125 YEARS AGO Thursday, July 23, 1885

• There was a collision at Cardwell Junction last evening. From the meagre accounts to hand we learn that the mail train going south on the T. G. & B. line ran into the northbound Hamilton & Northwestern train as the latter was standing there. The driver of the T. G. & B. train could not get the steam brakes to hold going down the incline. Both engines were badly damaged and we are informed that the baggage man and Vickers express agent on the T. G. & B. train sustained injuries.

• Saturday evening last, the passenger train going north had attached to it a number of extra passenger coaches and a special car occupied by Mr. James Wilson, superintendent of the Ontario Division, and other CPR officials. There were also several representatives of the press on board, on their way to witness and assist in the reception of the returning volunteers who were expected to arrive at Owen Sound on the steamer Alberta Sunday morning. At about 7:30 a.m. the steamer’s smoke was sighted off Presque Isle and the bell on the fire hall was rung to notify the firemen, the band, the reception committee and the citizens generally that the boat could be expected to dock in about an hour’s time. The citizens of Owen Sound turned out en masse. Erected on the wharf was a beautifully decorated arch bearing the words “Welcome Noble Volunteers” and “God Bless Canada,” while suspended below were the names of Militia Minister Caron and Gen. Middleton.

The boat’s passengers were conveyed to Toronto in three special trains. The first train arrived in Toronto at about 2 p.m., with crowds being seen at every station along the line. The people of Orangeville had erected a handsome arch for the occasion. The trains carrying the Midland and Quebec men did not arrive until much later and the Quebec regiment then left for Ottawa to be present at the prorogation of Parliament the next day.

• Melancthon Council has passed bylaws calling for the appointment of a medical health officer and a solicitor for the municipality.

100 YEARS AGO Thursday, July 21, 1910

• Says the Orangeville POST: Several complaints have reached this office as to the dirty condition of many of the lanes in town. Some regular system of the removal of garbage should be devised. The collection of old cans, ashes and refuse in the lanes is as unsightly as it is unsanitary.

• The will of the late W. H. Hunter, of East Garafraxa, who died on May 24 last, has been filed for probate by C. R. McKeown, acting for Dr. H. A. Hunter, Joseph Gillespie and Isaac Murphy, executors. The total estate is sworn to as worth $156,151.57.

• A couple of farmers who raced their teams along Second Avenue in Shelburne near the stockyards the first of the week, appeared before Justice of the Peace H. Falconer on the complaint of Constable Brundage, and were each fined $1 and costs.

• The old wooden waterworks tank and trestle that had done their duty for Shelburne for many years on Academy Hill, are being taken to pieces this week by the Orangeville purchasers, and in a few days the new steel tank will hold undisputed sway of the landscape in that neighbourhood.

• The action of R. H. Harshaw, of Orangeville, against Elmer Gallaugher, of Shelburne, for $60 damage on account of a squabble at a lacrosse match on June 24, was tried in Shelburne Wednesday of last week, the defendant being accused of having struck the plaintiff and giving him a black eye. Judge McCarthy found for the plaintiff and fined Gallaugher $10 and costs. It is understood the fine and costs will be paid by the boys, who think Gallaugher had good provocation for the assault.

75 YEARS AGO Wednesday, July 25, 1935

• Because he neglected to display a light on his buggy, Robert Hillock of Mono Centre, his wife and daughter are in Lord Dufferin Hospital as a result of a car colliding with the vehicle six miles north of Orangeville, on Highway 10 Sunday night. The Hillocks were on their way to the farm of N. Kinsley and had driven only a short distance when struck by a car driven by L. Bailey, of Toronto.

• Just as the hot, dry weather was making district farmers think they were going to get their hay in good shape at last, a series of heavy showers arrived Tuesday. Hay crops ar so heavy this season that the excessive moisture is causing harm.

50 YEARS AGO Wednesday, July 20, 1960

• An informal meeting of Forks of Credit area residents with CPR officials discussed the proposed closing of the depot at Forks of the Credit.

25 YEARS AGO Wednesday, July 24, 1985

• Ontario Hydro wants to build a 500-kv transmission line across North Dufferin between the Bruce Nuclear Power Development and the Essa transformer station near Barrie.