Stratton turns 100!

Ken Johnston
Editor

They kicked off their 100th birthday with the roar of police special Harley Davidson motorcycles in Stratton last Tuesday.
July 1st marked the official 100th anniversary of the incorporation of Morley Township (Stratton) and to mark the event the town held a special dedication ceremony at the town hall and later the townspeople were treated to the incredible Ontario Provincial Police Golden Helmets precision motorcycle team.
After Jodi Brown lead the crowd of about 150 at the town hall in O’Canada, Reeve Gary Gamsby welcomed everyone.
In an effort to honour the first council of Stratton, Reeve E.J. Boucher and councillors A. Anderson, G. Ball, W. Dormer and J. Robertson, council had a flower bed constructed in front of town hall and flowers were planted in their memory. Father James Panikulam, of the Catholic churches in Pinewood and Rainy River blessed it and performed the dedication.
In memory of all past councils and town employees a lilac tree was also planted in front of the town hall. The Rev. Phil Friesen of the Christian Fellowship Chapel dedicated and blessed it.
Friesen noted that because of the dedication and efforts of past councils the community is fortunate to have Morley Manor, the senior’s drop in centre and the recreation centre. “As councillors they agonized over money and made wise decisions even in tough times. Today we recognize and honour them.”
Reeve Gamsby said, “Hopefully those two things that are living, will be good remembrance of those who served us in the past.”
Reeve Gamsby received several presentations and congratulatory remarks from Atikokan, LaVallee, Rainy River, Chapple, Emo, MPP Howard Hampton and RRDMA President Val Pizey.
Before sending the crowd from the town hall, Gamsby said, “It is a very humbling experience to think of all the people that have given up there time to represent this municipality and make it a very vibrant community!”
The crowd there joined a crowd of about 300 on Highway 11, which was closed for about 30 minutes to allow the Golden Helmets perform.
After the show everyone was invited into the Stratton Millennium Hall to enjoy birthday cake and refreshments.