On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Incorporation of the Township of Prince, I would like to share some of the memories during my years as Clerk (1972-1993).

The Prince Township office was my home on Riverside Drive when I started my duties and there were no office hours. Residents could pay taxes, lawyers could get tax certificates, the staff payrolls were prepared and phones were answered at all hours. Only tax collections on the due date and meetings were held at the old Township Hall (former school) at Gros Cap. At one inaugural meeting we were having there, we discovered that we had run out of oil so everyone kept their jackets on and it was a short meeting.

I'll always remember how happy I was when Reeve Skip Chisholm and members of Council approved the purchase of our first computer in 1981. This was a tremendous help in carrying out my duties more efficiently.

In 1986 the Township office was moved to the new Community Centre where I worked full time. The metal garage at the rear of the building was assembled shortly after and it was so nice to be able to have a Community Centre of our own where residents could have various groups such as Brownies with Ruby Hendriks, the Senior Citizens Club, Library (which was originally in the basement), exercise classes and the ladies' craft group. A room was also allocated to the Museum. Evelyn Hill was Chair of the Museum, and she is still in that capacity.

In 1987, Rachel Tyczinski (our present administrator) was hired as my first office assistant on a part-time basis. This meant that I would work less overtime and I called her "Mighty Mouse" because just when I needed her most, she was there like a flash.

The completion of the firehall was a dream come true. After realizing that we just could not afford the fees being charged to us for the service, we became the contractor for the construction of the firehall. Together with volunteers and employees hired under a federal government grant program and under the expert guidance of volunteers Dave Blunt, Tom Belsito and Gary Davies, the firehall was completed and became a reality in 1992. The day the foundation was being poured there was a heavy rain and everyone got drenched. I will never forget the commitment and dedication given by our volunteer firefighters, the countless hours spent in training and the willingness to risk their lives to save others. Thanks to the leadership of Fire Chief, Anthony DiGasparro and his team, we are still running a fire department which could compare with any paid department in Ontario.

My fondest memories will always be of the wonderful people of Prince Township and all of the Reeves, Councillors and staff. Everyone was always friendly, kind, cooperative and caring. I will never forget you.