1914 Jan 2 Mountain Notes A

All three Hamilton newspapers columns which appeared regularly documenting everyday life issues of interest which happened in three areas of the city, namely the east end, the west end and the mountain.

The Spectator of January 3, 1914 contained the following items related to the mountain district (note how the area below the escarpment was the “city,” the steps referred to were the wooden steps up the face of the escarpment near the incline railway and that there was no use of the word “Upper” as regards streets names which were the same on the mountain as in the lower city:

“Many of the mountaineers were busy with their snow shovels yesterday, but owing to the high east wind that prevailed, the snow would drift right back on the walks again. The steps were in very bad condition on Saturday from the storm and were exceedingly slippery. An unknown man, evidently living in the city, slipped and sprained his ankle while going down. He was assisted back to the office of Dr. McIlwraith, who attended the injured member, and the patient was able to come to the city in a rig that was passing at the time.

“No bob sleighs have appeared as yet on the Jolley Cut, but they will no doubt be in evidence soon.

“A horse, belonging to Mr. D. C. Smith, made things interesting for those returning from work about six o’clock on Saturday evening. Mr. Smith had gone into his home on Concession street for a few minutes and left the horse with a weight attached to it. The horse became frightened at something and dashed blindly down the road. It was very dangerous as the snow made it hard for those walking to see very far ahead. No damage was done, however, and the horse slowed to a walk when it got to the Cut, where its owner was able to catch it.

“The work on the new school house that is being built on Wentworth street is progressing favorably and should be ready soon.

“The heavy wind on Saturday overturned a chicken coop belonging to Mr. Head, on Wentworth street, and many of the chickens escaped and were lost.

“The mountain people have been without street lights for two nights, owing to the storm interfering with the wires. House lighting has been all right except for a few momentary interruptions.”¹

   ¹ “Have New Trouble : Condition of the Wentworth Steps Is Dangerous : Mountaineers Had a Hard Time Climbing Yesterday” Hamilton Spectator. January 3, 1914