T H E M A S S I E M E S S E N G E R The Massie

AMessenger Biannual Newsletter Issue N° 22 Spring 2018 Our Postal History by Joseph Perrone

Collecting stamps and items of Through research, I discovered bearing that postmark on eBay. Some- postal history started as a hobby with that there was a post office operating times called a circle date stamp, a can- me and then became an obsession. I from April 1, 1864 to August 1, 1914 cellation makes a stamp unusable for am interested in acquiring and study- in Massie, probably in the old conve- future mailing. It is also used to track ing postmarks from Grey and Bruce nience store. After two years of in- the route that the mail took to reach its Counties, the city of Owen Sound and tently looking for the Massie, Ontario final destination. Finding the cancella- especially the tiny Hamlet of Massie. cancellation I purchased two covers tions of smaller rural post offices may

Massie Messenger / Spring 2018 / 1 drawn picture of a hand – the McClel- land family crest. As a postscript, he again implored his nephew to write as soon as possible, and finished the letter with: “May we all meet in Heaven.” Incidentally, it is interesting to note that the Chatsworth postmark from that letter – on August 18, 1857 – is the earliest known usage of that specific cancellation hammer. The best way to collect crisp cancel- lations from your local post office is on postcards. They generally picked up the require patience since only a few of ments from former local businesses, ink from the hammer with much more these post offices remain in existence. are also available from cities. clarity than the softer paper used to Many have been closed or relocated. It For an early Christmas present, I make envelopes. is very rewarding to find an example of was given an old, stampless folded My favourite local postcard is a your own rural postmark on cover (a letter sent from Monaghan, Ireland to receipt from the Owen Sound Biscuit philatelic term for an entire envelope Chatsworth, Canada in 1857. It con- & Confectionary Works, owned by J. bearing a stamp). tained terrible family news. Written McLauchlan, to a customer in Holland It has been much easier to find postal shortly after the Irish Potato Famine Centre. The recipient was located 25

by John McClelland to his nephew, it kilometres away – quite a long dis- began with the news of the death of tance in 1898 – so it’s remarkable that John’s son. McClelland wrote that he the mail arrived on the same day. took so long in responding to previ- Recording early and late cancella- ous correspondence because this was tions can provide fertile ground for the third of his children to die within research. Since there are many rural memorabilia from nearby cities and in 12 months. He said that he was “very post offices of which little is known, it other parts of our county. Since Owen lonesome” now that he had only his would be invaluable to the hobbyist to Sound was a major Great Lakes ship- wife and one son left at home. The know more about them. Searching out ping port in bygone days, I have been grieving father politely asked his local postmarks and covers can con- able to find this cancellation much nephew for money to be forwarded to a tribute to more than just a collection, it more readily. Many attractive covers branch of the Bank of Ireland. can become a multi-faceted study. with registered frankings, or advertise- McClelland signed off with a crudely

Massie Messenger / Spring 2018 / 2 In Memorium: Judith Suzanne McKessock (1951-2017)

and their costumes would reflect that. Their original teacher col- lected black and white cows so, in her honour, Judy, Wendy and some of her other students would incor- porate the cow image in whatever costume they wore. They called themselves “The Herd”. The mes- sage: They’d be dancing “until the cows came home”! As a memento of her love of bling, Judy’s husband John gave Wendy a bling pin with “Queen Judy” on it. Wendy has it on her mantel along- side an owl figurine that came from her departed friend’s collection of owls. Judy inspired words of praise and “A breath of fresh air” is how she would take time to show off her delight from everyone who knew her Joyce Downey describes her friend lovely clothes to her friends first! and great sadness at her untimely Judy McKessock (née Cherry) who During one memorable shopping passing. Our deepest condolences passed away last year. Joyce recalls excursion, Judy and Wendy went to Judy’s friends and family, espe- how they would meet for breakfast looking for outfits to wear on their cially her husband John, her daugh- in Rockford every Tuesday and Judy upcoming cruise. After a successful ter Melissa and husband Colin and always had a bright smile on her shop, they stopped in the hotel room her grandson Emmitt. face. that Joyce was sharing with her “We’d go on bus trips with Judy sister and put on their own fashion and her best friend Wendy Ain- show to the laughter and approval of sworth to Grove City, Pennsylvania their audience. to go shopping for the weekend,” Wendy described one trip she, recalls Joyce. Judy loved shopping Judy and two other friends took to and she loved “her bling”. She loved Las Vegas as “a hoot”. It’s no won- to model the clothes she bought for der since Judy was “always having a her friends. Every year, Judy would good time.” purchase three or four sweaters to Wendy met Judy line dancing wear when she was doing volunteer and it became one of the defining work wrapping Christmas presents elements of their close friendship. for the Quota Club, an international Every year they’d go to Wasaga service organization that provides Beach for a line dancing workshop basic needs to women, children, the to learn new moves. All the money deaf and hard of hearing around the raised went to cancer research and world. She would also buy outfits to to support hospices in Ontario. wear for the Tour of Homes, which There would be a different theme was dear to her heart. Naturally each year, such as the ‘50s or disco Massie Messenger / Spring 2018 / 3 Celebrating Farming in Massie

These photographs represent five genera- tions of the Perdue family. In the black and white photo from the left: Tom, Brian Perdue’s great-great grandfather, his grandfather Beyon and his great grandfa- ther James. In the next photo is Brian’s fa- ther Tom on the tractor. In the final photo is Brian himself, the current farmer.

Families of long standing in the Massie area received plaques from the Ontario government last year in recog- nition of more than 150 years of farming in the province. Each certificate hon- oured a family’s “contribution to On- tario’s heritage, economy, culture and social fabric”. Recipients were the Tor- ries, the Taylors, the Hamills, the How- eys and the Perdues. The certificate was signed by Kathleen Wynne, Premier of Ontario, and Jeff Leal, Minister of Ag- riculture, Food and Rural Affairs. Each family was given a plaque to display at the entrance to their property. The initiative was tied to the celebra- tion of Ontario Agriculture Week which takes place during the first week of October every year. The press release issued on October 6, 2017 by the agri- culture ministry indicated that families could apply for a commemorative On- tario farms 150 sign until the end of Oc- tober last year, but was, sadly, not very widely publicized since some of the families farming in this area for genera- tions were missed. Our congratulations and thanks to all the families in Massie who have been farming here for a century or more pro- viding us with good food and contribut- ing to the strength and vibrancy of our community.

Massie Messenger / Spring 2018 / 4 Live at Massie Hall 2018

Beggars Road Saturday April 28, 8 pm Reserved Tickets $20

This multi-talented band has continued to create music with this influence and has expanded its repertoire of folk/traditional songs with many more regionally inspired beauties that blend vocal melody with powerful instrumental texturing.

Steve Dickinson Saturday May 19, 8 pm Reserved Tickets $20

“He’s got that one in a million voice”! You will know that to be true if you ever have the opportunity to see him performing live. He’s simply one of those singers whose voice will be forever embedded in your memory no matter what type of music you lean towards.

Matt Epp Friday May 25, 8 pm Reserved Tickets $20

Matt Epp is simply one of the best of a generation of fine songwriters emerging in this country over the last decade or so, and carrying forward the torch of Canadian songwriting that goes back to Lightfoot, Mitchell, Young, Cohen and Cockburn.

Visit massiehall.com for tickets or contact Ralph at 226-668-2251 Massie Messenger / Spring 2018 / 5 Live at Massie Hall 2018

My Sweet Patootie Saturday June 9, 8 pm Reserved Tickets $20

With a sly wink and a grin, they draw you into a world of carnival barkers and nostalgic romantics, making you feel like you’re a part of it all. Shades of vintage swing, country blues, folk, and ragtime collide in an uplifting vaudeville-style show performed with tight vocal harmonies, instrumental virtuosity, and humorous storytelling.

Jazz at Massie Hall Saturday July 7, 8 pm Reserved Tickets $20

The Dream Team of musicians. Paul Danard on Bass, Cody Zevenbergen on guitar, and Don Buchanan on almost everything else. If you are a jazz afficionado or just a music lover, don’t miss this swinging trio.

Drew McIver Saturday September 15, 8 pm Reserved Tickets $20

If music be romance, then Drew McIvor’s music just might be the first date: playful, chatty, honestly yearning to connect. With his trusty six-string, this charismatic crooner performs with a masterful simplicity inviting audiences not only to lis- ten, but truly share the musical experience. His deep affection for his craft is apparent at every turn; you can feel his heart is in the music, and it is contagious.

Visit massiehall.com for tickets or contact Ralph at 226-668-2251 Massie Messenger / Spring 2018 / 6 Live at Massie Hall 2018

Chris Scerri Victoria Yeh Jon Zaslow

Saturday September 29, 8 pm Reserved Tickets $20 Three exceptional artists featuring the powerful vocals of Chris Scerri, the electrifying Victoria Yeh on violin, and the mas- terful guitar and vocal stylings of Jon Zaslow. Together they revisit and re-invent songs that have influenced generations, from the Beatles to Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Neil Young, Van Morrison,Bruce Cockburn and more. This is a show you won’t want to miss!

Suzie Vinnick Saturday October 20, 8 pm Reserved Tickets $20

Suzie’s singing, great material and wonderful acoustic playing and arranging will amaze you. She’s truly blessed with a rare voice that’s playful, sassy and soulful.

Dean McTaggart Saturday November 3, 8 pm Reserved Tickets $20

Dean has penned many hits including Darkhorse, a number one in Canada for which Elton John called a sure fire hit on Rosie O’Donnell, Birmingham, a top 10 song worldwide for Amanda Marshall, , a top 10 hit in the U.S. for country superstar as well as hits for Anne Murray, Terri Clark, Rita Coolidge, Johnny Reid, The Rankin Family, John Berry, John McDermitt, Australian superstar , blues artists Shakura S’Aida, Danny Brooks, Suzie Vinnick and many others. Dean was twice nominated for a Juno for Songwriter of the Year!

Visit massiehall.com for tickets or contact Ralph at 226-668-2251 Massie Messenger / Spring 2018 / 7 Photo Essay by Peter Turk

Massie Messenger / Spring 2018 / 8 Massie Messenger / Spring 2018 / 9 T H E M A S S I E M E S S E N G E R

Photograph by Peter Turk 2018 Spring and Summer Events Saturday, April 28 Massie Community Cleanup 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lunch provided.

Saturday, April 28 1st Live at Massie Hall concert : Beggars Road 8 p.m. Doors open at 7:30 Visit massiehall.com for tickets or call Ralph at 226-668-2251

Saturday, May 12 Massie Geranium Tea 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Pick up your blooms and stop in for tea and dessert. For geranium orders: call Pat at 794-2397 or Marg at 794-2085.

Friday, May 18 Shoreline Chorus at Massie Church “Shout, O Glory”, sacred and secular music of the American South. 7:30 p.m. $15.

Saturday, May 19 Live at Massie Hall: Steve Dickinson 8 p.m. $20

Friday, May 25 Live at Massie Hall: Matt Epp 8 p.m. $20

Saturday, June 9 Massie Church Rummage Sale 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call Wendy 519-794-2836.

Saturday, June 9 Live at Massie Hall: My Sweet Patootie 8 p.m. $20

Wednesday, June 27 Massie Schoolgirls’ Reunion Coffee at 10, finger food potluck at noon. All women in Chatsworth/Massie area warmly invited. Bring your photos! Bring a lawn chair if it’s a nice day. Plates and drinks provided. $5 to cover expenses. Betty Lou Lemon and Joyce Downey hosting. Call Joyce at 519-376-2420

Saturday, July 7 Jazz at Massie Hall, Paul Danard, Don Buchanan, Cody Zevenbergen 8 p.m. $20

Sunday, July 22 Massie Hall Vintage Car Show 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Exhibitors $5, visitors free. Snacks and refreshments available

Sunday, August 26 Massie Hall Fish Fry with live entertainment on the outdoor stage 3-7 p.m. Reservations required, call Marilyn at (226) 909-5667.

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