Written By Alice Gibb
When London Township residents celebrated Canada’s centennial on the July 1st weekend in 1967, babies, beards and beauty highlighted the festivities. The event was the official opening of the new Weldon Park south of Arva. Col. D.B. Weldon had donated 17 acres of land and $1500 to create this attractive recreational site - and more than 3,000 people attended the launch of the centennial project.
The event’s emcee was Ilderton auctioneer Tom Robson; special guests included Ontario Minister of Agriculture, the Hon. William Stewart (who farmed on Lot 12, Con. 16) and W.H.A. Thomas, Middlesex North M.P.P. The festivities began with a parade that wound through the community. The Ilderton Women’s Institute claimed first prize for the best float entered by an organization; the Ilderton Junior Farmers won for the best general float.
Like many centennial celebrations, the party featured the traditional beard growing contest. Robert Douglas of R. R. 2, Ilderton took top honors for the fullest beard; the best trim award went to Bill Voyce of R R 4, Denfield. Albert Bannister, then 24, who would become the township’s longtime clerk-treasurer, won the prize for the “youngest beard.”
There was also a competition to choose the most attractive babies in different age categories. Then, 14 young “starlets” from around the area competed for the title of Centennial Queen. As William Stewart told the happy crowd, he was impressed “with the beauty of the girls in the attendance. I think we have the prettiest girls around.”
His remarks proved prophetic when the name of the Centennial Queen was announced – it was Stewart’s own daughter, Barbara, who claimed the title. Her court included Barbara Taylor, 18, of R R 1, Ilderton and Joan Hodgins, 19, of Ilderton. The judges who had to pick three winners from the talented bevy of beauties were Tom Bird, of CFPL-TV and Lobo Township native Angela Armitt, of the University of Western Ontario’s extension office. Apparently like the recent Oscar awards, there was a slight mix-up when Middlesex County warden Harry Ward was handed the wrong envelope as he went to announce the winners’ names.
Another popular and traditional event was the tug-of-war competition. In the best-of-three contests a team of hefty lads from the west of the township defeated the strong men from the east. The celebrations also included a variety show to highlight the talents of other township residents, young and old.
Weldon Park, in the 50 years since its official opening, has become one of London Township’s most scenic vistas, with its attractive ponds and shady glens. Popular with picnickers, hikers and the scene of many baseball games, it also houses a four-acre arboretum, home to over 75 species of trees. A wonderful reminder of Canada’s birthday!
