Wasn’t that a Party
Petrolians from the past, present, and maybe even future, kicked up their heels and celebrated the town’s 150th Anniversary with four days of music, community, family and friends. While the weather forecasters didn’t hold out much hope for sunny skies, the rain held off for almost all the events. The streets of Petrolia were lined for the Petrolia150 parade. Greenwood Park was filled with people from Petrolia and further afield to take in the outdoor concerts featuring top Canadian and local artist Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Kids watched magic, played together and painted up a storm or sped to victory in the Soap Box Derby Sunday. And the community gathered together Sunday morning for a joy-filled church service which honoured the past and lifted prayers for the future. The weekend events required hundreds of volunteers to plan, prepare and host, not to mention clean up. And aside from a few weather hickups, it all seemed to go off without a hitch. In this Commemorative Edition, you’ll find photos from the Hard Oil Music Festival/Petrolia150 weekend as The Independent staff saw them. We hope you enjoy it.
HEATHER WRIGHT, PUBLISHER, THE INDEPENDENT OF PETROLIA AND CENTRAL LAMBTON
HEATHER WRIGHT PHOTOS
People lined the streets for the Petrolia 150 Parade Saturday. Norm Sutherland, below, led the White Rose concert band through the parade. The Sam Roberts Band entertained at the Hard Oil Music Festival that evening. Residents enjoyed a car show Saturday and kids had their own Hard Oil Festival Sunday.
SYDNEY GOODREAU PHOTO
Country music fans filled Greenwood Park
first night of the Hard Oil Music Festival.
favourite Colt McLauchlin opened the event followed by Madeline Merlo before headliner Josh Ross.
Madeline Merlo charms Petrolia
Colt McLauchlin in the hometown spotlight
PETROLIA STORIES:
Petrolia is always home
EDITOR’S NOTE: Petrolia is rich in history. But there are great memories aside from the stories of oil discoveries and travels written in history books and found in museums. You will find Petrolia Stories – memories of times gone by – throughout this edition
I was born and raised on Princess Street and except for a couple of years in Sarnia I have always lived in town. I attended Maude Street School, Central School and Petrolia District High School, now LCCVI.
The town was our domain and we walked or rode our bikes up and down every street, although I do have to admit there were not as many streets as today. When I was in Grade 8 there were too many students for one class so we only attended half a day, 8 am till noon for one month then noon to 4 pm the next month.
When we weren’t in school that year, we were at what was then called “Central Playground.” There were large and small swings, slides, monkey bars, sand boxes, a ball diamond, teeter totters, anything you needed to put in a few hours with your friends. This playground was situated where the Post Office, Exit Realty and Petrolia Optometry is today.
To separate the ball diamond from the street there was a billboard, a huge billboard, like you see on the highways. It was a great place to climb up and sit at the top and view the town.
Now, girls in the 40’s and early 50’s did not wear shorts and long pants, so it had to be a dare that would send you up there. Most of us did it at least once. I have been unable to find a picture of this structure so anyone who has one I would love a copy, even if it just shows in the background of a picture taken on the north side of the street.
In the winter of that year we would spend our off school hours at the pond at the end of Gem Ave. skating. This ice was cut and used in the ice boxes in town. It was stored in a barn on the site and we would sit on blocks of ice covered with straw to put our skates on.
It was a great time to be a kid in Petrolia; the show on Saturday afternoon, the bowling alley, the arena on Tank Street, Brownies, Guides, Cubs and Scouts at the Salvation Army Citadel. There was always something to do and someone to do it with.
Many a game of baseball was played on Princess Street with the neighborhood kids, even had a few broken windows by a flying baseball.
My five brothers joined the military and my older sister married an airman and they all travelled the world but, always, Petrolia was “HOME”.
JEAN (LUKER/JACKLIN) BRADSHAW
We are proud to be businesses in the heart of the historic Town of Petrolia and sharing in the celebration of the town’s 150th anniversary.
Colt McLauchlin’s cowboy boots were the first to hit the Hard Oil Music Festival stage. It was fitting to have the hometown singer kick off the event. McLauchlin’s loyal fans showed up for the act Thursday and sang along to his songs Drink’n Boots and Spinning.
For over a century Bluewater Power has proudly powered the Sarnia Lambton Community.
Although many things have changed in 100 years, one thing remains the same - you can always count on us!
We are honoured to celebrate our shared journey with our Friends in Petrolia. Congratulations on 150 years of being awesome!
Canada Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Tom Cochrane brought his five decades of hits to the Hard Oil Music Festival Friday. He and his band, which included Red Ryder original band member Jeff Jones, kicked off the concert with his rousing classic Victory Day.
Friday August 16
Hard Oil Music Fest fans rock with Cochrane
Petrolia Stories: From a one-room school to LCCVI
Like many Hard Oilers, I was born at Petrolia’s CEE Hospital and raised in the Village of Oil City, just seven miles down the road.
My early years were spent in a oneroom schoolhouse, a rarity today, where I shared the classroom with just thirty students from grades one to eight.
It was there I met my future wife, Elizabeth.
Transitioning to Petrolia’s LCCVI High School was a big change for a small-town kid.
LCCVI had nearly a thousand students, with individual classrooms and lockers—a far cry from the simplicity of my old school.
Some of my earliest memories of Petrolia involve Friday nights when everyone from the county would flock to downtown to shop. My family would get groceries at Forbes Ramsey’s, and I’d eagerly pick out a comic book from Dale’s Bookstore. Afterward, my sisters and I would enjoy ice cream floats at Paul’s Malt Shop. On the way home, my father would make a quick stop to buy Irish Sweepstakes Tickets, much to my mother’s disapproval.
I also recall the Salvation Army Band playing on the library corner and local leaders like Lorne Henderson and Albert Landon holding court and conversing on Main Street. At around
ten, I got my first bicycle, giving me the freedom to visit my grandparents on Nelson Street, often staying with them for weeks at a time.
After marrying Elizabeth, we moved to Petrolia, living in an apartment above Walt Monteith’s Insurance Office. When we both started working, we had a Friday tradition of dining at Tony’s Restaurant, a weekly highlight.
As a longtime resident of Petrolia and MPP for Sarnia-Lambton, I’m proud of Petrolia’s rich history and community spirit. Congratulations to the Town of Petrolia on its sesquicentennial anniversary—here’s to many more great years of growth and tradition!
SARNIA-LAMBTON MPP BOB BAILEY
Friday August 16
with Cochrane
Thursday, August 22,
Friday August
Turning back time with April Wine
Petrolians returned
Festival. Brian Greenway (below) of
told
crowd the tunes would bring them back to the time they were 16. Richard Lanthier (bottom left) and Marc Parent (top right) belted out hit after hit as the crowd sang along. Among those enjoying the show were Annie and Billy Bradshaw, center top left, Elisabeth Fisher and Peggy McGill, center bottom left, Heather Prudhom, center right, Marion Gibbs, top right, Luke Conn, bottom right and Jeff Waller, bottom center.
Sam Roberts Band worth the wait
From the first cords of Brother Down, The Sam Roberts Band had the Petrolia audience in the palm of its hand as it sang along to the Canadian Rock bands favorites as they closed the Hard Oil Music Festival.
Saturday
August 17
Alex and Jenna Norton of Petrolia, right, were keeping an eye on their dog, Marlee, who was camped out in the back of Norton’s 1963 Mercury. Norton’s grandfather owned the car for 35 years and often took the fair ambassador in local parades in it. Alex bought it three years ago and spends a lot of his spare time restoring the classic.
HEATHER WRIGHT PHOTOS
Cohen Bridge, 3, of Petrolia, top left, loved this three-wheeler at the Petrolia Farmers’ Market Saturday. It was part of the Petrolia150 car show. Ellison Yates, 2, above, wasn’t too sure about meeting Bluey during the Petrolia150 celebrations. Ryder Rankin, 1, was wearing his Bluey outfit, but he still wasn’t warming up to him as dad, Reid, held him. And Izzy Simpson, 3, of Petrolia was one of the last children to paint a square for the Kids Petrolia 150 Mosiac. It will be placed on the wall of the VPP rehersal hall on Greenfield Street.
Saturday August 17
Celebrating Petrolia 150
Cars and kids at the Petrolia Farmers Market
HEATHER
Kevin Lawrence, 2, of Petrolia, right, was hanging out with his dad, Gord in his papa, Gary Powell’s, 1948 Chevy 3100 at the Petrolia150 celebrations Saturday morning. Kip McMillian, below, of Sarnia gets a look under one of the classic cars at the show. Kris Cote and his son, Evan, have a chat with Nigel Wonnacott about his classic MG, middle right. Dean Bradley and Gord Perry were taking in the classics by VanTuyl and Fairbanks. And the Fugard family was admiring the paint job of this truck at in front of Oil Well Supply. Cars lined the streets around the Petrolia Farmers’ Market from 9 am until 1 pm and then some of the owners joined the parade at 2 pm.
Thursday, August 22,
Saturday August 17
Celebrating Petrolia 150
Striking up the band for Petrolia’s 150th
There were bands and bells and floats as far as the eye could see for the Petrolia150 Parade. Above, the LCCVI drumline entertained. Town Crier Les Whiting leads the parade starting at LCCVI on Dufferin Street. Abigali Perez Aleman, 10, walks with the Elite Dance Academy. The Petrolia Youth Advisory Committee were having a treat while walking the route. Petrolia Councillor Liz Welsh, who is also a member of the Petrolia Discovery Board, takes a photo of the Discovery’s float before catching a ride with Richard Poor in the parade. Sarnia-Lambton MPP Marilyn Gladu says she got an updated ride this year. Residents lined Dufferin Street to see the parade go by while others anxiously waited on Petrolia Line.
Petrolia Stories
I’m sure that in 150 years of rich history, there are many stories to tell. I want to share the cherished memories of my family in Petrolia. From the young kid days of Christmas in Victoria Park with hot chocolate and chili and the live Nativity, to riding our mountain bikes through Lorne Henderson Park and the Petrolia Discovery in the fall, there were many great days.
I recall the fun years at the Petrolia Fair, with the rides, the rodeo, and the parades. My daughters were at LCCVI in high school where we cheered them on in Lancer style! As a spin cycle instructor at the YMCA, those early morning 5:45 a.m. classes were full of camaraderie and fun. When my mother moved to Petrolia at age 85, experiences like taking her to the library, to plays at the VPP, and dining at Actors were all part of the welcoming feeling you get from Petrolia.
Of course, as well as the good times, there were those various accidents and emergencies and I am thankful for the outstanding service we always got at CEE hospital. Then, as an elected official, I got to experience the many events that Petrolia offers— from Pizzafest, Baconfest, Art in the Park, Harvest to Table, barn dances, Remembrance Day services, and many more. I have been enjoying Petrolia for 40 years and I hope to have another 40.
Happy 150th Anniversary Petrolia!
is lucky to be part of the lives of millions of Canadians in communities across the country, helping to build a strong workforce, business partnerships and local economies.
The Petrolia150 Parade honoured those who served in government current Mayor Brad Loosley was joined by past mayors Dave Hewitt, Bob Crawford, Brian McManaman, Marcel Beaubien, Ross O’Hara and John McCharles. And a clown charmed the crowds with a sign on the back saying he was Riding for Roger.
Saturday
August 17
Celebrating Petrolia 150 Downtown streets filled for parade
One of the furry friends at Jansens Homestead and Highlands was getting its close up moment in the Petrolia 150 Parade. The Petrolia Scouts carried the flags through the parade route and Scott Auto showed off a community project it was working on, the restoration of the Bear Creek Express. Albert Bains military vehicles joined the parade as did a young student from the Petrolia Primary school on her tricycle.
Petrolia Stories
Remembering the joy of Paul’s Confectionary
It seems the older I get, the more I drift back to the days of my youth and the wonderful memories of my childhood. After all, how many can say, they grew up in an old fashioned ice cream parlor and candy store.
Paul’s Confectionery was the name of this delightful establishment, purchased in 1945 from Mr. Ed Fletcher, who had been one of Petrolia’s great entrepreneurs. As you walked through the door, a scene from yesteryear greeted you. Large glass cases displayed row upon row of large metal trays filled with an array of candies, and sold by the pound. Thus sitting atop the display was a magnificent golden scale where these goodies were carefully weighed. After all, if the customer wanted five cents worth of candy, you were careful not to go over the amount as each penny was very precious.
A large cooler was filled with frosty concoctions of every shape and size, including popsicles, drumsticks, ice-cream sandwiches, little “Dixie” cups and the ever popular “bricks.” The manufacturer of these products was the Borden Ice-cream Company. I have fond memories of the posters featuring Elsie and her famous family.
The centerpiece of the store was the soda fountain area. Sitting on one of the high stools, your arms rested on the cool marble counter top and starring ahead, your image was reflected in the mirror encased in ornate woodwork. Milk shakes, ice cream sundaes, sodas and cones awaited your icy pleasures.
Little wooden tables and chairs were scattered throughout the store and if you happened to bring a date, a little secluded area in the rear was where you could pop a coin in the large jukebox and listen to the popular tunes of the era. Many dreamy eyed couples began their romances in that very spot.
Just a few nostalgic memories I will always cherish.
BETTY POPELIER, PETROLIA
HEATHER WRIGHT PHOTOS
Saturday August 17
Celebrating Petrolia 150
Crowds line downtown for Petrolia 150 parade
Petrolia Stories
Unforgettable LCCVI moments
I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have had such a significant role in my life with LCCVI—as a student, teacher, and now as principal of the school. LCCVI stands as one of the cornerstones of our vibrant community, and the bond between the school and the town of Petrolia is truly remarkable. Some of my most cherished moments include the unique experience of attending, teaching, and now leading LCCVI as principal and collaborating with the town of Petrolia on various community events, such as food drives and parades, which reinforce our strong community spirit.
Among the many unforgettable experiences, my most memorable was coaching the Senior Boys Football team to our first Championship in 1997. Winning the championship again the following year and becoming back-to-back champions remains a standout achievement. To this day, I enjoy reconnecting with former players and reminiscing about those incredible seasons.
I feel immensely privileged to be part of such a dynamic school and community. Happy Birthday, Petrolia!
KEVIN MARRIOTT PHOTO
One of the unforgettable moments at LCCVI was the day Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau came to visit. Lambton Warden Kevin Marriott was a student at the time and snapped this picture. Trudeau’s visit is remembered by most as the time the helicopter landed on the field behind the school.
HEATHER WRIGHT PHOTOS
Charlotte Boyd-Wright walks the parade route with her parasol. The Shriners are always a hit and the Canadian Cowgirls rode through the downtown standing on their horses.
Sunday August 18
Even after relocating to St. Paul’s United Church because of the threatening rain, the Petrolia 150 community worship service drew people from all denominations to worship together. Pastor Alex Craig preached on Exodus 13 and 1 Corinthians 2 about the importance of learning from the past, understanding the values held by those who’ve come before us, and holding Jesus Christ as the firm foundation. The service was a partnership with the local churches and celebrated God’s blessing on Petrolia over the past 150 years. A variety of musical acts participated including Ed Babcock on the bagpipes, the Combined Choir, a men’s trio choir, and the Bell Ringers of Christ Anglican Church.
Independent of Petrolia and Central Lambton