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O’REILLY’S BRIDGE
PART 1
Over time I have driven often across the old iron O’Reilly’s Bridge and canoed on the waterway that once was an important transportation route for early settlers. As an historical feature of the Welland River, I failed to acknowledge to myself that the bridge would disappear with time and be replaced by a modern, concrete structure. In my research I have read about so many old buildings disappearing from the landscape and wondered what the towns would have looked like in earlier days. Vintage postcards are an excellent way to view how life was. In the old newspapers there is references to O’Reilly’s Bridge and the community of people living nearby. Squire John B. O’Reilly farmed the land and it is documented that Pelham children used the bridge to reach their school.
Here is a sample of an event, 16 January 1909, documented in the Welland Tribune by One Who Knows, a correspondent for the early newspaper.
O’REILLY’S BRIDGE
Farewell and Oyster Supper
On Friday evening, Jan. 22nd, an oyster supper was held at the spacious home of Mr. and Mrs. R.A Phillips, who are about leaving the vicinity, having rented their farm to Mr. W.W. Dilts of Welland.
Although the night was dark and the roads bad, a large number of neighbors and friends were present to bid adieu to the inmates of the home, who have always been noted for generosity a kind hospitality.
The success of the evening was largely due to the untiring efforts of Mr. C. McCollum and Captain Hunter, who were the chief promoters of the very pleasant affair. After the oysters and other good things were disposed of, social chat and games, combined with selections on the piano, were enjoyed till the “wee sma hours,” when all wended their way homeward, after wishing Robbie and his family bon voyage in their future abode.
Mr. Phillips, we understand, intends moving on a fruit farm near St. Catharines.
O’REILLYS BRIDGE
[Welland Tribune, 29 January 1909]
Mrs. George Dochstader, who has been very ill, is improving.
Mr. and Mrs. Lounsberry of Canboro are visiting their son, P. Lounsberry.
Marcena Criegar, who insured his foot some time ago, is able to use it now.
The revival meetings, we are informed, have been postponed on account of the roads until next Monday evening.
We are glad to welcome Mr. Irwin and family, who are moving from Lindsay this week, to our neighborhood.
Miss Mable Woodwork of Binbrook arrived on Tuesday to spend several weeks with her sister, Mrs. Robert Murphy.
[Report of the oyster supper sent in by this correspondent has been published in a previous issue.-Ed.]
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