Eldridgeville Social Pages

 

Better Together

By now residents of Eldridgeville will have noticed the Rural Beautification Project undertaken by the Eldridgeville Ladies Circle and The Men's Bench. Harold, the newly self-appointed president of The Men's Bench decided a collaboration of the two groups was in order. The Men's Bench spent three Saturdays building bluebird nesting boxes. The Ladies Circle was invited to paint the bird houses before they were installed on fence posts along the highway. Some of the ladies belong to a Monday afternoon art group and went all out decorating the beautiful nesting boxes. Some women on the other hand were less artistic  so some bird houses are rather plain. Still, they get an A for effort in the project! 

The committee staggered them on fence posts so that people driving along the highway would notice the Rural Beautification Project but not actually compare the works of art to the plain bird houses. Unfortunately, Harold miscalculated the date that bluebirds pair off and nest. This season, Eldridgeville has an explosion of field swallows using the nesting boxes. Now that Harold has done his research, the boxes will be installed earlier in April next year. Live and learn! Everyone who owns a screwdriver is invited to take down and clean the bluebird boxes the weekend before Thanksgiving.

The front porch of Eldridgeville General Store is now complete. Mr. Eldridge is thrilled and can often be found sitting on one of the benches visiting with customers. Everyone is glad to see him slowing down a little and enjoying life. Walt, who headed up the bench and planter construction invited the Ladies Circle to plant and maintain the planters as soon as the risk of frost passes. Mr. Eldridge agreed to cover the cost of plants. A schedule will be posted for the watering and weeding. 

The joint projects have been enjoyed by all participants. Last week, they decided "Better Together" is a motto worth pursuing. A lot of good stuff is happening in Eldridgeville!

Town and County News

 Town and County News

By Clive Cuffler: Staff Reporter

New bylaw

As reported last week Council held a meeting to discuss the feasibility of declaring Nuance Road a one way street. Unfortunately the meeting was cancelled at the last minute due to not having a quorum. No date for the next meeting has been scheduled as of this post.

In our humble opinion having a one way street in our town would do nothing but cause confusion. The Mayor and Council need to get their priorities straight concerning what our town needs. A one way street is the least of our worries.

Pot holes on Elgin St.

A new pothole was reported this week on Elgin Street. 

“Ayup,” reported Leonard Cutter. “That hole was so big that Kenny Draper was seen kayaking people across it.”

When the Mayor was asked about this he would neither affirm or deny the pothole in question. ‘Kenny Draper has done some wild stunts,” he replied. 

A reporter was sent out to see the pothole for himself but has yet to return with the story. We may have to send another reporter to see what is taking him so long to report on this story. Stay tuned for further details.  

Loyal Order of Goose Callers

Clive Yarborough is looking for members to join his newly formed local group The Loyal Order Of Goose Callers. 

When asked why he was forming a group here he said,”during hunting season we hear them all over the place. I thought it would be good to form a local chapter so that we would all be up on the best ways to attract geese to our township. We are known for goose hunting out here.“

If you are interested in joining the HONK, that’s what they call the club, please let Clive know. He is hoping to open a little drinking establishment down at Clive’s Pond to encourage members to talk to one and another. 

Outhouse missing

Fanny Albright has sent out an urgent SOS. Whoever removed her outhouse is being advised to return it ASAP. 

“Big Bubba is going to blow if we don’t get it back soon,” said Fanny in her only statement. “Please show some compassion.”

If anyone knows the whereabouts of Fanny and Bubba’s outhouse please let them know. Those downwind would appreciate some relief

Election update

For the forty third week in a row the Mayor has put out a call asking anyone who would like to be a counsellor to submit their name in writing to the Mayor.

“We are mystified,” reported the Mayor, “that this vacancy has lasted so long. Usually we fill these positions within hours as they are one of the few good paying jobs in the township.”

When asked what the hold up was in filling the position the Mayor mumbled something about the last counsellor being shot at by a constituent, before he hustled off. 

Please send your resume to the Mayor so we can remove this item of concern from the list of issues within the Township.

In a related story the Mayor has been offering lessons on how to clean your guns safely for all who may be interested. 

 

 

We return to 1951 in this week’s reminder of Eldridgeville’s history

A Royal Fly-By  

 

October 15, 1951

Mary McSweeney—Special Royal Reporter

ELDRIDGEVILLE, Ontario — A very convincing rumour took hold last Wednesday, setting in motion a flurry of activity unseen in our fair town since the parade to celebrate VE Day ended when the mayor, in a moment of great ceremony and failing eyesight, presented the ‘Miss Eldridgeville’ banner to the wrong Chicory twin—sparking what many still refer to as World War Three.

The rumour began circulating following the return of Mr. Wisely who had been visiting his sister in the city for several days prior. On the train ride home he overheard a group of women discussing the upcoming visit of Princess Elizabeth and her husband Prince Philip. Upon his arrival at Eldridgeville Station, Wisely witnessed an unusual site—a group of businessmen and two men in kilts—leading him to believe plans were underway to accommodate the royals. He immediately contacted acting mayor John Dooley to inquire how the town intended to welcome the couple. (Dooley having been installed as acting mayor following the sudden disappearance of the petty cash fund and resignation of Mayor Culpepper). Dooley assembled a “Royal Welcome Committee” led by Deputy Police Chief Newberry who was left in charge while Police Chief Bacon was spending a week at his cottage with strict ‘do not disturb’ instructions.

The committee flew into action, somehow determining the royal couple would likely be in town on Sunday October 14, giving them only a few days to prepare. Residents were required to remove their vehicles from Main Street with all obliging except Old Man Ledbetter who’s 1934 Packard 8 Coupe Roadster had been parked on Main Street since he stopped driving on his ninety-third birthday almost two years earlier.

Storefronts and sidewalks were scrubbed and the street was decked out using bunting unearthed from Mrs. Kinderman’s attic—stored there since the town celebrated the royal visit of ’39 when King George VI and Queen Elizabeth toured Canada, though they did not actually make an appearance in Eldridgeville.

The Ladies Auxiliary prepared a lavish buffet, in anticipation that the royal couple would be hungry and stopping for lunch. Mr. Colleridge, of the Town Bakery, provided a cake meant to resemble The Queen Mary and decorated in the colours of the Union Jack. He was asked several times to explain the significance of a Titanic shaped cake.

Children were drilled in the proper curtsying and bowing technique—and sternly warned to behave, or else! Everyone in town took a bath on Saturday night, resulting in decreased water pressure.

On Sunday morning, Eldridgeville was a site to behold. Residents, with folding lawn chairs, began lining the parade route following church services. At precisely 12:42 in the afternoon a black motorcar whizzed down Main Street at a breathtaking 35 miles per hour. Townsfolk, waving flags and cheering, gasped at the site. Mrs. Kinderman almost fainted and declared she had seen a white gloved hand waving at the crowd. Mr. Kinderman however, was quite certain it was the driver adjusting his mirror. Mrs. Colleridge swooned as she described the handsome Prince Philip to the unfortunate women in the back who must have had an obstructed view as they could not say they saw any passengers in the vehicle.

The car did not stop. It did not even slow down.

But the buffet and cake was enjoyed by all and Acting Mayor Dooley declared the event a success, except for the part where the car didn’t stop.

The bunting was removed and packed away once more as Eldridgeville stands ready for the next royal blur (tour).

Off The Rails

 Off The Rails

by Clive Cuffler, staff reporter

It was reported this week that there was a train slowdown on the outskirts of town. Local farmer Henry Soowee reported that one of his pigs had escaped, creating quite the stressful moment when it was discovered on the CN mainline. Fortunately the Engineer had spotted the pig soon enough that he could slow the train down, allowing the massive porker to slowly waddle off the tracks before any serious injury could occur. Both Mr. Soowee and his pig Charlie returned home safely, grateful that his future as a stud could continue for at least one more year.

As a side note both are eagerly awaiting the local fair where Charlie will be entered into the most amazing pig category. Best of luck to all.

Eldridgeville Social Page

"What Our Men Are Doing"

Residents have probably noticed that the front porch of Eldridgeville General Store has been a beehive of activity the past two weeks. Several community men have replaced the post of the porch, propped up the overhang and replaced some of the floor boards. A fresh coat of paint will soon have the porch looking as good as new.  A suggestion was made by Walter to build two benches and two planters for the porch, one set to be placed on each side of the door. Everyone was excited about the idea and in the excitement formed a new social group "Men's Bench" which is a spinoff of the Men's Shed Movement. It is based on a simple mandate "For the Betterment of Our Community".

What newcomers to Eldridgeville may not know is that Mr. Eldridge, owner and operator of the General Store is a direct descendent of the founders of Eldridgeville. Mr. Eldridge recently celebrated his 85th birthday and has no intention of slowing down or selling his business. He was touched by the efforts of the Men's Bench to fix his post and porch.

Fergus suggested a plaque be installed on one of the benches as a dedication to Cora Johnson. That was quickly voted down although all the men acknowledged that Cora's mishap has been the greatest community spirit builder in decades. If you are reading this column Cora, thank you!

Men's Golf League will begin next week, weather permitting. Retirees will tee off at 9:30 each Thursday morning and the younger working men will tee off at 5:30 p.m. Both groups are welcome at the clubhouse for refreshments after the second group finishes.

The men of Eldridgeville have been invited to play darts on Wednesday nights over at Stewart Hill. It is a drop-in game starting at 7:30 p.m. There has been some talk that the Men's Bench could install dart boards and build cases  for them in the community centre next fall. This could possibly lead to tournaments with Stewart Hill and other communities in the future.

The horseshoe pitches are open and running. We are testing the waters for a summer league and would invite volunteers to come forward if they would like to have an organized league.

Speaking of waters, The Kids Fishing Derby will take place Saturday May 10 at 9 a.m. The pond behind Eldridgeville General Store has been stocked with fish. Admission is $2 for men, free for kids. The admission proceeds will be used for prize money for the child with the longest fish caught and another prize for the heaviest fish caught. This will give Dads and sons something to do while mothers and daughters are at their fancy Social Tea.

Residents are invited to contact the Gazette editor if you have something to add to Eldridgeville social news or if you have an upcoming event.

Eldridgeville News

 Mysterious Post Holes Appear 

September 1 2022

Over the past few days mysterious post holes have popped up in the middle of roads throughout the township. The holes are uniformly 3 feet deep and 8 inches wide. Please be aware of them when you are walking or riding. Please steer your dogs away from them so they don’t fall into the hole. The Township offices were engaged for a comment. Susie Q Parker, Town Clerk, is mystified. “These holes have been brought to our attention. We have called the police and they are investigating. It’s costing the township thousands of dollars in our efforts to fix them. We will file charges to recover costs once we discover who is perpetrating this deed. Please call the tip hotline 888 920-1340 if you have any information.

 

      

 

 

We return to 1905 in this week’s reminder of Eldridgeville’s history. 

W.C.T.U. Meeting Cancelled—President Found “Lit”


The Eldridgeville Gazette, April 30, 1905
Orville Birdswhistle, Special Correspondent 

ELDRIDGEVILLE, Ontario — Scandal has rocked the community following an event which occurred at the First Methodist Church, Main Street on the 25th inst. as the monthly meeting of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union was unexpectedly adjourned when Mrs. Matilda Mabel Dunkworth, devoted matron and president of the local W.C.T.U. chapter since 1889 (except 1893, the year Mrs. Phoebe Burns forced a recount resulting in Mrs. Dunkworth losing by 3 votes), was found singing Meet Me in St. Louis, Louis and sashaying about the garden before the meeting was to commence.

Eyewitnesses report that Mrs. Dunkworth had partaken of a “special cordial” gifted to her earlier that morning by her cousin Ernest, an apothecary salesman who arrived from the city last week, intending to spend a fortnight. The bottle, labelled Reviving Tonic for the World Weary Woman, boasted a calming blend of lavender, blackcurrant, and—most unfortunately for the poor woman—a not-insignificant amount of elderberry wine.

Miss Victoria Jones, secretary-treasurer of the W.C.T.U., admitted that other members of the group had indeed sampled the mixture, though none had imbibed to the extent of Mrs. Dunkworth. “It had rather the smell of cough syrup,” Miss Jones remarked, “and was not especially agreeable to the taste." Mrs. Tremblant declared the entire affair “a most unseemly spectacle” and firmly denied sampling what she called “that dreadful concoction.”

Mrs. Evaline Badgley, Vice President added, “She said she had been blessed with a dose of ‘youthful vigour’, before challenging the congregation to a game of hopscotch. And when she winked at Pastor Peters, I thought my heart would stop beating. I dread to think of the gossip.” Mrs. Badgley then reported the meeting was formally cancelled.

By 4 o’clock, the tipsy Mrs. Dunkworth had been  escorted home in a wheelbarrow, still singing, and reportedly requesting a “wee drop more of the Holy Elixir.”

The W.C.T.U. will reconvene on the 9th prox. with Vice President Mrs. Badgley presiding.
Mrs. Dunkworth is “taking a sabbatical to reflect and repent,” per the official statement.

Meanwhile, cousin Ernest was last seen absconding on a bicycle loaded down by a suspicious number of clinking bottles.

The Eldridgeville Society Page

(Where every little detail matters!)

"What Our Men Are Doing"

Residents have probably noticed that the front porch of Eldridgeville General Store has been a beehive of activity the past two weeks. Several community men have replaced the post of the porch, propped up the overhang and replaced some of the floor boards. A fresh coat of paint will soon have the porch looking as good as new.  A suggestion was made by Walter to build two benches and two planters for the porch, one set to be placed on each side of the door. Everyone was excited about the idea and in the excitement formed a new social group "Men's Bench" which is a spinoff of the Men's Shed Movement. It is based on a simple mandate "For the Betterment of Our Community".

What newcomers to Eldridgeville may not know is that Mr. Eldridge, owner and operator of the General Store is a direct descendent of the founders of Eldridgeville. Mr. Eldridge recently celebrated his 85th birthday and has no intention of slowing down or selling his business. He was touched by the efforts of the Men's Bench to fix his post and porch.

Fergus suggested a plaque be installed on one of the benches as a dedication to Cora Johnson. That was quickly voted down although all the men acknowledged that Cora's mishap has been the greatest community spirit builder in decades. If you are reading this column Cora, thank you!

Men's Golf League will begin next week, weather permitting. Retirees will tee off at 9:30 each Thursday morning and the younger working men will tee off at 5:30 p.m. Both groups are welcome at the clubhouse for refreshments after the second group finishes.

The men of Eldridgeville have been invited to play darts on Wednesday nights over at Stewart Hill. It is a drop-in game starting at 7:30 p.m. There has been some talk that the Men's Bench could install dart boards and build cases  for them in the community centre next fall. This could possibly lead to tournaments with Stewart Hill and other communities in the future.

The horseshoe pitches are open and running. We are testing the waters for a summer league and would invite volunteers to come forward if they would like to have an organized league.

Speaking of waters, The Kids Fishing Derby will take place Saturday May 10 at 9 a.m. The pond behind Eldridgeville General Store has been stocked with fish. Admission is $2 for men, free for kids. The admission proceeds will be used for prize money for the child with the longest fish caught and another prize for the heaviest fish caught. This will give Dads and sons something to do while mothers and daughters are at their fancy Social Tea.

Residents are invited to contact the Gazette editor if you have something to add to Eldridgeville social news or if you have an upcoming event.

This week: The Ladies of Eldridgeville

by Nancy Nelson (guest columnist)

The Eldridgeville Ladies Circle has had another busy week.

On Monday evening the women met to plan the Spring Social Tea. It is scheduled for May 10 to
celebrate mothers of all ages in the Eldridgeville area. It is the spring social event not to be
missed. All women are welcome even if you haven’t had children.

Marion and Hazel had a lengthy discussion about sandwiches that will be served at the tea.
Hazel was adamant that crusts should be cut off for such a fancy tea event. Marion who always
considers costs and waste, insisted the crusts be left on the sandwiches. In the end, Marion
conceded to fancy sandwiches without the crusts just this once but would save all the crusts for
the Turkey and Trimmings Christmas Event later this year. She has freezer space.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, Dorothy H and Mabel B delivered Easter lilies to the shut-ins of
Eldridgeville. One was delivered to Edna Gordon who recently had a hip replacement. Another
one was delivered to Ruth Joice who just had her second knee done. Both ladies were thrilled
for the visit and for the lily. A third plant went to Cora Johnson. Technically, Ms. Johnson is not a shut-in but has lost her driver’s license. She accidentally hit the post holding up the porch of
the Eldridgeville General Store. Readers, please note that the front door is temporarily closed and entry is around the north side.

The Sewing Circle created and delivered ten fidget muffs to the Alzheimer’s residents in the
local nursing home. They were received with varying degrees of enthusiasm. Some residents
didn’t know what a fidget muff was and seemed reluctant to fidget with it. However, The Sewing
Circle will continue to make fidget muffs as those who receive them often misplace or lose
them.

The younger women in Eldridgeville are wrapping up the pickle-ball season with a trip to
Dominican Republic. Pickle-ball has turned out to be quite popular among the younger crowd
and is more of a draw to the community centre than line dancing or carpet bowling. Line
dancing and carpet bowling are looking for new members if any of the readership has interest.
There really is something for everyone in Eldridgeville!

Stay tuned. Next week this column will be devoted to “What Our Men Are Doing.”