Harry Stemp was born in Uxbridge in 1934. He started his career with the Uxbridge Times-Journal as an apprentice typesetter at age 14. He soon began writing sports for the Times-Journal and eventually owned 10 community newspapers in central Ontario including the Times-Journal. He started writing his award-winning Stemp’s Stew in 1965. The column came to an end shortly after he sold his newspaper chain in 1989, but was rejuvenated in 2006 when Harry became a regular contributor to The Cosmos.
Thanks to St. John's
Drove by the former St. John's Training School property the other day and, although I was sad to see the buildings gone, I must admit it is certainly a beautiful green 'people' place that welcomes residents and visitors alike.
Even more sad to think of the downfall of St. John's Training School as we knew it for so many years. And to have this wonderful institution lumped in with all the badly run schools around the country was even more sad.
In the glory days this school took in down and out boys, mainly from the Toronto area and, in most cases, turned out respectable citizens some of whom climbed the corporate ladder after having their lives turned around during their time at St. John's. The school boasted several trade schools, mechanic, woodworking, printing just to name a few. They boasted the latest in technical equipment and many of the boys continued their trade and became good citizens after leaving the school.
At one time an annual banquet was held to which most Uxbridge business people were invited. I recall the first banquet I attended and was impressed by the guest speaker who spent several of his young years at the school and was now a vice-president of a major Canadian corporation. He ended with, “I thank God for my years at St. John's. Without the discipline and care I received I am not sure where I would be today”.
The Brothers also went overboard trying to make the school a valued asset to the community. A hockey team was formed among the boys and every Saturday morning they competed in the then “Kinsmen Hockey for All” league.
And the school was always open for the community bridge league on a weekly basis and the Brothers were so receptive when I worked hard trying to find accommodation for weekly meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous in Uxbridge. After my request was turned down by several churches, I am sad to say.
The boys were also part of work bees around the community. Cleaning the creeks was an annual event and when I was chairman of the Spring Water Days event as well as the library addition and second ice pad fundraising committees, a crew of St. John's boys would arrive at the arena and make quick work out of setting up tables and chairs for 1500 people.
Besides this, the school provided much needed excellent employment for many residents for many years. It was like having a large clean industry in our midst.
Were there any sexual predator problems at the school? I can't say yes or no. But at all times there was a large outside staff who lived in the community and I can guarantee if they saw any problem between a brother and one of the boys they would have taken immediate and swift action.
Most of the former staff, people like Jack Ballinger, Jim Munro, Bill Barton, Patricia Asling, the late Bob Cherry and Bill Bradbury, I look on as personal friends. I have quizzed them, and others, on this subject since the scandal broke years ago and without exception they assure me St. John's was above all of that.
None of the above will change those who want to believe that St. John's School was in the thick of things. I can do little about that; I can only say that the St. John's School I knew for many years was a valued and trusted part of life in Uxbridge.
And I wish we had a similar facility at the present time that would contribute to the community and provide excellent employment opportunities for our residents. ------------------------------
In the 'can't go anywhere' department. What a pleasant surprise on my last day in Barbados to walk around the end of an aisle in the Big B Supermarket and come face to face with John Worsley from Uxbridge. Neither could believe this was happening as John stays with his sister in her Barbados Sandy Lane home which is a short distance from our former home. Despite good intentions John and I never met in Barbados. Not sure why, it just didn't seem to come about.
So it was wonderful to have a short chat about Barbados, Uxbridge and things in between. Me? I am back in the brisk weather of Uxbridge while John is basking in the sun and swimming in the Caribbean Sea. Something wrong with this picture, but good for him.
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Mentioned before that I never travel without a few copies of the Cosmos in my computer bag. Love to brag about my hometown.
This time I carried the December 23rd issue, a wonderful and interesting literary celebration of the Christmas season. The front page featured the very crowded presentation of the Messiah in Trinity United Church. Also a variety of ads telling of the myriad of events planned for our enjoyment.
Got a kick out of one lady who, after going through the issue, turned to me and said, “Tell me, Harry, do the residents of Uxbridge ever sleep?”
I assured her we do but added, “And in our dreams we are thinking up new things to do in our community”.
Happy new year, everyone. Hope 2011 is kind to you.
