Results for ‘PLACES’
By Vivian Sutton Sunday, February 5, 1984.
Arriving in the fall of 1945, to make my home in the busy, friendly village of Wellandport was certainly a great experience. Having lived all my entire 19 years in a large city; there was a great period of adjustment. The friendliness of the people was really and truly a heat warming experience for me.
Traditionally a typical city, where a mere hello was about all you exchanged with your next door neighbour was most welcome. Mrs J.D.(Reva) Fulsom was one of my first acquaintence.
Indoor plumbing was considered a luxury and the Saturday night bath in the old tin tub left much to be desired
Living accomodations were very difficult to obtain as many returning service men had married during the war and housing was a priority.
Unable to find a suitable place to rent in Welland, we obtained rooms with a lovely retired couple Nelson and Lillie Chadwick, former owners of Chadwick Feed Mill.
Most of our neighbours were all retired people. Mrs Frankie Arnold, Rev McRoberts, Henry & Etta Jupe, George & Lillian Southwick, Mrs Holmes Sr.,George & Caroline Holmes, Earl & Erford Robins, Harry Poore, Thom & Effie Freure, Mr & Mrs Addie Adam Beamer, Bill & Tunie Zawelski and Mearle & Edith Fester.
There friendly and out going manner made me feel so welcome.
The minister at that time was Rev. McRoberts, a bachelor who was a frequent guest for a dinner or a supper. He told me that I was priviledged to reside in the part of Wellandport known “As Quality Hill”. This has always remained in my memory as I look now at the changes in that part of the village.
Wellandport had four grocery stores. Roman Suters, Red&White store owned and operated by Ada Coleman(Hiles). Howies grocery store, and Nepons general store. In the old general store, centered in the middle of the floor was a large pot bellied stove. This was certainly a popular spot. Everyone congregated from the village and surrounding farms on a Saturday night to purchase supplies, exchange chit chat, catch up on the weeks happenings. No one ever thought of going to town to shop.
We were very fortunate to have in the village a most competent doctor. Dr. Carson made numerous house calls, delivered babies at home, performed many other services.
A local post office operated by the Coleman family in part of the red & white store. A telephone office, headed by Mrs Lloyd Book(Nora) operators, Florence Cavers, Beryl Moore, Elma Cavers to mention a few. Lampmans’ operated a hardware store, implement business and upstairs a funeral home. This was owned by John Lampman and his son Glenn.
This funeral home & furniture store was first owned and operated by Amos Heaslip an uncle of Hazel Ullman in 1902. This building presently is now known as Home Hardware. Mr Heaslip had two hearses. Black & white, two teams, black & white. One pulled the hearse, the other the carriage.
Mr Heaslip sold to Mr. Hugh Brooks. Mrs Hugh Brooks to a Mr Slaght, Mr Slaght to John Lampman.
The old Cronkite Hotel housed a two family apartment. Gordon MacDonald family and the North family.
The Masonic Hall was in operation and the Womens’ Institute held social events there.
The Wellandport United Church was the only place of worship and all our spiritual needs well looked after.
A one room school tended to the educational aspects, grades 1-8, capabiley taught by Harold Hodgkins.
Two garages were in operation. One owned and operated by N. Peter Redmond; the other Andys garage, by Andrew (Andy) Tuchowski. Mr John Johnson was our local carpenter.
A very busy blacksmith shop, owned and operated by Bill Zawelski.
Milk was delivered by two local dairy farmers, Charles Freure and Adam Moore for the exorbant price of .05 cents per quart. When pastuerization became law Welland Dairy delivered the milk
Cars were in short supply, but our needs were well looked after by the local merchants.
The daily bus service from Dunnville to Smithville was in operation by Bert Phillips.
Villagers would avail themselves occasionally. for a special outing, ride the bus to Smithville. Purchase a special rated train ticket to Hamilton for the day from the Smithville railroad station office and off for a days shopping. Think this cost about 65 cents return. Many the trips I made with friends.
Our community has seen many changes in the 39 years.
Today we have one grocery store and gas bar, local post office, library which is an asset to our community.
One garage, one feed mill, feed supply dealer, hardware store and church.
The Masonic Hall is still an active hall as well as the Independent order of the Odd Fellows Hall.
One of our proudest accomplishments is our local community hall. Many donated long hours of hard work went into the building and maintanence of this very busy hall. The older friendly familiar faces has long since passed on.
Wellandport village is now inhabited mainly by the Dutch people who settled in the area in the very early fifties.
We who were a majority are now a minority. I have spent happy years in this lovely friendly community. A community with a heart, a community who cares.
—The above article has now been corrected with a previous error for the name “Andrew (Andy) Tuchowski”. Thank you to Marie Tuchowski-Cockman of Hamilton On for pointing out our error.—[June 9, 2020]
By Verna Eileen Marlatt, Feb. 27, 1998
Northeast of Welland and hard by the north shore of the Welland River once thrived the settlement of Port Fanny, so named by William Peckham of Wellandport. In time the name was changed to Canadasville in honour of its oldest resident, Mrs Candas Snure.
One hundred years ago this busy community included twelve large farms, three stores, a crockery, a wagon slip, two blacksmith shops, a sawmill, a cooperage and a brickyard.
South of the settlement was a bridge across the Welland River. A wooden bridge, built in five parts, two slopes up, a level piece, and two slopes down served well at first. A half moon bridge replaced it and served for thirty years. Freeman Hodgkins later constructed a steel bridge.
Rafts of logs, barges and tugs were a common sight on the river. Wheelbarrow loads of wood were taken down the bank and loaded on board the barges and tugs. Hinged smoke stacks on the tugs allowed passage under the bridges.
The farmers prided themselves on raising excellent grain, cattle and sheep. Large cow bells were tied on the sheep which were marked and allowed to roam at will. Mr. Wm. Disher employed his oxen to draw cord wood to St Catharines. Mr James Marshall bought butter, cream, cheese, and eggs from the local citizens.
These commodities were sold in St Catharines where he purchased goods and groceries to retail in his store. Crocks were manufactured in the crockery and sold in the stores. A wagon shop was operated by Mr. Gifford. Mr Benjamin Rogers and Mr Lloyd operated blacksmith shops.
A sawmill, owned by John MacDonald, had a brick chimney seventy feet high and four feet in diameter. Square timber, lumber and shingles were manufactured. Mr Cornelius Bertran operated a brickyard. Clay was dug from the river bank, put into a pit, moistened with water, and then put into a mixer driven by horse-power. Next it was pressed into forms holding six bricks each. The forms were then removed to level ground, inverted, the forms removed, and the bricks allowed to dry. Then a kiln baked them. Three days of labour would provide the inadequate remuneration of one dollar.
West of the brickyard was an ashery.
All work and no play was not the rule of the day. A football team brought local honour. Swimming, skating, and ice races for horses were common. As the rafts of logs floated down to the saw mills the local citizens fished through the cracks between the logs.
Few of the pioneer names are heard today. The families have dispersed to help in building other localities but they left an indelible mark in the local development.
[Welland Tribune 1921]
The following from the pen of E.W. Farr appears in the current number of the Ontario Library Review:
The Police village of Fenwick Ontario, can boast of one of the finest little public libraries in the Province, and the ease with which the work has been performed has been phenomenal.
The following sketch from a village of less than four hundred is furnished the Review with the hope that it may prove an inspiration to other rural localities to establish a library where carefully selected reading may be available for the public.
In March 1919, the late Mrs. A.M. Paterson, a highly-respected resident of our village passed to the Great Beyond. She bequeathed four hundred dollars and her library, as a nucleus for a library for the village of Fenwick, providing the funds were used for that purpose within a year.
This very thoughtful bequest proved an inspiration to the whole village. A public meeting was called in November 1919, collectors were appointed and in a short time subscriptions of three thousand seven hundred was raised.
A library board was regularly appointed under instructions from the Public Libraries Branch and in the early summer of 1920, work was commenced, and a beautiful pressed brick building occupies a central position on an excellent lot donated by W.H. Fry.
The building completed November 1st, 1920, under the supervision of J.C. Sloat, chairman of the building committee, cost nearly three thousand dollars.
The book committee has purchased and received from donations seven hundred volumes which, supplemented by a splendid list from the travelling library of the Provincial Department, furnish an ample supply for present needs.
The president, W.H. Morgan and the other directors have worked faithfully throughout the year for the good of the library and have received every help from W.O. Carson, Inspector of Public Libraries, and are much indebted to Miss Patricia Spereman, also of the Department, for very helpful advice and services rendered on her two visits to Fenwick.
[Welland Tribune 1945]
Fenwick, Oct 27—The Maple Acre Library board of directors, met Thursday evening in the library rooms, with Miss L. De La Mater as chairman. The minutes were read by Mrs. L.S. Haney and statement of finances given by Jos. Leppert.
Mention was made of the bad condition of eavestrough on the building and a committee consisting of F. Tunnacliffe and Jos. Leppert were appointed to have new eavestrough installed. The sum of $75 was voted the Book Purchasing committee for new books.
The following schedule for caring for library during coming months was drawn up: October,Jos Leppert; November, F. Tunnacliffe; December, J. Roy Page; January, G. McGlashan; February, W. Julian; March, Mrs. L.S. Haney, April, Miss De La Mater; May, Mrs H.T. Elliot.
The main topic of discussion was the possible formation of a Welland county co-operative library association, with Miss De La Mater giving a concise report of the meetig held at Niagara Falls on Wednesday evening, attended by six of the Fenwick board. At the meeting Inspector Mowatt of Toronto, provincial inspector of libraries explained the steps necessary to form a county library association. A committee of six, representing Niagara Falls, Welland, Thorold, Fort Erie Stamford and Fenwck. was formed at that meeting to go ahead with investigation of libraries in the county as to possible support of the project. The Fenwick board expressed unanimous approval of the project and Miss De La Mater, who is a member of the committee appointed, was instructed to so inform the committee.
[Welland Telegraph 1898]
Corner stone laying
The corner-stone laying of the new Methodist church at Fenwick on Tuesday was a most successful and pleasing function. The attendance was very large. The ritual of the church for such cases made and provided was read by Rev. A.E. Russ of Welland, chairman of the Welland district. The corner-stone of the new edifice was well and truly laid by F.W. Watkins,Esq., of Hamilton, who made a most appropriate address, as did also the following reverend gentlemen who were present, namely: Revds, R.W. Woodworth, G.E. Honey, Cassiday, Christie and Smith (Port Robinson)
After which, dinner was served in the lecture room of the church. The ladies won golden opinions for the ample and elaborate spread, and tasteful floral decorations. Next in order was an address from Hon. R. Harcourt, which was one of that eloquent speaker’s happiest and most appropriate efforts.
The building was brilliantly illuminated by acetylene gas, manufactured by one of McMurray’s (Welland) generators. The lights were admired by all for their purity, brilliancy and steadiness
The Fonthill brass band added to the charms of the occasion by their enlivening strains.
In addition to the previous subscription list an offering of $150 was made at the corner-stone laying, which, with $50 or $60 netted at the dinner, will make the proceeds of the day aggregate over $200 for the building fund. The church will be practically a new structure, though the present building will be utilized, It will be raised, a stone sub-structure erected for a lecture room; a wholly new addition will be erected., and the present building, after being raised, will be veneered with brick, and the interior will be renewed. The result will be that the Methodists of Fenwick and vicinity will have a handsome as well as ample and modern-equipped place of worship.
[Welland Telegraph 1898]
The village of Fenwick shows much improvement and increase in size. Several new business additions have been made and a large number of commodious and beautiful residences have been erected during the past year.
The Methodist church, which was first erected in 1860 is being thoroughly rebuilt. A large T shaped addition is being built at the rear, and a basement is being placed under the auditorium. The foundation and the basement will be of stone from Rockway, Louth township, quarries, and the church proper will be veneered with brick from Hooker’s yards, Welland. The buiding, when completed, will be a lasting monument to the village. The Methodist body here numbers some 200 members and theirs is the only church in the village. The building will be lighted by acetylene gas. W.F. Haist, Fenwick, mason and Ryan & Cook, woodworkers, have the contracts.
A. L. Pattison has rebuilt his residence adjoining his store, and thereby made a very neat abiding place.
John Gladwin, a carpenter and builder has erected for himself a very neat and handy residence, which also adds greatly to the appearance of the village.
Wm. Ryan, also a builder, has put up for himself a new residence on Canboro street. It was built last fall and when fully completed will be an up-to-date home and quite cosy.
C.J. Sloat has erected on his seven acre garden farm a very tasty home. It is of modern appearance and stands out very prominently.
Dr. Birdsall has converted his barns and outbuildings into more convenient and suitable shape and arrangement. The doctor has one of the prettiest residences and lawns to be seen in a long drive. It is nicely terraced, while here and there hedges and ornamental shrubs are placed in striking effect.
Altogether this thrifty little village is moving along with the steady growth of Canada, and the citizens take great pride I the improvements.
[Welland Tribune, 27 April 1936]
Below is noted a striking address by Florence Emmett Kinsman upon the historical background of Fonthill given before Fonthill W.I. on April 8th.
“Everytime through the year that I have looked at our program and seen that item “Historical Research” followed by my name, it has sent shivers up and down my spine, however. I hope you will find it as interesting to listen to as I have the preparation of it.
“Historical Research” is far too learned and awe-inspiring a name to be applied to my paper this afternoon, so I have decided it should rather be called “Reminiscences of one who was born and reared in Fonthill, and hopes, God willing, to spend several more years here.”
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COVERING 100 YEARS AT WELLANDPORT
[The Welland-Port Colborne Evening Tribune, 26 November 1931]
This synopsis of Presbyterian church history covering a period of one hundred years was prepared by the present minister, Rev. Donald H. Currie, for the Centennial of the Wellandport Presbyterian church, observed on Sunday, October 25th, 1931, by special services in the church, and on Monday, Oct. 26th, by a supper served by the Ladies’ Aid in the “Tourists Inn,” followed by a reunion and program in the church. The sketch is dedicated to the memory of the pioneers who came into the forest to hew out homes for themselves, and build schools and churches that their children might be provided for materially and spiritually.
My sources of information are from Dr. Gregg’s History of the Presbyterian Church in Canada, and from the session and congregational minute books of Wellandport church. The church in Gainsboro on the Twenty Mile Creek was organized by the Rev. D.W. Eastman in 1809. From its organization this church at St. Ann was under the care of Mr. Eastman, something like twelve years, and he was succeeded by the Rev. Mr. Goodell. In 1831 there were two Sabbath schools, and Mr. Goodell divided his labors between St. Anns and another congregation six miles distant in the same town.
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[Welland Tribune 1892]
Pelham Breaks The Record.
Over 5000 People Patronize the Big Fair
A Great Day And A Great Show
Notes of the Exibits and List of the Winners
Nearly seven hundred dollars at the gate!
Briefly but eloquently this tells the tale of the unparalled success of Pelham Agricultural society’s show of 1892.
It makes a new record for itself and paralyzes all local records—so far as attendance is concerned.
A very little figuring will place the number present away up in the thousands—5000 at least!
The gate receipts at 20c admission represent over 3400 people,–allowing the money paid for rigs to offset that not paid for children. Then 300 members received four tickets each—1200 more human beings……..
[Welland Tribune 1912]
Which was First the Hen or the Egg?
FENWICK FAIR
Is first in everything
Don’t forget the date
Fenwick, October 8 and 9, 1912
A time of your life
Five good speed contests
Large fruit and stock exhibit
Band of 91st Regiment Canadian Highlander Hamilton.
Guessing contest for ladies from towns and cities.
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