27 Dec 1956
Page 1
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Newspaper
Acton Free Press
Location
Acton, Ontario, Canada
Date
Dec 27, 1956
Page
1
The address to the Empire on December 25 1939 featured the king urging unity and faith as he spoke of darkness and stepping into the unknown with divine guidance. He contrasted light with the safety of faith and the unknown paths ahead.
John C Haggins 25 of A R J Acton dies when a one ton pickup hits two boulders on No 20 Sideroad a few miles west of Acton Friday night. Driver Wayne Haggins 16 and Lloyd Zigler 30 escape unharmed Edward Zigler leapt out before the truck rolled. Constable Moore says the curve was missed and the truck flipped. Haggins widow Joan and children Fred Heather and a two week old baby survive.
An Acton man John Drysdale slipped while working on the Tyler garage roof Thursday afternoon last week and fell 23 feet to the floor. He suffered shock lacerations and possible chest injuries. Drysdale was treated by Dr Kenney and sent to Guelph General hospital for observation.
The St Alban's Anglican church hosted its annual candlelighting and carol service last Sunday evening. The rector Rev Evan H Jones led the ritual with the Christ candle as light spread to the apostles candles, followed by Silent Night sung by the choirs and scripture readings. Soloists Vic Bristow and boys choristers Andrew Knox Edwin Spicer Brian Barbeau and Bill Henry performed.
Two services were held at Acton United church on Christmas day with a candlelight music service on Christmas Eve. A children's service opened at 9:30 am, followed by Holy Communion at 10 o'clock. George Elliott directed candlelit carols with an organ recital of Handel Buch and Willan. The program covered Advent Holy Night nativity lullabies and traditional carols with soloists junior and senior choirs and the congregation. During offertory Mr. Blett played Haydn tunes from Musical Clocks on the clockwork organ.
Acton will haul Christmas trees to the dump on January 2 after New Year’s Day. With Monday and Tuesday pickups tied to a holiday, foreman A. Kirkness says collections can be moved to Wednesday if residents cooperate.
Santa Claus presented gifts to over 300 children at the annual Legion Christmas party. The Christmas tree stood in the Legion auditorium last Saturday afternoon. Each child received an orange and candy cane along with a gift. Acton Citizens' Band played carols led by John McHugh. He sang several solos. Mrs. Bob Angell read the names as the youngsters approached Santa.
Acton's Provincial Police detachment recorded 160 convictions from 189 cases in the January to November period. Fines totaled 2020 dollars, with the detachment traveling 14 958 miles. November had the highest fines at 440 dollars. In the first six months 336 highway warnings were issued. Magistrate reports show 1396 dollars in fines with the town set to receive 583 53 for the first 21 months.
Roxy Theatre staff diverted a head office party fund to buy Christmas gifts for 35 local children. Manager Bill Leslie and team sent a cheque to the town office to support the gift program, with employees including Mrs Fred Hunter Rhona Haggett Rose Nlee Higgins Shirley Mason Joy Peal Mrs Henry Archie Dave Hunter and Clarence Pritlove.
The Public Utilities Commission discussed a 4,000,000 gallon monthly sewage plant flow and excess water from private wells and drainage. The town weighs metering drainage water at $4 or billing flat, and will study the sewage report further. Waterworks and hydropower updates and meter tests followed, with bills and supplies listed.
In heavy fog on Sunday two vehicles collided on Chirehill Road north. Andrew Theriault and Newton Fowler drove the cars. minor damage totaled about 50 dollars. Police say visibility prevented Theriault from seeing Fowler's approaching vehicle.
Construction activity slowed with a year end total near a quarter of a million dollars. Permits valued at 270 800 were issued in 1955 including 124 000 for a new school and 80 000 for a Bank of Montreal. June saw no new station project and several months had low or no permits. Local officials cited difficulty obtaining MHEC loans as a factor in the slowdown.
Memories of the Manger was presented under Ted Hansen directing the choir and organ. Soloists included Mrs John Davison soprano George tenor and Norman Elfiett. A Christmas film strip was shown as Rev Andrew McKenzie spoke on the Names of Jesus at the Sunday service. Carols were sung by the large congregation.
Sales and returns show the Y's Men's Christmas tree sale this year was the best ever. Hundreds of trees were sold from the lot behind the YMCA.
About 320 children and 375 attendees packed Beardmore’s annual Christmas party in the public school auditorium. Santa distributed gifts as a three act vaudeville show featured a dog and monkey act jugglers and magicians. Names were read by W. R. Parker as youngsters queued for presents including baseball gear umbrellas knives flashlights wallets and pearl strings for older Girls and boys in various age groups.
Rain fell as merchants handed out gifts at the Merchants' Draw beside the post office. Mrs. Stan Matthews won the big cash prize on a 20 percent ticket, with Cris Duby taking the regular prize. Special gifts went to Fred Lambert, Fred Stuckey, Mrs. K A Turkesz, Mrs. D Mason, and Mrs. Robert Sly. Chainway Store joined the participating merchants announced by M C Edwin Watson.
Baptist and Presbyterian Young Peoples Societies joined in singing carols at the homes of sick and shut-ins Sunday, spreading holiday cheer to those unable to attend services.
Police report a Friday crash on Main Street near Drivern between Ronald Claw and Thys Oost. Claw’s eastbound car stopped to pick up a passenger. Oost’s vehicle struck the rear of Claw’s car. No injuries were sustained.
The Acton arena ice keeps melting and refreezing with warm forecasts. A. Kirkness notes ongoing ice making challenges as Wednesday's cold snap offers little immediate relief. Foreman urges several cold days to form a stable base and reopen skating amid a lingering flood layer. Local skaters eye outdoor ponds for ice.
Five Christmas Masses were celebrated at St Josephs church the morning service drew the largest crowd yet. Father Morgan and Father Mac Dougall from the Jesuit Novitiate in Guelph presided while the church featured seasonal decorations and a traditional creche display.
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