What do the Darou Family of Bakers and Minnie the Hooker Have in Common?

CLIPPED FROM
The Ottawa Citizen
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada31 Oct 1933, Tue  •  Page 21

I write about community and the history these folks gave us. Sometimes great little stories pop up while you are researching. I was doing a typical geneaology page for the Darou’s and Dunlops who had Darou’s Bakery on Bridge Street in Carleton Place when I came up with Minnie the Hooker’s story. Everyone needs to be remembered so now Minnie is with great joy and happiness.

Where was Darou’s?

Ray PaquetteBeginning at the bottom of Bridge Street in Carleton Place, on the west side: the Texaco station, the Salvation Army Citadel, Levines, Hick’s Grocery, Charlie Jay Shoe Repair, Mae Mulvey’s Candy Shop. Central Grill, Galvin’s Men’s Wear, Carleton Grill ( and the Colonial Bus Lines stop), the Roxy Theatre, Harold Dowdall’s Barbersop, Denny Coyles Esso, Ned Root’s Shoe Repair, Stanzel’s Taxi, Dr. McDowell, Darou’s Bakery. Doucette Insurance, McAllister’s Bike Repair, Oona’s Applicances/Bob Flint TV, Hastie Bros Plumbing, Bruce McDonald Optometrist, Foote Photography, the public restrooms, the Queens Hotel, Woodcock’s Bakery, Lewis Reg’d Ladies Wear, Okilman’s, and Patterson’s Furniture. I probably forgot a business but I’m sure other readers can “fill in the blanks” or take exception to some of the names on the list. More to come when I crossover to the East side of bridge…

BAKERS.
BOWLAND, R. H., Bell street.
DAROU, MRS. A., Bridge street.
JENKINS, W., High street.
SWAN, JOHN, Bridge street.-Carleton Place 1903 Business Directory –Names Names Names

34 Bridge Street Carleton Place The Little Red Brick House
This brick building was built circa 1900 and was the home of Thomas Stevenson and his half sister, Miss Brisland. They took up residence in the early 1930s and first operated the little store next door later known the Central Candy Store, but it was called Thomas Stevenson Grocery. When they extended the store to make living quarters, they sold the little red brick house.
Prior to Mr. Stevenson living here one of the Burgess’s and *John Darou lived here. The parents of Jack the Kidd and *Velma Bryce, Mr. and Mrs. Bracewell, lived in this building as well as Alex and Viola Watson and Mrs. McEwan.

116 Bridge Street  Circa 1870
116 Bridge Street was the home of the Darou’s bakery for approximately sixteen years. Darou’s bakery was later operated by Minnie who was the daughter of the Darou’s and Earl Dunlop. It was under the ownership of the Dunlop’s up until 1957 when Nat Nelson purchased the building and operated a delicatessen with his wife bought the building. The Bridge Street store used to be the home base for Nate’s Delicatessen, which was run by Nelson’s parents. Paul took over when his dad died and operated a photography shop. Paul Nelson cherished, long time member of the Carleton Place Community, passed away Monday, February 28, 2011.

CLIPPED FROM
The Ottawa Citizen
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada25 Aug 1922, Fri  •  Page 6

Who was Minnie the Hooker?

By Garry Bouey Citizen staff writer

Nobody can accuse Minnie Dunlop of misspending her youth. Sure, she shoots pool a couple of times a week and may go dancing once or twice or play bingo. But after all, Minnie is almost 82 and times have changed. Minnie, who lives in a senior citizens’ high rise on MacLaren Street, looks quite comfortable with a pool cue in her hand. “C’mon baby, c’mon baby,” she says, urging the brown ball to its intended destination. “They call me Minnie the Hooker,” she says, and quickly adds an explanation: in snooker, you “hook” your opponents by leaving them without a shot. Not every ball makes it, of course. Snooker is a demanding game and Minnie didn’t take it up until last fall. “My oldest son is 53,” says Minnie, “and when he found out he said ‘Mother, don’t tell me. I never thought I’d live to see the day you’d be playing pool’.

The Dunlops operated Darou’s Bakery in Carleton Place until 1953 and lived across the street from a pool hall. If you read below her husband was also the mayor of Carleton Place at one point. ( Read-Tales From McCann’s Pool Room – Rob Probert) Minnie remembers hauling her sons home by the ear after rescuing them from the evils of pool-playing. Now she shoots in a seven-team house league and enjoys it immensely. “I like anything where there’s competition,” she says. “I bowled until this winter but it got too cold to go out. With pool, I can play right in the building.” With partner John Beaulieu, Minnie leads the other six mixed teams in the league, organized . by fellow-resident Maurice Trudeau, Ottawa’s senior citizen snooker champ last year. Next year, Trudeau hopes his league can play off with representatives from other seniors’ buildings. No doubt Minnie will be there.

CLIPPED FROMThe Ottawa CitizenOttawa, Ontario, Canada29 Mar 1979, Thu  •  Page 1

Jamie DunlopThere were stories about how my dad and brothers and sister worked in the bakery when they were growing up. They delivered bread by horse and cart when they were kids. It was quite a shock to see Minnie on Facebook playing pool. I have the Citizen picture and article from when it came out in the 80s(?). She was no shrinking violet for sure. Thanks for the interest.

Minnie the Hooker’s Husband CLIPPED FROM
The Ottawa Citizen
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada26 Sep 1960, Mon  •  Page 12

Family

John A Darou 1905 Lanark Village

Diane JudgeMy Mom’s parents were Ida and Charles Darou, owned the dairy in Lanark, my grandmother Ida would order meat & food from there, and they delivered to the Darou home , next to the machine shop, which they owned as well.– read John A Darou 1905 Lanark Village

Upper George Street, Lanark, shop of John P. Leslie, wagon maker. The shop did buggy repairs, general, built new wheels, etc. and was also an agency for the machinery shown in front. Mr. and Mrs. Leslie lived above the shop at the time. Next is the home of James Darou and next the Labelle home–.

Janet LockyerI remember some Darou’s of Lanark, in the late 1960s, dad build a cottage on the Clyde river, near the bridge dump. Jim Darou and sons had a cottage down at the point and Jim and my dad sure managed to get into some fun situations.. Thanks for giving me these memories back, had a chuckle remembering. There was one time that my dad, from the city, went off with Jim Darou to get corn for a corn roast. Jim been the leader of this expeditation, said why pay for corn, he knew where they could get it for nothing. Off they go, hours later they return, muddy, dad pants were torn up and they are laughing away. Jim took dad to a farmer’s field, surrounded by barber wire of course. They climbed the wire got lots of “free” corn. We boiled it up, smothered it with butter and salt and nearly broke our teeth trying to eat it. Dad and Jim just laughed and laughed watching us trying to eat COW corn. There really is a difference between the corn, one for humans and one for cows.

Paul MilotteI remember it being called the Cow bridge as well. If memory serves me right it was used to let Cows cross the river as part of the old Plant farm. It was a huge dairy farm back in the day and the Darou family dairy business bought milk from them. The main building of the Plant farm is the old Caldwell mansion that is now a bead and breakfast. Anybody remember the Red barn behind the main house? I think the same family converted the the old mansion into a nursing home after the farming operation had stopped.-Primitive Bridges –Where was this Bridge?

staff at Darou’s-
CLIPPED FROM
The Ottawa Citizen
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada09 Mar 1939, Thu  •  Page 21

Wondrous! The Woodcock Bakery

Cake By the Mississippi — The Bowland Bakery

Lorne Hart– The Old Towne Bakery — A Recipe is Just a Recipe

Roy Woodcock Photo -Woodcock’s Bakery

Before there was Baker Bob’s There was The Almonte Bakery

Bill Jenkins- Riverman and Wedding Cake Maker?

Remembering the Smells of Heaven on Earth —Davidson’s Bakery

Twenty Five Cents a  Plate at Mrs. Laurie’s Bakery and Confectionery

What do McLean’s Bakery and Morris Green Have in Common?

Aitkenhead Bakery Ottawa, Ontario—Before there was Baker Bob’s There was The Almonte Bakery

Girls Just Want to Have “Fun-gi” Linda Knight Seccaspina

Sports & Sports– Ville de Cowansville
Forty-six children from the Cowansville Municipal Swimming Pool, who received their Red Cross Certificate, accompanied by their teachers, Ms. Roland Boucher and Mr. Paul Meunier, and officials of the Red Cross (The Voice of the East, August 21, 1962)- Ville

Girls Just Want to Have “Fun-gi” Linda Knight Seccaspina

I stood there and peered through the chain link fence watching the cutest boy in town make a spectacular dive into the town pool and melted. The summer had begun and I had yet to make decisions between sitting at home reading my books, or doing something really special.  Would it be sitting under a tree reading the latest Nancy Drew or would I be learning how to be an Olympic style swimmer? I wanted to stand on the diving board, jump into the air and amaze my friends. No one was going to stand in my way even though I was petrified of water.

Anyone that knows me is quite aware of my fear of anything to do with water. It began the day my late mother stood me on the end of a lake pier much like Patty McCormick from the film The Bad Seed. Over and over she told me not to stare into the water less my reflection pulled me in. Of course I stared into the water, fell in, and needed to be rescued.

After telling my best friend about my summer vacation dream she told me I should start small by conquering a lake first. So the next Sunday at Selby Lake I slowly ventured into the water inch by inch. I thought that swimming might not take all that long to learn until one of my friends came roaring out of the lake covered in blood suckers.

As I stood on terra firma and watched a few men try to burn the suckers off the boy’s body with a lighter I suddenly thought that this might not be the best idea. Sure enough, that first day I stood there at the Cowansville pool feeling quite alone, shuddering from fear and looking very uncool wearing a rubber swim cap.

Not only am I afraid of water, but I also have an issue with feet, germs and wetness. After exiting the change room I had to figure out how to walk to the mandatory shower and exit without my feet touching the floor. I tried very earnestly to put my foot down on the wetness of the concrete, but all I could feel was imaginary bacterial ooze crawling through my toes.  I closed my eyes, ran under the shower as quick as I could, and then stood by the end of the pool.

Actually I stood on the edge of that pool for about 7 days and then graduated to sitting on the edge until the instructors became very concerned. Was Linda ever going to swim, or would she end her summer vacation still being a landlubber? Finally one day I courageously stood on the ladder and slowly descended into the blue water. For another two weeks I spent most of my time in the water but now only desperately clutching the edge of the pool with my hands.

Every lesson I would assume the same position until one day I made a miraculous headway. As I approached the pool one morning for lessons I saw the town fire truck parked right next to it. It seems that someone either polluted the water with their bacterial laden feet or there had been way too many “accidents” in it. The fire trucks were filling the pool, which was now only 4 inches deep, and I quickly ran through the germ laden floor, down the ladder and into the pool. With the water lapping dangerously around my ankles I mimicked every swimming style known to man air guitar style. I was finally in my element and was achieving my summer goal. I was swimming!

To this day I do not swim in lakes and still have fear of water due to the movie Jaws premiering years later. However, my biggest fear was met that very day I achieved my first diving board jump. I did not drown, but a week later I had a strange rash on my face that grew with the speed of light. I had contacted what is called Staphylococcus Aureis, or in layman’s terms- Impetigo. Some people blamed the water, but in my mind I knew where I got it from–it had to be the concrete changing room floor. But, in the end strong delusions travel around like cold germs on a sneeze. As my Grandmother treated my rash she said to me:

“Just wash your hands my birdie and say your prayers, because germs and Jesus are everywhere!”

Can I get an Amen?

Clippings of Trudie Dickie and the Building of the Pool

 

The Ottawa Citizen
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
30 Sep 1982, Thu  •  Page 7

 

Jenn Nolan As I was reminded by my mother this morning , ‘ a few years ago’ my wonderful mother brought me into this world before the doctor arrived and it was Trudi and another nurse who delivered me!

Ben MacRae It looks like she’s putting a weiner on a bun

 

1981 photos courtesy Carleton Place-Manager of Recreation & Culture -1981

Trudi Dickie Clippings — Please Add Your Comments

Mary Cook Archives

Mary and Walter Swinwood — Mary Cook News Archives 1981

The Evolution of the Women’s Institute — Mary Cook News Archives 1982

Bob Sadler’s Boat Rides –Mary Cook News Archives 1982

Carleton Place Ladies Auxiliary — Chamber of Commerce 1987– Mary Cook Archives

It’s Hard for Women to get into Office in Carleton Place — 1974 –Mary Cook

Mary Cook Archives —Philip Mailey — January 25 1983

Carleton Place a place for Mad Scientists! Mary Cook News Archives 1983

Mary Cook Archives — Rifle Ranges and Nursery Schools — September 1980

Mary Cook News Archives — The Wool Industry 1982

The Moldowans —- Mary Cook News Archives 1982

Clippings of Cheryl Coker — Mary Cook News Archives

Donald Lowry …. Mary Cook News Archives

1976 Agricultural Tour — Mary Cook News Archives

The Dear Abby of Lanark County -Mary Cook Clippings

It Came Out of Rooney’s Pool Hall

 

Everything starts this way–

Hi Linda
Not sure where to look but trying to find info on an article that was in the Almonte Gazette in 1950’s thinking it could be between 1952 and 1957.
Was about my ( much older brother ) Bruce Stewart and a horse that ended up in the pool room in Almonte. Any info on where to find info it would be great.
Thanks
Bonnie McEwen

This piece was found in  the Almonte Gazette and I edited it a bit.. (linda)

If it were not for harmless, practical jokes played from time to time in an old country town life would become dull indeed. A few years ago, on a hot, September day a Mr. Oswald A. McPhail local agent for the Cockshutt Company donned a high silk hat, long coat and cane announcing in large letters,

“I bet on the Dodgers!”

It was high noon as he walked up the main street of Almonte on his way to Rooney’s Corner. He was towing along his friend Mr. Michael J. Rooney who had bet on the Yankees and who marched behind making appropriate remarks to anyone who would listen.

Now  Mr. McPhail being of Scottish descent had something to do with the awful manner in which the tables were turned on Mr. Rooney that Tuesday afternoon. Mike who was a partner in the tobacco and pool room business operated on the corner of Mill and Bridge Street . He loved to gossip and he was having a chat with Mr. McPhail at the counter. As Mr. McPhail turned to leave through the glass panelled door Billie Ritchie who was a young man then heading his way from the service station was seen riding a pony into the entrance of the store.

 

Rooney’s Pool Room- Leo Bruce photograph

 

Mr. McPhail opened the door for young Ritchie in a very courteous manner and politely stood aside as the rider urged his steed across the floor of the store and through the portals of the hallowed pool hall. The pony which was owned by Councillor Hedley Stewart was quite tame and he looked like he was enjoying his visit as he trotted up and down between the tables. Correction–It was actually Bruce the son who owned the horse My dad had a love of horse. He at one time drove horses for Doctor Metcalfe.-Bonnie McEwen

Meanwhile Mr. Rooney, who was then a young man with a fiery Irish temper upon seeing what was coming through the front door became flabbergasted. Let’s say he was speechless– for about a second. He insisted Mr. McPhail shut the door, but when he saw it was too late he ordered the Dodger fan to put that horse back on the street where it belonged. But, Mr. McPhail, even though brought up on a farm, seemed to suddenly develop a sudden fear of the creature. So that pony took three tours around the pool tables and then left with his rider unhurried and oblivious to the irate gentleman gyrating up and down behind the counter that hot afternoon.

 

1955 Almonte Gazette

Apparently on the  17th of March the same Mr. Rooney pulled one on Karl’s Grocery across the street, and on the 12th of July Mr. Woermke of Karl’s Grocery retaliates with improper decorations in front of the Rooney Tobacco Store. So it remains to be seen for Mike to figure out who was at the bottom of this vile plot.

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals would protect the pony from revenge, but as he points out the organization does not protect him from men like Mr. Des Smith who runs the Supertest Station next to them, the Messrs. Woermke and Paupst across the street and Mr. O.A. McPhail and many others who should be classed as monkeys, according to Mike and put under the control of the SPCA.

There was no doubt that the next chapter would unfold soon and hopefully Mr. Rooney will be in the driver’s seat. When that comes the same publicity will be held by the Almonte Gazette as this one has received.

 

 

 

95 Mill Street- Rooney’s Pool Hall was erected in 1835 as the home of Almonte’s first citizen Daniel Shipman. In 1859 it became a hotel– Almonte House. Alterations through the years sadly obscure its original United Empire Loyalist tradition. Even the former Shipman house and hotel and became a pool hall and tailor shop, with the rear addition converted to the Alma Apartments, managed by Alma Rooney.

 

almonte gazette 1950

 

 

 

Before Rooney’s Pool House There Was..

Tales From McCann’s Pool Room – Rob Probert

Rack’ Em Up Lads! Pool Halls ETC. in Carleton Place

 

 

Comments About Dorothy’s Tea Room — aka The Eating Place

No Girls Allowed? Uncle Cecil’s Pool Room

Rooney’s Pool Room 1977

No Girls Allowed? Uncle Cecil’s Pool Room

 

 

Bill Poulin Jr. playing snooker at McCanns pool hall- Photos from the Canadian and Gazette files from the Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage Museum—

Thank you to all that commented and sharing your memories!

Dale Costello One of the best pool players was Bill Poulin Jr. at Uncle Cecil’s

Bill Brown Shawn Gorman and Kathy Gibson in the background watching

Cristina Mullin Definitely Billy Poulon. And Kathy Gibson

Catherine Marvin-– I’m thinking we were about 14 or 15 then. I think Tommy McCann let Angela Bigras and I in to play one day before the girls went in there. We were allowed all the time after that. Doug Porteous taught me to play pool. Learned how to play Boston before anything else.

Ray Paquette That must be Bill Sr’s son in the photo. I spent a lot of my youth in the pool room and that is not the Bill Poulin I remember!!! In the ’50’s Bill Poulin was considered to be the pro of the Pool Hall and there was one table set aside for money games that was played on by a select few, Bill, Garry Clifford, Wally Lawford and a few others whose names escape me…

Norma Ford This brings back some embarrassing memories. I was sent to pick up my Grandpa’s Club Chewing tobacco at the pool room. When your about 10 years old and go into a place that only men were allowed in – not good. Grandpa always gave me a nickle a trip, would do anything for him. I can’t remember who he sent when I was too old (or too embarrassed) to step foot in there, a real taboo. Very funny now and I wish I had just stepped up and played pool, would that ever have shocked all those guys. –

Ray Paquette- In the ’50’s Bill Poulin was was considered to be the pro of the Pool Hall and there was one table set aside for money games that was played on by a selct few, Bill, Garry Clifford, Wally Lawford and a few others whose names escape me…

Terry Latham This is Jr. Was better than Bill sr.

Baine Cornell  Bill Poulin Sr. was one of the best. I remember Bill playing an exhibition against George Chenier the reigning Canadian snooker champ at the pool room.

Bill Russell I remember when Cliff Thorburn came to the pool hall.

Keith Giffin I saw that game as well Blaine Cornell ,very good game . Allie Hastie loved to play straight pool, had a few games with him. The shirt and the vest were 2 of my favourites to play against Jim and Benny Clarke.

 

leo bruce hempell‏ @BruceHempell posted this old photo on Twiter–
This 90’s photo is of a snowsuit pool tournament in the old Almonte Hotel. #almonteontario #poolgame#almontephoto

 

Bill Brown When ya played in Almonte pool hall – they always positioned the pink ball to the side of the red balls!! Weird

Llew Lloyd Bill Sr. was still playing when I frequented the billiard hall . I believe in my time you had to be 16 or have a note from your mother . It was a bit tense at Sunday dinner when mom saw the note she had written for the first time 

Doug B. McCarten You actually had your Mom sign a note? BAHAHAHA

Mary Lou Stafford Not exactly ..that’s why I was tense. Lol
I remember many of those hand written notes my Mom wrote LOL😂

Ray Paquette By the way, when did girls begin to frequent the pool hall? I hope that is not interpreted as a “sexist” comment…

Bill Brown 70s for sure !!

Doug B. McCarten Never in my time! Women were never allowed nor were they interested! It was strictly a mens room in the 60’s! Cecil restricted males as well until they were 16!

Ray Paquette Do you remember standing outside and watching the pedestrian traffic, particularly the young ladies, go by with an occasional remark from one of the young “gents” causing a witty comeback from the girl it was directed at?

Dale Costello Never uttered a comment detrimental to the beauty walking before us.

Shows east side of Bridge street, pool hall is right where the two gentleman are standing. It was called McCann’s run by Cecil McCann. The building at left is on the corner of Franklin Street. Built in 1880’s by William McDirarmid. Rest of block destroyed by fire and rebuilt c. 1897.Photos from the Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage Museum

 

Ray Paquette Hey! Maybe its a senior moment, but I can’t remember the name of any of any of the less than perfect gentlemen who this comment applies to.

Norma Jackson As a shy teenager I used to cross the street rather than walk by the pool hall where all the guys watched you walk by. Then it was just beside Remembrance Gift shop if I remember correctly.

Mary Lou Stafford I remember going in and it would have been 76/77 and being worried one of the guys would complain because that’s when the girls were first welcome by a few and they were a little choosy about who went in!

Tom Edwards I remember my grandfather going in there to buy Irish Sweepstakes tickets. Do you ever remember of that with your dad Norma?

Norma Ford My Dad got them at work in Findlay’s. He had such great hopes, it was a ritual.

 

Tom Edwards I don’t even believe they were legal. I can remember my grandfather getting them at the pool hall. I think Stewart Ferguson got them at the pool hall too. They were a pretty big deal. I used to have some but I don’t know where they went.

Norma Ford Mom didn’t save them but she sure saved a lot of other things – ration coupons, the permit for dynamite when they built their house, licenses for their radio that I still have, a real gold mine for my “family tree”. We certainly have lived in the worlds best years.

Bill Brown Recall Miss Hitsman our teacher who’s mother won 240k in the Irish sweepstakes about 1971

Tom Edwards No one has mentioned Jack Belisle working there. I used to go in to play that nickel pinball machine. LOL Cece would let me stay but Jack always put the run on me. I used to watch Winston Simpson, Wes Lynch, Jack Bracewell, Bill Poulin JR and Senior play golf on the pool table. Yes Earl Waugh was a favorite.

Tom Edwards  Remember those little wooden pins they used to use and set them up in front of each pocket.

Bill Brown  Dad used to play the nickel machines and if there was a payoff – we would have pizza at the Olympia!!

Ted Hurdis What about Earl Waugh?

Dale CostelloI so appreciated the watchful eyes that kept us out of trouble. However, for some if us, that watchful eye didn’t extend quite far enough. Not sure if extended vision binoculars would have helped. Of course, any trouble incurred was totally not manifested by we law abiding citizens, but we just seemed to invite calamity after calamity. It was like a bear raiding a honey bee hive, and getting stung repeatedly.

Ray Paquette As I review the various comments, I realize that McCann’s Billiards was a focal point for a number of generations of Carleton Place males. Cecil McCann, Gordon Lackey and Bill Poulin kept a watchful eye over my generation, allowing us to enjoy many games of pool but ensuring that we didn’t get into any serious trouble…

Llew Lloyd Ok . Some great memories out there. Now we’re going to go to the bonus round . Who won the 1959 Carleton Place public speaking contest with an opening sentence that said : “my mother always told me that whenever I walked downtown, don’t walk on the pool room side of the street ” .

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 andScreamin’ Mamas (USA)

 

 

Rack’ Em Up Lads! Pool Halls ETC. in Carleton Place

Comments About Dorothy’s Tea Room — aka The Eating Place

Before Rooney’s Pool House There Was..

Comments About Dorothy’s Tea Room — aka The Eating Place