More Georgetown Stories

14

1838— 1899

Capt. William Stevens on “Can’! Help it.” Runner up was Capt. John King on the Fannie Bell. (Guardian, Aug. 19, 1898)

Tramps in Georgetown

“Three suspicious-looking characters have been hovering around here since Saturday, probably the ones that broke out at Summerside a few days ago.” (Guardian, Nov. 22. 1898) In Georgetown news on Nov. 28, 1898, the reporter said that the tramps “had left for parts unknown’ and added “We hope they will not come back again.”

“Mnter Life in Georgetown,” 1899

“The last frost has sealed up the rivers sufficiently for teams to cross in all directions. It has also made good roads which has brought the farmers into town making business more brisk. The Stanley is now doing excellent work, making regular crossings between Georgetown and Pictou every day. She arrived today, Jan. 28th, at 11.30 am. bringing over about four carioads of general merchandise and 25 passengers. A special eight—car—loads of freight, principally fresh fish for the United States markets, dressed hogs and mutton for Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Newfoundland are awaiting her on Railway wharf. Another trainload is expected this evening. The rink is doing fine now, a large crowd attending every night. A fancy—dress carnival is advertised to take place soon under the management of H. Westaway. There is also a concert advertized in aid of the Town Hall Building Fund. Both promise to be a success as they are under good management. Stipendiary Magistrate Blanchard is paying frequent visits to our town lately in the interests of the Scott Act [Liquor Prohibition Legislation] The thirsty folks who visit us occasionally are feeling rather blue seeing that the place is so dry, none of the ardent being procurable within the walls of the Capital of Kings. Georgetown had two representatives to the Liberal-Conservative convention held in Charlottetown last weelc Hon. Dan Gordon and Arch. J. Macdonald.” (The Watchman, Feb. 3, 1899)

Burnt Point Lobster Factog Burns

“The lobster factory owned by Messrs. Cogswell and Easton at Burnt Point, near Georgetown, was totally destroyed by fire eariy this morning. This was one of the largest and best—equipped lobster factories in the province and its destruction just at the opening of the fishing season will be a heavy loss top the owners. It appears that none of the workers have been in the factory since Saturday last and the opinion held is that the building was deliberately set fire to.” (Daily Examiner, April 17, 1899)

DeLory’s Marion \Vrns

“The sail boat race at Georgetown yesterday was a great success. The attendance was large. The course was 24 miles and the boats started [were]: Mamie C., owned by John MacPhee, Amandale; Elizabeth, Partner; MARION, Charles Delory, Georgetown; Laura C., Joseph Coulton, Georgetown; Bessie, John A. MacDonald, Georgetown;

C.A. McLellan, Georgetown. The Marion finished first; Laura C. second, A/Iyrtle, third, James Allan. fourth, Bessie, fifth/. The Elizabeth withdrew from the contest after the first course, and on the second course the Annandale boat was obliged to withdraw by reason of an accident to her centre—board. The Hodgson Cup, the flag and a snug sum of money were won by the Marion.”

(Daily Examiner, Aug. 10, 1899)

Train Runs into the Town Hall

“There was great excitement at Georgetown this forenoon upon the anival of the train from Charlottetown. Instead of stopping at the station as usual, the train kept on and were it not for the Town Hall on the opposite side of the Street, there is no knowing where it would have brought up. The passengers were all on board and it is not said that they appreciated the extra ride. Fortunately, no one was hurt. The Town Hall was damaged to the extent of $600 or $800.” (Daily Examiner, Sept 8, 1899) [A different and more detailed account is given in Guardian, Sept. 19 1899]

War on Dogs

“Quite a destructive wave has struck the dogs of Georgetown, over a dozen having gone to a premature grave from poison. The complaint of the surplus of dogs will no longer be heard. It is regrettable, however that the just and the unjust alike have fallen and many of the citizens of Georgetown feel indignant that valuable animals should be lost in such a manner.” (Guardian, Dec. 28, 1899)

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