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Dave Trimble 1915 - 1997

By AILEEN POWER
Of The Observer
BEACHBURG - Standing in his living room, Dave Trimble is surrounded by the world he has created. Horses stretch out their sinewy legs. in full gallop, dogs lay down for a sleep, farmers are set to hitch up their wagons and owls keep watch over everything.

It's a world carved from blocks of butternut, pine and sumac by Mr. Trimble who whittled his first dog out of a piece of pine in 1971. Renfrew County audiences will recognize Mr. Trimble from appearances in the annual Irish play and when he performs with the Pembroke Legion Band
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He augmented these-hobbies by carving 20, years ago. because he wanted something to do. Since then he has sold his carvings at craft shows across the province in Toronto, Windsor, Chatham and London. He quit the craft show circuit seven years ago, when the cost of travelling amounted to more than what he was earning but not before he won three ribbons at the International Carving Show in 1983
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Many people want to learn how to carve, but they don't concentrate, says Mr. Trimble. He starts out with pieces of slabwood he obtains from John Bromley's sawmill, indents the eyes and other features allowing air in so the drying process can start. He then puts it aside to make sure it doesn't crack.

The shape of the branch or wood, closeness of growth rings gives Mr.Trimble his carving ideas. When putting knife or chisel to wood, he finds the most difficult part is keeping human and animal body parts in proportion. "When first starting I knew what a horse looked liked, but then again I really didn't, because becoming knowledgeable about anatomy takes a while."

Sometimes, Mr. Trimble uses lilac wood but because it has a natural twist, its more suitable for small items such as the broachs he carves.
Most days find him in his shop carving from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day and usually working on more than one item at a time. The final step is to sand the item a little, usually with a round rasp, before applying a coat of shellac.

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Pembroke Observer article on Dave Trimble
1976
Beachburg, Ontario


Credits:
Pembroke Observer

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A typical craft fair display of Dave Trimbles work including his prized display sign "Carving Cravings" , carved in relief from Staghorn Sumac.

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Carving Cravings, Dave Trimbles prized display sign
1980
Beachburg, Ontario

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3 squirrels carved in 1992 and 83 by Dave Trimble of Beachburg, Ontario Now part of a Kemptville Ontario area collection.

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3 squirrels carved by Dave Trimble
1982 and 83
Beachburg, Ontario

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Comic figures carved by Dave trimble of Beachburg Ontario in the 1980's and now part of a Houston Texas collection

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Carvings by Dave Trimble
1980's
Beachburg, Ontario

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Deer Head paper weight carved by Dave Trimble of Beachburg Ontario in 1985 and now part of a Kingston On area collection

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Deer Head paper weight carved by Dave Trimble
1985
Beachburg, Ontario

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Horsehead paper weight carved from Cedar by Dave Trimble of Beachburg Ontario in 1971and now part of a Houston Texas area collection.

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Horsehead paper weight carved from Cedar by Dave Trimble
1971
Beachburg, Ontario

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Moose from Maple, carved by Dave Trimble of Beachburg Ontario in 1994 and now part of a Houston Texas area collection.

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Moose from Maple, carved by Dave Trimble
1994
Beachburg, Ontario

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Moose plaque, carved by Dave Trimble of Beachburg Ontario about 1972, now part of a Blind River Ontario collection

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Moose Plaque carved by Dave Trimble
1972
Beachburg, Ontario

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Name and spoon and fork, carved by Dave Trimble of Beachburg Ontario in 1980 and 1985. Now part of a Kemptville Ontario area collection.

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Name and spoon and fork, carved by Dave Trimble
1980-85
Beachburg, Ontario

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Owls by Dave Trimble of Beachburg Ontario . Carved in 1992 and now part of a Houston Texas area collection. The Owl with the "Mortar-board" Dave called "The Graduate" and it was popular as a graduation gift.

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Owls by Dave Trimble
1992
Beachburg, Ontario

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Sumac Owles carved by Dave Trimble of Beachburg Ontario and now part of a Blind River Ontario area collection.

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Sumac Owls carved by Dave Trimble
1985
Beachburg, Ontario

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One of many broaches carved by Dave Trimble of Beachburg Ontario, 1975 - 1995

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One of many broaches carved by Dave Trimble
1975-95
Beachburg, Ontario

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A collection of Dave Trimble , Beachburg Ontario broaches, 1975 - 1995

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A collection of Dave Trimble
1975-95
Beachburg, Ontario

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Sheep, carved in 1972 by Dave Trimble of Beachburg Ontario.

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Sheep, carved by Dave Trimble
1972
Beachburg, Ontario

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Owl carved by Dave Trimble of Beachburg Ontario from Butternut in 1986 and now part of a Kingston On area collection

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Owl carved by Dave Trimble from Butternut
1986
Beachburg, Ontario

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Owl figurine carved by Dave Trimble of Beachburg Ontario about 1985, now part of a Blind River Ontario area collection.

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Owl carved by Dave Trimble
1985
Beachburg, Ontario

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Owl Plaque carved by Dave Trimble of Beachburg Ontario about 1985, now part of a Blind River Ontario collection.

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Owk Plaque carved by Dave Trimble
1985
Beachburg, Ontario

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Deer Head broach carved from Birds Eye Maple by Dave Trimble of Beachburg Ontario and now part of a Pembroke Ont area collection.

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Deer Head broach carved from Birds Eye Maple by Dave Trimble
1980's
Beachburg, Ontario

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This was the second carving Dave Trimble created after he began carving in 1971. It remains in the family.

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The second carving of Dave Trimble
1971
Beachburg, Ontario

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A Dave Trimble of Beachburg Ontario Dog carving from the early 1970's

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A Dave Trimble Dog carving
1970
Beachburg, Ontario

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A Dave Trimble of Beachburg Ontario Dog carving from the early 1970's

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A Dave Trimble Dog carving
1971
Beachburg, Ontario

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A Dave Trimble of Beachburg Ontario Dog carving from the early 1970's

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A Dave Trimble Dog carving
1972
Beachburg, Ontario

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One of a set of 6 Huskies carved by Dave Trimble of Beachburg Ontario in the late 1980's for a Deep River area Husky breeder.

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One of a set of 6 Huskies carved by Dave Trimble
1887
Beachburg, Ontario

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Sad dog carved by Dave trimble of Beachburg Ontario in 1983 and now part of a Kingston On area collection

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Sad dog carved by Dave Trimble
1983
Beachburg, Ontario

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Plaque carved in 1988 by Dave Trimble of Beachburg Ontario and now part of a Houston Texas area collection.

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Plaque carved by Dave Trimble
1988
Beachburg, Ontario

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Hound Dog Plaque. Dave Trimble of Beachburg Ontario carved many of his figures in both Plaque and Statuette form. Carved in the early 1990's , one can see a marked evolution from the style of the 1970's carvings.

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Hound Dog Plaque by Dave Trimble
1992
Beachburg, Ontario

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Walking Hound. Carved in early 1990s . by Dave Trimble of Beachburg Ontario and now part of a Houston Texas area collection.

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Walking hound-dog, carved by Dave Trimble
1991
Beachburg, Ontario

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Running hound-dog carved by Dave Trimble of Beachburg Ontario from Pine in 1994 and now part of a Houston Texas area collection..

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Running hound-dog, carved by Dave Trimble from Pine
1994
Beachburg, Ontario

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Hound taking the scent. Carved in 1997 by Dave Trimble of Beachburg Ontario and now part of a Kingston On area collection.

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Hound taking the scent, carved by Dave Trimble
1997
Beachburg, Ontario

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Baying Hound. Carved in early 1990's by Dave Trimble of Beachburg Ontario .

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Baying Hound, carved by Dave Trimble
1992
Beachburg, Ontario

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Baying Hound Plaque carved by Dave Trimble of Beachburg Ontario about 1994, now part of a Blind River Ontario collection.

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"Baying Hound" plaque carved by Dave Trimble
1994
Beachburg, Ontario

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Horse carved by Dave Trimble of Beachburg Ontario about 1995

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Horse carved by Dave Trimble
1995
Beachburg, Ontario

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Donkey mother and son carved by Dave Trimble of Beachburg Ontario in the late 1970's

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Donkey mother and son carved by Dave Trimble
1976
Beachburg, Ontario

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Horse by fence carved by Dave Trimble of Beachburg Ont. In 1995

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Horse by fence carved by Dave Trimble
1995
Beachburg, Ontario

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Squirrel and horse carved by Dave Trimble of Beachburg Ontario in 1983 and 91. Now part of a Kemptville Ontario area collection.

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Squirrel and horse carved by Dave Trimble
1983 and 91
Beachburg, Ontario

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Light horse by fence , carved by Dave Trimble of Beachburg Ontario in 1993. Now part of a Blind River Ontario area collection.

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Light horse by fence, carved by Dave Trimble
1993
Beachburg, Ontario

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Horse in frame carved from Pine by Dave Trimble of Beachburg Ontario in 1987

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Horse in frame carved from Pine by Dave Trimble
1987
Beachburg, Ontario

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Four Horse (48") wall hanging by Dave Trimble of Beachburg Ontario, Carved about 1985 it is now part of a Blind River Ontario collection.

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48" Quadruple Horse Display carved by Dave Trimble
1994
Beachburg, Ontario

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Horse carved from Pine by Dave Trimble of Beachburg Ontario in 1993.

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Horse carved from Pine by Dave Trimble
1993
Beachburg, Ontario

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Horseshoe and head carved in 1979 by Dave Trimble of Beachburg Ontario

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Horseshoe and head carved by Dave Trimble
1979
Beachburg, Ontario

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This is a typical Dave Trimble of Beachburg Ontario signature

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A typical Dave Trimble signature
1979
Beachburg, Ontario

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Stallion carved from Black Walnut by Dave Trimble of Beachburg Ontario in the 1980's. Originally unsupported it has fallen to the ravages of time.

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Stallion carved from Black Walnut by Dave Trimble
1980's
Beachburg, Ontario

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Peon and Burro in Plaque form. Carved 1996 by Dave Trimble of Beachburg Ontario .

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Peon and Burro in Plaque form carved by Dave Trimble
1996
Beachburg, Ontario

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Peon and Burro - carved in 1992 by Dave Trimble of Beachburg Ontario and now part of a Kingston On area collection.

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Peon and Burro carved by Dave Trimble
1992
Beachburg, Ontario

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Peon and braying burro by Dave Trimble of Beachburg Ontario. Carved about 1990 and now part of a Kemptville Ontario area collection.

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Peon and braying burro carved by Dave Trimble
1990
Beachburg, Ontario

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Light horse on delivery cart by Dave Trimble of Beachburg Ontario

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Light horse on delivery cart by Dave Trimble
1986
Beachburg, Ontario

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Heavy Horse on dumpcart carved in 1989 by Dave Trimble of Beachburg Ontario. Now part of a Kemptville Ontario area collection.

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Heavy Horse on dumpcart carved by Dave Trimble
1989
Beachburg, Ontario

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This display is Mr Trimble of Beachburg Ontario's last work. He had all of the parts completed before he became ill and was unable to finish it prior to his death in 1997. It was assembled by his Son-in-law and mounted on a laminated Sumac tabletop which Mr Trimble had also made. It was then donated to the Ross Museum in Foresters Falls Ontario .

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HIgh Steppers, carved by Dave Trimble
1997
Beachburg, Ontario

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Carving, Music Fill Valley Man's Life

Although he was born almost 81 years ago in a small community east of Ottawa, Dave Trimble settled in Beachburg in 1949 and the Ottawa Valley became the recipient of an extraordinary person and continues to benefit from Dave's community-minded spirit.
Dave and his wife of 56 years, Vida, live in a one-storey fashionable brick structure situated on the village's main street.;.. The building had originally contained three stories, but a fire destroyed most of the structure and the Trimbles bought it, removed the shell from the two upper floors and rebuilt the main floor which now serves as their comfortable home. Dave served in the Second World War and is a Korean War Veteran. For a period of time he also was employed as a civilian at Base Petawawa. His love of music is quite evident. since he along with the late Doug Lowe were responsible, in part. for the formation of the Pembroke Legion Band in the 1950s. Dave was seen, on many occasion, playing his trombone or chimes with this talented group of Musicians in Pembroke and many parts of the Ottawa Valley. At one time he belonged to both the Pembroke and Petawawa Legion bands and would drive into Pembroke and Petawawa for band practice from his residence in Beachburg, on roads, especially in winter, which were quite treacherous. His unusual sense of humor and his gifted musical contributions were always welcomed by band members. For a short period of time he also taught music in Cobden and Eganville schools.

The many trophies and awards in his home attest to his skills as an avid horseshoe participant. Dave threw horseshoes for more than 30 years and was an active member of the Pembroke Horseshoe League. League member Mel Gardener recalls that Dave loved to participate in the warmest weather, the hotter, the better, and if he took his shirt off, "Watch out". Dave's favorite partner was Al Dawson of Pembroke. Each year at the conclusion of the horseshoe tournament, two of the participants, a lady and a gent, would receive an authentic "Ollie" trophy, personally hand carved out of wood, by Dave. These were for the two losers and given in memory of Oliver Latour.
Although he had no formal training, his wood carvings adorn the homes of admirers in England, Ireland, and most parts of Canada. At one time Vida and Dave would attend trade shows in various parts of Ontario to display and sell these unique, one of a kind, carvings. I truly believe he gave away more than he ever sold. His generosity is beyond belief.

His musical contributions for many years to the Lung Association of Renfrew County wore unequalled. Along with pianist Jimmy Mayhew, and ably assisted by a group of well trained singers, he kicked off the opening ceremonies of the annual Christmas Seal Campaigns at the Pembroke Mall.

In the late 1980s, on a charter trip to Ireland, hosted by Emile and Sylvia Giroux of Emerald Travel, Dave won the hearts of those he came in contact with from Dublin in the south, to Belfast in the north. He also entertained the residents of the Emerald Isle and in the Northwestern town of Ballyshannon, his "dancing man", which he had carved for the trip, brought cheers of delight at the Thatch, one of Ireland's oldest pubs. Dave was the favorite in a group of 40 or so on this very memorable tour.

On Oct. 16, 1993, there was a special evening set aside for Dave and Vida at the Pembroke Legion Hall. Master of ceremonies Glen Andrews called on a number of individuals, representing various groups, that the guest of honor had lent his services to from time to time. Tributes flowed from the Korea Veteran's Association, the Pembroke Horseshoe League, the Pembroke and Petawawa Legion bands; and the Lung Association and the Columbus dramatic Club.

Dave was and still is a born actor, and in the 10 or more years he acted in the Irish Plays for the Columbus Dramatic Club, he may have been known as Phineas Plunkett, Mr. Brownlee, Elmer Doubleday, Rufus Dwight, Farrell Fanswallow, Captain O'Malley or inspector Ryan. Dave was always admired by other cast members and his ability to act on any given situation earned him the respect of Ottawa Valley audiences. Whether his part was large or small, he played it to perfection. He was always first to learn his lines and always willing to lend a hand to others. Shamrocks. Shellelaighs, and a host of other items needed for each production kept this caring individual busy as his carving skills were put on overtime.

Dave and Vida have two children, five grandchildren, and eight great grand children. Although his health suffered a slight setback over the past year, I'm happy to say he's feeling "fit as a fiddle" now. Dave Trimble is one of a kind and has the ability to draw both young and old to him. People enjoy being in his company and his community spirit is unmatched. If one ever was to have one friend in life wouldn't it be great to have one like Dave?

Former Valley journalist and broadcaster Pat Leonard's column appears here every Thursday.

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Pembroke Observer article on Dave Trimble
1996
Beachburg, Ontario


Credits:
Pembroke Observer
Pat Leonard