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].

 

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.

 

 

Caledonian Society Halloween Concert, Montreal, 1900

Montreal Daily Star, 1 November 1900, page 12

 

Braw Scotch Nicht

 

Caledonians an’ their Friens Held their Hallowe’en Fu’ Blithe Last Nicht

 

Auld Scots Sans an’ Dances

 

An address Tae Lord Stratchcona- Guid Speeches Gien by the Laird o’ Glencoe an’ Sir Wilfrid Laurier

 

Another Hallowe’en has come and gone and another night of jubilation has been added to the memories of the red-letter days which the young folks treasure up.  It passed quietly; not quite so boisterously as in the olden time, but no one regretted that. Inside the homes the time-honoured games were played, and the mystic spells were indulged in to one’s heart’s content.  Out-of-doors the principal amusement of the small boy was to dress up in his big sister’s clothes or at least to promenade, armed with a pea shooter that was more annoying than dangerous to pedestrians.

 

For forty-five consecutive Hallowe’ens the Caledonian Society of Montreal has gathered to listen to the “auld Scots’ songs,” to beat time to the skirl of the bagpipes and to applaud heartily the clever dancing of the lads-in-kilts.  They did all of this last night and they did more.  They had with them their honourary president, Lord Strathcona andMount Royal, and the presented His Lordship with an illuminated address.

 

When the curtain was rung up every seat in Her Majesty’s Theatre was occupied and over a hundred ladies and gentlemen were discovered seated on the stage, including: Mr Justice Davidson, Mr Justice Archibald, Mr and Mrs MJF Quinn, Principal and Mrs Peterson, Mr and Mrs Donald Macmaster, Dr James Stewart, Mr WE Doran, Dr JK Foran, Ald and Mrs F Robertson, Rev Principal MacVicar, Mr Recorder Weir, Rev Professor Ross, Mr and Mrs Geo. E Smart, Dr JT Finnie, Rev Prof Clarke Murray, Mr James McShane, Mr and Mrs J Fulton, Mr and Mrs Septimus Fraser, Mr Rasmussen, Capt and Mrs McMaster, Mr and Mrs JS Brierley, Major Lydon, Dr D McEachran, Mr and Mrs W McNab, Rev Mr and Mrs McKilliean, Mr and Mrs David Robertson, Rev Mr Heine, Dr WH Drummond, Mr JR Dougall, Rev Principal and Mrs George, Rev Hugh Pedley, Rev Mr Hopkin, Ald and Mrs Sadler, Mr and Mrs R Bickerdike, Capt Greaves, Mr and Mrs Arch McGoun, jr., Mr and Mrs John Allan, Dr and Mrs R Wilson, AJ Bowles, Dr and Mrs FW Kelley, M and Mrs David Robertson, Jonathan Hodgson, Dr and Mrs JH Mackenzie, Mr and Mrs AN Shewan, Mr and Mrs C McLean, Judge and Mrs Archibald, H McDiarmid, Mr and Mrs David Seath, Mr and Mrs James Harper, JA Cantlie, Rev and Mrs J Lyall George, Rev Mr and Mrs King, Miss McDougall, Lieut Col Stevenson, P Mackenzie, Jos. Richards, Alex. Murray, Mr and Mrs Sackville, S Bain, Rev Dr and Mrs Warringer, W Angus and Mr and Mrs Jas. T Stanger.

 

The Society’s pipers, J Mathieson andW Johnstonheaded the procession, consisting of the President, Mr JC MacDiarmid, the hon. President Lord Strathcona and Mount Royal and the presidents of St George’s, St Andrew’s, St Patrick’s, St Jean Baptiste, the Scandinavian and Irish Protestant Benevolent Society, and after they had taken their seats, a Scotch reel was splendidly danced by Messrs W Johnston, Fred Riddell, Robt. Niven and AN Fraser.  Later in the evening Mr Johnston captured the audience with a well-executed sword dance.  The gem of the programme was the work of Miss Amy Murray ofSterling, who only arrived fromScotlandlast week.  She gave several numbers never heard inMontrealbefore—and this is refreshing, even at a Scottish concert.  As an encore she sang “Bonnie Prince Charlie” and it was never sung with more spirit, even in the old Jacobite days. Miss Walker’s friends were glad to hear her again after an absence of two years inLondon, where she became a favourite. “The Scottish Blue Bell,” her best number last night, was rapturously encored.  Mrs Coutts-Bain ofToronto, woreHighlandcostume and sang with feeling, though she wandered from the key noticeably in her duet with Mr P Campbell Donald, whose tenor voice was heard to advantage in “Bonnie Wee Thing,” which he sang very tenderly.  Mr Miles R Bracewell was a distinct disappointment, and Mr JB McKay, the elocutionist scarcely came up to expectations.

 

There was an interesting break in the musical programme, between the first and second parts, when Mr Robert Reid recite the inspiring lines he wrote when Sir Donald Smith was elevated to the peerage.  Mr Reid then read the address to His Lordship from the Caledonian Society.  The address welcomed Lord Strathcona to the forty-sixth celebration of the society as their honourary president and expressed the hope that he might live long enjoy the honours his services to the Empire andCanadahad won for him.  The society was grateful for the interest he had displayed in their well-being and for the example he had set them. They saw in him the true type of theHighlandchief.  He had used his great wealth to bind all classes of society together and seek the good of all.  He had always the interests of the society at heart, and all his actions had been dictated by his desire for the well-being of the Empire at large.

 

His Lordship was visibly affected by the appreciative words of the address and made a modest reply in the course of which he remarked:

“Both as Scotchmen and Canadians you and I have cause to be proud, and are proud of our fellow countrymen, who, along with the other soldiers of our Queen, have devoted themselves in the war now we hope about to close, and who have shown that the instincts of the race are now not less patriotic than at any time in its history, giving an earnest that to all time they will do their duty loyally in support of the best interests and the dignity of the Empire.”

 

Sir Wilfrid Laurier was present during the second part of the programme and made a suitable speech.  He avoided politics entirely and announced himself a Scotchman for that special occasion.  “If I could not be what I am,” he said, “a Canadian of French descent, I would rather be a Canadian of Scottish descent.”  He pointed out whatCanadaowed to Scotsmen in the development of trade and commerce and all that goes to make up a great nation and closed with a graceful tribute to the honourary president of the Society.  Lord Stratchcona, who had done so much forCanadaand so much for the Empire.

 

The hearty singing of “Auld Lang Syne” and “God Save the Queen” led by Mr SS Bain, brought the 45^th annual concert of the Caledonian Society to a close.

A Nicht with Burns, Montreal, 1900

Montreal Daily Star, 26 January 1900, page 11

 

A Nicht Wi’ Burns

 

An eloquent address by Prof McGoun on the Scottish Bard

An address on theBritish Empireby Prof Clarke Murray- the Concert

 

The one hundred and forty-first anniversary of Robert Burns was celebrated in a fitting manner last evening by the Montreal Caledonian Society.

 

The entertainment, which took place in the St Andrew’s Home, was entitled “A Nicht wi’ Burns.”  In that phrase its character is well described, for the various speeches, songs, recitations and other parts  of the programme had, for the most part, their inspiration in the well beloved bard of Auld Scotia.  Mr William Seath, president of the Society, occupied the chair, while on his right sat Prof Archibald McGoun and on his left Prof J Clarke Murray.

 

To Prof McGoun had been entrusted the task of delivering the oration to the memory of Robert Burns.  His speech was an eloquent  and masterly effort, showing the deep study and keen appreciation of the works of the great poet. The speaker, who was frequently interrupted by applause, showed the reasons why Burns has gained such a hold in the hearts of his countrymen.  It was the true instinct that made him break loose from the narrow, cramped, stifling atmosphere of the rude and harsh conditions of a society as he found it, and to seek the independence of thought and action, which is the inalienable birthright of every true man.  Professor McGoun concluded by reading a beautiful little poem, the composition of Mr John MacFarlane ofMontreal, entitled: “Burns inAmerica.”

 

Prof J Clarke Murray spoke on “The British Empire,” and showed why Britons the world over should be proud to belong to it; the spread of liberty, enlightenment and civilization being the noble mission ofGreat Britainand her people.  Incidentally, Dr Murray warmly praised the patriotic attitude of the people of the Dominion in the present difficulty inSouth Africa.

 

Those who contributed to the programme with music, songs and recitations were: Miss Nicholls, Miss Pringle, Miss Edna Clarke, Mrs Robert Reid, Mr S Dunn, Mr Robert Reid, Mr Cathcart Wallace, Mr Donald ofGlasgow,Scotland.  Mr Reid, among other things, recited a most touching poem of his own composition, entitled “General Wauchope’s Farewell toEdinburgh.”  A feature of the evening was the singing of many of “the auld Scots songs” by Mr Donald, a member of the company engaged this week at theAcademyofMusic.  Mr Donald’s father, inScotland, is noted as a Burns enthusiast; and had commanded his son, in whatever part of the world he might find himself, to assist in the celebration of the poet’s birthday, and sing for those assembled to do honour to the bard.  He fulfilled the injunction, and appeared before our Caledonian Society last evening where he fairly carried his audience by storm by the splendid manner in  which he rendered the beautiful old songs.  At the close of the concert dancing was begun, and continued until an early hour this morning.  Refreshments were served during the evening.

 

SCOTTISHHIGHLANDSOCIETY

 

Scottish song and music drew a large crowd last night to Drummond Hall, where the members of the Scottish Highland Society held a most enjoyable concert in honour of the birthday of Robert Burns.  In addition to songs and recitations, the pipes were strongly in evidence, the inspiring tune of the “Cock o’ the North” evoking great enthusiasm. Those who contributed were Mrs Forrester, Mrs Crawford, Miss Bella Forbes, Messrs Geo. H McLeod, Alex Smith, Robt. Crawford and Robt.Anderson.  At the close of the concert the large hall was cleared and until an early hour this morning dancing was indulged in.

Caledonian Games, Montreal, 1900

MontrealDaily Star, 13 August 1900, Page 3

 

Caledonian Games

Great Gathering of the Clans at Queen’s Park on Saturday Afternoon

Scotch Dancing and Piping

 

List of events on track, field and platform – Police win tug-of-war and take Seath Trophy

 

“We’re a’ John Tamson’s bairns, ya ken;

And we’ll be blithe and fain thegither;

And lika man wha lo’es oor lan’

We hail him as a friend and brither”

 

The forty-fifth annual Scottish games of the Montreal Caledonian Society were held at the Queen’s Park ,Verdun, on Saturday afternoon, and, notwithstanding threatening skies, there was a great gathering of all the clans.  From all parts ofScotlandthey hailed, Highlanders, Islanders, Lowlanders and Borderers, together with hundreds more who had never beheld the heather hills of the old land.  Many, both old and young, were clad in the picturesque “garb of Auld Gaul” while, as on all such occasions, the pipers were out in force, and fired the patriotism of the clansmen with their stirring strains.  Then there was the sweet scented heather fresh from the Scottish hills, and free to one and all.  To the exiled Scot it was almost as good as a visit home.

 

Mr. JC MacDiarmid, president of the Society, delivered the opening address, in which he gave a hearty welcome to the representative ofScotlandand their friends, not forgetting the little folk.  Then the kilted dancers gathered on the platform, and, accompanied by the pipes, they went through the steps of a Scotch reel, which formally opened the programme.

 

Among the guests of the Society were Dr James Stewart, president of the St Andrew’s Society; Mr Robert Bickerdike, MLA, Ald Robertson, Raby and Tansey, Colonel Mattice, Mr Andrew Mackenzie, Captain Clark, Mr John Allan, Mr AN Shewan and Major Seath.  Nine past presidents of the society were also in attendance.  They were Lieut Col Fletcher and Stevenson, and Messrs William Seath, SS Bain, James Wright, James Harper, David Guthrie, John Fulton, and JM Campbell.  The first two named were president and secretary respectively, when the society was organised in 1855.

 

For such a gathering the Queen’s Park is an ideal place, with its unsurpassed bicycle track, and race-course, etc., while the complaint made by many old Caledonians of late years of not being able to go around

 

AND SEE OLD FRIENDS

 

Is here remedied to a large extent.  In the ample space in the rear of the grand stand and beside the club house all those who felt so inclined roamed at will, taking in the quoiting match, enjoying a quiet “crack” about old days and otherwise putting in the time in the way most agreeable to themselves.

 

The old custom of ball-room dancing was also revived this year and an orchestra discoursed sweet music in one of the large rooms of the club house during the greater part of the afternoon.  Large numbers took part.  Mr JA McDougall here acted as master of ceremonies.

 

The field day was a great success in every way.  Never before had a better programme, with more handsome and costly prizes, been provided by the Caledonian Society.  The judges were all competent men who understood their duties perfectly and rendered their decisions in a fair and impartial manner.

 

The platform competitions were of a high and excellent character, and included all the well known features of a Scottish gathering, such as bagpipe competitions, Highland fling, Shean trews, ghillie callum, Scotch reel, etc.  Old and young took part and competition was keen; consequently every event was followed with intense interest.  The dancing of the different contestants, especially the little ones, drew forth rounds of applause from the grand stand.  Much gratification was expressed by veteran Caledonians that this, the purely Scottish side of the sports, had been so well looked after for this occasion.  The field and track sports were also hotly contested and the winner of every event well earned

 

THE HONOUR OF THE VICTORY.

 

The amateur events were ahead of anything ever offered by the society, and the many competitors apparently appreciated this fact to the full.  Exciting and close finishes were the order of the day.

 

The most exciting event of the afternoon was the tug-of-war between teams of twelve men representing the Police and Fire Departments.  Captain Lafleur commanded the policemen and Captain Doolan the firemen.  The contest proved to be an exceedingly stubborn one but was finally won by the policement.  This result was very far from being a popular one and the grand stand gave the defeated firemen a great cheering as they marched off the field.  It was the victory of the vanquished.

 

Great interest was also take in the association football match between teams representing the Strathcona and PAAA clubs.  This resulted in a victory for the PAAA men by a score of four goals to one.

 

The teams were:

Strathcona                                                                   PAAA

Denman                                   Goal                            Duffy

Healy                                       Back                            Burchmore

Brown                                     Back                            Kernley

Messer                                     Half Back                    Roach

Carpenter                                Half Back                   Duncan

Coull                                       Forward                      Bird

Stewart                                    Forward                      McQueston

Anderson                                Forward                      Porter

Gillard                                     Forward                      Hanson

Douglas                                   Forward                      Lidgate

Shirref                                     Forward                      Strike

 

Referee- W Lawrence

 

At the conclusion of the Highland dancing in which Mr William Johnson of Toronto, captured the Leitch Cup by one point from Mr Fred Ridell of Montreal, and while preparations were being made to adjourn to the club house, where the sailor’s hornpipe competition was decided, President MacDiarmid introduced Dr James Stewart of the St Andrew’s Society, who awarded the Seath Trophy to Captain Lafleur as the property of the police in the tug-of-war.  Captain Lafleur, when called on for a speech replied in French, saying that he and his men were proud of the fact that they had won the cup against such a strong team as Captain Doolan’s.  Captain Clark, of No 15 station, responded in English for the police. 

 

It is a noteworthy fact that never during the whole of the society’s existence of forty five years have the annual games had to be postponed on account of unfavourable weather.  In fixing their date the Scots just trusted inProvidenceandProvidencewas kind.

 

Halloween concerts in Montreal, 1897

Montreal Daily Star, 2 November 1897, page 4

Hallowe’en Concerts

Caledonians score another great success

Mr. Fraser, MP, talks to “Brither Scots.”

Miss Hollinshead’s very enjoyable concert.

“Land of my sires; what mortal hand

Can o’er untie the filial band

That knits me to thy rugged strand!”

So sang Scott’s “Ancient Minstrel”: and so sang and spoke the sons and daughters of Scotland, who took part in and attended the forty-second annual concert of the Montreal Caledonian Society, at the Windsor Hall last night.

There were no vacant seats either in gallery, body of the hall on the platform, where Mr. SS Bain, president of the Society, acted as chairman, flanked on right and left, respectively , by His Worship Mayor Wilson-Smith and DC Fraser, MP.  The guests, including the officers, etc., of other Scotch, of English and of Irish societies and ladies occupied seats of honor about the chairman, who opened proceedings with a neat speech, in which the Gordon Highlanders and their charge were not forgotten.  Preceding this and in time-honored style, Piper John Matheson sounded his stirring music, as the guests filed in and were seated, and changed to a livelier tune for the Scotch reel, with which the programme began.  The four dancers in Highland costume skillfully executed their pat of the entertainment.

The musical programme that followed was superb, while the recitations and songs of Mr. J Williams Macy were side-splitting.  The hearty enjoyment of the audience also extended to the Scotch dances executed skillfully and gracefully by Misses Fyfe and Smith and Masters Ross and Thorpe.  Miss Seath cleverly danced the Highland fling and responded to the warm encore with a strathspey.  Encores indeed, were the order of the evening, and not a single person who took part escaped a recall.  The keen enjoyment of the evening was on all sides apparent, for the vast audience kept their seats until 11:30 pm, and little inducement would have evidently been sufficient to make all hands sing “We won’t go home till the morning,” instead of “Auld Lang Syne” and the National anthem.  To sum up, the concert was a real treat; the performers were real artists and the audience were more than real well pleased. 

The enthusiasm evoked by Mr. Harold Jarvis’ “Highland toast” was a fitting accompaniment to its magnificent rendition, his grand voice ringing out in the final notes of the song in such a manner as to evoke the most delighted silence with as much facility as he wielded the bow across or ran his fingers up and down the strings of his violin.

The lady singers, Miss Ella Walker and Miss Mary Waldrum, of Toronto, were encored again and again.  It was a triumph for both of them.  Those present who had brother Scots or fellow-clansmen with the relief of Lucknow, could with pride appreciate the fulfillment of “Jessie’s Dream” sung by the talented Montreal songstress.  But who will deny that Miss Waldrum’s sweet and plaintive “Will he no come back again” did not equally touch the hearts of those whose “forebears” fought for the “lost cause” on the Field of Culloden, and were “out” with “Bonnie Charlie” in 1745?  Mr. Williams Macy is a very funny man.  He was one of the good things of the concert—that is, as good as anything non-Scotch could be to the people in the Windsor Hall, with their nostrils full of the scent of the heather, their ears full of Wallace and Bruce and Gordon Highlanders.  His “specimen reading class” seemed to call to mind some of Mr. Fraser’s old experiences, for the doughty member for inysboro was once a Dominie, and the big Nova Scotian laughed louder and longer even than the convulsed audience.  Mr. Macy’s song depicting the sea-sick couple was something quite wonderful as a mirth exciter.

Mr. DC Fraser’s address came in the middle of the programme.  As Mr. Bain explained, Sir Wilfrid Laurier, in pleading other engagements as a reason for not being present to deliver an address, recommended Mr. Fraser as “the best man” for this duty.  The member for Guyaboro paid a tribute to the industry, perseverance and general worth of Scotchmen, citing their early struggles and latter triumphs in the history of our Dominion.  Freedom and independence, he believed, were characteristics inborn of a people who gazed on lofty mountain peaks, on rushing streams, on the soaring birds of prey and fleet animals of chase.  The so-called economy—or “nearness”—of a Scotchman was, in most cases, due to that man’s efforts to place himself in an independent position.  With apt Gaelic quotations, Mr. Fraser illustrated his points, or pointed his remarks much to the delight of the older people present, who covered the strange tongue.  The excellent address of Mr. Fraser called forth a vote of thanks, moved by Mayor Wilson-Smith, and seconded by Mr. Macmaster.

The Mayor followed Mr. Fraser in a strain eulogistic of the Scotch people, who he believed were the chief export of Scotland, if another Scotch product of a “refreshing nature” were excepted.  Mr. Bittinger, United States Consul, added a few words, expressing his pleasure at being present, and testifying, amid great applause, to the worth of Scotchmen whom he knew in the United States.

The programme of the concert follows:

Entry of the President and guests, headed by Society’s pipers

Concert opens with a Scotch reel

Part 1

President’s remarks….. Sackville S Bain, Esq.

Viola Selections— Scottish Rhapsodia  [Mr. ~~~~~ Anderson]

Song—“Here’s a health, Bonnie Scotland, sa there” [Mr. William Ewing]

Song—“There grows a Bonnie brier ~~~” [Miss Mary Waldrum]

Humorous Recital—“Specimen Reading Class”  [Mr. J Williams Macey]

Dance, “Scotch Reel” Misses ~~~ Tyre, and ~~~ Smith;  Masters Joseph Ross and Albert Thorpe]

Song—“Jessie’s Dream”…… Miss Ella Walker

Address, DC Fraser, Esq., QC, MP, Guyaboro, NS

Part II

Song—“Scots wha hae”… Mr. Harold Jarvis

Song—“I’m owre young to marry yet”…. Miss Mary Waldrum

Dance—“Highland Fling”… Miss Pearl Seath

Song—“the Battle of Stirling Bridge” — Mr. Wm Ewing

Violin Selections…”Fantasia on Annie Laurie”  [Mr. Robert Anderson

Song “Auld Robin Gray”…. Miss Ella Walker

Humorous song—“Buzz, little Bee”…[Mr. J Williams Macey]

Song—“A Highlandman’s toast” ….Mr. Harold Jarvis

Auld Lang Syne and God Save the Queen, to which the audience joined.

MISS HOLLINSHEAD’S CONCERT

The Hallowe’en concert given by Miss Hollinshead and a few of her musical friends in the lecture hall of the Dominion Square Methodist Church last evening was thoroughly enjoyed by a large and enthusiastic audience, that encored every number on the programme, Miss Hollinshead was down on the programme for four numbers, two songs and two duets, one with Mr. Roland Paul, the other with Mr. JD Ouellette. The favorite singer appeared to advantage in each number.  She has been in splendid voice the whole of this season, but the rich musical qualities of her voice, its wonderful flexibility and the singer’s artistic style of vocalization were especially noticeable last evening.  Miss Hollinshead completely entranced her audience by her rendering of de Koven’s familiar song, “My Hame is where the Heather blooms,” not a hand being silent as she concluded.  In her other numbers she was equally successful, Mr. JD Ouellette, a really talented baritone, whom concert-goers will hope to hear often during the season, rendered “Will o’ the wisp” and “the two Grenadiers” in a very effective manner.  A very enjoyable number on the programme was a flute solo by Mr. Hubert Baker, which was most enthusiastically encored.  Miss Louise Knight, a most promising young singer, sang “Bonnie Sweet Bessie, the Maid of Dundee” very sweetly, and Mr. Jas McCarry contributed a very entertaining recitation.  The accompaniments were played with marked artistic effect by Mr. James H Campbell, who also contributed a couple of brilliantly executed pianoforte solos to the programme.

THE YOUNG IRISHMEN

The Young Irishmen’s Literary and Benevolent Association held its Hallowe’en jollities last night, pleasantly assisted by a lively and well filled house.  The chairman, president MJJ McLean, had provided for the occasion a programme of real entertaining merit, consisting of instrumental and vocal selections and recitations.  Amateur theatricals were also among the pleasant features of the evening.  “Limerick Boy,” a one-act farce of Irish life, being interpreted by Hibernia’s sons in a manner to bring forth great applause.  Dancing after the close of the programme formed the finale to a most enjoyable evening.  The following ladies and gentlemen were among those present: Messrs TJ Grant, JJ Foley, James S McCarrey, JJ McDean, JP McLean, Pf S McCaffrey, McCrae, Lyons, GF Jones, FJ Gallagher, Miss Lang, Miss E Grant, Wm Clarke, Miss Mabel Kitts, Willie Kitts, MJ Power and Jno Kenneally.

Halloween, Montreal, 1863

Montreal Herald, 31 October 1863, page 2

Halloween

This annual celebration of this time honored Scottish festival came off last night at the Crystal Palace, under the auspices of the Caledonian Society.  The immense building was brilliantly illuminated; the seats around the nave of the palace were filled, while the galleries presented double and tripple [sic] ranks of spectators along the railings.  The walls were decorated with the banners of many of the benevolent societies of our city and with mottoes appropriate to the occasion.  In front of the first gallery in large letters were inscribed the words “Remember the Poor;” to the right, “Afflictions are brothers in distress”.  “A brother to relieve how exquisite the bliss.”  And to the left the well know quotation from Burns:

            “The rank is but the guinea’s stamp,

            The man’s the gowd for a’ that.”

The dais, which occupied the north end of the transept was also decorated in a tasteful manner; while suspended over it, on the wall behind, were the banners of the Caledonian, St Andrew’s and Thistle Societies.  The chair was occupied by Mr. AA Stevenson, President of the Caledonian Society, supported by the Hon TD McGee and the Hon Jas Ferrier, President of the St Andrew’s Society.  Among those occupying the dais were observed, JJ Day, Esq., President of the St George’s Society, Mr. McKenna, President of the ST Patrick’s Society, Mr. McIntyre, President of the Thistle Society; Mr. Nelson, President of the New England Society; Mr. R Holland, President of the Irish Protestant Benevolent Society; Mr. G Romer, President of the German Society; Mr. T Sellar, 1^st Vice President of the Caledonian Society Marcus Doherty, Esq., Vice President of St Patrick’s Society; Rev Mr. Snodgrass, Rev Mr. Fraser, and several other gentlemen and a number of ladies.

The great interest felt in the novel features of the evening—namely, the humorous games practiced at this period in Scotland in old times was quite evident; while the ‘worthy objects in aid of which the festival was held, contributed to bring together an audience not frequently seen on similar occasions in Montreal: The general satisfaction of the spectators with the varied and interesting entertainments offered them, was expressed in eloquent bursts of applause and ~~~~~ of several of the vocalists.  The entertainments commenced with an overture from Norma, by the fine band of the Royal Artillery.

The Chairman Mr. Stevenson inaugurated the proceedings of the evening by making the usual address peculiar to such occasions.  He said that on occasions like this it was the custom for the presiding Officer to deliver an address and that it now became his duty to follow that precedent.  He would confine his remarks to a very small compass, and to two subjects; the object of the Society and the object of the present festival.  The society had been organized eight years ago by Scotchmen who were anxious among other things to cultivate a taste for Scottish history and song, and to preserve a love for the customs of Scotland.  The success of the society had been signed and it now numbered about 400 members.  The annual gathering in August have been well attended.  The necessity for a charitable fund had been much felt, and it was determined that all surplus funds should be devoted to charitable purposes.  Last year the proceeds of the Halloween festival were appropriated to the relief of the suffering British operatives.  The objects to which the proceeds of the present festival were to be devoted were worthy of all that could be bestowed—the Ladies Benevolent Society and the St Andrew’s Home.  Several new features in the way of amusements ~~~ present in the revival of the favorite Halloween customs of Scotland, while the more refined tastes were also gratified by the charms of music and oratory.

Mr. Stevenson concluded his address, which was well received by the audience, by introducing Mr. DD Griswold from New York, who sang the pleasant Scottish ballad “What’s a’ the Steer Kimmer,” with great spirit and delicacy.  Madame Mozart from the New York Academy of music, next sang “within a mile of Edinboro Town,” and was encored when she sang “Comin’ thro’ the Rye.”

A number of selections from Highland music were performed by the Pipers of the Scots Fusilier guards.  Mrs. Clarke next sang “Down by the river side” in exquisite style, and was encored.  The Glee Club of the Fusilier Guards followed with the rollicking song the “Shepherd’s Joy,” which was greatly applauded and was repeated.

The Hon. Jas Ferrier was now introduced by the Chairman; he said he was merely filling a gap caused by the absence of the Hon John A Macdonald.  Mr. Ferrier paid a tribute to the energy and spirit of the Chairman as President of the Caledonian Society.  He said the time had been when the Society represented by himself thought they could not celebrate St Andrew’s Day without a dinner, which usually cost more than the proceeds of the dinner, and left nothing but the head-ache behind it.  It was urged that the National Societies tended to destroy the harmony that should exist in a community such as ours by fostering the prejudices and peculiarities of different nations.  He did not believe it.  They had the effect of holding more closely together, Scotchmen and others.  He was a Scotchman and his heart warmed to a Scotchman, but that did not prevent him from loving Canada.  Although persons of different nationalities might join in singing their own national anthems, it was clear that in Canada that should not prove a bar to their joining in “God Save the Queen.” (Applause)

Mr. Ferrier’s address was followed by several additional songs and pieces of instrumental music, then the novel features of the evening transpired, in the form of “Doukin for Aiples,” “Snap Aiple” as they were quaintly expressed on the programme.  This was emphatically where the “laugh came in,” and having been disposed of the chairman introduced

Mr. McGee, whose remarks at the commencement of his address, our reporter could not catch from his unfavorable position in relation to the speaker.  Mr. McGee approved of the awakening of early recollections and the renewal of youth peculiar to Halloween.  Canada was remarkable for many things as gold at the Chaudiele, and other mineral features, but most remarkable for the irrepressible gaiety of her French population.  He saw no reason why Irishmen and Scotchmen could not be as gay.  He felt convinced there were unwrought mines of cordiality and brotherhood in the mixed masses of our community, that would cement them into one people.  He then reviewed the progress and operations of the Caledonian Society, expressing surprise that, with the many advantages enjoyed by membership in this society, any young Scotchman in Montreal should not be a member.  Montreal he said was rapidly becoming a large city, but she would not be remembered in future ages, so much on account of the space she occupied and the magnificence of her edifices, as by the intellectual marks she should make.  He did not like large cities.  He preferred the gods of Greece, because they were more nearly human, to the gigantic deities of Assyria, 40 ~~~~~.  This city had about 120 000 inhabitants and would soon have her opera house and others of the requirements of large cities.  He could not avoid contrasting the present scene and place with the description of the locality of Robert Burns’ Halloween of one hundred years ago. The scene was one of peasant festivity, seen by us now through the prism of the Poet’s fancy; while we are assembled in great numbers in an immense edifice.  We may not regret the loss of some of the customs of Scotland; for in Canada we confine warm Scottish hearts as merry as those celebrated by the Bard of Ayr.

Mr. McGee then read the following original lines written by himself on

HALLOWEEN IN CANADA, 1863

The bard who sleeps in Dumfries clay,

Were ha bat to fore to-day,

What think you, would be sing or say,

Of our new found Canadian way,

Of keeping Halloween!

Ah, did we hear, upon the stair

The ploughman tread that shook Lord Dair

The President would yield his chair

And humour over—member—mayor

The bard of Halloween

Methinks I catch them ringing clear

The accounts that know never fear

Saying, “I joy to see you here

“And still to Scottish hearts be dear

The rites of Halloween

Whenever they meet, on any shore,

Whatever sky may arch them over

Still they honor, more and more

The names their fearless fathers bore

And like them—Halloween.

I care not for the outward forts

‘Tis in the hearts core true and warm

Abides the glow that mocks the storm

And so—God guard us a’ from harm

Till next year’s Halloween.

Caledonian Convention, Montreal, 1895

Montreal Daily Star, 16 August 1895, page 6

Caledonian Convention

The sessions opened here this morning.

The work of the North American United Caledonian Association reviewed by the President and Secretary in their reports.

Auld Scotia was very much in evidence at the long room of the Mechanic’s Institute, when the twenty-sixth annual convention of the North American United Caledonian Association was opened this morning.

The president, Mr. William Leitch of Philadelphia, occupied the chair, and beside him sat Mr. Peter Kinnear, first vice-president; Mr. William Simpson, second vice-president, and Mr. Peter Ross, secretary.

Mr. James Wright, as president of the Montreal Caledonian Society, extended a cordial welcome to the delegates, and trusted that they would feel at home among their brother Scots in Montreal. 

The president briefly returned thanks for the heart welcome which had been extended to them.

Messrs. Wm Rutherford, James Moir and AR Macdonald were appointed a committee on Credentials, who subsequently reported the following delegates present: James Wright, Wm Rutherford, Alex Murray, Wm Seath, David Guthrie, Duncan Stewart, James Moffat, Ebenezer Bain, RW Hannah, James Currie, Robert Reid, John Macfarlane, JCS Bennett, SC Stevenson, Lt-Col Stevenson, JM Campbell, JF Mitchell and RA Aitken, Montreal; Malcolm Henry, Wm Leitch, Jas Irvine, Thos Mills, Jas Leslie and Geo Goodfellow, Philadelphia; James Lawrence,  Paterson, Peter McLelian, Providence; John Joiner, Menomene, Wis.; AC Hutchinson, Salt Lake City; Nathan Ross, Chas Aitken and Wm Patterson, Wilkesbarre, PA; Richard Smith, CM Gregg, John Picken, Robert Gould, RP Fairbairn, Milwaukee; Allan H Dougall, Fort Wayne; D Walker, Wm Simpson, Robt Swan, DM Robertson, Wm Campbell, JW Gray, Wm Sharp, Robt Aitken, James McIntosh and JB Harris, Toronto, Ont.; JY Henderson, Pittson; Peter Ross and John Allan, Newark; James Moir, Scranton; Peter Kinnear and Allan R Macdonald, Albany; Peter Ross, New York; Peter McEwan, Chicago; John Mathieson, West Elgin.

The president in delivering his annual address said: “Gentlemen, Delegates to the North American United Caledonian Association, as your presiding officer I have great pleasure in bidding you one and all a hearty welcome to this our 28^th annual convention, met as we are, in this beautiful and historic city of Montreal.  When I look around and remember what distances you have travelled, some of you hundreds of miles, and how you have sacrificed your business interests to come here, I ask myself this pertinent question: What spirit has moved you so to do?  And the only sufficient answer immediately suggested to me, is love of country.  We honor ourselves by recalling all that is good and great in the history of our native land, by our appreciation of her noble heroes, and her men of genius, not only of the past, but also of the present.  We rejoice in the fact that she is not left behind in the race, but is even now forging to the front.

Since our last meeting the hand of death has been amongst us and has laid low two of our former presiding officers, the Honorable T Waddell, of Pittson, president for 1879, and St Laurie, of Auburn, president for 1878.  of the Hon. Thos Waddell, nothing but good can be said.  His commercial virtues were of the highest order, and he was honored by being sent to the Legislature to represent the community of which he was a part.  As to Samuel Laurie, we have the most kindly remembrances of him meeting him year after year, attending to the work of these conventions.  The loss of these past-presidents is a subject of regret to us all.

The number of the clubs and societies represented in our association is not so great as it was, some dropping off, and this may be owing to the supposition that the work for which the association was called into existence has been accomplished, namely the framing of rules to regulate competitions in outdoor sports.  It is a subject of congratulation that the Code of Rules thus far formed, has been adopted in all parts of the United States and Canada, where outdoor sports are held.  It was suggested some years ago that our association and other Scotch societies, combine, and I think there is one thing in which they would be glad to co-operate with us, namely in keeping one day in the year as Scotland’s day, and that has been arranged as the 15^th day of August—the birthday of Sir Walter Scott.

I would recommend that means be taken to acquaint Scotch societies with the idea of embracing along with us the above day as Scotland’s day, and I think the Scotch American newspapers would, if properly approached, be very helpful in forwarding this object.  It is a coincidence that the great novelist’s name was Scott, for he was, without doubt the most thorough Scotchman of the past, so in honoring Sir Walter by celebrating his birthday, it would be Scott’s day as well as Scotland’s day, and a day for the Scots.

Alluding to the re-establishment of Olympian games, he said: suppose their re-establishment an accomplished fact, imagine how many new agencies and activities would get going; from all the great city newspaper offices reporters would be sent by sea and land, telegraph operators would be kept busy day and night, not to speak of the compositors and pressmen, in order that the results of each day’s competitions might appear in the column devoted to sporting news in the daily papers, for the gratification of the curiosity of millions of readers, all over the civilized world.  The glory of the champion would necessarily be of a different character under the changed conditions of the nineteenth century, the crown of olive—the triumphal entry and procession through the native city of the successful competitor, and an honorable public position given to him for life, would likely be swept away and a percentage of the gate receipts would be given instead.  The majority of the great champion athletes of the world are professionals, and if our respective clubs have contributed any such, we are proud of them, and are interested in all their victories, as we ought to be.

There is a question arising in my mind right here.  It is not possible, with out earliest endeavors to make our annual games a pecuniary success, to lay too much stress on the procuring of champions as competitors, that we may throw too far into the shade the regular members of our clubs and their sons, who would compete as amateurs?  I think it is our duty as far as practicable, to give encouragement to the amateur element.

Of Scottish literature, he said: Look at the shelves and see for yourselves  a few of the authors of this present generation.  George Macdonald, with his fine array of volumes of the best literature, which it would take you years to read.  William Black with his long list of delightful novels.  The late Robert Louis Stevenson, with his marvelous stories.  JM Barrie, with his story of the Little Minister, which is thought by some to be the best novel of recent date, then there is his “Auld Licht Idylls” and his “Window in Thrums,” which is a universal favorite, and as a bit of word painting of the Scotch character unsurpassed in literature.  Then there is Crockett, with his story of the Raiders, et,. And Ian MacLaren, with his bewitching word-painting in his stories told “Beside the Bonnie Brier Bush.”  Such authors most of them very prolific show that the Scotch fire of genius is still aglow, and what Scot is there whose heart is said to warm to the tartan, who would not feel a kindling fire of enthusiasm and appreciation in his own breast, when he reads the above masterpieces of literature, produced by his brither Scot, and each of you doubtless has in your clubs, men of genius, productive in literature.  I can mention in our Philadelphia club the name of James D Daw, author of Dreams of Hame and other poems, which have been highly commended both in this country and in Scotland.  And not to go out of the bounds of this convention we have here with us today, as our worthy Secretary, Peter Ross, an author to be proud of, who has published several works, one on “Scotland and the Scots,” another on “Saint Andrew” and yet another just from the press, on “Masonry.”  And now, remembering the motto of the ancients, who instituted games of endeavoring to have a ‘sound mind in sound body,” let us, in additions to the keeping up of the practice of athletics in our respective districts, continue to cultivate literature by at least upholding the character of our literary meetings, where we can refresh our verse from the best authors of our dear old native land.

“And now, in conclusion, in order to create an interest in Highland dancing, and to awaken a feeling of pride for proficiency therein, have taken the liberty to present to the Association a silver cup, to be competed for under certain conditions which will be read to you by the secretary.

“It gives me pleasure also to mention the action of the Albany Club, which has so kindly donated a cup for competition as to Highland dress.

“The association is now in possession of three cups, which I hope, will stimulate competition, so that each competitor will do his utmost to excel his neighbor, thereby taxing the judges’ ability to decide who is justly entitled to the honor of having their names inscribed on the cups as champions for the year.”

The Secretary, Mr. Peter Ross, in presenting his annual report, called attention to the movement for erecting statues to Robert Burns, now going on in several cities, notably Toronto and Chicago.  These movements have all underneath them the very essence of the spirit of Scottish nationality and while the Association was not asked directly or indirectly to contribute to any of them, it was felt that it might at least formally express its pleasure in them and wish them all God speed.  The Paterson Club recommend the holding of memorial services on the Sabbath nearest to the centennial of the death of Burns.  Very few of the games held under the auspices of the affiliated societies had been financially successful during the past year.  One club which used to regularly clear at least $1500 had a surplus of $34 while many others reported balances on the wrong side of the ledger.

He hoped that ere long they would have special prizes for most of the sports enumerated on the rules an done grand trophy to be held by the champion athlete for each year.  He would also like to see a trophy as a prize for the ancient game of curling.  It had also been suggested that this Association might take the initiative in bringing out next season three or four of the best athletes in Scotland, and he was convinced that four champion athletes just from the heather and ready to meet the best performers in their line in Canada would be an attraction that would do much to insure a successful season all round.

Both the president’s address and the secretary’s report were referred to the Committee on Resolutions.

Mr. Peter Kinnear, on behalf of the Albany club, presented to the association a handsome silver pitcher and cup for a Highland costume competition, and Mr. W Leitch presented a beautiful silver loving cup as a prize trophy for dancing.  These trophies will be the property of the winner for three years in succession.

Mr. William Simpson suggested that prizes might be offered for Scottish song or Scottish literary work, and not confine themselves to athletics, and Mr. William Seath related how the Montreal Caledonian Society, which now numbered 850 members, had increased the interest by lectures by prominent men and social gatherings.  Messrs. Bain, Rutherford and others confirmed the success of these gatherings as well as the society’s choir.

The delegates will leave the Grand Trunk Station at five o’clock this afternoon for Lachine, where they will board a steamer Sovereign for a trip down the Lachine Rapids.  A banquet will afterwards be given on board the steamer Three Rivers, which will leave the Jacques Cartier wharf at 7:30.  Tomorrow morning the visitors will be driven around the city and to Mount Royal Park.  The annual games will be held on the Exhibition Grounds tomorrow afternoon.

North American United Caledonian Association meeting, Montreal, 1895

Montreal Daily Star, 17 August 1895, page 11

The Caledonian Convention

The delegates entertained by Montreal Scotsmen

An enjoyable banquet on the steamer Three Rivers last evening—Mr Robert Reid’s tribute to Scott’s memory.

The delegates to the convention of the North American United Caledonian Association, which closed yesterday afternoon, were entertained by the Montreal Caledonian  Society to a trip down the Lachine Rapids on the steamer Sovereign, and at 7:30 o’clock last evening some two hundred members and guests boarded the Three Rivers for a trip down the river.  The newly-elected president, Mr Peter Kinnear, of Albany, was unable to be present, he having been suddenly called home.  The steamer was very prettily decorated with bunting, and at the banquet which was tendered to the guests the plants and flowers were tastefully arranged on the tables.  Mr James Wright, president of the Montreal society, occupied the chair, supported by Mayor Villeneuve, Mr Wm Simpson, first vice-president; Mr Nathan Ross, second vice-president, and Mr Peter Ross, secretary of the NA UCA.

After dinner the toasts of “The Queen,” and “The President of the United States,” and “the Governor-General” were proposed and enthusiastically honored.

In acknowledging “The Mayor and the Corporation,” Mayor Villeneuve expressed the great pleasure which it afforded him to be present.  The Scotsmen in Montreal were a credit to that noble race; they included our best financiers and our greatest merchants.  Wherever there was a Scotchman there was prosperity.  The Scotch farmer had taught the French Canadians a good lesson in agriculture, and now the French Canadians were competing with them.

The president then proposed “The memory of Sir Walter Scott,” and Capt Moir of Scranton, PA, in an eloquent tribute recounted the impress which Scott had left upon his native country.  He was delighted to have had the opportunity of coming in contact with the members of the Montreal Caledonian Society; their reception had been a royal one, and he hoped the Scotsmen of his own city would soon have an opportunity of returning the hospitality.

On the back of the menu card was the following poem, by Mr Robert Reid of this city:

Sir Walter Scott

Born August 15^th, 1771

Gone is the minstrel! Yet his song remains;

Dead is the wizard! But the witching spell

He wove o’er Caledonia’s hills and plains,

While hill and plain abide, on them shall dwell

Tweed and Loch Katrine—fair in sooth they seem:

(What Scottish heart hath known them, and forgot?)

But half the light that lies on lake and stream

Fell from the magic wand of Walter Scott.

Then pledge me, friends as with one common tongue,

Pledge me, I say, with eye and heart aflame,

A bumper to the bard whose songs were sung

That all the world might learn fair Scotland’s fame.

Far from their native shore stern fate has hurl’d

Old Scotia’s sons to many a distant spot;

And there’s no nook or corner of the world

That will not hear to-night of Walter Scott.

                                                Robert Reid.

“The President of NAUCA and delegates,” was acknowledged by Mr Wm Simpson, past vice-president, and “the Ladies” by Mr John Picken, of Milwauke.

With the Scotch music and Scotch dances everybody enjoyed themselves to the full until the steamer reached the wharf again, at eleven o’clock.

This morning delegates were driven through the principal streets of the city and to the Mountain park.

Caledonian Concert, Halloween, Montreal, 1896

Montreal Daily Star, 31 October 1896, page 9

Caledonian Concert

Last night’s the best ever given by the Caledonian Society

Those who were fortunate enough to attend the Hallowe’en concert given in the Windsor Hall last evening under the auspices of the Caledonian Society of Montreal, enjoyed a rare treat of song and humor.  The concert was the best that the Society has yet given, and the excellence of the talent engaged was an agreeable surprise to the hundreds who were present.

It was shortly after eight o’clock when the skirt o’ the pipes announced the entrance of the officers of the Caledonian Society, headed by the president, Mr SS Bain, and the united guests of the evening.  These included the presidents of the St George’s and the St Andrew’s Societies, and a representative of the St Patrick’s Society.  Among others on the platform were the Rev. WR Cruikshanks, Rev Dr Robert Campbell, Rev John Nichols, Lt-Col Strathy, ADC, Lt-Col Stevenson, Major Lydon, Messrs James Harper, Ewan McLennan, James Moffatt, GW Cunningham, JM Campbell, and other prominent Scotchmen.

Through the kindness of Sir Donald Smith, each person on entering the hall was presented with a sprig of heather, which had been grown on his estate at Glencoe, in the Highlands of Scotland.

The violin numbers of Mr Cathcart Wallace, consisting chiefly of variations on well-known Scottish airs, were greatly appreciated.  Miss Mabel Barker is the possessor of a sweet and clear soprano voice, which was shown off to good advantage in her two numbers.  “The Scottish Bluebells” and “Will ye no’ come back again.”  This latter selection was especially pleasing.  Miss Ella Walker, who is an established favorite with Montreal audiences, was given a flattering reception last evening.  She was in splendid voice and gave a magnificent rendering of “Cam’ ye by Athol.”  For her second number she sang “Dainty Davie” in such a winsome and captivating manner that the audience insisted on a double encore.  Scotch dancing is what a Scotchman loves, and this feature of the evening’s entertainment was provided by Masters James and Murdoch Matheson, sons of Pipe-Major Matheson, of the Royal Scots.  The sword dance of Master James met with the especial approbation of those present.

Of the outside talent, it may be said that the aggregation was an excellent one.  The part songs of the Verdi Quartette of Boston, composed of Messrs George F Martin, Philip Greeley, James W Calderwood, and Fred Butler, were given in a finished and effective style, the voices of the principals blending together in a charming and delightful manner.  Mr Butler, the basso; Mr Calderwood, the baritone, and Messrs Martin and Greeley first and second tenors, were also heard in solos.  It is seldom that Montreal audiences have had the privilege of listening to a better tenor than Mr Martin.  He possesses a remarkably high and pure voice, which he uses with great judgement and expression.  Mr Calderwood’s “My Nanna’s Awa’,” was full of pathos and feeling.

Miss Rebecca McKenzie, of Duluth, has a rich and powerful soprano voice, the excellent qualities of which were well brought out in her first and second numbers.  “Within a Mile o’ Edinboro Toun,” and “Ye Banks and Braes o’ Bonnie Doon.”  Mr CH Govan, of New York, was the humorist of the evening, and aching ribs speak more eloquently than words this morning of the success he achieved last evening.  From the moment he made his entrance on the platform until his exit, he had the stoic Scotchmen laughing as if their sides would burst.  He was simply immense in his delineation of Scotch character, and is by far the best humorist which has visited Montreal for many years past.  We hope to see him again in our midst  very shortly.

At the conclusion of the programme the concert was brought to a close with a verse of “Auld Lang Syne” and the National anthem.