I have written how Carleton Place got the name Cartoon Place– and it seems the tales of disorderly conduct go way way back to the beginning of time in our fair town.
The newspapers of Carleton Place in 1870 blamed the increase in drinking and debauchery to the increasing new immigrants arriving in town. The tide of evil was quickly infiltrating the town as the bars were open until all hours. They lamented that the beautiful new places of worship and Christian fellowship were being marred by intoxicating drinks being sold on a Sunday. It was a common sight to see men laying on the sides of the main streets drunk by high noon. Fighting, unlawful weapons and challenging those in authority were high on the list. Then there was the issue of Wild Jack.
John Robinson was known in Carleton Place as Wild Jack because he assaulted a town councilman under the influence. In August of 1871 he was arrested and fined nine dollars for his terrible deed. The population demanded a lock up so they would feel safer from the low life of the town. Not that that helped if you read my story about Russell Perrin– the one legged bandit in town.
December 1968
In 1968 a 42-year-old employee of the Carleton Place Liquor Board Control Board was sought by the local police. It had something to do with the disappearance of $2500 from the town’s LCBO outlet. Chief Herb Cornell and Constable George McDonald arrested William McLaren at the Malton International Airport on a charge of theft. A warrant had been issued for McLaren’s arrest on November 18th charging him with theft over $50 from liquor store funds Nov 17. Carleton Place police said the liquor store’s night deposit bag was found in a bank night depository Nov 18. It had been opened and its contents estimated at $2500 were missing. McLaren was deported by American immigration authorities before extradition proceedings began. He was expected to appear in Carleton Place magistrates court that week.
Nothing but desperados under the eaves of Carleton Place– and there is more where this came from.
Buy Linda Secaspina’s Books— Flashbacks of Little Miss Flash Cadilac– Tilting the Kilt-Vintage Whispers of Carleton Place and 4 others on Amazon or Amazon Canada or Wisteria at 62 Bridge Street in Carleton Place
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