Part one of a series on the Mapleton Historical Society Cemetery Walk.
This year the Mapleton Historical Society took a different approach to its annual historical walk by hosting a cemetery walk.
The event was held at the Drayton Cemetery on Sept. 10.
Society members Debbie Oxby and Marilyn Streeter researched the history of the cemetery over a number of months. Society president Floyd Schieck began with a brief history of the cemetery.
Schieck shared historical information on residents of the area from all walks of life, beginning with Edward Dales (1822-1896). Dales was a farmer, furniture store owner and the town’s undertaker. He considered himself a cabinet maker as he built all the caskets sold. The original funeral home site on Wellington Street still functions as a funeral home.
O.B. Henry, a noted name in Drayton (1867-1936) farmed and operated Henry Hardware. The store was passed down to nephews Clarence and Ralph. Besides selling hardware products Henry’s also sold groceries, feed, coal and fencing. On site was a weigh scale, gas pumps, a seed cleaner and an old elevator system. Initiation of Grade 9 students was a dunking in the store’s horse trough.
Richard Cosford (1826-1904) operated a tannery. A family member, Wellington Cosford, held the position of street waterer.
“Something that residents living in the Main Street bridge area today can identify with during the bridge construction,” Schieck said.
Stirton area farmer Stanley Ellis (1887-1966) moved his family into Drayton, occupying a house and mechanics shop located on the lot between what is now the post office and theatre. Ellis focused on his mechanical skills and sold cars. Schieck noted, “I purchased my first car from Stanley and I’m sure there are a few in the crowd that did also.”
The Ellis family was also known for its bus company, Ellis Bus Lines, with ownership passed through the generations to Carl and Ray Ellis. The company was recently purchased by Elliott Bus Lines. Walk participants recalled riding the school bus that Stanley drove on the back country roads.
Drayton had its own Paul Bunyan in John Smith Bishop (1833-1909), whose employment was in tree removal and clearing of the land. With only an axe in hand, it was rumoured that Bishop took down a tree that was five feet across and 70 feet high. Bishop rebuilt his butcher shop after fire destroyed the building. In later years he operated the Drayton Dairy.
Bishop’s partner in the butchery was Joe Davidson (1872-1959), who married Bishop’s daughter and left the business to become a carpenter. He was also the author of the original Drayton History book.
Another butcher, Louis Cudney (1888-1951), ran a slaughter house and butcher shop.
“The children of Drayton thought they were having the greatest treat when Mr. Cudney gave them a wiener,” Schieck said.
Baker Hugh Waters (1913-1992) was known for baking the best cream buns around. The bakery also sold ice cream cones and was a postal outlet.
The post office outgrew its premises and moved to its current location on Wellington Street. Waters’ wife Dora (1916-2010) was the postmistress for a number of years. The Waters also had premium Hereford cattle that were pastured on the flats called the “cow yard,” now the site of Riverside Park and the Mapleton soccer field.
Drayton’s first tailor, Birtle Amy (1895-1987), offered dry cleaning and pressing services along with suit making. Located on a portion of the land at the corner of Wood and Wellington Streets, Amy powered his equipment by creating his own steam.
Henry Wimmenhove (1903-2000) moved to Drayton from Holland and built homes. He eventually took an interest in politics and ran for municipal council. When elected as Reeve, Wimmenhove made the headlines in Newspapers in Canada and Holland.
“A Dutch immigrant elected to a political position in Canada was breaking News,” Schieck said.
