Montreal gossip by Mdme Bavarde, 1911

Montreal Standard, 16 December 1911, page 14

By Madame La Bavarde

With the arrival of their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Connaught and her Royal Highness Princess Patricia on Tuesday, the past week has been most brilliant. While the presence of Royalty was sufficient to make the week notable, there were numerous entertainments of note in honour of the distinguished out-of-town visitors. Quite the most important event was the civic reception in honour of Their Royal Highnesses, the Governor General and Duchess of Connaught, which was held on Tuesday evening at the City Hall, and for which many invitations were issued.
On Wednesday Lady Shaughnessey gave a luncheon in honor of Mrs RB Borden and the following evening Premier and Mrs Borden were the guests of honour at a dinner given by Senator and Mrs T Chase Casgrain at the Mount Royal Club. On Thursday, Mrs Henry Joseph gave a large luncheon for Mrs JD Hazen, of Ottawa; and on Friday, Mrs D Lorne McGibbon gave a tea in honour of Miss Pelly, lady in waiting to her Royal Highness,
The St Andrew’s Ball at the Windsor Hotel on Tuesday evening, which was graced by the presence of Their Royal Highnesses, the Governor General and the Duchess of Connaught, and Princess Patricia, was a brilliant success, and the attendance was record-breaking. The ballroom presented a most unusual aspect, and the brilliancy of the handsome gowns, officers’ uniforms and the elaborate decorations presented a picturesque and memorable spectacle.
The merry whirl of debutante parties continues to crowd the days and nights with excitement. Each year the formula for bringing out a debutante includes more entertaining. Now the first step is a luncheon usually given by some relative or friend; then the reception proper, followed by a dinner, a party to the play and a dance. Already a large number of the attractive young ‘buds’ have made their formal bow, and during December there is a brilliant array of young girls to be presented.

St George’s Snowshoe Club Celebrate St Andrew’s Day, Montreal, 1911

Montreal
Daily Star, 1 December 1911, page 4

St George’s Had a Most Delightful Dinner

Speeches, Reminiscences and Musical Numbers Comprised the Jolly Programme

St Andrew’s Day was celebrated in right royal fashion last night by the St George’s Snowshoe Club. By a happy coincidence, yesterday was also the date fixed for the annual dinner and smoker, so that there was a double excuse for the evening’s enjoyment. Over 100 members sat down to the banquet in the club house. The President, Mr Geo J Sheppard announced the only toast of the evening. The King, which was drunk with musical honors, and in the course of a brief speech, referred to the fact that they were celebrating the twenty-sixth anniversary of the club’s occupation of its present quarters. Although many changes had taken place in the neighbourhood, he hoped the club would still maintain the reputation it had acquired as the home of winter sports. It was felt, said Mr Sheppard, that the coming winter should mark a renewal of all the activities which had marked the club in its early years, and for the one twould promise to take his share in any tramps that might be arranged. Mayor Rutherford of Westmount, in thanking the Club for its hospitality, spoke of the memories he had, through his long residence in Westmount of the name of the Club had always maintained for keeping up the spirit of true sportsmanship, and referred to the beauty of clubhouse’s site, which in his opinion was actually the finest in the city. Dr. Finnie was the next speaker and urged the members not to lose sight of the traditions which were inseperable from the history of the club, and to take up again the long tramps which had given rise to its foundation. He himself hoped to come down from Quebec and attend the first tramp that might be held. Mr. Guthrie and Mr. Sinck briefly addressed the company and the excellent musical entertainment which had been prepared was then gone through. A pianoforte selection by Mr. Eichhorn started the ball rolling and number after number succeeded to the great enjoyment of the club members. Among other items on the programme was one which delighted the audience because of its somewhat unusual features. The concertina, when played by such an expert as Mr Richardson, of Toronto, reveals unexpected beauties. Mr Richardson was encored time after time, and each time responded by giving fresh proof of his talent. Mr H Rees was also heard to great advantage in a number of songs and Mr R McGlaughlin added the necessary touch of humor with some amusing recitations. Nor was St Andrew’s day forgotten, for such choruses as “Annie Laurie”, “the Banks of Loch Lomond,” and many others made the rafters ring.
Before the evening came to an end, the President, Mr Sheppard, announced that open house would be kept for the Scottish curlers during their approaching visit to Montreal. A special tramp would be arranged in order to initiate them into this form of typical Canadian sport, after which a dinner and a smoker would be given in honour of the visitors. As a fitting wind-up to the occasion, Captain Sully, the first President of the Club in 1874, called upon all members present to pledge themselves once more to the taking of the long tramps, in which, despite his age, he would be only too glad to participate.

Maclean Chief Claims Tito ‘Fairly Successful’, Montreal, 1957

Montreal Gazette, 26 November 1957, page 3

Maclean Chief Claims Tito ‘Fairly Successful’

Sir Fitzroy Maclean, the British soldier who dropped behind German lines in Yugoslavia by parachute during the Second World War to organize guerilla resistance said yesterday he believes Josip Brost Tito has been ‘fairly successful’ in maintaining Yugoslav independence.
Sir Fitzroy, who now sits in the House of Commons and is president of the Clan Maclean Association visited Montreal briefly en-route to New York. He returns Thursday to be guest of honour at the St Andrew’s Society Ball in the Windsor Hotel.
“I think since his break with the Russians, Tito’s main objective is to retain his independence. That I believe he has managed to do,” said Sir Fitzroy.
“Now, he is trying to have good relations with East and West and it is not always easy for him to do so.”
Sir Fitzroy advised Winston Churchill that all their support should go to the then unknown Tito. “Today, I think this was right, as I did then,” he said.
“I think it was always right militarily because my direct concern was to support anyone fighting the enemy. But since I think it has turned out to have been quite a wise decision politically, as well. I believe it showed Tito that it was possible for him to find help elsewhere than from the Russians without sacrificing his independence.”
The British MP, brigadier and author, arrived with Lady Maclean aboard Trans Canada Air Lines. They left shortly after for New York where a speaking engagement and two television appearances await Sir Fitzroy.
Ball officials meanwhile announced that Lady Maclean, a daughter of the 14th Baron Lovat, will wear a century-old tartan velvet dress found by her mother in an attic at Beaufort, the family manor recently.
Lady Maclean wore the dress at the Caledonia Ball in Paris and according to her, “It stood up quite well to the Dior gowns also being worn.”
Sir Fitzroy’s personal and clan flags arrive here via TCA this week.

Debutantes to Curtsy to “Friend,” St Andrew’s Ball, Montreal, 1957

Montreal Gazette, 29 November 1957, page 11

 

Debutantes to Curtsy to ‘Friend’

If curtsies are nervous tomorrow at the St Andrew’s Ball tonight, Montreal debutantes will have an understanding friend in Lady Maclean.

Wife of Sir Fitzroy Maclean, who is guest of honour at the ball, she considers the debutante’s bow “the biggest moment of a girl’s life.”

She is delighted that her own daughter, just about to make her bow in the Queen before the practice of presentation to royalty is abandoned a season hence.

“We’ll just be able to squeeze her in,” said the attractive  and friendly Scottish aristocrat.  “It’s such a pity that this practice won’t continue.  I hope that you will carry on with it here.”

She herself was presented to King George VI just before the last war and her chief memory of the event was “we had to wear three feathers and a train.” She cannot recall the significance of the three feathers but remembers “they were ostrich plumes and very pretty.”

This is Lady Maclean’s first visit to Canada but she hopes it won’t be her last.

“We’ve made so many friends so quickly, we’ve simply got to come back.”

Keen to See

Her interest in Canada began long before this visit, and are things she is eager to see are the Rocky Mountains and the Calgary Stampede.

“There is a mountain in the Rockies named after my father.  I’ve seen pictures of it and it is lovely, but I would like to see it.”  She isn’t sure of the mountain’s name for her father, the later Lord Lovat, was also known by his family name, Simon Fraser.

The interest in the Calgary Stampede springs from her brother’s visit there.  The present Lord Lovat has been a  [portion illegible]

Lady Maclean and Sir Fitzroy have only a few days of Canada but hope to have time to meet some of the Maclean clan which have settled in Canada.

“We’re interested in meeting a branch of the clan here. My husband is president of the Maclean Association of Scotland and we’re wondering if there is enough interest here to open a branch.”

Yesterday, Sir Fitzroy and Lady Maclean met Montreal’s new Mayor Sarto Fournier.  Lady Maclean looked forward to the meeting and the opportunity of using her French

French is a second language for both Lady Maclean and her husband. “We were both educated half in French,” she said.  She has brought up her children three sons and a daughter to speak fluent French.

Brought up in aristocratic surroundings, Lady Maclean is not disturbed by the fact that life has changed in Britain to the extent that young ladies often work for their living.

“I think that change is a good thin,” she said.  “It makes women more able to cope with life.”

The charming extremely youthful Lady Maclean has only one eccentricity and that is smoking cigars.  “I never smoke cigarettes,” she said, “but if someone offers me a cigar, I can really enjoy it.”

 

Halloween Concert by Caledonian Society, Montreal, 1911

Montreal Daily Star, 31 October 1911, page 2

 

Hallowe’en Concert by Caledonian Society

 

Mayor Guerin Speaks Highly of Society’s Work

 

With the Windsor Hall crowned to capacity, and the proceedings opened by the wild skirl of the bagpipes playing by marching pipers, led by Pipe-Major Johnston, the 52^nd annual Hallowe’en Concert under the auspices of the Caledonian Society last night, was a pronounced success.

Mayor Guerin gave a little introductory speech in which he spoke very highly of the Caledonian Society.  He liked it, he said, because it was an intensely patriotic society, fostering good citizenship and proving a powerful magnet to draw thrifty young men to Canada.

Besides the Mayor, President WC McAllister had supporting him on the platform, Lt-Col Gardener of the St Andrew’s Society; Mr James Mitchell, President of the St George’s society; Major Rodden president of the Irish Protestant Benevolent Society; and Mr Davies president of the St David’s Society.

The programme was a long and highly interesting one and [illegible] thus of the [illegible] was Miss Mina Taylor, Mr Frederick Carter, Miss Barbara Foster, and Mr [illegible] sword master [illegible] Pipe Major Wm Johnston, [illegible] Miss [illegible].

 

Scots Dance Again- St Andrew’s Ball, Montreal, 1957

Montreal Gazette, 30 November 1957, page 33

Pageantry Fetes Patron Saint

Scots Dance Again

Marked by ancient Scottish customs and rites the celebration of Scotland’s patron saint was held last night in the Windsor Hotel when almost 1600 guests were present.  The annual St Andrew’s Ball, the largest event of the social season, has become an established Montreal tradition which keeps alive a sense of continuity with the past.  And among the guests were those bearing the old Scottish names associated with the history of the Society.

The flash of tartan, the skirl of bagpipes, the billowing white frocks of the debutantes and the glitter of medals blended with a scene that joined the past with the present.

The setting was particularly appropriate to the guests of honor, Brig. Sir Fitzroy Maclean, Bart, QC, MP and Lady Maclean, of DouartCastle, Isle of Mull.

Sir Fitzroy, soldier, author and diplomat, had an outstanding war record. In World War II he served with the Cameron Highlanders, joined the Special Air Service Regiment in the Middle East, which operated behind enemy lines in Libya, and in 1943 with the rank  of brigadier was secretly dropped by parachute into Yugoslavia to organise Yugoslav resistance to the German forces. He received the CBE (Military Division) for gallant and distinguished services and was decorated by the Soviet and Yugoslav governments.  He is the author two best sellers- Eastern Approaches and recently, Disputed Barricade.

Plant Badge Featured

Prior to the Ball, Mr WC Leggat, DSO, QC, president of St Andrew’s Society, and Mrs Leggat entertained the guests of honor and the honored guests, the Hon E Davis Fulton, PC, QC, MP, Minister of Justice, and Mrs Fulton, in the York Room of the Hotel. Holly, the plant badge of the guest of honour, was arranged on the table, flanked by silver candelabra.  At one end of the room was a large mural, painted by Willa Ogilvie Creighton, depicting scenes from Sir Fitzroy’s colorful career.

Following the dinner the guards of honor were escorted to the Royal Suite and members of the ball committee were presented.

Skirl of Pipes

At ten o’clock, the official party was piped into the ballroom by the pipe band of the Black Watch (RHR) of Canada piping a Highland March composed by Piper John MacKenzie in 1953 for the president of the Clan Maclean Association- Brig Sir Fitzroy Maclean, and took their places upon the dais. Lady Maclean, wearing a century-old heirloom gown of tartan velvet, was then presented with a bouquet of red roses, tied with the Maclean Tartan by one of the two pages, Master Robert Wallace Leggat and Master Pembroke Laurie MacDermot.

Last night for the first time in the history of the Society three generations were represented on the dais.  Brig WC Leggat, his father Lieut-Col William Leggat, OBE MC a past president of the Society and his son Master Robert Wallace Leggat.

In the parade to the ballroom were Capt William Redpath, and a Black Watch Officer, Mr Robert Hutchinson and the Marquess of Lorne, Brig WC Leggat, Lady Maclean, Brig Sir Fitzroy Maclean, Mrs Leggat, Lieut-Col Stuart Cobbett, Mrs Cobbett, His Worship the Mayor, Mrs Fulton, Mrs William Leggat, Col William Leggat, the Hon E Davis Fulton, Mrs Fournier, Col OH Barrett, Mrs Keith Hutchinson, OBE, Commodore and Mrs Paul Earl, Col and Mrs Donald F Purves, Air Vice Marshall and Mrs LE Wray, Mr and Mrs Ray E Powell, Lieut-Col and Mrs IRM McDougall, Mr and Mrs Herman Cole, Dr and Mrs W Haydon Bryant, Mr Owen C Roberts and Miss Constance Holly, Lieut-Col and Mrs G Stuart Ramsay, Mr and Mrs W Edgar Doyle, Mr and Mrs Emile Boucher, Mr and Mrs John Withers, Mr and Mrs B Boyd Miller, Dr Ian Hutchinson, Major L Sabourin, and Mr Alan Hutchinson.

The skirl of the pipes heralded the arrival of the debutantes who were accompanied for presentation to the guests of honor by G V Win[illegible] Jr HC MacDougall, Mrs John Taylor, and Mrs Peter Dawson.

Debutantes Presented

Those presented were: Miss Elizabeth Bertram, in a frock of white silk embossed taffeta with a bodice having an off-the-shoulder neckline, and a skirt fashioned with back fullness and a flounced hemline, and wearing a Macfarlane tartan sash.

Miss Elizabeth Ballantyne, wearing a frock of white radizmir, fashioned on princess lines, with a bow at the front of the fitted bodice, and a similar bow on the front of the skirt.

Miss Melodie Caron, wearing a frock of white corde, fashioned with a fitted bodice, finished in a deep cuff, and a full skirt falling from a reverse drape at the front and a matching stole.

Miss Flora Church, in a frock of mousseline de soie, with a bodice having a pleated off-the-shoulder neckline, and a bouffant skirt with a bustle bow at the back ending in a slight train.

Miss Sonja Courcey, wearing a Christian Dior model of satin and tulle, with a strapless bodice, embroidered in seed pearls and a very full shirred tulle skirt.

Miss Monique Dagenais, in a frock of white brocade, fashioned with a fitted bodice, and a skirt having back fullness ending in a slight train and wearing gold accessories.

Miss Marielle Demers, in a frock of snow white satin and point d’esprit  tulle trimmed with small bows.

Miss Juliana de Kuyper, in a frock of Chantilly lace fashioned with a fitted bodice, having shoe-string straps, and very full skirt with a silk cummerbund forming a bustle bow at the back.

Miss Gael Eakin, in a frock of white lace over tulle, with a fitted bodice, and a very full tiered skirt.

Miss Vale Eachlin of New York, in a frock having a bodice of lace over satin with a satin sash and a skirt fashioned of layers of white and over gathered net ruffles.

Miss Barbara Fellowes in a frock of white taffeta, with a fitted bodice and a full skirt having a straight front [illegible]  with a bustle effect at the back, and wearing matching mousseline.

Miss [illegible] bodice and a very full ruffled skirt and wearing matching accessories.

Miss Anne Glover, wearing a frock of net over taffeta, fashioned with a fitted bodice, having cap sleeves and a bouffant skirt appliquéd with lace, and wearing a Wallace Tartan sash.

Miss Audrey Hamilton, wearing a frock of poult de soie, fashioned with a fitted bodice, and a bouffant skirt, with a sash of the Hamilton tartan.

Miss Martina Kleos, wearing a frock of white nylon tulle over taffeta, with a satin bodice embroidered in seed pearls having a bow at the back and silver accessories.

Miss Marguerite l’Anglais, in a frock of white satin, with a draped off-the-shoulder neckline and a bouffant skirt, and wearing silver accessories, and a sash of the Macdonald tartan.

Miss Madeline Leclerc, in a Christian Dior model of white satin brocade and tulle, with a fitted bodice and a skirt, having a pleated train falling from the waistline, and wearing matching accessories.

Miss Marian MacDougall, in a frock of ivory tulle, with a side swept bodice outlined in covered buttons, and a very full skirt, and wearing silver accessories.

Miss Mary Mason, gowned in white lace, fashioned with a fitted bodice, having an off-the-shoulder neckline [illegible] dropped sleevelets, and a full skirt bordered by a ruching of net, and wearing silver accessories.

[Illegible] a bouffant skirt.

Miss Lydia Melling, wearing a frock of silk faille, with a draped strapless bodice and a full skirt, and a sash of the McIntyre tartan.

Miss Liane Marshall, wearing a bouffant frock of white Chantilly lace, with a fitted bodice, draped with white taffeta at the waistline, forming a double bow at the back, with a sash of the MacLeod tartan.

Miss Joy MacDougald, in a frock of satin and tulle, with a fitted bodice, embroidered with opalescent sequins and Chantilly lace, and a very full draped skirt appliquéd in flower design, with a large butterfly bow at the back, and wearing a MacDougall tartan sash.

Miss Barbara Rooney, in a frock of poult de soie, with a skirt caught with a self-fringed skirt, caught with a self-fringed sash.

Miss Sonia Taylor, wearing a frock of [illegible] taffeta, with a fitted bodice, having a halter [illegible] and a bouffant skirt with a butterfly bow at the back.

Miss Sarah Vichers in a frock of snow white tulle over poult de soie, with a fitted bodice, and a bouffant skirt trimmed with silver tipped swan feathers.

Miss Sarah Webster wearing a frock of white brocade, fashioned on princess lines with a fitted bodice, and a full skirt having a bustle bow at the back and wearing a Campbell tartan.

Miss Lynn Weir, in a frock of [illegible] satin with a [illegible] bodice embroidered

Continued on page 35

Debutantes Presented at St Andrew’s Ball

From Page 33

 

With Chantilly lace, and a skirt having back fullness.

Following the presentation and the Debutante Waltz, Brig Leggat opened the ball by dancing with Lady Maclean.  The traditional eightsome reel followed.

Eddie Alexander and his orchestra played for dancing and Bill Mudie and his orchestra played during supper.

Purple Heather

The ballroom presented a brilliant picture of blue and white- the colors of the St Andrew’s Society.  Behind the dais where the presentations took place hung St Andrew’s flag, flanked on either side by arrangements of white painted broom, pine branches, purple heather and mauve and white chrysanthemums.  Similar arrangements decorated the stage where the orchestra played and the balcony.  Balls of mirror glass were suspended from the chandeliers and cut-outs of blue and white thistles covered the wall brackets.

The personal flag of Sir Fitzroy hung over the fireplace of Peacock Alley- banked with mantle, pine and holly. Panels of red, green and gold, with large cut-outs of thistles scattered with diamond dust, covered the walls of the concourse.  Figures of Highland lassies were on stands at either side of the stairs.

Claymore and Drambuie

At midnight the guests of honor and the official party were piped into the Black Watch mess.  Prior to supper being served, Sir Fitzroy officiated in the ballroom at the ceremony of the Cutting of the Haggis, which was piped in borne with claymore and drambuie, its time honored affinities.

Tartans of the various clans adorned the walls of the Roce and Green rooms and a tall figure of a Scottish soldier on a stand formed the centerpiece on the individual tables. The Black Watch Pipe Band played in the various supper rooms and the pipers were toasted by a member of the Society. Supper was served in the Long Gallery to the guests of honor and members of the official party.

The second set of reels, the Gay Gordons, were danced at half-past two o’clock, and dancing continued until six o’clock when the orchestra played God Save the Queen.

Reels Orchestra

An unusual feature of the evening was a performance by the Montreal Reels Orchestra under the direction of Mr Alec Dagleish and Mr John Macleod of Macleod, with the following members: Lady Alison Stewart-Patterson, piano, Miss Jennifer Macdonald, vocals, Mr Peter F Brown, drums, Mr John Macleod of Macleod, Mr Stewart Sommervile and Mr Alex Dagleish, [illegible]

They [illegible] play for some of the country dances and reels at St Andrew’s Ball at the Windsor Hotel on Friday evening [illegible] roy Maclean and Lady Maclean will be the guests of honor.

Among these Attending

Among those attending were Mrs Sarto Fournier, wearing a gown of peach chiffon, with a fitted bodice, and having a draped skirt, with white accessories.

Mrs William Leggat, wearing a gown of brown lace, with a fitted bodice and a bouffant skirt.

Mrs Ray Powell, gowned in green chiffon trimmed with a cummerbund and sash of green satin embroidered with crystal beads.

Mrs Paul Earl, in a sheath gown of black silk having a cowl neckline of pleated white chiffon.

Mrs LE Wray, wearing a sheath gown of blue chiffon fashioned on Grecian lines, with silver accessories.

Mrs Herman Cole, gowned in green and gold satin, and apple green taffeta and tulle, with gold accessories.

Mrs WH Bryant, in a bouffant gown of delustred blue satin, fashioned with  a fitted bodice, having an off-the-shoulder neckline.

Mrs Stuart Ramsey, gowned in draped blue chiffon.

Mrs W Edgar Doyle, wearing a gown of aquamarine poult de soie, with a draped bodice having an off-the-shoulder neckline, and a sheath skirt.

Mrs John Withers, in a gown of aqua paper taffeta, fashioned on princess lines, having a sash of deep aqua, and wearing old accessories.

Mrs J Emile Boucher, wearing a sheath gown of midnight blue silk, the skirt falling int a train, and pearl ornaments.

Mrs Davie Fulton, wearing a draped sheath gown of royal blue Chantilly lace embroidered on poult de soie.

Mrs Ian McDougall, gowned in embroidered green satin, with a fitted bodice having a portrait neckline and a bell shaped skirt.

Mrs JC Stewart in a gown of ice blue satin with a fitted bodice, having a square neckline and a skirt with accordion pleated panels.

Mrs RL Hunter, wearing a Ceil Chapman model of ice blue satin embroidered with blue and silver beads, with silver accessories.

Mrs William Redpath, gowned in sky blue silk chiffon, with a fitted bodice having a square neckline and a bouffant skirt and wearing matching accessories.

Mrs Arthur Melling in a gown of green satin, fashioned with a fitted strapless bodice, and a bell shaped skirt having a bow forming back fullness.

Mrs John Taylor wearing a gown of silver and aqua brocade, with a draped bodice, and having a sheath skirt.

Mrs PN MacDermot, gowned in black and green delustred satin with a fitted bodice, having a halter neckline and a very full skirt.

Miss Judy McDougall, in a Hardy Amies model of white lace, fashioned on sheath lines, and bordered with turquoise velvet ribbing forming a large bow in front, and wearing a McDougall tartan sash.

Mrs Jack McGillis, wearing a gown of shaded blue tulle, with a fitted bodice and a full tiered skirt.

Mrs Rex Stellmeyer, gowned in a gold lame, fashioned on sheath lines and having back fullness.

Mrs CJG Molson in a bouffant gown of black velvet and tulle over satin, and wearing a sash of the Davidson tartan.

Mrs JC Thompson wearing a gown of white chiffon fashioned on Grecian lines, having a draped back.

Mrs Stuart Cobbett gowned in red matte jersey, fashioned on Grecian lines, with a draped back ending in a slight train and wearing white accessories.

Mrs Victor Whitehead, in a gown of pastel satin, and wearing silver accessories.

Mrs Keith Hutchinson, wearing a Norman Hartnell model of black taffeta embroidered with sequins with a sash of the Macdonald tartan.

Mrs WC Leggat, gowned in sapphire blue satin, fashioned on sheath lines, having back fullness caught with a large bow, and wearing a Wallace tartan.

Mrs Colby Kerman, in a gown of chartreuse and mushroom designed satin, with a draped bodice, and a bell-shaped skirt having back fullness, and wearing a matching stole.

Mrs S Boyd Millen, wearing a gown of white brocade, appliquéd with leaves of the same material at the neckline, forming drop sleeves, with gold accessories.

Mrs HC MacDougall gowned in dark green satin with a draped bodice and a full skirt.

Mrs George McMurtrie, in a gown of shot purple taffeta, with a fitted bodice, and a tiered skirt, and wearing a MacKenzie tartan sash.

 

The Scots and their Day, celebrations of St Andrews Day in 1900

Montreal Daily Star, 1 December 1900, page 20

 

SCOTS AND THEIR DAY

How it was celebrated in the various cities throughout Canada

With concerts and dinners

There was a touch of khaki in the colouring at the Toronto celebration

 

(special to the Star)

Ottawa- December 1- St Andrew’s day was duly celebrated by Ottawa Scotchmen yesterday.  During the day many knots of “Brither Scots” exchanged greetings and reminicences.  In the afternoon the officers for the coming year were installed as follows: President, Hon Justice MacTavish; 1^st Vice President Dr Baptie; 2d Vice President JB Spence; chaplain, Rev Wm McIntosh; physicians Dr PA McDougall, Dr FW McKinnon; corresponding secretary John McLachlan; recording secretary HH Rowatt; treasurer William Gray; solicitor AW Fraser; pipers James Anderson, Andrew Dunlop; auditors Messers Alex Spittal and Neil McIntosh; committee, AH Taylor, John Sutherland, JG Tarriff, Geo Stockand, H Fraser, Wm Grant, Duncan Bell, H Allan, JR Reid.  At night the annual Scotch concert in the Russell theatre was largely attended.

 

WOODSTOCK sCOTCHMEN

(Special to the Star)

Woodstock- December 1- The loyal Scotchman of Woodstock and vicinity celebrated St Andrew’s Night with a dinner at the Commercial Hotel, which was attended by several hundreds.  The toast list included, “the Queen,” “God Save the Queen,” “Governor General,” “Army, Navy and Volunteers.”

 

A GREAT GATHERING

Toronto- December 1- St Andrew’s Ball, last night, was the occasion of the greatest gathering that has ever taken place here under the auspices of the St Andrew’s Society.  The Governor General and Lady Minto were present and were received at the Pavillion, where the ball was held, by a guard of honour of 100 men of the 48^th Highlanders and the pipe band.  The officers of the Garrison were present in dress uniform.  Many private gentlemen wore kilts and a large proportion of the ladies’ costumes were of tartan material.  The decorations wer of the red, white and khaki.

 

THE ANCIENT CAPITAL

Quebec, December 1- the members of St Andrew’s Society and their guests celebrated Scotland’s national day by a grand banquet last evening at the Chateau Frontenac, at which there was a very large and select attendance.  Flags were flying to-day from all public buildings in honour of St Andrew’s Day.

 

AT LONDON

London, Ont- December 1- The annual dinner of St Andrew’s Society was held at the City Hotel last night, there being a large attendance.  The usual greet of telegrams were received by the society, conveying greetings from Scotchmen from many points of America.  Among the speakers last night was Mr DC Fraser, MP of New Glasgow, NS.  Mr Fraser replied to the toast “The Scot away from Scotland,” in a creditable manner.  The other principal toasts were “The Canada that is to be” responded to by Rev WJ Clark, and “the land of our fathers” by Dr McCrae.

 

AT WINNIPEG

Winnipeg, Man- December 1- St Andrew’s Banquet here last night in the LelandHotel was a magnificent affair, over two hundred guests being in attendance. Messages of fraternal greetings were received from all parts of the country.  Dr JD McArthur was elected president of the society for the ensuing year.

 

The Gowns Were Pretty, St Andrew’s Ball, Montreal, 1911

A shame there weren’t pictures, but the outfits seemed to have been a very important part of the event.

Montreal Daily Star, 1 December 1900, page 20

 

GOWNS WERE PRETTY

Some of Handsome Toillettes Worn at St Andrew’s Ball

Dresses of the Palest Hues

Chiffon and Lace, Silver Embroidery and Flowers Everywhere in Evidence

 

The gowns worn were extremely pretty for the most part, and were, with the exception of a few black dresses, almost all of the palest hues.  Though the ball was not perhaps as remarkable for the number of debutantes present as was that of last year, when over forty were included among the guests, there was nevertheless a great many, and in consequence white was greatly in evidence.  Chiffon and lace seemed the favourite fabrics, and silver embroidery and flowers the favourite garniture.

 

Mrs Montagu Allan gown of black jetted net, with incrustations of white lace, the bodice trimmed with touches of scarlet satin and scarlet poppies.

Mrs JS Allan, black satin and American Beauty roses.

Miss Beatrice Allan gown of nile green satin embroidered with silver sequins; bouquet of lilies of the valley and violets.

Miss Angus, white lace with sash of cerise chiffon.

Mrs Wm Agnew, mauve brocade trimmed with pearl passementerie.

Miss K Agnew, pale green brocade, trimmed with mousseline de soie.

Mrs Bury Austin, black sequined net; American Beauty roses.

Miss Baird, Toronto, pink chiffon over pink silk.

Mrs Baumgarten, gown of yellow satin with collar of Duchess lace, and violets.

Mrs R English Brayley, gown of white satin, veiled with black Chantilly lace.

Miss Brayley, gown of white mousseline de soie, over white taffeta, trimmed with white heather, bouquet of white roses.

Miss Stevenson Brown, white satin trimmed with chiffon and pearl passementerie.

Miss Broster (New York) white dotted muslin over white silk, and trimmed with blue panne velvet.

Miss Burnett, white chiffon over pink satin.

Miss Isobel Burke, white point d’esprit, over white silk

Mrs DW Campbell, white satin glace.

Miss Carter (Kingston) white silk embroidered in silver.

Miss Amy Cassils, white crepe de chine, embroidered in gold, red carnations.

Miss Edith Cassils, white chiffon over yellow satin trimmed with white lace, red carnations.

Mrs ES Clouston, gown of black lace.

Miss Clouston, pink satin and chiffon.

Miss M Clouston, gown of blue chiffon and white net and pink roses.

Miss Coristine, gown of white corded silk.

Miss F Minden Cole, gown of Nile green brocade, embroidered with silver spangles, and bouquet of violets.

Miss Cook, pale blue satin and silver,.

Miss F Coverton, black brocade and black chiffon, yellow chrysanthemums

Miss Cox, white silk and lace

Miss Donner (Germany) white mousseline de soie and violets.

Mrs Huntley Drummond, white satin and lace, with pink carnations.

Miss Ewan, blue brocade with trimming of cream lace.

Miss A Ewan, gown of pink silk and lace.

Miss A Ewing, white pointe d’esprit over pink satin

Miss Ellis, gown of pink chiffon and cream insertion over cream stain slip, and trimmed with rachinas of white chiffon and pearl embroidery.

Miss M Ellis, cream satin trimmed with mousseline de soie, white roses.

Mrs Fysche, white silk with touches of black velvet.

Mrs Walter Fleming, Pompadour silk and lace, over white tulle underskirt.

Mrs PR Gault white satin and point lace.

Mrs CE Gault, black pailetted net, with white tulle underskirt.

Miss L Graham, black dotted silk net [illegible] with ribbons, the skirt made with pledings edged with ribbon.

Miss Gardner, yellow brocade trimmed with pearl passementerie.

Mrs JN Greenshields, gray and silver brocade, corsage of silver with black velvet trimmings.

Miss Isabel Greenshields, gown of ivory toile, draped over an accordion pleated chiffon skirt, corsage of pearl embroidery and chiffon; bouquet of white rose buds.

Miss Glass gown of cream gauze, embroidered with gold, trail bunches of violets with heather.

Miss H Gardner, white silk trimmed with chiffon, and pink flowers.

Miss Hickson, pale blue satin and lace.

Mrs F Hird, white lace over white silk, pink carnations.

Mrs GR Hooper, gown of gray satin embroidered in steel, with skirt of gray net, arranged in flounces.

Mrs Hosmer, gown of lavender silk, embroidered in steel and trimmed with point lace.

Miss Hosmer, white chiffon and lace gown, embroidered in silver.

Miss Kerr, white silk and lace

Mrs EA Lilly, black satin with over dress of Brussels Lace, trimmed with jet.

Miss Muriel Lilly, gown of white Duchess satin, trimmed with mousseline de soie, and embroidered with silver sequins.

Mrs SE Lichtenheim, blue and white silk, with appliqué of blue velvet and silver Duchess lace.

Mrs DW Lockerby, white brocade, with silver pailettes and white lace.

Miss Dorothy Lyman, pink silk trimmed with tulle and black velvet.

Miss Manning (Boston) white satin and lace

Miss Evelyn Marler, tucked white crepe de chine, trimmed with white lace

Miss Winnifred Marler, white satin the skirt trimmed with ruches of Brussels net edged with white satin baby ribbon and silver, the corsage arranged with a garniture of blush roses.

Miss Macauley (St John, NB) gown of blue crepe de chine, over blue silk; violets.

Mrs March (Kingston) black silk trimmed with jet

Miss Mackedie, white silk and chiffon

Mrs AR Macdonell, pale green liberty satin brocade trimmed with Brussels point; pink roses.

Mrs R Meighen, yellow satin and lace, trimmed with bands of mink.

Mrs McCuaig cream lace and touches of orange velvet.

Miss McEachern yellow satin and lace

Miss McNiece, white taffeta, trimmed with pink miroir velvet, bouquet of violets.

Miss A McPherson, white chiffon over white taffeta slip, the bodice embroidered with silver sequins; American Beauty Roses.

Mrs H McLaren, white satin and lace with pink roses and maiden hair fern.

Miss Nelson, white satin and lace.

Miss Ella Nelson (New York) white lace over white silk.

Mrs G Nicholson, blue satin and white lace

Miss Lily Ogilvie, white net over white silk, white roses

Mrs Hugh Paton, black lace over white silk, and American Beauty roses.

Miss F Pelton, gold broquade, appliqué with white and gold

Miss R Pelton, white brocade, trimmed with chiffon; lilies of the valley

Mrs Godfrey Pelton, black sequined net over black satin, trimmed with lace.

Miss Pelton, blue brocade, trimmed with black chiffon and sequins; bouquet of red roses.

Mrs Charles Percy, black velvet and point lace

Miss Lorraine Percy, gown of white satin and chiffon and lace; bouquet of white roses.

Miss L Peterson, white net over white silk, daisies

Mrs Pritchard (London, Eng) black satin and point lace; bouquet of roses

Mrs AF Riddell, gown of black chiffon over blue satin; bouquet or red roses

Miss Georgette Roy, gown of cream chiffon trimmed with Venetian point and touches of green velvet

Mrs GD Ross, black lace over white satin

Mrs Ross, black net embroidered in silver

Miss Ross, white satin trimmed with chiffon and pearls

Miss Beatrice Rawlings, black sequined net, over black with touches of cerise velvet

Miss Edith Rawlings, gown of tucked black silk grenadine over black silk, and trimmed with jet and green velvet on the bodice

Miss L Ross, white liberty satin, chiffon and pearls

Miss Shaughnessy, white lace over white silk, embroidered in silver sequins

Mrs William Stanway, gown of pale gray moiré, the corsage embroidered in steel; American Beauty roses

Miss May Stephens, gown of pink satin, embroidered in silver paillettes and trimmed with sable, bouquet of violets and lily of the valley

Miss E Stephen, white dotted chiffon, and red ash berries.

Miss Sally Stephen, red chiffon.

Miss L Stevenson, white satin

Miss E Sutherland, white satin

Mrs Thomas Tait, gown of white silk spotted with black and trimmed with black velvet baby ribbon; jacket effect of white lace with broad belt of pale green panne velvet

Madame HT Taschereau, gown of garnet satin, the skirt made with panels of brocade, and the bodice trimmed with point lace

Miss Taschereau gown of white point d’esprit, trimmed with becordeon pleated flounce of mousseline and guipure lace.

Mrs WW Watson, jet gown over black satin

Mrs Brock Willett, black jetted net over black silk, pink roses.

Miss Willet, white embroidered net over white silk, and violets

Mrs E Willet, gown of white embroidered net, violets

Mrs Reginald Wilson (New York) black brocade and pink roses

Mrs HB Yates, white satin, embroidered in pearls, bouquet of violets and lilies of the valley.

Caledonian Games, Montreal, 1911

In honour of the Montreal Highland Games which will be occuring in just over a week, here is a look at the games as they were in 1911.

 

Montreal Daily Star, 24 July 1911, page 4

 

ANNUAL CALEDONIAN GAMES WERE EXCEEDINGLY WELL ATTENDED AND HUGELY ENJOYED ON SATURDAY

 

The Annual games of the Montreal Caledonia Society were all that could be desired, from point of competition as well as from point of attendance and as an entertainment, they were a huge success, for the attractions were as many as those of a monster Three Ring Circus; with the midway of Dominion Park as a side show, and people were kept entertained from early afternoon to almost midnight.  Scottish dances and Bagpipe competitions taking up a great part of the day’s programme.

Twenty-seven comprised the Athletic list, and they were all well contested.  Mr Aleck Bowles, himself at one time an athlete of no mean caliber, a devotee of Lacrosse and a boating man of prominence, acting as starter.

As the result of the competition, the championship cups were awarded as follows:-

Lt.-Col Stevenson Cup- Wm Johnston

McAlister Cup- Tie, John Matheson and James Burns

McMartin Perpetual Cup, MAAA; Montreal Star Cup, MAAA; Birks Cup, Emma Henderson; Sharpe Cup, 2^nd Battalion Royal Highlanders; Rutherford Cup, No team, Caledonia Rooms; Ross and Grieg Cup, MAAA; Lt Col Lockerby, Senior Caledonia Rooms; Lt-Col Lockerby Jr, Walter L Dickson.

 

FIELD EVENTS

1 Bagpipe competition, march- John Matheson 1^st; James Burns 2^nd; Wm Johnson, 3^rd.

2. Bagpipe competition, strathspey and reel- James Burns 1^st; John Matheson 2^nd; Wm Johnston 3^rd; John Matheson and James Burns tied for the McAllister Cup, signifying the championship of these two events.

3. Bagpipe competition for members who have never won a prize in the society’s games- C Aitken 1^st; A Brown 2^nd.

4. Putting 21 pound shot (open)- Desmarteau, NAAA, 29 ft 2 in, 1^st; HG Jackson, 2^nd; L Morel, 3^rd.

5. Putting 56 lb weight (open)- Z DEsmarteau, 1^st; JT McHugh 2^nd; HG Jackson, 3^rd.

6. Putting 10 pound sht (sons of members)- WS Dickson, 29 ft 9 in 1^st; J McK Smith 14 ft 1 in, 2^nd

7. Throwing 16 lb hammer (Open)[ Desmarteau, NAAA, 114 ft 4 in 1^st; HG Jackson, 2^nd

8. Running Broad Jump (open)- W Happenny, MAAA 20ft 2 in 1^st; W Parkes MAAA, 20 ft, 2^nd; JA Platt MAAA 19ft 4 in 3^rd.

Running Broad Jump (sons of members)- W Dickson 16 ft 1^st; Lorne Anderson 12 ft 2^nd; J McK Smith 3^rd.

10. High jump (open) – TW Evans, YMCA 5ft 5 in 1^st; Chas Stanley YMCA 5 ft 3 in 2^nd; W Happeny MAAA 5ft 1 in 3^rd.

11. High Jump (sons of members) W Dickson 4ft 6 in 1^st; Lorne Anderson 3 ft 4 in 2^nd.

Tug of War- Won by B Company, Royal Highlanders.

 

TRACK EVENTS

100 yards (sons of members under 10 years) A Henderson 1^st; Alex Matheson 2^nd; James Dickson 3^rd.

100 yards (sons of members under 13 years) J McK Smith 1^st; Kenneth Matheson 2^nd; Hartland Bowles 3^rd.

100 yards (sons of members under 16 years) J McK Smith 1^st; Lorne Anderson 2^nd; Kenneth Matheson 3^rd.

100 yards (open) JA Platt MAAA 1^st; GR McGregor MAAA 2^nd

1 Mile (open) H Cowles MAAA 1^st; EW King MAAA 2^nd

220 yards (sons of members under 16 years) W Dickson 1^st; J McK Smith 2^nd; Fred Dancey 3^rd.

220 yards (open) McGregor MAAA 1s; Platt MAAA 2^nd; Fr Dicken 3^rd

2 miles relay race (open)won by MAAA team with Coates, Mansfield Haig and King.

440 yards (open) Wm Parker YMCA 1^st; Mansfield MAAA 2^nd

220 yards for Highland Cadets in drill order uniform, Sturgess 1^st; Murdock 2^nd; Ware 3^rd.

880 yards (open) Heber MAAA 1sr; King MAAA 2^nd; Pelletier, National 3^rd.

220 yards (open for boys under 16 years) W Dickson MAAA 1^st; E Hillridge, unattached 2^nd; A Matheson, Caledonian 3^rd.

3 mile junior harrier race for boys under 18 years- C Clarke YMCA 1^st; G McLoughlin St Pats AAA 2^nd; JF O’Shaughnessy St Pats AAA 3^rd; J Ogilvie 4^th; TV Riley 5^th’ W Bowden 6^th

At the evening events in the park Master Fraser, Miss Ethel Henderson and Miss Ethel Strader were given first, second and third prizes respetively for best dressed boy or girl in Highland costume.  In the dancing competitions Fred Riddell took first prize; Wm Johnston second; and David Dunn third.

Miss Emma Henderson won the Highland fling competition with Miss Strader second.

The Ghillie Callum was won by Wm Johnston, David Dunn was second, and JR Smith third.  In the junior Ghillie Callum, Miss Emma Henderson was second and Miss Ethel Strader third.

Other results were:-

Shean Trews- Wm Johnston first; Fred Riddell second; Wm Pol third.

Sailors Hornpipe- Wm Johnston, first; Fred Riddell second; JR Smith third.

No 12 Quoiting- first round:

G Anderson 21       Wm Boyd 18

A Lindsay  21         M Leafer 17

J Todd 21              D Fergusn 12

W Hughes 21         P Denver 12

Second Round:

W Hughes 21         A Lindsay 14

GW Anderson 21    J Todd 17

Third Round:

GW Anderson 21    W Hodges 12

Fourth Round:

J Todd 21              Alex Lindsay 12

Result- First Prize GW Anderson; second prize Wm Hughes; Third prize John Todd.

 

 

Curling Sketches, Montreal, 1911

Montreal Daily Star, 23 January 1911, page 3

Curling Sketches No. 3

Mr FF Barr of the Heather Curling Club, is known to be in more ways than one the “biggest curler inMontreal,” and this fact, considered from a standpoint of physique, can readily be appreciated when it is stated that he is some six feet four inches in height.  He has always been deemed a very careful and consistent player, and when he faces the tee his reach almost allows of his placing the iron past the hog at the other end of the rink before the stone reaches the los. Before joining the brethren of the Heather Club, of this city, Mr Barr was an enthusiastic curler in Toronto, where the granite stones are in general use, in conversation with the Star the other day, one of the skies under whom Mr Barr is playing, laughingly stated that he had to give him instructions through a megaphone or stand on a platform when he wished to inform his steady “third shot” what was required.  In former years Mr Barr has held office in the Heather Club, while in business he is associated with the Canadian Bag Company.