Item
St. Croix Courier
Jan 20/1944
Shiretown Items—Margot Redmond
Some news of Margot Redmond should be of interest to St. Andrews folks. Margot has spent her summers here since she was a small child and now that her parents own a home in St. Andrews, where they spend the greater part of the year we feel justified in calling her a real St. Andrews girl. As all of us ordinary hard-working folks who have the pleasure of knowing her personally can testify, here is a girl whom wealth and luxury have not spoiled. During recent years her chief joy has been to sail about the harbour, the river or the bay in her little boat, sometimes alone, but usually with a retired master mariner to serve as ballast or to offer occasional advice. When her country's call came she volunteered for service with a Canadian Medial Corps. The night before sailing for England a rather mean-spirited burglar broke into her flat in Montreal and carried off practically everything she had planned to take with her. She got a complete new outfit in London and set sail again. Her ship was torpedoed in the Mediterranean and once more she lost everything, except the clothes in which she stood—her favorite slacks and tennis shoes. Was rescued by an American ship, to board which it was necessary to climb a fifty-foot rope ladder with a high sea running. When the ship rolled the ladder with its occupant would swing out a dozen feet and come back with a thud. "No place for a lady!" do you say? No indeed, unless, as in this case the lady is an experienced sailor, a fine athlete and has plenty of physical courage. Margot is not permitted to say where she is now but has given the following hints in a recent letter to her parent. She is where they specialize, or did formerly, in multi-colored ice cream, and from her room she can look out over a bay, which next to Passamaquoddy, is the most beautiful stretch of water in the world. Margot is in the pink, but naturally longs for home and the uneventful life in St. Andrews. Her leisure moments, which are infrequent, owing to her multifarious duties, she devotes to the capture and destruction of fleas which are ever present in countless numbers in this once proud and beautiful city. Cheerio, Margot and a safe return!
St. Croix Courier
January 27, 1944
Shiretown Items
One for the Old Folks
The meeting of the County Council here last week has recalled to my mind the first time the existence and importance of this August body politic was brough to my notice. It was away back in the gay nineties. St. Andrews was not incorporated at that time and the town's municipal affairs along with those of the parish were entirely in the hands of two councillors elected annually. There was an agitation at the time for the installation of a system of waterworks for the town. Two candidates were nominated in support of the project and two in opposition, and just prior to the election a public meeting was held in Stevenson's hall for the aspirants to air their views and to solicit the patronage of the rate payers. Unfortunately, I cannot recall the names of three of the candidates (I remarked in a recent item that we remember only what interests us) but I do distinctly remember Nathan Blakeney, one of the opposition. Mr. Blakeney was a farmer on the outskirts of the town, being at that time the owner and proprietor of what is now known as "Clibrig," the summer home of Senator Wilson. Now I cannot recall one word that Mr. Blakeney said at that meeting but the picture of his strong and imposing figure on the platform and his earnest and sincere manner are still as clear as if the incident had happened last week. I do remember that he opposed high taxes and denounced waterworks and every person connected therewith in no uncertain terms. Mr. Blakeney and his running mate were elected and the question of waterworks was buried for another thirty years. As a sort of a sequel to these stirring events a forty-verse poem, words and music, was composed by a local artist, and rendered with appropriate dance steps at a concert held during the next Christmas holiday season, by the versatile and popular comedians of that period Joseph Handy and Charles Kennedy. I remember the tune quite well but only one verse with chorus, which proves again that we only remember what interests us. The verse that I recall refers to the election of Mr. Blakeney and the coming meeting of the County Council and I give it herewith along with the chorus. I hope that the memories of the older folks, especially those who are scattered far and wide, may be stirred by the recollection of these perhaps trivial incidents of bygone days. Perhaps someone can furnish some more verses of the song. As far as I know it had no name but shall call it
Ool-e-i Ool-eay!
The Councillors will meet soon in the Shiretown
And Blakeney'll be there a-wearing his crown;
He swore when elected early last fall,
That down'd come expenses taxes and all.
Ool-e-ay, ool-e-i, ool-e-i, ool-e-ay
With my skiddamarink, a humta a boomta re-ay;
Ool-e-ay, ool-e-i, ool-e-i, ool-e-ay,
The pride of the house is my mother's babee!
Lady Bell Ringer
For the first time in the history of the town we have an official lady bell-ringer. But whether it is Elizabeth Mallory or Wilma Halliday is difficult to determine. Do they do it separately, jointly or severally? It seems a pretty heavy job for one slight female. The only other instance of one of the fair sex ringing the old town bell that I can recall is when Edna Clinch rang it for Oby Conley's fire. Remember that Edna? Here are the present circumstances. The bell-ringer Herb Greenlaw is taken sick. He notifies Frank Mallory, Town Clerk to engage a substitute as the old bell must ring out its message four times a day as usual. Norman Johnson, the Town Marshal, undertakes to do the ringing at 7 am and 1 pm, if Mr. Mallory will look after 12 and 5 o'clock until a regular substitute can be engaged. Mr. Mallory, who is also County Secretary gets tied up at the Council meetings so his office girls, feeling that the show must go on try their hand at the bell rope! It all goes to show how much the old town bell means to us all and how ready the folks living in a small community are to step into the breach in times of trouble and carry on. Mr. Greenlaw has been taken to the hospital for a serious operation and it is the hope of everyone that he may pull safely through, be completely restored to health and sooner or later be back once more on the job he has carried on so faithfully for many years.
St. Croix Courier
Feb 10/1944
Shiretown Items
Gymnasiums Past and Present
A discussion at Kiwanis last week in regard to the re-opening of the gymnasium owned, and formerly operated by the Boy Scouts association, just naturally set my mind travelling far down the avenues of the past. The first gym I can recall was located in the hall over "Mulligan's" foundry. I don't remember much about it, being too young at the time to be admitted to membership. But two older fellows, Eddie Coakley and Ned McGrath, to whom for some time I had been offering a sort of her-worship owing to their kindness to a small boy, did occasionally invite me in to watch the proceedings. There was one fellow in the club who was as strong as an ox but just as clumsy, and evidently during his boyhood training the first part of the injunction "Mens sana in corpore sano" had been woefully neglected. In a word he was a wee bit simple. The rest of the boys, or young men as they were, took every advantage of this fact and had plenty of fun with him. When he made a lift, from one hundred and fifty to two hundred pounds would be added to the recorded weight. When he tried the running broad jump, the tape measure always showed that he was about two feet ahead of anyone else. Even the scales in some mysterious manner added about 75 lbs. to his weight. And he swallowed it all. Encouraged by the others he soon, in his own opinion, became the boxing champion of the club. He had a blow, his own invention, which he called the "pivot." He would swing clumsily all the way around on one heel, arms extended at the sides like human semaphores. His opponent, having plenty of time, would step in so that the back of the big right paw as it came around would strike him on the shoulder. He would then fall to the floor—down for the count—and his seconds would work over him with wet sponges, smelling salts and apparently as a last resort a mouthful of hard liquor in an effort to revive him. It usually required the second and sometimes the third mouthful before the defeated gladiator opened his eyes. As a climax to these sparring fiascos a time bomb in the shape of a bag of flour, and one of the boys impersonating the clock, was arranged at the edge of a trap-door in the ceiling. This bout was to definitely decide the club championship. The ring was marked off with chalk directly beneath the trap-door. If I remember rightly "Gull" Bolger was opposing the pseudo-champion on this occasion. The participants were stripped to the waist and weighed in with great ceremony and solemnity. It was found that the claimant to the title was two ounces overweight, but "Gull" waived all such minor technicalities and the bout was started. After five or six rounds with indifferent results, even the famous "pivot" having failed to produce the usual knockout, the man of ox-like qualities took on a worried look and his torso was glistening with sweat. He was then maneuvered directly under the trap, the signal was given and down came the flour! The unfortunate simp was nearly smothered and needless to say never boxed again. I never did know who dumped the flour on that never-to-be-forgotten occasion. I wonder if he is still in the land of the living1 What a joy it would be to get a letter from him.
More of the Same
A few years later than the period of the foregoing item but still before the turn of the century the "Andraeleo Club" was organized for the Roman Catholic boys under the direction of the much-beloved Father O'Flaherty. Strangers to St. Andrews frequently ask the meaning and origin of the name. I have it from one of the charter members that it was a coined word taken from the Greek andrae, meaning man, and the Latin leo, meaning lion. The implied object of the Andraeleo Club was to develop supermen, those having all the best attributes of both men and lions. Although the chief attraction was a well-equipped gymnasium, considerable attention was also paid to the study of dramatics and the game of chess of which Father O'Flaherty was an acknowledged master in those days. Each year the club put on a show, sometimes a well-played drama, and sometimes a variety show with singing, dancing and exhibitions of gymnastics. The club developed some fine gymnasts among whom I remember John Bolger and Leo Howland who could both do the "flying cut-off" and the "giant-swing" on the horizontal bar, very difficult stunts. The tune and most of the words of an Irish song "I met my friend Patrick McKenna, one evening on Washington street," introduced in one of those shows by Andrew Craig, can still be remembered by the old folks. After the Andraeleo club had been flourishing for a couple of years, but still in the nineties, the protestant boys organized a club known as the Victorian Athletic Association with Rev. J. C. Berrie as the first president.
This club prospered for several years and also developed some fine athletes. One of them, who does not wish his name mentioned, was good enough to win a gold medal when he later went to a large city. There were sixty competitors and eighteen acrobatic and athletic events (three each night for six nights) and the medal, which this old fellow still treasures, bears, besides his own name and the name of the club, the inscription "All-around indoor athletic proficiency, first prize." [is this Mr. Worrell himself?]
But enough of the past. Let us get to the present-day problem. The Boy Scouts, thanks to the enterprise of former Scoutmaster Rev. William Ideson and the generosity of Miss Van Horne, have a fine scout hall and a commodious well-equipped gymnasium. Owing to lack of finances and a competent director the gym is now standing idle. The present Scoutmaster, Carl Medcof, feels that one evening a week for meetings and Saturday afternoons for hikes is all the time he can afford for this work. The Kiwanis expressed themselves as willing to assist in the financing, providing a capable young man could be found to accept the duties of assistant scoutmaster and look after the gymnasium work for two or three nights in the week. Another difficulty may be to obtain rubber soled shoes which would be absolutely essential before going on the floor. It is understood that the gym would be open to all boys and girls of the town but only to be used under supervision. Let us hope that a solution may be found and that our young folks may be provided with this healthful and pleasant recreation.
St. Croix Courier
Feb 17, 1944
Shiretown Items
Mutilation
A drive or walk out Reed Avenue just now is enough to make one's heart ache. The trees along this beautiful approach to the town have been "trimmed" by the Light Co. But trimmed is not the work. "Mutilated" seems even too mild a term. These trees were planted by the late Mrs. Hayter Reed, and have been nursed along all these years until they were things of beauty. No doubt the Light company's franchise gives them authority to trim the trees along the right of way. But there seemed no need to cut ten feet of these beautiful shade trees when a foot or two each year would have sufficed. If the town council had been consulted before the work was done, surely some arrangements could have been made for placing those lines in a cable or at least to have trimmed the trees in a reasonable way. It has been well said that some people's taste is all in their mouth.
St. Croix Courier
March 2, 1944
Shiretown Items
From the "Bay Pilot," 1882
The erection of a goose pound on the Market Square was bad enough. What will the feeling now be when an attempt is made to turn our square over to the aborigines, for now in addition to the goose pound there stands upon it the wigwam of the painted savage. What next?
March 16, 1944
Shiretown Items
Saxby Gale
Carl Medcof, a member of the club, entertained the Kiwanis last week with an interesting talk on the Saxby Gale. Several other members also contributed some facts gathered from the old folks about town who can remember that big wind or 1869. The speaker quoted the original prediction of S. M. Saxby, Instructor of Engineers of the Royal Navy, which appeared in the London papers in November 1868. "I beg to state with regard to 1869 at 7 am October 5th, the moon will be at the part of her orbit which is nearest the earth. Her attraction will therefore be at its maximum force. At noon of the same day the moon will be on the earth's equator, circumstance which never occurs without marked disturbance and at 2 pm of the same day lines drawn from the earth's center would cut the sun and the moon in the same arc of right ascension. The moon's attraction, and the sun's attraction will therefore be acting in the same direction. In other words, the new moon will be on the earth's equator when in perigee and nothing more threatening can, I can occur without miracle." Further warnings were given in Sept. 1869. Some scoffed at the prediction as nonsense, but many others all over the world took the matter seriously and made suitable preparations. Ships at docks were more firmly secured and those moored in harbour put out extra anchors. In expectation of extremely high tides goods were removed from storehouses on wharves. But strange to say the Bay of Fundy region was the only part of the world to be honored by a disturbance of the elements, and in this area boats, wharves, buildings, trees and humans got quite a shaking up. The roofs of many buildings were blown off and in some cases entire buildings were removed to a new resting place. Several vessels were capsized and many washed ashore and quite a number of lives lost. Trees were flattened to the ground over considerable areas. Dyke lands were overflowed by the excessive tide, dykes destroyed and cattle lost. In Charlotte County and adjacent U.S. coasts the gale was most severe. One hundred and twenty-one vessels were beached near St. Andrews, Calais, Machias and Eastport. Near Point Lepreau the barque Genii was wrecked and eleven lives lost. St. Andrews and St. George suffered to a great extent; houses were unroofed, completely demolished and streets blocked with debris of the gale. At St. George the roof of the armory was carried distance of a hundred yards. The spire of the Episcopal church at St. Stephen was blown over and the building badly wrecked. A church at Milltown was destroyed and the railway bridge blown into the falls. On Grand Manan, Deer Island and Campobello wind and tide caused much damage. On Campobello alone some eighty buildings composed of sheds, barns and fish houses were destroyed. The storm arrived on the evening of October 4th, coming from the south-east, and being apparently of tropical origin. In the New England states, it took the form of a heavy rainfall there being a total precipitation of eight inches recorded in New Hampshire. Since the inception of the forecast branch of the Canadian Meteorological Service, not one of these storms of tropical origin has reached the Maritime Provinces without ample warning and display of storm signals. Had the present system of warning to mariners been in force, the gale of Oct. 4th, 1869, would not have left the record of loss of life and shipping enumerated. Take the instance of the barque Genii alone, with a display of storm signals, which certainly would have been made well in advance of the gale, this vessel would undoubtedly have remained in port and the appalling disaster averted.
St. Croix Courier
March 30/1944
Shiretown Items
Kiwanis Educational Work
(history of the Kiwanis in St. Andrews and its various good works)
Old Stuff
Readers of the Courier may recall a picture of the derelict schooner "Mary Ellen" appearing in the paper a year or so ago. Here is a story which started with trip on that old schooner and ended on the Klondike trail. The Mary Ellen sailed from St. Andrews one day abut sixty years ago for Saint John where she took on a cargo for New York. Capt. Clarke was master, Harry Maloney mate, and one member of the crew was Arthur Mowatt. While in Saint John the mate collected a lot of junk to take along to sell in New York for his own personal profit. When they reached New York, Mowatt and another member of the crew wanted to go ashore but had no money. They appealed to the captain but "nothing doing" said he till the end of the trip home when they all would be paid off. But next day while the captain and mate were at dinner a small boat manned by a couple of Jews pulled alongside and inquired if they had any junk to sell. Mowatt and his companion thought this was their chance for a ticket ashore. While his companion passed down the junk Mowatt balanced a large piece of pig-iron on the rail threating to sink the Jews if they did not pay. At length the stuff was all aboard and the dickering began. The Jews offered $10 and the men wanted $20. As the time was limited and the mate likely to appear at any minute they were obliged to compromise at $15. Just how the money was spent was not mentioned by the narrator. Many years later, Mowatt, who had gone west shortly after this trip on the Mary Ellen, was returning from the Klondike pretty well-heeled and came upon a man resting by the side of the trail who looked to be down and out. On making inquiries he learned that the man had no food and no money and was about all'in. Mowatt gave him some food and as he watched him eat he thought the man's face looked familiar. He asked him his name and the chap in distress said he was Harry Maloney from St. Andrews, New Brunswick. "Well, well," said Mowatt, "I owe you $20." "And who might you be?" asked Maloney. "Nobody owes me any money." "My name is Arthur Mowatt," was the reply. "Don't you remember that junk that disappeared off the Mary Ellen in New York? I sold it and blew in the money." Harry recalled the mystery of the junk and was glad to accept the $20 which took him to Vancouver from which point the in time worked his way home a sadder, poorer but wiser man, who rarely spoke of his experience on the "Trail of '98." Mowatt, who is now 83 years of age, has recently arrived from the west, after many years' absence, and plans to spend the summer with his sister, Miss Lillian Mowatt, at his old home in Chamcook.
St. Croix Courier
April 13, 1 944
Shiretown Items
Humblest Apologies
In the recent story in this column which gave a sketch of the experiences of the late Harry Maloney during the Klondike gold rush, if I gave the reader the impression that the latter was a tramp, as is stated in a letter from his daughter, Mrs. E. M. Tremblay, nothing could be farther from my intention. I took it from the story as I heard it that Mr. Maloney was one of the many thousands of men who went through the hardships of those exciting years only to be disillusioned in the end. I consider every man who followed that trail of '98 a hero, whether he returned well-heeled with gold or came back broke, as ninety-nine out of a hundred did. It has always been through the courage and adventurous spirit of such men as these that new and far off lands have been opened up to civilization. And the man who meets with hard luck, gains nothing and even loses what he had, and at last succeeds in working his way out, I believe to be the greatest hero of them all. A tramp, according to Webster, is a "begging or a thieving vagrant" lower in the strata of human society than a "hobo" who is called a "Migratory worker." But the unfortunate part of the story is that, according to Mrs. Trembly, and also on the testimony of William Carson, a veteran of that gold rush with whom I talked after the story appeared, there is no truth in it! Mr. Maloney went on the trip in the company of his brother–in-law and two other men from Boston. They were all well supplied with funds and continued together throughout the entire trip until their return to Boston, after which Mr. Maloney continued on to his home in St. Andrews. In justice to Mr. Mowatt I wish to state that I did not get the story directly from him and after a few telling's a yarn is liable to become distorted or exaggerated.
St. Croix Courier
May 11, 1944
Shiretown Items
At the regular meeting of Kiwanis Club last week the speaker was F. L. Mallory, a member of the club, who gave an interesting sketch of town affairs from the time of incorporation in 1903 till the year 1907. Prior to the holding of a plebiscite on the boundaries of the town were fixed by Sheriff R. A. Stuart. As laid out at that time they concluded Minister's Island and the Van Horne estate. However at the request of Sir William the island was left outside except for school purposes. Of the first board of aldermen elected A. B. O'Neill is the only one still living. When the first school board was appointed A. B. O'Neill was one of the members and has served continually ever since, a fine record of over forty years of public service. In his inaugural address Mayor Snodgrass expressed the hope that sewers might be installed in the town. It was not until 1912 however that after nine years of discussion for and against, bonds were issued and a partial system of sewers laid. The first town clerk, E. B. Polleys, was paid $50 a year. The first marshal, Robert Worrell, [probably father of Fred Worrell, I know his name was Robert ] received $200 per annum, providing that he collected that much in fines under the Scott Act—no fines, no salary! First board of assessors were J. A. Shirley, T. A. Hartt, D. C. Rollins, J. S. Magee bell ringer, and F. H. Grimmer, town treasurer at $00 a year. In the summer of 1904 the ringing of the town bell was discontinued for three weeks owing to the illness of a guest at Kennedy's hotel. During this period the bell of the Anglican church was substituted and four times each day its soft musical tones could be heard calling the workmen to labor and refreshment, and from refreshment to labour again. The question of fields, rivers, pound and pound-keeper was always a live one in those days and occupied much of the time of the council. The grass along the street sides was more succulent at that time, being uncontaminated by the dust from passing cars. It was permitted and was customary to tether cows along the street to keep the herbage cropped short, but frequently cattle which had been insecurely tied would be found wandering about the streets or regaling themselves in someone's garden. Off to the pound they were taken and $1.00 paid for their release. Part of this fine went to the field river and part to the pound keeper and it has been said that cows securely tied on the street side at night were often found in the pound next morning! (who could blame those poorly paid town officials if they did raise the odd dollar surreptitiously when a full quart of the finest Holland gin, good for an all-night session, could be purchased for 60 cents?) On Sept. 4th, 1904, one of the hand fire engines, manned by two dozen of the ablest men in town, was taken to Calais to compete in the firemen's sports and made a fine showing against the more modern equipment of the border towns. A young Chinaman, who had been taken along as mascot, caused some stir when the immigration officer got wind of it. He was smuggled safely across the river in a small boat and spent a lonesome and unhappy day in St. Stephen, where he was later picked up by the returning firemen. In January, 1905, a public meeting was held to discuss the possibility of establishing an Electric Light Plant but nothing came of it. In 1905 the assessment for school purpose was $2500. The question of rent from "the Commons", a knotty problem since the towns' incorporation was at length adjusted to the satisfaction of both town and parish. A proposal to extend the town limits to include the whole parish was discussed but turned down. In 1906 a granite concern made overtures to the town with regard to establishing a plant here, but their conditions, a free site, a cash bonus of $3000 and exemption from taxation for a period of years were not acceptable to the council. In 1907 the CPR made a proposal for an Electric Light plant but nothing came of it. The question of a deep-sea wharf came up almost annually. In a word the records show that those former councils had the best interests of St. Andrews at heart and the seeds that they sowed in those infertile years have since produced tangible results.
St. Croix Courier
June 8/1944
A fine looking, high-stepping and well-matched pair of driving horses, the property of Edward MacKay, have recently appeared on the streets here with the veteran horseman, Fred Shutt, at the controls. Time was when a dozen such beautiful turnouts could be seen here on any fine day during the summer months. Let us hope Mr. MacKay's example may be followed by other summer residents. Cars which have their uses, have now become commonplace, and for real class and distinctive style there is nothing like a well-matched pair.
St. Croix Courier
July 6/1944
Closing exercise of Charlotte County Grammar school held at Algonquin Casino June 28 evening. 10 girls and 3 boys graduated.
St. Croix Courier
July 13/1944
Shiretown Items
Getting Home
Many years ago, I once went on a fishing trip to lake Utopia with Judge Cockburn. We took along Dave Maxwell of St. George as guide and preceptor and, after a long night spent alternately in fishing and toasting our shins at a blazing beach fire, we returned home with string of twenty good sized speckled beauties. As we came over Hume's Hill behind the Judge's finely matched pair of blacks and caught the first glimpse of the town and the sparkling blue waters of the Passamaquoddy, my companion turned to me and said: "One of the finest features of a fishing trip is the getting home!" I was so forcibly struck with the truth of the statement that I have never forgotten it and have often wondered if it does not apply equally well to any pleasure trip. We plan for a year enjoying our trip all the while in anticipation, we visit our friends or dear ones and enjoy every minute of it, yet there is something in that moment of arriving once more at our very own home which touches the deepest of our emotions. It may be the most unpretentious of homes, the house may need painting, the roof may leak and we may be in need of a new kitchen range, but nevertheless it is Home. The Most unhappy character I ever met in fiction was a lad who had been transplanted from a little atoll in the South Seas to a large city in the United States. The charms of the city meant nothing to him, he constantly longed for his own grass hut, the simple carefree life to which he was used—and home. No truer words were ever spoken than those of John Howard Payne, "be it ever so humble, ther's no place like home."
St. Andrews Shipyard burned with loss of over $500,000 including 2 ships on ways. Vaughan shipbuilding plant. Boat house belonging to Howard Pillow destroyed. A CPR shed caught fire also.
St. Croix Courier
July 20/1944
Shiretown Items—Other Fires and Other Matters (History of St. Andrews fires)
The recent, disastrous fire at the shipyard has started old-times discussing other bad fires we have had here. A mistake we all make is our failure during our youth to keep a record of all important local events. It is so satisfying in later years to be able to produce day and date with accompanying evidence sufficient to settle all arguments. All group pictures, especially school pictures, should have the date and the names of the pupils written on the back. I saw a school picture recently, taken about forty years ago, and the only person I could definitely identify was Caddie Norris. In a recent discussion of the date of the Argyle hotel fire one man who was born in 1894 said he remembered quite definitely seeing the fire. Personally I was sure it occurred in the spring of 1891 or '92. But Bert Rigby could recall the exact date, March 25, 1892, as he started for Boston next day, a lad of nineteen, leaving home for the first time to make his own way in the world—an important event to him and easily remembered. There was a sardine factory burned at the head of the steamboat wharf about 1892, and another on what is now called Doon's wharf, sometimes in the nineties. Does any reader recall the dates of those fires? And to go back still farther there was a bad fire near the site of the recently destroyed shipyard about 1850. Could any old-timer furnish the date of that one? Ship building was booming here at the time and there was also a nice industry in making ropes. The "Rope-walk"," as it was called, was a long low building extending from the head of what is now known as the DeWolfe wharf, diagonally across the lot where the present office of the Vaughn Co. is located up to Water Street, where afterwards was erected the large building known as the "Gove" building, built at the time the railway was started here, in 1852. A ship was being built at about the same place from which the recent ones have been launched and caught fire from a pot of tar which boiled over near at hand. Very little firefighting equipment was available in those days and the ship, almost ready for launching, was completely destroyed. The "Ropewalk" also caught and was burned to the ground, and as the last burning embers were extinguished, so perished another thriving industry. It just seems that St. Andrews, though ideally located with the best of water and rail connections to all points, was not intended to be an industrial centre. The Railway Machine Shop, located at the site of the present Y was burned once and rebuilt. It was afterwards torn down and removed to McAdam, a more central location. Anyone remember the dates of those events? As to our recent loss in St. Stephen, it is understood that unless further contracts are arranged beyond the three ships in view, the company will not rebuild. Her is an opportunity for our county member to prove that he has some influence at Ottawa. St. Andrews is a lovely spot in which to live—ideal climate and beautiful scenery. But these may be considered our luxuries. For the bare necessities of life, food, fuel and clothing, we need some hard cash and this indispensable requirement, the "sine qua non" of our existence, Nature fails to provide. Shall we be like Mr. Micawber, just sit back and wait for "something to turn up," or shall we through our Town Councils and County Board of Trade exert some pressure on the power that be and try to restore this industry which for a few years has brought prosperity to this small community and has been of definite benefit in our county as a whole?
St. Croix Courier
July 27/1944
Maritime Electric reduces light bills for domestic users. (St. Andrews, St. Stephen, Milltown)
St. Croix Courier
August 17, 1944
Shiretown items
Charlie
The many friends here of Motosuku Akagi, more familiarly known here as "Charlie the Jap" or "Motorcycle Charlie" have learned with regret of his serious accident at Camp Utopia in which he was badly burned about the face and neck. He was using a blow torch and some gasoline near at hand caught fire. In trying to extinguish the blaze Charlie's clothing caught and before the flame could be smothered by those who rushed to his assistance he became badly burned. Charlie is Canadian born and is one of the few good Japs. He had lived in St. Andrews for quite a number of years previous to the war, working as a motor mechanic at which trade he has few if any superiors, and joined up at the beginning of the war. He spent a year at Camp Sussex and then went overseas where he stayed until about a year ago. Since that time he has been in service at Camp Utopia. He married a local girl, Mona Homan, and has two children. Mrs. Akagi is the granddaughter of the well-known and well-remembered Passamaquoddy Indian, John Nicholas—hunter, trapper, guide and romancer.
St. Croix Courier
Aug 24/1944
But disastrous as this loss [shipyard] has been to St. Andrews, we still have much to be thankful for. We still have our homes and we still have our summer folks who if possible this season have been more generous than ever. Every church and society in town which has conducted any function this summer for the purpose of raising money has been generously supported. [$8,000.00 to date]
St. Croix Courier
Aug 31/1944
Shiretown Items—Dickson-Kenwin
("Glimpses of Life," an entertainment at Casino sponsored by St. Andrews Women's Canadian Club. Interesting performances by actor Dickson-Kenwin of London, England.)
"Glimpses of Life," an entertainment sponsored by the St. Andrews Women's Canadian Club and held at the Algonquin Casino, was well patronized and the proceeds are to be used for the benefit of the Charlotte County Children's Aid Society. The program consisted of a selection of character studies by Dickson-Kenwin of London, England, who is completing a tour of Canada doing similar programs. This noted actor's portrayal of such characters as Mathias, the fear-haunted burgomaster, Falstaff, Hamlet, and Cardinal Woolsey were as convincing examples of dramatic art as one might hope to see. To keep the audience in a receptive mood, and by way of displaying his versatility, the player interspersed a number of short humorous sketches. He also proved himself an adept at imitating various common sounds, such as planing and sawing wood—and the now almost forgotten one of drawing a cork. Without a doubt Dickson-Kenwin is an actor of the highest order and the Women of the Canadian Club are to be congratulated in bringing him here.
St. Croix Courier
September 7, 1944
Shiretown Items
House Warming
On election night, a dozen or more women, with oil lamps trimmed, were seen winding their way hillward in the direction of the Algonquin. Our first thought was that, like Diogenes of old, they were in search of an honest man. But we noticed that most of them had arrived at the age where almost any man would do. Further investigation and inquiries next day disclosed the fact that they were going to a "house warming," the lamps were not for the purpose of heat, however, but for light. Hebert Stuart had that day purchased the Ganong cottage and Mrs. Stuart had invited some of her friends in to look it over. The power was off, but the kitchen range was in place and plenty of wood in the basement. The chief entertainment was the keeping of a close check on the election returns by telephone. When the report came in at ten o'clock that the Conservatives were leading in the county, the two lone adherents of that party among the guests gave a good imitation of the once popular snake dance, but when at 10:30 the Liberal candidates forged ahead the same two ladies were almost moved to tears. At eleven o'clock refreshments which the guests had brought along were enjoyed, and tea, served by the hostess, was sipped with suspicion after the first swallow. It transpired that lump sugar found in a side board drawer and served generously with tea turned out to be saltpeter or moth balls, according to some of the guests. All were agreed that the substance was not sugar. No fatalities resulted however and a good time was had by all. Mr. and Mrs. Stuart left for their home in Baltimore the next day but plan on a long stay in their newly acquired summer home when next season rolls around.
St. Croix Courier
Sept 14, 1944
Shiretown Items
Dog-Fish
Speaking of accordions, a boatman here was telling me of a fishing trip on which this box-like instrument played a prominent part. While "toot" Wren was here on his annual holiday this summer, he was anxious to have a day off in the river hand-lining for haddock. He interviewed an old-timer who claimed to know the exact spot where this delectable fish could be caught and who offered, at a price, to make all arrangements for the trip. A boat was engaged and the party set sail or started the motor, to be more correct. As his equipment, the old-timer took along an accordion and a pair of field glasses. Having reached the mouth of the river the boat was run off with Niger Reef block and the Kirk steeple directly in line. The old fellow adjusted his binoculars and started up the river. At length when the Mc Robert s House came into view he gave the order to drop anchor, declaring that they were now directly over a school of haddock. Hooks were baited, lines were cast and soon the dog-fish in unlimited numbers were rolling over the gunwale—but never a haddock. After an hour of this the old fellow in order to save his face suggested a tune on the accordion. The others said it would have to be good to pay up for the poor results in fishing. After a few preliminary flourishes he opened up the accordion and produced four quarts of Montreal beer! Dog-fish and haddock were forgotten and as the beer gurgled down four dry and thirsty throats all were agreed that it was the nicest playing accordion they had ever seen or heard.
St. Croix Courier
Sept 21, 1944
Shiretown items
Information Please!
A very interesting letter written to the Mayor of St. Andrews (R. F. Keay) has been handed to me to use as I see fit and I am having it published here in full in the hopes that some reader may know some facts bearing on the case. I am curious to know if the Capt. Starkey we remember as the builder and master of the "Crusoe," would be the person of the firm "Starkey and Inch" which flourished in the 60's and 70's. If so he would be a comparatively young man at the time. One of his sons, Louis, from whom I had an interesting letter a year or so ago, is living in the States and is a reader of the Courier so he may be able to tell us something. Here is the letter from H. M. Starkey of Kent, Washington:
"To introduce myself, I will say I am a native of Queens County, New Brunswick, was born in 1862 and have lived in the west since 1881. My great-grandfather and his brother were Loyalists and landed in Saint John in the spring of 1783. They took up homesteads on the upper Washedomoak, where my great-grandfather, Mordecai Starkey, remained and raised a large family. Many of his descendants are living there and others are scattered over the west and the New England States. His brother, Kezekia, only remained two years and left for New Jersey their former home and was not heard from afterwards. A short time ago I read in an old Vancouver paper of one Harry Mowatt (now deceased) a native of St. Andrews, who was an apprentice at Starkey and Inch's shipyard in your city. This was somewhat about the 60's or 70's of the last century. Afterwards he was captain of sailing vessels, among them the "Timandra," "Salicia," "Christina," the "Andromeda," and others. In the west he got into steam and was Port Captain for the Canadian Pacific at Vancouver. The name Starkey appearing as one of the shipbuilding firms in St. Andrews gave rise to a suspicion that he might be a descendant of Hezekiah Starkey who may have got that far on his way to his former home, and for some reason changed his mind and remained in that location. The old paper also said that the shipbuilding company was of St. Andrews and Saint John. I can remember very plainly all the Starkeys of the first and second generation, and am sure none had interests in shipbuilding in the port of Saint John. My father and uncle operated a yard where we lived and built a number of large schooners. The yard in your city was apparently a large outfit as large ships were turned out there. There may be still old-timers who remember that far back, or there may be some of the Starkey family living in your city who could throw some light on the matter. If you could put me in touch with someone who would know something of the history of that family it would do me a favor as I have never been able to learn what became of my great-uncle. Thanking you for whatever trouble I have put you to, I am yours sincerely, H. M. Starkey, Route 5, Box 460, Kent, Washington."
If I remember correctly, I have heard Thomas Pendlebury, still living here, speak of the "Christina," mentioned in the above letter. Once when she was lying at Street and Forster's wharf Tom climbed the top mast and hung his cap on the peak. There is also a Miss Fortune, formerly of St. Andrews, now living in Boston, who may remember something of these matters. I am told that Miss Fortune is now 97, is as bright as a button, and is a regular and interested reader of this column. I at least expect to hear from Louis Starkey, who I am sure will be interested in the foregoing.
St. Croix Courier
Nov 9, 1944
Shiretown Items
Kickapoo Indian Sagwa
It is a long time since we had a visit from a travelling medicine company. Do they still flourish elsewhere in more lucrative fields, or are they gone but not forgotten? Among the many troupes that visited St. Andrews in those former years perhaps the most famous and most entertaining was the company which dispensed the wonderful concoctions known as Kickapoo Indian Oil and Kickapoo Indian Sagwa. They carried their own "big Top" and while in St. Andrews set it up on a vacant lot on Water Street, where the Seaside Garage now sands. It probably wasn't as big as the present permanent building but in retrospect it seems like an enormous tent capable of seating hundreds of people. Children must have been admitted free, or at least for a small sum as I remember attending for all the shows. Three or four Indian braves, all in war-paint, were the chief attraction. They probably came from Pleasant Point, Maine, and no doubt could speak English and were perfectly civilized. But to us small boys they were the wildest of wild Indians, and we would sometimes awake in the night with their terrible war cries ringing in our ears and be so thankful to find ourselves snug in our own bed and in no danger of being scalped. There was a male quartette to furnish harmony and a ventriloquist with two dummies, a darky and an Irishman, who provided plenty of fun. But to the adults the highlight of the evening was the sale of Sagwa and Oil, worthless trash, no doubt, but which the famous "doctor" salesman made them believe to be the elixirs of life. The oil was a sure cure for rheumatism, and all external pains, while the Sagwa taken internally in generous doses would restore youth, and vigor and assure the user of a healthy old age—so said the "doctor." When sales began to lag an extra bottle was given free with each purchase. And the person to buy the last bottle each night was given $5.00! How the gullible folks tried for those five dollars. Some would buy ten or twelve bottles near the end of the evening at $1.00 per, in hopes of being the last and so get the prize. But there was always someone to buy the odd bottle to keep the game going. What a game, and what a fake, but what fun. I wonder if anyone survives who tried a bottle. How about you, Tom? Or you, Owen?
St. Croix Courier
Dec 7/1944
Shiretown Items
Old Records
In has been interesting looking through the first day book of O'Neill's Market running from 1823 to 1828. Very few names are found corresponding with those of the present time here. Everything was sold, from broadcloth to brandy and buttons to beef. The terms "Senior" and "Junior" were evidently not in vogue in those days. I see where young Daniel Stinson got an eight-pound roast of beef for four shillings. Geroge Swift and H. Hatch were customers—probably the fathers of the men of the same names we recall from boyhood. Collector Campbell and Sheriff Andrews are mentioned, also John Mowatt, probably the father of the John we remember. Liquor was sold by the gallon then—no coupons required—rum at five shillings and finest imported brandy at nine shillings. Imagine a whole gallon of properly aged rum for $1.25! Doesn't it make your mouth water? But most interesting of all in this old book are the names of the ships which the store stocked regularly with provisions. Just to mention a few: Brig Cassock, Brig. Hero, Ship St. Andrews, Ship Perseverance, Brig Fames, Ship Harmony, Brig Nemesis, Ship Cumberland, Ship Wanderer and Brig Nancy, Capt. Paul.
What did Paul Say?
The mention of Brig Nancy, Capt. Paul, in the last item may recall to older folks an amusing true story handed down from those far-off days. It seems that a clergyman in one of our churches here at that time had been accustomed to engage passage to Saint John from time to time with the said Capt. Paul in the good ship "Nancy." One Sunday morning before church he sent his gardener down to the dock to interview Paul and arrange for a passage to Saint John next day. After faithfully carrying out his errand the gardener returned to attend the morning service. Perhaps because of late hours the night before, or possibly from the effects of a dry and long-winded sermon, the gardener went sound asleep in his pew. The preacher was expounding about the Apostle Paul. To emphasize a particular point he exclaimed: "What did Paul say?" The gardener, unnoticed by the parson, stirred uneasily in his seat. Again in a louder voice the speaker roared: "And what did Paul say?" The gardener, only half awake by this time, called out to the consternation of all, "He said he wouldn't take you again till you paid him for the last trip!"