Brian Winter's H istori g Whitby BROOKLIN REUNION There are not rnany people living today who will remember the Brooklin Old Boys' Reunion of 1903, but from the reports of that time, it was a gala event. Brooklin must have wanted to get the jump on Whitby which was celebrating the Ontario County Jubilee in 1904, and held its Old Boys' Reunion a year earlier. The 1904 reunion was to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Ontario County. On a Monday morning in July the train from Whitby brought many visitors to Brooklin, including the Whitby Brass Band, which headed a big parade. Nearly everyone wore a "BOB" (Brooklin Old Boys) badge, and the visitors massed in front of the Methodist (now United) Church where the address of welcome was given by Daniel Holliday. Mr. Holliday introduced the Hon John Dryden, Minister of Agriculture for Ontario, who represented the local South Ontario riding and lived on a farm north-east'of Brooklin. Mr. Dryden brought greetings from the provincial government to his old friends. A. G. Henderson, a former Brooklin teacher who lived in Toronto, was president of the Brooklin Old Boys' Association. He gave a speech frorn the church steps, and was followed by M. A. James, the mayor of Bownanville and editor of the Bowmanville Statesman. Mr. James had lived in Brooklin from 1853 to 1865, and his descendents still operate the Bowmanville Statesman today. The afternoon was devoted to a program of sports in the Brooklin park, and a stand was erected from which a number of dignitaries delivered speeches. Among the speakers were Mr. Henderson; William Ross MP; Charles Calder, ex-MP; John Bright, reeve of Whitby Township; Mr. James; Lyman T. Barclay of Whitby; Rev. M. E. Wilson of Brooklin; J. B. MacLaren of Columbus, and others. In the evening there was a gala event in the Masonic This photograph of A. C. Elliott's general store, The store stood on the south-west corner of Baldwin and bedecked with flags and bunting is the only surviving Campbell Streets until 1972 when it was demolished to picture of the Brooklin Old Boys' Reunion of 1903. make way for the new Bank of Commerce. Whitby Historical Society Photo Hall, a frame building on the site of the present Masonic Hall. Music was provided by the Whitby Orchestra and Highland Pipers from Toronto. W. A. Holliday, one of the Brooklin Old Boys rendered a solo entitled "On the Deep Blue Sea", and the choir of the Ontario Ladies' College of Whitby gave several selections. The Whitby Keystone made the following remarks on the reunion: "There were 61 vehicles in the hotel yard at one time and many others scattered throughout the village. There must have been three thousand people in the village during the day. The hotel did a rushing trade. The Whitby band did itself proud in the quality of its music and many complimentary comments were heard. AIl of the sports on the afternoon program, including the trials of speed, were of a high order, and al] enjoyed them". As far as is known the Old Boys' Reunion of 1903 was the only one ever held in Brooklin. It was a time of fellow- ship and good will in an era when life had a more leisurely pace and Brooklin was a small village of the horse and buggy days. Corridor Capers Jovial Paradise Subdivision Location - between Bowman Avenue and Elizabeth Crescent. The subdi, Ylon was viewed and discussed at the Administrative Committee meeting last Monday night. The residents of the area were not overly impressed with the overall concept of the plan. t would appear that most of the concerns were lot sizes. Although the question of density was raised, no one in authority, could tel]lthe people how many people per acre they were suggesting for Low Density. The residents now enjoy something like 12 people per acre and they would appreciate lots that would be more compatible with the existing built up area, as suggested in the guidelines of the Offidial Plan. There were so nany people and questions, that the matter could not be dealt with within the allotted tine, so it was suggested that the plans, and people interested in Jovial, move out to the hall. However, the move did not produce the desired results, as the chairman selected had no control of the meeting. Fifty people began talking at once and to each other, so no one knew what was being asked, or if the questions were even answered. Monday May 2nd will be the second meeting with the administrative committee to discuss Paradise Jovial. To those of you on Elizabeth Crescent or the Bowmanarea, the meeting will commence at 7:00 p.m. Westminster United Church May 1st - Bible Society Rally at the Ontario Ladies College, 8'00 p.m. Speaker, the Rev. Ted Stephens. May 3rd - Westminster "-lousing" Committee, 8:00 p.m. May 5th - 1:30 and 7:30 - KERYGMA Bible Study classes will begin. May 1Oth Second meeting of the Houising Committee with representatives of Inter Faith Homes. Block Parents Anyone interested in becoming a 'Block Parent', or even in finding out more about it, may call Joan Lindsay ai 728-9663. Girl Guides of Canada, Oshawa The Girl Guides of Canada, Oshawa North Division are holding their second annual 'FUN DAY' at Guide House, 121 Simcoe St. S., Oshawa, on Wednesday May 4 from 10:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. The purpose of 'FUN DAY' is to raise money to assist 6 young ladies consisting of 3 guides, 2 rangers and 1 cadet to travel to Camp 77 - Cape Breton, Nova Scotia from July 20th to August 3. One adult staff Guider will also be representing our Division. The money raised from this event will also be used to acknowledge Canada Cord Guides and assist in helping our Guiders to travel to various other camps and trainings. The 'FUN DAY' will consist of Games for young people at the elementary school level - tickets 10 cents each or 3 for 25 cents - a prize with every game. There will be a table with freshly baked items, a white elephant table, as well as a small crafts table for the young and old. A booth to provide hot dogs, drinks, candy floss, pop corn, etc. will also be available. In addition this year there will be a Tea Room, featuring sandwiches, pastry tray and beverages. Mrs. Betty Raitt, Commissioner, Oshawa North Division feels this year will be the best 'FUN DAY' ever, and suggests that all of you plan to attend and assist the Girl Guides raise the desired funds needed to carry out all Continued on Page 8 LA CONTESSA BEAUTY LOUNGE ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE that Mr. Geoffrey formerly of Scan Beauty Salon has joined our staff MR. GEOFFREY styles hair with elegant ease. He has the latest training in all areas of cut-styling & perming. 119 Green St. 668-9262mm f cal Jon ilhe Ottawa Tuip IFesival Tour Escrted By misselTrrv May14.-15 TOUR INCLUDES: * Return transportation by Voyageur Bus Lines * One nite's accommodation at Holiday Inn Centre * Tour of Ottawa's tulip areas * Experimental Farm featuring 1200 acres of flower beds 8 ornamental gardens * Admission to Old Ft. Henry * Tour escort * Baggage handling (1 piece) * Hotel tax * Meals not included RATES Single $61.00 Twin - $4900 pe persorn Triple $44.00 per person Quad - $41.50 per person CONTACT RUSSELL TRAVEL 116 hROOSTeLiSWHIIDY 66850 HMouri mon .-set 9-5 IR1 SIDING Ca!l for free estimates VINYL ALUMINUM COLOSLOK MITCHELL BROTHERS Building Supplies Ltd. Brooklin. 6554991 - ------- --- a à 6M.. .1,