Byron Villager July:Aug 2022

Byron Villager July:Aug 2022

Byron

JULY/AUGUST 2022 ISSUE 72

Villager

A proposed plan for Byron in 1920 This is a proposed Byron subdivision plan from 1920. At that time, the property owner is listed as Brian Dawson. Byron Ave. became Byron Blvd. when the 1961 amalgamation took place because of a duplication within the city of London street names. Listed on the map is Thompson St. which is now Guest Ave. Florence St. never materialized but there was a wide pathway created at it’s approximate location where you could walk from Boler Rd. through to Brock St. and eventually it became part of the four properties that butted up to it. That pathway continues onward from Brock through to Stephen today.

Aerial view of Byron 1924

Looking Back on Byron

Byron Centennial Parade, 1967. Western Archives

Wedding at the Hermitage, 1948 (Commissioners Rd W in Byron)

Original Wally World, 1985-2002 at the corner of Southdale and Wonderland

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Byron Villager

The Garden Council designated 2022 as ‘The Year of the Garden’ to commemorate Canada’s rich garden heritage and create important legacies for a sustainable future. Canadian Lynne’s garden is currently in its 5th year. Aside from mature trees, the garden

Bloomin’ Tour 2022 On Sunday June 26th the London Middlesex Gardeners hosted their Bloomin’ Tour 2022. The event consisted of a tour of six Master Gardener’s gardens to view their gardens and ask gardening questions of the trained Master Gardeners. Proceeds from the ticket sales went to the Growing Chefs, a registered charity

was re-started from scratch when she moved in. A combination of sun and shade loving perennials and flowering shrubs are found along the borders of the lawn area. Easy to grow hosta and repeating masses of colourful sedum and ajuga can be found throughout. https://londonmiddlesexmastergardeners.com/

whose mission is to change the way children, youth, families and the greater community learn about and develop healthy relationships with food. The London Middlesex Master Gardeners group meets once a month. A large part of the meetings is dedicated to education and sharing ideas. “It is an ongoing learning process”, says Lynne Campbell, organizer of the event and one of the hosts of the tour. The group also offers an eight week course called ‘Seeds to Table’ teaching the basics and tips for growing your own vegetables. Lynne has been gardening all her life. She explains that gardening provides a sense of accomplishment, exercise and can be very relaxing. “It’s both a challenge and a pleasure to work with Mother Nature”, says Lynne.

Issue 72 - July/Aug 2022 Page 3

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Movie Nights in Byron this Summer The City is excited to announce the launch of its 2022 outdoor movie nights season showcasing family-favourite movies in neighbourhoods across London this summer. These free events are hosted by residents and neighbourhood-based groups, providing a great opportunity for neighbours to connect. If you plan on attending a movie night, be sure to bring snacks, drinks, chairs and blankets to complement this great film experience. Pre-registration is not required to attend an outdoor movie night – simply show up with family and friends and prepare for a night under the stars. The movies are still to be determined at the time of publication, check local listings/Facebook for updates. Opens at 7:30pm and movie starts at dusk.

Byron Villager Issue #71 June 2022 Your local community connector The 100% locally owned and produced Byron Villager is published ten times a year with thousands delivered free to area residences, set out at local venues, and posted online at www.villagerpublications.com Publisher & Editor: Barb Botten P.O. Box 134, Lambeth Station Ontario N6P 1P9 [email protected] 519-282-7262 Writers : Ruth-Anne Calhoun, David McKelvey, Richard Hooper, Rick Young, Lynne Williams Graphic Artist: Jon Botten Delivery Ambassador: Nippy Watson Cartoons: David Botten Copyright @ 2015 Villager Publications. All rights reserved. This magazine or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the Publisher. Information presented has been compiled from sources believed to be accurate at the time of printing however the Publisher assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Do you have a Byron Neighbour of Note? Do you do cultural cooking? We’d love to hear from you. Contact Barb at [email protected] Lynne Campbell’s garden featured in the London Middlesex Gardeners Bloomin’ Tour 2022 in June. See story on page 3.

Friday Aug 19th at Jorgenson Park – hosted by the Byron Community Organization – Popcorn will be available for a nominal fee Friday Aug 26th at Byron Hills Park (Byron Manor Rd at Southdale) Sunday July 24th at Grandview Park (Grandview Ave) Friday Sept 9th at Riverbend Park (1585 Riverbend Rd) Boler Mountain Tree Top Adventure Park – July & August Monday to Sunday The treetop adventure park activities include: zip lines, rope courses, swinging bridges, tarzan swings, pirate nets and more! www.bolermountain.com

Back in the day

Caption in London Free Press: ‘ Heat and lack of rainfall have lowered the Springbank dam watermark to a point where it is difficult to get rid of dead fish and algae growth. Despite the stench, Ted McFadyen, left, and Fred Gadbois examine silt and debris below the dam. August 4, 1955 Photo Source: Western University Archives

Cover photo and article sugggestions welcome!

Byron Pool -- around 1970 Photo credit: Rob Johnston

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Byron Villager

The Shooting Star

No known image of the Great Shanee Chief known as Tecumseh was ever drawn or painted in his lifetime, possibly because the man never sat still long enough for his portrait to be done. We do have contemporary descriptions of him, however, from both friend and foe. Although he fought the Americans, he did manage to impress them. The great American Civil War General William Tecumseh Sherman was named after him. There is even a statue of Tecumseh at West Point. One American wrote about him: “His carriage was erect and lofty-his motions quick- his eyes penetrating- his vision stern, with an air of hauteur in countenance, which arose from an elevated pride of soul. His eloquence was nervous, concise, impressive, figurative and sarcastic; being of a taciturn habit of speech, his words were few but always to the purpose.” A British officer had this to say about him: “In appearance he had a noble bearing, one of the finest-looking men I have ever seen. He was 5’-10” in height but seemed taller because he walked proudly erect with a graceful, athletic stride. His skin was the colour of light copper and his face was oval with fine features and his black, piercing eyes gave him an exceptionally wild and impressive appearance. While most Natives adopted the clothes of the white man, Tecumseh wore a plain buckskin hunting shirt over deerskin pantaloons, his moccasins ornamented with porcupine quills and his jet-black hair adorned with a single eagle feather”. Tecumseh, known as the “Shooting Star”, was born in 1768 near the present-day city of Springfield, Ohio. He was committed to protecting the Native traditions and territory in the Old Northwest frontier for he knew that once that was lost, their freedom would be next. As a warrior, he was skilled in guerrilla warfare. He understood the art of camouflage, speed and ambush. He refused to fight on

National Archives of Canada C319

open ground, preferring to lure his enemies into the woods where he and his warriors would become like ghosts. He was also an eloquent speaker. He could speak English but on public occasions used his native tongue when addressing his followers and never failed to amaze both American and British officials with his fiery, forceful, fluency. His grasp of History and of Treaties was encyclopedic and he could cite chapter and verse the many ways that the white man had violated both. Ultimately, the lifestyle of the land-hungry American settlers was at odds with the Native way of life. There seemed to be no solution that the Americans were willing to listen to except to exterminate the Natives. The British, however, looked upon the Natives as allies in the pursuit of the fur trade and therefore did not threaten their way of life as much. And so it was that Brock’s little flotilla consisting of 50 regulars, 250 militia and one 6 pounder gun, arrived, after battling heavy rains and strong adverse winds, at Amhersburg for his historic meeting with Tecumseh. (To be continued...)

Ward 11 Update By Stephen Turner Councillor Ward 11

Morgan Chmara S A L E S

City of London 226-927-0765 Laura Medina Agent Bus: 519-204-7277 [email protected] Laura Medina Insurance Agency Inc. 440 Boler Rd. Suite 208

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Photo and caption compliments Jennifer Grainger Denise and her husband Brian moved to Byron from Chatham in 2019. She transitioned her medium to acrylic on canvas about five years ago.

Byron Artist Denise Donais Among Kellogg Art Competition Finalists Byron artist Denise Donais’ painting The Language of Growth (acrylic on canvas) has been selected from among 900 submissions to be one of the 100 finalists displayed at the Kellogg Art Competition— ArtComp 22.

From the Vault is available from local from From the Vault: A Photo-History of London 1950-1975.

bookstores including Attic Books (240 Dundas St., London) and online from Chapters Indigo, Biblioasis, Amazon and Attic Books (www.atticbooks.ca)

A row of new houses on the eastern outskirts of Lambeth, May 1950. Ranging from $8,000 or $10,000, the homes were intended for owners who worked in London but wanted to live in the “country”. In 1950, Lambeth boasted 700 residents. The competition was open to local, national, and international amateur and professional artists. Her painting was inspired from an early morning visit to the temperate forest of Cathedral Grove in MacMillan Provincial Park on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. The majestic trees are over 800 years old and are thought to be the oldest and tallest in Canada. She recalled the experience as “time suspended . . . when you can smell the giants, feel the moisture laden air and the soft under footing from the layers of decomposition.” The painting will be on display from May to September. Two prizes will be awarded: People’s Choice $100,000 and Expert Panel’s Choice $100,000.

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Page 4 Lambeth Villager • March 2021

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Byron Villager

July

August

Royal Canadian Legion Branch 533 Byron-Springbank

Royal Canadian Legion Branch 533 Byron-Springbank

2022 MASKS REUIRED INSIDE THE BRANCH

2022

1276 Commissioners Rd. W. Phone 519-472-3300

1276 Commissioners Rd. W. Phone 519-472-3300

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Canada Day Branch Hours 1-7 PM

Meat Draw 3:30 – 5:00 PM

Civic Holiday Branch Hours 1-7 PM

Euchre 1:00 PM

LA Meeting 7:00 PM

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Meat Draw 3:30 – 5:00 PM Dance 8-12 PM Midlife Crisis

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Sunday Wings Special

Fun Darts 7-9:00 PM

LA Meeting 7:00 PM

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Fun Darts 7-9:00 PM

Euchre 1:00 PM

Exec Meeting 6:30 PM

Annual Outdoor Event 2:00 – 10:00 PM

Sunday Music Ken Thorne

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Meat Draw 3:30 – 5:00 PM LA’s Xmas in July Dinner 6:00 PM Meat Draw 3:30 – 5:00 PM Dance

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Sunday Music Ken Thorne

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Daily Draft Special 20 ounce glass $5.00 All Brands 3-6 PM Mon - Sat

Bar Hours Mon - Wed – 1:00 PM – 9:00PM Thursday – 1:00 PM – 9:00PM Friday – 1:00 PM – 10:00PM Saturday – 1:00 PM – 10:00PM Sunday – 1:00 PM – 7:00PM (Bar may close earlier at Bartender’s Discretion )

For Hall Rentals Contact Jamie Hughes 519-472-1001 ByronLegion@outlook .com

Happy Hour

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applied himself to, but always putting the membership first and foremost. Optimist Ken with his experience, his knowledge and his love for what he undertook, through his example, has made me a better Optimist member and to all those who know and respect him, are better for knowing him as well. It is a great pleasure and honor to recognize and present the Optimist of the Year award to Optimist Ken Payne. Thank you for all your dedication to this community, Ken!

To advertise here please contact [email protected] Ken’s approached his position as membership chair these past few years as hard as he has worked in every committee he had A quote by Helen Keller comes to mind as I pondered the decision on naming the Optimist of the year. “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much”. It takes a team to accomplish all the outstanding accomplishments. But, it also takes a person who can complement that team with the knowledge and experience to make the team as great as those previously presented. This year’s Optimist of the year has done that and more. A member since 1977, Optimist Ken Payne has always been there in some capacity. Optimist Ken had helped with the building of the Sports Complex almost from the beginning and is still helping in any way he can and apply his special talents. Optimist Ken, in my opinion, has followed the Optimist creed to the letter in everything that he has undertaken. Byron Optimist of the Year – Ken Payne On June 14, 2022 at the Byron Optimist Appreciation BBQ at Boler Mountain, Ken Payne was awarded the Byron Optimist of the Year award by the Optimist President, Richard Hooper. Here is an excerpt from Richard’s dedication to Ken. “There are so many members that stand out and all are deserving of this recognition and honor as we are all Optimist’s. This club has been very active in the community and given all that we have been through these past two years due to COVID, we can all be very proud.

Optimist President Richard Hooper and Optimist Ken Payne

Issue 72 - July/Aug 2022 Page 7

It boasted a ‘two-island’ (four pumps), canopy covered gas service, an air pump and two roomy ‘mechanical bays’ housed in a bright white building. Flying around the entire property were small pennant flags of red and green, Texaco’s brand colours. This was a treasure location as it was directly across the street of the main entrance into the ever bustling Springbank Park, still owned by Byron until January 01,1961 when annexation by London occurred. Byron Texaco was a ‘Company owned’ station as opposed to a ‘Dealer owned’ one. It is unclear who the first Dealer or Lessee was, however a Yellow Pages advert read “Bob’s Texaco” in 1962. According to staff who worked there from the beginning, the first Dealer was not mechanically inclined and was seldom at the station but his friend, Al Shields, ‘ran’ the station doing gas sales and oil changes. The deal with ‘Bob’ (?) was unsuccessful so he and Al left and Texaco found a new Lessee. This man was Lloyd Dungey who signed a Dealer Agreement (lease) with Texaco. The agreement stated that he would sell Texaco Brand products of gas and motor oil. Texaco owned the property, pumps and the building but Lloyd ‘owned and ran’ the business. He was an ‘Independent Businessman’. Over the years of his duration, Lloyd employed ‘Byron boys’ : Brian Chapman, Dave McNair, Bruce Smith, a mechanic, and Mick Reed as a mechanic. Around 1965 Lloyd left Texaco to broaden his career horizons as a Service Manager at a St. Thomas Auto Dealership. At that time Mick Reed signed on with Texaco as the new lessee. He inked a one year term but stayed for two. Then

Byron Texaco / Esso Station 1950s – 1990s

by Ruth-Anne Calhoun Many thanks to Violet Kellestine, Jim Cook, Mick Reed and Brian Chapman for information and photos. Please bear in mind this article is comprised from people’s memories as best they could recall. Concerted effort was made to find

former lessees and employees but some are deceased and others are aging and sadly, cannot recall details Around 1957 to 1959, our beloved Byron expanded with the construction of the Apple Orchard Subdivision that went from North Street, west down Baseline to Coville Blvd. The first building of this project was 1151 Baseline Road, directly across the street from 1152, the Calhoun’s residence. This writer recalls the developer asking her parents’ permission to access their hydro lines to build the first structure and after that was wired, it was used to build houses on either side, 1147 and 1155 Baseline Road. Electricity fed one house to the next for the subdivision. As a result we gained Lansing Ave., Nashua Ave., Lynden and Willard Crescents. Part of this development project was the Texaco Service Station located at 1094 Commissioners Road West on the Southwest corner of North Street.

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Texaco and Esso merged in 1990 and almost overnight Byron lost the Texaco but gained an Esso. Blue and red tiny pennants flew While Frank lived at 54 Byron his home was owned by a very busy London lawyer named WPR Street. Mr. Street’s name can be seen associated with many homes in London during these years. I have no doubt that Mr. Street owned this home as an investment. From the records it appears 54 Byron was built in the late 1880s. WPR Street sold the house to Eliza Moore in 1894. Eliza operated a school at her home for many years until she retired. In 1915 her sister, Emily, came to live with her. Emily had been a teacher as well. Eliza died in 1917. Emily continued to live in their beautiful home until she passed in 1931. These are some more of the wonderful people who lived and worked in our neighbourhood 100 plus years ago. Paul Prince lives in Old South, has a passion for our history and is a member of the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario London Region (ACO). Comments or suggestions are welcome at [email protected] How the streetss got their names: John Baptiste Askin was born in 1798 in Detroit when it was still under British control. As a young man he worked for the Hudson’s Bay Company in the fur trade. Askin fought on the British side in the War of 1812-1814 rising to the office of colonel. In 1819 he was appointed Clerk of the Peace for the London District and Clerk of the District in 1820. He held both offices until 1847. above the site. Shortly afterward it was shut down, re- classified as a ‘non-operational property’ and sold to an independent owner. The land changed hands a couple of times in the 1990s but it is unknown to whom. Currently, it is occupied by Byron Tire and Auto Repair. HERE, THERE AND EVERYWHERE A GARAGE! For nearly one hundred years our ‘Beloved Byron’ has been home to several garages. During the 1960’s, when the population was considerably smaller, our quaint village boasted six fully operational garages located from Boler and Commissioners Roads to North Street and Commissioners Road to the tri- intersection of Baseline Road, Commissioners Road and Springbank Drive. From a bird’s eye view, one could say it looked kind of like an ‘Old McDonald’s Farm’ of automotive service stations. The 1960’s were very mechanically fit in Byron with six garages! The Byron Villager is writing a series about our garages from the Brock Garage during the 1930’s and 1940’s to current day. All the information for this article and for the Byron Garages stories, has been garnered from the ‘seasoned’ memories of Peggy Balch, Sharm Spicer, Wayne Calhoun, Ruth-Anne Calhoun and other Byron residents. We are doing our best to gather as accurate accounts as possible of all the automotive businesses. Please, if any of you have information or know someone who does, please email it to [email protected] Thank you!

he left Texaco for Arrow Petroleum. It is uncertain what happened with the Texaco station upon Mick’s immediate departure. Very possibly and common then, the station was shut down until a new lessee came along. Jim Cook began working for Texaco in 1965 and he arrived in Byron in 1972 as their Sales Manager for Western Ontario. At that time the Texaco station was closed down. In 1974 the advent of the self serve gas bar happened. From 1974-1975 a Mr. Ray McNicol and his son were the lessees. Come the late 1970s Texaco decided to cease renting out the mechanical bays which sat empty permanently. Next door to Mrs. Beattie lived Frank Whiting during the early 1890s. Frank was a foreman at Bell Canada. Prior to becoming a foreman, Frank was a linesman installing telephone lines around London and Old South. Bell Canada was founded in 1880 so the telephone was leading edge technology at that time. Texaco Elaine with a 1963 Volkswagon photo credit to Brian Chapman An interesting name associated with 54 Byron is George Shaw. George owned the grocery store at the corner of Craig and Askin that is now Tuckey’s. Mr. Shaw owned the lot where 54 Byron is from 1873 until 1878 when he sold it to Hannah Graham. Mrs. Beattie’s Neighbours by Paul Prince The early years in London and Old South saw a lot of growth both in terms of land expansion for London and the number of homes that were being built. Old South was annexed by London in 1890. It was a dynamic time for London with technology advancements. Water for fighting house fires and for in door plumbing was rapidly expanding allowing many large lots to be subdivided and infill housing to be built. During this time in Old South there was much land development and speculation as properties got bought and sold. Famously, much of the area was part of the Colonel Askin estate that got subdivided in the early 1860s. Alexander Gauld’s property at Teresa and Byron was part of the Askin estate with Alexander building his home in 1867.

George Shaw grocery store in the late 1800s. It is now Tuckey’s Home Hardware

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Issue 72 - July/Aug 2022 Page 9 Wortley Villager July-August 2022 • Page 13

Twin-Fin – Swingabilly at its best. by Rick Young Eclectic and infectious. These two adjectives best describe a live performance by London’s Twin-Fin, a five-piece band that describes its music as ‘Swingabilly’ – a hybrid mix of high energy Swing, Rockabilly, Blues and Jazz. “We perform original songs along with a repertoire by Janis Martin, Louis Prima, Brian Setzer, and Tarantino soundtracks to keep the shows jumping,” says lead vocalist Dana MacCabe, a long-time Byron resident who grew up in the community, left the nest, then moved back with her partner to raise their son. When asked to define Swingabilly in more detail, band members replied: “Swingabilly is a genre the band came up with to capture all the music style influences that we love to play live. The core rhythm section of hollow-body guitar, drums and upright bass can channel early rock and roll and rockabilly. The added sax and acoustic guitar is great for roots rock and small swing combo,” they say. “Dana is the main singer and focal point for the audience, plus we have additional vocal support from the rest of the band members who can sing harmony parts and take lead vocals. The result is a variety of songs and styles that keep people dancing at our shows.” Rounding out the band’s personnel are Cole G Benjamin, Vocals, Saxophone, Paul Wickerson, Guitar, Vocals, Eric Roelofsen, Upright Bass, Vocals, and Brad Ondrovcik, Drums. All band members are seasoned musicians with years of experience in various area bands, and all participate in other side projects. “The current line-up of musicians came together for the 2016 release of our album Whiskey Wine and Venom Love,” says Paul. “An earlier version of the band, under the name of the Hi-Tones, was gigging locally with a different drummer and bass player. When Brad and Eric joined for the recording, we re-launched the new project under the current name Twin Fin.” I can attest to Twin-Fin’s infectious live performances, having heard them at Wortley Village’s Gathering on The Green in June. The band’s one hour set combined cover tunes like These Boots Are Made for Walking, Daddy Was a Preacher, But Mamma Was a Go-Go Girl, The Girl Can’t Help It, and

Seven Day Fool with original songs like Jungle Room, Rocco Perri, and City of Sin off their debut album. Band members exhibited their joy at playing live and with each other. To date, the band has played numerous gigs at a variety of venues including car shows, roller derbies, outdoor festivals, clubs, and private events. “We have been fortunate to get to play some bigger indoor and outdoor events leading up to the Covid shut down like Junofest 2019, the Dundas Place Grand Opening, Home County Music Festival, Summer Sounds Grand Bend, and London Foodfest,” says Paul. “The biggest indoor show to date was opening for David Wilcox at the London Music Hall to a capacity crowd – all which garnered the band new fans who we see coming out to the club shows. One of our favorite shows we do every year is a holiday fundraiser for the Boys and Girls Club of London in December at the Richmond Tavern.” Now that the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic appears behind us and live music venues have reopened, Twin-Fin is looking forward to a busy summer. You can catch them at the London Ribfest on July 31 and Grand Bend Summer Sunset Sounds on August 28. For more information about Twin-Fin, visit twinfinband.com and follow the band on Facebook and Instagram. Band from left to right: Brad Ondrovcik, Paul Wickerson, Dana MacCabe, Eric Roelofsen, Cole Benjamin. Photo Credit: Michelle Levasseur.

Spotlight on musical talent in Byron Contact Barb at Barb@villagerpublications. com with details to potentially be featured in upcoming issues of the Byron Villager.

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Byron Villager

took the leap and bought it. That was in 2019, just before COVID. In-person classes soon shut down, but Lee found ways to keep things going. “I did zoom lessons and driveway classes where I taught at the end of my students’ driveways,” adds Lee.

Don and Mary feel lucky that they can help others by participating in programs that spread awareness and support to those in need. The love they have for volunteering has given them the drive to continue to support many organizations. To name a few, Don and Mary support and donate to: London Food Bank, ALS

Supporting Their Community Brings Joy to Byron Couple For Don and Mary Clayton, supporting

Mary & Don Clayton

their community through volunteering is an act of joy and love. Having lived in Byron since 1986, they love the sense of community and the people that they call their friends and neighbours. Since 1977, Don has been kept busy by volunteering in the community. Don

Society, Parkinson’s, MS Society, and London Humane Society. Recognizing that they are lucky to help others has fuelled their efforts to give back to the community they love. with satisfying and long-lasting contributions. Lee and her instructors work hard to instill confidence and respect in the students. “It’s more than just learning punches and

worked with the Southeast Optimist Hockey Association and when it nearly closed, he and two others volunteered to keep it in the community. His time spent as a curling coach for the Special Olympics helped motivate him to introduce a golf program. Don acts as ambassador and volunteer for the Southwest Hockey and the Drew Doughty Hockey Tournament, and he has worked with London Senior Hockey as a referee and food drive coordinator. Currently, he sits on the board for multiple charities and programs: the Santa Claus Parade, Breakfast with Santa, Backus-Page Museum, Terry Fox, and the Byron Community Organization. For over 20 years, Don has helped spread Terry Fox’s message of hope by volunteering with the Terry Fox Run London. He spearheaded the initiative to build the Terry Fox Memorial Gardens in Greenway Park. In 2008, Don took part in the Tour of Hope and drove the restored van that had once been Terry Fox’s across Canada. For years, Mary supported her husband with his volunteering efforts by helping whenever and wherever needed. Once Mary retired, she felt called to help seniors and children and became involved with the Thames Valley Children’s Centre Auxiliary as a membership coordinator. That’s not her only place of community-driven volunteering; Mary also acts as treasurer of the BCO, volunteers with Juvenile Diabetes, and fundraises for the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Her success with the Heart and Stroke Foundation has brought her a sense of immense satisfaction in seeing how her efforts help others.

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Page 12 Ilderton and Area Villager • July-August 2022

Issue 72 - July/Aug 2022 Page 11

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PEGGY SATLER AD Lisa and her husband Bill, who reside in Oakridge, got involved in the White Ribbon Project (lhsf.donordrive.com/campaign/ Lisa-s-Lungs), creating and sending out more than 400 white ribbons to patients, survivors and caregivers, and raising more than $7000 for LHSC. On June 5th, Lisa and supporters will participate in a virtual walk titled London Gives A Breath 5k . The walk starts at the Cancer Survivor Park on Riverside Drive, then through Oakridge Acres and returns to the Survivor park. To learn more and to donate, visit Bill wed Beverly Ann Harrington and had three children: Lorne Floyd Brock (1955-), Wm. Cameron (Cam) Brock (1960-) and Rebecca (Beckie) Jane Brock (1959-). Lorne and his wife, Heather had one daughter, Rachael Lauren. She and Gerald had one son, Lucius (2009-). “I did 15 rounds of chemo before progression at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC),” says Lisa. “I was sent to Princess Margaret in Toronto for a trial as there wasn’t one available here in London. I have been on my targeted therapy for one year. Donations are required to fund local research trials that give lung cancer patients HOPE.” Simon Jan Van Den Broeck and Ida Hendrik, Kuucsaert, both born in 1380 in Devon, England, had no idea what their descendants would begin to accomplish five centuries later by becoming entrepreneurs. Over time, the family name spelling was changed to Brock. From their arrival in Canada, here is an accounting of the family that began life in Byron. William H. Brock wed Rebecca PORCHUK IN THE ZONE ARTICLE CONTINUED Give a Breath on June 5th Lisa Weir was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer in May 2020. “I knew so little when I was diagnosed,” said Lisa, who has since stepped forward to bring awareness of the disease and the need for research to combat it. This year more people will die from lung cancer than colorectal, pancreatic and breast cancers combined, yet it receives the least amount of funding. There is a 76% survival rate if lung cancer is detected at Stage 1, however 49% of lung cancers aren’t detected until Stage 4. First Byron Garage and the Brock Family – Part 2 by Ruth-Anne Calhoun with thanks to Lorne F. Brock and Betty (Brock) Coates, for content and photos. Crawley and they had four sons: Harold ‘Harry’ Hebert (1890– 1936), William Nelson (1892 - 1915), Lorne George (1895-1952) and Clarence ‘Clare’ Gordon (1898-1973). Lorne George took up residence in Byron in 1922. He wed Margaret Cameron and they had three children: William (Bill) Murray (1927 -2012), Mary Elizabeth (Betty) (1936- ) and Lorna Margaret (1944-2020). Cam wed Kippy and had two children: a son, Bowen, who had no children and a daughter, Shannon. She and Rick had a daughter, Jorden. Lorne G (Sr.) and son Murray Brock c1937

Beckie Brock wed first, Frank and later Rick. She had two daughters, Jessica who had no children. The second daughter, Jamie, had two children, Scarlett and Henry. Betty wed Ken Coates and had three children: Debra, Dan and David. Lorna Brock wed Jack Anderson. They had no children but Lorna was

Lorne G (Sr.) Brock back first from left at the Byron Tuberculosis Sanitorium 1918

PEGGY SATLER 100 words a Registered Nurse who worked with babies. She and Jack became foster parents of babies up to a year old who had health issues. William Hebert Brock arrived in Canada in 1871, settled in Lobo Township and opened a general store, William H. Brock, General Dealer. Local folk purchased necessary goods such as clothes, baking supplies, hardware items, fabrics, canned food, and sweets to name a few. The most popular was the specialty teas. He wed Rebecca Crawley and they raised four sons in Lobo Township. lungcancerca.securesweet.com . Julie Kowall will send in pics of the walk The spirit of the entrepreneur in his D.N.A. beckoned to their third son, Lorne G. Brock, like a seductive mistress who would not be ignored. It was this coupled with a strong faith and positive view of life that enabled Lorne to endure adversities such as the demise of his brothers and parents along with his own chronic health issues. As a young man, he worked in a casting plant in Brantford, Ontario where he was exposed to silica dust that scarred his lungs. Eventually this caused emphysema which took his life. At first, Lorne thought he had bronchitis. Then his brother, Nelson, who also worked at the plant contracted tuberculosis (T.B.) and died at age 23.

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Page 12 Byron Villager Issue 9 • May 2017 Page 9 To advertise here, please contact [email protected] To advertise here, please contact [email protected]

To advertise here please contact [email protected] Hyde Park – Oakridge Villager • June 2022 • Page 3

Lorne remained in Brantford until 1916 when Conscription for WW1 demanded he enlist in the army. He passed his medical in December 1917, was in training from May to July 1918 as a Private in the 1st Depot Battalion W.O.R. (Western Ontario Regiment). His training officers noted he had weakness and trouble breathing when he had minor exertion. His new medical revealed scarring in the upper lobes of his lungs and

all types around, some of them landed on Brock land and much to the children’s dismay, Margaret refused to give them back! She housed them in her barn. No doubt, she returned them to the school after hours, as there was always a steady supply flying into her yard. Lorne purchased nearly 100 acres of land—literally about half of Byron plus! He did not own the property of St. Anne’s Church and Northview School. His land went along Commissioners Road from the current Westwood Village Townhouses (#1328), east to the Town Line (now Westdel Bourne), south to Baseline, then east on Baseline and north down Byron Blvd. He divided some of the land, designed a subdivision from Byron Blvd. to Griffith Street, then hired surveyors and contractors to build it. Betty Brock Coates, his daughter, said that after he sold the garage which was demolished later to make way for the Boug complex, Lorne started up a taxi business in Byron that ran from 1946 to April, 1952. On June 15, 1952, emphysema carried him to a higher realm. His friends, Crawford (Cal) and Louise Wells Calhoun started up their business, Byron Taxi, on June 01, 1952. Cal died in 1969 and Louise sold the business in 1987. Lorne’s last kiss from his mistress, entrepreneur, carried over to Calhouns. Wedding of Murray and Beverly Brock 1952

Lorne G (Sr.) Margaret, Bill, Betty and Lorna in front yard of house on Commissioners Rd W. (beside St. Anne’s Church) Sept 1949

RECOVER LEARNING LOSSES THIS SUMMER GET BACK ON TRACK AND START NEXT YEAR AHEAD! he was diagnosed with Pulmonary T.B. Then he was transferred to the Byron Tuberculosis Sanatorium, commonly known as ‘The San’ by Byronites. Observation and treatment recorded results of no T.B. but lung damage from silicosis. A Military discharge on December 23, 1918 was his Christmas gift. Upon hearing his diagnosis, his Mother forbade him to come home in the event the doctors were wrong! She wouldn’t take the risk of having her entire household infected with T.B. Lorne was left to fend for himself in Byron and his mistress placed her first kiss upon him. He utilized the mechanical skills he acquired in Brantford and began repairing local vehicles around the area. With his honed and rare skill set, his winning personality, foresight and wisdom, he opened the first Byron Garage in 1922. Margaret and Lorne’s back yard abutted Northview School property and stretched to Springbank Ave. A fence separated the Brock and school lands. When the students tossed balls of

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Issue 72 - July/Aug 2022 Page 13

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Dear Neighbours, London is a great city and here in the west end we are growing at a very rapid pace. If you look around there is development surrounding the Byron, Lambeth and Riverbend areas. Growth is important

As a Candidate for Ward 9 in this will be a number of conversations constituents.

to a city and last month Council finally received confirmation on the official London Plan. This Plan, which determines how we build our city, received final approval. It took a number of years to coordinate and two years of public participation resulting in building in and up for the next 25 years. London residents identified that affordable housing availability is important and we do need to build. Chairing the Planning and Environment Committee and how we provide affordable housing, balancing growth and protecting the environment are one of my biggest challenges. With growth and development comes the need for road infrastructure improvements to accommodate increased traffic with an emphasis on keeping our neighbourhoods safe. Traffic concerns have significantly increased in all areas of Ward 9 which has created challenges in how we move around. Social infrastructure, such as schools, also seems to always be behind development. As we add more subdivisions the need for more space in our schools grows and we have heard from residents the need for an additional school. We have finally received approval from the Province for an elementary school on Pack Road.

As a Candidate for Ward 9 in this year ’ s Municipal Election there will be a number of conversations that I will be talking about with constituents.

The City has started a community consultation for the Mobility Master Plan which will determine how we prioritize transportation and mobility infrastructure for the next 25 years. What is different about this plan is that we are viewing the mobility issues from a holistic perspective which includes options for getting around and having access to everyday access to schools, businesses, grocery stores, parks and health care. The process begins with a call for Londoners to share their experiences. I encourage everyone to contribute their personal experiences and provide input to the city by visiting www.getinvolved. london.ca/mobility-master-plan You can reach out to me anytime at [email protected] or on my cell at 226-927-0439. Take care of one another

Page 14

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Byron Villager

ARTISTS ALLEY New Cucumber Cooler Recipe

Cucumber Cooler 1 oz lime cordial or ginger lime syrup 2 oz fresh cucumber juice 2 oz Malibu coconut flavored rum (optional) Club Soda

Add rum, ginger lime syrup and cucumber juice to a cocktail shaker with some ice. Shake well and pour into a glass filled with crushed ice. Top with some club soda (use as much or as little club soda as you like). Ginger-Lime Simple Syrup 1 cup of sugar

It’s summer and time for a refreshing drink on those hot days. Cucumbers are an easy vegetable to grow in this area and it’s not too late for this summer. Cucumbers can be planted between April and late June and take about 6 weeks to ripen. Cucumber juice is a highly hydrating drink that is rich in nutrients. It has the ability to cleanse and detox the entire body with a powerhouse of antioxidants and it’s also low on calories. There are a host of other health and beauty benefits all packed into one easy-to-grow veggie. This Cucumber Cooler recipe is a delicious drink to hydrate your palette on a hot day.

1 cup fresh lime juice 4 tbls grated ginger

In a small saucepan, combine sugar, lime juice and grated ginger. Bring to a boil (careful not to let it boil over), reduce heat and simmer for a couple of minutes. Remove from heat and let cool. Strain it and keep it in the fridge. Cucumber Juice Peel 2 cucumbers and toss them in the blender and puree. Strain it to remove the pulp.

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Page 12 Hyde Park – Oakridge Villager • June 2022 To advertise here please contact [email protected]

To advertise here, please contact [email protected] Issue 72 - July/Aug 2022 Page 15

Have a safe and happy summer, Byron!

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Introducing our newest addition to Villager Publications! The Lucan Biddulph Villager