Georgetown Stories: 1901-1904 37

Litegry & Debating Socieg

“The meetings of the Georgetown Literary & Debating Society are being well-attended and the discussions are arousing much interest. On Thursday last the question, “Which has been the greatest curse for humanity, war or intemperance? was warmly debated. The intemperance side was supported in forcible speeches by H. J. Macdonald, P. McLeod, T. Morrissey, and Allister Macdonald. They were ably opposed by E. J. McEachem, A. G. Bentley, E. Logan and H. Macdonald. The subject for next night will be: Is man the architect of his own fortune or the creature of circumstance? ” (Patriot, Jan. 22, 1901)

Georgetown Man to Seek Inheritance in France

Francis Gotell, of Georgetown, whose name was originally “Gaste”, will travel to France to claim his fortune. He had received word some time ago that he was the rightful inheritor of proceeds from valuable property in Granville, France, where he was born in 1837. His family had been wrongfully evicted years ago. Francis had travelled across the water to settle first in Newfoundland, then in Arichat, Cape Breton and finally in Georgetown. Now at 62 he will return to France to claim his inheritance.

(Summarised from a much longer feature article in the Patriot, Feb., 12, 1901)

New Fishing Boats Being Built at Georgetown

“Georgetown lobstermen are getting ready for the Spring opening. Capt. Charles Fitzgerald, the well—known builder, has just finished an 18 footer for Edward Hemphill. The boat is a carvil—built, centreboard sloop, rigged, has beautiful lines and will be a creditable addition to Georgetown’s already noted fleet. Capt. Fitzgerald is also building another craft of the same model for Lemuel Hubert. Captain Sam Hemphill, another of Georgetown’s capable builders is at work on two large boats of up-to— date design and first-class workmanship.” (Patriot, Mar. 25, 1901)

Rifle Association Formed

“At a meeting in the Town Hall in Georgetown Wednesday evening last, a Rifle Association was organized in order to encourage rifle shooting in this locality. The club will consist of a1 least 40 members, more than half of whom have already signed the roll and taken the oath of allegiance. The government will supply the rifles for the use of the said club and a certain number of rounds of ammunition to each man which must be fired at a regular match to be held in October of each year. Following are the officers elected: President: Capt. Owen; Captain, W. W. Jenkins; Lieutenants, Henry Moore & Sullivan Henry; Secretary, Hugh J. Macdonald; Treasurer, A.D. McPhee. (Patriot, June 21, 1901)

St. David’s Sunday School Picnic

“The annual picnic of the Sabbath School of St. David’s Church, Georgetown, was held yesterday on the beautiful grounds of Mr. John Gordon, Brudenell. The day was an ideal one for such an occasion and a large number of children with a goodly number of parents and friends took advantage of it. The picnickers went out in the afternoon train. The Boys’ Band was in attendance and played several choice selections which added greatly to the pleasure of the outing. Games and foot-faces were indulged in and much enjoyed by the children as well as the adults present. After a vote of thanks had been tendered Mr. & Mrs. Gordon for their kindness and three cheers and a tiger given for Mr. McConnell, the Superintendent of the Sunday School, and for the pastor, Mr. Herdman, the company wended their way to the crossing a few hundred yards from the grounds and boarded the evening train for home, reaching there in due time--all with one accord expressing themselves as having spent a most enjoyable afternoon.” (Patriot, Aug. 8, 1901)

Harvest Excursion

“About 500 Islanders left by train from Charlottetown today to Manitoba to join in this year’s harvest excursion. Those from Georgetown were Allister Macdonald, Howard

Macdonald, Peter Gotell, Frank McEachem and

‘ Edward Dicks.” (Patriot, Aug. 10, 1901)