Welland History .ca

The TALES you probably never heard about

TALES to tell and MUSINGS to mind!

This is where you will find interesting TALES of the various people that lived in and around Welland during the 1800s and 1900s.

We’ve also introduced a new subcategory: HISTORICAL MUSINGS by select featured authors.

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THE TANNER-MOSLEY HOUSE

3 Chestnut Street, Fonthill, Lot 168, Pelham, (formerly Thorold)

[Pelham Historical Calendar, 1986]

Catherine B. Rice

This magnificent house is situated on a quiet street, fronted by an extensive lawn and bushes and sheltered by a lovely maple tree. The owner, Mrs. Holly Mosley, is surrounded by beauty within and without, while she continues to create more beauty with her needlework.

The patent for Lot 168, one hundred acres, was made out to Thomas Karraghan on October 25, 1798. In 1814, the land passed to George Keefer, and in 1825, to Caleb Swayze. He was the last one to own the complete acreage, and he was selling portions of his land in 1850. In 1921, Mr. and Mrs. Mosley purchased this property, now consisting of twenty-five acres from Roland Tanner, whose father William Tanner had taken possession in 1872, and had constructed the house. The land was in Thorold Township at that time, but on January 23, 1929, a by-law amended the Village of Fonthill, changing Lot 168 from Thorold to Pelham.

The cottage roof on the house, decorated with triple peaks, is unique. Beneath the central peak topped with stained glass, the verandah, with its sloping inset roof and four sturdy pillars, occupied the centre of the facade. It has two high windows flanking it on each side, with two similarly-placed windows on the second storey. Over the front door there is a stained glass window, while the main window in the door is most unusual, having an etched design on frosted glass.

The interior is composed of large, light and airy rooms, with high ceilings. The dining room, hall and two sitting rooms all have a large moulded decoration in the centre of the ceiling. The one in the dining room portrays a harvest theme of fruit and grain. In the hall there is fern-like arrangement, and those in the two sitting rooms are carved with doves, flowers, leaves and ribbons. A third stained glass window adorns in the main sitting room. The clear, rich colours attest to the value of the material and the workmanship. The woodwork throughout the house is impressive in its quality and its depth. The staircase was apparently constructed of cherry wood from the trees on the estate. The beautiful hand wrought newel post draws one’s attention for a second and third glance.

In the rear sections of the house Mrs. Mosley’s son, Harry, conducts his insurance business. He is better known as “Moe,” a nickname that he acquired in the air-force which has remained with him ever since. There is also a daughter, June (Mrs. Gordon Clemens), who resides in Welland. Mrs. Mosley has five grandchildren and five great-children who are able to come to this gracious home for happy visits.

SOURCES: Mrs. Holly Mosley

Land registry Office, Welland

ROBERT DOUGLAS MACARTHUR

July 11, 1905-August 21, 1965

(By Vilma Ens)

Robert Douglas MacArthur , educator of hundreds of students during  his 41 years as teacher and principal was born just after the turn of the  century in Burk’s  Falls. He received his schooling there and after finishing high school attended Teacher’s College in North Bay.

His first teaching position was in G. Chrilber, where  he taught  from 1923 to 1926. An opening for principal came at  Woodland school in  St Catharines. He applied an d was  accepted.

The agreement signed by the trustees of the school stated that R.D MacArthur would be  paid a  salary of $1200 for the term beginning Sept 1st 1026 to June 30th  1927. Another clause stated that the Board and the teacher may, sat their option  respectively  terminate this engagement by giving notice to the other of them at least one  calendar month previously, and so as  to terminate on the last day of a calendar month. The letter of reference from  George A. Evans, principal at schreiber public school states that  “as a  teacher , Mr. MacArthur is  painstaking, energetic and conscientious firm but kind in discipline and most excemplary in conduct, willing  to assist in all matters that  tended to raise the moral status of the community.It is with  regret that I learn of Mr. MacArthur’s intention  to  sever his connection with  the  staff but nevertheless this testimonial of  his worth is truthfully  and  cheerfully given. I have no hesitency in recommending Mr. MacArthur to and Board of Trustees desiring the  services of a faithful and  efficient teacher.” So MacArthur stayed at Woodland  school for 18 years from 1926-1944. During  this time he married  his  hometown sweetheart, Laura Parsons and two sons were born to them, John and Douglas.

He came to the  police village  of Fenwick in 1944, to head the school as principal. The old  school  on Baxter Avenue right in the  centre  of town must have been quite a challenge. Grade one had a classroom behind the building with the only heat in winter being a wood stove at the back of the room. The main school building was old and the play ground was small. A tremendous amount  of encouragement was given by  Mr. MacArthur to both staff and students to persevere under these trying conditions. Then in 1951, a new school was  opened on  Canboro  Road in the  middle of an  apple orchard and grapery. The grounds around the school were  huge  and gave  Mr. MacArthur an opportunity  to have baseball diamonds, playground equipment  and lots  of room for his  students to run and play. He encouraged baseball games and a game of  scrub was always held at recess and lunch times There was a covered entrance   so the  children could skip and play ball against the wall even in the rain. Marbles were played at the  “boys entrance” and  hop scotch along the  south s would  ide of the school.  Even “hide-go-seek was fun because of the great places to hide in the grapery.

He organized a “field  day” every spring and everyone participated. He encouraged both girls and boys to try their best and an abundance of ribbons and silver cups were  given out. There was also a gymnasium where once a month the whole school would congregate for assembly . A different class  would be responsible  for the entertainment. The  class rooms were  large  and warm and washrooms were clean and functional. Mr. MacArthur was a teaching principal and  sought to pass on his love  of  maths and sciences to everyone of his pupils. He expected excellence .

Mac’s salary  of course did no  increase by very much, as was  the case  in those days Therefore he worked  as a purser and wheelsman for the Hunterville  Lake of Bays and Lake Simcoe Navigation Co. Ltd. During the summer  from 1929 to 1948. His steamers were the  Mohawk Belle and the Algonquin. His usual working dates were from June 29 or 30th to the Labour Day weekend. Sometimes there  would not be even one  day’s rest from work on the boat to the first day of school. The letter from the Vice President  and Secretary states “This is to certify  that we have always found Mr. MacArthur to be of good character strictly temperate and a non-smoker. Honest , capable and  faithful in the  discharge of his duties as purser and wheelsman.

During his twenty two years in Fenwick R.D. MacArthur was a  vital force  in the life of the community. He was an elder in the Fenwick United church and a former member of the stewards’ board. He was a member of the  Odd Fellows for 30 years and a past noble grand of Pelham Lodge 454 IOOF. He also belonged to the Ontario Federation of Teachers.

The write-uo in the newspapers after his passing said that his qualities as a teacher will live on through the lives of his pupils. Not only the qualities as a teacher and principal but as an exceptional human being whose love, fairness, humour and  encouragement  was an inspiration to many.

ON THE FARM

The lamp on the table was lit every night
So folks could see to get around in the fading light
The stove was full of wood to keep the house nice
As no one wished for the water pail to be solid ice
Father sat down with a paper in his big chair
To read the news and happenings around there
And mother sat in her rocker and knitted away
It was the only time she could sit every day
The children done homework there at the table
And they done it all even if they weren’t able
All chores the children had were done before dark
Getting wood water and for kindling a little bark
The dog slept by the stove as all day it was outside
And felt like getting warm there by the stove fireside
Outside the cat wandered and looked around
To see if a mouse or squirrel could be found
The cattle were fed and bedded in the barn
Where they knew there wouldn’t be any harm
All the harvest was put away it was well into the fall
So they had lots of food if someone did call
There were pickles, berries and jams galore
And others would say you have more here than a store
The store was four miles away and there was no car
Food was prepared for winter as the store was too far
Next morning father said goodbye as he left to cut wood
Cutting wood kept us fit others should do it if they could

There he sat on a tree while he ate his lunch
And remarked that morning he had cut a big bunch
Coming home at night he stamped his feet at the door
The said “Lord willing” tomorrow I’ll cut a little more.

Winston E. Ralph
Bancroft, Ont.

LAING-SENEY

[Welland Tribune, 18 January 1947]

St. James Anglican church, Port Colborne, decorated with Boston ferns, cyclamen, and baskets of chrysanthemums, was the setting of a pretty wedding on Wednesday, January 15, at 4 p.m., when Opal Marie, younger daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur J. Seney, became the bride of Henry William Liang, of Port Colborne. Rev. H.G.L. Baugh performed the ceremony with Mrs. Mewburn presiding at the organ. During the signing of the register Mrs. E. Hammell sang “O Perfect Love” and “I Love You Truly.”

Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore a floor-length gown of Chinese turquoise crepe embroidered with pale pink bugle beads and pearls. Her matching shoulder-length was held by a band of pearls. She carried a white ivory prayer book with streamers of white satin ribbon tied with Pinocchio rose buds. Her only ornament was a string of pearls and matching ear-rings.

Mrs. Jack G. Arnott, only sister of the bride, attended as matron of honor. Mrs. Arnott’s gown and headdress was a duplicate of the bride’s. She carried an arm bouquet of white carnations,, yellow daffodils and orchard tulips  tied with tulle. She wore pearl ear-rings, the gift of the bride.

Jack Arnott, brother-in-law of the bride, was the groomsman.

After the ceremony, a dinner was held at the Reeta Hotel in Welland. The bride’s mother wore a chartreuse wool suit with matching feather hat, and black accessories. She wore a corsage of yellow rose buds.

Later the bride and groom left for a brief honeymoon. For travelling the bride donned a blue rabbit’s hair wool dress, steel blue coat with Persian trim and Persian hat, and black accessories.

Upon their return they will reside on Sugar Loaf street.

YOUNG-FETTERLY

[Welland Tribune, 27 November 1943]

Central United church was the setting for a lovely wedding this afternoon at two o’clock when Rev. George H. Knighton united in marriage, Norma Fetterly, daughter of Mrs. A. Draycott, 748 King street, Humberstone, and Carl F. Young, son of Mr. and Mrs. A. Young, 72 West avenue, Humberstone. The wedding music was played by Reg. M. Steeves.

Given in marriage by Fred Moscrip, the bride chose an attractive floor-length gown of white crepe chiffon with long bishop sleeves. A scalloped headdress of net held her full-length veil and she carried a bouquet of roses and mums.

Miss Beatrice Fetterly, sister of the bride, was maid of honor, and the bridesmaid were Miss Dorothy Sheddan and Miss Evelyn Young.

Blue satin and lace in a floor-length model with sweetheart neckline and short sleeves was worn by the maid of honor. A sweet heart headdress held her shoulder-length veil and she carried roses and mums.

Miss Young chose blue chiffon and Miss Sheddan was lovely in blue taffeta, made with sweet heart necklines. They wore shoulder-length veils and their bouquets were roses and mums.

Donald Young, brother of the groom, was groomsman and Francis Neff and Ernest Brown ushered.

A reception for 30 guests was held at a local café, where the bride’s mother received wearing burgundy with black accessories. Mrs. Young, mother of the groom, chose a frock of black and gold with black accessories.

For travelling to Niagara Falls, the bride donned a blue dressmaker suit with blue accessories.

Mr. and Mrs. Young will make their home in Humberstone.

Memories of R.D. MACARTHUR

[Vilma (Moretti) Ens]

I can hardly remember a time that I  didn’t hear the name “Mac”. My sister Dolores being five years ahead of me  told me stories every day of her teacher and  principal.

R.D. MacArthur, “Mac” of course to everyone she always seemed to be reciting some poem or another. “Mac”, she said had to have a  million lines of memory work(maybe  100 lines written, and 250 lines said) that had to be  just perfect- as both my sister and “Mac”were perfectionists. By the time  I reached grade 8 and had “Mac” for my teacher, I didn’t have to learn any memory work because I know more than enough from Dolores continual recitation.

I had also heard of the discipline that was  meted out. Mr. MacArthur and I  had it pounded into my head that I had to  be good or I would be sent to the office to “Mac” and then I would really be in trouble. Imagine my  surprise when I had him as my teacher in grade 8 and  found him to be wonderful. He helped me so much during the  most tramatic year of my young life  when my  father was sick and  after his death “Mac” gave me  so much encouragement, guidance and  help and those positive words that told me  I would be O.K. and I  would make it.

My father had instilled in me the love  of sports and  Mr. MacArthur gave it the credibility that it was the right thing to do- even for a girl. Through him baseball became #1 for me. I’ll always remember the  world series of 1956-Brooklyn Dodgers vs New York Yankees. The Yankees probably won – we (Mac and I) pulled for the Dodgers. The best part was that he turned the radio on and allowed, us to listen to the game for the afternoon. Of course we had to be quiet and  stay in our seats. Even at recess. The  only time we could  implode was when a team scored.

I never got to thank him for everything because as a kid of 12 i didn’t realize how important all of this was, but I think he must have known the influence he had and how much our lives were made richer by him.

THREE LEAP YEAR BABIES BORN IN WELLAND LATE YESTERDAY

New Arrivals on 29th Day of February Are All Boys

[Welland Tribune, 29 February 1940]

Welland and vicinity is the richer today by three Leap Year babies. They were all boys and all born yesterday within three hours of one another during the late afternoon and early evening.

Dr. Ignazio Scozzafave, supervised the birth at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Carlo Tisi, 199 Burgar street, of a boy at about 7.30 p.m.

One of Dr. Malcolm Maclean’s last medical duties in Welland before he left yesterday for his new duties as lieutenant with the medical unit of the Royal Canadian Air Force was to supervise at the Welland General hospital the birth of an 8 ½ pound boy, born to Mrs. James Cooney of 68 Denistoun street, Welland.

Mrs. Herbert Arbour of Port Robinson at the Welland County General hospital late yesterday afternoon, gave birth to a boy recorded as weighing seven pound 10 ounces. Dr. Frank Smith was the doctor in attendance.

POEM – REMINISCING

The old milk house isn’t used anymore
As it sits near the barn with a lock on the door
The cows aren’t milked by hand like years ago
Since today were told to hurry that we all know
Today milking by hand would be a big chore
The reason little of it is done now anymore
The separator is silent sitting there covered in dust
It should be in a museum and folks say it must
Yes there in the museum are things from long ago
But some folks say what is it as I don’t know
We older folks know as we used them in the past
And our memories of earlier times will always last
Today machines do the work and people get the pay
Large salaries for little work is ruining us I’ll say
Years ago all farm work was done by hand
Yes the older folks worked hard on their land
No one caused trouble they were tired from toil
Cutting wood harvesting and tilling the soil
There was no need for doctors like there is today
As folks were healthy from working all day
We’re told things are speeding up how untrue
In the stores buttons are pressed holding up me and you
Years ago gas stations everywhere could be found
Now with more cars the stations are few around
People aren’t punished for wrong just get a good time
And the taxpayer pays but no one does whine.

Winston Ralph
Bancroft, ON

CHAMBERS DOOMED, ST. CATHARINES MAN FACES FIRST HANGING IN 65 YEARS

[Welland Tribune, 8 March 1947]

St. Catharines, March 8-Sidney George Chambers, 34-year old heating engineer, was found guilty of the murder of little Marian Rusnak, here yesterday after the jury deliberated an hour. He was sentenced to be hanged June 6.

“I want to thank the jury,” Chambers said, when the verdict was heard and he was asked if he had anything to say. “They will not see any more of me.”

He thanked his counsel and asked if detective James Anderson and Inspector Charles Woods were in the room. When told they were not in the room, Chambers said: “I would like to say that Anderson and Wood and myself are the only three who know what went on in that room. Someday some other things will come up and then you shall know what happened.”

When he was finished speaking, Mr. Justice G. F. McFarland quickly pronounced the death sentence and ordered Chambers to be hanged on June 6.

For perhaps the first time in the history of Canadian jurisprudence, a conviction for murder was registered although the body of the murder victim was never found. In a confession admitted as evidence, Chambers had told court he disposed of Marian Rusnak’s body in a furnace at the canning factory where he worked. Police sifted the ashes of the furnace but found no identifiable trace of human remains.

The disappearance of nine-year-old Marian Rusnak shocked the whole of the Niagara peninsula at the Christmas season. The child was last seen talking to a “tall thin man” on the afternoon of Dec.23 as she clutched a toy drum, a present for her brother.

During the holiday season, volunteer bans of citizens, assisted by Boy Scouts, searched the St. Catharines area in the most complete man-hunt in the history of the city. A week after the girl vanished, Chambers was taken in custody after having attempted suicide. Police said he made other attempts to dispose of himself, five in all, and he became known as the man who couldn’t kill himself.

It was shortly after his arrest that Chambers confessed the crime, police said. He told them he had taken the girl to his room at the canning factory, and when she ran to a window he strangled her. He told of trying to revive her and of leaving her body under his bed for 24 hours while he thought things out.

The he put the body in the furnace.

If the death sentence is carried out it will be the first execution at St. Catharines in 65 years. One other prisoner, William Munchak, was sentenced to hang in 1937, when the presiding judge was also Mr. Justice McFarland, but this sentence was commuted to life imprisonment.

BISSELL-DENNIS

[Welland Tribune, 18 February 1947]

A pretty wedding was solemnized at the First Lutheran parsonage on Saturday, February 17, at 4 p.m., when Erma Alberta, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Dennis, became the bride of Howard Victor Bissell, son of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Bissell. Rev. T.A. Iseler performed the ceremony.

The bride given in marriage by her father looked lovely in a grey suit with matching blouse and hat and black accessories. She wore a corsage of roses.

Miss Marian Bissell, the maid of honor, looked charming in a gray suit, with a pink and black hat and black accessories. She wore a corsage of red roses. She wore gold earrings and matching bracelet, the gift of the bride.

The best man was Ronald Irwin.

A reception was held at the bride’s parents. The bride’s mother received, wearing a turquoise blue dress with black accessories. The groom’s mother assisted wearing a rose and black dress with black accessories. The bride’s table was beautifully decorated with bouquets of daffodils and tulips, and centred with a three-tier wedding cake topped with a miniature bride and groom.

For traveling on a motor trip, the bride donned a turquoise green wool dress with brown accessories and a muskrat coat.

Upon their return the bride and groom will reside on Forrest avenue.

Out-of-town guests attended from Merritton, Crystal Beach and Fonthill.