 |
1967 June 27th Edition of The Herald-Gazette to Commemorate Confederation; Hugh Clairmont Has A Column Written About The History of Music On The Barge - See Below |
 |
IN SUPPORT OF THE GRAVENHURST WINTER CARNIVAL - FOR THE RECORD
NOTE: AS AN OLIVE BRANCH TO THE TOWN OF GRAVENHURST AND THE WINTER CARNIVAL COMMITTEE, WE ARE PREPARED TO REASSESS OUR PARTICIPATION IN THE OPENING CEREMONIES, IF THE EVENT, ON ITS OWN, IS RETURNED TO THE FRONT OF THE GRAVENHURST OPERA HOUSE. THIS WOULD NOT REQUIRE ANY CLOSURE OF MUSKOKA ROAD AND ONCE COMPLETED COULD RETURN FOR OTHER EVENTS AT THE WHARF. AS THE SKOKIE SONG WE WROTE AND PERFORMED WITH OUR MUSICAL FRIENDS, CONTAINS REFERENCES TO THE OPERA HOUSE AND THE MAIN STREET, WE CAN ONLY PERFORM WHERE THE SONG MAKES THE MOST SENSE. THE GRAVENHURST OPERA HOUSE. IF TOWN ADMINISTRATION WISHES TO DISCUSS THE MATTER THEY KNOW WHERE TO FIND US! YOU SEARCH SKOKIE PRESSURE POINT, IN YOU TUBE TO SEE THE VIDEO.
WHILE THIS PROBABLY SEEMS A BLOG, WITH AN UNDECLARED SOLE PURPOSE, OF GRAVENHURST COUNCIL BASHING, IT REALLY ISN'T. BUT I KNOW IT'S GIVING-OFF THE AURA OF A MONOTONOUS TREND. I DO OFFER A PREAMBLE APOLOGY, BECAUSE HONESTLY, I'D RATHER WRITE ABOUT ANYTHING ELSE. BUT HAVING BEEN INVOLVED, AND IN SOME CASES, IMBEDDED, IN QUITE A NUMBER OF TOWN RELATED ACTIVITIES RECENTLY, THERE REALLY ISN'T ANY WAY OF ESCAPING ALL THAT HAS BEEN HAPPENING IN OUR TOWN, WITHOUT GETTING A LITTLE ROAD RASH FROM SOME OF THE ROUGH TERRAIN WE'VE TRAVELLED.
UNFORTUNATELY, WE ARE RUNNING INTO A NUMBER OF CURIOUS, AND OVERLAPPING SITUATIONS RECENTLY, THAT ON PRINCIPLE, PUT US AT ODDS WITH THE MUNICIPALITY. WE FEEL WE MUST OFFER THIS CLARIFICATION TO AN ARTICLE, REGARDING THE GRAVENHURST WINTER CARNIVAL, THAT APPEARED IN THIS WEEK'S GRAVENHURST BANNER, BASED ON A REPORT PRESENTED AT A RECENT GRAVENHURST COUNCIL MEETING.
WHAT WE WANT TO POINT OUT, OTHER THAN TO STATE OUR COMPLETE DISAGREEMENT, THAT THE OPENING CEREMONIES WERE REMOVED FROM THE OPERA HOUSE, IS THAT WE DID NOT SUPPORT THE BIA INITIATIVE, TO STOP THE WINTER CARNIVAL COMMITTEE, FROM CLOSING PORTIONS OF MUSKOKA ROAD....WHICH INCLUDED THE SECTION OF MAIN STREET, WHERE OUR STORE-FRONT IS LOCATED. SO WHEN THE ARTICLE REFERENCES THE BIA DECISION, AS PRESENTED TO THE TOWN OF GRAVENHURST, TO CANCEL THE STREET CLOSING, TO ACCOMMODATE SPECIFIC WINTER CARNIVAL EVENTS, (WHICH WE ASSUME ALSO HAD SOMETHING TO DO, WITH SHIFTING THE OPENING CEREMONIES FROM THE OPERA HOUSE), WE WANT TO MAKE IT PERFECTLY CLEAR, WE WERE NOT PART OF THAT BIA OR TOWN DECISION, AS WE WERE QUITE HAPPY TO HAVE SKOKIE'S ACTIVITIES ON THE MAIN STREET.
WE GOT INVOLVED WITH THE WINTER CARNIVAL, SEVERAL YEARS AGO, BECAUSE IT WAS CENTERED AT THE GRAVENHURST OPERA HOUSE. EXACTLY WHERE IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN. THIS IS THE GEOGRAPHIC HUB OF THE COMMUNITY. THE MEETING PLACE OF THE MAIN STREET BUSINESS COMMUNITY. AT LEAST THE WAY WE VIEW IT, AS TOWN RESIDENTS AND BUSINESS OWNERS. WE WENT AS FAR, AS CREATING THE "SKOKIE SONG," WITH OUR TALENTED MUSICIAN FRIENDS, AND GAVE IT TO THE WINTER CARNIVAL COMMITTEE AS A DONATION. YOU CAN VIEW IT ON YOUTUBE ANY TIME YOU WISH. THE BAND PERFORMED THE SONG, ON THE OUTSIDE OPERA HOUSE STAGE, FOR THE PAST TWO CARNIVALS, AND SUZANNE, MY PARTNER, KNIT, AND DONATED THE WINTER CARNIVAL SCARVES, THAT WERE WORN BY LOCAL DIGNITARIES, AND THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE COMMITTEE....TWO YEARS RUNNING. YOU CAN CHECK THIS OUT, (VIA BLOG ARCHIVES), BUT I ALSO RAN MANY BLOGS IN SUPPORT OF THE WINTER CARNIVAL, AND IN FACT, DID A PRETTY FAIR HISTORY OF THE ORIGINAL MUSKOKA WINTER CARNIVAL, ONLINE, AS IT COMMENCED IN THE EARLY 1970'S, FOR THE THREE MAJOR DISTRICT TOWNS. SO YES, WE WERE COMMITTED VOLUNTEERS FOR THE WINTER CARNIVAL. UNTIL THIS YEAR.
HOW DISAPPOINTING IT WAS, TO FIND THAT THE OPENING CEREMONIES HAD BEEN MOVED, AND THE TRADITIONAL ACTIVITIES SHUT-DOWN ON MUSKOKA ROAD, WITHOUT US EVEN, AS BIA MEMBERS, HAVING A CHANCE TO COMMENT....WAS TO US, ANOTHER EXAMPLE, OF A SERIOUSLY CHANGING COMMUNITY IN THE OPPOSITE WAY, TO WHAT WE CAN SUPPORT IN PRINCIPLE. IT'S WHY WE KNOW THE TIME FOR CHANGE IS UPON US.
WE WILL NOT BE PART OF THE OPENING CEREMONIES, THIS YEAR, BUT WE HOPE THAT THE WINTER CARNIVAL COMMITTEE, WILL USE THE SKOKIE SONG TO THEIR ADVANTAGE, AS WE HAVE RELEASED IT TO THEM FOR ADVERTISING BENEFIT. WE KNOW THEY ARE HARD WORKING AND DEDICATED VOLUNTEERS, AND WE BELIEVE THEY WERE JUST AS CONCERNED, ABOUT BEING RE-LOCATED, FROM THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY, AS WE WERE TO LEARN OF THE DECISION AS COMPANION PARTICIPANTS. THEY DESERVE A LOT OF CREDIT FOR HANGING-IN-THERE, AND MAKING THE 2014 CARNIVAL A HIGHLIGHT OF A VERY LONG AND COLD WINTER. WE DO WISH THEM GREAT SUCCESS.
AS FOR THE BIA, AND THE TOWN, I'D LIKE TO KNOW WHAT SENSE IT MAKES, TO USE SHUTTLE BUSES, TO, IN PART, REMOVE CARNIVAL-GOERS FROM THE MAIN STREET? IT'S JUST ONE MORE CONTRADICTION IN PROTOCOLS, THAT WE, AS MUCH AS WE TRY, CAN NOT UNDERSTAND, AS PART OF THE WHOLE INITIATIVE, TO REVITALIZE THE MAIN STREET. SOMEONE HAS TO ANSWER FOR THIS BACKWORDS-FORWARDS GOVERNANCE IN OUR TOWN. DID THEY REALLY THINK THEY WERE GOING TO SNEAK THIS ONE BY, WITHOUT EXPLANATION? OF COURSE THEY DID! TELL ME THAT IT DOESN'T SMACK OF ARROGANCE AND INDIFFERENCE TO PUBLIC OPINION. AND THEY UNFAIRLY, AS THE CONTROLLER OF TOWN FACILITIES, PUT THE WINTER CARNIVAL RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE.....WITHOUT WIGGLE ROOM TO NEGOTIATE CONCESSIONS. AS FOR PRIORITIES, FILL IN THE BLANKS!
I WANT TO REITERATE, THAT WE WHOLE-HEARTEDLY SUPPORT THE WINTER CARNIVAL COMMITTEE.....BEING THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, AND THE VOLUNTEERS, WHO WILL BE HELPING WITH THE EVENTS. WE WILL DO OUR PART, BY OFFERING ASSISTANCE TO THOSE LOOKING FOR SPECIFIC EVENTS, AND WE WILL MOST DEFINITELY REFLECT, OUR PRIDE IN THE POSITIVE HOMETOWN REALITY, WE HAVE SO MANY PEOPLE WHO SOLDIER-ON FOR OUR BENEFIT. WE WILL HAVE A BUSY DAY IN OUR STORE, AS WE HAVE FOR THE PAST TWO WINTER CARNIVAL EVENTS, AND WE WILL BE ABLE TO SAY, WE GOT HELP FROM THE POPULARITY OF THE ANNUAL GRAVENHURST WINTER CARNIVAL.
ALTHOUGH THE DIRECTORS ARE PROBABLY UNHAPPY WITH US, AND WE CERTAINLY DON'T BLAME THEM, FOR PULLING OUT OF THE OPENING CEREMONIES, HONESTLY, YOU WOULD NOT WANT TO PUT A MICROPHONE IN OUR HANDS....IN FRONT OF AN AUDIENCE. BUT SOMEONE HAS TO MAKE A STAND, OR THIS PATTERN OF GOVERNANCE WILL BECOME MUCH WORSE IN THE FUTURE. WE CAN'T LIVE WITH THAT. WE DON'T THINK ANY ONE SHOULD.
PLEASE CHEER-ON THE WINTER CARNIVAL, BECAUSE, MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL, YOU ARE SUPPORTING OUR HOME TOWN. AND, BEST OF ALL, IT'S SOMETHING FOR THE YOUNGSTERS OF OUR TOWN TO ENJOY....AND CELEBRATE. A GOOD, OLD FASHIONED FAM ILY EVENT. A WELCOMING EVENT FOR WINTER TOURISTS. WINTER'S NOT SO BAD AFTER ALL.
HOW ABOUT A LITTLE BARGE HIT FROM THE PAST - CIRCA 1967? A TREAT FROM MY ARCHIVES
We used to have a whole store-room of old newspapers. For historical research, they are important relics to have at your finger tips, and I wore a lot of editions out (to dust) over the years. I had to pass-on a great many of these, and only have a few left, such as the pages illustrated at the top of today's blog. This was a Canada Day issue, in 1967, to commemorate Confederation. I have borrowed some editorial comments, written by Gravenhurst writer (entertainer), Hugh Clairmont, because it was about The Barge, offering some heritage of the Music on the Barge concert series, still in operation, at Gull Lake Park.
The column is entitled "CLAIRMONT CALLING - MUSIC ON THE BARGE A UNIQUE FEATURE," and was published on page 14 of the special edition. As one of the good friends and supporters of The Barge from its commencement, here are some words from the well known bandleader / writer:
"The opening of another season of Music on the Barge concerts, this Sunday night (July 1967), at Gull Lake Park, in Gravenhurst, must surely establish this attraction as one of the most popular and durable weekly summer festivals, in central Ontario. As has been the custom, in recent years, the first show this season will again feature the Muskoka District Band, comprised of musicians throughout the area, and directed by Dr. Lynn Sergeant, of Huntsville. Since organizing in 1959, this band has developed to the point where it is comparable to most bands in the province."
Hugh writes, "Like the Barge, the Muskoka District Band is unique. The musicians come from centres, separated by up to forty miles. Undaunted by the weather, and counter-attractions, they rehearse weekly throughout the winter, and give at least one concert a year, in Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, and Huntsville. All in all, it is an excellent example of cooperation that exists among the communities of Muskoka.
"The Barge, of course, is in a class by itself, when it comes to concert locations. There are few places on this continent, where musical shows are given from a stage on the water, 100 feet from shore. The natural amphitheatre, situated amid the tall pine trees and picturesque setting, gives the layout a very special distinction, for the free concerts presented by the Gravenhurst Civic Music Association.
"It is eighteen years ago, that the Gravenhurst Town Band, piled into boats, and sailed out to a couple of floating docks, to give the first Barge concert. The acoustics were excellent, and the audience liked the idea. But before it could become an annual institution, bandmaster Ernest Wetton Sr., insisted that a permanent stage be constructed. The floating stage upset his stomach," wrote Mr. Clairmont.
"The permanent stage was soon constructed, and there were several seasons of fine entertainment, with everything from soloists to big bands being presented. The Straw Hat Players even got in the act, one night, presenting 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'. But the old Barge wasn't without its problems. Even some of the participants had their share of rough luck. Robbie Pagett couldn't make his electric organ work, and a scheduled duo concert, with pianist, Horace Lapp turned out to be a solo job for Horace, with vocals by Margo McKinnon. Another night, the master of ceremonies took a wrong turn, and ended up in the lake.
"Just when the old stage was showing wear and tear, world famous trumpeter, Rafael Mendez, gave a concert with the Barrie Collegiate Band, and attracted an audience of 5,000. It was probably the finest solo performance ever given in Muskoka. This set the wheels in motion for all new facilities. The following summer of 1959, saw the completion of a new Barge, which is a story in itself."
Hugh Clairmont writes, "Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip were there for the opening on July 4th. Since then there has been a steady procession of weekly entertainment, each July and August. Some of the most memorable attractions are the Band of the Royal Canadian Dragoons, Howard Cable's TV Showtime Orchestra, Central Command RCAF Band, University of California Band, international jazz star, Buck Clayton, Swift Current Saskatchewan Junior Band, and the Toronto RCAF Band.
"A couple of highlights occurred last year. The NORAD Band from Colorado Springs, Colorado, drew a record crowd of 8,000 and "The Stitch in Tyme," a rock 'n roll band, drew such an enthusiastic audience, that this kind of show is again planned this summer (1967). Year in, year out, the Barrie Collegiate Band, conducted by W.A. Fisher, has proved most faithful and popular. It too, is booked this year. When the Muskoka District Band, takes the downbeat this Sunday night, it will serve as a public fanfare, that the summer entertainment season is underway in Muskoka."
In the same paper, The Herald-Gazette, is an advertisement for the release of "The Light of Other Days - an Historical Sketch of Gravenhurst," at the Municipal Hall, and then to be available at the Board of Trade Office, The Public Library, and Bruce Middlebrook's Grocery. At the "Muskoka Play House - Gravehurst Opera House," there were theatre performances of Neil Simon's "Barefoot in the Park," and then "The Fantasticks," later in the month. Walt Disney's "The Absent Minded Professor," and "The Shaggy Dog," were playing at the Muskoka Theatre (our building), and "Blindfold," with Rock Hudson and Claudia Cardinale, was next on the bill. There was a "Double Horror Show," at the the theatre, featuring two movies; "Night Creatures," and "Monster on the Campus." These were midnight shows.
At the Muskoka Drive-In Theatre, the bill offered, "Frankie and Johnny," with Elvis Presley, "McKlintok," with John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara." The Dusk to Dawn specials, included the movies, "Forty Acre Feud," "The World of Abbott & Costello," "Chamber of Horrors," and "Two on a Guillotine." Coming attractions were "Girls, Girls, Girls," "Follow Me Boys," with Fred MacMurray, and "Batman," with Adam West.
Gravenhurst's Gordon Aiken was our Member of Parliament.
A news story from the same paper, beneath the headline, "Sagamo Still at Gravenhurst," reports as follows: "The famous old Muskoka Lakes steamer, Sagamo, which was scheduled to leave its berth in Gravenhurst Bay, early Tuesday morning, under tow by two work boats, for Port Carling, was prevented from sailing by insurance regulations, when it was found the owners were not protected against loss, during the time she would have been in transit.
"Thus the hopes of the theatrical company, from the summer stock company, 'Theatre 21,' who had hoped to use her for living quarters this summer, near the bridge, at Port Carling, were dashed to the ground. As matters now stand, with no one apparently anxious to assume the cost of insuring the vessel, for her five or six hour trip, the future of the former flagship of the Muskoka Lakes passenger fleet, appears very much in doubt."
Additionally, there was this interesting article, headed, "Cottage Knocked Off Its Feet." It reads, "An estimated $3,800 damages resulted from a freak accident on the shore of Reay Lake, north of Gravenhurst, on Sunday afternoon. Bracebridge OPP reported that a car, owned by Klaus Essenberger, and driven by Klaus Plock, both of Scarborough, smashed into an unoccupied cottage owned by Gerry Turkott, of Toronto, knocking the building from its pilings, over a steep embankment, where it finally came to rest against a tree. Damage to the cottage was set at $3,000 and to the car, $800." No word on the car's occupant.
Today, February 7th, 2014, has been a cold winter day, with a trace amount of snow, and we can still hear the distant echo of all those great old films, that used to play at the Muskoka Theatre...of which we are now, so comfortably accommodated. See you again soon. Thanks for dropping by this Muskoka-themed blog. Lots more to come.
No comments:
Post a Comment