Morningstar

(from Arkona Tweedsmuir)

Elbert D. Morningstar (1858–1917) was born near Port Colborne, Ont. While he was still quite young, his father Samuel moved to a small farm south of Arkona. Samuel bought the Arkona Grist Mill where he was assisted by his sons Alvirus, Clinton and Elbert.

In 1882, Elbert Morningstar married Marcell Beam of Stevensville, Niagara District. Together they set up a home on a 50 acre farm purchased from a Mr. Smith. Since the farm was made up of rolling, sandy soil, Elbert planted fruit trees and soon became a prosperous and very knowledgeable fruit-grower. In the winter he made Victor Washing Machines, berry crates, whiffletrees, neckypikes, and many other articles required in the vicinity. One of his assistants during those years was Edward Richter, who made his home with the Morningstars.

In March of each year the pruning began. Among those who helped were Dap White and Stephen Hartley. During the summer, women and children were added to the work force to harvest strawberries, red and black raspberries, thimble berries, pears, grapes, and plums. The berries were taken to Sarnia in horse-drawn covered wagons. Men were engaged in the fall to pick and pack the many varieties of apples. Mr. George Huntley was overseer of picking and packing operations. Most of the apples were shipped from Thedford to the Fitzsimmons Fruit Co. in Port Arthur.

In the early 1900s Elbert Morningstar bought a truck from David Maxwell of Watford. Then the transportation of fruit to Sarnia and other centres was greatly facilitated. So too was the transportation of pickers to and from the orchards.

The big event of the summer was the berry pickers’ picnic. It was usually held at Hillsboro Beach where there was good food, games, boating and bathing.

About 1909 Elbert Morningstar obtained a franchise from the municipalities of Arkona, Warwick, West Williams, Bosanquet and Adelaide Twp. to build telephone lines and to install phones. The lines were built in the fall and winter by his farm helpers, namely Lorne Murray, Robert Lean, Wallace Martin and Ray Martin. The telephone office was set up in the Harnish home.

Elbert Morningstar bought his first car from a Sarnia doctor at about the time he was setting up his telephone system. It was a one-seater painted fiery red. Soon his son, Ray, had learned the construction and operation of the combustion engine. Ray became the first Ford representative in the area, operating his agency from a small shop in Arkona. Later he established himself in Watford where he sold and serviced cars for over 25 years.

Meanwhile Elbert continued his many operations on the fruit farm. Eventually he was forced to retire. In the spring of 1917, his farm was bought by Stoner Bros., and manager Roy Stoner moved his family to the farmhouse.

Ray Morningstar’s Ford Garage, Watford. Courtesy D Hollingsworth.

Chapter 24 of 25 - Morningstar Family

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