Clayton Road In Bad Shape April 8 1940 Almonte Gazette
Water Lying On Paved Surface Over Six Inches Deep In Places Between Snow Banks.
The headache suffered by the County engineer’s department at Perth over the condition of the Clayton road is like screaming *Caesar’s Ghost. After being blocked with snow for some time during the winter it is now flooded with water to an extent that makes traffic on it difficult and unpleasant.
It is said that water six inches deep is lying in the low places and that drainage is prevented by banks of snow that are still about three feet high. Complaints about this condition have’been reaching local town merchants from people living along this highway.
It is said, too, that the roadway from the ragged chutes to the condition of the Clayton road is in terrible shape because of deep ruts. Owing to the amount of money spent on two bridges over the Indian River, the new paving has not progressed beyond the first mentioned point.
Although Spring has come, Clayton is still practically isolated as the detour built around the sink-hole on the second line of Ramsay is a veritable quagmire. It is claimed that a few men could drain the Clayton Road if they were put to work on the job.
Complaints have been made to Mayor Watchorn by local businessmen but the Mayor has learned through recent experience that it is better to let the town and district suffer in silence than go over certain heads to whisper a request in the ears of P erth officialdom. In other words he is leaving county matters to those who are supposed to look after them.
*As for the expression “Great Caesar’s Ghost”, it is a rather old expression that is a euphemism for “good God”, in the days when saying “God” as an oath was considered very rude. It is rarely used these days but was also was made famous in the Superman comic books and television series, in which editor Perry White used it often.
*Bolger’s Corner
S.S. No. 4 Ramsay – Clayton School
Originally, there were three early schools in this area – one on second line at Clayton Lake and Beaton’s Resort, another on James Smith’s Property, Lot 21 Concession 2 at Bolger’s Corner and McMunn’s Schoolhouse was built on the corner of Lot 23, Concession 4. Bathrooms consisted of one side of a bush for the girls and the other side was for boys. Using money from the Township tavern licenses, a new school was built in 1866 by the Indian River. It was used until it became too crowded and another school was built in 1872 which had a cloakroom and two bathrooms at the back. Students put on concerts with a 10 cent admission fee in order to buy a bell and later an organ and piano. They would try to sit near the wood stove in the wintertime, as it was the building was not insulated. The school operated until 1969. Fred Forsythe was the last teacher when the students went to Comba and then to Naismith School in Almonte. The former schoolhouse is now a private residence.
Photo courtesy of Hans Raffelt
Comment from Ken MacDonald
Perth Courier, September 7, 1894
Tatlock: The picnic in connection with St. Peter’s Church on Thursday of last week was a great success. Nearly one hundred dollars was taken in. The tables were laden with good things to eat, fit for a king. Our ladies of Darling know how to bake and provide a sumptuous feast. The music was furnished by the choir of the Clayton Presbyterian Church and was first class in every respect. Mr. McIntyre with his bagpipes enlivened the day’s proceedings. The following gentlemen gave addresses: Rev. Mr. Smith, the pastor; Rev. Mr. McIlraith of Balderson; Robert McNair of Carleton Place; and Dr. Preston, M.P.P. The doctor spoke quite happily and was greatly pleased to meet his Darling constituents. Miss Katy Bolger of Clayton gave two very pretty, nice recitations and our pastor gave one entitled “The Courting of the Widow”. The day was fine and everything passed off harmoniously.
Photo by Tom Edwards--This looks like dads handwriting. Would that be Ray and Fred on the wheel? Clayton–Bolger’s Corner.. Originally, there were three early schools in this area – one on second line at Clayton Lake and Beaton’s Resort, another on James Smith’s Property, Lot 21 Concession 2 at Bolger’s Corner and McMunn’s Schoolhouse was built on the corner of Lot 23, Concession 4.
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lindaseccaspina 
I beleive it was Miss Arlene Acres who taught in Clayton last before we went to Comba and on to Naismith.