Wheatless Bread and the Royal Connaught Hotel - December 1917

“In the homes of the kitchen patriots who are loyally backing up the food controller in his conservation campaign, the meatless day is no more a novelty – and the sweetless day is a possibility.”

Hamilton Spectator. December 21, 1917.

As the year 1917 was nearing its end, the Great War had been going for over 2 ½ years. As well as the human carnage in Western Europe, there were many sacrifices being called for back in Canada.

Concerns about food shortages led the Canadian federal government to impose establish the office of a food controller and the launching of an education campaign.

The newly-opened Royal Connaught hotel in downtown Hamilton was the location where a “Wheatless Day” was inaugurated:

“The Connaught has right along served a variety of delicious war breads, in which a proportion of cornmeal, oatmeal or rye is substituted for wheat flour. This war bread, which has been very popular with Connaught patrons, differs in one remarkable particular from most other kinds. Recipes aplenty have been printed and given out on lecture platforms by food conversation experts – including those of the food controllers’ staff – and all agree that one-fifth is about the largest proportion of substitute cereals which can be used with wheat flour if the wheat flour is to be palatable.

“But Chef Baujard, the gastronomic artist who presides over a vast and wonderfully equipped domain in the lower regions of the Connaught, has changed all that. What this clever Frenchman doesn’t know about cooking isn’t worth knowing, and he has proved it by making palatable bread and rolls with a much larger proportion of substitute grains than has hitherto been thought practicable, and a consequent greater saving of wheat flour.”¹

¹ “Wheatless Day Inaugurated at the Connaught : Big Hotel Goes Food Controller One Better : It’s War Bread Now or Tickets for Bread Line Later : Chef Shares Secrets of His Experiments With Public”

Hamilton Spectator.    December 21, 1918.

The Royal Connaught, upon opening, quickly gained a strong reputation for the quality of the meals provided there. The chef in charge at the Connaught in December, 1917 was Chef Baujard:

““The Connaught has right along served a variety of delicious war breads, in which a proportion of cornmeal, oatmeal or rye is substituted for wheat flour. This war bread, which has been very popular with Connaught patrons, differs in one remarkable particular from most other kinds. Recipes aplenty have been printed and given out on lecture platforms by food conversation experts – including those of the food controllers’ staff – and all agree that one-fifth is about the largest proportion of substitute cereals which can be used with wheat flour if the wheat flour is to be palatable.

“But Chef Baujard, the gastronomic artist who presides over a vast and wonderfully equipped domain in the lower regions of the Connaught, has changed all that. What this clever Frenchman doesn’t know about cooking isn’t worth knowing, and he has proved it by making palatable bread and rolls with a much larger proportion of substitute grains than has hitherto been thought practicable, and a consequent greater saving of wheat flour.”¹

Chef Baujard was able to speak some English, but with only a limited vocabulary and with a heavy accent. Thus, the manager of the Royal Connaught, Mr. O’Neil, did the interview on the subject with the Spectator man:

 “ ‘We calculate that we save at least 1,500 pounds of wheat flour a month by the use of these war breads,’ said Manager O’Neil. ‘ And we’re going to save a lot more yet by our ‘wheatless’ days, when bread containing absolutely no wheat flour will be served.’

“Mr. O’Neil explained that experiments by Connaught chef along the lines of the wheatless loaf have proved so successful that patrons of the hotel had been enthusiastic in their reception of the innovation; and Chef Baujard has received many compliments on his triumph.

“Rye flour and oatmeal take the place of wheat in this wheatless loaf, and it can be readily understood that it conforms to a standard of palatability, when the Connaught’s reputation for bread and rolls is considered. This bread also has a very high food value, as oatmeal contains a greater percentage of albuminoids than any other grain, and is more nutritious than ordinary flour; while rye comes next to wheat in food value, measured by the amount of gluten it contains.

“Another conservation feat successfully accomplished by Chef Banjard is one never heard of before. That is the cutting out of wheat flour, on the wheatless day, from the manufacture of the justly-famed French pastry. The saving effected here is also very considerable.

“ ‘It is a case of war bread now, or tickets for the bread line later on,’ said Manager O’Neil, when discussing the necessity for conservation. ‘If every housewife would make economy fashionable before it becomes obligatory, a great saving would be effected.”¹

Manager O’Neil desired to provide information to Hamilton homemakers about the bread innovation which had been developed at the Connaught :

“So firmly is Mr. O’Neil convinced of the importance of the intelligent co-operation of every housekeeper that he would like to see every home baker using these war breads.

“In order that the housewives of Hamilton may have the advantage of tested recipes by the Connaught’s noted chef, Manager O’Neil kindly consented to reveal some of that culinary expert’s secrets.

“Here is the latest innovation, the ‘wheatless’ loaf, which the chef frankly admitted was ‘pretty hard’ when he first began experimenting, but which patrons now demand on Wednesdays.

“Toast bread – 2 qts water, 2 ozs. Salt, 2 ozs. yeast, 3 1/3 rye flour, 4 2/3 lbs. oatmeal. The above will make 15 lbs.

“Following are recipes of Royal Connaught war bread, and rolls, all of which should be baked well :

“ Rolls – 1 qt. water, 1 oz salt, 1 oz1 2/3 lbs. whole wheat flour, 3 1/3 lbs. oatmeal. The above will make 7 ½ lbs. rolls.

“French bread loaf – 1 qt. water, 1 oz. salt, 1/3 oz. sugar, 1 oz. yeast, 1 2/3 lbs. oatmeal, 1 oz. lard. The above will make 7 ½ lbs.

“Rye rolls – 1 qt. water, 1 oz. salt, 1 oz. yeast, 2 ½ lbs. rye flour. The above will make 7 ½ lbs.”¹

Board of Health Over-Officiousness - December 9, 1918

By December 9, 1918, there was little support left for the Hamilton Board of Health’s bans. Public gatherings were banned, store hours shortened, schools closed, and theater doors locked, all in the fight against the spread of influenza. There was also a ban on meetings.

The number of new cases of influenza reported per day was dropping as were the death rates. Public sentiment had decidedly turned against the board of health’s ban.

The Hamilton Herald generally fanned the flames of that opposition. When an incident involving an officious board of health, the Herald reported it in great detail, and in the same article got a little sarcastic in tone:

‘

“Here is a true story illustrating the manner in which the health’s board’s ban is being enforced.

“The Rev. E.H. Bowden Taylor, curate of Christ’s church cathedral, has been conducting at his apartment, in a lodging house on Bold street, weekly classes for the benefit of Sunday School teachers. Of late, the subject of study is church history.

“On Friday evening, the class met as usual. There were only three present besides Mr. Taylor. Somebody in the house had evidently been giving hostile consideration to the classes, regarding them as held in defiance of the board of health’s order forbidding meetings of any sort; and this person called up the board of health by ‘phone and gave notification of the meeting then in progress in Rev. Mr. Taylor’s apartment.

“The class had almost completed its session when the door opened and an inquisitive face appeared on the threshold.

“ ‘What sort of meeting is this?’ enquired the owner of the face. ‘Is it a social gathering of some sort?’

“ ‘Well, something of that sort,’ replied Mr. Taylor. ‘We are engaged in the study of church history. Why do you ask?’

“ ‘ Because I am an officer of the board of health,’ said the uninvited visitor. ‘I see that your meeting is in contradiction of the board’s order. It must disperse.’

“ There was some further  conversation. While it was in progress, there came from an adjoining apartment, loud sounds of merriment mingled with blatant strains of a pianola.

“ ‘What is going on in there?’ enquired the officer.

“He was told that there was probably a social gathering, but that he had better go and find out himself. He did so. Opening the door, he found a party of seven persons in the apartment, having a good time. Asking the nature of the proceedings, he was informed that it was a social gathering.

“ ‘In that case,’ said he, ‘I have no authority to interfere so he took his departure.

“But he had not finished his duty. He was bound to see that his order for the dispersion of Mr. Taylor’s class of three was obeyed. Mrs. Taylor, glancing out of the window, saw him waiting in front of the house watching the door, and called the attention of her husband to the solitary figure keeping vigil there. So, in a spirit of mischief, it was decided that the three students should give the sentinel the slip, and they took their departure by a rear exit.

“ The weary minutes dragged on, and still the lonely sentinel kept watch outside. Finally, concluding the majesty of the health board was being defied, he hailed a assing policeman, and the two of them ascended to Mr. Taylor’s apartment and demanded admittance. Of course, they were promptly admitted.

“ ‘You are defying my order,’ said the officer sternly. ‘I must insist on the immediate dispersal of your class.’

“ ‘Why, my good man,’ replied Mr. Taylor mildly, ‘they went away long ago. If you doubt my word, you may search my premises.’

“Whereupon the health officer and his grinning companion withdrew, the former looking very crestfallen.

“From this incident it would appear that the officers vested with the authority to enforce the board of health’s restrictive order have been instructed to discriminate in favor of some gatherings and against others. Three students meeting in his private apartment for the purpose of studying church history constituted a dangerous assemblage in defiance of the order of the board, but a party of twice the size meeting in an apartment of the same size for the purpose of having a jolly social time, was an innocent gathering with which it was not the business of the health officer to interfere.

“Is it the theory where two or three Sunday School are gathered together, thither the ‘flu germ is strongly attracted, while ‘social gatherings’ have no attractions for him? Or is it held that the study church history predisposes the human system to influenza, but that laughter and song to the accompaniment of a pianola act as a sort of prophylactic?

“Whatever the explanation of the mystery, the experience of Mr. Taylor and his little class of students in church history serves to illuminate the fact that, whatever claim may be made with regard to an Englishman’s home being his castle, it is not true that a Canadian’s home is his castle when health officers are prowling around.”¹

¹ “Canadian’s Home is Not His Castle When Ban is On : Experience of Rev. E.H. Bowden Taylor With Majesty of Health Board Clearly Proves This : ‘Gathering’ Dispersed : Three Students Not Allowed to Study, But Party of Seven Permitted to Stay in Same House”

Hamilton Herald.    December 09, 1918.

Loew's Theater Opens - December 31, 1917

Once the winter had passed and spring 1917 had arrived in Hamilton. In the downtown core of the city, particularly in the vicinity of John and King streets.

Towards the south-east corner, the Royal Connaught Hotel, towards the north-east corner, the Loew’s theater, both had been projects which would bring Hamiltonians into a much more modern age than was the case just a few years earlier.

After the construction of the Loew’s theater was completed and the official opening ceremonies were being planned, the Hamilton Times carried an extensive article about the new addition to Hamilton’s theater scene:

“Marcus Loew’s new $500,000 vaudeville and feature photo-play theatre, King street east, will throw open its doors to the people of Hamilton and vicinity on New Year’s Eve. On the same day, Hamilton will go on record as having the largest theatre on the North American continent in proportion to population. A delve deep into the annals of theatredom has failed to bring to light any vaudeville theatre as large, located in any city with a population near the size of that of Hamilton.

“The opening night will be one long to be remembered. For that one occasion all box seats will be reserved. Starting January 1, only box seats can be reserved. Among the stage celebrities to accompany Mr. Loew and his staff to Hamilton will be the famous and beautiful Kitty Gordon, known through her admirable work in the comic opera world and more recently in screen life. Miss Gordon will be the guest of honor, having accepted the personal invitation extended by Mr. Loew to be the sponsor for the new link to the vast chain of Loew theatres throughout Canada and the United States. Miss Gordon, Mr. Loew and other notables of the moving picture and dramatic stages, will probably reach Hamilton on Thursday, when the seat sale will start at the theatre.

                             ADDING A LINK

“Adding a new link to the gigantic Loew chain is an event – promising a most excitable, pleasurable and interesting evening. For weeks in advance the entire working force of the New York offices of the Marcus Loew vaudeville enterprises, are planning the most unusual events. Actors and actresses of renown, and the most famous of screen artists manifest the greatest interest, and in many cases have been known to cancel their engagements, to be among those ‘present.’ ” ¹

¹ “Loew’s New Theatre Opens New Year’s Eve : Hamilton Now Boasts  of Largest Theatre, In Comparison to Population on the Continent of North America : Seats Reserved  for Opening Night Only – Sale to Start Thursday Morning at Theatre – Description of Ontario’s New Amusement Palace and Work of Art”

Hamilton Times      December 22, 1917.

          The Times reporter was given a tour of the as-yet unopened theater :

“All Hamilton will fail to realize the beauty and artistic construction of their new theatre until a visit has been made. A chat with a representative of the firm of P.H. Secord & Sons, Ltd., will do much to convince many of the size of Loew’s new palace of enchantment. Giving all at what he termed a conservation estimate, approximately 20,000 sacks of cement, were used in the building; 1,500,000 bricks; car loads of hollow tile blocks and brick; 400 tons of steel and thousands of feet of copper wiring.

                             ARCHITECT PRAISES WORK

“Thomas A. Lamb, a prominent theatrical architect, who has designed many of the larger theatres, lauded the Hamilton structure. Mr. Lamb, during a recent visit, declared that although the Hamilton playhouse was naturally not as large as some of the Loew’s enterprises in larger cities, it is decidedly one of the most artistic and best-constructed in Canada and the United States. To bear out his statement, he pointed out the fact all floors and roof were made of solid concrete. Another remarkable feature cited was the plentiful supply of exits provided for, 20 in number, and all within easy access of all seats. The equipment, in Mr. Lamb’s opinion, is unsurpassed. When installing this equipment, as in the construction of the building, it was pointed out that the danger from fire was literally eradicated. The stage and auditorium are practically two separate vbuildings, and each fire-proofed to their greatest capacity.

                             VARIETY OF STONE USED

“In the long and spacious lobby leading into the theatre from King street, a varied and costly assortment of stone was used. The lobby floor is of Terrazzo. The walls have been finished in Caenstone, with marble mosaic borders with a marble base. The front of the lobby was built of carved Indiana limestone. Tall plate-glass mirrors have been placed generously in the lobby, which will undoubtedly prove an exceptionally attractive feature to many of the fair sex. Several modernly-equipped ticket booths, in the lobby, will do away with congestion, no matter how large the crowd may be.

                             ALL LIGHTS HIDDEN

“The extremely-attractive lighting system has been the source of much favorable comment from experts on this particular form of the building trades. Although many thousand lamps have been used, the visitor will never see them. Behind ledges, strips and through lattice work, these myriads of high-powered bulbs will throw their soft, amber glow into the lobby and auditorium. Mounting a double marble staircase, one comes upon the most magnificent marble rotunda, unlike anything constructed in most of the larger theatres in the world. Alcoves of marble are fitted out with inviting fireplaces, lounges, easy chairs, wall seats, writing tables, books and pamphlets. With the exception of the marble lobby, the entire flooring of the playhouse has been covered many large rugs. Off the rotunda, one finds six special and comfortable smoking rooms. From the two main entrances, one on King street and the other on King William street, there are two broad staircases leading to the orchestra, mezzanine boxes, and three more to the mezzanine floor and balcony.

                             OVER 2,000 SEATS

The total number of seats, including the twelve boxes, will exceed 2,900 and will probably be on the nearest end of the 3,000 mark, when the building equipment plans have been completed. The chairs and their spacing are exceptionally roomy and comfortable.

“The lighting system in the main auditorium, aided greatly by the stained glass, is one that will illicit much praise from the people of Canada. The central portion of the huge dome in the center of the ceiling has been finished off in a curious golden-bronze effect, which certainly original in its conception. From the center of this dome is suspended a huge candelabra.

“Arthur Brounet, famous decorative artist, who had charge of the work at Loew’s new Hamilton project, is responsible for the remarkable blending of rich color schemes throughout the building. Mr. Brounet recently gained an exceptional amount of publicity at the hands of the New York dailies for his wonderful work in the house of the steel magnet, Charles M. Scwab on Riverside drive. The decorations in the Schwab home alone is said to have involved an expenditure of over $1,000,000. Beginning with Mr. Brounet’s work in the main lobby, the color scheme is of gold and a delicate blue of the Delia Robia period, which is very rich. The inner vestibule is molded after the Italian period and ornamented by handwork in the Raphael style. The same style has been closely followed in the inner lobby, while all the woodwork of this particular section has been finished in Circassion walnut. In the first mezzanine, the color scheme is old gold, grey and ivory. Following the same style in the woodwork, the finish has been waxed. All panels along the promenade and stairways are covered with heavy brocade silk of an old bronze color. The dome is finished with a mass of gold leaf, ivory and grey, with the faintest touch of Italian blue, which, when subdues, bring out the general lines of the handsome architecture. Various parts of the ornamentations have also been finished with a cameo effect. On the top of the proscenium arch is a magnificent piece representing the charm of genius listening to its beautiful music, with accessory ornamentation of Raphael style which has been charmingly executed by hand. Each side wall of the orchestra has been finished in real French Caenstone. The panels of the balcony walls represent one of the most artistic bits of work in the playhouse, having been rounded off with Italian tapestry. All draperies in the interior are of silk velvet with a separate color scheme of red and gold. Mr. Brounet volunteered the remark that, when opened, Loew’s Hamilton theatre will be in the front rank of file of genuinely artistic theaters of the country. To bear his statement, he brought to light the fact that ten specialists in decorative art had been imported for this special work. The salary of these men alone to men initiated or fully acquainted with this particular branch of work will suffice in establishing Mr. Brounet’s statement.

“When fully completed, the theatre will be a master triumph for Hamilton labor and Canadian building material. At least 90 per cent of the labor engaged by James R. Miller, the superintendent for Thomas Lamb, was from Hamilton, and a great percentage of the building used bore the Canadian stamp. Mr. Miller is a Canadian, and has been on the scene since the breaking of the ground early last April. With the opening of the theater on New Year’s Eve, it will be found that almost without exception, the employees have been drawn from Canada.”¹

As the day of the opening neared, Hamiltonians were heartened to learn that “one of their own” would be among the entertainers who would be on the Loew’s stage on opening night : “When the curtain ascends for the first time in the new Loew’s Theater, King street east, on New Year’s Eve, it will not only mark the opening of the new palace of amusement, but the homecoming of a Hamilton girl.

“Miss May Bowes, one of the leading dancers with the opening act, the ‘Kincaid Kilties,’ a Scotch song and dance revue, is returning to her birth place for the first time in several years. A host of her childhood playmates and schoolmates, hearing of her return, are planning many novel and pleasant surprises for the opening week.

“An effort is being made in the New York offices of the Marcus Loew Vaudeville Enterprises to make the Hamilton opening one of the notable events of the season. Various scouts in the theatrical field have being working diligently for the past week, gathering in celebrities of the screen and speaking stage to attend the opening. Kitty Gordon will make the opening address of the evening.

“So great has been the demand for seats that the box office will be opened tomorrow afternoon at the theater. Telephone calls from as far as Toronto, with their heavy demand for seats, have made the early opening necessary. While all seats will be reserved for the opening night, only box seats will be reserved, starting with the New Year. On that day also, the performance will start at 1:30 and run continuously until 11 o’clock in the evening.”²

²Local Girl in Scotch Song : Miss Bows Returns for Opening of Loew’s : Sale for Great Event Opens Tomorrow”

Hamilton Spectator     December  26, 1917.

The biggest social event of New Year’s eve, December 31, 1917, in Hamilton was the opening of Loew’s. As described by a Times reporter, it was a glittering occasion :

“The most beautiful theater on the North American Continent – a half million dollar monument to the  progressiveness and sound business policies of Marcus Loew, king-pin of the amusement world – threw open its inviting doors on Monday evening to a critically keen and expectant Hamilton.

          “And there were no disappointments.

          “The new on the Marcus Loew chain – the 218^th link, to be exact – is, architecturally and decoratively. A gem of artistry and human handicraft. Its broad, sweeping lines, its soft, subdued tones and harmonizing appointments brought spontaneous gasps of delight from those first-nighters privileged in the possession of admission pasteboards. Everywhere one looked, there was an eye-pleasing surprise – a cozy, restful nook here, a denny, inviting smoking corner there; a chummy, beckoning fireplace just yonder – all beautiful, yet ‘homey,’ all in keeping with the Loew policy of ‘comfort first.’³

 “In the boxes and logues were glittering light of the theatrical and screen professions, personal friends of Mr. Loew, who make it a point to be present at every christening. Miss Gail Kane, for several years with Famous Players, and now brightest in the Mutual firmament, was first to be presented by his worship, Mayor Booker. And this dainty film sweetheart of the world, blushingly responded to the ovation accorded by the audience.

 “To Countess de Cippico, better known to stage and screen admirers as Rita Jollivet, was accorded the signal honor of dedicating the new palace of amusement. It was the Countess de Cippico who, aboard the torpedoed Lusitania, was standing with the late Charles Frohman, when he, knowing he could not survive, uttered that now-famous truism : ‘In Life, the greatest adventure is Death.’ The Countess de Cippio is now at work in a vivid and spectacular screen reproduction of the sinking of the Lusitania. In happy, charming vein, she expressed her pleasure at being in Hamilton and in complimenting the city upon the acquisition of such an amusement house, said it was just in keeping with the desires of Mr. Loew to provide the most pleasing pleasure at the lowest cost to his patrons.

“ ‘The profit that he makes here, he will spend in the erection of other theaters that laughter and enjoyment may be multiplied,’ said Countess de Cippio, who concluded with a facetious little recitation, Billet-Doux, which one could not help but think was a a playful prod at Hamilton’s mayor. And the count, a gallant military officer of Italy, seated in a box, enjoyed the little joke hugely.

“In other boxes were Nicolas M. Schenck, general manager of the Loew’s Enterprises; N.T. Granlund, director of publicity in chief; Arthur Brounal, noted decorative artist, and wife; Charles W. Lamb, world-famed theatrical architect, and wife; and numerous  other notables whose names are intimately entwined with big theatrical enterprises.

“From all over the continent came messages of congratulation and best wishes, also numerous floral tributes. One of the prettiest of these was a flower-studded horseshoe, the favor of the Famous Players’ Film Exchange.”³

 ³ “Loew’s Theater Opens Its Doors : Inaugural Performance a Brilliant Event : Noted Stage Celebrities As Guests of Honor : Playgoers Flocked to Beautiful New Palace”

         Hamilton Spectator     January 02, 1918.

          The entertainment provided at Loew’s during its inaugural night was first class, a combination of live performers and photoplays :

          “With all the grandeur and eye-appealingness, however, the theater can be no better than the quality of amusement and divertissement with which its patrons are provided. But if the bills of the future are within shouting distance of that of opening week, the success of this new Loew venture is assured.

“Jointly topping it are Mary Pickford, most-loved girl in filmdom, and the Kincaid Kilties. The feature film, Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm, is little Mary’s latest release,  and wherever shown is pronounced the greatest success of her wonderful screen career. The whimsical, appealing story of Rebecca, too well known to require a review, takes on an added charm in the characterization accorded it by Mary Pickford.

“The Kincaid Kilties – twelve of ‘em – do a little of everything, and in gud Scotch style. They sing, dance and squeeze the pipes, and present vaudeville’s most eccentric laugh-yanker. It’s a lively, peppery, gloom-killing offering that will grace any bill.

“There may be speedier and more talented singing comediennes in vaudeville than Daisy Leon, but Hamilton hasn’t seen them.  This little bundle of ‘pep,’ always an attraction at Loew openings, is the possessor of a true and pure soprano voice, a winsome personality and brand new material – a combination harder to beat than the well-known landlord.

“Burns and Foran , two boys with nervous feet and a sure-fire arrangement of songs, steps and patter, fit snugly into second spot and win themselves a welcome.

“Regal and Mack present a novel and dainty song and dance offering, the Book Shop,, which is long on ability; Andrew Kelly, inimitable narrator of Irish stories, goes big in next to closing position, and Rose and Ellis, sensational barrel jumpers, get the vaudeville portion away from the barrier with a breath-taking snatching offering.

“A Mack Sennett comedy, The International Sneak, in two hilariously funny reels, completes the program.”³

After all was concluded at the Loew’s many of theatre-goers crossed King and went to The Royal Connaught for a reception :

“Immediately following the inaugural ceremonies at the theatre, Mr. Schenck, general manager, played host to the visiting and local notables at a midnight supper at the Royal Connaught hotel, where old friendships of the stage folk were renewed and new ones welded.