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

1910

• The increasing popularity of the stoves and ranges manufactured by the D. J. Barker Company of this town has made it necessary for this firm to increase the output of their plant. During the past week a large addition 27 x 72 feet has been built to the moulding room and the roof of the whole building ventilated and lighted so as to give the workman every comfort and convenience.

• The big storm on Friday night did considerable damage to the barn on the farm of Fred J. Roblin, Gore G., about five miles from town. The barn was severely hit in nine or ten places. A fine young horse in the basement stable, belonging to his tenant, Samuel Cross, was struck and killed.

• The Rednersville Institute held their annual meeting in Redner’s Hall and elected officers for the coming year. The District President, Mrs. J. Talcott, was present and gave an excellent address, which was very much enjoyed and appreciated by the fifty ladies present. 

1940 

• When his car went into the ditch at Woodrous Corners Saturday afternoon, Alfred Ashcroft of Point Petre suffered a broken nose. He was driving his car towards Picton and it is alleged another car came out of East Lake Road without stopping and caused his to hit the soft shoulder and go over a four-foot bank. 

• During the last two years Cooper’s School (S.S. No. 9, Hallowell) has been making a special effort to correspond with pupils of foreign countries. On account of language difficulties most of the letters have been sent to countries of the British Empire.

• Spring may be late this year but a visit to Lockyer’s greenhouses at this time reveals a riot of blooms and fragrance. This year the snapdragons were unusually beautiful and the flowers large and heavy. Several long beds of various colours were noted.

1970

• All parents and others interested in youth work in general and minor hockey in particular are urged to attend the annual meeting of the Picton District Minor Hockey Association Wednesday night. 

• A guide to help senior citizens avoid becoming victims a “con man” was produced in the legislature by John Yaremko, minister of social and family services. The guide is printed on packetize paper that folds like an accordion and fits easily in a wallet.

• Active in Prince Edward County Agricultural Society for the past 25 years, and secretary-treasurer for 22 of these years, Phil Dodds last weekend announced to officers and directors he is relinquishing the post immediately .

• The fledging Milford fire fighting brigade faced its first test of a serious first Monday and came through with flying colours. 

1980

• Almost 15 months of contract talks came to end last week sending 200 Hastings – Prince Edward Counties Roman Catholic School Board teachers back to work with a two year agreement. 

• Some of the oldest tombstones in Sophiasburgh Township, in Big Island Cemetery, have been destroyed by vandals after standing for 150 years or more. Eleanor Lindsay, Deputy Reeve of Sophiasburgh and Amy Vader of Big Island have been listing names from all the pioneer graves they can find in Sophiasburgh this spring in hopes of printing a booklet of the history and genealogy of the area.

• The Spring cycling season of Quinte Bicycle Club has started and many events are planned. All cyclists in the area, novice or accomplished, are invited to participate. If you can ride around Belleville, you can enjoy the club’s Sunday outings.