Georgetown Stories: 1914-1918 66

certainly a dry town this Christmas.”

(Guardian, Dec. 30, 1915)

A Detachment of the 105th Trains in Georgetown

“The Supreme Court House, Georgetown has been fitted up for the accommodation of the volunteers, 125 in number, who are to be trained here. The lawyers’ desks, spectators’ benches, criminal box and other paraphernalia appertaining to a court room have all been removed and even the platform which held the judge’s seat is now occupied by a sleeping-bunk for soldiers. It is understood that the Temperance Hall on Grafton Street will be fitted up as a temporary Court House during the occupation of the Government building by the soldiers.” (Guardian, Jan. 26, 1916) [The Town hall was used for a diningroom. The Hessian Building, except for the post office section became a hospital for the recruits and the Church of England former school house became a recreation centre. Many of the detachment trained at Georgetown were Georgetonians. Listing of officers and men is in Patriot, Mar. 23, 1916.]

Yoston Children Safe

“On Saturday last, several young children belonging to Mr. Hugh Yoston of Georgetown crossed the ice from Georgetown to Lower Montague on business. Some time after their departure the snowstorm began and many fears were entertained for their safety as it was feared that they would be caught in the blizzard on their return. Mrs. Yoston, unable to bear the suspense crossed the ice between 2 and 3 o’clock during the worst part of the storm and having reached the Lower Montague side in safety was overjoyed to find her children snugly ensconced at Mr. George Poole’s where they had taken refuge from the storm. They all remained at Mr. Poole’s ‘till Sunday forenoon when they returned to their home in Georgetown.” (Guardian, Mar. 10, 1916)

Women’s Institute at Work

“ Great activity was displayed this week by the Women’s Institute of Georgetown when the members congregated for the purpose of

sending Christmas boxes to the boys from Georgetown who are serving their King and Country. Four boxes containing upwards of 60 parcels of socks, candy and other eatables were shipped to Miss Plummer, Commissioner for Field Comforts at Thorncliffe, England. The Institute has accomplished a surprising amount of work in the last year since it has been organized. One of the first commendable things which it did was to remodel and furnish the kindergarten of the Georgetown High School in modern and hygienic fashion. Another notable improvement was the planting of ornamental trees on the main street from the Town Hall to the Court House. During the summer the Institute purchased a large quantity of wool, had it carded, and in September held a Spinning Frolic in the Town Hall at which supper was served for the public, the proceeds of which were sufficient to pay for the wool. Some of this yarn has already been knit into socks and forwarded to the boys of the town on military service. The Institute has petitioned the Councilor to assist in the proper lighting of the town, but as yet no move has been made in that direction.” (Guardian, Nov. 16, 1916) [In the following year, the institute planted 12 more trees. The executive then was Mrs. J. W. McPhee, president; Mrs. Frank MacDonald, vice-president; Mrs. W. W. McLaren, secretary-treasurer. Directors were Mrs.(Dr.) J. D. Stewart; Mrs. Allan MacDonald and Mrs. D. Gordon. Program Committee was Misses Bella 82 Sarah McPhee Gladys Macdonald, Mrs. D. J. Stewart, Mrs. C. L. Barnes. (Mn, June 10, 1917).] [In 1918, the Institute bought and placed two dozen American elms on Georgetown streets] (Guardian, May. 27, 1918)]

Albino Rats for Pets

“Mr. George Yoston of Georgetown is the possessor of a natural curiosity in the shape of a pair of white rats which were presented to him in New Glasgow, N. S.. These little animals are perfectly white in color and their eyes are a beautiful pink shade and they are quite tame. They have at present a family of three and have raised several other families since they came into Mr. Yoston’s possession. They make splendid pets and are said to wage war on their gray brethren, quickly exterminating them in any place they chance to be. Mr. Yoston has already disposed of several pairs to different