Results for ‘General Events’
[Welland Telegraph, 23 January 1891]
The masonic ball last Friday night was one of the most brilliant affairs which ever took place in Welland. Never before in the history of Orient Hall was such a beautiful assembly gathered within its walls, and never were the decorations arranged with more artistic taste. The stage furnishings represented a drawing room, while bunting, flags and flowers were hung or placed around the room where they contrasted to best advantage. Promptly at nine o’clock Philip’s orchestra, of Thorold, sent forth the entrancing strains of the grand march, which was responded to by 100 couples, and then the dance went on and “joy was unconfined,” and the grey dawn of morn streaked the eastern horizon ere the musicians put up their instruments, and the last dancers left the hall. Visitors from Thorold, Merritton, St. Catharines, Port Colborne, Niagara Falls and all parts of the county were present. The floor arrangements were under the supervision of Messrs. D.R. Pursel, Geo. Wells, S.J. Sidey, W.J. Best, A.E. Douglass and W.E. Hardison, and to such perfection was their part performed that there was not the semblance of hitch in anything. Luncheon was served in the masonic lodge room upstairs, about 250 sitting down to the tables. A large number of people were present who took no part in the dancing, and the stage was set apart for their accommodation, where they could indulge in social chat and watch the merry whirl beneath. Philip’s orchestra gave such satisfaction that its engagements in Welland are likely to be numerous in the future. The luncheon, which was provided by Mr. W.J. McCoppen, of the Mansion House, was a triumph of the cuisine. The proceeds, after paying all expenses, were $125. May such pleasant gatherings be at least of yearly occurrence, was the sentiment of all who were present.
SIX THOUSAND PEOPLE SPEND A HAPPY DAY
A Gorgeous Street Parade-Elegant Decorations-
Niagara Falls, Ont., Victorious In the Hook and Ladder Race
Welland Wins the Baseball Match From Dunnville
Scenes and Incidents of the Day
[31 July 1891, Welland Telegraph]
It is over. The Welland firemen’s demonstration of 1891 is numbered among things of the past, but it leaves behind a memory that is a monument to the integrity and executive ability of Merritt Fire Company, every member of which worked with a will for success from the conception of the idea until the consummation of the event. No little details were neglected; there is no shirking of responsibility; every man did his part and did it well.
To the citizens of Welland also must be attributed a good share of praise for the success which attended their efforts to extend a hearty welcome to the thousands of visitors who spent a day of pleasure.
The street decorations were gorgeous, and any attempt at a special description would be an exhibition of the inadequacy of the English language to express the real sentiment of admiration. On every street traversed by the parade artistically arranged bunting and evergreen, mingled with myriads of flags, had been arranged by almost every resident and business man. There was a good-natured rivalry, a seeming determination on the part of every man to outstrip the efforts of his neighbor, or to give birth to an original idea in artistic taste. East and West Main street and part of North Main street were avenues of gorgeous beauty, but to particularize would be invidious, where the neat costumes and bright eyes of pretty girls mingled with the decorations and made a panorama of exquisite loveliness.
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[Welland Tribune, 2 July 1897]
THE Ontario Silver Company of Humberstone has issued a unique and handsome Jubilee souvenir teaspoon. The bowl of the spoon has a finely engraved representation of the famous British battleship, the Camperdown, whilst the handle, which is gold plated, bears the inscription, “Diamond Jubilee. Sixty years prosperity to 360 Million People, 1837-1897.” The end of the handle is surmounted by a correct representation of the Queen, and the reverse of the handle represents Canadian emblems. It is all very handsome.
The Welland and Niagara Central Railways Damaged-A Boy Hurt-
Gardens Destroyed and Cellars Flooded.
St. Catharines Standard, Wednesday
[Welland Telegraph, 19 June 1891]
Thorold yesterday was pretty nearly washed away, and the inhabitants of the Mountain Town state that never in the history of the place have they been visited with such a storm.
Shortly after noon black clouds made their appearance in the distance but weather prophets foretold that no rain would interfere with the races and in consequence quite a number attended. They were, however, doomed to be disappointed, for shortly before three o’clock the sky began to get dark with black clouds. One of these clouds was particularly prominent by the manner in with it twisted and twirled round and round. This continued until the heavy mass hung right over the town when suddenly a brilliant flash of lightning followed by a terrific clap of thunder, startled the inhabitants, who began to make tracks for home. Before they had gone more than a few yards, however, the cloud seemed to expand and burst, and sheets of water descended drenching everybody and everything. The lightning flashed, the thunder roared, the rain came down, and the wind blew a regular hurricane. Hats and umbrellas were torn from the grasp of owners, window blinds were blown down, buggies were almost overturned, limbs of trees were torn off, and to make matters worse hail began to fall as large as hens’ eggs, barns, verandas, sheds, dwellings, in fact everything that afforded shelter was sought for eagerly by those who were caught in this the worst storm that ever struck Thorold. The storm lasted for two hours and during that time several accidents took place, the worst of which occurred to a boy of about 16 years of age, who was struck by a very heavy limb of a tree and severely injured but inquiries this morning as to his condition show that he is not hurt as badly as was at first thought. The lads name is Reuter. The telephone at the City Hotel was burned out by lightning.
The power house of the electric street railway was struck by lightning and the motor burned out, so that the car system was unable to work except horse power until after ten o’clock this morning.
The enormous amount of water that fell soon began to be noticeable, and in a short time the old canal began to rise, and by the time the storm was over the water had over flown the banks, but beyond flooding a few cellars no damage was done. On the railways, however, things were different. The water rushed into the gully at Lock 24 on the new canal, through which the G.T.R. Welland division trains run and washed the ties up and the road bed away. On the Niagara Central the road bed was badly washed up but is being repaired as quickly as possible.
The gravel and wrecking trains from Hamilton were sent for and after working all night the men have managed to put the G.T.R. line into shape again. Perhaps the heaviest private loss will fall on Mr. Jos. Hunt, whose gardens were flooded and damage to the amount of about $1,000 done. Telegraph wires fell but are being put up this morning. In Thorold almost every cellar was flooded. Some idea of the violence of the wind and rain may be gathered from the fact that they took every vestige of paint off a carriage in which were Ald. Frank Maguire and Mr. W.K. Pattison. Many other vehicles suffered in the same way. Umbrellas were useless in the blizzard and were destroyed by the score.
Ontario’s Latest Summer Resort-
A Charming Spot and Likely to Become the Most Fashionable Watering Place
[Welland Telegraph, 10 July 1891]
Residents in cities and towns are always anxious to find a suitable resort where they may spend the hot summer days; a place of easy access with all the comforts and conveniences necessary to the enjoyment of the tired worker; a place free from all city restrictions and styles; a place where they may roam about with their families without the everlasting fear of being run over by electric street cars or those wild and careless butcher’s boys; a place where they may wander on the sands and watch the ever changing scenes; a place where the continual chatter of buying and selling is not heard. To these, and there are thousands who are seeking such a retreat, Crystal Beach is destined to meet their wants. It is as a summer resort, a new place, this being its second year, but already it promises to be the most attractive place in the Niagara Peninsula. The gentleman who first struck the happy idea of building up this watering place is
MR. REBSTOCK
of the Rebstock Stove Manufacturing Company, of Buffalo. Mr. Rebstock came over last year in search of sand and succeeded in purchasing the farm and beach now known as Crystal Beach, and began shipping the sand to Buffalo, building a pier out to a sufficient length to allow the boats to come alongside, at the same time he removed his family from Buffalo to the farm house, which they occupied during the summer months, returning to Buffalo in the fall for the winter; early this spring they were back at the farm again, which during the winter underwent various improvements and additions, the outbuildings as well as the house now being in first class order and well worthy of a visit.
Mr. Rebstock was so pleased with his purchase that he invited last year a number of his friends from Buffalo to come over and spend their holidays under canvas. They were so delighted with the place that a steamer was put on the route from Buffalo to the Beach making three round trips daily; and the number of campers increased weekly. This so encouraged Mr. Rebstock that he set about making it the leading holiday nook outside of Buffalo and this year is to be seen the foundations of a large summer resort, situated in the most picturesque part of the county of Welland.
ITS LOCATION
It is situated about one and a half miles from the village of Ridgeway, on the main line of the Grand Trunk Railway between Buffalo and Goderich, and one hour’s sail from the City of Buffalo. From McLeod’s and the Queen’s Hotels, Ridgeway, conveyances may be had at all times to the Beach, and they make so many trips that there is no danger of being obliged to walk back to catch a train. From Buffalo the steamer Pearl makes four trips daily, leaving the city at 9.30 a.m..; 2.30. 5.00 and 7.30 p.m.; and although she can carry 1300 passengers, she has had difficulty once or twice already this season in conveying all the excursionists to and fro. Her average number daily during the season, with the exception of special occasions, has been about 1500, but one day last week over 3000 were brought over, and on Saturday last, being Independent Day, a still larger number were over.
The Pearl is well suited for the route and is fitted up to meet the requirements of patrons; the officers are all experienced men and very attentive, and in addition to the crew, a special orchestra, consisting three ladies and five gentlemen, has been engaged to play on the boat for the season, and it is admitted by the visitors that it is the best band on any of the boats sailing out of any American city.
THE HOTEL
A first-class family hotel, containing between 30 and 35 rooms with all modern improvements, has been erected this season and was opened to the public on the 4th inst. It is erected on the top of the hill and commands the finest view that can possibly be obtained. To stand on the balcony and take a survey of the beach and the immense bay from Point Abino right across to the American coast is a sight that will well repay the visitor for any trouble or inconvenience that he may have had to endure to get there. The rooms are all airy and well ventilated. The furniture is all new and substantial and everything is so arranged as to satisfy the tastes of the most fastidious. The bath rooms and lavatories are all fitted up with hot and cold water and the whole building is lighted up with natural gas obtained and piped from Ridgeway. Water is pumped from the lake into a large tank or reservoir at the rear of the hotel, from which all the different booths and houses about the park are supplied with water. The dining room of the hotel is a fine room and capable of holding a large number of diners at one time and is situated on the left as you enter the building, while on the right side is a large drawing room beautifully furnished and everything fitted up to make the visitor feel that the room is for use and not for show. It is the intention of the management to supply refreshments to the excursionists as well as to the resident visitors, but nothing in the way of intoxicating liquors will be sold or allowed on the premises. From the hotel there is an artistic rustic walk built right down to
THE BEACH
and pier, and here every day may be seen large groups of ladies and gentlemen sporting and romping in the clear water. On the right of the pier there is a large pavilion erected as a ladies’ dressing room and the beach on that side is for the sole use of the ladies, while the gentlemen’s beach is on the left of the pier. Here, in addition to a number of dressing rooms, is erected a toboggan slide from which the gentlemen can enjoy themselves to their heart’s desire. As a bathing beach there is no better. It is simply perfect, the sand extending out in the water to such a distance that it is not possible for the bather to step on stones, and there is no danger of shifting sand or dangerous currents, and to see the visitors lounging about on the sands is a sight not soon forgotten.
BOATING
A large number of boats are kept for hire, including outriggers, gigs and sailing boats, and experienced men are employed to look after them and to assist the pleasure seekers in every way possible. Before leaving the beach special mention should be made of the extension to the pier, built during the past spring, which now enables the largest of the excursion steamers to come alongside and land passengers. A custom house has also been built adjoining the pier, with Mr. Lewis House as officer, from whom a great deal of information can always be obtained respecting the locality and its many interesting sights.
COTTAGES
About fifty cottages are to be erected as quickly as possible on the top of the hill in a line with the hotel, and dotted here and there between the trees, giving to each one sufficient room for a lawn, flower gardens, etc. The first one is already finished and will be occupied shortly by the Rev. Mr. Pickard and family, of Buffalo, and there is no doubt but what the others will be occupied as soon as they are finished. A large number of campers have pitched their tents near where the cottages are being built, and the white canvas between the trees is indeed a pretty sight, and one that conveys to the mind of the onlooker that the occupants are out and away from the bustle and trials of this busy world.
RESTAURANT
The restaurant is situated in a very convenient spot near the hotel, and is large enough to accommodate at least 150 at a time; meals are prepared at all hours and everything is sold at moderate charges. The pic-nicer may here obtain hot water in any reasonable quantity, and all kinds of soft drinks can be had.
MAPLE GROVE
To get to Maple Grove from the hotel the visitor must take the rustic bridge, which is built across a romantic ravine and winds its crooked way around the hill until you arrive at the grove. To the lover of nature this winding walk is something grand, the little ravines to be seen at every point you turn, all showing evidences of having been well patronized by visitors, as pic-nic boxes and tins may be seen in immense numbers, and the panoramic landscape view to be seen of the richest farms in the district. All the under bush has been cleared in the grove, and tables erected in suitable places where families and friends can gather together and enjoy their lunch. For the
AMUSEMENT
of all, swings have been erected in suitable places, a dancing pavilion built, base ball ground laid out, and a special piece of land allotted to the lovers of lawn tennis. Of course there is a merry-go-round for the children, and shelters in case of rain in different parts of the resort. Repeating what has already been said, it is decidedly one of the prettiest spots that nature has given us, and under the present careful management its beauties will never be tampered with, but everything will be done to attract the traveller, and to make it so quiet and pleasant that everyone going may reap the benefits that they are in search of, and go back to their homes with renewed vigor and pleasant memories of their summer outing.
In concluding these remarks we would like to thank Mr. Fred E. Dark, the genial cashier, for the very courteous manner in which he treated the TELEGRAPH and for the useful information he gave, and ere long we trust to make another visit to Crystal Beach, hoping to have the pleasure of meeting the proprietor, Mr. Rebstock, who was away on business when we were there.
Crystal Beach, the memory of thy cool nooks will long remain green in the minds of those who have enjoyed thy pleasures. Natures hand has been liberal to thee, and mankind appreciates the gift.
FIRST STREET SCHOOL
[Welland Telegraph, 13 August 1912]
The new public school now being completed on the site, donated by the Plymouth Cordage Co., is the most modern and up-to-date school in the city. The building measures 65×100 feet and is two storeys high. There are three entrances, one main door and one each for the boys and girls, which are surmounted by large stone arches bearing the year 1911 in a wreath and “Boys and Girls” over the respective doors.* The building is all of brick with stone and concrete foundations and basement. There are two spacious halls and twenty-seven rooms, of which there are eight class rooms, sixteen cloak rooms, a large library and private studies for the teachers and the principal. The large class rooms and the principal’s room on the north side are separated by folding doors and the whole may be made into a large auditorium or assembly hall. In all there are one hundred and twenty-six large windows in the building, which make the rooms bright and cheery. In each of the class rooms and halls there are four electric light fixtures and one light in each of the cloak rooms.
The interior is now being decorated and from what work has been done an idea of the result may be obtained. The woodwork has been painted a light buff, this being the best color for school rooms, and a panel of green burlap circles the rooms about three feet from the floor-the whole presenting a very pleasant appearance. The ceilings are all of fireproof metal and the floors are hardwood throughout the building. Underneath the flooring is laid a mat known as Neponset florian sound deadening felt, which prevents all sounds. In each of the rooms there are three blackboards, one of slate and two made of Keene cement.
The building is ventilated by a hot air ventilating system, thus insuring fresh air and health. Each of the rooms have two doors which would be a great aid in the event of fire.
The Pease steam heating system is used and two large steam radiators are placed in each large room, and one smaller one in the cloak rooms. The boiler is installed in the basement.
It is estimated that each of the class rooms will accommodate forty pupils.
The stone work on the building has been done by G. Homan of Niagara Falls; J.E. Cutler, carpenter work, and J.H. Crow, plumbing. The plans were designed by A.E. Nicholson of St. Catharines.
The building is expected to be completed before the end of the summer holidays.
* Note: There is a photograph, page 231, of a salvaged stone arch in the book “Walking through Welland-celebrating150 years”.
Students, Parents and Friends Present at High and Vocational School Event
PRESENTATIONS MADE
Diplomas, Medals and Scholarships are Awarded
Valedictory Address Given
[The Welland-Port Colborne Evening Tribune, 26 November 1931]
The auditorium at the Welland high and vocational school was well filled last night with students, parents and friends on the occasion of the annual graduating exercises. An atmosphere of eager expectancy pervaded the assembly and met its climax when the orchestra, under the leadership of Norman Tuckwell, struck the opening notes of the march for the graduating classes. Led by Principal Guy E. Johnson, the large class took its place in the seats reserved at the front of the auditorium.
H.W. Macoomb, chairman of the Welland board of education, presided and other members of the board present with him on the platform were: Mrs. H.E. Thompkins, vice-chairman, David Rose, W.J. Thomas, J.J. Haffey and Emile Darte. Principal Guy E. Johnson, A.L. Smith and John Young, of the advisory board of the vocational school were also on the platform.
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PAPERS HELD ON CHURCH SINCE 1912 ARE REDUCED TO ASHES
LARGE ATTENDANCE AT RAYMOND HALL FOR CEREMONY-W.A. PRAISED
[The Welland-Port Colborne Evening Tribune, 16 December 1931]
Raymond auditorium was well filled last night when in a special service of unusual significance, staged under the auspices of the Women’s Auxiliary of Holy Trinity church, the mortgage papers held on the new church since 1912, were reduced to a heap of ashes. Ven. Archdeacon N.I. Perry officiated as chairman and present with him on the platform were Mrs. H.A. Fifield, immediate past president of the organization; Mrs. G. Russell, newly elected president and Mrs. R.V. Garrett, secretary. Archdeacon Perry expressed his gratitude to the large number of members and friends assembled to witness the ceremony and paid glowing tribute to the untiring efforts of the Women’s Auxiliary which had made such an event possible.
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[Welland Tribune, 30 May 1872]
On Sunday evening last, whilst Mr. Ralph Rice and his sisters, Miss Belle Rice and Mrs. Henry Garner, of Pelham, were proceeding homeward from attendance at the re-opening services in the Wesleyan Church here, a serious accident befel them. They were in a democrat wagon, and when driving past Mr. Thomas Griffith’s place, the horses started up suddenly, loosening the hinder seat and throwing it and its occupants, the two ladies, backwards out of the wagon and on the hard road. Both ladies were badly jarred by the fall, Miss Rice so much as to be rendered insensible for a time. They were immediately taken into Mr. Griffith’s house and placed under a doctor’s care, and have since recovered sufficiently to enable them to proceed to their homes.
PERSONS FALLING IN WATER WILL BE ABLE TO GRAB LINKS
[The Welland-Port Colborne Evening Tribune, 7 November 1931]
The Tribune was informed today that the safety chains now being erected on the west bank of the canal north of the Main street lift bridge would be approximately 15 feet apart, and that in time they would be erected on both the east and west banks of the canal. This will make it comparatively easy for those who happen to fall into the canal to save themselves, it was pointed out, the chains being so set that they can be easily reached by those in the water.
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