Item
St. Croix Courier
Jan 29, 1948
Artificial Ice Plant Officially Opened Before 1,500 Spectators at St. Andrews Arena Last Week. Photo of ice surface
Also relevant item from Shiretown Items
St. Croix Courier
March 18/1948
Shiretown Items: Lobster Factory
Sure enough, as I had hoped, Owen Rigby remembered when lobsters were packed here and says that the plant was situated about where Fraser Keay's warehouse now stands. It was near the head of Clinch's wharf, long since disappeared. An extension of the railroad ran up along the shore-line as far as this wharf, and although the rails had been taken up, many of the buttresses were still standing in 1889. I got some further information from Herb Greenlaw on this subject. He says that the lobster plant at the head of Clinch's wharf was run by George Young, a Saint John man who boarded with William Little in a house, no longer there, situated next to that in which Mr. Atkinson now lives. I can remember the house well and also Mr. Little who was a railway engineer in the wood burning days. I have his copy of "Rules of Railroading." Mr. Greenlaw says that W. D. Hartt also packed lobsters in the factory, originally built to pack sardines, and located on what was then called the "Long Wharf." River steamboats landed at this wharf in those days. Many now living can remember this old factory. It was burned one day about noon, a bright sunny day, around 65 years ago [1883]. The wharf was then bought by Gardner and Doon who put up buildings and handled fresh fish there for many years. The last remains of it went out to sea in a bad storm just a few years ago. W. D. Hartt also packed clams in the old building. The factory at the head of Clinch's wharf was destroyed by fire about 1880 along with Whitlock's livery stable situated back of the "American House" now the St. Andrews bakery. William Little was the father of Mrs. William Burton, matron of Chipman hospital for many years and who was buried here last week.
St. Croix Courier
April 15, 1948
Shiretown Items
Alfred Jones
It was with genuine regret that the many friends here of Alfred Jones learned of his sudden death. With Mrs. Jones he had been spending the winter in the south, Florida, Jamaica, and more recently in Trinidad, where he died. Mr. Jones was an upright, conscientious and enterprising citizen and will be greatly missed in St. Andrews. He was a man with extensive experience in travel and business affairs, and since settling here as proprietor of Sea-side Inn has done much to improve and build up the premises shared with his wife (nee Marjorie Clark), where hundreds have been coming to spend a summer holiday. He had plenty of good ideas and carried them out as far as his means would allow, making improvements each year, and catering to persons of moderate means he had one of the finest hostelries in the Maritimes. Mr. Jones was doing business in Russia when the revolution broke in 1917. He had accumulated about a quarter of a million dollars but was forced to leave most of it behind when he escaped. He then spent two years in Japan where he built up once more a fair bank account before returning to his home in England, where with his son he established a business which is still flourishing. On his first visit to Canada he came to St. Andrews and was so enamored with its charms that he decided to remain here. He took a keen interest in the affairs of the town and soon made a host of friends. His loss will be felt by the entire community and we wish to extend our deepest sympathy to Mrs. Jones in her time of bereavement.
St. Croix Courier
April 22/1948
St. Andrews Dairy now manufacturing ice cream.
Cancer number two killer in Canada. No longer a "farm" or "small town" disease. Trained professionals used to be concentrated in cities.
Long article on proposed Quoddy Power Development. (dam)
St. Croix Courier
May 6/1948
Shiretown Items: Golf: Kent Ross president golf club. Other officers listed. Membership of 50 men, 30 ladies and juniors. Lady members full voting members first time this year. Local ladies have increased interest in game over last few years. "The Algonquin Hotel Company who own and operate the fine golf links here primarily as an attraction for their guests have always given hearty support and encouragement to local players as well and afford the use of their excellent facilities with certain restrictions as to hours of play, at very reasonable rates." Many began as caddies.
St. Croix Courier
May 13/1948
Kent Ross General Manager of Cottage Craft
St. Croix Courier
May 20/1948
Shiretown Items: Clean Up, Paint Up, Light Up
Beautify your town drive on across Canada. "A little elementary arithmetic will lead to the conclusion that a minimum of $1 million is spent in St. Andrews as a summer residence and tourist resort. A continuing effort on the part of the community could double that amount."
St. Croix Courier
May 20/1948
Shiretown items—Hanging of Dowd
Few people now living in St. Andrews remember the execution of Thomas Dowd who was convicted of murdering Thomas Edward Ward, of New River on the 18th of September, 1879, but all the older folks here have heard the story many times. Jack Smith, M. P., a friend of W. A. Stuart in Ottawa, recently came across an old "Toronto Globe" which gave all the details in a full column write-up and my good friend Wes sent the paper along to me. In reading the article I was stuck chiefly at the apparently different attitude of the public of those days to such an event as compared with the reaction of the present inhabitants of St. Andrews to the recent hanging here of a young airman. The latter incident occurred in the middle of the night with no one present except the necessary officials. The body was buried quietly with little ceremony or celebration. Not a carpenter in town would aid in the construction of the gallows and the work had to be done by the officials themselves. What thoughts this young man may have had during his last few days of life were known only to himself, to his clergyman, and to his God. In the case of Dowd, however, elaborate preparations were made for the occasion, his execution was carried out with pomp and pretentious religious ceremony, and he was provided with a funeral worthy of a potentate. The hanging took place in broad daylight and his address to the audience in attendance might well be classed with those touching words of Mark Anthony over the dead body of Julius Caesar. Dressed in his dark trousers and vest and clean white shirt, standing there before an admiring group of spectators and holding the centre of the stage in this thrilling drama, this man Dowd no doubt felt that he was the hero of the hour. And yet hanging is supposedly a deterrent. I offer no opinion as to the value, or otherwise, of capital punishment, but I do believe that Anglo-Saxon civilization, at least has come a long way in the past seventy years.
St. Croix Courier
June 17/48
County Trade Board meet at Algonquin. (June 22) Dinner at 7 o'clock slow time.
St. Croix Courier
July 8/1948
Shiretown Items: O'Neill's Market
O'Neill's Market and Grocery store is having a new front of Vitrolite to correspond with the front of the adjoining building which was done last year. Frank Gilman's crew is doing the work. This business was established by Henry O'Neill, great grandfather of the present proprietors, in 1823. The first store was in the building downtown just below John Garnett's residence, the owner then living across the street where George MacKay now lives. Later the store building was extended to provide living quarters. The store end remained as originally built until last year when it was remodelled for form an apartment. After doing business at this stand for several years the proprietor moved farther up town to a building on Market Square, about where the present Post Office stands. This place was burned about 1876 and the building now in use was moved up from the Gove lot near the depot as was also the one now used as O'Neill's restaurant. When Henry departed this life, the market was carried on under the same name by his three sons, Hugh, Charles and Henry. After the death of all three brothers the business was continued by A. B. O'Neill, son of Charles, and now his two sons, John and Bill are carrying on under the original name, H. O'Neill. Many changes were made in A. B.'s time and the present owners have continued to improve and modernize. I can recall the old store in the days when round steak was 10 cents a pound, and sirloin two pounds for a quarter. Two long and well-worn wooden counters extended on either side from front to back. At the rear an archway disclosed a stove in the center. Near the stove was a chair or two and half a dozen soap boxes to provide comfort and rest to loafers at all times and to the proprietors during leisure moments. On the few occasions when I dared to poke my nose into this room, which to me at the time was a veritable sanctum sanctorum, I can recall that the conversation was always clean and elevating, especially when Charles O'Neill was present. Young as I was he impressed me as being a fine scholar and a great gentleman. Conditions the habits of men and their line of thought have changed since those days, we hope for the better, but we sometimes wonder!
Presentation—On the occasion of his superannuation Alphonsus Cummings was given a "farewell" by the staff of the Algonquin Hotel where he has been employed for over forty years. The event which was a complete surprise to Mr. Cummings, consisted of cocktails with caviar, a banquet in the Algonquin dining room and a picture show at the Casino. During the banquet, Mr. Cashman, manager of the hotel, gave an address appropriate to the occasion. He presented a dozen roses to Mrs. Cummings and to Mr. Cummings a purse containing a hundred-dollar bill and a yard of satin ribbon on which were printed the names of nearly one hundred members of the staff along with a little farewell message to their good friend "Fonsis." It must be a great compensation to a man retiring from a position in which he was been employed for so many years to be made in this way to feel that his life on the job has been worthwhile, if for no other reason than that he had made so many friends.
St. Croix Courier
July 22/1948
Shiretown items: "Loyalist Tales" highly successful in St. Andrews. St. Andrews Music, Art and Drama Club 75 strong—put on scenes adapted from Mowatt's "Diverting History" to packed audience at Andraeleo Hall. Mowatt herself addressed audience to explain destination of proceeds—MAD itself.
St. Croix Courier
Aug 5/1948
Shiretown Items: Memorial Park—idea of Mrs. Payne (daughter of R. S. Gardiner) summer resident, to put plaques on benches around the Kiwanis bandstand to the memory of the departed, but war cancelled the concerts and now the benches, though well-placed for the comfort of residents and visitors, lie scattered throughout the town, much to the annoyance of Dr. Worrell, who considers this a disrespect to the dead. For particular dedications on the benches and donors, see St. Croix Courier Sept. 1/1938. Mostly summer people, often in memory of children or spouses, as for example Edward Maxwell.
St. Croix Courier
Aug 5/1948
CP given permission to add two trans-Pacific routes (map) to schedule. Trans-Pacific since 1886.
St. Croix Courier
Aug 12/1948
Shiretown items
Comments of visitors to St. Andrews men's Club recorded by Worrell, two of which refer to having been coming to St. Andrews in summer for 40 to 45 years.
Anecdote about weary traveller who lured by sign advertising tourist cabins with heated cabins and running water discovered the heat was in the form of wood you had to split yourself and the water ran from a hole in the bucket from which it had to be carried from the well.
St. Croix Courier
Aug 19/1948
Shiretown Items: Mineral Spring
Do you remember Tom Bailey? If so you were not born yesterday. He lived in a little house near the road going to the cemetery. Weather forecasts by radio were unthought-of of in those days but Tom proved a good substitute. He came into town nearly every day to get his provisions. If he carried a basket, the weather would continue fine but if he brought a kettle we always looked for rain. In the field below his house and a short distance from the brook which empties into Katy's Cove was a spring with water as pure as that of the well of St. Keyne. It was most commonly called the "mineral spring," but was also known by many as the "wishing well." If I remember rightly, it was Mr. Gardner, one of our earliest summer residents who had the water analyzed, found it to be exceptionally pure and induced the Land Co., who then owned the property to wall it up with cement and build a roof over it, with a circle of seats around. It was an attractive spot at which to rest, to study bird life, to chat with a friend or just to contemplate. I haven't been out there for a long time but have been told that the house and seats are in ruins and the place is all grown up with weeds and shrubbery. It seems a pity as this spring was one of the landmarks of the community. I believe the property now belongs to the Algonquin Hotel Company and they are not much given to matter of sentiment. They could have no objection to having the place fixed up, however, if someone would be willing to undertake it. If the several men's and women's organizations in town would get together on the matter could be easily done and we should all feel that we had a share in it. It needs some one individual to start the ball rolling. Who will it be?
St. Croix Courier
Aug 26/1948
Photo of a new diesel-electric locomotive on Maine Central, consuming equivalent of two tons of coat to steam engine's eleven. (In ensuing years increasing mention of the dieselization of CP as well)
False rumour of nudist colony in St. Andrews reaches 23 year old lady with 36 inch bust in Montreal. Worrell speculates on possible business for summer.
Rural Cemetery Burial
John Cadman Norris
Age 58, Labourer
Lot 144B (A?)
Aug 28, 1948
St. Croix Courier
Sept 2/1948
"Caddy" Norris fatally injured at St. Andrews.
Children's Friend Paid Striking Tribute at Largest Funeral in Years.
John Cadman Norris, better known to St. Andrews residents as "Caddy," died in hospital in St. Stephen Friday morning as the result of injuries sustained in an accident Thursday after noon at St. Andrews, where he was born and lived all his life. The circumstances of the fatality are not completely known but he was found unconscious on the golf links about noon Thursday, not far from a team of horses he was driving for W. J. McQuoid and Sons, with whom he was employed.
He was born in St. Andrews in August, 1890, the son of a civil war veteran, Charles Norris, and Maria (Brickson) Norris, and was the last surviving member of a family of six children. He lived in St. Andrews all his life, attending school and later playing in the band and the St. Andrews orchestra. A great favorite with all, the children of the town and summer people especially looked upon him as a friend because of his kindness toward them.
Many and varied were the floral tributes sent by townspeople and prominent summer visitors in token of the esteem in which he was held. Among those who sent beautiful flowers and set pieces were Lieutenant Governor McLaren, Algoma Steel employees, staff of McQuoid's, management and staff of the Algonquin Hotel, and staff of Fort Tipperary. One of the finest tributes in the group was a blanket of flowers eight feet by four feet centered with a white cross, sent by 85 children in the town.
The funeral service was held Saturday afternoon, Aug.28, at All Saints Church, and was one of the largest ever held in St. Andrews. People from all walks of life came to pay their respects to a beloved citizen and friend. The rector, Rev. Joseph McAlden, conducted the service, during which the hymns, "Unto the Hills" and "Abide with Me" were sung. Pallbearers were Hope McQuoid, Warren Stinson, Henry McQuoid, Alfred Cummings, Forrest Ross, and Frank Dougherty, sr. Interment was made in the St. Andrews Rural Cemetery.
Shiretown Items—Cadman Norris
A fatal accident resulting in the death of Cadman Norris occurred here last Thursday. "Caddy," as he was popularly known, had been teamster for McQuoid's for many years and was an excellent horseman. How the accident happened will never be known. After the team had returned home without their driver a search was made and Mr. Norris was found lying by the road, unconscious. He was taken to Chipman Hospital but died, early next morning without having regained consciousness. The funeral, held Saturday afternoon, was one of the largest in the history of the town and the profusion of flowers surpassed anything ever seen here. This whole-hearted tribute by permanent and summer residents alike showed human nature at its finest. Mr. Norris was a colored man, for many years the only one living in St. Andrews but beneath that colored skin there was a heart of gold, and when angels write his name upon the scroll it is sure that they will mark him down as "one who loved his fellowmen." From childhood up he had been treated "almost" as a white person, but Caddy who had a sensitive nature, knew that there was a distinction, however slight, and for this reason he learned to show his appreciation more than most for every little kind word and friendly act. He loved the children of the town and of the cottages and they all adored him as they proved by weaving an enormous mat of flowers which took four men to carry. He was a member of the St. Andrews Band and the boys as an acknowledgment of this fact and to pay respect to his memory, donned their uniforms and attended the funeral service in a body. Living alone for many years, always working hard, early and late, Caddy did not have an easy life but those who knew him best believe it was a happy one and that he would not have wished it different. He has left no family and no relatives to whom we may express our sympathy and regrets. For many years the whole community has been his family, more carefully and more tenderly providing for his needs when necessary, and his comforts when occasion offered, because his color and consequently his situation in life, was not just like our own. Caddy was one of the landmarks of the town. In fact, he was more than that—he was an institution, now closed forever by his tragic death. In that beautiful plot of ground just outside the town, where brooks the spirit of everlasting peace, his mortal remains are now forever laid. May he rest in peace.
Street Dances—The weekly street dances held here this summer as a benefit for the community arena have become so popular that they are likely to continue a permanent attraction for years to come during the summer months.
St. Andrews Men's Club numbers Lt. Gov. of New Brunswick, President of Bank of NS and Royal Bank among members.
(Tributes to "Caddy" Norris page 4 by Marguerite Shaughnessy and "A Friend.")
The day broke beneath a misty mid-summer sun. There was a stillness in the air and even the cry of the gulls seemed hushed. Then I remembered. This was the children's day of mourning, the day they would always remember for a few years with a sense of loss and sadness, but later in their lives with pride and gratitude that they had shared and been part of a great lesson in spiritual values.
"Caddy" is dead. Who was he? To a stranger in town he would probably be just the "colored boy" who drove a team of old horses hitched to an old cart, doing all the hundred and one chores that always need doing in a small town.
But to the children he was a most glamorous and beloved friend. His old cart seldom passed by without three or four youngsters sitting up behind him "learning to drive," and no day was complete for them without a "ride with Caddy."
Today, at his funeral the little church was filled with men and women from all walks of life, who had come to pay their last tribute to a good, respected friend. But the greatest tribute of all was from the children, who all morning had gathered flowers and with loving little hands had made a beautiful white cross for Caddy.
And so as the day ended beneath a misty mid-summer sun, with a stillness in the air, a great lesson in spiritual values entered our hearts and we could truthfully say, "His ways are past finding out."—Marguerite Shaughnessy
Good-bye to Caddy
In the little town of St. Andrews, New Brunswick, 58 years ago, was born a colored boy named Caddy Norris, the son of a chef at a local hotel. The chef and his wife died, leaving a daughter also. She was an invalid for many years, and Caddy looked after her patiently and cheerfully until death came. There were times when Caddy became depressed owing to his color and some insulting remark he may have overheard. However, he was treated kindly by most people, and some understanding person always cheered him up and he soon felt better and went about his work. He drove a pair of black work horses and was a familiar figure on our streets where he will be greatly missed.
As the only colored resident for many years at St. Andrews, he went to school with the while children, entered into their sports and later played in the band. As St. Andrews grew into a fashionable summer resort, the children of families coming here looked forward to seeing Caddy and hearing his welcome "Hello Jean" or "John" or whoever it was and seeing the smile of welcome on Caddy's face.
Caddy is dead. But his welcome to all will not be forgotten. Today flags are at half-mast and the English church where his funeral service takes place is filled with people from all walks of life, paying respect to Caddy. There is a profusion of flowers and one large blanket of wildflowers, forming a cross in the center, is from the school children. It reminds one in a small way of "The Miracle of the Bells." He was grateful to his employers and appreciated even a good morning greeting or any recognition. Now he is honored in death.
We can all learn a lesson of gratitude, cheerfulness and many other things from this man of lowly birth, who had so little of this world's wealth but always gave out some happiness, if only a smile and a cheery "Hello Jim."
St. Croix Courier
Oct 28/1948
Shiretown Items—Mrs. Payne
The recent death here of Mrs. Payne has removed one of the oldest and best known of our Summer residents. She had been coming here for over 60 years. Her father, Mr. Gardner, was a member of the St. Andrews Land co., which really put St. Andrews on the map as a summer resort, building the Algonquin Hotel and laying out the park at Indian Point. Mrs. Payne had a keen interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of the town and made many friends among the natives. Although she had long since passed the allotted age her death was learned of with the deepest regret and we shall hold her memory dear forever.
St. Croix Courier
Nov 11/1948
Badminton club 100 members this year. Formerly at Scout gymnasium. Now at Andraeleo Hall.
SAINT-LAURENT, Louis Stephen
Prime Minister of Canada
Liberal 1948.11.15 - 1957.06.20
St. Croix Courier
Dec 2/1948
Slack-salted pollock once mainstay of Charlotte County fishery, esp. to US from Deer island and Campobello, but war under Wilson administration shut it down.
St. Croix Courier
Dec 9/1948
H. D. Burns re-elected as Pres. of Bank of NS (Shiretown Items). "Among our many distinguished summer residents Mr. Burns holds a high rank in the affections of the townspeople."
St. Croix Courier
Dec 16/1948
House of Caddy Norris auctioned off. His house built by the town "assisted by personal and cash subscription to the amount of $55 and various donations of labour and so forth."