Results for ‘Early Citizens’
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.
[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.
[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.
[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.
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.
[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.
[Welland Tribune, 18 December 1943]
A lovely winter wedding had its setting in St. Patrick’s R.C. church, Port Colborne, this afternoon at 3 o’clock, when Mary Anne, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Adam Zimmer, Sr., 138 Neff street, Humberstone, became the bride of PO Eugene Gauzer, R.C.A.F., son of Mr. and Mrs. William Gauzer of 308 Dufferin street, Fort Erie, north. Rev. E.J. Canning officiated and Miss Marie Gannam rendered an organ selection during the signing of the register, Schubert’s “Ave Marie.”
A lovely gown of brocaded satin made on semi-princess lines with long train was chosen by the bride who was given in marriage by her father. The dress featured a sweet-heart neckline and long sleeves which tapered to points over the hands. Her full-length veil was caught into a ruffled headdress and she carried a sheaf of Calla lilies.
The bride’s sister, Mrs. Albert M. Iacocca of Allentown, Pa., as matron of honor, wore a pale blue taffeta with three-quarter length sleeves. Her headdress was pink with a shoulder-length veil and she carried pink roses.
Donald Stewart of Niagara Falls was groomsman. Adam Zimmer Jr., brother of the bride and Matthew Zick, of Humberstone, cousin of the bride, were ushers.
Following the ceremony, a reception for 40 guests was held at the home of the bride’s parents. The table was centred with a three-tier wedding cake and silver candelabra and decorated with roses.
Mrs. Zimmer, the bride’s mother, received in brown crepe, matching accessories and corsage of pink roses. The groom’s mother, Mrs. Gauzer, chose a black velvet dress accentuated with a string of pearls, black accessories and pink roses corsage.
For travelling to Toronto, the bride donned a bottle green coat with brown accessories and a white gardenia corsage.
PO Gauzer and his bride will make their home at Summerside, P.E.I.
Out-of-town guests attended from London, Ont., Goderich, Fort Erie, Hamilton, Buffalo, N.Y., and Allentown, Pa.
[Welland Tribune, 18 March 1940]
Emanuel Charles White, respected and well known resident of Welland for 35 years, passed suddenly at his home, 146 State street, on Saturday evening. His death followed a heart attack and although he had been in poor health for two months, came as a shock to his family and friends.
Born in Brookfield, Mr. White had lived practically all his life in this district. Deceased was a carpenter and pattern maker by trade and for the past few years had been employed at the Empire Cotton Mill. He included in his interests the hobby of gardening, and was also very fond of wood working. In religion he was a Baptist.
Surviving him are his widow, Louise Isabel White; a daughter Dorothy Evelyn and a son, Howard, all at home; three brothers, Theodore White, Humberstone; Benjamin, White Alis, Wis, and Leslie, Toronto; and three sisters, Mrs. Ellen Miller, Welland, Mrs. George Hitchcox, Vancouver, B.C., and Mrs. Wm. Dair, Toronto.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday afternoon at 2.30 o’clock at the late residence and interment in Fonthill cemetery. Rev. Sidney Cooper, pastor of St. Mathew’s Lutheran church will conduct the services, assisted by Rev. F.J. Helps, pastor of First Baptist church.
[Welland Tribune, 23 November 1943]
Saint Mary’s rectory was the scene of a quiet wedding Saturday when Irma C.E. Rigg, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George C. Rigg, became the bride of Albert G. Ostertog, son of Mrs. Katherine osterog and the late Albert Ostertog. Rev. A. McMahon officiated.
The bride was lovely in an aqua-marine dressmaker suit with sequin trim. Old English blue accessories and a corsage of gardenias completed her outfit.
Her only attendant, Mrs. C.H. Holler, of Tonawanda, N.Y., was charming in a street-length frock of wine velvet with matching turban. Mrs. Holler wore a corsge of roses and baby mums.
C.H. Holler of Tonawanda, N.Y., was groomsman.
A reception followed at 624 Delaware avenue, Buffalo, N.Y.
The bride and groom will honeymoon in Washington, D.C., and on their return will reside in Tonawanda, N.Y.
[Welland Tribune, 24 February 1947]
Jacob Russell Bowman died at his home, 99 Bald Street, this morning in his 77th year following an illness of five months. Born in Gainsborough township he was the son of the late Solomon and Susan Bowman, and had resided in Welland for 35 years. He was a retired butcher and contractor, and was a member of the Church of God, Hellems Avenue. Deceased is survived by his widow Mrs. Laura D. Angle Bowman, two sons, Jacob Arza Bowman of Welland, and Gordon Russell Bowman, of Williamsville, N.Y.; three daughters, Bertha, Mrs. Charles Cooper of Waterford; Edna, Mrs. Judson Higgins of Hagersville, and Pearl, Mrs. Roy A. Strawn of Ridgeville. Two sons and a daughter pre-deceased Mr. Bowman, George H. and Audry and Dorothy, Mrs. George Buckmaster.
The funeral will be held on Wednesday, February 26 from the H.L. Cudney funeral chapel, 241 West Main street to Winslow Evangelical church, Gainsborough township, at 2.30 p.m., with interment in Winslow cemetery.
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