Welland History .ca

Historic EVENTS in and around Welland

THE CURFEW BELL

[Welland Tribune, 1 February 1910]

On Sunday morning Rev. J.H. McBain stated that men in the forests with wild beasts about them, were in no more danger than the young boys and girls who roamed the streets of Welland when they should be in bed, or at least under the shelter of their own roof. On the streets at night, unprotected, they would place themselves in a position where they heard all manner of bad language, and thoughts would perhaps be imprinted on their brains that might never be erased. Referring to the moving picture shows, Mr. McBain said that he would not condemn them, but felt that they should be made as instructive as possible.

In interviewing an East Main St. merchant on the subject, the merchant said, “I fully believe in the curfew bell. I consider things are desperate among the boys and girls of Welland, who are permitted to roam the streets, and there will be a sorry reckoning in the future unless something is done. I know of a case not long ago where two youngsters slept all night in a barn, and so indifferent were their parents, I don’t believe they made any special search for them. By all means, let us have the curfew bell.”

Add A Comment

You must be logged in to post a comment.