HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-00276Post bound scrapbook, 46 x 39 cms., 64 pages, compiled by the the ladies of the
Altona Women's Institute. Covers the communitues of Atha, Glasgow and Mongolia.
COMMUNITIES:
Atha pages: 13-26
Glasgow pages: 27-39
Mongolia pages: 40-55
Local Pickering Gov’t Dates Back to Year 1811Lloyd T. Johnston, Clerk
On June 22nd and 23rd, 1911, there was held, east of the Village of Brougham,
the Centennial Celebrations marking the 100th year after the founding of the Municipal Council
of the Township of Pickering. There was a full programme, consisting of many bands,
massed choirs and much speech-making. The most popular summer game, football,
was played as it should be played by the Green River Shamrocks, Provincial champions.
Most people came by buggy and democrat, but there were a few cars.
But while 1811 was indeed an important date in the Township’s History, we can look back still
further to 1791, when Pickering Township emerged as a separate entity,
within the District of Nassau. In that year Surveyor Augustus Jones was commissioned to
survey and lay boundaries of Township in Nassau District east from Toronto to the mouth of
Trent. Names to be given the nine Townships do not correspond with those now applied,
and in some way, not recorded, the original name Glasgow was changed to Pickering.
Thus Pickering Township appears as a physical fact. But we begin the story of
Pickering Township as a self-goverened Municipality in 1811,
when it became a separate Municipality under the County of York which then included the
present counties of Ontario, York and Peel. Township of Pickering population in 1809 – 180;
40 men, 35 women and 105 children.It was on March 4th, 1811,
that a Town Meeting was held when the following appointments were made:
Town Wardens – John Richard and James Powell; Town Clerk, Thomas Hubbard;
Assessors, David Crawford and John Haight; Collector, Abraham Townsend; Pathmasters,
Noadiah Woodruff, Thomas Matthews, John Lawrence and Abraham Townsend;
Pound Keepers, Joseph Wixon and Timothy Rodgers.
The first By-Law dealt with fences and for forty years the By-Laws passed mostly dealt with
control of animals running at large, roads and appointments. As livestock ran at large,
there were over 100 different brand markings for livestock. An interesting entry appears in the
1813 Minutes and reads as follows: “Our Town Assessors ware putin by the lasting assessors
for the year A.D. 1813 by reason of the… (Continued on page 2) …war that was declared
against us by the States in the year 1812. By the same reason our townd-metin wor omitted in
the year A.D. 1814 and our Town Officers wor put in the same manner.” Town meetings were
held at various taverns throughout the Township.On January 1, 1850, there was a general
re-shuffling of Counties and Pickering Township became a minor Municipality under the
County of Ontario, which had County offices in the Village of Whitby.
The County Council is composed of the Reeves and Deputy-Reeves of the minor
municipalities and Pickering Township is proud to note that eleven of its members
have occupied the Warden’s Chair. The first elected Township Council under this
Act comprised W. H. Michell, Reeve; R. A. Parker, Deputy-Reeve; Peter Taylor,
Fred Green and Joshua Wixon.In 1850 the sun looked down on a very beautiful
Pickering Township, half of it treed with majestic maples, oaks, beech, pine and cedar,
the land quite rolling, and numerous grist mills, distilleries, cooper shops, etc.,
dotted along Duffin’s Creek, Rouge River, Petticoat Creek and Puckrin’s Creek,
which supplied energy for the successful operation of these small factories.
Here were 896 houses on its 62,407 acres, occupied by 6,345 persons who worked their
farms or were employed in shops within hailing distance of their homes.
The main occupation of the residents was farming and they produced cereals,
beef and pork which found a ready market in Toronto and the United States.
It is noteable that the production of the various cereal grains in bushels was: wheat, 102,789;
barley, 3,855; rye, 3,153; oats, 133,824; Indian corn, 4,203; buckwheat, 642, and 30,249
bushels of potatoes. There were 29,102 pounds of wool produced and the forests yielded 36,
352 pounds of maple sugar. The livestock was listed at: cattle, 5,739; horses, 1,716; sheep, 9,
248; and hogs, 5,188. Statistics show that the aver---Pickering Township Reeve 1927-29
Pictured above is Mr. G. M. Forsyth of Claremont. Mr. Forsyth has a wide knowledge of
municipal affairs having served on the Village Trustee Board, Pickering Township County
Council for many years. He was also a member of the Claremont School Board for nearly
thirty years. He is shown holding a framed portrait containing the members of Pickering
Twp. Council in 1929. The office-holders were as follows: Reeve, G. M. Forsyth; 1st Dep.,
G. L. Middleton; 2nd Dep., E. L. Chapman; Clerk, D. R. Beaton; Councillors,
W.G. Scott, A. B. Moore and R. C. Reesor. The Assessor was Adam Spears; Road Supt.,
Roy Ward; and Treasurer, H. Pugh.
List Showing Members of Municipal Council and Principal Officers, 1850 to 1929
Ontario County History Began 100 Years Ago(This is the first of a series of articles dealing with
the early history of Ontario County, and leading up to the celebration of the county’s centennial t
his summer). Ontario County occupies a remarkable position in the province of the same name.
A glance at the map will show that it is situated about midway between the eastern and western
boundaries on the frontier. The name is derived from the smallest of the Great Lakes, whose
waters wash its shores on the south, forming the three harbors of Whitby, Frenchman’s Bay and
Oshawa, within the county. While the extreme breadth of the county is only the width of two
townships, or eighteen miles, it extends northward, in a direct line, to a distance of 66 miles in
length. Ontario County is bounded on the north by the Township of Morrison, in the County of
Simcoe; on the south by Lake Ontario; on the east by the County of York, Lakes Simcoe,
Couchiching and the River Severn, which also separate it from the County of Simcoe.
The encroachment of the waters of the lakes, on the west and northwest, reduces the width of the
county to a single township, north of Brock—the average width thence being 8 miles,
and at the narrowest point, about the 9th concession of Thorah, extending but five miles across f
rom Lake Simcoe to the boundary line of Victoria.Rich, Loamy Soil. The general face of the
country in the south is rolling, the soil mostly a rich loamy clay. In the north, beyond the ridges,
which cross the county about 11 miles from the lake, the land is more of a level character,
the soil fertile, with plenty of limestone to the north.The county is divided into 2 Ridings,
North and South Ontario, each sending one member to the House of Commons,
and one each to the Local Legislatures. In its earlier years the North Riding was in the
Electoral Division of Queen’s, and the south was in King’s Division.Municipalities In
CountyThe county is divided into, or, to speak more correctly, is composed of the following
municipalities: Reach, Brock, Uxbridge, Scott, Scugog, Thorah, Mara and Rama and the
incorporated villages of Port Perry, Beaverton, Cannington, and the town of Uxbridge in the north;
Whitby, East Whitby, Pickering, the town of Whitby, and town of Ajax and Village of Pickering in
the south. These collectively elect 26 representatives to the County Council of Ontario.
Each municipality is entitled to elect a Reeve, and Deputy Reeves according to the number of
ratepayers on its assessment roll. The regular meetings of the County Council monthly – the
Warden being elected at the first meeting in January. Special sessions may be summoned at
any time by the Warden.Chartered in 1854Ontario did not obtain its separate municipal
existence as a county until January 1, 1854. Up to 1852 it was included in and formed part of
the County of York. By an Act of Parliament passed in 1851—14th and 15th Victoria, Cap. 5 –
which came into force January 1, 1852, the old County of York was divided into three counties,
viz, York, Ontario and Peel, the union of the three counties for municipal purposes still
continuing up to January 1, 1954, when Ontario left the union and commenced housekeeping
on her own account.The early history of the county is that of the whole district of which it formed
part when all was the primeval and unbroken forest, from Lake Ontario northward.
The county was first visited by white men in the month of August two-hundred and ninety-one
years ago (1615).Explored by Champlain.Champlain, the French governor and explorer,
accompanied by Caron and other recollect missionaries at that time, ascended the
Ottawa river and crossed to Lake Nipissing, then descended the French river to Georgian Bay.
Coasting along this he reached Severn river and thence through Lake Couchiching he came to
the country of the Huron Indians. He Agreed to join them in an attack on the Iroquois,
south-west of Oswego, in New York State. Passing through Lake Simcoe to the Talbot river,
which separates Mara and Thorah Townships he reached Balsam Lake,
thence down the waters of the Trent to Lake Ontario. Afterwards communication with
Lake Huron was made through Whitby and Reach Townships and through the Rouge river in
Pickering Township to the Holland river and Lake Simcoe. Through this latter route another
expedition of French and Indians oassed from Lake Huron to Niagara under instructions from
the Frenc Commandant at Quebec to avoid Fort Rouille, now Toronto, by taking this route.
In the old French map is a tracing of Canal route between the Holland and Rouge rivers.
First SchoolThe first school in the Province was established at Frenchman’s Bay, in Pickering,
in 1669-70 by Fenelon and Trouve, Sulpician missionaries who wintered there and gathered
the Indians into a school. In 1778 Ontario county formed part of the District of Nassau.
In 1798 it became part of the Home District, the first registry office for which was Niagara.
Earliest SettlersThe first white settler was Benjamin Wilson, who settled in East Whitby,
east of the Oshawa harbor, in 1798. Some of his descendants are still living in the county,
namely children of Benjamin and Nelson Pickell.The first settler in Pickering was
Mr. William Peak, who settled near the mouth of Duffin’s Creek. He was an Indian trader and
interpreter, and the friend of Waubikishki, an Indian chief whose ways extended from the
Credit River to the Bay of Quinte, about the year 1800.
Early Ont. C’ty Roads Built PrivatelyThe County of Ontario in 1870 possessed very good gravel
roads throughout its extent. Through the townships in the front the roads were said to be of an
excellent character, and in the north they were fast improving. The township councils were quite
liberal in their appropriations to this end.In the early years of settlement the want of good roads,
or in fact of any roads, good or bad-was one of the greatest discouragements the settler had to
encounter. In the course of time, bridle paths through the dense forests gave way to blazed lines
and corduroy clearings cut through the woods. Constant yearly expenditures of money and labor,
with the increase of population and settlement, brought about the desirable state of things in the
way of good and permanent highways which, thanks also to the excellent provisions of the
Municipal Act, were by 1870 found in existence in every direction.Company Built Roads
The government laid out the main or Centre Road through the centre of the county, from Port
Whitby to the Narrow’s Bridge. There was also then laid out a leading road, the old Brock Road,
to the west through Pickering north and the road from Oshawa, known as Simcoe Street.
At the time of the sale of the roads and harbors in Upper Canada by the government, in 1852,
the Whitby, Lake Scugog, Simcoe and Huron Road Company became the purchasers of the
Centre road and Whitby Harbour. The Company spent $30,000 in improving the road as far as
Manchester, making it one of the best travelled roads in the Province. They also spent $15,000
on the harbor.Simcoe Street and the Nonquon roads, leading to Oshawa and harbor, and the
Western road, were improved by private Companies and by grants from time to time from the
county and township councils. In 1860, after much discussion over a general scheme for
improving the main county roads to the north, and when the railway scheme had been
allowed to rest for a time, a by-law was passed by the County Council appropriating $20,000 for
the purpose. Of this amount there was given to Simcoe Street $2,000; the Centre road north of
Manchester, $8,000; and to the Brock, or Western road, $5,000. Scugog bridge, the Narrows’
bridge, the Talbot bridge, the bridge across the Black River between Scott and Georgina and
smaller bridges and pieces of road in various localities and especially in Mara and Rama,
had previously and during this and following years had considerable sums voted for
improvements. The bridges specially named have been a source of considerable
annual expense, and have annually drawn largely upon the county revenue to keep
them in repair.Each of the three harbours has a history of its own. Whitby,
originally called Windsor Harbour, and is still marked as such upon old maps,
was improved by the government in 1843 and 1844; piers were built, a good deal of
dredging done and a considerable sum of money expended. As early as 1833,
Mr. John Welsh had built a store-house and tramway for shipping wheat and flour which was
done in scows, being taken out through the mud a long way beyond the present breakwater.
Mr. Welsh had also opened a general store and did a large business for years afterwards.
He was a native of Clones, county Honaghan, Ireland, and few men in his day were better
liked or more respected in any locality. He died in 1860. The Windsor warehouse
(since pulled down) was built in 1842, Messrs Perry, Cochrane, Campbell, Nicholl and
Michell forming a company, known as the Windsor Warehouse company, for the purpose.
Early LeadersMr. John Watson, another Irishman, native of the county Dublin, retained the
various positions of manager, director, secretary and treasurer of the company for seven years.
He had been with Mr. Welsh for two years previously.Mr. J. Rowe, better known
(con’t on Claremont page)--Hogs Is Not to Run at LeargeFencing an Old Pickering Headache
By JACK HAMBLETON Brougham, Jan. 13 (Staff.) – Long before movie cowboys strutted
across the screen and televisions wide-eyed younger set watches cattle rustlers carrying
out their nefarious trade. Ontario’s farmers were guarding against that contingency.
In Pickering Township, one of the province’s oldest settlements, families recorded their cattle
marks with the township clerk of the day – beginning when Thomas Hubbard watched the
clerk enter. In a large township book, the fact that Hubbard cattle had their left ear cropped.
That was on March 7, 1811, just after Pickering’s first council had passed Bylaw No. 1,
which provided that “fences be four and a half feet high and not more than five inches
between rails.” Subsequently, the record shows, Thomas Hubbard’s mark was transferred to
J. B. Hubbard, but that was in 1855. Even up to 1908, Pickering farmers entered their marks.
In that year, Joseph Doyle of Concession 3 “claims as a record for his cattle a pig-ring in the
left ear of animal.”This data comes from the first town book, a tome of thick, handmade paper
pages, kept in a vault at the township office here. The first entry, March 4, 1811, declares that
“agreeable to an Act of Legislature of this Province made and passed in the 33rd year of His
Majesty’s reign for the purpose of choosing and nominating certain fit and proper persons to
serve as parish and town officers, we the inhabitants of this town met the first Monday of March
for the purpose of choosing the following officers, viz., Thomas Hubbard, town clerk;
David Crawford, John Height, assessors; Abraham Townsend, collector.”Pathmasters,
today’s equivalent of highway commissioners, were Nodiah Woodruff, Thomas Matthews,
John Lawrance and Abraham Townsend; poundkeepers were Joseph Wexdon and
Timothy Rogers; town wardens, John Richard and James Powell.A similar meeting was held
early in 1812, but the next year the inhabitants didn’t meet. The reason, complete with original
spelling: “Our townd ofifors were put in by the last sefons (sessions) for the year AD. 1813 by
reafon of the war that was decalred against us by the States in the year 1812. By the same
reafon our towndmetin war omitted in the year AD. 1814 and our town officers war put in the
same manner.”Throughout the early history of the town meeting runs a constant refrain
regarding confinement of cattle, horses and hogs.In 1820, for instance, the by-laws are
repeated. “Hogs is not to run at learge with out they have a yoak on them that is six inches
above the neck and fore inches below the neck,” said the council of that day. “Horfes is not
free commoners, Horned cattle that is none (known) to be breachey is not free commoners.”
In 1824, council got tough. It ruled “that any unruly creature of any description either horse, ox
or cow or bull Mully or young creature of any sort or size shall not be a free commoner but
shall be liable to be taken up and put in the pound by any person either man, woman or boy
and the owner shall pay all damages, poundages and costs whether the creature was doing
damage or not.”Actually, a smart rustler wouldn’t have had a great deal of trouble changing
some of the marks. The cattle of David S. Barclay, recorded Jan. 1, 1849, had two holes in the
left ear and one in the right ear—which would have certainly covered Mr. Barclay’s cows if one
hole had been added. But the first town book, which recorded the history of Pickering for more
than 70 years, records no cases of cattle rustling.First financial accounts which appeared in
the old book begin on Jan. 6, 1836, when Lawrence Haydon paid 11 pounds, 10 shillings for
“wild land tax.” There’s no explanation of the fine of five pounds, 14 shillings and five-pence
received from Frances T. Billings, “treasurer of the home district—Menonists fine,” nor for the
five shillings which John McKitrick paid. That was simply “a fine imposed on him.”
The township budget for 1836 shows total receipts of 31 pounds, 10 shillings, and 10 pence,
with expenditures of 31, nine and eight-pence, leaving a balance on hand of one shilling and
twopence.An itemized statement for the year 1883 shows and expenditure of $10.41 for
postage, telegraphs, stationary, etc. A bottle of ink, size unknown, was recorded at 30 cents.
But actually, the Pickering records go back even further. Originally the present village, 25 miles
east of Toronto, was known as Gandatsetiagon, and was inhabited in 1669 by Seneca Indians
of the Five Nations.
This is the means by which Altona residents get their mail. A Metal Box on a Wooden Post
By Laura LawsonI don’t know why it is, but the arrival of the mail carrier in the country seems to
be twice as important and many times more exciting than the same event in town. Nothing else I
can think of can sustain the same amount of anticipation day after day, year in and year out.
The day seemes somehow incomplete that finds that box undisturbed. Turned crosswise on its
base indicated that is holds mail – allowed to remain parallel to the road, its message:
“Nothing for you today.”Dressed in clothing enough to take me on an expedition to the Arctic,
I’ve battled my way through the worst storm of the winter to reach that box. What was my reward?
A travel folder inviting me to relax on the sunny sands of Florida! How DID my name get on that
mailing list? Maybe by mental telepathy, for certainly I think often enough of that “Land of Flowers”
when even the thermometer seems to shiver as it lowers itself yet another degree.One of the few
things on the farm that has remained unchanged through the years is the metal box attached to a
wooden post by a moveable arm—the rural mail box. All the elements of human emotion find
shelter there from time to time from the elements of nature. In the course of a lifetime, it
participates in every major event in the lives of the family. The announcement that my parents
were happy to receive me into the world went forth from it, and in all probability, it will hold my
obituary notice.During the years between these two occurrences, I receive from it the following:
Advertisements: In abundance. Bills: An over abundance. Magazine and Newspapers: In
numbers that indicate that I am a pushover for salesmen working their way through college.
Letters: Insufficient in quantity, but of quality and content immeasureably superior to “Please
Remit” and “This coupon and 25c entitles you to one box of Clean Wash Soap Flakes.”The Mail
CarrierParcels: Few and far between, usually coincident with Christmas. They bring with them
mystery and surprise. On occasion, though, parcels by mail order have afforded me some
surprise also; like the shoes that compared favorably with row boats as to size. I was able to
distinguish between the two, only by the fact that I have never seen a leather row boat.But what
of the man who delivers all these weird and wonderful articles to the mail box? The rural mail
carrier is more than one who delivers mail. He is the local taxi (free of fare) between one farm
home and another. Not a day passes that someone isn’t waiting for him besides a mail box.
“Mind if I ride as far Benson’s with you?” The answer is always the same, “Hop in.”
He is relied upon to carry parcels and messages. “Here are some buns I made for the W.A.
Food Sale. Could you leave them with Mrs. Smith Please?” Sometimes these requests get
out of hand, like the time I well remember when one resident along the mail route called the
post office to ask the mail man to “throw on a couple of apple barrels and leave them at my
gate.” Just where he expected them to be “thrown” was not clear. Even the Model T had its
limitations!The mail man can laugh off such unreasonable demands made upon him,
but he is understandably annoyed by three things: the mail box that has not been turned to
indicate that it is empty, the person who is sure there is mail for him and suggests by his
manner that the driver is deliberately withholing it, and loose change in the box. The first is
easily dealt with. After he has been misled two or three times –left his car and waded through
the snow to an empty box, he simply ignores the box in future unless he has something to put
into it. Usually the person who has not enough consideration to turn the box is also the one who
fails to shovel the snow away from around it.The second problem requires whatever patient
and tact the carrier can muster. Here he comes to grips with disappointment and frustration,
two emotions wrapped up within a personality just looking for somewhere to place the blame.
Granted that disappointment is a bitter pill to swallow there is no point in plying the mail man
with such questions as: “Are you perfectly sure there isn’t anything for me?” “Do you think you
might have lost it?” “Maybe you left it somewhere else?” Sympathetic as he may be, there is
absolutely nothing he can do to conjure out of thin air something that just isn’t in the mail bag.
One driver of my acquantaince was driven almost to distraction by a woman who demanded
that she be allowed to look through all the mail he was carrying “just to make sure.”Mistakes
occur, of course. The mailman probably makes fewer of them on his job than you do on yours,
so be as gracious as you can if an error does occur. No clause in his contract requires him to
be Superman. To deliver mail along a route on which as many as three families may have
identical initals and surnames and to place the correct A. B. Cee’s mail in the proper A. B.
Cee’s box unerringly every time would be a good test of Solomon’s wisdom. This is very likely
the situation in which the mailman makes the most numerous “errors”, and it actually unfair to
class this “misplacement” of mail as an error. In many rural communities where family custom
preserves the continuity of a name and three generations live within the boundaries of one
rural route, this is not an uncommon condition.Loose change! What an irritation that is! To pick
up four coppers individually with cold fingers from the far corners of an equally cold metal box
is not a game calculated to bring sunshine into a mail driver’s day. When he finds one letter
and a quarter he surmises that the owner expects stamps in return. More than once he has
been taken to task because he guessed wrong.A Sense of HumorBut all is not irritation and
gloom along the mail route. There are many bright spots, and a good deal of humor along the
way. In fact, these latter two outweigh the annoyances and probably eclipse them in the lives of
most rural mail men. For instance, there is an octogenarian who treats his mail carrier to
peppermints regularly during the fine weather of summer. When he is no longer standing
beside his mail box with that little bag of candy, he will be missed like the passing of a
familiar landmark. Then there is that blonde who finds it necessary to get a ride with the
eligible young man who delivers the mail on the road where she lives. She, unfortunately,
seems to be very careless for, it is not unusual that after she has left the car, such an item as a
scarf or a glove remain behind. She will find the article returned to her promptly – via the mail
box. Depending upon the point of view, this confirms the opinion that the government has in its
ploy a very stupid or a very clever public servant. At any rate, the mail man is still eligible.
We have “Be Kind Week” for every conceivable cause, but no one seems to have included
the rural mail man as a subject. Rather than “Be Kind Week”, let us have “Be considerate of
the mail carrier every day, every year.” If we comply with three simple rules that require very
little effort on the part of the individual, better service and happy relationships will result:1.
Turn the mail box. 2. Keep a sufficient supply of stamps on hand, but if money must be left in
the box put it into an envelope, write on the outside your requirements as to number and
denominations of stamps required. Have the correct change if possible.3.
Don’t impose on the good nature of your mail man. He is willing to be of service in any way he
can – BUT, his job is to deliver the mail, not run a free taxi and messenger service.
Family History In StoneA burial ground known as the Yake Cemetery, is located on the Uxbridge-
Pickering townline, west of Altona. It contains tombstones dating back to the early 1800’s.
Thirteen year old Larrie Spiece has taken over the management of the property for an annual fee
of $100, approved by Pickering Council. He is shown here with his collie pup ‘Buck’. –
Staff Photo.-Yake CemeteryWriting barely readable on some of the stones.-Glasgow South
Cemetery 1965-The Tribune, Stouffville, Thursday November 3, 1955Seventeen Gravestones
DesecratedMr. Fred Nighswander of Altona kneels beside one of the seventeen tombstones
that were toppled over by vandals in the Mennonite cemetery on Hallowe’en night. Many of the
stones were broken and parts of some are missing altogether. The community is planning to
hold a bee in an effort to repair as much of the damage as possible.-Despicable Vandalism
Perpetrated at Altona In Pioneer CemeteryOne of the most despicable acts of vandalism ever
perpetrated in this distrisct occurred in the Mennonite Cemetery at nearby Altona on Monday
night when seventeen gravestones marking the burying places of a number of local pioneers,
were upset and broken. The desecration carried out by Hallowe’en hoodlums marked a new low
in mentality for this type of character.The damage was first noticed by Mrs. Fletcher Goudie on
Tuesday morning. A number of the stones are broken; all are toppled over and some are
missing, one being recovered later in bushland nearby.This is one of the oldest cemeteries in the
district, the first burial taking place there in 1835. The church which stands by the graveyard was
built in 1852 and both are still in use. Many pioneer Mennonite residents have been laid to rest
there, some of the families long since departed from the district. The Cemetery is administered
by a Board of Trustees separate from the church and these men, with help, will attempt to repair
the damage that has been done.Words are inadequate to describe the indignation of the
residents at this wanton destruction.
CEMETERIES IN THE ALTONA WOMEN'S INSTITUTE DISTRICTCemeteries are usually
places of sadness to one who has gone to visit the last resting place of their loved ones.
For me, who was gathering facts for the "Tweedsmuir History", they were interesting and I
learned various things there.There are five cemeteries in this area; two at Glasgow, two at
Altona and one at Atha. In rural areas we note that usually where there was a church, there
was also a burying place near by.I shall begin with the two at Glasgow. At the time I visited
these, "Century City" seemed to be a progressing project and I thought that I should get there
ahead of the bulldozer. I had no doubt but that the cemeteries would be spared in some way,
perhaps as the ones in the path of the St. Lawrence Seaway have been.The north Glasgow
Cemetery is a fair-sized one, located immediately north of the Harry Noble property. It is well
cared for by Mr. Noble. There was a hall at one time just south of Gerald Noble's home which
was used for religious services and other meetings. This cemetery may have started from this,
or it may have started from a need in the area for a burying ground. Glasgow in early days had a
store and other small businesses and was no doubt considered a small, rural village.The south
Glasgow Cemetery is a small one and located in the church yard of a Methodist Church.
Only the cemetery remains. It is known as the Forsyth Cemetery. The Forsyth family figured
prominently in this church and many of the stones bear their names, though there are others
buried here too - no doubt members or adherants of this church. This present generation of
Forsyths see that it is cared for. Older stones that had become cracked or fallen were re¬
located in cement to preserve them and put in a row at the back of the cemetery.The cemetery at
Altona, near the four corners in the Mennonite church yard, is around three sides of the church
which stands in the front centre of the area. Services are still held regularly here by the
Mennonites and a few burials take place from time to time in this cemetery, though mostly by
families who a long time ago acquired a plot. I presume that there isn't too much vacant space
and its location does not lend itself for any enlargement. Christian Stouffer donated one acre of
land for this church and cemetery. At first, a school house stood at the north end of the cemetery.
This was used also for preaching services. A Mr. Daniel Kreider ministered the Word here in
1825. The date on the present church is 1835 and a stone in the cemetery, that of Elizabeth
Stouffer, bears the same date so it is logical that this cemetery began then.Another Altona
Cemetery, that possibly many do not even know exists, is the Yake Cemetery. It cannot be
seen from the highway and is located on the Pickering-Uxbridge Townline, on the Pickering
side. It is a little south and east of what was once the Fred McNair property. A family by the
name of Speice purchased a parcel of land immediately north of it. The driveway to their
property was also the entrance to this burying ground. A few years ago Pickering Township
council decided to care for the "uncared for" cemeteries in the township. Mr. Speice's son was
hired to care for this one. It is on a hill that I presume at one time was unworkable. The Yake
farm was immediately to the south, though the entrance to their farm was from another road.
I presume that a goodly number of the folk buries there are early members of this family.
Some stones date back to the early 1800's. No burials have taken place here for some time.
A fifth cemetery is on the 8'th Concession of Pickering, east of Atha. It is known as the
Gostick Cemetery, A Baptist church was located on the north corner of the Gostick farm.
First a small, log building was used and later a wooden frame building. It is said that this
frame building is now the rear Sunday School area of the present Claremont Baptist Church.
Soon after the first log church was built here and services were being held, there was a death
and a need for a burying place. Mr. John Gostick gave a half acre of land, which was at the
end of the field, for this purpose. One dollar was paid to Mr. Gostick for the land. Later he
donated another half acre as more was needed. The earliest stone is dated 1835 - erected
for a young lady in her 20th year. Two burials were known to have taken place befor this one
but there are no stones nor a record of them.When this cemetery was started, members 63
the congregation named it Machpelah, pronounced "Mac-feela". The reason for this is most
interesting. In Genesis 23, it tells of Abraham's wife Sarah, who was 127 years old, dying at
Hebron in the land of Cannaan. Abraham mourned and wept for her. He stood up before his
dead and spake unto the sons of Heth saying, "I am a strang¬er and so-journer with you, give
me a possession of a burying place with you that I may bury my dead." The sons of Heth
replied, "Thou art a mighty prince among us, in thy choice of "our sepulchres bury thy dead."
Abraham said, "Entreat for me to Ephrom that he may give me the cave of Machpelah, which
he hath, which is at the end of the field, for as much money as it is worth." Ephrom insisted that
he take the cave of Machpelah as a gift but Abraham would not have it this way. Abraham
paid Ephrom 400 shekels of silver. This was considered by the congregation as aqual to one
dollar. Chapter 25 tells us that Abraham was also buried in the cave of Macphelah. Mr. Frank
Gostick cared for this cemetery while he lived there, until he moved to Stouffville. Pickering
Township now pays someone to care for it.The "Sacred Acre," as they are sometimes
referred to, very often, was on the brow of a hill. I have my own ideas as to why this might
have been, no doubt because of the drier ground.Burials are not frequent at any of these
cemeteries now.I wondered as I walked in these "sacred areas" if the larger, fancier stones
meant that those buried beneath had probably been more prosperous than others. Then I
observed that
Cemeteries in the Altona Women’s Institutes District – con’tlargely the style and size of
stones belonged to a certain era. The style of stones changed with the years just as with other
things. The inscriptions on the stones have changed with the times also. Some of the early ones
very much expressed the feelings of those who laid their loved ones there. Dates also tell a story
of several in one family having passed away within a few days of each other, particularly of
children, whom I presume had contracted a disease usually fatal until the discovery of the
vaccination and preventive shots.This is where I learned who the really early descendents of the
district were. The dates on many stones are still well preserved.In addition to these five
cemeteries, no doubt there are many, small private ones no longer known by any mark or
person. Sometimes a deceased was interred in a little, private spot on the property.
The casket and box, also the head marker, often was made by the hand of a loved one.
Compiled by L. E. Byer, 1972.--The graveyards of our early pioneers seem to have been
designed as places to visit. Folk strolled through the burying grounds, and grave markers were
meant to be read and though about.It was an age when babies were born at home and
sometimes mothers died in childbirth. Too often disease, now under control, snuffed out the lives
of several children of a family within a few days. Little tomb stones or the names and ages of the
deceased recorded on a parent or grandparent’s stone bear witness of this. Diptheria or small
pox were two diseases that took their toll quickly.The earliest markers were of wood and made
by members of the family or friends, as were the boxes the bodies were to rest in. We can
imagine the heartbreak as a father worked quickly out in the driving shed to prepare a wooden
box for the deceased loved one. Those who died of highly infectious diseases were buried
quickly.The first stones were rectangular slabs, white and had a rough sugary looking surface.
There usually was some carving of flowers as there is yet. Names and dates were more precise
then than now. They often included the time, the day, and the month of passing.These early
stones most often bore “Epitaphs”, a sentence or a little verse in addition to times and dates.
The messages were varied. Some were a message to the living, others were a eulogy to the
deceased. Some are sentimental, others express a quirky personality of the deceased.
Many of these early stones are deteriorated due to the elements of weather. An air moss seems
to like their texture for growth.Some Epitaphs in the Glasgow South Cemetery are:
While on earth I did remain,I suffered much with grief and pain.But when the Lord,
He thought it best,Took me to his heavenly rest.-Friends and physicians could not save,
This mortal body from the grave.Nor can the grave confine it here,When Christ our Saviour
doth appear.-Loves chain is not forever riven,We shall meet again in heaven.-Poor child her
days on earth were few,She passed away like morning dew.-A little flower of loveThat
blossomed but to dieTransplanted now aboveTo bloom with God on high.-My sudden death
proclaims aloudTo you my dying friendsTo be prepared to meet your GodWhen He the
summons sends.-Let our sudden exit from earthCause thee for heaven to prepare.-All is
peace – then do not weep.Death is not an endless sleep.-Jesus has called our mother home
Her flesh lies mouldering in the tomb.God grant her offspring may be blessedAnd meet her in
Eternal rest.
“History of Altona Creek”(known as Duffin’s Creek)The county of Ontario occupies a remarkable
position in the province of the same name – Province of Ontario. The name is derived from the
smallest of the Great Lakes – Lake Ontario.The extreme breadth of the County is the width of the
two townships or eighteen miles. It extends northward in a direct line to a distance of sixty-six
miles; it is bounded on the south by Lake Ontario.We have about nine streams and four rivers.
The creek here rises in Uxbridge Township and is called Duffin’s Creek. It flows south through
Pickering Township and empties into Lake Ontario.There are several tributaries from Duffin’s
Creek and a number of mills are operated theron, being at White’s (3rd Uxbridge), one at
Glasgow, two at Altona, one at Green River, and one at Whitevale. Some of these mills were
flour or lumber mills at one time. Sheep were often washed at Glasgow. Many baptismal services
were held at Altona.Old songs, they are like blossoms pressed betweenThe pages of a long
forgotten book,Which call to mind the treasures known and seenIn childhood days by a familiar
brook.--Looking South on Duffin’s Creek, Pickering.--The Township of Pickering was formerly
called Edinburgh. The first settler was a man named William Peak, who settled there before 1801.
On the day of June, 1900, the former Village of Canton, on Duffins’ Creek, was erected into a
Police Village.The first settler in the Township of Uxbridge was Dr. Beswick in the year 1806.
At the dawn of our provincial history, two hundred and odd years ago, when the first light was
breaking on Lake Ontario, you might have discover-ed an Indian village a few miles to the west
of Whitby Harbour. The village looked out upon a wide and land-locked mere which every
summer was fringed anew with floating milfoil and embroidered with pond-lilies. This peaceful
bay was so little moved by the great lake the the stormiest wrath outside awoke but a soft
response within. It was a welcome retreat in wild weather for lake birds when blown about the
skies. Sedges, sweet-flags, and tall reed-mace so concealed the entrance that it was known
only to the Senecas Indians of the village within. Out of the quiet bay Pickering Harbour has in
our day been formed and the entrance has been dredged and widened and lightened. But two
centuries ago these blue waters had not yet been vexed by merchantmen and a sufficient
beacon was found in the natural features of the land.It was during the early thirties that Pickering
received it first large influx of settlers. To this period beling the Scotch settlement in the first and
second concessions. The English settlement was in the seventh, eighth and ninth concessions.
It was within this period that John Bell came to Atha, John Miller to Brougham, Hector Beaton to
Whitevale, and lames McCreight to Cherrywood. Settlers in Pickering at this period though not
the earliest yet: had to face most of the privations and hardships of pioneer life. Excepting the
Kingston Road there were scarcely any roads worthy of the name. What did duty as roads were
often simply paths blazed through the woods or at best chopped out only wide enough for a
wagon to pass. Many a bag of seed potatoes and grain and provisions was borne in those days
on settlers backs through the forest paths from points as far distant as Whitby and Toronto.
Soon little clearances surrounded the little log dwellings of the settlers, and season by season
they widened till at length clearance joined clearance then there came a time when the clearance
was larger than the remaining bush and the years hastened the time when only patches of forest
are left to dot at wide intervals the landscape of the townships. The settlers' life was toilsome-
cutting, chopping, logging, burning for which in many cases they had no training. Yet their life
was not without those elements which tended to develop strong and true character in those who
shared it. The isolation developed a resourcefulness and self-reliance which is often lacking in
our more highly organized and specialized life. The settler had to be his own carpenter,
blacksmith, and architect and often had to supply himself with the products of a dozen other
trades. In health and in sickness his own hands had to wait upon his necessities and never
was the old proverb more frequently exemplified that necessity is the Mother of Invention.In
1669 Frenchman's Bay was an Indian Village and M. Fenelon engaged in missionary work in
the Indian village and as far east as Port Hope. He brought the Indians under the power of
Christianity. It will be 100 years next July since railroads began in Ontario. Before this people
travelled by stage and steamboats. Kingston and Toronto were the nearest markets.Sylvanus
Sharrard married Ruth Wixon who is believed to have been the first child born of white parents
in the community and possibly the first in the township. Mr Sharrard was a prominent t
emperance worker and held the position of Grand Treasurer of the Sons of Temperance from
1856 till 1869. Pickering Township has had its share in the decided advance in Temperance
sentiment. In 1864 the township had its first opportunity of voting on a prohibitive measure
when the Dunkin Act was adopted by a majority of one. Only one polling place was provided
for the whole township- The Town Hall at Brougham, and the voting was continued for four days.
As there was no voting by ballot it was known as time went on exactly how the vote stood.
Shortly before the final close of the poll the vote was a tie and all available votes appeared to
be in. At the juncture the late John Michell of Claremont drove into Brougham on his way from
Toronto with a load. The temperance party knowing him to be favourable to the act escorted
him into the hall, while their opposers endeavoured to detain him for a few minutes till it should
be too late. After a desperate struggle he reached the voting table with but a fragment or so of
his coat remaining and had his vote recorded making Pickering's first vote on the question a
victory for Temperance.In 1850 the population of the township was 6,385 and 31,352 acres
were under cultivation., There were seven grist mills, 27 saw mills in operation The township
boasted 18 schools paying a total of 849£ (pounds) in salarie-s to the teachers. In 1850 the
first regular municipal council was elected with W. H. Michell, Reeve. Hector Beaton held the
three offices of Clerk. Collector and Assessor.
The Rouge River was rich in salmon and the forests were abundant in wild fowl.Farmers cut
their grain with a cradle and threshed it with a flail. Grain was hauled to Frenchmen's Bay.
Grain from the north was brought to Manchester then followed the plank highway to
Frenchmen's Bay, As many as seventy teams were in the parade.The Major family were the
pioneers of the Whitevale neighbourhood and for many years it was known as Majorville.
The village had its beginning in the year 1885. The first grist mill erected by Mr. T.P. White
cost $10000. In 1866 he built a large planing mill and in l867 a large brick woolen mills
costing about $30000. He also owned a saw-mill in the village. A flour mill from 1867 to 1874
was operated by the Spink brothers. Whitevale was a busy place, having besides the above
mentioned industries, had a stave and heading factory and a barrel factory operated by the
Spink brothers. There was also a wagon and carriage factory. A cheese factory was owned by
P.R. Hoover & Co. Whitevale possessed a merchant and tailoring firm, shoemaker shops,
and a butcher shop and a tinsmith shop. Whitevale's first medical man was Dr. Stephen
Closson, a Scarboro man. The last doctor resided there in 1902. Since that time it is
understood that the place has grown so healthy that it has required no resident doctor.
Folks walked to the market; the price of eggs being 8c a dozen and butter 12c a pound –
written by Mrs. T. Dunkeld The only church to be built in the district near Atha, was
erected by the Baptist denomination, and was opened on Lord's Day, August 16th 1835.
The services in this church continued to be hold more or less regularly for 35 years,practically
no written record remains of the work of the passing years. The preacher, the Rev. T. G.
Gostick came to Pickering in 1832 from England, and until his death in 1859, was ever in his
place on the Sabbath. All that remains is the cemet¬ery, located on the farm now owned by
T. C. Gostick.Church services were held in both the old and new schoolhouses, but no other
church was ever built in the neighbourhood. A store and blacksmith shop were at one time
located on the northwest corner of the John Bell property.
By Mrs. Thomas DunkeldThis article by Mrs. Dunkeld was published under the heading
“local History of Atha and Altona Pioneers” in Stouffville’s The tribune on 27 February 1947.
Atha lies just to the south of Altona on the Eighth Concession Road. All that remains of the
former hamlet is the schoolhouse.Joseph Monkhouse’s farm, Con. 9, Lot 32, as pictured in the
Illustrated Historical Atlas of the County of Ontario (Toronto: Beers. 1877)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 next four years fully 160 000 were added to the
population.Pickering Township had its growing time in this period. It was during this time that the
communities of which we are interested namely Atha and Altona had their beginning.Atha
The first settler to come to the eighth concession of Pickering was Nathan Bently who came in
1831 and purchased the bush farm, which Mrs. Carruthers now owns. Mr. And Mrs. Bently lived
there till his death in 1874.One of his daughters Mrs. C. McAvoy remained on the farm until the
death of her husband. They had one son Otto. On this farm was the first school house built in the
southwest corner in 1811. It was a cottage type and was a fine school in its day. My father went
to that school. The desks were all around the wall the children facing the wall. The playground
was the King’s highway and as much woods as they wished to play in. The present school house
was built in 1864, opened on Jan. 1st 1865.The Lehman family were one of the next to come.
Daniel Lehman came in 1839 from Pennsylvania, bought the south half of lot 35, con 8. In 1835
he and his bride settled on the farm. Before he brought his bride he cleared a few acres of land
and built a log house. In the three years he rode the same horse nine times to Pennsylvania and
back. When he brought his bride they came on horseback. 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 (my father) continued to operate the sawmill. He also had a shingle and lath
machine. We elder children many a day packed shingles all day. The mill was later transformed
into a chopping mill run with a stone grinder. The mill at this time is torn down. The property still
remains in the Lehman name, Eli being the present owner.John Bell a native of Dumfriesshire,
Scotland came to Canada with his wife in 1834 and settled on lot 28, con 7. One of his sons
John M. Bell Married and remained on the homestead making stock raising a prominent feature
of his farming activities. His daughter Mrs. Peter Stewart and her two sons John and Peter
lived there until the death of their mother. Then John married Mary Duncan and farmed for
some time. After John’s death the property was sold to Fred Byer. Michael Nighswander and
his bride came in 1838 and located on lot 34, con 7. In 1845 he also 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, lived on the homestead until their death. The property was sold to
Mr. Kirton. Tillman had one son Otto. Mrs. Nighswander is still living and Mrs. Ralph
Nighswander lives on the townline.The Whitson family also came from Scotland in 1839
settling on lot 28, con 8 and since the death of their parents the two daughters Misses Ella and
Georgie still reside on the farm with Mr. Fred Draper as manager. Robert Whitson owned the
next farm east of his brother’s with his two sisters Janny and Margaret.
They had the post office till the rural route came from Claremont. Abraham Hoover with his
wife came from Markham purchased lot 39, con 8, in Oct. 1843. A house having been built
and ten acres cleared. As time went by he owned 400 acres of land. His sons Sam, Noah,
Elsie and Jacob took possession of the farms. The farms are now owned by Mr. Tran,
Mrs. Louis Hoover, Mrs. MacDonald, and Mr. And Mrs. Eli Lehman.Adam Spears, a native of
Scotland, settled on lot 29, con 7, in 1840 and also built a sawmill. The lumber was teamed to
Frenchman’s Bay. The mill was continued in operation by his son James until about fifty years
ago. The farm was sold and his son Adam lives in Whitevale.Other pioneers names familiar
are Lapp, Burks, Lott, Harrison, Hisey, but they are all gone and others have taken their places.
Mr. Joe Brown came to the eighth in 1839 and in 1889 the Dunkelds bought the farm.
The father died soon after. The mother Lizzie and the three boys James, William and
Thomas took over till their death, then Murray Dunkeld bought the farm.I can’t recall when the
Byers came from Markham but I remember Mr. Joe Byers’ grandmother so well. She was
akind lady. I worked there when she died and recall Joe Byers’ sister passed away the same
day.The only church near Atha was erected by the Baptist denomination and was opened on
Sunday August 1835. The services were held there for 35 years. Only the cemetery remains
on the Frank Gostick farm. The minister was Rev. I.D.Gostick. He came to Canada in 1832
from England and was always in his place on the Sabbath. After it closed the Sunday School
for awhile was held in the Atha school house. There was once a store and blacksmith at Atha
corners managed by Mr. And Mrs. Beattie.AltonaAt Altona the Mennonites were the first to
erect a church built in 1850.The church still stands and services are held there by the
Mennonites. The ministers are Mr. Thomas Reesor, Mr. Fred Nighswander, Mr. A. Smith.
The union church, Mennonite and Christian, situated on the Abram Reesor property was
built in 1872. Daniel Barkey now lives on the farm. The same denomination still hold their
Sunday School and church services there. The present ministers are Mr. Hallman and Mr. G.
Brown.A name familiar to the Altona people was Joseph Monkhouse who came from
Cumberland, England in 1849 and married Christena Reesor. He built the Altona store and
people came from miles around to make purchases. After his death his son Willis took over
the store. He now lives in Stouffville. Fletcher Goudie now occupies the store building.
The homes of Mr. White and Mr. McChancy belonged to the Millard family, the land having
been purchased from the crown at the time. The Morris farm belonged to the same family.
A number will remember the old blacksmith shop where Mr. Boothby worked from morn till
night shoeing horses and doing repair work. On the corner was a hotel kept by Mr. Brown
where Mr. O. Madill now has a general store. One of the earliest settlers to come to Altona
district was the Daniel Yake family who came from Germany in 1804. It took fourteen weeks
to cross. He buried his wife and four children at sea. He came to Canada from Pennsylvania
with the rest of his family with their little effects and three cattle. Of the children only Michael
remained in Pickering. In 1816 he married Jane VanZant. They had twelve children. One of
his daughters Poly married Mr. Jones and she spent all her long life on the farm where Ralph
and Mary reside.Robert Scott, John Scott’s father, came from Cumberland, England in 1868.
In 1874 he married Alice Jones, a daughter of Mrs. Jones, and mother of Mrs. Bunker.There
are many more who lived in Altona, the Whites, Stouffers, Reesors, Hoovers. The Nighswander
history was in the Tribune a few weeks ago.The land at that time was nearly all bushland. They
cut trees, the best of maple, piled the logs and burnt them, thousands of feet of the best timber,
to clear the land. A tree at that time was of no value. In the spring they could tap any number of
Maple trees, made their own wooden sap spiles and troughs for the sap, boiled it in iron
kettled down to sugar. They made a year’s supply of sugar and used it for all kinds of
sweetening purposes. A day’s work from sunrise to sunset for 50c a day or take as pay
wheat and apples. They also had sheep and used the wool for socks, mitts, and took it to
Cliff’s mill at Altona to be made into cloth and yarn. The cloth was made into men’s shirts and
boy’s suits and overcoats, underwear and dresses.
Atha Disaster Happened 65 Years Ago This MonthThis picture should bring back memories to
many of our older residents who have passed the mark of three score and ten. The Atha disaster,
a train wreck, occurred sixty-five years ago this month on the C.P.R. line just a half mile from the
Atha Station east of Stouffville. An extremely heavy rain had weakened the bridge at this point in
the line and an engine and tender hiaballing down the line plunged into the creek below when the
structure gave way. Four men died in the wreck, one of them a local man, David Nighswander of
Locust Hill who was on board just for the ride.--Markham Sun June 19, 1890Five Lives Lost At
Atha A C.P.R. Engine Into A WashoutTuesday’s storm in Pickering Township caused the loss of
five lives by a pilot engine, on board of which were Messrs. Wanless, C.P.R. Inspector of bridges;
Jerry Moriarty, section foreman at Green River; Hiram Lott, a labourer son of Wm. Lott, carpenter
of Green River; the engineer, fireman, and David Nighswander postmaster at Locust Hill, being
precipitated into a creek at Atha, 8 Con. Pickering, by the flood carrying away the huge boulders
and allowing the bridge to drop some 20 feet.It appears that the local train going east was
stopped at Green River on account of the washout some distance beyond the bridge,
passengers walking to Claremont, a few of whom were told by residents to report the
dangerous state of the bridge, as the express from the east would be along.After 11 o’clock the
engine and tender with the six above named men on board started from Green River to repair
the washout some distance beyond the bridge, and not having been made aware of the
dangerous states of the latter, were carried through. Mr. Nighswander who was looking ahead on
the north side for signals, being the only one to escape. The tender was completely turned up on
top of the engine and how Mr. Nighswander escaped from the wreck and the flood he cannot tell.
The embankment is 20 feet and before crawling up, Nighswander called lustily to his companions,
but received no response, until Mrs. Coulson, who lives near by, came with a lantern and
assisted the survivor into her home, after which she went a mile and a half to her brothers,
Frank Sriver, who in turn aroused Messrs. Beyer, Wallace. Hoover and others who immediately
went to the rescue with lanterns. About 3:30 a.m. the body of Mr. Wanless was discovered in the
water, fast in some bush 20 feet distant from the engine. None of the others had been recovered
up until 8 a.m. Wednesday morning, when a gang of railway men arrived. Messrs. Lott and
Nighswander, volunteered their services to assist in repairing the washout as the section men
lived a distance away.A searching investigation is necessary to ascertain if there has not
been negligence on the part of the officals in the neighbourhood. Why they did not go over the
line with a lorrie before allowing the locomotive to go at that hour cannot be understood.
Hiram Lott was about 22 years of age and unmarried, the other victims were married.Later
Wednesday, 3 p.m.- The scene of the accident is besieged with reporters while one individual
is taking a sketch of an up-turned, locomotive and tender – everything visible. Nothing can be
done towards recovering the bodies until the workmen have repaired the break, as they cannot
get an engine close enough to raise either tender or engine. It is an affecting scene.
Mr. Wanless’ son gazing on his father’s dead form, young Hiram Lott’s father, grandfather and
other relatives with those of the other entombed victims, anxiously awaiting the recovery of the
bodies of their loved ones. Some of the bodies must be terribly mangled as a portion of a lung
has been picked up. The inspector was but slightly disfigured. Dave Nighswander, it appears
rolled down the embankment after the engine which seems to have almost got over the bridge
before going down.Sun June 26, 1890Engineer Altons body was buried in Mt. Pleasant
cemetery, and that of Mr. Wanless in St. James Cemetery. Jerry Moriarty was buried in the
R. C. cemetery Markham and Hiram Lott at Locus Hill. --Observe AnniversaryMr. And Mrs.
H. B. Lott of 245 High Park Avenue, Toronto, were given a surprise Monday, Aug. 7, in honor
of their golden wedding anniversary. The celebration took place at the summer home of
Ernest D. Lott, Mississauga Road, Port Credit, more than fifty relatives attending.
The afternoon was spent in games, sports and music, after which a wedding supper was
served on the lawn. Mr. And Mrs. Lott received numerous letters and telegrams of
congratulations. Mr. And Mrs. Lott, who have resided in Toronto twenty-five years,
have two children, Mrs. A. E. Stadelman and Ernest D. Lott; also two grandchildren,
Donald and Bruce Stadelman, all of Toronto. 1937Mr. And Mrs. H. B. LottOf 245 High Park
Avenue, who celebrated their golden wedding anniversary on Monday last. Mr. And Mrs. Lott
have been residents of Toronto for the past twenty-five years. Lived in Atha.--Centenarian Of
Pickering Tp. DeadThe death occurred in Pickering Township on Tuesday, December 20,
1955 of Tom Madill, who was believed to be about 102 years of age. No exact records of his
birth are at hand, but it is known that he was born in the United States. He spent most of his life
in Pickering Township, where he was a barber and butcher, as well as a farmer. He farmed on
the eighth of Pickering until about ten or fifteen years ago.--Pickering Twp. Man Believed To
Be 1-2Mr. Tom Madill, a resident on the 8th concession of Pickering is believed to be 102
years of age. No definite records are available but close relatives believe this age to be
correct. Mr. Madill, althought not in the best of health, has up until the past year, led a very
active life. Even after reaching his 100th birthday, the elderly township resident continued to
work in his garden and do light chores around the house. A brother, Mr. John Madill, lived with
him until his recent death on Sunday of last week. John Madill was 87 years old. Another
brother, Ebenezer, lives on R.R. 3, Newmarket. Dec. 1955Home of Mr. Grenville Draper
situated on the south-east corner of Atha road and 8th con.Pickering. A grocery store and
post office occupied this corner in the early days, prior tothe rural mail route. Store operated
by Whitsons.1954.A Mr. Calhoun was the first post master on this sight.Atha Flag Station -
1954.
Memoirs written by John Scott, 1953.At seven and half years old, I began school. Marie and I had
to go to Glasgow school or pay to attend Altona School. Eight Altona Trustees hired Mr. Forfar
for whom no house was available. He came to mother who rented him our large front room and
two bedrooms. We kept the kitchen and two rooms upstairs.There were thirty pupils going to
Glasgow school. They were the Boothbys, Tindalls, Stouffers, Mightens, Mordens, Turners of the
third concession of Uxbridge. Mr. Forfar said, “Send the extra pupils to me. I can teach them all.
It is a crime to send these pupils so far.” Mr. Forfar was one of the best. Every Friday he took his
accordion on his shoulder to school. We had a concert from one to four o’clock. When I was ten,
I led the singing. One of the songs was, “Pull for the shore, Sailors, pull for the shore.” To this
music, the boys and girls did exercises- arms stretching forward and backward. Later Mr. Forfar
studied medicine and became a doctor in Toronto. The next teacher, Thos. Beare from Whitevale,
lived in the house where Norman Bunker lives now. The teachers following him were: W. J. Stark,
R. F. Andrews, Miss A. Irwin, Donald Noble, M. Flummerfelt, Wm. Henderson, Charles McDonald,
J. M. Tran, John Yake, Miss W. Wallace, Miss M. Leach, Miss N. B. Nicholson, Miss A. J. Watson,
Miss Annie Johnston, Miss Annie Murray – (to 1911).The Hall was the old Temperance Hall.
The people used it for years. Some remained late after meetings to have a drink at the old
Altona Hotel.One man, A Mr. Kent, came twice a year to speak on “Electricity”. He had a trick.
He placed a 25¢ or 50¢ piece in water. All the people formed a ring, holding hands. Anyone who
could reach into the water and retieve the coin could keep it. Few did as the electric shock was
too severe. The only man I ever saw get the money was Tom Lewis of Altona. He fired his
threshing engine. His hands were always greasy at lecture time (a non-conductor). Every four
years, hot political meetings were held. Tory party versus the Liberals. The lat Robert Miller,
Conservative, and the late Joe Cadieux, Liberal, were in it. At one time, the Temperance people
and the Hotel people had a debate. Both debators had the same name.
The Hall filled to capacity. I cannot give the date at which Uncle Ralph and Uncle Abijah found
out that they had been paying the taxes for the Hall with those of the farm. A fence across the
road showed they claimed it. Later it was purchased and dismantled. I do not know who bought
it. The material was used to build another house.After moving to Claremont in 1912, I lost touch
of happenings in Altona.There is one interesting piece of information which others may not
know. Grandfather Jones never sent any of his children to Glasgow which was his school.
When Mother and Aunt Sally were to start to school, he went across the road, rented half an
acre of land, paid the rent and taxes. As a result, he was allowed to send all my uncles and
aunts to Altona school.Glasgow and Altona schools used to hold spelling bees. Mother was
always a winner. --Former Councillor & Farmer, John Scott Buried WednesdayResident in
Stouffvile for a number of years and farmer in the Claremont area for more than forty years,
John Scott passed away at Blackstock on Sunday, Feb. 7th following a lingering illness, the
result of a severe stroke.The late John Scott was born at Altona on Oct. 10th, 1874 and
farmed in the Claremont area for more than forty years. The large red barn and brick house
which he built just south of the village and which he operated for thirty-five years were familiar
to the many residents who traveled the 9th concession. His first wife the former Margaret
Bayles predeceased him in 1946 following which he retired to Stouffville and erected a new
bungalow on Park Rd. north.He has been residing in Blackstock about a year and a half.
One of the best known men throughout this district John Scott was a director on the Markham
Fair Board for forty years and held the presidency at the time the mortgage was burned in
1943. He was a member of the Claremont School Board for nine years and served on the
Stouffvile Municipal Council for two years as well as on the Park Commission. The late
Mr. Scott was a keen livestock man and had many blue ribbons to attest to his progress as a
sheep breeder. He was familiar throughout the area as a clerk of farm stock sales and
handled sales for twenty five auctioneers over a period of forty five years. He was a member of
the Independent Order of Workmen, later the I.O.O.F. as well as the Stouffville Lions Club.
Since coming to Stouffville he had become a member of the Anglican Church.Surviving him
are his wife, the former Genevra Campbell whom he married in 1948. Where are three sisters,
Mrs. Wm. Forsyth (Marie) of Punnichy, Sask., Mrs. Wm. Burnham (Abbie) of Uxbridge and
Mrs. Norman Bunker (Maggie) of Altona. Two nephews are Everet and Ray Burnham of
Uxbridge.The funeral on Wednesday afternoon from O’Neill’s Funeral Chapel was conducted
by Rev. Frank Herman, assisted by Rev. Fraser Burns and Rev. Geo. Nichols. Pallbearers
were, Walter Atkinson, Ray Burnham, Bob Haslam, Murray Dunkeld, Frank Riches and
Ken Prentice. Interment was made in the family plot at the Stouffville Cemetery. --SCOTT-
John Scott, of Atha (Lot 31, Con. 7), is a son of Robert Scott, who came from Cumberland,
England, in 1868 and lived for a time on Lot 32, Con. 9, and afterwards on Lot 34, Con. 7. In
1874 Robert Scott married Alice Jones, who still lives at Altona. He died in 1879. Alice Jones
is a grandchild of Daniel Yake, who with his wife and five children left Germany for America.
It was a fourteen weeks’ voyage, and his wife and four children succumbed and were buried
at sea. Alone with one little daughter he reached Pennsylvannia. A year or two later he
married Mary Nicely, by whom he had a family of three boys, John, Gabriel and Michael.
About the close of the eighteenth century they came overland to Canada, bringing their
children, their little effects and three cattle. On entering Canada they were reduced to
choosing such plants as they saw the cattle eating in the forest, making “greens” of them and
using them for food. Living for a time in Hamilton and then in Whitchurch, they came about the
year 1804 to N ½ Lot 33, Con. 9, Pickering. Only Michael remained in Pickering. In 1812,
refusing to bear arms against the United States, he was kept in jail for a time, where he was
given only the scanty ration of one pound of bread and some water per day. About the year
1816 he married Jane Van Zant, by whom he had a family of twelve, four of whom, Hiram,
Susan, Nancy and Polly, still survive. The three former are in Michigan, and the latter is
Mrs. Polly Jones, of Altona, mother of Alice Jones (Mrs. Robert Scott), and grandmother of
John Scott.
Country Doctor For Thirty-Six YearsOn Saturday, Feb. 12th, Dr. N. F. Tomlinson will mark his
thirty-sixth year in the service of Claremont and surrounding community. For more than a quarter
century, he has servec the district and his presence has brought relief to hundreds of ailing
residents.Dr. Tomlinson was born in Scott Township and received his public school training in
that municipality. He attended Uxbridge High School and following graducation he taught both at
Brougham and in the Claremont Continuation School. In 1912 he decided to take up medicine
and entered Toronto University for five years. An additional year at the Faculty of Education
completed his schooling.Dr. Tomlinson started his practice in Claremont in 1919. During the
summer he traveled by car but used a horse and cutter in the winter. He recalls visiting one of his
patients around Chalk Lake on a pair of skis. One winter when a heavy snowfall made the road
impassable Dr. Tomlinson traveled by train to Glen Major and later returned to his home in
Claremont aboard a jigger with the CPR section-men. On a number of occasions he found
himself bogged doen in the snow and has had his cutter turn over in the ditch.The majority of his
calls are within an eight-mile radius. He attends patients at Uxbridge, Ashburn, Claremont,
Brougham, Whitevale, Markham, Stouffville and Goodwod. In his thirty-sic years in the medical
profession, Dr. Tomlinson has never refuse to answer a call even under the worst weather
conditions in the middle of the night.Dr. Tomlinson has three sons, Bill, a physician in Pickering;
Ted, an Insurance Agent in Toronto; and Allan with the Department of Public Health in Hamilton;
and one daughter, Mrs. Dick Cooper of Claremont. He has also held the position of Public
Health Officer in Pickering Township for the past twenty years.Aside from medical knowledge
gained at University, Dr. Tomlinson has also gained a great deal of practical experience during
his thirty-six years of practice, and his many friends are grateful for his services in times of
sickness.--Aug. 5 1954 – A Perfect Model In Every DetailMr. Luther Kirby, Atha blacksmith,
recently completed the building of a steam-powered locomotive which took close to twenty
years to construct. He is pictured here beside his model. Sitting at the controls is Bonnie Pugh,
4-year-old grand-daughter of Mr. And Mrs. Frank Gostick, 8th concession of Pickering.--
Atha Machinist Works 20 Year to Build Steam Powered LocomotiveA number of years ago
Mr. Luther Kirby, now a resident on the 8th concession of Pickering Township at Atha, had an
ambition to become a fireman on the old Grand Trunk Railway. He was employed in the round
house on Spadina Avenue, Toronto, at that time. His dream was never realized but
Mr. Kirby did the next best thing – he constructed with his own hands and tools a steam-driven
locomotive complete with a coal tender, flat car and coal car.The Atha machinist started
working on his project twenty years ago. Every inch of the engine was drawn to scale,
an exact replica of a real locomotive. Mr. Kirby was able to work on the model only in his
spare time.The engine is made of steel and weighs over 100 pounds. It has six drive wheels,
the centre of which are made of brass with steel tires. Small chunks of wood are placed in the
fire pot which generated the steam to drive the engine. It develops up to 65 pounds pressure.
The locomotive and the three cars run on 50 feet of steel track which was also constructed by
Mr. Kirby. The track extends from the interior of his house out into the front yard. Mr. Kirby is
able to sit on his steam-powered machine and control it with a manually operated clutch. It has
both a forward and reverse gear.The engine has all the necessary gadgets of a real train
including a whistle, headlight, steam gauge and an electric blower which gives the firs its draft.
Although the model took some twenty years to complete, Mr. Kirby says that he could have
finished it in a year if he had spent all his time on it. It is the only working model of its kind in
this vicinity. Children visiting his workshop are thrilled to sit at the controls of this precision-built
locomotive.
Country Doctor For Thirty-Six YearsOn Saturday, Feb. 12th, Dr. N. F. Tomlinson will mark his
thirty-sixth year in the service of Claremont and surrounding community. For more than a q
uarter century, he has servec the district and his presence has brought relief to hundreds of
ailing residents.Dr. Tomlinson was born in Scott Township and received his public school
training in that municipality. He attended Uxbridge High School and following graducation he
taught both at Brougham and in the Claremont Continuation School. In 1912 he decided to take
up medicine and entered Toronto University for five years. An additional year at the Faculty of
Education completed his schooling.Dr. Tomlinson started his practice in Claremont in 1919.
During the summer he traveled by car but used a horse and cutter in the winter. He recalls
visiting one of his patients around Chalk Lake on a pair of skis. One winter when a heavy
snowfall made the road impassable Dr. Tomlinson traveled by train to Glen Major and later
returned to his home in Claremont aboard a jigger with the CPR section-men. On a number of
occasions he found himself bogged doen in the snow and has had his cutter turn over in the ditch.
The majority of his calls are within an eight-mile radius. He attends patients at Uxbridge,
Ashburn, Claremont, Brougham, Whitevale, Markham, Stouffville and Goodwod. In his thirty-sic
years in the medical profession, Dr. Tomlinson has never refuse to answer a call even under the
worst weather conditions in the middle of the night.Dr. Tomlinson has three sons, Bill, a physician
in Pickering; Ted, an Insurance Agent in Toronto; and Allan with the Department of Public Health
in Hamilton; and one daughter, Mrs. Dick Cooper of Claremont. He has also held the position of
Public Health Officer in Pickering Township for the past twenty years.Aside from medical
knowledge gained at University, Dr. Tomlinson has also gained a great deal of practical
experience during his thirty-six years of practice, and his many friends are grateful for his
services in times of sickness.--Aug. 5 1954 – A Perfect Model In Every DetailMr. Luther Kirby,
Atha blacksmith, recently completed the building of a steam-powered locomotive which took
close to twenty years to construct. He is pictured here beside his model. Sitting at the controls is
Bonnie Pugh, 4-year-old grand-daughter of Mr. And Mrs. Frank Gostick, 8th concession of
Pickering.--Atha Machinist Works 20 Year to Build Steam Powered LocomotiveA number of
years ago Mr. Luther Kirby, now a resident on the 8th concession of Pickering Township at
Atha, had an ambition to become a fireman on the old Grand Trunk Railway. He was
employed in the round house on Spadina Avenue, Toronto, at that time. His dream was never
realized but Mr. Kirby did the next best thing – he constructed with his own hands and tools a
steam-driven locomotive complete with a coal tender, flat car and coal car.The Atha machinist
started working on his project twenty years ago. Every inch of the engine was drawn to scale,
an exact replica of a real locomotive. Mr. Kirby was able to work on the model only in his spare
time.The engine is made of steel and weighs over 100 pounds. It has six drive wheels, the
centre of which are made of brass with steel tires. Small chunks of wood are placed in the fire
pot which generated the steam to drive the engine. It develops up to 65 pounds pressure.
The locomotive and the three cars run on 50 feet of steel track which was also constructed by
Mr. Kirby. The track extends from the interior of his house out into the front yard. Mr. Kirby is
able to sit on his steam-powered machine and control it with a manually operated clutch. It has
both a forward and reverse gear.The engine has all the necessary gadgets of a real train
including a whistle, headlight, steam gauge and an electric blower which gives the firs its draft.
Although the model took some twenty years to complete, Mr. Kirby says that he could have
finished it in a year if he had spent all his time on it. It is the only working model of its kind in
this vicinity. Children visiting his workshop are thrilled to sit at the controls of this precision-built
locomotive.
Taken 1950--School’s Out At AthaBy Edna E. (Byer) Ratcliff My old school is being closed.
It is the school I entered as a beginner and remained at, for all of my public school education.
I didn’t start as the proverbial, frightened, five year old for I was fortunate to have a teacher that I
already knew. This teacher boarded at my Grandmother’s house and had taught at this school a
year before I started. I was fortunate too to have her for my first seven public years. She stayed
at this school long enough to see her first beginners pass their entrance into high school.I think
of the lifelong debt I owe to my teachers, preparing, giving and marking lessons for eight grades,
who still found time to encourage me in any ability I had and to inspire me to do what, left to
myself, I never would have thought of doing. They taught me many things beyond the academic
subjects. Things pertaining to good citizenship, honesty, truthfulness, sportsmanship and many
things that would help me take a place in society. My good fortune has continued in having my
first teacher, Mrs. Harry Clendenning, as my next door neighbour.In 1964, I visited Atha school at
the time of its centennial celebration. Many things and renewed acquaintances brought back
memories. There were maps on the wall and a globe on the teacher’s desk. The smell of chalk
was in the air and a forgotten dinner box sat on a window sill. As I visualized the various seats
where I sat, I could see, in my mind’s eye, the other pupils in their places. How pleasant to see
and chat with some of them again and hear how life had faired with them: but I was saddened to
realize how some had passed beyond communication.I have other memories too. The journey to
and from school with other pupils going my way. One late afternoon stands out in my memory,
when we came upon a mother snake and her babies on the dusty road. At our approach the
mother snake sounded an alarm, opened her mouth and swalloed her babies. We stood
dumbfounded while we watched the snake, somewhat enlarged, slowly slither off into the ditch.
Did that ever make an interesting suppertime story!We walked to and from school and being
transported by car was for the occasions of bad weather.Arbor Day stands out in my momery,
when it would come to that time in the Spring to clean up the school grounds and flower beds.
Getting the job finished in good time meant a trip to the nearby woods with our teacher pointing
out nature facts.I recall again the leaf-houses and snow forts, playing move-ups in baseball,
“Anti-I-Over” and sneaking a forbidden walk on the front fence. Oh, to relive just one, good,
old recess!There was a togetherness among the students. Whatever the season and the
game being playted, all were in on it-teacher included. Most often the older ones helping the
younger ones. An outstanding event was our Christmas concert. We practiced our parts
repeatedly and anxiously awaited the night when we could be on the stage. Parents and
friends packed all available space. No one seemed to mind sitting on improvised seats,
planks with no backs, just so long as they could hear their Johnnys and Susies reciting or
singing the part for which they had been chosen. Stage fright or a few mistakes fazed no one
except the performer. The jingle of Santa’s bells outside the door was always an anticipated
moment. Atha, like other one room schools over the country, has lost its children to a school
for a larger area; and many a pupil like myself of a passing generation will feel that something
good has gone out of the land.--History of School Section No. 16 (ATHA)Commences with the
year 1841, when a commodious plank school house was erected on the S.W. corner of Lot 32,
Conc. 9, owned by Nathan Bently. It was of the cottage roof type and was a very fine school in
its day. The internal arrangement was of the old fashioned type, a desk facing the wall nearly
all around the room at which the pupils sat on backless benches, while the smaller children
were accommodated without desks, on benches which encircled the big box stove. The
school grounds are said to have been composed of the King’s (Queen’s) Highway and as
much woods as the pupils wished to roam over.Among the earlier teachers were E. Wiseman,
John Hand, John McEwen, Miss M. A. Collins, Miss Jackson, William Bell, Daniel Koch,
Louisa Starr and Charity Woodruff. In 1866, Patrick Sherriff, who in earlier years taught in
Claremont and elsewhere in the township was in charge. Then followed Miss H. Jarrett 1857,
Thomas C. Symth 1858, James Churchill 1859 and then T. G. Smith from 1860 to the close of
1867. During this period the new school was built and opened on January 1, 1865.Later
teachers were John Dowswell 1868, P. McClellan 1869 and 1871-1; Miss Thompson 1870;
Miss Jennie Thompson 1873 – 5; Miss J. Lawson 1876; Miss E. Wilson 1877,
Mr. Johnston 1878, Frank Barkey 1879, Eli Wilson 1880, Duncan Hubbard 1881 – 3, C.
Forsyth 1884, Miss Phoebe Bodie 1885 – 7, Miss N. Bell 1888, Miss Irwin 1889-91,
R. Moorhead 1892, A. Poynter 1893, T. Armstrong 1894-95, Miss Pilkey 1896 –8,
Andrew Moorhead 1899 –1900, Miss Burk 1901-2, Miss Calvert 1903-5, Miss Cline 1906-7,
Miss Kidd 1908, Miss Bowers, 1909-11, Miss Gregg Miss Bowers Miss Pie Miss. J. Pilkey,
Miss B. Reesor Miss Taun Miss Spring Miss Maxwell 1929 – 31, Miss Watson 1931-4,
Miss Gregg Miss E. Foskett 1934 – 42, Miss M. Lakey 1942-45, Miss H. Hinan 1945 –47,
Miss B. Tran Mr. W. Johnston –53, Miss L. Hamill 1953-54.Miss McPherson 1954-56
Miss Mary Bind 1956-57, Mr. Howard Baker 1957-59, Miss Betty Rogers 59---
A concert was given in Atha School by the pupils of Mount Pleasant and Atha Schools under
the direction of their music teacher, Mr. Buckley, with the able help of their teachers,
Miss Linton and Miss Hamill 1954. --School closed June 1966
To Be Honoured 1964The Atha community (S.S. No. 16) Pickering Twp. will honour their rural
public school this year with a centennial celebration on June 13 and 14. The building was
erected 100 years ago in 1864. The Chairman of the Centennial Program is Norman Lehman.
The Secretaries are Clifford and Glenda Dunkeld. The treasurer is Ellis Melton. –Staff Photo.--
ATHA SCHOOL1864-Centennial-1964You are invited to attend the
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATIONS of School Section No. 16, Pickering on Saturday, June 13th,
1964 and Sunday, June 14th, 1964--History of Atha SchoolThe History of Atha School, S.S. #16
commences with the year 1841, when a commodious plank School house was erected on the
South West corner of Lot 32, Con. 8. This land was owned by Mr. Nathan Bentley,
(the present Carruthers farm). It was of the cottage roof pattern and was a fine School in its day.
The interior arrangements was of the old fashioned type; the desks faced the wall nearly all
around the room at which the pupils sat on backless benches, while the smaller children were
accommodated without desks on benches which encircled the big box stove.The school grounds
are said to have been composed of the Kings Highway and as much woods as the pupils wished
to roam over.In 1864 a new school was built on the North-half of Lot 30, con. 7. The land was
purchased from Mr. Geo. Harrison in 1863 for 2 pounds ($10.00). The farm is now owned by
David Tran. The School was opened on Jan. 1st, 1865 and had continued to serve the School
Section to the present day.The Trustees who signed the deed for the new school were
William T. Mitchell and David B. Lehman. The first teacher was T. C. Smith from 1860 – 1867
and the Inspector was Mr. Geo. Barclay. This century old school is still the original brick work,
and has not been rebuilt in anyway on the exterior, but it has been kept in good repair. In 1930 a
basement was put under the school with a coal furnace installed. To-day this furnace has been
replaced with a modern oil furnace; a new hardwood floor and flush toilets have been installed.
From that day to this there has been a succession of teachers who remained for shorter or
longer periods. The present teacher is Mrs. Mary Jarret, and the School Inspector is Mr. J. C.
McClelland.The oldest school pupil still living is Mrs. Jacob Smith now residing at Altona.
We are fourtunate to have four generations still living in our community who attended Atha School.
They are Mrs. Thomas Dunkeld, her son Murray Dunkeld, her grandson Donald Dunkeld and now
attending a great grandson Douglas Dunkeld.In its one hundred years of existence S.S. #16 has
provided continuous educational facilities for the pupils in the Section, and has send out into
the world many prominent citizens.--ProgrammeSaturday Afternoon 2:00 p.m.Official Opening
by Dr. Mathew DymondSpeeches by Invited DignitariesAfternoon ProgrammeSportsSupper
(will be provided by school section)Evening8:00 p.m.Variety ConcertCy LeonardMaster of
CeremoniesSunday Service2:30 p.m.Rev. A. D. LehmanSpecial SpeakerSpecial Music by
the Baker family--Mrs. Jacob Smith, 91, Of Altona, Oldest Former Atha Pupil 1964
This summer, the residents of S.S. No. 16, Pickering Twp. (Atha) will mark the 100th birthday
of their one-room, red brick schoolhouse on the 8th concession.The structure, that has
withstood time and tide through a century of service in the community, is no more an example
of permanence than one of us oldest living pupils, Mrs. Jacob (Ella) Smith, 91, of Altona.
Mrs. Smith does not recall the first school in the section but the memory of her schoolgirl days
in the present building is still very clear. Sleighs and cutters were common in the winter and
when the roads were filled with snow they would cut through the fields or shovel them out by
hand. Her first teacher was Mr. Frank Barkey followed by Eil Wilson and Duncan Hubbard.
Exterior UnchangedThe double desks and the old wood stove have been replaced but the
exterior of the school has not been drastically changed according to Mrs. Smith. Entry to the
building was made through two doors at the north. These have since been closed in favour
of a door to the south. Many of the older boys worked in the summer season and attended
the school during the winter months. They would occasionally become unruly but only if the
teacher was absent from the room.Mrs. Smith has two sisters living, Mrs. Matilda Dunkeld
and Mrs. Nancy Nighswander. A brother, Issac resides at Lincolnville. She has five sons,
Abraham and John, conc. 7, Markham; Joseph in Scarboro, Levi of Altona, Jacob in
Stouffville and four daughters, Mrs. Carl Reesor (Alma) conc. 5, Markham; Mrs. Josiah
Steckle (Ella) of Zurich; Clara of Altona and Eva in Cedar Grove. A fifth daughter, Elizabeth is
deceased. She has 28 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.--Mrs. Ella Smith, 91, of
Altona, is believed to be the oldest living pupil of Atha Public School. She hopes to attend the
centennial celebration in the section on June 13 and 14.
ATHA CENTENNIAL SUNDAY SERVICEJune 14th, 1964, 2:30 p.m.Call to worshipInvocation
Hymn “Love Divine all loves Excelling”The Howard Baker familyThe Word of GodIn unison –
Psalm 121Reading – Rev. D. SargeantThe Atha School pupilsPrayer – J. T. McMurray
Offering The Howard Baker familyHymn “Unto the Hills”The Message – Rev. Arthur Lehman
The Howard Baker familyThe 23rd PsalmBenedicion – Mr. Ronald Elliott--UNTO THE HILLS
Unto the hills around do I left up, My longing eyes.O whence for me shall my salvation come,
From whence arise?From God the Lord, doth come my certain aid,From God the Lord who
heaven and earth hath made.He will not suffer that thy foor by moved. Safe shalt thou beNo
careless slumber shall His eyelids close, Who keepeth theeBehold, He sleepeth not, He
slumbereth ne’erWho keepeth Israel in His holy care.Jehovah is Himself thy keeper true,
Thy changeless shadeJehovah thy defence on thy right hand, Himself hath madeAnd thee
no sun by day shall ever smite;No moon shall harm thee in the silent night.From every evil shall
He keep thy soul, From every sinJehovah shall preserve thy going out, Thy coming in.Above
thee watching, He whom we adore,Shall keep thee henceforth, yea, for evermore.--“And he shall
be like a tree planted by the rivers of water.” –Psalm 1:3--PSALM 23The Lord is my shepherd; I
shall not want.He maketh me to lie down in green pastured; he leadeth me beside the still waters
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.Yea,
though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me;
thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine
enemiers:Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.Surely goodness and mercy
shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.--
LOVE DIVINE ALL LOVES EXCELLINGLove divine, all loves excelling.Joy of heaven, to earth
come down,Fix in us Thy humble dwellingAll thy faithful mercies crown.Jesus, Thou art all
compassion;Pure, unbounded love Thou art,Vidit us with Thy salvationEnter every trembling
heart.Come, Almighty to deliver,Let us all Thy grace receive;Suddenly return, and never,
Never more Thy temples leave.Thee we would be always blessing,Serve Thee as Thy hosts
above,Pray and praise Thee, without ceasingGlory in Thy perfect love.Finish, then,
Thy new creation,Pure and spotless let us be;Let us see Thy great salvation Perfectly restored in
Thee.Changed from glory into gloryTill in heaven we take our placeTill we cast our crowns
before Thee,Lost in wonder, love and praise.--PSALM 121I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills,
from whence cometh my help.My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.
He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.Behold, he that
keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade
upon thy right hand.The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.The Lord shall
preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.The Lord shall preserve thy going out
and they coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.
Music Recital June 16 1966ATHA-Atha School had capacity audience on Friday evening when a
music recital was held by Mrs. Frank Bielby and her pupils.The community extends sympathy to
Miss Eileen McBride of Whitby, Collins of Peterboro, Gordon of St. Thomas in the passing of
their mother. The McBrides were one time residents of this community.Mr. Allan Lehman spent
the weekend with his parents, Mr. And Mrs. Norman Lehman.Mr. And Mrs. Ed. MacAloney
visited Saturday evening with Mr. And Mrs. Ernie Carruthers.Mr. And Mrs. Norman Lehman and
daughters were guests at a fellowship supper at the Pentescostal shurch, Whitby, Saturday
evening.Mrs. And Mrs. Ken. Wagg and Marsha, Mrs. Foster Wagg, Stouffville, Mr. Otto McAvoy
of Toronto and Mr. And Mrs. Frank Robb, Markham, were callers the past week with Mr. And
Mrs. Ernie Carruthers and Ruth Anne.Mr. And Mrs. John Saboth and sons have sold their
property and moved on the weekend to a farm at Vandorf.--Sept. 15/66Pupils Bussed TO
ClaremontATHA-The public school children from here are going to Claremont School with John
Wilson as driver of the bus.Mr. And Mrs. Doug Ecklund have moved to an apartment in Scarboro
where Marie is on the teaching staff and Doug is on the Metropolitan Toronto Police Force.Mr.
And Mrs. Len Pilkey, Claremont, had dinner Sunday evening with Mr. And Mrs. Ernest Carruthers
and Ruth Ann.Mr. And Mrs. Murray Dunkeld visited Sunday with Mr. And Mrs. James Loree,
Toronto. --Atha School Dec. 29, 1966May Become Community CentreATHA – Whether the
century-old Atha schoolhouse is to remain an integral part of the life in that community, will be the
question placed before a meeting of resident ratepayers on Thursday, Jan. 12.Area Board 1 of
Pickering Township is continuing its policy of making these building available at a nominal fee of
$1,500 and several sections have taken advantage of the offer.In spite of its age, the Atha school
is in an excellent state of repair with a modern oil furnace and full washroom facilities. Joe Tran,
a leader in the community, feels that 75 percent of the people should shoew their support of a
Community Centre program to assure its success. At a meeting held earlier this month, less
than 12 persons attended.Gordon Pearce, a member of the Area Board and community
resident, feels that many activites could be carried on if a building was available. He feels that
there is a place for Boy Scouts, Girl Guides, square dance and euchre parties even in a rural
district. “If we let it go, it’s how much interest can be generated. Gone,” he said, “years from now
we would be asking ourselves why.” He suggested that the building should be retained on a
rental-type basis for one year in an effort to learn--130 Attend Atha PicnicBy Mrs. Murray
DunkeldATHA-A most enjoyable time was spent Monday evening at the community picnic
held at the Atha School, when 130 adults and children attended. The events concluded with
Donald showing slides of their trip to the World Plowing Match in Oslo, Norway.
The suggested committee for next year’s community picnic are Mrs. Gordon Pearce,
Mrs. Cliff Dunkeld, Mrs. W. Morris, Mrs. Fisher, Mr. Wm. McGee and Mr. Donald Davis.
Mr. And Mrs. James Bielby, Toronto, are spending a month at the home of his brother
Frank Bielby while Grace and Frank Bielby while Grace and Frank are holidaying in Europe.
Mr. And Mrs. Issac Lehman are holidaying with their son, Rev. Arthur Lehman and
Mrs. Lehman, near Blenheim.Mrs. David McDowell attended the funeral of her brother-in-law,
Rev. Walter McDowell of Marion, Indiana, on Sunday.Mrs. Allan Meyers spent--Atha Residents
Vote To Retain School On TrialATHA – The little one-room, red brick schoolhouse at Atha will
be retained as a Community Centre on a one-year trial basis, according to a unanimous
decision of residents who attended a public meeting in the school, Jan. 12.
At the conclusion of the 12-month period, the building will be available for the sum of
$1,500, a figure assessed by the No. 1 Area Board of Pickering Township. In the meantime,
the only upkeep costs will include oil, hydro and liability insurance.-Gordon McDowell,
ChairmanA committee of seven, headed by Chairman, Gordon McDowell, will hold its first
meeting on Thursday evening (tonight) to be followed by a community work-bee to clean up
the interior of the structure. Executive members appointed are – Jack Jansen, vice chairman;
Joanne Draper, secretary; Joy Fuller, treasurer; Gordon Pearce, Esther Cogar and John
Wilson, directors.Community EffortTrustee, Gordon Pearce, informed the eighteen persons
present that to make the venture an assured success, required the support of all residents in
the community. He said that with a central meeting place, many projects could be undertaken.
He pointed to Mt. Zion and Altona as areas where organized programs had proved successful.
Councillor Harvey Spang said the with grants, the $1,500 figure would be greatly reduced
under a Community Centre scheme. “I feel that we would be very foolish to let this offer
slip away,” he said.-Jan. 19/67Atha residents feel that there is a place in their community for
the century-old schoolhouse, now vacant. It will be retained on a one-year trial basis. –
Staff Photo.
Atha school days – 1911 These are the students of Atha Public School, (S.S. No. 16),
Pickering Twp. The year is 1911. Rear Row (left to right)- Reva Nighswander, Bessie Mowder,
Harrison Spears, Libby Bowers (teacher); Jim McCormack, Joe Mowder, Mable Nighswander,
Olive Hisey, Sadie Lapp. Centre Row (left to right)- Jessie McCormack, Vera Dunkeld, Alma
Nighswander, Olive Routlege, Ida Mowder, Fred Mowder, Ernest Beelby, Fred Beelby, Willis
McNair, Reta Lehman. Front Row (left to right)- Murray Dunkeld, (Unknown), Irene Smith, Elva
Smith, Iva Nighswander, Isla Nighswander, Walter Carter, Arthur Lehman.--Do you remember?
Atha Public School – 1918This photo should stir a few memories for pupils of Atha Public School,
Pickering Twp. The year is 1918. Students are: Front row (l. to r.), Duncan Spang, Aubrey Spang,
Bert Marshman, Irene Cowie, Verna Lehman, Mary Lehman, Annie Lehman, Dorothy Marshman,
Anthony Spang. Centre row (l. to r.), George Byer, Fred Draper, Fred Byer, Collins McBride,
Ernie Carruthers, Orville Cox, Leslie Neal, Gordon McBride. Rear row (l. to r.), Allan Meyer,
Walter Carter, Murray Dunkeld, Vera Dunkeld, Reta Lehman, Marjorie Madill, Arthur Lehman,
Eldon Henderson.--Wixson brothers were Claremont area pioneersSt. Tribune Apr 1988 By
Lillian GauslinThe pioneers of the northern part of Pickerin Township (now the Town of Pickering)
were the Wixson brothers, Joseph and Joshua.They came to the town toward the end of the 18th
century from Steuben County, New York and put down roots in the vicinity of what is now the 9th
Concession.Their English ancestors had immigrated to America and settled in the State of
Massachusetts in 1684.Joseph took on the land west of Brock Road and erected a home just
north of the bend in the road east of Claremont. He is rumored to have owned all the land on the
west side of Brock Road from the 9th Line to the 8th Concession.Brother Joshua made his home
to the east of Joseph. It was there with his wife he raised 10 children. Their daughter Ruth is
believed to have been the first child born of white parents in the northern half of the township.
When the Wixsons arrived there were no people to greet them, no roads to travel, no clearings to
build their homes and no stores to purchase clothing or food. There was not even a building
where they could worship.Joshua was voted elder of the first Baptist Church of Christ in 1822.
It was decided the church would be constructed on Joseph Wixson’s lot, but before it was
completed Joshua died.In 1866 they built a new brick church that is still in use today.
While Joshua was concerned with church affairs, Joseph was more interested in political life.
In 1811 he was appointed pound-keeper for the Township. He would later hold the position of
councilor and deputy reeve.G.M. Forsyth, a direct descendant of the Wixson family settled on
the street after retiring from the farming business in 1973.At the time of the Mackenzie
Rebellion in 1837, many settlers demanded reform of the laws of the country.
Among those who took part were the Barclays, Wixsons and Tracys.
Three were caught and transported to England in chains. They were kept there until 1839
when they were allowed to return to America.-- Atha Honors Arthur LatchamATHA-The Atha
community honored its benefactor, Mr. Arthur Latcham of Stouffville at a gathering on the
grounds of the former school property, now a Community Centre. The Master of Ceremonies
was Mr. Donald Davis. The Community Centre Chairman is Mr. Joe Tran.Mr. Latcham
purchased the school for the section and turned it over for use by residents in the area.
In appreciation of the gift, an engraved plaque has been placed in a huge stone near the
entrance to the property. Individual presentations were made to both Mr. And Mrs. Latcham.
Representing the Township Council was the deputy-reeve, Mrs. Jean McPherson and Ward
I councilor, Harvey Spang. Trustee Gordon Pearce attended on behalf of the Area I Board of
Pickering Township.The program featured a wealth of talent. Those taking part included
Beverley Bell, Walter Davis, Grace Bielby, Jimmy Brillinger, Lloyd Melton, David Foster and
Douglas Dunkeld Wayne and Jamie Pearce. --Arthur Latcham Honored At Atha 1967It was ‘
Arthur Latcham Night’ at Atha, Sept, 8 as the century-old school, donated to the section by
Mr. Latcham, was officially opened as a Community Centre, in recognition of the gift, an
engraved plaque has been inserted in a large stone near the entrance to the grounds. –
Staff Photo.
Our Hamlets then and now- ATHA SCHOOLCHILDREN posed for this photograph in 1918.
Pictured are: back, from left, Allan Meyers, Walter Carter, Murray Dunkeld, Vera Dunkeld
(Melton), Reta Lehman (Meyers), Marjorie Madill, Art Lehman and Eldon Henderson, middle,
from left, George Byer, Fred Draper, Fred Byer, Collins McBride, Ernie Carruthers, Orville Cox,
Les Mean and Gord McBride, and front, from left, Duncan Spang, Aubrey Spang,
Bert Marshman, Irene Cowie, Verna Lehman, Mary Lehman, Annie Lehman (Neil),
Dorothy Marshman and Tony Spang. Jenny Pilkey was the teacher at the time. –photo courtesy
Cliff DunkeldAtha wiped out by airport plansBy KAREN BROOKSThe farming community of
Atha was all but wiped out by the proposed federal international airport with tragedies striking
the hamlet from that point on.But Atha’s existence started off quietly enough in the early 1830s as
British settlers infiltrated the northern part of Pickering.Atha, located on Concession Eight not far
from Claremont, was first settled by John Bell who emigrated from Scotland in 1834.Around 1869,
Mr. Bell was the operator of a post office and general store.A blacksmith shop was at one time
located on the northwest corner of his property and run for 36 years by Luther Kirby.“It was
always a tiny community,” says Louella Lewis, present custodian of the Tweedsmuir History of
the Women’s Institute. “Farming was the life there.”The little red brick Atha schoolhouse still
stands on the southside of Concession Eight.The original school was made of planks in 1841.
The present one-room school was built in 1864 on land purchased from the Tran family. The
school celebrated its centennial in 1964, but was closed down only two years later.Cliff Dunkeld,
part of a family which attended the school for four generations, says students went to Claremont
Public School once the tiny schoolhouse was closed.But as usual, Art Latcham saved the day by
buying and then donating the school as a community centre. Mr. Dunkeld says that an Indian
burial ground is located to the east of the present school. The site was the subject of a university
archaeology dig not long ago.According to the Altona Women’s Institute Tweedsmuir History,
there was only one church near Atha, a Baptist church which held services from 1835 to about
1870 on the Gostick property.All that now remains of this farm, located on the south side of
Concession Eight, is a cemetery, maintained now by the Town of Pickering.Matilda Dunkeld,
Mr. Dunkeld’s grandmother, wrote that church services were held in the old and new
schoolhouses for a time.Early Atha family names include Lehman, Byer, Gostick, Hoover,
Carruthers, Dunkeld, Spang, Nighswander, Hoover, Whitson, Lapp, Brown, Harrison, Lott,
Hishey, Draper and Spears. Robert Cowie was well-known in his time since his farm was
used as the original Atha Picnic Grounds, writes Lillian Gauslin.This event eventually moved to
the Nighswander farm and finally was discontinued in 1915.The well-known Tran family arrived
in Atha in 1871, starting with James. Through the years, descendants George, David and
Joseph were all presidents of the Markham Fair board.Early Atha was the home for at least
two sawmills, taking their power from the Dufferin’s Creek. Michael Nighswander started up a
sawmill near the townline in 1838, keeping the business in operation for about 45 years.And in
the 1840s, Adam Spears also started a sawmill on the stream, taking lumber to Frenchman’s
Bay.Little remains of this tiny yet once active community.Mr. Dunkeld, who now lives with his
family in Stouffville, estimates there are only seven or eight old family farmhouses that remain
from the more than 25 originally. Soon after the announcement of the international airport,
many homes were bulldozed over to make room for the runway. Others have burned down or
been torn down as their condition became treacherous. There is no church, no school and no
community centre either in the school building because there is no longer a community.In 1975,
Ernie and Edna Carruthers finally gave up their hard-fought battle to retain their home, which
had been in the family for 70 years, moving out in September. But the People or Planes group
wasn’t willing to give up the fight. Mr. Carruthers, who now lives in Goodwood with his wife,
says a group of POP ladies moved into their home the day after the Carruthers moved out,
barricading themselves in for three weeks and, in the end, preventing the authorities from
bulldozing down the home, now 121 years old. Mr. Carruthers has still leased his former land
to farm and has seen many things he would rather not remember.A dump was created on his
former land as a place to put the bits of torn down homes. He says a fire occurred eventually at
the dump.“Everything is in disrepair,” he says of the area. “I try not to think about what
happened (losing the land) too much. It’s very traumatic.” Then, in 1982, Duncan Spang, a
resident who had opted to stay in the community, was shot while defending his home from a
gang of young thieves. Fifteen weeks later the well-known man died. The men were charged
and convicted of manslaughter.Finally, in 1984, David Allen Phillips, 36, was charged with
arson and first-degree murder of his nephew, Tomi Koskinen. The family had been leasing an
Atha home.“The expropriation broke up the community. Atha and Altona residents were really
close-knit,” says Mr. Dunkeld. “The people are now spread out all over Ontario.”“It seems
ironical however, that the descendants of our ancestors, who chopped down the forests,
built their homes, tilled their land, should now be evicted from their own dwellings by the
power that their forefathers helped to build,” wrote Lillian Gauslin in her history of the area, ‘
From Paths to Planes’.The Dunkelds and Fred and Louella Lewis, of the Women’s Institute,
doubt residents would return now the chance is being given by the federal government.
“Most have settled into other communities, made other homes and lives,” Mr. Dunkeld, who
still gets together on occasion with Atha friends says, “We’re not going back.”As secretary for
the school reunion in 1964, Mr. Dunkeld, whose family dates back to 1888 in Atha, summed
up the feeling of community spirit and hope for the future at that time.“We have a community to
be proud of, made possible only by the hard and faithful work of our forefathers,” he wrote.
“Let’s make sure we carry on.”--Thirteen year old David Foster, one of the several talented
participants in the Christmas Concert held at the Atha Community Centre December 20. –
Staff Photo.--St. Tribune Dec. 23/68Full house at AthaATHA – Like its neighboring community
to the north, Atha celebrated the approach of Christmas with an old-fashioned concert in an
old-fashioned setting – their little red brick country schoolhouse. It was standing room only,
Friday evening. So much so, that even jolly old Santa Claus had to wedge his way through the
crowd. The program was similar to the one at Altona with one exception. The young people of
the community presented a one-act comedy: ‘Miss Pearsonality Plus’ that was well received
by the audience. The cast included: Betty Jean Tran, Lorraine Draper, Carolyn Williams,
Bill Almond, Marjorie Fretz, Roy Ness and Don Maver. The director was Mrs. Eva Bassett.
Vocal and instrumental parts of the show were taken by Grace Bielby and Douglas Dunkeld in
an accordion dute; David Foster, an accordion solo; a piano solo by Judy Brillinger; a duet by
Don Boake and his daughter Dawn plus an instrumenatal number by Don and Laurie
May Boake. Jimmy Brillinger rendered a lovely accordion solo and later teamed up with his
sister Judy in a lovely duet. An accordion group selection was presented by Bernice Dunkeld,
Douglas Dunkeld, David Foster, Jimmy Brillinger and Lloyd Melton.Brian, Wayne and Jamie
Pearce formed a tap dance trio. In an encore number they were joined by their pretty and
talented sister, Janet Leigh.Terry and Lenny Pilkey of Claremont received excellent response
for their duet tap dance preestation. The pre-schoolers offer their vocal rendition of ‘Rudolph
the Red Nosed Reindeer’ and the public school children responded with three lovely
selections concluding with ‘White Shepherds Watched.’Claremont principal,
Mrs. Della Moore spoke on the planned trip by Grade 8 students in the Area to Vancouver in
1969.During the intermission Mr. Joe Tran, president of the Atha Community Centre
addressed the audience expressing appreciation and support.
Landlocked caboose is artist’s studioRescued from the wrecker’s hammer, this landlocked
caboose has come to the end of the line—miles from the nearest railway track. Purchased by
artist Ron Baird from the C.N.R. scrapyard in London, the one time railway crews’ home now
rests on an old barn foundation on Mr. Baird’s property in Atha. Used last winter as a practice
spot for an Ajax band, Number 77368 now serves as a silk-screen studio. Sept. 1970 –Peter
Harris.--Signs of spring despite the cold –Spang’s on 9th Con.Despite a trace of snow in the air,
the great outdoors is showing signs that spring is really here. While it’s hardly sunbathing weather,
the trout should be biting soon. One favourite location is a section of Duffin Creek, south of
Pickering’s 9th Concession. --Breaks back-skidoo fall – Jan. ‘82CLAREMONT – A 19-year-old
Claremont resident was reported to be in “good condition” at St. Mike’s Hospital, Monday,
where she was taken following a snowmobile accident, last week.Colleen Burton, daughter of
Doris and Howard Burton, suffered a broken back after she fell off a skidoo she was riding on,
just north of the town, and was allegedly hit in turn by another machine following behind.Miss
Burton was a passenger on a new vehicle, driven by Ken White, also of Claremont.
Mark Ferguson was the driver of the other snowmobile.According to her parents, those at the
scene were unable to get an ambulance and their daughter was taken by car to Centenary
Hospital. She was later transferred to St. Mike’s.They said she was operated on the following
day, and the doctor in charge was “quite pleased.”Colleen, who has a twin, Caroline, and twin
sisters, Pamela and Patricia, 17, is an employee of Citadel Insurance Co.--Pleasant memories
eases the sadness of June retirement – May 1973STOUFFVILLE – From Atha’s little red
schoolhouse through to contemporary Orchard Park in thirty happy years, is the short but
pertinent resume of Mrs. Edna Clendenning’s teaching career.She is a teacher who loves her
work and admits to some reluctance at taking that final step in June, out of the profession and
into retirement. “I’m not looking forward to retiring but, if I want to leave myself a few years to
relax and accomplish other things, I have to force myself into it.”Edna Clendenning, who grew up
in the Village of Goodwood and graduated from Peterborough Teachers College, was initiated
into the teaching fraternity the hard way. At a time when appointments were scarce, she
considered herself fortunate when the opportunity came along to be the lone mentor at the
one-room schoolhouse in Atha, Pickering Twp.“I would not take any money for the experience
I gained during the eight years I was there,” she comments. “It was difficult to begin with, but I
enjoyed every minute of it. Handling the eight grades was just like working with pieces of a
puzzle. Everything eventually fell into place.”While convinced that a teacher benefits from the
one-room school experience, she also believes the children do as well. “There is something to
be said for a school like that. Young children become mature more quickly through being with
older pupils. They learn a lot, in spite of themselves, by listening.”The young teacher moved on
to Bethesda School in Whitchurch Twp. where, once again, she was in charge of the entire
enrollment of about 40 pupils. During her four years there, she met and married Harry (Mac)
Clendenning, a local farmer, and there followed a temporary nine-year retirement, devoted to
home, husband and their young daughters, Linda and Elaine.Mrs. Clendenning joined the staff
of Ringwood School in 1955 when the addition to increase it to a two-room edifice was under
construction. “I never thought then that it might be phased out. If anything, I felt the school would
continue to expand.”She taught at Ringwood (now the Bethel Assembly of God) for 13 years,
the last 4 as principal. With the news that Ringwood was scheduled to be closed, she joined
the staff of Orchard Park School, Stouffville.Mrs. Clendenning initially taught a split grade 3-4
class, then grade 4 and, for the past three years, grade 5. She has also, during her five years
at Orchard Park, done rotary work in music and reading.Mr. Clendenning looks back with
great affection on the children and adults she has been associated with through all her
teaching years – Orchard Park, Ringwood, Bethesda, Atha and although this will be her final
term, she’s reassured that her contact with the school work she has enjoyed so thoroughly will
not be completely severed, Clendennings will continue teaching in area schools. Daughter
Linda teachers kindergarten in Parkview, Unionville; Elaine (Mrs. Ronald Robbins, grad 3 at –
Orchard Park.Her husband retired from farming three years ago when they moved from their
property on the corner of conc. 6 on Stouffville-Gormley Rd., to Markham. When his wife joins
him in retirement in June, they hope to travel extensively in Canada.“I want to find out,” laughs
Mrs. Clendenning, “if the things I’ve been teaching about the country, all these years, are true.”-
The end of the June term will mark conclusion of a teaching career that spans 30 years for
Mrs. Edna Clendenning, Orchard Park School. A public reception in her honor is planned for
Thursday evening, June 7. Jim Thomas.
Glasgow is at the intersection of Webb Road and the Second Concession Road.
It was probably named by either Alexander Gordon or Charles Mitchell, local residents who were from Glasgow, Scotland. The name was in use by 1859. Glasgow post office operated from 1868 to 1918.
A Visit to Sandy Ann 1956I have lately paid a visit/ To a place I used to know/ When I lived in
Uxbridge Township. Over thirty years ago,/ Where the people make you welcome,/ Every
woman, boy or man,/ Two miles to the south of Goodwood,/ Called by many “Sandy Ann”.
Neighbours had so often told me,/ I was always welcome there/ To enjoy a week’s vacation/
When I had the time to spare./ So I gladly took advantage/ Of their offer, made my plan,/ And in
August took the journey/ And arrived in Sandy Ann.Far removed from all the turmoil/ And the
city’s busy roar,/ All seemed just as calm and peaceful,/ As in good old days of yore,/ Save
when cars and trucks and trailers/ Stir up all the dust they can,/ Speeding in a reckless manner/
Through the roads of Sandy Ann.Landscape scenes are not much altered,/ Well tilled farms are
rich with grain,/ Cows and horses graze the pastures/ Stretching back beyond the lane,/
Where along the cedar fences./ Squirrels have so often run,/ Seeking nests in stack and byre./
Roosters crow upon the dunghill,/ Big sows wallow in the mire./ Joe brings in the cows for
milking,/ Cats drink warm milk from a pan,/ Calves are bawling, pigs are squealing/ For their
meal at Sandy Ann.In the dining-room at mealtime,/ Well-filled tables proudly wait,/ Laden down
with all the good things/ Visitors appreciate./ Humble, grateful thanks are offered/ Unto Him, the
Son of Man,/ For the gift of food abundant,/ Sent by Him to Sandy Ann.Sitting on the front
verandah/ As the day to twilight yields,/ Silence in the gathering darkness/ Now enshrouds the
farms and fields./ Then the stars and brilliant moonlight/ Cover the terrestrial span,/ While we
sit in peace and quiet/ Back in good old Sandy Ann.Many long for city grandeur,/ Tinsel show
and glittering lights,/ Revelling in pompous glory,/ Toilsome days and hectic nights,/ Gorgeous
dresses, painted faces,/ Though much sought for by their clan,/ Cannot vie with Nature’s
beauties/ That are found at Sandy Ann.But I feel a twinge of sadness/ Since the years I’ve
been away./ Many of my old-time neighbors/ Have been laid beneath the clay./ Some were
called in early manhood,/ Some had passed the allotted span,/ Rest in peace, good honest
neighbors,/ Is the wish of Sandy Ann.Time rolls on. It waits for no man,/ All too soon my visit
ends./ Duty calls me to my labours,/ And to say goodbye to friends,/ But the memories will linger/
In my heart as nough else can,/ Of my dear old friends and neighbors,/ Back in good old Sandy
Ann. –Mr. Savage--Glasgow Methodist Church was built in 1879 and closed in 1925.--
Picture of Glasgow corner looks east and was taken circa 1908. The first building is the old
post office. Next to it are the Jack Davis home and John Latcham’s blacksmith shop. Ira
Forsythe is the adult and the children may be playing a pioneer game called Duck on a Rock.
Today, the corner is lined with mature trees.--Glasgow M. E. Church DEDICATION The new
M. E. Church at Glasgow, Markham Circuit, will be opened for devine service on Sunday,
February 16 (1879).Preaching at 10:30 a.m. by Bishop Carman, D.D., and at 6:30 p.m.
by Rev. S. G. Stone, D.D. Collection at the close of each service. On Monday, 17th, tea will
be served from 5 to 7 p.m., after which Bishop Carman will deliver his deservedly popular
lecture on “Trade and Get Rich”. Admission to tea 25c; to lecture 25c; to both 40c.
The Aurora Church choir will furnish music at all the services. A grand success is anticipated.
George Bennett, PastorE. Boothby, Sec. Of Com.The dedication services at Glasgow,
Markham Circuit, on Sabbath last were entirely successful, twenty-five per cent over the
amount of indebtedness being secured in subscription.-contributed by Allan McGillvray
Uxbridge-Scott Museum--Glasgow, Ontario Known As Sandy Ann-Theres a little place called
GlasgowThat in Uxbridge Township standsWhere the land is very hillyAnd the soil is loamy
sandBut the folks right from the childrenTo the very oldest manWill inform you that the nick
name for this place is Sandy Ann.As you wander at your leaisureDown from Goodwood you
will findThat you’re on the third concessionWhich I now see in my mindThere’s the beech tree
rough and scrubbyOn the hill of Pugh’s I scanAnd on looking straight before meI can gaze on
Sandy AnnThere is a creek along the roadsideWhere the water cresses growAnd I hear the
Dutchman shoutingTo his horses on the ploughThere is the pile of cedar cordwoodLying there
owned by a manWho is known as old Tom MantleBy the folks of Sandy Ann.Past the little
house I travelWhere old lady Alsop diedAnd along the swamp of cedarWhere the roads’
not very wideAnd the old bridge I cross overWhere the creek for years had ranThat supplies
the farms with waterWhen they thresh at Sandy Ann.There is Morgasons and GourliesThere’s
George Jones across the wayThere is Bill Cowles house and buildingsWhich have started to
decayThen there’s Billy Pearson’s homesteadBuilt upon some ancient planDifferent from
some other neighborsWho reside in Sandy Ann.Now we come to Billy HardyWho lives on the
Kehoe placeAge is turning gray the whiskersThat adorn his ruddy faceAnd I hear his voice in
fancyAs upon my ear it ringsWhen he sees an automobileThere goes one of them damned
things!Next I see the Alsop homesteadAs I go below the hillJoe is coming to the barnyard
With his two pails full of swillJack the dog runs out to meet meGeese make all the noise they
canPleasant are the scene before meIn this place called Sandy AnnNow I reach Glasgow
sideroadThere across the road I seeArthur Bacon’s farm and buildings That for three years
was home to meThere’s the land I cultivatedThere the cows and horses ranWhen I lived
among the neighborsDown in good old Sandy Ann.Now along the bush of ForsythsTo the
west I make my trackUp the hill along the sideroadTo the farm of Freeman SlackThere stands
Freeman at the woodpileAt the barn I see young StanBringing in his team for dinner From the
fields of Sandy AnnOn the farm of Mr. ParkerI can see Ed Lewis standHe as well as all his
neighborsSets his living from the landAt the mill I see Ed. EckhartDown there by the old mill
damBusy grinding oats and barleyFor the folks of Sandy Ann.Now we are coming into
GlasgowAs we go up from the millThere’s the house of old Jack DavisAnd the school on
Glasgow HillBut perhaps you folks will tell meThat my tale too long has ranAnd that I had better
finishTalking about Sandy Ann.So in closing I would mention Though for years I’ve been away
Glasgow scenes are in my memoryJust as plain and fresh to dayYes, I wish my old time
neighborsAll the best of luck I canHoping that once more I’ll see themBack in good old Sandy
Ann.Mr. Savage – From Stouffville Tribune 1945
Glasgow Presentation and AddressNearly fifty young people assembled at the home of Mr. John
Williams on Friday evening, Feb. 8th to spend a few hours with the family before they took their
departure from their present place of residence. Stouffville, Glasgow and Altona were well
represented.The hours were spent in games and music, after which the ladies provided lunch.
The evening was very pleasantly enjoyed; and, as Mr. Williams and family leave for their new
home in Newmarket they carry with them the best wishes on their many friends and neighborhood.
The following address was read and presentation made,-Miss Minnie and Mr. Will WilliamsDear
friends,Knowing you are about to leave our neighborhood, we the members of Glasgow
Methodist church choir and young people of the congregation feel that we cannot let this
opportunity pass without acknowledging our appreciation or your usefulness and kindness in the
sphere in which you have moved.As workers in the church and League, you have shown an
untiring devotion; you have always been ready to sacrifice your time, your money and your talents
for the good of the community, and have seldom been absent from your place.It is with deep
regret at losing you from our midist that we meet here on this occasion, to convey to you some
token of the esteem and regard which we have for you.Minnie please accept this suit case, and
Will, these bells, not for their _____ value but as a token of remembrance from those with whom
you have associated for the past three years.We shall miss you very much, and our prayer is that
God may bless you in your new home, and that you may long be spared to labour in the Master’s
vineyard.Signed in behalf of Glasgow Methodist choir and young people of the congregation.
Annie Boothby, Cora Spang, Martha Forsyth, Sadie Stewart, Oscar Spang, Edwin Forsyth,
Louis Stack, Rolph Wellman.After the reading of the address by Miss Laura Boothby, all joined
in singing ‘God be with you will we meet again’, after which all dispersed to their homes.--
DIED IN 94th YEAR Stouffville’s oldest citizen and in fact the oldest and most widely known man
in this section, Benjamin Parker; passed away at his home in the west end on Sunday morning,
Dec. 31, 1922 at 6 c’clock.Death followed a stroke suffered three weeks previous, and had
Mr. Parker lived until March 17th next, he would have celebrated his 94th birthday.Deceased
was born in Cumberland County, England, and when about three years of age, his family came to
Canada. After a brief period in Quebec, the family came on to Muddy York, (Toronto) where t
he father opened a butchering business, in which line he was skilled. The subject of this sketch
served his apprenticeship to the carpentering, but being a student of nature, he forsook his
trade for farming, locating in Grey County. On his property in Euphrasis Tp .was located a
general store and post office, and the late Benj. Parker became post master, and later he
was appointed a magistrate for the county.About 53 years ago deceased located in
Ontario County at Glasgow, where he conducted the general store and post office,
and was always retained as a magistrate. He owned a farm on the Whitchurch-Uxbridge
townline, for tilling the soil was still his hobby. Later he acquired the Forsyth homestead
at Glasgow from his father-in-law.The late Benj. Parker was a member of Uxbridge Tp.
Council from 1873 to 1884, the last three years of which he was reeve. As the representative
of the Township at the County Council he was the first and most ardent advocate of the
building of the House of Refuge in Whitby, and it was largely through his efforts that the
Ontario Refuge was among the first to be built in the province. He was an able and influential
advocate of any worthy project brought before the public, and a great reader, and he held
advanced ideas on matters pertaining to the welfare of the community, particularly in municipal
and educational questions.Twleve years ago Mr. Parker retired in Stouffville and was a familiar
figure on the streets of this town until the past year. The deceased was twice married, first at the
age of 19 to Martha Heard of Weston. Two children born to them died in infancy.
His second wife was Rachel Forsyth, daughter of the late James Forsyth of Glasgow.
She predeceased him by 20 years, and to this second union there were no children.
Three brothers survive, namely, Thomas Y. Parker of Toronto, aged 87; Geo B. of Preston,
aged 84 years, and David G. Parker, Toronto, aged 81 years.The funeral on Tuesday to
Glasgow was largely attended, by former municipal officers and old friends from Uxbridge
Township.Elisha Millar Hotel--Benjamin Parker
“Careless Low Flying” Blamed In Death Of Glasgow Pilot Hit Tree At 90 M.P.H.A five-man jury
deliberated 45 minutes before bringing in a verdict of ‘careless low flying’ as the cause of a
plane crash that killed Ronald Ross of Glasgow on May 11th.Ross was the pilot and co-owner of a
two-seater craft that struck a tree near the 2nd conc. Of Uxbridge Twp., and burst into flames.
The coroner’s inquest was conducted on Monday morning at the Whitby office of the Ontario
Provincial Police.Dr. Morris Cass of the Ajax-Pickering Hospital said that the crash victim died of
4th degree burns to 100 per cent of his body.Came in LowTwo witnesses, Henry Debeer and
Clarence Mitchell described how the plane came in at a low altitude over the Bluegrass Turf Farm,
owned by Ross, Mr. Mitchell said that after the crash, he attempted to reach the craft but it
exploded and burst into flames.Christopher A. Oliver of Willowdale, an Inspector with the
Civil Aviation Department of Transport said that he could find no mal-function in the controls,
indicating that the plane was in good running condition. He estimated the speed of the plane at
impact at between 85 to 90 miles per hour.Mr. Jan Falkowski of Uxbridge, co-owner of the craft,
said that it had seen only 91 hours of flying time. He said that Ross had logged 165 hours since
learning to fly. He said that he was at the Buttonville Airport when Ross took off and he planned to
meet him again at Goodwood.Stopped At 3:07P.C. Earnest Colinson of the Whitby O.P.P.
identified a charred wrist watch as the one worn by the victim. It had stopped at 3:07 p.m.Jury
members included – Larry Burnell (foreman), RR 1, Claremont; Jack Morgan, RR 1, Claremont;
Ted Kidd, Ivan Norton and Reuben May, all of RR1, Goodwood.--The Tribune, Stouffville, Ontario,
Thursday, may 13, 1965Pilot Killed When Plane Hits TreeRonald Ross, 32, of Glasgow, died in
the wreckage of his two-seater plane on Tuesday afternoon when it crashed into a tree at the edge
of his own farm, conc. 2, Uxbridge Twp. Mr. Ross operated the Bluegrass Turf Farm with
properties in both Uxbridge and Markham Townships. –Staff Photo.Glasgow Sod Specialist
Killed When Light Plane Strikes Tree and BurnsRonald Ross, 32, the owner of Bluegrass Turf
Farms and a specialist in the growing sods, was killed on Tuesday afternoon when his two-seater,
single-engined plane crashed into the top of a maple tree and burned after nosing into the ground.
The accident occurred near the entrance to his property on the second conc. Of Uxbridge Twp.,
north of Glasgow. The victim had earlier left the airport at Buttonville, apparently bound for
Goodwood where he kept his craft. Eye-witnesses said that the plane came in at an extremely
low altitude then rose slightly but failed to clear the top of the tree. The right wing was sheared
off. It flipped over into another tree and cut through a telephone line. The pilot was pinned
behind the controls.The craft burst into flames when the fuel tanks were punctured on impact.
The wreckage was soaked in gasoline. A minor grass fire at the crash scene was quickly
extinguished by Stouffville firemen. Officers of the Ontario Provincial Police and investigatprs
with the Dept. of Transport were called in.The plane, a Champion “Citabria” was to be used in a
giant air show near Uxbridge later this month. The show has been cancelled. Mr. Ross had
worked up a successful sod business with properties in both Markham and Uxbridge Twps.
He was well-known in the community and served for a time as chairman of the Glasgow School
Board. He is survived by his wife and one daughter, Karen Anne, 4.
The little red schoolhouse near Glasgow, Ontario.The tiny, one-roomed, poorly ventilated and
lighted rural schoolhouse is wellnigh obsolete, yet the bulk of the farm children in Ontario have to
depend on it for a primary education. An improvement in our country educational system which will
include more modern buildings, with experienced and well-paid teachers, is sadly needed.
The school in the above picture is better than the average found throughout the Province, the latter
too often standing in an open, wind-swept field unadorned by a single tree.--Do you remember?
S.S. No. 6, Uxbridge Twp. (Glasgow) – 1937This photo should stir a few memories for former
pupils of Glasgow Public School, S.S. No. 6, Uxbridge Twp. The year is 1937. Children are:
Front row (l. to r.), Harry Brown, Elmer Brown, Allan Redpath, Lloyd Tate, Earl Dowswell,
Lorne Degeer, Walter Latcham. Middle row (l. to r.), Ruby Brown, Irene Pilkey, Alma Pilkey,
Ruth Elson, Lena White, Doris Latcham, Ruth Davis, Grace Latcham, Lily Davis. Rear row (l. to r.),
Albert Turrell, Aylmer Hood, Robert Simpson, Mrs. May Shaver (teacher), Rosetta Pearson,
Marjorie Brown, Nelda Slack, Earline Tate, Thelma Slack, Gladys Davis, Mary Brown.--
To Be DemolishedThe now-vacant Glasgow Public School (S.S. No. 6) Uxbridge Twp. will be sold,
according to plans outlined at a recent meeting of ratepayers in the section. The structure was
erected in 1860 at a price of $496.00. The land was acquired for $60. The new two-room school
was officially opened in the Glasgow community on May 31st, 1963. –Staff Photo.--Both School
Teachers Fifty Years AgoMr. And Mrs. Septimus H. Foote are celebrating their golden wedding
anniversary. Both were teachers. Mr. Foote taught in Waterloo County, in Glasgow east of
Stouffville, and in the school on the sixth concession of Whitchurch where later his children
attended.Mrs. Foote, whose maiden name was Cora Young, also taught in Glasgow,
leaving there to become principal of the two-roomed school in Goodwood. The couple were
married by the Ven. Archdeacon Lloyd (Bishop Lloyd) in March, 1906, in St. John’s Church,
Lloydminster, in the province of Alberta.Upon returning to Ontario, they took up farming on the old
Regan place, which was then for sale, making this their permanent home. They have three sons,
two daughters, and ten grandchildren. March 1956
Perhaps few of us remember the good old days, but styles of dress have certainly changed over
the years ad this photo ot the students at Glasgow School S.S. No. 6 testifies. The picture was
taken in 1915. In the front row (left to right) is Viola Alsop, Roy Graham, Harold Elson,
George Barnum, George Rodanz, Maitland Spence, Floyd Spence, Bruce Lewis, Harold Lewis.
Jack Lawr, Dalton Lewis, Bill Spence. In the middle are – Irene Barnum, Gladys Morris,
Gladys Spence, Annie Elson, Blahnche Slack, Forence Barnum, Eldeen Lewis, Lena Baker,
Vince Baker, William Morris, Charles Alsop, Elwood Hardy, Mary O’Boyle, Meredith Lewis,
Vera Wilson. In the back row – Edith Hardy, Ada Tubar, Edgar Latcham, Harvey Swain,
Clinton Pegg (teacher), Walter Baker, Cindy Lawr, Greta Jones, Lillie Alsop.--Miss Marie Pike,
teacher 1947-8.
Glasgow Public SchoolThe keys to the new school were presented by Contractor Mervin Bunker
(left) to the Architect (centre) and to the Chairman of the Trustee Board, Grant Drewery (right).
A large number of local residents attended the program in addition to former teachers and
students from a distance.Teacher Mrs. Cliff Winn (Elsie Lemon) conducted classes in the old
Glasgow school back in 1922. The hands of time were turned back on Friday night as she
instructed three former pupils, (left to right) Lena Ogden, Ross Smith and Mary St. John.--School
bell is stolen 1966GLASGOW – A prized steel bell, located in a cairn on the grounds of the
Glasgow Public School in Uxbridge Township, has been stolen. The Ontario Provincial Police at
Whitby have been notified.Harry Noble, a member of the Area Board, said that the bell was lifted
from the foundation and likely loaded into a truck. Its weight was estimated at 100 pounds.
The relic, removed from the old school building prior to its sale, is highly valued as an antique
and could sell for $100.--Tiny Glasgow wants no part of growth – Mar. 1990By Wayne Newton
Glasgow residents have issued a firm “no” to growth in their small community. Council is
considering upgrading Glasgow’s status to a hamlet in order to permit 15 or more new lots.
Glasgow’s current population is 24 and the new lots would more than double the population.
“This is something that’s going to change our lifestyles,” said John Wolfe. “Not only that, it’s going
to change the environment around us.”Council held a public meeting Thursday in Goodwood to
hear residents’ comments. Council has heard two proposals for new lots. One is from
Dan Goldhar, who wants to create four new lots on eight acres and build homes for family
members. The second is from John Hoover and Lambert Yake, who own 70 acres and who
want to develop a number of lots 1.5 to two acres in size. They want “as many lots as could be
approved,” a consultant said. Glasgow is currently defined as a cluster and as such cannot
expand beyond what already exists. Four new lots have been approved in recent years and
three new houses built. Hamlet status allows up to 150 homes. Regional Councillor Don Jackson
said Durham Region’s planning department is willing to allow up to 15 new houses.Glasgow
residents said the new homes would bring streetlights and traffic congestion. Only one resident
encouraged some growth, saying it could not be avoided but must be done as slowly as possible.
Council has made no decision on the two development proposals. --Hurons look for their roots
in ‘old country’ – 1980 By Jim Wilkes Toronto StarSTOUFFVILLE – Konrad Sioui often talks
about coming home to “the old country.”And for Sioui and 1,000 other descendants of the
Huron Indians, the old country is right here in the fertile farmlands of southern Ontario.Sioui –
the name means rising sun – is heading a team of archeologists, anthropologists and young
Hurons just finishing up the second summer of excavations at a village site abandoned by the
Indian band 330 years ago.So far more than 15,000 artifacts have been rescued from the soil
just east of Stouffville in Pickering Township. Shards of clay pots, pipes, stone axes, stones to
grind corn and arrowheads have been recovered. “We are here because we have to make a
transition between our past and what we are now,” said Sioui, 26, who lives with other Hurons
in a village just outside Quebec city.The Hurons went to Quebec in July 1649 after pulling up
stakes in Ontario to escape disease and wars with the fierce Iroquois.“Our people sought the
protection of the French,” Sioui said, “but they didn’t protect us very much.”Once a nation of
more than 30,000, the Quebec Huron village has only 1,000 descendants. Because of
intermarriage through generations, Sioui said there are no “pure” Hurons left.But today’s
Hurons still want to learn all they can about their Ontario ancestors.* The excavation site,
first called Spang after a former landowner and now named Kondiaronl after the greatest of
Huron chiefs, is on land expropriated for the now shelved Pickering airport. *Archeologists
with bulldozers moved into the area in 1975 to rescue what artifacts they could before it was
paved over for the airport. But Sioui’s group has time to be more careful.“Since the airport
isn’t being built, at least not now, we’re not in a rush,” said the French-speaking Sioui.
“We can use our own methods.”This involves carefully scraping the ground with small hand
tools, and working around the roots of trees. The workers, under the supervision of a technical
adviser from the University of Western Ontario, have found the site of a village of 50
longhouses surrounded by numerous rows of palisades.The palisade poles have long since
deteriorated, but workers can tell by the color of the soil a foot or so down where the fence
posts were located.The artifacts are taken back to an unused school (Glasgow) the Huron
team is using as its lab. The finds, however, must eventually be turned over to the government.
What Sioui wants is a plot of land – preferably in the Stouffville-Pickering area – to develop a
“study base” for Huron history. And he’s trying to gain support for a movie project about the
Hurons.He said he hopes a museum can be built to house the artifacts found in the area, but
he’s also realistic enough to admit that this isn’t likely on the airport land. Even so, he hopes a
site can be found somewhere in Huronia.“We want to give pride to the Indians,” he said.
“And our work here can give pride to he non-Indian society as well.”Sioui himself is more than
a little proud these days.His wife, Pauline, gave birth to a baby boy on July 31 – the first Huron
born on ancestral land in 330 years. The infant has been named Kondiaronk after the ancient
chief.
Open New Two-RoomJune 1963On Friday evening, the new two-room Glasgow Public School,
S.S. No. 6, Uxbridge Twp. was officially opened by Hon. M. B. Dymond, Minister of Health.
The $50,000 structure (left) replaces an old building that has been in use in the community for
over 100 years.--Eleven year old Glenn Wideman, a grade 6 pupil, delivered the address of
welcome. His remarks brought favourable comment from Dr. Dymond. The school choir
presented three numbers, led by the Principal, Mrs. Vera Francis.--The occasion presented a
rather unique assembly of four generations in the Noble family, all of whom are either past or
present pupils in the community. Pictured here are – Mrs. Annie Noble and her son, Harry,
(seated) her grandson, Gerald Noble and her great granddaughter, Cathey Noble (standing).
In the 128 year history of the Glagow school, five generations of the Noble family have attended. --
For many former students, the Glasgow school opening presented an opportunity to renew old
acquaintances and friendships. Mr. Bill Jones, 73, of Quaker Hill attended classes at Glasgow
59 years ago.--P12 Weekender, June 14, 1986RCMP blow up buildings and shock residents
Residents up in armsUxbridge Township’s Glasgow Public School, located on Conc. 2 at
Sideline 5, was one of two area buildings selected for explosives testing by a special unit of the
Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Neighboring residents are up in arms over damage they say
was inflicted on their houses by the June 10 and 12 blasts. The charred structures are slated for
demolition. –Chris Shanahan--By Chris ShanahanStaff ReporterSome Uxbridge Township
residents are outraged by property damage they claim was caused by two days of RCMP
explosives testing.RCMP Constable Ron Purvis explained in an interview that a five-man team
took part in drills designed “to test its skill at getting through construction.”The special project
was part of the federal police force’s fight against terrorism.Cst. Purvis said southern Uxbridge
was chosen as the target area because its buildings feature “a peculiar type of construction that
we couldn’t find anywhere else. It gave us the opportunity to find out if we could defeat it.”He was
reluctant to provide more details on the Uxbridge project because of the delicate nature of the
issue at hand.“This (terrorism) is a very sensitive problem and there are certain things we don’t
want published,” Cst. Purvis said. “It would just defeat the whole purpose of the tests.”One
exercise took place Tuesday at the vacant Glasgow Public School building and another went
Thursday at a condemned house near the hamlet of Altona.Both sites are part of the 18,000
acres of land expropriated by the federal government in 1971 for a now-shelved international
airport at Pickering.The RCMP leased the properties from Transport Canada, according to
Cst. Purvis, who claimed the vacant structures were derelict and posed a potential safety
hazard.Testing concluded June 12, but citizens neighboring the Glasgow school site are still
demanding answers – and at least one is calling for government compensation. Al Ogden,
who lives opposite the school at the north-east corner of Conc. 2 and Sideline 5, said he found
chunks of plaster spread all over his bed following Tuesday’s blasts.The life-long area resident
claimed the force of the nearby explosions dislodged material from the roof. He now wants
RCMP officials to pay for the necessary repairs.Mr. Ogden, one of the first students in the
school when it opened in 1962, feels that because the feds own the airport land, “they can do
what they want with it.” (Land south of Sideline 5 is federally owned, while property to the north
is private.)“The thing I can’t understand is how they (RCMP) can come around and do that
without telling anyone,” said the 38-year-old Ogden. “I can’t figure out for the life of me how
they can get away with it.”Another Glasgow resident, Dale Davis, claimed she returned home
Tuesday to find glass from a broken inside window scattered across her floor.Ms. Davis,
who resides just west of the abandoned schoolhouse, described the situation as “a pain…
something we don’t need.”Cst. Purvis said he was surprised by these public complaints,
claiming he knew of no household damage caused by the “small, common” explosives used in
the exercise.He said attempts were made to inform residents before and after the tests, but
some people may not have been home when the police called.
GLASGOW June 28, 1972AUTOGRAPHS--GLASGOW PUBLIC SCHOOLFINALCLOSING
EXERCISESJUNE 28, 1972Flag Raising (every one join together to sing…..) O Canada – The
Maple Leaf ForeverWelcome…Primary class…presentation of songs and marchPast Pupils…
presentation of individual numbers – Don Drewery – Shirley Lewis – Ruth Ann WhiteHistory of
area – Prepared and read by Mrs. Don HopeSongs that tell the same story…Sung by pupils of
grade 4 and 5 – Dearie – Glasgow Pupils (British Grenediers)Recognition of past pupils…Red
Schoolhouse – Classmates of Mr. Art Latcham – present schoolRecognition of past teachers…
Red Schoolhouse – present schoolChoral Reading (expressing feelings regarding Country
Schoolhouses) …by pupils of grade 4 and 5Remarks by Mr. Harry Noble…(5 generations of his
family have attended Glasgow schools)Choral Reading…SANDY ANN…by Mr. Savage
(pupils of grade 4 and 5)Scotch Dances…Gay Gordons – Rye WaltzOther Remarks…Invitation
to examine old pictures, books, desks, documents, etc. – Thanks to those who helped prepare
this display. – These articles will be taken to Stouffville for the celebration of ART LATCHAM DAY,
July 1.Closing Songs…Ontario – This Land is Our Land (everyone join together to sing) –
Faith of Our FathersFAITH OF OUR FATHERSFaith of our fathers, living stillIn spite of dungeon,
fire and sword,O how our hearts beat high with joy Whenever we hear that glorious word Chorus
Faith of our fathers. Holy Faith! We will be true to thee till death!
GLASGOWThe first settlers arrived in the Glasgow area about 1808 many of whom were
supposedly descendents of the Germans who left New York State to come to Markham in 1794.
It was not until the 1830’s that the community began to develop. By 1835 there was a school, by
1858 a church, by 1860 a hotel and in 1867 a store.THE FORSYTHSBy 1877 Glasgow was
almost entirely owned by the Forsyths, for six hundred and fifty acres were in their name. The
father of them all was James Forsyth (1788-1866) who arrived in 1814 and first bought lot 4,
concession 2. This was divided between his sons, Charles and William, but he had more sons,
so in 1852 he also bought lot 5.Of the ten children in the family, the sons were David, Caleb,
James, Ira, John, William, and Charles. They all remained in the area, married and raised their
families here. The great-grandchildren scattered around in the area. Today if the Forsyths of this
locality traces back their family tree, many of them will find they are grandchildren of James.David,
the eldest of the family, held the patent to lot 6, concession 1 in 1853. he owned other land as well.
Of David’s fourteen children, many stayed in the locality: Alonza was across the road and Van
Buren remained at home. Both of Van Buren’s sons, Levi and Edwin had farmed on the home
arm—the last of family at Glasgow.Timothy Forsyth operated the general store and the first post
office in Glasgow before he left to run the Goodwood Hotel. In the school minutes, the Forsyths
were often trustees and were very interested in their childrens’ education.
THE FORSYTH SCHOOLThe schools in the pioneer days were privately owned and those
sending children provided the facilities and supported the costs. The first Glasgow school was
built on the James Forsyth farm. One of the teachers was Miss Ellen Tracy, who later became
the wife of W.H. Mitchell, the first reeve of Pickering Township. They had met on the boat from
England. Miss Tracy signed the following contract:“Article of Agreement made and concluded
this 3rd day of June, 1835 between Miss Ellen Tracy, School mistress, of the one part, and the
undersigned of the other part, now the conditions of this agreement, in such the said Ellen Tracy
agrees to teach school in Forsythe School on lot 4, concession 2, of Uxbridge, for the term of 9
months for 6 shillings New York Currency for quarter, and board with the scholars of such as
wish to have her board wit them. Those that wish to pay for board herself for 5 shilings, for which
she will teach reading, writing and sewing, and keep such order in her school as she hopes will
satisfy her employers. The pay will be required the first day of February, 1836.”
The subscribers were Forsyths, Mordens, Wideman and Castor and others to the total of
fifteen full time and one part time scholars.THE RED SCHOOLHOUSEIn 1860 the trustees,
Timothy Millard, John Pearson and James M. Forsyth, decided to build a new school. For $60
they purchased the land from James Forsyth on the south-east corner. The contract was
granted to Benjamin Parker for $496 with half to be paid on completion.The following was a
list of the expenditures for 1860 found in the minutes:John Dike repaired seats -.87 ½S.
Ottewell repairing stove -.90James Scott sawing wood –1.251 cord pine and holling –1.50
advertisements -.50repairing windows -.254 cords of wood –5.00to scholars piling wood -.50
cup, pail and broom -.50Lawyers advice –2.003 cords of wood –3.00postage sealing wax -.27
writing deed –2.00registering deed –1.25book and paper -.36A. E. Patterson –2.00Boards,
nails -.20Stove –19.00To brining stoves –1.00To sweets for children -.90Pape chalk -.18
For land –60.00To painting –45.00Stove pipes –11.60Building schoolhouse –248.00 half the
amountSeats -.60.00Teachers salary –360.00For maps –13.75841.77-The teachers at the
school changed frequently and often in the middle of the year. Those young girls had a real
chore to teach the big, unruly boys. Male teachers were more difficult to get and were more
expensive. In 1877 there was room for seventy pupils and one hundred and thirty-one possible
students between the ages of seven and twenty-one. Fortunately for the teacher, the average
attendance was only forty-eight. There were seventeen who did not attend any school.The
teacher’s salary was around $350 except in 1897-99 when it dropped to $225. After 1900 it
rose again until 1922 when it had reached $1000. By 1938 $400 was the going rate.From the
minutes come the following interesting notes. In 1862 Mr. Robert McFarlane made the motion
that school be free. Although it probably did not come all the way to Glasgow, the board paid
$5 in 1865 for the delivery of twenty primary books by stage. Mr. Parker again received a
contract, this time to build an enteroom in 1868. The first book tablets in sheet form arrived at
the school in 1870. The maples and spruce that are still around the corner were planted in
1886.Until 1918 there was only one trustee, then they decided to elect three on a rotating three
year term. Walter David was on the board from 1928 to 1960. Another long time term was the
of secretary held by John Latcham from 1889 to 1925. By 1900 the board began offering a
small sum for his services.In 1963 a two-room school was built across the road. The fate of the
old school was undecided, but it was then offered for sale. Earl Dowswell bought and tore
down the building and the land was sold to Dr. Vale. THE CHURCHIn 1853 James Forsyth
sold a corner of his lot for the Church. The first building was probably frame and then was
replaced by a brick church known as the Methodist Church. Around this church was the first
community cemetery. Approximately 1940 the building was torn down.
THE NORTH CEMETERYAt the north of Glasgow is another cemetery that began at a later
date. Especially since the end of the Methodist Church, this is now the community cemetery.
At one time there was a meeting hall associated with it. This probably served as the public hall
as well. The building was just south of Harry Noble’s house.THE HOTELIn the 1850’s the
Elisha Miller Hotel was in operation. This large building on the north-west corner, had the
typical long verandah and the residence at one end of the building. For half a year in 1861, the
hotel was closed due to damage by fire.Elisha Miller came to Glasgow in 1849 and while here
he was an active constable and the pound keeper until 1902. After his death in 1907 at the
age of ninety-four, Mr. And Mrs. Jesse Davis made their home in the old hotel.
THE BLACKSMITHThe first blacksmith was Samuel Ottewell before he moved to his
shop at Goodwood. Then John Latcham shoed the horses from his stone blacksmith shop on the
hill just east of the Ogden home.THE STORE AND POST OFFICEIn 1867 Benjamin Parker
bought the land on the north-east corner to build a general store. When this burned, he rebuilt,
but this time it was a smaller store between where the first was and the Ogden house. This new
store was operated by Timothy Forsyth when the first post office was started. Timothy then
moved to Goodwood where he ran the Goodwood Hotel.The next proprietor was Mr. Mowatt and
he lived in the house next. This is the same house that Tom Ogden lives in today. Then John
Latcham kept the store with the few groceries and ran the post office. The last to run the little
business was Miss Pearl Davis. She was only there three years before the rural route delivery
came into effect in 1911.THE MILLAt the bottom of the hill was the mill pond where the children
spent their afternoons skating, but the mill was were the farmers brought their grain to be ground
and their logs to be sawed. Some say that Mr. McNaugton built the large three story mill, but the
first known operator was John McDonald. At this time they used the stone grinders which
crushed the wheat into flour and course bran for feed.Mr. McDonald left Glasgow in
approximately 1890 to go to the Goodwood Mill.The next proprietor was Amos Stover, a
gentleman well liked in the community. The mill then was used mostly for chopping and sawing,
although some remember taking buckwheat to be gorund, bringing it back home to sifr and then
making the best buckwheat pancakes.Later, Edward Eckhardt bought the mill which he and his
son William operated. Next Jim Elson did the chopping and sawing for the Glasgow farmers.
During the 1930’s the mill was torn down.BENJAMIN PARKERBorn in 1828, Benjamin Parker
came to Canada from Cumberland County, England at the age of three. The family first settled in
Quebec but soon moved to York, where his father operated a butcher shop.Benjamin moved the
Grey County where he not only began a general store and a post office but was also the county
magistrate. Thinking that maybe carpentry was his line of work, Ben did the required
apprenticeshop but decided his real love was for farming.Having bought a farm near Stouffville
on the Uxbridge-Whitchurch Townline, he pursued his farming. In 1869 he settled in Glasgow
where he used his carpentry skills and built a general store. This store, which was apparently
quite large, was situated on the north-east corner of Glasgow to serve the small community and
the number of surrounding farmers. When this frame building burned, as they so often did,
Ben was not long in replacing it with another but smaller store just slightly to the east.
The store also became the local post office.Martha Heard of Weston, his first wife, died at a
young age after her two infant children had died. When Benjamin remarried to Rachael Forsyth,
he purchased the middle section of lot 5, concession 2, on the sideroad where he returned to
farming. There were no children by this marriage.Besides his changing from farming to store
keeping, Mr. Parker was an active council member. From 1873 to 1884 he was on the
Uxbridge Township Council and during the final three years served as reeve. He believed in
progress and was an influential advocate of any worthwhile project. He was a great reader
and introduced many advanced ideas on municipal and educational matters. Among these
was his plea at County Council for the Ontario County House of Refuge (Home for the Aged),
which mainly through his efforts was one of the first built in the province. Mr. Parker was also a
county magistrate.In 1910, a widower again, Benjamin sold out at the farm and moved to
Stouffville for his retirement. On December 31st, 1922, the year came to its end and so did a
great man. There were no children to carry on the family name in Glasgow, but Benjamin
Parker will not be forgotten.LONG TIME FAMILIES OF GLASGOWECKHARDTLot 8 had
been in the family from 1808 when the land was owned by Hendrick. It was then sold to either
a daughter or sister, Lydia Eckhardt, for the price of a shotgun. The east half had been in the
Eckhardt name for four generations when it was sold in 1968. The Eckhardts once owned and
operated the mill.LATCHAMIn 1852 Thomas Latcham began his farming at Glasgow. His son
John was a blacksmith and his grandson Cecil farmed in the area.MORDENDavid Morden
was early pioneer who owned a large acreage. This land he divided among his sons. After the
third generation, the Morden name disappeared from the Glasgow area.ST. JOHNAlong the
townline was the home of three generations of St. Johns – Christopher Jr; William and Howard,
from 1887 to 1968. The large stone house is a beautiful landmark of the early days.
LEWIS The original Lewis farm was east lot 4, concession 1, where Thomas raised his family.
Son Art remained on the farm and Edward farmed lot 5, concession 2, which was then
continued by his son, Bruce.Bruce has now left the farm and is living in his new house at
Glasgow. He sold that house and moved away in 1971.SLACKJames Slack came from the
fourth concession to Glasgow, where he rented a few years before he bought his farm in
1906. A brother, Freeman, lived on the sideroad, lot 6, concession 2, where there were three
generations of Slacks. James son, Henry, lived on the farm until 1951. Another son Louis,
farmed the west half of the lot.DAVISJesse Davis came from England and lived on the third,
then north of Glasgow, before he bought the east half of lot 6 in 1906, and then east lot 7.
Lot 7 was in the family, with sons Rolph and Walter, until 1956. Lot 6 is now farmed by the
third generation, Morley. Walter Davis was the first in the area to own a combine and was a
familiar sight on the road during harvest as he traveled from farm to farm for custom work.
Jack Davis of Glasgow was of no relation to the above. His son, Ed, and grandson, Jim were
also residents of Glasgow. Jack’s daughter, Pearl, operated the post office and his daughter,
Annie, is the mother of three generations of Nobles, all living in Glasgow.
GLASGOW TODAY South of Glasgow is the good soil for the vegetable farms – Frank
Hulshof’s cabbage and cauliflower fields and Dave Francis’ rhubarb patch across the way.
Behind where once stood the red schoolhouse is Dr. Vale’s cottage.
This attracted much interest during its construction because all the cedar logs are from British
Columbia, the first of its kind around here. At the bottom of this hill was once the old cabin of
Granny Reid, where the children often landed as they came sledding down the hill.Across the
road, the mill has been long gone, but the Thompson house still sets at the bottom of the hill.
The dam has been rebuilt, making a scenic waterfall in full view of the picturesque new
Rodbard home. At the corner is the new school, but the hotel, the red schoolhouse, the store,
the blacksmith and the Latcham’s house are gone.
GLASGOW PUPILS(tune of British Grenediers)Some talk of Benjamin ParkerWho owned the
store of courseAnd some of John LatchamWho shoed many a horse.ChorusBut of all of
Glasgow’s pupils, The one of greatest fameIs the one with the bag of tricks ART LATCHAM is
his name.Some talk of Walter DavisAnd how he plays the hornAnd some of Bertram Lewis And
how he picks the corn.ChorusSome talk of Willie EckhardtWho sawed logs into planks And
some of Hazel ForsythWhose forefathers we give thanks.ChorusSome talk of Pearl Davis How
se cancelled many a stampAnd some of Stanley LewisWhen we went to army camp. Choris
Some talk of Ida LatchamA twin sister of ArtAnd some of Henry SlackWho drove a horse and
cart.ChorusSome talk of Annie NobleWho to her children sangAnd some of Della Davis Before
she became a Spang.ChorusSome talk of Magnus Mowat Who ran the store for gainAnd some
of Amos StoverWho made flour from the grainChorus_____*****_____DEARIEDearie, Do you
remember whenEllen Tracy taught at the schoolMy, weren’t the winters cool?Carryin’ cordwood
for the box stoveEvr’y winters dayTest your memory, my DEARIEDo you recall when‘Lisha Miller
kept the hotelAnd the livry stable as well?ChorusDEARIE, life was chilly,In the good old days
gone byDo you remember?If you remember,Well, DEARIE, you’re much older than I.-Dearie,
do you remember whenSlates were used instead of booksAnd boys hung hats upon the hooks
Stone inkwells and feathers for pensAnd desks were made for two.Test your memory, my
DEARIEDo you recall whenFire destroyed the Parker storeThat sold supplies to the settlers of
yore?ChorusDEARIE do you remember whenHich’ry sticks kept the ruleAnd the teacher was
nobody’s foolThe paths out backled to one seatersWhere Eaton’s catalogues were read?
Test your memory my DEARIE, Do you recall whenChildren slid on Granny Reid’s hillOr skated
on the pond by the mill?Chorus--there are the homes of the Davis’, Ogdens, Dykes, the old
Wellman house, Shaws, Reamans, Bakers, and Nobles. North of Harry Noble’s greenhouses
are acres of the green grass of the Bluegrass Turf Farms. Past this are the Goodwood Farms
where the club members from Toronto hunt and fish.Other than the new school, more specialized
farming and a couple of new houses, Glasgow has changed very little. Here the residents enjoy
the quiet life in a rural community.(All the above information is part of a report gathered by
Gwen Dowswell at the height of Century City operations in the area)_____*****_____
COUNTRY SCHOOLHOUSEBy Myrtle Davis of ChathamI passed by the other day
“The country school” by the Queen’s Highway.A huge iron lock was on the doorAnd baby mice
played on the floorWhere children’s feet now make no noise.It’s vacation time for girls and
boys.The rusty bell looked down so sad.The water in the well was bad.On, the country school
had a lonely face,But the yard was gay with Queen Anne lace._____*****_____FAREWLL TO
THE COUNTRY SCHOOLBy Mrs. Adelaide Kerr of AltonaThe door of the little red
schoolhouse is closed,And the desks are empty and bare.The chalkboard stands silent, no
lessons inscribed,And the cloakroom has no coats to wear.The old weathered door, that
swung open each morn,Making 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 gamesThough the roster be ended, the last
flower bloomedThat grew in its garden of names.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 openIn memories
golden that we may impart.And its happy times linger in mind’s time forever,And an open door,
here in my heart.
DYCK, Issac – Suddenly at this home R.R.3, Stouffville on Saturday, January 8, 1983 Issac Dyck
in his 69th year. Beloved husband of Eileen Ham. Loving father of Betty (Mrs. Shaw), Beverly
(Mrs. LaGrandeur), Georgina (Mrs. Seguin) and Norman. Predeceased by Gerald. Grandfather
of 15 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Brother of Molly Enns, Marina Shaw and Jake.
Rested at O’Neill Funeral Home, Stouffville. Service in the chapel on Wednesday at 1:30 p.m.
Spring interment Stouffville Cemetery.--Celebrate golden wedding anniversary – Nov. 19 1985 –
WI MemberMr and Mrs (Lena) Tom Ogden of Glasgow, (R.R.3, Stouffville), were honored,
Saturday, at an ‘Open House’ in the Goodwood Community Centre on the occasion of their 50th
wedding anniversary. Mr and Mrs Ogden have two sons, Allan, R.R.3, Stouffville and Wayne of
Toronto; two daughters, Thelma Francis of Buckhorn and Irene Elson of Stouffville; 11
grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Mr Ogden has two sisters, Nellie Herron of Duncan,
B.C. and Mildred Bott of Hamilton. Mrs Ogden has one brother, Walter Pearson of Stouffville
and two sisters, Rosetta Evans, Leaskdale and Iva Hardy of Brougham. –Jim Thomas--
REAMAN – In loving memory of father and grandfather, William J. Reaman, who passed away,
Dec. 7, 1961 and mother and grandmother who passed away, Oct. 14, 1965.Their memory
is as dear today, As in the hour they passed away.Ever Remembered bySon, William, Dora and
Famaily. --The Stouffville Sun, Wed., February 26, 1986Our Hamlets then and nowCompany
once bought out GlasgowBy Karen Brooks-GLASGOW RESIDENTS are seen in this
photograph readying to embark on an excursion to a party pulled in a wagon by two immense
workhorses. –photo courtesy Marg Britton-The hamlet of Glasgow in neighboring Uxbridge
Township never had a chance to grow, losing out to Stouffville and Uxbridge and the railroad.
A tiny, picturesque hamlet, Glasgow sits at the corner of Concession Two and Sideline Five and
was home to many well-known people. But like other smaller communities, the arrival of the
railroad in other towns kept the hamlet small.Settlers in the area included British Isles immigrants
and the Pennsylvanian Dutch.Settled in the early 1800s, Glasgow is still known to this day as
“Sandy Ann”.Margaret Britton, who taught at Glasgow, says the nickname was probably given by
the early Scottish settlers in response to the loamy sand soil.And also in response to this
nickname a man named Mr. Savage wrote a tribute to his home which includes these lines:
“So in closing I would mention, though for years I’ve been away, Glasgow scenes are in my
memory just as plain and fresh today.”Mrs. Britton says one of the main early settlers were the
Forsyths, namesakes of one of the two hamlet cemeteries.At the four corners, lot eight was
originally owned by the Hendrick family when it was sold to Lydia Eckhardt in 1808 for the
price of a shotgun.The east half of this 200 acres was in the Eckhardt name for four
generations when it was sold in 1968.In the early days, Glasgow was a thriving little community
with many businesses.According to a circa 1910 map prepared by Luella Lewis for the
Tweedsmuir History, the Forsyth cemetery stood by the church beside a schoolhouse on the
southeast corner, a hotel for travelers between Uxbridge and Stouffvile adorned the northwest
corner, a general store and post office stood on the northeast corner with a blacksmith shop
further down the road and another church stood on the northwest side with another cemetery
farther down the road.In 1867 Benjamin Parker had bought land on the northeast corner to
build a small general store. As many buildings did at this time, the store burnt and was
replaced by an even smaller frame store just slightly to the east.Mr. Parker was a prominent
man in his time, serving on Uxbridge Township Council from 1873 to 1884, acting as reeve in
the final three years.Timothy Forsyth operated the store when the post office was started.
Pearl Davis was the last to operate the little business for only a three year period before the
rural route delivery service came into effect in 1911.At the bottom of the hill in Glasgow was
the mill by the pond. According to a Glasgow history, some say a Mr. McNaughton built the
large three-storey mill, but the first known operator was John McDonald who left in about 1890
to operate the Goodwood mill.Amos Stover then took over the mill, used then mostly for
chopping and sawing, although some remember taking buckwheat pancakes.Other familiar
early names in Glasgow were farmers the Mordens, St. Johns, Lewis, Davis and Slacks and
the Latchams.Most well-known of all was entrepreneur Art Latchham who was born in Glasgow
and rests in the cemetery there having passed away in 1979.Mr. Latcham, who made his
fortune through real estate, was known and loved by many for his contributions to surrounding
communities with buying buildings and building community centres among other things.
“He was a real, ordinary Joe. He was a millionaire but he acted just like anyone else,”
remembers Mrs. Britton. “He wasn’t extravagant…He used to play with coins in his pockets
and then pull coins out of people’s ears.”Mr. Latcham was known for his “magical” talents.
“He started the community centres so people could enjoy themselves in their own communities,”
says Mrs. Britton. “He cared about the communities. He was really just a nice guy.”
The old schoolhouse, built in 1860 was replaces in 1963 with a newer, larger brick building.
Mrs. Britton says the old school was sold by auction under the conditions it had to be moved
out of the area.Mrs. Britton taught for three years at this school until it closed in 1972. Now,
it still stands, but is boarded up and remains unused. During the last years, the school children
helped compile a history of Glasgow and two songs were written to commemorate the hamlet.
This summer, former teachers and students will be reunited.Then, in the late 1960s, Century
City bought up many of the farms in the area, hoping to start a subdivision. Unfortunately,
this fell through.Tragedy struck Glasgow in 1965 when Ronald Ross, 32, was killed as his
two-seater airplane, flying too close to the ground, crashed on a farm.By 1972, the proposed
ill-fated Pickering Airport deal his the area with federal government expropriating land
partly up through Glasgow.“There’s nothing there now,” remarks Mrs. Britton.--Late Wm.
ReamanRespected – 1980Heise Hill Church was filled, June 2, for the funeral service
honoring the memory of the late William James Reaman, R.R.3, Stouffville. Mr. Reaman,
R.R. 3, Stouffville, died suddenly, May 30, in Toronto Wellesley Hosiptal. He was 69. Born in
Markham Twp., Dec. 16, 1910, the son of William J. and Adeline (Byer) Reaman, he later
married Dora McMullen, Jan. 4, 1941.An employee the Ministry of Transportation and
Communications, he retired from this position in 1975. Since then, he had become an avid
chicken fancier, serving as a member of the Markham Poultry Club, the Richmond Hill Poultry
Club, the Ornamental Pheasant and Game Bird Association and a director on the Richmond
Hill Fair Board.Surviving besides his wife are two sons, Gordon of Cannington; Kenneth of
Uxbrige; one daughter, Gladys (Mrs. Stanley Bateman) of Powassan; fifteen grandchildren
and one great grandson; also four brothers, Elmer of Stevensville; Norman of Fordwich; Ralph
in Stouffville; Peter of Sussex, New Brunswick and two sisters, Mary and Adeline of Gormley
and a foster son, Bob Heritage in Port Coquitlam, British Columbia.Rev. John Hamilton,
Stouffville, Rev. John Saunder, Lancaster, Pennsylvania and Rev. James Cober, Heise Hill,
conducted the service, with interment, Heise Hill Cemetery. The pallbearers were nephews
Douglas, Bruce, Keith and Donald Reaman and cousins Ronald McNeice and Edward Daley.--
Wednesday, January 25, 1984 S-A5Late Percy ShawHad many friendsService was held from
the George Funeral Home at Lions Head, Ont., Jan. 9, for Percy Shaw of Glasgow, following
his passing at York County Hospital, Newmarket, Jan. 5. He was 64. Mr Shaw was born Jan.
10, 1919 at Barrow’s Bay, Ont., one of nine in the family of Mr and Mrs William Shaw.
Most of his youth was spent at Dyer’s Bay on the Bruce Peninsula until 1941 when he enlisted
with the Royal Canadian Engineers. He served overseas four years, returning home in 1945.
Following his marriage to the former Marina Dyck of Saskatchewan, they lived on the
Bruce Peninsula for a couple of years, then moved to Glasgow, east of Stouffville.
They had been residents there almost 30 years.Mr Shaw was a tinsmith by trade,
retiring in 1979. He made friends easily and was liked by everyone who knew him.
He will be sadly missed by members of his family and the community.Rev. Norman R.
Shepstone of Ferndale was in charge of the service. Roberta Wong, niece of the deceased,
sang the beautiful hymn, “The Old Rugged Cross”. Pallbearers were nephews Morris Shaw,
Elwyn Shaw, Gordon Shaw, Keith Gilbert and Terry Bray. Spring interment will be made at
Eastnor Cemetery, Lions Head.Besides his wife, Mr Shaw is survived by Three sons,
Kenneth and family of Blackwater; Robert and family of Glasgow; Tim of Glasgow;
one brother, Lloyd; three sisters, Anne (Mrs Norman Gilbert); Wilma (Mrs Albert Lemcke);
Edyth (Mrs Lloyd Bray) of the Bruce Peninsula and three grandchildren. Mr Shaw was
predeceased by four brothers.
The Country store stills stands 1968The little country store may be waging a losing battle
against the influx of urban supermarkets, but at Mongolia, business goes on as usual.
The landmark serves as a store and a residence for owners Jim Jim and Evelyn Cowan. –
Staff Photo--This picture is backwards, tree was on north side of road--The king is dead
Mongolia’s historic elm tree, that won its stripes during the Mackenzie Rebellion of 1837, is
dead. The skeleton form stands naked against the sky on 18th Avenue, between concession 9
and 10. The story goes that the Mackenzie troops set up their flag on a top branch, then drove
spikes into the trunk to prevent the enemy from cutting it down. In 1837.
Historic ElmPreserved for posterityMongolia – The days of Mongolia’s historic elm may be
numbered, but regardless of its eventual fate, its memory has been preserve for posterity.
Two enterprising local ladies, Mrs. Reg Rennie and Mrs. Ernest Taylor have had a photo of the
once-stately tree engraved on a plate.The inscription reads – Mongolia’s Historic Elm Tree –
1970. Located on 18th Avenue, Markham Township, is believed to be 200 years old, 84 feet high,
18 feet around and 32 feet to the first branches. During the Mackenzie Rebellion of 1837, troops
put their flag on a top branch, then drove spikes into the trunk so the enemy could not cut it down.
The souvenir plates are available at $2.00 each by calling (640-2879) or (640-1426). They may
also be obtained at the Markham Historical Society.-Cut down in 1973, Dutch Elm disease – 2
pieces of trunk at Markham Museum--Mongolia landmarkA photo for every Mongolia family
albumFifty years from now, great grandchildren of present-day Mongolia residents will leaf
through their dog-eared family albums and note that this giant elm tree, located on 18th Avenue,
just west of the hamlet, was felled by Hydro crews and Markham road employees, Dec. 8, 1971.
They may also point to the now-familiar folk lined up along the huge trunk and recognize them as
(left to right) – Reg Rennie, Mrs. Reg Rennie, Ernie Taylor, Mrs. Jim Cowan, Ann Carter and
Murray Betz. Time changes things. –Jas. Thomas.--Old hamlet store damaged by fireMongolia –
Overheated stovepipes have been blamed for a fire, last week, that caused an estimated $8,000
damage to a landmark building on the south-west corner of Conc. 10 and 18th Avenue in
Mongolia. Commonly referred to Cowan’s Store, the structure is believed to be about 105 years
old.The blaze broke out in the attic around 11 a.m. It was first spotted by Jack Harper, a
Markham road grader operator. He turned in the alarm.Units from Markham, Unionville and
Stouffville responded to the call and managed to confine the flames to the roof and upper storey.
The Town’s aerial ladder was pressed into service, one of only a half-dozen times it’s been used
at fires in the country, Chief Myrl Smith said.A tenant in the house was able to save most of her
furniture. The property is part of the Pickering Airport site.The brick structure was erected around
1875. One of the early owners was Peter Degeer, a farmer with acreage across the road to the
north. The community was known as California Corners but with the coming of the Post Office,
the name was changed.Jim Cowan took over from his father, John W. Cowan as storekeeper at
Mongolia in 1931 and this service was continued through to the end of 1975.--Smoke billows
out through the roof and upper windows as firemen pour water onto a stubborn blaze that
threatened the old familiar Cowan’s Store at Mongolia, last week. The building erected around
1875, suffered $8,000 damage. April, 1980, Jim Thomas.--Parkview residentMiss Gussie
Hoover, a resident of Parkview Home in Stouffville- former Mongolia resident
The third school to close down at the end of the current term is No. 22 at Mongolia. It was erected
in 1882. Each of the school buildings has a rooftop bell that would bring a good price should the
structures be torn down. 1964 –Staff Photo--Mongolia – April 17 –1958 Mongolia Home and
School Association’s Antique Show drew a capacity crowd to the School Monday night. Older
folk reminisced, while the younger ones marveled at, or were amused by the treasures of
yester-years gathered for the show. Will try to mention some of them.There was on display a
hand threshing machine, a flail, an ox yoke, a hand wheat mill and a wooden rake, old guns and a
hand made sleigh of 150 years ago. From the homemakers came an assortment of old dishes, a
handless cup and saucer, a moustache cup, homespun linens, pottery pieces, candle holders,
some with beaded shades. There was an apple peeler, a coffee grinder, an iron fry pan, flat irons,
a dough box, butter bowl, prints, and paddle.For the baby there was an old cradle, and a pair of
tiny buttoned boots.Great interest was shown in the old photos, school pictures, and snaps of
bygone days and fashions. We noted a pair of socks which were hand carded, spun and knit, a
shoemaker’s light, a jewellery case, milady’s fan, a desk set with quill, bed warmers, foot
warmers, grease lamps, candle lanterns, a fireplace bellows, a shaving mug and a melodion.
Then there was a candle mold, a boot jack, a pear basket, old silver and trinkets of every sort.
We enjoyed the singing of the Stouffville Christian Church Male Quartet with Mrs. Wagg as pianist,
Mrs. Fleury’s humorous readings, the school choir under Mrs. Hudson’s direction, the piano solos
and the history of Mongolia, complied by Mrs. Burchell and Mrs. E. Taylor and given by the latter.
We submit the History for publication.--A Glimpse Into the Early Life At Mongolia – The Stouffville
Tribune – Thursday, April 24, 1958A visit to some of our early residents of Mongolia would make
an interesting and educational afternoon, well spent.Miss Mila Hoover, now a resident of
Stouffville, was born at Mongolia over 91 years ago. Miss Hoover’s great grandfather came to
Mongolia from Pennsylvania in 1804, and settled on the east side of the 10th line, lot 23, the farm
now owned by Reg. Rennie.There were only 10 acres of land cleared at that time. The first house
was built near a spring on the farm. The second house was nearer the present barn. In 1858
Miss Hoover’s father, Daniel Hoover, cut the timber and gathered the stone from the farm to build
the house. Mr. Hoover lost the sight of one eye while blasting stones for the house.The copper
bell now on the driving shed was purchased at Markham by Daniel Hoover. It came from a
train that exploded between Stouffville and Markham. Mrs. Hoover rang this bell everyday at
11.30 a.m. and 6 p.m. to call the men from the fields.Miss Hoover also recalled her first
tea-party at the Church. They served tea and what we today call do-nuts. This was the first time
she had ever tasted sugar.Miss Hoover told us the big elm tree on the 18th Ave, just west of
the corner was used in the war of 1812 as a point where soldiers came for instructions.
There is supposed to be a keg of nails driven into this tree so that it could not be cut down.
On April the 9th of this year, we measured the circumference of the tree 4 feet from the ground
and found it to be 19 feet. We could not estimate its height.Daniel Hoover also owned the
south half of lot 24, now owned by the George Taylors. There was a small store on the north
half of lot 24 operated by David Burk. This farm now belongs to the Dart’sMr. Nighswander
owned lot 25, east side of the 10th line. In 1894 Jake Wideman married Elizabeth
Nighswander and took over the farm. He still resides in part of the double house built in 1854
and his son Allan Wideman has operated the farm for some years,There are three small lots
off this farm at Mongolia. Tom Smales built a house south of the corner in 1883, now occupied
by the Burchells. There is also another house east of the corner, built by Mr. Burkholder. Some
time later Isaiah Hoover purchased this property. His daughter Miss Gussie Hoover still
resides in part of the house which is now owned by the Dymonds.On the corner was a large
store operated by Mr. Crosby and taken over by Robert Curtis around 1860. Mr. Curtis kept
very good records and we were very fortunate in obtaining these records for our research.
Mr. Curtis refers to Mongolia as California until around 1865. When the first post office came it
was renamed Mongolia. There are many other interesting references to the weather, births,
deaths, marriages and current events of that time. He recorded the first coal he burned in
Canada, which was in 1886, the price was $5.85 a ton.The store was later operated by the
Emmersons, LaFraw, and Darlings, the last owner being Abe Lehman from Stouffville.
He was only there two years when the store burnt down – around 1920. Across from the store
was a hotel operated by Mr. Beatie which burnt down around 1870. Then in 1890 Jim Degeer
built a house for himself and his sister, Kate, and after that is changed hands several times
before J. K. Cowan bought the property and set up our present grocery store.The Degeer
farm on lot 25 west side of the 10th line, taken over by Jacob Barkey, then Enos Hoover,
Keith Tarr and now its present owner Russell Couperthwaite.The Brownsberger property
belonged to Boyles’ and on this was the only cemetery around Mongolia. Some of the graves
are marked with field stones with no names on them. The earliest date marked on a
gravestone, 1816, is that of a 20 month old child, the daughter of John Boyle. John Boyle died
in 1885 at the good old age of 91. Another old-timer was Lenard Kester who died in 1839 at
the age of 93. Other name appearing on the tombstones are Degeer, Johnson and Miller.
There are many more too numerous to mention. Most of the stones were made by L. C.
Wideman.The first settlers on lot 26, east side of the 10th line, were the Clubines in 1805.
Henry Barkey came from Pennsylvania around 1830 and took over this farm.
The present house now owned by Roland Winn was built in 1845 by Henry Barkey. His son
Henry lived on the farm now the Markham Golf and Country Club around 1860. In 1876 was
built the first stone foundation for a barn in this area. On a corner of this same property across
from present school was a Methodist Church. It was later torn down and moved over to the 9th
con. On the south side of the Church was an old frame school. The pupils used long benches
and long tables for desks. Mrs. Henry Reesor and Mrs. Thomas Diller, residents of Mongolia,
attended this school, also Miss Mila Hoover of Stouffville.Just north of the corner was a house
where John Calvert’s lived and on the corner was an old log house where Mrs. Henry Reesor’s
father Meno Burkholder attended school. Next to this was the blacksmith shop operated by
John Calvert in 1860. He built in 1865 the house now owned by John Green.The blacksmith
shop still stands but in between it and the present house was a wagon-making ship operated
by John Baine. It was torn down around 1925. There were many other small places up the 10th
con. One was a cobbler shop operated by Mr. Thornton and later on by Mr. Daley.The present
school was built in 1882 on lot 26 west of the 10th line on the Degeer property. We were very
pleased to hear from Mr. Ed. Quantz, 92 years old, who now resides at Innisfail, Alberta. He
taught school here from Sept. 1890 until Dec. 1894. He has a remarkable memory and could
tell us where everyone lived in this vicinity at that time. We have a school picture taken when
Mr. Quantz was teaching here. He and the pupils of this school planted the maple trees which
still stand in the school yard. They obtained the trees from Chris Barkey’s bush, now the
property of Albert Brown.There are many more interesting stories to tell of Mongolia, for
instance: the Vanzants have been around here for over 100 years.As time ran short for us we
were unable to continue our story on early Mongolia and the early settlers who started this area.
Maybe at a later date we will be able to delve farther into this history of a community so many
of us call Home. We would like to express our thanks to those who have assisted us in
gathering this brief history of Mongolia.--Mrs. E. Taylor--Mrs. Burchell
"The Stouffville Tribune – Thursday, March 19, 1964
Mongolia Public School Around Year 1900
This well-preserved photograph of pupils who attended the Mongolia Public School (S.S. No. 22)
Markham Twp. Around the year 1900 was presented to The Tribune for publication by local
resident, Mrs. Earnest Taylor. The boys and girls are (left to right) – Front Row (1) Geo. Vanzant;
(2) Frank Timbers, (3) LaVerne Eagleson, (4) Flossie Timbers, (5) Joe Brownsberger,
(6) Henry Madill, (7) Annie Wideman, (8) Clayt. Tarr, (9) Cliff Winn, (10) Sam Brownsberger.
(Second Row) (1) Percy Wideman, (2) Truman Eagleson, (3) Wilkie Haines,
(4) Ezra Brownsberger, (5) Hazel Madill, (6) Annie Brownsberger, (7) Frank Winn,
(8) Gertie Vanzant, (9) Allan Wideman. (Third Row) (1) Annie Madill, (2) Vida Ricketts,
(3) Joe Bets, (4) Curtis Eagleson, (5) Verna Irwin, (6) Teacher, Miss Pilkey, (7) Art Vanzant,
(8) Geo. Madill, (9) Sam McMullen (10) Win Timbers, (11) Melville Turner. (Fourth Row) (1)
Dave Tran, (2) Fanny Tran, (3) Ruth Miller, (4) Earl Dorley, (5) May Ricketts, (6) Bertha Winn,
(7) Miss Grice, (8) May Bowers, (9) Lloyd Turner. (Fifth Row) (1) Elva Holden, (2) Miss Grice,
(3) Ruth Burkholder, (4) Rhoda Madill, (5) Frank Ricketts, (6) Fred Pugh, (7) Emma Winn,
(8) Mary Irwin, (9) Eli Brownsberger. (Rear Row) (1) Stanley Timbers, (2) Roland Winn,
(3) Delbert Holden (4) Fred Winn. (Also second row) (10) Gussie Hoover, (11) Mary Timbers.
At Mongolia 1920
Olive Turner, Anna Reesor, Teacher Vera Brunett, Beatrice Wilson, Ada Reesor, Minnie Taylor,
Loreen Wagg, Muriel Spofford, Ethel Wagg, Vera Hopkins, ___Green, Laura Foote
Mongolia School 1924
Telf Rennie, Beatrice Rennie, Garnet Vanzant, Jim Harris.
"
"Do you remember? S.S. No. 22, Markham (Mongolia) 1912
This classroom photo goes back 57 years to 1912. The school is S.S. No. 22, Markham
(Mongolia). The names, if not the faces, are familiar. The pupils are: Front row (l. to r.),
Olive Turner, Linda Brown, Evelyn Spofford, Vera Tarr, Mary Rennie, Clarence Brown,
Mary Brown, Jean Rennie, Clifford Wagg, Wilmot Stover, Edward Wideman, Willis Reesor,
Gordon Shirk, Blake Vanzant. Centre row (l. to r.), Reta Castor, Jessie Wideman,
Ina Burkholder, Jennie Seeback, Fern Wideman, Lena Stover, Bethena Brown, Watson Rennie,
Tom Brown, Joseph Brownsberger, Herbert Major, Wilmot Brown, Harold Cowie, Willie Boyd.
Rear row (l. to r.), Percy Tarr, Lavern Eagleson, Rea Turner, Annie Wideman, Zella Seeback,
Mr. Houghton (teacher); Gordon Laurie, Archie Stover, Samuel Brownsberger, Clayton Tarr.
--
Remember when? Mongolia Public School 1918
This photo should bring back memories for former pupils of Mongolia Public School,
fifty years ago. The children are: Front row (l. to r.), Dawson Wagg, Howard Reid, Telfer Rennie,
Reg Rennie, Mervin Lehman, Clifford Wagg, Albert Brown, Charlie Brown, Bert Silverthorn.
Second row (l. to r.), Anna Reesor, Minnie Taylor, Viola Shirk, Ada Reesor, Kathleen Shirk,
Mabel Roberts, Beatrice Rennie, Winnie Lewis, Olive Turner, Ruby Rennie. Third row (l. to r.)
Gordon Lehman, Clarence Brown, Arthur Bassett, Byron Williams, Randell Spofford,
Jack Silverthorn, Gordon Shirk, Ivan Wagg, Ralph Boyd. Rear row (l. to r.), Ruth Roberts,
Mary Rennie, Vera Tarr, Mary Brown, Evelyn Spofford, Linda Brown, Edward Wideman,
Willis Reesor. The teacher (at back) is Miss Anderson.
--
Learning the three Ws of conservation-woods, water and wildlife-the children of Mongolia
School SS 22 Markham Township, prepare their entry for the conservation scrapbook contest
sponsored by Metropolitan Toronto Region Conservation Authority. They are advised by their
teacher Mrs. Doreen Taylor. Contest is one of MTRCA’s methods of simulating conservation
awareness among children and is open to all schools in or adjacent to the authority’s watersheds.
Feb. 1958
--
Honor respected school principal –May 1973
Mr. Eldon Gooding, a teacher 39 years and Principal of Crosby Heights Sr. Public School in
Richmond Hill, was honored, May 25, prior to his announced retirement at the end of June.
Mr. Gooding began his teaching career at Mongolia in 1934, later moving to schools in Bala
and Utterson, before Richmond Hill. His is the son of the late Rev. and Mrs. A.T. Gooding,
formerly of Gormley.
--Michael Gerhardt
"
Mongolia Public School (S.S. No. 22) Markham Twp. – 1930The Tribune is appreciative of
this classroom photo, provided by Mrs. Grenville Draper, showing pupils of Mongolia Public
School in the year 1930. The students, with their teacher, Miss Olive Ottowell are: Front Row
(left to right) – Roy Zeller, Donald Pugh, Lloyd Thompson, Lawrence Betz, Clarence Green,
Allan Brown, Norman Couperthwaite, Mansell Elson, Victor Foote. Second Row (left to right) –
Ruby Foote, Phyllis Vanzant, Betty Williams, Donald Wright, Stanley Elson, Walter Winn, Dorothy
Bunker, Clifford Betz. Third Row (left to right) – Gertrude Winn, Margaret Booth, Foy Green,
Eva Hook, Dorothy Fuller, Violet Taylor, Eva Scott. Rear Row (left to right) – Verna Brown,
Gladys Green, Elva Taylor, Walter Booth, Ernest Taylor, Miss Ottowell (teacher); Ella Hook,
Verna Zeller, Morley Brown.--Lifelong EducatorMr. Eldon F. Gooding, a retired teacher and
school principal, passed away suddenly at his home in Utterson, Ont., June 19, after suffering a
heart attack. 1985Eldon was born at Spring Bay, Manitoulin Island, Aug. 30, 1913, the eldest
son of late Rev. and Mrs. A. T. Gooding of Gormley. He received his high school education at
Port Elgin and Markham, later attending Normal School in Toronto.His first school was at
Mongolia, south of Stouffville, in 1934. He moved in 1940 to Bala as principal of a new
experimental school built by the Dept. of Education to replace nine small rural schools.
This school, a new concept in education, was opened in the fall of 1947 by Premier George Drew.
Eldon remained there until moving to Richmond Hill in 1956 where he became the first principal
of the new O.M. MacKillop Public School. He was later transferred as the first principal of the
New Crosby Heights School in Richmond Hill. He remained there until his retirement in June,
1973. Mr. Gooding’s greatest contribution to education was in organizing the operation of new
schools.The teaching of Industrial Arts in rural schools across Ontario, was first introduced under
Eldon’s leadership. Crosby Heights School expanded greatly during his time, becoming a senior
public school for the entire east side of Richmond Hill.In 1975, Mr. And Mrs. Gooding moved to a
retirement home that he built on Long’s Lake in Utterson.On July 20, 1938, Eldon married
Laura Cherry in a ceremony at Gormley Missionary Church conducted by Rev. A.T. Gooding.
Eldon is survived by his wife; one son Ron and his wife Judith of Markham; son-in-law
Phil Paxton of Pickering, (his daughter Carol Predeceased him in Nov. 1981), and dear papa of
Mark, Shawn, Lisa and Steven Paxton; Rhonda, Danny, Melissa and Joel Gooding; Also
sisters, Evelyn Milsted of Thornhill; Dorothy Winger of Minden; Dorine Doner of Kitchener;
Ruth Christilaw of Blind River; Eileen Jones of Markham and one brother of Milton. Eldon
rested at the Reynolds Funeral Home, Bracebridge with funeral services on Sunday at
Utterson United Church and later Heise Hill Brethern in Christ Church with interment, Heise Hill
Cemetery. His minister, Rev. Horst Rueger of Windemere, conducted both services, assisted
at Heise Hill by Rev. Grant Sloss of Markham Missionary Church.Both pastors spoke highly of
Eldon’s dedicated devotion to his family, his church and his community. Pall-bearers were---
Jack O’Brien, Art Bourassa and Ken McQuarrie, and grandsons, Mark, Shawn and
Steven Paxton.--Mongolia Public School (S.S. No. 22) Markham TownshipTwenty years ago
(1952), Mongolia Public School, S. S. No. 22, Markham Twp., had an enrollment of 33 pupils.
The teacher (rear), was Miss Florence King. The children are, Rear Row (left to right) –
Marianne Palmer, Kathleen Betz, Albert Brownsberger, Jim Oliver, Melville Cox, Bill Palmer,
Bernard Reesor, Donna Brown, Fern Maskell, Zella Sweet, Gordon Byers, Howard Cowan.
Centre Row, (left to right) – Billy Henley, Kenneth Zeller, John Gilham, Kenneth Barkey,
Beverley Silverthorn, Evelyn Doner, Doreen Girourd, Ann Barkey, Susan Burchell, Marian
McDowell, Joan Foote. Front Row (left to right) – John Rennie, Teddy Beaumont, George
Brownsberger, Jim McDowell, Glenn Barkey, David Taylor, Ross Maskell, Murray Reesor,
Paul Gilham, David Winn.
Old Schoolhouse Becomes Comfortable New Home – The Tribune Thursday, January 11, 1968
The First To Be SoldMONGOLIA – When Ronald Fincham of Markham submitted the successful
tender for the 84 year old Mongolia schoolhouse, there were many who felt that the initial
purchase price of the property, far exceeded its practical value.But Ron and his pretty wife,
Joanne, already had completed sketch plans for the interior and today, that same little red brick
school has been transformed into a lovely new home.And lovely it is. Once inside the door, one
is captured by the spacious beauty of the residence with its seven large rooms, high ceilings and
central staircase. The main carpentry work was done by Gilbert Patterson of Markham did the
wiring and plumbing.In spite of the size of the living quarters, the home retains an atmosphere of
warmth not unlike an old-fashioned farm house. For Ron and Joanne, much of that warmth is
attributed to the addition of a third member in the family, 16 month old John.The First Sold The
school at Mongolia was the first to be sold by the Markham Township Area 1 Board. Since then,
several others have been disposed of by auction and the price has more than double.
Ron figures that his complete investment will about equal that paid by other purchasers for
buildings and sites alone.His home is heated by the original school furnace at a cost of about
$1.00 per day. He also uses the original pressure system. There is a two-piece bath, one
upstairs and one down. The building has a full basement.The exterior is three bricks thick.
Roughing-in materials were acquired from the old Sellers barn located on the present site of
Varley Village. The original front doors have been removed and replaced by large vertical
windows that extend almost to the ground. The view to the east extends across the Willows Golf
and Country Club that Ron calls his 150 acre lawn.Ron and Joanne plan to stucco the outside
and put shutters on the windows. The old roof bell and nameplate has been retained and will be
built into a cairn. The bell weighs an estimated 200 pounds. “I should know,” Ron admitted,
“I dropped it on my toe.” The owners also retained about 40 desks, globes, maps and text books,
most of which have been turned over to the Salvation Army. One of the original light fixtures is to
be relocated in the dining room.Returns to School The interior of a one-room school is not
unfamiliar to Joanne. She once taught an 8-grade class at Midland and later at Richmond Hill.
Although a native of Toronto, she is ‘sold’ on country life and wouldn’t exchange it for the world.
In many ways, she assisted with the work, choosing the color scheme, painting the walls and
even driving a few nails. “Once I showed her which end to hit, she did fine,” Ron joked.
“Everything came out just about the way we wanted it,” she said, “It was fun to see it go
together.” Both admit that they’re far from finished yet, but it’s apparent they’re more than
pleased with the results to date. Who wouldn’t be? For most folks, it would be a dream come
true. It is for them.--This is the old Mongolia school, built in 1882. It is now the home of Mr. And
Mrs. Ron Fincham and son, John. –Staff Photo.--Grades 7+8 bussed from Mongolia to
Melville schoolVehicle was a bakery can originally.--L->R: Frank Busato, Brian MacAloney,
John Harris, Joyce McKean, Marg Sheridan.--L->: 1 Rita Busato, (crossed out) Brian Mac
Aloney, 5 John Harris, 6 Benji Symrnoff?, 2 Marg Sheridan, 7 Alan Bentley, 3 Muriel McKean,
4 Ann Wideman
"Mongolia by Trevor Watson Nov. 20, 1976
Mongolia is located in Markham on the tenth con. At 18th Ave. It never became a large
community, but the area was well served by the merchants for many years. In the early years the
community was known as California. Around 1860 Mr. Roth Curtis operated a large store on the
S.E. corner. He received permission to open a post office, but the name California had already
been used. In going over a list of names that might be used that the post office had supplied,
Mongolia was the name he picked, so the name was changed in 1865.On the tenth concession,
1 1/4 miles north of Mongolia the area was known as Australia. In the 1860’s there was a store
operating there. Mongolia had a Weslyan Methodist Church in the 1860’s. It operated only in the
early years. It was on Lot 27 East, Con. 10. In the early days school classes were held in a store
at the corners. A frame school was built in lot 26 East, Con. 10 beside the church and this was
replaced by a high school across the road in 1882 and it continued in operation until school
areas were formed. On the Boyle farm is the Boyle cemetery.
In 1816 John Boyle’s twenty month old child died and was buried there.
This is the earliest date on a stone. Many of the graves were marked by field stones and any
engraving that might have been on the stones is gone. Some of the names that spear on the
stones that are there are Johnson, Koster, Vanzant, Forsyth, Atkinson, Boyle, Lott, Holden,
Thornton, Lindsay, Miller and Badgerow.Over the years Mongolia had three stores in different
locations and likely at different times. There was a hotel, a blacksmith shop, a wagon making shop,
a cobbler shop and a hall. The hotel burned in 1870. The store on Lot 25 East burned in 1920.
Mr. Jim Cowan bought the store on Lot 25 West that is still standing in 1931, and the store
closed on Dec. 31, 1974. That was the last merchant to do business in Mongolia.
Around Mongolia is real good farm land, which was well built on and the farmers were
prosperous. Among these farmers were many of the “Pennsylvania Dutch”. They had settles
rather extensively in the N. Eastern part of the township, and there were quite a number in the
vicinity of Mongolia. The farm on the N.E. corner was owned by the Barkey family for several
generations. Henry Barkey was born in Somerset Co. Penn. In 1804 and came to Markham with
his parents Jacob Barkey and Veronica Blough in 1807. Henry married Fanny Grave and they
farmed Lot 26. He was also a capable preacher in the Mennonite Church, and died very
suddenly on a Sunday morning in 1876, while preparing to go to services. Henry built the large
brick house which is still standing. His family continued on this farm passing it on to a grand-
daughter, Sophia Smith and her husband Thomas Diller. They sold to the Winn family who
occupied it until expropriation. Across the road on the S.E. corner, lot 25, was the David
Nighswander farm. He had bought it from a Mr. Degeer in 1835, and built a large brick house,
which has since undergone extensive alterations. David had been one of the younger
members of his family when they came from Penn. About 1820. He married Anna Grave and
they had one daughter, Elizabeth. She married Jacob Y. Wickman. They had two children:
Allen, who continued farming here until his death in 1966, and Annie who married Simeon
Reesor of Cedar Grove. Lot 23, was occupied by the Hoover family. Samuel, was born in
Penn. And came with his parents, Daniel Hoover and Anna Stouffer in 1804. When Samuel
married he moved to Lot 23 and later built a fire stone houses. The Hoover’s farmed here for
several generations, and then it was sold to
"
3.Mr. James Rennie, who was reeve of Markham Township from 1937 until March 1943,
when he died while still in office. In addition to the family names mentioned above, we find other
Penn. German people including: Lehman, Stouffer, Herr (Hare), Brownsberger, Burkholder and
Wideman. These familes all played an important role in opening up the country and developing
the community. But times have changed. To-day there are few herds of cattle. Most of the land is
cash cropped and corn, wheat, barley and hay are the usual crops.Often towns have some item
of interest that is different from other places. Mongolia had an elm tree. When the right of way
between lot 25 and 26 was made into a road a large elm tree stood just off the centre of the road.
This tree was believed to be about 200 years old. It was 84 feet high, 18 feet around and 32
feet to the first branches. After all this time and withstanding the axe and the element, the dutch
elm disease affected it and it died. It was cut down in 1973.There is a story that at the time of the
Mackenzie Rebellion in 1837, the local troops used the tree as a meeting place. They put their
flag on the top branch and drove a keg of nails into the trunk so it could not be cut down. John
Hare was born in 1860. He was terrified of the big tree when he was a boy, so he walked in the
fields when he went to school. There are two pieces of the trunk of this tree at the Markham
Museum. When it became apparent that the tree had to be cut down, the local hydro office was
contacted. They chose a cold day. A crowd had arrived. When the tree fell to the ground they
found a huge bee’s nest at the first branches. The crew were glad they chose a cold day.On
March 2, 1972, the Federal Gov’t announced that a new airport was to be built at Pickering.
The land expropriated included the land around Mongolia. Today there are only a few of the old
families left, as the others have moved to other places. The land is rented to local farmers in the
area.Mongolia has changed from a rural farming community that it was in the beginning to a
community where there are only tenants and not knowing how long they can stay. Someday it
may be at the end of the runway of some future airport.Taken from Volume 6, 1977 of the
Canada in – German Folklore Society of Ontario.
The Stouffville Sun, Wed., April 30, 1986Our Hamlets then and nowMongolia once was
California Corners--THE TINY HAMLET of Mongolia was once home to this general store and
post office. Propreietor at the time of this photograph was Robert Curtis. –photo courtesy of the
Markham Museum—By KAREN BROOKSA tiny hamlet with an exotic name, Mongolia’s chance
for growth was stunted in more ways than one by improved transportation.Location at the
crossroads of the Tenth Line and 18th Avenue in the Town of Markham just south of Stouffville,
the hamlet was settled in the early 1800s, as a desirable place because of good farmland.
The first settlers in the hamlet were generally Pennsylvannian Dutch.According to compiled
histories by Trevor Watson for the Pennsylvannian Folklore Society and the Markham Historical
Society, Peter de Guerre, a Huguenot, was granted land in 1801 and 1803 and Andrew Clubine
from New Jersey was granted land on Concession 10 on 1805.By 1860, Mr. De Guerre’s land
was in his son, James Degeer’s name while Mr. Clubine’s land had been sold to Garret Lloyd
and then to Jacob Barkey in 1828. Henry Barkey then owned that land from 1832 to 1860.
Henrey Barkey built a large brick home on the land that still stands.John Farr was granted land at
the settlement in 1806 which eventually ended up as David Nighswander’s in 1832.Other early
families included the Hoovers, Lehmans, Stouffers, Herrs (Hares), Brownsbergers, Burkholders
and Widemans. “Mongolia was a nice, friendly community; a quiet little place,” says Gladys
Rennie, who now lives in Stouffville. Mrs. Rennie and her late husband Reg lived on the beautiful
Hoover farm before moving to Stouffville in the 1970s. The home was built in 1858 by Daniel
Hoover, taking 14 weeks for the stonemason to construct. During the building, Mr. Hoover
unfortunately lost on eye while blasting the stones.William Rennie took over the farm in 1917
when Reg Rennie was only six years of age.Mrs. Rennie still has in her possession an old
copper bell, that was on the driving shed, used to call the farmers in for meals, which reportedly
was taken from a train that exploded between Stouffville and Markham.The hamlet was
christened ‘California Corners; in 1841 by James Shannon who was given a tavern license.But
by 1861, David Nighswander decided the hamlet was busy enough to merit a post office.
Unfortunately, the story goes that the original hamlet name was already taken and
Mr. Nighswander simply picked the name ‘Mongolia’ from a list at the main postal station in
Toronto. _____ the crossroads hamlet became Mongolia in 1865.“Mongolia never became a
huge community,” wrote Trevor Watson. “But the area was well-served by merchants for many
years.”Robert Curtis was the first postmaster of the re-named hamlet, setting up shop in a
general store first owned by the Crosbys on the southeast corner of the crossroads. This store
[burned] to the ground in 192[3] when operated by “Whistling] Abe” Lehman.And at one point
in the early days, Mongolia had three stores in various locations.Added to that, an even
smaller ‘hamlet’ called Australia, which lies between Stouffville and Mongolia on the 10th Line,
also had a general store for a time.On the southwest corner, an early hotel, which burned down
in 1870, was kept by James Degeer. He built a home for his sister, Kate, and himself in 1890
on the same property.Rumor has it that Miss Degeer was the local witch.Other businesses in
early Mongolia included a cobbler shop, wagon-making shop and a blacksmith shop.The
blacksmith shop still stands on the northeast corner. It was originally operated by John Calvert
and later Jacob Barkey who eventually moved on to Goodwood. The wagon-making shop
stood by the blacksmith shop.Mrs. Rennie remembers the dilapidated wagon-making shop,
torn down in 1925, which local children were warned to stay clear of.She adds that a
Temperence Hall possibly operated out of the wagon-making shop for a time.Education
wasn’t forgotten in the little hamlet.In the earliest days, children attended school at a home at
the crossroads. Eventually, in about 1855, a frame school was constructed on the east side of
the 10th Lin. In 1882, a new brick school was built on the opposite side of the road. With the
implementation of the central school system, the school closed its doors and was sold in 1968
to be converted into a home.Mongolia also had a church for a time. A Wesleyan Methodist
Church was built in the 1860s on the east side of Concession 10. A cemetery marked only by
field stones and now unreadable grave markers was created behind the church on the John
Boyle farm.According to Mr. Watson, the Boyle cemetery came into being when Mr. Boyle’s
20-moth-old son died and was buried on the property in 1816, marking the earliest stone.The
church was eventually torn down and what was left moved for building to Concession Nine.
James Cowan was the last merchant to do business in Mongolia, operating a general store
starting in 1931 in the house built by Mr. Degeer in 1890. The store was closed in 1974 and
shortly therafter, caught on fire. What was left of the building was eventually torn down.
Mrs. Rennie says there was little in Mongolia when she first arrived in the early 1920s.
Many of the original institutional buildings and businesses are gone, but most of the original
homes do remain, says Mrs. Rennie. One of the notable exceptions was the home built in
1854 by David Nighswander on the southeast corner. The Widemans lived in the beautiful
double house until the land was expropriated and the family moved. In 1985, the home was
leveled by fire, but the barn beside remained standing.By early 1900s, most of Mongolia’s
services were gone, forcing inhabitants to rely on nearby Stouffville.“Improved transportation
did Mongolia in” and the area reverted to farmland,” said the Markham history book.In 1957,
Stouffville entrepreneur Art Latcham took over a 120-acre farm, converting it into an 18-hole
golf course is now known as John Evelyn’s Golf Centre.Mrs. Rennie says (From page 4) one
of the outstanding features of the hamlet was the large, old elm tree.A right of way had been
made into a road between lots 25 and 26 with the tree allowed to still stand just off centre of
the road.Approximately 200 years old, 84 feet high, 18 feet around and 32 feet up before
branches began, the tree was cut down in 1973 after falling victim to Dutch elm disease.
According to many sources, the tree was used as a meeting place during the Mackenzie
Rebellions in 1837 for local troops. A keg of nails had been driven into its trunk to prevent it
from being cut down.Presently, two pieces of the tree’s trunk are at the Markham Museum.
And Mrs. Rennie along with Mrs. E. Taylor, have kept the memory of the tree alive by creating
a pictorial plate of the tree.But before the fall of the old elm tree, the community fell to the axe
of the federal government.Mongolia was amongst the many small communities, including
Altona, which became government land for the proposed Pickering airport. “Mongolia has
changed from the rural and farming community that is was in the beginning to a community
where there are only tenants, not knowing how long they can stay,” wrote Mr. Watson.
“Someday, it may be at the end of the runway of some future airport.”As a result, most of the
original families have moved from the hamlet.“The saddest part is how many people no longer
value the property,” says Mrs. Renie.
Government to re-locate cemeteriesFive sites may have to be movedMARKHAM –
The federal government is anxious to re-locate at least five different cemeteries, all in the area of
proposed Pickering Township and one is in Markham.The Markham burial ground is at
part lot 23, conc. 10, south of Mongolia. Originally, it was known as the Boyle Cemetery, and
although abandoned for a time, it is now cared for by the Markham Cemetery Board.According
to John Lunau, local historian, 200 acres of land, between concessions 9 and 10,
was granted to George Boyle, (then spelled Boils), by the Crown, in 1801. Several markers go
back close to that date.The property later changed hands, and was acquired by
Ezra Brownsberger. The graveyard is thought to be the oldest in the district.The moving of the
stones will be completed at government expense.--The Boyle family burying ground, conc. 10,
south of Mongolia, may be re-located, to make way for the proposed International Airport in
Pickering Twp. The federal government is also requesting permission to move four others, all in
the same area. –Michael Gerhardt--MONGOLIAThe snow plough runIt was in the year nineteen
thirty-oneWhen we all turned out for the snow plough runThe roads were bad, but the weather
was fairSo we hitched on the snow plough, for we had to get there.We pulled up within two miles
of the placeAnd that awful road staired us in the faceThe teamster said “Boys you had better
jumpFor its awful rough, and its going to bump”Fielding had been out with his snow plough crew,
And he tore up the tenth so you couldn’t get throughSome places deep, some places bare,
Henry Smith got mad, Horatius Foote tore his hair.Now Murray Ramer said before he died
There’s one more snow plough I’d like to ride.Reg Rennie said “which can it beThe one from
Mongolia or Altonie”Then we started out for Victoria Square,Soon the man with the head team,
started to swearFor the sun had come out, and the road was bare,So we had to unhitch, and
leave the snow plough thereThis was the end of the snow plough runWe didn’t get any money
but had lots of fun.The boys all said and we did declare,If any more snow came, we would find
the snow plough there.March 1931--The Blacksmith’s Shop at Mongolia CornersThe hamlet of
Mongolia, conc. 10 and 18th Avenue, in the former Twp. Of Markham, once had a blacksmith
shop. It was operated by the late Jacob Barkey. While the date of this photo isn’t known, it’s
obvious ‘Old Dobbin’ was still in competition with the Model ‘T’. ? Torn down in 1920’s--
Late Clarence Brown – 1970Born at MongoliaSTOUFFVILLE – Funeral services were
conducted, Sunday, for Mr. Clarence A. Brown, who passed away, April 2, in Scarboro
General Hospital. Mr. Brown had been paralyzed from a stroke suffered over 3 years ago.
Born at conc. 10, Markham, near Mongolia, Mr. Brown was in his 62nd year. Married in 1929,
he resided in Toronto, and then in Milliken for the past 19 years.Surviving, besides his wife,
the former Margaret Leonard, are five brothers, Wilmot, of Ringwood; Thomas and Percy,
of Stouffville; Charlie, of Mattawa; and Albert, Stouffville R.R.1; and five sisters, Thena
(Mrs. Ralph Davis), and Linda (Mrs. Norman Hisey), of Stouffville; Mary (Mrs. Walter Gray),
of Markham; Verna (Mrs. James Muirhead), Gormley R.R.2 and Velma (Mrs. Tom Davis) of
Claremont. A sixth sister, Rowena (Mrs. Orville Wideman), predeceased him.The service was
conducted by Rev. Robert Ball of Unionville. Pall Bearers were Ed Erwin, Agincourt;
Hughie Forsyth, Amherst View; Albert Cameron, Unionville; and Elson Miles, Tom Shadlock
and Junior Grant, Milliken.Interment was in Stouffville Cemetery.--Mongolia area resident for
fifty yearsSTOUFFVILLE – John Green, a resident of Parkview Home for the past 2 ½ years,
passed away, April 13, in Newmarket Hospital. 1973Mr. Green, who was familiarly known as ‘
Jack’ by friends and relatives, was born in Kleinburg in 1889 and homesteaded in Alberta in
his youth, before settling in Mongolia, where he lived for 50 years.Mr. Green was keenly
interested in Co-operatives. He was a charter member of the Stouffville District Credit Union,
serving on the Board of Directors for many years and one year as President. He also took
active interest in the Hog Producers Marketing Board.His wife, the former Ruby Russell of
Claremont, predeceased him in 1962. Surviving daughters, Evelyn (Mrs. Wm. Darby)
Unionville; Edna (Mrs. Elmer Bentley); Gladys (Mrs. Reg. Rennie); Fay (Mrs. Ernest Taylor);
and son, Clarence, all of Stouffville; 14 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.Rev. Butt of
Unionville conducted the service, April 17, from O’Neill’s Funeral Home. Internment was in
Stouffville Cemetery.Pallbearers were: Walter Winn, Bruce Foote, Gordon Fuller, Murray
Daniels, Fred Wicks and Merlyn Baker.--Build new homeMr. And Mrs. Walter Winn, R.R.1,
Stouffville, have purchased 10 acres of land at a scenic site near Leaksdale. They plan to
move there, with their son Bill, when construction of their new home is completed by next
Spring. The Winn family farm is part of the airport expropriation area, 19th Avenue, Markham.
June 1973
2Joseph Brown & Elizabeth Wideman.Joseph Brown was born 1790 – died 1873. Elizabeth his
wife was born 1792, they were both buried in Dixon Hill cemetery. There was a family of ten
children which the most of them were buried at Dixon Hill.Elizabeth Wideman’s father was
Jacob Henry Weidman (now) called Wideman.Joseph was born at Taunton Somersetshire
England, was in British Navy during American Revolution. Came from N.Y. State to Niagara
Falls Ont in 1801 and finally settled in Markham Township.Many of the family settled around
Markham nearly as far up as Ringwood.Joseph at one time when he first came out lived on the
Millard Reesor farm at Altona. He lived there before the Monkhouses that was Willis Monkhouse
father, Joseph son, Thomas lived where the town reservoirs are or were at Stouffville then moved
to Muskoka when his son Abijah was four years old. That is how I came to be born up there.
When I was three years old, We moved out here to Glasgow for two years, then moved to
Mongolia, where my parents lived for over forty years.My brother Albert Brown took the farm over
from my father, Abijah Brown.Albert Brown is the fourth generation from Joseph, a great
grandson. He lived on the farm until he was expropriated for the airport, which was never built as
yet.Compliled by Thena DavisApr. 1980Richard's great great great grandparents on the Brown
side.Joseph and Elizabeth Brown came from Pennsilvania abour 1800-20. Grandma was
Elizabth Wideman.
Black smoke billows into the air at the scene of a fire Saturday, that destroyed a barn on the
property of Henry Mann, conc. 10, Markham, south of Mongolia. –Staff Photo. Mar. 23/67Farmer
Risks Life To Save Stock In Barn BlazeMONGOLIA – Disregarding repeated warnings by
firemen, a Mongolia man re-entered his blazing barn, Saturday to rescue all his livestock that
were trapped inside.Henry Mann was able to save several dozens of ducks and chickens from
the inferno along with two sheep, two dogs, three cats and a cow.He suffered glass cuts to his
hands and arms when he lifted a full-grown goat through a side window. “I couldn’t see it for the
smoke, but I knew where it should be standing,” he said. He cut the rope with a knife. He said he
didn’t know how he ever lifted the animal. “You can do many things when you have to.”That lane
leading to Mann barn was blocked with snow and firemen had to run their hose from the truck
along the ground. The building was completely destroyed.Mrs. Mann praised the efforts of
volunteers. “No sooner had I hung up the phone when they were here,” she said. They plan to
re-build this spring.--Friends pay respectsClarke Bunker dies at 76STOUFFVILLE – A host of
friends from Stouffville, Markham and surrounding districts gathered at O’Neill Funeral Home last
week to pay final respects to Clarke Bunker, who passed suddenly in York County Hospital.
Mr. Bunker, a lifelong resident of 10th Conc., Markham, (Mongolia area) died Sept. 29 following
a stroke. He was in his 77th year. 1976Clarke Bunker was born in Pickering Township, son of
the late Frederick and Elizabeth Bunker. He attended Mount Pleasant School.He was known as
a lover of home and family but was very appreciative of his friends and neighbours. He never
failed to lend a helping hand.Prior to his move to Stouffville two years ago he resided near
Mongolia for 50 years.For the last 20 years of his working life he was a crusher operator with
Stouffville Sand and Gravel and he had the distinction of being the first grader operator in
Markham Township, for a period of 12 years.As well as his wife, the former Gladys Madill,
he is survived by two daughters: Dorothy (Mrs. George Wilson) R.R. No. 1 Woodville, and Shirley
(Mrs. Ross Anderson) of Agincourt; five grandchildren, Jerry and Valerie Wilson, Dawn, Sandra
and Tammy Anderson.Rev. Don Pu[gh] conducted the funeral service on Friday ___ interment at
Stouffville.--Mrs. Edith Grove Born at Mongolia.Stouffville - The last of a family of eight,
Mrs. Edith Grove, Rupert Avenue, Stouffville, passed away March 2 in Brierbush Hospital.
She was 85 and had been in ill health for over a month. Mrs. Grove was born at Mongolia,
daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Jacob S. Barkey. She was married to the late Truman Grove.
Mrs Grove moved to Stouffville following her husband's death in 1955. Previously he had
operated the farm on Highway 48 south of Ringwood now owned by Eldred King.
Mrs. Grove is survived by three daughters, Lila (Mrs. Floyd Steckley, RR 1, Stouffville); and
Jean (Mrs. Alex Ratcliff, RR 2, Stouffville). There are two grandchildren and three great
grandchildren. Mrs. Grove was identified with Ringwood Christian Church.Service was
conducted by Rev. Barry Jones assisted by Max Vague at the O'Neill Funeral Home,
March 4 with interment, Stouffville cemetery.Mr. And Mrs. Clark Bunker, R.R.1, Stouffville,
celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary, Saturday. More than 200 friends and family
relatives attended a gathering in the Stouffville Masonic Hall. –Jas. Thomas.
Lot con. FOOTE?Taken from postcard dated 1910 then owned by Henry Grice--Senior victors
SENIORS GAMES cribbage and euchre winners collect their awards at a games luncheon.
From left Art Parratt, Ruth Sheridan, Ruth Beach, and John Sheridan. The Sheridans placed
second in cribbage, Mrs. Beach was first in euchre and Mr. Parratt was second in men’s euchre.
The luncheon was held July 18 in Uxbridge Community Centre. Ux. Times-Journal July 25/90--In
1955 – E. M. (John) Sheridan bought 3 1/3 acres of land from Samuel Barkey – part of lot No 26,
Con. 10. facing onto 18th Avenue and built a house, garage and simple barn. They moved into
this home Dec 31, 1955 and lived there until June 4th 1976. Having been expropratied for
Pickering Airport they moved to Quaker Hill, Uxbridge.
Markham Officer Married At Newmarket –Feb 1967Constable and Mrs. William Sheridan are
pictured here following their recent marriage at Parkside Tabernacle, Newmarket. The bride is
the former Vicky Barselaar, daughter of Mr. And Mrs. Arie Barselaar. R.R.3, Newmarket. The
groom is the son of Mr. And Mrs. John Sheridan, Stouffville R.R.1, and an officer with the
Markham Township Police Department. –Cadieux Studio.--John Sheridan – Ocy 1970 Mongolia p
lowboy wins four awardsMARKHAM TWP. – Seventeen year old John Sheridan of Mongolia has
won so many plowing awards this year, he was forced to relinquish one of them following the
East York Match, Saturday.He was named the winner of the T. Eaton Junior Championship
Trophy but couldn’t accept a similar prize in competition at North York. Repeat winners in the
same season are not allowed. But he still took home all he could carry, including – a mantel clock,
courtesy the Bank of Nova Scotia; the Guaranty Trust Company Trophy and a cheque for $25
from the Markham Branch, Toronto Dominion Bank.In his class, for boys and girls 15 to 17 years
inclusive, John topped five other entries. He is a Grade 11 student at Stouffville Dist. Secondary
School. The alternate winner of the Eaton Trophy was Wes Jarvis, Agincourt. Other specials
went to Wayne Forsyth, a wrist watch, courtesy Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce; Paul
Hulshof, Esso Championship Award and Lloyd Grove, International Harvester Company of
Canada prize.--Eighteen year old Margaret Sheridan, a Grade 13 student, is the new teenage
queen of Stouffville District High School. –Staff Photo.--Portrait of a Teenage QueenMeet
Margaret Sheridan. She is Stouffville District High School’s 1967 centennial queen. She was
selected in a ballot vote of the senior students, Friday night. It was one of the most colorful May
Prom semi-formals in the 14 year history of the event. She was crowned by last year’s winner,
Linda Wright. Her attendants were – Trudy Cadieux Grade 11 and Jane Harrop, Grade 12.
Margaret, 18 and in grade 13, received enthusiastic applause from all persons present as the
announcement was made. “It was the biggest thrill of my life,” she said. Accompanied by her
escort, Bill Morley, the couple led off the next dance as the orchestra played “The Most Beautiful
Girl In The World”.It was only two weeks ago that Margaret was named ‘Miss Personality’ in
Stouffville’s Centennial Beauty Pageant, held in the same auditorium. It was fitting that the
school’s queen award should follow.Family of EightMargaret is the third oldest, in a family of
eight, the daughter of Mr. And Mrs. John Sheridan, conc. 10, Markham at Mongolia.
Her sisters and brothers include – Gwennie, 7, Carolyn, 9, Marilyn, 10, Johnnie, 13, Kathy, 15,
Ann (Mrs. John Lally) of Stouffville and Bill of Markham. Born at conc. 8, Pickering, she
received most of her elementary education at Mongolia, later taking grades 7 and 8 at Melville
Public School. Following graduation from grade 13, she plans to enroll in Toronto Teacher’s
College. She hopes to acquire a school in a rural area and teach grade 1 or 2.Due to the
pressure of academic studies this year, Margaret has found it necessary to curtail her
activities in sport. Her past record is an enviable one. She held a position for three years in the
junior and senior volleyball and basketball teams, helping the basketball entry advance to the
district championship in 1965. Both last year and in 1966-67, she’s been the president of the
American House of the Athletic Council. She played a part in the operetta ‘Pirates of Penzance’
and for two years, worked on the Newspaper Staff. She is a member of the school’s prefect
system.Seldom Misses ChurchMargaret attends St. James Presbyterian Church in Stouffville,
in fact the entire family seldom misses a Sunday morning service. When away from her books,
she enjoys knitting. A beautiful rust-colored sweater, worn during our brief interview, was a
sample of her handiwork. As ‘queen’ of Stouffville’s High School teens, she shares the same
likes of most young people, including a Saturday night movie or double-dating at a dance. For
the past two summers, she has been employed as a waitress at The Willows Golf and Country
Club. She is pretty well assured of a similar position this summer since the club is operated by
her brother-in-law. She admits to going a few rounds on the course but suggested that the club
record is not in jeopardy.Margaret is an enthusiastic advocate of higher education. “I really
appreciate the opportunities that Stouffville High has offered,” she said, “even more now than
in grade 9 or 10. I guess it’s because my goal – attending teachers’ college – is in sight”.For
centennial queen of Stouffville District High School, the students couldn’t have made a more
acceptable choice. The selection was one hundred percent acceptable with the adults too.
May 11, 1967.
Mongolia lost Village was sacrificed for stillborn airport By Jo Ann Stevenson MONGOLIA –
Annie Reesor, 82, can remember the days when her hometown of Mongolia – at 18th Ave. and
the 10th Line – was a thriving farming community.“We always had good crops,” said Reesor.
“After the work was done we’d do a lot of visiting with neighbors and twice a year we’d take the
train into Toronto to see the sights and do some shopping.”The area has been expropriated for
Pickering Airport and buildings have since been rented boarded up or have fallen into disrepair.
“It breaks my heart to go for a Sunday drive through Mongolia,” said Reesor. “It’s an awful mess.”
She said the house on the south-west corner of the intersection was Cowan’s General Store.
It was rented when fire burned it out and it was boarded up. What’s in a name?Further north on
10th Line, the public school Reesor attended – Mongolia School Section 22 – has been
converted to a home. Across the street, is the John Evelyn Golf Club on the site that once was
occupied by the Methodist Church, the spiritual and social centre of the community. A shed on
the northeast corner was a blacksmith shop and on the southeast corner stood Reesor’s
grandfather’s farm.Reesor recalls her grandfather laughing about the way Mongolia got its name.
Residents wanted a post office for the community but first had to select a name. They selected
California from a list the government provided and later were informed the name was already
used in Canada.“To avoid a further delay they chose Mongolia and, sure enough, there wasn’t
another in Canada,” said Reesor.Do-it-yourself farmMeanwhile, the Mongolian tradition of
farming is thriving. The Sorichetti brothers who once owned land in the area now pay rent to the
Treasurer of Ontario and operate a pick-your-own farm.Families come to farm for an entire day
and hold picnics.Barb Sorichetti said the farm is a little out of the way for most people, but the
drawing card for those who do find the place is fresh well water and low prices. A bushel of
broccoli is $9 and a bushel of tomatoes or zucchini $10.The farm is located on the south of 18th
Ave. about half a mile (0-4 kilometres) from 10th Line.--Mar. 2, 1967Old-Fashioned Winter
Returns to Rural RegionThe weatherman returned an old-fashioned winter to the rural regions
Saturday, blocking many county roads with huge drifts. This picture was taken just after a
Markham Township snowplow had sliced a one-way trail across the Mongolia Sideroad,
between concessions 9 and 10. –Staff Photo--South of Mongolia – May 1970Temporary
repairs prolong life of age-old Markham bridge.East of conc. 10, Markham Township on 16th
Avenue is an old steel bridge, one of the few left in the municipality. While the date of
construction is not recorded, it goes back to the late 1800’s according to department foreman,
Trainer Canning. Repairs to the structure are nearing completion to keep the right-of-way in
service until money is available to finish the job.
He Started at the TopAdventures in Telephony by the Jolly Miller of Markham Township, who has
been President of the Bethesda and Stouffville Telephone Company for 50 years.--Alexander
Bruce, for half a century President and Director of the Bethesda and Stouffville Telephone
Company, is a most unusual personality. Bright, rosy-cheeked, with think snow-white hair
creeping into his collar, the old gentleman reminded me of Lloyd George. And I doubt if that fiery
Welsh leader ever tackled any of the many problems that confronted him as Prime Minister with
more enthusiasm and verve than Mr. Bruce displayed in discussing his favourite subject—the
development of the telephone in Stouffville and its vicinity.Being President of a telephone
company that owns 2,000 telephones is a part-time job. Mr. Bruce’s main occupation is
operating the mill his father ran before him. And I doubt that the jolly miller who lived beside the
River Dee had a keener zest for living than has this Blithe miller of Markham Township.It was
Reg Manewell, Commercial Supervisor—Independent Company Inspections and Training, who
drew Mr. Bruce’s outstanding record to our attention. He and I had lunch with Mr. Bruce and
Thomas Rae, Secretary of the B. & S. Company on the eve of Mr. Bruce’s 85th birthday. This is
a brief account of the telephone growth and development in and around Bethesda and Stouffville
as told by Mr. Bruce. Alexander Bruce was four months short of his eighth birthday when his
father excitedly read to the family the sensational announcement of Alexander Graham Bell’s
successful experiment with telephony at Brantford.Two years later, in September 1878, a
traveling showman appeared in the district and thrilled his audience by making it possible for
them to talk and listen to voices over a wire. Among a collection of gadgets that included a
primitive gramophone and a battery arrangement for shocking the customers, the showman had
two or three transmitter-receivers set up in the Bethesda schoolhouse and connected by some
50 feet of wire to an instrument outside. The showman’s son was sent outside to carry on a
conversation with those members of the audience whose curiosity gave them courage enough to
try.In 1880 young Alexander went with his father to Newmarket. While they were in a store there,
the merchant had occasion to talk to Aurora three miles away. He invited Alex’s dad to try. This
was the talk of the Bruce home for several days.Stouffville’s first telephone exchange was
opened in the late fall of 1884. The small Gilliland switchboard was installed in Coulson and
Freel’s drug store on Main Street. Telephone service was provided from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on
week days, from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sundays, and from 10 a.m. to 12 noon and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on
holidays. In 1914 the Bethesda and Stouffville Telephone Company became agent for the Bell
Telephone Company’s business in Stouffville. The Bethesda and Stouffville Telephone
Company had its origin in a meeting which took place in the Bethesda schoolhouse on
January 2, 1904. The six men who took part wanted to establish a service primarily for farmers
and others who lived in rural districts. It was the feeling of that little group that they should have
a minimum of 12 subscribers before building a line. They were confident that they could obtain
the required number, and the Secretary was authorized to buy 400 poles at 25 cents each on
the stump.Before August there were 20 subscribers and by the year’s end there were 25.
It was resolved not to attempt any more for the time being.Each member of the newly formed
association was required to pay $10. Later an assessment of $50 was made, and eventually
the total was brought to $100. Each subscriber had the responsibility and expense of keeping
his own telephone in repair.With Alexander Bruce at that first meeting were: David Heise,
storekeeper and postmaster, at Bethesda, who was the mainspring behind the plan; George A.
Brodie, a first-class farmer; Robert Miller, stock breeder and importer; P. P. Steele; and
W. C. Renfrew. Robert Miller was elected Chairman of the association, and David Heise
Secretary-Treasurer and Superintendent of Construction. At the first annual meeting,
Mr. Bruce was elected President. Thus he is in his 50th year as President and his 51st as a
Director.There were some who wanted a telephone but were unwilling to risk unlimited liability.
And it was agreed by the members that in addition to selling memberships they would also
rent telephones. Dr. Ira Freel was the first to rent a telephone. The agreed price was $15 a
year, and Dr. Freel paid five years in advance in order to assist the young association over its
financial hurdle.As there was no money with which to extend the line, renters were asked to
pay $20 in advance and a sum sufficient to extend the line to their own premises. This money
was taken as an advance on the yearly rental. Dr. Freel’s brother and Issac Pike, the
Bethesda school-teacher, soon signed upon that basis.The little 10-line switchboard was
installed in Ratcliff’s grocery store. At first there was no recognized operator. Who-ever
happened to be around made the connections.No one in the association knew too much
about telephony and some errors were made. Even after the enterprise was under way for a
few years, they were still working by trial and error. When the first cable was constructed in
1909, they were told it was not necessary to suspend it on poles but simply to bury it in the
ground. No one mentioned the need for protection against lightning, and the first storm saw
the cable hopelessly ripped apart.That first line was also badly overloaded. No one had heard
of balance and various types of telephones were installed. If the atmospheric conditions were
not right one could ring his head off without causing any sound whatever on the called
telephone. It became the practice to call a person situated halfway and ask him to ring the
person wanted.By the Spring of 1905 the service was just about hopeless. To relieve the
overloaded line, the area was divided into two sections. It was decided to place crossarms on
the existing poles to carry additional wire.However, it was evident that there would be a
continued demand for telephones. Because of the need for further finacing and to avoid the
spectre of unlimited liability hanging over their heads, the members of the association decided
to incorporate. A charter was obtained and the transfer to the incorporated company was
made September 18, 1905.Following the incorporation of the company, stock was sold to
anyone who would buy it. The members for their original investements of $100 each received
four of the shares, which had a par value of $25. There was a total of 31 members in the
association when it was taken over. A 50-line switchboard was ordered for the Spring of 1906.
When it was installed, Belle Ratcliff, a daughter of one of the grocers, was hired as Operator.
While from the beginning night service of a sort had been given, it was far from perfect.
Finally in 1911 it was decided that better night service was necessary, and Thomas B. Rae
was engaged as Night Operator. He is now Secretary-Treasurer of the company.In the year
1905 the Bethesda and Stouffville Company invited four other telephone systems to meet with
it to discuss boundaries and other matters of common interest. The systems included the
Markham and Pickering Telephone Company, the Neilson (Scarborough) Telephone
Association, the Brodie (Claremont) Telephone System, and the Central Telephone
Association. All accepted the invitation and at the meeting the five groups formed themselves
into the York and Ontario Telephone Union. Alexander Bruce was elected President,
with A. F. Wilson of the Markham and Pickering Company as Secretary.It was an invitation
issued by this York and Ontario Telephone Union to all known telephone groups to meet in
Toronto that resulted in the formation of the Canadian Independent Telephone Association,
which held its first gathering in Toronto City Hall.Truly it would seem that this jolly miller who,
incidentally, still lives in the house in which he was born, has had an interesting telephone
career.-R.H.S.--Looking BackwardApril 20, 1905An independent telephone company has
been organized with headquarters at Altona. Sufficient subscribers have been received to put
the company in shape from the start. Twenty applications have been received from Stouffville
alone. Rental $12 a year. Officers George Coakwell, pres.; Noah Baker, vice-pres.;
W. J. Monkhouse, sec’ty. June 22/66.--This telephone Co. services the Altona District at
present 1954--Two Altona girls at the present switchboard.Miss Shirley Bielby, 1954.
Miss Dorothy Meyer.‘Portraits of the past’These are the switchboard girls in the days of the
Bethesda and Stouffville Telephone Company. The service was extremely personal – even to
telling a caller the correct time. The company was sold to Bell in 1960 and the Main Street
office was closed. – Jas. Thomas.--Mr. A. D. Bruce –(President) First Switch Board.
On June 22, 1923, K. Ross Davis, right, became Master of Stouffville’s Richardson Masonic
Lodge. That was 50 years ago. The occasion was celebrated, June 27, 1973, when he again
assumed office for the evening. Here, he receives a color portrait of himself from Past Master,
Dr. Neil Smith. A similar one will hang in the Lodge. –Cadieux Studio.--STOUFFVILLE—On
June 22, 1923, Very Worshipful Brother K.R. (Shiner) Davis became Master of Richardson
Masonic Lodge. On June 27, 1973, he celebrated the 50th anniversary of that occasion by again
assuming that office for the evening. He has been a Mason since March, 1911, a span of 62
years and since 1921 he has missed only one meeting. On that occasion he was delegated to
visit another Lodge. Members of Richardson Lodge honoured him with a color portrait to be
hung in the Lodge and duplicate for his home.He was also presented with a pin from The Grand
Lodge of Canada by Right Worshipful Brother Charles Hill marking 50 years of service as a past
Master. He, in turn, presented to Worshipful Brother Eldon Fairles of Gorrie, Ontario, a pin
honoring him as being 50 years a Mason for, on June 29, 1923 Mr. Fairles was the first
candidate during Shiner’s year as Master.About 150 Masons from Richardson Lodge and other
Lodges in the district were present to honor this remarkable man who still attends and
participates regularly.--It’s the end of an eraBy Jim ThomasSTOUFFVILLE—The notice board in
the foyer of O’Neill’s Funeral Home read simply “Shine”.To the persons gathered there, all
long-time friends, this was sufficient. In death as in life, the name K. Ross Davis seemed much
too formal.”Shine” or “Shiner” as he was sometimes called, died May 28 in Scarborough
Centenary Hospital after sufferering a fall in his Church Street home three days earlier. Although
he’d lived a long and satisfying life, his passing was keenly felt by all in the community who’d
come to know him well. He marked his 22nd birthday, April 9.Born in Stouffville, the son of John
and Mary (Kirby) Davis, he trained as a tailor, working in Toronto, Sturgeon Falls and Sudbury.
With the outbreak of World War I, he joined the Canadian Army and served as a sergeant tailor
with the 227 battalion overseas.ON his return to civilian life, he worked with John Monkhouse and
Frank Rae and later opened a combination store and tailor shop on Main Street that was to
become a ‘second home’ for many drop-in friends and visitors. The yarns that were spun and the
tales that were told “in Shine’s back room”, would fill a book.More than adults frequented his
premises, however. Children by the dozens would drop in and no matter what the rush on a
suit or a pair of pants, Shine would take the time to hand out free candies over the counter.
A chapter in Stouffville’s history ended with the closing of his place but it was merely the
tunring of a page in the life of Shine Davis. He remained extremely active, taking an
occasional stroll downtown when weather permitted and conversing with friends along the way.
A wooden bench, with “Shiner” engraved on the back, located near the entrance to what was
once his ship.K. Ross ‘Shine’ Davis was many things to Stouffville – tax collector, Justice of
the Peace, baseball umpire and Mason. His membership in Stouffville’s Richardson Masonic
Lodge spanned 70 years, a mark possibly unequalled anywhere. He was to have been
presented with his 70-year pin at a special ceremony, May 27.A stalwart Yankee fan,
he traveled to New York for games on several occasions and always enjoyed watching them
on TV.He also loved fishing and only a week before his death, accompanied Ralph Boyd on a
trip to O’Neill’s cottage north of Goodwood for a stint at his favorite past-time. A week before
that, “Dinty” Hodgins was his companion.Mrs. Davis, the former Nellie Nicholls,
was a school teacher in Stouffville. She passed away in January, 1972.
The family includes two daughters, Mary in Toronto; Betty (Mrs. Jim Miller), Baden-Baden,
Germany; one son, Jack, also in Toronto and three grandchildren, Sam and Paul Miller and
Jim Braun.The service, Thursday, held in the Stouffville United Church, was shared by
Rev. Cecil Tiller of Stouffville and Rev. Gordon Hume, Secretary of Missions in Canada.
Rev. Hume, in recounting a few of the highlights in ‘Shine’ Davis’ life, spoke of the respect held
for him by so many people. “An example is worth a million words,” he said.”He was not the
richest and perhaps not the most famous, but possible the greatest man this town has ever
known.”Five members of Richardson Masonic Lodge served as pall bearers – Ted Cadieux,
Don Lewis, Grant Turner, Bud Sanderson and Ken Wagg along with grandson Jim Braun.
Interment was in Stouffville Cemetery.--K. Ross ‘Shine’ Davis in a familiar pose as he went
about his work in a small tailor and tobacco shop on Main Street, Stouffville. ‘Shine’ Davis
died May 28 after suffering a fall downstairs at his home on Church Street. He was 92.--
Jim Thomas.--Tribune Hune 4/81 – Mr. Davis was a real friend of the ladies of Altona W. I. For
years.
Mr. And Mrs. Morley Symes, married fifty years, June 16, 1970, welcomed 250 guests at an
anniversary gathering in the Stouffville Masonic Hall –Jas. Thomas.A well-known barn builder in
the area.--Preserving the pastThis broad axe, held here by Morley Symes, Lloyd Avenue,
Stouffville, was acquired from former Stouffville blacksmith Byron Beebee, whose shop was
located immediately west of the Bakery, on Main Street. Mr. Beebee’s name is engraved in the
steel. The axe, and many other interesting items from the area’s past, are on display in the
Markham Museum, Hwy. 48, north of 16th Avenue. Mar 1973 Jim Thomas--“Big Morley” stands
tall among menStouff. Tribune May 31, 1979By Jim ThomasOver the past twenty-eight years in
the newspaper business, I’ve had occasion to meet many interesting people; some I’ll always
remember’ a few I’d like to forget.Strangely enough, the ones that remain in my memory are not
the prime ministers, the premiers, the mayors or even the millionaires, but the common folk,
local residents that have been and still are an important part of this community.I spent an hour
with just such a person, Saturday. Morley Symes lives at 71 Lloyd Avenue in Stouffville and on
the previous Thursday, marked his 80th birthday.”Big Morley” as he’s often called, was, until his
retirement, a professional barn-builder; one of the best in the business. Over the years, he
supervised no less than 302 “raisings”, some as far distant as Peterborough and Georgetown.
His familiar “Ya-He” still rings clear in the ears of hundreds upon hundreds of helpers who pitched
in to assist.Morley Symes’ involvement in building barns goes back to 1917 when he was hired
on with Frank Beach of Uxbridge. The date was April 10. That fall, he and Bill Chase worked at a
sawmill in Reach Township. Later, Jack Ashenhurst of Goodwood wrote and asked him to join
his crew, which he did. In the off season, he took a job at a 900 acre logging camp on
Hollow Lake. The year was 1918. On his return, Frank Beach asked him to take three barns
“off his hands” and this started him on a career that’s without equal in this area.Morley can not
only recall every barn he ever built, but the size of each. Most, to his knowledge, are still standing.
His first was on the Robt. Nesbitt farm across from Ballantrae School. The cost then was about
$1,000.”All good men” is the way Morley describes his help. Art Hall of Goodwood worked for
him 24 years. After a raising, he could go away and leave them to finish the job, he said. “Often,
when I’d come back, they’d have more done than I expected”.Football was the sport of the day
and Morley played a part in that too. He coached the Goodwood team for six years.
When building a barn, it was common practice to choose up sides. John Scott, George Talbot
and Walter Atkinson were ‘captains’ on many occasions. When the property was on a
boundary road, like the Rodanz farm, the competition usually involved one township (Markham)
against the other (Whitchurch). Joe Reesor and Dave Stouffer were the captains at that
particular bee. It was the same when they raised the Oscar Hagerman vs. Pickering. Often,
they worked ten hours a day, with meals fit for a king.”It wasn’t work, it was a picnic,” said
Morley, “you’d pick something up to pass it around and you couldn’t find room to put it back
down again”.Morley Symes was boss and every man knew it. On occasions, however, things
would get a little out of hand and he’d have to put the more enthusiastic ones in their place.
It was important that each ‘team’ work at the same speed.”The whole building process is much
like a jog-saw puzzle,” said Morley, “you visualize what it’s going to look like before you put it
together”.During his 51 years of barn-building, he suffered at least two serious injuries. In the
1930’s, while erecting a structure for Silverwood’s, at Ellesmere, he fell a distance of 34 feet
and broke his back. He was in hospital four months. “Silverwood’s were awful good to me—
paid my wages the whole time,” he recalled.While tearing down a silo at Seagrave, he broke
his right arm in four places. “Old Doc Ira Freel set it,” he said. While putting up the Joe Gould
barn on Hwy. 7, east of Markham, part of one bent came crashing down. Fortunately, no one
was hit.But Morley Symes built more than barns. Other structures included the mill at Whitevale
and a fertilizer plant in Mount Albert. In addition, he was an agent for the Beatty firm, installing
steel stabling and stable-cleaners.For “big Morley”, barn-raisings are over, but the memories
linger on, memories that bring a tear to his eye. However, as much as time changes things, a
reputation remains, a reputation that hundreds will echo—there stands a man among men.--
On Thursday afternoon, Morley Symes (centre) of Lloyd Avenue Stouffville, marked his 80th
birthday with an “open house” in the Masonic Hall. More than 70 friends gathered for the
occasion including Fred Crossen, Church Street South. Mrs. Symes is on the left. Jim Thomas.
Morley Symes 80th birthdayAltona W.I. catered.
Toronto Star, Tuesday, July 14, 1981Master builder: Morley Symes, 82, is retired now.
But during 51 years, he raised 302 barns in the Stouffville area. Many of them are standing today.
He also built his own home and this garage, which he designed to resemble a barn after cutting
his own timber.--Stouffville craftsman built 302 barns in areaBy Vivienne JonesSTOUFFVILLE—
On a bleak February day in 1916, as 17-year-old Morley Symes prodded cattle through
snowdrifts that blocked the roads to Uxbridge, he had no idea he was on the road to destiny.
Over dinner at the hotel that night, after delivering his uncle’s cattle to the butcher, he met a man
who hired him to build Symes’ first barn.Now 82, Symes relishes fond memories of the 302
barns he built in 51 years. And he chokes back tears when he recalls the special ceremony
earlier this year that honoured him as the area’s best-known barn builder.During the ceremony at
Latcham gallery in Stouffville, Symes was presented with a framed portrait of a barn.Inactivity is
especially hard for Symes now. Impaired by a heart attack and stroke that left him partially
paralyzed in 1968, his mobility was further reduced when his hip was fractured a couple of years
ago.Business grewMore than 200,000 people a year use the largest barn Symes ever built—the
original 136-by-60-foot portion of the Stouffville Sales Barn. Symes crafted the building in the
early 1930’s.When farming operations forced his original employer to leave the building business,
Symes, then 19, took it over.”I had seven or eight men working for me that first year,” he said.
“In the last years, I had about 15 men.”Wages in those days were about $3 a day. They were
tough, grinding 10-hour days and six-day weeks.”In those days, the crew was boarded on the job
by the farmer,” said Symes. “We boarded on the job, slept on the job, Monday to Saturday.
”A lot of farmers would kill a pig or steer in the spring and cure it to feed us when we boarded on
the farm while building the barn in the summer.”Barn raising in the early days was a major affair.
Symes and his employees used wooden pins instead of steel spikes to hold the mortised
framework of spruce and hemlock together after they first ran the foundation and laid the floor.”
Then carloads came,” he said. “About 200 men arrived on the site where all the pieces were laid
out like a jig-saw puzzle. I picked out two captains and handed out pike poles to support the
lumber and directed where everything was to go. I was the one who did the hollerin’ and I had the
voice for it,” Symes grinned.Built own homeThose were the days when his 60-by-40-foot barns
could be built for a few thousand dollars. Today, a similar barn would cost in excess of $30,000.
But Symes’ talents were not confined to barns. His large home at the corner of Lloyd St. and
Burkeholder St. in Stouffville was handcrafted from timber he cut from a four-acre timber lot
near Goodwood.--Retired barn-builder honored at Town ceremonyOver a period of 51 years,
Morley Symes, Lloyd Avenue, Stouffville, engineered the construction of 302 barns.
On Sunday he was honored at a ceremony in the Public Library’s Latcham Gallery.
Presentation of a framed picture entitled “Barn-Raising Remembered” was made by
Town Mayor Eldred King (right), while one-time co-worker Clarence “Chum” Brown, R.R. 3,
Uxbridge, looks on.--Jim Thomas. April 30/81--90 years young – May 27, 1989Stouffville’s
Morley Symes celebrated his 90th birthday a week ago Wednesday amongst family and
friends at Parkview Home. His sister Margaret Gall is seen giving him a hug.
Poetic tribute to village “Doc”Several years ago, Mrs. Jack Mitchell submitted this tribute to
Dr. N.F. Tomlinson, beloved Claremont physician who passed away Aug. 18, 1982. We
uncovered the poem in some old files and are pleased to publishes it here as a memorial to one
who was to become the community’s most esteemed citizen.A long time ago, Feb. 1919,
There arrived in Claremont, a pioneer son.A man well-known to the village folk,His name is
“Doc” Tomlinson.--A handsome man with a heart of gold,A charming wife at his side.Later,
a father of three and so we’re told,His trip from the station was a buggy ride.--Then off in haste to
the Mitchell home,Before he’d time to unpack his bag,Then back to the village and a rented
abode,Then out to the stable to feed his nag.--Oft by horse and cutter he held the reins,
He traveled the countryside.Prescribing for all our aches and pains,A common command:
“Now open up wide”.--A friend to all, both young and old,His gentle hands soothed many a brow.
When the snow was deep, he comforted all,With assuring words, “I’ll get there somehow”.--
Often his horse became stuck in waste-deep snow.And he’d take to the fields for many a mile.
But when he arrived at the farmhouse door,His face would light up with the friendliest smile.--
The winters were long and the weather was cold,And many a home was full of suspense.
As folks anxiously peered through a frosted window,For “Doc” to assist at their blessed event.--
The fire was stoked up in the old wood stove,The kettle was bubbling, it must be kept hot.
The father of girls, he was wondering by Job,If the new arrival was a boy or not.-- Up and down
the stairs the father would pace,Like as though he had an itchin’And when he asked what the
water was for,Doc replied: “To keep you in the kitchen”.--Then in the year of nineteen and twenty,
Great joy came to his home.A little son joined his family of three,A blessed event of his own.--He
loved his church and his family,His faith was like a rock.And as the years rolled quickly on,
He became affectionately known as “Doc”.--He drove a cutter in the winter,A buggy in the
summer.But Henry Ford soon altered all that,His car was a good deal warmer.--And often upon a
cold winter night,When the stork was hovering near.The “Doc” would grab his little black bag, And
off he’d go in high gear.--Soon Brierbush Hospital became the scene,Of joyful blessed events.
The roads were cleared by big machines,Often snow as high as the fence.--A brand new father
would patiently wait,Hoping no one would hold up the line.Then soon o’er the phone would come
Doc’s voice.”It’s a girl and everyone’s fine”.--When out on the green, his humor is keen.
As he hunts for balls in the clover.His golfing companions stand back and admire, As he
chuckles “my putt runneth over”.--And now in this year of sixty-seven, Let’s give thanks and a
hearty cheer.For our family physician, a wonderful man,Now in his eighty-first year.--The “Doc”
has written for those yet unborn,A history of area pioneers.To be placed in the library, of which
he is proud,To be read in future years.--To our village physician, we owe so much,So great yet
so modest, always in touch.A debt to re-pay, but none of us can,A lifetime of service to his
fellow man.--Dr. Nelson Tomlinson, beloved physician, educator, sportsman and friend, died
Aug. 18, 1982. --Dr. Tomlinson at 89 still ‘modestly active’ – Aug 19, 1976 by Ted Wilcox
CLAREMONT-“How do I account for my longevity?” Dr. N.F. Tomlinson, 89, and for 57 years a
physician for this community, thought over his answer.”Well,” he laughed, “by being
Victorian…I never really got modern.”If by “being Victorian,” he means he’s retained an active
interest in life and people, then Victorian he is indeed.Among other activities, Dr. Tomlinson
has kept up his medical practice to a small extent, mostly treating lifelong patients who are
now senior citizens, and continues to play two or three rounds of golf each week.Recently
he was selected for the Ontario Medical Association’s Glen Sawyer Service Award, which is
presented to senior physicians and to their community.In an interview with The Tribune last
Thursday, Dr. Tomlinson cited two other reasons for his spry good health, namely, “living in the
country” and “being active in sports in a modest way.”“I played tennis up until about 10 years
ago,” he commented. “But you can’t serve the ball after you’ve had a double cataract operation.”
Golf was a game he didn’t take up until he was 65 years old, and he has kept it up through the
years.As for Dr. Tomlinson’s interest in people it goes back to just after the turn of the century
when he taught school in Brougham and then Claremont while he put himself through the
University of Toronto Medical School.After seven years as a teacher, he took on his first
medical stint for three months at Deep Harbour, near Perry Sound. That village has since
become a ghost town.Then, he began his long and still continuing career in Claremont.
When he first started, in February, 1919, “I was a horse and buggy doctor,” recalls
Dr. Tomlinson. Later on, he bought a 1918 Ford “Tin Lizzie” touring car which he used on his
numerous house calls.Buggies and cutters, however had to be used in most cases for about
his first 10 or 12 years because of the snow in the winter and the mud in the summer on
country roads.There was one particular “confinement case” that stands out in his mind as
among the worst he experienced.”You could drive north on Brock Road,” said Dr. Tomlinson,
“and they had to meet us with a cutter and take me down a long lane, and then change from
cutter to a buggy to go the rest of the way.” The change to a buggy was necessary because
they had to drive through a pond.After staying all night in the farmhouse, Dr. Tomlinson would
reverse the process to get home.”In the first few years I made more house calls than office calls,”
Dr. Tomlinson said. He ranged as far away as Myrtle, nine miles to the east, on his rounds.
In those days, other doctors resided in Brougham and Goodwood to serve local residents,
he commented.When Dr. Tomlinson retired 17 years ago, Claremont no longer had a full-time
doctor so that most people in the area now go to Stouffville or Pickering for medical care.
He retired then not only from private practice, but also as the municipality’s public health officer,
a position he had held since 1928.Dr. Tomlinson’s continued service in Claremont from 1919
right to the present even in retirement, has caused him to be called a “landmark” that doesn’t
seem to have faded with time.--Fifty-seven years as a physician in Claremont have not slowed
down Dr. N.F. Tomlinson too much. Although he retired 17 years ago, he still treats some
lifelong patients such as Harold Walker (left). Here he prepares to take Mr. Walker’s blood
pressure.
Feb. 23, 1967.Every week, Jacob Smith climbs a fifty foot ladder and winds up the weights on
Stouffville’s Main Street clock. He’s been doing it now for the past 25 years. He claims that the
mechanism should last for centuries. –Staff Photo.--The Town ClockWhat Makes It Tick?
STOUFFVILLE – For the past 36 years, Stouffville’s monumental town clock has been ticking off
the minutes and hours of residents’ lives. While hundreds have gazed enquiringly on its face,
few have had the opportunity or the courage to mount the 60 foot high tower and inspect the inner
workings of this masterpiece.Accompanied by the clock’s caretaker, Jacob Smith, we took the
trip, Friday afternoon. Believe me, Brock’s Monument is kid’s stuff by comparison.Jacob Smith
has been winding Stouffville’s time-piece since 1942. He does it once every eight days and for
this service, he receives $2 a week. He can recall when he was paid for $25 for the entire year.
The clock weights are 150 and 300 pounds apiece. The pendulum weighs 30 pounds.
The works were last cleaned 15 years ago. “If properly cared for, it will run for centuries,”
said Mr. Smith.The glass in two of its four faces is cracked. One side was hit by a bullet and the
other by a snowball.The bell is located in the turret at the very top of the tower. It was
manufactured in Montreal.The clock, that cost $3,000, was donated to the town by the family of
the late Rev. and Mrs. William Percy. The tower, costing $1,600 was built by public subscription.
Plaques, now located in the former firehall building, will be reset in the tower base,
when the Civic Square project is completed.--Jake Smith retires after 37 years in local clock
businessBy Keith BolenderSTOUFFVILLE – After 37 years in the clock business,
Jake Smith has decided that it’s time to quit.Mr. Smith will be closing his shop on Main St. this
Saturday and plans a “life of leisure” from now on. He cited his age and the fact that he’s been at
it “long enough” as two reasons for his retirement. Mr. Smith pointed out, however, that he will
continue to do some clock repairs by appointment only and build clocks, but just as a hobby.
Mr. Smith said that he did try to find someone else to carry on in the business,
but that clockmaking is a rapidly dying profession and it is very hard to find someone still doing it.
It was in 1940 when Mr. Smith opened his jewelry store in town, although his first love has always
been clocks. “I started out repairing watches because I didn’t think I could earn a living with the
clocks. However, my eyes haven’t been good enough for watches, so about two years ago I
switched to clocks.”The biggest repair bill Mr. Smith has handed out was to a man who
brought in an old grandfather clock with half the pieces missing. “I had to charge him $500 for
the work I put into it, but he really wanted that clock repaired so he paid it,” he said.Besides
the increase in repair costs, Mr. Smith said the biggest change in his profession from years
ago is in the quality of the product.”the clocks today are built much lighter and in less times
than the old clocks were. The clocks built then were made to operate for years and years.
I have one grandfather clock that was built in 1750 and it is still ticking along just fine.
The new ones won’t last that long, though.”The clock trade is a clean and interesting one,
according to Mr. Smith. One of the reasons for that is because no two clocks are exactly alike,
“each one has its own personal mark on it.”The challenge of the trade also attracted Mr. Smith.
He commented that he would never give up on a repair job, that he never wanted to admit
defeat. He cited one example to illustrate his resolve in fixing a timepiece no matter how long it
took: “I remember one lady who brought in a very small wristwatch to be fixed and it ended up
that she had to bring it in seven times before it would run properly. I didn’t charge her for
repairs because it had become a personal thing to me. I just couldn’t give up on it.” Mr. Smith
studied his trade under his cousin, Jerry Smith, a famous clockmaker from Richmond Hill.
It took him five-and-a-half years to learn the trade. At the end of that time he was required to
build a watch or clock as his “diploma” of craftsmanship. His choice was a grandfather clock
which he completed in 1937 and still runs today in his home.Summing up his years in Stouffville,
Mr. Smith said that the people have been terrific; “I’ve really enjoyed being part of this great
town.”Moving into Mr. Smith’s store will be Water Treatment of Ontario York Limited, a water
softener and filtration company with Walter Landsman in charge.--Jake Smith is looking over
one of the hundreds of clocks he has repaired during his 37 years in the business. Mr. Smith
decided to close down his shop on Main St. last Saturday, saying he’s been at it “long enough”.
A water treatment plant will be moving in this week.Mar. 31, 1977
Sept. 2, 1976Alvin S. Farmer of Gormley is well known for his expertise as an auctioneer.
Here he is still going strong after five hours of non-stop huckstering. “I can sing all day and sell all
night,” says Farmer, who also belongs to a male quartet. –Annegret Lamure --Now in his 70’s
Alvin Farmer still strong as the consummate auctioneerBy Annegret LamureGORMLEY –
“Seventeen… seventeen…seventeen…seventeen…now eighteen…eighteen I got…now
nineteen…nineteen…nineteen…nineteen…all in order…sold!! – to number 85.” A large stack of
used towels is passed to a beaming elderly woman of ample proportions sitting near the front.
“You stick with me and you’ll get what you want,” quipped the auctioneer, Alvin S. Farmer, for the
third time that night and his delighted audience guffawed at his droll delivery.Old Alvin was really
in top form today.In rapid succession he sold old vacuum cleaners, dishes, musty rugs, gorgeous
antiques, atrocious paintings and a mind-boggling assortment of utterly useless objects at
astronomical prices, to his spellbound audience.”Oh, here’s a beauty,” he would exclaim in
pleased surprise, as another object was put on the block, and his innocent enthusiasm would
trigger another round of wild bidding.Alvin S. Farmer, now in his 70’s was certainly staging a
comeback. For several years he had been troubled by ill health, including several near
disasterous bouts of bronchitis, but as he expertly played the crowd it became clear he was back
in form.Mr. Farmer started as an auctioneer’s apprentice at age 16 after hearing
W.F. Silversides, a man still fondly remembered around these parts, conducting a sale.
“I heard him sell,” said Mr. Farmer, “and I decided, ‘this is for me.’” Apparently, Mr. Silversides
agreed.“After my first sale he told me, ‘You’ll make an auctioneer,’” said Mr. Farmer with quiet
pride. Apparently even now, over fifty years later, he still cherishes the accolade.He was
apprenticed to Mr. Silversides for 11 years before going out on his own. In 1928 he was the first
auctioneer to try a daring innovation—cash sales. Before this all auctions were conducted on a
credit-only basis. The buyer would put down 10 per cent and sign a six-month note for the
balance—which was often impossible to collect.Fellow auctioneers prophesied that nothing
would sell at a decent price if cash were demanded on the spot, but Alvin proved them wrong,
and his critics were quick to follow his example. “That first cash sale made just as much money
as the credit ones,” said Mr. Farmer, “and after that it was cash all the time.”As well as being a
consummate auctioneer, Alvin S. Farmer also became a prominent mink breeder.
“I had about 4000 of them at one time,” said Mr. Farmer, then in 1952, I lost the ranch.
Every mink died. It was that bad horse-meat from Canada Packers. But I sued ‘em and
beat ‘em.” After two years in the courts, Mr. Farmer got full restitution from the company.
To pass the time while he was waiting for a settlement, he turned to other pursuits. ”The year I
was out of mink, I had budgies,” recalls Mr. Farmer with a mischievious smile, “I guess there
were about 300 of them. I sold them to the Quebec stores for about $17 a piece.”
He chuckled, “and then there were the rabbits, of course.” Mr. Farmer renovated some of the
idle mink cages and went into Angora breeding. After the court settlement he went back to
mink again but was eventually forced out of the business by rising feed prices.”It used to be 5
cents a pound for feed and you’d get $30 for a fur, but in 1974 it cost me 20 cents a pound for
feed and the pelts only brought in $12. The little fellow’s out. You just can’t make it.”But
Mr. Farmer isn’t bitter about the turn of events. “What’s the use of going out and making a lot of
money and giving it all to the government,” he laughed.“Of course that doesn’t mean that
nothing is being raised on the Farmer property. “I have canaries now,” he said nonchalantly,
“but nothing big, only about a hundred.”--The Tribune, Thursday, April 30, 1981“Going---going---
sold”, calls out Gormley auctioneer Alvin Farmer at a Farm Fair exhibition, Friday night, in the
Wilson Sales Arena, Uxbridge. The event, spanning three days, was hosted by Lloyd Wilson
with proceeds going to the Uxbridge Library Expansion Fund. –Jim ThomasUXBRIDGE –
For more than sixty years, Alvin Farmer of Gormley has been wrapping his tongue around the
lingo of a professional auctioneer. At 76, he hasn’t lost his touch.On Friday evening,
he attended a farm Fair at the Wilson Sales Arena, Uxbridge, and stirred his audience with
tales from “the good old days” when he, like Lloyd Wilson himself, was synonmous with
auctions throughout the district.”I started out at sixteen,” he said. “My mother said I’d never
make it.”The Uxbridge-Scott area is familiar to him. He described the residents as “a great
bunch of people”.While the old days may have been “good” in many respects, they were also
“hard”, he recalled.”I made eighteen dollars a week back then,” he said, “and drove a car”.
Now, that would be considered poor pay for a single day, he observed.Depression times are
clear in Alvin Farmer’s memory – times he’d just as soon forget. On the day before the
Monday market hit the skids, pigs were selling at eight dollars apiece. The day after, the price
dropped to two dollars.”Folks had no money and those who did, wanted to hold onto it,” he said.
Mr. Farmer recalled a huge sale of cattle and implements to clear up the Steckley Estate near
Bethesda. The entire receipts amounted to $3,600. That was in 1928. The average auction
back then ranged from $1,500 to $2,000.Lloyd Wilson noted that only a week ago,
he sold one heifer for $17,000.The weather was often a problem, the veteran auctioneer
revealed. On a day in March, the area was hit by a terrible snowstorm and an auction had to
be postponed. “We didn’t get back for two weeks,” he said.Mr. Farmer’s popularity as an
auctioneer was indicated by the fact that during a period of one month, he had a sale every day.
His largest over the past sixty years, totaled $117,000. He’s never kept a diary, something he
regrets.Lloyd Wilson said that while Mr. Farmer was no stranger to him, it was the first time
they’d ever shared the same platform. “This is a milestone for me,” he declared.In the sale of a
pony that followed (donated by Bill Bacon of R.R. 3, Uxbridge), a top bid of $75 was received.
The buyer was Ron Deeth of Windcrest Farms, R.R. 2, Port Perry.
Master fence builder passesNEWMARKETJonathan Morgason, a fence builder for more than 80
years passed away in his 97th year on Monday at the Newmarket Nursing Home. A stroke
suffered the previous week was responsible for his death.Mr. Morgason lived and worked in the
Uxbridge and Stouffville area all his life and was considered a master fence builder by many.He
is survived by one sister, Mrs. H. Bowman who was 103 last November.The funeral will be held at
the O’Neill Funeral Home, on September 4 at 1.30 p.m. 1970Dec. 12, 1968An estimated 160
residents of Whitchurch Township attended a senior citizens’ banquet in the Centennial Centre,
Ballantrae, December 7. It is hoped that a permanent club can be organized. Participating in the
program was Mr. Arthur Latcham (left) of Stouffville. Guests included (l. to r.)
Mrs. Cordelia Paxton, 93, Jonathon Morgason, 94 and Mrs. Elizabeth Workman, 77.
The secretary is Cliff Wallwork –Staff Photo