A peek from the Town Crier files – Wednesday, August 21, 1996 – Among the over 1,000 guests at the August 3, 1996 Fischer Family Reunion held in Mildmay was Maxine Hessler and her son, Tim. They resided in Annapolis, Maryland, USA. The pair dropped into the Crier upon their arrival and were amazed when they first saw the Commercial Hotel, mainly because they brought along this photograph knowing it had a Mildmay connection. The hotel had been owned many years ago by a brother of Anna Beitz (W.W. Beitz, as seen in the photo) who married Joseph Fischer and moved to Tipton, Kansas, USA.  A daughter, Caroline Fischer, was the mother of Maxine Hesseler who brought the photo to the Crier.  The Commercial Hotel is known today as Harley’s Pub & Perk.

A peek from the Town Crier files – Friday, August 16, 1974 – “Smile Clifford” Says Crier Camera – This giant camera entry by the Crier copped second in the Commercial Class at the Clifford Centennial Parade on Saturday, August 3rd, 1974. The unit, complete with working electronic flash, was completely built and manned by members of the Crier staff. (Note: pictured on the float is the current Crier Editor, Susan Bross)

A peek from the Town Crier files – July 21, 1972 – The Commercial Hotel in Mildmay was getting ready to mark three anniversaries… 25 years since Harley Schmalz and Charles “Chucks” Schmalz started into the hotel business… 50 years since their late father Albert Schmalz purchased the hotel… and 100 years since the hotel building was constructed!  In the above photo, Mrs. Albert Schmalz (left) better known as “Ma” Schmalz samples some homemade soup made by her daughter-in-law Bernice (Mrs. Harley Schmalz).    – Town Crier photo

A peek from the Town Crier files – Friday, August 6, 1976 – Mildmay Playground celebrated “Christmas In July” with a decorated Christmas tree and Christmas games, as well as gifts from a special visitor.  This photo shows Santa getting some repairs made to his bells while on his way to the festivities at the Mildmay Conservation Park (now known as the Rotary Park).   – Town Crier photo

This week’s Peek at the Past photo submission was contributed by Doris Opperman of Formosa.  Pictured are a group of hockey players. Left to right: Herb Weiler, Peter Lobsinger, Alf Schmidt, Adam Fink, Bill Kramer and Billie Wendt.  The year that the photo was taken is unknown.  You are welcome to send in your old photos for this weekly feature!

Staff members of the South Bruce Rural Telephone Company Limited pose for the Crier  during an Open House at the Head Office in Teeswater. The building had undergone extensive renovations and was open to the public for viewing. Left to right: Brenda Ward, Ron Howard, Dave Montgomery, Bonnie Gamble, Blake Freure, Lloyd Hale (Manager) and Bob Montgomery.  Absent for photo was Doreen Hale.

A peek from the Town Crier files – Friday, July 23, 1976 – The Ayton Agricultural Society won a trophy for this float in Saturday’s Old Boys Reunion Parade in Ayton. The weatherman turned on perfect conditions for the big Normanby weekend celebration highlighted by the Official Opening Ceremonies of their new Arena Complex. –Town Crier photo

A peek from the Town Crier files – Friday, June 25, 1976 – Mildmay-Carrick Minor Hockey Association held their Annual Hockey Banquet & Awards Night and special guest for the event was the Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Daryl Sittler. Daryl is pictured presenting the Most Valuable Trophy to four minor hockey players. Left – right: Glen Kuntz, David Kupferschmidt, Doug Breig and Morris Schmalz.

With renovations in the works for the Mildmay-Carrick Recreation Complex, it seemed like a good time to publish a photo of the old Mildmay Arena and Hall.  It was located at Carnegie Park in the area where the Mildmay-Carrick Medical Clinic now stands.  Thanks to Chuck Wendt for supplying the photo.  (Remember, if you have any old photos you are welcome to submit them for this feature.)

A peek from the Town Crier files – Tuesday, June 3, 1986 – The Mildmay & District Chamber of Commerce were in the throes of planning a new “Gateway to Bruce” sign at the southern entrance to Mildmay… but in the meantime hired Rob Dosman (pictured) to give the old sign a fresh coat of paint.      – Town Crier photo