Living in Aurora, Town of Aurora, Ontario » Ron Wallace

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.

Sunday February 3rd, 2013 Aurora Turned 150 Years Old, Mayor’s Levee

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 06:15:22 +0000

On Sunday the February 3rd, 2013 Town of Aurora officially turned 150 years old. Official celebrations started at two o’clock in the afternoon at the Town Park where Aurora families were invited to the Mayor’s Sesquicentennial Levee.

Bandshall, Town Park, Town of Aurora, Ontario

I was there from the beginning. Initially I wasn’t going to stay to the end mainly because it was cold, but I did, all the way to the closing ceremony. More people arrived as well and trust me by the time you will see my last set of published photos in the future posts, you will see how cold everyone was.

Well the 150 year birthdays do not come around very often so I don’t regret staying to the end.

Wagon Rides, Town Park, Town of Aurora, Ontario

Wagon Rides (Chris is that you?), Town Park, Town of Aurora, Ontario

It was cold, but it was warm by the bonfire. Some chose to warm up in other ways – skating, tug-of-war and if the kids allowed you the broomball game was another option. Hot chocolate and cup cakes were served. Did not try the wagon ride but it looked like a warm idea too.

And if you were part of the organizing Sesquicentennial blue hats committee you be warm too – the running they had to do to keep all in order.

Warming up by Bonfire, Town Park, Town of Aurora, Ontario

We can probably blame the cold weather and the Superbowl for the low turnout. However, despite the low turnout families came with children to celebrate and they did have fun. I was pleased with lot of Aurora 150 flag entries.

Children imagination and creativity always puts smile on my face.

Tim Jones, Past Mayor of Aurora, MC for Mayor’s Levee, Town Park

On the side note, about the flag raising. I think deep down we were glad that there was no wind that day, and it never came when the flag was raised. However, the wind came eventually to show off the colorful flag by Victoria – I wonder if anyone noticed.

Local dignitaries, faith groups, some current Aurora Members of Council came, and few past members of council attended as well.

Cllr John Abel (left), Town Park, Town of Aurora, Ontario

Tim Jones, Past Mayor of Aurora, Town Park, Town of Aurora

As always I took lot of pictures. I just don’t like missing an opportunity that only comes every 150 years. […] with a sudden few encouragements from the blue hats members I decided to stick around and continue with the photo shoot.

I am telling you I got lot of pictures and I have decided to publish many just not in one post. I will ‘theme‘ them up and hopefully more people will be aware of the next celebration in May. Unfortunately, I will not be there.

Happy Mayor Dawe with Cllr Paul Pirri (left) and Cllr Michael Thompson (right)

So what happened on Sunday. I arrived around two o’clock. Got my camera out, got recognized by Cllr Abel, and was introduced to Terry Sherin, President Aurora Optimist Club. Many years ago, Terry Sherin used to send us his real state newsletters. We even met in person and talked on the phone, but he will not remember that.

Today was also the day I finally met Cllr Michael Thompson and Mayor Dawe. Met up with Matt and Deb, Chris and Kelley and their little girls. I must say that this celebration definitely had a small community feeling.

Too bad that the rest of the Aurora Members of Council didn’t make it. I missed Cllr Buck, hope she is doing fine. This years flu season wasn’t pleasant to many of us.

Michael Thompson (left), Matt Maddocks, and a Friend on the right.

And here is Bob McRoberts. If you didn’t hear yet, McRoberts recently published a book – Postcards of Olde Aurora. As the title states, a collection of old Aurora postcards.

Bob McRoberts, Town Park, Town of Aurora, Ontario

Thanks to Ron, I have wonderful collection of Aurora books.

Ron Wallace, Past Councillor and Founder of The Auroran, Town of Aurora Local Newspaper

David Heard knows what to do when I take a photo him. We all must accept changes at some point and I am actually slowly accepting that knowing more people there will be more posed photos, unless I really hide.

David Heard, A Step In Time – Historical Walking Tours of Aurora

We all know who David Falconer is – but he is always taking pictures so it is hard to get him posing.

David Falconer, The Auroran Photographer

There was a lot of hard working volunteers on site, but I was glad to see that they as well enjoyed themselves.

Volunteer, Town Park, Town of Aurora

Oh and here is Cllr Paul Pirri with Cllr John Abel.

Brr, it was cold. Town Park, Town of Aurora

The former Wells Street Public School was open for viewing and looks like Mayor Dawe, Cllr Abel and Cllr Pirri got the opportunity to sneak in.

Former Wells Street Public School, Wells Street Schoolhouse Lofts Inc, Town of Aurora

And lastly Happy 150th Birthday Town of Aurora!

The Birthday Cake, Mayor’s Levee, Town Park, Town of Aurora

This is my first introductory post to the a very beginning of my four hour journey on February the 3rd, 2013. If you didn’t get on my photo in here, chances are you made on my later photos. More coming soon.

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

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

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.

Ron Wallace Retired, May Be From The Auroran Only, Or Not

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 05:43:51 +0000

I am not sure who retired first, Bonnie Tiffin from Oak Ridges or Ron Wallace? We all know who Ron Wallace is and those who read The Auroran definitely will know Bonnie Tiffin. Bonnie Tiffin on regular basis submits Letter to the Editor in The Auroran.

Well looks like Poor Ronnie still has his column. But Bonnie has not been around since her last letter ‘What will Wallace do next, she wonders‘ from the week of November 29, 2011. I hope Bonnie will be back soon, may be she is just taking some time off for holidays.

Yes, what will Wallace do next? I wondered too. But looks like he is already keeping himself busy. His column is still featured in The Auroran, just got pushed further and deeper into the newspaper by Brock’s Banter. However, I am sure that Ron can be easily found on any page of the Auroran.

Aurora Cultural Centre, Town of Aurora

Then when I was looking through the Winter Programs at the Aurora Cultural Centre I spotted Ron again. Under the Heritage Lecture Series there is Ron Wallace to present a lecture on ‘How the Word Got Around: An Historical Look at Local Newspapers‘. The event will be on May 16th, 2011, and only six months away.

I may attend the seminar myself and I may be even get to meet the Mr. Aurora for the second time.

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

I (and of course Matthew) got to meet Ron for few minutes. Back in August, myself and Matthew dropped by The Auroran place located at the Old Post Office building to pick up the Aurora 1945-1965 book by Elizabeth Milner. In the email I was clearly instructed to find the office on the second floor at the rear. On the side note, it is worth getting Milner’s book if you like local history.

The Old Post Office, 1915, Town of Aurora

I didn’t listened. Do I ever? Well I got lost on the first round. I went to the second floor from the front of the Old Post Office (Yonge Street). So for about 10 minutes we were wondering around. I was looking for any body, even a mouse to ask for the direction and Matthew was having fun peeking through the mail box slots on the doors.

As we were coming down I snapped pictures of this beautiful wooden staircase. As we were coming down the driving school instructor in one of the rooms joked and told me to slide down the railing. Yeah, like I was ready for a stunt in my 40s, and I just hope he wasn’t teaching anything crazy in his driving classes.

The Old Post Office, 1915, The Wooden Railing

So go figure, the second floor from the front does not connect to the second floor at the rear.

After all we had fun exploring the old post office building, and eventually we located The Auroran and met Ron Wallace – for only few minutes.

Aurora High School Teachers Photo Journey

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 05:08:08 +0000

A while ago, (June 2011) I have published post (Aurora, A History In Pictures Collectible Book Arrived With A Surprise, An Old Photo) about a photograph that arrived in the mail inside the Aurora, A History In Pictures, a book by W. John McIntyre I have purchased on Amazon.

In a matter of few days of posting about the photo I was contacted by the descendant and grandson of J.H. Knowles, former Aurora Councillor Bob McRoberts.

Book and Photo, Miss Humphrys & Mr. Knowles, Oct 18, 1943

Also, by talking/writing to a couple of people prior the telephone call, instead of having one descendant per family, that is Knowles and Humphrys, I had leads for two Knowles in town. My life was getting complicated, but only for a day or so. I like to sleep on my decision no matter how urgent they are. And what will few days of thinking do to the photo that not many knew about and was lost for many years. My scanner wasn’t working properly, so that helped to get that extra ‘decision’ sleep and get the photo to the right person.

By listening to Bob McRoberts family history and doing some research in the old Aurora Era newspapers from 1940s, a decision was made. I delivered photo to Bob McRoberts. Delivering by mail was out of question. The photo was lost for many years, so this time wasn’t going to happen. Not to mention the Canada Post was going on or was on strike around that time.

We made a surprise delivery to Mr. McRoberts. During our chat for few minutes, he also showed us another picture of his grandfather J.H. Knowles. It was a picture from the army. I couldn’t believe how prefect the photo was. I really mean perfect. No scratches, no nicks and no fading, and it was also older photo than the one I delivered to him. Well, there is an excuse for that, the photo of the teachers was on the road for many years, and only protection it had was a book.

The results of my findings were published in The Auroran this week (Week of August 02, 2011 Volume 11 Number 40). I wrote Letter to the Editor, Journey of the lost photo from Aurora (pg 6, pdf file) and Bob McRoberts let The Auroran publish the photo (pg 4, pdf file). Few words were written under the photo for which I am very thankful. That was definitely a big surprise. That was also my first ever Letter to the Editor published in The Auroran, and it was very generous of Ron Wallace to let mention my blog.

To find the new place for the photo was a joint effort of few people in Aurora, including Bob McRoberts himself. I also had a nice chats with David Heard (A Step In Time), emails with Chris Watts (Temporary Sanity), and Michael Suddard (Michael’s Blog) hit the nail in the head with his comment here and confirmed my findings. Michael is now residing in Richmond Hill; however, he always calls Aurora his home.

‘Anna, It just hit me. The person you may have a photo of is J.H. Knowles the former Principal of Wells Street Public School. He had a house on Catherine Avenue (J.H. Knowles House) and is related to former Deputy Mayor Bob McRoberts somehow (grandfather?). House reference here:
http://www.town.aurora.on.ca/aurora/index_e.aspx?ArticleID=478

Miss Humphrys may be a teacher at that time at Wells Street Public School at the time because of the context of the way the photos are referenced (Mr. Knowles & Miss Humphrys) as students would politly call them.
In the Aurora a History in Pictures there is a picture of Wells Street Public School with all the glee club in front with Mr. Knowles, the Principal, included.

Baldwin’s Restauarant has a small copy of the photo on their website near the bottom of this page: Baldwin’s Restaurant has a small copy of the photo near the bottom here: http://www.baldwinsrestaurant.com/history‘

That was a very interesting journey to be part of and I will always ask myself – why me?