compiled by Bonnie Chevrier
June 29, 1994
25 Years Ago
MTQ will restrict heavy trucks: To better manage provincial highways, certain routes in Pontiac will be designated as approved thoroughfares for heavy trucks. Other roads will be off-limits.
Officials from the Quebec Ministry of Transport (MTQ) outlined their new plan for a trucking network at the June 27 MRC meeting.
Outaouais Chief of Services André Rivest and two other MTQ officials, André Coté and Yves Paquette explained that the goal of the network is to direct heavy vehicles onto the most appropriate roads in order to minimize deterioration of the highways. It is also intended to improve traffic safety.
Prohibited roads would be off limits to heavy vehicles, except for local deliveries.
Tanks for the memories: Ten oil tanks which have been sitting at the corner of Shawville’s Dufferin and Lake Streets for decades were uprooted and removed June 23. Installed by the Imperial Oil Company sometime after the second world war, they later became the property of Esso.
The 10,000 gallon steel tanks, each weighing five tons, were carted off to an unspecified Ontario address.
July 2, 1969
50 Years Ago
Fond farewell to Father May: Father T.G. May, after labouring in the fields of Pontiac County for fifteen years, has been transferred to Holy Name, Pembroke, Ont. Unusual among priests, Father May has been presented with a plaque in his lifetime and his fellow priests in the new parish were so impressed with this that they have hung this plaque in a prominent place in the priests’ house there.
To compound the wonder of it all, last Friday night at Vinton, the people of Father May’s old parish of St. Elizabeth presented him with yet another plaque in his honour. This one, however, will be kept in the parish hall he built in memory of a very colourful and greatly beloved priest.
The presentations were part of a four part program which got off to a slow start due to the fact that the power failed and coal oil lamps had to be gathered from homes in he village to light the hall.
Storm Friday in Fort Coulonge: On Friday evening a violent wind and rain storm of hurricane force struck the village of Fort Coulonge. Much damage to property and personal possessions was done.
Huge trees came crashing down causing much damage to homes, fences and hydro lines. The electric power was off for five hours. Some wires were so severely damaged that the power was not restored to some homes until the next day.
Automobiles, boats and gardens suffered greatly because of the storm.
Chain saws could be hear for many hours cutting up trees and branches. Some of the old timers said it was the worst storm in many years.
July 6, 1944
75 Years Ago
Local news: Premier Godbout announced last Thursday night that the Quebec Liberal government would go out to the people on Aug. 8 and called for an election campaign fought on provincial rather than Federal matters.
It is rumoured that there will be a Bloc Populaire candidate and possibly one or two independent candidates.
In recent announcements of decorations appears the name of W.O. Bruce (Bud) Findlay, son of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Findlay of Fitzroy Harbour. The Distinguished Flying Cross was awarded to W.O. Findlay in a joint citation with Ft. Lieut. Court of Ottawa. W.O. James Bruce (Bud) Findlay has served in the R.C.A.F. since May, 1941. A native of Shawville, he attended Fitzroy public school and continuation school and is a graduate of Kemptville Agricultural School.
New U.S. superfortresses strike mighty blow at industrial Japan: America struck a mighty blow against Japan last week, says the New York Times. Making their first offensive thrust against Nippon’s home islands, the new B-29 Superfortresses, operating from bases in China, struck at industrial Japan in the longest ranged air raid in history. All but four of the superfortresses came back safely. Two were lost in operational accidents and the crew of one was saved.
A tremendous effort was required to bring these huge planes into combat. It is reported able to carry more bombs further and faster than any other plane in the world.
June 26, 1919 (Thursday)
100 Years Ago
Local news: The adherants of the Standard Church have commenced the erection of a place of worship on the property north side of Main Street, recently purchased from J.R. Horner.
The blessing of a much needed rain was visited upon this section Thursday evening. Vegetation was taking on a parched appearance from the excessive heat and drought of the previous week.
Some of the Shawville crowd who took in the Ladysmith picnic last Wednesday motored out to Johnson’s Lake and beyond during the day.
Mr. and Mrs. C.H. Hodge moved out to Green Lake last week and are occupying their cottage at Green Lake.
After all their side-stepping and manoeuvring, the Germans have at last agreed to an unconditional acceptance of the Allied Peace terms and will, it is expected, sign the treaty on Wednesday.
German warships that were not handed over to the Allies when the armistice was signed, have been sunk by German sailors manning them, according to a late dispatch. The act is regarded as a deliberate violation of the armistice terms and is likely to make trouble for the German admiral responsible.
Ad: Hot Weather Goods: dress muslins – 25 cents; white voiles – 75 cents; black voiles – 75 cents; Shantung silk – 60 cents; fancy silk suitings – $1.25; fancy ribbons – 40 cents; silk blouses, white – $1.50; parasols – $2.10.
Ad: George Campbell: Raymond sewing machines and repairs, Bristol.
June 28, 1894
125 Years Ago
Local News: McAllister and Son of Pembroke estimate the loss on their mills destroyed by fire on Tuesday last at $30,000.
Mr. Frank Wilson is the first we have heard of having full grown peas on the 25th of June.
Shawville is invaded by a bevy of young ladies this week; they are attending the teachers’ examinations.
The bell for the Church of England arrived in Bryson last Thursday and we hope to have it erected very soon.
Mr. Richard Brabazon, Hall of Howth, Ireland, was a passenger on board the Parisian, and is visiting his uncle, Mr. Brabazon of Portage du Fort.
J.R. Booth’s saw mill at the Chaudière was totally destroyed by fire on Tuesday morning. The origin is unknown. Loss about $250,000, which will be reduced about $150,000 by insurance.
The annual picnic of school No. 2 Leslie, took place on Friday. The day was an intensely hot one but notwithstanding that fact, a large number of parents, children, school supporters and pleasure seekers availed themselves of the opportunity to be present. The table groaned under the many things piled upon them, the quantity and quality of which were all that could be desired for.
Mr. Edward Graham started haying last Friday.
It is expected the Dominion parliament will be prorogued next week.
Mr. H. Corby, M.P. for West Hastings having unwittingly violated the Independence of Parliament Act, handed his resignation to Speaker White on Friday last. The writ for a new election in the constituency will likely be issued at once.
Emperor William, who came here Saturday to attend the regatta of the Imperial Yacht Club, yesterday addressed the marines at this station. His Majesty dwelt upon the significance of the entry of his son Prince Adelbert into the marines, in a month so momentous in the history of the fatherland. The battles of Hohenfriedberg and Waterloo and the death of Frederick the Great, all occurred in the month of June.
06.26 waywewere
