Local Residents Cast Votes in 1975 Provincial Election

On September 18, 1975, local residents Walter Dillon and Charles Johnson, both aged 87, participated in the provincial election by casting their votes at F.J. Davey Home in Sault Ste. Marie. Their involvement highlights the importance of civic duty and participation in democratic processes, even at an advanced age. Assisting them in this significant act were Stella Burmaster, the deputy returning officer, and Darlene Artuso, the polling clerk.

This event, which marked a moment of community engagement, came during a backdrop of various local developments. For instance, on the same day in 1950, the Sault Ministerial Association began advocating against commercialized Sunday sports. They aimed to establish a citizen’s committee to uphold the moral and spiritual values associated with observing the Lord’s Day. Rev. J. Rolph Morden of St. Andrew’s United Church expressed concerns, stating, “The advent of legalized commercial sport on Sunday would undermine and finally destroy the moral and spiritual value the keeping of the Lord’s Day has brought to our community.”

In addition, the Sault Theatre Workshop announced plans to stage the classic play “Arsenic and Old Lace” in November, under the direction of John Wortman. This production signifies the ongoing cultural vibrancy within the community.

Turning back to earlier years, on September 18, 1925, the Board of Trade Council passed a resolution unanimously to request the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of the Dominion of Canada to take steps to prevent further disintegration of Fort St. Joseph. The resolution also sought to erect a monument to commemorate the site’s historical significance, driven by the efforts of Mr. J.E. Irving and Mr. L.A. Hinsperger.

Further back still, in 1915, Miss Rita Penhorwood and Miss Marion Shannon left Sault Ste. Marie to pursue their studies in Guelph, illustrating the community’s investment in education and development.

These snapshots from history reflect the evolving landscape of Sault Ste. Marie, showcasing both civic engagement and cultural initiatives that have shaped the community over the decades. As local residents continue to engage in both governance and cultural activities, the legacy of participation remains a vital thread in the fabric of this community.