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

1909:

• Gena Branscombe’s name today is on a thousand lips, she has captivated town folk, and all are singing her praises.

• Despite leaden skies the greater part of the day, on Thursday, the fifth annual regatta of the Picton Yacht Club held at popular Glen Island was a classy and successful event.

• “I am astonished at the amount of filth which came under my observation, and I only wonder that there is not more sickness in town.” This is the startling commentary contained in the report to the Board of Health of E.A. Williams, Assistant Sanitary Inspector.

1939:

• Hydro is being extended to Bongards and a gang of men are erecting pole. Many homes are being wired.

• In spite of the rain, the garden party at Mrs. Clinton’s on Thursday afternoon turned out to be a very much enjoyed house tea, by those who were able to come. Iris and peonies were arranged artistically in the solarium and drawing room.

• Surprise that fears had been entertained for their safety were expressed by Murney Howe on his return to Picton Friday afternon after a 28-hour stay on Nicholsons Island, in Lake Ontario, off Huyck’s Point. With him were Mrs. Howe, Walter Insley and George Locke.

1969:

• Son of Mr. And Mrs. Ray Ostrander, Waupoos, Provincial Constable Michael Ostrander, who is with Bell’s Corners Detachment OPP is among 16 selected from the OPP for security detail at the Ontario Pavilion at Expo 70 in Osaka, Japan.

• A 1963 Chrysler hardtop, gray in colour, owned by David Lockwood, R.2 Picton, was stolen at Outlet Beach, Tuesday. Mr. Lockwood had driven it there and left it in a parking lot.

• Picton Fire Department responded to an alarm Tuesday afternoon. The alarm sounded automatically from the Royal Hotel. This proved to be a test alarm.

1979:

• The stage was set and actors in place Tuesday, but complexities surrounding one of Prince Edward County’s most controversial planning issues forced cancellation of an Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) hearing into a proposed subdivision at Waring’s Corners.

• The heat wave plaguing Prince Edward County this past week is even driving thieves to drink, according to one report of the Picton OPP Detachment. Polce reported Monday that an RR2, Ameliasburgh home owned by Gregory McMurter was entered forcibly July 8 and six pints of beer were taken.

• Three Prince Edward County writers have been named in a list of 651 artists and art organizations to receive grants this year from the Ontario Arts Council (OAC). Marion Bright, RR 1, Hillier and Janet Lunn, RR 2, Hillier, will receive writer’s awards valued up to $4,000.