The Heritage Corner, Springhill Record

March 25th, 2015

Aug. 14, 1941 – Springhill Record – Destroyed by Fire

     The Fire Department responded to an alarm at an early hour this morning for a fire at the residence of Frank Ferguson, Elm Street.

     The Ferguson’s dog raised the alarm by barking to get into the house.  On opening the door smoke led to the discovery of the fire which had gained tremendous headway.  The house was completely gutted and household furniture and belongings were lost.

     The loss to the owner, Mrs. M. Sprague, is considerable but covered partially by insurance.  Mr. Ferguson carried insurance also on the furniture.

Hear From Overseas

     Mrs. Joseph Henry, Lisgar Street, received a cablegram from her husband Sgt.-Major J. Henry, N.N.S. Highlanders, telling of his safe arrival in Britain.

     Similar cablegrams have been received by Mrs. Jack Gillis, from her son Eric Clark, by Mrs. Jack Sweeney from her husband, and Mrs. Trueman Canning and Mr. And Mrs. Albert Canning, from Pte. Trueman Canning. 

Master Joey Henry celebrated his fifth birthday anniversary on Aug. 4th by having a party at which he and twelve boy and girl friends had a grand time.  Joe received many nice gifts including money and a large model plane.  On the same day, his sister Joyce received the gift of a gold cross and chain which came by air-mail from her grand-mother, Mrs. Henry, in England.

Receive Voice Record

     Mr. and Mrs. Edmund Hachie were delighted to receive a message from their son, Joe, who went overseas several weeks ago in an Anti-Tank Reinforcement Unit.  The record is the old style, three minute type, played with a wooden needle.  Needless to say the family is very pleased with the unusual gift.

Brothers Meet Overseas

     Mr. and Mrs. Frank Ferguson have been receiving interesting letters from their son, Colin, who went overseas recently and were happy to learn he met his brother Spr. Bill Ferguson, shortly after his arrival.  And the boys spent a leave together.  “Bill” he said “Is looking fine and doing important work.”

Bad House Fire

     Fire of unknown origin broke out at the residence of Dan Coleman, Junction Road Saturday afternoon during the temporary absence of Mrs. Coleman.  When discovered it was making strong headway and it was necessary to break into the house.  The Fire Department was on the scene in a very short time and succeeded in keeping the fire generally to the lower floor.  The damage by fire and water is very great.  The property was partially covered by insurance, but the furniture was uninsured, and amounts to a considerable loss.  The house is now undergoing repairs.

Aug. 28, 1941 – Four Injured as Car Turns Over

     In attempting to pass a parked car in the Lynn Woods, a couple of miles from the Five Island Road, Wednesday morning, a ’31 Graham Car driven by James Charman slipped over a high bank as the road gave way beneath the car which turned over three times before it brought against a tree to stop its downward course.  The car came to rest on its wheels and the four occupants escaped.  Those in the car were James Charman, Paul Allan, Dan McPherson and Lloyd Boss.  Boss was the only one seriously injured.  He was taken to All Saints Hospital where he is under observation.  This morning his condition has shown some improvement. 

     The men were on their way to the races in Truro when the accident occurred.  As he felt the car slipping Mr. Charman had the presence of mind to shut off the ignition, probably saving the occupants from worse injuries.

      The car was hauled back on the road by Letcher’s and proceeded home under its own power, although the top was damaged, some glass broken, mud guard bent and rear bumper torn off.

Oct. 2, 1941 – Going To Africa

         Miss Florence E. Merlin, a recent graduate of the Halifax Infirmary, is one of the first group of 300 Canadian Registered Nurses, recruited through Military Districts and representatives of every Province of the Dominion, in a response to a request, in August, by the South African Government for military nursing services in that dominion.  She has also the honor to be one of the first 80 members of the group, who will proceed shortly to their destination for a minimum of one year’s service.

     Miss Merlin is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Merlin, of this town. A host of friends will wish her a Bon Voyage and a happy sojourn in her new sphere of service.