Every year the Southampton Care Centre, along with all Jarlette Health Services homes across the province, celebrate the lifetime contributions of their residents. This year, Ed Hall was selected to receive the coveted ‘Making A Difference Award’ (MADA).
Ed and his family, were invited to a special luncheon in London to receive his award. Staff at the Southampton Care Centre nominated Ed to receive a MADA this year. Here is why.
Ed Hall has throughout his lifetime made an outstanding difference in the lives of others.
He lives at the Southampton Care Centre, down the street in the small town where he has lived for nearly his entire life. If you live here, you likely know Ed. “He was the go to guy”, says son Barry. The all around nice guy. The helpful and kind guy. Ed Hall, a solid small town guy.
Frederick (Ed) Hall was born in Chesley to Frederick and Adela Hall in 1931. He was the 3rd child and only boy smack in the middle of two older and two younger sisters.
His father was a night watchman for a furniture factory and when Ed was 10 his dad landed a day job in Hepworth and the family moved to Southampton. “Been here ever since” says Ed.
Ed enjoyed summers on the beach and fishing and his first job was working for Art Maundrell at the grocery store in Southampton as a teen. Ed delivered groceries for Art for a number of years. Working with the public daily, he learned early on the value of helping folks out. He also “peddled milk”, delivering glass jars for Gardiners Dairy door to door by horse and wagon. He recalls that the horse would often walk unattended around the corner and wait for him, the route entrenched in the hooves making a well worn path around town.
As a young man Ed and his buddies would travel to Owen Sound to the dances held at city hall. It was there at 22 he met and instantly fell for Elda Murray. She was from Walter’s falls and sweet 17. Ed’s sisters lived in Owen Sound so it made it a little easier to see her.
The couple courted then married in 1953. Ed and Elda had four children; Lee, Tony, Dawn and Barry.
Ed continued to ‘peddle’ milk for a few years. Then one day, “I was just standing on the street and Doug Matheson yelled at me across to ask what I was doing…We took a ride in the truck and I had a job just like that.” Ed worked for Matheson’s Hardware as a clerk for 15 years. A general how to kinda guy, Ed helped customers daily. He served nearly everyone in town. He worked for Zeigler’s Lumber later on for 31 years where he minded the store, dispensed advice among building supplies and keep inventory and books as well.
He was a problem solver for many, helpful and kind. He enjoyed serving people and he was good at it. “Yup he was the guy to talk to if you needed something” recalls son Barry.
Ed was also a volunteer fireman for Southampton for 20 years. “When you heard the siren ring you’d see a bunch of us guys running down the main street to the fire hall; Lorne Walmsley, George Streeter, Art Weiss and Floyd Moffatt.” Ed chuckles. The department covered a vast area; from Sparks Corner to Tara and out near the reserve at Sauble. Again, Ed, helped, save lives and property, serving the public.
Ed and Elda’s boys, being the Bruce County sort, were involved in minor hockey and so was Ed. He down-plays his role but he was certainly more than helpful in this endeavour as well. He coached and was on the executive for years, assisted in organizing tournaments and many fundraising efforts.
Ed was part of a group that started the Southampton Mariners, applying to the League to establish the travelling Junior D team. All the hockey parents and kids knew Ed.
Ed also had a passion for golf and was a member of the Saugeen Club since 1959, was on Board of Directors for 10 years and was President for two. He was a founding member of the Southampton Credit Union as well, helping local folks secure loans to build homes or start businesses.
Ed was also a skilled wood tradesman. When he wasn’t working or volunteering, Ed could be found in his workshop. Like his how-to hardware advice, Ed’s carpentry projects still remain in homes throughout town. His furniture, cabinetry, toys and games, decor and more, were crafted by the hands of a man who helped. And akin to the hooves of the milk peddling horse, Ed Hall has left his mark on this town.
Congratulations Ed for being Southampton Care Centre’s 2018 MADA winner.
