Item

St. Croix Courier
Jan 15, 1942
Shiretown Items
Hundred Thousand Mark
I was interested in looking over the first prescription file of the Wren Drug Store, established in 1881. It was located then in the Saunders building which was destroyed by fire about 1885. The Bank of Nova Scotia now occupies the same site. The business was established by r. R. Wren who continued as proprietor until his appointment as collector, when it was taken over by W. J. Rollins, the present owner. Most of the prescriptions of 1881 were signed either by S. T. Gove, Harry Gove or J. A. Wade, the practising physicians her at that time. Since that time close to one hundred thousand prescriptions have been filled at the counter and they are all there on file.

St. Croix Courier
Jan 22/1942
Shiretown Items
SA Board of Trade holds meeting. Considers tourism issues such as bathing beach, cottages on shore to rent, chance to catch lobsters, shore dinners, cabins on seashore, rooms near water, handicrafts, history. Fully back plan to establish public bathing beach in St. Andrews next summer.
Commonsense Move
In order to conserve gasoline and tires the grocery trucks are now making only two deliveries a day. Orders for morning delivery should be in before 10 o’clock and in the afternoon before 4 o’clock.

St. Croix Courier
Jan 29/1942
Shiretown Items
Friendship
The many friends of Pilot Officer Raymond McQuoid, who is with the Air Force in England, were pleased to hear his voice over the air one night last week. And what a thrill it must have been for his father and mother! The program was announced during the morning news broadcast and for an hour or two Mr. and Mrs. McQuoid were kept busy answering telephone calls by friends wanting to be sure they knew Raymond was going to speak. They even had calls from friends in St. Stephen. People are like that, aren’t they? It’s what helps to keep this world a happy one—even with its war and misery. Reception was good and Raymond’s voice came through as clear and distinct as if he had been in the next room.
Correction
In a recent item I stated that Wren’s Drug Store started in the Saunders building and that this building was burned about 1885. The business started in what is still known as the Saunders building, the one now occupied by J. W. Ross, and later moved to the building that was burned on the site where the Bank of Nova Scotia now is situated.

SA passes blackout test at 11:15. “At the close the new mobile canteen, presented to the town by Mrs. R. M. Redmond, was used for the first time to serve refreshments to the C. V. C. personnel.”

Wren’s Drugstore started in Saunders Building, “the one now occupied by J. W. Ross, and later moved to building that was burned on the site where the Bank of NS is now situated.”

St. Croix Courier
Feb 5/1942
Shiretown Items
The New Museum
Those who are interested in old furniture and other antiques are looking forward to the opening of the museum on King Street next summer. T/his building, completely renovated and furnished, is being presented to the Town as a memorial by Rev. and Mrs. H. P. Ross. It is said that all of the furniture was purchased here in St. Andrews, most of it being pieces that were brought here by the Loyalists when the town was founded in 1783. There are still many fine pieces of old furniture in use in homes about town which are in excellent condition. I was in a room recently where practically every article was more than a hundred years old and it all looked like new. It was all of mahogany except one piece, a beautifully designed chair, made from New Brunswick hardwoods by the present owner’s grandfather about 125 years ago. One of the most beautiful tables, of two colors in mahogany, is thought to have been made by a cabinet maker here in St. Andrews in the shop of the building just next door to Andraeleo Hall. The silk and wool upholstery on an old mahogany sofa is still in pretty good condition after a century’s use. A sofa pillow done in petite-point with fine woollen threat shows colors as bright as ever although it was done in 1845. The house itself was built about 1840, and the mantel-piece all done by hand, is a work of art. The paper on this room, bright and clean, and of a beautiful pattern, was put on 78 years ago! To examine this fine workmanship of a century ago and compare it with the modern machine-made stuff with which most of us have to be satisfied is almost to make us believe that the world is progressing backwards.

St. Croix Courier
March 5, 1942
Shiretown Items
Old Railways
A reader has sent me a book of instructions of the New Brunswick and Canada Railway, and Land Company. It was printed by the Standard Press at St. Andrews in 1859. It is leather bound, fastens with a strap, is made to hit the hip pocket, and looks as if it had been carried thus for many years. It was found in the attic of a house torn down several years ago and is supposed to have been the property of William Little who had lived in this house formerly and was a railway engineer running into St. Andrews in those early years when wood was used as fuel in the engines. [some general and local railway history here]

St. Croix Courier
March 12, 1942
Shiretown Items
Some Local History
When a reader writes a long letter—twenty closely written pages of ordinary sized “notepaper—and begins it “Just as soon as the Courier comes I turn to the Shiretown Items”, when he states that he is old enough to clearly remember the Saxby Gale (1869), when he tells of many interesting personal experiences during his boyhood and youth spent here; and when he says that although he has covered a lot of ground since leaving St. Andrews he has never found a place that he liked as well as the old home town, it seems that his letter should have public recognition. The wrier was W. F. McStay, now living in Moncton. I have never known nor met this old friend of St. Andrews as he left here before I came in 1889, but if he ever visits here I hope he will look me up. He says he had a letter recently from William Brown, another native son probably remembered by the older folks before my time. Mr. Brown’s father was Collector of Customs here and Thomas Stinson whom we younger fellows can well remember as a customs officer began work with him. Mr. McStay was living at the corner of Princess Royal and Carleton streets at the time of the big gale. He says every shade tree in town was uprooted and flattened to the ground. He was much interested in the picture of Fort Tipperary, appearing recently in the Courier, and remembers the band that used to practise there. He says there were 400 soldiers stationed there at one time and his grandfather Dr. McStay was the army doctor. He as a vivid recollection of wonderful coasting on Kirk Hill, of wharves lined with ships, loading or unloading; of sham fights the solders used to have; of marching to the cemetery and back on a soft day in winter with a new pair of shoes which were ruined. He remembers Harold Stickney’s father, who also just have been musician as the writers claims he could swear by note. The old armoury, destroyed by fire, had a wonderful bell. It could be heard, in St. Stephen when the wind was blowing upriver. After the fire the bell was melted down and everybody in town had a ring made from it, cast by Mike McMonagle at his foundry. (I wonder if anybody in town has one of those old rings!) Mr. McStay speaks of Jim Handy, organizer of fox hunts on Minister’s Island; of the launching of the Annie P. Odell; of single scull races between Bob Brown and Harry Jones in their fifty-foot racing shells. Mr. McStay worked in the machine shop here and recalls the names of some more of the old wood-burner locomotives, the “Shamrock,” the “thistle,” the “Rose” and the “Manners Sutton.” He remembers the old river boats including the Belle Brown. When the weather was thick Eber Polleys was engaged to stand on the wharf and blow bugle-calls in answer to the steamer’s whistle so she could find her way in. . . . Mr. McStay tells of an interesting local incident connected with the so-called “Trent Affair,” of 1861 as told to him by his father who was an eyewitness. The people of St. Andrews had known nothing of this affair which nearly caused war between United States and Great Britain and were much surprised when a British troop ship steamed in to the harbour. Several hundred soldiers were put ashore and formed on at Gove’s hall near the depot headed by a military band. They marched to the head of the town, then down again with fixed bayonets, the band playing and the soldiers singing, “We’ll grease our bayonets on the Rebels ‘way down in Dixie.” Then they boarded the train with the local inhabitants none the wiser,; but after a few days they were back again, boarded their ship and sailed away never to return. The Trent affair, thanks to wise heads, had been settled amicably.

St. Croix Courier
April 2/1942
Shiretown Items
The Silent Steed
Much was written about the bicycle when it enjoyed the height of its popularity in the gay nineties. To the young people flying over the country roads on this frail machine, many unkind and profane things were said by farmers met along the way when their usually quiet horses were inclined to become fractious at the sudden appearance of a fast moving “bike.” For several years the rights of the road were denied cyclists and in passing teams they were forced near or into the ditches as he roads in those days were very narrow. Fortunately for the rider deep ditches had not bee introduced at that time, Dogs along country roads seemed to have a special aversion for bicycles and often made things unpleasant for the cyclist as he could seldom sail by as in a car unless he was on a down grade when the dog appeared. Most of the boys in those days carried a pistol loaded with household ammonia. One squirt of that in the dog’s face was usually sufficient to cure him of the wheel-chasing habit for the remainder of the season. What was at first believed to be a wonderful accessory for night riding was the acetylene lamp. But it was soon learned that its only and rather doubtful value, was that the rider could see an object in the road just soon enough to know what he hit. I was riding down Dougherty’s hill one night in that long ago, about ten yards behind Jim Clinch. We both had our headlights shining and were going pretty past. Suddenly Jim’s light, which was all I could see of him, leaped into the air and turned a complete circle. We had no brakes in those days but I swerved aside in time to avoid the cow then struggling to its feet an which Jim had hit “plumb centre.” There is one more a great demand for wheels—much greater than dealers can supply. Young and old are out again, breathing the pure fresh air instead of gasoline fumes. Good luck to them every one, with the wind in their faces and joy in their hearts.
In A Good Cause
It is several years since the theatrically minded people of St. Andrews have undertaken to produce a show on the scale of the “Pageant” or “History of St. Andrews,” now being produced by the Women’s Canadian Club and to be shown in Andraeleo Hall on April 9th. A number of years ago the young people with a talent for acting used to get together every winter under the direction of some older person and prepare a show, usually a drama, to be offered to the public about this time of year. Because of pictures and radio the present generation have become accustomed to being satisfied with entertainment which is provided for them without any effort on their own part. But all older folks will agree that no entertainment affords as much pleasure and satisfaction as that which we provide for ourselves. And the greater the effort required the more lasting the pleasure. And such a show always meets with the whole-hearted support and patronage of the pubic in general. The coming pageant has been planned for months, and rehearsed for weeks and is sure to draw a full house. No less than forty persons are taking part and eighty-five characters of the past are to be depicted. Attics and old clothes chests have been ransacked for costumes and through the kindness of a well-to-do friend of St. Andrews several elaborate period character dresses are being sent down from Montreal. Four reasons why all should attend this show: 1. The drama has been written by a clever local girl, Miss Frances Wren; 2. The lines sparkle with wit and humor; 3. You are sure to get your money’s worth; 4. The Canadian Club needs the money.

St. Croix Courier
April 9, 1942
Shiretown Items
A Century in Business
Harold Stickney is quietly celebrating the hundredth anniversary of the business establishment now known as the “Stickney Wedgewood Store.” His father, George, F. Stickney, came here and started a jewelery and watch-making business in 1842. His first shop was in the building now owned by Wren’s Drug Store. When he married a local girl they moved into the building next door and carrying on the business in ship underneath. It was in this building that Harold was born. Mr. Stickney gradually introduced other liens and was the first dealer in St. Andrews to sell lamps and kerosene. Up to that time everybody “rolled their own,” chiefly from tallow—only the more well-to-do could afford wax candles. During the past few years Harold’s greatest ambition has been to stick it out for the centenary. He has now safely passed the mark and is going strong o the second hundred. His father was in business 48 years and Harold has been carrying on at the present stand for 52 years, which in truth is a long time. We extend heartiest congratulations and best wishes for the years go come.

Who Knows?
Reference was made in an item recently about the burning of the old armoury here and the making of rings from the armoury bell which was melted down for that purpose. I have located two or those rings and have seen one of them—formerly the property of the late Thomas Stinson. It is a signet ring with a heart shaped signet. The other ring was worn by the late Sarah Heenan and is now I am told in the possession of Mrs. Marshall. I have as yet been unable to find out where the armoury was situated or in what year it burned.

Interesting Snaps
I have enjoyed looking over a snapshot album of pictures sent to his wife by Lt. Edwin Snell, who has been in England for some time. Most of the snaps are of Eddie himself and show that soldiering has so far agreed with him. He appears to be in perfect physical condition and looks just like the fine fellow all his friends know him to be. Several other new Brunswick boys are shown, including Raymond McQuoid and Dave Tennant of St. Andrews. . . .

Cherry Hill
I have learned what constitutes to true “Cherry Hill” in St. Andrews and how it got its name. About 1825 Dr. McStay purchased the entire block on which the house he built, though later remodelled, still stands and which is known to the present generation as the Wallace Property. Indians were camping on a little cleared spot at the time and were asked to vacate. The remainder of the block as well as all the rest of that part of the town, though surveyed for streets, consisted of thick woods. While the house was being built a bear used to come out and feed on scraps the men threw to him. A Mr. Jack built the house now owned by the Misses Morris (occupied in summer by Marshall Hodgeman) [is this the Morris girls in the 1923 silent movie featuring a visit to St. Andrews, etc, and now in the Provincial Archives—the one by Colonel Heasley; the map of 1878 shows Beth’s parent’s house as being owned by W. H. Morris] and the McStay boys cut a path through the woods so that the families could visit back and forth. When Dr. McStay cleared the remainder of the block he found a row of cherry trees running straight through the centre which he thought must have been planted by the Indians as there were none found elsewhere in the neighborhood. He named his home” Cherry Hill,” which name it still bears. About fifty years ago that whole neighborhood was called Cherry Hill and the boys who lived there were known as the Cherry Hill Gang.

Got Response
Readers who remember an item a couple of months ago on Minister’s Island and the Douglas family will be interested to know it brought quite satisfactory results. A letter from W. J. Huer of Edgerton, Wisconsin, states that he has had communications from a supposed relative in St. George and, more interesting still, from one in London, England. It will e recalled that Mr. Huer was trying to get some facts about his ancestry.

St. Croix Courier
April 16, 1942
Shiretown Items
The Pageant, “A Story of St. Andrews,” which was presented by the programme committee of the Women’s Canadian Club on Thursday evening, April 9, in Andraeleo Hall, was successful in every way, and far exceeded the highest hopes of the committee. A capacity audience applauded every scene and went home feeling that they had enjoyed one of the best shows to be produced here by local talent in a long time. The sketch read preceding each scene was interesting and explanatory. The scenes were impressive and instructive, the costumes quaint and beautiful and the characters, both male and female, all portrayed by women of the club, were excellently done. The net proceeds will amount to considerably over $100. The scenes depicted with date of each are as follows: 1604, Champlain and DeMonts at Dochet Island; 1760, the Indian Wedding; 1775, The Trading Post; 1783, the Landing of the Loyalists; 1788, Robert Pagan, M. P.; 1788, A Parliamentary Ball, “the Minuet”; 1812, the Blockhouse, a British Grenadier; 1838, Coronation of Queen Victoria,, celebrated by the roasting of an ox in Market Square; 1850, the Bucket Brigade; 1867, a Valentine Ball, “The Mazurka”; 1852, Advent of the Railway; 1895, Fashion Parade of the Gay Nineties; 1942, “Land of Hope and Glory.”

St. Croix Courier
May 14/1942
Shiretown Items
Salvage
“Any bones, any bottles, any rags today?” any appears or metals to give away? Save everything in the way of salvage. It will be collected every two weeks. Tie up papers and magazines securely and separately. The magazines, no matter how old, if clean and in fair condition, can be distributed to army camps as reading material for the boys. Save medicine bottles in cardboard carton. Rags may be tied securely in bundles. Make three separate bundles, one for woollens, one for white cottons, and one for colored cottons, silks, and other materials. Metals should be in a carton or sack. Bones should be kept in a metal container with a cover to avoid any disagreeable odour while waiting for the collector. The bones will be taken away and your container left to gather more. A cage is being built at the dump in which to keep the bones while they are being cleaned and prepared for shipment by rats and the weather. “Ever little bit, added to what we’ve got, makes just a little bit more.” So save your salvage and help beat Hitler.

The Old Town Bell
I have not only found out where the old armoury was situated but have a picture of it. Bell-tower and all. Am going to get a copy of the picture made to send in for the Courier. The present bell has been ringing out its calls from refreshment to labour and from labour to refreshment again since the year 1876. The ringing of the bell is one of the institutions of this quaint old town. It is doubtful if a similar custom prevails anywhere else in Canada. About 85 years ago an up-to-date alderman proposed putting in a clock and dispensing with the bell except for fire alarms. But others on the Board with more sentiment for St. Andrews soon disposed of his well meant but, to some, almost criminal proposal. Following is my personal tribute to my lifelong friend, Herbert Greenlaw, the present bell-ringer:

The Bell Ringer
Have you ever thought
As you lie in your bed
So snugly ticked in
From your toes to your head,
Of the man who turns out
Without any talk
To ring the town bell
At seven o’clock!

In all kinds of weather
Each day he must go
In the sunshine of summer
Or winter’s cold snow
To send us a message
That all is still well
When we hear him ringing
The old town bell.

Week in and week out
At morn, noon and night
His message of cheer
Keeps our little world bright.
So here’s to the bell-ringer,
Health and good cheer!
May he still ring the bell
For many a year!

Legislature approved only 5-year fixed tax valuation for Algonquin. Government now looking askance on such devices generally. “It can be easily understood how anyone might oppose this practice on general principle, but when it comes down to a specific case affecting our own community one can be excused for looking on the matter at a much closer angle. The closing of the Algonquin Hotel which would have resulted had the Council not favoured the extension, would be looked upon by 99 our of 100 citizens as nothing less than a calamity.”

St. Croix Courier
May 21, 1942
Shiretown Items
To Renovate Court House
The property committee of the County Council were in town recently looking over the Court House, with a view to doing some repair work. They have decided to have the building put in first class shape. This will include new steps, new fence, and a complete paint job. The committee are to be congratulated on their decision which should meet with the approval not only of the Council but of all right thinking persons throughout the county. The people of St. Andrews and of the count have been very proud of this fine building since its erection in 1840, and will be pleased to learn that the committee, notwithstanding the rather straitened condition of the county’s finances, have the courage to go ahead and do a first-class job.

Who are Missing?
Here is one for the old-timers to puzzle over. I have tried to recall the householders on the south-western side of Water Street fifty years ago. The reader is asked to make corrections if necessary and fill in the five blanks. From Depot to Blockhouse: Thomas Richardson, Fred Stinson, Thomas McCracken, Theodore Holmes, Mr. Bell, Mrs. Simpson, T. R. Wren, blank, William Carson, Robert McQuoid, Mrs. Main, Mrs. Bolger, George McCarrrey, George Swift, Theobald Rooney, William Glass, William Clark, W. E. Mallory, Lansdowne Hotel, John Quinn, Mrs. Murchie, Mrs. Moore, Townsend Ross, Thomas Black, blank, Mr. McKinney, James Grant, T. A. Hartt, E. Odell, Peter Clark, Neil Lochary, E. Irwin, B. F. DeWolfe, Mrs. Bradford, James Stoop, blank, blank, “Buzzard Roost,” Ed. Fortune, Ann Bolton, Mrs. Hunt, Mrs. McAleenan.

St. Croix Courier
May 28/1942
St. Andrews Scene About 1860
(By J. F. W.)
The above is a copy made by A. Shirley of an old photo taken in St. Andrews about 1860. The building in the centre was used for various purposes and was referred to under various names. The whole of the first floor was used as a market house, while the upper story did service as a town hall, court-house and armoury. Two unfortunates, negro brother and sister, were hanged from the beam connecting the pillars, somewhere about 1870, for the crime of infanticide. The large square building to the left will be recognized as Paul’s hall, which is still standing. The smaller building to the right, probably burned along with the centre building, was used as a fire engine house. The gaol, I am told, was directly behind the centre building.
            Unfortunately I cannot name in order the brave men and true who posed for this photo in their snappy uniforms, but following is a list of names copied from the pay-roll of this Militia in 1866 which probably includes all in the picture:
            Henry Whitlock, John J. Jones, Andrew Lamb, James McDonald, John McMullin, John Breen, John K. Stinson, E. A. Street, Gregory Burns, William Mills, Albert Day, Arthur Baxter, F. Boyd, Charles Butler, Robert Clark, James Dougherty, Robert Coe, David Eggleton, Edward Elliott, Edward Flewelling, Allan Gow, Rueben Haddock, J. O’Hare, Robert Lawson, Hugh McMullin, Jason Haddock, Thomas McGrath, Michael McDonald, Pat McVay, Douglas Pelton, Reuben McCurdy,, J. I. Street, Joseph Shaw, Angus Stinson, George Stinson, James Stinson, John McCurdy, George Williams, William Wiley, John Wren, William Wren, K. Campbell, Samuel Barber, William Gibson, William Sharkey, James Gibson, Ben Johnson, Robert Elliott, George Gibson, James McGill, John Dolley.

St. Croix Courier
June 4, 1942
Shiretown Items
Former Householders
The old folks were interested in the list of householders of fifty years ago and several came forward to supply the missing names. Those omitted were Walter Leonard, Alex McMullin, Ann Falls, Thomas McGrath. Thomas Healey, Isaac Snodgrass, Mr. Beckerton (or James Glass) in the house now occupied by Malcolm McFarlane. Here is the other side of the street at that period as nearly as I can recall it: Miss Smith, Michael McMonagle, Henry Quinn, James Hines, Wheeler Mallock (?), Ben Petrie, Patsy Sheehan, Mrs. Stinson (?), Herb Ross, Henry O’Neill,, Obadiah Conley, Nathan Treadwell, blank, Robert Billings, Russell Maloney, Miss Clark, Guthrie Treadwell, Hanford Thurber, John Burton, Edwin Saunders, Fletcher Stevenson, Harry Williamson, John S. Magee, Thomas Williamson, Mrs. Clark, G. H. Stickney,, Albert Shaw, Sheriff Stuart, S. H. Rigby, Ann Hatch, blank, Mr. McLaughlin, Miss Morrison, blank, James Henderson, William Ross, James Ross, John McFarlane (?), Jim McConvey, John Friars, Fred Topp, blank, John Jackson, James Powers.

Wooden Wheels
The first motor vehicle in this vicinity to adopt wooden tires is the machine operated by Walter Stuart. I am unacquainted with the correct name for this conveyance, but it might be described as a baby motorcycle or a glorified “scooter.” Walter has been running a wooden tire for a couple of weeks and it has been giving good satisfaction. The tire was made by our local wheelwright, Nelson Pye.

St. Croix Courier
June 18, 1942
Shiretown items
Chamcook Plant to Open
The proprietors of Chamcook Holiday Camps intend to pack fish this summer at the canning plant on their property. A spur long enough to hold four cars is now being constructed by the CPR to facilitate the unloading of the necessary machinery. The Camps have been receiving numerous applications from prospective guests for the summer. Unless the beef situation improves the management fear there will be difficulty in feeding all who wish to come.

St. Croix Courier
June 24, 1942
Shiretown Items
Return of the Old Picket Fence
What inanimate thing is more friendly or more attractive than a white picket fence? Fifty years ago, cattle frequently roamed about the streets a twill, and it was a common sigh to see them tethered to a stake on the grass-grown sidewalks and ditches. True there was a law against it, a pound and pound-keeper, and occasionally when a cow became too much of a nuisance it was impounded and the owner fined $1.00. But nearly everybody in self-defence kept their grounds surrounded with a high board fence. Some of the more artistic began introducing the picket fence. Of late years, however, since the cattle menace had disappeared, it has become customary to leave the grounds open or perhaps enclosed with a hedge. If the dog nuisance continues unabated it may be necessary for everyone to put up fences again. If you are thinking of building an attractive picket fence, go around and take a look at the one recently erected on the lot formerly occupied by the primary school and now owned by R. M Redmond. It is built in graceful curves, is painted white with black trim, and on the square or on the level is geometrically correct to the thousandth part of an inch. The whole lot ahs been laid out in flower beds, which of necessity must make a good showing to keep in tune with the fence.

Young Cyclist
The youngest rider to appear here on a bicycle is Peter Williamson, five years old. Peter has a brand new safety and can ride like a grown-up. When he goes for a spin he is always attended by his Uncle Leigh or Aunt Alice with whom he is staying, which is a wise precaution.

St. Croix Courier
July 16, 1942
Shiretown Items
Our Pet Peeve
Most movie fans can develop sufficient will power and concentration to ignore the person who chews gum with a snap, the “loud laugh that speaks the vacant mind,” or the clever person who explains the picture in advance. But when the sweet little thing just behind sitting with legs crossed, starts to kick the back of your seat in an attempt, which always fails, to keep time with the music there then are only three sensible things to do: 1. Leave the hall and demand your money back, which seems rather drastic; 2. Move to a different seat, which is not always possible; 3. Reach down and grab the offending ankle, which certainly should prove effective. But do we do any of these things? No, we sit there and suffer in silence and leave he hall with frayed nerves and crotchety temper, and on the way home snap impolitely at our wife if she had the temerity to mention how much she liked the show. But alas! Before many days the names of some of our favourite stars appear on the bill-board. We reason that both provincial and federal governments derive a nice revenue from the picture industry, and hat the boys who own the theatre must live. The neat little foot that offended all unwittingly, is forgotten and when the lights dim and the sound comes on, we are once again there in our favorite place.        

Confusion
An unadvertised air-raid warning last Friday evening about 9:30 took everybody unawares and of course they all did exactly the wrong thing. Everyone who was not already on the street got there as quickly as possible and made for the business section to find out where the fire was. One bomb would have been sufficient to destroy practically the entire population. The error was due to the fact that the signal adopted for air-raids is exactly the same as has been used for bad fires. A change should be made so people will not again be misled. Why not return to the old town bell for fire alarms for the duration?

St. Croix Courier
July 30, 1942
Shiretown Items
A Howling Success
With three sirens shrieking at full blast and most of the small children of the town awakened from sleep in terror to add their screams to the general racket, the blackout at 10:15 on last Friday night may be said to have been a “howling” success. Some of us recalled the alarm created by the first siren ever heard in these pars. It was on a tug from Nova Scotia whose captain evidently had a sense of humour. The tug cruised into Bocabec Bay about dusk one summer’s evening and let go two or three ungodly howls. There was no other reason for doing so except to alarm the natives, and this no doubt was the object and probably afforded the captain considerable amusement. One fellow was out in the woods hunting for a cow that had strayed and at the terrifying sound, he immediately lost all interest in the cow and put for home. When he had recovered his breath after doing a mile or so at top speed he told a thrilling and hair-raising story of his narrow escape from an “injun devil.” He little thought that the family at home and some neighbors, who happened to be present had also heard the siren, but he believed the awful cries were in the woods a few yards from where he stood. Those who have been alone in the woods at night know how startling any unusual sound can be. The shriek of a bobcat or even the hoot of an owl near at hand, heard for the first time and unexpectedly, is enough to give a man the creeps. So it is little wonder tha tour friend William was deceived into believing tha the injun devil, famous in fireside stories of the old folks when he was a small boy, had once more gone on the prowl. In his imagination he could see the huge cat-like animal leaping from tree to tree as he ran and could hear the crashes in the branches overhead. The fact that those at home had also heard and been alarmed by the noise, as they stated after he had finished his tale, was not sufficient to convince him of the unreality of his terrible experience Even when the tug visited St. Andrews next day and howled in broad daylight, thus disclosing the source of the alarm, William was still reluctant to admit the possibility tha the had been deceived.

St. Croix Courier
August 6, 1942
Shiretown Items
Fishermen
One finds some interesting characters among the fishermen and boatmen who gather daily or nightly about the public wharf at high water to talk over the day’s catch and consider prospects for a possible haul on the next half tide. Their life is a combination of hardship and indolence, and whether so in reality, it is a fascination existence to contemplate from the side-lines. They are mostly a good-natured bunch, with fun and wit, and some stories but very little obscenity. I asked one fellow how he had done lst week. His answer was very expressive. I said it reminded me of the quantity of cotton Muley Graves had raised on his farm. But the remark was lost on him as he had not read “The Grapes of Wrath.” I saw two men mending a net by the side of the wharf. I said I had read in Scripture that there were two town called Tyre and Sidon, at one time prosperous sea-ports but now chiefly noted as places for the drying and mending of nets. I wondered if this might be one of those towns. “It might be either one,” said the older man, “I’m pretty tired and I guess Bill could stand a drink of cider.” They always have a ready answer. I remarked one day that the new tax on liquor would probably reduce sales somewhat. “Oh! Not much” said one chap, “it is only the first pint that will cost more.” To illustrate his point he told of two tramps finding a pint of hooch by the side of the railroad. They sat down on the bank and consumed it leisurely. After it got to working good one said he thought he would buy this railroad. “You’ can’t buy this road, Bill,” said the other. “What’s the reason?” “Because I won’t sell it to you!”

Driftwood Days
A rare opportunity was missed by photographers a few days ago to secure an interesting snapshot or picture for a postcard. One mornign at high water, with the harbour perfectly calm and the sun jus right, an old man rowed in to the beach just above the public wharf with a boat load of driftwood and a couple of logs in tow. H had gathered the wood on the island. Driftwood is a scarce article here now although at one time, with mills running up river and at other points around the bay, there was sufficient to supply most of he townspeople with their summer’s fuel. And fine wood it was, too. Al softwoods, of course, but the soaking in the salt water seemed to give it added potency and lasting quality. And what a delightful aroma from the chimney! And in the fire-lace it sparked and danced with all the colors of the rainbow. With another small boys I remember going to the island once for driftwood with an old man named Sam Adams. The boat leaked badly and required constant bailing on the way over, but on the way back there was no chance to bail with the boat completely filled with wood, so old Sam just rowed hard and said nothing. The boat sank a short distance from shore in about five feet of water, but which was not sufficient to cover the wood piled high. The old man got wet to the neck but he carried us above his head. I thought little of the experience at the time but have often wondered what would have happened had the boat sunk a few hundred yards from shore!

St. Croix Courier
Aug 13/1942
Shiretown Items
The Mercury Club
The following facts regarding the somewhat misunderstood Mercury Club have been obtained from the treasurer, A. Smith, and should dispel wrong impressions more or less prevalent about town in regard to this organization. The idea of the club originated with Hon. Marguerite Shaughnessy and Hon. Mrs. Redmond, and they were responsible for its organization. But although they did, and are still doing, much work in connection with the club, they are not running it nor are they financing it as has been generally supposed. The club is managed entirely by an executive committee of five persons of which Miss Shaughnessy and Mrs. Redmond are active members. Besides this committee there is a larger advisory board selected from representatives of all the churches, lodges and other social organizations, in the town. There is a house committee of seven ladies, each member taking charge for one day a week. They in turn select helpers. The member in charge for the day is responsible for the serving of breakfast, making beds, looking after the linen and a general clearing up. Two members of this committee are appointed to purchase food supplies. The club is financed by personal donations, public benefits and by making a small charge (at the beginning of $1.25 but now $1.00) to the men of the service who stay for bed and breakfast.
            Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings a transport bus brings men who are going to spend 48 hours at the Club, and also, if there is room, any others who wish to come for the evening only. On these nights a dance is held at the club free of charge. Girls are invited to attend, subject to the approval of the executive, and once invited are entitled to attend all dances run by the club. Games, such as table tennis, clock golf, darts, checkers, backgammon and chess are provided for the boys’ amusement. A writing room contains up-to-date magazines and books, radio, gramophone, and two pianos. Howard Pillow ahs placed his commodious motorboat at the disposal of these visiting boys, and every fine afternoon a party is taken for a sail down the bay. Other smaller boats are also available without cost for small trips and fishing parties. Twenty light-weight khaki suits for the boys to wear while visiting the club were donated by the T. Eaton Company. The boys pay a small charge for laundering the suits. All the laundry work of the club, which is considerable, is done at half-price by Mr. and Mrs. Hornsby, proprietors of the St. Andrews Laundry.
            The total cost of renovating the building was $730. The total expenditures to date are about $2100, and the total receipts about $2000, not including the amount raised at the recent Fair, which is given in detail in the following item. Of this amount $1243 has been received from the guests, there having been a over one thousand boys made happy at the club since it opened late last winter.
            The club has the approval of the commandant of the camp at Pennfield. He believes that if other towns in the county provided similar facilities for ht entertainment of the boys in the forces unpleasant incidents might be avoided. [murder of Bernice Connors?] As the selling of beer to the boys who visit the club is one of the features causing the most criticism, it is only fair to state the attitude of the management in the matter. They say that the great majority of the boys demand drinks and if something is not provided in a respectable way, afield is thus opened up for bootlegging. This has occurred in other communities in the county and trouble has resulted. No hard liquor is sold nor even allowed at the club, and beer is sold only in small bottles; each man is limited ot three bottles and it must be consumed in the main room. It cannot be taken upstairs nor off the premises. The beer is sold at cost.
            Altogether it would seem that the Mercury Club, the only organization of its kind in Canada, is not only a fine thing for these hundreds of boys who are thousands of mils away from their homes, which perhaps many of them will never see again, but also for the town, and townspeople, and the small number of men and a great number of women who have given so generously of their time and labour to make and to keep it a success, are deserving of much greater credit than has so far been given them by the general public.

St. Croix Courier
Aug 20/1942
Shiretown Items
“I have met two interesting people from the Algonquin who now are making their home in Montreal. The gentleman escaped from Holland the day before the German invasion, and the lady, after many difficulties, got away from occupied France in Feb. 1941. They both like Canada but are looking forward to returning home after the war.

St. Croix Courier
August 27, 1942
Shiretown Items
“Here I Come—“
Piece on Raymond McQuoid, recently injured after raid on Dieppe. Landing gear and flaps shot away; crash landed at home airbase. Letter from him in this newspaper, page 1: “Raymond McQuoid R.C.A.F., Describes Bombing Raids.”

St. Croix Courier
Sept 3, 1942
Shiretown Items
Shark 22 Feet Long
Elmer Shirley has made many good hauls from this weir this summer, and at a good profit. Bu tone of this biggest hauls, and certainly not a profitable one, was the capture last week of a 22ft. shark. The length was determined by actual measurement. As to the girth at the largest part there was a difference of opinion from those who saw the fish, Jack Richardson, a retired railway employee and now a sort of self-appointed non-commissioned fishery officer, was telling the story and stated it was a big around as a hogshead. But herb Doughty, standing just behind Jack, expressed different opinion with a wink and shake of the head. Another who saw it said it was bigger round than a pork “barl.” If we say simply that the shark was 22 feet long and built in proportion, we shall probably be safe. Elmer and Herb had seined the weir which contained a nice catch of herring, and on pursing the seine discovered the tremendous shark within it. Elmer made a pass at it with the boat-hook but the shark bit the hook off the pole and spit out in disgust. He then rushed against the seine and broke through followed by most of the herring. The seining operation was completed and five hogsheads of herring retrieved. It was hoped that the shark would find his way out during the night but next day on raising the drop (a net enclosing the pound at the back of the weir) up came the shark, fail first. But before he could be made fast, he broke loose from the met in which he had become entangled and drowned during the night, and sank to the bottom in 27 feet of water. Ordinary means failing, it became necessary to send for a diver. After several days Sheldon Green of Grand Manan came to the rescue. He went down into the deep and tied a rope securely around the shark’s tail. The latter was then hoisted up and lashed to a scow and taken out to the middle of the bay where he was buried without ceremony. When raised the fish had already started to decompose and was covered with barnacles, starfish and other forms of shell fish, including lobsters. Otherwise he might have been brought ashore to exhibit at the price for some of the war charities. Unfortunately none of the staff from the Biological Station got a look at him for purpose of identification, but Mr. Green states that never before has this species been found in these waters. From his enormous size and the two rows of teeth in each jaw it is generally supposed tha the was a White Shark, commonly called the man-eater.

St. Croix Courier
Sept 10/1942
Shiretown Items
Rink Prospects
The young people, and the old folks too for that matter, will be interested to know that there is at least some prospect of the skating and hockey rink being finished and operated this winter. I have been told by a member of the rink committee that Hon. Marguerite Shaughnessy is becoming interested in the idea. If this is so, and if Miss Shaughnessy takes hold of the proposition in earnest, we can be assured of skating and hockey again. It requires some such person, who has sufficient influence in the proper quarters, to carry the project through. . . .

St. Croix Courier
Sept 24/1942
Shiretown Items
In 1824 not long after Robert Fulton had build the first American steamboat, the Clermont, and proved its value by successful operation, Mr. Bartlett introduced the first vessel, the New York, commanded by Captain Jack Shackford of Eastport, and operated between Saint John and Boston. The New York was a steam brig; she was very slow, but was the forerunner for improved seaport traffic. The ship, though slow, was of great interest and was much admired. Even when coming with the ebb tide she would race a long time with Cherry Island without exerting herself without getting the worst of it. The New York was followed by the Patent, Eagle, Mount Blanc and Lafayette operated by the same management. About 1840 this management changed and was carried on by the English steamers the Royal Dar in North America. These boats were obliged to stop in Campobello each way because of customs regulations. Later in the 1840s the service was continued by American steamers in the following order: the Bangor, the Telegraph, the Mont Rose?, Eastern City and Adelaide. Following these vessels other steamers began plying the waters. The outside service was continued by such palatial side-wheelers as the New Brunswick, ? and others. While our forebears enjoyed these several services, our present day needs are being supplied by the Grand Manan , and others.

St. Croix Courier
October 1/1942
Shiretown Items
Gladys Forster has shown us a collection of photographs taken around town about 1890 [this would be the souvenir collection by W. D. MacKay of 1889], which illustrate very clearly the many changes that have taken place in the last 50 years. Pictures taken along Water Street perhaps were the most interesting: no pavement, no sidewalks, no cars, no plate glass windows, only two or three pedestrians and a few idle truck teams. A picture of the Market Wharf showed the last of several buildings, most of them bar rooms, which at one time lined this wharf. This last was a bar room and was torn down shortly after a supposed murder took place there.
            A picture of Wren’s Drug Store with two small windows was of interest. It showed T. R. Wren and George Sharp his clerk standing in the doorway, and the first Algonquin Orchestra, which boarded with the lady upstairs, seated at leisure in front of the store.
            A picture of wharves with schooners tied up, Fort Tipperary, and the modest looking original Algonquin, which we then thought such a fine building, and of groups of people about their modest homes or places of business, all proved of much interest to the many older folks who saw the album. Gladys Forster is now Mrs. Gladys Foster, is a grandmother and has a son-in-law with the Canadian Armed Forces overseas.

St. Croix Courier
October 22/1942
Shiretown Items
Dick Pegg Departs
The St. Andrews Bakery, owned for several years and managed for twenty-one years b Dick Pegg has been sold, lock, stock and barrel, residence included to Bill O’Neill. . . . As for Mr. Pegg’s successor, Bill O’Neill, it goes without saying that he will make the same success of this new venture that he has with everything else he has undertaken here during the past fifteen years. Bill is not going to put his fingers in the dough, in a literal sense. He will supply the dough to boy the dough, while don Garnett, who had several years experience in a bakery at McAdam, will do the mixing and turn out the finished product.

Hockey Prospects Poor
Ten years ago this month work was begun on the first covered rink here. Every fine day tha Fall from fifty to a hundred men and boys worked there, with such enthusiasm that, as one small boys expressed it, “a fellow dare not sit down for a minute or somebody would nail his pants to the seat.” The first great arch was completed, slowly and painstakingly raised and anchored in place. As the second arch was being raised by pulleys attached to the first the anchoring stays parted and down came both arches with a crash. The veteran Frank Gilman, who was in charge, only smiled and said we must start over again. The huge building was completed and ready for skating during he Christmas holidays. It furnished recreation and pleasure for young and old for exactly seven years and was burned down by a fire of mysterious origin on Christmas night, 1939. The present structure, with a steel roof, was started early the next spring but the war has interfered with its intended purpose. It is now used as a barracks and training room for the local reserves and in all probability will see no skating or hockey till the war is over.

Old Landmark Passing: The T. T. Odell Dry Goods Store is closing down permanently at the end of this month. The store carried a large stock of finest dry goods and everything the housewife required by way of knickknacks. It will be greatly missed by the townspeople. The clerks, Miss Emily Donoghue and Miss Ethel Richardson, have done a rushing business since the public became informed of the closing, but it would take several months to sell the entire stock over the counter.

St. Croix Courier
Oct 29/1942
Shiretown Items
The first newspaper to be published in St. Andrews was called the St. Andrews Herald, and appeared in 1819. The first editor was John Cochrane, who retired and was succeeded by David Howe, brother of the honorable Joseph Howe. In 1822 the paper was purchased by Pierre Stubb, . . . SA, Mr. Howe continuing as editor, John Storey as foreman. It was discontinued about 1831. A second paper, the St. Andrews Courant with Colin Campbell as editor, began publication in the same year. Mr. Campbell was assisted by his three sons. This newspaper was evidently short-lived as the Standard appeared in 1833, with George Smith as its published. The paper was afterward edited by Adam Smith, remembered by old folks. This paper covered most of the period between the passing of the Courant and the beginning of the Bay Pilot in 1876. The latter was begun on Grand Manan and later moved to St. Andrews. It was owned by a company composed of John S. Magee, John Wren, Robert Robinson, W. D. Hartt and Robert Glen, with Mr. Magee as editor. The paper continued until 1889 when it gave way to the St. Andrews Beacon. The latter was first owned and edited by R. E. Armstrong and later by Wallace Broad. A sheet called the Charlotte Gazette appeared in 1846 but I have no record as to how long it continued.

St. Croix Courier
Nov 26, 1942
Shiretown Items
Thanks for Everything
As this is my last appearance in this column, I think that in fairness to my successor and to myself the readers should be informed of it. If in the future the column from the Shiretown should be extra good I don’t wish to get the credit for it, and if it should ever be the reverse I don’t wish to be blamed. I have fathered everything, good, bad and indifferent, that has appeared here during the past four and a half years. I have had many words of appreciation for which I am most grateful, and some criticism, which was to be expected. But “my task is done and what is writ is writ. Would it were worthier.” My reasons for giving up the column are lack of time and lack of suitable material. To my successor, whoever he or she may be, I wish the best of luck. To the reporters from the various local societies and to all others who have been gathering news or stories of interest, I tender my sincerest thanks. And to the readers I would say that “if any word of mine has ever given delight or consolation, you have repaid it back a thousand fold by every friendly sign and salutation. Therefore, I hope, as no unwelcome guest, at your warm firesides when the lamps are lighted, to have my place reserved among the rest, nor stand as one unsought or uninvited.”

St. Croix Courier
Jan 7, 1943
Shiretown Items
Hello, Friends!
I have been sitting at my desk for half an hour wondering just how to begin. When I announced at the end of November that I was through writing for the Courier I was absolutely sincere. But I have been realy touched by the many expressions of regret, ot only from my intimate friends, but from many others, whose interest in the column was a pleasant surprise to me. And when both the publisher and the editor took the time and trouble to pay me a personal visit and offer me a month’s leave of absence on pay, if I would consent to take up the work again at the beginning of the year, I was given perhaps an exaggerated idea of the service my column was doing for the dear old town in which I live and which I love more than I can say. As most readrs will understand I have done this writing for two chief reasons. In the first place, and chiefly, as a hobby, because I must admit that I love to write. And in the secon dplace that I mgiht do some service to my home town, that I mgiht in a small way amuse and entertain those living here, and more especially send a message to the many men and women who are far away but whose hearts are still here in the home of their childhood. Ihave tried through the years to keep up the same standard that I set for myself at the beginning,, and when the time came that to do so seemed well-night impossible, I thoght it wiser to stop suddenly rather than that the ccolumn should peter out gradually and die an inglorious death. Now it si the pubisher’s wish that I contine even if some weeks there is little or nothing to send in. If the readers will take the same attitude, and withhold criticism when at times the collumn may be scanty or entirely absent, then I shall be willing to continue for a while longer at any rate and will try to do my best.

You May Help
In my last item in November I mentioned that one of my reasons for discontinuing was lack of time. Now here is where all local readers can help. It is not he actualy writing that takes the time but the gathering of the material, so  if you feel that it is to your interest, and in the best interests of the town to keep the column going, then send in your material. Write out the facts on a hseet of paper, sign your name and drop it in the mail. Some of the best stories I have had in the column have been received just by accidentally meeting someone on the street. “Did you hear so and so?” says he. “No, I didn’t,” says I. Then he tells me the facts and I write the story. But don’t wait till we happen to meet. Write it down and put it in the mail, and be sure to sign your name, which of course will not be used. There are many clubs, lodges and others organizations in town which must all be doing something of interest. Let us hear about it. How about the Boy Scouts for instance, and the schools? Send in the names of the officers of your lodges and other organizations. And any funny incidents which we can write about without offending anybody. We all like a little fun when the joke is on the other fellow, but all person scannot enjoy it when the joke is on themselves. In the past four years I have omitted many excellent stories for this reason. In a word, if the column is to continue, we must all get together. Let us feel that I tis a community, not a personal affair.

St. Croix Courier
Jan 14/1943
Shiretown Items
Outdoor Rink Ready
After plenty of hard work the boys have at length got a fairly good outdoor rink. I is situated in the field across fro the covered arean, and can be sprinkled  from a tap inside the latter. The ice was first built up with town hose from a nearby hydrant.

Another Improvement
A very generous and much appreciated gift has recently been received from Miss Olive Hosmer, a smooth-running a commodious Lincoln automobile which Miss Hosmer has used during the past few summers here, has been turned over to the fire department to be converted into an A. R. P. service wagon.  A body is being constructed with angle iron and Douglas fir plywood, the work being done in a serviceable and attractive manner by Joseph Meers, caretaker at the fire hall.  In the center is a place to carry the small pumpers; an attachment at the rear to trail the large pumper; neat enclosed compartments at the side to carry 3500 feet of hose.  It is a job of which both the town and the donor may well be proud.

St. Croix Courier
January 28, 1943
Shiretown items
Potato-water Cocktail
I never thought I should live to see the day tht I would drink the water potatoes had been boiled in and like it. I had seen it recommended by several reliable dieticians and am always willing to try anything once. For many years I have eaten the skins of bakes potatoes for the delectable falvor and I have a friend who says he eats the skins of boiled potatoes. I have never tried that but I agree with thim that potatoes are ruined if peled bfore boiling. But next time ou boil potatoes pour the water off intoa bowl and set away to cool. Just before your next dinner pour a glass full and add alittle salt and you’ll have a cocktail tasting better than some and just as effective as many you obliged at times to drink out of politeness when visiting your friends. And if as they tell us it makes for better health, why, lets drink her down.

Having Big Year
The Heather Curling Club is havign a successful season with the largest membership (43) it its history. S. J. Anning is president; Henry McQuoid, vice-president; Harold Greenlaw secretary; Joe Finigan, treasurer. Play for the Hosmer Cup has been completed and this fine ropy was won by a rink skipped by Leigh Williamson. Play is now underway for “bill’s Trophy.” A party of about twenty curlers from St. Stephen were entertained at the club on last Thursday afternoon and evening,  the locals tone-throwers winning the total by the small margin of one point.  The gisitors wre served supper, a real Shiretown clam stew, at the club rooms. [the club is not located at the rink, as it is being used as a barracks, hence the outdoor rink across the street]

St. Croix Courier
Feb 11, 1943
Shiretown Items
The Building of the Ship
The recent launching of a wooden mine-sweeper in a New Brunswick port stirs the memory of old-timers here who can recall when St. Andrews was one fo the leading shipping and ship-buldings centres in what is now known as the Maritime provinces. There are many lving who can remember the launching of the Annie P. Odell in 1878 and that of the George Lamb in September 1882. [George Lamb was the father of our own Andrew Lamb, owner-operator of the St. Andrews Foundry, Town Councillor and generally prominent businesman of the town] But how many know anytyhing about the building and launching of the first ship here? From a few facs which I have obtained from a directl descendant of the man who was the bilder, owner and master, I shall try to write the story fo that momentous event. The exact date is nost in the scanty records, but suffice it to say it was in the long, long ago. First the timbers were gathered and piled around, birch, spruce, pine and tamarack from our native forests, and oak for the keel from the motherland. About midsumer the keel of oak for this noble ship was laid, scarfed and bolted, straight and strong, and the real work was ready to begin. Day by day, ‘mid the sound of axes and hammers, mallets and saws, the vessel grew until a skeleton ship, framed with perfect symmetry rose to view. Week after week with toil and song, the building of this ship went on, till at long last, the planking done and the rudder hung, the ship was ready to be launched. The day appointed for the launching, though in the month of February, was like a day in march, mild and calm and bright and a full tide flowing. The ship was duly christened by the wife of one of the big shots of the town, whose name is nost in the mists of the past, and a prayer offered for the safety of the ship and of those who might sail in her. Then the blocking was knocked from beneath her keel, and the ship slid out to take the water as graceuflly as a swan. She was a square-rigger with three masts, in other words a full-rigged ship and was a goodly, staunch and strong as any ship that sailed the wintry seas. She was built, owned and siled by Capt. William Harvey, who was the great-grandfather of Mary Hunt, who still lives in St. Andrews. The ship was called “Mary Stubbs,” which was the maiden name of Capt. Harvey’s wife. Her first trip was to the West Indies with a load of lumber, returnign with a cargo of rum and molasses. Wherever her broken, or roted or distintegrated timbers may lie, may they rest in peace! Requiescat.

Who Owns St. Croix Island?
I have read with much interest an article wthe the foregoing title written by H. E. Lamb and sppearing in the Calais Advertiser of Jan 27th. Mr.Lamb proves to his own satisfaction a least, that this island belongs to United States, that is, lies within her boundaries. He suggests that readers cut out his article for future reference as in effect it settles the matter for all time. May I suggest that the same reades past the fllowing information in their scrap-book alongside the other to prove that perhaps the matter is unsettled for all time. Mr. Lamb says the middle of the river is the boundary lien and tha the middle is where the deepest channel lies. Personally I should call the middle the half-way point between the wo shores on any part of the river. That Mr. Lamb in his heart agrees with me is indicatd in the last paragraph where he states that St. Croix Island lies out near the middle of the river. I do not wish to startanother international boundary dispute but the following “last will and testament” of John Hillicker, copies from the records of Charlotte County, will at leat give a different slant to the question. It also gives an idea of the origin of the name Dochet’s Island, which evidently was corrupted from the name Dosh’s appearing in the will which was apparently the name of a former owner or resident.

Last Will and Testament
“In the name of God, Amen. I, John Hillicker of the Island generally known and called by the name of Dosh’s Island and supposed and considered to be in the parish of St. Andrews, county of Charlotte, and province of New Brunswick (Note: there was no Parish of St. Croix in Charlotte County at that time) being weak in body but of  sound and perfect mind and memory (Blessed by God for the same) do make and published this my last will and testament in manner and form following. Viz. first I give and bequesath unto my wife Mary Hillicker, all my real and personal estate and property, viz. my interest and itles in the Iland above mentioend (called Dosh’s) to be held by her and possessed by her during her natural life, and also all my personal goods and chattles of what kind and nature soever they be. I will and give unto her during her life, and at the conclusion of the sme I will and demise, make over and convey unto Daniel Post of said Island the above mentioend possessions and property of every kind, real and personal with chattles of every kind, to be held and possessed by him at her death. And I do hereby appont this my last will and testament, my wife Mary and Daniel Post, my sole Executrix and Executor. Hereby revoking all former wills by me made, in witnesswhereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this eighty oday of June in the year of our Lord, One Thousand eight hundred and twenty four (1824). Singned, sealed, published and declared by the above named John Jilliker to e his last will and testament, in the presence fo us who have hereunto subscribed our names as witness in the presende of the testator.
John Hilliker X his mark
Witnesses,
Henry Coulter, St. David
Elias Barber, Red Beach
Caleb Bartlett, St. Andrews
The proof of this will follows on record, swon by Henry Coulter before H. H. Hatch, of St. Andrews, Surrogate and Judge of Probates, and dated Oct. 29, 1825. Tis proof must have been submitted on the death of Mrs. Hillickers, as according to records quoted in Mr. lamb’s article, the Island was sold by Daniel Post to John Brewer on Nov. 25, 1825, for $130.

St. Croix Courier
February 18, 1943
Shiretown Items
Recollections
Here is one for the old-timers. A reader has sent me a list of truckmen who flourished here about sixty years ago. Jim Scallion, Sandy Donald, Tommy Storr, Brad Boone, John Brownrigg, Mick Cummings, Jim Cummings, Mick Holden, Andy Sampson, Dan Thompson, Jim Powers, George Swift, Arthur Dolby, Howard Chase, herb Ross, Jim Ross, ? Maher, John Donaghue, Alexander Bell. They all had dump carts and hauled coat direct from vessels to the householders. I can recall most of these men though quite a few were before my time of moving to St. Andrews, 1889. It was a common sight to see a dozen truck wagons parked on the squre or along the street in the centre of the town waiting for a chance job. New it is almost impossible to find aman to haul your ashes away. Another old timer has told me an interesting fact about those trucking days. Mick Holden, mentioned in the foregoing list, but whose name was really Michael Howland, was an exceptionall fine fiddler and many a fine morning he would bring along his fiddle and sit on his truck opposite O’Neill’s marke and play for the entertainment of the other truckmen and possible passers-by. I never knew the father but the boys, even before they left St. Andrews were fine musicians. After being away from St. Andrws for many years, they were all her together, ahving brought their mother home for burial. Even that is a long time ago. I dropped into Joe Handy’s barber shop one morning and they were all there. Joes asked them to sing some fo the old songs, and although I can recall paying as much as two dollars and a half for admission to a musical show, I never heard anything that ppealed to me so much as this simple sing-song by those Howland boys. Miles fell heir to his faterh’s violin and was a good palyer before leaving St. Andrews. Willie toured the States for a year or two singing with a light opera company, I think in the “Red Mill.” Those boys names were Charlie, (Pat), Dick, Harryy, Miles and Willie. Some of them I believe are now dead.

D.O.A.
Morden Smith and Carl Medcof of the Biological staff are to be commended on their ambition. Though they each now hold sufficient degrees to satisfy most ordinary mortal, they are working for their D.O.A., which in case you don’t know, stands for Doctor of Axology. The college is situated between the Frye Road and Second Lake, and Boyd Merrill is the Dean. Tea is served at 11 am and 4 pm, when they take turns prouring. Boyd claims it spoils tea to boil it more than ten minutes. It is a six weeks’ course extending over a period of about ten years, depending on the lack of intelligence and toughness of the student. The Dean says when a man can sand between two trees with a double-bitted axe and keep the chips flying from both of them at the same time he is ready for his diploma.

St. Croix Courier
Feb 25/1943
Shiretown Items
Fat Man’s Race
In conversation with some old-timers the othe day we got talking of local sprinters of the past. One man present could recall when Harold Stickney and Henry Swift were the to-notches at the hundred yard distance. In m own youth Walter Stickney led the field with Charlie Richardson next, while Fannie Black, a girl psriner, andmyself came next in order. The caretaker of the Public Building here who was present, said he saw qutie a race one morning last summer between Walter Stickney and John Ross. These now coruplent gentlemen met one morning before seven o’clock just under the window where Herb was shaking out his dust cloth. After a few preliinary remarks about the wether John said he understood that Walter used to be quite  fast runner in his youth. Walter opined that he still could beat any one of his size or age (waist 48, age 65). So they proceeded to the head of the nearby public wharf (to avoid traffic as they expressed it) and stripped to pants and shirt braces and socks. They tried to assume the crouch, considered the most correct and fastest pposition for a start, but their mutual embonbpoint interfered, so they decided on the semi-erect style which was at least more comfortable. At the word “go,” after a count of three, they wer off, elgs flying and arms flapping. At the thirty yard mark, John measured his full lnegth (or width) on the wharf. These gentlemen little thought that they had a spectator to the juvenile performance and had some great explaining to do when they got back. They both claimed the race. John said Walter got the start of him him but tripped him as he attempted to go past when he got up speed. An attempt will be made to match the pari again this summer to defintely decide who is the faster man.

One of the finest letters of recent date is from Lottie Coates, of Nelson, BC. . . .  She says that after her mother died she lived for several years with her grandmother at what had formerly been the Marine Hospital that is on the corner of Parr and Princess Royal Streets, and next door to my own home which at that time belonged to Doctor Harry Gove.  At that time the pole for the weather signals was on the hospital grounds.  It is now on the waterfront, at the corner of Princess Royal and Goose and Pagan, or Ghost Pagan streets.
            Here are the families I can recall living in the hospital.  Larry Gainor, Peter Rosewall, Lizzie Cathcart, Bill Mitchell, Hazen Greenlaw, Bill Gregg, Howard McNichol, and the present occupants, Mr. and Mrs. Matthews and family.  Bill Gregg bought the building, removed the cupola, and took it out to Chamcook Lake where with an addition for a kitchen it served as a camp.
            One old timer says he worked in Hanson’s shoe factory, now occupied by Keay’s Hardware and China stores. 

St. Croix Courier
March 4/1943
A piece by J. F. W., author of Shiretown Items.
The above photograph of a bit of waterfront in St. Andrews was taken by the late W. D. MacKay about 1890, of which a copy was made by Archie Shirley to serve the present purpose.  Many the happy hour I have spent playing around those two old schooners.  Having come from inland I was of necessity always obliged to serve before the mast as a greenhorn.  More experienced boys my own age or younger composed the officers.  Frank Guerney always wanted to be captain.  A tough captain he was, ordering us aloft in all kinds of weather.  Leo Armstrong was usually the cook, and his unvaried menu of raw clams at times becoming monotonous, we were forced to forced to supplement it with soda crackers filched from our mothers’ pantries.  In our imaginations we sailed the distant seas to far-off unknown lands. 
            The two schooners in the picture, which no doubt had been built many years before, in the shipyards of St. Andrews and given long and faithful service, in the time of which I write all lay high and dry on the beach in their last days in peace and repose.  The one on the right is the Crandall, H. P. Crandall I think; and the other is the Mary Ellen.  On the extreme left is the home of Mr. Starkey, ship carpenter, . . . schooner yacht Crusoe which he was then building.  The square partly finished house on the left in the background was being built by Theodore Holmes.  The small house in the center foreground was occupied by James Ross and family.  Behind it to the left is the stove foundry, then operated by Michael McMonagle, called Mike Mulligan.
            Behind Ross’s to the right is the home of Bat Donaghue, then conductor on the railway.  And the large house further back was the home of Patsy Sheehan.  I have forgotten who lived in the house showing just over the stern of the Crandall, unless it was Thomas Pendlebury, the present occupant, who has been there for a long time.
            Also I notice the railway running up the waterfront, which was “the extension.”  The wharf in the center was later extended by B. F. DeWolfe and is now known as the upper CPR wharf, and has rails running out to its end. Where the Crandall rests is now occupied by a thriving industry.

St. Croix Courier
March 18, 1943
Shiretown Items
What Happened to Daisy?
I have had a very interesting letter from Mrank McLeod, a former St. Andrews boy, now living in Boston. Frank was one fo the gang that used to play aroudn those old schooners the “Crandall” and “Mary Ellen.” He recalled many amusing incidens of those far-ffo days. The wonderful ball games on Smith’s green, the refreshing drinks of cool water at Brown’s pump, where one day Frank Rooney drank 16 dippers full on  abet and almos died, and how on being given a choice becaue, of our increasing size an age, between bathing suits or leaving our favortie swimming spot at Starkey’s beach, we decided to mvoe to a more secluded place at Osborn’s (or Anderson’s) wharf. He recalls how King Murchie used to dive off this wharf and come up holding a sculpin by the tail! But his best sotry I think is the one about the lost cow. He says: “One of those old docks by the H. V. Crandall holds special interest for me. We lost a cow onec,e and after she had been gone for ten days, some one prevailed on us to get Obediah Conley to come to the house and read a tea cup and tell us about her, for she had been hunted all over town without avail; so  at last we tried him, and he said he could see her very plainly, that she was alive but couldn’t get antying to eat and was all surrounded by water but coulnd’t get any to drink, and she would be found within a 3. Sure enogh eithin three days some one happened to walk out on this old dock and found the cow. She had fallen through oto the logs covered with rocks for ballast.” The story ends there, but I think the public is entitled to know something of the subsequent history of the unfortuante animal. Was she still alive when found? How did they get her out? Did she recover from the experience and decide to go no move a-ro-o-vin? Come on Frank a few fruther details please.

St. Croix Courier
April 1, 1943
Shiretown Items
Chamcook of Other Days
A century ago, the village of Chamcook was a thriving ship-building centre, had two or three saw-mills, a grist mill and a paper mill. The prosperity of Chamcook at that time was chiefly owing to the enterprise of one man, John Wilson, after whose death at the age of 70 years on April 1st, 1855, the place began gradually to decline. The following extract from Mr. Wilson’s obituary in the St. Andrews paper shows the important position he held in the community and how his loss would affect its prosperity.
“Mr. Wilso has been engaged in mercantile and other pursuits in this county for more than 30 years and such was the diversity of his business transaactions, embracing almost every occupation incident to the country, that he kept a great number of men in constant employ. As a merchant he had few equals, well acquainted with markets of the world, entirely familiar with the trade and resources of the province, energetic and temperate, always active and persevering, he seldom undertook a work that he did not complete. He devoted the whole powers of his mind to the construction of the St. Andrews-quebec Railroad.”
            Mr. Wilson operated several sawmills on Chamcook stream as well as a grist-ill, where wheat flour, buckwheat and oatmeal were manufactured. Also, and most interesting of all, he owned and operated a paper mill, near the present site of Rankin’s sawmill. On this paper was printed the St. Andrews Herald, and the following advertisement appears in the issue of Feb. 5th. 1827, “Wanted,--an apprentice to the paper-making business. Apply to the mill at Chamcook or the Herald office.” Mr. Wilson built a beautiful stone house on the site now occupied by the Grimer residence. This house was destroyed by fire in 1882. The present generation will remember the grist mill which tumbled down and was removed just a few year ago. It was used for many years by Davideson Grimmer.
            The two story building still standing on the Glebe road over the Chamcook stream was the Dimick and Wilson store, and no doubt at one time did a thriving busienss. There was a brickyard at Chamcook at one time, but  whether during Mr Wilson’s residence there or at a later period, is not now known. It wa situated outside the dock gates adjacent to the shipyard. Its location can be easily found today by the bricks scattered around. But the most important industry carried on in Mr. Wilson’s time was ship-building. At an early date the inenr harbour at chamcook was coverted into a dock from which the tide could be shut out. A dam with gates was built, the remains of which can still be seen at half-tide. A flume was constructed which carried the water from the milll stream outside the dock gates. There were two sets of these, out and inner, and the gates were controleld b water pressure. Many ships were repaired in this dock. It is known to have been in operation in 1842 as a bill for repairs on the structure is still ixistence.
            Closely associated with John Wilson in the ship-building industry was John Townshend and his four sons. The Townshends had been operating a yard at St. Andrews near Indian Point and were brought to Chamcook by Wilson to finish a dhip on the stocks there. They remaiend there and carried on an extensive business for many years, chiefly under contract with Wilson. At a later date wo of the sons were business partners, and Charles Short, when a young man, was employed by them and later became their master builder. Short in 1854 built the Homeward Bound, a ship of 594 tons, at Digdeguash. For some years William Townshend and Charles Short were partners, during which period they built the Lady Milton. The account with Dimick and Wilson re the building of this ship is still in existence.
            Another record in an old time book says that Townshend and Short commenced work on the new ship, Even Star, Sept. 4th, 1855, at Indian Point. The Townshends operated three yards in Chamcook. There were two sets of blocks on what is known as the Public Landing, where the Pristman cottage now stands. William built on the east side of the stream, these two yards beign inside the dock. A third yeard was situated on the west side of the harbour jiust outside the dock. People still living can remember the remains of the old bed logs in these locations. I have a list of some of the ships built at Chamcook which I shall send in next week.