Results for ‘Prominent Citizens’
By T.N. Morrison
Mr. Morrison retired in 1972 as editor of The Tribune, after 43 years’ service with the newspaper.
[Welland Tribune, 17 February 1987]
Welland’s often derided “Toonerville Trolley,” and learning to swim in the Lock Pit were among a host of memories stirred for Harry Diffin when he was invited to recall “what it was like growing up in Welland”.
His recollections, as recorded in this article, could induce waves of nostalgia for senior citizens, and for others, show that at least the earlier times could be lively and entertaining even without stereo, TV and cellular telephones.
The “Toonerville,” as Harry remembers, provided the great bargain five-cents ride on the local street car service that piled between the Michigan Central Railway depot (King Street), and the Grand Trunk Station (East Main Street). It was also routed across the canal to the top of West Main Street, and, often with uncertain passage, part way along Niagara Street. It was a single track operation with a spur located in front of the Methodist Church on King Street to enable the opposite-bound cars to pass.
The Niagara, Welland and Lake Erie Railway, as it was labelled, endured various embarrassments. In winter time icy rails at times caused trolleys headed for the Grand Trunk Station to begin sliding backwards about Burgar Street. And on the Niagara Street stretch, the passengers on occasion had to get out and push as the car faltered in the effort to negotiate the hilly terrain. Then there were the sudden stops when pranksters reached out the rear window and yanked the power pole from the overhead wires.
But the old and long gone street car did meet all trains and there were plenty of them serving Welland. So much so, that as many did, one could board a Toronto, Hamilton and Buffalo railway car at a desired time in the morning; lunch and shop or attend a theatre in Buffalo, and be back home by rail in time for supper. Outings to Hamilton on the T.H. and B. were also popular.
Another important transportation service for Welland was the Niagara, St. Catharines and Toronto radial line. This hourly service, conveyed Harry Diffin to and from St. Catharines and Ridley College each week, and, on picnic outings to Port Dalhousie, gave Diffin and countless other youths the great thrill of riding in “open air” cars.
Recreation activity in river and canal was much more prolific, in those days. Motorized pleasure craft hummed along both waterways, and canoeing was popular in the river. Skating and hockey flourished on the frozen river in winter and each season news was awaited that Wilson Chambers had successfully stroked his way on his ancient blades from River Road to the city.
Gala regatta days brought crowds to the canal in the Merritt park area to watch exciting sea cadet cutter races and swimming exhibitions. In summer, it seemed as though the entire community congregated in Merritt Park for the weekly band concerts, featuring the Citizen’s Band, and, alternately, the Lincoln and Welland Regimental Band. Ice cream cart vendors enjoyed a roaring trade on these festive occasions, made all the more picturesque with pleasure craft buzzing along the canal at park-side. Traditionally, the concert intermission periods lasted long enough for the thirstier musicians to consume a beaker or two at a nearby watering hole.
The canal is also remembered from this period for the emergency crossing service made necessary when a freighter struck and damaged the Alexandra Bridge. When repairs necessitated holding the bridge in a turned position for several weeks, a tug was employed to ferry pedestrians across the waterway. Until they were spotted and unceremoniously ejected, it was great sport for young blades who used the system for marathon joy-rides.
In earlier days the bridge was turned to open passage for ships and before it was mechanized the turning operation was done manually by two men who walked in circles after connecting long levers to the structure’s pinion wheel. Even after the apparatus was motorized, occasional breakdowns caused resort to the manual system.
The Lock Pit, where river and canal met, not far from the present Niagara Street river bridge, was a favorite hangout for youth. It was constructed to permit river-borne craft entry in the canal and held credit as the location where Harry Diffin and others learned to swim.
Before the Reeta Hotel and theatre was built, the movie and stage hose were the Grand and the Griffith, both located on the south side of East Main Street. The Grand, just west of Hellems Avenue, handled films only and for years, had the respected Maud Dawdy in the ticket booth. Equally well-known were Rhea Harper and Raymond Strawn, pianists who supplied the musical accompaniment for the films. Unforgettable ws the storm they always managed to mount on the keyboard when cowboys and Indians engaged in fierce combat on the screen.
The Griffin Theatre, a second-storey emporium across the alley from Walter Dixon’s photography studio, offered vaudeville and pictures, and has often been recalled by long-established Wellanders for one particular program where a performer believed to be named Alburtus demonstrated magic and hypnotism. The flamboyant show had the town on its ear for two publicity stunts. In one, he had a young man pedal furiously for days on a stationary bicycle on a theatre balcony. In the other, he put a fetching damsel to sleep on a bed in the window of Sutherland’s furniture store, and there the sleeping beauty reposed for several days, not even fluttering an eyelid as the sceptics stayed up after the midnight hour to maintain a round-the-clock check in the window. In the theatre, the performer additionally mystified the patrons by merely peering into a crystal ballot to repeat and answer questions sent to him from the audience in written form.
Heady days indeed!
Then came the community’s pride-the hotel and theatre known as the Reeta, built by Welland entrepreneur Sam Lambert. The theatre, which later became the Capitol, was the largest and finest in the peninsula and catered to a variety of stage shows, including a repertory company from England, the Dumbells, Bringing Up Father, famed magicians Blackstone and Thurston, locally cast minstrel shows, revues spotlighting some prominent local citizens in ludicrous roles, biblical musical dramas, and some of the earliest productions of Welland Little Theatre.
Harry Diffin remembers the awesome night he experienced when, with his parents, he was a guest of Mr. and Mrs. Sam Lambert in one of the theatre’s luxurious boxes. These ultra-class enclosures disappeared when remodelling took place when films replaced the stage presentations.
The theatre was also remembered for “Sacred Music Concerts” on Sunday evening when visiting bands, such as the Hamilton Hindoo Koosh entertained with popular selections. Of course, Abide With Me, and other hymns were played, but the program leaned to the secular and drew capacity attendances. Silver collections gained generous response.
Everybody went to the Welland County Fair on the Denistoun Street grounds in the era we are dealing with. It was always a big week in Welland with a grand parade through town heralding the opening. The midway was an exciting cacophony with side shows, games, rides, shooting galleries and weight guessing gents competing. School plays and professional acts were presented in front of the grandstand and the race track alternately housed daredevil auto stunt men, gladiators in thundering chariots and trotting horses.
Hardly a farmer for miles around missed this outing, since the agricultural theme was strongly evident. That tantalizing aroma of sizzling onions and hamburg usually enveloped the visitor on entering the grounds, and was only a prelude to cotton candy, kewpie dolls, and other carnival acquisitions.
For a number of years the fair included excellent horse shows.
Dances were looked forward to with great anticipations. In fall, winter and spring, “Buckingham Palace” which had been created out of the space occupied by the Griffin Theatre, was the hall catering to the largest of the hops. Various organizations were sponsored and two of the most popular annual events were the Eastern Star dance, the Fireman’s Ball. Booked often for these affairs was Clarence Colton and his orchestra, from St. Catharines. A Welland family band, the Secord Orchestra, had its followers, often holding forth at the Oddfellow’s hall. Horton’s Orchestra thumped and fiddled away merrily for round and square dances at the Crowland Township hall at Cook’s Mills and in Fonthill. Dancing was also enjoyed to the music of a combo led by violinist Clark Harper and including his wife Rhea at the piano.
Came summer and the trippers of the light fantastics journeyed in droves to popular dance halls at Long Beach and Morgan’s Point. Also a lure on Lake Erie was the Crystal Beach Ballroom at Crystal Beach where at times big name bands were featured.
A driver since he was 14, some of Harry Diffin’s experience at the wheel was gained as a teenager in Florida where a licence wasn’t required. During his family’s stay there in the Twenties a ride in a friend’s Stutz Bearcat was a memorable thrill. The young Diffin also drove motorcycles, and trucks in construction work. In 1931, he purchased his first brand new car, a model A Ford for $710.
While a student at Welland High School, Diffin played for the first football team to represent the school. That was in 1928 and among his team mates were such well-known local figures as Pete Goodwillie, Ted Dandy, Frank Burwell and George Scott. Under the coaching of recent Queen’s graduate, fledgling Welland lawyer Stewart S. MacInnes, the club made an illustrious debut by winning the district championship.
Surprisingly enough for one so long involved in municipal office, there was no thought of this career choice in Harry’s mind as he looked on while the Citizen’s Band played outside his home, serenading his father, a victor in aldermanic and mayoralty contests. This was a tradition of the times with the band leading an impromptu parade to the homes of election winners, usually the night after voting day.
But later on, when Harry’s hat was in the ring, back when aldermen were elected at large, there was another tradition. That was the custom of final campaign meetings in Sacred Heart parish hall before a bumper turnout of French-speaking citizens and another session, drawing a full house of Magyar lineage at the Hungarian Hall.
The candidates placed the utmost importance in these sessions, feeling with good reason that favorable receptions augured well for their fortunes on election day.
As he built towards an exceptional service record of 378 months on city council, Harry Diffin had to enjoy a generous share of favourable receptions.
By T.N. Morrison
Mr. Morrison retired in 1972 as editor of The Tribune, after 43 years’ service with the newspaper.
[Welland Tribune, 17 February 1987]
Welland’s often derided “Toonerville Trolley,” and learning to swim in the Lock Pit were among a host of memories stirred for Harry Diffin when he was invited to recall “what it was like growing up in Welland”.
His recollections, as recorded in this article, could induce waves of nostalgia for senior citizens, and for others, show that at least the earlier times could be lively and entertaining even without stereo, TV and cellular telephones.
The “Toonerville,” as Harry remembers, provided the great bargain five-cents ride on the local street car service that piled between the Michigan Central Railway depot (King Street), and the Grand Trunk Station (East Main Street). It was also routed across the canal to the top of West Main Street, and, often with uncertain passage, part way along Niagara Street. It was a single track operation with a spur located in front of the Methodist Church on King Street to enable the opposite-bound cars to pass.
The Niagara, Welland and Lake Erie Railway, as it was labelled, endured various embarrassments. In winter time icy rails at times caused trolleys headed for the Grand Trunk Station to begin sliding backwards about Burgar Street. And on the Niagara Street stretch, the passengers on occasion had to get out and push as the car faltered in the effort to negotiate the hilly terrain. Then there were the sudden stops when pranksters reached out the rear window and yanked the power pole from the overhead wires.
But the old and long gone street car did meet all trains and there were plenty of them serving Welland. So much so, that as many did, one could board a Toronto, Hamilton and Buffalo railway car at a desired time in the morning; lunch and shop or attend a theatre in Buffalo, and be back home by rail in time for supper. Outings to Hamilton on the T.H. and B. were also popular.
Another important transportation service for Welland was the Niagara, St. Catharines and Toronto radial line. This hourly service, conveyed Harry Diffin to and from St. Catharines and Ridley College each week, and, on picnic outings to Port Dalhousie, gave Diffin and countless other youths the great thrill of riding in “open air” cars.
Recreation activity in river and canal was much more prolific, in those days. Motorized pleasure craft hummed along both waterways, and canoeing was popular in the river. Skating and hockey flourished on the frozen river in winter and each season news was awaited that Wilson Chambers had successfully stroked his way on his ancient blades from River Road to the city.
Gala regatta days brought crowds to the canal in the Merritt park area to watch exciting sea cadet cutter races and swimming exhibitions. In summer, it seemed as though the entire community congregated in Merritt Park for the weekly band concerts, featuring the Citizen’s Band, and, alternately, the Lincoln and Welland Regimental Band. Ice cream cart vendors enjoyed a roaring trade on these festive occasions, made all the more picturesque with pleasure craft buzzing along the canal at park-side. Traditionally, the concert intermission periods lasted long enough for the thirstier musicians to consume a beaker or two at a nearby watering hole.
The canal is also remembered from this period for the emergency crossing service made necessary when a freighter struck and damaged the Alexandra Bridge. When repairs necessitated holding the bridge in a turned position for several weeks, a tug was employed to ferry pedestrians across the waterway. Until they were spotted and unceremoniously ejected, it was great sport for young blades who used the system for marathon joy-rides.
In earlier days the bridge was turned to open passage for ships and before it was mechanized the turning operation was done manually by two men who walked in circles after connecting long levers to the structure’s pinion wheel. Even after the apparatus was motorized, occasional breakdowns caused resort to the manual system.
The Lock Pit, where river and canal met, not far from the present Niagara Street river bridge, was a favorite hangout for youth. It was constructed to permit river-borne craft entry in the canal and held credit as the location where Harry Diffin and others learned to swim.
Before the Reeta Hotel and theatre was built, the movie and stage hose were the Grand and the Griffith, both located on the south side of East Main Street. The Grand, just west of Hellems Avenue, handled films only and for years, had the respected Maud Dawdy in the ticket booth. Equally well-known were Rhea Harper and Raymond Strawn, pianists who supplied the musical accompaniment for the films. Unforgettable ws the storm they always managed to mount on the keyboard when cowboys and Indians engaged in fierce combat on the screen.
The Griffin Theatre, a second-storey emporium across the alley from Walter Dixon’s photography studio, offered vaudeville and pictures, and has often been recalled by long-established Wellanders for one particular program where a performer believed to be named Alburtus demonstrated magic and hypnotism. The flamboyant show had the town on its ear for two publicity stunts. In one, he had a young man pedal furiously for days on a stationary bicycle on a theatre balcony. In the other, he put a fetching damsel to sleep on a bed in the window of Sutherland’s furniture store, and there the sleeping beauty reposed for several days, not even fluttering an eyelid as the sceptics stayed up after the midnight hour to maintain a round-the-clock check in the window. In the theatre, the performer additionally mystified the patrons by merely peering into a crystal ballot to repeat and answer questions sent to him from the audience in written form.
Heady days indeed!
Then came the community’s pride-the hotel and theatre known as the Reeta, built by Welland entrepreneur Sam Lambert. The theatre, which later became the Capitol, was the largest and finest in the peninsula and catered to a variety of stage shows, including a repertory company from England, the Dumbells, Bringing Up Father, famed magicians Blackstone and Thurston, locally cast minstrel shows, revues spotlighting some prominent local citizens in ludicrous roles, biblical musical dramas, and some of the earliest productions of Welland Little Theatre.
Harry Diffin remembers the awesome night he experienced when, with his parents, he was a guest of Mr. and Mrs. Sam Lambert in one of the theatre’s luxurious boxes. These ultra-class enclosures disappeared when remodelling took place when films replaced the stage presentations.
The theatre was also remembered for “Sacred Music Concerts” on Sunday evening when visiting bands, such as the Hamilton Hindoo Koosh entertained with popular selections. Of course, Abide With Me, and other hymns were played, but the program leaned to the secular and drew capacity attendances. Silver collections gained generous response.
Everybody went to the Welland County Fair on the Denistoun Street grounds in the era we are dealing with. It was always a big week in Welland with a grand parade through town heralding the opening. The midway was an exciting cacophony with side shows, games, rides, shooting galleries and weight guessing gents competing. School plays and professional acts were presented in front of the grandstand and the race track alternately housed daredevil auto stunt men, gladiators in thundering chariots and trotting horses.
Hardly a farmer for miles around missed this outing, since the agricultural theme was strongly evident. That tantalizing aroma of sizzling onions and hamburg usually enveloped the visitor on entering the grounds, and was only a prelude to cotton candy, kewpie dolls, and other carnival acquisitions.
For a number of years the fair included excellent horse shows.
Dances were looked forward to with great anticipations. In fall, winter and spring, “Buckingham Palace” which had been created out of the space occupied by the Griffin Theatre, was the hall catering to the largest of the hops. Various organizations were sponsored and two of the most popular annual events were the Eastern Star dance, the Fireman’s Ball. Booked often for these affairs was Clarence Colton and his orchestra, from St. Catharines. A Welland family band, the Secord Orchestra, had its followers, often holding forth at the Oddfellow’s hall. Horton’s Orchestra thumped and fiddled away merrily for round and square dances at the Crowland Township hall at Cook’s Mills and in Fonthill. Dancing was also enjoyed to the music of a combo led by violinist Clark Harper and including his wife Rhea at the piano.
Came summer and the trippers of the light fantastics journeyed in droves to popular dance halls at Long Beach and Morgan’s Point. Also a lure on Lake Erie was the Crystal Beach Ballroom at Crystal Beach where at times big name bands were featured.
A driver since he was 14, some of Harry Diffin’s experience at the wheel was gained as a teenager in Florida where a licence wasn’t required. During his family’s stay there in the Twenties a ride in a friend’s Stutz Bearcat was a memorable thrill. The young Diffin also drove motorcycles, and trucks in construction work. In 1931, he purchased his first brand new car, a model A Ford for $710.
While a student at Welland High School, Diffin played for the first football team to represent the school. That was in 1928 and among his team mates were such well-known local figures as Pete Goodwillie, Ted Dandy, Frank Burwell and George Scott. Under the coaching of recent Queen’s graduate, fledgling Welland lawyer Stewart S. MacInnes, the club made an illustrious debut by winning the district championship.
Surprisingly enough for one so long involved in municipal office, there was no thought of this career choice in Harry’s mind as he looked on while the Citizen’s Band played outside his home, serenading his father, a victor in aldermanic and mayoralty contests. This was a tradition of the times with the band leading an impromptu parade to the homes of election winners, usually the night after voting day.
But later on, when Harry’s hat was in the ring, back when aldermen were elected at large, there was another tradition. That was the custom of final campaign meetings in Sacred Heart parish hall before a bumper turnout of French-speaking citizens and another session, drawing a full house of Magyar lineage at the Hungarian Hall.
The candidates placed the utmost importance in these sessions, feeling with good reason that favorable receptions augured well for their fortunes on election day.
As he built towards an exceptional service record of 378 months on city council, Harry Diffin had to enjoy a generous share of favourable receptions.
Colleagues remember “Red” Hatch
‘A person for the city of Welland’
By JANICE WALLS
Tribune Staff Writer
[Welland Tribune, 16 July 1985]
M.F. Hatch, centre, received a plaque last year in recognition of his outstanding service to the community. Mayor Roland Hardy, front left, presented the plaque. Looking on were John Campbell, chairman of Regional Niagara, right; and back row from left, Regional Chairman Loyala Lemelin; Allan Pietz, a regional councillor at the time and now Welland MP; and Ald. Harry Diffin, a former Welland mayor.
WELLAND-Red Hatch will be remembered for his lasting contributions to this city.
Merrill (Red) F. Hatch, who died yesterday at the age of 77, was active in politics, sports and business.
Hatch was involved in municipal politics for 15 years and was a furniture and appliance dealer in Welland for many more years.
“I’ve known Red for over 50 years and I’ve done business with him even during the early Depression years,” said Regional Coun. Loyola Lemelin, who served with Hatch on city council for five years and on Regional council for several terms.
“Red was one of the sharpest fellows I’ve ever seen in politics,” said Lemelin. “While he was chairman of the Region’s finance committee, the fellow knew the value of a dollar and he practiced very good judgement. At a meeting you always knew that Red was there. “
Lemelin and Regional Chairman John Campbell both said one issue about which Hatch felt strongly was the need for universal water and sewer rates across the region.
“It was a very controversial subject,” said Campbell. Council finally brought in universal rates, he said, and Hatch “had an awful lot to do with it.”
Campbell said Hatch was “a person for the city of Welland.”
“He was a real friend and a real colleague,” said Welland Mayor Roland Hardy. Hardy recalls that one of Hatch’s greatest achievements for the city was getting a second underpass (the Townline Tunnel) when the new canal was built. Hatch was also among those who campaigned successfully to have dredging plans changed so the new canal banks would have more park and recreational possibilities immediately.
Welland MP Allan Pietz said Hatch retained his interest in politics right to the very end.
“I saw him last week in hospital. I went in with Mayor Hardy and he (Hatch) was still talking about the community and politics and the forth coming municipal election.”
When Pietz first ran for mayor in 1964, Hatch ran as an alderman. The two men served on city council until 1970, and then went to regional council together. They were both members of the Niagara district committee which advised on the formation and organization of regional council.
Although they were on opposite sides of the political fence –Pietz as a Tory and Hatch as a Liberal-they always worked closely together, said Pietz.
“We were able to build a rapport which was certainly good for me and I think it was good for him, and hopefully it was good for the community.”
Dr. Don McMillan, Mayor of Thorold, knew hatch for many years. McMillan’s father was federal MP for Welland from 1950 to 1965, and Hatch was the elder McMillan’s campaign manager through six elections.
“I remember he was an outstanding campaign manager,” said McMillan. Hatch was himself an accomplished politician, he said, who was missed at Regional Niagara when he retired from council in 1980. “Whenever he stood up to talk everybody listened.”
As finance chairman, Hatch “was always trying to keep from spending (public) money if he could,” said McMillan.
Former MP Vic Railton remembers Hatch as someone who did a great deal of work for the Liberal party.
“He was a good friend of mine and helped me a great deal,” said Railton, who also spoke of Hatch’s contribution to the development of the seaway area.
“He did a great deal for the city of Welland and this area.”
Port Colborne lawyer Bev Davies served with Hatch on the police commission for several years and described his contribution as “tremendous.”
“Red’s death brings to a close a distinguished career both in business and on the political scene,” said Davies.
Many Wellanders will remember Hatch for his work on the local sports scene.
One of Hatch’s earliest sports interests was watching boxing, according to Tommy Morrison, former managing editor of The Tribune. Hatch later became an avid fan of baseball. He was asked to join the executive of the Welland Senior Baseball club when baseball was in its heyday in the region.
In 1940, hatch became business manager for the Welland team and in 1943 he began a seven year stint as field manager.
“Hatch “was so skillful in coaching and building a top-quality team,” said Morrison, that he guided the Welland team to three Ontario championships. Pitcher Sal Maglie of the New York Giants was one of the top-notch imports Hatch attracted to the team.
Hatch played a role in getting a second arena for Welland in 1967. It was the city’s big project for Canada’s centennial year.
Another of his contributions to sports, and perhaps the one which is most visible to Wellanders, was the illumination of Burgar Park.
“He gave Welland the first illuminated park in the Niagara district,’ said Morrison, adding that Hatch “bankrolled the lights,” at a time when the park’s board could not afford it. Although Hatch undertook the project during the Second World War.it was allowed by the chairman of Ontario Hydro, who felt people needed recreation in wartime. The park used off peak power, and attendance was so good that Hatch regained his investment within the first three seasons.
Attendance was particularly high at one game because of some tough action by Hatch. Morrison remembers that before an important playoff encounter with a Niagara Falls club, Hatch “warned the league that if Niagara Falls empires were stationed at every base. He would yank his team from the field. And he did.”
The Welland team didn’t play that day, but the return game at Burgar Park attracted a record crowd. Over 4,000 people came because of the excitement of the controversy. Hatch’s interest in baseball continued all his life, said Morrison.
Welland’s Voice at Queen’s Park Mourned by Many
[Welland Tribune, 28 February 1982]
Joe Barkovich
Tribune Reporter
Ellis Price Morningstar, who represented Welland Riding in the provincial legislature through six elections in a 24-year career, died Sunday in Welland County General Hospital. He was in his 80th year.
The popular politician who became well-known for the enduring slogan, “My door is always open,” began his political career in 1934 when elected to Crowland Township council, seeking elected office only after much persuasion from friends.
He was elected to the legislature in 1951 and announced his retirement prior to the September 1975 campaign.
On the local scene, he enjoyed immense personal popularity. He went on to become a reeve of Crowland Township and a warden of Welland County. He had a 44-year career at Page Hersey.
One of the hallmarks of his active political career which continued into his retirement from elected office were the Saturday morning meetings with constituents in the basement of his 97 Alberta Street home. There, often with shirt sleeves rolled above his elbows, Mr. Morningstar sat and listened to the constituents’ concerns, frequently taking notes in efforts to help them with their problems. As many persons will attest, he did.
What Mr. Morningstar came to regard as a highlight of his lengthy career occurred a few years ago when the Welland Chamber of Commerce organized an Ellis Morningstar Appreciation Night.
Much to the delight of hundreds in attendance, Premier William Davis, one of several prominent guests, said a special portfolio had been created for Mr. Morningstar, a back bencher throughout his career: “He was the Minister of Community Singing,” said Mr. Davis. Hearing that, Mr. Morningstar needed no further prompting to break out with his traditional favourite, “Let Me Call You Sweetheart.”
If anything, Mr. Morningstar was among the last of a vanishing breed of politician. He made the occasional speech in the legislature, extolling the assets and highpoints of his home riding, but it was here that the bulk of his work was done, with, and for the people he represented. Mr. Morningstar nurtured and maintained valuable connections in the corridors of political power, but his strengths were to be found at the grass roots, local level.
During his career at Page Hersey he came to know many of Welland’s workingmen and their families, the contacts becoming part of the bedrock of his political support. He was supervisor of the firm’s galvanizing department when he was elected to the legislature. When the house was in session, Mr. Morningstar would be at his job at the Page at 6 a.m. for a few hours. Before boarding a train daily for Queen’s Park.
He served under three premiers: Leslie frost, John Robarts and William Davis. And for many years supporters honored him at the ruling level with the always successful Morningstar jamboree.
Many major undertakings occupied his time while an MPP. Notably, was his dogged and successful representation, backed by Welland city council and the Chamber of Commerce, to have Niagara College located in Welland.
Throughout his years in Toronto, he campaigned for highway and access improvements for his riding. An early achievement was the West Side Road, federally assisted, between Welland and Port Colborne.
Highway 58 improvements between Thorold Road and Highway 406 was yet another undertaking he had advocated. Long before the canal bypass project was announced, he pleaded for additional crossings of the old canal to serve Welland and Port Colborne. With the bypass revealed, he interested himself in pressing for tunnels under the relocated channel.
His services and support were given to officials responsible for construction of many local projects, including Welland County General Hospital and its Centennial Wing, the Extendicare Unit, and growth and expansion at Sunset Haven.
But one of his greatest satisfactions was the province’s decision to create a provincial park in the Short Hills district of Effingham, another of his advocacy projects.
He was not one to stay retired from active life for a lengthy period of time. Shortly after he stepped down from provincial politics, he was appointed chairman of the Central Housing Authority, a post he held at the time of his death.
He was well liked, and likable.
Said Premier Davis, shortly after his minister of community singing had retired: “I haven’t met, I can’t think of anyone who has taken the cause and concern of his constituents more seriously and more genuinely.”
[Welland Telegraph 1900]
His 85th Birthday
The Founder of the firm of M. Beatty & Sons Celebrates his natal day, surrounded by his children and grandchildren.
Still Hale and Hearty
On Saturday, August 25th, at the home of Mr Matthew Beatty, there was a very happy gathering, the occasion being the celebration of Mr Beatty’s 85th birthday. For the past forty years Matthew Beatty’s figure and kindly smile have been known to Wellanders who point with pride to him as the originator of the firm that now enjoys a Dominion reputation. Gathered round him on Saturday, glad to do honor to one who has been a kind and loving parent, were his entire family, with the exception of two grandchildren (J.B. and Florence Young, who were unable to attend).
Those present were- Mr and Mrs Wm. Beatty, with their daughter, Miss Nellie, and son Eugene.
Mr and Mrs Alvin Beatty, their son Roy and daughter Helen.
Mr and Mrs Harvey Beatty
Mrs Nelson Young (nee Sarah E. Beatty)of Niagara Falls South.
Mrs J.V. Bergen, (nee Almira Beatty), of Austin, Texas.
Mrs Milton and Mrs Perine.
After receiving his congratulations of his guests, and partaking of family dinner, an adjournment was made to the lawn, where a group picture of those present was taken by Artist Morden.
Mr Matthew Beatty was born north of Ireland, near Londonderry, on the 12th day of August 1815. His parents were James and Mary Beatty, both natives of Ireland. When he first came to America he remained a short time at St Johns, New Brunswick. He went from there to New York, where he learned his trade. From there he removed to Michigan, and was in that state and on the lakes four or five years. He then lived for a year and a half in Buffalo, and a like period in Rochester. In the autumn of 1842 he came to Canada, and after working at his trade in St Catharines for a period of eighteen years, he settled in Welland. He purchased from A.L. Haun a small shop used as a foundry and in it established the business which has since expanded to the large proportions the Welland Iron Works have attained to-day. At present 35 men are employed by the firm, and this number is augmented in the busy season to 50. From the small repair shop of forty years ago has grown the fine shops and business that now has made M. Beatty & Sons’ name a household word among contractors the Dominion over. The chief manufactures of the firm are contractors’ plants of all kinds, mining machinery, steam ditchers, steam derricks, and steam shovels, hoisting engines, stone derrick irons, gang stone saws, centrifugal pumps, etc.
To Matthew Beatty the town of Welland owes much of its prosperity to his keen business instinct and integrity of character much of the success of the present firm is due. For years and years “Beatty’s” has been the backbone of the town. Nearly all the men engaged are skilled mechanics drawing high wages, and no apprentices are employed at all. Welland without Beatty’s would be like a ship without a rudder.
The Telegraph cordially joins his many friends in wishing that Beatty may yet be spared to enjoy “Many happy returns of the day”.
[Welland Tribune, 29 June 1900]
The late William Buchner, whose demise occurred on Tuesday last, was born in the township of Crowland on the 24th of December 1843, the son of S.W. Buchner of that township, and afterwards of Fonthill. The Buchner family are among the pioneers of this section, and are of U. E. Loyalist stock, the predecessors of deceased having come here from New Jersey about the year 1778, preferring to forswearing their allegiance to Great Britain.
In his younger days the deceased William Buchner taught school and followed farming. When the contracts for the Welland canal enlargement were let he gave up farming, and for several years followed the business of contractor, having with his brothers, an extensive contract on the piers at Port Colborne, and afterward other work.
That Mr. Buchner was a man of ability and force of character is amply shown by the public offices he held. Although differing in politics from the majority of electors in his native township, he was repeatedly elected its reeve, and for one term held the Wardenship, the highest municipal office in the county.
In politics he was a Conservative, of the most pronounced character, as was the family to which he belonged. In 1875 he was the Conservative candidate for the Legislature against Hon. J.G. Currie, and though defeated his powerful antagonist, Mr. Currie, had but 78 majority. Mr. Currie was unseated on protest after this election, and Mr. Buchner was again his unsuccessful opponent.
Soon after this he was appointed collector of customs at Fort Erie, and after retiring from that position again did a business as contractor, and latterly an insurance business.
About the time of the Fenian raid, with the loyalty for which the family was noted for generations, he raised a cavalry company, of which he was elected captain. He was afterward appointed Major and, later, Lt.-Col. Of the Second Dragoons, and at the time of his death was on the reserve of officers-being third on the list for the Domino in point of seniority.
In 1873 Mr. Buchner united with the Methodist church, and has ever since been an active member, taking special interest in the Sabbath school work. He was married in the year 1878 to Phoebe M. Brooks, third daughter of late Geo. Brooks, of St. John’s Ont., who with one son-Brooks-and two daughters-Clarabel and Margaret –survive to mourn their irreparable loss.
There also survive three brothers-John of Toronto, Harry of Boston, Mass., and Warren of Pensacola, Florida and two sisters-Mrs. George A. Hill of Niagara Falls, N.Y. and Mrs. B.C. Canby of Wainfleet.
Mr. Buchner’s death was so sudden that it proved a terrible shock to this whole community and especially to his family and friends, to whom it fell as a thunderbolt out of a clear sky. He was around as usual the day before his death, went to bed and apparently to sleep as usual. About 5.30 Tuesday morning, (26th inst.,) his wife was awakened by his quick breathing, and a very brief examination shewed that something serious was wrong. Two doctors were immediately sent for, but deceased breathed his last a few minutes after one doctor arrived and before the other came. The doctor pronounced the cause of death to have been angina pectoris, commonly known a spasm of the chest.
The funeral took place yesterday; burial at Dawdy’s cemetery, Pelham. A very large attendance of friends gathered to pay the last tribune of respect and sympathize with those who mourn.
The casket was beautifully decorated with flowers, among them being a pretty wreath from the county Conservative Association. The pall-bearers’ were: Harry Buchner, Dr. John L. Buchner (brothers of deceased), Ford, Warren and Charles Hill (nephews), and F.M. Hagar (brother-in-law).
Rev. A.E. Russ conducted the funeral service.
[Welland Tribune, 18 August 1905]
This community and a large circle of friends far and near were deeply shocked and pained to learn of the sudden death of Mr. C.B. Bennett. The County Treasurer, at his home at Port Robinson, on Tuesday morning last. Mr. Bennett was at his office at Welland on the Wednesday preceding, although his health has been rather precarious for some time. His ailment was of the kidneys, with complications, death resulting from uraemia poisoning.
Mr. Bennett was born in the township of Gainsboro on November 27, 1835, and was therefore in his seventieth year. He was given an excellent business and commercial education at London, Ont. He began as a clerk in that city, and later acted in the same capacity in Hamilton and elsewhere. He was also engaged for some time with Mr. D’Deverado at Fonthill, the Count Registrar, who was well known as a past master in system and procedure. With such training and his exact and systematic disposition and natural aptitude and ability, he made speedy advancement, and was engaged by the late John Brown of Thorold, the prominent contractor for whom he acted as manager and book-keeper in extensive contracts at Saginaw, St. Clair Flats, Goderich, Rondeau, etc. Afterward Mr. Bennett settled in Port Robinson, where for the past quarter of a century he has carried on the mercantile business. He was appointed postmaster of that village in 1897. He was elected reeve of the township of Thorold for 1891-2-3-4, and filled the highest municipal position in the county, that of warden for the year 1893.He was also elected county councillor, under the new County Councils’ act for the term 1899-1900, and in the latter year was appointed county treasurer which office he filled in an exceptionally satisfactory and efficient manner up to the end. As an illustration, at one time he was notified that county auditors were appointed and asked when his books would be ready. “Why,” replied he, “my books are always ready for audit.”
In politics Mr. Bennett was a prominent Liberal; in religion he adhered to the Episcopal church. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity, a Pastmaster of Myrtle Lodge, Port Robinson, also a member of the A.O.U.W. and Chosen Friends. He leaves a widow, daughter of late Samuel Smith of Merritton; two sons, Byron C. of H.M.C. Bridgeburg; W.C., Merchant, Port Robinson, and one daughter, Sarah Ida, wife of Mr. Wm. Lynch, Port Robinson. One daughter, Mrs. McKenzie died at Memphis, Tenn., about three years in his demise the county loses one of its most useful, prominent and honorable citizens, and a wide circle mourn the loss of an esteemed and cherished friend. At Welland the county flag on the court house was floated at half-mast in honor of his memory, and expressions of regret were heard on every side.
The funeral was held yesterday, under Masonic auspices, also services at St. Paul’s church, Port Robinson, interment in cemetery adjoining.
The attendance at the funeral was large and representative. The County Councillors attended in a body, and acted as pallbearers.
[The Evening Tribune, 26 August 1974]
Norman Grant Michener, former Welland mayor, died at Welland County General Hospital on Saturday in this 89th year.
Born in Welland, Mr. Michener had lived in the Welland area all his life, formerly residing at 39 Shotwell St. He was secretary-treasurer of the J.E. Cutler Lumber Co. Ltd., for 40 years.
Mr. Michener was mayor of Welland in 1936 and 1937 at which time the coronation of King George V1 and Queen Elizabeth took place. He had served as an alderman four years previously. He also officiated at the opening of the new bridge on Niagara Street in September, 1973. He was active in fraternal organizations, being past noble grand of Orient Lodge 100F 134 Welland, past master of Merritt Masonic Lodge 168 Welland as well as a member of Willson Chapter 64 RAM 168 Welland, as well as a member of Central United Church.
Predeceased by his wife, Mabel Gertrude Michener, in 1965, and his son, Lloyd Michener in 1970, four brothers and five sisters, Mr. Michener is survived by his son, Claude, Welland.
Rev. Ross Adams of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church will conduct the funeral service from the H.L. Cudney Funeral Chapel, 241 Main St. W., Welland. Tuesday at 2 p.m. with interment in Fonthill cemetery.
[The Welland Tribune and Telegraph, 7 June 1921]
A unique event in the history of the community took place at Niagara-on-the-Lake Friday, in such a setting as only old Niagara in the leafy month of June can supply. The historical building was the Mecca of members of the Niagara Historical Society who gathered from far and near to assist in the presentation of the portrait of Miss Janet Carnochan, the founder of the society and the inspection of many other historical societies in both the Provence and the Dominion.
The gathering was presided over by Canon Garrett, Vice-President of the Society who made the presentation closing with most appropriate verses sent by Peter McArthur, who was unable to be present. Miss Carrnochan replied in her well-known wise and witty way. The portrait is by Wylie Grier and the painter has caught her characteristic expression of interested attention.
[Welland Telegraph 1904/05]
Son of the late John Misener, who died in January, 1901, was born in the Township of Wainfleet, on February 19th, 1867, where he has always lived and followed the occupation of farming. He was educated in the public school and the St. Catharines College of Commerce, where he received a diploma on graduation in 1891. It was in the same year that he was elected to serve as councillor in the township council. He held the reeveship in 1893-4-5and was thus a County Councillor, being probably the youngest man Welland ever had in that position. In 1895 he came within one vote of attaining the Wardenship, though he did not seek that position. In that year he held the chairmanship in the Industrial Home Committee. Mr. Misener was a promoter, and is today a stockholder in the Fork’s Road Natural Gas Co., and was instrumental in starting the Fenwick Company in 1902, in which he is still interested. In politics he is a staunch Conservative, at the present time serving the second term as president of the Liberal-Conservative Association of the electoral district of Monck.
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