Jan. 31,1996
25 Years Ago
Cedar mill for Coulonge: It’s never been worth much in Pontiac, but the mayor of Fort Coulonge believes an increased demand for this long-lasting wood will make long-lasting employment in his community.
Hector Soucie Jr has spent the last 14 months negotiating with a Matane company to set up a cedar sawmill within the Coulonge town limits.
Treated lumber, long preferred for decks and other outdoor construction has recently fallen under suspicion from environmentalists.
“The cedar in Pontiac is among the best in the province of Quebec,” Soucie says.
The local mill will operate under the name . . .
EXCELFORT.
Figure skaters bring home three medals: Half of the skaters who represented the Shawville Figure Skating Club at the Regional Quebec Participation Games last Saturday came home with medals.
Kristen Hodgins won silver among juvenile skaters in the 11-year-old age group; Lynn Kearns also brought home a silver for her performance in the pre-juvenile (13-year-olds) division; and Alison Gerow took bronze in the juvenile (14 and 15-year-olds) division.
In her first competition, Sheena Campbell placed fifth in the pre-juvenile (11-year-olds) division.
Sheena Powell and Ashley Carson, who both skated in the juvenile (12 and 13-year-olds) division, came fourth and fifth respectively.
Feb. 3,1971
50 Years Ago
Only 14 per cent of farms in Pontiac County are making money: A startling story in French language Ottawa paper recently pointed up the fact that 86 per cent of Pontiac county farms are not viable. That is to say they do not make a profit for their owners.
They have statistics to prove that of the total 1,289 farms in this county only 183 are profitable. 177 are marginal and 929 are submarginal.
This means that only 14 per cent of our farmers are making a good living in agriculture. The statistics were taken from every family living on a farm in Pontiac county, of which there are apparently 1,289 but it doesn’t take into account the fact that a lot of people who live on farms do not derive their living from those farms.
Shawville “squares” entertain residents of St. Joseph’s: Ten pupils from Dr. S.E. McDowell school were introduced to square dancing by their teacher, Mrs. M. Imison and their caller, Mr. Mel Kehoe. The four couples comprising the square were: Wendy Hodgins, Vaughn Fulford, Carole MacLachlan, Leslie Atkinson, Diana Andai, Alan Main, Connie Maheral, Douglas Rowat with Heather Sylvester and Randy Thoms participating in the breakdown.
They were received with enthusiasm by Directress Sister Imelia, Sister Bertrand and Sister Eleanor at St. Jospeh’s Manor, Campbell’s Bay.
Jan. 31,1946
75 Years Ago
Local News: Gnr. Neil Wilson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Wilson of Starks Corners arrive don the Ile de France and on Monday was met on his arrival by his brother, Morley Wilson of Shawville and brother-in-law, Hubert Elliott of Starks Corners at Ottawa.
In regular scheduled games of the Pontiac Hockey League played during the past week, Shawville and Campbell’s Bay split the honours.
Shawville won at Campbell’s Bay on Wednesday night by a score of 5 to 4 and lost their home game on Friday night by a score of 4 to 2.
The game on Friday night was fast and cleanly fought all through. For the winners, Kelly Bowie got two counters, with Nauss and St. Germain getting one each. Shawville scores were made by Hobin and Walsh.
The National Film Board pictures are being shown in the Sunday School room of the United Church on Thursday evening of this week. These educational pictures will include the films, “John Bull’s Island”, “Power and the Land”, “Honoured Guests”, and a particularly fine film in colours, entitled, “South of the Border”.
At the annual meeting of Pontiac County Agricultural Society held on Monday, the reports received showed the most successful year in the 89 years of the Society’s history.
The annual meeting of the Canadian Red Cross, Quyon group took place on Monday evening at the home of Mrs. Fred Bronson with twenty members present.
Mr. Russell Taber presided and it was unanimously agreed to ask all officers to remain in their respective chairs for the coming year.
Jan. 27,1921
100 Years Ago
Local News: A successful social evening last Monday at St. Paul’s Church where the Junior and Adult clubs were most heartily received at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Hilliard Hodgins. The bean supper was par excellence and the different games provided by the thoughtful hostess considerably helped to make the event a big success. Hilliard showed himself a good sport by meeting the club and driving them to his home.
Wm. Labelle was again elected mayor of Waltham by acclamation for the third term on Wednesday last.
Last week was remarkable for almost extreme conditions in temperature.
Jan. 30,1896
125 Years Ago
From 22 below zero on Wednesday morning to 32 above at noon on Friday is some jump. The crows, which have been around this neighbourhood all winter, were not heard jubilating about the feel of the air our Wednesday morning.
THE EQUITY is glad to report that Miss Lottie Shaw, who was recently operated on for appendicitis, was so far recovered as to be enabled to leave the hospital on Saturday.
The British submarine K-5 one of the largest in the service, and carrying her full complement of officers and men, is reported lost with all on board. The disaster occurred last Thursday near the entrance of the English Channel, 109 miles off Land’s End.
Lost between Wm. Hanna’s, Yarm, and Shawville, a string of 8 sleigh bells.
The Shawville Seed Fair is announce to take place on Saturday.
Jan. 30,1896
125 Years Ago
Local News: On Tuesday last, the occasion of Mr. John Bryson’s funeral, flags floated at half mast on the court house at Bryson.
We notice from the Ottawa papers that a deputation from the county of Russell have recently waited upon the Minister of Militia with the object of having a military corps established in that county. The promoters of the idea informed the Minister that 3,000 young men could be found in the county ready and willing to take up arms and defend their county, if needs be. How would a similar move strike the stalwart youth of old Pontiac? It strikes us we have as willing and as “rugged” material for the formation of a crack battalion as is to be found anywhere in this broad dominion and it would at least be interesting to learn just how the popular pulse beats regarding the matter.
Shawville Court I.O.F. installed its officers on Wednesday night last. District Deputy H.C. R. McLean of Quyon conducted the ceremony at the conclusion of which the brethren repaired to the Russell House where an oyster supper was partaken of.
Who says we require waterworks when “George” the low price carter, is prepared to supply “Hadam’s Hale” at the low prices: 50 gallons for 10 cents; 40 for 7 cents, 30 for 5 cents. Why this is simply cheaper than dirt.
The “no snow” complaint which has prevailed since Christmas is no longer heard in this locality, the deficiency being amply supplied by a munificent fall of “the beautiful” on Friday and Saturday last. The corporation roller made its rounds on Saturday and more than one citizen had a warm jacket, before he disposed of the accumulation opposite his door. We hope the council will supplement the roller with a snowplow suitable for keeping the sidewalks clean
The Methodists of Renfrew are considering the erection of a new church edifice.
Edward Hodgins and Son and the Advance office have now telephonic communication.
