The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

by Doris M. FitzGerald Last Tuesday for the first time in 37 years, the doors of Thornhill Public School were not opened by Mr. Percy Simpkins. Genial Percy who me]: such a pride in keeping the grounds tidy, the classrooms shiningly clean and warm, retired at the end of June and will be greatly missed. For? Mr. Simpkins was more than a custodian, he was an af- fectionately regarded fixture â€"- a smiling man, dependably on the job while teachers came and went, and more than a generation of pupils passed through the school. Before the enrolment became so large he knew every boy and girl by name. Some of them were children of former scholars, some grandchildren of his own old schoolmates. He was frequently confided in, and consulted about such “small fry” problems as the care of pets. Dogs, cats, rabbits and even snakes were proudly brought for his inspection. A little retinue usually accompanied him on his walks to and from school, the smallest tots clinging to his hands. “He was so good natured and patient,” a former pupil at the school remarked. “I never knew him to lose his temper, yet he never had any trouble because we respected him”, Speaking for the Area Board Supervising Principal Eilert J. Sand said that he “knew it had been a great satisfaction to both parents and staff to have the services of this kindly honest man for so long. The board very much regrets los- ing one of his calibre, for it will be hard to replace him both as a man and as a custodian.” J4/fer 37 eard Joya/ 52rd Mr. Simklns was born in Thorn- hill, and educated in the first Thornhill Public School, which was burnt down shortly before the present schol was completed. He was working for the Bowes Co., on Front St., Toronto. when the late J. W. Breakey, one of the school trustees, mentioned that the new school would require a full time caretaker, and suggested that he submit his name. He did. and was accepted. His duties were inany and varied because for a ong time he did all the painting and decorating, repairs. garden- ing. and cleaning, as well as shov. elling 58 tons of coal a year into the furnace, forty of which were stored outside. This also entailed special trips to the school on Sun- days. and at about 11 o'clock each evening, to keep the fire going. When special meetings were held, or the Thornhill Library, which occupied the board room, was open, he had to be on hand to unlock, and lock up the building. When the traffic on Yonge St. became so heavy as to cause con- cern, Percy began to act as cros- sing guard. Things have been a bit less strenuous since 1953 wen the new wing,. and oil fur- nace were added. and he was giv- en a full time assistant. 4 THE LIBERAL, Richmond Hill, Ontario, Thursday. September 10, 1959 Thornhill and District News Tropical fish are a source of endless wonder, as they seem to swim forever about in their crystal tanks with bottoms arranged to look like a miniature ocean floor with shells and bits of seaweed. Many homes boast of a sweet singer like the canary and others prefer the knowing budgies, perhaps the reason lies in their deli- cate and beautiful coloring. Cats and dogs, fish and birds are the most popular pets judging by the number of homes that have at least one or more of them. Farm children are used to a greater variety of pets. The very animals that are the backbone of the farm come to be regarded with love and affection. The favorite horse, pony, cow, goat or sheep usually come in for a lot of admiring attention. Even the barnyard fowl by Elizabeth Kelson ...4.It is remarkable how the family pets become so much a. part of the families who own them. Children instinctively love pets, and it is the most charming thing in the world to watch a small child's delight in playing with a puppy or a kitten. Even adults pat and cherish, feed and scold them. Their antics provide a means of family fun. Who hasn’t seen a pup chasing his tail or a kitten playing with a ball of yarn or a piece of crumpled paper. ‘ - the goose, duck or hen are part of the show. Most children like young things like themselves, baby chicks, lambs, calves, colts and pigs. The means by which this natural affection for living things is encouraged is by allowing to feed and care for pets and feel responsible for their welfare. Association with pets teaches them many things. They learn to be kind and companionable to those that depend on them for care and affection. ’ PERCY SIMPKINS When Percy started at the school only two rooms were in use. When he retired last June there were 14 classrooms. and be- cause every inch of the basement had been taken up, a small office had been dug out under the front steps, for him and his as- 3! 'ercy Jim/china TELEPHONE AV. 5-238! 'uuer ®§ w“ to be at the school, but we spent a lot of time up at my sons cot- tage at Port Bolster, and enjoyed it very much," and at home We sure do like that lawn furniture. On the day before school closed 1 Mr. and Mrs. Simpklns were hon-‘ cured by Principal John D. Mar- tin, and the teachers of Thrnhill Public School at a luncheon held in he United Church Hall, and at which one of the features was a large cake inscribed “Best wish- es Percy" and showing an iced picture of the old school. Follow- ing the luncheon all returned to the school where at a little cere- mony an aluminum lounge chair and two matching lawn chairs were presented to Mr. Simpkins by Miss Geraldine Wesley, who expressed on behalf of the staff and pupils, appreciation of his ‘years of obliging service, regret Ifor his departure, and good wish- ies for the future. The area custodians also sent a gift to Mr. Simpkins - an at- tractive metal table. and umbrel- l-a. so he has every inducement to sit in his garden and take things easy for a change. Percy is not planning to go a- way in the winter because of the coal furnace, Being a handy man with tools he 9xpect to do some tinkering in his workshop, per- haps make some things such as wooden garden chai_rs: _ Mr. Simpkins and his English born wife, the former Miss Lillian Bryant, have three children and four grandchildreg. Thai; dgugh- -v_ 5----fi7, , ter Irene, now Mrs. Eric Bum- phries lives in Mt. Dennis, Rita, Mrs. Norman Hedges( in Willow- dale. and their son John Henry Simpkins, on the Dawes Rd. New Dentist Has Opened Office Dr. John Simpson opened a new and mtflernly equipped dental of- fice yesterday at 661 Yonge Street in Thornhill, just south of the stopligh‘ts at No. 7 Highway. A graduate of the Toronto Un- iversity Dental College in 1958, Dr. Simpson practiced for a year with Dr. A. M. Adams in the east end of Toronto while looking ar- ound for a suitable location for his own dental office finally choos- ing Thomhill. Dr. Simpson. who is single, lives in Toronto with his parents, where his father is a drugglst and is a member at Forest Hill United Church. Thornhill’s newest dentist will take appointments Monday to Friday and until noon on Satur- days, as well as on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. iningd Vetireé ‘eruwe “flu Liberal" i: always pleased to publish item: 0! mural contributed by It: readen In the Thornhlll area . . . . . Our representative In Thornhlfl is Mn. Margaret McLean. who may be reached by phoning AV. 5-2381. Some young people of course went to school of one sort or an- other in the summer too. One such was Elizabeth Smith, daugh- ter of Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Smith of 236 John Street who took sewing lessons at the Singer Sewing Centre in Willowdale. With no help at home, Elizabeth, who is 2 years old, made a smart royal blue cotton sailor dress trimmed with white braid. She modelled it in the fashion show held at the end of the course, and won first prize in the “Tween” group (age 10 to 13). And the judging was no hit or miss affair either. Judges were teachers from the North York Board of Education and careful attention was paid to seams, hems, zippers and etc. so Eliza- beth’s prize, a fitted sewing case, was well won. Congratulations, Elizabeth! Kep it up and you will make a fine helpmeet for some young man in a few short years. Scout and Cub Auxiliary Back To School Well, it’s back to school for the kids and back to routine for ma- ther, thank goodness. What a joy to be able to make the beds with- out routing someone out of them, and how blessed to be able to do the breakfast dishes without hav- ing some late riser dirty more just as you are finished. And how thankfully quiet with the screen and the refrigerator doors slam- ming only at noon and four o’ clock instead of every fifteen minutes. Speaking of fashion shows‘ the mothers of the First Thornhill Cuh and Scout Ladies Auxiliary invite you to their Fifth Annual Fashion Show on Wednesday, September 16th at 8:30 pm. in the United Church. The mothers will model a wide selection of fall fashions supplied by Parkview Fashions in Willowdaie. Tickets, at 75c will be available at the door and refreshments will be served. This is a gala affair that you won’t want to miss, so remember, September 16th! Help Wanted! The lst Thornhill Brownie Troop is without a leader. Both Brown Owl, Mrs. C. G. Gibson and her assistant, Mrs. Harring- ton, have resigned, Brown Owl after eight years service. Unless some volunteers come/forward the Troop may not be able to continue How about you mothers? Some of you must be Guiders, and even if you aren't, there’s nothing too difficult about the job. Anyone with a real love of children qual- ifies. The Brownie meetings are held one afternoon a wek from 4 to 4.30 and if ‘you’d like to help out Guides, they meet in the ‘reVEnings from seven to nine so the‘ work is'not too demanding. After attending two or three meetings of different Companies and with the help of the other leaders, in a week or so you would feel like an old hand. The most important task is helping ‘the Brownies work for their bad- ges and as these are for such things as cooking, sewing. garden- ing, sports, etc. any homemaker is well equipped to lend a hand. ‘If you can be of any help, call Mrs. MacTaggart-Cowan, the Dis- trict Commissioner at Ave. 5- 1464. Nursery School The Thornhlll Nu'rSery School is ready to open up for the Fall Term next Monday, September 14th. Well equipped with teachers this year, the school could accom- odate more youngsters. The en- rollment at present is 23 and they can accomodate 30 children, so if you have a youngster of nursery school age (three to five) call Mrs. Peggy Berg at Ave. 5-1881. If transportation is a worry, Mrs. Berg can tell you who in your neighbourhood has children at the school so you could work out a transportation schedule. The school hours are from nine to twelve. five mornings a week and this year the school is in two lovely rooms at the new Presby- terlan Church on Centre Street. An outdoor playground is provi- ded, equipped with a jungle gym, sand boxes, slide, teeter-totter etc. ‘ The Supervisor this year is Mrs. Carlotta Broderick of Rich- mond Hill who is a graduate of the Institute of Child Study, Uni- versity of Toronto. Her assistant, Mrs. Woods, is a graduate of the same course and the school is fortunate in having two such fine teachers. The school is run on co-opera- tlve lines with a fee of $12.00 monthly, and each mother is ex- pected to help out about one mor- ning in each month and assist in the maintenance of the equip- mént by attending a “painting Bee" or some such, about once a year. The schol also has a parent ed- ucation group which meets about three times a year and they will be hblding a F‘all‘Tea at the end of this month. In case you are not aware of it. nursery schools in this Pro- vince are licensed and come un- derd the jurisdiction of the On- tario Departmen of Health and elfare. The department sends an inspector to the school once a year to see that standards of cleanliness, safety, fire-protection, etc., are adeuate. Although the school no longer includes a kindergarten as such, the program is one which would interest five year olds too. so if you live in an area where there is no kindergarten, your five-year old might well enjoy a year at the nursery school. Such a year would certainly be a great help in the childs adjustment to Grade school next year. as any primary teacher can tell you. Socials 7 Speaking of school teachers Mrs. G. H. Littlejohn of 77 Arn‘ old Avenue has returned to flu Thornh ill Notes Rev. and Mrs. W. E.. Askew of Holy Trinity Church returned from their vacation on the West coast last week. They were guests of Mrs. Askew's parents. Mr. and Mrs. H. T. Webb in Victoria and on their return visited Mr. As- kews parents in Moose Jaw. On Sunday at 1 am. Family Service will be held at Holy Trin- lty Church and there will also be the registration of the children for the Church School. The regular classes of the Church School will commence a week from Sunday, On September 20th. Further details will be giv- en later. Rev. C. H. Chambers of Thorn- hill Presbyterian Church spent last weekend at Lancaster, Ontar- io, where he addressed the Youth Conference of the Synod of Mon- treal and Ottaaw three times in all. The theme of the conference was “To Live is Christ." teaching profession after several years absence and will teach Grade 8 at Thornhfl] Pubnc School. The Dutch church on Centre Street is bustling with activity these days and, Rev. Kouwenhov- en tells me that the church has 360 members, representing 80 or 90 families. Most of the congre- gation live in the surrounding communities of Willowdale, Rich- mond Hill, Downsview, etc. Two morning services are held in Eng- lish each Sunday, and an after- noon service at 4:30 is held in Dutch. During Rev. Chamber‘s ab- sence, the guest speaker last Sun- day was Rev. Arthur Van Ceters of Philadelphiat Mrs. P1 B. Whitehead and her‘ two daughters, of 5 Colborne‘ Street returned the last week in August from a summer spent at Barmby-on-the-moor, Yorkshire. England, with Mrs. Whitehead’s parents. They spent ten days in London and did all the sights there like regular trippers. This was Mrs. Whitehead’s seventh crossing and the trip home on the Ivernia was enlivened by the presence on board of Canada’s new Lieutenant Governor, Brig- adier General Vanier, who was given much fan-fare at Montreal, and the well-known television personality. Frank Willis. Another startling event _of the trip was that while passing through the Straits of Belle Isle, through a flotilla of icebergs, the tempera- ture was 26 degrees and when they landed at Quebec two days later. it was 95 degrees! Friends of Mrs. Robert Jarvis of 106 Arnold Avenue will be sor- ry to learn that Mrs. Jarvis moth- er, Mrs. A. Tester is a patient at Branson'Hospl’oal, the result of a broken hip IcauSed by a fall. Mrs. Tester who is 82 years of age, '15 is progressing favourably however, although she expects to be at the Brason for two or three more weeks and then at the St. John’s Convalescent Hospital for a time. Mr. and Mrs. F. R. Cordon of Elgin Strth lehf this week to live in Rockford, Illinois, where Mr. Cordon’s work has ‘taken him. Rockford is about 90 miles from Chicago. Before she left, Mrs. Cordon was entertained at a luncheon party held at the Four Winds by Mrs. J. D. Honsberger, Among the guests were Mrs. E. A. Perci- val, Mrs. R. T. Tamblyn. Mrs. R. W. Masters, Miss Kay McMur- rich. and Mrs. R. H. Whatley, all of Elgin Street. Horticultural Society Whether or not the members of the Thornhill Horticultural Show are just all terribly wicked, I don't just know, but in any event, they are getting no test. After putting on their extensive show last moth, they are diving right into their fall program with the regular monthly meeting at Thornhill Public School on Tuesday, September 15th at 8 pm. As well as an interesting speakekr, there wil be a small flower show. Members and friends might al- so llke to attend the flower show being held by the Garden Club of Toronto at Edwards Gardens, on Saturday September 19th from 1â€"9 pm. This show will be mainly specimen blooms and any- one wishing further information about submitting entries may con- tact Mr. Allan Sumner, Ave. 5- 1338. The well-known florists, Weal and Cullen are having a flower festival at their centre on Shep- pard Ave. East on September 11 and 12 from 10-5 pm. This show will feature arrangements and anyone wishing to submit entries should contact the sponsors. There will also be demonstrations and lectures as well as well as refreshments and a lucky draw. See what I mean? Theée horti- culturalists are BUSY people! Home and School Area Council On Thursday last. Mrs. Wm. Kojola of 44 Uplands Ave. was hostess to a meeting of the York Slmcoe Area Council of the On- tario Home and School Associa- tion, which she is the President. Twenty-four members and obser- vers attended the Council meet- ing, coming from such points as Gormley. Keswick. Unionville, Newmarket and Richmond Hill, as well as ThornhilL Plans are in progress for the annual Work- shop to be held on 0stober lst. The place of the Workshop has been changed to Thornhlll Pres- byterian Church which Rev. Chambers kindly offered to the Council as they could not get ad- equate accommodation elsewhere. The Workshop is designed to ad- vise and help executive members of the local Home and School As. sciatlons in the proper running of their Association and they are usually well attended. Plans were also made at the meeting for the publication of the Bulletin which had been dropped this past year or so. Award $152,550 School Contract The Ontario Municipal Board has approved a $160,000.00 de- benture issue for the school and the Department of Education has given final approval. 1, Markham and Vaughan, and the contractor awarded the tender, Mr. W. J. Lee. Tuesday evening of last week. Pres- ent were the architects. Mr. Matsui and Mr. Hindeman. The signing took place following the regular board meet ing in Langstaff Public School. - Mr. Lee’s bid was low among nine tenders received Sgv()i’ch0a figure of $152,550.00. The high bid was for $181,- 0. 0. . The complete cost of the new public school is estimated to be $230,673.20. Broken down this is as follows: Contract. $152,550; architect’s fees $9,153: contin- gencies $4,577: furniture, $9,600; and the site $54,793.00. Prior to completion of the school, pupils will attend classes in the Thornhill United Church. Notices have already been sent to parents of children who will be expected to come to the United Church. Chas. Howitt Addition Work is progressing on the Charles Howltt addition. Child- ren residing in the Boyle Subdiv- ision who are slated to attend the Charles Hewitt School on the completion of the addition, will attend Langstafi Public School as formerly this fall. The contract for building an eight room school on a site at Clark and Elgin Streets in Doncaster was signed by Chairman Roy Bick on behalf of the Board of School Area Teachers for all the schools have been hired but Supervising Principal E. J. Sand did not haz- ard a guess as to what the open- ing enrollment might be except to say all known pupils had been placed. Vaughan Township Planning Board has agreed with the board following a meeting on August 10, that it would be wise for the trustees to seek a new school site on Cartville Road West, pri- or to the dissolution of the area. Public School Inspector Mr. J. C. Gibson will meet with the board shortly to discuss certain aspects of the dissolution of the area. Mr. Gibson is to be referee during the proceedings. Windows Broken During the summer over $400. has been spent for glass for re- placement of windows in the var- ious area schools. Mr. Sand point- ed out such costs ultimately hit the taxpayer. Dangerous Crossing Chairman Bick said the board was worried about the C.N.R. crossing on Green Lane. Visibil- ity on both sides of the railroad Your Fall Dresses are‘ NEW PREMISES â€" Patti-Lu Shop 24B Yonge St. S. TOMORROW & SATURDAY 10th, uth & 12th With A Free Gift For Everyone Richmond Hill PATTI - I." ANNOUNCES is so poor. he said. the school bus operator has instructions to get out of the bus before crossing to be sure the way is clear. A letter has been sent the Markham Township Council and C.N.R. of- ficials pointing out the danger- ous crossing. Once again the summer holi- days are over and many sad faces appeared back at school on Tues- day to commence a new term of learning. Mrs. Burke who has been well known to many of us as a teacher of Grade 1 at Hen- derson Avenue School will be the Kindergarten teacher for. this term. Patricia Redford of 83 Highland Park Blvd, is back home after undergoing surgery in the Hospi- tal for Sick Children. Patricia had an extra kidney which had to be removed but she is doing well and was able to return to school on schedule. 1 Mrs. N. Lingman of 85 High- land Park Blvd, was taken to hos- pital on Sunday, September 6th for the arrival of a baby boy. The baby was a couple of months pre- mature but weighed approximate~ 1y 5 lbs. and mother and baby are quite well. Dad and brother Greg- ory are better now too. Mr. and Mrs. K. Sandford of 86 Highland Park Blvd. have just returned from an enjoyable vaca- tion at Lake Simcoe and Mr. Sandford joined the ranks back to school on Tuesday -7 to teach. Miss June Lahonen of 24 Wood- ward Avenue has announced her engagement to Mr. Douglas Sher- man; June will be married on Saturday, September 26th at 3 o'clock in the Thornhill United Church and the wedding recep- tion will be held at her parent’s home. Highland Park Correspondent: MRS. D. R. DARLEY 84 Highland Park Blvd. AV. 5-2719 TODAY TELEPHONE NOW opposite MORLEY’S FOODLAND IT'S HER UNIQUE HAT BAR with Smart Headgear for every occasion THERE’S A FREE GIFT During These First Three Days! Plus Lucky Spot Prizes Plus Lucky Draw for Wonderful Paris Creations!!! Also - - Fashion Shows at Intervals With Beautiful Models, Beautiful Dresses Call for it YOU TOO! TODAY Socials Birthday greetings go to Kim Martin. 124' Clarke Ave., who was three years old on Saturday, Sep- tember 5. On Labour Day. the F. Aimone family, of 28 Proctor Ave., re- turned from their cottage on a little island near Timagami after spending an enjoyable summer there. With them for the past two ‘weeks were neighbourhood guests, Brian Dale and Harry Morrison. A mishap with a happy ending resulted when Brian Dale, 14 years old. became lost in the dense brush surrounding the cot- tage. while hunting with Terry Aimone and Harry Morrison. Be- cause the water surrounding the island had dried up he unsuspec- tedly wandered off, it was five hours and two miles later that he was reunited with his compan- ions and other searchers. Mr. and Mrs. J. Barbour. 24 Henderson Ave.. spent the long week-end enjoying themselves at Wasaga Beach. Birthday wishes are extended to Richard Martin, Spruce wood Drive. who was three years old on Wednesday, September 2. A trousseau tea for Miss Jo- anne Iselln was held at the home of Mrs. Lennox, Proctor Ave., on Wednesday. September 2. with approximately 40 guests in at- tendance. Thornhi" Pharmacy C. E. STONEBURG Chemist 82 Druggiat AV. 5-2503 Yonge St. Radios DONCASTER Max Factor Cosmetic. JOHN'S T.V. Prescription Service View-Master Expert Drug Service Correspondent: David Barbour Henderson Ave. Phone AV. 5-5205 AV. 5-4138 Vitamins Thornhil! Car Radios for you who know good fasnion t and good value Reels Yonge St. Hl-Fl Famous Name Dresses, Suits, Skirts, Lingerie, Landsea Sweaters and Kenrick Shags from England NEW VERSIONS of Socials We are sorry to hear that Mrs. Rootes is suffering from a virus infection in her throat and is confined to her bed. We hope she will soon be up and around again. Mr. Guy Frazer. Bayview Ave. entered the Western Hospital on Thursday, September 3. Last week during the intense heat a truck load of tar paper caught fire and burned on Don Mills Road, north of No. 7. Al- though no one was hurt the fire- men had difficulty controlling the blaze. It is hoped that the most modern equipment obtain- able is on hand for emergenclel such as this. Home 8: School News The first general meeting of the home and school will be held at the schol on Wednesday, Sep~ tember 16, at 8.15 pm. It is hop- ed to have a speaker from the CBC to discuss “The Impact of New TV Teaching Aids". If any members have Canada Packers labels collected towards our cof- fee urn, bring them along to the meeting. We have a two month extension, so please keep saving them. We hope as many parents as possible will come and parents of new pupils will be esepcially welcome to meet our new princi- pal and teachers. Come and make new friends and meet the old ones again. Let us give our sup- port to these men and women who work so hard for our children and make this meeting a record first night. The first executive meeting of the season was held on Wednes- day, September 9. ' FOR TIME SCHEDULE TU. 4-2961 THORNLEA Correspondent: Mrs. B. Lepkey Phone AV. 5-3489