"The branch of the Boyne River which crosses the road into Beeton, west of No. 27 Highway, was, like all other streams of the district, swollen to danger proportions last Friday night and at this point a terrific toll in lives was taken. Five bodies have been recovered and some neighbours fear that there may be more. ..."

Summary of an interview with D.K. (Dewitt Henry Kitson) Harvey on March 20, 1974. The interviewer is Jack Coleman. D.K. discusses his family history, community involvement (politics, conservation, etc.) and memories of Simcoe County. See the Related Descriptions below for the audio.

Audio of an interview with D.K. (Dewitt Henry Kitson) Harvey on March 20, 1974. The interviewer is Jack Coleman. D.K. discusses his family history, community involvement (politics, conservation, etc.) and memories of Simcoe County. See the Related Descriptions below for the summary.

"The official opening of the new wing of the Simcoe Manor in Beeton will be held Wednesday, June 4. The new wing will have 100 beds, a library, boardroom, married quarters, barber shop, billiard room, beauty shop, craft room, auditorium, chapel, greenhouse and therapeutic pool. The wing, which cost over one and a half million dollars will also be used for those who have suffered from strokes and arthritis. The therapy will include messages, heat treatments, and exercises with parallel bars and exercise machines. The new auditorium will hold 200 people and if that is not enough room, the chapel will open to accommodate more. Simcoe Manor was originally opened in 1898 and was called the "House of Refuge". It was a place for transient people as well as those who were not able to take care of themselves and with no one who could take care of them. At that time, the institution had 250 acres of farm land that was worked by those who resided at the "House". In 1952 an addition was built and the name was changed from "House of Refuge" to Simcoe Manor as it is known today. Past conceptions of the building locally known as the "poor house" to the present image as a home for the aged. Now it is a Senior Citizen's Home. The present wing was started in 1973 although it was planned in the early 1970's. The original building was demolished to make room for the new building. Gone with the old section are the old images. Under the management of Ed Boynton, 65 full and part-time staff take care of the 125 residents. Also there for the senior citizens are four new color televisions as well as the new facilities."

"A crowd of more than 350 people were on hand last Wednessday in Beeton for the official opening of the Simcoe Manor. The guest of honor was the Provincial Minister of
Community and Social Services Rene Brunelle. His ministry paid half of the $1,750,000 cost of the addition to the manor. The rest of the cost was paid by the county. The Reeve of Tecumseth, Harry Cross officiated over the opening ceremony. The manor is located in Tecumseth near Beeton. He introduced the many people who have had a hand in bringing about the addition. He also introduced the present administrator, Ed Boynton. In his speech Mr. Brunelle mentioned that next week is senior citizen's week and suggested it should be a time to stress the positive aspects of old age. At the conclusion of his speech he received a number of presents, among them a handmade lamp. During the ceremony, a number of newspapers, including last week's Witness, were placed in the corner stone of the building. They were wrapped in plastic and sealed in a container to maintain them for posterity. Following the speeches and the ceremony the crowd was given a tour of the building and had an opportunity to see the new addition. The new wing includes a therapy room, an auditorium and a library as well as beds for 100 more patients. It brings the total number of beds to 158."

"Simcoe Manor, Beeton has two spanking new wheelchairs for residents' use. Last Thursday Women's Auxiliary president, Mary Cannon of Gilford made the presentation of the chairs valued at $230. A picture of Jesus in contemporary art was also presented in memory of Mrs. Isabelle Hopkins, a long-time resident and auxiliary worker. The picture will hang in the chapel. Manor superintendent Ed Boynton accepted the gifts in a special ceremony before the auxiliary's monthly public euchre. Seen here are Mrs. Cannon; auxiliary treasurer, Willow Kneeshaw, Mr. Boynton and his wife, Maisie, convenor of the auxiliary tuck shop."