Item
St. Croix Courier
Jan 4/1940
Close Enough
The new town team has arrived and was at work over the week-end clearing the sidewalks of snow, which fell to the depth of about eight inches. The horses are dark gray in color, are five years old and weigh sixteen hundred. Not having as yet had an opportunity of hearing the opinions of the experts it might be hazardous for one who left the farm at seven years of age to express one, especially having only as yet seen the team passing on the street. However, the horses are well matched, have sufficient style for a town team, are smart walkers, and look able enough to do the work. I do not know the exact cost to the town, but can give the reader a quite accurate figure if I may quote the exact words I heard a speaker use in public here many years ago, and which because of a rather unique grammatical construction have stuck in my memory ever since. The speaker said (re the project under discussion) "Mr. Chairman, in my opinion, I would estimate that it would cost somewhere in the neighborhood of between four and five hundred dollars!"
Maritime Electric Co. offering annual prizes for best decorated (with lights) homes.
St. Croix Courier
Jan 11/1940
Shiretown Items
Real Friends Appear
Friends of St. Andrews and patrons of the Arena have begun to express their sympathy in a material way. A cheque for $100 has been received from Senator Cairine Wilson. Senator Wilson not only made a substantial contribution at the time the Arena was built seven years ago, but has also donated generously each year to the funds raised by the Bazaar, and it is gratifying to the promotes to know that her interest, so splendidly expressed, still continues. And another of the owns' finest boosters, Howard Pillow, has also been heard from. He expressed himself as not only willing to contribute generously himself, but will also undertake to raise some money among his friends. During recent years Mr. Pillow has shown a great interest in the welfare of the town, and has been a great help in many ways. He is now so intimately known among the locals that he is considered "one of the boys," than which we can pay him no higher compliment. Now that he has put his hand to the plough it can be taken as an assure fact that the Arena will arise in youthful freshness from its own ashes.
Shiretown Items
Visions New Arena.
Bill O'Neill has started to make figures and draw plans for the new Arena, having become quite 'het up' since receiving such tangible evidence of support from friends among the summer people. It is planned to make the new building as fire-proof as is humanly possible. The entire structure will be covered with steel, nailed directly to the studs, arches and purlings dispensing altogether with boards. The floors of the dressing rooms will be of concrete, with a narrow board walk leading to, and running in front of the seats to protect the skates. The walls of theses rooms will be of tile or concrete blocks. A central chimney will extend above the roof of the main building and immediately beneath the entrance a basement will be excavated to contain a furnace in an absolutely fire-proof room. The dressing rooms and gallery will be heated by coils of pipe carrying hot water or steam. It is thought that about $2,000.00 will be required in addition to the money now on hand, to complete the building. Various plans are being suggested to raise money locally through the winter months.
St. Croix Courier
Jan 18/1940
Shiretown Items—Howard Pillow contributes 100 towards new rink.
St. Croix Courier
Jan 25/1940
Miss Hosmer and Miss Struthers each contribute 100.00 towards new rink. Work planned to start middle of March so as to be ready for annual bazaar and flower show, "both of which events have been very popular among the summer people as well as the locals."
St. Croix Courier
Feb 8/1940
Shiretown Items—An Early Romance. A clipping yellow with age was found recently in an old book by a reader of this column. It is not known what paper it was taken from nor the date, but it is copied herewith in full.
Around a quaint old Indian costume, the property of W. Wallace Brown, of Calais, is woven a most unusual romance of more than century and a half ago, says the Portland Press-Herald. The story concerns one John La Coote, a French nobleman. She was engaged to marry a member of the French nobility; but she broke off the engagement, and in order to forget his unhappy love affair he came to Montreal, where he took up a grant of 160 acres, which is included today in one of the principal streets of Montreal. He later visited St. Andrews, New Brunswick, which at that time was the headquarters of the Passamaquoddy tribe of Indians. The chief of the tribe had a daughter, beautiful in figure if not in face, and La Coote fell in love with her. Grand preparations were made for their wedding, and 400 guests were invited from four tribes, the Mohawks, Micmacs, Penobscots and Malacites. They were married first by the parish priest and later, according to the Indian custom. La Coote joined the Passamaquoddy tribe and became a chief. He lived to the age of 102 years. The costume owned by Mr. Brown is the one worn by this Indian tribe. It consists of a silk tunic, beaded buckskin moccasins, leggings of red broadcloth, woven beaded garters, a girdle made from wampum and garnets, silver jewellery and a priceless necklace of Indian wampum.
St. Croix Courier
Feb. 15/1940
Shiretown Items—Welcome. Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Hornby, who are moving into the ground floor apartment in the old Post Office building, and who will operate an electrically equipped laundry in the basement, are both well known in St. Andrews, having been employed for several seasons at the Algonquin Hotel. Mrs. Hornby has spent many years in high class laundry work and her experience should well qualify her to make a success of the venture here.
Death of GG, Lord Tweedsmuir (Buchan; see editorial on death). Photo with wife.
St. Croix Courier
Feb 15/1940
Edit: No Chiselling Allowed.
It may come as a surprise to operators of camps, hotels and restaurants catering to the tourist trade, but the Government of Canada through the Foreign Exchange Board has passed regulations which make it compulsory for all who accept United States currency from tourists to pay the prevailing premium. As the Boards points out in a memorandum dated February 8, the premium belongs to the tourist and he is entitled to the full benefit of the extra purchasing power his money has in Canada at the present time. Most of our people who cater to the tourist trade would probably have paid the premium in any event, but to make sure that the chiselling minority would not reap an extra profit out of the forthcoming year's business the Board has made it illegal to do otherwise. The rate is set by the Board from day to day and can be ascertained at any bank. If there are any who have had visions of charging their guests the standard rate in United States currency and then pocketing the premium, they can kiss goodbye to such roseate dreams. Even if it were legal, such a practice would be very short-sighted. Due to the war, many United States citizens who previously have gone to Europe will be turning to some other part of the world for their vacation next summer. Canada has an excellent chance to get a generous share of this trade. Our war effort does not in the least interfere with travel across the boundary; our attractions are as alluring as ever; and on top of all else we now can pay a premium on every United States dollar without the least sacrifice on our part. We would be playing the hog to withhold that premium, even if we could get away with it. And there is this to be remembered as to tourist trade: foreign exchange is one of the vital sinews of war, of which we can use all we can get; the tourist trade is one of the easiest methods open to Canada to secure more foreign exchange, and therefore those who play a part in bringing tourists here and catering to them are doing their bit, albeit in an indirect way, to help win the war for the Allies.
St. Croix Courier
Feb 29/1940
Shiretown Items—Dr. Worrell gives talk at Kiwanis Club on civilization of ancient Peru. Details. Details also on continuing construction of new arena.
LG: The Hon. William George Clark (1865-1948) Born in Queensbury, New Brunswick. Appointed 5 March 1940 at age 75 until 1 November 1945.
St. Croix Courier
March 7/1940
Shiretown Items—Leigh Williamson speaks at Kiwanis Club on "Buying and Selling Lobsters."
In employ of Conley's for several years. He described the changes that have taken place in methods of carrying on the business over the past few years. Now, instead of large shipments in trucks or boats to a few dealers, a great many small orders are sent off daily by express to cover a wide area. A special express rate to most points has made this method possible. The Conley Company supply all the lobsters for the C. P. Hotels—a good business in itself. Many regular customers in the States now help to make the business profitable. By way of advertising, hundreds of post-cards are sent out each week, and most of their contracts are made in this way.
Successor Found—In taking a walk about town recently I passed an old house which is occupied on one end, but has the other part, which is quite dilapidated, standing vacant. Across the wide storm door of the unoccupied part, in bold but juvenile letters were printed the words, "The Best Room." Now there, thought I, is a youngster with a harmless sense of humor—a writer in embryo for "Shiretown Items," of the not so distant future. And I hope that when these eyes have grown dim with age and this palsied arm, can no longer hold aloft the torch, he may still be here, whoever he may be, to take over and carry on.
Remembers Home Town—Mrs. C. W. Mallory, who is convener of the Empire Education in connection with the work being carried on here by the I. O. D. E., is always on the lookout for material which might be of interest and benefit to the schools in this area. In reply to a recent request she has received an arm load of booklets from C. K. Howard, manager of the Tourist and Convention Bureau of the Canadian National Railways. "Charlie," as he will be familiarly remembered by old friends here is just another of those many St. Andrews boys who have made good. After learning telegraphy his first job was with the CPR. He next worked as claims agent for the Valley Railway Co., and finally landed the fine position he holds today with the CNR. If by any chance he should see this item I wonder if he can recall an 11-year-old country boy who spent his first night in St. Andrews at his home. That is longer ago, Charlie, than I care to remember but I was that boy. Mr. Howard's promptness and generosity in sending so many fine booklets to be distributed from St. Andrews is just another evidence of that love of the old hometown which never seems to fade among her native sons (and daughters) no matter how far afield their vocations (or marriages) may have called them. A few titles of these booklets, selected at random are "Canada's Maritimes," "Historic Quebec," "Canadian Rockies," "National Parks of Canada," "Playgrounds of Ontario," "Cape Breton." Besides containing much valuable information in printed matter, they are all profusely illustrated. They will be distributed to the schools of St. Andrews, Bayside, Rolling Dam, Chamcook, Bocabec, and Deer Island.
John McNair 1940-52
Premier of New Brunswick
Liberal Mar 13, 1940
St. Croix Courier
March 14/1940
New Skating Rink Taking Shape. Photo with ribs in place.
St. Croix Courier
March 21/1940
Shiretown Items
Fairly Accurate
This unfortunate reporter having been confined to his home last week with a severe cold and all the delightful complications that attend this pestiferous plague, of necessity missed the regular meeting of the Kiwanis club and in consequence is unable to give the usual eye-witness report. A few gleanings obtained since from various members are somewhat conflicting, and may not be too reliable. By a remarkable coincidence the regular pianist was absent from the meeting with exactly similar symptoms to those of the reporter, and the musical part of the program was conducted by volunteers. The first contestant played Beethoven. Beethoven lost. After several others had taken their turn at the piano with varying success, but without disastrous results, the star performer of the evening whose name we shall not disclose, but whom for the purpose of future reference we shall designate "the captain," advanced on the instrument. Rolling up his sleeves, and passing his fingers thoughtfully through the locks of grey, he took his place on the bench with the air of an old master. Running his fingers lightly, if somewhat unmusically, over the key-board he groped for "The Lost Chord." Crash! Not a tremendous, soul-stirring chord, but a rending and splintering of wood and iron! The bench collapsed into a dozen pieces and the captain was cast full length upon the floor! The lost chord was never found. I had difficulty in getting details on the speaker for the evening. My first informant told me that eh subject was "Weights and Measures," and said the talk was given by H. Stickney, chairman of the house committee, whose epicurean taste has been responsible for the fine variety of menus being followed of late. He said the chairman felt that altogether too much food was being consumed and explained that it had become necessary to ration the members of the club according to age, weight, waist measurement and general capacity. Being a little doubtful about this report, which was told with tongue in cheek, I inquired further and learned that the talk was given by the President, W. J. Rollins, who, as a registered druggist knows all about weights and measures.
Shiretown Items—Tourist Trade Needed Here. In a report of a meeting of the Calais Chamber of Commerce in last week's Courier, reference is made to a discussion of complaints regarding the international ferry between Robbinston and St. Andrews. As no explanation was offered as to the nature of these complaints, the reader is left to form his own opinion as to whether they concerned the operation or the existence of this convenience to the travelling public. This innocent bystander inclines to the latter view. This ferry is privately owned and privately operated but it has the moral support of the town of St. Andrews, and last year was assisted with a small sum from the public treasury for the purpose of improving the approach on this side of the river. Cars entering or leaving New Brunswick by this means are obliged to pass directly through our town, contrary to those following the main highway. Ordinarily the passage of tourist cars directly through a town would be of little value, but in the case of St. Andrews which, since the demise of the fishing industry here, depends almost entirely on the tourist trade for its very existence, this fact is of a practical benefit in that some of the people of those cars, seeing the natural beauties of this little neck of the woods, and learning of our splendid hotel accommodation will stop over for a few days. Perhaps not one in a hundred of the cars passing along the main highway finds its way into St. Andrews. If we can believe reports brought here by people who have used the ferry, information gratuitously dispensed by officials at the bridge between St. Stephen and Calais, and this includes both ends, has been disparaging to this service, to put the most charitable interpretation upon the underlying causes of their remarks. Compared to St. Andrews, St. Stephen and Calais can derive small directly benefit from the tourist trade. To us it is our bread and butter. These larger up-river towns rely for their prosperity on local manufactories and trade with the surrounding country INCLUDING St. Andrews, and if our friends among the business men of these, our neighboring town, will but think over the matter of the ferry with a charitable frame of mind, they will realize that their loss is not one-tenth of our gain. We don't expect you to boost it, but please don't knock it. (Backed by editorial March 21)
St. Croix Courier
April 4. 1940
Other Days
Older readers have frequently expressed appreciation of occasional items about the old days which have appeared in this column, and I think they will be interested to know that through the kindness of Robert Cockburn, I hope to have an item once each month, based on entries in a diary kept by his father, E. A. Cockburn from 1893 up to the time of his recent passing. The entries as a rule are brief but whenever possible further details will be given. Two entries which should be of general interest to older readers appear in April 1893. On April 3rd, the "Musical and Literary Society gave a public concert." I assure many present readers were members of that society. They held weekly meetings in the Town Hall, and gave frequent public entertainments. Lorne Thompson, now deceased, was janitor, and I was his unpaid assistant. I have a clear recollection of rehearsals in the hall, but do not recall attending any public entertainments. Probably didn't have the price. The other entry is on April 25th, G. H. Stickney and Minnie Odell were married—Band serenaded them." Remember? I was one of the boys sitting on the fence. Two or three hundred people were gathered there that night, but where are they now? Walter Stickney, a boy in his teens, but an excellent cornetist, was leading the band. Did you notice the big wink Joe Handy gave Charlie Kennedy when the band was invited to partake of refreshment? Both these fine bandsmen have long since passed on. Mr. and Mrs. Stickney are both living and reasonably active. Congratulations on your forty-seventh anniversary!
St. Croix Courier
April 11/1940
Shiretown Items—Pleasing the Tourist. This matter of giving the American tourists what they want, of which we read frequently in various Canadian publications, is quite a problem. Beyond our salubrious summer climate—delightful, bright days, and cool, quiet, sleep-producing nights—and our beautiful scenery—what have we to offer that they do not find at home? Are we not 'fed with the same food, hurt with the same weapons, subject to the same diseases, healed by the same means, warmed and cooled by the same winter and summer' as the tourist is? Many of these good people on crossing the border expect too violent a change, some even yet being on the watch for Indians in the war paint. Until recent years they met with one violent change—rough, dusty roads—which did not impress them very favourably. Our speech is somewhat different, which should please them, and our flag—which is not displayed sufficiently—is different. Every person catering to tourists should have on display about his premises a good-sized Union Jack and be able to explain its formation and significance. Our Canadian flag may be displayed also, but not flown on land as it is the ensign of the Merchant Marine. Smaller flags with a brief neatly printed explanation attached should sell well. If we give the best possible service at a reasonable price, cultivate a kindly and friendly manner, answer all questions fully and intelligently but avoid argumentation, and say 'come again' with a real smile, as if we meant it, we cannot go wrong.
St. Croix Courier
April 11/1940
Anxious to Secure More Tourists for St. Croix Region. Board of Trade Annual Meeting Discusses Means of Inducing Visitors to Stay Here. See editorial April 11. Basically secure tourist trade that would normally go to Europe.
St. Croix Courier
April 18/1940
Shiretown Items—Old Whitlock Home Passes. The residence for many years known as "Elm Corner" is being torn down and the lot graded. This is one of the old houses of the town and for many years belonged to the Whitlock family. It will be remembered chiefly as the home of two fine old ladies, Miss Susan Mowatt and Miss Campbell, who lived there for many years. Miss Mowatt and Miss Campbell were devoted members of the Presbyterian church, and those of this congregation who are now no longer young can recall many happy hours spent at the home of these two fine people. They were very fond of children and their annual Christmas tree with presents and treats for all the youngsters was one of the highlights of those now quite distant days. When the property was put up for sale a few years ago it was purchased by Miss Olive Hosmer, who promised the old ladies a home there as long as they lived. Since their passing the house has been occupied during the summer months by Cleve Mitchell, a member of the staff at the Algonquin.
St. Croix Courier
May 2/1940
Shiretown Items—Many Ups and Downs. At the regular meeting of the Kiwanis Club last week Alfred Jones was the guest speaker. His talk was an odyssey of his personal wandering through Europe and Asia from the time he left his home in London, England, a boy in his teens, down to the present, and although perhaps not as thrilling as the story of Ulysses, which most of the audience remembered having learned after laborious thumbing through a Greek vocabulary, it was much more interesting, being told in plain English. Mr. Jones spent many years in Russia and at the time of the great Revolution had a prosperous business of his own in Petrograd. After three months of danger and hardship, living on oatmeal and black bread when such could be had, he escaped with his family. His entire savings, amounting to a quarter of a million dollars, were confiscated. He got as far as Japan safely, and finding it impossible to get transportation from there to England for his family decided to open up a business in eastern novelties. Having made satisfactory contacts with dealers in London he soon worked up a thriving business and was once more well on the road to prosperity when his warehouses and most of the contents were destroyed in an earthquake. He then returned to London and became interested in the wood wool industry. This business continued to grow and prosper until the outbreak of the present war made it difficult to obtain supplies from the Scandinavian countries. It is Mr. Jones' aim now, not only to get his supplies in Canada but to have the finished product manufactured here as well, and his aim is hour hope. Mr. Jones is a perfect example of the old and true maxim that "you can't keep a good man down." He married a St. Andrews girl, Miss Marjorie Clark, and is now proprietor of the Sea-side Inn. He has made many improvements to this property since coming here, and in many ways has proven himself to be a good citizen. His advice and support would be invaluable when and if a Board of Trade is re-organized here.
St. Andrews Gas Company. (Appears to be an act of incorporation by the Legislature of the Province, verbatim)
St. Croix Courier
May 9/1940
Shiretown Items—Obit on former summer resident, Robert Mck. Jones, in St. Louis Globe. Founder of Robert McK. Jones dry goods commission; on board of directors of Washington university for 33 years; president of St. Louis Refrigerating and Cold Storage Co; director of First National Bank, Industrial and Bank Trust Co., South-western Bell Telephone Co, Scruggs/Vandervoort-Barney, Inc, and American Central Insurance. Co. Trustee of Mercantile Library.
St. Croix Courier
May 16/1940
Shiretown Items—Community bathing and swimming pool planned for Indian Point. The scheme as proposed would entail considerable labour but very little expense, and the use of the pool when completed would be free to all.
Sir Alexander Augustus FrederickWilliam Alfred George Cambridge, Prince Alexander of Teck
Governor General: 1940 - 1946 Appointed: June 2, 1940 Sworn in: June 21, 1940, in Ottawa Born: April 14, 1874, in Kensington Palace, London, England Died: January 16, 1957
St. Croix Courier
June 6/1940
Friends here of Mrs. R. E. Armstrong of Saint John were sorry to hear of her recent death. Her husband, the late R. E. Armstrong was editor of the "Bay Pilot" [!] in St. Andrews for about 25 years and during that time the family lived here. She leaves two sons, Fraser and Edwin, and one daughter, Mrs. Elsie Churchill, and one sister, Miss George Paterson.
Shiretown Items—All in Readiness. Hotels, restaurants and rooming houses have all been renovated in preparation for what is hoped will be a banner season. Bill O'Neill has made quite extensive changes at his lunch and ice cream rooms. The brick and cement vault at the rear, which was built when the Bank of Nova Scotia occupied the building, has been torn down to make room for the installing of two attractive toilets and washrooms. Several stalls have been added in the lunch room and other changes and improvements made. The same smiling, genial and efficient Lola will be in charge again this season. Kennedy's Hotel is opening for its 59th season and early inquiry for rooms gives promise of a prosperous summer. The Algonquin is being put in tip-top shape by a crew of painters and cleaners and will open toward the end of June.
St. Croix Courier
June 6/1940
New Power Line to St. Andrews from Oak Bay Projected. Maritime Electric Company now stringing line from St. Andrews through Chamcook. A major project which is now scheduled for the late summer or fall is an extension of the high tension line which now terminated at Oak Bay down through Bayside to St. Andrews. This will serve a dual purpose, providing an alternative supply for the Town of St. Andrews, which now receives current from Milltown through a line down the Maine side of the St. Croix and thence by a submarine cable across the river to Joe's Point, and at the same time bringing dependable service within reach of a considerable number of people living along or adjacent to Number 1 Highway. On the Canadian side a high tension line already runs from Milltown through St. Stephen and along the highway as far as Oak Bay.
St. Croix Courier
June 13/1940
Joe Cashman, manager of Algonquin, arrived last week.
The usual summer crowd arriving.
St. Croix Courier
June 20/1940
Shiretown Items—Fills a Need. The park near the Court House has been neatly trimmed and the memorial benches put in place. The Kiwanis Club will continue to take responsibility for the care, and the labor will be supplied by the town. No arrangement as yet has been made for band concerts but it is presumed they will begin soon. This park not only serves as a place for band concerts, but is a convenient and much patronized resting place for visitors, and also is an ornament to that part of the town.
St. Croix Courier
June 27, 1940
Shiretown Items
Old Friends Meet
I had a visit from Horace last week. Not Quintus Horatius, author of Satire, Epistles and Odes, but one who was born and spent his boyhood in the house I am now occupying. Not having seen each other for over thirty years we had a very pleasant hour together. Among other interesting reminiscences he pointed out a bullet hole on one of the shutters caused by the accidental discharge of a revolver in his then youthful and inexperienced hands. Following up his love of firearms he enlisted in the last war and was one of the first Canadians to set foot on German soil. He now makes his home in Toronto.
St. Croix Courier
July 4, 1940
Shiretown Items
It Could Have Happened
"You and your friends Horace!" said a reader. "you fellows were the cause of getting me a good thrashing once." "How come" said I, scenting a story. It seems that this gentleman, now gray and bald, but at the time of the story a lad in the intermediate department of the schools, used at that time to feel a too frequent lure for a half-holiday. His father being usually unable to agree with his viewpoint, it became necessary for him to adopt other expedients. On one occasion he appointed myself and Horace, then pupils in the high school, and asked if we would write him an excuse to be dismissed after roll call, signing his father's name. We were pleased to comply with is request and retired to our room to compose the note. We wrote: "Please give Cecil six slaps after roll call," and signed our own names. A moment later in the school grounds the note was surreptitiously passed to the victim. In his childlike innocence he pocketed the note and passed it to his teacher on the way to his room. His faith in human nature encountered a rude shock, when he was called up after roll call and made to read the note to the school, signature and all, after which the slaps were duly and lustily delivered. To be honest, I have no recollection of the incident, but it sounds reasonable.
St. Croix Courier
July 18, 1940
Shiretown Items
Inspiring Words
The following incident is a striking illustration of the power of the written word. The proprietor of one of the stores her came across the following inspiring exhortation in a magazine article. "Great Britain will win. Plant your feet firmly on the ground, Keep your head erect, and carry on!" the words were in fairly large type so he cut them out and pasted them on the window, so they might be read from the outside. A few minutes later, as he stood behind the counter some distance back from the window, he saw a neatly dressed stranger, an elderly gentleman with gray hair and neatly trimmed moustache, approaching the window to look over the articles on display. He stood somewhat stooped over with hands clasped behind his back. After a little he raised his eyes to the level of the clipping. He read it carefully, moving his lips the while. His hands dropped to his sides, his head and body came erect, he looked up then down the street, then turned and swung off with the stride of a soldier and the pride of an Englishman, as much as to say: "By the grace of God we'll win, and I can still do my little bit." Who he was we know not. The story behind the thoughts called up to his mind by the words he read is left to the imagination of the reader. Perhaps he had been through the last great war, or perhaps he has a son or a grandson in the present conflict. At any rate it is an incident to cause a tightening of the throat and a moistening of the eyes, and to cause one to say fervently: "Thank God, I am an Englishman!"
St. Croix Courier
July 25/1940
American Tourists Free As Ever To Come And Go In Canada. Unfortunate Rumors Having Bad Effect on U. S. Tourist Travel, No Passport or Visa Needed. Premium on U. S. Dollar Helps Pay (War) Expenses.
St. Croix Courier
Aug 1/1940
Sir Thomas Tait Passes at Summer Home 'Links Crest'
Retired Railway Executive Performed Splendid Service for Canada and Empire. Rose from Humble Clerkship.
The death of Sir Thomas Tait, retired railway executive and industrialist, occurred last Thursday, July 25, at his summer home, "Links Crest," at St. Andrews, the day after he had celebrated his 76th birthday. Sir Thomas had been ill for several years and he was forced to resign active connection with the Parkhill Gold Mine of which he was president in June 1937. He spent his summers at his beautiful home on the edge of the golf links at St. Andrews by the Sea, and had come there at the beginning of July, hoping that the sea breezes would benefit his health.
He was born at Melbourne, Quebec, on July 24, 1864, and was educated at the Montreal High School, afterwards graduating from McGill University. In 1880 he joined the staff of the old Grand Trunk Railway as a clerk in the audit department, but two years later became private secretary to Sir William Van Horne, president and general manager of the Canadian Pacific Railway. He held this position for four years, after which he was a clerk in the general traffic manager's office for a few months before being appointed assistant superintendent of the Ontario and Quebec Division in May 1887. He became general superintendent in March 1890 which position he held until 1893, when he was appointed assistant general manager of the CPR. In May 1897 he was again promoted, becoming manager for eastern lines, and in April 1901 was named manager of transportation, holding this office till March 1903.
The Australian colony of Victoria needed an experienced railway man to act as chairman of its railway commission and Thomas Tait was strongly recommended for the position by Sir William Van Horne and by Sir Thomas Shaughnessy. The railways of Victoria were in poor condition by reason of political mismanagement and were a heavy drain on the finances of the colony. But the deficit of $1,800,000 which faced the then Mr. Tait at the end of his first year's work as chairman of the Victoria Railway Commissioners, was changed within three years to a surplus of just under a million dollars. For the first time in the history of Victoria there was scientific railroading, and constant improvement was effected so long as Mr. Tait remained at the head of the commission.
But the position became distasteful because of political attacks and intrigues and in 1910 Mr. Tait announced he would not accept a renewal of his appointment.
In announcing Mr. Tait's resignation in the Legislature, Hon. John Murray Premier of Victoria spoke of the retiring official as "a strong, fearless, man, of really great ability," who had never desired to do an injustice to anyone. He added that it would be a long time before Victoria could get a stronger man and she would have to go far before she could get as competent and able a man to fill his place. This sentiment was echoed in the press.
The honor of Knighthood came to Mr. Tait on New Year's Day, 1911, in recognition of his splendid services to the railways of an important section of the Empire. He was made a Knight of Grace of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem.
Returning to Canada after an extended world tour, Sir Thomas "Acted as president of the Montreal Citizens' Recruiting Association at the outbreak of the first Great War. In 1916 Sir Thomas was offered and accepted the position of Director-General of National Service. His duties were to seek co-ordination and improve the means of recruiting for war corps authorized and to be authorized. He was promised the full support of the Dominion Government. He had been in office barely a month when he resigned and was succeeded by R. B. Bennett.
The incident which led to Sir Thomas Tait's resignation had to do with his proposal to appoint G. M. Murray secretary to the Director of National Service. Objection was raised to his appointment because of an allegation that Mr. Murray had sent out an incorrect circular regarding Canadian products and materials, which had not been corrected. Mr. Murray corrected it and opposition to his appointment was withdrawn, but then Mr. Murray decided not to accept the position and Sir Thomas felt called upon to resign, which he did.
In 1928 Sir Thomas received from the University of New Brunswick the honorary degree of LL.D. He was at one time president of the Montreal branch of the Royal Empire Society, retiring from office in 1931. On his return to Canadian, he became interested in the Fredericton and Grand Lake Coat and Railway Company of which he was president. In later years he devoted much of his time to Parkhill Gold Mines of which he was president but he resigned that office in June 1937 owing to ill-health.
Sir Thomas is survived by his widow, formerly Miss Emily St. Aubert Cockburn; two sisters, Mrs. Harold Hampson of Montreal and Mrs. George O'Halloran, of Ottawa; two brothers, H. M. Tait, of Minneapolis and R. G. Tait, of Oliver, BC; three nephews, Robert Hampson an Hr. R. Hampson of Montreal and James O'Halloran, of Quebec; and three nieces, Mrs. Rutherford Caverhill and Mrs. Leslie Marler, of Montreal and Mrs. Anson Green, of Ottawa. His only daughter, Winifred Marion, who became Mrs. John Forney, died some years ago. The funeral service was held at All Saints Church in St. Andrews on Saturday, after which the body was taken to Montreal for cremation.
Shiretown Items—A Good Citizen. The passing of Sir Thomas Tait removes one of the best known among our summer visitors. He and his family spent many years at the Algonquin before building their present beautiful home "Link Crest." Sir Thomas took an active part, until recent years, in all things connected with summer life here, golf, swimming, tennis, sailing, dancing, and was as well known among local people as among summer residents. Heartiest expressions of sympathy are extended to Lady Tait by her many St. Andrews friends.
St. Croix Courier
Aug 8/1940
CPR President and Party Here
Beatty had been making an official visit in St. Andrews on Tuesday; hit St. Stephen on way out
St. Croix Courier
Aug 29, 1940
Shiretown Items
A Mexican Headache
At the regular meeting of the Kiwanis Club last week William Quin of Fredericton and St. Andrews was the guest speaker, and was listened to with great attention and pleasure by a nearly full attendance of the members. As a preface to his talk Mr. Quinn said he was not an orator, nor a speaker without terminal facilities, and placed an Ingersoll watch on the table to prove it. He said he proposed giving a short talk on his travels but could not hope to compete with the story of "ups and downs" of his friend Mr. Jones (who sat next to him at table) which he had read with much pleasure in the courier last winter. Mr. Quinn was not only a pleasing after dinner speaker but a fine table companion as well. He kept up a lively conversation during the supper with some seriousness but with plenty of "that comfortable type of humor that tickles without scratching." He confined his travel talk to an account of a trip he made to Mexico about three years ago. Much like some of the hunting and fishing trips we have been on, it seems that the finest part of a trip to Mexico is the getting home again. In fact, Mr. Quinn said, Mexico was a good place to stay away from. The great mass of people are half-breed descendants of Spaniards and Indians and have all the bad qualities of both races, with few of their good points. The country is hot and dusty and the native liquor, pulque, made from the juice of the maguey (a species of cactus) though potent, is most unpleasant to the palate. Mexico City, where Mr. Quinn made his headquarters, is about one and a quarter miles above sea-level. The speaker said he had a headache all the time he was there but did not state definitely that it was caused by the high altitude. (We hope it wasn't from the pulque.). There are points of interest in Mexico of course, especially to students of ancient history, and the speaker described his personal impressions as he was taken on the grounds. He made a visit to the newly discovered pyramids of this country which had been buried in sand for many years. He said they were higher than the famous pyramids in Egypt and generally supposed to be older. He went to a play spoken in Mexican. The show was to start at 8:30 and actually began an 10:20. He left at intermission, 1:30 am. He said with the exception of their meals and bull fights the Mexicans never started anything on time. To this listener the speaker's description of his visit to a bull fight was the highlight of the talk. The drama consists of three acts, 1. Baiting the bull (done by men on foot with bright colored cloaks), 2. Wounding the bull (done by men on horseback), 3. The finishing touch done by a man on foot. These performers have their special titles, the matadors, the toreador, and one other "dor," which I cannot recall. The speaker said their skill, speed, agility and courage could not be approached by participant in any other line of sport. He told something about the Mexican army, which as far as he could learn was made up in about equal numbers of privates and generals. He gave a sketch of the effervescent politics of the country. He noticed across by the wayside and was told it marked the spot where a political offender on being moved from one prison to another had complained of sore feet. He was given what they called the sure cure by the guards. In the past 35 years only one president had finished out his term-the rest had, either been shot or skipped the country with the contents of the treasury. Specimens of Mexican handicraft were passed around—a flagon, modelled from native clay, (which he regretted was empty), a beautiful panel picture done in needlework with colored silks, and pieces of Mexican money. Mr. Quin now owns a cottage in St. Andrews and spends his summers here, and is sure to receive many invitations in the future to speak to the Kiwanis club. Mr. Reevey, Kiwanian from Saint John, was at the meeting, and extended the greetings of the Saint John Club.
St. Croix Courier
Sept 5/1940
Shiretown Items
Inspiring
You may recall an item in this column a few weeks ago about a clipping pasted in a store window, "Great Britain will win this war" and so forth, and the effect it had on a gentleman who read it. The president of the Kiwanis, W. J. Rollins, thought it would be a nice idea to have the inspiring words printed on a card to distribute among the business places round town. He got a few printed and distributed them and soon had requests for more. The matter soon got beyond his private purse so he asked the bloc to have more prepared. As each new batch was distributed more and more requests kept coming in. The cards may now be seen in every car on the street. They have been sent all over Canada and the United States, to Great Britain and even to Australia. The Kiwanis liked the idea and asked permission to have some printed. They have already distributed a thousand. The St. Andrews club has distributed thirteen hundred and are getting 500 more printed. The card is 8 x 6 inches in size, has the flags of Great Britain and Canada at the top and the words, "Great Britain will win this war, Obey orders from those in authority. Plant your feet firmly on the ground. Keep your head erect. Carry on!"
The Two Horsemen
All are familiar with the story of the four horsemen, but have you heard the story of the two horsemen? A new and fine-looking horse has come to St. Andrews recently from some outlying part of the country, and is being used in trucking coal. An expert teamster (who admits he can drive any horse in Charlotte County), has been engaged to drive him in addition to the manhandling the coal. The story goes that this horse was so powerful and high-spirited that it required a man on each rein to hold him. Now one man driving two or even four horses is not uncommon, but two men driving one horse is a matter worthy of investigation. I called one morning where the truck was being loaded, and there was the teamster, feet braced, a firm grip on the reins. The horse was standing there peacefully enough, eyes half closed, dreaming of the clover fields and lush meadows where he had spent his youth. I asked the driver if there was any foundation for the stories current about town and he said the horse was unmoved by the greater nuisances of life such as trains and automobiles, but was greatly annoyed by little things such as flying paper and the noise of coal being unloaded. It struck me that this was an indication of a high order of intelligence, for to be annoyed at little things (such as losing your collar button beneath the bureau) is certain a human characteristic. But in truth the horse is a fine-looking animal, 1400 lbs., no more, nor less, and if he proves as good-natured as the two men in charge he will be decided acquisition to the town.
R. C. Peacock, partner in St. Stephen Branch of J. Clark and Son, ltd, who heads the New Brunswick Automobile Dealers Assoc, for coming year. Convention at Algonquin Aug.27 and 28. Lt. Gov. speaker. Held in Casino. A feature of the meeting was a demonstration by the Used Car Reconditioning Institute. Also on Tuesday afternoon General Motors held a conference of their own, taking advantage of the 150 members in town for convention. Lt. Gov. W. G. Clark of Fredericton.
Edit: A splendid move to combat the unfavorable publicity which Canada has been receiving in some parts of the US was made by the weekly newspapers of Ontario, in cooperation with the Ontario travel bureau, in taking 27 editors of weekly papers in neighboring states on a tour through our most populous province. The editors were agreeably surprised to find they could enter Canada with little or no difficulty, and were shown that the war is interfering not at all with recreation in this country. On returning home they did a great deal to convince people in their respective communities that stories which have been circulated of exorbitant prices and unreasonable restrictions were pure fiction. It might be a good idea for other provinces to follow Ontario's lead, for the weekly papers in both the United States and Canada are a potent force in influencing public opinion and if their editors cans be shown that these stories are malicious lies, tourists travel to this country is certain to feel the benefits.
St. Croix Courier
Sept 19/1940
Shiretown Items—Born Fifty Years too Soon
Most older residents of St. Andrews will recall the one and only and rather disastrous attempt of one of our inventive and ingenious citizens who tried to soar above the earth in a heavier-than-air machine. The incident occurred more than fifty years ago and the daring experiment was performed by Obadiah Conley. The wings constructed of light wood and cotton were attached to the arms. The tail, a sort of aerial rudder, was to be controlled by the legs. But therein hangs the tale. The tail got out of control, the ship became unmanageable, and rather precipitously fell to the earth, casting the would-be pilot upon the stony beach. The leap was made from the shed of the light house on the C. P. R. wharf, at a height of about forty feet from the ground, and although this local escaped without broken bones or serious bodily injury, his feelings were sadly hurt, and his enthusiasm for flying received a shock from which he never recovered. The matter was looked upon as a huge joke by the townspeople, and the crude contraption thought to be the product of a disordered mind. But the truth of the matter is that Mr. Conley was years ahead of his time, and his attempts compare favorably with the beginnings in automobile and aeroplane studies. What recalled all this to my mind was being told today by Thomas Pendlebury, who can remember the actual incident, that the skeleton of this wonderful and premature flying machine can be seen now in the museum at Machias, Maine. Mr. Conley was for years light keeper at Machias Seal Island, and when he left there this souvenir of his one and only flight was turned over to the museum. What a tragedy that Mr. Conley could not have been spared to witness the flying of today! What a thrill it would have been to him, and how justified he would have felt in his early beliefs.
David Graham celebrated his fifth birthday on Sept. 13th. A number of his little friends helped him enjoy his party. The birthday cake was enjoyed by all.
St. Croix Courier
Oct 24/1940
Shiretown Items
Hero Worship
To meet an old friend after an interim of 43 years, may not be considered news in the strictest meaning of the term but it certainly is a pleasant experience. I had a call a few days ago from John Bolger, who moved away from St. Andrews in 1896 and who I had not seen since. He has not been so far away, having lived since at Benton, New Brunswick, and has been an occasional visitor to St. Andrews, but as my place of business is somewhat off the beaten path I had not seen him on any of these infrequent visits. Since leaving here, he has been employed with the CPR and is now retired. He has a family of four, two boys and two girls, all grown up and some married. Of the many friends who visit us here from year to year, I can honestly say that not one of them has ever given me the thrill or started such a pleasant train of thoughts as I had on again meeting John Bolger. The reason for that is that when I was a small boy he was my hero. I came to St. Andrews from a small country place at eleven years of age [1889]. I had never seen a ball game, a circus, a show or any of those things that mean so much to a youngster. I first lived in the house now occupied by Edwin Thurber, and John lived near at hand in a house, since torn down, next door to McCaffery's now occupied by Mrs. Andrew Stuart. John used to frequently walk down to our house to sit on the bank and enjoy his after-dinner smoke. He was then sixteen years old. He was friendly to me from the first, and I began talking about him to my younger friends. They told me that John was a great athlete, could walk on his hands even, a feat I had never heard of and which seemed to me impossible. One day, however I plucked up courage to ask him I he could walk on his hands. He thereupon laid off his coat and gave me an exhibition which I have never forgotten. He walked on his hands for ten or twelve yards, then bending his back slowly lowered his feet to the ground and came up standing. He then bent slowly backward till his hands touched the ground and did what is called a slow back handspring. He did three of these in succession, then a quick one, and ended the performance by doling a back somersault without touching his hands to the ground at all. To say that I was thrilled and amazed is to express it mildly. From that day on he was my hero, and after a few years, by hard work and persistence, and many a sore back and aching limb, I learned to do most of these stunts, but never with the same grace and ease that seemed to come natural to John. We were afterwards intimately associated in football and gymnasium work, in which we were both greatly interested, and in which John was especially proficient. It is little wonder then that I was glad to see him, and now that the has found his way to my door, I hope that any time he is in St. Andrews he will make it a point to come and see me, for, as he expressed it himself, we could talk steadily for a week about the old days.
Raymond McQuoid left this week for Moncton where he will be in training as a pilot.
Edit: Good Tourist Season. Certainly here is a field worth cultivating, especially this year when the volume of travel fell far short of what had been expected.
St. Croix Courier
Oct 31/1940
Shiretown Items—The County Court House. 100 the anniversary. Quotes Adam, publisher of Standard on construction of same. "The item was written by Adam Smith, editor of the Standard, and then only 26 years of age. It is doubtful if any paper now printed in America is managed and edited by so young a man. Older residents will remember Mr. Smith as a dignified old gentleman with white hair and beard. He died in 1896, aged 82 years. It would be interesting if we could learn the names of the committee in charge of the work. The property at the corner of William and Water Streets is still known as the Berry estate (the architect's property), and the rent is collected by the heirs of Thomas Berry mentioned as architect. I have been told that the contractors, or man in charge, was a Mr. Conley who lived in the house at the head of Queen Street now occupied by Charles Stinson. The present jail was built in 1832. The former jail was at the head of Queen St. It was from this building that a prisoner, on trial for murder, escaped and was free for several years. He was afterward discovered in Boston, brought back and hanged. There have been six Sheriffs during this period of a hundred years since the building of the Court House. Colin Campbell was in office at the time of building but died that year, and was succeeded by Thomas Jones, who held the office till February 1865. Alexander Paul held the position from 1865 to 1883. R. A. Stuart 1883 to 1931, Victor H. Maxwell 1931 to 1933, and C. W. Mallory 1933 to the present time. Some of the prominent Barristers appearing in this Court House between the years 1840 and 1880 were James Chandler, S. Frye, Peter Thompson, P. Stubbs. Alexander T. Paul, George S. Grimmer, James J. Stevens (later County Judge), Benjamin R. Stevenson, James Mitchell (afterwards Premier of NB), Lewis "A. Mills, George S. Hill, George D. Street.
A Tilting We May Go—Mr. Jones, proprietor of Seaside Inn, has brought in the wind-mill, which was formerly used for pumping water at the Clark farm, and is having it erected on the lot used as a playground for guests at the Inn. Before the water system was installed we had several of these contraptions about town. Although they are picturesque in appearance, there is perhaps no contrivance more conducive to insomnia. I lived within a stone's throw of one for several years and attribute any inclination I may have towards profanity, to unprintable expressions composed during sleepless nights at that time. It may have been the attached pump which caused most of the racket. The rest of the rigging kept well-oiled may run smoothly and quietly enough. If not is it likely to produce a local Don Quixote.
St. Croix Courier
Nov 7/1940
Shiretown Items—Improved. The building at the CPR station, which serves as such but can hardly be dignified by the name of depot, has been considerably altered internally and a decided improvement effected. Formerly the staff did their work in a small, poorly lighted and gloomy room situated between two waiting rooms. One of the later was never used, the one set apart for ladies and so designated. The men's room was used on common and was a sort of co-educational institution. The latter was on the south-west end of the building and was bright and cheery. The partition between this room and the office has been torn down, and the door closed up, making a large, comfortable and convenient place to work in. The former ladies' waiting room, will now be used in common by the few who still travel by train.
St. Croix Courier
Nov 14/1940
Minister of Munitions and Supply Hon. C. D. Howe.
St. Croix Courier
Nov 21/1940
Shiretown Items
Perfect Food and Service
Mr. and Mrs. Jones, proprietors of Seaside Inn, are to be highly complimented on the efficient catering at the Kiwanis banquet. As one approached the table and let his eye wander idly over the yards of snowy linen, noted the decorative candles all alight, the bowls of fruits, dishes of jellies and olives, plates of rolls, a fruit cock-tail at each place, six young and attractive table girls in spick-and-span white line, and caught the first faint and delightful aroma of roast turkey as the door to the serving room swung open, it was enough to make one's mouth water in anticipation. The food was deliciously prepared and there was plenty of it. Paper crackers on being exploded were found to contain colored paper caps and conundrums which helped to put everybody in a happy mood. If this is a sample of the service offered guests at the Seaside Inn, it is no wonder their house was full to overflowing during the past summer, when others complained of a poor season. Visitors to St. Andrews are just discovering this attractive and comfortable stopping place, and it would seem that townspeople would be safe in sending any inquiring tourist there without incurring the risk of a "comeback."
One Cheering Thought
No doubt most persons living in Charlotte County have already visited Pennfield to look over the work being done there in preparation for an airport. It is surprising what machines and four or five hundred men can accomplish in so short a time. Those who visited the place just a few weeks ago, when the work was beginning, saw nothing but acres and acres of woods, which were being cut down, the stumps ploughed out and burned. Today there is a level field there extending miles in every direction, with some of the paved runways already completed, and gravel roads, on which dozens of trucks whiz by, running in all directions. Foundations have been laid for four hangers, 240 x 185 feet, and the erection of other buildings is soon to begin. There is to be a church, a hospital and a school to accommodate 800 pilots. It is here our airmen will study navigation and receive other finishing touches to their course. One of the engineers on the job said without any doubt it was the finest location in Canada for an airport—perfectly level ground and splendid drainage. In digging wells they had to pass through 20 feet of gravel before coming to any surface moisture. In looking over this work, we are struck with the thought of what a boon it is to Charlotte County—giving employment to so many men, and indirectly making that whole section of the county more prosperous. But on second thought the real purpose of it all comes home to us, and one is caused to feel that every nail being driven there is figuratively a nail in Hitler's coffin, and every sod turned is another shovelful over his grave.
St. Croix Courier
Nov 28, 1940
Shiretown Items
Amusing bear hunting story
St. Croix Courier
Dec 12/1940
Joe Cashman, manager of Algonquin, came to town on Tuesday.
St. Croix Courier
Dec 19/1940
Photo of St George's "New and Modern Theatre"—called "Capital"
Gerald Mitchell of Montreal is a guest of Mr. and Mrs. James McDowell for a short visit. He has also been to Campobello Island, where he visited his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Shepard Mitchell.
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