More Georgetown Stories ~

1838-1899

addresses were interspersed with pieces of music and appropriate readings. Mrs. Daniel McLean’s services as organist were highly appreciated.” (Daily Examiner, Oct. 17, 1893)

Man Loses His Underwear

“While Mr. E. R. Thompson was returning from Georgetown [to Montague], Friday evening, two linders and four bars of soap very mysteriously disappeared from his basket. Mr. Thompson said it was pretty mean to take the linders but to take the soap to wash them was meanness of an unpardonable kind.” [“Linder” was

colloquial for “pieces of underwear.”] (Daily Patriot, Nov. 20, 1893)

Visit of Govemor—General Lord Aberdeen and Lady Aberdeen

“ The train with their Exoellencies arrived at one o’clock. They were met at the station by Chief [of the Scottish Caledonian Club, the annual games of which were being held that year at Georgetown and which their Excellencies were visiting] Senator Macdonald and members of the Club and an immense crowd. They were greeted with enthusiastic cheers. Their excellencies drove to the grounds preceded by Piper Ferguson, passing through a handsome arch on the way. Here they were received with cheers while the band played “God Save the Queen.” They then took seats in a neat, pretty pavilion. Chief Macdonald introduced Lord and Lady Aberdeen to a splendid body of spectators and read an address from the Caledonian Club to Lord Aberdeen. Then Hon. D. Gordon stepped forward and presented and read an address on behalf of the citizens of Georgetown. Lord Aberdeen made a most happy reply, which with Lady Aberdeen’s gracious manner completely won the hearts of the Kings County people. He extolled the Island and its people and spoke of the warm welcome and marks of esteem he had met both at the Station and on the grounds.

(Cheers).” (Daily Patriot, Aug. 11, 1894)

Property Changes in 1894

“That veteran auctioneer, Archie McNeil], Esq, paid us a visit today for the purpose of selling at auction the real estate of the late William Wightman. The corner building [south-west comer of Richmond and Kent] which has been occupied by Mr. Wightman as a store, post office and dwelling fronting on Main Street and occupied by Mr. W.W. Jenkins were purchased by Mr. Jenkins for $1405. The store and warehouse attached fronting on Richmond Street were knocked down to D. J. McCormack of Boughton Island for the sum of $410. The post office held for many years by Mr. Wightman in the comer building has, since his death and the appointment of Mr. A.D. McPhee to full the vacancy, been removed to Smith’s Corner, one block south.

Several new houses are in the course of construction which when finished will add much to the appearance of the town. Amongst the more noticeable is a handsome dwelling on Water Street directly opposite Conductor Hibbetts, built for its owner Mr. T. E. Mom'ssey. Mr. R.

Kehoe is the contractor and is to be congratulated on the appearance of the new building.” (From The Watchman, Sept. 6, 1894) [About the same time Mr. Robert McDonald was contracted to build the new Catholic

parochial house]

Wanderer Returned.

“Thirty-six years ago, a young man Fred Ford, left the town [Georgetown] to fight the world, leaving behind father, mother, a sister and two brothers. During all these years--until a month or two ago—— not one word was ever heard of him while he roamed the world o’er visiting many countries in different capacities, in which he acquired a knowledge of and can converse in five different languages. He ever thought of ‘home and mother’ and a few days ago Mr. Ford arrived home to find none of his family except his mother, a small old lady of 87 years who can still thread a needle as readily as a lassie of 18- without glasses. Father and brothers are dead, his sister is married and wealthy in ‘the land of the free’ and had frequently Wished her mother to go live with her, but that old lady would remain in her own snug cottage waiting, as it seemed, the arrival home of the wanderer who no doubt will be a solace to her now in her declining years.” (From The Watchman, Nov. 1, 1894)

Clean Entertainment Provided Georgetown

“Things are moving in Georgetown in spite of many who preach blue ruin. Houses are going up and others enlarged. And in the midst of all we have received a visit from the Boston Comedy Co.. For three nights we have been entertained with pure solid enjoyment. Such a company deserves to prosper. It aims high. The stage should elevate the masses and in this direction Mr. Webber evidently directs his attention. Considering the many inconveniences of the Town Hall, the ladies and gentlemen are to be congratulated for the splendid performances they have given us. Much more are they to be thanked for their strict purity of language.” (Dg'ly Examiner, Nov. 2, 1894)

Boy Falls into Molasses Puncheon

“Master Edward McDonald, the thirteen year old son of Mr. John McDonald of Georgetown, while standing on an empty molasses puncheon yesterday, the head gave way and in falling he caught on an iron hoop tearing his leg about five inches. The doctor had to put a number of stitches in the wound.” (Morning Guardian, April 5, 1895)

Bootlegger Outwitted.

“ On the 2nd inst, Constable McCarron of Sturgeon succeeded in serving a summons on Mrs. Ledwell of Georgetown at about 6 o’clock in the morning. This wise old lady, suspecting that there was trouble in the wind had her house securely locked up for over a week past. Several constables tried to run the blockade but failed as her keen-eyed sentinels were always on the lookout. The rum party were rejoicing, feeling that Mrs. Ledwell was more than a match for all the officers of the law, when, 10