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HomeMy WebLinkAbout123Paperbound book, 14 x 21 cm., c. 1988, compiled by Jill Wollin. Index Early History-3 Our School-8 Church Life-9 Post Office-11 An Agricultural Community-11 Seniors in our Community-12 Youth-12 Serving Our Village-13 Firefighting-17 Community Hall-19 Prominent Citizen-2 0Village of Claremont Past-21 Who? What? Where?-23 Community Spirit-24 Claremont Citizens Band-27 Come dear old comrade, you and I Will steal an hour from days gone by, The shining days when life was new, And all was bright with morning dew, The lusty days of long ago, When you were Jim and I was Joe. excerpt from 1938 Centennial Invitations At the 1938 Centennial celebrations there was an "Antiques and Curios" exhibition held in the Masonic Hall, with an admission of 10¢. So you see, things have only changed tenfold since that time. With this booklet, I hope to illustrate different aspects that make our village "home", and let you see for yourself how everything has indeed changed tenfold. Jill Wollin 1988 Early History The Stone Jug. When this township was still virtually wilderness, Joshua Wixson operated a grist mill east of where the present village stands. The Wixsons were the first people to settle in this area, and many old families in the village reflect the heritage passed down by them. When no village existed at all, a stone building stood on the southwest corner of Brock Road and the Ninth Concession. It had been built in 1847 for Mr. R.D. Patterson, but he left to live in York and Thomas Noble rented it, to sell groceries and hardware. Our four corners, then a narrow dirt crossroads, was known as Noble's Corners. That same stone building was used for a store by the MacNabs, and was then taken over by several shopkeepers, the last being a Mr. Hopper. It served as a blacksmith shop, ice cream parlour, poolroom, snack bar and car dealership in succession and was known by one and all as the stone jug. This historical building was torn down by the township in 1962, in order to widen Brock Road. DID YOU KNOW that this village had a good chance of being called "Salubrious?" Sort of a tongue twister, but luckily W. Michell suggested an class='highlight'>Claremontan>. He knew of a small village outside of London, England called an class='highlight'>Claremontan> and the name was accepted in 1850 as the official post office. Thomas Noble was made the first postmaster in 1851. Illustration: The Old Hotel on north east corner of 9th concession and Brock Rd. The Livery stable stands to the right of it. The old Hotel which stood on the north-east corner of Brock Road and the Ninth Concession, built and owned by Mr. O'Brien, was standing by 1853. It was bought a few years later by Mr. Dowswell, who replaced it with a larger frame building. A. Wilson followed as proprietor and conducted a covered bus to meet and convey people to and from the railway station for 25¢ a ride. Mr. Tom Sanderson continued this service into the 1920's while ably running the hotel and livery directly east of it. The hotel stood until 1937 when it was destroyed by fire. A garage was erected on this location and many proprietors ran this operation. Namely: Harold Sanderson, George Constable, Ken Ward, Joe McCullough, G. Reazin and Gord Taylor. Today Leo Samarillo runs the service station which he took over in 1977, and it is a popular and well thought of establishment. The frame store on the north-west corner, which is Gillespie Real Estate today, was brought from Greenwood in the late 1850's. It was used by the MacNabs for storekeeping until 1875. In 1876 Magnus Henderson and J.S. Farmer made and sold shoes at this location. It continued as a shoemaker's shop, employing the Palmer brothers, into the early 1900's. In 1926-27 the Claremont Post Office was moved to this location and for 20 years operated in this capacity until newer accommodations were found. Ken Ward purchased the premises in 1958 for his Nuffeld tractor line. The front was made into a showroom and the cement block garage directly to the north was built in 1962, for servicing. After selling the frame store, he continued with tractor sales in the cement building until 1971. Kay Ward opened a gift shop in the front portion of the frame building in 1966, which prospered for several years. This very old building then became two private apartments until P. Gillespie bought it in 1983 and converted it into Gillespie Real Estate and apartments. Illustrations: Frame building on north west corner of 9th concession and Brock Rd. Now Gillespie Real Estate. Our corner store. DID YOU KNOW that when the MacNab brothers brought this frame building from Greenwood, there was only a few yards of cleared land at the four corners? The land north and west of there was heavily covered with primeval forest! Our corner store, landmark of our whole village, has run continuously as an emporium for all our necessities since its beginning in 1851. J.C. Michell built it as a store and transacted his business there until his retirement in 1875. At that time it was bought by the MacNab brothers. Many storekeepers since this well-known family, have carried on business there: namely David Scott, Mr. Bertrand, J. Mitchell, L. Tucker, A. Wilkinson, E. Baker, F. Mowder, R. Madill, A. Galloway, J. Curtis, W. Lake and Chang Yi. It still holds some small vestiges of its former importance in the community, with its generous windows, marvelous old woodwork and high ceilings. I remember the old chopping block that still stood behind the meat counter in the mid '70s. Mr. Yi carries on in the friendly tradition we have come to know and rely on. Illustrations:Brock Road looking north from the four corners. This view at present. DID YOU KNOW that back in the late 1800s, a storekeeper was on duty from 7:30 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. on weekdays and worked until 11:00 p.m. or even midnight on Saturdays? If a funeral passed by, the storekeeper made sure all the window blinds were pulled and proper decorum was observed by everyone. All for a salary of approximately $5.00 per week! Illustration:Old hardware store where Claremont Classic Cars stands today. Alexander Dowswell owned and operated the Claremont Hardware Store, later to become Sargents and then Coopers. At that time, it was located on the west side of Brock Road about a block north of where Claremont Classic Cars stands today. Charles Sargent bought it in 1906 and moved it to the Claremont Classic Cars location, where it stood for the next 67 years. It had a tinshop which supplied stove pipes, sap buckets, milk pails and eavestroughing: needed commodities in that day. They also had a delivery service which went as far away as Brooklin, Dunbarton and Sandford. In 1920, Mr. Sargent sold the store to Frank Cooper, a local tinsmith who was born and raised in the stone building at the four corners. His son, Charles Cooper, bought it in 1926. He represented International Harvester's line of equipment for 40 years and was also a car dealer of merit for some time. Charlie's enthusiasm and personal support in this community will be long remembered. He passed away in 1964 and his brother Dick continued the hardware business until 1973, when this lovely, old store burnt to the ground at dusk. Illustrations:Original old brick 3 room school.Claremont Public School today. Our School The earliest school in the village was simply local men teaching children in a building beside the old hotel. Later, a log building was erected on Joshua Wixson's land. Early teachers had a lot to be desired when it came to a talent for teaching, and were found more often in the tavern than in the classroom. In 1856 a new school was built east and north of the four corners. In 1888, as attendance was rising to over one hundred, a three room school was built on the site the present school occupies. After being made a continuation school in 1909, it carried on thus until it was condemned by the Department of Education in 1925. A new 5 room school was built as a public and continuation school until Pickering High School was erected in 1951. A new addition was built in 1972 to handle the greater attendance. Many pupils gained recognition in sports, music, academics and public speaking, and went on to greater achievements in their future life. Illustration: United Church as it was when first built in 1889. Church Life A plank church 28' x 34' was erected in 1851 for the Baptist congregation. It was lit by candlelight for 8 years until 2 oil lamps were purchased. The present brick church was raised 122 years ago and worhip began in 1866. Baptisms were out of doors until then in either Brother Wixson's creek or Brother Barry's millpond. The frame Sunday school room, at the back of the building, was the old Gostick Church, moved from the Seventh Concession in the 1870s. This church has many of the oldest town members buried in its graveyard, and is an interesting spot to read the historical stones. The earliest building used for the Presbyterian Church in Claremont was a frame structure just north of the Saetre's house. The Wesleyan Methodists worshipped over Forfar's Planing Mill in the early 1800s and later congregated in a building erected on the Brock Road north of the present church. In 1889, when the present church was built, one of the stones was incorporated into the steps, from this earlier church. Before the Primitive Methodists united with the Wesleyan Methodists in 1884, they worshipped in an early log schoolhouse and several chapels outside of Claremont. In 1866-1867 a frame building was erected that was used by the unified Methodists until the present church was built. It was later sold and bricked over by Mr. J. Briscoe. It is now the residence of Joan and Wayne Shank. The present church fills a needed respite in our crowded workaday lives and continues to give support to all who ask. Illustrations: Brock Road looking south from the four corners. This view at present. DID YOU KNOW the Community Hall was an early Presbyterian Church in our village? It was built in 1876 and had a tower which can be seen in the picture below. Post Office The mail, one of our earliest enterprises, has been operating since 1851. Thomas Noble, our first postmaster conducted the post office from the stone building on the south-west corner. He was followed shortly by William MacNab until the MacNab brothers moved their store and post office to the frame building on the north-west corner in 1857. The post office remained there until the corner store was purchased by the MacNab Brothers in 1875, and was run smoothly, with John as the postmaster, until they retired in 1899. The young MacNab sons took over the business and Post Office until Peter MacNab Sr., a nephew, purchased it and ran the post office in this capacity until 1915. David Scott, who owned the store and post office next, became postmaster, followed by Mr. Alfred Pretty as postmaster in the 20s. He was instrumental in moving it to the frame building on the north-west corner, where it stayed until a new building was erected, just east of the corner store. Fred Morley, assisted by his wife Verna, was the post master until he retired in 1963. In 1955 the present post office was built by Charles Cooper. Roy McLeod, Andy Bates and Robert Ellis all did duty there and Noreen Hill, our present post mistress, runs an efficient and thoroughly pleasant establishment. An Agricultural Community At the turn of the century, there were many mills operating in the vicinity, as lumber, feed and yard goods were in great demand. Near the C.P.R. station, a feed mill was started by T. Pugh and operated by many local men until Joseph Farr purchased the building. The local farmers would bring their grain here to be sold. Mr. Farr wished to sell his operation in 1948 and suggested to his patrons that they form a Co-operative, to buy his business. As a result, a co-operative was formed with 152 members and Milton Pegg, it's first president. The Claremont Co-op continued to improve over the next two decades, with the achievement of a newly built store in 1962. Many of the communities needs have changed over the years, but the Co-op remains a viable and useful member within the provincewide organization of the United Co-operatives of Ontario. Famous prize winning horses were imported by Will Graham, who resided where St. John's School is now. Robert, his son, was an expert judge of horses all over North America, and another son Tom was an excellent showman. Oldtimers remember Will Graham driving his prize winning team of hackney stallions to the Claremont railway station to meet visitors from the world over, who came to buy the famous Graham horses. Nelson Wagg, who resided where Doyles farm is today, was another citizen of Claremont who had excellent prize winning horses, and he won the International Ploughing Match for Canada in 1902. Murray Dunkeld grew fine seed grain for others to sow, and his son Donald was Ontario Provincial Ploughing Champion in 1960. Illustration:The Old Claremont Lawn Bowling Club house.Seniors in our Community The Golden Age Club, formed in 1957, is a thriving group of senior citizens who enjoy meeting together and having a place to participate in many activities. They first met, every other Thursday, in the Claremont Library and after outgrowing that location they used the frame building on the Briggs property. This club has grown steadily over the years organizing itself and meeting in new quarters at the Lawn Bowling Green. Eventually, with the help of a grant from the Federal government and volunteer workers, they built a larger, up to date meeting place which was completed in 1975. The Golden Age Club today has 33 members in our community, meeting twice a month and having many enjoyable excursions and rousing games of cards. Youth The first Scout troup in Claremont met in 1930 but few records are available as to how long this group lasted. In 1950-51 the Cubs and Scouts were again active under the leadership of parents, who felt there should be organized activites in the village for their children. A Cub pack was formed and met in the basement of the Claremont Baptist Church. Later, in 1953, a Scout troup developed which in 1954 moved its meeting place to the basement of the Legion Hall. These groups were always active, participating in the Santa Claus parades, camping in Haliburton, and sending a representative to the World Jamborees in England and Australia. They also attended many North American Jamborees. Twenty-two boys received the highest honor in scouting, the Queens Scout award, between 1953 and 1971. At this time, they phased out this award and no further ones were given. Our Cubs and Scouts have continued to reach a high level of achievement, since that time, with no little measure given to the parents and leaders who sacrifice their time and effort towards providing a friendly environment and much encouragement. The Brownie Pack of Claremont started 35 years ago and met in the basement of the Baptist Church. Just as they are busy earning badges today, their first project in 1953 earned them a Coronation Badge from Queen Elizabeth, as that was the coronation year. The Girl Guides also were formed in 1953 and ever since have kept their pledge of allegiance to uphold the guide promises. They met for years in the Community Hall but now meet in the Claremont Public School. Just as we praise the efforts of the Scout and Cub leaders, we couldn't forget the many Brownie and Guide leaders who have freely given their time over the years toward a successful Guide program. The Brownies continue the tradition of yearly selling cookies. How many packages have you still got in your freezer? The Guides help the Cancer Society with their sale of daffodils each year. Both groups join in celebrating Remembrance Day with the Legion and take part in any and all parades we have in town. They are both very enthusiastic participants. Serving our Village The Claremont Women's Institute has been meeting on the third week of every month for the last 79 years. The first meeting was held at Mrs. Brodie's home now the residence of Jill and David Wollin. If the meeting was out in the country, a bus was hired from the Livery stable at a cost of $1.25 return, to transport the members. Over the years, the Institute has succeeded in many diverse areas of the community. In 1915, they provided water containers for the school, purchased an oil lamp for the library and a clock for Pilkey's pump-shop. There was a bell on top of this shop which was rung every day at noon. They knit prodigious amounts for the war effort both in the first and second World Wars. They have always been a very ambitious organization with the peak year of 1954 when their active membership stood at fifty. The 4H Club was organized under the sponsorship of the Women's Institute and it has continued off and on over the years. In 1966, the Women's Institute decided to disband for lack of attendance, but they managed to carry on and still meet today with a monthly attendance of approximately 15 members. Mrs. Aldine Evans, Alice Peddie and Dorothy Britton are the remaining life members participating regularly in the good works carried out by this club. Illustration: The Library when it was combined with the Claremont Firehall. DID YOU KNOW that the Women's Institute hired a man to light the street lamps in Claremont every night for the grand total of $2.00 per month? Some town residents complained about his work so finally he decided to quit. A young boy was later hired but he was not allowed to stay up until 10 p. m. to extinguish the lamps. They solved the problem by putting a small amount of oil in the fonts so they would burn out naturally. This continued right up until Claremont got electricity in 1927. The Claremont Public Library was initially under the auspice of the Mechanics' Institute and from 1891 it was organized and housed on Mr. Jobbitt's property. He was also the first librarian. In 1895 the name was changed to Claremont Associate Library, and after 1897 it opened three afternoons and evenings each week, in 1903 Judson Bundy took over the librarian's job and the books were moved to his property. A new building was erected in 1924 for the library and firehall and functioned thus until the fire station moved to its newly- built quarters in 1958. With many generous donations, the library building was renovated and in 1959 officially was declared a Public Library. In 1967 the Claremont Library was incorporated with the Pickering Township Library and was ably run, with Mrs. A. Porter as librarian, until she retired in 1972. Marean Ward took over and has since continued the library's tradition of excellent service to the community. She has been assisted by Jill Wollin for the last four years. Illustration: Tom Hammond with old firetruck. Fire fighting In 1908, the village trustees decided to buy a fire engine to augment, until then, the only fire protection the village had: namely a 'Bucket Brigade'. They bought an old hand engine, from Fergus, Ontario, but it became too heavy and awkward to handle, so a new, two cylinder, double action pump was purchased and stored in the Presbyterian Church shed. Widmer Miller was Claremont's first Fire Chief. In 1924 a citizen's meeting elected a new chief, Thomas Stephenson and the firemen were duly organized. Also in 1924 Thomas Patterson built the combined Firehall and Library which still stands today on land donated by Miss H. Walker. Mr. Mclntyre was Fire Chief in 1925 followed by Fred Evans. In the 1930's a new truck was purchased but it failed to be the savior of the 100 year old Sanderson Hotel on the four corners, which burnt to the ground in 1937. Methods of firefighting continually changed and Claremont kept abreast with a new Fire Hall built in 1958 and a new fire truck in 1968. That year also saw the end of firefighting in Claremont without pay, as the Township of Pickering began remunerating the members at an hourly rate, while on duty. Seven men of the Fire Department have been honoured by the Fire Marshall's office. Tom Hammond, William Evans, Dick Ward, Blair Evans, Willard Peddie, Jack Ward, and Frank Ward received their 30 year medals, and Jack Norton, Fire Chief for 20 years, also was made an honorary member. Just as these men and many others were a credit to our community for their volunteer work with the department, we also must commend the men and boys who currently carry on in this tradition of bravery and courage. Illustration: Christina Cece ourSesquicentennial &Winter Carnival Queen 1988. The Santa Claus Parade was a popular event started by the Claremont Business Men's Association in the fifties. It continued for 5 years and then with the help of Rene Rennie and Jim McGuire was replaced by a concert in the Community Hall. In 1971 the first Winter Carnival was enjoyed by many residents. It was very mild that year and most of the events and snow sculptures were cancelled, but I remember the rousing "Trapper's Ball" we had in the Community Hall. "Wanted Dead or Alive" posters of our most illustrious citizens donned the walls and a never to be forgotten line of "Diamond Lils"can-canned on the stage. Betty Hopkins still has a movie of that one! The Carnival has been enjoyed again for the last five years and brings the community together as few events nowadays do. Not to be forgotten are all the great girls who ran for Winter Carnival Queen, and the lucky winners for the five years: Laura Vale, Karen Carson, Susie Pekkinen, Samantha Creet and Christina Cece. We mustn't forget also our Snow Princess of 1971, Shelley Ward. Our queen this year Christina Cece reigns over the Sesquicentennial Celebrations and, as such, has a special honour of representing our village at its 150th birthday. Hopefully she'll see our 200th also! The Claremont Lions Club began in 1968 with 42 Chartered members. They met originally in the Legion Hall but later changed to the Community Hall. This club sponsors many fund raising activities including their annual Hawaii draw and dance. They also support all charities and town functions. The Lioness' celebrate their 10th anniversary this year and are an important part of this club. Alongside the Lions, they work for the betterment of the village and help anyone in need. This year the branch of the Royal Canadian Legion in Claremont celebrates its 40th year. Twenty-one chartered members of which ten are still living and six still members, decided to build a hall for recognition of the services of all men and women who served our country in war. They completed the basement in 1949 and this served for 16 years, but with growth and private notes from members, a fine new hall opened in 1966. The Legion and its auxiliary have always worked side by side, never forgetting the veterans who fought so we could live. The Legion with its 203 members today, has been instrumental in sponsoring many sports teams plus other community projects. The Brougham Union Lodge is celebrating its 116th year in the old meeting hall which was our town hall. They acquired it in 1910 and have met there ever since. Many of the most familiar names in Illustration: The Community Hall when it was the Erskine Presbyterian Church Claremont have been on the lodges attendance roster, and they continue to do charitable works and honourably represent the community. During the past years, they have completely renovated the downstairs of the hall along with the outside, and are restoring the upstairs without changing, one iota, the original decoration that remains there! DID YOU KNOW that the Masonic Lodge held meetings each month, for the first seventy-two years, at a certain phase of the moon? It was only changed to a regular date, of the first Wednesday of the month, in 1944. Many older members remember being guided by moonlight to and from their homes, before street lights and headlights were the norm. Community Hall The Community Hall was built for the Presbyterian Church in Claremont in 1876. It was called Erskine Church by the combined Claremont and Erskine congregations. The Presbyterian Church was dissolved in this area eventually and the building was converted to a hall for dances, Halloween and Christmas parties, town showers, plays and concerts. It has slowly been renovated over a number of years, and is home to the Claremont Co-operative Nursery five days Illustration: Prominent Citizen-Dr. N. F. Tomlinson It still, on occasion, really rocks with music and is probably a good example of the blend of old and new generations using it. One of the most well known gentlemen in our community was Dr. N. F. Tomlinson. After teaching in our village school and finally graduating from medical school, he began practising here in 1919. He resided in the house, which is the Wollin residence, for ten years before moving across the street to his eventual home, now occupied by the Nemishes. Doc was very active in community service, helping out on many boards, and working hard for the Claremont residents. He was a fine athlete, playing trophy-winning soccer, a mean game of tennis or badminton, and eventually taking up golf at the grand age of 65! Doc's most important contribution to the village was his work as Medical Health Officer for 20 years. He was honoured in 1966 for his faithful service over the years, and hundreds of friends attended to make the day perfect. He still received some patients in his dispensary in the mid-seventies and after moving to the Stouffville Nursing Home, he remained active until his death in 1982. He will long be remembered by everyone who knew him for his wit and pleasant disposition. Illustration: The 9th concession looking west towards the four corners. The Gazebo on the corner is in the background. Village of Claremont Past As the town prospered and grew, streets were laid out in neat geometrical sections. A main north to south throughfare, east of Brock Road, was called Wixson Street. We also have a Joseph Street to commemorate this family. Bundy Street was named after a prominent carpenter, John Bundy, as was the Bundy Block. This group of buildings stood on the north west corner of Brock Road and David Street. Barclay Street was named after Frank Barclay, who owned and sold the lots that are on this street. It is said that Barber Street is named after a Mrs. Barber who lived on the corner for many years. Lane Street was formerly a farm lane and it still ends at a dead end in farm fields. Dow Street was after an early resident on who's property it disects. Three of our streets were named after famous dignitaries of the day. Wellington Street after the duke, Victoria Street after the Queen and Livingstone Street after David Livingstone, I presume. We also have a new street called Bovington, Rhoda Almack's maiden name. The land adjacent to this street was owned by her husband, Lorne. DID YOU KNOW that at one time Claremont families were a very active lot? There were the Walkers, the Trotters, the Hoppers and the Leapers! Illustration: The 9th concession looking east towards the Baptist Church. Same view at present. Who? What? Where? Can you imagine your house as a Bakery or a Butcher Shop? It's amazing the different businesses that grew, prospered and were replaced by further progress. Over the years, Bakeries were at: MacGregors, Rodney Cooks and Budds Barbers: Edgar Cleaners, Samarillos and Patti Lyn Interiors Blacksmith: Dave Bickertons Butchers: McArthurs and Timms Creamery: Greenburys Dressmakers: Saetre's and Shanks Drugstore: Hedges Cannery: Claremont Automotive Funeral Homes: Ristes and Blackfords Garages: Patti Lyn Interiors, Leo Samarillos and Gillespie Real Estate Gift Shops: Ristes, Gillespie Real Estate and Samarillos Hairdressers: Stiphouts old location, Hills and Glenda's Grocers: Corner Store, Budds, Ristes, Patti Lyn Interiors and Claremont Country Store Parsonages: Yoshidas, Woolheads and Ross'sImplements: Roys, Gillespie Real Estate and Samarillos Pumpmaker: McConkeysShoemaker: Gillespie Real Estate \ Carriage Shop: Patti Lyn Interiors Horse Breeders: St. John's School and DoylesTailor: Markhams Tea Rooms: Wollins, Ristes and Samarillos Dentists: Budds and the Corner Store Doctors: Wollins and Nemishes This village certainly had a diverse and interesting business population. Illustrations: Part of the Claremont Centennial Parade in the park 1938. The Claremont Centennial Arch (on Brock Rd. at entrance to the Park). This was built by William Cowie and Robert Lyn. William and Mary Cowie are in front of Harry Porter’s care. Community Spirit In 1923 Claremont Community Park was officially opened and a crowd of one thousand honoured those who fell in the First World War. Two tablets were placed on the pillars, at the entrance to the park and a concert and baseball games were enjoyed by all. Since that time many events have taken place within those pillars. Claremont's Centennial Celebrations were enjoyed there with games of chance, the Claremont Citizen Band, refreshment booths, ball games and a marvelous inter-denominational church service. Claremont's park is continually being upgraded with an ice pad, washrooms and refreshment booth, followed by our new tennis courts. Baseball continues to be our most popular sport and any night of the week you are liable to hear the cheers of an enthusiastic audience. Illustration: Day after Hallowe'en - note backhouse in centre of Gazebo with carriage on top. Things never change! Claremont's four corners, for many years, was graced with an attractive hexagonal gazabo. It stood on the south west corner on property which is now the parkette. Can't you just imagine the Citizen Band striking up there, as parades passed by or a demonstration of the famous Graham horses taking place. This gazebo was the centre of our village at one time and it is being recreated at the Pickering Museum as a token of our community and its heritage. In 1986, a house tour was held in Pickering Township and with support from this tour, along with our house tour for the Sesquicentennial celebrations, we hope finally to see this endeavor accomplished. People or Planes? No greater community spirit can be imagined than what emerged from the first tiny meetings in Ann Wanstall's house, to the "sit-in" at Carruther's farm and the eventual victory by "People or Planes" (P.O.P.) in the fight against the airport. Out of a tiny group, it swelled to encompass a cause which in 1973 stopped the government's momentum, if not it's expropriation. Century farms were broken up needlessly and a way of life for many was changed forever. The expropriations appear pointless now as the land in the area prodominently lies fallow. The government has reared its head again in recent months but "People or Planes" are active to keep abreast with new airport problems if they arise. "The Bypass" as it is refered to in conversation, was completed in 1973. At this time it shuttled the agrivating noise of gravel trucks to the east, but along with it, it took the lucrative business which every small village needs to survive. Over several years, Gord's Marina closed its doors, Stiphouts did the same, French's called it quits, Hepburn's two gift shops closed, hairdressers came and went, and the town really began to die. But... This didn't happen! Slowly the town has been infused with new houses, new businesses and a new pride in our heritage and our history. Just as many other small villages are coming to life, ours has shown many, that its good to live in Claremont and we're proud of our community. Today we have many thriving businesses and we're happy for the success of: Margaret Blackford's gift shop, Claremont Country Accents, Rosemary Gillespie's gift shop, The Claremont Country Store, David Forrest's antique shop, Recollections, Chang Yi's Corner Store, Glenda Winterstein's hairdressing, Leo Samarillo's Claremont Garage, Patti Card's decorating shop, Patti Lyn Interiors, S. Arrigo's Claremont Automotive, P. Bourne's Claremont Collector and Classic Cars, Peter Gillespie's Real Estate office and Carsten Smith's Victorian Homes. Claremont Citizens Band No story of our village could be complete without mentioning the Claremont Band. It was first organized in 1875 and played at many celebrations under the leadership of G. Lorimer. Some years later, a second band was formed by E. Evans and still later a third band named the 'Citizen's Band', under George Coates. In 1907 a special wagon was made for them with a canopy and a row of seats to hold all 26 members. In 1927, when George Coates died, the band dispersed but, with the Santa Claus parades in the early fifties, they resurrected themselves as the 'Remnants of the Claremont Citizen's Band'. It consisted of 10 former members, mostly well over 70 years of age, who practised weekly in the Fire Hall. Determined they were, to play and enjoy their music together and it was a sight to see right up until their final concert at the Unionville Festival. The 10 members of the band were: Bill Evans, Bill Pegg, Milton Pegg, George Pegg, Bill Coates, Howard Hockley, Walter Davis, Gordon Hagerman, Bob Rawson and Leland Johnson. Illustration: Mrs. Walt Hardy & Mrs. Wes Hardy cutting up chicken at Loyst's Canning Factory around 1944 Needless to say, there are lots of things that many people will never forget about Claremont. We'll never forget the Fowl Suppers & Musicals in the Community Hall, the old covered rink and the old bandshell in the park, the Sarco Plant, the "Claremont News", Harry Porter's Barbershop, the old lawn bowling clubhouse, Loyst's lockers and chicken cannery, Mclntyre's Bakelite factory and a thousand other individual memories. Lastly, I would like to mention some well-remembered names in this community. Families whose stones fill the Baptist and Union cemetaries, and who will never be forgotten by our village such as: Anderson, Evans, Forgie, Mitchell, Gostick, Graham, Gregg, Cooper, Hamilton, Middleton, Sanderson, Barry, Morgan, Pilkey, Palmer, Pugh, Scott, Forsyth, Ward and Wixson. As Mrs. Forsyth said in 1938, "No greater respect can we pay to them than endeavour to uphold their teachings and keep our homes godly." Friends never part, And all along life's rugged way, The smile of friendship crowns the day, And hearts are young, though heads be grey, Friends never part. excerpt from 1938 Centennial Invitations.. Many thanks to Lillian Gauslin, Celia Bronkhorst and Rene Rennie for their help. It was truly appreciated.