[Welland Tribune March 29, 1947]
Dexter D’Everardo has his eccentricities but he left his mark
Dexter D’Everardo, first clerk of the county of Welland. Mystery man and eccentric, was the subject of an after dinner speech given by Louis Blake Duff at the luncheon of the Welland County Municipal Association in the Hotel Reeta yesterday.
“We had clerks at one time in Welland,” said Mr. Duff in opening his address.
Born in Paris in 1918, D’Everardo had much to do with the founding of Welland county. Together with a delegation of reeves he went to Quebec City, at that time the seat of government, and “came back with the bacon.” The county of Welland was carved out of Lincoln, and D’Everardo became the first clerk.
The first issue faced by the county was the location of the county seat. Port Robinson had a claim, so did Cook’s Mills. D’Everardo wanted Fonthill. “The wise guys in Welland grabbed the bacon while the others were arguing.” said Mr. Duff.
The decision did not, faze Mr. D’Everardo. He conducted his office in Fonthill and later when he became registrar, and then clerk of the surrogate court he continued to carry out the duties of his offices in Fonthill, on the site of what is now the Imperial Bank corner.
Document Proves Hoax
Mr. Duff commented a sensation was created when the building was torn down many years later, a sealed box being found adjacent to the chimney which contained a document purporting to be the early history of Fonthill, which spoke slightingly of some of the early residents. It was later discovered the document was a hoax.
D’Everardo first taught school at the foot of Patterson’s Hill, and later became superintendent of schools in Welland county, actually an inspector, in days when school hours were 8 to 5, and Saturday was just another day.
Later he organized the first nursery in Fonthill, and was responsible for the planting of many of the tree-lined avenues of the Fonthill today.
He built himself a beautiful residence which was remarkable for one feature-it had a gymnasium. Mr D’Everardo was a fanatic on physical culture. His bedroom had no windows because he believed the night air to be injurious. He carried his own bread to dinners, no one, he maintained, knew how to bake healthful bread except his wife.
He went to St. John’s church in Thorold and was in his pew on the dot every Sunday, but as soon as the services began he walked out.
Every year he had a New Year’s party to which he elite of the county were invited, and which was the social event of the year. Each year, exactly on the stroke of 12, he would announce that the hour of his retirement had come and that he was going to bed, but invited his guests to continue to enjoy themselves.
He died in Welland in 1891, according to Mr. Duff, “one of the oddest, most colorful men ever to appear on the scene in this county.”
Founded Fonthill
D’Everardo was the founder pf the village of Fonthill, naming it after a town in Wiltshire, England, built by another eccentric.
Straying from his subject somewhat, Mr. Duff made a reference to the eminence of land that is part of the Lookout Point Golf and Country Club which, he said, offers “one of the most charming views in all Canada.” He recalled that it was the scene at one time of a meteorological station, and that following the Napoleonic wars, was picked as the site for a fort by a commission appointed by the Duke of Wellington to make a study of the military defences of Canada. The fort, however was never built.
The reason, stated Mr. Duff, was the Rush-Bagot Treaty, under which it was agreed that Canada and the United States would have a de-militarized border, without forts and without gunboats on the Great Lakes. Good will replaced force in the relationship of the two countries.
County Treasurer, R.P. Barrick introduced the speaker, and County Warden George F. Broadley moved vote of thanks.
At the afternoon session of the association, the county officials passed a resolution appointing Mr. Duff an associate member in appreciation for his services as speaker at luncheons for a number of years.
[Welland Tribune December 31, 1943]
Had been a resident of the village for 26 years
Fonthill, Dec. 31- The death of William John Stubbings occurred at his home in Fonthill on Wednesday. The late Mr Stubbings was born in Middlesex, England, coming to this country 32 years ago, first settling in Guelph and then coming to Welland, and then to Fonthill 26 years ago. He had been in ill health for some time.
Besides his widow, Emily Stubbings, he is survived by four sons, Jack in the village, Ernest with the 10th Battery Royal Canadian Artillery now overseas, Robert, who is training in the signal corps at Vancouver and Fred, and one daughter Hazel both at home; also two sisters, Mrs. W. Hart and Miss Harriett Stubbings of Guelph, and two brothers, Frank of Charlton Station and Fredrick of England.
The funeral was held from his late home today to Holy Trinity church of which deceased was a faithful member. Rev. E,N. Clarke officiated with interment in the Fonthill cemetery.
[Welland Tribune December 31, 1943]
The funeral of the late Henry H. Malyn, whose death occurred at Welland County General hospital Wednesday afternoon in his 51st year was held from the Dell and Merton funeral chapel, 50 Clarence street, Port Colborne, this afternoon to Overholt’s cemetery. Rev. J.F. Schutt conducted the service. The pallbearers were six members of the Canadian Legion and Canadian Corps Association.
The late Mr. Malyn was a native of England and had resided in Canada for the past 28 years. He had resided with Mr. and Mrs. Edward Kramer in Humberstone township for the past six years and for two years had been employed at Electro Metallurgical Co., He was a member of St Peter’s Lutheran church, Humberstone, and was a veteran of the First Great War.
Surviving is a sister, Miss Minnie Malyn, Buffalo, N.Y.
[Welland Tribune December 29, 1943]
Orin Fox, a resident of the community for the past 26 years, died this morning at his residence, 38 fourth avenue, Crowland, after a lengthy illness. He was in his 45th year.
For the past six months the late Mr. Fox had been plant foreman at the Electro-Metallurgical Company of Canada, Ltd., and previously was traffic foreman at the same plant for 15 years. His illness caused him to leave work about three weeks ago.
Deceased was a member of Cope-Stone lodge, A.F. & A,M, and I.O.O.F. No. 134. He was also a member of St Andrew’s Presbyterian church and formerly served on the Crowland township school board.
Surviving are his wife, two sisters, Mrs. Cecil Chadwick, Tiillsonburg, and Mrs. Orval Dean, Wainfleet; and a brother George, also of Wainfleet.
The funeral will be held from the H.L. Cudney funeral chapel, 241 West Main street, on Friday afternoon at 2.30 o’clock, to Fonthill cemetery for interment. Rev. A.D. Sutherland, minister of St. Andrew’s church will officiate.
[Welland Tribune December 22, 1943]
Well-known in the city in which he had resided for the past 35 years, Ezra High, for many years a farm implement dealer in Welland, passed away yesterday at his late residence, 81 Hellems avenue. The late Mr. High was born in South Cayuga and moved to this district many years ago. He was well-known in Welland and in the surrounding district, having dealt with farmers in the county in his business.
He is survived by his wife, Eliza; two daughters, Mrs. William E. Taylor (Sadie), and Mrs. William Dixon (Pearl), both of Welland; one son, W.M. High of Niagara Falls; a sister, Mrs. Lavina Honsberger of Clarence Centre N.Y. and four grandchildren, Judith H. High, Billy J. Taylor, AC2. Allan W. Taylor and L.A.C. Lloyd E, Taylor.
The funeral will be held on Sunday, December 26, 1943, at 2.30 p.m. from the late residence, 81 Hellems avenue, to Woodlawn cemetery for interment.
[Welland Tribune December 22, 1943]
Mrs. Hiram Bailey, 70 Ross street has received word from Los Angeles, Cal. Of the death of her nephew Raymond Clark Pratt at that city on December 16th. The late Mr. Pratt, who was 34 years old, was born in Welland, the only son of Hiram C. and Evelyn Hyatt Pratt. He moved with his parents to Los Angeles when eight years old and received his education there.
He was employed for 16 years by the Pacific South West bank in Los Angeles and Culver City, but resigned a few months ago to take a position in the office of the Lougheed Airplane Co. He is survived by his wife, Thelma Phillips Pratt; small daughter Marcia; his parents; two sisters Hermione, wife of Dr. Charles F. Vogel, Los Angeles and Margaret wife of John S, Chandler, Alhambra, Cal.; also a great grandmother, Mrs. H.L. Pratt.
[Welland Tribune December 22, 1943]
A large number of relatives attended the funeral of the late Alfred L. Bartz, Humberstone township, yesterday afternoon. Mr. Bartz passed away at his late residence in Dain City on Sunday, December 19th. Services took place at the residence with Rev. T.A. Iseler of First Lutheran church, Humberstone, officiating.
Interment was in Overholt cemetery. The pallbearers were Edward Fiedler, Daniel Fiedler, Owen Segar, Gordon McClellan, Manuel Ort and Peter Nygren.
It was make-or-break time as farmers eyed the weather
By Robert J. Foley
[Welland Tribune, 9 March 1992]
The most critical time of the fall for the farmer was the harvest. On this hinged his livelihood and the survival of his family. Would an early frost damage the crop? Would the rains hold off until the fields were cleared? All these things plagued the pioneer as he waited for his crop to open.
In preparation for the harvest the equipment had to be inspected and repaired where necessary. Sickles and scythes were sharpened and flails made ready. Sweeping the barn floor to prepare it for threshing was a job for which the children took responsibility.
With one eye on the weather the farmer walked his fields checking the grain to satisfy himself that it was ready for harvesting. If he didn’t have children old enough to help with the cutting and gathering, he would hire some farm laborers from the nearest town or, if the weather was holding, neighbors gathered and helped each other bring in the crops.
Haggai Skinner looked over the flowing field of wheat that was about to be cut. He let his mind wander over all that he’s been through in the last seven years. He had been working this very field in 1813 when the American patrol had snatched him up and made him a prisoner-of-war. It angered him still when he thought it. At 64, he was exempt from militia service, yet they had taken him anyway. For almost a year he had languished in prison to be repatriated in July, 1814, in time to hear of the bloody battle at Lundy’s Lane. He arrived home to find the family in mourning for Timothy Skinner who was killed at the Battle of Chippawa earlier in the month. He was buried somewhere on the battlefield. The American refusal to allow the recovery of the dead after the battle was something else that rankled Haggai. He had gone to the battle site after the harvest that year in a vain hope of finding a clue to the burial spot, but found nothing.
He was roused from his musings by the impatient stamping of the horses who seemed anxious to get started. Seeing the boys ready to gather the cuttings into sheaves he began to swing his sickle in a smooth, rhythmic stroke developed over 60 years of farming.
As the grain was cut the workers following behind gathered them into sheaves and loaded them on the wagon for transport back to the barn. The work day began at first light and except for meals, went straight through until sundown. Often lunch was brought to the fields so as to lose as little time as possible.
Once cut, the grain was moved to the barn for flailing. The flail was made up of two sticks each about three feet long. A leather strap or a piece of rope joined these together. The grain was laid out on the floor and the men began beating the stalks to separate the grain. Once this was completed, the stalks were gathered, shaken and discarded.
The grain was swept into a broad wooden shovel with a handle on either side. In a process called winnowing, the grain was tossed in the air, allowing the chaff to blow away while the heavier grain fell back into the shovel. We can imagine the field day that the farm poultry had snatching up the grain that invariably fell to the ground. The grain was then bagged for the trip to the mill or to sell as whole grain.
Wheat most often went to the mill to be ground into flour. Oats and barley were usually sold for feed or, in the case of barley, to be made into beer or liquor at one of the local brewers or distillers.
Transportation to the market was a thorny problem in the 1820s. In Humberstone and Wainfleet, the mills at the Sugar Loaf had to be reached over swampy terrain. In Stamford, the Bridgewater Mills, burned by the American in 1814, had not been rebuilt, making the long trek to either the mills in Thorold or to the Short Hills.
If heavy rain fell, the roads became impassable and often the crop had to be moved in other ways. Those on a waterway sometimes tried to float the grain to the mill, however, this often led to a soaking leaving the grain useless for milling.
The mills in the Niagara Peninsula were water-powered. The grain was poured into a hopper and was grounded between two large stones. The flour dropped through a meal trough and was packed in barrels for storage and shipment. Payment for the milling was often made by giving the miller share of the grain. The miller would also would act as the farmer’s agent in the sale of the ground grain as well.
In order to produce an adequate grade of flour the mill stones had to be sharp. It was necessary from time to time to deepen the furrows in the wheel and to dress the surface. A crane was used to lift and turn over the upper stone. The furrows were then deepened with steel picks to bring them up to spec. To test the levels of the stone a wooden bar with its edge smeared with red clay was drawn across the surface. The high parts with red clay smeared on them were then dressed off until the surface was level.
The next problem facing the millers and merchants of the peninsula was moving the flour to market. Produce from Humberstone and Wainfleet moved by water down the Welland River to Chippawa and then along the Portage Road to the busy port of Queenston. From here freight for every type was loaded on sailing vessels for York, Montreal and Quebec City.
*Historical Note; Haggai Skinner’s farm was located in Stamford Township in the vicinity of present day Mcleod Road and Drummond Road.
Well folks it’s now Sept. and fall is here
And every day winter gets a little more near
Swimming and boating days this year are over again
So clearing snow we’ll all feel some pain
Yard sales and BBQs are over until next year
But there are Studio Tours around Ont. and here
Patio dining is gone it’s indoors until May
Its warmer inside which is the better way
Most fairs are over and won’t be back for awhile
Yes with their return the fair people will smile
Some birth flowers of Sept.are aster and morning glory
The aster signifies love which isn’t a new story
While the morning glory signifies affection we’ve little today
As this is shown when people up and go away
Those getting married in September’s golden glow
Folklore says smooth and serene your life will go
The first Monday in Sept. Will be Labour Day
But those who do labour don’t get enough pay
On Sept. 22 the Equinox gives equal darkness and light
Although in the winter it seems like mostly night
Until Sept. 22 the Zodiac sign is Virgo Libra for the rest
While those born in the spring say the time is best
The harvest moon reaches its peak on the 20th of September
And without flies and heat its the best time to remember
For the children its back to school no more time to play
Just listen to the teacher and learn new things each day
The golden rods are in full bloom and the harvest is mostly in
There are pumpkins potatoes squash and apples in the bin
Cool nights are colouring leaves red orange and gold
And people come for miles the scene to behold
September birthstone is sapphire for truth trust and loyalty
Some things lacking today it does seem to me
Its harvest time on the farm as the winds blow soft
Hopefully it’s nice until all the crops are in the loft
Let’s pray for all covid to be gone yes somehow
But it is monkey pox and others we are concerned about now
Winston E. Ralph
Bancroft, ON
[Evening Tribune]
A tombstone dated 1840 and bearing the inscription of Elizabeth Ann Spence, wife of Henry Spence, was unearthed by Gerald Parker yesterday as he was tearing down a garage to construct a parking lot for an apartment house he owns at 102 Maple St. Parker considers the stone a rare find, but wonders why it was located on his property since he has no knowledge that a cemetery was ever located there. The stone identifies Elizabeth as the daughter of John and Lydia Barker and says she died Oct. 13, 1840. Parker said he intends to preserve the stone and perhaps donate it to the Welland Historical Society.
*There is an Elizabeth Ann Spence (Barker) buried In Drummond Hill Cemetery, 18 October 1840. Her husband is listed as Henry and her son John B. . Interesting !!!!
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