WALKING THROUGH THE STREETS PART THREE - KING STREET AREA [INSTALLMENTS 23 - 32]
Articles collected from May 5th, 1949 - July 14th, 1949

SCHMIDT - BISSELL HOUSE
The next house is now the home of George Bissell, one of a numerous family. Jack Schmidt, the Tailor had it for a time.

AVERY - ECKERSLEY HOUSE
The Eckersley house on the corner of Regent Street was at one time the residence of Dr. Buell Avery, a Dentist. Dr. Avery was also in the undertaking business and the business which included the sale of furniture, was in the building where the Advance now is. The next owner of this house was John Eckersley, who had been in the Customs Service at Halifax for many years, coming to Niagara on his retirement. Mrs. Eckersley was a descendant of the Ball Family, so it was like coming home for her. John Eckersley was an Englishman who came to Canada when quite young. He was a man of strong opinions, and never backed out of a scrap. It was through his difference with Council over the location of his verandah that the Niven Survey of the Town was brought about. John was a good citizen and took an active interest in public affairs, serving two years in Council. He was Churchwarden of St. Mark's for several years. His younger daughter still lives in the house. A son Laurie served in the First World War.

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McCLELLAND - GARRETT - MASTERS - CATHLINE - HAINES - MILLER - MATTHEWS PROPERTIES
The next house is the home of Fred McClelland. Fred is the youngest and last remaining son of Wm. W. McClelland who founded the business on Queen Street. Fred put in six years in Council and is one of our outstanding business executives. At one time, John Garrett lived here. There used to be two other houses along the street nearby. We lived in one for a time. This has since been taken down, as has the next one also. This one was the home of Peter Cathline, who served in Council for three years. His daughter lived in the house when we were in the neighborhood. After her death, the house was sold and ultimately was bought by James Haines, who removed the house and incorporated the lot in the adjoining property. This adjoining property has a house upon it, which according to my recollection was built by William Miller. Mr. Miller was a Tailor and served four years in Council, two of them as Mayor, afterwards moving to Brantford. He is now living retired in Toronto. James Haines of Toronto purchased the property. Mr. Haines held an important position with the T. Eaton Co. The place was later purchased by Fred Matthews, the present owner. Fred was in business for some years in the store now owned by Reid and Son, and is now living retired.

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DICKSON - ROWLAND - ARNOLD - GRAY - FIELD HOUSE
Around the corner, facing on Gage Street is a large house in which have lived many families; the Geale Dicksons, the Rowlands, Canon Arnold, W. T. Gray and Mrs. Gretchen Field. During the epidemic of influenza, which swept the country in 19l8, a temporary hospital was opened in this house, during the absence of the Grays in England. The Grays never reopened the house after its use as a hospital but sold it.

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PARLIAMENT OAK SCHOOL
Two new cottages have been built on the side of this block facing on Victoria St. In the next block, bounded by Gage, King, Centre and Regent Streets, stands the new Public School, named "Parliament Oak School." It takes its name from the legend that our first Parliament "met under an oak tree that stood near the southerly corner of the Lot. Not even Miss Carnochan is sure about how or why that august body came to hold a session under a tree and in this spot in particular.

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SENATOR J. B. PLUMB
However, as I first remember this spot, there was a fine brick three-story dwelling on it, in which lived Senator J. B. Plumb. Plumb was a man who came here from across the line. He had money and embarked on a public career, serving several times in the House of Commons, later going to the Senate and becoming Speaker. He kept fine horses and was quite an aristocratic old chap. I remember as a small boy at school that we were let out of school to go over to Plumb's corner and see the Governor-General, the Marquis of Lorne and the Princess Louise arrive by special train to visit Senator Plumb. I couldn't tell which was which as there was quite a party. All us kids knew about them was a bunch of men in plug hats and long-tailed coats and some very stylishly dressed ladies.

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E. W. SYER - JOHN HEWITT - ARTHUR WHITE PROPERTY
After Plumb's death, E.W. Syer bought the property. Mr. Syer was a handsome, elderly gentleman when he first came here. He was quite a dandy in his dress and kept quite a corps of servants. He was English, but had been in business in Chicago for years before coming to Niagara. Mr. Syer had four sons, three of whom served in the Armed Forces. In his latter days, Mr. Syer was not so well off as he had been and went to Toronto for a time, his property here being bought by John Hewitt. It lay empty for some years, being finally acquired by Arthur White of Buffalo, who dwelt there for some years. Mr. White was in the Real Estate business in Buffalo, but during the Depression of the 1929's and 1930's, he too felt the pinch. I had the duty, as Town Treasurer, of selling the place for unpaid taxes and so the property came into the possession of the Municipality. It proved to be a white elephant when it came to selling it. Nobody seemed to want it, although all kinds or organizations came to view it. It was finally decided to remove the building, which was done by a wrecking firm who bought it.

It had been known by those in authority that the Town would be compelled to build a new public school and I personally had long had this site in mind as the best for this purpose. When this golden opportunity presented itself, it was not difficult to persuade the Councilors to deed the land to the Board of Education. As a Board, the building cost them nothing, whereas the Council was out the large amount of unpaid taxes, less the amount received from the wreckers. There were some that thought the land should have been divided into building lots and sold. Had this been done, the Board would have had some difficulty in getting a site as central and suitable for a school site. Certainly, they would have had to shell out a good many of the people's dollars.

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WHITLA - SKELTON - MYERS - HUTTON PROPERTY
There is only one other house on this block, the cottage of Mrs. Hutton. I remember several people who have lived here in times past. There was Captain Whitla, a very fussy retired American Army Officer. On one occasion, the brave Captain was going away by train for the winter and a number of his bosom friends were invited into the Hotel for a parting cup while awaiting the morning train. Behind the bar was Jack O'Neil. Of course, Jack was included in the stirrup cup invitation. Now Jack was a bit of a wag in his quiet way. Just as the party entered the Bar, Jack had poured himself a glass of ginger ale, which he placed under the bar to be partaken of when the customers had departed. In those days, the customer was served with the bottle and glass and poured his own drink. Jack filled a ginger-ale glass with the strong liquor, and while the customers were quaffing their strong waters, he slipped the liquor under the bar and resurrected his ginger ale. To our brave Captain's amazement, he proceeded to down his supposed big glass of liquor. "My Lord, man, you're surely not going to drink all that whiskey. Why you'll kill yourself." "Sure, sure," said Jack, "I drink several of these every day." And down the hatch went the glassful without a blink from Jack. When the Captain returned in the merry month of May, he dove into the hotel to see if Jack were still alive and to tell the truth, he was somewhat disappointed to find the worthy Jack, still alive and kicking.

At another time, an elderly gentleman, William Skelton lived in the house. He was an Englishman by birth, but when I first knew him, he was Engineer at the Pump Station at Fort Niagara, coming here to live after his retirement. He was a Veteran of the American Civil War.

Another who lived here was Jack Myers, one of my dad's old cronies, a Fenian Raid Veteran and for many years, a member of the 12th York Rangers. The last time I saw Jack was at an Armistice Day Parade in Toronto, at St. Paul's Church. The Governor-General Lord Byng was there and Jack was on the spot in this illustrious company, representing the Fenian Raid Veterans on this occasion. We got out of the Church on the Jarvis Street side to see the Parade march away and there was Jack, stepping out like a two-year old behind the music of the pipes, and he was then well up in his 80's. In fact, he collapsed and died in a Parade not so long afterwards. Only death could beat "the boys of the old brigade."

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KING STREET - JOE BURNS
On the corner of Johnson and King Streets, stands the home of Mrs. Joseph Burns. When I first remember this house, it was the abode of Bill Donelly, the Liveryman, whom I have already mentioned. After the Donelly's left, Joe Burns bought it and lived there until his decease. Joe was a handsome, well-built man, fond of sports. He was a member of the old Curling Club, and later was a famous Bowler. He and Watts Lansing used to play doubles, winning many trophies. When I first remember Joe, he was Clerk in Henry Paffard's Drug Store and later was Bookkeeper for his brother Bob in the Dry Goods Business. In 1898, he was made Town Clerk and Treasurer, succeeding Russell Wilkinson in that office. Joe served two years as a Councilor earlier. In 1910, he became Collector of Customs, being the last man to hold that post in Niagara and from which position, he was superannuated. Joe, like all his family, was musical; he sang in the Methodist Church Choir for years and had some fame as an accomplished whistler.

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MANIFOLD - MILES - CAUGHILL HOUSE
The other houses on King Street in this block are comparatively modern, all having been built in my time. The one on the corner of Gage Street was the home of Mrs. Maria Miles, who, as Maria Manifold, was housekeeper for J. B. Plumb for years. After retiring from that position, she built the house, later on marrying Paddy Miles. Paddy was, for a generation, Conductor on the Railway plying between Niagara and Buffalo. Even after Paddy retired, his train was still called "Paddy Miles' Train." After his retirement, he went into the Coal business and his widow carried it on after his death, finally selling to Harvey Caughill.

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LESLIE - BURBACK - DOYLE - THOMPSON - WATT PROPERTIES
The house next door was the home, for a time, of a Mr. Leslie, who later moved to Toronto. The owner now is Miss Burback. Her father was for years, Manager of the Jackson Farm on the River Road. The other house was the home of J. J. Doyle. Jay is the elder son of Jimmy Doyle of Doyle's Hotel, one of the best-known hotelmen of his day. Jay later moved to St. Catharines, selling the house to Mrs. E. J. Thompson. This good lady came here from Bowmanville and was very much interested in historical matters and was Curator of the Museum after Miss Carnochan's death. After Mrs. Thompson passed on, Hugh Watt bought the place and lived in it until he moved to Toronto. Hugh had quite a varied career while here. He was the younger son of Dr. Watt who lived in the house now occupied by the Ansley sisters. He farmed for a time on this father's farm and then on a farm of his own. After leaving the farm, he railroaded as a Brakeman on the M. C. R. between Niagara and Buffalo and later he was a Fireman on the locomotive on the same run. Then he put in a time as Chief Constable of the Town. After that, he was a Plumber and Tinsmith, finally moving to Toronto. His house is now owned and occupied by John Tiffin, a retired soldier.

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THE FLANIGAN - HOPKINS - KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS HOUSE
In this block, on the Johnson Street side, we come to what used to be the Flanigan house. These good people lived here for many years, the last descendant of the family, being Miss Gertrude Carnochan. There were two daughters in the Flanigan family, Bella and Minnie. Bella married John Carnochan, but Minnie never married. They were both beauties when young, tall and with charming personalities. After Minnie's decease, John Hopkins bought the place and during the late disturbance over the Pond, the Knights of Columbus had it as an Army Hut while the Camp was in operation. Since then, it has changed hands.

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THE BARKER'S COTTAGES
Between here and the next corner, there used to stand a row of cottages placed well away from the street. These were known as "The Barker's Cottages," called after John Barker, who built and owned them. This John Barker must have been a good workman, as he is the man who made the two old pulpits in St. Mark's Church. These were formerly picked out in white and gold and presented a much more striking appearance than the present colouring affords. While on this subject, I remember the late Henry Ellison telling me that he himself made the paneling for the Organ in St. Mark's Church.

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BISHOP - ELLISON - BILLING - BALL - BARKER COTTAGES
Jim Bishop bought Barker's Cottages and converted them into two very neat dwellings, moved up much closer to Johnson Street. Jim makes his home in the one, while he sold the other to John Ellison. Oliver Billing bought from Mr. Ellison and now Charlie Ball lives in it. Oliver Billing married Charlotte Ball, a sister of Charlie. By the way, the same Charlie had a nickname or two attached to him in his days as one of the Dock Rats. Everybody around the Beach acquired an appellation other than that given "By his Godfathers and his Godmothers in his Baptism." Charlie was Finnigan, that is when he wasn't "McGee." In the days of old, when the old Amphitheater stood in the Chautauqua grounds, Tommy Baker had a song about "The Laughing McGees." Charlie, being a merry, laughing kid, became the "Laughing McGee." I may do an article some time, on some of our Nicknames.

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MRS. SENATOR DICKSON
The large house on the corner has recently gone in for a face lifting, but it formerly presented a much more sedate appearance. In it at one time lived Mrs. Senator Dickson who was quite a gal. I only remember visiting her domicile once, when I was a member of a Church Society that used to call on old or sick church members. I remember once being in Tom Ferguson's shop when he did business in the place where the "Club 19" now is. Mrs. Dickson came in and informed Tom that she was done with that Phil Librock. Well, she had poor Tom haul down about everything on his shelves and finished her shopping and poor Tom, by buying five cents worth of pen nibs, which were to be charged. If you could have seen the look of patient suffering on Tom's face, your heart would have bled for him and the sigh of relief which seemed to come from his boots was certainly heartfelt as the lady took her triumphant departure.

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JOHN REDHEAD
The Redhead family acquired the property after Mrs. Dickson, and lived there for many years. John Redhead was a well-known man here for many years. He had his boathouse business and built many nice boats and finished his career as Immigration Inspector at the Dock. John served on the Public School Board for a long time. He was Chairman of the Board when I was on it. He was Assessor of the Town for a time, too, and was altogether quite a useful citizen.

LITTLE - METHODIST PARSONAGE - BURNS - RICHES PROPERTY
Along Regent Street, there is now a new house built by Fred Little, another retired soldier. The house next door was a double house for a long time; the one-half next to Littles being the Methodist Parsonage before the Church bought the present Parsonage on Victoria Street. In the other half, the Burns family dwelt for years, the last of them Miss Salome Burns, who was a fine musician and who taught music for years. She was Organist of the Methodist Church and her brothers Bob and Joe both sang in the Choir. They were a very talented family.
Tom Riches finally bought the place and members of his family still live there. Tom was a well-known contractor and did a lot of useful work in and about the Town.

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THE FOLLETT - COUILLARD HOUSE
The remaining house in this block is now the home of Mrs. Kenny Couillard. Kenny was a veteran of the First World War and a fine chap he was. It was a pleasure to know him. We collaborated together one winter in a play for the Legion and the better I knew him, the more I liked him. The house was built originally for Mrs. Follett, who made her home there until her decease. She was the widow of Steve Follett, the well-known merchant and Mayor of earlier days.

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DEVOE - ROE - AWDE PROPERTY
At the corner of Regent and Gage Streets, stands the home of Ab Awde, who has been local Manager of the Canadian Canners' these many years. He has served on the Board of Education for a long time and has always taken a great interest in Public Affairs. He is altogether a very useful citizen. This house was for years the home of Jerry Devoe, a well-known fruit dealer. Jerry had several marriages to his credit, the last of them being a sister of Jack Nisbet. He was quite musical too. I remember that he came to High School one Friday afternoon and entertained us by playing two Jews Harps. I used to be able to play one and plenty of the boys of my time could do that, but Jerry was the only one that I ever knew who could play two. Jerry's full name, by the way, was Jeremiah Jedidiah, which was quite a mouthful. Jerry had at one time, an apple evaporator at the Dock in later years. His last place of residence was the house on the next corner, which he built.

After he moved up the street, the old house was bought by Rev. Mr. Roe, a retired clergyman. Mrs. Roe was a sister of John W. Ball. Miss Kate Roe was the last of this family to live in this house. She finally moved to Toronto and sold the house. Miss Roe taught in St. Mark's Sunday school and sang in the Choir for many years.

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THE FOLLETT - SERVOS HOUSE
The brick house next was the home of the Folletts for years, Mrs. Follett selling to Alex. Servos after she built the new house. Mr. Servos was a fine citizen, formerly owning the farm in the Township, afterwards known as "The Meadowbrook Farm." His widow still lives in the house.

THE MURPHY - KEITH HOUSE
The cottage next door was the home of Con Murphy and his wife when I first remember it. Con, or Cud, as he was often called, was often referred to as "The Irish Lord." He used to cut quite a dash on Sundays with a plug hat and a long-tailed coat. Hence the nickname. They used to tell a story about Cud. It seems that Cud was driving a team that ran away and Cornelius landed under the wagon. His old mother saw the mishap and came running to the scene, crying "Oh Cornelius, alanna, are you dead?" "No mother" came the reply from under the wagon "but I'm spacheless". "Oh shpake again Cornelius alanna." "I can't mother," said Cud. I remember how mad it would make Cud when some kid would pipe up this conversation. Poor Con and his wife came to a sorry end, as they were asphyxiated by coal gas in the house where Ed. Keith now lives.

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THE DEVOE - BISSELL - BERNARDS HOUSE
The corner house, now the home of G. M. Bernards, was built by Jerry Devoe. There had been a house on this site that Mr. Devoe moved along Centre Street, and in this house on its new site Bill Bissell lived until his recent death.

THE DOYLE HOUSE
The new house was later acquired by Harold Doyle and here he made his home until ill health forced him to move to St. Catharines. I must make some mention of Candy, and as he will read this, I'd better watch my step. Candy was a most likeable fellow and for years, after his father died, he had the Liquor Store until the O. T. A. put him out of business. Everybody liked his cheery manner and ready wit, and he still manages to be cheerful in spite of his poor health.

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THE FIELD - LYALL - LAILEY - SENIOR - McCARTAN PROPERTIES
On the adjacent corner of Victoria and Centre Streets, stands a brick house, now the home of F. T. Lailey. Here at one time, dwelt a Mrs. Murray Field and here too dwelt W. E. Lyall, then Principal of the Public School. Several new houses have lately been erected in this block, but for a long time, the only other dwelling was that now owned by Mr. Tom McCartan. When I first remember this house, it was the home of William Senior who had a shop on Queen Street where the big fire occurred. His son Joe was a classmate of mine at High school where he was known as Joe Senior while I was Joe Junior of course. Joe's mother lived a long time after her husband passed away. She had a relative living with her when I was a kid, named Richard Wynn, usually known as Bunny, a name that he very much resented. Bunny was quite a character. He was a Fenian Raid Veteran and was in the march to Fort Erie with the Niagara Company. His name appears in Miss Carnochan's book just under my father's. Bunny was not too bright mentally, but was quite a big, brawny fellow who carried a heavy cane, which he used to good effect on anyone who annoyed him. During the war in South Africa, some of the local wags convinced Bunny that he was a military genius, and that Queen Victoria had great confidence in his judgment and had instructed General Buller to consult him when in doubt about any move in the war game. Among them, they strung poor Bunny along till the war was over. They even faked up a number of medals that were supposed to have been awarded him for his services to the Army. Bert St. John used to have a photo of Bunny with his array of medals. After the war, they arranged to have King Edward the 7th present him with a gorgeous uniform and frequent bulletins were received as to the state of readiness of the uniform. They finally had to sink the ship that was bringing the uniform over the briny. Bunny, by the way could string off the manual or arms perfectly, but he was the most awkward soldier imaginable when it came to performing the same.

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TOM McCARTAN
The present occupant of this house must not be dismissed to summarily. Tom is a Carpenter by occupation, a very good one and a most likeable fellow and very witty. I never knew Tom to be stuck for a rejoinder in any verbal encounter he met with. A typical witty Irishman, he is one of a large family. He was for a time, our Chief Constable.

THE CRAISE - DUNN - CURRIE - MATHER - LAWSON PROPERTIES
Except for the new houses that have sprung up nearby, there was one for a long time, the home of the Jim Craises, now the home of the Dunns. Jim Craise was, for a generation, the Secretary of the School Section that included the Railroad School, called after him "The Craise School." He was a good farmer and a very fine type of citizen. He and his good wife died at almost the same time. As far as I remember, this house and the one just around the corner on Gage Street were built by Charlie Currie. The latter of these, he sold to a Miss Mather and after her death, it was sold for taxes. Mr. Currie bought it and sold it to the Lawsons.

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JAMES B. SECORD
The next house is quite an old one and was at one time lived in by James B. Secord who was for many years, Division Court Clerk and Notary Public. He was also Issuer of Marriage Licenses and it was to this house that my wife and I went for our License. Jimmy, as he was called, was Superintendent of St. Mark's Sunday school before me and was Churchwarden for some years. He was a grandson of Laura Secord and he told me that on the day that the present Brock's monument was formally opened, he was locked in the Monument and spent the longest night of his life in its chilly interior, scared stiff and hungry and lonely. Jimmy died in office as S. S. Superintendent in 1899 and I succeeded him and served until 1939, when I had to give it up.

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SAMUEL SHEARER
Another prominent man who lived here later on was Samuel Shearer, a retired farmer and who also became Division Court Clerk. Sam was a quiet mannered man and served part of the year 19l1 in Council, having been elected to fill a vacancy.

THE RUNDLE - TESTER PROPERTY
The remaining house along here is the home of the Rundles, who have been there for some years. At one time, Alf Tester lived here. Alf went overseas with the 76th Battalion. After his return, the family moved to Toronto.

THE GEALE, MAURER AND GREENE PROPERTY
The next block we come to is really two blocks in size, as William Street does not go through it. In the first house, where the Greene family now lives, I remember the Geales. For those of us who did not know this family, I wish to explain that the name is pronounced "Gale". Captain Geale was a former British Army Officer and was a fine looking man, wearing a moustache and side-whiskers. He had a nice family; his three daughters were Sunday school Teachers in my young days. The family all drifted away from here, the Captain remaining behind and living at the Barracks of which he was Caretaker in his latter days. He had a fine singing voice and it was a treat to hear him. After Geale's day, Louis Maurer owned the place for a time. He married one of the Osmund girls. As he was German, he went to the U.S. during the First War and Mike Greene bought the place.

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GEALE'S GROVE OR THE WILDERNESS [Lots 235, 236, 237, 238]; THE CLAUS FAMILY
The Wilderness, as it is now called, was known as "Geale's Grove and I remember that we had our annual Sunday school Picnic there on one occasion. This is believed to be the place where the Indians came to receive their treat money, the owners for years being members of the Claus Family, who were also Indian Agents for the Crown. In Lots 235, 236, 237, and 238 are 96 feet of allowance of William Street between King and Regent Streets. This is unique in that the Street allowance is recorded as "having been closed by the verdict of jury".

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THE CLAUS - W. H. J. EVANS AND AUSTIN PROPERTY
W. H. J. Evans lived here for a long time. Evans was in the coal business, his bins being at the Dock. He fell on bad days financially and the place was sold to W. R. Austin. After Mr. Austin sold it, it was in the hands of U.S. residents for some years and due to the depression, I had the job of selling it for taxes, later it being redeemed by the Mortgagees and is now back in the possession of the Austin family. Mr. Evans was quite prominent in public affairs and served six years in Council. He never was Reeve, but served some time as County Commissioner and was Warden in 1900. After Mr. Evan's first wife died, he married Kate Claus, a member of the family who built the house.

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POWELL - MORSON - LONGHURST - DOYLE - PORTER - BEATTIE
The remaining house in this block is now usually called the "White Inn," so dubbed by Jay Doyle when he owned it. Lest anyone should be led astray by claims that Brock slept here, I should like to point out that the house was not built until 1826 by John Powell. Miss Carnochan is quite definite about this. It is common report that only two houses were left unburned in 18l3, one of them being the Clench house which afterwards burned accidentally.

When I was a boy, Dr. Morson lived here. The Doctor was a little old man, rather irascible, with a fluent vocabulary, if you know what that means. He sported a plug hat and being small in stature, that plug hat was the target for fun-loving youths, who delighted in smiting the plug down over the Doctor's eyes, and then extricating him from its depths with much sympathy. Judge Morson of Toronto was his son and the MacRaes of Oakville are his grandchildren. Jim Longhurst lived here for a time, while running his coal business nearby. Jay Doyle had it and made some changes in it, taking down a portion of it and coloring it white. Then F. D. Porter had it and since his death, it has changed hands several times, being now the property of Fred Beattie. During the First War, it was used as a Hostess House.

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GEALE - DICKSON - CURTIS - VANARSDALE - LUTZ AND HARRISON
In the block bounded by Centre, Regent, William and Victoria Streets, there was until recently, only one house. At one time, the Geale-Dicksons lived here and later it was owned by F. B. Curtis, a Buffalo man. Then Mrs. VanArsdale had it for a long time and since her death the Lutz and Harrisons own and occupy it.

THE CUMPSON HOUSE
Across the street is the Cumpson house, built by Bob Cumpson and where he lived until his death a few years ago. Bob was a man who did his bit for the Community by serving 14 years in Council. He was in the Livery Business for a long time, and was in partnership with his brother-in-law Mike Greene. After retiring from that business, he took over Jim Longhurst's Coal business and carried this on successfully until his retirement a few years before he died.

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THE CAUGHILL AND McCARTHY PROPERTIES
Further up Regent Street is a comparatively new house, built by Harvey Caughill. Harvey was in the Coal business, he having taken over this business from Mrs. Miles. He passed away a few years ago, but the business continued in the family, his brother Herb being the Manager. When Jay Doyle owned the White Inn, he had a survey made of the two-acre property and then sold the part fronting on Regent Street. On a part of this, Bob McCarthy has built himself a neat cottage in which he makes his home.

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PARSONS - MATTHEWS PROPERTY
In the block across Regent Street, the first house we come to is now known as Barbary Lodge. At one time and until recently, this property consisted of the whole 4 acres except the Matthews property. A Mrs. Parsons had it at one time, followed by W. Moncrieff. This gentleman, a Buffalonian, presented the Fire Brigade with a fine Hose Wagon. This was in the horse and buggy days and this wagon did duty until the first truck was bought in 1923. I believe Billy Richardson saw this wagon at a Quebec town a year or so ago.

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F. T. SULLIVAN - WOMEN'S ARMY
The late F. T. Sullivan bought the property next and lived there until his death. He was a very public spirited man and served the Town in many ways. He was a lumber merchant in the U.S. Both he and Mrs. Sullivan were fine people and most useful residents. During the recent war, the Women's Army occupied the house. Since that time it has been sold and turned into an Inn.

MRS. STIMSON'S COTTAGE
The Cottage up the street is now the home of Mrs. Stimson who bought it a few years ago and uses it as a summer home.

THE GEORGE MATTHEWS PROPERTY
Around the corner on Mary Street, is the home of George Matthews. This family has been here as long as I can remember; the father was a well-known teamster. He was a hardy man and I have seen him driving his team, hauling ice from the river in the depth of winter without an overcoat and mitts, when other teamsters were heavily muffled up. George and Harry, Mrs. O'Neil and Mrs. Harry Steele are members of this family. George is about the last of the Company of Teamsters, once a goodly array of men.

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THE WALTER THEOBALD PROPERTY
A new house has sprung up on the acre lot next, formerly part of the Sullivan property, the owner having set up business as a tree and gardening expert, in the person of Mr. Walter Theobald.

THE JOE GREENE PROPERTY
On the easterly corner of Mary and Regent Streets is the home of Mrs. Joe Greene, a comparatively modern house. Joe Greene was a man widely known, he having been in public life for many years. Joe spent most of his life on the farm where the Bordeaux Winery is now. He served seven years in Town Council, two of them as Councilor and five as Reeve, with four years as County Commissioner in between. From 1899 to 1906 inclusive, there was no Reeve and Joe served four of those years in County Council. On the change back to electing Reeves in 1907, Joe became Reeve and held the office until his retirement at the end of 19ll. He was County Warden in 1907. He was a most intelligent man, making few mistakes in his public career. He was witty too. I remember his telling me of one occasion in County Council, when the question of increasing the per diem allowance of members of Council to five dollars was under discussion. One member was vigorously opposing the raise, whereupon Joe remarked that evidently the member didn't think he was worth the increase, whereas he, Joe, thought he (Joe) was. Joe married Mary Hunter, a schoolteacher. Mary's father, Neil Hunter, owned the property and lived in the house now occupied by Harry Matthews. After Mary's marriage to Joe, they built the new house and there they lived. Some years after Mary's death, Joe married again, his second wife also being a very fine woman. I always regarded the Greenes as warm, personal friends.

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JACK AND HERB CAUGHILL PROPERTIES
Up on the other corner of this block is the Caughill homestead. Here lived Jack Caughill, a fine sturdy type of citizen. He was a teamster and a grain thresher and was known all over the district. Next door is a newer house, that of Herb, his son. Herb was in the employ of the Canadian Canners for years and since his brother's death, he has been managing the coal business. Those were all a good substantial family, respected and respectable.

THE TOM McCUE AND ERNIE PRICE PROPERTY
Next door, the home of the Ernie Prices lived at one time, Thomas McCue. Tom was a typical Irishman and always reminded me of Kipling's Terence Mulvaney. Read "Soldiers Three' if you want to see what I mean. Tom hadn't a very high opinion of his wife's ability to raise children. I remember on one occasion, I was Census Enumerator. Tom was living in one of the Barrack buildings and he invited me in. "Come along, Joe, and I'll show you a Feine Choild." The child, a girl was sleeping in a cradle in a chimney corner. I never forgot Tom's air of pride as he held up the kid's leg for my inspection. "Look at that for a leg," said he, "And me own raisin toe. Ann the darn ould fool don't know how to raise kids." The girl grew up to be a fine big woman and I had to remember her dad holding her leg up for my inspection, whenever I saw her. Tom wound up his career as a Lock Tender on the Canal, moving to St. Catharines. Ernie Price is a Veteran of the First World War, serving in the 176th Battalion.

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JAMES CARNOCHAN
Jim Carnochan and his family lived next door on the corner. Jim served in the First War, enlisting in the 256th Battalion. Jim was a nephew of Janet Carnochan, his father being James, a brother of Janet, and living on a farm on the River Road, now the home of the Walkers.

ROY DALGLEISH
Roy Dalgleish lives in the next house on Victoria Street. Roy has been with the Caughills since Adam was a baby. He eats and sleeps coal dust and if you don't believe me, as him.

TOM HOLAHAN PROPERTY
Some people and houses get overlooked. In fact, I met a lady a few days ago and she very gently remarked that I had overlooked their house. So I must, of course, repair the omission. On Regent Street, between Queen and Johnson Sts. is a nice roughcast cottage, the home of Art Holahan. The house was built by Art's father Tom, who was for years in the contracting business with Frank Bissell and his son John. Later he pursued a piscatorial calling. I have always known this family as Tom's father Jim, was born into the same Regiment as my father and we were always the very best of friends. I have a picture of Jim taken in a car with John Thornton, my wife's father and W. J. Campbell, all Fenian Raid Veterans, the occasion of the picture taking being one of the Patriotic Parades of years ago.

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THE MILLS - McCARTAN - LEE PROPERTY
The house, which used to stand next to Dalgleishes, was long the home of Tom Mills, a black teamster, and a very decent fellow. He teamed coal for W. H. J. Evans for years and was a very strong man. I have seen him lift a barrel of coal oil by the chines and place it in his wagon unassisted. Bill McCartan and his family lived here for some years. Bill raised quite a large family, two of who are still with us in the persons of Tom and Mrs. Jim McCarthy. Later on, Harry Lee acquired the property and lived here until the house was accidentally burned down.

THE THOMAS - OTTAWAY PROPERTY
Around the corner on Mary Street, is a frame cottage for a long time the home of Mrs. Mary Thomas, whose eldest son Reginald was killed in the First Great War. Several of her children are with us still, as well as several grandchildren. Mrs. Walt Sheppard, Mrs. John Cumpson and Mrs. J. F. Walsh are daughters and one son Joe Thomas, all nice people. After Mrs. Thomas passed on, the Harry Ottaways had the place and now it has changed hands again. While Mrs. Thomas lived there, the house was burned and rebuilt and added to and it is now a neat house.

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THE HEWGILL - HAINES PROPERTY
On the southerly corner of Regent and Mary Streets is a house, now the abode of Charlie Haines. As I first remember it, it was the home of the Hewgill Family. Captain Edwin Hewgill was an old Army Officer and had a large family. One of his daughters, Alice, married H. A. Garrett, one of our Mayors. Another was one of my early Sunday school teachers, Constance, a very fine woman. One of the sons, Lovelace, was an officer in the old R. N. W. Mounted Police, when the west was virgin territory. He wrote quite an account of his experiences on duty when the C. P. R. was building. I found it very interesting. His son Ted was born in Rat Portage, now Kenora.

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THE ROBINSON - HAINES PROPERTY
Various people lived in the house after the Hewgills had gone away and Jimmy Robinson finally bought it and lived there until he passed on at the age of 97 years. I knew the Robinsons well all my life. They lived on two different farms on the River Road and my brother Will lived with them for some years. After they came into Town to live, Mr. Robinson was a faithful attendant and aidesman at St. Mark's, a nice, amiable, soft-spoken Englishman and a credit to the Town.

This property, by the way, formerly included the two acres now occupied by the Canadian Canners. I suppose everybody knows Charlie Haines. He doesn't hide his light under a bushel. A veteran of the First World War, he has been prominent in Legion Circles for a long time.

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BEST - SERVOS - SCHMIDT - DAVEY - HARDISON - RUSSELL
On the next corner, facing on King Street, is a brick house now occupied by the Tom Russells. This was in the Best family for years and here lived the famous Fred who served nearly 22 years in Council and died in his last term as Mayor, the only Mayor to die in office. Fred Best had a ready turn of wit and used it on occasion. I remember once, he hired Dave Cumpson to do some fruit tree pruning. Dave was a fair promiser but was not so strong on performance. On being pressed by Fred to be sure to come the next day, he solemnly promised that he'd be on hand the next morning if he were alive. Fred accepted the assurance but alas, David did not appear as promised, so everybody who came into Fred's shop was given the dismal tidings that poor Dave Cumpson was dead. As in all small towns, the news spread and of course, reached Dave's ears, whereupon he rushed to Fred in great indignation. Fred very blandly explained that he knew Dave was a man of his word and having absolute faith in him, he of course, was convinced that Dave had passed away. Well, he had poor Dave there, so Dave had to eat a square meal of that black bird whose caws are so well known. Different people have owned the place since Fred passed on, among them, Alex Servos, Jack Schmidt, Vern Davey and Ray Hardison. The Tom Russells have lived there for some years. Tom is in the employ of the Canners.

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BEST - FREEL - STEWART - CURD PROPERTY
The frame cottage next door was for years the property of Miss Fanny Best and later belonged to Mrs. Walter Freel. It later became the property of W. G. Stewart who lived there for a time and then sold it to Mrs. Curd who now lives on it.

CANADIAN CANNERS
The two acres on John Street in this block now houses the Canadian Canners, who built the present factory building and moved their scene of operations from the Dock. This is the third site occupied by the Canners. The first site of the factory was in a building that stood near the southerly arm of the slip. Here the Delhi Canning Co. started under the management of W. H. Whiteside of Delhi. Next they moved to the building now used as a Basket Factory. The Dominion Canners then took over and Jack Black was the Manager for years. Besides his work for the Canners, Jack served eight years in Council. He was well liked by all who knew him and after his leaving the Canners, he returned to St. Davids, his former home and where he died a few years ago.

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WATERS - SKELTON PROPERTY
In the next block along King Street is a house now owned by the Canners, but my first remembrance of this house is as the home of John Waters. Mr. Waters had some African blood in him, but he was a man very much respected and he served six years in Council and bore the reputation of being a wise councilor. He was a relative of Dan Waters who kept a livery stable for years. John had a son Humphrey Waters who raised chickens. Some rude persons helped themselves to his whole stock of barn pheasants with the exception of a hen and a rooster and they were kind enough to leave a note to the effect that they were leaving these for breeding purposes. In later years, Henry Skelton lived here. His son Jim published the Niagara Times for a while, taking over from the widow of Rev. J. S. Clarke. Jim later moved to Weston where he still resides. Bella, Jim's sister married D'Arcy Caskey, our late lamented Public Librarian. She now lives with her brother in Weston.

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JOHN BISSELL HOUSE
From here to the Town Boundary, houses were few in the Centre Ward. Over in the next block, on the corner of John and Regent Streets is the Bissell home. Here John Bissell lived and his widow after him. His son George now lives here.

N. S. AND T. RAILWAY HOUSE
On the opposite corner is a brick house built by the N. S. and T Railway to house electric equipment and they also had a freight shed nearby.

THE CUMMINGS - ROBERTSON PROPERTY
Up at the end of Victoria Street is the home of Jimmy Robertson. Here was the home of the Cummings family in former years. Kate Cummings was the last of the family to live here. She married a railway man, Joe Carver and after her mother died, she sold the place. Jimmy Robertson is the grandson of the original James of that ilk whom came here direct from Scotland with his family. He was usually known as Rickydoo, from a song he used to sing. Rickydoo served four years in council. He finally got a job on the Canal and moved to Port Dalhousie. Our present Jimmie has two fine sons and a nice wife and is a quiet, likeable chap whom everybody likes.

At the upper end of King Street, several houses have been built of late years, all occupied by industrious people. This about winds up my Reminiscences of the Centre Ward, although I may have something to say about various persons later on.

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