Frank Myke has farmed cattle, dairy and beef, all his adult life. He is known across Lanark County as a talented traditional fencer, and has built authentic cedar rail fences with and for local farmers since 1976–Take his class –Heritage Fencing: Learn to Build a Heritage Fence in Perth–Click here–
Editor Almonte Gazette— January 1908
Dear Sir
I noticed at the last meeting of the Ramsay council a report was received from ex-Councillor Naismith regarding laying down fences on cross roads during the winter season; also recommending that since the ratepayers have decided that cows shall not be permitted to run at large on the public highways at any time during the year the council repeal the bylaw granting a bonus to farmers erecting wire fences along public highways.
Now, Mr. Editor, I think that very few farmers or citizens will approve of such a recommendation, as I am satisfied that the bylaw encouraging farmers to erect wire fences along public highways is one of the best bylaws on record. Many public thoroughfares throughout the county where no wire fences are erected have been rendered impassible during a large part of the winter by being completely filled with snow, and the only recourse has been to take down the farmers’ fences and make a public highway through their farms.
Many of our municipal councillors seem to think it quite proper and right, but if they look carefully into the municipal statutes they will find that they have no authority to use any property for public traffic other than the public highway, at any season Of the year, and that they are obliged to keep the same in good condition at all times. The insignificant sum paid as a bonus towards erection of wire fences is nothing compared to what it will cost to keep these roads in proper condition by shovelling snow.
Farmers are well aware of the fact that there is a large percentage of the farms polluted with various kinds of obnoxious weeds, such as sow thistle, blue weed, and in the winter season the produce from such farms is hauled through clean farms to be consumed in the town, almost invariably -leaving a streak of such obnoxious weeds for a good farmer to dispose of afterwards.
Besides, Mr. Editor, it is not always experts who lay down fences through farms, and they very frequently smash rails and tear down three or four times the amount of fence necessary, and in addition, many of these winter roads pass close to farmers’ buildings, in fact, very often through their barnyards. Some cases would have some farmers prevent their stock from trespassing on the public highway and becoming liable to be impounded.
Mr. Editor, the only remedy I see is to encourage the erection of wire fences and compel the municipality to keep the roads in proper condition, and that the farmers see that no public roads are made through their premises.
Yours truly,
JOHN DRYNAN
John DRYNAN b: 16 March 1850 in Ramsay Township, Ontario d: 27 July 1929 in Fort William, Ontario, buried Auld Kirk Cemetery, Almonte, and married Agnes SYME b: 22 April 1845 in Ramsay Township, Ontario m: 24 May 1872 in St John’s Church, Almonte, Ontario d: December 1928 in Fort William, Ontario, buried Auld Kirk Cemetery, Almonte. (Note: John was Mayor of Almonte)
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)
There is a saying around these here parts on the making of a good fence. It must be pig tight, horse high and bull strong. I guess sheep didn’t matter back then. 😉
LOLOL.. that is so funny.. guess not..:) I will add this,.