Item
St. Croix Courier
Jan 18, 1945
Shiretown Items
Going Over Big
The St. Andrews Men's Club is proving a decided success. The membership is increasing so rapidly that plans are already being discussed for enlarging the rooms. There are now 70 paid up members and good prospects for more. A series of tournaments is now in progress embracing chess, checkers, bridge, cribbage and forty-fives and members are taking hold with much enthusiasm. The rounds of cribbage and forty-fives seem to furnish most fun for both players and spectators. There is always plenty of "blowing" beforehand, plenty of kidding during the game and plenty of excuses to offer by the defeated parties. A hot round Saturday evening between a man who claims he has beaten the inventor of the game and another who said except for restrictions of the by-laws he would place a side bet of $1,000, provided much amusement. To their apparent surprise they broke even and both blamed the cards for the unexpected results.
A Christmas Story
Christmas stories generally spear previous to the annual festival, but as this one is somewhat different from the usual variety it may fit in now just as well. Most of these stories relate to the Christmas spirit, but this one concerns Christmas spirits, usually called Christmas cheer. A gentleman who lives some distance from the source of supply, after doing some errands about town on the day before Christmas, found that upon proceeding to make the most important purchase of the day he had come away from home without his ration book. He trudged home and related his misfortune to his wife. She hustled around and got his coupons which he stuffed in a pocket and started out again. Arriving at his destination he boldly gave his order and passed in his ration book. The clerk on looking over the book said he was sorry but it didn't entitle him to any liquor. The customer declared he hadn't bought anything all month and consequently must be entitled to what he called for. The clerk, evidently believing in the modern axiom that the customer is always wrong, then said: "It doesn't matter what you've bought or haven't bought, all I have to go by is the book and it doesn't entitle you to any liquor." The ruffled customer then expressed his opinion of government in general and clerk in particular, emphasizing his remarks with some choice expressions picked up in France during the first world war. The clerk, who was also in that scrap, came back with something just as good. He passed the book out to an interested garageman who was waiting to be served and asked his opinion. After looking the book over the latter handed if back saying: "Of course you are the boss here can do what you like but he would get service if he came to me—I think the book is all right." The irate customer, thinking he detected a slight twinkle in the garageman's eye, asked the clerk to give him his book. On close inspection it was found to be his book of gasoline coupons!
St. Croix Courier
Feb 1/1945
Shiretown Items
Poem on Cottage Craft
Silver Engraving
The Men's Club now has 104 members and at the monthly meeting last Friday evening decided with the permission of the proprietor to move back a partition and enlarge the room. . . .
St. Croix Courier
Feb 8, 1945
Shiretown Items
[Mr. Worrell gives some tips on how to write, drawn from famous examples such as Robert Louis Stevenson and Benjamin Franklin; basically, work hard at it. In response to an inquiry from a budding writer]
St. Andrews Hotel
The subscriber having fitted up that large and commodious building at the corner of Water and Edward streets, owned and formerly occupied by Christopher Scott, Esq., for the purpose of accommodating permanent boarders and travellers, in superior style, respectfully solicits a share of the public custom and patronage. Comfortable rooms and beds, and the best table and liquors the town can afford, with good attendance, may be relied on.
John Sargent
St. Andrews, May 13, 1831
(Taken from the St. Andrews Courant)
St. Croix Courier
Feb 15, 1945
Shiretown Items
Reading the Label
The cleverly written item, "It pays to read the label" in last week's Calais Briefs was especially amusing to us down here as we can tell a story of who got into difficulties by reading and believing the label. We were glad to learn also that "Fly Dope" is good for something as it certainly, at least any that we have tried, is no good to repel the abominable black fly, the bane of all inland fishermen. Last summer the owner of one of our summer homes was having some painting done and ordered a quart of turpentine at the hardware store. A bottle was delivered and left on the kitchen able. A little later it was noticed by the maid, unwrapped, and found to be, according to the label, a fine brand of Scotch Whisky. It was removed to the wine closet, or wherever such precious goods are kept in this particular cottage, and later in the day discovered by a guest at the house who was a bit out of sorts and thought that a good drink, properly prepared, was just what he needed. He mixed the drink and downed it in one gulp. Although this gentleman had had a long experience with all kinds of liquors he admitted to himself that he had never tasted anything quite so bad before. And soon he began to feel even sicker and more distressed. Just then the hostess arrived to whom he complained of feeling ill. "What you need is a good drink," said she. "I thought so myself," said he "but after taking one I feel much worse than before." "I'll mix you one that will do the trick" said she, and it nearly did. Another generous dose of the same turpentine, cleverly camouflaged, poured hastily "down the brook" was nearly sufficient to murder even a man of strong constitution let alone an unfortunate who at the moment considered himself an invalid. The hostess became alarmed, sniffed the bottle, discovered the error, called in the medico, and then got the hardware dealer on the wire. I have no record of her remarks to the latter but can believe she said plenty and left him in no doubts in regard to her opinion of any man who would send out such a poisonous tasting substitute in a bottle labelled "Fine Old Scotch Whiskey."
St. Croix Courier
Feb 22, 1945
Shiretown Items
Regular Monthly Meeting
[report on tournaments at Men's Club.]
Dr. J. F. Worrell was the winner in the chess tourney, making 27 points out of a possible 30.
St. Croix Courier
March 1, 1945
Shiretown Items
Correction
In an item last week in this column it was stated that the Scout gymnasium was donated by Miss Van Horne. On good authority I have been told that only the land and the Scout Hall were given by Miss Van Horne, and that the cost of the gymnasium was met by donations from various individuals solicited by Rev. W. Ideson, who was Scoutmaster at that time. Much of the labour also was contributed by local help.
St. Croix Courier
March 8, 1945
Shiretown Items
Speed Writing
I must confess that as a rule in putting things down on paper especially in writing letters my aim is not grace, artistic effects or even legibility, but speed. Yes, I have a typewriter, but it was bought second hand man years ago and now has all the disabilities of, and needs as much coaxing, as a worn-out car. For this reason alone I seldom use it and as a further reason I find that my thoughts do not flow as easily through the keys of a typewriter as they do from the point of a pen. The editor has never complained about these notes, which are always done by hand, possibly because I actually show up a bit for this work, or perhaps, as my friend Theo once expressed it, he does not feel "that we are such intimate friends that we can insult each other with impunity." In answering a bunch of letters I usually start in moderately and with the best intentions, but by the time I reach the fifth or sixth my pen is literary flying to keep up with my thoughts and to get the job done.
One Worth Quoting
Not long ago I wrote a letter to very dear friend, and I feel that his reply, recently received, is worth printing here word for word. Whether he composed it himself, got help from some college professor or selected it from some collection of letters by famous men, matters not. In any case I consider it a gem. And perhaps the finest feature of it is its proof of the sincere and intimate friendship that has existed between us for many many years. Here is what he wrote: "It was very pleasant to me to get a letter from you the other day. Perhaps I should have found it pleasanter if I had been able to decipher it. I don't think that I mastered anything beyond the date (which I knew) and the signature (which I guessed at). There's a singular and perpetual charm in a letter of yours; it never grows old, it never loses its novelty. Others letter are read and thrown away and forgotten, but yours are kept forever—unread. One of them will last a reasonable man a lifetime."
Warm and Dry
Perhaps no greater disappointment can be experienced by long suffering humanity than that which is felt by a man who has learned to love the effects of alcoholic stimulants, who has looked forward to a good drink at the end of his day's work, only to have it snatched from his hand by fortuitous circumstance. Under the present regulations, any man who likes his liquor himself and is also quite generous with his friends is likely to find things becoming quite dry toward the end of the month. When a friend happens in to his place of business with coupons for a quart of wine which he offers to buy on the shares, the proposition is accepted with alacrity. While the friend was after the wine the proprietor thought it would make things more cosy for its consumption to start a little fire. He was still engaged in laying the fire when the friend returned and passed him the wine. Just then a customer came through the door and the bottle was quickly hidden in the stove. (The customer probably had an excessively thirsty look). The friend went out to do some errands saying he would be back shortly. The customer's wants were attended to and he went off. The proprietor then stepped out for a few minutes himself to return and find catastrophe. Another friend had dropped in and noticing the fire already to light, had touched it off all innocent of the secret lying within. The proprietor arrived just in time to hear the explosion as the bottle burst and caused the fire to roar merrily. He newcomer, who had started to laugh when the cause of the explosion was explained, soon was made to feel that he was an intruder, a despoiler, and in general a public nuisance. He could offer no means of redress - money he had, but no coupons. The original friend returned and the three dry and disconsolate men sat around the stove for a while commiserating each other on their misfortune. They cursed the law's restrictions and the war which was the excuse for its necessity. Finally the party broke up with the decision, at least outwardly expressed, that they didn't care much for wine anyway.
St. Croix Courier
March 15/1945
Canada praised on "Selling Tourist Attractions" (even in wartime)
Given credit for Master Salesmanship which makes visitors feel welcome even wartime.
By Leavitt Morris
In Christian Science Monitor
"The other lump is going to the boys, sir," is the way our waiter on a Canadian Pacific diner sweetened the restriction on sugar.
This in contrast to the waiter in my own United States who, when meekly asked if there was half-a-square of butter available snapped: "Don't you know there's a war on?" Of course, there is courtesy among Americans who serve the public, but nowhere does it seem to be so ubiquitous and spontaneous as in Canada.
Even under the pressure of an all-out war effort, Canada is not overlooking the importance of continuing to extend courtesy to its wartime visitors.
Canadians—well, most Canadians—at hotel desks, on transportation lines, and at border stations still find time to extend cordial greetings, express the hope one's stay is pleasant, and that one will come again.
Indeed, Canada is well aware that such a wartime policy will pay off in huge postwar tourist dividends. But this policy is as old as Canada. The Dominion always has had the knack for making visitors—especially Americans—feel at home. It is quite apparent, however, that Canada is placing special emphasis on courtesy toward its wartime visitors during these days of strained tempers and dispositions. This part of Canada's postwar groundwork for luring Americans to travel in the Dominion. And the program is extremely effective in that Americans return home resolved to "go back."
It is such little things as a brakeman removing his hat as he passes through a dining car, or a hotel clerk's willingness to at least "take a look," and see if there's a room available which impress wartime visitors to Canada.
After a transcontinental journey in Canada I came away impressed with the forward planning going on in every province for the postwar travel period. From Nova Scotia to British Columbia no opportunity is overlooked to acquaint visitors, not only with the type of hospitality which will be extended, but what will be in store for vacationists in the way of scenic and historical tours and recreational advantages after the war.
All of this is master tourist salesmanship at which Canada long has been adept. Canada has outsold much of the US both in regard to its advantages as a vacation playground and in the sincerity of its welcome for visitors. Alberta's Jasper Park and Lake Louise, for example, have become travel "musts" for many Americans. Why? Largely because Canada—not Alberta alone—has sold these resorts for all their scenic worth.
In Ottawa, the government maintains the Canadian Travel Bureau which coordinates its publicity and advertising programs directly with those sponsored by the Dominion's nine provinces. When war came, this bureau's activities were not suspended as were those of the comparatively new and already helpful United States Travel Bureau in Washington. During the past four years, the Canadian Travel Bureau outwardly has been marking time, but behind its doors there is a parade of new post-war advertising and publicity programs marching off planning boards ready for launching as soon as the green light for travel flashes. Canada is preparing itself to cash in immediately on a travel industry, which, without doubt, will become one of the most profitable of postwar enterprises. To substantiate this, some Federal banking statistician has figured out that United States citizens have either in savings accounts or invested in war bonds the astronomical figure of 80 billion, of which a large part is going to be spent on travel.
Canada, let it be said, already is oiling its cash registers with courtesy.
St. Croix Courier
March 22/1945
Shiretown Items
Old Steamboats
There was an inquiry in The Courier a couple of weeks ago about the steamer "Nequasset" and for the following information about this boat and others of those far-off days I am indebted to D. G. Hanson collector at the Port of St. Andrews, and R. B. Clark of Toronto, who has made a hobby of collecting data about old steamships on the North Atlantic Coast. The records at the Custom House show that the "Nequasset" was plying hereabouts as early as 1845. She was operated by a company afterwards known as the Frontier Steamboat Company, and was followed by the Queen, the Bell Brown, Charles Houghton, Rose Standish, all side-wheelers, and the following screw steamers: J. M. Todd, Lillie, Jeanette, Henry F. Eaton. These boats ran between Calais and Eastport, touching at St. Andrews, and connected with the steamship line running between Saint John, Portland and Boston. The first steamer on the New England coast was the Patent, which arrived at Portland July 7, 1823. In the same year the Kennebec Steam Navigation Company was organized and became the first of the various companies now combined as the Eastern Steamship Lines. The first steamer to operate on regular schedule between Saint John and the States was the Royal Tar; a wooden side-wheeler 164 feet long which made the first trip in 1836. She only ran as far as Portland, where connection was made with other steamers to Boston. This boat was wrecked in 1838 near Saint John and replaced by the Gazelle, also lost in 1838. Then appeared the North America, built in England, and a superior boat to her forerunners; her subsequent history is not known. Various competing interests operated boats, from 1843 until after the Civil War but no permanent companies were organized until about this time when the International Steamboat Company appeared and operate the New England, New Brunswick, City of Portland, and Falworth, until 1882, when the State of Maine was placed in service to be followed next year by the Cumberland. The Falworth, had been burned at Saint John and the New England was wrecked on the Wolves. The New Brunswick was taken to Boston and ended her days as an excursion steamer in the harbour there. Coming back to the Nequasset, an entry at the Custom House dated August 30, 1845, gives the captain's name as Michener. An entry of March 15, 1850, states the master was at that that time Captain Pine and on April 14, 1851 Captain Cary. According to Mr. Clark's letter, one of these captains, probably Michener, was quite a young man at the time and afterwards became a captain on one of the outside boats running from Saint John to the States. Steamers plying between St. Andrews and Saint John at that time were the Admiral, Frank, Linnaeus, and William Stroud.
Harry S. Truman
33rd President of the United States (April 12, 1945 to January 20, 1953)
Nickname: "Give 'Em Hell Harry"
Born: May 8, 1884, in Lamar, Missouri Died: December 26, 1972, in Kansas City, Missouri
St. Croix Courier
March 21, 1945
Shiretown Items
What! No Garlic?
The description in Calais Briefs of the "Dagwood sandwich," so called, made the mouth water and the teardrops start when I thought of the days that are no more—the days when I could eat a delightful mess like that and get away with it. [ref. to the ulcer that will eventually kill him] I have a suspicion that a girl here in a local restaurant may have made the original of that now standard article about ten years ago. She was alone in the restaurant just before closing time and I asked for a "western" and a cup of coffee. She said she had never made a western but thought it contained quite a variety of ingredients. I suggested she do her best, and after a time, with all sorts of delicious odors floating in from the kitchen, she returned with a monstrous, four-decker and announced that she had used everything she could find in the kitchen. As I recall it contained no cheese, nor salami (whatever that is) but it had hamburger mixed with egg and fried onions, fried bacon with tomatoes, raw onions, chopped celery and cucumber, and a layer of fried mushrooms, with dash of paprika, tomato ketchup and Worcestershire sauce for seasoning.
St. Croix Courier
April 12/1945
More about old St. Andrews ships and shipping.
St. Croix Courier
April 26/1945
Shiretown Items
Water Supply (Old aqueduct discovered in St. Andrews.)
It may be news to the younger generation here in St. Andrews that we had a system of waterworks long before a public supply was introduced in St. Stephen. In looking over some old papers sent to me by a friend I came across an editorial in the Courier of May 2, 1872, which strongly advocates the introduction of a water supply for the Town of St. Stephen along the lines suggested by William Cananagh. This plan was to lay aqueducts of Norway pine from a suitable point on Dennis Stream in a direct line to Church Hill and thence through the principal streets, with branch pipes made of the same material with smaller bore. The editorial goes on to say: "There is an aqueduct of this description in St. Andrews which we believe has been in use for over forty years [1832], by which almost half the town is supplied with water from one spring." As far as I can learn no records exist of this original system of water supply for St. Andrews. When our present system of water and sewers was introduced here in more recent years the remains of the old aqueduct were found in various places throughout the town. No one with whom I have talked seems to know anything very definite about the matter. If any readers here or elsewhere can supply any scraps of information I should be pleased to hear from them. Unfortunately, two of our citizens, Eber Polleys and James Cummings, who were noted for their knowledge of local history, have long since passed to their reward. Contrary, however, to the statement quoted from the Courier, I think there was more than one source or supply here. I am told that the well on the property now belonging to Robert Stinson supplied the district immediately below and extended up and down Queen and Water Streets. On my own property which was built in 1859 a circular opening about a foot in diameter was provided for the entrance of the aqueduct to the cellar. The wood has long since rotted away and the entrance is still there. The supply in this case must have come from the head of Princess Royal Street or possibly the head of King Street where it is known there was a spring with a good flow of water. Our present water supply comes from Chamcook Lake and was introduced about 25 years ago. I think St. Stephen's first supply was from the St. Croix River but now is from a spring at Maxwell's crossing. Perhaps "Talk of the Town" can give us the straight of this with the dates.
St. Croix Courier
May 3/1945
Shiretown Items
The Aqueduct (Details of old aqueduct discovered.)
A reader has furnished me with the following interesting information about the water system which existed here a hundred or more years ago. Appended here is a copy of the Act passed on March 8, 1830, which my good friend copied from "Acts of the General Assembly, 1786-1838," one of the interesting old books in her library. She also states that an aqueduct of wood, which evidently was installed at a later period when the machine shop was built here, extended from a well on the Andrew Lamb property at the head of King and Princess Royal streets to the railway machine shop which was located just south or south-east of the station. This wooden pipeline crossed Augustus Street near Montague and the wood was still sound when the street was opened there about 20 years ago. The John Aymar who is mentioned in the Act, was a block and spar maker who had a shop at the corner of Water and Frederick streets (St. Andrews Directory 1865-66), and who lived in the house now occupied by Robert Stinson and family at the corner of Princess Royal and Montague Streets. Many the evening I spent as a youngster coasting on what we called "Marr's" (or Meagher's) hill without knowing or caring the origin of the name. The first, and unaccented syllable of the name "Aymar" had been dropped by the boys of that period and the name thus abbreviated or corrupted, although perhaps Mr. Aymar had not been dead for more than 20 years.
"Cap. XVIII Acts General Assembly 1786-1838
"An Act to grant John Aymar the privilege of supplying the Town of St. Andrews with water by pipes. Passed March 1830.
"Whereas the conveyance of water by pipes to the several houses in the town plot of St. Andrews would be highly beneficial to the public, and is a measure universally desired; and John Aymar, an inhabitant of the said Town, is desirous to obtain the privilege of supplying the same by pipes as aforesaid:
"Be it enacted by the President, Council and Assembly, that the privilege of carrying water to the houses of the inhabitants of St. Andrews in pipes, through the several streets thereof, be and the same is hereby granted to John Aymar, so long as he shall keep the same in operation and good repair. Provided always that the said John Aymar, shall at his own costs and charge, and without unnecessary delay, repair and make good any and every injury or damage thereby one to said streets or any part thereof.
"And be it further enacted that the said John Aymar shall make and keep in good repair proper openings and (plugs to be used only in case of fire) in all such places where his pipes extend, as the Firewards of the Town of St. Andrews may direct or approve, the said Firewards to be accountable for the actual expense thereof.
"And be it further enacted that if the said John Aymar should neglect so to make and adjust proper plugs on the requisition of the said Firewards, that it should be lawful for them, the said Firewards, to cause the same to be done and completed accordingly.
"And be it further enacted that this Act shall continue and be in force for the term of fifteen years, and no longer."
St. Croix Courier
May 10/1945
Shiretown Items
R. J. Hewitt Restaurant sold to Claude Lord of Deer Island. Largest and best situated eating place in town. Ira Stinson founder. "For years this meeting and eating place was known as 'Ira's,' more recently as 'Pat's,' and now we suppose it will be called 'Claudie's' and will have to compete with 'Bill's' and 'Mel's.'"
St. Croix Courier
May 10/1945
Shiretown Items—Attracting Tourists (Attracting tourists essential to town. Details on streets, bathing beach, etc. Algonquin food prices upscale.)
In the none too distant future we may reasonably expect a renewal of the tourist traffic into Canada and now is the time to consider how we may best provide for their comfort and pleasure so they may leave us with regrets and with a firm resolve to return many times over the years. The tourist trade means much to us here in St. Andrews. We should try in every way possible to add to the attractions so lavishly provided by nature that the same people will come again and again, as well as seeing that all their friends are informed of what we have to offer. As a town we have done much in this respect. We have a good system of sewers, a water supply which for quantity and quality cannot be surpassed, and where formerly visitors wallowed through mud in wet weather and choked with dust in dry, we have now a fine cement pavement entering the town and running the entire length of the main street. And had it not been for the intervention of the war a suitable bathing beach with convenient houses and other facilities would have ere this been in operation for transient visitors. As individuals we have tried as far as it is within our means to keep our places looking attractive to add to the general beauty of the town. But there is one phase of the situation in which we perhaps have not been doing our best. Every man is first of all looking after his own welfare and his own interests and should know best how to run his own business, and for that reason one always hesitates to criticize. Let it be understood therefore that what I am about to say is not a personal opinion formed from personal experience but rather the result of inquiries among visitors to St. Andrews during the past 25 or 30 years, and has no reference to the war years when conditions have been difficult for those directly concerned. Perhaps it should not be, but it nevertheless is a fact, that for about ninety-five percent of us one of the chief pleasures and comforts and joys of life is the food we eat. We go to a picnic or party and our most lasting memory is the delicious food we enjoyed. We take a trip to a neighboring town or city of the province, or farther afield, and a year afterward we can recall the food, good or bad, how it was cooked, how it was served, whether the tablecloth was clean and whether the waitress was neat and tidy and courteous. My inquiries have been made among visitors eating at all of the various restaurants and all of the hotels, including the Algonquin. I have never heard a complaint about the cost of a meal, about the way it was served or the cleanness of the surroundings, but have listened to scores of diatribes on the quality and quantity of the food, and this goes for the Algonquin as well as for the less pretentious eating places. Some of those interrogated were non-committal, some expressed themselves as being satisfied, and some had the odd word of praise. When Mrs. Orr was pastry cook at "Pat's" her coconut cream pie was famous and tourists frequently returned after the passage of a year to ask for it. Visitors have told me that "Bill's" lobster salads were unsurpassed. Personally, I have had a turkey dinner at "Mel's" which I would consider good enough to satisfy anybody. So there you have it, folks, all offered in the best interests of the town. When the usual variety of food is again procured and prices are no longer controlled, give the visitors plenty and of good quality at a price that warrants at fair profit and they'll come back. And one last word—if possible specialize on some particular item, even if it be produced and served at no profit. Such will serve as advertising and keep them coming. Experience in charge of a restaurant or hotel might prove that his advice is all wrong but if there is any truth in this axiom of former days that "this customer is always right," it is at least worth considering.
St. Croix Courier
May 17, 1945
Shiretown Items
Celebrating Victory
St. Andrews took two days off from regular labours to celebrate the victory in Europe. On Monday afternoon flags and streamers began to appear all over town as a signal of public rejoicing. All through the night the old town bell rang out its joyful notes at frequent intervals and the fire siren sounded is mournful wails. Exuberant youths and oldsters with no less enthusiasm succeeded in keeping the townspeople awake most of the night. On Tuesday morning a service of Thanksgiving held in the Anglican church was largely attended. In the afternoon a parade headed by Tracy Johnston, our local comedian, in costume and with an effigy of Hitler dragging by the neck, made a circuit of the town. Tracy was followed by a band made up of representatives of at least three generations of bandsmen—boys in the vigor of youth, men in the prime of life, and old fellows with their bald heads and false teeth were in there blowing their heads off, mostly local talent, but one from Deer Island, one from St. Stephen and one from as far away as Boston. They made a big noise and besides the regular selections of band music played "jam sessions" including everything from "Tipperary" to "How Dry I Am." The band was followed by the veterans of the first World War—after them came the High School Cadets in uniform, next the girl Guides and strung for miles behind were gaily decorated cars containing civilians. After circulating about the town for an hour a halt was made at the public square where hundreds of people were assembled. The band played a few more selections and Tracy after a suitably vituperative address touched a match to the already much hanged Hitler, and whether from the quality of oil which the assassin had used in saturating the body or from the vile and stinking life the victim had led, the fume arising from the effigy stank in a manner capable of offending the most hardened nostrils. After this exhibition a couple of hours were spent in holding foot races for the children. In the evening another band concert and fireworks were enjoyed, and then a dance lasting well beyond midnight. Wednesday was spent mostly in recuperating but in the evening the same conglomerate band played again for an hour, their program being interspersed with songs by the children. Altogether it was "a great two days" and long to be remembered.
St. Croix Courier
May 24/1945
Shiretown Items—The Commodore (Kennedy's sold and reopened (June 1) as Commodore. Remodelled etc.)
Kennedy's Hotel, built in 1880 and for many years operated by Angus Kennedy, afterwards by his son, Frank, and more recently by Miss Amelia, has been sold to Gerald O'Brien, of Saint John and henceforth will be known as "The Commodore." We like the name—it has an inviting sound—and is appropriate to the hotel's situation on the seaboard. According to the cards just printed the Commodore is already famous for its lobsters. That should be a reputation easy to maintain here in St. Andrews, where fresh live lobsters can be procured any day in the week, the year round. It is a dish which, properly served and in sufficient quantity, should satisfy the palate of the most fastidious epicure. I understand that the proprietor has secured the services of an excellent cook which is the "sine qua non" of a successful eating place. The kitchen is being remodelled and as funds permit more bathrooms and other additions will be provided to add to the comfort of the guests. The hotel is to be opened on June 1, will continue till late in the fall and if business warrants will remain open the year round. Beside the income from permanent summer guests there should be a good trade in transients from St. Stephen, Calais and Saint John, providing the dining room service is made sufficiently attractive. The manager is not a stranger to St. Andrews, having had charge, during the too brief shipyard days, of the electric wiring in several of the minesweepers built here. He is a young man with progressive ideas and plenty of pep, has a pleasing personality and should make a popular proprietor. It goes without saying that the people of St. Andrews wish Jerry and the Commodore the best of luck.
St. Croix Courier
June 21/1945
Shiretown Items
Cheap Sale
Jack and Bert, two gentlemen of leisure, sat on a bench on the public square one morning talking over their recent experiences with salmon in Chamcook Lake. While thus engaged a stranger approached and took a seat near them on the next bench. He was carrying over his arm an overcoat with along tear down the side and the pocket draped loose and hanging. After a few moments Jack turned to Bert and remarked casually that he had missed chance at a great bargain that morning because he had no money on him—said he could have bought a real good overcoat for two dollars. Even Bert was deceived by the seriousness of the speaker, not realizing that the remark was for the benefit of the nearby stranger, and declared that there must be something wrong the coat. Jack emphasized that it was a particularly good coat, a little too small for himself, but that he would have bought it on spec if he had had two dollars with him. The stranger, who had been drinking in the conversation, approached and inquired where the gentleman with the coat for sale might be found. "Well, if you are interested," said Jack, "you'll find him at 'The Gables,' just up the street. Inquire for Mr. Kennedy, the American Customs officer." "What color is the coat?" asked the stranger. "Navy blue," said Jack. "Mr. Kennedy has just been supplied with a new coat and thought the old one too good to throw away. Of course it has brass buttons on it but that's a matter easily remedied." The stranger thanked him kindly and started forthwith for The Gables." Jack ducked for home and warned Bert not to tell the stranger where he lived. Fortunately for the visitor's peace of mind Mr. Kennedy was not at home and the former was obliged to leave town with his badly torn coat, no doubt with many regrets at the wonderful chance he had missed!
Shiretown Items—Visits Old Home (History of William Knijff of Holland)
Having left Holland at the tender age of four years, Willem Knijff had little recollection of his native village of Lekerkirk (near Rotterdam) but it was a great and pleasant experience to visit those almost forgotten scenes of his childhood and look up some of his mother's people. He found the home of one of his aunts and came upon her as she was working in the garden. He said: "Hello, there" in English. She raised her head, and repeated his greeting in Dutch. She advanced and carefully inspected this young man dressed in the uniform of corporal in the Netherlands Army and at length declared: "You must be Willem Knijff. Yes, I am sure you are little Willem." No longer little, but now a strapping solder of 23 years old, [1922] Willem was overjoyed at the greeting, and spent several happy hours with his folks. Willem's parents, Mr. and Mrs. A. A. Knijff, came to Canada 19 years ago. They lived for a short time at Grand Manan, a little while at Bayside, then moved to St. Andrews where they have since made their home. Mr. Knijff fought in the Boer War against us and often refers jokingly to the vagaries of life which can induce one to establish a home among his war-time enemies and find that they are good people, friendly and lovable. Those who have read the history of the Boer War written by a Dutch soldier, know that their cause was just. They fought to preserve their homes and country and we fought for gold and diamonds. As Willem had been born in Holland and had never been naturalized as a Canadian citizen he got a call from the Netherlands Army early in the war. He began his training at the Dutch Military Depot in Stratford, ON, and completed it in "England. He was sent to India, then back to England, took part in the invasion with the American air-borne troops, was attached to British Commandos at the capture of Walcheren Island, returned to England to recover from an injury sustained there and was again in Holland at the final liberation. One day while on Walcheren Island, Willem was browsing around a village with a couple of Canadian soldiers and met a native who thought he could speak English. The boys listened to a rather fruitless and disjointed harangue about some place of interest they should visit and when their informant got through Willem spoke in Dutch, saying: "If you would speak in your own language I think we could understand better what you are talking about." The native's eyes stuck out as he replied in astonishment: "Can you boys speak Dutch?" "Sure" said Bill, "everybody in Canada can speak Dutch!"
St. Croix Courier
July 5/1945
Charlotte County Graduating Class of '45 graduating exercises held in Casino. Grads listed, including Jacqueline Ruth Stuart.
St. Croix Courier
July 12, 1945
Shiretown Items
The Spoofer
I met a well-dressed stranger on the street one day who said: "Pardon me, but do you live here?" "Yes, sir," I replied, "even in the wintertime." (Gordon and Jack please take notice) "Thank you—"began again the stranger. "Not at all" said I, "it's a pleasure, I assure you." A little discomposed, but continuing the visitor said: "Yes, yes indeed, but I just wanted to inquire if you know where Mr. So-and-so lives." "Right at the head of this street," said I. "I was told at the head of King Street. Is this King Street?" "That's right," said I. "Well, do you happen to know if Mr. So-and-so has any wood to sell?" "I wouldn't' suppose so," said I, "he is one of our prominent summer residents and if he does any business at all, which I doubt, it would be more likely to be in stocks and bonds and real estate." "I was told by a gentleman up the street So-and-so sold wood." "Was your informant a stout, elderly gentleman dressed with black, soft hat, black coat and grey trousers?" "That's right," said the stranger. "And did he have a very sanctimonious and truthful air?" "Right again," replied the visitor. "Was he somewhat clerical in appearance and wearing eye glasses?" "That's the man." "Aha!" said I, "the spoofer at work again." "Do you imply," said the stranger, "that this gentleman was deceiving me?" "Nothing surer," said I. "He is our local practical joker who is no respecter of persons and who, though never telling a falsehood to do anyone an injury, is very careful always to avoid the truth except under the most extenuating circumstances. Take my advice, sir, and look for your wood elsewhere."
St. Croix Courier
Aug 2/1945
Last Word in Locomotives—50 Years Ago
By J. F. W.
Science and mechanics have made wonderful strides since the above picture of old No. 12, resting proudly at the depot in St. Andrews, was taken 50 odd years ago. This funny looking old engine was one of the best on the road at that time and, so elaborately and intricately designed, was thought to be the last word in railway steam engine construction. Before reading further, if you are an old-timer from the Shiretown, try to identify the bystanders. Here are the names of most of them: from left, 1) Albert Storr, brakeman; 2) Colin Carmichael, plain citizen; Fred Stinson, baggage master; Frank Barnard, station agent; the bewhiskered gentleman, name unknown, was trackmaster; standing at the cab door, Richard Davis, senor, engine driver; on the ground, supporting the frail machine with his strong right arm, is John Davis, fireman; on the front end of the baggage car are grouped the passengers; at the side door is Bat Donahue, conductor; and on the steps between the cars, Thomas Richardson, engine cleaner.
Shiretown items
Censured
I have been severely reprimanded for failing to send in any items one week recently without having first consulted a couple of gentlemen who might be considered as the self-appointed voice of the public. That I have permission from the publisher to skip an occasional week when circumstances warrant it means nothing to these guys. Their ultimatum is that the items must appear and they've got to be good. No excuse short of death or imprisonment will merit their consideration. Mental prostration after a hard week in the office is beyond the understanding of these gentlemen of leisure. Lack of material is no excuse, say they. Such is the life of the unfortunate writer. It seems that it was easier to get into this job than to get out of it.
A. Wesley Stuart member for Charlotte County.
St. Croix Courier
August 9, 1945
Shiretown Items
The Town Bell
For the past few weeks the town bell has been ringing at 8 o'clock in the morning instead of at 7 as formerly. The idea has met with approval of all residents, and it seems strange that no one ever thought of it before. It is several years now since anyone has been going to work at 7 o'clock, except during the ship-yard days, and that early bell has been a grievance of guests at Kennedy's Hotel for a long time. In the old days, when the workmen laboured 10 hours a day, the bell rang at 7, 12, 1 and 6. When the 9-hour day was introduced the afternoon bell was rung at 5. The eight-hour day has been in force for some years but the bell kept ringing as usual at 7 am, acting as a sort of alarm clock. Most of us like it for that reason but nevertheless agree that the 8 o'clock ringing is more sensible as it no longer deprives our summer guests of that last delightful and restful hours' sleep.
St. Croix Courier
Aug 16/1945
Shiretown Items—Our Liquor Law
The sketch "Have a Beer," by H. D. B. of St. George, appearing in last week's Courier was not only very cleverly written but it points out one of the chief defects in our present Liquor Law. The intention of the law is that the liquor shall be purchased at the provincial liquor store and consumed in one's own home. In principle this idea may be allright, but it won't work out in practice, as is proved a score of times a day in every community where liquor is sold. It simply makes law breakers of otherwise honest and upright citizens more worthy and more useful to their country in many cases than the mean-spirited informer or even the Town Marshal who passes along the information or the Magistrate who imposes the fine, who will excuse themselves by saying they are only carrying out the duties of their office. The law states that liquor must not be consumed in public places. If it were put to the test it might be difficult to prove that a sand-pit away from and out of sight of houses and streets is a public place. Here in St. Andrews where we have many transient visitors during the summer, groups of young men may be seen almost any day of the week headed for the woods or the beaches with an armload of beer where, in the company of mosquitoes and blackflies on the one hand or sand-fleas and wharf rats on the other, they enjoy (?) their friendly bottle of beer. It is high time the province provided a respectable means of eliminating this unseemly practice. It is my own opinion and also the view of others with whom I have talked, that the only answer is a bar or cocktail room or beer parlor in connection with the liquor store and under government control and regulation. Such a place would have the added advantage that the man who likes an occasional drink after a hard day's work could go there and get his drink, properly mixed, come home and get his supper and straightway forget all about it. Under present conditions he usually buys a quart, only too often takes too much when he gets home with it, gets in wrong with his family, then starts out on the rampage to make a night of it. The introduction of a bar will meet with opposition just as our present liquor law did, but if the administration now in power will display the same courage and boldness as was shown by Mr. Baxter and his colleagues a few years ago, it is quite possible, that by the time another election comes around they will find the majority of the people solidly behind them. the experiment might be tried in one or two town, and if found unsatisfactory, could be discontinued.
St. Croix Courier
Sept 6/1945
Many visitors to town to inspect a real live German submarine, including Sir James Dunn, Montague Allen, Wes Stuart, Fraser Keay.
St. Croix Courier
Sept 13/1945
Roger B. Merriman dies at St. Andrews, aged 69. Authority on Renaissance history and literature. Harvard professor and student. Author of 4 volume "Rise of Spanish Empire." Internationally famous. Summer resident for 25 years.
St. Croix Courier
Sept 13/1945
Shiretown Items—Society Formed
(Society formed. Summer residents have organized a Town improvement Society. Value of tourism and taxes.)
Our summer residents who own cottages here and who are our heaviest taxpayers, have organized themselves into a Town Improvement Society. Their object, as I understand it, is to offer advice and support to the Town Council in any efforts to promote the chief established industry we now have here, catering to summer visitors, and to discourage the introduction of any industry which would make the town less attractive as a tourist centre or summer home. If we are honest we must admit that it has been the influence of the summer people which has made St. Andrews what it is today. It is true we have done our part, but without our summer folks we could not have done what we have. The actual value of our property here is away beyond the figure fixed for taxation purposes and because of this fact we have had no difficulty in financing such public improvements as waterworks, sewers, a school building and a mile and a half of cement pavement. The opinions and views of these good citizens are worthy of most careful consideration and their advice is worth listening to. They love St. Andrews just as we do and are just as much interested in its prosperity. We have plenty of room here for a hundred more summer homes. Those already here will encourage their friends to come and build if we, through our Town Council, are careful to make and keep conditions favourable. If we can establish other small industries here by all means let us do so, but let us investigate well beforehand and have the promoters' positive guarantee that the grounds will not be cluttered up with unsightly junk and that the plant will not smell to high heaven.
Big tourist trade foreseen for Grand Manan in '46. Vehicle traffic almost nil in '45.
LG: The Hon. David Laurence McLaren (1893-1960) Born in Saint John, New Brunswick. Appointed 1 November 1945 at age 52 until 5 June 1958.
St. Croix Courier
Oct 4, 1945
Shiretown Items
No Meat
There has been no meat in St. Andrews for over a week, and it is surprising the small amount of grumbling that is heard about it. The general attitude of the public towards the situation seems to be that every man should know best how to run his own business, and if, regardless of the reason, he does not wish to sell meat, or any other articles for which there is a demand, he is under no obligation to do so. There have been some kickers of course, and no doubt the dealers have been made aware of it. Any man who devotes his life to the service of the public, whether as storekeeper, a professional man, a politician, or in any other capacity is sure from time to time to encounter criticism. There are some folks whose greatest joy in life is to find fault. There are many others so nice that we would work our heads off to please them. One of the true tests of greatness is to be able to accept criticism with a smile and at least appear to be unaffected by it, whether we be a storekeeper, or the premier of Canada. Of course, there is the odd case, where criticism becomes abuse, when a man is justified and, in fact, definitely ads to his self-respect to tell the individual to get out of his place of business and never come back. The public, who are the real sufferers, do not fully understand either side of this meat situation. The authorities, on the one hand, who have access to all the facts regarding general supply and demand, should know best whether and to what extent, rationing is necessary, and on the other hand, the dealers, most of whom are grocers, alone know the amount of humbug they have had to contend with during the . . . justified in going in protest of this added, and in their opinion, unnecessary imposition. Naturally, the public hopes for an early solution to the problems but in the meantime, we shall continue to emulate the noted Bernard Shaw and subsist on vegetables, fish and cheese.
Soldiers Return
Our boys are beginning to get back, in greater numbers from overseas. Some to return recently are Allison McNichol, still on crutches from a broken leg in Belgium; Burton McNichol, who had his skull fractured in Germany; Eddie Snell, who had a shot through his foot in Sicily; George Smith, who went swimming in the Dead Sea; Addison Dickson, who washed his face in the wines of Italy; Raymond Bartlett and Alexander Bell, exploits unknown. There are perhaps others that I haven't seen or don't recall at the moment; Richard Ross, Robert Storr, William Knijff and Herbie Henderson are on the way and are expected to reach home soon. As we welcome these boys with joy we need mut shed a tear for those who will never return, those heroic dead who sleep not in their native land beneath the flag for which they fought and died, nor in the shadow of the solemn pines, the sad hemlocks, the tearful willows which they loved. They rest beneath the sea or in a foreign land where vine and fig-tree bloom. But beneath the same blue sky that we know, although alike unmindful of sunshine or storm, they slumber on,. If ever again the earth shall run red with the blood of war it shall concern them not. In the midst of battles, in the roar of conflict, they found the serenity of death. May they rest in peace.
St. Croix Courier
Nov 22/1945
Reproduction of article on Saxby Gale from New Brunswick Reporter October 18/191869.
St. Croix Courier
Nov 29/1945
Shiretown Items—Wind and Tide
(Account of waterfront damage in recent storm. Good descriptions.)
When wind and tide combine their forces it is surprising the damage they can do in a couple of hours. As far as can be learned, the destructive storm of last week did little damage to private property around the shores of St. Andrews. Most of the exposed weirs had already been stripped for the winter and suffered light in consequence. Boats and scows hauled up beyond high water mark were given an extra boost and came to rest in odd places, a net-boat at Eldon Doon's front door at the foot of King Street, another on Gov. Clark's lawn and a scow square across the railroad just this side of the Cove bridge. Very real and costly damage was done, however, to the breakwater and road around Indian Point and also to the C. P. Railway between Katy's Cove and the Bar road. For four days the passengers, mail and freight were brought in from Chamcook. After that time the track, which had been washed out for several hundred yards and in places shifted smack up against the telegraph poles had been repaired temporarily, with timbers so that the train could again come into the station. It is said that about 300 carloads of rocks and ballast will be required to put the roadbed back in shape. To repair the damage at the Point will also be an expensive job. The riprap of stones and timbers was completely destroyed in places and tossed clear across the driveway. Stones half the size of a flour barrel were left high and dry. Two old buildings from the "Factory" or Doon's wharf were cast adrift, sailed gaily up the harbour, and across the western bar to fetch up on the shores of Maine. The old wharf was soon pounded into match wood and set adrift. The tide covered the public wharf and reached the Soldier's Memorial on Market Square. Many wharf rats were drowned and washed ashore, others escaped by migrating inland. Employees at Conley's Factory were carried ashore by booted men when dinner hour arrived. The DeWolfe wharf was two feet under water and CPR employees there as well as Cliff Brown working at Pillow's boat house were marooned and didn't get home to dinner till 2 o'clock. Some rock-weed and driftwood was seen around the Commodore veranda but I think a neighbour must have place it there for effect. Most of the cellars in that section were well flooded and some damage done to store produce. The marsh was flooded—became part of the Bay—the waves lapped the dump, but I'm sorry to say this unsightly pile was not washed away.
St. Croix Courier
Dec 13, 1945
Shiretown Items
Rink to Open
Good news for the boys and girls—the Arena will definitely open this winter for skating and hockey. A new contract has been drawn up with the Department of National Defense by which they will retain one room in the building to be used as a barracks and storeroom, but which will not interfere with the activities of the rink. [details]
St. Croix Courier
Dec 20/1945
Shiretown Items—Attracting Tourists.
A splendid series of articles by Ian Sclanders has been running recently in the Telegraph Journal in regard to proper ways of attracting tourists. His description of native New Brunswick dishes in last Saturday's paper was such as to make even a native's mouth water. We must agree that Mr. Sclanders has the correct idea from the tourist's standpoint but our own side of the question is just how well does this industry pay and how much money are we justified in investing in it. We know something about the tourist business here in St. Andrews as we have been visited by all classes for many years. Of course we don't class our real summer residents as tourists. They own homes here, are bona fide residents from four to six months of the year, pay taxes, spend a lot of money, take a keen interest in local affairs and are a great asset to the town. As to tourists we have found that catering to the type who are prepared to stay fixed in one place for a considerable period is reasonably profitable. But about nine-tenths of the tourists are transients—here today and gone tomorrow. And further, about nine-tenths of these are persons from the lower income bracket. They want the best and are critical if they don't get it and will kick at a moderate charge for a moderate service. To supply the accommodation and service which Mr. Sclanders suggests would require a considerable outlay of capital and to make it a paying investment for such a short season; rates would need to be asked which nine-tenths of the tourists could not or would not pay. The visitors who have plenty of money and are willing to spend it should be made heartily welcome and every effort should be made to provide them with the accommodations, service and attractions they are looking for. Those who, at $1.00 per person, will accept a clean roadside camp without hot and cold water and inside toilet as a place to spend the night and who are satisfied with a plain meal at 85 cents, should also be encouraged. But the hundreds who are trying to make the grand tour on limited funds and who try to impress us with their importance by kicking at everything we have to offer would be better advised to stay at home. They are a plain nuisance. We don't want them.