Georgetown Stories: 1927-1932 87

Buffalo Robes Restored

“On Feb. 28th, a most successful dance was held in Georgetown, a great many from outside driving in for the occasion with the result that many sleighs were left in the yards commonly used for such purposes. A young fellow from a nearby district , quite an expert in “the lifting art”, sensing the possibility of an easy harvest, returned home long before the rest taking with him the buffaloes from several of the sleighs. Naturally when the owners returned to their sleighs and missed the robes, they had a very unfavorable impression of the town. One of the unfortunate ones, however, who .lives on the outskirts of Georgetown took unto himself the role of Nick Carter and after some clever reasoning and uncanny figuring presented himself at the culprit’s door. It did not take him long to persuade the thief to hand out the bearskins. Next day our esteemed friend was busy returning the buffaloes to their original owners.” (Guardian, Mar. 9, 1927)

Georgetown Men Debate Prohibition

“The Georgetown Night School bids fair to be one of the most popular organizations of its kind ever introduced in Georgetown. .The class work is of as good order. Especially was this noted on the night of Jan. 26th when the subject “Resolved that prohibition should be abolished” was debated with much spirit by both sides. Prohibition was upheld by a large majority of speakers including Allister Stewart, J. A. B. McConnell (teacher), Waldron Lavers and Stewart Lavers. Some very capable speeches were delivered by their opponents but to no avail. The speakers were Ernest Fairchild, Samuel Yorston, John Yorston and Havelock Stewart. Following the debate a surprise party was given by the vice-president, Samuel Yorston and everyone enjoyed themselves. The Night ”School voted hearty thanks to Mr. Yorston for his lunch and to Mrs. George Yorston who so kindly prepared it. Special mention must be made of the presence of Mr. S. Johnson who not only addressed the men but was kind enough to render one of his very interesting songs.” (Edited slightly from Guardian, Jan. 30, 1928)

Every Man at Work: Late Summer 1928

“Not one laboring man is idle in the town at present. One gang of men is repairing the C.N.R. Wharf under the supervision of Chester Llewellyn, foreman; another gang is working on the railway putting in more sidings required for the handling of the potato crop this fall; another gang is working on the White Bridge on the road from Georgetown to the Cardigan Ferry; another is working on the roads. George Keenan is the road-master. And a gang of 15 is working on the Georgetown-Newport Ferry under Capt. C. M. Fitzgerald. The work is progressing rapidly. Captain Fitzgerald expects to have her ready this fall for the carrying of seed potatoes. The calkers are getting along well.” (Slightly edited from Patriot, Sept. 18, 1928)

Great Lakes Jobs Attract

“The following persons left Georgetown recently to join steamers plying on the Great Lakes: to Montreal: William Martell, engineer; Malcolm McLean, fireman; John Yorston, fireman; Millan McCOnnell, fireman; Robert

~Rafuse, coal passer; John McDonald, coal

passer; Milford Bachelor (gig) fireman; Patrick Martell, oiler; to Toronto: Peter Martell, oiler; Malcolm Martell, coal passer; Henry Martell, deck hand; to Chicago: John Gotell, A.B” (Patriot, Apr. 3, 1929)

Plane Lands in Georgetown

“Quite an excitement was caused in Georgetown on Friday the 28th at noon when an airplane was seen flying over the town [and then landing] This has been the first that ever landed in this vicinity. Quite a few of the citizens took advantage [of the opportunity to fly.] Those taking the ten—minute ride were: H. Murphy, principal of Georgetown High School, Enid Knight, Dr. Keeping, Capt. Gallant, Mr. & Mrs. Victor Rafuse, Waldron Lavers, Beatrice Skinner, Mrs. McLaren, Howard Llewellyn and B]. Mair. The plane remained about three hours then proceeded to Moncton but intends to return to Georgetown at a later date.” (Edited from accounts in the Patriot, Mar. 6, 1930 and the Guardian, Mar. 4, 1930) ‘