Harry Stemp April 23, 2009
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.
Previous
Spring fundraiser
Fitting that the members of the IODE would choose the Legion Hall for their successful Spring fundraiser - a 'choose your own' card party.
The hall was packed and those who paid $15 each to attend enjoyed a few hours of bridge, euchre or cribbage. They also enjoyed a lovely lunch, the odd cold one, and the chance to visit with friends many hadn't seen in a long time. A fun afternoon to say the least.
This is the 75th anniversary of the IODE in Uxbridge and there is one charter member remaining and a spry 93-year-old Eileen Gould received a well-deserved round of applause for her 75 years of service not just to the IODE but also to the community at large.
Legion President Jack Ballinger explained why the use of the hall by the IODE was fitting. For it was the members of the IODE who were instrumental in erecting the Cenotaph at the end of the First World War that graces the lawn of the Uxbridge Library at the corner of Brock and Toronto Streets.
The event obviously raised a goodly sum of money for the IODE and I can assure you that it won't be long until those dollars are used to support a number of worthwhile community causes.
Happy Anniversary to this wonderful organization and the members can certainly accept a huge pat on the back for making Uxbridge a better place.
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Not sure if I have ever met Arthur and Corinne Berrill, of Goodwood, but their letter (April 16 - page 16) directed to Anne Holmes, of Sandford, means that they are my kind of people and should be commended for their positive attitude toward life in our community.
Over the years our company owned newspapers in ten different communities, and all editorial departments were instructed to be as positive as possible when it came to life in their respective communities.
To me those who choose a community to live in, and choose not to play a role in organizations and events to make the community a better place to live and raise a family are a puzzle.
Like the Berrills, I don't understand why people, who are obviously unhappy with their surroundings, just don't move on down the road. After all Canada is still a free country and one can live wherever one chooses.
Some 74 years ago I was born in this community and, despite leaving for a few years, it has always been home to me and I am always proud to tell people I live in Uxbridge, Ontario.
Over those few years away I'm sure I bored people in Ottawa bragging about what my hometown has to offer. Wonderful neighbors, many who are hard-working community volunteers. Live theatre galore. A great choice of service clubs allowing one to volunteer their time and efforts for the betterment of the community. I bragged about the Celebration of the Arts, Art In The Park, Highland Games, Fall Fair, the first concert at the age of 5 by world-renowned pianist Glenn Gould, actors Kenneth Welsh and Graham Green, our very own Oscar winner Christopher Chapman. And told them how, for many years, we were home to Lucy Maud Montgomery, actually Leaskdale but Uxbridge is close enough to share that fame. Also former Toronto Mayor Thomas Foster who built the amazing Foster Memorial just north of Uxbridge.
A wonderful trail system - part of the Cross Canada Trail System - thanks to many volunteers led by the tireless efforts of Tom Rance, along with many, many supporters.
It wasn't long until those same Ottawa people, who had never heard of Uxbridge before, often introduced me to their friends with, “this is Harry Stemp who lives in one of the most amazing small towns in Ontario”. So I guess the brainwashing paid off.
Many years ago the late Will Rogers told an audience, “There is nothing as easy as denouncing. It don't take much to see that something is wrong but it does take some eyesight to see what will put it right again”.
To me the way to put things right and build a community is to join one of our many positive organizations or service clubs. Roll up the sleeves. Work in unison with like-minded community builders and before long you can reap the praise that is often echoed around our community: “Thanks for a job well done”.
Thanks to the Berrills for their letter. It caused a lot of comment around the community and will go a long way to helping build on our strong base of positive residents. Unfortunately it won't work in some cases, but those few are far outnumbered by people who love Uxbridge as a home and are willing to be a team and put lots of effort into making it even better.
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Just as theatre lovers were making plans to enjoy another summer season at the historic Red Barn Theatre in Jackson's Point a phone call Sunday morning immediately sent a sick feeling through my body.
Bob Sedore said, “Harry, did you hear the news? The Red Barn Theatre burned to the ground last night”. I had a hard time believing what Bob was telling me.
A quick call to my friends Barbara and John Sibbald, owners of The Briars and the theatre, and I could tell by their voices that the news was true.
The Red Barn Theatre was the oldest barn theatre in Canada and was a favorite of theatre goers for miles around who, I know, will feel as sick as I when they hear this news.
Then to learn that vandalism is suspected was even more sickening. Is there no end to which these uncaring idiots will go to spoil the world for others?
Purchasing the Sutton newspaper back in the early 60's the Red Barn was a large part of my life and a wonderful tourist attraction for the community.
It is too early to know if a replica will be built to fill the major hole left by this senseless act. But I hope the community will rally and this will happen, as Jackson's Point without the Red Barn Theatre just won't be the same.
