HISTORY: Families and People: P | PRATT

Fred and Isabel Pratt owned the property across Thelwell Road and immediately north of the Russells. Both properties had been part of the original 160 acre Smith property, but it had been subdivided and the Pratts owned the portion north of the Joe Rich Road. The Pratt children were Ken, Diane, Jimmy and Doug.

In 1968, the Department of Highways began planning the building of the present Highway 33 and decided the best route was right through the middle of Mr. Pratt’s property. Negotiations took place, but Mr. Pratt was not happy with the offer and refused to let the highway cross his land. He put up a large threatening sign and warned all who would listen that he would shoot any highway employees who tried to cross his property. But the Department of Highways was determined to follow what they thought was the best route, even if it cut Pratt’s property in half. According to other Joe Rich residents, the highway people didn’t show much respect for the opinions or property of local people affected by the construction. Never intending to use it, the highway planners surveyed a phoney route through Serwa’s and Russell’s property and up the old Joe Rich Road (now Thelwell) passing only a few feet in front of Mr. Pratt’s front door. Their ruse worked. Mr. Pratt finally agreed to let them cross the middle of his property where the highway goes today. His property was eventually subdivided to separate off what is now the Muttit’s property on the north side of the highway.

Pratt's Sign - Courier Photo ~ April 29, 1968