[Welland Tribune, 21 January 1898]
A gathering of children, grandchildren and great grandchildren of the Swayze family was held at the old homestead and residence of Daniel R. Swayze on the evening of January 17, 1898, in the nature of an oyster supper and entertainment. After ample justice had been done at the tables, all repaired to the parlor and enjoyed a brief history of the early life and enterprises of W.H. Swayze, sr., now nearly 78 years old, and who is still enjoying good health, who, with his six sons and their families now number 47. David J. Swayze made a few remarks touching the gathering, and of the pleasure of meeting their youngest brother, J.R. Swayze of Milwaukee. George A. Swayze spoke a few words in reference to the building of the brick house. Alexander Swayze spoke in regard to the early religious training at the fire-side. J.W. Swayze spoke of the blessings that have surrounded us, and the greatest object in our lives should be to glorify God who had created us for that purpose, and hoped we all might be spared to enjoy many such occasions as this.
A program was carried out.
After benediction all started for their homes, having spent a very pleasant evening and one long to be remembered.
[Welland Tribune, 25 November 1898]
New York, Nov. 21-A herd of jersey cows at Newtown, N.J., raided the refuse of a cider mill yesterday and became more joyously intoxicated than college students after a football game. The herd is the property of Joseph Rushland, a farmer living not far from Lambertville.
Rushland’s cows browse in a field at the lower end of which there is a cider mill. The cider mill has been working overtime lately. Outside and along the fence are great piles of compressed apples from which the quince has been squeezed. It rained on the pressed apples on Friday and Saturday and caused them to well and soften. The cows discovered the fruit and ate freely of it.
Perosns passing the lit in the afternoon were surprised to see a generally sedate old piebald cow, with her offspring by her side, doing a “hochee-koochie” and bellowing melodiously. Other cows of the herd stood by and gazed at her reprovingly, while still others lay contentedly on the ground.
The job of taking the inebriated herd home was of sufficient excitement to live in the history of Newton. The cows behaved like a lot of men paying liquid election bets. Even a small offspring of the sedate old piebald cow was hopelessly drunk and fell down every few feet.
Rushland says the numerous stomachs of a cow make the interior of the animal a regular still when it eats apples. The milk obtained from the herd last night was thrown away.
[Welland Tribune, 12 August 1898]
THE Telegraph printing office, which has been for sale for some time past, is about to change hands again. Mr. Thos. H. Sears has negotiated for the purchase of the office, and it is expected will assume possession on Monday next. Mr. Sears was formerly in the employ of the telegraph and is well and favorably known to this community. Since leaving Welland he published a paper at Preston, after that at Galt, and latterly he has been travelling in the interests of the Toronto Type Foundry Co.
[Welland Tribune, 12 August 1898]
(Written for the Tribune)
The very jolly crowd of Wellanders camping at Lake View grove this last week have spent a most enjoyable time. The tents were pitched on Thursday, since when “sounds of revelry by night” have broken the quiet stillness which pervades this pretty spot. Both tents are situated on rising knolls and carefully sheltered by pine trees. Two natural canopies of pines form the resting places of two hammocks. Many pleasant little tete-a-tetes take place in these, but we are not privileged to enter into these further details. The camp, or, as the girls call it, the “Angel’s Retreat,” has had many callers. The following have registered in the log book of the camp during the week: — Mrs. R. H. Harcourt, Mrs. H. A. Rose, Mrs. W. L. Beatty, Mrs. Coulson, Mrs. J. E. Cohoe, Mrs.McCollum, Mrs. McMullen (of Buffalo), the Misses Page, Miss Brown, Miss Schooley, Miss EthelCarter, Miss Coulson, Nellie Ross, Clarabelle Buchner, Orphie Wilson, Nettie Morin, Lizzie Morin, Fannie Hobson, Gordon Casper, Charlie Coulson, J. Gillam (of Buffalo), W. Raymond and C. Donald (of Toronto), L. C. Raymond F. Griffiths, H. Macoomb, R. Cassells and others.
Breakfast at 8 o’clock is our first knowledge of the world after the sun rises; then comes a swim on the sloping sandy beach. Several of our young ladies are like mermaids in the water, and all enjoy this morning plunge. With so many military men in camp, drill is an important feature and our squad acquits itself in a very able manner. Sunday we were busy entertaining guests and nearly all attended divine service in the morning. We regret to say, however, that the pleasing accents of the parson were too much for some of us, and a quiet snooze soon made the morning pass away. Blue Monday, as it is called, quite appropriately states the condition of affairs on Monday, and the soldiers in camp at Santiago know just what we felt like in the drizzling rain. Monday night we had a glorious camp fire on the beach, and a party from St. Catharines joined us. We had a pleasant evening singing old songs and many new ones, and all regretted when the last dying embers of the huge fire announced to us that it was time to turn in.
Tuesday evening we had a most enjoyable dance in the pavilion, and on Wednesday the campers gave a large dance, to which many from outside invited. Last week five of the boys went out for a sail. The weather was a little squally, but we were prepared, as we thought it advisable to wear bathing suits. When about three hundred yards out our boat upset, and some gallant rescues took place. All that could be seen of Harry was a little red hat on the top of every wave as he bravely rescued an oar. With the exception of a thorough wetting, we fortunately escaped. Several midnight parades have been given, which were strictly dress parades. On evening a crowd of nightingales serenaded the boys’ camp, but the owls were wise and merely blinked their eyes. Revenge is sweet ! but at this time of writing we are unable to give detailed accounts of the manner of attack. A court martial was held at midnight on Wednesday on two of the boys. The finding of the court has not yet been rendered, but there is no doubt that a just verdict will be given. A great deal of evidence was heard. Another name has been given to the girls’ camp, and we believe it is placed on the opposite side of the placard – Angel’s Retreat; anyway it is the opposite to Angel’s Retreat.
Saturday three of Welland’s finest in the dancing line acted as judges on the prize waltz for married and single ladies, and also for the jig. Frank, Harry and Hugh were satisfied, but the girls didn’t see it that way. Well, we all danced with the prize winners, so I guess we ought to know.
The following poem addressed to our chaperone from one of the guests at our camp may prove interesting:
It sorely grieved me
To have to say to thee,
That I am unable to be
With the camping partie
On Wednesday, see !
The reason of my distress,
Is pressure of much business?
I should like to take a seat
In the shades of the Angel’s Retreat;
But a serious obstacle I meet
In the way of business, I repeat.
However, my regards to you and Nell,
Donna, May and Bessie well.
Remember me to the noisy crew,
Frank and Fred and Bob and Hugh,
Harry and ‘Gene, do not forget,
For all of these I recently met.
Wellandburg, Aug. 1898
Gene thought he had lost his wheel, but special detectives soon brought it to light. He has been buying cigars nearly all week. Did you say six fingers?
All the boys received little tokens on Wednesday morning as rewards for past services. Cigarettes chiefly. Give me a match please! Smoke all the time! Everybody smokes! Our camp was quite appropriately named “Smokey Hollow.” Everyone has his own little camp fire every night. Hugh and Fred are the champion pedro players, but there are some good seconds.
We have had a merry time, and the photo group which was taken on Thursday morning will be cherished by all as a souvenir of a most pleasant fortnight. Our hosts at the motel have been kindness itself, and the whole camp take this means of expressing their very grateful thanks to Mr. and Mrs. White. The boys held an informal reception on Wednesday afternoon and ice cream and cake were served.
The discipline at camp is very strict and those out late at night must run the gauntlet of the sentry, and woe betake he who has forgotten the pass word for the mystic sign. The young ladies are all becoming delightfully tanned, and a most beautiful healthy brown. They say that flour is a good thing to keep the tan off. Well, they use enough!
A very pleasant concert was given on Saturday night at the hotel. Mr. Donald kindly responded to the numerous encores. He has a most pleasing voice.
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[Welland Tribune, 6 May 1898]
A new design has been adopted by the Michigan Central which will be used here-after on all advertising matter connected with the road. It consists of a winged female figure with a flowing tresses and drapery, indicating speed– no headlong, reckless, daring speed, but flying swiftly and easily, and with such perfect assurance and self-command as to appropriately carry upon the features an expression of pleasure and joy. The Genius of Speed rapidly and freely advancing toward the spectator, bearing above her a shield or banner emblazoned with a view of a Michigan Central train at Falls View, with the falls, islands and city of Niagara in the background, and the inscription “Michigan Central, the Niagara Falls Route.” The crest of these armorial bearings is the front of a great mogul locomotive engine, such as is used on the fast train of the Michigan Central, and which mark the greatest advance yet reached in engine construction. The shield or banner referred to is practically the same design as has been used by the Michigan Central for fifteen years and is peculiarly appropriate from the fact that the Michigan Central is distinctly “The Niagara Falls route.” and that its train alone pass directly and in full view of Niagara Falls, stopping in the day time at Falls View, as shown in the blazonry.
On the tablet below the figure is shown the names of the terminal and principal intermediate points on the system—Chicago, Detroit, Niagara Falls, New York, Boston; and the names of the general passenger and ticket agent. A novel feature in this artistic and forcible design, is that fact that it is executed in clay by the well-known sculptor, Hugo D. Loeb, cast in planter and then photographed. It will be used as a title page upon the Michigan Central time table folders and will play a prominent and important part in its future advertising.
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MANY COMMODIOUS RESIDENCES AND OTHER IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CANAL PORT TOWN
New $16,000.00 Water Works System
[Welland Tribune, 29 July 1898]
Port Colborne is on the move in building operations. Never in the history of the place or the memory of the oldest inhabitant has so many neat residences and other improvements been made in one year. Yet this is not all; there are yet more to follow, some of which will eclipse anything in town for magnitude and cost
One reporter took a cursory glance around the pretty little port one day this week and here is what his notes tell:
THE NEW WATERWORKS
The new waterworks system in the course of construction is going to be no second-class affair. Some three-and-a-half miles of mains cover the principal streets about town. Hydrants are placed at proper locations along the line, so that a sufficient supply of water will be available for fire protection, besides a good revenue will be obtained for the domestic use of the water, many of the citizens being ready to connect their house by pipes already laid to the mains. A large-stand pipe will be erected on the hill on Sugarloaf st., 80 ft. high, 12 ft. in diameter, standing on a solid concrete foundation some 16 feet down in the hill. A neat little pumping station has been erected at the end of West st., near the pier, and the water will be taken from a well which has been made under the pier. The water filters through the stone walls of the canal to the well, and consequently is much purified. In the pumping house is a 25-horsepower Rugar gas engine and an 8×10 Runsey pump, both machines being of American build. The pump and engine have just been set in position and a flow of water was sent through the mains on Monday morning for the first to flush out the hydrants. Everything passed off quite satisfactorily. In a few days a complete test will be made, when 120 lbs to the inch pressure will be placed on the mains. Mr. MacKay has had charge of the work of construction for W.B. Wilson of Buffalo.
S.J. McCOPPEN’S HOUSE
On Sugarloaf street and cornering on King is being built a handsome residence for S.J. McCoppen, tug owner. Augustine & Son are the contractors, and the building when completed bids fair to outrival any in town for being roomy, nicely laid out, interior and exterior finish. It is built on historic ground, the lot on which it stands being the spot where in the early ‘40s the officers of Her Majesty’s troops were quartered for some time. The most noticeable thing about Mr. McCoppen’s house is the majestic manner in which it rises from the ground up nearly 25 feet to the edge of the roof, which then in turn rises very sharply in cottage style, while pretty dormer windows just out here and there in the roofing. It is a two-and-a half storey building and will contain some 14 rooms, being fitted up with baths and gas and water conveniences. The interior will be of Norway pine throughout, and will be divided into double parlors, sitting room, kitchen, and a beautiful stairway and vestibule on the first floor. The second and third floors will be given to bed rooms and sitting rooms. Red cedar shingle form a graceful roofing for this pretty residence. The exterior is sided with wood and the whole structure covers 34×24 ft. ground space. In all probability when completed the building will cost $1,500.
DUNCAN ARMSTRONGS’S HOME
On the site of the location of his old residence is to be found the new structure of Duncan Armstrong. It is also a very neat residence and the object of many an admiring glance by the passer-by along King street. It is a two-storied building containing some twenty rooms, fitted up in a very handy and modern manner. Mr. Armstrong courteously showed the Tribune man the interior arrangement. The whole building reflects great credit on its builder, Reuben Neff of Humberstone. All modern equipments as baths, water and gas, are added. Surrounding the building stand some graceful maple shade trees already from eighteen to twenty inches in diameter and nearly forty feet high, which form a nice shade for the pretty verandah surrounding half of the building. One especial feature we noted was A very large single pane glass window nearly four feet square, topped by ornamental glass. The painters, under the supervision of Tulloch & Co., were at work decorating the interior, so that it will be ready for complete occupancy in a few days.
D. ROACH’S HOTEL
The improvements to the well-known hostelry known as Roach’s hotel next attracted our attention. Here complete renovation has been gone into with what was a veritable landmark for the town. The large hall above has been changed into some eight bed rooms. It seems that here was previously the only hall for all kinds of public meetings in the past, and that some of them has not been of the most peaceful kind. Downstairs the arrangements have been greatly changed, and three rooms can easily be transformed into a very large and spacious dining room by means of disappearing door-partitions if the needs require it. The whole building has been resided outside, repainted out and inside, re-plastered and otherwise thoroughly repaired, and is now a very neat and tastily arranged hotel.
Success to friend Roach.
Just as we cross the little government ferry we note an immense pile of brick and stone, which proves to be the material for the large residence being built for.
JAMES HAMILTON
It will be brick, standing on a foundation, which is already built. This latter is some 17 ½ feet high and instead of mortar cement has been used to adhere the stones together. It seems the ground here is very soft, and it was only by this way a good foundation was secured. The building will be one of the most spacious and commanding along the canal, costing nearly $3,000. The foundation measures 200 feet around and is on a level with the sidewalk. An immense amount of filling will be required to level the lot with the streets in front. It is expected the house will be completed for a tenant this fall.
Still further up, on a lot recently purchased from Sperry Carter, was pointed out to us the site of a new residence for Mrs. Parker.
MRS. PARKER
No work was begun, the contracts only being up for bids thereon. We understand the building is to also be a $3,000 or $3,500 affair, of very commanding appearance and modern in construction. It will be a 2 ½ storey brick structure, some 44×54 feet main, with an addition of 12×18 feet, the main portion being cottaged. There will be some 15 rooms in all, with 10 ft. 8, 9 ft. and 6 and 8 ft. ceilings. All the latest conveniences to be had will be added and a very neat residence will grace the site of what was once the British-North American hotel, one of the main hotels in the canal building era.
On the east side we note the G.T.R. has greatly improved the appearance of the interior of Erie Park, as has also Geo. Christmas at his pretty summer resort boarding house.
FRED CRONMILLER’S
Fred Cronmiller’s new residence was our next point of interest. This too is a very neat residence, containing some 12 rooms, besides bath room and ward-robes. Mr. Cronmiller has certainly a well-built house. Chas. Richmond of Humberstone was contractor, and he has given good value. The building is cottage shaped with many little modernized additions and portions, one in particular being the L shaped portion running out towards Welland street, upstairs projecting over and with a large 15 foot bay window below. Large plate glass windows adorn the openings, and when completed the interior will assuredly be very commodious and handily arranged, as appears now in the crude.
THERE ARE OTHERS
Before closing the article we must not pass by the many changes and re-arrangements such as the addition and rebuilding of Donald McGillivray’s residence, which has been especially arranged for the waterworks system, a very expensive bath equipment being added.
T. Roach of Welland has also greatly changed the appearance of a building owned by him, just north of the G.T.R. tracks, to a neat little residence, as has also J. Anderson transformed a building on Adelaide street.
The government house, occupied by local superintendent of the canal, G.W. Ramey, has been thoroughly overhauled, repainted inside and out, and a new roof added, at an expenditure of at least $500. The light houses have been repainted neatly by government order.
In the distance can be seen the extensive additions in the shape of a new 75-foot lime kiln to Reeb & Sons’ works’, as also looms up prominently the residence of F. J. Quin just over the line in Humberstone.
CAPTAIN JOHN MATHEW’S TUG MARY R.
While not a building, we cannot pass by this new boat, which has been added to the fleet which make this their home. The Mary R. is one of the best tugs in the harbor here. She was launched last spring, and has proven very satisfactory to her owner, Captain Mathews. She is some 48 feet long, with 16 foot beam, carrying a crew of 5 men. Her engines are of the latest pattern, the workmanship of David Bell of Buffalo, being able to knock off a pretty fast clip for a canal tug.
Nearly every other building has had the application of the paint brush, and on the whole the town has a decidedly improved and go-ahead appearance. We understand several other buildings are under negotiation or consideration for construction. As this article has not been intended to be minute, possibly a number of the improvements have been omitted, but we have at least touched as thoroughly as our space will permit, showing the decided improvement to the village.
Ontario Department of Agriculture
[Welland Tribune, 6 May 1898]
In building up the dairy industry of Ontario two things have been taught and urged, namely, purity and high quality of products and economy of production. Whatever sets back this great industry may have met in the past few years can be traced to a neglect of one or the other of these important points. The cheese industry of Ontario is now fairly well established, and the annual production of a large amount of well made, whole-milk cheese of uniform quality has given Canada a controlling influence in the British cheese market. Our creamery industry is now rapidly developing, and it is of vital importance that the strictest attention be paid to the turning out in an economical manner of butter of uniformly high quality, pure and unadulterated. This industry, will, if properly conducted, assume very large proportions, since the average consumption of butter is much greater than that of cheese, and the British imports of butter greatly exceed those of cheese. In the British market our butter meets in competition similar goods from Ireland. Demark, France, and United States, Australia and Argentina. Denmark has attained a chief place by studying the requirements of the market, and now produces nearly all of her creamery export butter from pasteurized milk or cream with the use of special ferments. In some of the countries exporting to Great Britain –Australia in particular- it has become a practice to use some kind of “preservative” in butter-making. Sometimes this is added to butter as a salt; sometimes it is added to the milk. These preservatives are sold under various names, such names as preservative, preservatine, preservitas, being favorites. They are nearly all mixtures of boracic acid. The increasing use of these preservatives has alarmed the British consumer, and most radical measures are now proposed to exclude all butter in which traces of these preservatives are found. The British public has become alarmed, the press is actively discussing the matter, and public officials are now on the lookout for butter so adulterated. The butter producers of Ontario must make no mistake. The use of any of these preservatives is dangerous to the dairy interests of this country. Everything possible should be done to discourage the use of such substances, and the press should as far as possible prevent the advertising of them in this country. Ontario has a reputation for producing pure dairy goods of high quality. Thar reputation must be maintained, and every person interested in the dairy business of Ontario should assist in preventing these “preservatives” from getting a foothold in this province. “An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.” We have a reputation now for making pure butter and cheese. Help to maintain that reputation. Do not advocate preservatives. Do not advertise preservatives. Do not use preservatives.
JOHN DRYDEN
Minister of agriculture for Ontario
Toronto, April 15th, 1898
Niagara Falls to Have a New Hotel-To Be Called “Le Premier”-
A Magnificent Site Selected.
[Welland Tribune, 1 July 1898]
The recent destruction of the celebrated Clifton House at Niagara Falls lends additional interest to a plan and prospectus of a palatial hotel at Niagara Falls which some of the railway companies have been discussing for some time and which must now come into prominence. The American side, hitherto the active hotel centre, is without any hotel suitable to the demands of modern travel and for this cause has ceased to retain the fashionable patronage which formerly centred there. Owing to the utilization of the water-power the town has become a bustling manufacturing place, seriously impairing its value as a summer resort. The Canadian side in contrast presents by far the best views of the Falls, with exceptionally attractive surroundings and soil.
The suggested name of the new hotel is “Le Premier.” The site chosen is on the bluff midway between the late Clifton house and Table Rock, with a full view of the Falls, Goat Island, Table Rock, etc. It comprises ten acres of admirable soil, has its frontage on the Queen’s Park of over 900 feet, and in the rear are the Michigan Central Railway and connections, in a cut 30 feet deep, both effectual barriers against objectionable neighbors. Peculiar value is claimed for this site in contrast with all the adjacent river frontage in its freedom from spray and consequent dampness which was often objectionable at the old Clifton. The completion of the steel arch bridge in a few months will open up facilities for electric street cars between the two sides of the river and effectually amalgamate the American and Canadian sides of the river.
The designs of the “Le Premier” appear worthy of its name. They are by Bruce Pride of New York, the distinguished architect of the celebrated Frontenac at Quebec, the “Banff” and other prominent hotels too numerous to mention. The projected building is to be 200 feet long, four storeys high, to contain 400 rooms and every improvement and luxury of the day, with simple space for ornamental grounds and games.
LOSS, $150,000
(Press Report}
[Welland Tribune, 28 June 1898]
THE TRIBUNE gives two reports of the Clifton house fire-the general press report and a report from our own correspondent. Where there is any difference in statement is may be assumed that our correspondent’s report is correct, as he had special advantages for securing a full and correct report.
NIAGARA FALLS, Sunday, June 26th.-The world-famed Clifton house tonight lies in ruins, being totally destroyed, together with its contents by fire this morning. When the flames were first noticed, they were in the rear of the big hotel, in the room over the kitchen, and, although the alarm was promptly given and the entire fire departments from both sides of the river responded promptly, the water supply in this particular portion of the town was not equal to the demand, as the flames shot their fiery tongues through the large hotel, and soon had it a burning furnace.
The fire was noticed about 12 o’clock, and burned fiercely until 2 o’clock. The flames that shot out of every window and towered high in the air seemed to laugh at the futile attempts of the laddies with their toy streams of water, and when they had exhausted their fury, the large four-storeyed hotel with its shady verandahs, supported with immense pillars, stood out a total wreck, the walls only standing to make the spot of the world-wide hostelry, that had been the home during the summer of the best families of America as well as Europe. The hotel counted amongst its many guests the royal families of Europe who had visited Niagara.
The hotel was a four-storeyed, a large stone roughcast-faced building, the letter “L” shape, with a court in the centre that contained a regular greenhouse of cool and shady promenades. The building contained 250 rooms, which were all very expensively furnished, and only the very best of the travel was catered for.
This morning 85 guests were on the register, and all of them, with their belongings were safely taken out of the place without a single hitch. Amongst those on the register were: Mr. and Mrs. John Penman, Paris; Dr. Laure and family, New Orleans; Mayor Taggart, Indianapolis, Ind.; Mr. James Mackenzie, Sarnia, Ont.
The hotel proper was first built by Harmanius Crysler, during 1836, who named it the Clifton House. It afterwards got into the hands of Mr. Zimmerman, who made quite an addition to it, and brought the place as a fashionable resort before the sightseers at Niagara. Its present proprietor Mr. George M. Colborn has controlled the place for 30 years past, and had everything to do with the famous name the hotel has throughout the world. Mr. Colborn is absent from home in Philadelphia, but has been apprised by wire of the loss. The hotel was owned by the late John T. Bush estate. Loss to the building, $100,000, partially covered by insurance; contents and furnishings, $50,000, partially covered by insurance. The cause of the fire is unknown as yet.
CLIFTON HOUSE BURNED DOWN-LOSS, $100,000-FULLY INSURED.
(From our own Correspondent)
[Welland Tribune, 28 June 1898]
On Saturday a portion of the Clifton house kitchen chimney was blown down, which probably left it in a defective condition, for at 9.30 on Sunday morning, the roof at the north-east corner of the building was discovered to be on fire, and Town Clerk Robinson, who happened to be in his office, was called up by telephone. He ran out, rang the alarm and the hose and hook and ladder companies were soon on the way with the patrol wagon full of hose. When they reached the Clifton house they found that an attempt had been made to check the fire by a “bucket brigade,” but unavailingly.
The firemen were soon at work, augmented by the West End Hose Co., Bender hose, Niagara Falls village firemen and three companies from across the river. There was plenty of hose, fully 150 firemen to use them, but the water pressure from only a four-inch main was too weak for effective work. Still the firemen worked hard with hose attached to the main on the hill behind the Lafayette, the hydrant on Ferry st., and the 6-inch main on Bender avenue. The flames spread rapidly a brisk gale blowing towards the front of the building. A gang of bridge workers’ gave great assistance at removing furniture and carpets, which were piled up in the park opposite, and a number of Miller & Brundage’s employees saved all the stock from their curiosity store in front of the building. All the guests (about fifty) and employees escaped without injury.
For four hours the flames played havoc with the east and front of the building, the floors falling at intervals, finally yielding to the many streams of water and want of material to burn.
The northeast corner, stables, cottages and large hall at back all escaped, but the rest of the building was gutted. Portions of walls and chimneys had to be pulled down to prevent accidents.
The great bulk of the furniture was burned. This property was covered by $15,000 insurance, and the building was also amply insured.
Mighty crowds watched the conflagration, and somewhat impeded the firemen. The Ontario and park police did good service and prevented pilfering, though we may hear a little on this point later.
Later in the evening we viewed the scene of desolation, and the firemen were still busy pouring water on the smoking ruins of pulling shaky walls down. The steam fire engine was taken up to pump water from the park pond, but it was out of repair and useless. The firemen were often in great danger, and it is wonderful how they escaped injury. One of our boys, Jos. Winterton, received a bad gash on the wrist. There were other minor mishaps, but nothing serious. The standing walls, composed of stone rubble, fronted with pebble plaster, seem to have been very strong. The front was two storeys and the east side four storeys high.
The fire was a calamity in many ways. First, it was the principal hotel at the Falls and an old landmark; and secondly, fully 75 people are thrown out of work, not to speak of the loss to business generally witch will ensue.
The property belongs to the widow of the late Hon. J.T. Bush, and was leased for many years past by G.M. Colburn, who is absent in New York. The first Clifton House was built in 1835 by Harminus Crysler, one of our pioneers, and was added to from time to time, being run by J. Cummings, Chippawa; Bromley & Sayers, the late Mr. Zimmerman, who was killed in the *Desjardin canal bridge accident in 1855, afterwards being purchased by late Hon. J.T. Bush, a well-known American citizen, who died about ten years ago. Clifton played no small roll, and in its day, entertained some of the world’s greatest people. The dismal ruin looks most depressing, surrounded as is by beautiful nature. What would have been a very prosperous season had just commenced. There were some fifty guests in the house most of whom crossed to the American side. Architect John Nichols told us it would take fully $60, 000 or more to replace the building as it stood. No doubt it will be built on a grander scale for its site is simply unequalled. We heard an authority say that the C.P.R. might build a great hostelry there. There is no doubt but that it will be replaced at an early day. If not by Mrs. J.T. Bush by some person or company. The firemen think they might have saved a large portion of the building had the water main been larger and pressure greater. However, they did their best, and deserve great praise for their pluck and perseverance. We would venture to suggest to the mayor and council that the firemen be sworn in as constables, which would give them some power to protect themselves from crowds, also that the water mains down Clifton Hill be enlarged. When the fire was at its height it presented a grand spectacle. Some difficulty also was experienced in bringing water across the M.C.R. track at the top of Clifton Hill, space having to be dug out under the rails to pass the hose through and prevent stoppage to trains.
The front of the Clifton house was somewhat Grecian in style, but the east side was as homely as a building could be, with nothing to relieve it but a plain verandah at each storey. This is the most serious fire the town has ever known, but perhaps a greater and grander building may soon spring up from the ashes of the famed Clifton house.
BACK IN THE FIFTIES
HAPPENING IN WELLAND COUNTY FORTY YEARS AGO
INTERESTING EXTRACTS
Mrs. A.E. Rooth of Port Colborne has favored us with copies of the Welland reporter, published in the village of Drummondville (now the Village of Niagara Falls), away back in the fifties. Our selections on Feb. 15th for a similar back number leave little more to be gleaned of interest to the present generation, but we cannot refrain from noting a few of the important events found in the Reporter’s columns.
DESJARDINS CANAL CATASTROPHE
The issue of March 19, 1857, gives a thrilling eight-column account of the dreadful railway accident which occurred at the Desjardins canal bridge on the Great Western railway, on the 12th of the same month. About sixty-four lives were lost in this fearful catastrophe, among the death list appearing the names of Samuel Zimmerman and Mr. and Mrs. John Bradfield of Niagara Falls, and John Morley of Thorold. Mr. Zimmerman was buried with Masonic honors, over two thousand people attending. The body was deposited in a vault built on his own grounds immediately below the house. Thos. C. Street and Dr. Macklem of Chippawa were injured in the accident. The Reporter appeared in full mourning; a day was set aside by the authorities as a holiday as a mark of respect to the memory of Samuel Zimmerman.
Welland Tribune
8 March 1895
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