Each week, the Gazette looks back on stories from the past. Here is what happened this week, by year…
1928
-J. N. Bailey, of Picton, and a male passenger escaped serious injury when a vacuum tank in his car exploded on the highway near Bloomfield, setting the car on fire. The car was rendered almost a complete loss.
– After much debate, Hallowell Township council decided it would no longer be providing any further aid to people who wouldn’t work. Councillors’ decision was supported by public feedback after the municipality canvassed ratepayers about the question.
– Prince Edward County passed a bylaw calling for $29,000 worth of 20-year $100 debentures with the funding to be issued to pay for its allocation of roadwork on roads designated as provincial highways.
1948
– The Prince Edward Chamber of Commerce appointed a committee to meet with MPP James Hepburn about expanding ferry service at the Glenora crossing throughout the year. Officials in Lennox and Addington were also in favour.
– Prince Edward-Lennox MP George Tustin opposed the Agricultural Products Act, stating that the price controls it proposed would be detrimental to the interests of cheese producers. He noted cheese was already being sold below cost and even with government subsidy, it seemed necessary to allow price increases.
– A group of Dutch men and women arrived in the county. The immigrants would find work in familiar agricultural fields.
1978
-Officials in Ameliasburgh Township were considering building a $1-million recreation centre near Kente Public School. They applied to Prince Edward County for a $100,000 grant, but were turned down as not enough work had been done to inform ratepayers prior to budget proceedings.
– Picton businessman Alex Lipson suffered substantial losses as his Trenton store was gutted in a downtown fire which affected 11 stores, caused an estimated $2 million in damages, and put 75 out of work.
– The Picton Salvation Army spent $2,082 in 1977 on 117 days of care for unwed mothers. It also provided financial support to allow a local resident to stay at the House of Concord halfway house for 72 days.
1998
– The OPP officially opened a new office by the Ameliasburgh municipal hall that would house four constables and one sergeant to provide coverage for Hillier and Ameliasburgh wards. The office was expected to improve police response times in the north end of the county.
– About 220 people came out to the first Taste The County event at a Prince Edward Federation of Agriculture banquet. They were able to sample local food and hear federal agriculture minister Lyle Vanclief give an overview of the industry.
– Playwright Suzanne Pasternak was researching to write a commissioned show about one of Canada’s leading female composers, Picton native Gena Branscombe.