[Pelham Historical Calendar 1978]
For many years the home of Ethelwyn Wetherald was this graceful house at “Tall Evergreens” farm, a 50-acre estate near Fenwick.
The farm had been purchased in 1866 by William Wetherald, and there he and his wife, Jemima, (Harris) raised their eleven children. The original house on the farm burned down in 1888 and was replaced by this one which is still standing. Wm. Wetherald was minister at the Pelham Friends Church. Earlier, he had founded and taught at Rockwood Academy, a Quaker boarding school for boys, at Rockwood, Ontario. He died in 1898, leaving the farm to his son Herbert who lived there with a brother, William Jr. And sister Ethelwyn until their deaths.
Most of Ethelwyn Wetherald’s poetry was written here among the tall evergreen trees and apple orchards. She was nine when her family moved to the Fenwick home. “I found myself”, she wrote, “living not in an institution, but in our private home, just as other people lived. It was a thrilling thought!” Much of her work was done in her Camp Shelbi, a large tree-house built in the limbs of a huge willow in the farm orchard. Her work reflected
this delight in the rural setting of her home. A globe critic of the time wrote: “The salient quality of Miss Wetherald’s work is its freshness of feeling, a perennial freshness, renewable as spring”.
Her first book of verse, “The House of Trees and Other Poems”, was published in 1895. It established her among Canadian Poets. Other books followed: “Tangled in Stars”, “The Radiant Road”, “Tree Top Mornings”, A book of children’s poems, “Lyrics and Sonnets: (1931), and others. Her poem, “My Orders are To Fight” was quoted by Sir Wilfred Laurier when speaking in favour of unrestricted reciprocity with the United States in 1911. Earl Grey, Governor-General of Canada, wrote a letter of appreciation to her for her collection of poems, “The Last Robin”, and ordered copies for his friends. Her work was published in several Canadian poetry anthologies. A well-educated woman Ethelwyn Wetherald established a career also as a journalist. Born April 26, 1857, she died in 1940.
In 1940 “Tall Evergreens” farm was inherited by Dorothy, adopted daughter of Ethelwyn, Dorothy, her husband Charles Rungeling and their son Barry lived there until 1968 when it was sold to Professor and Mrs. Kennerth Kernaghan, who live there now with their three sons.
Book
Life and Works of Ethelwyn Wetherald 1857-1940. Canadian Poet-Journalist
By Dorothy W. Rungeling.
Mrs. E. Lampman of Welland has been visiting at her father’s.
W.E. Reece has purchased the Silverthorn farm near Candasville, and will shortly live there.
Some mean rascal took a nice pig from C. Misener on Saturday night. A stop should be put to this petty pilfering.
W. MacPherson, who has been working for A. Johnson, has completed his term and returned to his home at Rosedene.
T.F. Swayze gave our school a treat on Friday with his gramophone. It certainly is a great invention and interests the scientific mind quite as much as the kinetoscope or vitascope. Frank deserves patronage for bringing it in the neighborhood and exhibiting at such popular prices.
Mrs Jacob Robins
It is our sad duty this week to record the death of Mrs. Jacob Robins, who died on Sunday, 7th inst. Deceased was one of the oldest and most respected residents of this community, having reached the ripe age of 84.
Fr some two years she has been unable to get around well, but bore her sufferings with that resignation and tranquility which marks the truly christian character. She was the last one of the first members who said the cause of God should prosper in this neighborhood, and who with true heroism joined with those who predeceased her in establishing the U.B. church here. Her labors have not been in vain, and their fecundity could be realized by her before she passed away.
She leaves three sons and three daughters to mourn the loss of a loving mother.
The funeral was held on Tuesday and was largely attended, the neighbors and friends assembling to witness the obsequies of one whom in life they loved. Rev. Bachus preached a very fitting sermon from Rev., 14th chapter and 13th verse.
Boyle, Feb. 2-Mr. and Mrs. Alonzo Comfort of Hamilton were weekend guests at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Comfort.
Mr and Mrs Joseph Schwoob and Mrs. Sidney Heaslip accompanied Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Schwoob and son Gordon of Fenwick to visit at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Schwoob of Niagara Falls, N.Y., on Saturday.
Walter Holden of Hamilton visited at the home of Mr. Aand Mrs. Wm. Cutler over the weekend.
Mr and Mrs. Paul Comfort and their guests Mr and Mrs. Alonzo Comfort of Hamilton were Sunday visitors at the home of Rev. and Mrs. George Comfort of Dunnvlle.
Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Heaslip, John Hill, Harry Selseotes, Mabel Hill and Leonard Cocks were Sunday visitors at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Anderson.
Mr. and Mrs. Harry Gracey of Stamford were recent guests at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Freure. Mrs. and Mrs. Nellis Heaslip, Mr. and Mrs. Judson Jamieson and daughter Helen. Mr, and Mrs Wm. Heaslip and daughter Jean and son Billy were Sunday visitors at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Cutler.
Mrs. Wm. Anderson and Mabel Hill called on Mrs. Frank Anderson of Grimsby on Monday.
The Ladies Aid of Bethel United church held a very successful potluck supper in the church on Tuesday evening.
Boyle, March 1—Mrs Oren Tice of Bismark has returned home after spending several days with her mother, Mrs. Tillie Robins who is not in very good health.
Mrs. Wm. Heaslip called on Mr. and Mrs. Ed. Book of St Catharines recently.
Miss Audrey Lane of Silverdale spent a few days last week with Mrs. Roy Overholt.
Mr. and Mrs, Amos Beamer and son Wray spent Saturday evening at the home of Mr. And Mrs Clifford Gee.
Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Anderson, Mrs. Nettie Anderson, Mrs. Charlie Gee and Elmer Coyne spent Sunday with John Hill.
Mr. and Mrs Sidney Heaslip visited Mr. and Mrs. Ed Book of St Catharines on Friday.
Mr, and Mrs. Fred Schwoob and daughter Phyllis and son James of Niagara Falls, N.Y., Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Schwoob and son Gordon of Fenwick were recent guests of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Schwoob.
Selkirk Robins, Mr and Mrs. Harris Robins and daughters Shirley and Janet of Tonawanda were Sunday guests of Mr and Mrs Wm. Heaslip and family.
Friends and relatives were sorry to hear of the passing of Mrs. Nancy Jamieson in her 91st year on Friday, February 23rd. The funeral was held on Monday afternoon from the home of her son-in-law, Wm. T. Sutherand of Wellandport and was largely attended showing the high esteem in which deceased was held.
J. Lambert, who has been employed in N.Y. state, is visiting relatives here..Geo. Horton of Buffalo will winter at home… Andrew and Harry Early have returned from Port Dalhousie and will spend the winter with their parents…. D.N.. Bea of North Pelham has returned to winter headquarters…It is rumored that one of our young men is to be raised to the magistrate’s chair. Bully for Boyle, … Mrs. A Jamieson and Willie, spent Sunday with relatives at Smithville…Rev. Bachus will preach at Bethel Sunday night…Tice Moore of Wainfleet, who has been afflicted with stomach trouble, has been taken to St. Catharines hospital.
George Putman, postmaster at Boyle, contemplates moving to Welland town, to engage at his trade, shoemaking. The people of his section fear that his leaving may cause Boyle postoffice to be closed up, t least temporarily.
The monthly meeting of Bethel United church Ladies Aid was held in the church on Wednesday afternoon Feb 28 with the president, Mrs. Wm. Anderson in charge, Mrs. Henry Ulman read the scripture lesson. The secretary’s and treasurer’s reports were read and adopted. It was decided to hold an Easter social in the church on Monday evening, March 25. A hot supper will be served on tables. The next meeting will be held in the church unless someone offers their home. The meeting closed by singing “God be With You.” Lunch and a social half hour was enjoyed.
Personals
Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Schwoob of Fenwick visited Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Heaslip on Sunday.
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Comfort spent Thursday with Mr and Mrs Charles Berry of North Pelham.
Mrs. Nettie Anderson is visiting her sister Mrs. Nelson Chadwick in Wellandport.
Mr and Mrs Ed. Wainwright of Kemore, N.Y. and Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Gracey of Grimsby called on Mr, and Mrs Nellis Heaslip and Mr. and Mrs. Judson Jamieson on Monday. They also attended the funeral of their aunt the late Mrs. Nancy Jamieson of Wellandport.
Wm. Schwoob of Fenwick called on his parents Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Schwoob on Sunday. Mr. Schwoob is still confined to his bed.
[Welland-Port Colborne Evening Tribune, 2 October 1943]
Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross has been made to Pilot officer E.A. Ker, son of Mr. and Mrs. Warren Ker of Fenwick, according to an announcement from air force headquarters. The citation accompanying the decoration follows:
“This officer has taken part in many operational sorties in the course of which he has destroyed several enemy aircraft and damaged others. In May, 1943, when on patrol over Cap Bon peninsula he sighted a force of more than 18 Messerschmitt 109’s. He succeeded in breaking up the formation and destroyed one of the enemy aircraft, P.O. Ker has always displayed great keenness to engage the enemy and continual devotion to duty.”
Pilot Officer Ker was one of more than 75 men of R.C.A.F. crews commissioned in the field for efficiency, meritorious service and display of qualities of leadership. He was born in Fenwick 23 years ago, before enlisting he was a lively sports enthusiast and at school was identified with hockey and basketball. He was also a member of the Y.P.S. of Fenwick United church. He enlisted on December 11, 1940 following his graduation from Pelham Continuation School. He received his wings at Dunnville in August, 1941, and went overseas in September of that year.
Ida Dorval, aged 12, Victim of Distressing Fatality on Hellems Avenue
ON WAY FROM SCHOOL
Said to Have Hesitated in Crossing Thoroughfare-Inquest Opens Tonight
[Welland Tribune, 30 October 1931]
Hesitating a few moments before continuing to cross from the west to the east side of Hellems avenue, during the noon hour today, Ida Dorval, aged 12, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Dorval, 42 Welland street, was almost instantly killed when an automobile, driven by Thomas Hanratty, aged 17, 75 Almond street, struck here and sent her crashing head-on against the pavement. Hanratty was held a short while by city police and was then allowed to return home after police, under the direction of Chief George Crowe, had tested the brakes of his car.
The girl’s body was taken to the J.J. Patterson and Sons, funeral parlors on East Main street, and Dr, Duncan Allison, the coroner decided to hold a preliminary inquest as to the girl’s death at 7 p.m. tonight, at the funeral parlors.
According to the narrative of the accident given to police by Hanratty, he was traveling south on Hellems avenue on his way from home, and he saw the girl step off the sidewalk over Randolph street. She ran, then stopped, hesitated, then walked across the street. He was travelling on the west side of the street, but swerved east in the hope of avoiding the child, but was unable to do so. The car struck her, and she was thrown against the pavement.
As the accident occurred, C.H. Mathewson, 161 Hellems avenue, who was passing at the time, picked the girl up and placed her in Hanratty’s automobile. The girl was taken to the Colbeck clinic, and there was found Miss Dorval had died almost instantly from the effects of fracture at the base of the skull. The body was taken from the clinic to the funeral parlors.
Ida Dorval attended Central School.
INQUEST OPENED ON GIRL KILLED WHEN HIT BY CAR
INVESTIGATION INTO DEATH OF IDA DORVAL IS SET FOR NOVEMBER 19
FUNERAL WILL BE HELD MONDAY MORNING-TRAGEDY CAUSES WIDESPREAD REGRET
An inquest was opened at the Paterson undertaking parlors, last night, in connection with the death of Ida Dorval, 12 year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Dorval, 442 Welland street, who was killed at noon yesterday on Hellems avenue, when struck by an automobile driven by Thomas Hanratty, aged 17, of 57 Almond street.
After the jury had viewed the body, adjournment was made until November 10, at 2 p.m. in the Welland city hall.
JURY FIND DEATH OF YOUNG GIRL WAS ACCIDENTAL
RECOMMENDATION MADE
SUGGEST CITY ERECT WARNING TRAFFIC SIGNS AT SCHOOLS-GIRL IS COMMENDED
The jury commended the prompt action of Blanche Berger, aged 10, in restraining deceased’s little sister from running with Ida to her death.
The jury also recommended that the city erect sign-posts, 30 inches by 30 inches, as warning signs at entrances to all schools, as a means of minimizing traffic danger for school children.
[Welland Tribune, 20 November 1943]
A quiet ceremony took place in the United Church parsonage, Port Robinson, Friday afternoon, November 19, at two o’clock when Rev. W. E. Long united in marriage Viola Louise Horton, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Horton, Cook’s Mills, and Joseph Albert Edmondson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Edmondson of Netherby.
The bride looked lovely in a two-piece heavenly blue wool dress with chocolate brown accessories. Her corsage was f talisman roses and she wore a gold bracelet, the gift of the groom.
Her only attendant was her sister, Mrs. Clifford Kramer of Fingal, who wore a becoming rose wool dress with black accessories and corsage of pink and white mums.
The groom was attended by his brother-in-law, Frank Beresford, of St. Catharines.
Following the ceremony a reception was held at the home of the bride for the immediate relatives. Mrs. Horton, mother of the bride, received the guests in a black crepe dress with embroidered bodice and assisted by Mrs. Edmondson, mother of the groom, who wore a black crepe dress with white trim. Both wore corsages of roses and baby mums.
A buffet luncheon was served to the guests by Miss Jean Horton, assisted by the bride’s sister, Eileen Horton. The bride’s table was lovely with a damask cloth, centred with t three-tiered wedding cake flanked with tall silver tapers in crystal holders.
Later the happy couple left on a brief honeymoon after which they will be at home to their friends at 92 McNaughton road, Welland.
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