Item

Beacon

June 7/1894

Hard times have hit the earning powers of the railways. Details.

The vessel arrivals the past week included schooners Keewaydin and G. H. Perry, from Joggins, the former with 275 tons of coal, and the latter with 271 tons of coal, and the Iona, from Walton, Nova Scotia, with 190 tons of rock plaster for Houlton.

Among the improvements which Mr. Van Horne mapped out for himself while here was the erection of a wharf near his summer residence at Minister's Island. It will not be a large structure, being simply intended for his pleasure yacht.

Manager Miller of the Algonquin has met with two heavy losses: the death of his father and the destruction by fire of his hotel at Athol.

Chat with Sir William

His New Honors have not turned his Head in the Least

"Tut, tut, man; never mind such formalities," was the bluff, good-natured remark uttered by Sir William Van Horne, on Friday last, when the Beacon representative apologized for having failed to address him by his knightly appellation.

The big railway man had just got up from a delicious dinner, in which his favorite dish, —fresh St. Andrews lobster—had been one of the ingredients, and he was feeling in high good humor. With his broad palms encircling his ample stomach, and a freshly lighted Havana rolling between his lips, he looked the personification of health and contentment. It seemed a little out of place under such circumstances to enquire after the President's health, but inasmuch as Queen Victoria had but recently imposed a fresh responsibility upon his already heavily burdened shoulders, the Beacon felt it a to be a duty to make such enquiry.

"I am feeling first-rate," replied the new knight.

He then, in response to further enquires, began to unburden himself with respect to his summer home. He was pleased with the way matters were progressing and said his family would come down to St. Andrews about the 20th. Asked if he was contemplating any further changes around his summer place, he smilingly replied that, "no doubt there would be changes all the time."

The Beacon intimated that the Saint John people were expecting a visit from him in a few days, to which he replied that they no doubt thought he would attend the Street Railway meeting. The meeting, he said, was a purely formal one, and he did not think he would be present.

Asked whether there was any truth in the rumor the CPR had in view the erection of a large hotel at Saint John, he replied that they had such a view when the question of taking over the Intercolonial Railway was under consideration, but hey had abandoned the idea.

"You see," he continued, "the Intercolonial has not been paying, and when we talked of taking it over, we had first to consider how we should make it pay. It was in that connection, the hotel scheme was put forward. We hoped by the building of hotels at Saint John, such as the Frontenac at Quebec, to attract a large amount of travel in this direction. The better and more numerous the hotels the larger will be the travel in this direction. The better and more numerous the hotels, the larger will be the travel particularly in summer. Very few people care to stay longer than a week or two at one place in the summer season. They keep moving about. If they can get hotels to suit them in Saint John or Halifax they will spend a portion of their time at such places. It would have helped St. Andrews, too, as it would have been sure to get a portion of the class of travel I speak of."

"Has the CPR any summer improvements in view with respect to St. Andrews?" interjected the newspaper man.

"No," was the reply; "not at present. We were talking of fitting up the Osburn place as a first-class family hotel like the Algonquin but times have been too devilish hard."

"What do you think of the prospects for summer travel in this direction?" was asked.

"I think they are good. You see, people cannot afford expensive trips this season. There will not be so many to indulge in costly continental tours. They will take their pleasure in smaller doses nearer home, where it will not be so expensive. I am afraid this season will be a very had one on the Atlantic steamships, though.
 Incidental allusion was made to the floods in British Columbia.

"These floods are worrying us a good deal," said Sir William. "The water in the Fraser River has never been so high for fifty years as it is at present. It is a foot or more above the highest shore indication. if it rises any higher it will do incalculable damage. We have a bridge at New Westminster, for which levels were laid higher than the highest tide was ever known to go. But the water is on the bridge now. What caused the floods? Well, they have been caused by the large amount of snow in the mountains. The weather being cold, the snow melted very little during the early spring, and it is going out all in a heap now. When I visited the West a few weeks ago the Fraser was very low, and gold-seekers were washing on bars that had not been exposed for a number of years."

"How did you find business on the Pacific coast?"

"I found business dull. Vancouver is doing perhaps better than any of the coast cities, and a large number of buildings is being erected. Victoria is about holding its own."

A "toot-toot" from the panting locomotive at the other end of the president's train warned the reporter that the hour of his departure was drawing high, so bidding adieu to Sir William and to his companions, Supt. Timmerman, Mr. H. H. McLean and Mr. George Macdonald, Sir William's manly private secretary, he took his leave.

The President's car was hauled to McAdam Friday night, where connection was made with the Montreal express.

There Should be Another

The St. Andrews Beacon is putting on airs because that popular watering place has three knights on its assessment roll. The distinguished gentlemen who contribute towards keeping up the town, are Sir Leonard Tilley, Sir Donald Smith and Sir W. C. Van Horne, each of whom own extensive properties there—Fredericton Herald. Since the Beacon's last paragraph on the subject was published, we have been told that another knight, Sir Charles Tupper, owns land in St. Andrews, so that instead of having a claim on but three knights, we should have four on our list.

A Bath in Summer

Frequent and thorough bathing of the entire body in hot weather, ensures health, comfort and vigor, says a writer in Womankind. Personal cleanliness must not be neglected if one would preserve health and good looks.

The daily sponge bath is highly recommended to all women, and especially to delicate women. Sea salt is excellent for nervous women when used in the proportions of one-half cupful to two quarts of like warm rainwater. Take the sea sponge bath just before retiring. It will induce restful slumber and find you comfortable and happy the next morning at breakfast. (There follow other kinds of baths and bath techniques, and their benefits; )

Beacon

June 14/1894

The newspaper complains that the CPR by neglecting to provide proper facilities for the loading and discharge of freight is placing the businessmen of St. Stephen under a very great disadvantage and is also hindering the growth of the town.

Excerpts from "Toward the Sunrise" on Campobello and Grand Manan.

June Weddings

Unions of Hearts in which Beacon Readers are interested

The marriage of Miss Meighen, eldest daughter of Mr. Robert Meighen, of Montreal, to Mr. Robert Reford took place at St. Paul's, Montreal, on Tuesday afternoon. Details

Beacon

June 21/1894

Algonquin reducing rates for hay fever sufferers to $13 per week in September.

Beacon

July 5/1894

A Railway Horror

Fiendish Work of Train Wreckers

A Train is Thrown from the Track and Several Lives Lost. Story of the Disaster from the Lips of President Van Horne's Son

A thrill of horror ran through the town on Monday, when the report was circulated that the east-bound CPR train had been wrecked that morning near Moosehead Lake and several lives lost.

The facts which came to hand on Monday were of a meagre character, so that the people had to wait until the following day's mail for the full particulars.

R. B. Van Horne, son of President Van Horne of the CPR, was a passenger on the wrecked train, on his way to St. Andrews. He had with him two friends, S. F. Rutherford and G. S. Rutherford, of Montreal, and also Mr. McDonald, the president's private secretary. When Mr. Van Horne reached St. Andrews on Tuesday he was sought out by the Beacon, and very kindly consented to state all he knew concerning the disaster.

"The accident," said Mr. Van Horne, "happened about 5 o'clock on Monday morning. The train, which was made up of mail, baggage, second-class, first-class and sleeping cars, attached to the engine in the order named, was approaching the trestle which bridges the western outlet of Moosehead lake, about fifteen miles from Greenville, when the engine struck an obstruction on the track, and leaping over the rails bore the trestle down.

"The train was going about 35 miles an hour at the time. When the engine went over, the momentum caused the postal and baggage cars to telescope each other. The second-class car followed them down the bank, leaving the first-class car and the sleeper partially on the rails.

"The engine did not explode, nor did any fire follow the accident, to add to its horrors. The whistle of the engine having been carried away, the steam escaped by that means.

"The poor engineer, Fred Leavitt, stuck to his post, and was stone dead when taken out. One half of his left arm was torn off and was found lying on the tender. One of his legs was bent up over his head and his body was terribly disfigured.

"Fireman MacDonald was fearfully hurt but he is a strong, able fellow and may pull through.

"Walter Starkey, postal clerk, was lying in the upper berth of his car and was killed. His companion clerk, John S. Millar, slept in the berth below. His foot was hurt and his face and body injured but he will recover.

"Fred Foss, station agent at Greenville, who was among the passengers, was scalded to death. He was found under the debris, and when he was caught by the hand to draw him out the flesh peeled off the member in a manner sickening to the beholders.

"A passenger named Hart in the second-class car, and Fred Grant, station agent at Jackman, were instantly killed. Nearly all of the passengers in the second-class car received injuries, the worst injured being W. Kelly, baggage-master, and a news agent named Droine. It seems a miracle, however, that they were not all killed. The five passengers in the first-class car were shaken up and scratched a little, and the eleven passengers in the sleeper received a shock that they will not soon forget.

"There can be no doubt," continued Mr. Van Horne, "that the disaster was due to train-wreckers. The sleeper that the engine struck was plainly to be seen, and the fact that the engineer had reversed his engine and applied the brakes would seem to remove all lingering doubts as to the cause. Engineer Leavitt evidently had a personal enemy, as this was not the first attempt that had been made to wreck his train. No suspicious parties were seen in the neighborhood that day."

The passengers were transferred after the accident and continued on their journey. It was not until Tuesday afternoon that the debris was removed and the damaged track sufficiently repaired to cross upon.

A later report says fireman McDonald is dead.

The following pen and ink description of St. Andrews is taken from a recent number of the Seaside Witness, a manuscript newspaper, edited by C. W. Manzer, and issued under the auspices of St. Andrews Division, Sons of Temperance:

What St. Andrews is not: St. Andrews is not a village. Why? it is too large. It is not a modern town. Why? It has no electric lights, no water works, no policemen, no street cars, no telephones. It is not like Boston. Why? You cannot get lost on the streets so easily. It is not like New York. Why? the streets are not so crowded, and its elevated railways are not so well patronized. It is not like Chicago. Why? It has not so many 15 story buildings. It is not like Liverpool. Why? It has not as many miles of docks. It is not like Woodstock, New Brunswick. Why? It has a better harbor. It is not like Houlton. Why? The mud on the street is not so deep.

What St. Andrews is. Rather a desirable place in which to live. Why? It has a most healthful climate, free from the thick fogs of Saint John and Halifax, free from the extremes of heat and cold of the inland towns, beautiful scenery, cheap rents and plenty of elbow room. It has a splendid geographical situation on Passamaquoddy Bay in close proximity to the towns of Chamcook, Bartlett's Mills, Waweig, Latete, St. George., etc. It has a splendid harbor, and in it could be seen crafts varying in size from the smallest rowboat to the largest ocean steamer (should any of the latter ever happen to arrive). Steamers arrive and depart (in the summertime) connecting with Bangor, Portland, Boston, New York and Campobello. CPR trains arrive and depart daily (in the summertime) semi-daily, making close connections with Montreal, Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Chicago and Dumbarton. St. Andrews supports two enterprising papers, the Beacon and the Seaside Witness.

Sir William Van Horne, with his family and servants, to the number of twelve, came to St. Andrews on Friday from Montreal and took possession of their beautiful summer mansion on Minister's Island for another season.

Beacon

July 12/1894

The CPR and the Late Accident

Apart from the frigid reception which Supt. Timmerman is alleged to have given one of its reporters, there seems to have been no justification whatever for the attack upon the CPR by a Saint John paper in connection with the terrible disaster at Moosehead. The impression left upon the public mind by the reading of the articles was that the road bed of the CPR was unsafe: that the accident was due to this unsafe condition, and that the plea of train-wrecking was advanced by the railway authorities to shield themselves from the consequence of their criminal carelessness, or niggardliness or whatever name one might choose to apply to it. Rather a strange position for a paper to assume that claims to be a champion of Canadian interests.

It is a positive libel on the CPR, besides being the sheerest nonsense, for any paper to insinuate that any portion of the CPR through Maine is in a dangerous condition. Self-interest, if no other motive, would compel the railway management to keep this part of their road in good order, for there is no portion of it that is more travelled by the CPR officials, or their families. No sane person, who knows the qualifications of President Van Horne as a railway man, would think for a moment that he could run over a piece of road week after week without finding out if there were any weak spots in it, and no one, who knows how fond he is of his family, would entertain the idea that for the sake of a few dollars saved his company he would risk the lives of those so near and dear to him as his wife and children. We certainly do not believe it. Again, every inch of the road through Maine has been closely inspected by the railroad commissioners of that stage. They are perfectly disinterested, and if they have any bias at all, one might expect it to be against the road, as it is owned by a foreign corporation. They have pronounced the road thoroughly safe and substantial. Furthermore, the editor of this paper knows from actual observation that the trestlework in the locality indicated is not the flimsy, weak affair that some enemies of the CPR say it is. Before the opening of the Short Line through Maine to public traffic, and when everyone in Saint John was looking forward with pleasing anticipations to the great things that the railway to do for that city, he was commissioned by the proprietors of the Saint John Globe, with which paper he was associated as a reporter, to make an inspection of the roadway, so far as it was possible for him as a newspaper man to do—and report upon the progress that was being made. Several days were spent in tramping and riding through from Mattawamkeag to Megantic and in interviewing the engineering staff along the route. One circumstance above all others impressed itself upon his observation during this tour of investigation and that was the seeming strength and substantiality of the trestlework and bridges and the precautions taken to protect them. At Ship Pond, and at a few other points, where the railway crosses deep gorges, the trestle work is composed of steel, set upon heavy granite piers. At Moosehead Lake, notably at Greenville, and at the locality where the disaster happened, the bridgework is constructed mainly of immense timbers, which appeared to be capable of sustaining the weight that could be imposed upon them for many years to come. With a remembrance of these facts before us we cannot believe the insinuations that have been made as to the unsafe condition of the trestles on this line.

With regard to Supt. Timmerman, we can only speak of him as we have found him. Since assuming the management of this division of the road, the editor of the Beacon has had occasion to apply to him for information very many times, and he has always given it promptly and courteously. We also feel bound to say that we have never seen any indication of desire on his part to override the interests of the public, or keep back information that they had a right to know. The reverse has rather been the case.

Photographer McKay is on deck for the season. In rooms adjoining County building on King St.

The cow nuisance again a subject of complaint.

Mrs. Robert Meighen, of Montreal, reached St. Andrews on Saturday, and will spend another summer here.

There was a shade of sadness in Mr. and Mrs. Robert S. Gardiner's summer cottage on Friday last, when their daughter, Mrs. William T. Payne, and her husband bade them adieu and started for their destination in Kobe, Japan. They will take the "Empress of India" at Vancouver, and expect to reach Japan on the first of August. Mr. and Mrs. Payne have promised to visit St. Andrews in the coming years.

Singing evangelist "whose heavenly melodies have thrilled the hearts of men the world over," Ira D. Sankey at Algonquin. Detailed interview.

Tyn-y-maes given new coat of paint. Discontent at number of Americans hired by the hotels.

Beacon

July 19/1894

A pair of 'spoons' escaped from the Algonquin last week and got downtown. One was named 'Duckie' and other 'Dearie,' and a very devoted and loving couple they appeared to be. The Algonquin put on its festive attire last Saturday night and gave itself up to a feast of gayety. Outside, brilliant lights adorned the piazza and grounds; inside, there was even more brilliancy, for there were many brilliant women and brilliant men in their throng, and they made a dazzling display of gorgeous dresses and brilliant jewellery. The orchestra played their choicest airs, and when the rags were removed from the parlour floor nimble feet chased each other through the mazy dance for many hours. It has been a long time since the hotel has witnessed such a merry scene.

Among the Raymond party was Mrs. Ellen E. Dickinson, the well-known novelist and newspaper writer of Brooklyn, New York. Mrs. Dickinson has written several novels and has just completed one that has occupied her attention for a year past. It is a romance, but it is based on hypnotism, of which branch of science Mrs. Dickinson has made a study. She had had interviews with hypnotists the world over, and in her talk with the Beacon on Saturday she narrated many interesting incidents and experiences. The Mormon religion has also furnished a theme for a work from her pen. She wrote that interesting novel, "The King's Daughters," and many others. Mrs. Dickinson has promised to furnish the New York world with letters during her trip.

Moonlight Excursions or "Shines:" It looked like a scene in fairyland, as the Rose Standish floated through the harbor under the moonlight on Monday night, with the many-colored lights on board reflected in dancing rays on the glistening bosom of the harbor. Sweet strains of music and sounds of merry laughter were wafted shoreward as the boat sped slowly past the town, making the picture still more romantic. The excursion craft turned about after reaching "St. Andrews and was soon lost to sight on the homeward journey. The excursion was conducted under the auspices of the Knight Templars.

The Algonquin never looked more promising from a business point of view than it does this season. Were it twice as large as it is now, Manager Miller says he would have no difficulty in filling it. A very agreeable feature of this hotel, and one that must be a source of gratification to the management, is the fact that the guests of former years are always anxious to return. Many familiar faces may now be seen within its walls. . . . Mysterious parcels of ponderous size may daily be seen drifting towards the Algonquin. The Beacon's curiosity being aroused, enquiries were made, when it was learned that most of these parcels contained tailor-made garments from our local tailors and dressmakers, Mr. W. M Magee has been especially successful in gathering in orders. Not content with his home success he is contemplating a visit to Halifax, with the hope of scooping further orders there.

"A new fad at the sea side is for girls to whistle." [Miss Gooding, the A's new cornet player, also "pushes a bicycle in an artistic manner, and with a speed that is sometimes astonishing."

A Summer Outing

Pretty in New Hampshire, but More Beautiful still in St. Andrews.

J. G. Lorimer. Not much on St. Andrews, though.

Beacon

July 26/1894

A sample of the vegetables raised at "Covenhoven," Sir William Van Horne's summer home, was brought to the Beacon on Saturday by William McQuoid, Sir William's gardener, to obtain the opinion of the agricultural editor thereon. After a careful analysis, he is prepared to risk his reputation on the statement that Minister's Island can produce as fine cauliflowers and garden truck as anywhere on the continent.

When Dr. Wilson left the Algonquin and started for the North Shore, to indulge for a few days' salmon fishing, he promised to remember those he left behind him. And right nobly did he carryout his promise, for on Wednesday last he forwarded to Manager Miller with his compliments a huge box, which when opened, was found to contain seventeen handsome silvery salmon. They were placed on exhibition in the hotel, and one and all pronounced them kingly fish, and Dr. Wilson one of the largest-hearted fishermen they had ever met. On Thursday, the hotel guests revelled in fresh salmon.

. . . The amusement-providers at the Algonquin have their hands full lately devising ways and mean to entertain the large number of guests at the hotel. But the work has been placed in good hands. Mr. Winch, by common consent, assumes control of the field sports, while Mr. Allan, of Boston, looks after the water pastimes. He finds a great deal of difficulty in holding up his end of the plank, owing to the absence of steam pleasure vessels. He has engaged the "Arbutus" for the 8th of August but needs others to fill in the interim. Capt. Farris, to St. John, has been asked to bring the tug "Lillie" here.

On Monday night, a brilliant euchre party assembled in the Algonquin parlors on the invitation of Mrs. Wheeler, of Montreal. The ladies wore their most beautiful dresses and their most captivating smiles, and the gentlemen—there is an abundance of good-looking summer men here this year—were as gallant as gallants could be. Everything passed off pleasantly. When the party was finished, and the prizes distributed light refreshments were served. . . . A tennis tournament has been begun on the Algonquin tennis court. There are between twenty and thirty entries . . . . (Elegant prizes from Stickney's Wedgwood store)

Beacon

Aug 2/1894

The large number of summer people who have visited St. Andrews this year must be accepted as an indication of the growing popularity and permanence of this place as a summer resort. There is no doubt that if there was another summer hotel here, conducted on the same lines as the Algonquin, that it would be just as well patronized as this latter hostelry is. Perhaps someday in the near future we may be able to impress this fact upon the CPR management.

Enlargement of Algonquin needed. Rumour of a "summer house" at Joe's Point.

Some people profess to believe that an Irish named Quinn was the innocent cause of the word "Algonquin" being turned loose. They say that Quinn and a number of thirsty Mic-Macs sat down one day to polish off a square-face of gin, and that when it came to the Irishman's turn to drink he found the bottle empty. "All gone Quinn?" asked one of the Indians sarcastically, and out of this grew the word "Algonquin." But this story on the face is a lie, for no Irishman was ever stupid enough to let an Indian get the better of him that way.

Prize for local tennis tournament at hotel a Wedgwood tobacco jar. Big Algonquin from Pleasant Point brought in to officiate.

Beacon

Aug 9/1894

There is no scarcity of amusement for the summer visitors at the big hotel. If they are fond of tennis, there is a splendid court for them to play upon; if they esteem croquet more, there is an opportunity for them to indulge in the game; if these pastimes are not sufficiently exciting, a baseball or cricket match can always be arranged, with the local players; if they are fond of driving, there are two livery stables to choose teams from; if they enjoy the water, they can go boating or bathing; if their tastes lie in the direction of fish, salt water fishing or fresh water fishing are easily obtainable; if they are knights of the wheel, no better roads for cycling can be found anywhere; if they are given to go rambling, there are many romantic spots to attract their wandering footsteps and if they hanker after none of these things and want to indulge in a good, square rest there is no more restful place in the whole country than St. Andrews.

The rain on Friday night was no barrier to the pleasures of those encamped beneath the roof of the big hotel. It was Children's Night, and the children of larger growth were just as much pleased as the younger ones. At the western end of the parlor, the figure of one of these sentimental little animals, a donkey, was suspended. It was perfect in every respect except the tail. This was missing. To supply this omission, a number of the young folks with their eyes blinded tried time and time again. One little girl was sure she was in the right position, and she began to fasten it in the silvery locks of a distinguished professional gentleman. Another little one stuck the pin into the ear of his donkeyship. A third prodded the knee of an amiable old lady who was seated nearby. And so it went until all were through with trying. Then the one who succeeded in hanging the tail in the proper position received a handsome present and all the other little players were rewarded.

. . . A golf "links" has been added to the out-door games in connection with the Algonquin Hotel. Mr. Winch, who is the head and front of all the manly sports that originate in the hotel, is to the fore in this as well.

Sir Leonard Tilley has been using his friendly offices to secure for St. Andrews a visit from Lord Aberdeen, and it is altogether likely that he will be successful. It is expected that the vice-regal party will arrive here from Saint John by special train on Friday night, 17th inst., and lodge at the Algonquin. The next forenoon will be devoted to sight-seeing and to the carrying out of any programme that may be decided upon by the local committee. On Saturday afternoon, the cruiser Curlew will take the party for St. Stephen, from which point they will depart by special train for Halifax that night. The people of Charlotte are loyal to her majesty, and we are confident, will gladly welcome the opportunity to extend a hearty greeting to her majesty's representative.

The summer hotel business has been highly satisfactory this season, so far as St. Andrews is concerned. Every available hotel and private boarding house have been filled with strangers seeking rest and recreation and many applications had to be refused. Up to the present time, the business of the Algonquin has exceeded last season' business by over 40 percent, while it has been 24 percent better than any previous year during the same period.

The coal business is booming just now, and the coal wharf cannot accommodate all the vessels that are in need of berths. Mr. McMonagle, who has the contract for discharging the vessels, has added a windmill pump to his plant.

A Great Artist Dead

Death of George Inness, Sr. Details.

Aberdeen won't be coming this year.

Beacon

Aug 16/1894

A Distinguished Visitor

D'Alton McCarthy, the Famous Politician, at Canada's Summer Resort. Details.

A colored gentleman named Rev. Alexander Kersey, came to St. Andrews last Wednesday, and announced by handbills that he would lecture in the Methodist church that night on "The Spun Web," and also sing a number of plantation melodies. When the hour for lecturing arrived, the church authorities refused to allow the lecturer to have the building, and so he was unable to spin his web. A very disgusted colored man left town that night.

Was it Incendiarism?

Mrs. Brixton, the colored woman who resides on the outskirts of town, is without her barn. She also mourns its contents, consisting of about fourteen tons of hay, a calf, several geese and hens, a wagon belonging to a neighbor, Mr. Ray, a number of agricultural implements, two stoves, a trunk containing her winter clothing and a variety of other things that she could ill afford to lose. All these disappeared, when her barn disappeared in smoke on Thursday morning last.

She stated to the Beacon that she believed the barn was set on fire, because she smelled paraffin very strong when the fire was burning. She said no fire was apparent when she first got up in the morning. About eight o'clock, she had occasion to go to the rear of the barn when she noticed several boards off and fire burning inside. She alarmed the lads around the house and then made an effort to save the contents of the building. The horse and cow had previously been let out. She threw open the barn door and seized hold of Mr. Ray's wagon to pull it out, but a great wave of fire swept over her, and the wheel catching on a projecting piece of woods, she was obliged to abandon it and flee for her life. Her hair was singed in the effort and her hands and shoulder also burned.

Help came from a neighboring farm, but the barn could not be saved. The house caught fire, and one end of it was badly charred before the flames could be extinguished. Mrs. Brixon's loss is a very heavy one. She did not have a cent of insurance. She says she has no reason to suspect anyone.

Orchestra to be engaged for a month at Frontenac. "Golf is being largely practised by the hotel visitors. So far, Mr. Winch stands at the head of the list."

Buckboard party to Chamcook Mtn. Two dozen beautiful trout caught at Bonny River and taken back to Algonquin.

Beacon

Aug 23/1894

It is satisfactory to note that amidst the prevailing depression St. Andrews has been able to make a marked advance as a seaside resort. One result of this advance is shown in the movement in favor of an enlargement of the Algonquin Hotel. Though the matter has not taken positive shape as yet there is little doubt that the addition will be begun before the cold weather sets in. The proposed erection of a summer cottage by vice-President Shaughnessy, of the CPR, is another straw which indicates progressiveness. With the president and general manager of this great railway as permanent summer residents, St. Andrews ought to stand in a very favorable position.

The Game of Golf

The introduction of this Scottish game at the Algonquin this season has met with considerable enthusiasm and has provoked an endless amount of pleasure. Golf is peculiarly adapted to our climate, as it may go on until the wintry snow drives the enthusiastic player to his "ain fireside." Golf in interest to the player has a double advantage over other games and doubtless nothing less than an earthquake will distract the attention of a true golfer from his or her play. Catastrophes only seem of sufficient importance to provide fresh bunkers to test the skill of the players. Ladies in playing this game require a loose cape, usually made of reversible tweeds. A number of the fair sex have been to Magee's, we should judge by the number of very handsome capes turned out from his establishment the past two weeks.

The Algonquin Hotel Company met on Saturday and among other things considered the question of enlarging the hotel. The majority of the stockholders present were in favour of such extension, feeling that with the hotel at its present size it was impossible to make it pay as it should. The matter was left to the directors, and doubtless they will sound the feelings of absent stockholders. There seems to be little doubt that the enlargement will be proceeded with. The plans have all been prepared and were exhibited at the meeting. They call for an addition, running in an angular direction from the southwest corner of the present building. It will be the height of the present structure, and will add fifty-two more rooms for guests, besides servants' rooms, and a dining room 44 by 84 feet. The old dining room will be used in part as a servants dining hall and a ladys' parlour. The verandah will be extended along the front of the annex, with a pagoda at the lower end.

Beacon

Aug 30/1894

A Popular Sport

A game that is fast becoming popular here, and particularly among the summer visitors, is golf, or as it is called by some, "scientific shinny." The game had its origin in Scotland and is one of the most manly and fascinating sports associated with the Land o' Cakes. Its Scottish home is in the historic old town of St. Andrews, and so popular has it become there that people from all parts of the United Kingdom visit it in the summer season to witness the game being played. The result is a very large and constantly growing addition to the summer population of the place. The gentlemen who have been instrumental in starting the game here are of the opinion that similar results would follow from the laying out of a proper golf ground or links at this point. Perhaps it would. Certainly, it would be worth trying. Golf, says an expert, is not as expensive as polo or bicycle riding. It costs about as much as lawn tennis. The main expense is in laying out the links. Land is usually cheap. Land that is undesirable for almost any other purpose is perfectly adapted to golf. If there is a stream or a deep depression in the land so much the better. Such things form hazards. The cost of providing sticks is not very great.

Article on baths as treatment for cholera.

Beacon

Sept 6/1894

Sir Leonard Tilley and Van Horne and Beacon added to Golf Club honorary membership.

Addition: dining room of 44 x 84, children's and nurse's dining room, ladies sitting and writing room, new serving room and China closet. On second, third and fourth floors, 52 guest rooms, 8 of which are en suite, "with bathrooms and toilet closets attached," heated by steam radiators. Second and third floors will have additional general bathrooms and closets. Basement and sub-basement beneath dining room. Former will have playroom 1400 square feet, "dark room" for amateur photographers, and 20 rooms for female help. 12 rooms in sub-basement for male help. Large, covered pagoda (30 feet in diameter) at end of full-length piazza, present pagoda remaining where it is.

In present hotel gentleman's smoking room and writing room merged and used as gentlemen's room. Parlor rooms A and B, which for five seasons have been occupied by Mr. and Mrs. John Hope, made into one room and bathroom added.

"Many of this season's guests have already engaged rooms for next season."

Sir William Van Horne arrived in his private car "Metapedia" on Wednesday.

Beacon

Sept 20, 1894

Lady Van Horne, Miss Van Horne, Mr. Ben. Van Horne, and Mr. Meysenberg went to Saint John in Supt. Timmerman's private car last Thursday. They returned to St. Andrews again on Monday. During their absence they enjoyed a sail up the Saint John River in the steamer "Dream."

Beacon

Sept 27/1894

The Andraeleo Club is the name of an excellent organization that has been instituted among the young men of Rev. J. M. O'Flaherty's congregation. Its object is "self-help, mutual improvement and amusement." The old chapel at the head of the town is being fitted up for club purposes. The main building will be utilized as a gymnasium, and will be supplied with the necessary gymnastic apparatus, while the vestry will be turned into a reading room. The building is not very conveniently situated, but the Club will put up with it the coming winter, and next summer will probably move it to a more suitable location. The officers of the club are James Scallan, president; William O'Neill, first vice-president; T. McCarthy, 2nd vice-president; E. Coakley, R. S; A. O'Neill, F. S; D. Coakley, Treasurer; Daniel Burns, Guard. Success to the Andraeleo Club.

Henry M. Nourse, Boston architect, here to complete addition plans. Ground to be broken next month.

Beacon

Oct 4, 1894

All the financial arrangements for the proposed extension to the Algonquin Hotel being completed, we may expect the work of construction to begin during the next few weeks. The erection of this annex, coupled with the promised building of Mr. Shaughnessy's summer cottage, should be regarded as a hopeful sign of the advances St. Andrews is making as summer resort. Now, if the CPR could only be prevailed upon to erect their long-contemplated family hotel, St. Andrews would take on a boom that would send her ahead at a rattling gait. What do you say, Sir William?

Beacon

Oct 11/1894

T. Shaughnessy will have a cottage built here next summer.

Beacon

0ct 18, 1894

Sir William Van Horne and his secretary, Mr. MacDonald, and Supt. Timmerman, of the CPR, accompanied by Mr. E. E. Jones, an English gentleman, reached St. Andrews by special train on Wednesday morning. They drove over to Sir William's summer residence after which the party started for St. Stephen.

Beacon

Nov 1/1894

It is a matter of regret that the Canada Shipping company should find its affairs in such an unsatisfactory state. Three years ago there seemed a possibility that this company was to be the one that would open up to the world the advantages of St. Andrews as an ocean port, but this dream, like so many other drams of a similar nature, has vanished, "leaving not a wrack behind."

The Beaver Line in Difficulties

Friday's Montreal Star

A special general meeting of the shareholders of the Canada Shipping company will be held on Monday next for the purpose of determining what course may be best in the interests of the Company. It has already been decided to lay up all the company's' steamers from the close of navigation to the St. Lawrence until the shipping business gets better. They will of course be all idle during the winter months. The crews of all the Company's steamers are to be dismissed. The Company owns the following steamers: Lake Ontario, Superior, Huron, Winnipeg and Nipigon. The last named is advertised for sale by auction. The stock of the Company is all held in Montreal, and the last transaction in it was made some few weeks ago at eleven cents on the dollar. It is now offered on the Stock Exchange at five cents on the dollar. A director in the Company stated today that it had been decided to make some changes in the meeting on Monday. The shipping business has never been in a worse state than during the present season and the old Beaver Line is not the only one to have felt the depression.

(at the Company's meeting, on Monday, it was decided to go into liquidation)

The wonderful fertility of the soil of St. Andrews was shown by some samples of cabbage brought to the Beacon on Tuesday by William McQuoid, Sir William Van Horne's gardener. From one of the cabbages twelve smaller heads had cropped out, all of them solidly developed, though smaller than the parent stock. Some wonderful growth in "Brussels sprouts" was also shown.

New Fish Factory

W. A. Robertson and Co. Working Night and Day Turning out Finnan Haddies

Details. Old Robertson fish factory burned down last month or so. Article on it earlier.

Beacon

Nov 8/1894

E. L. Andrews, of Minister's Island, is now on his way to the Pacific slope. He has a stopover ticket, and intends getting off at Montreal, Winnipeg, Mission city and other western towns. He will be absent about two months. His daughter, who is to pay a visit to Lady Van Horne, accompanied him as far as Montreal.

Rural Cemetery Burial

William Bignall

Age 83

Labourer

Reserved lot in B

Nov 8, 1894

(Mr. Bignall was black; there is no record in Rural Cemetery Records; nor for Clarissay Richardson, also black. No indeed for any of the Cole family, also black)

Beacon

Nov 15/1894

Schooner H. V. Crandall, whose bones have been whitening on the beach near the steamboat wharf, for seven or eight years past, is being dismantled and will probably be broken up.

Beacon

Nov 22/1894

The Argyll Hotel Company has been purchased by Robert S. Gardiner of Boston, vice-president of the St. Andrews Land Company. Mr. Gardiner has abounding confidence in St. Andrews future as a summer resort.

Beacon

Dec 6/1894

Korean war raging. China versus Japan. Extract from Charlotte County boy.

Beacon

Dec 13, 1894

There are telephone connections between St. Stephen, Calais, Baring, and Eastport. When will St. Andrews fall in line?

Mr. W. C. Van Horne and Mr. R. B. Van Horne have gone to Europe. Their trip will include the south of France, Italy, Algiers and England. They will return about February 1st.

Beacon

Dec 20/1894

St. Andrews as a Fish Depot

Argument for St. Andrews as east coast's chief fish depot, even part of U.S.

Sir John Thompson is dead! Details.

Ascribed by Armstrong to job-related stress: "That his death was hastened by the excitement and strain of political life there seems to be now no doubt. Politics were not to his liking. He was drawn into them against his will. Had his own comfort been consulted he would have preferred the quiet, rest and seclusion which a position on the bench of his native province gave him. But being convinced that his party and country needed his services he cast his own feelings and wishes aside and threw himself into the breach. The strain began to tell on his physical organization, though outwardly he bore no token of the inward trouble that he was suffering. He was urged by his physicians and by his wife to retire from public life, but for the sake of his party he refused to give up the struggle. In the excitement and mental worry incident upon his swearing in as privy councilor the empire, the tension upon him became too great, the cord snapped, and in the twinkling of an eye his life came to an abrupt ending. Like a brilliant meteor he had flashed before the world, and when at the very acme of his brilliancy his light was suddenly extinguished.

Mr. E. L. Andrews, who was enjoying a western trip, was summoned home last week by the serious illness of his wife. Mr. Andrews prefers a farmer's life in the East to that of the West.

Beacon

Dec 27/1894

Sir John Thompson in St. Andrews

The death of Sir John Thompson recalls to St. Andrews people the faces connected with his visit here during the summer of 1892. During that summer, Lady Thompson and her children spent several very pleasant weeks under the shadow of the Algonquin Hotel. The youngest child, a bright, vivacious little creature, was a confirmed invalid, but her lovable disposition and winning ways made her a great favorite with all the guests, while her mother and her sisters fairly idolized her. Wherever she went, one or other of them would always be found at her hand, ready to give her crutches, or wait upon her.

The family had been at the hotel for two or three weeks, when the little one was stricken with serious illness. She got worse and worse, despite all the physicians in attendance could do for her. At last a day came when it was thought that death was drawing nigh, and a hasty telegram was sent to Ottawa for Sir John. As fast as train could fly, he was brought to her side, and for two or three days, while her life hung in the balance, he scarcely ever left her, either by night or by day. His whole soul seemed wrapped up in the sick child, and when he would come from her room, the guests noted the lines of anxiety that marked his countenance. Scarcely a word of conversation could be got from him, until the critical moment had passed. Then, as the load was lifted from his heart, he appeared a different man and began to mingle freely with the guests of the house.

This incident is recorded simply to show the strong parental love which the late Premier entertained for his family, and which even the cares of state could not subdue or lessen.