Results for ‘General Events’
[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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“UNCLE ADAM” MISENER AND HIS HUNDREDTH BIRTHDAY
Gathering of His Descendants and Friends on Monday Last at Troy.
[Welland Tribune, 4 March 1898]
Troy, Ont., Feb. 25-the celebration of the one hundredth anniversary of the birthday of Adam Misener, a photogravure of whom appeared in the Grove of last Saturday, took place Monday afternoon and evening. The afternoon incident was a dinner in the town hall, followed by a public reception in the Methodist church in the evening, which was continued subsequently till a late hour at the old homestead. There were about 300 relatives and friends present. “Uncle Adam” as he is best known in the district, was taken by surprise. Among other things he stated that he had not realized till his birthday occasion that he had so many near relatives and friends, but was always satisfied that he had not an enemy. At the dinner “the centenarian” took the head of the table. On his right and left were seated the relatives and friends. Nine of his ten children are living, five of whom were present, as follows:-Conrad Misener of Troy; Henry Misener of Detroit, Mich.; Catharine Buckberrough (widow), Tillsonburg; Mrs. Amelia Smith, Goderich, and Eliza Vansickle of Harrisburg. After dinner and some social congratulations the assemblage adjourned to the church for the reception. Mr. Chas. Cummings of Galt presided. Short addresses were made by Rev. Mr. Showers of Sheffield; Rev. Thos. Athoe, Lynden; J.L. Addison, M.D., St. George; Editor Havernon, St. George; Wellington Mulholland, Geo. Hunt, John Betsner of Troy and others. An unusual event was the march past of the 104 relatives present. Five generations were represented. The total now living, present and absent, are as follows:-Adam Misener, the centenarian; his nine children; 54 grandchildren, 160 great-grandchildren, 14 great-great grandchildren; total 238.
An interesting musical programme was carried out, which added to the enjoyment of the occasion. Mr. Misener is a man very active for his age, so much so that he refused to be driven in a rig to the dinner in the hall, preferring to walk. In the course of a chat he stated that his first call out in arms was in the volunteer militia, under Capt. John Warren, on June 4, 1816, in the celebration of “the king’s birthday,” of George III, King of Great Britain and Ireland. He was also called out in Dundas during the rebellion of 1837, and he takes pride in stating that he served under the reign of four British sovereigns-King George III, George IV, William IV and her majesty Queen Victoria. Mr. Misener was of course born in the eighteenth century, February 20, 1798, and has now lived nearly through the nineteenth, and expects if his usual health continues, to celebrate another birthday in the twentieth century. (21 September 1901}. He remembers well the Battle of Lundy’ Lane. His father, Nicholas, and family at that time lived only a few miles distant from the Niagara river, in Crowland township. They could hear the engagement, especially the roar of the 32-pounders. After the battle he with his sisters ventured on the battle ground, saw the blood stains, the shattered trees, fence-rails, etc., the result of cannon and rifle balls. He remembers counting 42 bullet holes.
On the spur of the moment, as a birthday present, a purse of $86 was made up and handed the old gentleman in commemoration of the day. He received also many congratulatory telegrams, one being from his nephew, Henry Sharon, in California. Hamilton was represented at the gathering by W. Babcock of the Bell Piano Co. and J.H. Mattice of The Globe. “Uncle Adam” is greatly interested in the elections, ands states that he will be on hand next Tuesday and vote as usual for the North Westworth Liberal candidate.
“Uncle Adam” despite his century of years, shaves himself regularly, and in his happiest moments will sing some of the old songs of his boyhood. Just before parting in the evening a friend offered him the courtesy of a cigar. The old gentleman declined, and remarked that he never had any use for tobacco, and that he had never used it except to kill vermin on the farm stock. It is safe to say that this event will never be forgotten by those who were fortunate enough to be present.
[Welland Tribune, 24 August 1900]
Several changes in the teaching staff of Welland public schools will go into effect at the reopening of the schools on Sept. 4th. Jos. McGuire and John Lowe have resigned the positions held by them as teachers. Miss Johnstone has been promoted from the Third Ward school to the position recently held by Mr. McGuire as teacher of junior third book department, and Miss M. wade and Miss C. Buchner have been appointed to the vacancies thus created in the third and fourth ward schools. The principle acted upon by the board of employing residents of the town or immediate vicinity as teachers is a very commendable one.
[Welland Tribune, 5 February 1904]
One of the most thrilling double rescues ever witnessed at Niagara took place Sunday afternoon on the ice bridge below the American Falls. Edward Murty, the 14-year old son of Mrs. Elizabeth Murty of No. 432 Cedar ave., and John Morrison, a young man, were the two who were in such deadly peril. Morrison and a number of his friends were standing on the ice bridge at the point where it converges with the ice mountain, when suddenly they saw a large piece of the bridge, on which Morrison was standing, break loose and float away. A chasm of about 15 feet in width yawned between Morrison and firm ice in a few moments, but luckily the detached floe lodged against another projection of the bridge and did not whirl out and under the structure, which had it done so, would have been certain death for Morrison.
Hardly had Morrison’s friends realized his danger when they were startled by a shriek up the side of the ice mountain, and turning they beheld, headed straight for the opening made by the detached floe and flying as if on wings, a lad rushing down the mountain side. He was on skates and apparently lost control of himself. A second later and he had disappeared over the edge of the wall of ice and plunged into the cold waters of the river. It was the instant decision of all that he would pass beneath the ice bridge and be drowned.
Morrison was a spectator of the boy’s plunge and bravely went to the rescue. Throwing himself flat on his stomach on the ice he waited for the reappearance of the lad. The moment the boy’s head appeared above the water he made a grab and was successful in catching him by the collar and dragging him on the floe beside him.
A rope was secured and one end of it was tossed across the open water to Morrison. He first tied it securely about the waist of the boy and told the lad to jump into the water, at the same time directing those on the firm ice to haul him in. Young Murty made a leap into the water, and a second later he was hauled to the surface and in another minute he was safe on the firm ice. The rope was then thrown back to Morrison and he tied it about his own waist and jumped into the water. The task of getting him across the opening and up the steep wall of the icy ledge was difficult in the extreme but a number of willing hands were at the rope and he was soon safe among his friends.
Mr. A.A. Perry Injured When Chair Fell on His Head from Upstairs Window
[Welland Tribune, 27 February 1919]
While passing through the alley way between the Temple Building and the Brennan Block this morning, a chair dropped from an upstairs window, struck him on the head inflicting several wounds. He went into Brennans’s Drug Store and Doctor Brewster attended his injuries which are not serious.
Removal of the Suspension Bridge
[Welland Tribune, 22 May 1896]
The work of removing the two great suspension bridges, which so long have been among the wonders of Niagara, will be a big and interesting one. Now that it is settled that suspension bridges across Niagara River at Niagara Falls will within a year or two be a thing of the past, people are asking how these massive structures can be taken away, especially how the upper bridge can be taken apart, transported to Lewiston and this will make the task still more difficult. Of course it looks much easier to an engineer than it does to a layman. The work of taking down one these structures is certainly not as formidable as the work of building one, however. The railway bridge is said to be the strongest of its kind in existence and some facts regarding it that are of a historical nature may be of interest. It was completed and the first train passed over it March 23, 1855. Its cost was about $450,000. The length of its span is 822 feet and the height of the towers above rock is 88 feet on the American side and 78 feet on the Canadian side. The track is 258 feet above the water and there are four wire cables each 101/2 inches in diameter and each containing 3,659 No. 9 wires. The weight of the superstructure is 800 tons. The maximum of loads that it is estimated to carry is 450 tons. It is estimated that the aggregate strength of the cable is 12,400 tons.
Application for Charter
[People’s Press, 12 January 1909]
Notice is given that an application will be made to the Parliament of Canada, for an act to incorporate the Fort Erie and Buffalo Bridge Company with power to construct, maintain and operate a general traffic highway over and across the Niagara River, beginning at a point on the Niagara River within the corporate limits of the village of Fort Erie and extending to a point on the United States side of the river at or near Ferry street in the city of Buffalo, and with power to amalgamate with a company to be incorporated for similar purposes by the legislature of the State of New York of The United States of America, and with power to charge tolls for crossing and re-crossing the said bridge, and to operate over and across said railway bridge an electric railway line.
[The Welland Tribune and Telegraph, 28 June 1921]
The Chambers Reunion will be held at the home of Geo. Chambers, South Pelham, July 1. All relatives and friends please accept this invitation. Come with your baskets and enjoy the day together. Dinner 12.30
Those wishing to be met at Perry Station kindly notify the secretary, Bradley Stayzer, President; Orland Chambers, Secretary.
[The Welland Tribune and Telegraph, 23 June 1921]
Ideal weather, big crowds, lots of energy and hard work on the part of the ladies of the Women’s Institute made Tuesday’s Garden Party a never-to-be-forgotten event in the annals of Port Colborne. Booths were erected for candy, soft drinks, ice-cream and fish pond and all gaily decorated, and by 3 p.m. everything was in readiness for the big event.
Tables were invitingly spread and numbers of ladies ready to wait on the many ticket holders when six o’clock drew near for the strawberry tea. Crowds were served between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., and all agreed that as usual the Women’s Institute certainly knew how to serve a supper. At about 8 p.m., the town band arrived and after giving a splendid selection were regaled with tea, etc. The formal opening of the park was then made by Mayor Cross. Speeches were given by each of the clergy. Will White then introduced himself and Harold Rich who in turn entertained the audience with a varied programme.
The crowds, between 1600 and 2,000 people were at times rocked with laughter. Will White greatly puzzled his audience with a few slight of hand tricks. Especially were the kiddies interested in the gold-fish produced from nowhere, but which eventually swam merrily in a big glass bowl. During the early part of the evening the ice cream booth was kept busy, but during the concert period the candy and soft drinks booths cleared their stock of goods as did the fish pond. The concert being finished about 11.15 the big rush for the ice-cream again. It is wonderful to see the amount of work that has been accomplished on the Park within the last few days. The Mayor, park commission and many other gentlemen of town have certainly undertaken a big task and are carrying it through.
Hearty thanks are extended all who helped to make the garden party such a success. At the time of going to press financial details are not all to hand, but a full report of same will appear in the next issue.
*Will White was entertained at the home of Mr. Anderson.
*The annual picnic of the Women’s Institute will be held in July at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Reeb.
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