Compiled by Bonnie Chevrier
Jan. 5, 1994
25 Years Ago
Down on the farm on Boxing Day: Even though Boxing Day turned out to be the coldest day of the winter so far, over 100 visitors showed up for the second annual Farm Fun Day at Elmside View Farms in Bristol put on by the Pirie family. The blessed event that had been hoped for occurred when a heifer calf was born at 2:30 to the delight of guests.
Coles wins a night in the NHL: The luck of the draw gave Shawville’s David Coles an early Christmas present. He got to be the honourary stick boy for the Ottawa Senators during one of their home games a couple of weeks ago.
It’s all part of a program that the Senators Hockey Club runs in cooperation with local Minor Hockey Associations on both sides of the Ottawa River, promoting minor hockey. Once each home game, they choose a new stick boy.
David Coles was chosen to be the honourary stick boy during a Dec. 23 home game against the Hartford Whalers. An hour before the game, Coles was met by the Senators Community Relations Coordinator Marie Olney and whisked away for the entire game. He met the players before they went on the ice and got to talk with them. Ottawa Senators rookie star Alexandre Daigle signed his autograph book after the game.
Jan. 8, 1969
50 Years Ago
Fairwell banquet for Dr. Roland Armitage: A marble mounted desk set with engraved plaque was presented to Dr. Roland Armitage on the evening of Dec. 27 at the Agricultural Hall in Shawville. It was appropriate that the presentation was made in this hall because as Finance Committee Chairman of the Agricultural Society during the years the building was being planned and built, Dr. Armitage has always been considered as the main instigator of the agricultural hall.
The occasion was a farewell dinner tendered by a number of horsemen and others in Pontiac County for the veterinarian they had come to rely upon over the past sixteen years.
At the head table were Dr. and Mrs. Armitage, Mr. and Mrs. J. Hugh Proudfoot of Fort Coulonge, Mr. and Mrs. O’Neil, Mayor Orla Young and Mrs. Young and Dr. and Mrs. Rogers. Dr. Rogers is the new veterinarian in town and is taking up residence in the Armitage house on Main Street.
Calf Club – Pony Club New Year’s sleigh ride: Three sleigh loads of happy youngsters pulled away from the Diamond T Ranch last Thursday drawn by three teams of horses. After a chilly sleighride around Zion section they gathered at the Lion’s Community Hall for refreshments and a record hop.
This was the New Year’s party of the Shawville Calf Club and the Shawville Saddle and Pony Club under the direction of their two presidents Jerry Barber and Philip Thompson.
Dec. 30, 1943
75 Years Ago
Local news: The December meeting of the Stark’s Corners Women’s Institute was held in the community hall with several members and visitors present.
Mr. and Mrs. James E. Findlay of Bristol received word on Wednesday last through the International Red Cross that their son, Pilot officer Jas. Bruce Findlay is now a prisoner of war, presumably in Germany. His name appeared in a recent casualty list as missing after air operations overseas.
The December meeting of the Stark’s Corners Women’s Institute was held in the Community Hall with several members and visitors present.
The rationing of canned salmon to ensure the equitable distribution of supplies about to be released for civilian consumption has been announced by the Wartime Prices and Trade Board. After Jan. 17, valid meat coupons must be surrendered for the purchase of salmon packed in one quarter, one half and one pound portions. One meat coupon will entitle the consumer to buy one quarter pound of the canned fish, which has been absent from store shelves for nearly two years.
At all times, the keeping of farm accounts has been associated with good farm management, but under war conditions a precise record of business transactions in the yearly operation of the farm is a necessity.
Jan. 2, 1919
100 Years Ago
Local news: The following, among other former residents, were here to spend Christmas: Rev. Arthur and Mrs. Wilson and children, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Corrigan and family of Renfrew, Mrs. J. Murray and daughter and Miss Marjorie of Ottawa. Lt.
Frank Armstrong, R.A.F., Toronto.
Travellers to and from Ottawa over the C.P.R. after Jan. 5 will be landed and take passage at the Central instead of Broad Street Station.
The Christmas night entertainment in the Methodist Church was one of the most pleasing gatherings held here for some time past and the attendance was large, a factor which brought the receipts up to the handsome sum of $140.00.
After a bountiful supper had been partaken of by all who felt disposed to replenish “the inner man”, the large assemblage forgathered in the spacious auditorium of the church to enjoy the elaborate entertainment provided.
A new front tooth at the age of 61 years is the peculiar experience of a Yarm lady, according to the testimony of her husband who dropped in a few days ago. The newcomer sprouted up last summer behind the other teeth in the upper row.
Mortality statistics when compiled for the Dominion of Canada will show: a heavy death rate, caused by Influenza or its effects.
A cable received from England states: “Spanish Influenza very bad there at present time. Medical men say it will sweep this continent again during winter.”
Dec. 28, 1893
125 Years Ago
Local News: The Union Jack was hoisted on the tower of the court house, Bryson on New Year’s morning. The ceremony was marked by three hearty cheers for Her Majesty and the firing of a royal salute.
Watch services were held in the Methodist Church on New Year’s Eve from 11 til 12:30 o’clock. About 200 people attended.
Two gentlemen from Renfrew county were here on Tuesday evening to meet Mr. Robt. Clarke with a view to purchasing the roller mill.
It was a very large assembly indeed that jammed itself within the four walls of the new Masonic Hall on New Year’s night to participate in the enjoyments of the tea-meeting there held under the auspices of St. Paul’s church congregation.
About 8 o’clock Rev. Mr. Naylor, chairman, opened the proceedings with a short address and following the remarks came two musical selections and then an address from Rev. Mr. Coffin.
After the rendition of another musical selection, intermission for tea took place, which occupied nearly an hour, during which time a modified form of uproar prevailed. Owing to the density of the crowd, it was with difficulty those who undertook to serve refreshments succeeded in that task.
Teamsters bound for the Upper Ottawa country this week all fear the prospect of having to contend with very bad ice.
