Living in Aurora, Town of Aurora, Ontario » Books

Aurora Memories and More, Another Aurora Book by Elizabeth Hearn Milner

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Sat, 14 Dec 2013 04:47:24 +0000

When this blog came to life few years ago I thought I can’t skip a history lesson about Aurora. Thus I spent some time in our Aurora Public Library digging for some books. Obviously the fatter the better and Milner’s first book was one that attracted me the most.

So I read Milner’s first book and eventually I acquired my own copy as well: Aurora 1945-1965 An Ontario Town at a Time of Great Change.

Aurora Memories and More by Elizabeth Hearn Milner

To make this long story short, I got my copy of the book from Ron Wallace and Ron connected me with Elizabeth and this is when I found out that she had second book on the go Aurora Memories and More, a continuation to her first book.

Since then I have been on Elizabeth’s case. Always asking when and when will she have the book ready. That persistent when got my name in the Acknowledgement section of the Aurora Memories and More book. In the Aurora Memories and More book Elizabeth writes her own memories when she was growing up in our town and also shares few stories from others.

It was a long journey for Elizabeth to have her book finally printed. The book is available at the Hillary House and also at the Caruso and Co, both places located on Yonge Street in Aurora.

I am not done reading yet. As of today I am halfway through the book. I think I enjoy even more reading this book since it is not so much of what happened when and where, but I am actually intrigued by small details Elizabeth writes about her own life in Aurora. She writes how small community we once were and how everyone knew each other. I am stunt by how much she is able to remember and to write about people in Aurora, the people she knew.

This is short and sweet introduction to the Milner’s book and you will be hearing more about the book and some of my own memories I have with Elizabeth.

“What a small pleasure it was to buy that candy at Mr. Lacey’s and oh what power came at recess when you pulled out that little bag with nine candies in it and, with grace and largess, you gave away five or even six to chosen friends keeping the chocolate for the walk home. Such delight for three or four pennies spent at Mr. Lacey’s shop.” ~ Mr. Lacey’s Shop: A Sweet Memory; Aurora Memories and More, pg 37, 2013.

Taiwan: the Jubilee of Life in Aurora Public Library, Stepping Outside The Box

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Sat, 06 Apr 2013 03:14:13 +0000

On my last visit to the Aurora Public Library I still wasn’t able to convince Matthew to go on the elevator. Last time we took an elevator, Matthew’s first impression going down to the basement by accident wasn’t what he expected.

As usual we did our regular routine – played I Spy games on the computer, visited children’s reading area and borrowed one DVD. But first we took some pictures of the unique Taiwan: the Jubilee of Life picturesque exhibit at the Colleen Abbott Gallery. The display was vibrant, vivid and rich in Taiwanese culture.

Taiwan: the Jubilee of Life Display in the Aurora Public Library

In the last couple of months I have been experimenting a lot with black and white photography so I turned this Taiwan photo showcase into millions shades of gray.

However, that does not changes the impression one can experience from the images regardless of color. The natural wonders and cultural expression in the form of art, the history, the festivals shows how rich the Taiwanese culture and heritage is.

Taiwan: the Jubilee of Life Display in the Aurora Public Library

However, I must say that it was very intriguing to see Aurora Public Library to step outside the box and showcase something different and unique – to spread the awareness about the Taiwanese culture to further promote Taiwanese tourism for Canadians.

So you know the Taiwan: the Jubilee of Life will be on exhibit in the Colleen Abbott Gallery (from March 25th) until June 1st, 2013. This reminded me also the first time I came to the Aurora Public Library and I looked for the Colleen Abbott Gallery. I didn’t realize then that it was just a wall on the second floor. I was looking for the room.

Taiwan: the Jubilee of Life Display in the Aurora Public Library

As always, I enjoyed looking out the window from the second floor towards the Yonge Street and snapping photos. I always tend to find something different. Last drastic change was demolition of the George Browning house.

This time I found this, just looking from this angle I cannot figure out who is moving, the spa salon or prefect spaces.

Looking Out the Windows, Yonge Street, Town of Aurora

I almost forgot, I also spotted this book on the shelf in the youth section when passing by – The Kissing Diary, a novel by Judith Caseley. Well, how little I knew about kissing when I was a youth myself so let see what the book will tell me how it was like. Yes I borrowed it as well and I am going to read it.

Christmas 2012, A Poem by Elizabeth Milner

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Sun, 23 Dec 2012 01:18:41 +0000

Every year since the time I met Elizabeth Milner via email and then personally at the Hillary House, she sends me her Christmas poem which once again I would like to share with you. She writes her Christmas poem every year – a very nice tradition of hers.

I never used to be a big fan of poems, however, I have a feeling she got me hooked. All I can say to this poem is ‘exactly’. This is how I have been feeling for many many years and I am glad to know that I am not the only one.

Poinsettia, Tim Hortons

Christmas 2012

Christmas came upon me so I made this appeal.
I had to let dear Santa know how I’ve come to feel.

Dear Santa:

Please don’t send me anything this Christmas.
I’ve got a pile of stuff that I don’t need.
Put me on your 25th ride, “To Miss List.”
I’ve even got enough books I can read.

It isn’t that I’ve lost the Christmas spirit,
I do agree with family, friends and joy,
But now when Christmas comes again I fear it.
I’ll never use more gloves, and big kid toys.

So send me some good wishes in my stocking
And add a piece of something sweet to eat,
Some lovely music played and good times talking
Plus a kiss and hug will be my cherished treat.

Sincerely,
Elizabeth

Elizabeth Milner is the author of the Aurora 1945-1965 An Ontario Town at a Time of Great Change, a book I use a lot as a reference especially when I go on my photo adventures around the town.

Aurora 1945-1965 An Ontario Town at a Time of Great Change

Postcards of Olde Aurora, A Sesquicentennial Project by Bob McRoberts, One More Book In My Collection

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 03:04:03 +0000

My inventory of books that are about the Town of Aurora, briefly mentioned Aurora or written by the Aurorans is now assembled. I think I have them all or let say I ran out of budget this year to buy more. My collection consists of twenty books now.

Postcards of Olde Aurora by Bob McRoberts

I am sure there will be lot more books published in the future and they will be part of my collection but there is something special about my recent collection of books. It all started with Bob McRoberts and because of recent purchase ends with Bob McRoberts. Let me explain.

My first book purchased was “Aurora A History in Pictures” by W. John McIntyre, 1988 – collectible, used and autographed. But it also came with a photo of two high school teachers from 1943. One of the teachers was Mr. Knowles who was also grandfather of Bob McRoberts.

So this is how I got to know him, and after photo was returned to Bob McRoberts, he wrote me ‘I hope our paths will cross again‘ and so they did. They did few times and finally on the day I purchased his recently published book.

Postcards of Olde Aurora by Bob McRoberts

In the past I had an opportunity to attend one of the Heritage Lecture Series, “Postcards of Old Aurora: The McRoberts Collection” at the Aurora Cultural Centre, April 2012. I still remember attendance in the room. There must have been over 100 people, including me. The lecture was very beneficial since I take lot of pictures of Aurora and it is very intriguing to examine the change – somethings changed, somethings are gone and somethings just don’t change.

Bob decided to go one step further and put together a Sesquicentennial (2013) project or legacy project – that is he converted his collection of postcards into a book, “Postcards of Olde Aurora“.

Postcards of Olde Aurora by Bob McRoberts

When I picked up my book back on December 6th, I told him that I collect postcards as well, just a collection of the European cities during the time I was growing up. I do have some postcards of Toronto from 1971 when my dad traveled to Canada.

Just recently I did come across of Aurora postcards on line but because I take lot of photos of Aurora I wasn’t that enthusiastic as Bob. Well, he did something wonderful, saved me a time and money. So instead of buying 300 postcards I bought a collectible book, 20th on my list.

This is a very nice little collectible book. Mr. McRoberts spent lot of work searching for all the postcards he assembled into a book Postcards of Olde Aurora and he did because he was passionate about it and because he can relate to as well. His passion is now a legacy book for the Sesquicentennial year. His book is about Aurora by the Auroran and it is the latest book in my collection.

If you would like to own this book, Postcards of Olde Aurora can be purchased directly from Bob McRoberts. The contact information is listed on the right sidebar on this blog.

Interesting Visit To The Aurora Public Library, Mario & Luigi Came Along

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Sat, 10 Nov 2012 22:24:45 +0000

I thought I make this a bit up close and personal post, but then most of my posts usually are. Well three months passed and Matthew is still adjusting to school, his first year in Junior Kindergarten. We have good mornings and we have mornings that he will not want to go school.

But the teacher tells me that he has lots of fun in school, participates and eats well. He is starting to interact more socially. Its funny to hear him, ‘we boys played together today, and girls were not allowed in our area‘. Matthew always enjoyed interacting and conversing with other children and when he went to school I noticed he had a bit trouble finding a friend to play with. Last Tuesday he surprised me, ‘Mommy Andrei is my best friend again, we played restaurant together, and we had so so much fun.’ Perhaps that is what he needs.

Children use their imaginations and create their own play scenarios, and Matthew starting to do so. He recently became good friends with Mario and Luigi (Nintendo characters). He always was friends with Mario, but this is first time where he actually converses with both of them.

Inside the Aurora Public Library, Second Floor

Last Wednesday we visited the Aurora Public Library. Matthew did not resist because he wanted to show the library to his new friends. We were on the way out but in the last minute he had to go washroom. While waiting I overheard his conversation. Yes he brought them inside the washroom. ‘Oh Mario and Luigi I cannot pick you up yet, I have to wash my hands‘.

Matthew at the Aurora Public Library

While we were driving to the library he was showing Mario and Luigi all the things outside – trees, cars, Arboretum. We took Wellington Street and turned on Wells Street. While passing by the Town Park Matthew goes, ‘and here is Aurora Farmer’s Market, oh and it is closed now‘.

Then we got to the library. He was holding Mario and Luigi at the entrance and quietly said Hi on behalf of them to the librarian. I think he was a bit shy of his pretend toy friends.

So we went up stairs. Since the last episode of going unexpectedly to the library basement, Matthew enjoys now walking up and down the stairs. Sometimes we look down on the mechanical parts when the elevator is above us on the second floor.

That day most of his time Matthew spent playing children programs on the computer and he was holding Mario and Luigi in his hand as they were watching him playing.

Mario and Luigi Visiting Aurora Public Library

When children have imagination we just have to go with it. Sometimes I get so much resistance to go on the adventures in Aurora. JK is is big change for him and he often says ‘oh it is so nice to be home, can we stay home today?‘ or ‘I am so tired today‘. But that day was different, he had new friends coming with him.

Aurora Public Library, Second Floor Gallery

So what’s new at the Aurora Public Library. Well the gallery showcase on the second floor Tobermory Remembered: Landscape photography by Simeon Posen is new. More happy watching as APL recently changed its policy regarding DVD renewals. DVDs can now be renewed twice as long as they are not on hold. Something we always asked for.

May be just one more thing – important updates from the community FOCUS site. Our Aurora related content is slowly growing. The Town Politics and Lifestyle section is dominating, and we have few regular contributors Matt Maddocks, John Abel and Andrew Fogliato. Traffic is picking up and sometimes we get nice traffic spikes depending on the issues that come up in the town. We have few Aurora Directory submissions in the works.

We also have few focus page proposals in the works as well. We did in fact submitted proposal to the Sesquicentennial Ad Hoc Committee (SAC) to have a focus/landing page for the 150th Anniversary of Aurora for all the related content and events for absolutely free. Unfortunately our offer was declined because Town chooses potentially to pay $25,000 for the domain name, hosting and site design. The truth is even if the town designs their own site it does not have to cost that much.

Oh well so much for the community involvement, sounds like controlled one, but this will not stop us to continue with the anniversary focus page proposal. Stay tuned.

Suddenly Awaken To Retire Sunday Break, Coraline Sighed, The Book By Neil Gaiman

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 03:46:07 +0000

Time to retire my cheesy Sunday Break posts. It was okay, a photo with the accompanied quote. It was kind of ironic post. It supposed to be a break but I found myself looking for the right photo and then spent good chunk of time searching for a quote to relate. Result – missed Sunday posts.

Nokiidaa Trail Link of St. John’s Sideroad, Boardwalk

Well, enough of that. I am going to start something new and more meaningful to the society – SUDDENLY AWAKEN series. You know, stuff like being in the moment or getting inspired. I don’t know if I have reached some kind of level to inspire other people, but I do get inspired every day, by my family, by connecting with people, reading books, taking photos, watching videos and even just being out there somewhere.

The other day I picked up another batch of books to read at the Aurora Public Library. My card was expiring. A year passed by since I got my library card. Oh I needed badly to give myself pat on my back for the accomplishment, that is for a full year of regular visits to the library, but then I could only reach my shoulder.

Looking out the window in the passenger seat, today I was suddenly awaken by the idea of posting something meaningful, that is I want to remember all the books I read this past year and many more years to come. I want to remember my conversations with others. I want to remember Matthew’s great ideas.

Last month randomly I picked up a book at the library, Coraline by Neil Gaiman. For sure a fantasy. Not sure if I liked it at first and not sure if I enjoyed the dark mood of this book, but I was drawn. I kept reading and reading probably because I was curious what will happen next. On the end it didn’t matter, what mattered was this passage in the book.

Coraline sighed. “You really don’t understand, do you? she said. “I don’t want whatever I want. No body does. Not really. What kind of fun would it be if I just got everything I ever wanted? Just like that, and it didn’t mean anything. What then?”, Neil Gaiman, Coraline, page 120.

Yes, what then? Something to think about.

The beauty of today’s world is that the world wide web gave us excellent opportunities to share our thoughts. The digital photography gave us hands on opportunity to capture the moment. And the new kid on the block, LivingInAurora.COM community FOCUS is giving everyone great opportunity to share everything about Aurora.

I suggest to read Matt Maddocks’ (Point of Privilege Column, community FOCUS) latest published post and his intriguing thoughts on the politics of culture, The Politics of Culture, Two Weeks on Two Wheels. He will be driving outside the Town of Aurora zone in search for answers and I am sure he will have lot of interesting insights to share once he is back.

Doors Open Aurora 2012, Aurora Armoury & The Queen’s York Rangers An Historic Regiment Book

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Sun, 22 Jul 2012 01:34:34 +0000

Looking forward, next year I am marking the Aurora Doors Open on my calendar – booked.

I did same kind of booking last year and everything was looking great this year until Matthew got a birthday party invitation two weeks before. Unexpected is impossible to control – I learned.

Aurora Armoury, Larmont Street, Aurora

I cannot complain because every year it is getting better. Last year I had none time available and this year at least I had couple of hours to play with.

I thought may be I can cover at least five places, but no way. Once I engaged myself with the visit everything around me started to be interesting enough so I stayed longer than anticipated in each place. I only covered three places this year.

Queen Elizabeth II Portrait in the Lounge, Aurora Armoury

My starting point was Aurora Armoury on Larmont Street, Town Park. I always wanted to know what was happening inside. When I arrived they had nice army vehicle on display in front, but the inside not sure if I liked it at first. Just one big open space. I asked – photos were allowed.

I always ask just in case and try to remember an important lesson from one of our trips to one of the Greek Islands, Santorini. Many years ago, that is in 1997 we were touring an archaeological site completely roofed on the Santorini Island. Cameras were allowed but absolutely no flash.

I still remember that one moment when two older ladies were snapping pictures like there was no tomorrow. No body said anything but when they got caught by the tour guide it wasn’t pleasant to watch all the lecturing.

One of the reasons is that light can cause damage to objects, especially the UV light. Therefore, it is always important that any original photos displayed on the wall are always away from sunlight.

Prince Philip Portrait, Aurora Armoury

Now back to the Aurora Armoury. No body was really walking any body around. I was told I can look around. Oh great, where do I go from here. But things brighten up when I entered one of the lounge rooms.

Immediately I enjoyed looking at the photos on the wall. Portrait of young Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip were very striking. Lots of war photos and army poses just like the one below.

Aurora Armoury, Larmont Street, Aurora

When I look at those photos sometimes I wonder if anyone on those pictures is relative to someone here in Aurora. I wonder if anyone on the photo owns a copy of the photo they are on. Maybe this is the only copy developed?

Tank Sketch, Aurora Armoury, Larmont Street, Aurora

Lucky me to turn around and take photo of something on the wall. This is when I spotted second lounge room. It was just like walking into a museum. More photos on the wall and small artifacts in the glass cabinet on the display.

Aurora Armoury, Larmont Street, Aurora

It is interesting how sometimes everything connects. I have been doing some serious business with Ron Wallace. He was able to find me a nice collection of books about Aurora, related to Aurora and some by Aurorans. I picked them up last Tuesday.

At some point he brought some other books and showed me The Queen’s York Rangers, An Historic Regiment book by Stewart H. Bull. If I had never visited the Aurora Armoury on Larmont Street I would probably said no, but now I am a proud owner of this reference book. Yes, reference book. Not something I would read before my bedtime.

Book Cover, The Queen’s York Rangers, An Historic Regiment by Stewart H. Bull

What To Do On Hot HOT Summer Days, My Choice Hangout At The Library

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Sun, 08 Jul 2012 03:30:05 +0000

All week heat wave. Today morning rain and then hot again. Hopefully cooler again. One may ask what to do on hot summer days like that in Aurora. Many choices. You can go to the splash pad at the Town Park or Ida Johnson Park, or you can hang out in cool and dry place like a library.

Matthew, Splash Pad at the Town Park

Last Thursday it was so hot and also boring to stay home, second day in the row – so we headed for the Aurora Public Library.

Just a regular stuff at the Aurora Public Library, like books, books and more books. Couple nice displays which I always like to examine – Bicentennial Celebration of the War of 1812 and Doors Open 2012.

I also found out that Aurora Public Library is now selling Elizabeth H. Milner’s book, Aurora 1945-1965 An Ontario Town at a Time of Great Change, in addition book is also available at the Abebooks.com, Jonathan’s Restaurant and through Aurora Historical Society in Aurora.

Aurora 1945-1965 An Ontario Town at a Time of Great Change

Speaking of Elizabeth Milner and the heat. I guess I am not the only one bothered by the hot humid days. Not that Elizabeth is complaining like me but she is definitely thinking about cooler days. Elizabeth emailed me and shared couple things with me – a poem The Ice Man – 1947 and her memories of Mr. Bill Case, Aurora’s ice man.

Aha, and who was Mr. Case?

Mr. Case was in the ice business in late forties and early fifties. Children in the town would watch for Mr. Case to come along with his horse and wagon in order to get a chip of his cool ice, and here you can find out more from Elizabeth Milner what children did with the ice. I published the poem and Milner’s memories of the ice man on the History page, community FOCUS site.

Oh wishful thinking to get that kind of service again.

Paws 4 Stories Program, Aurora Public Library

Now going back to our library visit on Thursday. On the second floor we noticed paws cut outs on the floor leading to a real dog. I had to ask. Interesting concept and program – Paws 4 Stories.

‘Paws 4 Stories is a literacy program for beginning and struggling readers who have a unique opportunity to read to a dog and make a friend! Dogs and their owners are trained and generously provided by St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program. […]‘ Source: Aurora Public Library

Here is nice write up on ‘Why Dogs Are Better than Adults at Helping Kids Read‘. By accident I found an article that dogs also benefit when read to, but not a topic for today.

Stay cool!

Meeting Elizabeth Milner, 150th Anniversary Of The Hillary House

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Mon, 21 May 2012 03:14:47 +0000

I did not have the name and I did not have the close up picture. I had a story and I knew that someone will put it all together. Family, friends and neighbors commented on the last post identifying the barn guide as the young remarkable 13 year boy, Geoffrey Sharp.

I just want to acknowledge his efforts again and how wonderful it was to see all the support and encouragement he received from his family and friends.

Hillary House

The visit to the Hillary house wasn’t just seeing the Hillary House after all. By the end of the day I looked back – it was all about the people and the Hillary House made it happen – interesting phenomena that worked.

Elizabeth Milner Signing My Book

That day I came to the Hillary House to meet Elizabeth Milner for the first time. She didn’t know I was coming and I didn’t know if I will be there. When I finally arrived, I brought my own copy of Elizabeth’s book Aurora 1945-1965 An Ontario Town at a Time of Great Change to be signed. After all it was through her book we connected and have been corresponding since last year September.

What can I tell you about her? We all know that Elizabeth is a historian, teacher and writer but do we know that she is also a very friendly, funny, charming and charismatic lady. Yes I do know now and I am telling you that she is.

I wish that all my past history teachers were like that as I wouldn’t have any difficulty with all the dates, events and leaders memorization. There is a lot to learn when comes to European history so may be that is why the European system had us to learn history right from grade four in elementary school.

Elizabeth Milner with David Heard

As you can see I wasn’t the only one meeting Elizabeth for the first time. David Heard met Elizabeth for the first time that day and I over heard that he read her book ONLY four times.

Musician Performing At Hillary House

Looking at the picture of the musician performing that day at the Hillary House it only make sense to share with you an important musical history event Elizabeth shared with me via email.

She wrote: ‘The Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto is celebrating its 125th anniversary. Louise McDowell, actually Sara Louise McDowell, who lived in Aurora at various times, and was related distantly to the Willis family, was taught piano by Edward Fisher the founder of the Conservatory. She was one of the first students at the Conservatory which opened in Septenber of 1887.

In her last years she lived on Reuben Street on the north east corner of Temperance Street. I wrote about her in Aurora 1945-1965 on pages 31 to 34. I called her Aunt Louie, but she wasn’t actually my aunt. She died at 93 in 1965 and is buried in Aurora Cemetery.‘

This is only an excerpt from Elizabeth’s book about Louise McDowell, who was a musician, teacher and writer as well. Yes Louise McDowell also wrote a book, Past and Present: A Canadian Musician’s Reminiscences, potentially the next book on my list to read.

Hillary House

Speaking of writing books, Elizabeth Milner is working on the second book consisting of stories about Aurora during the same period 1945-1965, and in the near future it will be great addition to my Aurora books collection. A collection of two books only – second being AURORA A History in Pictures by W. John McIntyre.

John McIntyre Talking To Elizabeth Milner

Aurora 1945-1965 An Ontario Town at a Time of Great Change, Milner

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 04:18:22 +0000

Aurora continues to change day by day. Continues to grow. We will never be a small town on the map and we will never be a population of four thousand of people.

Going about twelve months back, it all began with saving the Petch Log house. On my part that was great experience to explore the deteriorating log house before the restoration and to document my thoughts here.

Aurora 1945-1965 An Ontario Town at a Time of Great Change

Then search for more information about the town led me to Elizabeth Milner’s book, Aurora 1945-1965 An Ontario Town at a Time of Great Change. Being on the photo journey through the town in the past couple of years, the book is a jewel in my pocket.

So what that you were not born between those years. How can you relate? Of course you can relate. Milner’s detailed assembly of 20 years of town’s records will lead you to years before 1945 and beyond 1965. Her compelling book is actually very relative to the past and the future of the Aurora. On the end it is a book about the people of Aurora who made a difference.

Petch Log House

Last year about this time difference was made, Katherine Belrose came forward and Petch log house was saved, probably restored by now, yet future location unknown.

Nokiidaa Trail Link, St. John's sideroad, Aurora

‘The Anglican Sisters of St. John gave St. John’s Sideroad its name when their convent was built in 1931. In 1940s and early 1950s, the Convent was a busy place. The Sisters cared for girls with special needs such as: Downs Syndrome, autism and other problems. …

They came each Sunday to morning service at Trinity Anglican Church, bringing the young girls for whom they cared. They sat at the front, on the north side of the church, under the pulpit. The sisters sat erect, silent and still in their penguin outfits. Usually their wards were silent and still too, but occasionally there was a strange noise wiggle, or turning head that was quickly corrected.‘, 1958, Milner, page 94.

Nokiidaa Trail link boardwalk of St. John’s sideroad is now established and well visited trail.

Wells Street Public School Sold

Wells Street Public School got sold last year. Must mention that Elizabeth Milner was a grade nine student at this school for one year from September 1951 to April 1952.

Yonge Street, What Changed Here?

Next time you pass by Yonge Street and Tyler Street intersection you will notice change, the new commercial and residential complex. On the other hand one might say – the downtown traffic increased.

The Auroran, Sold

‘James Murray cut a ribbon at the old Post Office on Yonge Street in September of 1960 to mark the beginning of door-to-door mail delivery in Aurora.‘, 1960, Milner, page 167.

The old Post Office on Yonge Street is also home of our local newspaper The Auroran that was started by Ron Wallace and recently sold.

Once IGA Store, Now Nothing Yet

‘In 1961, the town’s IGA offered steak at seventy-nine cents a pound and prime rib roasts at sixty-five cents a pound. Oranges were fifty-nine cents a dozen and a cauliflower sold for twenty-nine cents.

Usually cakes were made from scratch, but if the housewife wanted to cheat with a newfangled cake mix, they were selling at two for thirty-three cents. That’s how it was in 1961 at the IGA Foodliner.‘, 1961, Milner, page 175.

Recent closing of the Foodland grocery store was total surprise and shock to the seniors living close by. It is very much unknown who will move in, but last week I read Banner and it was noted that the building was on the list for Youth centre. It may not happen, there were other competing locations.

George T. Browning House, Demolished

The proposed conversion of the Browning house to Montessori school didn’t go to well and it was decided to demolish the house. The Browning house was demolished couple of days before Easter.

Tree Trimming, Yonge Street from the Aurora Public Library

‘In the December third Banner, letters to the editor showed that Aurora people were upset about changes in Aurora. One citizen complained about the trees coming down and the land being stripped down to bare clay near one of the best streams in town.‘, 1959, Milner, page 152.

We continue to cut the trees. Some needs to be cut or trimmed, but some were not given any mercy.

Isaac Petch Farm House, Wellington Street, To Be Demolished

‘Highway 404, the Don Mills Parkway extension, was proceeding north and would pass three miles east of Aurora. John B. Wilkes, an engineer from the Department of Highways, spoke to the Board of Trade and assured them that Highway 404 would reduce traffic through the town by one third to one half. The first section of Highway 404 opened early in July.‘, 1961, Milner, page 170.

Highway 404 most likely will not change, but there is no future for the old and lonely Isaac Petch Farm house on Wellington Street – it will be demolished.

Aurora 1945-1965 An Ontario Town at a Time of Great Change, Milner

Elizabeth Milner in the book’s Afterward wrote: ‘I did not want to write a book about a “wonderful Aurora” of the past. This is often the kind of local history that results from reminiscences. The town was a good place to grow up. The people were good people. They helped one another, supported churches and social institutions as well as the needy in other provinces and countries; but everything was not perfect.

Disputes about having a liquor store in town, the use of open land, the building of a shopping centre, Town Council decisions and other incidences might seem trivial to the reader, but they were heated issues at the time.‘

Perhaps somethings just don’t change in our town – we continue with heated issues to make the difference.