Remembrance of my father by Barbara (Quinn) Dunster
While my story about World War II would pale to some, perhaps even right here at Parkview Place and as Remembrance Day draws near, I would like to share a few of my memories with you.
Leonard Quinn 1907-1980
My father, Leonard S. Quinn, (I always called him “Daddy”), was born in May 1907 and my mom Flora (MacNamara) Quinn, was born in July 1906. They were born and brought up in the Lyn area where they met and married in October 1932 and moved into the Village of Lyn.
They had three daughters, Beverly in 1933, Barbara in 1935 and Joan in 1937.
Daddy was a farmhand for several farmers in the area and worked for Simpson’s Sand and Gravel Shipping, hauling such from Wellesley Island in the St. Lawrence River to the mainland at Johnstown near Prescott, Ontario where the large grey structure still stands. He acquired a government job with the Dept. of Highways and was working on the rock cut at Rockport, Ontario, west of Brockville, Ontario for Highway #2, when the War broke out in September 1939. The construction of Hwy #2 ceased during the war years to allow money for war supplies etc.
When the Second World War was declared in the Fall of 1939, I was four and a half years old. My Dad was helping to build Highway #2 in the Brockville and Mallorytown area at the time, but his job ended immediately when the War broke out. Since work was hard to find and men were needed for service, Dad joined the Army with the Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry Highlanders. He trained in Kingston, Ontario and Truro, Nova Scotia before going overseas in April 1940. We didn’t see Daddy again for five years, “Snail Mail” was our only means of communication.
My Mother and two sisters spent the next 5 years coping with no Dad and many difficult times. Mom nursed us through all the Communicable Diseases and several surgeries, one which nearly claimed my life. At seven years old, I was stricken with Acute Appendicitis and required surgery immediately. I developed double pneumonia, went into a coma and was not expected to make it. They cabled overseas to tell my Dad, only to find he was in hospital with pneumonia, having just had a Mastoid operation. They never did tell him how ill I was, until he was well.
I remember the doctor coming to the house to witness the Ration Books being burned in the kitchen stove, after my sister and I had Scarlet Fever. Only then could we get new books issued. Of course we were quarantined for all those diseases then.
We lived for the days we’d receive a note or letter from “Overseas” with “Dear Wife and Kiddie” in it! We wrote many, many letters over the next five years and always begging him to come home. Same reply, “I’ll be home as soon as I can get there!”
My two sisters and I learned how to make “War Cake” early on. I still make it today and when you go by our door and smell cinnamon and cloves, I’m more than likely making War Cake*. We kept Daddy supplied with this cake because it keeps well and when he emptied his Kit Bag when he arrived home, there in the bottom was a small piece wrapped tightly in waxed paper along with a bent picture of his “Dear Wife and Kiddies”.
We helped gather the milk weed pods for making parachutes and were involved in the Concerts put on to raise money for War supplies. At these Concerts in the area, and at the Friday afternoon Sing-a-long at school, I would be asked to sing, accompanied by Don (now my husband of 51 years). The Song? “Bless Them All”. I cried! I remembered! We saved all our pennies to buy War Saving Stamps, thinking that would bring Daddy home sooner.
I was too young to understand fully the dangers of war, but I do remember us getting a letter that was covered with mud. They had become mired in it and didn’t think they would get out, so they scribbled notes to be sent home and threw them to the ones behind, until they reached solid ground.
It was difficult for my mother raising three little girls during that five year period. A monthly payment to Blue Cross was the only health plan. Mom received a cheque each month for $93.00 to cover food, home, clothing, medical needs etc. Sometimes those cheques arrived late making a more difficult situation, especially when they didn’t arrive until after Christmas.
Finally in June of ’45, the letter came that he would be home in August. I cannot tell you how excited I was! I literally grabbed the letter from Mom and raced down the hill to show my Aunt and Uncle. He would be sailing home on the “Isle de France”, docking in Montreal, taking the train to Brockville and driving the last four miles home to Lyn, where his “Dear Wife and Kiddies” were awaiting his arrival. He had done his Duty! My sister Beverly and I sang all night waiting for him to come home.
Daddy had fallen in a trench during a blackout in France and injured his shoulder to the extent that he was unable to return to highway construction. After waiting the required month upon receiving his honourable discharge in Kingston on August 31st he started work at the Brockville Ontario Hospital, beginning October 1st, 1945 as an Attendant, where he worked for the next 27 years until he retired at age 65. He received his training there and was known as a well respected, loyal, hard working male attendant.
After retirement they sold their home in Lyn and moved to the Churchill Apartments on Reynolds Drive in Brockville.
Daddy and Mom were totally devoted to we three girls, our husbands and our families. They waited every day for our phone calls, letters and our visits.
Although I never did get to know and understand my Dad well, after being separated from the time I was four and a half to ten years of age, I do know he was a quiet, hard working honest man, with a heart of gold, who loved me very, very much!
Daddy passed away February 21st, 1980 after a massive stroke. If he was here with us today, I would say “Thank You” for going to war, to help Our Country, and Really mean it, even though he left behind his “Dear Wife and Kiddies” for five and a half years.
My mother passed away on March 22, 1991
Daddy gave me his War Medals and I am so very proud of him!
Written by Barbara (Quinn) Dunster, July 2017. Barbara sadly passed away in August 2017.
Barbara (Quinn) Dunster 1935-2017
Leonard Quinn’s WWII Service Medals
Barbara donated her father’s Service Metals to the Heritage Place Museum where they are on display. We are grateful to her for this gift.
*War Cake was an egg-less, almost fat-less, milk-less cake, very aptly named, it was easy to make and the ingredients were available during the wartime shortages.
Boil all together. After cold, add 2 cups of flour, 1 tsp of baking soda dissolved in 1 tsp hot water. Bake about one hour in a slow oven (300-325f) (Internet source for this recipe)
From the book “How Dear to My Heart” by Walter Kilborn Billings
It was nearly the end of July 1881. The hay crop had been all taken care of when Father and Mother decided to take a holiday and drive to Gananoque, a town about thirty miles west, to visit her sister. It was a three hour trip with horse and carriage, and was undertaken only about once a year.
When returning they had brought with them a cousin, Vernon Taylor, a boy about my own age. As usual, the creek was the great attraction. A raft which I had constructed a few weeks previously was anchored in the shallow water, and next afternoon we played around with it for quite a while. Then we decided to build a wharf to moor the raft to it. Securing an axe from the barn we sharpened the end of a couple of sticks and drove them into the bed of the creek a couple of feet from the bank, put a board on its edge from one stake to the other and secured it with some stones. Next we took the raft, paddled it up the creek to a spot where a heavy bank of sods hung down to the water, the earth underneath having been washed away by the spring floods. We could break off a chunk, put it on the raft and continue till we had a load, then shove them to our wharf, pile them like stones on one another until we had a solid foundation above the water level.
The day was warm and sunny. Since I had been in the water nearly every day, I had a pretty good tan. My cousin, although he had to wear a bathing suit at home, also had a fairly brown skin, but as we were playing in a secluded part of the creek, we decided he also would not wear his suit; therefore before the end of the afternoon he had acquired a pretty good sunburn. Finally at the call for supper we climbed the hill to the house and soon afterwards were in bed.
Next day was a holiday. The Farmers’ Picnic was to be held at St. Lawrence Park, a short distance west of the Brockville cemetery. My cousin had complained in the morning of being uncomfortable from the sunburn he had received the day before, but went with us to the picnic.
Tablecloths were spread on the grass under the trees, and dinner was served, everyone sitting around tailor fashion and enjoying the many good things from the lunch baskets, all but my cousin, who protested he did not care to sit, but leaned against a tree to eat his lunch.
In the afternoon there were swimming races, boat races, and a lot of other fun, but Vernon would not even get in a boat, as it hurt him to sit down, he said. It was a wonderful afternoon. The men got a long rope; choosing sides till twelve men were selected for each team and then had a tug of war. It was a great day, but to soon we were loaded onto the wagons, all but the big boys and girls who were staying for the evening to enjoy a dance at the pavilion.
Next morning my cousin’s sunburn was hurting terribly and he had me examine him to see what was causing the trouble. When I found two water blisters nearly as large as his hand, I understood why he preferred to eat his lunch standing up the day before.
While we were playing around the yard one of us suggested we have a tug of war, the same as they had had at the picnic, but as there was no one to take hold of the rope we had found in the shed we tied one end to the top of the lath fence at the side of the house. Then we took hold of the other end and started pulling. My cousin was behind me and as the laths would bend we would brace ourselves and give another pull, the same as the men did….. Unfortunately, there was a limit to the strength of the laths, and all at once they broke and we sat down in the driveway, my cousin giving out a horrible yell as he struck the ground. The blisters had broken! In a couple of hours he felt quite comfortable, but after that he always wore his bathing suit when we went out on the raft.
St. Lawrence Park Picnic PartySt. Lawrence Park Picnic Party
For information on St. Lawrence Park look under Along Hwy 2, St. Lawrence Park on this website
Butternut Bay is located at the very western edge of Elizabethtown Township in the First Concession along the banks of the St. Lawrence River.
Etching from Levaitt’s Book published in 1879
In Thad. W.H. Leavitt’s book “History of Leeds and Grenville” published in 1879 he writes the following about Butternut Bay: (It was originally called “St. Lawrence Central Camp Ground”
“This beautiful and healthful summer resort and Camp Meeting Ground, is situate on a high bluff of the St. Lawrence, in the first Concession of the Township of Elizabethtown. The ground is admirably located, commanding a fine view of the majestic river. Nature has done much to make the spot a coveted summer retreat. The grounds, embracing some twenty-five acres, are finely wooded, being in that respect superior to the Parks located on Well’s Island. To the untiring exertion of the Rev. A.D. Traveller, assisted by other ministers, is fue the honor of having established the first permanent Park upon the Canadian side of the river. In 1875, the land was purchased and is now held and controlled by the Bay of Quinte Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church. A spacious Tabernacle, a Boarding House and about thirty beautiful Cottages have been erected, and others are in the process of completion. Two sessions of religious services are held each year, one in June and the other in September. Among the contemplated improvements is the establishment of a Telegraph Office, a Post Office and a Custom’s Office. At the close of the season (1878), six series of religious meetings had been held upon the grounds. It certainly is not asking too much of Canadians to expect them to cordially assist the undertaking. The Park is only three and a half miles from Brockville, with which it is in constant communication through the medium of a comfortable steamer, during the sessions of religious service. A special feature of attraction is the establishment of a Sunday School Parliament, which assembles annually during the June Session. The price of lots has been placed very low, to enable all classes to secure a summer home, the intention being to make the Park not only a Camp Ground but also a permanent place of residence during the summer months.”
In Alvyn Austin’s book “Elizabethtown: The Last of the Royal Townships” pub 2009 we learn the following about The St. Lawrence Campground (Butternut Bay).
“Rev. A.D. Traveller, the minister of George Street Methodist Episcopal church in Brockville, bought 25 acres of Jessup’s Tract in 1875, a bluff surrounding a little bay in the river. He planned a religious campground like the famous Chautauga, with lectures and music in addition to the religious sermons. There were several religious campgrounds on the American side, at Morristown and Wellesley Island, larger and more urban than Butternut, as well as further afield like Old Orchard Beach, Maine. There were only in Ontario, the St. Lawrence Campground and Grimsby, which has disappeared.
The Camp meetings promoted a teaching called Holiness, an important evangelical doctrine which permeated Canadian churches into the 20th century. Holiness teachings (also called Entire Sanctification by John Wesley) stated that believers could by conscious diligence live without sin. Moreover they should expect an intense religious experience, a “Second conversion”, in secular terms ‘regeneration’, and thereafter would live the Higher (or Deeper) Life, free from sin. The best place to induce this emotional fervour was a ‘primitive’ woodland setting, ‘a grove of trees to shade the worshippers, log seats, an elevated stand for the preachers, tents, a spring of clean water, burning pine knots for light, and a way of dealing with rowdies and liquor sellers’
The Tabernacle c 1880-1888
At first the people lived in tents, and the meetings were held under a large marquee ‘tabernacle’. The land was surveyed into lots 30 by 40 feet, and leased to church members for $10. for a tent lot and $25. for a cottage lot “and an annual rental of one peppercorn, for a period of 999 years. The building committee set a standard design for the cottages, a small farm house ornamented with a square, mansard-roofed tower and deep overhanging gingerbread, far out of scale with the house. A frame tabernacle, a post office and telegraph, general store and custom’s house were added. One advertisement enticed prospective buyers with “good lodging, abundant and healthful food, beautiful lots for those who wish to pitch tents or erect cottages, wide streets, broad parks and a fresh water ocean, well stocked with fish, boats, good society, and the very noblest of intellectual and religious entertainment.”
The following are excerpts from a booklet published in 2006 “Butternut Bay a Treasured Summer community” by Dr. Reginald Anderson and Bob Anderson:
The ‘Cliff Chateau Hotel’
The original hotel was built in 1885 and was destroyed in the windstorm of 1888. It was rebuilt in 1889 by Mr. M.B.Slack of Lyn and was known as the Cliff Chateau. It extended along the front of the adjacent woods, facing the river. There is no record to tell when the last guests were accommodated but apparently the hotel was still in operation in the 1920’s.
Cliff Chateau Hotel c1916
A brochure for the hotel reads as follows:
The Cliff Chateau- This spacious hotel is situated in a beautiful park, known as Butternut Bay, about six miles above the City of Brockville, on the St. Lawrence River, at the beginning of the Thousand Islands. The hotel is built on a cliff, 75 feet above the river and 50 feet from t, commanding an excellent view of the St. Lawrence in all directions and making it the coolest summer resort on the river. It has been thoroughly renovated and contains large, airy double and single rooms. Spacious upper and lower verandahs. Good home cooking, particularly homemade bread. Cliff Chateau can be reached from Brockville by the Str. Missisquoi on Mondays and Fridays, leaving Mather’s wharf at 1 PM, giving you half and hour’s beautiful sail through some o0f the islands landing at Butternut Bay, three minutes walk from the hotel or any day by conveyance of auto, cab or motor boat. Excellent boating, safe bathing, good fishing, tennis lawn, telephone, daily mail. This hotel opens June 20 and closes October 1st.
Rates of the Cliff Chateau
2 persons in a room- $20. to $28. per week
1 person in a room- $10, $12 and $15 per week
Reduced rate for children occupying Parent’s or Nurses’ Room
Rate by the day $2.50, single meals, 75¢
Thos. C. Kemp, Prop. and Mgr.
RR #3, Brockville, Ont.
Because of very poor roads and unreliable early model automobiles, except for the last year of two of its operation, all the hotel guests would have arrived by steamship. (The S.S. Brockville was still bringing cottagers to Butternut Bay as late as 1920) One wonders about staying at the hotel in September, noting October 1st as the closing date. The weather can be chilly in September and it is difficult to visualize how the “Large airy rooms” could have been heated. It is interesting to recall that in the early 1920’s there still remained an indication of the lawn tennis court in front of the hotel.
The following photos are undated, but will give you some idea of what Butternut used to look like:
Victorian Style of one of the many cottagesSummer Cottage life, notice the hammocks on the front porch
A row of Victorian Gingerbread cottagesThe Post OfficeSunday School ClassesCottage LifeA Duplex Cottage c1900Swimmers at the waterfront
Swimmers in their bathing suits and caps
The Cottages and docksCottages, c1980Cottages c1980Cottages c1980Cottages c1980Cottages c1980Cottages c1980
Cottages c1980
View from the dock c1980The Dock c1980Butternut Bay from the river c1980
From the book “How Dear to My Heart” by Walter Kilborn Billings
Our old farm house was situated on the south side of the Lyn road. It had been re-modelled about the year 1871, and with lots of apple trees around it was a very pleasant spot to be brought up in. South of the house and on the side hill were the barns; the hill below was quite steep, ending with the sandpits that dropped away sharply to the creek.
To stand near the house and look south across the valley was always a pleasure, and in the spring to the east of the barns you could hear the roar of the falls a quarter of a mile away. The water flowing down and across the flat below the sandpits was always cool, as Father said it was fed from the springs away below the gravel pit bordering its banks; and at one spot where there was a bend, our swimming hole was located.
It was the mecca for all the boys, and in the summer evenings you could run down the hill hide your clothes behind a bush, and for a half hour enjoy the clean fresh feeling of a good swim. Then, putting on only what was necessary, you made your way to the house, and with fresh clothing you were ready for anything. Sunday morning was usually the time that more of the boys gathered for a cooling dip. We always tried to get down there first, as we had to hurry to be ready for church, but a lot of the boys who had other views regarding this spent an hour or two in the water.
There was always another reason why we wanted to have our swim first; if these boys arrived before you were dressed, a handful of mud or sand tossed your way hit you with a splash and sent you back in to clean up again. But the tough guy who started this was usually the last one to get dressed, as repeated attempts were usually failures, and finally you saw him race over to where his clothes were, grab them and run for the woods, where nettles were most abundant.
It was a great spot in the spring when the snow was melting. The stream always overflowed its banks, and driftwood, pieces of boards, and fence rails were salvaged, pulled back from the shore and later were made into a raft. The pieces of boards we nailed crosswise with some nails we had secured from where an old barn had been torn down. These nails were nearly all made by hand and hammered out square, and the ends pounded to a point, with the head left a bit larger. It was not known when this barn had been built and no one could remember when it had ever been used.
The stream or creek, above our lot rambled and twisted its way for a quarter of a mile through the woods, having tumbled its waters over the falls, that at one time furnished power for a mill located below and at one side of the narrow flume. The flume had been cut through solid rock with the help of hand drills, blasting powder and chisel. In our boyhood it was a great place to spend an afternoon, fishing for bullheads below the falls, and playing around the few remaining timbers of the old mill that was still standing. I remember tracing an abandoned road from the mill to the bank of the stream above the falls, where at one time a bridge had crossed the water. The road then ran on to the main concession or street. Below our farm and on for a bit the creek wound its way around trees, protruding rocks and bushes to a deep gully worn through the rough rocky bed of the stream. In the spring you could stand on the bank and see large red fin suckers dashing through the running water to the quieter pools farther up, and many times were treated to a nice dinner of fish caught in these rapids.
As the flooded flats cleared and the stream went back to its natural course we built our raft, fastening a long rope on one end so that one of us could go aboard and pole across the creek, while the other boy hung onto the rope, fastened another rope in place and towed our raft from each side up as far as we could go. It was great fun! Reading David Harum and his experience driving horses or mules hitched to the end of a tow rope, hauling barges on the Erie Canal always reminded me of these days with the raft.
My sister’s birthday came in April, and Mother had a party for her. A few of the boys too were invited, but instead of staying at the house and playing there, they all wanted to go to the creek. My raft had been securely tied to a tree along the shore, and they all wanted to play with it. I had told them that it was not safe for more than two or three at once, but they would not listen, and four stepped on. They used with poles out from the shore and when the current caught it away they went down stream, laughing and yelling. All went well. It was always a tricky job to steer around the crooks and rocks on the bank, and they were nearly down to the lower log where they would have to stop, when the raft caught a rock, swung around and struck again and it was all over! I managed to salvage the broken boards and the rails, but the bys were wet right to their armpits! Their good clothes of course were soaked, so we went back to the house. One of the lads who did not live far away went home. I can see him yet plodding along with the water gushing from his boots at each step.
The three others, well, Mother found enough clothing for them and their garments were hung around the kitchen stove to dry. Mother told them she ought to make them put on the girls’ clothes as punishment, but it nearly broke up the party.
There was another swimming hole above the falls to which the big boys at noon would run from school, for a dip before one o’clock. One day I went with three or four of them, not to swim, but to play around on a flat rock at the edge of the deeper water. Getting too near the edge I slipped and down I went. I can still feel the weeds at the bottom of that hole at my feet I came to the top but down I went again. Next time, as I came up I heard one of the boys yell “he’s drowning!” Well they dove in and got me out, laid me with my face down hill and was I sick! I went back to school that afternoon and had a horrible head-ache. A neighbour heard about it and told Father. He said. “All right boy, I am going to teach you to swim!”
Father in his younger days was an athlete; he could play ball, swim well and could do a perfect dive. I have heard him tell of going to the river, climbing up the high rock overlooking the swift water of the Needle’s Eye, and after diving into the swirling current he would swim down to the eddy below, then go back and do it all over again. He could turn cartwheels, do hand springs and walk all over the flat on his hands.
We were all in the water one day. (You could go back a couple of rods from the bank, take a run and jump, and land in two or three feet of water.) All at once I heard a loud splash, and looking round, saw Father in the water. I knew it was of no use for me to try to get away, he caught me and before I left the creek that day I could swim.
Years later when the family were all home for a holiday, we went down to the swimming hole, eighteen of us, enjoyed a swim and then sat on the bank and told others of the fun we had when as children, we took our bath in the swimming hole at the creek.
The Lyn Falls photo taken in 1910
Billings Home on the Lyn Road
Needles Eye west of Brockville from a 1906 postcard
One spring, when I was about fourteen, we had several white frosts. The snow in the sugar-bush was still early two feet deep, but it was nearly time to get out the tin sap buckets, put on a couple of kettles of water, build a good fire in the kitchen stove, and give these buckets a through cleaning. The spiles also came in for a good scalding before we could tap the bush.
Early next morning it looked the right time to head for the woods, so with our load we started. There had been a track broken in from the road and the team jogged along until we came to the maple grove. Then with a hatchet, a bit and bit stock, I struck out over the frozen snow, picked out the spot to bore the hole, and proceeded to tap the tree. The driving in the spile to the proper depth, I went on to the next tree while my sister Lou brought the bucket and hung it in place.
Nearly all forenoon we could walk on the crust, but by eleven o’clock the snow began to get soft and your feet would break through, sometimes causing you to fall. With the great depth of snow it began to mean hard work, but we stuck to it and by noon had nearly two hundred and fifty trees tapped.
We already had a sugar shanty, and going to it we cleared the snow from around the front door and got the door open. The wood for the fireplace had been piled ready, and we started for home. Having plunged through the wet snow until we were wet to our hips, we had to hunt out dry clothes and put them on before we had dinner.
As the next day was cold and stormy there was no use of our going to the bush. However, the second day proved a real sap day, and before night we found every bucket filled. Boiling the sap seemed a slow process, but by night we had a foaming pan of thin syrup, and, as Father had come down prepared to boil all night and had the fur robes all arranged in the bunk beside the arch, I decided to stay with him. So after seeing there was lots of wood inside, I curled up in the robes and went to sleep.
About two o’clock father woke me saying he had forgotten to fill the lantern, and I would have to go home and get some coal-oil. This seemed a long trip, so I said I would go across the hill to the Brown farm on the chance of finding an oil can in their shed. Emerging from the bush I walked over the hill and down to the shed door, where I knew they usually had a supply of lanterns, as they often had to go to the cattle barns during the night. Entering the woodshed I held my Lantern up and sure enough on a long girder hung a dozen lanterns. I went over to them and picked one up. There was no oil in it; the next one was the same. The third one had lots of oil in it, but the chimney was broken. Comparing the lanterns, I saw the chimney on my lantern would work on the other, so going outside, I changed the chimneys, lit the third lantern and returned to the sugar bush in a very short time. We were able to take care of our syrup and were home before daylight.
The first attempts at boiling sap are quite vivid in my memory. Three big kettles at the farm that were used for heating water at butchering time were cleaned and taken to the bush. At the spot there was a ledge of rock about four feet hgh, against which the kettles were placed. A green pole with supports at each end was placed over the kettles and chains fastened to them and around the pole; then it was raised until there was room to build a good fire underneath. With the pole securely braced we were ready for the sap. It was slow work as the sap would boil over when too much fire was put on, and the smoke and ashes would settle on the top of the kettles. The only way we had to stop it boiling over was to plunge a chunk of fat pork fastened to the end of a long stick into the foaming sap. I did not understand the virtue of this, but I remember having to stand before the fire and to watch those kettles. A year of two later an arch was built, and a nice new tin sap-pan was bought, also a couple of hundred tin sap buckets.
The first buckets we used were made of wood, similar to wooden pails that later were sold from the stores. Before farmers used wooden buckets they made sap buckets by hand. Basswood logs about fourteen inches across were split in two, an axe was used to hew a hollow in the centre of each log. This was cut in spaces of about two feet each, an adze was used to smooth the hollow, the saw cut them in the right lengths, the round side of each trough was flattened so that it would not tip over, and they were ready for the sap.
Before the metal spile was used, pieces of cedar about ten inches long were split to about an inch and a quarter, a channel was cut in the piece and at the other end a hole was bored lengthwise in to the channel gouged out, a hot piece of heavy wire shoved through the hole to clear out the shaving and this end then shaped to fit in the hole bored in the tree. When later metal spiles were obtained and the wooden buckets used, my father made a loop of wire near the top of the bucket and then could hang the wire on the hook of the metal spile. Our wooden buckets had at one time been painted red on the outside, with the name “A.Dunham” printed on each one. I suppose these buckets had at one time been owned by this man.
One incident I well remember. Our old friend, Vanamber Brown, had a bush just over the line fence between our two wood-lots. He had built up an arch of dry stones and banked it with earth. We were first that night to get our pan off, and we placed the syrup in a large milk can, for transportation to the house. We had hurried over to help Vanamber, but we were too late. He had noticed that his syrup was ready to come off, and had placed a couple of poles about seven feet long, one end on the side of the arch and the other on a log inside the shanty. He then attempted to pull the pan over on the poles, and had got along so far all right. However, unfortunately the pole near the front of the pan was lower that the other. He turned to get his can ready, and the syrup started running to the front of the pan, with the result that the weight of the syrup upended the pan and the whole day and a half’s boiling ran out on the ground. He managed to save about a gallon that still remained in the end of the pan, but the rest was gone.
The memory of a dinner in the bush at Easter when Mother would send down warmed up potatoes, boiled ham, eggs, doughnuts, fresh syrup coffee and a mince pie, still remains in my thoughts along with the fun and frolics of our guests, who, gathered for a sugar-off, were all eager to help Dad with the fire. I can see them yet, piling armfuls of dried limbs all around him till you could just see his head, but he enjoyed it all and had a warm welcome for the whole crowd.
Then we made jack-wax on the pans of snow, packed solid so that the hot syrup would not go through. Forks were passed around, or small cedar sticks dipped in the syrup as it hardened in the snow, and eyes glistened as the sweet sticky jack-wax was drawn in a ribbon form and then rolled again on the forks to taste and taste again. These were great days – Often in later years these guests would write to remind us of the big dinner and the sugaring off in the maple bush on our farm.
It was about the middle of January. We had been nearly snowed under from a week’s snow storm, then rain that flooded the flats along the creek, and a sudden change to a very cold weather that froze the snow, making a glare sheet of ice from the Lyn Road down across to the creek that was still level with its banks.
Bay and James Streets, no photos presently exist of the hill that Walter Billings wrote about
Sunday afternoon my cousin with his parents came up for a visit. We two were out in the yard, playing on the crust with the big hand sleigh, and looking across to Harper’s hill, decided it would be a good chance to try a ride there. We walked up the road, climbed the fence and got the sleigh in position, then I lay down on my stomach and my cousin lay on my back. Away we went! The hill at the top was very steep, the sleigh gained speed and in seconds we were on the glare ice of the flat, then across the creek, up the bank and …Then I came to. We had gone head first into a clump of small bass-woods. My cousin seeing the danger had thrown himself clear but I had no chance; the force of the collision had knocked me out for a minute or two. We finally got back across the creek, where my cousin laid me on the sleigh and began the long pull back to the house. We finally got to the warmth of the barn where I lay down on the straw in the feed floor, in front of the cattle for an hour. When I returned to the house, where my uncle was waiting to go home, I complained of a headache and got sent to bed. Next morning I felt better but never told Mother what had happened, as I knew that she would say it was good enough for me, when I had gone sleigh-riding on Sunday.
Driving along the Lyn Road I often look down the hill. The line fence has been moved and passes close to the clump of trees we hit that Sunday long ago. The sand and gravel have been taken away to the city so that there is no more fun on Harper’s hill. But the memory of that boyhood escapade still lives.
This is the story of two ordinary people who, in search of a better life, migrated to Canada in the early 1800’s.
They were both born in Antrim, Belfast, Northern Ireland and knew each other in their early days there, but came to Canada separately, only to meet up later and marry.
Louise Bell Knox 1822 -1911
Louise Knox was born in 1822. We know little of her life in Ireland, except that she came from a large family of two brothers and five sisters, Louise being the third youngest. From what we know, she moved with her older sister, Eleanor, and Eleanor’s husband John Kerr, to the area around Mountain, Ontario. While we are uncertain of the date they left Belfast, Eleanor’s first child, Robert, was born in Canada in November of 1840, so the chances are good that they left prior to this date quite possibly in 1839. Louise would have been around 16 years old when she started out on her big adventure. Settling in Mountain Township with her sister and brother-in-law, she would no doubt have been a great help to her older sister and her young family.
Patrick Johnston, 1819-1892
Patrick Johnston was born in Antrim, Belfast, Northern Ireland in 1819. It was said that he was the least educated of his three brothers (John, Samuel and James) and one sister, Eleanor. This may have been the reason he decided to leave the security of his home and immigrate to Canada. Perhaps as a young man in his 20’s, he was just out looking for adventure. We know nothing about his sailing and arrival in Canada. The ship on which he sailed most likely took him to Montreal, where he would have then taken a smaller ship up river and then by road to his final destination of Elizabethtown, or what is now known as Brockville. What brought him to Brockville is unknown.
He must have travelled around the area, because on one of his trips to Bytown (Ottawa), he ran into a friend from Belfast who told him that Louise was living in the Mountain area. Patrick found his childhood friend Louise. They were married around 1845 and settled west of Brockville. Their first house was located in what is now Oakland Cemetery. The stone foundation can still be seen in the westerly portion of the cemetery, backing onto Grant’s Creek. Judging by the size of the foundation the house was small, probably a log house, with a dirt floor and loft for sleeping.
Patrick and Louise started their family with the birth of their first child William James in 1846, who died the next year in 1847. Their family grew as the years went by and eventually they had nine children, six boys and three girls. Two of the boys died in their youth, William at 1 year and David at 3. Both children would have been buried in an unmarked area of the cemetery reserved for children.
The Rock School built in 1844
Their children would have gone to school at the Rock School House, a stone school built in 1844 and located just west of where they were living.
Patrick was a cabinet and furniture maker as well as a mechanic, perhaps a “Jack of All Trades”. How good he was is unknown, but he must have been able to make enough money to support his wife and seven remaining children. At some point the family moved from their small cabin to a house located on the Halleck’s Road just west of where the Lyn Road used to cross over the Grand Trunk RR Tracks. (The location is now buried by Highway 401.)
Home purchased by John F. Johnston in 1887
In 1887 with their family grown and having moved out, their youngest son John, purchased a house and farm with 75 acres on the Lyn Road just south of the Grand Trunk Railroad. Patrick and Louise moved in with him and the three of them lived together in this small, five-room house. In May of 1891 John married Lilly Bell Patterson, and she moved in with her new husband and his parents. Perhaps the last thing a new bride wanted in those days was to live with her in-laws, but she accepted it and they all managed together.
In August of 1892 Patrick, at the age of 73, met an untimely death. He unfortunately had taken a “fondness to Drink” and would take the ferry from Brockville across to Morristown, N.Y when the taverns were closed in Brockville. On one of his adventures to Morristown, he may have had a bit too much to drink, for on his return when stepping off the ferry onto the dock at Brockville, he slipped into the water between the ferry and dock and drowned. An inquest into his death was held, and the corner ruled it an “Accidental Drowning”.
Louise continued to live with her son John and his wife Lilly Bell, and their family of three small girls, until her death in 1911 at aged 88. She was remembered as a very kind woman, who would sit rocking in her rocking chair smoking a clay pipe.
Their children married and had their own families. The boys grew into tall men, all over 6 feet.
Windsor Hotel Bar c 1900
Samuel went into the “Saloon” business and somehow managed to scrape together funds to purchase a Saloon/Hotel in Brockville called the Commercial Hotel. After selling that, he bought the Windsor Hotel located on Perth St. The building still stands today, but not as a hotel. Sam’s two brothers John and Stewart would work for him on weekends acting as ‘bouncers’ for those customers who got too rowdy. Samuel died in 1909.
John is the tall man on the deck next to the monument
John learned the trade of a stone mason and worked for a time at the Brockville Cemetery Memorial Works, and later went out on his own as a stone mason. Some of his work can still be seen around the area. He died in 1950.
Stewart moved to Gananoque and met an untimely death by drowning in the St. Lawrence River in 1902.
William, (named after his deceased older brother who passed away at the age of one), worked as a painter at Canada Carriage, a very large carriage factory in Brockville. He died in 1918.
Patrick and Louise along with their son Stewart lie buried in Oakland Cemetery across the road from where they first lived.
The descendants of Patrick and Louisa now number over 600 known relations and have moved throughout Canada and the United States.
This is the story of two ordinary people who moved to Canada in search of a better life. In so doing they gave their descendants a chance to grow and thrive in a free and democratic society.
Oakland Cemetery Tombstone for Louise JohnstonOakland Cemetery, Tombstone for Patrick JohnstonNews Story on the death of Patrick Johnston
News Article from the Evening Recorder, Monday, August 29, 1892
Accident or Suicide
Another Body Found in the River
Between six and seven o’clock this morning the body of a man was found floating in the Transit’s slip at the C.P.R. dock by a labourer named Kelly. He immediately gave an alarm and a large crowd was soon gathered. The remains were quickly identified as those of an elderly cabinet maker named Patrick Johnston, who resided west of the town on the Lyn road. After being taken from the water the body was given in charge of Undertaker Clint and removed up town for holding an inquest. Chief Rose enpanelled a jury which viewed the remains and adjourned until tomorrow night at seven o’clock.
The fact of the body being found floating gives the affair an air of mystery though it is generally thought the Transit’s wheel may have brought it to the surface. In so far as known there are no marks of violence on the body and as deceased was seen alive on Saturday he could not have been long in the water.
Deceased who was 67 years of age and a fine mechanic was somewhat given to the use of intoxicants, but would be very unlikely to take his own life. He leaves a wife and large family of grown up children all respectably connected and who are at a loss to know how the unfortunate man met his death. The funeral will take place to-morrow at 2:30 p.m. from his late residence to the cemetery.
Obituary for Louise Johnston
The Evening Recorder, Tuesday Feb 14, 1911
Mrs. Patrick Johnston
Another of the elderly residents of this section, Mrs. Patrick Johnston breathed her last evening at the home of her son, Mr. John F. Johnston, Lyn Road, after an illness of several months, the last three of which she had been confined to her bed. A breaking up of a hitherto robust constitution incidental to her advanced years was the cause.
The late Mrs. Johnston was born in Ireland ninety years ago, her maiden name being Louise Knox. Coming to Canada she settled in Elizabethtown sixty five years ago and had since been a resident of the Township. Mr. Johnston died nineteen years ago, and a family of two sons and two daughters are now called upon to mourn the loss of their mother. They are Mrs. Harry Woods, of Vancouver, B.C.; Mrs. E. Tobey, Montreal; Wm. J., Brockville and John F. Elizabethtown. In religion she was a Methodist.
The funeral will take place from her son’s residence to-morrow at 3:30 to Brockville cemetery. Service at the house at 3 o’clock.
John F. Johnston, stone mason- 1866-1950Johnston’s house on the Lyn RoadJohnston’s Lyn Road Home in later yearsJohn Johnston, farmer clearing his land c1900The Windsor Hotel, Brockville photo taken in 2000Samuel Johnston, 1853- 1909Advertisement for the Windsor Hotel, Samuel Johnston Prop.
S.S. No 2 & 3 in Young and S.S. No. 18 in Elizabethtown
We are fortunate to have in our collection the Minute Book and Ledger for this school for the years 1877 to 1893. Unfortunately there are some pages missing and some so faded that they are un-readable.
This book gives us some insight into the function of the school during this time period.
The Expense Ledger is located in the middle of this page.
Local School Tax Assessments by landholder is at the bottom of this page
Teacher’s Contract for 1882
Memorandum of Agreement made this 31st day of January 1882 between the Public School Trustees of S.S. Nos. 2&3 Yonge and 28 Elizabethtown and Florence Sherwood of the Town of Brockville, the holder of a Third Class Certificate of Qualification as a Public School Teacher in Ontario as follows:
The Trustees hereby employ for their said school such teacher at the yearly salary of two hundred and fifty dollars ($250.00) for the term of one year beginning on the first day of January one thousand eight hundred and eighty two and ending on the thirty-first day of December in the same year. And further agree that they and their successors in office will pay such salary to the said Teacher at least yearly, and will exercise all powers and perform all duties under the Public Schools Act, and Regulations of the Education Department which may be required for making such payment.
The Teacher agrees with the said Public School Trustees to teach and conduct the said school during the said term according to the said Law and Regulations in that behalf.
The foregoing is subject to the following conditions: (1) That the Teacher shall continue to be the holder of a legal Certificate of qualification as a Public School Teacher in Ontario (2) That holidays and vacations prescribed by the Law and Regulations are excepted from the said term (3) That the days on which the Teacher has attended the meetings of Teacher’s Association or Institutes as certified by the Inspector of Chairman thereof, shall be allowed her as if she had actually taught in the said School; and (4) That in case of sickness as certified by a registered Medical Practitioner, he shall be entitled to receive his salary without deduction for such period as may be authorized under the Statute in his behalf.
The Trustees and the Teacher may at their option respectively terminate this agreement by giving notice in writing to the other of them at least ___ months previously and so as to terminate on the last day of a calendar month.
This agreement shall also be construed to continue in force year to year, unless and until it is terminated by the notice herein before prescribed.
As witness the Corporate Seal of the said Trustees and the hand and seal of the Teacher, on the day and year first above mentioned.
Signed: Florence Sherwood, Teacher
Trustees: G.A. Purvis; James Dickey; Nelson Forrester
Teachers as per Record Book:
1877 Caroline A. Murray
1881 Hattie Davis, salary $250.00
1882 Florence Sherwood, of the Town of Brockville, salary $250.
1883 Jennie Robertson, of Augusta, salary $265.00
1884 Jennie Robertson, of Augusta, salary $265.00
1885 Jennie Robertson, of Augusta, salary $265.00
1886 Christine Wilson, salary of $300.00
1887 Jennie Madden of Delta , salary $280.00
1889 Jean Beatty of Lansdowne, salary of $300.
1889 A.R.Rowsom of Athens at $25. per month for the term beginning 19th August 1889 ending the 31st of December of the same year
1890 Edith Tennant of Caintown , salary of $275.00
Accounts Ledger for Yonge Mills School 1877 to 1893
1877
Credits
Balance on hand from last account
$17.48
Clergy Money
$2.33
County Assessment for Yonge
$27.00
County Assessment for Elizabethtown
$2.66
Clergy Money for 1874 $1.00 Elizabethtown
$1.00
Government Grant
$24.08
Rate Bill for 1877
$316.95
Total:
$391.50
Notes at end of page
Bought of John Dickey eight cords hard wood at $2.75 per cord
Bought of Anson McLean four cords soft wood at $1,75 per cord
Bought of J.P.Buell 125 posts at $10, per hundred
Bought twenty five hundred ft lumber at $10.00 per thousand
one hundred lbs nails at $3.00 per hundred
1877
Debits
Feb 8th
paid John Dickey per James Dickey for wood
$15.00
“
for postage and change of money
$0.05
Feb 14th
Bought one pail and dipper
$0.50
postage
$0.05
A. H. McLean for wood
$7.00
paid J.P. Buell for posts
$10.00
one broom
$0.30
Paid H. Clow for building
$16.00
Paid Teacher
$15.00
Paid Teacher
$24.08
Paid for posts
$2.50
paid J.Phillips for repairing stove
$1.50
paid for sawing 10 1/4 cords wood .45¢ per chord
$4.62
Paid Henry Clow 50¢ extra for gateway
$0.50
paid to H.McLean for lumber
$1.30
paid to H.McLean for drawing lumber
$5.00
paid for lumber 2500 ft
$25.00
paid for 83 lbs nails at 3¢ per lb
$2.61
paid for building fires
$2.00
paid for cleaning School house
$2.00
Paid Teacher
$15.00
Paid Teacher
$70.00
Paid interest on H. Clow’s note
$0.56
paid for prize books
$5.00
paid for collecting school bills
$3.17
paid for wood John Dickey
$1.50
paid Teacher in full
$125.92
paid difference on J.McNish’s School bill
$1.49
1878
Money Received
balance on hand from last account
$33.18
Municipal Assessment for Yonge
$25.50
Municipal assessment for Elizabethtown
$4.06
Aug
Government grant for Yonge
$21.86
Government grant for Elizabethtown
$4.09
Dec
School assessment for 1878
$248.18
Credits
$336.87
Debits
$328.39
Balance on Hand
$16.38
1879
Money Received
Balance on Hand from last account
$16.38
Jan 16th
Municipal Assessment for Yonge for 1878
$24.24
“
Municipal Assessment for Elizabethtown for 1878
$5.89
Aug
Government Grant for Yonge
$20.00
Government Grant for Elizabethtown
$3.20
Dec
School Assessment for Yonge
$231.65
School Assessment for Elizabethtown
$75.14
Total
$376.50
Expenses
$298.87
Balance on Hand
$77.63
1879
Expenses
Jan
Postage
$0.14
“
Broom
$0.25
Feb
Chalk
$0.30
“
Paid Teacher
$30.13
“
Paid A.H. McLean for Wood
$16.00
June
Dilaper [sic] from L.W. Coward
$0.13
“
Paid Teacher
$25.00
Aug
Paid Teacher
$23.20
“
buy a broom
$0.30
Oct
Three Window Curtains
$1.60
“
Chalk
$0.40
Nov 23rd
Paid for sawing wood @ .35¢ per cord
$3.50
Dec 23rd
Paid Teacher
$112.67
Dec 17th
Paid Teacher
$75.00
“
Interest on Note
$0.75
“
Paid J.Scott for repairing grounds around house
$3.50
“
W.Scott for building fires
$2.00
Abe ?? For whitewashing and cleaning house
$4.00
Total
$298.87
1880
Money Received
Balance on hand from last account
$77.63
Jan 23rd
Municipal Assessment for Yonge for 1879
$23.67
Municipal Assessment for Elizabethtown for 1879
$3.49
Juy 31st
Government Grant for Yonge
$17.69
“
Government Grant for Elizabethtown
$2.34
Dec 20th
School Assessment for Yonge
$172.42
“
School Assessment for Elizabethtown
$74.55
“
Government Grant for Elizabethtown
$1.24
Dec 24th
Received for Prize Books
$0.60
total
$373.63
expenses
$344.69
Balance on hand
$28.94
$7.40 Dollars to be collected on Yonge Mills Property
1881
Money Received
Balance on Hand from last account
$28.94
Jan 24th
Municipal assessment for Yonge for 1880
$21.00
“
Municipal assessment for Elizabethtown for 1880
$5.02
June 13th
Received from Council for use of School House
$3.00
July 28th
Government Grant for Yonge 1881
$19.76
“
Government Grant for Elizabethtown 1881
$3.10
Dec 24th
School Assessment for Yonge
$171.85
“
School Assessment for Elizabethtown
$63.15
Balance
$315.82
1881
Expenses
Jan 8th
For cleaning School House and after Election
$2.50
Jan 29th
1 Box of chalk
$0.35
Feb 2nd
5 cords of Soft Wood at $1.60 per cord
$8.00
“
5 cords hard wood at $2.50 per cord
$12.50
Mar 3rd
Two Brooms
$0.50
April 7th
paid insurance on School House
$6.40
June 20th
One pail $1.25 and dipper .13¢
$1.38
Aug 20th
Cleaning School House
$2.00
Aug 24th
Paid Teacher
$26.02
Aug 30th
for postage
$0.06
Oct 2nd
Paid Teacher
$22.86
Dec 1st
Sawing 10 cords wood at .30¢ per cord and putting in shed .25¢
$3.25
Dec 23rd
Paid Teacher in Full
$201.12
Dec 27th
Drawing Lumber from Lyn
$0.75
Total
$287.69
1882
Receipts
Balance brought forward
$28.13
Received .50¢ for door
$0.50
March 18th
Received from the Municipal Assessment for Elzabethtown in 1881
$2.24
April 5th
Received from the Municipal Assessment for Yonge in 1881
$22.00
October 28th
Government Grant for Yonge
$20.86
Dec 5th
Government Grant for Elizabethtown
$3.60
Dec 22nd
Received School Tax Yonge
$183.00
Dec 26th
Received School Tax Elizabethtown
$76.11
Total
$336.44
Expenses
$274.34
Balance on Hand
$62.10
1882
Expenses
Paid F.Cowley for building fires for 1881
$2.00
Jan 9th
Paid N.L Gardiner for cleaning the school
$2.00
Jan 10th
Paid John McKay for plastering
$1.50
Jan 30th
Paid Edwin Bagg for porch and repairs
$16.68
March 1st
Postage
$0.06
“
1 box Chalk
$0.35
March 18th
Paid Teacher
$2.24
April 5th
Paid Teacher
$22.00
Sept 2nd
2 brooms
$0.50
Oct
Paid Teacher
$20.85
Dec 5th
Paid Teacher
$3.60
Dec 18th
Paid Clifford Kerr for building fires
$1.25
Dec 22nd
Paid as Final Payment to Teacher
$201.31
Total expenses
$274.34
1883
Credits
Balance brought forward from last account
$62.10
Dec 29th
To cash for use of Schoolhouse for the municipal election 1882
$4.00
March 5, 1883
Received from Municipal assessment for Yonge $20.03
$20.03
June 4th
Received from Township Treasurers for use of schoolhouse for Municipal Elections, 1883
$3.00
August 20th
Received from Municipal assessment and Government Grant for Elizabethtown
$5.89
Sep 10th
Received Government Grant for Yonge
$28.22
Dec 15th
Received School tax for Yonge
$183.37
Elizabethtown Government Grant
$1.00
Received School Tax Elizabethtown
$41.63
Dec 26th
total
$351.41
Expenses
$296.90
Balance on hand
$54.51
1883
Debits
Jan 2nd
Paid for cleaning schoolhouse after election
$2.50
Jan 9th
Paid A.McLean for sawing wood
$3.50
Jan 13th
Paid Henry Gibson for 10 cords wood, 2.50
$25.00
Jan 16th
Paid to J.Jarvis for building fires
$0.50
March 6th
Paid J. Robertson, Teacher cash
$30.00
June 9th
Paid for cleaning schoolhouse after election
$2.00
paid postage
$0.05
Aug 18th
Bought dipper for School
$0.10
Sep 12th
Paid Jas. Cummings Arbitration bill
$8.20
Sep 29th
Paid J. Robertson, Teacher cash
$24.00
Dec 15th
Paid for chalk and brooms
$0.80
Dec 18th
Paid J. Robinson balance of salary
$176.00
Paid J. Phillips for fixing stove
$1.75
Dec 21st
Paid Jas. Dickey for building fires
$2.50
total
$296.90
1884
Credits
Dec 26th
Balance on Hand
$54.51
Feb 2nd
Municipal Assessment Yonge
$26.80
Municipal Assessment Elizabethtown
$4.70
Apr 19th
Rent for School House
$8.00
July 30th
Government Grant for Elizabethtown
$3.78
July 30th
Government Grant for Yonge
$26.63
Nov 25th
Received School tax for Yonge
$184.39
Nov 25th
Received School Tax Elizabethtown
$58.13
Total
$367.02
Expenses
$323.96
Balance on Hand
$43.06
1884
Debits
Jan 3rd
Postage
$0.08
Feb 2nd
Foe cleaning school house
$2.00
Feb 5th
Insurance on School House
$5.28
Feb 5th
for wood
$4.00
March 7th
Cutting wood and splitting same in wood shed
$5.20
Apr 14th
For 13 cords of wood at $2.50 a cord
$32.50
June 2nd
for cleaning school house
$4.00
July 15th
Paid James C. Dickey for wood and lime
$3.15
Dec 13th
Paid Teacher
$265.00
Dec 17th
Crayons
$0.25
building fires
$2.50
total
$323.96
1885
Credits
Jan 2nd
Balance on hand
$43.06
Feb 14th
Municipal Assessment Elizabethtown
$2.82
Feb 14th
Clergy Reserve
$1.00
Feb 14th
Municipal Assessment Yonge
$26.78
Mar 2nd
Clergy Reserve
$1.25
Mar 2nd
Rent for school House
$4.00
Mar 2nd
Rent for school House
$4.00
Mar 2nd
for glass that has broken
$0.20
Sep 1st
Government grant for Elizabethtown
$1.15
Sep 1st
Government grant for Yonge
$16.07
Sep 1st
Clergy Reserve for Yonge
$0.22
Sep 1st
School tax for Yonge
$199.68
Sep 1st
School tax for Elizabethtown
$58.87
Total
$359.10
Expenses
$326.90
Balance on Hand
$32.20
1885
Debits
Jan 10th
for cleaning school house
$2.00
Jan 10th
Lining Stove Bond [sic]
$2.50
Feb 7th
Paid James Polly for eave troughs
$14.45
Feb 20th
Paid Arthur Purvis for 13 cords wood at $2.50
$32.50
March 2nd
paid teacher
$30.00
May 22nd
paid for brooms
$0.60
July
paid teacher
$10.00
Sep
paid teacher
$15.00
Paid balance due teacher
$210.00
for building fires and furnishing kindling
$4.00
for cutting wood and putting same in wood house
$5.85
$326.90
1886
Credits
Jan 1st
Balance on hand from last year
$32.20
Feb 18th
Municipal assessment Yonge
$21.89
Municipal assessment Elizabethtown
$4.43
March
Rent for school house
$4.00
Aug 17th
Government grant for Yonge
$18.80
Government grant for Elizabethtown
$5.22
Received for glass that was broken
$0.40
Dec
School taxes for Yonge
$204.57
School taxes for Elizabethtown
$71.59
total
$363.16
Expenses
$329.85
Balance on hand
$33.31
1886
Debits
Jan
for cleaning house
$2.00
Jan
for five cords of wood at $2.80
$14.00
March
material for blackening the blackboard
$0.40
March
two brooms, one pail, box of crayons
$1.15
March
paid the teacher
$25.00
May
Water Barrel
$0.50
July
Box of crayons
$0.25
July
paid the teacher
$50.00
Aug
for cleaning house
$2.00
Sept
paid the teacher
$25.00
Oct
paid for glass and putty
$0.25
Oct
paid Robert Ayers for painting school house
$1.50
Dec
paid the teacher
$200.00
Dec
paid G. Burnham for putting wood in wood house
$1.00
Dec
for building fires and furnishing kindling
$4.00
Dec
paid James Purvis interest
$2.00
Dec
paid Able McLean for repairs
$0.50
Dec
for stationary and postage
$0.30
$329.85
1887
Credits
Feb
Balance on hand from last account
$33.31
Feb 8th
Municipal grant for Yonge
$20.40
“
Municipal grant for Elizabethtown
$5.02
June
received for rent
$8.00
Aug
Government grant for Yonge
$16.90
“
Government grant for Elizabethtown
$5.25
Dec
School taxes for Yonge
$177.82
Dec
School taxes for Elizabethtown
$68.42
total
$335.12
expenses
$297.63
Balance on hand
$37.49
1887
Debits
Feb 8th
Insurance on School House
$5.28
“
paid for splitting wood
$0.50
“
cash for one calculator
$1.50
“
paid for cleaning School House
$2.50
“
paid Teacher
$10.00
May
paid Teacher
$5.00
“
Cash for Black board
$2.50
“
Two Brooms .60¢, Box of Crayons .25¢
$0.85
“
Repairs on Door
$0.25
June
paid Teacher
$25.00
Sept 15th
paid Teacher
$5.00
Oct
paid Teacher
$30.00
“
repairing windows
$0.25
Dec 23rd
Cash to Teacher
$205.00
“
paid for building fires and furnishing kindling
$4.00
$297.63
1888
Credits
Jan 2nd
Balance on hand from 1887
$37.49
Feb 27th
Municipal grant for Yonge
$16.64
“
Municipal grant for Elizabethtown
$3.44
March 5th
Received for Rent
$4.00
Sept 15th
Government Grant for Yonge
$17.75
“
Government Grant for Elizabethtown
$1.09
Dec 14th
School Tax for Yonge
$206.00
“
School Tax for Elizabethtown
$75.43
total
$361.84
expenses
$339.50
Dec 26th
Balance on hand at year end 1888
$22.34
1888
Debits
Jan 25th
Paid for splitting and piling wood
$1.00
Feb 11th
Paid for cleaning school house
$2.50
Mar 10th
Paid for 18 cords stove wood at $1.75 per cord
$31.50
Mar 24th
paid for glass and putty
$0.25
Mar 28th
Paid Teacher
$5.00
Apr 4th
Paid Teacher
$15.00
Sep 12th
Paid Teacher
$10.00
Sep 21st
Paid Teacher
$15.00
Nov 29th
One box of crayons
$0.15
“
one light of glass
$0.10
Dec 15th
Paid Teacher
$255.00
Dec 26th
Paid for building fires and furnishing kindling
$4.00
$339.50
1889
Credits
Jan 1st
Balance on hand fro 1888
$22.34
Municipal grant for Yonge
$16.77
Municipal grant for Elizabethtown
$2.23
Legislation grant for 1889
$19.70
” Elizabethtown
$2.18
Dec 17th
received for rent
$4.00
School tax for Yonge
$252.48
School tax for Elizabethtown
$84.87
total
$404.57
expenses
$353.18
Balance on hand at year end 1889
$51.39
1889
Debits
Jan 2nd
Repairing the door
$1.50
Jan 12th
paid for cleaning the school house
$2.50
Jan 21st
paid for two brooms
$0.60
“
paid for light of glass
$0.20
Mar 29th
paid for wood
$17.00
“
Paid Teacher
$19.00
April
paid for tablets
$2.75
July 1st
Paid Teacher on salary
$80.00
Oct 11th
Balance for wood
$4.00
“
Box of Crayons
$0.25
“
nine inch Globe
$10.00
Nov
Repairs for outbuilding
$2.50
One lock for the door
$0.75
113 feet of lumber for school
$1.13
for nails and hinges
$0.70
for advertising
$1.00
Dec 24th
two rods for stove and repairs on evespout
$1.50
“
building fires
$4.00
“
interest on money
$2.80
“
Paid Teacher
$76.00
“
Paid Teacher
$125.00
Total expenses for 1888
$353.18
1890 Credits are un-readable
1891 Balance sheet is missing
1892
Credits
Balance on hand from 1891
$26.51
No Dates
Municipal grant from Yonge
$18.15
given
Municipal Grant from Elizabethtown
$2.72
Legislative Grant from Yonge
$18.00
Legislative Grant from Elizabethtown
$1.87
School Section Taxes
$63.27
Township school taxes
$26.64
School Section Taxes Yonge
$209.61
$366.77
Debits
$308.34
Balance on hand at year end
$58.43
1892
Debits
No dates
Repairing porch
$1.50
given
1 light of glass
$0.08
two brooms
$0.40
1 Box chalk
$0.25
Paid Teacher
$20.00
12 cords stove wood at $1.75
$21.00
1 cord dry wood
$3.00
Sawing wood
$0.50
Planting Trees
$2.00
Paid Teacher
$20.00
2 brooms .50¢, 1 box chalk .25¢
$0.75
2 lights glass 16¢, 2 Dozen hooks .50¢
$0.66
1 lock .90¢, 1 latch .25¢
$1.15
for putting on locks, hooks etc.
$0.80
Cleaning School House
$2.25
Building fires
$4.00
Balance of teachers salary
$230.00
Totals:
$308.34
1893
Credits
No dates
Balance on Hand from 1892
$58.43
given
Municipal Grant fro Yonge
$18.02
Municipal Grant from Elizabethtown
$4.20
Legislative Grant from Yonge
$23.00
Legislative Grant from Elizabethtown
$4.23
School Section Taxes Elizabethtown
$89.40
Township election for use of School House
$4.00
School Section Taxes Yonge
$269.87
Total receipts
$471.15
debits
$440.24
Balance on Hand
$30.91
1893
Debits
No dates
Paid Teacher
$20.00
Given
Cleaning School House
$2.25
15 cords stove wood 1.70 per cord
$26.25
splitting and putting in wood
$1.25
paid on seats
$25.00
putting in seats
$1.50
bringing seats from Brockville
$2.00
Painting School House
$16.00
Paint, oil etc
$8.19
Cleaning School House
$2.00
Putting in wood
$1.50
Glass and putting in
$0.55
Brooms
$0.45
Balance on School Seats
$69.30
Balance on Teachers Salary
$260.00
Building fires
$4.00
Total:
$440.24
Tax Assessment for 1877
Name
Assessment
Tax
Amos Gardiner
$1,900
$9.50
Joseph Parker
$600
$3.00
Samuel Holbensworth
$1,600
$8.00
Henry Caldwell
$1,200
$6.00
Mark Green
$1,600
$8.00
William Tufts
$500
$2.50
Nelson Pennock
$400
$2.00
William Eyres
$250
$1.25
Richard Eyres
$250
$1.25
Burrell Burnham
$550
$2.75
James Purvis
$3,000
$15.00
Samuel Avery
$1,600
$8.00
Joseph Avery
$2,100
$10.50
Arthur Purvis
$2,850
$14.25
Henry Gibson
$400
$2.00
Ormond Gibson
$200
$1.00
Alexander Gibson
$200
$1.00
John A. Dickey
$1,450
$7.25
James Dickey
$1,950
$9.75
James Munroe
$2,300
$11.50
Anson H. McLean
$1,800
$9.00
Francis Scott
$750
$3.75
Johanthan Scott
$400
$2.00
Samuel Shipman
$1,100
$5.50
Erastus Brown
$2,100
$10.50
John Phillips
$1,600
$8.00
John S. McLean
$2,000
$10.00
John H. McLean
$600
$3.00
Norris G. Gardiner
$1,500
$7.50
Morton B. Gardiner
$1,500
$7.50
George Gardiner
$2,000
$10.00
Nelson Shipman
$5,480
$27.40
Lutger M.Shipman
$1,600
$8.00
Samuel H. Shipman
$1,925
$9.62
Bert Kelenbee
$400
$2.00
Sheldon Haws
$150
$0.75
John G. McDonald
$100
$0.50
G.G. Forrester (one forth off)
$3,200
$12.00
Nelson Forrester (one forth off)
$1,644
$6.16
James McNish (one forth off)
$8,500
$31.87
Abram Game (one forth off)
$1,600
$6.00
Rufus Game (one forth off)
$1,000
$3.75
John H. Game (one forth off)
$2,038
$7.65
$316.95
Tax Assessment for 1878
John A. Dickey
$1,600
$6.40
Samuel Shipman
$1,000
$4.00
A.H.McLean
$1,800
$7.20
Francis and Johnathan Scott
$1,100
$4.40
Erastus Brown
$2,000
$8.00
John Phillipws & Snider
$1,600
$6.40
James A. Dickey
$1,800
$7.20
Norris L. Gardiner
$1,500
$6.00
J.S. & J.C. McLean
$2,900
$11.60
G.T. Railroad
$500
$2.00
N.Shipman
$5,250
$21.00
L.M. Shipman
$1,800
$7.20
S. H. Shipman
$1,925
$7.70
Morton Gardinwe
$3,000
$12.00
Amos Gardiner
$1,900
$7.60
Joseph Parker
$550
$2.20
Edward Quinsey
$100
$0.40
John G. McDonald
$100
$0.40
G.G. Forrester 1/4 off $3170.
$2,378
$9.51
N.Forrester 1/4 off $1630.
$1,223
$4.89
James McNish 1/4 off $7890.
$5,918
$23.67
Abram Lane 1/4 off $1700.
$1,275
$5.10
Rufus Lane 1/4 off $1000
$750
$3.00
John H. Lane 1/4 off $2038
$1,529
$6.11
Cheese Factory 1/4 off $1000.
$750
$3.00
$176.98
Brought Forward
$72.40
John A.Dickey over assessed
-$1.20
Amount of School Assessment for 1878
$214.18
Balance Sheet 1881Balance Sheet 1881Property Assessment rollProperty Assessment RollInvoice for new school seatsTeacher’s ContractTeacher’s Contract
The Long Beach Motel is the last stop on our drive through the southern part of Elizabethtown along Highway No. 2 going from East to west.
This hotel is now gone and nothing remains of a building that held wedding receptions, dances, great meals and rooms for overnight travelers.
It started out as a small two story hotel and restaurant with rooms attached. Unfortunately there was a fire and the eastern part of the building burned and was removed leaving only the main building hat now stands today.
The Motel in 1953 (photo #1)The Motel in 1953 (photo #2)
Fire destroys part of the building in 1971 (photo #3)
We are very short on the history of the Long Beach Motel, the name was later changed to The Flying Dutchman. The one thing that we do have are some photos of this one time great motel.
The Front of the Motel (photo #5)An end and side view (photo #4)The back of the motel (photo #7)Driving into the main entrance (photo #6)
The Motel from the main drive leading into it (photo #8)
Long Beach Motel Brockville (Photo #9)
Aerial view of the motel with the St. Lawrence River in the background (Photo #10)
A look inside one of the rooms (Photo #11)
Business Card for the Long Beach Motel (photo #12)
Advertisement from 1957 (photo #13)
New sign after Hwy 401 was built with an intersection at Long Beach. The motel is on the left (photo #14)
A Brief History of Motels
The 1950s and 1960s was the pinnacle of the motel industry in the United States and Canada. As older mom-and-pop motor hotels began adding newer amenities such as swimming pools or color TV (a luxury in the 1960s), motels were built in wild and impressive designs. In-room gimmicks such as the coin-operated Magic Fingers vibrating bed were briefly popular; introduced in 1958, these were largely removed in the 1970s due to vandalism of the coin boxes. The American Hotel Association (which had briefly offered a Universal Credit Card in 1953 as forerunner to the modern American Express card) became the American Hotel & Motel Association in 1963.
As many motels vied for their place on busy highways, the beach-front motel instantly became a success. In major beach-front cities such as Jacksonville, Florida, Miami, Florida, and Ocean City, Maryland, rows of colorful motels such as the Castaways, in all shapes and sizes, became commonplace. [Wikipedia]
Motel building boomed in the ‘50s and ‘60s and establishments began to offer families the adventure they were seeking right at the site. Tourists could engage in recreation at the motel site, keep their cars outside the door, lock their belongings in the room, and employ a chain lock to keep out intruders; adventure and security offered in one package. The enormously popular Holiday Inn formula moved the trend in lodging more toward the old hotel form and started eroding the original motel form. Motels bypassed by the interstate system left once thriving businesses [America’s Roadside Lodging: The Rise and Fall of the Motel Lori Henderson]
Yellow Pages Ad from the August 1959 phone book (photo #15)
Here was another popular place to stay if you were travelling along Highway No. 2 in the 1950’s and 60’s. The Brock Tourist Villa was on located on the north side of the highway just east of the now Hwy 401.
Very popular in its’ day when staying in these small cabins was the only way to travel.
“A 1927 New York Times article declared “touring motorists can now sleep in bungalows if they do not want to pitch tents—large roadside industry developed.” Precursors to the motel, these cabin camps were only the beginning of a large roadside industry. The article reported that the growth of the bungalow camp “has been sensational” particularly in the west and that “these camps are nearly all privately owned and they are in direct competition to the municipal camp.” This article also foretold the future of competition among roadside cabin camps and their descendants, the motel, describing the different amenities provided by different proprietors. Some operators brought guests flowers and others provided hot water.” [1]
[1]America’s Roadside Lodging: The Rise and Fall of the Motel by Lori Henderson Lori Henderson
This building is now a private residence located on the south side of Highway No.2 just east of the Halleck’s Road.
It was operated as a restaurant in the late 50’s or early 60’s. Unfortunately at this time we don’t have much history on the business If anyone knows anything about this we would appreciate hearing from you.
Heading west along No. 2 highway the next place you would come to would be on the river side of the highway. A good place to spend the night or a few days vacation as they had cabins and a small beach on the river. The court was operated in the 1950’s and 60’s. With the introduction of ‘motels’ and the opening of Highway 401 in the mid 1960’s the traffic along Highway 2 decreased and so did their business.
Cabins facing the riverView of the cabins from the road
Sign at the road for Nirvana CourtRoad side sign with a view of the cabins in the distance
The village of Lyn is situated in the Pre-Cambrian Shield six miles west of Brockville and one hundred and forty one miles west of Montreal. In relation to the St. Lawrence it is three miles north of the point where the ship channel crosses from the Canadian side to the American side, called by the inhabitants “The Five Mile Light” or “Cole’s Ferry”
From the time of the first settlement on the rocky ledges covered with rough scraggy timber, the name of Coleman was connected with this place, in fact until the year 1837 it was known by the name of “Coleman’s Corners”. The Leavitt’s History of Leeds and Grenville says “Able Coleman, the man who caused two blades of grass to grow where before there was only one, is characterised as a public benefactor.” It would seem that he started his first mill in 1788, the date inscribed upon the first millstone, but when government rations were with held after the second year of the settlement’s establishment, he sold the village site to a Mr. Haleck for a small sum and then went to Montreal to work at his trade as a tanner. With his earnings he bought a cow, returned to Coleman’s Corners and became a miller, tanner and farmer.
The oldest inscription in the Lyn Cemetery reads: “In Memory of Able Coleman, who departed this life in Full Assurance of Eternal Life, April 25th, 1810”
Richard Coleman bought the town-site from Mr. Halleck for he conceived the idea that it would be a fine place for a manufacturing town. It was surveyed into lots in 1813. The first house was built in 1814 by Mr. Brownson for a hotel. The same house is now occupied by (Mrs. Stephen Boyce) Mr. Charlie Lewis, although it has been remodelled and changed hands many times since then. The house now occupied by Mr. Widdis. Mr. Mel Davidson was the second one built the original builder being Capt. Stuart, and army captain.
For the next score of years the village made rapid progress under the pushing energies of its owners, Messrs. Coleman.
In 1820 a frame grist mill was erected and although not conducted on the roller system it was a great boon to the countryside. In 1837 the question of the name of the village came to the fore. “Lowell” was its new designation, no doubt because many of the settlers were sons of U.E. Loyalists, and still had tender recollections of their native state of Massachusetts. It was soon discovered however that another village in Ontario bore the same name, and it was necessary to change the name again “Lyn” was thought an appropriate one, for the word, lin, being the Scotch name of a waterfall.
In 1838 a new grist mill, larger and of improved design, replaced the earlier one. This original mill is now the Post Office and store. In 1841 a saw mill was erected. Then a tannery for the manufacture of sole leather, as well as one for the manufacture of uppers. The manufacturing of the year 1844 was given as no less than $500., all of which was consumed within the province, the raw hides being what was termed “Spanish” and imported from the United States, some of them weighing when ready for market. 45 pounds.
The Recorder of 1850 says “Thanks to the Colemans, Lyn has the most celebrated and extensive tanning establishment in the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville.” There were at this time employed by the Colemans between 30 and 40 men whose wage amounted in one year from $1500.- $1750. The majority of these men were transients, a number coming from Montreal. They lived in shacks – some on the mill road and others back of the pond. Other industries in Lyn about the same time were shoe, whip, comb and stave makers as well as a flax mill and a brickyard which made Lyn one of the best paying stations on the Grand Trunk Railway.
Lyn, although not celebrated as a seat of learning, has always had a good school. The first one was situated near where the lath factory stood and was used until it became too small for the fast increasing population. The house next used was situated near Mr. Halliday’s store. The brick one was then built and used until 1867 when the stone one now in use was built.
The social activities of the village were many. There were dances, a number of them formal, and the store being stocked with rich and expensive materials which were made up by local dressmakers. The dances and entertainment were held in the Buell and Pergan halls. There was a club called the Quintet Club, consisting of five young men-about-town who were the chief instigators of these affairs Skating on the Pond was the main sport in winter, and a game like hockey was played with sticks made from branches of trees.
The church played an important part in social the life of the village. There were parties for the children at New Year’s and the tea meetings were very popular, being like our church suppers with a program given by the local talent. In the summer there were picnics, people going by boat to Alexandra Bay, and later by the Brockville and Westport Railway to Westport.
In 1849 an Agricultural Society Fair was held, with prizes offered for horses and cattle and domestic manufactures, agricultural implements and ploughman ship with Charles Booth as Secretary. In June of the same year between 500 and 600 people attended a public meeting for the promotion of temperance. Speeches were given by Canadian and American speakers and the “Sons of Temperance” appeared in their regalia.
Until 1855 the Colemans had water for their mills from natural sources, but with the cutting of the forests, the supply was reduced. Then they bought the wild land running back from Lyn for six to eight miles, and converted marshes and shallow lakes into a series of reservoirs, canals being cut and dams erected.
In the Fellows’ Directory of 1866, we find Lyn described as a thriving and progressive village, a station of the Grand Trunk Railway. The prosperity was due to a large extent to the manufacturing’s, of which James Cumming was agent. The boot and show factory was the most recent addition to the business and was sufficiently extensive to require the services of between 40 and 50 men. The local stores were described as commodious and well stocked with merchandise of every description. The best example of this is given by an advertisement in the Fellows’ Directory which reads thus: “A.T. Trickey, druggist, general merchant, Main street, Lyn, manufactures of two conditioning powders for horses and cattle, has established correspondence with a reliable House in Montreal, receives direct from them in regular supplies which enables him to offer great advantages to the Counties’ trade.”
The Dominion Directory of 1871 gave Lyn a population of 750 and just ten years later the Lovell’s Business and Professional Directory of Ontario gave the population as only 300.
The Grand Trunk Railway (CNR) owned the sand pit but in 1940 Wells Simpson bought it from the railroad. The Brockville- Westport Railway was begun in 1885 and finished in 1888. Then on Saturday, August 30, 1952 the line was discontinued. Mr. Tobin was the last station master in Lyn.
The old red brick schoolhouse mentioned previously was burned down several years ago but was rebuilt using the same walls. It is just across the road from the present school and is now a private dwelling.
Stack’s Hotel, Main StreetWilson House HotelBronson Hotel, Lewis House
Just besides this building is another old landmark. It used to be an old rough-cast hotel by Mr. Gilleclain but is now occupied by Miss Florence Roberts. Beside this hotel there were four others – one just on the corner which was the Dr. Brown house, and one known as Stack’s Hotel, which was burned 26 years ago (1939). The double house owned by Charles Lewis and the rough-cast house where Jock Stewart lives were both very old hotels.
Belisle’s Store
A very old bakeshop was located behind the Coon Bake shop (now closed) in what was known as the Baxter Block. There was another bakeshop back of the Oddfellows’ building. Then J.C.Cumming built the stone building across from Herbison’s blacksmith’s shop. It is now a dwelling owned by Mr. Baillie, an old Irish sailor and his daughter Rhoda. Lyn also had its own blacksmith shop. One was located behind the Coon Bakery. It was first run by George Stratton and then Bill Yates. Charles Herbison bought it from the latter and then sold out to Bill Wiley. Charles Herbison bought the old carriage shop about 25 years ago (1940) from Bill Tennant who had it for years. The stores in Lyn were handed down from family to family. Joshua Lillie ran the post office and store, sold to Mort Gardiner, and then to Omar Mallory who shared with Walter Billings. The latter ran it after Mr. Mallory’s death. These were all relations. Then Kenneth Bolton bought it and sold it to B.H.Bishop. The post office was given to Blake Mott (after Mr. Billings) and located where the W.I. is now in the Oddfellows’ building. Then David McCrady had it in connection with his hardware store in the Mason’s building. Then last year it went to Earl Miller. The Buell store was owned first by Mills and McManus from Morrisburg, then George Buell, finally James Greer. Ray Stewart bought it and converted it into a garage. The Belsile store was first a harness shop owned by Stelton Horton, changed to grocery owned by R.P. Boyd. Then William Laverty converted it into a barbershop and sold to Robert Willey who operated a meat shop there. William Quinn and Heaslip ran it for a while and then changed it into a residence. It was a general store run by Belisle. The McCrady store was owned and operated by: first A.T.Trickey, second Mort Gardiner, third C.M.Taylor, fourth John McCrady. Then John’s son Dave took over and after him his brother Frank who sold it to Earl Miler. The old Pregau store was originally a shoe making store. Alex Pergau was the shoe maker and then Jim who did mostly repairing. The building is now just a dwelling.
There have been several attempts made to have an organized sports programme. Below the Green Hill, across from the Mill, was a Tan Bark, over 70 years ago. It was burned and for some time was a baseball diamond and in winter a boarded in skating rink. About 15 years ago (1950) a rink was built behind Miller’s Store and again a few years ago another attempt was made but both failed because it was too hard to get good ice. The Jr. Farmers had a ball team for a couple of years recently.
Methodist Church then Roman Catholic Church
There is no Catholic Church in Lyn. They go in to their own church in Brockville but they have now purchased the old Methodist church and plan to have their own church here.
There are a number of Lodges, namely, the Masons, the Oddfellows, and the Rebecca’s. There is also a Women’s Institute and a Young Peoples’ Union.
The early settlers did not neglect the religious side of their life. Although they did not have a church, they held services in halls or houses. The first church was built by the Methodist body on the spot where the Church of England sheds now stand. It was the only church for miles around and people used to walk or ride long distances to attend a ‘quarterly meeting.” It would seem that this church was used by other denominations, who did not have a church of their own at that time, and it was sometimes spoken of as the “Union Church.” Maurice Brown in a letter states that he believed the first Methodist Conference to be held in Eastern Ontario of the Methodist Episcopal Church was held in it and most of the delegates were from New York State, and that a number of Bishops were in attendance. James Cumming told me when he first came to Lyn it was the only church in the village, that my grandmother used to sit in a rocking chair in front of the seats and rock and say “Amen” and “Bless the Lord.” The Methodist Episcopal Church for some unknown reason left this site and built a brick church on top of the hill above Lyn on the way to Lillie’s. The only ministers names which we can find associated with this church are Gifford, Perley, Brown (maybe also Mr. McDowell and Mr. Ainsworth). At the tie of union in 1884 of the Wesleyan Methodist and the Methodist Episcopal, to quote from Maurice Brown’s letter again “In Lyn the usual difficulty was experienced. As very often happens as to the choice of a church when they could not agree in Lyn, the Board of Wall St. Church was asked to come and make the choice. They did so and unanimously selected the one by the school which was a very fortunate decision as I will explain to you. There was a church funeral for a man who lived where Grant Hudson lives at present. A very severe windstorm came up and the Methodist Episcopal Church blew down. It was the bricks from that church that built the present Glen Buell edifice.”
Presbyterian Church, Lyn
The Presbyterians were the next to organize. Their first service was held in the ballroom of the Bronson Hotel and conducted by the Rev. William Smart, who was one of the pioneers of religion than whom no man did more for the moral and religious interests of the people for, as it is said “so long as the children of the original settlers maintain their memories. The name of Rev. William Smart will e held dear by them.” A Sabbath school was also organized in this same room by Mr. Smart and Adiel Sherwood, who was at one time Sheriff of Brockville. Services were held occasionally in the old Methodist Church and then in Pergau’s Hall until the church was built. It was only a mission station until the year 1855, when Rev. Robert McKenzie was given the charge. Rev. R.McKenzie was succeeded by Rev. John Burton who was later pastor of the Northern Congregational Church, Toronto. Then for six years the Presbyterians were without a settled minister until 1874 when Rev. Arch Brown was called and settled here.
The Lyn section of the Presbyterian congregation resolved in the autumn of 1874 to build a church and the work in connection therewith was commenced in April 1875. Donor of the building site was James M.Cassels, M.D., of Quebec, Robert Cassel was chairman. The building committee was composed of James Cumming, Chairman, Robert Bryson, treasurer, John Halliday and James Bulloch, James Hamilton, Archibald Davidson, Peter Purvis and John McNish. The architect was W.G. Thomas, Montreal, and the contractors Hugh McKay, Joshua Franklin and William Whitton, masonry and plastering, Edwin Bagg.
The building is stone, covered with slate, of the Gothic Order with an auditorium of 60 x 34. The vestry, in rear, is 10 x 16, and tower on side 14×14. Total cost was about $4000.
From “Evening Records” Brockville, Thursday, May 15, 1875 – “On Friday afternoon the 7th inst. The cornerstone of a new church for the Presbyterian congregation at Lyn was laid by the Rev. William Smart of Gananoque, assisted by the Rev. Archibald Brown, Rev. James Hastie of Prescott and the Rev John Burton of Belleville. The weather being favourable a large assembly gathered to witness the interesting ceremony. Copies of the Recorder (daily and weekly, Monitor, Montreal and Toronto newspapers and current coins of the Dominion were deposited in the stone, together with the engraved copy of the following: “Memorial –In the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost on the 7th day of May in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and seventy-five, in the thirty-eight year of the reign of Victoria, and while the Right Honorable the Earl of Dufferin was Governor-General of the Dominion of Canada and the Hon. John Crawford Lt. Governor of the Prov. Of Ont. This cornerstone of Christ Church, Lyn in connection with the Canadian Presbyterian Church was laid by the Rev. Wm. Smart of Gananoque.”
A few of the first settlers of Yonge, Elizabethtown and Augusta, deploring the want of religious ordinance, applied at the beginning of the present century to the London Missionary Society to have a missionary or minister to settle over them. The directors of the Society recommended Rev. Wm. Smart who had just completed his theological study at Gossport to accept the call implied in the petition, and offered to pay his passage and outfit. Mr. Smart, having acceded to the proposal, and having been ordained in the Scotch Church, Swallow St., London, arrived in Elizabethtown (no Brockville) in October 1811 and commenced his ministerial labours there extending them to Coleman’s Corners, Yonge and Augusta In 1812 the people under his care were formed into a regular ministerial charge. In 1846 he resigned the charge of Brockville, but continued to preach for some time to the rural part of the congregation. Coleman’s Corners (Lyn) was, after Mr. Smart left the district, supplied with preaching by the Rev. Mr. McMurray and the Rev.J.K.Smith who succeeded the charge of Brockville. The first minister of Lyn and Yonge was the Rev. Robt. McKenzie who remained from July 5th 1859 to 1862. He was succeeded by the Rev. John Burton, who was ordained on November 17, 1864. Under Mr. Burton’s pastorate the congregation of Fairfield was united with Lyn and Yonge. Mr. Burton accepted a call from the congregation at Prescott on Feb 4, 1868. After his departure the Fairfield congregation was separated from Lyn and Yonge and the charge remained vacant yill May 19, 1874 when the Rev. Archibald Brown was inducted. He office bearers being: Elders, Jas. Hamilton, John Halliday, James McNish, John Dickey, Jacob Warren and Wm. Forrester. Board of Managers: Robert Bryson, Treasurer: James Cumming, Archibald Davidson, John Armstrong, Peter Purvis and James Bulloch. Trustees of Church Property: Robt. Bryson, Peter Purvis, James Hamilton and James Cumming. The chief subscriber was James Cumming who promised twice the amount given by any other donor. All the pews were numbered on brass plates affixed to the pew. At the right and left of the pulpit are square pews which had a certain social distinction. The right one was occupied by the Manse family, and the one on the left by th Cassells family who gave the land to the church for one dollar. At the rear of the church is a magnificent memorial window placed by the Cassells family. It was imported from Belgium in 1875 and placed there when the church was dedicated. Underneath the centre panel of this window is their coat of arms.
The church was dedicated by Rev. Dr.MacVicar, the principal of the Presbyterian College, Montreal on Feb. 6, 1876 and was known as Christ Church and was so registered in the deed of the property. The offering at the opening amounted to $146.00. The proceeds of the tea meeting amounted to $240. The bill advertising this meeting is in good preservation at the Manse. The communion cloths used for the covering of the front pew are still in good condition and were used when the Presbytery met here in 1950. The Baptismal Font was presented by James Cumming in memory of his wife and is of Italian marble. It was placed in the church in 1893. The pulpit was hand made by the uncle of George A.McNish (elder for over 40 years) in 1876. It was a labor of love as it took over a year to make. The church bell was brought over the frozen St. Lawrence in 1870 and weighs half a ton. It was first put in the Wesleyan Methodist Church but when in 1939 the congregation moved from that church to Christ Church the bell was also moved. The cost of the bell today would be more than $1500.
In 1916 Anniversary Services were held. The following excerpt being taken from a paper owned by Miss Mary Cumming, Lyn, March 1, 1916: “The 40th Anniversary Services of Christ Church, Lyn, was conducted by the Rev. S.G. Brown of Almonte on 27th inst. The Methodist Church cancelled their service in the morning so that all could attend and commemorate the opening of Christ Church in Lyn 40 years ago. The Rev. Gentleman in the morning spoke on “Influence of the Hill” in furnishing inspirations to Christians in all ages. The first Pres. Missionary to Lyn came from the Hills of Scotland sent out by the London Missionary Society in 1811. He held his first service in the Court House in Brockville in the morning and preached in the upper room of a tavern in Lyn in the afternoon nearly 105 years ago. After 65 years of faithful services between Kingston and Cornwall the Rev. Wm. Smart gave his last public address at the opening of Christ Church, Lyn, 40 years ago. The old members who took art in the opening of the church 40 years ago, were taken to the Hilltop by Mr. Brown’s stirring sermon and with the presence of their Methodist brethren, notwithstanding the storm raging without, the uplifting power of God’s presence was felt in this Anniversary Service. At the evening meeting Mr. Brown spoke most touchingly of the Heroism of Canadians in the present crisis and craved the prayers of all for a new consecreation for God, King and Empire. Mr. Brown’s eldest son having given up his life as an offering for his country, with the Princess Patricia’s, gave point to his words of cheer and comfort for those whose friends are now fighting the battles of the Empire. His eloquent, uplifting discourses last Sabbath will linger in the memories of the worshippers of Christ Church.”
At the time of Union in 1925 the Presbyterians and the Methodists decided to use the Methodist church, but as the years went by it was decided to move back to the Presbyterian Christ Church, for the costs of repairs became so extensive to the Methodist church when it was hit by lightening twice. In keeping with this decision renovation of Christ Church was begun. This included digging and extension of a cellar in order to have a Sunday School room and kitchen. Following this renovation, which cost over $4000. which was paid off in two years, Dr. Kent of Queen’s University re-opened and dedicated Christ Church in October 1939. Since this time six memorial windows have been installed adding greatly to the atmosphere of worship with God’s house.
The membership of this Church has altered since 1940 from a rural congregation to a suburban one since so many of the congregation work in the different plants in Brockville and live in Lyn.
The list of ministers which has served Christ Church is as follows: (Before the building of the church) Rev. Wm. Smart 1811-1846; Rev. Mr. McMurray, Rev. J.K. Smith, Rev. Robert McKenzie 1859-1862, Rev. John Burton 1864-1868, Rev. Archibald Brown 1874- ?; Rev. J.J. Richardson; who was the first minister called after the church was built in Rev. A. Brown’s term of office. Rev. J.J Wright; Rev. Chas. Daly, Rev C.E.A.Pocock 1916-?, Dr. D.M.McLeod, Rev Mr. Gardiner, Rev Mr. McCrea till Union in 1925. Rev R.A. Delve 1929-35, Rev A.S. Doggett 1935-40 when Chrisy Church was reopened. Rev H.B. Herrington 1940-42, Rev C.K. Mathewson 1942-59 (the present)
Records in connection with the early history of Lyn congregation are scarce and we have to rely on the memory of those who knew in their early years or learned from the lips of the older generation, the facts connected with the origin of St. John the Baptist Church.
St. John the Baptist Anglican Church
The first trace of an Anglican service in this locality is found in connection with a “United Church” which stood where the Anglican church sheds now stand (these have been removed, but position would be about one hundred yards east of the church). There are in St. John’s Church at present a pair of wooden collection plates with “St. Paul’s Church, Lyn” written on them. Whether we take this as evidence that the Union Church was called St. Paul’s or not does not alter the fact that tradition states that it was the first in these parts, several denominations, including the Quakers, using this old “Union Church” as a place of worship. The Church of England Services there were conducted by Rev John Stannage, who came from New Dublin to officiate. The fate of this building is not known to those who supplied the previous information, but for some reason the Anglican services were transferred to Pergau’s Hall in the present Pergau bock in Lyn. There Dr. Lewis, Rev. Stannage and Rev. Mr. Jones held services while the present church was in the course of construction.
The construction did not proceed very rapidly as the Brockville Recorder points out in its article on the subject “That the number of people holding Anglican views in this community were few.” In the course of ten years from 1858 to 1869, the work lingered for some time only the basement being finished, i.e. foundation. Then renewed efforts completed the task in August 1869. On Sept. 1, 1869 it was opened by Bishop Lewis.
In the period of construction James Coleman of Coleman Brothers, the millers of Lyn, were particularly active. It is reported that Peter Pergau supplied the lime for the building, that the rough stone was quarried on the B.C. Brown place now owned by Joseph Bolin, while the dressed stone came from Hector Bradfield pace east of Brockville and was dressed by a stone cutter named Dyer, and was teamed to Lyn by the men of the congregation. Also, that Edwin Bagg who lived where C. Imerson now lives had the contract for the carpentry work. The stone fence in front of the church was built by George Monteith, who lived in Lyn and is buried here.
At the opening service in 1869, Dr. Lewis, former rector of St. Peter’s Brockville, and then the Bishop of the Diocese of Ontario, was present and confirmed a large class. Other clergy present included Rev. John Carroll of Gananoque, Rev. G.J. Low of Delta, Mr. Denroche of Arnprior and Mr Cook of North Augusta.
The following clergy have given of their services to the church during the past years: Kearney L. Jones, Henry Auston, G.W.G. Grout 1881, T.A. Smith 1901, J.D.P. Wright 1912, John Lyons 1917, T.F. Dowdell 1925, A.E.U. Smart 192, Ernest Teskey 1926-33, F.O. Ware 1933-41, R.M. Savory 1941-42, R.S. Foreman 1942-44, A.B. Caldwel 1944, E. LeGrow 1944-45, J.B. Hall 1945-47, F. Payne 1947-50, J.M.Cameron 1950 –
Lyn has become a residential village for the people who work in Brockville and commute every day by car or bus. Lyn has lost its importance as a manufacturing village and it can never hope to be the site of large factories for it has no waterfront nor railway terminal. Its future lies in its growth as a village for workers who wish to live in the quiet of the country, when the St. Lawrence Seaway is finished which will bring with it the extension of manufacturing sites along the shores of the river.
The Church has a vital function to perform in such an industrial residential area for it must bring to those people who do a monotonous factory job a wider vision of life, its worth and its meaning, for this is the only institution which cares for other than material values in the lives of these people. The sad part is that many of these people have become so busy with the material on every day and all days that they do not take the interest in the church which the first hardy founders of this village did. It thus provides the church with an opportunity and a challenge which I am sure the Spirit of God will use for the furthering of God’s Kingdom.
A story about growing up in the 1950’s By Ellery Edgeley
It could never be said, we kids were ever bored, or, had nothing to do! Regardless of the fact we lived in a smallvillage in the country, some activity or interesting diversion could always be found, to entertain ourselves, and occupy our recreational time. Typical of young children, we discovered a new and very different way of having fun, spending a few hours just relaxing, and, at the same time, touring the country side. Each day, Monday through Friday, the mail had to be delivered to the surrounding rural areas of Lyn, and this particular job belonged to a man named Mr. Ladd. Early every morning he would pick up the mail from the post office at Miller’s General Store, load his truck and head out to the back areas to deliver it. During the summer holidays one of the kids, who happened to be hanging around the store, asked Mr. Ladd, if he could go along, and assist him with the mail, and he agreed. This, as it turned out would be of great help, because now, if the mail box was located on the right hand side of the road, the truck pulled over and the helper could put the mail into the box, thus saving Mr. Ladd, from having to put the truck out of gear, hold the brake, lean over and place it in himself. The truck he drove was an old dark blue 1930’s Chevrolet with a square cab designed to hold two people, and on the back it had a large platform enclosed by front and side racks, probably used at one time to haul cans of milk. Having this helper along became a daily practice. Some of the other kids found out about these little jaunts their friend was making, so they asked Mr. Ladd if it would be all right if they could come along too, and being the good soul he was agreed. It wasn’t long before word spread, and soon the back of that old truck was beginning to fill up with anywhere from six to over a dozen kids. I honestly believe, even it there had been twenty or more kids, wanting to climb aboard and ride along, Mr. Ladd would have found some way of piling every one on. And the group was not all boys. This was one activity in which boys and girls joined together and shared the fun.
Mr. Ladd usually departed from the general store around 9:30 a.m. so everyone would have to be there shortly before then. As a rue, most kids our age are not early risers and hate to get out of bed in the morning, especially during the summer holidays, but there was always a couple who would be there at 8:00 anxious to get underway. One, by one, each of us would saunter up to the gathering place, some still half asleep, and wait, as Mr. Ladd sorted his load of mail.
There was one particular chap, named Dickie, who on many a day managed to just barely make it on time. Everyone would begin yelling for him to hurry up, and he would come running down the street, still munching away on his peanut butter and toast. His hair would be uncombed, sticking straight up, and he appeared as though he had slept in his clothes all night. Just as the truck started up, Dickie would jump up onto the back with the help of many hands.
The entire rural route usually took about three hours to complete. The long duration of time it took was probably due to the fact that very road travelled was dirt, with the exception of about half a mile. On hot, dry summer days a long cloud of dust trailed the mail truck as it journeyed along with its cargo of mail and kids. Leaving the village, we headed west into the country which contained some of the most beautiful dairy farms to be seen anywhere. In their lush green pastures, large herds of Holstein cows, along with a sprinkling of Jerseys could be seen grazing, while other fields contained clover and sprouts of corn. There were fields of uncut hay and its tall strands flowed like waves in a sea of green, as gentle summer breezes blew across them. The air had what we called, “that farm smell”, a combination of hay, silage and manure. Farmers were always busy working, whether on a tractor or driving a team of horses, but sometimes if they were near the road, they would often stop and come over for a short visit with Mr. Ladd and we kids. It didn’t take long, and after a few trips, we got to know everyone on the mail route. Not all of the homes on the route belonged to farmers; countless others were owned by people who were employed in the Town of Brockville. Besides travelling by farms the route also wound its way through heavily wooded areas, and in some places ran parallel to a couple of beautiful lakes.
During those long, hot summer days, only one thing ever stopped us group of kids from making the daily trip. Rain! On these days, only a helper went. But the rest of the time, the number always varied. As the days passed, we all became closer, like a family. We’d tell stories, make up games to play, and sing all kinds of songs. Riding in the open air with the wind blowing in our faces was thrilling and refreshing. There were a couple of spots o the route, where apple trees grew next to the road, and late in the summer they would start to bear apples. Mr. Ladd would sometimes pull off to the side of the road under them, and let us pick a few to eat. At this time of year, they were still quite green so we didn’t eat that many. No one wanted to get a stomach ache or worse. Most times, we’d just use them for target practice, throwing at a tree of large boulder in a field.
As I mentioned, the mail route ran through several heavy wooded areas, and one particular road on it was called ‘The Devil’s Door’ road. Located in the Yonge Mills area about five miles west of Lyn, it derived its name from the fact that it possessed a secret doorway to the bowels of the earth, and Devil himself. A short distance from the road an entrance to a passage-way could be seen, running between towering, deep crevice, rock edges on each side. Tall trees and a heavy concentration of thick brush shrouded the entire area in darkness, giving it a frightening, foreboding look, as if to warn any curious or daring soul, they should proceed no further. Should one be foolish enough to do so, they could be in grave, perilous danger. Wild stories were abound, of individuals, who had dared fate to enter ‘The Devil’s Door’ never to be seen again. It had been said to, that young children in particular should stay far away from the area, and never, never, venture too close, because the Devil would get them, and take them back to the centre of the earth. Each morning that old mail truck full of kids, had to pass by ‘The Devil’s Door’!
Every day, as we approached and passed by, everyone on the truck would stare at that entrance in fear, and pray that the old truck wouldn’t break down or quit right there. Once by we all breathed a little easier. Sometimes as we neared the door Mr. Ladd would slow down the truck, and holler ot and ask, if anyone wanted to get off and see the Devil. There was never any response; there were no brave takers on that truck. Still we were curious. Deep down inside, we all knew we wanted to see what was hiding beyond that entrance. The question was, were we brave enough!
Finally after much deliberation, we had all decided that the time had come. We should enter ‘The Devil’s Door’! The next morning we all gathered at Miller’s General Store, excited and ready to follow through with our planned escapade. With new found courage, we asked Mr. Ladd, if he would stop at ‘The Devil’s Door’, and take us in. He paused for a few seconds, glanced around at the dozen wide eyed kids and asked. “Are you sure you want to go in there? The Devil might get all of you kids!” At the moment we were still in village and everyone was brave, so without hesitation, a chorus of voices hollered out. “We’re not afraid of the devil, we’ll go in! There’s no devil there anyway.” With a twinkle in his eyes, Mr. Ladd agreed. “OK, I’ll stop and take you in, but remember, I warned you.” Everyone piled onto the back of the old mail truck and in boisterous, wild chatter we all began saying what we’d do when we got to the door and came face to face with the devil. As we pulled away, we secretly wondered if we’d ever see the village again.
A short distance from Lyn, we began making our first mail drops. ‘The Devil’s Door’ was still about a half hours drive yet, but the closer we got the more silent everyone became. There was no more brave talk or singing. Each person was quietly wrapped up in their own thoughts. As the truck turned onto ‘Devil’s Door’ road, all the bravery suddenly seem to dissipate. Everyone’s mind went into high emotional gear, conjuring up all kinds of wild notions and scenarios, about what may lie in waiting ahead. With intent eyes, we scanned the woods, expecting at any moment now, for a red man with horns, goatee and long sharp pointed tail, to leap out and pounce on all of us defenceless children. With his three pronged spear, he would force us deep into the bowels of the earth. The old truck rounded a slight bend in the road and came to a stop. There it was! The ‘Devil’s Door’! Now, as we stood in the safety of the truck, it looked more foreboding and sinister than ever before. Mr. Ladd turned the motor off, and got out of the truck. The silence was deafening. What if it wouldn’t start up again? Maybe we should leave while there was still time. Besides, I don’t recall seeing a rural mail box here on the side of the road with the name ‘Satan’ emblazoned on it, indicating a stop. “All right, who’s coming”, Mr. Ladd invited us. For a few second, no one spoke or moved. “I’ll go” came a voice, not exactly exuding a tone of courage. One by one, individuals climbed down from the truck, until a meagre total of seven brave soles gathered beside Mr. Ladd. Four boys and three girls. “What’s the mater?”. He asked, “Doesn’t anybody else want to come?” As the rest of us cowered in the back of the truck, I said “No Thanks, I can se it fine from right here.” No sense in chancing fate, I thought; all of those stories we heard, might just be true. I wasn’t about to be taken by the devil, down into the dark abyss of the earth, and hell below, sentenced to an eternity of stoking furnaces or worse. I was almost certain I hadn’t committed and sins recently, but then, maybe I had. Just to be on the safe side, I’d better not go. Better safe than sorry. As I looked around, it was relieving to see, that I was not the only smart person on board that truck. Or should I say, coward! Someone should stay behind anyway, in case something terrible did happen, we could go for help or let relatives know what had happened, when the others failed to return. All we could do now was watch, as Mr. Ladd, led the seven foolhardy, ‘would be’ adventures, into ‘The Devil’s Door’, and beyond. Slowly, they moved ever so carefully along the front of the towering stone walled ledge which ran up to the door and disappeared into the darkness beyond. This was probably, the last time we would ever see our friends again. We waited for what seemed an eternity. “Maybe we should holler and see if they’re OK!” someone peeped up. “No! Keep quiet! Do you want the Devil to know we’re here?” So we waited. Sitting there I knew that I had made the right decision not to go. Suddenly, screams came from somewhere deep in ‘The Devil’s Door’. Now, the screams verified I had been right. “What are we going to do?” Somebody yelled “Let’s get out of here!” All eyes were focused on the door entrance. “No. We have to wait for them.” The terrified screams continued, and before we could move someone came bolting out from the entrance. It’s always been said that boys can run faster than girls, this day proved it. For boys came blasting for dear life, out from the darkness and towards the safety of the truck and their waiting comrades. “Where’s everyone else?” Then came the three screaming girls, scrambling like the devil himself were chasing them. “What happened?” we demanded. Everyone was trembling with excitement! Still huffing and puffing to catch their breath, they quickly related their horrifying experience beyond the door way. Once they were deep inside the dark passage-way, surrounded by hugh trees, someone though they had seen what might have been the Devil himself. Mr. Ladd had seen the person or object first and warned the rest and, it was then that everyone began to scream and run for their lives and safety. “Oh no!” someone shouted. “Where’s Mr. Ladd? The Devil got him!” Now we were all doomed for sure we thought. Suddenly a relieved voice cried out. “There he comes, he’s OK! The devil didn’t get him.” Funny but Mr. Ladd didn’t seem to have the same urgency to run fro the entrance that the others did. As we watched him walk toward the truck, everyone was wishing he would hurry faster so we could get as far away from that spot as quickly as possible. “Where’d everybody go?” he asked.” I though you wanted to see the Devil and his passage-way.” No one spoke a word. We just stood in the back of the truck and stared at the entrance, waiting to see if the Devil was coming after us. As Mr. Ladd opened the door, and climbed into his truck, I could not help but notice a wide mischievous grin on his face. It was then that I began to wonder, just who the real devil might be. Much to our relief, the old mail truck fired up and slowly we crept away from “The Devil’s Door”.
We kids continued to ride along on that mail route for the rest of the summer, but every day when we passed by ‘The Devil’s Door’, everyone fell silent. To compound our fears, and apprehension, every so often, Mr. Ladd would slow down as if he were going to stop, and then ever so slowly drive on. The subject of ‘The Devil’s Door’ was never brought up again.
It had been a fun and mist unforgettable summer, but it came to an end. September meant we kids had to return to school, leaving Mr. Ladd to drive the rural mail route alone, without our help and company. In some ways it was probably a relief for him, not to have a bunch of noisy kids along, but then, being the kind of man he
Arthur and Hazel Ladd in 1940
was, I think he truly missed us. And now, the dark old blue mail truck, with its load of carefree children and our eerie, creepy visit to ‘The Devil’s Door’, are happy memories, from a time long ago.
A union camp meeting will be held by the Athens, Addison, Frankville and Toledo, Lyn and Mallorytown circuits of the Methodist church on the Unionville fair grounds, commencing Wednesday afternoon, August 21st. Arrangements are being made to have the grounds thoroughly equipped. The main building will be seated for the audience room. Ample accommodation for sleeping, etc., to those bringing provisions, will be provided free on the grounds. One building, floored, warm and dry, will be set apart for the use of the ladies of the Epworth League Full lodging, eating and horse accommodation will be provided at Mr. Forth’s at the most reasonable rates. During the continuance of the meeting, no driving will be allowed on the track. The place is central and only a step from the railway station. An effort will be made to secure commutation [sic] rates on the Brockville and Westport R.R.
Tuesday Aug 27, 1895 issue
Not withstanding the desire expressed by the committee of management that all church going people should attend their own places of worship on Sabbath, an immense crowd gathered at Unionville camp meeting on that day. It is estimated that from fifteen to eighteen hundred attended the afternoon meeting. The weather has not been very favourable for the meeting, but the buildings and grounds have been found so well suited to the purpose that a very pleasant and profitable time has been spent.
Tuesday Sep 3, 1895 issue
Glen Buell, Saturday, Aug. 31. –
The camp meeting held here has been the saviour of life to many. One good sister from Frankville says she is going to carry the fire home with her, as there is much need of it in her village. We hope the fruits of her labours may be blest and many be brought to the Saviour.
Tuesday Sep 10, 1895 issue
It is reported that a gang of thieves (for we cannot class them otherwise) made a general raid on the whips, halters, and lap rugs, on the camp-meeting grounds at Unionville on Sunday evening We hope for the good name of those attending the camp meeting that this rumour is not correct.
The Athens Reporter and County of Leeds Advertiser
Excerpts have been taken from this paper referencing the above meeting.
The Athens Reporter and County of Leeds Advertiser
Excerpts have been taken from this paper referencing the following hamlet for the years 1889, 1894 and 1895
Tuesday July 2, 1895 issue
Fairfield East, Friday, June 28 –
The Ladies’ Aid hald a lawn social on the grounds at the Manhart church on the evening of June 26th. Quite a large crowd assembled to help empty the tales. After refreshments they were furnished with a firt class entertainment, consisting of readings, speeches, and excellent music by the choir. Everybody seemed to enjoy themselves immensely.
The funeral services of Miss. Mary McCracken were conducted in the Manhart church on Tuesday, June 25, and services for her mother on Friday, June 28. The services were both conducted by the Rev. Mr. Danby of the Presbyterian church. The church was filled on both occasions. The bereaved family have the sympathy of the entire community.
The cry around this part of the country is not like the old woman who was starving and the parson went in to pray with her and asked for everything that he thought she needed excepting for something to eat, and she cried, “Don’t forget the potatoes” Here, it is, “Oh, for a few drops of rain !”
What might have been a very serious accident occurred at Mr. Hiram Manhart’s one day last week. In building a fire to get supper, some sparks flew from the chimney and caught the roof, but owing to great presence of mind and timely assistance from the neighbors the fire was extinguished with very little loss.
There is one of our prominent young men strolls up on the railroad occasionally and it is rather dangerous to be coming back when one is a little sleepy, as the train passes through the woods and deadens the sound, so that he might meet with and accident. So beware, G., and drive instead of walking; it is more pleasant.
Tuesday July 9, 1895 issue
Fairfield East – Monday, July 8 –
A number of our young people attended the celebration at Athens on Monday, 1st inst., and report having a No. 1 time.
Mrs. O. Lillie and child of Newboro are visiting her father, Mr. Anson Manhardt.
Miss McBratney is spending her holidays at Mr. Hiram Manhardt’s
The lasted fad around this part of the country is for a young gent to take his sweetheart to a party or pic-nic and bring her home without her supper.
I guess H… means business, as he seems to be a pretty frequest visitor. But of course it is all right.
Tuesday July 30, 1895 issue
Fairfield East Friday, July 26
The Rev Dr. Larmour will deliver a discourse to the Foresters on Monday, 28th inst. At half-past two in the afternoon. A number of courts are invited to be present.
The long looked for rain has come at last and is doing lots of good. There is to be seen a broad smile on nearly everybody’s face.
We think Professor Bonn had better come again so that some of our intelligent young men might learn all about horses and their ailments. He says he has been in the business for twenty five or thirty years and does not begin to know all about them, but one young man heard him lecture once and says he knows it all now.
Mr. and Mrs. G.A. Gilroy of Glen Buell visited at R.J. Sturgeon’s on Sunday last.
Tuesday Aug 20, 1895 issue
Fairfield East – Monday, Aug. 19-
Farmers are at their harvesting and report a very light crop.
The Foresters are getting along with the hall, slow but sure
It is reported that a young couple residing in this neighbourhood never heard a rooster until one morning last week when they got up about three o’clock and ran to the barn to watch one crow. Wonder if they have ever seen the oars…[sic]
Rumor says we are about to have a school for lady pugilists in the near future and then Wilie wants to look out and have a good backing or he may not come out in the second round as well as he did in the first.
There are some from this vicinity taking the Manitoba fever. Hope it will not end with any serious results.
Now, boys, the next time you go to a social, try to not go in at the eleventh hour, so you will be in time for supper.
Tuesday Oct 1, 1895 issue
Fairfield East, Saturday, Sept 28 –
Our blacksmith, Mr. Hough, is the happy man this time. It is a real nice little baby girl.
That young man from the other street, who comes over this way to church occasionally, has to look pretty sharp so as not to make any more mistakes, as the twin sisters look very much alike
Mr. R.J. Sturgeon lost two fine cows by lightning on Wednesday last.
Quite a number from here attended Prescott fair and report a large time, and the show of vegetables the best ever on exhibition in this part of the country.
Husking bees are the rage now
The whistle and whirr of the steam thresher are to be heard in every direction.
Tuesday Nov 5, 1895 issue
Fairfield East, Thursday, Oct 31 –
Bert Smith is the happiest man in this community. It is just the “sweetest, nicest little girl dat eber libed”
The Misses Mason and Birdsell are holding revival serviced near Algonquin
Mr. O.F. Bullis and wife of Athens are attending the tent meeting at Algonquin, and also visiting friends in this vicinity last week.
Mr. Gordon Manhart has gone to Newboro to attend school. We miss his smiling countenance very much, but hope our loss will be his gain.
Mr. Ford Wiltse and wife of Athens were visiting at R.J. Sturgeon’s on Sunday last.
We are pleased to see the smiling face of Mort Manhart in our midst again, after his sojourn in the cheese factory for the summer.
The Athens Reporter and County of Leeds Advertiser
Excerpts have been taken from this paper referencing the following hamlet for the years 1889, 1894 and 1895
Tuesday Oct 30, 1894 issue-
Glen Buell– Monday Oct 29. Much interest was taken in the result of the great squirrel hunt of last week between ye men of the woods who are lovers of the gun and residents of Spring Valley. They issued a challenge to the red men of the glen to go into a friendly competition in order that the fact of superior skills might be made known to the public.
Spring Valley March 4th1889 The Goose Pickers’ Association which was to be organized at Dogtown, will meet here in the gymnasium rooms next door south of the Grand Central Hotel.
We expect to hear the tin wedding bells ring again.
Gideon and his band are making havoc in the bush, both in cordwood and logs.
We are glad to hear that Mrs. Nelson Whitmarsh has recovered from a severe illness.
Mrs. James Emmans, from Cass City Mich., has been visiting her father Mr. John Westlake and other friends. She will leave for home on the sixth, accompanied by her nephew, Mr. Allen Hays.
Rollicking Jake is busily engaged in moving to Addison, where he will settle on the old Hewitt homestead.
There were quite a number from Pious Hollow attended a party at Briar Hill, NY on Friday last. They reported a good time.
Referring to Miss Maude Addison’s appearance in the Charity Concert last Thursday evening, the Recorder says: “She is an exceedingly clever young lady, and is destined to make her mark on the stage. Mr. C.C.Slack as a character singer gave the audience a treat.”
Spring Valley March 18th , 1889– Sugar weather is near at hand.
Mr. Blanchard, from Lombardy, has moved to the farm vacated by Mr. Jacob Hewitt.
Mr. Thomas Atcheson has had a series of law suits in which he suffered defeat, causing him some trouble of mind.
Pig thieves made another raid on Shosiaville [sic], but were met by Jimmy and his 82- calibre. He delivered four shots in succession, and drove the raiders away. I think the authorities should put a stop to such proceedings.
Archie Baldwin, our old bachelor of Noisy Hill, went to market the other day with his first load of produce for the season- his own make of butter, for which he received the highest prices.
A young man from Pratt Valley is ?? Sunday wending his way to the large farm on Charity Island. We expect to hear of a wedding which will cause some excitement.
A protest is lodged against the Dogtown lady who won the prize at the goose picking held here. The deciding contest will be between the said lady and a lady of the centre ward, and the deacon will be a judge.
Spring Valley– Monday May 13, 1889
The hail storm did considerable damage in this art of the country, breaking window glass and causing teams to run away while working in the fields. Some of the hailstones measured six inches in circumference.
There has been another fight at Pious Hollow among two of the Donnybrookers. They went to town and loaded themselves with bug-juice, and when they returned home they found a number of friends awaiting their return, having a supply of whiskey with them. The exhibition went on lively. They buried the King of the Hollow two sods deep. Then a lady and gent got into a fight. They fought hard tearing each other’s clothes Next day the young man was summoned before the Kadi and fined $10. and costs.
The little giant was working on the south side of the pan-handle farm when the hailstorm came up and caused the team to run away with the plough. He says that he would have held them if his hat had not blown off. They did no damage.
The Pratt Valley gent has turned out to be an eye doctor. Here was a lady visitor at Charity Island who was afflicted with sore eyes. The doctor examined her eyes and pronounced it acute inflammation, but said he could cure them if she would consent to use his eye wash according to directions. A bottle of the eye wash was sent and used only once, when the lady’s eyes got so bad that she could hardly see, the wash nearly blinding her. I say to the public that they ought to beware of such quacks; they do more harm than good.
Tuesday Feb. 5, 1895 issue-
Miss. Jennie Thompson of Spring Valley is this week visiting friends in Athens
Tuesday Feb. 12, 1895 issue-
Spring Valley– Monday Feb 11-
On Friday evening last about twenty invited guests partook of the hospitality of Miss. Gertie Hayes. After oysters were served a very enjoyable time was spent in games of all sorts, all being well pleased with the evening’s outing. Where we have the next one ?
Doctor M. is back to this vicinity, seeming to have improved considerably since he went away.
Mr. Thomas Thompson had the misfortune to freeze his face on Wednesday last while coming from the woods.
We understand our pugilist has sent out several challenges during the past two weeks. Look out boys.
Owing to the condition of the roads, the boys are unable to practice their speedy horses.
Our school is progressing favourably under the management of Miss. Tennant of Caintown.
Mr. Joshua Gilroy has refused a handsome sum for his celebrated horse, Doc. L is a hustler.
Tuesday Feb. 19, 1895 issue–
Spring Valley, Monday Feb 18-
Mr. B.H. Brown, son of Anson Brown, a well to do young farmer here, has devised and completed a fine labor-saving device to convey the manure from his dairy stable and dump it on the sleigh or wagon in the shed. A single track is hung high enough to clear the head and far enough back of the drop to be out of the way. On this track plays a truck, or car, 5 feet long; from this car is a trough or box suspended at the desired height and large enough to hold the droppings of 12 cows or more at once. The car is run to the back end of the back end of the line of cows and passes down as fast as the manure can be scooped in, and begins to turn on a quarter circle part of the track as soon as it leaves the cows and at the centre of the shed dumps its load on the sleigh and continues on up to the far end of the other line of cows and returns when filled and dumps in the same manner as before. Two dumps easily discharge all that is deposited in 24 hours from 24 head of cattle. The track is 90 feet long and in form exactly like an old fashion ox-bow and dumps at the middle of the bow. It is a self dumper.
His arrangement for watering stock and this device with some others, prove the B.H. is a practical genius and is of some ?? in his day and generation.
The Athens Reporter and County of Leeds Advertiser
Excerpts have been taken from this paper referencing the following hamlet for the years 1889, 1894 and 1895
Jan 8, 1889
Miss. Hester Wiltse has been engaged to teach school in NewDublin for the coming year.
Saturday June 22nd 1889
Mr. Byron Cadwell of New Dublin has just put in a first class cheese box plant in his saw mill.
Saturday July 20- 1889
Births: Cadwell- At New Dublin, July 11th the wife of Byron Cadwell, of a son.
Tuesday Dec. 18, 1894 issue-
New Dublin
Church opening at New Dublin
Wednesday last was a red letter day in the parish of New Dublin as on that day the new church of St. John the Evangelist was opened for devine service. The new church of stone finely finished in wood, with windows of stained glass, and stands on the same ground as the one erected about sixty years ago. Notwithstanding the unfavourable weather a large number of clergy and laity attended the three services held during the day. The clergy present were: Rev. Rural Dean Grout, (Rector of the Parish) of Lyn, Rev. Rural Dan Carey of Kingston, Rev. Messrs Cooke of Kingston, Young and Landsdown, Elliott of North Augusta, Forsythe of Oxford Mills, McTear of Maitland, Stephen of Frankville and Wright of Athens. Dedication and Morning Prayer were said by Rev. Rural Dean Nesbitt, assisted by Rev. Messrs Stephenson and Young. The Holy Eucharist was offered by Rev. Mr. Cooke, assisted by Rev. Messrs Forsythe as Gospeller, Wright, E isoler [sic] and McTear as Server. The sermon was preached by Rev Rural Dean Carey from Haggal II,9. Dinner was served by the ladies of the congregation in the town hall and was a most beautiful spread. After dinner the Litany was intoned by Rev. Mr. Elliott, and addresses were delivered by Rev. Messrs. Forsythe, Cooke and Young and Messrs. N. Brown and W. Stafford. The ladies also provided a first class tea which was largely patronized. Evensong was said by Rev. Wright, assisted by Rev. Messrs. Nesbitt and Cooke, when the following delivered addresses: Nesbitt, McTear, Wright and Cooke. Miss. M. Webster ably presided at the organ at all the services and during the offertory. Miss Joynt, of North Augusta sang a very fine solo from Mozart- “Come unto me” The Rector, Building committee and ladies of the congregation deserved the greatest credit for the successful manner in which the work was carried on and completed. We congratulate the church people of New Dublin on the possession of such a nice church, complete in every part, for the service of Almighty God.
Tuesday June 11, 1895 issue–
New Dublin– June 10-
Mr. T. McBratney is rushing business on his new residence.
Mr. Hudson Kendrick of Rocksprings spent Sunday with his parents.
Miss. L. Ward of Elgin was the guest of Mr. Aaron Sherman on Sunday last.
Mrs. E. Healy, who has been visiting her mother, Mrs. Samuel Horton, returned to her home in Perry Sound on Friday last.
Mrs. R. Maud of Smith’s Falls and her sister of Kemptville were guests of B.J Horton on Sunday
Mrs. Eugene Bradley and daughter from Perry Sound are visiting friends here.
Mr. B. Cadwell’s saw mill is running full blast. He is doing a rushing business in cheese boxes. The paper states that his boxes are the best that arrive on Montreal markets.
The Methodist church was well filled Sunday afternoon to hear the Rev. Mr. Knox deliver his farewell sermon. The sermon was a very touching one, the text being Matt XXVI chapter, 13th verse. All miss his presence among us, but our loss will be some other’s gain. We wish him much success in his new field of labor, and pray that he may receive souls for his hire.
A visitor at Mr. Edward H. Rowsom’s , a bouncing baby girl
Our school is progressing nicely under the management of Mr. Geo. Homer of Rocksprings.
Tuesday June 18, 1895 issue–
New Dublin– Friday June 14,-
Berry picking is the order of the day.
Mrs. H. Davis is seriously ill.
The people of St. John’s Church are to have their annual picnic in Mr. W. Earl’s grove on June 21st.
Mr. E.H. Rowsom is rushing business on his new barn, the stone work being put up by Mr. R. Kendrick. No slop work done here.
We understand that Mr. Anson E.H. Sherman has purchased a new guitar, with which he expects to charm the citizens in a short time.
The president of the Mope-pope factory was badly disturbed by a shower of stones, which caused him to fire.
Miss A. Gordon of Athens is the guest of Mrs. B. Cadwell
Mrs. David Slack and Miss Hall were the guests of Mrs. B. Cadwell on Friday last
Mr. J. Rappell of the Tin Cap was a guest of Mr. T. McBratney on Thursday last.
Tuesday June 25, 1895 issue–
New Dublin– Monday
There was a large number of Friends passed through here on Wednesday to attend the funeral of Mrs. Joseph Hayes of Glen Buell.
Messers. Churchill Pepper have dissolved partnership, Mr. Pepper having struck another situation in Brockville.
Visitors – Mrs. M. Kendrick and little daughter of Shilo is visiting friends here this week. (at New Dublin)
Mrs. Shepley Rousom and daughter were the guests of Mrs. Richard Kendrick on Wednesday of this week.
Mrs. A. Robinson of Hard Island returned home on Thursday after paying a short visit to her daughter Mrs. Henry Horton.
Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Horton left on Saturday for Watertown to visit there daughter, Mrs. Patterson.
Mr. Albert Hayes wears a broad smile – it’s a girl
Tuesday July 2, 1895 issue
New Dublin, Saturday, June 29 –
Road work is the order of the day in this section.
Some of the farmers have commenced haying, on account of the dry weather.
Mr. Alex. Compo and son of Athens were in the employment of Mr. Byron Caldwell this last week.
Mr Caldwell is doing a rushing business in cheese boxes, having to work late and early to fill his orders.
Miss. Ina Gordon of Athens returned home on Monday after visiting Miss. V. Cadwell of this place
The terribles of this place celebrated their first anniversary in Mr. Joseph Deacon’s office on Monday last, which cost them $35.78
Tuesday July 9, 1895 issue
New Dublin, Monday, July 8 –
Dry weather still continues in this section. Fruits of all kinds will be a perfect failure if rain does not come soon.
Mr. Hudson Kendrick of this place who is in the employment of Mr. Wilson of Rockspring as cheese maker, and his chum, Mr. George Steacy, were visiting friends here on Sunday last. Huds look hale and hearty.
Quite a number of our city folks took in Dominion day. Some went to Athens and others took in the trip over the G.O.P. to Westport. All report a rattling good time.
Mr. Joshua Boulton of Brockville and son of Montreal paid our city a flying visit on Dominion Day.
Mrs. Robeson and little son of Brockville are visiting Mr. and Mrs. John Kendrick this week.
Miss Vienna Kendrick returned home on Thursday last after an absence of two weeks.
Miss Maud Kendrick was the guest of Mrs. Aaron Shermen on Wednesday of last week.
Another birth in the city. It’s a young girl.
Mr. Johnnie Austin had a ??? on his finger which caused him to have his finger taken off between the first and second joint. It was very painful.
The correspondent to the Times is a little rattled concerning Mrs. A. Sherman’s illness. She says she is improving quite fast; therefore, I think that the correspondent needs a bottle of porter or old rye.
Rev. Mr. Grout of Lyn preached a sermon to the Orangemen. The ?? was fine and the sermon was grand.
The Rev. Mr. Pimlott preached an excellent sermon to his people on Sunday last. His text was, “Adam, where art thou ?”
Tuesday July 16, 1895 issue
Mrs. Horton, relict of the late Wm. Horton of New Dublin, died at that place on Sunday, 7th inst., aged 71, Deceased was a daughter of the late Wm. Whitmore of Wiltsetown.
Tuesday July 30, 1895 issue
New Dublin
On Saturday last two of our young men from Bolton Hollow distuised themselves and came into town as tramps. They gave the appropriate name of Black Knight and Whiskers.
We will all drink cherry wine this winter, as cherries are plentiful in this section.
They would all like to know who is the Reporter correspondent for this place. Well, friends, it is I; do you know me ?
A few of our city boys went to Lamb’s pond on Sunday and two of them went out in the punt “Armstrong.” They encountered a large snake and in the trouble that followed one of the boys fell out of the punt into the mud and water.
Miss Ethel Blanchard of Athens has been visiting friends in Brockville on Sunday.
Mr. and Mrs. Will Bolton were the guests of Mr. George Bolton
Tuesday Aug 13, 1895 issue
Laid at Rest
A New Dublin correspondent writes the Reporter as follows: No trouble was experienced by he friends of our young man Robert Bolton, whose body was found Tuesday morning last, in securing the remains. The village authorities at Morristown considered that the facts concerning the drowning being a pure accident were so well verified that an inquest was not necessary. A permit was accordingly granted at once for the removal of the body. It had drifted fully a mile from the place where the canoe was upset, and was found by a resident on the river front floating in a bay near his boat house. The remains, which were quite badly decomposed, were removed to Clint’s undertaking establishment Tuesday night and the funeral took place from there at one o’clock Wednesday to the cemetery at New Dublin. The services were conducted in the Methodist church at the village by the Rev. Dr. Griffith, and were attended by large numbers from the surrounding country who have evinced the ?? sympathy with the mourning friends since the announcement was made. The deceased was a member of Mr. Birk’s Sunday school class and other representations from the Jas. Smart works, attended the funeral in a body, Respect was shown by all for the deceased, as he was one of our most noble young men.
Tuesday Aug 13, 1895 issue
New Dublin Monday, Aug 12-
The minister of this place is a hustler, having raised money to clear the debt on the church and to build a shed He must be somewhat absent minded, or was thinking of the story he told of the cow that had three calves, as he did not announce that there would be no service here on Sunday on account of communion service at Greenbush.
The prayer meeting flourished.
Under a large apple tree, our village blacksmith stands, which is Mr, John Kendrick with a hammer in his hands; he mends binders and reapers and tires and bands, and sells all of his fine honey he can.
Miss. Adda Sherman has left the employment of Mrs. B. Cadwell and is now visiting her brother and sister, Mr and Mrs. Aaron Sherman of this place.
Tuesday Aug 20, 1895 issue
New Dublin – Monday, Aug. 19 –
Frequent showers are visiting this section
The people in this section will soon have their grain all in and will have room to spare in their barns, as straw is very short.
The heavy wind on Saturday evening did considerable damage in the orchard around here.
The Sherman brothers have Mr. Thos. McBratney’s house all first coated, it will soon be ready for the carpenters to finish their work.
Mr. Johnnie Lickow has left the employment of Mr. Byron Cadwell.
Tuesday Sep 3, 1895 issue
New Dublin, Monday Sep 2 –
A large number of our friends attended the camp meeting last week.
Miss M. Ward has returned home after an absence of over two weeks.
Miss Vienna Kendrick has been visiting friends in Winchester and her cousin, Miss Kendrick, returned home with her for a short time
Miss Rowsom, Miss McNeil and Miss Moulton, from Ingersoll are visiting friends in this place
Tuesday Sep 10, 1895 issue
New Dublin, Monday, Sept.9. –
Mr. Aaron Sherman is again on the sick list
Mr. Ira Mallory, Brockville, is helping Mr. B. Cadwell get out a special order for cheese boxes. Mr. Cadwell goes to Toronto fair on Wednesday next.
Misses W. and Edna McBratney were guests of Mrs. Aaron Sherman on Monday
Black squirrels are very plentiful
It is currently reported here that the junior curd official of Glen Buell made an excursion west to Lake street with a beautiful little maid in her teens. While in the house some little trouble arose whereby our beloved son of the Glen had a special mark placed on his beautiful face. We advise the junior to be careful in future about entering upon new fishing grounds.
Tuesday Oct 8, 1895 issue
New Dublin, Saturday, Oct. 7, –
Council met here today
We are to have a bee this afternoon to haul material on the ground for a shed at the Methodist church.
Our holiness prayer meeting is flourishing in this place
Mr. and Mrs. Jas. McDougal are happy and rejoicing over a new born babe. It is a girl.
A large load of our holiness people went to Algonquin on Sunday last to a camp meeting. They had a good and profitable time.
Mr. Hudson Kendrick has returned home from his factory for good.
Mr. Anson Sherman was visiting friends in Athens last week.
Wm. B. Boulton, Esq. is away up to London this week attending the Ontario high court of I.O.F. He was sent as a delegate for Court Glen Buell. We shall expect to hear Bro. Boulton address a public meeting in our town hall on his return.
Our mutual friend and citizen, Wm. H. Davis, has gone west for the purpose of squandering in traveling a quantity of money which came into his possession without labor, and he can’t afford to keep it with hard earned coin. He will visit Owen Sound, Toronto and other points of interest before returning to his usual place of worship.
Tuesday Oct 15, 1895 issue
New Dublin, Friday, Oct 11. –
Apple picking is the order of the day They are worth 15 cts. Per bushel in this section
Mr. John Davis will soon have the stone work completed on his new stone house. It is being done by Mr. Thos. Foxin and Mr. Joseph Place, and it is an excellent piece of work.
A holiness convention is to he held at this place in the town hall on the second day of Nov. We hope that all that are interested in this good work will be preset. All are invited and made welcome.
Our prayer meeting is prospering in this place.
A large number went to Algonquin on Sunday last. A large audience was present.
The Athens Reporter and County of Leeds Advertiser
Excerpts have been taken from this paper referencing the following hamlet for the years 1884, 1889, 1894, 1895 and 1924
March 28, 1884 – The Breaking of a Dam Floods the Village
The Village of Lyn situated five miles west of Brockville is today undergoing all the horrors of a flood, an experience seldom falling to the lot of dwellers in Eastern Ontario Towns. This morning at an early hour it was noticed that the small stream of water passing through the centre of the quite hamlet and partially held in check by a rotten looking dam, had assumed the proportions of a small river. A few more moments elapsed during which a roaring noise resembling the rapid approach of a furious thunder storm was heard and then with a boom and a crash a great body of water came rushing down the narrow gorge carrying everything before it. Hugh masses of thick ice were swirled about like corks and a few minutes after the first warning the water had reached the depth of two feet in some of the streets of Lyn and one Lady Mrs. Raymond, was obliged to gather her effects hurriedly together and vacate her dwelling which was soon flooded.
At latest accounts Purvis Store, Gardiner’s Store and a dwelling occupied by Mr. Peter Pergau were invaded by the watery element, while many other residences had banked their houses in hope of restricting the invasion. To add to the trouble large blocks of ice are floating about the streets and threatening damage to the buildings.
The trouble originated from the breakage of Coleman’s Dam erected between the two points of lakes by the Coleman Brothers about twenty five years ago. The dam is situated about three miles above the village and is supposed to have become weak through age.
Lyn, Tuesday March 26th, 1889
Spring has come, the voice of the blackbird and robin is heard in the land and the vendors of maple syrup are seen on our streets. Poor sap-weather they say.
March has been decidedly lamb-like all through, but lion may put in an appearance in April.
Heldon Brown, son of Ira Brown, has gone to Idaho to go into business with his brother, who has been out there for some years. Every body wishes “Shel” success.
Ms. James McLean, who has been an inmate of the lunatic asylum at Kingston for some time, died suddenly on Thursday, and was buried at Stone Church, Young on Saturday.
Rev. J.J. Richards being away on vacation, visiting friends in the North-West, his pulpit is supplied by students and others. Rev. Mr. Phillips kindly officiates when called upon during the week.
The Methodist Church Ladies’ Aid Society intend holding a sugar social on April 3rd.
Lyn, Saturday April 27, 1889
The warm weather and rain of this week have started the grass, strawberries etc. which are looking well.
Farmers have commenced seeding somewhat earlier than for some time past.
As the corn fodder and ensilage subject is a very important one, why is it not expedient to have the next meeting of the Farmers’ Institute held at once, when the matter can be thoroughly discussed in time to be of benefit for this season ! A weeks notice, with through advertising, would bring a large gathering to Brockville on any Saturday.
Lyn– Saturday June 22nd 1889
The fine weather of this week has brought on the strawberry crop very rapidly. The yield promises to be very heavy and the appearance of the fruit magnificent. The Indian pickers have come and the next two weeks will be busy ones.
Mr. Wm. Bullock has been on a trip through the states of Pennsylvania and New York. He reports a pleasant time.
The License Commissioners have been fit to grant in Lyn the only license in the township, in the face of the petition of 49 ‘fanatics’ against it. As soon as the granting of the license became known the old stagers began to fall into line, and the old time scenes, so common before the passage of the Scott Act, are again frequently witnessed. The idiotic stare, boisterous hilarity and reeling stupidity were all to be seen at one time yesterday. But it is all right and according to Act of Parliament. But will the sighs and tears of the wives, sisters and mothers be less bitter ! Let them weep- it is their privilege; but they must be careful not to do anything to stay the cause of their tears, or they will overstep the bounds of propriety and be accused of fanaticism! Strange it is that men will pray on Sunday, “Lead us not into temptation.” And on Monday encourage the opening of a public bar to tempt the weak Is such Christianity real or burlesque !
Tuesday Oct 16, 1894 issue-
Lyn- Monday Oct 16
Mr. John DeCarle of Montana, US and Miss Maggie Wilson of Lyn were married on the 11th. They leave in a few days for the west. The loss of Miss. Wilson will be much felt, as she was one of the most popular young ladies.
Factories are all running now which makes things lively.
On Saturday one of the oldest inhabitants of Yonge Front passed away at the ripe old age of 86 years, viz.: Mr. Peter Purvis, familiarly know as “Aunt Keziah”. She will be buried today at the stone church.
Tuesday Nov 20, 1894 issue- (date show is the date on the paper, not the correct date)
Lyn, Nov 26 –
Hunting and fish stories are the leading topic here just now, but none of them come up to N’s in last week’s Reporter
One of our clergymen put in a good word for life insurance yesterday.
A couple of farmers from the Front of Yonge had quite an experience coming from Westport on Saturday evening. What would travellers do if there were no houses of entertainment along the road ?
There has been quite a stir in real estate this fall. When there are no houses to rent people have to buy.
Tuesday Jan. 8, 1895 issue-
Lyn– Jan 7-
The holidays passed off very quietly. Christmas was dull for want of sleighing.
On New Year’s morning Presbyterian S.S. scholars were treated to candy and fruit, and in the afternoon the Methodist S.S. took a drive, followed by a social in the school room.
The sleighing is making things lively in the wood and log business.
The whistle at the saw mill sounds well after being silent for some time.
Miss Naomi McCormack has been engaged to take charge of the junior classes in our school. We were sorry to loose Miss. Clow
The Rev. Mr. Wright, being away for the holidays, his pulpit was filed on the 30th by a Mr. Thompson, divinity student of Princetown college. Those who staid at home on account of the storm lost a fine gospel sermon.
Mr. William Langdon and lady. of Lyn, spent New Year’s with friends in the village. (Addison)
Tuesday Jan. 22, 1895 issue-
Mr. Charles Hayes has severed his connection with the Model farm at Maple Grove and has taken a residence in Lyn. He will be missed very much as he was a general favourite with all. We wish him and his family success in their new home.
Lyn- Monday Jan 21-
One of the saddest drowning accidents occurred here on Saturday. Little Joey, youngest son of Joseph Miller, went out to play after dinner and got down on the ice in the canal that carries the water to the flour mill, got through and was carried under the ice to the grating at the walkb_a_d [sic] . Willing hands went to work to get him out, but it was half and hour before the body was recovered, and although every effort was made to resuscitate him, life was extinct. What makes this accident particularly sad is that Mr. Miller lost another son by drowning about seven years ago, and also that a little precaution in covering the canal would render such an accident impossible. Mr. Miller’s family has the sympathy of the whole community.
Tuesday Feb. 5, 1895 issue-
Lyn- Monday Feb 4
Much sympathy is felt for John Armstrong in his illness
Mr. Kilpatrick, our new school trustee is proving the right man in the right place. His knowledge of modern school methods makes him a great help to the teachers. It is hoped that our school will be raised out of the rut of old fogeyism and made what it should be. It is sheer nonsense that so many pupils should go to other places to do 5th class work that might be done here.
The annual Sunday School drive of the Presbyterian S.S. takes place on the 11th, in the afternoon, and the congregational meeting in the evening – a combined social and business meeting that is always looked forward to as a very enjoyable affair.
Feb. 12, 1895 issue-
Lyn– Feb 11-
Johnnie Armstrong is home on a flying visit, on account of his father’s illness and had a rough time making the trip. He was on the train that was run into west of Toronto, but escaped any injury except a shaking up. J. Armstrong, sr., is some better, able to go out driving.
Reports from woodsmen put the depth of snow on the level at from three to six feet. Surely the regularity of the train service on the B&W this winter should convince the back country folks of the reliability of a mail service on that route. At present it takes three days to get a return mail from Delta or west of this to Lyn, and the same from Addison or Greenbush.
Owing to the snow blockade, the S.S. dinner and annual meeting of the Presbyterian congregation has been postponed until Tuesday the 26th.
B. Stack advertises his hotel for sale. The house has been much improved since he has occupied it and it is said to be one of the most comfortable country hotels on the road.
On Saturday evening the Liberal meeting was well attended, in spite of the storm, and was very enthusiastic, every one feeling that there were good grounds for expecting a Liberal victory at Dominion elections.
Tuesday March 5, 1895 issue–
Lyn – Monday, Mar 4,-
The annual meeting of the congregation of Christ church (Presbyterian) came off on the 30th and was a very pleasant and successful one. Reports showed increased interest in missionary, S. school and other work. The meeting was a business and social one, and all seemed to enjoy themselves. A pleasing feature in the proceedings was the presentation of a number of interesting volumes to Miss. C. Willson as a token of appreciation of her services as sec-treasurer during past years. Miss. Willson was taken completely by surprise and replied briefly.
Quite a number of cases of lagrippe have developed during the last few days.
Mr. Theron Thrall, our oldest inhabitant, is very low.
Everybody is pleased to see John Armstrong out again and improving in health.
A very serious coasting accident occurred here on Saturday evening. A party of young people were enjoying themselves on the mountain near the G.T.R. station when a toboggan collided with a stump, resulting in Miss. Etta Stafford, daughter of Wm. Stafford, Esq., having her leg broken above the knee, besides other injuries.
Tuesday March 12, 1895 issue–
Lyn- Monday Mar 11 –
During last week both Mr. and Mrs. Thrall, an aged couple, passed away. Mr. Thrall, who has been an invalid for a number of years, died on Tuesday and his aged wife followed on Thursday. Mr. Thrall aged 86, Mrs. Thrall 75.
The annual charity social came off on Friday and was quite a success. About $20. was realized.
Fred Lee has opened up an ag’l machine depot here, handling implements made in the country, and is now canvassing the western section with samplers. Fred is a hustler and it will pay parties to see him before placing orders.
The sleighing is good and large quantities of logs and wood are coming to the village.
Tuesday March 26, 1895 issue–
Lyn – Mar 18 –
Mrs. N. R. Gardiner had the misfortune this morning to slip on the ice and break her arm and sprain her ankle.
Wm. Bullock left today for Montreal where he intends going into the grocery business.
Wm. Neilson & Sons bought four head of fat cattle through the village that they had purchased from the Stewart Brothers, Seeley’s Corners, which were a credit to them as feeders.
The serious results of over study in the case of Miss. Robins is another example of the evils of the cramming system carried on in our schools. To get an education they must go to the high schools where everything is run at high pressure. It is high time that something was done to make our common schools such as would provide a good common business education.
Tuesday, March 26-
The Rev. Mr. Patton, missionary of the Canadian Tract Society, occupied the pulpit of the Presbyterian church yesterday, giving an account of the society’s work among the lumberman and inland sailors, which was very interesting.
On Sunday next 31st, a mass meeting of the Lyn, Caintown and Mallorytown congregations will be held in the Presbyterian church, Lyn, at 3:30 p.m., when the ordination of the newly elected elders will take place. Rev. Mr. Cameron of St. John’s church, Brockville will preach.
A gloom was cast over the village when it became known that Mrs. Omar Mallory had passed away. She had been very ill for some days, but was thought to be better, but on Saturday became worse until about one a.m. this morning when she died. Much sympathy is felt for Mr. Mallory and family.
Yesterday (Monday), after a brief illness, Mrs. Omar Mallory of Lyn departed this life. Deceased was a daughter of Mr. Henry Judd, Mallorytown, and a sister of Mrs. I.C. Alguire, Athens. She was highly esteemed by all who knew her, and her sudden demise is a subject of sincere regret to a large circle of friends. The funeral takes place to-morrow and the remains will be interred at Mallorytown.
Tuesday April 9, 1895 issue–
Mr. Wm. Stafford, of the Lyn stock yards, in his report to the Department of Agriculture for the year ending Oct. 31, 1894, says: Official regulations concerning the transportation of American stock have been strictly carried out. The yards have been always kept in a good state of repair. No Canadian cattle were allowed to come in contact with the yards. All animals dead on arrival here have been buried within the isolated yards under my direction. There were 835 cars, 13,855 head of cattle; 13 cars- 855 head of cattle; 13 cars, 261 horses; and 7 cars, 1,100 head of sheep, at the station this year, all of which were unloaded, fed and watered.
Rev. J.J. Wright of Lyn will occupy the pulpit of St. Paul’s Presbyterian church on Sabbath next, the pastor, Rev. J.J. Cameron taking his appointments on the Lyn Circuit.
Tuesday April 23, 1895 issue–
Lyn,- Monday April 22,-
Another of our old residents passed away last week in the person of Mrs. Raymond. A year ago she had a paralytic stroke but recovered so far as to be able to go about, until on Monday evening last she had another and sank until Thursday noon when she died.
Wallace Nicholson and wife are visiting Mr. Robert Widdis, her father, who is very ill.
Mrs. Martin Hunt has returned after spending the winter with her son at Syracuse, NY
Miss Jennie Raymond is home from Chicago, on account of the death of her mother,
Peter Pergau has commenced building his new house on the Demming lot. Pity we did not have some more men like Peter.
James McNish of Elm Grove farm is very ill.
The death of Henry Robinson of Hallecks was quite a shock to the people of the village. His youngest son in now lying at the point of death.
Tuesday April 30, 1895 issue–
Lyn– Monday, April 29-
W.Neilson & Sons have removed their meat market into the brick building near the P.O., having a fine roomy shop. The old premises are to be torn down. It was erected 49 years ago by H.E. McDonald for a shoe shop and is the oldest building on Main St., except the blacksmith shop and the Raymond house remaining as the first built. It is removing an old landmark.
Rev, Mr, Wright gave the report of the Liquor committee a pretty rough handling in his discourse yesterday.
Tuesday June 11, 1895 issue–
Lyn– Monday June 10.-
Rev. A. Mallory filed the pulpit in the Methodist church yesterday, morning and evening
Everybody is pleased that Rev. Mr. Perley is to remain another year.
The Hornerite tent has been here since 29th May, but has attracted very few from this neighbourhood. On Friday quite a crowd from a distance gathered in convention. It is said that they are to remain another week.
Mr. Cumming is clearing away the ruins and debris of a part of the old tannery, where he intends building an addition to the Flouring Mill, to be need for grinding provender, & etc.
Our factories are all running full time.
The Ag’l Works are very busy sending off cultivators and horse shoes. Farmers appreciate the advantage of the reduction in prices.
Prospects are fair for a crop of strawberries, but they need rain badly.
Tuesday July 30, 1895 issue
McNish – At Brookfield, Missouri, aged 76, Lavina McNish, wife of Geo. McNish, formerly of Young Co. of Leeds, Ont mother of G.P. McNish, Lyn.
Tuesday Aug 13, 1895 issue
Lyn, Monday Aug. 12 –
The magnificent illumination at Union Park on the 8th was witnessed by a large number from here.
Our school board are over-hauling the school house and putting things in good shape – new seats, draining the basement, and putting in furnace for heating etc. The two school rooms are to be on the upper flat, leaving the lower room to be used as a town hall for the present.
The union S.S. excursion takes place next week to Gananoque.
The Hornerites have secured Buell’s hall as a place of worship.
The quarterly meeting in the Methodist church on the 4th was largely attended.
On Friday evening Mrs. Jas. Hall and her party of native Coreans [sic] drew a large audience at the Methodist church. Mrs. Hall’s description of the manners and customs of that country, and the singing and reading of the Coreans in their native tongue, were very interesting.
Peter Pergan has his new home finished
E.A.Cumming is putting a new boiler in his last factory
Mr. H. Coleman and family are visiting his brother-in-law, Jas. Cumming, Esq.
Mr. Meikle of Smith’s Falls took a spin on Sunday morning from Charleston to meet Rev. J.J. Wright, an old friend. He came by way of Athens 17 miles in 90 minutes.
Tuesday Aug 13, 1895 issue
Lyn
O.W.Weed and wife of Sandy Creek, N.Y. are spending a few week’s with Mrs. Weed’s sister, Mrs. G.P. McNish
Walker’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin has been here and gone carrying away some money and the ???? of a humbugged crowd.
Tuesday Aug 27, 1895 issue
Lyn– Monday Aug 28 –
The union S.S. excursion came off on Friday, 23rd, and was a very pleasant affair
School has opened and both scholars and teachers are much pleased with their new quarters
Wm Bulloch has retires to Kyn, having sold out his interest in the grocery business in Montreal.
M.Kilpatrick, our general Insurance agent, is receiving a visit from his brother from Rousa city, Mo. The visitor filled the pulpit of the Methodist church last evening very acceptably.
Tuesday Sep 3, 1895 issue
Mr. U.R. Lapoint of Elizabethtown is slightly demented and when under the influence of liquor is inclined to be dangerous. Last week he armed himself with a gun and an axe and drove into Brockville where he par took of refreshments and speedily qualified for police interference. He was arrested, adjudged insane, and will be confined in the new asylum.
A Lyn correspondent says: – An English sharper representing himself variously as “an expert butter maker” a commercial traveller with samples and horses at Brockville, a secret detective, etc., managed to skip a small bill at a boarding house here. He was seen afoot heading for Athens Tuesday morning. Pass him along.
Messer’s. Omer and John E. Brown of Delta and Wm Bullock of Lyn, and Geo Stanton of Canton, N.Y., were fishing in Red Horse lake last Wednesday and numbered among their catch two salmon weighing respectively 20 lbs and 12 lbs. The Red Horse has furnished fine sport this season and many big catches have been made, but this twenty pounder probably breaks the record.
Tuesday Sep 24, 1895 issue
Lyn– Saturday, Sept 21 –
One of the oldest inhabitants of this village passed away on Wednesday morning last in the person of Robert Widdis, aged 66, who has carried on the business of wagon making for over 35 years.
Everybody is much pleased at the success of our local thoroughbred stock men at the fairs this fall.
E.A.Cumming is placing a new steel boiler in the last factory and is overhauling and remodelling his machinery, getting ready for a busy time.
The whistle of the Eyre Mfg. Co. has been heard for the last few days signifying that business had been resumed after being shut down for a time.
The Ag’l Works are busy getting out plows, improved Giant root cutters, sugar arches and roller castings.
The W.C.T.U. are talking of getting up an entertainment to open the new hall, provided by putting both departments of the school on the upper flat. Everybody attends their entertainments, so they are sure of a full house.
The Unionville fair was voted a great success by the many who visited it from here. The “merry go round” was a great attraction to old and young, but centrifugal force was the strongest in the case of one of the “boys”.
March 29, 1924 – A Lyn Landmark Destroyed
The building destroyed was one of the landmark of Lyn Village. It was built many years ago by Richard Coleman and in 1854 was converted to a factory by Messer’s James Bullock and Walter Coleman. For a number of years it stood unoccupied. Early this year Mr. Drunige, who operates a saw mill at Jasper and portable sawing equipment at Maitland, purchased the building and equipped it with $2,500. worth of machinery. He had cut between 150,000 and 200,000 feet of umber since operations were started in February. Owing to limited yard space most of the lumber manufactured was drawn away daily and fortunately there was not much of the finished product on the grounds when the fire broke out. Close to 40 cords of slab wood were piled in the engine and boiled room of the plant and this gave the Brockville fireman their hardest battle in subduing the flames. The loss will be in the neighbourhood of $4,000. and although the owner of the property was away and could not be interviewed it was learned from a authoritative source that no insurance was carried on the building or contents which are a total loss
The Athens Reporter and County of Leeds Advertiser
Excerpts have been taken from this paper referencing the following hamlet for the years 1889, 1894 and 1895
Greenbush- Jan 15 1889
Peace has been restored and the ‘little brown jug’ found. That ‘man in the North End’, mentioned by your occasional reporter, assisted very kindly to sample the contents. It was pronounced by the ‘expert’ to be deficient in quantity, but in quality to be up to the standard jug juice of the present day.
Olds Bros. have remodelled their saw and shingle mill and are now ready to do first class work in all their branches.
O.A. Willoughby, blacksmith, has invented a calk sharpener for the horse shoes. It is said by competent judges to exceed anything of the kind hitherto invented Omer has applied for a patent.
Saturday Jan 26th, 1889-
Another of the old settlers of this section passed away, in the person of Mrs. Emily Blanchard of Greenbush, relict of the late Ebenezer Blanchard of Greenbush. Mrs. Blanchard was in her 75th year of age and has always resided on the family homestead since her marriage. She was a member of the Society of Friends and her funeral took place at their meeting house on Sunday last, where a large concourse of friends and relatives gathered to pay the last tribute of respect to one whose memory they will long cherish with fond recollections.
Greenbush, Tuesday April 9th 1889
John Forsyth had the misfortune to loose his valuable Ayrshire cow. Cause of death: want of the necessaries of life.
Norton Olds, while attending the saw in Olds Bros’ mill a few days ago, noticed the saw strike a very hard substance. On examination a stone weighing five pounds was found em-bedded to the depth of eight inches in a solid oak log. The saw was considerably damaged.
John McBeatney and Whitfield Pritchard start to-morrow for Manitoba, with their two valuable stallions, Eclipso and Emperor. They both intend to take up land.
S.G. Smith is slowly recovering from his severe illness. We are glad to see him around again.
Melissa Blanchard is very low. She has been confined to her house all winter.
Robert Connell, while assisting in removing lumber from the saw at the mill, had a narrow escape, his hand being badly cut.
Tuesday Jan. 8, 1895 issue-
Mrs. Jno. Patterson of Greenbush will shortly dispose of her farm stock and implements (date next week) and remove to Athens to reside.
On Sunday evening, George Stewart, aged 19 years, only son of Mr. Hiram Stewart, died at his home in Addison after a brief illness. On Christmas day he joined a skating party at Greenbush and contracted a severe cold, which despite the best of medical care, terminated fatally. The funeral takes place to-day at 10 a.m.
Tuesday Jan. 15, 1895 issue-
On Thursday, Jan 24. Mrs. Jno. Patterson, Greenbush, will offer for sale by public auction a lot of valuable farm stock, implements, etc. Sale at 1 p.m. N.E. Brown, auctioneer- See bills.
Tuesday Feb. 26, 1895 issue–
Greenbush, Wednesday, Feb 20-
Mr. and Mrs. B. Loverin and Mr. Clarence Blanchard are visiting friends in the United States
We are sorry to learn that Coll. McBratney got kicked by a horse, but hope it will be nothing serious.
Mrs. Allan Wing, who has been travelling for the good of her health, has returned to the Buster House.
Mr. Merrick Mott is a guest of Mr. John Lovern.
Mr. and Mrs. John Blanchard are visiting friends at Forfar.
Messer’s. Geo. And John Olds, who were seriously ill, are fast improving.
There must be some attraction at North Augusta that takes Messers. I. Kerr and John Loverin there frequently. What is it, John !
We wish to inform the Times correspondent of the little hamlet of Rocksprings that the “long haired hungry grits” are preparing a more expeditious vehicle than the velocipede to do duty at the next election
News comes from Athens that Mr. A.E. Donovan of that village is to oppose Mr. Geo. Taylor. Mr. Donovan seems to be popular, and if he decides to run may make it hot for Mr. Taylor.
People are inquiring why a certain gentleman from Frontenac who was in the habit of visiting this locality does not make his appearance. It is well to be cautious when danger is ahead.
Tuesday Feb. 26, 1895 issue–
Mrs. John Patterson of Greenbush and Lorren N. Brown, Addison and their families are among the latest additions to Athens’ population.
Tuesday April 9, 1895 issue–
Greenbush – Monday, April 8 –
Mr. Arthur Tinkis returned home on Saturday last from Queen’s College, Kingston
Mr. Morton Sanford of Brockville with his daughter Victoria, visited relatives here Saturday.
Sugar making is taking the attention of most of our citizens just now and during these pleasant evenings the merry shouts of the boys can be hears resounding through the woods.
Quite a number from here attended the social at Mr. Clarence Blanchard’s on Friday evening last and report having a good time and lots of sugar.
Miss Grace Unsworth of Brockville is the guest of Miss Bertha Blanchard, and Miss M. Gault is visiting Mrs. Norton Olds.
Miss Anna Culbert, of Merrickville, has returned home after an extended visit to friends and relatives here.
Our enterprising blacksmith, Mr. Jas. Hewitt, is giving his shop a new coat of paint.
Miss May Johnson of Irish Creek is the guest of Miss Helen Dixon who recently returned from New York where she was visiting her sister, Mrs. Howard McGrath.
Miss Rose Peterson of Belleville is visiting her aunt, Mrs. John Loverin.
Tuesday April 23, 1895 issue–
Greenbush– Monday, April 22,-
Sugar making is over and people are gathering their sap buckets.
Our cheese factory opens to-day with Mr. Davis in charge assisted by Mr. D. Fenlong.
Mr. Ernest Loverin has gone from amongst us and will spend the summer in Forfar learning to make cheese.
We are pleased to hear that Miss Kietha Blanchard who has been on the sick list for the past two weeks, is much better. Dr. S.S. Cornell is in attendance.
Mr. Ed Smith entertains a new ‘royal guest’ at his fireside. It’s a girl.
We would think it nothing more than fair if your Addison correspondent would attend the public doings of his village before trying to report thereon. His information must have been more remote than second hand when he got ‘sugar social’ changed to ‘toe social’ and ‘literary concert to ‘resurrection concert’.
It is to be hoped it wasn’t on Easter Sunday night he wrote his news for the Reporter and so got things mixed up.
Mr. Will Kerr is spending a few days with his uncle Mr. Thos. Kerr.
Easter was remembered by the ladies of our church some of them bringing plants and flowers, but the display was very small when we consider the number of successful amateur florists we have amongst us.
Tuesday May 7, 1895 issue–
Greenbush, Monday May 6,-
Farmers are busy with their seeding
Mrs. Levi Stone who, with her two children, has been visiting her father, Mr. Robt. Connell, during the past winter, started for her home in Tacoma, Wash., last Thursday. She was accompanied as far as Carleton Place by Mrs, Connell, who intends visiting some relatives at that place.
The house of Mr. Geo. Langdon, about a mile west of here, had a narrow escape from being burned on Tuesday last. The fire was caused by some sparks alighting on the roof. With the prompt assistance of some of the neighbors, the flames were extinguished in time to save the house.
The illness of Mrs. Alex. Blanchard who has been an invalid for the past six years, has taken a serious turn and small hope is entertained of her recovery She has the sympathy of the entire community in her suffering.
Mr. A.L. Tinkess left last Saturday for New York where he intends to spend the summer.
The remains of Ms Walker, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Kerr, were brought to the family burying ground on the farm of Richard Kerr for interment on Thursday last. The Rev. Johnathan Kerr, brother of the deceased, accompanied the remains to Brockvil’e where he was joined by the other members of the family.
Tuesday May 21, 1895 issue–
Greenbush- Monday May 20-
Mr. and Mrs. J. Johnson of Smith’s Falls are still in our village
We are sorry to hear of the illness of Mr. Henry Patterson and hope it may not prove serious.
Tuesday June 18, 1895 issue–
Greenbush, Monday, June 17 –
Mr. Robt. Ricket is busy repairing his house.
Quite a successful Sunday school picnic was held last Saturday at H.L. Kerr’s beautiful grove. A bountiful repast was partaken of, after which the sports commenced and lasted until evening.
Prof. Benn gave a free lecture on the horse here last Saturday evening and endeavoured to form a class to receive instruction in the care of domestic animals, especially the horse, but failed to get enough pupils and so intends leaving our village for Addison.
Mr. Maurice Shaver of Ottawa arrived in our village Saturday evening and accompanied his wife and daughter home to-day.
Mr. Philemon Olds of Gouverneur, N.Y., and Mr. Jas. Olds of Morristown, N.Y., made a short visit to relatives and friends here last week.
Mr. Howard McGath of New York joined his wife and daughter last Saturday in their visit at Mr. Geo. Dixon’s where they will remain another week.
Tuesday July 2, 1895 issue
Greenbush– Saturday, June 29 –
The strawberry festival last Thursday evening on the lawn at Mr. Ed Stowell’s, under the auspices of the Ladies’ Aid Society of Addison, was a decided success. The evening was fine, the lawn was nicely illuminated, while the shower of the previous day had gladdened the hearts of the people; the Athens Citizens’ band furnished abundance of choice music, and everything seemed conductive to merriment and good cheer. The grocery on the grounds was under the able management of Mr. Byron Loverin and yielded a good profit. Misses Maud Taplin and Lizzie Kelly helped to swell the financial profit of the evening by selling home made candy and bouquets.
Tuesday July 9, 1895 issue
Greenbush, Monday, July 8 –
Mrs. E. Harris of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, with Mr. Noah Marshall of Toledo, made a short call in our village last Saturday en route for Toledo, where Mrs. Harris is going to attend the sick bed of her aunt, Mrs. Noah Marshall.
Considerable trouble has been made in our factory by some of the patrons sending bad milk. Inspector Publow has made two or three visits lately and strongly urges the better care of the milk.
Another of our young men, Mr. Herbert Olds has given up celibacy for matrimonial bliss, having been married to Miss Maria Gault at the residence of the bride’s parents, Brockville, last Monday, July 1st. Their many friends join in wishing them long life and happiness.
Farmers say that rain is very much needed, many of them having to cut their hay prematurely as it was drying out so badly. The crop is very light and many have already finished haying.
School has closed and our popular teacher, Mr. Byron Haskins, intends spending part of his vacation at New Dublin.
Mrs. Norris Loverin spent last week with her son in Athens.
Tuesday Aug 13, 1895 issue
Greenbush Monday, Aug. 12 –
Miss Ethel Blanchard of Athens was visiting relatives and friends here last week.
The recent rains have brightened vegetation and the farmers are reaping a fair crop of grain.
Miss Bertha Blanchard has returned from her sojourn with the family of Rev Wm. Knox of Ashton
A large concourse of people attended services in our church on Sunday evening last, conducted by the Rev. Wm. Pimlot. There will be preaching here every alternate Sunday evening instead of always in the morning as formerly.
Last week Messrs. Theodore Blanchard and Byron Loverin made a visit to the farm of Fletcher Bros., Oxford Mills, for the purpose of purchasing some thoroughbred stock with a view to improving their dairy.
Mr. German Tinkis of South Indian spent last week in our village on a visit to his mother.
The trustees of our church advertised for tenders for the painting of the walls and ceiling of our church.
One of our young men wanted ‘us four’ to go for a pic-nic to Charleston on Saturday last, but the fourth one couldn’t go as her mamma wouldn’t consent, so Billy had to scour the country for some one to fill the void in the company, but with all his energy failed to do so. And as Jack thinks there is a good deal of fun in seeing Billy get left so badly, he didn’t hesitate to say so. As a consequence they have already had one pugilistic encounter and another is expected when they meet without their good clothes on.
Mrs. And Mr. J. Johnson of Smith’s Falls are visiting relatives here.
Tuesday Sep 3, 1895 issue
Greenbush, Monday, Sept. 2 –
Mrs. Almeron Blanchard is in New York visiting her sons.
Messrs. John Olds, John McBratney and James Fenlong are among those who took part in the harvesters’ excursion to the North West
Mr. Ricket’s house, when finished, will make a great improvement to our village.
Mr. Talmage Smith of Brockville spent Sunday with his mother here.
Mr. and Mrs. Dowsley of Brockville are the gusets of Ms. Gilbert Olds
Mr.E.Olds of Morristown, New York is spending a few days with relatives here.
Mr. Chas. Kerr of Athens is putting a new roof on the church here. Messes. Metcalfe & Snow of Smith’s Falls are engaged in painting the walls and ceiling. Both improvements were very much needed.
Miss Keitha Blanchard starts to-day to attend the Athens high school. We wish her every success.
Tuesday Oct 1, 1895 issue
In passing through this district we were much pleased to notice the improvements that have been carried out in the Methodist church of Addison and Greenbush under the superintendence of the popular and much respected gentleman, Rev., Mr. Pimlott.
Tuesday Oct 8, 1895 issue
Byron W. Loverin of Greenbush left a basket containing 16 potatoes at the Reporter office last week that tipped the scale at 27 lbs., the largest weighing 3 lbs and 2 oz. The weighing was done by B.D. Judson, which is proof that the weights are correct. These potatoes are of the Rural New Yorker No. 2 variety from seed purchased from H.N. Hawks, Addison. We propose dividing this basket of potatoes into two lots and giving them as a premium to any two of our subscribers who will send in one new yearly subscriber each to the Reporter, accompanied by the cash ($1.00), which will pay up to Jan. 1st, ’97. The first come, first served.
Tuesday Oct 15, 1895 issue
Greenbush, Monday, Oct. 14 –
The corn crop being very heavy this year, husking bees are the order of the day.
Wedding bells are to ring in our midst this week.
Our church, which has been repaired and painted, will have reopening services on the 27th and 28th of this month. The trustees of the church are to be congratulated on securing the services of such excellent painters as Snow & Metcalfe, of Smith’s Falls
Among those from here who took in the annual excursion to New York were Miss O Tinkes, Messers Almeron Blanchard and Geo. Dixon
Mr. A.L. Tinkes, who spent the summer in New York, returned last week and will attend Queen’s College, Kingston.
Tuesday Nov 5, 1895 issue
Greenbush –
Mr.A.L.Tinkiss, who started for Kingston on Saturday the 26th ult., was taken seriously ill at Westport with pneumonia, where he is now under the doctor’s care. His mother, Mrs. Simeon Loverin is with him.
Mr. and Mrs. M. McCormack and Mrs. J. Olds of Morristown, N.Y., attended the funeral of the late Wm. Olds which took place here last Monday.
Tuesday Nov 5, 1895 issue
Greenbush Re-opening
There was a large attendance at the re-opening of the Greenbush Methodist church on the 27th alt. when service was conducted by Rev. J.S. Reynolds of Elgin. On the following Tuesday evening a tea and entertainment was held at which a very pleasant time was spent. Mr. Keeler of Brockville presided.
The Athens Reporter and County of Leeds Advertiser
Excerpts have been taken from this paper referencing Addison for the years 1889, 1894 and 1895
Jan 8, 1889
Miss. Jane Brown, Addison and Mr. Earl, of Young, were married on the 12th inst, at the residence of the bride’s father, amid festivities and pleasure. There was a large company of friends present, and many valuable presents were made.
Saturday Jan 26th, 1889-
The wedding of Mr.Sterns Knapp, of Plum Hollow, to Miss. Jennie Love of Addison, took place at the residence of the bride’s parents on Wednesday last the 28th inst. About eighty guests were present and the presents were numerous and costly, as well as being in good taste. The happy couple started the wedding trip on Uncle Sam’s side of the line followed by a shower of all the old boots and slippers which could be found in the Addison neighbourhood. May the newly wedded pair be blessed with every happiness
Addison Jan 29, 1889
Mrs. Poolab of Pleasant Valley has gone to Ottawa to spend a few weeks with her son, Lewis
Mr. Chas. Snider has gone to Michigan to make his fortune. We wish him success.
It is rumoured that wedding bells will soon ring in our village.
Addison: Mar 12, 1889 – Miss. Theresa Covey of Gananoque is the guest of Mr. Wm. Langdon her brother in law.
Mr. William Quinn has leased the blacksmith shop on King Street for another year, Success to Billy.
Mr. Ed Davis has secured the services of Mr. Henry Sheridan for the coming year. Mr. C. Stowell has succeeded in placing about twenty tons of ice in the mammoth ice house in his cheese factory for use this coming season.
Mrs. Pritchard has gone to Shelborne to visit her friends there.
Mr. Omar Arnold, who has been very sick for some time, will, we are glad to say, soon be convalescent.
Addison March 9th 1889 Our King St. blacksmith has been and gone and done it, and now Theresa is mistress of the little white house.
Mr. Ed McVagh has moved away to prepare for his cheese making this coming season, and Mr. Chas. Hayes has moved into the house vacated by him.
Mrs. A.Cole is spending a few days with her friends here.
Mr.David Langdon is very sick at his son William’s here.
Addison, Saturday March 16th, 1889
Died at the residence of his son William, Mr. David Langdon, at the advanced age of 76 years.
Mr. Hirman Clow and lady of Yonge Mills, are the guests of Mr. William Langdon.
Senator Roberts has vacated his old residence on Selina St., and is snugly domiciled with our King St. tea merchant,
On Tuesday evening, 12th inst., there was held one of the largest, if not the largest, milk meeting ever held in this vicinity. Mayor Derbyshire, of Brockville and Mr. Strong made most eloquent addresses which were very edifying and beneficial.
Mr. Gibson of Elbe has moved to our village, having leased the celebrates Hillside Farm from Mr. Walter Lewis.
Addison, April 1st, 1889
On Tuesday evening, the 26th, a number of our villagers drove to Frankville to join in celebrating the marriage of Mr. Jackson of Gananoque, to Miss. Theresa Covey. The nuptial ceremony was performed by Rev. Mr. Styles at the residence of her brother and sister, Mr. and Mrs. J.Y.Covey. The groom was ably assisted by Mr. H. Leacock, of Frankville, whilst Miss. Aggie Scott of Addison waited upon the bride. A number of guests were in attendance. The bride was the recipient of a number of handsome and valuable presents, which testified to the high esteem in which she was held by her many friends here. The ceremony being performed at 8:30 pm the happy couple and suits were invited to an adjoining room, where a sumptuous repast awaited, provided by the kind host and hostess. Justice having been done here and usual toasts proposed and responded to, the hall was quickly cleared and all were merry as the marriage bell when the sweet strains of the violin were sounded by Messrs. Leacock and Hannah. The light fantastic was tripped until the wee sma’ hours, except an occasional break for some favourite song. A very enjoyable evening was spent, and all separated for their several homes, well pleased with their evening’s enjoyment, and wishing for a similar meetings ere long. He happy couple are visiting here at her brother’s, Mr. Wm. Langdon, previous to removing to Gananoque. It is needless to add, they have the best wishes of this community for their future happiness.
Mrs. Prichard has returned from Shelburne and is now fully prepared to wait upon her many customers.
Mr. H.B. Brown, our popular agent for ploughs, harrows, binders, etc., of the east ward, is doing a good business, being energetic and attentive to orders. Henry is always cheerful and ready to deal.
Messer’s. R.M. Arnold and E. Wiltse are busily engaged completing our village factory, which will be second to none in Ontario. Mr. Stowell is bound to give big results.
Any one desirous of inspecting a first class farm house, with regard to plan of rooms, mode of heating etc., should call on Mr. E Davis and have his wants gratified.
Mr. Geo. Pullah has returned from New York. He is looking hale and hearty, especially when wearing that elegant suit of clothes just got from H.S. Moffatt.
A vacant shoe shop here now and a good opening.
One of Glen Buell’s worthy scribes received an invitation to attend a wedding at a friend’s house a few miles out in the back country. To be sure of getting there in good time preparations were made for an early start, so old Dolly was slicked up and everything put in the finest order possible. Old Dolly being rather high spirited, and his honour being so enamoured with the scenery, he partially forgot the object in pursuit, and wandered off the road altogether. After driving four or five miles our of his way, on making enquiries as to his whereabouts, he was directed by a kind friend Mr. Charles Goff, to the haven he desired to reach, but unfortunately too late to see the nuptial knot tied or to partake of the sumptuous repast provided by the host for the evening.
Mr. C. Stowell has got the boiler for his factory on the ground.
Sugar making is the order of the day, that is, when the sap runs.
Mr. A. Cole of Ogdensburg arrived on the 2 pm train. He intends spending a few days here on very important business.
Addison, Monday April 8th 1889
Mrs. Pritchard has moved from King St. and has opened a first class dress making emporium on the corner of King and Selina Sts.
Mr. George Jackson leaves here this morning for the great North west where he intends to take up land and farm on a big scale. He is accompanied as far as Carleton Place by his brother in law, Mr. Wm. Langdon, who also intends going out to the North West next spring.
Sugar parties are all the go now, but gather up the feathers nice and clean, boys.
Mrs. George Patterson presented her husband with a fine girl baby one day last week. George is all smiles now.
Anyone wanting choice selections of eggs for setting purposes should call on our King St. fowl fancier, Mr. Wm. Langdon.
Birth: On the 8th inst., the wife of Walter Lewis, a son.
Addison- Saturday May 11, 1889
Mr. Frank Taplin met with quite an accident yesterday, which might have resulted fatally. As he was trying to capture a colt, it accidentally kicked him, rendering him insensible for some time, At last accounts, he was improving slowly.
Our King St. tea merchant has succumbed to high pressure in business and gone railroading for a change.
Miss. Koyle of Brockvlle is the guest of Mr. Walter Lewis.
Mr. Charles Snider has the misfortune to lose his celebrated Rysdik colt. High feed and indigestion were too much for him.
The first consignment of this season’s cheese left here on Thursday. It was pronounced a number 1 article, and was purchased by Mr. D. Derbyshire of Brockville.
Mr. H. B. Brown has sold his celebrated Hillside arm to Mr. G.S. Booth, which eaves a good blacksmith stand to lease, second to none in the country.
Addison- Saturday June 18, 1889
As Mr. James Barlow and his daughter, Mrs. Levi Church, were returning from the English Church dinner at Athens, one of the lines fell from the old gentleman’s hands, causing the horses to plunge into a deep ditch. Both were thrown from the vehicle, Mr. Barlow receiving serious injuries, which confined him to his bed, and Mrs. Church escaping with a bad cut in the forehead.
Mrs. Mowat and family, California, are guests at Mr. W. Lewis’.
Mr. E.S. Wiltse and his son are away erecting a house for Mr. A. Cole, Kitley.
Mrs. A.A. Davis, Brockville is visiting friends here.
Mrs. Demming, Gananoque, and Miss. Poolah, Brockville are visiting Mrs. Poolah, Pleasant Valley.
The rain is doing much damage. Some farmers have not finished seeding yet, and some of the fields look like miniature lakes.
Saturday June 22nd 1889
The annual lawn social in connection with the Addison circuit of the Methodist Church will take place on Wednesday evening next. This is a very popular fixture and we have no doubt it will be well attended. Both the retiring and incoming pastors will be present.
Tuesday July 2nd, 1889
Owing to the juicy conditions of the weather on Wednesday last, the Addison lawn social was postponed to Friday the 5th inst.
Addison Saturday July 20- 1889
Farmers have commenced haying in this section and report a very heavy crop.
Mr. Ezra Wiltse has been engaged by Mr. Levi Lewis of Newboro, as assistant clerk in his store.
Miss. Hester Wiltse is home spending vacation with her friends here.
Our King St. tea merchant arrived home on Thursday night last, but owing pressure of business, stayed only a short time.
Mr. H. Brown started one of his Maxwell binders on the farm of Malcom Brown, which gave such entire satisfaction to Malcom that he purchased it on the spot. He sold two ore the same day.
Mr. Henry Sherden, who has been sick all the season, at last accounts, was no better.
Mr. Willam Wiltse and his best girl passed through our village en route to see their friends at Young Mills.
We were in error in our item two weeks ago when we stated that Mr. and Mrs. W. Mallory, of Mallorytown, were guests of W. Lewis of this place. We have learned since that Mr. Mallory is a widower and that his companion was one of Mallorytown’s most respectable young ladies. When we knew Mr. Mallory, a few years ago, he was married and having never heard of his wife’s death, se supposed that it was his wife that was with him. We make this correction in justice to the parties concerned.
Mr. Ed Stowell of Addison, is making a tour of inspection with the cheese instructor in the Province of Quebec. Ed is determined to know all there is to be known about the cheese industry.
Addison- Saturday Dec 14 1889
Miss Jennie Gibson has been engaged to teach our school for the next year.
Mr. Joseph Moulto has moved into our village and now occupies the villa vacated by Senator Roberts.
Our mayor has consented to remain with us anther year on condition that he be furnished with an assistant on all pubic days.
Mr. Edward McVeigh, of West Winchester was in our village this week obtaining his share of the estate of the late Sarah McVeigh.
Addison- Saturday, Dec 28 1889
Our Christmas concert for the benefit of our Sunday School proved a success, the receipts amounting to enough to carry our school for the coming year. The solos and recitations were first class in every respect. The lecture delivered by Rev. Mr. Oliver was very interesting and the suggestions thrown out by our worthy divine are worthy of our careful consideration.
Mr. A. Cole of Kitley has opened out a cabinet shop at the residence of Mr. Ezra Wiltse, King St. east.
Addison Dec 26th, 1889
Barlow’s Cheese Factory- As it has become customary among cheese factories to make a public statement of accounts during the year, I thought I would make the following reports which I hope you will consider worthy of space in your valuable paper.
Total amount of milk received at Barlow’s Factory was 720,018 lbs. from which was made 69,586 lbs. of cheese; lbs. of milk to lb cheese 10.47 lbs; average price per lb. cheese 9.47 cents; total amount received for cheese $6589.28; amount of manufacturing $869.76, leaving a net balance of nearly $15.70 per ton to patrons. Signed C.L. McCrady, Secretary.
Tuesday Oct 16, 1894 issue-
Addison- Saturday Oct 13-
Mr. William Gray of Forthton, has the contract of repairing the Grand Central for H.S. Moffatt.
Mrs. Walter Lewis of King St., will leave in a few days to spend the winter with her parents in New York State.
Mrs. Poulin of Pleasant Valley, has moved to Brockville and Mayor Kelley will occupy the villa for the coming year. The foreman of the Model farm at Mt. Pleasant and his best girl were visiting friends at Slab St. recently.
Mrs. Hiram Brown and her daughter Lillian of Michigan are visiting their many friends in this vicinity for a few weeks.
It is rumoured that a young gentleman from Deer Park visited the stocking farm last week, and it is said that he got some very fine footwear for winter.
Tuesday Oct 30, 1894 issue-
Addison, Monday Oct. 29-
Mr. Moore and lady of Hamilton, Ontario are the guests of Mr. W.Lewis of King St.
It is rumoured that there is to be a change in the dispenser of knowledge in our school next year. We see no reason why there should be a change, as our present teacher is giving first-class satisfaction.
Mr. Daniel Livingston and lady, of Hard Island, were visiting friends at Silver Brook for a few days last week.
The Rev. Mr. Scanlon of Brockville was canvassing our village in aid of the Stanstead college last week. He met with a hearty response from a few of our most wealthy citizens.
Miss. Anna Langdon of Mt. Royal, is recuperating at Silver Brook for a few days.
Mr. Fred Bates has engaged as foreman on the Model Farm at Maple Grove for this winter.
Mr. John Latham and a lady, of Yonge Mills, spent a few pleasant days with friends at Mt. Pleasant last week.
Foreman Hull has severed his connection with the Model farm at Mt. Pleasant for the present, but will resume his former position in the spring if all is well.
Mr. Ezra Wiltse , of King St, is engaged erecting a very commodious building for Mr. A. Cole of Kitley, this week . Ezra is a hustler, and makes things ‘git’ sometimes.
Nov 18, 1894 issue-
Addison, Saturday Nov.10-
Mr. Robert Barlow of Glossville has leased his farm to a very extensive farmer of Kitley and will live a retired life for a few years to come.
Dr. Brown of Mt. Pleasant has disposed of his celebrated bay, Boston, to Mr. Richard Cardiff of Glossville who intends fitting it up for spring races.
Messrs. Henry and William Knox have returned home after spending a few days with friends at Inkerman and vicinity.
Messrs. Hyde and Co. have been engaged for some days constructing a water course across King st., which will drain all the water on the north side of Selina st. It was badly needed.
Mr.George Langdon of Mt. Royal, has been on the sick list for a few days. We hope it will not prove serious.
Quite a number of our local sports attended the fair at North Augusta on the 2nd inst. And did considerable business. Jabes was on hand and did some big swapping as usual.
Mr. William Peterson of Rocksprings has leased the residence on King st. from Mr. Frank Eiltse, of Silver Brook. We extend a hearty welcome.
Miss. Adda Sexton has engaged to teach Toledo school for the coming year.
Tuesday Nov 20, 1894 issue- (date show is the date on the paper, not the correct date)
Addison, Saturday Nov. 24-
Foreman Hull has severed his connection with our King St. farmer and Mr. George Evans has been engaged to fill the vacancy.
Mrs. Wellinngton Lewis, who has been seriously ill for some time, is slowly recovering.
Mr. Fred Bates has said good bye to his many friends in this section and will recuperate in the balmy breezes of York state for the future.
Mrs.[sic] William Peterson has been engaged as foreman at Maple Grove for the present.
Mr. Benson Empy has been engaged to instruct the youths of our school for the coming year.
Addison, Saturday Nov. 24-
Wedding bells have again pealed forth their melodies in our midst’s, it being the marriage of Mr. John Best, of Glossville to Hanna, daughter of Mr. James Brown of the same place on the 21st inst. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. Mr. Knox in the presence of about 100 invited guests, after which all partook of a sumptuous repast provided for the occasion. The presents were costly and numerous, showing the very high esteem in which the young couple were held in the community. The orchestra from Addison and vicinity assembled about 10:45 o’clock and discoursed some excellent music. The bride and groom left on the 2 p.m. train for Ottawa on a short honeymoon trip, taking with them the best wishes of all that theirs may be a long and happy life.
The Athens Reporter and County of Leeds Advertiser
Tuesday Jan. 1, 1895 issue-
The entertainment which took place on Wednesday, Dec 19th, was a grand success. The children who took part in it showed that their instructors, Mrs. Forth and Miss. Clow, did their utmost to make entertainment as pleasing and interesting as possible. The recitations by Misses Towriss, Henderson, Orton and Whaley, and Mesrs. Lynn and Stewart were given in their usual good style and gave evidence that there is no lack of talent in that direction here. The musical part played no small share towards making the entertainment a success. We beg leave to thank the Addison orchestra for the choice selections rendered by them. The instrumental music furnished by Master Allen Lapointe showed marked ability and as time advances we hope to see him one of the shinning lights in the musical world. The Christmas tree fairly groaned under its weight of presents for the children. After receiving these a treat of nuts and candies was given them, and all went home feeling happy. Before closing we must not forget to thank genial John Yates for the very able manner in which he filled the chair.
Tuesday Jan. 8, 1895 issue-
Rev. Wm. Knox of Addison is the possessor of a monster bald eagle; its wings outspread measuring over eight feet from tip to tip.
Addison- Saturday Jan. 5-
Mr. Peter Baker of Cornwall, is spending a few days with friends in Glossville and vicinity.
The village carpenter, of Slab st., has resumed his studies at the corner school house for another year. We wish him success.
It is rumoured that wedding bells will soon ring at Silver Brook. We extend congratulations.
R.H. Field and lady, of King st. were visiting friends at Mallorytown this week.
It is rumoured that a prominent citizen of Silver Brook is about to unite with the Loyal Orange Lodge of this place.
Mr. William Langdon and lady. of Lyn, spent New Year’s with friends in the village. (Addison)
It is just whispered that one of our King st. gents is about to take a life partner in the near future.
We regret to learn of the death of Mrs. Robt. Barlow of Addison which occurred on Tuesday evening, 8th inst.. Funeral on Thursday at 10 a.m. from family residence to Christ church, Athens. Mrs. Barlow was a sister of Ralph Davis, Brockville; Wm. Davis, Frankville; and Edward Davis, Addison. She has been a great sufferer for several years and death came as a welcome release from pain. The family have the sympathy of the community in their sad bereavement.
On Sunday evening, George Stewart, aged 19 years, only son of Mr. Hiram Stewart, died at his home in Addison after a brief illness. On Christmas day he joined a skating party at Greenbush and contracted a severe cold, which despite the best of medical care, terminated fatally. The funeral takes place to-day at 10 a.m.
Tuesday Jan. 15, 1895 issue-
One of the largest funeral processions that ever entered Athens was on Thursday of Mrs. Rob’t Barlow, whose death at Addison was chronicled last week. Nearly ninety cutters filled with friends and neighbors were in line. Service was conducted at Christ Church.
Tuesday Jan. 22, 1895 issue-
Addison, Monday, Jan 20.-
The Rev. Mr. Klyne is conducting revival service in our church this week and we hope much good may be accomplished.
The proprietor of the Model farm at Mt. Pleasant has been engaged for the past week hauling wood from his timber limit at Glen Buell.
Miss. Field, of Mallorytown, is the guest of Mr. R. H. Field. King st. east
Mrs. Argue of Ottawa is visiting at the parsonage for a few weeks.
Mr. Ezra Wiltse and Miss Viola Wiltse of King st. east were visiting friends at Jasper on Sunday last
Mr. Joseph Moulton is engaged as foreman with Mr. William Woof for the rest of the winter.
Mr. Charles Hayes has severed his connection with the Model farm at Maple Grove and has taken a residence in Lyn. He will be missed very much as he was a general favourite with all. We wish him and his family success in their new home.
Tuesday Feb. 5, 1895 issue-
Addison, Saturday Feb.3
The 3rd quarterly meeting for the year was held in our church on Sabbath last. The Rev. Mr. Knox delivered a very impressive address to a large congregation and administered the sacrament to about 100 communicants.
The juvenile instructor of Slab st., is having the best success with her pupils as far as can be ascertained.
Owing to unavoidable circumstances that little machine agent has failed to connect, but if there is anything very important transpires in the quire little burg we would be very happy to hear it.
Mr. Burton Smith and lady of Fairfield attended quarterly service in our village on Sunday last.
Mrs. H.B. Brown has been on the sick list for a few days, but under the skilful treatment of Dr. Stanley is recovering.
Mr. Noah Gifford and lady of Soperton paid our village a visit on Saturday last.
The Rev. Mr. Klynes will continue revival services for a few weeks. Success has crowned his labours and still the good work goes on.
Messrs. Kelly and Strong have succeeded in storing about 100 tons of ice for use in Palace factory, the trade of which, promises to be larger than ever before.
Tuesday Feb. 19, 1895 issue-
Addison, Monday, Feb 18-
The many friends of Mrs. George Empy will be glad to hear that she is slightly better and hopes are entertained of her recovery.
Mrs. A. Church of Mt. Pleasant was taken suddenly ill on Saturday last. Dr, Bourns of Frankville, was summoned and at last accounts she was slowly recovering.
Mr. Hiram Langdon and lady, of Carleton Place, are visiting friends in this vicinity for a few weeks.
Mr. Geo. Clow of Yonge Mills, was the guest of Mayor Langdon of Mt. Royal on Sunday last.
Mr. C. Stowel, of Maple Grove, is slightly indisposed. We hope it will not prove serious.
Miss Maud Ducolon, of Silver Brook, visiting friends in Frankville and vicinity for a few days last week.
It is rumoured that one of our King st. gents has a slight hankering after one of the leading belles of Jasper. Go it while your young – a faint heart never wins a fair lady.
The revival services have closed in our village for the present, the Rev. Mr. Klyne goes to Slab st. for the present. Goodness knows, he is badly needed in that section, and we wish his labours may prove of benefit to many.
Tuesday Feb. 26, 1895 issue-
Addison, Monday, Feb 25-
Again it is our sad duty to chronicle the sudden demise of one of our most highly respected residents of Mt. Pleasant in the person of Mrs. A. Church, who took ill on the 16th inst. The best of medical skill was summoned and all that kind friends could do was done, but to no avail. Death came as a release from pain and suffering in the short space of only four days. She was a kind and devoted wife to her husband and a loving mother to her six little children that are left to morn her loss. She always had a kind word and cheerful greeting for every one, under all circumstances, and few there are in this section that had more friends. She leaves to mourn her loss a husband and six little children, four sons and two daughters, one brother and sister, and a kind father and mother. The funeral service was performed by the Rev. Mr. Knox in our church, after the remains were conveyed to the family cemetery in Athens. The bereaved friends and family have the heartfelt sympathy of all in this their hour of sorrow and trouble, knowing that it will be a happy transition from a world of suffering and pain to a home with her blessed Saviour in the realms of eternal glory.
Dearest Phoeba, thou hast left us,
Here thy loss we deeply feel,
But ‘tis God that has bereft us,
He can all our sorrows heal.
But in heaven we hope to meet thee,
When the trials of life are o’er,
And to clasp thee to our bosom,
There to dwell for evermore.
Master Harry Church is very sick at present, caused by blood poison, and little hopes are entertained of his recovery.
Tuesday Feb. 26, 1895 issue-
Mrs. Martha Duclon, relic of the late Peter Duelon of Addison died at the residence of her son-in-law, Joseph Miller, Elizabethtown, on Saturday evening last
Tuesday Feb. 26, 1895 issue-
Mrs. John Patterson of Greenbush and Lorren N. Brown, Addison and their families are among the latest additions to Athens’ population.
Tuesday Feb. 26, 1895 issue-
Marriage- Johnston- Robertson- On Feb 20 at the Methodist parsonage, Addison by Rev.W. Knox, assisted by Rev. Mr. Gomery of Montreal. Mr. W.J. Johnston of Yonge, to Miss. A. McMillen Robertson, daughter of Mr. James Robertson of Scotland.
Tuesday March 5, 1895 issue-
Addison- Monday, March 4 –
Mr. Edward Gray has returned home after spending a few days with friends in Gananoque and vicinity.
Among the arrivals on Saturday evening express was our old friend Uncle Daniel, who will recuperate at Mt. Royal for a few days.
Miss. Viola Wiltse is visiting friends in Kingston for a few weeks. Mrs. William Cross and grand daughters Ellie and Mabel Cross were visiting at the residence of Mr. Ezra Wiltse, King st., this week.
Uncle Chauncy is able to resume his position as foreman. He says it takes more than a broken limb to interfere with his business.
Mr. George Marshall was taken very ill on Saturday last. We hope it will not prove serious.
Mr. R.M. Arnold of Selina st., received the contract of fitting up the emporium for the P.I.’s at Mt. Pleasant, his being the lowest tender.
On Friday last, Emms, second daughter of Mr. W. Miller of Mt. Royal, fell from the loft in his barn. Her head came in contact with some machinery cutting it in several places and fracturing the skull. Dr. Stanley was called and dressed it, removing several pieces of the bone. She is in a very critical condition at present.
Again we are reminded of our mortality by the removal of one of the oldest citizens on Slab street in the person of Martha, relict of the late Peter Dacolon. Diseased was in the 85th year of her age and had been an invalid for the last nine years. She bore her long illness with Christian patience and never was heard to murmur or complain. She leaves one son and four daughters to mourn her loss. The funeral services were performed in our church by the Rev. Mr. Know after which the remains were conveyed to the family cemetery at Athens. The bereaved friends have the sympathy of all in this their hour of sorrow and bereavement.
Tuesday March 5, 1895 issue-
Concert at Addison
Throughout the whole of Ontario the Ladies’ Aid as a society has cast its influence, devoting the time and talent of its members to better the social and financial conditions of the church. It is only necessary for us to know that a concert and dinner is given by a Ladies’ Aid when we at once conclude that the proceeds are for some good and useful purpose.
The Ladies’ Aid of Addison gave an entertainment in the school house on Friday evening and although the roads were in a bad condition, a good crowd assembled to pass an enjoyable hour. About 8 o’clock the president of the society, Mrs. Stowell, took the chair and proceeded with a lengthy programme.
An orchestra consisting of the boys of Addison and also of Athens orchestra entertained the audience while the curtains were down and the managers preparing for the next scene.
The first selection was by Mrs. Byron Loverin entitled “Carl the Martyr” It was a lengthy recitation but the ability and naturalness the reciter held the eager attention of the large crowd until the closing when she received hearty and prolonged applause. Mr. Crawford, disguised as a ??? represented “Mayor ??” at the World’s fair, paying $2. a day for his board with the additional ??? of a “Donkey” to drink his wine and bed bugs as large as squirrels. Mr. Crawf [sic] Slack, of Athens gave some of his comic songs in a popular style as to receive an encore after every appearance.
The moments sped swiftly as they generally do when people are happy, and before the programme was finished the clock had chimed eleven. All were apparently satisfied with their entertainment and dispersed to their several homes leaving about $30. in the hands of the “Aid”.
Tuesday March 12, 1895 issue-
Last week the Reporter printed labels for the apiary of W.D. Livingston, Frankville and for the maple syrup manufactory of Levi Monroe Addison. These little advertisers do not cost much and greatly enhance the appearance of the cans containing the liquid sweeteners they describe. We have paper specifically suited for the purpose. Send or call and get an estimate for what you require. The name of the producer attached to an article is a guarantee of excellence and always has weight with the buyer.
Tuesday March 19, 1895 issue-
The Addison Concert
An occasional correspondent having given the Reporter only a brief account of the Addison concert, another correspondent sends the following:
The concert given in Addison by the young people of that place on the evening of Friday, March 1st, was a decided success. Although the evening was not a favourable one the school house was well filled with an appreciative audience. In the enforced absence of Dr. Bourns of Frankville the chair was taken by Mrs. Ed. Stowell who, with marked ability disposed of a lengthy programme consisting of choruses, recitations, dialogues, songs, quartets, trio and a charade. The recitations given by Miss. Towriss of Glen Buell, Miss Clara Arnold, Miss Minnie Duclon and Mrs. Byron Loverin were well received, that of Miss Towriss being especially pleasing and though it was her first appearance among the people of Addison we can assure her of a hearty reception should she again favour them. Mr. Byron Haskin of Greenbush very creditably assisted in the singing and other parts of the programme. Mr. Slack of Athens received hearty encores after each of his selections. A good orchestra consisting of members from Athens and Addison gave abundance of music. The dialogues were of a harmonious style and kept the audience convulsed with laughter. We can assure the people of Addison of a full house should they give another concert.
Addison, Saturday, March 16-
Mr. Wilbert Mallory and lady of Mallorytown were visiting friends in this vicinity for a few days last week.
Mr. Fred Taplin has arrived home from New York and is taking a course in the Business College in Brockville for the present.
The proprietor of the Model at Mt. Pleasant has purchased the celebrated trotting mare, Black Diamond from Mr. A. Church, for the exorbitant sum of four hundred. He intends fitting her up for the turf and will make it hot for the boys this summer.
Mr. Franklin Wiltse and son of Silver Brook, champion sawers of this section, cut nearly 100 cords of stove wood in one day recently for Mr. Selah Hawks of Glossville. Any one wanting wood cut on short notice should give them a call.
Our little machine agent is doing a rushing business this spring, as every one far and near finds it to their advantage to deal with him, as he handles none but first-class goods and is always open for a trade. He will take a quantity of first class syrup in deal if customers prefer.
There is not a snipe in five miles around that will need a cathartic this summer if the author of that beautiful poetic illusion will take the trouble to read it to them by the light of the moon. We will be very glad to furnish and information at any time that would help them to pose as a first rate poet, but we are afraid to gorge them with too much at a time for fear their poor dilapidated cranium might explode.
Mr. Delbert Patterson, of Jasper, paid our village a short visit last week.
Mr. A. Church of Mt. Pleasant has moved to Glossville which leaves a first class blacksmith stand to lease for the present.
Mr. Ezra Wiltse, jr., has engaged as foreman with Mr. R.H. Field for this season.
Tuesday March 26, 1895 issue-
Mr. H.S. Moffatt, Addison is conducting one of his clearing sales. All interested should obtain one of his bills giving quotations.
Tuesday April 2, 1895 issue-
Addison, Saturday, March 30 –
Miss. Viola Wiltse has returned home after spending a few pleasant days with friends in Kingston. Rumor has it that she may become a permanent resident of the Lime stone city in the near future.
Mr. Thomas Charlton and his charming young bride passed through our village last week en route to visit his brother George at Mt. Royal. Tommy says any one saying a marriage is a failure is sadly mistaken.
Owing to a slight mistake between uncle Chancy and the proprietor of our King st. farmer, the foreman will strike for an advance in his salary this season.
Mr. William Hay has been engaged as assistant in our cheese factory this season. We wish him success.
Mr. George Evans has bid his many friends in this section good-bye for the present, having engaged as foreman on the Model farm of Mr. Morton Knapp, of Lake Eloida. We congratulate Mr. Knapp on securing so efficient a foreman, as Mr. Evans had a large experience with one of our leading farmers in this vicinity, last season.
One of our local sports has purchased the fashionable turn-out from Mr. W. Lewis of King st.
Mr. A. McVeigh of Mt. Royal is busily engaged buying deacon skins, for which he pays the highest prices. Among the numerous arrivals at the Florida House last week we noticed our old friend Mr. John O’Connor.
Tuesday April 16, 1895 issue-
Addison, Saturday, April 13 –
Mr. H.S. Moffatt is shipping 500 gallons of syrup out north, for which he pays the highest price of any buyer in this section.
Mr. A. Davis and family of Brockville spent a few days in our village, the guest of R.H. Field, King st.
Mr. David Wiltse has been engaged as foreman in our butter factory for a few weeks. The Dominion Government wants some choice samples just now, and David is just the boy can do it.
Mr. John O’Connor paid our village a short call recently on some very important business. John is a hustler and we hope he will succeed all right.
Mr. Robert Dixie of East Saginaw has leased the Prospect cottage at Mt. Pleasant and will assist Professor Blanchard to superintend the Model farm for this season, which will give the proprietor more time to devote to his other business. With a little development, he will eclipse any of our local sports, as Black Diamond is sure to win every time.
Mr. Fred Blanchard is spending the Easter holidays with friends on King st.
For the benefit of the church fund, the toe [sic] social at Mt. Royal last week was largely attended by the leading aristocrats of our village. They report a pleasant time. Glorious church work ! – first a resurrection concert, then a toe [sic] social, and the Lord knows what won’t come next. We wish them success.
Tuesday April 30, 1895 issue-
Addison- April 27-
Mr. David Wiltse has engaged with Mr. George Barnes of Athens as cheese maker in the factory at Portland. We wish him success.
Mr. Wellington Lewis of King st. has been on the sick list for a few days. We hope it will not prove serious.
Uncle Chancy, foreman for our King st. farmer, has bid good bye to his many friends in this section, having secured a position in a very extensive ranch in Michigan. We hope he ma succeed in his new home.
Mr. Robert Dixie and lady are snugly domiciled at Mt. Pleasant where they will reside for this season. They will be happy to entertain any of their old friends who may call.
We are very sorry your Elbe correspondent made a slight mistake in informing the public that our little machine agent had cancelled his engagement at Slab st., as it is not so; he never fails to connect and gets there every time. We hope the Elbe correspondent will be a little more careful in the future, as it might prove serious.
Mr. A. McVeigh of Mt. Royal has leased the Baker estate and will farm it quite extensively this season. We wish him success.
Alfred Pepper moved to Jellyby, having leased Orchard Valley cheese factory for this season.
The many friends of Mr. Thomas Brown, a former resident of this section, are very sorry to hear of his illness and hope he will soon recover.
Mr. A. Cole and lady of Kingston is about to ocate to this section We extend a hearty welcome.
Tuesday May 21, 1895 issue-
Addison Orangemen are arranging for an excursion over the B&W to Newboro on Dominion Day
Addison School House – The appearance of our school yard has been much improved by the levelling and planting of more trees. Also the windows of the house are adorned with nice plants, all of which will have a beneficial part in the education of the pupils in attendance.
We regret to have to announce the death of Mrs. Alex. Blanchard who passed quietly away on the evening of Saturday the eleventh inst., at the residence of her son-in-law, Mr, Wm. Connell. Deceased was in the 59th year of her age and was much beloved by all who knew her. The funeral services, which were well attended, took place at the Quaker church, Athens. The bereaved family has the sympathy of the entire community.
Mrs. Howard McGrath of New York arrived last Wednesday on a visit to her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Dixon.
Tuesday June 11, 1895 issue-
Addison- Monday, June 10 –
Road work is the order of the day in this section right now.
Mayor Langdon of Mt. Royal has been engaged for some time erecting quite an extensive addition to his family residence which, when finished, will add greatly to its appearance. The mayor is a hustler and never leaves anything half done. Mr. E. Wiltse of King St. has the contract.
The editor of the Newboro Standard registered at the Florida house last week.
Mr. Omer Arnold is so far recovered as to be able to go out driving occasionally.
It is rumoured that one of our King st. gents allied himself with the United Workmen while in Ottawa recently. We wish him every success.
Mr. C. Hawks & Co. have struck a bonanza in the manufacture of a composition for the destruction of the Texan fly, as it is a sure thing every time, and everybody should but it.
Mr. A. Cole and lady of Kitley were guests of Mr. Ezra Wiltse, King st. east on Sunday last.
Quite a number of our local sports intend going to Westport on Dominion day.
Tuesday June 18, 1895 issue-
The Ladies’ Aid of Addison will hold a strawberry festival on the lawn of Mr. E. Stowell on the evening of Thursday June 27th. Athens brass band will be in attendance. Toledo and Addison football teams will play a final game in a field opposite the lawns at 6p.m. Ice-cream sold on the grounds. A grand time is expected.
Tuesday June 25, 1895 issue-
Remember the lawn social at Mr. Ed Stowell’s, Addison, on Thursday evening next. Addison and Toledo football teams play a final game and Athens brass band will be present.
Tuesday July 2, 1895 issue
Greenbush- Saturday, June 29 –
The strawberry festival last Thursday evening on the lawn at Mr. Ed Stowell’s, under the auspices of the Ladies’ Aid Society of Addison, was a decided success. The evening was fine, the lawn was nicely illuminated, while the shower of the previous day had gladdened the hearts of the people; the Athens Citizens’ band furnished abundance of choice music, and everything seemed conductive to merriment and good cheer. The grocery on the grounds was under the able management of Mr. Byron Loverin and yielded a good profit. Misses Maud Taplin and Lizzie Kelly helped to swell the financial profit of the evening by selling home made candy and bouquets.
Tuesday July 9, 1895 issue
Addison, Saturday, July 8 –
The farmers in this section are mostly through haying and report the highest crop for many years.
Several of our local sports took in the excursion to Westport on Dominion day and seemed very much pleased with their trip.
Mayor Langdon of Mt. Royal assisted at the Model farm at Mt. Pleasant for a few days last week.
It is rumoured that Mr. George Horton, a very extensive farmer of Kitley, has a slight hankering after one of the leading belles of Silver Brook. Go it, George, a faint heart never wins a fair lady.
Mrs. Langtry and two sons of Carleton Place are visiting friends in this vicinity for a few weeks.
Dr. Brown and Mr. R. Dixie have the contract of securing the hay crop on the experimental farm at Mt. Pleasant. We wish them every success.
Quite a number of the leading citizens of Silver Brook attended the celebration at Ogdensburg on the 4th.
The village carpenter of Slab st. has resumed his studies at the little yellow school house, and has promised to be more diligent in the future.
The social given at Maple Grove by the Ladies’ Aid was a grand success, realizing about $50, but the trouble is now they do not know what to do with the money.
Again it is our sad duty to chronicle the sudden demise of one of the most promising citizens of our vicinity in the person of Miss. Mabel, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ormond Moore, in the 14th year of her age , with that flattering disease, consumption. Deceased was beloved and admired by all who knew her. The funeral service was preformed in our church by the Rev. Mr. Hagar of Athens, after which the remains were conveyed to the family cemetery at New Dublin. The parents and friends have the utmost sympathy of all in this their hour of sorrow and affliction.
Tuesday July 16, 1895 issue
Addison Monday, July 15,-
The parsonage here is being repaired and painted, and when done will present a pleasing appearance.
Miss Ray Boyde of Athens returned home last Saturday.
Mr. and Mrs. O.P. Arnold intend starting on a visit tomorrow, to the Rev. W. Rilance of Cardinal
Miss E. Bissell is attending the sick bed of her aunt, near Ottawa
Messers. W. Gibson and W. Hay went to Ottawa on the 12th
Mrs. C.F. Gray who has been on the sick list for some time past, is slowly recovering under the skilful treatment of Drs. Dixon and Bourns.
On Wednesday of last week Mr. Benson Empey bid good-bye to bachelorhood and was married to Miss Sheldon of Chantry. Benson’s many friends here extend congratulations.
Miss Jennie Bishop of Oswego, N.Y. is visiting Mr. Jas. Brown’s.
The Ladies’ Aid society of this place is doing a good work. The members, only thirteen in number, have raised for church purposes over one hundred dollars in the last five months.
The small auxiliary of the W.F.M.S. was last week presented with the annual donation of $10 from Mr. Robt. Connel of Greenbush. Mr. Connel is a great help to the mission cause here and we think there are others who might do likewise.
Tuesday Aug 6, 1895 issue
Addison, Saturday Aug 3 –
Rev. Mr. Pimlot will hold a mammoth camp-meeting at Forthton about the 20th inst. We hope much good may be accomplished.
Miss Alma and Cora Langdon of Mt. Royal are visiting friends at Lyn for a few days.
Mr. A. Church has disposed of Black Diamond to Mr. William Mulcahy, of Caintown. Look out, boys, you want to get a hustle on now, as she is hard to beat.
Mr. Joseph Moulton has returned home, having finished his contract on the Yonge Mill canal.
On account of increase in business, Dr. Brown of Mt. Pleasant had to purchase another horse. We wish the Dr. every success.
Mayor Langdon, of Mt. Royal, has disposed of this season’s crop on the Experimental Farm at Mt. Pleasant to our little machine agent and |||Mr. R. Dixie has the contract of securing it.
Mr. A. Dolan and lady, of Chicago, are visiting friends in this vicinity for a few weeks.
Tuesday Aug 20, 1895 issue
Miss Jessie Addison met with a serious accident last week. While driving near the toll gate a rig collided with the buggy in which she was seated and the shock threw her violently to the ground. Her shoulder was dislocated and her arm was broken.
Tuesday Aug 20, 1895 issue
Addison, Saturday, Aug 17 –
Mrs. Pritchard has returned home after spending the holidays with friends in Shelburne and vicinity.
Mr. Walter Lewis and lady are recuperating at Charleston for a few days.
Mr. James Cummings of Lyn passed through our village this week. He made a short call at the residence of Mr.W.Lewis of King st.east
Miss Addie Barlow has returned home after spending a few days at Massena Springs.
The proprietor of the Model Farm at Mt. Pleasant is sparing neither time nor money to make his herd of trotters the most famous of any in this section, having purchased the celebrated Mayflower from Mr. A.Church at a most fabulous price.
Miss Viola Wiltse is visiting friends in Kitley this week.
Dr. Brown, of Mt. Pleasant has been quite indisposed for a few days. We hope it will not prove serious.
Tuesday Sep 3, 1895 issue
Addison, Saturday, Aug 31, –
Miss Anna Davis of Plum Hollow was visiting the residence of Mr. Joseph Moulton, King st., for a few days last week.
The camp-ground meeting at Forthton has been productive of much good. Many have found pardon and the luke warm professors have been stirred to a sense of the duty they owe to their God and fellow man. We hope the good seed sown may bear fruit to the honor and glory of God, as there is much of it in these parts.
Mrs. Prichard and son Clare have returned home after spending the holidays with friends in Shelborne. She has opened her emporium on King St. with all the latest styles and fashions for the season.
Mr. Joseph Scott and lady of North Augusta paid our village a short visit recently.
Our school has opened for the fall term. Benson wears a broad smile, having captured one of Harlem’s leading belles during the holidays. We wish the happy couple long life and happiness.
Mrs. A. Davis and family spent a few days at her parental home last week.
Tuesday Oct 1, 1895 issue
In passing through this district we were much pleased to notice the improvements that have been carried out in the Methodist church of Addison and Greenbush under the superintendence of the popular and much respected gentleman, Rev., Mr. Pimlott.
Tuesday Oct 8, 1895 issue
Addison, Saturday, Oct. 5, –
Wedding bells will soon ring out at Glossville
The village carpenter of Slab st. and his best girl took in the Ottawa fair.
Mr. J. Latham and lady of Yonge Mills paid our village a visit last week.
Mr. Almeron Blanchard has gone to New York to visit his two sons for a few days.
Mrs. Joseph Moulton and Mrs. C. Blanchard took in the Almonte fair last week.
Mr. E.S. Wiltse and lady were visiting friends at Fairfield on Friday last.
Dr. Brown of Mt. Pleasant exhibited his fancy pair of roadsters at the North Augusta fair on Friday last. They took the prize from all.
Miss Alma Langdon of Mt. Royal is visiting friends at Lyn and vicinity for a few weeks.
Tuesday Oct 8, 1895 issue
On Wednesday last, Mr. Delber Dobbs was united in matrimonial bonds with Miss Annie Scott, daughter of Abel Scott, Esq., of Addison. After a brief trip the happy couple have established their home in Athens. The Reporter extends congratulations and best wishes.
Tuesday Oct 15, 1895 issue
Addison, Monday Oct. 7, –
Mr. James Hall of Glossville met with quite a serious accident last week by getting struck on the hand as he was moving the thresher in the barn, which dislocated his thumb and bruised his hand to quite an extent. Mr. Thomas Whitford is engaged as foreman for the present.
Miss Lettie Pimlott has returned home after spending a few days with friends at Picton and vicinity.
It is rumoured that one of the leading farmers of Silver Brook has leased the Experimental farm at Mt. Pleasant.
Mayor Kelly and H.S. Moffatt attended the fair at Almonte last week and reported a jolly time.
Tuesday Oct 15, 1895 issue
Mr. A. McDougall of Addison passed through Athens last week with a large herd of fine young beef cattle.
Tuesday Oct 22, 1895 issue
Addison, Monday, Oct 21. –
Mr. A. Blanchard has returned home from New York and reports times are booming in York state.
Mrs. James Glazier and son Charles of Fairfield are visiting friends in this vicinity for a few days.
Dr. Brown of Mt. Pleasant has been quite indisposed for some time, but it is hoped he will be able to attend the North Augusta fair on the first Friday in November next.
Mayor Langdon of Mt. Royal has been engaged for some time repairing his residence, which makes a great improvement in the appearance of his premises.
Mr. W. Lewis and lady of Athens were guests of Mr. Walter Lewis of King street on Sunday last.
Mrs. James Eagan of Cincinnati were visiting at the residence of Mr. Frank Wiltse of Silver Brook, her brother in law for a few weeks.
The proprietor of the Model farm at Mr. Pleasant has disposed of his thoroughbred porkers at a fabulous price and will buy more if they are first class.
Mr. John Percival of Forthton has been on the sick list for some days, but at last account was improving.
Tuesday Oct 29, 1895 issue
Addison, Monday, Oct 28. –
Mr. Gordon McKea of Ventnor has engaged as foreman at the Glossville creamery which is now in operation.
Death has again entered our village and claimed as its victim one of our oldest citizens in the person of Thankful, relict of the late Peter Brown, in the 89th year of her age. Deceased had been a sufferer for the past two years with a cancer on her face, but she bore it with Christian patience and faith in her Saviour that He doeth all things well. Death came as a relief from pain on Sabbath morning 27th inst. At the residence of Mr. Vincent Wiltse with whom she had resided for a number of years. The funeral service was preformed by the Rev. Mr. Hagar of Athens, after which the remains were conveyed to the family cemetery at Athens.
Mr. George Booth of Silver Brook has purchased from our little machine agent one of his celebrated lighting express sulky, plows, and challenges the best they can produce to compete with it.
Mr. D. Copeland of Syracuse paid our village a short visit last week. He always brings good cheer and his visits are always welcome.
Mr. F.W. McKinnon of Smith’s Falls registered at the Florida House on Saturday last and spent the day in calling on old friends. We extend hi a hearty welcome always.
Tuesday Dec 10, 1895 issue
Addison – Monday Dec 9 –
The Rev. Mr. Grout of Lyn, delivered a very eloquent discourse in Ashwood Hall on Sabbath evening last, which was highly appreciated by all present.
Mr. Thomas and Elwood Gibson have returned home and will spend the winter in our village.
On the evening of the 20th inst. There well be held in Ashwood Hall a Christian entertainment in aid of the English church Sunday school to which all are certainly invited
Mrs. Oliver Bishop of Oswego is visiting friends in Glossville and vicinity for a few weeks.
Among the numerous arrivals at the Florida house last week, we noticed our old friend Mr. John O’Connor.
Miss Evelina Pepper is very sick at present and little hopes are entertained for her recovery.
The Rev. Mr. Pimlott held revival service in our church last week, but owing to other business it is postponed for the present.
Mayor Kelly is engaged building a very commodious carriage barn which when completed, will surpass anything of the kind in the village.
The proprietor of the Model Farm at Mt. Pleasant has been engaged for some time repairing the interior of his fine residence. Mr. R.M. Arnold of Sellina st. had the contract, which is sufficient guarantee that it was well done.
There will be held in our church on Christmas eve a Sunday school entertainment, to which all are invited.
Tuesday Dec 18, 1895 issue
Addison, Tuesday Dec. 17. –
We are sorry to announce the serious illness of Mrs. Geo. Langdon, but at latest report she was some better.
Mr. Ezra Wiltse, jr., who cut is foot one day last week, is again able to attend business.
Palace Creamery is doing a good business yet. The output is about 1000 lbs of butter per week.
The Addison Council No. 156 C.O.C.F., who attended divine service in Frankville recently, wish to tender the choir and pastor (Rev. Mr. Stilwell) of the Methodist
church a vote of thanks for their services. This Council is making rapid strides in its membership and is the leading society of the place.
Mr. Wellington Lewis is quite smart this winter, more so than during the past six months, which no doubt many of his old acquaintances, will be pleased to hear.
He will perform innumerable acts on a spider-looking wire sprung from two to the highest telegraph poles which can be secured. A few of his acts are: Running forward and backward with feet encased in market baskets; Crossing wire blindfolded with a bul lap bag; walking backward with feet in hoops; carrying a cook stove to the centre of wire, cooking and eating a meal consisting of eggs, chops $c. Performance of one hour’s duration.
THE BALLOON ASCENSION
Will be made at 4 p.m. the second day, Sept. 18th, by Miss. Fannie VanTassell of New York. The thousands who witnessed the successful ascension and leap last fall by Prince Leo were thrilled at the grandeur of the scene as the immense canvas rose into space with the daring aeronaut clinging to a single trapeze bar, but the culmination of excitement was reached as the little cord was severed and the parachute commenced to drop. For a moment it rushed downward through space, until it filled with air, when it slowly floated away over the fields and woods and finally settled to the ground with its undaunted living freight unharmed. There need be no fear that the ascension will not take place, for if the weather proves unfavorable on the day named the high wire performance will be given instead and the balloon ascension made the following day. And then, if the weather is such that it is
unsafe to make the attempt, the fair will be continued over to the 20th in order that the ascension may take place. Those that saw it last year will see something better this (year), and those within reach who fail to visit Unionville fair, will miss the opportunity of a life time.
This will be the most exciting scene during the fair. The process of inflating the balloon with hot air will be done in the presence of the assembled thousands. Prince Leo, the manager, is a thorough gentleman, courteous to all, and will be pleased to answer any questions relating to his feelings and experiences in the many hundreds of ascensions he has made in different parts of the world. Miss VanTassell will also personally superintend the process of inflation and see that everything is in proper order before the word to cast off is given. The opportunity to see this may never occur again, as the expense of getting this exhibition is enormous.
TRIALS OF SPEED IN RING
The Committee on Sports will offer nearly $300.00 in purses for speed on the best and fastest ½ mile track in this district. Purses divided as follows:
SECOND DAY, Sept. 18
Green Race – $30.00
Divided -$15, $10, $5.
Open to horses that never won public money.
2.40 Class – $30.00
Divided -$15, $10, $5.
THIRD DAY, Sept. 19
3 Min. Class – $45.00
Divided – $22, $15, $8
Free for all – $70.00
Divided – $35, $23, $12
Conditions–N.T.A. Rules to govern. Races in harness – mile heats – best three in five. Four to enter, three to start. Entrance fees, 10 per cent. Open to trotters and pacers. Horses elegible Sept 1st
DJ.FORTH, Sec’y-Treas.
The Fair
In presenting this annual programme to the friends and patrons of this popular Fair, the Officers and Directors wish to return their sincere thank to exhibitors and visitors who have annually assisted to make the Fair a success. Year after year the Fair has grown in popular favour, until it is generally conceded, even by our rivals, that the Unionville Fair far outstrips all others in Eastern Ontario in the number and variety of its exhibits, the immense number that yearly congregate within its enclosures, and in the excellence of its arrangements for catering to the wants and whims of a fair going people. Our buildings are the largest and best arranged of any east of Kingston, while the Cattle, Sheep, Swine, and Poultry sheds and pens are large in number and admirably adapted to the requirements of those exhibiting. For this season we can only add that everything will be put in first class order and that no pains or expense will be spared to keep up the reputation of the Unionville Fair.
Horses
The inner circle for showing mares and colts, double and single driving horses, is well adapted to the purpose, being roomy with a smooth surface, and having a convenient Judges’ stand in the centre. Our fair was always noted for the largest and best exhibits of horses in the whole eastern portion of the province, and present indications are that there will be a good show in that class this fall.
Poultry
We question if there is a better building or more convenient pens of more of them, than in the poultry department at the Unionville fair. A large number of our most prominent exhibitors are also poultry fanciers, and the exhibits in this class always draw a large amount of attention.
Grain and Roots
The grain and roots will very likely, owing to the very dry season, be much less in quantity and quality than former years; there-fore, if any friend of the society has a good sample of a cereal of any kind we would ask him by all means to bring it along to help keep the exhibits up to the quality usually shown. Our prizes are such as to pay any one well to make and extra effort to bring in a good sample.
The Dairy Industry
The Dairy industry is a very important one in these counties and the exhibits should be correspondingly large. The quality of Leeds County cheese and butter stands second to none in the world. We usually have large exhibits and we would urge our patrons and cheese and butter makers to help us keep up the reputation of the Unionville Fair of having the largest and best exhibit in this section. The display of honey, bread, cakes, apples, vegetables, and domestic articles is always good. Be sure to come out and see them.
Sheep and Swine
The sheep and swine buildings and pens are convenient roomy, and so placed as to show off the exhibits to the best advantage. Persons wishing to sell or buy stock should be on hand, as there is always quite a lot of animals in these classes that change hands during the fair, and there is no better place for a buyer to go than to a place where he can see competing animals side by side.
Carriages
Have a roomy building, built purposely for the exhibit of carriages. If you are a manufacture, bring your wares to our fair and show in competition with others. If you are thinking of purchasing a carriage, what better place than where you can see the different makes arranged side by side ? The implements are shown on the grounds outside this building and many new and useful machines are shown. Many people for the first time see some new ideas in machinery at the fair. Come and see if there is not something new for you here this fall.
HOW TO GET THERE
If you live along the line of the B & W Railway, purchase your ticket at your nearest station. Special excursions tickets with a coupon attached that will admit to the grounds can be procured at greatly reduced rates. A time table and rates from the different stations will be issued in a few days. Always tear off your gate coupon and have it ready before you reach the gate to prevent delay and confusion.
If you are a farmer, hitch up Dobbin and Doll to the spring wagon, and if you have not enough of your own family to fill every seat, give an invitation to your neighbour to jump in and come to the greatest show on earth.
If you are a young man that has “no mash” to bring to the fair, jump on to your silent steed and away to the fair. We will give you the use of the track at 1 p.m. the 2nd day for a fancy drill by the bicyclists present, and we may be able to offer a few liberal prizes for the best bicycle rider. Watch the Athens Reporter for any special announcements.
We ask everybody’s assistance in making the Unionville Fair a great big success. Remember, friends, we offer more prizes and more money for competitors than all the other fairs in these United Counties put together. Our track for trials of speed is in the best condition and our purses the largest. Our buildings, pens, stalls and accommodation for man and beast are the best. Our list of special attractions are away ahead of anything even attempted by any other fair in this whole district, and please remember as well that all these things take money to bring up to the perfection we have got them and we confidently appeal to the public to come up to our help, and by swelling our gate receipts this year enable us to meet all the heavy obligations we have incurred as well as stimulate us to renew exertions to give you something even better next season.
THE BALLOON GOES UP
Every time Prince Leo signs a contract Hundreds of thousands in the United States have viewed with wonder, awe and admiration Miss VanTassel’s daring aerial sights.
AND PRETTY GIRLS ?
Well- yes. Unionville Fair is annually attended by the finest looking girls in the country, which is equivalent to saying the best in the world.
The adults as well as the small boys should hoard up their coppers and spare change to provide themselves with taffy, peanuts and soft drinks. No intoxicating liquors of any kind are sold or allowed on or near the grounds
“Cheap John” or his chum, will be there to give value for the money invested. No fakirs or games of chance of any kind are allowed on the grounds or within 300 yards thereof.
BRASS BAND
A first class Brass Band will be on the grounds the last two days and discourse sweet music to the crowds.
Salvail & Thomas’ Big Show !
Mr. Salvail, who gave the best of satisfaction throughout this country last fall, has united with Mr. Thomas, another experienced showman, and together they will exhibit under a brand new canvas at Unionville Fair the best side-show travelling on the continent. Among the attractions will be:—-
SALVAIL, KING OF MAGIC
Whose Tricks and Illusions are the Wonder of the Age
A DEVIL FISH
The only one ever captured alive—to be shown in a large tank of water.
MISS BELLE MORRISON
The World’s greatest Second Sight Artist
Mis Alice Loe and her Den of Performing Snakes
The largest Snakes ever seen in Canada. Her performance is well worth double the price of admission.
ADOLPH, THE FIRE KING
An Artist of Continental Repute
A new version that never fails to please
Everything new, neat and nice—strictly moral and high class. No one should miss seeing this triumph of the showman’s profession.
This news article was taken from a full page advertisement in the Athen’s Reporter July 30th, 1895
Professor Leo Stevens in his balloon ,New York, 1911
An Account of Miss. Jennette (Fanny) Van Tassel
Miss Jenny Van Tassel
On July 4, 1888, Jenny Van Tassel was scheduled to attempt the first parachute jump by a woman, in Los Angeles. But after practice runs of the Van Tassel balloon went awry – including landing on the roof of a former mayor and demolishing a chimney – the police decided to prevent the ill-advised adventure. But Jenny managed to escape the detective assigned to keep her from the much-ballyhooed stunt and climbed into the gondola piloted by her husband. After rising 6,000 feet Jenny Van Tassel made her historic leap.
In a later interview with the Los Angeles Times, Jenny was described as “big she weighed 165 pounds, young, handsome and blonde.” For her part, Jenny responded by describing her jump: “I ain’t exactly a bird nor an angel, but it’s just about what I imagine the sensation of flying is. It was beautiful!”
In 1892, Jeanette Van Tassel was invited to participate in a grand celebration by the Nawab of Dhaka, Khwaja Ahsanullah. The ruling Nawabs were well-known for their special events and the balloon ascent would be the first in East Bengal.
The plan was to have Jeanette Van Tassel launch from a south riverbank of the Buriganga River, float north of the river and land on the roof of the main building of the Nawab compound at Ahsan Manzi. A fire of wood and kerosene produced the hot air that filled the balloon, which began its flight without incident at 6:20 p.m. on March 16, 1892.
But the winds didn’t cooperate. Instead of landing on the palace roof, Van Tassel’s balloon came to rest in a tree at Ramna Garden, nearly three miles away. Police soon arrived and attempted a rescue by extending a bamboo pole to the gondola.
As Jeanette Van Tassel descended, the pole snapped and she crashed to the ground, severely injured. She died a few days later.
There is little evidence that Park Van Tassel continued his barnstorming career after the Dhaka incident. He died in Oakland, Calif., on October 24, 1930, at the age of 78. At the time of his death, he was operating the “Captain P. A. Van Tassel Toy Balloon Mfg. Co.,” a maker of miniature balloon ascension toys. Jeanette Van Tassel is buried in the Narinda Christian Cemetery at Dhaka.
Jeanette Van Tassel, Born: ca.1864, Died: March 1892
Article as it appeared in The Athen’s Reporter on July 9, 1895
Unionville fair directors are always to the front in the line of special attractions and are able to announce that for this season they have a grand array of Talent engaged for the last two days of the fair on the 17th, 18th and 19th, September. An indenture of agreement has been entered into with Prince Leo of New York for a balloon ascension by Miss Fannie Van Tassell of New York on the 2nd day, 18th, and a high wire performance of at least one hour’s duration, by Prince Leo himself, on the 19th. Should the weather prove unfavourable for balloon ascension on the second day the high wire performance will be given that day and the balloon ascension on the third day, and if the weather should be unfavourable on both days the fair will be extended over to the 20th in order that the ascension may be made. The directors have incurred a heavy risk in this engagement and hope to have the liberal presence and patronage of all the old patrons of the fair as well as thousands of people who never visited the fair. In a future issue of the Reporter a programme of the many feats to be performed by Prince Leo on the high wire will be given.
Another very interesting attraction at the coming fair will be O’Connell & Salvail’s clown circus, museum and trained animal show, which will certainly be on the grounds on the last two days. Six different kinds of large colored lithographs will be hung up in a few days, giving full particulars.
The horse ring and track will be further improved, and already some of the best horses in Eastern Ontario have signified their intention of competing for the very liberal prizes that will be offered.
And then we hope our readers will not for a moment forget that the Unionville fair was always noted for the largestand best collection of stock, grain, roots, ladies’ work and the thousand and one things that go to make up a great aggregation of agricultural products and handiwork of the farmers, mechanics, and dairymen of Leeds county. Unionville fair officers never deceived the public. They always advertise thoroughly what they have to offer their patrons and always carry out what they advertise; so that any announcements that appear over the signatures of the society may be relied upon as being bona fide. Further announcements will be made from time to time through these columns. The above is merely an introduction of what is to follow.
The above article is from- The Athen’s Reporter and County of Leeds Advertiser Tuesday July 9, 1895 issue
The Athen’s Reporter and County of Leeds Advertiser
Excerpts from various issues
Tuesday Aug 20, 1895 issue
Our little machine agent intends making some fine exhibits at the Unionville fair next month and will make a discount of 10 per cent off all orders taken at the fair this season.
Tuesday Sep 3, 1895 issue
The sight of a lifetime – Prince Leo’s Balloon ascension and parachute leap.
Tuesday Sep 10, 1895 issue
The Unionville Fair.
Before another issue of the Reporter reaches our readers the fair of 1895 will be a thing of the past. We therefore wish to remind all our readers within reach to be sure to attend the fair, which will be held on the 17th, 18th and 19th Sept There are many reasons why we can make this request with all confidence, amongst which is that those who attend are certain to be well repaid for their trouble in going to a place where they will see the largest collection of cattle, horses, sheep, swine, poultry, the products of the farm, and the handiwork of the mechanic and farmer. Besides this they will see the best all-around attractions and amusements to be found at any fair in the whole eastern district.
Let us briefly notice a few of the most prominent. The Unionville fair has now one of the best ½ mile tracks in the country. He number of horses competing for the liberal purses offered for trials of speed promises to be large.
The balloon ascension on the second day by Miss Fanny VanTassell, who will, when at an altitude of 4,000 feet, drop to the ground by he aid of a parachute, will be a scene of thrilling interest. The high-wire performance by Prince Leo on the third day will be a novel innovation in this section.
The managers of the fair of 1895 have doe everything possible with the means at their disposal to make the fair worthy of patronage of the public, and they confidently appeal to a generous and appreciative public to come out and by swelling the gate receipts assist them in meeting the heavy financial obligations incurred, as well as stimulate them to renewed efforts to make each succeeding annual fair better than its predecessor.
The application for space at the fair is unusually large. Four different manufactures have applied for space to show harness.
Robt. Craig, “the hatter” writes this a.m. asking for the whole west side of rear annex to show $2,000 worth of furs.
Morrison & Percival, Brockville have a full line of stoves, ranges and furnaces on exhibition, and give ten per cent discount on all orders taken.
C.J.Gilroy & Son’s heard of Holsteins drew 5 first and 7 second prizes on Kingston exhibition grounds last week, which is looked upon as a fairly good beginning in the prize winning for this season.
The herd is at the Toronto Industrial exhibition this week, in competition with the best herds in the Dominion. We are pleased that in Eastern Ontario we have enterprising farmers who are anxious to get into the best fair rings and compete for a portion of the good prizes given.
We hear that Messrs. John Forth & Sons, W.H. & C.H. McNish, Wm. Neilson & Son, all large exhibitors at Unionville fair, were equally fortunate at Kingston.
The B&W will run special excursion trains on the last two days of the fair, leaving Brockville at 11 a.m., Lyn at 11:15, stop at Seeley’s and Lee’s if Flagged. That train will run on to Delta and leave there for Unionville at 12:30, p.m., Lyndhurst at 1 p.m. and Soperton, (if Flagged) and Athens at 1 p.m. sharp. Two trains will leave Unionville for Athens at close of fair, one at 5 and the other at 5:30. Train for Brockville at 5:15, Posters with time table and rates, including admission to the grounds will be issued soon.
Tuesday Sep 24, 1895 issue
Lyn– Saturday, Sept 21 –
The Unionville fair was voted a great success by the many who visited it from here. The “merry go round” was a great attraction to old and young, but centrifugal force was the strongest in the case of one of the “boys”.
On the north side of the highway just west of the McLean house was Latimer’s Store. The store was a very small building that had the basic groceries that you would need, they also had candy and ice cold bottles of soda for the kids or thirsty travellers.
The little business was run by Mr. Lytle James Latimer (b1873) and his wife Adella Deborah (b.1877).
Out in front of the building stood two old gas pumps, the ones with the glass containers on top into which you would pump the amount of gas you wanted and than after reaching the desired quantity, gravity would take over and when the trigger on the
pump was pulled it would flow into your tank.
The last remaining cabin, photo 2016The last remaining cabin, photo 2016
There were also several cabins located on the property where the traveller could spend the night. The cabins were called Cedarholm.
The old brick house painstakingly constructed by hand in 1823 with every brick handmade on the land surrounding the dwelling was built by Robert McLean. Five generations lived in the house until 1933 when it was sold.
The Building of the McLean House and early life living there
The building of the McLean house was a Herculean effort by man and beast. Early in its history the McLean homestead was known as Pinehurst Farm. Construction of the brick house started in 1823 and the McLeans moved in two years later.
The house was built at a total cost of about $1,600. The red clay bricks, 65,000 in all, were made on the farm, with oxen stamping the clay and water mixture into a pliable condition. The bricks were then moulded by hand into brick size wooden containers.
The 12 inch thick beams were hewn by hand; the foundation was composed of stone and cemented by hand. The interior walls and partitions were made of solid brick and plaster. The interior woodwork and doors were made of red pine planking and all the flooring consisted of wide pine planking. All the interior doors were made in the “Bible” design, sometimes called “prayer doors”. The design had a white cross in the upper panel.
There are five fireplaces, three on the first floor and two on the second floor. The mantels are of red pine. The kitchen fireplace was equipped with a crane, from which the cooking pots were hung. At one side was the oven. It is believed that in baking, a wood fire was kindled in the oven, and when the fuel was reduced to coals, they were raked out and the freshly kneaded loaves of bread placed inside to bake.
As was the tradition of the times, two of the first floor rooms were reserved as bedrooms for the elders of the family.
The barns were built with high stone walls topped by lumber sawn from the trees felled to clear the land. The farm had stables for horses, barns for cattle and folds for sheep.
McLean house was the locale for husking bees, sugar making, quilting bees and dances, and headquarters for and barn raising bees in the area.
For more information on the McLeans go to “Our People, Our History” on this website.
The old brick house painstakingly constructed by hand in 1823 with every brick handmade on the land surrounding the dwelling was built by Robert McLean. Five generations lived in the house until 1933 when it was sold.
The story of the McLeans goes back to old Paisley in Scotland where Alexander McLean took his bride Ann Lang on August 3, 1763. Eleven years later, they set sail for the New World, following their beloved pastor, Rev. John Witherspoon, to America.
Their ship was the “Commerce”, a famous trans-Atlantic” sailing ship of the day. The McLeans settled in Harpersfield, N.Y., but they were soon rooted out by the American Revolutionary War. The McLeans remained loyal to the British Crown and were so harassed by their rebellious neighbours that they had to move on nine separate occasions in one year. Each time they lost their possessions, plundered by the rebels.
They were cultivating a small farm near Baleston Springs, NY in 1778 but were again driven out. In 1783, with the war over, The McLeans, father, mother and six children, made their way to Canada as U.E.L. refugees. They travelled by way of Lake Champlain to Montreal and thence up the St. Lawrence River by bateau to a point west of Brockville. Their boats were leaking badly and they decided to land on the heavily forested shore of the St. Lawrence near where the community of Fernbank is now located. Once ashore, the family of eight set to work felling trees and soon had a log cabin for a home.
The cabin reassured 18 by 20 feet, providing snug protection from the elements. The house was built by hand, for they had very few tools with which to work. The area at that time was still in the Province of Quebec. Division came in 1791. The log cabin endured nearly 40 years. In 1823, the family, having prospered through great toil and industry, built the present house, beam by beam, brick by brick.
The bricks were made by hand, using small moulds, at two brickyards on the homestead. One brickyard was located where No.2 highway passes Fernbank, in front of the house, while the other was situated in a pasture north of the farm.
Of the early days of the McLeans in Elizabethtown, Lillian Hogaboam, who later occupied the house had this to say: “ Here, alone in the forest without roads, neighbours, schools or doctors, they lived the early months on the new land. Other Loyalists and refugees came and a settlement known as Elizabethtown grew. The trees were cut and the stumps grubbed. Their land was cleared. Cattle and sheep were brought in. The women spun the sheep’s wool into material to keep them warm. Times became better, the family older and they had a better knowledge, as a great deal of time was spent reading books. One of the sons constructed a very good theodolite (a surveying instrument) thought he had never seen one. In the absence of a minister, the consolidations of religion were sought by assembling neighbours and reading a sermon weekly from a book.”
Alexander McLean, who was a silk weaver by trade, and Ann had four sons, Robert, John, Alexander and Archibald. Robert’s son Alexander, wed Catharine McCray. John had three sons, Charlie, William who became a minister and Frederick who married Eliza Wilson. Alexander born in 1770, whose wife’s name was Jane, had a son John born in 1803 and died in 1821, and a daughter Jane who became the wife of John Stephens and died March 14, 1871.
Archibald born in 1769, wed a girl named Ann. Their son James B. born in 1807 also married a girl named Ann and died March 22, 1880 aged 73 years.
Alexander and Catharine McCrady McLean were wed in 1820 and had a daughter Catharine born in 1835 and died unmarried in 1909, and a son John born in 1825 who died in 1850 in his 26th year.
John McLean born at Harpersfield, NY on October 9th 1775, came to Elizabethtown with his family being eight years of age when the McLean boats landed. He grew up on the homestead, and when the War of 1812 broke out, won a commission as a lieutenant in the 1st Regiment of Leeds. He took part in the Battle of Crysler Farm and later in the assault on Ogdensburg and capture of that American post by British troops who crossed the St. Lawrence ice at Prescott to attack the fort.
He subsequently was promoted to Captain and then to major, receiving large tracts of land for his service to the Crown. He died at McLean House July 17, 1861 aged 86.
The homestead of 228 acres was proved up by Alexander McLean on March 23, 1798. In 1810, it was willed to Robert McLean and on May 16th, 1818, it fell to Robert’s eldest son Alexander.
The adjoining farm, 114 acres of Lot 24 of the First Concession of Elizabethtown was owned by Alexander McLean who transferred the land in 1808 to Henry and Jane McLean.
Five generations of McLeans have lived in the brick house, the last of that name being Frederick J. McLean who died in 1931. The Hogagoams took possession on September 1, 1944 and lived there until selling out to Clarence Babcock of Brockville. The Johnstons later took over the home.
The McLeans are buried in the old cemetery at Younge Mills. In all the graves of 56 members of the family dating back to the sons of the original settler of Fernbank, Alexander McLean have been identified.
The Building of the McLean House and early life living there
The building of the McLean house was a Herculean effort by man and beast. Early in its history the McLean homestead was known as Pinehurst Farm. Construction of the brick house started in 1823 and the McLeans moved in two years later.
The house was built at a total cost of about $1,600. The red clay bricks, 65,000 in all, were made on the farm, with oxen stamping the clay and water mixture into a pliable condition. The bricks were then moulded by hand into brick size wooden containers.
The 12 inch thick beams were hewn by hand; the foundation was composed of stone and cemented by hand. The interior walls and partitions were made of solid brick and plaster. The interior woodwork and doors were made of red pine planking and all the flooring consisted of wide pine planking. All the interior doors were made in the “Bible” design, sometimes called “prayer doors”. The design had a white cross in the upper panel.
There are five fireplaces, three on the first floor and two on the second floor. The mantels are of red pine. The kitchen fireplace was equipped with a crane, from which the cooking pots were hung. At one side was the oven. It is believed that in baking, a wood fire was kindled in the oven, and when the fuel was reduced to coals, they were raked out and the freshly kneaded loaves of bread placed inside to bake.
As was the tradition of the times, two of the first floor rooms were reserved as bedrooms for the elders of the family.
The barns were built with high stone walls topped by lumber sawn from the trees felled to clear the land. The farm had stables for horses, barns for cattle and folds for sheep.
McLean house was the locale for husking bees, sugar making, quilting bees and dances, and headquarters for and barn raising bees in the area.
On Sunday, the McLeans walked to church, or in the winter rode sleighs. Buggies and wagons were the mode of travel for families, but the old saddle horse was the standby for the lone traveller having to go any distance.
Few people today realize that the first St. Lawrence Park in Elizabethtown was located several miles west of where the present park is located in Brockville.
This park was located just to the west of Grant’s Creek and was accessed by the King’s Highway or by daily steamer’s that would dock at the park.
If you close your eyes, you can imagine a sunny day in 1865 and taking a horse and buggy ride out to spend the day at the park.
From the advertisements posted in the Recorder newspaper, we get a glimpse into the activities that could be had during a day spent at the park.
The park provided seats, swings, and every convenience for peoples’ accommodation. There was a Dancing Hall 30×70 feet, a large bowling alley, saloon and a dining room, capable of seating 130 persons, and for those who wanted to spend more time, there were bedding accommodations.
The Saloon would have been furnished with the best brands of Liquors and Cigars plus one of the best cooks in the area to prepare your meals.
For those of you who wanted to do something more exciting outdoors, there was a half mile track for racing. Row boats would be available for fishing or just taking you best girl out for a ride.
All kinds of games were also available, such as Quoits, Croquet, Ball and many more. They had set aside a large 20 acre field for games of all sorts.
When you drive by the area 150 years later, no traces remain of this fabulous park, but if you close your eyes you can see and hear the fun that was to be had in this area.
The advertisement as it appeared in the Brockville paper of July 19th, 1875 is reprinted here for easier reading:
St. Lawrence Park, (McDonald Point)
ONE AND A-HALF MILES above BROCKVILLE.
July 19, 1875
On the right bank of the RIVER St. LAWRENCE, in the midst of the beautiful scenery of the Thousand Islands.
A.McDougall, Prop.
The Proprietor would respectfully notify PARTIES, PIC-NICS &c., he has just fitted the St. LAWRENCE PARK with seats, swings, and every convenience for their accommodation. The PARK has a DANCING HALL 30×70 feet, LARGE BOWLING ALLEY, SALOON, DINING ROOM, (capable of seating 130 persons) and bedding accommodations.
Carriages to be had on short notice. First-class ROW BOATS and FISHING TACKLE. All kinds of Games, such as Quoits, Croquet, Ball, &c. Two large wharves, and everything necessary to make a visit, long or short, most pleasant. It has a most beautiful Grove, and the best fishing bay on the St. Lawrence.
THE SALOONS
Are furnished with all the best brands of Liquors and Cigars. One of the best Cooks that can be obtained has been engaged. Stabling for horses, and a track of half a mile in preparation. A large twenty acre field for Games. There is no more desirable spot on the whole length of the St. Lawrence. All orders by mail, addressed to A. McDOUGALL, Proprietor, Brockville, ONT., will receive immediate attention.
The Fire Brigade Band
Has been engaged in connection with the Park, and will furnish Music for parties at very reasonable rates. >No Charge for Boats landing at the Wharves. The Boats going East and West pass within twenty rods of the Park.
The “Peerless” can be engaged at reasonable rates for excursions and picnic parties. She is owned and kept at the Park.
Brockville, July 19th, 1875
Another advertisement from the Brockville paper:
Grand Excursion and Picnic.
June 23, 1865
Under the Management of Prescott Lodge of Good Templars, will take place on
Thursday, 29th June,
..TO..
McDONALD’S POINT.
The Steamer ‘St. Jean Baptiste” will call at the Brockville and Ottawa Railway Wharf at 10 a.m., and thence proceed to Pic-Nic Ground.
Tickets 15 cents, or Two for 25 cents; to
Be had at M’MULLEN & Co’s. Bookstore.
Prescott, June 23rd, 1865
In an excerpt from Walter Kilborn’s book How Dear to my Heart he tells of going to St. Lawrence park in July of 1881
Next day was a holiday. The Farmers’ Picnic was to be held at St. Lawrence Park, a short distance west of the Brockville cemetery. My cousin had complained in the morning of being uncomfortable from the sunburn he had received the day before, but went with us to the picnic.
Tablecloths were spread on the grass under the trees, and dinner was served, everyone sitting around tailor fashion and enjoying the many good things from the lunch baskets, all but my cousin, who protested he did not care to sit, but leaned against a tree to eat his lunch.
In the afternoon there were swimming races, boat races, and a lot of other fun, but Vernon would not even get in a boat, as it hurt him to sit down, he said. It was a wonderful afternoon. The men got a long rope; choosing sides till twelve men were selected for each team and then had a tug of war. It was a great day, but to soon we were loaded onto the wagons, all but the big boys and girls who were staying for the evening to enjoy a dance at the pavilion.
For the complete story and others look on our website under Stories by Walter Kilborn “The Sunburn”
View from McDonald’s Point
Taking a rowboat out on to McDonald’s Bay
A view of the park and hotel from the bayA small steamer arriving at the park
Daily excursions arriving at the dockThe steamer Bruce making a stop
Enjoying the day at the parkA family Pic-nicFamily and friends at a pic-nicA social gatheringEnjoying the beautiful park surroundings
Getting ready to go out into the river
From The Athen’s Reporter and County of Leeds Advertiser Tuesday July 2, 1895 issue–
St. Lawrence Park
A large number of Athenians went to St. Lawrence Park on the excursion last Friday evening. The trip was unanimously voted to have been delightful, and some enterprising local organization should arrange a similar trip to take place at the annual illumination of the islands. It would prove an immense success. The river on Friday evening was simply covered with row boats going and coming from the park. The speakers addressed a very large audience on the general polities of the day but did not as some expected, make special mention of the Manitoba school question. The Athenians rushed home about 1 a.m. very much pleased with the evening’s outing.
I was about six years of age and it was Christmas time. We had been at Grandfather’s and I had been given a lovely pair of red skates. Unfortunately Christmas Day was on Saturday, and to wait until Monday to try them was almost too much too think of. Sunday forenoon I bored holes in the heels of my boots with a gimlet, tried on the skates, took them off, and finally went out of the house the back way and was off to a small piece of ice near the edge of the creek. It had been snowing so I had to clean off the ice enough to have a clear spot and then put on my skates again.
I had never tried to skate before, but that day I got so I could go across and back without falling, more than three or four times ! I certainly was proud of myself, and the little red skates and in fact at the age of 81, I still have one of those skates.
But all things must come to an end, and tired out I climbed the hill to the barn, went in through the lower door, through the doors at the front of the barn and walked on to the house. When I went in my father said, “Where have you been ?”
“Down to the barn,” I replied
“No further ?” he said.
“No.” I said
“Where are your skates ?” he asked and when I told him, “Down in the barn”, I knew I was caught. He went to the barn, and around to the back where he found my tracks coming up the hill.
Then I saw him coming back to the house. He invited me out to the shed, saying it was bad enough to go skating on Sunday, but to lie about it was worse. I got a good strapping, but it was worth it; I had learned to skate.
The Lyn Pond, in the first part of the winter was a great spot and young and old were on the ice each day. I had done my chores at the farm and then my skates, with new straps, were slung over my shoulder and I was off for the whole afternoon. The ice that day was like glass, you could go away up around the bend, around the island, then on up the creek and through the woods, clear out to Seeleys.
A young lad about my own age, I think his name was Mulligan skated along with me, in fact we were together all that day, swinging along, hand in hand and we had a lot of fun together. I knew very few of the other boys and was quite contented to have him for company. Tired out at last, I took off my skates and walked home. I never knew that mile home to be so long before.
Next day word came to the farm that the boy I had skated with was very ill with diphtheria, but I kept still and did not tell them that I had been with him all the day before. For a couple of weeks afterward I could imagine my throat was getting sore, and I would steal out and get some salt and water to gargle until it was almost raw.
The boy I had been with got worse, and he finally passed away, but I never was sick, and did not tell mother about it until long afterwards.
The teacher at the Howard School, Jack Shaw, was a young man, who was studying for a medical course at college, and at noon, after eating his lunch, he would put his head on his arms and go to sleep at his desk.
One day there were only about nine boys at school, no girls at all. After we had seen the teacher settle for his nap, we took our skates and started for Howard’s flats, which at that time were covered with a lovely sheet of ice. Not satisfied with staying there, we raced down to the creek and away back towards the other street, climbing over logs and fences that divided the farms, continuing on behind the Parslow farm aand build, past the farm that later was the Thompson place, till we came to the rapids. One of the boys who knew this locality said there was a nice pond above the rapids, where once a dam had been built, making poser for a small factory that was owned by a Mr. Niblock, who manufactured wooden horse rakes.
I remember we had one of these rakes at the farm before father purchased a new rake with steel teeth. The old rake was a well built machine but to dump out the hay you had to step from a board at the edge of the shafts to a platform, the frame of which passed over the axle of the rake; then you had to hang on to a post behind the horse so that your weight would lift up the teeth made of turned oak. When the hay was all cleared from the teeth you stepped back to the board you first stood on and let the teeth drop down again. It was a tricky job, as you might get your foot caught. I did that once and got a bad squeeze.
But to go back to my story… We climbed up around the rapids, and sure enough there was the lovely sheet of ice on the pond, where we played shinny until we were tired and ready to start back. But it was slower work getting to the school, and as we neared the road we saw a man with a load of wood on his way home. That made us realize that it must be nearly three o’clock. Going to the schoolhouse everything seemed very still, so one of the boys went around to the side window and looked in. There lay our t stretched out on his bench, his coat rolled up for a pillow, and sound asleep.
It was pretty cold outside, we did not want to waken him, so we opened the door, walked quietly in and all stood behind the stove till one of us sneezed and our teacher sat up. Looking at his watch, and then around the room and seeing us at last, he said “Take your seats”.
In a few minutes he said, “We will now take our geography class. You may all come to the front. “One of you put some wood in the stove, and I want you,” pointing to one of the others, “to draw a map on the board of the St. Lawrence River, showing towns from Prescott at the east to Gananoque at the west.” Then
He picked up his medical book and went on reading.
The boy at the board was an artist who could draw a plan of any farmhouse and barn in the neighbourhood so that you knew at once whose it was. He started with the rapids below Prescott and a drawing of the town, then came to Maitland, where another group of buildings was shown, with the windmill tower, then on to Brockville. Then we saw what he was doing. It was a picture of the creek, the Parslow buildings, the Thompson place and the pond and rapids.
Then to finish it, the barn and house of the Howard place with a drawing of the old well, the long pole on the post, and the rope and bucket to lower into the water ! It was pretty hard for us to keep from laughing. He then drew a picture of the school, adding some other buildings to represent Gananoque. The teacher stood up, walked over to the board and said, “You have got your plan the wrong way, the rapids run east and you have them running west.” He went on to Maitland and said, “Yes, you have got the windmill in all right.” Then on to Brockville. “Hum, yes, very good but you have put the towns on the wrong side of the river. But what is this post with the pole and bucket hanging down on the rope?”
“Oh,” the boy said “That is the pump house at the waterworks.” Well that broke up the geography class, and in a few minutes we were on our way home.
I never found out whether our teacher recognized the drawing, but we did and had many a laugh over it all. I would like to have that picture now.
Skating parties were all the rage, as each winter brought its share of ice. One year, 1887, there was a lovely sheet of ice on Gardiner’s flats, located just east of the Chemical Works on the Second Concession. One moonlight night we took our spring wagon, got a load of the young people on board and drove down to the ice, There was a big crowd fro that neighbourhood already on the ice, a chair and hand sleigh had been brought and the girls who could not skate were treated to a swift ride, or just hung on to the chair and tried not to fall down. A couple of the boys would get one of the girls on the sleigh, go away up the ice and swing around, sometimes the runner would catch a root in turning and away the passenger would go rolling over again and again.
When we started for home after getting our passengers on board, a lot of the boys going our way climbed on the wagon, and finally with the heavier load the rrear axle started to bend, with the result that one of the wheels was rubbing the box. We had to unload our passengers, all but the driver and walk the three and a half miles back to the farm.
I have many pleasant memories of my good times on my skates but that night always seems to be a highlight of them all.
This story is taken from the book “How Dear to My Heart” by Walter Kilborn Billings, published in 1954.
The Old Perth Road, which ran north-west from Brockville to Perth, followed a path that is in many ways similar to that of the modern Highway #29. There were, however, some significant differences on its specific path.
Although much of the southern portion of the Perth Trail is lost in the mists of time, having fallen to the development and expansion of Brockville and its environs, it probably started in the west end of town where Perth Street intersects King Street West.
From here, it made its way to what is now the intersection of the Parslow Road and Country Road #27 (Centennial Road). It travelled north along Parslow Road, past Kilkenny Road and onto what is now Rowsome Road. It did not however, immediately curve right at this point, as Rowsome Road does, but continued north to what is now the intersection of Murray Road and Highway #29.
At this point, aside from minor deviations, the course of the Old Perth Road and the modern Highway #29 follow each other, up trough Spring Valley, Glen Buell, Forthton and Addison, finally passing beyond the boundaries of Elizabethtown Township and continuing to Smith’s Falls and then Perth.
The Old Perth Road was an important factor in the development of Elizabethtown, and places further north. Much of the early development in the township focuses on the route surrounding the old road. In addition to making settlement easier, the trail was used by many travellers, thus causing the rise of many fine inns that survive as homes to this day near Spring Valley, as well as those that have not survived in Tincap and Forthton.
The Old Perth Road also served in the defence of Upper Canada, seeing use as a supply route for British soldiers during the War of 1812.
There was at one time between Athens and Brockville as many as 13 inns. Some were large and clean offering good food and sleeping accommodations. The one mentioned by a Rev. Bell in about 1813 was of the other sort. He had been visiting with Rev. Smart in Brockville and had obtained a lift with a member of the congregation to about 11 miles north of Brockville on the Perth Road. He overnighted with a farmer and set out the following morning before dawn for Perth. Shortly, be came upon an Inn, and decided to stop for breakfast. It was a small log building, huddled close to the earth and possessing a dirty interior. The landlady sat with some farmhands at the only table, and at hearing his request, bade him to get outside and wait for her to finish eating. After a delay of some time, some spoiled mutton and fried bread was literally dropped in his lap as he sat at a crude bench in the outdoors. The rest of his trip was through heavy woods, navigating along blazed trails until he arrived at Rideau Ferry and then on to Perth.
(excerpts from “Highway #29- The Old Perth road, A look at the history and homes” by Michael Brown and Heritage Elizabethtown)
Route of the Old Perth Road on a map of 1861-62Route of the old Perth Road on a map of 1861-62
where the lath factory stood and was used until it became too small for the fast increasing population. The house next used was situated near Mr. Halliday’s store. The brick one was then built and used until 1867 when the stone one now in use was built.
village in the country, some activity or interesting diversion could always be found, to entertain ourselves, and occupy our recreational time. Typical of young children, we discovered a new and very different way of having fun, spending a few hours just relaxing, and, at the same time, touring the country side. Each day, Monday through Friday, the mail had to be delivered to the surrounding rural areas of Lyn, and this particular job belonged to a man named Mr. Ladd. Early every morning he would pick up the mail from the post office at Miller’s General Store, load his truck and head out to the back areas to deliver it. During the summer holidays one of the kids, who happened to be hanging around the store, asked Mr. Ladd, if he could go along, and assist him with the mail, and he agreed. This, as it turned out would be of great help, because now, if the mail box was located on the right hand side of the road, the truck pulled over and the helper could put the mail into the box, thus saving Mr. Ladd, from having to put the truck out of gear, hold the brake, lean over and place it in himself. The truck he drove was an old dark blue 1930’s Chevrolet with a square cab designed to hold two people, and on the back it had a large platform enclosed by front and side racks, probably used at one time to haul cans of milk. Having this helper along became a daily practice. Some of the other kids found out about these little jaunts their friend was making, so they asked Mr. Ladd if it would be all right if they could come along too, and being the good soul he was agreed. It wasn’t long before word spread, and soon the back of that old truck was beginning to fill up with anywhere from six to over a dozen kids. I honestly believe, even it there had been twenty or more kids, wanting to climb aboard and ride along, Mr. Ladd would have found some way of piling every one on. And the group was not all boys. This was one activity in which boys and girls joined together and shared the fun.
be secured. A few of his acts are: Running forward and backward with feet encased in market baskets; Crossing wire blindfolded with a bul lap bag; walking backward with feet in hoops; carrying a cook stove to the centre of wire, cooking and eating a meal consisting of eggs, chops $c. Performance of one hour’s duration.
he immense canvas rose into space with the daring aeronaut clinging to a single trapeze bar, but the culmination of excitement was reached as the little cord was severed and the parachute commenced to drop. For a moment it rushed downward through space, until it filled with air, when it slowly floated away over the fields and woods and finally settled to the ground with its undaunted living freight unharmed. There need be no fear that the ascension will not take place, for if the weather proves unfavorable on the day named the high wire performance will be given instead and the balloon ascension made the following day. And then, if the weather is such that it is
most exciting scene during the fair. The process of inflating the balloon with hot air will be done in the presence of the assembled thousands. Prince Leo, the manager, is a thorough gentleman, courteous to all, and will be pleased to answer any questions relating to his feelings and experiences in the many hundreds of ascensions he has made in different parts of the world. Miss VanTassell will also personally superintend the process of inflation and see that everything is in proper order before the word to cast off is given. The opportunity to see this may never occur again, as the expense of getting this exhibition is enormous.
to return their sincere thank to exhibitors and visitors who have annually assisted to make the Fair a success. Year after year the Fair has grown in popular favour, until it is generally conceded, even by our rivals, that the Unionville Fair far outstrips all others in Eastern Ontario in the number and variety of its exhibits, the immense number that yearly congregate within its enclosures, and in the excellence of its arrangements for catering to the wants and whims of a fair going people. Our buildings are the largest and best arranged of any east of Kingston, while the Cattle, Sheep, Swine, and Poultry sheds and pens are large in number and admirably adapted to the requirements of those exhibiting. For this season we can only add that everything will be put in first class order and that no pains or expense will be spared to keep up the reputation of the Unionville Fair.
roomy with a smooth surface, and having a convenient Judges’ stand in the centre. Our fair was always noted for the largest and best exhibits of horses in the whole eastern portion of the province, and present indications are that there will be a good show in that class this fall.
f a cereal of any kind we would ask him by all means to bring it along to help keep the exhibits up to the quality usually shown. Our prizes are such as to pay any one well to make and extra effort to bring in a good sample.
always quite a lot of animals in these classes that change hands during the fair, and there is no better place for a buyer to go than to a place where he can see competing animals side by side.
if you have not enough of your own family to fill every seat, give an invitation to your neighbour to jump in and come to the greatest show on earth.
and admiration Miss VanTassel’s daring aerial sights.
Another very interesting attraction at the coming fair will be O’Connell & Salvail’s clown circus, museum and trained animal show, which will certainly be on the grounds on the last two days. Six different kinds of large colored lithographs will be hung up in a few days, giving full particulars.
and best collection of stock, grain, roots, ladies’ work and the thousand and one things that go to make up a great aggregation of agricultural products and handiwork of the farmers, mechanics, and dairymen of Leeds county. Unionville fair officers never deceived the public. They always advertise thoroughly what they have to offer their patrons and always carry out what they advertise; so that any announcements that appear over the signatures of the society may be relied upon as being bona fide. Further announcements will be made from time to time through these columns. The above is merely an introduction of what is to follow.
the trigger on the
the dwelling was built by Robert McLean. Five generations lived in the house until 1933 when it was sold.
