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Arthur & Area Historical Society

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Historical fun from Arthur & Area. If you would like to contribute please contact: Jeff McKee or Debbie Atkinson.

10/29/2026

MRS. WM. SAUNDERS
Enterprise News
February 14, 1969

Mrs. Wm. Saunders, of Conn, is the new head of the Saugeen Presbyterial. Treasurer is Mrs. Eilif Larsen of Arthur. Mrs. G. McFarlane of Arthur is in charge of Children's Groups, C.O.C. Mrs. Hiram Culp of Damascus is a Home Helper. Mrs. Doug Dodge of Arthur is an officer without portfolio. (EN690214)

Pic 1 - Marie Larsen
Pic 2 - George & Muriel McFarlane
Pic 3 - Margaret Dodge
Pic 4 - Agnes Culp

10/29/2026

1997 ADHS FUN PHOTO
from the 1997 Arthur District High School Echoes

Calvin Waters, Yvette Bon, Dan Brydges, Melissa Rawlins, ?Michael Townsend

10/29/2026

ARTHUR TOWNSHIP
FROM THEN TIL NOW
DAILY ROUTINE OF THE 153RD BATTALION

6:30 a.m. - Reveille “Christians Awake”
6:45 a.m. - Rouse “Art Though Weary Art Thou Languid”
7:30 a.m. - Breakfast. “Meekly Wait – and Murmer Not”
8:15 a.m. - C.O. “When He Cometh”
8:45 a.m. - Manoeuvers “Fight The Good Fight”
11:45 a.m. - Swedish Drill “Here We Suffer Grief and Pain”
1:00 p.m. - Dinner “Come Ye Thankful People Come”
2:15 p.m. - R***e Drill “Go Labour On”
3:15 p.m. - Lecture By Officers “Tell Me the Old, Old Story”
4:30 p.m. - Dismiss “Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow”
5:00 p.m. - Tea “What Means This Anxious Throng”
6:00 p.m. - Free For The Night “O Lord How Happy We Shall Be”
7:00 p.m. - Route March “Onward Christian Soldiers”
10:00 p.m. - Last Post “All Are Gathered Safely In”
10:15 p.m. - Lights Out “Peace Perfect Peace”
10:30 p.m. - Inspection of the Guards “Sleep On Beloved”
11:00 p.m. - Night Manoeuvers “The Day Thous Gavest, Lord is Ended”

After the formation of the 153rd battalion, recruiting continued for the 248th battalion under Lieut. J.L. Yule. Many from the area served in other branches of the services including the Western Ontario Regiment and the Royal Air Force.

As the war continued it became increasingly difficult to secure recruits and a form of conscription was introduced. Following the formation of exemption tribunals, G.L. Allen, W.C. Perry, and Dr. McPhaden (representing the government) had the difficult job of deciding whether a man from this area, who requested exemption should be granted it.

Several Arthur Township men were among the 66,655 who gave their lives during the 1914-18 war.

Three of the 25 men who went overseas from Sacred Heart Parish, Kenilworth gave their lives. In May 1919, those who returned were presented with signet rings.

In November of 1919 the Arthur Township council paid Mr. J.T. Skales of Mount Forest $441 for medals presented to township soldiers.

One of those who did not return was Milton Waters. Following is a portion of a letter sent home by him.

September 22nd
We are living in a place now that previous to the war was occupied by swine. The place is not too bad although our feather bed is a brick floor. I am waiting patiently for that box you are sending. You cautioned me about keeping my head down when it reached here, but do not forget that I have learnt the clever art of quickly ducking my head and have also stretched my long carcass on the ground a few times very quickly. Perhaps my length is a drawback or in other words my bean is in a very dangerous position so far off the terra firma, but so far it has escaped and I trust it will be as lucky in the future.

There is a big gun not far from here sending a few pills over to Fritz, so we can be expecting a few in return this evening. One day I was out on a working party and when returning home there was a whizz-bang exploded some distance behind us, and as a rule the nose of the shell keeps going straight on until spent, well to our rear. We are back again in the billets, after quite a spell in the trenches and of course are having a rest.

The weather has been fairly good for the last three weeks, with the exception of a few very wet days. When it starts to rain here, it keeps up for a day or two at a time. Then is the time that the mud is knee deep and this outdoor life is not exactly pleasant. One of those days, when we thought we were having the toughest life of anybody in the world, the old proverb proved itself again, “When you think you are having the toughest time, just think of those who are worse off than yourself”. That night in the downpour of rain, there was very little doing in our line, but away to our left, the rumble of artillery told us there were men worse off than us that night.

One night I was working on the top of the parapet in the front trench, but Fritz did not see us so all went well.

A good night's sleep feels all right after three weeks in the trenches, the last six days we were in the firing line and of course had to (stand to) all night and sleep during the day.

I was glad to get the Enterprise, it looks almost like an old friend. The first thing that took my notice was a letter from the trenches. Well that fellow, whoever he is, gives a very lurid description of the trenches. If he was through Ypres and Givenchy no doubt he has seen something and does not exaggerate it any. Well I have passed that paper on to my fellow townsman Ernie McLellan. So you can see what a blessing such a paper is at the front.

We have been watching a threshing outfit at work here as there are eleven big stacks of grain just out here in the field; I guess they will be at it for a while. It is some machinery, the engine looks like a 12 or 16 H.P. Machines with an upright fire box, the machine is fed from the top; the chaff is blown out of the front of one side; the grain comes out the other side and is bagged up; the sheaves are fed in crosswise and the straw is tied in bundles as it comes out. It is a funny looking machine but does good work, although rather slow.

Milton Waters

10/29/2026

BOSWORTH SCHOOL
Enterprise News
December 7, 1899

The trustees of the Bosworth public school have secured the services of Miss Mulland of St. Ives, Middlesex county, at a salary of $325 per annum. Miss Mulland has a 2nd-class certificate and has had considerable experience. (EN991207)

10/29/2026

1976-77 ADHS NICKNAMES
from the 1977 Arthur District High School Echoes

Ian 'Hog' Williams
Rosanne 'Mouse' Hislop
Margo 'Daff' MacArthur
Pete 'Fonzie' O'Donnell
Steve 'Tags' Tangney
Ed 'Herman' Rebel
Paul 'Cat' Kidnie
Tina 'Tuna' Van Hout

10/28/2026

FALL FAIR DATES SELECTED
Enterprise News
January 21, 1971

The 1971 Arthur Fall Fair will be held on Friday and Saturday, September 10th and 11th. This was decided by Arthur Agricutural Society at the annual Dinner Meeting held in the United Church Hall on Monday, January 16. Pres. Jeffery Martin presided at the meeting. After the members enjoyed a delicious dinner served by the ladies of the church, the annual meeting was conducted.

Mr. Don Agar gave the Agricultural Society financial report and also a report on 4-H Clubs.

The financial report is as follows for 1970:

Receipts for 1970
Balance on hand January 1st ... $1,542.13
Concessions ... $167.00
Grants ... $1,489.85
Donations ... $413.00
Dance ... $38.00
Annual Dinner Meeting ... $55.50
Membership Fees paid 1970 ... $45.00
Membership Retained for 1971 ... $81.00
Gate Receipts ... $584.50
Photography Prize ... $28.15

Total $4,444.13

Expenditures
Insurance and Auditing ... $77.00
Wages ... $245.00
Printing and Advertising ... $267.57
Stationery, Postage ... $38.46
Loud Speaker and Master of Ceremonies ... $60.00
Prizes ... $2,064.25
Judges ... $178.00
Dance Orchestra and High School ... $117.00
4-H Clubs ... $198.50
Meals for Workmen ... $7.20
Affiliation Fee and Delegates to Convention ... $37.08
Banquet Expenses ... $68.25
Band Service Charge ... $4.75
Ribbons and Supplies ... $24.11
Membership Retained ... $81.00
Rope and Saddle Club, Arthur ... $200.00
Miscellaneous ... $41.65

Total $3,709.82
Remaining $734.31
Outstanding Cheques ... $31.75
Bank Balance, Dec. 31, 1970 ... $766.06
Auditors – Douglas Dodge, Don Agar

A prize draw took place with Mrs. Bert Hunter winning the ladies’ draw and Mr. Don Agar winning the men’s draw.

Pres. J. Martin in a brief address opening the business meeting, thanked all directors, lady directors and members for their help in the past year. “Such co-operation gives us confidence for the future,” stated Mr. Martin

Secretary R. Bartlett read the correspondence and stated the fee for Agricultural societies for 1971 would be 3 per cent of the Ontario Government grant. Arthur’s fee will be $21.91

Mr. Hugh Rendall reported on the District Agricultural Societiets meeting held in the Elmira
District High School on November 7.

Pres. Martin asked for reports on the 1970 Fall Fair from directors in charge of exhibits.

Mrs. B. Hunter reported on Dairy and Domestic.

Mrs. Ross Densmore reported on Home Crafts.

Mrs. George Elliott reported on Flowers.

Mr. Gordon Cormack reported on Horses.

Mr. Howard Halpenny reported on Cattle.

Mr. Bert Gimblet reported on Pigs and Sheep.

Mrs. Graham Thomson reported on Jerseys.

Mr. Verner Griffith reported on Concessions.

The next item of business was when to hold the Fall Fair. Last year the fair had been held on Wednesday and Thursday, Sept 16, 17. For four years previous to last year, the fair had been held on a Friday and Saturday.

Three dates were proposed for the Fair: August 27 and 28 by Mrs. G. Elliott seconded by Mr. Ken Waters; September 10 and 11 by Mrs. Wm. Walker and Mrs. Ross Densmore; October 1 and 2 by Mr. Gordon Willmott and seconded by Mr. Geo. Elliott.

The vote was as follows: Aug. 27 and 28, nine votes; September 10 and 11, nine votes; October 1 and 2. four votes. The chairman, Mr. Rendall declared Sept. 10 and 11 the official date of the fair.

Election of directors: Arthur Township, George Elliott, Ken Waters, Verner Griffith, Howard Halpenny, Hugh Rendall, Allan Suggitt. Peel Township: Henry B**r, Howard Hamilton; Luther Township: Wm. Fair, Jeffery Martin, Gordon Willmott; Arthur Village: Andrew Reid, C. Williams, Oliver Benham; West Garafraxa Township: Gordon Cormack, Graham Thomson; Maryborough Township: Jim Mainland.

Associate directors: Earl Suggitt, Elwood Robertson, John Saunders, Bob Hutchison, Harold Guard, Norman Guard, Clint McDougall, Allan Snowe, Russell Smith, James Howell, Chal. Ternan, Roy Dixon, Bruce Coulter, Vincent Driscoll, E. Workman, Stan Goulding, Len Hutchison, Norman McLelland, Douglas Dodge, Ray Mainland, Ken Kidnie, Walter Gowland, Arthur Morrison, Hugh Moran, Gordon Coxhead, Elwin Gimblet, Alvan Spark, Jim Hamilton, Vincent O'Donnell, Grant Densmore, Ernest Waters, Archie Reid.

Community Centre Board: Andrew Reid, C. Williams, Oliver Benham.

In the election of officers for 1971, Mr. Jeffery Martin was re-elected President for another term: 1st Vice Pres., Verner Griffith; 2nd Vice Pres., Allan Suggitt; Sec.-Treas., Reg Bartlett. Delegates Feb. 24-25 Convention: Mr. Jeffery Martin, Mr. Gordon Cormack; Alternates: Mr. Allan Suggitt, Mr. Reg Bartlett.

Advertising and Public Relations: Gordon Cormack, chairman and Mr. Allan Suggitt.

Concessions: Mr. Andrew Reid, Mr. Verner Griffith, Mr. James Howell.

Dance Committee: Mr. Elwin Gimblet, Mrs. Gordon Cormack, Mrs. Mildred Hamilton, Mr. Ken Waters.

Pic - 1 Hugh and Annie Rendall
Pic 2 - Gordon Cormack
Pic 3 - Verner Griffith
Pic 4 - Ken Waters

10/28/2026

1987 ST JOHN SCHOOL
KINDERGARTEN B
courtesy Stephanie Rooney

Who's Who?
Corrections welcomed.

Teacher: Brenda Goetz

Back row, left to right: Jen Vervoort, B2, Sal Abate, B4, Nick Acchione, B6, B7 Joanne Rooyakkers.

Front row: F1, Stacey Scott, Josh Matusinec, Steven Scott, Garett Hawkins, Stephanie Janssen, Cassandra Krewenki.

Names: Mandy, Tristan, Amanda, Josh, Joanne, Harold, Christopher.

10/28/2026

1972 ARTHUR CUBS
by Jeff McKee

Harold and Joyce McKee moved to Arthur in May of 1972 with their three young children. I was the oldest. Prior to Arthur, we lived in Mississauga, where I attended Hillcrest Public School. In Mississauga I must have had a friend that was in Cubs. When we applied to join the group, I was declined, a dreadfully disappointed.

Arthur was a wonderful new world, for a child finishing grade 2. Children were allowed to explore their town half a century ago.

Obviously that autumn, I discovered that Arthur had a Cub troop, and I joined! My mother kept school memories book for me. When going through the scrap book recently, I encountered this receipt and envelope. I know I was a very happy boy being able to join!

10/28/2026

JUVENILES START PRACTICES
Enterprise News
November 1963

The Arthur Legion Lions Juveniles was the first hockey team to start practices for the 63-64 season. 20 tried out for the team. (EN831109)

10/28/2026

ST. JOHN'S ST. PATRICK'S DAY SERVICES
Enterprise News
1896

The services in St. John’s church on St. Patrick’s Day will be very elaborate. Clergymen from Toronto and other places will be present and the choir will be assisted by an orchestra which will deliver several Hibernian melodies. The choir will render “ St. Clair’s Mass in G” and are practising hard for the occasion. (EN18960305)

Address

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Arthur, ON

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