Item
St. Croix Courier
Jan 1, 1942
Shiretown Items
Remember This?
Mr. R. B. Clarke, a reader of the Courier how living in Toronto, but formerly of St. Andrews, seems to like the "old stuff" which appears in this paper. He has sent several fine photographs taken around St. Andrews about forty years ago. The Editor has turned them over to the writer of this column with a request for a little story to go with any which may be used in the paper. This may take some little time but the owner, who prizes the pictures and wishes them returned, will know from this that they will be kept carefully and returned in due time. It happens that Mr. Clarke and myself were intimate friends in the old days. I have no particular objection to disclosing my identity but just for fun will mention a couple of incidents occurring about 1900 and let "R.B." figure it out for himself. Four young men set out in a boat one day to sail around Deer Island, Charlie Richardson, Archie Calder, Bob Clarke and myself. In the midst of a heated argument between Clarke and Calder, as we were sailing through the middle of the harbour near Leonardville, the boat ran aground on a large rock. We had to wait there till the tide ebbed and flowed again before we could continue our journey. (Is that rock still there?) The other incident was a fishing trip to Digdeguash. Those present: Charlie Richardson, Billie Nicholas, Bob Clarke, and myself. We sailed across the Bay in a two-reef breeze. Remember how Billie would climb to the high side very time we put the lee scuppers under? And how safe and confident Billie felt when he and myself were delegated to go ashore for butter and eggs in the canoe which we carried as a tender? It was then that I for the first time was really scared, as the frail craft tossed about like an egg-shell on the choppy sea. Only my supreme confidence in Billie's skill and experience at the stern paddle kept me from having heart failure. Best of luck bob and a Happy New Year!
St. Croix Courier
Jan 8/1942
Old County Grammar School Has Graduate in Hundreds
[this would be a Worrell item, cf. the photos from Bob Clarke above]
St. Andrews, Jan.5.
Pictured above is the old Charlotte County Grammar School, whose hundreds of graduates or their descendants are scattered all over the North American continent and may even be found in lesser numbers in far-away parts of the world. It was erected in 1818 and was originally a square building with hip roof. Because of an increasing enrolment it became necessary at a later period to enlarge the building. An addition was built and the roof changed to the form shown in the picture.
To make way for the present modern cement structure known as the Prince Arthur School, the old building was removed in 1910 to a nearby lot. It was later purchased and removed to the waterfront to be used as a warehouse where it was destroyed in the disastrous fire of 1930. With its interesting history and all its fond memories and associations, it surely deserved a better fate.
List of CC Grammar School headmasters, among which S. Worrell
Shiretown Items
Drier or Wetter?
I have been told that there used to be thirteen wide-open bar-rooms in St. Andrews as well as a few private spots where one could quench his thirst if he had the password. Three or four saloons were located at the head of the Market Wharf, from which sea-faring men usually embarked on their long and perilous voyages. The saloons, thus situated, provided a place where the sailor and his stay-at-home companions could acquire fortitude for the words of farewell as the boat pulled out. No doubt the companions called in again on their way back to assuage their sorrow at the parting. The men of those days must have had a tremendous thirst and great capacity as they had to drink it all themselves. Even today with the ladies doing their bit it doesn't seem that the town could support thirteen barrooms. Are times better or worse?
St. Croix Courier
Jan 15, 1942
Shiretown Items
Hundred Thousand Mark
I was interested in looking over the first prescription file of the Wren Drug Store, established in 1881. It was located then in the Saunders building which was destroyed by fire about 1885. The Bank of Nova Scotia now occupies the same site. The business was established by T. R. Wren who continued as proprietor until his appointment as collector, when it was taken over by W. J. Rollins, the present owner. Most of the prescriptions of 1881 were signed either by S. T. Gove, Harry Gove or J. A. Wade, the practising physicians her at that time. Since that time close to one hundred thousand prescriptions have been filled at the counter and they are all there on file.
St. Croix Courier
Jan 22/1942
Shiretown Items
St. Andrews Board of Trade holds meeting. Considers tourism issues such as bathing beach, cottages on shore to rent, chance to catch lobsters, shore dinners, cabins on seashore, rooms near water, handicrafts, history. Fully back plan to establish public bathing beach in St. Andrews next summer.
Commonsense Move
In order to conserve gasoline and tires the grocery trucks are now making only two deliveries a day. Orders for morning delivery should be in before 10 o'clock and in the afternoon before 4 o'clock.
St. Croix Courier
Jan 29/1942
Shiretown Items
Friendship
The many friends of Pilot Officer Raymond McQuoid, who is with the Air Force in England, were pleased to hear his voice over the air one night last week. And what a thrill it must have been for his father and mother! The program was announced during the morning news broadcast and for an hour or two Mr. and Mrs. McQuoid were kept busy answering telephone calls by friends wanting to be sure they knew Raymond was going to speak. They even had calls from friends in St. Stephen. People are like that, aren't they? It's what helps to keep this world a happy one—even with its war and misery. Reception was good and Raymond's voice came through as clear and distinct as if he had been in the next room.
Correction
In a recent item I stated that Wren's Drug Store started in the Saunders building and that this building was burned about 1885. The business started in what is still known as the Saunders building, the one now occupied by J. W. Ross, and later moved to the building that was burned on the site where the Bank of Nova Scotia now is situated.
St. Andrews passes blackout test at 11:15. "At the close the new mobile canteen, presented to the town by Mrs. R. M. Redmond, was used for the first time to serve refreshments to the C. V. C. personnel."
Wren's Drugstore started in Saunders Building, "the one now occupied by J. W. Ross, and later moved to building that was burned on the site where the Bank of NS is now situated."
St. Croix Courier
Feb 5/1942
Shiretown Items
The New Museum
Those who are interested in old furniture and other antiques are looking forward to the opening of the museum on King Street next summer. T/his building, completely renovated and furnished, is being presented to the Town as a memorial by Rev. and Mrs. H. P. Ross. It is said that all of the furniture was purchased here in St. Andrews, most of it being pieces that were brought here by the Loyalists when the town was founded in 1783. There are still many fine pieces of old furniture in use in homes about town which are in excellent condition. I was in a room recently where practically every article was more than a hundred years old and it all looked like new. It was all of mahogany except one piece, a beautifully designed chair, made from New Brunswick hardwoods by the present owner's grandfather about 125 years ago. One of the most beautiful tables, of two colors in mahogany, is thought to have been made by a cabinet maker here in St. Andrews in the shop of the building just next door to Andraeleo Hall. The silk and wool upholstery on an old mahogany sofa is still in pretty good condition after a century's use. A sofa pillow done in petite-point with fine woollen threat shows colors as bright as ever although it was done in 1845. The house itself was built about 1840, and the mantel-piece all done by hand, is a work of art. The paper of this room, bright and clean, and of a beautiful pattern, was put on 78 years ago! To examine this fine workmanship of a century ago and compare it with the modern machine-made stuff with which most of us have to be satisfied is almost to make us believe that the world is progressing backwards.
St. Croix Courier
Feb 12/1942
Part of Victory Loan drive to be held at Marina Theatre, where "Churchill's Island" and "Heroes of the Atlantic" will be shown.
St. Croix Courier
Feb 12/1942
Photo of Fort Tipperary in pre-Shaughnessy times. Land still owned by government under lease to Shaughnessy for 99 years.
St. Croix Courier
Feb 19/1942
Bit of steamer history: a drawing showing the Admiral in the harbour mentioned. Same as in Archives office? First steamer 1835. Donald McLaren mentioned in "Up versus Down," piece on local hockey rivalry—Donnie in goal.
Photo 1896 of nomination day meet at Court House. Crowd present. Names of local officials.
St. Croix Courier
March 5, 1942
Shiretown Items
Old Railways
A reader has sent me a book of instructions of the New Brunswick and Canada Railway, and Land Company. It was printed by the Standard Press at St. Andrews in 1859. It is leather bound, fastens with a strap, is made to hit the hip pocket, and looks as if it had been carried thus for many years. It was found in the attic of a house torn down several years ago and is supposed to have been the property of William Little who had lived in this house formerly and was a railway engineer running into St. Andrews in those early years when wood was used as fuel in the engines. [some general and local railway history here]
St. Croix Courier
March 12, 1942
Shiretown Items
Some Local History
When a reader writes a long letter—twenty closely written pages of ordinary sized "notepaper—and begins it "Just as soon as the Courier comes I turn to the Shiretown Items", when he states that he is old enough to clearly remember the Saxby Gale (1869), when he tells of many interesting personal experiences during his boyhood and youth spent here; and when he says that although he has covered a lot of ground since leaving St. Andrews he has never found a place that he liked as well as the old home town, it seems that his letter should have public recognition. The wrier was W. F. McStay, now living in Moncton. I have never known nor met this old friend of St. Andrews as he left here before I came in 1889, but if he ever visits here I hope he will look me up. He says he had a letter recently from William Brown, another native son probably remembered by the older folks before my time. Mr. Brown's father was Collector of Customs here and Thomas Stinson whom we younger fellows can well remember as a customs officer began work with him. Mr. McStay was living at the corner of Princess Royal and Carleton streets at the time of the big gale. He says every shade tree in town was uprooted and flattened to the ground. He was much interested in the picture of Fort Tipperary, appearing recently in the Courier, and remembers the band that used to practise there. He says there were 400 soldiers stationed there at one time and his grandfather Dr. McStay was the army doctor. He has a vivid recollection of wonderful coasting on Kirk Hill, of wharves lined with ships, loading or unloading; of sham fights the soldiers used to have; of marching to the cemetery and back on a soft day in winter with a new pair of shoes which were ruined. He remembers Harold Stickney's father, who also must have been musician as the writers claims he could swear by note. The old armoury, destroyed by fire, had a wonderful bell. It could be heard, in St. Stephen when the wind was blowing upriver. After the fire the bell was melted down and everybody in town had a ring made from it, cast by Mike McMonagle at his foundry. (I wonder if anybody in town has one of those old rings!) Mr. McStay speaks of Jim Handy, organizer of fox hunts on Minister's Island; of the launching of the Annie P. Odell; of single scull races between Bob Brown and Harry Jones in their fifty-foot racing shells. Mr. McStay worked in the machine shop here and recalls the names of some more of the old wood-burner locomotives, the "Shamrock," the "Thistle," the "Rose" and the "Manners Sutton." He remembers the old river boats including the Belle Brown. When the weather was thick Eber Polleys was engaged to stand on the wharf and blow bugle-calls in answer to the steamer's whistle so she could find her way in. . . . Mr. McStay tells of an interesting local incident connected with the so-called "Trent Affair," of 1861 as told to him by his father who was an eyewitness. The people of St. Andrews had known nothing of this affair which nearly caused war between United States and Great Britain and were much surprised when a British troop ship steamed into the harbour. Several hundred soldiers were put ashore and formed on at Gove's hall near the depot headed by a military band. They marched to the head of the town, then down again with fixed bayonets, the band playing and the soldiers singing, "We'll grease our bayonets on the Rebels 'way down in Dixie." Then they boarded the train with the local inhabitants none the wiser,; but after a few days they were back again, boarded their ship and sailed away never to return. The Trent affair, thanks to wise heads, had been settled amicably.
St. Croix Courier
April 2/1942
Shiretown Items
The Silent Steed
Much was written about the bicycle when it enjoyed the height of its popularity in the gay nineties. To the young people flying over the country roads on this frail machine, many unkind and profane things were said by farmers met along the way when their usually quiet horses were inclined to become fractious at the sudden appearance of a fast moving "bike." For several years the rights of the road were denied cyclists and in passing teams they were forced near or into the ditches as he roads in those days were very narrow. Fortunately for the rider deep ditches had not been introduced at that time, Dogs along country roads seemed to have a special aversion for bicycles and often made things unpleasant for the cyclist as he could seldom sail by as in a car unless he was on a down grade when the dog appeared. Most of the boys in those days carried a pistol loaded with household ammonia. One squirt of that in the dog's face was usually sufficient to cure him of the wheel-chasing habit for the remainder of the season. What was at first believed to be a wonderful accessory for night riding was the acetylene lamp. But it was soon learned that its only and rather doubtful value, was that the rider could see an object in the road just soon enough to know what he hit. I was riding down Dougherty's hill one night in that long ago, about ten yards behind Jim Clinch. We both had our headlights shining and were going pretty past. Suddenly Jim's light, which was all I could see of him, leaped into the air and turned a complete circle. We had no brakes in those days but I swerved aside in time to avoid the cow then struggling to its feet and which Jim had hit "plumb centre." There is one more a great demand for wheels—much greater than dealers can supply. Young and old are out again, breathing the pure fresh air instead of gasoline fumes. Good luck to them everyone, with the wind in their faces and joy in their hearts.
In A Good Cause
It is several years since the theatrically minded people of St. Andrews have undertaken to produce a show on the scale of the "Pageant" or "History of St. Andrews," now being produced by the Women's Canadian Club and to be shown in Andraeleo Hall on April 9th. A number of years ago the young people with a talent for acting used to get together every winter under the direction of some older person and prepare a show, usually a drama, to be offered to the public about this time of year. Because of pictures and radio the present generation have become accustomed to being satisfied with entertainment which is provided for them without any effort on their own part. But all older folks will agree that no entertainment affords as much pleasure and satisfaction as that which we provide for ourselves. And the greater the effort required the more lasting the pleasure. And such a show always meets with the whole-hearted support and patronage of the public in general. The coming pageant has been planned for months, and rehearsed for weeks and is sure to draw a full house. No less than forty persons are taking part and eighty-five characters of the past are to be depicted. Attics and old clothes chests have been ransacked for costumes and through the kindness of a well-to-do friend of St. Andrews several elaborate period character dresses are being sent down from Montreal. Four reasons why all should attend this show: 1. The drama has been written by a clever local girl, Miss Frances Wren; 2. The lines sparkle with wit and humor; 3. You are sure to get your money's worth; 4. The Canadian Club needs the money.
1941-2 set record in tourist traffic through St. Stephen. 27,683 tourist cars to April 1. Surpassing highest previous record of 24,179 in 1939.
St. Croix Courier
April 9, 1942
Shiretown Items
A Century in Business
Harold Stickney is quietly celebrating the hundredth anniversary of the business establishment now known as the "Stickney Wedgwood Store." His father, George, F. Stickney, came here and started a jewelery and watch-making business in 1842. His first shop was in the building now owned by Wren's Drug Store. When he married a local girl they moved into the building next door and carrying on the business in the shop underneath. It was in this building that Harold was born. Mr. Stickney gradually introduced other lines and was the first dealer in St. Andrews to sell lamps and kerosene. Up to that time everybody "rolled their own," chiefly from tallow—only the more well-to-do could afford wax candles. During the past few years Harold's greatest ambition has been to stick it out for the centenary. He has now safely passed the mark and is going strong o the second hundred. His father was in business 48 years and Harold has been carrying on at the present stand for 52 years, which in truth is a long time. We extend heartiest congratulations and best wishes for the years go come.
Who Knows?
Reference was made in an item recently about the burning of the old armoury here and the making of rings from the armoury bell which was melted down for that purpose. I have located two or those rings and have seen one of them—formerly the property of the late Thomas Stinson. It is a signet ring with a heart shaped signet. The other ring was worn by the late Sarah Heenan and is now I am told in the possession of Mrs. Marshall. I have as yet been unable to find out where the armoury was situated or in what year it burned.
Interesting Snaps
I have enjoyed looking over a snapshot album of pictures sent to his wife by Lt. Edwin Snell, who has been in England for some time. Most of the snaps are of Eddie himself and show that soldiering has so far agreed with him. He appears to be in perfect physical condition and looks just like the fine fellow all his friends know him to be. Several other New Brunswick boys are shown, including Raymond McQuoid and Dave Tennant of St. Andrews. . . .
Cherry Hill
I have learned what constitutes to true "Cherry Hill" in St. Andrews and how it got its name. About 1825 Dr. McStay purchased the entire block on which the house he built, though later remodelled, still stands and which is known to the present generation as the Wallace Property. Indians were camping on a little cleared spot at the time and were asked to vacate. The remainder of the block as well as all the rest of that part of the town, though surveyed for streets, consisted of thick woods. While the house was being built a bear used to come out and feed on scraps the men threw to him. A Mr. Jack built the house now owned by the Misses Morris (occupied in summer by Marshall Hodgeman) and the McStay boys cut a path through the woods so that the families could visit back and forth. When Dr. McStay cleared the remainder of the block he found a row of cherry trees running straight through the centre which he thought must have been planted by the Indians as there were none found elsewhere in the neighborhood. He named his home" Cherry Hill," which name it still bears. About fifty years ago that whole neighborhood was called Cherry Hill and the boys who lived there were known as the Cherry Hill Gang.
Got Response
Readers who remember an item a couple of months ago on Minister's Island and the Douglass family will be interested to know it brought quite satisfactory results. A letter from W. J. Huer of Edgerton, Wisconsin, states that he has had communications from a supposed relative in St. George and, more interesting still, from one in London, England. It will be recalled that Mr. Huer was trying to get some facts about his ancestry.
St. Croix Courier
April 16, 1942
Shiretown Items
The Pageant, "A Story of St. Andrews," which was presented by the programme committee of the Women's Canadian Club on Thursday evening, April 9, in Andraeleo Hall, was successful in every way, and far exceeded the highest hopes of the committee. A capacity audience applauded every scene and went home feeling that they had enjoyed one of the best shows to be produced here by local talent in a long time. The sketch read preceding each scene was interesting and explanatory. The scenes were impressive and instructive, the costumes quaint and beautiful and the characters, both male and female, all portrayed by women of the club, were excellently done. The net proceeds will amount to considerably over $100. The scenes depicted with date of each are as follows: 1604, Champlain and DeMonts at Dochet Island; 1760, the Indian Wedding; 1775, The Trading Post; 1783, the Landing of the Loyalists; 1788, Robert Pagan, M. P.; 1788, A Parliamentary Ball, "the Minuet"; 1812, the Blockhouse, a British Grenadier; 1838, Coronation of Queen Victoria, celebrated by the roasting of an ox in Market Square; 1850, the Bucket Brigade; 1867, a Valentine Ball, "The Mazurka"; 1852, Advent of the Railway; 1895, Fashion Parade of the Gay Nineties; 1942, "Land of Hope and Glory."
St. Croix Courier
May 14/1942
Shiretown Items
Salvage
"Any bones, any bottles, any rags today?" any appears or metals to give away? Save everything in the way of salvage. It will be collected every two weeks. Tie up papers and magazines securely and separately. The magazines, no matter how old, if clean and in fair condition, can be distributed to army camps as reading material for the boys. Save medicine bottles in cardboard carton. Rags may be tied securely in bundles. Make three separate bundles, one for woollens, one for white cottons, and one for colored cottons, silks, and other materials. Metals should be in a carton or sack. Bones should be kept in a metal container with a cover to avoid any disagreeable odour while waiting for the collector. The bones will be taken away and your container left to gather more. A cage is being built at the dump in which to keep the bones while they are being cleaned and prepared for shipment by rats and the weather. "Ever little bit, added to what we've got, makes just a little bit more." So save your salvage and help beat Hitler.
The Old Town Bell
I have not only found out where the old armoury was situated but have a picture of it. Bell-tower and all. Am going to get a copy of the picture made to send in for the Courier. The present bell has been ringing out its calls from refreshment to labour and from labour to refreshment again since the year 1876. The ringing of the bell is one of the institutions of this quaint old town. It is doubtful if a similar custom prevails anywhere else in Canada. About 85 years ago an up-to-date alderman proposed putting in a clock and dispensing with the bell except for fire alarms. But others on the Board with more sentiment for St. Andrews soon disposed of his well meant but, to some, almost criminal proposal. Following is my personal tribute to my lifelong friend, Herbert Greenlaw, the present bell-ringer:
The Bell Ringer
Have you ever thought
As you lie in your bed
So snugly ticked in
From your toes to your head,
Of the man who turns out
Without any talk
To ring the town bell
At seven o'clock!
In all kinds of weather
Each day he must go
In the sunshine of summer
Or winter's cold snow
To send us a message
That all is still well
When we hear him ringing
The old town bell.
Week in and week out
At morn, noon and night
His message of cheer
Keeps our little world bright.
So here's to the bell-ringer,
Health and good cheer!
May he still ring the bell
For many a year!
Legislature approved only 5-year fixed tax valuation for Algonquin. Government now looking askance on such devices generally. "It can be easily understood how anyone might oppose this practice on general principle, but when it comes down to a specific case affecting our own community one can be excused for looking on the matter at a much closer angle. The closing of the Algonquin Hotel which would have resulted had the Council not favoured the extension, would be looked upon by 99 our of 100 citizens as nothing less than a calamity."
St. Croix Courier
May 21, 1942
Shiretown Items
To Renovate Court House
The property committee of the County Council were in town recently looking over the Court House, with a view to doing some repair work. They have decided to have the building put in first class shape. This will include new steps, new fence, and a complete paint job. The committee are to be congratulated on their decision which should meet with the approval not only of the Council but of all right-thinking persons throughout the county. The people of St. Andrews and of the count have been very proud of this fine building since its erection in 1840, and will be pleased to learn that the committee, notwithstanding the rather straitened condition of the county's finances, have the courage to go ahead and do a first-class job.
Who are Missing?
Here is one for the old-timers to puzzle over. I have tried to recall the householders on the south-western side of Water Street fifty years ago. The reader is asked to make corrections if necessary and fill in the five blanks. From Depot to Blockhouse: Thomas Richardson, Fred Stinson, Thomas McCracken, Theodore Holmes, Mr. Bell, Mrs. Simpson, T. R. Wren, blank, William Carson, Robert McQuoid, Mrs. Main, Mrs. Bolger, George McCarrrey, George Swift, Theobald Rooney, William Glss, William Clark, W. E. Mallory, Lansdowne Hotel, John Quinn, Mrs. Murchie, Mrs. Moore, Townsend Ross, Thomas Black, blank, Mr. McKinney, James Grant, T. A. Hartt, E. Odell, Peter Clark, Neil Lochary, E. Irwin, B. F. DeWolfe, Mrs. Bradford, James Stoop, blank, blank, "Buzzard Roost," Ed. Fortune, Ann Bolton, Mrs. Hunt, Mrs. McAleenan.
St. Croix Courier
May 28/1942
St. Andrews Scene About 1860
(By J. F. W.)
The above is a copy made by A. Shirley of an old photo taken in St. Andrews about 1860. The building in the centre was used for various purposes and was referred to under various names. The whole of the first floor was used as a market house, while the upper story did service as a town hall, court-house and armoury. Two unfortunates, negro brother and sister, were hanged from the beam connecting the pillars, somewhere about 1870, for the crime of infanticide. The large square building to the left will be recognized as Paul's hall, which is still standing. The smaller building to the right, probably burned along with the centre building, was used as a fire engine house. The gaol, I am told, was directly behind the centre building.
Unfortunately I cannot name in order the brave men and true who posed for this photo in their snappy uniforms, but following is a list of names copied from the pay-roll of this Militia in 1866 which probably includes all in the picture:
Henry Whitlock, John J. Jones, Andrew Lamb, James McDonald, John McMullin, John Breen, John K. Stinson, E. A. Street, Gregory Burns, William Mills, Albert Day, Arthur Baxter, F. Boyd, Charles Butler, Robert Clark, James Dougherty, Robert Coe, David Eggleton, Edward Elliott, Edward Flewelling, Allan Gow, Rueben Haddock, J. O'Hare, Robert Lawson, Hugh McMullin, Jason Haddock, Thomas McGrath, Michael McDonald, Pat McVay, Douglass Pelton, Reuben McCurdy, J. I. Street, Joseph Shaw, Angus Stinson, George Stinson, James Stinson, John McCurdy, George Williams, William Wiley, John Wren, William Wren, K. Campbell, Samuel Barber, William Gibson, William Sharkey, James Gibson, Ben Johnson, Robert Elliott, George Gibson, James McGill, John Dolley.
St. Croix Courier
June 4, 1942
Shiretown Items
Former Householders
The old folks were interested in the list of householders of fifty years ago and several came forward to supply the missing names. Those omitted were Walter Leonard, Alex McMullin, Ann Falls, Thomas McGrath. Thomas Healey, Isaac Snodgrss, Mr. Beckerton (or James Glass) in the house now occupied by Malcolm McFarlane. Here is the other side of the street at that period as nearly as I can recall it: Miss Smith, Michael McMonagle, Henry Quinn, James Hines, Wheeler Mallock (?), Ben Petrie, Patsy Sheehan, Mrs. Stinson (?), Herb Ross, Henry O'Neill, Obadiah Conley, Nathan Treadwell, blank, Robert Billings, Russell Maloney, Miss Clark, Guthrie Treadwell, Hanford Thurber, John Burton, Edwin Saunders, Fletcher Stevenson , Harry Williamson, John S. Magee, Thomas Williamson, Mrs. Clark, G. H. Stickney, Albert Shaw, Sheriff Stuart, S. H. Rigby, Ann Hatch, blank, Mr. McLaughlin, Miss Morrison, blank, James Henderson, William Ross, James Ross, John McFarlane (?), Jim McConvey, John Friars, Fred Topp, blank, John Jackson, James Powers.
Wooden Wheels
The first motor vehicle in this vicinity to adopt wooden tires is the machine operated by Walter Stuart. I am unacquainted with the correct name for this conveyance, but it might be described as a baby motorcycle or a glorified "scooter." Walter has been running a wooden tire for a couple of weeks and it has been giving good satisfaction. The tire was made by our local wheelwright, Nelson Pye.
St. Croix Courier
June 11/1942
R. A. F. Sergeant Armourer charged with Murder of Black's Harbour Girl.
Battered, Unclothed Body of Bernice Connors Found Hidden Under Moss in Field
Murder Charge Laid in Black's Harbour Police Court Yesterday by Staff Sergeant Davis, R.C.M.P. Heading Investigation
Sgt. Tom Roland Hutchings, an armourer of the Royal Air Force now stationed at the Pennfield Operational Training Unit, was charged with the murder of Bernice Connors when he was arraigned in police court at black's Harbor late yesterday afternoon before Ellis A. Nason, stipendiary magistrate of the Parish of Pennfield. The charge was laid by Detective Staff Sergeant Frank W. Davis, R.C.M.P., who has been in charge of the investigation. Sgt. Hutchings, a native of England, is one of an R.A. F. group recently arrived in Canada. He was remanded without pleas until 10 am June 18.
A crime which for sheer brutality has no parallel in the modern history of Charlotte County was uncovered at Black's Harbor on Sunday when the battered body of Bernice Connors, 19, was found in a field near the Deadman's Harbour road victim of a field who beat her to death with a rock and then apparently fearful that she might survive, returned to cut a jagged slash across her throat. The attractive young woman, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. Edwin Connors, had been missing since Friday night but no alarm was felt until Sunday. A search had been underway that day only a short time when D. P. Guptill, chief of police at Black's Harbor, found the practically naked body some 40 feet from the highway.
When she failed to return home from the dance her parents thought she had gone to the home of a friend or relative for a few days, as was sometimes her practice; and hence no alarm was given. One of the girls' shoes found on the highway proved the clue which led to discovery of the crime. It was picked up by a resident of the district who took it home where his daughter identified it as belonging to Miss Connors, and subsequently the tried to get in touch with her to tell her of the find. In the attempt to locate her which followed it was soon established that she had not been seen since the dance on Friday night and the police were notified.
Leading the searchers on Sunday, Mr. Guptill went to the road where the shoe had been found and walking along it came upon its mate lying on the opposite side and a little distance away from where the first one had been picked up. The ground here showed signs of a scuffle. Looking about, Mr. Guptill noticed a slight mound in the field, which skirts the highway at that point. It was covered with moss. Walking to it and brushing aside some of the covering, the police found the body of the girl, naked except for a light garment thrown across her hips, and lying on her back with her eyes staring straight upward. Her hands were folded across her chest.
The body was discovered Sunday afternoon, more than 40 hours after Miss Connors was last seen alive. The back of the head was badly battered as though by a rock or some similar rough implement, and there was evidence of severe head injury. Her throat was also cut but since very little bleeding had occurred from that wound it was presumed that she was already dead when it was inflicted.
. . . Dr. Arnold Branch of Saint John, provincial pathologist, was also called to the scene on Monday and the body was removed to an undertaking parlor in St. George where he performed an autopsy. Nothing was disclosed of the results of this examination.
Mr. Mehan summoned a jury of Black's Harbour men who viewed the body and the scene of the crime Monday morning and then adjourned the inquest until June 16. Miss Connors attended the weekly dance held at the Community Hall at Black's Harbor on Friday evening, and sometime between 10 pm and 1 am, when the dance broke up, she left the building and was not seen again. A bracelet identified as her was found on the road leading from the main highway to the Community Hall.
If the police knew anything about who her companions had been at the dance, or who she left the hall with, they maintained a strict silence. The spot where the body was found is in the opposite direction from that which she would have taken to her home, and is roughly a quarter of a mile from the Community Hall.
St. Croix Courier
June 18, 1942
Shiretown items
Chamcook Plant to Open
The proprietors of Chamcook Holiday Camps intend to pack fish this summer at the canning plant on their property. A spur long enough to hold four cars is now being constructed by the CPR to facilitate the unloading of the necessary machinery. The Camps have been receiving numerous applications from prospective guests for the summer. Unless the beef situation improves the management fear there will be difficulty in feeding all who wish to come.
St. Croix Courier
June 24, 1942
Shiretown Items
Return of the Old Picket Fence
What inanimate thing is more friendly or more attractive than a white picket fence? Fifty years ago, cattle frequently roamed about the streets at will, and it was a common sight to see them tethered to a stake on the grass-grown sidewalks and ditches. True there was a law against it, a pound and pound-keeper, and occasionally when a cow became too much of a nuisance it was impounded and the owner fined $1.00. But nearly everybody in self-defence kept their grounds surrounded with a high board fence. Some of the more artistic began introducing the picket fence. Of late years, however, since the cattle menace had disappeared, it has become customary to leave the grounds open or perhaps enclosed with a hedge. If the dog nuisance continues unabated it may be necessary for everyone to put up fences again. If you are thinking of building an attractive picket fence, go around and take a look at the one recently erected on the lot formerly occupied by the primary school and now owned by R. M Redmond. It is built in graceful curves, is painted white with black trim, and on the square or on the level is geometrically correct to the thousandth part of an inch. The whole lot has been laid out in flower beds, which of necessity must make a good showing to keep in tune with the fence.
Young Cyclist
The youngest rider to appear here on a bicycle is Peter Williamson, five years old. Peter has a brand new safety and can ride like a grown-up. When he goes for a spin he is always attended by his Uncle Leigh or Aunt Alice with whom he is staying, which is a wise precaution.
Rural Cemetery Burial
Helen Norris
Age 69
Maiden, Colored
Lot 144A
July 6, 1942
St. Croix Courier
July 9, 1942
Sergt. Hutchings to Stand Trial of Charge of Murder
36 Witnesses Testify in Three-Day Hearing. Accused has no Counsel and Asks no Questions
Murder Trial Opens Sept. 8
Blacks Harbour, July 4
Sergt. Tom Roland Hutchings, 21-year-old armourer in the Royal Air Force, stationed at Pennfield, late Friday afternoon was committed to stand trial at the next court having criminal jurisdiction in the County of Charlotte for the murder of Bernice Connors. The next sitting of the Charlotte Circuit Court is scheduled to open at St. Andrews on Tuesday, Sept. 8.
Accused heard 36 prosecution witnesses testify against him, asked not a single question, and informed Magistrate E. A. Nason prior to being committed to jail to await trial, that he had nothing to say and did not wish to call any witnesses in his own behalf.
Friday afternoon Dr. John M. Roussel, medico-legal expert, and assistant to Dr. R. Fontaine, in the Province of Quebec, medico-legal laboratory, testified that he had discovered a number of human blood stains on the R. A. F. uniform handed to him by Detective Staff Sergeant F. W. Davis of he R. C. M. P. and Sergeant Davis told of securing the uniform from Hutchings at the Pennfield air station.
During the two day preliminary hearing, Hutchings was not represented by counsel, while. M. Groom, clerk of the peace for Charlotte County conducted the prosecution and had associated with him E. B. McClatchy, of the attorney-general's department. Flt. Lieut. Elvanson, of he R. A. F. attended the court proceedings and took a watching brief of the Air Force. . . . The second witness of the afternoon was Detective Staff Sergeant F. W. Davis of the R. C. M. P. He told of coming to Black's Harbor in the early morning of June 8, arriving here at 12:15. . . . "I have the accused the customary warning. I told him he did not have to answer any questions. He said he clearly understood the warning and he gave me a short resume of what he had done on the night of Friday, June 5. I asked him for the uniform he wore on Friday night. He was wearing it at the time, and took it off and gave it to me. I also took several other articles of clothing from his room. He was wearing glasses when I interviewed him at Pennfield," said the witness. He said he took them from the room of the accused, and with the consent of the accused, two pairs of socks, two handkerchiefs, two collars, a tie, a suit of underwear and a pair of shoes. These were later turned over to R. C. M. P. Corporal Rime.
"On the morning of June 10, while looking around the community Hall here, I discovered a bluish handkerchief near the kitchen door. The handkerchief was stained. I kept this in my possession and turned it over to Dr. J. M. Roussel in Montreal on the morning of June 25."
"I interviewed the accused in the jail at St. Andrews on June 13, and asked him to give me a ring he had on his finger, and he gave me the ring," continued the witness.
The tunic, trousers and belt taken from the accused at Pennfield were produced at this point and offered and received in evidence as well as a pair of shoes, a handkerchief found by the witness outside the Community Hall and several other articles taken from the room of Hutchings at the air station.
Detective Sergeant Davis said he had located a rock, stained with blood, on the highway near the spot where the body of Miss Connors was discovered. He found the rock on June 10, and this too was handed over to the Dr. Roussel, and identified by the witness in court and submitted in evidence. . . .
The witness identified the uniform in court as the one handed to him , and said he had made an examination of the clothing and found a number of blood stains on the tunic and trousers. "I would say the stains were human blood stains," said the witness, and then went into details as to the different places the stains had been found. He said there was a single dark stain on the belt, and was of the opinion it too was a blood stain, but could not say that it was a human blood stain. Dr. Roussel said he was unable to group the blood from the stains. He attributed this to the fact that stains that had been on cloth for some time or on cloth which had been submitted to heat lose their properties; therefore making it impossible to group the blood.
St. Croix Courier
July 16, 1942
Shiretown Items
Our Pet Peeve
Most movie fans can develop sufficient will power and concentration to ignore the person who chews gum with a snap, the "loud laugh that speaks the vacant mind," or the clever person who explains the picture in advance. But when the sweet little thing just behind sitting with legs crossed, starts to kick the back of your seat in an attempt, which always fails, to keep time with the music there then are only three sensible things to do: 1. Leave the hall and demand your money back, which seems rather drastic; 2. Move to a different seat, which is not always possible; 3. Reach down and grab the offending ankle, which certainly should prove effective. But do we do any of these things? No, we sit there and suffer in silence and leave he hall with frayed nerves and crotchety temper, and on the way home snap impolitely at our wife if she had the temerity to mention how much she liked the show. But alas! Before many days the names of some of our favourite stars appear on the bill-board. We reason that both provincial and federal governments derive a nice revenue from the picture industry, and that the boys who own the theatre must live. The neat little foot that offended all unwittingly, is forgotten and when the lights dim and the sound comes on, we are once again there in our favorite place.
Confusion
An unadvertised air-raid warning last Friday evening about 9:30 took everybody unawares and of course they all did exactly the wrong thing. Everyone who was not already on the street got there as quickly as possible and made for the business section to find out where the fire was. One bomb would have been sufficient to destroy practically the entire population. The error was due to the fact that the signal adopted for air-raids is exactly the same as has been used for bad fires. A change should be made so people will not again be misled. Why not return to the old town bell for fire alarms for the duration?
St. Croix Courier
July 23/1942
New Brunswick-PEI Golf Championship fought at Algonquin Course
St. Croix Courier
July 30, 1942
Shiretown Items
A Howling Success
With three sirens shrieking at full blast and most of the small children of the town awakened from sleep in terror to add their screams to the general racket, the blackout at 10:15 on last Friday night may be said to have been a "howling" success. Some of us recalled the alarm created by the first siren ever heard in these parts. It was on a tug from Nova Scotia whose captain evidently had a sense of humour. The tug cruised into Bocabec Bay about dusk one summer's evening and let go two or three ungodly howls. There was no other reason for doing so except to alarm the natives, and this no doubt was the object and probably afforded the captain considerable amusement. One fellow was out in the woods hunting for a cow that had strayed and at the terrifying sound, he immediately lost all interest in the cow and put for home. When he had recovered his breath after doing a mile or so at top speed he told a thrilling and hair-raising story of his narrow escape from an "injun devil." He little thought that the family at home and some neighbors, who happened to be present had also heard the siren, but he believed the awful cries were in the woods a few yards from where he stood. Those who have been alone in the woods at night know how startling any unusual sound can be. The shriek of a bobcat or even the hoot of an owl near at hand, heard for the first time and unexpectedly, is enough to give a man the creeps. So it is little wonder that our friend William was deceived into believing that the injun devil, famous in fireside stories of the old folks when he was a small boy, had once more gone on the prowl. In his imagination he could see the huge cat-like animal leaping from tree to tree as he ran and could hear the crashes in the branches overhead. The fact that those at home had also heard and been alarmed by the noise, as they stated after he had finished his tale, was not sufficient to convince him of the unreality of his terrible experience Even when the tug visited St. Andrews next day and howled in broad daylight, thus disclosing the source of the alarm, William was still reluctant to admit the possibility that the had been deceived.
St. Croix Courier
August 6, 1942
Shiretown Items
Fishermen
One finds some interesting characters among the fishermen and boatmen who gather daily or nightly about the public wharf at high water to talk over the day's catch and consider prospects for a possible haul on the next half tide. Their life is a combination of hardship and indolence, and whether so in reality, it is a fascinating existence to contemplate from the side-lines. They are mostly a good-natured bunch, with fun and wit, and some stories but very little obscenity. I asked one fellow how he had done last week. His answer was very expressive. I said it reminded me of the quantity of cotton Muley Graves had raised on his farm. But the remark was lost on him as he had not read "The Grapes of Wrath." I saw two men mending a net by the side of the wharf. I said I had read in Scripture that there were two town called Tyre and Sidon, at one time prosperous sea-ports but now chiefly noted as places for the drying and mending of nets. I wondered if this might be one of those towns. "It might be either one," said the older man, "I'm pretty tired and I guess Bill could stand a drink of cider." They always have a ready answer. I remarked one day that the new tax on liquor would probably reduce sales somewhat. "Oh! Not much" said one chap, "it is only the first pint that will cost more." To illustrate his point he told of two tramps finding a pint of hooch by the side of the railroad. They sat down on the bank and consumed it leisurely. After it got to working good one said he thought he would buy this railroad. "You' can't buy this road, Bill," said the other. "What's the reason?" "Because I won't sell it to you!"
Driftwood Days
A rare opportunity was missed by photographers a few days ago to secure an interesting snapshot or picture for a postcard. One morning at high water, with the harbour perfectly calm and the sun just right, an old man rowed in to the beach just above the public wharf with a boat load of driftwood and a couple of logs in tow. He had gathered the wood on the island. Driftwood is a scarce article here now although at one time, with mills running up river and at other points around the bay, there was sufficient to supply most of he townspeople with their summer's fuel. And fine wood it was, too. All softwoods, of course, but the soaking in the salt water seemed to give it added potency and lasting quality. And what a delightful aroma from the chimney! And in the fire-lace it sparked and danced with all the colors of the rainbow. With another small boys I remember going to the island once for driftwood with an old man named Sam Adams. The boat leaked badly and required constant bailing on the way over, but on the way back there was no chance to bail with the boat completely filled with wood, so old Sam just rowed hard and said nothing. The boat sank a short distance from shore in about five feet of water, but which was not sufficient to cover the wood piled high. The old man got wet to the neck but he carried us above his head. I thought little of the experience at the time but have often wondered what would have happened had the boat sunk a few hundred yards from shore!
St. Croix Courier
Aug 13/1942
Shiretown Items
The Mercury Club
The following facts regarding the somewhat misunderstood Mercury Club have been obtained from the treasurer, A. Smith, and should dispel wrong impressions more or less prevalent about town in regard to this organization. The idea of the club originated with Hon. Marguerite Shaughnessy and Hon. Mrs. Redmond, and they were responsible for its organization. But although they did, and are still doing, much work in connection with the club, they are not running it nor are they financing it as has been generally supposed. The club is managed entirely by an executive committee of five persons of which Miss Shaughnessy and Mrs. Redmond are active members. Besides this committee there is a larger advisory board selected from representatives of all the churches, lodges and other social organizations, in the town. There is a house committee of seven ladies, each member taking charge for one day a week. They in turn select helpers. The member in charge for the day is responsible for the serving of breakfast, making beds, looking after the linen and a general clearing up. Two members of this committee are appointed to purchase food supplies. The club is financed by personal donations, public benefits and by making a small charge (at the beginning of $1.25 but now $1.00) to the men of the service who stay for bed and breakfast.
Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings a transport bus brings men who are going to spend 48 hours at the Club, and also, if there is room, any others who wish to come for the evening only. On these nights a dance is held at the club free of charge. Girls are invited to attend, subject to the approval of the executive, and once invited are entitled to attend all dances run by the club. Games, such as table tennis, clock golf, darts, checkers, backgammon and chess are provided for the boys' amusement. A writing room contains up-to-date magazines and books, radio, gramophone, and two pianos. Howard Pillow has placed his commodious motorboat at the disposal of these visiting boys, and every fine afternoon a party is taken for a sail down the bay. Other smaller boats are also available without cost for small trips and fishing parties. Twenty light-weight khaki suits for the boys to wear while visiting the club were donated by the T. Eaton Company. The boys pay a small charge for laundering the suits. All the laundry work of the club, which is considerable, is done at half-price by Mr. and Mrs. Hornsby, proprietors of the St. Andrews Laundry.
The total cost of renovating the building was $730. The total expenditures to date are about $2100, and the total receipts about $2000, not including the amount raised at the recent Fair, which is given in detail in the following item. Of this amount $1243 has been received from the guests, there having been a over one thousand boys made happy at the club since it opened late last winter.
The club has the approval of the commandant of the camp at Pennfield. He believes that if other towns in the county provided similar facilities for the entertainment of the boys in the forces unpleasant incidents might be avoided. As the selling of beer to the boys who visit the club is one of the features causing the most criticism, it is only fair to state the attitude of the management in the matter. They say that the great majority of the boys demand drinks and if something is not provided in a respectable way, a field is thus opened up for bootlegging. This has occurred in other communities in the county and trouble has resulted. No hard liquor is sold nor even allowed at the club, and beer is sold only in small bottles; each man is limited to three bottles and it must be consumed in the main room. It cannot be taken upstairs nor off the premises. The beer is sold at cost.
Altogether it would seem that the Mercury Club, the only organization of its kind in Canada, is not only a fine thing for these hundreds of boys who are thousands of miles away from their homes, which perhaps many of them will never see again, but also for the town, and townspeople, and the small number of men and a great number of women who have given so generously of their time and labour to make and to keep it a success, are deserving of much greater credit than has so far been given them by the general public.
Card party and dance to be held at Casino August 15 at 9:00 for benefit of District Nurse Fund.
St. Croix Courier
Aug 20/1942
Shiretown Items
"I have met two interesting people from the Algonquin who now are making their home in Montreal. The gentleman escaped from Holland the day before the German invasion, and the lady, after many difficulties, got away from occupied France in Feb. 1941. They both like Canada but are looking forward to returning home after the war.
Mrs. T. R. Wren entertained at dinner on Sunday at Sea-Side Inn.
St. Croix Courier
August 27, 1942
Shiretown Items
"Here I Come—"
Piece on Raymond McQuoid, recently injured after raid on Dieppe. Landing gear and flaps shot away; crash landed at home airbase. Letter from him in this newspaper, page 1: "Raymond McQuoid R.C.A.F., Describes Bombing Raids."
St. Croix Courier
Sept 3, 1942
Shiretown Items
Shark 22 Feet Long
Elmer Shirley [brother of Archie Shirley] has made many good hauls from this weir this summer, and at a good profit. But one of this biggest hauls, and certainly not a profitable one, was the capture last week of a 22ft. shark. The length was determined by actual measurement. As to the girth at the largest part there was a difference of opinion from those who saw the fish. Jack Richardson, a retired railway employee and now a sort of self-appointed non-commissioned fishery officer, was telling the story and stated it was a big around as a hogshead. But Herb Doughty, standing just behind Jack, expressed different opinion with a wink and shake of the head. Another who saw it said it was bigger round than a pork "barl." If we say simply that the shark was 22 feet long and built in proportion, we shall probably be safe. Elmer and Herb had seined the weir which contained a nice catch of herring, and on pursing the seine discovered the tremendous shark within it. Elmer made a pass at it with the boat-hook but the shark bit the hook off the pole and spit out in disgust. He then rushed against the seine and broke through followed by most of the herring. The seining operation was completed and five hogsheads of herring retrieved. It was hoped that the shark would find his way out during the night but next day on raising the drop (a net enclosing the pound at the back of the weir) up came the shark, tail first. But before he could be made fast, he broke loose from the net in which he had become entangled and drowned during the night, and sank to the bottom in 27 feet of water. Ordinary means failing, it became necessary to send for a diver. After several days Sheldon Green of Grand Manan came to the rescue. He went down into the deep and tied a rope securely around the shark's tail. The latter was then hoisted up and lashed to a scow and taken out to the middle of the bay where he was buried without ceremony. When raised the fish had already started to decompose and was covered with barnacles, starfish and other forms of shellfish, including lobsters. Otherwise he might have been brought ashore to exhibit at the price for some of the war charities. Unfortunately none of the staff from the Biological Station got a look at him for purpose of identification, but Mr. Green states that never before has this species been found in these waters. From his enormous size and the two rows of teeth in each jaw it is generally supposed that the was a White Shark, commonly called the man-eater.
St. Croix Courier
Sept 10/1942
Shiretown Items
Rink Prospects
The young people, and the old folks too for that matter, will be interested to know that there is at least some prospect of the skating and hockey rink being finished and operated this winter. I have been told by a member of the rink committee that Hon. Marguerite Shaughnessy is becoming interested in the idea. If this is so, and if Miss Shaughnessy takes hold of the proposition in earnest, we can be assured of skating and hockey again. It requires some such person, who has sufficient influence in the proper quarters, to carry the project through. . . .
The Algonquin Hotel has closed. . . . It has been a good summer . . . and although seemingly short, has been a prosperous one for all except those who depend on transient tourists for their season's business." [this would closed the hotel until 1946]
St. Croix Courier
Sept 24/1942
Shiretown Items
In 1824 not long after Robert Fulton had build the first American steamboat, the Clermont, and proved its value by successful operation, Mr. Bartlett introduced the first vessel, the New York, commanded by Captain Jack Shackford of Eastport, and operated between Saint John and Boston. The New York was a steam brig; she was very slow, but was the forerunner for improved seaport traffic. The ship, though slow, was of great interest and was much admired. Even when coming with the ebb tide she would race a long time with Cherry Island without exerting herself without getting the worst of it. The New York was followed by the Patent, Eagle, Mount Blanc and Lafayette operated by the same management. About 1840 this management changed and was carried on by the English steamers the Royal Dar in North America. These boats were obliged to stop in Campobello each way because of customs regulations. Later in the 1840s the service was continued by American steamers in the following order: the Bangor, the Telegraph, the Mont Rose?, Eastern City and Adelaide. Following these vessels other steamers began plying the waters. The outside service was continued by such palatial side-wheelers as the New Brunswick, ? and others. While our forebears enjoyed these several services, our present-day needs are being supplied by the Grand Manan, and others.
St. Croix Courier
Sept 17/1942
Howard Pillow has left his summer home for the summer.
St. Croix Courier
October 1/1942
Shiretown Items
Gladys Forster has shown us a collection of photographs taken around town about 1890 [this would be the souvenir collection by W. D. MacKay of 1889], which illustrate very clearly the many changes that have taken place in the last 50 years. Pictures taken along Water Street perhaps were the most interesting: no pavement, no sidewalks, no cars, no plate glass windows, only two or three pedestrians and a few idle truck teams. A picture of the Market Wharf showed the last of several buildings, most of them bar rooms, which at one time lined this wharf. This last was a bar room and was torn down shortly after a supposed murder took place there.
A picture of Wren's Drug Store with two small windows was of interest. It showed T. R. Wren and George Sharp his clerk standing in the doorway, and the first Algonquin Orchestra, which boarded with the lady upstairs, seated at leisure in front of the store.
A picture of wharves with schooners tied up, Fort Tipperary, and the modest looking original Algonquin, which we then thought such a fine building, and of groups of people about their modest homes or places of business, all proved of much interest to the many older folks who saw the album. Gladys Forster is now Mrs. Gladys Foster, is a grandmother and has a son-in-law with the Canadian Armed Forces overseas.
St. Croix Courier
Oct 8/1942
Sergeant-Armourer convicted on Murder Charge. Jury deliberated for nearly three hours before reaching a verdict; mercy recommended.
St. Croix Courier
October 22/1942
Shiretown Items
Dick Pegg Departs
The St. Andrews Bakery, owned for several years and managed for twenty-one years by Dick Pegg has been sold, lock, stock and barrel, residence included to Bill O'Neill. . . . As for Mr. Pegg's successor, Bill O'Neill, it goes without saying that he will make the same success of this new venture that he has with everything else he has undertaken here during the past fifteen years. Bill is not going to put his fingers in the dough, in a literal sense. He will supply the dough to buy the dough, while Don Garnett, who had several year's experience in a bakery at McAdam, will do the mixing and turn out the finished product.
Hockey Prospects Poor
Ten years ago this month work was begun on the first covered rink here. Every fine day that Fall from fifty to a hundred men and boys worked there, with such enthusiasm that, as one small boys expressed it, "a fellow dare not sit down for a minute or somebody would nail his pants to the seat." The first great arch was completed, slowly and painstakingly raised and anchored in place. As the second arch was being raised by pulleys attached to the first the anchoring stays parted and down came both arches with a crash. The veteran Frank Gilman, who was in charge, only smiled and said we must start over again. The huge building was completed and ready for skating during the Christmas holidays. It furnished recreation and pleasure for young and old for exactly seven years and was burned down by a fire of mysterious origin on Christmas night, 1939. The present structure, with a steel roof, was started early the next spring but the war has interfered with its intended purpose. It is now used as a barracks and training room for the local reserves and in all probability will see no skating or hockey till the war is over.
Old Landmark Passing: The T. T. Odell Dry Goods Store is closing down permanently at the end of this month. The store carried a large stock of finest dry goods and everything the housewife required by way of knickknacks. It will be greatly missed by the townspeople. The clerks, Miss Emily Donoghue and Miss Ethel Richardson, have done a rushing business since the public became informed of the closing, but it would take several months to sell the entire stock over the counter.
St. Croix Courier
Oct 29/1942
Shiretown Items
The first newspaper to be published in St. Andrews was called the St. Andrews Herald, and appeared in 1819. The first editor was John Cochrane, who retired and was succeeded by David Howe, brother of the honorable Joseph Howe. In 1822 the paper was purchased by Peter Stubs, . . . St. Andrews, Mr. Howe continuing as editor, John Storey as foreman. It was discontinued about 1831. A second paper, the St. Andrews Courant with Colin Campbell as editor, began publication in the same year. Mr. Campbell was assisted by his three sons. This newspaper was evidently short-lived as the Standard appeared in 1833, with George Smith as its published. The paper was afterward edited by Adam Smith, remembered by old folks. This paper covered most of the period between the passing of the Courant and the beginning of the Bay Pilot in 1876. The latter was begun on Grand Manan and later moved to St. Andrews. It was owned by a company composed of John S. Magee, John Wren, Robert Robinson, W. D. Hartt and Robert Glen, with Mr. Magee as editor. The paper continued until 1889 when it gave way to the St. Andrews Beacon. The latter was first owned and edited by R. E. Armstrong and later by Wallace Broad. A sheet called the Charlotte Gazette appeared in 1846 but I have no record as to how long it continued.
Sometime in 1943 D. C. Coleman chosen as next president of CPR
St. Croix Courier
Nov 26, 1942
Shiretown Items
Thanks for Everything
As this is my last appearance in this column, I think that in fairness to my successor and to myself the readers should be informed of it. If in the future the column from the Shiretown should be extra good I don't wish to get the credit for it, and if it should ever be the reverse I don't wish to be blamed. I have fathered everything, good, bad and indifferent, that has appeared here during the past four and a half years. I have had many words of appreciation for which I am most grateful, and some criticism, which was to be expected. But "my task is done and what is writ is writ. Would it were worthier." My reasons for giving up the column are lack of time and lack of suitable material. To my successor, whoever he or she may be, I wish the best of luck. To the reporters from the various local societies and to all others who have been gathering news or stories of interest, I tender my sincerest thanks. And to the readers I would say that "if any word of mine has ever given delight or consolation, you have repaid it back a thousand-fold by every friendly sign and salutation. Therefore, I hope, as no unwelcome guest, at your warm firesides when the lamps are lighted, to have my place reserved among the rest, nor stand as one unsought or uninvited."
St. Croix Courier
December 17, 1942
Hutchings Hanged Yesterday for Murder Bernice Connors
Death Penalty Carried Out at St. Andrews for First Time in 65 Years. Trap Sprung at 1:50 AM. Condemned Man Calm to the End
Tom Roland Hutchings of Peterborough, England, paid the penalty for the murder of Bernice Connors at Black's Harbour last June when he was hanged at. St. Andrews early yesterday morning. He went to his death calmly, preserving to the end the silence and poise which had characterized his conduct since he was arrested at the Pennfield air station last summer while serving as a sergeant armourer with the Royal Air Force. The sentence of death was carried out at 1:50 am, Wednesday morning, and he was pronounced dead at 2:02 o'clock.
Thus the book was closed on one of the most gruesome crimes in the history of Charlotte County. The body of Bernice Connors, covered with moss to form an inconspicuous mound, was discovered on Sunday, June 7, near the Deadman's Harbor, not far from the Community dance hall where she had attended a dance the previous Friday evening. She was not seen alive after that night. The body was about 300 yards from the hall in afield.
Hutchings was arrested Wednesday, June 10, and arraigned in magistrate's court at Black's Harbor the same day before Ellis A. Nason where he was charged with the murder. Preliminary hearing followed, and he was tried in St. Andrews early in October when the crown called 38 witnesses. Mr. Justice Richards presided. The trial was completed on October 6, when the jury after deliberating 3 ½ hours found him guilty with a recommendation for mercy, and the death sentence was pronounced late that night.
Evidence of the witnesses was that Hutchings was in the company of Bernice Connors when she was last seen walking up the Deadman's Harbor Road the night of June 5, and that he later appeared at the dance hall with blood on his face and clothing. Hutchings himself made no statement himself at any time, and no witnesses were called by the defense.
While in solitary confinement at the county jail since his conviction, Hutchings for most of the time retained the cool, detached attitude which he had shown ever since his arrest, although as time went by with no news to indicate that Ottawa might act on the recommendation for mercy there were times when he was depressed and morose. He ate heartily and evinced considerable interest in what went on about him. Special guards maintained constant watch outside the cell.
On Monday of this week it became certain that the death penalty would be carried out when officials of the remission branch of the Secretary of State at Ottawa announced that "the law was to take its course." All the arrangements had already been completed by Sheriff C. W. Mallory. A scaffold had been erected in the yard of the courthouse, and Camille Blanchard, official hangman for the Province of Quebec, was already on hand to carry out the execution.
Hutchings' last visitors, at 1:30 am, were a chaplain and a doctor from the Pennfield station, Squadron Leader Mann and Squadron Leader Stewart, respectively. When the time came to leave his cell, Hutchings walked out unaided, but outside, turned, walked back deliberately and switched out the light, then rejoined the official party and walked with firm steps to the courtyard and up the 18 steps to the gallows. He wore a beltless R. A. F. tunic with his sergeant's stripes on the arms, and slacks. Accompanying him were Squadron Leader Stewart, his two special guards and the hangman. The door was sprung at 1:50. Twelve minutes later he was pronounced dead. The execution was the first to take place in Charlotte County in 63 years. The only spectators were the official group. The scene was screened from outside view by a temporary fence and a covering over the top. Medical men in attendance were Dr. H. P. O'Neill of St. Andrews and Dr. R. A. Massie of St. George. The body was buried in the Rural Cemetery at St. Andrews.
The official record was completed Wednesday morning when the formal inquest was held before Dr. F. V. Maxwell of St. George.