Great Oriental Circus, Montreal, 1851

November 28, 2009 by gilliandr

Montreal Gazette, 24 June 1851, page 3

 

Ad:

June and Co.’s

Great Oriental Circus

This mammoth establishment, the largest in existence, and comprising more new and peculiar features than any other Equestrian Exhibition travelling,

 

Is now about making a brief tour through the British Provinces, and will exhibit in Woodstock, Brantford, Hamilton, Guelph, Galt, Georgetown, Streetsville, New Market, Markham, Toronto, Bowmanville, Oshawa, Cobourg, Port Hope, Preston, Belleville, ~~~~~, ~~~~~~, River Trent, Napanee, Bath, Kingston, ~~~~ Falls, Perth, Richmond, Bytown, Frenchtown, Killey Corners, Gananoque, Brockville, Rosters’ Tavern, Kemptville, Prescott, Williamsburg, ~~~~~b’s Landing, Cornwall, Lancaster, ~~~~ and Montreal, early the present summer.  Due notice will be given of its arrival in each Town.

The company on entering town will be preceded by the

Gorgeous Band Car,

Drawn by

Eight Syrian Camels,

Imported from Egypt at vast expense, expressly for this Establishment.  The performances will be found to comprise a greater variety of startling and attractive Establishments than have ever before been given by any single Troupe, for the excellent production of which, an unparalleled array of talent has been secured.

Among the most p~~~~~~ of the Andes attached to the Establishment, will be found the names of

Laverter Lee

The Great English Equilirist and Gymnast, and his talented children

Mrs Cole

The celebrated equestrienne from Astley’s, London, who will introduce her new style of Lady Equestriannism, entitled the Exercises of the manege.

M’lmle Caroline Sherwood

Who will introduce her great ~~~~~~~~~~

Messrs Macfarland and Sweet

The champion vaulters of the world:

Mr Lipman, the distinguished dramatic rider

Mr C Sherwood, the rapid rider

Mr Cole, the world-renowned contortionist

Mr. WR Derr

The celebrated trainer and ruling master, and ~~~~ noted performer of talent and reputation

John Gossin

The original and ~~~~ American clown, will appear on all his  laughable ~~~~~~

 

In the course of each performance the troup of Syrian camels will be ~~~~~ in a ~~~ magnificent ~~~~~~ which ~~~~~~~~  and ~~~~~~~

Caravan of the desert

Representing the modes of traveling in the East, and an encampment of war.

 

 

 

 

Shamrock boat explosion, Montreal, 1842

November 28, 2009 by gilliandr

Montreal Transcript

12 July 1842

 

Steamboat accident- fifty-eight persons killed

It was with the deepest regret we record the most distressing and fatal casualties ever arising from steam on the waters of British North America.  On Saturday last, the high-pressure steamer Shamrock, owned by Messrs Atkinson, Mathie & Co., of this city, having three barges in tow, two of whom were empty,) while between Lachine and Pointe Claire, about 8 miles from the former place, on her usual trip to Kingston, burst her boiler, and in a moment about 58 souls were hurried into eternity.  Such was the force of the explosion, that it completely carried away her bows, and she almost instantaneously went down bow foremost.

There were on board at the time of the melancholy disaster 120 passengers, almost half of whom were English, the rest being Scotch and Irish; the English emigrants being in the bows of the boat, suffered most severely.  The steamer Dolphin being at the time about five miles distant, the Captain, on hearing the explosion, immediately dropped two barges he had in tow and hastened to the wreck, where he was enabled to rescue 48 of the unfortunate sufferers who had been picked up unhurt by the three barges; eighteen were conveyed to the Montreal Hospital,  of whom have died of their wounds- one died under the amputation of both legs.

The emigrants are described to have been of a superior class, and as little comparatively was saved, there must have been a great deal of property lost, among which we hear mentioned several large sums of money; Messrs Grant, Laflamme, Oldfield, Chamberlain, Nor~~, Col Wildgress, and Dr. Stein, however, were able to save some valuable property by immediately repairing the wreck in boats.  Mr. ~~~~ of Lachine, and other gentlemen, deserve the highest commendation for the generous assistance and hospitality shown to the survivors.

The coroner, Mr. Jones, on Sunday morning went to the wreck, and suspecting that there might be some of the bodies in the cabin, caused it to be burst open, when the body of a female was found.  A Coroner’s Jury sat yesterday, and after a long explanation brought in the following verdict: – “That the deceased Mary Breckon, wife of Joseph Breckon, came to her death by the accidental explosion of the boiler on board the steamboat Shamrock, Thomas Halliman, Master.”

During the day five bodies were brought in to Lachine, and boats are employed in searching for the missing.

Such was the force of the explosion, that a bar of iron, about three inches in circumference, was forced through the side of one of the barges alongside the unfortunate vessel; and indeed the barge seems on looking at it, to be shattered in every part.  The Shamrock was a new boat, 32 horse power, built at Niagara, and was on her fourth trip upwards.  The public confidence in this class of boats must be materially affected by this accident, and it is to be hoped that a strict investigation will be made into all the facts, so as to set the public mind at rest.

The following are the names and families of the unfortunate victims:-

                                                            No of              no of               souls         missing

                                                            Adults             souls              saved        or lost

J. Coverdale                                      4                      8                      2                      6

J. Thackery                                        2                      3                      1                      2

J. Conner                                          2                      2                      0                      2

D. Watson                                         6                      6                      3                      3

J. Breckon                                         2                      5                      0                      2

J. Hagill                                              2                      2                      1                      1

Wm Easton                                       1                      1                      1                      0

D. Southern                                      1                      1                      1                      0

Thomas Cousins                             5                      9                      1                      8

G. Ager                                               1                      1                      1                      0

W. Johnson                                      2                      2                      0                      2

J. Richardson                                   1                      1                      1                      0

A. Johnson                                       1                      1                      1                      0

A. Daniells                                        1                      1                      1                      0

J. McCartry                                        1                      1                      0                      1

F. Richards                                       1                      1                      0                      1

W. Garbatt                                         1                      1                      1                      0

James Adamsley                             1                      1                      1                      0

Thomas Kayes                                 1                      1                      0                      1

J. McWilliams                                   2                      2                      1                      1

John York                                          3                      3                      0                      3

Allan Pearson                                  8                      15                    6                      9

John Hunter                                     3                      3                      3                      0

J. Hamerly                                         1                      1                      0                      1

J. McArthur                                        7                      11                    11                    0

A. Yonge                                           2                      4                      4                      0

R. Reid                                               2                      2                      2                      0

E. Ross                                              1                      1                      0                      1

J. Rooney                                          1                      1                      0                      1

J. Larkin                                             2                      2                      0                      2

J. Pierson                                          2                      3                      2                      1

A. Papin or Pattapin                                    3                      3                      3                      0

J. Lason                                             4                      4                      4                      0

W. McKenzie                                    2                      2                      2                      0

J. Ferguson                                       2                      2                      0                      2

P. Slater                                             2                      2                      2                      0

J. Bailey                                             3                      5                      2                      3

H. Morrison                                       1                      1                      1                      0

Richard McAllan                              2                      2                      1                      1

J. Burk                                                1                      1                      1                      0

J. Ferguson                                       2                      2                      0                      2

F. Smart                                             1                      1                      0                      1         

J. Wale                                               2                      2                      1                      1

                                                            –                      –                      –                      –

                                                            95                    120                 62                    58

 

Persons saved, who paid the

Passage with some of the above

Families, or altogether entered

In one name                                     0                      0                      4                      4

                                                            –                      –                      –                      –

                                                            95                    120                 66                    54

Caledonian Concert at Halloween, Montreal, 1886

November 27, 2009 by gilliandr

 

Montreal Daily Star, 3 November 1886, page 3

The Caledonian Concert

A most successful entertainment in the Queen’s Hall- A Select programme of music and speeches by Hon. Mr. Thompson and others.

 

The thirty-first annual concert of the Montreal Caledonian Society in celebration of the time honored season of Hallowe’en was held last night in the Queen’s Hall which was filled to the doors with an audience which applauded every number of the excellent programme which had been prepared.  As usual at these concerts an air of friendship seemed to pervade the entire assembly and make all present feel thoroughly at home.  Shortly after eight o’clock the Society’s piper, Mr William Greig, marched on to the platform, playing a lively air, and was followed by the President, Col Stevenson (in Highland costume), Mayor Beaugrand, the representatives of the sister societies and a large gathering of invited guests, among whom were noticed Messrs MH Gault, MP; JJ Curran, MP; Villeneuve, MPP; John S Hall, MPP; Mayor Fell of Victoria, BC; US Consul-General Anderson; Redlere of St. George’s Society; -Thomas, of the Irish Protestant Benevolent Society; Donald Macmaster, QC, MP; RD McGibbon; R Dagleish; James Wright; Andrew Robertson; Rev. Canon Ellegood; Rev. Robert Campbell; Rev. Mr Jordan and a number of ladies.  Several of the Caledonian Society’s officers occupied seats on the platform.  The President Col. Stevenson, opened the entertainment with a short speech in which he welcomed those present and assured them of the desire of the society to cater for their amusement in the best manner possible.  He referred to the deaths of several noted Scottish vocalists and in particular of Mr. Kennedy, the sweet singer who so often delighted Montrealers.  He also spoke with regret the absence of the Rev. Dr. Stevenson, who was attending a final meeting of the members of his congregation.  The Colonel remarked that he had personal reasons to regret the reverend gentleman’s departure from the city, owing to the fact of their being namesakes, but added that Rev Dr Stevenson would be a Stevenson wherever he was and would

Do Credit to his Name.

The first song given was “McGregor’s Gathering,” by Mr JL Johnston, who also sang “Mary of Argyle” and “Scotland Yet.”  Mr Johnston has a pure tenor voice, of full compass and much sweetness, which he keeps well under control.  His style is finished, and he was warmly-applauded.  Miss Florence Forbes followed with “O Whistle and I’ll Come tae ye, my lad,” and responded to a recall with “Bonnie Prince Charlie” with a ~~~ and sweetness of intonation and expression which fairly captivated her hearers.  She has a soprano voice of richness and power, which was heard to great advantage.  She also gave “Doun the Burn Davie lad” and “Caller Herrin”.  Mr JJ Dawson, tenor, of this city, sang “Maid o’ the mill,” “O Nannie, wit thou gang wi’ me” and “Kathleen Mavoureen.”  The first, however, was his best effort.  Mr Cathcart Wallace, the Scotch violinist, is a new arrival here, having come out from the Land o’ Cakes only a short time since.  His style is good and his execution faithful and correct.  He performed Mayseder’s German air in F with variations, and “Recollections of Scotland” in a masterly manner.  Mr. William MacLennan, the champion Scotch dancer, gave a Highland Fling (and on being recalled, a Chantrews), Bucalossi’s waltz “Mia Cara” and “Parazoti”, for which he attired himself in a peculiarly fancy dress, described in the programme as “French costume,” a sailor’s hornpipe and also selections on the hairpipes.  Mrs T Charles Watson, who is ever a favorite with Montreal audiences, gave the recitations, “Cuddie Doon,” “Story told by an Engineer,” and to a recall, a “Description of a steeplechase.”  It is needless to add any praise to this charming lady’s many enthusiastic tributes, as to do so would be like an attempt to paint the lily.  Miss Seymour, a Montreal contralto, sang “Bonnie Sweet Bessie” and “Land o’ the Lead,” in a very pleasant manner.  A feature of the evening was a Scotch Reel and Highland Fling, by the little ones, Jessie and Wm Milne and Frank and W Stewart.  Mr. Herbert Patton acted as accompanist.

The event of the evening was, of course, the address by the Hon Mr Thompson, Minister of Justice, who was introduced by the Chairman.

Hon Mr Thompson

The Hon JSD Thompson, Minister of Justice, made a most eloquent speech which was warmly applauded by those present.  In referring to the old Hallowe’en legend of spirits roaming about under the influence of a spell, he said that the President had exercised a spell upon him and brought him from Nova Scotia to address them.  He said: “I will ~~~ my remarks to two points, first to deliver a message, and secondly to say a few words of humble advice.  I come to you with a message of kindness and Scotch fellowship from 150,000 brethren in Nova Scotia whose hearts are warmly beating for their countrymen here and all through our great Dominion.”  The Hon gentlemen then spoke of the enthusiasm that pervaded the Province with regard to Scottish character and traditions, the language, poetry and legends of “Auld Scotia” still being faithfully adhered to and venerated by the people.

He then spoke of the benefits derived from membership in the Caledonian and other kindred societies, the English and Irish societies of Canada.  “They have fostered among our people the love of home, the love of kindred, and the love of all that is bright and ~~~~ in the literature of the land of our fathers.  (Applause)  But they have done more than that.  They have developed brotherly love and brotherly charity wherever they have been organised.  I am sure it is with you in Montreal as is with us in Nova Scotia that these national societies enable the Englishman to help his brother Englishman, the Irishman to extend the helping hand to his fellow countryman in need, and the Scotchman to greet with warm heart and outstretched hand his brother Scotchman, aye, and that even the stranger who is not our countryman, is the brother of all.”

He quoted Burns’ remark “that the greatest of all the Divine attributes is to take away the tears from all ~~~” and warmly commended the societies for endeavouring to follow in the same steps.  This advice and suggestions which the learned gentleman gave to his audience were to the effect that as the societies grew in strength in the large cities they should extend their influence all over the country and establish branch organisations in every suitable locality.  He warmly advocated a federation of the kindred societies so that they would be united in the grand work of doing good and uniting the brethren in one bond of loving fellowship all over the Dominion.

Mayor Beaugrand, Mayor Fell and Consul-General Anderson expressed their pleasure at being present and cordially wished success to the Society.  “Auld Lang Syne” was then rendered in the way that only Scotchmen are capable of and the National Anthem brought to a conclusion one of the most successful gatherings the society had held.

Laying the cornerstone of St George’s Chapel, Montreal, 1842

November 26, 2009 by gilliandr

Montreal Transcript

7 July 1842, page 2

 

St George’s Chapel

The corner stone of this edifice will be laid on Friday next, the 8th inst. at eleven o’clock by the Lord Bishop of Montreal, assisted by a number of his clergy.  The building committee, the subscribers to the chapel and the parishioners of Christ’s Church generally, are invited to join in the procession, which will be formed at the house of NP Kurczyn, Esq., in the vicinity of the site of the Chapel, St. Joseph’s Street, Recollet Suburb.

Programme of the Procession and Ceremony

Parishioners- two abreast

Subscribers to the Chapel

Building Committee

The builders

Architect with the plans

The Clergy

The Bishop

On arriving at the foot of the ascent to the platform, the Procession will halt and form two lines, through which the Bishop will walk, followed by the Clergy, &c., inverting the first order of procession.

On arriving at the corner stone, the Rector of the Parish, in the name of the subscribers, will request his Lordship to lay the cornerstone; and, the Bishop, having signified his assent, the Rector will present him the deed of the lot, and the Architect will present the plans.  The sealed bottle, containing the inscription, &c., will then be presented by one of the committee to the Bishop, who will deposit it in the cavity of the stone.  The upper stone will then be laid- the hammer presented to the Bishop by the Builder- prayer.

Procession returns in the same order as before, to the place of departure, halting at the door, and forming two lines, &c.

 

St Jean Baptiste celebrations, Montreal, 1884

November 25, 2009 by gilliandr

Montreal Daily Star, 11 June 1884, page 3

 

St Jean Baptiste

The King’s Costume- General News

 

The rich costume for the king of the cavalcade has just been completed by Mr Beulian.  It consists in an imitation coat of mail made of cloth of gold, with polished steel greaves and elbow pieces.  The surcoat is of white satin with fleur de lys, with the red cross of the crusaders in the centre; the whole being adorned with an embroidery of gold and precious stones.  The belt is of crimson velvet with golden fleur de lys, and supports the sword which is of steel with golden hilt and velvet scabbard.  The regal robe is of blue silk velvet with gold fleur de lys, and is lined with ermine, being fastened on the shoulder by a gold cord finished with a heavy gold tassel.  The king will also wear a splendid gold collar, ornamented with precious stones, and the crown already described will complete his costume.  A movement is on foot to have the fountain on Victoria Square illuminated by calcium lights during each evening of the St Jean Baptiste celebration.

It is proposed to give signals of the progress of the procession by rockets, to be fired at the start, on reaching the east end and west end of the city respectively, and also at the close of the procession.

Mr. Baillarge, of Quebec, who has in his possession the flag of Carillon, has kindly consented to lend it for the day of the procession, the only condition being that while here it shall be deposited in some church or convent.  The old flag will be carried by Judge Chauveau.

The bakers have decided to attend the procession in a body if their employers will allow them to stay away from work on the night of the 25th.

Hon Mr JC Blanchet, Provincial Secretary, has accepted the invitation to take part in the procession.

Mr. Vincent Lacombe has just completed the design of a splendid arch to be built at the corner of St Catherine and Visitation streets by the citizens of that locality.  This arch, which will cost about $600, will be 60 feet high by 60 feet wide and will form a square facing on both sides of each street.  The structure will be gothic, with four turrets and a large dome in the centre, on the top of which will be placed a large statue of St Jean Baptiste.

 

 

St Jean Baptiste parade, Montreal, 1884

November 25, 2009 by gilliandr

St Jean Baptiste Parade, Montreal, 1884

Germans celebrate Duke of Cornwall’s birth, Montreal, 1842

November 24, 2009 by gilliandr

Montreal Transcript

12 February 1842

 

On Monday, 31st January, the Germans and their connexion, celebrated the birth of the Duke of Cornwall, in their own well know sociable manner, at Jacob Stellar’s Hotel. 

Many good and loyal toasts were given and heartily responded to.

Vocal music charmed away a few hours, and before parting, as was their original intention, a charitable subscription was got up for the Orphan Asylum of this city.

The blood which flows in the veins of the infant Prince is part Scotch, and part German- although more of the latter, by the bye, than of the former- although he is the son of the Queen of England.  The Germans in this city have ever been pre-eminently distinguished for their attachment to the house of Brunswick.

Montreal winter carnival, 1884

November 23, 2009 by gilliandr

Montreal Winter Carnival, 1880. Image from Canadian Illustrated News, NAC

 

Montreal Daily Star, 19 January 1884, page 3

 

The Winter Carnival

Interesting items in relation to the approaching event

 

Messrs Thomas Doherty & Co, tea importers, of no 33 St Sacrement street, agents for Messrs Chase and Sandborn’s (Boston, Mass) standard Java coffee, are about to erect a beautiful ice building on Dominion Square, adjacent to the Ice Palace, where the public will be served free with hot coffee during the Carnival week.

The official programme of each day’s events is now in the hands of the printers and will be published in a few days.

The electric wires are being placed in position for the illumination of the Ice Palace. 

A telegram, detailing the leading features of the Carnival, was sent out by the New York Associated Press on Thursday, and appeared yesterday in about 500 Western and Southern newspapers.

One of the features of the Carnival will be the grand ball given by the Master of the Montreal Hunt Club, Mr A Baumgarten is to give a ball at the Kennels on Tuesday evening, Feb. 5th.  His Excellency the Governor General and Lady Landsdowne have been invited and have already expressed their intention of being present.

Mr. Erastus Wiman, in a letter to the Secretary, expresses a wish that accommodations could be found in Montreal for 20,000 more visitors, as he is confident that the above number could be attracted to the Carnival.

Intelligence from Boston is to the effect that the interest manifested in the approaching carnival is increasing every day, and that the various railroad offices are daily besieged by seekers after information.

The secretary of the carnival committee has received a communication from Mr H Irwin enclosing a plan for a public toboggan slide on Fletcher’s Field, near the Landsdowne slide.  The writer suggests that the pronounced slide be thrown open to the general public and that it be erected by the Park Commissioners.

 

 

Poem in honour of a ball, Montreal, 1842

November 22, 2009 by gilliandr

It must have been some kind of ball to inspire a poet to write such lines!!!!!

Montreal Transcript

1 February 1842

We commend to our readers the following clever and authentic account of the late ever-to-be remembered ball, held in this city of Montreal:-

 

 

Attend, Attend ye Gentles all,

Cits of the far famed Montreal;

A wondrous history I’ll unfold,

worth being traced in ink of gold,

 of balls and suppers and such gear,

which ushered in the blithe new year,

but as a history of them all,

would file a book by no means small,

bout one of them, and that the latest,

the best and certainly the greatest

instance of joyful demonstration,

which ever has convulsed a nation,

or been deemed worthy of relation.

The story, I’m about to give you,

shall be; and therefore to relieve you

from all impatience and anxiety,

in which t’were surely not propriety,

to keep you long, the better way

Is to begin and say my say,

in order to commemorate,

an event of very recent date;

the Duke of Cornwall’s birth, I mean,

England’s first son of a reigning Queen,

the gallant sons of Mars combined,

and all without exception joined

in “getting up” with great display,

a supper at an early day,

also a ball at which might dance

those who in such a crowd should chance

to find a partner or sufficiency

of space to shew his great proficiency

in Terpsychorean efficiency.

All the departments too, save one

invited were to join the fun;

Thursday the 20th was the day,

appointed for the great soiree,

Rasco’s hotel the scene of action.

Of ball rooms Rasco’s is perfection.

The pastry and confectionary,

were, I believe, brought from Deverry,

some days before the affair took place,

the postboys ran a perfect race.

The invitations were all sent out,

and then, the ball committee went out

to hunt up flags and purchase boughs,

to ornament the walls of th’house,

these round the ball room then were nailed,

though in some parts, the plaster failed,

to hold the nails, and then the things

were tied up with some coloured strings.

Muskets and swords were then procured,

and all around the room secured,

and then to render things quite clear,

they formed a handsome chandelier,

of bayonnets, ramrods and such things,

disposed in various stars and rings,

wax candles then, some fifteen score,

to shed their lustre on the floor,

were fixed in such way that their light,

might be reflected doubly bright,

from the flat sides of the bayonnets, which had

been polished well by th’Armourer Richard.

In short the room looked very grand,

so many people had a hand

in fixing up the decoration,

for this most loyal demonstration.

Two cannons then, field pieces called,

up to the entrance door were hauled.

One on each side was placed, and then

in full dress came the artillery men.

The hour arrived, t’was nine at night,

and lucky t’was, the moon shone bright,

or accidents there would have been,

for such a crowd was never seen,

In Montreal for years before,

as gathered then round Rasco’s door.

So many all at once arriving,

the few on foot, the many driving.

Some came in cabs, in Carioles some

unto the scene of action come;

five hundred guests or more were there,

among them many of the fair

of this fair city, and we may,

speaking of fair ones, safely say

that such a host of beauty never

before was seen, nor can we ever

expect to see the like again,

while Queen Victoria shall reign.

By ten the company had assembled,

and tis no wonder the house trembled.

For surely such a crowd before

never stood up on Rasco’s floor.

A trumpet sounded, and the fun

had at eleven well begun.

The dancing, to say nothing of its merit,

was kept up with the greatest spirit.

Though a slight accident occured,

but which were scarcely worth a word,

a gallant knight who loves to waltz,

made an unlucky step, ‘twas false,

and down he came upon the floor,

shaking the windows and the door,

which caused such a panic in the room,

had not the noise reached Rasco’s ear,

who stept up to an engineer,

(one who by chance was standing nigh)

requesting, as the walls were high,

that he’d examine the floor and roof,

and see that they were both bombproof;

which being done without delay,

the band began again to play,

the dancing then went on till two,

when to the supper some withdrew.

The festive board with viands crown’d,

abundance smiled on all around’

some fine fat turkeys (as I’M told,

the very finest that were sold

this winter in the market) were

smoking upon the table there,

with hams and tongues and rounds of beef;

whose size and number pass belief.

I cannot now, upon my soul,

remember half, much less the whole,

of what was there upon the table,

so to describe it I.m not able.

The wine, let it suffice to say,

(procured expressly for that day)

was of the very fines sort,

Champagne, Madeira, Claret, port.

The toasts, of course, were as they should be

at such a feast none other could be;

the Queen was the first and then the Prince,

and surely there was never, since

the deluge such a joyful shout

as when these toasts were given out.

The supper over, back they went,

and all on dancing seemed full bent;

indeed, some reeled so, that ‘twas said

the supper had got into their head;

but this I really disbelieve,

Were’t true I certainly should grieve.

The dancing then went on till morning,

and daylight had to give them warning,

that ‘twas high time to leave off dancing,

and on the road home to go prancing.

Coats, caps and cloaks, gauntlets and muffs,

Mantillas, boas, socks and ruffs

became the order of the day

for those who would no longer stay,

but in a heap they’d all been toss’d

and much ‘twas feared that some were lost;

and now in sad confusionall

the doughty heroes great and small,

Hussars, Dragoons, and Rifles too,

t’equip themselves directly flew.

Some few were left behind, it took

so long their swords and belts to hook.

But pretty soon they followed after,

though not too soon to hear the laughter

of some few mischief loving dames

(I will not mention any names)

but some, ‘tis said, there were who thought

that clerks, who went there, should have brought

some pens and ink, wherewith to scrawl

a brief description of the ball,

instead of swords with scabbords bright,

to which (‘twas said) they had no right.

Brass spurs, too, jingling on the floor,

one would almost have thought that more

than two troops of Dragoons were there.

But really I so little know

of how these military matters go,

or rules or regulations, or

the code called “articles of war;”

that I such matters will not try

to settle or decide upon, not I.

“Tis high time now that I should mend

my pen, and then this history end;

the rest may readily be told,

for by five am, both young and old

had from the house got fairly started,

and for their several homes departed,

with th’entertainment they’d received,

highly delighted, though they grieved,

that they should be obliged to part,

so soon; ‘twould really break one’s heart

to hear the doleful lamentations

with which their parting salutations

were interlarded, but at length!

With almost superhuman strength,

they tore assunder, and then wended

their several ways; my story’s ended

TH

Caledonia Springs spa, 1841

November 21, 2009 by gilliandr

Montreal Transcript

2 December 1841

 

Invalids will observe with satisfaction that the enterprising proprietor of Caledonia Springs has reduced the price of the waters of the Canadian Spa, so as to put it in the power of all to purchase.  The Medical Faculty unite so warmly in recommending the use of the waters, that the extra consumption will no doubt indemnify the proprietor for the great reduction made in the price.  The cures during the past season at the Springs have been more numerous than on any former season; indeed, the reputation of the waters is now placed on a sure basis, by the sure test of experience.