUPLES GROUP got together for its annual reunion recently at Stouffville's Latcham Hall. Pictured
are: Front, from left -- Marjorie and Orval Fretz, Albert and Edna Foster, Ross and Ivy Wideman, Rev. and Mrs. Dow
Sargeant, Bob and Mary Lewis, and Joyce MacDowell. Centre -- Adelaide Kerr, Francine Wideman, Shirley Gilham,
Harold and Louella Lewis, Gord and Marg Pearce, Vera and Dave Francis, Ron Sargeant, Alene and Herb Hoover,
Dorothy and Allen Jones, Glenda and Cliff Dunkeld, and Beverly Smith. Back -- Des Kerr, Ken Wideman, John Gilham,
Glen and Pat Byer, Shirley and Don Dunkeld, Allen McBride, Elwood and Audrey Pattenden, Donna and Doug Ap-
pleton, Elwood and Marie Johnston, Laura -May and Don Boake, Ruth and Gord Johnson, Ruth and Winston King,
A,i,"A WOM"I's n STTM�
0 0
Rev. Ken Smith and Bruce MacDowell. 4
ALTONA — The century -old
Altona Missionary Church will
hold its final services, Sunday.
The decision to close it was
made several months ago, after
attendance dropped to a point
where it was no longer practical
to carry on. Most in the
congregation are transferring
their membership to the
Missionary Church in Stouff-
ville, Ross Wideman, a member
of the Board told The Tribune.
Changing community closes church
Like so many country churches, the
century -old chapel at Altona will soon close to
regular worship. Once boasting the largest
Sunday School attendance in the area, the
changing community, due to the once -planned
Some have already made the
move, he said.
The Altona Church, under
management by Stouffville, will
be kept open for at least a year
since coffee hours, organized by
a group of women in the area,
have proved popular. The
situation will then be re-
assessed.
Worship times this Sunday
are unchanged, 11 a.m. and 7: 30
p.m., with Sunday School at ten.
Bob Kennedy, the presiding
pastor, will be in charge. Mr.
Kennedy is planning on retur-
ning to McMaster University in
Pickering Airport, rapidly depleted the ranks
of the congregation. Most members are ex-
pected to align themselves with the
Missionary Church in Stouffville.
JoAnn Thompson
St-anIey)LeWi's eut-s th
e of tk;Y a_et-x+enrn;, I
eeIebra4-)'on Serfi- 147 ir
C- F-fe e- N- ci r
The Altona W oiiv s Institute turned back
the clock, last week, when members and
friends of members presented fashions
"through the years". The bathing beauties
(above) are -Linda Wagg (right) and Sarah
Stoner. June 19 P
---Jim Holt
r-hi's %U" fi►-iez-I m eef;nii of ChuK
Imal
Ri b!r s Tc,C_ er
AI:T�NIA6 W�Ar[Tf.�i'S Nsmx�+� S c! m o„ I C I
J I S,-f j
Volker Klaue
"It was then my life
took a different direc-
tion," recounts Mr.
Klaue. "I recognized I
was a sinner and needed
God to bring purpose,
order and direction into
my life.
del ! IRev. Gibson Brown
and Mrs. Brown from
Wheatly, .were renewing
acquaintances in the
community on Sunday.
Rev. Brown was a former
minister here and at
Stouffville. w p /-f-c rt n,
New Pastor I
Rev. W. D. Sargeant of Stay
ner has been appointed to the
Pastoral charge of the Altona
Christian United Missionary
Church. Rev. Sargeant will
take the new post on July 1st.
Among other jobs he
held in Toronto during the
1960's were garbage
collector, hospital or-
derly, bank computer
operator and clerk.
Mrs. Frank Huson, the widoN
of a former minister at Gormle,
Missionary Church, passed awa;
in St. Catharines on Dec. 18 in hei
85th year. She is survived by het
son, Ronald, of St. Catharines
She was buried in Mount Plea
sant Cemetery in Toronto on Fri-
day, Dec. 22. t el
b� y
Rev. Huson
retiring
On June the 25th Rev. F. G.
Huson will have completed 5a
years in the Ministry.
After serving as an officer in the
Salvation army for some years,
Mr. Huson resigned and entered
the Ministry in the Missionary
Church in the year 1935, serving
in Collingwood, Stratford, Gorm-
ley, Banfield Church, Toronto,
Stauffvilee, Owen Sound, Altona,
and the past 5 years here in
Paisley.
On July 20th Mr. Huron with
Mrs. Huson terminate their
ministry in the Immanual Mis-
sionary Church in Paisley, and
are planning on retiring from
active ministry, they will be
residing in St. Catharines, On-
tario.
On Sunday, July 27th Rev.
Henry Runhart with Mrs. Run -
hart and their young son and
daughter will commence his
ministry in the Immanual Mis-
sionary Church here in Paisley.
Austrian minister became
Efle
Christian in this
ALTONA — The new
pastor of Altona
Missionary Church,
Volker Klaue, comes here
via Austria.
He and his wife, the
former Mae Summerfeldt
of Stouffville, have spent
the last two years
working with a home
Bible study group in that
country.
Mr. Klaue, a student
pastor, was born in
Austria and raised in
West Germany, but
emigrated to Canada in
1960. He is a 1969
Later, as part of
Operation Mobilization,
an evangelistic
organization, Mr. Klaue
spent two summers
working in his native
Austria and a half year in
Turkey.
graduate of Ontario Bible
College.
After his father died
in 1960, Mr. Klaue said
"for a long time I had no
certainty about God or
life after death.. I was
interested in all kinds of
philosophies, but I did not
find any certainty."
He became a
Christian after coming to
Canada, when a German
friend of his in Toronto
invited him to
evangelistic meetings
being held at Ontario
Bible College.
Mr. Klaue points out
that both the church
building and the par-
sonage of the church in
Altona are owned by the
country
federal government, as it
is located on land slated
for the now -defunct
Pickering airport. The
church recently passed
its 101st anniversary.
He said the church
has sponsored some
neighborhood coffee
hours to help long-time
residents of the com-
munity get to know
newcomers, and vice -
versa.
Regarding the people
(if the congregation, Mr.
Klaue remarked, "I am
pleased with the way
People in Altona have
opened up their hearts to
I t. v, /ti'So►�
do
n--
Altona pastor returns 'home'
The congregation of Altona Missionary Church welcomed their new pastor,
July 26 — new to the pulpit but not to the community. Rev. Donald Pugh is
a native of the area, son of Mrs. Pugh and the late Fred Pugh of Stouffville.
Previous charges include — Palmerston, Aylmer, Manitoulin Island, Port Elgin
and Plattsville.t —Peter Harris.
40
k
C�._,A,,,, t,/V i
Christian environment
School opens in f all
STOUFFVILLI — A
Christian school, to erve the
area, will open here Sk pt. 8. A
possible location is the Altona
Mission Church.
Information pe taining to
the venture was made r,,ublic at
a dinner meeting, April 23.
Guest speaker was Rev. Grover
Crosby of the Nc-wmarket and
District Christian Academy.
Based on a minimum
enrollment of 40 students and a
tuiuon fee of $1,2500.00, a deficit
of $21,000 is anticipated. If the
Stouffville's new Christian School,
located in the former Altona Missionary
Church, was dedicated at a ceremony
Monday night. Introduced to the audience
were members of the staff (left to right) -
tuition is increased to $1,400.00,
the year's loss will be cut to
$15,000.
The more students at-
tending, the greater the income
and the less sizeable the short-
fall.
A start-up capital of $16,000
will be required in preparation
for the opening this fall. For the
fiscal year of 1981-82, operating
costs (based on 40 students),
have been estimated. at $71,000.
This figure, broken down, in-
cludes $62,000 for salaries;
Ruth Herbert (Room 9 and 10); Melodie
Potter (Secretary and Music); Karen Pike
(Room 7 and 8); Elenor Paisley (French);
Nancy Stover (Librarian) and Robert Stover
(Principal). Greg Coates.
Christian School
Extend grades
STOUFFVILLE — The
and of directors of Stouffville
ristian School, have voted
animously to extend the
ade levels from one to 11, for
academic year, beginning
September, (c! V z
The decision was made
h "the proviso that class-
im facilities and the number
acceptable student ap-
/9s;i—.3
5 Christian School students do well in speaking contest
plicants are adequate," ac-
cording to a press release from
the school.
Present grade levels are
from five to 10, with class sizes
ranging up to 14 students. Total
school enrolment is 47.
For further information,
call the school principal, Bob
Stover, at 640-3297, or 640-2483.
$5,000 for supplies; $2,500 for
rent and $1,500 for utilities. As
the enrollment goes up, only the
cost of supplies increase.
David Ianuzzo, a member of
the Founding Committee, said
many questions would remain
unanswered until the hiring of a
principal is confirmed. Two full-
time teachers and one half-time
teacher are anticipated with
classes extending from Grade 5
to 10. He described the school as
providing "a high quality of
education within a Christian
Dedication
c eremon
STOUFFVILLE —
a great job finishing
A full house was on hand
around 6 p.m. the night
to witness a special
before classes were to
Dedication Service
begin."
Monday night for
The school's senior
Stouffville's new
Christian School.
and junior choirs
a
presented selections.
Ceremonies for the
Guest speaker Rev.
William Hiltz addressed
evening was Stewart
the gathering on the
Wideman. He expressed
need for Christian
appreciation to
Schools.
everyone involved in
making the school a
"I believe the
reality.
opening of this school is
He introduced the
the most significant
School Board Members.
event of the year for the
They include Dennis
Stouffville area," said
Alsop, Rev. J.R.
Rev. Hiltz, "and
Clubine, Peter Fernie,
possibly this decade."
Dr. David Ianuzzo
He expressed the
(Chairman), John
importance of the role of
Montgomery and Carl
education. "God en-
Reesor.
trusts us to teach our
An historical
children the right way,"
synopsis of the school's
he said, "and we, as
founding was provided
parents, allow the
by David Ianuzzo. He
schools to assist us in
explained how public
this instruction."
interest first came
The dedications
about back in 1976. He
ceremony was con -
then mentioned the
ducted by Rev. Jim
various groups and
Clubine.
committees involved in
The teaching staff
getting the school un-
includes Ruth Herbert,
derway.
Elenor Paisley, Karen
"Once we received
Pike and Melodie
the go ahead, we then
Potter. The principal is
had the task of
Robert Stover.
organizing the
The large crowd
facilities," said Mr.
was invited to tour the
ianuzzo. "Carl Reesor
school and enjoy
took on this task and did
refreshments.
environment". The committee,
he said, is not optimistic con-
cerning government support but
said academic instruction would
comply with Ministry
guidelines.
Preliminary registrations
will be accepted this month, he
said, with a final sign-up later
this summer.
With respect to a statement
on need, an information booklet
made available at the meeting
set forth the following goal: "We
wish to provide an environment
of sound Christian ethics and
moral principles, also a com-
prehensive academic program
which will challenge the
students to achieve their fullest
potential". Standard courses
will include language arts,
social studies, science and
mathematics --- all taught with a
Biblical perspective by fully
qualified Christian teachers,
certified in Ontario. The courses
will be fully accredited by the
Ministry with options added as
the school expands.
Six students enrolled in the Stouffville Christian
chool enjoyed excellent success in a recent public
peaking contest held at the People's Church, Toronto.
'ive of the winning participants are shown here (left to
ight)-Sherry Yeates, 14, Goodwood (second); Tricia
:11is,11, Stouffville (first); Jeni Montgomerv. 9. Stouff-
j� ville (third); Debbie Stem, 16, Ballantrae (second) and
Maria Wood, 14, R.R. 2, Markham (first). Absent is
Rachel Lewis who placed first. In recent competition
sponsored by the Stouffville Lions Club, Tricia Ellis
was second. In all, 15 schools were represented.
---Tim Thnmac
AMM W0119" U4511"s
1 �' -7
Christian School
19
keeps on growing
By Jim Holt
ALTONA — After
only one year of opera-
tion, the Stouffville
Christian School at
Altona has outgrown it-
self. The fall term has
been launched with a
property addition ---the
former Altona Feed
and Supplies building,
directly opposite the
original site.
All summer, the old
structure, last used as
pfurniture storage de-
ot, reverberated to
the sound of hammers,
drills and saws as pa-
found as far distant as
rents. pupils and
Ringwood or Glasgow.
teachers gave of their
The addition could
spare time and energy
not have come at a bet -
to transform it into a
ter time. This year's
five -classroom com-
enrolment is up nearly
plex
90%, from 49 to 88 stu-
According to Prin-
dents, and shows no
c i p a l Bob Stover,
signs of slowing.
although expansion
One of the new clas-
was discussed and
srooms will be used as
approved by the Board
a science laboratory,
back in February, it
with two being held in
was fortuitous that the
reserve for future ex -
old store became avail-
pansion.
able when it did, other-
With the new build -
wise accommodation
ing operational, the
might have had to be
school now -offers clas-
ses from Grades 1
through 10, with the
addition of Grade 11
and Kindergarten
scheduled for next
year. The original
teaching staff has
grown from four to ten,
keeping classes down
to a manageable size
One of the main
reasons for the school's
success, according to
Mr. Stover, is the fact
75% of parents contri-
bute their own evalua-
tion of the system,
along with construc-
tive criticism and
ideas. Also, parents de-
liver and pick up their
children every day.
This practise, he says,
keeps them in close
contact with staff.
Some idea of the spir-
it that prevails is the
fact that during the
Labor Day weekend,
no less than 47 people
worked on the new
addition and, through-
out the summer, a con-
tinuous stream of hel-
pers turned up to assist
in whatever way they
could.
Enthusiasm is un-
bounded and coopera-
tion between staff and
parents is exceptional,
Principal Stover
claims. Parents have a
say in what they want
for their children while
the teachers practice
and enforce many of
the old-fashioned prin-
cipals--- a certain for-
mula for success.
mencement Exercises, Sunday, with eight students re- Stover, Diana McNelley. Rear Row, (left to right)-
ceiving Grade 12 diplomas. The ceremony was held in Jonathan Butcher, Erik Ianuzzo, Jeff Smith, Jeff
the Stouffville Missionary Church. Members of the gra- Young, David Wakeford and John D'Amato.
-
Stouffville Christian School
Where the Bible
1S
By Lynn Kelly
ALTONA — Fac-
ing each other
across the Picker-
ing -Uxbridge Town -
line in Altona are
the two campuses of
a dream come true
for the founders of
the Stouffville
Christian School.
It took four years
for a group of pa-
rents to crystallize
their idea of a school
where young Christ-
ians could receive a
quality spiritual and
academic educa-
tion.
But in 1981, forty-
nine students from
Grades 5 through 10
became academic
pioneers when they
filled three clas-
srooms in the con-
verted Altona Mis-
sionary Church.
Just two years la-
ter, more than 135
students in Kinder-
garten through
Grade 11 will begin
the 1983-84 school
year.
The south cam-
pus, as that building
is known today, is lo-
cated on six country
acres that serve as a
unique playground
complete with a
field, a stream and
trees. A track and
baseball diamond
will be complete for
the new school year.
S e v e r a l
elementary clas-
srooms share the
building with a lib-
rary containing
more than 3,000 ti-
tles, and a gymna-
sium adorned by
stained glass win-
dows.
Grades 7 through
10 occupy a new
north campus, the
former Altona Feed
and Supply Store.
Principal Bob
Stover is proud of
the school's rapid
expansion, and anti-
cipates the addition
of Grades 12 and 13
within the next cou-
the success of the Stouffville Christian
School. The credit, he says, belongs to
the Lord along with the help of dedicated
conventional
schools.
Mr. Stover noted
that small classes
are popular with pa-
rents because "they
struction for guitar,
recorder and accor-
dion.
SCS will introduce
a new computer
pilot project this
c,irat
�
considering a larger i
accommodate the students.
as collecting and
preparing maple
syrup.
Annual tuition
fees are $1;650'fbr
elementary grades;
summer renovated.
the old Altona Feed
Stcire to keep expan--
sion costs down.
S 'Mr. Stover says
the school's facili
/ 04
pie of years.
He cites several
reasons for SCS's
success, noting that
while about 70 per
cent of the students
are from Stouffville,
others arrive from
Markham, Union-
ville, Uxbridge and
other outlying
areas.
"We have a well-
defined value base,
and the Christian
component of our
program is a strong
force," said M•r.
Stover, who left the
York Region Board
of Education after
19 years as both
teacher and princip-
al in several
schools.
He explained that
since one of the
school's objectives
is to povide a prog-
ram that has a
strong Biblical
base, a Bible credit
course is taught at
each grade level.
"We wanted this
school because we
recognized that the
base of truth is
God's truth," said
Mr. Stover. "We
recognize that a per-
son who is in fel-
lowship with Christ
is usually going to
fulfill the expecta-
tions that Christ
would have for us,
so our value base
comes from scrip-
ture."
Students attend
weekly chapel
periods, and in the
coming school year,
regular staff will
teach Bible studies
that previously had
been taught by au-
xilliary pastors and
full-time Christian
workers.
Additional full-
time staff will per-
mit a redistribution
of work loads, so
that regular
teachers can share
the Biblical instruc-
tion, explained Mr.
Stover.
"Each of the
teachers is totally
committed to that
philosophy of educa-
tion," he stated.
And with eight
full-time teachers,
the school's pupil -
teacher ratio is still
small enough to
attract students in-
terested in a more
personalized educa-
tion than they might
receive in larger
allow a deeper and
more meaningful
relationship wth the
kids. "
While admitting
that the program is
"somewhat struc-
tured," he empha-
sized that discipline
is firm but fair.
"And we don't
forget the student —
we follow him up,"
he said. "We sepa-
rate the behavior
from the behaver."
The Ministry of
Education inspects
the school's study
courses each year to
ensure they con-
form with curricu-
lum guidelines fol-
lowed by public
schools. Both of the
inspections to date
have been favor-
able, according to
Mr. Stover.
"We have endea-
vored to build
bridges between our
school and the pub-
lic school system,"
he stated. He noted
that public school
teachers and prin-
cipals were invited
to evaluate the
school's first scien-
ce fair conducted
last year.
He admitted that
many people credit
him with the
school's success,
but he's uncomfort-
able with that
assessment.
It bothers me
when people say
`that's Bob Stover's
school'," he said.
"It's not my school.
It's the Lord's and a
group of parents
who conceived of
the concept. I would
hope parents make
their choice on the
program and its
purposes, and
whether it accom-
plishes its objec
tives."
One aspect of the
school's curriculum
that might fairly be
credited to the prin-
cipal is the physical
education and
sports program.
Physical educa-
tion has a high pro-
file in our school,"
stated Mr. Stover.
"I feel very strongly
about that. We par-
ticipate in the Cana-
da Fitness
Program."
And the school
offers a full arts
program, including
drama and music,
and user -pay in -
September as a re-
medial tool to assist
instruction, ex-
plained Mr Stover.
Students will likely
become involved in
programming by
next year.
"There is not as
much isolation here
as some people
might think," he
claimed. "That stu-
dents are sheltered
here is a myth."
Although he feels
the curriculum is
"quite traditional,"
Mr. Stover noted
that longer school
days and more flex-
ibility because of its
small size disting-
uishes the school
from most.
Each instruction-
al day is about a
half-hour longer
than the standard,
and classes end in
mid -June. As well,
several "school
spirit" days are
organized through-
out the year by the
student council, in-
cluding field trips,
western days, and
special events such
$1,800 for secondary
grades and $900 for
kindergarten. A dis-
count is offered to
families with two or
more children en-
rolled.
Because tuition
income is insuffi-
cient to cover day-
to-day and expan-
sionary expenses,
the school relies on
gifts and fundrais-
ing to help defray
costs.
A successful fun-
draiser that has so
far netted $950 is
"Hot Dog Day",
held every Friday
during the school
year. Students pay
$1 for a hot dog (pre -
ordered and pre-
pared by mothers),
desert and drink.
As well, car pools
rather than buses,
are arranged in
September to trans-
port students.
An example of the
co-operative ,com-
munity effort that
has built SCS is the
new north campus.
Students, teachers
and parents last
ties are adequate
for the current en-
rolment, "but it's
going to be tight."
He expects growth
to continue as it has,
so the board is look-
ing at new property.
SCS has a five-
year lease with the
federal government
on its present prop-
erty, which is in the
Pickering Airport
zone. Until a new
site is found, port-
ables can be ac-
quired to accommo-
date a growing en-
rolment.
"This is definitely
a stop -gap to get us
going," stated Mr.
Stover. "But it has ;
served our purposel
well."
And SCS appears
to be serving the
purpose of its Board
of Directors: "The l
Christian school:
seeks to be an in- 11
stitution that will j
contribute to the•
lives of students to
realize and develop `
their God-given i
potential."
i Tr, b V n e Fe- Photo/JIM THOMAS
,• n,t?V,
Multi -purpose principal 1414,n e-
C' Ifuee h
Wally Robinson, principal at Stouffville Christian School often finds him-
self filling in for teaching and maintenance staff along with his responsi-
bilities as the school's administrator.
�� e /I
f'cI-cne isslene..6_
rus weignt toss means Christian School awains
STOUFFVILLE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL honored its Grade & graduates at a ceremony a week ago
Tuesday at Parkview Village. Teacher Ken Benson, who its leaving the school for the ministry,
addressed the graduates and posed with (from left) acacdemic award winners Laura Chmara,
Stephen Groat, Jakob deBoer and Jerq y_Wid=an. 014 0 & `� 01 ' .
(jr6lfidsvr) 4 (Corm s+ HtXrjIla,h WIdEmart
0Vmt1r A jonat rep # dP*k
Keith Lewis, (right), of William Street, Stouffville, is a mem-
ber of the Markham Fire Department. About four months ago,
he decided to take off thirty pounds. At the same time, he
wanted to help the Stouffville Christian School. So he accepted
pledges and earned in excess of $1,500. At the same time, he
shed; not 30 pounds, but 42.On Saturday, board chairman John
Montgomery, (left), presented Keith with an engraved plaque
in appmetation of his accomplishment. A similar Apprecia-
tion Plaque will go to Pat Montgomery, John's wife, for her
volunteer work at the , chool, including operation of the school
store and management of hot-dog days. --Jim Thomas
ALVWA WoW0'S MTffVM
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KA"
Mark Diamond Anniversary
Mr, and Mrs. Isaac Lehman, well-known and highly respected residents of Altona, celebrated
their diamond wadding annivi!rsary on Saturday and Sunday. The local couple received many
cards aqd telegrams, including a message from the Queen. The story appears on page 3.
,Staff Photo.
Mr. and Mrs. 1. Lehman-'.,�,,
Of Altona Celehrate'
I 60th Wedding Anniversary
"The Lord's been good to us,"
Reside at Altona
she smiled. "We have lots to be
With the children gone; Isaac
thankful for."
and Emma were alone again, `
"Yes," he agreed, "we have a
and in 1941 sold their farm and
grown family and if I had it to
moved to a house in Altona.
do all over again, I wouldn't
They have been there ever
change a thing."
since. Isaac was a farmer and
Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Lehman
being no exception to any other
of Altona were musing how
farmer, , he found the depres-
they have spent the last sixty
sion years very hard.
years. They were quite satisfied
Mr. Lehman recalls the era of
that everything had gone so
mechanized farm equipment
well, and that they are both
and how it modernized farm -
still together to celebrate their
ing. Farmers had a better
60th Wedding Anniversary.
chance of survival when the
Over 200 persons helped the
tractors and combines were in-l
Lehman's celebrate their 'big
troduced.
day. On Saturday evening a
Mrs. Lehman wasn't quite as
family banquet was held at, the
sure about the age of automa-
Masonic Hall in Stouffville.
tion. "When I first saw a car,"
The couple also have friends
she said, "I moved out of the
they weren't even aware of.
way.,,
Such as the Queen, Prime Min-
"It went about 10 miles an
ister Pearson, Premier Robarts,
hour, and that was pretty
Dr. Dymond, Mr. Thompson
swift."
and Mr. Starr. These people i
As automobiles became a
sent their congratulations !
common sight, Mr. Lehman re -
through the mail in forms of I
telegrams and letters. (
However, this celebration
_
members a friend asking him to
all
go for a spin in his new car. S,
• could not have been possible if ;
"It was the fastest car on`
it weren't for Mr. Lehman's un-
the road, 45 miles per hour.
daunted perseverance.
Scared me silly."
Attended Same School
He and Emma Davis had at-
The couple recall sleigh rides
tended school together at Atha
sing -songs and croquet as main
for a number of years. They li-
forms of entertainment. Of
ved one concession apart in
course, when they were teens,
Pickering Township. But at the
they had to be home at 10 p.m.
age of 17 Emma and her family
A Good Cook
moved to a small hamlet north
Isaac is 84, and Emma is 81.
—{ of Barrie. That could have been
He claims the only reason he is
f the end of a `teenage romance'
still alive today is the food Em-
f except Isaac wasn't going to
ma cooked.
let Emma get away with it.
"She's a great cook. When we
"I moved, and he followed,"
i lived on the farm, she made her
she said.
own bread and 28 pies a week."
"With my horse and buggy,"
"I had to,,, she claimed,
["there
he smiled, "I would `commute'
were eight of us plus our
back and forth to see her. Took
hired help. I also had my sis-
me all day to get there, but it
ter's boy for nine years."
was worth it."
Mrs. Lehman has two sisters, j
Emma lived for a year in To-
Mrs. Aida Nupp of High River, 1
ronto, a small city on Lake On-
Alberta and Mrs. Beatrice
tario, and worked as a house-
Campbell of Hellier, Ontario.
keeper for about $16 a month.
Mr. Lehman is the brother of i
Isaac was always around to
Mrs. Ella Smith, 92, Altona;
make sure she didn't leave
Mrs. Tillie Dunkeld, 86, Atha,
without his knowing it. !
and Mrs. David Nighswander,
Then on January loth, 1905,
80, of Altona.
Isaac and Emma tied the knot
He and his three sisters rep -
in a simple ceremony in Bar-
resent in total 342 years of life.
rie. Reverend Kean was the
Isaac and Emma brag about
man that started sixty years of
their family. "We have never, in.
joy and happiness for the cou-
all our lives, had a quarrel."
ple.
How many couples of today
Isaac had purchased a farm
can make that statement?
in 1900 on the 8th concession,
south of his former home. He
had it in full operation when I
he proposed to Emma four
years later.
They settled together in their
i private little world, never
dreaming that sixty years later,
they would still have that
world and would share it with
six children, 20 grandchildren
and 12 great-grandchildren.
"A boy was first, and a boy
was last," related Mrs. Lehman
speaking of her children. "In
between there were four girls."
The girls are now Mrs. Rita
Meyer; Mrs. Annie Neal, Ors.
Verna Ramer and Mrs. Mary
Kennedy. The boys, Arthur and
Norman grew up and set out
on life on _their own. Arthur is
a minister in BlenheimA
WOMB.N'S INSTITUTE �7
0 /
iwe0- F�pr,l I' 1ti,y
Mrs. 1no. Pallister
Buried Here Tuesday
The funeral was conducted
from the Dixon Funeral Home
in Markham on Tuesday of this
week for the late Mrs. Jane
Pallister, formerly of Altona.
Interment was made in the
Stouffville Cemetery.
Mrs. Pallister passed away at
the Claremont Rest Home on
Sunday. Mr. John Pallister, her
husband, passed away several
years ago.
Mr. and Mrs. Pallister farmed
on the Pickering -Uxbridge town -
line for many years prior to re-
tiring to Altona. Surviving is
one daughter Mabel (Mrs. Alex
Hughes) of Toronto.
Robert Roy Alsop
Mr. Jam Pallistet
Passes In
89th Year
in_..
his
niversary.
The deceased was an active
member of the Altona Union
Church where he conducted
the chair for a number of
,years. He was a member of
the Claremont and Kinsale
bands.
Besides his wife he is sur-
long vived by one daughter Mabel
Iwav (furs. Alex Hughes) of Toron-
mer Jane fJnzaipetn r;mmerson
whQ_ suryives. On Peb�bl ,
1VMr. and Mrs. Pallister cele-
brated their 60th wedding an -
ALSOP — Robert Roy — Oft
Wednesday, Sept. 14, 1966,
at. the Toronto Western Hos-
pital, Roy Alsop, son of the
late Hiram and Ellen Alsop,
of 305 Windermere Ave.,
Toronto, formerly of Altona,
in his 77th year; dearly be-
loved husband of Gertrude
Nesbitt; loving father of
l red of Stouffville, Drusilla
(Mrs. John Macko), Joy
(Mrs. Raymond Rines),
Audrey (Mrs. Kaarlo Mus-
tonen), all of Toronto; lov-
ing grandfather of Denny
Alsop, Jeffrey Macko, Chris-
topher Rines and Larry Al -
sop, deceased. Service was
held in the Chapel of the
O'Neill Funeral Home on
Friday, Sept. 16, at 2 p.m,
Interment Stouffville Ceme-
tery. Pallbearers were Har
old Dickinson, Grant Hill,
Murray Nesbitt, George Al -
top, Walter Baker, Allen
Meyer.
I � SL3�
ers were
golden day"
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Reesor, Main Street North, Markham, welcomed more than 150
neighbors, friends and relatives on the occasion of their Golden Wedding Anniversary,
March 3. j 1 7 0
Markham Fair encore
for Ballantrae sisters
They've done it
again!
The Carter sis-
ters, Ann and Susan,
are champions in
two divisions at
Markham Fair ---
Ann in the Eighteen
and Under Class
and Susan in the Top
Student category.
They are the
daughters of John
and Marjorie Car-
ter, Ballantrae.
Ann,16, is a Grade
1 student at Stouff-
ville Dist. Secon-
dary School. She
had 23 winners in
her 33 exhibits. She
retains the K.J.
Beamish Trophy
he won in '82. The
presentation was
made Sunday.
In addition to the
rand Cham-
pionship, she also
won two specials ---
the best apple pie,
presented by Ursula
O'Connor and best
liquid embroidered
T-shirt.
Ann was most
pleased with the
first prize she re-
ceived on her Dres-
sed Doll. It took over
three months to
complete. Several
of her entries were
started as early as
last spring.
Ann says she
plans to enter again
next year, maybe
even two more
years, until she's
eighteen.
Her sister, Susan,
12, received the
Travelways Li-
mited Trophy, Fri-
day. She's a Grade 7
student at Ballan-
MARKHAM — The
Reesor family name is
well-known and highly
respected in Markham and
community.
It was no less popular in
1920. In fact, pretty Eva,
d ugghter of Flavius and
9Vnie Reesor, liked it
,--well enough to keep it.
The decision was just
fine for Joseph. Because he
liked Eva too. On March 3 -
fifty years ago, Eva
Reesor and Joseph Reesor
were married at her
parent's home, cone. 5,
Scarboro. Rev.
Eltherington, then the
pastor at Markham United
Missionary Church and
Dickson's Hill, performed
the ceremony.
Their honeymoon was a
trip by train from Locust
Hill to Toronto.
trae Public School.
She, like Ann, is a
repeat winner from
1982. Donna Chil-
vers, representing
the Travelways'
firm, made the tro-
phy presentation.
Susan placed 32
exhibits in the
School Children's
Section. She also re-
ceived four prizes in
the Eighteen and
Under Class.
The elementary
school with the high-
est number of points
was Milliken Mills.
The Howard Cos -
burn Memorial Tro-
phy was presented
by Mary Cosburn.
In the Eighteen
and Under Class,
Thornhill Secon-
dary School was the
high -point winner,
receiving the Sterl-
ing Trust Award.
Recipients of
other Specials in.-
cluded --- Lisa
Weatherill, Stouff-
ville, (Decorated
Cake -Christmas
Theme); Amy Wil-
liams, Altona, (De-
corated Flower
Pot); Tina Smith,
Markham, (Hand
Puppet); Glen De -
Geer, Beer Road,
Scarborough, (Stuf-
fed Farm Animal);
Amy Britton, Stouf-
fer Street North,
Stouffville, (Best
Scarecrow); Shaw-
na McGregor, R.R.
1, Gormley, (Best in
Show, Grades 5 to 8)
and Matthew
Priestley, Mar-
kham, (Best in
Show, Nursery .o
Grade 4).
Sixteen -year -old Ann Carter of Ballantrae was a repeat win-
ner in the Eighteen and Under Class at Markham Fair. Her
proudest of 33 exhibits was a beautifully dressed doll. Ann is a
Grade 11 student at Stouffville Dist. Secondary School.
---Jim Thomas
* 0"'e, -*''t
Roy Tindall Dies �m
�b
On Fishing Trip
STOUFFVILLE — Fish-
Ing near his cottage resi-
dence on Lake St. Nora, was
A pastime enjoyed most by
Roy Tindall of Stouffville.
It was while out on such a
trip on Sunday that he was
stricken with a heart attack
and died in his boat. He was
found by Harry Noble and
and his son, Gerald on Mon-
day morning after an earlier
search with the aid of police
had been called off at night.
The ,boat had drifted into a
protected cove. The fishing
pole was still held in his
hands.
Mr. Tindall was born in
Pickering Township, the son
of Mrs. Mabel and the late
Melvin Tindall, He resided at
Altona for a time, moving
to his residence in the east
end of Stouffville, 20 years
ago. -He was 46.
Mr. Tindall displayed great
pride in his home and the
grounds were always kept
in immaculate condition.
He operated a successful
trucking business until ill
health prompted him to sell
out to Arthur Wideman and
Son. He was a member of
the Oddfellows' Lodge.
Besides his wife, the for.
mer Frances Forfar, he is
survived by two sons, Nor-
man of Claremont, Tom•"-- -t
home and one daughter,
Carolyn, a nurse ill
at Western Hospital. There
are two brothers, Harry of
Altona, Murray of Sandford
and three sisters, Florence,
(Mrs. Joe Symes) of Stouff-
ville; Ruby, -(Mrs. Stanley
Reesor) of Altona and Elsie,
(Mrs. Aylmer Carter) of
Stouffville. There is one
granddaughter, Darlene Tin-
dall.
Rev. Douglas Davis is in
charge of the service from
the O'Neill Funeral Home,
Stouffville on Thursday
afternoon (today) at two
o'clock, with interment in
Stouffville Cemetery. The
pall bearers are — Aylmer
Hood, Dr. Ron Smith, Jack
Beach, Ralph Boyd, George
Alsop and Harry Madden.
WE wish to thank relatives,
friends and neighbors for
their many acts of kindness,
beautiful floral tributes and
sympathy shown during our
bereavement.
t=or Reesor : Stanley, c
Ruby Joyce and Glen;
Ree{ot- Mrs. Mabel Tindall.
Heart attack fatal
to Sandford trucker
%Z
SANDFORD� A
and his death came as
leart attack, suffered
a great shock, not only
.)y well-known Sand-
in the Sandford
ord trucker, Murray
community, but in all
Tindall, Aug. 8, proved
areas where he was
alal, despite all ef-
known so well.
orts to revive him.
Besides his wife, the
The seizure occurred
former Nora Harman,
m the farm of Paul
he leaves two sons,
Xhitehead, R.R.1,
Melvin, R.R.1, Ux-
�xbridge, only
bridge; Bruce at
minutes after he had
home; his mother,
oaded an animal into
Mrs. Mabel Tindall,
he vehicle. He was
Altona; a brother,
itricken as he walked
Harry, also of Altona
ip the ramp to close
and two sisters, Mrs.
down the racks. He
Florence Symes,
was only 45.
Stouffville and Mrs.
Born at Altona, the
Aylmer Carter, R.R.1,
son of Melvin and
Claremont.
Mabel Tindall, he
Hundreds of people
moved to Sandford,
called at the Low and
north-west of Ux-
Low Funeral Home,
bridge, in 1956.
Uxbridge, to express
Murray Tindall was
their sympathy. The
an ambitious, hard-
floral tributes were
working man and his
beautiful. Interment
business showed the
was made in Stouff-
success of his efforts.
ville Cemetery.
Only recently, he had
Pall bearers were -
added to it, purchasing
Donald Boyd, George
the Morley Leek
Geelink, Wilbert
Transport operating in
Welsh, Harvey Meek,
Uxbridge.
Wm. Hackner and
It was eleven years
Dennis Kerr.
ago that the deceased
had anv indication of
fmnat L — In to
ving
memory of a dear son-in-law
Murray who passed away
August 8, 1972.
We cannot hail the hands of
time
Or live again the past
Within our hearts are
memories
That will forever last.
Sadly missed by George and
Flossie Harman and
families.
50th anniversar Sr Trl by ne
Y 445 . r>Ys_
JOE AND FLORENCE SYMES celebrated their 50th anniversary
last Saturday afternoon at the Goodwood Community Centre.
Symes worked as a farmer for many years before moving to Stouff-
ville 30 years ago. Symes grew up north of Claremont while his
wife grew up in AIF to, na. Symes also worked for Canadian Lines
for many years and for the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville for eight
years before his retirement.
Late Harry Tindall
A skmed
C,airpenter
� e
ALTONA — Harry
Tindall, well-known and
O'Neill Funeral Chapel
w i t h interment,
highly respected Altona
Claremont Union
area resident, died in his
Cemetery.
sleep, Sunday, Nov. 2, the
,;•
result of a heart attack.
;
Besides his wife
Mr. Tindall was a
skilled carpenter, ap-
Blanche, he is survived
by `Iltree sons, Kenneth,
plying his trade at Tam o-
Ross and Harvey all of.
Shanter, Agincourt and
Brougham; one daughter,
later with Bob Lewis,
Marie, in Scarborough
Claremont, RR 3. He'd
and one grandson, Steven
been retired for the past
Tindall. There are two
two years.
sisters, Florence Symes
He was only 55.
of Stouffville and Elsie
Rev. Donald Pugh,
Carter, Coppins Corners.
former minister at Altona
Pall bearers were six
Missionary Church and
nephews, Melvin, Bruce
now at Plattsville, was in
and Norman Tindall;
charge of the service,
Earl and Ray Carter and
held Nov. 5 from the
Glen Reesor.
' Now In My Day, Son - - -
Tmutern ypAr nitl >"arl T,PWIA of Altona it alway8 Willing to li.Nen 1,n a ktii of friendly
rfl,•i,•p frmrr hie ,antlfather, }Seri I,r�,is, eQpp1•ia.11y When ii CnmPS In lcP�n rlm�in': r'nn,pFtitiona
lit<a M. rntcrnalionel. In the 1Z tra 1,% yenr ()w ,Mars, ynting Earl more than held his own as he
topped a field of eight entries far a 1st prize award of $3&
T L9
Mr. and Mrs. Fred Lewis, Altona, will 1 eave Dec. 8 on an expense -paid trip to Ha-
waii. Mr. Lewis and son Roy of Altona Feed and Supplies, topped their sales quota
of Ford tractors. They sold fifteen in a period of fifteen days. —Cadieux Studio
/lqt ! %••
Dealer W
ALTONA — Winning
I rips to foreign lands, is
becoming a habit for Fred
Lewis, owner of Altona
Heed and Supplies Ltd.
Mr. and Mrs. Fred Lew-
is will leave Dec. 8 for a
ten-day vacation in Ha-
waii. Mr. Lewis told the
Tribune that he had won
the trip for beating the
sales target of tractors set
by Ford of Canada.
The competition was in
celebration of Ford's 50th
Anniversary and had over
304 participating dealers.
Fred said that the deal-
ers had to beat a sales tar-
Stouffville TOPS Queen, Mrs. Ruth Lewis (centre) is pictured here with runner-up, Mrs. Ruth Smith (left),
also of Altona and last year's winner, Mrs. Ruby Mansfield, Stouffville. —Staff Photo
0
ns Trip
get for the first 15 days in
November. His sales for
this period were 15, which
works out to one a day. In
one single day, he sold
five.
Much of the credit goes
to his son, Roy, who made
many of the sales on the
road, for which he rec:eiv-
To Hawaii
ed a prize of $1,000.
Mr. Lewis said this is
the third time he has won
a prize from Ford.
Six years ago, he won a
trip for his wife and him-
self to the British Isles
and last year his son Earl
and he,.went to England,
France and Belgium.
Former Algona Girl
Agricultural
Mrs. David, Johnson, 21,
the former Joyce Lewis,
daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
Fred Lewis of Altona, has
been chosen Milverton
Centennial Agricultural
Queen..
The selection was based
on personality, appear-
ance, agricultural back-
ground and knowledge.
Joyce has been extreme-
ly active in 4-11 Club work,
acquiring both County and
Provincial certificates and
pins. She was selected to
take part in conferences
and judging at both the
University of Guelph and
the Canadian National Ex-
hibition. She is President
of the Milverton 4-H Club.
Joyce is a busy girl. In
addition to these activities
she is a full-time sales -
Queen
er 1.3, 1410
clerk, a omestic engineer
press reported for the Kit-
chener -Waterloo Record
and The London Free
Press and holds a member-
ship in the Milverton Rod
and Gun Club. She sews
all her own :dresses and
made her own wedding
dress.
The Centennial Queen
ceremony took place fol-
lowing a parade at Milver-
ton Fair. She received a
crown, a banner and a cor-
sage from the runner-up
to the Title, Yvonne Crum-
mer of Linwood, Ont.
The win entitled Joyce
to compete -at Fordwich
for the Centennial Queen
championship of Huron
and Perth Counties and the
finalist then advances to
the Provincial Title in
Toronto.
Birthday gathering
:tea.,, ! ► 3.1Z
By Blanche Tindall
ALTONA - A party was
held at the home of Don
and Shirley Hansen,
March 29, to celebrate
Tammy's first, Troy's
third, and Bert Lewis' 75th
birthdays. Grandparents,
parents, sisters, brothers
and their families at-
tended.
The W.M.S. will meet at
the home of Mrs. David
Francis, April 7 at 8. p.m.
farm, Claremont, Idly 2, on Saturday. Earl Lewis, 1.4, 4 Altona topped his class.—Sta.ft' Photo.
Earl Levis Tops
11-15 Yr. Class
Fourloon .year old Earl Lewis
of. Altcrt a won out over seven
other Tries in the tractor •and
mount plow class (2 or'•rnore
furrows), for boys 12 to 15 X�e,ars
of age, 'at .Ilip InternationC on
Wednesda\%. He receiv $35
Earl B. Lewis, son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred
Lewis, Altona, has graduated with a Bachelor of
Mathematics degree from the University of
Waterloo. He has accepted a position with the
accounting firm of Dunwoody and Company,
Toronto, and is completing his articling
requirements to obtain his Chartered Ac-
countancy. Earl, his wife Susan (nee Britton),
and daughter Stacey, will take up residence at
Agincourt, where Susan spent her childhood
years.
A Centennial Project With Meaning �W
A most unique centennial project has been completed by Mr. David John.
►rmerly of Claremont and now of Milverton. It is in honor of his wife's 22nd
ay on May 22 and also their third wedding anniversary. It contains 22
rnial dollar bills and 22 centennial coins. Their first anniversary is desig-
by the paper money; their 2nd anniversary by a cotton background and
lyd anniversary by the emblem made out of leather. Mrs. Johnson, shown'
".e--- .er Joyce Lewis of Altona. —Staff . Photot
Mr. and Mrs. Gordon C. Powell are pictured here following their recent marriage in the Stouffville
United Missionary Church. The bride is the former June Audrey. Lewis, daughter of Mr, and Mrs. Fred
Lewis, Altona. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Powell, Unionville R.R.A. —Cadieux Studio.
train circled out from the
back of the dress and was
caught by a butterfly bow
with two large satin un-
derlays. The front of the
dress was enriched with a
wide band of pearl en-
crusted lace that fell from
each shoulder to a V at the
Empire waist and continu-
ed to the floor in an A -line
style. Matching lace and
tiny pearls also outlined
the train. Her circular
bouffant veil fell from
tiers of petals, each petal
outlined with pearls and
sparkling crystals. The bri-
dal bouquet was a cascade
of deep sweetheart roses,
with stephanotis and pink
and rose carnations with
Leather Fern.
The Maid of Honor, Miss
Marline Brooks, and the
Bridesmaids, Mrs. Shirley
Hanson and Mrs. Joyce
Johnson, sisters of the
bride, Miss Sharon Wide-
man, Miss Janice Egoroff,
and Miss Noreen Powell,
sister of the groom, all
wore similar full-length
gowns of Emerald Green
velvet with a matching
peau de soie band around
the Empire waistline and
detailed with a butterfly
bow and long ties at the
back.
The circular ruffle on the
elbow -length sleeves was
completed with a peau de
soie underlay and match-
ing bow. Their matching
headpieces were bands of
the same material as their
dresses. They carried cas-
cades of light pink carna-
tions and Leather Fern
and wore matching drop
pearl necklaces, gifts of
the bride.
The little flower girl,
Miss Valerie Pickering,
cousin of the groom, wore
a "miniature replica" of
the bridesmaids' dresses.
Her headband was of
light pink carnations the
same as her cascade. She
also wore a pearl neck-
lace, gift of the bride.
Master Richard Harper,
nephew of the bride, acted
as ring -bearer wearing a
black tuxedo similar to the
ushers, with a white bou-
tonniere, and carried a
white satin and lace heart -
shaped cushion.
The best man was Mr.
Bill Powell, brother of the
groom and the ushers
were, Mr. Roy Lewis,
brother of th bride, 'Mr.
Leonard Powell, and Mr.
Lloyd Gayman. They wore
black tuxedos and white
boutonnieres.
Messrs. Dave and John
Hisey sang "The Lord's
Prayer" before the double -
ring ceremony and "O
Perfect Love" during the
signing of the register. ac-
companied by Mrs. Floyd
Ratcliff at the organ.
At the reception, tollow-
ing the •ceremony, the
bride's mother received
the guests wearing a
brown brocade dress and
matching waist - length
jacket with brown and
gold accessories and a cor-
sage of roses and mums in
fall colours. She was as-
sisted by the groom's
mother who chose a plum
lace dress, three-quarter
length jacket and match-
ing velvet hat with beige
and black accessories.
Her corsage was of white
mums and stephanotis.
Leaving for a honey-
moon, the bride wore a
three - piece multi - colour
tweed walking suit trim-
med with a small white
Fox collar and cuffs and
tan accessories. She car-
ried a white orchid on her
tan envelope purse. On
their return from a trip to
Vancouver, B.C., they will
reside in Bethesda. / i f
r - -J1 cr-ctT t v!7 a or- r.. 00%AI ir-ra .
Thcs. �.Lew:s John Lewis
r�J (bro+h e r of 7-h as, A•)
i-her
SfanleyG kew's Mrs. Jonas Lewis Thbe, A,Lewit
Jre4 Jelarid tr%ai-h'r g#-aJlfa}her.
Jo r, a,* f' e.w i s m . /'�- n, ana..0 %4�w,ry� G cfwt'a11...�Tk'.+. o-aY yam.
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ls) W + {ea rn
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4114 ess¢Q''`Flaipw
()3) 13 ertrtn, �,n, �� d%�„-fer.� Mesa i-I. pc-n
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3. �h, man uel
N . A
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ri o rt'trn ; l y
(s) Rob e r
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12o6ar-I
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LeW.rl5 /4I; Ilee 134,r}
Ethel Mon k.f,oure Lewis
(r r) joke Pm.
( v';',) 14 a le . �r.?Z( /3-u��
Shlela,i G
(v;;i) Term r. . G,,y1c
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(p' gi leer,
f"wiq Jars -John brize-,
;iren+s of Hv,�,Thcmas 4, Lewis,
ran r!i�(4re+ s �f iii�lei ���rf 1 w'Is
Died
The Funeral
Vdd
In Altona, on Friday, April 27th,
1923
Thomas A. Lewis
In his 89th year
Grana�a+ker 0¢ Bar-- * Stanley LeW _s
A mailbox with a message 1,V1,
A unique mailbox has been erected on the roadside near Altona Feed and
Supplies. It is made from the front of a Ford tractor, with Bert Lewis,
Fred's father, doing the work. The box serves two purposes - a convenience
to the country mail carrier and an excellent advertisement for the Lewis
Ford dealership. —Jas. Thomas.
Will take place from the late residence, 2nd
Con., Uxbridge; on Mondav afternoon,
30th inst., and proceed to Stouffville
cemetery for interment. Service at the
house at 2 p.m. .
Friends and acquaintances will please accept this
intimation.
:43irb
At Altona, on Monday, February 12th, 1934
Elizabeth Howard
Rrtirt of Or late 04111'. Erwin
In her 88th year
Lewis
Family
Gathering
ALTONA — Thirty-nine
members of the family of
Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Lew-
is enjoyed a New Year's
Day reunion at the Altona
Community Centre. Pres-
ent were Mr. and Mrs.
Stanley Lewis; Mr. and
Mrs. Harold Lewis, Patsy,
Tom and Allen; Mr. and
Mrs. Robert Lewis, Keith,
Gerald, David and Shirley;
Mr. and Mrs. Bert Lewis;
Mr. and Mrs. Fred Lewis;
Mr. and Mrs. Jim Harper,
Ricky and Darlene; Mr.
and Mrs. Don Hanson and
L�
Troy; Mr. and Mrs. David
--
Johnson; Mr. Roy
—
Lewis and Steven; Mr. and
y-
Mrs. Gordon Powell; Mr.
and Mrs. Wilfred Bradley
and Sheila; Earl, Terry
and Lorne Lewis; Susan
Cyr
Britton; Mrs. Ellis Melton,
Marion, Lloyd and Glenn.
From the residence of her son, Arthur Lewis,
Altona, on Thursday, Feb. 15, at 2 p.m -
Interment SStouffville Cemetery
Friends and acquaintances will please accept this
intimation.
r--r Lewis
lqi4
1_ "I / C . Z Q x h,-i cl j e T"w/,•
:ZVOacre prvller%l 2V C lrcins ,.;de iY ,<es a.nel
✓ r; c h a i in S
JCL qrf T rorrr G
S
J
07- n, W il 1 sI r7 A e n fC, J o h n £, w; 1 J s o P1 ct n el M4 r y
fR / ' ZS� G r1c( D<vrc� s-o:, se; id ,2c�:acre5 fc
J h n M r'd cd ecu J k+ i,, 1 rr y/.
Irt Seems �-1,�� -pvom horn tSe lots were cl,✓,44
c4P fi It e LA" � q s 1-e j *.S+&V Pei 'n -t Rdleso;- P&n cfird`)
Sane nrcr,2�5 on these. (a7s 4,ere Ga,nrld /3✓ery,Jecrt
_ --+
�osrph �3ro:vn 3ecres Abr._hc_m Aneler;cn /ccre,.Jetmes pch,'e
_
A1ex�•nd" liEft,e,2 4cres. Thcs. is r'ewn (`1P62) taJehrt snd
,.� _
J�EJrn[Ic LFw,S S`D/d i-o �obc r1 Al C F1r/c n e
�T his is
,fig; teen Lyncu's rn, I/) 4
.�uSNPh %3re�„n's Pre f�Pr'��l wR5 Selei wn,, 6', bsc,� r, 17
,
�/so This• Man,�,s bc4 Jc It1L `i3_TcheS ,n
Wr, osc 1 w JQ /
nP l�, s•cl4 Gaccr&s "fo bah hell
I n l iD Sr �'ortrz!r�c Th �s w �s �cfer beu�hf byTh�s. Lek„s
purcheLSNc1 1'/3acres
M-Qd1 /3r-ker rr7 I c // "'Vc ned bcvgh+ fretm Jcc. h sfo.,ffrr.
1 7h r s
e z P J`- oP a rt7 PS were f +fi e n
r✓ ci
r eel I, / 13 7 b, t w e e n tcc /
n l & \/ cz d 1serf f4 m l,V w:'S
/
circa 192
~��
lv h o t c✓ n Nc/ /hen, /
urr><, a,chrerri'atic„ Ice b,/y7.3,
Wall
/n enP c{eeel Jacob Me •• s
�r�Per>< yEh(scn cf' Henri/ Meer) scicf /ccr� 1� • / +►�
y cc r, S,S1c,'
Al+o,,,Q usPrph� `f 1oty/l ✓2,/i3,/5e A1,5i e. Mainst.er "1► �` \ ,
fIr
/ 1�e ofel ShP�
Sb4rreJ n,aker�, /tne wQ5
wnen S'.nley
T s U r,d ; A
t Id
any yn q 6vq mears �s fhe s ILLu9hfer_huUs,�lacy J Ii�E�rin/ Irjr; /` - '� �• •'•
LEWIS In loving" ,
�. memory of a dear wife y y
and mother ElizabethAltona'home
whopassed Tway
January 9, 1976.
Many limes your name is
spoken
Many happy days
1 , recalled
Never will you be
-a� forgotten
By those who loved you to eceased
most of all.
Sadly massed by Bert,
Fred and Ruth
rr ALTONA — Despite major His family and his farm
-- changes within the community meant a great deal to him. He
k over the past ten years, Altona was extremely proud of his nine
t
was always looked on as `home' grandchildren including - Jean
by Bertram Lewis. He spent (Mrs. Jim Harper), Peter -
most of his life in the area. 4n 3 cborough; Shirley (Mrs. Don
Mr. Lewis died Saturday In "Hanson), Ashburn; Roy of
hospital at Barrie. He had been Glasgow; Joyce (Mrs. David
living near there with his son Johnson), Stratford; June (Mrs.
y and daughter-in-law, Mr. and Gordon Powell), Leaskdale;
Mrs. Fred Lewis, since the Helen (Mrs. Wilfred Bradley),
` passing of wife Elizabeth in Altona; Earl of Calgary; Terry
�•� 1976. and Lorne, Altona.
" One brother, Stanley, lives
Bert Lewis was born at at R.R. 3, Stouffville. There are
Glasgow in Uxbridge Township 22 great-grandchildren.
86 years ago, the son of Thomas Rev. Donald Pugh, formerly
and Jane Lewis. During World of Altona Missionary Church
"p War I he served overseas with and now at Plattsville, con -
the Canadian Arm and only ducted the service Tuesday,
Mr. and Mrs.v Bert Lewis, Altona, celebrated their Y Y Y,
g last November was a guest at from the O'Neill Chapel,
Golden Wedding anniversary, June 11, with 300 friends P ,
the annual veterans dinner in Stouffville with interment,
and relatives attending reception in their honor. (Q- the Stouffville Legion Hall. Stouffville Cemetery.
I .
i Ids
Nr7 )- dtrn LNwis Fit r-n,
Lcf / Ccn. L Uxlir, 10- TownSh:p
'`-(d 6Mrs. Jane (ThcS) Monkl7cus� f�
pan fla!/ In Iqo� — boat
$' b hes '�cr 2frcc.
elot\,� S , �'e r`ther ,n !�� fo Da r� resid ed here & nd,. /1rHtuv- SmA
u i5 JI vPci here Er
boug(Zf- bl/ 7'hos, �eu•'isi9wl•t� ci-;deb +
�o the I=ar7� rs ncf �y3 ac
a ncl rt�;l)Pcl ;t f 13c 0
�rom 191Z r ram �Nu�tS k)Ezo
0 7 ,a , ro 3y"q- ,u; ll
� ' �rPci �N wrsr
1n,as ra�seCi h n c� l3eri�izz;e �in+hen
Nr� y
tXPPcPricied by the 1`ecler�J Gci.'C jn /y73
TPrr y L ew, s /3rrt�
// � s �rarrdsa/> tack c�'Nrancl renf�xt
�rc m the
Sc✓ern InNn�.
taken at Stanley Lewis Farm about 1925
James 9o_Vper-- bo"J�i lcf -prom Je"nLOW ;s, A;.,
grand Father Bert Lewis in
house buff by Narcld Lew;;S I,is brother-�n-lcw
In , Jir ~..lean'$ *c.hilciren born here
Garage Mov*cj e'ro i„
li5ea s a repair business for veh,cles, &J-c.
iFkpl-aphiatecd Ir4 Mc.y 1973,
Owner rhove.l to 13r,'ciy�noYi /► in
A0W&'WQM+.ti'
i4
Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Lewis
Altona cutep le
A L T O N A— If a
Saskatchewan and Mrs. '
pleasant smile and a
Pearl Gambrill, Rich -
pleasing personality are
mond Hill.
secrets to a long and
During their courting
happy married 1 i f e ,
days the motor car was
then Mr. and Mrs.
a rather unreliable lux -
Stanley Lewis of Altona
ury so Mr. Lewis would
are assured of many
pedal over to see his
more wonderful years
best girl on his more
together. The w e l I
dependable two -wheel -
known and highly re
er. But riding on the �,
spected couple cele-
cross -bar of a bike was Y
brated their 50th wed-
neither lady -like or � x
ding anniversary, Jan.
comfortable so as their
22 and welcomed doz-
friendship grew, Stan -
ens of neighbors
ley switched to a horse
friends and relatives to
and buggy. They were
their home during the
married Jan. 22, 1919 at
afternoon. In the even-
the home of her broth-
ing, they were honored
er, Jacob Reesor, now
at a family gathering in
the residence of Dr.
the Altona Community
and Mrs. Donald Petrie
Centre.
i n Stouffville. R e v.
Mr. Lewis, at 76, but
Ephram Sievenpiper, a
former pastor of the
looking many years
Altona United Mission -
younger, was handsome
ary Church, performed
in a dark suit and white
the ceremony.
carnation boutonniere.
Following a honey -
Mrs. Lewis, 70, looked
moon trip to Toronto
lovely, smiling all the
by train, Mr. and Mrs.
while as steady
Lewis returned to Al -
stream of well-wishers
tow the same farm
filed into the reception
now operated by a son,
room.
Bob. A new house was
Beautiful cards and
built on the property
flowers were appropri-
16 years ago where they
ately arranged and a de-
reside today. A second
corative anniversary
son, Harold, also lives
cake, perfected by Mrs.
in Altona. There are
Grant Drewery, was ad-
seven grandchildren;
mired by everyone.
Patricia -Ann, Shirley,
Mr. Lewis, a native of
Keith, Gerald, David,
the area, was born at
Tom and Allan.
has `g
olden day'
flu
11
4hau.
A1sl-
Glasgow, the son of
Mr. Lewis possesses
Thomas Lewis and Jane
a keen sense of humor
, , _..,..
I : 135
Grice. He has one bro
and his wife's friendly
b9
ther, Bert, Stouffville,
smile lights up a room.
- " �� '�
R.R. 3.
Both enjoy excellent
Mr, and Mrs, Stanley Lewis, Altona, marred fifty years, Jan. 22, 1969.
34 ql
Mrs. Lewis, the for-
health.
—Staff Photo
_ afsL 9 [
mer Adah Reesor was
When not working
mired as a product of
ier John Robarts, Hon.
received from c I o s e
ro} (-ZI
born at Box Grove, one
with his sons, in the
her handiwork.
John Diefenbaker, Gov:
friends, Mr. and Mrs.
of a family of eight, the
carpentry t r a d e or
Among the many mes-
Gen. and Mrs. Michen-
John Jory of Toronto,
Ivil b +7o�z
daughter of Martin Ree-
trucking cauliflower to
sages of congratulations
Gov. W. Ross
er, Lt.-Gov.
now in Trinidad.
0'. no b-)t
sor and Sophia Fretz.
Toronto, Mr. Lewis
were telegrams from
MacDonald and M.P.
The Tribune is pleas-
g ",rr_.,s s
There are now three
brothers; Jacob, Stouff-
likes nothing better
than sitting down in
Prime Minister Pierre
William G. Newman.
ed to add its congratu-
o , . rrf3
•11 P P t A
h' f h '
Elliott Trudeau, Prem-
Good wishes were also
lations
vi e, ercy, or r- is avoriLe easy c air
thur; Harold, Flin Flon, with a good book.
Manitoba and three sis- Mrs. Lewis loves to
ters: Mrs. Lovina Rus- crochet and knit. A
nell, Stouffville; Mrs. beautiful tablecloth in
Joseph Glover, Redvers, the dining room was ad-
ME
i
Stanley Lewis recently celebrated his 82nd birthday. He still enjoys
working in the field and last week did his share in harvesting cauliflower.
Stanley Lewis
At 82 years old
Celebrate 65th wedding anniversary
work is a habit
CLAREMONT — Retiring at 65, or
earlier, is the rule today. At that stage either
you decide it's time for a rest, or you're forced
to quit.
Stanley Lewis, 82, of R. R. 3, Claremont, is
an exception to the trend. Last week we talked
with him as he harvested cauliflower in the
field of the farm operated by his son Bob.
"I'm no different from anybody else; I
just always had to work, that's all," he said.
Working "just gets to be a habit, I guess," he
added.
Stanley's father was a farmer, and Mr.
Lewis has done farm work all his life. He
figures reaching 80 is no reason to stop now.
When asked how long he thought he would
keep going, Mr. Lewis replied, "I swear off it
every year," but then ends up working
anyway.
"I don't work very hard now," he said. "I
keep at it, but I don't do very much `til fall."
This year Mr. Lewis has ploughed about
85 acres and plans to do another couple
hundred. He also helps out whenever help is
needed for chopping cauliflower.
Hundreds of family friends and re- anniversary. Mr and Mrs Lewis of
latives called at the Stouffville M}s- R.R. 3, Mount Albert, have two sons,
iionary Church, Saturday, to con- Harold and Bob and thirteen grand-
;ratulate Mr and Mrs Stanley Lewis chilliren.
1n the occasion of their 65th wedding J a, n
AL*rm wowls
14,
11.5
Stanley Lewis raised a family of two
boys, Harold (1921) and Robert (1929).
Robert took over the farm and in 1953
Stanley and Adah (Reesor) Lewis
moved to a new frame house just to the west
of the older farm house. This house cost
$6,000. to build at that time. An addition of a
breezeway and single garage was added in
1964. The farm minus the new house and lot
was sold to
Nelson Davis in 1962 and he in turn sold to
Revenue Properties and then was expropriated
in Feb., 1973.
FAKH HowsE
Late Adah Lewis
Her memory
will live on
On March 16,1984,
Adah Lewis passed
away in York Coun-
ty Hospital New-
market, following a
short illness.
Mrs. Lewis, the
former Adah Eli-
zabeth Reesor, was
born Dec. 10, 1898 in
Markham Twp., the
daughter of Martin
and Sophia Reesor.
As a young girl she
attended public
school at Cedar
Grove, Mon olia
and Al ona:
While working for
Mr. and Mrs. Barkis
Reesor, she met and
later married Stan-
ley Lewis and re-
sided on the home
farm at Alton_a for
nearly 60 years. Fol-
lowing the Airport
Expropriation they
relocated to an
apartment in their
son Harold's home,
R.R. 3 Mount
Albert.
Besides her hus-
band, Stanley, with
whom she cele-
brated their 65th
w e d d i n g
anniversary in
January,1984, Adah
is survived by two
sons, Harold of
Mount Albert and
Robert of Flin Flon,
Manitoba. She was
predeceased by four
sisters, Edna Shirk,
Lavina Rusnell
Wright, Frances
Glover and Pearl
Gambrill and two
brothers Jacob and
Percy. She also
leaves to mourn her
loss seven grand-
children and their
spouses along with
fourteen great-
grandchildren.
Countless others re-
ferred to her as
"Grandma" or Aunt
Adah.
Adah was very de-
voted to her family
and her church. She
had been a member
of the Stouffville
Missionary con-
gregation since her
early teens. She
loved to visit and to
entertain and few
people left empty-
handed, for her
hand -work with
crochet hook and
needle will provide
fond memories for
years to come. Her
gardens and win-
dow sills showed her
love for growing
things.
The service was
conducted on Mon-
day, March 19 by
Rev. Walter Gawa
of Vivian McCor-
mack Church and
assisted by Rev.
Douglas Gray of
Stouffville Mission-
ary Church. A spe-
cial tribute was
given by a grandson
Rev. Jerry Lewis,
Church of the Good
Shepherd, Agin-
court with spring in-
terment, Stouffville
Cemetery.
Magic
hands
The following poem is a tribute to
the life of Mrs Stanley (Adak)
Lewis, written by a grandchild at
her bedside, prior to her passing,
March 16, 1984.
These magic hands lie idle now,
These hands so soft and good.
These gentle hands that stroked
our brows,
And cooked our favorite food.
They held us gently to a breast,
And soothed us off to sleep.
And wiped away our fretful tears,
Whenever we might weep.
We saw them fly with nimble
skill,
With needle, thread and hook.
And saw them lovingly leaf
through.
That precious Holy Book.
All things responded to their
touch,
Green plants would sprout and
grow.
When it was time to say our
prayers,
They'd place wee hands just so.
Hard work has aged them
through the years,
They gave us all their best.
And now with such despair and
grief,
We see them lie at rest.
One thing we know with all our
hearts,
These hands that we adore.
Have got a place in Heaven,
On that far-off Golden Shore.
Fine start to a new year
ierine Bass are two of the arrived at 6:21 a.m., at York Central H
in the Region of Durham. On Richmond Hill. Cliff, Catherine and fa
►med their first child, Jeremy side in Altona. I r� h;XX�
g 7 pounds,12 ounces. Jeremy I i Ye- i n forme,— 54n n I fY 1, Fcv� S
Late Stanley Lewis
sense of humor
t folks smiling
through the years
19 vIL
STOUFFVILLE — An overflow
crowd filled the chapel of the
O'Neill Funeral Home, March 17,
to pay their last respects to the
memory of a grand old man, Stan-
ley Grice Lewis.
Rev. Douglas Gray of the
Stouffville Missionary Church,
assisted by Rev. Walter Gawa of
the Vivian McCormack Memorial
Church, were in charge of the ser-
vice.
Mr Lewis was a life-long resi-
dent farmer in the Apia area.
He was also a bee'- eeper for
many years. Following the air-
port expropriation, Stanley and
his late wife, the former Adah
Reesor, relocated in a ao Tt-
ment of their elder son,aro�d's
home at R.R. 3, Mount Albert.
Stanley Lewis was the first-
born son of the late Thomas and
Jane (Grice) Lewis. He was born
Oct. 16, 1892, at Glasgaw, Ont. He
passed away peacefully at home
Just two years less two days after
the death of his wife.
Stanley and Adah were married
Jan. 22, 1919 in Stouffville. They
had a full life and enjoyed family
and friends up to and celebrating
65 years of marriage.
Although in declining health,
Mr Lewis still pursued his retire-
ment hobby of working with wood
in the shop where he created
novelties and interesting pieces of
furniture. Many of the homes of
this area items of his handiwork.
He also took great delight in
visiting the sick and shut-ins,
bringing sunshine into their lives
with his quick wit and stories.
He passed the test for his driv-
er's licence at 93 years of age.
He was privileged to have his
capacity to keep up with the news
of the day and was an avid reader.
Gardening was also a hobby. He
was rewarded with potatoes suffi-
cient to keep a number of houses
supplied for the winter.
Even though spending three of
the last four months in York Coun-
ty Hospital, Newmarket, he was
at home for the last two weeks of
his life.
Right to the end, he had a knack
of making friends as the long
lineup of mourners and the num-
ber of floral tributes attested.
Stanley Lewis was a man of in-
tegrity, honest to the core, a
generous -hearted giving person;
one who always showed a concern
for others. As a patient through
his bout with cancer, he was un-
complaining and appreciative.
He will be missed by all who
knew him.
Mr Lewis leaves to mourn his
passing, two devoted sons, Harold
and Bob and their wives; seven
grandchildren and sixteen great-
grandchildren. He was prede-
ceased by an only brother, Bert.
116
LEWIS - Keith and Edith
(nee Hildebrandt) are
pleased to announce the birth
of their daughter Rachel
Helen, at 6 lbs. 12 oz. on May
19, 1977. Rachel is the first
grandchild of Mr. & Mrs.
Robert Lewis of Altona, and
the sixth grandchild of Mr. &
Mrs. Henry Hildebrandt of
Vineland. Special thanks to
Dr. Petrie and the staff of
Scarborough Centenary
Hospital.
Marl At. et
��v✓ �ts
Rev Oa w
5 a r3e- r
pc, be r 1
Le W �6
p p r. 9
1 C,
Fairest of the fair 1011—.1
Heidi Wilson, centre, was crowned Markl:-m Fair Queen last Saturday. Join-
ing her as ambassadors to this year's fair are princesses Rachel Lewis, left,
and Jennifer Kelly. See our fair section inside. Photo/CHERYL JOHNSON
•ivy 'mint, , v"M,'M M, 'Maui. UUM
Quinnell, David, Gerald and his wife Shirley, and
Keith and his wife Edith, Dear grandmother of 9.
Sister of Luella Logan. Friends may call at the
Stouffville Missionary Church, 6500 Main St.,
Monday 24 and 7.9 p.m. and Tuesday 11 a.m. until
service time at 1 p.m. Interment Altona Cemetery.
If desired, memorial donations may be made to the
Canadian Cancer Society.
At home with the Lord.
O'NEILL
FUNERAL HOME
IS V
'On'the lolith aneii%,e sar'v of the Ontario Historical Societv�.
Rachel LevOs of Stouffville vvas honored he C'athv: Feiahraro,
Young Ontario Co-ordinator. Rachel's Special Design Button %%aa
Y
Homegrown writer
e eve�yday..ve..,
ikes ths-fi, � k �+ Ir z 3
He's Stouffville's Stephen Leacock and Robert Browning
rolled into one.
He's an author and poet so skilled, his genius can no longer
be ignored.
For want of a better word, Bob Lewis is brilliant.
Born in Stouffville 74 years ago, the son of Stanley and Ada
Lewis, Bob received his early education, both academic and
religious, at Altona Public School and Altona Missionary
Church.
I've had the same address all my life," he says, "I'm one of
the few originals left."
He shares his beautiful property, called Misty Meadows,
with son Keith and family. He has two other sons, David in
Kitchener, Jerry at Oak Ridges and a daughter Shirley Quinnell
in Stouffville. A brother Harold lives in Mount Albert.
Wife Margaret (Wideman) died three years ago.
Bob's interest in story -writing began in the 1980s, starting
with a true tale about, of all
things, a neighbour's cat.
Since then, he's completed
close to 2,000 books, all
beautifully illustrated by
Adelaide Kerr, formerly of
Altona and now of
Huntsville.
Ruth Herbert of
Stouffville is his editor. Dave
Clubine, also of Stouffville,
assembles the pages and
son Jerry completes the
Roaming Around printing sell for $8 apiece.
with Jim Thomas Much the same proce-
dure goes into his poems.
Bob Lewis' children's
��p3
stories sprang from a
familybedtimeEMNEEWMM� tradition
By KATE GILDERDALE
Correspondent
"Uncle Bob" Lewis has been creating his own children's stories for
close to 18 years, but until recently they were strictly a family affair.
"The grandkids started coming along and I began making up these sto-
ries about the neighbors' cat and the German shepherd I had at the
time. The stories evolved from there, and branched out to include any
animals and birds you would find on the fences and roads, in the woods
and along the banks of the stream," explained Lewis, who has lived in
the Claremont area all his life.
The neighbors' farm was Misty Meadows, and when Lewis began
putting his stories into print recently, he called the series `Adventures in
Misty Meadows.'
His understanding of his young audience was hardly surprising : as
well bringing up a family of their own, he and his wife, Marg, provided
foster care for many years "and during that time we would have any-
thing from one to four kids to put to bed every night."
His stories quickly became a treasured feature of the bedtime ritual.
"You cry because you have to go to bed when you're that age and when
you're older, you cry because you can't," he noted with a chuckle. "They
really
Heywould ask the children toed the stories, so I gan to suggest xa title, fromitwhich h would
weave one of his magical tales. )
0�"
The Flying Lesson
Most have a Christian slant. - `£
Many of them are handsomely framed, with artwork by
daughter Shirley. They sell for $49.
Bob has the uncanny ability of taking an everyday common _
occurrence and transforming it into a thought -provoking
statement of fact.
Like Tell Them Now, a framed masterpiece now on display
in the lobby of Stouffvillds O'Neill Funeral Home. It's been
read by hundreds, each person displaying a reverence it
deserves. This piece of penned brilliance concludes with the _'M�ter a while, someone said I should put them
words: "Don't hesitate to encourage a friend along the way. down, but I decided not to bother at the time."
Don't wait until his funeral and he has passed away." The more he thought about it, however, the more
Solemn advice. the idea appealed to him, "but because it was com-
So is another, aptly entitled A Christmas Lament It goes: "I pletely new, we didn't know where to begin. We found
went to a concert, but no carols were sung. You see, we must a retired English teacher who edited them for us and
not offend anyone. I drove past a school where the Bible once another friend did the typing, but I couldn't afford to
read, is replaced by police in the hall, instead. I stopped to pur- hire an illustrator."
chase a holiday tree. It used to be called a Christmas tree." Luck was with them again, however, when a good
This should hang above the door of every educator's office. friend who had moved away 25 years ago came back
Another, The Kitchen Stove, tells how Bob placed a frost- for a visit and inquired about Lewis's stories. "I told
coated suit of underwear in the oven, concluding with: "I her we didn't have an illustrator and she said, `I'll do
jumped up and pulled it out, oh wow! It just looked like a it for you."' Adelaide Kerr's delightful and whimsical
Holstein cow!" illustrations provide the perfect complement to
Many poems are so deeply entrenched in his memory, he Lewis's tales and with the help of commercial artist
can repeat verses verbatim. Bob says ideas often spring to mind in the middle of the 1 1I excerpt
night
"I should get up and put them down on paper," he says,
"but they usually stay with me till morning." from The
WEDDING PRESENT
One heart-warming selection was written especially for
granddaughter Rachel in honour of her wedding. She had to
fight back the tears.
Through prose and poems, Bob expresses his feelings. In
doing so, he brings readers' emotions to the fore, especially
those who remember similar experiences like The Coal -Oil
Lamp, The Kitchen Chum and Grandmas Gooseberry Tarts.
Bob describes this interest as a "seven -day -a -week thing",
always remembering that, at age age 74 "I have more yester-
days than tomorrows".
Bob enjoys art also, but leaves this skill to Unionville's
Murray Pipher. Treasured photographs have been trans-
formed into life -like portraits from the past.
While one woman purchased 46 books, Bob admits his
hobby will never make him a millionaire.
"I'd rather see one poem framed and hanging on a wall
then a dozen unframed, under piles of paper," he says.
Samples of Bob Lewis' handiwork will be displayed Nov 2E
from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Misty Meadow Christmas Tea and
Craft Sale,17 Cemetery Lane, Stouffville.
Come see for yourself.
Flying Lesson
"Day after day, while
Rusty sat on the nest, he
watched Henry Hawk
soaring high in the blue
sky over Misty Meadows.
And every day he became
more and more envious
of Henry's effortless
glide. Finally, one day
when -Ruth had taken
over the egss, (without
saying a word to her),
Rusty flew higher and
higher until he was right
alongside Henry Hawk."
Dave Clubine, who is a fellow
member of the Missionary
Church, the first book in the series
was completed and ready for
printing.
The first two in the series, The
Flying Lesson and Ears for Sale,
are now in print and the third,
The Homework, should be avail-
able before Christmas, said Lewis,
who has approximately 40 more
stories which could be put into
book form. "I haven't made a busi-
ness out of it and it's a slow
process (to produce each one), but
so far we've sold 200."
While each story contains "a
gentle lesson to be learned," there
is plenty of humor and empathy
for his young audience, which is
hardly surprising from a man
who, as a young boy, decided to
baptize his cat.
"He was a good cat, but he had-
n't been baptized and I thought it
was time someone did something
about it," said Lewis.
The cat was less than delighted
to be immersed in water and
Lewis's mother punished him for
his ill -directed, if well-intentioned
action, "but she was laughing so
hard, the whacks she gave me did-
n't really hurt at all."
Lewis has sold his books through
the church and at craft sales and
they can also be purchased by call-
ing him at 640-1297.
I17
W.I. Members Over Forty Years
The 5011 A; `niversary of A special tribute was paid to are shown here from left to (Standing) Mrs. A. Ca.rruth-
the Alton -n's Institute six ladies who have been mem- right (Seated) Mrs. Milt Har. ers, Mrs. Frank Wagg and
as mar June 1.5th in bers of the organization for ris, Mrs. T. Dunkeld, Mrs. D. Mrs. L. Hill.
Mai'+ Stouffville. more than forty years. They oCrosie�r and Mrs. N. Bunker. —Jones & Mprr;^
7'r►�.o H �Nh�/ -�� �a�ez� �f L�2- ,ice,, `lei i]-✓T .2� , !
r o w
Gladys IiuTt1 Ma►pret �jrey
�5lc�ck kewis kewis Raa6br
`�~Midd(e Row
ViOLL / CcC eto�hf Jessie ► I1io n
(�oro'% Y -Ford. Bye r`
k9eesor
feanor E Is le
Bunker Chu nkeld
T
Altona man goes mobile
with portable saw em'- l M"61y
BRUCE STAPLEY
Correspondent
At a time in life when most
people are thinking about
lessening the rigors of physical
labor, Altona's Bob Lewis is
taking to the great outdoors with a
chain saw, a tractor and a portable
saw mill.
A farmer from the age of 14, the
61-year-old work horse had given
his life to growing cauliflowers,
raising bees and breeding minks
on the 25-acre property next to
the Altona homestead on which he
was born.
It's the same land the federal
government would take over in
the Pickering Airport land grab of
the early 1970's.
But like so many farmers, Mr.
Lewis decided two years ago that
he couldn't continue any longer at
a type of work which was
beginning to threaten his
retirement income.
Especially without the option of
eventually selling the land to
developers, and reaping one final
abundant financial harvest.
He noticed that the Ontario
Ministry of Natural Resources had
started marking wood lots for
thinning in properties near his,
and decided to look into the
possibility of taking on the job of
clearing the trees for firewood,
with the help of friends and
relatives.
And what started out as a small
cutting and splitting operation has
blossomed into a mini -milling
business, as Mr. Lewis acquired a
portable mill, a band saw
apparatus that allows him to trim
dogs as wide as 30 inches.
He now makes deals with
owners of bushes which need
thinning, moves in with his saw
mill on wheels, and converts
maple, ash, oak, and basswood
trees into lumber, to be either sold
to do-it-yourselfers and small
shops, or used for his own
personal projects.
He's happy to be his own boss,
relieved to be out of the uncertain
farming business, and glad to
have something to apply himself
towards.
"I'm my own man, I don't have
to punch a clock," Mr. Lewis
says.
"And unlike farming, you're not
affected by the weather, and you
know your prices in advance. I'll
never get rich, but I can be as
busy as I want, and if I want to
just put it down and go fishing for
a week, I can."
He claims he could never hope
to find the time to look after all
the requests of both friends and
customers for the custom milling
his operation allows him to
perform.
"I could spend most of my day
just doing milling jobs for other
people. Friends bring in logs from
black walnut trees, and what have
you, for me to mill."
Mr. Lewis maintains that there
have been lessons to learn with
regard to felling many of the trees
he feeds into his milling machine.
But the job is not without its
perils.
"I had to learn that with ash
trees, for instance, you have to put
a bear trap around the trunk to
keep them from splitting when
you are cutting them. There are a
lot of potential dangers, and you
have to be very careful.
"It would scare the wits out of
me to just send someone out into
the bush to cut down the big trees.
You should never go alone."
Mr. Lewis has taken advantage
of his new-found interest to help
him defray the costs of several
projects at his cottage at Lake
Altona resident Bob Lewis keeps himself busy these days with this
portable saw mill. A man with a varied past (he's grown
cauliflower, raised bees and breeded minks), Mr. Lewis is always
willing to try something new. He enjoys being his own boss, but
continues to work hard at his new trade.
Temegami.
He has milled lumber for docks,
and if he goes through with his
plans to sell the northern property,
he says he will build a new
cottage using his own wood.
He says he is able to mill his
lumber accurately and efficiently
with his machine.
"It's really amazing. I can cut
boards for board and batten that
almost look like they've been
planed. I'm certainly not an
industrial miller, but I'm not your
average homeowner either," he
says.
However, he admits there.i' s one
aspect of his labor that always
causes him a little sadness.
"You walk up to some of these
old trees and you almost feel like
apologizing to them for cutting
them down. They've been there
for such a long time. But you've
got to thin them out or they'll
rot."
Whatta whopper! "" '' S
When Bob Lewis of Altona goes fishing, he brings
home the big ones. This whopper, a Lake trout, tips
the scales at 21 L z pounds with a girth of 22 inches and
41 inches long. Bob hauled it through the ice on Lake
Timagami and its measurements have been entered in
that community's Fish Derby, Feb. 22. To help him
haul it home were — Don Dunkeld, Jim Harper and
Frank Bielby. The four had been visiting with Mr. and
Mrs. Don Boake, formerly of Altona and took a little
time out to try their luck. —Jas. Thomas
Reg McKay and Keith Lewis sort recyclables at the Stouffville
recycling depot..
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lilpi, t, 2 /,
At AMA WOMMS INST"UTE
/ 19