The house at 107 John Street Carleton Place, Ontario– Google Earth
It’s 11:36 am right now Thursday morning. I was supposed to take a shower 4 hours ago and instead I am camped out on my kitchen island munching on a gluten free bagel and doing research. To be fair I have made spaghetti sauce and there is something edible brewing in my crockpot for dinner. Dusting? Cleaning? Hmm.. what’s that?
Steve just called me from work and I admitted if he was not around– on Tuesdays and Thursdays I might just be flopping into bed at night with the same clothing I had on when I got up. Yes, it has now come to that, and I am slowly turning into that UC Berkeley history researcher and professor from California I would speak with daily in the Post Office lineups—but had to keep my distance from his wafting “historical” fragrance.
I love research, because to me it’s like the “thrill of the kill” similar to when I used to sell online. It’s finding that one thing that puts it all together. But, right now I need your help.. as I have backed into a wall– and to tell you the truth, I hate that, I really do.
This morning I got a Facebook PM from Bill Russell.
“I was reading this morning about the Smyth’s 50th. I live at 107 John Street and believe it is the original Smyth house which was built in the early 1900’s. I purchased the house from Bill Blanche whom I believe was the son of George Blanche as I am led to believe the house was kept in the family until my purchase. I cannot confirm any of this as I do not have the research skills to verify.”
Well apparently Bill, my research skills are no better either as I can find very little for someone who was the mayor of Carleton Place. Four hours later I pulled up one lone article on him heading up the Carleton Place 100 Club and that is that. Obviously the Smyths moved from John Street to Lake Ave later on, as that was mentioned in their 50th wedding anniversary notice.
Clipped from The Ottawa Journal, 05 May 1953, Tue, Page 10–C—Carleton Place Mayor and wife celebrate 50th wedding anniversary
Clipped from The Ottawa Journal, 09 Dec 1949, Fri, Page 40
So like in the television show “Who Wants to be a Millionaire?” I am calling out my extra lifeline and Asking “One of the Audience”.
What do you know about the Smyth family and the residence at 106 John Street in Carleton Place? I am looking for tidbits and memories. Please share!
Ray Paquette I am looking at you LOL…
Please comment or email me at sav_77@yahoo.com– thank you!!
Come and visit the Lanark County Genealogical Society Facebook page– what’s there? Cool old photos–and lots of things interesting to read. Also check out The Tales of Carleton Place.
Information where you can buy all Linda Seccaspina’s books-You can also read Linda in The Townships Sun and Screamin’ Mamas (USA)
NOT to be confused with another Carleton Place mayor David SMYTHE–notice the ‘e’ at the end of the name.
1911 –David Smythe, of Ferguson and Smythe, harness makers, was elected for the first of seven yearly terms as mayor of Carleton Place.
David Smythe – 1871/1935
Mayor of Carleton Place – 1911-1917 – Merchant Harness maker.
lindaseccaspina 