TORONTO BRANCH - for United Empire Loyalists

Page 4 of 46
Garden party at the home of Mrs. Arthur J. Mercer; a mixed bridge party and tickets sold for Eaton's
Fashion Show. The Annual Picnic was held in June at the home of Mr. and Mrs. H. Stanley Honsberger,
Willowdale. The event was very successful with over 100 members present. The Annual Christmas party
took the form of a dinner under the direction of the Ladies' Auxiliary. The Chaplain, Mr. S. E. Clark,
delivered the Christmas message, and this was followed by carol singing led by Mr. H. S. Honsberger,
and a programme by the Italian Choral Club conducted by Miss Giustina Grison.
The membership was increased by thirty-six regular members and six associate members in 1962.
1963 November
T
he installation of officers for 1963 and the presentation of the 1962 reports took place at the January
meeting. In the following months we had very interesting speakers, including Mr. H. S. Honsberger,
who gave an illustrated address, "The Far East"; Mr. Frank Carrington spoke on "Antique Furniture and
its Care"; Mr. John Rempel outlined the "Development of Ontario's Architecture"; and Mr. Vernon S.
Steven's subject was "Aging Successfully". Musical portions of our meetings have been enjoyable
through the talents of Averill Piers, pianist, who was introduced by Miss Helen Perkins and Miss Alice
Moir, soprano, introduced and accompanied by Mrs. John R. Huffman.
The Ladies Auxiliary have been busy as usual with their Dessert Luncheons held once a month. In April,
the ladies enjoyed a "Pot Luck" luncheon meeting at the home of Mrs. J. C. Williamson in King City, and
in May they met at the home of Mrs. J. Reid Robertson. To raise money for scholarships the ladies sold
tickets for Eaton's Spring and held a Spring Tea, Bake Sale and Treasure Trove in May at the
Headquarters. Before and after the regular November meeting, the ladies are holding a White Elephant
Sale.
The Annual Church Service was held at Deer Park United Church on Sunday morning, May 12th, 1963.
As a departure from the annual picnic, the membership was offered a planned trip to Niagara. Forty
people left on a fine Saturday in June. In the town of Niagara, the group visited historic St. Andrew's
Presbyterian Church, with its unique raised pulpit and old fashioned pews; also the Museum, which
houses an interesting collection of article lent or donated by local families ; then on to the McFarlane
House, which was used in the war of 1812 as a hospital by both sides, and now rebuilt and furnished by
donations from the old families of the district. On the fine grounds the group enjoyed a picnic lunch. Then
on to Fort George, built by the British opposite Fort Niagara. At Queenston, the travellers walked up to
view the fine fine scene up the river. Returning via the Queen Elizabeth Highway, the group enjoyed
dinner at Prudhomme's.
Plans for the annual Christmas party, to be held December 12, are underway.
1964 April
S
By Miss Merion Ketcheson
ince the last report of this Branch to the Gazette, two meetings and the Christmas Dinner Party have
taken place at Headquarters on Prince Arthur Avenue. At the November meeting, Alderman May
Robinson UE, who is Chairman of Metro Toronto Housing and Welfare, and Vice-Chairman of Metro
Toronto Housing Company, spoke on the subject, "It Can Be Fun Growing Old." Mrs. Robinson spoke in
her usual pleasant and sincere manner, telling her audience of present housing for the elderly, and of
proposals for future apartment-type accommodation. The guest soloist of the evening, Miss Marilyn
Duffus, contralto, was introduced and accompanied by Mrs. John R. Huffman, music convenor.