Each week, the Gazette looks back on stories from the past. Here is what happened this week, by year…

1937

-The federal agriculture ministry officially designated Holmes Matthie’s farm in Bloomfield an “illustration station,” meaning it would be used for experiments in crop rotation, seed planting and other farming strategies.

– Cheesemakers in Prince Edward and Hastings counties fetched more than $1 million for their products over the course of the year, making 1937 the best year for sales since the First World War. All of the deals were cash transactions.

– Joseph L. Haycock, the pioneer of third parties in Canada, died at 87. His 14 Patrons of Industry, elected in 1894, were the first non-major coalition party elected to the legislature at Queen’s Park.

1957

– Carman Scott would retain the reeveship in Picton, beating challenger Woodrow Blakely by 46 votes. Hallowell also had a race for reeve with incumbent Dwight Reynolds defeating challenger Bruce Hyatt by 108 votes.

– Volunteers were sought to help with the installation of the new ice plant at the County Arena in Picton. In particular, people were needed to lay 2×6 boards on the ground. The freezing pipes would be laid down on top of those boards.

– Members of the Milford United Church pastoral charge were engaged in a major project to build a new parsonage for their minister and family. Quentin Minaker donated land to house the $8,000 structure.

1977

– Barium levels in the water at Fenwood Gardens prompted concerns from some residents. Dr. Robert Vaughan would not drink the water himself and considered the level 30 times the “ideal” maximum for drinking. Aesthetic problems associated with hard water were also a concern.

– Ameliasburgh Township councillor Klaas Werkhoven confirmed that ratepayers would not be on the hook for a new water supply for Fenwood Gardens . He noted users would pay the bill for the connection, however, the township was lobbying the province for help with costs.

– County councillors were encouraged by decreasing unemployment numbers compared to those from the same time in 1976.

1997

– The Picton OPP detachment executed a search warrant at a Bowery Street residence and seized several marijuana plants, growing equipment, and smoking equipment. The 13 occupants of the house were arrested on possession charges — 12 of whom were between the ages of 14 and 17. A 60-year-old man was also charged.

– Picton’s Adult Day School was in jeopardy of closing as there were concerns there weren’t enough students enrolled to keep the program viable in the face of school-board amalgamation.

– Ridge Road Aggregates Inc. was considering legal action with regard to a County official plan amendment process its president described as a “conspiracy.”