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

1909

The Woman’s Institute meeting passed off very pleasantly at the home of Mrs. W. S. Blakely on Tuesday, June 8, with 22 in attendance. After the opening hymn was sung the minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. The institute decided to have a picnic at the True Blue Orphanage on July 22nd, an invitation is extended to the farmers’ club to attend.
During the heavy rain storm which visited this district last week, lighting struck the large barn on the farm belonging to Mr. Hayes, recently purchased by him from Mr. White, in the third concession of the township of Ameliasburgh, completely destroying the building as well as ail the contents. The loss will be considerable. The fire burned so rapidly that the neighbors were unable to render any assistance.
“Uncle John Hyatt, West Lake, writes the Farmers’ Sun as follows: “Prince Edward is looking fine. Meadows were never better. Fall wheat is good and pasturage No. 1. Cows are doing well, and orchards blooming great. Spraying and caring for orchards is being done properly. Canker, which has caused a considerable damage, is being properly handled. Truck farming is being pushed, and well done. Early sown wrinkled peas are looking fine. Factory corn all planted, and tomatoes practically all set out. I never saw better cultivation of soil for truck crop than has been done by the growers this year.” Uncle John is pretty good authority on farm questions and generally knows what he is talking about.

1939

Some pressure may be brought to bear on the Ontario Department of Highways to provide a continuous day and night ferry service at Glenora as a result of the following motion. Dep. – Reeve Nethery expressed the belief that Highway 33 had been built at considerable cost, and a continuous ferry service was indicated to give the road proper usability.
At Picton Town Council meeting Monday night, a new fire limits bylaw received three readings and passed, which revises the previous bylaw dated 1883. Ex-Mayor R. A. Norman had given a great deal of time in co-operation with Solicitor Ward in drafting the new bylaw.
Councillor Gerow, as chairman of streets, asked for an expression of opinion by Council members. Out of $3,000 usually spent for oil, only about ten per cent was available for town working men and trucks. He realized the value of oil to the streets, but this year the need of the working man had to be considered, and work would be carried out which put the money into the pockets of labourers.

1969

Friday, June 13, is a “lucky” date for Washburn VanDusen of Picton. For that is the date of his 100th birthday. Mr. VanDusen is still well and active and recently attended Prince Edward Masonic Lodge of which he has been a member for over 50 years. He is a retired school principal.
Prince Edward’s poet laureate, Keith Rogers, became angry this winter when the Canada Council refused him a grant to offset the cost of publishing his brain child, “Linda.” Now he has resolved to make it on his own. Rogers, who describes “Linda” as an international magazine of poetry, scrimped to publish 700 copies for a Centennial project. It was March, 1968, however, before the magazine went to press, selling at $0.50 a copy.
The Red Cross blood donor clinic of June 11th at the Anglican Parish Hall, Picton, had a good turnout. 205 pints of blood were donated at this clinic, the target for this clinic was 200 pints. 35 new donors were welcomed to help reinforce the support of the regulars.

1979

According to Picton business woman Bev Skidmore, tourists no longer take a summer vacation just to lie in the sun and relax. Through observations in her County Book’n Craft Shop, Mrs. Skidmore knows they want to learn about the areas they visit.
Wellington and district students took part in two new after-school activities this year. On Mondays, Mrs. Ian Taylor taught yoga to 54 students and on Fridays students learned disco dancing. 18 students from the disco class will be performing at C.M.L. Snider’s Variety Night.
Children of all ages will be able to take part in a summer program sponsored by the Sophiasburgh Recreation Committee. Commencing Tuesday, July 3, playground activities, tennis, swimming and gymnastics will be taught by four student staff members. Cathy Kempenaar, 20; Liz Duyzer, 18; Tracy Rosborough, 15; and Kathy Pearsall, 15, will be the instructors.