This column, for this issue only, has been moved to the front page, to do honor to one of the finest "young" men that have gone forth from the "Old Forty" in the past half century. There are a great many people in Grimsby and the Township who know him personally. But he is known, not by thousands but by millions over the air waves. I refer to Andrew D. Clarke, the subject of this sketch. Andy to you but "Nibsey" to me.
Andy Clarke, the Neighbourly News Commentator over CBL every Sunday morning, for the Weekly Newspapers of this province, is a Grimsby boy, bred and born, and a boy that his great legion of friends in this district feel mighty proud of.
He was born in the little frame house that stands at the top of Clarke Street, just around the corner off Ontario Street. He has perfect proof of that, for as a hustling devilish lad of 8 years, his father gave him a jackknife and "Nibs" proceeded to carve his initials "A.D.C." in one of the stones in the foundation and those initials are very visible today. Anyone curious enough to go and look will find them on the north side of the building.
Clarke Street was named after his "Uncle Bill" who for many years was a stalwart municipal campaigner...The street received its name from "Uncle Bill" as he donated the land from Maple Ave. to Elizabeth Street for the purpose of opening up that thoroughfare. He also donated the land that for years was Victoria Park, which when the Queen Elizabeth Way went through was all carved to pieces... [description of his career]
Andy is a true son of the Grimsby Fruit Belt. His father was George Clarke, Veterinary Surgeon to the whole district for years. The Clarke family trace their genealogy tree back to the family of Colonel Shaw, Lieutenant-Governor of "Muddy York" (now Toronto), whose daughter was betrothed to General Brock, who lost his life at Brock's Monument, in defence of Canada in 1812. His mother was Amanda Zimmerman, of the old Lincoln Militia. His sister Mrs. W.F. Randall is now residing with her daughter, Mrs. Cliff. Milne at Fruitland...
