An Historical Scrapbook

Item

Sir Thomas Tait

Beacon
Jan 8, 1891
That portion of the Ontario and Atlantic Division of the CPR including Megantic and Vanceboro has been attached to the NB Division; and the united lines of the company east of Megantic are now known as the Atlantic Division. Mr. Thomas Tait has been named general Superintendent of the Ontario and Quebec Division, with office at Toronto. Mr. H. P. Timmerman is General Superintendent of the Atlantic Division, with office at Saint John.

Beacon
June 15/1893
Railway Visitors
Tuesday’s train brought to St. Andrews the private cars of vice-president Shaughnessy and Supt. Timmerman, of the CPR. The occupants of the first car were Asst. General Manager Tait, his father Judge Tait, and his secretary. Mr. Timmerman and Engineer Brewer occupied the other car.
They drove over to Mr. Van Horne’s summer residence, after which they returned to their cars, and on Wednesday took their departure.
Mr. Tait was greatly captivated with St. Andrews and with Mr. Van Horne’s place. He says living in St. Andrews ought to add five or ten years to the President’s life. Mr. Tait expects to visit St. Andrews with his family this season.

Beacon
Aug 13/1896
Assistant Manager Tait, of the CPR, arrived on Wednesday, the 12th from his tour of inspection of the short route from Montreal to Halifax. Mr. Timmerman too, had been with him on duty and they both looked happy and cheery that evening resting from their labors in the hotel office

Beacon
Aug 20/1896
Supt. Timmerman, Assistant General Manager Tait and Mr. Sutherland, who is in charge of the CPR freight department, Saint John , visited St. Andrews on Wednesday last and had a consolation with Sir William Van Horne.

Beacon
June 6/1901
Canadian Salt Combine
Buffalo, New York, June 1
The Canadian Salt Company and the Windsor Salt Company, the two concerns which controls practically the entire salt output of the Dominion of Canada, have been consolidated under the name of the Canadian Salt Company.
The board of directors is composed of Sir William Van Horne, T. G. Shaughnessy, Arthur D Bissell, vice-president of the People’s Bank of this city; Frank. S. McGraw, the local capitalist; George RR. Cockburn, president of the Bank of Ontario, and Thomas Tait, manager of the CPR.

Beacon
June 2/1910
Sir William Van Horne May Settle Australian Puzzle
Montreal Star—The report is current that Sir William Van Horne will shortly leave on a trip to Australia, to advise the Commonwealth with regard to the construction of a railway across the continent, with the object of settling the interior, which is without inhabitants and devoid of civilization.
Two transcontinental railways have been proposed—one running from east to west, and the other partially built from north to south from Adelaide to Port Darwin. Both would be gigantic undertakings, especially that proposed from the southern boundary of New South Wales to join the railway system of West Australia at Coolgardie.
It is understood that it was Chief Commissioner Thomas Tait, of the Victoria Railway system, who recommended Sir William as the most competent railway authority, whose hands were sufficiently free to advise the Government of Australia and those of the various states upon a matter of such importance as the practicability of transcontinental communication with extensive irrigation as an auxiliary feature.

Beacon
July 27/1911
Piece on career of Sir Thomas Tait, who has been staying at Algonquin lately.

Beacon
July 4/1912
R. J. Christie back at the Algonquin again in cottage four
Lady Tait and Miss Winnifred Tait are spending the summer at the Algonquin.

Beacon
Aug 15/1912
Algonquin Tennis Club.
T. Shaughnessy Hon. Pres.
Thomas Tait Pres. etc.
The club newly formed. “There is more interest in tennis this season than ever before.”

St. Andrews Beacon
Aug 19/1915
Social Life of St. Andrews
We print in another part of this issue an account of the Patriotic Entertainment given in the Andraeleo Hall on Wednesday evening of last week, the proceeds of which were handed to the local branch of the Red Cross Society. The entertainment was projected, arranged and carried out by the summer residents of the town, though much assistance was given by the President of the local Society, Mrs. G. H. Stickney, and other members. The entertainment was probably the best ever given in SA, and the large Hall was filled to its utmost capacity by delighted and enthusiastic audience. Too much praise cannot be given to Lady Tait for the genius and untiring energy she displayed in promoting the entertainment and in making it the great success it was.
Perhaps the not least pleasing feature of the event was the bringing together on this occasion the summer visitors and the townspeople. It has been a matter of comment in the past there is very little community of feeling and interest between the temporary and permanent residents; and that purely local entertainments are never patronized by cottagers and hotel guests. The Red Cross entertainment ought to be a forerunner of the closer association of visitors with the people of the Town, and a participation in their social life and amusements. A more intimate acquaintance would undoubtedly prove to be a source of mutual satisfaction to visitors and townspeople alike.

Concert at Andraeleo Hall in aid of Red Cross Society. An “Allied Nations Tableau” in the second part, with countries represented in significant attitudes by various ladies. Eg. Italy by Miss Ethel Forgan, Ireland by Miss. M. Shaughnessy, and France by Miss Winnifred Tait.
            Algonquin orchestra was there: “certainly deserve a warm note of thanks for the way they accompanied all the songs, dances and marches, and the splendid music they rendered at the opening of the first and second parts of the programme.”
            “The entertainment was projected, arranged and carried out by the summer residents of the Town, though much assistance was given by the President of the local society, Mrs. G. H. Stickney, and other members.”
            See photocopy--on unusual and commendable coming together of summer and permanent residents.

Patriotic Entertainment for the Red Cross Society of SA
The Andraeleo Hall was filled to overflowing with an enthusiastic and appreciative audience, Wednesday evening, August 11, to witness a most artistic and brilliant concert, in aid of the Red Cross Society of SA
            The “Dance of the Roses” to Mendelssohn’s “Spring Song” was most gracefully and artistically performed by the following young ladies: Constance Hope, Ethel Gratz, Dolly Thompson, Swen and Audrey Hampson, Norma and Gladys Rogers. These young ladies were surprised by a visit from a beautiful butterfly, little Miss Muriel Dreyer, who gracefully danced in their midst and finally led them away. These were followed by “Canada,” (Miss Marjorie Burke) and her Provinces, who marched to the stirring music of “The Maple Leaf”, then posed at the back of the stage to form a strong defence for a group of “Merry Harvesters,” little girls of nine and ten years of age, Jean Ganong, Dorothy Lamont, Geraldine Smith, Molly Lawford, Emma Odell, Marion O’Hara, Ethel Joseph,, Jean Maxwell, Mabel Elliott, and Hope McMahon, in brilliant and fantastic costumes, carrying racks decorated with scarlet poppies and bunches of whet. These little ladies danced a stirring country dance, and their bright colors contrasted beautifully with the graceful Kate Greenaway frocks, and rose garlands of the Rose Dance. An interesting group in the Harvester’s Dance was the tiny Sunflower, Miss Ruth Anderson, and the Hollyhock, Miss Rosemary Platt; and their big Bumblebees, Masters Wilmot Platt and Darcy Doherty. This little quartet, ages five and six years, gracefully fluttered between the Harvesters, and deserve particular mention, it being their first public appearance. Miss Muriel Dreyer also gave a solo dance in this Court, dancing the Spanish Dance most artistically. The first part of the programme closed with the striking Tableaux of “Canada surrounded by her Provinces” and “Harvesters.”
            The notable features of the second part of the programme were the Allied Nations Tableaux: these were living pictures most beautifully posed and elaborately costumed:
Serbia--Miss Isabel Adam
Russia--Miss R. Hanson
France--Miss Winnifred Tait
Belgium--Miss Helen Thompson
Japan--Miss A. Southam
Italy--Miss Ethel Forgan
Scotland--Miss M. Forgan
Ireland--Miss Ms. Shaughnessy
Britannia--Mrs. J. Coulson
These were all so perfect that words of praise could not express adequately the appreciation of the audience; however, one word for poor little Belgium, she won every heart and her dejected attitude made all feel that “all we do I is not enough.” These Allies grouped around the regal figure of Britannia, with Plenty and Prosperity, the Misses A. and M. Tunstall Smith on either side, and the Angel of Peace, Miss Anna Mitchell, of SA, hovering above, formed an impressive tableau as a finale.
            The young boys of the Army, Messrs. Henry and Evan Gill, Blythe Maxwell, Harold Hampson, Charles Ballantyne, Lovell Thompson, Francis Seward, and George McBean; and the Navy, Edwin Ganong, Francis Gill, James Ballantyne, Henry Markey, David Anderson Brian Doherty, George Gurthe and Tom Odell, deserve great praise for the soldierly way in which they marched through their figures, making all fee how well they could do their part if they were men old enough to stand for their Country. During their march they were interrupted by little Miss Dreyer, who danced herself into the hearts of the audience in the Fisher’s Hornpipe.
            Other tableaux were . . . “What we Have We Hold,” which was simply splendid for it is very rare for a real living English bulldog to be seen standing on the good Old Flag before such an enthusiastic audience. During this tableau, Mister Evan Gill pleased the audience with a short military recitation in a most pleasing and distinct manner. Then followed “The Crown of Glory, “ Master Henry Gill as a wounded and dying soldier with the Angel of Peace, Miss Mitchell, bending over him. This brought all over, to the Front with “our” dear boys, and one may be sure many a prayer went up for them, and eyes were dimmed. . . . The grand finale tableau Britannia surrounded by her Provinces, Army, Navy and Allied Nations, gave to St. Andrews a scene it never saw before, and may never see again. It was majestic, and thrilled every heart.
            The Orchestra of the Algonquin Hotel, assisted by Mrs. R. A. Stuart, Jr., of SA, certainly deserve a warm vote of thanks for the way they accompanied all the songs, dances and marches, and the splendid music they rendered at the opening of the first and second parts of the programme.

St. Croix Courier
Aug 19/1915
The entertainment in Andraeleo hall on Wednesday evening last, under the patronage of lady Shaughnessy, Mrs. Arthurs and Lady Tait, was a great success, the proceeds amounting to $600.00, which is to be used for Red Cross purposes. the programme consisted of tableaux, vocal solos, flag drills and dancing by Miss Muriel Dryer of Montreal. The soloists were Miss Forgan, Miss burke, Miss Cassidy, Miss Carrie Gillmor and Miss Laura Wilson, Mrs. R. A Stuart, jr. accompanist. The Algonquin orchestra furnished music during the evening.

St. Croix Courier
June 29/1916
Among the distinguished guests from Montreal arriving or soon to arrive here for the summer are Sir Thomas And Lady Tait, Miss Winnifred Tait, Lord and Lady Shaughnessy, Hon. Marguerite Shaughnessy, Hon. Mrs. W. J. Shaughnessy and Hon. Mrs. H. W. Beauclerk
There are now about 900 soldiers in camp here.

Beacon
Oct 21/1916
Sir Thomas Tait retires as Director-General of National Services; has acquired from C. P. R. a site for summer home.

Beacon
Dec 16/1916
Sir Thomas Tait, Prominent in Railway, Financial and Golfing Circles. Long article. So fond of St. Andrews links that he had recently purchased 5 acres of land on links.

Beacon
April 28/1917
Work on Tait house begun.

Beacon
May 12, 1917
Sir Thomas Tait was in town during the earlier part of the week and inspected the work now progressing on his Bayside property.

Beacon
July 27/1918
Town Council
Moved by Aldn. Douglas, seconded by Aldn. McLaren, that whereas Sir Thomas Tait has made application to this Council for permission to close and discontinue the old watering place on the Bayside road, just above the entrance to his estate and to erect and establish a new watering place at a point some distance below said entrance, also to improve and beautify the road opposite his estate, and in accordance with a plan prepared by Mr. Edward Maxwell, architect, and submitted to this Council, and whereas Sir Thomas has agreed to provide all material and labor, and assume all the expense in connexion with proposed work; Resolved that permission be and is herby granted Sir Thomas Tait t close and discontinue the old watering place aforesaid, and to establish the new watering place in accordance with Mr. Maxwell’s plan.

St. Croix Courier
Sept 7/1922
G. W. V. A. Bridge at St. Andrews. Sir Thomas Tait, Lady Shaughnessy, Lady Allen, Mrs. Hosmer, Mrs. F. W. Thompson patrons and patronesses. At casino, courtesy Algonquin. Raise $375 for Great War Veterans Association.

St. Croix Courier
Sept 13/1923
Algonquin closed Sept 8. Last to leave Mr. and Mrs. Tait

St. Croix Courier
July 2/1925
The Algonquin opened June 27. Taits among first to arrive. President Beatty of the CPR was in town on Saturday at the opening of the Algonquin Hotel.

St. Croix Courier
July 1/1926
Algonquin opened June 25. Convention of over 200 arrived shortly after. Taits among first arrivals.

St. Croix Courier
Oct 4/1928
Harry Russell, who has just completed the residence of Mrs. Smoot and also the gardener’s cottage for the same house. . . . Tait in town inspecting house being built.

St. Croix Courier
Aug 22/1929
Noted Writer Lectures on Chinese Life and Customs. Mrs. Florence Ayscough, Litt. D. Speaks Before large Audience at St. Andrews Casino. Sir Thomas Tait Chairman. Titled “The People of China, their Homes and Gardens.” Illustrated. Proceeds to aid restoration of All Saints Cathedral. J. Parkins loans Casino for event.

St. Croix Courier
Aug 20/1936
Acknowledges Guilt of Tourist Representative. S. S. Miller, President of Capital Board of Trade, who first denied Courier’s charges, Now Frankly Admits His Error. Offending Agents Recalled. Courier charge that Fredericton Board of Trade agents stationed in Calais misrepresenting conditions of roads between SS/SJ to direct traffic to Fredericton now acknowledged to be correct.
Two tennis tournaments in St. Andrews this weekend. St. Andrews tennis Club and Algonquin Tennis Club. Tait Cup for ladies singles, Wilson Cup for men’s doubles, Struthers Cup for Men’s singles, Cockburn Cup for mixed doubles, Marshall Cup for boy’s singles. Borden Denley (son of Everett Denley) has appeared several times over last year as winner.
New pavement (one mile) to link provincial highway with concrete section.

St. Croix Courier
Aug 1/1940
Sir Thomas Tait Passes at Summer Home ‘Links Crest’
Retired Railway Executive Performed Splendid Service for Canada and Empire. Rose from Humble Clerkship.
            The death of Sir Thomas Tait, retired railway executive and industrialist, occurred last Thursday, July 25, at his summer home, “Links Crest,” at SA, the day after he had celebrated his 76th birthday. Sir Thomas had been ill for several years and he was forced to resign active connection with the Parkhill Gold Mine of which he was president in June 1937. He spent his summers at his beautiful home on the edge of the golf links at St. Andrews by the Sea, and had come there at the beginning of July, hoping that the sea breezes would benefit his health.
            He was born at Melbourne, Quebec, on July 24, 1864, and was educated at the Montreal High School, afterwards graduating from McGill University. In 1880 he joined the staff of the old Grand Trunk Railway as a clerk in the audit department, but two years later became private secretary to Sir William Van Horne, president and general manager of the Canadian Pacific Railway. He held this position for four years, after which he was a clerk in the general traffic manager’s office for a few months before being appointed assistant superintendent of the Ontario and Quebec Division in May 1887. He became general superintendent in March 1890 which position he held until 1893, when he was appointed assistant general manager of the CPR. In May 1897 he was again promoted, becoming manager for eastern lines, and in April 1901 was named manager of transportation, holding this office till March 1903.
            The Australian colony of Victoria needed an experienced railway man to act as chairman of its railway commission and Thomas Tait was strongly recommended for the position by Sir William Van Horne and by Sir Thomas Shaughnessy. The railways of Victoria were in poor condition by reason of political mismanagement, and were a heavy drain on the finances of the colony. But the deficit of $1,800,000 which faced the then Mr. Tait at the end of his first year’s work as chairman of the Victoria Railway Commissioners, was changed within three years to a surplus of just under a million dollars. For the first time in the history of Victoria there was scientific railroading, and constant improvement was effected so long as Mr. Tait remained at the head of the commission.
            But the position became distasteful because of political attacks and intrigues and in 1910 Mr. Tait announced he would not accept a renewal of his appointment.
            In announcing Mr. Tait’s resignation in the Legislature, Hon. John Murray Premier ofr Victoria spoke of the retiring official as “a strong, fearless, man, of really great ability,” who had never desired to do an injustice to anyone. He added that it would be a long time before Victoria could get a stronger man and she would have to go far before she could get as competent and able a man to fill his place. This sentiment was echoed in the press.
            The honor of Knighthood came to Mr. Tait on New Year’s Day, 1911, in recognition of his splendid services to the railways of an important section of the Empire. He was made a Knight of Grace of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem.
            Returning to Canada after an extended world tour, Sir Thomas “Acted as president of the Montreal Citizens’ Recruiting Association at the outbreak of the first Great War. In 1916 Sir Thomas was offered and accepted the position of Director-General of National Service. His duties were to seek co-ordination and improve the means of recruiting for war corps authorized and to be authorized. He was promised the full support of the Dominion Government. He had been in office barely a month when he resigned and was succeeded by R. B. Bennett.
            The incident which led to Sir Thomas Tait’s resignation had to do with his proposal to appoint G. M. Murray secretary to the Director of National Service. Objection was raised to his appointment because of an allegation that Mr. Murray had sent out an incorrect circular regarding Canadian products and materials, which had not been corrected. Mr. Murray corrected it and opposition to his appointment was withdrawn, but then Mr. Murray decided not to accept the position and Sir Thomas felt called upon to resign, which he did.
            In 1928 Sir Thomas received from the University of NB the honorary degree of LL.D. He was at one time president of the Montreal branch of the Royal Empire Society, retiring from office in 1931. On his return to Canadian, he became interested in the Fredericton and Grand Lake Coat and Railway Company of which he was president. In later years he devoted much of his time to Parkhill Gold Mines of which he was president but he resigned that office in June 1937 owing to ill-health.
            Sir Thomas is survived by his widow, formerly Miss Emily St. Aubert Cockburn; two sisters, Mrs. Harold Hampson of Montreal and Mrs. George O’Halloran, of Ottawa; two brothers, H. M. Tait, of Minneapolis and R. G. Tait, of Oliver, BC; three nephews, Robert Hampson an Hr. R. Hampson of Montreal and James O’Halloran, of Quebec; and three nieces, Mrs. Rutherford Caverhill and Mrs. Leslie Marler, of Montreal and Mrs. Anson Green, of Ottawa. His only daughter, Winifred Marion, who became Mrs. John Forney, died some years ago. The funeral service was held at All Saints Church in St. Andrews on Saturday, after which the body was taken to Montreal for cremation.
Shiretown Items—A Good Citizen. The passing of Sir Thomas Tait removes one of the best known among our summer visitors. He and his family spent many years at the Algonquin before building their present beautiful home “Link Crest.” Sir Thomas took an active part, until recent years, in all things connected with summer life here, golf, swimming, tennis, sailing, dancing, and was as well known among local people as among summer residents. Heartiest expressions of sympathy are extended to Lady Tait by her many St. Andrews friends.

St. Croix Courier
Oct 30/1941
Shiretown Items
NO Fatalities
Exceptionally high tides last week drove dozens of rats from their accustomed haunts beneath Doon’s wharf, and they afforded considerable entertainment for those who happened to be around he water-front at the time . the tide completely covered the wharf and some of the rats were cut off from shore. They climbed to the tops of posts where they spent an uneasy half-house with the water lapping a few inches below them. As far as could be seen there was no loss of life.

Famous Turnips in Demand
A. B. O’Neill shipped a carload of turnips to Boston this fall, the first shipment since 1933. These turnips, which were of splendid quality, were raised on the O’Neill and Redmond farms. On some farms, in spite of the use of borax with the fertilizer, the turnips showed black or woody hearts. An effort is to be made to ge the Dept. of Agriculture of the province to analyze the soil in this locality in order if possible to restore turnip raising to the profitable position it held a number of years ago. The market is waiting for unlimited quantities if the quality can be produced. Mr. O’Neill has an order for another carload which is now being loaded at the depot.

Donors of books to library this year Mrs. Haney, Warren, Tait, Pillow, Senator Wilson, Finigan, Senna, Smith, McNichol, Henderson. 86 books.
Record book of Town’s first library discovered in attic--dated 1815. Library membership limited to 50. Charge two pounds ten shillings; annual dues 12 shillings 6 pence.

St. Croix Courier
March 27/1947
Shiretown items
Plebiscite Being Called
The 15th day of April 1947, is a day that will go down in local history. On that day a plebiscite is being held to vote for or agaisnt a proposition to install a reezing palnt for artificial ice at the St. Andrews Arena. . . .

Photo. Tait estate sold to Dr. G. G. Miller, Montreal surgeon. 25 acres. During last part of war used as RCAF convalescent home but unoccupied since.

St. Croix Courier
July 21/1955
SA Tourist Bureau Chamcook receiving 40 inquires a day.
Women’s club Places 14 homes on Day Tour of St. Andrews.
A tour of “the stately homes” of this summer resort by-the-sea will be held Tuesday, August 2, from 2-6 p.m. when the third house and garden party day held here in four year will be sponsored by St. Andrews Women’s Canadian Club. The tour will take in 14 houses and gardens and two gardens of houses not included in the day’s itinerary.
            Many of these homes contain valuable antiques and painting by well known artists while others are famous for the original design and furnishings.
            Members of the Women’s Canadian Club committees are Mrs. Madge Rigby, chairman, Mrs. H. b. Hachey, tickets; Mrs. Herman Bartlett, program, assisted by Mrs. Gorham Hubbard; Mrs. W. R. martin, guides; Mrs. David walker, house arrangements, and Mrs. Hugh McLellan, publicity.
            The tour’s attractions:
            Les Goelands, (The Seagulls), owned by Mr. and Mrs. A. Murray Vaughan of Ottawa, built by the late Fred H. Markey in 1912 and remodelled in 1951 by the present owners.
            Next will be Kingsbrae, owned by Mrs. Howard W. Pillow, Montreal. Sir Donald Walker built this house in 1900. Topside owned by Mrs. Robert Struthers of Norton, Conn., is next on the program. This house was built in 1899 by Thomas R. Wheelock of Boston.
            The guest house of Mrs. Howard Pillow, King’s cottage, is fifty on the day’s agenda, followed by the home of Mr. and Mrs. E. B. Ross of St. Andrews. this latter house was built about 1830 and has been restored to its Colonial period.
            Sunbury Haven, owned by Mr. and Mrs. E. R. Eidlitz, of New York City, was built in 1830 by the first magistrate of SA, Judge Hathaway. Greenock House, now owned by Mrs. George was built in 1824 by Captain Christopher Scott of Greenock, Scotland, and was intended as the manse of Greenock, Presbyterian Church here. the staircase in Greenock house of the same two kinds of mahogany used in the pulpit of Greenock church.
            Maplehurst, owned by Mrs. Frank Hall of Berkeley, California, is the ninth house on the program and was built in 1824 by Edward Wilson to serve as the Presbyterian manse. Pansy Patch, next on the tour, is owned by Mr. and Mrs. H. D. Burns of Toronto. this house was built over 40 years ago, and features a carved fireplace with inscriptions.
            Spendrift, owned by Miss Madge and Carrie Rigby of SA, was built about 1800 by the son of John Dunn a Loyalist. The old beauty of this house has been preserved and the original kitchen with open fireplace and Dutch oven is intact. Tea will be served at this house all afternoon on the day of the tour.
            Sea Urchin, owned by Mr. and Mrs. Harry Thorp of Montreal, is a modern cottage with a fine garden. A visit to Harbor Lights owned by Miss Prentiss of Montreal, is followed by a tour of elbow Bend, owned by Mr. and Mrs. Blair Gordon of Montreal. This a modern cottage with a garden.
            Bellenden, owned by Mr. and Mrs. Charles Ballantyne, of Sa, was built in 18u97 by Rev. Robert Bowser of Boston. The house has been redecorated within the past year and the gardens are described as “beautiful.” Mr. Ballantyne is president of Charlotte County Hospital. A tour of the gardens of Cloverly, owned by Dr. and Mrs. Gavin Miller and built in 1929 by Sir Thomas Tait, and Pen Ryn owned by Rt. Hon. and Mrs. C. D. Howe of Ottawa, will complete the tour.
            Programs with tickets will be issued when tickets are purchased. Last year over 300 people viewed leading homes and gardens here with proceeds going to the Women’s Canadian Club.

Old St. Andrews

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Sir Thomas Tait

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