Articles collected from October 20th, 1949 - January 12th, 1950
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McCONKEY MANOR
The large house on the corner of Queen Street is now known as McConkey Manor and is the home of our present day Mayor. He is serving in his sixth year in Council and fifth as Mayor. He is a man who is greatly interested in our Town and its affairs. He succeeded me as President of the Hospital Board and is interested in pretty well all the activities of the Town. He has proved himself to be a very useful citizen and is deservedly popular.
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THE GIBSON - LANSING PROPERTY
The house itself was built by a George Gibson, who lived in it until he passed on, after which Watts Lansing bought it and made some alterations to it. Here he and his wife and daughter dwelt and after the death of her parents, Miss Lansing sold it and bought a smaller house wherein to live. I remember Watts from my small boy days. He was an enthusiastic fisherman, hunter and bowler. A very fine type of man. His family came originally from Canandaigua, N.Y., but Watts always lived here in my time and continued to be a U. S. Citizen.
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THE GILROY - GARRETT PROPERTY
Next along Queen Street we come to a brick house, once the home of Sam Gilroy and his family, another of those families that have vanished from our ken. It is now the home of Fred Garrett, a veteran of the First War. Fred, like his father, is a well-known painter and decorator. Fred played in the Band for years, and has been in charge of the Bathing Beach at the Queen's Royal Park for a long spell.
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JIM MATTHEWS FAMILY
The frame house next, used to be the home of James Matthews and his large family. When I knew him, Jim worked mostly on farms. When one looks around today and sees what is required to raise a family by modern standards, one wonders how a man could contrive to make both ends meet on a farm worker's wages. Yet, it was done and by plenty of men and we must not overlook the fact that the wife and the sons and daughters did their part. Jim Matthews and his wife did a good job and left behind them a family of whom, anyone could be justly proud.
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HINDLE - GOLLOP PROPERTY
Bill Gollop's house is next and last in this block. Here in days of yore dwelt Sam Hindle and his family. Sam married a Raynor, a sister of Jack. Sam was well known as a sewer contractor with his partner Frank Clark. The family is still represented here, as there are grandchildren living here. I feel that we must say some more about this family. The first Hindle here was a British Soldier, Harry by name. Sam served in the Militia. Frank, his son, was a veteran of the First World War and several of Sam's grandsons served in the recent war. Percy, one of Frank's boys, lost his life "over there" and a very nice boy he was. So, I think the Hindle family is well deserving of honourable mention and members of it should be proud of its record and continue to deserve honourable mention.
Bill Gollop is "The Village Blacksmith," although his smithy has no chestnut tree under which to stand. Bill is a Great War Veteran of the first vintage. He first worked for Jim Coleman, taking over the business and moving it from its location across the street to its present site in the rear of his garden. Bill is a good workman and although that type of work is not as plentiful as it used to be, Bill carried on.
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THE GARRETT - RIGGS - BENNETT PROPERTY
Along Queen Street, at the corner of Gate is a house, now the home of Dr. Bennett of Buffalo. Most of this block was formerly owned by H. A. Garrett. The rear part of it was once a school and stood on Johnson Street, near Miss Ball's house. I remember Cannon Garrett living in this house when he first came to Niagara as Curate in Charge, under Archdeacon McMurray. I remember once. That several of us youths were passing there one day, when Mr. Garrett stopped us to know if one of us could shoot a dog for him. His boy had a Cocker Spaniel which somebody had poisoned and he, the Canon wanted to put it out of its misery. So we went across the street to John Sando's and borrowed a gun and dispatched the poor pup. We buried him so that Ham would not know what had happened.
Another incident comes to my mind. The Canon entertained his Bible Class, of which I was a member. The party broke up about one o'clock and John Brown and I, on the way home were doing a jog trot down King Street as it was drizzling rain, when in front of the Masonic Hall, we fell headlong over a cow reposing on the sidewalk. Those were the days when the streetlights were turned off at midnight and cattle ran at large, unmolested. Mrs. Edith Riggs owned the house and lived in it for some years before she built the house on Byron Street.
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THE LYONS -
BURNS - HINDLE PROPERTY
The next house on Gate Street is the Frank Hindle house. The first man I remember in this house was Martin Lyons. I never knew much about him, but he must have been a man of some importance, as he served 16 years in Council. Another man who lived here was Tom Burns. Tom was a man of varied experience, having been soldier, policeman and Customs Officer. I came to know him very well when he was in the Customs at the Dock. He had a great fund of anecdotes at his command and dearly loved to spoof a greenhorn. I remember him telling me about an incident that happened when he was stationed at a post in New Brunswick. In the winter, one of the men had too much to drink and fell asleep on his way to Barracks. Having lost one of his fur gloves, one hand was badly frozen and the four fingers had to be amputated. Tom was hospital orderly and had to assist the doctor. He said he never forgot the cold blooded way the doctor carved the skin around the knuckles. Then, he took a kind of pair of nippers and nipped the fingers off one by one and remarked "It's a pleasure to work with good tools." Tom said. "I could have killed the damned Brute." I was in several firing parties at Military Funerals when Tom was in command. His own son, a soldier died and was buried in St. Vincent's graveyard and Tom even gave the commands while standing behind us. A fine old soldier was he. Frank Hindle bought the place after Tom was gone and there he raised his family.
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THE GRAINER -
HOLAHAN HOUSE
There used to be another house next to Hindles, which was the abode of F. Grainger, an artist. A quaint old character he was. He is said to have painted the Coat of Arms that adorns the Court Room in the Town Hall. Tom Holahan was the last to live in this house, which has since been taken down.
THE
CURTIS - WELLS - ABBOTT HOUSE
The remaining small house on this street belongs to Mrs. Susie Curtis and is occupied by Mrs. Wells and her son Joe. Mrs. Wells is the widow of Alf. Wells, who was for some years sexton and caretaker of St. Andrew's Church and lived in the old residence on the church grounds. He afterwards served St. Mark's in the same capacity, moving to the house on Prideaux St. now occupied by Mrs. Arnold. Alf died in office and is buried in the Church Cemetery. William Abbott lived in the Curtis Cottage for some years.
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THE GARRETT -
MUSSEN PROPERTY
On the Queen Street side of this block, at the corner of Simcoe, is a fine mansion, the home of the Mussens. On this corner, there once stood the house now owned by Herb Campbell, then the home of H. A. Garrett. Mr. Garrett was a very fussy, upright old gentleman who at one time, owned quite a bit of property in Town. He was in Council for twelve years, two of them as Mayor. The present Garrett family are cousins of his. He left one daughter Mary, who has since died. His wife was Alice Hewgill. The present house on this site was built by the Mussens. Joe Mussen was one of the important men of the Town for years and was Mayor 1921 - 1923, resigning before the end of his last year, to be succeeded for the balance of the term by myself. Mrs. Mussen is a daughter of Tom McGaw who was one of the owners of the old Queen's Hotel in Toronto and the Queen's Royal here. She too, has been prominent in the public life of the Town, filling leading positions in the various women's organizations. She was for a time, on the Board of Education and is one of the Curators of the Historical Museum, besides serving on the Library Board.
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THE BERNARD - BANNISTER HOUSE
The next house was built by the Goodwin Bernards, who lived there until Mr. Bernard died, since which time it has changed hands several times. Being now the home of Dr. Bannister. The Bernards have been here for a long time, their original home in Town being now owned by Miss Barbara and situated on Mississaugua Street. The family owned one of the large farms on the Lake Road. Goodie married Agnes McGaw, a sister of Mrs. Mussen.
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JOHNSON AND VICTORIA STREETS: SWINTON - HENNIGAN - ADAMS PROPERTY
As we have already covered the remainder of Queen Street, we will now move to the corner of Johnson and Victoria Streets, where Leo Hennigan now lives. This property as I first remember it, had two houses on it, one on the Victoria St. side about where the Adams house stands, the other, a long, low house stood on Johnson Street about where Miss Kerr's house now is. The property belonged to the Swintons. Alec Swinton was the Town Undertaker and a Carpenter and cabinetmaker. Those were the days when the undertaker made the coffin to fit the occupant. Mrs. Fred Masters and Mrs. John Brown are granddaughters of Mr. Swinton. Both these houses have been removed long since and there are now four dwellings on the property. Leo Hennigan, who lives on the corner, is a nice, quiet fellow, well liked by all who knew him. He put in one year in Council. He was in the confectionery business for years, but has now retired. This house, as well as the ones on either side of it was built by Charlie Currie.
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ROBERT
COX, U. E. L.
The next house on Victoria Street, was the home of Robert Cox, the last representative of one of the old families of the district to live in our Town. He was very proud of being a United Empire Loyalist and lived here retired, after serving as a letter carrier in Toronto. He was an old member of the Canadian Militia, his last service being Q. M. Sergeant of the 124th Battalion during the first war.
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THE
KEMSLEY FAMILY
The next house was built by Jerry Kemsley. The Kemsley family is well known here. Jerry was a Carpenter and a Musician. He played in the Band for years and sang in St. Mark's Choir. In fact, in my time, there have been nine Kemsley's in the Choir, not all at one time. Incidentally, I know of only one other family that had more of its members in the same choir in my time and that is my own, eleven of us serving at various times. Jerry was a quiet, versatile fellow. Besides being a good Carpenter, he was a fair Barber. I served with him in the old 19th, he being Sergeant, and barbering us rookies between whiles. A most likeable fellow was Jerry. His daughter, Mrs. Adams now has the house. Jerry Kemsley served two years in Council.
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THE FERGUSON AND SHORT PROPERTIES
The next house is one of the old ones, and is the home of the Tom Fergusons. Tom served one year as Councilor and two as Mayor. I have known him and his wife since we were youthful. Tom's wife was Ada Longhurst, a daughter of Jim Longhurst, another well-known man about our Town. Tom was in business as a Watchmaker and Jeweler in Town before moving away. He and Bert St. John were partners. When the partners parted, Jim Connolly bought out the jewelry part of the business and moved to his present location, while Bill Campbell took over the drug business. Tom returned to Town a few years ago and bought the Short house. The owner who had this house was Captain Short who was in the shipping business. I do not remember him, but I have known his two daughters these many years. In fact Lou, now Mrs. Fred McClelland, was in the same entrance class at High School with me. The Shorts were a very fine family. Mrs. Short, the mother, was a Longhurst. The younger daughter, Belle married Ed Lee, and now lives in St. Catharines. The Lee family were Township people, but Ed became a carpenter. He was the builder of the Bernard home on Queen Street.
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THE MURRAY - PRITTIE PROPERTY
The next house is now occupied by the John Pritties, a St. Catharines family who came here a few years ago. When I first knew the place, Bill Murray lived there. Bill was a Teamster and for years, he was the Carter from the Steamboat Wharf. I remember him as bringing the news up town about the Lakeview House being on fire. I mentioned it in my tale of "The Mankiller." Bill had a son and three daughters. Arthur, the son, still lives in the Township, but two of Bill's daughters have passed on. The oldest girl, Julie, now lives in St. Kitts. The next girl, Annie married George Longhurst, who now lives on Johnson Street with his daughter Helen. The youngest girl, Alice, married Archie Haines. She left a son and two nice daughters.
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THE HARVEY - HOUGHTON PROPERTY
The next house is a modern one, built for a Mrs. Harvey. After her death, it was bought by the Joe Houghtons, who lived in it until they moved to Toronto. Joe Houghton was quite a useful citizen and a first class gardener. He was for a long while, sexton of St. Mark's and I got to know him very well. He served six years in Council. They had four sons, all of whom helped me in Sunday school as Secretary and Librarian. Three of them served overseas in the First War, Tom and Bob giving their lives, while Bert came back, very much the worse for wear. He however has a shoe business in Toronto and is doing very well.
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THE BRIGGS FAMILY
On the Gate Street side of this block, there are some new houses, the only old one was for many years, the home of the Briggs family. Charlie of that name was a well-known shoe repairman, commonly called Waxy by the boys. A short, plump, little man, he was good natured and likeable. His place of business was a small frame store on the site of Greaves' Garage on Queen Street next to the Greaves store. This was a gossip shop for the boys. Charlie knew everything that was going on. He had a brother Dick, who came here with his family from the west and worked with Charlie in the wee shop. He was known everywhere as Sycamore Dick. He was one of the Town Assessors and was Secretary-Treasurer of the Fire Brigade for some years. He was knocked down by a fractious horse and killed while crossing the street about in front of Librock's store in 1915 while the big Camp was here. The Derbyshires bought the place after Dick's wife died not so long ago.
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THE
CLEMENT - CREAMER - MELBOURNE PROPERTY
On the corner facing on Johnson Street is a brick house that for many years belonged to Major Joe Clement, a well-known Township farmer. Many tenants have occupied the place in my time, about the last being the Creamers. Andy Melbourne bought it and gave it such a face lifting that if it could look in a glass, it wouldn't know itself. He made a fine job of it. Andy, however, has gone back to the Falls, whence he came. He had quite a famous squabble with the Parks Commission over the place at the Falls where he formerly did business and which was taken over when the new bridge was planned.
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THE
PLATTS CARRIAGE SHOP
Next to this property is what was once one of the busiest spots in the Town, The Platts Carriage Shop. At one time, they had four apprentices serving their time here and the business flourished for many years. I remember the last of the Platts who ran the business, Willard by name. He was a very religious man and for years began the day with a short prayer service. He taught Sunday school for the Methodists in the Temperance Hall in the top flat of the Stuart Building and later in the present United Church. He was my teacher for a time in the gallery of the Church.
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PLATT - HINCHCLIFFE PROPERTY
I don't know how it came about, but I attended two Sunday Schools for a time. Our own was held in the morning and the Methodist in the afternoon. Some people may think I must have been a terror to need to go to Sunday school twice a day. Mrs. Platt survived her husband for some years but towards the end of her days, her mind failed and she wandered out one winter night and was found dead on the river ice in front of the Queen's Royal grounds. Herb Hinchcliffe bought the property after her death and he has removed all the buildings except the dwelling and has built a new cottage where some of the buildings once stood. Herb is a well-known citizen as he has been a gardener for years and has been on our own Police Force for quite a spell. Billy Smith of the Youngstown News, an old Niagara boy by the way, once said that the Niagara Police was like electricity, an Invisible Force. Well, anyone who surveys our present force would hardly say that any one of them was invisible, as they can all be easily seen with the naked eye. After that crack, I had better remain invisible for a time or two or else. What do you think?
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CHARLES CAMIDGE AND YORK ACADEMY - MR. W. E. LYALL
And then we come to the "York Academy," where Charles Camidge held forth for many years. He was a rather eccentric character, tall and gaunt, with his face decorated by a long-stemmed pipe which he smoked as if it were part of him. I remember that he sat in Council one year, 1890, the year the first Waterworks bylaw was passed. Mr. Camidge was opposed to the idea and succeeded in having the By-law upset on a technicality. However the By-law was again enacted and the Waterworks installed the following year. I remember one lady who had voted against the By-law in 1890. On the day that the vote was being taken the second time, her barn was burned and her house was only saved with great difficulty. Whereupon she hied her away to vote for the By-law. She and others had seen the light. After the passing of Mr. Camidge and the York Academy, Mr. W. E. Lyall bought the place and made his home there until he died. Mr. Lyall came here in 1887 to take over the Principalship of our Public School from George Cork. He continued in this position until 19l0, when he became Town Clerk and Treasurer, in which position he remained until his resignation in 1929. Mr. Lyall was a strictly honest and upright public servant. During his tenure of the teaching job, I remember that one evening we were seated at the supper table partaking of the evening meal, when Joe Houghton appeared, leading Bert by the hand. My Dad was then Chairman of the Public School Board. You should have seen my mother's face when Mr. Houghton pulled down Bert's pants to show us where Mr. Lyall had striped him. And he had. Mr. Lyall was a good teacher and a fine Clerk and Treasurer. And in both positions, he worked for a mighty small remuneration.
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THE
BALL PROPERTIES
As we move to the next block along Johnson Street, I should like to say that there were only three houses on this block when I first remember it. There was at one time a school facing on Johnson Street. This building now forms the rear portion of Dr. Bennett's house on Queen Street. The Alfred Ball house is still there, occupied by his daughter Kathleen. A good many different families have lived in this house, but the Balls are the ones I remember best. Mr. Ball was the elder son of John W. Ball, who was one of the lineal descendants of one of the original settlers in this district. After Alfred sold his farm in the Township, he moved into Town, where he was a very useful citizen. He did quite a lot of conveyancing and was Secretary-Treasurer of the High School Board for years, giving up that position when the present Board of Education was established. He was a painstaking and careful man. He was always on time for any engagement he made, as he did not believe in wasting other people's time. Miss Ball was our Church organist for a long time, succeeding Miss Rosamund Geddes in that post. She became organist at the same time as I became Choirmaster. We made quite a team. She didn't sing and I didn't play and we got along well in our respective jobs. I must say that she was and is one of the nicest persons to work with that I have met. She was a fine musician and I found her patient and kindly towards everybody with whom she came in contact.
The next house as I first remember it, was for a long time, the home of Tom Ball. Tom was rather an oddity, and was usually found in the vicinity of Phil Librock's store. He was very often seen leaning on his cane and viewing the passing scene. I think I see him with his cane behind him. One day when bicycles were beginning to be common and there was no prohibition of their being ridden on sidewalks, Tom was peacefully leaning on his cane and looking at something in Librock's window. A smart aleck bicycle rider came speeding along the sidewalk and just as he got behind Tom, he gave his bicycle bell a loud ring, thereby startling poor Tom. Mr. Smarty had a big laugh at Tom's perturbation (isn't that a four dollar word). It went over so well that Mr. Smarty tried it again presently. Tom never turned a hair this time, however, but without turning around, thrust his stick outwards and through the spokes of Smarty's rear wheel, thereby ripping out several spokes and thoroughly upsetting rider and wheel. Tom's brief comment was "Get out in the road, Gol Darn you, where you belong." And that was that. Tom had one son Edward who became a civil engineer and settled in Ossining, New York.
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THE RUTHVEN - D'ARCY PROPERTY
Later on, Henry Ruthven bought the place. Henry was a brother-in-law of Alfred Ball. A quiet fellow, he was likeable but not easy to know. After the Ruthvens had passed on, Fitzroy D'Arcy bought the place and lived in it until his death not so long ago. Mr. D'Arcy was a fine gentleman and one whom it was a pleasure to know. He was here as a young man, and owned a small farm at the junction of the East and West Line with the Stone Road in partnership with Arthur L. Wood, afterwards going to New York. He served in the First World War with the 58th Battalion. He married Marian Wilkinson, a daughter of our former Town Clerk and they came here to live some years ago. He served in Council for five years, one of them as Councilor, two as Mayor and two as Reeve. From conversations with him, I gather that his family was a North Ireland one, but he lived in England before coming to Canada.
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HINDLE -
REID - HARRIS COTTAGE
Around the corner on Simcoe Street, is a frame cottage, the home of Mrs. Dora Harris. This house was moved to its present site by Charlie Currie. It stood on the lot now occupied by the home of Mrs. Rigg at the corner of Simcoe and Prideaux Streets. Sam Hindle and his family lived in this house at one time and later Bob Reid Sr. and his family.
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THE CLARK PROPERTY
Next to the Harris house is the home of Bill Clark, the second of that name. Bill is a steady going fellow, a gardener. He has served five years in Council and is a dependable fellow, with a lot of good sense in his make-up. Next is a house that was the home of Bill Clark Sr. for many years until his death. He too was a gardener and for many years played in the Band. He had two brothers Charlie and George. George was drowned off the Corona when on a moonlight excursion. Charlie was a painter and died long ago.
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THE SCULLY -
MUSSEN - HAINES PROPERTY
On the Gate Street side of this block is the home of Archie Haines. This Lot 142 was vacant land until Archie's house was built and was known as the Scully Lot. It was sold for taxes and was bought by Joe Mussen and by him sold to Archie who was his gardener for a long spell. Archie served ten years in Council and I found him to be a very fine Councilor. He was not always popular, but I thought him one of the best Councilors during my long public career. He, like the rest of his family, is musical being Choirmaster of St. Andrew's Church for many years. During the late war, he organized and conducted the Sunday night singsong in the Park. This was very popular, but the War being over and it having been organized as a patriotic movement, Archie gave it up. The character of the singsong has deteriorated under subsequent management, if one is to judge from public comment of late date. From my humble abode, it seems to be a racket breaking on the Sabbath evening air. But as I have not approached nearer, I do not intend to pass judgment on the affair or its conductor. Nuff said.
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CLENCH - WILLIAMSON - HOLMWOOD - MEEK - MELBOURNE - HAHN
As we travel along Johnson Street, we come to the old Clench house. This is one of the old houses being built soon after the War of 1812. Here in my time dwelt Barney Clench, who served ten years in Council, one of them as Deputy Reeve, and three as Mayor. Barney, as I remember him, was a stiff, fussy old chap, and a man of strong character. I used to hear a lot about him from my half-sister Fanny Clench, who lived with him from time to time. Barney had one son Frank who married Eva Reid, elder sister of Walter and George Reid. A Mrs. Williamson had the place for some time and kept a boarding house there. The Holmwoods bought it and greatly improved the house. Then Mr. R. Meek had it followed by Andy Melbourne. It is now owned by Mr. Hahn of Buffalo. Barney Clench had a fine apple orchard on the lot.
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THE
HALL - BILLING HOUSE
The only other house in this block is on Simcoe Street and is owned by Miss Iona Billing. I remember a Mr. Hall living there. This man had the Liquor Store. Afterwards the Billing family came here and lived in the house. Miss Billing and her brother Eddie are the only members of the family left here now. Miss Billing conducted a good shoe store for some years. She bought the business formerly that of Peter Healey and carried it on very successfully, finally selling out to Mr. Magder.
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CLARK - HOOD - LETTAU -
WILSON PROPERTY
In the next block, on the corner of Johnson and Mississaugua Streets is a frame dwelling, once belonging to Charlie Clark, whom we have already mentioned. After Charlie's death, Albury Hood bought the place, later selling it to H. F. Lettau, a Toronto man, who made a summer home of it. Art Wilson married his daughter and they now live there. Art is in the Garage business on Queen Street and is real live wire at it. He seems to be a good businessman and nice to deal with. He is the son of Delos Wilson of Virgil, one who is best known through his connection with the Canadian Canners. Dos is a jolly fellow and quite a joker. A very likeable fellow whom I have known for many a year.
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THE McMANUS - PRICE - ORR PROPERTIES
Two new houses have sprung up along Johnson Street of late years, the first belonging to the McManuses of Buffalo and the other to Mrs. Price of Toronto. On the corner is a house for long years, the home of Mrs. Jenny Orr. Mrs. Orr was a Samson and passed away not long ago, leaving one son Ray, who lives in the States.
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THE WHITE AND HAINER PROPERTIES
On the other side of this block and facing on Gage Street is a new house belonging to the George Whites, a new family in Town, while on the other corner and facing on Mississaugua Street is the Hainer home. I have known the Hainers very well indeed for many years. Frank, who passed away some years ago, was in the employ of the Syers when he first came here. Mrs. Hainer and my wife were bosom friends and Mrs. Hainer is a very fine type of woman, a good clean living woman. They had a nice family, three of the sons enlisting in the First Great War. Charlie, the oldest boy was badly wounded and after returning to Canada, he was on the Police force in Toronto, where he was killed in a motor accident.
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THE SANDHAM - SOUTHCOTT PROPERTY
Travelling along Gage Street, we come to an acre lot formerly owned by a Miss Jessie Sandham, but now belonging to Hunter Southcott. I first knew Southcott as a dispatch rider at Camp during the First War. He has made his home here ever since and is one of the most versatile workmen I have known, a very clever fellow. He has two houses on the lot now and has been employed for some years at Port Weller.
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THE ORR PROPERTY
Along Sixth Street is a house once the abode of Bobby Orr. Bobby was a genial Scot, the spouse of Mrs. Jenny Orr. The house formerly stood down on Gate Street and was bought and moved to its present site by Bobby some years ago.
THE HUGHES PROPERTY
On the other side of this block, is a house that was for many years, the home of the Hughes family. Amos Hughes and his wife were very good friends of ours and a much-respected couple. They were quite prominent in United Church circles and both were members of the Niagara Players. We were together in several plays that were put on by that organization.
Just about opposite the Hughes house is a new house built by Fred Curd, who made his home there. Fred was a gardener and a very nice fellow. When I first knew Fred, he was a member of St. Mark's Men's Club, but he married and transferred his Church affiliation to St. Andrew's. He had a nice wife and a family consisting of what used to be called "a pigeon pair," a son and a daughter. His daughter is quite a gifted young woman, and taught school for several years, until Harry Newton came along and lured her away from her chosen profession to become Mrs. Newton. Harry by the way, has been with the Imperial Bank here for quite a spell and served during the late War with the Air Force. He is a popular fellow and a good citizen and it is to be hoped that the Bank can keep him here for years to come.
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"SAWMILL CORNER" -
COX - CURRIE - ANDERSON - MASSIE - WESLEY
I should like to take you now to the corner of Victoria and Gage streets. On the Victoria Street side of this block, there used to be only three houses. On the corner, abutting on Gage Street was a barn-like building that was at one time a Sawmill and the corner was usually spoken of as "the Sawmill Corner." It had belonged to the Cox family, I believe, but was lying idle as I knew it. Charlie Currie bought the lot and built two houses on it. The first of these was for a long time tenanted by Nelson Anderson, who was Superintendent of our Electric Light System for many years. I don't think I have mentioned Nels before this, but my memory of him is one of friendship. Some people did not like him but I was associated with him for three years when I was with the Hydro and he and I got on together very well indeed. He knew his business and was a good man in his job. The house has changed hands several times and is now the home of Alex Massie. The next home is the home of Miss Winnie Wesley.
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THE ADDISON - STEVENSON - DALGLEISH PROPERTY
The next three houses are the original ones on the block on this side. The first used to be the residence of Mrs. Dr. Stevenson, widow of Dr. Stevenson who was a descendant of Rev. Robert Addison, the first Rector of St. Mark's Church. She owned the farm that had been the home of Robert Addison and is now owned by Sam Tobe. The house is now the home of Mrs. Etta Dalgleish, a very nice widow who used to be a tailoress with R. C. Burns before she married.
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LOCKWOOD - CHAMBERLAIN - DUDDIES PROPERTY
The next house, where the Duddies now live, was the home of the Lockwood family. Ab Lockwood was a fiery, smallish man with a whale of a temper, but a nice fellow in his own home, which I visited frequently. His wife was Henrietta Thornton, an aunt of my wife, a very quiet, placid person, quite the opposite of her spouse. They had a large family, who all gravitated to Uncle Sam's domains, although their father hated Yankees wholeheartedly. Mrs. Pauretta Chamberlain is the present owner. She was a schoolmate of mine at High School.
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THE ANDREWS - ACTON - SKELTON PROPERTY
The next house was, for a good while, the home of Albert Andrews, Principal of our High School. After him, came Wully Acton, a "Scot frae Auld Riekie." I think I hear him singing, "The Laird o' Cockpen." A good man was he and served one year in Council. After he moved away, it was bought by Henry Skelton. Mr. Skelton had a son and two daughters. Jim the son, was publisher of the Niagara Times following the late Rev. J. S. Clarke. Jim now lives in Weston. He married a daughter of the then Methodist Minister, the Rev. Mr. Eby. One of his daughters, Bella, married D'Arcy Caskey, our late lamented Public Librarian.
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DAVY ST. PROPERTY - BROWN - SHEPHERD -
ALLEN - CASKEY
It seems to me that I have not mentioned the house where the Caskeys dwelt on Davy Street and where D'Arcy met his death. This is quite an old house and has had many occupants. I remember Walter Brown, one of my schoolmates living there when I attended Public School. His father was Solomon John Brown, a denizen of the River Road who moved into town. E. H. Shepherd lived there for a time before he moved to North Bay. Another notable tenant was Dick Allen. George Caskey, father of D'Arcy bought the place and lived there. He owned the Bakery for a time, selling it to Jim MacPhee. He was a very likeable old man and our Glee Club used to meet at the house for practice. D'Arcy was not married at that time. He was full of music and led, at different times, St. Andrew's Choir and the United Church Choir. He was also director of the Niagara Choral Society of which I was President. He also served on the High School Board and was altogether a useful and desirable citizen. In his latter years, he was a carpenter. He built the house on Victoria Street next to the Skelton house and which is now the United Church Parsonage. Two new houses have sprung up on this lot, one on Victoria Street and one on Centre.
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THE STRATHY - FROST -
LYNCH PROPERTY
On the Gate Street side of this block is a house owned by the Frosts of Toronto. The first family that I remember living here were the Strathys of Toronto. Dr. Strathy was a Doctor of Music and he had quite a family. The way I came to know the family well was that they had a boat and boathouse along side of ours on the beach and we used to keep an eye on the premises for them. There were several nice boys in the family, the oldest of them later becoming General Manager of the Trader's Bank. There were also some girls, not that I was particularly interested in them as such. But I remember an incident connected with one of them that sticks in my memory. I was going down the railway track one afternoon, when I saw this girl trying to get her boat down to the water. So I went down to help her and we got the skiff launched. She told me she was going to Youngstown and I remarked that she would have quite a pull, as there was a strong breeze blowing. So she asked me to go along and help her. I brought another pair of oars, and away we went. When we got over there, she asked me to wait while she went uptown. When she came back, she had a good-sized cardboard box. As the wind was now dropping, she asked me if I could let her out at the foot of King Street. When I got back to the Beach, there was a man waving over at the Fort Wharf to be brought across. So I rowed over and got him and when we landed at the Beach, there was Col. Thompson, the Customs Officer waiting, and he forthwith seized the boat and put the Government crowfoot on it. After quite a bit of chat between him and my passenger, an old Irishman, the officer turned to me and pointing to a parcel lying on a log nearby, he asked if I had seen it before. It was the identical parcel Miss Strathy had brought over. He then very kindly helped me put the skiff in the boathouse and directed me to tell my father not to let it go out until he gave permission. He then blandly asked me how I would like to spend two or three years in Kingston. I didn't feel very happy about the business, I assure you. However, the matter was settled up and the boat released and was I relieved, but being only a kid, I never forgot this incident.
Later on, the Strathy's gave up their house and it was purchased by Miss Nina Lynch, who made it her home until her death, when it came into the possession of Mrs. Frost, who was a niece.
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METHODIST CHURCH AND GRAVEYARD
Next door is the graveyard of the Methodist Church, a small piece of ground now pretty well filled up. At one time, there was a frame Church Building on it, which, according to Miss Carnochan's History, was built in 1823. However, in 1875, the Methodist Church bought their present Church from the Canadian Presbyterians who had amalgamated with the Scotch Church, as it was then called. The old church was sold to Thomas Burk, who moved it to its present site at the westerly corner of Gate and Prideaux Streets, where it is now the home of Mrs. Ivan Wright. Burk had a Pork Factory in the Building and in later years, it was the home of Mrs. Hannah Servos.
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THE ROBERTSON-McCLINTON PROPERTY
Next to the Graveyard is a small cottage that was the home of Tom Robertson as I first remember it. Tom had a son and a daughter. The boys were in my class at school, but he died while quite young of Diphtheria, of which there was an epidemic at the time and from which quite a number of children died. Tom also lost his wife and daughter not long afterwards and Tom closed the house. It stood there silent and deserted for many years until it was finally bought by Mrs. McClinton of Toronto as a summer home and it is still in her family.
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BURNS - WRIGHT PROPERTY
Across the street, and facing on Gate Street, is an old frame house now belonging to the Sam Wright family of Toronto. This property was once the home of the Burns family. The father of Bob and Joe and Salome had a Leather Goods Factory here and there used to be tan vats in the old barn on the place. I do not remember the father but I knew the family, as they were very much in the public eye. Salome was a Music Teacher and organist of the Methodist Church. She was a fine musician and had the reputation of being an outstanding accompanist. Brother Bob was in the Drygoods and Tailoring business where Bill Greaves now does his jams and marmalade. Bob moved away to Brantford, where he lived to a ripe old age. Brother Joe was his bookkeeper and later became Town Clerk and Treasurer and still later, Collector of Customs. Joe was quite a sport and was a great bowler. He had as his partner, Watts Lansing and they won many trophies both at singles and doubles. I can remember Joe as a member of the old Curling Club. It seems odd to me that our sport-loving fraternity have not made some effort to revive this game "the roarin' game". I'm sure the Lawn Bowlers would take to it like a duck to water. Brother Bob had a keen sense of humour. I remember his coming up to me in his store the first time I entered after my marriage. He put on the most owlish expression, solemnly shook my had and assured me of his deepest sympathy. Canon Garrett also congratulated me in like vein. He said, "Well Joseph, you're all right now. All you have to do is to keep your wife in wood, and she'll keep you in hot water." I often think that a sense of humour is one of man's greatest assets. I remember once in County Council, Charlie Bush sat opposite me and he got quite worked up during the heat of a debate, which had a bit of humour about it. He looked over at me and seemed to relax. He came up to me when we adjourned and said, "Thanks, Joe, for the twinkle in your eye." However, the property we are discussing has been divided up among members of the Wright family since Sam Wright's death.
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THE JOHN PROPERTY
Up the street is the Allen property, two houses, one on Gage Street, the other on Simcoe. The first, on Gage, was for years the home of Robert John, who, when I knew him first, was a Fisherman, with his brother Dick. Then, later on he had the stage route between here and St. Catharines. I remember, on one occasion, somebody bet Bob that the mare he was driving, a pacer by the way, could not make the run from St. Kitts, P. O. to Niagara P. O. inside of an hour. Quite a crowd gathered near the P.O. which was then in the Town Buildings where the Police Office is now, to witness the end of the race against time. Bob and his mare rounded Garrett's corner within the hour. I think I see Bob's air of quiet pride as he drew up to receive congratulations on his triumph. Bob and his good wife have joined the great majority, but his two daughters are with us in the persons of Mr. James Connolly and Mrs. Linc Quinn, both very fine women.
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THE
ALLEN - WRIGHT PROPERTY
Around the corner was Tommy Allen's house, now the home of Mrs. Bill Wright. Here, Tommy's wife was burned to death in a bonfire, while burning rubbish. These three Allen's played in the Town Band for many years, Tommy being a cornetist. Tommy and Dick had a good deal of dramatic talent and were members of the old Amateur Dramatic Society. Bill Wright, who passed away not so long ago, was quite a prominent citizen and served on the old Public School Board and later on in the Board of Education. He was a very likeable fellow and one who never was afraid to have his say. And he was endowed with a lot of good common horse sense. He was a Teamster by calling and was a familiar figure bout our streets. When I was a boy, the Wright family lived in Fort George and Bill was a schoolmate of mine at public school. After leaving the Fort, Bill bought the Allen house and ended his days there.
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PRESBYTERIAN MANSE
Next door is the Presbyterian Manse, which has been occupied by not a few good men whom I remember. My father and mother were married by the Reverend Charles Campbell. The first one I remember was Rev. Wm. Cleland and I have his signature on my High School Entrance Certificate, he being then Chairman of the High School Board. The others signing were Col. E. H. Thompson, Chairman of the Public School Board and Albert Andrews, High School Principal.
Another whom I remember well is Nathaniel Smith. Mr. Smith had a son Frank who became quite eminent in the Toronto Newspaper world. The last time I met rank, he and I were Pallbearers at the funeral of Miss Carnochan. He was a very able man in his work and passed on not so long ago. Another whom I knew well was Rev. A. F. MacGregor, a very scholarly man, but one not easy to know. He was a fine scholar and a very thoughtful man. He was much interested in our Public Library. Of the later men whom I knew well, was Mr. MacFarlane. We were very good friends and scarcely a day passed without his coming into my office for a chat. His untimely death was a great loss both to his Church and his friends. Another outstanding man who served St. Andrew's was Dr. McKerroll, who, during his ministry was instrumental in carrying out a splendid programme of restoration of the fabric of the Church. Certainly he was an eminent man and a useful citizen. All in all, this Church has played a notable part in the life of the Town.
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THE
ELLIOTT FAMILY
There stands in the Church grounds, an old and weather-beaten frame building, not now much to look at but nevertheless worthy of note in these reminiscences. It faces on Gage Street and in my early days, was the residence of the Church Sexton, who was then Bill Elliott. Bill was a mason, a fairly tall, reserved sort of man and a good workman at his trade. He had served in the Niagara Company of the l9th Regiment in the expedition to Phillipsburg and the Fenian Raids campaigns. Poor Bill was burned to death in a house that belonged to his second wife (Mary Coleman). Bill had two sons and several nice daughters. The youngest of his two sons was not a prodigal like the one in the Bible, but was a very nice kid who died quite young. His name was the same as that of his granddad, but he was known at school as "Ducky." Ducky stuttered, but he could sing like a bird. He had a nice tenor voice and sang in the Church Choir. I was at his Funeral, a Military one and it was first time to wear a red coat. We marched down Mississaugua Street to Queen through mud that was gooey. Colin Milloy was our Captain and I think I see him out of the corner of my eye, plodding along abreast of us in the van of the Company and his feet seemed as big as snowshoes. My brother Fred was one of the eight bearers who shouldered the coffin in shifts of four all the way and they had a job, believe me. We plodded down the street to Queen and up Simcoe to the Church. I never could forget that parade.
The older son John left us not long ago. He too was a mason and a good one and his sons are carrying on. John was very tall and erect, and was for a long time Drummer in the Town Band. Altogether, the Elliott family has been useful and respectable citizens and still are. One could wish that there were more just like them.
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ALF WELLS AND FAMILY
Another man who lived in this old gray house was Alf Wells. He was Sexton for a long time, afterwards filling a similar position at St. Mark's. Alf was a short man, of a bright cheery disposition. He served in the "rude Militia" for quite a while, being an artilleryman. A very likeable fellow was Alf and he left several fine daughters and one son. He lies in the Cemetery at St. Mark's where he had laboured for years. Latterly, the poor old building was badly damaged by fire, set by mischievous children and is sadly in need of a revival. This is one of the oldest buildings in the Town and is mentioned by Miss Carnochan as the gathering place of many organizations after the fire that destroyed the Town.
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THE WHITTAKERS
Along the street, we come to another house worthy of notice. Here dwell the Whittakers, a very nice couple. Bill has been useful in the Town since he came here, having done a great deal of useful work for the returned men from the First World War, besides serving four years in Town Council. Bill is himself a casualty of his war service, but there is not much wrong with his head. His wife, too, is a useful citizen, being Regent of the I. O. D. E. and making a good job of it. She has also been an active worker in Church organizations. I must plead guilty to being very fond of Bertha, as she has been like a daughter to me.
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THE COUNTY GRAMMAR SCHOOL
However, about this house. It was many years ago, a school and was known as the "County Grammar School." It was in nature of the old country boarding school and was conducted for many years by the Rev. H. N. Phillips, and many of the boys of the district received their education there. About its last principal was Charles Camidge, who later founded and carried on the York Academy. This institution was first located in the house on Victoria Street, its last occupant being Monty Lamoure, who tore down the old house and made a new and more up to date dwelling. Here for a long time dwelt Jack Nisbet and his family. We have mentioned Mr. Camidge in connection with his later house on Johnson Street. He was a rather odd old character. I never knew him except by sight, but he was a tall, erect old chap and smoked a long-stemmed pipe. The poor old fellow got melancholy in his old age and ended his days by taking poison.
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THE HARKINS HOUSE
Up Mississaugua Street, the next house was the Harkins house. When I was a kid, fishing with my Dad, we often used to see Bill Harkins on the shore gathering up the dead shad after a blow, into a dump cart. He used to plow these into his land. He had a boy Patsy who was a classmate of mine at Public School.
THE McCARTAN - WRIGHT - SMYTHE PROPERTY
The next house was at one time, owned by Johnny McCartan, a relative of Tom. After his death, Bill Wright bought the place and Bill Smythe lived in it for some years. Many will remember Bill as the Relief Clerk during the late depression. He was a good scholar and a fine penman.
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THE
SMITH - HARPER PROPERTY
There used to be up the street, an old cottage that was once the home of Bob Smith. I never knew him, but his wife and Granny Holahan used to do all the midwifery about the Town when I was young. Between them, all our family was ushered into the world. Her son, that is Mrs. Smith's son Billy, was a veteran of the Fenian Raids and one of my Dad's cronies. When I knew him, he was running the Youngstown News and it had quite a number of subscribers here. He used to print a Niagara front page and called the edition containing it "The Niagara News." We used to ferry it across the river and deliver the bundles to John Sando's shop where Reid's paint shop now stands. Billy had a great sense of humor and had a lot of fun with his paper. He published some hocus about you or me one week and when we threatened to raise a row, he published an abject apology the next week (with his tongue in his cheek, of course) and humbly state: We were misinformed." Billy later moved to Toronto and died there. He had a son Fred who became very prominent in Y. M. C. A. work in that City. Billy's sister married Johnny Doran. John worked for the Queen's Hotel in Toronto for years and at the Queen's Royal here during the summers. John had three sons and several daughters. His oldest boy, Bob served overseas in the First World War and lives in the west. Joe or Doke as he was usually called went to the States and is on the Detective Force in, I think, Los Angeles, while Jack, the youngest boy lives around the Falls. Johnny's youngest daughter, Lou married a U.S. soldier. Johnny, but the way was in the U.S. Artillery stationed at Fort Niagara, before he came here and he enlisted in the American forces at the time of the Spanish-American War. After Johnny's death, the property changed hands, the Harpers buying it and tearing down the old house.
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MAJOR HERRING
At the corner of Mississaugua and William Streets is the home of Major Herring. The Major has been with us off and on these many years now and is a well-known figure on our streets. He used to ride a white horse when I first knew him, but now he rides "Shank's Mare." He is a vigorous, wholesouled chap whom everybody likes. He, of course, has a War record, but when he first was a resident here, he was affiliated with the 44th Regiment and with the Artillery later.
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THE BERNARD FAMILY
The house on the corner of Mississaugua and Centre Streets has been in the Bernard Family for a long time, being occupied since the old folks died by two of the daughters. Mr. Bernard was a successful fruit farmer, his farm being on the lakefront. I remember when Goody was a youth, he and Frank Smith, son of Rev. Nathaniel, set out to seek their fortunes in mining country but were over- taken and brought back by their irate parents, much to their disgust. Frank Smith became F. D. L. Smith, one of the best-known newspaper editors of Toronto. The last time I saw Frank, he and I were pallbearers at the funeral of Miss Carnochan and sat together at the Church Service in St. Andrews.
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THE CREEN - BANBURY PROPERTY
Around the corner on Simcoe Street, is an old house, now the home of the Banburys. It was formerly the home of the Reverend Thomas Creen, the second rector of St. Mark's. Of course, he passed on before my time, but his daughter lived there until she was a very old lady. She used to have a special seat in the Choir Gallery of St. Mark's and was a regular attendant there.
THE MAUER -
GREENE PROPERTY
Mike Greene and his son in succession to Make have continued the Livery Business. Jack, the son, does quite a business renting out riding horses through the summer and I often see him conducting you people past my house on horseback.
Mike served five years in Council, and was a very levelheaded citizen. He lived for a long time, in the now derelict house on Regent Street on the corner of Prideaux. He bought the present family residence from Louis Maurer and moved into it about 35 years ago. Maurer, by the way, was a German and married one of the Osmond girls. During the war days in 19l5, any one of German blood was suspect and as he occupied a house in such close proximity to our Camp ground, then teeming with men training to fight Germans, he was doubly suspect. W. H. J. Evans was then living next door to "The Wilderness," and he came to me and reported having seen mysterious signal lights being exchanged with lights across the river above Youngstown and asked me to report the same. I might explain that I was then Reeve and in charge of Patriotic matters for County purposes. However, I reported the matter to the Officer in charge of the Frontier Force and received the promise of an investigation. I never received any report of the result and as things were getting too hot for Maurer, he sold out and moved to the States. I ferried him across the river and as we were well acquainted, he told me he had never done or said anything out of the way, but that it got under his skin when people whom he knew well would shut up like clams when he came near.
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GEALE PROPERTY
This house, as I first remember it, was the home of Captain J. B. Geale, an old soldier. I found his name signed to clothing vouchers in my grandfather's army small book, first as Lieutenant and later as captain in the Royal Canadian Rifle Regiment, then in garrison at Butler's Barracks. He was a fine looking man, tall and erect, sporting a mustache and side-whiskers. He carried a cane at the trail and in the winter he wore a red sash about his waist. This was quite common wear for the smart man in those days. The Captain, in his later days, was caretaker of the Government Buildings and becoming estranged from his family. He made the headquarters building his abode. It was during his caretakership that the extra roof was imposed on the building in Fort Mississaugua. The gallant Captain fell on evil days in his old age, estranged from his family and impoverished. I had the duty as Bailiff, of serving papers on him for debt and much of his furniture was sold by the Town for arrears of Taxes.
THE WILDERNESS
Up King Street is a property consisting of nearly five acres and known as "The Wilderness." This is the place where the Indian Agent lived and where he paid the Indians their treaty money. Daniel Claus and his son William were in turn Indian Agents. I remember the name given the place in my young days was "Geale's Grove." and we had our Sunday school Picnic there one year. It seems to me that the house was vacant at that time. W. H. J. Evans bought it later on and lived there for a long time, until he fell on evil days financially and lost it. His second wife was Kate Claus so that the old house came once again into the Claus family. However, it had to be sold and W.R. Austin bought it and lived there for some years and now is back again. This is one of the old houses, probably built in 18l6. It is said to resemble the Lodge in which Napoleon lived in on St. Helena. I do know that Mr. Evans told me while he lived there, that it needed a coalmine to heat it in cold weather.
Read more about it!
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MR. SYER
I should like to refer briefly to Mr. Syer who lived on the site of the new school. Before coming to Niagara to live, he had been in business in Chicago and had become an American citizen. One day, not very long before he passed on, he came in to me at the office to take a declaration and the Oath of Allegiance to our King, he having made application to be restored as a British subject. About three months afterwards, he again came in all smiles to shake hands as he had just received from Ottawa, notice of the granting of his application. The dear old gentleman, for he was a gentleman, broke down and cried with joy.
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DR. MORSON'S PROPERTY
Up the street is another of the old houses, built in 1826 and it has been occupied by many men prominent in the life of the Town. The first of these whom I remember was Dr. Morson. He was a little man with a fiery temper and a rich vocabulary when aroused. I remember Sam Crawford telling me of an incident in which he and the doctor figured. Sam rode one of the old time, high-wheeled bicycles. He was coming down the sidewalk past the Doctors place when out popped the Doctor, right sprang in Sam's path. Sam lay on one side of the walk and the Doctor on the other, both of them with the wind pretty well knocked out of them. Presently, the Doctor asked "Are you hurt, Sam." No, Doctor," said Sam, feeling himself all over. With that the Doctor fairly blistered Sam, demanding to know what in heck he meant by knocking him into a ditch. Sam was so glad to escape that he mounted his steed in haste and got away from there. I think I see the Doctor sporting a plug hat at a rakish angle. I saw a youth come up behind him and slap him on the top of the plug hat, driving it down over the Doctor's nose. He thereupon rescued the sizzling Doctor from his predicament and very solicitously sympathized with him that any rude youth should take such liberties. You can imagine the glee with which the admiring kids viewed the whole occurrence. The wee Doctor had a son Monty, who later on was a Judge in Toronto and was famous for his vitriolic tongue when presiding at Court. He was a very smart lawyer, however, and made a good Judge. There are several of the Doctor's grandchildren residing in Toronto and Oakville, the children of the Doctor's daughter Mrs. MacRae.
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DOYLE - LONGHURST - PORTER - BEATTIE - DOYLE - CAUGHILL - McCARTHY PROPERTY
Jay Doyle owned the place for a time and removed a wing that used to be on one side of the house. Jim Longhurst lived here and died here after a boiler explosion in his nearby coal and wood yard. During the First Great War, the place was used by Patriotic Organizations in connection with the Military Camp. F. D. Porter owned and occupied the house later on. Mr. Porter was a very fine fellow and was noted for the fluency of his language, especially when playing golf. They used to say that it was educative to follow F. D. over the Golf Course. F. D. served one year in the Council and several years as Hydro Commissioner. As I was in charge of the Hydro Shop while he was Commissioner, I came to know him and to like him immensely. He certainly was a good-hearted fellow doing good by stealth. Fred Beattie now lives there. I wonder if Fred remembers that we sat side by side at the Mackenzie King banquet at the Royal York Hotel in 1939. I remember that very well and I remember the tremendous downpour of rain while we were at the Hotel. We had to wait some time after the gathering was over for the storm to let up. Cecil Weyman drove Mrs. Phyllis Bissell and me over there in Mrs. Riggs' little car. We were pretty crowded in it, so Phyllis came back in Mrs. Usher's car. While Jay Doyle owned this property, he subdivided it into lots, the property then stretching over to Regent Street and he had the subdivision registered as the Doyle Plan. Harvey Caughill bought a part of it and built a house facing on Regent Street, now owned by his sister, Mrs. Carnochan. Bob McCarthy has also built himself a neat home on the Mary Street side of the property.
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