Caledonia was different 50 years ago
Barbara A. Martindale- For What It's Worth
Caledonia was very different in many ways 50 years ago, but then, society was very different, too. The Sachem reflects those changes. The August 11, 1965 issue is a good example.
The Sachem's yearly subscription was $3; the front page headlined Stan Jerome as the crowned Barley King; Norman Hyslop was the winner of the Russell Oat Competition; and Wyburn Farrell was Oneida Caledonia Oat King – also headlined on the front page.
A broadsheet paper in those days, even the wedding of Janet Atkinson and Bill Weatherston took top middle, front page.
Noticed especially was the headline "Caledonia to have new tennis court in September". Yes, the Kinsmen Club were proceeding with plans to spend $4,900 on the double tennis courts – the same ones that were at Kinsmen Park since that time until two years ago when they were replaced with a new tennis court. Up until 1965, the courts were at the Presbyterian Church boasting a membership of more than 100. The Kinsmen Club and the executive of the new Tennis Club were taking steps to form a board to decide on rules, regulations and fees.
The new tennis courts would be black-topped with eight and 12 foot enclosure screening along with 15 lights for night sets. Gil Ashbaugh was thanked for his kind donation toward the project.
Those were the days, too, when the Caledonia Concert Band was playing at the CNE – this particular year on Thursday, Aug. 26. The Band sold tickets to Caledonians who wanted to join them. Two buses were filled except for 10 tickets, and they weren't planning to take a third bus, urging readers to buy their tickets "NOW".
Community bingo drew large crowds to the arena at the time, and some 20 winners from the week before were published in The Sachem.
The Corvairs were looking for more than 10 Miss Corvair contestants, open to girls ages 17 to 21 who reside in West Haldimand, Onondaga and Glanford Townships. The successful girl would be crowned at the Sept. 10 Corvair Dance, with music provided by the 11-piece orchestra of Johnny Downs from London, Ontario. The crowned Miss Corvair would carry off a complete winter outfit including, coat, sweater, slacks, shoes, hat, gloves and an entry into the Miss Tiger Cat contest. Miss Corvair, Pam Paxton, of 1963-64 did go on to be Miss Tiger Cat.
Oh! And this item caught a second glance. Headlined: "Blaming the Innocent," the firemen were sent along with a number of citizens hunting for a boy reported drowned in the river. However, as it turned out the boy was playing a game of badminton with his father and friends in his own backyard. "The report proved to be a prank of the most despicable nature." The Caledonia firemen were looking for information leading to the identity of the hoodlums for the vicious trick.
One more item caught another glance. The Grand Chow Mein House advertisement indicates that 50 years or more later, congratulations are in order to the restaurant that also advertised their phone number with the Roger identity.
For what it's worth, thank you Doug Weylie for the old 1965 Sachem issue found as protection in the bottom of a bureau drawer.
