Remembering When with Harold Sider

By Belinda Wilson

Originally Published in the North Kawartha Times, circa 1985

“When I started out, I could sell a bone china cup and saucer for 99 cents. Back then the prices were set by the manufacturers and the suppliers. Today prices are open for variation,” explained Harold Sider of Sider’s Specialties as he contemplated retirement. Harold says Fenelon Falls has changed a lot since he went into business 34 years ago [in 1951].

“I can remember back to those days when our first water system was put in town. Before that, the water system was connected to a privately owned water system that was gravity-flow operated from a spring somewhere in the northern part of the village,” he reminisced. “In winter the tap had to be opened on the street in order for the system not to freeze up. Great mounds of ice would accumulate. It was quite a sight.”

Harold continued to recall his move to the area and some experiences that go along with it. “I have always been a great booster of the community and always will be,” said Harold. Harold was a member of the District Chamber of Commerce for 25 years.

“We (he and his wife Belle) will miss dealing with the people of Fenelon Falls, the cottagers and the tourists whom we have made some very close friends with over the years,” he continued. His wife and two children, Ronald and Carolyn, moved to Fenelon Falls with him at that time, and in a few years, Douglas and Francis were born in Lindsay.

After having been in business for five years, in the fall of ’56, Harold started to build a building on the corner of Colborne Street close to the canal. [Later Stokes on Trent, now the Lil Wee Quilt Shoppe and Abeck Accounting]. The building contained two stores and four apartments above.

Harold noted that he had to overcome a few obstacles that popped up as he tried to get the building finished. At one point he had to call in Ontario Hydro to get a power line to enter the building because the town council wouldn’t give him the go ahead. He said that most of the problems arose between the difference of opinions between himself and council at that time. “I was a new-comer. I think the old establishment didn’t appreciate a new-comer,” he said, smiling.

A year later, after he started building, he opened his jewellery store at the new corner location and I.G.A. opened on the other side of the building he built. “When I do something, I really try to go all the way. I guess you could say I work with both feet in the door.” His ‘Grand Opening’ was a great success. Harold had CKLY broadcast directly from the store on opening day. “We had all kinds of give-a-ways from luggage to diamonds. There was wall to wall people in the store all day long. I think this project gave a great start to business, he said, adding, “It was very expensive to do, but it was worth it.”

Harold also mentioned that when he later opened Sider’s Specialties next door (when I.G.A. moved out) he used the same idea with CKLY broadcasting live from the store. A year after the opening of the new jewellery shop, Harold’s first wife [Ruth] died. About that time, he found himself in financial difficulty and almost went bankrupt, but a strong will and lots of determination pulled him through that crisis.

In 1960 he married Belle Carrington. “She was brave enough to raise 4 children, and she has done a marvellous job. Each child considers her their mother,” he said. “Belle and I have worked together in both businesses,” he explained, adding “we have been a team through many hardships.”

It was 6 ½ years ago that Harold and Belle sold the jewellery store because looking after the two stores had become quite a task. It is now 17 years since the opening of Sider’s Specialties and Harold says it is time to move on. Harold would like to thank Joan Childs for the help and friendship she has given to both of them for the past 15 years. “Joan has been the most conscientious worker we’ve ever had,” Harold said. Fenelon holds a lot of good memories for Harold and Belle which they will never forget.

After retiring, Harold says he and Belle plan to travel. “I plan to keep busy with gardening, photography, and landscaping,” he said. Harold says he’ll be able to find time to landscape around his new home which he helped design and build. He also skis, both cross country and downhill. “I have enough hobbies not to get bored,” he said, laughing.  Harold and Belle have provided the community with friendly service over the years and are wished much happiness and success in their future endeavours.”