Item

St. Croix Courier

March 3/1949

Artist's proposed drawing of Charlotte County Hospital.

St. Croix Courier

March 10/1949

Artist's drawing of proposed addition of St. Stephen School (now Middle School). Would fill gap between Ganong Memorial School and Mark Street School.

Shiretown Items

Barbara Ann Scott

Barbara Ann, world champion figure skater and the whole world's sweetheart, is coming to St. Andrews to display her art in two public appearances at the Arena. The dates are March 17 and 18. These will be her only appearances in the Maritime provinces at this time. In other years St. Andrews has entertained many famous personages but the coming of the charming Barbara Ann will, without a doubt, surpass any event in the history of this small town. How did we do it? You may well ask, as it seems like accomplishing the impossible. In the first place through the initiative and persistency of W. C. O'Neill, manager of the Arena, who has been working on the idea for over a year. In the second place through the influence of Norman Wilson of Ottawa and St. Andrews, and in the third place, and chiefly because Barbra Ann wanted to come! She said she had heard so much about St. Andrews from friends in Ottawa and Toronto that she was anxious to pay us a visit. It is an expensive proposition even at the reduced rates her manager is offering us and unfortunately the Arena will only accommodate about 1500 spectators. A packed house for both nights is assured, however, and the management of the Arena should at least break even. Within 24 hours of the definite word being received that Barbra Ann was coming there was a call for over fifteen hundred reserved seats. Visitors are coming from all over the province and Lieutenant-Governor McLaren will be here to extend an official welcome. Mayor Hachey will also welcome her on behalf of the town and we shall all be at the train to meet her with a hearty, rousing cheer.

St. Croix Courier

March 17/1949

Shiretown Items

Mr. [Frank] Mallory

Being the oldest living specimen of former St. Andrews mayors Dr. Worrell had the honor of presenting Mr. Mallory with a briefcase on behalf of the people of St. Andrews. He spoke of the excellent work Mr. Mallory had done for the town over the past twenty-five years in his offices as Town Treasurer and Town Clerk and also of the efficient manner in which he had carried out the duties of County Secretary over an almost similar period. He said he was proud to recall that he had been able to play his small part in supporting Mr. Mallory's applications to all of these positions and felt that the years had proved that his own choice and the choice of the others who supported Mr. Mallory at that time had been a wise one. The speaker referred to an editorial in the St. Croix Courier at the time Mr. Mallory announced his decision to resign his town offices which said among other nice things, that Mr. Mallory was not a "yes" man, (one of those fellows who agree with everything you say even if you don't believe it yourself). He said he knew, all through his long association with Mr. Mallory, that the latter had opinions of his own, always had good reasons to support them, knew when to express them and when to keep them to himself. He was not prepared to say whether this trait of character could be developed or acquired by study or practice but knew that in Mr. Mallory's case it was inborn and told of an incident happening about 56 years ago to prove it. "It was on Christmas day," and the speaker, "which occurred on a week-day that year and I was passing Frank's home on my way to church service at 11 o'clock. Frank, then a little fellow about 5 years old, was playing all alone at the corner of his house. He had evidently been having a difference of opinion with the rest of the family in regard to what day it was. Just as I approached the church bells started to ring and Frank, paying no attention to me but doubling up his little fist and swinging it emphatically towards the house said, as if to bear out some previous statement he had made, 'I told you it was Sunday.'"

F. L. Mallory leaving post as town treasurer and town clerk, held for 25 years.

St. Croix Courier

March 17/1949

Barbara Ann Scott warmly welcomed to St. Andrews. Photo. Nice pose. 1948 World Champ. Marguerite Shaughnessy Hostess.

St. Croix Courier

March 24/1949

Barbara Ann Scott Acclaimed on Performances Before Overflow Crowds at St. Andrews

More highlights of Scott's visit. Photos. In one holds arm of Albert McQuoid, "St. Andrews' Talented Pianist."

Shiretown Items

First Performances

The first public performances here of the new world-famous Barbara Ann took place on Thursday evening, March 17. She was supported by a strong cast from the Figure Skating Club of Saint John, New Brunswick, and by Dick Nutter, a professional skating comedian from Sherbrooke, Quebec. Casey's Concert Orchestra supplied music for the skating numbers, and the program was interspersed with selections from the Deer Island Band. The Saint John skaters have an excellent exhibition of their art, the small children being especially appreciated by the spectators. Dick Nutter was a "scream" and drew a laugh from the most sour-faced individuals. He and also the Saint John group, will receive a cordial welcome here at any future time. What can I say about Barbara Ann's performance that has not been said a thousand times before by nobler pens than mine? Rather than try I shall express my own opinion, and the opinion of everyone with whom I have talked, in the one word, "perfection." I must, however, add just a word about her interpretation of her own favorite number, "Ave Maria." It was soul-stirring. It thrilled the spectators. It gripped them and held them in a breathless, reverent and religious silence. It seemed as though an angel, alive with grace and beauty, appeared on the ice in supplication for the sins of all mankind.

Official Welcome

At the close of the program Barbar Ann was officially welcomed to New Brunswick by Lieutenant-Governor McLaren. "It is a great pleasure for me," he said, "to welcome to our province such a distinguished visitor and one who has brought so much honor to our country." On behalf of the province, he presented the smiling star with a bouquet of blue violets, telling her that by Act of Legislature and Royal proclamation the violet was the official flower of New Brunswick. He also presented a turquoise blue vase, made from New Brunswick clay and wished her every success in her future life. Mayor H. B. Hachey gave Barbara Ann an inscribed bronze key after officially welcoming her on behalf of the citizens. He said: "Barbara Ann, with a pair of skates you found your way into our hearts and into our town. With this key to the town I tender you're the symbolic assurance of rightful possession."

Reception

Through the kindness, thoughtfulness and generosity of the Hon. Marguerite Shaughnessy, one hundred and fifty townspeople and a few from elsewhere were invited to Fort Tipperary after Thursday evening's performance to be presented to Lieutenant-Governor McLaren and Miss Barbara Ann Scott. Delicious refreshments were served and two hours of social fellowship enjoyed. Miss Scott is just as lovely off the ice as on it and her charming personality, no doubt has contributed as greatly to her exceptional popularity as has her figure skating ability. I had the pleasure and the honor of a few minutes personal chat with her. I wanted to hear from her own lips just why we had been so fortunate in getting her to come here. She said: "When I received the invitation I was delighted. I have friends in Ottawa who have visited St. Andrews in the summer. They gave me such a glowing picture of its beauties and attractions that I welcomed this opportunity to come for a little visit. I have enjoyed my stay immensely and Miss Shaughnessy has been just wonderful. I hope to come again this summer and bring my golf clubs." When I told this to my friend Arnold Wilson, manager of the Bank of Nova Scotia here, he said he would immediately apply for the chance to caddy for her.

Matinee

On Friday afternoon, March 18, a matinee was held for the benefit of the school children of Charlotte County. Barbara Ann gave her full program as in the evening performance, most of the Saint John skaters took part and Dick Nuter put on two comedy acts. About 1500 children attended, accompanied by their teaches and observed perfect decorum. They are interested how in getting an instructor her for next season so they may all learn figure skating.

Last Performance

The last performance of Barbara Ann and her supporting cast took place on Friday evening. There was a larger attendance than on the first night as the standing room was packed to capacity. The program was the same as on the previous night, and met with the same fervent response. The International Band from S. Stephen and Calais did the band numbers and Hon. J. J. Hayes Doone, provincial Secretary Treasurer, spoke for the people of the province, while H. O. McQuoid, president of the St. Andrews A.A.A. represented the people of St. Andrews. Presentations were made to Barbara Ann by the I.O.D.E. by Conley's Lobsters Ltd., by China Chest and by Douglass Maxwell, of St. George.

The Arena

The St. Andrews arena was spick-and-span for the gala occasion. All painted white within and decorated with green sharps and shamrocks in honor of Saint Patrick. Big WELCOME BARBARA ANN signs appeared at each end of the rink. Many favorable comments were heard from visitors who had never seen it before. No one except those who took part can know the tremendous amount of work involved in carrying out this undertaking—and the work was all done by voluntary workers. The entire ice surface was painted white then further adorned with shamrocks. Seven hundred seats were brought to the rink and placed in rows on the ice at different elevations for which framework had to be built. The boxes in each side for the hockey teams were torn down and will have to be rebuilt. A beautiful carpet and two truckloads of furniture, loaned by Chip Thompkins, were used to furnish Barbar Ann's dressing room. Several pairs of curtains were provided by women of the town for the same purpose. Barbara Ann said she had never had a lovelier dressing room anywhere, and had at times dressed in rooms unheated and snow blowing in through cracks in the wall. To answer the telephone calls for sixteen hours a day for over a week was work for several people—but they did it gladly and uncomplainingly. Unfortunately, owing to the Arena's limited seating capacity several thousand persons were unable to obtain seats for this outstanding and history-making event. But I sincerely believe that Barbara Ann will be here again, and soon, to make a longer stay. May all of us who had the honor, the privilege and the pleasure of seeing her and meeting her on this

occasion be still here to see her, to meet her and to greet her, when she comes again.

St. Croix Courier

March 24, 1949

Shiretown Items

The Great Day Arrives

Never in the lifetime of the oldest inhabitant has there been an event which so stirred the hearts of our citizens, an event awaited with such eager anticipation. The cares and duties of the work-a-day world were forgotten and neglected. Flags and bunting, signs of welcome and strings of colored lights were erected. The sole topic of conversation was the coming of Barbara Ann. The day broke cold, the 16th day of March, 1949—a day that will be forever marked in bold red capital letters in the annals of the little town of St. Andrews. Long before the arrival of the train crowds began to gather at the depot. What mattered it that fierce, chill wind blew from the North? The sun shone brightly overhead in a clear and cloudless sky and the warmth and glow within our hearts made our bodies impervious to the cold.

His Greatest Moment

As I watched W. C. O'Neill, "Bill" to his many friends, standing there on the platform with the other members of the reception committee I thought of what a thrill the occasion must be to him! He is the boy who really put it over. When he proposed the idea, about a year ago, it was scoffed at by some, derided by others and deemed impossible by most of us. But his unfailing courage and optimism, which stood the test of the burning of our first Areana in 1939, and whose leadership at that time directed us in the erection of a better building, were not be denied. Much praise is due to all, who worked day and night to make this occasion the grand success it was but primarily and chiefly the credit must be to "Bill."

"That She Blows"

When the train blew for the station, though nearly a mile away, a cheer went up from the waiting crowd. The pent-up thoughts of the joys to come could no longer be restrained. More and greater cheers sounded when she hove in sight around the bend. We seemed to think this great inanimate, but life-like thing could hear our voices and transmit to Barbara Ann our cheers of welcome. With a-hissing of steam and a screeching of brakes the train ground to a stop. The reception committee, headed by Mayor and Mrs. H. B. Hachey and including Hon. Marguerite Shaughnessy, hostess to Barbar Anna and her mother, Mr. S. Clyde Scott, during their visit, Henry O. McQuoid, president of the Arena Association; and Mrs. McQuoid, Principal F. T. Atkinson of Prince Arthur School, and Mrs. Atkinson and W. C. O'Neill, manager of the Arena, boarded the private car provided for the distinguished visitors from McAdam Junction down. In a few moments they re-appeared, followed by Barbara Ann and her mother. As Miss Scott paused on the car steps to have photos snapped and to wave to the surrounding throng a deafening cheer arose. Then the dainty little queen of the ice, honey-blonde hair reflecting the sunshine and eyes of sapphire blue glancing at everyone in turn, tripped down the platform waving in all directions and throwing kisses to the two hundred school children lined up as a guard of honor. She entered flag-bedecked car, and still smiling and waving her hand, was driven to her temporary home at Fort Tipperary.

Afternoon Practice

Instead of resting on Wednesday afternoon after her long trip her from Philadelphia, as one would have expected, Barbara Ann spent three hours in practice along with Casey's Concert Orchestra. The Arena was closed to the public but a few of us more fortunate ones had the privilege of watching her. Personally, I had the great honor of appearing in a picture with her, along with her mother, Mrs. Clyde Scott, W. C. O'Neill, manager of the Arean and Mrs. Windsor Dewar of Milltown, who was at the Arena with her husband, a member of the orchestra. It is a picture I shall prize very highly, and it will occupy a top spot in my treasury of souvenirs.

First arena burned 1939. Private rail car from McAdam. Whistle blew a mile from Station, as per usual.

St. Croix Courier

March 3/1949

Viscount Alexander, Gov. General of Canada, coming to St. Andrews for visit. To stay at Fort Tipperary, Marguerite Shaughnessy will take Seeley Cottage for duration: first three weeks of August.

Major work being done on Main wharf.

St. Croix Courier

March 31/1949

Photo of Barbara Ann Scott with arena Committee: Bill Brownrigg, W. C. O'Neill, Henry McQuoid, M. Bartlett, W. L. Williamson.

St. Croix Courier

April 7/1949

Resolution proposing construction of tourist bureau on King St., St. Stephen.

Shiretown Items

Bank Robbed At. St. Andrews

Don't be alarmed folks—it happened over forty years ago. The Bank of Nova Scotia here at that time was a one-room affair with an ordinary safe in which to keep the money and other valuables. It was located in the room which is now the office of the Quoddy Coal Co. The manager's name was Kerr and he boarded at Kennedy's Hotel. He was a golf enthusiast and he and Charlie Kennedy used to go out for a round every morning at 7 o'clock. One fine September morning Herb Henderson, who was manager of the Livery Stable which stood on the stie of the present Post Office, called at the hotel as usual to drive the golfers out to the links. Mr. Kerr went over to the bank to get his rubbers but came back on the run saying the safe had been blown open and robbed and there would be no golf today. There were no telephones here at the time but word was quickly spread by foot messengers and within an hour a good sized company of men and boys with rifles, shotguns and revolvers were ready for the great man-hunt which lasted for several days, combing the woods for miles around, without producing the hoped for results. But local and imported detectives were busy on the job, but clues were scarce and hard to find. Local nit-wits seized upon the first real clue to implicate two St. Andrews citizens notwithstanding the well-known integrity and irreproachable character of the latter,. To muffle the sound several blankets and an old coat had been used to cover the safe. The coat and one blanket were proven to be the property of Foncie O'Neill while the rest of the blankets came from the livery stable. "Yes," said the Watsons, Pinkertons and would-be disciples of "Sherlock Holmes. "Foncie and Herb did the job all right!" Could you imagine anything more ridiculous?

Hand-Car Missing

When the section men went t work in that eventful morning they discovered that the tool house had been broken open and the "pumper" was missing. When this news reached "headquarters" it was immediately connected with the bank robbery. It was later learned that Frank Howe, who was doing some early morning fishing at Chamcook lake, had seen the pumper with the supposed section men pass there about daylight. Suspicion now centered around two strangers who had been seen about town for several days. They slept in Henry Quinn's fish camp and took their meals at Ira Stinson's restaurant. These men had disappeared and so had the hand-car. It was all a great mystery. Months later Alber Storr, brakeman on the railway, spotted the missing pumper from the top of a boxcar as the train was passing through the strip of woods near Rolling Dam. Evidence was also found of someone having "holed-up" in a barn in that vicinity. The excitement died down at length and the incident with its mystery still unsolved became history.

Cherchez La Femme

Several years later the chief actor in this local drama was captured, convicted and sent to prison by the artifices of a jealous woman. Among the valuables in the bank at the time of the robbery was a $500 diamond ring. Perhaps because he was afraid to dispose of it, perhaps because he was somewhat of a Romeo, one of the robbers carried the ring in his pocket until he met his Juliet of Portland, Maine. He presented the ring and foolishly told her its history. But alas. His one-time charming Juliet soon ceased to satisfy his craving for "infinite variety." He fell for another gal—a dame with honey-blonde hair, sky blue eyes and lots of curves in the proper places—and this fall became his downfall. His Juliet learned of his infidelity and took the ring and its story to the police. The robber Romeo was arrested and held for identification. Henry Quinn and Ira Stinson were taken down to Portland and identified him as one of the strangers seen here at the time of the robbery and he confessed, although testifying that he had no knowledge of the whereabout of his confederate. The other man was never found. The loss to the bank was said to be about $15,000.

St. Croix Courier

April 14/1949

Photo of house Barbara Ann will inhabit from June 15 to Aug.15 this year. Gordon Reed cottage on Water St. Looks like Tatterscott B and B.

Shiretown Items

Coining Words

Along with many others, who love our language as it has been handed down to us by our remote ancestors, I have no patience with the modern coiners of words. To mention a few examples which always get under my skin, we have 'contact' used as a transitive verb, 'stagger' meaning alternate, 'finalize,' and latest and worst of all, 'permanentize.' I am no etymologist and my ignorance of the origin of words is as great as that of the average literate person, but like all careful readers, I do at times pause to ponder over the beginnings of some of our words which have such musical sounds and such brilliant suggestiveness. Our ancestors looked with fresh eyes on the phenomena of nature and of life and sought to find in speech sounds that would convey appropriately what they say. We can all think of hundreds of words that are beautiful both in appearance and in sound. Take "dawn" and "dusk" for instance—so simple yet so expressive. Dawn suggests the slowly spreading light and the glories of the day to come; dusk the soft and slowly creeping darkness and the gloom of approaching night. The word "thunder" is most evocative. Can't you hear a boom and see the lightning flash as you pronounce it? I think the great popularity of Churchill as a speaker and a writer is not only because he always has something worthwhile to say, but that he says it in such simple yet beautiful and expressive language. So many of his words have a suggested significance apart from their explicit and recognized meaning. Some of his phrases will go down in history to take their place along with the lines of Shakespeare, the greatest, perhaps, of all time.

St. Croix Courier

April 14/1949

David Walker, a resident of St. Andrews, has a story entitled "The Rescuers" appearing in the April issue of the Atlantic Monthly. Mr. Walker is a Scotsman who was brought up in the country, and just before the war married a Canadian. While serving in the Black Watch he was taken prisoner in 1940. Later he escaped and went to India as comptroller to the Viceroy Lord Wavell. He began writing when he retired from the army in 1947 and first novel, which is about the Highlands, will be published later this year.

St. Croix Courier

April 14/1949

78th annual Canadian Manufacturers Association to be held at Algonquin. Will do tour of Maritimes. W. A. Mather, Pres. of CPR, to speak. (Sounds like a big deal)

Photo: Barbara Ann's Summer Home. Fronting on St. Andrews Bay the Gordon Reed cottage on Water Street in the Shiretown is pictured above with the salt water lapping the terrace. In this attractive setting Barbara Ann Scott will spend the Summer of 1949, arriving about the middle of June and remaining for about two months. The cottage is of Cape Cod design and the main entrance on Water Street is at second story level. The first floor, facing the bay is a spacious living room done in wood paneling with open beams. In one end is a stone fireplace with built-in bookshelves and what-nots containing curios from many lands. The opposite end has a large window and an old sea-chest with a glass-enclosed replica of a sailing ship. French doors open on to the terrace.

St. Croix Courier

April 21/1949

Shiretown Items—A Fishing Trip

This story is written for St. Andrews folks who have been away from home for many years and also for old-timers who, like myself, through stiffening joints and other infirmities of age, are no longer able to enjoy the delights of fishing in reality, in the hopes that it may revive some pleasant memories.

Frank and I packed our gear, about a weeks' grub, and went out on the evening train for a two day's stay at Spruce Hill cabin on Chamcook lake. After a hasty but substantial supper of T-bone steak and fried onions supplemented by a generous hunk from one of Ira Stinson's superlative apple pies we made ready to try our luck at trolling on First Lake. We had brought along some live minnows captured that afternoon at the First March and started down to the boat house in high hopes.

As we approached the shore of the lake we saw an apparently unattached young lady standing there beside a canoe. Frank, at that time, was a great admirer of the opposite sex and I never have felt any aversion to a beautiful female myself, but I warned him of the onions and said we had better keep our distance. The attraction was too great, however. She was dressed in a blue sports shirt, brown slacks rolled to the knees to display her beautiful limbs, and her dainty feet enclosed in Indian moccasins. She had luxuriant brown hair and gorgeous brown eyes, a delicately molded but firm little chin, a stubborn but delightful nose and between the nose and chin the most luscious lips any man had ever looked upon.

She started at us fearlessly but politely as we approached. By way of getting acquainted, Frank put on his best smile and inquired: "What are you using for bait?"

When she spoke her voice was soft and throaty and her conversation, though brief, was replete with nuances and inflections, including those of hands and eyes. "Debates?" she replied. "I vant no debates. I tink you better go jump in the lake!"

Somewhat stunned by her reply and seeing at the moment a husky gentleman approaching from a near-by cabin we thought discretion the better part of valor and retreated to our boat house with as much dignity as we could assume.

"Dago," said I, as we entered. "Squaw," replied Frank. "Didn't you see her moccasins?"

But that was only sour grapes. As we listened to her delightful laughter and fluent conversation in French with her companion, we felt that we had been cheated.

St. Croix Courier

May 5/1949

New store has opened in rooms formerly occupied by phone company. Vincent McCarlie will carry gents furnishings.

St. Croix Courier

May 12/1949

Photo of St. Andrews Dairy Ltd.

St. Croix Courier

May 19/1949

Shiretown Items

The Rescuers

I have read with great interest "The Rescuers," a short-story by David Walker in the "Atlantic" for April. Mr. Walker now makes his home in St. Andrews and I count him among my friends as we have many similar interests. He is a Scotchman and an army man, having served with "The Black Watch." In 1948 he was sent to India a Comptroller to the Viceroy, Lord Wavell. To us this sounds like a life of romance and adventure, but Mr. Walker says it was a very ordinary existence. His first novel, being published by Houghton Mifflin, is to appear in September. He has another novel almost completed. Just before the last war Mr. Walker married Willa Magee who has been a summer resident of St. Andrews since childhood. On my first reading of his story I liked it. On the second reading I enjoyed it. On the third reading I saw the beauty in it and why it was accepted by the Atlantic.

There are two kinds of short stories—the commercial and the literary. In a good commercial we find mystery, struggle or romance. The story "marches" from beginning to end. Every word is like a sudden sound in the dark. Every page is like a ride on a roller-caster. The literary type of story follows no special technique but is written in the personal style of the author. He can freely express his own thoughts and opinions and inscribe his own experiences. He can philosophize and even preach, if he wants to.

Mr. Walker's story was definitely of the literary type. He did not preach and his philosophy was understood, rather than expressed. He told a story of a simple incident in the life of common people. Whether from experience or from imagination, he made the picture very real. I particularly liked his paragraph about the crows as I have watched them so often. Let me quote: "The light had begun to fade, and already the crows were beating up against the wind. On still evenings they would come to that place at a great height, and then would dive with abandon, stopping in the wildest exuberance down almost to the ground. You would hear a thousand wings sigh with the speed of the diving, and a multitude of hoarse voices cry with delight from the sky. But tonight, there were no antics. They labored below the treetops, battling their way towards the rookery at the head of the valley." A commonplace picture in nature—but so beautifully painted. The whole story was in the same vein and had to be read critically to be appreciated. We shall look forward to reading Mr. Walker's coming novel, of which we have been promised an autographed copy, with the keenest interest."

St. Croix Courier

May 26/1949

Photo of Buck Crump, Vice-President of CPR, in St. Stephen from McAdam. To proceed by car to St. Andrews for Manufacturer's Convention. First visit to St. Stephen.

St. Croix Courier

June 2/1949

Shiretown Items

Cabbage Juice

One day when I was in the Book Store my friend Bill handed me a magazine with an article to read. It had the intriguing title "Drink Your Ulcer Away!" The article was a cheat however as the drink proposed, far from being any of those delightful and uplifting beverages which immediately came to mind, was the lowly cabbage juice! Who wants to drink cabbage juice? Especially at $1.20 a quart? Life is full of disappointments.

Interesting Visitor

I had an interesting visitor the other day. He came to see a five-string banjo I have here. He is an old-timer, like myself, and has been playing a banjo for about fifty years. He said he could play quite well about twenty years ago. I think he is still good. He plays entirely by ear but could pick off the Fisher's Hornpipe and other difficult selections like nobody's business. He played for an hour and said he hated to leave it—never saw a banjo to compare with it. My visitor earns his living by tying twine. That is probably what keeps his fingers so nimble. I hope he will come again.

Algonquin Opening

The Algonquin Hotel is to open on June 7 with a convention of the Canadian Manufacturer's Association. This will be the 78th annual convention of the Association and their present visit to St. Andrews will be their second one, the first having been in 1922. Plans for their entertainment include golf matches and boating trips. A large attendance is expected and among the delegates will be the leading industrialists of Canada. Special CPR trains will bring the delegates to St. Andrews.

St. Croix Courier

June 16/1949

Shiretown Items: Quiet 600

Manufacturer's Convention made very little stir in the town as they stayed around the hill most of the time. . . . The four day annual meeting of the Canadian Association of Broadcasters opened here on Monday at the Algonquin Hotel.

St. Croix Courier

June 30/1949

Shiretown Items

China Chest

China Chest is dead. Long live China Chest! The old chest has now become a depository for such commonplace articles as handsaws, files and nails. The new chest, built in simple modern style, contains all the real treasures of the old one and a thousand other articles in chinaware and porcelain to delight the eyes and charm the hearts of the ladies and even, with such rare beauty, superb workmanship and novelty of design as to intrigue mere man, who professes to have no interest in such "trinkets." I spent a pleasant hour with the genial proprietor, Mr. R. F. Keay, one evening as he showed me around the new store and explained all the details of the layout. I was greatly taken with a piece of Belleek, made in Ireland, and inquired the price. Glancing at the price mark the proprietor replied, "forty-four dollars." I immediately decided not to buy it. This piece is so delicate and intricate in design that it must have taken hours and hours of the most careful work to complete it. I am sure that the man who made it was not watching the clock but was putting his whole soul into his work. I was admiring some Old English pieces arranged in one of the window boxes. Mr. Keay said: "Take one up and look at the picture on the other side." I did so and immediately the air was filled with music! The soft but lilting strains of "Daisy Bell," "Daily, Daily, give me your answer do. . . you'll look sweet upon the seat of a bicycle built for two," brought back many delightful memories. I lifted the others in turn and heard "John Peel," "Auld Lang Syne" and many more of the old favorites. Mr. Keay has a unique and original arrangement for his window display. The several boxes, built of paneled oak, are on wheels and can be rolled back from the windows for rearrangement of the articles or for cleaning the windows. Mr. Keay finds that he has not as yet sufficient storage room and is now building an extension on the ground floor. The second story, in time, is to be fitted up as living quarters or as offices.

China Chest is now located at the corner of Frederick and Water Streets. It is over 65 years since there has been a building on that lot. The "American House" which formerly occupied this corner was burned in the early eighties—not later than '84 but I have been unable to learn the exact date. It made some excitement at the time as it was supposed to have been set by the proprietress and an assistant in order to collect insurance on the furniture. The building was said to belong to Harris Hatch. The proprietress skipped the country and the assistant, who stood trial, was sent up for 14 years, though he only served seven. All the arguments of the defense counsel, Mr. M. N. Cockburn, a very young man at the time but already a master in points of law, fluency of speech and eloquence of appeal, failed to convince the jury of the prisoner's innocence in the face of the incriminating evidence produced by the prosecuting attorney.

Mr. Keay is having pictures made, both of the exterior and interior which will appear in an early issue of the St. Croix Courier. The pictures will also be finished on postcards which will be given away as souvenirs.

St. Croix Courier

July 14/1949

Shiretown items

"Geordie"

David Walker's latest novel "Geordie" which is to be published by Houghton Mifflin, has also been purchased by Ladies Home Journal to run as a serial at a figure which would make all aspiring writers' mouths water. I have had the privilege and pleasure of reading the manuscript. It is a good clean story of a Scottish youth who was successful in sport and eventually in love. It is told in Mr. Walker's inimitable style and makes enjoyable reading. The characters are drawn true to life and the little incidents and pictures from nature interspersed throughout the story mark the author as lover of the great outdoors.

New Brunswick and PEI Golf tournament at Algonquin Course. Archie Skinner wins. List of other notables.

Street dance held every Tuesday in summer to raise money for rink insulation. Barbara Ann draws tickets for prize winners.

St. Croix Courier

July 21, 1949

Shiretown Items

Changing Times

One criticism of my remarks on graduation was that it was away behind the times—living in another age. This, I hope, is not true, although I admit that it is difficult for one person to keep changing with the times—difficult but not impossible. There were many things wrong with the world in our youth. We did not know it then, but much is plain now. A little incident related in "the Roadmender" by Michael Fairlss, illustrates what I mean. An old couple walked past on the long straight road, side by side, but never speaking a word. They had lived a long happy life together, but their days of work and usefulness were ended and the time for separation had come. The mother was going back to live with her daughter after consigning the poor old man to the mercies and miseries of the Poor House. They paused on the top of the hill where the roadmender was at work. They did not speak nor embrace but simply shook hands in a final farewell. Such pathetic scenes no longer occur, thanks, not to our youth, but to older and wiser heads who have suffered and have seen suffering. Nothing is static in the world, least of all our ideas. The interpretation of one generation is seldom the same as that of the next but that does not prove that the most modern ideas are always correct. The present generation is not composed of youth alone but also of older men and women who have lived through two or three generations and who have gained knowledge and experience from the past, and many of our wisest and most useful laws, many of our finest books and poems, were composed by old persons living in the present but drawing on their knowledge and experience of along and thoughtful life.

Jitterbug

I have never been much impressed by the crazy foxtrot which, I believe, is styled the jitterbug. In watching the street dance last week, however, I learned that this dance can be performed cleverly and gracefully. A couple of our guests for the summer demonstrated how it should be done and thus brought us up to date in our ideas on dancing. Some of our local lads and lassies, who execute this dance with uncouth and inelegant antics and with awkward and unskillful contortions should take a look at a couple who can do it properly and strive to imitate their elegance and gracefulness.

St. Croix Courier

July 28/1949

Shiretown Items: Mrs. Blair Gordon of the Algonquin Golf Club has brought home the ladies Maritime Golf Championship. Cairine Wilson wins ladies New Brunswick-PEI tourney. Skinner holds pro and open.

Barbara Ann has left for summer.

Movies introduced at Andraeleo Hall, owner Paul Roy. (Marina still operating)

St. Croix Courier

Aug 11/1949

Photo of Barbara Ann Scott at Katy's Cove. Happy Holiday—Termed the "best holiday in years" Skater Barbara Ann Scott relaxes at beautiful Katy's Cove in St. Andrews-by-the-Sea. Canada's ice queen has now begun another heavy training program for her big show starting in September.

Ad showing movies at Andraeleo Theatre; also ad for Marina Theatre. July 28/1949

Shiretown Items: "A Guardsman's Duty": background of Ian Macmillan p. 2 and 7. To benefit Marilyn Noell, seriously injured at Katy's Cove few weeks back.

Shiretown items

The operetta "A Guardsman's Duty," will be presented in the Andraeleo Hall on August 22 and 23rd. Written by Ian A. Macmillan, a summer employee of the Algonquin, the operetta will be a presentation by a cast chosen from staff at the hotel. The Algonquin Hotel Orchestra, under the leadership of Clarence Sawyer, will provide the music.

Macmillan, who comes originally from Montreal, has been teaching music in the Sherbrooke area. He teaches wind instruments and plays 16 instruments, including the piano. He has been studying and playing for more than 15 years. He has already had several pieces of music published, and in the Fall he plans to attend the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston to continue his studies.

"A Guardsman's Duty" is laid in Hungary in the late 1790's and the early 1800's and the story is built around a troupe of honor guards and their ladies. Macmillan's music is melodic and tuneful. Some of the choruses are written for 8-part harmony with solo leads, and the whole scene is in keeping with the romantic area of the story.

The presentation will be under the patronage of His Honour, the Lieutenant Governor and Mrs. D. L. McLaren, Sir Montague Allan and lady Allen, and other distinguished summer residents.

The proceeds of the entertainment will be for the joint benefit of the District Nurse Fund and Miss Marilyn Noells, a university student and summer employee who was seriously injured at the Bathing Beach some weeks ago.

A committee consisting of Miss Cairine Wilson and Mrs. William Breeze is assisting the District Nurse Committee in the local arrangements, while matter of production are in the hands of the Algonquin Hotel staff. Tickets are now on sale.

St. Croix Courier

Aug 18/1949

Shiretown Items

Man Behind the Show. Ian Macmillan's "A Guardsman's Duty" at Andraeleo Hall Aug.22 and 23.

Following is the list, to date, of those who have graciously consented to act as patrons of the operetta "A Guardsman's Duty," to be presented in Andraeleo Hall on August 22 and 23, in aid of the district Nurse Fund and Miss Marilyn Noells: His Honour the Lieutenant Governor and Mrs. McLaren; His Worship the mayor and Mrs. Hachey; Sir Montague and Lady Allan; Mrs. H. D. Burns; Sir James and Lady Dunn; Lady Davis; Edward McKay; Mrs. Frank Hall; Miss Olive Hosmer; Dr. Gavin and Mrs. Miller; Mr. Guy Murchie; Mr. and Mrs. Howard Pillow; Mr. Rene and the Hon. Mrs. Redmond; Miss Mona Prentice; The Hon. Marguerite Shaughnessy; Mr. and Mrs. Robert Struthers; Mr. and Mrs. Jules Timmons; Mrs. F. W. Thompson; Mr. and Mrs. Harry W. Thorp; Mrs. Norman and Senator Cairine Wilson.

I had the privilege last Sunday evening of attending a rehearsal for the coming operetta "A Guardsman's Duty," and of meeting Ian Macmillan, the young composer and producer. What impressed me most was the beauty, brilliancy and high musical quality of the compositions. They appeared to me to be worthy of professional performers. The group of 60 amateur singers selected from the Algonquin Hotel staff are doing a fine job, however, under the direction of Mr. Macmillan. It is surprising at first to see so young a director exercise such perfect control over the large chorus. The reason becomes plain, however, as the leader gradually, by some psychological means of transference of thought, makes you feel just what he feels and makes you strive to produce the exact effect which he wants. One of the most interesting features of the rehearsal was the recording of the rousing number which is to be used as the grand finale. Albert McQuoid did the recording and played it back so the singers might hear their own voices. By use of this record the director can point out any flaws and have them eliminated before the public performance. I didn't see any of the dance numbers but have been told that they are excellent. The Algonquin orchestra is to provide the instrumental accompaniment for the operetta. The show is for a worthy cause, will be unique in many aspects and should draw a packed house on both nights—Aug 22 and 23.

St. Croix Courier

Aug 25/1949

Viscount Alexander, GG of Canada, visits Men's Club. Photo on wall will accompany Barbara Ann, Lt. Gov. McLaren and other hon. members. Photo taken in door of room with R. D. Rigby.

St. Croix Courier

Sept 1/1949

Shiretown Items

A Great Show

It has been said that excessive indulgence in music, for those who are neither performers themselves nor musically gifted enough to take it in a purely intellectual way, has a relaxing effect upon one's character. One becomes filled with emotions which are allowed to pass without prompting any deed, and so the inertly sentimental condition is kept bottled up. The remedy would be never to suffer oneself to have an emotion at a concert without expressing it afterward, in some active way—if it be no more than speaking a kind word to one's grandmother. If this suggestion is true and generally known to the people of St. Andrews, it must have been a happy week for our grandmothers as the thousand or so persons who attended "A Guardsman's Duty" on Monday and Tuesday evenings August 22 and 23 were stirred to the depths. Ian Macmillan, the young man who composed the operetta and who promoted and directed the show must have had the thrill of his life at the ovation he received. The tribute tendered him by the large attentive and enthusiastic audiences must have well repaid him for the long hours of toil he spent in preparation. The performance itself was excellent and was a credit to every individual who had a part in it. It would be impossible to mention any outstanding feature as it was all good, from the beginning straight through to the end. It was one of the best, perhaps the very best of amateur entertainments to be held in St. Andrews during the past 60 years. Rehearsed during off-hours by a hard-working group of young people, all members of the staff at the Algonquin Hotel, it proves what can be accomplished by sufficient enthusiasm and with competent leadership. The costumes were attractive and the make-up had been applied by skillful hands. The spoken lines were well done, the acting was excellent, the dancing graceful and clever, the solos well rendered and the instrumental accompaniment by the Algonquin Orchestra, a delight to listen to. I am not stating that this was the best feature of the show, but what impressed and thrilled me most was the scene at the by gypsy camp after capture by the Guardsman and the song which they sang. The beautiful background of fields and the woods, and campfires burning brightly, the group of handsome young men, bound in captivity and surrounded by a score or more of beautiful young women , and the haunting melody of the song which they sang, lamenting their captivity and telling of their former freedom, now ended forever, will linger in my memory as long as life shall last.

St. Croix Courier

Sept 15/1949

Shiretown Items: On Friendship. (Value of summer people as friends and benefactors.)

The glorious summer is over and past and one by one our friends are leaving. It is only within recent years that many of us have come to realize what genuine friends we have among these summer folks. We confess that for a long time we were a little afraid of them. They had education, wealth, social position and worldly experience while many of us had little or nothing. One thing, however, they had in common with us—an undying love for St. Andrews—and gradually, through their personal charm, honesty of purpose and persistency they have broken down the barrier between us. They have shown us, time and time again, that when any townsfolk are in need they stand ready to help. They have shown us in every possible way that it is their earnest wish "to belong." From our friends among our own people we expect acts of kindness, thoughtfulness and generosity, and they never fail us. They are our first and oldest friends and it is natural, and right, that we should love them most of all. Like ourselves, they keep changing with the years, but we love them for what they are and do not love them less because they are not what they were. But our Summer friends, as we are accustomed to call them, although the term is not correct when speaking of those who have proven themselves year-round friends, have won a definite place in our lives and for all the blessings which they bring we feel the deepest gratitude. After all, I believe, it is not what we do, nor what we say that makes us friends, but what we think! We meet a new friend and mutually we seek to find each other by the roads of thought. We talk or remain silent. We laugh or become serious but always building up between us is that road of thought by which, as we become more and more intimate, we can always reach each other. A true friend is the greatest blessing of life—someone to whom we can go in our times of trouble, even if he had nothing to offer us except a sympathetic hearing, a kind word and a hearty shake of the hand. Greater than wealth, greater than fame or power, greater even than the blessing of health, it is love that dwells in the heart of a friend. In a time of trial when life is being difficult, even, perhaps, bordering on distress when, suddenly and unexpectedly, we have had a practical demonstration of true friendship, the experience seems to quicken our soul and give us a momentary vision of wider realms beyond our understanding and makes us feel that some mysterious, nameless and ethereal joy circling in some vast orbit, has touched us in its passing.

"Rossmount," the former home of the late Dr. and Mrs. Henry Phipps Ross at Chamcook, has been purchased from the executors of the estate by a Saint John barrister, George. E. McIerney, in trust, and is being made ready for use as a tourist motel. (more on incorporation, etc.)

St. Andrews in Painting and Poetry, by Dr. Samuel Davies. Painting by Innes, Horne, Horne-Russell and William Hope listed.

St. Croix Courier

Sept 22/1949

Substantial appropriation for tourist bureau on King St. St. Stephen. To begin construction soon.

St. Croix Courier

October 6, 1949

Shiretown Items

Frank O'Halloran

Frank O'Halloran, a kind-hearted, unassuming and lovable friend, has gone to his long home and the mourners go about the streets. The silver cord of life has been loosed, the pitcher broken at the fountain and nothing remains to us but a golden bowl of happy memories. These memories take us back to the time when Frank, a sturdy youth of 18, was a star at cricket, and rugby football, the favorite sports here in those days. I have often spent a pleasant half hour with him, talking of those old times, especially of our cricket games with Woodstock and our football games with St. Stephen, and all the amusing incidents connected with those events. Although in poor health all summer, Frank rarely missed his daily visit to the Men's Club. To all Oldtimers he was affectionately known as "Carrigan" and he was the type of person, having a host of friends and no enemies, who will be greatly missed.

St. Croix Courier

Oct 27/1949

Shiretown Items

"The Storm and the Silence"

This is not a review. I wouldn't know how to write a review but I want to make a few comments on the book with the above title, written by my good friend David Walker, who was kind enough to give me an autographed copy. Of necessity, my personal library is quite limited, but I have some books that I prize very highly and read over and over with much enjoyment. Borrowed books never seem to give as much pleasure and satisfaction as one that is owned, and a book that is worth owning is worth reading many times. I have no hesitation in putting "the Storm and the Silence" in this class of books. Having already read two stores by Mr. Walker, the one in "Atlantic Monthly" last April, and the one which is to appear in "Ladies Home Journal" next January, I believed I was going to like this longer story and was not disappointed. In my opinion it is far superior to the others. It not only has much literary merit but has that "human interest" touch which makes a story linger in our memory for a long time. Compared with most modern books it is clean and wholesome, the few intrusions of sex matters being handled with a delicate skill unknown to, or at least unpracticed by, many modern writers. To most readers a story must have some appeal beyond its literary merits. To some the plot is everything, to others plenty of action. Some enjoy living through the story with the characters, if they are real and life-like while others like to have their emotions stirred, fear, anger, grief, joy, surprise, yearning, and so forth. It is the element of suspense, chiefly, running though "The Storm and the Silence" which intrigues the reader and induces him to drop all other reading till the book is finished. We wonder how it can be made to end satisfactorily. And yet we must read slowly as we live through the mental and physical struggle of the chief character. Mr. Walker has a fresh and original style and tells his story in such a simple and interesting manner that it is difficult to believe that he is not a writer of long experience. The scene of the story is laid in Scotland, that rugged land where the author spent his boyhood. Without laborious descriptions but with short sentences and paragraphs throughout the book we are given vivid picture of the moors and fens and murky hills where once we wandered in the happy hours of our youth with the sterling and lovable characters of Sir Walter Scott. The appropriateness of the title and the beauty of the prologue will be appreciated when you have finished the book. In my opinion "the Storm and the Silence" is a fine book and worthy of a place in any library. The book, printed in excellent type and with fine quality of paper, is published by Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, and is now on sale at all bookstores. The best I can wish the author is that it may sell a million copies.

St. Croix Courier

Dec 15, 1949

Shiretown items

Sixty Years Ago Today

I am sure there will be few readers who can look back and say that they definitely remember Dec. 10, 1889. To me, however, that is one of the outstanding dates in history. It was the day on which my father and mother, with my brother, my sister and myself moved to St. Andrews from Debec Junction, Carleton County. We talk much about the seasons changing and about the old-fashioned winters we used to have. Today the ground is covered with snow and the temperature away below the freezing point. I have a clear recollection of the same date 60 years ago. The streets were bare, the sun was bright and the day was mild. This new world with all its unfamiliar surroundings made a deep and lasting impression on my youthful mind. I had never seen the sea before but loved it at first sight. We moved into a house on the immediate Harbourfront and I used to stand on the bank by the hour watching the rise and fall of the tides and listening to the wild cry of the seagulls. When the tide was out, I filled my pockets with curious seashells. I had a great admiration for the larger ones with the delicate coils and spirals and their variegated colors. To the native boy they were just common periwinkles but to me they were works of art and a never-ending cause for wonder. I would hold them to my ear and listen for that message from some far-off land which I had been told could thus be heard. No message was ever heard in a physical sense but to my receptive mood, perhaps, there may have come some communication not realized nor understood, which gave me my first glimpse of truth and reality and filled me with a lasting respect and reverence for that great First Cause. St. Andrews, which seemed a big town to me then, had many other features so different from the small inland village from which I had come. I marveled at the long streets, wide and straight, and with their coat of red sandstone from the nearby beach, glowing brightly in the sunshine. I loved the smell of burning driftwood with its salty tang. I enjoyed standing in the door of the smoked filled room across the street where herring and haddock were being cured for local and foreign markets, I admired the proud ships riding in the harbor and sailed with them in my imagination to the far corners of the earth. Many changes, some for the better, some for the worse, have occurred in life here during the past sixty years, but the natural and many other attractions have remained. These allurements, so difficult to explain or even to understand, have so affected my life, that, rather than to go elsewhere where money is to be made in my chosen vocation, I have elected to remain here to eke out a precious existence, exposed to the hazards of poverty and the consequent insecurities of old age. On gloomy days I have consoled myself with the thought that prosperity and security are not the highest aims in life. As to what these aims are, how closely we may have approached them or how greatly we may have failed, it is not for us as individuals to say, but I can say this - that, in spite of its vicissitudes I can look back on a full and happy life and that I would not exchange St. Andrews, as it is, for any spot on the face of the earth.