Articles: 1950's

195?

Saint Andrew’s Hall, above, now a part of Wolfe Island United Church, was recently officially reopened and rededicated. The building which was moved from its original site and placed at the rear of the United Church structure was erected almost 100 years ago.
St. Andrew’s Hall, Wolfe Island, Is Reopened, Rededicated
By Fred B. Pense
Staff Writer
(Date: 195?
From: Kingston Whig?)
Official re-opening and rededication of Saint Andrew’s Hall took place recently at Wolfe Island. The service was conducted by Douglas Shanks, student minister, assisted by Rev. Dr. G.A. Brown, minister emeritus of Chalmers United Church, Kingston. The building was re-dedicated in memory of Rev. E. Leroy Rice, former minister of Wolfe Island United Church, who died last year.

Rev. Mr. Rice was at one time minister of the First Congregational Church, corner of Wellington and Johnson streets in Kingston, now the Masonic Temple. Mr. Rice was for many years a minister at Barre, Vt. He was a past district governor of Rotary International. Following his retirement, due to ill health, he took up residence at Wolfe Island where he summered for many years while he was in the activity ministry of the church. He served as minister of Wolfe Island Church for about four years.

Following the service of dedication a social program was presented by the Women’s Association of Wolfe Island United Church under the direction of Mrs. W.E. Horne

On June 25, 1855, the first meeting was held to discuss the possibility of erecting a church building for the Presbyterians of Wolfe Island, then known as Long Island. Donald Ross was elected chairman pro tem and a motion was passed that immediate steps be taken for the construction of a Presbyterian church in connection with the established Church of Scotland.

The congregation of St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church was officially founded at a meeting held in the new church building on April 17, 1858. The first elders of the congregation were Azel Cook, George Michea and John Onwin. The following men made the first board of managers, Azel Cook, Daniel Cook, William Henderson, John Horne, George McDonald, John S. McDonald and George Stoakes.

At a special meeting on July 8, 1878, the congregation approved a plan for removing the church building into the village of Marysville from its site at the corner of the Seventh Concession and the South Base Line. With the approval of the Kingston Presbytery the building was duly moved and the manse, barn and property were sold to Susan Fargo for $480. In 1879 the building was moved to the village.

In 1924, the Methodist and the Presbyterian Church congregations resolved themselves into one body and met for worship in the Methodist church. The following year, the united congregations associated themselves with the United Church of Canada. At the same time the Presbyterian Church building became the church hall and was called Saint Andrew’s Hall.

Extensive re-decorations were carried out in the hall in 1946. The steeple was removed and the hall repainted throughout.

The latest renovation was begun on Oct. 19, 1951, when the board of managers with the Rev. Mr. Rice as chairman decided to move Saint Andrew’s Hall over to adjoin the United Church building. R. L. Parratt, Kingston contractor, was employed to do the work. The Hall was set on a concrete foundation and a kitchen was built in the corner between the two buildings. The whole unit was covered with insul brick, the inside walls and ceiling were replastered, hardwood flooring was laid and kitchen shelving installed.

The transfer of the deed for the lot where the hall had been standing was effected on July 25 last. The trustees of Wolfe Island United Church, H. Armstrong, J. R. Belyae and A.O. Keyes signed the deed over to the school board for the erection of a new public school

1950

Toronto Star
Monday, November 6, 1950 A qualified teacher for separate school on Wolfe Island, Ont. State qualifications and salary to be expected. Duties to begin December 1, 1950. Address all applications to T. O’SHEA, Jr. secretary-treasurer of the Union Separate School Board, Wolfe Island, Ont.

1951

Submitted by AM Benson
Transcribed by Dean Snider
Kingston Whig Standard
Dec 10 1951
42 Foxes Killed by Hunters on Wolfe Island
By Murray Kennedy
DESPITE ADVERSE weather conditions, the fox hunt put on by the Wolfe Island Fish and game club was termed a great success by all who attended Friday and Saturday. Over 60 outside hunters joined with 35 from the island to shoot 42 foxes in the two-day hunt. Only 12 of the animals were shot on Friday.
Rain Thursday night and early Friday morning kept the foxes denned up thus giving the 60 hounds little chance of picking up a scent the first day of the hunt. But with the change in the weather, the hounds, according to some of the veteran hunters had about 200 foxes on the run Saturday.
With the poor weather conditions, unfamiliar territory for the outside hunters, and the fact that the foxes stayed in their dens when they heard the hounds, all concerned—humans, that is—were very satisfied with their haul. All members of the island club, from President Bill Kiell down to the newest member came-in for words of praise from the hunters and five game wardens who attended the affair.
Over 160 people attended the open meeting of the club held on the island Friday night. With Reeve John W. Keyes in attendance, movies on wild life were shown, speeches by several people on fox hunting were given and a lunch was served by five girls from Wolfe Island. Eight new members were brought into the club bringing the total membership to 206 hunters.
More than one oldster was heard to remark that if there had been about two inches of snow during the two days, the number of foxes brought down would have doubled or tripled. From all reports Ted Hickey, of the Kingston Rod and Gun Club, was the individual deadeye with three of the pests to his credit. One group was credited with bringing down six.
Although there will be no more orgnized hunts this season for foxes, island authorities say that any hunter or hunters who wish to come over on their own to help the islanders rid themselves of this expensive nuisance are entirely welcome. The club still hopes to stock the island with pheasants next spring but more or all of the foxes will have to be killed.
One thing all outside hunters remarked on and will talk about for some time to come is the hospitality of the Wolfe Island hunters and residents. Everything that could be done to make the visitors at home, make their trip a pleasant one and as far as possible, a successful one was done. Many words of praise were heard from the Wolfe Island Fish and Game Club and island residents who did so much to make the hunt the success it was.

Submitted by AM Benson
Transcribed by Dean Snider
Kingston Whig Standard
4 Dec 1951
Reeve Keys is Re-elected
Reeve, John W. Keyes of Wolfe Island was re-elected for another term when the voters went to the polls on Monday. He received 250 votes to hold a scant margin of 13 over his opponent Craig Russell with 237: “Howard Kyle, with 265 votes headed the poll for council. Next came James McAllister with 256, Edward MacDonald with 237 and Munroe Mahoney with 235.
The defeated council candidates were George Eves with 184 votes and James O’Neill who trailed with 110.

Thanks to Wilf Garrah for photo!
A Summer view of old pickett’s ferry in 1951

1952

Submitted by AM Benson
Transcribed by Dean Snider
Kingston Whig Standard
5 Dec 1952
Wolfe Island
WOLFE ISLAND—On Nov 20 and 21 the Parish Hall, Wolfe Island, was filled to capacity when the audience saw a delightful play entitled "Calm Yourself,” sponsored by the CYO.
The characters were well chosen and suited to their individual parts. The lead role was well displayed by Helen McKenna and she was amply supported by Harold Johnson, who gave a splendid performance. The other members of the cast included Naomi Greenwood, Theo Taggart, Johnny O’Shea, Mary Flynn, Mildred Hawkins, Dick Hogan, Glenn O’Shea and Danny Taggart.
The play was under the direction of Mrs. Malcolm Hogan.
Between acts the audience enjoyed a square dance presented by the younger set. They were accompanied by Mrs. Malcolm Hogan and Mrs. Howard McKenna. Those taking part were: Judy Murphy, Ola Siville, Theresa Bottan, Doris McKenna, Ken white, Carl Greenwood, Dick Martin and George White.
Miss Patsy Taggart entertained the audience with a solo entitled “Memories”
Desmond McDonell and Gerald Greenwood played and sang their rendition of “Too Old to cut the Mustard Anymore.”
Little Miss Myrna Watts showed promise of a good dancer. She delighted the audience with Hyland Fling.

Submitted byAM Benson
Transcribed by Dean Snider
Kingston Whig Standard
4 Dec 1952 page 5
Wolfe Island “Family Night” Held Friday Night
Wolfe Island – Another successful “Family Night” sponsored by the Catholic women’s League, was held on Friday, Nov 28, in the Parish Hall, Wolfe Island.
The attendance reached all expectations and an enjoyable evening was spent by all, young and old alike.
The first part of the evening was spent playing euchre and forty-fives. There were 24 tables in all, six of which were reserved for the children.
Prize winners were as follows: Women, 1st prize, Mrs. Harry Scales; 2nd prize, Miss Theresa O’Reilly; consolation prize, Mrs. Douglas Siville.
Men: 1st prize, James O’Reilly; 2nd prize Carey McAllister; consolation prize, James Barrett.
Children: Girls, 1st prize, Mildred McDonald; 2nd prize, Margaret McDonald; consolation prize, Doreen Greenwood.
1Boys: 1st prize, Dickie Feeney; 2nd prize, Gene McDonald; consolation prize, Bobby Feeney.
Dancing from 11 to 1 followed to the music of Harold LaRush and his orchestra.

From AM Benson
Kingston Whig Standard
June 7 1952
Dode? Briggs, Simcoe Island, is thinking seriously of stocking the island with goats. He purchased a fine one on Saturday. The result of the election on the island was a disappointment to many. It was expected by Shibley’s friends that he would have fifty of a majority. The seventeen-months old child of M. and Mrs. Patrick Tobin, died in the Hotel Dieu hospital last week from a complication of diseases. The remains were brought to the island and interred. Another of their children, whose life has been despaired of, is slightly improved. Joseph Fallon, Cornwall, was here last week and secured some good orders for monuments. Patrick Lyons, who broke his leg quite recently, despite his age, is doing as well as can be expected. Mrs. George Greenwood, on an extended visit to Three Rivers, Mich., is expected home this week. Dr. George Baker, Burlington, Vt., is visiting his mother. Mr. and Miss McArthur, of Kingston, are now occupying their cottage for the summer.

From AM Benson
Kingston Whig Standard
Dec 5, 1952 page 25
Wolfe Island
Wolfe Island—Mrs. And Mrs. Harry Hogan, Bath, visiting Mr. Hogan’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Hogan, Wolfe Island, last week-end. Mrs. And Mrs. Charles Murphy and son, Jimmie, Wolfe Island spend the week-end with Mr. and Mrs. Carl Mosier, Evansmills, N.Y.
Mrs. Oliver Greenwood and Mrs. Howard Kyle, Wolfe Island, pent a week as the guests of their brother, Mr. Reginald Hultan, Buffalo, N.Y.
Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Hogan, Toronto, were the guests of Mr. Hogan’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Hogan, Wolfe Island.
Mr. and Mrs. William Mosier, Wolfe Island were the guests of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Mosier, Evansmills, N.Y., for a few days.
Mr. and Mrs. Stewart Hogan, formerly of Wolfe Island, now of Odessa, spend last week-end as guests of Mr. and Mrs. Harry O’Brien, Wolfe Island.
Miss Mabel Walker, Wolfe Island, spend the last few days visiting Mrs. Emma Graham, Kingston.
Mr. and Mrs. Philip Keon, Kingston, spend last weekend as guests of Miss Clara Hogan, Wolfe Island.
Mr. and Mrs. Timothy O’Shea, sr., Mrs. William Joslin, Mrs. Thomas Brown and Mr. Donald McDonald of Wolfe Island were among those attending the Farm Forum banquet at Sydenham on Tuesday last.
Mr. and Mrs. Fred Henderson Wolfe Island, have taken up residence in Kingston.

1953

Toronto Star, “Pages of the Past”
Monday, June 29, 1953
O’REILLY
Reception Is Held When 16 Ordained
His Eminence, James C. Cardinal McGuigan, Archibishop of Toronto, ordained 16 seminarians of the Congregation of St. Basil to the priesthood this morning.
A reception was held for the families of the following: …Rev. Edward O’REILLY, Wolfe Island…

Toronto Star, Friday, June 26, 1953

Kingston, June 26: Ralph GAULIN, student pilot at Kingston flying club, has been grounded for five years by the club for low flying over nearby Wolfe Island, officials said today.

When asked recently about his transgression, he replied (Jan 27, 2003):

“That’s me. I was a smart-assed kid of 17 and like all 17-year-olds I thought I knew it all. I was grounded for five years by the Department of Transportation. Then the local police wanted a piece of me. This was December 1953. My Aunt called me at work and told me they were looking for me. That afternoon I had a friend drive me to Watertown and I joined the U.S. Air Force. It was the best thing I did in my life.

The Air Force took a know it all punk kid and turned him into a (if I do say so myself) a young gentleman. I was in the Air Force for 21 years. I still flew after I got out and Janet (wife) and I flew into Kingston all the time. I talked to the man that had me grounded. He remembered me. He told me that if I was a jet pilot in a Jet aircraft, he still would have grounded me. I thanked him for doing it. It changed my life for the good.

The Aunt that warned me was Jean CRAWFORD (daughter of Captain James CRAWFORD & Isabella PAYNE).

1954

Jan 21, 1954 Howe Island District News Page 10 Col 6
Pickett’s Ferry is laid up for the season, and walking on the ice is the means of crossing. The ferry at the foot of the Island is operating every day.

1955

Toronto Star
Tuesday, December 27, 1955
Toronto Star, “Pages of the Past”
Thrown Into Frigid Lake Ontario When Sleigh Breaks Ice, 18 Persons Rescued By Tug Off Wolfe Island Near Kingston
[Lengthly Article with Pictures]
Seventeen people today are still talking of “a Christmas day miracle” that saved them from drowning in the icy waters of Lake Ontario after a sleigh on which they were riding to meet the ferry Salvage Prince broke through the ice and went to the bottom near Wolfe Island.
The sleigh driven by Gary LaRUSH of Wolfe Island was making its way across the ice with 17 passengers loaded with Christmas presents, returning to Kingston after spending Christmas on the island.
Names mentioned: Gary LaRUSH, LT. & Mrs. Daryl SMALL & family, Mr. & Mrs. Jim MURPHY & family, May PYKE, Mr. & Mrs. Louis KANE, Mrs. HERMANS, Mrs. Wilhelminia VANSTRIEN and rescuers Mr. & Mrs. George SPAFFORD and ferry Captain George BATES.

1956

Submitted by George Halladay
The Whig – Standard
Kingston, Ontario
News Item
MONDAY, MAY 7, 1956
A block of 1,500 acres on the west end of Wolfe Island has been acquired by a New York syndicate, W.J. Henderson, MP for Kingston, revealed to The Whig-Standard this morning. The group, represented by William Ralph West of New York, includes nearly 150 large United business firms. It has purchased the property to use as "vacation land." There is a hint that something more important may be in the offing, but nothing official could be learned as to the real future plans of the buyers. The purchase price was $60,000. An airstrip nearly a mile long will be laid out first of all, it was said. The runways will provide for the landing of airplanes of Convair design.
Most of the present farmhouses on the block will be repaired. Later in the summer, a large "lodge" will be erected. "This will be a first-class opportunity to interest a number of the top businessmen of the United States, if not the world, in the availability of industrial possibilities in the Kingston area," Mr. Henderson commented this morning.
He declines, however, to elaborate on rumors in the city that the present Wolfe Island sale of farmland might be the first stage of a large development there. Mr. Henderson said the group formerly had a large lodge at Chesapeake Bay, but that this land had been relinquished for the present site.

1958

Click on pic for clearer and larger version
60 Years at Keyboard
(About Howe Island Organist)
Article from abt 1958.
Thanks to Wilf Garrah for article!
The old and the new come together at St. Philomena’s, Howe Island, during the centennial days. Organist for more than 60 years Miss Margaret LaChance sits by the new organ installed as a Centennial presentation. Beside her is Rev. R.C. Pickett, only native son of the Island in the priesthood and Joseph Lawless, present organist. (Clifford)

Submitted by Wilf Garrah
Transcribed by Dean Snider
Kingston Whig Standard
Abt 1958
SIXTY YEARS AT ORGAN
NEVER MISSED A SUNDAY HOWE ISLAND—As she nears her 83rd birthday, Miss Margaret LaChance is still a tall, thin, straight lady with red cheeks and enough energy left to fight any attempts at publicizing her record as the first organist of St. Philomena’s Church
As a matter of fact she was the only organist the church knew for more than 60 years. When she first sat down to the small pump organ she was fifteen years old. She hoped she could manage the thing for she had only a few music lessons. She managed it for more than 60 years although she still maintains:
“Sure I don‘t know a scale from a chord”
Miss LaChance retired from organ playing two years ago and happily, but somewhat regretfully, turned the duties over to Joseph Lawless a comparative newcomer to the island, and not even born when she was already a veteran at the job.
ALTHOUGH MISS LACHANCE is too modest to claim any records, she has probably set many of them as parish organist. In all years she can’t remember missing a Sunday. “I never traveled very far,” she said, which may account for finding her at the accustomed spot in front of the organ so regularly.
She could couldn’t see why there should be any fuss at all over her organ playing and it took the pleading and sometimes stern words of two priests and a companion to get her seated at the new organ for a picture. “I played mostly by ear,” she explained modestly. But there was much she didn’t master, for she played at everything in the church from Sunday Mass, funerals, weddings and devotions. She has seen a lot of parish history enacted in the small church, and so interested in the doings of the parish was she that she compiled a hand written history of it over the years. A lot of interesting facts are recorded here that are not found in more official historical accounts of the Island. It records for example, the names of all men and women in religious life who had any connection with the parish.
Both Miss LaChance’s parents were born on the Island. She lives with her two brothers Patrick and Peter, 79 year old twins who still farm “about a ten-minute drive from the church.” Like their sister they take her long organ playing days for granted as they do their own many works around the parish.
THEY DIDN’T HELP MUCH in the music department though. “If I sang everyone would run out of the place,” Patrick said, and Peter just said he didn’t have the throat for it.
Miss LaChance remembers most of the priests who have served on the Island, and knows well all those who have been resident pastors. but though she has played the organ for most of her life, she will not play any favorites when it comes to picking pastors. “They were all lovely pastors” she said.
Organ playing didn’t take up all Miss LaChance’s time however. In her spare time she kept the church clean and looked after the altar.

The Islands: Articles: 1950's