Item
G. F. Stickney passed his watch and houseware business on to his son G. Harold who after his father's death in 1892 turned it into a very profitable and fashionable china store specializing in Wedgwood ware, as the excerpts below emphasize.
G. F. Stickney passed his watch and houseware business on to his son G. Harold who after his father's death in 1892 turned it into a very profitable and fashionable china store specializing in Wedgwood ware, as the excerpts below emphasize.
Beacon
Aug 6/1891
One of the shops contains as fine an assortment of he beautiful Jasper and Wedgwood ware as we often see in the largest establishments of our principal cities, and at much lower prices, from the fact that the duties are much less. There were also some fine specimens of the English terra cotta, which might stand as a substitute for the beautiful Copenhagen ware were it not that the latter is of much finer finish and the designs classical instead of Mexican.
Beacon
Aug. 27/1891
Howells in one of his novels, says that a "woman is a natural born smuggler." Perhaps that is the reason why a little store in St. Andrews, where Wedgwood ware is sold has such an attraction for American lady visitors. —Eastport Sentinel
Beacon
Sept 3/1891
The President's Vacation. His Travels, Pleasure and Adventures. Pittsfield, Mass., Sun.
Quaint little houses border the streets, shingled mostly from ground to ridge board, weather-beaten and old. There was formerly a great business done here in shipping, lumbering, boating and fishing, and these odd little houses are the former domiciles of woodmen, mechanics and sailors. The business seems to have largely died away, but the cottages are here and most of them have windows filled with flower pots and little door yards with old-fashioned flowers and tangles of wild rose. Shops are not many— simply the country stores to supply the practical wants of the population but every summer an art crockery store is opened to sell souvenirs to tourists. The shop is well filled by exquisite things from French, English and Irish potteries and as there is no duty the prices are very tempting. The shell-like Belleek Ware, the Worcester, Devonshire, Wedgwood and other fancy wares are not above half Boston prices. Wedgwood is the favorite with buyers. Pittsfield people will see some good examples of it at Mr. Mills' store on North Street, and the President is so captivated with its beautiful blue color and its cameo like carvings of mythological gods and goddesses that he defies the law and buys an armful. Old Josiah Wedgwood, who invented this ware in 1600, and made fame and fortune with his bowls and cups and vases and pitchers with their profiles of kings and statesmen and actresses upon them, would have smiled out loud if he could have seen the President guarding his treasures from the inquisitive eyes of the customs men. It transpired that the revenue guards knew all about it, but at their discretion let slip the little samples and presents the tourists buy. His teacup and bowl, wreathed with exquisite carvings telling a tale he will have to look up in the Iliad or the wanderings of Ulysses were perfectly safe, and he need not have carried them so furtively and secretly in his high Derby hat.
Beacon
July 7/1892
The first excursion of the season came up from Eastport on Friday last. The excursionists lunched at the Algonquin, visited the Wedgwood store, and returned home in the afternoon.
Beacon
July 14/1892
The Wedgwood business is not to be confined to the Stickney store. Mr. John S. Magee has imported a large variety of Wedgwood, Royal Irish Belleek and Royal Worcester, and by next week will have it on display in his store. Down in Campobello, the Tyn-y-coed is doing a big summer business. Delicious homemade candy has become a prominent feature of the Magee store.
Beacon
Aug 25/1892
Stickney's Wedgwood store is the centre of attraction for excursionists. On Friday last there was such a crowd that many were obliged to go away without making a purchase.
Beacon
Oct 6, 1892
G. Harold Stickney is adding to his store by building an ell and taking in a large room at the rear, when finished will give him ample room to show his fine stock of Wedgwood, etc. [took over from father, recently deceased]
Beacon
Dec 1/1892
The Stickney Wedgwood Store has lately been enlarged. It is now double the size that it was. It is pleasing to note this evidence of business prosperity.
Beacon
May 11/1893
The Stickney Wedgwood store has added a great many beautiful things to its stock of fancy ware this season to please the summer visitor.
Beacon
June 1/1893
A handsome flag staff has been erected in front of the Stickney building. It extends 47 feet above the roof. The staff was fashioned and put in place by David Mc Robert s and his sturdy sons.
Beacon
July 6/1893
The Stickney Wedgwood store is again the centre of attraction for the summer tourist. It is doubtful if there is another business house in Canada which carries so big a stock of Wedgwood as does the Stickney store.
Beacon
July 26/1894
On Monday night, a brilliant euchre party assembled in the Algonquin parlors on the invitation of Mrs. Wheeler, of Montreal. The ladies wore their most beautiful dresses and their most captivating smiles, and the gentlemen—there is an abundance of good-looking summer men here this year—were as gallant as gallants could be. Everything passed off pleasantly. When the party was finished, and the prizes distributed light refreshments were served. . . . A tennis tournament has been begun on the Algonquin tennis court. There are between twenty and thirty entries . . . . (Elegant prizes from Stickney's Wedgwood store)
Beacon
Aug 2/1894
Prize for local tennis tournament at hotel a Wedgwood tobacco jar.
Beacon
Aug 22/1895
Seasonable Pleasures
. . . The fifth progressive euchre party on Monday, managed by the youth and beauty of the Algonquin was, as might be expected, the most successful of the season. Seventy-six players in brilliant and varied costume assembled to do honor to the occasion, and the play was most spirited lasting two hours. The prizes, eight in number, were artistic and well chose—gems in Dresden and Wedgwood China, unique embroidery and silver novelties from the Whiting Company, New York, giving pleasure to all, more particularly to the winners—Mrs. Hetherington and Miss Lynch, of Philadelphia; Ms. And Miss Gardiner and Miss Wheelock, of Boston; Miss Hill, of New York; Mr. Bertie Smith of Compton, P.Q., and Mr. Van Horne, of Montreal.
Beacon
Sept 12/1895
The cake-walk and donkey party given on Friday evening, by the attendants at the Algonquin was a decided success in every particular. Prof. Rooney rendered some very fine selections most enjoyable to all. the judges pronounced Miss Rose Gibson and Mr. George Bollbrecht, the chef, winners of the beautiful cake bearing the name of the house in large white letters encircled by an artistically arranged wreath of pansies. the room was tastefully decorated with an abundance of flowers, flags of different nations and Japanese lanterns of various colors. Preceding the cakewalk a presentation was made to Mr. John Messer, the baker, of a few pieces of Wedgwood as a token of esteem in which he was held.
Beacon
Dec 16/1897
Stickney brothers have dissolved partnership. Harold Stickney will carry on the business.
Beacon
Sept 1/1899
The Old Fake
The old moss covered fake of the imprisoned soldier of fortune, who knows where a pile of money is secreted, but who hasn't got enough cash of his own or the opportunity to prosecute the search himself, is still on its travels. Last week it floated in to St. Andrews in a letter written in French addressed to Mr. G. H. Stickney, US consular agent. The writer, who was imprisoned in the Cuban fortress, wanted a reliable party with a few dollars to whom he could impart his secret of hidden wealth. As Mr. Stickney has more money now than he knows what to do with, he concluded that he would not accept the Cuban's dazzling offer.
Beacon
Sept 18/1902
Stickney's Wedgwood Store
G. Harold Stickney, Prop.
the enterprise carried on by Mr. G. Harold Stickney, and popularly known as Stickney's Wedgwood Store, is worthy of more than ordinary mention at our hands, first, because it is of very long standing, and second, because it is one of the most popular, especially among out of town visitors, doing business in St. Andrews. It was founded by the late George F. Stickney about 60 years ago, and conducted by him until 1892, when at his death he was succeeded by his sons, G. H. and John M. Stickney. Mr. G. H. Stickney assumed control in 1897. the premises occupied are large, well lighted an neatly arranged and the stock carried includes a fine line of china goods, but glss, fine cutlery, watches, clocks and jewellery articles, silver and plated war, perfumery and an especially fine line of souvenirs and novelties for tourist. Mr. Stickney is a direct importer of the commodities mentioned and has always made it a point to have something attractive to offer, and at the same time to quite prices within the reach of all. That this is appreciated is seen by the patronage he controls. Mr. Stickney is a native of St. Andrews and was brought up and educated here. . . . Mr. G. H. Stickney, at the death of his father, in 1892, succeeded him as consul agent to the United States, and has filled said position ever since in a most satisfactory and able manner.
Beacon
May 9/1907
G. H. Stickney showing souvenir plates in blue with views of St. Andrews, St. Stephen, Calais and Eastport. Central picture Sir William Van Horne's residence.
Beacon
Jan 27/1910
A Good Old-Fashioned Time
Eastport Citizen—The days of Admiral and Mrs. Owen were recalled by the older residents of Campobello recently, when the old Owen homestead was thrown open, and Mr. and Mrs. Merriman tendered an old fashioned housewarming by the people of the island. The height of good cheer prevailed. Fred and Henry Mulholland with their fiddles kept all hands on the move, for when a Mulholland fiddles, to keep still is impossible. Fore and afters, contras, and step dances followed in rapid succession until midnight when the dining room was thrown open and the fiddlers and dancers stopped long enough to feast first their eyes, then the inner man, on long tables laden with whole roast pigs, fowl and other good things. Richard Farmer on behalf of the guests presented Mrs. Merriman with a handsome piece of Wedgwood, and three rousing cheers were given for host and hostels. After supper dancing was resumed and continued until the wee small hours.
St. Andrews Beacon
Aug 19/1915
Social Life of St. Andrews
We print in another part of this issue an account of the Patriotic Entertainment given in the Andraeleo Hall on Wednesday evening of last week, the proceeds of which were handed to the local branch of the Red Cross Society. The entertainment was projected, arranged and carried out by the summer residents of the town, though much assistance was given by the President of the local Society, Mrs. G. H. Stickney, and other members. The entertainment was probably the best ever given in St. Andrews, and the large Hall was filled to its utmost capacity by delighted and enthusiastic audience. Too much praise cannot be given to Lady Tait for the genius and untiring energy she displayed in promoting the entertainment and in making it the great success it was.
Perhaps the not least pleasing feature of the event was the bringing together on this occasion the summer visitors and the townspeople. It has been a matter of comment in the past there is very little community of feeling and interest between the temporary and permanent residents; and that purely local entertainments are never patronized by cottagers and hotel guests. The Red Cross entertainment ought to be a forerunner of the closer association of visitors with the people of the Town, and a participation in their social life and amusements. A more intimate acquaintance would undoubtedly prove to be a source of mutual satisfaction to visitors and townspeople alike.
Concert at Andraeleo Hall in aid of Red Cross Society. An "Allied Nations Tableau" in the second part, with countries represented in significant attitudes by various ladies. Eg. Italy by Miss Ethel Forgan, Ireland by Miss. M. Shaughnessy, and France by Miss Winnifred Tait.
Algonquin orchestra was there: "certainly deserve a warm note of thanks for the way they accompanied all the songs, dances and marches, and the splendid music they rendered at the opening of the first and second parts of the programme."
"The entertainment was projected, arranged and carried out by the summer residents of the Town, though much assistance was given by the President of the local society, Mrs. G. H. Stickney, and other members."
—on unusual and commendable coming together of summer and permanent residents.
Beacon (f9823)
Sept 21/1918
The Renowned Shops in Charlotte County
Hill's Linen Shop in St. Stephen
Stickney's Wedgwood
The other enterprise of which we wish to speak is the famous Wedgwood House of Mr. G. Harold Stickney, in St. Andrews. Mr. Stickney's father, the late G. F. Stickney, was a working jeweller who came from Saint John many years ago and opened a jewellery and hardware store. those who knew the store forty or fifty years ago, and up to the time of the late Mr. Stickney's death in 1892, will remember the wonderful stock to be found there, not always displayed in elaborate show cases, but produced, in request, from drawers and receptacles beneath the counter. Mr. Stickney was a man of artistic tastes, and by a fortunate chance he became interested in the products of the famous Wedgwood pottery in Etruria, Stoke-upon-Trent, Staffordshire, England. Gradually, year b year, Mr. Stickney increased his purchases from this famous pottery, and in the course of time his tore became known throughout America as the place where Wedgwood ware could be found in greater variety than in any other place on the continent, and often people came here for the sole purpose of buying one or more pieces of "Wedgwood" that could not be obtained elsewhere. On the death of Mr. Stickney, senior, the business was taken over by his son, the present proprietor, who has gradually dropped out of the hardware and jewellery business and devoted most of his time to the business of pottery], of which the products of Etruria form the most conspicuous part. We speak whereof we know when we say that not even in London itself can be found such a collection of "Wedgwood" as can be seen any day in Wedgwood House in St. Andrews. The sock is not entirely the product of the famous Staffordshire pottery, but wares made in other renowned English potteries are also carried. Nobody visits St. Andrews without making at least one purchase of the famous Wedgwood tableware or ornament, and it ever afterwards remains a valuable souvenir and household possession
We may repeat a story of Wedgwood pottery that some readers may not have heard, or having heard, may have forgotten. A daughter of Josiah Wedgwood, the founder of the pottery at Etruria, was married to Isaac Darwin the father of the more famous Charles Darwin. Isaac Darwin was a physician, and in the course of his practice acquired the belief that most human ills had their origin in the stomach and were caused by people bolting their food without proper mastication. To impress this fact on his family and guests he had his father-in-law make for him a dinner set on every plate of which was displayed the admonition MASTICATE, DENTICATE, CHUMP, CHEW AND SWALLOW. We do not think Mr. Stickney happens to have any replicas of those plates in stock.
Beacon
Nov 16/1918
St. Andrews Celebrates
The glad news of the signing of the armistice reached St. Andrews at 7:30 on Monday morning, and immediately the Town Bell began to peal, and was soon joined by the several church bells, all of them being rung at intervals throughout the day. All day the citizens were hard at work decorating their premises, the streets and public buildings in preparation for the demonstration on Tuesday, which was proclaimed a Public Holiday by the Mayor.
Tuesday was a glorious day, in every sense of the word, the sun shining brightly in a cloudless sky from rising to setting, and the night was equally fine, the weather being unusually mild for the season of the year. The ending of the long and bloody world war, in which so many of her brave sons had borne a gallant part, and alas! So many of them had sacrificed their lives, brought great rejoicing to St. Andrews. Every heart was filled with joy, and it was manifested in the most remarkable demonstrations ever held in the Old Shiretown or in any other place in Charlotte County. The decorations of the streets, public buildings sores, and private residences and grounds were on an elaborate scale, and most artistic. Where all were so fine it would be invidious to particularize, but the windows of the stores of Mr. Edwin Odell and Mr. G. H. Stickney are certainly entitled to special mention. The illuminations at night were particularly fine, especially on Water Street, the colored electric lights festooning the streets by the Market Square being the most conspicuous. /The lights were furnished from the dynamo of Mr. Davis's Picture show, and Mr. A. W. Mason is entitled to much praise and thanks for their beautiful installation.
St. Croix Courier
March 27/1919
G. Harold Stickney is at work again after an illness of three weeks.
St. Croix Courier
April 15/1937
John M. Peacock Retiring After 41 Years as Golf Pro. Laid out both of the sporty courses at St. Andrews when Club was established and taught several pros now distinguished in their own right. Succeeded by Archie Skinner, recently at Digby. Also in charge of course until 1921, when so busy CPR hired superintendent. Outstanding disciples—Arnold Mears, Charlie Stinson, C. B. Ross, Jack Stickney, George Stickney, Archie Skinner, Bruce Stinson. Archie Skinner, 23, born in St. Andrews Scotland but here since 1921. Holds course record of 68 at Digby.
St. Croix Courier
Sept 7/1939
Shiretown Items
Historic Landmark
Another of the old landmarks is being torn down, the building last occupied by the Hum Wing laundry, and considered by most authorities as having been one of the original loyalist homes. As far back as any of the oldest residents whom we saw can recall, is when the owner was Nathan Treadwell, an undertaken who made caskets as well as conducted funerals. After Mr. Treadwell's death the property came into the possession of one of his daughters who had married William Sharpe. The children of this family moved away from St
Andrews about forty years ago and Owen Rigby, a widower of Mrs. Sharpe's sister, occupied the premises for a time doing undertaking work. Later the property was bought by Dr. H. P. O'Neil, who recently sold it to the Quoddy Coal Company. Nathan Treadwell was an uncle of Harold Stickney, an octogenarian of Wedgwood fame, having married a sister of Harold's mother. Nathan was also a brother of John Treadwell, grandfather of Fred Treadwell, now the only one of that name in St. Andrews. Fred's great-grandfather, William, came to St. Andrews about 1800, moving here from Maugerville, New Brunswick., where he had been given a grant of land along with other loyalists. He married a daughter of Colonel Peck, then living at Campobello, and built a home here on the lot, now vacant, between the home of Jack Thompson and the O'Neill property on Water Street. At that time there was a open air skating rink where the O'Neill and Garnett properties now stand, and a few yards from the present location of the St. Andrews Arena. John Treadwell built the house where Fred now lives and installed a system of waterworks by means of a wooden aqueduct leading from a well about three blocks distant on the property now owned by Robert Stinson, on Montague Street.
St. Croix Courier
March 21/1940
Shiretown Items
Fairly Accurate
This unfortunate reporter having been confined to his home last week with a severe cold and all the delightful complications that attend this pestiferous plague, of necessity missed the regular meeting of the Kiwanis club and in consequence is unable to give the usual eye-witness report. A few gleanings obtained since from various members are somewhat conflicting and may not be too reliable. By a remarkable coincidence the regular pianist was absent from the meeting with exactly similar symptoms to those of the reporter, and the musical part of the program was conducted by volunteers. The first contestant played Beethoven. Beethoven lost. After several others had taken their turn at the piano with varying success, but without disastrous results, the star performer, of the evening whose name we shall not disclose, but whom for the purpose of future reference we shall designate "the captain," advanced on the instrument. Rolling up his sleeves and passing his fingers thoughtfully through the locks of grey, he took his place on the bench with the air of an old master. Running his fingers lightly, if somewhat unmusically, over the keyboard he groped for "The Lost Chord." Crash! Not a tremendous, soul-stirring chord, but a rending and splintering of wood and iron! The bench collapsed into a dozen pieces and the captain was cast full length upon the floor! The lost chord was never found. I had difficulty in getting details on the speaker for the evening. My first informant told me that eh subject was "Weights and Measures," and said the talk was given by H. Stickney, chairman of the hose committee, whose epicurean taste has been responsible for the fine variety of menus being followed of late. He said the chairman felt that altogether too much food was being consumed and explained that it had become necessary to ration the members of the club according to age, weight, waist measurement and general capacity. Being a little doubtful about this report, which was told with tongue in cheek, I inquired further and learned tha the talk was given by the President, W. J. Rollins, who, as a registered druggist knows all about weights and measures.
St. Croix Courier
April 4. 1940
Other Days
Older readers have frequently expressed appreciation of occasional items about the old day which have appeared in this column, and I think they will be interested to know that through the kindness of Robert Cockburn, I hope to have an item once each month, based on entries in a diary kept by his father, E. A. Cockburn from 1893 up to the time of his recent passing. The entries as a rule are brief but whenever possible further details will be given. Two entries which should be of general interest to older readers appear in April 1893. On April 3rd, the "Musical and Literary Society gave a public concert." I assure many present readers were members of that society. They held weekly meetings in the Town Hall, and gave frequent public entertainments. Lorne Thompson, now deceased, was janitor, and I was his unpaid assistant. I have a clear recollection of rehearsals in the hall, but do not recall attending any public entertainments. Probably didn't have the price. The other entry is on April 25th, G. H. Stickney and Minnie Odell were married and the Band serenaded them." Remember? I was one of the boys sitting on the fence. Two or three hundred people were gathered there that night, but where are they now? Walter Stickney, a boy in his teens, but an excellent cornetist, was leading the band. Did you notice the big wink Joe Handy gave Charlie Kennedy when the band was invited to partake of refreshment? Both these fine bandsmen have long since passed on. Mr. and Mrs. Stickney are both living and reasonably active. Congratulations on your forty-seventh anniversary!
St. Croix Courier
Jan 23/1941
Shiretown Items
Other Days and a Story
Interesting letters have been received from Walter Stickney of Dorchester, Mass., and from Sgt. Major W. F. McStay of Moncton. The item of old-time football awakened Mr. Stickney a memory and he definitely settles the date of the first organization of football here on the fall of 1893. He remembers the first game played here with St. Stephen on Heenan's green, which was won by St Andrews, and ended in a fight. He does not say who won the fight—it probably was a no-decision contest. Mr. MacStay's interest was aroused by the story of the old St. Andrews Rifle Club, and he write a letter full of reminiscences of those far-off days. He was a small child at the time, and his father was in the Gordon Regiment. He says the alarm which caused so much excitement and hurrying to and fro was caused by a British warship at anchor in the harbor firing a salvo of blank shots in the middle of the night as an experiment. It evidently worked as everyone though the Fenians were coming. Once while Mr. McStay's father was on guard duty at Joe's Point he heard a boat grounding on the beach. He challenged "Who goes there?" to which the answer was "Bottles." "Advance Bottles," said the guard, "and draw the cork!" I had heard the story before but had never heard the name of the originator. Neither have I ever heard whether or not 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.
St. Croix Courier
March 12, 1942
Shiretown Items
Some Local History
When a reader writes a long letter—twenty closely written pages of ordinary sized "notepaper—and begins it "Just as soon as the Courier comes I turn to the Shiretown Items", when he states that he is old enough to clearly remember the Saxby Gale (1869), when he tells of many interesting personal experiences during his boyhood and youth spent here; and when he says that although he has covered a lot of ground since leaving St. Andrews he has never found a place that he liked as well as the old home town, it seems that his letter should have public recognition. The wrier was W. F. McStay, now living in Moncton. I have never known nor met this old friend of St. Andrews as he left here before I came in 1889, but if he ever visits here I hope he will look me up. He says he had a letter recently from William Brown, another native son probably remembered by the older folks before my time. Mr. Brown's father was Collector of Customs here and Thomas Stinson whom we younger fellows can well remember as a customs officer began work with him. Mr. McStay was living at the corner of Princess Royal and Carleton streets at the time of the big gale. He says every shade tree in town was uprooted and flattened to the ground. He was much interested in the picture of Fort Tipperary, appearing recently in the Courier, and remembers the band that used to practice there. He says there were 400 soldiers stationed there at one time and his grandfather Dr. McStay was the army doctor. He as a vivid recollection of wonderful coasting on Kirk Hill, of wharves lined with ships, loading or unloading; of sham fights the solders used to have; of marching to the cemetery and back on a soft day in winter with a new pair of shoes which were ruined. He remembers Harold Stickney's father, who also just have been musician as the writers claims he could swear by note. The old armory, destroyed by fire, had a wonderful bell. It could be heard, in St. Stephen when the wind was blowing upriver. After the fire the bell was melted down and everybody in town had a ring made from it, cast by Mike McMonagle at his foundry. (I wonder if anybody in town has one of those old rings!) Mr. McStay speaks of Jim Handy, organizer of fox hunts on Minister's Island; of the launching of the Annie P. Odell; of single scull races between Bob Brown and Harry Jones in their fifty-foot racing shells. Mr. McStay worked in the machine shop here and recalls the names of some more of the old wood-burner locomotives, the "Shamrock," the "thistle," the "Rose" and the "Manners Sutton." He remembers the old river boats including the Belle Brown. When the weather was thick Eber Polleys was engaged to stand on the wharf and blow bugle-calls in answer to the steamer's whistle so she could find her way in. . . . Mr. McStay tells of an interesting local incident connected with the so-called "Trent Affair," of 1861 as told to him by his father who was an eyewitness. The people of St. Andrews had known nothing of this affair which nearly caused war between United States and Great Britain and were much surprised when a British troop ship steamed in to the harbour. Several hundred soldiers were put ashore and formed on at Gove's Hall near the depot headed by a military band. They marched to the head of the town, then down again with fixed bayonets, the band playing and the soldiers singing, "We'll grease our bayonets on the Rebels 'way down in Dixie." Then they boarded the train with the local inhabitants none the wiser, but after a few days they were back again, boarded their ship and sailed away never to return. The Trent affair, thanks to wise heads, had been settled amicably.
St. Croix Courier
April 9, 1942
Shiretown Items
A Century in Business
Harold Stickney is quietly celebrating the hundredth anniversary of the business establishment now known as the "Stickney Wedgwood Store." His father, George, F. Stickney, came here and started a jewellery and watch-making business in 1842. His first shop was in the building now owned by Wren's Drug Store. When he married a local girl they moved into the building next door and carrying on the business in ship underneath. It was in this building that Harold was born. Mr. Stickney gradually introduced other liens and was the first dealer in St. Andrews to sell lamps and kerosene. Up to that time everybody "rolled their own," chiefly from tallow—only the more well-to-do could afford wax candles. During the past few years Harold's greatest ambition has been to stick it out for the centenary. He has now safely passed the mark and is going strong o the second hundred. His father was in business 48 years and Harold has been carrying on at the present stand for 52 years, which in truth is a long time. We extend heartiest congratulations and best wishes for the years go come.
St. Croix Courier
June 4, 1942
Shiretown Items
Former Householders
The old folks were interested in the list of householders of fifty years ago and several came forward to supply the missing names. Those omitted were Walter Leonard, Alex McMullin, Ann Falls, Thomas McGrath. Thomas Healey, Isaac Snodgrss, Mr. Beckerton (or James Glass) in the house now occupied by Malcolm McFarlane. Here is the other side of the street at that period as nearly as I can recall it: Miss Smith, Michael McMonagle, Henry Quinn, James Hines, Wheeler Mallock (?), Ben Petrie, Patsy Sheehan, Mrs. Stinson (?), Herb Ross, Henry O'Neill, Obadiah Conley, Nathan Treadwell, blank, Robert Billings, Russell Maloney, Miss Clark, Guthrie Treadwell, Hanford Thurber, John Burton, Edwin Saunders, Fletcher Stevenson , Harry Williamson, John S. Magee, Thomas Williamson, Mrs. Clark, G. H. Stickney, Albert Shaw, Sheriff Stuart, S. H. Rigby, Ann Hatch, blank, Mr. McLaughlin, Miss Morrison, blank, James Henderson, William Ross, James Ross, John McFarlane (?), Jim McConvey, John Friars, Fred Topp, blank, John Jackson, James Powers.
St. Croix Courier
Feb 25/1943
Shiretown Items
Fat Man's Race
In conversation with some old-timers the other day we got talking of local sprinters of the past. One man present could recall when Harold Stickney and Henry Swift were the to-notches at the hundred-yard distance. In m own youth Walter Stickney led the field with Charlie Richardson next, while Fannie Black, a girl prisoner, and myself came next in order. The caretaker of the Public Building here who was present, said he saw quite a race one morning last summer between Walter Stickney and John Ross. These now corpulent gentlemen met one morning before seven o'clock just under the window where Herb was shaking out his dust cloth. After a few preliminary remarks about the weather John said he understood that Walter used to be quite fast runner in his youth. Walter opined that he still could beat any one of his size or age (waist 48, age 65). So they proceeded to the head of the nearby public wharf (to avoid traffic as they expressed it) and stripped to pants and shirt braces and socks. They tried to assume the crouch, considered the most correct and fastest position for a start, but their mutual embonpoint interfered, so they decided on the semi-erect style which was at least more comfortable. At the word "go," after a count of three, they were off, flags flying and arms flapping. At the thirty-yard mark, John measured his full length (or width) on the wharf. These gentlemen little thought that they had a spectator to the juvenile performance and had some great explaining to do when they got back. They both claimed the race. John said Walter got the start of him but tripped him as he attempted to go past when he got up speed. An attempt will be made to match the pair again this summer to definitely decide who is the faster man.
St. Croix Courier
Aug 19/1943
Shiretown Items
Business on north side of Water Street between King and William in 1880. In the corner building where Cockburn's drug store is now situated was a residence occupied by G. F. Campbell. Next to the shop now occupied by Cottage Craft was the Post Office. The public stood on the sidewalk to receive their mail from a small wicket about 8 by 10 inches. Richard Keay was office clerk. In the shop now unoccupied was Mrs. Ingraham's Candy Shop. Next, where the Wren's Drug Store now does business was Whitlock's Hardware Store run by John Polleys. The next building, now Hewitt's restaurant, was Eddie Saunders' Fruit and Candy. Next to that was Thomas Milligan's Candy, Schoolbooks and Stationery. In the next to Mrs. Collins, with furnishings and woollen goods was Ms. Hanson's Cobbling Shop with a small stock of boots and shoes. Stickney's Jewellery and Watch Repair came next. The store is still in the family, being at present under the management of Walter Stickney with a stock of Wedgwood. The next shop, now Mr. Dougherty's Restaurant, was occupied by another Mrs. Ingraham, with a Confectionary, Cakes and Pastry. The next shop, now Earl McCaughey's Law Office, which was occupied in 1890 by Cockburn's Drug Store, was not listed. The store on the corner, now the Maritime Electric Headquarters, was a grocery store run by Barnum Campbell. The only business places above William Street at the present time are McDowell's Variety store on the corner, Hazen McDowell Barber next, and further uptown on the next block, McQuoid's Service Station and Taxi Stand. At the time of which my correspondent writes there were thirteen grog shops in St. Andrews, where a schooner of beer could be had for nickel, a glass of hard liquor for a dime, and a square-face of Holland gin for 60 cents. Now liquor is sold under government control, and because of war-time restrictions we are limited to 12 pints of beer per week, one quart of hard liquor per month, and one quart of wine per week.
August 15, 1952
McLeans Magazine
The Salty Spell of St. Andrews
Ian Sclanders
. . .
Fraser Keay, the mayor of St. Andrews, and Jack Stickney both have china stores with plates priced up to fifty-five dollars apiece and dinner sets priced up to two thousand dollars. Stickney's shop was started by a relative who wore, on special occasions, a silver suit. For extra-special occasions, he had a gold suit. Among the summer folks of his day was Charles Bonaparte, great grandnephew of Napoleon, and they vied with each other in sartorial in splendor. Charles had a white umbrella.
Courier
Oct 5/1972
By All Rights—St. Andrews is Where It Is. Boston Globe. .
. . .
Businesses mentioned: Stickney's (local agency for Wedgwood China since 1842), Sea Captain's Loft (Spade, Royal Copenhagen, Scotch stoneware, only registered Cdn gov. outlet for Eskimo prints and carvings), Cottage Craft, St. Andrews Woolens, block away, Shiretown ($ 12 to 14 per day) for single. Huntsman has small aquarium. Conley's Lobster Company largest live lobster distributing plant in world (12 million pounds of lobster every year). Pounds capable of handling 2 million lobster. Own restaurant next door.