Stories

Germania Nipissing Club #179 *

Honoured by past, present and future members.

Germania (Nipissing) German-Canadian Club Est. 1962

A group of soccer players called “Ted’s Redshirts” first discussed the possibility of starting a club that would have social functions and facilitate get-togethers for German-speaking immigrants. Under the leadership of Rudi Neumann, the Germania (Nipissing) Club was founded on March 4th, 1962. Its membership increased rapidly from the seven founding members to around 150 members by 1964. From the very beginning, membership was open to all Canadians, regardless of their background, and indeed there were many who enjoyed what the Club had to offer.

It soon became apparent that the Club needed its own clubhouse. A property was obtained on Marsh Drive and a group of volunteers began with the construction. Fortunately, there were many members who had a trade in the construction field, but every able-bodied man was welcome. Money was raised by the members, and the donations were called bricks. The ladies contributed food for the hard-working men!

On January 25, 1964, the official opening of the new clubhouse took place, with invitations going out to the German Consulate in Toronto, the mayor of North Bay and the Nipissing MP and MPP. In the evening, a special gala dinner dance was enjoyed by all.

From that time on, the clubhouse was a hive of activity. Foremost were the dance parties, often with live music, and indeed they were always well attended. A favorite was Oktoberfest, of course, and the clubhouse at times almost burst at its seams. The food was prepared by some great cooks, all volunteers. A Fasching, or Mardi-Gras party, was another highlight of the year, with amazing costumes. A special barbecue took place every summer. The Ladies’ Auxiliary provided salads and beautiful cakes for the occasion. And then there was Christmas, with a special children’s party where Santa made an appearance. At one point the ladies wrapped 170 presents!

The Club took part in the annual Canada Day parade with some beautiful floats. It often won first or second prize.

As the years went by, the membership started to shrink. As the children grew up, many moved away to find work elsewhere. Others were not interested in the activities of the Club. The maintenance costs were quite high, and it was decided to sell the clubhouse. One of the members acquired it, with the promise that the Germania Club would always have priority for its parties. Unfortunately, a fire broke out and completely destroyed the clubhouse. It was never rebuilt.

Even without their home, the members did not give up, but were able to rent other places, mostly the Shrine Club, for their parties. Since there was some money remaining from the sale of the clubhouse, the members decided to treat themselves to bus tours. So, over the next decade, a trip convener thought up some wonderful trips, for example, to Kingston and the Thousand Islands, Frankenmuth, Niagara Falls with a visit to the Royal Botanical Gardens and one of the wineries, the Sault Locks, the casino and Mackinac Island. There were also concerts in Toronto and a visit to Stratford. This was another great time for the club members.

Finally, with less money and fewer people able to participate, the trips were replaced with nice dinners and barbecues—occasions where members could socialize, even if they didn’t dance anymore!

In April 2012, members celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the Germania (Nipissing) Club.

The purchase of a leaf in support of the development of the North Bay waterfront offered a wonderful opportunity to highlight the significant role that this organization has played in the community. For five decades, the Germania (Nipissing) Club has served as a gathering place where individuals and families with a German or German-speaking background can network and enjoy social and cultural activities with their peers, and share their heritage with the community.

Contributing members: Elfrieda Bremermann, Marga and Robert Cote, Lottie and
Hans Frenssen, Marianne Gomm, Annett Kaefer, Hella Koziol, Waltraud and
Christine Leonhardt, Helga and Leo Rainer, Ursel and Arndt von Holtzendorff, and
Helga Weiskopf.

Sayer, Bert & Rose #619

Honoured by Audrey Sayer.

Thank you for purchasing a Leaf of Inspiration for Bert and Rose Sayer and for supporting your Community Waterfront Park project. Story to follow.

Roche, Edward Joseph #1910 *

Honoured by Ed Roche Junior.

Edward Joseph Roche was born in County Wicklow, Ireland, January 1st, 1887. He grew up on a farm, ate some days and some days he went without food. He only went to school when there was no work to be done on the farm which was rare. He also worked as a coachman for an elderly lady in Wicklow.

From 1904 to 1906 Ed was employed as a transfer man for Dublin Southwestern Railway between Dublin, Belfast and Londonderry for 8 cents an hour, 12 hours a day.
In 1907 he sailed across the Atlantic , a journey which took 3 weeks, in search of a new life in Canada, working at a Beaverton farm for one year for $300.

In 1908, he walked to Orillia and caught a train to North Bay. His first job, with the city, was to sweep the streets of the wooden sidewalks for two dollars a day. His luck continued as he secured an additional position with the city. These two jobs with the city lasted six months. He then picked up a contract with T & N. O. to clean up every station along the track. He walked and worked his way from North Bay to Cobalt, had two men work Cobalt to Cochrane, and on to the branch lines. These jobs took one month.

In 1913, he landed his first contract with the City of North Bay.
In 1920, he won first place for the best horse and mare at the North Bay fair. He started his own garbage business. He secured contracts in Kapuskasing, Iroquois Fall,Kirkland Lake, Parry Sound, North Bay, Callander, Widdifield, Nobel, Depot Harbour, Algonquin Park and the Dionne home. He had ten teams of horses, four in North Bay, two in Parry Sound, two in Kirkland Lake, one in Kapuskasing and one in Iroquois Falls.

In 1925, at North Bay Old Home Week, Ed had twelve teams of horses on parade. At that time there were only three automobiles in town. The next year he bought his first vehicle, a Ford touring model.

Ed was diverse in his entrepreneurial spirit, raising chickens, selling eggs, and wood, emptying septic tanks and hauling rocks sold as souvenirs, for visitors to the Quints’ home.

When the city started its own garbage pick-up, Ed was employed to organize the job, purchase trucks, hire employees and design routes.

Ed was a shareholder for 27 years in Northern Oil which owned all Sunoco service stations in the area.

Five men, including Ed, started the Georgian Bay Creamery, built in Parry Sound, then bought Johnson Dairy in North Bay, a creamery in Powassan, and built a creamery in Englehart.

He was one of the key figures in the construction of the airport, Ferguson and 63 highways and the Ontario Hospital. He was involved in nearly every community project, from the Agricultural Association, the Humane Society, the Motor Club, Cassellsholme, the Shrine Club, Bay Club, Railway Men’s Club, the Rotary Club and many more.

Ed was a member of the Ontario Parol Board for several years.

He passed away December 20th, 1985.

My Dad was always a positive, thoughtful, giving person. He never lost his temper, loved people and adored North Bay. He had great common sense and enjoyed life to the fullest. He was by far the best person I have ever known.

Ed lived a full and meaningful, purpose-filled life and gave back to his community in so many ways. Ed’s motto? “Live as long as you can and die only when you can’t help it.”

Vander Wall, Connie & Tony #999

Honoured by their family.

Thank you for honouring Connie and Tony Vander Wall with a Leaf of Inspiration and for supporting your Community Waterfront Park project. Story to follow.

Laframboise, Mary & George #204

Honoured by Gerry Laframboise

Thank you for honouring Mary and George Laframboise with a Leaf of Inspiration and for supporting your Waterfront Park project. Story to follow.

Nipissing Law Association #360 *

Honoured by the members of the Nipissing Law Association.

Members of the Nipissing Law Association support their community as employers, counsellors and energetic contributors to the life of our vibrant city and surrounding District.

Beginning in its pioneer period, legal practitioners have championed local causes and shared a desire to work with others to realize community betterment.

A G Browning and J M McNamara were pioneers who opened separate law practices in 1889. Both men got involved in community life from their arrival. Browning was chosen town solicitor by the first council and served for 20 years in that capacity. Appointed Crown Attorney for Nipissing in 1895, he was a founding and executive member of the Library. He served many terms as secretary and member of elementary and high school boards and was a key player in the nail biting 1895 district town election that put North Bay on a path to progress. McNamara served two years as mayor in 1899 and 1900. He was solicitor for Widdifield Township, the T&NO Railway, devoted to his church and prominent in local affairs and politics.

As the town grew, new lawyers established their practice in town. In a cooperative spirit, they put their professional training and skills at the service of their community.

Throughout North Bay and District’s history, legal practitioners accepted the challenge to serve the public interest in various capacities. For example, some occupied the office of mayor, many served as members of council, chairs and members of school boards, hospital boards, service clubs, fraternal organizations, religious congregations, chamber of commerce as well as offering themselves as candidates and elected members of provincial and federal legislatures. There is no area of local life without benefit from the active participation, support, and counsel of the Nipissing Law Association. As individual members, they have been key participants in fundraising for charity and ensured pro bono representation for accused persons long before legal aid.

Many very able and prominent lawyers have practiced in North Bay. Numerous local lawyers have become Judges of both the Superior Court and the Ontario Court of Justice. They have served this and other communities in that role. There are presently some 70 lawyers here serving public and private interests.

Members of the Nipissing Law Association are committed to public and volunteer service and accept their sense of duty to advance community values and encourage good citizenship. North Bay’s evolution is largely attributed to the contribution of scores of dedicated residents from labour, business and professions. From Browning and McNamara to present day, Nipissing Law Association is proud to be a part of its daily life and splendid history.

Kidd, Alex & Mary #1005 *

In 1980 Alex and Mary Kidd moved from Elora, Ontario to Callander and later North Bay, where they enjoyed a quiet lifestyle for the balance of their years. They are lovingly remembered and proudly honoured by their family for their valuable gifts of high standards and worthy values; Stuart and Laurie Kidd of North Bay, Lorraine and Ian McLachlan of Owen Sound, Kate and Walter Blunn of Guelph and Larry and Crystal Kidd of Trenton, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Charette, Roland & Meimi #1507 *

This leaf is dedicated to Roland and Meimi Charette by their adoring family.

Roland and Meimi were born and raised in North Bay. Roland was the youngest of 12 children. Meimi was an only child. They met, fell in love and got married July 15, 1950.

Roland was the proud business owner of Desilets and Charette Plumbing and Heating, until he retired at the age of 62. Meimi worked alongside him in the office as their bookkeeper.

In addition to them being hard working and successful, they created a family of three beautiful daughters, Louise, Anne and Carole. Roland and Meimi taught their daughters caring, sharing, fairness and faith. With so much love their family grew to include six grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Over the years, Roland and Meimi have always been supportive through the good and the bad and always without judgment. Being such strong role models, their daughters raised their children with the same morals and values that have continued into the next generation and generations to follow.

We, the children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, want to let the community know how much we appreciate our parnets’ hard work, loving ways and dedication to family. There is a saying; ” You learn what you live”. If we all have learned even one thing from the lives these two have lived, we will be better people for it.

Your loving family,
We love you.