FOCUS - MARCH 2007 13 focus@observerpub.ca

This attractive, centrally located property, was home to oneofPortPerry’s leadingbusinessmen throughoutmuchof the late1800sandearly1900s.ThelotonwhichthehousesitswasoriginallypartofalargeparceloflandconsistingoftwolotsonSimcoeSt.andtwolotsonQueenSt.Thelargeproperty,whichflankedthenewlyconstructedTownHallontwosides,waspurchasedby localbusi-nessmanandcontractorMarkCurrieinDecember1874. Hebuilthishousefacingeast,frontingontoday’sSimcoeStreet.Theyellowbrickhousehadmanydistinctivearchitec-tural features.Originally ithada railedverandahstretchingaroundtheeastandnorthsides.Theverandahhadaflatroofwitharailingprovidinganoutdoorareaforthebedroomlevel.Accesstothisupperfloorverandahwasgainedthroughadoorintheuppernorthwall.Thisverandaheventuallybecameun-safeandwasremovedinthemid-twentiethcentury.Anunu-sualcrossshapedroofbracketaccentstheuppergable. Shortly after completing the building, Currie sold it toHenryandMaryMcKenzie.Mr.McKenziewasanotedpho-tographer in thevillage from1869 to1886.AlthoughnotaswellknownashismainrivalJamesLeonard,hemanagedtolivecomfortablyfromhistrade. The McKenzies lived in the home until the fall of 1889when theystartedconstructionofanewhomesouthof theCentralFairGrounds.TheysoldtheSimcoeStreethouseinOctoberofthatyeartoEdwardandMaryAnnPurdy. EdwardPurdywasbornnearKingstonandmovedtoPortPerry, beginning his first business venture here in 1887 intheflour,feedandseedbusinesswhichhepurchasedfromHendersonandCurtsofPortPerry.In1897hepurchased

theLaingandMeharryBlockonthesouthsideofQueenStreetandmovedhisbusinesstothislocation(seenextpage).Hereheaddedgroceriestothebusiness.HerentedoutasectionofthebuildingtoA.J.Sproulewhoopenedabakery.InSeptember1901afirebrokeout in the bakery destroying the entire block, including the Ross

Edward Purdy’s house as it looked during the early 1900s with porch and balcony.

This OldHouse

The former “Judge” Purdy house at 15272 Simcoe St., Port Perry. Although the home no longer features the large wrap-around porch and upper balcony, it still retains much of its original elegance, including the unique cross in its peak. Edward

Purdy

Century home with classic elegance

Please turn to next page

14 FOCUS - MARCH 2007 focus@observerpub.ca

storetotheeastandtheAllisonblocktothewest.Immediatelyafterthefire,Purdyerectedanew66’x110’footbuildingwhichbecamethehomeofnotonlyhisstore,butalsoofS.T.CawkerButcherandbankerD.J.Adams.Purdyalsoranahighlysuccessfulhardwarebusinesshere. EdwardH.Purdywasheldinhighesteeminthecommunityandatonetime or another filled almost every official position in the community. Heservedasacouncillorforeightyears,Reeveforfiveyears,Clerk-TreasurerforsevenyearsandwaselectedasaBoardofEducationtrusteeforfouryears.

He also served as a Justice ofthe Peace and a magistrate.Asa resultofhisexperienceinthecourtshewasreferredtolocallyas“JudgePurdy.” In the social life of thecommunity he was also aleader,beingaMasteroftheMasonic Lodge, Presidentof the Lawn Bowling Club,Chairman of the Committeeof Stewards of the UnitedChurch, and a Nobel Grandof Warriner Lodge, I.O.O.F.HealsoservedasamemberoftheBoardofEducation,Di-rectorfortheAgriculturalSo-cietyandapolicemagistrate. The Purdy family livedinthehomefor56years.Mr.Purdy died in 1935 but hiswife stayed here with herfamilyuntilOctober1946. Since the house wassold by the Purdy estate in1946, it has changed handsmanytimes.Thosewhohave

ownedthehomeoverthelasthalfcenturyinclude:WerfordSt.John(1946-1956); Cephas Sleep (1956-1963); John and Lillian Raines (1963-1966); Wal-terWelts (1966-1973);EleanorShortreed (1973-1974);FrederickH.Walker(1974-1979);Helen Ingram(1979-1982);PhylisParent&JamieKelly (1982-1987);David&JamieSteward(1987-1994),GordonandSharonDavies,KarenandDougCade. Themostrecentownersof thisattractivehistoricPortPerryhomeareDaveandPamHollett,whopurchasedthehomeandmovedintotowninAu-gust2006.

The home features a warm, inviting front entrance, and a large dining room with unique black and white painted floor.

Purdy was one of town’s leading political citizens

Dave and Pam Hollet, the current owners.

Continued from previous page

1918 Scugog St., Port Perry 905-985-2451

SERVING SCUGOG FOR 30 YEARS

FOCUS - MARCH 2007 15 focus@observerpub.ca

Oneofthebestkeptsecretsintown,onethat ismeanttobeshared, istheEmploy-mentResourceCentrelocatedat116WaterStreetinPortPerry. EstablishedinaspaceabovetheSuttonGroupofficesin2002,thecentreistheplacetogoforcareer,employmentandeducationservices.ItisoperatedbyDurhamCollegeandfundedbyEmploymentOntarioatbothitsUxbridgeandPortPerrysites. “Sincemovingdown to theseofficesatstreet level,wehavemorevisibility,” saysco-ordinator Linda Fitzgerald, who trans-ferredoverfromUxbridgetwoyearsago. She explains that the program is com-pletelyself-directed,meaningclients“comeandgoastheyplease”onMonday,Wednes-day,ThursdayandFridayfrom9to5(Tues-day 11 to 7). “We only ask participants toregistertofacilitatetheeasysharingofop-portunitiesastheyarise.” Lindaandherstaff (JillHowsam,a jobcoachandTrudyEmpringham, reception-ist)assistanyone inneedofcomputerac-cess,faxandphotocopy,andacommunityjobpostingboard. They also offer individual training inresumewriting,coverlettersandinterview

techniques or group workshops on topicssuchascomputerbasics, jobsearchingorhiddenjobmarkets.

“I’mnotsureifpeoplethinkourservicesareonlyforpeopleonEI,”saysLinda.“Weare here for students and adults; to helppeoplechangetheirdirection.Sometimes,they’re not really sure what to do, so weprovidealittleextrahelp.” Thoseclientswhoaremorecareer-readyindividuals are referred to other agenciesforassistance.Manyotheragenciesutilizefreespaceatthecentreforvocationalhelp,one-on-onecounselingandstudents,16 to24yearsofagewhofindthemselvesout-of-schoolandjobless,canfindhelp. Linda organizes “job fairs” every fewmonthsinordertoconnectemployerswithcandidates.Thenextopportunitytopartici-patewillbeMarch26th(locationTBA;infocall905-985-1441). Aquarterlynewsletter,whichcirculatesin the greater Port Perry area, is yet an-other vehicle to remain connected to theemploymentpool. “Thereisnothingmorerewardingthanwatchingindividualsprogressthroughthevariousstagestosuccess,”saysLinda,“andthat’swhatreallykeepsusconnectedtothecommunityatlarge.”

By Barbara Hunt

Employment help just steps away

Linda Fitzgerald of Employment Resource Centre

Non-Electric / Electric Softeners

Deep Well Pump Service

Iron & Sulphur Filtration

Ultraviolet Sterilizers

Licensed Plumber

Reverse Osmosis

Filters - Lamps

Salt Delivery

Gas Removal

Commercial

Residential

Industrial

Farm

Systems Inc.

7675 Baldwin St., Hwy. 12, Brooklin

905-655-4544 • 1-800-263-1959sales@youngswater.com

Hours: Mon. to Fri. 7:30 am - 5:30 pm, Sat. 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

Family Business Since 1950

TEST

ED ANDVALIDATED

UN

DER

INDUSTRY STANDARD

STM ®

CANADIAN

ASSOCIATION

MEMBER

TMLICENCEDBY M.O.E.

FREE WATER TEST

Ultimate OasisHairstyling & Design180 Casimir St., Port Perry 905-985-1714WALK-IN CLIENTS WELCOME

Why Drive to the city?Professional World-Class Hairstylist, and

International experience right here at Ultimate Oasis in Port Perry.

• shampoo, cut, style• expert colour services• pre-styling consultation• straightening, waving• updos• highlights/lowlights

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT TODAY!

Shantelle Rosario MarleyStylist International

StylistStylistOwner

16 FOCUS - MARCH 2007 focus@observerpub.ca

TheTorontoMapleLeafshavehada40-yearfaminewhenitcomestowinningtheStanleyCup,butdidyouknowaPortPerryladbythenameofJohnRossRoachonceguardedthenetfortheLeafs,andwentontowinaStanleyCupwiththeNewYorkRangers. AccordingtotheHockeyHallofFame,JohnRossRoachwasoneofthesmallestandmostexciting goaltenders ever to backstop in the NHL. Young John attended Port Perry High

School during the years of the first World War,1914-1918.Uponfinishinghighschoolhisskillasagoalieinlocalhockeycircleswasalreadylegen-dary. In 1919 he played junior hockey for theTorontoAuraLeeteamandquicklyrosethroughthe ranks. The following season he played in thesenior league with the Toronto Granites and thenextseasonhewaschosentofill thenets for theTorontoPats.ThePatswererenamedtheTorontoMapleLeafsin1926. In his first season withthe Pats, 1921-22, he led theteam to defeat the VancouverMillionaires for the StanleyCup. He stayed with the Patsthrough their name changeand stayed with the Leafs un-til1928whenhewastradedtotheNewYorkRangers. He led the Rangers tothe Stanley Cup final in 1932againsthisoldteam,theToron-toMapleLeafs.Unfortunately,hisskillshaddeterioratedandheallowedsixgoalsineachofhis three appearances in thenet. As a result of his lacklus-

terperformance,hewastradedtotheDetroitRedWings.Hebrieflyre-deemedhimselfinDetroitandwaschosentotheNHLAll-StarTeam. Afteronemoreseason,1933-34,hewasdemotedandspentoneseasonin theminorsbefore retiring fromcompetitivehockey.Heplayed in theNHLfor14seasonsandformostofthosehewastheleadinggoaltender.

Scugog Exposed

NHLs John Ross Roach wasknown as “Little Napolean”

Action between Detroit Red Wings and New York Rangers shows John Ross Roach stopping a shot by the Rangers Frank Boucher, while Reg Noble looks on.

BORN: Port Perry, Ontario, June 23, 1900. DIED: June 9, 1973. HEIGHT: 5’5” WEIGHT: 130 lbs.NICKNAME: “Little Napolean”ACCOLADES:- Captain of Toronto St. Patricks, 1924-25. - Member Stanley Cup-winning Toronto St. Pats, 1922. - Named to National Hockey League All-Star First Team, 1932-33.

DID YOU KNOW?- John’s 13 shutouts in the 1928-29 season ranks him in the top goaltenders in the history of the game.- In Game One of the 1930 Stanley Cup Semifinals be-tween Roach’s Rangers and the Montreal Canadiens, Roach was finally beaten by Gus Rivers near the end of the fourth overtime, ending one of the longest games in Stanley Cup history.- He once stopped 60 shots to preserve a 1-0 Rangers win over Detroit Red Wings.

CAREER: 14 NHL Seasons

TRANSACTIONS:- Signed as free agent by Toronto St. Pats, Dec. 5, 1921. - Traded from Toronto (with Butch Keeling) to New York Rangers for G. Lorne Chabot, Alex Gray and $10,000, October 18, 1928. - Traded from Rangers to Detroit Red Wings for $11,000, October 25, 1932.

SEASON’S BEST:Led the OHA Sr. in wins (8), 1920-21 Led the OHA Sr. in GAA (1,27), 1920-21 Led the NHL in games played, 1922-23 (24), 1925-26 (30), 1925-26 (36) Led the NHL in wins (19), 1924-25 Led the NHL in playoff games played (7), 1921-22 Led the NHL in playoff wins (4), 1921-22 Led the NHL in playoff minutes played (425), 1921-22 Led the NHL in playoff shutouts (2), 1921-22

Personal & Career Stats

Detroit Red Wings goalie, John Ross Roach

FOCUS - MARCH 2007 17 focus@observerpub.ca

A look at some of the many events in and around Scugog Township

What’s Up Scugog? Focus On Scugog wants to keep you informed about the events and activities throughout the township. Here is a listing of some of the many events. We welcome listings of public events from non-profit groups and organizations for Scugog Township. Send a brief descrip-tion of your event by email to focus@observerpub.ca today. Deadline for the next issue of Focus On Scugog is March 20 , 2007.

MARCH 6,14,17, 2007 - MARCH BREAK AT MUSEUMThe Museum will be offering three full-day programs during March Break for children ages 5-10. The amazing world of animals will be discovered. Each day includes crafts, games, stories, music, drama and presentations by animal professionals. For more information contact Shannon at 905-985-3589 or skelly@scugog.ca

MARCH 29 - APRIL 14, 2007 - BRIGADOONScugog Choral Society presents the award winning Broadway mu-sical, Brigadoon. Follow the adventures of two tourists who stum-ble on this enchanted Celtic village lost in time. Tickets available at 1-866-808-2006, www.starticketing.com or at Henshall’s Clothing, 241 Queen St. For information: email: mbrown@powergate.ca

APRIL 21- 22, 2007 - SPRING GARDEN SHOWThe 4th annual Spring Garden Show takes place at Scugog Com-munity Recreation Centre, Port Perry. Variety of Vendors -Special Guest Speakers -Garden Displays -Flower Show -Daily Demonstra-tions. Saturday 10-5 p.m., Sunday 10-5 p.m. For information: Shirley Love 905-985-5330 or Brenda Robinson at 905-985-7346 ext 126.

APRIL 14, 2007 - ROTARY AUCTION/DINNERPort Perry Rotary Club is swabbing down the deck for their annual Auction-Dinner fundraiser. This year’s theme is “The Pirates of Lake Scugog” and promises to provide lots of excitement. Among the events will be the ever popular Balloon Burst, Win a Trip, and Treas-ure Map contests. Mark your calendar now for this fun night.

APRIL 26, 2007 - LADIES NIGHT DOWNTOWN Get ready for Downtown Port Perry’s 4th Annual Ladies Night. Come and enjoy cruising our beautiful shops and restaurants, and watch for special treats and give-aways. From 6-10 p.m. on Thursday April 26, 2007. For further information: email: info@discoverportperry.ca

MAY 5-6, 2007 - LAKE SCUGOG SPRING STUDIO TOURSome of Scugog’s finest artistic talents will exhibit their work at this 8th annual self-guided tour, either in their own studio or as a guest with another artist. Most of the studio sites will offer light refresh-ments. For further information: email: info@scugogstudiotour.ca

MAY 21, 2007 - GIGANTIC TAILGATE SALEDoing some spring cleaning? Visit the Scugog Shores Museum for the annual Gigantic Tailgate Sale, taking place on Victoria Day, Mon-day, May 21st from 8 am - 4 pm. The Museum grounds will be open to all vendors to sell their yard sale treasures from their car. Vendors can reserve their space in advance for $20. The Museum will also be selling books and heritage plants. All proceeds of the sale benefit the Museum. For more information please call 905-985-3589 or look up our website at www.scugogshoresmuseum.com.

Revel in the Romance of …

presents…

Revel in the Romance of …

A CONFLICT RESOLUTION & PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

KELLY CRABB CYC

Child/Youth Care CounselorCertifi ed Facilitator

905-447-3507Keldon

Enterprises

A 4 week program to teach youth (12-18) skills to make positive choices and improve communication when dealing with anger.

theu

nloa

ding

zone

.com

11151 SIMCOE ST., PORT PERRYEMERGENCY SERVICE

PROGRESSIVEELECTRIC

&PLUMBING Ltd.OFF *

Showroom Bathroom & Kitchen Faucets 905-985-8950 *Display models only

OFFShowroom Showroom

Misunderstandings abound at the 10th Anniversary party for the Deputy Mayor of New York and his wife.

Photo: Shirley Neal

with aSTIHL MS 290

GET THE JOB DONE

VALLANCE EQUIPMENT

905-655-3291 1-800-575-56564179 Simcoe St. N., Oshawa (just 10km south of Port Perry)

$39995 MS 290 CHAINSAW

STIHL MS 230$32995

Enter to win a Harley Davidson® MotorcycleSee Vallance for details

IGNITE YOUR SOUL

18 FOCUS - MARCH 2007 focus@observerpub.ca

pacesincethoseearlydays,duetothegrowthoftheTV,radioandap-pearanceendofhisbusiness. “I’vereallyhadtoscalebacksomeofmytournamentparticipationoverthelastfewyearsbecauseofmyheavyschedule.” OverthepastyearDavehastravelledextensively,fromasfarnorthas the Northwest Territories and far south as the Amazon River inBrazil.He’salsobeentoNorthernIreland,Mexico,Texas,Venezuela,aswellattendtournamentsthroughoutOntarioandtheU.S.A.IntheOrinocoRiverinVenezuela,DavecaughtaWorldRecordTambaqui.Thefishweighed31lbs.,soundlybeatingtheold20lb.record. Despite the heavy work schedule, Dave manages to compete inaboutninetournamentsayear.ThisyearhehadplannedtogetoutonLakeScugogduringtheearlypartofthewinter,butthelackofgoodiceendedthatidea. And while speaking of Lake Scugog, Dave says the largest basshe’severcaughtinthelakewasawhopping7lb.2oz. Likeallenthusiasticyounganglers,whenDavewasgrowinguphehadhisfavouritefishingcelebrities. “ObviouslyeveryCanadiananglerlooksuptoBobIzumi,”hesaid,“buttherearemanygreatanglersandIhadfartoomanyinfluencestonarrowitdowntojustone.” He cites people like Big Jim McLaughlan, Rocky Crawford andPortPerry’sownBuckTitlerassomeofthosewhotookaninterestinhimandhelpeddevelophisskillsasanangler. Inadditiontohisfishing,Davehasalsofoundedhisowncharitycalled, ‘DaveMercer’sCastingForACure’ inhonourofhismotherwhopassedawayin2004.Duringitsfirstyear, ‘CastingForACure’raised$20,000benefitingtheCanadianCancerSociety.Daveishopingtodoublethatamountinthecomingyear. Withanewseasonabouttobegin,Daveisbusypreparinghisbusyscheduleandeagerlyanticipatinghislatestchallenge,the“CelebrityBassmasters”show. “Iamthrilledwiththeopportunitytohostthisshow,”hesaid.“TheideaofgettingsomeofHollywood’stopnamesoutonthelakeforadayoffishingwiththesport’stopanglerswillcertainlymakeforentertain-

Dave sports a big smile, holding this large Arctic Char he caught during a trip to Tree River in Nunavut last summer. Photo courtesy Ritchie Tripp

Dave parleyed his love of fishing into a career

Continued from page 7

Certifi ed Tax PreparersInstant Tax Refund

Certifi ed Tax Certifi ed Tax Certifi ed Tax Certifi ed Tax Certifi ed Tax Certifi ed Tax Certifi ed Tax PreparersPreparersPreparersPreparersPreparersPreparersPreparersPreparersPreparersPreparersPreparersP R E C I S E • A C C U R AT E • G U A R A N T E E D

File now* and receive 50% offyour personal income tax return

* must be prepared and e-fi led before March 17th to apply – participating locations only

14500 Simcoe St., Unit 12, Port Perry

905-985-5700

50¢ per minute100 minutes $ 46.00200 minutes $ 81.00 300 minutes $113.00400 minutes $140.00

14500 Simcoe Street, Port Perry(McDonald’s Plaza)

905-982-0448 • www.98degrees.ca

Featuring the exclusiveSEQUENTIAL TANNING SYSTEM

ATP CERTIFIED! SMART TAN CERTIFIED!

SMART TANCLASSES

ScarboroughMarch 18th

Call for informationCertifi ed trainer and examiner for

SMART TANAll salons hold a Masters Certifi cate

Sponsored by Tanses International

March Break Special! *100 and 200 minute pkgs. only

Offer expires March 18/07

32¢ perminute*

50¢

SMART TAN CERTIFIED!SMART TAN CERTIFIED! Ray of Light Lotion

by Designer Skin

Retail Price $58.85

$48.85MARCH BREAK SPECIAL!

HOME PARTIES AVAILABLE

per minute

NEWBULBS!