Item
Beacon
Jan 3, 1895
Sir John Thompson's Funeral
An Impressive Ceremony That Will Not Be Forgotten
Details
Beacon
Jan 10, 1895
With the exception of the fish wharf, there is practically nothing going on around the wharves this winter
beacon
Jan 17/1895
We hear a rumor that the CPR will make a big effort to boom St. Andrews next season. St. Andrews can stand a little more" boom" without doing it any injury.
St. Andrews Sir Knights—Sir William Van Horne is now in the south of France.—Sir Donald and Lady Smith are in London.—Sir Charles Tupper has quite recovered from his recent serious illness.—Sir Leonard Tilley, who is residing in Saint John this winter, is enjoying good health.
Montreal Star—Mr. R. B. Van Horne, only son of Sir William Van Horne, who has spent the Christmas holidays in town, has returned to the Military Academy at SingSing, NY.—Mrs. Robert Meighen and Miss Meighen are among the recent arrivals from Montreal at Lakewood, New Jersey. A later report says Mrs. Meighan and Miss Meighen have left Lakewood, to seek a warmer climate at Ashville, North Carolina; where they will make a stay of some weeks should Miss Meighen's health permit.
Beacon
Jan 24/1895
It is a matter for congratulation that the Algonquin Hotel company have decided to proceed immediately with the enlargement of the hotel. It shows that these shrewd businessmen have abundant confidence in the future of St. Andrews as summer resort. Now, if the CPR would make a move along the same line we might expect a big boom in the summer business next year.
Andraeleo Club holding series of lectures in their club.
The Algonquin Hotel company will house about 150 tons of ice this winter for next season's use. W. A. Robertson and Co., fish dealers, will cut 200 tons. Most of the ice will be brought to town by rail.
The New Bridge
Formally Opened Between St. Stephen and Calais
Speeches. The new bridge is a handsome steel structure, having two central spans known as the Pratt truss single intersection. These spans are the length of 125 feet in length. There are two 50 feet plate girders on the shore sides, with solid masonry approaches. The total length of the structure including 145 feet of approaches, is 495 feet. It has a clear width of 25 feet for teams and of 8 feet for sidewalks. Its cost will be about $28,000, that does not include the $7000 pad for the old bridge and site. The substructure has been well built by Mr. Joseph McVey. The steel work was erected by the Boston Bridge Company, and it is well to note here that all the material was first tested by Ferris and Co., of Pittsburgh, of Ferris wheel fame.
Beacon
Jan 31/1895
Rumour has it that the bottom has dropped out of the summer hotel project at Digby, NS.
The progress that Campobello is making as a summer resort has induced many of the Islanders to throw open their houses to the summer boarders. Examples.
Beacon
Feb 7/1895
Mr. R. B. Van Horne, who has been spending a short vacation in town, returned to Boston to resume his studies at the Institute of Technology. Montreal Star.
Commencement Made on the New Wing of the House
Messrs. Eugene Fay and A. D. S. Bell, of Boston, representing the St. Andrews Hotel Company, accompanied by their secretary F. Howard Grimmer, were registered at the Royal Hotel, St. John, on Thursday, and the same evening they proceeded to Boston by the western train.
Mr. Bell was waited on by a Telegraph reporter during the evening and found that gentleman in his room packing up his grip sack.
The reporter was most cordially received by Mr. Bell. In answer to his question if their visit to the city had anything to do with the Algonquin Hotel, Mr. Bell said that their mission was mainly in connection with some financial arrangements with the agent in this city of the Imperial Trusts Company. "Well," said the reporter, "you gentlemen apparently anticipate a large tourist travel this season. I understand that tenders have been asked for an extension to the hotel early next spring."
Mr. Bell—Yes, we do expect a rush this coming season, and although we are not making a fortune out of our enterprise, we are encouraged with the patronage the house has received every year since it was opened. Last year we had more guests than we could well accommodate, and we have good reason to believe that next season we will have even a larger number of tourists to provide for than we had last season. St. Andrews is one of the most beautiful spots for a summer hotel that can be found anywhere. Tourists are delighted with the place, for they speak in the highest terms of the town, of its advantages as a watering resort and of the treatment they receive at the hotel. No better advertisement than this could be had for any watering place and I am sure. So long as our patrons go away from us with such good reports, we can safely count on another visit from them, and when they do come back they are more than likely to induce others to come along with them. Thus you see how it is that our enterprise is progressing, and let me tell you we are just beginning to get our share of American tourist travel. All that is necessary to divert it to this province is good hotel accommodation and proper facilities for transportation, sea bathing and boating.
Yes, we propose to enlarge our premises; in fact, we have closed the contract with Messrs. Stevenson and McKenzie, of St. Stephen, for the building of the addition to the Algonquin. It is to be an extension to the end next the harbour and will be 86 by 43 feet, rising six stories. The sub-basement will contain apartments for the male servants, a children's playroom and a cold storage room. The basement will contain apartments for the female help, while the main floor will be given up to one magnificent dining room. In the next three flats will be located new sleeping rooms, single and en suite, and provided with convenient bathrooms. The old dining-room will be used as a children's and servants' dining-room, a sewing room and parlor. The whole is to be completed by June 13th, and the contract price, including plumbing and painting is about 15,000.
Reporter—Then you consider our province an attractive pace in summer?
Mr. Bell—Yes; I do think nature has done much for New Brunswick, besides, the facilities provided by steamer and rail cannot be excelled. We are extremely fortunate in having associated with us in this enterprise, gentlemen whose connexions with the various means of communication between the New England Stats and the provinces enable them to not only develop the passenger traffic by their own lines, but to advertise and boom the tourist business in this direction in a thorough manner. I need not tell you, for everybody knows, the great benefits that must result from this class of travel during the summer season. The city, state or town that caters for this traffic in the proper way, provided it is possessed of the necessary facilities may safely count on getting a percentage of it, and just here let me say to you that the tide of American tourist travel has only commenced to flow this way, and it is capable of wonderful development if attention is paid to it.
Messrs. Stevenson and McKenzie, the contractors, reached St. Andrews on Monday, and on Tuesday, despite the big storm, a commencement was made on the work. It is the intention of the contractors to employ a large gang of men, so that the work may be pushed forward as rapidly as possible.
BOWELL, Mackenzie
Prime Minister of Canada
Conservative 1894.12.21 - 1896.04.27
Beacon
Feb 14/1895
CPR officials were a little alarmed when the S. S. Teutonic, having on board Sir William Van Horne, president of the road, failed to arrive on the appointed day, but their anxiety only lasted for a few days, as the steamer has since reached port safely. She was detained by tempestuous weather.
Sir William Van Horne, on his arrival in New York, told a reporter that he was in good health and spirits. He emphatically denied a rumor that he contemplated resigning from the presidency of the CPR and he declared as strongly that all stories to the effect that the road was in any financial trouble were absolutely false.
A German physiologist has demonstrated the astonishing possibility of building up living animals from parts of several animals. He has experimented with tadpoles and has had wondrous success. The asinine qualities which certain of our politicians display suggest the possibility that some of their remote ancestors may have been trifled with in this manner.
Vroom Brothers, St. Stephen to supply bedroom setts, dining room furniture, mattresses and curtains; crockery, glassware and dished by Mitchell and Ross, SS.
Beacon
Feb 21/1895
The Algonquin Hotel
The Algonquin of 1895 will be one of the biggest, and grandest, and best summer hotels to be found anywhere east of Bar Harbour. A small army of men are at work hastening along the erection of the new wing, so that everything will be ready and the ground cleared up before the first summer visitor arrives. Deep trenches have been dug out for the foundation, and a massive wall is now being constructed to support the wooden superstructure, work on which will soon begin. When the addition is completed, the entire building will be painted, so that besides being a joy to the summer visitor it will be a thing of beauty as well.
Sales of the late George Innes were recently held at Chickering hall, New York. Eighty paintings sold the first day for $36,000. The second day's sale realized 35,000, and the third and last day's sale brought the receipts up to $108,000. A painting of St. Andrews realized $1,200. Some of his paintings were purchased by Montreal art connoisseurs.
Beacon
Feb 28/1895
Sir Donald Smith has returned to his Montreal home, after an absence on the continent of several weeks. Sir Donald appears to have forgotten that there is a lot of land in St. Andrews belonging to him, on which he has not yet erected a summer residence.
The dances that have been held in the Land Company's building for a few weeks past were brought to a close by a calico ball on Monday night.
Walls of sub-basement nearly erected. Good weather of late.
Beacon
March 7/1895
First ad for new enlarged Algonquin.
Testimonials, among which Sir John Thompson, Canada's "late premier": "I shall be glad to answer any injury that may be made as to the beauty and healthfulness of St. Andrews, and you have permission to use my name as a reference." The late Hon. James G. Blaine said of SA: "The combined panorama of water, landscape and mountain, remind me most forcibly of the Irish Lakes."
From a place of small inns and boarding houses it has become a place of hotels and cottages. A syndicate of far-seeing Americans, a few years ago, purchased extensive tracts of desirable land and built the Algonquin Hotel, which at the time was looked upon as a mammoth institution. The demand has already outgrown its size, resulting in extensive additions being made this year, affording to those who have hitherto been unable to secure accommodations during the season a choice of new apartments. The added portion contains a dining hall seating 300 persons, a nurses' and children's dining room, ladies' sitting and writing room, amusement room, with floor space of over 2,000 square feet, photographer's dark room, and 43 guests' rooms, many of which are en suite, with private toilets and baths attaches. To remove any possibility of fire, the furnace, boiler and engine and steam laundry are removed to a point 100 feet distant from the main building, and in this respect it should be noted, that in addition to fire escapes, the hotel has three hard-wood stairways, located at 70 or 80 feet apart. The location and successful operation of summer hotels of the Algonquin class result in placing in circulation large sums of money each year that otherwise would not find its way into Canada, for it should be understood that while the Algonquin receives a large patronage from wealthy residents of Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa and Kingston, more than 60 percent of its guests are from the United States. Supplies of groceries, wines, cigars, meats, fish, game, butter, milk and fowl, are all purchased in the Dominion, and in gross amounts to many thousand dollars each year, while the money necessary to pay for building and equipping the hotel in the first instance and that required to erect and furnish the present addition all goes into the hands of the Canadian contractors and through them the mechanic, manufacturer and tradesman. Therefore, we say that such enterprises desire and should receive the encouragement of the Dominion press and the patronage of the Canadian people.
The workmen are rushing thing along on the new wing. The stone wall of the sub-basement has been finished several days, and preparations are being made to erect the wooden superstructure. On Monday, the men began pulling down that portion of the old dining room that extended over the western verandah. It is expected that the building will be ready at least a month before the time for opening the house. Nearly all the contracts for the interior furnishing have been awarded. In awarding these contracts the directors have made it a rule to give advertisers in the Beacon—whether in the town or out of it—a preference. They recognize that the paper is a benefit for St. Andrews, and that anything that will add to the paper's strength or influence or that will assist it to live, must be beneficial to their interests as well. The furniture contract has, therefore, been awarded to Messrs. Vroom Bros., of St. Stephen., who have been among the most active advertisers in the Beacon. This firm will also supply the window curtains. the crockery, China and glass-ware will be furnished b Mitchell and Ross, St. Stephen, whose advertisements have been features of the Beacon's columns for several years. Manchester, Robertson and Allison, of Saint John , who have been advertising in this paper ever since it started, will supply the rugs, and A. O. Skinner, of Saint JJohn,another advertiser will likely furnish the necessary carpets.
New business next to steamboat wharf called Robertson and Co. making finnan haddies, or 'bloaters" as they are known by some. Exporting to Montreal, Toronto, and western Canada. A. H. Gilmore and Mitchell proprietors. Running for office.
Beacon
March 14/1895
Valuations for 1895
Sir William Van Horne to be assessed at 10,000 for real estate, the highest of all except the St. Andrews Land Company at 28,000. Sir Donald at only 500. Tilley at 6,000. Shaughnessy at only 150. [why this high valuation? He doesn't add to his property until the fall of 1896—still at 150 acres]
Sir William In It Too
It is reported the large reductions that have been made in the mechanical departments of the CPR are to be followed by a reduction in the staff. Just how sweeping the reduction will be is not known. Report says that is some places the staff will be reduced, while over the whole service every employee receiving $1,000 or more will suffer a cut of 10 percent. This, it is said, will affect manager Van Horne as well as all the lesser officials. —Globe
Sensation at the Alms House
Consternation prevailed among the household at the Alms House, on Thursday morning last. About 2 o'clock the keeper, Mr. Kerr, heard sounds proceeding from the room in which Morris O'Brien was an inmate, but as such were of common occurrence, he paid little heed to them. A short while afterwards the crash of broken glass awoke the silent echoes, and groans were heard from someone outside the house. Mr. Kerr hastened out and found O'Brien lying on the snow in a half-dazed sate, having thrown himself out of the window of this room on the second story. The poor old man's mind had been wandering and, in his delusion, trying to escape from fancied captors, he leaped through the window. He was taken into the house, and Dr. Gove sent for. He was unable to find any serious injury, though it was evident that the old man had sustained a severe physical shock.
Beginning April 1 new cattle regulations will be rigidly enforced.
Town improvement association, spearheaded by Armstrong, finally beginning to come together—sanitation, care and lighting of streets, planting of shade trees, establishing places of public recreation.
Beacon
March 21/1895
"Let There Be Light" [Editorial]
. . . The substance of the balance of this wonderful epistle to the Beacon [from the Courier] may be summed up as follows: —that St. Andrews is prospering; that it has summer hotels; a fishing industry, a steamboat connection with the islands, and a coal business. All these blessings it would have us believe came straight from the Dominion government, which gave us the National Policy and the CPR. A little inquiry into these matters will do no harm and will serve to show how weak is the argument upon which our friend rests its case. We contend that whatever hope, whatever prospects St. Andrews has are due almost entirely to other causes than those mentioned by our contemporary. This we say without fear of successful contradiction. It is owing to nothing the government did that St. Andrews was opened to the world as a summer resort. The government did not give it the healthful air, the charming scenery, and the attractive location, which make St. Andrews such a welcome retreat for the weary traveller. 1. The Algonquin Hotel, which buys so many Canadian chickens, and meats, and groceries, and other products and which give employment to so many Canadian people, was not built by Canadian money. It was built almost entirely by United States capitalists, with United States money, and is very 2. largely supported by United States people, who come not here by the Short Line but by the International line of steamers, and by a railway into the town that existed long before the National Policy. 3. Over 60 percent of the patronage of the Algonquin Hotel comes from the United States. This can be proven by the books of the hotel. 4. It is true that the CPR has brought a few upper Province people here, but not half so many as we have a right to expect. So far from the Government aiding St. Andrews as summer resort, it has only hindered its growth by imposing harsh restrictions upon travellers, by pacing heavy duties on the supplies necessary for the maintenance of the hotel, (it even taxes architects' plans) and by creating a hostile feeling among people of the United State toward Canada. The Courier lays stress upon the fact that the Argyll hotel was not successful until after the CPR was connected with New Brunswick, but 5. if it had not been for the influx of American capital that we have alluded to, St. Andrews would still be as backward a summer resort as it was in the early days of the Argyll hotel. 6. Certainly, it would not have had the Beacon. And what a miserable life the Courier would have led if it did not have the Beacon to be comfort and example to it in its declining years. . . . 7. With respect to the CPR coal traffic. We suppose we ought to be thankful for small mercies, and we are, but we venture to say that if St. Andrews had not been so advantageously placed as she is, even this trade, small as it is, would not have come here. Had there been a nearer port on US soil, touched by their lines, the CPR would have used it, for in all its dealings with the people of Canada the managers of the road—and it is no disparagement to them—have shown that they are actuated entirely by business motives. It is a wonder that the government is not given credit for the phosphate business too. What about the trade this port enjoyed long before a protective policy was thought of? 8. When the Short Line subject was first mooted, Mr. Gillmore MP for Charlotte wanted the winter port to be located on Canadian soil, but this motion was voted down by the government. 9. After the completion of the Short Line the citizens of Charlotte expected an increase in their trade but the government grants a subsidy to a line of steamers that will build up an American port. . . . We have in our possession documents from the management of the Beaver Line steamship company (which company were desirous of utilizing the port of St. Andrews) showing that the subsidized lines, running to US ports, were using that subsidy to kill off competition of Canadian carriers, and the fate of the Beaver Line company proves how terribly true was this statement. If any further proof were needed that the government is opposed to developing this port is shown by the fact that on two occasions it refused to extend aid towards improving the port, and treated with contemptuous silence a request made some time previously for the dredging of the harbour.
The frame of the second story is all up and the room partitions in position. Most of the first flooring has also been laid. the timber for the other flats is being got in readiness, and in a few days will be laid in place.
The immense wing, constructed this year, increases the capacity of the house fifty per cent., affording guests rooms en suite with private baths and toilets; new dining hall, seating 250 guests; amusement room for entertainments and dancing; children and nurse's dining room; ladies' writing and sitting room; amateur photographer's darkroom. Accessories—lady orchestra; telegraph, gas, electric bells; steam heat, open fires; elevator, fresh and saltwater baths. "The St. Andrews Golf Club," of 40 members, has two sets of links.
Beacon
March 28/1895
The CPR intend taking 10 percent of all salaries between 1,000 and 2,000 and 20 percent of all salaries above that amount. It means a "cut" of about 8,000 of Sir William Van Horne's small salary.
The following "appeal" has been issued by the Council of the Town Improvement Association, and it is to be hoped that it will meet with a generous response:
This can best be done by each householder endeavouring to keep his own premises neat and tidy; by repairing fences, by painting or color-washing where necessary, by abstaining from placing sweepings and other household and store refuse on the street, by removing unsightly piles of ashes, manure or other garbage, by keeping unused vehicles off the streets and sidewalks, by the planting and care of shade trees, by laying out flower beds, by cultivating window boxes and house plants, by observing the cattle regulations, by uniting with the Association as members and by contributing towards its funds.
Dining room to be feature of new hotel. In the old dining hall the view was circumscribed, but of the new room no such complaints can be made. the sleeping rooms in the wing will also have beautiful out-looks.
Beacon
April 4, 1895
Died
Keezer, at Calais, March 25, Mary I. C., wife of David Keezer, aged 52 years.
Beacon
April 4/1895
"One summer hotel does not make a summer resort," one remarked Sir William Van Horne to the Beacon. That is the reason why we would like to see Sir William apply himself to the task of carrying out the hotel scheme which he had on his mind when the above remark aw dropped two or three years ago.
Manager Miller has sold his hotel in Athol, Mass.
The Algonquin Hotel
The roof timbers of the new wing are now erected, and in a few days will be boarded in. The first floors have all been laid on the several flats, the partitions erected, and the work of lathing is being pushed with all speed. Plastering will be begun as soon as the weather and the condition of the building will permit. All the gas and steam pipes have been laid, and considerable of the plumbing done. The greater part of the alterations to the interior of the old building has also been made, and painters are now at work painting the exterior.
Messrs. Stevenson and McKenzie have been awarded the contract for building the engine-house, laundry and coal house across the street from the rear of the hotel. They will be low structures, 10 feet post, so as not to interfere with the view. The laundry will be 24 x 50 feet, the engine-house 16 x 20 feet, the coalt house 18 x 24 feet.
Beacon
April 11, 1895
The news that the CPR intends landing all its coal at Saint John for two years will not be pleasant reading to the people of St. Andrews and particularly to those who were induced to expend money in placing the wharf in shape and in erecting a hoisting engine for the transaction of this business. We sincerely hope that the withdrawal of this business, small as it was, will not be permanent. We are sorry that the CPR management, in taking away the coal business from St. Andrews, should have robbed the Courier of a large part of its political capital, at a very critical juncture, but we are more concerned about the loss to the port than we are over the discomfiture of our contemporary.
Treadwell's Coal Mine
California People Well Pleased Over its Discovery
Details.
Rural Cemetery Burial
Nelson Clark, Master Mariner
63 years of age
Lot 82A
April 14, 1895
Obituary for Capt. Nelson Clarke
Beacon
April 18, 1895
Long article with anecdote about rescuing boy from being beaten up when himself a young boy.
Beacon
April 18/1895
Rhetoric, Romance, etc.
. . . The Courier accuses us of abusing the CPR, which statement, like most of the statements that paper had made is an absolute falsehood. The Beacon has not hesitated to criticize the acts of the CPR, so far as they affect the interest of our port, and we will continue to do so when occasion demands it, but abuse them we have not. The Courier is guilty of another misstatement when it charges us with ridiculing the Passamaquoddy Steamship Company. We are further accused of minimizing the benefits of the coal and fish business. Another lie nailed. We have but stated facts, and if the Courier was honest it would admit these facts. Furthermore—and we regret to have to say it—we have no coal business. Like the dew of the morning, it disappeared when the fierce light of the up-river luminary was switched on to it. Just here it is worth noting the reason alleged by the monumental mind of the Courier for the withdrawal of this business. It actually does us the honor of saying that the management of the CPR withdrew the coal business from St. Andrews because of something the Beacon is alleged to have done or said!!! The compliment it pays to us is so overwhelming that it is almost paralyzing in its intensity. But it is not complimentary to the CPR. Talk about the Beacon abusing or ridiculing its management! What narrow-minded, childish people the managers of this great international railway must be when a humble newspaper like the Beacon, whose editorials are so deficient in rhetoric and so lacking in coherency, can exercise such a powerful influence over them. With what seeming delight the Courier twists this morsel of the loss of the coal business in its mouth. Evidently, it is unspeakably delighted over the "swift retribution" that has descended upon the unfortunate town of St. Andrews. And then, to cap the climax, after insulting the managers of the CPR, it insults the intelligence of the people here by telling them that here they have "an example in the concrete of what liberal policy can do for them." Yes, it is "an example in the concrete," but an example, we should way of what confounded foolishness some newspaper editors can be guilty of uttering!
The Beaver Line is again to run between Montreal and Liverpool as in former years, but unless the government takes some action to compensate the company for the unfair competition that they have to contend with from the Canadian subsidized steamers running to US ports in the winter season, there is little chance for the company to do more than meet operating expenses.
Robert S. Gardiner, of Boston, vice-president of the Algonquin Hotel Company, came here from Boston last week, to look after hotel interests. He was accompanied by Mrs. Gardiner and Miss Gardiner. Mr. Gardiner reports that the summer prospects never looked brighter for St. Andrews than they do this season. He based this statement upon the large number of enquiries the Secretary of the Company, Mr. A.D.S. Bell, of Boston, is receiving, and from the number of engagements that have already been made. Mr. Gardiner says that the summer boat and train arrangements will be found very satisfactory. Hitherto, there has been considerable complaint from west-bound passengers concerning delays, but this season there should be none, for the 4:30 train will make close connection with the western train from Saint John. As the season advances, in order to encourage Montréal to visit us more frequently, a Pullman will alternate between here and Montreal. Mr. Gardiner says that he will probably soon begin the erection of a stone cottage for himself and will either rent or sell his present summer dwelling. Mr. Shaughnessy, he says, is still talking of building.
Beacon
April 25/1895
Excavations for the engine room across the street from the hotel, are about completed.
The last of the phosphate vessels have been discharged. What next?
Beacon
May 2/1895
Up at the big Algonquin work is being pushed along with marvellous rapidity. All the roof and gable ends have been shingled, and on Monday shingling was begun on the sides of the house. The masons have about finished the plastering on the third and fourth floors, and when the door frames are put in and the doors hung these floors will be about complete. The painters are keeping close upon the heels of the carpenters. The entire building is the embodiment of strength and beauty. Nor has safety been sacrificed, for large fire escapes are being erected. The foundation of the walls of the engine room and laundry are being laid as fast as possible.
Townspeople are planting flowers at the request of the town Improvement Association. Flower beds at railway station. Honorary members Sir Donald Smith, Van Horne, R. S. Gardiner, Cram, Tilley. Life members Dr. N. G. D. Parker, president; R. S. Gardiner, Mrs. B. S. Stevenson
Jack the Ripper, Oscar Wilde trial in news.
Beacon
May 9/1895
Shingling complete; painting begun.
It looks very much at present as if the Owen Hotel at Campobello, after being closed for some eight or ten years, would be open to the public again this season by western parties who have been visiting the island the past week for that purpose.
Among the permanent guests at the Algonquin this season, will be Charles J. Bonaparte, and family, of Baltimore. Besides being a lineal descendant of the great Bonaparte, Mr. Bonaparte is favorably known to the world of letters. He also ranks high as a lawyer.
Beacon
May 16/1895
A blind and bed-ridden inmate of the Alms House, named John McCann, had his right foot amputated on Tuesday by Dr. Gove, gangrene having set in. Death in his case would seem to be a precious boon.
St. Andrews is looking very beautiful this summer. But unfortunately, man cannot live on scenery alone.
The Algonquin Hotel
To properly appreciate the magnificent extent of the improvements in connection with St. Andrews big summer hotel, it is necessary that a personal inspection of it should be made. The building, under the supervision of Messrs. Stevenson and McKenzie, is now in a very forward state, and if necessary could be finished up in a fortnight. All the floors in the annex are plastered, with the exception of the fourth, on which the plasterers begun on Tuesday. The finishing coat has been applied to the walls of the third story, and the carpenters are now putting in the door frames and laying the top floor. The second flat will be finished up in a day or two. The magnificent big dining hall is plastered and the wainscoting around the walls completed. In the basement, where the help's rooms are, the walls are all plastered. The sub-basement has not yet been partitioned off. In the old laundry room, a large brick oven is in course of construction. The plumbing for the building, which is being done by W. H. Donovan, of St. Stephen, is well advanced. The radiators are erected in the dining hall and only await connection, and the private bath closets on the several floors are nearly all finished. The painters have nearly completed their outside work. The verandah, which is one of the most notable features of the annex, is about all floored. The engine and boiler, which were removed last week, will be set up in their new position this week alongside the laundry building the frame of which is constructed. The walls of the coal building are completed. There is no doubt that everything in connection with the hotel will be in readiness for opening on July 1st.
Beacon
May 23/1895
A Steam well-borer is at work on Van Horne's estate
The Algonquin Hotel, which is so rapidly nearing completion, will experience its biggest success this season. Year after year since it was first opened to the public in 1889, an increasing number of guests has been drawn to it, but this year with the enlarged facilities which the annex will give, it is expected that the number will be doubled.
Beacon
May 30/1895
The well-borers on the Van Horne property have been hung up lately, owing to their drill having stuck 85 feet from the surface. They had not reached water when the accident occurred.
Miss Adeline Van Horne, daughter of Sir William Van Horne, has left Montreal on a visit to Joliet, Ill., to be present at the marriage of her friend, Miss Read, which takes place early in June. Miss Read spent a portion of last summer in St. Andrews as a guest of Miss Van Horne.
M. McMonagle constructing a windmill for use at Kennedy's hotel. The proprietor of Kennedy's hotel is about to place a large water tank in the upper story of his hotel, to be filled with windmill power. This tank will be at once an additional protection against fire and a convenience to the guests of the house.
Beacon
June 6, 1895
Died
Keezer, Suddenly at Bocabec, June 4, David Keezer, aged 59 years and 6 months.
Beacon
June 6/1895
The electric railway line will be running across the Ferry Point bridge, between St. Stephen and Calais in a few days.
Unsightly appearance of the dumping ground near the park a topic at the town improvement association.
A handsome illustrated folder, containing a bird's eye view of St. Andrews and a cut of the hotel has been sent out by the proprietors of Kennedy's hotel.
Beacon
June 13/1895
There was a little water in the artesian well that was being driven on Sir William Van Horne's property, until the drill struck the 100 foot mark, then the bottom suddenly dropped out, and even the surface water disappeared. The drill will keep on boring for a while longer.
The editor wrote in his obituary notice that "the deceased was mild-mannered and big of heart," but the intelligent printer made him say that "the deceased was wild-mannered and big of head." And now the unfortunate quill driver has taken to the woods. His physicians say that his brain will never recover from the shock.
Beacon
June 20/1895
Good water found on Minister's Island at 127 feet.
The Algonquin Hotel is finished. Messrs. E. F. Fay and H. M. Nourse, of Boston, on behalf of the Company, took over the building this week, and a staff of help, under the direction of Mrs. Jacobs, housekeeper, is now getting the hotel in readiness for opening next Wednesday. The new wing gives the hotel forty-two additional guest rooms, several of which are en suite, with private baths and toilet rooms. The new dining hall, 44 x 84, is a marvel of beauty and elegance, and it is doubtful if there is another hotel on the continent that has such an unexampled view from its banqueting chamber as has the Algonquin. It will seat 300 guests. The walls are painted a beautiful shade of green, and a dado of eggshell white running all round. The ceiling is the same tint as the dado, the effect being very pleasing to the eye. The addition gives greater kitchen space, while it also provides for the housing of the hotel help. Heretofore, the servants have been maintained in an outside building, but now they will be all under the one roof. The isolation of the laundry and engine room is also removed, a ground of objection that the old building possessed. While the enlarged hotel has been made a thing of beauty, the safety of the guests has also been considered by the erection of ample fire escapes, which it is sincerely hoped may never have to be used. The extended piazza is another feature that will be appreciated by the guest of the house. A good idea of its length may be obtained when it is stated that nine laps of it make a mile. The furniture for the new wing is now on the ground and is being put in place with all speed. A neat folder has just been issued by the proprietors of Kennedy's hotel, St. Andrews. It has a bird's eye view of St. Andrews and the country in its vicinity, and a picture of Kennedy's hotel, and it contains a variety of information for tourist and summer visitors—Telegraph
Beacon
June 27/1895
Better roads are needed on the mainland of Charlotte County than we now have. Take for example the road between St. Andrews and SG—the old post road, as it is termed. Though considerably travelled, its condition is very bad, and the man who once goes over it will not care to travel it again unless forced by the most urgent business. The road to St. Stephen, another important highway, is little better. Some other system of road repairing than that now in vogue is needed. We have road machines in the province. Why cannot they be employed to place these highways in proper shape?
Staff: (only one from St. Andrews) (cf. 1896 photo)
Albert Miller, Manager
Charles M. Detrick New York, clerk
Miss Jennie martin, Boston, housekeeper
Mrs. L. F. Jacobs, Boston, housekeeper
George Bollbrecht, New York, chef
Peter Knell, New York, 2nd cook
John Messer, New York, baker and pastry cook
H. E. Emery, Boston, head Waiter
E. F. Carey, Boston, Engineer
J. E. Mason, Boston, wine steward and barber
Alphonsus O'Neill, St. Andrews, steward
Miss J. Belle Shotwell, Boston, organizer of entertainment
Miss A. McLean, providence, Rhode Island, typewriter
Orchestra—Mrs. Carey, pianist, Miss Blanche Percival, violinist; Miss Gertrude Packard, cornetist all of Boston
Not fog, only mist. There is never any fog in St. Andrews
Beacon
July 4/1895
Ad for enlarged hotel states that "the St. Andrews golf club, of 40 members, has two sets of links.
Winning essay in Town improvement Society contest.
Miss Lillian Gunn, of St. Andrews
Excerpt: "barnyards, back-yards, stables, and pens should be kept clean and regularly deodorized, so that no taint should mar the pure fresh air, or give offence to the most sensitive nasal organ. To this end also the river should not be made the burial place of dead hens, horses, dogs, cats, etc., for in many cases instead of being carried out to sea, or buried in the deep, these decaying carcasses are washed upon the beach where they continue for months giving off offensive and poisonous odors. Away with the offensive, bring in the pleasing."
Golf at St. Andrews
The ancient and honorable game of golf will be played in St. Andrews this season for all it is worth. Mr. Winch, the President of the Club, arrived from Boston on Monday, and since his coming has been busily engaged in laying off the links. He has laid off two sets, one at the hotel and the other at Joe's Point. Both are good, but that at the Point is said to be very superior. In addition to golf, there will be tennis, croquet and kindred amusements, so that visitors to St. Andrews need not lack for healthy out-door entertainment.
Beacon
July 11/1895
The Golf links at Joe's Point, which was laid off by Mr. Winch, president of the St. Andrews Golf club, is said to be one of the best natural links on the American continent. Every fine day it is patronized by half a score or more enthusiastic golfers.
E. Pauline Johnson guest at Kennedy's.
Poetry and Humour, rich and racy, were delightfully intermingled at the entertainment given last Thursday night by Miss Pauline Johnson, the celebrated Indian poetess, and Mr. Owen A. Smily, the well-known Canadian humorist. Costumed in the trappings of an Iroquois maiden, Miss Johnson recited several selections from her own poetry in a most entertaining manner. She also gave a recitation or two in the habiliments of civilization. Mr. Smily's humor kept the audience roaring with laughter, and it was the unanimous verdict that a more entertaining combination than Miss Johnson and Mr. Smily had never visited the town.
The Saturday night festivities at the Algonquin were inaugurated on Saturday night last, when a very pleasing impromptu concert was carried out in the hotel parlour. A large number of townspeople attended, on the invitation of Manager Miller. Miss Shotwell—two solos; Mrs. Pattengill—several selections "most artistically"; Mrs. Carey on piano, Miss Blanch Percival, violinist, Miss Gertrude Packard, cornetist.
Beacon
July 18/1895
General Manager of the CPR Telegraph Company, Mr. C. R. Hosmer, and family will shortly leave town for St. Andrews, where they will take up their residence at the Algonquin for the season. Hon. C. J. Bonaparte and family, Baltimore, are among the distinguished American visitors expected at St. Andrews during the season. Mr. Bonaparte is a descendant of Prince Jerome Bonaparte youngest brother of Napoleon, by the marriage with Miss Patterson, of Baltimore. —Montreal Star
A Raymond-Whitcomb Excursion party expected to arrive at Algonquin on Sat.
Golf in progress every day on Joe's Point Links.
Beacon
July 25/1895
Poem on Hospital Island
On this island great numbers of Irish emigrants during the "Famine Years" were quarantined and died. Not long ago their bones could be seen protruding from the sides of the island and were being washed away by the tide. Since then they have been removed to the interior and there reburied by some charitable person. —Globe
CPR planning cheap excursions from Montreal to Maritime provinces this summer.
The black granite quarry at Bocabec is at Steen's lake.
Rose Standish brings up 200 excursionists from upriver. They have a band with them which rendered a fine program of selections that night.
Beacon
Aug 1/1895
The road leading from the Algonquin to the park has lately been placed in splendid shape.
There are more marriageable young men at the Algonquin this season than ever before. Matchmaking mamma should note this fact.
The beautifully level streets of St. Andrews have attracted scores of visiting bicyclists this season. Among the wheelmen here on Tuesday was Robert Bartsch, of Saint John, who wheeled 76 miles from Fredericton to St. Stephen on the previous day. (available for rent at Beacon office)
The ambition of the small boy now a days is to be a golf "caddie." The burden of their song is: "I want to be a caddy and with the caddies stand, a golf stick 'tween my fingers, a ball in t'other hand." The "caddies" get for each round of 9 holes, 10 cents; for each round of 18 holes, 15 cents.
Two pelts decorate the hunting lodge of John Nicholas, of Indian Point. One belongs to a mink and the other was the property of a skunk until Monday morning last. John discovered the two in deadly combat just behind his camp that morning, and as they were both pretty well used up when he caught sight of them, he let them hammer away while he smoked. At last they fell down exhausted and were unable to fight any more. Then John stepped into the ring and stripped off their mutilated coats. He now exhibits them as trophies of war.
Euchre party at Algonquin features prizes of Crown Derby, Dresden and Belleek China, with other choice articles.
A magnificent silver cup, adorned with golf stick and golf balls is offered by R. S. Gardiner, of Boston, as a prize in the grand golf tournament which is to come off on the Joe's Point links this month. Already some of the best golf players on the American continent are here, and it is expected that a great many more will be present to participate in the contemplate tournament.
The Fever is Raging
The golf fever in its most virulent form has attacked the hotel guests and has even extended among the strangers outside the bounds of the hotel. It makes no distinction of class or profession. The clergymen have it quite as bad as the lawyers, and the lawyers have it as bad as the doctors, and all the other professions are similarly affected. Even the women are not exempt from it, some of the latter having the fever very bad. In its early stages, the patient evinces a desire to carry a stick with a crook on the business end of it. Then he wants to strike something with the aforesaid stick. As the disease becomes acute he throws off the ordinary habiliments of man, and dons knee breeches and queer sorts of leg adornments. Coats are cast aside, shirt sleeves are rolled up, and all day long through cold or heat, with the perspiration rolling down his face and trickling in dusty streams under his shirt band, he pounds an innocent little ball, not much bigger than a quinine pill, over a ten-acre field, chasing it out of one hole into another and endeavouring with each stroke to force it farther on its journey. If he can corner it in a bed of thistles or among a pile of rocks he takes special delight in hammering the poor thing out of its hiding place. There are other symptoms in connection with the disease, but these are most prominent, and render a diagnosis of it very easy. The only remedy for it seems to be an application of snow to the affected spot, but as such can only be obtained in the winter season, the disease must be permitted to run itself until then. The patient must be kept cool and as his appetite becomes very vigorous it is absolutely necessary that he should be well dieted. By carrying out these instructions the disease can be kept pretty well in check until the cold weather sets in. There is grave danger, however, that if grip does not get its work in the meantime the patient will have a more malignant attack the following season.
Beacon
Aug 8/1895
Mrs. Hurd, Lady Van Horne's mother, was so ill on Sunday that a message was despatched to Montreal for her physician. The old lady is in her nineties.
R. B. Van Horne, with his friends, S. F. Rutherford, and F. Meysenberg, who are visiting him at Covenhoven, went to Saint John on Monday.
Third season for C. J. Bonaparte in St. Andrews.
Golf Strokes
The handicap tournament which occupied four days last week at Joe's Point links was won by Rev. Dr. Barclay, of Montreal. Geoffrey Wheelock, of Boston, was second man. Among the ladies, Miss Gardiner, of Boston, was the leader. She was closely followed by Mrs. Nowell, of Massachusetts. The tournament excited considerable interest. The magnificent silver cup, which Mr. R. S. Gardiner, of Boston, presented to the Algonquin Club, and which has won the admiration of all who have seen it, was competed for at a handicap match on Monday and Tuesday, two rounds of 36 holes being played. Dr. Swetland, of Ottawa, became the proud possessor the cup. . . . Dr. Barclay, of Montreal, has broken the "links" record, covering 9 holes in 39 strokes. He is delighted with the links and says it is among the best on the continent. J. A. Woolston, of Cambridge, Mass., who was among the Algonquin guests of last year, noticing in the Beacon the great interest that is being taken in the game, has presented to the Algonquin Golf club two sets of golf sticks to be competed for. There are six sticks in a set, and they are known as a wooden driver, a brassy driver, an iron, a cleek, a mashy and a putter. The sticks will be competed for this week.
The secret of the popularity of Mr. McKay's photographs is to be found in the fact that they are true to Nature, as well as being artistically finished. He has some splendid views of St. Andrews. His individual portraits will be found very pleasing. His studio adjoins the County building.
Beacon
Aug 15, 1895
Died
Campbell. Suddenly, at Los Angeles, Calif., July 30, Colin Yorke Campbell, second son of the late Alexander Campbell, barrister-at-law.
Beacon
Aug 15/1895
A large wind-mill set upon a stone tower gives quite a Dutch effect to the landscape around Sir William Van Horne's summer home.
the golf fever has broken out in a new spot. It has extended to the cattle that roam in the neighborhood of the links. One frisky steer, in his eagerness to grasp the mysteries of the game, went around he other day and ate up all the rules that were posted about the ground. As a number of golf balls have been lost, it is probably that he has started a collection of them within him. He is to be pitied if he tries to masticate any of the golf sticks that he find lying around loose.
Kennedy's hotel now enjoys a first-class water supply. On the upper floor of the house a large tank holding hundreds of gallons has been erected. This tank is kept constantly filled by a windmill pump which draws the water from an artesian well. Leading from the tank are iron pipes which carry the water to the several floors. A fire hose is connected to this pipe, so that the house is amply protected against emergencies.
Birth
Child SHIRLEY, ARCHIBALD ANDREW
Sex M
Date of Birth 1885 | 08 | 15 (Y-M-D)
Place ST. ANDREWS
County CHARLOTTE
Father SHIRLEY, James ALEXANDER
Mother WEATHERBY, MARY ELLEN
Code 1885-S-45
Microfilm F18773
Birth
SHIRLEY, ARCHIBALD ANDREW
Sex M
Date of Birth 1895 | 08 | 15 (Y-M-D)
Place ST. ANDREWS
County CHARLOTTE
Father SHRILEY, James ALEXANDER
Mother WEATHERBY, MARY ELLEN
Code 2-1-81-191
Microfilm F13365
Beacon
Aug 22/1895
Seasonable Pleasures
. . . The fifth progressive euchre party on Monday, managed by the youth and beauty of the Algonquin was, as might be expected, the most successful of the season. Seventy-six players in brilliant and varied costume assembled to do honor to the occasion, and the play was most spirited lasting two hours. The prizes, eight in number, were artistic and well chosen—gems in Dresden and Wedgwood China, unique embroidery and silver novelties from the Whiting Company, New York, giving pleasure to all, more particularly to the winners—Mrs. Hetherington and Miss Lynch, of Philadelphia; Ms. And Miss Gardiner and Miss Wheelock, of Boston; Miss Hill, of New York; Mr. Bertie Smith of Compton, P.Q., and Mr. Van Horne, of Montreal.
A number of young people enjoyed a dance at one of the Houlton villas on St. Andrews Island, last Thursday night.
Beacon
Aug 29/1895
The market for sardines has been so depressed that many of the Maine factories have begun to close down. In Eastport, the shutdown will be severely felt, as hundreds of people are wholly dependent on the factories to carry them through the winter. It will also be felt among the island fishermen.
The splendid grain crop of Manitoba has made such demands upon the CPR rolling stock that all the repair shops along the line are being filled up with men to provide cars and engines to haul the grain to market. The McAdam shops have been placed on full time and a great many new men are being hired.
Miss Mowatt has been having small benefits at Elm Corner to pay off debt at Memorial Hall.
Mrs. Jarley's Wax Figures: 3 chambers—Historical, classical and Miscellaneous. List of townspeople who dressed up for the entertainment. Nets 29 dollars for parish library.
There was a marked contrast between the appearance of things within and without the Algonquin on Saturday night. It was the occasion of the grand fancy dress ball, and while outside the rain pelted piteously against the roof and dark clouds obscured the glory of the heavens, inside all was brightness, gayety and vivacity. Nearly all the characters who participated in the wax works were represented on the floor, besides many new ones. In the grand march the Marquis of Lorne (G. H. McCarthy) led off with Princess Louise (Miss Parker), while behind them was a brilliant throng of historical, classic and miscellaneous figures. [Old Woman, French Laundress, Flower girl, French Nurse] . . . The ladies' attendants at the Algonquin intend holding a ball in the Land Company Building this evening . . . Achilles, R. B. Van Horne
Beacon
Sept 5/1895
Portland, Maine, the winter port of Canada, has during the last eighteen years paid all of its original expenses, built all needed public buildings, kept every department in excellent shape and reduced its gross debt something like fifty percent. While the Dominion Government has thus been assisting the advancement of a United States port, the port in our own Provinces—St. Andrews, Saint John and Halifax—have gradually been going behind. We hear the rumour revived that if Charlotte County will elect a Conservative representative an effort will be made to develop St. Andrews s a port and secure for it that prominence which its splendid situation and great natural advantages merit. We could forgive a great many of the sins and shortcomings of the dominant party if they made an honest effort to develop our port. But unfortunately, their record is against them. Saint John was promised all sorts of benefits and advantages if it would elect a Conservative ticket. The people were carried away by the brilliant pictures that were painted for them to feast their eyes upon and they elected a straight government ticket. They did not stop there; they erected costly wharves and a big grain elevator, and they purchased the Carleton Branch Railway at an immense cost. But nothing has come out of it all. The Conservative representative went to Ottawa. They bobbed up and voted when their leaders pulled the string, and like the jack in the box they bobbed out of sight again when they were not wanted. They did nothing for their constituency whatever; not a single promise that they made with regard to developing the trade of the port, did they carry out. And what reason have we to believe that he Conservative party would act differently if one of their kind was elected in this County? None at all. He would probably make fair promises, like the rest of them. but the time has come when the people of Charlotte demand something more tangle than promises. They want some further guarantee than the mere statement of an irresponsible government follower eager to be elected. If the Government are really anxious to capture Charlotte County, they can only do so by showing its people that they have their interests at heart and that they will look after them regardless of the party color of their representatives. They have shown no such interest in the past and in the treatment they accord to constituencies now represented by members of their party we can see no guarantee that they would act differently in the future.
The CPR is raising the salaries of its staff again.
"Rocking," walking on the rocks with one's best girl, popular this summer.
The farewell ball which the young lady attendants at the Algonquin gave in the Land Company building, on Thursday, evening last was one of the pleasantest functions of the kind that has ever taken place here. The handsome decorations of the room together with the pretty dresses and prettier faces of the young ladies made a most brilliant scene. All the hotel employees were represented, each wearing a silken badge, bearing upon it the legend, "Algonquin, 1895."
"Entertainment for grown-up people" at Algonquin: cakewalks, donkey party and musical chairs. Judges for cake walk. 18 ladies and 8 men entered the singles cake walk. Mrs. Wheeler of Montreal "took the cake." 12 couples for doubles. "For number two, the donkey party, fifty accepted the tails and one after the other, blindfolded, pinned them in various directions, much to the amusement of the assembled guests." 27 contestants for musical chairs, which Mrs. Wheeler also won, "amid tremendous cheering and clapping of hands."
Prizes: Dresden, Belleek, Wedgwood and Coalport and Royal Worcester China.
Tyn-y-coed ball at Owen.
6th progressive euchre party. 68 players. Lovely gifts. 17 tables. Losers "smiled and looked pleasant" when euchred.
Tennis tournament prizes.
"Mr. Chas. W. Young's pretty little steamer, Nautilus, brought a party to the Algonquin on Tuesday for dinner."
Beacon
Sept 12/1895
Sir William Van Horne made a brief visit to his summer home last week.
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 St. Andrews, 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 just 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, with 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.
Summer Hotel Closed
The Algonquin Hotel, after being open thirty-one days in July, thirty-one days in August, and eleven days in September, has closed for the summer. The season has been an uncommonly short one, and from a financial point of view not as satisfactory as was looked for. However, the hotel management say they have done much better than many of the other coast hotels, and if they are pleased with the result the outside public ought to be. Already the managers are formulating plans for next season's business. Many of this year's guests have arranged for rooms for 1896.
A Costly Vacation
There are few people who can afford to travel in the style of Mr. Louis Cabot, of New Hampshire. who is now enjoying an outing on Campobello, together with his wife and sister, a manservant and maidservant, and one of the Raymond-Whitcomb guides. It is over three weeks since Mr. Cabot and his party came to St. Andrews in a luxurious Pullman car; since then this car, with two colored men in attendance, has been lying in St. Andrews yard, at a daily expense to Mr. Cabot of $50. When he is travelling he is required to pay for his party a sum equal to eighteen fares. This amount, added to hotel bills, cost of car, etc., during Mr. Cabot's outing would make a respectable little fortune for some people.
(staff end of year entertainment)
The cakewalk and donkey party given on Friday evening, by the attendants at the Algonquin was a decided success in every particular. Prof. Rooney rendered some very fine selections most enjoyable to all. The judges pronounced Miss Rose Gibson and Mr. George Bollbrecht, the chef, winners of the beautiful cake bearing the name of the house in large white letters encircled by an artistically arranged wreath of pansies. The room was tastefully decorated with an abundance of flowers, flags of different nations and Japanese lanterns of various colors. Preceding the cakewalk a presentation was made to Mr. John Messer, the baker, of a few pieces of Wedgwood as a token of esteem in which he was held.
Golf is to be made one of the leading features in St. Andrews next summer. A Boston artist was here this week taking a sketch of Joe's Point links and surroundings, with a view to having a bird's eye view printed and circulated among the golf clubs of America. a competition, involving prizes amounting in value to $500 is talked of for next season.
Beacon
Sept 19/1895
Links being improved for next season.
Lady Van Horne, Miss Van Horne and Mrs. Stephen Harris, of Boston, took a buck-board drive to St. Stephen on Saturday. they had three horses, driven "unicorn." the party dined at the Windsor and returned home in the evening by starlight.
Beacon
Oct 3, 1895
The families of Sir William Van Horne and Allan R. MacDonnell, of Montreal, who spent the summer at St. Andrews, took their departure from here by special train on Saturday.
Beacon
Oct 10/1895
There is a rumor going the rounds that a prominent Montreal gentleman was discouraged from erecting a summer residence, here through the attitude assumed by some of those who are interested in the development of the town as a summer resort. The reason assigned was that he was a Canadian and that Canadians are not as lavish in their expenditures as wealthy Americans. This may, perhaps, be true, though we have remarked that there are some Americans who come to St. Andrews who sail pretty close to the wind and who do not spend half so much money in the town as some of our Canadian visitors. We have no hesitation in saying that if this rumor is correct it displays most short-sighted policy. On the principle that a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush, a present Canadian is worth at least two absent Yankees. Besides, St. Andrews people entertain an idea that someday the trade of this place and of Montreal will be brought together much more closely than it is at present, and they feel that the more upper Canadians that they can induce to settle here the better, as their presence and influence must tend to develop a greater degree of interest on their part towards the maritime provinces and their ports than they now entertain. By all means let the people of Montreal build here if they want to. From present indications there will be room enough for all for the next quarter of a century with a few lots to spare.
William MacKay has taken splendid group photo of St. Andrews band.
Van Horne leaves soon for tour of inspection. May go as far as the pacific coast.
Presbyterian Synod in Montreal condemns treatment of Sabbath at summer resorts.
Beacon
Oct 17/1895
The future of Campobello
In mention of real estate matters the Boston Globe of recent date has reference to some of the handsome cottages at Campobello, owned by and occupied during the summer season by Boston, New York and Philadelphia families. The Globe says: Campobello Island was purchased by Mr. Porter and a number of other well-known capitalists some 12 years ago, and since that time they have never lost faith in the ultimate success of the enterprise. The one thing needed to bring the property into the market was a railroad and they have waited patiently for that to come, not sparing any expense in the meantime to keep the property up. The contract for building the Washington County Railroad has been signed and the work will be begun Oct. 1 and will be finished by next summer. The road will run from Franklin Road, a station on the Bar Harbor branch, near Ellsworth, to Calais, a distance of about 90 miles, including a spur to Eastport. Bar Harbor did not begin to boom till the railroad was built, but since then all valuable lands have been picked up, and as a summer resort is not second today to any on the Atlantic coast. It is confidently believed that Campobello will now come prominently to the front and become speedily what its projectors intended—an ideal summer resort of the first magnitude.
The hotels this season have been full to overflowing. Among the cottages are Alexander S. Porter, Alfred Pell, James Roosevelt of New York, Travis Cochrane of Philadelphia, Dr. Russell Sturgis and Samuel Wells, Mrs. Hartman Kuhn has purchased Echo point, overlooking the Bay of Fundy, and will build a large and handsome residence. Messrs. George A. and John L. Gardiner have also purchased a large tract which will be cut up and sold in lots. Mr. James Roosevelt, whose name is mentioned above, has a magnificent residence at Hyde Park on the Hudson. He spends every summer in his pretty cottage at Campobello where he enjoys the find sailing in the Passamaquoddy bay. His fine yacht the Half Moon, is still in commission. the Travis Cochran cottage is one of the most attractive on the island. It is a large square house with stable to match and in the colonial style; the ground are quite extensive.
Beacon
Oct 24/1895
The Fenian Raid
A Brief Sketch of the Raid by the "Telegraph."
Longish article. Nothing about St. Andrews
Mr. R. G. Van Horne of New York, was at the Queen Hotel yesterday, and left this morning for Portland, Maine. He visited this city for the purpose of tracing up the history of the Van Horne family, descendants of whom he found living on the Nashwaak. He procured valuable information from the record office. He has as his object the writing of the genealogy of the Van Horne family. Fredericton Gleaner.
Campobello fish fair banquet held in the spacious banqueting hall of the Owen hotel. Three tables were stretched the entire length of the room. The walls and the central posts were all handsomely decorated with flags. At the upper end of the banquet chamber two immense codfish—the first and second prizes at the Fair—were arranged against the wall, making a most unique and appropriate ornamentation.
Beacon
Oct 31/1895
We have probably heard the last of the fast Atlantic line for some time to come. It is reported in government circles in Ottawa that the government have decided to withdraw the arrangement made with Mr. James Huddart to establish a fast line of steamers on the Atlantic for $750,000 subsidy. The government, so it is said, have considered that Mr. Huddart has had sufficient time to float the scheme, and having failed to do so, they will make some new arrangements for carrying he mails with the Dominion and Allan steamship companies.
Sir William Van Horne has returned from his annual inspection of the CPR and is able to affirm that it never was in a better or more prosperous condition. Business along the line was recovering from the depression and building operations were brink in most of the cities and towns of Manitoba and the North-West. This is cheering news.
Rumours of coming conflict between Russia and China as Russia prepare to complete the trans-Siberian line through Manchuria. Piece on excitement caused by size of new line Nov. 7.
Beacon
Nov 7/1895
Denies He Was Dead
One Hundred Years of Age and Still Able to Hustle About
A rumor somehow got into circulation on Monday that Andrews Sampson, St. Andrews' "oldest inhabitant," was dead. But Dame Rumor for once was wrong, for, when the Beacon paid a visit to Mr. Sampson's domicile, he found the old gentleman, shovel in hand, "busy "banking" his house so as to protect it from the wintry blasts. He was told of the report of his death and in very vigorous language denied it. There was nothing for the reporter to do but believe it. The old man supposed the report had arisen because he had not been out of his home for two days.
"But," said he, "there was no reason why I should get up. The snow was on the ground, I had plenty to eat in the house, and so I laid in bed."
Asked how old he was, Mr. Sampson promptly replied: "About a hundred."
And how do you know that?" queried the interviewer.
"How do I know that! Well, I was born in Ireland about the time of the Rebellion, and that was in 1798. You can figure it out for yourself."
"It is not true then that you remember incidents of the Rebellion?"
"What queer questions people ask! How in ————- would I know anything about the Rebellion when I was only born that year!"
[Mr. Sampson stated some years ago, that he was able to walk around holding his mother's hand when the Irish Rebellion broke out, and that he remembered seeing a fight between the two factions. If that statement was true, then he must have passed the hundred mark two or three years ago.]
Continuing its queries, the Beacon reporter learned that in 1816, Mr. Sampson immigrated to this country from Minnemore, in the North of Ireland, "where you can place your foot on three Counties." He spent a short period in St. John, also at Vanceboro, and in Upper Canada, and then drifted to St. Andrews. Almost everybody is dead who was alive when he came here. He said that there were good docks in St. Andrews at that time, but there were very few roads out into the country. Where the "commons lands" now are was a dense forest and he well remembers a lawsuit which arose between two men respecting ship timber cut on the "commons."
Mr. Sampson does not go behind the bush to tell people what his politics are. He is one of the grittiest of Grits. He opposed confederation tooth and nail and still thinks it was a great mistake. The old man has been living alone since the death of his partner a few years go. She was well on to 100 years before the summons came.
W. E. Forbes is a candidate for the managership of the Algonquin Hotel, St. Andrews, Mr. Albert Miller, who has so successfully managed the hotel for five season past, having decided not to again offer for the position.
The Winter Port Question
Ottawa, Nov. 10
At a cabinet meeting yesterday the question of providing a winter outlet for the trade of Canada was discussed. The proposition is that the country pay a yearly subsidy of $65,000 for a fortnightly service between Saint John, New Brunswick, and Liverpool, the rates to be a slow from western points as are now offered from American ports. The proposal, which aims at sending goods now shipped from Portland, Maine, during the winter, season from a Canadian port is likely to be discussed at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday.
Beacon
Nov 21, 1895
An order in council passed toda,y granting the Beaver steamship line $25,000 for 10 trips between Saint John and Liverpool the first steamer, the Lake Superior, to leave Saint John on the 11th of December. The Dominion and Allan steamship companies did not tender for the service, but protested against the new competing line. The Furness steamship company tendered for a five years' service, but would not enter into a shorter contract.
Beacon
Nov 28, 1895
The people of Saint John have not that abounding confidence in the CPR that they had when they presented them with the Carleton branch and the big grain elevator. At the last meeting of the Council it was decided by the Aldermen that it was not in the city's interests to give the railway any further monopoly in connection with their port, and so the improvements that are necessary to connect the railway with the deep water pier will be provided by the city and will be controlled by it.
The report that the Imperial government would grant the sum of $375,000 as a subsidy for a 21-knot service between Great Britain and Canada has giving a fresh impetus to the fast line project. If the Canadian government sticks to their offer of $750,000 this would make a total subsidy of$1,125,000 which would be quite a respectable bonus. The ports of call are not mentioned, but it is believed that Halifax will be the Canadian winter port, and Quebec the summer port. Montrealers would of course like to have their port visited, but shipping men say that it would not be practicable for vessels of that class to reach Montreal. Unless the government is prepared to carry freight over the Intercolonial Railway to Halifax for next to nothing we cannot see how it is going to pay exporters to use that port. Clearly the best port for this purpose on the Atlantic is the port of Saint Andrews, which possesses all the natural requirements, lacking only the port faculties.
Beacon
Dec 5/1895
The seeming opposition which the managers of the CPR line have manifested towards the harbor schemes of the Saint John people have been withdrawn and the railway authorities are now uniting heartily in carrying out the required improvements. This is as it should be.
Montreal Star
Aristocrats dance in Montreal (Lady and Miss Van Horne there; outfits described)
A grand ball was given in Montreal on Friday night last, under the auspices of the St. Andrews Society, which was attended by all the elite of the place. Among the dresses noticed by the Star reporter were the following:
Lady Van Horne, heavy shot yellow satin, point lace trimmings, ornaments diamonds. Miss Van Horne, blue satin and white lace. . . .
McMonagle's hoisting engine discharged 210 barrels from the schooner Annie Laura in one hour yesterday.
Andraeleo club have again opened their hall for the winter.
Jail improvements. Water closets and tanks; obnoxious cesspool to be removed. Details.
beacon
Dec 12/1895
St. Andrews has not been forgotten by the Beaver Line. They recently sent a "poster" to decorate the Post Office.
Sir William Van Horne has been talking of retiring from the Presidency of the CPR. Should he do so the mantle would fall upon Manager Shaughnessy.
Mr. A. W. Weeks, who came on from Boston a few weeks ago to inspect the Algonquin, has been appointed manager of St. Andrews big hotel, and unless some unforeseen accident occurs he will be on deck next season. Mr. Weeks is now managing a winter house in North Carolina.
Beacon
Dec 19/1895
Summer Hotel at Lake Utopia
Year by year the beautiful spots in the Maritime Provinces are being discovered by outsiders and pre-empted for their use. SG, one of the most romantic localities in the Province, has not been much invaded by the summer visitor, but those who have drifted into it have lingered long among its beauties. Mr. T. LO. Harris, of New York, was the last to be captivated by its charms. He came to St. Andrews early last summer with his wife, seeking some secluded sport where he might while away the summer days fishing and communing with nature. Lake Utopia was suggested to him and so favorably impressed was he with the descriptions he received that he decided to pay it a visit. When he went there he found his anticipations more than realized, and instead of lingering a few weeks has he had intended he spent the whole summer, and the autumn was well advanced before he packed up his grip and started for his New York home. During his stay there he was not idle. Recognizing the beautiful situation that the lake possessed and its advantages as a field for sport, he decided to establish himself permanently. He bought the club house, ,and a great deal of land adjoining the lake, laid off roadways and greatly improved the surroundings in many respects. All of $3000 were expended by him in making improvements. He stated his intention before leaving of building a large hotel on his grounds, and it is expected that the erection for this hotel will begin next season. He will also, he says place a steam launch on the lake. He has taken steps to have the fish and game preserved, as he recognized their presence as one of the great advantages the place possesses. But aside from the game, the shores of Lake Utopia present an ideal sport for a summer hotel—not one of those ultrafashionable hostelries where the guests are eternally worried about what they shall eat or drink or wherewithal they shall be clothed but one where the brain-weary businessman, free from the exactions of exacting fashion, may sit and dream the summer hours away, gathering a fresh stock of health and energy against his return to his commercial cares. Such a hotel would attract hundreds of guests and would be a great benefit to the locality.
A little bit of history
Mr. George a. Boardman remembers when he first used to visit it sixty years back. (1836)
Then there were no steamboats on the river and I used to go by way of Robbinston, and cross the ferry by Joe's Point. A tall man they used to call Long John was ferryman. He was afterwards drowned in crossing. My employer sold lumber to the merchants of St. Andrews, and I used to go down and sell and collect about every month in the busy season and can say that those old merchants of that day were a very superior set of men, such as the McMaster's, Pagans, Raits, Stranges, Scott, Dunns, Wilsons, Hatches, Allenshaws, Campbells, Jacks, Streets, Whitlocks, and others. The most of my business was with James Rait, and I used to think him an ideal merchant. He was an Englishman but came from Jamaica. His wife was a Miss Watt and her brother took a farm near the present Watt Junction, it being named after him. Mr. Rait took a hand in the wild speculations of 1836. He bought a large field in Calais on the road to Milltown, paid down a part of the high price and it was abandoned and sold for taxes. I know you cannot spare me space to go into a biographical history of those men as I should like, but I must say a few words of John Wilson, who was a very energetic and enterprising merchant. It was through his perseverance and push that the railroad from St. Andrews to Woodstock was built, about the earliest road in the province. St. Andrews at that time was a busy, thriving, driving, town. The stores and warehouses were large and well filled, there were nice wharves along the shore, and the harbor was full of large vessels loading for foreign ports.
Beacon
Dec 26/1895
F. E. Boothby, Passenger Agent of the Maine Central Railway, will accept our thanks for a handsome calendar issued by his road, and which bears upon its face illustrations of coastal and mountain scenes.