Item
The St. Andrews Land Company
Pilot
Feb 16/1888
What Does It Mean?
Several owners of real estate in St. Andrews and vicinity have recently been approached by American gentlemen, with a view to ascertain if they could be induced to sell their property, and if so at what price. In two or three instances memorandums have been issued by which the owners agree to accept amounts for their property, stated in said memorandums the parties of the other part to have the refusal thereof up to the dates mentioned therein. It is also reported that the parties referred to have an eye upon the almshouse farm. We think however the ratepayers of St. Andrews will not be so foolish as to part with that property.
[March 1/1888--Robert Gardiner to B. R. Stevenson MS3-Y-117: “Telegram from Mr. Osburn informs me that you now consider yourself retained by our syndicate. Therefore I enclose you draft of act desired to be passed by present legislature, and it is sent to you that as attorney for the Co you may proceed immediately to secure its passage. Sir Leonard Tilley informs us that the law requires 4 weeks previous publication in the “Royal Gazette” before presenting to the legislature, compliance with that rule would throw it over into next session, but it is suggested that a “suspension of the rules” is not an uncommon thing or difficult to bring about, and such seems to be our only course now.
It is suggested that any names of residents can be ? as corporators that you select, and who will resign when we wish, and you can also if desired include any of the following names: J. Emory Hoar, Brookline Mass; Eugene F. Fay, ibid; Rosco A. Cobb, ibid; Albert D. S. Bell, Newton, Mass; Robert Gardiner, ibid; Chas. V. Lord, Bangor, Maine; Abraham Avery, Boston, Mass; Daniel B. Claflin, Newton, Mass.
There are other members of the syndicate but it is for certain reason not desirable to use these names. And it is for your decision whether the names of many Americans will interfere with the chance of its going through under a “suspension of the rules.”
The enclosed has been gone over very carefully by an attorney and others here and is pronounced satisfactory. If in your judgment any alterations and additions are necessary I will thank you to first inform me, that such changes may be considered here.
Please acknowledge receipt, and give me your opinion of the practicability of putting it thro’.
I will add that we consider it of the utmost importance to act promptly, else a similar move may be made by outside parties. Please use enclosed cipher for correspondence with Mr. McGraw, Mr. Fay (The Treasurer) or myself.]
Pilot
March 1/1888
Great Movement in Real Estate
“A project initiated some months ago by F. W. Cram, Esq., General Manager of the NB Railway, has now passed the initial stage. C. Veazie Lord, Esq., of Bangor, Me., and Gen. Manager Cram, whose arrival in town last week was reported in the Bay Pilot, acting on behalf of themselves and a syndicate of American capitalists associated with them, negotiated the purchase of the following mentioned properties:--
From Dr. Parker, town lots and three blocks (a block contains two and two-third acres, and there are eight lots in a block) two of the blocks are situated near the Hotel Argyll property, and the other opposite the residence of Rev. Canon Ketchum, D. D. Dr. Parker also sold them forty-five acres of the pasture on the slope of the hill running down to Katy’s Cove. From the Whitlock estate, seventeen town lots and the Dunn farm, so called, at Joe’s Point, containing 137 acres. From g. Durell Grimmer, five lots in the Breackliffe block. From Richardson Haddock, two lots near the residence of C. M. Gove, Esq. From James Haley, three lots near Fort Tipperary. From John McFarlane, twenty-three acres, and from William Rollins thirteen acres. These last mentioned lands front on the road to the cemetery, and run down to the shore of the bay, bounded on either side by Archie McFarlane’s and the cemetery line fences. From Mr. Geo. Mowatt, twenty-five acres of Beech Hill farm, being the plot of land bounded in front by the St. John road, and on either side by the line fence on Highland Hill farm and Mowatt’s lane fence.
In addition to the lands absolutely bought, the option to purchase lands as follows has been secured under written contract, viz: From Nathan T. Blakeney, the Highland Hill (or Tupper Farm), known to the older residents of St. Andrews as the Walton Farm, about 360 acres. From the Messrs. Andrews’, Minister’s or Chamcook Island, containing 960 acres. From Mr. Lord and G. D. Grimmer and others, their interest in St. Andrews Island, and how much other property we cannot at present state. The properties so far secured are amongst the most eligibly situated in the town and vicinity, and were secured at reasonable rates, although perhaps a little in advance of what property has been held at during the past ten years. We have reason to believe that during the coming summer, a large amount of money will be expended in the erection of buildings and in improvement of the property. The lands so far purchased have been, with his consent, conveyed to Sir Leonard Tilley, Lieut-Governor of NB, in trust, pending the organization of the proposed land company.”
Editorial:
“We may safely assert that never before in the history of St. Andrews was there such excitement over movements in real estate, as existed during the past ten days. Exaggerated rumors prevailed, and at every place, in stores or on the streets, where two or more persons were assembled, land sales, and speculations as to the object of the purchasers, were sure to be the most important topic discussed. Some asserted that it was a railroad movement, based upon the probability of SA, in the near future, securing a share of the Canada Pacific railway trade, that is to say upon the opening of traffic over the Short Line railway, which will connect the New Brunswick railway with the Canada Pacific system, thereby making St. Andrews the nearest Atlantic port in the Dominion to the Canadian and United States north west. That St. Andrews possessed a number of valuable resources, requiring capital only to develop, goes without the saying, and that its possibilities as a winter port are next to illimitable cannot be truthfully denied. The approaches to the harbor from seaward are safe, the water in both passages, Latete and Clam Cove Head, bold and deep, and for which or the deep sea harbour, the ice king has no terrors, while the harbor is so sheltered by the sea walls provided by nature, that once within its precincts the Mainer feels that he has reached a harbor of rest, where no stormy winds that blow suggest cause for alarm, while the water is deep enough to accommodate the largest ships afloat. The parties so far known to be at the head of the movement for the purchase of real estate at St. Andrews are Americans, and railroad men who say their only interest is to secure building lots and to make St. Andrews a watering place second to none on the Atlantic sea board of the North American continent, and to create a traffic during the summer months that will add to the earnings of the NB railway company. We voice the sentiment of the community in wishing the gentlemen success in their undertaking, and to assure them that no obstacles will be placed in their way by the people of SA, who will be glad to see either or both contingencies realised.” [Clearly the watering place is second choice]
St. Croix Courier
March 8/1888
It is said that a New York syndicate is negotiating for the purchase of Chamcook mountain.
Pilot
March 8/1888
Land boom. See photocopy and below.
“Since our last issue we have learned of the following movements in real estate: The American syndicate have purchased from the church corporation the 10 acre field just outside the town limits, occupied by Alex. Bell, also the three acre lot on the hill, lying between the cemetery road and Fort Tipperary, recently under lease to Mr. Samuel Billings and have bargained with Daniel McFarlane of Digdeguash, for a lot off the Bar road owned by him, and for an adjoining lot owned by his brother. Negotiations for the purchase of other lands are in progress.”
“We have learned from reliable sources that, considerations as to whether or not St. Andrews is to be a terminus of the Canada Pacific Railroad, was not a factor in the action taken by the American syndicate, or in any way led to their purchase of lands at St. Andrews. Their primary object was the establishment of a watering place, for which nature has so generously provided, in the surroundings of our town.”
St. Croix Courier
March 15/1888
There are many who believe that there is something more behind the boom at St. Andrews than the mere establishment of a summer resort. Our view is endorsed by a valued correspondent in the shire town, who writes as follows: “I was greatly pleased with what was termed the ‘boom at SA’ in your last issue, and fully agree with you that the magnitude which the purchases have assumed and the prospects for still further investments show that something more than ‘securing sites for summer cottages’ is contemplated, and that there is a big scheme afloat to make the place an attractive summer resort, or, even better, a point of trans-shipment of the produce of the west, brought hither over the CPR. This to my mind is the real nature of the purchase, and I hold the opinion that there is a deep game being played to acquire the most eligible sites in St. Andrews for that purpose. I have also an idea that the true investors are knot known, and there is a powerful company in possession of valuable information who are using agents to purchase. I heard from a resident of the old town that some of the best water privileges have been secured for the erection of deep sea wharves, and other properties sold of which no mention is made. This indicates the correctness of your views, which are also entertained by others, and reminds me of the prophetic utterance of the Standard a few years ago, when it proprietor was advocating and showing he benefit which would result to the town as a seaport from the construction of what was then called the Megantic railway, now the International.
Pilot
March 15/1888
More details on land company. Application for incorporation of land and Chamcook Water company. See photocopy and below.
Application for Legislation
Notice is hereby given that an application will be made to the Legislature of New Brunswick during its present session for the passage of an Act to incorporate THE CHAMCOOK WATER COMPANY, whose object will be to supply water from the Chamcook Lakes to parties resident in the parishes of St. Andrews and other parishes in the County of Charlotte, with a capital stock of $100,000 and power to issue $100,000 bonds on their property and other powers to enable them to carry out this object.
Dated 13th March, 1888
Benjamin R. Stevenson, Sol. for Applicants
Application for Legislation
Notice is hereby given that an application will be made to the Legislature of New Brunswick during its present session for the passage of an Act to incorporate THE SAINT Andrews LAND COMPANY, whose object will be to deal in and improve lands in the Parish of St. Andrews and other parishes in the County of Charlotte, with a capital stock of $50,000.
Dated 13th march 1888
Benjamin R. Stevenson, Sol. for Applicants
Editorial titled “The Boom”:
“Mr. George Mowatt, in addition of selling the American Syndicate twenty five acres, as previously reported in our columns, has given them the option on terms agreed upon, of the balance of the estate in which is included that lovely spot, Mowatt’s Grove, reserving, however, the homestead and a few acres contiguous thereto.
Mr. Charles Eaton, Of Milltown, NB., purchased last week from Charles Gove, Esq., collector of customs, two town lots on the hill in the block north east of the old R. C. Church. Mr. Eaton also bargained with the committee of St. Andrews R. C. Church, for the purchase of the parochial residence and three vacant lots adjoining.
Mr. Andrew Lamb has purchased a lot on Victoria Terrace from Robert Glenn.
The Chamcook Water Company will probably lay the water pipes alongside either the highway or the railroad track, whichever route is found most practicable, and will establish a pumping station for the purpose of forcing the water over the highest building in any part of the town. The placing of apparatus therein for the purpose of supplying the town with the electric light, is also one of the probabilities of the near future.
The American Syndicate, of which Mr. Robert S. Gardiner of Boston, is chairman, have organized a company to be called The Chamcook Water Company, and as will appear by notice in our advertising column, application will be made, at the present session of the House of Assembly, for an Act of Incorporation. The residents of the town and parish of SA, have by a numerously signed petition, prayed for the passage of said act, and have asked for the insertion of the following provision therein, viz., That the land purchased by the said company or taken by them in pursuance of the powers such Act may contain, for the purposes of the said company, and the pipes, conduits and service connections used by the said company for conducting water, shall be forever exempt from taxation.
This action of the people is most commendable, not so much on account of the concession they propose to give, but rather as showing the sprit in which they are prepared to meet the gentlemen who have already invested considerable capital in the parish and are prepared to invest a much larger amount in the improvement of the property already acquired by them, and that in a direction that will add to the prosperity of St. Andrews as well as that of the residents in neighboring sections of our county. As an illustration of what the introduction of capital will do for places not having a tithe of the advantages possessed by SA, we mention Bar Harbor in the neighboring State of Maine, which a few years since was almost unheard of outside of the state.”
The American Syndicate who recently created the land boom in SA, by purchasing a number of eligible building lots in the town and parish, have applied to the House of Assembly for an Act of Incorporation under the title of “The St. Andrews Land Co.,” whose object will be to deal in and improve lands in the parish of St. Andrews and other parishes in the County of Charlotte. The capital stock of the company is fixed at $50,000. We understand it is the intention of the company to erect a number of cottages of the latest American designs, ranging in value from $1000 to $5000 or more in each, which they will either lease or sell as opportunity offers. The cottages will contain all the modern conveniences, including water from the St. Andrews Water Company’s works.
Capt. Herbert gone to States to start up a joint stock company for purpose of enlarging and improving Argyll.
Pilot
March 22/1888
“A public meeting of the ratepayers of the town and parish of St. Andrews having been called for the purpose of considering and discussing the terms and provisions of certain bills now before the Legislature of this province, for Acts to incorporate “The Saint Andrews Land Company” and “The Chamcook Water Company.” About forty of the resident ratepayers of said town and parish met at the office of M. N. Cockburn on the afternoon of Tuesday the 20th inst.
Geo. F. Stickney, Esq., being called to the chair announced the object for which the meeting was called and requested a full and careful examination and discussion of the Bills. F. H. Grimmer, Esq., was requested to act as secretary.
The Land Company Bill was read and criticized by Henry Osburn, Esq., and was further criticized by Messrs. R. Glenn and M. N. Cockburn.
Moved by M. N. Cockburn sec’d by r. Glenn, and unanimously resolved, That in the opinion of this meeting the clause of the first section on Land Co.’s Incorporation Bill, exempting their lands from taxation is decidedly objectionable and unfair to the ratepayer of this parish and ought in fairness to be struck out. Section two and three were approved of.
It was moved by J. S. Magee sec’d by D. F. Campbell, and carried by a unanimous vote, That this meeting recommends as an addition to section 4 of the Bill the following: Provided that this section shall not be construed or interpreted as in any way conferring an exclusive right upon said company.
The Chamcook Water Company Bill was read in part by Mr. Osburn and in part by Mr. F. H. Grimmer. Section 1st was agreed to as it stood.
Moved by M. N. Cockburn sec’d by G. Durell Grimmer and carried unanimously, That section two of the Bill should be amended also as to provide that the company shall for the purpose of obtaining water supply, have the right to select on either side of the front of the first Chamcook lake only, a parcel of land one quarter of a mile in extent, which they may purchase, acquire and hold, for the purposes mentioned in the Bill, and extending into the lake not more than one quarter of a mile, but not to interfere with the use of the lake for a winter road, nor with the natural out of said lake.
Sections 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 were approved.
It was moved by G. H. Grimmer sec’d by R. Glenn, That in view of the fact that an exclusive right is to be conferred on the company by the Act, of supplying water under the terms thereof, the fees or charges to be paid for public water supply for fire and other purposes, should at all times be liable to be fixed and determined by the fire wards and the company, and in case of disagreement the same should be settled and adjusting claims for water or lands to be taken by the company. An amendment as follows was moved by Mr. J. H. Hanson, That the price charged the private consumers of water should also be regulated in arbitration. The amendment was negatived and the original motion carried.
Moved by R. Glenn sec’d by . . . and unanimously carried, that the company should be by the Act required to commence operations inside two years from incorporation and should have pipes laid and water thereby brought to the Town of St. Andrews within four years from incorporation, otherwise said company to forfeit their charter.
Moved by M. N. Cockburn sec’d by R. Glenn, and carried unanimously, that Henry Osburn, Esq., be authorized to represent this meeting before the Legislature, and that the minutes of this meeting be transcribed by the Secretary and placed in his hands.”
The Boom
The movement in real estate inaugurated by the American syndicate is being followed up by other parties. Since our last issue the following properties have changed hands, viz., the Megantic Hotel and the house known as the Wilson house, both situated on Water Street bought by a syndicate of Calais gentlemen, a trio of whom Messrs. Kalish, Waite and Weston McAllister were in town Friday last. they also endeavoured to secure options of real estate in the suburbs, offering to put up forfeits. the owner of afar at Bayside, Parish of St. Croix, was by them pressed to give them option of six acres, situated on a point running into the mouth of Oak Bay. the day of options has gone past, speculators must be prepared to close bargains instanter and put up the cash, as owners of land do not feel disposed to bind themselves to a sale at a fixed price on a future day, or to the chances of the optionists breaking out. Mr. Patrick B. Donahue has purchased from Mr. Robert Ross, the house situated on Douglas street, opposite Quinn’s blacksmith shop, known as he Halley House.
St. Croix Courier
March 29/1888
The ‘boom’ in St. Andrews real estate has not yet subsided. The first company of capitalists has been supplemented by others, who are anxious to secure ‘lots’ in the future winter port. Among these are Messrs. Kalish Waite and Weston McAllister, of Calais, who have secured the old Megantic Hotel property and a house on Water street, together with the option of purchasing six acres situated on a point at the mouth of Oak Bay. Remarking on the ‘boom’ the Pilot says; “The day of options has gone past. Speculators must be prepared to close bargains instanter and put up the cash, as owners of land do not feel disposed to bind themselves to a sale at a fixed price on a future day, or to a chance of the optionists breaking out.
Pilot
March 29/1888
Chamcook Water Co. Bill passed in House of Assembly.
Pilot
April 12/1888
The bill authorizing the Municipality of St. Andrews Charlotte to sell part of the eastern commons to the St. Andrews Land Co passed last week by the legislature, has received the assent of his Honor the Lieut-Governor.
Letter to editor envisions a golden age for SA:
“The boom has aroused old St. Andrews into activity, her long slumber in sackcloth and ashes has gone, it is to be hoped, forever. Her beautiful land-locked by, lakes and streams, her eminences and commanding views of the grandest scenery, her salubrious atmosphere and natural advantages, have opened the eyes of right-thinking men to the fact, that they have also been slumbering amongst old ruins; unconscious of their being within reach of the most beautiful, healthful panorama imaginable, whose splendid verdure will gladden the eye, invigorate the sick, and give tranquility to the troubled mind, thereby making peaceful sleep a welcome restorative, within reach of all.”—Experience
The Boom
Mr. Thomas Truesdell has effected the sale, to Calais parties, of the two fields owned by him, known as the Carney and Kennedy lots. The price is largely in advance of offers made by the agent of the American syndicate. C. M. Gove, Esq., collector of customs, recently purchased from the Treadwell heirs and from Mr. T. R. Wren, the adjoining half lots with buildings thereon, situated on Water street, immediately below the residence of Mrs. Henry O’Neill. Mr. Hugh O’Neill will shortly commence the erection of a building on the Market Square lots, leased by him last April from the town.
It is currently reported that Mr. Jas. Scallen proposed to erect for himself a dwelling house on the lot on King St. adjoining the St. Andrews R. C. Church. Mr. G. Durell Grimmer has commenced work on the proposed alterations in the store occupied by him which when completed will give a store much better adapted for his fast increasing business.
Indian Point.--
As soon as the committee having the matter in charge shall have made conveyance of the lands at Indian Point to the Land Company in compliance with the terms of the Act of Assembly passed for that purpose. The Company will at once commence the work of draining, grading, etc., which will be done under the supervision of an expert in laying out park properties.
The hydraulic engineer of the Chamcook Water Co. will probably arrive in St. Andrews from Boston before this announcement reaches our readers. The object of his coming, is to make surveys to decide upon the most convenient and economic route to be followed in laying the water pipes, to ascertain the greatest probably heights of land necessary to cover, to decide what power to be employed in pumping or forcing the water to secure the proper head, and the size of pipe best adapted to meet the probably requirements of the town of St. Andrews during the next twenty years. The survey completed and report made to the company by the engineer, contracts for the work will be given out and the pipes order forthwith. We are authorized to state that the company are anxious that all the available labour obtainable in or about St. Andrews shall be employed.
Even the ladies are catching the boom.--
Mrs. T. Smith of St. Stephen has effected the purchase of four town lots as follows: one each from M. N. Cockburn, Mr. J. Wilson and Thomas Hipwell, situated on the hill, and one from R. Welch, immediately outside the town limits near the head of Water St. George R. Gardiner, counsel-at-law, a member of the Calais, Maine syndicate operating in real estate in SA, Mr. Alfred Towers, contractor, and Mr. George Greenlaw, master mechanic, were in town Tuesday looking over the Megantic house. They have decided to make radical improvements on the building, will raise it two feet, add an ell, shingle the roof, paint, and will thoroughly overhaul the interior.
Pilot
April 12/1888
Gardiner’s speech in Stevenson Hall. B. R. Stevenson the Company’s Counsel. See photocopy and below.
“In compliance with public notice given by R. S. Gardiner, Esq., chairman of the American syndicate operating in lands in St. Andrews and vicinity, the citizens of St. Andrews assembled in Stevenson hall on Thursday evening last, for the purpose of hearing a statement of the aims and objects of the syndicate. The door of the hall was opened at 7:30 o’clock, in a few minutes thereafter every seat was occupied as well as the standing room in the gangways. At eight o’clock the proceedings were commenced by the election of Geo f. Stickney, Esq., chairman, and F. Howard Grimmer, sec’y. Mr. Gardiner then took the floor and was listened to with the closest attention. He said amongst other things, I feel I hardly need an introduction to a St. Andrews audience. Nine years ago I heard of your town as a restful place, came here with my family every summer since. I am familiar with your wharves, your fish, know where the largest and most fish are to be caught, particularly when one fails to catch them I propose to outline the plans and purposes of the association of Americans who propose to do something for your town, amongst whom are Daniel A. Claflin, Mr. Cram, Mr. Lord, Mr. Fay and others. They all thought St. Andrews was an extremely pleasant place. Mr. Cram had but very little passenger traffic over the railway to SA, road was in bad condition, he was afraid to go to his directors and ask them to expend money upon it unless he could show them reasonable prospect of increased traffic. People of your town did not know our objects. Mr. Whitlock, Mr. Geo. Mowatt, Dr. Parker and others said, if your object is to benefit the town and not a land speculation, we are willing to help you. Sir Leonard Tilley have us free and full advice, as also did Mr. J. Emery Hoar. There is not one copper invested in this undertaking based upon the selection of St. Andrews as a railway terminus. I don’t know if such a thing is projected. We are not by any means philanthropic in our notions, we hope to make some money out of our venture. No man, woman or child at present residing in St. Andrews has any pecuniary interest in the association unless it may be Judge Stevenson as our counsel. There is no probability or possibility of Mr. Osburn making anything out of it, he has done all he could to assist us without the hope of a reward. Having obtained lands we propose to erect thereon, cottages of modern American style, and supply them with water and light.
The taxpayers of the town insisted in placing in the Act incorporating “The Chamcook Water Company,” a clause binding us to commence the work within three years, and complete it in five years. Now we hope to have the water from Chamcook Lake into St. Andrews by September of this year (Applause). Now as to the question of lighting, we hope to run in connection with the water works, the electric light. (Applause)
One thing I may frankly state, we are not going to build hotels, other people will come and do it. We are extending our numbers, and have got in with us Mr. Flanders, passenger agent Boston and Maine railroad; Mr. J. B. Coyle, president of the International Steamship Co.; Mr. Connors, of the Boston and Fall River, and Old Colony road; so you see we will have an unbroken line by rail or water from St. Andrews to New York. The transportation companies disseminate advertising matter, reaching a large number, fully 1,000,000 circulars, etc., put in the hands of people who patronize summer resorts. Up to the present time it takes from twenty-four to thirty hours by rail between Boston and SA; this is prohibitory. If our plans are carried out you will at no distant day see standing at your railway depot every evening, a Pullman car that left Boston same morning. We ask the cooperation of the people of SA, having that our success will be assured. We asked Mr. Osburn if it was possible to get Indian Point, some 55 acres of land, 10 of which were between the race course and tide water. We would make in it a park say of ten acres, which would be a breathing place and resort, such a place as you much have before you ask people to your town, people who will come to spend their money with you. No man in the syndicate is known as a speculator. We don’t want to hold the land for a railway terminus, we will guarantee as expenditure of say $5,000 during the year, and should the Canada Pacific Railway company require it for a terminus within the next three years, we will come under bonds to surrender it to them, upon payment to us of the amount of cash we have actually expended thereon. Mr. Gardiner then resumed his seat amid loud applause.”
Pilot
April 19/1888
Engineer for Chamcook water line arrives. Town expects water within the present year. See photocopy and below.
“The people of St. Andrews may reasonably hope to be supplied with the water from the lake sometime during the present year. Mr. Forbes found that the water in Chamcook Lake is about 95 feet above high water. The highest point in town is on Prince of Wales street, west of Fort Tipperary, 125 feet above high water. Mr. Forbes thinks that the water in the Lake is exceptionally pure. At this season of the year, the water in many lakes from which towns and cities draw their supply is of a deep amber colour, while that in Chamcook Lake is as white and clear as spring water and of unusually fine flavour. It can readily be seen that some method of forcing the water through the pipes must be adopted which is a matter for the consideration of the company. We heartily congratulate our fellow townsmen upon the prospect of having in the near future brought to their doors a supply of pure water, such as very few towns are possessed of.”
Sir Frederick Arthur Stanley, 1st Baron Stanley of Preston, 16th Earl of Derby
Governor General: 1888 - 1893
Appointed: May 1, 1888
Sworn In: June 11, 1888
Born: January 15, 1841, London, England
Died: June 14, 1908
Pilot
May 3/1888
The incorporators of the St. Andrews Land and Chamcook Water Co. will meet at the office of Hon. B. R. Stevenson, in this town, on Monday next, the 7th inst., for the purpose of organisation, the law requiring that such action shall be taken in this province. It is probably that a number of the gentlemen interested in the companies referred to, will be in attendance, and as it will be the fist visit made by some of them to our town, it is probably that they will embrace the opportunity to look over the place. Although they will not like the men sent out to search the land of Canaan, be able to bear back with them branches with clusters of grapes, pomegranates and figs., they can take with the memory of the delightful scenery and healthful atmosphere that so abounds in the vicinity of St. Andrews.
Pilot
may 10/1888
The St. Andrews Land Co., and Chamcook Water Co. met at the office of Hon. B. R. Stevenson, last Monday afternoon, and perfected their organization. the following officers were elected for each company: Sir S. L. Tilley, president; Robert S. Gardiner, vice-president, Eugene F. Fay, secretary treasurer and the above with the following named gentlemen, directors: Abraham Avery, Daniel B. Claflin, Roscoe A. Cobb, Frank W. Cram, Charles V. Lord, C. F. Bragg, D. J. Flanders, J. Emery Hoar, A. D.S. Bell,, George L. Connor, J. b. Coyle, F. E. Boothby, of this number Messrs. Tilley, Gardiner, Fay, Avery, Claflin, Cobb, Cram, Flanders and Boothby were present as was also Judge Stevenson, the legal adviser of the company. the party were also accompanied by Mr. Frank H. Taylor, a distinguished artist and writer who since his stay in town has been busily engaged in preparing photographs and sketches for future use in the interest of the town and company. the party during their stay made their home in the Pullman Buffalo Car Nyanqa, Mr. Cram also having his private car. After dinner the party left Monday evening by special train for Boston.;
Pilot
May 17/1888
Surveying the Land
the services of Mr. D. f. Maxwell, C. E., of SS, has been secured by the St. Andrews land Co. He is now and has been for some days past been engaged in surveying he company’s tract of land at Indian Point, and is to make a plan of the same, which, we understand, is to be submitted to a specialist in laying out parks, who will from them furnish drawings for the 10 acre park, which the company are, by agreement with the town, required to lay out and maintain. We think the St. Andrews Land Co very fortunate in having secured the service of such a reliable and competent gentleman and Mr. Maxwell admittedly is.
Pilot
May 31/1888
Two poems on the St. Andrews boom: one in 1888 and one in an imaginary 1898, after the town has become a hit:
Pilot
May 31/1888
From “1898”:
The business is a booming,
The tourists all alive,
And money is as plenty
As honey in a hive.
The farmers they are jolly
With money to spend
Wondering in their folly
When this boom will end.
--Susan
These poems are a response to the two “boom that never came poems” that appeared in the Pilot, May 24, 1888, the ones quoted by Mowatt in her book.
“1888”
The wintry sun at even went down
Behind the ‘Devil’s Head,’
As Keezer rang the evening bell,
To show the day was dead.
But every old inhabitant,
As he strolled home to tea,
Was conversing with his neighbour
Of the boom that was to be.
There was no doubt about it,
This was no ‘Argyll Sham,’
For companies were forming fast,
Led on by Mr. Cram.
For capitalists from Boston,
Have said, we’ll buy the town,
And millionaires from Calais
Have planked their money down.
And e’en the nabobs of St. John
Had one their level best,
they bought up all the land they could
And took options on the rest.
And the St. Stephen lumber kinds
Had also fumed and fussed,
The only trouble seemed to be,
They could not raise the dust.
The fathers of our city
Had met within their hall,
And listened to some speeches,
That had captured one and all;
What care they now for turnips,
Or how the weirs may fish,
For St. Andrews now was going to boom
And what more could they wish.
Down at the Point there’ll be a park,
Where now is bush and brake,
And all the water that we’ll drink
Will come from Chamcook Lake.
We were told in flowing language
Of how Chautauqua’d grown,
How Campobello was no good,
And Bar Harbour’s day was done.
They found they’d slept for 50 years,
But were bound to sleep no more,
And then a leading citizen
Got up upon the floor;
He said, ‘Oh kind Americans,’
Our town no more we’ll hide,
We’ll give you Chamcook Mountain
And we’ll throw in the Bay Side,
We’ll give our Point without a word,
Their promises are bold;
We are quite sure, with men like these
We never will be sold.
1898
Again the wintry sun went down
Behind the ‘Devil’s Head,”
Again old Keezer pulled the bell
To show the day was dead.
But now the old inhabitants
On their way home to tea,
Converse in mournful language
Of the boom that was to be.
The cows still roam upon our streets,
Horses and geese as well,
And all the water that we drink
Still comes from ‘Berry’s Well.’
The good old ‘Houghton’ goes as fast
As she did in years gone by,
The same old car is on the road,
No difference I descry.
In fact, I notice nothing new,
All things seem the same;
The only difference is, they talk
Of the boom that never came.
--Mabel
Pilot
June 14/1888
Among the most happy and contented people within the confines of this wide Dominion are the residents of St. Andrews. When others grumbled over dull seasons and hard times, the average St. Andrews man pursued the even tenor of his way, taking all things for the best, confident that the day would come when wealth and plenty would take up their permanent abode in the town. And visitors, thanks to the quite beauty and glorious climate of the peninsula which stretches out towards Passamaquoddy bay, having the St. Croix river on one side and Chamcook bay on the other, soon catch the infection, and believe as fully as the natives that St. Andrews has a glorious future before it. The town is clean, healthy, regularly laid out with handsome streets, none less than 65 feet wide, and some really pretty buildings. Its lower part is situated on the level adjoining the water, but its cross streets and higher part ascend a gently sloping red sandstone hill, the summit of which commands an extensive view of the river and bay, and of the shores of the State of Maine beyond. This promontory of St. Andrews consists of red sandstone and marls, traversed by trap-dykes, proceeding most probably from Chamcook mountain as their centre. The bold scenery, diversified coast line and perfects roads of the peninsula, the placid, land-locked waters of Passamaquoddy bay, its freedom from fogs, . . . the utter absence of mosquitoes, together with a wonderfully curative effect in cases of hay fever, gives St. Andrews pre-eminence over the much vaunted summer resorts along the adjoining coast of Maine. . . . The invasion of 1888
Another body of invaders from Massachusetts holds virtual possession of St. Andrews today. Indian Point was placed in their hands by the joyous inhabitants, as a thank offering, as soon as they had given tangible evidence that theirs was pub the pioneer tread of thousands yet to come. the residents of St. Andrews love the quiet beauty of their town, but they do not despise American gold, and much property has changed hands of late at figures which would have bee deemed marvellous a few short years go. (to be continued)
Pilot
June 21/1888
Second part from St. John Daily Sun
“The St. Andrews Land Company, of which Sir Leonard Tilley is president, R. S. Gardiner of Boston, secretary, and Eugene F. Fay of Boston, treasurer, comprises a coterie of American business men among whom may be named, in addition to these officers, Mr. Claflin of the celebrated mercantile firm of Claflin and Co., Boston; Mr. Lord, banker of Bangor; J. B. Coyle of the International Steamship Co.; Mr. Connors of the Old Colony Railroad; F. E. Boothby of the Maine Central; D. J. Flanders of the Boston and Maine, not forgetting F. W. Cram, general manager of the New Brunswick railway, who has been one of the moving spirits in the affair. The company have already invested a large sum of money in the purchase of sightly look-outs near the village proper, and have in fact secured possession of most of the available property of the plateau adjoining the town, as well as the two large islands in the contiguous waters. Corner lots in the village have not been overlooked, and although operations have been here and there retarded by the anxiety of land owners to obtain considerably more than the present market price for their property, the company have every reason to feel gratified at the manner in which their advances were generally met by the townspeople. Joe’s Point, where the camp was held last year, and much of the land in that vicinity, is now held by the company; and at almost every turn on the sweep around the point, and down past the terrace to Indian Point, the eye of the spectator is greeted with the sign: “Trespassers on these lands will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.” Of course, there have been some purchased by parties not connected with the company. For instance, T. Wedlock, Esq., of Shanghai and formerly of Windsor, N. S. , has bought the McRoberts farm, a mile and a half out from the town and facing the St. Croix river, (this is Strathcroix, Willa Walker’s property) for $3,000, a price far in advance of what was asked for the property before the land boom had assumed its present proportions. Mr. Harding (later C. R. Hosmer lot) of Harding and Smith, Saint John , has purchased for $950 a lot on the Victoria Terrace range of about two and three-quarter acres, and also a part of the Peacock farm at Joe’s point for $5,000. As a proof of the reality of the boom, and that the extravagant stories one hears one the streets of St. Andrews have some foundation in fact, we give the following extracts from the records in the office of the registrar of wills and deeds:
Deed, dated 23rd February, 1888—James Haley to S. L. Tilley, Three town lots in St. Andrews.
Deed dated 23rd Feb, 12888, Richardson Haddock to S. L. Tilley two town lots in St. Andrews.
Deed, George S. Grimmer to S. LO. Tilley. Give town lots in St. Andrews. Deed, William Rollins to S. L. Tilley. Four lots of land on the road leading from the Bar road to the rural cemetery, each lot having a frontage of 11 rods and 7 links, and 10 roads and 1 ½ links wide.
Deed—John McFarlane to Tilley, Certain lots in the parish of SA, near the Bar road, containing 22 acres. Deed dated May 20, 1888, Thomas E. Gibson to St. Andrews Land Co. A lot in St. Andrews.
Deed dated March 3, q888, Charles O’Neill to Tilley. A town lot in St. Andrews on Prince of Wales street.
Deed dated Feb. 28, q888, George Mowatt to Tilley. About 25 acres in the parish of St. Andrews of the George Mowatt farm. Deed dated 5th March, 1q888, N. G. D. Parker to Tilley. A portion of the Tompkins farm so called in the parish of SA, also two town lots.
Deed dated March 1st, 1888, Bishop of Fredericton and other to S. L. Tilley, ten acres in the parish of SA, also three acres in the town of St. Andrews. Deed Julia Whitlock to Tilley. Eight town lots in St. Andrews. Also a part of the Joe’s point property.
Deed dated March 5th, 1888, Daniel McFarlane to Tilley. Two lots in the parish of SA, nos. 10 and 20.
Deed dated March 6th, 1888, N. G D. Parker and Henry Moody to Tilley. Twenty four lots in the town of St. Andrews.
Deed dated March 16th, 1888, Church wardens and others of All Saints Church to Tilley. Seven lots in the town of St. Andrews.
Deed dated Feb 28, 1888—B. R. Stevenson and others to Tilley, Two lots and one-half in the town of St. Andrews.
Deed date 28th May, 1888, Emma Robinson to St. Andrews Land Company, town lot in St. Andrews.
One of the most important portions of the work undertaken by the Land Company is the introduction of a good system of water works by piping from the Chamcook lakes in the nearby highlands. A charter for a water company was obtained at the recent session of the provincial legislature, and the work will be carried on with such dispatch that ere the grand rush sets in, St. Andrews will rejoice in a perfect system of sewerage and water supply. The Chamcook water is perfectly pure and of the very best quality. The elevation gives a sufficient head to supply much of the ground to be covered, but for the higher portions of the town a pumping station will be necessary.
The town of SA, as before stated, has given the company a free grant of the strip of land lying south and east of the NB railway, known as Indian Point, containing about 55 acres, on condition that the company will make not less than ten acres into a public park for the perpetual use of the town, under the usual regulation for the government of parks and squares.
On Tuesday of this week, E. A. W. Hammatt, a prominent landscape artist, arrived from Boston for the purpose of examining the park and preparing plans for its adornment according to the rigid laws that govern modern landscape gardening. Mr. Hammatt, who received much valuable assistance during his stay from Mr. Maxwell, C. E. of SS, at present engaged surveying the land company’s property, informed ‘The Sun’ that it was his intention to make haste slowly and as far as possible to utilize such trees now in the park as are worth preserving. He will introduce groups of mixed evergreen and hardwood trees, lay out walks, erect band stands, refreshment booths, etc. The company proposes spending about $5,000 this season on the park and its surroundings.
A fine building for the offices of the company will be erected in the center of the town this summer, and a few typical cottages will be put up, but so far as can be ascertained, the moving spirits of the enterprise are not the men to rush matters with undue haste. They desire lasting returns on their investment, and aim to make St. Andrews the superior summer resort of any watering place on the North Atlantic coast. The volume of travel to this point in recent seasons, the favorable attitude of the railway corporations whose lines stretch out to this region and its accessibility from New York, Boston, Montreal, Ottawa and Quebec, make its future as a resort an assured success. Before the opening of another season the Canadian Pacific railway will have placed the leading cities of the Dominion in direct communication with St. Andrews by through train. Briefly summed up, the attractions of St. Andrews comprise: unsurpassed scenery; beautiful climate; freedom from fogs and mosquitoes, magnificent yacht course; rustic lanes; diversified carriage dries and bridle paths; fine bathing; tide water, stream and lake fishing with woodland glades and mountain slopes hungry for he crack of the sportsman’s gun.
A confident feeling that St. Andrews will soon be the great winter port of Canada, warms the hearts of many of her residents. Some when spoken to on the subject, nod their heads with a knowing smile; others give tongue freely.
What on earth do you suppose the land company want with all the ground they have secured own near the New Brunswick railway track, unless the C. P. R. are behind them? And then the speaker proceeds to demonstrate that St. Andrews is the port in the maritime provinces nearest to Montreal, that is harbor, open all the year round, is deep enough to float the great eastern as far u pas Joe’s Point, while in the land locked bay the united navies of the world could cast anchor on a clay bottom that never ‘drags.’ He further established to his own satisfaction at least, that the C. P. R. want to harbor all to themselves; that Saint John having no wharves and no enterprise is out of the race altogether, and that he I. C. R. and the imperial authorities have a practical monopoly of Halifax waters, and that consequently St. Andrews is the only spot on the coast fitted to meet the requirements of the great trans-continental line. Free sites for wharves and elevators, free stockyard privileges, etc., are, of course, to be had for the asking. Even many of the more conservative citizens, who are the Kilkenny cat side of the summer-pleasure-resort-ocean-freight-terminus combination, are convinced that the C. P. R. money is at the back of the boom; and that Sir George Stephen et al have as keen an eye for ducats that spring from a fashionable watering place as they have for the wealth that exudes from the golden grain of the far western prairies. The fact that Adam Smith, the patriarch of NB journalism has ever scouted the selection of any other port by the C. P. R. is a force that serves to strengthen the weak-kneed against all pessimistic sneerers. Time, however, will soon show how near these enthusiasts have stood to rock bottom.
Pilot
June 28/1888
The erection of a mammoth hotel building at Indian Point, is one of the possibilities of the near future. Mr. R. S. Gardiner and Capt. W. B. Sears of Boston arrived here Monday last and are registered at Kennedy’s Hotel.
The St. Andrews Land Co have decided to commence forthwith with the erection of a two-story brick building with basement on the lot corner of Water and Prince Streets. To be used as a club room and offices. The specifications for the erection of the first house on Indian Point are now in the hands of contractors for tenders.
[July 2/1888--Eugene Fay to B. R. Stevenson MS 3Y-411: “The natural curiosity regarding our movements and operations, and the liability of postal card communications furnishing food for gossip, leaves me to suggest that all communications to us be under the seal of an envelope.”]
Pilot
July 12/1888
St. Andrews’ Future
“Knowing something of the plans and purposes of the St. Andrews Land Co., we recognize the wisdom of the initiatory steps it is taking in its own interest, and for the good of the town. Composed as it is of business men, they do not seek at the outset to advertise the place as a ‘grand summer resort’ until something beyond climate and natural beauty of location exists. A substantial basis being laid—Indian Point Park with its cottages and bathing beach and bath houses completed, one important step will have been accomplished, for in this regard we hardly believe our citizens have appreciated the almost unanimous wish of visitors, that proper facilities for bathing might be found here, and that a pleasant, shady resort for ladies and children near the water’s edge existed.
The plans for a modern brick and granite building to be erected on the Robinson lot, corner of Princess Royal and Water Streets, will be in the hands of contractors for tenders this week. The high studded basement of the club is to be fitted up as a club and billiard room, thus providing a place of amusement and entertainment for gentlemen who enjoy such social intercourse as a private club affords. The Co.’s lands, beyond the limits of the town, have been in the hands of surveyors, and plans of the same are now being completed, so that the Company will soon have accurate knowledge of what it owns, and be in position to decide upon the most desirable locality for a large hotel, for until greater hotel accommodations can be had, it would be folly to attempt attracting the multitude to St. Andrews.
The ‘Argyll’ is an exceedingly pleasant and well kept house, but even with its 75 rooms it cannot accommodate more guests than will naturally and without any effort, come to it this summer. The boarding houses will as usual have as many as they can care for, therefore it seems not only desirable but absolutely necessary that an hotel than will care for 400 or 500 people should be erected, and as in the case of the ‘Ponce-de-Leon,’ opened at St. Augustine, Fla., last winter, it will attract such crowds of people here that the hotels which already exist will do a larger business than in the past.
To this end the Land Co. is now working, for it recognizes the fact that its property will only be made valuable according to the demand for it which may be created, and such demand will only arise through a large number of people being attracted here. The gentlemen interested in the Company have determined upon methods which seem to them most likely to result in permanent good, and to their own advantage, and when it is stated that voiding the usual course of ‘Land Companies,’ which upon small investments issue certificates of stock representing one hundred times the value of property purchased. The St. Andrews Land Co has not issued a share of stock or place encumbrance of any kind upon its property, it can be readily understood that as its members are furnishing every dollar necessary to carry out their purposes, our citizens will we are sure appreciate that these gentlemen whose efforts . . . .”
Pilot
July 26/1888
Land Co offers prize for essay on St. Andrews as summer resort. See photocopy and below.
“The St. Andrews Land Company, desirous of affording an opportunity to persons of literary ability to demonstrate their talent, propose offering a liberal cash premium for the best article upon St. Andrews and its vicinity from the standpoint of a place of summer resort. The article must not contain over 6,000 words, and should embrace briefly, early history and tradition. Geographical and topographical description. Healthfulness with data corroborating same. Scenery drives, bathing, salt water and inland fishing, shooting, yachting, local conveniences, and routes by which St. Andrews may be reached. The subjects need not be taken up in the order here given, but are left to the ingenuity of each writer to weave the topics in the most pleasant, readable and attractive form. A committee of gentlemen, interested in the Land Company, will decide upon the merits of each article and award premium to the best.”
Pilot
Aug 23/1888
America to the Front
Some of our American summer visitors have been indulging among themselves in their good natured fun, and shown us some of the means they take at home and abroad to work off that surplus nervous energy which has made the American character what it is: an enterprising and successful race of people, as well as a people luxurious their tastes and habits. They must do something, and if it is not business then they go for fun.
The low dead axletree wagon or dray, called with us a solvent or truck cart, being an object of interest and having caused considerable comment and wonderment among the guests at he Argyll hotel, it was suggested one day last week by some of the leading spirits that they take a drive in this wonderful production of luxury, in imitation of the buck board so much in vogue at other summer resorts. the ladies, not to be outdone in fun, thought if they were to ride in this luxurious vehicle they ought to dress in keeping with the name solvent, so to the surprise of the gentlemen, some thirty or more ladies and children attired themselves in all kinds of fantastic and amusing costumes, and when the team drew up to the steps of the hotel, marched down—not in beauty arrayed—but certainly as their friends never anticipated seeing them, in other words, the ladies outwitted the gentlemen (as they always do) and three two-horse teams loaded with laughing humanity, started on the road for Joe’s Point, with blowing of horns hurrahing, singing and waving of bannerettes, etc. After half a day spent pleasantly the Point, they returned to won and were photographed.
Friday night was to bring to the hotel some R. R. officials and other friends by special train, and in order to give them a suitable reception, two gentlemen a the hotel were dressed up fantastically to imitate hackmen. Upon the arrival of the train at the depot, the hackmen with a dinner bell, and all manner of shouting in true Jehu style, gave the new comers a hideous reception, while others on the hotel plaza added to the general uproar by firing guns, blowing horns and beating drums, etc., which must have impressed the new arrivals with the feeling they were approaching a palace of demons or infernal spirits.
Saturday night a collection of trees, refuse wood and branches gathered in clearing out Indian Point, having been arranged in huge piles along the shore, were saturated with kerosene and set on fire lighting up the bay for mils. the following bill of fare was served at the hotel, and as one would supposed from reading, provoked considerable mirth. the local hits on a number of our local citizens are particularly good, as well as those on the visitors at the hotel, and matters that are discussed on the street.
Bill of Fare
R. Gile’s Hotel,
St. A. (y) Harbor, La Grande Saratoge
N. B. (take notice)
(Note:--the village lamps would be lighted every evening but for the expense)
Rain of Augustus XVIII. I ate three times.
Hugh Bert, Captain
ME AND U
Potage
Corned Cobb Soup,
Cram Chowder
Whalebone Stew-Osburn’s too!
HORS D’OEUVRES.
Pickled Chicken’s Ears.
Bell’s Poultry Dressing,
Capers, sloven style, Balm a Gilead Buds, raw.
POISSON
Fishing Efforts, Gardiner’s’ catch
B and M Flounders,
Seals Liver, Indian style
Queen Street Polly-wogs, Glenn sauce
Little folk’s Pouts, spanking gravy
Friend Eel’s feet, Sheldon dressing,
Codfish bones, Yankee style
ROTI
Booth-bay Mutton without Capers
New Brunswick Polly-Ticks, brain gravy
Custom House Duck, Gove Style
Coyled Sausage in Portland Fat
ENTREES
Indian Point Park Ornaments, devilled with cow tracks
Scalloped Kidneys, a la Fay
Law Point, Stevenson, Grimmer and Cockburn brand
Single Cunner, Old Colony dressing
LEGUMES
St. Andrews Cricket Club beets
St. Stephen catch-up if you can, Let us,
Local Government salary,
ENTREMENTS
Claflin Tarts, Mugwumph style, Straight Pudding, Forster sauce,
Miss take Pie, Rare-bits, Pitch pine sauce
NOIX ET FRUITS
“Chestnuts,” Tipperary Grapes,
Lord and Mayor’s Bangor peaches
CAFÉ
Church Sociable Liquids, Cat-nip Tea, Magee’s Pilot Bread,
Steeped Wormwood, H. Oars Risford Cheese
VINS
S. Leonard’s—Royal Vintage
P. S.—Food will be charged extra
Guests furnished free with sham Cook-water from Herbert’s Hogs-heads.
All side dishes furnished by Stickney
*Guests wanting to find fault, will please consult the Lightening Doctor in the office chair.
“Parsons’ on grace before meat” can be found in the town library.
R. A. Supply Co., would be printers.
Cows at Large
To those of our citizens who have within the pat week observed the work being done by the Land Co., upon he public park at Indian Point, it must have occurred that a stage of progress has been reached where the roaming cow can in one day undo the labor of two men. the banks of the pond are being formed, the fancy pieces jutting out into the water graded and line dup, and to the gentlemen whose money is being spent upon what is designed to be the most attractive spot in our midst. It is to say the least rather discouraging to find that they must day after day make good what has been trample and torn down buy cows. Further more it must be apparent to every man and woman that the genus cow meandering over the gravelled road and side walks of the park, creating nuisances every few yards, is scarcely in keeping with a public pleasure ground or private park.
It is no answer to the above truism to say the “fences would keep them out.” Fences and parks went together 20 years ago, but in the more modern landscape gardening the combination of green sward, flower-bed, driving road, and pedestrians path is not marred by dividing fences.
We feel confident that it is only necessary to appeal to good judgment of our citizen to put a stop to this annoyance, for it will add to the cleanliness of our town and remove an unsightly nuisance which residents and visitor stake occasion to openly complain of.
Details on construction at Tilley Park. Annual meeting of Land and Water Co. See photocopy and below.
“The Tilley Park and grounds are now assuming a pleasing appearance, since the timely arrival of Mr. Horton, which was a boon to the company, the works have been carried on in a most systematic and thoroughly efficient manner. The drainage is thoroughly practical and complete, every precaution has been used in avoiding the covering of the same with all substances impervious to water, whereby accelerating the absorption by porous substances which greedily absorb all moisture. The road also are tastefully laid out with the same care, and the evergreens along their borders carefully preserved, giving a most pleasing effect to the eye, you drive along their graceful meanderings. Their gradings have been so carefully studied and carried out, that the eye can scarcely discern an undulation or rise from the beach to the summit a distance of twelve hundred feet and with a rise of 20 feet. This gives it the most perfect drainage and beautiful slope; at the same time wells of pure spring water can be obtained by sinking down in the strata which is met with from one to three feet deep from the surface at almost any point on the lands of the co’y. The same vigilant eye is on the park and to all appearances will be carried out with the same taste and precision under such thorough practical guidance and management as former works bear testimony, this will also prove a most pleasing success.”—Pedestrian
On Saturday last was held by adjournment to the Argyll Hotel, the annual meetings of the St. Andrews Land Co and The Chamcook Water Co; the last of the stockholders having arrived by the late train Friday night, accompanied by their families and friends, among whom was A. S. Hanson, General Pass. A’gt of The Boston and Albany R. R. and T. R. George, Electrician of Boston. The meetings were fully attended, there being the largest number present that ever met together at any one time.
The President, Sir Leonard Tilley, Lieut. Governor or NB, came down by the noon train Saturday and occupied the chair.
There were also present Vice President Robt. S. Gardiner, Treasurer Eugene F. Fay, D. J. Flanders of Boston, General Passenger Agent of the Boston and Maine Railroad system; Fred E. Boothby, of Portland, Me. Gen’l Pass. A’gt of the Maine Central R. R.; F. W. Cram, of Saint John , NB, manager of New Brunswick Railroad; Charles V. Lord of Bangor, Maine; President Veazie of the National Bank, Bangor; Daniel B. Claffin, of Claflin, Larrabee and Co., and Roscoe A. Cobb, of Ross, Cobb and Co., both of Boston.
The executive officers presented their annual reports and a very detailed consideration was given to the past operations of the companies, assisted by elaborate plans hung upon the walls, showing in detail, lands purchased, properties surveyed, laid out and improved, and further assisted by consultations with, and facts presented by Messrs. Henry Osburn, the recent Local Manager (who soon goes abroad on private business and could not continue to serve the company here) by Mr. L. M. S. Horton, of Boston, the present superintendent and by Mr. D. F. Maxwell of SS, the engineer locally in charge. Mr. A. W. Forbes, (of Crafts and Forbes, of Boston,) engineer on water supply, furnished elaborate plans of the proposed water system from Chamcook Lakes, and E. A. Hammett, of Boston, Landscape Architect, sent sketches in detail for the proposed improvements of Indian Point, including the Indian Point Park, as it will look when completed.
The Directors at their meetings discussed future plans very fully and all who were present, as stockholders, as directors or as guest of the company, expressed great satisfaction with the plans, with the work already accomplished (so far as it has been possible to move safely, from a business standpoint) and all were in hearty accord in agreeing to continue developments as fast as the laws, the sentiment of the people and the action of the town authorities warrant the company in doing.
The water question cannot be taken up until some action is taken by the Fire Wards of the town, and that is what the company is waiting for and why no work is being done by the Water Company.
The Indian Point Park must await completion until the Queen St. Extension grade and culvers are established. The crossing for Queen street over the NB Railroad and the culverts under the railroad will all be put in order by the Railroad as soon as the town authorities complete their part of the work now necessary to be done on Queen Street, and all the Park roads entering Queen St. will also be completed ready for use, as soon as the town authorities do their work. The final ornamentation of the Park and Park drives and walks has been and must be delayed until the running at large of cows is put a stop to.
Many plans for the continued development of St. Andrews as a summer resort were placed in the hands of special committees, but until consummated, it would be unwise to publish them. One, however, the purchase of a steam yacht for pleasure parties next summer, there is no harm in mentioning.
St. Croix Courier
Sept 6/1888
The erection of the first cottage of the American syndicate at St. Andrews has been commenced by Mr. McPherson, of Saint John. It will be a very pretty building of the Queen Anne style. Contractor James McKenzie, of SS, has commenced the erection of the bank building and club house of the American syndicate.
I don’t suppose there are twenty of the many thousand readers of the widely circulated Courier who have not heard of the genius of the affable manager of the St. Andrews foundry. Within the last few years he has made inventions that established for him an enviable reputation. His latest achievement is the modelling and construction of a handsome and solid iron fence. Its design is complete and in appearance it can hardly be excelled. It encloses a lot forty feet square with an additional space of 14 x 16 feet. The gates bear with pleasing effect a representation of the weeping willow. The height of the fence is 3 feet, 3 inches, and provision is made that no part of it will be displaced by frost upheavals. The fence is to be placed in the cemetery at Richardsonville, Deer Island, to enclose the lots of the Richardson family of that place. Mr. McMonagle has more orders for fences of that kind than he can conveniently attend to just now.
Pilot
Oct 18/1888
J. S. Magee arrives home. Masons and bricklayers forging ahead on Land Co office. To be covered before snow.
The erection of the proposed hotel at Joe’s Point will be commenced immediately. We have seen the plans; it will be a very sightly and spacious building and will contain 83 sleeping rooms.
An American hotel syndicate has purchased a building lot from the Land Co. at Joe’s Point, on which they propose to erect a large summer hotel. Work will be commenced the last of this month and the building will be completed for the anticipated rush of visitors next summer.
St. Andrew Bay Pilot
Dec 6, 1888
“Thursday last Mr. D. McNichol, general passenger agent, and Mr. C. E. McPherson, Boston passenger agent of the Canada Pacific Railway arrived in town by train. They were met at the station by Mr. L. M. S. Horton, Manager of the St. Andrews Land Co., who invited them to be seated in a carriage in waiting, and drove them to the different points of interest in, and in the immediate vicinity of the town, including the site for the Algonquin hotel. The gentlemen expressed themselves as well pleased with all they saw, and of the facilities St. Andrews appeared to be possessed of, not only as a summer resort, but for that of a deep-sea terminus as well. The objective point of their visit was to see what arrangements can be made as to the running of trains next summer to and from St. Andrews in connection with the C. P. R. It is proposed to afford all possible facilities for the residents of Montreal and other Canadian cities to reach SA, to place it on as favorable footing in reference to rates, car accommodation and speed, as other points. The run from Montreal to St. Andrews will be made in less than twelve hours, the fare the same as to Orchard Beach or adjacent points thereto in Maine. The gentlemen were hospitably entertained at Kennedy’s hotel. They left town by special train at 8:00 p. m. en route for Saint John. “St. Andrews is all right.”
Pilot
Dec 6/1888
Corner stone of Algonquin laid. Copy of St. Telegraph containing description of construction of bldg placed in cavity along w Bay Pilot. See photocopy and below.
Laying the Corner Stone
Monday last the 3rd inst., the foundation stone of the ‘Algonquin’ hotel was laid by Miss Carrie B. Horton, the accomplished daughter of Mr. L. M. S. Horton, Manager of the St. Andrews Land Co., in presence of a number of gentlemen of SA, interested in the work. In the cavity prepared for the purpose, was deposited coin of the Dominion and of the United States; a copy of the St. John Telegraph containing a description of the building in the process of erection. We purpose at an early day to publish an engraving of the hotel as it will appear when completed together with a full description thereof and its surroundings.
Pilot
Dec 13/1888
Work on the A hotel is being vigorously pushed under the superintendence of Mr. Robert Stevenson, master carpenter. . . . Upwards of forty men are employed.
Pilot
Jan 3/1889
First picture of Algonquin. See photocopy. Desc. of hotel amenities.
See photocopy and below.
“We present to the subscribers and readers of the Bay Pilot, on this our 1st issue of the year 1889, an engraving of the Algonquin Hotel, now in process of construction in this town, which will be admitted by all to be a sightly structure. The name Algonquin is taken from that of the tribe of American Indians, who in the days of Columbus, and for hundreds of years before his time, were the owners of the land and roamed through the forest primeval in quest of game, and caught in the ever beautiful Passamaquoddy bay fish, with which then as now its waters abounded.
The Algonquin was designed by Reed [sic] and Taylor, Architects, of Boston, Mass., U. S., upon the most approved methods of construction; it will be replete with every convenience and luxury now demanded by the summer tourists. It is located on the highest point in the town plot, at the north west end of the ridge on the western slope of which the town is built, and in the immediate vicinity of Fort Tipperary, and is one hundred and fifty feet above high water. From its piazzas’, three hundred and forty feet long by fourteen wide, and its windows, is had a magnificent view of Chamcook Mountain, St. Croix river, Passamaquoddy bay, the Bay of Fundy, and the group of islands known as the West Isles, which divide the waters of the two bays, outside of looms up Grand Manan [sic] and the Wolves. Immediately in the foreground nestles the dear old town of St. Andrews, embowered in leaf and flower, while the view from the windows and piazzas is surpassingly fine, that from the tower will be grand, embracing an area of at least 20 miles on every hand by land, and seaward bounded only by the horizon.
The drainage from the Algonquin will be by carefully constructed sewers with a descent of 7 ½ percent directly into the sea 2000 feet distant.
The house will be provided with an elevator, salt and fresh water baths, a laundry and other modern requisites, together with a spacious dining room, parlors, reception, waiting and billiard rooms, etc.
The Algonquin is intended to be a hotel of the very highest class, basing its claims upon its equipment and management. Mr. F. A. Jones, the well-known and popular proprietor of the Hotel Dufferin, in St. John, will have the management of the Algonquin, he being the lessee. This in itself is a guarantee of success, for every one who knows Mr. Jones knows that he is well qualified for the position.”
LIST OF THE STOCKHOLDERS IN THE ALGONQUIN, PUBLISHED IN THE ROYAL GAZETTE
The capital stock is $50,000, in five hundred shares of $100 each. Already $80,000 has been subscribed by the people of New Brunswick, Maine and Massachusetts. Messrs. W. A. Murchie, of Calais, Robert S. Gardiner, of Newton, Mass., and Eugene F. Fay, of Brookline, Mass., are named as provisional directors. The incorporators are: William D. Forster, William E. Mallory, George D. Grimmer, Leonard B. Knight, Herbert Street, M. N. Cockburn, J Russell Bradford, James Scallan, G. Herbert Lamb, James Cummings, F. Howard Grimmer, J. D. Grimmer, Michael McMonagle, St Andrews.
William A. Murchie, Albert H. Sawyer, E. B. Todd, Calais. Eugene F. Fay, Roscoe A. Cobb, Daniel B. Claflin, J. Emory Hoar, Brookline, Mass. Robert S. Gardiner, DWS Bell, Newton, Mass. Abraham Avery, George L. Connor, Boston, Mass. Charles F. Lord, C. F. Bragg, Bangor, Maine. J. B. Coyle, F. E. Boothby, Portland, Maine. F. B. Noyes, Stonington, Con.,
G. B. Dunn, H. T. Frisbie, Walter Mansure, Aubrey M. Smith, Charles P. Allen, James Phair, Houlton and Presque Isle, Maine.
Fred A. Jones, Jas Manchester, Morris Robinson, T. Barclay R Robinson, James Robertson, William Greig, John Kerr, E. Fisher, J. C. Robertson, J. F. Dookrill, W. H. Thorne, J. R. Stone, J. S. Harding, Thomas McAvity, George Robertson, William Wheeler, George, W. Ketchum, Robert, T. Clinch, J. D. Shafford, Louis Green, Charles Campbell, Thomas Clarke, St. John. M. J. Hogan, Fred P. Thomson, A. F. Randolph, Thomas Temple, W. T. Whitehead, John A. Edwards, Fredericton. Frederick M. Murchie, John, D. Bonners, W. C. H. Grimmer, Charles H. Clarke, John D. Chipman, Julius T. Whitlock, Henry E. Hill, Frank Todd, Henry F. Todd, Wm. F. Todd, St. Stephen.
Jabez B. Snowball, Chatham, NB. A. Markham, Markhamville. Fred. H. Hals, Woodstock. William Douglas, Moore’s Mills. George T. Baskin, McAdam.
Pilot
Jan 31/1889
Bill authorizing sale of part of Eastern commons to Land Co. See photocopy and below.
Land Co. have sold several building lots at Point.
Contract for linen carpets has been awarded to Manchester, Robertson and Allison of Saint John. That for eighty sets bedroom furniture, to Lordly and Co. For piping to Doody, for plumbing to Blake, kitchen furnishing etc. to Emerson and Fisher, all of Saint John.
Mr. Taylor, of Taylor and Rand, Boston architects of the Algonquin, is in town, and will remain for a few days looking after the details of the plans.
Mr. Fred A. Jones and Mrs. Jones, of the Hotel Dufferin, Saint John , were also here, looking over the situation. Mr. Jones was making arrangements for the supply of ice, of which a large quantity will be required in the Algonquin. . . . A number of rooms have already been secured by intending visitors, and applications from all quarters are flowing in.
Pilot
Jan 24/1889
11 cars of granite for erecting a breastwork for protection and strengthening railroad at Katy’s cove.
Charlotte County Municipal Council
Therefore Ordered, That in the event of the Legislature of NB at its next session passing an Act to authorize or require this council, when the said The Algonquin Hotel Company (Limited) has fulfilled and complied with certain conditions in the said Act of the Legislature to be expressed, to order that the said hotel with its appointments, fixtures, furniture and the appurtenances thereof, of a personal nature, shall be exempt from all town and parish rates and taxes, (excepting local district school tax) to which the said property would be otherwise legally liable for a period of ten years next after the date when work upon said hotel may have been begun, that this council, as far as its act may now be or hereafter may be made legal, now order, and direct, that the said The Algonquin Hotel Company (Limited) be exempt from taxation for all town and parish rates (local district school taxes accepted) for a period of ten years from the time when work was begun upon said hotel, with the appointments, fixtures, furniture and the appurtenances thereof of a personal nature.”
Pilot
Feb 23/1889
From Boston Post:
The syndicate of wealthy capitalists, numbering several well-known Bostonians, who have undertaken the development of SA, NB, the pretty little seaport of Passamaquoddy Bay, as a summer resort, have already spent $100,000 in beautifying and improving the place. They have erected a superb hotel, the Algonquin, containing eighty-seven rooms, with every modern convenience, at a cost of $60,000, and placed it in charge of Fred. A. Jones of the Dufferin Hotel, St. John, N. B., a widely known host. A public park has also been laid out at a cost of $15,000, and numerous cottages erected. [not true] The scheme comprehends the laying of water pipes and electric lights in the near future. Climate and scenery being all that could be desired, distance from, the New England capital seemed the only possible obstacle to overcome. This has been met as far as practicable by the Boston and Maine, Maine Central and New Brunswick railroads undertaking to run through trains in twelve hours from Boston to SA, at very low rates, on and after the 1st day of June next. The fine boats on the I. S. S. Co., also offer a pleasant and cheap means of access to this Mecca of summer tourists. Of course under the forcing power of all this Yankee activity and capital, town lots in the little Shiretown are ‘booming.’ Eligible building sites are at 300 percent premium over last spring. The inhabitants of the provinces are also rapidly awakening to the possibility of development enjoyed by St. Andrews when it becomes one of the termini of the C. P. R., as it will in June next. The new line from Mattawamkeag Junction to Sherbrooke P. Q., through northern Maine, will be by that time open for traffic, with a schedule of fourteen hours from Montreal to Passamaquoddy Bay. The knowledge of this may have induced Sir Donald Smith, vice-president C. P. R. and Sir Leonard Tilley, governor of NB, to invest, as they have, in building lots. This line, as now constructed, is practically the old route as projected before the construction of the Intercolonial railroad, but decided against by the British government for military reasons. The traffic of the C. C. R. is sure to suffer heavily by the completion of the new line. A steam yacht is being built to enable visitors to explore the islands of the bay in comfort. There will also be excellent facilities for dancing, lawn tennis and fishing, both for trout and land-locked salmon.”
[April 8/1889--Eugene Fay to B. R. Stevenson MS3-Z-199: “I enclose to you deed of Robert S. Gardiner to St. Andrews Land Co., of the Hotel lot. As I understand the matter, you have examined the title, and made it satisfactory to Mr. Gardiner. If so, it will be only necessary I suppose, for you to place this deed upon record without any further expense. Mr. Gardiner hands us deed David Green to Thomas Hipwell, and Thomas Hipwell to Robert S. Gardiner. Also William H. Herbert to Robert S. Gardiner. Also a discharge mortgage, John Erskine to Robert Ker. Also a deed, Mathilda Street to Robert Ker. These are all the papers in connection with the matter that Mr. Gardiner has, and I presume you have others that you will think desirable to send me in order to make the old deed complete.”]
[April 26/1889--Eugene Fay to B. R. Stevenson MS3-Z-237: “I have your favor, re-enclosing to me assignment of lease of Fort Tipperary, from Sir Leonard to the St. Andrews Land Co. Herewith please find enclosed, deed of Mr. R. S. Gardiner, to the St. Andrews Land Co., of Block L, Bulkley’s Division, with corrections made as you suggested, and, if now satisfactory to you, will you kindly have it put on record.”]
[May 14/1888--Robert Gardiner to B. R. Stevenson MS3-Y-319: “Yours 11th rec’d. MY only object in having nominal consideration shown in “Hipwell” deed is to avoid “booming” the town lot prices until we close all such as Mr. Osburn is working on. The ? as such will be attained by not recording the deed now, although I presume everybody knows the price at which it was sold. It will therefore ? for the present of send Hipwell’s deed to me by mail (registered). The expenses I will hand you next time I see you.”]
Beacon
May 30/1889
We have received one of two hundred and fifty thousand copies of a pamphlet which has recently been published on St. Andrews by the Land Company. It is printed on a finely finished tone paper and is profusely and beautifully illustrated. The first page of the cover bears a splendid picture of the Algonquin hotel, as it will look on the first of July with its broad verandahs thronged with guests. Among the illustrations are Joe’s Point, Chamcook Lake, St. Andrews light-house, an arm of Passamaquoddy Bay, St. Andrews from For Tipperary, the river front, a view from Chamcook mountain, scenes in and near Indian park, Welsh Lake, the old block house and a variety of other charming pictures. The letter press is written in a romantic vein and describes very minutely the advantages and picturesque delights which have made St. Andrews so popular a summer resort. Mr. Holman D. Waldron, of Portland, Maine was the writer, we believe, and he has done his work well. These pamphlets are being circulated all over the North American continent.
There are few people outside of St. Andrews who have any conception of the vast improvements that have been made here by the Land Company within the past year. It is not twelve months since superintendent Horton came to St. Andrews from Boston, yet in that time he has superintended the erection of the Algonquin Hotel, the land Company’s magnificent brick building and cottage, and has converted what has hitherto been a wretched swamp into one of the most beautiful parks imaginable. In the construction of these buildings and in the making of these improvements over 100,000 dollars have been spent. It’s no wonder that St. Andrews is wearing a smile.
Beacon
June 6/1889
"The twenty-eighth of June--the day in which the Algonquin hotel will open--will mark the beginning of a new era in the history of St. Andrews. On that day it may be fairly said that SA-by-the-sea enters upon its career as one of the leading summer resorts of the North Atlantic season. The event, we humbly venture to express, is an important one for this community, and one that deserves recognition at the hands of the residents in some way or other. First impressions, we know from experience, are very often the decisive ones. The first impressions which our visitors form of the town and of the people will undoubtedly go far towards determining their future visits, or their disposition to locate their summer homes here. For this reason, it behooves us to have the conditions under which our visitors arrive made as favourable as possible. The question of how this shall be done we leave to the good judgment of the people themselves. The major part of the guests who attend the opening of the Algonquin will arrive in St. Andrews on the afternoon of the 28th, and it is the intention of a great many of the, we are told, to remain over until after Sunday. Something should be done to make their stay as pleasant as possible."
"The formal opening of 'The Algonquin' hotel has been determined for Friday, June 28th, a reception being given from four to seven, p. m., and dancing from nine to twelve o'clock. Invitations to be present will be extended to the Governor General Lord Stanley, Members of the Dominion Cabinet, Governor Burleigh of Maine, Lieut. Gov. Tilley of NB, Lieut. Gov. Rogers of Quebec, Lieut. Gov. Campbell of Ontario, Lieut. Gov. McAllen of Nova Scotia, Lieut. Gov. Macdonald of P. E. I., with their official staffs, members of the Dominion and Provincial Parliaments, representing Charlotte County, the Mayors of Boston, Montreal, Toronto, Kingston, Ottawa, Quebec, Portland, Bangor, St. John, Halifax; Fredericton, St. Stephen, Calais, Eastport, Houlton and Woodstock, the principal local government officials, Railway and steamship officials, Officers and stockholders of the 'St. Andrews Land Co.' and 'Algonquin Hotel Co.', and representatives of the press of the leading cities. IN each case, 'and lady' is incorporated in the invitation, for without the fair sex, the opening would lack the éclat befitting the occasion. The steam yacht of the St. Andrews Land Co. will make its initial excursion trips on the opening day, so that the invited guests may not only absorb the beauties of St. Andrews by land, but view the situation from our majestic bay, and picturesque river.
Work around the hotel is advancing very rapidly. The plumbers have completed their task and will have all the gas fixtures in by the latter part of the week. The representative of the Detroit Heating and Lighting Company has arrived and is getting the gasoline tank in position and making connections. It is expected that water connection will be completed before the present week is out. The elevator tanks are in place, and the elevator will be in working order in a day or two. The painters are also making fast headway. The exterior walls are being colored a terra cotta shade; the trimmings will be bronze green. The laundry will be ready in a few days. The approaches to the hotel are being nicely arranged, and before the opening day arrives will be well in shape."
Beacon
July 4/1889
June 28 opening ball described. See photocopy and below
"Nobody could find fault with the sample of St. Andrews weather we had today before the strangers who came here on Friday last to attend the opening of our magnificent summer hotel. It was charming, perhaps a trifle warm for the townspeople, but for the visitors from outside, who had emerged from almost torrid heat, it was like the breath of Paradise.
It was almost 2 o'clock in the afternoon before the whistle of the locomotive at Chamcook indicated the approach of the train bearing the visitors. All the livery stables turned out their conveyances, and everybody else who could get there at all, hustled down to the station. The platform was crowded, as one of the handsomest trains on the N. B. R. rolled into the siding and the passengers began to emerge from the cars. Amongst the first to alight was Lieut. Governor Tilley, who had come straight from the West, connecting with the St. Andrews train at McAdam. His honor looked a little jaded after his long journey, but a few days in the pure St. Andrews air served to recuperate him greatly. Governor E. C. Burleigh, of Maine and staff, consisting of sixteen persons, and Col. Henry M. Sprague; Adjutant-General of Augusta, Col. F. E. Boothby, of Portland, and Col. W. A. R. Boothby, of Waterville, were among the distinguished visitors to follow Sir Leonard. Among others on the station platform were Robert S. Gardiner, vice-president of the St. Andrews Land Company, and wife, of Newton Center, Mass.; Eugene F. Fay, and wife; W. B. Sears and wife; Roscoe A. Cobb and Nelson E. Weeks, and wives, of Brookline, Mass.; H. D. Waldron, of the Maine and central Railroad, Portland, Maine; Mayor McCollough of Calais; A. B. Chaffe, jr., agent of the C. P. R. Montreal; W. S. Taylor, Treasurer of the C. P. R., and wife, also of Montreal; Ald. Robertson and Miss Robertson, Ex-Mayor Thorne; Hon. David McLellan; Alex. Finley; R. Keltie Jones; J. R. Stone; W. S. Fisher, and Mrs. Fisher, of St. John; W. E. Wood, of the All Rail line; Jas. L. Thompson, manager of the Frontier Steamship Company of Calais; J. Stewart, superintendent of the N. B. R., and wife, of Woodstock; G. A. Haggerty, Mechanical Superintendent of the N. B. R.; H. T. Frisbee; John C. McIntyre; C. H. Pierce; W. Mauser and wife; and John C. Madrigan of Houlton, Maine; W. W. Waugh, proprietor of the Home Journal, Boston; E. H. Crosby, of the editorial staff of the Boston Post, and wife; Benj. F. Priest, of the editorial staff of the Boston Transcript; George H. Brennan, of the Boston Globe staff; Rueben Crooke, editor Boston Traveller; Frank H. Davis of Bangor, representing the Boston Herald and Bangor Whig and Courier; Revel P. Smith of the Bangor News; E. P. Boutelle, of the Bangor Whig; E. H. Dakin, of the Industrial Journal, Bangor; Theo. Cary, of the Aroostook Pioneer, Houlton; J. E. B. McCready, editor of the St. John Telegraph and John Bowes of the St. John Gazette, and Mrs. Bowes.
As quickly as possible everybody was whisked . . . Manager Jones and Chief Clerk Nason were waiting with open doors to extend to them a welcome. The visitors were charmed with the appearance of the hotel and its surroundings while those who stopped to feast their eyes on the scenery in the neighborhood of the hotel, admitted that they had ever dreamt that St. Andrews was half so beautiful. Mr. Jones and his staff had done wonders in the few days that were left to them, so that, with the exception of a few omissions that were scarcely noticeable, everything was in apple-pie order. The internal and external decorations were pretty and attractive, Chinese lanterns and bannerettes were suspended about the spacious piazza, while from the cupola, surmounting the 'eagle's nest,' the Union Jack and the Stars and Stripes floated side by side. The interior ornamentation was almost wholly floral, and was very effectively arranged. In the hallway, at the bases of the corner pillars, pots of rare plants were disposed, while there was a profusion of cut flowers about the mantles in the parlors and many of the other rooms.
Lunch was served soon after the arrival of the guests, about one hundred persons sitting down to a rich and elegant repast. . . . Following the lunch came the reception, which was quite a swell affair, and which was attended by a large number of persons. In addition to those who came by train, quite a large party was brought here by Mr. Todd's private yacht from St. Stephen, and an especially large number reached here from Eastport in the steamer "Nellie Kane." St. Andrews also supplied its quota. Lady Tilley formed one of the reception committee, the other ladies being Mrs. Fay, Mrs. Gardiner and Mrs. Jones . . . .
The guests were received in the beautiful parlors of the hotel, after which they had an opportunity of inspecting the building and the grounds, and of viewing for themselves those external beauties of which St. Andrews possesses such an abundance. For the building and its arrangements nothing but praise was heard, while everybody was enchanted with the delightful prospect that was spread before them as they climbed up to the 'eagle's nest' and swept their eyes around them. Charming, lovely, delightful, sublime, magnificent, grand--these were a few of the adjectives that were used, and even these did not seem to be sufficiently expressive. Quite a number of visitors took advantage of the lovely afternoon to drive about the town and its suburbs and view at nearer range the beauties that had so charmed their eye and their senses from the hotel. It was the unanimous verdict that as a summer resort St. Andrews stands unrivalled, and that as such she is bound to occupy a front rank among the famous watering places of the north Atlantic. . . .
In the evening the Algonquin looked even more beautiful than in daylight, the glancing lights from the windows, and the brilliant illuminations on the piazza making it resemble a palace of the fairies, instead of a building comprised of wood and brick and mortar. The scene in the interior of the building was equally dazzling--the rich and magnificent costumes of the ladies, the gay uniforms of the military, and the luxurious furnishings of the rooms forming a picture that one rarely has the pleasure of seeing. Lieutenant Governor Tilley and Lady Tilley were present, the former wearing the Cross of the Order of which he is such a distinguished and honorable member, suspended from a ribbon about his neck. Governor Burleigh of Maine, and his staff, brilliantly uniformed, and the officers from Camp St. Andrews . . . greatly enhanced the effect of the picture by their presence.
[Oct 30/1889--Eugene Fay to B. R. Stevenson, MS3-Z-435: “Will you aid the management of the “Algonquin” by sending us the names and addressed of all persons that you know, who are afflicted with Hay Fever, it having been thoroughly demonstrated the past season that Hay Fever sufferers will find at St. Andrews complete exemption from this disease. Circulars containing the strongest testimonials to this effect are being prepared. Hay fever people desire to remain away from home through September, and such a clientele means a months’ more business for our Hotel, and we urgently request your assistance to obtain the names and addressed of any sufferer from this disease (whether liable to go to St. Andrews or not), as by writing to them, we expect to get the names of other Hay Fever people of their acquaintance, who will be liable to go there.”]
Beacon
Deb 26/1889
The Dying Year
A few days more, and we will bid 1889 an everlasting farewell. The year that is now so fast drawing to a close has, we think we can safely say, been one of progress, so far as our own town is concerned. It is quite true that the “boom” did not do all that it was expected to; there is no boom that does. Nevertheless, the general situation of the town has vastly improved since last year. During the summer that has just passed away, St. Andrews was visited by many people—more than at any pervious time, and the outlook for next season is even better. Our magnificent hotel has attracted many who would not otherwise have come here, and it is satisfactory to know that some of our visitors are investing in lands with a view to making St. Andrews their permanent abode in summer time.
This well, for we know of no place on the American continent where summers can be spent more enjoyably than here. The General business of the own ahs improved as a result of the influx of tourist, though the improvement has not been as marked as our business people would have liked. So far as our manufactures are concerned, we can record one addition, or perhaps we should say a resuscitation, for sardines unfortunately were manufactured here before. We are not in a position to state whether the pecuniary results of the season have been satisfactory to the sardine manufacturers, but we hope they have been, and that the factory will be in operation when the fishing time comes around again. We would like to be able to report the establishment of other industries, but we cannot do so. Probably, next year, will do better for us in this respect. It is certain that there are few places on the continent where manufacturers can enjoy so many privileges as are available in St. Andrews. The condition of the railway was never better than it is today. During the past summer the road bed was placed in first class shape, and as it stands now it cannot be excelled anywhere. We are beginning to reap some benefit from the CPR connection, but up to the present time our exports to the upper provinces have been confined almost entirely to fish and such like goods. By careful manipulation, and by sending nothing but the best class of fish, we can see no reason why this trade should not develop into very large proportions during the next few years. St. Andrews clearly has the facilities and the fish, and the men, too, if they go about the work in a proper sprit. The all important question as to which port in the Maritime Provinces is to be made the winter port, or whether any such is to be made, has not ye been answered. Other cities in the lower Provinces are using their utmost endeavour to secure the coveted prize, but the people of St. Andrews feel so confident of the superiority of their port over all others that they have done nothing whatever. We have very grave doubts as to the prudence of this method. With the keen competition of the present day, communities as well as individuals have got to hustle if they want to get along. The old policy of sitting down and waiting for business to come in is played out,
Put Up or Shut Up
To the Editor of the Beacon—
Sir.—there appeared on one of your recent issues, a statement to the effect that, during the past summer season, there was paid to St. Andrews residents, by the management of the Algonquin Hotel, the sum of $4,122. I am informed that the truth of this statement is questioned by certain of your citizens. I do not care to take the trouble to prepare the proof, simply to satisfy the curiosity of idle gossips, therefore make the following proposition. Any one or more residents of SA, having reason to question the amount so stated to have been paid, shall, individually or collectively, deposit with either of your town councillors the sum of $100, I depositing in the same hands, a like amount. If I do not give you, for publication in the Beacon, a detailed statement showing to whom every dollar of the $4,122 as paid, and if necessary, adduce proof by the Algonquin receipts and accounts, as to every item on such statement, the $100 deposited by me shall be equally divided among the churches of St. Andrews to be used for benevolent purposes, and the other $100 returned to its depositors. But if I do furnish such statements and proof, the $100 of the doubters shall be divided as before named, and my money returned to me. A committee, consisting of any three of your clergymen, may decide upon the question of evidence produced.
Robert Gardiner
Beacon
Feb 1/1894
The Algonquin hotel company have abundant faith in the future of St. Andrews as summer resort, otherwise they would not be contemplating such a large and costly addition to the hotel. Now, if the CPR would show the same enterprising spirit, and carry out their designs on the Osburn property, St. Andrews would be able to boast of two of the best summer hotels on the coast. Canadian capitalist ought to be willing to do as much to build up a first class summer resort in Canada as American capitalists.
A Bigger Algonquin
The Summer Hotel to have a large addition to made to it.
“In time of peace prepare for war.” this is the motto of the Algonquin Hotel company. When the hotel closed last season there were indefinite statements made concerning an annex that would be built before the season of 1894 opened, but as time slipped by and nothing more was heard concerning it, many lapsed in the belief that it was only another unfulfilled prophecy. but such is not be the case, for at a meeting held in Boston last week, at which F. Howard Grimmer, their representative here, was summoned to attend, the matter was fully discussed, and it was determined, as soon as the weather permitted, to begin the work of building the annex, so that a portion of it at least would be ready for use during the coming season.
the question of details has been left to the architect, Mr. Murch, who is expected down here in a few days, but the idea that found favor with the Company was the erection of awing on the western side of the hotel, to run down as far as the street line below, or immediately opposite the residence of G. F. Hibbard, Esq. the whole floor space, on the level of the present dining hall, will be used as the main dining hall of the hotel, and the present one will be utilized as a dining room for children and their nurses—something that this been very much needed. then, it is expected that the new wing will give them between thirty and forty more sleeping rooms, which is another important consideration.
Beacon
Feb 22/1894
The Algonquin Wing
When Completed St. Andrews will have a Magnificent Summer Hotel
Among the wearied passengers by Sunday morning’s train was Architect Nourse, of Boston, who had left “The Hub” on Thursday, and who had been wrestling with snow drifts and blocked trains from that time until his arrival here. On Monday, with Mr. Grimmer, the Hotel company’s agent here, Mr. Nourse inspected the Algonquin hotel, and the surrounding ground, with a view to preparing plans for the proposed addition to the hotel. The new wing, it is expected, will cover an area of 60 x 45 feet, and will run up to the height of the present structure. It will be placed on the western end of the building. On the level of the present dining hall (which will be used hereafter as a dining room for children and nurses) will be the main banquet hall. It will occupy all the floor of the wing. Beneath it, on the same level as the present billiard hall, will be a children’s play room and sixteen rooms for the help. The depression at the western extremity of the new wing will also admit of another story, which will contain four or more rooms for the help. On the floor above the dining hall, twenty-eight additional rooms for guests will be provided. The piazza will be extended, so as to embrace the annex. If these plans are carried into effect . . . the Algonquin will be the best equipped summer hotel east of Bar Harbour
Beacon
March 29/1894
the Algonquin Hotel
Applications for rooms pouring at a Rapid Rate
So far as the Algonquin hotel is concerned, there is every reason to look forward to be the best season that it has ever experienced. Never in the history of the hotel, writes the Secretary-Treasurer to the Beacon, have there been so many applications at such an early date as there are at the present time. With respect to the addition to the hotel, it will not be positively known when work will begin until the return of Mr. R. S. Gardiner, who is now on the Continent. Mr. Gardiner is expected home about the 15th of April. Plans have been made, and an estimate on the same is looked for before many days. "One thing is sure," says the Secretary, "we have got to have an addition to take care of the people as we ought."
Beacon
Feb 7/1895
Commencement Made on the New Wing of the House
Messrs. Eugene Fay and A. D. S. Bell, of Boston, representing the St. Andrews Hotel Company, accompanied by their secretary f. Howard Grimmer, were registered at the Royal hotel, St. John, on Thursday, and the same evening they proceeded to Boston by the western train.
Mr. Bell was waited on by a Telegraph reporter during the evening and found that gentleman in his room packing up his grip sack.
The reporter was most cordially received by Mr. Bell. In answer to his question if their visit to the city had anything to do with the Algonquin hotel, Mr. Bell said that their mission was mainly in connection with some financial arrangements with the agent in this city of the Imperial Trusts Company. "Well," said the reporter, "you gentlemen apparently anticipate a large tourist travel this season. I understand that tenders have been asked for an extension to the hotel early next spring."
Mr. Bell--Yes, we do expect a rush this coming season, and although we are not making a fortune out of our enterprise, we are encouraged with the patronage the house has received every year since it was opened. Last year we had more guests than we could well accommodate, and we have good reason to believe that next season we will have even a larger number of tourists to provide for than we had last season. St. Andrews is one of the most beautiful spots for a summer hotel that can be found anywhere. Tourists are delighted with the place, for they speak in the highest terms of the town, of its advantages as a watering resort and of the treatment they receive at the hotel. NO better advertisement than is could be had for any watering place and I am sure, so long as our patrons go away from us with such good reports, we can safely count on another visit from them, and when they do come back they are more than likely to induce others to come along with them. Thus you see how it is that our enterprise is progressing, and let me tell you we are just beginning to get our share of American tourist travel. All that is necessary to divert it to this province is good hotel accommodation and proper facilities for transportation, sea bathing and boating.
Yes, we propose to enlarge our premises; in fact, we have closed the contract with Messrs. Stevenson and McKenzie, of SS, for the building of the addition to the Algonquin. It is to be an extension to the end next the harbour and will be 86 by 43 feet, rising six stories. The sub-basement will contain apartments for the male servants, a children's play room and a cold storage room. The basement will contain apartments for the female help, while the main floor will be given up to one magnificent dining room. In the next three flats will be located new sleeping rooms, single and en suite, and provided with convenient bath-rooms. The old dining-room will be used as a children's and servants' dining-room, a sewing room and ;parlor. The whole is to be completed by June 13th, and the contract price, including plumbing and painting is about 15,000.
Reporter--Then you consider our province an attractive pace in summer?
Mr. Bell--Yes; I do think nature has done much for New Brunswick, besides, the facilities provided by steamer and rail cannot be excelled. We are extremely fortunate in having associated with us in this enterprise, gentlemen whose connexions with the various means of communication between the New England Stats and the provinces enable them to not only develop the passenger traffic by their own lines, but to advertise and boom the tourist business in this direction in a thorough manner. I need not tell you, for everybody knows, the great benefits that must result from this class of travel during the summer season. The city, state or town that caters for this traffic in the proper way, provided it is possessed of the necessary facilities may safely count on getting a percentage of it, and just here let me say to you that the tide of American tourist travel has only commenced to flow this way, and it is capable of wonderful development if attention is paid to it.
Messrs. Stevenson and McKenzie, the contractors, reached St. Andrews on Monday, and on Tuesday, despite the big storm, a commencement was made on the work. It is the intention of the contractors to employ a large gang of men, so that the work may be pushed forward as rapidly as possible.
Beacon
Feb 21/1895
The Algonquin Hotel
The Algonquin of 1895 will be one of the biggest, and grandest, and best summer hotels to be found anywhere east of Bar Harbour. A small army of men are at work hastening along the erection of the new wing, so that everything will be ready and the ground cleared up before the first summer visitor arrives. Deep trenches have been dug out for the foundation and a massive wall is now being constructed to support the wooden superstructure, work on which will soon begin. When the addition is completed the entire building will be painted, so that besides being a joy to the summer visitor it will be a thing of beauty as well.
Beacon
March 7/1895
From a place of small inns and boarding houses it has become a place of hotels and cottages. A syndicate of far-seeing Americans, a few years ago, purchased extensive tracts of desirable land and built the Algonquin hotel, which at the time was looked upon as a mammoth institution. The demand has already out-grown its size, resulting in extensive additions being made this year, affording to those who have hitherto been unable to secure accommodations during the season a choice of new apartments. The added portion contains a dining hall seating 300 persons, a nurses’ and children’s dining room, ladies’ sitting and writing room,, amusement room, with floor space of over 2,000 square feet, photographer’s dark room, and 43 guests’ rooms, many of which are en suite, with private toilets and baths attaches. To remove any possibility of fire, the furnace, boiler and engine and steam laundry are removed to a point 100 feet distant from the main building, and in this respect it should be noted, that in addition to fire escapes, the hotel has three hard-wood stairways, located at 70 or 80 feet apart. (so 1895 hotel had own powerhouse) The location and successful operation of summer hotels of the Algonquin class result in placing in circulation large sums of money each year that otherwise would not find its way into Canada, for it should be understood that while the Algonquin receives a large patronage from wealthy residents of Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa and Kingston, more than 60 percent of its guests are from the United States. Supplies of groceries, wines, cigars, meats, fish, game, butter, milk and fowl, are all purchased in the Dominion, and in gross amounts to many thousand dollars each year, while the money necessary to pay for building and equipping the hotel in the first instance and that required to erect and furnish the present addition all goes into the hands of the Canadian contractors and through them the mechanic, manufacturer and tradesman. Therefore, we say that such enterprises desire and should receive the encouragement of the Dominion press and the patronage of the Canadian people.
The workmen are rushing thing a long on the new wing. the stone wall of the sub-basement has been finished several days, and preparations are being made to erect the wooden superstructure. On Monday, the men began pulling down that portion of the old dining room that extended over the western verandah. it is expected that the building will be ready at least a month before the time for opening the housel. Nearly all the contracts for the interior furnishing have been awarded. In awarding these contracts the directors have made it a rule to give advertisers in the beacon—whether in the town or out of it—a preference. They recognize that he paper is a benefit for SA, and that anything that will add to the paper’s strength or influence or that will assist it to live, must be beneficial to their interests as well. the furniture contract has, therefore, been awarded to Messrs. Vroom Bros., of St. Stephen., who have been among the most active advertisers in the Beacon. This firm will also supply the window curtains. the crockery, china and glass-ware will be furnished b Mitchell and Ross, SS, whose advertisements have been features of the Beacon’s columns for several years. Manchester, Robertson and Allison, of Saint John , who have been advertising in this paper ever since it started, will supply the rugs, and A. O. Skinner, of Saint John , another advertiser will likely furnish the necessary carpets.
Beacon
March 21/1895
The frame of the second story is all up and the room partitions in position. Most of the first flooring has also been laid. the timber for the other flats is being got in readiness, and in a few days will be laid in place.
The immense wing, constructed this year, increases the capacity of the house fifty per cent., affording guests rooms en suite with private baths and toilets; new dining hall, seating 250 guests; amusement room for entertainments and dancing; children and nurse's dining room; ladies' writing and sitting room; amateur photographer's darkroom. Accessories--lady orchestra; telegraph, gas, electric bells; steam heat, open fires; elevator, fresh and salt water baths. "The St. Andrews Golf Club," of 40 members, has two sets of links.
Beacon
April 4/1895
The Algonquin Hotel
the roof timbers of the new wing are now erected, and in a few days will be boarded in. the first floors have all been laid on the several flats, the partitions erected, and the work of lathing is being pushed with all speed. Plastering will be begun as soon as the weather and the condition of the building will permit. All the gas and steam pipes have been laid, and considerable of the plumbing done. the greater part of the alterations to the interior of the old building has also been made, and painters are now at work painting the exterior.
Messrs. Stevenson and McKenzie have been awarded the contract for building the engine-house, laundry and coal house across the street from the rear of the hotel. they will be low structures, 10 feet post, so as not to interfere with the view. the laundry will be 24 x 50 feet, the engine-house 16 x 20 feet, the coast house 18 x 24 feet. (Not very large)
Beacon
May 2/1895
Up at the big Algonquin work is being pushed along with marvellous rapidity. all the roof and gable end have been shingled, and on Monday shingling was begun on the sides of the house. the mason shave about finished the plastering on the third and fourth floors, and when the door frames are put in and the doors hung these floors will be about complete. the painters are keeping close upon the heels of the carpenters. the entire building is the embodiment of strength and beauty. Nor has safety been sacrificed, for large fire escapes are being erected. the foundation of the walls of the engine room and laundry are being laid as fast as possible.
Beacon
May 16/1895
The Algonquin Hotel
To properly appreciate the magnificent extent of the improvements in connection with St. Andrews big summer hotel, it is necessary that a personal inspection of it should be made. the building, under the supervision of Messrs. Stevenson and McKenzie, is now in a very forward state, and if necessary could be finished up in a fortnight. All the floors in the annex are plastered, with the exception of the fourth, on which the plasterers begun on Tuesday. the finishing coat has been applied to the walls of the third storey, and the carpenters are now putting in the door frames and laying the top floor the second flat will be fished up in a day or two. the magnificent big dining hall is plastered and the wainscoting around the walls completed. In the basement, where the help’s rooms are, the walls are all plastered. the sub-basement has not yet been partitioned off. it he old laundry room, a large brick, oven is in course of construction. the plumbing for the building, which is being done by W. H. Donovan, of SS, is well advanced. the radiators are erected in the dining hall and only await connection, and the private bath closets on the several floors are nearly all finished. the painters have nearly completed their outside work. the verandah, which is one of the most notable features of the annex, is about all floored. the engine and boiler, which were removed last week, will be set up in their new position this week alongside the laundry building the from a of which is constructed. the walls of the coat building are completed. there is not doubt that everything in connection with the hotel will be in readiness for opening on July 1st.
Beacon
June 20/1895
The Algonquin hotel is finished. Messrs. E. F. Fay and H.. M. Nourse, of Boston, on behalf of the Company, took over the building this week, and a staff of help, under the direction of Mrs. Jacobs, housekeeper, is now getting the hotel in readiness for opening next Wednesday. the new wing gives the hotel forty-two additional guest rooms, several of which are en suite, with private baths and toilet rooms. the new dining hall, 44 x 84, is a marvel of beauty and elegance, and it is doubtful if there is another hotel on the continent that has such an unexampled view from its banqueting chamber as has the Algonquin. it will seat 300 guests. the walls are painted a beautiful shade of green, and a dado of egg shell white running all round. the ceiling is the same tint as the dado, the effect being very pleasing to the eye. the addition gives greater kitchen space, while it also provides for the housing of the hotel help. Heretofore, the servants have been maintained in an outside, building, but now they will be all under ht one roof. the isolation of the laundry, and engine room also removed a ground of objection that the old building possessed. While the enlarged hotel has been made a thing of beauty, the safety of the guests has also been considered by the erection of ample fire escape, which it is sincerely hoped, may never have to be used. the extended piazza is another feature that will be appreciated by the guest of the housel A good idea of its length may be obtained when it is stated that nine laps of it make a mile. the furniture for the new wing is now on the ground and is being put in place with all speed. a neat folder has just been issued by the proprietors of Kennedy’s hotel, St. Andrews. it has a bird’s eye view of St. Andrews and the country in its vicinity, and a picture of Kennedy’s hotel, and it contains a variety of information for tourist and summer visitors--Telegraph
Beacon
Jan 16/1896
Algonquin Hotel—What the Management Hope to do in 1896
Mr. A. D. S. Bell, Treasurer of the Algonquin Hotel Company, writing to the Beacon from Boston with relation to the coming hotel season, says:
I know full well how interested you are in St. Andrews and what pertains to its prosperity, and perhaps at the commencement of the new year you would like to know hat the proprietors of the Algonquin are going to do the coming season. As we look back up the management of the at hotel since it was first built, we do so with a great deal of pleasure and feel that we are justified in doing so. We are not unmindful that a good part of the success that has come to us is from the able management that we have had in the past. This year, we have selected as manager Mr. A. W. Weeks, a man who comes to use with the strongest recommendation, and one that we believe is entitled to be ranked in the A1 lists. Having been manager of the Bluefield Inns, Virginia; the Cheswick Inn, Littleton, NH, Montauk Club, Long Island; and Hamilton Hotel, Bermuda, he certainly has had experience which must be of great value to the Algonquin. e have no question but that the table will be as good and if possible better and more delicate than ever and that the hotel will retain its reputation for being first-class in every respect.
With the new addition to the laundry, we have decided to place that under an individual management, which insures us better results for the future. From the large number of arrangements for rooms for the coming year and the many inquiries we are having, we are sure that we shall have all the guests that we can take care of during the season of 1896. As for pleasure and amusements for the guests, we are going to make this season a special effort to make everything attractive. We are quite sure our golf links cannot be excelled and from the present indications they bid fair to become well-known among the lovers of that game as being the best in the country. We hear in a quiet way that several valuable prizes are to be presented to the Algonquin Club for several tournaments that are surely to take place."
Beacon
Jan 15/1903
St. John Globe—To Boom St. Andrews
Rival of Bar Harbor as Summer Resort
Plans of Canadian Pacific Railway Company
A meeting of the stockholders of the St. Andrews Land Company is called for the 13 inst. Rumors that have been in circulation for some time and that are generally believed to be well founded seem to indicate that big things are in store for St. Andrews and may result in making of it a watering resort, rivalling Bar Harbor or any other of the famous resorts of the Atlantic seaboard.
For along time reports have been in circulation that the Canadian Pacific railway intended to secure control of the Algonquin Hotel and the Land Company’s property. Credence was given to these rumors from the fact that Mr. O’Leary, a prominent CPR contractor, has been in St. Andrews for some time looking over the properties there.
The Globe today called on Mr. James Osborne, general superintendent of the CPR, in referenced to the rumors, but he was uncommunicative and would neither affirm nor deny the truth of the reports in circulation. Of course, it is well known that the CPR has at the present time more than a friendly interest in SA, for Sir William C. Van Horne and Sir Thomas Shaughnessy each have spent thousands upon thousands of dollars there building up beautiful summer houses. It is not, therefore, unreasonable to think that they would lend their assistances to a movement to make their summer home a popular resort.
The Globe believes that the CPR, or interests allied with the CPR, are about to secure control of both the properties and manage and control them in a way that will surely bring about more successful results than in the past. The Canadian Pacific has shown itself as skilful in the management of hotels as in the operating of its big railroad, and the CPR hotels in Canada today are famous from one end of the continent to the other. With the Algonquin under their control or supervision it is fair to assume that the big hotel would be modernized and improved and made a much more popular resort than heretofore.
The Land Company owns a vast section of the best land in the vicinity of SA, and if the railway company takes possession of it there might be reasonable expectation that money would be spent in beautifying and improving it and in making it attractive for summer visitors. That this will be done there seems good reason to believe
SA is an ideal summer resort, with beautiful beaches, good sea bathing, excellent boating facilities, for sail, steam or rowing craft, good fishing, either lake, stream, or deep sea near at hand, a land where hay fever is an unknown as is the fog. Taken hold of, and backed the powerful influence of the CPR it should rapidly develop, of the Canadian Pacific’s interest would give assurance of permanency and American and Canadian millionaires would feel that they were making no mistake in locating there and in putting up magnificent homes.
The movement, which means so much for SA, also means much to the summer business of NB, for if the people of Canada and the United States begin coming this way for their summer rest, it may be expected that man will want to see the whole province.
[The Beacon is in receipt of information this week confirming the facts outlined in the above article. As will be seen by advertisement elsewhere a general meeting of the shareholders of the Algonquin Hotel Company Ltd. is called of the 31st at Saint John. Mr. A. D. S. Bell, of Boston, and Mr. F. H. Grimmer, of SA, have been in Saint John this week in connection with the negotiations. Mr. Grimmer went to Boston last night and will probably get back to St. Andrews tomorrow.
Beacon
Jan 22/1903
SA and the CPR
The authoritative announcement by Sir Thomas Shaughnessy that the CPR has acquired the property interests of the St. Andrews Land Company removes whatever doubt may have existed in the public mind with regard to the position of these negations. They have become an accomplished fact. St. Andrews and the CPR are now indissolubly linked together. This consummation is one that has been devoutly wished by the people of St. Andrews for some time and ought to give general satisfaction. It ought also to inspire them with renewed hope in the future and with renewed courage to work out their destiny. No incident that has occurred in the history of the town in the last quarter of a century is fraught with greater possibilities than this. That it means the dawning of a new era for SA, if not for the Province at large, is recognized by the outside press and must be recognized as such by the people of the place. With its splendid system of management, its world-wide connections, its powerful influence and its ultimate capital, all things within human reason are possible faith the CPR. Whatever it has put its hand to has succeeded, for the reason doubtless that it has never put its hand to anything that it did not see as a reasonable chance for success. In taking hold of St. Andrews to develop it as a summer resort,--and mayhap a winter port—it is fair to assume that the Company recognizes its capabilities and possibilities as such, and with the past record of the Company before as it is likewise a fair assumption that it will do all in its power to make a success of it.
But the CPR should not be expected to do it all. The Company, in its undertaking toward SA, should have not only the moral support of the people of the town, but their active personal support and sympathy as well. For years they have been waiting like Micawber for “something to turn up.” That something, without very much effort on their past, has now turned up. It is at their very doors. What are they going to do with it? Will they open their doors to it and foster and feed it; or will they keep it out and allow it to starve to death, from indifference and neglect.? There is room for but one answer to this question, and we think this answer will be given by the people whenever he CPR has taken them into its confidence and indicated in what respect their assistance can be useful to its schemes.
The time, it seems to us, is at hand when the public spirited citizens of the place should make their influence felt. They have been playing at citizenship long enough; they should now prepare themselves to assume full duties and responsibilities. If they take hold in the right spirit, with a determination to win, we are confident that with such a powerful influence at heir back as the CPR success will eventually perch upon their banner, and that St. Andrews before many years will not only be the leading summer resort of Canada but its chief winter port. Is this result not worth striving for?
The CPR is said to be negotiating with the Beaver line of freight steamers. This is the same line that expressed a preference for the port of St. Andrews twelve years ago.
The Boston Record, noting he CPR movements with regard to SA, says:--“SA has a large natural deep water basin to the east of the peninsula that is much easier of access than Saint John and near for foreign steamers.”
SA people need never regret having given financial assistance to the Argyll hotel. If there had been no Argyll there would have been no Land Company and no Algonquin. And without the Land Company and the Algonquin there would have been no summer resort—at least for some years to come. St. Andrews owes not a little to the Argyll hotel and the brainy men it attracted hither.
[Cram comes in for particular praise—for creating both Beacon and attracting CPR interest]
In noting the change that has taken place in the personnel of the St. Andrews Land Company we feel it due to the survivors of the original company that we should express our deep sense of gratitude for what they and their deceased colleagues have done towards making St. Andrews known to the outside world as a summer resort. Among the men prominent in this movement we might mention the names of F. W. Cram, the present popular manager of the Bangor and Aroostook Railway; Mr. Eugene F. Fay, of Brookline, Mass.; Mr. A. D. S. Bell, of Boston; Mr. Boothby, of Portland, Maine, and the late Robert S. Gardiner. R. A Cobb D. B. Claflin and J. Emory Hoar. It is largely owing to the exertions of these gentlemen—Messrs. Cram and Gardiner particularly—that St. Andrews is to the fore as a summer resort. We betray no secret when we say that to Mr. Cram’s persuasive powers is due the fact that the Beacon is enjoying the smiles of the people of the Charlotte County. The same gentle persuasions were employed upon the heads of the great CPR corporation and with equal success, as our readers are all happily aware. The removal of Mr Cram from the province and the death of Mr. Gardiner and several of his associates weakened the company to such an extent that of lat years very little has been done in the way of developing their interest. But they set the ball rolling, and though it has rolled a little slow at time it has been moving along nine the less surely toward the goal of success.
Large Schemes for SA
To Be Made Canada’s Greatest Summer Resort—and Perhaps, her Chief Winter port
Montreal Star, 17th
New Winter Port on the Atlantic
SA by the Sea is Said to Have Great Future Before It
To Shorten Ocean Voyage
He believes that the CPR will take advantage of the opportunity
“There is just a possibility of St. Andrews by the Sea becoming some day the Atlantic winter port of the Canadian Pacific Railway,” remarked a gentleman today who is particularly well posted on matters in that section of the country, and who is intimate with the executive officers of the CPR. He was discussing the recent acquisition b the road of properties of the St. Andrews Land and improvement Company, and he continued:
“From St. Andrews the ocean voyage is about 140 miles shorter than from Saint John or Halifax, and with a very short addition to the line the road could secure all the benefits which nature has provided for an excellent winter port. But outside of this terminal question the CPR undoubtedly intends to make St. Andrews Canada’s ideal coast resort. On the 31st of this month the St. Andrews Hotel Company will hold a special meeting, when it is understood authority will be given the directors to proceed with the construction of the house. The CPR will also build cottages for summer occupancy, and everything will be done to make St. Andrews the summer resort of Canada, which Sir William Van Horne has predicted it is destined to become.”
Montreal Herald
“Sir Thomas Shaughnessy announced today (Jan 14) that the CPR have acquired the properties of the St. Andrews Land Improvement Company for the purpose of extending the railway facilities and providing new summer attractions for the popular NB watering place. For some years pas the CPR have been promoting tourist travel to this favorite seaside resort, and the company’s present plans are the logical development of what has been in progress. The growing g popularity of St. Andrews as a resort of fashion and pleasure and health, and the belief that the summer traffic can be greatly expanded, have stimulate the company to lay out improvement and to add as far as they can to the natural charms of the place.
St. John Telegraph
The Canadian Pacific are believed to have plans for making St. Andrews a modern summer resort, rivalling Bar Harbor or any of the other resorts along the coast. Reports have been current for some time that the company, or interests allied to the company, would secure control of the Algonquin Hotel and the valuable lands of the Land Improvement Company. It is now believed that this control has now been secured, and that the Land Company Stockholders will sanction the transfer of their property. Officials of the railway here are reticent on the subject, but there is a general belief that the intentions are as stated and big improvements are looked for at an early date.
St. John Globe
A meeting of the shareholders of the Algonquin Hotel Company is called for the 31st instant at the office of Messrs. Weldon and McLean. This meeting will, it is believed, authorize a transfer to the Canadian Pacific of the famous hotel thus placing in their hands the hotel as well as the beautiful lands at St. Andrews. The benefit that will result to the province from the C. P. R. control and management of the famous watering resort can well be understood by all. It will mean the dawning of a new era for St. Andrews as a summer resort and cannot fail to benefit materially the whole province. It is not unlikely that a number of wealthy Canadians will this summer begin the erection of permanent residences at St. Andrews and as the years go by the popularity of the place will increase.
Mr. F. H. Grimmer, to whom is due in large measure the success which has attended the negotiations of the transfer of the Land Company’s interests, returned from Boston on Saturday last, greatly encourage with the outlook. A general meeting of the share holders of the Algonquin Hotel Company will be held in Saint John on the 31st of the following purposes:
To consider a proposition for leasing the Hotel properties for one year to Messrs. Harvey and Wood, of Boston, Mass
To take such steps as may be necessary or expedient for assuring the operation of the Hotel the coming season.
To authorize repairs and additions to the Hotel Buildings, Plant, and Furnishing, and making of contracts therefore, and borrowing money for any of such purposes on the Company’s note or notes.
To hypothecate or pledge rents to be received from said Hotel, as far as available, towards the payment of the coast of said repairs and additions.
Also to elect as many Directors and Officers of the Company as at the date of such meeting may be necessary by reason of resignation or otherwise.
And to transact such other general business as may come before such meeting.
Messrs. Harvey and Wood, who have managed the hotel so successfully for several years past, have made an offer of the lease of the house for another year, and it is altogether likely that their offer will be accepted. The hotel will undergo a number of alterations and improvements, and may be extended in the rear. It is intended to increase the room space from 160 rooms, as at present, to about 400. In the neighbourhood of $12,000 will be spent in making improvements.
The CPR Company has not fully matured its plans with regard to the development of St. Andrews as a summer resort. For the present they will confine themselves to putting the Algonquin hotel in thorough shape for next season’s business. Another hotel may develop later, on, and a modern station building is also among the near possibilities.
Beacon
Feb 5/1903
Improving the Algonquin
The CPR will spend $15,000 on it This Year
Other improvements in contemplation
The annual meeting of the Algonquin Hotel Co., Ltd. was held in Saint John on Saturday lat, when directors were chosen as follows: James Osborne, H. H. McLean, C. B. Foster, J. N. Sutherland, F. B. Edgecombe, James Murchie, F. H. Grimmer. Mr. Osborne was elected president of the new company; Mr. Grimmer, vice-president, and Mr. Mclean, secretary.
The hotel was leased to Messrs. Harvey and Wood, of Boston, for the year, and it was decided to expend s sum of money in making repairs and improving the property. Eighteen bathrooms will be added all the rooms will be papers, the corridor (or palm room, as it will be henceforth called) will be extended back towards the street in the rear, and further means of exit provided in case of fire. The improvements will cost in the neighborhood of $15,000. The will be carried out under he supervision of Mr. J. P. O’Leary, who is engaging workmen for the purpose. Mr. Joseph Craig, of Saint John, will attend to the paper hanging.
There is little yet known with regard to the general scheme of improvements which the CPR is formulating. It is known, however to include the erection of a number of summer cottages on the railway grounds (Osburn Place) an enlargement of the Osburn house and a new railway station. Some of these may materialize during the coming summer.