70 Years Ago
May 19, 1948
– The parishioners at St. Mary Magdalene Anglican Church threw a party for Rev. R.J. Dumbrille, the church’s rector for 21 years, in advance of his retirement from active ministry June 1. Dumbrille had also served as Archdeacon of Frontenac. The congregation gave him an engraved cane and a sizeable financial gift as a retirement present. MP George Tustin was on hand to lead the ceremonies.
– Prince Edward-Lennox Liberals chose J. Donald Baxter as their candidate for the provincial election. Baxter was running his family’s canning business in Bloomfield and was also involved in numerous charitable committees in Prince Edward County. He had been serving as the president of the local riding association. No other names were put forward for nomination.
– Napanee deputy-reeve Webster told council many business owners in town complained about enforcement of half-hour parking regulations on Dundas Street. He noted restaurant owners were most vocal, complaining that it is impossible to serve a meal within a half-hour. Webster said they feel tourists will not stop within the town.
Several members of council felt the time limit should be extended to an hour. Others thought metered parking would be preferable. Ultimately, no action was taken to change the bylaw.
40 Years Ago
May 17, 1978
– Two Canadian National Railways representatives told Napanee councillors they wouldn’t object to sharing space at their local station with the town’s police force if it meant salvaging the building. The railway had planned to apply to the Canadian Transport Commission to remove the station, withdraw its ticketing agent, and build a shelter in its place. Hearing that news in April, council threatened to declare the station — built in 1856 — an historic building.
– A two-year-old Camden East magazine received some hefty recognition in its industry. At the first National Magazine Awards Foundation ceremony, Harrowsmith earned the grant prize for outstanding achievement by a Canadian Magazine. It also won second prize for a J. Douglas Wilson photo essay on Mennonites and an honourable mention on a David Weese article on Maritime reforestation.
– South Fredericksburgh council was visited by a delegation of 32 people opposed to the building of a piggery near the township dump. Hog farmer Carl Clayton proposed to build a 32,000-square-foot facility on his 147-acre farm. Objectors expressed concern about odours and possible contamination.