Syl Apps Returns Home for Ribbon Cutting Ceremony in 1950

In 1949 a major fundraising campaign had begun to raise $40,000 to upgrade the Paris Arena with new seating, a press box and artificial ice making equipment. In 1950 the newspaper reported the official re-opening as follows: With 1,700 persons in attendance the newly renovated Paris Arena was officially opened Tuesday night during a colorful ceremony Presiding was Syl Apps a 36-year-old Parisian who won stardom in the National Hockey League as a member of Toronto Maple Leafs. Apps who retired from the big league puck wars after leading the Leafs to the Stanley Cup in 1948, declared the arena open when he cut the red ribbon held at the ice by two Paris girls He was introduced by Ralph Nichol, master of ceremonies. “It seems like only a few years since I was sitting in the rafters of this rink, like so many youngsters here tonight, watching such fellows as Bill Schneuker, Lloyd Kempthorne and Chuck McHutchion, members of the 1929-30 championship Paris intermediate team” Apps said before his ribbon-cutting chore. The former NHL star paid tribute to Jack Knill and Pete Lavoie and others who, he said, “gave boys in my day a chance to play hockey.” The opening ceremony was followed by a hockey game between Windsor Spitfires of the O.H.A. Junior “A” loop and Brantford Burtols, Ontario senior “B” champions. Mr. Nichol said For years we said, “Wouldn’t it be nice to have artificial ice?” but nothing was ever done.” He gave Mrs. Bob Edwards credit for setting the ball rolling. Mrs. Edwards, who was among the honored guests, received a bouquet of roses from 10-year-old Miss Babara Black, petite Paris figure skater Michael Phenner, Toronto, appeared on the ice between periods of the hockey game, with Miss Barbara Thrower,

A 13-year-old Woodstock figure skater. The daughter of Chuck Thrower, a former Paris intermediate hockey star Mayor Arthur Griffiths said the newly renovated arena had been greatly improved and it was something of which all Paris citizens could well be proud. “The town council takes no credit for the present rink,” he stated “All credit must go to the arena commission and those who gave donations and did the collecting ” Music was supplied by the Band of the 56th L.A.A. Regiment and the Paris Citizens’ Band Both played from the new gallery of the arena. This arena is “the Syl Apps Community Centre”

Can't See Ice for Skaters When Paris Arena Re-Opens in 1950

After many delays and set-backs the new artificial ice was finally ready for use and the newspaper reported the following: The opening of the Paris arena on Saturday reached its climax in the evening when it was difficult to even see the ice as 350 enthusiasts blashed over the new ice surface Long before the evening was over the skaters had worn off the surface protection above the paint and were skating on and through the paint in spots. Although the officials knew what was happening, they did not feel that they should curtail the skating which had been so long deferred The rink committee chairman Albert Edgington said that the members were well pleased with the success of the opening day which had exceeded their expectations in attendance. From nine in the morning until 10:15 pm in the evening the day was crowded with activity and excitement. Beginning with three hours of skating for the public school hockey players, the day advanced through two hours skating for the Skating Club, two hockey matches, the Midgets and the Juveniles, and two public skating periods. During all the events many spectators visited the rink to view the new ice and the seating arrangements and stayed to watch the happy skaters. The Skating Club has a record class this year of 85 members starting with staggering young things about seven years of age and advancing to the accomplished young ladies who can do twirls and spins. The gay costumes of the girls made a pretty picture for the spectators to watch In the evening during the last public skating period about 500 residents of Paris came to the rink just to watch the fun. It was an exciting day and only complimentary remarks could be heard on the vastly improved appearance of the arena.

Community Events

EASTER EGG

HUNT – At Lion’s Park (beside the ball diamonds) hosted by CC Alexander Real Estate Sales on April 7 from 11am to 2pm

COLOURING CONTEST AT WINCEY MILLS –Running now until Easter

There will be photos with the Easter Bunny on Saturday, April 8th from 10am to 2pm

EASTER AT ADDIES EVENT –Adelaide Hunter Hoodless Homestead, Egg hunt and activities April 7th from 10am to 3pm

BUNNIES BREAKFAST – at Walter’s Greenhouses, tickets on sale now, starting at $12 each. Come out and plant a bunny’s breakfast!