Articles collected from February 3rd, 1949 - April 26th, 1949
Page Content
THE
DORITTY - BISHOP RESIDENCE
Before leaving the Eastern Ward, I should like to mention a few of the people who lived in the Up-Town Section of the Ward. In the house at the corner of King and Platoff Streets, there lived the Doritty Family. We school kids were often sent to this house for a pail of drinking water from the school, as this house had a good well. John V. Doritty was a Painter and was Captain of No. 1 Company of the 19th Regiment, while my father was First Lieutenant. Jack and his family moved to Buffalo and the property was acquired by Jack Bishop, one of the Town's leading citizens for many years. Two of his sons still occupy the property. For some years, they had a Canning Factory on the premises, the building in which the business was conducted still standing in the rear of the residence.
THE
TAYLOR RESIDENCE
The Taylor Family had the next property on King Street. Three of the men of this family were well known. Oliver was a Blacksmith and a good one. His last place of residence was the house on Platoff Street now owned by Will Lavelle. Oliver was at one time Provincial Constable, stationed at the Steamboat Wharf and later on, was Fishery Overseer. Dick Taylor, the youngest of the men was quite a man. He had a Boathouse Business for years and at one time was the Lessee of the Town Park, he being the one who called it "Simcoe Park." Dick also was later Lessee of Lakeside Park at Port Dalhousie and made quite a success of the various businesses, although he had very little education.
THE
RICHARDSON FAMILY
In the next house lived the Richardsons. The first of this family that I remember was Red Richardson, an elderly man who went about on crutches. He was a Tailor by trade. His son Bill only passed away a few years ago. Bill was a Carpenter and a good one at that, who plied his trade in and about this Town from early manhood until a short time before his decease. He served three years in Town Council. He was a man with a good sense of humour and was one who always took an interest in public affairs.
His son William the 2nd bought the building next door and converted it into a dwelling, wherein he spent all of his married life. This building was formerly the barn of Long's Hotel and was the scene of a messy suicide. One of Long's boarders borrowed a shotgun from one of the Taylors and spread his brains all over the interior of the barn where his body was found by the same Will Richardson, then only a boy. Will was Foreman Carpenter at Niagara Camp during the late War and had much of the oversight of all the construction work there, which work has now gone into the limbo of forgotten things.
THE
CLOCKENBURG FAMILY
On the other side of this block, facing Davy Street lived the Clockenburg Family. John, the first of the name, came from Schleswick-Holstein and was in the Danish Army when the province was gobbled up by the Prussians in 1864. John told me that his Regiment was paraded before King Christian who addressed them and told them that any man who did not wish to fight against the Prussians were at liberty to step out of the ranks, "And", said John, "Ve all stepped out. Ve couldn't fight against de Fadderland." He said the old King cried like a child when they left him. Soon after that, John came to Canada and settled in our Town, where he raised a large family. We find him listed in the Roster of Niagara's No. 1 Company of the 19th Lincoln Regiment and among the Veterans of the Fenian Raids. John was a fine figure of a man, sporting a large mustache and side-whiskers. I think I see him in his scarlet tunic, proudly wearing his Sergeant's scarlet sash. John was for many years, Caretaker of the Fire Hall. His oldest son, John the 2nd was quite a man, a handy man. He had very little schooling but was a fair Carpenter.
He served for a time as Health Inspector and was zealous and efficient in the discharge of his duties. The family is all gone, although I think the oldest is still alive in Buffalo.
None of the land of the Eastern Ward was included in the original Town Survey, which began at the corner of Front and King Streets, which is Lot No. 1. This portion of the Town was laid out in half-acre Lots, there being 64 of these, 32 being Dr. Rigg's Lot and 64 at Field's. The rest of the Town Plot was laid out in acre lots, numbering up to 4l2.
THE McCORMICK FIRST BANK
Lot No. 1 when I first remember it, had only one house and a barn on it. Now there are five houses on it. This original house, now the home of Walter Reid, is quite historical, as it was the site of the first Bank, operated by Thomas McCormick. Not so many years ago, the barn had a large gilt-lettered sign "Savings Bank," on its street end. There were quarters for a coachman in the street end of the barn. Here also, was the one end of the first telephone line, which I have mentioned elsewhere.
THE JARVIS - COLEMAN - SPENCER HOUSE
The part of the lot next on Front Street was bought by Colonel Jarvis of Toronto, who took down the barn and built a one-story cottage on the site. I helped my father-in-law to put in the stone foundation of this cottage in 190l. Later on, the late John Coleman bought it and put a second story on it. After John died, his widow and their adopted daughter ran a Boarding House there for some years. The property is now owned by Miss Mary Spencer.
THE BLACK - TROUNCE HOUSE
The next house was built by William Black, who was caretaker at the Queen's Royal for quite a long time. He served two years in Council. This house is now owned by Mrs. Trounce.
THE GEDDES - SPENCER PROPERTIES
On the King Street side, Miss Rosamond Geddes bought the southwesterly end of the lot and built the house on it. It was the family residence, until Miss Geddes married Harry Maddock and made her home in Philadelphia, where she still resides. Miss Geddes was for years Organist of St. Mark's Church and Station Agent for the N. C. R. R., succeeding her father in this position after his death. There is also a small cottage erected late by Miss Spencer and situated between the corner house and the Geddes one. This description so far covers both Lot l and Lot 2. Next along Front Street is a Lot consisting of Lots 3 and 4.
THE
DICKSON - GARRETT - CLARKE - JOHNSON HOUSE
When I was a boy this house stood empty for years and was reported to be haunted, as were most vacant houses in that age. It was owned at one time by J. Geale Dickson and then by H. A. Garrett, who also owned Lots l and 2. Then it was bought by the late Rev. J. S. Clarke, then by Mrs. Johnson who lived in it and dying, willed it to her son Dr. I. R. Johnson, since whose death, it has again changed ownership.
CLOCKENBURG-GRAVISON-ROWLEY-LIBROCK-BROWN-RIGG-WOOD
Along King Street, on Lot 32, there stood at one time, a weather beaten frame building, once known as the "Black Swan Tavern." As I first remember it, it housed two families, the Clockenburgs at the southwesterly end and a Miss Martha Gravison at the other end. After the old lady died and the Clockenburgs moved out, it stood vacant for a long time and was finally burned. It was hinted at the time, that someone wanted to see the new water-works tried out. Any way, it burned. Then in due season, the Town sold the land for unpaid taxes and it was bought by the late S. B. Rowley. Phil Librock bought the northeasterly part of the lot and built the house, now the home of his son. Miss Emma Brown bought the remainder and built the house now owned by Dr. Rigg. After her death, the late Dr. J. F. Rigg bought the place and made some considerable alterations to it. Then he sold part of his lot to Captain Wood who built the next house and lived in it until his decease a few years ago.
The late Dr. J. F. Rigg was a genial, wholesome man, well liked by all his friends. He served as M. O. H. for many years and was a successful medical practitioner. Personally, I felt that I had lost a good friend when he died.
THE COMERS -
SHERWOOD - CLEMENT PROPERTY
The small cottage next door on Prideaux Street was owned by an old sailor named Comer when I was young and he always, on holidays, had all the marine signal flags strung across the street between his house and the Stone Barracks. His wife was a dear old lady and outlived her husband by many long years. They had a grandson Bert who went away from here as a sailor. After the comers were gone, Joe Sherwood bought the house from Mrs. Hannah Clement's estate and Joe lived in it until he bought the house next door where he now lives.
THE
CLAUS FAMILY
This house was the home of the Claus family. Kate, the elder of two sisters, was at one time Organist of St. Mark's when the organ and choir were in the end gallery. Nellie the younger was the leading soprano for some time and had a good voice. Kate later married W. H. J. Evans. They have all long since passed away.
THE FULTON -
BEST - THOMSON - CRUMP - RIGG PROPERTY
The next house used to be occupied by the Fultons. After these people were gone, Miss Fanny Best bought the house and she and her mother lived in it after they sold the house near the Waterworks. Next it was bought by a cousin, the Rev. H. V. Thomson, a retired clergyman. Mr. Thomson was a useful man, teaching a class of boys in Sunday school and helping the Rector every way he could. After his decease, the late Mr. Crump bought it and since his death it has been acquired by Dr. Jack Rigg.
THE
AIKINS - MARSH PROPERTY
Next door lived for a generation, James Aikins with whom we have already made acquaintance, so we need not say much about him. This property is now the home of Col. Fred Marsh, who has just lately made his debut as a Town Councilor. Fred saw service in the late War, and should be a useful man.
THE
BLAIN - GREENE - AND PAULUS PROPERTIES
Around the corner, on Regent Street stands a neglected, forlorn dwelling place, once the home of the Blain Family. I have mentioned Tom Blain in the series on Our Main Street. The family moved to St. Catharines when Tom was appointed Gaoler for the County. Then Mike Greene acquired the place and lived in it until he bought the house on King Street where the family still resides. The small cottage next was a one time the home of John Paulus, who was then caretaker at the Queen's Royal Hotel.
THE JOHN OLIVER FAMILY
In the next block to the northwest, there have been four houses added in my time. At the Front Street corner, Lot 5 is the Oliver home. I remember John Oliver very well. He was a farmer on the farm on the Stone Road, just outside the Town and now owned by the Currie Brothers, being his. John served five years in the Town Council and was reckoned a sound man in that office. He had two daughters, the elder of whom was a nurse and was for years in the employ of the Stillman family. She was blinded in a plane accident in France while travelling with her employers. Both the girls taught Sunday school in St. Mark's. The younger was Secretary-Treasurer of the Niagara Hydro Commission and assistant to Mr. Lyall in the Town Clerk's office for some ten years. They have now all passed beyond the veil.
THE MUNRO BLACKSMITH SHOP AND INSKEEP MACHINE SHOP
You may notice a forlorn, down at heels stone building next door on Regent St., It was a Blacksmith Shop in my early days. People named Munro had it. I re- member Tom of that ilk, and another whom we only knew as "Dummy." The family lived in the rooms upstairs. One of the family was a prominent merchant on St. Paul Street in St. Catharines and there are still members of the family resident in that city. They were related to the Blain family who lived across the street. Art Inskeep had a Machine Shop in there some years ago but the building is now a ruin. It is now owned by the Greene Family.
THE DAN WATERS STABLE
Next to it there used to be a large Stable, owned and run by Dan Waters, who also owned and lived in the corner house. I remember Dan very well, although he died when I was quite young. His wife lived many years after her husband. There were two daughters, Minnie and Clara and an adopted daughter Mabel, who married Peter McArthur. Mabel attended High School when I was there and was a member of St. Mark's Choir for a time before her marriage. She and Peter were frequent visitors to her old home until Mrs. Waters passed away.
THE
GREENE - CUMPSON - SHERLOCK - SUMMERS PROPERTY
After Mr. Waters died, Mike Greene took over the Stable. The Livery business languished with the coming of the Motor car and ultimately this stable was closed. Mike had gone into partnership with his brother-in-law Bill Cumpson and for a time they ran the two stables, Mike finally going alone in the present location on King Street. Mike and Bob married sisters, Lou and Lil Bishop, and each had a son and a daughter. Mike was a good citizen and served five years in Council. His son Jack carried on the business. The Stable on Regent Street was acquired by Steve Sherlock and he housed cattle in it for some years and it was finally torn down. A cottage now occupies the site and is the home of Walter Summers.
THE
SHERLOCK - GREVES PROPERTY
Next to it is a house built by Steve Sherlock and now owned and occupied by Mrs. Blanche Greves.
THE POLISH ARMY PROPERTY
There was quite a large frame structure attached to and forming part of the corner brick house. During the time of the Polish Army in Town, they occupied this place, along with many other vacant buildings in Town. But it has been taken down.
Turning back to the Monro Family, I find that James Monro was in Council in 1856 and 1857 while John R. Monro served in 1866-68. The latter it was who was a Merchant in St. Catharines afterwards.
THE DON
SHERLOCK PROPERTY
Around the corner on Prideaux Street is a tasty dwelling built lately by Don Sherlock, the present Fire Chief and a son of Steve Sherlock.
THE ROSS - KERBY - KER - PURKIS -
SMITH - McGARRY PROPERTY
Next is a spacious brick dwelling, now the home of Doctor John McGarry. This is one of the old buildings and was owned by various members of a Ross family who owned it for many years. I think it must have been these people who built the house. Joseph T. Kerby married into this family and lived in the house. Mr. Kerby appears as a member of council in the years 1859 and 1876. He had a newspaper for a time called "The News" and seems to have been a sort of rival of William Kirby, who was a contemporary. In my young days a Dr. Ker, a retired clergyman, was the owner and was succeeded by his niece, Miss Lucy Purkis who lived with the family. Lucy was a dear lady, well read and intelligent, with a heart bigger than her purse. She was my last teacher when I was a pupil in St. Mark's Sunday school. Before her death, Lucy had to sell the house, it being bought by Mrs. Rev. C. H. E. Smith, who thoroughly renovated the place and lately sold it to Dr. McGarry.
DAVIDSON - CAMPBELL - McGARRY- HARRISON -THOMPSON
The next three houses are now owned by Herb Campbell but for many years were the properties of the Davidson family, the center one being the family home. Mrs. Campbell, Herb's mother was a Davidson. The lot next, the McGarry house, has had two houses erected on it in my time. The first was built by Walter Campbell and later removed to its present site on his father's lot on Regent Street. It is now owned by Don Harrison. The house now occupied by the Thompsons was built later and was for a time the home of the Rev. Canon Garrett, after his retirement as Rector of St. Mark's. After his removal to Toronto it was occupied by the late Dr. Greenwood.
THE
DAVIDSON FAMILY
The first of the Davidsons of whom I find any record was the Carpenter in charge of the building of our Town Hall. I have seen a list of materials made up by him amounting to something over five thousand pounds. He had two sons who followed him as builders, Walter and Bob. Walter was the builder of the Imperial Bank building and the home of Mrs. Stevenson, both jobs being done for S. B. Rowley.
THE
ANDERSON - EBORALL - WOOD - WALSH PROPERTY
The third house of this group was for years, the home of Dr. Anderson, before he moved to the present Hospital building on Queen Street. Frank Eborall, who was Sexton of St. Mark's, lived in it for a time as did the late Arthur J. Wood, another of St. Mark's Sextons. Captain Wood also lived there before he built on King St. It is now occupied by J. F. Walsh, our Hydro Manager. Jerry has been with the Hydro for some twenty years. I was in charge of the Hydro Shop when he came to the Hydro and he has been a good man at his job. He has also been active in the Fire Brigade and the Board of Education.
MISS GUSEY
WINTERBOTTOM
The corner house was for long years the home of Miss Gusey Winterbottom, who was one of the finest women of her day. She taught school for many years and was otherwise useful in the community. She taught in St. Mark's Sunday school for a generation. After she retired from School teaching, she put in a long spell as Librarian of our Public Library. She lived to a ripe old age, only a few short years of being a centenarian.
THE DAN
SHERLOCK PROPERTY
The next house, fronting on Victoria Street, was for a long time, the home of Dan Sherlock. Dan and his partner, Charlie Bolton ran the Boathouse at the Queen's Royal and I suppose they were known to thousands of the visitors to that noted hostelry.
BOLTON- McMURRAY- BAXTER - BALL - MacPHEE - DIETSCH HOUSE
The next house has been occupied by many people, among them Charlie Bolton, Mrs. Dr. McMurray and her sister Flora Baxter, Chas. A. F. Ball and James MacPhee. It is now owned by Mrs. Dietsch.
THE GEDDES,
ANDERSON AND TOBE HOME
John Tobe house next door was the home of the Geddes family for a long time. Mr. Geddes was Station Agent for the Railway. He was quite a useful man, a good reader and in Dr. McMurray's time, often acted as Lay Reader and Sunday school Superintendent. At one time a family named Anderson lived in it. I remember that soon after the installation of the Fog Horn at the Waterfront, Mrs. Anderson told my brother Fred, who was then engineer at the Fog Station, about a visit the family had from a relative, a female who professed to be suffering from nervous trouble. Her remedy consisted of staying in bed with a plentiful supply of whiskey. She seems to have been a ball nuisance to her hostess. However, she arrived on a Saturday and curiously, on Sunday morning, Monday morning, Tuesday morning and Wednesday morning, the foghorn caroled forth lustily. The visitor demanded of her hostess: "Does that infernal thing blow every day?" "Oh, yes", was the bland reply, "the government regulations require it to be blown every day for so many hours." "Well then," said the visitor, "I'm going home." And Mrs. Anderson said wholeheartedly, "Thank God for the Fog Horn." John Tobe, the present owner and occupant of this abode, is one of our most enterprising citizens and takes a great interest in various activities among the men of the Town.
THE OATES - LOVE - McMAUGH - HARVEY - RICHMOND HOUSE
Around the corner, the only house in this block facing on Front Street, is a fine old house, one of the old landmarks in this part of the Town. This house was built in the 1820's by Captain Oates, a sailor and has been occupied by quite a number of people that I remember. There was Col. Love, an American Civil War Veteran. The Colonel had no teeth and sported two pipes, each with a circle in the stem.
The larger one had the circle resting on his chest, the hooked mouthpiece dangling from his gums. The shorter stemmed one had the circle resting on his chin. He could be seen strolling about, accompanied by a long, tall, yellowish hound dog. At a later day, Capt. Bob McMaugh lived there. The Captain had a small steamer called "Prowett Beyer." with which he plied the river for a time, later returning to St. Catharines where he belonged. Arthur W. Harvey owned this place for a long time and here his family, two girls and one boy grew up. Arthur was a traveler for a wholesale drug firm for years. He married Miss Effie Milloy, one of a family prominent in business and marine circles for many years. The property was sold to the Richmonds of Buffalo, who still own it.
BURK - SERVOS - WRIGHT - EVANS - CRYSLER - HARDISON
Travelling up Victoria Street to Prideaux, we come to a frame house on the corner, now the home of Mrs. Hardison. Here was the home of Thomas Burk, another man who was prominent in business circles. At one time, he had what was known as a pork factory in the house that was later the home of Mrs. Hannah Servos. Burk bought that building from the Methodist Church and moved it from the Cemetery lot on Gate Street to its present location. I am referring now to Mrs. Wright's house on the corner of Gate and Prideaux Sts. The last business in which Tom Burk was engaged was a Coal and Lumber Business on the property now known as the Bolton Beach. We kids used to watch them unloading coal down the railway embankment. I also remember seeing them unloading a schooner with a load of lumber. Among those who occupied this house after Mr. Burk's death was W. H. J. Evans, who had a coal business on the dock and who served six years in Council, but who was never Reeve. He was, however, County Commissioner and was Warden of the County in l900. He later bought the "Wilderness," and lived there for years. Another who lived in this house was Dr. Frank Crysler, Dentist. Frank married a daughter of Tom Burk. At one time, Frank had his office in the flat over where the liquor store is now situated. This office was reached by means of an outside staircase on the side next to the Town Hall. After Crysler had gone from this mundane sphere, Ray Hardison bought the house and his widow still lives there.
THE GEORGE
REID RESIDENCE
The next house along Prideaux is a modern frame house, the home of George Reid. George has been in the painting and decorating business for many years. He served two years in Council and was a member of the Fire Brigade for many years. I remember him as Color Sergeant of Old No. 1 Company many years ago, when I also sported a red uniform.
HOWARD -
CAMPBELL - GRIMSTEAD - BANSLEY - RIDDELL HOUSE
The brick house next, now the home of Mrs. Riddell, has housed many families at various times. It used to be a Tavern and was kept by Dicky Howard. I remember the Howards as there were two boys and a girl who were schoolmates of mine. The boys both went to St. Thomas and were Railway Engineers. Then Jimmy Campbell lived there for a long time. Jim was a brother of William J., and the only descendent of his around here is Mrs. Elliker. George Grimstead occupied the house for several years. It was bought by a Dr. Bansley, a Toronto Dentist, who passed away in Toronto not very long ago.
THE ARMSTRONG - CORUS PROPERTY
George Corus's house next, was formerly situated on the Town Lot at the corner of Market and King Streets and was moved to its present site by the A. J. Armstrong family. Armstrong was a Plumber and Tinsmith, who later moved to Toronto. When the building was on its former site, it was known as "The Cave of the Winds." and its occupant was "Windy." Four sons and a daughter of this family served in the First World War. The structure, of which this building formed a part, was at one time a Tavern and was known as the Pacific Block.
THE
SHERWOOD - GRIMSTEAD HOUSE
The next Lot, No. 37, had only one house on it, now owned by Ernest Grimstead. I remember it as the home of Stephen Sherwood, a Blacksmith, who was engaged at the Monro Shop on Regent Street. Steve had three sons and a daughter, all of whom have passed away, except Joseph who is still with us. Tom's daughter married Bud McGuire and her children are here, at least several of them are. Joseph, the only one of the name left in town has been a Fisherman and for a long time, was a Member of the Fire Brigade, as were most of the fishermen of his day.
THE GRIMSTEAD FAMILY
Ernie Grimstead has owned his house for a long time now. The Grimstead family came here in the 1890's. George, the head of the clan was a baggageman and pumpman for the N. C. R. R. and had a large family, only two of whom are still in the Town, Ernest and Russell. George was our neighbor for years and was a very likeable fellow, with a nice wife and family. Besides his railway job, George was a painter and used to do a lot of small jobs for the people around the waterfront.
I remember on one occasion, we got George to paint the name on the bows of the "Viola," then in use as a ferry and painted white. I asked George if he was using good paint for the lettering and he assured me it was good "drop black." It was, for two days after the paint was applied, it rained and the darn black paint "dropped" all down over the white, much to the painter's chagrin. George was finally moved to the Falls by the Railway. Ernest is a veteran of the First Great War.
THE DYNES -
BALL - BATES - LAUGHTON - WALSH PROPERTIES
Three other houses have been erected on this lot, the one on the corner being owned by Mr. Dynes of St. Catharines. The next one was erected by Charlie Ball who lived there for years, the property being finally acquired by John Bates. The third house was built by Jim Laughton and was acquired by Herb Walsh in exchange for his Shop and Residence, which occupied the site of Reid's Paint Shop. Herb was an old schoolmate of mine and was my deskmate for one term at High School. Herb was a versatile fellow, being at various times, Telegraph Operator, Customs Officer and Bookkeeper. Herb married Nina Bishop, a daughter of John, and had a family of six: Herb, Jerry, Jim, Agnes, Ida, and Kay, all living in Town except Herb and Kay.
THE
BURNS - BISHOP - SHEPPARD - SHERLOCK - FRY PROPERTY
The next house was at one time the residence of R. C. Burns, who had the Drygoods Store on the next corner. Bob was a fine fellow, very musical as were all the Burn's family. He sang base in the Methodist Church Choir and in various other Musical Organizations. He was a most genial, likeable man and was quite a loss to the Town when he moved to Brantford. This property at another time was owned and occupied by Robert Bishop. After Mrs. Bishop died and the family had all flown the nest, the house came into possession of Henry Sheppard, a Queenston man, who later moved to the Northwest. Chummy Sherlock then bought it and he and his wife had a flower business there for years before he moved to the Dock. Since then the Frys have lived there. Mr. Fry was in the armed forces and since the war has gone into business. Mrs. Bob Bishop, by the way, was a sister of Bill Long and was a nice amiable woman. Of course, the Town best remembers Ed Sherlock as Chief Constable, which position he filled for some ten or twelve years.
THE QUINN PROPERTY
The next house has been the abode of several families in my time. The Quinns lived there for some years. Mr. Quinn being a fine musician was frequently called upon to get up something musical for entertainments and I was usually in on most of his groups. I remember on one occasion, he asked me to come in and help copy some music. When I arrived, Bill the younger, was sporting a large rag about his jaw. As there was a sort of epidemic of mumps going around, I naturally asked if Willie had the mumps. "No, no", was the reply, "just a swelling on his jaw, a gumball or something." As I had not had mumps, I felt reassured at this answer. So, I was planted at a small table in front of a window and while I worked, dear Willie was breathing down my neck. A lady approached the front door, with her little girl, about Willie's age. The old gentleman saw her coming and without waiting for her to knock, he bustled to the door and said, "Don't let the little girl come near Willie, he has the mumps." Now just imagine my feelings. However, I never did have the mumps.
THE
CRYSLER - REID - CLARK AND DOYLE PROPERTIES
This property was in the Crysler family for years, Walter Reid married Emma Crysler and they lived there. Miss Crysler was a very fine woman and taught in the Methodist Sunday school for many years. She also taught in the Western Home. Since her death, Walter sold the house to Mrs. Nancy Clark and it is now owned by her niece. The next house was owned by the Doyles for a long time and has had many occupants.
THE
CAMPBELL AND McCLELLAND - LaBARRE PROPERTIES
The next house was for many years the home of the late W. J. Campbell who had his Blacksmith Shop where the Brock Theatre now stands. The house was moved to its present site from the lot on Wellington Street now owned by my brother. The next house is comparatively new, having been built and occupied by the late W.R. McClelland. After Will's death, his wife transferred the property to her cousin Victor LaBarre, who uses it as a summer house.
STEWART - BAXTER - ALMAS - JERRAULD - FAULKNER
Let us now move to the corner of Regent and Prideaux Sts., where stands a spacious brick residence, now the home of D. B. Faulkner. As far as I can find out, this house was built in 18l6 by Alexander Stewart, a Lawyer. When I first remember it, it was occupied by the Baxter family who had formerly lived in Kingston. I very well remember Mrs. Baxter and her two daughters, Amelia and Flora. These two good women taught in St. Mark's for many years and Amelia married Archdeacon McMurray. After the death of the Archdeacon, the sisters moved to the house on Victoria Street, now owned by Mrs. Dietsch.
Another family of note was the Almas. J. L. Alma was a prominent Lawyer. There is a fine stained glass window in St. Mark's in his memory, the first of its kind placed in the Church. Mrs. Emily Hunter, a granddaughter of the Almas was the last of the family to live in Niagara. After her death a few years ago, the property was sold to the Jerraulds of Buffalo and now belongs to Mr. Faulkner.
THE RICHARDS AND CORTLANDT
SECORD PROPERTIES
The next two houses were owned by J. B. Richards, who never lived here in my time. The smaller house now occupied by the Arnolds, was for many years the home of Cort Secord and his family. I best remember Cort as mate of the Steamer, City of Toronto, under Captain W. A. Milloy. After his death, which occurred at a comparatively early age, his wife did dressmaking there. His son now owns the property but lives in Leamington. Cort Secord Junior is a Railway man and began his career as such on the local train which for many years, plied between Niagara and Buffalo.
SMITH - DORITTY - McCLELLAND - BISHOP - BALL - MILLER
The larger house, now the home of Eddie Smith, has had many occupants in my day. I remember the Jim Doritty's were living there at the time of the big fire of which I have written. One of the boys of this family was prowling about the scene of the fire after it was put out, when he met with an unpleasant accident. One of the privies, which then adorned the rear of most premises, had been consumed by the fire and its site became obscured by the debris that littered the scene. Our laddie buck, quite inadvertently stepped where the building had been, with very odoriferous results to his person and clothing. I wouldn't dare to tell you his name in case he might see this account of his mishap and wreak vengeance on poor me for resurrecting this wholesome event. Another family that lived here was Will McClelland. Charlie Bishop and W. H. Ball also dwelt here for a time. Two good ladies, Miss Lou and Miss Mary Miller kept a Boarding House here.
McKEE - EBORALL - ABBOTT - HAHASSEY - COXWELL - GOBERT
The next two houses were the property of Professor McKee, who lived here in my early days. The Professor was the Bandmaster for a long time. The cottage, which is now the home of the Goberts, has had many occupants. Frank Eborall lived here for a time while he was Sexton of St. Mark's. The Abbott sisters were here for some years until they married and moved away. The property became the home of the Hahassey sisters for a long time, and afterwards, their nieces, the Misses Coxwell owned it and used it as a summer home. They sold it to Tom Gobert.
McKEE -
SHERWOOD - PATTERSON HOUSE
The other house was for a long time the home of Sarah McKee, a daughter of the Professor. Joe Sherwood lived here before he bought across the street. Eddie Patterson owned and occupied it for years until he died, when it became the property of his daughter, Mrs. Ed. Richardson, who lately sold it.
EDDIE
PATTERSON
Eddie Patterson was one of our best known citizens. When I first knew him, he was a Baker, working for his father in the premises now occupied by the McKenzies. Then he was in the Dairy business in the old Winterbottom house on Seventh Street and in the Whittaker house on Mary Street. Then for a long spell, he was baggageman for the Canada Steamships and will be remembered by many people for his gentlemanly manners and unfailing good nature when meeting the public.
THE MASONIC HALL
The Masonic Hall on the corner is one of the oldest buildings in our Town. It used to be known as the Stone Barracks when I was a lad, with its large blocks of grey stone. The Masons' plastered over the stone and built a series of dormer windows on its upper part, which they have since removed. My mother went to school in here to Miss Winterbottom and my oldest daughter taught school in here when the old Public School overflowed. Here was the Lodgeroom of the Orangemen of the Home Circle, the Workmen, and the Royal Templars. Here, St. Andrew's Church held service while their Church was being renovated. Here the Polish Band was housed during the First World War. The building has been used as a Store, a School, a Coffee House and a Ballroom.
CAPTAIN E. H.
THOMPSON AND FAMILY
The next house on King Street was the home of Captain E. H. Thompson, who was Captain of No. 1 Co. of the old 19th when I was a lad. He later rose to the Command of the Regiment and was buried with full military honours in old St. Mark's. His civilian employment was Custom's Officer at the Dock. He was a genial, likeable man, well regarded by a wide circle of friends. I well remember the day of this death, Easter Sunday, April l0th, 1887. He was the first Master of the Workmen Lodge. On the day of his death, the Lodge was going to Youngstown to visit the Lodge there and they marched from the Lodgeroom, which was then in the upper flat of what is now Reid's Store to the Wharf. Just after arriving at the Wharf, and while waiting for the boats in which they were to embark, poor Ned Thompson keeled over and died. I was sent over to Youngstown to tell his brother Joe of his death. Curiously, some years later, it was I who brought the news of Joe Thompson's death to Mrs. Thairs, Ned's daughter. Joe and his two sons, Fred and John, both went the same way. Ned Thompson had a son and a daughter. Sam Thompson was Clerk at the Queen's Royal when I first remember him. He afterwards married Lily Winnett, whose father was one of the proprietors of the old Hotel in those days. Sam's widow is living in Town in the person of Mrs. Barnard. They were a fine lot of people. Ned's daughter married Col. Thairs of St. Catharines. When I was in the 19th, Thairs was then Captain and Adjutant of the Regiment, later succeeding to the command. Jack Schmidt bought the house from Mrs. Thairs and lived here for a time.
THOMPSON - SCHMIDT- LIBROCK - AWDE PROPERTY
When the Schmidts moved to Hamilton, the house was bought by Gerald Librock and has been occupied by Horace Awde for some years. Horace is a son of Ab Awde and an employee of the Canadian Canners. He is a useful member of the Fire Brigade and a very likeable fellow.
THE COXWELL AND WRIGHT PROPERTIES
A new house has recently been erected alongside of this house, where once stood a store building that was burned before my time. The next house is quite an old one and when I was a boy, it was the home of Red Coxwell, a brother-in-law of Ned Thompson. He and his family moved to Toronto many years ago, and the house was bought by John Wright of Toronto, the grandfather of the John Wright of the present day. I knew the Wright family very well and chummed around with two of the sons. The old gentleman was a Plumber with a business on Yonge Street in Toronto and his four sons all followed him in that trade. John the second bought the Cantwell property at the waterfront after the Cantwells were gone, and it is still owned by members of the family and occupied by the third John Wright, who is well known here and is quite active in many of the community movements.
THE
CAMPBELL - DALEY PROPERTY
On the next lot there stood at one time the building which is now Daley's Store. It was the home of Judge E. C. Campbell, whose picture hangs in the Public Library. Field's Store was his Law Office. When I was a kid, the Misses Campbell lived here and I remember they had a brown dog. Bill McMillan and I, on our way to or from school, often used to pull a stick along the board fence to make the canine run and bark. But alas, one day the gate was open and you ought to have seen two kids beating all speed records down the street. We made sure the darn gate was shut after that harrowing experience. I wonder if Linc Quinn remembers the time he was running past Eddie O'Melia's gate, when Eddie's dog came over the gate in a graceful leap and gathered the seat of Linc's pants into a firm grip. More speed.
THE ROWLEY AND SHEPHERD PROPERTY
After the Town's big fire, S. B. Rowley bought the Campbell property and moved the house off the lot and built the present house. Rowley was a wealthy man from Pittsburgh who married Fanny Ross. After his death, his widow sold out all his property and moved away. Then E. H. Shepherd bought the house and lived in it until his decease. Mr. Shepherd was Police Magistrate during most of his time here and served on the Library Board. He had been a Hotelkeeper in North Bay before coming here. Prior to his going north, he had lived in Niagara Township and served in Township Council. He lived for a time in the Caskey house on Davy Street before going north. He had one son, killed in the First Great War. After Mr. Shepherd's death, the property came into the hands of Mrs. Stevenson who now lives there.
THE SMITH PROPERTY
This property formerly extended to Regent Street, but that end of it has been sold and Leslie Smith has built a neat cottage on part of it. Leslie has blossomed out into a successful Carpenter. His is the great-grandson of the original Charlie Smith, who was our neighbor on Ricardo St.
THE MARKET BUILDING AND THE MARKET SQUARE
Jumping across Queen Street, we come to a four acre block, all of the land in which is owned by the Corporation of the Town of Niagara, much of it being occupied by stores and dwellings, the owners of which pay ground rent and taxes to the Town. Through this block, runs Market Street. The rear building of what is now the Town Hall is older than the main building and was the "Market Building."
I well remember as a boy seeing the Butchers' stalls on each side of the large pillars. There were doors at either end and one could walk right through. The adjacent square was the Market Square. The Market, like too many things about our Town, is a thing of the past. The two acres, which make up Lots 65 and 66, were given by the Government to three trustees to form a Market. While we now have no market, the Corporation has indisputable title to the whole four acres.
THE ANNUAL FALL FAIR
Lots l03 and 104 were originally owned by the School Board but were deeded to the Town in exchange for the site of the old Schools lately abandoned as such. These two lots were known as "The Pound Yard." They had no buildings on them. The Annual Fall Fair used to be held there and the whole two acres would be pretty well filled up with Livestock and Poultry. The Fair used to be held on a Friday and we school kids always were given a half-holiday to see the Fair. As cattle, horses and even hogs ran at large in those dear, dead days, it was necessary to have a pound in which to incarcerate such of those animals as needed to be taken in charge.
THE PACIFIC BLOCK AND BILLY DIAMOND
On the corner of King and Market Streets, was a building or buildings known as "The Pacific Block." It had at one time been a Hotel or Tavern but as I first remember it, it was inhabited by a rather odd old character named Billy Diamond. Billy once fell down a well and had to be fished out and he used to be kidded as the "140 pound Diamond found in a well." Billy, by the way, was a Carpenter of sorts. He later boarded with the Martin Morrisons when they kept the Boarding house at the corner of Ricardo and Melville Streets. I remember buying some of his carpenter tools when he got too old to work.
There used to be youths, some of them not so youthful, who delighted in pranks, not always strictly honourable and these birds frequented such places as Diamond's where they played cards and whiled away their evening hours. Smoke houses, chicken coops and even people's cellars were fair game to these youths. One night, they arrived at Billy's with a goose to be cooked. The goose was plucked and cleaned, cut up and put on the boil in a large iron pot. I have not seen one of those old time iron pots in years. The genus must be extinct. However, the gang played cards while the pot sizzled and Billy dozed. Presently, some one inspected the goose and declared it done, so while Billy snored peacefully, the goose was devoured and the bones restored to the pot. When Billy awoke, he discovered that the meat had boiled clean off the bones. However, he said philosophically, "Well, we'll have the broth anyway."
ARMSTRONG - CORUS - ADDISON - HYDRO
In 19l3, my first year in the Council, the Niagara, St. Catharines and Toronto Railway wanted to get the site of the Pacific Building for their station. I was delegated by Council to interview Mr. Armstrong, who had the corner part of the building. I ran into a snag there however, as Windy refused to even consider getting out. The Railway offered a sum of money to each of the three owners of the buildings to vacate and move their buildings off if they wished. Armstrong was the only one who refused the offer, but after the Town had begun legal action to evict him, the lease having expired, he finally accepted and moved his part of the building to Prideaux Street where it is now the home of George Corus.
Mrs. Ruth Addison's part was moved to a site on Market Street, where it now is the John Bolton house. Along Market Street, there was a row of icehouses, the last remaining one of these being the barn now occupied by the Hydro. This was the Best Icehouse, the rest of them having fallen into disuse and decay.
FRASER - McBRIDE -
REID PROPERTY
At the corner of the Market Square, just in the rear of the Town Hall is a building, now the home of Mrs. Mae Reid, that was once a Tavern, kept by the Fraser's, Joe Sherwood's grandparents. The only families I myself remember as living there were the McBrides and Bob Reid who lived there for many years until he moved to Fort George.
THE CARSON -
LYNCH - ARMSTRONG PROPERTY
Next to the Bolton House is the home of Dave Carson. This house once stood on Queen Street where the driveway into the Niagara Bakery is now. It was for many years the Harness shop of Paddy Lynch. After Paddy died, Armstrong had his Plumbing and Tinsmith business there.
JAMES MacPHEE AND TOMMY MAY
The building and site were purchased by James MacPhee in order to obtain a site for the Bakery. The building was then moved to its present site and became the property of Tommy May, who did shoe repairing there for a time, finally selling to Art Inskeep. Tommy May was one of the best known of our men. I suppose I knew him longer than anyone else in our Town. When I first knew him, he was a Sergeant in the 11th U.S. Infantry at Fort Niagara and was a steady visitor across the Ferry for years. He married Julia Thompson and after leaving the Army, he came here to live. He drove a two-horse bus for years, to and from the Canadian Chautauqua and did a Livery business at his home on Queen Street. When autos came in, Tommy bought a Tin Lizzie and continued his Livery business, ultimately doing away with his equine equipment. Tommy made his debut as a Councilor at the expense of Fred McClelland, whom he defeated in a bye-election. After that, Tommy seemed to be able to get elected any time he took the notion to run. He served nine years altogether. Tommy had quite a gift for playing to the Gallery and never was afraid to speak his mind. He was a native of Birmingham, England.
ART INSKEEP
Art Inskeep, who took over this property on Market Street from Tommy May, is also an Englishman and was one of the pioneers in the Car Repair Business in our Town. He has been located in the Brick Mill at the Dock; in the stone building on Regent Street and in the building next door; then in the place on Market Street; after that, he had the garage where Art Wilson is now. He bought the Thompson house on Johnson Street; and now is running the new service station at Queen and Victoria Streets. He is another of the many businessmen who have served in Council, he putting in two years. Art is a good machinist and deserves to succeed.
THE TAVERN, AND FRASER - MOORE -
REID - ALLEN PROPERTY
The house at the next corner was once a Tavern; in fact there were Taverns wherever you looked. The Frasers were in it at one time, but as I first remember it, Tom Moore owned it. Tom was a short, broad old Scot with quite a burr in his speech. He was a brother of Mrs. Fraser and a great-uncle of Joe Sherwood. The last place I remember Tom living in was Frank Currie's house on Gate St.
Tom used to keep a goat, and I remember a ditty the boys used to sing in my High School days: "Oh where, oh where on this midnight air, Does this smell so horrid float, The answer came from voices many, It comes from Tom Moore's goat."
However, George Reid and his family lived in this house for quite a while, after Which Dick Allen bought it and it is still in his family. We have already met Dick but I was thinking of an incident about Dick and his family of girls that was funny.
Everybody knows Punky Sage. Now Punky, when he was little, was a precocious kid. He and some of his cronies were in the neighborhood of McClelland's store one evening, when Dick and his entourage of girls passed. Some of the kids were amused at Dick's harem, but not Punky, who gravely said, "Don't laugh at him boys, he's more to be pitied than laughed at." I had this yarn from one of the McClellands, so you may be sure it is authentic.
THE BOWLING GREEN
In the space where the Carson and the Bolton houses now stand the Bowling Green used to be, but when these houses were moved in the Bowling Club was allowed to move to their present site for which they pay a nominal rent to Town.
THE
BROWN - ZOEGER PROPERTY
Facing on Johnson Street are two neat dwellings, the first of which is the home of Mr. Brown, Chief Engineer and General Superintendent of the Water Utility. The other was built by Mrs. Charles Brown who made her home there until she moved away, since which time, it has belonged to Bill Zoeger. Mrs. Brown was one of my schoolmates usually known as "Pudge" among her mates. She was a jolly girl and very popular. In later life, she was Secretary-Treasurer of the Board of Education. She was a very useful person in the Community and served St. Mark's as a Chorister and Sunday school Teacher for a long time, besides serving the Public Library in various capacities. Her many friends were sorry to see her leave our old Town.
PETE BISHOP'S STORE
On the corner of Johnson and King Sts., stands the store of Pete Bishop, where he had done business for more than 30 years. Pete is the youngest son of Jack Bishop and represents a family that has been prominent in the business life of the Town for many a year.
THE CURLING AND HOCKEY RINK
This corner was formerly the site of the Curling Rink, later used for Hockey. It seems to me that we ought to have a rink, not necessarily with artificial ice. A covered rink is much better for ice and much to be preferred to an open rink with our changeable winters. And we ought to revive the Curling Club. I'm sure the many bowlers in our midst would enjoy "the roarin' game." It is a fine winter sport and can be played by young or old and even by "the ladies." It seems to me that some of our public-spirited citizens might take up this idea of a rink. We have a lot of youths of both sexes who could put it over, if someone would father the idea.
THE WATER TOWER
Nearby, in the Town Lot, stands the Water Tower. The original tank was built on the same foundation in 1891 when our Waterworks System was first installed. Some twenty-odd years later, a larger tank than the first one was built. It would be well if the Town Fathers would take serious thought about building a new tank on a different site and of a different type. The logical site for this new tank would be at the corner of Castlereagh and Wellington Streets, connected to the ten-inch main that passes along that way. I have every reason to believe that the fabric of the present tank is very thin in spots along its bottom. I had hoped that the money, which was saved during the War, would have been devoted to this purpose, but other projects came up and the money had to go for them.
THE
DONELLY FAMILY AND GREENE'S LIVERY
Next to the Tank is Greene's Livery. This business was formerly located on the Burns lot, further up the street. When I was a schoolboy, Bill Donelly had it there and he and his family lived in the Burns house. Bill Donelly, Jr., sat with me in Public School and for a time in High School. Donelly Sr. was usually called "Senator." He had one peculiarity for which he was noted. It must be remembered that chewing tobacco was in those days much more common than it now appears to be. Borrowing a chew off someone's plug was a common occurrence. Those who knew the Senator tried to avoid being solicited for a chew from him. He was known to invariably take a man's plug, coolly pare off the end that had been bitten by its owner, throw away the part cut off and then cut himself a chew of ample proportions. The Donelly family migrated to Denver, Colorado. Bill himself bought a farm on the Stone Road and finished his days there. You may notice a rather ugly flat roofed house west of the Stone Road not far from Town. That is the house that Bill built. I notice that a new house has sprung up beside it.
THE CANADIAN LEGION HOUSE
Alongside of the Stable is a house that was placed there by the Canadian Legion. This house was brought from one of the Larkin farms on the River Road. It has since been sold, the Legion moving to the Henry Ellison house, known as "The Pines."
THE N. S. AND T. STATION
The old N. S. and T. Station is now a Chinese Laundry. Fred Matthews owns the building.
THE ICE HOUSES
Just one more little anecdote about the row of icehouses that stood on Market Street before we move over to the other side of Regent Street. These Icehouses, when they became empty or nearly empty, were kept locked, but one of them had a means of ingress known to some of the boys. Some boys are more prankish than others. Playing hooky from school always seems to catch the imagination of some. One such was Fred Bolton. On one occasion, Fred persuaded several of his schoolmates to absent themselves from Gussie Winterbottom's tuition. He led them to an opening under one of the icehouses. Through this hole they crawled, to hide from their enemies. After an interval, Fred suggested that he venture forth to scout for the foe. He emerged from the dark interior to the light of day and after rolling a large stone across the opening, went blithely on his way. His victims were left incarcerated in the damp, dark prison for some hours; a passerby who heard their plaintive cries liberated them.
THE BAILEY -
CURRIE PROPERTY
In the next block, facing on Regent Street, there are now four dwellings, two of them of recent construction. The first one, now the home of the Colin Currie family, was for some time, the home of Matt Bailey. One of Bailey's daughters married Arthur Ward who kept the American Hotel at the Dock. After Bailey's death, Colin Currie bought the place and moved the house over the street where Harry Cliff now lives.
THE
BISHOP - BISSELL - TAYLOR HOUSE
The next house, now owned by Postmaster Taylor, formerly stood close to the Street and at one time was a Bakery and had a large brick oven in it. As I first remember the place, it and the rest of Lot 102 all belonged to Mrs. Jane Bishop, the widow of Bill Bishop, and a brother of Jack and Bob. Bill was a Butcher and migrated to Buffalo, but his widow used to spend her summers in the old house. She had a son Tom who was a boy about Town when I was young. We used to refer to him as "Fatty Tom" to distinguish him from his cousin Tom who is not fat. Tom Bishop served in the 19th Regiment with me. Hans Bissell bought the place from the Bishops and his daughter Mrs. Brock lived there with her father, until she sold out, her father having died.
BISHOP - HOLAHAN - CAMPBELL PROPERTY
On the other end of the Lot near Johnson Street, stood an old stone cottage and Mrs. Bishop used this for a time. Tom Holahan bought part of the lot and built the cottage where his son Art now lives. After Aunt Jane Bishop passed away, Tom and Pete Bishop came into possession of the corner property and the old stone cottage was taken down. Its site was later sold to R. C. Campbell of Niagara Falls, New York, and he built a neat modern cottage. On the remaining part of the lot, facing Johnson Street is an ample building used as an icehouse for a time, then as a cow barn. Now it has been remodeled into quite a nice dwelling where lives our Dairyman, Toad Campbell. Toad is a grandson of Jack Bishop and W. J. Campbell, two of our outstanding citizens of a bygone day.
CLARK - HINDLE PROPERTY
Next is a group of three houses, which formerly belonged to a man who for a long time was in the Contracting business with Sam Hindle, the firm being known as Hindle and Clark. The two nearest are now owned by Tom Clark, a son of Frank. Frank Clark, Jr. lives in the one and does quite a good business in repairing lawnmowers, etc.
THE CLARK - McGINN PROPERTY
The third of these houses is the home of Mrs. John McGinn who is a daughter of Frank Clark. This John was a fine steady, reliable fellow who was a Track Foreman for the Railway for many years and regarded by his superiors as one of their best men.
THE HEALEY - HAINER - GRANT - WRIGHT PROPERTY
The next house is now the home of Mrs. Andrew Wright. It was for a long time owned by Miss Mary Healey. The Frank Hainers lived in it for quite a long time. Miss Healey sold it to Walter Grant, a Pole who had a shoe repair business for a time. He and his family went to Poland to take up the business of a relative.
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THE
CLEMENT - SIMPSON - WRIGHT - LANSING HOUSE
The brick house on the corner, I first remember as the home of John Clement. Here his daughter Lulu had a private school for some years. On the death of her parents, she went to British Columbia, where her brother Will had taken up his career as a Civil Engineer. Will was one of my contemporaries at High School, where he was always called Alec, Alexander being his second name. After the Clements, John Simpson owned and occupied the place. Simpson was then the proprietor of the Liquor Store. John ran the Lake View House for some years, afterwards living in the Steve Sherlock house on Melville St. and then in the brick house in the hollow between Ricardo and Byron Streets, before moving up town. Andy Wright owned and occupied the place and after his death, his wife sold the place to Miss Sarah Lansing who now lives there.
MURPHY FAMILY AND CROSS - ABBOTT - DORAN - CLEGG DWELLING
The only dwelling fronting on Victoria Street in this block has housed many people in my time. The Murphy family had it for a long time. Julia Murphy was the last remaining member of this family. She married Thomas Bass and lived in Toronto, where she died some years ago. My recollections of this family are interesting. Julia and her brother John went to Public School in my time. At one time, the family lived in a house below Fort George. While there, several members of the family died from accidental poisoning. At their funeral, I heard the Irish "keen" raised for the first and only time. I was very small at the time. We were living on Ball Street in the house where I was born, and that eerie cry just simply scared the daylights out of me. I never forgot that sound. Julia's mother had an ice-cream parlor in the small store that stood on part of the site of the Brock Theatre and later in the McKenzie store. Julia sold to John Cross and later John Abbott had it. He sold to the Dorans and they to the Cleggs, the present owners.
THE PRESBYTERIAN - METHODIST CHURCH
Perhaps a word or two about the Church building next door would not be out of place, although I have not so far said anything about the others. But this particular Church has a bit of history not generally known. It was formerly the Canadian Presbyterian Church. Many do not know that at one time there were two of this faith in Town. In my early days, St. Andrew's Church was known as "the Scotch Church." As far as the kids in my neck of the woods were concerned, it was just a bell and a name. The Presbyterians very sensibly got together and this Church building was sold to the Methodists, who had been worshipping in a small frame church which stood on what is now the small graveyard on Gate Street. When I was small, the Methodists were holding their services and Sunday School in the "Temperance Hall," which was the third floor of the Stewart Building before Jamie Stewart cut off its head. I don't just know how it came about, but for a time, I was extra good and attended two Sunday Schools. My own, St. Mark's was held in the morning and the Methodist was in the afternoon. Postmaster Bob Warren was the Methodist Superintendent and we met in the Hall I have mentioned. It was while I was attending there, that the move was made to the present building. Willard Platt was my teacher and after the move, our class was posted in the gallery. In 1897, the Sunday school building was added while T. R. Orme was the Pastor.
THE PAINTER - GILMOUR HOUSE
In the next block, we begin at the corner of Johnson and Victoria Sts. with what used to be called the Painter house. This house is believed to be one of the oldest in the Town and according to Miss Carnochan, was once inhabited by Government Officials. As I remember it, it was inhabited my members of the Painter family. The wooded part of the Chautauqua grounds were known as Painter's Bush. Peter Painter went west years ago. Pete Bishop is named after him. Mrs. Gilmour, who owns the place, was formerly Nellie Barron. Her folks lived in the house on John Street now belonging to Irving Gordon. Nellie married Joe Gilmour, whose mother was a Painter. Both Joe and Nellie were attending Public School in my time. Joe had a sister Ida, who became a nun. Ida was about the last one whom you would expect to become a nun, as she was full of fun as a girl.
THE WALKER - THONGER PROPERTY
The next house has changed both owners and occupants a good many times. Dr. Norman Walker lived there for a time, later moving to the Falls. Another who lived there was G. F. Thonger. Thonger branched out as an auctioneer and one night, the neighbors though he had gone loony as he could be seen walking up and down in the house, talking loudly and waving his arms. It was later discovered that he had a sale in prospect and was practicing his oratory for the occasion.
THE
THOMPSON HOUSE
The next house was long the residence of William Thompson, a well-known carpenter and mover. The house formerly stood on the Eckersley property and was once used as a school. Mr. Thompson bought it and moved it to its present site. Since Mr. Thompson's death, it has changed hands several times. Art Inskeep had it for a time and had his service station there until he sold out.
