NEWEST HURON HISTORICAL NOTES FEATURES VILLAGE OF BAYFIELD The Huron County Historical Society has produced an annual edition of the Huron Historical Notes for its members since 1965. And their most recent edition features the Village of Bayfield. It is a 54-page history and contains lots of information gleaned from the Village of Bayfield text produced in the 1980s but with some notable updates. This previous work is now out-of-print. The Bayfield Historical Society has bought 100 copies of “Huron Historical Notes – Village of Bayfield” for distribution. Anyone wishing to purchase a copy can find the book for sale at The Bayfield Archives on Main Street or call 519 565-2454. They are selling for $8.00 each to cover production and printing costs. HOLIDAY TRADITION CONTINUES WITH FOURTEENTH VISIT FROM BAND On Nov. 27 the Bayfield Town Hall will welcome back the London Citadel Salvation Army Band for their fourteenth annual Christmas Concert. Their appearance on the town hall stage is a holiday tradition for many and should not be missed. In case of inclement weather the concert will be held on Dec. 4. The London Citadel Band got its start in 1883. By the early 1900s the band was in demand and performed in such cities as Windsor and Detroit. In the last 125 years the groups’ horizons have broadened considerably and they have traveled to England twice as well as the west coast of Canada and parts of the USA.  Show time is 8 p.m. and tickets are selling for $10 per person. For tickets call Charles Kalbfleisch at 519 565-2244 or Pat Langley at 519 565-2894. Coincidentally, the Salvation Army began in Canada in 1882, the same year that the Bayfield Town Hall was built. All proceeds from the concert will go The Bayfield Town Hall Heritage Society for the maintenance of the hall. HURON HOSPICE EVENT BENEFITS BAYFIELD AND AREA RESIDENTS The Huron Hospice Volunteer Service provides palliative and respite care, as well as bereavement programs, for individuals in the Bayfield area as well as Wingham, Goderich, Seaforth and Clinton. A member agency of the United Way of Perth-Huron, the Huron Hospice will be hosting a dramatic reading of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” on Dec. 13. This seventh annual fundraiser will be held at Northside United Church in Seaforth at 2:30 p.m. Special guest readers will include, Jim Swan, a well-known broadcaster, from London. There will be wonderful seasonal music under the direction of Deborah Lambert, in addition to a children’s choir. Tickets are $10 each and the proceeds assist Huron Hospice in continuing to provide much needed services. For more information please call the Hospice office 519 527-0655 or email infohospice@tcc.on.ca  ABCA: LOW WATER ADVISORY LIFTED With wetter weather conditions for the latter half of October and early November, the Water Response Team (WRT) for the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) has lifted the low water advisory that was in place for the entire ABCA watershed. “Flows in local watercourses have increased considerably from where they were in late summer and early fall, even though October rainfall amounts remain slightly below normal in many areas,” according to Alec Scott, ABCA Water and Planning Manager. “With water usage demand down and ground moisture increasing, we expect stream flows to continue to rebound through the fall.” The Chair of the WRT, Bob Norris, thanked both the industries and individuals who voluntarily reduced their water usage in response to the dry weather observed through the summer.  “When in a low water condition, conservation of water is an important measure in preventing further declines in water supplies and ensuring that everyone has access to water at the most critical times,” Norris said.  “Everyone has an important part to play in preserving our water supply.” ABCA staff will continue to monitor rainfall and stream flow data and keep the public informed of any changes in watershed conditions. SANTA LOOKING FOR EXTRA ELVES TO AID COUNTY CHRISTMAS BUREAU It is no secret that Huron County has been hard hit by the economic downturn and the reality is Santa may need some extra elves this year to ensure that every child will have a gift under the tree this Christmas. This is not only the goal of Santa Claus but the Huron County Christmas Bureau. It is a county-wide volunteer group that organizes five gift centres for disadvantaged families. Toys, clothes, food and food vouchers are donated or purchased with cash donations (for which donors will be issued a tax receipt). Hundreds of volunteers and donors participate each year and play Santa for up to a thousand children and their families. An independent organization, the bureau could not function without the support of the Huron-Perth Children’s Aid Society. They provide the bureau with office space, phone lines and administrative assistance. Community churches and caring residents also make the program possible. The gift centres are located in churches in five communities in Huron County and volunteers from these churches and the community at large donate many hours collecting, sorting, organizing and displaying the gifts. Towns and villages throughout the county have drop boxes available where donations can be deposited. This year the gift centres can be found in: Clinton, Clinton United Church; Exeter, Christian Reform Church; Goderich, North Street United Church; Seaforth, St. James Roman Catholic Church, at the Agriplex; and Wingham, Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church. In Bayfield, the Optimist Club organizes the distribution of gift tags to remind people to purchase an item for the bureau when doing their Christmas shopping. Printed on the tag is a request for a toy or clothing item for a boy or girl of a certain age and size. These tags were available over the Christmas in Bayfield weekend and can now be picked up off the “giving tree” on display at Brandon’s Hardware. Gifts can be delivered to any one of the churches listed above or left in drop boxes placed in local stores between Dec. 7 and 11. LOCAL BOOK SHOP GIVES GIFT OF READING TO CHILDREN IN NEED One local business is encouraging everyone in the community to give the gift of reading to a child this Christmas. The Village Bookshop, on Catherine Street (just off Main Street), would like to fill the wish lists of less fortunate children who would like a new book this Christmas but they need help to do so. When an individual buys a children’s book at the store and places it in the donation box The Village Bookshop will match the donation with another book. All of these books will be delivered to the Huron County Christmas Bureau for distribution. If a person is unable to drop into the book shop but would still like to participate they may call or email the amount they would like to spend on a book donation; email mwolfe@tcc.on.ca or call 519 565-5600. REMEMBER ME? There are countless photographs of people in the Bayfield Historical Society’s Archives collection, but sadly their names were never recorded. In this section we will showcase an image with the hopes that one of our subscribers might be able to identify the individual(s) in the photo. Please email your information to the Editor’s attention at the address listed near the bottom of the page in “Submissions”. In this week’s “REMEMBER ME?” we have a photo taken in 1970.  It shows the electric engine that was in service around 1898-1900 for Bayfield's electric street lights. The engine was donated to the Bayfield Historical Society by Ernest Pollock, of Varna, and stored in Mert Morton's garage. This week in addition to asking who the people are in the photo, we would also like to know if anyone knows where the engine may be located. Archivist Ralph Laviolette would like to thank all those people who submitted possible ideas for the subject in an earlier Remember Me? The luminous image of the girl in the row boat on the Bayfield River proved popular, some thought it may have been Lucy Woods, but Laviolette feels that the correct identification was given by villager Ann Martin. She believes the girl was Mary Ruby Whiddon (1884-1967) who married Archibald Armstrong (1874-1959) around 1919.  The Whiddon’s owned the apple evaporator behind what is now the Red Pump. Keep those ideas coming!

TRAIL ASSOCIATION Susan Bender, of Bayfield, is now the proud owner of a valuable, signed publisher's proof print entitled, “First Arrival – Killdeer.” The print, by artist Robert Bateman, is one of only 20 in existence. The draw was made by Mayor of Bluewater, Bill Dowson at the lighting of the lights event in Clan Gregor Square on the evening of Nov. 13. The proceeds from the raffle of this print will go to the Bayfield River Valley Trail Association (BRVTA) for trail development. GIRL GUIDES Bayfield’s supply of Chocolatey Mint Girl Guide Cookies is almost gone, thanks to a successful time selling over the Christmas in Bayfield weekend. There are a few cartons still available for $4 a box from members of Bayfield Guiding or the Bayfield Village Inn. The Centenary Celebration Calendar 1910-2010, created by members of Bayfield and Clinton Guiding, and for sale in Mid-western Ontario, is also available.  The calendars are selling for $10 each. Locally, calendars are available for sale from members of Bayfield and Clinton Guiding as well as The Village Book Shop, Bayfield Village Inn, Interior Trends and Drs. Haney and Van Maanen’s Dental Office in Clinton. AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY Fresh evergreen wreaths and tails dot the village landscape as part of seasonal holiday décor – these fine wreaths are available for purchase due to the efforts of members of the Bayfield Agricultural Society.  The big sale was held over the Christmas in Bayfield weekend but orders for both wreaths and tails will be taken until Dec. 1. For more information, or to place an order, call Emma VanderWouden at 519 482-3020. Wreaths and tails include red bows. Extra bows are available for $3 each.  The wreaths sell for: regular size, approx. 18 inches wide, $25; large size, up to 24 inches wide, $35; tails or swags starting at 24”, $20 and up. Custom sizes can also be created and are priced accordingly. The annual meeting of the Bayfield Agricultural Society will take place at St. Andrew's United Church on Nov. 20. The evening will start with a pot luck supper at 6 p.m. Attendees are reminded to bring their own eating utensils.  The annual meeting will follow and include elections for the executive for the upcoming year. OPTIMIST CLUB A beautiful handcrafted chest filled to overflowing with toys for boys and girls of all ages may sound like a holiday dream but for one lucky person it will be reality come Dec. 13. The Optimist Club of Bayfield unveiled the toy chest and toys they are raffling off for the 2009 Christmas Season at the lighting of the lights event on Nov. 13. The toy chest and toys are now on display at the Bayfield Village Inn and tickets are available from club members or Brandon’s Hardware. The Bayfield Optimist Club is once again holding a raffle on a hand made and hand painted wooden toy chest filled with Christmas wishes. Tickets are available now from Optimist members and at the Bayfield Village Inn or Brandon’s Hardware. Toy chest tickets are $2 each or three for $5. The draw on the chest will be made at Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 13.  TOWN HALL It has been 20 years since a committee was formed to save the Bayfield Town Hall from demolition. Since that time a number of fundraising efforts have been held in an effort to preserve it and make it a vital part of the community social scene. Now The Bayfield Town Hall Heritage Society is looking to improve the entrance to the building to make it more visibly appealing for weddings, festivals, concerts and business meetings. The latest fundraiser will be the sale of commemorative bricks to be installed in the front walk, at the hall entrance and a new walk leading to the property’s “great lawn”. The paving stones can be engraved to showcase a family name, honor loved ones or celebrate a special occasion such as a wedding or an anniversary. They could even make a unique family Christmas gift. According to the fundraising brochure, “These stones will be placed along the walkway so that generations to come will enjoy this wonderful legacy left in honor of the revitalization of the town hall.” There are three stone styles to purchase: a large stone, 8X12, with one line of engraving up to 12 characters, $250; a medium stone, 8X8, with one line of engraving up to 12 characters, $100; and a place holder, 4X8, no engraving, $50.  Tax receipts will be provided. Cheques can be made payable to The Bayfield Town Hall and mailed to PO Box 2078, Bayfield ON, N0M 1G0. Further information can be obtained by contacting Margo Robeson at 519 565-2827. Organizations, school classes, businesses and corporations are encouraged to be part of this worthwhile community project. The society hopes to have the brickwork installed in the spring of next year. FITNESS FUN There is room for more people to join in the fun of badminton on Tuesday nights at Huron Centennial School near Brucefield. Organizers state that it is basically backyard badminton, played inside and is great exercise and lots of fun. The games are played from 7-9 p.m. For those looking for something to exercise the mind – Mah Jongg is played on Thursday afternoons in the Bayfield Lions’ Community Building. If Mah Jongg isn’t your game bring one that is – Scrabble or Crib anyone? Games are played from 1-3 p.m.  BRIDGE CLUB Jean Bowman and Fred Marti were the high scorers when the Wednesday Evening Bridge Club met on Nov. 11 at the Bayfield Lions’ Community Building. The club will meet next on Nov. 25. The cards will be dealt at 7 p.m. and new members are always welcome to join.   EUCHRE CLUB The Bayfield Euchre Club is now enjoying their fall session. The club meets on alternate Wednesdays at the Bayfield Lions’ Community Building at 7:30 p.m. They will meet next on Nov. 18. New players are invited to come and join returning regulars. The cost is only $1.50 per person. For more information contact Lee at 519 565-2765 in the evenings. FILM SOCIETY The final theatrical offering for the season by The Bayfield Film Society will be Stone of Destiny. It will be shown at the Bayfield Town Hall on Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. Individual show tickets may be purchased at the door for $10 each. For ticket inquiries please contact Lynne Gillians at 519 565-5884 or email lynnegillians@hotmail.com ANGLICAN CHURCH Trinity Anglican Church will hold their White Gift Sunday on First Advent, Nov. 29. Gifts of food, toys and clothing will be collected for the Huron County Christmas Bureau on that date. In addition, there will also be a Children’s Clothing Tree set up in the parish hall on which people can attach mitts, hats, scarves and pajamas, all of which will be donated to the bureau. The next Sundays at Eleven Program will be held in the parish hall on Nov. 29. A representative from Rural Response for Healthy Children will speak about the community action program they offer for youngsters in our area. Lighten the Load for a Loonie-a-day is an initiative of Trinity’s Fundraising Committee. The congregation is encouraged to pick up a little paper bag from the basket in the parish hall and place a loonie in it each day until the return date of Dec. 6. This project was run successfully last year and it is hoped that this season’s venture will be just as lucrative in assisting with the parish finances. UNITED CHURCH St. Andrew’s United Church will host their annual Hanging of the Greens party on Dec. 5 starting at 4:30 p.m. At this event the 3Ms Group presides over the decorating of the church for the Christmas season. A potluck supper and sing-a-long of Christmas carols follows the decking of the halls. White Gift Sunday will be held on Dec. 6 at St. Andrew’s. Financial gifts will be shared with the Bluewater Centre for Youth and the Huron County Christmas Bureau. Gifts may be brought in suitable bags but should be unwrapped.   St. Andrew’s will host their Christmas Carol Service on Dec. 13. This special candlelight performance will begin at 7:30 p.m.

SUBMISSIONS Ready or not, here comes Christmas! It was hard to summon images of sugar plums on Saturday morning with temperatures in the high teens and people wandering about in their shirt sleeves. But didn’t the fine weather bring people out for Christmas in Bayfield. There were record crowds at the tree lighting on Friday night, with a line up to see Santa stretching back to the cenotaph from the gazebo. And the crowd for Saturday’s parade could very well have been confused for the fall fair one in August. The whole weekend was tremendous and spirits were high. The terrific weather didn’t hurt, of course, but the weekend is always tremendous due to all the hard work individuals and organizations put in to make it a treat for all who come to the village to enjoy it. No need for sugar plums when you have community spirit!  Ideas and contributions to the Bayfield Breeze are always welcome. Deadlines for submissions are Sundays at 4 p.m. Please email me at bayfield.breeze@villageofbayfield.com or call 519-565-2443. Hope to see you online soon at www.villageofbayfield.com - Melody