[Evening Tribune, 1 October 1943]
Native of Fenwick and well known in Welland-Crowland sport circles, Paul Tokar was promoted to Pilot Officer in the R.C.A.F. at St. John’s, Quebec, on June 10, and is stationed at No. 5 Bombing and Gunnery School, Dafoe Sask., where he was recently appointed assistant physical training officer.
Pilot officer Tokar, who excelled in Niagara District softball, baseball and basketball leagues, has extended his athletic versatility to his training station in the west, where he has won recognition for his prowess in competition in field meets and on softball service teams.
Recently he won the high jump, broad jump and several other events at a field meet held in Saskatoon arena and previously during the third annual “Dafoe day” field met at Dafoe, Sask., was presented with the Wheatley Trophy for individual proficiency by Fit. Lt., G.H.F. Irving, president of sports on the station.
He won the coveted cup by capturing first place in the high jump, pole vault, running broad jump, hop-step-and-jump and the men’s baseball throw.
P.O. Tokar was entire fielder and top batter for Dafoe’s No. 5 R.C.A.F. Bombing and Gunnery School baseball team, which advanced to the semi-finals of the Saskatoon Exhibition Week baseball tournament.
He is the son of Mrs. Tekla Tokar of Fonthill and the late Steve Tokar and was educated at Fenwick public school and Pelham continuation school. He was employed at Atlas Steels Ltd. when he enlisted.
[Welland Tribune March 26, 1947]
Fenwick, March 26- Mr. and Mrs. John Kowalsky were honored at their home on Saturday evening with a delightful surprise party on the occasion of their 25th wedding anniversary.
The guests numbering 75, gathered at the home of Mr. and Mrs. John Berkosha, who were hosts for the occasion, and proceeded in a body to the Kowalsky home, who were taken completely by surprise, A bountiful sit down supper was prepared by Mrs. Berkosha and Mrs. Bachynski, these ladies being assisted in serving by the Misses Frances and Mary Felip, Miss Anne Kowalski and Mrs. S. Rosinski.
Mr. and Mrs. Kowalski were presented with a beautiful cabinet combination radio and gramaphone as a token of esteem from their host of friends. Mrs. Berkosha and Mr. Gleniecki being responsible for raising the necessary funds and Mr. Tymofy making the presentation address, wishing the happy couple many more years of happiness.
Mr. Jarouski made a capable master of ceremonies and throughout the evening an orchestra supplied music for dancing.
Mr. and Mrs. Kowalski who were presented respectively with a buttonhole and corsage of flowers, are highly respected residents of the district, where they have resided since their marriage 25 years ago.
Guests were present at the celebration from Port Colborne, Welland, and Thorold in addition to the neighbors present. Many of the guests returned for Sunday dinner.
[Welland Tribune February 23, 1940]
Brother Ministers, Friends and Relatives Attend In Large Numbers.
Fenwick, Feb 23- The funeral of Rev. George A. Cropp, superannuated minister of the United Church of Canada, held at Beachville Saturday afternoon, was attended by a large concourse of brother ministers, relatives and friends. Following a private service at the family home, conducted by Rev. P.E. Deeth of Lynden and Rev. W.T. Rose of the Beachville United church, a public service was held in the United church., a public service was held in the united church. Rev. W. Rose conducted the service and assisting ministers were Rev. Roy Johnson, Merritton; Rev. R.R. Elliot, Wellandport, who read the scripture lesson, Rev. William Fingland, Niagara Falls, who represented the Niagara Presbytery, and led in prayer; Rev. D.R. Willliam S, Daniels, Jerseyville, past president of the Hamilton Conference, who represented the conference; Rev. R.M. Geiger of Welland and Rev. C. D. Draper of Tara, intimate friends of the deceased, and Rev Earl Eddy of Hagersville, who closed the service with prayer and the benediction. Other ministers attending were Rev. W.L. Davidson, Tillsonburg; Rev. J. Hampson, Fenwick; Rev W. S. Owen, Rev. N. Godfrey, Rev. F.R. Hendershot and Rev. J. M. Wright all of Brantford; Rev. R.A. Graham and Rev M.P. Smith of London; Rev. Clark Logan, Woodstock; Rev. C.D. Daniels, Ingersoll; Rev. J.A. Jewitt, Cainsville and Rev. J.F. Bewell, St Catharines.
The pall bearers were William Dorland, T.K. Mangnall, Benjamin Holland, Hugh Hacker, William Bremner and Herbert Bremner. Interment was in the Beachville cemetery.
A large number of relatives and friends were present from out of town to pay their last respects to a kindly and respected friend.
[Welland Tribune March 4, 1940]
Mr. and Mrs. J. Kightley Honored at their Home
Mr. and Mrs.James A, Kightley were felicitated on Sunday by their children, grandchildren and friends on the occasion of their 11th Leap Year wedding anniversary at a turkey dinner at their home 129 Regent street.
Covers were laid for 35 persons and the event was one of happy reminiscences. A three-tier wedding cake centred the table. It was topped with two quaint diminutive figures of a bride and groom. Mr.and Mrs Kightley were married on February 29, 1892.
Captain William J. Madden of Penetanguishene. Mrs Kightley’s brother, was toastmaster, and the bride and groom were duly honored. They received many lovely and useful gifts, among others being a chest of silver a fine purse of gold, a handsome table lamp and large bouquets of flowers.
There were many guests from Penetanguishene, Midland, London, Toronto, Buffalo, Stratford, Niagara Falls, N.Y., Hagersville and Welland. Among those present were Captain W.J. Madden and William Madden Jr., and Miss Mary Madden from Penetanguishene, Mr. and Mrs. W. Whatmough of Stratford, Mr and Mrs. E. Fiedler of Niagara Falls, N.Y., and Miss Mae Madden from the Soldiers hospital in London.
[Welland Tribune, 5 November 1992]
Billiard room scene in the 1940s in the old legion hall on E. Main Street, Welland.
[Welland Tribune, 5 November 1992]
First World War veterans taken in 1979 at Vimy Night. All are now deceased.
[Welland Tribune, 15 October 1897]
In the Matter of Minnie Estella Robbins, an Infant under the age of Twenty-One years.
NOTICE is hereby given that after this notice shall have been published in this paper for twenty days, an application will be made by Nellie M. Miller of the Township of Pelham, in the County of Welland, school teacher, to the Surrogate Court of the County of Welland, for a Grant of Letters of Guardianship of the person and property of the above mentioned, Minnie Estella Robbins, whose surviving parent died on the 11th, September, 1897. The applicant is the maternal aunt to the said infant.
Dated at the Town of Welland this 30th day of September, 1897
GERMAN & MACDONELL
Solicitors for the Applicant
[Welland Tribune February 23, 1940]
Steve Lapka’s Death Comes as a Shock – Had been Making Progress
Steve Lapka, 39, lineman employed with the Welland Hydro, succumbed at the Welland County General hospital today from injuries he suffered on January 10 while at work at the Major street sub-station. Friends were shocked to learn of his death, for while his injuries were serious he was apparently making a good recovery and his condition yesterday was reported as being particularly good. His death was attributed to stoppage of the blood vessels in his heart, a condition which developed about 9 p.m. last night, according to his physician, Dr, J, R, Boyd, His death occurred about 9 o’clock this morning.
Lapka was severely burned about the legs and suffered shock while at work on a steel structure at the Major street sub-station, engaged in closing a circuit with a view to making changes to increase power at the plant of Atlas Steel, Ltd. Suddenly there was an explosion and Lapka was enveloped in a sheet of flame.
Deceased was born in Hungary, coming to Welland with his parents at the age of 9. He was a lineman for 23 years, working first for the Welland Electric Co., and subsequently with the Welland Hydro Commission and the Canadian Niagara Power Company at Fort Erie. He returned as a lineman on the Welland staff in September, 1938.
Lapka was popular with his fellow employes, was considered a good workman, and was generally well liked He was a member of the Church of Our Lady of Hungary.
He is survived by his mother, Mrs. Mary Lapka, with whom he resided at 87 Seeley street.
The remains are resting at the J.J. Patterson and Sons Funeral Residence, 19 Young street whence the funeral will take place on Monday morning.
[Welland Tribune February 19, 1940]
30 year resident of Chantler district passes away in his 86th year
Chantler, Feb. 19- One of Pelham township’s oldest and most highly respected residents in the person of James Hurst died at his home here last Wednesday. He was in his eighty-sixth year. He had been in failing health for the past two years.
Mr Hurst was born at Port Robinson, the son of John Hursr and Sarah Higgins. His first wife was Elma Patterson and of this union there were five children, two of whom predeceased him. Twenty-years ago he married Martha Makin.
Beside his widow he leaves to mourn two daughters, Mrs. Lillian Singer, Niagara Falls, N.Y. and Mrs Jack Sniger, Port Robinson, a step son John Makin at home; seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren beside a number of nieces and nephews.
The late Mr. Hurst has resided here for thirty years. The body was removed to Lampman’s funeral parlors, Fenwick, where funeral services were conducted on Friday afternoon. Interment was at Fonthill cemetery. Rev. J.E. Bender of Pelham Centre conducted the services.
The pallbearers were Omer Sutton, Tom Toor, Harry Poth, Sherwood Rinker, Earl Eastman and Maurice Barnes.
[Welland Tribune March 26, 1947]
Rev. A.D. Sutherland of St Andrew’s Presbyterian church officiated on Tuesday afternoon at the funeral of Mrs. Bertha J. Cooper, widow of the late County Clerk Robert Cooper, who passed away Friday night at her home, 201 Niagara street in her 97th year. It was held from the late residence to Fonthill Mausoleum, and there the remains were entombed. The casket bearers were J.E. MacFarlane, W.J. McEwen, Laird Jennings, E,C. Shirley, B.A. Pattison and K.N. Cooper.
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