Item
Standard
Jan 4/1854
NY Times expects severe onset of cholera in summer, may hit BNA as well.
Standard
Jan 26/1854
Editor's father, George Smith, dies in Saint John.
Jan 27/1854 Crimean War: England and France declare war on Russia. Turkey had declared war on Russia in October 1853.
Standard
Feb 8/1854
Reading and newsroom in works over McLean's store, Market Wharf. Mr. Kethro gives concert in Town Hall with "Quartette Club" of St. Andrews.
Standard
Feb 15/1854
St. Andrews Gas and Light Co. passes last session of Legislature.
Standard
March 8/1854
10 years ago Portland had no railways. Now centre of 522 miles of it. St. Andrews Reading Room Regular recipient of Telegraph news services.
Standard
March 28/1854
For sale: house on Water Street occupied by John Fitzgerald, nearly opposite the Railroad Hotel. Also, 2 stores, Blacksmith shop, and house with wharf belonging to the estate of F. A. Babcock, formerly known as Col Wyer's wharf. Also, "The houses and lots on Water Street . . . now occupied by Charles O'Neill and Miles S. Hannah, with the property in the rear extending to the harbour, on which is the foundry, in the occupation of Alex. Watson.
Standard
April 12, 1854
Deaths
On the 30th ult., Miss Sarah Califf in the 90th year of her age, daughter of the late Doct. J. Califf.
Standard
April 26/1854
35 deaths on Blanche from Liverpool of diarrhea and cholera. Passengers landed at Partridge Island.
Standard
May 10/1854
Portland is truly becoming a great place-what with the steam ships, Grand Trunk railways, manufactories and the like, the comparatively new City of Portland is fast becoming the great Emporium of the Northern States.
Standard
June 21, 1854
Inquest. On Tuesday last, an Inquest was held by Dr. S. T. Gove, Coroner, on the body of a young man, between 20 and 30 years of age, dressed as a seaman, which was found near low water mark, on the landing of the farm of Mrs. John McCurdy. Decomposition having already taken place, and in the absence of evidence, the Jury returned the Verdict of "Found Drowned." Parties requiring further information as to the dress, etc., of the deceased, can obtain the same of the Coroner. [is this the man carted by George Cole to burial at the Poor House?]
Standard
July 12/1854
Summer Retreat and Sea Bathing—Mr. Stentiford, has fitted up his large House at the corner of Queen and Edward Streets, for the reception of visitors, and those desirous of enjoying the salubrious air of St. Andrews, and the advantages of sea bathing. The house is very neatly furnished, is beautifully situated a garden in front, and surrounded by the fine old trees giving it a romantic appearance. He also furnished board and attendance; the premises are capacious and will accommodate several families.
Standard
July 26/1854
Cholera declining in Saint John. Editors advises removal of offal heaps in St. Andrews. Diminishing in New York but still strong in Canada.
Standard
Aug 2/1854
Re cholera and typhus: "It has been suggested that a Board of Health should at once be established for this port, and that every precaution be taken to prevent vessels with passengers landing them, unless they show a clean bill of health. It is currently reported that many persons are about visiting St. Andrews, to enjoy its salubrious air and sea bathing. Of this they may rest assured, the Town is exceedingly healthy, and no place better adapted for invalids in the Province, as they can enjoy either a salt or fresh water bath, within a few minutes' walk of the Town, and pleasant drives among some of the most beautiful and romantic scenery in the Province."
Morning News
Aug 7, 1854
Correspondence
ST. Andrews and the Railroad
Mr. Editor,
Being one of the victims of terror whom cholera had driven away, I found myself after a few hours sail, safely landed in the renowned railroad [town of?] St. Andrews. To one who has for a long time lived in Saint John, and its bustle and confusion, walked its crowded streets, and had his ears greeted with the din of the business populace--so such a one, St. Andrews presents no charm. its streets are well laid out and clean, all of which reflects a deal of credit upon the proper authorities. Nevertheless, I think that while death in laying prostrate unnumbered hundreds in our own city and in nearly all the United States, that the fact should act as an impetus to arouse the authorities to energetic and prompt effort in having every back yard and public depository well cleaned. It is the height of folly to remain inactive till the necessity for being otherwise is close at hand. Keep danger at arms-length is the motto of wise men, and no doubt, clean as St. Andrews is in appearance--if a rigid scrutiny was observed by its Board of Health, a great deal of cholera ingredients would be found to exist concealed from public gaze.
Everything here presents a dull and dismal appearance--a sort in inanimation appears to be the reigning disposition among the people. Travel any city, town or village in New Brunswick, and there cannot I believe be found among them all one so calculated to become great as St. Andrews. If a little of the energy of Saint John was imbibed among its people, in a little time it would be but second only to Saint John.
What surprises a stranger most of all is the number of houses and the scarcity of people; many, very many of the neat little residences about this town are lying waste for want of occupants; and to walk the streets is but to walk in solitude and alone. This speaks sad things of a section of the province which once enjoyed a flourishing trade with the West indies, which boasted of being the centre of New Brunswick wealth--and which in reality did contain men and merchants of princely competency; but reverses came--a period in the nation's history arrived when the edict went forth from the Throne of England which loosed the manacled limbs of the Sons of Africa, and which at the same time crippled, yea ruined, the commercial prospects of St. Andrews. Converse with any of its old inhabitants and they will tell you of the progress their merchants were making and the rapid advancement of the town during the day of which I have spoken, but now as though they were paralyzed they sit them down and whine at the fatal past, letting the present pass by unimproved, and causing the prospect of the future to be dull and murky. Notwithstanding the attempt to build a railroad we yet discover no evidences of new life or fresh vigor, and what employment the few people find in order to live is beyond my powers of comprehension. I find two butchers in the town who think will not make their fortunes for a few years to come.
The dry goods stores present a very good appearance--in fact, if it were not for these stores, the streets would be unaccountably gloomy.
The rail cars I understand run now along the lien of road built - 16 miles - every morning; no great interest appears as yet to manifest itself in the existence of this road.
There is great demand here now for the "News," and stranger cannot be supplied. I know of several who called on Mr. Knowles for copies of Friday's issue, and could not be supplied. --St. Andrew
Standard
Aug 9/1854
Cholera in Boston State Prison.
Visitors—Every steamer from Saint John, for the last three weeks, has brought a number of persons to St. Andrews. A more salubrious retreat the province does not afford, and we are happy to add, that they express themselves delighted with the pure and bracing air, and the beautiful scenery of the place. Many of these ladies and gentlemen, although living within so short a distance (67 miles) had no idea of our healthy and pleasant Town and County, and we understood that notwithstanding their present visit, has in many cases resulted from the fear of the scourge which has visited the commercial emporium of the Province; they will for the future give St. Andrews the preference as a place of resort during the summer months. From the proverbial hospitality of its inhabitants, we feel warranted in saying, that no pains will be spared to make their stay as agreeable as could be desired. We embrace this opportunity of suggesting the propriety of a company being formed at once for the purpose of erecting a large hotel on an economical plan, furnish it in neat, plain manner, consulting comfort rather than style, for those who desire a healthy summer residence. Such an establishment, we believe, would prove a profitable speculation. Our present hotel accommodation is not sufficient for any great influx of visitors. Although it may be argued with much truth, that the hotels for many months of the year are not patronized, yet this is no reason why a spacious establishment should not be erected. When such a House is built our Town will offer attractions to the invalid and pleasure seeker seldom to be met with. The rural aspect given to our streets by the numerous trees in the gardens and sidewalks—the pure sea air and refreshing breezes that purify our atmosphere—the healthy appearance of our inhabitants—the beautiful drives in the neighborhood or splendid bay and river with its islands all contribute to render the place as desirable a summer residence as could be wished.
One of the most pleasant rides we know of in this section—is to take a trip in the cars on our Railroad in the morning. The air is bracing, the scenery romantic, hill and ale, mountain and lake are passed, and one can partake of a healthy breakfast, or if you choose, return in about one o'clock.
Standard
Aug 16/1854
Branch of Grand Trunk line to Riviere du Loup from Quebec under construction.
We have been requested to call attention to the practice of youths bathing in the public dock, at the Market Wharf, improperly exposing their persons, while passengers are landing from the steamer. The authorities will no doubt, take measures to put a stop to bathing in such public places
Cholera ravaging Saint John; St. Andrews spared. Apparently on the wane.
Houses belonging to 3 black persons dead of cholera in Loch Lomond burned by neighbors, with their clothing.
"Friend Smith, as soon as our city is once more restored to health, we intend to visit St. Andrews for the first time; and we merely give this notice that a ticket may be secured for us in order that we may be able to take a ride in a New Brunswick railroad—a real one. We cannot say when we will be able to give you a ride on our celebrated road." —Dig
Standard
Aug 23/1854
Cholera among British troops in Baltic; at Constantinople. Decreasing in Saint John. St. Andrews in good health. "Temperate habits, cleanliness, and the pure bracing air of the place, have contributed in a great measure to this pleasing fact, and we safely urge the propriety of appointing a Day of Humiliation and Prayer, to the Divine Being, for having spared our community, from the awful scourge, which has visited other parts of the province."
Case of cholera in St. Stephen. First and only one to date. Death the outcome.
Hotel Accommodation—We have heard several complaints "deep and loud," within the past week, of the want of adequate accommodation for strangers. The truth is, our Hotels are full, at present, a circumstance which rarely, if indeed it ever occurred before; and the influx of visitors during the past few weeks has been so great, that many were obliged to proceed further up the river and stop at Calais; St. Stephen and Milltown, owing to the want of houses where they could procure lodgings. This is conclusive evidence if proof were required of the necessity of erecting a spacious House of Entertainment, such as we advocated in a previous issue of the Standard—viz. a large hotel, on an economical plan, furnished in a neat and plain manner, adapted more for comfort and convenience than show or style. We in common with many believe that such an establishment would pay well, even if kept open but four months of the year, in the same manner as those at Niagara Falls, and other places of resort during the summer months of the year. There is capital enough in the Town to erect such a House, but the fact is the energy is lacking. Why not form a private Company at once, purchase a vacant lot or lots, and erect such a building as we have suggested without officers, etc., to plant trees around . . . in front. The furniture for such a house need not be expensive; —then either rent it to, or engage a competent person to conduct the establishment who would spare neither pains nor expense to render the visit of his patrons agreeable. We are credibly informed that if such a House is opened here next season, it will be thronged with visitors. The plan is feasible—the money, land and other requirements can be obtained; and now comes the question: Who has the necessary energy and public spirit to commence the work?
Standard
Aug 30/1854
Cholera has disappeared in Saint John.
John O'Brien running a Mail Stage between St. Andrews and St. Stephen. Leaving every other day. Prepared to carry passengers.
Standard
Sept 6/1854
Cholera ravaging southern States.
Standard
Sept 20/1854
New steamer Adelaide in service between Saint John and Eastport. Capt. Winchester. "Her saloon is spacious, being the whole length of the upper deck, with state rooms on both sides. Her cabins are fitted up in the riches style—the furniture of al elegant and costly description." Should do excursion run to Saint John or Boston from St. Andrews.
Standard
Oct 4/1854
A. Beyer, Professor of Music, teaching piano, flute, violin, and organ and vocal opposite British House.
LG: Sir John Henry Thomas Manners-Sutton (1814-1877) Born in England. Appointed 7 October 1854 at age 40 until 26 October 1861.
Standard
Oct 11, 1854
Deaths
On the 6th inst., Mr. John McLachlan, aged 58 years, a native of Scotland. Mr. McLachlan was formerly a merchant and magistrate, in this place, and for some time editor and proprietor of the «Charlotte Gazette, » which was discontinued last year.
St. Andrews Standard
Oct 18, 1854
Front page – rules and regulations made and passed by the General Sessions of the Peace, for preventing vice immorality, disorderly conduct and indecency, in the streets, thoroughfares, alleys and other public places within the Town Plot of St. Andrews, and for abating and removing all public nuisances in the said place . . .
Standard
Nov 1/1854
Remains of Sir John Franklin discovered. Starved to death in spring of 1850.
Standard
Dec 6/1854
Crimean war continues.