A Tribute to Dr. Douglas
1921 East 97th street
Cleveland, Ohio
February 17th, 1922
[The Welland Tribune and Telegraph, 23 February 1922]
Tribune & Telegraph,
Dear Sir:
Along in May, the year of 1870, a barefooted small boy who lived on the McConnell farm, near the village of old Fort Erie was despatched in great haste to summon the doctor for Mrs.McConnell-an aged old lady who had fallen in a faint.
The youngster, having been duly impressed by Mr. McConnell with the necessity of haste, did his best along the (at that time) muddy thoroughfare-The River Road; and , in more or less breathless condition, after a time, reached the little white, rough-cast house on the south corner of (I think) Bertie Street, and upon knocking the door was soon opened by a sweet-faced, white-capped lady of perhaps 55 or 60 years of age, who, upon learning the boy’s mission, called for “William,” and in a moment or two the young man came to the door and said he was the Doctor, and upon learning my mission, said he would come right down.
A few moments later-before the messenger had retraced his steps homeward more than a block or two- a flying horseman with a cape of the English mackintosh which he wore on such occasions, flying out straight behind, passed by and was soon at the homestead. He had done the needful and before the boy had reached home he met the Doctor on his way back to the village.
The Doctor in this case was no other than that grand little man who has kept up that alertness to this day and who has done more to alleviate suffering and bestow mercy upon the distressed and suffering than any other man who ever lived in Welland County-Dr. William Douglas. Nor has his mission of mercy ceased, my sister having informed me just recently that he is still “riding the circuit” and never fails to respond to the call of the afflicted.
I do not know the Doctor’s age but you people of Welland County and especially Fort Erie must know that a man who has devoted more than 52 years of his life to mercy must be well along and in the natural course of events cannot serve many years more.
Great books have been written of the lives of others whom we know have been less deserving, and while it has been many years since I have shaken the hand of the subject of this letter, I shall never forget him as of the type which get their pleasure out of life by doing good to others, and my fond hope is that the people of old Fort Erie and Welland County will endeavor to demonstrate their love for “Billy” while he is yet with them.
In my opinion nothing could be more fitting than a fine demonstration on the part of the citizens of Fort Erie and Welland County towards Billy while he is yet with them.
This is just a suggestion and I would appreciate an acknowledgement.
Sincerely yours
D. Robertson
By
OLIVER UNDERWOOD
[The Welland Tribune and Telegraph, 16 March 1922]
We hate like sin to tell it, brothers and sisters, and no disloyalty should impute to us for the telling. It is printed here to forestall the possibility of its first getting to that Ananias Sapphira Munchaussen who writes for this paper out there, for it may be imagined how the tale would then be magnified and distorted.
A resident of this neck of the wood who is in California for the winter, writes that one day near the Southern Pacific station in San Francisco he was asked for a direction by a passing stranger, who it developed in the course of the conversation, was from Montreal.
Our friend of course gladly announced that he was from Canada, too, and named Welland as his abiding place. The other Canadian looked rather nonplussed for a moment, following which the light of recognition crossed his features and he delivered this astounding response: “Welland, Welland? Yes, I have heard of it. Let me see, Isn’t it somewhere near Fonthill?”!!!!
Boy, page the Industrial Commissioner!
——
The only redeeming feature about the above is that the Montrealer did not link us up with Dunnville. But then he likely never heard of that place at all, for Montreal is outside of Reneu’s jurisdiction.
——
The magistrate at St. Catharines is assessing Sunday drunks $15, while the fine for this offense on week days is a ten-spot.
This doesn’t seem exactly fair. Were you ever in St. Kitts on a Sunday? What else is there to do?
——
They have landed another industry at Bridgeburg, the Fedders Mfg. Co.
No, they do not make stuffing for pillow ticks; their product belies the name, for they manufacture radiators.
Straws usually show which way the wind blows, but in the case of the industrial breeze at Bridgeburg, it seems to be Fedders.
Congratulations to the border burg. And it will mean more people to come to Welland when they want to get a really safe distance away from the U.S.A.
[The Welland Tribune and Telegraph, 27 June 1922]
The Welland Tribune and Telegraph, Limited
Louis Blake Duff, Editor
One summer day nearly sixty years ago a boy hoeing corn on a Crowland farm, reaching the road end of the row, hung his hoe on the rail fence, leaped over into the highway and set out for the Village of Welland.
Jumping the fence Alexander Griffith took an unceremonious farewell to agriculture and made an unpropitious entrance to town life. He hadn’t any capital except his character and his physique. He died last week a wealthy man and an honored citizen.
When he jumped from the cornfield he landed, as may be guessed, on no bed of roses, but on a flinty road, and flinty it proved to be for many miles and years that lay before him. He learned a trade as harness maker and all he ever learned about it was how to make a good harness. Then with a partner, he bought out a business and we have heard him tell how for the first few winters the firm had only one overcoat to its name. When one partner went out the other had to stay in.
His life is closed now and there are some things one can say about it and should say about it, as due his memory. To add a brighter color or to exaggerate would be particularly out of place. He never tried to appear anything he was not, nor shall we do him the dishonor of giving him any garb but the one he wore. He gained his foothold in a hard school and he never acquired any frills, but he had qualities of character that were pure gold. There are fine things one can truthfully say of him. For instance, no man ever had a doubt as to the absolute truth of anything he ever said. No man ever doubted when he had given his word as to whether or not he would keep it in spirit or in letter. No man can point to his long and varied business life, for he dabbled in many fields, and say this deal or that one verged on the shady side. His ethics were like his speech, straight and clear. He could look to the core of a thing, for shrewd thinking was his second self, and his transactions were in terms of dollars and cents.
He knew men by vote, he knew values, he knew always the essentials of a proposal, and upon his judgment in these he was inexorable. Having entered a proposal his regard was to give full measure and that without quibble or subterfuge. Not a few strugglers owe their start to Alexander Griffith and bless his memory today. He was never a hard taskmaster to the man who wanted to play fair. Insincerity, false sentiment, shilly shallying- these were marks for his relentless irony.
He had but one dissipation, and that came from his love of horses. In his day he owned many famous horses. Races had for him a never failing charm.
In his death there is ended a long chapter in the history of Welland-Welland that he saw grow from a village to a city, the Welland to whose business and growth he contributed so much.
By
OLIVER UNDERWOOD
[The Welland Tribune and Telegraph, 27 June 1922]
Full twenty years have we known Alex Griffiths, and his passing on leaves a gap in the ranks of the Old Guard of Welland, whose acquaintance we first formed that long ago.
Two incidents in connection with him come to memory. One was that he made the first set of driving harness we owned. That was back in the days when a good roader and a red-wheeled, rubber-tired road wagon or runabout, was the equivalent of today’s six-cylinder car; and if the outfit were topped by a set of Alex Griffiths’ handmade harness, the last word was said. And the fact that this same set is still doing service today is pretty good evidence that he tried to deliver the goods in his dealings with his fellow men.
The other follows later, when a little boy, a two or three year old, would sometimes come to town with daddy. Whenever son saw Alex Griffiths, there arose an enthusiastic shout of greeting, and followed a prompt transfer of the charge of one small boy from us to him.
The two would disappear in the direction of the bridge, there to await the coming of what the small son termed “a bid bote,” from which inspection they would return together, a bag of peanuts, popcorn or candy always in the hands of the small boy, and the two of them manifesting every evidence of having had a mighty good time.
That boy is an older boy today, but he remembers and will always remember the kindness of Alex Griffiths; and, when you come to think it over, a man could not leave a much better monument to his memory than that builded upon the affection of a little child.
[The Welland Tribune and Telegraph, 6 April 1922]
Back in 1874-Governor-General was Given Royal Welcome
It was a gala day in the village of Welland. A large rosy sun climbed up in a clear sky early in the morning and for miles around at that hour scores of farmers were washing buggies, horses and in many other ways busily preparing to spend the day in the village.
There was a bustle of excitement in the precincts of Welland itself-for at three o’clock on that afternoon of Monday, August 28th, 1874, the Governor-General , Lord Dufferin and Her Excellency, Lady Dufferin, were due to arrive to pay a vice-regal visit.
Long before the special train pulled in with its engine gaily arrayed with evergreens and numerous flags, hundreds of people of Welland county were gathered at the Welland railway station, anxious to get the first look at the representative of the Queen. The Welland Brass Band was there and a troop of cavalry commanded by Captain Buchner. At three o’clock three thousand loyal citizens were on the scene.
As the train pulled in, the band struck up the National Anthem and the populace lifted their hats and cheered lustily. The cavalrymen gave the royal salute as Lord and Lady Dufferin stepped on the platform.
Their Excellencies were met by the notables of the village and county. And J.H. Price, the reeve, read an address, in which the Governor-General was reminded of the Battle of Lundy’s Lane and others of 1812 which were fought within the borders of the county, and that many veterans of the war were present.
Loyalty Not Exceeded
“We need hardly assure your Excellency that you are in the midst of a people whose loyalty to the Queen and attachment to the mother country is not excelled in any other part of Her Majesty’s dominion,” the address read.
“Situated as we are upon the great thoroughfare between the East and the West, and having within the limits of our village one of the greatest architectural works of its kind in the Dominion, Your Excellency will pardon our honest pride in stating that we are prosperous and happy in the enjoyment of our many privileges and rights as citizens of this great empire.”
Replying, Lord Dufferin declared that he was well aware that in coming to the County of Welland he was visiting a locality which had been rendered illustrious by the warlike deeds of the forefathers of many of those present, and he rejoiced in his privilege to become acquainted with some of the surviving heroes of those glorious days.
After which many of the prominent men were presented to their Excellencies and Lord Dufferin spent some time talking with the veterans of 1812.
The vice-regal party then took a drive through town, where three arches had been erected. On the first was the Irish motto: “Cead Mille Failthe,” which meant a hundred thousand welcomes; on the second was “Peace and Prosperity,” and on the third, “Trade and Commerce” and “The Welland Canal, the Eastern and Western Connecting Link.”
The aqueduct was inspected and the party then returned to their carriages and were driven back to the train accompanied by the band and the cavalry escort.
[The Welland Tribune and Telegraph, 6 July 1922]
After Long Absence, Former Resident Almost Lost Himself
‘Twas Harry J. Gibson
Sold Main Street Property for One Twentieth of Present Cost
After an absence of fifteen years from his home town, Harry J. Gibson, now a resident for the windy city of Chicago, blew into Welland last Friday to greet the old chums of boyhood days.
Harry, in relating his arrival to an old comrade, said, “I have been to London, England, Paris, France, and in nearly all the principal cities of the United States, but it is unique to relate I became lost in the old town where I spent my boyhood days and where I supposed I knew every street and alley in the place.
But things had changed. He had to enquire where he was, and was told that he was on West Main Street, Welland. He recognized the home of D.D. Hoover, and then he knew where he was.
He met many of his old chums, but was sorry to learn that many had passed to the great Beyond, and others, like himself, had gone to other lands. He was much impressed with the change in his native town and pronounced it a beautiful little city-the beautiful park on the banks of the canal being one of the most notable changes-where Merritt Park now stands, being but a big frog pond (and where the bullfrog was master of all he surveyed), on his last visit here. Another very notable change were the paved streets, beautiful residences and well kept lawns; the beautiful and modern theatre for a city of its size and a fire hall and equipment such as Welland should be proud of, and the large number of industries-many new ones since his last visit-and the grand school buildings which certainly showed prosperity in the city.
Mr. Gibson related another story on the city’s property and his farsightedness. On his departure from Welland, he sold his property-now occupied by Lee Ott’s laundry on Main Street-for $1,300, and he understands the present proprietors refuse $20,000. Some turnover. His last words on bidding goodbye to his old friends were, “I can hardly realize that I am in my old boyhood town, where I spent my boyhood days.” Harry’s many friends were pleased to learn that he and his good wife have prospered since going west and are now enjoying the benefits reaped by thrift and industry. He likes his old home town and may return some day to reside with us again.”
By OLIVER UNDERWOOD
So, the new Reeta Hotel has an ice plant that will turn out half a ton of ice a day for the guests. Looks like Brother Lambert had spent a little too much money in this direction, what with forty-two rooms and a corresponding number of guests to push the button for ice-water in the morning. Besides which, the morning after demand is not what is used to be, not what it used to be. And look how the ice consumption has been cut down since John Collins and Colonel G. Rickey joined the ranks of the late lamented. And the Walker boys, Hiram and Johnnie, they used to use up a lot of ice too. But they are all gone now, if not forgotten; and with this quartette out of it, half a ton of ice per diemsort of looks likes over-production.
The topic of discussion at last week’s meeting of the B.Y.P.U. was Sources of Happiness.
Wonder if Single Blessedness got its deserved recognition?
The Welland County Hospital is going to make provision for more maternity wards.
The Hospital Board must be keeping an eye on Fonthill.
It is to be hoped that everybody read thoroughly last week about the Empire Cotton Mill plant. One who has seen similar plants in some of New England mill towns has good cause to get chesty over Welland’s possessing this one. Not merely from the commercial standpoint, which is some big item for the city, but in the underlying spirit of man’s humanity to man the story tells.
If nominations of employers of labor who are not in the Simon Legree class, are in order, Manager J.D. Payne and his superintendent, Thomas F. Cuddy, are two mighty good names to play. The whole city will join in saying “Atta Boys!”
Do they call it the Rotary Club because they think one good turn deserves another?
Last Saturday’s market report says onions jumped from 75 cents to $1.20 per basket. No one dast hit us if we say onions seem to be getting stronger?
And cow’s tongue is listed in the market report at 45 cents. Suppose one started a dinner with ox-tail soup and finished with this cow’s tongue; that would be sort of finishing with the start and starting with the finish.
It says that at Oddfellow’s Hall the other night, the special dance, where lights were dimmed and the moon turned on, was especially enjoyable. Went to a little stag gathering the other evening. The host did not turn on the moon, but he poured out a little moonshine, and that was especially enjoyable too.
Welland Not the Dearest Place on Earth says one of our recent headlines. And that may be proved by L.V. Garner, W.H. Crowther, John Cooper and some others; Fonthill is evidently dearer to those fellows or they wouldn’t have moved out there.
There is an old saying that a prophet is not without honor save in his own country. That does not apply in the case of Welland’s new Doctor of Divinity. Knox College can confer no higher mark of honor upon Rev. J.D. Cunningham than the honor and esteem in which he is held here.
According to the report at the Board of Trade, that new pipe line is till nothing more than a pipe dream.
An editorial last week said that St. Catharines has a higher tax rate than Welland and that about the only joy the Welland taxpayer has is the realization that in St. Kitts they have to pay more. There is another and much greater joy for the Welland taxpayer-he doesn’t live in St. Catharines. To pay the higher taxes and live there too, would be a mighty tough combination.
Reeve S.A. Thomas, down at Port Robinson, advertises a fresh milch cow for sale. Everybody knows Sam never did have any use for anybody who tried to get fresh with him; maybe that’s why he is selling the cow.
Miss S.E. Oill of the teaching staff of the Fonthill Public School is good enough to contribute the following: Some of the school boys howlers quoted in the papers are only too real. The other day one of your young folks told us, “The hard part of our body is the bones and the soft part is the brains.” And a short time ago this came from another, “If impure air gets into your sistom, it will harden the lining of your stummick.” Still another, “Our chief export to China is missionaries.” And, “A harbour is a place to get your hair cut.” The above is a mighty welcome contribution. Can’t Welland produce some juvenile emanations to match them? Let us hear from you Sisters. And this does not bar Brothers McCuaig and Flower.
The latest addition to the ranks of the Welland Chess Club is Chief of Police Crabb. That is going to be mighty handy for the other players, for it’s all in the day’s work for him to say, “It’s your move.” But we hope the Chief is a better chess player than we are, otherwise, he will crab the game.
Our hat is respectfully raised to the women of the Welland Daughters of the Empire. Did you scan their annual report posted last week? When you consider what these women are doing towards the betterment of life here, and elsewhere, your own head will be uncovered too. Furthermore, it will give you an idea of why the Creator did not stop at his first attempt, Man, but went ahead and turned out something really worth while. You may be covered, gentlemen, but just keep the thing in mind.
It is said there are only two seats in the Lambert Theatre which give anything but a perfect view of the stage. It is a safe bet that we will always sit in one of them whenever we happen to attend. That’s foreordained.
W.D.S. Fraser and the other members of the Board of Trade who stand sponsor for the proposed Boy’s Municipal Council are on the right track. This work of taking in hand the coming generation of our citizens and giving them an idea of civic procedure is most commendable. It will be invaluable training for the boys and their day will reap the full benefit therefrom. But why any distinction between the sexes? As matters are shaping now, the women will likely be running things by the time these young fellows get in the game; and that being the case, why not line up the girls, too, and give them a chance to learn the ropes?
“Touch Up The Court Room.” That’s what the heading said, but somehow court room and a little touch-up do not seem to synchronize. Provincial Constable Gurnett is a Sherlock Holmes, all right. And so is License Inspector George Elkins. They go to foreigners to search for liquor; do they waste time digging under the floor for it? They do not; they do not. They pry off the ceiling and bag their game. Cause Why? They know that good things come high.
It was a shock the other day, that headline, ANOTHER OLD LANDMARK GONE. Reading on, we saw it wasn’t Clayte Page’s hat.
The Welland Tribune and Telegraph-2 March 1922
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