After R.H. Jelley’s death, his nephew George Jelley, who had earli- er learned the trade from his uncle, returned to O’Leary from Bideford and took over the business. He moved the shop to the pre- sent location of Wayne Harris’ house, across from the rink. When he retired he sold his shop to Clarence MacKinnon.

Dan Saunders bought Samuel Lidstone’s shop in 1943. He plied his trade for ten years, then discontinued the blacksmith business to operate a grocery store.

Frank Gallant bought Dan’s shop in 1953, but remained in the business for only a few years. Changing times decreased the need for the services of a blacksmith in O’Leary. Frank now resides in Mass, U.S.A.

HON. WM. H. DENNIS

Mr. Dennis from O’Leary was first elected MLA for 2nd Prince in 1915 and continued in office until 1943, a total of almost thirty years - a political career unique in the history of Canada. He served under nine premiers. By trade, Mr. Dennis was a carriage maker and artisan. In the O’Leary area, W.H. is remembered for his generosity to all in need. He promoted garden plots for fishermen and many other community projects during the depression years. Mr. Dennis was appointed Minister of Agriculture in 1936 and continued in that position until 1943. In Western Prince County the name of W.H. Dennis is still known and recognized as one who contributed greatly to both his home community and his province.

CARRIAGE SHOPS

One of the first major businesses carried on in O’Leary was one of necessity. Nearly a hundred years ago there was great need for horse-drawn vehicles including truck wag- ons, carriages, and jaunting sleighs. Shops, opened to construct those local modes of transportation, thrived for years.

The pioneers in this business were the Jelley brothers, John and Swabey, who opened the first carriage shop in O’Leary in 1898. The firm was known as Jelley Bros. Their shop was located on the present site of Brian Willis’ store. The brothers shared in the constructing and repairing of vehicles. Hon. Wm. H. Dennis Swabey did the painting and stripping; John

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