GOOD-BYE CHARLEY

[Welland Tribune, 2 December 1892]

Charles Trimble, formerly a partner with W.G. Somerville as agents for the Massey-Harris Co., is about to remove to Dunnville. Charley is a universal favorite here, and his late partner felt that he could not see him leave the town in which he had so long resided, without tendering him a fitting farewell. The happy event took place on Tuesday night at the Welland House in the shape of a complimentary supper. It was a representative gathering, and the guest of the evening might well feel proud of the many good and sincere expressions that fell from the lips of those present. It was 10 p.m. when W.M. German, chairman-in-chief pulled the bell that signaled the attack upon the good things. And let us say, right here, that as caterers Mr. and Mrs. Vanderburgh cannot be too highly praised. The banquet table was a bright and tempting sight, and the menu first class and neatly served. Opening with a full course of roast fowl and the various meats, the bill of fare satisfied the most exacting epicure to the very end. The supper was an elegant one in every way, and reflects great credit on the taste and skill of the host and hostess. On the right of Mr. German sat the guest, Charles Trimble; on the left Messrs. Henning and Somerville, the former general agent and the latter local agent for the Massey-Harris Co., whose name and fame as binder manufacturers are known over the civilized globe-and many parts that are not civilized. Dr. Glasgow occupied the vice-chair. Among those present were ex-M.P.s, ex mayors and would be mayors, aldermen, merchants, lawyers, doctors, insurance men, newspapermen, a world’s fair representative, farmers and business men generally.

We will not attempt to give even a resume of the speeches. The various toasts were heartily honored and responded to with a will, songs slipping in nicely between heats. The chairman led off with an expression of deep regret that Welland was about to lose an honest and upright citizen and a good business man and devoutly hoped that prosperity would follow Mr. Trimble to his new home-Dunnville. Almost every person present spoke, and the universal sentiment was that of regret that Mr. Trimble was about to say good-bye to our town. Mr. Henning complimented Messrs. Somerville & Trimble upon the good work they had done for his firm-and said no other town in Ontario excelled Welland’s record for sales of machines. Mr. Somerville spoke of the years the firm had existed, and said not a harsh word had marred their business connection. He regretted Mr. Trimble’s departure and would be glad if some day circumstances called him back again. And so the ball went around. Mr. Trimble replied to the avalanche of kind words in a brief speech, in which he thanked the company for the honor conferred upon him, hoped ever to deserve it, and trusted it would be his lot to meet many people from the good town of Welland in future. The gathering dispersed after midnight-and thus ended one of those merry social reunions, the pleasure of which lives long in the memories of those present.