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Jan 7/1863

Mrs. Quinn's new hotel, St. Stephen.

Skating most prominent amusement for several years past. Excursions to Chamcook via train.

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Jan 28, 1863

Skating has been the most prominent amusement for several days past. Almost every girl and boy who could get a pair of skates were out practicing on the ponds and marshes. On Monday evening several hundred availed themselves of an excursion by rail to Chamcook Lake. The scene on the lake was pleasing—many females and males too of mature age enjoyed themselves skating: the youngsters of course following the example of the seniors; many who had not skated for nearly a quarter of a century were among the number. Fires were blazing on the shores, and the island imparting to the scene a lively and animating appearance. At half past ten the warning whistle sounded, and in a few moments the call of "all aboard" was heard and away sped the train. The large party arrived safely at the station at about eleven o'clock, much pleased with the evening's amusement, and the courtesy and attention of the railway officials.

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April 15/1863

Large Train—one of largest trains ever to arrive in town: 31 cars loaded with tamarack ship-frames, knees, futtocks, shingles and sleepers, cattle. Passenger car well-filled "and in this respect we take great pleasure in recording the great increase of passenger travel."

Lightning line of steamers to ply between Saint John and Boston, beginning April.

There has been little or nothing about temperance in years—I believe since the ill-fated prohibition bill.

All the local news concerns Intercolonial RR: for at least several years—almost since outbreak of civil war.

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April 29/1863

Editor in St. Stephen. Seems prospering. Mrs. Quinn's large building on King St. intended for Hotel almost completed. Mr. Lorimer intends new paper.

Steamer Dupont leaving Boston Monday 8 am for Saint John ; Saint John Thursday 8 am for Boston. Touching at Portland and Eastport, connecting with Queen.

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May 13, 1863

The late Mr. Hanson. Under the proper heading in another column we record the death of Mr. John Hanson at the patriarchal age of 104 years. He was born at Gouldsborough, Maine, (then a British possession) about the time of the capture of Quebec by Gen. Wolfe, in whose army his father served and shared in the glorious victory; and was also a soldier during the Indian and French wars. At the time the tea was destroyed in Boston harbor, he was forced out of his bed at night by the rebels and compelled to show them where there was any tea secreted. He was drafted in the rebel service, but in consequence of not being tall enough did not pass muster. After the American Revolution, Mr. Hanson accompanied his father's family to this province, preferring with other Loyalists to leave their comfortable homes and remove to British territory, and hew and cut for themselves a home, in at that time a vast forest. When they landed at what is now the populous and wealthy emporium of the Province, the city of Saint John , there was but one log hut; he was therefore prior to Major Ward. He piloted the first settler into the harbor of St. Andrews and assisted at the laying out of the town. He afterwards removed from Minister's Island to Bocabec, in the Parish of St. Patrick, and enjoyed good health until within a few days of his death. He lived to see the fifth generation and leaves behind him eleven children, eighty-three grandchildren, one hundred and fifty great grandchildren, and four great, great grandchildren. It may truly be said of Mr. Hanson, that he was the last of his "times."

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June 10/1863

J. L. MacKay, dentist, in rooms at Pheasant Hotel. Limited engagement.

Praise for Saint John "Telegraph" and Portland Evening Courier.

Photographer M. Grant has fitted up rooms opposite Union store with skylight to take photographs, ambrotypes and the celebrated "Cartes de Visites," vignettes, etc.

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July 8/1863

New Store—J. R. Bradford, adjoining Union store. 32 feet on Water Street, 50 feet toward harbour, 2 1/182 stories.

Water Company laying new pipes along Water Street. Street Commissioner working on Streets. New bridges, some streets gravelled. Many above Parr St. had been left unattended for years.

A Rich Joke.

A party of ladies and gentlemen from St. Andrews proceeded on a moonlight aquatic excursion last week. The wind died away and the vessel became encalmed off Robbinston, at rather a late hour. the party proceeded on shore, and with fife and drum marched up the street, to the no small consternation of sundry inhabitants, who were awoke from their slumbers, under the impression, that a raid by the Confederates, had been made upon them, for the purpose of sacking and destroying the village. After some little time had elapsed, and no harm was done, the people returned to the slumbers, —to dream of Lecs, Jacksons, Ewells and Johnstons.

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Aug 5/1863

Atkinson House—between the steamboat landing and railway station; and within 3 minute's walk of either. The subscriber returns thanks for the patronage extended to him, and begs to announce that he has leased the large and commodious house adjoining Capt. Maloney's, west side of Water Street, which has been fitted up for the accommodation of transient and permanent boarders.

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Aug 12/1863

M. Grant has photographs of distinguished persons for sale—Royal Family, Prince and Princess of Wales, Gen. Lee. Has new and large camera "which is being constantly used and takes striking pictures."

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Aug 19/1863

Encampment of wandering gypsies in town. "In view of their familiar failings and the very feeling manner in which they make them known, we would, in the touching language of a contemporary, "bid clothes-lines and small children beware."

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Sept 23/1863

A smart trick—a woman disguised as a colored person went into one of the stores in town a few evenings ago, and said a lady with whom she lived sent her for some crockery ware; the lad selected the ware and the woman took it away; after she had gone someone in the store remarked her arms were white. This awakened the suspicions of the landlord and he at once went to the house where the woman resides, and ascertained that he had been swindled, as she had not sent for the articles. As the person who committed the act is known, and will be compelled to return the articles, her name is withheld for the present.

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Sept 30/1863

Shipbuilding—this branch of business we are happy to state is becoming brisk in this locality which presents unequalled advantages for its successful prosecution. Mr. Anderson, in addition to his other in course of construction, has laid the keel for a large ship within a few days, and is shortly to commence a vessel of 1400 tons. Mr. O. B. Rideout has also commenced building a large vessel. The Messrs. Townshend are getting a ship frame down by rail which is to be set up and built in their yard at Chamcook, during the next few months. These vessels, with Mr. Whitlock's, Mr. A. Cookson's, and Peacock's and Berry's ships, give employment to a large number of men. It has been acknowledged by men of judgement and large experience, who have visited St. Andrews, that it possesses superior advantages for ship building. Mr. Rideout has been building ships for 25 years.

            Town needs a skating rink. "The work has already been commenced in other places; let us not be behind our neighbours."

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Oct 14/1863

Bayside a prospering district: Baptist church, new Post Office, store, commodious schoolhouse, agricultural Hall. F. W. Bradford's premises handsome. Rev. A. D. Thompson pretty conservatory. Many residences show elegance and refinement absent elsewhere in province. Mr. Rideout employs large number of men in his shipyard.

Stage Accommodation—convenient covered wagon to connect Railway Station with steamboats and hotels. Books kept at Bradford's and Pheasant's Hotel. May 14/1863

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Nov 4/1863

New steam carriage, Roxbury, Mass, by S. H. Roper. 10 miles per hour. 2 horsepower. Exhibited at Hartford State Fair. 600 dollars.

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Nov 11/1863

Gov't of Canada has appointed Nov. 11 as a Day of Thanksgiving. When will Gov't of New Brunswick appoint a day for a similar purpose?

Look here. South Side, Market Square:—

I shave the old, the young, and the grey,

Their head or face for ready pay;

By morning sun, or evening light,

I'm always sure to do it right.

My razors are sharp, shears not bad,

All is ready to be had.

I wish to please you, one and all,

So come, my friends, please come and call.

—W. O. McMichael

[Mr. McMichael was black; see the recollections of "A Native Son," Courier, March 30, 1933]

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Dec 2, 1863

Launched

On Saturday last, by Mr. A. Anderson, from his year, a handsome brigantine, called the "Apus," of about 250 tons register. We have examined this vessel from time to time, during course of construction, and have no hesitation in pronouncing her one of the strongest and most carefully built vessels ever launched at this port. She is built of spruce, with a large proportion of hacmatac, is copper fastened and copper bolted, and thoroughly iron kneed.

            In model and architecture, the "Apus," in the opinion of those qualified to judge, comes as near the conception of perfection as any vessel ever built here. Beauty and economy seem to be combined in the design of her build; for while she is evidently calculated to be swift Sailer, she will, at the same time, carry a large cargo. She was constructed under Lloyd's special survey, to class A1 four years, and was superintended personally by Capt. McFeeby, by whom she will be commanded. The "Apus" is owned by the Captain, Mr. Anderson, Glargan and Black and Hugh Shields of St. John.

            We wish her enterprising owners success, and have to congratulate Mr. Anderson on the improvement which is evinced in each successive vessel, so far as regards the model. We think we may safely hazard the opinion that St. Andrews has produced in the "Apus" a vessel equal in every respect to any other ever launched in this province. The "Apus" will load shooks at this port for Cardenas.

            Same day, from the building yard at Indian Point, a beautifully modeled and thoroughly finished brig of 260 tons O.M., named the "Alexander Milliken." This vessel is constructed of the best materials, hacmatac and hardwood, is copper fastened and reflects much credit upon her builder, Mr. Alexander Cookson. We understand she is intended for general freighting business, and will be a swift sailer.

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Dec 30/1863

Review of year. Things looking good in St. Andrews, St. Stephen, St. George. "The crops were abundant, and there is plenty in the land for man and beast. The people are contented and happy, and business generally has flourished. Ship building is carried on extensively in various parts of the Province, with success. In St. Andrews, there are several new vessels on the stocks. Our RR has been doing a good business—and prices of articles have been maintained. Details for St. Stephen and St. George follow.