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[Welland Tribune, 1987]
 Workers complete the excavation of Lock 24 on the first Welland Canal in St. Catharines, constructed in the 1820s and discontinued in the 1840s when the second canal was built.
The wooden canal had ships pulled through by horses and mules, and was built of wood as the most economical way of building the waterway. The first canal ended at Port Robinson where ships were locked down into the Welland River.
The excavation, carried out by the Welland Canal Conservation Authority is now completed and the lock has been re-buried under tonnes of earth to preserve it. The lock was believed to be the only one remaining of the roughly 40 locks in the first canal. |
Excavation-history in the making
By Paul Bagnell
[Welland Tribune, 4 June 1987]
ST. CATHARINES-Lock 24 is again under tonnes of earth-perhaps for good this time-but many of its secrets have been pulled forever to the surface.
The new complete excavation of Lock 24 in St. Catharines, one of those that made up the original Welland Canal, has both confirmed previously held beliefs and shed new light on the construction of the first canal.
“It was history in the making,” says John Mathot of the Welland Canals Preservation Association of the canal’s construction. The excavation project of Lock 24 has brought into clearer focus exactly how that history was made.
“Several things surprised us,” said Mathot. “One was that it was 28 feet deep, not 15 feet, as the literature tells us. Also, some of the lower portions were built with stone blocks-it was supposed to have been built all of wood.”
Also found were sluice gates in the lock’s doors. The gate allowed water to flow through the doors, taking pressure off them as they moved open or closed. Other methods could have been used to accomplish the same effect, Mathot said, and canal experts until now have had no idea which was used on the original canal.
“That was a real bonus,” Mathot said.
During the dig, about 3,000 people appeared to view the old structure.
Lock 24 measures 110 feet long and 22 feet wide. It had a lift (the vertical distance a vessel would have travelled after exiting) of ten feet and a draft (the distance between a ship’s bottom and the floor of the lock) of eight feet. It had a floor of oak planks and “cribs” used to support the wooden walls. It was built with a “tongue and groove” construction, its massive oak beams being held in place with wooden pegs.
The lock is believed to be the only one remaining from the first Welland Canal, built in the 1820s. It is thought the roughly 40 other locks were dismantled so that their oak timbers could be sold off, a theory supported by old newspaper advertisements offering them for sale.
The project was carried out by a London, Ontario firm experienced in archeological digs. A team of four archeologists and five workers used a bulldozer, a front-end loader and finally hand tools to bring the lock into view.
The threat of liability arising from accidents prevented it from being left open, said Mathot, but the sluice gate and other artifacts found-tools, bottles and pieces of pottery-will be sent to museums and a replica of the lock is planned to be constructed.
The lock has been remarkably will preserved since being buried roughly 140 years ago. A high level of underground water and the fact it was buried in clay-rich soil kept air from its huge oak beams, preventing them from decaying.
The first canal was built by the Merritt-Welland Canal Company in the 1820s. Because they were a private company, they chose wood beams as the most economical way of building the waterway. The second and third canals were built with stone blocks.
[Welland Tribune January 3, 1940]
Progress being made on excavation work for mill and elevator.
With the return of Lorne Sandberg, superintendent in charge of construction for Carter-Halls-Aldinger Co. Ltd. tomorrow from a Christmas vacation in Winnipeg, increased activity is expected at the site of the new Robin Hood Milling Co. Mill and elevator at Ramey’s Bend. Some 150 lined up early yesterday seeking employment while there was a steady list of applicants during the day.
Excavation work is continuing and work is in progress on a roadway into the site on the west side of the canal at the Humberstone village line from Omer avenue. The construction of wooden forms for the concrete has not started as yet and the N.S. and T.spur into the site of the 2,000,000 bushel elevator and 4,000 bag mill is not yet complete.
It is expected that a large construction crew will be employed within the next two weeks as work gets under way following the excavation.
FIFTY MEN ON CONSTRUCTION
[Welland Tribune January 8, 1940]
Railway siding to site will be completed in few days.
Preliminary work on the construction of the new Robin Hood mill and elevator at Ramey’s Bend in Humberstone township is being held up for a few days because of the fact that the N.S, and T. Siding into the sitte on the west side of the canal at the Humberstone village line is not complete. The siding will not be completed until the middle of this week, according to Lorne Sandberg, superintendent in charge of construction for Carter-Halls-Aldinger Co. Ltd., contractors.
At present some 50 men are employed along with 12 trucks in excavation work which continues 24 hours a day in three eight-hour shifts. With the completion of the siding this week, said Mr. Sandberg, more men would be employed.
The lumber for forms would not arrive until next week, said the superintendent, but four car loads of heavy machinery, now on a siding in Port Colborne, would be moved into the site this week with completion of the company’s siding. A fifth carload would arrive thus week, he said.
[Welland Tribune, 22 October 1897]
For three weeks the prize-takers at the county fair have been disappointed in getting their prize- money. After several attempts to meet, the directors met on Wednesday of last week and agreed to pay all prizes in full, instructing the president and treasurer to negotiate a loan of some $300 to make both ends meet. This was easier said than done, unless the directors would become personally responsible, and the loan had not been made on Saturday last. These disappointments are very annoying to prize winners and doubly annoying to the treasurer, whose office has been besieged every Saturday of late. In view of the fact that Welland county pays much larger prizes in most of their classes than does Pelham, Netherby, or other local fairs,-we think it very unwise of the management to run the society $300 into debt to pay the prizes in fall. If 25% were deducted, the prizes would then be as large as paid at most fairs, and the funds on hand would go a long way toward meeting the indebtedness.
[Welland Tribune, 22 October 1897]
ANOTHER gas well is talked of in Welland town. Two capitalists are willing to each take one-third the necessary stock, and if the third man is forthcoming it is a go. It is understood wells can be sunk now for about one-half the cost of those previously put down here. It may not be generally known but is nevertheless a fact, that gas is still escaping from the well first put down here some five years ago, and in sufficient quantity that had the well been located nearer the town, (to obviate considerable piping, it would pay a good interest on the sum it would cost to sink a well at the present time.
The town bell gives us plenty of music nowadays.
THE fairs are over and still the rain refuses to come. The frog ponds are not yet filled for the winter campaign.
BROWN BROS. are fitting up their steam engine and apparatus to run their mill during the time the raceway is unwatered.
HARRY J. GIBSON has sold his property (next to Tribune office) to J.E. Whalley. The grocery and restaurant business is still for sale.
THE CANADIAN underwriters are anxiously enquiring about our fire protection, having heard “through the local papers” that the water supply is inefficient. The mayor instructed the clerk to reply that an 80 h,p. engine and two 40 h.p. boilers would be in working order in about three weeks, and that in the meantime the fire engine was in good working order. Also, that the automatic fire alarm system would be completed early next week.
MR. RAMEY’S testimony: Casper Ramey, our well-known bailiff, who was a victim to rheumatism, got a box of “Our Native Herbs” from Mr. Gross, the local agent, and meeting Mr. G. the other day he said: “Gross, I’m a new man; the pains have all left me.” Mr. Ramey’s testimony to the efficacy of “Our Native Herbs” was spontaneous and unsolicited.
[St. Catherines Constitutional, 4 June 1868]
At no period since its first opening, now twelve or more years ago, have we seen this popular resort in better order for the reception of visitors than at present. During the winter and spring months very great alterations and internal improvements have been in progress, under the superintendence of Mr. Graves, whose good taste and practical judgment in the fitting up and management of this first-class Hotel, has been thoroughly tested since his connection with it. The sitting-rooms; parlors, sleeping apartments, and bath-rooms have all received a careful overhauling, and the furniture in each now presents a renewed and inviting appearance. But it is in the grounds and out buildings that the most marked changes have been made and where the returning guest will be most agreeably surprised in the attractions available. To Mr. Dolson’s mechanical skill and the proprietor’s well-filled purse, the guests are indebted for the convenient and rather handsome bowling and billiard saloons, which now occupy the site of the old rookery that so long served for these purposes; and to the superintendent may be credited the remarkable transformation, from bleak unsightly stubble, to the beautifully sodded circles, terraces, fancy walks, croquet plots, trees, shrubbery, &c., which improve the general appearance. These will much tend to increase the comfort of guests and render their sojourn here more attractive than ever before. It is also in contemplation to still further beautify the grounds by the erection of a handsome fountain, and to improve boats and other sources of recreation not previously in use. While the owner is thus endeavoring to make the House deserving of patronage in every way, and thereby adding to the wealth of the Saints who reap large returns from the visitors in the goods annually sold them, there remains a duty to be discharged by the Council in improving the sidewalks and ditches approaching to the resort, that should no longer be neglected. The improvements immediately required have already been pointed out to the Chairman of the Street Committee, who admits their necessity and is willing to proceed with them when authorized to do so by other members. Let us hope that this authority will be given at the next meeting, and the reproach of bad walks and an indifference to an establishment of so much solid value to the community, will be removed at the earliest moment. There are very few merchants who have not reached respectable sums in their wealthy sales during the visiting season from the wealthy guests of the Stephenson House, and we feel certain they will cheerfully contribute their quota to do all the Corporation may be fairly asked for, to help the owner in the laudable enterprise he is now so praiseworthy carrying out. Mr. Hannifan is again in charge again in charge of the office and with Mr. Graves, will conduct the business in the same agreeable manner as last season.
Opening of the Fort Erie Jockey Club
A GRAND SUCCESS
[Welland Tribune, 18 June 1897]
The inaugural meeting of the Fort Erie Jockey Club began on Wednesday, and the opening day proved a brilliant debut for this new and enterprising sporting association. Perhaps the attendance was slightly below the anticipation of the management, but the crowd will no doubt increase as the merits of the meeting are better known. Jubilee Day, Dominion Day and Independence Day will no doubt contribute enormous crowds.
The track, grand stand, refreshment and betting rooms, barns, etc., will be the finest on the continent when completed, but there is considerable finishing yet to be done.
Nothing is lacking, however, to give the races all the pleasure and excitement necessary to the success of such a meeting, and a delighted throng of five or six thousand people left the track at the close of the program.
The grand stand is a mammoth structure of solid iron frame, seated with modern chairs, and giving spectators a grand view of the whole course. The judge’s stand is a neat structure shaded by a giant “parachute,” but the band stand is not yet erected.
The barns are constructed on the same liberal scale as all other buildings on the grounds, and when the stables are all completed Gravesend, Saratoga, Windsor, and other club barns throughout the continent will be completely eclipsed. The track itself is a model and very fast, and by today the steeple-chase courses and polo grounds will be ready for the jumpers and polo ponies.
Wednesday’s bill included six runs, and all were well contested with a hot finish under the wire. In the third race Innes’ bay mare Stake ran like the wind and won the greatest victory of the day. The time was 1.42, only 1 ¼ seconds behind the fastest mile ever made in Canada. A prettier run has not been seen anywhere this season, and the winning jockey was loudly applauded. The first race of the day was won by Ellsmere, a Canadian horse, owned by D.A. Bole of Woodstock.
The attendance was estimated at five thousand and the refreshment booths and betting rings did big business. Seventeen bookmakers were doing business, and some idea of the money they handle may be gained from the fact that they pay $100 a day each for the privilege.
The 74th Regiment band of Buffalo gave a fine program of music between the runs.
The officials of the track were: John Hood, Buffalo, president; W.M. German, Welland, vice-president; E.W. Oviatt of Buffalo, secretary; W.S. Tremaine, C.E. Norris, J.R. Stirling, Buffalo, managing committee; Messrs. Tremaine, German and Pringle (Toronto), stewards; Joseph J. Burke of New York, judge; W.J. Fitzpatrick of Saratoga, starter; A.H. Mills of Brooklyn, clerk of course; Frank Nelson of Toronto, handicapper; Richard Burke of New York, timer.
The train arrangements were perfect, both G.T.R. and M.C.R., giving first-class accommodation. The G.T.R. had the advantage of running direct to the track, and carried the bulk of the train crowd. Messrs. Colcleugh, Coulhurst, and other G.T.R. officials, handled their people with great satisfaction to the track management and the public.
Scores of minor officials and employees swarmed in all parts of the grounds, and we are free to admit that Welland was well represented on the pay roll.
The police managements were perfect. Chief Young of the Ontario police and officers Griffin and Mains, working in harmony with detectives from Buffalo, Hamilton and Toronto, kept the grounds pretty clear of the thug element. Many suspicious characters were escorted to the gate and given ticket of leave, while others were run into a coop and on Thursday morning fined $20 or sent to jail for twenty days. Two paid fines and eleven were grouped and sent to Welland in charge of officers Metcalfe, Seger and Shisler. Chief Young and staff deserve great credit for their clever handling of the unwashed.
Officers Oviatt, German and the management generally were constant in their efforts to have the meeting right up to high water mark, and they so far succeeded admirably. The press are comfortably located in the first row of the grand stand, wires connecting with Buffalo giving faculties for instant transmission of the result of every race the moment the horses cross the wire.
All lovers of good running and good music, who wish to spend an afternoon amid bright and interesting surroundings, should not fail to book themselves for a day with the Fort Erie Jockey Club.
The enclosure on Wednesday contained many handsome turnouts, including four tally-hos well freighted with the beauty and fashion of Buffalo and Niagara Falls. Mayor Jewett and many other well- known and prominent men occupied conspicuous seats in the boxes, and as the meeting advances and proves itself of that high standard that deserves liberal public recognition, the attendance will be even larger.
One thing is certain, that the Fort Erie Jockey Club deserves all the success that can be laid at its doors. The club worked against great odds and fought an uphill fight. Eight weeks ago the grounds were a barren clay mud hole, and in spite of almost endless rainy weather ever since, track and buildings have arisen as if by magic, until the Fort Erie Jockey Club can boost of the finest racing grounds on the continent.
Every day will give a great list of events, and Canadians will no doubt turn out largely to the meeting, especially on Jubilee day, when extra efforts will be made to make the bill worthy of the day. Now that the races are an assured success all the railways and steamers and busses are hustling to excel each other in giving good traffic accommodation. Wellanders will find good service on both railways, with special trains leaving Fort Erie about 5.40 each evening.
The stabling of four hundred horses and the boarding of nearly one thousand men for a season each year will prove a fine thing for the farmers, who will ready sale for their hay, grain and produce at good cash prices.
[Welland Tribune, 8 October 1897]
$3500.00
On easy terms will buy the residence of the late Jas. McGlashan, in the
TOWN OF WELLAND
Situated on the Welland River. Most favorably connected with the business centres and railway depot. Large grounds, beautiful trees and ornamental shrubbery artistically kept. Modern commodious house in perfect repair; heated with furnace; lighted with electricity; hot and cold water throughout, with private sewerage.
For particulars apply to MISS McGLASHAN at residence, or
L. McGLASHAN, Humberstone.
Council Decides to Engage Willis Chipman, the Best Authority in Canada-Dr. Burgar, M.H.O.
[Welland Tribune, 16 July 1907]
The chief effort of Thursday night’s special meeting of the Council was the address from the Board of Trade urging the necessity of a sewer system.
The deputation consisted of A.O. Beatty, Geo. H. Burgar, Robt. Bowie, M.C. Goodsir and R. Cooper.
Mr. Beatty was the first speaker. He said the Board of Trade was unanimously of the opinion that a first-class sanitary engineer should be secured to lay out a system. He admitted that Engineer McCaw was a very bright, smart young man but he was lacking in experience. What was wanted was an engineer who stood out without a peer. Mr. Beatty proceeded to point out defects in sewers that had already been laid. Mr. McCaw would work in with the expert and then he would be a position to take charge of the work of the town in future years. The engineer should have all possible latitude. What was wanted was a system that could not be excelled.
Mr. Bowie told of his experience in the building of sewers in Brockville. There the same question had been met that was now on the table before the Council. It was admitted that Brockville had the second best sanitary system in United States or Canada. Welland wanted a system to cover the ground. Then the parts could be built as they would need it. To take this step would never be regretted. Mr. Bowie suggested that Mr. McCaw be associated with an expert.
Mr. Burgar claimed that for years he had favored the proposal that his delegation was now urging upon the Council.
Mr. Cooper thought the balance of our sewer work should be done in the best possible way. The local engineer should work with the expert engaged. For his part he will do what he could to make the thing go of smoothly.
Mr. Crow promised the delegation that immediate action would be taken.
Mr. Beatty named Willis Chapman as the leading sanitary engineer in Canada.
The Mayor was instructed to communicate at once with Willis Chapman.
The contract for sewer on Franklin Street was let to Robert Foster for $500.
All other sewers will now be held over pending the decision of the expert engineer.
[St. Catharines Constitutional, 13 January 1870]
We are much pleased to notice that this sterling Conservative journal has donned a new dress, and now looks as neat as neat can be. We hope the enterprise shown will be generally repaid by a discerning public, who should understand that everything that enters into newspaper use, must be paid in hard cash, whether long-winded subsribers pay in truck or don’t pay at all.
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