LEFROY/BELLE EWART NEWS
by Linda Gerow

I'm browsing along on the Internet last week and found an item that said Lefroy, Ontario was named for a man called Sir John Henry Lefroy, soldier, Governor and administrator, who hailed from Ashe, Hampshire, England. Intrigued by this information, I searched further to find out how and when he came to this area to leave such a profound mark in the community.

I learned he was educated in the Military, was appointed director of the Magnetical Observatory at Toronto in 1842-53, that he travelled widely in the north on magnetic and meteorological research, founded the Canadian Institute and was awarded a doctorate by McGill University.

He had his first field expedition to the Canadian north-west to measure magnetism. With an assistant and a Hudson's Bay Company brigade, he travelled more than 5,000 miles in the Northwest from May 1843 to November 1844, taking measurements at over 300 stations in an attempt to locate the Magnetic North Pole.

They followed the Mackenzie River as far as Fort Good Hope and visited Fort Simpson in the west. On June 9, 1848, Lefroy was made a member of the Royal Society. Lefroy Glacier and Mount Lefroy in B.C. were also named for this adventurer.

I suppose he could have visited here during one of his expeditions but I couldn't pinpoint the exact time.

So, that is what I learned about Sir John Henry Lefroy and how Lefroy got its name.

Branch 547 Lefroy Belle Ewart Legion News: Hours are Fridays and Saturdays 2-7 p.m and Sundays 1-5 p.m.

Monday night darts begin at 7 p.m. and last about 3 hours. You don't have to be a member to join in the fun. Thursday Euchre continues from 1 p.m.

There is regular and bid Euchre, followed by delicious snacks. You won't want to miss out on that. Saturday Meat Draws: Come out Saturday afternoons and get in on the meat draw.

Everyone is welcome. There are good cuts of meat with four chances to win each week. You can't win if you don't enter a ticket.

Horseshoes: Contact Donny Wambolt a 456- 1176.

Zone Golf Tournament: There are four members representing Branch 547 at the Zone Golf Tournament in June.

They are Jim Clark, Art Enright, Clem Cugliara and Donny Wambolt. Good luck guys!

Annual Garage Sale: On June 23rd the Ladies Auxiliary are having their annual garage sale. Don't miss it. Further details will follow.

Hall Rentals are available with a Smart Serve Bartender as part of the package. A DJ is also available upon request. Phone 431-9231 or 456- 2531 for information or leave a message and someone will return your call.

Congratulations to Country Style on their grand opening in Lefroy this past week. There are a few signs attached to that building so I'm not exactly sure what to call it...Country Style, Lefroy Mini Market or Daisy Mart, but whatever, it's good to have that store open again.

Roast Beef Dinner and Silent Auction: Saturday, June 9th, the Killarney Beach P.S. is hosting a roast beef dinner and silent auction at Lefroy Arena. Tickets are $40 each or $75/couple..adults only please. Limited tickets are for sale so call 705-456- 7644 now.. The school is raising funds for a new walking path.

Lefroy Minor Hockey Association (Home of the Icebreakers) is holding a fund-raiser for the upcoming hockey season on Saturday, June 30th, 2007. Bring your clubs and friends and have a ball!

Proceeds are going to help our kids, so make it a worthwhile day at Big Cedar Golf & Country Club with the shotgun start at 8:00 a.m., 18 holes & lunch for only $60.

Mini putt, putting green & poker fun, hole in one, longest drive and closest to pin prizes. Prizes, raffle table & 50/50 draw and fun scramble style golf. Confirm a tee time by calling Tina Deroy at 705- 456-8034.

Quote: "I'm desperately trying to figure out why kamikaze pilots wore helmets." Dave Edison.

If you wish to contact me with tidbits of local history or church/community events or announcements, please do so.

I can be reached at 705- 436-9769 or lagerow@ rogers.com.