Georgetown Stories: 1840-1870 13

Norton, Esq., would lecture before the above Institute on Monday evening next. Subject: ‘The Dignity of Labour’, W. Wightrnan, secretary.” (Islander, Apr., 20, 1866). A few weeks later Rev. MacWilliam spoke on “Scientiﬁc Discoveries”, focusing on the “electric- telegraph.”

Poor Relief

Government money for poor relief in Georgetown was distributed, among others, to Dan Keenan, Georgetown Royalty, towards the maintenance of a female infant abandoned by her parents who left the Colony and to John Lavers Sr., for the support of “the Sobey orphans.” (Examiner, July 22, 1867)

“For Sale '

The fast Sailing Schooner Charles Napier, burthen from Register, 57 tons, N.W. well found and very suitable vessel for the mackerel ﬁshery. For particulars apply to the subscriber at Georgetown.

Capt. John MacDonald, Georgetown. Jan. 27, 1869.” (Islander, April 30, 1869)

The Harbour in 1869

“Our harbour presents a gay and lively appearance. Between 70 and 80 American ﬁshing vessels have been lying at anchor. . . waiting a change of wind for the Magdalens. Several vessels left our port for St. Pierre, St. John’s, Halifax, etc. with produce this week. The Brig Devonshz're owned by J. Fairchild, Esq., is taking in oats for England. Our streets are dry, our pumps all clean, Everyone busy as can be seen.” (From a Georgetown contributor to the Examiner, May 2, 1869)

Young Men Drowned in Storm

“Two young men named McCormack, from Boughton Island, while returning to their home on the Cardigan River, perished during a violent storm then raging. They were aged 17 & 19 years. (Islander, Dec. 17, 1869)

Georgetown Receives Teleggph Service

A cable was laid across the Hillsborough River allowing telegraph lines to be extended to Georgetown in the summer of 1870.

Georgetown in 1870

“Georgetown is growing gradually. Mr. Aitken has a two-story house, rough-boarded and shingled and Mr. M. Bourke has a good-sized vessel on the stocks partly planked. Last year, Mr. Hession ﬁnished a large two-story brick shop and dwelling which is the only brick building in the place. The enormous extent of vacant land in the centre is a draw—back to the progress of Georgetown. It separates the different quarters of the city (si_c) too much and prevents a concentration of trade. At least three quarters of the Square might be sold for building lots and the money invested in local improvements. This with good steam communication on the Montague River would very much beneﬁt the Eastern Capital which now boasts of a weekly newspaper and a telegraph ofﬁce. Montague Bridge is also rapidly improving and is entitled to more shipping facilities than it enjoys. It has considerable trade and should be made a port of entry at once. Messrs Wm. and J. White are building a brigantine here for the Newfoundland market which will be ready for launching in a few days.” (231110;, Oct. 13, 1870)