Old News

Ten Years Ago

August 21, 1997

DOWNLOADING: "An unavoidable bill from the province may cost Westmount less than $1 million, Mayor Peter Trent said upon his return from Quebec City, where he met with Municipal Affairs Minister Remi Trudel this week. This is significantly less than the $4 million price tag which is still in the air as municipal representatives argue on how to divide $500 million worth of downloading from Quebec. 'He did not reject out of hand the idea that downloading should be based entirely on school transit costs,' Trent said. 'There is a faint ray of hope that the UMQ proposal will not see the light of day.'"

Twenty-Five Years Ago

August 19, 1982

COPS REDUCED: "Westmount's top-rated MUC police station 23 will lose 17 members Sept. 12, thereby reducing police strength here to the lowest ever. The MUC shift of personnel was done without consultation of City officials. The 15 per cent cut from this station has brought anger from city council, citizens and police alike."

Thirty-Five Years Ago

August 17, 1972

HILARIOUS HATS: "Tomorrow is Looney Lid Day, a contest for and judged by the children. The object is for each child to make and wear the craziest or most original hat he can think of. The contest gets under way at the artificial ice rink at two o'clock. Parents and children are also invited to attend a show called 'Bits and Pieces' which will feature the Westmount Twirlerettes, a gymnastic display, and a rhythmic and jazz presentation."

Fifty-Five Years Ago

August 22, 1952

BERLIN BALLERINA: "During the last frightening years of World War II. When Berlin was being pulverized by Allied bombers, an outstanding European ballerina strove to perfect her dancing technique in a crowded shelter below the city. She was Madame Zeda Zare, former prima ballerina of the Berlin Ballet Company, who says that the numerous aspirants of the 'dance' escaped frayed nerves during the bombing through constant practice. Madame Zare, now residing in Westmount, will open a ballet school at 353 Prince Albert Street with classes commencing Sept. 1.

Sixty-Five Years Ago

August 20, 1942

LOCAL HERO: "Operating the rudder bar of the plane with his hands after the machine had been riddled with bullets, and his two companions had been seriously wounded, Sgt. Observer John K. Bell of Westmount helped bring the bomber back to the airdrome, saving the lives of the pilot, wireless operator and gunner, as well as landing the plane safely on English soil. The courage of the young Westmounter and the pilot is cited as an outstanding example of heroic action in the records of the RCAF."