Item
St. Croix Courier
Jan 2/1941
"Home Guard" of the 1860's"
By the Author of "Shiretown Items"
The above picture of the St. Andrews Volunteer Rifle Company was taken in 1862 at the corner of King and Queen streets. The large building just behind the group is the residence, and office, (attached) of Charles R. Hatheway, J. P., and at the present time owned and occupied by Herbert Snell. The church at the left is Greenock Church (the Kirk), and the house in the distant centre is the residence (brick) of George D. Street, corner of Parr and Edward Streets.
The entire company was not present when the picture was taken, and is has been impossible at this late date to get the names of all in the group. At the extreme left is Corporal George Eggleton (late of H.M. 76 Regiment). Next is James Henry Whitlock, Capt. The tall bewhiskered gentleman at about the centre is Doctor John F. Stevenson , Assistant Surgeon. The last three in the line, reading from left to right, are Harry Whittaker, Sergeant, Benjamin R. Stevenson, 1st Lieutenant, M. Creary (of H.M. Regiment ?), Drill Instructor and Color Sergeant. Others in the group are John Burton, Robert Saunders, Gregory Byrne, Thomas Harrison, Guthrie Treadwell, Alexander Berry, Harry Whittaker, in the front rank; and Robert Alexander, Corp. Levi Handy, Donald (Dan) McStay, Edward Stinson, Eber Polleys, Leonard Chase and James Lambert in the rear rank.
It is interesting to note the evolution in dress and firearms in the past 80 years, and also to remark the various styles of tonsorial treatment in vogue at the time when this group of men were the young huskies of the town. No doubt many of these old muskets, are still kept about town as souvenirs, of those stirring days of our forefathers. The dress looks odd to us now and the weapons crude. But who is there to say that improved weapons have made an improved type of war?
Along King Street at the present time, is a row of elms, perhaps 100 feet high, which were planted some time by R. D. Rigby (now the property of F. A. Grimmer) stands on the corner directly behind the left end of the group.
This volunteer Rifle company had been organized to assist in the protection of the town in case of a Fenian Raid from across the border, talk of which at that time kept the town in a continual state of excitement. A British Company was stationed here for a while, billeted in the large Gove warehouse near the depot. Later a company from Saint John was located here. A short time after the arrival of the British Company, they caused an alarm to be sounded one night about midnight to test the extent of cooperation they might expect from the local squad. The possibility of a false alarm had never occurred to the members of the latter company, and there was a wild scramble for uniforms and guns. Most of the men arrived at the place of meeting only partly dressed, but all had their guns and ammunition.
The woman and children who were left alone were in a state of terror. One woman, the wife of a corporal in the volunteers, having had no instructions as to what to do in such an emergency, took her smaller children out and hid them in the garden behind the house. She posted her oldest boy, a lad of about fifteen, at the corner of the house with a shotgun, telling him to shoot on sight any person entering their dooryard. Fortunately, the father did not return till after daylight as otherwise he would no doubt have been riddled with buckshot by his own son. Here were other false alarms from time to time to keep the squad in practice but the actual and much dreaded raid never came. (The late Joseph Handy, father of Joe Handy of St. Stephen) was one of the children who hid in the garden.)
St. Croix Courier
Jan 9, 1941
Shiretown Items
Motosoku—Motorcycle
Motosoku Akagi of St Andrews, a member of the motorcycle corps in training at Sussex, seems to be masquerading under an assumed name. He has lived here for several years, and is a motor mechanic par excellence. He is a Canadian born Japanese, and since living here has been known because of his unpronounceable name—as "Charlie the Jap." His latest alias, according the list printed along with the picture of this formidable looking group in last week's Courier, is "Charlie Motorcycle." This latest cognomen sounds as if it might have been suggested by Doug Everett, who is seen standing at the extreme right of the group with a most innocent expression on his countenance.
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 thought 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 the advance was duly made and the cork properly drawn—nor, if so, what happened afterward. It is provoking to have a story end just when it is beginning to get interesting.
Maritime Electric Company now supplying power to St. Andrews via power line down New Brunswick shore of St. Croix
Edit: New Brunswick most illiterate province result of survey
St. Croix Courier
Feb 20/1941
Shiretown Items
Cormorant?
I was much interested in the item in Calais Briefs about the Eagle and his dusky-feathered companion. . . . The food of the eagle is principally fish, which under necessity he can capture for himself. He prefers to have his dinner handed to him on a platter, as it were, however. All who have spent much time around the shores of rivers and lakes in the summer have seen the interesting act put on by the eagle and the fish-hawk, the later doing the fishing only to lose most of his booty to the watching enemy. I have thought of the cormorant as a possibility in the case of the black bird in question, as he lives on fish and is an expert fisherman. In China and Japan these birds are kept in captivity and are used to capture fish for sale on the market. A ring is placed around their neck so they can't swallow the fish, and they are cast overboard at the end of a long strong line. Our observer made no mention of ring or line, so perhaps that lets the cormorant out. Another doubt is that the only species of cormorant likely to be seen here in the winter is practically as large as an eagle. A smaller species nests along the shores of Maine in the summer but winters in the south. The eagle will eat dead fish found on the shore or scraps of fish and meat thrown out as garbage. The raven feeds on small shell-fish, garbage, eggs and nestlings of other birds. Though only about six inches longer from tip of beak to tip of tail, it looks twice as big as a crow. It is a "lone wolf" and a great coward, often being seen being chased by a single crow, probably after robbing the latter's nest. The surest way of telling a raven from a cormorant is in their mode of flight. The raven in flight looks like a crow, only bigger, while the cormorant flies like a black duck, long neck stretched out ahead and feet trailing behind. I consulted my friend the poet on the item as he also knows something about birds. He said he thought that should a raven through circumstances be obliged to share a meal with an eagle, his uncanny wisdom, which is similar to that of the crow, would prevent the misfortune from occurring a second time. A couple of days later he handed me a few lines entitled "the Eagle and the Raven" with apologies to Edgar Allen Poe, which, should the reader still be interested may found as the net item under that title.
The Eagle and the Raven
Can it be that such a craven
As the common Northern Raven
Has been flirting with an Eagle
Just along the Calais shore?
Did the Eagle, slyly cheating,
Steal the food his friend was eating?
And this sinful act repeating,
Fill his maw and beg for more?
While to heaven he went a-flitting
Did he leave the Raven sitting
On a chilly block of ice
Just along the Calais shore?
Does the Raven sit there dreaming
As the Eagle flies a-screaming,
And the sunlight throws his shadow
The hills and waters o'er?
Yes, the Raven still is sitting
On the ice he still is sitting,
But his new-found friend—he's quitting—
Quote the Raven, "Nevermore."
Clear and Cold. McQuoids, with a fleet of trucks and a crew of men, have been busy during the past few weeks filling local ice-houses. Conley's alone have put in about a thousand tons which will be used next summer in shipping fresh live lobsters to all parts of the States and Canada. . . . Lack of snow had made for good hauling. The ice is now 21 inches thick and crystal clear. The blocks weigh about 450 pounds each. One drive told me he sometimes loads hauls and delivers over two hundred of these blocks a day, and sleeps quite well at night.
St. Croix Courier
Feb 27/1941
Adaline Van Horne dies at home in Montreal
Art Connoisseur and Philanthropist Spent Summers at St. Andrews for Many years
Miss Adaline Van Horne, daughter of the late Sir William Van Horne and for many years a summer resident of St. Andrews, died Monday morning in the old Van Horne residence at 1139 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal. Ms. Van Horne, known to her friends as a connoisseur of art and who maintained the famous Van Horne art collection with loving care, had been in ill health for some time. She was the last surviving direct link with the great railroad builder and executive.
News of her death was learned with particular regret in St. Andrews. For many years she had spent the summer months at the Van Horne estate on Minister's Island, famous for its beautiful gardens and pure-bred livestock, which annually gave delight to many visitors. Miss Van Horne, both in St. Andrews and in Montreal, took a keen interesting community charitable enterprises, all of which received her liberal support. Her interest in art led her at various times to lend picture from the famous family collection to public galleries and exhibitions. The Van Horne family settled in Montreal in 1881 where Sir William, her father, rose rapidly in the executive ranks of the CPR, becoming president in 1888. Both Sir William and Lady Van Horne, who before her marriage was Miss Lucy Adaline Hurd, were born in the State of Illinois.
Their family comprised three children. One son died at an early age. Another, Richard Benedict Van Horne, who took an active interest in the Cuba Railroad Company, died in 1931. Sir William, the father, was knighted by Queen Victoria. He died September 11, 1915
The family survivors are a nephew, W. C. C. Van Horne, and a grandniece, Miss Ann Van Horne. The funeral was held privately. Burial is to take place at Joliet, Illinois.
Shiretown Items—Unusual War. The February number of the "Junior Red Cross News" contains a story of the Aroostook War, one of the few wars won without bloodshed, written by "Grace Helen Mowatt, of St. Andrews, with illustrations by the author. The story, though written for young children in simple language, is told in Miss Mowatt's usual breezy style and makes interesting reading for grown-ups as well.
St. Croix Courier
March 6/1941
Shiretown Items
Japan
Kiwanian Jones [Alfred Jones, of Seaside Inn] was the speaker at the club's regular meeting last week, giving a talk on Japan, and things Japanese—everything from cherry blossoms and Geisha girls to Typhoons and Earthquakes. Mr. Jones had been in business in Russia for several years, but being obliged to leave there at the time of the Revolution, he sought a passage home to England by way of Japan. Finding it impossible to get a passage from the latter country for his wife, he decided to remain there till times were settled. He secured a good position with a Japanese exporting concern through the good offices of the British Consul in Yokohama and remained there for two years. England and Japan were allies at that time and he found the people very friendly—especially the Geisha Girls. He helped to expand the business in which he was engaged by opening up new lines and making favorable connections in London, and on leaving Japan, which he did not without regrets, he opened a branch in London, where he remained until the firm of which he was now a partner, was put out of business by the disastrous earthquake at Yokohama in 1923. He then went into the excelsior business and it was in connection with latter that he made the discovery of St. Andrews, a spot he now calls home. Mr. Jones passed around various articles illustrative of Russian and Japanese handiwork. The Russian samples were of metal, plated with gold and silver and embossed with beautiful designs in colored enamels. The Japanese articles were carved from ivory and were intricately and elaborately done. An open-work sphere about two inches in diameter, contained five other completely separated spheres within—and all carved from one solid piece of ivory!
Shiretown Items—Improvements. An up-to-date refrigerator is being installed at J. A. Doon's store. Formerly, depending on ice alone, much meat was lost during the summer weather. The proprietor hopes by another year to be able to install a refrigerator counter as well, in order to property display cuts of meat.
What's Next?—The plant at Chamcook, built originally as a sardine factory, and more recently serving as a transient home for an excelsior manufacturing business, has again changed hands, and much speculation is going on around town as to what may be afoot. The prospect of a "Dude Ranch" there, which is one of the suggested solutions of the problem, is very alluring.
St. Croix Courier
March 13/1941
Shiretown Items
Now Flying Solo
Raymond McQuoid, son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry McQuoid, who left here in October to join the Air Force, is now flying solo. A letter to his father written on Feb. 23rd, says that up to that date he had 9 hrs. solo to his credit. If he learns to handle an aeroplane with the same skill he formerly showed with puck and hockey stick, it will require a clever marksman to bring him down. Raymond is now at a Flying School in British Columbia.
Old Firm Keeps Modern
The H. O'Neill grocery store and meat market has just completed 118 years of public service, having been established here early in 1823. The store was first located in the building now occupied by George McKay. It was later moved to a building at the head of Market Wharf, situated on the site of the present Post Office. This building was destroyed by fire about 1875 and the store moved temporarily to the Lorimer building. In 1877 the buildings now occupied were moved from the Gove lot near the depot. The following paragraphs are copied from the "Canadian Grocer:" "The basic merchandising factor at the H. O'Neill grocery store in St. Andrews, New Brunswick, is the 118 years of activity of the store. It was established in 1823. Although one of the oldest grocery stores in the world, this business is not living wholly in the past, as illustrated by installation of a modernly equipped fountain and offering a special service in soft drinks, sodas, ice cream, light lunches. The installation was made to capitalize on the annual influx of people each summer season from various parts of Canada and United States. St. Andrews is a leading summer resort and located right on the US border, the Bay of Fundy junction with the mother Atlantic, and the St. Croix River mouth, the latter being the international boundary line. For farmers, livestock raisers, poultrymen, there is feed service. All types of foods, tonics, disinfectants and remedies for cattle, horses, sheep, pigs, poultry, foxes, are carried here. The higher priced items are offered for the wealthy summer residents from Montreal, 'Toronto, Boston, New York, Washington, Chicago, etc. These prevail not only for human beings but for domestic animals and birds. Some of the families have occupied their own estates in the St. Andrews area for over half a century, and have stock farms as a hobby. An effort is made to blend modernity with antiquity at this general food store, and without sacrificing the atmosphere of old age. Three and four generations have continued in rotation as customers of this store and this involved not only the wealthy summer rusticator, but the fishing and agricultural families of the mainland as well as the near-by island of Deer Island and Campobello."
St. Croix Courier
March 20/1941
Shiretown Items—Generous Gift to the Library. The committee in charge of the town library report that they have recently received from Mrs. J. E. Hoar the entire library from her summer cottage here, consisting of several hundred books. This is perhaps the largest and one of the finest collection of goods to be received by the library, and the committee wish to publicly acknowledge this generous gift and to express their appreciation on behalf of all book-lovers of St. Andrews. Among this collection are many valuable books of reference such as Encyclopedia Britannica, German-English dictionary, works on Latin, Greek and French books of travel, history, language, journalism, poetry, philosophy, several on botany and gardening, and plenty of fiction for young and old. (Worrell praises Buchan's "Memory, Hold the Door," a book by a great man about great men though also give some intimate pictures of the life and character of the writer.)
St. Croix Courier
April 10/1941
Henry Burr, St. Stephen Native, Dead in Chicago. Famous Singer of Ballads Made Name by Recorded Songs. Credited with Greatest Sale in History and After Giving Up Singing Launched Radio Programs.
Henry Burr, St. Stephen-born vocalist who caught the tide of popularity in phonographs recordings at its flood and by his consummated artistry rode it to unequalled heights, died in Chicago on Sunday. The noted singer of ballads was in reality Harry Haley McClaskey, the son on A. A. and Ida (Connors) McClaskey, and he was born in the house now occupied by Clarence Williams and family on Armstrong street. Beginning in the very earliest days of phonograph recordings, he has made probably more records than any other individual singer on earth. He never knew exactly how many had been sold, but one of them, "Good Night, Little Girl, Good Night," alone sold over 3 million. With such a tremendous sale for only one record, it is not surprising that he was for 20 years among the five best sellers in the world. From the days of the old cylinder records, he recorded for all the major companies. His records are credited with the greatest sale in history. Later, the advent of radio opened a still wider audience, and for some five years until recent months he was a regular performer on the National Barn Dance broadcast on Saturday evening, one of the most popular programs on the air.
The family moved to Saint John when he was about ten years old, but later returned to make their home here, and the members of the family always looked upon St. Stephen as their home. He made his debut in Saint John as mascot of the Bicycle and Athletic Club Minstrel Show, singing "Her Eyes Don't Shine Like Diamonds." From then on his success was rapid. He appeared as soloist on exhibition programs of the old Saint John Artillery Band, and subsequently F. G. Spencer took him on tour with the renowned "Scottish Thrush," Jenny McLachlan. He was a student at Mount Allison University for a time. From there he went to NY and studied under the late John Dennis Meahan, and it was there that his remarkable career developed. He possessed a lyrical tenor voice of rare sympathy and charm, and the simple, sentimental ballads in which he specialized made him a favorite in untold millions of homes.
Henry Burr's father bought the Henry Todd house at the Cove, now used as the parochial school, on returning to live in St. Stephen, and his famous son regularly came back here to spend his vacations over a period of years. On one of these trips he sang in McColl Church during the Christmas season. On another occasion in 1905 he came from NY to give a concert in the Curling Rink of which his hometown gave him an ovation. He early made the acquaintanceship of Alexander Graham Bell, genius of the telephone, and was chosen to sing over the first transcontinental telephone hook-up in history. In 1928 he formed a company "Henry Burr, Inc.," and went into the production of radio programs, turning out many of the big commercial network shows of the time. Among them were the first Maxwell House and the original Cities Service program.
Henry Burr at the time he began the WLS broadcasts was of medium height, portly, with blue eyes and silvery white hair, and his smile was done of the most kindly expressions human eyes have ever looked upon. He made money easily, and lost it the same way. The stock market crash in 1929 wiped out a large part of his savings, and as a result he went back to singing after eight years of retirement. As far as old friends here know, he died in moderate circumstances. Youngest of the family, he was in his 60th year and the last survivor of four children. The other were Frank and Chester, both of whom are buried with their parents in the family lot in the St. Stephen Rural Cemetery and Maude, who married. F. C. McNeill of Montreal. For many years Henry Burr made his home at Mount Vernon, NY.
Shiretown Items—Hotel to Open As Usual. A couple of military men with CPR officials were here recently going over the Algonquin, but for what purpose is not known to the public. As far as local employees know the hotel will open this summer as usual.
St. Croix Courier
April 24, 1941
Shiretown Items
Consider New Rink
The annual banquet and meeting of the Heather Curling Club was held in the banquet hall at Hewitt's Café on Thursday evening, April 17th. At the head table sat the president Oscar Rigby, the vice-president James Skinner, the secretary Warren Stinson, the treasurer Dr. Samuel Davies, and two invited guests. R. F. Keay, mayor of St. Andrews, and J. F. Worrell, representing the press. After the tables had been cleared, and the smoke screen had reached a proper density, the meeting was opened to receive reports, distribute prizes, elect officers, and in general to make plans for next season. The secretary's report was a masterpiece and caused a near riot among the members of the club. It being a wet night, and realizing the value of this report, the secretary had carefully wrapped it in a piece of heavy brown paper. While he waited in a nearby store for the hour of the banquet, a solicitous friend had opened the package and to further protect the important document had wrapped it first in a dainty pink garment and then replaced the brown paper. Was the secretary's face red when he stood up before thirty eager spectators and opened is parcel? Ask those who saw. The report was so daintily garbed, however, contained so much good-natured venom within, and except that it might leave both the secretary and the press open to suit for libel, it was clever enough to have been printed in full. Both of the guests in speaking towards the close of the meeting, remarked on the good-fellowship existing among the members, and thought that men who could continue to insult each other with such impunity without causing ill-will must be really good fellows.
St. Croix Courier
May 15/1941
Air Navigation School At Pennfield Soon Ready for Use. Model town built since last fall is important link in Empire Air Training Scheme. Descriptions. Forty buildings on site.
St. Croix Courier
June 5/1941
Rotary Conference at Algonquin June 25, 27, and 28. All meetings at Algonquin, "where the setting is ideal for such an affair."
May Tourists Travel is Up By One-Third. Good weather cited as cause, despite recent border restrictions. 1,258 cars over 919 last May.
Shiretown Items—At Montreal Exhibit. A high compliment has recently been paid to Charlotte County Cottage Crafts. At the third annual Arts and Crafts Fair to be held in Montreal this month of display work done by the women of the Gaspe peninsula, it is planned to have a replica of a French Canadian village and Mrs. P. W. Birks who is one of the promoters, has sent to Miss Mowatt to have all the figures done there, having seen some of this work on exhibition at the Handicrafts Guild in Montreal. These miniature men, women and children are now on display in Cottage Crafts windows and are well worth looking over. The skeleton is of flexible wire, wound with cotton to make the proper figure and the dress is of various gaily colored homespuns, all made in Charlotte County. The heads are made from rayon silk, sized and stuffed with cotton and the faces daintily painted with characteristic expressions. there are twenty-four figures in all including Monsieur and Madame, the Cure, a Nun, a Grocer, a Habitant with "Wife and child-in-arms, a Doctor, a School-marm, a Snow-man, children and so forth. The figures were designed and faces painted by Miss Helen Mowatt and most of the costumes were made by Mrs. Cecil Lowery.
Halifax has become the world's busiest seaport.
St. Croix Courier
June 12/1941
Shiretown Items—Kennedy's thoroughly renovated.
St. Croix Courier
June 19, 1941
Shiretown items
A Family Trait
Noticing that a little boy seemed much interested in some work I was doing at the front of the lot the other day, I engaged him in conversation. In the course of our talk he disclosed that he was to have a birthday on June 16th, when he would be seven years old. He said he had eight sisters but not brothers. I suggested that it might be appropriate under the circumstances for me to contribute a small amount towards the celebration. His smile hinted that the idea met with his approval. I passed him ten cents, asking if he considered that a sufficiently generous donation. He smiled again and thanked me very kindly. As he pocketed the dime I asked how he intended to spend it. Imagine my surprise when he said he would buy five war-saving stamps with it ! My surprise however was not that his arithmetic might be a little faulty, or that he perhaps had some ingenious method of financing unknown to myself, but it was in the spirit behind his intention which prompted him to invest his money in the cause of his country rather than in a couple of ice-cream cones. It was that same spirit which took his daddy overseas in 1914. The little fellow's name is Francis McCarthy. Many happy returns of the day Francis, and when you reach your twenty-first birthday may it be to go out into a world of peace, freedom and prosperity.
St. Croix Courier
June 26/1941
Rotary Convention Opens Today at Algonquin Hotel. 300 to 350 delegates. Bridge and dancing in Casino. Usual stuff.
Shiretown Items—Tourist Information Bureau. A tourist information bureau is being opened by the St. Andrews Board of Trade. It is to be operated by Boyd Merrill, at an excellent location, just where the main highway enters the town. All sorts of literature and maps will be passed out to inquiries and proper signs will be placed outside to attract the attention of visitors.
St. Andrews raises $100,000 for Victory Loan. July 3: Whole of Charlotte raises over a million.
St. Croix Courier
July 3/1941
Shiretown Items—Dude Ranch Opening. New Brunswick's one and only "Dude Ranch," more correctly known as Chamcook Holiday Camps was formally opened on Saturday, June 28th, about one hundred invited guests being present at the noon luncheon. Many others, drawn to the spot out of mere curiosity enjoyed the afternoon's free entertainment consisting of a rodeo staged by forty cowboys and cowgirls. (Major Hugh A. Green president) One of the visitors asked a member of the staff where the bridle paths were. She replied, 'over there' with a wave of her graceful arm. 'And where is the golf ground?' 'In there,' said she, waving the other graceful arm in the opposite direction. 'And where is the tuna fishing' said the visitor. 'Out there,' replied the little lady, shading her eyes with one hand and using a pretty finger to point in the general direction of Nova Scotia. The visitor may not have been entirely convinced but was forced to admit that his guide knew all the answers. He was even heard to remark that her acquaintance might be worth further cultivation.
St. Croix Courier
July 10/1941
Shiretown Items—Closing exercises of CC Grammar School held in Casino. Program.
New Brunswick-PEI golf tournament under way.
Edit: Tourists coming to Charlotte in record breaking numbers.
St. Croix Courier
July 17/1941
Archie Skinner wins golf tourney in St. Andrews. Shiretown Items
St. Croix Courier
July 24, 1941
Pennfield Air Base Opened with Little Ceremony
St. Croix Courier
July 31/1941
Shiretown Items
The first half of the season this summer has shown the best tourist trade for several years. The hotels and private rooming houses are pretty well filled up and all the restaurants are doing a good business.
St. Croix Courier
Aug 7/1941
Shiretown Items—Bathing Beach Needed
It would seem that the local information bureau has already justified its existence. The greatest difficulty is to keep sufficient printed material on hand to fill the wants of inquiring tourists. Some very definite information is being obtained regarding what is being obtained regarding what tourists are looking for which should be of use for another season. A great many inquiries have been made regarding a public bathing beach which is as yet non-existent, although many proposals for such have been made from time to time, and many fruitless hours spent in discussing them. As for rooming houses, most inquiries are made for places situated near the water, although some of our finest places are a distance back. As a rule the tourist stops to make inquiries and then does as he pleases, which no doubt is what he comes here for.
Colonel and Mrs. Allan Magee of Montreal, accompanied by their daughters, Mrs. William Lawrence Breese, of Washington, D. C., and small daughter Belinda, and also their two daughters are at Seaside Inn for the month of August, with the exception of Col. Magee, who will return after a few days here.
St. Croix Courier
Aug 14/1941
Senator Wilson speaks at Benefit Concert
Enjoyable Entertainment in Aid of Bombed-Out Children Given at Algonquin Casino
An enjoyable concert was presented in the Algonquin Casino at St. Andrews on Tuesday evening under the auspices of Passamaquoddy Chapter, I.O.D.E. in aid of the fund for crippled children in the bombed out areas of Britain, and was very well patronized.
In the course of the evening an address on the subject, "Service Behind the Lines," was given by Senator Cairine Wilson.
Music was provided by the Algonquin orchestra, and the Chamcook Holiday guest Ranch sent in two of their best performers, the Lesters, who have toured Great Britain, the United States and Canada. Others taking part were Darrel McPherson of Milltown; the Misses Jean and Margaret Anning, Alice Thompson, Dorothy Johnson, Amy Wood, Mr. and Mrs. Pollack, Keith Thompson, and Mr. Kosman. The concert was directed by Mrs. Verne Whitmarr.
St. Croix Courier
Aug 14/1941
Talk of the Town
Slowing Down a Little
The influx of tourists, which has boosted this year's travel far above that of 1940, is slowing down a little, so that the margin over last year is slightly less than it was a week ago. However, the gain is still noteworthy, the figures showing 4,475 more cars in as of August 12 when compared with the corresponding period of 1940, and also well above the figure for 1939.
St. Croix Courier
August 24, 1941
Shiretown Items
Coun. Morrell Please Note
The people of St. Andrews have always been proud of the Charlotte County Court House, one of the finest old public buildings in the province. Whether or not this feeling of pride extends throughout the county is becoming a matter of doubt. The building belongs to the people of the county and its proper care and upkeep is the responsibility of the property committee of the County council. It is one of the points of interest of the county and the hundred so strangers who visit us each year have been profuse in their expressions of admiration. But alas! For the past two or three years those who have come to admire have remained to criticize—not the architecture, not the location, not the well-kept town lawn and flowers—but the fact that this fine old building has been allowed to get into such a state of disrepair. The foundations are loose in places, the sills are starting to rot, the steps are falling to pieces, the gutters are hanging in distress, the finish on the side is rotted away so the rain bets in and runs down inside the wall, and the whole building needs painting. For several years the English sparrows have been nesting in the cubby holes where the finish has rotted away. It is said that starlings have also taken up quarters there this year. It would seem that it is high time for the county council to resume control before the rows and pigeons stat nesting in the building. The whole county is enjoying a prosperous year and now is the time to have this work done. If the property committee is not alive to the need, or hesitates to accept the responsibility, then it is up to some of the wide-awake members of the council to take action. It is poor economy to allow a fine public building to rot to the ground. As private individuals we cannot always afford to do the things we should like to do with our own property, but as collective membership in this fine old municipality of Charlotte surely for the welfare of the county and for our own self-respect, we can support the council wholeheartedly in putting our Court House again into first-class condition.
St. Croix Courier
Sept 11, 1941
A Valuable Citizen
If Mark Brown continues his rescue work at his recent rate (four saved from drowning in one week) the town should vote him a salary as permanent life-guard or at least present him with a medal. But his last rescue is not an incident to joke about as the victim was practically gone when Mark fished him out and it required plenty of hard and patient work to restore life. The accident occurred at noon hour last Thursday near the end of the public wharf. Mark was returning from dinner, and a boy at the head of the wharf told him somebody was swimming around his boat, he had noticed the splashing. Mark, fearing some youngster had fallen in, hurried down the wharf and aboard the boat, He looked all around and everything seemed quiet but on going to the bow he noticed bubbles coming to the surface. He knelt down to get a better look and was shocked to see the body of a little boy lying face down on the bottom in about eight feet of water. He ran for his boat-hook, reached down and caught the hook into the little lad's trousers and pulled him up on deck. There was not another soul in sight or within call so with what knowledge of first aid he possessed Mark went to work. He had nothing to work with except his hands and a determined will to succeed. After about twenty minutes he saw the boy's eyelids flicker. This gave him renewed energy. A few minutes later someone appeared on the wharf. Mark told him to run to Conley's telephone the doctor and bring back a barrel. By the time the doctor, accompanied by half the town, arrived, the boy was sufficiently restored to cry lustily and all knew he was saved. The little fellow, seven years old, is the only son of George McCarthy, and is now none the worse for his experience. I am sure I am expressing the sentiments of every person in town, young and old, when I say "Well done Mark!"
A Credit to the Community
To all persons who are interested in the progress and attractiveness of the town it would be well worth while to become a guest at Sea-Side Inn, at the price of a dinner, in order to have the opportunity of going over the grounds to see the improvements Mr. Jones has made there in the past couple of years. When Mr. Jones came here the Inn was just a small hotel with comfortable rooms and good food. But now across the street on the water side, in an excellent tennis court, a lawn for clock golf, and best of all and most popular, a fine, clean, sandy bating beach where guests may bask in the sun at all times of day and swim at high water. The beach is sheltered on three sides by piers, neatly faced with small upright poles. A boom, which rises and falls with the tide, keeps the beach clean from rock weed and other drifting refuse. The boom extends about forty yards off-shore and has a raft attached for those who wish to dive. A promenade is provided out over the water on one side for those of the guests who simply wish to walk and watch. On one pier a tall pole supports a familiar figure representing labour, who plies his buck-saw as long as the wind blows. On a pole at the end of the promenade is seen an aeroplane wind-mill. On the tail are these letters S.S.I.O.K.C.A., which always arouses the curiosity of the guests. They stand for "Sea Side Inn O. I. come Again!" Surrounding the lawn are several cottages divided into four room apartments, all with hot and cold water, toilet and shower bath. For rainy days there is a room for billiards and pool and other for the once more popular game of ping pong. The apartments all have original names such as Beach Cottage, Sunshine Villa, The Chalet, Love Nest, Snuggery, Harbour View, Cozy Corner, Crackers. There is a story behind the naming of "Crackers" which is worth telling at another time. Altogether Mr. and Mrs. Jones have a very attractive place where one hundred guests can be accommodated in luxury at modest rates. They have had a successful season, which they deserve. Former guests who returned this year were enthusiastic over the improvements. The tennis court was in use every fine day all summer and one day Mr. Jones counted forty-five in bathing togs on the beach or disporting in the invigorating tide. In this later fact there is food for thought for the local Board of Trade. If a private individual can provide an attractive bathing and swimming beach for his guests, why cannot the town provide similar accommodations for the hundreds of others who come here in the summer and inquire for a public bathing beach, only to be disappointed.
St. Croix Courier
Sept 18/1941
Bus Travel Across Line Hit New High This Year
Bus lines operating through St. Stephen have enjoyed record-breaking traffic during the season now drawing to a close. More machines were operated on the regular passenger routes than ever before, and in addition there was a decided increase in the number of conducted tours traveling by bus.
Although all four lines—S.M.T., Greyhound, Maine Central and Mackenzie's—shared in the increased business, S. M.T. and Greyhound naturally got the lion's share of through traffic. The increase as compared with previous seasons is indicated by the fact that where two buses daily formerly were able to handle all the traffic offering, both S. M. T. and Greyhound this summer had to run two, three and up to six sections on busy days. During one rush period there were 13 buses on the Ferry Point Bridge Customs property at the same time.
The traffic reached its peak over a Labor Day week-end. Early in the morning of that Saturday, which was the last in August, the holiday rush swung into high gear and from about 12:45 a.m. on the bridge was a bustle of activity. Five buses arrived at the bridge within a short space of time and the usual reduced staff of Customs and Immigration men had their hands full getting them all cleared as quickly as possible.
The causes of such a spectacular jump in bus business are not readily apparent; in fact there are probably a number of factors involved and it would take pretty thorough inquiry to get at them all. Bigger payrolls all round are undoubtedly one cause, gasoline restrictions another, and the fact that European travel is out of the question is a third. For example a number of obviously well-to-do people this Summer travelled to the Maritimes on conducted bus tours, as evidenced by one group which on leaving reported average expenditures of more than $25 per head per day during their stay in Canada, all of which went for food, accommodation, gifts to take back home, etc.
There is no question but that the bus travellers this Summer like the visitors who travelled in their own cars, were largely in a class far removed from the type who comes home to sponge off the old folks for two weeks, bringing with him a shirt and a five-dollar bill and changing neither during his vacation. The tourists of 1941 were generally speaking desirable visitors able and willing to pay their own way, whose presence is welcomed in Canada and whose expenditures are of real benefit to this country.
St. Croix Courier
Sept 18/1941
Shiretown Items—Should Consider Carefully
What well may be considered a momentous question comes up for consideration at the next meeting of the town council. The period for which a fixed valuation was granted the Algonquin Hotel Co. has again expired and a renewal for ten years at the same figure is being asked for. A Bill is to be introduced at the next session of the Ontario Legislature, which, if passed will do away with this practice in that province. The chief argument used against the practice of granting fixed valuations is that it works a hardship on those no longer active in business and who are obliged to live on a small income from their investments. This would apply here only to a very limited extent. With the granting, and subsequent renewal of this contract with the Hotel Co., there has always been a verbal agreement that the latter would as far as possible buy supplies locally, and also, as far as possible, employ local help. That the Company has not always done so is the objection raised by some businessmen of the town to have a renewal granted again at the same figure. It is a quite general opinion among the people of the town that the present hotel manager [Cashman] will always purchase in Montreal if he can save five cents by so doing. This opinion perhaps is not correct but there must be some grounds for it. On the other hand, I am told that some local stores have received quite generous orders from the Hotel. As to hiring local help, there have been frequent cases where worthy and capable persons have been refused employment, but on the whole we must admit, if we are to be fair, that most of those refused and in fact many of those employed were of the type who find it difficult to get employment anywhere. It is doubtful if the Algonquin Hotel ever was a paying proposition. A representative of the Company states that during the past ten years alone the loss has run into six figures. It is a conservative estimate to say that during that same period the amount of money left in St. Andrews because of the Hotel being here has also run into the same number of figures. The town has no right to expect the hotel company to continue operating at a loss indefinitely unless they are given some consideration in the matter of taxation. If the fixed valuation were raised by $15,000, as has been suggested by some, the relief to the general taxpayer would be so slight as to pass unnoticed and the spirit of opposition or lack of co-operation would be as pronounced as if the raise were ten times that amount. It would seem that for the general good of the community there is only one sensible thing for the council to do—grant a renewal at the same figure.
St. Croix Courier
Sept 25/1941
Shiretown Items
Crackers
A story which illustrates the intuitive and enterprise of Alfred Jones, proprietor of Sea-Side Inn, and also the speed of Frank Gilman and his crew is behind the odd name "Crackers" seen on one of the cottages connected with the inn. It seems that a bride and groom arrived at the Inn one evening last year looking for accommodation, only to be told that everything was taken. They said they had heard of St. Andrews and the Inn from friends and had planned all year on spending their honeymoon here. After some pondering and head scratching Mr. Jones told them to come back in 24 hours and he'd have a place for them. He then got busy. He first induced Frank Gilman to leave the job he was on and give him one day's work with his crew of three men. Mr. Gilman went down and prepared an order for lumber which was on the spot the next morning before 7 o'clock. Then an old shed on the grounds began its transformation. It was raised and levelled. A hardwood floor was laid, walls and ceiling covered with beaverboard. The roof and sidewalls were shingled, door and windows placed. By the time Mr. Jones got back from St. Stephen in the afternoon, followed by a load of furniture, beds and fixin's, bureau and chairs, curtains and rugs, the carpenters had finished, the place was wired for lights, and on installing the furnishings was ready for occupation. The young couple arrived promptly 6 o'clock, and on being shown their first home were delighted. They wanted to name it "Crackers," which had no connection with its preparation, but in remembrance of their parents, who had spent many winters in St. Petersburg, Florida, where habitués are always called Crackers.
St. Croix Courier
Oct 2/1941
St. Andrews Golf Club hosted by St. Croix Golf Club. Algonquin Club to return favour.
St. Croix Courier
Oct 16/1941
Mayor R. F. Keay and Council grant Algonquin fixed tax valuation. Hotel had three reps to argue the case. Town Solicitor Earl Caughey opposed the renewal. Town leases a shore privilege at CPR bathing beach for 10 years at 1 dollar per year.
St. Croix Courier
Oct 16/1941
Shiretown Items—Public Bathing Beach.
The quite certain prospect of having a public bathing beach here next summer is good news, not only for those who are catering to the tourist trade, but also to all local followers of the natatorial art. The beach will be situated at Katy's Cove where it is always high tide because of the C. P. R. dam, and where the temperature of the water is warm enough to be comfortable, yet cold enough to be invigorating. The shore front will be a full block in length and will be between the points where King and William streets would touch the cove if extended straight back. The town has leased this site from the Hotel Company for a period of ten years and work will be started at once to make the place ready for use next summer. A road will be built and a parking place cleared. The matter of bathing houses, refreshment stands and so forth may be let to some private individual for a nominal sum. The question is being studied by the town council and the local board of trade with the object of getting the best results. Further information will be given to the public when definite plans are laid.
St. Croix Courier
Oct 23/1941
Shiretown Items
Remember This?
I walked across the Cove bridge last Sunday, the first time in many years, and recalled an incident that happened there about fifty years ago. A group of boys in their early teens had been enjoying a swim in the cove and afterwards took a walk across the bridge. There was no dam then and the bridge was about 150 yards long. As we were straggling back we heard the train roaring around the curve behind us. We put for the end of the bride at top speed and all made it except John Rooney, who was some distance behind the others. I can still remember the look of terror in John's face as he turned and saw the train already on the bridge and knew that he was cut off! But his Irish wit stood him in good stead. He ran a few steps and leaped down beside a water-barrel on a projecting stringer. He held tight to the barrel as the train whizzed by then slowly crawled up to join us on the bridge, saying "Gosh, I was scairt!" Now I have no recollection of who the other boys in that party were. If any of them should read this I should be delighted to hear from them. John, who was afterwards drowned in the St. Croix River, was a brother of Theobald Rooney, Sr., and Mrs. Peter Ryan, both still living in St. Andrews.
St. Croix Courier
Oct 30/1941
Shiretown Items
NO Fatalities
Exceptionally high tides last week drove dozens of rats from their accustomed haunts beneath Doon's wharf, and they afforded considerable entertainment for those who happened to be around the water-front at the time . The tide completely covered the wharf and some of the rats were cut off from shore. They climbed to the tops of posts where they spent an uneasy half-house with the water lapping a few inches below them. As far as could be seen there was no loss of life.
Famous Turnips in Demand
A. B. O'Neill shipped a carload of turnips to Boston this fall, the first shipment since 1933. These turnips, which were of splendid quality, were raised on the O'Neill and Redmond farms. On some farms, in spite of the use of borax with the fertilizer, the turnips showed black or woody hearts. An effort is to be made to ge the Dept. of Agriculture of the province to analyze the soil in this locality in order if possible to restore turnip raising to the profitable position it held a number of years ago. The market is waiting for unlimited quantities if the quality can be produced. Mr. O'Neill has an order for another carload which is now being loaded at the depot.
Donors of books to library this year Mrs. Haney, Warren, Tait, Pillow, Senator Wilson, Finigan, Senna, Smith, McNichol, Henderson. 86 books.
Record book of Town's first library discovered in attic—dated 1815. Library membership limited to 50. Charge two pounds ten shillings; annual dues 12 shillings 6 pence.
St. Croix Courier
November 6, 1941
Shiretown Items
Old Friends Meet Again
The following letter addressed to Shiretown Items should be of interest to many old-timers. It was a great pleasure for me to hear from Mr. Short, whom I had not seen for close to forty years, and his letter received a prompt reply. He says: "As a reader of the Courier I always read the St. Andrews and Shiretown news first as they bring back old memories. I do not know who the correspondent is but I happened to be one of the boys on the Kittie cove bridge when John Rooney hung to the water-barrel, and I still have not forgotten that run and jump after fifty years. I am giving you the names of two more of the boys besides myself—Wallace and Billie Nicholas. Perhaps you can remember that Billie carried a shotgun. I have two more boys in mind but am not quite sure. I think Edwin P. Mallory was one of them. Would be pleased to know who writes the Shiretown Items. (Signed) Charles A. Short., Nantasket, Mass." Since writing the foregoing I had a call in person from my old friend Charlie. He is visiting relatives in Calais for a few days and took a run down to the Shiretown to look up old acquaintances. We spent a pleasant half hour talking over those wonderful, care-free days of our youth.
St. Croix Courier
November 21, 1941
Shiretown Items
Won't Suffer in Silence
It is remarkable how few women there are who can listen to a story or description of an incident without interjecting remarks here and there. They seem to think it would be impolite or that they would be suspected of lack of interest if they listened in silence. I was much amused the other day when I heard a man try to tell a woman about the incident he read in the Courier of four dogs being shot over Pembroke way. He got as far as to say the authorities in Pembroke shot four dogs last week, when the lady interjected "Were the dogs cross?" "Well," replied the man, without a smile, "they probably weren't any too well pleased." And he ended the story right there. The lady stared blankly, but I had a good laugh which soon brought a response from the gentleman and at length a little giggle from the lady. But I bet she doesn't know yet what we were laughing at.
St. Croix Courier
Dec 4/1941
Boys from Pennfield to be on program for Xmas concert at Andraeleo Hall.
St. Croix Courier
Dec 11/1941
Shiretown Items
A Bit of Local History
A letter from Wilbur J. Heuer, Edgerton, Wisconsin, making some inquiries, regarding an ancestor formerly residing here, was forwarded to me by the recipient, Chester A. Dixon, of Deer Island, with a request that I dig up some information on the matter, if interested. By the help of some good friends I have got together a little story which I thought might be of interest to others besides the inquirer. Mr. Heuer's letter states: "Grandfather James Douglass was born about 1849 on Minister's Island off St. Andrews, where he lived until about 9 years of age, spent several years in Saint John , and then migrated to Western Canada, and later to Wisconsin, volunteering as a Canadian in our Civil War, where he held the rank of major. His father, according to legend, owned this island and as a sea captain operated several sailing vessels with that as his base. He lost most of his estate as a result of guaranteeing a large venture in which the then Prime Minister of Canada was an associate.
For a beginning we shall go back to the year 1779 when two men, named Ephraim Young and John Hanson (latter being the great, great grandfather of D. G. Hanson, the present Collector here) came from Gouldsboro, Maine, and settled on what was then called Chamcook Island. On their way they stopped for a short period on Campobello (Admiral Owen's records). Hanson had served in the British Provincial Army from 1757 to 1763, and was with Wolfe at the taking of Quebec. He was 41 years old when he came to Chamcook (afterwards called Minister's Island).
At that time the population of St. Andrews was two. The place was called Consquamcook or Quanoscumcook by the Indians. This population consisted of two men who lived in a log cabin about where the record office now sits, and their home was on the bank of a small stream which emptied into the harbour at the point where Mr. Jos. Handy's house is situated. They carried on a fur trade with the Indians. Their names are lost in the mists of the long ago, but they were agents for Brown and Frost of Saint John.
Mr. Young and Mr. Hanson, on arriving at Chamcook Island, immediately set to work and cleared a plot of ground. They lived there precariously for six years, being both married and having families. This whole island was in 1785 granted to Capt. Osborne by the government of the newly formed province of New Brunswick. On learning that grants were being made Young and Hanson petitioned for the land but were too late. They were paid a fair sum for improvements they had made. They then each bought a lot of land at Bocabec. Hanson's lot was situated on what is now called the Holt Point's Road. There he lived the remainder of his life, died and was buried, the little private cemetery being still cared for by his descendants. Young settled farther inland. His son, Isaac, married Sarah, daughter of John Hanson, and their descendants till live there, or in other parts of Charlotte County.
In 1785 (year of grant) this island was purchased from Capt. Osborne by the Rev. Samuel Andrews, who was for many years a prominent figure in the life of St. Andrews, which had been founded by a group of Loyalists Oct. 3, 1783. Rev. Andrews paid 250 pounds for the island. In 1828 a plot of land on the island (now called Minister's) was sold to William Douglass by Elisha Andrews, son of the Rev. Samuel. This lot was situated on the north-westside of the island, the boundaries beginning at the bar. The deed is on record, but the acreage is not mentioned. In May 1832 Elisha Andrews sold another 50 acres to William Douglass. In 1838 Douglass mortgaged this property to Neville Parker for 500 pounds sterling. In 1841 the property was sold by the Sherifff "for want of sufficient goods and chattels of said William Douglass to make the several debts and damages aforesaid, did serve and take in execution all that certain piece of land situated on Chamcook or Minister's Island (so called) being farm on which island William Douglass resides and particularly described in deeds of conveyance thereof from the late Elisha Andrews." Land conveyed to George D. Street by Sheriff's deed, who immediately conveyed same to Marshall Andrews, 1841. William Douglass owned lots in St. Andrews and several blocks of land in other part of the country, all of which, records show, was sold for debt before the homestead on the island.
There was a certain James Douglass, a merchant, living in St. Andrews, about the same time. On June 30, 1830, he sold lots 3 and 4 in Block P, Parr's Division, to William Kinnear, Saint John. This is the property now owned and occupied by Miss Olive Hosmer as a summer residence. Customs records show that James Douglass did a thriving business.
I have no doubt that William Douglass was the father of the James Douglass referred to in Mr. Heuer's letter, but this James must have been born previous to 1849. I regret that I have been unable to learn anything of William Douglass' history either before or after this period spent on Minister's Island. But his stay on the island and the losses he incurred seem to bear out the truth of the "legend" referred to in Mr. Heuer's letter, except that there was no Dominion of Canada at that time and consequently no premier of New Brunswick. I have told quite a long story and have not given the inquirer much information about his ancestry. But I have learned much that is of great interest to myself and hope it will be to the general reader. I doubt if any person now living in St. Andrews knew that for those several years a great part of Minister's Island did not belong to the Andrews family.