Results for ‘Early Citizens’
[Welland Tribune January 3, 1940]
The wedding of Doris Isobel Hoover, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Roy Hoover to Lionel Chester Cross of Fonthill, son of Mr. and Mrs. William Cross of Fonthill was solemnized in Holy Trinity Anglican church at three o’clock on Saturday afternoon. Poinsettia and other yuletide blooms were framed against evergreen boughs banked in the chancel. The ceremony was performed by Rev. C. Gray Eakins and Mrs. J.S. Mewburn was at the organ. At the signing of the register Miss Pearl Webb sang “O Perfect Love.”
The bride given in marriage by her father, wore a bouffant gown of white net over taffeta the very full skirt slightly trained. A jacket of brocaded lace was fitted to a belt caught with tiny buttons with a ruffle at the front and on the short puffed sleeves. She had a long white lace mitts and her finger-tip veil of white embroidered net was arranged on her curls with a coronet of orange blossoms in halo effect. White roses and baby’s breath formed her shower bouquet and she had a gold cross and chain.
Attending the bride were Miss Lila Horton, as maid of honor and Miss Betty Brown, the bridesmaid. The former was gowned in baby blue net over taffeta made with a full sweeping skirt, the fitted bodice edged with a ruching and pink ribbon bows at either side. Her hiplength jacket of blue imported lace was made with a bustle, tiny collar and short puff sleeves. She wore a Juliet cap of blue net with a cluster of tiny pink and blue flowers on top tied with ribbon that fell in streamers. She wore silver slippers and carried an arm bouquet of pink and white chrysanthemums.
Miss Brown’s frock in a soft shade of rose pink net over taffeta was fashioned similarly to that worn by the maid of honor, with contrasting blue ribbon bows at the neckline. Her matching jacket was also made with a bustle and short puff sleeves and she wore a juliet cap and silver slippers. Her flowers were pink and white chrysanthemums.
Lawrence Cross of Fonthill was his brother’s groomsman and Andrew Wilson of Fonthill was the usher.
Following the ceremony a reception and wedding dinner was held at “Foxlow”, Lookout Point. Receiving with the bridal party were Mrs. Hoover, mother of the bride and Mrs. Cross, mother of the groom.
When Mr and Mrs. Cross left on their wedding trip to Belleville and Kingston the bride donned a two toned frock fashioned with a violet crepe bodice, fitted to a mauve flared skirt. The bodice with Peter Pan collar and rhinestone buttons is shirred at the neckline with matching flowers and the long sleeves were finished with fitted cuffs. Her black felt turban was trimmed with feathers and she wore a tailored black wool coat with mink collar.
Upon their return, the bride and groom will take up residence in Fonthill.
[Welland Tribune January 2, 1940]
Wellandport, Jan. 2-The community of Elcho near here was shocked to learn of the death of Mrs. Clifford Vaughan, who passed away at her home there at two o’clock this morning following a stroke which she suffered last evening. She was in her 51st year, and her husband is a brother of Mark Vaughan, former M.P.P. for Welland. Born 50 years ago in Croydon, Surrey, England deceased was Agnes Hills, the daughter of Rev. Arthur Hills and Mrs. Hills of Croydon, and she came to Canada with parents about 33 years ago. She married Clifford Vaughan in Elcho 28 years ago, and had ever since lived on the old Vaughan homestead in Gainsboro township. She was a member of the United church in Elcho, and was actively interested in women’s activities with that congregation. Deceased is survived by her husband, Clifford Vaughan, a married son Harley, at the old homestead, and a number of other near relatives.
The funeral will be held on Thursday at 2 p.m. at the late residence in Elcho with interment in the United church cemetery.
[Welland Tribune January 5, 1940]
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Perrault, 54 Empire street are the proud parents of the first baby of the new year in Welland. The 1940 infant, a girl, arrived at the Perrault home at 11.45 on Wednesday morning and mother and child are both reported doing well. The infant weighed 9 1/4 pounds at birth, and was delivered on the mother’s 22nd birthday. Mrs. Perrault is the former Miss Julia Takacz. Dr. M.A. Renaud was in attendance.
Being the stork’s first delivery in 1940, the infant becomes eligible for prizes offered by Welland merchants. The Perrault infant preceded by 26 hours the arrival of a son to Mr. And Mrs. Enrys Evans, R.R. 2 Welland. The Evans baby was born yesterday afternoon at 2 p/m. With Dr. F.C. Myers in attendance.
[Welland Tribune January 5, 1940]
The death occurred yesterday morning at the residence in Bethel, Humberstone township, of Mrs William N. Learn in her 74th year. Deceased had been ailing for about one year. She was born at Doan’s Ridge and had lived in the township for 28 years. She was an adherent of Bethel United church and a former member of the Ladies’ Aid of that church.
Surviving are her husband, one daughter, Mrs. Wm. Meyer of Welland and three grandchildren. The funeral will be held Saturday afternoon at 2 o’clock from the late residence to Doan’s Ridge cemetery. Rev. M. Culp of Bethel United church will have charge of the service.
Funerals-Mrs. W.N. Learn
The funeral of Mrs. William Learn who passed away Thursday at her residence in Bethel, was held Saturday afternoon from the late residence to Doan’s Ridge cemetery. Rev. M.M. Culp of Bethel United church was in charge.
The pallbearers were John White, George, Emanuel, and Dennis, Ernest McIntryre, Harvey Beach,, N. Lampman, and John.
Floral tributes expressed for sympathy of friends and relatives
[Welland Tribune January 3, 1940]
Final rites for the late Mrs. Mary Bacon, who passed away at her residence, 35 McCormick street on Saturday, December 30th, were conducted from the home at 2p.m. yesterday. Friends gathered in large numbers to pay their last respects.
At the service, in charge of Rev. R.A. Cranston, minister of St Andrew’s Presbyterian church, the hymn, “Jesus Saviour Pilot Me” was sung by Mrs.J. Lyons and Elizabeth Brubaker.
Among the floral tributes were pieces from the Canadian Legion Ladies’ Auxiliary, Duchess of York Camp and Loyal True Blue lodge.
The pall bearers were Donald and Jack McIlvride, Gilbert and Frank Dickie and Harry and Bert Webb.
Interment was in Woodlawn cemetery.
[Welland Tribune January 25, 1940]
There was a large attendance at the funeral services for Courtland Dilts yesterday afternoon. Last rites were held from the H.L. Cudney Funeral Chapel, 241 West Main street, and interment was in Woodlawn cemetery. Rev. R.A. Cranston, minister of the St. Andrew’s Presbyterian church officiated.
Pallbearers were Donald Cecil and Harold Walker, Sam Izett, Jess Millard and Seth Fisher.
Deceased died Sunday morning at the home of his son, A.C. Dilts, in his 83rd year.
Welland’s Voice at Queen’s Park Mourned by Many
[Welland Tribune, 28 February 1982]
Joe Barkovich
Tribune Reporter
Ellis Price Morningstar, who represented Welland Riding in the provincial legislature through six elections in a 24-year career, died Sunday in Welland County General Hospital. He was in his 80th year.
The popular politician who became well-known for the enduring slogan, “My door is always open,” began his political career in 1934 when elected to Crowland Township council, seeking elected office only after much persuasion from friends.
He was elected to the legislature in 1951 and announced his retirement prior to the September 1975 campaign.
On the local scene, he enjoyed immense personal popularity. He went on to become a reeve of Crowland Township and a warden of Welland County. He had a 44-year career at Page Hersey.
One of the hallmarks of his active political career which continued into his retirement from elected office were the Saturday morning meetings with constituents in the basement of his 97 Alberta Street home. There, often with shirt sleeves rolled above his elbows, Mr. Morningstar sat and listened to the constituents’ concerns, frequently taking notes in efforts to help them with their problems. As many persons will attest, he did.
What Mr. Morningstar came to regard as a highlight of his lengthy career occurred a few years ago when the Welland Chamber of Commerce organized an Ellis Morningstar Appreciation Night.
Much to the delight of hundreds in attendance, Premier William Davis, one of several prominent guests, said a special portfolio had been created for Mr. Morningstar, a back bencher throughout his career: “He was the Minister of Community Singing,” said Mr. Davis. Hearing that, Mr. Morningstar needed no further prompting to break out with his traditional favourite, “Let Me Call You Sweetheart.”
If anything, Mr. Morningstar was among the last of a vanishing breed of politician. He made the occasional speech in the legislature, extolling the assets and highpoints of his home riding, but it was here that the bulk of his work was done, with, and for the people he represented. Mr. Morningstar nurtured and maintained valuable connections in the corridors of political power, but his strengths were to be found at the grass roots, local level.
During his career at Page Hersey he came to know many of Welland’s workingmen and their families, the contacts becoming part of the bedrock of his political support. He was supervisor of the firm’s galvanizing department when he was elected to the legislature. When the house was in session, Mr. Morningstar would be at his job at the Page at 6 a.m. for a few hours. Before boarding a train daily for Queen’s Park.
He served under three premiers: Leslie frost, John Robarts and William Davis. And for many years supporters honored him at the ruling level with the always successful Morningstar jamboree.
Many major undertakings occupied his time while an MPP. Notably, was his dogged and successful representation, backed by Welland city council and the Chamber of Commerce, to have Niagara College located in Welland.
Throughout his years in Toronto, he campaigned for highway and access improvements for his riding. An early achievement was the West Side Road, federally assisted, between Welland and Port Colborne.
Highway 58 improvements between Thorold Road and Highway 406 was yet another undertaking he had advocated. Long before the canal bypass project was announced, he pleaded for additional crossings of the old canal to serve Welland and Port Colborne. With the bypass revealed, he interested himself in pressing for tunnels under the relocated channel.
His services and support were given to officials responsible for construction of many local projects, including Welland County General Hospital and its Centennial Wing, the Extendicare Unit, and growth and expansion at Sunset Haven.
But one of his greatest satisfactions was the province’s decision to create a provincial park in the Short Hills district of Effingham, another of his advocacy projects.
He was not one to stay retired from active life for a lengthy period of time. Shortly after he stepped down from provincial politics, he was appointed chairman of the Central Housing Authority, a post he held at the time of his death.
He was well liked, and likable.
Said Premier Davis, shortly after his minister of community singing had retired: “I haven’t met, I can’t think of anyone who has taken the cause and concern of his constituents more seriously and more genuinely.”
Don McMillan, Mayor
CITY OF THOROLD
[Welland Tribune, 1982]
A big man with a heart even bigger, Ellis Morningstar made an outstanding contribution to the life and welfare of our community and this whole area. Never happier than he was mixing with “his people”, Ellis accomplished a lot for his constituents.
Ellis Morningstar gave outstanding service to his people. His door was always open. He fought bureaucracy particularly at the Workmen’s Compensation Board and never took “no” for an answer. Many an award would not have been made without Ellis’ dogged determination and hard work.
Nothing was too much trouble for Ellis and he people loved him for it. He was a friend to all and his electoral support was widespread. Many, with political allegiance elsewhere, helped elect Ellis time after time with large majorities for almost a quarter of a century. When age caught up with him and he stepped down from elected office, Ellis never stopped helping his people any way he could.
Ellis was buried from Knox Presbyterian Church in Welland. The Church as well as the Sunday School hall with the service on closed circuit television were jammed to overflowing. The Hon. Tom Wells read the scripture; eulogies were given by the Hon. Bob Welch representing the province, Tom Morrison representing the municipality and Gene Reece-industry. After the service, as the casket was being wheeled out, the organ played, “Let Me Call You Sweetheart”. There wasn’t a dry eye in the building.
Ellis Morningstar was a humble man, a man with little formal education; but what an impact he had. He worked hard and effectively and enjoyed every minute of it. Ellis Morningstar was indeed the “The Happy Warrior.”
By Joe Barkovich
Tribune Reporter
[Welland Tribune, 1982]
He was the “champion of the little people” and in the end, they showed they did not forget what he had done for them.
Thousands passed by his casket to pay respects in the three days after his death, Sunday. About 150 cars made the last journey with him, from Knox Presbyterian Church on Fitch Street to Fonthill cemetery on a sunny late-winter afternoon.
Ellis Price Morningstar, the 24-year Welland Riding MPP, was eulogized yesterday as “a great teacher and constant advisor” by Ontario Deputy Premier Robert Welch and compared to Old Testament prophet Isiah by Rev. Norman Hutchinson because both, he said, were “ordinary men,” given special messages from God.
The little Fitch Street church was filled to overflowing as people occupied narrow aisle ways and the vestibule. Others watched the service over closed circuit television in the church’s Fellowship Hall.
There was no room in the church long before the 2 p.m. service got under way.
Legion members formed a color party and firefighters were in attendance as an honor guard.
Premier William Davis had been scheduled to attend the service but, said government house leader Thomas Wells, Mr. Davis could not attend because of illness, Mr. Wells offered the scripture readings in his place.
Mr. Welch, the deputy premier described Mr. Morningstar as “gregarious and a dedicated political figure.”
“No one was ever turned away from his door,” Mr. Welch said, because Mr. Morningstar was a man who “cared deeply for others.”
His friends were at the church yesterday for two reasons, Mr. Welch said –the general sense of loss of a man “loved by family and a wide circle of friends” and a feeling of “deep appreciation for having shared in the celebration of life” with Mr. Morningstar, a man known throughout the province.
Mr. Morningstar, said Mr. Welch, “loved life, he loved people and we loved him. He brought joy, purpose, meaning into the lives of people.”
Mr. Welch said, “Even though the flame has gone out, the glow of our memories of Ellis will keep us warm, for he was a big man in many ways.”
Former Tribune managing editor T.N. Morrison reminisced about some of Mr. Morningstar’s early political days.
Mr. Morrison said his long-time friend was talked into running for Crowland township 48 years ago by a politician who told him: “You have the qualities ideal for representing people. They like you and by being yourself, you’ll be successful.”
When a proposed arena project in post-war Welland seemed headed for defeat by the municipal council, Mr. Morningstar steered a $15,000 grant for the arena through Crowland council and “shamed” the Welland council to do its share, Mr. Morrison said.
Mr. Morrison was often called to Mr. Morningstar’s 97 Alberta St. home where the MPP worked on speeches and policy. “He’d enquire,” Mr. Morrison said, “is it right, is it fair, is it decent?”
Mr. Morrison recalled of his friend: “He could never be heard to speak ill of anyone.”
“Many of our lives were brightened for knowing him.”
“Page-Hersey co-worker Gene Reece said Mr. Morningstar, a 44-year employee of the pipe-making plant, was a “great leader” who was highly respected by employees.
“His cheery hellos created a friendly, but respected, atmosphere,” Mr. Reese recalled.
“He liked young people and he was always ready to help them, whenever possible,” he recalled.
Mr. Morningstar was an original member of the plant’s Quarter Century Club and regularly attended the once-a-year dinners, said Mr. Reece.
“I can still hear him telling us-“We should appreciate this wonderful opportunity of breaking bread together,” Mr. Reece said.
Mr. Morningstar, he said, “was missed at the pipe mill when he retired and he’ll be missed now.”
“There are some things in life that are inevitable and that is why we are here today,” said Rev. Hutchinson, the pastor of Knox Presbyterian Church, where Mr. Morningstar was a member.
If there is one word which sums up this man’s life, it’s the cry that emanated from his life and work and hands-comfort,” Rev. Hutchinson said. …..
[Welland Tribune August 6, 1897]
It is our painful duty this week to record the demise of Jesse Ramey, one of the oldest and most respected residents of the township. Mr. Ramey, who had been failing rapidly for some time, passed away on Wednesday morning at the age of 75 years. The funeral will take place today (Friday) from his late residence at 2 p.m., interment at Overholt’s cemetery. One son and two daughters survive. Horace S. Ramey, Mrs. Wm. McGinnis and Mrs. Carley, all of Humberstone. Deceased was the son of David and Jane (Liedy) Ramey. His parental grandfather, Casper Ramey, was one of the pioneers of the county, having come here from Pennsylvania at a very early date in its settlement.
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