Georgetown Stories: 1914-1918 _ 62

Mysteg in the Snow

“A certain amount of excitement was created on Sunday morning by the discovery on one of the unfrequented byways in the vicinity of Georgetown of what at first sight looked like an immense line of hieroglyphics in the snow with frequent punctuation marks—generally at the foot of a snowbank. After much investigation it was discovered to be the trail of a number of individuals of some unknown species and that the punctuation marks were full stops, where one or other of the members had paused. As the [recent] snowstorm had obliterated the marks the matter was not cleared up at the time and is likely to remain a mystery.” (Guardian, Jan. 21, 1914)

Georgetown the Best Winter Port

“ That Georgetown is the only winter port on P.E.I. was most satisfactorily demonstrated on Saturday last when Capt. John Rafuse in his schooner Alma L. Gertie having successfully made the crossing from Port Hastings, N. S. entered the Georgetown Harbour and made port at one of the wharves. Capt. Rafuse reports having encountered no serious difficulties in his passage and when we compare this to the strenuous time which the Earl Grey, the powerful ice—breaker, has in making the crossing to Charlottetown, it ought to solve the question once and for all as to where, considering the accommodation of passengers and the safe and speedy transmission of mails and freight, the winter boats should be running. Capt. Rafuse is to be congratulated upon his exploit especially as his cargo of coal will prove not unacceptable to the people of Georgetown where that necessary article was beginning to become rather scarce.” (Guardian, Jan. 21, 1914) [In late 1914, the ice-breaking car ferry Prince Edward Island was launched at Newcastle—on-Tyne, England and would eventually proceed to the Cape Traverse-Cape Tormentine run, thus ending Georgetown’s fame as “the” regular winter port; the Earl Grey was sold forthwith to the Russian govemment.]

IOGT Concert

A very enjoyable concert was held in the Georgetown Hall on Tuesday by members of

the IOGT. [Independent Order of Grand Templars—-a Temperance Lodge] The dialogues were exceptionally good. The program also included bagpipe selections by Mr. Duncan McDonald (encored), harmonica selections by Mr. Jack Fairchild (encored), and a song by little Rosamond Fairchild (encored). The accompanists for the evening were Mrs. Nelson Fairchild, Miss Brehaut & Miss Hilda Barnes. Great credit is due to Miss Maggie Johnson and Miss Lydia Ross for the success of the concert. The baskets were auctioned off by popular merchant, Mr. Percy Manual. The handsome sum of $50. was realized.” (Patriot, Mar. 3, 1914)

Fire at St. James’ Church

“What might have been a serious accident involving considerable loss was averted by the prompt action of those present when St. James’ Church, Georgetown, caught fire on Thursday morning. Rev. Father Croken was celebrating mass at the time and the ceremony was about half over when the fire was perceived on the roof and word brought. Those in the church immediately dispersed in search of extinguishing material. The bell was rung and in a short time a crowd had collected which soon got the fire under control. It is not known exactly how the fire started, presumably from the flue. It is certain, however, that had it been allowed a few more minutes to gather headway, its checking would have proved a formidable matter. As it is, the extent of the damage is but slight and will be easily repaired.” (Mag, Mar. 24, 1914)

Mock Trial Creates Fun

“A very pleasant evening was spent by the members of the St. George’s IOGT on Tuesday, the 7th inst. at a Mock Trial. The Defendant, Mr. Arthur Yoston, was charged with a Breach of Promise, having become engaged to the plaintiff, Miss Ruth Campbell, and then refusing to marry her. The following is a partial list of court officers: Judge; Mr. S. N. Johnson; Clerk of Court, Mr. Gordon Ross; Prothonotory, Mr. George Yoston; Counsel for the Prosecution, Messrs. Clifford Conrad, & Harold Barnes; Counsel for the defense, Messrs. J. Johnson & Raymond Newsome; Attorneys