Byron Villager June 2022

Byron Villager June 2022

Byron

JUNE 2022 ISSUE 71

Villager

Boutique Charm.

• Two boutique, four-storey condominiums with 1, 2, & 3 bedroom suites from 925 - 1600 sq. ft. • On-site amenities include fitness centre, media room, residents’ lounge with billiards and a furnished guest suite • Exceptional standard finishes • Ideal location at Westdel Bourne & Fountain Grass Drive

A Premier Condo Community COMING SOON to West London

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Located at the Corner of Fountain Grass Dr. & Westdel Bourne

REGISTER ONLINE FOR PROJECT UPDATES: TRICAR.COM/WESTDEL

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Byron Villager

The Empire Strikes Back

Unable to find anyone in Westminster and Delaware Districts courageous enough or patriotic enough to round up Watson, Westbrook and Allan, Magistrate Springer sends for Lt. Col. Bostwick in Oxford (Ingersoll). Bostwick comes to Delaware on July 23, 1812 with a detachment of the militia and an enthusiastic nineteen-year-old, Lt. William Hamilton Merritt, eager to make a name for himself. Merritt learns from Gideon Tiffany that Watson is at Allan’s with a number of well-armed men. Merritt, Bostwick and the militia, probably in civilian garb, surround Allan’s house which sits on the ridge where the Komoka bridge crosses the Thames (across from the Delaware Speedway). As the story goes, Merritt and a few of the militia are refreshing themselves at Allan’s well and when Ebenezer comes out to investigate, they capture him. In the ensuing mêlée, Watson manages to escape. Westbrook isn’t so lucky. Watson, due to his knowledge of the backwoods of the district (thanks to Westbrook) manages to elude them. Watson remains in the woods for the night hoping that Westbrook has also made his escape. It is not to be. Allan and Westbrook are bundled off to Oxford by Merritt. Bostwick remains in Delaware for a few more days no doubt still in pursuit of Watson. After the War, in 1824, Merritt goes on to fame as a promoter of the Welland Canal. Simon Watson, realizing that he is alone, finally turns his horse towards Sandwich (Windsor) and the safety of General Hull’s army. He arrives at Hull’s headquarters only to find the American army in total disarray. Unbeknownst to Simon, events in far off Michilimackinac Island have triggered the abandonment of Sandwich by the American army for the safety of Fort Detroit. Fort Michilimackinac had been handed over to the Americans at the same time as Fort Detroit by the Jay Treaty. Brock has been instrumental in arranging for a band of voyageurs and natives to take it back. Taking advantage of the fact that the Americans do not know that they are at war,

allows the little band to take possession of the island without a single drop of blood being spilled. The British are now in control of all the native tribes of the Old Northwest. The paroled Americans wash up on the Sandwich shore with tales of what might have been at the hands of the natives. In addition, word reaches Hull that many natives under a great warrior are approaching Detroit from Ohio. Hull is worried about his supply train being cut off and is so terrified of the natives, that he “skedaddles” back to Fort Detroit. Simon has no option except to follow him. Meanwhile, Brock is on his way to Amherstburg with a small flotilla of regulars, militia and natives, all he could muster. He spends the night as Talbot’s guest at Port Talbot. Brock is excited about the possibilities; for he is on his way to a rendezvous with the great warrior, Tecumseh. (To be continued)

Allan’s Ridge overlooking the Komoka Bridge

It’s almost time for to hit the road! Brannigan’s London’s ONLY Mobile Fish & Chips Opening June 2022

Ward 11 Update By Stephen Turner Councillor Ward 11

Morgan Chmara S A L E S

City of London 226-927-0765

REPRESENTATIVE

Helping you move towards your future 647-884-6807 [email protected]

Brannigan’s Fish & Chips will be hitting the road soon and promises to bring a one of a kind foodie experience to southwestern Ontario. Chef Liam Brannigan and his wife Tracey will offer a wide range of delicious made to order menu items and a culinary adventure with family friendly prices. Invite Brannigan’s to your next special event to serve up custom catering experiences that can’t be beat. For more information follow us on Instagram & Facebook.

VIPs & Special Mentions These businesses have shared in making Brannigan’s vision come to life and deserve a VERY SPECIAL Thank You.

NexMil Financial Jason & Tom are nothing short of visionaries and they, along with their team of experts are available to support you in navigating all of life’s milestones from foodtrucks to first homes, insurance and investments. Give them a call and make your dreams a reality, like we did!

S&S Automotive Shawn & his team are the best in southwestern Ontario – Go visit them for all your automotive needs; they specialize in Volvos and service all makes & models of automobiles INCLUDING food trucks.

RevGrafix Tony & his team held our hand and humoured us when it came to nailing the graphic design and installation for the Brannigan’s food truck. If you need a wrap or to bedazzle your ride, look no further.

@BrannigansFishandChips @BrannigansFoodTruck

Issue 71 - June 2022 Page 3

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Andy provides valuable information and advice about fixing sinking concrete, void filling and stabilizing soil under concrete slabs. So, if you are concerned about trip hazards on walkways and pool decks, sinking concrete near foundations and cracked floors, CCL can restore these areas to their original beauty. Presently, CCL is offering a 10% discount if contracted to fix your sinking concrete. All estimates are FREE. Contact Andy today to arrange an appointment to inspect your property at (519) 636-9806 or email at [email protected]. Also, check out the website to read reviews at www.ccleveling.ca Andy looks forward to hearing from you soon!

Longtime Byronite Can Fix Your Concrete Problems

In 1959, Andy Moncrieff, his parents and his family moved to Jellicoe Crescent in Byron. He attended Byron Southwood Public School and Saunder Secondary and was active on many sports teams in the community. He still

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 : Graphic Artist: Jon 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] New Byron Villager banner just up supporting the Byron Optimist Sports Complex. Pictured here are Gerry Smith and John Campbell from the BOSC Committee. Read more about this on page 5. Photo credit: Memories Photography Studio

considers Byron home and keeps in touch with many friends in his childhood neighbourhood. Andy received a lifesaving liver transplant at London Health Sciences Centre in 2016. He has become a very active advocate for organ donation. Proud to be a Board Member for the “Move for Life Foundation,” Andy helps raise funds for revolutionary medical equipment to reduce wait times for lifesaving organ transplants. For the past nine years, Andy has worked diligently in the concrete repair industry. He is a Senior Project Manager for South-Western Ontario at Canadian Concrete Leveling Ltd. (CCL), located in Stouffville, Ontario.

Before

After

Making properties safe, Andy has supervised over 1500 jobs over his career managing many Residential, Commercial, Industrial and Engineering Projects. He has also worked with Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation, Property Management firms, local School Boards and a wide variety of Commercial Clients.

Back in the day

Cover photo and article sugggestions welcome!

Putting in the storm sewers at the old Byron Fire Station situated where the Byron Library is now. 1966

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Byron Villager

The Byron Sports complex is run completely by volunteers and donations. There is no City of London funding for this facility. The Optimist Club of Byron support their programs and events that run through this facility through fundraising activities throughout the year. Promotion of your business through the purchase of banner signage is a great opportunity to reach thousands of people and help continue the operation of this top quality sports complex in Byron. For more information about event and park sponsorship opportunities, please contact Denise Pope at [email protected] or call Denise at 519-694-7056.

Supporting the Quality and Growth of the Byron Optimist Sports Complex The Byron Optimist Sports Complex is a superior venue for multiple events and Sports in the area. The complex provides a base for more than 80+ teams and 3000 athletes of all potentials. The complex supports events every day of the week from May to October, with more than 50,000 visitors a year. Always known as a top quality venue for baseball, fastball, soccer, slo-pitch and other recreational groups as well as the Optimist Club of Byron Canada Day celebrations and fireworks.

Living together? Make it legal! License your pet. All cats and dogs must be licensed by law. Licensing helps save animals’ lives. • Lost pets are returned home • Helps to fund animal services programs • Homeless pets get adopted Please do you part! Contact us to license your pet

Brain-Booster Summer Camps at Oxford Learning Byron Grades 1 - 6 Running Weekly Half-Day Camps Catch Up & Get Ahead

Now Enrolling!

Byron 519.472.3321 [email protected]

London Animal Care Centre • 121 Pine Valley Blvd, London • www.accpets.ca 519-685-1330 • Facebook.com/LondonAnimalCare

oxfordlearning.com

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First Byron Garage 1922-1946 and The Brock Family By Ruth-Anne Calhoun Many thanks to Lorne F. Brock for content and photos PART ONE

In 1922 our beloved Byron was blessed by the arrival of Lorne George Brock who made a tremendous, positive, impact on the village. He left an indelible mark that is evident until this day. He purchased property on Commissioners Road next to and behind St. Anne’s church upon which he built a huge, beautiful home and created both Brock Street and Brock Lane. On April 23, 1924 he married Margaret Cameron of Ripley, who was a school teacher at S.S. #5 Westminster. The couple had three children who were raised in Byron: William (Bill) Murray Brock, born June 07, 1927, Mary, Elizabeth, (Betty) born October 16, 1936 and Lorna Margaret born June 06, 1944. He had health issues that didn’t permit heavy labour, Lorne was an industrious soul, a visionary, who was blessed with sharp instincts and proven mechanical skills in car repairs that he acquired previously when he lived in Brantford. He was a very innovative man who had his finger on the proverbial pulse of the area. In 1922, he opened Byron Garage near the main intersection of Byron, just West of the old McColl and Norton homes on Commissioners Road. The business thrived with his winning personality, friendly smile, unique skills and forward thinking.

Lorne G Brock, Murray Brock and two mechanics at Byron Garage c1929.

Mr. Brock’s grandson, Lorne F. Brock, advised his grandfather had to expand the business from one gasoline pump to five gasoline pumps at the garage. He also hired more mechanics. As stated in the Delaware and Westminster Townships book, vol. 2, from 1938 to 1941, two Byron residents, brothers, Verne and Richard Joiner operated the garage for Lorne. He supported local talent and was a caring, honest, savvy, likeable businessman who was trusted and held in high regard by folks. This writer found a family letter written by her great uncle, George Lawyer Wells, to his nephew ‘Si’ in 1925, praising the fine person and work of Lorne Brock who had recently repaired the Wells’ vehicle.

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519-913-6666 1304 COMMISSIONERS RD W BYRON

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Byron Villager

A service that Mr. Brock added to his booming business was selling Dodge vehicles. After the pre-ordered autos arrived he drove them around to showcase. This was top notch business acumen at work. Lorne Brock knew how to read people very well. They were in awe of these ‘grand horseless carriages’ so Lorne encouraged them to test drive the autos—something unheard of at the time in this area! Lorne also sold Graham trucks and buses. He sold Yellow coaches too. The City of London became one of Lorne’s best customers when they converted from electric street cars to buses. Imagine what he could do now, a hundred years later, with his courage, vision, superb instincts and accurate foresight! Thank you to Lorne George Brock for stylishly ushering Byron into the first quarter of the previous century. God bless this man! PORCHUK IN THE ZONE ARTICLE CONTINUED

Bill Brock’s class photo at Byron Northview c1938. Notice Bill’s Dad’s business calendar on the classroom wall.

PEGGY SATLER 100 words

The 1960s 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 1930s and 1940s 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!

Here, There And Everywhere a Garage! PEGGY SATLER AD

For nearly one hundred years our ‘Beloved Byron’ has been home to several garages. During the 1960s, 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.

Have you had changes in memory? Are you feeling forgetful?

4 A re you 60 years or older? 4 Do you have trouble remembering things? 4 Do not have Alzheimer’s Disease? Dr. Montero-Odasso invites you to take part in a physical exercise study that may help to improve your memory and mobility. For more information, contact (519) 685 4292 ext. 42179 When you call in, you will be asked questions about your memory and general health. If eligible, you will be invited to visit the Gait & Brain Lab at Parkwood Institute, 550 Wellington Road South, London, Ontario.

Principal Investigator: Dr. Montero-Odasso, Geriatric Medicine GaitAndBrain.com

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

Issue 71 - June 2022 Page 7

A More Inclusive Canada: Pride Month Reflections By Arielle Kayabaga I am excited to celebrate Pride Month this year with our London community. The LGBTQ2SAI+ community has historically faced a lot of adversity in this country. I am happy to be part of a government that recognizes the importance of diversity and inclusion. We continue to rectify the injustices faced by LGBTQ2SAI+ Canadians. Just this past year, we have made two remarkable steps forward in making Canada a more inclusive and safer place. On December 15, 2021, the House of Commons unanimously passed Bill C-4 banning conversion therapy, a practice that has harmed the health of many LGBTQ2SAI+ individuals. In April of this year, Health Canada approved a Canadian Blood Services request to end the blood donation ban for men who engage in intimate relationships with other men. This is a change that not only benefits these men, but anyone in need of life saving medical transfusions. Everyone deserves the right to love whomever they choose. I am looking forward to our continued celebrations in London and beyond as we mark this exciting celebration of LGBTQ2AI+ lives. It is a privilege to advocate for this community as we continue to work together toward a more inclusive and welcoming Canada. Happy Pride Month! Arielle Kayabaga [email protected] 519-473-5955

Eyes on Byron – Safety for our Community

We have seen a significant increase in thefts occurring certain areas within our community. I have personally been in contact with the London Police Service regarding this increase. Attempting to get a larger police presence in Byron is difficult when only a small percentage of crimes are actually being reported. I strongly urge everyone to make sure if a crime is committed that it is reported. This can be completed easily via the online reporting system on the London Police website. We are looking into the pros and cons of leaving exterior lights on overnight. Ensuring garage doors are closed (even during the day) and car doors locked at night is important! Being vigilant and reporting suspicious behavior to the police are all statistics that show there is a problem within our community. The London Police Services base officer deployment on these statistics. Eyes on Byron President, Brad Stokkermans Get involved by joining the Eyes on Byron Facebook page. The best way to create a safe community is to be informed. The Eyes on Byron Facebook group is asking you to invite your neighbours/friends that live within the area to this group. The larger the group, the more widespread the shared information will become. Creating an awareness of what is going on and where it is happening will help with the ongoing efforts to keep Byron a safe community. The larger the group gets, the more effect it will have as concerns are continually being brought to City Council and London Police for more action. The purpose of the group is to share information, ask questions and stay informed. www.facebook.com/groups/eyesonbyron

/ArielleKayabaga

@KayabagaArielle

@iamaykay

Serving Byron for 40 years

1255 Commissioners Rd W (corner of Boler and Commissioners) 519-471-3500

www.byronoptometry.com

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Byron Villager

keep us active,” says Ken. “It was retirement that got us involved with Meals on Wheels. Going from working fulltime one day to ‘everyday is Saturday’ was an adjustment. Meals on Wheels lets us do something together that helps others, and it gets us out of the house.” Ken says one of his favourite moments in volunteering was when he was coaching a Rookie Ball team of kids under nine. “A young girl registered late and had no previous experience, unlike the rest of the team who had experience. While the team practiced prior to the games, I took her aside to help her on the basic skills so she could catch up,” he says. “At the end of the season she approached me with her mother where she thanked me and gave me a jar of her mother’s homemade jam. That is a gift I have never forgotten.” The Minshulls have lived in Byron over 40 years. “Byron is a great family community, good schools nearby, easy access to shopping, quiet streets, great neighbours, and a great place to raise kids,” they say. The couple has two adult children, who are married and live in London. Ken and Diane have some advice for people who are considering volunteering in the community. “To those who might think of volunteering but feel they don’t have the time or experience, just give it a try,” they say. “We look back and think, where did we find the time? Volunteering provides you with rewarding opportunities that will motivate you to want to make the time. It is fun and rewarding.”

Want to Know the History of the Home You Live in? Our Volunteers of the Month are spouses, Ken and Diane Minshull.

Ken & Diane Minshull

To advertise here please contact [email protected] C runiCan esH Local b PUMPKINS b SQUASH b SEASONAL PRODUCE yrup b Apple Cider b APPLE CIDER Vinegar Jams b Peanuts b JERRY RADER PIES & MORE runiCan H Local SQUASH b SEASONAL PRODUCE e Cider b APPLE CIDER Vinegar uts b JERRY RADER PIES & MORE www.buffysellshomes.com • 519.668.8577 Putting the REAL into Realtor® Your Neighbourhood Specialist Ken’s background is in Foodservice where he worked in Golf Clubs, Restaurants, eventually becoming the owner of the Cultures in White Oaks Mall. Diane was an active- duty nurse with most of her experience in heart surgery. “Once you have children you become involved in your community through school and your children’s activities, which provide good opportunities to volunteer, get involved, and contribute to your community,” say the Minshulls. “This is what got us started with groups such as Block Parents, Scouting, Neighbourhood Watch, St. Leonard’s Society, and community Baseball. Now that we are retired, it gives us pleasure to help others, give back to our community, and keep busy.” The couple’s volunteerism began with Diane being involved with Block Parent while their kids were in elementary school. That led them to an interest in Neighbourhood Watch, and they soon started the first NHW zone in Byron of one hundred and ten houses. Their involvement with Neighbourhood Watch led them to the St. Leonard’s Society with the Byron Justice Circle. From there it was Cubs with their son, then T Ball with their daughter. That continued until she left fastball when she was 20. Ken is still involved with Byron Optimist Baseball, thirty-five years later. Diane had always gone to church and wanted to continue when she and Ken married. That brought them to Byron United Church. Just going to church on Sunday got the couple interested in getting more involved. Their church involvement led to the Fellowship Committee. The couple has been on the Fellowship Committee for many years, and they have members of Byron United Church for over thirty-five years. “Anything food related at the church saw us involved, from coffee service after service to dinner for eighty,” says Diane. “We both like to cook. We catered for everything from breakfasts for the Optimist Club, a wedding reception for eighty, and a funeral reception for one hundred.” Ken and Diane believe that volunteering brings great benefits to volunteers. “You meet great people, contribute to your community, and realize how fortunate you are. Retirement helps VILLAGER! villagerpublications.com e London Public Library arts, entrepreneurs, business, ourhood people and passion to d to advertise. The 100% locally en times a year with thousands ur local market. Hyde Park-Oakridge Villager Issue 57 January 2022 www.villagerpublications.com Managing Editor: Cathy Wood [email protected] Advertising: Tami Martin 519-851-0961 [email protected] Nippy Watson [email protected] Publisher: Barb Botten Villager Publications, P.O. Box 134, Lambeth Station Ontario N6P 1P9 [email protected] 519-282-7262 Graphic Artist: Cathy Wood New

Ken and Diane Minshull

Issue 71 - June 2022 Page 9

Mrs. Beattie’s Neighbours by Paul Prince Researching a Mid-Century Home in Byron The Architectural Conservancy Ontario, London Region, has been the lead in a program titled Historical House Signs (HHS). After having lived by herself for many decades the London, city directories show Mrs. Annie Beattie had a roommate living with her in 1907. Perhaps it was to help her finances. Perhaps it was for company. Perhaps it was to help make her life a bit easier. Perhaps it was for all these reasons. In 1911, Annie broke her hip, which would have certainly slowed this industrious lady down. Having a roommate must have been a godsend for her. Mrs. Annie passed away at her home on Byron Ave on July 22, 1918, at the wonderful age of 103 1/2 years old. Annie’s roommate was Mary Smith. In 1907, Mary would have been 46 years old. Mary was born a Stewart in 1861 in Nairn, Ontario, outside of London. Mary’s parents were Scottish. Mary married David Smith in 1889, and had two children while they lived in Lobo. They are shown to be living at 90 Stanley Street (pictured above today) by 1901. The next part of this story is confusing. Mary and David are shown together until sometime around 1906, when David moved to Calgary with their children. It is a mystery why Mary stayed in London. David is known to have lived in Calgary until he died in 1949. Both children also lived and passed away in Calgary. What happened to their marriage? And why did the children live with their father? Mary was listed as a housekeeper, which might have been a primary reason for Annie taking her in as a roommate. Mary continued to work as a housekeeper until she retired from her profession in 1937, when she was 76. Mary lived with Annie for 11 years until Annie’s passing. In the fall of 1918, Annie’s close relatives auctioned off Annie’s home. Mary won the auction and purchased Annie’s cottage. Mary continued living in her home until she passed away in 1941, after having a heart attack at the age of 80. The first two owners of Annie’s cottage lived there for a combined 55 years from1886 to 1941 – Annie for 32 years and Mary for 34 years, with 11 years overlapping. Annie’s cottage has had 12 owners since 1941. Since 1886, when Annie moved in, her cottage has seen electricity added in the form of knob and tube, and indoor plumbing appears to have been added in the early 1900s. The coal-fired pot belly 1. Use your tax information to determine the Registered Plan (RP) and Lot Number. MPAC also has this information and sometimes provides a date of construction, which is often quite close to the actual date. If you don’t have your tax information or access to MPAC, use City GIS https://london.ca/maps Development in the Byron area was particularly active in the late 1940s and throughout the 1950s. Well-known local builders such as the Suzuki Bros. and Eadie & Willcock constructed several homes in Byron. Many Registered Plans were drawn up through the auspices of the Veterans Land Act, which sought to provide affordable housing for soldiers returning from service in WWII. Therefore, owners of homes built in the 50s and 60s should be able to track when their house was built and who first owned it. ACO London Region applauds the interest in Byron in tracking the history of area houses and we are happy to advise/mentor those efforts! The neighbourhood homes in Old South, Old East Village, Oxford Park, Blackfriars, Central, SoHo and Hamilton Road have been part of this program and now homes in Byron, built during the periods of up to and including the mid-1950s, qualify to participate. If you drive or cycle through those neighbourhoods, you will be able to see the signs posted on participating homes, giving interesting information about the history within their community. Byron homeowners whose property meets the requirement will be able to request the ACO to complete a thorough search of their homes’ history. to determine the year of construction, the names of the 1st occupant(s), and the occupation of the 1st occupant(s). A detailed report will be created by the ACO and a sign designed specifically for Byron will be provided to the homeowner for mounting. All you do is Click on “City Map” and this will take you to the GIS mapping. There is a box in the top lefthand corner where you start to type in your address and it appears below (or a list

heating was replaced by an oil furnace, perhaps in the 1920s. I removed the old oil tank from the basement last year and found remnants of an even earlier oil tank. Annie’s house had a Vulcan gas stove in the 1910s. The house was rewired about 1950, and then again in the 1980s. Mary severed and sold off the back half of the property in 1919 as two lots. Old South has so much history, with all the wonderful people who have lived here the last 170 years. Let’s continue learning this history and preserving these wonderful old buildings. Paul lives in Old South, has a passion for our history, and is the treasurer for the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario London Region (ACO). Comments or suggestions are welcome at paul@ prince-cva.ca Several pages of hand-written pages should appear. You’re looking for the earliest sign of a major purchase ~ probably in the thousands. This would indicate not just a land purchase, but a house and land purchase. Many times with Byron records, a specific mortgage is noted. London Animal Care Centre • 121 Pine Valley Blvd, London • www.accpets.ca 519-685-1330 • Facebook.com/LondonAnimalCare 3. Usually, post-1950, both husband’s and wife’s names appear on the list. It’s possible that the owner of the house was not its occupant. However, in Byron in the 1950s, many homes were owner-occupied. If you don’t find the name in that particular year, try the following year as sometimes there was a year lag between construction and inclusion in the directory. Check the city directory for the year noted on Onland Ontario. Checking the alphabetical section, does the owner’s name appear? If you’re looking for a house built before annexation in 1961, the listing will usually say “res Byron”. If your house is post-annexation, then a specific address will be provided. Also the directory will list the occupation of the owner. At this point, wives’ names were included in the directory but their occupations (if applicable) were not always mentioned. Living together? Make it legal! License your pet. All cats and dogs must be licensed by law. Licensing helps save animals’ lives. • Lost pets are returned home • Helps to fund animal services programs • Homeless pets get adopted Please do you part! Contact us to license your pet of possible streets with similar names). Select your address and hit enter. The map will Zoom into your location with a dot on the selected property. You can confirm that you are in the right place and then click on the dot. The legal description including the RP number and Lot number will appear. 2. To track property transactions of a home, one had to go to the local courthouse to sift through documents. Now, many areas have had their transactions before 1990 digitalized. They’re available on Onland Ontario. The London Middlesex section is found at https://www.onland.ca/ui/33; click on “Historical Books”. When the follow-up screen appears, enter “plan ____” under “Other Information” and click “Search Books”. If you don’t find the name in that particular year, try the following year as there was sometimes a year lag between construction and inclusion in the directory. London’s Corner Drug Store since 1938 52 Grand at Carfrae • (519) 672-3340 5. Also consult the London Public Library London Room card catalogue. Enter the name of either the husband or wife and see what might be there. Iron, B12 , Magnesium and Vitamin C deficiencies can cause fatique. Next time we’re tired, let’s feed our cells! 4. Refer to Ancestry.ca [free at the London Public Library]. Post-1921 census information and WWII records are not yet available to the public. However, Ancestry sometimes has voters’ list entries, grave notations, and occasionally a family tree will include a photo. TURNER DRUG STORE Vitamin Centre Mon-Fri 9-6 SAT 10-3

The study consists of 6 months of 1-hour exercise 2x a week, strength and cognitive testing, blood analysis & brain imaging (MRI) . YOU WILL BE COMPENSATED FOR YOUR TIME. YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE IF YOU: 4 Are 60 – 80 years old. 4 Have not had a stroke. 4 Have not participated in regular excercise for the past 6 months. 4 Have not been diagnosed with neurodegenerative or musculoskeletal disorders. Participants needed! Western invites you to participate in an exercise and brain study!

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO PARTICIPATE, PLEASE CONTACT: OLIVIA GHOSH-SWABY (Graduate Student) [email protected] or DR. LINDSAY NAGAMATSU (Principal Investigator) 647-460-6516 EXERCISE MOBILITY AND BRAIN HEALTH LAB – WESTERN UNIVERSITY

Page 10 Byron Villager To advertise here, please contact [email protected]

To advertise here please contact [email protected] Wortley Villager June 2022 • Page 13

Option #4

18"

Directories: the London Public Library has all the London City directories from the late 1850s. These are on microfilm. Western University archives also has microfilm/microfiche copies of the directories. The local directories before 1901 are online at the Library and Archives Canada site ~ https://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/ directories-collection/Pages/directories-collection-available- editions.aspx Directories from 1928 onward are available online through Family Search. This is the Latter-Day Saints genealogical site. You do have to register with the site, but it’s absolutely reputable and there is no cost. https://www.familysearch.org/en/ Click “Search”, then “Books”, then “London Ontario directory (Year)”. The site will then let you “inside” that directory to peruse street listings and names. If your home is pre-annexation, there are no street listings for Byron. Post 1961, you can look up your specific address in the directory and see who lived there. Then use the alphabetical section to determine occupation. Between 1901 and 1928, there are a few directories with direct links: · 1909: https://archive.org/details/londondirec190900vernuoft · 1915: https://digitalarchive.tpl.ca/objects/209150/vernons-city-of- london-street-alphabetical-business-and-m · 1922: https://archive.org/details/londondirec192200vernuoft Information provided by Dorothy Palmer, ACO Heritage House Program

EXAMPLE

BUILT C. 1940 JOHN DOE MERCHANT

The Byron Community Organization will be holding an information seminar with members of the ACO present to help Byron residents navigate research of their homes. This is planned to take place sometime this Fall. Please note that participation in the Historical House Sign Program does not involve property heritage designation by the City of London. Keep an eye on the Byron Community Organization FaceBook page and their website for updated information or to become member of this group. https://www.byroncommunityorganization.com/ Cut Black Vinyl applied to 0.040 Aluminum White Blank

Read our complete line-up of Villager Publications online at www.villagerpublications.com

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

Issue 71 - June 2022 Page 11

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The camp’s main site buildings and cabins are nestled in a wooded area just west of Komoka. New experiences abound, treasured memories are forged, and lifelong friendships are established, and campfires are a daily ritual and songs are plentiful. Camp Kee-Mo-Kee offers a wide variety of programs and activities, including an Inclusion at Camp program with spaces for campers or staff-aged volunteers who need 1:1 support while at the camp. “The focus is on including these participants in all camp activities, and also developing all campers and staff to have an inclusive mindset,” says Jill. All the camp’s programs and activities can be found on its website. “Pre-Covid we would have about 1800 youth participate in our programs each year,” says Jill. “This year we expect to have over 2000. Our summer camp programs are the most popular as well as being the primary purpose of the camp.” “When they visit our site for the first time, many people comment on how often they pass by our driveway, but never knew what was back here. It’s a beautifully rustic facility with our woodlands and Komoka Creek as the backdrop. The camp is a hidden gem in the heart of the Del-Ko-Brydge’s community,” says Jill. For more information about Camp Kee- Mo-Kee, visit www.keemokee.com and follow it on Facebook and Instagram.

Camp Kee-Mo-Kee is back in full operation for 2022 By Rick Young

After a couple of challenging years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Komoka’s Camp Kee-Mo-Kee is ready to resume full operations this year. Closed in 2020 due to the government mandated shutdown of all Ontario camps, the camp offered online programs, lots of social media content and a few small in- person events when regulations allowed. In 2021, the camp introduced its first summer day

camp program using half of the site’s capacity. The day camp was very successful, and Camp Kee-Mo-Kee received many requests to offer it in the future. Some off-site and off-season programs were also added. “The pandemic shifted our perception of the camp as being only a children’s summer camp operation to being a place of connection and activity for our broader camp community. Many camps closed or were shuttered due to the pandemic, while Camp Kee-Mo-Kee adopted an expansive mindset,” says Jill Hodgins, the camp’s Executive Director. “For 2022, we feel we can resume full operation with the proper COVID-19 protocols in place to keep all campers, staff, volunteers and their families safe. We are returning to our core overnight camp program but have allocated some capacity to the continuation of the day camp program,” says Jill. Opened in 1960, Camp Kee-Mo-Kee is a non-profit organization affiliated with the United Church. Although the camp’s name is said to be associated with the “running waters” of the Komoka Stream, the origin of the name remains a mystery. Efforts are currently underway to research the camp’s name with Indigenous knowledge keepers. Most campers and participants come from Middlesex Centre and the City of London. However, its reach extends to various communities throughout Southwestern Ontario.

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Byron Villager

Looking for Something Special? Try the Byron Mini-Mart Typical mini-marts carry an assortment of produce, canned goods, dairy products, drinks, and snacks—the bare necessities one might need in a pinch. The Byron Mini- Mart, however, is anything but typical.

Besides the traditional fare, this Mini-Mart offers a one- stop-shop where customers can take care of other errands at the same time. “We offer dry-cleaning services in affiliation with Texmain Cleaners,” explains Sara, Byron Mini-Mart’s owner, “and in summer we sell scooped ice cream from Shaw’s and London Ice Cream Company.” For the plant lover or the

When choosing a name for her store, Sara wanted to include Byron as part of it. “We thought ‘Byron’ sounded friendly as it is a friendly village and we wanted to be a part of it too,” she explains. When Sara and her family immigrated to Canada from South Korea, it was important they find a community they could call home. Byron provided that. When Sara is not at the Mini-Mart, she is gardening in her backyard, hiking, or strolling in the park. For Sara, the Mini-Mart is more than just a store. It is a resource and a hub for the community, a place to meet, chat, and connect. When the pandemic came, Sara and the community rallied around each other. One of Sara’s fondest memories of her 30 years operating Byron Mini-Mart was donating PPE to seniors in the neighbourhood and the senior customers that came to the store. “Hearing words of thanks from them meant a lot to us,” says Sara, and she adds, “We also deeply appreciate our community for supporting us through the pandemic. We hope to serve this community for a long time to come.” Byron Mini-Mart may have that special something you need to buy, but more importantly, it has that special something we all look for in our community. It has Sara.

delinquent gift-giver, Sara also carries planters, including Boston ferns, hanging baskets, and other arrangements for special occasions, like Mother’s Day. Sara’s favourite part of her work? “When I hear from my customers that they’re happy because they found something at our store that they couldn’t find anywhere else.” Sara opened the Byron Mini-Mart, located at 1290 Byron Baseline Rd., in 1992. For 30 years, she has been a delightful part of the Byron community. Sara welcomes every customer with her bright and cheery personality and is well-known and loved in the community. The staff also love working for Sara. “Helena and Seth, who are a couple, have been working with us for the last five years. Joanne and Lee also have been working with us for over three years now,” says Sara. When asked why she opened in Byron, Sara is quick to answer. “We thought Byron had the friendliest neighbours and the best community, so it felt right to start a business in this neighbourhood.”

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Issue 71 - June 2022 Page 13

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Summer in Byron – 1970

June

Royal Canadian Legion Branch 533 Byron-Springbank

2022

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

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Advertise on our Clubroom TV 1 Slide - $10/month or $20 for 3 months1 Email us at [email protected]

Meat Draw 3:30 – 5:00 PM

LA Meeting 7:00 PM

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Meat Draw 3:30 – 5:00 PM Dance 8-12 PM Old School

Euchre 1:00 PM

Sunday Wings Special Music Ken

Fun Darts 7-9:00 PM

Exec Meeting 6:30 PM

Thorne 3-6 PM

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Meat Draw 3:30 – 5:00 PM

Sunday Wings Special

Fun Darts 7-9:00 PM

Euchre 1:00 PM

Byron Gravel Pits and Reservoir Hill. Baseline Rd., Commissioners Rd. and Springbank Dr. converge at the centre, 1970s Photo credit Scott B Floyd

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

Euchre 1:00 PM

Sunday Wings Special Sunday Music 3-6 PM

Fun Darts 7-9:00 PM

General Meeting 7:30 PM

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Sunday Wings Special

Fun Darts 7-9:00 PM

Euchre 1:00 PM

Scan the QR code for our Bar Food Menu

Happy Hour

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

Next Month Preview

August 13 Outdoor Event

Mon-Fri 3-7 PM

Bill Hartop on a raft on the Thames with the Byron bridge in the background. July 1970

Gingerbread House in Storybook Gardens, 1970

Employee of the Month April

Nowadays excellent customer service is considered as the biggest merit that a company can earn. It is the attribute that people value more than good price of a product or even more than its quality. Byron Pizza has always exceeded in customer service and now we’d like to recognize these valuable employees.

Jayden Christmas

Comfort food – Made from scratch!! HOME-MADE FROZEN MEALS

Order a cheese, veggie or hors d’oeuvres tray to go with your Father’s Day BBQ! 519-668-3360 | 746 Wharncliffe Rd South | www.outnbackcatering.ca MONDAY TO FRIDAY 9:30–4 • SATURDAY 9:30–3 Seniors 10% off Monday & Tuesday. Deliveries Tuesdays. The gift of great food and convenience!

Page 14 Byron Villager Page 6 Hyde Park – Oakridge Villager • May 2022

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Byron Pool, 1970

Springbank Park Road Races, 1970 Storybook Queen on the Thames, 1970

Issue 71 - June 2022 Page 15

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the top. Spoon the remaining crushed pineapple into the top of each shot and season them all again with a little rub. 5. Smoke the pig shots. Carefully transfer the shots to the grill grates (or a foil lined pan if using your oven) and cook for 90- 120 minutes, or until the bacon gets crisp. 6. Serve warm. Serve the pineapple cream cheese pig shots warm with plenty of napkins. Enjoy! Play with this recipe! The filling is also great when you substitute the pineapple for fresh dices jalapeno!

Pig Shots Recipe This delicious recipe is provided by Byron neighbour and BBQ enthusiast, Adam Brock, “This is a quick and cool bite size BBQ appetizer”, says Adam. A self-professed “lover of all-things food,” Brock and his family live in a Byron home boasting gorgeous outdoor amenities including assorted grills which allow Brock to work his magic with a cornucopia of fare. Ingredients: - 1 package smoked pork sausage (I prefer hot Italian) or kielbasa - 2 x 8 oz packages cream cheese (softened) - 1 cup crushed pineapple drained - ½ cup brown sugar - 4 Tablespoons of your favorite pork rub (if using a sweet rub decrease the brown sugar) - 1 pound bacon (cut in half width wise ) Directions: 1. Preheat the smoker. Preheat your smoker to 275 degrees F. This method is also adaptable for the oven if you don’t own a smoker. Simply preheat to the same temperature. 2. Make the pig “shot glasses.” If using raw sausage smoke until internal temperature of 165. Slice the sausage into 1/2 inch thick rounds. Wrap each slice of sausage with a half of a slice of bacon so it forms a little “shot glass” of meat. Season the shots with the pork rub. 3. Make the pineapple cream cheese filling. In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, brown sugar, and the pineapple chunks 4. Fill the pig shots. Transfer the cream cheese mixture to a quart sized zip top bag and snip off the bottom corner. Fill each shot glass with some of the mixture, leaving just a little room at FROM THE VAULT

From the Vault is available from local from From the Vault: A Photo-History of London 1950-1975. Photo and caption compliments Jennifer Grainger

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

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. Pig Shot ingredients

Pig Shots filling

Pig Shots ready to eat

STARK & CO. Painting and Trim “Specializing in interior and exterior residential painting as well as the removal and installation of trim and moulding.”

Laura Medina Agent Bus: 519-204-7277 [email protected] Laura Medina Insurance Agency Inc. 440 Boler Rd. Suite 208

Workers with Pride!

Kaedon J. Stark , Proprietor Business Line: (519)-872 0347 E-Mail: [email protected]

London, ON N6K4L2 www.lauramedina.ca

Byron Villager 4 Lambeth Villager • March 2021

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Byron’s D’nA is back! By Rick Young It is often said that every dark cloud has a silver lining. And so, it is with one of London’s newest musical duos, D’nA. Long-time Byronite Doug Sutherland and Andrew Bisceglia got together in 2018 through a Kijji advertisement. Doug had a good long run with his dance band Spinback and was looking for a new project. The two rehearsed together for six months before adding a bass player to perform publicly. They played various events and venues, including two shows at the London Music Club. Then the “dark cloud” of the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Live music venues closed down – victims of provincial lockdowns – and the band’s live shows were cancelled. Nevertheless, they did their best to keep their sound alive through audio file shares. When live music venues began to reopen, Doug and Andrew found themselves a duo once more. D’nA was born with Andrew on lead vocals and rhythm guitar and Doug on percussion and backing vocals, and the duo started booking shows again. Hence, the “silver lining.” “Covid significantly altered the music industry with the closure of many venues,” says Doug. “The majority of venues we play tend to be more intimate in nature and duos like ours are in demand. Our performance setup fits the smallest of spaces or full stages.” The two musicians bring years of experience to the duo. Doug formed his first band, Mother Fixation, in Grade 7. “Our first set consisted mostly of Beatle songs, and we performed our own songs for the second one,” says Doug. “For the most part, we left a guitar case open in the front of the stage for donations. We were basically buskers.” In 1987, Doug settled in Byron while pursuing a career teaching Elementary and Special Education with the Thames Valley District School Board. “Juggling parenting and teaching left me little room to pursue my music. I dreamt of a time when I could get back to it,” says Doug. After Doug retired from teaching in 2012, he quickly reunited with his old bandmate Rob Fetchison to form the 6-piece dance band Spinback, and they performed at many local venues including the Byron Legion. Andrew was born and raised in Montreal and settled in London in 2001. Music has always been a part of his life, with his talents coming from his mother’s side of the family, which was filled with very accomplished fiddle, guitar, piano players, and vocalists on both of Canada’s coasts. “I responded to Doug’s ad with a video of myself performing a Chris Stapleton song,” Andrew says. “He was looking for a musical partner who was interested in exploring material that was not necessarily mainstream or even recognizable, yet ear catching and enjoyable. I wanted to put our flavour on covers, but still respect the original arrangement.” D’nA provides a unique blend of popular and engaging Contemporary Roots Music. Since the return of live music, the band has performed at a variety of venues including clubs and large events. Doug and Andrew often invite additional musicians to join them for larger venues.

You can catch them at Whiskey Rocks in St. Thomas on June 11, The Hermitage Club on June 18, and the Strathroy Ribfest on July 8. You can also visit their YouTube channel (652) D’nA Duo - YouTube

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

Best Wines ONES ARE THE F R I E N D S WITH WE The Hermitage Club - Byron 1040 Commissioners Rd W EVERYBODY IS WELCOME!

Issue 71 - June 2022 Page 17

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