More Georgetown Stories

IQ

1838—1899

Georgetown’s Celebration on the Laying of the Trans—Atlantic Cable

On Aug. 16th, 1858, the laying of an electric (able between Great Britain and Newfoundland was completed, thus linking the two continents. In a symbolic gesture Queen Victoria telegraphed President Buchanan of the USA. a congratulary message. Buchanan hailed the new technology as an “instrument destined by Divine Providence to suffuse religion, civilization, liberty and law throughout the world.” Georgetown also celebrated' “On receipt of the Queen’s message and the President’s reply, the Georgetown folk illuminated their houses last Saturday night in a most splendid style. Not a window but was ablaze with light from dark until 10— some later. The members of the Mechanics’ Institute and others accompanied by the Georgetown Amateur Band with a splendid banner emblematic of the electrical embrace of the eastern and westem hemispheres designed by their worthy President marched in procession through most of the streets of this enterprising and flourishing town, which is daily rising in importance and is destined soon to rival, if not surpass, her sister Charlottetown. What with bonfires and pitch barrels got up by the boys, the firing of guns in different parts of town in rapid succession, and Dr. Kaye’s cannon bellowing in the distance, causing the surrounding hills (?))(§i£) to reverberate, imparted an additional grandeur to the scene, while my countrymen whose numerous masts studded this splendid harbour echoed by their bells and voices the huzzahs of the joyous on shore. The whole seemed to impart a splendor and brilliancy that manifested a determination on the part of the Georgetonians to be ‘merry even by tallow, pitch and powder.”’ (Letter contributed to The Monitor, a Charlottetown, newspaper and published on Aug. 31, 1858, signed by “A Fisherman”, apparently an American.)

Tea Parjry After the Shower

“The Public Tea Party for liquidating a small debt on the church [Holy Trinity] at Georgetown came off very pleasantly and successfully Tuesday last at 4 o’clock. A large tent capable of covering 500 men was erected on the common near Mr. George Parker’s pretty farm, and although the day had been showery, yet a goodly number of Georgetonians of all creeds, and friends from Montague, Union Road and Pisquid assembled at Tea. Loyal, patriotic and religious addresses were made by the Rev. Mr. Ryan, W. M., W. Sanderson, Esq., the Sheriff of King’s County, John Smith Esq. and the rector of the church [Mr. Roach]. Music also lent its charms at the gentle hands of Miss Owen and Mrs. Roach. The children of the Sunday school were regaled, and “happy to meet you, sorry to part, happy to meet again” the party broke up by lustily singing the glorious national anthem.” (Monitor copied from the Royal Gazette, July 20, 1859)

Georgetown Masons at Stone-Laying

“Tuesday last was a day long to be remembered in Georgetown when the ceremony of laying the foundation stone of the new Academy to be erected in that town took place. A number of the brethem of the Mystic—tie from the

City and various parts of King’s County were at hand and assisted. Brother P. M. Charles Bell of St. John’s Lodge acted as Deputy Grand Master of the ceremonies. At high noon the procession moved from the lodge room of St. George’s Lodge [Georgetown] accompanied by Brother Lobbaams band to Trinity Church where Divine Service was conducted by Bro. R.T. Roach, after which the procession reformed and proceeded to the site of the new Academy, accompanied by a large number of the inhabitants of Georgetown and vicinity, when the corner stone (a massive block) was laid in due and ancient form. In the afternoon the brethem sat down to a sumptuous dinner prepared for the ocmsion when they enjoyed themselves until half past nine in the evening when the brethem and guests separated and departed in peace and harmony. Education and Masonry were the principal, topics alluded to by the several speakers.” (Monitor, July 2, 1862)

Holiday in Georgetown

[Ascension Day 1863 was proclaimed a holiday in Georgetown. Stores and workshops were closed, a Tea Party and Concert was held in the evening, and in the afternoon and during the morning and afternoon a competition for marksmen including the Georgetown Volunteer Artillery and Rifle Company]: “About 11 o’clock the Artillery Company marched to the shooting— ground at Burnt Point, under the command of Capt. Owen, the company looking very well in their new uniforms. A considerable squad of idlers brought up the rear. About an hour later, a Highlander, bareheaded and on horseback, but without a saddle, came galloping at full speed down the street. A few minutes later Dr. M’Lean galloped by. The news spread that William MacDonald (Joe’s Bill) had been shot accidentally in the arm by one of the volunteers. The doctor returned in about an hour and reported that the bullet had grazed the arm just above the elbow and that he had good hopes that the wound would not prove serious. The company were, it appears, enjoying themselves; a jar of whiskey had been provided to wet their whistles each one partaking out of a quart mug. The first prize was won by the Captain, the second by D.F. Kennedy and Duff, [was the victor over a Souris volunteer, though not shooting well in consequence, it was supposed, of the contents of the mug. In the evening the Volunteers [preceded by fife and rum] marched back to town not over regular, MacDonald having his arm in a sling. A group of mean and boys collected to see them and an aged Irishman named Conley coming up to a gentleman whom he took to be Michael Hessian, Esq., said, ‘Aint they a murtherin looking lot. Did ye notice the tune they played, “King William and the Boyne,” the villains. And Andrew Macdonald’s clerk among them,’ to which Hessian replied, “There are several CatholicsI with them, I think. No harm done.’ “ [Edited by N.H.M. from an account in the MLitor, May 21,1863, using also a reply in Monitor June 4, 1863 in which it was claimed that the above story was not “fact” —that the accident was not caused by too much drink and that the Volunteers marched back “in a quiet orderly manner.”]

Duff the Distiller

“Duff, who settled in Georgetown three years ago, is a good and honest fellow and a general favorite. By