Arlene Stafford-Wilson's Blog, page 19
July 4, 2023
Family Reunions – Lanark County 1970s & 1980s
Someone once said,
“Families are like branches on a tree – we all grow in different directions, yet our roots remain as one.”Many families who settled in Lanark County came from Europe – mainly Ireland, Scotland, some from England, and from countless other locations around the world. As sons and daughters grew up and left the family homesteads, they in turn spread out across the country and beyond. Organizing a family reunion became a yearly ritual for some families, and many advertised their reunions in the local papers.
The following is a snapshot of some of the families who held reunions in the 1970s and 1980s in Lanark County. Our story begins with some commentary from a popular local journalist, Bill Smiley, and his personal views on family reunions…..
Stafford Family Reuniion – 2012
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News clippings of all Lanark County family reunions – from: “The Perth Courier”
Arlene Stafford-Wilson
Member, Association of Professional Genealogists
Honorary Life Member, Lanark County Genealogical Society
Author of : “Lanark County Christmas”, “Lanark County Comfort”, “Lanark County Collection”, “Lanark County Calling”, “Lanark County Classics”, “Lanark County Connections”, “Lanark County Calendar”, “Lanark County Chronicle”, “Lanark County Kid”, & “Recipes & Recollections”
July 1, 2023
A Lanark County Kid at Expo ’67
Throughout the entire year, in 1967, there were special events planned all across Lanark County, to help get everyone into the spirit of the 100th anniversary. There was even a special flag created that year.
It was a stylized maple leaf made up of 11 triangles, representing the provinces and territories. I remember that the Lions Club was selling these flags in Perth, and one of the first places to hang one was at ‘The Perth Courier’ offices. The grade eight students at Queen Elizabeth School went one step further, and constructed a three dimensional version of the flag. They had a special ceremony at their school, with some local dignitaries – Rev. J. Gillanders did a devotional service. The Principal Miss Jean Blair was there, John Scott, Mayor Burchell, and Jack Wilson.
The Royal Canadian Mint issued new coins for the centennial year. Each coin depicted a different Canadian animal – the back of the dollar coin had a Canada goose, the fifty cent piece was a wolf, and the back of the quarter was a lynx. The Bluenose schooner on the back of the dime was replaced with a mackerel, the nickel featured a rabbit, and the one cent coin had a dove. It was also the last year that pure silver was used in our coins.
Mother and Dad decided that they would like to go to Montreal that year for the centennial celebration called ‘Expo ‘67’. This was a kind of ‘world’s fair’, and was to be held in Montreal, Quebec, from April to October that year. There were 62 nations in total that participated, and they each had displays and ‘pavilions’ set up to showcase their countries. It was held on Ile Sainte-Helene, and Ile Notre-Dame, on an already existing island, and some ‘created’ islands as well. There were likely many discussions back and forth between Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson and the mayor of Montreal Jean Drapeau, to get everything just right. Canada would be hosting many nations of the world, as well as its own citizens celebrating their centennial.
Dad was delivering milk, door to door in Perth, working for Chaplin’s Dairy in Glen Tay at that time, and he would have his usual two weeks of vacation in July.
It was decided that one of Dad’s vacation weeks would be spent at ‘Expo ‘67’, and Mother, who was the usual arranger-of-travels, began to look for accommodations. Mother read in the newspaper that there were families that lived close to the exhibition grounds in Montreal, who were renting rooms in their homes, and so she began making some phone calls, and writing some letters. She found an English-speaking family who lived within walking distance to the Expo; they even had a little girl that was a couple of years younger than me, so that I would have someone to play with. This seemed like an ideal choice.
Now came the tricky part…….. Dad did not like driving in heavy traffic. He did not like driving in Quebec. He did not like driving on freeways. Hmmm……Mother was going to be asking him to drive on busy highways, in Montreal, to probably what would be the most congested area for traffic in the entire country that summer. This was going to be ‘interesting’.
The months passed by quickly, like they always do. There were lots of celebrations going on all over Lanark County, and so, because it was such a busy year, I think that the time passed even faster than usual. The big week finally came. It was time for Dad’s vacation. The weather was hot and sunny, and we packed up the old Buick with our well-worn suitcases, and we drove down the lane, turned left onto the Third Line, and headed for Montreal.
We crossed over at Glen Tay, and turned right onto Hwy 7, and headed east. It wasn’t long before we saw the signs telling us how many miles it was to get to Ottawa. Mother said we’d be passing by Ottawa on the Trans Canada Highway, and then continuing on to Montreal.
Dad didn’t like driving on the Queensway; not at all. By the time we passed Bayshore I could see that he was getting a little ‘hot under the collar’. By the time we got into Quebec, and were getting close to Montreal, I discovered for the first time in my life, that my father was bilingual. No, he couldn’t speak French. He had grown up on the 11th Concession of Drummond Township after all, on a farm, in the 1920’s and 30’s. No, there wasn’t really any French being spoken up there. No, the language that he started speaking, just outside of Montreal that day so long ago, was a completely new one – one that he likely wouldn’t want to be speaking when he dropped Mother off at Calvin Church on Sunday mornings.
Mother was giving him ‘the look’, and for once, it didn’t seem to be having any effect. Apparently, from what I could gather, Dad was not too impressed by the skill level of the drivers in our neighbouring province of Quebec.
Once we got into the downtown core of Montreal, we were trying to find the house where we’d be staying. Dad got lost a couple of times before we finally arrived, and once again he demonstrated his fluency in a second language. He would not, under any circumstances, stop and ask for directions, and Mother was frantically unfolding and re-folding the city map of Montreal. I sat quietly in the back seat, and hoped that we’d be there soon.
We finally found the house, and pulled into their driveway. They were very friendly people, and came right out to our car to greet us. Their names were Jimmy and Vicki Irvine, and their little daughter Sharon was there beside them. Jimmy helped Dad carry the luggage inside, and they showed us the room where we’d be staying, and I had a nice little cot on the floor, on one side of their room.
Mrs. Irvine was very kind, and she already had our supper on the stove. She and Mother chatted in the kitchen, and Dad and Jimmy went back outside so Dad could have a smoke. Sharon took me downstairs to their basement, and wow, their basement was really something! She had more toys than I’d ever seen in my life, and right smack in the center of all of the toys was a spring horse!! It was a plastic horse, set on a metal frame, and suspended by big heavy springs, and you could climb on its back, and either go up and down, or backwards and forward. I loved it! I was going to ask if I could have one of these for Christmas. I thought to myself that there really wasn’t much chance of that happening, so I’d better enjoy riding it while we were staying here.
We stayed with the Irvine family for the entire week. We’d take the short drive to Expo ’67 each morning after breakfast, walk around, and see all of the different pavilions that were set up to showcase each country. We even got a little paper ‘passport’ booklet, and a new stamp was added each time we visited another country’s pavilion. That was a pretty cool souvenir!
Another souvenir from that trip was a little notepad with a red plastic cover, with the centennial maple leaf design on the front, and even better still, I was given three four-leaf clovers. Mr. Irvine had a patch on his lawn where there were four-leaf clovers growing, and he picked three of them for me to press in my little notepad, before we left at the end of the week.
Mother and Dad kept in touch with the Irvine family for many years. We never returned to Montreal, but they sent Christmas cards back and forth each year, for many years, until one year when Mother didn’t receive a card. It had been many decades since our trip, and Mother wondered at the time if one of them had passed away. The Christmas before that was the last time we would hear from them. It was sad to have lost our connection with the Irvine family. Whenever we’d receive their Christmas card each year it always brought back the memories of Expo ’67, and of all of the centennial celebrations.
I fondly recall all of the special events in Perth that year, and in different parts of Lanark County. When I think of the 100th anniversary of confederation, and of Expo ’67, I will always remember the Irvine family, and how they graciously opened their home to us, strangers from another province, that they welcomed us as if we were old friends, and made us feel a part of the big celebration going on in our country that year.
It serves to remind me, even today, that there are good folks everywhere, not just in our own back yards, but all across this great nation of ours.
“Patriotism is not short, frenzied, outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil, steady dedication of a lifetime.” Adelai Stevenson
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(story is an excerpt from ‘Lanark County Kid: My Travels Up and Down the Third Line” ISBN 978-0-9877026-16)
Arlene Stafford-Wilson
Member, Association of Professional Genealogists
Honorary Life Member, Lanark County Genealogical Society
Author of : “Lanark County Christmas”, “Lanark County Comfort”, “Lanark County Collection”, “Lanark County Calling”, “Lanark County Classics”, “Lanark County Connections”, “Lanark County Calendar”, “Lanark County Chronicle”, “Lanark County Kid”, & “Recipes & Recollections”
June 30, 2023
Haggis Candy – Goodies on Gore Street!
It was her father, James Haggis, who started the candy business in Perth, back in 1926, but it will likely be Sophia, who will always be remembered fondly, as the ‘Candy Lady’.
Sophia used the original equipment, passed down to her, from her father, like the big copper pots for melting rich, velvety, chocolate, and buttery peanut brittle.
Each year at Easter, Sophia made delicious chocolate bunnies and eggs, and would offer to personalize them with any name. She used a stiff white icing, and piped on the names by hand, as her eager audiences waited for their special egg to be completed.
Haggis Candy was located on the main street of Perth, at 60 Gore St. E.
A very special time of year for Haggis Candy was Christmas, and Sophia decorated her store windows with her giant candy-canes, some of them almost six feet tall!
One of Sophia’s specialties was her Horehound candy. It had a very distinctive flavour, and some said that it was a good remedy for sore throats, and congestion. Most of her customers just liked its unique taste. People came from miles around to buy her Horehound.
Sophia made her candy from the Horehound Plant. The plants are picked, dried, and steeped with boiling water. The liquid is strained, sugar is added and brought to a boil, then cooled on a marble slab. The finished candies are cut into squares, and rolled in powdered sugar.
Another customer favourite was Haggis’ taffy. Sophia used the original steel hooks to pull her taffy, to just the right consistency.
…..and the finished taffy, ready to enjoy!
She used the marble slabs, passed down from her father, to cool her fudge quickly, so that it could be cut into squares.
Sophia had a quick smile, and a warm personality. She loved following in the traditions of her father, and most of all loved to see the smiles on her customer’s faces when they tasted her delicious treats.
Haggis’ Candy store was where you’d often find my friends and I, after leaving Perth High School in the late afternoon. My personal favourites were Sophia’s milk chocolate peanut clusters, made with real Spanish peanuts! Sophia would place a few in a small, brown-paper bag, weigh them, and hand them to me with a smile. Sometimes I would bring them outside, walk down Gore Street, sit on the bridge, and watch the world go by, as I savoured my chocolate treats!
On hot, muggy, summer days, Sophia made the most delicious banana splits, and often tourists and locals alike, would stop by her store to sample some of her rich, creamy, creations.
In 1988, at the age of 77, Sophia retired from the candy business. She kept active in her later years, and continued to play the piano, as she had often done, at various events in Perth, over the years.
Sophia eventually left Perth, and moved to Kingston. She lived a long life, and there were many very happy birthdays over the years!
Sophia had a wonderful milestone birthday, when she celebrated her 100th! She still had her kind smile, and bright eyes.
After a long, happy, life, Sophia passed away at Providence Manor in Kingston, on Sunday, November 4th, 2012, at the age of 101.
She may be gone, but never forgotten, and many of us will treasure the memories of our childhood visits to Haggis’ Candy store.
She will always be fondly remembered as the ‘Candy Lady of Perth’.
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Read the fascinating story of Sophia Haggis Nee in “Lanark County Calling: All Roads Lead Home”. Learn about Sophia’s childhood in Peterborough, her grandfather the Lockmaster on the Trent Canal, her grandmother Sarah, the published Poet, and find out about her great uncle Samuel Lowry and his scandalous court case. Read about her days as a teenager at the Perth High School, and her chance meeting with the influential Mrs. Jack Stewart. Learn about Sophia’s most unusual trail-blazing career in Kingston, Ontario, before moving back to Perth to take over her ailing father’s business. Read memories of the happy days at the candy store, the customers, the ‘regulars’, and some surprising things about this much-loved lady and well-respected woman entrepreneur in the town of Perth, Ontario.
Arlene Stafford-Wilson
Member, Association of Professional GenealogistsHonorary Life Member, Lanark County Genealogical SocietyAuthor of : “Lanark County Christmas”, “Lanark County Comfort”, “Lanark County Collection”, “Lanark County Calling”, “Lanark County Classics”, “Lanark County Connections”, “Lanark County Calendar”, “Lanark County Chronicle”, “Lanark County Kid”, & “Recipes & Recollections”June 24, 2023
Rideau Ferry Inn – Those Hot Summer Nights!
Oh, those hot summer nights at the Rideau Ferry Inn! The dancing, the laughter, stolen kisses, sneaking drinks in the parking lot, and the best live rock and roll around!
Its official name back then, was the Poonamalie Pavilion, but nobody called it that. To my friends and me, it was simply the Rideau Ferry Inn; and you could find us there most weekend nights in the summer, socializing, laughing, and dancing the night away.
Situated along the clear, blue waters of the Rideau, the Rideau Ferry Inn has hosted many generations of tourists and boaters, providing sumptuous meals, comfortable accommodation, and lively entertainment. Arguably, the highlight of the small settlement of Rideau Ferry, our former teenage haunt, wasn’t the original structure at this location. The original building was actually a home.
The original structure was a house built in 1853 by Archibald Campbell. Archibald married Elizabeth Buchanan, a preacher’s daughter. Her father was the Reverend George Buchanan, and was one of the early Presbyterian ministers of Beckwith Township, serving the congregation at Franktown.
Their daughter, Helen Buchanan Campbell, married John Coutts. As her parents were aging, and needed assistance, the couple moved in with them in 1870. During that time, John made some additions to the home, and when he was finished, they not only had ample room for themselves, but had more than enough room to accommodate guests. They began to rent rooms in the house to summer tourists, who were traveling by boat ,along the mighty Rideau waterways.
As the years went by, their home became known as ‘Coutts House’, and eventually, had the reputation of being a very fine hotel. In 1893 a three-storey addition was built at the back of the house. A large dining room was added to the first floor. The second and third floors had fifteen hotel rooms each, and an indoor bathroom.
After 1905, the building was rented to a series of business men. During the 1920s and 30s, regattas became popular, and Coutts House held canoe races, and rowboats races. The Coutts family also sponsored competitions for sailboats, and it was the site of many grand daytime celebrations, and intimate evening affairs, for the wealthy travelers, visiting in the summer.
In 1947, Doug Wallace, native of Osgoode bought Coutts House, tore it down, and built a new structure with wood framing, and grey granite blocks. It was a two-storey building, and the second floor featured a large dance area, with seating on three sides.
By the 1960s, the building had become known as the Rideau Ferry Inn, and during this time, became licensed for liquor sales. Up until that time people would smuggle in their own booze, particularly in the roaring twenties when rum-running along the Rideau had its hey-day.
It was in the 1970s, that I first heard the tales about the popular night spot, and all the good times that were had at the Rideau Ferry Inn. There were stories told up and down the halls of the Perth High School – stories of summer romances with cottagers staying at seasonal properties nearby, or the ultra-cool teens that traveled by boat along the Rideau, with their parents. There was also talk of the teenage kids from the States, and their hip clothing and accessories; styles that would take years to reach our little communities near Perth. There were lots of accounts at our high school of the talented rock bands that performed, and of the nights spent dancing to the top hits played by edgy disc jockeys. I couldn’t wait to go and see it for myself.
The main house-band at ‘The Inn’ in the early 1970s was the Paul Tarle Band – and we showed off our cool dance moves, as we listened to their popular rock classics.
One of the best parties of our steamy Lanark County summers was the annual Rideau Ferry Regatta. Beautiful, sleek, boats from all over, competing for the sought-after prizes, and the prestige of being ‘Number 1’ on the big lakes.
Regattas were all about hot sun, cold beers, the cool, clear waters of the Rideau Lakes, and beautiful boats all around us.
We’ll never forget the annual regattas, or the great music at the Rideau Ferry Inn. Bands like ‘Sammy Seaman’ and his group kept us up until the wee hours. Some nights it was ‘Woody Herman and the Young Thundering Herd’, and other evenings we were entertained by the ‘Paul Chabot Band’. Occasionally, instead of live bands at the ‘Inn’, there was a ‘Disco’ dance provided by a local disc jockey, by the name of ‘Sounds Great’.
Many years after our frequent teenage visits to the Rideau Ferry Inn, the building was purchased by Elmer and Eva Purdon. It was still ‘the’ place at that time to host fancy wedding receptions, or 50th wedding anniversary celebrations.
Because we’d had so many good times at the Rideau Ferry Inn, it was a terrible shock for my friends and I when we heard about the fire in February of 1986, that destroyed our former dance hall. The fire started on the top floor, where the dances had been held for so many years. The ground floor was also destroyed in the fire, and that is where the kitchen, the large dining room, and bar were located.
My friends and I drove down to Rideau Ferry a few days after the fire. I don’t think it was so much out of curiosity, but more out of disbelief. Could it be true, that the place where we’d passed so many of our happy youthful hours was really gone? There were so many memories of friendships, dancing, and all of the special evenings we spent at the Rideau Ferry Inn.
We drove up to where the Inn had stood, and looked around. No one said a word. I think that as we stared at the charred foundation of the building, each of us was recalling our own versions of the times spent there, in our youth. They were such innocent, awkward, magical, teenage times. We sat there for a few more moments, still silent, and then drove away, back up the Ferry Road toward Perth.
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The building may be gone, but our fond memories of the Rideau Ferry Inn will remain with us forever. We will always remember the music, the friends, and the good times. Those long summer nights, when the stars seemed to shine a little brighter, the sunsets glowed a little softer. The peaceful, pristine, waters of the Rideau Lakes made a perfect backdrop for those innocent days of our youth, when life stretched out ahead of us…..so full of promise, and our dreams for the future.
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An excerpt from – ‘Revelry and Rogues on the Rideau’ – ‘Lanark County Chronicle’ available in local book stores, or online. ISBN 978-0-9877026-23
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Local Names:
Although there were lots of tourists and visitors in the summer, they were only there for a few short weeks at most. We became acquainted with many of the folks who lived year-round at Rideau Ferry, and some of the local names at that time were: McLean, Donaldson, Buchanan, Gemmill, Frost, Sewell, Coutts, Gallagher, Beveridge, McKay, Wills, McVeety, Millar, Tully, Oliver, Dettrick, Bethune, Purdon, Hitchcock, Fitzgerald, Hall, Gould, Irving, Joynt, King, McCue, Wallace, McKay and Campbell.
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Join the author on a steamy hot summer night, park your car outside the Rideau Ferry Inn in the ‘passion pit’, duck as the beer-bottles fly, and the action heats up outside. Hear some of the top bands from the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s play some classic rock and roll along the peaceful shores of the Rideau.
“Lanark County Collection: Winding Our Way Down Memory Lane”
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Arlene Stafford-Wilson
Member, Association of Professional Genealogists
Honorary Life Member, Lanark County Genealogical Society
Author of : “Lanark County Christmas”, “Lanark County Comfort”, “Lanark County Collection”, “Lanark County Calling”, “Lanark County Classics”, “Lanark County Connections”, “Lanark County Calendar”, “Lanark County Chronicle”, “Lanark County Kid”, & “Recipes & Recollections”
June 21, 2023
Irish Summer Solstice
Summer Solstice
Many of our Lanark County ancestors came from Ireland, and brought their customs and traditions with them to their new home in Upper Canada. Although they were mostly Roman Catholic and Protestant in religion, some still held their beliefs in the old ways, going back to the times where the early Irish marked special days, like the Summer Solstice.
It is the longest day of the year, the time when the sun reaches its highest position in the sky in the Northern Hemisphere. All across Ireland, the summer solstice is marked by bonfires along the sides of the road, and in back yards.
Being one of the eight sacred days in Celtic tradition in Ireland crowds gather on the Hill of Tara to celebrate.
In ancient pagan times in Ireland, the Summer Solstice symbolized that the power of the sun was at its highest point and it was believed to be a sacred day. The Hill of Tara was thought by worshippers to be the homeland of the gods and an entrance to the world beyond, filled with eternal joy.
Hill of Tara, Ireland
Boyne Valley, County Meath
The Hill of Tara is one of the sites of importance at the Irish Summer Solstice. A sacred place, once known as the seat of the high kings of Ireland. All of the old Irish roads lead to this ancient ceremonial site.
Legends say that St. Patrick, the Patron Saint of Ireland, journeyed there in the fifth century. As Christianity became the main religion over the centuries, Tara’s role became symbolic. Its great halls and grand palaces have disappeared and only the circles and ridges in the earth remain.
Conn the Druid
According to the legend of Conn, the Kingship of Ireland was granted by the Otherworld. Conn, his druids and his followers, known as “poet seers”, were on a mission to protect Ireland from the people of the “Otherworld”, and they built the ramparts at Tara. Old myths say that Conn stepped on a stone and then cried out several times. Each cry was said to represent a descendant of Conn’s that would become a High King. One of the virtuous gods, known as Lug, ordered the beautiful goddess Medhbh, to serve Conn a drink of ale from her vat, then to offer each of Conn’s successors a drink from her vat until the Day of Judgement.
Rural Ireland
In rural Ireland, people gather for a local bonfire and celebrate the longest day of the year with song and dance, food and drink.
The importance of Summer Solstice in Ireland goes back to the ancient Celtic society and their connection to agriculture and crops. They relied on the sun to grow their food, at a time when people lived closer to nature and were more nearly tied to the forces of the earth, water, and air.
In Pagan folklore, they believed that evil spirits walk the Earth more freely on the solstice, so people wore protective garlands of herbs and flowers to ward them off.
Summer Solstice Meal
A traditional Summer Solstice meal is made with simple ingredients – meat, potatoes, and carrots.
Irish Summer Solstice Stew
3 lb of lamb or beef, cut in 2-inch pieces
2 lb potatoes, cut
1 lb carrots, cut in bite-sized pieces
4 c broth or stock
3-4 Tbsp oil
salt and pepper
May add herbs of choice – thyme, bay leaves, or tarragon
Method
350 F oven
Brown meat in heavy pot and set aside
Add onions and carrots to pot and lower heat, season with salt and pepper
Cook for five minutes
Add meat to roasting pan, add vegetables and broth
Cover and cook for 1 ½ hrs. until meat is tender
Skim any fat from top of broth with spoon
Garnish with fresh herbs if desired
Solstice Drink
For a traditional Irish Solstice celebration, serve Irish whiskey in a ceramic cup.
Irish Summer Solstice Blessing
On the shortest night and the longest day,
May bright summer blessings come your way.
Whether you travel to one of Ireland’s sacred places for the Summer Solstice, or if you celebrate at home with some traditional food and drink, may the solstice mark the beginning of a happy summer, with warm pleasant days and memorable nights.
Sláinte – “To your health!”
Arlene Stafford-Wilson
Member, Association of Professional Genealogists
Honorary Life Member, Lanark County Genealogical Society
Author of : “Lanark County Christmas”, “Lanark County Comfort”, “Lanark County Collection”, “Lanark County Calling”, “Lanark County Classics”, “Lanark County Connections”, “Lanark County Calendar”, “Lanark County Chronicle”, “Lanark County Kid”, & “Recipes & Recollections”
June 18, 2023
Dad: A Father’s Day Tribute
Tobias ‘Tib’ ‘Tim’ Stafford – 1918-1992In the quietest moments, without trying to teach, life’s lessons unfolded and we were imprinted forever with a strong work ethic, the power of a kind word, and the value of integrity….
Who was he? What was he like? These are the questions that might be asked by curious grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and their children in the years to come. His descendants will walk this earth, long after our time has passed, when those who knew him in this life are themselves just a memory, a grainy photo in someone’s dusty old album, or a name that’s mentioned from time to time when family members gather together.
His ancestors came to Canada in 1816 and settled in Drummond Township, not far from Ferguson Falls. Both sides were from southern Ireland, and both Roman Catholics, weary of the treatment of their kind by the British, and longing for freedom and the opportunity to thrive and prosper.
Dad was the youngest son, of a youngest son, of a youngest son of the pioneer settler, he was named for.
He attended school in Prestonvale, and played ball on the local team, and the Innisville team were their greatest rivals.
Church attendance was non-negotiable and held at St. Patrick’s each Sunday without fail.
photo: 1896, family of Thomas Stafford & Mary Carroll Stafford (seated in the middle) Thomas was the youngest son of pioneer settler Tobias Stafford and Elizabeth McGarry, 11th concession, Lot 10, Drummond Township. Seated in the front is Dad’s father, Michael Vincent ‘Vince’ Stafford.
(back row: Anne, Mary, Thomas Julia, middle row: Margaret beside her father, and Peter beside his mother, Anastasia seated beside Vince in the front row)
1932 Prestonvale Ball Team
The Prestonvale ball team in 1932, Tobias ‘Tib’ Stafford seated 2nd from the end, wearing a tie.
(other players unknown, but may be some of the same players as the 1934 team below)
Prestonvale Baseball Team 1934
Back row: Bob McEwen, Mansell Horricks, Henry McFarlane, Tobias ‘Tib’ Stafford, Roy McEwen, Dawson Horricks
Front row: Ossie Rothwell, Billy Tullis, Lloyd Horricks, John Dickenson
St. Patrick’s Church, Ferguson Falls, Ontario – where Dad and his family attended services
He enlisted in WWII, in the R.C.A.F., where he met our mother, while they were both stationed at the No. 8 Bombing and Gunnery School in Lethbridge, Alberta. They married in 1943, and he was posted overseas in Bournemouth, England.
Stafford House
1946 – Dad was discharged from the Royal Canadian Air Force, and he, Mother, and their two babies, Tim and Judy, moved to the home they would occupy for the next 50 years – the Stafford House.
By the 1960s, the family had grown! Left to right – Roger Stafford, Arlene on Judy’s lap, Mother – Audry (Rutherford) Stafford, Dad – Tobias ‘Tib’, ‘Tim’ Stafford, Tim Stafford, and Jackie Stafford.
Dad farmed the land for some years, then the cattle became ill with tuberculosis and had to be destroyed. He hauled milk to local cheese factories, spent some years working on the railroad, a couple of decades delivering milk for Chaplain’s Dairy in Glen Tay, then finished his workdays at Wampole Pharmaceutical on Hwy 7, in 1983, when he retired.
1968 – their 25th wedding anniversary
1988 – 45th Wedding Anniversary – with Korry’s farm in the background
What was he like?
Dad was soft-spoken, and for the most part was even-tempered and easy to get along with. His family was very important to him and he enjoyed spending time together at Christmas, birthdays, and other special occasions. He kept his cars in immaculate condition and loved to take us all for Sunday drives into the country. He enjoyed nature and called us over to see a hummingbird flutter, or a sun-dog in the sky. He loved to hear the birds calling, high up in the maple trees, and didn’t mind the bats swooping around on hot summer evenings. He took great pride in the appearance of his lawn and enjoyed cutting it and trimming the long grass.
Ready for a Sunday Drive – L to R: Roger, Jackie, Tim, Dad, ArleneHow do I remember him on Father’s Day?
He was the slayer of dragons who hid in the dark corners of my room at night. He was the one I ran to during thunderstorms, who distracted me from my fears by showing me his watch with the hands that glowed in the dark. He was a night-time story-teller and a bed-time book-reader. He was the tour-guide on Sunday drives, and the local historian on trips to the cemetery. He believed that everyone deserved a treat – every day, and he brought home chocolate bars, tucked into his lunch pail, for each one of us, every evening. He was a great believer in common sense and had a surprisingly simple solution for almost every problem. He showed us how a man treats a woman he loves as he joked around and also complimented our mother as though they were still dating. He got up each day, dressed neatly, and went off to work, and I never heard him complain about his job, although I’m sure there were times that he could have.
And so as we pause today to thank the fathers of the world, some who are still here, and as we also remember those who are no longer with us, I will finish with a quote that reminds me of this quiet, thoughtful man who we called, “Dad”:
“He didn’t tell me how to live,
He lived, and let me watch him do it”
Clarence Buddington Kelland
Member, Association of Professional Genealogists
Honorary Life Member, Lanark County Genealogical Society
Author of : “Lanark County Christmas”, “Lanark County Comfort”, “Lanark County Collection”, “Lanark County Calling”, “Lanark County Classics”, “Lanark County Connections”, “Lanark County Calendar”, “Lanark County Chronicle”, “Lanark County Kid”, & “Recipes & Recollections”
June 12, 2023
Calabogie Cold Case
O.P.P. photo of Adrian McNaughton as he appeared in 1972, and as he may appear as an adultThe warm spring sun flooded the playground that June afternoon at Glen Tay Public School. Only two weeks of classes remained for the year, when I first heard about the lost boy, from my teacher, Mrs. Conboy. One of my friends had seen the story on the evening news, and asked our teacher if she thought they’d ever find the little boy…..
………….
Many decades have passed since the young Adrian McNaughton disappeared near Calabogie, Ontario. Police call it a cold case, but promised they’ll never stop looking.
It was June 12, 1972, when five-year-old Adrian was on a fishing trip with his father, his father’s friend, and his three siblings, at Holmes Lake. Holmes Lake is about an hour’s drive from Lanark village, half an hour from Burnstown, and around a 15 minute drive from Calabogie.
Adrian wandered away from the area where everyone was fishing. He was last seen playing near the shoreline, wearing a blue jacket and brown shorts.
Holmes Lake shown in red. (Google maps)He was wearing a blue nylon jacket, brown shorts, an orange-striped shirt, and rubber boots.
“Ottawa Citizen”, June 13, 1972, p.3Divers Search Holmes Lake
“Ottawa Citizen”, June 14, 1972, p. 1
“Ottawa Citizen”, June 14, 1972, p. 1
“Ottawa Journal”, June 14, 1972, p.1
“Ottawa Journal”, June 14, 1972, p.1Footprints?
“Ottawa Journal”, June 15, 1972, p. 1
“Ottawa Journal”, June 20, 1972, p.1
Reward was Offered
“The Perth Courier”, July 13, 1972, p. 2Father Seeks Help from Psychics
“The Ottawa Citizen”, July 29, 1972, p. 3
“Ottawa Citizen”, July 29, 1972, p.3Psychics Point to Clyde Forks
Psychics were consulted and advised the McNaughton family that Adrian was taken to, or somehow ended up in Clyde Forks, a forty-minute drive from Holmes Lake.
…………
What visions and impressions led the clairvoyants to the small village of Clyde Forks in Lanark County? What did they find there? Discover the fascinating details of this decades-old cold-case.
“Mystery in Clyde Forks”,
a story from “Lanark County Classics: A Treasury of Tales from Another Time”
ISBN: 9780987-7026-54
Arlene Stafford-Wilson
Member, Association of Professional Genealogists
Honorary Life Member, Lanark County Genealogical Society
Author of : “Lanark County Christmas”, “Lanark County Comfort”, “Lanark County Collection”, “Lanark County Calling”, “Lanark County Classics”, “Lanark County Connections”, “Lanark County Calendar”, “Lanark County Chronicle”, “Lanark County Kid”, & “Recipes & Recollections”
Author, Arlene Stafford-Wilson at the Crystal Palace, Perth, Ontario
June 10, 2023
Henderson Mansion, Perth
Henderson Mansion – Thuresson Place (Perth Manor)
Thuresson Place – back garden
The Henderson Mansion, also known as Thuresson Place, Perth Manor Nursing Home, and The Perth Manor Boutique Hotel, has a history dating back to the late 1800s.
1878 Henderson Family
Jesse Thomas ‘J.T.’ Henderson, was the son of Jesse Henderson and Susan Eliza Thuresson. J.T.s father was a successful merchant in Belleville, and J.T. moved to Perth in 1859 to try his luck in business. At age 25, he married Elizabeth ‘Eliza’ Wordie, and they had four daughters: Florence Wordie Henderson (1867-1949), Jessie Mabel Henderson Stewart (1868-1956), Ethel Henderson Whyte (1871-1939), and Isabel Henderson Wilson (1875-1941)
J.T. Henderson had a natural talent for business and set up several different enterprises in Perth, and generated enormous wealth for himself and his family.
J.T. Henderson, grew his business and became one of the most successful Perth merchants of that time. He built a fine home at 23 Drummond Street in 1878 at a cost of 12,000 pounds.
“He named the home, “Thuresson P
lace”, in honor of his mother.”
Thuresson Place
Thuresson Place – named for Susan Eliza Thuresson Henderson
“For thirty-five years, up to the time of his death, he was one of our prominent and successful merchants, honorable and generous in his dealings with the public.”
Jessie Henderson
Although the family was quite well off, and their was no economic reason for her to work, the second eldest daughter, Jessie, became an insurance agent in 1895. It was very unusual at this time for a woman to work outside the home, particularly in this type of business.
Nov. 15, 1895, p. 1, “The Perth Courier”
Jessie Married John A. ‘Jack’ Stewart
Perhaps it was her intelligence, business sense, and self-confidence that attracted one of Perth’s most eligible bachelors, Jack Stewart, to court Jessie. Jack was a successful lawyer, served two terms as Mayor of Perth, and also became a Member of Parliament. Jack and Jessie were married in 1907.
“After the marriage ceremony the wedding party returned to the home of the bride’s mother on Drummond Street where a dainty wedding dinner was served.”
“Mr. and Mrs. Stewart left for a trip to Virginia and upon their return will reside at the home of the bride which the groom recently purchased and is now having remodeled.”
Jessie Henderson Stewart and Jack Stewart
Life with the Henderson-Stewart family:
Jessie and Jack had an upstairs maid, a downstairs maid, and a cook. They also had a butler, a nurse for Jessie’s mother, a chauffeur and a housekeeper who came once a week to polish the silver. They also employed two gardeners who looked after the property.
Jessie’s Gift to Perth
After Jack’s death, Jessie Mabel Stewart, generously gifted the 10-acre park named ‘Stewart Park’,in memory of her late husband in 1947. In 1948 Jessie gave the the Board of Education of the Town of Perth eleven acres of land for the purpose of building a new Public School, which now is known as ‘The Stewart School’.
Jessie was also a Life Director of the Great War Memorial Hospital of Perth District, Honorary President of the Women’s Hospital Aid Association, Honorary President of the Perth Museum, and District Commissioner of the Girl Guides.
O.B.E. Order of the British Empire
In recognition of her public service, Jessie was awarded the Order of the British Empire,on June 29, 1935.
Jessie died in 1956 in her 88th year at her home at 23 Drummond St., Thuresson Place.
Sabiston Family
It’s been said that Eric Sabiston was like a son to Jessie Henderson Stewart, and so, when she passed in 1956, he was given ‘first right of refusal’ to purchase Thuresson Place at 23 Drummond Street.
Eric Moorehouse Sabiston (1897-1988) was the son of Alexander Sabiston (1858-1900) and Henrietta Moorehouse (1864-1952). He married Eleanor Maitland Pollock, in 1945, and they had three children: Elizabeth, Peter, and Cynthia.
Previously, he and their family were residing at 6 Alexander Street, in Perth. Eric, the President and CEO of the Brown Shoe Company, and his family, spent many happy years at their new Drummond Street home..
The Brown Shoe Co. in Perth, ON, where Eric Sabiston was President and C.E.O.
Eleanor Sabiston was very active with the I.O.D.E. (Imperial Order of the Daughters of the Empire), and hosted many garden parties on the spacious lawns of their Drummond St. home.
1957 I.O.D.E. Garden Party, at the Sabiston’s home. (photo: Perth Remembered)
Children: L to R: Demi Thompson, Nancy Girdwood, Elizabeth Sabiston, Peter Sabiston, Nancy Kelly, Richard Kelly, Johnny Stephens, Ann Stephens, Judy Easton, Denise Vallely
The Sabiston family sold their 23 Drummond Street home in the early 1970s, and in 1972, Catherine Doornberg converted the property to a long-term care facility, known as the Perth Manor Nursing Home.
Doornberg family
Perth Manor
Nursing Home
September 21, 1972, p. 15, “The Perth Courier”
Catherine Doornberg, Owner of Perth Manor Nursing Home, photo: “Ottawa Citizen”
Catherine ‘Kay’ Doornberg was the daughter of Lt. Col. Edward Williams and Ethel May Lawrence, and mother of Helen, Ruth, Judith, Georgia, and Suzanne. Kay operated a number of nursing homes during her career, in Ottawa, Oxford Mills, Perth, and Carleton Place.
May 9, 1974, p. 7 “The Perth Courier”
Aston Family
Perth Manor
Retirement Home
In 1980, Phil Aston (1936-2015), and his wife, Gisela Krueger Aston, purchased the Perth Manor Retirement Home. They made improvements to the garden, and repaired the walls around the property. Phil was the son of James Philip Aston and Hilda Tyldum Aston. They had four children: Janet, Kimberley, David and James.
Oct. 27, 1982, p. 26, “The Perth Courier”
Phil was active in local matters, and in 1982, he ran for Town Council, along with Gerry McInnis, Dave Crowley, Orville Buchanan, William Armstrong, Jack Parsons, and John McLenaghan.
He went on to serve as a Town Councillor, and was Chair of the Perth Hospital Board. As well as owning the Perth Manor, he also owned Elmwood Lodge, in Ottawa.
Tragedy struck in the fall of 1987, when one of the residents was injured due to smoking, and later passed away at the hospital.
Nov. 11, 1987, p. 1, “The Perth Courier”
In the fall of 1988, local entrepreneur, Brian Carter proposed the construction of a four-storey, 115 bed, 85 suite retirement home on the site of the Perth Manor.
“Opponents say the development is too large, would ruin the heritage character of the street.”
Oct. 17, 1988, p. 8 “The Ottawa Citizen”
Perth Manor
Heritage Inn
Phil and Gisela Aston closed the retirement home, and converted the nursing home into an inn.
“Phil and Gisela Aston, the owners-proprietors are a lovely, friendly couple who made us both welcome and added to our enjoyment by telling us stories of the history of the local area.”
Perth Manor, as it appeared in 1996 photo: Ottawa Citizen
Dwyer and Marshall
Perth Manor
Boutique Hotel
In April 2002 The Manor was purchased by Michael Dwyer & David Marshall, both from Toronto, and were known locally as “The Manor Boyz”. It was during their time as owners that the home was modernized and ‘brought into the future’, with the addition of new technology and state of the art conveniences.
Michael Dwyer (left) and David Marshall
“The Ottawa Citizen”, Dec. 19, 2002, p. 68
Michael and David restored, renovated, and introduced the concept of ’boutique hotel’ to the Perth Manor. They also provided Event Planning for corporate and special events.
During their time as owners they installed ensuite private baths with fine linens in all guest rooms, and direct-dial phones with private voicemail. They upgraded the televisions, and installed wireless internet.
Perth Christmas
House Tour 2006
Decorated for Christmas
In 2006, the Perth Manor was featured as one of the homes in the Perth Christmas House Tour. It was the first of many historic house tours, organized by the Perth University Women’s Club, to raise money for charitable causes, and showcase the notable homes of Perth and area, decorated in Christmas splendour.
The Perth Manor was advertised for sale in 2009:
“The Ottawa Citizen”, Apr. 4, 2009, p.32
Black Tie New Year’s Party 2011
Craig family
In May, 2011, the Craig family purchased Perth Manor.
Gordon, Tyanna and Linda Craig, “The Humm” July 2021 – photo: Kris Riendeau
The Craig family members are quite musically gifted. Gordon and Linda played with the Kingston Symphony. Gordon taught in the Music department at Queen’s for over 40 years. These owners will be remembered for featuring some wonderful musical performances.
They started a chamber music series, and held jazz nights and musical dinners. They would pick a country or city, and Gordon created a fabulous six-course meal inspired by the location, along with a musical guest who played between courses. Gordon often sat in or made guest appearances with his clarinet.
Perth Manor – back garden in modern times
Perth Manor – garden arch
Perth Manor – sitting room
Perth Manor dining room – all ready for Christmas!
Perth Manor main floor sitting room
Many heritage features remain in this historic home – photo: Perth Manor website
Perth Manor dining room – photo: Perth Manor website
photo: Perth Manor website
Perth Manor Closed
Perth Manor closed, and has been purchased to be reverted to a private residence, photo: Perth Manor website
What Does the Future Hold?
The Craig family hosted their final season at the Perth Manor in 2021. Gordon and Linda Craig, and their daughter, Tyanna, sold the boutique hotel on Drummond Street. May 4 2021 was their 10-year anniversary.
After all these years, the elegant Henderson Mansion, is turning back into a private home.
Will they stroll through the summer garden, like Jessie Henderson Stewart did, admiring the colourful perennials blooming alongside the tranquil greens and the graceful framed pathways?
Perhaps the new owners will host spectacular garden parties like Jessie and Jack Stewart, inviting the who’s-who of Perth to drink and dine in this opulent setting.
For those of us who admire this priceless monument to Perth’s storied past, we can only hope that they will pause every now and then, gaze in wonder at this beautiful place, and feel the sense of history that surrounds them, at the gracious and stately Henderson Mansion.
To read more about Jessie Henderson Stewart, her remarkable life at Thuresson Place, and her lasting legacy to the Town of Perth, – the story, “Jessie’s Gift”, in “Lanark County Connections: Memories Among the Maples” ISBN 9780987 702647
Arlene Stafford-Wilson
Member, Association of Professional Genealogists
Honorary Life Member, Lanark County Genealogical Society
Author of : “Lanark County Christmas”, “Lanark County Comfort”, “Lanark County Collection”, “Lanark County Calling”, “Lanark County Classics”, “Lanark County Connections”, “Lanark County Calendar”, “Lanark County Chronicle”, “Lanark County Kid”, & “Recipes & Recollections”
Arlene Stafford-Wilson
June 8, 2023
Ferguson Falls and the Stumble Inn
Photo: “A History of Drummond Township”, by John Ebbs, 1999, p. 21.Stumble Inn of Ferguson Falls
“It was a little shack very close to the old Mississippi, just across the bridge, coming down from the church; probably not room for more than twelve Irishmen at a time, if they could get along, and if that didn’t work, some would be out in yard ,or in the river.”
Thomas Joseph Stafford (1921-2018)
A view of the Stumble Inn from the Mississippi River“The Stumble Inn was operated by Billy McCaffrey. He was a very, very, short man, with a curved back. His bar was located right beside the river, when you crossed the old bridge, across the Mississippi River, coming down from the Catholic church. I remember it around 1927 to early 1930s. The horses were stabled across the road in an open shed at Charles Hollinger’s, the auctioneer. We walked across the bridge up to church for mass. After mass the Catholic brethren would stop in at the Stumble Inn. You could get a shot of something for the trip home. There was also a lot of Poker played there, which was frowned on in the community. There were also lots of ghost stories told there.”
quote from 2012 by Thomas Stafford (1921-2018)
Thomas Stafford, son of Thomas Patrick Stafford and Margaret Doyle Stafford“There would be music at the Stumble Inn. There was always music where the Irish gathered. I remember Jimmy (Richards) playing the fiddle. I spent quite a few days at Richards’ visiting with your dad ,Tib (Tobias Stafford). Clara (Richards Carberry) would feed us cookies. Jimmy thought we were a pain in the ass, I think. Peter (Stafford) was a great fisherman of mud pouts from the old Mississippi. In Ferguson Falls they were all related, either before or after they arrived in Canada from Wexford.”
(quote from Thomas ‘Tom’ Stafford 1921-2018)
(James ‘Jimmy’ Richards was Dad’s uncle on his Mother’s side. Clara Richards, Dad’s aunt, was Jimmy’s sister. Clara Richards married Thomas ‘Tom’ Carberry, a descendant of one of the ‘Seven Irish Bachelors’ of Ferguson Falls. The Richards homestead was next door to the Stafford homestead on the 11th concession of Drummond Township. Dad’s parents – Anastasia ‘Stacy’ Richards married Michael Vincent ‘Vince’ Stafford – the boy next door) Peter Stafford was Dad’s brother) ‘Wexford’ refers to County Wexford, Ireland. Jimmy Richards played his fiddle at the Stumble Inn on a regular basis. His fiddle was passed down to Dad, then to me.)
Billy McCaffrey, owner of The Stumble Inn
William Henry ‘Billy’ McCaffrey, (1869-1940), was the son of Joseph McCaffrey, and Ellen McGarry McCaffrey. Billy’s ancestor, Thomas McCaffrey was the first settler and resident of the village of Ferguson Falls, arriving in 1815.
Billy’s mother, Ellen McGarry McCaffrey:
Ellen McGarry McCaffrey 1837-1917Ellen McGarry McCaffrey and her husband, Joseph McCaffrey had ten children:
Mary McCaffrey 1861-1944 – was a tailorJulia Ann McCaffrey 1863-1944Thomas McCaffrey 1866-1913. Thomas married Margaret Doyle and they lived on the McCaffrey homestead on the 8th concession of Drummond Township. Thomas died age 46 of tuberculosisPeter McCaffrey 1867-1895 – died age 28 of dropsyWm. Billy McCaffrey 1868-1940 – saddler by trade, owned a hotel in Ferguson Falls, and later, owned the Stumble InnMargaret McCaffrey 1874-1917 died age 43 of pernicious anemiaLoretta McCaffrey 1872-1941 was a dressmakerGertrude McCaffrey 1875-1918 died age 38 of pernicious anemiaJosephine McCaffrey 1877-1931 trained as a nurse and worked in New York, died age 52 of cerebral hemorrhageTeresa McCaffrey 1879-1935, married Martin Sylvester Grace. Their children: Harold Francis Grace, Ursula Grace Kehoe Bent, Helen Grace Butterworth, Kathryn Grace Daley, and Reverend Sister Anna Gertrude.
Ellen McGarry McCaffrey, daughter of Peter McGarry, niece of pioneers Elizabeth McGarry Stafford and Tobias StaffordAfter operating his successful and much-loved community gathering spot, the Stumble Inn, Billy passed away in 1940.
“The late Mr. McCaffrey was a man of sterling qualities, and possessed the good-will and esteem of all who knew him.”
Billy McCaffrey’s obituary from “The Perth Courier” Aug. 2, 1940, p.3
Billy’s and some of his siblings, St. Patrick’s cemetery, Ferguson FallsFerguson Falls
(sometimes written as Ferguson’s Falls, or Fergusons Falls, depending on the era)
Originally known as Milford, Fergusons Falls was renamed in honor of the early settler Captain Ferguson when a post office was established there. This was the closest village to the Stafford farm and was a source for supplies, postal services, blacksmith services, social activities, and later St. Patrick’s Church.
Thomas McCaffrey was the first settler coming in 1815. McCaffrey was a close friend of Tobias Stafford and Betsy (McGarry) Stafford. Thomas was one of the witnesses to their marriage ceremony in St. John’s Church in Perth. He also signed his name as witness to one of Tobias’ later land transactions, and was present at the baptisms of some of the Stafford children.
Other early Ferguson Falls residents were John and Patrick Quinn, Patrick and Martin Doyle, James Carberry, James Power and William Scanlon. Two Stafford girls married into the Quinn family. The Hollinger family was also among the first settlers. By 1857, Ferguson Falls was booming. John Doyle was the Innkeeper, James McCaffrey was listed in the business directory as a Wagon Maker, and John & Michael McCaffrey were the local Blacksmiths. John Stafford, Tobias Stafford and Elizabeth McGarry’s son, was the area Shoemaker, and would later open a shoe store in Almonte, then in Perth. There was also a saw-mill, and a grist mill owned by Robert Blair and a hotel owned by Charles Hollinger.
Some history of Ferguson Falls:
1884 Farmers’ and Business Directory
1904 Business Directory for Lanark County
1916 Farmers’ and Business Directory for Lanark CountyA note on the local school:
“In 1894 Miss Mary Stafford taught, and then in 1901-1909 Miss Maggie Doyle of Drummond Twp (who later married Thomas Patrick Stafford).
In 1901 the teacher’s salary was $240.00 dollars a year. In 1905 it was $250.00. 1943-1946 Miss Mary Phelan of Lanark was the teacher. Her salary was $1000.00 a year and she had 9 pupils.”
(quote from Gail McFarlane, taken from the Tweedsmuir history of Ferguson Falls)
S.S. # 15 Drummond Township School, class of 1928-29, with our cousins, Thomas ‘Tom’ Stafford (1921-2018) , Patricia ‘Pat’ Stafford, and Nora Stafford, (children of Thomas Patrick Stafford and Margaret ‘Maggie’ Doyle Stafford) Original photo at the Lanark Museum.
“The Perth Courier”, August 10, 1934 part 1 of 3
“The Perth Courier”, August 10, 1934 part 2 of 3
“The Perth Courier”, August 10, 1934 part 3 of 3
“The Perth Courier” Sept. 13, 1962, p.3
“The Perth Courier” Sept. 13, 1962, p.3
“The Perth Courier” Sept. 13, 1962
James ‘Jimmy’ Phelan (pronounced Whelan) Local lore says his lost love wanders in Ferguson Falls, along the Mississippi River at night, searching for Jimmy. The Phelan farm backed directly onto the Stafford homestead on the 11th concession of Drummond Township. Tim Doyle of Lanark village is said to have written the song.Ballad of Jimmy Whelan
All alone as I strayed by the banks of the river
Watching the moonbeams as evening drew nigh
All alone as I rambled, I spied a fair damsel
Weeping and wailing with many a sigh.
Weeping for one who is now lying lowly
Mourning for one who no mortal can save
As the foaming dark water flow gently about him
Onward they speed over young Jimmy’s grave.
She cries, “Oh, my darling, please come to me quickly
And give me fond kisses that oft-times you gave
You promised to meet me this evening, my darling
So now, lovely Jimmy, arise from your grave.”
Slowly he rose from the dark, stormy waters
A vision of beauty more fair than the sun
Saying “I have returned from the regions of glory
To be in your dear loving arms once again.”
“Oh, Jimmy, why can’t you tarry here with me
Not leave me alone, so distracted in pain.”
“Since death is the dagger that’s cut us asunder
Wide is the gulf, love, between you and I.”
“One fond embrace, love, and then I must leave you
One loving farewell, and then we must part.”
Cold were the arms that encircled about her
Cold was the body she pressed to her heart.
Slowly he rose from the banks of the river
Up to the heavens he then seemed to go
Leaving this fair maiden, weeping and mourning
Alone on the banks of the river below.
(local Irish legends told of the ‘gates of glass’, where one could pass between this world and the next, through the water of a lake or river, at dusk)
“The Perth Courier” continued from article above
“Perth Courier” article – continued
“Perth Courier” article continued
“The Perth Courier” – article continued
“The Perth Courier” – article continued
“The Perth Courier”, Sept. 13, 1962, p3, end of articleA Return to Our Roots in 2012
Archives Lanark celebrated their 10th Anniversary in October of 2012, at the Ferguson’s Falls Community Hall. There were local dignitaries from Drummond Township, and Doug Bell made a presentation of a 200 year old artifact, – an original settler’s trunk from pioneer Sutton Frizzell, and his land documents that were found in the trunk.
Sutton Frizell’s trunks presented by Doug Bell to Archives Lanark
Sutton Frizell, one of the first elected Councillors in Drummond Township in 1850, along with Thomas McCaffrey, Murdock McDonald, Patrick Dowdall, and John ThompsonThere were also displays showing some highlights of the work that the Archives has done, and the variety of resources available for local researchers.
Ferguson Falls Community Hall, Oct. 12, 2012
Archives Lanark 10th Anniversary – Arlene Stafford-Wilson at the book-signing table
Archives Lanark 10th anniversary 2012 – entertainment by ‘Memory Lane’, Mark Labelle on guitar on far left, Leo Scissions on guitar, with Heather Johnston on fiddle, and Jack Greer on banjo. (thanks to Stacey Horne, Arlene Quinn, and others who provided the names of the band members)
Archives Lanark 10th anniversary – with Elaine Morrow, from DeWitt’s Corners
Archives Lanark 10th anniversary 2012, with Lanark County Genealogical Society members, Arlene Stafford-Wilson (left) and Irene Spence (rt)
Archives Lanark 10th Anniversary in 2012, with Lanark County Genealogical Society President Janet Dowdall (left) , and LCGS member, Arlene Stafford-Wilson
Arlene Stafford-Wilson at the Authors Corner, Ferguson Falls Community Hall, October 2012Autumn in Ferguson Falls
quote from “Lanark County Connections: Memories Among the Maples”
Picturesque Ferguson Falls, along the Mississippi RiverStafford family Sunday drives in the 1960s and 1970s began on the Third Line of Bathurst, often involved detours though Balderson and Lanark village, but they always seemed to end up at Ferguson Falls. Our father was born and raised on the 11th concession of Drummond Township, on the ancestral Stafford farm, settled by pioneer, Tobias Stafford in 1816. Our ancestor spent his first year on what became known as Stafford Island on the Mississippi River before building a home.
In the earliest days of the settlement, priests would travel to these small communities, and Sunday mass would be held in someone’s home. Once St. John’s Church in Perth was built, the pioneers travelled by horse and buggy, or horse and cutter, to attend services, until 1856, when St. Patrick’s Church was established, along the river.
St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, and my brother, Roger Stafford, in Ferguson Falls
…And so, we returned again and again to Ferguson Falls on our Sunday drives; to the pretty village in Drummond Township. We listened to our father’s accounts of the glory days of the Prestonvale ball team, and the long walks to school in snowstorms. We always stopped at St. Patrick’s church, and walked up and down through the rows of the graves of our ancestors. Dad’s parents were buried there, and his grandparents, and the oldest ones, who had come from Ireland. The old families were all connected by marriage – Quinn, McKittrick, Richards, Carberry, Carroll, Ryan, McCaffrey, and the rest; and he pointed to the headstones as we walked through the rows.
There were always stories of the infamous Stumble Inn, across the bridge from the church, and the card-games, and the drinking, and the fighting. We heard about Billy McCaffrey and how he sold whiskey at all hours of the day and night from his modest establishment. We learned of the Hollinger family and the generations of local auctioneers, and their busy hotel that catered to loggers. The loggers danced in their spiked boots and old Charlie Hollinger had to replace the floors once a year. We heard about the McEwen family and visited their popular maple shack in the spring. We heard the local names over and over: Blair, McFarlane, Horricks, Rathwell, Cullen and Kehoe.
We learned that the Irish Roman Catholics were a devoted bunch, loyal to their church, but also possessed an entirely different belief system that included ghosts and fairies, and the little people. We heard about Jimmy Whalen, a neighbour to the Stafford family, and how his lover could still be seen late at night walking along the banks of the Mississippi River, searching for her long lost Jimmy. We listened to stories about the lumber wars in the old days between the McLaren and Caldwell families, and the yearly cattle drives to Carleton Place.
The Sunday drive always ended the same way, with a visit to Lloyd and Evelyn Dickenson’s store for an ice cream cone and a bottle of Pure Spring pop. Dad and Lloyd talked about the old days, and walked together along the shore, near the cottages, recounting tales of catching bullfrogs, and fishing in the river.
I miss our drives to Ferguson Falls, and stopping for a bag of curd at the Balderson Cheese Factory along the way, visiting the graves of our ancestors, walking where they walked, and hearing the stories of the good old days. Dad, and his cousin Tom are gone now, but their stories live on. I often wonder if they told the same stories again and again so that we would remember; remember the place where the ancestors settled, remember the customs and legends from the old country, remember so that we could tell their stories, of this special place, called Ferguson Falls.
The old families of Ferguson Falls: Badour, Bennett, Blair, Byrne, Byrnes, Carberry, Closs, Craig, Cooke, Cullen, Cunningham, Cuthbertson, Dickenson, Donnelly, Doroway, Doyle, Ebbs, Ferguson, Finlayson, Forrest, Giles, Gommersall, Grey, Haley, Harrington, Hartney, Hicks, Hickey, Hogan, Hollinger, Horricks, Ireton, Keefe, Kehoe, Kenny, Little, McCaffrey, McEwen, McFarlane, McGarry, McIntyre, McIlquham, McLaughlin, McLenaghan, McNaughton, Montgomery, Moran, Moulton, Murphy, Murray, Nagel, Neville, O’Connor, O’Keefe, O’Sullivan, Phelan, Poole, Power, Price, Quinn, Rathwell, Robinson, Rothwell, Richards, Ruttle, Ryan, Scanlon, Spence, Stafford, Sullivan, Traill, Tullis.
For more information on Ferguson Falls and St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church: https://arlenestaffordwilson.wordpress.com/2012/07/06/st-patricks-church-fergusons-falls-lanark-county/
For Thomas Stafford’s account of the “Cattle Drives in Ferguson Falls” in “Lanark County Chronicle: Double Back to the Third Line”
For the legend of Jimmy Whelan, – “The Ghost of Ferguson Falls” – “Lanark County Calling: All Roads Lead Home”
The story of “The Stumble Inn of Ferguson Falls”, from the book “Lanark County Collection”
Books available at:
The Book Nook in Perth, Ontario
https://thebooknookperth.com/shop/
Spark Books in Perth, Ontario
Mill Street Books in Almonte, Ontario
Arlene Stafford-WilsonFor more information about the author and the books:
Member, Association of Professional Genealogists
Honorary Life Member, Lanark County Genealogical Society
Author of : “Lanark County Christmas”, “Lanark County Comfort”, “Lanark County Collection”, “Lanark County Calling”, “Lanark County Classics”, “Lanark County Connections”, “Lanark County Calendar”, “Lanark County Chronicle”, “Lanark County Kid”, & “Recipes & Recollections”
June 7, 2023
Antler Lodge – Dancing the Night Away in Cottage Country
Antler Lodge opened its doors for the first time on Friday evening, May 14th 1954. Admission was seventy-five cents, and they featured round and square dancing to live bands.
One of the opening acts at the Lodge was Lee Miller’s Orchestra, and they delighted the crowds weekend after weekend, for much of that first summer. Naturally, being a new venue, young people, and even some not-so-young people flocked to see the new Antler Lodge. There were curious tourists as well, who came to check out the newest dance hall in the region, and it became ‘the place to go’ in the summer of ’54. When the perennially popular Rideau Ferry Regatta wound down on the August long weekend, the Lodge became the hot-spot for the in-crowds, a place to mingle and mix, with some new faces, and the old familiar faces as well. Antler Lodge was a hit.
Dick and Margaret McLean, the owners of Antler Lodge, must have been pleased that first summer. Their new business was booming, a crowd-pleasing attraction, where people could gather together, dance, socialize, and enjoy some live country music.
It’s anyone’s guess whether Antler Lodge would have ever existed, if Margaret and Dick hadn’t got together back in 1939. They were both local kids from Rideau Ferry. Margaret, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Jackson, and Richard, the son of Mr. and Mrs. James McLean.
The McLean’s new business Antler Lodge would become an endearing and memorable place for so many, in the decades that followed.
As those first long, hot, summer weekends at Antler Lodge unfolded, the familiar strains of down-home country fiddling escaped the confines of the rustic wooden structure, and echoed over the fields, and across the Rideau lakes. Melodies from Hank Snow, Ray Price and Webb Pierce, played by local bands, filled the wooden rafters of the homespun Lodge, with hit after hit of trendy country and western tunes. The dancing went on until the wee hours; romances blossomed, and hearts were broken, to the tunes of Marty Robbins, Jim Reeves and Eddy Arnold. The parking lot was crammed with vehicles from Perth, Smiths Falls, Brockville, and even as far away as Kingston. Pretty girls posed demurely beside their date’s cars, decked out in pedal pushers or full skirts, flirting with their beaus, who sported narrow jeans, or pleated trousers. Shiny glass bottles of beer and liquor appeared from their hiding spots, tucked away, hidden carefully in glove boxes and trunks, and kisses were stolen in this parking lot, known to the neighbourhood teens as the passion pit.
Some kids hung out at the Rideau Ferry Inn, just up the road, but there was something about Antler Lodge; it was cozy, more intimate, more like a house party. The inside was spartan, unrefined, with exposed wooden beams, and a huge set of antlers mounted on the wall, above a homey, unpretentious, stone fireplace. In this casual, laid-back atmosphere, the lighting above the dance floor glowed soft, muted; perfect for swaying close, in dimly lit corners, and for long, steady, gazes into the eyes of a dance partner.
One of the first wedding receptions held at Antler Lodge was on October 19, 1955 as they played host to the delightful newlyweds Helen Kehoe and Tom Kerr. Helen was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Kehoe of Perth, and Thomas was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Francis Kerr of Stanleyville. The colourful autumn leaves set the stage for the joyful wedding, at St. John’s Church in Perth, officiated by Father Farrell. Shirley Anne Kehoe, the bride’s pretty sister, was the maid of honour, and the lovely Monica Kerr was her bridesmaid. At the groom’s side, stood his best man and brother, Walter Kerr, and his charming ushers escorting guests to their seats at St. John’s Church that day, were Pat Kehoe and Pat Kerr. Following the wedding, an elegant dinner was served in the Blue Room, at the Perth Hotel; and one of the highlights of this special day, was a memorable reception, at none other than Antler Lodge.
On June 12th 1956, Antler Lodge played host to a very special retirement party, for one of the area’s longest serving, and most respected municipal clerks – Roy Darou. An enthusiastic crowd of over 200 well-wishers and supporters, mostly citizens of North Elmsley Township, gathered to pay tribute to this local legend. Roy, a dedicated worker, had served the township faithfully, holding the same office for over forty years. There were glowing speeches that evening by Reeve James Coutts, appreciative tributes by Councillor Ferguson McVeety, many gifts, and warm wishes, from all who had gathered there. This was one of the earliest of such notable celebrations, to be held at the Lodge, in the coming decades.
Competition remained steady in the dance hall business throughout the summer of ’58, and ABC Hall in Bolingbroke began featuring bands every Friday night, advertising a variety of tempting refreshments, along with music by Lockwood’s Orchestra. At the Agricultural Hall in McDonald’s Corners, dances were usually held on Saturdays, and often their music was supplied by popular local group – Bill Hannah and the Nightingales. The admission price was considerably lower than the other halls, at the bargain-basement price of fifty cents for the evening. To remain competitive, Antler Lodge held a special Midnight Frolic, on Sunday August 3rd from 12:00 a.m. until 3:00 a.m., drawing huge crowds of racers and boating enthusiasts, following the annual Rideau Ferry Regatta.
In the spring of 1959, Antler Lodge raised the bar for their opening dance of the season by featuring music by the famed Country Hoppers, stars of CKWS radio, Channel 11 TV, and RCA Victor records. They also increased the price of admission, and began to enforce a strict ‘no leather jackets or boots admitted’ policy, to discourage unsavory types from attending their dances, and causing trouble.
The Country Hoppers had a steady gig at the Lodge for the entire summer of ’59, and all through the cottage season in 1960 as well. People for miles around flocked to hear the sounds of country and western music, mingle, drink, and dance the night away.
1961 would see an even greater increase in the popularity of area dance halls, and there were no less than eight local venues featuring live bands. The Stanley Lodge in Lanark constructed a new wooden dance platform, and hosted the Haylofters of CJOH TV, as well as the much sought after Ottawa Valley Melodiers.
John ‘Mac’ Beattie, Arnprior native, led the Melodiers, a legendary Ottawa Valley band on drums and vocals, with Reg Hill on fiddle, Garnet Scheel on guitar, Gaetan Fairfield on rhythm guitar, and Bob Whitney on saxophone. The band performed for decades, and released a total of seven albums, mostly in the 1960s.
At McDonald’s Corners, music lovers could enjoy the sounds of the Country Rockets, playing weekends at the Agricultural Hall, and the Maberly Agricultural Hall featured Kenny Jackson’s Valley Cruisers. The Valley Cruisers had a distinctive country sound, highlighted by masterful fiddler Kenny Jackson, and polished performer Harry Adrain on guitar and vocals. The gifted Raymond ‘Raymie’ Donaldson played lead guitar, with the powerful strumming of Gary Barr on rhythm guitar, rounding out this dynamic group.
At Scott’s Ballroom in Westport, they featured round and square dancing, to the sounds of Fred Paquin’s Orchestra. Kingston native Don Cochrane got his start in the Fred Paquin Orchestra, as a teenager. Don would go on to collaborate on songs recorded by the Mercey Brothers, and would record two albums of his own music as well.
During that summer, Barker’s on Hwy 15, Otter Lake had music by Ron McMunn and his Country Cousins. Ron McMunn, or The Silver Fox, as he was known, hailed from Clayton, and in 1954, Ron formed the Country Cousins. His band performed live on CJET radio in Smiths Falls every Saturday night for over a decade and this set the stage for their tremendous popularity in local venues in the years that followed.
Ron McMunn ‘The Silver Fox’At the Fallbrook Orange Hall, the Mississippi River Boys provided the weekend entertainment, and at Antler Lodge, the Country Hoppers enjoyed their third steady year of regular engagements.
Early in that summer of 1961, the owners of Antler Lodge – Mr. and Mrs. Richard ‘Dick’ McLean announced the forthcoming marriage of their daughter Helen Isobel, to Mr. William Donald Robert ‘Don’ Halpenny. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. R. Anson Halpenny, and hailed from Easton’s Corners. The marriage took place on July 7, at St. James Anglican Church in Perth.
Later, that same summer, Antler Lodge hosted former Perth High School classmates as they celebrated their Class of’44 reunion.
Following a tasty turkey supper at the Rideau Ferry Inn, everyone drove up the road to the Lodge for some live music and square dancing. It was a night to remember, and Gordon Mather was an entertaining Master of Ceremonies. There was a good turnout with Mr. and Mrs. Frank Frizell (Dorothy Ferguson), Bill Thomas, Mr. and Mrs. Willard Shaw (Vivian Greenley) , Dr. and Mrs. C. Campbell (Mary Ewart), Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Elliot (Kaye Ferguson), Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Mather, George Findlay, Mr. and Mrs. Ken Buchanan (Evelyn Radford), Mr. and Mrs. Don Goodfellow (Doreen Marcellin) Mr. and Mrs. Fred Guarino (Mid Stewart), Mr. and Mrs. Ron Thompson (Bette Oakes), Mrs. F. Cohis (Maxine Ramsbottom), Mr. and Mrs. George Leonard, Mr. and Mrs. Don Campbell (Marg Quartermain), Mr. and Mrs. T. Rockburn (Clara McInnis)
Several prizes were awarded during the evening: Man with the baldest head – Willard Shaw, runner-up Gordon Mather, Couple married the longest – Mr. and Mrs. Ken Buchanan, Couple married the shortest time – Bernard and Kaye Elliot, Couple travelling the longest distance – Mr. and Mrs. C. Cameron, Couple with an anniversary – Mr. and Mrs. Fred Guarino, and last, but not least – a prize for a bachelor – George Finlay.
The Country Hoppers, formerly known as the Riders of the Southern Trail, were a tremendously popular band, drawing large crowds from Carleton Place, Smiths Falls and Perth; and they became the regular weekend entertainment at Antler Lodge from 1962 through to 1966. Their first album ‘The Country Kid’ was released in 1962 and included performances by Davey Gibbs, Garry ‘Gizz’ Watt, Fred ‘Pappy’ Ryan, Paul ‘Hiker’ Gurry, and Larry ‘Dooley’ Protheroe. The Country Hoppers were known for their versatility and could play country fiddle tunes, honky-tonk, ballads, and square dance music as well.
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In the fall of ‘64, the Appleton Junior Farmers held a dance at the Lodge, featuring the Happy Wanderers. The Happy Wanderers, an Ottawa group, were immensely popular with teens, and had a regular show, every Saturday night, at the Carleton Place Town Hall. Ken Reynolds, Ward Allen, Bob King, Vince Lebeau, Joe Brown, and Lynn Strauff, formed the original CFRA Happy Wanderers, and they became one of the most popular acts in the Ottawa Valley.
They were also featured on a weekly half-hour show, on CFRA radio, broadcast across the Valley. When they played Antler Lodge, they brought special guests Marie King, Barry and Lawanda Brown. Bob Livingston kept the evening’s dancers moving around the floor like clockwork, as the caller for the square dancing.
A few years later, Barry and Lawanda, along with their father Joe, and their sister Tracey, would form The Family Brown, which included masterful lead guitarist Dave Dennison, and accomplished drummer, and capable band manager Ron Sparling.
Another talented group drawing crowds to the Lodge that year was the Country Harmony Boys. During the later part of ’64, Antler Lodge also featured the Top Hats and the Travelons.
By 1968 Antler Lodge had an established house band that entertained the crowds every Saturday night, during the entire cottage season. The Country Harmony Boys were a polished group of talented local musicians, and they drew the masses, young and old, to the Lodge, for their weekly fill of square dancing tunes.
Meanwhile, some of the other area dance halls were booming as well, and the popular Balderson Hall often featured Bill Munro and his Country Rockets, or Don Gilchrist and his Dancers, and they kept these cozy venues hopping until the wee hours. Donnie Gilchrist, a talented showman, was born in Campbell’s Bay. At one point in his career, he teamed up with the very capable Joan Ann Jamieson, and went on to become one of the legendary step-dancers of his time. He later caught the attention of Frank Ryan, founder of CFRA radio station, who helped to promote him on the local airwaves. Don rose from his humble beginnings in local dance halls, and went on to perform in 24 countries around the world, and even appeared on numerous TV specials.
Frank Ryan of CFRA was key in promoting many of the local Ottawa Valley bands and helping them to succeed in a very competitive industry.
CFRA’s Frank RyanBecause of their location, ABC Hall in Bolingbroke often had acts come in from the city of Kingston. One of the more sought-after bands in the summer of ’68 was Mallen’s Melodiers, playing both modern pop, and square dancing tunes. Not to be outdone, the hall at McDonald’s Corners regularly featured crowd-pleasing music by Symington’s Orchestra, for the very competitive admission price of seventy-five cents.
Antler Lodge hosted yet another high-profile wedding reception, when Beryl Kehoe married Robert Orok. On July 31st at St. John’s Church in Perth, Beryl, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lambert Kehoe of Rideau Ferry, became Mrs. Robert Orok. Robert’s parents Fred and Mona Orok were the founders and owners of the flourishing Orok’s Hardware Store in Lanark, and were well known and respected in the area. Rev. B.F. O’Neil made the journey all the way from Brockville to officiate the wedding. Highlights of the ceremony included memorable music, played by talented organist Mrs. Robert McTavish, and a heartfelt solo sung by the gifted David St. Onge.
Standing up with Beryl was dear friend Kathryn Campbell, Maid of Honour, and two lovely Bridesmaids – Darlene Beveridge and Judith Orok. William Neilson was the dashing best man, accompanied by two charming ushers, Richard Kellar and Bernard Kehoe. Two delightful youngsters taking part in the ceremony were Alison Kerr, the bride’s cousin as flower girl, and small, but capable Conrad Potvin had the all-important task of ring-bearer.
While Antler Lodge was growing in popularity during the ‘50s and ‘60s, there was an undeniable musical revolution taking place in England; and the distinctive beat of rock and roll music was spreading across the ocean, to North America. It was called the British Invasion, and groups like The Beatles, The Dave Clark Five, The Kinks, The Rolling Stones, Herman’s Hermits and The Who, began to get air-time on Canadian radio stations. By the mid 1960s rock and roll was dominating the local airwaves, and by the late ‘60s and early ‘70s, many young people followed the trendy new music, and wanted to hear rock music played live in local venues.
Antler Lodge had always been a country music venue. The rustic, intimate, hall, attracted large, enthusiastic crowds, with their talented live bands, and memorable evenings of western-style square dancing. As more and more young people gravitated toward rock and roll music, the crowds at the nearby Rideau Ferry Inn began to grow in leaps and bounds. The Rideau Ferry Inn featured live rock and roll bands, or disc jockeys, and by the late 1960s and early 1970s enjoyed the lion’s share of the weekend business. Country and western music, during those years, lost its appeal with the majority of the young crowds; although it remained as well-loved as ever, with the older generation.
Rideau Ferry InnThe once hugely popular country dance hall was simply not able to compete with the cutting-edge music at the Rideau Ferry Inn, or the latest rock groups playing at the Perth arena or Farrell Hall, like Max Webster, April Wine and Lighthouse. The declining business continued to operate on a smaller scale through the summer of 1975, but by August of 1976 Antler Lodge had given up, locked its doors, and was up for sale. A small ad in the real estate section of the “Perth Courier” was published on Thursday, August 5th: “Antler Lodge, Rideau Ferry, approx 6 miles from Perth. Stone fireplace, maple floor, stage and lunch counter.” Two years later, in 1978, the Lodge was still for sale – “This once thriving lodge is situated on a one acre lot. Inquire today. $35,000.”
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It was shortly after midnight on Friday, October 9, 1981, when the Bathurst, Burgess, Drummond and North Elmsley (BBDE) Fire Department received the call. According to Fire Chief Harold Jordan, flames were shooting through the roof of Antler Restaurant, within six minutes of the call. Eighteen local fire fighters responded to the call, bravely battling thick smoke and hot, scorching flames; but according to Harold, “We couldn’t save anything.”
Perth Courier, October 9, 1981………
“The local fire department was unable to establish the cause of the blaze, and it remains a mystery why the Ontario Fire Marshals were never called in to investigate the source of the fire that completely leveled Antler Lodge.”
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** The fact that there was never an investigation into the cause of the fire that destroyed this beloved dance hall, remains a mystery even today!
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photos of Antler Lodge, used with permission – Graeme Hoatson Beattiephotos of Dick and Margaret ‘Marnie’ McLean, owners of Antler Lodge, used with permission of Carol Ann Moore McDonald (Carol is the niece of Dick and Marnie McLean, on her mother’s side)photos of Orok-Kehoe wedding, used with permission – Beryl Orokphoto: Antler Lodge poster – printed by Thompson Printing, Perth, used with permission – Jim Winton………………
(this story is an excerpt from the book ‘Lanark County Connections: Memories Among the Maples’ – available:The Book Nook, 60 Gore St. E., Perth, Ontario: https://thebooknookperth.com/product/lanark-county-connections-arlene-stafford-wilson/
also at:
Spark Books & Curios, 76 Foster Street, Perth, Ontario https://sparkperth.ca/
and
Mill Street Books, 52 Mill Street, Almonte, Ontario – https://millstreetbooks.com/
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For more information on dance halls and musicians in Lanark County:
more on Lanark County Dance Halls
Arlene Stafford-Wilson
Member, Association of Professional Genealogists
Honorary Life Member, Lanark County Genealogical Society
Author of : “Lanark County Christmas”, “Lanark County Comfort”, “Lanark County Collection”, “Lanark County Calling”, “Lanark County Classics”, “Lanark County Connections”, “Lanark County Calendar”, “Lanark County Chronicle”, “Lanark County Kid”, & “Recipes & Recollections”
