Item
St. Croix Courier
Jan 7, 1943
Shiretown Items
Hello, Friends!
I have been sitting at my desk for half an hour wondering just how to begin. When I announced at the end of November that I was through writing for the Courier I was absolutely sincere. But I have been really touched by the many expressions of regret, not only from my intimate friends, but from many others, whose interest in the column was a pleasant surprise to me. And when both the publisher and the editor took the time and trouble to pay me a personal visit and offer me a month's leave of absence on pay, if I would consent to take up the work again at the beginning of the year, I was given perhaps an exaggerated idea of the service my column was doing for the dear old town in which I live and which I love more than I can say. As most readers will understand I have done this writing for two chief reasons. In the first place, and chiefly, as a hobby, because I must admit that I love to write. And in the second place that I might do some service to my home town, that I might in a small way amuse and entertain those living here, and more especially send a message to the many men and women who are far away but whose hearts are still here in the home of their childhood. I have tried through the years to keep up the same standard that I set for myself at the beginning, and when the time came that to do so seemed well-nigh impossible, I thought it wiser to stop suddenly rather than that the column should peter out gradually and die an inglorious death. Now it is the publisher's wish that I continue even if some weeks there is little or nothing to send in. If the readers will take the same attitude, and withhold criticism when at times the column may be scanty or entirely absent, then I shall be willing to continue for a while longer at any rate and will try to do my best.
You May Help
In my last item in November I mentioned that one of my reasons for discontinuing was lack of time. Now here is where all local readers can help. It is not he actually writing that takes the time but the gathering of the material, so if you feel that it is to your interest, and in the best interests of the town to keep the column going, then send in your material. Write out the facts on a sheet of paper, sign your name and drop it in the mail. Some of the best stories I have had in the column have been received just by accidentally meeting someone on the street. "Did you hear so and so?" says he. "No, I didn't," says I. Then he tells me the facts and I write the story. But don't wait till we happen to meet. Write it down and put it in the mail, and be sure to sign your name, which of course will not be used. There are many clubs, lodges and other organizations in town which must all be doing something of interest. Let us hear about it. How about the Boy Scouts for instance, and the schools? Send in the names of the officers of your lodges and other organizations. And any funny incidents which we can write about without offending anybody. We all like a little fun when the joke is on the other fellow, but all persons cannot enjoy it when the joke is on themselves. In the past four years I have omitted many excellent stories for this reason. In a word, if the column is to continue, we must all get together. Let us feel that I tis a community, not a personal affair.
St. Croix Courier
Jan 14/1943
Shiretown Items
Outdoor Rink Ready
After plenty of hard work the boys have at length got a fairly good outdoor rink. It is situated in the field across from the covered arena, and can be sprinkled from a tap inside the latter. The ice was first built up with town hose from a nearby hydrant.
Another Improvement
A very generous and much appreciated gift has recently been received from Miss Olive Hosmer, a smooth-running a commodious Lincoln automobile which Miss Hosmer has used during the past few summers here, has been turned over to the fire department to be converted into an A. R. P. service wagon. A body is being constructed with angle iron and Douglass fir plywood, the work being done in a serviceable and attractive manner by Joseph Meers, caretaker at the fire hall. In the center is a place to carry the small pumpers; an attachment at the rear to trail the large pumper; neat enclosed compartments at the side to carry 3500 feet of hose. It is a job of which both the town and the donor may well be proud.
St. Croix Courier
January 28, 1943
Shiretown items
Potato-water Cocktail
I never thought I should live to see the day that I would drink the water potatoes had been boiled in and like it. I had seen it recommended by several reliable dieticians and am always willing to try anything once. For many years I have eaten the skins of baked potatoes for the delectable flavor and I have a friend who says he eats the skins of boiled potatoes. I have never tried that but I agree with him that potatoes are ruined if peeled before boiling. But next time you boil potatoes pour the water off into a bowl and set away to cool. Just before your next dinner pour a glass full and add a little salt and you'll have a cocktail tasting better than some and just as effective as many you obliged at times to drink out of politeness when visiting your friends. And if as they tell us it makes for better health, why, lets drink her down.
Having Big Year
The Heather Curling Club is having a successful season with the largest membership (43) it its history. S. J. Anning is president; Henry McQuoid, vice-president; Harold Greenlaw secretary; Joe Finigan, treasurer. Play for the Hosmer Cup has been completed and this fine trophy was won by a rink skipped by Leigh Williamson. Play is now underway for "Bill's Trophy." A party of about twenty curlers from St. Stephen were entertained at the club on last Thursday afternoon and evening, the local stone-throwers winning the total by the small margin of one point. The visitors were served supper, a real Shiretown clam stew, at the club rooms. [the club is not located at the rink, as it is being used as a barracks, hence the outdoor rink across the street]
St. Croix Courier
Feb 11, 1943
Shiretown Items
The Building of the Ship
The recent launching of a wooden mine-sweeper in a New Brunswick port stirs the memory of old-timers here who can recall when St. Andrews was one of the leading shipping and ship-building centres in what is now known as the Maritime provinces. There are many living who can remember the launching of the Annie P. Odell in 1878 and that of the George Lamb in September 1882. [But how many know anything about the building and launching of the first ship here? From a few facts which I have obtained from a direct descendant of the man who was the builder, owner and master, I shall try to write the story of that momentous event. The exact date is lost in the scanty records, but suffice it to say it was in the long, long ago. First the timbers were gathered and piled around, birch, spruce, pine and tamarack from our native forests, and oak for the keel from the motherland. About midsummer the keel of oak for this noble ship was laid, scarfed and bolted, straight and strong, and the real work was ready to begin. Day by day, 'mid the sound of axes and hammers, mallets and saws, the vessel grew until a skeleton ship, framed with perfect symmetry rose to view. Week after week with toil and song, the building of this ship went on, till at long last, the planking done and the rudder hung, the ship was ready to be launched. The day appointed for the launching, though in the month of February, was like a day in March, mild and calm and bright and a full tide flowing. The ship was duly christened by the wife of one of the big shots of the town, whose name is lost in the mists of the past, and a prayer offered for the safety of the ship and of those who might sail in her. Then the blocking was knocked from beneath her keel, and the ship slid out to take the water as gracefully as a swan. She was a square-rigger with three masts, in other words a full-rigged ship and was a goodly, staunch and strong as any ship that sailed the wintry seas. She was built, owned and sailed by Capt. William Harvey, who was the great-grandfather of Mary Hunt, who still lives in St. Andrews. The ship was called "Mary Stubbs," which was the maiden name of Capt. Harvey's wife. Her first trip was to the West Indies with a load of lumber, returning with a cargo of rum and molasses. Wherever her broken, or rotted or disintegrated timbers may lie, may they rest in peace! Requiescat.
Who Owns St. Croix Island?
I have read with much interest an article with the foregoing title written by H. E. Lamb and appearing in the Calais Advertiser of Jan.27th. Mr. Lamb proves to his own satisfaction at least, that this island belongs to United States, that is, lies within her boundaries. He suggests that readers cut out his article for future reference as in effect it settles the matter for all time. May I suggest that the same readers paste the following information in their scrap-book alongside the other to prove that perhaps the matter is unsettled for all time. Mr. Lamb says the middle of the river is the boundary line and that the middle is where the deepest channel lies. Personally I should call the middle the half-way point between the wo shores on any part of the river. That Mr. Lamb in his heart agrees with me is indicated in the last paragraph where he states that St. Croix Island lies out near the middle of the river. I do not wish to start another international boundary dispute but the following "last will and testament" of John Hillicker, copies from the records of Charlotte County, will at least give a different slant to the question. It also gives an idea of the origin of the name Dochet's Island, which evidently was corrupted from the name Dosh's appearing in the will which was apparently the name of a former owner or resident.
Last Will and Testament
"In the name of God, Amen. I, John Hillicker of the Island generally known and called by the name of Dosh's Island and supposed and considered to be in the parish of St. Andrews, county of Charlotte, and province of New Brunswick (Note: there was no Parish of St. Croix in Charlotte County at that time) being weak in body but of sound and perfect mind and memory (Blessed by God for the same) do make and publish this my last will and testament in manner and form following. Viz. first I give and bequeath unto my wife Mary Hillicker, all my real and personal estate and property, viz. my interest and tiles in the island above mentioned (called Dosh's) to be held by her and possessed by her during her natural life, and also all my personal goods and chattels of what kind and nature soever they be. I will and give unto her during her life, and at the conclusion of the same I will and demise, make over and convey unto Daniel Post of said Island the above mentioned possessions and property of every kind, real and personal with chattels of every kind, to be held and possessed by her at her death. And I do hereby appoint in this my last will and testament, my wife Mary and Daniel Post, my sole Executrix and Executor. Hereby revoking all former wills by me made, in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this eighth day of June in the year of our Lord, One Thousand eight hundred and twenty four (1824). Signed, sealed, published and declared by the above named John Jilliker to e his last will and testament, in the presence of us who have hereunto subscribed our names as witness in the presence of the testator.
John Hilliker X his mark
Witnesses,
Henry Coulter, St. David
Elias Barber, Red Beach
Caleb Bartlett, St. Andrews
The proof of this will follows on record, sworn by Henry Coulter before H. H. Hatch, of St. Andrews, Surrogate and judge of Probates, and dated Oct. 29, 1825. Tis proof must have been submitted on the death of Mrs. Hillickers, as according to records quoted in Mr. Lamb's article, the Island was sold by Daniel Post to John Brewer on Nov. 25, 1825, for $130.
St. Croix Courier
February 18, 1943
Shiretown Items
Recollections
Here is one for the old-timers. A reader has sent me a list of truckmen who flourished here about sixty years ago. Jim Scallion, Sandy Donald, Tommy Storr, Brad Boone, John Brownrigg, Mick Cummings, Jim Cummings, Mick Holden, Andy Sampson, Dan Thompson, Jim Powers, George Swift, Arthur Dolby, Howard Chase, Herb Ross, Jim Ross, ? Maher, John Donaghue, Alexander Bell. They all had dump carts and hauled coal direct from vessels to the householders. I can recall most of these men though quite a few were before my time of moving to St. Andrews, 1889. It was a common sight to see a dozen truck wagons parked on the square or along the street in the centre of the town waiting for a chance job. Now it is almost impossible to find a man to haul your ashes away. Another old timer has told me an interesting fact about those trucking days. Mick Holden, mentioned in the foregoing list, but whose name was really Michael Howland, was an exceptionally fine fiddler and many a fine morning he would bring along his fiddle and sit on his truck opposite O'Neill's market and play for the entertainment of the other truckmen and possible passers-by. I never knew the father but the boys, even before they left St. Andrews were fine musicians. After being away from St. Andrews for many years, they were all here together, having brought their mother home for burial. Even that is a long time ago. I dropped into Joe Handy's barber shop one morning and they were all there. Joes asked them to sing some of the old songs, and although I can recall paying as much as two dollars and a half for admission to a musical show, I never heard anything that appealed to me so much as this simple sing-song by those Howland boys. Miles fell heir to his father's violin and was a good player before leaving St. Andrews. Willie toured the States for a year or two singing with a light opera company, I think in the "Red Mill." Those boys names were Charlie, (Pat), Dick, Harry, Miles and Willie. Some of them I believe are now dead.
D.O.A.
Morden Smith and Carl Medcof of the Biological staff are to be commended on their ambition. Though they each now hold sufficient degrees to satisfy most ordinary mortal, they are working for their D.O.A., which in case you don't know, stands for Doctor of Axology. The college is situated between the Frye Road and Second Lake, and Boyd Merrill is the Dean. Tea is served at 11 am and 4 pm, when they take turns pouring. Boyd claims it spoils tea to boil it more than ten minutes. It is a six weeks' course extending over a period of about ten years, depending on the lack of intelligence and toughness of the student. The Dean says when a man can sand between two trees with a double-bitted axe and keep the chips flying from both of them at the same time he is ready for his diploma.
St. Croix Courier
Feb 25/1943
Shiretown Items
Fat Man's Race
In conversation with some old-timers the other day we got talking of local sprinters of the past. One man present could recall when Harold Stickney and Henry Swift were the to-notches at the hundred-yard distance. In my own youth Walter Stickney led the field with Charlie Richardson next, while Fannie Black, a girl sprinter, and myself came next in order. The caretaker of the Public Building here who was present, said he saw quite a race one morning last summer between Walter Stickney and John Ross. These now corpulent gentlemen met one morning before seven o'clock just under the window where Herb was shaking out his dust cloth. After a few preliminary remarks about the weather John said he understood that Walter used to be quite fast runner in his youth. Walter opined that he still could beat any one of his size or age (waist 48, age 65). So they proceeded to the head of the nearby public wharf (to avoid traffic as they expressed it) and stripped to pants and shirt braces and socks. They tried to assume the crouch, considered the most correct and fastest position for a start, but their mutual embonpoint interfered, so they decided on the semi-erect style which was at least more comfortable. At the word "go," after a count of three, they were off, legs flying and arms flapping. At the thirty-yard mark, John measured his full length (or width) on the wharf. These gentlemen little thought that they had a spectator to the juvenile performance and had some great explaining to do when they got back. They both claimed the race. John said Walter got the start of him but tripped him as he attempted to go past when he got up speed. An attempt will be made to match the pair again this summer to definitely decide who is the faster man.
One of the finest letters of recent date is from Lottie Coates, of Nelson, BC. . . . She says that after her mother died she lived for several years with her grandmother at what had formerly been the Marine Hospital that is on the corner of Parr and Princess Royal Streets, and next door to my own home which at that time belonged to Doctor Harry Gove. At that time the pole for the weather signals was on the hospital grounds. It is now on the waterfront, at the corner of Princess Royal and Goose and Pagan, or Ghost Pagan Streets.
Here are the families I can recall living in the hospital. Larry Gainor, Peter Rosewall, Lizzie Cathcart, Bill Mitchell, Hazen Greenlaw, Bill Gregg, Howard McNichol, and the present occupants, Mr. and Mrs. Matthews and family. Bill Gregg bought the building, removed the cupola, and took it out to Chamcook Lake where with an addition for a kitchen it served as a camp.
One old timer says he worked in Hanson's shoe factory, now occupied by Keay's Hardware and China stores.
St. Croix Courier
March 4/1943
A piece by J. F. W., author of Shiretown Items.
The above photograph of a bit of waterfront in St. Andrews was taken by the late W. D. MacKay about 1890, of which a copy was made by Archie Shirley to serve the present purpose. Many the happy hour I have spent playing around those two old schooners. Having come from inland I was of necessity always obliged to serve before the mast as a greenhorn. More experienced boys my own age or younger composed the officers. Frank Guerney always wanted to be captain. A tough captain he was, ordering us aloft in all kinds of weather. Leo Armstrong was usually the cook, and his unvaried menu of raw clams at times becoming monotonous, we were forced to supplement it with soda crackers filched from our mothers' pantries. In our imaginations we sailed the distant seas to far-off unknown lands.
The two schooners in the picture, which no doubt had been built many years before, in the shipyards of St. Andrews and given long and faithful service, in the time of which I write all lay high and dry on the beach in their last days in peace and repose. The one on the right is the Crandall, H. P. Crandall I think; and the other is the Mary Ellen. On the extreme left is the home of Mr. Starkey, ship carpenter, . . . schooner yacht Crusoe which he was then building. The square partly finished house on the left in the background was being built by Theodore Holmes. The small house in the center foreground was occupied by James Ross and family. Behind it to the left is the stove foundry, then operated by Michael McMonagle, called Mike Mulligan.
Behind Ross's to the right is the home of Bat Donaghue, then conductor on the railway. And the large house further back was the home of Patsy Sheehan. I have forgotten who lived in the house showing just over the stern of the Crandall, unless it was Thomas Pendlebury, the present occupant, who has been there for a long time.
Also I notice the railway running up the waterfront, which was "the extension." The wharf in the center was later extended by B. F. DeWolfe and is now known as the upper CPR wharf, and has rails running out to its end. Where the Crandall rests is now occupied by a thriving industry.
St. Croix Courier
March 18, 1943
Shiretown Items
What Happened to Daisy?
I have had a very interesting letter from Frank McLeod, a former St. Andrews boy, now living in Boston. Frank was one of the gang that used to play around those old schooners the "Crandall" and "Mary Ellen." He recalled many amusing incidents of those far-off days. The wonderful ball games on Smith's green, the refreshing drinks of cool water at Brown's pump, where one day Frank Rooney drank 16 dippers full on abet and almost died, and how on being given a choice because, of our increasing size an age, between bathing suits or leaving our favorite swimming spot at Starkey's beach, we decided to move to a more secluded place at Osborn's (or Anderson's) wharf. He recalls how King Murchie used to dive off this wharf and come up holding a sculpin by the tail! But his best story I think is the one about the lost cow. He says: "One of those old docks by the H. V. Crandall holds special interest for me. We lost a cow once and after she had been gone for ten days, someone prevailed on us to get Obadiah Conley to come to the house and read a tea cup and tell us about her, for she had been hunted all over town without avail; so at last we tried him, and he said he could see her very plainly, that she was alive but couldn't get anything to eat and was all surrounded by water but couldn't' get any to drink, and she would be found within three days. Sure enough within three days someone happened to walk out on this old dock and found the cow. She had fallen through onto the logs covered with rocks for ballast." The story ends there, but I think the public is entitled to know something of the subsequent history of the unfortunate animal. Was she still alive when found? How did they get her out? Did she recover from the experience and decide to go no move a-ro-o-vin? Come on Frank a few further details please.
St. Croix Courier
April 1, 1943
Shiretown Items
Chamcook of Other Days
A century ago, the village of Chamcook was a thriving ship-building centre, had two or three saw-mills, a grist mill and a paper mill. The prosperity of Chamcook at that time was chiefly owing to the enterprise of one man, John Wilson, after whose death at the age of 70 years on April 1st, 1855, the place began gradually to decline. The following extract from Mr. Wilson's obituary in the St. Andrews paper shows the important position he held in the community and how his loss would affect its prosperity.
"Mr. Wilson has been engaged in mercantile and other pursuits in this county for more than 30 years and such was the diversity of his business transactions, embracing almost every occupation incident to the country, that he kept a great number of men in constant employ. As a merchant he had few equals, well acquainted with markets of the world, entirely familiar with the trade and resources of the province, energetic and temperate, always active and persevering, he seldom undertook a work that he did not complete. He devoted the whole powers of his mind to the construction of the St. Andrews-Quebec Railroad."
Mr. Wilson operated several sawmills on Chamcook stream as well as a grist-ill, where wheat flour, buckwheat and oatmeal were manufactured. Also, and most interesting of all, he owned and operated a paper mill, near the present site of Rankin's sawmill. On this paper was printed the St. Andrews Herald, and the following advertisement appears in the issue of Feb. 5th. 1827, "Wanted,—an apprentice to the paper-making business. Apply to the mill at Chamcook or the Herald office." Mr. Wilson built a beautiful stone house on the site now occupied by the Grimmer residence. This house was destroyed by fire in 1882. The present generation will remember the grist mill which tumbled down and was removed just a few years ago. It was used for many years by Davidson Grimmer.
The two-story building still standing on the Glebe road over the Chamcook stream was the Dimick and Wilson store, and no doubt at one time did a thriving business. There was a brickyard at Chamcook at one time, but whether during Mr. Wilson's residence there or at a later period, is not now known. It was situated outside the dock gates adjacent to the shipyard. Its location can be easily found today by the bricks scattered around. But the most important industry carried on in Mr. Wilson's time was ship-building. At an early date the inner harbour at Chamcook was converted into a dock from which the tide could be shut out. A dam with gates was built, the remains of which can still be seen at half-tide. A flume was constructed which carried the water from the mill stream outside the dock gates. There were two sets of these, out and inner, and the gates were controlled by water pressure. Many ships were repaired in this dock. It is known to have been in operation in 1842 as a bill for repairs on the structure is still in existence.
Closely associated with John Wilson in the ship-building industry was John Townshend and his four sons. The Townshends had been operating a yard at St. Andrews near Indian Point and were brought to Chamcook by Wilson to finish a ship on the stocks there. They remained there and carried on an extensive business for many years, chiefly under contract with Wilson. At a later date wo of the sons were business partners, and Charles Short, when a young man, was employed by them and later became their master builder. Short in 1854 built the Homeward Bound, a ship of 594 tons, at Digdeguash. For some years William Townshend and Charles Short were partners, during which period they built the Lady Milton. The account with Dimick and Wilson re the building of this ship is still in existence.
Another record in an old-time book says that Townshend and Short commenced work on the new ship, Even Star, Sept. 4th, 1855, at Indian Point. The Townshends operated three yards in Chamcook. There were two sets of blocks on what is known as the Public Landing, where the Priestman cottage now stands. William built on the east side of the stream, these two yards being inside the dock. A third yard was situated on the west side of the harbour just outside the dock. People still living can remember the remains of the old bed logs in these locations. I have a list of some of the ships built at Chamcook which I shall send in next week.
St. Croix Courier
April 8/1943
Shiretown Items
Memories
A letter written on the stationery of the Gardner-Templeton Street Railway Co., and dated at East Templeton, Mass., shows in the letter-head the name of Louis Starkey as Treasurer and General Supt. Here is another St. Andrews boy who has made good. Louis was so much younger than myself that I had really forgotten him although I remember his father, his three brothers and his sister Natalie quite well. By the time he was growing up I had finished school and left St. Andrews for several years. I am sure Louis' letter will be of interest to others and is given in full herewith.
"To the author of Shiretown Items:
Dear Sir:
It was with a great deal of pleasure that I read the Saint Croix Courier of March 4th, and March 11th, especially the part telling about the St. Andrews of 40 years or more ago. The photograph of the waterfront brought back memories of my childhood, as the Mary Ellen and the Crandall were both there within my memory, although the Mary Ellen was farther down the beach. The Crusoe was completed and I enjoyed very much sailing with my father when he took out fishing and sailing parties. The two Starkey boys mentioned were my older brothers both of whom died when nineteen years of age, and before I left St. Andrews after the death of my father in 1901. My brother, Justin, sent me the papers. I believe he subscribes to it. Sincerely yours, Louis Starkey."
Old Ships
Following is a list of old ship's authentic records of which are still in existence, most of them having been built at Chamcook and St. Andrews.
- Princess Victoria, ship, 561 tons. Built at St. Andrews, 1832, by J. Townshend.
- Wilson, ship, 565 tons. Built at Chamcook, 1837, by J. R. Townshend. Sold Grenock.
- Coronet, ship, 870 tons. Built at Chamcook by John Wilson, 1839. Sold Dublin, 1847.
- Provincialist, ship, 880 tons. Built 1839 at Chamcook by Ed. Wilson.
John Moore, ship, 730 tons. Built at Chamcook 1841. Sold Liverpool, 1842.
William Bayard, ship, 802 tons. Built 1844 at Chamcook by John Wilson.
Alice Wilson, ship, 990 tons. Built 1847 at Chamcook, by John Wilson. Sold Liverpool.
Strang, bark, 418 tons. Built 1848 at St. Andrews, by J. and R. Townshend. Townshends and Steven Jarvis owners.
Silecia, bark, 844 tons. Built at St. Andrews, 1848, by J. Wilson. Owners Joseph and Edward Wilson
Cornelia, ship, 703 tons. Built at St. Andrews 1849, by J. and R. Townshend. Owners Robert Rankine and Townshends.
Isabella Stuart, ship, 643 tons. Built 1845 at Brandy Cove, by J. and R. Townshend.
Rienzl, ship, 912 tons. Built at St. Andrews, 1854, by J. and R. Townshend. Owner Robert Rankine, Dublin. Hail, Dublin 1868.
Lady of the lake, bark, 458 tons. Built at Chamcook by Townshends, 1840 Sailed many years between St. Andrews and Great Britain with Thomas Smith, Master.
Loodianah, ship, 915 tons. Built 1846 at St. Andrews by e and j Wilson, also owners.
Black Swan, ship, 896 tons. Built 1855, at St. Andrews by John Wilson (his last ship).
Anaconda, bark, 169 tons, Built 1856 at Chamcook. Thomas B. Wilson, owner.
Lammergier, ship, 703 tons. Built 1857 at St. Andrews by Bradford. Thomas Wilson owner.
Eldorado, ship, 977 tons. Built 1846 at St. George, by William Townshend and John Billings. Owned by Daniel Gilmore. Lloyds agent stated the Eldorado was one of the best colonial ships he had ever inspected (record in old time-book).
Virginia, brig, 193 tons. Built at St. Andrews 1856, by William Townshend. Hector MacKenzie owner.
Robert Ross, schooner, 128 tons. Built 1873 at St. Andrews by Townshends (their last ship).
Nell Gwyn, ship, 938 tons. Launched Nov. 27th, 1856. Owner Ed. Wilson.
Nellie Townshend, bark, 399 tons. Built at Chamcook. Launched Aug. 18th, 1864. Owner James W. Street.
Lady Milton, 903 tons. Built at St. Andrews 1856 by William Townshend and Charles short. Owners Ed. Wilson, St. Andrew and Joseph Wilson, Liverpool. Sold to Henry Barton, Liverpool, Feb. 1857.
Chimaera, brig, 205 tons. Built at Chamcook, 1859, by William Townshend. Owner Jas. W. Street.
Black Duck, 253 tons. Built 1856. Owner Robert Townshend, sold to George W. Houghton, Liverpool.
The Black Swan
There is a story connected with one of the ships in the foregoing list, the "Black Swan," which may be worth telling. This ship was built at a yard near the foot of Edward Street, the yard being on the plot of ground now used as a vegetable and flower garden by Miss Leora Stinson. When the Black Swan was on the stock an old woman who used to come to gather chips made such a nuisance of herself that she at last was ordered to stay way. Before leaving she put a curse on the place, the menaced the ship in no uncertain terms. She declared that this ship would never be launched. She was launched, however, but with the greatest of difficulty, becoming stuck on the ways and requiring considerable time, patience and ingenuity to get her in the water. The story goes that il luck followed the Black Swan ever after. There are no records however to bear this out, but the records do show that she was sold in Liverpool for 600 pounds sterling. Capt. Smith, grandfather of William Carson of St. Andrews, was her first master.
McConvey Home Razed
One of the old landmarks of the town, the McConvey house, upon which many days of labour had been spent in the building was laid low and disappeared in two hours; and not by fire, but by a wrecking crew under the direction of Henry McQuoid. The lot and old building had been recently purchased by Mrs. J. E. Winans, of Merchantville, N.J., who, with her husband, spend the summers here with her mother Mrs. John Stickney. A verandah is to be built on the southwest side of the Stickney home and the removal of this old building will give a clear view of the harbour. As far back as anyone living can remember, this house belonged to the McConveys. Older folks can remember Bob McConvey, blacksmith, and grandfather of the recent owner, Margaret Mcconvey. A few of the oldest residents can remember Bob's parents who lived her with him. After the death by drowning in 1881 of Andrew Craig, his widow, a sister of Mrs. McConvey, and her four small children moved into the house, an addition having been built to accommodate them. . . . But the most interesting fact in regard to this old house is that it was originally built at Castine, Maine, and was brought here on a scow sometime after the Americna revolution, probably about 1785. As far as I can learn, there now remain only two of the several houses brought here at that time from Maine, the old O'Neill house towards the lower part of the town on Water Street and the house owned and occupied by Harry Boone.
Reported "Missing"
Another St. Andrews boy is gone, word having been received by Mr. and Mrs. Henry McQuoid that their son, Raymond is missing. Raymond was with air forces in England and has taken part in many raids over enemy occupied countries in Europe. He narrowly escaped being lost in the raid on Dieppe, getting back to his base slightly wounded and with his machine badly shattered. Raymond was a very popular boy here with both young and old, and was one of the most brilliant players on the Senator hockey team. He has done excellent work in the service and was once mentioned in dispatches. If there was any possible means of getting out of this mess alive, Raymond could be depended upon to do it. At any rate, every person in the community will continue to hope for the best until more definite word is received.
St. Croix Courier
April 15/1943
Word of the death of Raymond McQuoid
Rural Cemetery Burial
John Peacock, retired Golf Pro at Algonquin
Age 74
Lot 172A
May 22, 1943
St. Croix Courier
May 20, 1943
Shiretown Items
Potent Stuff!
A rather startling incident occurred in our kitchen a few days ago. An unbreakable glass which had been washed and set on the sinkboard to drain suddenly exploded with the noise of a large fire-cracker. The remains, after the explosion, lost all appearance of glass and resembled coarse snow. My scientific friend explains the matter by stating that some disturbing factor in the life of the glass, possibly constant washing in hot water, had suddenly reached the point where crystallization took place—that is, the glass returned to its original form. I was speaking of the incident to a group of men, among which was a man (you know the type) who, no matter how good a story you tell can always go you one better. He said that during prohibition days he was invited to a friends' house to sample some home brew. The friend poured out about four fingers of a rather cloudy liquid in a water glass and passed it to him. He took a sniff and remarked that it smelled good. After the customary "here's good health," he started to bend his elbow. But before the cup of cheer, or death, had reached his lips it flew into a thousand pieces with a violent explosion, most of the liquor going on his white vest, which he was affecting at that time. His feelings at first were of alarm, but soon of unconscionable relief when he thought of what that stuff would have done to his stomach when it could shatter a thick water glass. He expected that his nice vest would be burned full of holes but after a little soap and water it was as good as new. You see there was no cause for alarm. Just another case of sudden crystallization—glass returned to its original form.
St. Croix Courier
June 17/1943
Shiretown Items
The Red Cross Dance held at the Algonquin Casino was a great success both socially and financially. After expenses amounting to over 40.00 were paid 180.00 was left which will prove a welcome addition to the Red Cross treasury, as the funds were getting low. Music was provided by a five-piece orchestra from R. A. F. Pennfield and the Casino was also secured at a very reasonable cost.
St. Croix Courier
June 24/1943
Shiretown Items
40 or 50 years ago, when great numbers of young people from St. Stephen and Calais would come into St. Andrews every summer on the weekend steamboat excursions, they would frequently make us awfully cross by calling St. Andrews Sleepy Hollow. Our usual reply that they being used to the rattle of streetcars, the smoke and grime of the factories, the smell of the mudflats, they were unable to appreciate the smell of the clean beaches, the salt sea air and the quiet restful charm of a seaside town. The truth is that the two industries, the weir and tourist industries, which sustained St. Andrews for the past 50 years, are not of the kind to cause very much stir in the town. Dozens of men who perhaps had made perhaps from 10 to 100 dollars before breakfast from their weir would be seen loafing about the streets in the middle of the day, thus giving a rather untrue impression to strangers. At one time there were 80 sardine weirs in the Bay and most of them did well. Though fewer in numbers, the weirs here have been doing well again in recent years. One took in 77 hogsheads one morning last week. At 16.50 a hogshead one divided three ways represents a pretty satisfactory day's work. Most of this money is spent here and we all get our share of it sooner or later.
St. Croix Courier
July 1/1943
This is not Funny
Some "Smarties" from the Pennfield Air Force are again at large in planes, diving through our door yards and skimming about the town below the treetops. If this low flying is an essential part of their training, why don't the stick to the wide-open spaces rather than to terrify women and children about town with their antics. If they are just trying to show how smart they are they fail in their purpose as no one knows who they are. A better way would be to write a piece to the paper stating how clever they are and sign their names. The public would gladly take their word for it rather than ask for proof. If their object is to be funny they must have a rather depraved sense of humour. One day recently a plane which had been diving about town for half an hour was reported to have crashed near a weir must outside the harbour. A motorboat was commandeered, and rushed to render first aid, but no place was found. Men at the weir said it took a dive at them and then sailed out through Latete.
Shiretown Items
The Marina theatre is putting in new seats, upholstered and comfortable, with rows farther apart so that those with extra-long legs can sit comfortably in a natural position without wearing out the knees of their trousers on the seats immediately in front.
"Random Harvest" is the feature for this week.
St. Croix Courier
July 15, 1945
Shiretown Items
Edwin P. Mallory
We were indeed sorry to hear of the death in Montreal of Ed. Mallory, a boyhood friend and schoolmate. Ed. was to have retired this fall to enjoy a well-earned rest after many years spent in office work with the CNR. He left here as a young man to enlist in the Boer War. He remained in South Africa for several years and met his wife there. Returning to Canada he secured employment with CNR and rose to a respectable position in the office of the president, to which service he has given the best years of his life. Throughout his entire life he had no hobby other than his work, and the problem of how he would spend his time during his enforced leisure after retiring, and to which he has given much thought during the past year or two has been thus suddenly solved for him by a power which doeth all things well.
St. Croix Courier
August 12/1943
Widow of Sir Thomas Tait dies. Predeceased by husband and daughter. Daughter of late Mr. and Mrs. George R. B. Cockburn of Toronto. Died here Aug.7. Funeral service held today at her home conducted by Reverend Mr. McColl of All Saints Church; body taken to Montreal. Before they built their home, stayed at Algonquin.
St. Croix Courier
Aug 19/1943
Shiretown Items
Business on north side of Water Street between King and William in 1880. In the corner building where Cockburn's drug store is now situated was a residence occupied by G. F. Campbell. Next to the shop now occupied by Cottage Craft was the Post Office. The public stood on the sidewalk to receive their mail from a small wicket about 8 by 10 inches. Richard Keay was office clerk. In the shop now unoccupied was Mrs. Ingraham's Candy Shop. Next, where the Wren's Drug Store now does business was Whitlock's Hardware Store run by John Polleys. The next building, now Hewitt's restaurant, was Eddie Saunders' Fruit and Candy. Next to that was Thomas Milligan's Candy, Schoolbooks and Stationery. In the next to Mrs. Collins, furnishings and woollen goods was Ms. Hanson's Cobbling Shop with a small stock of boots and shoes. Stickney's Jewellery and Watch Repair came next. The store is still in the family, being at present under the management of Walter Stickney with a stock of Wedgwood. The next shop, now Mr. Dougherty's Restaurant, was occupied by another Mrs. Ingraham, with a Confectionary, Cakes and Pastry. The next shop, now Earl McCaughey's Law Office, which was occupied in 1890 by Cockburn's Drug Store, was not listed. The store on the corner, now the Maritime Electric Headquarters, was a grocery store run by Barnum Campbell. The only business places above William Street at the present time are McDowell's Variety store on the corner; Hazen McDowell Barber next, and further uptown on the next block, McQuoid's Service Station and Taxi Stand. At the time of which my correspondent writes there were thirteen grog shops in St. Andrews, where a schooner of beer could be had for nickel, a glass of hard liquor for a dime, and a square-face of Holland gin for 60 cents. Now liquor is sold under government control, and because of war-time restrictions we are limited to 12 pints of beer per week, one quart of hard liquor per month, and one quart of wine per week.
St. Croix Courier
Aug 26/1943
Shiretown Items
On Vocational Guidance
Donald Worrell, a former member of the club, was guest speaker at Kiwanis last week, giving an interesting and practical talk on Vocational Guidance. Don is now on the permanent staff of the Vocational School in Saint John. He has taken courses in Guidance and Counselling at Columbia and received his MA from that university last year. He believes that in time this important branch of education will be introduced into all the larger schools of the province, but fears that it will never accomplish the ends the public is being led to expect of it from reading well written magazine articles. . . .
Golf tournament for Red Cross
The Algonquin Golf Club held a tournament last week for the benefit of the Red Cross with receipts amounting to 40.00. The trophy donated by the Canadian Golf Assoc was won by R. R. McLernon, with a net score of 68. Dave Caughey and John O'Neill tied for second place at 69.
St. Croix Courier
Aug 26/1943
By Earl Caughey
Annual flower show draws over 1000 in St. Andrews. 6th annual sponsored by Kiwanis held in St. Andrews arena. Patronage of following residents: W. D. Clark, Hon. Senator Wilson, Hon. Marguerite Shaughnessy, Lady Allen, Lady Davis, Mrs. F. W. Thompson, Mrs. Pillow, Mrs. Struthers, Mrs. E. Maxwell, Mrs. Ralph Smith, Mrs. Timmons, Mrs. Warren, Mrs. Alice Wilson, Mrs. Halstead Freeman, Mrs. Prentice, Mrs. S. W. Watson, Mrs. Burns, Mrs. Southam, Mrs. Ray, Mrs. Shutt, Miss Hosmer, Mrs. Dodge, Miss Clergue, Mrs. Ferney, Mrs. Blair Gordon, Mrs. C. Ballantyne, Mrs. E. MacKay, Mrs. Charles Hope, Mrs. H. P. Ross, Mrs. Fraser, Mrs. Hall, Mr. Redmond, Mr. Walsh.
St. Croix Courier
Sept 2/1943
The years have been gradually taking their toll among the prominent people who first discovered the beauties of St. Andrews as a summer resort. Mrs. Forgan is our latest loss . . . Among the many fine summer people who have through the years earned the love and respect of the townspeople, none were more beloved than Mrs. and Mrs. Forgan, and we believe that their affection for St. Andrews, for its plain folks and quaint customs, was just as deep and genuine, as our own.
St. Croix Courier
Sept 9, 1943
Shiretown Items
It's Still a Mystery
I know of quite a number of cases where a man who had been out on a racket had the misfortune to lose his artificial denture. Occasionally we read of someone losing his hat, though perhaps not under exactly similar circumstances. But what I think is more unusual is for a man to arrive home minus his shoes! A young man here, who had one evening been imbibing too freely, recently had that sad experience. On dressing next morning he first learned that his shoes were missing. They were not about the house so he slipped on an old pair of rubbers, having no other shoes, and started up street to investigate a search. He remembered loitering in a store doorway for a while during the night and called there to explain his misfortune to the clerk. The solicitous clerk had not seen the shoes but promised to make inquiries and render all possible assistance in their recovery. He did. Within an hour the young man received a half dozen telephone calls from persons who had learned of his loss and had found a pair of shoes. He ran bout town examining the collection of worn-out brogues which had been hunted up for the occasion and shown to him in great seriousness. But of course, in time he became suspicious and refused to answer any more calls. The shoes were finally found on the doorstep of a maiden lady, whose character is beyond reproach and who has long since reached the age of discretion. How they got there is a mystery as the young man claims he never was near the place in his life. He says the experience has been a lesson to him however and in the future he will never drink anything stronger than lemon extract.
St. Croix Courier
Dec 16/1943
A Light Gleams in the Window for the Tourist
By L. N. S.
Ottawa Journal
There's a light burning today in the brown Irish eyes of Leo Dolan. His Canadian Government travel Bureau has been under wraps all these war years but with peace somewhere around the corner he's beginning to rub his hands. For peace, to Mr. Dolan, isn't a matter of having a car in every garage but having every car on the highway.
We bumped into him just as he returned from Quebec shore he attended the big post-war tourist planning convention called by National War Services Minister LaFleche. Mr. Dolan's enthusiasm was immense; despite the fact he has attended so many conventions in the last decade that when he dines at a friend's home now he never smokes until someone toasts the King's health.
More than 250 delegates attended the conference—travel people, manufacturers, agriculturists, bankers and all the wide variety that is directly involved in the tourist trade. Their meeting, over which from all accounts General La Fleche presided with outstanding skill and old world courtesy, had three basic ideas:
1.1. The tourist industry should be the first to get on its feet after the war.
2. The tourist industry will be able to provide a lot of jobs for returned men and war industry workers
3. The tourist industry should be looked upon as serious national business, because of the revenue it brings from United States and because of its nationalizing influence within the country
To accomplish these things the meeting elected a National Tourist Advisory Council composed of a Cabinet Minister from each province and headed by General LaFleche, with Mr. Dolan as executive director. "I'm Joe," he says, but he's happy as a lark at the prospect of action.
The meeting unanimously recommended that the Government resume its advertising in United States' publications. The Canadian Travel Bureau hasn't been allowed to place an ad in the States since 1940 and the Quebec conference fear greatly that Canada will be forgotten. They would make their appeal something like this. "Don't come to Canada now because we can't offer you all we'd like you to have, but we're looking forward to seeing you after the war."
It is feared that without some such campaign Mexico and Central and South American countries will gain the advantage over Canada. Take the State of Maine. It used to be thronged with Canadians but not for the last four years. Yet in this period it has concentrated on luring Americans to Maine and has done a terrific business. Canada has got to keep her name before the market, just as commercial companies are now advertising that after the war we'll want to buy their anti-freeze.
*(rest of article missing; get it)
St. Croix Courier
November 11, 1943
Shiretown Items
Fuel Supply
The coal supply in St. Andrews has pretty well kept up with demand and users of this kind of fuel have little to complain of. But for those who depend chiefly on wood for their warmth the situation could not be much worse. Some families have no fuel except pieces of driftwood they gather from the beach or a few armfuls from time to time that their good neighbors bring in from their own scant supply. The Town Council has done everything possible in an attempt to ease the situation, but so far without much results. They are willing to take any kind of wood from anybody who can supply it and see that it is distributed to those in need, even if the town loses money in the transaction. No person in this community has ever suffered from cold or hunger. If they have not the bare necessities of life, and no money to buy such, they are always supplied in reasonable quantities by the town. But this year money is of no value in the wood question. Wood simply can't be bought at the price fixed by the W. P. T. B. Personally I have tried every place I could think of since las spring and all I have been able to get to date is one load of doty white birch and one load of green softwood slabs! At the suggestion of a visitor I even went so far as to hold a stick of wood in my hand and wish on the New Moon, but alas! Without results. I wrote to a man who was said to have over one thousand cords of dry wood on hand. His reply was that he had the wood but the fuel controller had directed it all to St. Stephen and Milltown. To date none has been directed to St. Andrews. The wood now being cut by government employees should help some if they are able to deliver it this winter. But the situation for next year doesn't appear any brighter.
St. Croix Courier
Nov 18, 1943
Shiretown Items
Historic New Brunswick
I was much interested in reading "Historical Guide to New Brunswick" by Dr. J. C. Webster, which was sent to me by Major W. F. McStay of Moncton. It gives a couple of lines to St. Andrews in three places, mentioning thus briefly the building of the blockhouses here during the war of 1812, the start of N.B's first railway, and the introduction of Cottage Craft. But in a sketch of the Loyalists of New Brunswick it makes no mention of St. Andrews at all, which as far as I know is the only other town of the province outside of Saint John and Fredericton which was founded by the Loyalists. For many years St. Andrews rivalled Saint John in ship-building, in lumbering and in trade with the old country. Had the railway from here to Quebec been completed as planned, the metropolis of the province might now be at the mouth of the St. Croix River instead of the Saint John. It is a fact that just previous to the beginning of the World War in 1914 money had been voted by the parliament of Canada to develop the harbour at the mouth of the St. Croix. Reliable engineers and master mariners of world wide experience are all agreed that here is an ideal location for a world port. A natural landlocked harbour of sufficient size and depth to accommodate the merchant marine of the world. A natural harbour where without dredging miles of docks could be built to load and unload the largest ships now afloat. No winter fogs, comparatively free from ice in the severest seasons and offering the shortest rail haul from the west. But the acceptance or rejection of all government projects is determined by political expediency. Heads are counted and the community which can offer the most votes gets the plums.
St. Croix Courier
Dec 16, 1943
Shiretown Items
Absentee Reporting
It was with much regret that because of dietetic rules, I was obliged to turn down an invitation to the "Old-time Moose Hunters' Banquet" held last Wednesday evening at the home of S. J. Anning. The main course consisted of roast venison with all the fixin's, and no doubt the aperitif would be a bowl of sparkling punch. . . . [Mr. Worrell died of a massive hemorrhage from his stomach ulcer]