Bruce County Historical Society
Bruce County, Ontario, Canada
Incorporated 1901 - 1915 Re-incorporated 1957
A keen historian, a gifted researcher, a committed family lady and a
wonderful friend has been taken from our midst. We are sorry to report the
death of Audrey Underwood, in her eighty-eighth year, at Port Elgin, Ontario
on the 23rd of January, 2017.
Audrey was born on the 22nd of March 1929 near Windsor, Ontario in Essex
County. Her father was Joseph Howard Webster who was born 30 June 1899 in
Amabel Township, Bruce County and her mother was Louie Reta Stanton who was
born 12 March 1897 in Treherne, South Norfolk, Manitoba. Although born in
Manitoba, Audrey’s mother Reta moved to Saugeen Township, Bruce County
before she was four. When Reta and Howard Webster married in 1925 both of
their families were living on the River Road in Saugeen Township, Bruce
County. Howard and Reta Webster settled into life on Grand Marais Road, East
Sandwich Township, Essex County (later Windsor) where Howard had secured
work with Silverwood’s Dairy. Their first child was Muriel Bernice born on
12 February 1927, and then Audrey was born on 22 March 1929. In 1932 the
Websters’ house was destroyed by fire and the family moved back to Saugeen
Township where they purchased the Stanton farm, named Melrose Farm, on the
River Road from Reta’s parents.
One of Audrey’s favourite activities was singing. Starting from the age of
four, she was in many choirs including the Glee Club in High School, the
Junior Farmer Choir, the Pape Street Normal School Choir, the Burgoyne
Ladies’ Quartet and in recent years as health permitted the Port Elgin
United Church Choir.
Audrey graduated from Saugeen District Secondary School in 1947. She was
good at sports, and participated in basketball, softball and track and
field. She started skating at the age of five and enjoyed skating on the
frozen ponds on her farm, and the local rinks at Ebenezer and Burgoyne where
her parents frequently took Audrey and Muriel in the horse and cutter.
In 1947, Audrey’s teaching career began at S.S. #5, Saugeen Township. Being
right after the war, there was a shortage of teachers, and many students
like Audrey were urged to teach without formal training. The new teachers
“observed” at another school for a day or two and then went to work. Audrey
took her formal training in summer school at the Toronto Normal School on
Pape Street in Toronto.
After three years of teaching, wedding plans were underway, and on the 23rd
of September, 1950 Audrey married Bazil Underwood in the Port Elgin United
Church. They lived on the Underwood “home” farm, in Arran Township for the
next forty two years. Audrey and Bazil were blessed with six children
between 1953 and 1964: Thomas James, Kenneth Bazil, John Raymond, Donald
Howard, Jean Lenore and Lois Audrey.
One “adventure” in Audrey’s life was establishing a stable of Arabian horses
in partnership with her daughters, Lenore and Lois, called Arran Arabians.
They raised pure and part bred Arabians. She fondly recalled those days of
attending horse shows and competitions with her daughters as some of the
happiest times in her life.
Audrey was an excellent sewer who enjoyed quilting, sewing and needlework.
She was an avid gardener and she especially enjoyed tending her beautiful
flowers at Melrose Farm. She also loved to walk through the forest observing
the wildflowers and the animals.
Audrey’s love of genealogy and family history inspired her to organize the
first meeting of the Bruce Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society at her
home in 1971. Years later, in 1989, she became the founding member of the
Bruce County Genealogical Society. In 1996, the Bruce County Genealogical
Society honoured Audrey by naming its library for her, the Audrey Webster
Underwood Library which is part of the Research Room at the Bruce County
Archives.
Audrey was also a life member of the Bruce County Historical Society. At an
age when most people would be retiring from offices she took over the reins
as president thus breathing new life and enthusiasm into the Society. She
was instrumental in the Bruce County Barn Project, which is an endeavour to
have every existing barn in Bruce County photographed because they are
disappearing at a staggering rate. Barns form an important part of the
history of the county and Audrey wanted to preserve images and information
for future generations. Audrey was a member of the Municipal Heritage
Committee of Saugeen Shores for many years. For several years recently she
had been working on a book to document the families who settled in the
Dunblane community in Saugeen Township and along County Road 3.
In 1996 Audrey moved to Victoria B.C. where she lived for three years.
There, she continued to research her ancestors, sang in the choir of the
Centennial United Church, became a member of the Victoria Quilters’ Guild,
and walked and hiked in the mountains and by the ocean. In 1999 she returned
to Ontario and moved into her childhood home, Melrose Farm on the River
Road. She moved to Port Elgin a few years ago, and quite recently to Paisley
and then Elgin Lodge, in Port Elgin for a very brief time.
Audrey is survived by her six children, twenty one grandchildren and fifteen
great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Muriel Stewart of
Ottawa. Her funeral was held 28th of January, 2017 at the Port Elgin United
Church. Memorial donations were requested by the family to the Bruce County
Genealogical Society for the “Audrey Webster Underwood Library” and to the
Dunblane Presbyterian Church.
On November 25, 2016 with the passing of Kent M. Lamont
the Bruce County Historical society lost a long time active member.
Kent was born in Saugeen Township on May 19, 1923. He was the son of Donald
(Dan) and Florence (nee Webster) Lamont. He was the second oldest and last
surviving of six children. They were the fourth generation of Lamonts on
the second concession of Saugeen Township. Much against his mother’s wishes
Kent elected to join his father on the farm rather than attend High School
in Port Elgin. It was a decision he never regretted.
With his older brother Don already serving in the Royal Canadian Air Force,
Kent was kept at home to help on the farm. In the early 40’s he purchased
the farm on the 4th concession which backed onto the home farm. In 1947 he
married Edythe Bumstead, a nurse from Meaford and they began their family
life together. They had 5 children Richard (1949), Norma (1950), Ron (1952),
Gord (1955) and Ross (1956). Richard passed away in 1954 at age 5. Edythe
passed away in 1987 almost exactly 29 years before Kent’s passing. He is
survived by the remaining four children, six grandchildren and eleven great
grandchildren.
Kent was a progressive and hardworking farmer. He built up a herd of pure
breed Ayrshire cows and feed beef cattle. He took great pride in growing
good crops, feeding his stock well and being a good neighbour. His fondest
hobby was raising and showing Clydesdale and Commercial horses.
Kent always had a strong commitment to his community. He served in many farm
and farm related organizations such as junior farmers, crop improvement,
fair boards, plowmen’s association and Clydesdale and Commercial horse
associations. He also supported recreational activities including being the
first President of the Port Elgin minor hockey association and an executive
member of the Port Elgin Intermediate hockey club.
Kent was a lifelong member of Queen Hill and then Tolmie Memorial
Presbyterian Churches. He sang in the choir and served as an Elder for many
years. Later he spent many years on the Board of Management for the Dunblane
Presbyterian Church (where his mother had been the first church organist).
Following in the footsteps of several generations of Lamonts he was involved
in political activities. Kent served on school board for many years and was
among a group of trustees who had the vision to build the Port Elgin Saugeen
Central School. He was an active member of the Liberal Party of Canada and
Ontario, serving as riding president at both federal and provincial levels,
acting as a successful campaign manager and winning the federal Liberal
nomination in 1965.
History was always an area of great interest for Kent. He had a broad
knowledge of local history and loved to read about history. While he enjoyed
learning of the famous individuals in Canadian history he most loved the
stories of local families that settled in Bruce County. Kent was chair of a
community group known as the Saugeen History Hunters who published a Saugeen
Township history in 1984. He was the last surviving member of that group. He
later served on the executive of the Bruce County Historical Society
including two years as the President. In his later years the Annual General
Meeting of the BCHS was a highlight for him and he enjoyed his annual year
book.
Kent will be missed by his family and many friends. He was not just
interested in Bruce County history he was a part of it.
Lynn William Caldwell, was born June 1, 1944 to William (Bill) George and Betty Rose (Friar) Caldwell at the Walkerton Hospital. He was big brother to Garry (1946), Lloyd (1948) and Grace (1958). Sadly he was predeceased by 2 infant brothers Robert in 1949 and James in 1951. The first year of his life was spent on Concession 10, in Elderslie Township. From there, his parents rented a farm in Bruce Township on Concession 10, for another year, until they purchased the farm in 1946 on Concession 12 of Bruce Township. Lynn had lived on this concession ever since!
Lynn attended SS #15, a rural school in Bruce Township. He then went to high school in Port Elgin until Grade 10 and then furthered his education more at Business College in Galt, where he took accounting for part of the year. However, Lynn did not enjoy city life and was glad to get back to the country!
As a young man Lynn worked for various neighbours learning carpentry and farming. Lynn also worked at the Port Elgin Co-op for a year before going to work with various companies constructing farm buildings; J.&H. Fleming in Hanover and Walkerton Building Supplies. He worked at Bruce Packers, Paisley, where all the brothers worked at one time or another but he eventually decided to start farming. Lynn rented the farm for a year before purchasing it in 1965. It was referred to as the "Hay Farm".
In the winter of 1964, Lynn met Marguerite Ann Northcott through a teacher friend at a Youth for Christ group. Faith was important to both Lynn and Marguerite, and so it was fitting that they met at a Christian group. On July 30, 1966 Lynn and Marguerite were married – they would have celebrated 50 years this year however, Marguerite passed away in May of this year. Marguerite and Lynn, were married at Four Square Gospel Church in Durham by the Rev. Dave Illman. They were blessed with three children: Stephen, Sandra and Susan and eight grandchildren: Aaron, Alyssa, Samuel, Raymond, Alexander, Morgan, Owen and Lyndon.
Lynn started farming with beef cattle for a while, then switched to raising and selling registered Holstein heifers. Upon deciding to milk Lynn began with a very small herd of 12 milk cows. At first Lynn and Marguerite just shipped the cream, by taking it to the Paisley Creamery as there was not much volume. Gradually the volume increased and it would be shipped by cans. However, they soon realized this was too much work! So Lynn added a milk house with a bulk cooler tank by 1968 and added a silo in 1969.
On March 9, 1974 the family experienced the devastating barn fire that Marguerite so eloquently wrote about, later. They lost their entire herd of registered Holsteins. Lynn was able to save fifty young heifers and a bull waiting for transport to Mexico. Yet again, faith played a notable role for the Caldwell family as they were able to see the blessings amongst their sorrow. They were very thankful that the fire did not spread to their home.
Marguerite wrote, “While we had no income, many generous gifts helped see us through this difficult time, including a crate of eggs and a load of hay. . . .Truly, everything worked out well in the end.” (Our Family Farm stories from Bruce Grey. Port Elgin: The Brucedale Press, 2014) Their prayers were answered as to what to do next, the Caldwell family was able to purchase the Cumming farm, still on the 12th, and by November of 1974 they were ready to move onto it. Marguerite and Lynn remained on this farm until their deaths.
Sadly enough, in 1980 Lynn was diagnosed with Farmer’s Lung, caused from the mold in the grain, and he was forced to sell the Dairy Cattle. During, and following this, Lynn simply continued on, in his determined style, with various business deals to keep him busy.
In 1984 tragedy struck once again and Lynn rolled the cattle truck, breaking his wing bones near bottom of his spine. However, it seems that this is all part and parcel of trying to make it as a farmer. Lynn doggedly continued on, buying and selling lots of equipment to Northern Ontario, cash cropping, and raising various animals – Beef, Sheep, etc. Lynn also raised a few foals as driving horses. Selling seed for various companies, which then branched out to include a seed cleaning business, which was started by Lynn and still runs today! To know Lynn was to know his love of antiques and tractors. He owned a variety of tractors but loved John Deere tractors the best! Indeed, Lynn William Caldwell was a well-respected business man, not only for his integrity, but also his work ethic, compassion and honesty. And it is these fine qualities that Lynn has instilled in the Caldwell family. He was told at a young age to be “an asset to the country not a liability”. Lynn was always there to help others!
Lynn was often seen wearing his farm cap, heard whistling a hymn and was sure to have with him a toothpick and pocket knife. He had a good sense of humour and loved to joke and had an amazing memory. Like Marguerite, family was most important to Lynn. Giving tractor and combine rides to the grandchildren and friends gave not only the riders but also Lynn great joy. He also enjoyed making maple syrup and playing crokinole and checkers with the grandchildren. Other favourite family activities were family reunions, Christmas and enjoying ice cream. Interestingly enough, Lynn loved his cell phone, thinking it the best investment and piece of equipment ever! Woodworking was another passion of Lynn’s, as was finding a good auction deal on antique bells, tractors, or farming tools. Lynn always took the time for others and loved to talk! The family often joked that he should have hung a shingle out as a farm consultant! They also joked about “Caldwell Time” which meant always being late!
Lynn enjoyed traveling the countryside checking crops and knew almost all the back roads in Bruce and Grey Counties. He always liked to take a scenic route and never the same way twice. In 1981, Lynn and Marguerite packed up the three children and drove the car for three weeks to Kelowna, BC and back, visiting friends and relatives along the way. Later Lynn and Marguerite were also able to travel to England and New Mexico to visit relatives and to Iowa on a seed business trip.
Lynn also served his community by functioning on numerous committees: Bruce County Heritage Association – since it began after the 1993 International Plowing Match, first show 1994; International Plowing Matching 1993 – Antique committee;
Bruce County Historical Society (also President); Home and School – (also President); Church Board / Member – involved since its inception in 1952/53; West Bruce Feeder Finance – for years; Bruce County Farm Safety – (also President); and as a 4-H Leader in the Maple Syrup and Feeder/Stocker Club.
Lynn loved making connections and a big part of, not only his wisdom but also sharing, this was his various sayings, here are a few:
· Summer fog will cook a hog. Winter fog will freeze a dog.
· Leap year – it will jump out at you every time!
· Frogs croak 3x before spring is officially here.
· A bird in a hand is worth 2 in a bush.
· When ash comes out before the oak, oats and grass be sure to choke. When oak comes out before the ash there will be sure a splash.
· Corn had to be knee high by the first of July.
· What you sow is what you reap.
In addition to all of the above, Lynn often defined the success of the day by two things: Making a deal (and a good one at that!) and learning something new.
In true Lynn style, he waited until his beloved Steam Show was ending on Sunday afternoon, August 21, 2016 to take his last breathes. He was 72. He now is reunited with his beloved Marguerite.
Cherished dad of Stephen (Amanda) Caldwell of Elderslie Township, Sandra (Laszlo) Guta of Paisley and Susan Caldwell (David Camp) of Stouffville. He will live on in the hearts and minds of his grandchildren, Alexander, Morgan, Owen, Aaron (Sarah), Alyssa, Samuel, Raymond and Lyndon. Lynn will be sadly missed by his brothers, Garry (Ila) Caldwell of Paisley, Lloyd (Diana) Caldwell of Chatsworth and his sister Grace (James) Birrell of Pinkerton, as well as many nieces and nephews. Fondly remembered by his sister-in-law Mary Northcott of Williamsford. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Marguerite and his parents, William and Betty (Friar) Caldwell.
Visitation [was] held at Immanuel Evangelical Missionary Church, Paisley on Friday
[August 25] from 1 – 4 and 7 – 9 p.m. [and] a funeral service celebrating
Lynn’s life [was] held on Saturday, August 27, 2016 at 11 a.m. Interment in
Lovat Cemetery, Bruce Township.
Memorial donations to the Bruce County Heritage Association, Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation or Paisley Missionary Church would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.
from
Rhody Family Funeral Home
Peacefully, with family by his side, at the Residential Hospice of Grey
Bruce, Owen Sound, on Saturday, July 26th, 2014, in his 78th year. Don,
loving husband of Sharon (nee Lacasse). Don is survived by his sister,
Noreen and her husband Harry Kibler, brother, Howard and his wife Audrey
Ribey, sister-in-law, Marsha and her husband Dan Lewis, brother-in-law,
Patrick and his wife Sheree Lacasse, and many loving nieces and nephews. He
is also a special nephew to Marion (McKenzie) Lougheed, and Bert McKenzie
and Jean Foden. Don is predeceased by his parents, Wilmer and Jean
(McKenzie) Ribey, sister, Marion and her husband Alvin Schlorff, niece,
Elinor (Schlorff) Phillips, and his father and mother-in-law, Norman and Eva
(Schock) Lacasse.
Don was an educator /administrator with the former Bruce County Board of
Education, a life long member of Wesley United Church (Bruce Township), an
active member of the Bruce Township Historical Society for the past twenty
years, and a world traveller.
McSPORRAN, Donald Halbertson - King's Scout RCAF Pilot, Bomber Command Teacher Construction Inspector Designer Conservationist Story Teller Died on 27 December, 2013. Don was born in 1920 to Malcolm McSporran and Minnie Butchart. He had three siblings: Duncan, Barbara and James. He lived in Toronto's Lawrence Park, where his grandfather James Butchart, built houses. Don joined the RCAF in 1940, his bomber shot down in 1942, prisoner of war until 1945. He Married his true love, Irma Westenberger, a nurse, in 1949. He taught school near Toronto and in Richards Landing in the early '50's; worked as construction inspector on the Mid-Canada Line, communications lines in Newfoundland, and the Toronto Subway, finally at the Toronto International Airport design office. Don and Irma transformed the Queens Bush Farm just west of Chesley (from 1971) back into a forest, renovated the house and joined various historic and conservation organizations. They donated part of their farm to the Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy. They travelled extensively to South America, Mexico, Australian, New Zealand, Europe, crossing Siberia, visiting St. Petersburg. Don died peacefully on 27 December with Irma at his side, after a neighbours' farewell day at their farm (23 December) and a festive Christmas day with his daughter and grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Irma, his children, Malcolm and Joanne; his grand-children, Shenandoah and Anpayo; Edana, Freya and Bryn; and his great grandson, Carter. His son, Alexander died in Vancouver in 2009, and was survived by two adopted relatives from the Philippines, Joanna and Bernard Pereno. Don McSporran was one of those great Canadians who, having lived through the adversity of the depression and the War, came home and made this country the, peaceful and just society that it has become. He was a model citizen, providing an example for all, of an honest, ethical, hard-working member of society. He was frugal, yet generous, optimistic and steadfast; the kind of Canadian we all hope to become. We will always remember him for his kindness, good nature and fine story-telling abilities.
Don and Irma McSporran were the Bruce County Historical Society's book custodians and area directors for the society's east region for many years.
Well-known Chesley furniture manufacturer, conservationist,
sportsman and historian, Bruce Arthur Krug, passed away in Chesley
on May 21, 2013 in his 95th year. He was the son of the late
Christian and Mary (Hauser) Krug. Bruce was the last surviving
member of his immediate family and was predeceased by his sisters
Lily (Alfred) Siegrist, Florence (Ralph) Gibson and brothers,
Wilfred, Russell, Howard and Reverend Crossley. A funeral service
celebrating Bruce’s life was held on Saturday, May 25, 2013, with
interment in Chesley Cemetery.
The Krug family is well known for the Krug Brothers & Co. Furniture
Manufacturers, spearheaded in 1886 by twin brothers Conrad and
Christian Krug. It was a true family business with their three
brothers and their brother-in-law working with them. Over the years
many Krug offspring worked at the factory. Christian’s son Howard
took over the family business in 1941 when his father died and his
brother Bruce joined him five years later.
Bruce and his brother, Howard Krug, were
considered pioneers and leaders in reforestation
in Bruce and Grey Counties. They donated
the Kinghurst Tract of 600 acres of old growth
forest in Sullivan Township, Grey County to the
Federation of Ontario Naturalists in order that
the land will be left in perpetuity as a nature
reserve for the people of Ontario. The land
has been designated as an Area of Natural and
Scientific Interest.
Throughout his life, Bruce, along with brothers
Howard and Wilfred, showed an interest in the
recording and collecting of history. Bruce’s
interests were varied, collecting photography,
books, postcards, stamps and a huge array of
artefacts relating to pioneer life. Over the years,
Bruce and the Krug family have contributed
both money and artefacts to the Bruce County
Museum & Cultural Centre.
Bruce was the first President of the reorganized
Bruce County Historical Society in 1957. In 1990
Bruce was recognized as honorary president, a
lifetime tribute. Members of the Bruce County
Historical Society are very appreciative of the
support of Bruce Krug and his family over the
years and extend their sympathy to his extended
family of nieces and nephews.
Past executive member of the Bruce County Historical
Society, Christine Welsh, passed away
in Port Elgin on May 23, 2013 in her 92nd year.
Christine was the loving wife of the late Keith
Alexander and mother of Brenda Kaake and the
late Butch, the late Doug and his wife Patricia,
Bill and his wife Darlene. She was predeceased
by her brother Goldie McCulloch, sisters Flora
Chisholm, Margaret Wright, and Evelyn Gregg,
and sister-in-law Dorothy Daniel.
Christine was born and raised in Saugeen
Township and attended S.S. No. 5 Public
School right on her family’s farm property.
After attending High School in Port Elgin,
she graduated from Stratford Normal School
and began teaching at the Burgoyne School,
S.S. No. 2 Arran. She married Keith Welsh, a
local farmer who lived a short distance from
the school. After Keith’s passing, when their
son Bill was about two years old, Christine
went back to teaching, eventually retiring from
Saugeen Central School, Port Elgin.
From 1988-1993 Christine filled the various
rolls of Vice-President, President and Past
President. She then moved to the role of
Newsletter Editor from 1994-1997. Members
of the Bruce County Historical Society are very
appreciative of the contribution Christine Welsh
made to the Society and extend their sympathy
to her family.
The society's membership secretary Donelda MacKinnon of Tiverton died
March 15, 2007, at the South Bruce Grey Health Centre in Kincardine. She was
81.
Donelda served as membership secretary from 1997 to 2006. She was the area
director of the society for Bruce West from 1990 to 1996.
She was born in Bruce Township on March 14, 1926. She and her husband
Bruce farmed in Kincardine Township until his death in 1981. She managed the
farm until 1986 when she moved to Tiverton.
She was a member of Knox Presbyterian Church and the Eastern Star. Donelda
was a tireless worker and well-respected in the community.
Bruce County Historical Society lost a much valued member in the passing
of Marion McGillivray in late 2006. Marion was editor of the yearbook for
most of the 1980s and served as secretary of the society for many years.
Marion was also editor of Reflections of Arran and All Our
Yesterdays, the Arran Township and Culross Township histories, and she
was layout and production editor of Bruce Township Tales and Trails.
She was author of two books still sold by the Bruce County Historical
Society. From City Streets to Trackless Forest is an historical
novel. In it Marion skillfully wove the known facts and family lore about
her great-grandmother Jane Smith, later Mrs. Peter Bartleman, into a
credible tribute to one of Bruce County's earliest pioneers. Critical Years,
co-written with Chris Paterson and published by Bruce County Historical
Society in 2002, is a history of the Bruce County Museum and Archives.
Marion was honoured by the Bruce County Historical Society in 2003 for her
many years of service. The plaque at that time noted that she "faithfully
dedicated herself for many years as teacher, editor, secretary and friend
to the causes of education, historical research and the retention of the
archives, in the County of Bruce".
Her many accomplishments as a secondary school teacher and local historian
are a legacy which will benefit many for years to come.
DONALDA MCCLURE WAS BCHS PRESIDENT
(Donalda McClure, a former president of the Bruce County
Historical Society, died in Chesley Nov. 14, 2005. The following
appeared in the Owen Sound Sun Times Nov. 16.)
By Mary Golem
Sun Times Correspondent
Her family remembers her as loving, hard-working, determined individual.
Many others remember her as the "voice of Chesley,"
a woman who for many years reported the
community's events to area newspapers, radio and television
stations and was actively involved in a host of community
organizations.
Donalda McClure died Monday at the Parkview
Manor Nursing Home in Chesley. She was 97 years of age.
From 1960 to the late 1990s, Mrs. McClure reported
the news from Chesley district to The Sun Times
in Owen Sound, the Kitchener-Waterloo Record,
CKNX radio, CKNX television, CFOS radio and on a
few occasions to CBC radio.
Her grandson, Matt McClure, now in India, followed
in his grandmother's footsteps and works as a foreign
news correspondent for CTV News.
Upon learning of his grandmother's death, Matt emailed
a note home to his father David saying his grandmother
"was full of life and lived every day to the fullest.
I always admired her seemingly endless drive. Just to say
I'm from the same stock makes me immensely proud."
David McClure, who now lives in Grand Bend, said
he has fond memories of his mother "and how she surely
whetted my son's appetite for journalism" by taking him
as a young boy to a council meeting in Chesley. He then
watched as she prepared and filed a report to several news
outlets.
Donalda Laverna (McGregor) McClure was born
in Bentinck Township on Feb. 23,1908, the daughter of
Jessie Young and Donald McGregor.
She attended S.S. 9 Sullivan and U.S.S. 2 Sullivan and Elderslie (Scone School) from 1914 to 1922, and the Chesley
High School from 1922-1926.
She wanted to be a teacher, but her father's disability
from a back injury prevented her from doing so and
she worked on the farm. However, five of her nine children
became teachers, as did some of her grandchildren.
David McClure recalls hearing his mother share
memories of the Spanish flu epidemic of 1918-1919.
"Many in the Chesley area died from the flu," she
wrote. "Mom remembered the tolling of the Chesley
church bells at the time of a death. She remembered taking
food in baskets to neighbours who had the flu, leaving
the food on the neighbour's doorstep." None of Mrs.
McClure's family died during the epidemic.
She remembered the Great Storm of Nov. 9,1913,
when so many ships sank on Lake Huron, David added,
and told of her father propping boards against inside
windows to prevent them from bowing in and shattering
from the wind pressure.
Mrs. McClure met her future husband, Matthew
James (Jim) McClure, at a Scone School box social, where
women prepared lunches, which were then auctioned off
in a fundraiser. Jim bought the lunch Donalda had prepared.
They were married on June 5, 1928, and honeymooned
on the S. S. Hibou, a Georgian Bay cruise ship
out of Owen Sound. The Hibou water tanks or water
pumped from Georgian Bay must have been contaminated
and Mrs. McClure contracted typhoid fever. She
spent the first month of her marriage in the Owen Sound
Hospital, her weight dropping to 90 pounds.
James and Donalda McClure had a family of nine
- Jean and Elizabeth, both deceased, Jim of Collingwood,
Scott of Toronto, Jessie in Nova Scotia, Donald of Chesley,
David of Grand Bend, Bill of Chesley and Malcolm, stillborn.
There were 31 grandchildren and 39 great-grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her husband Jim in
April, 2003, just two months shy of their 75th wedding
anniversary, four grandsons and one great-grandson.
"Mom and Dad had difficult times during the
Great Depression," David said, "but their resourcefulness
was such that we were completely unaware of the
Depression. Examples of my parents' resourcefulness
included growing about five acres of market garden and
selling the produce in Chesley and other towns, raising
poultry which would be killed, plucked and sold at the
Owen Sound barbecue Diner, marketing northern Ontario
blueberries shipped the day before from Blind River
to Chesley by rail, grinding wheat screenings late at night
for a local cattle farmer ... growing raspberries and strawberries
and selling nursery stock."
Donald McClure of Chesley remembers one summer
his mother picked 800 quarts of raspberries, often
having them picked and delivered to a store in Hanover
before the store even opened. He also remembers the
year she had 800 tomato plants in her garden.
Along with selling garden produce, the McClures
operated the family's water-powered feed mill business.
The mill, built in 1883, is a Chesley landmark and is now
operated by their grandson Bob.
David also recalled his parents shipping fertilized
eggs to Connaught Laboratories in Toronto in the 1950s for production of the
Salk polio vaccine. Both, at different times, were president of the Bruce
County Historical Society.
Mrs. McClure was also chair of the Chesley Public
School Board in the 1960s, a life member of the Chesley Hospital
Auxiliary, long-time member of the Chesley
Horticultural Society and "a staunch Liberal" who also
liked to read, quilt, make bread, keep scrapbooks, spin
wool, knit and crochet, her daughter-in-law Shirley said.
"I just don't know how she had the time to do all
the things she did."
An active member of the Free Presbyterian
Church (later known as the Presbyterian Reformed
Church) in Chesley, Mrs. McClure had a strong Christian
faith and a caring attitude toward others.
Known for her remarkable memory and knowledge
of Chesley's early days, Mrs. McClure "will be
missed," Arran-Elderslie Mayor Ron Oswald said.
"The McClures are a pioneer family in Chesley,"
he said. "Both Donalda and her husband Jim served their
community well ... Donalda was a great ambassador for
Chesley, a very sincere and dedicated lady."
M. J. 'JIM' McCLURE DIES, WAS SUPPORTER OF SOCIETY
Matthew James (Jim) McClure, a strong supporter and
tireless worker of the Bruce County Historical Society,
died in his 98ih year March 8, 2003 at Parkview Manor, Chesley.
Mr. McClure was born in Mooresburg, Sullivan
Township, Grey County, the fourth of seven children
of Matthew David and Elizabeth (Elliot) McClure. He
lived in Toronto until the early 1920s when he cycled
to Chesley to work in his grandfather Elliot's mill,
which had been sold to his parents.
He met Donalda McGregor at a box social in
the Scone School. They married June 5,1928, at the
McGregor farm in Sullivan Township, and lived on the
west side of Chesley where he operated the grist mill.
Keenly interested in politics, education, and
history, Jim was involved in several organizations in
Chesley and Bruce County. He was a life member of
the Bruce County Historical Society since its reorganization
in 1957, becoming President in 1963, and joint
editor of its Bulletin until 1970. He was on the New
Horizons Committee from 1979 to 1989. Jim was co-chairman
with John Sim of the Bruce County Archives
Building Committee & Trust Fund from 1969 to 1975.
Jim was a member of Chesley Council, 1963 to
1969, and a School Trustee 1950 to 1955.
When Jim had the time he enjoyed woodworking,
and started making grandfather clocks. His goal
was to build one for each of his children, making his
pattern from the grandfather clock in his home.
He enjoyed knitting, which he learned as a
child making items for the Red Cross during World
War I. He managed to find the time to knit scarves,
mittens, toques and other things for his grandchildren.
He was a devoted member, elder, and precentor
of the Presbyterian Reformed Church, Chesley.
Jim is survived by Donalda, his wife of nearly
75 years, five sons, Donald, Chesley, a past president
of the Bruce Historical Society; David, Grand Bend;
Jim, Collingwood; Bill, Chesley, and Scott, Toronto;
one daughter, Jessie DeBaie, Nova Scotia. Also 26
grandchildren, and 31 great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by two daughters, Jean
(McCurdy) McPhedran and Elizabeth Wathke, an infant
son, Malcolm; also by four grandsons, Andrew
McClure, Daniel McClure, Hugh & Philip Wathke;
and one great-grandson, Aaryn Fulton.
Jim was also predeceased by his sister, Estella
Kenyon, and brothers, William E., Alexander D., John
M., Douglas, and Innis S. McClure.
Funeral service took place at the Presbyterian
Reformed Church, Chesley, Wednesday, March 12 at
2 p.m, conducted by Rev. A. McCombie. Pallbearers
were son-in-law, Peter DeBaie, and grandsons, Robert
McCurdy, Ian McClure, Robert McClure, Boyd
McClure, and Campbell McClure. Spring interment
will be in the Chesley Cemetery.
A well-known Chesley furniture manufacturer,
conservationist, sportsman and historian, Howard Henry Krug, passed away in
Chesley on 16 October 1997 aged 93 years.
Howard Henry Krug was born in Chesley 24 September 1904,
son of Mr. & Mrs. Christian Krug. He was raised in Chesley
and received his early education in that town. He attended
the University of Toronto, graduating first in his class from
the School of Forestry in 1926. While at university, he spent
his summers in northern Ontario doing timber surveys for
the Dept. of Lands and Forests.
Mr. Krug was known for the outstanding care taken in the
Krug family woodlots which included the Kinghurst Forest
in Sullivan Township, Grey County. In 1931 he instituted a
programme of tree planting. Twenty-seven years later, a
desk was made from four of the first pine trees planted.
The Kinghurst Forest is remarkable in terms of both its
size and its age. It is said to be the most mature, least
disturbed upland forest of any size in Grey and Bruce
Counties. It is comprised of 600 acres of hardwood trees,
many of them over 200 years old and 100 feet tall. This land
has been gifted to the Federation of Ontario Naturalists and
has been designated as an Area of Natural and Scientific
Interest (ANSI).
An avid ornithologist, Mr. Krug was noted for his
contributions to bird banding in Ontario. During his lifetime
he banded more than 100,000 birds. He also played a key role
in bringing bluebirds back to Bruce County by establishing
a chain of nesting boxes throughout the County. He was
instrumental in securing Chantry Island, in Lake Huron off
Southampton, as a national migratory bird sanctuary.
Howard Krug was an enthusiastic sportsman. He was a
keen ball player, played on the college team in Toronto, and,
after returning to Chesley, on Inter-church teams. He was
an excellent skier and tennis player, and helped to reactivate
the Chesley Curling Club.
In 1950, upon the death of William Krug, he became
president of Krug Bros. Co. Ltd. and continued to hold that
office until the business was sold in 1987.
He was an adherent of Trinity Evangelical Church in
Chesley of which his grandparents were founding members
and which later became part of the United Church of
Canada.
Howard Krug, along with his brother Bruce, was an ardent
historian. He was one of the founding members of the reorganized
Bruce County Historical Society in 1957. Howard
and his brother, Bruce, have contributed generously, both
money and artifacts, to the Bruce County Museum and
Archives over the years. Members of the Bruce County
Historical Society are appreciative of their support, and
extend their sympathy to Bruce and the family.
Another victim of cancer, Mary Isobelle (Toots)
Underwood, passed away in Southampton on 15 June 1998 at
the age of 65. She was the wife of John V. Underwood of
Southampton, and the daughter of Jean (Leask) Clazie and
the late Grant Clazie of Saugeen Township. She is mourned
by three daughters and one son - Mary, Andy, Jane and
Betty, as well as eight grandchildren. She is also survived
by brother, Jim Clazie and his wife Edna, and sister-in-law,
Maureen Maundrell and husband Douglas.
Isobelle was a teacher for 35 years, first in several rural
schools in Saugeen and later in Port Elgin Saugeen Central
School. After retirement she became very active in
numerous activities and hobbies, one of which was editing
the Bruce County Historical Society Yearbook from 1989 to
1993. She was also a member of the Quilter's Guild and
travelled throughout the County collecting pictures and data
of antique and historical quilts. At the time of her illness
she had been incorporating this into a history of Bruce
County quilts.
We remember Isobelle for the enthusiasm she had for all
her interests, whether it was preparing a programme for the
South Saugeen W. I. or taking her school class on a tour of
the local museum. We remember her for her dependability
and loyalty to friends and associates and for original (and
sometimes controversial) ideas which usually improved the
"good" judgment of her co-workers to "better" judgment.
The Bruce County Historical Society is grateful for the
years of service which she cheerfully gave, and offers its
condolences to family members.
Mrs. Avery, the former Edna Kroft, was born and raised in
Wallace Township, Perth County. While a teenager during
World War II, she came to Kincardine to work in Malcolm's
Furniture Factory, making parts for the wings of Mosquito
Bombers. She married Orland Avery in 1955 and the couple
farmed near Armow in Kincardine Township. In 1975 her
husband died as the result of a tragic accident, but Edna
continued to farm the property and lived there until
hospitalized by her recent illness. She is survived by two
aunts, and a sister-in-law, Mrs. Ruth Kroft.
Edna was interested in people, her neighbourhood, her
church and local history. She took an active role in the
society, serving as committee member, president, treasurer
and a member of the Bruce County Museum Board. She also
helped with the publication of the Kincardine Township
History - all this in addition to her work in many other
associations in church and community.
One has only to view her beautiful home at Armow to
realize that her immaculate lawn and garden, her painted
and well-kept farm buildings, her weedless fields and trim
fences serve as a memorial to her diligence, intelligence,
tenacity and boundless energy. The endless stream of
visitors to her hospital bed during the past few months, as
well as the huge crowd at her funeral clearly show the
esteem in which she is held. May we warrant half as much
when our time comes!
Mrs. Downey, the former Hilda Fairbairn, was raised in St. Catharines. She graduated from the Ontario Agricultural
College (Entomology), Guelph, Ontario, where she met her
husband George. In 1938 the couple were married and
farmed Lot 19, Con. 12 of Kincardine Township. After
George's death in 1982, Hilda continued to reside there until
the last few months of illness. She is survived by her
sisters-in-law Allison and Agnes, son Fraser at home, and
daughter Janet (Mrs. Gary Robertson) of Gait.
Although not a native of Bruce, Hilda had a deep interest
in its people, and this interest soon translated into a hobby,
which became a life work in history and genealogy.
She was a founding member of the revived Bruce County
Historical Society in 1957, acting for a short time as its
treasurer, then its secretary for over 20 years. She was also
one of the "Founders" of the Bruce County Museum and
Archives at Southampton.
She quickly became an authority on the early settlers of
her community, then, of the nearby villages and towns. She
compiled the Tweedsmuir History of "Eskdale" and helped
compile the History of Kincardine Township. She wrote
weekly articles for the local newspaper entitled "Ae' Glint on Ither Days", and addressed groups far and near on her
favourite topic. She was never too busy to answer queries,
either by telephone or letter, and if she didn't know the
answer, she would find out.
William (Bill) Collins was born 4 October 1910 in Kincardine
Township, son of Annie and Thomas Collins. When he was
three years old, the family moved to Saskatchewan to farm.
Bill attended the University of Saskatchewan where he
received his Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture. Bill
was a cream and butter inspector for the Government of
Saskatchewan. He married Frieda Schoepp of Langenburg,
Sask., on 6 April 1942, and one week later he enlisted in the
army and served overseas in the Canadian Signal Corps.
After the war in 1946 he farmed on the lakeshore road at
Bruce Beach and also spent a few years as dairy fieldman for
Waterloo County, residing in Cambridge from 1962 -1972.
Then he returned to his farm at Bruce Beach to retire.
Bill Collins was a dedicated and valuable member of the
Bruce County Historical Society. He was an active member
of the executive for several years and served on various
committees, such as the New Horizons Committee which
was responsible for the purchase of equipment to furnish the
new Archives building in Southampton.
He seldom missed the monthly executive meetings
regardless of the weather or distance. He helped arrange
buses for the annual bus trips. No job was too small or too
involved for Bill, and he could be relied upon to offer his
help and suggestions whenever needed. He and his wife
Frieda willingly assisted with decorating Historical Society
floats for parades in communities throughout the County.
When the big ploughing matches were held in Bruce
County, Bill spent many hours helping with the Society's
booth at the site. He has helped the Society to interview
seniors and record their memories on tape. The Society has
been making a collection of slides of houses, businesses,
churches, schools and outstanding scenes of Bruce County
and Bill has been in charge of it. He helped to compile
several books for the Society.
Bill and his wife, Frieda, enjoyed travelling and went on
many tours in recent years throughout the world. Many
friends have enjoyed the travelogues they have given using
slides taken on these trips.
In 1979 William Collins became president of the Society
and was an excellent leader. He died on 23 May 1995 a week
after attending an open house for the Society in the County
Museum where they had a display of historical slides. His
friendly advice and support are sadly missed.