Welland History .ca

The TALES you probably never heard about

COUPLE MARK 69TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

[Welland Tribune February 28, 1947]

Captain and Mrs. F.C. Mahaffey 140 West street, celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary yesterday and received the family and friends at their home on West street. Many telegrams and telephone messages congratulating the popular couple were received.

Capt. And Mrs. Mahaffey are both enjoying good health and are both in their 88th year.

Capt. Mahaffey has been a prominent figure in the town throughout the years as Port Colborne has grown from a nondescript village to a prosperous industrial centre, and has acted in various civic capacities, the last of which was assessor some time ago.

Capt. Magaffey is Port Colborne’s oldest living native son and was born in a house at the corner of Adelaide ad King street in 1859.

Mrs. Mahaffey was the former Mary A. Longley, born in West Seneca, N.Y., March 15, 1860, the daughter of Mr.and Mrs James Longley.

Mr. and Mrs Mahaffey were united in marriage in Vermont Baptist church, Buffalo, N.Y. on Feb. 27, 1878 by Rev. G. Colby.

They raised a family of four boys and one girl, Harry, George, Warren, Charles and Gertrude (Mrs. Harry Ellsworth).

DEATHS – MRS GEORGE CASE

[Welland Tribune January 24, 1947]

The death occurred at Douglas Memorial hospital, For Erie, last evening of Ida Rose Case, wife of George Case, 682 King street, Humberstone, in her 65th year. Death followed an illness of two months.

The late Mrs. Case was born at Hartford, Conn., and had resided in Port Colborne and Humberstone since 1914.

Surviving are her husband, George Case, and a son, Harold Case, Fort Erie.

The funeral will be held on Sunday, January 26, at 2 p.m., from the Dell and Merton funeral chapel, 50 Clarence street, Port Colborne, to Morgan’s Point cemetery.

Funerals Mrs. George Case
The funeral of Ida Rose Case, wife of George Case, King Street, Humberstone, whose death occurred at Douglas Memorial Hospital, Fort Erie, on Thursday, in her 65th year was held Sunday afternoon from the Dell and Merton Funeral Chapel, Clarence Street, Port Colborne, to Morgan’s Point Cemetery. Edward Clemens, reader of First Church of Christ Scientist, Welland, conducted the service.

The pallbearers were Livingston Learn, Harry Hill, Arthur MacDonald, Carl Snider, William Haggerty and George Calver.

Relatives and friends were present from Fort Erie, Welland, Fonthill, Ridgeville, Sherkston and Kalamazoo, Mich.

DEATHS – MRS. JOHN RAYNER

[Welland Tribune January 22, 1947]

The death occurred at her residence Camelot Beach, Wainfleet township, this morning of Elizabeth Rayner, in her 85th year. The late Mrs. Raymer was born at Radcliffe, England, and had resided in Wainfleet township for about 34 years. She was  predeceased by her husband in 1931 and by two sons, John W. Rayner and Fred Rayner, who were killed in action in World War 1.

Surviving are three daughters, Mrs. Wilfred Holt, in England; Mrs. Eliza Anthes, Port Colborne; and Mrs. Jerry Olson of Manistee, Mich,; two sons, Thomas, at home and Harry in Niagara Falls; 16 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. She was a member of St. James’ Anglican church, Port Colborne. She had been ill only a week.

The funeral will be held from the Dell and Merton funeral home, 50 Clarence street, Port Colborne, where the body is resting, at 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 25, Rev H. G.L. Baugh will conduct the service. Interment will be in Oakwood cemetery.

Mrs. Elizabeth Rayner
The funeral of Elizabeth Rayner, widow of the late John W. Rayner, whose death occurred at her residence, Camelot Beach, Wainfleet Township on Wednesday, in her 85th year, was held Saturday afternoon from the  Dell and Merton Funeral Chapel, Clarence Street, Port Colborne, to Oakwood Cemetery, Rev. H.G.L. Baugh conducted the service.

The pallbearers were Dillon Guinther, Sr., Dillon Guinther, Jr., Donald Bessey, Arthur Kramer, Chester Airhart and John Wilgosh.

Among the floral tributes were those of Maple Leaf Milling Co. Ltd., Electric department, Aluminum Co., of America.

Attending the service were friends and relatives from Manistee, Mich., Niagara Falls, Ont.; Niagara Falls and Buffalo, N.Y. and Welland.

MANY FRIENDS AT BEAUDRY RITES, NORTH PELHAM

[Welland Tribune February 15, 1947]

Ridgeville, Feb. 15-Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon for the late Georgianna Beaudry Johnson who passed away on Sunday morning at her late home in Pelham Township.

Mrs. Johnson was the daughter of the late Mr. And Mrs. Frank Beaudry, and was born 73 years ago at East Brookfield, Massachusetts. She married Charles N. Johnson in 1904 and has been a resident of Pelham township for the past 34 years.

Deceased is survived by her husband, one daughter (Ruth Claire) Mrs. Lester Drenkhanhn of Buffalo, N.Y., and one son Windle F. Johnson of Washington, D.C. Two brothers and one sister predeceased her several years ago.

Mrs. Johnson was a member of the Church of Christ but as a resident of this community has attended the North Pelham Presbyterian church for many years.

Dr. Albert V. Brown conducted the funeral services at the Drake and Barron Funeral Home in Fonthill. His text was “We Sorrow Not as Those That Have No Home.” Dr. Brown also spoke of the high esteem in which Mrs.Johnson was held by her many relatives and neighbors. Chester Metler sang “Trusting in God”, a favorite hymn of the deceased.

Many beautiful floral tokens including pieces from the William Hengerer Company of Buffalo, N.Y., and the Willing Workers and Sunday School of the North Pelham Presbyterian church denoted the affection of the community for the late Mrs. Johnson.

The following men were pall bearers: D.H. Horton, Arthur Metler,William Johnson, Chester Metler, William Hicks and Claire Johnson.

Interment took place at the North Pelham Cemetery and Dr. Brown read the committal at the graveside.

DEATHS – FRANK BALSOWITZ

[Welland Tribune February 14, 1947]

The death occurred early this morning at the home of his son, Joseph Balsowitz, 30 Harriet street, Crowland, of Frank Balsowitz in his 70th year. Deceased was born in Lithuania and came to Canada 36 years ago, and spent 17 years in the employ of the Electro-Metallurgical Company of Canada Limited, until he retired in 1938. His wife, Mary Balsowitz predeceased him some years ago.

He is survived by a son, Joseph residing on Harriet street; two daughters, Miss Stella Balsowitz of Brooklyn, N.Y. and Miss Mary Balsowitz of Rathbury, Mich.

The remains are resting at the  J.J. Patterson and Sons funeral residence, 19 Young street, but formal arrangements has not yet been completed.

Frank Balsowitz
The funeral of the late Frank Balsowitz, who died on Friday February 14, at the home of his son, Joseph Balsowitz, 30 Harriet street, in his 70th year , was held this morning from the J.J.Patterson and Sons funeral residence, 19 Young street, to the church of St Peter and St. Paul, where requiem mass was solemnized. Interment was in Holy Cross cemetery. Rev. S. Cassin chanted mass. The pallbearers were Steve Runka, George Repaski, Anton Hungit, Jack Bubam, John Horagich and George Njari.

FUNERAL HELD OF MRS. EDNA BEST

[Welland Tribune February 13, 1947]

Port Robinson, Feb. 13-Many from the district gathered Friday afternoon at the home of the late Mrs. Edna Best, wife of Reginald Best, whose death occurred on Tuesday, Feb 4, as a last mark of respect for member of the community, who, when she enjoyed good health, was active in Institute work and Red Cross work.

Rev. W.E. Long, pastor of the United church, officiated and brought a comforting message to the bereaved family.

Many floral pieces betokened the esteem in which deceased was held. Included were tributes from the Standard Steel, Owen Sound Order of the Eastern Star, Joseph Stokes Rubber So., Employes of the Stokes Rubber Co., United church L.A. and teachers, pupils and Mr. Shaffer of S.S.4.

The United church choir sang a favorite hymn, “Peace, Perfect Peace.”

Pall bearers were all relatives of deceased: George Youngblutt, Eric Youngblutt, Louis John Irwin, Wilson Jalbert, Percy Best and Howard Best of Fonthill.

Relatives attending from a distance were her father Wilson Griffith of Owen Sound; her sisters (Naida) Mrs Eric George and (Mary)  Mrs. Albert Baker of Owen Sound; a brother Leonard Griffith and wife of Owen Sound and their son David of Osgood Hall Toronto; Miss Gladys Best, Fonthill; Mrs. Nettle of Welland; Mr. And Mrs. Gordon Brown of Chippewa and Mrs. Oscar Eade of Niagara Falls, Ont.

Antombment was at Fonthill Mousaleum.

SALEM [Welland Tribune February 28, 1947]

Salem, Feb. 28-Rev. W.E. Dempsey, pastor of Salem United church had charge of services on Sunday morning. Next Sunday services will be at 3 p.m. when the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper will be observed, Sunday school at 2 p.m.

A number of West end members of the O’Reilly’s Bridge Women’s Institute attended the meeting at the home of Mrs. John Cosby and Mrs. I. Michener marking the 50th anniversary of the W.I. Mrs. Robbins read the history of the founding of the Women’s Institutes, and several other readings were given by Mrs. Amos Holmes. The delicious lunch included a birthday cake with 50 candles. Mrs. Green and Mrs R. Smith convened the lunch.

Mr. and Mrs Bill Grimwood of Niagara Falls were supper guests of the latter’s parents on Wednesday.

Miss Ruth Neale of Niagara Falls and Miss Audrey Neale of Dunnville were weekend guests of their parents, Mr. And Mrs T.F. Neale

Clarence Willford, Robert Willford and Robert Strawn spent Saturday afternoon in Toronto and attended the hockey game at Maple Leaf Gardens.

Mr. and Mrs Norman Misener and sons Graham and Ross and Miss Ruby Kent of Niagara Falls were Sunday guests of Mr. And Mrs C.E. Strawn.

Mr. and Mrs L. Swick of Welland and Mr. And Mrs Edwin Swick and son Ronald were in St Thomas last Sunday.

The World Day of Prayer was held at Salem United church on Friday afternoon.

BOYLE CHURCH CLOSED, WILL REOPEN EASTER

[Welland Tribune February 4, 1947]

Boyle, Feb. 4- The January meeting of the Women’s Association was held at the home of Mrs. William Cutler with a large attendance. The president Mrs. W.J. Anderson conducted the meeting. Reports were given by the secretary, Mrs. Amos Beamer and the treasurer, Mrs. Gordon J. Robins. Several items of business were discussed. It was decided to hold a quilting at the home of Mrs. Cutler to complete the quilt that is being sold to one of the members. Another lady is hiring the society to make three quilts for her, and it was decided to meet weekly to complete these. It was also decided to close the church for the winter months, as the attendance was so poor due to illness and road conditions. It will reopen Easter Sunday, April 6.

The offering was received by Mrs. G. J. Robins and the flower fund donations by Mrs. J. Jamieson. Mrs. Beamer conducted an interesting contest which was won by Mrs Anderson. The program for the February meeting will be arranged by Mrs. Gordon J. Robins. The hymns will be selected by Mrs. Roy E. Overholt.

Refreshments were served by the hostess Mrs. Cutler assisted by her sister Mrs. Judson Jamieson and Mrs. Cecil Gracey.

Social Notes
Mr. and Mrs. William E. Heaslip were recent guests of relatives at Tonawanda, N.Y. They also visited the latter’s brother Harris Robins who is a patient in hospital at Buffalo, following a serious operation.

John Hill and Mrs. Mary Reid spent Tuesday at Welland.

Mr. and Mrs Thomas Holt, St Ann’s and Mr. And Mrs W.J. Anderson were recent guests of Mr. And Mrs Leonard E. Cocks, Fenwick.

Friends of Emery Gee will be glad to learn he is convalescing at the home of his son and daughter-in-law, Mr. And Mrs Clifford Gee, following an operation at St. Joseph’s Hospital Hamilton. He spent a few weeks with his daughter, Mrs Flossie Barry at Hamilton before coming home.

Attend C. Misener’s Funeral
Mr. and Mrs. James Hill, sons Cameron and Murray, Clifford C. Hill, Mr. And Mrs Arnold Reid, Wainfleet, and Mr. And Mrs. Murray B. Misener and son Horace, Bismark attended the funeral of their brother and uncle the late Charles Emery Misener which was held from the Dell and Merton Funeral Home, Port Colborne.

THOS E. WILSON DIES SUDDENLY

[Welland Tribune February 11, 1947]

One of Port Robinson’s most highly respected citizens passed away suddenly last evening in the person of Thomas Edward Wilson, who died at his home on West Bridge street while at work removing snow from the driveway at his residence. He was born on December 3, 1878 at  Bright, Ont. But moved while a young man to the United States joining a brother in the steel business in Pittsburgh.

Returning to Canada in 1912 he came to Port Robinson, and had been employed with the Standard Steel Company Limited, Port Robinson for over 33 years. He was purchasing agent and store keeper for this firm at the time of his death, and he was also a prominent member of Port Robinson United church, being a member of the board, and he had been Sunday school superintendent for 25 years.

He married Miss Elizabeth Jane Atkinson of Pittsburgh in that city in 1901. He was one of nine children, and only one brother now survives, Roy Wilson of Homestead, Pa.

Deceased was a Free Mason, and was a past master of Myrtle Masonic Lodge, Port Robinson. He was also  a trustee of S.S. No. 4, Port Robinson  and had been its secretary-treasurer for many years. He was a Liberal in politics, and was also a member of the Welland Civic Lawn Bowling Club. Deceased officiated for many years as secretary-treasurer of the Port Robinson Fire Area. He had for some time been supervising the work of building the new Sunday school and hall at Port Robinson United church.

Deceased who was a son of the late Joseph and Rebecca Wilson of Bright, Ont., is survived by his widow Mrs. Wilson, a son, Herbert Wilson of  Vancouver, B.C. and five daughters, Belva, Mrs. Lorne Holditch, Port Robinson; Fanny, Mrs. David Kemp Jr., St Catharines; Edith, Mrs. John Shannon, St. Catharines; Helen, Mrs. J.N. Marquis, St Catharines, and Muriel, Mrs. Edward Bell of Blythe.

A Masonic service will be held at the late residence, West Bridge street on Wednesday evening, and the funeral will be held from the late residence to Fonthill cemetery on Thursday, February 13 at 2.30 p.m.

Last Rites for Edward Wilson
Port Robinson, Feb. 15-Friends from all walks of life gathered at the home of the late Thomas Edward Wilson on Thursday afternoon to attend his funeral.

Rev. W.E. Long pastor of United church of which Mr. Wilson was a  faithful member, read  psalms and lessons and recited prayers. He was assisted in the service by Rev. S.B. Stokes, pastor of Lundy’s Lane United church a close friend of the Wilson family, as Port Robinson was his first appointment. He stated Mr. Wilson was a great help to him in his work and was not only a friend but a counsellor. Rev. Long stated Mr. Wilson’s qualities could be summed up in three words. “The Good Samaritan.”

SALEM [Welland Tribune February 14, 1947]

Salem, Feb. 14-Salem United church services next Sunday will be at 3 o’clock, Sunday school at 2 p.m.

Miss Audrey Neale of Dunnville spent the weekend at the home of her parents, Mr. And Mrs. T.F. Neale.

Mr. and Mrs. Donald Cook pf Welland and were supper guests of the former’s parents on Sunday and also called on Mr. And Mrs  George Metler.

Miss Shirley Strawn of Wellandport spent the weekend at the home of her parents Mr. And Mrs C.E. Strawn.

Salem United church band held their first meeting at the home of Mrs M. Beamer on Wednesday.

Mr and Mrs A. Stirtzinger of Fonthill were guests of  Mr. And Mrs Ted Hayward on Sunday last.

A Valentine box social will be held at S.S. 8 Wainfleet on Monday evening, February 17.