What a party!

It was one big party!
The citizens of Morley Township—both past and present—did themselves proud over the weekend when they marked their 100th anniversary as an incorporated township.
Good crowds were on hand all weekend, which was indicative of how big the party was! Nothing was done small and the parade—perhaps the largest one of its kind in the district for years—was more than two miles long.
About 1,500 people lined the parade route which started on the north end of Stratton and travelled all the way to Highway 11. It was led by Reeve Gary Gamsby and Coun. George Heyens carrying a banner marking the 100th anniversary.
They were followed by bagpipes and drums, about 50 floats, and just as many tractors and old farm equipment. Many families entered floats as did several businesses, including Ken McDonald’s Stratton Community Store and John Gavel Construction.
McDonald, himself, was garbed in historical shopkeeper’s attire. His float was a fantastic rendition of the community store of yesteryear.
After the parade, which lasted about 45 minutes, the official opening ceremonies for the centennial celebration were held just outside the Millennium Hall.
Town Crier Doug Hodge decreed the event officially open and made special note of the efforts of all those past reeves and councillors who made Morley the great community it is today.
“I encourage the citizens of today to stay the course and make this the place to be beyond 2003,” Hodge added.
Reeve Gamsby offered welcoming remarks to the crowd, and also congratulated the centennial committee and all others who made the event possible.
Rick Neilson (Chapple), Gordon Prost (Rainy River), Dennis Brown (Atikokan), Ken McKinnon (La Vallee), Glenn Witherspoon (Fort Frances), John Amundsen (Dawson), and Russ Fortier (Emo) also were on hand to offer their best wishes and congratulations to Morley on behalf of their respective communities.
Ontario NDP leader and local MPP Howard Hampton brought greetings and congratulations from the provincial government.
“This is truly a community where people realize what you can do as a community rather than as individuals,” said Hampton.
Local MP Robert Nault sent his regrets for not being able to make it. Centennial co-chair Moe Henry presented the township with a certificate from Nault.
Three of the oldest residents of Morley were recognized. Ethel Shrumm, Florence Watts, and Dennis Armstrong were given special seats right in front of the stage and received a round of applause from the crowd.
The youngest resident is Micalya Jolicouer.
Moe Henry also dedicated some special commemorative stones in the flower bed on the southwest corner of the Stratton curling club. Ken and Cindy Noble donated them in memory of pioneers who helped make Morley the great community it is today.
Elder citizen Florence Watts has been writing poems and songs for years. Her granddaughter, Jolayne Davidson (nee Advent), read a poem she had written about Stratton.
Carolyn Kreger (nee Morken) and Renee Martin then led the crowd in a song Kreger wrote. “Stratton—A Town to Sing About” was sung to the tune “Something to Sing About, This Land of Ours.”
Reeve Gamsby thanked the ladies for the song, saying, “It so beautifully captured the history of our town.”
The rest of the weekend featured an antique tractor show, a music jamboree that saw the Whalens reunite on stage, magic and hypnotist shows, clowns, historical displays, an old-time baseball game, a loggers/farmers competition, and many, many family and school reunions.
More than 700 people attended the Kiwanis steak dinner Saturday and another 500-plus attended the dinner theatre Sunday evening.
Everyone said they had a great time. “It was absolutely fabulous. It was everything we had hoped for and more!” centennial co-chair Telford Advent enthused.