More Georgetown Stories

26

1920-1934

refused to work and fate seemed to be against them. When ten miles off the P. E.I coast they took to the boat, which was but a small craft, taking with them a few articles of clothing. A few minutes after their leaving the ship she disappeared beneath the waves. After being tossed about in the raging seas for long hours they sighted land through the misty dawn. When they were within a short distance from the shore the wind hoved to the west and blew a hurricane. They now had only one car, the blade of the other having been broken off. However with much difficulty they managed to reach the shore which was the south shore of Boughton Island. Leaving the boat they climbed the bank and went into the woods to change clothing as they were drenched with salt water and chilled. It was then after noticing smoke from the flu of the cookhouse that they went there and unfolded their tale. The men belonged to West Cape, PEI. They were taken to Georgetown from which place they left for home. The wrecked schooner was the J. H. Ernst , owned and commanded by Captain Sam Smith and formerly by Capt. A. A. MacDonald of Georgetown.” (Patriot, May 21, 1929)

King’s County Baseball League Organized

“A large and representative meeting of the ball players of King’s County was held at the Yorston House, Georgetown, on Monday, July 8th for the purpose of organizing a King’s County Baseball League. Representatives were from Montague, Souris, Murray River and Georgetown. Mr. Clements, the well-known and popular sportsman of Montague, has donated a cup to be awarded to the winning team This most generous gift will be a boon to athletes in King’s County and will provide the necessary stimulus for as high a standard of baseball as is now shown in other counties. Officers for the league are as follows: Honorary President, R.K. Clements, Montague; President, Earl Grant, Montague; Vicerpresident, Art MacCallurn, Souris; Secretary, Philip Doyle, Georgetown; Executive, R. Moore, Montague; C. Horton, Murray River; W. Cheverie, Souris, J. McConnell of Georgetown. (Patriot, July 16, 1929)

Government Cutbacks Anger Georgetown

Resident

Georgetown’s customs office closed in 1929 and the officer of the time. T. E. Morrissey was laid off. The following letter from FAIR PLAY, of Georgetown, has a familiar ring: “The abolition frat has gone forth. That we have a harbour unsurpassed in the Dominion of Canada, that the removal of the customs from this place (where it was established many years before Confederation) will be a disastrous set-hack and injury not only to the eastern section of the Island but to the Province at large are facts totally ignored by the ‘Juggernauts’ of Ottawa who ride rough—shod over everyone and everything. As it seems this government is for retrenchment, perhaps they might cut out some of their expensive trips abroad, their ever— increasing salaries and the thousand and one ways in which they squander the Canadian revenue. We look forward with impatience to the not-too—distant future when the electorate of Canada, clothed in their right mind, will place in power MEN who putting self-interest and petty party politics aside will honestly work for the

welfare of each and every part of this Canada of ours.”

(Guardian, May 9, 1929)

Temperance Lodge Anniversggy

“The Slst anniversary of the founding of Georgetown’s Diamond of the Desert Division of the Sons of Temperance was celebrated at the Division Room on March 12th. After the regular work of the Division was completed the meeting was opened to the public and the following program was enjoyed:

Opening Chorus: ‘Where is My Wandering Boy Tonight?’

Reading: ‘A Voice from the Poor House’ by Elsie Lavers Duet: “The Old Rustic Bridge by the Mill;’ by Mrs. George Yorston and Mrs. B. Mair Reading: God Knows, by Mrs. B Mair Duet: “Down in the Licensed Saloon” by Mrs. A.E, Jenkins and Eleanor Ross Trio: Mrs. Jenkins, Mrs. Mair and Mrs. Walker

Solo: ‘Father Come Home’, by Mr. S. Yorston Duet: ‘Life’s Dream Is O’er’, Mrs. Jenkins and Mrs. Yorston Remarks by Mr. Easton Orchestral Selections Closing Chorus: ‘Throw Out the Lifeline’

The Division was founded in 1849 by William Sanderson, James Cogswell, James Easton and others. (Patriot, Mar. 19, 1930)

The Highlands to be a Summer Hotel

“Georgetown is to have an up—to date summer hotel. The Highlands property once owned by late Hon. D. A. MacKinnon and adjoining properties have been purchased by George MacKinnon of Sherbrooke, Que. The house will be extended and converted into a hotel. Bungalows are to be erected on the spacious grounds. These are to have electric lights, baths, sewerage and all modern conveniences and will be built in accordance with CNE standards. A golf course within half mile of town is to be constructed on an acquisition by the Town Council. A company is to be incorporated to handle the property. Mrs. W. W. MacLaren, Georgetown, will be manager of the hotel. MacKinnon is a former vice-president of the MacKinnon Steel Company, one of the largest industrial concerns in Canada, and is at present, president of the Rutherford Lumber Company of Montreal.” Guggdian, Mar. 24, 1930) [For a complete description of the Highlands at this time see the Guardian, May 12th, 1930]

St. David’s Church Father and Son Lanny

“The Father and Son Banquet for the Trail Rangers [boys’ organization] and their dads was held Friday the 21st. Fifteen boys and several dads sat down to table at six o’clock and were served by members of the CGIT. [Girls’ organization] who very kindly volunteered to do so. The supper was followed by a sing—song for which