Brian Winter's H istori Whitby 1937 CORONATION In this Silver Jubilee year it is appropriate to look on what influence the Royal Family has had on events in Whitby'shistory. It was 40 years ago this month that Queen Elizabeth's father George VI was crowned is King of the British Empire. This was a time when the British Empire and the monarchy were much more a part of Canadian life than they are today. On May 12, 1937, the children got a holiday from school and the citizens of Whitby gathered at the Four Corners to celebrate what was considered "A Great Empire Event". The day began with a parade from the high school (later Colborne Street School) in which all civic bodies participated, including the Canadian Legion, fire depart- nient, Scouts and Guides, Ontario Ladies' College students and hundreds of school children. The parade was marshalled by Robert Deverell, president of the Legion and a future mayor of the town, and was led by the Whitby Citizens' Band under the direction of Eric Clarke. A platform and sound truck with loud speakerswere set up in front of Bassett's Jewellery Store on Brock Street North where a host of dignitaries assenibled for the speeches. Mayor Albert W. Jackson gave an address uirging a display of loyalty and reaffirmation of faith in the King and the British Empire. Another speaker was E. A. O'Neill, principal of the Oshawa Collegiate Institute who spoke of the monarchy and the British system of government as "The best security we can get for democracy". During the program the crowd sang verses of O God Our Help in Ages Past, O Canada, and the Maple Leaf Forever, led by the band. The school children sang a special song called "Britons Everywhere" with words by James Bell and nusic by A. W. Lynde, of Whitby. Mr. Lynde directed the choir and Miss Wilma Richardson was at the piano. Corridor Capers What beautiful weather. It is very difficult to 'think' Column when everything outdoors is so inviting. Dorvis Development (Thickson Road, south of Applewood) The plan of subdiviiion for a part of the Dorvis property will be presented to the Admi.nistrative Committee on May 30. The plan, as I remember, contained a goodly number of townhouses, a mass of semi's and one or two single family dwellings. As the Officiai Plan suggests, this is a 'mix' of housing. As the Brooklin Study suggests, to build a mix of housing will increase the average home- owners taxes by $38.00 per year. A mix of housing, such as suggested by the Dorvis plan, would no doubt be more profitable to the developer. However, the cost of the finished product is determined by supply and demand, We build warehouses your way. Our "custom concept"'doesn't lock you into standard dimensions, spacing, sizes. R. Bibeau Construction Ltd. 655-3381 Varco-Pruden metal building systemsN? A Division of Dominion Bridge Ltd. The highlight of the celebrations was the presentations of a Canadian red ensign flag to each of the schoolrooms in Whitby by Mayor Jackson on behalf of the local celebra- tions committee. These were accepted by Dr. Blake Beaton, chairman of the board of education. At the close of the program on Brock Street, J. H. Ormiston, editor of Whitby's weekly newspaper, the Gazette and Chronicle, presented Bell's Dry Goods Store with a prize for the best Coronation window decoration. The store is now occupied by Agnes Disney's dress shop. In the evening a large number of people attended the Coronation Ball in the Town Hall, where the fire hall now and not based on the actual cost to construct. Therefore, it seens to be the developer and not the prospective buyer who will reap the rewards. i sometines wonder how long the residents of Whitby can afford to subsidize the developers? Housing for housing's sake costs us money. Quality homes, it appears, would reduce our taxes. The partial plan, to be shown on May 30, is only the begi¡ning. Dorvis lias aiready requested that the Greenbelt be zoned residential. They lost the first round with the O. M. B., but in all probability will try again. Who knows what phase 2 of the Dorvis Developnent will bring? June 9th Election Signs are sprouting on the horizon. Committee rooms are being opened all over the Region. Candidates are now outlining the Party Platforms. Durhan West appears to be shaping up for a tight race to the 'finish'. An 'ALL CANDIDATES' forum is scheduled for Thursday, June 2 at the Centennial Building. Listen carefully to the four Durham West hopefuls. Ask them questions that concern you and decide who could best represent our area at the Provincial level. The most- important factor in the whole election, is Socialism versus Free Enterprise. Does Free Enterprise work? What would be the added cost burden to the stands. Jack Clarke's augmented orchestra provided the music, and a refreshment counter was operated by the Women's Institute. Some of the notable people of the time who were on the platform for the 1937 coronation celebrations were W. H. Letcher, Warden of Ontario County; Major E. E. Pearson of the Ontario Regiment; Dr. R. R. Fletcher, superinten- dent of the Ontario Hospital; Rev. Elmer Green, president of the Whitby Ministerial Association; J. H. Perry, chairman of the celebrations committee; and C. Astrop, chairman of the program committee. taxpayers to implement more Socialistic programs? We have only to look at Great Britain to rehflize how Socialism cripples a country. Does Ontario want Socialism Government, or a Government who will promote our freedon? Westminster United Church Her Mnjesty's Jubilee Celebration Monster Bar-B-Q and Gigantic Bonfire, Saturday, June 4th at 5:45 p.m. at the Manse on Garrard Rd. $1.00 per family. Fireworks ?????? Saturday May 28 - Bible Society Annual Walkathon. U..C. W. Bus Trip - A trip is planned to Black Creek Pioneer Village on Tuesday, June 7th. Westminster Board Meeting - 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 29th. Corridor Ratepayers Association The May executive meeting will be held at the Municipal Building on Thursday, May 26 at 8:00 p.m. AU executive members are asked to be present. May is Membership month for the Ratepayers. That's all for this week. Call 725-8967 with news items. Have a good day! M. McEachern. CERAMIC & CRAFT SALE Friday May 27 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Cannery Workshop Durham Centre for the developmentally handicapped (south of J. O. Ruddy Hospital) Whitby Phone 668-7745 ext. 397 cal CORONATION DAY AT FOUR CORNERS, MAY 12, 1937 1