Georgetown Stories: 1869-1890 ‘7

Trinig Comer

An ad. in the Patriot in the summer of 1875 notified the public that William Sanderson had resumed full control of the mercantile centre at

Trinity Corner, Georgetown-an operation which had begun in 1859.

Young People Form a Lodge

A Juvenile Lodge associated with the Order of British Templars was organized in Georgetown in June 1875. It was named Mayflower No. 1. Twenty charter members enrolled. Officers included John Weatherby, H.W. Parker, John N. Sobey, William McKeown, E. Kennedy, G. Munro, E. Henry, Ellen Lockerby, Florence McKeen, Charles MacDonald, W. Jenkins. (Patriot June 1875)

Duncan Campbell Addresses Georgetown Citizens on Astronomy

Duncan Campbell, the well-known P.E.I. historian gave a public lecture in Georgetown in the summer of 1875. He spoke on astronomy -— on Kepler’s laws and the wonders of the heavens that had been lately discovered by science. He concluded his address “by reading select portions from psalms and other parts of Scripture, bearing on the heavenly bodies and the lessons to be derived from a devout contemplation of them.” Campbell received addresses of appreciation from Hon. Dan Gordon and J. Smith. A.C. Stewart chaired the event. (Patriot, Aug. 21, 1875)

Catholic Tea Pm

A Tea Party in conjunction with the work of the Catholic Church, Georgetown [but open to all], was announced to be held on 18 Aug. at the Ferguson farm (near Kayes) on the banks of the Brudenell River, one half mile from town.. This was the first tea to be held in Georgetown since the inception of the Railway service. The program would consist of highland games, dancing, boat races, etc. . Passengers could be carried to and from the site by train. Arrangements had been made for this. Also the Cardigan and Montague ferries were putting on

extra trips. Those wanting more information were to contact John A. MacDonald. (Patriot, Aug. 7, 1875)

Montague-Georgetown Steamer

The Steamer Lion ran regularly between Montague Bridge and Georgetown beginning in 1876. The Lion carried passengers and freight and made a return trip to Georgetown from Montague each day staying the night at the latter place.(Eatriot, Aug. 11, 1876)

The Free School Election

The election of 1876 for members of the RBI House of Assembly was hard—fought in Georgetown. The main issue was whether government should financially support religiously denominational education or “free” (secular) schools. The split in the election had much to do whether the voter was Roman Catholic or Protestant. In Georgetown there were three candidates for election: Dan Gordon, nominated by W. B. Aitken and Malcolm MacDonald; Lewis John Westaway, nominated by Angus McPhail and William Sencabaugh, and Hon. Archibald J. Macdonald nominated by William Sanderson and James Burke. The election gave Gordon a definite lead but Westaway was only one vote ahead of Macdonald. On a recount, Westaway was sustained so that the two “free school” candidates were elected. (Argus, Aug. 1 & 15, 1876)

Georgetown Loses in Checker Match—up

“S. D. Fraser of the Rocklin House and J. A. RutherfOrd of Georgetown played 25 games of checkers, according to arrangement, on New Year’s Day. for the championship of Queen’s and King’s County. Fraser took nine games, Rutherford seven, and they made nine draw games which gave Fraser a majority of the games.” (Patriot, Jan. 4, 1877)

The Northern Light

‘The winter steamer, Northern Light, began service in the winter of 1876—7. Intended to be