Looking Back

Posted Jan 26, 2012 By Compiled by: Stacey Roy

100 YEARS AGO - JANUARY 23, 1912

The desks from the senior forms of the High School are being removed this week to the new Collegiate Institute and the senior pupils were transferred to the lower rooms. The lower forms were consequently dismissed by Principal Rose and will have a holiday this week. When they return to school they will take up their studies at the new Collegiate.

An interesting and unique case will come up for hearing at the division court session at Brockville when one of the local banks will sue one of the local churches for $200, the amount of the note held by them.

The Rideau Fire Company is made up of a lot of men who are as generous as they are valiant. They have just sent their second subscription of $25 to the new general hospital.

50 YEARS AGO - JANUARY 25, 1962

Persistent reports have been circulating in Smiths Falls this week that the town is facing a slight recession somewhat more serious than that felt for a brief period last year. The comments were prompted by the closing of several downtown business firms, the demolition of the Frost and Wood plant and other changes which have brought about a drop in tax revenue this year of approximately 26,365. These opinions, according to those who should know, such as Mayor Arnold Gough, finance chairman Dr. A.B. Murphy, treasurer Stuart Graham and assessor Gordon Beatty, are fortunately far from the actual truth.

Because the Smiths Falls local calling area has outgrown its present rate group, increases will go into effect on March 4, to bring rates into line with those charged in other centres with a similar number of telephones, E. George Thompson, Bell manager for this region, said this week. The increases are relatively small, he said. For example, the monthly charge for two-party residence service will be 20 cents higher.

25 YEARS AGO - JANUARY 28, 1987

A proposed mall in the Smiths Falls industrial park may be the answer to stop those elusive industries from slipping away to other communities.

An ad hoc citizens group formed in November has essentially bought the 4,000 feet of track in the Smiths Falls CN yard that was in threat of being ripped up.

A parks and recreation departmental reorganization will see arena manager Harry Campbell resume responsibilities as an arena attendant and parks manager. Gary Bisonette promoted to the new position of facilities superintendent.

10 YEARS AGO - JANUARY 23, 2002

Noting Smiths Falls would have difficulty surviving without a strong and viable hospital, town council has agreed to spend more than $2 million over the next five years toward a historic $20 million redevelopment of the local site. Council's approval, in a 5-1 recorded vote, now opens the door for hospital officials to approach neighbouring municipalities whose residents make up the rest of the hospital's catchment area.

Lanark County OPP are continuing their investigation into what is being termed a suspicious death.

On Monday, Jan. 14, 2002 police responded to a 911 call from a house on Holbrook Road in Montague Township about 20 km. northeast of Smiths Falls.

Senior Constable Neil Fennell reports one of two men in the home had sustained a gunshot wound to the head. He was transported to the Smiths Falls site of the Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital and later transferred to the Ottawa Civic Hospital where he died two days later.