Miss Mildred Low, defeated woman candidate in the four-cornered fight in Lanark county in the federal elections Monday, has issued the following statement: “As a pioneer in a new field, I am quite satisfied with the result of the election in Lanark . The county had three separate factions, each headed by a majority to represent the riding. Rather than form an other faction, I sought to secure support from all three without changing the relative position of the men.
My ambition is to secure the entry of more women into Parliament in conformance with the law enacted in 1919. The election has shown the value and power of good organization. Staunch loyalty to ideals has resulted in the return of the accredited candidate of the largest party , Mr. T. A. . Thompson, who is heartily to be congratulated.
It is obvious that the women must range themselves with the existing parties, reserving their right of independence of thought, and therefore the two great parties, the Conservative and Liberal, must make every effort to allocate a certain number of seats to women candidates in the next general election, otherwise there is danger that the women, who comprise over 50 percent of the voters will be forced to form a women’s party as they did in the Old Country. 1930
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.
Forty two years is more than half of the allotted span of life, but that is the length of time that Mr. M. P. Coderre has been in the grocery business on Bridge Street. Now Mr. Coderre is in the process of selling his business and property although the deal is not completed. He is holding an auction sale of household furniture on Saturday, July 28 but expects to be in town for at least a month after that date. He plans to retire and live with relatives in Ottawa.
During the 42 years he has been in business, Mr. Coderre has seen a lot of ups and downs. He often remarks that the worst days of.his career were the hungry 30’s. It was so hard to turn people down and it was also difficult to run a business with too much credit. Mr. Coderre was known to have a kindly heart and he was in a difficult position. But he also had a practical mind and helped people of little means by not allowing them to buy things that could be classed as luxury items.
He was highly regarded for his integrity and built up a solid, steady business. Mr. Coderre was an active member of the Almonte Chamber of Commerce and it was at his invitation that John Fisher of the CBC first visited Almonte and fell in love with it. He served as councillor for four years and headed the polls the first time he was elected. He served as Mayor of Almonte for one day but that is another story. He has the unusual initials of M. P. and often joked that he was the only man in Almonte entitled to use those initials without going before the county electorate.
My father, M. P. Coderre, was born in Almonte in 1886, some 30 years after the alleged visit, but he was very knowledgeable and proud of the town’s history. He was a merchant on Bridge Street for over 40 years and during that time he served as a town councilor, mayor (for seven days) and as a member and officer of the chamber of commerce. He never missed an opportunity to talk about the famous people who came to or from Almonte. It was his persistence that brought John Fisher, later known as “Mr. Canada,” to Almonte in the early ’40s to research a radio show that he gave on Almonte. The name of that particular episode was “The general would be pleased.” The story of the town’s naming, as I heard from my father, is that by the mid-i8oos, four communities, each with its own name, had grown up around the mills that were powered by the three sets of waterfalls on the Mississippi River. Waterford was one name in 1853, but there were also the villages of Victoria and Ramsay.
George E. Gomme was president of the recently re-activated Almonte Chamber of Commerce. George and his executive had one main objective in mind: to attract new industries to town and to encourage prospective builders as far away as Ottawa.
Dr. B. W. Pickering, A. McCormick; R. J. France Scott Ottawa, to settle in Almonte. Other Chamber of Commerce officers concentrating on the problem of revitalizing this once busy textile town are: Karl Paupst, vice-president; P. W. Strickland, second vice-president; C. J. Newton, secretary-treasurer and eight council members: E. S. Winslow Spragge- Dr. B.W. Pickering, Louis Peterson, M. P. Coderre, W. A MCormick, R.J. France, W.E. Scott and Albert T. Gale.
Starts in Almonte Returning to his native town, Dr, Kelly practised for several years with the late Dr,. Lynch and then hung out his shingle on Bridge Street in an office located next the store of Mr. M. P. Coderre. In 1902, he purchased the residence and surgery of the late Dr. Burns, where he lived and practised up to the time of his retirement in 1945 when he purchased the present family home on Elgin Street
Michael Peter Coderre BIRTH 8 May 1886Almonte, Lanark County, Ontario, Canada DEATH 4 May 1961 (aged 74)Lucerne, Outaouais Region, Quebec, Canada BURIAL Saint Marys Roman Catholic Cemetery Almonte, Lanark County, Ontario, Canada
Christa and me at the North Lanark Regional Museum
This morning I got up and saw this post from Christa Lowry the mayor of Mississippi Mills. I had to say something and stand up for all the women in Lanark County and elsewhere.
Someone sent me these screenshots today ( below). The post and accusations hit so far below the belt a response was required. For well over 4 years I have not responded to any of the ludicrous statements, or the fictitious (and sometimes vicious) assertions made about me. But these latest comments cross way over the line and are far beyond what could be considered political discourse. I respect myself too much to sit by and let someone attempt to body-shame me or suggest how I feel about my own body. No one speaks for me.
For the record, these photos were taken days apart and no photoshop was used. I don’t even have photoshop. The differences: on the left I’m standing in front of a big sunny window wearing makeup and used a flattering camera angle. On the right, my makeup and hair aren’t “done” and the photo is taken from a lower position. That’s it. (Although, I did notice this person altered the photo on the right – I was wearing a bright turquoise shirt that day but it has all been made to look grey…funny).
And you know what, I think I look great in both! One is planned and intentional, and in the other I was just happy to see my good friend Linda Seccaspina and have strawberry shortcake at the Appleton Museum. Both are awesome photos and neither make me feel even a drop less confident, beautiful or worthy. It’s about damn time we stopped telling women otherwise.
When did it become ok in our society to make baseless accusations and provide uninvited comments about women’s bodies? And what does any of that have to do with my politics or community leadership?
We must stop accepting this kind of behaviour in our community and in politics at ALL levels. We need to do so much better than this.
Those people who are directly-responsible for the welfare of the county of Lanark, the elected representatives, would concur the county is a beautiful place to live in, the urban centres modern and progressive, the people alert to new ideas and keenly aware of the need for continuing progress. In the most part they would be right, however there is one area in which the county is completely backward – that is in the electing or appointment of women to municipal or community office.
Christa said : “I feel so violated and attacked!”
It is not easy being a woman in politics since this is predominantly a male territory. Women have to work harder. We have to prove ourselves more. We have to be more assertive. Politics is a man’s society– and most of the elected officials are men.
Many of the barriers women face right now have to do with the increased scrutiny that women are under generally. Women are judged much more harshly on social media. The internet gives people approval from a judging world.
Negative comments in terms of body image are the hardest thing that women probably struggle with. But I think the best thing that we can do as strong women is to take that negativity and use it in a positive way. There are so many young kids on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to not send the message of hate on to. Let’s pass on good words instead. This is my body- So Christa…. we love you and you are one of the strongest women I know…. and as you said, “What does any of that have to do with my politics or community leadership?”
Linda Seccaspina 8th female councillor of Carleton Place,Ontario since 1925 when women got the vote.
“Insecure people only eclipse your sun because they’re jealous of your daylight and tired of their dark, starless nights.”
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
In 1952 there was one lone Hackberry tree left in Ottawa near Brewer Park and the George Dunbar bridge. It had a white picket fence around it, and a sign that said “Do Not Destroy”. The late mayor of Ottawa, Charlotte Whitton, whose family lived in Carleton Place, insisted these trees be protected. Just like our Hackberry trees in Carleton Place.
For many years some citizens of Carleton Place have claimed that on March 8th, 1896 Charlotte was born in Carleton Place or lived here. Charlotte was actually born in Renfrew, Ontario but did spend some time visiting her grandmother here in Carleton Place as her father moved here with his mother as a young man.
Publicly, she was described as a “relentless and devoted war horse,” a “human dynamo,” “explosive” and a “little package of dynamite.” Privately, there were likely many who would have had far less kind things to say.. Read the rest here CLICK
If you thought the October 22 municipal election for Carleton Place was going to be run with integrity, compassion, and “heads sewn on straight”– your head was hiding in a bucket of water. I knew after a tumultuous 4 years the weeks up to the election were going to be nothing but a fright fest, and here we go.
Today Jerry Flynn dropped out of the race for mayor, and I would never tell you who to vote for but– do you really want another 4 years of the same? For anyone that does not understand what we went through then I guess you didn’t read the newspaper headlines, or see the TV news reports of how utterly stupid we, the people of the Carleton Place, looked to the outside world. If you don’t mind looking like that then I guess we don’t need change, and can just go ahead and vote for toxic candidates.
Yes, we have some old-school conservatism in our council, but that alone does not lead to those with a toxic vision. But, contemporary conservatism is, in part, defined by anti-establishmentism–and that does lead to toxic candidates. To me those are the folks that have opposition to the social and political establishment that have their own school of thoughts– that do things for their own benefit, not for others, as they just do not want to listen anyone else. It’s all about them– just like Trump.
I am very sad that Jerry has decided not to run for mayor, but life has to come first I know that– but, it also makes me wonder about things. The undercurrents I am feeling right now are not full of integrity or compassion and maybe something smells worse than a dead mouse in my walls. But you know what? That is my opinion and you do your own thinking.
The candidates running for the October 22 race aren’t all the same. They all share some form of different ideas, sometimes that works and sometimes it doesn’t. There are also some, like other elections, probably with ill-conceived ideas and an agenda to be pushed through. How much more do we want of this? Well it is up to you. Can Carleton Place stand another 4 disastrous years? I don’t think so– but hey, maybe I am wrong.
One could say globally and locally things are really screwed right now. We really need people to stand up for mayor and council of Carleton Place. We need some challenges here before we are in the headlines for another four more years. Don’t think it can happen? Just wait…
Update-
Doug Black and Ralph Lee in the running for mayor and Sean Redmond for deputy and here is the link
Well put and I agree with all of it. I decided to run because I was tired of this town, that I have come to love, being dragged through endless bad press and council meetings devolving to name calling and shouting matches.
I may be naive about some things but I feel at the core anyone running for municipal politics has to have the best interests of the town at heart. There can be disagreement on what is best but it has to be kept on a civil level and the facts have to come to the front. There is simply no room for personal issues when making decisions for the whole town.
We all want what is best for this town, every single person running, I have to believe that. Some have more interests than simply living here, as voters we need to decide if those interests coincide with what is best for the town. I have a little house in town, most of my friends live here, my kids go to school here and my family loves this town. That’s it.
Yesterday I read a local Carleton Place blog with the choice of words pretty close to what I call Trumpism. I attempt to listen to both sides, but lately in Carleton Place there is an ‘us and them’ and it just seems that the “inner workings of Carleton Place” have fallen to the bottom of the food chain while chaos reigns supreme at the top.
I am not going to post words from this gentleman’s blog called Political Aggression Inciting Violence –but here is the link. The last thing I want is to get into the “middle of it’ as I’d rather write about history and nostalgia. But, I CANNOT as a human being let these words slide. I just can’t!
I would place Las Vegas odds that there are a few truths to his story. But as usual– I feel most of it is just political spin focused on a much admired local citizen, or is it citizens, that has a different opinion than that of the writer. It is one thing to complain about a tree, storm water management ponds, etc.. but I believe there is no room for something like this in my world. The words seem to border on what I consider is a tantamount to hate speech.
I am now very worried about the upcoming town election and wonder how badly it is going to be out of control in thought, word and deed. How does the town of Carleton Place benefit from this? You tell me. I am sick to death of how people manipulate each other, and how even the best intentions are often laced with ulterior motives pitting us against each other.
Again, none of this helps Carleton Place, and something has to be done. It has all become nothing but a callous political game, and is hurting the town and its citizens. We need to stop these antics and end these tawdry political sideshows with seemingly endless chapters.
The late Hon William Templeman’s watch arrived in Almonte last week. It is a valuable gold timepiece with a hunting case and Roman numerals, and one of Mr. Tempton’s dearest possessions.
Since the death of the former Minister of Inland Revenue the watch has been in the possession of Miss Marion Templeman. She sent the watch and chain to her nephew, the namesake of the late minister, Mr. William Templeman, of the Fourth Line of Ramsay.
Mr. Templeman has given the chain to his brother, remarking to a representative of the Gazette, who asked him about it, that he didn’t want to be too selfish. The watch, therefore comes back to its old home in Lanark County. Hon. William Templeman was a native of Pakenham , the younger son of a Scotch couple who settled in that village.
Miss Marion Templeman, his only sister was his most valuable assistant in the Gazette, and helped much to build up the business. Soon after Mr. Templeman went west in 1884 to establish the Victoria Times, Miss Templeman followed, and she has resided there ever since. Every week regularly her copy of the Almonte Gazette is mailed to her.
Going back to Mr. Templeman’s watch it used to be remarked by newspaper correspondents on the Press Gallery of the House of Commons that the Minister of Inland’ Revenue too looked at the watch very frequently. There was a clock in the old Commons Chamber, but a look a t the clock did not suffice him; he had to pull out his watch and gaze at it lovingly for a moment or two before he was satisfied as to the correct time.
William Templeman, PC (September 28, 1842 – December 15, 1914) was a Canadian newspaper editor and politician. Born in Pakenham, Canada West, he was managing editor and owner of the Victoria Daily Times (now part of the Victoria Times-Colonist) newspaper, before first running as the Liberal candidate for the Canadian House of Commons for the riding of Victoria in the 1891 election. He was defeated in the election, in an 1896 by-election and in the 1896 federal election. Read more here: CLICK
The long-flourishing Almonte Gazette, in 1867, founded by William Templeman (1844-1914) who learned his printing trade with the Carleton Place Herald, went to British Columbia to found the Victoria Times, and became a member of the Senate, Sir Wilfred Laurier’s minister of inland revenue and the first Canadian minister of mines.
Carleton Place Fact–1878 – A separate High School of stone construction was built on High Street called the Prince of Wales School. During the course of bitter and widespread disputes and litigation, based on a division of business and real estate interests between the north and south halves of the town, the new school, though much needed remained unused for nearly five years. Photo from Comments About a Picture–Prince of Wales School(Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage Museum)
When the Prince of Wales High School in Carleton Place was to be built a huge argument arose in town to where it should be situated. The “southsiders” wanted it on the north side of the river and of course the other side “the northerners” couldn’t see that side of the question. Finally, it was taken to a vote. Like recent municipal disagreements, they decided to take it to a vote and it was strictly open voting. In the end everyone knew how the other one voted–well you know how this is going to end up already.
It seems that each side thought of everything in order to win. *One side even brought in former residents to vote, whose legal qualifications to say the least, were very doubtful. Actually at that time there were more folks living on the South side than the North side. However, many of the South side voted for the North only for the ‘sensible reason’ that a lot of the building material had already been placed on High Street.
The day after the election a group of “Southerners” were discussing the result in front of Napoleon Paul Lavalee’s Hotel when along came Jasper Holland on his way from the Post Office with his newspapers in hand.
Jasper lived near the station on Miguel Street and was one of the chaps who thought he had the good sense to vote “North”. As he passed the hotel the gang hanging outside began to get unruly and they chastised the passerby for voting the way he did. Jimmie Gemmil who ran the grocery store where Mrs. Mulvey was once located began to get real testy with Jasper and said “the traitor” was not the worth the spit on the ground and it was nothing but treachery.
A fight broke out between the two but the others quickly separated the fight once Napoleon “Paul” Lavallee the hotel owner poked his head out the door. Jasper was quickly declared the winner and with a defiant look he asked if there was anyone else that wanted to argue. Receiving no reply Jasper picked up his “Family Herald” and “Weekly Star” and strode off in the direction of home.
He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored; He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword; His truth is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! His truth is marching on.
Bell vs Greig — This is an investigation (held under R.S.O cap. 204 S. 61) of complaint respecting the mode of conducting the election of the deft, as a Public School Trustee for the Village of Carleton Place. The Election was held 18 Nov. 1878
“If a Trustee of any School Corporation is convicted of a felony or misdemeanour, or absent himself from the meetings of the Board for three consecutive months, without being authorized by resolution entered upon its minutes, or ceases to be a resident within the school municipality for which he is a Trustee such Trustee shall ipso facto vacate his seat and the remaining Trustees shall declare his seat vacant and order a new election.”
In this case the affidavits established that Wm. Bredin, who had been regularly elected trustee in January 1877, ceased to be a resident of the school municipality in April last, and immediately before leaving notified his fellow Trustees that he resigned, and of his intention to leave.
On the 5th last, being the day for the regular monthly meeting of the School Board, said Bredin and one Wm. Weir (who stands in the same position as Bredin) returned to the school municipality temporarily, and these two men, together with the other ten trustees met, and certain proceedings were adopted or attempted to be so, which culminated in the appointment of two chairmen and two secretaries, and in a resolution (with others) being declared passed by one chairman that the Board of Education declared the seats or Wm. Weir and Wm Bredin vacant, and ordered the chairman, Mr. McArthur, to forthwith give the necessary notice and call a meeting of the rate payers to elect two Trustees in their places.The first point to be decided is, were the seats of Weir and Bredin vacant before the Nov. last.
By clause 38, absence from meetings for three consecutive months without being authorized by resolution entered on the minutes ipso facto vacates the seat. The resolution declared by Mr.McArthur may have been voted for by all the qualified Trustees, but the affidavits do not show so. The ten other than Bredin and Weir were allowed to vote at that meeting without opposition upon that resolution; only four voted ( I don’t count the votes of Bredin and Weir; they were clearly bad, as that resolution most be the act of the remaining Trustees) as. abstained from voting.
Their silence cannot be deemed acquiescence, as they allege they did not hear the motion. If the ten trustees have preserved their seats, a resolution voted on by less than the majority cannot considered carried in the absence of sent by the balance or enough to make a majority. In this view the election must fall to the ground, unless the Relator has debarred himself from complaining. All that is shown is that he did not protest or object, and that he held up bis hand on a show of hands being called for. No ease cited gods the length of showing that want of protest or objection is acquiescence.
I cannot see that participating in an unnecessary step can he considered as acquiescence in the election. I shall, therefore, set aside the election of James Greig, and order a new. election. The time and place will be fixed in the formal order to be drawn up. As to the coats, I have no sympathy whatever with the Relator in this matter. His affidavit leaves impression that the motion to appoint him chairman preceded that to appoint Mr. McArthur chairman, the fact being that the motion to appoint Mr. McArthur chairman was actually voted on by the whole 12 present before the other resolution was even moved.
Then he used the expression: “I and the five trustees who acted with me.” It is clear that the five trusties referred to actually voted at the election complained of. The vote polled was a very large one, and the majority for Mr. Greig considerable. It should have been submitted to the Relator who as aware of all the proceedings, and he took no steps to protest or object. I therefore give no coats to the Relator .
lindaseccaspina 