NEWS RELEASE          For release Aug. 8, 2008

Launch of Southampton Remembered book

The book presents a superb collection of period photographs to complement the recollections of Southampton residents. This is truly a beautiful publication that would make a wonderful addition to your literary collection, or a perfect gift to friends and family.

The 150th Committee will hold a book launching at 11 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 11 at the 150th Store on High Street, Southampton (next to Designing Women)

Coordinator Jill Roote has invited last Southampton mayor Art Eby, Saugeen Shores mayor Mike Smith, and the "seniors" interviewed for the book, along with Anne Judd and Julie Fitzgerald, who did the interviewing. 150th Committee members will appear in period costume.

The book is third in a series of 150th anniversary publications. Previously the committee published the Then and Now souvenir calendar and the Beaches and Beacons historical booklet.

The souvenir edition of Southampton Remembered is $20, at the 150th Store on High Street, next to Designing Women. The store is open 10-6, seven days a week, except Thursday, 10-8. The book is also available at Southampton Visitors' Centre in Town Hall and at the Port Elgin Tourist Office.

While at the 150th store, see the souvenirs available, pick up the latest events flyer and buy tickets to selected 150th events.

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THE BOOK

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SOME SAMPLE MEMOIRS

Madge Trelford remembers that her family kept an ice house on Clarendon Street. They sold blocks for about a quarter, to people with ice boxes, both year-round residents and cottagers. Kids who came with their dads for ice liked a sliver to suck on. Her brothers harvested the ice and put it up in sawdust. "Hard work!" Madge said. "There was always enough ice to last all summer." They would dig the big blocks out of the sawdust and haul them down to their shop on the south bank at the mouth of the Saugeen River.

Hartley Doran remembers that at the Southampton harbour he and his brothers had a shed where they sold fish and also packed 60-pound boxes of fish in ice that went out by train to city markets. They sold whole herring and trout, and filleted whitefish. Fishing season began when the ice went out, and ended late in fall, after all the gear was cleaned and stored. Work days started early. "We'd be out on the Lake by seven, and stay out until three o'clock or so, then come back to the shed and pack the fish for shipping."

Cindy Cartwright worked for Helen Mahon: "I don't know how many times a customer would ask for whitefish and Helen would send Allan running down to the boats to get a fresh fish. When I was young the Southampton harbour was full of fishing boats -- Pilons, McLays, Jacksons. I remember nets drying on strange-looking racks."

Laura Macaulay recalls, "The harbour was always a busy spot. I remember the freighters bringing in loads of coal and lumber and we had a large fishing fleet. Our main street -- which is High Street -- was very busy. We had five grocery stores, two butcher shops, two pool rooms and three ice cream parlours!"