Mayor does not take kindly to remarks about his clothing- says he will quit
Bill Prime was the youngest Mayor of Carleton Place at 32– and he also worked as assistant manager of the Brewer’s Retail store.
Johnny McGregor still buster and Fancy Man –Mayor with Landslide Vote
Also Johnny McGregor at 110 Bridge Street ( George’s Pizza) Stillbuster, Vet and fancy man— Whenever a raid was to be carried out Johnny had to present and he would be transported to the scene of the crime by Kidd Bryce Taxi and word on the street was there were never too many successful raid. He was mayor with 2 years experience in 1935– with a landslide vote.
Lady Luck will decide this town’s next mayor Monday, when a name is drawn out of a hat, ending the vote deadlock discovered by a judicial recount Wednesday. County court Justice John Ma-theson spent nine hours recounting the votes cast Nov. 10 for Melba Barker and Allan Code, and declared a dead heat. Each polled 1,007 ballots, the first tie for the mayor’s job in the town’s 161-year history. Barker, 32, was initially declared the winner election night, with a slim majority of 1,012 votes to 1,005 for Code. Outgoing Mayor Ted LeMaistre finished third, with 332 votes. An error discovered the next day changed Barker’s victory margin to four votes, dropping her to 1,009. Code applied for a judicial recount. During Wednesday’s recount. Justice Matheson discovered two extra votes for Code and two less for Barker, setting the stage for the draw, as set forth under the Municipal Election Act. While the two tied candidates have two days to decide whether to seek a judicial recount by the Supreme Court of Canada, both indicated Wednesday they are prepared to try their luck. The Municipal Election Act directs that the names of the tied candidates be written on separate pieces of equal size paper and placed in a box. The name drawn is the winner’s. Barker, a two-term council member, would become the first woman mayor in the town’s history should her name be drawn. “I’ll be glad when it’s settled,” she said from her home late Wednesday. “It has been a suspenseful situation and I certainly was hoping it wouldn’t be that way (a tie).” Code, 48, a 13-year council veteran, was less than enthusiastic about the draw. He doubted he’d seek a Supreme Court recount. Town clerk and chief returning officer Keith Morris said there is no alternative to the draw.
March 8, 2016 ·-Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage Museum It’s International Women’s Day #IWD2016 and we are celebrating our female Councillors and Mayors. Pictured here is our 1989-1991 Council with Mayor Melba Barker and Councillor Barbara Walsh.
photo Carleton Place Mayor Eldon Henderson and Bill Morris Canoe Club)
Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage Museum Remember Melba Barker? She was Mayor of Carleton Place from 1980 to 1992. Here she is in the Santa Claus parade of 1991. The parade route used to turn east onto Lake Avenue from Bridge Street, and Melba’s car is turning the corner in front of the Mississippi Hotel.
Ted LeMaistre Mayor of CP- Ginny Huether-Harry Probert and Rob Probert– Opening of their store across from the town hall
MCNEELY – Suddenly at his home in Carleton Place, Ontario on Sunday January 9th, 1994. Howard Willard McNeely (Former Mayor of the Town of Carleton Place). Beloved husband of Margaret Elizabeth Leishman. Loving father of Eileen (Mrs. Mel Timmons), Carleton Place; Diane (Mrs. Roland Larmour), Ottawa. Dear grandfather of Steve Timmons (Heather) and Mark Timmons all of Carleton Place. Dear brother of Eleanor (Mrs. Wilmer Lyons), Ottawa; Vera (Mrs. Clinton McEvoy), Gloucester; Earl (Gladie) McNeely, Kanata. Predeceased by a sister Muriel (Mrs. Eric Simpson) and by two brothers Melvin and Osmond McNeely. Survived by several nieces and nephews. Friends called at the Kerry Funeral Home 61 Lake Avenue West, Carleton Place. Funeral was Wednesday at St. James Anglican Church, Carleton Place. Ven. Gordon Worden officiated. Spring interment St. Paul’s Anglican Cemetery, Almonte
This wooden gavel belonged to Howard McNeely, local auctioneer, barber and mayor of Carleton Place from 1960 to 1967. Made by his long-time friend Frank Moon, it is stamped with McNeely’s name and the date it was presented (1977) as well as Moon’s signature on the handle. The gavel head is made of Lanark County iron wood, and the handle of Lanark County cherry wood. Generously donated by Rick Redmond.
Richard PrestonThis stuff is priceless Notes for Richard Franklin Preston: Richard Preston graduated from Queens University in 1875 and practiced medicine. He was elected to the Ontario Legislature as a Conservative from 1894 to 1898 and from 1905 to 1919. He was elected to the House of Commons in 1922 and remained until his death. He was also Warden of the County of Lanark and first Mayor of the town of Carleton Place.
Portraits of the first ten mayors of Carleton Place! We are hoping to find more information on Mayor #7, Thomas Begley, who served in 1898. If anyone has information on him, please give the museum a call at 613-253-7013.
1. Dr. R.F. Preston 1890-92
2. William Pattie, 1893
3. Abner Nichols, 1894-99
4. David Cram, 1895
5. James Warren, 1896
6. A.H. Edwards, 1897
7. Thomas Begley, 1898
8. William Dunham, 1900
9. R.C. Patterson, 1901
10. W.A. Nichol, 1902
Brian Costello mayor–
My mom and dad ( Margery and John montreuil ) getting anniversary certificates from the Mayor of Carleton Place. Linda this was my parents 50th anniversary
Arnold Julian becomes mayor of Carleton Place in 1967 Clipped from The Ottawa Journal, 23 Feb 1967, Thu, Page 9 His nickname was Doggy–Dale CostelloLoved the banter between he and Mrs Julian.
council and mayor 2017– Missing Theresa Fritz who yes would have run for mayor in 2026
Tom/ Thomas Comba did not die in the fire in 1906 but strangely enough he died in a blast in Pakenham in 1930.
Boiler Explosion Results In Death – Thomas Comba, Victim of Pakenham Blast, Has Relatives Here. – Special to The Journal. (1930) – ALMONTE, Ont., March 10 – Thomas W. Comba, stationary engineer, of Pakenham, met a tragic death today when be lost his life through an explosion in the boiler room of the sawmill of Needham and Snedden. He was 65 years of age. Mr. Comba was in the boiler room alone at noon when the boiler burst and the escaping steam enveloped him. The force of the explosion closed the doors, but he smashed the windows and some men on the outside pulled him through. He was taken to Dr. Buttles office, but be was so severely scalded that he was rushed to Rosamond Memorial Hospital, at Almonte, here everything possible was done to save him, but he died in half an hour after being admitted to the institution. Mr. Comba retained consciousness to the end was able to tell how the accident occurred. At one time engaged in bridge building with the C. P. R., he had spent his latter years in charge of the in Pakenham sawmill. He was widely known and highly regarded. He leaves a widow and a large family of sons and daughters. Also surviving are his mother, Mrs. Cornelius Comba of Ottawa and six brothers, John A., and Hugh W., of Winnipeg; Cornelius W., of Killarney, Man.; Herbert, Gordon F. and W. Allen Comba of Ottawa and two sisters, Miss Caroline Comba of Ottawa and Mrs. Walter Pickering of Detroit. The funeral will be held on Wednesday. The coroner, Dr. A. A. Metcalfe of Almonte has decided that inquest will be held
W. E. Scott
OBITUARY- ALMONTE GAZETTE JULY 22, 1954
WILLIAM EDWARD SCOTT
FORMER MAYOR AND WARDEN OF COUNTY DIES AT HOME HERE
Almonte lost one of its most prominent citizens on Wednesday morning (July 21, 1954) in the death of William Edward Scott, which occurred at his home on Elgin Street following an illness of several months. He had enjoyed phenomenally good health up to the latter part of 1953, and it was often remarked of him that he was one of the best preserved men in town for his age.
Born on a farm on the second line of Ramsay near Union Hall, a son of William Scott and Mary Jan Kemp, Mr. Scott was educated in the country school near his home and at Almonte High School. While a young man he went to Toronto where he worked with an undertaking firm until 1904 when he purchased the business from the late L W shipman which he carried on ever since.
50th Business Anniversary
Having taken stock, Mr. Scott reopened the store to the public on May 4th, 1904, and it was from that day that he really dated his connection with the business life on Almonte, celebrating anniversaries from time to time as the long period of years unfolded until he came to his 50th in May of this year. By that time he was in indifferent health and was confined to his home with Mr. R. A. Goodison, an experienced furniture dealer and embalmer, in charge at the store.
In the long period that has elapsed Mr. Scott was singularly successful in his own business and in municipal affairs. His first venture in public life was when he was elected as a trustee to the public school board, soon after coming here. He then migrated to the Electric Light Commission, as it was know at that time, and in 1911 became reeve. His career in the County Council was brilliant. He was an able representative of the town and when his colleagues raised him to the warden-ship in 1916 he filled that high office with ability and distinction.
Elected to Mayoralty
Having fulfilled his ambitions on the county council, Mr. Scott sought and was elected to the mayoralty of Almonte in 1918 and again in 1921 and 1924. It was during his last term that the present generating plant was constructed.
After that Mr. Scott retired to private life for a considerable time. As he often said to his friends he did not expect to come back. Bur in 1943 he was prevailed upon to seek the mayoralty once again, together with a slate of colleagues of whom he approved. He continued to hold office until 1946 when he retired again. This time in spite of pressure brought to bear on him from time to time he adhered to his decision not to re-enter public life.
He Wrought Well
During his time in the Council as Mayor, many progressive steps were taken that will live long in the memory of those fellow citizens who were old enough to appreciate them and who appreciated him. The late Mr. Scott had great administrative ability, was a good speaker and was blessed with a fine appearance. He had an alert manner, a springy step and gave the impression of being capable and able to grasp a subject without much exertion. He always felt it was rather a unique distinction to have been mayor of the town when World Ward One ended and again when World War Two was concluded.
Had Many Interests
He was a member of Mississippi Lodge, AF & AM and a past master; also a member of Granite Chapter. He belonged to the Presbyterian Church up to the time of union and later to the United Church. He was interested in many forms of sport. These included hockey, which he always supported, golf which he played in late years, curling and fishing. He was one of the charter members of the Pickerel Point Fishing Club and up to a few years ago enjoyed going to White Lake for a holiday.
Taken all around Ed, as he was known to so many, was an outstanding citizen of the town who will be sadly missed in many ways.
In 1906, Mr. Scott married the late Effie Helen James who predeceased him in December 1931. A daughter and son survive in this first family, namely, Marjorie (Mrs. C R MacDowall), Carleton Place and Allan, an Ottawa South druggist. In 1938, he married Loretta Foy of Almonte who survives him together with three children: Judith, Robert and Kevin.
Mr. Scott was one of a family of six-two brothers and four sisters. Of these only three sisters survive, namely Mrs. John Robertson, (Jean) of Edmonton; Mrs. Robert Young, (Lucinda) of Almonte and Mrs. William Banning, (Addie) of Carleton Place. He was predeceased by one sister, Mrs. Frank Alexander (Minnie) and by a brother John A Scott of Toronto
The funeral was held from the family residence, Elgin Street, Friday July 23, 1954 with Rev J Ray Anderson conducting the service.
The following acted as honourary pallbearers: Edward James, W A James, John Lindsay, R J France, George Hourigan, D W Snedden, E P Coady, James Abram, William Anderson, James Connery, D K Fraser, Lorne James, Louis Peterson, William Shaver.
Active pallbearers were nephews: Roy Robertson, Ernest Robertson Robert A Young, John E Young, Kenneth Scott and Morley K Alexander .
Ruins Fire 1906 almonte.com
22 Sep 1906
A fire, the most disastrous In the history of the town, broke out here this morning about 4 o’clock, and before it was brought under control laid waste eight of our finest stores” and four residences, inflicting a loss of $125,000, with Insurance amounting to $75,000. The fire, which was of mysterious origin, started in the back sheds of W. E. Scott and W. E. West, Mill street, the main thoroughfare of the town, and involved the destruction of the following places:
H. H. Cole’s brick departmental store, boots, shoes and clothing; Fulton Timmins, gentlemen’s furnishings, brick store, nearly all covered by insurance, owned by T. R. White; W. E. Scott, furniture dealer, frame building, owned by T. W. Shipman.
Miss Cairns’ fancy work store, owned by T. W. Shipman; M. R. MacFarlane’s drug store, brick, everything lost except show-case and books, owned by Elizabeth Paterson; W. West’s general store, one of the largest in town, owned by Geo. Paterson; W. Belton & Co., general store, owned by Jas. H. Wylle; Miss Clement, millinery store. read- Miss Clement’s Hat Studio Almonte
Ruins Fire 1906 From Farm Street almonte. com
On Farm Street following residences were burned: John Slison, tenant of Elizabeth Paterson; Sidney Lawlar and William Lockhart, tenants of J. K. Cole, and John Hartnett. tenant of T. R. While. The town is without waterworks, but a powerful engine pumped up water from the river and did effective work being reinforced shortly after 5 o’clock by the arrival of the Carleton Place engine and fire brigade. Other streams used were two from Wylle’s woollen mills, one from the Anchor Knitting mill, one from Young Bros, foundry. and one from the Almonte Knitting Mill.
A charming antique photograph of a crowd of men in hats and suits examining a steam fire engine, smoke bellowing out of its chimney. The mount is labeled “J. Townend, Almonte” and “Almonte” is written on the back. The mount is a dark green. It appears that this is the Button steam fire engine purchased by the town of Almonte, Ontario in 1885 and may well be its initial exhibition to the populace. A news clipping of the Almonte Fire Brigade standing outside the Town Fire Hall doors with their steam fire engine circa 1885 notes the town bought their first steam fire engine from the Button Fire Engine Company of Waterford, New York for $2850 in “New York funds.” The engine weighed about 4000 pounds without water or fuel. It served this town until 1930. The fire engine in this cabinet photo appears to match both the news clipping as well as a modern photograph of an 1885 Button steam fire engine held by the Boothbay,(Maine) Railway Museum. Old photographs the town has on line show an old log bridge that may be this location. James Robert Townsend was Almonte’s first photographer, according to his obituary. Census records indicate he was born in Yorkshire, England May 1, 1856, immigrating to Canada as a youngster. He died in 1942. Other examples of his work that I have found referenced are studio shots of individuals and families
People on relief here may have to become teetotallers if they want to keep their welfare cheques. No cheques in a crackdown on welfare costs, town council voted Tuesday night to put all welfare recipients on the prohibited list of the Ontario Liquor Control Board. This could mean that anyone caught imbibing or even buying liquor will not receive public assistance.
The decision could set off a battle between town authorities and the provincial legislature. The Liquor Control Board says it cannot be done, but Mayor Arthur Smith is prepared to accept the challenge and fight it through. “A municipal council hasn’t the right to put people on the interdicted list,” stated C. E. Woodrow, board solicitor, in a telephone interview. “Only a judge can put the names on the list or an order from the Liquor Control Board. Council can send the names in and they will be dealt with accordingly.” “I intend to press this,” was Mayor Smith’s reply.
There are about 10 families on relief in Almonte and the town’s share of welfare costs this year is about $1,000. The mayor, who admits he is not a teetotaller, proposed the action. He cited a case of misuse involving a couple who had drawn a $20 relief voucher and allegedly was found drunk the same night. Council passed the motion unanimously.
Mayor Smith said he “had no objection to any drinking, but I am opposed to a person in receipt of public welfare spending money on drinks in the hotels. I’m not a teetotaller myself.” There is little likelihood a man on relief will not be able to pop into the Almonte Canadian Legion Hall for a beer. Won’t be stopped “It would be illegal,” said President Murray Comba, of Branch 240. “I wouldn’t stop them from coming in, providing their membership is paid up.”
A senior official of the department of welfare said overall prohibition for Almonte welfare cases was not possible. Individual cases of abuse regarding liquor can be dealt with, he said. “Blanket prohibition,” said Miss Kate Macdonnell, secretary of the Ottawa Welfare Council, “is neither effective nor proper. People on relief, just like everyone else, have the right to spend their money the way they want. If things get out of hand, there are legal provisions for dealing with the individual cases only.” Ottawa Con. Ellen Douglas Webber, whose portfolio is welfare, said the move was illegal and ridiculous. “If we tried to do that in Ottawa, we would have hundreds of lawsuits on our hands.”
Almonte lost one of its most prominent citizens on Wednesday morning (July 21, 1954) in the death of William Edward Scott, which occurred at his home on Elgin Street following an illness of several months. He had enjoyed phenomenally good health up to the latter part of 1953, and it was often remarked of him that he was one of the best preserved men in town for his age.
Born on a farm on the second line of Ramsay near Union Hall, a son of William Scott and Mary Jan Kemp, Mr. Scott was educated in the country school near his home and at Almonte High School. While a young man he went to Toronto where he worked with an undertaking firm until 1904 when he purchased the business from the late L W Shipman which he carried on ever since.
Thanks to Shirley Scott for sending this in. This is a pic of my husband, Robert’s Dad, and he was Mayor of Almonte during both World wars. His name was William Edward Scott ( Ed). He was the owner of the furniture store, and was the funeral home director in their Church Street home until his death, and was then taken over by John Kerry
50th Business Anniversary
Having taken stock, Mr. Scott reopened the store to the public on May 4th, 1904, and it was from that day that he really dated his connection with the business life on Almonte, celebrating anniversaries from time to time as the long period of years unfolded until he came to his 50th in May of this year. By that time he was in indifferent health and was confined to his home with Mr. R. A. Goodison, an experienced furniture dealer and embalmer, in charge at the store.
In the long period that has elapsed Mr. Scott was singularly successful in his own business and in municipal affairs. His first venture in public life was when he was elected as a trustee to the public school board, soon after coming here. He then migrated to the Electric Light Commission, as it was know at that time, and in 1911 became reeve. His career in the County Council was brilliant. He was an able representative of the town and when his colleagues raised him to the warden-ship in 1916 he filled that high office with ability and distinction.
Elected to Mayoralty
Having fulfilled his ambitions on the county council, Mr. Scott sought and was elected to the mayoralty of Almonte in 1918 and again in 1921 and 1924. It was during his last term that the present generating plant was constructed.
After that Mr. Scott retired to private life for a considerable time. As he often said to his friends he did not expect to come back. Bur in 1943 he was prevailed upon to seek the mayoralty once again, together with a slate of colleagues of whom he approved. He continued to hold office until 1946 when he retired again. This time in spite of pressure brought to bear on him from time to time he adhered to his decision not to re-enter public life.
He Wrought Well
During his time in the Council as Mayor, many progressive steps were taken that will live long in the memory of those fellow citizens who were old enough to appreciate them and who appreciated him. The late Mr. Scott had great administrative ability, was a good speaker and was blessed with a fine appearance. He had an alert manner, a springy step and gave the impression of being capable and able to grasp a subject without much exertion. He always felt it was rather a unique distinction to have been mayor of the town when World Ward One ended and again when World War Two was concluded.
Had Many Interests
He was a member of Mississippi Lodge, AF & AM and a past master; also a member of Granite Chapter. He belonged to the Presbyterian Church up to the time of union and later to the United Church. He was interested in many forms of sport. These included hockey, which he always supported, golf which he played in late years, curling and fishing. He was one of the charter members of the Pickerel Point Fishing Club and up to a few years ago enjoyed going to White Lake for a holiday.
Taken all around Ed, as he was known to so many, was an outstanding citizen of the town who will be sadly missed in many ways.
In 1906, Mr. Scott married the late Effie Helen James who predeceased him in December 1931. A daughter and son survive in this first family, namely, Marjorie (Mrs. C R MacDowall), Carleton Place and Allan, an Ottawa South druggist. In 1938, he married Loretta Foy of Almonte who survives him together with three children: Judith, Robert and Kevin.
Mr. Scott was one of a family of six-two brothers and four sisters. Of these only three sisters survive, namely Mrs. John Robertson, (Jean) of Edmonton; Mrs. Robert Young, (Lucinda) of Almonte and Mrs. William Banning, (Addie) of Carleton Place. He was predeceased by one sister, Mrs. Frank Alexander (Minnie) and by a brother John A Scott of Toronto
The funeral was held from the family residence, Elgin Street, Friday July 23, 1954 with Rev J Ray Anderson conducting the service.
The following acted as honourary pallbearers: Edward James, W A James, John Lindsay, R J France, George Hourigan, D W Snedden, E P Coady, James Abram, William Anderson, James Connery, D K Fraser, Lorne James, Louis Peterson, William Shaver.
Active pallbearers were nephews: Roy Robertson, Ernest Robertson Robert A Young, John E Young, Kenneth Scott and Morley K Alexander .
Apparently Ed Scott was a childhood friend of my great-granduncle, Charles Norman “Charlie” Dunlop, and reportedly each of them was known to spend the night at the other’s home if they were out too late for them to go to their own homes.
Ed also apparenly had a rather high opinion of himself as an undertaker, and made a few comments to my mother after her grandmother, Annie (McKay) Dunlop passed away 7 weeks after I was born (I was born 6 January 1953 and Granny died 26 February). Granny had apparently given Mom the money to buy a crib for me and Mom went to Scott’s Furniture Store to make the purchase. While she was there Ed asked her if her grandfather had thought to have him handle the funeral arrangements; Mom replied that she had no idea on the subject, but knew that Granny had wanted George Comba (Grandpa’s 1st cousin, once removed) to do the job, to which Ed responded, with his thumbs in his suspenders, “Well, if people want a good undertaker they come to Ed Scott, but I gues blood does run thicker than water!”
Strangely enough, when the previous owner of his business, Luther Wellington “L.W.” Shipman, died 5 years earlier, he was also buried by George Comba (see Almonte Gazette, February 26, 1948, page 1).
Things were different in the old days. People lived by values, and when they felt the world’s values were not tough enough they created their own. Inside the beautiful home down at the end of Lake Avenue East once lived the Burgess family. George Arthur Burgess was a wealthy local businessman, who also served as Mayor of Carleton Place in 1903 and in 1922. Burgess was also farmer who once operated a large dairy mill, sawmill and of course the brickyard. But, he also had another side to him some were not aware of. Well, maybe they were. It wasn’t only Dr. Howard in the town of Carleton Place that had tongues wagging.
Burgess was also an eccentric who expressed his views in guest speaker appearances to anyone who would listen. In a flyer that was given out at an engagement in Las Vegas he stated many things that today might be considered controversial. Burgess wanted everyone to know that he was a truthful, honest, sober, and a bodily-peaceful person. But, he was also a mental fighter for what he believed to be right, and was totally against what was wrong.
In the same sentence he said he had travelled ‘This Great World’ at least six times but refused to “accept a lease” (refuse to consent to the sublet if there are reasonable grounds) of every restaurant in Carleton Place.
The eccentric said he had been cruelly and unjustly charged in the Supreme Court of Ontario as a supposed lunatic, by a greedy untruthful wife aided by bigoted, untruthful, jealous persons. Those would be the solicitors for his ex-wife Marjorie Burgess-Stewart, Hope and O’Donnell of Perth, Ontario.
So why not screw up a will? Alright Mr. Burgess– welcome to Carleton Place’s Whimsical People lineage. Please stand right next to Dr. Howard of Carleton Place if you please. I am sure I will be joining this list when I pass on– in fact I am quite certain! After all, life is all about finding people who are your kind of crazy.
..
The asizes open in Perth next week. Carleton Place will figure conspicuously this time. There is the case of Dr. Preston against the Ontario government, who questioned the validity of the Burgess will. He will seek to establish its bonatides. April 10 1903- Dr. Preston and Mr. Burgess were best friends.
The case of the attorney-general against Dr. Preston of Carieton Place, contesting the Burgess will, reached a settlement this week, the will being allowed to stand as it is, in favor of Dr. Preston– April 17 1903—-
I don‘t sell on Ebay NOR do I promote others BUT when I see something that should be in a museum I make people aware of it. Anyways the watch is sold… but the story still needs to be told
“The gold Eterna Challenger watch purchased by the Almonte Hotel staff for presentation to A.H. Whitten in 1948 is currently up for sale on eBay (July 8, 2020). The ‘tank’ (rectangular) style watch by Eterna (a Swiss firm) has a ivory colored dial with a small second hand at the ‘6 position’, a gold case, and a brown leather band. It is engraved on the back-“A. H. Whitten–From the Staff Hotel Almonte1948”
Dr. Metcalfe, who established his practice in Almonte years ago broke into the political forum in 1901. It had been his four-year battle feud subsequent victory at the polls to achieve public ownership of hydro electric power that had turned Dr. Metcalfe’s thoughts to running for public office. He believed that his idea to consolidate all powers in Almonte on a plan where the Mississippi River’s total supply could be regulated for 24 hours per day would one day become a reality. This plan would be beneficial to Carleton Place, Appleton, Rosebank, Pakenham, Galetta. and all the falls on the Mississippi and increase the efficiency of the stored lakes
Dr. Metcalfe was mayor of Almonte from 1917 to 1919 and in 1924 and in 1929. During his terms as mayor, the streets of Almonte were paved. It took a fight in the courts before the doctor got action on adequate accommodation for high school pupils. The high school had been a building rented from the Almonte Public School Board. Through Dr. Metcalfe’s efforts the building was renovated and a gymnasium erected. The gym, he admits was his pet project, since he had always been keenly interested in sports.
Also a great horse lover, the doctor was active in sulky racing. Dr. Metcalfe’s entries won many red ribbons at Ottawa and Toronto exhibitions as well as at local and district Fall fairs. Through the years, medicine and politics with Dr. Metcalfe walked hand in hand. He used to travel to outlying rural farmhouses on sick calls by horse. With the aid of two nurses and a flashlight he performed appendix operations on kitchen tables. The doctor helped bring more than 5,000 babies into the world. His assistant was Miss Isabel Guthrie, a niece, who was a registered nurse in Scotland and Canada.
The last of a family of 12, Dr. Metcalfe was born November, 1869, on the homestead on the 8th Line of Ramsay. His parents, the late Hugh Metcalfe and Jean McLean named him Albert after Prince Albert who had stopped at their home for a drink of water shortly before the baby was born. (1860–Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, undertook a two-month tour of Upper and Lower Canada).For two years after he left high school, he taught at McDonald’s Comers, then, went to Queen’s, where he graduated with honours. He took post graduate work at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn., and then came to Almonte to set up his practice. He married the former Isabel Mitchell McCallum of St. Andrew’s, Scotland and she died in 1937.
Isabel Guthrie, RN, unknown boy, and Doc Metcalfe. Doc Metcalfe was my doctor when I was a little boy. He and Isabel were great friends of our family. Photo 1960
The mayor, Louis Antonakos , has been found guilty again for the FIFTH time by the Integrity Commissioner and it will be brought up at a special meeting Tuesday evening. I don’t like this anymore than anyone else does, but there is an election coming up October 22. So please attend Tuesday night and make your decisions for the upcoming vote.
What’s going on Carleton Place? Logically, you’d want an intelligent person who understands the best approach and methods running for mayor in the best possible way. But no, people seem drawn to demonstrations of questionable intellectual abilities, and I just don’t understand it.
In today’s politics, a vote is far more likely to be a force of castigation than a result of inspiration or aspiration. I call it the “least-lousy justification: “My side sucks, but not as much as those other guys. democracy would be perfect if it weren’t for all the people involved”.
This election people are being given something to vote for rather than against— like finally a council that will work together and get things done. No more drama! No more chaos! We have some brilliant caring people running this election and we need a new direction. Can Carleton Place stand another 4 years of bad media? You tell me, because in the end it is your decision, and your vote will form the future of Carleton Place for the next 4 years.
Because some appear to have lost sight of the larger issues, like our town moving ahead positively, we have managed to split our town on thoughts about the mayoral election, and turned an entire generation off from it. The cycle continues, as you see young people so totally uninspired by the way our town runs, and are now resigned to its trials and tribulations of chaos.
l say we reinvent the town of Carleton Place’s politics and government by voting in the positive and what our town really deserves. I don’t want people to feel compelled to hold their nose while voting. Please attend Tuesday’s night council meeting and listen to what has happened. This is not pot stirring or bringing up old issues. These are new issues which you need to know about before making your decision.
lindaseccaspina 