1915-04-05rr

In 1915 Hamilton, there was “The Promenade.”

In the evenings, young men and women would walk along a specified route to see and be seen.

In April, 1915, the route of the Promenade had been slightly altered:

“Previously, the ‘girls’ and boys in the evening promenaded on James street, from Hughson to King, and then down to Catharine street, now they slowly parade to Barton street, mostly back and forth in front of the Armories – especially the girls.”¹

¹ “New Promenade : The Line Has Been Extended Past the Drill Hall”

Hamilton Times.   April 5, 1915.

The major reason for the promenade route adjustment was the heavily-increased activity at the Armories on James street north with hundreds of troops training and being boarded there.

For many of the young ladies of Hamilton, a chance to see a dashing soldier in uniform was irresistible:

“That they have taken a liking to the soldiers can be seen at a glance, hardly a khaki-clad lad but has a fair damsel clinging trustingly to his arm, smiling when he swells out his chest and salutes the passing officers.”¹

A reporter for the Hamilton Times shared what he had noticed on The Promenade during the spring evening of April 4, 1915:

“A rather interesting scene was witnessed last evening.

“Three soldiers journeyed down as far as Picton street, where they stood gossiping on the corner.

“A buxom colored woman came along, going sedately west on Picton. The boys, on the spur of the moment, framed up a practical joke.

“One accosted her, and though she did not take kindly  to the white man, she allowed him to walk by her side. They had hardly gone any distance when his three companions rushed up to him.

“One, in strident tones, accused him of being a spy and ordered the others to place him and his companion under arrest. The maid was frightened for a few moments, then with a deft movement of her hand, she sent the soldier spinning into the ditch, at the same time running up the street, much to the edification of the soldiers, who followed her flight with ringing peals of laughter.”¹