Results for ‘Historical MUSINGS’
[Welland Tribune, 12 March 1897]
We cannot resist quoting the following criticisms upon the historical works of well-known local authors, which appeared in a recent issue of the University Review:
“In the Annals of Niagara, by William Kirby, F.R.S.G. (Lundy’s Lane Historical society, 1896), the author of “Le Chien D’Or,” has done for his native place a delightful service. No other town in Ontario has so interesting a history as Niagara. Hither came the first French discoverers, and here were seen the rise and fall of the Great Fort and the assembly of Johnson’s forces. Niagara has been the capital of a new province, and seen an infant parliament meet to lay the foundations of a new state. It has been captured by an enemy and burnt with every accompaniment of barbarity, and later it has seen its commercial prosperity gradually fade away until it has become the quiet and attractive watering place of today. The story Mr. Kirby has well told, with much that is new, either from his own reminiscences or from those who have passed away.” University Review pp. 165-6.
“Capt. Cruikshank’s Documentary History is of very great value. The story of the struggle between the two branches of the Anglo-Saxon race on a frontier close to the barrier of unknown forests and before the era of the war correspondent, has never been told without bias. We may hope that before long such a history will be written and this book will be a great aid to the historians. Captain Cruikshank in tracing the military movement of the campaign of 1814 has departed from the method he has employed in his narratives of the more important engagements, and has given the story as it appears in the official despatches and orders, and in private letters from combatants on both sides. Most of this matter has been hitherto in MS. Only. The arrangement throughout is chronological and the reader therefore can follow easily the movements of the forces on both sides as they were directed day by day from headquarters. Captain Cruikshank carefully refrains from editorial comment and confines his attention to strict accuracy in transcription and arrangement. This sound and scholarly piece of historical work when completed will be of great service.”-University Review, p 81.
Welland High Paper circa 1930s’
WILL MAN REACH MARS?
Arthur Smith
To the average person interplanetary travel is something so improbable that it belongs to the realm of fantastic. To my mind, there is nothing fantastic about it. I am convinced of the feasibility of space travel, and I predict that a successful flight to Mars will be made before the close of this century.
I am aware that there are great difficulties, but these are not insuperable. It is true that the distances are vast (Mars at its nearest is 5,000,000 miles away) but in space you can go a million miles as easily as one. This is because space is almost a perfect vacuum, and thus friction is practically absent.
A frequent objection is that a spaceship would have to obtain a speed of 7 miles per second, and that the acceleration would kill all on board. This is erroneous. Seven miles per second is the speed necessary if the rocket is to cut off its power and continue on momentum. But why not build a ship to travel at a bearable acceleration and keep the rocket blast on?
The greatest difficulty is fuel. The only suitable fuel now known is a mixture of liquid oxygen and gasoline, which is too bulky. However, I am confident science will find something better and thus remove the main obstacle.
A WIRE CABLE THAT CARRIED AN IRON BASKET-WOMEN PASSENGERS
Buffalo Courier
[Welland Telegraph, 15 May 1891]
In the historical society’s rooms in the library building stands an iron basket of latticed and riveted iron strips, painted red, with room for two persons to sit vis a vis on a wooden bottom-altogether a rough and ancient looking contrivance. It was used in years long past to convey human freight across Niagara’s gorge, and in imagination one can see the queer-looking object on grooved wheels running on the small cable above, shoot down the cable’s deflection till the centre was reached, then climb the opposite incline and by other aid finally reach the Canadian bank.
The basket has an interesting history, as the following letter in the possession of the secretary of the society will show. It was written by Judge Hulett of Niagara Falls, and has never before been published.
“George F. Barnum, secretary Buffalo historical society. Dear Sir: It gives me much pleasure to be enabled to furnish you the history of the ‘iron basket’ which was a preliminary means in the construction of the great railroad suspension bridge that now spans the Niagara River, the admiration of the world. The dates I will give you were taken from a diary kept by me during the work.
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[Welland Telegraph, 30 October 1891]
The late Judge Lawder, of St. Catharines, used to relate the word spoken to him by General Scott-his intimate friend and visitor, who commanded the American army of 5,000 at Lundy’s Lane. That “they (the Americans) got the worst of the battle, and so were forced to retreat,” leaving their dead to be disposed of by the British. They concluded to retire, having held council of war of officers at early dawn of July 26, under a tree near Forsythe’s house, Falls View. It was early on the same day that they crossed the Chippawa and burnt down the old bridge.
OLD TIMES AS SEEN IN OLD NEWSPAGES
A Glimpse of Welland Herald of Seventy Years Agone
A FONTHILL PAPER
Welland Was Then Merrittsville
By Frank C. Pitkin
[The Welland Tribune and Telegraph, 7 July 1925]
In your further perusal of the Welland Herald of 1855, printed at Fonthill, you will be on the lookout only for the high spots, the review of the copy dated Sept. 20 of that year having been extensive enough to give you a slant on the difference between the journal of those days and the newspaper of these times.
Anyway, in the second copy, dated Oct. 18, 1855, you find no changes in the first two columns of page 1, both of which carry the same advertisements as seen in the former issue.
Next comes a three-column piece of fiction entitled “The Mysterious Marriage.” The scene is laid in New Zealand and your eye is caught by such alluring phrases as “the piercing scream of a female voice” and “in the coffin lay the form of the murdered bride.”
But what catches your attention is the initials “H.H.” at the close of the story, for that gives ground for the belief that it was a production of some local genius, and maybe your mind reverts to the notice in the former copy of another and literary sheet published at Fonthill, “The Acorn” by Stone and Hobson.
But H.H.” does not square up with either Hosmer Stone or Daniel Hobson, which latter was a son of the first sheriff of this county, and that is that.
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Robert Cooper Made County Clerk at 1891 June Session
[The Welland Tribune and Telegraph, 15 June 1926]
“April showers bring May flowers”- a little belated this year, ‘tis true-and June brings County Council session, which may be counted on to show up with no belatedness.
This year’s session marks an anniversary, not for a council member, but for the clerk of that body, for it is thirty-five years ago, back in 1891, that Robert Cooper assumed that office.
Says the paper of those days: “The appointment of a new County Clerk was done in the twinkling of an eye this morning, (Saturday, June 6). Messrs. Cruikshank and Riselay introduced the bill to repeal the old by-law by inserting the name of Robert Cooper in lieu of that of Jos. C. Page, resigned. The bill was duly read and passed without dissent. It is but fair to say, however, that the obstructionist, Zimmerman, was not present when the bill was passed.”
The obstruction referred to came about the previous day when, again quoting from the newspaper, The Clerk read a motion by Morris and Seuss, that the County Clerk, be asked to put in his resignation, to take effect July 1.
Mr. Zimmerman- “I object. Mr. Seuss is not present.”
Mr. Morris, (the late Edward Morris of Fonthill)- “A little explanation is necessary here. It was agreed by both political parties that a member from each should act as movers. The duty fell upon myself, and the Deputy Reeve of Humberstone.”
Mr. Zimmerman- “Under circumstances.”
Mr. Morris- “The deputy did not second it, but Mr. Seuss has agreed to. Now he is not here.”
Mr. Cronmiller- “In the absence of Mr. Seuss, you may put my name down as seconder.”
“The motion was then put and carried out without discussion or dissent.”
Pursuing the newspaper further, it appears evident that the county fathers of those days followed much the same lines as those of today in getting things fixed up outside the council chamber preparatory to their being dealt with on the floor, for the report says: “Caucusing was in full swing until three o’clock, and coming before Council proper met it was well-known that two county offices would be declared vacant and that one of the plums would fall into the Conservative camp and the other into the Grit ranks. G.L. Hobson of Welland drew the first prize-that of County Treasurer-in a brief caucus of his friends. The Grits were no longer in session, but before they returned to the council chamber it was confidently whispered that Robert Cooper of Welland would succeed Mr. Page as County Clerk.
Mr. Hobson’s appointment was in succession to James McGlashan, whose resignation was tendered by himself on account of failing eyesight, and whose service in the office was commended by a resolution passed by the council “in appreciation of his efficient, faithful and honest services.”
C.R. Bennett was the next to assume the office of treasurer, following the death of Mr. Hobson, and the present incumbent, W.H. Garner, succeeded him in 1905, so that he now has twenty-one years’ service to his credit.
The situation in the case of the retiring County Clerk was of a different order. A committee appointed to audit his accounts in connection with the sale of marsh lands submitted a report showing that the sum of $5,959 appeared by the books to have been paid to the clerk between 1873 and 1886, over and above the amount paid over by him to the county treasurer.
This explains the request for his resignation before narrated. The newspaper report of the matter says: “It was a delicate business that faced councillors this morning. No action had yet been taken as to the clerk’s deficit, and all the members seemed loath to open the ball. Joe Page had been a landmark in the county council as its clerk. The older councillors felt disinclined to move against an old friend, while the new men thought that if any movement were made, the first step should be made by members who were at the board while the moneys were being misappropriated.
There were others after these two offices. D. McConachie was willing to fill both at $900 per annum, while John R. Sawle of the Welland Telegraph made application for the clerkship at $300, and Thomas Teskey, Welland, applied for the post of treasurer, without making mention of his emolument.
Warden H.G. Macklem occupied the chair at the session. He told the council that as the Government had not made a grant to the county for the Industrial Home, he believed it had no authority over the Home and no right to order that the bodies of deceased paupers be sent to the medical schools. He had instructed the keeper of the Home not to report deaths of inmates, and expressed belief that the county would not begrudge giving such dead a peaceful grave on the home farm.
On June 2nd the council sent a telegram to Lady MacDonald at Ottawa expressing their sympathy with her in the illness of her husband, Sir John A., whose death occurred June 6th.
The newspaper account of the session closes with a few notes, among them the comment of one member that “Welland County Jail has a continental reputation as a pleasant winter hotel.”
Another member observed that “Welland Town is still the favorite with county councillors generally. A motion to have the county buildings removed to some more appreciative town would no doubt carry by an unanimous vote-outside of the town representatives. Welland appears to ‘get there’ when any offices are being filled, just the same.”
And here’s a warm one to wind up-an observation that would, of course, have no bearing today since the banishment of the bar. Be it remembered that said institution was in full swing back in those days and Councillor Battle “suggested a system of electric bells, connecting the council room with different hotels in the vicinity of the court house.”
The which may draw comment from some of the old-timers, “Ah, Them wuz the days.”
[Submitted by: B]
One of my favourite outings is walking the boardwalk on the Friendship Trail through the old Erie Beach Amusement Park. Running parallel to the north shore of Lake Erie, it is an historical treasure. In the late1800s and early 1900s, amusement parks usually located near a river, lake or other large body of water, became a prime source of entertainment for the public. They provided endless hours of diversion. Locales were chosen by the availability of mass transit and limited for the most part to two mediums: steamers and trains. Highways were virtually non-existent and motorized vehicles still a novelty.
Most of the early amusement parks are gone now, victims of changing demographics, new modes of transportation and competition from the Internet, television and movies. Names such as Crystal Beach, Bob Lo, Lakeside Park, Grimsby Beach and Hanlans Point are mere memories; only a handful such as Cedar Point, Sandusky and the Canadian National Exhibition remain: islands of candy floss and roller coasters echoing with the shouts and laughter of children and adults alike. Today, like the bones of some prehistoric animal, the remnants of old buildings, broken piers, walkways and the outline of the once grand swimming pool are all that remain, but standing at one end of the boardwalk, one can almost envision the gaily dressed women, parasols in hand, escorted by men in their straw hats and suits walking arm in arm to and from the steamer. The entire area, once a magnificent playground, is now a rustic park with trails winding through the ruins and suburbia encroaching on its borders. Let us hope that a sense of history prevails and these majestic ruins are preserved just as they are.
What They Mean-Famous People That Bore the Name-The Name in History, Literature, Etc.
By Henry W. Fischer
[Welland Telegraph, 1 March 1912]
VIRGINIA
Virginia has been called “Jennie with a head and tail to it,” but of course, it has nothing to do with the alternative of Johanna.
The name is derived from the Latin and means “flourishing.”
The anemone is its emblem and “virility” its sentiment, probably with reference to the root of the word Virgo, which is is Latin for Virgin.
It is said that in England only sentimental people call a daughter Virginia, but this is certainly not true in the United States, where Virginia usually embellishes women famous in art or successful in business.
The name is rarely used in other than English speaking countries, except France, where its popularity was seemingly insured for all times by the famous romance, “Paul et Virginie,” the chief work of Bernardin de St. Pierre, published just before the revolution.
There are a few American girls who have not at one time wept over Paul et Virginie- A French girl would feel insulted if you suggested that she had not done so. A steel engraving depicting the heroine of the sentimental tale is found in many American houses.
Some Frenchmen made an opera, thirty or more years ago, of the novel, but this has never been seen in the United States.
Sir Walter Raleigh gave the name of Virginia to the fine South Atlantic colony in honor of Queen Elizabeth who liked to be called the Virgin queen. It is more than probable that the author of “Paul et Virginie” named the female heroine after the colony.
Virginia is called “Old Dominion,” and the “Mother of Presidents.”
The “Army of Virginia” was commanded by Gen Pope, who took part in the second Bull Run campaign.
The University of Virginia numbers Thomas Jefferson among its founders.
There are two Virginia cities, one in Montana, the other in Nevada.
“The Virginia Plan,” an oytline for a constitution, was written by Edmund Randolph of Virginia in 1787.
“The Virginians” is the title of a novel by Thackery, dealing with the Virginians of the eighteenth century. It was a sequel to Henry Esmond.
Virginia Harned is one of the several famous American actresses bearing the beautiful name. She was born in Boston in 1868, but spent her early girlhood in England. She made her first appearance on Our Broadway House and her start as an actress of high merit was settled by her creation of Trilby (1895).
By Louis Blake Duff
Recently there came to me as a gift from of Toronto a number of old papers; about the most interesting collection I have seen.
To list them:
- St Catharines Journal of December 28, 1843.
- St Catharines Journal of March 16, 1848.
- The Leader, Toronto, November 28, 1878
- The People’s Press. Fonthill C.W. February 14,1861.
A curious catalogue of agricultural implements made by Albany Agricultural Works of Albany, New York. This is dated 1851, and is one of a yearly series that had begun in 1831.
Implements of a Century Ago
The Albany Agricultural Works list fifty different plows, most of which are shown in illustration, and the price range is from $3.50 to $14. Horse tread mills are shown, one for driving a threshing machine and one for driving a chopping mill. There is another tread for dog power to be used for light farming operations. The picture shows a dog busily, and even merrily, trotting as he churns, and oddly enough the animal shows Rover actually enjoying the job. There are various churns, cheese presses, a sausage stuffer, grain cradles, fanning mill, the Clinton cornsheller, or yokes and bows. What did an ox yoke sell for? From $3.50 to $5.
The Fonthill Newspaper
The People’s Press of Fonthill,C.W. was in its second year. Very few of its issues are known.
This Fonthill newspaper enterprise arose out of the political ambitions of Dr Fraser who had his office in Fonthill. He was the first member for Welland County when it had been taken from the rib of Lincoln. The paper naturally, was violently Reform. The first issue was early in 1854 and it did help to bring about the election of the worthy doctor. In its first incarnation it was called The Welland Herald. Doctor Fraser soon had enough of newspaper publishing and sold the plant to Dexter D’Everardo
David Cooper announces that he has leased the Aqueduct Flouring Mills in the Village of Welland.
The Leader, Toronto of which more later, announces that since its founding in 1852 it has attained a circulation of several thousand more than any other paper in Canada.
Dr. Nicholas Dick with his infirmary pleasantly and healthfully situated opposite J. Steele’s Ridgeville, advertises his “Botanic Medicines” Culled from Nature’s Garden.” There at last, is a political doctor for you.
George Gamble near Lock’s Clothing Establishment, Upper Fonthill, advertises his stock of boots and shoes.
Ester Sherk, Point Abino advertises for creditors of the estate of the late Daniel Sherk.
J.S. Rich, Fonthill. Has the largest advertisement in the paper. A few of his prices might be of interest:
- Coffee sugar, 8lbs. for a dollar
- Porto Rica sugar, 12lbs. for $1
- Crushed sugar, 7lbs. for $1.
- Teas. 50 to 75c pound
- Coal oil, $1 per gallon
- Brooms 16c each
- Candles, 15c lb.
- Factory cotton, 8c per yard.
J.A. Cohoe inserts this notice “The members of Fountain Head Temple, No. 440 I.O. of G.T. (that stands for the Independent Order of Good Templars, I believe) intend holding a public meeting in Clarke’s School House on the Plank Road on Monday evening February 18. The members of Sweet Home Safe Guard Lodges are requested to attend and assist on the occasion. Several talented speakers are expected.
Henry Martin Giles of St Catharines will deliver a lecture in the concert hall, Fonthill
Before the Mechanics” Institute, on Saturday evening next at 7 o’clock. Subject:”The Origin and Progress of Letters.” Admission: Members and Ladies free, non-members 121/2 cents each.
The two rival papers attacked each other in language that could not be equaled in any other papers of the day. Here is a sample from The Reporter:
“Extract the venom from the vilest snake that ever on its belly crawled along the dust; take the quintessence from the juice of all the poisonous herbs that ever from the earth sought the genial rays of Heaven’s great luminary; then mix and with a quill drawn from a raven’s wing, write—against truth and honesty principle and justice, morality and religion, and if you equal in virulence the article alluded to, then must the subtle poison have entered your heart also, and venom dictate the words with venom written”
That is drawing rather a long bow.
Now in this issue of the People’s Press on the desk before me the business notices include the following:
D. D’Everardo—Money to Loan
Peter Learn, Esquire, Point Abino—Marriage Licenses
Alfred Willett, Clerk of the First Division Court, Welland—announcing his office hours 10am to 4pm.
A, Murray, postmaster at Port Robinson—marriage licenses.
Wm Steele, Humberstone—marriage licenses
W.P. Brown, office in the County Court House, Welland—lawyer and conveyancer.
B.W. Price, Fonthill—watches, clocks and jewelry.
J. Brackbill, Fenwick, advertising a lot for sale in Fonthill, opposite home Dexter D’Everardo.
Wm. Cook, Fonthill—harness maker
Alexander Sinclair, Fonthill—merchant tailor
Wm Horne, Fonthill, announces that he is a senior member of the College of Veterinary Surgeons in Philadelphia and is ready for practice.
Wm Beatty of Thorold advertises a public meeting in Bald’s Hall Welland, T.W. Hooker was chairman, and J.S. Chipman, secretary Two motions were passed, one by A, Bald and Wm Thompson and one by J. Griffith and Moses Betts
The theme was condemnation of the ministry objection to the tariff and to the growing expenditures.
At another Beatty meeting at the Court House, Squire Hellems an early school teacher in Welland and later police magistrate, took a hand in defence of Cartier-MacDonald.
George Arnold and a man named Farley, both of St. Davids, got into an argument, when Farley pulled out a stake from a sleigh on which he was standing and struck Arnold on the head Arnold died in a few hours and a coroner’s jury rendered a verdict of willful murder.
What They Mean-Famous People That Bore the Name-The Name in History, Literature, Etc.
By Henry W. Fischer
[Welland Telegraph, 20 February 1912]
SARAH
Sarah is a Hebrew name, meaning princess. The fir tree is her emblem and “elevation” her sentiment. The popular diminutive of Sarah is Sally.
The Biblical Sarah was the wife of the patriarch Abraham and the mother of Isaac, a fact accounting for the popularity of the name in Puritan days.
Political history knows but one Sarah, Sarah Jennings, first Duchess of Marlborough, and the bosom friend and adviser of Queen Anne. She was the childhood playmate of Princess Anne, and became the all-powerful favorite when the latter succeeded to the throne.
Sarrota de Multon and Sarah Beauchamp were famed beauties of the court of King Edward I.
Three famous actresses have borne this ancient name-Sarah Bernhardt, Sarah Kemble and Sarah Siddons. Sarah Legrand was a famous Parisian model.
Sarah Orne Jewett is one of Boston’s best known writers. Sarah Whitman was an American poet. Sally Britton Spottiswood Mackin, author of “A Society Woman” and “Two Countries,” was created a countess by Pope Leo XIII.
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