Results for ‘Wellandport’
[Welland Tribune March 20, 1940]
Wellandport, March 20- The Young People’s Society of the United church was entertained at the home of Miss Donna Lampman on Friday evening. Three new members were received into the society. The spacious rooms were then made ready for playing progressive crokinole. There were eight tables in play and prizes for the highest scores were won by Miss Blanche Barwell and Allen Thomas while the consolations were taken by Miss Doris Disher and Patrick Lappin. Delicious refreshments were served by the hostess assisted by Mr. and Mrs George Southwick.
Easter Cantata
An Easter cantata will be given in the Smithville United church on Easter Sunday evening by the joint choirs of Wellandport and Smithville United churches under the leadership of Robert McPherson of Wellandport. The cantata will be repeated in the Wellandport United church on Sunday evening, March 31.
The Mission Circle meeting which was to have been held on Saturday afternoon at the home of Mrs Stanley Cavers was postponed on account of bad roads and will be held on Saturday afternoon March 23.
Personals
Sunday visitors at the home of Mr. and Mrs James A. Ross were Major Janke, Mr and Mrs Rudolph Janke and Mr and Mrs Don Eaton of North Tonawanda N.Y.; Mrs William Barnes of New Brunswick N.J. and Mr and Mrs B. Robins and family of Fenwick.
Mrs A. Hodgkins has returned home after spending the past few weeks with relatives at Beamsville.
Bay Stayzer and family spent Sunday with friends in town.
Mr and Mrs Norman Hodgkins and family visited at the home of Mr and Mrs John Johnson on Sunday.
Harry Glaves of Kitchener spent the weekend at home.
Mr and Mrs Paul Brooks and family attended the funeral of the late Isadore Krivy of Welland who was killed on a level crossing in Crowland township. The funeral was was held in Toronto on Sunday.
Several ladies attended a quilting party on Tuesday afternoon at the home of Mrs. P. S. Carson.
[Welland Tribune December 2, 1943]
Wellandport, Dec. 1- A school for leaders held in the United church at Wellandport under the auspices of the W.M.S. and Niagara Presbyterial was a grand success in every way. Each church in the Fenwick area was well represented and great enthusiasm shown. The vice- president for the district, Mrs Norman Gifford of Wainfleet, presided over the opening and devotional periods.
The meeting as then given over to Miss Wilna Thomas, secretary for younger groups of the Dominion board. For the first hour she conducted a questionnaire on auxiliary work which was followed by a recreation period in the basement. During the last hour she addressed the younger groups. The table of literature was well patronized and Mrs George Bowman, secretary of literature, spoke on the work of her department. The beautiful chrysanthemums which were used for decoration were presented by Miss Ada Coleman in honor of her mother.
[Welland Tribune January 13, 1947]
“Open House” was held after 3 o’clock yesterday afternoon at the home of Mr. And Mrs Cecil McPherson of Wellandport, who were celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary. During the afternoon holy communion was observed for the guests.
Mr. and Mrs McPherson went through the wedding ceremony, with Rev. McRoberts officiating.
Henry Jupe acted as best man and the bridesmaid was Mrs John Cosby.
Friends and neighbours and members of the Wellandport United church presented the couple with a tri-light lamp, with the pastor making the presentation.
A buffet lunch was served, and Miss Ada Coleman of Wellandport and Mrs. J. H. Reaker of Welland poured tea throughout the afternoon. Mr McRoberts proposed the toast to the bride and groom of 60 years ago. Ridgeville, Fonthill and local points called to extend felicitations. Centering the tea table was a wedding cake, the gift of Dr. And Mrs Crick of Toronto. The happy couple were the recipients of many flowers and congatulatory notes.
Life-long residents of Gainsborough township, Mr and Mrs McPherson had been members of Wellandport United church for over 30 years. Mr McPherson retired from farming 32 years ago.
Mr. and Mrs. McPherson entertained on Saturday at a dinner for close friends. Among those present were Mr. And Mrs John Cosby, St Anns; Mr and Mrs John Barwell and Fred Barwell, Mr and Mrs Henry Jupe, Mr and Mrs Herb Dawdy and Rev. McRoberts, Wellandport; and Mrs J.H. Reaker of Welland. Mr McRoberts acted as chairman during the dinner.
The guests presented Mrs McPherson with a basket of carnations. Mr and Mrs Dawdy entertained with singing and music.
[Treasured Recipes Emmanuel United Church Wellandport, Ont]
(Original date of Source unknown. This transcription submitted by “S”)
The actual beginning of the church in the vicinity of Wellandport,(then known as the Narrows) is not known as the first records were destroyed by fire. However, it is known that the first Wesleyan Methodist Church was a log building built on lot2, Concession 1. It was sometimes known as the Log Jail.
In 1836 the people decided they needed a new church, so they built a long frame building on the Leonard Heaslip farm about one mile west of the village. All that remains to mark the spot is the neglected cemetery on the hill above Chippewa Creek. It was behind the church. The church building served until 1884. Many years later the buildding was purchased by Wm. Gilmore and moved to his farm to be used as a barn. It still stands on Mrs Gilmore’s farm, now (Mrs H. Melick) west of the village. A few communion cards and relics from this church still exist.
The present United Church was built in 1884, a frame structure with no basement. The first minister was Rev. Henry A. Cook.
In 1911 a need for more room was felt, so the church was raised and a basement added. The concrete blocks used were purchased in Dunnville and delivered by tug boat and scow through the old Feeder Canal to Welland, through the Welland Canal to the Chippewa Creek or Welland River as it is known, then up the river to Wellandport to be unloaded at the foot of Welland St. They were then taken to the church by horse and wagon.
A subscription was taken to buy a bell for the steeple. Not enough money was raised so John L. Heaslip, then Post Master contributed the rest so his name was inscribed on the bell. Three of the stained glass windows were donated by J.A. Coleman. At this time Rev. W. L. Davidson was minister, serving four appointments, Silverdale, Centenary,Salem and Wellandport.
In 1948 the brick Presbyterian church was condemned as unsafe and was torn down. Some of the congregation joined the United Church. The seats and pulpit were purchased by the United Church. Rev L.C. McRoberts was the minister at that time.
In 1925 the Church became a United Church of Canada. The minister at that time was Rev Cliff McLelland. When the church celebrated its 75th Anniversary of the present building in 1959 Lay Minister Edward Hale was in charge.
In years past there were always three or four churches in the circuit. Some of them were Attercliffe, Elcho, Bethel, Silverdale and Salem.
In 1968 another Amalgamation took place uniting Salem and Zion with Wellandport. The name of the church was then changed to Emmanuel United Church. The minister in charge is the present minister Rev Bert Ball.
To celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the United Church of Canada 1975 many renovations were made in the church and the school room.
Counting from the beginning of this church on the Heaslip farm. The church is 139 years old this year and who knows how long the log church was used and perhaps there was a circuit rider before that. Who Knows?
By Judy Bernet, Interpreter Chippawa Creek Conservation Area
Officially opened in 1969, the Chippawa Creek Conservation Area serves as an area where visitors can come to picnic, camp, boat, swim, fish, or just relax. The woodlands, fields, hedgerows, ponds, and marshy areas attract an abundance of wildlife Forest and wildlife management programmes are carried out by the Authority. The Conservation Authority also organizes summer conservation camps here for children, as well as the annual canoe rally
Who would believe that one hundred years ago the Chippawa Creek Conservation Area was completely covered with trees? Settlers cleared away the forest, and began cultivating the soil for crops. The river was crystal clear and teeming with fish, which the settlers used for food. At this time also, the nearby village of Wellandport was a thriving lumber centre and was becoming an inland port. The first settlers in this area arrived in 1795, at a place they called “The Narrows”. Between Chippawa Creek and Beaver Creek. “Chippawa” came from an indian word meaning “people without moccasins”.The Dils family were among the first settlers to clear the land and build their homes. The lake at the conservation area reflects their name. Few of the original buildings are left in the village due to two major fires; one on January 2, 1882 and another on August 24, 1910. In 1816 the first sawmill was built, and by 1820 a grist mill, distillery and a tannery were in operation The first general store opened, offering goods from Niagara Falls and Buffalo.
From 1861 to 1865 the village population was nearly doubled by Americans avoiding the Civil War army service. One hundred and thirty years ago, with a population of about three hundred, it was hoped that the town would be declared the county town for County Monck, but the removal of the forests changed the sparkle of the village. The population has now decreased to two hundred. At one time there were three churches, well filled each Sunday. And four hotels served the needs of travellers. Now there are two churches and no hotels.
Living was good then and inexpensive, with whiskey at 31c a gallon and rum, gin, and brandy at $1.50 a gallon. Eggs were 10c a dozen and butter was 12c a pound.
The first bridge was west of the present site, and was a float bridge of pine logs. The abutments seen to the east of the present bridge are from a bridge built in 1863 for $10,000 and sold in 1938 for $100 when the present bridge was built. Originally logs were hauled to the river in winter and when open water came, were rafted down the river. In winter the river formed a natural road for sleighs. The river used to allow boats drawing eight to ten feet of water to pass, whereas now it is hardly safe for motorboats. The level is low today because of water being drawn off by the hydro canal. Pilings from docks built a century ago are often visible. Beaver Creek, where beavers once built dams, is now dry and overgrown in summer. In 1841 three large boats came up the river from Buffalo to take the lumber away. Being the first boats up the river, it was a great event and the public turned out to watch. On the voyage up, all bridges had to be removed. On seeing the boats land at the dock someone suggested the village should be called Wellandport; the “Welland” portion of the name coming from a village in England. The last boat of any size to navigate this part of the river was a medicine show boat in 1912 whose destination was the fairground. Fairs were held continuously from 1870 to 1942.
Talbot Road, now Canboro Road, built in 1840, was the direct route from Niagara Falls to Windsor. The main street of Wellandport was very busy, especially in summer when carts were axle deep in mud.
Back in 1912 there was abundant natural gas, lighting the streets from gas lamps on posts. Now only two people have gas, those who own the well and the person who’s property the well is on.
The major contribution to history by the village of Wellandport occurred on the farm of J.D. Fulsom. Here was the first place in Canada where lucerne or alfalfa was grown. This important plant was brought from Germany by Dr Collver, a medical doctor interested in farming.
While visiting the Wellandport area this summer why not take advantage of the guided nature hikes and special educational programmes at the Chippawa Creek Conservation Area. Look for the interpreter’s schedule which is posted throughout the area.
Participate and enjoy.
By Rev. Sharon L.W. Menzies
Our Roots in Gainsborough Township
As has been mentioned earlier, the Methodist Church in the Niagara area goes back to the work of Major George Neal in the 1780s. Major Neal’s work was both unofficial and much frowned upon by his British Army superiors who saw army discipline and Anglicanism as like virtues. It was Darius Dunham, though, who can claim to be the first regular itinerant preacher in Niagara. He was appointed in 1795 to serve a circuit covering 2.400 square miles. One of the early records of the Niagara circuit described it as follow:…”the circuit included the whole of the Niagara Peninsula, wherever there were settlements, from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario and from the Niagara River westward to the township of Oxford, and required a tour of six weeks, and preaching almost daily, to complete a single round.”
Circuits in Canborough and Grimsby were formed over the next two decades and there is at least an intimation of rivalry between the two for prominence in the township of Gainsborough. In a Quarterly Meeting report dated 6 August 1836, John Hodge, Emmanuel Jones, Emerson Bristol, Samuel Jones, Joseph Dochstader and two other men were appointed trustees of the log meeting house in Gainsborough. This log meeting house was built as School House #9 on property owned by Alfred McPherson located on Elcho Road. Given the attitude of children toward higher learning for many generations, We believe that it was this school house that bore the affectionate name “the log jail”
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[Niagara Farmers’ Monthly September 1992]
Dr John W. Collver was Wellandport’s resident physician from 1868, until his death in 1912. He was responsible for another of the town’s firsts, introducing lucerne to Canada. The seed , which he imported from Germany, was grown on property owned by another familiar name J.D. Fulsom, at the east end of the village.
Dr. Collver also had a drug store, on the northeast side of the Canborough Rd. and Hwy 57 junction.
Descendant and namesake John Collver and his wife, Dorothy, recently posted a sign, “The Collvers of Wellandport”, with others on display at Watson Lake, Yukon.
One of Dr Collver’s successors, Dr. John Leeds, caused quite a stir in 1933, when he administered the first vaccinations to the pupils at SSNo 1 Caistor. He had the unenviable task of persuading the children to have the dreaded needles, as well as convincing their parents that it was beneficial!
GROWTH DIMINISHED
The old businesses began to disappear, victims of time and technology, and the end of the great lumber era. Among them were the cheese box factory, Peter Swartz’ harness boot and shoe shop, Jim Sheldon’s grocery with a crank telephone, and up to eight families on one line. It was closed in 1961, when dial telephones came into service.
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[Niagara Farmers’ Monthly, August 1992]
By Margaret Comfort
Much of Wellandport’s history may be gleaned from physical evidence, dating back even to prehistoric times. Skeletal remains of two elephant-like mastodons were discovered in the area, indicating that it was once covered with evergreens, the mainstay of their vegetation diet.
The Welland River(Chippawa Creek) was a direct artery in shipping lumber and grain to the United States, narrowly separated from Beaver Creek by a former Indian path. That two-mile long strip of land was called The Narrows by United Empire Loyalists (UEL) who began settling there in the late 1700s.
The two waterways made the location an ideal one for transportation, livestock and personal use, as well as power for the saw and grist mills so vital to progress.
As the community matured, the water source took on a new significance, in combating two major fires within the village itself. Effects of those fires and more recent growth may be traced by comparing the architecture of the buildings along today’s Canborough Road and Highway 57 junction.
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[Grimsby Independent , May 31, 1945]
One of Niagara Peninsula’s best known businessmen, James Alway Ross, ex-M.P.P., of Wellandport, passed away on Tuesday evening, May 2nd at St Catharines General Hospital, following an illness of three months’ duration. The late Mr. Ross was born at St Ann’s on Jan. 13th, 1869, son of the late William Nelson and Lydia Tufford Ross, and spent his early years there. Upon completing his education as a teacher, he taught in the Model School at Welland, later at Wellandport, and resigned as Principal of Scott Street School St Thomas in 1896, to enter the commercial field. In 1908 he was elected member of the provincial parliament for the riding of Monck, being the first Consevative member ever elected for the riding which had been held by the late Hon. Richard Harcourt for 30 years. He was especially gifted as an orator and poet, being a member of the Canadian Writers’ Association, and the author of a volume of Poems, “Canada First,” “Dominion Day” and many other poems. Besides his sorrowing widow, Agnes K. Ross, with whom he celebrated his golden wedding anniversary two years ago, he is survived by four children. James Leighton Ross of Hamilton, Miss Eula I. Ross and Romaine Kay Ross, L.L.M., of St Catharines and Mrs Michael Solyk (Roma Kay) of Merriton, also five grandchildren.
[More RELATED material.. in POEMS]
The Singer and His Song
[Niagara Falls Review]
The Singer and his Song and Other Poems will be a welcome guest in any home, Philosophy in rhyme–patriotic, religious, and memorial verse; songs of the seasons; songs of sentiment and of recollection; and songs of special occasion–will bring entertainment to young and old alike. Here can be found the hopes, the fears, the joys, and the sorrows which all of the human family feel but which few are able to express.
Who will not be moved by tender memories of “The Old Home Town” and The Little Old White School House”? Whose eyes will not moisten with the sentimental references to Mother, and to Father? Who will not find happiness in fond recollections of childhood days? Who will not be inspired by the loyalty and love of country to which the author had given such forceful expression? Who would not commit to memory “Love’s ledge,” and other beautiful verses to be found throughout the book?
Surely the author, in contemplating the whole broad scope of human feeling will find ready and close response from many hearts.
Beyond these considerations, the reader will feel that The Singer and His Song and Other Poems strikes a note of optimism in living. Mr Ross had a buoyant, forward-looking attitude towards life. Although he was fully conscious of the inevitablility of the march of time, he found no sense of tragedy in the fact. He looked upon the pageant of man and nature with calm and clear-observing eyes. He frequently struck a rich Wordsworthian note, urgent with feeling and charged with moral seriousness.
It is this notable characteristic which enables Mr Ross to write with such vigor, such clarity, such mind-arresting simplicity. His poems are both understandable and compelling.
It is published by Tower Books, Ottawa at $1.50.
Book Review
[The Guelph Daily July 5, 1950]
The Singer and His Song, and Other Poems by James A, Ross, Published by Tower Books, Ottawa, $1.50.
It is a great relief to open a book of poetry and find that the meaning is plain, the language clear and the music of the lines lilting and rhythmical. Striving to comprehend the incomprehensible may be a good mental exercise; enjoyment of the comprehensible is more pleasant.
James A. Ross, who died in 1945, has led a varied and an active life. He was in turn a school principal, insurance executive, businessman and bank manager. He represented the riding of Monck in the Ontario Legislature, and was recognized as one of Ontario’s top-flight orators. In later life he conducted a real estate and brokerage business in Wellandport. The poems in this volume have been collected and arranged by Romaine K. Ross.
Guelph readers will be especially interested in James Ross’s memorial lines on John McCrae:
“Brave John McCrae, you struck the chord,
A master hand could ill afford
One doleful note; so in our mind
Your words will live and, living, find
Response in all, with one accord
“You are not dead, by fate’s reward
With us you live, revered, adored
More fondly loved, our hearts entwined
Brave John McCrae
“With you we fight the craven horde,
From you the sacred torch has soared
On high; it shall not be confined;
We pledge our faith, rest ye resigned
Break not your sleep, in Him
Our Lord,
Brace John McCrae!”
Poems such as this which mirror the honest feeling of Canadian man of affairs, deserve a place on every library shelf.
“The Singer and His Song”
[The Express Beamsville]
There has come to hand a second volume of poems by James A Ross, native of St Ann’s was beloved resident of Lincoln County until his death in 1945.
Mr Ross was the father of Romaine K. Ross, who is for a time conducted a law practice in Beamsville and is presently a resident of Port Dalhousie.
In the forward, Romaine Ross states that his father published first volume of poems in 1920, wrote for the Mail and Empire, Star, Telegram, the Spectator Hamilton, the Standard, St Catharines, the National Home Montreal Winnipeg and other newspapers and magazines. Donald G. Fre.. compiler of the Standard Canadian Reciter, selected some of Mr Ross’s work for that volume, and the B, of Christmas lyrics, published New York City in 1937, contained a poem by Mr. Ross.
“The Singer and His Song”, Other Poems” comprises some poems of patriotic verse, song sentiment, religious and verse, songs of the seasons, of collection and of special occasions and several philosophies in rhyme.
Strongly patriotic, Mr Ross’s of Canada and the British turns up many times throughout the book. Notable are his verses “Canada” “The Union Jack” “Canada and the Empire” and the odes to Their Majesties King George V and Queen Mary, and to the present Monarch and his Queen the occasion of their visit to Canada in 1939.
In “Songs of the Seasons” Ross reveals his love of nature especially in spring when the out-of-doors called him to banks of the Chippewa at ….. time.
People who live in Canada appreciate Mr Ross’s verses pressing as they do the love of family, and of the little things a discerning and educated writes in verse sometimes, always loyal to the highest and truly Canadian in outlook. Poems strike a note that will a ready response in many especially in this Niagara district where he was widely known and respected.
Of Wellandport
To the Editor
I have read with very great interest the story of the village of Wellandport, in the August 18 issue of your valuable paper. The account given of the various places of business and the businessmen is very vivid and accurate. I note the omission of one very important fact and one of which very few small places can boast. As well as being the centre of the bygone electoral County of Monck, one of its residents redeemed the county for the Conservatives for the first time in over 30 years. I speak of one of Wellandport’s well known and high;y respected citizens James A, Ross, who resided there 54 years, coming as principal of a public school in 1891. He was married in 1893 to the daughter of Thomas H. Kay, the owner of Kay carriage works spoken of your story and whose shop stands as a garage owned by P.N. Redmond. Over the years Ross held many important positions and was highly instrumental in bringing the telephone and hydro into the village. He managed the Sterling Bank of Canada at its Wellandport branch, promoted and managed the Empire Store Company of Wellandport and later becoming an insurance and real-estate broker. In 1902 he contested the provincial riding of Monck against the Hon Richard Harcourt who was then Minister of Education, being defeated by a small majority, and again in 1905 he was defeated but in 1908 he carried the riding. and sat in the Ontario Assembly under the leadership of Sir James Pliny Whitney, where he was quickly acknowledged to be one of Ontario’s top-flight orators. He was also an author of some note, leaving published two books of poetry and all of this time he was an esteemed resident of the lovely village of Wellandport.
Your very truly,
Mrs James A. Ross.
James A. Ross
[Compiled by ‘S’]
James A. Ross was a longtime teacher at Wellandport school. He had an insurance business, managed the Empire store, was a co-founder and manager if the Sterling Bank of Wellandport(est 1904)
From Confederation in 1867 until 1914 Monck elected a member to the province’s Legislative Assembly, basing their nomination meeting and conventions in Wellandport.
James A Ross devoted much energy to developing a railway. Work on the railway began in 1912. It extended over the Chippewa and Beaver Creek bridges almost to St Ann’s. The railway was never completed, as W.W. 1 took much of the manpower and financial strain made it impossible to continue.
James A. Ross served as M.P.P. for riding of Monck June 8, 1908-Nov. 13, 1911. He was in the Conservative party, served on the Printing and Railways committees.
[More RELATED material.. in POEMS]
By W. Schwoob
Perhaps I should give a short history of Wellandport before my impressions of the village. It was first called the Narrows from the ridge of land separating the Chippewa River and Beaver Creek. (Chippewa is Indian for “People without moccasins”) and Beaver Creek is self-explanatory.
The first settler was John Dochstader in 1782, whose grant of land was west of Wellandport. He was soon followed by the Henry, Robins, Heaslip and MacDowellfamilies and others. These people settled along the Chippewa River as it was the easiest way to travel by boat in summer and on the ice in winter.
The river valley is so flat that when the Niagara (into which it empties) is in flood, the river backs up nearly 30 miles from it’s mouth, and raises the water one to two feet.
The first school was built on land owned by Wm Dils, west of Wellandport, after 1800, and the teacher was Mr. Weston, nicknamed “Nappertandy”. There were two churches built in 1835, both Methodist. One, just west of Elcho, and the other on Heaslip’s farm, east of the village.
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