Thanks given to the scribes of Manitoulin past, present and future
To the Expositor:
Is our Island newspaper important?
Did you know that in 1944, the tiny shed of Mr. Alex Purvis at the Providence Bay dock waterfront had to be tore down after the steamer Manitoulin, in turning too wide, crashed into it and damaged it beyond repair?
Did you know that in 1943 rationing of canned salmon, tobacco, butter and gasoline (which the latter could not be used for pleasure driving and you could be fined if caught out sightseeing in a vehicle) was kept on close watch due to the war overseas and the need for gas for the war effort.
Did you know the government, that is the Agriculture Department, realized tobacco was in short supply and wanted farmers to up their production for the armed forces in 1944.
Did you know that in 1944, near the war’s end, that partridge hunting season was started once again since no hunting was allowed due to a lack of ammunition (lead and brace were needed for the war).
Did you know that Canada gave aid to 60,000 refugees in Russia in 1943, money was collected from people on the Manitoulin and elsewhere and sent to the refugee families? Russia took the brunt of the war against the Nazis.
Did you know that Manitoulin Island Co-operative Turkey Growers Association had a good year in 1943? Prices for Grade A Turkeys in 1939 were 20 cents a pound; 1940, 25 cents per pound; 1941, 29 cents per pound.
Did you know that the games and fisheries minister wanted more beaver furs output, so beaver sanctuaries were increased in Ontario and also in James Bay?
I only picked items from our old Island newspapers from the war years. Yes, what a history book for our Island.
Can we do without them? No, not a chance!
Our local papers keep us informed on all issues, big and small. One of the big issues is our Great Lakes and we all need to voice our help such as the very well written letter by Jillian Bond-Smith which appeared in last week’s paper.
If one city is allowed to start siphoning water from any of our lakes, we are dead in our tracks; there will be no stopping the deluge.
With these Island papers we can see where we’ve come from with a very informative, well written history.
Thanks to all the writers through the years.
Terrific job well done.
Sincerely,
Lyle Dewar
Providence Bay
