Item
Standard
July 10/1844
G. F. Stickney opens clock and watch making business. Bldg. formerly occupied by James Hutchison.
Pilot
July 11, 1878
Jottings on the Street, No. 5
We take our stand-point today, for a brief hour or so, at “Happy Corner.” . . . Mr. Thomas Berry built the block on the opposite corner—now occupied by Mr. Jas. McKinney as a tailoring establishment. There is also a drug store in the same building, kept by young Mr. Cockburn, who is polite and attentive to business. Mr. Ingram keeps a neat variety shop next door; and the old established watch store of Major Stickney is also to be found in this block.
Pilot
June 19/1884
Mr. G. F. Stickney has placed his name in carved and gilded letters over the door of his watch making and jewellery establishment. The letters were carved by Mr. Stickney, and the building was done by Mr. F. G. Stoop
The summer visitors are putting in an appearance. Not much tourist hype in Pilot in 1883. Guests by hotel not listed.
Beacon
Aug 6/1891
. . . Among the business interests of St. Andrews is that of sardine fishing. This is in reality the catching of small herring; shipping them to Eastport where they are packed, labelled with French or Italian labels as the case requires, and sent to various markets, the greatest demand being from the far West. One of the shops contains as fine an assortment of he beautiful Jasper and Wedgewood ware as we often see in the largest establishments of our principal cities, and at much lower prices, from the fact that the duties are much less. There were also some fine specimens of the English terra cotta, which might stand as a substitute for the beautiful Copenhagen ware were it not that the later is of much finer finish and the designs classical instead of Mexican.
Beacon
Aug. 27/1891
Howells in one of his novels, says that a “woman is a natural born smuggler.” Perhaps that is the reason why a little store in SA, where Wedgewood ware is sold has such an attraction for American lady visitors.—Eastport Sentinel
Beacon
Sept 3/1891
The President’s Vacation. His Travels, Pleasure and Adventures. Pittsfield, Mass., Sun.
A most charming old town is SA, NB. We go down from Calais by the “Rose Standish,” a sail of about three hours, the boat stopping at one or two poets en route to take on freight and passengers. There are a great many holiday people like ourselves. The freight includes the usual variety of merchandise and in addition huge blocks of red granite, much like that from Mr. Allen’s quarries in Missouri. The “Rose Standish” is not a “fast girl” and her timetable allows a leisurely pace which we greatly enjoy. River and bay are in a smiling humor and we sit in the shade of the upper deck and watch the panorama of the shore slide by. It is ten o’clock when we climb to the wharf and pass up the quiet street.
The town occupies the west slope of the long peninsula, on one side the wide St. Croix River with its beautiful scenery and spreading away to the south and east the bay whose charm has but one equal in the world, it is said, the famous bay of Naples. “Sad, isn’t it?” said the President, “that so charming a picture should have for its name “the Pesaka.” I give it up but it is spelled “Pesakadamiakkanti.” The title means in Indian, “Leads up to open places.” It is simplified (?) in the modern guidebooks and geographies to Passamaquoddy. Some say the latter word means in the Indian tongue the “Place of the pollock” and that the bay was so named because of the abundance of this kind of fish in its waters. The President would name it “Holiday Haven.”
Quaint little houses border the streets, shingled mostly from ground to ridgeboard, weather-beaten and old. There was formerly a great business done here in shipping, lumbering, boating and fishing, and these odd little houses are the former domiciles of woodmen, mechanics and sailors. The business seems to have largely died away, but the cottages are here and most of them have windows filled with flower pots and little door yards with old-fashioned flowers and tangles of wild rose. Shops are not many-- simply the country stores to supply the practical wants of the population but every summer an art crockery store is opened to sell souvenirs to tourists. The shop is well filled by exquisite things from French, English and Irish potteries and as there is no duty the prices are very tempting. The shell-like Belleck Ware, the Worcester, Devonshire, Wedgewood and other fancy wares are not above half Boston prices. Wedgewood is the favorite with buyers. Pittsfield people will see some good examples of it at Mr. Mills’ store on North street, and the President is so captivated with its beautiful blue color and its cameo like carvings of mythological gods and goddesses that he defies the law and buys an armful. Old Josiah Wedgewood, who invented this ware in 1600, and made fame and fortune with his bowls and cups and vases and pitchers with their profiles of kings and statesmen and actresses upon them, would have smiled out loud if he could have seen the President guarding his treasures from the inquisitive eyes of the customs men. It transpired that the revenue guards knew all about it, but at their discretion let slip the little samples and presents the tourists buy. His teacup and bowl, wreathed with exquisite carvings telling a tale he will have to look up in the Iliad or the wanderings of Ulysses were perfectly safe, and he need not have carried them so furtively and secretly in his high Derby hat.
Beacon
Oct 6, 1892
G. Harold Stickney is adding to his store by building an ell and taking in a large room at the rear, when finished will give him ample room to show his fine stock of Wedgwood, etc. [took over from father, recently deceased]
Beacon
July 7/1892
The first excursion of the season came up from Eastport on Friday last. The excursionists lunched at the Algonquin, visited the Wedgwood store, and returned home in the afternoon.
Beacon
Dec 1/1892
The Stickney Wedgwood Store has lately been enlarged. It is now double the size that it was. It is pleasing to note this evidence of business prosperity.
Beacon
May 11/1893
The Stickney Wedgwood store has added a great many beautiful things to its stock of fancy ware this season to please the summer visitor.
Beacon
June 1/1893
A handsome flag staff has been erected in front of the Stickney building. it extends 47 feet above the roof. The staff was fashioned and put in place by David McRoberts and his sturdy sons.
Beacon
July 6/1893
The Stickney Wedgwood store is again the centre of attraction for the summer tourist. it is doubtful if there is another business house in Canada which carries so big a stock of Wedgwood as does the Stickney store.
Beacon
July 26/1894
On Monday night, a brilliant euchre party assembled in the Algonquin parlors on the invitation of Mrs. Wheeler, of Montreal. The ladies wore their most beautiful dresses and their most captivating smiles, and the gentlemen--there is an abundance of good-looking summer men here this year--were as gallant as gallants could be. Everything passed off pleasantly. When the party was finished, and the prizes distributed light refreshments were served. . . . A tennis tournament has been begun on the Algonquin tennis court. There are between twenty and thirty entries . . . . (Elegant prizes from Stickney’s Wedgwood store)
Beacon
Dec 16/1897
Stickney brothers have dissolved partnership. Harold Stickney will carry on the business.
Beacon
Sept 1/1899
The Old Fake
The old moss covered fake of the imprisoned solder of fortune, who knows where a pile of money is secreted, but who hasn’t got enough cash of his own or the opportunity to prosecute the search himself, is still on its travels. Last week it floated in to St. Andrews in a letter written in French addressed to Mr. G. H. Stickney, US consular agent. The writer, who was imprisoned in the Cuban fortress, wanted a reliable party with a few dollars to whom he could impart his secret of hidden wealth. As Mr. Stickney has more money now than he knows what to do with, he concluded that he would not accept the Cuban’s dazzling offer.
Beacon
Sept 18/1902
Stickney’s Wedgwood Store
G. Harold Stickney, Prop.
the enterprise carried on by Mr. G. Harold Stickney, and popularly known as Stickney’s Wedgwood Store, is worthy of more than ordinary mention at our hands, first, because it is of very long standing, and second, because it is one of the most popular, especially among out of town visitors, doing business in St. Andrews. It was founded by the late George F. Stickney about 60 years ago, and conducted by him until 1892, when at his death he was succeeded by his sons, G. H. and John M. Stickney. Mr. G. H. Stickney assumed control in 1897. the premises occupied are large, well lighted an neatly arranged and the stock carried includes a fine line of china goods, but glass, fine cutlery, watches, clocks and jewellery articles, silver and plated war, perfumery and an especially fine line of souvenirs and novelties for tourist. Mr. Stickney is a direct importer of the commodities mentioned and has always made it a point to have something attractive to offer, and at the same time to quite prices within the reach of all. That this is appreciated is seen by the patronage he controls. Mr. Stickney is a native of St. Andrews and was brought up and educated here. . . . Mr. G. H. Stickney, at the death of his father, in 1892, succeeded him as consul agent to the United States, and has filled said position ever since in a most satisfactory and able manner.
Beacon
May 9/1907
G. H. Stickney showing souvenir plates in blue with views of SA, St. Stephen, Calais and Eastport. Central picture Sir William Van Horne’s residence.
Beacon (f9823)
Sept 21/1918
The Renowned Shops in Charlotte county
Stickney’s Wedgwood
The other enterprise of which we wish to speak is the famous Wedgwood House of Mr. G. Harold Stickney, in St. Andrews. Mr. Stickney’s father, the late G. F. Stickney, was a working jeweller who came from Saint John many years ago and opened a jewellery and hardware store. those who knew the store forty or fifty years ago, and up to the time of the late Mr. Stickney’s death in 1892, will remember the wonderful stock to be found there, not always displayed in elaborate show cases, but produced, in request, from drawers and receptacles beneath the counter. Mr. Stickney was a man of artistic tastes, and by a fortunate chance he became interested in the products of the famous Wedgwood pottery in Etruria, Stoke-upon-Trent, Staffordshire, England. Gradually, year b year, Mr. Stickney increased his purchases from this famous pottery, and in the course of time his tore became known throughout America as the place where Wedgwood ware could be found in greater variety than in any other place on the continent, and often people came here for the sole purpose of buying one or more pieces of “Wedgwood” that could not be obtained elsewhere. On the death of Mr. Stickney, senior, the business was taken over by his son, the present proprietor, who has gradually dropped out of the hardware and jewellery business and devoted most of his time to the business of pottery], of which the products of Etruria form the most conspicuous part. We speak whereof we know when we say that not even in London itself can be found such a collection of “Wedgwood” as can be seen any day in Wedgwood House in St. Andrews. The sock is not entirely the product of the famous Staffordshire pottery, but wares made in other renowned English potteries are also carried. Nobody visits St. Andrews without making at least one purchase of the famous Wedgwood table-ware or ornament, and it ever afterwards remains a valuable souvenir and household possession
We may repeat a story of Wedgwood pottery that some readers may not have heard, or having heard, may have forgotten. A daughter of Josiah Wedgwood, the founder of the pottery at Etruria, was married to Isaac Darwin the father of the more famous Charles Darwin. Isaac Darwin was a physician, and in the course of his practice acquired the belief that most human ills had their origin in the stomach and were caused by people bolting their food without proper mastication. To impress this fact on his family and guests he had his father-in-law make for him a dinner set on every plate of which was displayed the admonition MASTICATE, DENTICATE, CHUMP, CHEW AND SWALLOW. We do not think Mr. Stickney happens to have any replicas of those plates in stock.
St. Croix Courier
March 27/1919
G. Harold Stickney is at work again after an illness of three weeks.
St. Croix Courier
March 21/1940
Shiretown Items
Fairly Accurate
This unfortunate reporter having been confined to his home last week with a severe cold and all the delightful complications that attend this pestiferous plague, of necessity missed the regular meeting of the Kiwanis club and in consequence is unable to give the usual eye-witness report. A few gleanings obtained since from various members are somewhat conflicting, and may not be too reliable. By a remarkable coincidence the regular pianist was absent from the meeting with exactly similar symptoms to those of the reporter, and the musical part of the program was conducted by volunteers. The first contestant played Beethoven. Beethoven lost. After several others had taken their turn at the piano with varying success, but without disastrous results, the star performer, of the evening whose name we shall not disclose, but whom for the purpose of future reference we shall designate “the captain,” advanced on the instrument. Rolling up his sleeves, and passing his fingers thoughtfully through the locks of grey, he took his place on the bench with the air of an old master. Running his fingers lightly, if somewhat unmusically, over the key-board he groped for “The Lost Chord.” Crash! Not a tremendous, soul-stirring chord, but a rending and splintering of wood and iron! The bench collapsed into a dozen pieces and he captain was cast full length upon the floor! The lost chord was never found. I had difficulty in getting details on the speaker for the evening. My first informant told me that eh subject was “Weights and Measures,” and said the talk was given by H. Stickney, chairman of the hose committee, whose epicurean taste has been responsible for the fine variety of menus being followed of late. He said the chairman felt that altogether too much food was being consumed and explained that it had become necessary to ration the members of the club according to age, weight, waist measurement and general capacity. Being a little doubtful about this report, which was told with tongue in cheek, I inquired further and learned tha the talk was given by the President, W. J. Rollins, who, as a registered druggist knows all about weights and measures.
St. Croix Courier
April 4. 1940
Other Days
Older readers have frequently expressed appreciation of occasional items about the old day which have appeared in this column, and I think they will be interested to know that through the kindness of Robert Cockburn, I hope to have an item once each month, based on entries in a diary kept by his father, E. A. Cockburn from 1893 up to the time of his recent passing. The entries as a rule are brief but whenever possible further details will be given. Two entries which should be of general interest to older readers appear in April 1893. On April 3rd, the “Musical and Literary Society gave a public concert.” I assure many present readers were members of that society. They held weekly meeting in the Town Hall, and gave frequent public entertainments. Lorne Thompson, now deceased, was janitor, and I was his unpaid assistant. I have a clear recollection of rehearsals in the hall, but do not recall attending any public entertainments. Probably didn’t have the price. The other entry is on April 25th, G. H. Stickney and Minnie Odell were married—Band serenaded them.” Remember? I was one of the boys sitting on the fence. Two or three hundred people were gathered there that night, but where are they now? Walter Stickney, a boy in his teens, but an excellent cornetist, was leading the band. Did you notice the big wink Joe Handy gave Charlie Kennedy when the band was invited to partake of refreshment? Both these fine bandsmen have long since passed on. Mr. and Mrs. Stickney are both living and reasonably active. Congratulations on your forty-seventh anniversary!
St. Croix Courier
Jan 23/1941
Shiretown Items
Other Days and a Story
Interesting letters have been received from Walter Stickney of Dorchester, Mass., and from Sgt. Major W. F. McStay of Moncton. The item of old-time football awakened Mr. Stickney a memory and he definitely settles the date of the first organization of football here on the fall of 1893. He remembers the first game played here with St. Stephen on Heenan’s green, which was won by St Andrews, and ended in a fight. He does not say who won the fight—it probably was a no-decision contest. Mr. MacStay’s interest was aroused by the story of the old St. Andrews Rifle Club, and he write a letter full of reminiscences of those far-off days. He was a small child at the time and his father was in the Gordon Regiment. He says the alarm which caused so much excitement and hurrying to and fro was caused by a British warship at anchor in the harbor firing a salvo of blank shots in the middle of the night as an experiment. It evidently worked as everyone though the Fenians were coming. Once while Mr. McStay’s father was on guard duty at Joe’s Point he heard a boat grounding on the beach. He challenged “Who goes there?” to which the answer was “Bottles.” “Advance Bottles,” said the guard, “and draw the cork!” I had heard the story before but had never heard the name of the originator. Neither have I ever heard whether or not he advance was duly made and the cork properly drawn—nor, if so, what happened afterward. It is provoking ot have a story end just when it is beginning to get interesting.
St. Croix Courier
March 12, 1942
Shiretown Items
Some Local History
When a reader writes a long letter—twenty closely written pages of ordinary sized “notepaper—and begins it “Just as soon as the Courier comes I turn to the Shiretown Items”, when he states that he is old enough to clearly remember the Saxby Gale (1869), when he tells of many interesting personal experiences during his boyhood and youth spent here; and when he says that although he has covered a lot of ground since leaving St. Andrews he has never found a place that he liked as well as the old home town, it seems that his letter should have public recognition. The wrier was W. F. McStay, now living in Moncton. I have never known nor met this old friend of St. Andrews as he left here before I came in 1889, but if he ever visits here I hope he will look me up. He says he had a letter recently from William Brown, another native son probably remembered by the older folks before my time. Mr. Brown’s father was Collector of Customs here and Thomas Stinson whom we younger fellows can well remember as a customs officer began work with him. Mr. McStay was living at the corner of Princess Royal and Carleton streets at the time of the big gale. He says every shade tree in town was uprooted and flattened to the ground. He was much interested in the picture of Fort Tipperary, appearing recently in the Courier, and remembers the band that used to practise there. He says there were 400 soldiers stationed there at one time and his grandfather Dr. McStay was the army doctor. He as a vivid recollection of wonderful coasting on Kirk Hill, of wharves lined with ships, loading or unloading; of sham fights the solders used to have; of marching to the cemetery and back on a soft day in winter with a new pair of shoes which were ruined. He remembers Harold Stickney’s father, who also just have been musician as the writers claims he could swear by note. The old armoury, destroyed by fire, had a wonderful bell. It could be heard, in St. Stephen when the wind was blowing upriver. After the fire the bell was melted down and everybody in town had a ring made from it, cast by Mike McMonagle at his foundry. (I wonder if anybody in town has one of those old rings!) Mr. McStay speaks of Jim Handy, organizer of fox hunts on Minister’s Island; of the launching of the Annie P. Odell; of single scull races between Bob Brown and Harry Jones in their fifty-foot racing shells. Mr. McStay worked in the machine shop here and recalls the names of some more of the old wood-burner locomotives, the “Shamrock,” the “thistle,” the “Rose” and the “Manners Sutton.” He remembers the old river boats including the Belle Brown. When the weather was thick Eber Polleys was engaged to stand on the wharf and blow bugle-calls in answer to the steamer’s whistle so she could find her way in. . . . Mr. McStay tells of an interesting local incident connected with the so-called “Trent Affair,” of 1861 as told to him by his father who was an eyewitness. The people of St. Andrews had known nothing of this affair which nearly caused war between United States and Great Britain and were much surprised when a British troop ship steamed in to the harbour. Several hundred soldiers were put ashore and formed on at Gove’s hall near the depot headed by a military band. They marched to the head of the town, then down again with fixed bayonets, the band playing and the soldiers singing, “We’ll grease our bayonets on the Rebels ‘way down in Dixie.” Then they boarded the train with the local inhabitants none the wiser,; but after a few days they were back again, boarded their ship and sailed away never to return. The Trent affair, thanks to wise heads, had been settled amicably.
St. Croix Courier
April 9, 1942
Shiretown Items
A Century in Business
Harold Stickney is quietly celebrating the hundredth anniversary of the business establishment now known as the “Stickney Wedgewood Store.” His father, George, F. Stickney, came here and started a jewelery and watch-making business in 1842. His first shop was in the building now owned by Wren’s Drug Store. When he married a local girl they moved into the building next door and carrying on the business in ship underneath. It was in this building that Harold was born. Mr. Stickney gradually introduced other liens and was the first dealer in St. Andrews to sell lamps and kerosene. Up to that time everybody “rolled their own,” chiefly from tallow—only the more well-to-do could afford wax candles. During the past few years Harold’s greatest ambition has been to stick it out for the centenary. He has now safely passed the mark and is going strong o the second hundred. His father was in business 48 years and Harold has been carrying on at the present stand for 52 years, which in truth is a long time. We extend heartiest congratulations and best wishes for the years go come.
Who Knows?
Reference was made in an item recently about the burning of the old armoury here and the making of rings from the armoury bell which was melted down for that purpose. I have located two or those rings and have seen one of them—formerly the property of the late Thomas Stinson. It is a signet ring with a heart shaped signet. The other ring was worn by the late Sarah Heenan and is now I am told in the possession of Mrs. Marshall. I have as yet been unable to find out where the armoury was situated or in what year it burned.
Interesting Snaps
I have enjoyed looking over a snapshot album of pictures sent to his wife by Lt. Edwin Snell, who has been in England for some time. Most of the snaps are of Eddie himself and show that soldiering has so far agreed with him. He appears to be in perfect physical condition and looks just like the fine fellow all his friends know him to be. Several other new Brunswick boys are shown, including Raymond McQuoid and Dave Tennant of St. Andrews. . . .
Cherry Hill
I have learned what constitutes to true “Cherry Hill” in St. Andrews and how it got its name. About 1825 Dr. McStay purchased the entire block on which the house he built, though later remodelled, still stands and which is known to the present generation as the Wallace Property. Indians were camping on a little cleared spot at the time and were asked to vacate. The remainder of the block as well as all the rest of that part of the town, though surveyed for streets, consisted of thick woods. While the house was being built a bear used to come out and feed on scraps the men threw to him. A Mr. Jack built the house now owned by the Misses Morris (occupied in summer by Marshall Hodgeman) [is this the Morris girls in the 1923 silent movie featuring a visit to St. Andrews, etc, and now in the Provincial Archives—the one by Colonel Heasley; the map of 1878 shows Beth’s parent’s house as being owned by W. H. Morris] and the McStay boys cut a path through the woods so that the families could visit back and forth. When Dr. McStay cleared the remainder of the block he found a row of cherry trees running straight through the centre which he thought must have been planted by the Indians as there were none found elsewhere in the neighborhood. He named his home” Cherry Hill,” which name it still bears. About fifty years ago that whole neighborhood was called Cherry Hill and the boys who lived there were known as the Cherry Hill Gang.
Got Response
Readers who remember an item a couple of months ago on Minister’s Island and the Douglas family will be interested to know it brought quite satisfactory results. A letter from W. J. Huer of Edgerton, Wisconsin, states that he has had communications from a supposed relative in St. George and, more interesting still, from one in London, England. It will e recalled that Mr. Huer was trying to get some facts about his ancestry.
St. Croix Courier
Feb 25/1943
Shiretown Items
Fat Man’s Race
In conversation with some old-timers the othe day we got talking of local sprinters of the past. One man present could recall when Harold Stickney and Henry Swift were the to-notches at the hundred yard distance. In m own youth Walter Stickney led the field with Charlie Richardson next, while Fannie Black, a girl psriner, andmyself came next in order. The caretaker of the Public Building here who was present, said he saw qutie a race one morning last summer between Walter Stickney and John Ross. These now coruplent gentlemen met one morning before seven o’clock just under the window where Herb was shaking out his dust cloth. After a few preliinary remarks about the wether John said he understood that Walter used to be quite fast runner in his youth. Walter opined that he still could beat any one of his size or age (waist 48, age 65). So they proceeded to the head of the nearby public wharf (to avoid traffic as they expressed it) and stripped to pants and shirt braces and socks. They tried to assume the crouch, considered the most correct and fastest pposition for a start, but their mutual embonbpoint interfered, so they decided on the semi-erect style which was at least more comfortable. At the word “go,” after a count of three, they wer off, elgs flying and arms flapping. At the thirty yard mark, John measured his full lnegth (or width) on the wharf. These gentlemen little thought that they had a spectator to the juvenile performance and had some great explaining to do when they got back. They both claimed the race. John said Walter got the start of him him but tripped him as he attempted to go past when he got up speed. An attempt will be made to match the pari again this summer to defintely decide who is the faster man.
St. Croix Courier
Aug 19/1943
Shiretown Items
Business on north side of Water Street between King and William in 1880. In the corner building where Cockburn’s drug store is now situated was a residence occupied by G. F. Campbell. Next to the shop now occupied by Cottage Craft was the post office. The public stood on the sidewalk to receive their mail from a small wicket about 8 by 10 inches. Richard Keay was office clerk. In the shop now unoccupied was Mrs. Ingraham’s Candy Shop. Next, where the Wren’s Drug Store now does business was Whitlock’s Hardware Store run by John Polleys. The next building, now Hewitt’s restaurant, was Eddie Saunders’ Fruit and Candy. Next to that was Thomas Milligan’s Candy, Schoolbooks and Stationery. In the next to Mrs. Collins, with ? furnishings and woollen goods was Ms. Hanson’s Cobbling Shop with a small stock of boots and shoes. Stickney’s Jewellery and Watch Repair came next. The store is still in the family, being at present under the management of Walter Stickney with a stock of Wedgwood. The next shop, now Mr. Dougherty’s Restaurant, was occupied by another Mrs. Ingraham, with a Confectionary, Cakes and Pastry. The next shop, now Earl McCaughey’s Law Office, which was occupied in 1890 by Cockburn’s Drug Store, was not listed. The store on the corner, now the Maritime Electric Headquarters, was a grocery store run by Barnum Campbell. The only business places above William Street at the present time are McDowell’s Variety store on the corner; Hazen McDowell Barber next, and further uptown on the next block, McQuoid’s Service Station and Taxi Stand. At the time of which my correspondent writes there were thirteen grog shops in SA, where a schooner of beer could be had for nickel, a glass of hard liquor for a dime, and a square-face of Holland gin for 60 cents. Now liquor is sold under government control, and because of war-time restrictions we are limited to 12 pints of beer per week, one quart of hard liquor per month, and one quart of wine per week.
St. Croix Courier
Nov 6/1958
History of Wedgewood Pottery.