More Georgetown Stories

16

1900—1919

Mac has weathered many a gale both on the Georges and the Grand Banks, and all evince the greatest interest when this “modern Neptune” relates his nautical and piscatorial hairsbreadths.

“ Boughton Island can boast of some excellent specimens of horse flesh and anyone interested in horses would do well to come around and see Black Beauty, Star, and Ian Dhu, owned by George W. King, Nathan Allen and John McCormack respectively.

“This is one of the hardest winters in regard to “getting off’, ever known on Boughton Island. With considerable difficulty the mainland can be reached by boat. Imagine the horrors of a tobacco famine in such an isolated region!” (Edited from Daily Examiner, Feb. 25, 1902)

Georgetown the True Winter Port

“That this is the real winter port and most natural outlet for our winter traffic is evidenced by the fact that while boards of trade in other towns are keeping the wires hot demanding the winter steamers to break the surfaces of their harbours, Georgetown harbour is as open as midsummer. The ferry steamer Monlague is still running and shipping goes merrily on. Gazing out on the broad expanse of open water one can scarcely believe that a few miles away the harbours of other towns are completely frozen over. Two schooners sailed from here this morning bound for Canso and six others are completing their cargoes and will sail is a few days. The Schr. Bona Fidel, Capt. C. Fitzgerald is ready to sail to St. Pierre. The Schr. Electra [though] is not expecting to make any more trips to Pictou this season.” (Daily Examiner, Dec. 12, 1902) Both Charlottetown and Summerside were at this time laying some claimto having the winter boats and there was much correspondence in the papers on the subject. Above is Georgetown’s view.

The Manchester Trader ’5 Cargo

“The Manchester Trader left Georgetown Wednesday at noon with the following cargo: 1300 sheep and 42 head of cattle, shipped by Wheatley Bros; 200 carcasses of mutton by the Dominion Packing Company; 300 cases of eggs by Auld Bros; 390 cases of canned meat by J.J. Homby', 108 cases canned meat by HW. Longworth; 151 boxes of apples by John Robertson, Sr., Inkerman; 263 cases of fowl by Prof. Robertson and 20 cases of poultry by Westwood Poultry company.” (Daily Examiner, Dec. 27, 1902) [The boat was so large that the Captain was reluctant to dock at Georgetown for fear of grounding which proved unfounded]

Good Times on Boughton Island

“Parties and balls seem to be the order of the day, or rather of the night. On Wednesday night the 4th inst, not withstanding the unfavorable weather, a number of the inhabitants, together with a chosen band from the mainland, repaired to the home of Joseph C. Allen where they “tripped the light fantastic” till Aurora, pushing aside the sable curtain of night, announced the birth of another

day.” (Daily Examiner, “Notes from Boughton Island.” Feb. 12, 1903)

Trees Planted

“The citizens of Georgetown are making a most commendable effort to beautify the streets of their town. In addition to the large number of shade trees planted by private persons, the assessors have had a row of yellow birch trees planted the entire length of Main Street. That portion of the Square which has been set apart and which will ultimately be converted into a small park has been planted all around with trees. A few years hence when these trees have attained considerable growth. they will give the place a more attractive appearance.” (Daily Examiner, May 21, 1903)

Successful Pie Social

“A highly successful concert and pie social was held in the town hall last night under the auspices of the ladies Aid Society of St. David’s Presbyterian Church. The Hon. Dan Gordon occupied the chair in his usual pleasing and dignified manner. Richard Jenkins and Thomas Morrissey disposed of the pies at handsome prices. Many of them were sold a second time. In fact, some were up four or five times. No sooner was one knocked down than ‘set it up again’ was heard from the purchasers. Over $59.00 was realized.“ [The concert consisted of choruses, an instrumental selection by Maud Weatherbie, a sole by Annie MacLeod, recitations by Aggie MacPhee, Freda Morrissey and James McLeod] (Guardian, Oct. 9, 1903)

Model Ship Attracted Admirers

“In the Georgetown Post Office window is a model of that gigantic ocean greyhound, the Celtic. This little marvel is the product of Henry Gordon, an acknowledged genius in this capacity. Some idea of the amount of work occasioned by its construction may be gained from the realization that there are over 200 men on board. It is complete in every particular, even the minutest detail being in evidence. Needless to say it is attracting considerable attention.” [Edited] (Guardian, Nov. 5, 1903)

Innocent Man Arrested

“An incident on Kent Street, Georgetown, created a mild sensation. A certain Scott Act [Canada Temperance Act] violator was convicted some time ago, but did not pay his fine and moved to Montague. In company with his brother he recently paid a visit to the scene of past activities. Unfortunately, the prosecutor was in town that day, and seeing the familiar rival he proceeded with another officer of the law to effect the arrest. After an exciting sprint in which the guardian of the law excelled, the culprit was captured. But about half way to the jail it was discovered that they had the wrong man~ it was the brother.” [Edited] (Guardian, Jan. 16, 1904)