1

In the early 1900's the Beef Ring played an important in rural communities. The ring consisted of a group of farmers, each of whom would fatten a cow to about 850 pounds. On his allotted week each man would take his cow to the slaughterhouse on Monday evening, where it was killed the next morning. The meat was prepared, divided into equal portions and hung in a bag on a hook for each family. Each family share consisted of sixteen pounds. Each family would receive a different cut every week.

The farmer who supplied the animal would get the heart if he wanted it, the liver was divided among the members, a few each week.

Every Wednesday morning, from April to November, farmers went to the Phoenix property in Greenbank to get their quota of meat. The "ring" was instigated by Mr. William Phoenix, who for many years acted as the sole butcher and distributor. He received a small amount of money and the animal hide as payment for his services. By the late 1940's business was booming and Mr. Phoenix needed extra help. When refrigeraters became an appliance that the ordinary family could afford, the ring was dissolved.

In the Beef Ring Secretary's book, dated November 13, 1946, the following items of business were listed:

President: Mr. George Till
Secretary: Mr. William Bacon
Items: that R. Till and R. Beare hire a butcher a secure a slaughterhouse.
: that Ernest Lee and James Ianson be cattle inspectors for 1947
: that there be 28 members
: that the beef be cut into 28 shares and any additional expense be put up by the
member
: that a vote of thanks be tendered to Ivan Spencer for the use of his garage for the
meeting

Members of the Beef Ring for 1947:

Leroy Till Ernest Phair Ernest Lee Lloyd Lee
George Love Allen Jackson Phoenix Bros. Wm. Sommerville
Everet Watson Milton Rynard Cecil Phair A. McMillan
Ryerson Beare Campbell Stone Robert Baird Stan Alldred
J. Sommerville George Till Elwood Clements Russell Till
Roy Leask James Ianson Markham Truax William Bacon
Frank Lee Ernest Till Harold Baylis Fred Dobson

2

The Beef Ring
c. 1920
Greenbank, Reach Twp., Ontario, Canada

3

The Beef Ring today
c. 1900
Scugog Shores Museum, Scugog Island, Port Perry

4

The Beef Ring, interior
c. 1900
Scugog Shores Museum, Scugog Island, Port Perry

5

The Beef Ring, interior
c. 1900
Scugog Shores Museum, Scugog Island, Port Perry

6

Ianson brothers'
c. 1896
Greenbank, Reach Twp., Ontario, Canada