[Welland Tribune February 21, 1947]
The death occurred this afternoon at her home, 121 Bald street, of Mrs. Fannie J. Wade Skitch. She was the widow of the late Alfred Skitch, well-known clothing and shoe merchant in Welland, who passed away in 1930. A member of Central United church, deceased came to Welland 37 years ago. She resided for a number of years in Port Hope. She was born in Durham county.
Surviving relatives include the following children: Winnifred, Mrs. William Whittle; A.L. Skitch, and Miss Sybil Skitch, all in Welland; T.M. Skitch of Detroit, and Mrs. James Scott of Toronto.
The funeral, which will be private, will be held from the late residence, 121 Bald street, to Woodlawn cemetery, at 2 p.m., Monday, February 24, and Rev. L.R. Ballantyne, pastor of Central United church, will officiate.
[Welland Tribune February 21, 1947]
Timothy O’Donnell, 76 for many years a summer resident of the Dominion road in the Erie Beach section, died in Buffalo yesterday. He had been in failing health for some time. His wife predeceased him last year. Five daughters and a son survive. For many years deceased conducted a tonsorial shop at Niagara and Ferry streets, Buffalo and enjoyed a large Canadian clientele.
[Welland Tribune January 21, 1947]
The funeral was held this afternoon of Claudette Rodrigue, infant daughter of Mr. And Mrs. Andre Rodrigue 18 Nelles Road, from the late residence to Sacred Heart church, with service there at 3 p.m. and interment in Holy Cross cemetery, Claudette died on Sunday evening at the Welland County General hospital and was four days old at the time of her passing.
[Welland Tribune February 14, 1947]
Infant Ritchie, adopted daughter of Mr. And Mrs Russell Ritchie, Welland Junction, died on Thursday, February 13 at the Welland County General hospital, aged two months. Burial services here held on Friday, February 14 at the Sutherland-Thorpe Funeral Home, 152 Hellems avenue and interment was in Holy Cross cemetery. Rev. J. Culman officiated.
Salem, March 17-A three-act play, “Ready-Made Family.” will be presented in Salem United church on Wednesday, March 19.
Mr. and Mrs Fred Fraser of St. Catharines were Sunday supper guests of Mr. And Mrs Asa Chambers.
Mrs. Charlie Bailey visited last week with her son and daughter-in-law, Mr. And Mrs. Carmen Bailey of Welland.
Mrs. F. Henderson and children spent last Monday with Mrs. Henderson’s father at Fonthill.
Mr. and Mrs. Asa Chambers spent Thursday with the latter’s parents Mr. and Mrs. E. Crow and Mr. and Mrs. Bill Hippwell.
Mrs. C.E. Strawn spent Wednesday with her cousin, Mrs. Blake Ostrosser, who has been ill.
There was a large attendance at the Salem Baby Band afternoon tea held at the home of Mrs. George Metler. Miss Harris was guest speaker. The children enjoyed a “fish pond.”
Salem, Feb 19-The Young People of Salem and Forks Road conducted the service at Forks Road and Salem United church at Salem on Sunday; Leo Robins took the leading part, James Fan lead in prayer, Marie Farr read the scripture lesson and A. Campbell spoke on the week he spent with Boys’ Parliament in London. The Young People were in choir. This Sunday; Sunday school at 11a.m.; church at noon.
Mr. and Mrs Earl Strawn of Welland were supper guests of the former’s parents Mr. and Mrs C.F. Strawn.
Little Barbara Anne Willford attended a birthday party of her cousin Karen Willford in Welland on Friday afternoon.
There was a large attendance at a social evening of Salem United church W.A. held at the home of Mr. and Mrs Asa Chambers on Wednesday evening.
Misses Venita and Jacqueline Gent were hostesses to the C.G.I.T on Thursday, after a delicious supper the meeting was called to order by the president, Venita Gent, Marie Farr read the scripture lesson. Joan Hewitt read from the study book. The girls made plans for the mother and daughter banquet to be held in March.
The World Day of Prayer at Salem United church will be on Friday at 2 p.m.
The Salem Baby Band are holding an afternoon tea and children’s fish pond at the home of Mrs. George Metler on March 12. All members of the W.A. and W.M.S., as well as ladies of the community are invited.
[Welland Tribune March 11, 1947]
Boyle, March 11-A miscellaneous shower was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. John Horne on Friday evening in honor of their son-in-law and daughter, Mr. And Mrs Bill McPherson (Jean Horne) a recent bride and groom. Progressive crokinole was played and prizes were awarded to Bill McPherson, William E. Heaslip, Mrs James Ebeling and Mike Kazar. Many useful gifts were received by the happy couple and the bride expressed their thanks to their friends. The rooms were tastefully decorated with pink and white streamers and the bride’s and bridesmaid’s bouquets were beautiful in their vases.
Refreshments were served by Mrs. Horne assisted by her daughter Lillian, Mrs. Gordon J. Robins, Mrs Cyrus Misener and Mrs. W.J. Anderson.
The shower was arranged by the member of the Women’s Association of Bethel United church.
Mr. and Mrs Amos Beamer spent Tuesday at Welland.
Mr. and Mrs. Gordon J. Robins and daughter, Shirley spent Wednesday at St Catharines.
Mr. and Mrs. W.J. Anderson accompanied by Mrs. Leonard E. Cocks, Ralph and Howard Cocks, Mrs. W. Brooks and Miss Mary Lampman, Fenwick, spent Friday at Welland.
All-Day Quilting
The Women’s Association of Bethel United church held an all-day quilting at the home of Mrs. Jack Pearl on Wednesday, February 26. A pot luck dinner was enjoyed at noon. Those attending were Mrs. William Cutler, Mrs William E. Heaslip, Mrs Gordon J. Robins, Mrs Blake Robins, Mrs Amos Beamer, Mrs Cecil Gracey, and Mrs. W,J. Anderson.
Mrs Herbert Gracey and infant daughter have returned to their home here from Dunville Memorial Hospital.
Peter Boyuk and Norman Gracey spent Wednesday evening with Mr. And Mrs W.J. Anderson.
The Women’s Association of Bethel United church will meet at the home of Mrs. Leonard E. Cocks, Fenwick on March 19 at 2 p.m.
Mr. and Mrs W.J. Anderson spent Thursday at Smithville.
[Welland Tribune March 29, 1947]
Dexter D’Everardo has his eccentricities but he left his mark
Dexter D’Everardo, first clerk of the county of Welland. Mystery man and eccentric, was the subject of an after dinner speech given by Louis Blake Duff at the luncheon of the Welland County Municipal Association in the Hotel Reeta yesterday.
“We had clerks at one time in Welland,” said Mr. Duff in opening his address.
Born in Paris in 1918, D’Everardo had much to do with the founding of Welland county. Together with a delegation of reeves he went to Quebec City, at that time the seat of government, and “came back with the bacon.” The county of Welland was carved out of Lincoln, and D’Everardo became the first clerk.
The first issue faced by the county was the location of the county seat. Port Robinson had a claim, so did Cook’s Mills. D’Everardo wanted Fonthill. “The wise guys in Welland grabbed the bacon while the others were arguing.” said Mr. Duff.
The decision did not, faze Mr. D’Everardo. He conducted his office in Fonthill and later when he became registrar, and then clerk of the surrogate court he continued to carry out the duties of his offices in Fonthill, on the site of what is now the Imperial Bank corner.
Document Proves Hoax
Mr. Duff commented a sensation was created when the building was torn down many years later, a sealed box being found adjacent to the chimney which contained a document purporting to be the early history of Fonthill, which spoke slightingly of some of the early residents. It was later discovered the document was a hoax.
D’Everardo first taught school at the foot of Patterson’s Hill, and later became superintendent of schools in Welland county, actually an inspector, in days when school hours were 8 to 5, and Saturday was just another day.
Later he organized the first nursery in Fonthill, and was responsible for the planting of many of the tree-lined avenues of the Fonthill today.
He built himself a beautiful residence which was remarkable for one feature-it had a gymnasium. Mr D’Everardo was a fanatic on physical culture. His bedroom had no windows because he believed the night air to be injurious. He carried his own bread to dinners, no one, he maintained, knew how to bake healthful bread except his wife.
He went to St. John’s church in Thorold and was in his pew on the dot every Sunday, but as soon as the services began he walked out.
Every year he had a New Year’s party to which he elite of the county were invited, and which was the social event of the year. Each year, exactly on the stroke of 12, he would announce that the hour of his retirement had come and that he was going to bed, but invited his guests to continue to enjoy themselves.
He died in Welland in 1891, according to Mr. Duff, “one of the oddest, most colorful men ever to appear on the scene in this county.”
Founded Fonthill
D’Everardo was the founder pf the village of Fonthill, naming it after a town in Wiltshire, England, built by another eccentric.
Straying from his subject somewhat, Mr. Duff made a reference to the eminence of land that is part of the Lookout Point Golf and Country Club which, he said, offers “one of the most charming views in all Canada.” He recalled that it was the scene at one time of a meteorological station, and that following the Napoleonic wars, was picked as the site for a fort by a commission appointed by the Duke of Wellington to make a study of the military defences of Canada. The fort, however was never built.
The reason, stated Mr. Duff, was the Rush-Bagot Treaty, under which it was agreed that Canada and the United States would have a de-militarized border, without forts and without gunboats on the Great Lakes. Good will replaced force in the relationship of the two countries.
County Treasurer, R.P. Barrick introduced the speaker, and County Warden George F. Broadley moved vote of thanks.
At the afternoon session of the association, the county officials passed a resolution appointing Mr. Duff an associate member in appreciation for his services as speaker at luncheons for a number of years.
[Welland Tribune March 15, 1947]
Succumbs at 81, after suffering stroke; was prominent in municipal business circles.
Charles Eugene Steele, prominent Port Colborne business man and a former mayor of Port Colborne and warden of Welland county, died at his home at 296 Fielden avenue this morning at the age of 81. In failing health for several months, his death followed a stroke a few days ago.
Born of one of the oldest pioneer families in the district in Humberstone township, Mr. Steele was prominently connected with a wide variety of activities in a business way, in municipal life and in the field of public service.
A man of recognized integrity, he had the reputation of fighting to the last for a principle. He recognized a responsibility for public service, and showed an active interest in the welfare of his church. He had many friends among the business community, and in a wider sphere in other parts of Ontario.
Was Warden Twice
He had a long record of municipal service, culminating in his election to the wardenship of the county of Welland in 1938 with the distinction of being the only man in recent years to hold the office twice.
He entered municipal life as a councillor for the township of Humberstone in 1896, following this up by being elected a commissioner for Welland County District No. 3 in the county council in 1897 and 1898. This was when the County Councils Act was passed, dividing the county into districts. District 3 composed Port Colborne, Humberstone and Crowland township; He was again elected in 1903 and 1904 and also 1905 and 1906, being honored by his colleagues in 1906 by election to the wardenship.
There followed a period of inactivity as far as municipal life was concerned until 1914, when he again entered the county council, this time as reeve of Port Colborne. He served until the end of 1917, came back for one year in 1922, and then remained out until 1933 when he re-entered the county council after an absence of 16 years. He was returned every year until 1938, when he became county warden for the second time. Mr. Steele was mayor of Port Colborne in 1927-28.
Active in Politics
Warden Steele had also been active in Provincial and Federal politics. He was a member of the commission appointed by the Hon. Howard G. Ferguson as the Ontario Minister of Mines, to survey and report on the natural gas situation in Ontario, and also served two years on the board of reference appointed by the provincial government to fix rates at which natural gas should be sold.
His business career started in 1907 when he organized the Sterling Gas Company, of which he was president and general manager, until he sold his interest in the firm to Dominion Natural Gas in 1928. While he was connected with the gas industry he was honored with the presidency of the Natural Gas and Petroleum Association of Canada, and even after severing his connection with the gas industry, he remained the honorary president of that organization and was active as a member of its executive board.
Born in Humberstone, Mr. Steele was first engaged in farming. He moved to his beautiful residence on Fielden avenue in 1902.
On Sanitorium Board
For many years, Mr. Steele was on the board of the Niagara Peninsula Sanatorium, and was named chairman in 1939-1940. He was a member of the Empire club, Toronto, and a former member of the Port Colborne Lawn Bowling club and the Port Colborne Lion Club, and also a life member of the Port Colborne Golf and County Club. The late Mr. Steele also held membership in Beacon lodge, I.O.O.F. and Macnab lodge, A.F. and A.M. He was a lifelong member of the Port Colborne Baptist church, which he served as a deacon for many years.
Mr. Steele was married on December 14,1887, to Alice Emeretta Zavitz, who survives him. Also surviving are two sons, M.D. Steele and Lewis C Steele of Port Colborne; three daughters, Mrs. Herman Ott of Humberstone Village, Mrs. H.J. Shore of Port Colborne and Miss Dora Steele at home; and one sister, Mrs. Clara Minor of Port Colborne.
A private funeral service will be held on Tuesday, March 18, from the family residence at 2p.m. Interment will be in Overholt’s cemetery.
[Welland Tribune March 17, 1947]
The funeral of the late Mrs. Florence Wokcieszak, who died on Tuesday, March 11, at the Welland County General hospital, was held on Saturday morning from the late residence, 804 Ontario Road to the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, Crowland. Rev. Father S, Cassin solemnized Requiem Mass, and also officiated at the last rites at the graveside. The pall bearers were Ignac Mimek, Stanley Wilga, Florian Obirek, John Smagata, Peter Cimek and John Imiolo.
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