Results for ‘Early Citizens’
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.”
[Welland Tribune December 16, 1943]
The death of Mrs Ethel Solomon, wife of Louis Solomon, 152 Alberta street, Crowland, occurred yesterday at her late residence. Born in Hungary, the late Mrs Solomon had been in Canada for the past 29 years, and had resided in Crowland most of the time.
She is survived by her husband; four daughters, Mrs Murphy Wilburt (Maria) of New York city; Mrs Rocco Marshall, (Amelia). of St Catharines; Mrs Sam Marazzo (Helen) of Crowland and Mrs William Saccone (Esther) of Niagara Falls; two sisters, Mrs Charles Nagy and Mrs Charles Gellen, both in Hungary, and six grandchildren. One son, Edward, predeceased her during the past summer.
The funeral will be held from the late residence, 152 Alberta street, on Saturday, December 18. Arrangements have not been completed.
[Welland Tribune December 17, 1943]
The death occurred at the Moyer Nursing home, Port Colborne, on Wednesday evening of Amanda Zimmerman, widow of the late Levi Zimmerman, in her 87th year.
The late Mrs Zimmerman was born in Humberstone township and had resided in the township all her life, making her home on the Chippawa road until 25 years ago when she went to reside with her daughter, Mrs Arthur White at Brookfield. Deceased was a member of Crowland Presbyterian church. Death followed an illness of about a week.
Surviving are two daughters, Mrs Ernest Mehlenbacher, Detroit, Mich., and Mrs Arthur White with whom she resides; one sister, Mrs Belle Hopkins, Shelton, Wash.; one brother, Frank McCaul, RR 1 Welland; six grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. Mrs Zimmerman was predeceased by a son, Duston, in 1915 and by her husband, Levi Zimmerman, four years ago.
The funeral will be held from the Dell and Merton funeral chapel, 50 Clarence street, Port Colborne, at 2.30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec 18 to Overholt’s cemetery.
Mrs Amanda Zimmerman
The funeral of the late Mrs Amanda Zimmerman, widow of the late Levi Zimmerman, whose death occurred at Moyer Nursing home on Wednesday in her 87th year was held Saturday afternoon from the Dell and Merton funeral chapel, 50 Clarence street Port Colborne, to Overholt’s cemetery. Rev R. T. Rutherdale, minister of First Presbyterian church, conducted the service.
The pallbearers were Ray Reigle and Claude White, Port Colborne; Glenn Mehlenbacher, Royal Oak, Mich.; C.T Staley and Harold Gent, Welland and Charles Porter, St Catharines.
During the service Mrs Joseph Wetherup, Port Colborne, accompanied by Mrs C. W, Shore, sang “Good Night and Good Morning.”
Friends were present from St Catharines, Niagara Falls, Welland and Royal Oak and Detroit, Mich.
[Welland Tribune November 27, 1943]
The death of the Ottawa valley’s most prominent lumbermen in former years, George Lindsay Graham, took place yesterday in his 70th year at the home of his son, Robert Graham, 182 Young street. Mr Graham had come to Welland just a month ago, and had been ill since that time, Born in London, Ont., he lived almost all his life in the Ottawa valley, and during later years, in Arnprior. Retiring some years ago, he was an active member of the United church.
He is survived by two sons, Robert of Welland and Stuart, overseas, and one daughter Elizabeth, of Arvida, Quebec. His wife, the former Anna C. Stuart of Arnprior, predeceased him a few years ago.
The remains were shipped last night from the Sutherland-Thorpe funeral home, 152 Hellems avenue, to Arnprior, where funeral services will be held on Monday afternoon. Interment will be in Arnprior cemetery.
[Welland Tribune November 22, 1943]
The death occurred on Friday, November 19 at the Toronto General hospital in her 70th year of Margaret Beauly McCulloch, wife of William Grant, Welland. Born in Dumfries, Scotland deceased married Mr. Grant in Cape Town, South Africa in 1903, and they came to Canada in 1907. They resided in Toronto for 12 years, and they were residents of Welland for 24 years.
Deceased was a member of the Christian Assembly in St Catharines. Surviving her are her husband in Welland; a daughter, Mrs Wilfred Gagnon, Welland and three sons, Pte. William Grant of the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry, overseas; Thomas, Welland; and George, Toronto; also two sisters, Mrs Deuchrass of Long Beach, Cal. And Mrs B. McLean of Irvine, Ayrshire, Scotland.
The funeral is being held this afternoon with service at the Sutherland-Thorpe funeral home, 152 Hellems avenue, and interment in Woodlawn cemetery.
Funerals
Mrs William Grant
A large number of relatives and friends yesterday afternoon attended funeral services for the late Margaret Beauly McCulloch, wife of William Grant of Welland. Mrs Grant passed away on Friday at the Toronto General hospital in her 70th year. Out of town friends and relatives were present from St Catharines, Niagara Falls and Port Dalhousie, and there were may floral tributes from friends, neighbors and organizations.
William Robertson of the Christian Assembly, St Catharines, conducted the service at the Sutherland-Thorpe funeral home, 152 Hellems avenue, and two favorite hymns of the deceased, “Forever with the Lord” and “Jesus, Lord the Righteousness,” were sung. W. Massey presided at the organ.
Interment was in Woodlawn cemetery. The casket bearers were James Brown, A. Bond, Marcus Dilts, Joseph Little, W. Warden and W. Bourdett.
[Welland Tribune November 24, 1943]
The death of Barbara Ann Weir, 11-year-old daughter of Mr and Mrs W. Desmond Weir, 54 Merritt street, west, took place this morning at the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto. Barbara Ann became ill on Friday, and was taken to the hospital Sunday night. Her father is the manager of the Welland plants of Canada Foundries and Forgings Ltd. And a director of the company, of which her grandfather, W.M. Weir, is president. The family moved here from Toronto in May, 1941.
The funeral will be from the late residence, 54 Merritt street, on Friday morning, November 26, at 8.30 a.m. to St Mary’s church for requiem mass at nine. Interment will be in Holy Cross cemetery.
Funerals
Barbara Ann Weir
Services for Barbara Ann Weir, 11-year-old daughter of Mr and Mrs Desmond Weir, 54 Merritt street, were held Friday morning from the late residence to St Mary’s church for requiem mass, with Rev. A McMahon officiating. Barbara Ann died at the Toronto Hospital for Sick Children on Wednesday, November 24.
Huge numbers of floral tributes paid silent last tribute at the funeral and the graveside, in Holy Cross cemetery. The pallbearers were business associates of Mr Weir: Carl Painter, Fred Hoare, Joseph Cawthorn, George Cheshire, Vincent Dyson and Jock MacKenzie.
[Welland Tribune November 29, 1943]
The death occurred at her residence 216 Clarence street, Port Colborne, Saturday following an illness of some three years of Margaret Wallace widow of the late Jeremiah Wallace in her 76th year.
The late Mrs Wallace was born at Pittston and came to Port Colborne 18 years ago from Shanley. She was a member of Central United church and active in the work of the church having been a member of the Ladies’ Association and a life member of the Women’s Missionary Society. She was also an active member of the W.C.T.U.
Surviving are four daughters, Mrs G.P. Powes, Calgary; Mrs W.A. Hansen, Brimston; Mrs H.C. Williams, St Thomas, and Mrs L.H. Thornton, Welland; four sons, Ray in Hamilton; Clarence in Rowena and Hartley R, and Kenneth J in Port Colborne; five grandchildren; a brother, Royal Riddell, Pittston, and Mrs Thomas Gillmoure, Spencerville. The late Mrs Wallace was predeceased by her husband in April 1930, and by two daughters, Mrs E.D. Ross and Laura, and a son, Arthur.
The funeral was held this morning from the late residence to Central United church, Port Colborne where service was conducted at 11 o’clock by Rev George H. Knighton. The body was then taken to the H.R. Wallace funeral home at Brinston for service at Shanley United church at 11 o’clock tomorrow morning. Interment will be in Shanley cemetery.
The pallbearers at the service this morning were Alfred Coles, J.C. Rawlins, J.R. Martinson, W.H. Paget and Stanley Lee and Cecil Johnston of Welland.
[Welland Tribune December 1, 1943]
Mary, the 17-year-old daughter of Mr and Mrs Mike Portz, 130 Beatrice street, passed away yesterday at the Welland county General hospital, after a brief illness. Born in the Ukraine, Miss Portz came to this country with her parents approximately 16 years ago, and lived in Western Canada for a number of years. The family have resided in Ontario for the past five years, and in Welland for two years, Before taken ill, she was employed at the Page Hersey Tubes Ltd. Besides her parents, she is survived by a brother and sister.
The funeral will take place on Thursday, December 2, at one p.m. from the late residence, 130 Beatrice street, to the Russian-Greek Orthodox church, Fourth street for service. Interment will be in the Woodlawn cemetery.
Funerals\
Mary Portz
Services for the late Mary Portz the 17-year-old daughter of Mr and Mrs Mike Portz, who passed away at the Welland County General hospital on Tuesday, November 30, were held yesterday afternoon. The funeral took place from the late residence, 130 Beatrice street, to the Russian-Greek Orthodox church, Fourth street, for service. Rev. P. Bondarchuk officiated. Interment was in Woodlawn cemetery.
[Welland Tribune December 4, 1943]
The death of Mrs Bertha Blackwell, wife of Charles Blackwell, 19 Elizabeth street east, took place this morning at the Welland County General hospital. The former Bertha Hutchinson, deceased was born in Yorktown, Sask. She came to Welland some years ago and was on staff of the Welland public school before marrying Charles Blackwell 21 years ago.
An active member of Central United church, she belonged to several of the church women’s organizations, and at the time of her death was an officer of the Fidels class.
She is survived by her husband, Charles Blackwell; her mother, Mrs Alfred Hutchinson of Mount Forest; one sister, Miss Constance Hutchinson, Kitchener; two brothers, Allen and Eric both of Mount Forest; and two sons, Ted now overseas with the Canadian Army, and Robert at home.
The funeral will be held from the Sutherland-Thorpe funeral home, 152 Hellems avenue, for service on Monday, December 6, at four p.m. Interment will be in Doan’s Ridge cemetery.
[Welland Tribune December 2, 1943]
A past president of the Welland county board of agriculture and a former deputy reeve of Humberstone township, Charles W. Nuget, passed away last night at his residence in Dain City, in his 80th year. Born at Dain City, where he had resided all his life he followed the occupation of farming and was prominent in county agricultural circles.
He was for many years a member of the board of agriculture and also served on the Dain City school board. He was a Conservative in politics, and active in Conservative groups. A member of the All Saints Church of England at Dain City he was a lay delegate, and held this position at the time of his death.
He is survived by three children, Miss Viola Nugent and Sheldon and Evan Nugent, all of whom reside at Dain City. His wife predeceased him five years ago.
The body is resting at the Sutherland-Thorpe funeral home, 152 Hellems avenue, until Saturday afternoon, when it will be taken to the late residence at Dain City, The funeral will be held from there on Monday, December 6th, at two p.m. to All Saints Anglican church for service. Interment will be in the Church of England cemetery, Smith street.
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