Lanark County Classics – Book Launch

A sunny, warm, late September day brought record crowds to the official book launch for “Lanark County Classics: A Treasury of Tales from Another Time”.

The Book Nook, a popular store on the main street of historic Perth, Ontario, was the setting for a steady stream of book lovers eager to read the latest collection of stories set in Lanark County, the picturesque maple syrup capital of Ontario.

The newly released stories in this series are set in Perth, Lanark, DeWitt’s Corners, Pakenham, Clyde’s Forks, Middleville, and the former North Burgess Township, taking the reader along on a journey back to the 1960s and 1970s in rural Eastern Ontario.

An early visitor to the store on Saturday, was Tara Gesner, from Metroland Media, a reporter covering the book launch for the local newspaper.

There were many new faces stopping by, after reading the glowing reviews appearing in several publications   Review of Lanark County Classics

 

A reader from Port Elmsley stopped by, interested in local history, and had certainly come to the right book launch for stories set around the region.

 

Dianne Tysick Pinder-Moss, former classmate of the author has purchased the entire collection for her mother, who has been a fan of the series since the beginning.

 

Nancy Townend, Pakenham resident, came to the launch after hearing that one of the stories ‘Perils in Pakenham’, was set in her lovely,scenic, village.

 

Carol-Ann McDougall,  resident of the Big Rideau Lake, featured in the story “Lake Life – A Rideau Ferry Love Story” Lake Life – A Rideau Ferry Love Story  brought a lovely, bright yellow chrysanthemum to grace the table of the book launch.  Carol-Ann has read all of the books in the Lanark County series, and has been looking forward to reading the newest collection of stories.

 

Carla Brown stopped by, as she often does, to purchase the latest Lanark County book for her grandmother Shirley Myers.

 

Avid reader of local history, Tom Ayres was eager to get the latest book in the series.  Tom has read all five in the collection, and is the reader who requested the story on Antler Lodge, featured in the last book – Lanark County Connections. Antler Lodge

 

One of the stories in the new book, Lanark County Classics is ‘Meet Me in DeWitt’s Corners. The story takes the reader back to the earliest days of the hamlet, recounts the history of this proud settlement, and the DeWitt family, whose name still graces the community today.   It was a special treat to have members of this founding family attend the book launch.

Jane DeWitt Brady O’Grady – descendant of pioneer Zephaniah DeWitt, founding family of DeWitt’s Corners.

 

Also, a direct descendant of Zephaniah DeWitt, and native of DeWitt’s Corners – William ‘Bill’ Cavanagh,  son of Helen DeWitt and James ‘Jim’ Cavanagh, and his wife Brenda.

 

Another native of DeWitt’s Corners, and descendant of pioneer Zephaniah DeWitt, sister of Bill, JoAnne Cavanagh Butler, daughter of Helen DeWitt and James ‘Jim’ Cavanagh:

It was a real treat to share some memories of DeWitt’s Corners with Jane, JoAnne and Bill!

Along with the DeWitt descendants, long-time residents of DeWitt’s Corners, Elaine and Dave Morrow stopped by the book launch.  Both Dave and Elaine contributed their memories and stories of DeWitt’s Corners for the book.  Owner of The Book Nook, Leslie Wallack, is standing to the right of Elaine. Leslie and her staff were busy the entire day assisting visitors to this popular store.

Beverly Miller Ferlatte also stopped by the book launch.  Beverly shared her memories of S.S. # 4 , Bathurst, School for the story based in DeWitt’s Corners.  Beverly’s grandmother Mary Jordan was a well-loved and respected teacher at the school for many years.  The school house has been converted into a residence and Beverly’s brother Brian is the current owner of this historic building.

Janice Jordan Gordon was another contributer to the DeWitt’s Corners story in the book. Janice was very helpful in identifying the children in several class photos from S.S. # 4 Bathurst School.

A book launch would not be complete without a visit from former neighbours from the Third Line of Bathurst, Margery Conboy and her daughter Diana. Margery and her husband Wayne Conboy also shared their memories of DeWitt’s Corners, and the historic cheese factory that remained at ‘The Corners’ until 1979.

 

Another former neighbour, Dave Mitchell,stopped by the book launch.  Dave was also interested in reading the story on DeWitt’s Corners, and finding out more about the history of the area where he was raised.

 

The Book Launch at The Book Nook was a great success!  Many thanks to host Leslie Wallack and her staff, for keeping up with the steady crowds, and for providing the delicious refreshments.

A special thanks to all who came, from near and far, to stop by and chat, to share some memories, and to be a part of the busy day!

………………………………………………

Stories in “Lanark County Classics”:

1. Baffling Banshees in Burgess
2. Meet Me in DeWitt’s Corners
3. Mystery in Clyde Forks
4. Multitudes in Middleville
5. A Grand Era in Lanark
6. Perils in Pakenham
7. Perplexed in Perth

 

http://www.staffordwilson.com

 

 

Perth’s Millionaire Bachelor – Who Inherited His Fortune?

First to manufacture ‘the Mickey’ – liquor in a 12 ounce bottle, Perth native John McLaren made his fortune distilling alcohol.

A Mickey is actually one of a series of uniquely Canadian alcohol measurements. “Two four” (a case of 24 beers), “twenty-sixer” (a 750 ml bottle of  liquor) and “forty-pounder” (a 1.14 liter bottle of liquor) are all virtually unknown outside of Canada.

The very first ‘Mickey‘ was John McLaren’s  “Old Perth Malt Whiskey”, a bottle could be had for .80 cents, and was hailed as being “equal to the best ever brewed in Scotland”. Most whiskies in those days were aged very briefly, usually four days or less, and McLaren aged his for a full month before it was distributed to the local bars and liquor stores around Lanark County.

 

“McLaren’s Whiskey – Aged for a full month!”

 

“.90 cents for a mickey,  –  .80 cents if you bring your bottle back for a refill…”

 

Robert McLaren, one of the earliest settlers, arrived in Perth in 1816. When his son John came of age, he sent him to Scotland so he could study the finer points of whiskey manufacturing.

McLaren’s Distillery was founded in 1831, located on a section of land known today as Stewart Park.

Some say it was the combination of the clear waters of the Tay River and the secrets learned from the Scots that led John to become the local ‘Whiskey King’ or ‘Baron of Booze’.

photo: Henry Kehoe sitting in front of Spalding and Stewart Distillery in Perth.

 

“McLaren’s whiskey, produced with water from the Tay River in Perth, cures flat feet and the common cold!”

 

A favourite among whiskey judges, Old Perth Malt Whiskey enjoyed a unique reputation and even some doctors of the time regarded it as “non-injurious”. It became a household staple, said to cure everything from flat feet to the common cold. The popularity of McLaren’s whiskey grew in leaps and bounds, and in its heyday was sold from coast to coast, all across Canada.

 

photo:  from Perth Remembered

 

John laboured day and night, expanding his operations, and became the town’s wealthiest businessman. Some say he was secretive, reserved, and was not one to discuss his personal or business matters.

Photo above:  J.A. McLaren Distillery – located behind the town hall in present-day Stewart Park.

photo:  ‘Perth Remembered’

John McLaren, Perth Whiskey King

Found Dead !!!!!

 

 

Eligible Perth Bachelor John McLaren

dies without a will!

 

He never married, had no children, and for the most part lived a quiet life and kept to himself. When John McLaren passed away at the turn of the century, many in the town of Perth began to speculate – who would be the heir or heirs to his fortune?

By 1902 the town of Perth was “never more absorbed in one topic of conversation” as they were during the trial held in the local courtroom to settle the case of John McLaren’s Will.

---

Frank Walker, long-time employee swore that John McLaren had confided in him about his childhood and they shared a special relationship.

Walker told the court that John promised he would be taken care of from the proceeds of John’s estate”

“If I die tonight, you are provided for.”

 

John A. Stewart, McLaren’s nephew, well-known Perth lawyer, and respected member of parliament, claimed that he drafted a will for Mr. McLaren in 1897, witnessed his signature on the document, and that his uncle had left everything to him.

photo: John A. Stewart, McLaren’s nephew

 

Lizzie McIntyre said

she had John McLaren’s will

stuffed down the front of her dress !!!

 

 

“Why in Hell should I have a will?”

 

Frank Buffam swore that John McLaren

didn’t even have a will:

 

 

Lizzie McIntyre accused George Rogers of stealing McLaren’s will from his house at midnight:

 

Many people in Perth thought John McLaren left his millions to Minnie Hamilton.  The lovely Minnie was known as his ‘favourite’.  She was McLaren’s live-in ‘housekeeper’ in their hideaway home outside of Lanark:

 

“Everyone knew that Minnie was his special girl!”

 

Did Minnie Hamilton inherit McLaren’s millions?

Was it George Rogers?

John Stewart?

Lizzie McIntyre?

Frank Walker?

Who inherited the money from the Whiskey King?

………………………………………..

Many local businesses carried spirits manufactured

by McLaren’s Distillery in 1903:

 

Smiths Falls: 9 hotels and 1 store

Carleton Place: 8 hotels

Perth: 7 hotels and 2 stores

Franktown: 2 hotels

Ferguson’s Falls: 1 hotel

Innisville: 1 hotel

Maberly: 1 hotel

---

Early Hotels of Perth

– from an article “The Perth Courier” –  1964

“The year 1896 was a good period for the hotel industry in Perth.  Five recorded hotels flourished within the town boasting a grand total of 165 rooms, and five bars.

According to 19^th century observers, Perth had a high caliber of service, and had an excellent reputation as a fine hotel town.  One such observer was the old Perth Expositor which noted how strangers “always judge a town by its hotels” and then carried the impression of hospitality and service to the far reaches of the land.

The hotel business of 1898 was a vast improvement over the rude taverns and inns of early days.  Several of the hotels survived the turn of the century and can be readily seen in today’s busy commercial trade.  The only hotel still bearing the same name and remaining in the same location is the Revere House at Wilson and Foster.

The hotels of Perth began just prior to the Boer War, and were five:  Barrie’s Hotel, Hicks House, Allen House, Revere House and Queen’s Hotel. They were all located in the business section of down town Perth and catered to a through trade from road, stage and traveling salesmen.  Since 1900 the road trade has shifted west to Highway 7 where an assortment of motels enjoy a lucrative business from an almost entirely auto trade.

In 1896 the oldest hotel was Barrie’s operated by Thomas Barrie.  It had thirty rooms and a well stocked bar.  A resort of the surrounding farming community, the hotel enjoyed a heavy seasonal business.  Mr. Barrie was hailed as a “jolly good natured fellow” with a “pleasant greeting” for all.

The Hicks House, now the Perth Hotel, was hailed as the “leading commercial hotel” in eastern Ontario, sporting a bar, billiard room, free bus rides and a variety of fare on the table.  The proprietor was John Wilson, noted for his catering and disciplining of the “hotel attaches”.

The Queen’s occupied thirty rooms, a bar, a billiard room and stables across from what is now Girdwoods Store on Foster Street.  Owned by Frank A. Lambert, father of Edward Lambert, present day proprietor of the Imperial Hotel on Wilson, the Queen’s closed its quarters in 1918 after purchasing Barrie’s from James P. Hogan who succeeded Mr. Barrie as operator.  Queen’s and Barrie’s are thus the modern day Imperial Hotel operated by Ed Lambert who took over from his father in 1934.

In 1896 Revere House was a 25 room establishment run by W.J. Flett who is described as one of the best hotel men in the valley.  He enjoyed a popular local trace.

Largest hotel in Perth, now closed to business, was a fifty room spread called the Allan House, situated to the west of the town hall in a block now occupied by Chaplin and Code and the Coin Wash. Andrew Robinson the proprietor, was famous for his “uniform courtesy and kindness” and the free bus rides to the train and stages.  Mr. Robinson purchased the Allan House from I.C. Grant after ten years as an employee of the Hicks House.  

Needless to say, the hotels of Perth had close connections with Crystal Sprine Brewery and McLaren’s Distillery, two enterprises which made Perth famous from Nova Scotia to British Columbia.”

(article published in “The Perth Courier” 1964)

……………………

John McLaren was listed in the 1881-82 Business Directory for Perth, Ontario.

Do you recognize any of the local names of business owners?

– perhaps one of your own Lanark County ancestors is listed below:

ALLAN, Alexander; Hardware

ALLAN, F. B.; Merchant Tailor

ALLAN, J. A.; Barrister, Solicitor, Conveyancer

ALLAN, James; Gen. Merchant

ALLAN, William A.; Teller Merchant’s Bank of Canada

ALLAN, William; Saw, lath & shingle mill

ALLEN, Hebert; (Ryan & Allen) Mason and Contractor

ANDERSON, Jane, Mrs.; Tailoress

ANDERSON, John; Knox Church Board of Trustees

ANDISON, Annie; Teacher

ANDISON, Nicholas; Dealers in Dry Goods

ANDREWS, Wesley; Miller at Wood’s Mills

ARMOUR, John; Board of Managers, St. Andrew’s Church

ARMSTRONG, George E. (McMaster & Armstrong)

ARMSTRONG, Henry, Mrs.; Dressmaker

ARTHUR, John; Knox Church Board of Trustees

ATCHISON, James, M.D.; Physician

BAILEY, James; Grocer

BAKER, William; Engineer

BARNES, Samuel M.; Blacksmithing and Wagon Making

BARRIE, George F.; Dealer in All Kinds of Meats

BARRIE, Thomas; Proprietor, Barrie’s Hotel

BARTLETT, Russell W.; Furniture store & undertaker

BECKETT, James – Beckett Bros

BECKETT, Robert; -Beckett Bros

BECKETT, Sarah, Miss; Dressmaker

BEGLEY, Robert W.; (Miskelly & Begley)

BELL, James; Registrar S. Riding Ln’k

BELL, John; Carriage Makers, blacksmiths

BELL, Robert C.; (W. P. Bell & Sons)

BELL, W. P. & Sons; Photographers

BELL, William P.; (W. P. Bell & Sons)

BERFORD, W. W.; Solicitor,

BINGLEY, Charles; Wagon maker

BLACK, William; Confectioner

BOLTON, Wesley; Carpenter

BOTHWELL, J. & T.; Coopers

BOTHWELL, Joshua (J. & T. Bothwell)

BOTHWELL, Thomas (J. & T. Bothwell)

BOWER, Joshua; (Bower Bros.) Chemists & druggists

BOX, James; General store

BOYD, Samuel; Assistant clerk, Merchant’s Bank of Canada

BRADLEY, J. F.; They do it all

BRAMLEY-MOORE, C. R.; Ledger keeper Molson’s Bank

BRECKELS, George; Builder and contractor

BRENNAN, John; Grocer

BRODIE, R. J.; Chemical works

BROOKE, Thomas; Clerk, County of Lanark

BROOKE, W. B.; Town assessor

BROWNING, Arch.; Saw mill

BRUNTON, James; Mason

BRUNTON, Richard; Mason

BUCHANAN, Daniel; Potash manufacturer & farmer

BURROWS, William; Postmaster

BURT, A. W.; Professor of modern languages, P.C.I

BURWASH, S.; Head master Smith’s Falls High School

BUTLER, George; Stoves & tinware

BUTLER, R. C., Mrs.; Grocery and temperance hotel

BUTLER, William; Town councilor

BYRNE, Owen; Proprietor, union Hotel

CAIN, Wm.; Veterinary surgeon

CAIRNS, George F.; Barrister, Solicitor,

CAIRNS, Thomas; Postmaster

CAMERON, Alexander; Livery

CAMERON, Walter; General merchant

CAMPBELL, Duncan; Farmer

CAMPBELL, John G.; Mill owner & town councillor

CAMPBELL, John; Blacksmith

CANTON, Mary Ann, Mrs. (widow J.); Trader

CARNDUFF, Robert; Retired

CARROLL, Michael; Prop. Carroll House, livery

CARSS, Ogle, Mrs.; Music teacher

CARSS, Ogle; Grain dealer, owner & Capt. Steamer Olive

CASEY, Fred. W.; Barrister, Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Ont

CASWELL, Byron; Ticket Agent G.T.R., Agent G.N.W. Telegraph Co

CASWELL, William H.; Manufacturer of all kinds of Carriges

CHALMERS, H. D.; Division court baliff

CHALMERS, Henry D., jun.; Foreman blacksmith, Frost & Wood

CHALMERS, John; Retired

CHAMBERS, J. H.; Town councillor

CHAMBERS, John McGill; Retired

CHARLES, John; (Charles Bros.) Livery

CHARLES, William; (Charles Bros.) Livery

CHASE, Abner; Dealer in new & second-hand goods

CHRISTIAN, Daniel, Mrs.; Music teacher

CLARK, A.; Retired

CLARK, J. A., M.A

COLES, J., Mrs. (widow John); Grocer & confectioner

COLNELLY, (sic) Edward T.; Grocer

CONNELLY, Edward; Captain, Tay Steam Fire Co

CONNOLLY, Edward; Captain Tay Steam Fire Co.

CONNORS, Grace, Mrs.; Postmistress

CONSITT, George Alfred; Solicitor, agent Standard Life Ins

COOMBS, John S.; Medical Hall, Established 1846, Apothecary & Druggist

CORRY/KORRY, George; Sherrif’s officer

COX, John; Carriagemaker

CROMWELL, J. M. O.; Provincial land surveyor

CROSBIE, J. W.; Janitor Perth Colegiate Institute

CROSKERY, R. W.; Manufacturer and Dealer in Boots and Shoes

CUDDY, Joseph; Boot & shoe maker

CUNNINGHAM, Michael; Weaver

CUTHBERTSON, John; Milkman

DAVIDSON, Thos; Knox Church Board of Trustees

DAVIES, Francis; Dealer in Flour, Groceries, Foreign and Domestic Fruits

DAVIS, George H., Rev.; Minister Canada Methodist Church

DENNISON, Wm. J.; Livery, cattle dealer, carriage painter

DETTERICK, Alonzo; Sewing machine agent

DETTERICK, Walter; Market clerk & caretaker Town Hall

DEVLIN, C. & M.; Tanners & curriers

DEVLIN, Charles; (C. & M. Devlin

DEVLIN, George; Dry g’ds & Groc.; Auctioneer

DEVLIN, Michael; (C. & M. Devlin)

DICKINSON, E. A.; Drawing master, boards Allan House

DICKSON, H. H.; Postmaster

DIGNAN, Dominick; Boarding house

DODDS, M. R.; Perth Flour Depot

DOLAN, James H.; Proprietor Perth Marble Works

DONALD, James; Warden, County of Lanark

DOUGHERTY, Edward; Saddler and harness maker

DOUGLAS, George; Manufacturer & Dealer in Boots, Shoes

DOWDALL, James; Blacksmith and horse shoer

DOWDALL, Maggie, Miss; Assistant teacher, R. C. Separate School

DRUMMOND, R. J.; Manager, Bank of Montreal

DRYSDALE, Jennie, Miss; Telegraph operator G. N. W. Telegraph Co.

ELLIOTT, Archibald; Trustee, Canada Methodist Church

ELLIOTT, Edward; Barrister, Solicitor, Notary Public

EWART, Miss; Dressmaker

FARMER, G. B.; Boot and shoe store

FARRELL, Wm.; Saddler & Harness Maker

FARRY, Daniel; Groceries, provisions

FERGUSON, Duncan; Carpenter

FERRIER, Walter L.;(Ferrier Bros.)Manufacturers in Harness, Trunks

FERRIER, William; (Ferrier Bros)

FIDLER, Margaret, Miss; Grocer and milliner

FINLAY, George, jun.; (G. & G. Finlay) Butchers

FINLAY, George, sen.; (G. & G. Finlay) Butchers

FITZSIMMONS, W.; Sexton, Canada Methodist Church

FLUKER, G. W.; Grocer, confectioner & fruit dealer

FRASER, Harry D.,M.D.; Physician & Surgeon, Coroner for Lanark County

FRASER, John; Knox Church Board of Trustees

GILLAN, Francis; Proprietor Saline Springs boarding house

GLOSSOP, D.; All kinds of Boots & Shoes

GRAHAM, Richard; Grocer

GRAMSBY, G. A.; Dry goods & groceries

GRANT, Allan; Station agent C.P.R

GRANT, I. C.; Proprietor Allan House, Billiard Parlour

GRANT, Wm. H.; Jailer, Lanark County jail

GRANT, Wm., M.D., C.M.; Physician and surgeon…

GRAY, James; Manager Merchants’ Bank of Canada

GREENLEY, Jane, Miss; Dressmaker

GRIFFITH, E. J.; Meat market

HAGGART, John G.; (John Haggart & Company

HALL, Annie, Miss; Organist Baptist Church

HALL, F. A.; Solicitor for B. of M.,

HALL, Francis; Boot & shoe maker

HALLIDAY, Wm.; (Scott & Halliday) General Merchants.

HART, John; Bookseller & stationer, Dealer in English & U.S. Wall Papers

HART, William B.; With John Hart

HAWKINS, Charles; Secretary Perth Co-Operative association

HENDERSON, J. T.; West End Warehouse, Dealer in Dry Goods

HETHERINGTON, Jason E.; Foreman Perth Courier

HICKS, James; General merchant

HICKS, Thomas; Carriage maker

HICKS, William; License inspector under Dominion Act

HILLIARD, Ida, Miss; 3rd dept., Pakenham public school

HOBAN, Anthony; Proprietor Perth & Westport Stage Line

HOGG, D. Manufacturer Furniture, Upholsterer and Undertaker

HOGG, William J.; Variety Store, Dealer in Fancy Goods, China, Glass

HOLLIDAY, James; Retired

HOPE, Peter; Stoves and tin ware

HOSIE, George; Farmer

HOWIE & McWilliams; Brick makers, carpenters and contractors

HUDSON, J. Prop. Ferguson’s Falls Stage Line

JACKSON, John S.; Hair dresser & tobacconist

JACKSON, Wm.; Gunsmith

JAMES, Edward; Blacksmith and horse-shoer

JAMES, Henry; Harness maker

JAMES, Richard; Shingle factory

JAMES, Wm. Henry; Saw mill

JAMIESON, Robert; Clerk, 1st Division Court, Lanark County, Town Collector,

JAQUES, Marcus; Principal Perth Public school

John Haggart & Co.(Fred W. Weeks, Manager). Manufacturers of Flour

JOHNSTON, A.; Manufacturer of Ginger Ale, Lemon Soda

JORDON, Elizabeth, Miss; Milliner and dressmaker

KEAYS, John; Manager at Wm. Lees

KELLOCK, Daniel; Collector Inland revenue, office

KELLOCK, Jas. F.; Wholesale & Retail Druggist. Specialty – Coal Oil

KELLOCK, John Dickson, M.D.; Physician and surgeon, coroner

KELLOCK, William B.; Painter

KELLY, W. H.; Conductor C.P.R., bds Allan House

KENNEDY, J. F., L.D.S.; Dentist, Agent Sun Life and Accident Insurance

KERR, George; Retired

KIPPEN, Alexander, jun.; Foreman at Duncan Kippen’s

KIPPEN, Alexander, sen

KIPPEN, Duncan; Planing mill, sash, door factory

LALLY, Michael; Cooper

LASHLEY, Henry; Agent Singer Sewing Machine Manuf’g Co

LAURIE, James A.; Fruits & confectionery

LAURIE, James, Mrs.; Baker & confectioner

LAVIN, D., Rev.; Parish priest, Roman Catholic Church

LEE, John, Mrs.; Matron, Lanark County Jail

LEE, John; Turnkey, Lanark County Jail

LEES, William; Flour & feed mill & saw mill

LESTER, E. A., Mrs.; Fancy goods, wools

LILLIE, Robert; Bolt and nut works; Foundry

LISTER, F. A. W.; Accountant, Merchants Bank of Canada

LOCHEAD, Robert; Weaver

LOVE, Edwin; Hair dresser

LOWE, David; Sexton, St. Andrew’s Church

LUCKENS, Traiton, Rev.; Pastor, Baptist Church

McGILLIVRAY, M., Rev., M.A.; Minister St. Andrew’s Church

McTAVISH, Peter; Livery

MALCOLM, John; Chairman Perth Co-operative association

MALLOCH, Edward George; Barrister, attorney, solicitor in chancery

MANION, M., Miss; Dressmaker

MANSELL, C. B., L.D.S.; Dental Surgeon

MARKS, Joseph; Sexton, St. James church

MASON, Frederick; Excise man, Inland Revenue

MATHESON, Arthur J.; Barrister, Notary, etc. Perth Mayor

MATHESON, Charles A.; (Shaw & Matheson), cheese m’f’r & farmer

MATHESON, Roderic; General merchant

MAY, Daniel; Weaver

McALLISTER, J. A.; Merchant Tailor, Dealer in Gent’s Furnishings

MacARTHUR, Andrew; Stoves and tinware

McBRAYNE, Angus; Practical tailor

McCANN, John; Mason, bricklayer & contractor, Town councillor

McCARTHY, Richard H.; (Warren & McCarthy)

MacDIARMID, Alexander; Collector of rates

MacDIARMID, Peter, jun.; Farmer and councillor

McDONALD, Duncan; Knox Church Board of Trustees

McDOWELL, R. W., Rev.

McELLIGITT, John J.; Teacher, Roman Catholic Separate school

McGARRY, William, J. P.; Manufacturer of Fanning Mills, McGarry Post Office

McGREGOR, Peter; Mason & contractor

McKERRACHER, John; Custom Tailor, Gentlemen’s, Youths’

McKINLEY, Mary M.; Teacher, 5th dept. Perth Public School

McKINLEY, Peter; Elmsley North Township clerk

McLAREN, John A.;Distiller of Perth Malt Whisky, Perth Distillery

McLAREN, John Morris; Proprietor Revere House….

McLAREN, Peter; Lumber merchant

McLAREN, William; Baker & confectioner

McLEAN, James A.; (Scott & McLean) A Large Stock of Tweeds, Flannels

McLENAGHAN, Charles; Farmer and councillor

McLEOD, William; Tinsmith

McMaster & Armstrong; Dry goods and groceries

McMASTER, John; (McMaster & Armstrong

McMORINE, (McMARINE?), S., Rev.; Minister of St. Mark’s Church

McNAUGHTON, Peter McIntyre; Asst. clerk, Merchant’s Bank of Canada

MEIGHEN, Charles; Trustee, Perth Board of Education

MEIGHEN, Robert; (Arthur Meighen & Bros)

MEIGHEN, William; (Arthur Meighen & Bros)

MENZIES, Wm.; Knox Church Board of Trustees

MERCEAR, R., Rev.; Church of England

Merchant’s Bank of Canada

MICHAEL, George; Farmer and gardener

MICHELL, F. L., B.A.; County of Lanark inspector of

MILLS, George Chisholm; Postmaster and general store

MOFFATT, Thomas, Capt

MONG, Stewart; Insurance agent

MONTGOMERY, W.; Merchant Tailor

MOORE, T. B.; Clerk, Township of Drummond

MOORE, Wm. B.; (Andison & Moore)

MOORHOUSE, Henry; Treasurer Town of Perth

MOORHOUSE, M., Miss; Organist Canada Methodist Church

MORRIS, John; Provincial land surveyor

MORRISON, James; Painter

MORTIMER, Wm.; Milkman

MOTHERWELL, James W.; Publisher of the Perth Expositor

MUNRO, David, M.D.; Physician and surgeon

MYLNE, S., Rev.; Lanark Co. Board of Examiners of School Teachers

NEILSON, Andrew; Practical Watchmaker & Jeweler

NEILSON, Minnie E.; Teacher, 2nd dept. Perth Public School

NESBITT, David A.; principal, 1st dept, Pakenham public school

NICOLL, Thos; Trustee, Perth Board of Education

NIX, William, Rev.; Assistant to St. John’s Church (Roman Catholic)

NOONAN, D. R.; Blacksmith and Horseshoer

NORTHGRAVES, W. & Co.; Jewelers and Dealers in Fine Gold Watches

NORTON-TAYLOR, W. H.; Ledger keeper Bank of Montreal

O’BRIEN, Josephine, Miss; Organist St. John’s Church

O’BRIEN, William; Manufacturer and Dealer in Boots, Shoes

O’CONNOR, John S., Rev.; St. John’s Church parish priest

O’NEIL, Annie, Miss; Public school teacher

O’NEIL, John; Manufacturer of all kinds of Heavy & Light Vehicles

PALLISTER, Mrs.; proprietress Commercial Hotel

PARKER, Wm., M.D., M.C.P.S.O.; Physicians and Surgeons

PATTERSON, James; Bailiff 1st Division court

PAUL, Moses; Shoemaker

PAUL, Moses; Weaver

PINK, W. J.; Wholesale and Retail Manufacturer of Furniture

PLAYFAIR, A. W.; Warden, St. James Church

PLAYFAIR, Wm.; Mill owner

POOLE, Oliver; General store

POOLE, Thomas; Trustee, Canada Methodist Church

PORTER, Geo. A.; Junior clerk Bank of Montreal

PRENTICE, Thomas; boot & shoe Maker

PRESTON, Dr.; License Commissioner under Dominion Act

QUIGLEY, James; Undertaker. Caskets, Coffins, Shrouds, Funeral Requisites

RADENHURST, William H.; (Radenhurst & Shaw barristers and solicitors).

RANDALL, John; Millwright

RATHWELL, Edward; Proprietor Farmers Hotel

REID, Alexander; Knox Church Board of Trustees

REID, Thomas, Mrs.; Dressmaker

REYNOLDS, Francis C., Rev.; Minister, Can. Meth. Church Dalkeith

RICE, C.; Registrar High Court of Justice and Surrogate Court

RIDDELL, John; Knox Church Board of Trustees

RIELY, Wm.; Blacksmith

ROBERTSON, Alexander; Dry goods, groceries, crockery and glass-ware

ROBERTSON, Hugh S.; Teacher 6th dept. Perth Public School

ROBERTSON, Hugh; Accountant

ROBERTSON, J. M.; General store

ROBERTSON, James; Boot and shoe maker

ROBERTSON, Neil; Professor of Classics, Perth Coll. Inst

ROBINSON, Thos.; Proprietor Perth & Maberly Stage Line

ROSE, James; Shoemaker

ROSS, James, Rev., B.A.; Minister, Knox Church

ROTHWELL, A. T.; Grocer

ROTHWELL, Wm.; Rector & professor of mathematics, P.C.I

RUDD, Anslow B.; (H. C. Rugg & Co. Dealers in drugs and chemicals

Rugg H. C. & Co.;

RUGG, Henry C., M.D.; (H. C. Rugg & Co.) Physician & surgeon

RYAN, Hugh; Railway contractor

SADDLER, Lizzie, Miss; Dressmaker

SCOTT, David E.; (Scott & McLean)

SCOTT, Robert; (Scott & Halliday)

SCOTT, Susan, Miss; Organist Methodist Church

SCOTT, Wm.; Baliff fifth Division Court, Lanark

SCUDAMORE, C., Rev.; Professor of arts and sciences, P.C.I

SEELEY, Alfred E.; Express, telegraph & railway & steamship ticket agent

SENKLER, William Stevens; Judge of the County Court and Surrogate Court

SHAVER, James; Barber

SHAVER, Philander H.; Agent, Canadian Express Co

SHAW, Alexander C., B.A.; (Radenhurst & Shaw)

SHAW, Henry D. (Shaw and Matheson)

SHEEHAN, James; Proprietor Sheridan’s Hotel

SHEIRCHON, James; Fanning mill manufacturer

SHELLINGTON, Henry; Weaver

SHERIDAN, James; Livery

SHERIDAN, P. J.; Dealer in Dry Goods, Groceries

SLOAN, John; Proprietor Albion Hotel

SMITH, James J.; The Peoples Boot and Shoe Store

SMITH, John; Carriage Maker

SMITH, Thomas; Mason and contractor

SMITHERMAN, Annie H.; Teacher, 3rd dept. Perth Public School

SOMERLON, Thomas; Butcher & Farmer

SPALDING, James, jun.; (Spalding & Stewart whiskey manufacturers)

STAFFORD, Henry; License Inspector under Ontario Act (our g-grandfather’s brother)

STANLEY, Matthew; Carriage manufacturer

STEPHENSON, Richard L., Rev., M.A.; Rector of Perth

STEVENSON, W. A.; Superintendent, C.P.R. car shops

STEWART, Alexander; Farmer and weaver

STEWART, John K.; (Stewart Bros.)

STEWART, Robert; (Spalding & Stewart)

STEWART, Robert; (Stewart Bros.)

STONE, Robert; Chief Constable

SUTHERLAND, James, Mrs.; Grocery

TAIT, A. H.; Dealer in Cooking, Box & Parlor Stoves

TAYLOR, –; Civil engineer

TAYLOR, Henry; Importer of Shelf and Heavy Hardware

TAYLOR, Hugh, Rev.; Minister, St. Andrew’s Pres

TAYLOR, Isabella, Miss; Music teacher

TEMPLETON, George; Tanner and currier

THOMPSON, Henry; Farmer and cattle drover

THOMPSON, James; General store

THOMPSON, James; Sheriff County of Lanark Court house

THOMPSON, John F.; Farmer and cattle drover

THOMPSON, Robert; Traveler for Jas Leggett, boots & shoes

THORNE, John Wright, Rev.; Pastor Baptist Church

THORNTON, George; Dealer in Pianos, Organs & Sewing Machines

TIMS, John W.; Accountant Bank of Montreal

TOMLINSON, John; Boots and shoes

TOVEY, John; (R. & J. Tovey) Milkman

TOVEY, Richard; (R. & J. Tovey) Milkman

TREGENT, Augustus P.; Insurance agent

UMPHERSON, Wm.; General store

Union Fire Co.; 25 men, James Wilson, captain

Union Hotel; Owen Byrne proprietor

VINEBERG, J. Lyon; Dealer in Ready-Made

WAIT, Henry, Mrs.; Dressmaker

WALKER, A. C.; Custom Tailor, Gentlemen’s, Youth’s and Boys’

WALKER, Belle M., Miss; Organist St. Andrew’s Church

WALKER, James M.; Editor, Publisher and Proprietor of Perth Courier

WALKER, Mary; Teacher, 1st dept. Perth Public School

WALLACE, Miss; Fashionable Milliner

WARD, Michael; Proprietor, Albion Hotel

Warren & McCarthy; Benjamin Warren, Rich’d H. McCarthy, hardware

WARREN, Benjamin; (Warren & McCarthy)

WEEKS, Frederick W.; Manager Perth Mills

WHATELEY, George; Land & Ins. Agent, Dealer in Mines and Minerals

WICWARE, Elizabeth, Miss; 2nd dept., Pakenham public school

WICWARE, Mrs.; Boarding house

WILSON, James; Captain Union Fire Co

WILSON, John; Proprietor Hicks House, also billiards

WILSON, Thomas, Mrs.; Milliner and hair work

WILSON, Thomas; Sexton St. John’s Church

WODDEN, Wm,; Knox Church Board of Trustees

WOODS, David R.; License Inspector under Ontario Act

WOODS, John; Proprietor Perth & Glen Tay Stage Line

WRIGHT, Benjamin; Builder and contractor, town councilor

WRIGHT, H. B.; Hatter and Furrier

For more information on Business Owners listed in the 1881 Perth Business Directory:

http://www.algonquincollege.com/perth/current/library-learning-resource-centre-lrc-perth-campus/

 or visit the Resource Library at the Perth Campus of Algonquin College – 7 Craig St., Perth, ON

Did one of these Business Owners in Perth inherit McLaren’s money?

To learn more about your Lanark County ancestors send your queries to the Lanark County Genealogical Society   inquiries7@bell.net , visit them online: http://www.globalgenealogy.com/LCGS/Contact%20Us.htm

Archives Lanark is a valuable resource for researching your Lanark County roots http://archiveslanark.ca/index.php or email – info@archiveslanark.ca

 If you require extensive research and are not able to visit Archives Lanark, their genealogical staff can assist you. Send your queries to: research@archiveslanark.ca

* Perth distillery trademark from the McCord Museum:

http://collection.mccord.mcgill.ca/en/collection/artifacts/M930.50.5.183?Lang=1&accessnumber=M930.50.5.183

690 Sherbrooke St. W., Montreal, Quebec   info.mccord@mccord-stewart.ca

 

Someone in  Perth got McLaren’s millions!

 

*images of John McLaren, his whiskey, and ads for the Perth Distillery, and transcripts of the McLaren will case – from – “The Perth Courier”

photo – Henry Kehoe in front of Spalding and Stewart Distillery – “The Perth Courier”

photo – McLaren’s amber glass whisky bottle from ‘Collectable Treasures’

photos – malt whiskey bottle, whiskey jug, old distillery photos – Perth Remembered

 

“So who inherited John McLaren’s vast fortune?”

 

To discover more about the curious case of John McLaren’s will, and the trial that had the whole town of Perth talking, read the story “Jessie’s Gift”, from the book “Lanark County Connections – Memories Among the Maples”.  

Available online – http://www.staffordwilson.com,  or at The Book Nook,  The Bookworm in Perth, and Perfect Books in Ottawa

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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http://www.staffordwilson.com

International Writer’s Festival Comes to Perth!

Join us Saturday, August 23rd from 9 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the Crystal Palace in Perth, Ontario.

In its first year ever, the Perth Chapter of the Ottawa International Writer’s Festival will be showcasing local authors at a Book Fair at the Perth Farmer’s Market set against the backdrop of the picturesque Tay River.

Whether you come by car and park along the historic streets of Perth, or sail up by boat and take in the breathtaking views along the Tay Basin, there will be something for all ages to enjoy.

The event features a number of local writers including Arlene Stafford-Wilson, author of:

• Recipes & Recollections: Treats and Tales from our Mother’s Kitchen
• Lanark County Kid: My Travels up and down the Third Line
• Lanark County Chronicle: Double Back to the Third Line
• Lanark County Calendar: Four Seasons on the Third

Pick up a copy and have it signed by the author.
Mark this special event on your calendar.
For more information contact:

The Perth and District Chamber of Commerce (613) 267-3200 / 1-888-319-3204
or Leslie Wallack at The Book Nook thebooknook@bellnet.ca

http://www.staffordwilson.com

Groundhog Blues in Lanark County

January always seemed like the longest month on the calendar. It was still cold and dark when February arrived, and there were so many months ahead before we could ride our bikes to DeWitt’s Corners, or Christie Lake.

Each year, we  waited patiently for Groundhog Day.  Would he see his shadow? Would there be an early spring, or would there be another two months at least of these cold, grey days?

Punxsutawney Phil had predicted the onset of spring since 1890 in Pennsylvania, and his Canadian counterpart Wiarton Willie began his annual forecast in the 1950s. At our house we listened closely to both forecasts, hoping that at least one of these rodents would offer some hope of an early spring.

So, we had two possible groundhog predictions, and two different radio stations. There was CJET in Smiths Falls, and Mother would often tune in and listen to Hal Botham after we’d left for school, while she did her ironing. CFRA was her usual early morning station and we’d often hear Ken ‘General’ Grant shouting, “Forward Ho!” as we ate our puffed wheat, before walking down the lane to wait for the school bus.

I could tell that Mother was also growing weary of the long, cold days of winter and if the ‘General’ didn’t report the prediction she wanted to hear then she’d likely turn the dial to CJET hoping that Hal Botham would have another version of the groundhog’s forecast. If it was cloudy, and the groundhog didn’t see his shadow, we’d have an early spring – just six more weeks of winter. By the first week of February we didn’t want to hear any other forecast. Six more weeks of winter would be enough to bear, without the possibility of the season being any longer!

When I came downstairs for breakfast that Groundhog Day morning so long ago, Mother had already set up the old ironing board and was busy ironing a linen tea-towel. I asked her if she’d heard the groundhog’s prediction yet, and she didn’t look up, but continued to iron. “It’s just a myth, just folklore”, she said, and she folded the tea towel neatly, and started on the next one.

“So, he saw his shadow?” I asked. “Yes they both did.” she responded somberly, still not looking up from her work, and folded the next tea-towel.

I sat quietly at the old kitchen table, ate my bowl of puffed wheat, drank my orange juice, and took my cod liver oil capsule without even being asked. Six more weeks would have spring starting sometime in the middle of March, but now it would be even longer.

I finished my breakfast, put my dishes in the old porcelain sink, pulled on my boots and coat, grabbed my wool hat, mitts and lunch pail, and headed out the door.

As I trudged down the long, snowy lane-way to the Third Line, I felt defeated. It was sad how a couple of groundhogs that we didn’t even know could make Mother and I feel so depressed. I didn’t even understand how they could have seen their shadows that morning, because it wasn’t sunny outside at all. I couldn’t see my own shadow, and that meant that our local groundhogs wouldn’t be able to see theirs either.

I didn’t really know where Wiarton was located in Ontario, and didn’t have a clue about Pennsylvania, but I was sure that none of the groundhogs in Lanark County saw their shadows on that cloudy, grey morning in February. Maybe the other groundhogs were wrong! Maybe there would be an early spring after all! Maybe the snow would be gone soon, and I could ride my bike up to Christie Lake again. I had to stay positive. I had to keep hoping. I had to………………

 

 

 

 

*     *     *     *     *     *     *

 

 

 

 

 

(an excerpt from ‘Lanark County Calendar: Four Seasons on the Third Line”
ISBN 978-0-9877026-3-0)

http://www.staffordwilson.com

Book Launch Feb 9 at The Book Nook

Thanks to everyone who made our book launch a great success! A big ‘Thank-you’ to Leslie Wallack of The Book Nook for sponsoring the event and for the warm hospitality of Leslie and her staff.

A special thank-you to some folks who travelled from a distance the day after a heavy snow-storm – Tracy Mackintosh and Art Storring who came all the way from Athens, Ontario and Fran and Bower Mulligan from Chesterville, Ontario.

It was a great pleasure to see the President of the Lanark County Genealogical Society Janet Dowdall who took the time to stop by and offer her support and her husband Brian one of the many who were among the first to purchase ‘Lanark County Chronicle’.

Many thanks also to some of my former neighbours from the Third Line – Janice Gordon, Elaine Morrow from DeWitt’s Corners, Shirley Myer’s family, one of the McParlan girls from past Glen Tay and many others.

Thanks also to those former high school friends who popped by like Fern Bennett Milner and Dan Milner and to some new friends as well who took the time to stop by and chat about the good old days.

A special thank-you to my niece Meaghan Ryan who set up the feature table so nicely and to her fiance Sean Christie who helped us as well and who brought us tea and treats from the nearby Sunflower bakery on Gore Street.

Thank-you to the many others who stopped by the table to chat and for all who purchased not only the new book ‘Lanark County Chronicle’, but who picked up copies of the first two books as well and kept Leslie and her staff busy all afternoon.

I wish we could have had a chance to speak with all of the folks who came by to visit but the line-ups at the feature table were long at times and we stayed almost an extra hour past our time in order to chat with as many as possible.

Thanks again for helping to make our day such a great success!

Radio Spot on 88.1 ‘The Lake’ Dec 12, 2012 at 5:25 pm

Join me Wednesday evening Dec.12th
at 5:25 pm on the radio 88.1 ‘The Lake’
as I speak with Brian Perkin in an interview
about ‘Lanark County Kid’

Listen to it live: http://lake88.ca/

Book Signing Saturday December 15th in Perth

Join us at The Book Nook next Saturday, December 15th, 2012 from 12 noon until 2 p.m.

Set along the banks of the Tay River, the Book Nook offers something for readers of all ages and interests. Looking for a unique Christmas gift or stocking stuffer? How about a copy of ‘Lanark County Kid – My Travels Up and Down the Third Line’. Come back to the family farm in Bathurst township and share in the adventures in the nearby communities of Perth, Balderson, Lanark, Carleton Place and Almonte.

For the cook or baker on your list, or for someone who just likes to read about growing up in the 50s, 60s and 70s in Eastern Ontario, how about a copy of ‘Recipes and Recollections – Treats and Tales from our Mother’s Kitchen’. Set in picturesque Lanark County, the book takes you back to days on the farm, all through the seasons including our old fashioned country Christmas. The book includes over 90 award-winning recipes perfected by our late Mother, a former Judge at local fairs.

Have your copy signed and personalized for a memorable gift this Christmas. We will be at The Book Nook and would love to see some familiar faces from the Perth area and look forward to meeting some new folks as well.

The Book Nook is located at 60 Gore Street East, the main street of Perth, Ontario. It’s been said that Perth is “the prettiest town in Ontario” and you haven’t seen Perth until you’ve strolled down the historic streets at Christmas time. The shops, many of them nestled in stately stone buildings are all decked out in their Christmas best.

Whether you’re coming back home to Perth or you’re a first-time visitor, you’ll feel welcome. Photograph the historical sights or discover the quaint shops showcasing one of a kind gifts from the local artistic community. Wherever your travels take you in Perth, don’t forget to pop by The Book Nook and say ‘Hello!’.

See you next week!

First Snowfall of the Year

The first snowflakes of the season fluttered down softly, carried gently by the light breezes, back and forth across my path, until they finally touched the earth, and vanished. The very first snowfall of the year seemed magical, and we gazed up in wonder as if we’d never seen the fragile white crystals before.

It had been many, many months since the last few signs of snow had disappeared late in the spring, and I wondered to myself if these first light flakes of the new season would stay on the ground. Almost in unison with the first snow, the merchants of Perth began to decorate their windows for Christmas, and up and down Gore Street there were signs that Christmas was coming.

 

James Brothers, Stedman’s, and Beamish had bright lights and shiny garlands in their windows, and Shaw’s always had a festive window display.

 

A walk down to Haggis’ candy store was not to be missed, as Mrs. Nee’s colourful candy canes, creamy Christmas fudge, and salty nuts were temptingly displayed.

 

(photo of Sophia Haggis Nee in front of her shop at 60 Gore Street, Perth, Ontario)

The Perth Apothecary always had a beautiful Christmas window with all of their lotions and potions packaged so beautifully, ready to place under the tree.

   

 

 

The signs of the season weren’t visible only in the town of Perth.

Out in the country, we turned on our outdoor lights on December 1st, and even though the lane was long, we could see Dad’s handiwork as we drove up the Third Line, coloured lights draped round and round the spruce tree.

Tobias ‘Tib’ Stafford, attaching Christmas lights onto our spruce tree, Third Line, Bathurst Twp. , Lanark County  – c. 1970s

Dad took great pride in his annual Christmas display, though it was a far cry from the elaborate decorations on the more stately homes in Perth. It’s strange how, as a child, the lights on your own home, no matter how modest; seem brighter, and more magical than all the rest.

That first, delicate snowfall of the year falls so silently, whispers so softly, and serves to remind us that Christmas is on its way. It’s time to gather the boxes of decorations from the attic, and time to test our outdoor displays. There are Christmas cards to prepare for mailing, and special foods and drinks to assemble for the big day.

Whenever I see that first snowfall, and the lights and displays all around, I am reminded of our own humble spruce tree on the Third Line, and the weeks of preparation that followed, leading up to the most glorious time of the year.

……….

 

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http://www.staffordwilson.com

“First Snowfall of the Year”, an excerpt from ‘Lanark County Calendar: Four Seasons on the Third Line”  ISBN  978-0-9877026-30

photos of James Brothers Hardware and Shaws of Perth courtesy of ‘Perth Remembered‘

 

Time for Christmas Baking!

“I think a little mouse has been in my cupboard!”, Mother would say mischievously. Of course I knew exactly who the ‘mouse’ or ‘mice’ were that had been sampling the baking supplies in the kitchen cupboard, near the old sink. I was the ‘main’ mouse, and loved to sneak a little taste of the walnuts, coconut, and cherries, that Mother stored for her Christmas baking. My brother, Roger, was the other mouse in the house. He would sneak handfuls of chocolate chips from her baking cupboard after school, and scurry away into the living room.

                   

Luckily, on those days, so long ago, there were still enough ingredients so Mother could add yet another type of cookie onto her list, and into the oven!

   

Stacks of cookies and squares had been accumulating in the old chest freezer since the cooler fall air blew in from the north, along the Third Line.

   

 

Mother was knee-deep into her Christmas baking, and as the weeks flew by, there was an ever-growing supply of shortbread, sugar cookies, chocolate chews, date squares, fudge, and toffee, piling up, in preparation for the big day.

 

 

One of my favourite types of cookies that Mother made, and tucked away in the freezer for Christmas, were the peanut butter balls. Once thawed, they were as sweet and tasty as the day they were made. They don’t require a lot of fancy ingredients, and they look festive and elegant on any Christmas dessert plate.

Make them now, and stash them in your freezer! Hopefully, the ‘mice’ in your house will leave a few for Christmas!

 

Peanut Butter Balls

1 c of peanut butter
1 c of rice crispies
½ c chopped walnuts
1 tsp vanilla
½ tsp of melted butter
1 c icing sugar
Desiccated coconut

Mix together the peanut butter, nuts, rice crispies, butter and vanilla, and roll into balls.
Drop the balls into a mixture of thin icing
Roll in coconut
Place on a sheet of waxed paper, and let them set

…

For variety,  Peanut Butter Balls may be dipped in melted chocolate, mixed with sprinkles, M & Ms, or decorated with bits of pretzels and candies for a festive holiday look!

  

  

 

Enjoy this traditional Christmas treat now, or freeze for the holidays!

…

 

What would a Christmas sweets plate be without some melt-in-your-mouth homemade Shortbread Cookies!

 

Shortbread Cookies

1/2 c  corn starch

1/2 c  icing sugar

1 c  all purpose flour

1 c  soft butter

Mix dry ingredients.   Blend-in butter, until soft dough is formed.  Chill for 1/2 hour.  Shape into balls 1 inch in diameter.  Flatten with fork.  Decorate with cherry slices.

Bake in slow oven at 300 degrees F, for 20 – 25 minutes, until light golden.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Be sure to leave some Christmas cookies for Santa!

 

 

Who was the lady behind all of those melt-in-your-mouth Christmas cookies?

Audry Stafford competed in local fairs in Lanark County for many decades, and won so many prizes in the baking divisions that eventually she was asked to become a Judge.

In the years that followed, she judged baking at fairs, large and small, across the county, and throughout Eastern Ontario.

 

 

photo:  Audry Stafford with Tib Stafford, in their farmhouse kitchen, on his birthday, July 15, 1990, Third Line, Bathurst Township, Lanark County, Ontario.

……………

Recipes in this story are from “Recipes and Recollections: Treats and Tales from our Mother’s Kitchen”

93 of Audry’s prize-winning recipes are assembled in a book “Recipes and Recollections”, along with stories from her five children, about growing up in rural Eastern Ontario, spanning the years from the 1940s through to the 1980s.

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http://www.staffordwilson.com