1914-08-17abb

With so many Hamilton men volunteering to fight in the European war in August 1914, a difficulty arose as regards the protection of the city of itself.

The ranks of the local militia units were virtually depleted as those part-time soldiers were prime candidates to be accepted into service full-time.

Charles W. Heming, local scout commissioner and a former militia man, was actively interested in a proposal to address the need for soldiers to be able to serve as a home guard to protect Hamilton.

The idea was that a home guard consisting of from 1,000 to 3,000 men would be raised. A number of former militia men had suggested that the local rifle ranges they could be opened and the men volunteering for the home guard could be trained in the use of the latest models of rifles.

Mr. Heming stated his views on the matter to a Spectator reporter as follows :

“I am a firm believer in the scouts’ motto ‘Be Prepared.’ If another call is made, and most of the 13^th and 91^st men are taken away, it will be necessary to arrange for home protection. We have several thousand foreigners to look after here and with a hard winter and feeling running high, it is hard to tell what might happen unless there is a strong force to maintain order. There are many married men like myself, who do not feel at present that they should go across the sea, but are willing to help at home in every way they can.

“One prominent man here has promised me that he can raise from 300 to 500 men. I don’t think there would be any difficulty in organizing a force of at least 1,000 men and 200 mounted men. A good service khaki uniform could be secured for $5. I think that the city and some of our wealthy men should take an interest in this and lend a hand.”¹

¹ “Home Guard to Protect City : No Trouble in Raising a Force of 1,000 Men : Ex-Thirteenth Men Anxious to Take Part.”

Hamilton Spectator. August 17, 1914

1914-08-19abb

On Wednesday August 19, 1914, two articles appeared in the Hamilton Spectator which related to the effect that the outbreak of war in Europe had in two parts of the city.

In the east end, a farewell social was held by members of Westminster Football Club on behalf of two well-known residents who were about to leave for the front, W. White, jr. and John Scott of the East End Y. F. C. :

“After a number of songs, games etc., the ladies served a dainty supper at the close of which Jack Drysdale, in a few well-chosen and patriotic words, presented the volunteers with silver mounted meerschaum pipes.

“After a very enjoyable evening, the social was brought to a close by the singing of God Be With You Till We Meet Again, and Auld Lang Syne, followed by three rousing cheers for the soldier boys.”¹

¹ “Said Farewell : Westminster Football Club Honors Departing Soldiers”

          Hamilton Spectator August 19, 1914.

Back downtown on the market square, an incident occurred which demonstrated how intense feelings had become as regards the general patriotic spirit when it butted against those who might not be so patriotic.

Many ladies were selling flags in downtown Hamilton to raise money for a proposed hospital ship and were received well with one notable exception:

“Very few people refused to respond, but one of the ladies who was selling on the market ran up against a real anti-Britisher.

“He is a farmer and when first approached by the lady, he said he was busy and would see her later. She did not forget his promise, but much to her surprise, when she returned, he told her point blank that his sympathies were with the Germans and for that reason he would not support a cause as outfitting a hospital ship.”²

² “No Place for Him : Farmer With Anti-British Feelings Had to Move”

Hamilton Spectator.  August 19, 1914

At first the lady thought that the farmer was fooling, but when she realized that he definitely was serious, the lady lost little time in spreading the word about his convictions around the market square:

“It was not long until things were so uncomfortable for him that he decided to move and his wagon has not been seen on the market since.”²

1914-08-19and 21aa

With the outbreak of war in August 1914, many Hamilton poets were stirred to express their patriotism and the eagerness of many Hamiltonians to serve.

Following are two poems, written by Hamiltonians, which appeared in the Hamilton Spectator that month.

The first was published on August 19, 1914.

 

Mobilization by Ella Wheeler Wilcox

         Oh, the Kings of earth have mobilized their men.

           See them moving, valor proving,

           To the fields of glory going.

           Every one a mother’s son

           Brave, with uniform and gun,

           Keeping step with easy swing ;

           Yes, with easy step and light, marching onward toward the fight,

           Just to please the warlike fancy of a King

           Who has mobilized his army for the strife.

 

           Oh, the King of Death has mobilized his men

           See the hearses, huge and black,

           How they rumble down the track

           With their coffins filled with dead.

           Filled with men who fought and bled ;

           Now from fields of glory coming

           To the sound of muffled drumming

           They are lying still and white,

           But the Kings have had their fight ;

           Death has mobilized his army for the grave.”

 

          The second poem was published two days later, August 21, 1914.

 

          The Emergency

 

At last the deaf begin to hear

   The blind begin to see ;

Gone is the day to conjure fear

   And talk emergency.

 

The menace of a tyrant’s power,

   Insane with lust and greed,

Is undisputed in this hour,

   For war has come, indeed.

With fury fierce, the clouds have burst

   In peaceful lands afar ;

And Europe is at last immersed

   In real and bloody war.

 

To gratify a knave’s desire

   And work a madman’s will,

Millions go forth with sword and fire

   To plunder and to kill.

 

Led by its murderous feudal lord,

   The earth to devastate,

This ‘German peril’ we’ve ignored

   Is thundering at our gate.

Away with words ! Let action tell !

   The loyalty we plead ;

And Canada in deeds excel,

   For Britain is in need.

 

To arms ! To arms ! Send forth thy sons,

   Give of thy golden store;

For hear ye not the distant guns ? –

   The world is plunged in war.

 

                                        Fritz Hermath

Hamilton, Ont.

1914-08-19aa

“It was announced this morning by H. L. Frost, vice-president of the Hamilton Hotel company, that practically all the obstacles confronting the projected Royal Connaught hotel have been overcome.”

          Hamilton Spectator.   August 19, 1914.

          The site of the former Wesleyan Ladies’ College, (the building was later used as the Waldorf hotel) had been vacant for some time. The property on the south side of King Street East, east of John street, was considered a prime location for development. It was also widely acknowledged that Hamilton was in need of a first-class hotel.

          The Hamilton Hotel company was formed with the intention of putting a first-class hotel on that vacant site. The assembling of sufficient financing had been a challenge, as it was intended that the hotel would be of a very high-end nature using the very best of materials and internal amenities.

          While the financing arrangements were being put in place, the Hamilton Hotel company went ahead and ordered the needed structural steel from the Hamilton Bridge Works company.

          Mr. Frost also hoped that tenders for all parts of the needed work for the hotel would be examined by local contractors. Every effort would be made by the company to give the work to Hamilton firms as much as possible.

          In an interview with the Spectator, Mr. Frost said, “I am glad to say that practically all the monies paid in have been applied towards the purchase of the land, and the actual expenses incurred have been extremely small. Barring extreme conditions as the result of the war, there should be no further delays in finishing this undertaking of such extreme importance to Hamilton.”¹

               ¹ “Royal Connaught : President Announces That All Obstacles Have Been Overcome.”

          Hamilton Spectator. August 19, 1914

          The next day, August 20, 1914, the directors of the Hamilton Hotel company, held an afternoon meeting at the board of Trade rooms.

          At the meeting, one of the directors, Sir John Gibson told his fellow directors that the previously agreed estimated budget for the hotel would have to be increased by an as-yet-undermined amount, the increase was believed to be between $50,000 and $100,000.

          Sir John Gibson defended the increase saying that “the work would be carried through without cheapening any part.”²

               ² “Won’t Skimp in Building New Hotel : Cost May Be $100,000 Greater Than Estimated : Local Contractors Will Likely Get the Work : H. L. Frost Speaks Enthusiastically About Outlook.”

          Hamilton.  August 21, 1914.

          The directors were told that the work for the proposed 12-story building would begin almost immediately. It was confidently predicted that hundreds of thousands of dollars in labour and materials would be paid out by the Hamilton Hotel company during the upcoming winter.

          H. L. Frost spoke to the Spectator before the meeting, saying “the business interests of Hamilton cannot afford to have the construction of this hotel postponed any longer and if they will support the directors by subscribing  for five hundred shares of the 6 per cent, preference stock carrying a bonus of 50 per cent of common, the project can be immediately gone on with.

          “Business conditions are naturally influenced by the war, but by many men of keen foresight this is regarded as America’s opportunity. This hotel will be indirectly be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars to Hamilton and just at the present time it is most desirable that the work be proceeded without further delay. Hamilton has goods to sell which will be required all over the world and with a number of European countries wholly out of the export business, it should not be long until there is an active demand for nearly all lines of goods.”²

               Despite the fact that war had been declared, the hotel project would proceed nevertheless. In August 1914, it was anticipated that the war would be over in a few months, probably by Christmas.

 

1914-08-11a

Although a summer holiday was welcomed, the Civic Holiday of August 1914 had a shadow that made it far less carefree than in previous years.

          The weather of August 10, 1914 almost ideal, although marred by a few brief showers during the day.

          Hamiltonians choose to either spend the day in the city or take advantage of one of the many holiday excursions organized by the railways and travel to neighboring cities or towns:

        “Despite the fact that the war has upset the arrangements of many homes in the city, King Pleasure had his sway, and the outgoing trains to such places as Niagara Falls and Buffalo were all well crowded in the morning.”

          “How Hamilton Spent Holiday : Large Number Enjoyed Veteran’s Parade”

          Hamilton Spectator.  August 11, 1914.

          The T.H. and B. station was crowded at 8 a.m. when a considerable number of army and navy veterans living in Hamilton boarded a train to Buffalo. A picnic in that city had been organized by the Army and Navy Veterans Society of Hamilton:

          “Most of these men have sent in their names to Ottawa for the purpose of rejoining the colors and taking part in the war which is now proceeding in Europe, and many of them were reservists who in a few days will probably be on a troopship en route for the scene of operations.

          “This, therefore, was something in the nature of a reunion, and the cheerfulness which these warriors displayed was indicative of all that is best in British manhood. They went to Buffalo in the heartiest and happiest spirit, and will embark for Europe in an equally enthusiastic vein.”¹

               The interurban radial railways were well patronized during the whole Civic holiday of 1914. The most targeted destination was the lakeside communities at Grimsby and at the Beach Strip.

          Grimsby, in addition to its attractive stretch of beach beside Lake Ontario, had a pleasant village area with shops and restaurants which were heavily patronized.

          At along the Beach Strip people could choose to swim either in the relatively cold waters of Lake Ontario, or go to the other side of the sandstrip and swim in the warmer waters of Hamilton Harbor:

          “Bathing seemed to be the principal attraction for the bay was full of swimmers, while those who conduct a boating business along the beach reaped a rich harvest all day.”¹

               Another mode of transit leaving and returning to Hamilton was steamship travel.

From dawn to dusk, the steamships crossed the lake to Toronto and back:

“The boats to Toronto were freely patronized, but a large number of Hamiltonians were much too interested in the war situation to go far away from the Spectator office, where throughout the day they were well-supplied with the latest news from Europe by means of a special wire service which kept going until well on in the evening.”¹

In many ways, it was a Civic Holiday like many that had been enjoyed by Hamiltonians as before. However, the concern about the developing war situation in Europe and what it might mean for husbands, sons, brothers and friends was never far from the minds of many.

The bulletins posted at the Spectator office were a way to keep informed and those not having to work on the Civic holiday stayed in the downtown area to be able to learn up-to-the-minute developments outside the newspaper office.

1914-08-12aadd

“In addition to sending several hundred of its sons across the sea to fight for Britain, Hamilton will likely give further proof of its devotion to the empire by making a liberal donation.”

          Hamilton Spectator. August 12, 1914

          The fever which had swept all over the British Empire upon learning that England was at war, certainly found expression in Hamilton.

          Even at the “municipal stone pile on James Street North,” the Hamilton City Hall, local politicians were ready to pull out all stops to support Britain :

          “ ‘Hamilton will not be behind any other place in its proof of loyalty to the motherland,’ declared the mayor. “I think as a city that we should do something big and I expect the matter to come before the council shortly.’ ”¹

¹ Hamilton To Help With Cash Donation : Mayor Promises City Will Show Its Devotion”

          Hamilton Spectator August 12, 1914.

          In reacting to the news that the city of Ottawa was giving $100,000 for a machine gun battery, Hamilton Mayor Allan did not like that approach:

          “ ‘ I personally am not in favor of buying implements of war. That should be left to the authorities who know what they require. My suggestion would be a substantial gift, and let the authorities do what they think best with it.’ ”¹

               In other war-related news in the Spectator issue of August 12, 1914, it was reported that a substantial percentage of the men who had volunteered would not be going overseas to fight in the war:

          “It is a remarkable fact that nearly 40 per cent of those who volunteered have failed to pass the medical examination. The principal causes of rejection have been bad feet and bad teeth, but it should be borne in mind that the tests have been very strict.

“In many cases where teeth have been faulty, the applicants have had them attended to by a dentist, and upon again presenting themselves for enlistment have been accepted. A few of the rejections have been on account of insufficient chest development.”¹

1914-08-12a

      There were many enthusiastic yachtsman and many fine yachts who considered Hamilton harbor their safe.

          These same yachts and yachtsmen frequently left the relatively protected confines of the bay for trips across Lake Ontario to Toronto and occasionally to the American shore.

          On the night, three sailing enthusiasts from Hamilton, A. G. Lees, Edward B. Fraser and George Daley had a little more adventure on the waters of the lake than they would have liked.

          Sailing a 35 foot yacht, called the Canadian, a yacht which had been entered in Canadian Cup challenges, the men went to Toronto and then intended to go to Western New York state:

          “They started on the long trip across the lake, when 35 miles from the American shore, the boat struck something and sprang a bad leak.¹

¹“Hamilton Men Had Terrible Time on Lake : Battled All Night to Keep Leaking Yacht Afloat : Craft Finally Went Down Near American Shore : Exhausted Occupants Managed to Reach Land.

          Hamilton Spectator. August 12, 1914.

          The yachtsmen knew immediately that they were in trouble:

          “The three men were obliged to work desperately to keep the craft afloat. Using old pails, they bailed the water out for hours, while the boat slowly made its way towards the shore. When about 400 feet from land, the exhausted occupants almost lost their lives when the boat suddenly sank.

          “All three are good swimmers, and this is the only thing that saved their lives. In their exhausted condition, it was no easy matter to make shore, and when they finally managed to reach it, they collapsed.”¹

               The three drenched sailors received assistance when they reached land and were taken to a hotel in Olcott, New York. There they managed to dry out, get some food and send a telegraph to their families informing them of their location.

          The men then slept virtually around the clock before returning to Hamilton, via train.

1914-08-08aa

“A meeting of prominent Italian Canadians has been promoted by two well-known Italian-Canadians of Hamilton, L. P. Scarrone, who has been 25 years in Canada, and Doctor Louis Aldrighetti, editor of Corriere di Hamilton, Italian Weekly.

          Hamilton Spectator. August 8, 1914.

          During the first few days after the declaration of wide-scale warfare in Europe, there was a considerable amount of activity in Hamilton’s Italian community regarding the situation.

          On one hand, many Italians who had been living in Hamilton felt that they should return immediately to their native country :

          “In view of the fact that there have been numerous dispatches concerning the attitude of Italy in the present crisis in Europe, and the fact that Italians have been recalled to service, many of the local sons of Italy are making prepartions to return.”¹

               ¹ “Back to Italy : Many Will Go From Here If Country Goes to War.”

          Hamilton Spectator. August 8, 1914.

          It was deemed very likely that many Italians would be making hasty departures from Hamilton for their native land.

          At the same time, there was an effort being made for Hamilton’s Italian men to react to the news of war in Europe in a different way.

          Two meetings were scheduled for explain how Hamilton citizens of Italian might respond:

          “Arrangements will be made to form a company of Italian Canadian volunteers, which will be placed at the disposal of the local military authorities.

          “Strong enthusiasm reigns in the Italian colony and the members hope to see a company sent to the front as soon as possible”²

               ² “Fine Spirit : Hamilton Italians Will Form Volunteer Company”

          Hamilton Spectator. August 8, 1914.

          By August 12, 1914, the initiative to form an volunteer company of Italian Canadians had progressed substantially :

          “Not even the British born of Hamilton excel in their enthusiasm the patriotic spirit displayed by the Italians here, who have already raised a volunteer company of 100 men to fight for the empire.”³

               ³ “Fervid Appeal From Italians : Call on Their Countrymen to Rally Around Colors ; Promise to Furnish Company of 100 Men.”

          Hamilton Spectator. August 12, 1914.

          The following appeal (English version) to attend a meeting was circulated among the Italians of Hamilton:

          “From all parts of the civilized word comes an outcry of protest against the Austro-German arrogance and the temerity which these countries are trying to trample down the most sacred rights of the people. Everywhere companies of volunteers are being organized for the purpose of opposing the armed forces of the Teutonic peoples. In the old country our brothers, in view of the temporary neutrality very wisely declared by our government, have already in men legions of volunteers in aid of Servia, France and England.

          “We, Italians of Canada, must show that we are second to none in coming to Britain’s aid.

          “England has been always a true friend of Italy. England, with France, has co=operated in the unity and independence of Italy. We, exiled sons of Italy, must be grateful to the great nations. We must demonstrate that we love this adopted country, which is part of the great British Empire. To prove this we must organize a strong company of Italo-Canadian volunteers, and put our lives at the disposal of the Canadian military authorities.

          “Everyone who is a true Italian by birth and sentiment should come to the meeting, which will be held in Kennedy hall tonight at 8 o’clock. Nobody should fail.

          “Long live Italy! Long Live Canada! Long Live England!” ³

               The final words of the appeal were repeated loudly by all when the recruiting meeting ended:

          “Those were the cheers taken up by 300 stalwart sons of Italy who gathered last night in Kennedy’s hall in response to a call for volunteers among local Italians to fight for the empire in the present war.”⁴

               ⁴ “Sons of Italy to Fight for Old Britain : Cheer Frantically For Italy, England and France : Three Hundred Have Already Volunteered Service : Arrangement Completed for a Big Parade Tonight”

          Hamilton Spectator. August 13, 1914.

          The main speaker of the main was Dr. Aldrighetti, 39 Robert street. The doctor, editor of the Hamilton weekly newspaper, called, in English, The Italian Courier, well-known in the Italian Hamilton community. He was also was well-regarded as a fluent, enthusiastic speaker

The doctor employed his oratory to the greatest degree in the Italian language and he was interrupted frequently with loud and prolonged cries of “Long Live Italy, Long Live Canada, Long Live England,”

“Hats were thrown in the air and the greatest excitement prevailed, especially at the conclusion of his address, when Dr. Aldrighetti asked for a showing of hands from those willing to volunteer in England’s cause.

“Hardly had the request been made before hundreds of hands were thrust high in the air. Many of the volunteers, fearing that they might not be seen, jumped on chairs and raised both hands at the same time, all joining in the cry, ‘Long Live England.’ ”⁴

Within a half hour of the end of Dr. Aldrighetti’s address, upwards of 200 names were put on a list of those willing to volunteer.

 

1914-07-04abb

“The opening of the new art gallery of Hamilton this week is an important event in the history of the city, for from hence forward the citizens will have an opportunity of taking a first-hand interest in the work of the best Canadian artists.”

          Hamilton Spectator. July 4, 1914

          The previous year the Hamilton Public Library, taking advantage of a large grant from Andrew Carnegie, opened Hamilton’s second library building on Main Street West.

          The first Hamilton Public Library, then less than 15 years old, across the street also on Main, was vacant as the year 1914 began. However, there were definite plans to put that impressive civic space to good use.

          In late June, there was much activity at the old library buildings as volunteers gradually converted into a public art gallery.

          On July 4, 1914, a Hamilton Spectator shared his impression of the Art Gallery of Hamilton just days after it opened:

          “If it promotes and cultivates a greater and fuller realization of the artistic, the efforts of those who brought about the establishment of the gallery will be rewarded, and if the pictures which, in future will be exhibited, maintain the standard of excellence which the opening exhibition has set, it is difficult to see how it can fail to so.”¹

               ¹ “Review of the Pictures at the Art Gallery : Splendid Display Is Attracting Much Interest”

          Hamilton Spectator.  July 4, 1914.

          Of the 300 pictures put in place for the opening of the Art Gallery of Hamilton, only about half a dozen were the works of artists not from Canada, thereby fulfilling the Art Gallery’s vision of being a place thoroughly representative of national art.

          Noted Hamilton artist John Sloan Gordon was the honorary secretary of the art gallery, although it was formally admistered by a board of governors.

          The Art Gallery had set the opening hours of the institution as follows : Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The gallery would also be opened on public holidays.

          The Art Gallery would require no admission price, except on Wednesdays and Saturdays, when a charge of 25 cents would apply, in the hopes of defraying some of the operating expenses.

          The July 4, 1914 Spectator contained a detailed review of virtually every painting or at least section of the gallery, but the first review went to the artist William Blair Bruce and the collection of his works which formed a basis for the Art Gallery of Hamilton and which would remain on ‘permanent’ display:

          “The Bruce Collection, which is a permanent feature of the exhibition, has a room to itself, and it contains some of the best work of the Hamilton artist.

          “Facing the entrance is the largest canvas of all – Summer Day – which was painted at Grez in France. This work, which is beautifully executed in regard to shade and color, introduces portraits of the artist’s wife and sister.

          “In the center of the east wall is the Hawthorns, which is an excellent transcription of the half light of a summer evening. This picture gives a wonderful rendering of this effect, and is remarkably harmonious in color, the only fault being that the work does not appear to have been carried to the same state of completion as in some of the other canvasses in the collection.

          “The work is flanked on either side by marine pictures painted in the Baltic, the most striking one of which conveys with wonderful truth the effect of a lurid sky upon the sea rolling in on a flat shore.

          “On the south wall, there is beautifully harmonious picture in low tones, entitled, The Phantom Hunter. This canvas was one of the artist’s first successes at the Paris salon, and it is of particular interest to Hamilton people because of the fact that the snow background and landscape were painted up on the mountain side.

          “Of an entirely different character, and a picture which shows the artist’s versatility, is the Monologuist. This is a portrait of the celebrated Parisian artist and teacher, Lesar, and it conveys an idea of the difficulties in painting a portrait by lamplight.

          “Perhaps one of the most striking pictures in the collection is The Baltic in Winter, which was painted near the artist’s home on Gottland, off the coast of Sweden. This canvas is an admirable rendering of and ice-covered sea shore, with the open sea beyond. On this wall also is an expressive character study of Nelson, depicting England’s hero standing on the deck of the Victory in the twilight.

          “Probably the finest work in the room is to be seen on the west wall, where in the center, hangs a great picture called Bathers at Capri. This canvas, which has been lent to gallery by William Bruce, shows an excellence of coloring rarely achieved, and the artist has given a truly wonderful impression of the water on the skins of the two smaller figures. This picture secured the gold medal at the Pan-American exhibition in 1902.

          “Noticeable among other pictures on this side are portaits of the artist’s mother and grandmother. In these, particularly in the former, care is not taken in respect of completion, but they both give an admirable idea of the artist’s method of work..

          “Five or six pictures showing streamlets, running through broken country at Grez, in France, are also to be seen on this wall, and they are among the most delightful things in the exhibition. The Indian studies, too, are worthy of attention and are interesting to artist and layman alike.”¹

               While the works of William Blair Bruce were the focus of the Spectator reporter’s article, he also carefully detailed all the areas of the new Art Gallery of Hamilton, giving a full review of what was, in July, 1914, Hamilton’s newest cultural institution.