May 18, 1994
25 Years Ago
Duckie race on the Quyon River: Weather fit for a duck: the Quyon Lionettes first annual Duck Race took place on the Quyon River on Sunday afternoon under cloud-covered skies. But the rain did not dampen the spirits of duck sponsors as a large crowd gathered along the banks of the Quyon River at the fairgrounds to catch a glimpse of the winning duck.
The Quyon Lionettes released 1,000 ducks for which sponsors paid $5.00 each to enter the race.
First place duck was number 678 which had been purchased by Blake Draper, who won $1,000. Second place for $500 was John Tracey’s duck, third place winner was Wayne Ramsey who won $250.
The Lionettes will hold a duck race annually in May to raise money which they always return to the community.
Raise the Flag Day in Shawville: It is in the small towns of Canada that the Maple Leaf has its roots.
This was demonstrated on Saturday when about 75 people took time out from a beautiful day to celebrate Raise the Flag Day at McDowell School.
On Canada Day, 127,000 Canadian flags will be flown on Parliament Hill in honour of Canada’s 127th birthday.
In a short speech at Saturday’s ceremony in Shawville, Pontiac’s man on the Hill, MP Robert Bertrand pointed out that the Kinsmen Club is exclusively Canadian.
He alluded to the debate that ushered in the Maple Leaf flag in 1965, quoting the Right Honourable Lester Pearson on the blessings of liberty. “God bless our Canada,” concluded Mr. Bertrand.
May 21, 1969
50 Years Ago
Pontiac triumphs in track meet vs. Hull: Pontiac High School played host to Philemon Wright High of Hull in a dual track meet last Wednesday at the Shawville fairgrounds. Each school was represented by three competitors in each of the various events with only the top three finishers receiving points.
Pontiac whitewashed the Hull squad to the tune of 224 to 105. Pontiac piled up their point total with clean sweeps of a number of sprints and field events and in all of the relays.
Concert at Calumet Island town hall: On May 18 a musical evening was produced by the pupils of Sister Marie Rose at Calumet Island Town Hall. The pupils of grade three opened the program with a choral rendition of Bergerette followed by Judith Gauthier playing a Chopin waltz on the piano.
There were many other soloists and instrumentalists.
May 18, 1944
75 Years Ago
Local news: Word was received Saturday night by Mr. and Mrs. Wm. J. Murray of Bristol that their son, Pilot Frederick Graham Murray had been killed on active service May 17. No particulars were given as to the cause of death. He was 28 years of age.
The late airman was born in Bristol township and received his education in the local schools. He was married to Miss Helen W. McNeill of Bristol now of the staff of Aylmer High School.
Warrant Officer Beverly Howard, son of Mr. G.A. Howard and the late Mrs. Howard who was reported missing in air operations over Germany in March has now been reported, through the Red Cross as a prisoner of war according to a message received by his father.
The young man, who was 23 years of age, was born and educated in Shawville and enlisted in May 1941 and went overseas in December of the same year.
While the Contingent shook to the thunder of bombs and the Berlin and Vichy radios stepped up their warnings to the captive peoples, staging area for the invasion of Europe was one of calm and confidence, comments The New York Times.
Londoners and all Britons have been “sitting on top of a volcano” so long they are neither particularly excited nor especially nervous.
The simultaneous attack on airfields in western Europe was equally methodical and far-ranging.
A Canadian Press report dated May 22 stated that 22-year-old F.O. Harlow “Bud” Bowker of Granby, Que., putting in his operational rest period between tours as a pilot with a Canadian repair and salvage unit, took off to test the guns of a Spitfire. He bumped into two Focke-Wulf 190’s over the English Channel and sent them both crashing into the sea.
May 16, 1919
100 Years Ago
Local news: The two-trains-a-day service commenced on the Waltham branch last week, seems to meet with general approval, judging from the fact that there are no complaints so far.
The ferry boat Norway Belle has started her trips this year only two a day, leaving Norway Bay at 8 a.m., 3:30 p.m. and Sand Point at 11:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Owing to a change in the trains, Captain Macfarlane has to arrange his trips accordingly.
The smelting works of M.J. O’Brien at Renfrew were destroyed by fire on Thursday last. The plant, which has been idle for some time, was shortly to begin operations again.
Shawville soldier boys return: The following Shawville boys who have done their bit overseas, returned home by Monday evening’s train: Joseph Erlam, Forest Argue, Raleigh Horner, Raymond Beckett. On this occasion, a crowd of citizens happened to be at the station and gave hearty cheers for the lads as they alighted from the train. THE EQUITY welcomes them home and congratulates them on their safe return.
May 24, 1894
125 Years Ago
Local News: A very heavy frost was observed by early risers several mornings last week. It is feared they will materially damage the prospects of the apple crop this year.
Mr. Wm. Thomson, teacher of the model school has opened a shooting gallery in the skating rink here. A good chance for our local sports to improve their expertness with the rifle.
It is stated in agricultural circles that the Hon. John McIntosh will be appointed Dairy Commissioner for the province of Quebec.
It is also stated that he will be superintendent of the agricultural schools.
A Union Camp meeting of Clarendon, Portage du Fort and Bryson circuits is announced to commence at Green Lake on June 5. The meetings will continue for about ten days.
Parliament has decided not to re-impose the export duty on sawlogs this year. Whether it will be imposed late on will depend much on the degree of liberality Uncle Sam displays in his treatment of Canadian manufactured lumber.
We are living in an age of invention and discovery, an age remarkable for its wonderful developments of scientific knowledge. Human ingenuity now often produces machines and mechanical devices that accomplish with ease and great perfection many things formerly thought to be such as could be done only by hand. The clothes washing machine known as the Double Action Oscillating Washer manufactured at Hamilton, On. and now being introduced in this locality, is evidently a machine of this class.
Mr. W.B. Crawford has removed his family from the station to the house recently erected by Messrs. H.H. and T. Elliott on Main Street.
Mr. Alexander Warren of Bristol township died on Thursday after a short illness from inflammation, aged 46 years. He leaves a widow and large family to mourn his loss.
Ad: Pontiac Woolen Mills have commenced operations for the season after having been thoroughly overhauled and refitted. Parties requiring carding and spilling may rely on having it skillfully executed and at reasonable prices. A choice and extensive line of seasonable tweeds which will well repay inspection. Also Flannels, blankets, shawls. Wool taken in exchange for goods.
compiled by Bonnie Chevrier
