Compiled by Bonnie Chevrier
June 8, 1994
25 Years Ago
Coulonge turbines set in motion: The two turbines at Hydro Pontiac’s new generating station at Coulonge Chutes near Fort Coulonge were officially switched on by dignitaries at a special grand opening held on May 31.
After the official start-up of the generators, a reception was held in the afternoon at the Coulonge golf course where guests dined and celebrated the official opening.
Plaques were presented by Mr. Tanenbaum to various people in recognition of their help in promoting or establishing the project.
Universal Circus packs Shawville arena for two shows: North America’s largest performing elephant was only one of the exotic animals that visited Shawville last Thursday night as part of the Universal Circus.
Tigers, acrobats and clowns were also part of the show but it was the three elephants that made contact with the kids. Swarms of youngsters fed, petted and rode these gentle animals during intermissions.
The circus was brought to Shawville by Alain Guérette and was co-sponsored by THE EQUITY and CHIP FM.
June 11, 1969
50 Years Ago
Fire destroys home and store at Wyman: Mail at the Wyman post office not picked up by last Saturday night and mail which was mailed there Saturday night has most likely disappeared forever.
Sunday evening the small community of Wyman experienced the worst fire in its history when the residence and general store of E.C. Dods and family was completely destroyed.
The premises also served as a post office for the area.
The fire which was first noticed as the family was preparing for an outdoor barbeque supper and one member went inside and noticed smoke emanating from the basement.
The Quyon fire truck was the first to arrive followed by trucks from Shawville, Norway Bay and the Hilton Mines. These were aided by two large milk trucks which also hauled water to the scene.
The fire was relentlessly eating its way under floors and inside walls and over ceilings where it could not be reached.
It was not until after midnight Sunday that the seemingly tireless firefighters were forced to surrender and allow the fire to burn itself out.
CPR Express under new management: The CPR station being closed and Hillie Hobbs having taken over the delivery and pickup of CPR Express, a person wanting information should call him.
June 7, 1944
75 Years Ago
Local news: Shawville citizens in large numbers observed the “D” Day service in the Memorial Park on Tuesday afternoon between the hours of 2:30 and 4 o’clock.
Prayers were offered by Rev. F.O. Routley and Rev. P.R. Stote, scriptures were read by Rev. R.J. Robertson and Rev. H. Kielty.
Service began following the King’s message which was heard over the public address system set up in the park. Teachers and students of the high school attended.
In the first electric storm of the year which visited this district on Wednesday night of last week, lightning struck the barns of Wm. A. Armitage of North Onslow and burned them to the ground. Several of the electric lines of this district were put out of commission. Power in the Norway Bay section was cut off until noon on Thursday. Heavy rain fell in South Clarendon township bringing relief to the newly sown crops that already had been damaged by drought. The rain also put out the forest fire burning in the Hodgins section of Thorne where a strip more than a mile wide and of considerable length had been destroyed with acres of good timber.
The custom of ship’s bells started, apparently, with the use of a half-hour glass. The man on watch would turn over the hour glass at the end of his first half hour and ring the bell once. This was repeated at half hour intervals with an additional bell stroke each time until he rang eight bells at the end of four hours, signaling the completion of his watch.
Information from reliable sources indicates that the heavy loss of U-boats has had an adverse effect on the morale of the German submarine service.
June 5, 1919
100 Years Ago
Local news: Change in R.R. time commencing Monday morning, a change in time was inaugurated in part of the train service on the Waltham Division which will no doubt be appreciated by the travelling public as trains run on a considerably faster schedule.
A rather serious outbreak of the flu is reported from Chapleau, Ont. There were 26 cases and two deaths on Monday last.
Dominion trade is rapidly running back to pre-war standards.
88 degrees in the shade is the kind of weather Shawvilleites have endured for a few days past. All the same, it is precautionary to “bank” your fires. There has been frost lately in the west, and we are likely to get a taste of it here.
Pte. Claude Richardson, a former Shawville boy, who recently returned from overseas, has been visiting his aunt, Mrs. W.J. Eades.
Pte. E.H. Barber of the 31st Canadian Battalion arrived home on Friday night looking fine after spending nearly two years “over there”.
Evidences are not lacking that Pontiac’s political pot has again been placed on the coals. The elections take place on June 23 and the Liberals, or those who assay to guide the course of the party in the county, have taken steps to meet the situation by calling a convention for June 6 at Campbell’s Bay. The Conservatives, with the same objective in view are proceeding along different lines and are summoning all adherents of the old party to a mass meeting to be held in Shawville for the purpose of thorough re-organization and the selection of a candidate.
Ad: The Fleet Foot season is on! It’s summer time, no more slush and snow. Put your feet in Fleet Foot Shoes and keep them comfortable. See our window display. G.F. Hodgins Co. Ltd.
Hinman Milker: testimonial reads: “the Hinman Milker you installed is giving the greatest satisfaction”. I would not be without it for double the money. R.A. Dennis, Shawville Creamery.
June 14, 1894
125 Years Ago
Local News: Mr. G. Brabazon of Portage du Fort is running his mill by steam power at present, the water being too high to enable him to utilize his water wheel.
There was an immense gathering, some say fully 1,200 people at the Green Lake camp meeting on Sunday. Nearly every conveyance in town and the greater portion of the citizens visited the camp during the day.
Waltham is having very cool, rainy weather at present, however, all farmers and gardeners are pleased to welcome it. Yachting seems to be all the rage around here just now and the parties indulging in the above named sport appear to have more success in their attempt than others, as four young ladies not possessing the “yacht” undertook to handle the oars and non-success awaited them.
Bristol claims to have the tallest man in the county of Pontiac (6 feet 7 in.) The oldest horse in the county (age 39 years) but they say Clarendon can beat us in that regard.
Ball playing is the order of the day in Elmside.
The school entertainment which took place at Litchfield on June 6 under the direction of Miss Black, the teacher, proved to be an interesting as well as successful event. The day was all that could be desired which tended in no small degree to make the day still more pleasant.
St. George’s Church, Portage du Fort is being repaired by Messrs. Frank Gibbons and George Thacker. The bell also is being raised and put in better position.
St. James’ Church, Bryson, is to have a bell as soon as arrangements can be made to erect it. The bell is now at Haley’s Station having been purchased from Wilkius and Co., Toronto.
The work of erecting the new Anglican church near Clarke’s Station will begin this week under the superintendence of Mr. R.G. Elliott.
There was a large meeting of delegates from the several lodges of the patrons of industry here on Monday. One of the chief questions up for consideration, that of establishing a store to handle the trade of the organization, was still left unsettled.
