John Nielson

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-182991
• Occupation: 1953, New Hamburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; baker
• Residence: 1970, 217 Shade St., New Hamburg, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

New Hamburg Independent

It's been 63 years since the so-called Nith River Monster shocked and delighted New Hamburg residents in the summer but John Neilson and many other locals still remember the excitement of 1953.

A handful of boys are pictured here with a crocodile made of dough by local baker John Nielson, Sr., a baker who worked in downtown New Hamburg at the time.

As the town enjoyed the tale of this so-called monster, the elder Nielson decided to get in on the fun by baking up a crocodile, painting it, then placing it on a small island in the middle of the Nith near the Harman Bridge downtown, remembered his son John when he brought this photo to the Independent in October.

The edible reptile was part of a busy summer that saw Tuffy Truesdell, the self-proclaimed "world's greatest alligator wrestler," arrive in New Hamburg to help search for the Nith River Monster. Tuffy brought his very own alligator, and local kids also got to get close and even pick up an alligator that had its mouth tied shut, Nielson remembered.

Remember the Nith River monster?. (2016). Newhamburgindependent.ca. Retrieved 6 November 2016, from https://www.newhamburgindependent.ca/news-story/6940998-remember-the-nith-river-monster-/

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John Nielson

John Nielson, 217 Shade St., New Hamburg, died Sunday at St. Mary's Hospital after a brief illness. He was 62.

Born Jan. 30, 1906, in Denmark, he had resided in New Hamburg for 22 years. He was a baker by trade and worked for a number of local bakeries He was a member of Holy Family RC Church and a member of the New Hamburg branch of the Royal Canadian Legion.

He is survived by his wife, the former Mary Flannigan; one son, John, Stratford; and several brothers and sisters in Denmark.

A legion service was conducted last night at the funeral home; however, funeral arrangements were not finalized at press time.

New Hamburg Independent, February 4, 1970

John — Mary Flannigan. Mary was born CA 1915; died Yes, date unknown. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Mary Nielson
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-196726
• Residence: 1970, 217 Shade St., New Hamburg, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada