Mrs. B. Angle of Niagara Falls, N.Y.is rusticating at home.
R.M. Jamieson has the contract for building a store in Bismarck.
Blake Moore still lies in a very critical condition.
Many of the residents of this and surrounding neighborhoods attended the picnic at Attercliffe on Wednesday.
Master Frank Bea was successful at the entrance and Willie Jamieson at public school leaving exams. Congratulations, boys!
The camp meeting in Swayze’s grove is quite largely attended, Rev. Dillon officiating.
Wm. Piper suffered a slight fracture of the left arm. It is doing nicely.
The Bethel Sunday school will picnic at Lowbanks on Wednesday next.
Some of the loyal old residents are wondering why the stars and stripes were fluttering through here last week. We wonder why? May be the Dingley bill has driven them out of their own country.
Miss Ella Stoner of Montrose has been visiting at Calvin Reece’s.
The Misses Lymburner of Thorold are visiting at Mr. Coleman’s.
T.F. Swayze has had blood poisoning of the hand. He is improving.
Geo. Robinson and family of Dunnville were the guests of Mrs. A. Jamieson over Sunday.
Dr. Birdsall preached a lengthy and interesting discourse at the camp grounds on Sunday.
The Saints’ camp meeting has prorogued. The meetings have been very largely attended.
The trustees of our school have had the yard levelled and tiled, which adds materially to the appearance of the premises.
Mrs. E.M. Robins, who has been visiting in this neighborhood, was taken quite sick at Mr. Coleman’s, and is still poorly.
[Welland Tribune March 5, 1897]
Longfellow’s literary productions were read and sung very appreciatively on Tuesday evening, Feb. 9th. A laughable parody on the Psalm of Life, was read by Leander Traver. “Paul Revere’s Ride” and selections from “Evangeliue” were read with effect, while all were charmed by the beautiful rendering of the poet’s favored songs. Essays of the life of the poet, and his works, made the evening instructive as well as entertaining.
The meeting of Feb. 23rd;-A firy debate on the relative destructiveness of fire and water. President Robertson, Vice President Johnson, Miss Doyle and Mr. Griffin gave detailed and very vivid descriptions of wreckages, floods, tidal waves and the deluge, but were excelled in argumentative ability by A.L. Young, O. Henderson, Miss F. Henderson and Elliot Henderson.
The Scandal Monger in the hands of the new editor is prospering splendidly. No more ample guarantee of the appreciation in which this paper has been held is required than the many requests made by the subscribers to the editors to continue it during the summer, but in that they cannot be gratified.
Tuesday evening, March 3rd, has been arranged as the final meeting of the society for the season. The entertainment for the closing is now in preparation, and promises fair to be novel, interesting and pretty.
Tuesday , March 9th, will be spent in study of the poetical works of Thomas Moore.
Salem, Jan. 19- Sunday school next Sunday at Salem United church at 11 o’clock. Rev. James Hampson will have charge of the evening service at 7.30 p.m.
The congregational meeting of Salem United church will be held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Gent on Thursday evening, January 18th.
Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Chambers and son Garth called on their mother, Mrs. Chambers at Fenwick on Tuesday.
Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Elsie and daughter Betty of Humberstone called on Robert Elsie on Sunday.
Mr. and Mrs. Hampton Brown visited their daughter and son-in-law, Mr. And Mrs. Ambrose Misener in Fenwick on Sunday.
Salem, Jan.5- Sunday school next Sunday at Salem United church at 11 o’clock, Rev. James Hampson will have charge. The congregational meeting of the Salem United church will be held on Thursday evening January 18th.
Cerion Silverthorn and son Elliott and daughter, Mrs. Brennen and Mr. Brennen of Dunnville, Mr. and Mrs. Harold Bailey and son George and Mrs. Minnie Chambers of Ridgeville were guests of Mr. and Mrs. Oakely Beamer and Mr. and Mrs. Marshall Beamer on Sunday.
Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Brown and sons Lanny and Bobbie, Mr. and Mrs. Hayward and Sons Donald and Gerald of South Pelham spent the New Year’s day with Mr. and Mrs. Edward Hayward.
Mr. and Mrs. Hewlett Brown and family of Welland, Mr. and Mrs. Chambers and son Garth of Salem and Mr. and Mrs Ambrose Misener and family of Fenwick attended the family luncheon at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Hampton Brown on Monday.
Alex McPhee of Quebec returned home on Monday.
Marguerite Misener of Fenwick who spent several days with her aunt and uncle Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Chambers returned home on Monday.
Mrs. Elma Brown of South Pelham spent New Year’s day with Mrs. Helen Cosby.
Miss Jean Chambers of Welland spent the holiday with her parents Mr. and Mrs. Orland Chambers.
Mrs. Minnie Chambers of Ridgeville spent New Year’s Day with her son and daughter-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Orland Chambers.
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. …..
Once again folks its January the first month of the year
May no one be glum but always filled with cheer
We don’t know what this new year will bring
Will it be something new or the same old thing
January is a cold month with only thirty-one days
Since its a new year now lets all change our ways
It originated before the year 1000 from Middle English
Coming from the Latin use of the word Januavius
In ancient Roman Culture Janus was a god of doorways
Also beginnings rising and setting of the sun some do say
His name is from the Latin Janus doorway or arcade
He went outside he didn’t stay in the shade
On Jan 1st we celebrate New Year’s day once again
So be careful on ice don’t fall and suffer any pain
For those born Dec. 22 to Jan. 19 your sign is Capricorn
Its Aquarius Jan. 20 to Feb. 18 for those then born
Some days will have a lot of ice and snow
And slippery roads will prevail wherever we go
There will be days this month that will be real cold
So bundle up in layers there’s no need to be told
Some folks may stay indoors as much as they can
As they don’t wish to be out with snow on the land
Youngsters will skate out there on the frozen pond
While others will play hockey as winter goes on
May snowmobiling be enjoyed as they glide over the snow
As I done in Toronto and other places back many years ago
Some will take snowshoes to walk over the ground
Since its the only way poor folk are able to get around
If you wish to hibernate put on a sweater and heavy socks
And use a warm blanket so the cold weather won’t shock
New Year’s resolutions folks don’t make anymore
Since to keep them would only make people sore
Winston E. Ralph
Bancroft, ON
[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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