Pilot
Aug 7, 1886
Mr. B. F. DeWolfe has had the old Berry house town down, and will commence immediately the erection in place thereof a frame building 27 x 85 feet, three storeys high in front, for a store and warehouse, which he requires for the accommodation of his rapidly increasing business. There will e a twelve foot alley way between the new building and that of Mr. J. R. Bradford’s.
Pilot
March 31, 1887
Description of new store by B. F. DeWolfe. (Sunbury Shores today)
New Store
There is one man in St. Andrews who has confidence in the future of the town, and that is Mr. B. F. DeWolfe. This he has proved by the erection of a splendid building, an ornament to Water Street, and in whih to carry on his rapidly increasing business.
The building is of wood, 86 feet long,, by 27 wide, 16 foot post, the ground flat is divided into a store 50 x 26 feet, and a ware room 35 x 26 feet The ceiling which is sheathed with wood, is 10 feet high. The sills are of timber 8 x 12 inches, as are also the post, the floor stringer 12 x 12 inches, and the studding 3 x 9 inches. The second flat is in one spacious ware room, in which to store flour and other merchandise. The sills rest upon the stone walls within which is a spacious cellar. The fixtures in the shop are of modern design and with the canned and boxed goods ranged thereon, present a fine appearance. There is also a neat and comfortable office. The front presents a striking appearance with its plate glass windows, each widows sash 8 x 9, and divided into three panes, the lower one in each window 5 x 8 ft, and the two upper ones 2 ½ 4 feet. The foundation walls chimneys etc, were built by Mr. Levi Handy; the plans for the building were prepared by Mr. D. McRoberts, under whose supervision it was erected. The painting was done by Mr. T. McCracken. The work in every department has been done well and substantially. Mr. DeWolfe will carry a fill line of groceries and provisions, wall paper and staple dry goods, which he will sell as he advertises at bottom prices. The store is now open and we hope that Mr. De Wolfe’s enterprise will be rewarded by liberal public patronage.
Beacon
Feb 15, 1894
Another Wharf to be Erected
B. F. DeWolfe, managing owner of the steamer “Arbutus,” has secured from Mr. Charles M. Gove, his wharf privilege to the north of the present steamboat wharf, and proposes to begin as soon as the weather will permit, the erection of a wharf there, for the use of the “Arbutus” and any other vessel that may require it. This is one of the best wharf sites in the inner harbor. The purchase price was $500.
The new wharf will be about 300 feet long, and will have a face of about 60 feet. There will be a landing stage at the end for the steamer. As the local government have shown a disposition to aid public works of this nature, they will doubtless be willing to some to the aid of Mr. DeWolfe, whose energy and enterprise certainly entitle him to practical sympathy at their hands.
Beacon
March 22, 1894
DeWolfe’s wharf scheme will not be carried out this year.
Beacon
April 12, 1894
It is estimated that the total turnip crop in this section last season will run close to 75,000 barrels. In the neighborhood of 50,000 barrels have been shipped by Messr. Hartt and Greenlaw. The principle other shippers are B. F. DeWolfe, G. D. Grimmer and Frank Mowatt. Probably 10,000 barrels still remain in the farmer’s cellars. The biggest crop was raised by Martin Greenlaw, of Bayside who pulled 1015 barrels. Alexander Russell, of Bayside, got over 500 barrels off 1 ¼ acres.
Beacon
Sept 12/1895
In view of the promises that the management of the CPR have made in the past to assist in the development of the port of SA, it does not seem unreasonable to expect them to make rail connection with the splendid pier which Mr. DeWolfe has recently erected in this harbor. The managers of the road may say that it is a private enterprise they are assisting, but while this is true, it is a private enterprise that promises to be of great public benefit, and one that must, if successful, bring a considerable amount of money into the coffers of their railway. Viewed from the point, we think the CPR manager might well be justified in assuming the trifling expense of connecting the wharf with their railway system. The sooner they do it the sooner will they begin to reap the benefit, for Mr. DeWolfe is not a man to allow the grass to grow under his feet.
The DeWolfe Pier
A Splendid Fabric in St. Andrews Harbour. The CPR will rail it if Mr. DeWolfe foots the bills.
No one can doubt the enterprise of Mr B. F. DeWolfe, after they have seen the splendid wharf which he has jus constructed in St. Andrews harbor, to the north of the present steamboat landing. Under the supervision of John McBride, the well-known wharf builder of Lubec, work on the pier was begun on the 7th day of May. A few days work yet remain to be done, but practically four months have been consumed in its construction. The wharf is 500 feet long and 45 feet wide. It is composed of eight piers, containing 600,000 feet of lumber, with a fourteen foot bridge between each. These bridges are planked over, but the top of the pier is covered with small timber, on which stones and gravel have been placed. At the extremity of the wharf a movable slip 50 feet long and 10 feet wide has been fixed. it has drop of about 20 feet. This slip is intended more particularly for the use of Mr. DeWolfe’s steamer the Arbutus. At ordinary low tides there are about eight feet of water at the end of the pier. As soon as work is finished on the end of the wharf, the warehouse, which is now standing on the shore end, will be moved down. A coal shed may also be erected.
While the wharf is primarily intended for the use of the Arbutus, Mr. DeWolfe has expectations for doing a large trade over it. In the hope that the CPR would assist in developing the trade of their port, Mr. DeWolfe approached the management of the road, wit a view to having rail connection with the wharf. Mr. Timmerman informed him that the railway would willingly make rail connection, if Mr. DeWolfe would defray the expenses, which, according to the estimate of their engineer, would amount to close upon $1,000. Mr. DeWolfe had a personal interview with Sir William Van Horne, the president of the road, in the hope that he would secure a more favorable arrangement. Sir William asked Mr. DeWolfe to submit an estimate of the amount of business he expected to do over the wharf and he would rather consider the matter. As the business is yet to be sought and developed Mr. DeWolfe was not able to submit the estimate asked for. If he has to shoulder the expense of making rail connection, it is probably that rails will not be laid until next summer.
Beacon
Feb 20/1896
Some time ago sir William Van Horne was approached by Mr. DeWolfe with a view to having the railway company made rail connection with his new pier. Sir William assured Mr. DeWolfe that he would give the matter favorable consideration if he (DeWolfe) was able to show to his satisfaction that there was a possibility of this connection bringing any increased traffic to the port. Since that time Mr. DeWolfe has been communicating with large concerns along the northern division of the CPR and he has received from them most favorable replies. these replies will be laid before Sir William at once. It is quite certain that if one-half of the promised business came to this port that the road would be well repaid for the coat of laying the rails down to this wharf above-mentioned.
Beacon
April 16/1896
Will not Reduce Rates
B. F. DeWolfe, who erected a costly wharf at St. Andrews in the hope that lumber and other material from Aroostook and the north western section of this Province might be shipped through this port, has had wet blanket thrown upon his enterprise by the freight agent of the CPR, Mr. Sutherland, who states positively that the railway cannot reduce rates to attract trade here. He does not give the reasons for this decision, but it is probably because of some understanding with the Maine lines of railway. It seems unfortunate that this port should be handicapped in this manner. That it is the natural port for the district above referred to goes without saying; that trade could be attracted here, if the railway company would make reasonable concessions, there is little doubt, nor can there be any doubt that the railway would profit b this trade. Why the port should be ignored by the railway, and why they should be a party to any arrangement to freeze it out of trade that naturally belongs to it, are matters that are beyond our comprehension. It is not so very long ago that the head of the CPR assured the people of St. Andrews that this road would take care of all trade that might be created here. Now, when thousands of dollars have been expended to create trade and this trade is really knocking at our doors, the railway refuses to extend it the slightest assistance. Surely St. Andrews is entitled to some explanations.
Beacon
April 8/1897
Lumber Rates to SA
The CPR company, after several years’ consideration has at last seen it way clear to quote a rate on lumber to St. Andrews that will give the port a chance to do a coasting business. The rate, which are the same as are quoted to West side Saint John , are as follows:
From Presque Isle, Caribou, Fort Fairfield and Grand Falls $2 per m.
From Houlton and Woodstock $1.67 ½
From Hartland $1.87
From Edmunston $2.75
Now that the railway company has show a disposition to treat us a little more generously, it behooves the business men of the place to bestir themselves and take advantage of this generosity. At least one wharf owner, Mr. DeWolfe, has shown himself alive to the opportunities that have been opened up to him. he intends taking steps at once to have rail connection made with the CPR line and his wharf. he thinks he will have no difficulty with the rate quoted in attracting some trade here. We earnestly hope that he will, for the port needs every ounce of trade and every dollar it can receive.
We feel satisfied that Carleton County and Aroostook lumber dealers will find it to their advantage to utilize this port in the shipment of their products. the port is a cheap and handy one and is capable of transacting a great amount of business
Beacon
June 10/1897
Wharf Improvements
Mr. DeWolfe, who has been in correspondence with the CPR with regard to the possibilities of trade over his wharf, has received sufficient assurance to justify him in preparing for the extension of the railway track thereto. He has begun to full in between his wharf and the point on the steamer road way at which the track will leave the railway grounds. It is expected that within a month rails will be laid.
It is to be hoped that Mr. DeWolfe’s enterprise in this matter will meet with its due reward.
It is probably that during this summer a large quantity of coal and other commodities will be landed or shipped from here.
Beacon
July 1/1897
All Ready for Rails
The necessary filling to connect the DeWolfe pier with the railway tract has been completed, and all that is now necessary is the laying of rails. In order to enable the rails to be laid to the lower extremity of the wharf, the freight and coal sheds will be moved from their present position.
Beacon
Sept.16/1897
After all the rails had been laid on the DeWolfe pier and Mr. DeWolfe had begun to look for business, he was informed by engineer Barber, of the CPR, on Friday, that the work had not been done properly, and that the underpinning on certain of the bridges would have to be changed. Mr. DeWolfe says the work was done according to the directions of the railway officials. He will make the changes required, but it will necessitate some delay and some additional expense. Mr. DeWolfe is working several string for business for his wharf. It would be strange, indeed, if some of them did not pull in a good job.
Beacon
Oct 14/1897
The first car ever placed upon DeWolfe’s wharf was run down there on Thursday morning last. It’s number was 9800. The car was loaded with pickled herring which the Arbutus brought from Lubec the day before.
Beacon
Feb 3/1898
The Alms House Commissioners organized on Friday evening lat, electing F. F. DeWolfe Chairman and E. B. Coakley secretary.
Beacon
April 21, 1898
Loading Sleepers at SA
The first cargo of railway sleepers to be loaded at St. Andrews for many years in now being placed on board the three-masted American schooner, Edna, at DeWolfe’s pier. Between 11,000 and 12,000 will be shipped by Mr. William Oak of Presque Isles Their destination is Boston.
Beacon
Sept 1/1898
It is a matter or regret that Mr. Tarte was not able to complete his tour of the Maritime provinces. We shall look for him to carry out his promise next month.
The Coal Business
Coal barge No. 2 with 700 tons of Springhill local on board, was towed into the harbor on Saturday by the tug Springhill and moored alongside DeWolfe’s pier, where the work of discharging the coal began on Tuesday. The coals is dumped on the vacant ground near Anderson’s wharf. About 5000 tons of it will be placed there. The coal business swill furnish employment for a number of men.
Beacon
Jan 12, 1899
The coal which was dumped near the St. Andrews railway station, is to be shipped to Megantic. Mr. B. F. DeWolfe has the contract for loading it in box cars., There are about 5000 tons to go forward.
Beacon
Feb 1, 1900
Alms House Matters
The members of the Alms House Commission for 1900 were sworn in on Friday. R. E. Armstrong was chosen chairman and B. F. DeWolfe secretary. IT was decided to dispense with the numerous committees which have hitherto controlled Alms House matters and make the full commission a committee of the whole to attend to all business that might arise. All requests for relief, etc., will have to be made through the Secretary. In cases requiring immediate attention and in unimportant cases the Secretary and the chairman are authorized to act together. Other cases will be considered by the full board. The secretary was authorized to ask for tenders for medical attendance, also arrange for the purchase of fuel. The secretary and Chairman were named as a committee to purchase such staples as flour, meal, sugar, tea, etc., at the best terms possible. The commission will meet on Friday of next week.
Beacon
May 31/1900
A coal barge, in tow of the tug Springhill, with coat for the CPR, arrived on Thursday night and is now being discharge at DeWolfe’s wharf.
Beacon
July 26, 1900
The DeWolfe wharf is the busiest corner in town, the coal shipments keeping a large number of men employed.
Beacon
Feb 28/1901
The phosphate business has been resumed in earnest. Two large schooners, the Ruth Robinson and Sabage, arrived last week with one thousand tons of fertilizer on board for Aroostook County. The vessels are being discharged at the DeWolfe wharf, under the
Beacon
April 11/1901
The Burton livery stable has been purchased by Messrs. R. F. DeWolfe and Albert Denley. They assumed control on Saturday night. The new firm is known as DeWolfe and Denley. They are both young and active men and will doubtless make a success of the undertaking.
Beacon
June 20/1901
Another coal shed has been erected at the head of the DeWolfe wharf.
Beacon
March 6/1902
Deep Water Wharf
The Dominion Government has been asked to make an appropriation towards the construction of a deep water wharf at St. Andrews. Recognizing that such an expenditure would be practically useless unless the C. P. R. was impressed with the need of a wharf of that characteristic here, Mr. Tarte, the Minister of Public Works, has promised to confer with Sir Thomas Shaughnessy and ascertain his views thereon. We presume that if Sir Thomas says that there is sufficient business in prospect for a deep water wharf—and nobody can answer that question better than Sir Thomas—Mr. Tarte will be prepared to recommend that a grant be made to the object, otherwise he won’t. The prudence of this move must commend itself to reasonable people. Everybody in St. Andrews wants a deep water wharf, provided there is business for it to do. They do not want a structure that is to lie useless and rot away, or else put the town to a large expense to maintain it in idleness. It is business that we want and not idle wharves, although no doubt the disbursement of $20,000 or $30,000 in the construction of a wharf would be a good thing. IT is not good policy, we think, for ht town to incur expense, either in the way of wharves or dredging, until we can get some more encouragement fro the CPR than we have up to the present time. Some months ago some of the Saint John officials of the road declared that business was being lost to the railway and to Canada by the absence of a wharf at St. Andrews where vessels of large draft could lie. They do not seem to have impressed the need of such a wharf very strongly upon the higher authorities of the railway, nor have they been in any hurry to carry out their promises to send their engineer down here to look over the situation with eh St. Andrews people. The fact that these same officials held out the self-same business prospect to Mr. DeWolfe when he began the construction of his wharf and made many promises of sending trade, which are yet unfulfilled, leads us to the conclusion that it is not wise to incur any expenditure on wharf account until we have had a more definite pronouncement from the railway. It is well enough to secure needed legislation, but that legislation should not be enforced until the necessity for it is more plain than it is now.
Beacon
May 15/1902
Kitchen improvements for Kennedy's
DeWolfe and Denley’s hotel bus has just emerged from Pye and Sons paint shop looking as bright as a new pin. In addition to being tastefully painted, the vehicle has been newly upholstered throughout.
Beacon
June 12/1902
Notwithstanding the bad weather, the St. Andrews’ hotels have had more guests this spring than for many years. DeWolfe’s and Denley’s livery stable is being painted.
Beacon
June 19/1902
The St. Andrews Wharf Company’s wharf and warehouse was sold by the Sheriff on Tuesday afternoon and bid on by B. F. DeWolfe for $517. Station agent Dow, acting presumably for the CPR, bids to the extent of $500. The only other bidder was F. H. Grimmer, who started the sale at $400 and dropped out at $516.
Beacon
July 10/1902
DeWolfe and Denley have added to their list of horses a handsome matched pair of chestnuts, purchased from Amos Little, Harvey. Mr. DeWolfe, who made the purchase, said he found good horseflesh very scarce.
Beacon
Nov 13, 1902
The well known Townsend property at Chamcook, which includes a magnificent residence and the famous Chamcook Mountain, is now owned by Rev. Henry Phipps Ross, of Taunton, Mass., Mr. Ross having come here on Tuesday to consummate the transfer. Mr. James Townsend, of New York, was the former owner of the property. The transfer was effected through Mr. B. F. DeWolfe, the agent of Mr. Townsend. The price has not been disclosed.
Beacon
March 12, 1903
The presence of several large phosphate laden vessel at DeWolfe’s wharf, the past week or two, has made that section of the town a busy place lately. Special trains were employed to carry away the cargoes.
Beacon
April 16/1903
Wharves Sold
While in Saint John last week, Mr. B. F. DeWolfe sold both his wharves—the lighthouse wharf, and the one at which the Viking lands—to the CPR. The railway authorities say they have no present use for the, but business may develop later on.
Beacon
May 14/1903
. . . The next day I did considerable veterinary work, having made my business headquarters at the office of DeWolfe and Denley. Mr. Denley extended to me ever courtesy and introduced me to several of your townsmen. It would be hard to find two better-equipped and better conduced liveries in any town twice the size of St. Andrews.
Mr. Denley kindly drove me to the “Came Stock Farm,” were I found a nice, healthy lot of coes, showing every appearance of being well cared for. I was much pleased with the gamy hackney stallion, as I judge him his conformation that he must be a great actor in the harness. I should have been glad to have seen him driven but instead turned my attention to an inspection of their sheep. I will truly say that they were the finest lot of sheep I ever saw in either England or America. It surely takes a Scotchman to breed and develop sheep.
I put up at the American House, an unpretentious hostelry and only recently occupied by its present proprietor, who was very busy in putting it in shape. He is sure to meet with success as the landlady knows how to cater to the most fastidious appetite. I certainly ate the best clam chowder there of her making that I ever tasted and I am anxiously waiting for the time to come when I shall make my next visit to enjoy another chowder.
--M. W. Haviland, V. S. Calais, May 6, 1903
Vessel Sold
The partially dismantled brigt. Aldine, which was sold to E. E. Lantalum, of Saint John, by Messrs. DeWolfe and Grimmer, has been purchased together with anchors and gar, by Capt. William Carson, who will fit her up for sea. The purchase price was $1000.
Beacon
June 18/1903
The CPR intend landing several thousand tons of coal here shortly.
Mr. B. F. DeWolfe retiring from coal business.
Beacon
Oct 15/1903
The DeWolfe and Denley livery stable is understood to be about to change hands. William Bell, SA, is reported to be one of the purchasers. (Transferred to new owners on Oct 20)
Beacon
July 20/1905
B. F. DeWolfe moving to Portland, Oregon.
Beacon
June 20, 1907
New Wharf
Mr. B. F. DeWolfe, who has always ranked as one of Sa’ most progressive citizens, has furnished another example of his faith in the future of St. Andrews by beginning the construction of a large wharf on the property purchased by him a year ago. This property belonged for many years to the Street estate. The work of construction is being performed by a crew of men under Mr Albert Gillman.
Beacon
June 4/1908
Town Council will Erect 20 Street Lamps. Details. Mayor DeWolfe
St. Croix Courier
Jan 6/1910
St. Andrews Booming
By Mayor DeWolfe: During the year five residences have been completed at a cost of $50,000. Several residences have been enlarged at a cost of $5000. The Algonquin Hotel concrete building for power and other purposes was completed at a cost of $20,000. The Algonquin concrete annex (at work on a third storey), $35,000. Two new residences are being constructed at a cost of $23,000. A deep water wharf is completed for the CPR at a cost of $20,000. A deep water public wharf is completed at a cost of $16,000. Indications are that several first-class residences will be built during the coming season and improvements on business properties. Water supply and lighting are being considered.
Beacon
Jan 12/1911
Death of Mr. B. F. DeWolfe
Mr. DeWolfe began business as a boy in the grocer storey of J. R. Bradford. A few years afterwards he established a grocery business of his own, which proved very successful. He subsequently promoted and managed with much success the Deer Island and Campobello Steamboat Company. Upon retirement from this Company he sold out his wharf to the CPR. For a time he was partner with Albert Denley in the livery stable business. He sold out his interest in this business and went to Portland, Oregon. Upon his return be bought he old street Building on Water street, erected a wharf and started a coal business. This he was prosecuting at the time of his death.
Beacon
Nov 2/1911
Good Wharf
The CPR are making a fine job of the new wharf which they have erected on the site of the old DeWolfe wharf. The wharf and warehouse are now complete, with a track running down the northern face of the wharf.
Beacon
Oct 24/1912
The proprietor’s of The Acme moving picture hall (DeWolfe building) expect to open on Monday, Oct. 28. [I believe the DeWolfe building was formerly the Street building]
Beacon
Oct 31/1912
Opening of Picture House
The opening of St. Andrews’ First picture-house, the “Acme,” took place on Monday last, under very auspicious circumstances. It is located on the northern end of the lower floor of the DeWolfe store, and extends out over the wharf buildings. It is supplied with a first-class Edison apparatus and dynamo. On Monday afternoon, a matinee performance for children was given. In the evening, the hall was densely packed at both performances. The programme was a most entertaining one, the pictures being put on a clearly as at any of the city picture-houses. The hall is not yet in a completed state, but it soon will be. At the suggestion of the local authorities, the proprietors will add another exit, to be used in case of fire.
Beacon
Nov 7/1912
The acme moving picture house has been having a good run lately. It bids fair to be a very popular. Manger DeWolfe has recently added a Powers camigraph, which is said to e a fireproof machine.