[Souvenir of the Town of Welland Issued August 22, 1902, by the Welland Telegraph, Sears & Sawle, Publishing]
One of the most popular and enterprising citizens of Welland, who is a firm believer in a future for the town, is Mr. Geo. W. Sutherland, who occupies a palatial residence, on the corner of North Main and Elgin Streets, a cut of which appears herewith. Mr Sutherland’s principal business is that of lumbering though for some years, during the season of navigation he has operated two boats on the Welland Canal. The base of his lumber operations is in the Ontario timber lands, and in former years he employed large crews of men and teams in securing logs therefrom, but of late he has confined active operations to the purchase of timber lots, and securing the product by contract. The timber thus obtained is driven by various waterways to American ports and disposed of to mill owners and others. An average cut is from three quarters to a million feet of logs. Mr Sutherland is also interested in other enterprises, and is alive to anything which is of advantage to the town. He is a member of the town council and of the Masonic Fraternity.
[Souvenir of the Town of Welland, Issued August 22nd, 1902, by the
Welland Telegraph, Sears & Sawle, Publishers]
There is not an establishment in Welland that carries a finer stock of groceries, china and crockery ware, that that of Messrs. J.B. Taylor & Co., on West Main Street, at the head of North Main Street. Nor is there a store where patrons obtain more for their money, quality and quantity considered, prompter service or more courteous treatment, than they do at J.B. Taylor &Co’s. Mr Taylor entered business many years since, primitively, but by strict integrity he has developed a trade requiring increased facilities. Eleven years ago he moved from across the street into his present quarters, a three story brick building, the lower floor and basement of which is devoted to business purposes. The premises are up-to-date, and with the large plate glass fronts reflecting the character of the goods within, there being practically two departments combined in one, makes it one of the most attractive establishments of its character in town, and even in the county. The two apartments afford a combined floor surface of 3,000 square feet. That to the right is devoted to the sale of choice family and staple groceries, including high grade teas and coffees, flour, spices, bottled and canned goods and relishes, both domestic and imported fruits, nuts, confectionery, tobacco and cigars. In addition thereto Mr Taylor deals in fish and oysters, smoked meats, and country produce, the latter purchased direct from the neighboring farmers; while his premises are equipped with a cold blast storage with a capacity for the care of two tons of butter and other products. Adjoining the grocery is a completely stocked crockery and glassware department, including the best of porcelain and earthenware of the “Haviland,” and other celebrated European makers, which Mr. Taylor imports direct, thereby saving middlemen’s profits to his customers, these being singly and in sets, which with the glass and lampware goods, forms a very essential household department. Connected with the main building is a three story warehouse, devoted to the storage of heavy groceries, woodenware and surplus stock. The establishment is a credit alike to the business element of the town, and its enterprising proprietor.
[Souvenir of the Town of Welland, Issued August 22nd, 1902, by the
Welland Telegraph, Sears & Sawle, Publishers]
If it be true that music hath charms to soothe the savage beast, then Mr. J. M. Livingstone, whose music emporium is located on East Main Street, a few rods east of the Court House, is entitled to distinction as a human pacificator, for in the seventeen years he has been dishing chunks of music in the form of pianos and organs, for their equivalent in money, to the music loving public of Welland county, and even farther, he has been a soothsayer of no mean ability, and he is still prepared to continue this very consoling process of ameliorating savage instincts. Mr Livingstone handles the Morris and Ennis pianos, as also the Karn pianos and organs, these being considered in many respects superior to any others manufactured, and those who are seeking musical instruments of this character, either for public or private use, are invited to inspect those on exhibition at his warerooms, before purchasing elsewhere. They can be secured upon satisfactory terms. Mr Livingstone also deals in instruction books, and is also prepared to furnish a piano and organ tuner of ability upon short notice, for either in or out of town patrons.
[Souvenir of the Town of Welland, Issued August 22nd, 1902, by the
Welland Telegraph, Sears & Sawle, Publishers]
One of the best equipped and most reliable harness and horse clothing emporiums in Welland is that of Mr. E. Brasford, on West Main Street, it being the natural headquarters for this class of goods for miles around, though its reputation was not attained in a day, but is the result of studied efforts on the part of its proprietor, to please his patrons. Originally this store was established seventeen years since, by Mr. S. Brasford, father of the present proprietor, who dealt in leather and findings, hides, skins and furs, the leather being manufactured at his own tannery in Pelham, and which is still in operation. Mr Brasford having installed the plant a quarter of a century since. Nine years ago Mr Brasford relinquished his Welland store to his son Mr. E. Brasford who continued the business already established and three years since added that of strictly reliable harness and horse furnishings, which includes rugs, robes, blankets, whips, nets etc.; as also leather and findings, together with hides, skins and furs.
[Souvenir of the Town of Welland, Issued August 22nd, 1902, by the
Welland Telegraph, Sears & Sawle, Publishers]
In a community like that of which Welland is the centre, manufactured lumber is an important factor, and engaged therein in Mr W.H. Crow, one of the Welland’s most enterprising and progressive citizens, whose office and yards are located upon North Main street, near the creek bridge, the plant bordering both that and the Welland Canal thereby affording exceptional facilities, both for the receipt and shipment of lumber. Mr Crow acquired a pretty thorough knowledge of the business from his father, who though he followed lumbering upwards of seventy years, is still hale and hearty at the advanced age of 91. Mr Jacob Crow and his son, the present proprietor of the North Main street lumber yards, came to Welland from Pelham, locating upon the present site in June 1874, at which time there was a saw mill upon the premises, run by water power. This was remodelled and run by steam power, furnishing employment to a number of hands, but in October of the same year, this, with the adjoining lumber yard, was practically swept out of existence by fire. With that characteristic will and energy born of enterprise, Mr Crow and his son soon re-established themselves in the lumber business, discarding the mill entirely, and which for the past several years has been under the control of the son. Mr Crow deals extensively in manufactured lumber of all dimensions, dressed and in the rough, which is procured direct from the lumber operator, in the shipment of which he contributes to the coffers of the Grand Trunk and other transportation companies an average of $1800 per annum and which at times has considerably exceeded this amount. Mr Crow makes a specialty of handling matched flooring, dressed lumber, siding and wainscotting, and carries a large supply thereof, as well as lath and shingles. In fact he is the largest lumber dealer any where in this section, having facilities for a large amount upon his premises. In addition thereto Mr Crow deals in bill stuff of every character, and when occasion demands is prepared to furnish builders’ finish, including moulding, sheathing, doors, sash and blind at short notice. He also deals extensively in hard and soft coal of all kinds, disposing of the same by the car load or lesser quantities, as best suits his patrons, he having storage capacity for five hundred tons, upon his premises. He has just purchased some two hundred and fifty thousand feet of choice pine, 1 inch, 2 inches, locally, which is said to be by mill men as fine a lot as they have seen for some time.
[Souvenir of the Town of Welland, Issued August 22nd, 1902, by the
Welland Telegraph, Sears & Sawle, Publishers]
Located in two story building , 18×100, on East Main Street, Welland near The Opera House block, is the furniture and undertaking establishment of Mr. A. Lawrence, who has catered for Welland County patronage for the past thirteen years. Within this establishment can be found practically all that is required for the furnishing of any apartment from kitchen to attic, including bedding, window shades, portierres and draperies, every article thus exposed being up-to-date in design. Upon the lower floor is a commodious office and an upholstering department, together with various designs in dining room furniture, as also a well stocked carpet department, wherein can be procured carpetings of all grades, rugs, mattings, oil cloths. and linoleums, while the large portion of the floor above is given over to parlor and chamber suites, the former upholstered in the latest prevailing styles, and at prices that are within reasonability. If upholstering or repairing be required, this form can do it in as short a possible time, and at as little expense as any establishment in the Niagara peninsula. Picture framing is another feature, and they are enabled to furnish mouldings of any pattern. Moreover, Mr Lawrence is a practical undertaker and embalmer, and as an undertaker and funeral director is prepared to assume charge of ceremonies, and to furnish any kind of a casket, together with burial furnishings and as fine a hearse as can be found in this vicinity. Samples of caskets and furnishings are kept constantly on hand in a dust proof apartment in the second story, in front of the furniture emporium. Added to all this, Mr Lawrence has a two story warehouse, 35×60, in the rear of the main building, for storage. Altogether it is the leading furniture and undertaking emporium in he county.
[Souvenir of the Town of Welland, Issued August 22nd, 1902, by the
Welland Telegraph, Sears & Sawle, Publishers]
The culinary art, like unto other pursuits, has been subject to many improvements, as to ingredients, as well as the ultimate production of cooked breadstuffs, and Mr Wm H. Crowther, whose bakery is located on North Main street, midway between West Main street and the river bridge, is an adept thereat, whether it be in the production of palatable and digestive bread or cakes, or pastry. Certain it is that in the nine years Mr Crowther has been in the business in Welland, the demand for home-made breadstuffs of his manufacture has steadily increased, until at present it requires the constant use of two delivery teams; and the demand is not confined to the town either. Mr Crowther’s success lies in the fact, that he uses nothing but the best of materials, be it flour or the components utilized in its leavening, and with the care exercised in its production, whether bread, cake, pastry or the fancy baking, the result is a complete upset of mothers’ doctrines of old regarding digestive qualities. In addition thereto Mr. Crowther has introduced many new improvements to his establishment, and aside from making a specialty of family and vienna bread and other breadstuffs, he carries a fine line of choice confectionery, as also a soda fountain, from which is dispensed health giving beverage flavored with pure fruit syrups. Ice cream of all flavors is another essential, and this can be partaken of in comfort in a cosy ice cream parlor in connection with the bakery, or procured wholesale at any time upon order. Catering is another specialty with Mr Crowther, and at short notice he is prepared to furnish the necessary supplies for parties, large or small. Mr Crowther has had eighteen years’ experience and is therefore familiar with the bakers’ profession in all its details. Since locating in Welland he has always taken an active interest in the welfare of his adopted town, and is at present a member of the town council, as also of the Masonic fraternity.
[Souvenir of the Town of Welland issued August 22nd, 1902 by the Welland Telegraph, Sears & Sawle Publishers]
Some twelve years since Mr. J. H. Crow disposed of his grocery stock since which time he has most successfully conducted a hardware and tinsmithing establishment, his business permeating a large portion of the Niagara Peninsula. Mr Crow occupies a three story brick building on West Main street, the lower floor being utilized for the display and sale of stoves, silverware, shelf hardware, tin and granite ware; the second being used as a repair shop for all kinds of tin and galvanized ironware, and the third for the storage of light stock, such as screen doors, etc; the basement being filled with painter’s and other supplies, including nails, glass, oils, and also horseshoes. Mr Crow also does a large business in plumbing and gas fitting, and had the contract for the plumbing of the Dexter House, as also many of the fine residences in town. Mr Crow buys for cash, and sells at close profits, and no doubt exists but that this is the place to purchase stoves and hardware. Mr Crow has been honored with a membership in the High School Board several times, as well as in the town council; is treasurer of the Methodist church, and a P.D.D.G.M. of the Masonic Order in the Niagara district.
R.G. Common, Baker and Confectioner
The professional baker is just as essential to the community as those who provide any other matter of life’s sustenance, for the baker is usually prepared at short notice to furnish the individual or the family, the hotel or private party, with such cooked breadstuffs that for palatableness and variety excels that of domestic cooking. There is a difference, nevertheless, in bakers, for while the ordinary daily consumption of this particular necessity of life is of every day plain variety, there are occasions, not infrequent, when something in fancy breadstuffs is required, which often develops the resourcefulness of the manipulator thereof, and brings the baker’s art into prominence, creditable alike to his genius and those for whom he caters, and it is this which has redounded to the credit of Mr and Mrs. R.G. Common, whose modern baking establishment with its handsome plate glass front, is located on East Main Street, not far from the Court House. Mr and Mrs Common have been associated in this essential profession for upward of sixteen years, successfully, and are familiar with every detail in the production of plain or fancy baking, the components of which are from the best material and substances. Aside from the production of plain home made bread, cake and pastry, requiring the constant use of a delivery team in order to supply patrons, other than those who procure their supplies from the establishment itself, they make a specialty of ornamented wedding or party cakes in any design desired to order, as also the very best of fancy cooked and ornamented breadstuffs, in all its forms, and are prepared to supply parties, large or small, with bread, cake or pastry, at the shortest possible notice. Then again they have added a handsome ice cream parlor to their premises, wherein is dispensed during the season, this delicious substance, of all flavors, and of their own manufacture, together with ice cream soda tinctured with the best of home made pure fruit syrups. Ice cream can also be procured at all times in any quantity, or of any flavor, upon order, for receptions or parties. Mr Common also carries a fine line of candies and sweetmeats, and being a confectioner as well, manufactures his own confections to a large extent. Altogether it is the leading baking and confectionery establishment in Welland.
A. Griffiths, Warden Welland County
Mr. A. Griffiths, Warden of the County of Welland, was born in the township of Crowland, where his father, Mr Thos Griffiths, still resides, at the ripe old age of 86 years. The subject of this sketch located in Welland in 1864, and has been actively engaged in business since, maintaining an active interest in agricultural, educational and municipal affairs, having been connected with the management of the County of Welland Agricultural Society for several years. He has served on the Public and High School Boards and was a member of the Town and County Council in 1895. He was Mayor of Welland in 1897. In 1901 he was elected a member of the Board of County Commissioners, and became Warden of the County of the current year. He is one of the promoters of the 20th Century rink, built by himself and C.J.Page in 1898. Mr Griffiths has done much to beautify the town in the matter of building a substantial class of residences and he owns a block of land adjacent to the G.T.R., admirably situated for manufacturing purposes.
H.A. Rose, General Store
While the general store, or more properly speaking, double store for, though combined, each has a separate street entrance, of Mr H,.A. Rose, located in the three story brick building on the corner of West and North Main Streets, and which has been in successful operation since 1864, is not in a strict sense a department store, yet in its appointments, about all that is necssary to the comfort of mankind in general, externally, can be found within. The corner store, which is 70×21, affords ample room for the display of such goods as are a delight to the fair sex, and the male sex as well, comprising all the latest and most fashionable patterns in dress goods, both domestic and foreign, from a common print to the finest fabries, together with dress linings, trimmings, hosiery, gloves, small wares, underwear and furnishings for either sex. In connection therewith Mr Rose carries a complete stock of boots, shoes and general footwear, including rubbers of all sizes and adaptable for either sex, with wall papers and carpets of various designs and grades. The adjoining store is devoted to groceries of which Mr Rose carries as complete a stock as can be found in town, including all the staple commodities included in the grocery catalogue. in addition thereto. Mr Rose carries a full line of crockery. As a fitting conclusion, a well stocked ready made clothing department, wherein can be found ready-to-wear garments for young or old is one of the essentials of one of the best general merchandise establishments on the Niagara peninsula and the stock of which is maintained to a high standard of excellence, while the prices are no higher than is often quoted for inferior articles.
The Passing of a Good Old Man who was Revered by all Wellanders
[Welland Telegraph, 25 April 1902]
A good man and true has passed away. For more than a score of years no form that walked the streets was better known or more respected than the venerable man who is the subject of this obituary. The aged loved him, the young respected him and the children smiled on him.
George C. Cowper was born in Glammis, Forfarshire, Scotland, nearly eighty years ago. He was of gentle family and of clerical stock and a descendent of the Tannahill family, famous in Scottish song. His father was a clergyman of the established church of Scotland. After obtaining a good classical education he went to Trinidad in the West Indies where he occupied an important government position for many years and acquired some wealth. Getting tired of that climate he returned to Scotland, where he married in 1852. Seven years later he came to Canada with his family, and settled in Owen Sound, where he engaged in journalism. When his oldest son, Mr. T.D. Cowper, settled down to the practice of law in Welland, Mr. Cowper and his family moved here.
He was a singularly unassuming man; and although one of the best read men in the Province, especially in English literature and poetry, few even of his fellow-townsmen, knew it. He was a cultured, scholarly man, without himself realizing it.
His best loved work was as an Elder of the Presbyterian church. This office he magnified in every deed. He was an example to the flock, and all knew that he was a man of God-an honored, revered and loved one.
His quiet and unassuming labors in the church were known and appreciated. He was for many years the superintendent of the Sunday school, the senior elder of the session and its stated clerk. In his earlier years he was much esteemed as a member of the Presbytery Synod, and more than once of the general assembly, and his wise and modest counsels and suggestions were much appreciated and frequently acted upon.
In no Christian duty was this good man more conscientious than in his liberality to the causes of God, and to the poor and needy; but never in these matters did his right hand know what his left hand did. A tenth of his income was solemnly dedicated to God. Such a life was a benediction –an irreparable loss to the community, and especially to the congregation which he loved, and loved him in return.
His wife, an exceptionally superior woman, highly connected in Scotland predeceased him about eleven years. His surviving family are all in Welland-Mr. T.D. Cowper, Crown Attorney; Dr. James Cowper; Mrs. Elgin Myers and Miss Cowper, who enjoyed the high privilege of ministering to her saintly father to the last.
His funeral will be held from the Presbyterian church tomorrow afternoon at 1.30 o’clock. He will be laid beside his wife at Fonthill. All who knew him, and knowing him, could not but love and honor him, will have the opportunity of paying their respect to the memory of a good man and true.
[Welland Telegraph, 19 September 1902]
After an illness of about two years death removed one of Welland’s old residents last Sunday morning in the person of Joel Clark Doan. Although his illness has extended over two years he has only been confined to the house for about eight months, and was a great sufferer during that time. He was able to sit up during the day, and it was while being helped out of bed Sunday morning that he suddenly and quietly passed away. Deceased was born in Crowland township on Nov. 23rd, 1838, and has lived in Welland town for nearly 30 years- at first working at his trade as a carpenter, and was for the last 20 years the local agent for Messrs. Cronmiller & White’s brewery, Port Colborne. He was well-known throughout the county and had many friends. He leaves a widow, four daughters, Mrs. Wm. King, Egypt, N.Y.; Mrs. Geo. Schooley, Humberstone; Mrs. Bodman and Mrs. Harmon, Welland, and two sons, Benjamin and John, to survive him. The funeral was held from his late residence, the old Hendershot property on Tuesday afternoon, interment taking place at Doan’s Ridge cemetery.
[Related TALE: THE DOAN DIFFICULTY – FIRE-ARMS, STONES, HOT WATER AND CUSS WORDS]
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