Ten years ago — 2000
The province will provide further financial support for a reconstruction project on Queen Street in the West Ward. The Ministry of Environment and Energy will contribute $370,000 toward the $1.2 million project.
The first annual Wildwood Dragon Boat Challenge is slated for the Wildwood Conservation Area on June 3. With the success of area dragon boat festivals in Stratford, London, Waterloo, Guelph and Woodstock, the popularity of dragon boating is still on the run.
25 years ago — 1985
Five former directors were honoured for long-time service to the Blanshard Mutual Fire Insurance Company. They are: Harry Burgin, for 24 years; Carson Lamond, 17 years; David White, 26 years; Alex Irvine, 28 years, and Herb Sparling, 19 years.
The National Victoria and Grey Trust Company was advertising the RRSP interest and 12.4 per cent for five year GICs.
The Town of St. Marys is eligible for a provincial grant of $1,063,414 for the proposed upgrading of the municipality’s water system. The grant would be used for the construction of a new well, a water storage tank, and trunk watermains, and for the upgrading of the exiting distribution system. The estimated total cost of the project is $2,417,950. Two proposed sites were being considered at Domtar Packaging on James Street South.
Feb. 4, 1985, marked the end of an era for the Loyal Orange Lodge No. 707, Purple Hill, Downie after 129 years. Records and possession of the Lodge date back to 1872, and are complete to this date. The first meetings were held in homes and in 1882, it was decided to build a frame building at a cost of $243 raised by the  members.
50 years ago — 1960
At a special Town Council meeting, attended by all members, the contentious issue of the sale of a part lot  to the St. Marys Public Library came up for an airing, and a decision as to whether the same should be sold to the Bell Telephone Co., for the construction of a new dial business. Two councillors voted to sell, two voted against and two others abstained. Mayor Timms cast the deciding vote to sell the strip of land, which originally was given to the town by the late Sidney Fraleigh, for use as a marketplace.
A one-storey brick school, estimated to cost $180,000, for a the building and furnishing — will be built on an eight-acre site five miles northeast of Crumlin on the Rebecca Sideroad. It will include eight classrooms and general purpose playroom. When it is opened in September, five one-room schools and a two-room school will be closed. An estimated 243 children will attend the new school.
Several families from the community attended the CKNX Barn Dance in Stratford, which was sponsored  by LOL 1762, Lakeside. (New Eden)
75 years ago — 1935
The latest news in this vicinity is hydro. There are quite a number who are anxious for it, and Mr. Hughes of London was here the latter part of last week, looking over the situation.
Also — Those living on the highway, who do not travel the off roads, have no idea that there is so much snow. The townline, west of the village, has been impassable for cars, but on Sunday last, one managed to get through. (Prospect Hill)
100 years ago — 1910
Messrs. Fred and John Hanson, who have disposed of their jewelry business expect to leave town shortly. Mr. Fred Hanson expects to go into partnership with Mr. R.N. Northgrave in the boot and she business in a western town. Mr. John Hanson will take a course in optical work at Toronto before trying his fortune in the West.
For Sale — Cheap: Good Blanshard Business comprising a brick blacksmithing shop with gangway, brick cottage with kitchen, lumber shed and a good stable. There is a half-acre of land with all kinds of fruit tree. The property is situated on a corner, two miles west of St. Marys, opposite a store and post office in Rannoch, also a good school. Write or apply to Mr. M.S. Bailey, St. Marys.
The newly organized company of St. Thomas and Owen Sound Capitalists known as the Horse Shoe Quarries Co. expect to start operations at the quarries shortly and expect to employ a larger number of men than ever before.
Mrs. L.L. Follich will receive for the first time since her marriage on Thursday and Friday afternoon and evening, March 10th and 11th, at her home, corner of James and Elgin Streets. (News About Town)