70 Years Ago
November 17, 1948
– Canadians celebrated with 21-gun salutes and other special ceremonies as Princess Elizabeth gave birth to a healthy baby boy. The child, whom she would name Charles, would become second in line to the King George’s throne behind his mother. Expectant mothers across the country were eager to have their babies born on the same day. Some mayors and councils even had competitions, promising silver cups or money for babies sharing the same birth date as the potential King.
– Napanee council held a special meeting to authorize the deeds for 25 lots in the new housing development north of Thomas Street. Council also struck a committee to oversee a water main expansion to serve the new houses and appointed its deputy reeve to act as its liaison with the contractor who would develop sewage in the area.
-Wilton’s Muriel Perry hit a milestone in her service to the United Church. She was appointed the president of the women’s association at her church for a 30th year.
40 Years Ago
November 15, 1978
-Winds of change blew over Napanee on election day as Glenn Herrington unseated sitting mayor Lorne Smart 1,064 to 875. There would also be a change in the deputy reeve’s seat, with Grant Clark defeating incumbent J. Graham Strong by a similar margin. Three incumbents on council also were not re-elected among the six successful candidates.
-The federal government announced a $2,713,6000 grant for construction of a railway underpass that would eliminate a level crossing at Centre Street. Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs Hugh Faulkner delivered the news at the Campbell House. The Ontario government was to fund 90 per cent of the remaining cost of the $4,136,000 structure, while the Town of Napanee would be required to raise the final 10 per cent. The structure, accommodating six rail tracks, would take about 18 months to build with work scheduled for 1979-1980. Rail traffic would be diverted away from Napanee for nine months.
-Without committing any funds to the project, the Lennox and Addington County Board of Education approved an “Adventure Playground” build at The Prince Charles School. The approval allowed the community school council to apply for a grant from Wintario to help fund the $4,000 project.
-The Napanee Lions Club gave nearly $22,000 to 30 community groups over the course of the year, with most of the revenue coming from bingo games and hall rentals. The Napanee Pipe Band was one of the biggest beneficiaries, taking a $3,168.23 donation.