1914-01-10

“Ghouls have been at work on the side of the mountain, near the Ferguson avenue steps”

          Hamilton Times. January 10, 1914.

          To provide items of interest for Hamiltonians living on the mountain, and for Hamiltonians generally who might be concerned about affairs in that portion of the city, Hamilton Times regularly published short columns containing newsy items.

          In January, 1914 a number of the “mountain” items appeared.

          Dr. William Case was one of Hamilton pioneer medical doctors. He had been buried on the side of the escarpment near the wooden steps from what was originally Cherry street, later Ferguson avenue, to the brow:

          “There is a tomb there of William Case, M. D., and someone has pried the top off. People who pass up and down discovered this. In their estimation, the city should take steps to preserve this grave, which is quite historic.”¹

               ¹ “Dr. Case’s Tomb : On the Mountain Side Tampered With : People Want City to Preserve Grave”

          Hamilton Times. January 10, 1914

          In the same column attention was drawn to the opinion of Hamilton Dr. McIlwraith who considered Hamilton Mountain “a very healthy community.”

          At the time, there was a proposal to locate a hospital at the eastern end of Concession street, an idea supported by most of the members of Hamilton’s medical community, but opposed by some other segments of the community who considered the location too remote:

          “Dr. McIlwraith, a well-known physician, stated that the mountaineers have enjoyed excellent health. This speaks well for the new hospital site, and the mountain air ought to prove a great benefit to the invalids when the hospital is finally established up there.”¹

               The final item in the January 10, 1914 mountain column dealt with an annoying circumstance in one particular neighborhood:

          “The large number of cats make it lively for the residents on Wentworth street. Every night they congregate near the corner of Wentworth and Concession streets and make the hill ring with screeching sounds. The irate neighbors have used up all their spare old shoes, and the cats go on now unmolested.”¹

          In a Times “Mountain” column which appeared three days later, it was pointed out that the open tomb, in a long-standing and long-to-be-continued Hamilton municipal tradition, had not been addressed:

          “The tomb of William Case, M. D., is still with the top off it. This is regarded as a disgraceful thing for a city like Hamilton. It behooves the city to take some action in the matter.”²

               ² “After Steps : Hill Climbers Still Seek Them in East”

          Hamilton Times. January 13, 1914.

          As more and more houses were being built and occupied in the eastern portion of Hamilton Mountain, residents were pushing for some steps from the brow to the lower city to be built. At the time, the Wentworth street steps were the furthest east.:

          “Citizens of Hamilton living on the mountain are determined to have steps placed at Sherman avenue. Ex.-Ald. Heming has taken this matter up with Aldermen Tyrell and Walters and other members of the Council, and these gentlemen promise to make a special inspection. Ald. Tyrell had already done so, and had the experience of sliding down hill from one tree to another.

          “The population of the mountain is now estimated at something like three thousand, and all think it is time the city took some interest in this part of Hamilton. If these steps were started, it would give employment to many of the men who are not working at present, and supply a great necessity to those living on the mountain.”²

               One of the steps to the mountain had become problematic for those using them due to actions of some fellows:

          “One of the most interesting pastimes enjoyed by future Mountain aldermen, as yet in knickerbockers, is to stand on the top of the flight of steps leading from Wentworth street to the brow, and mercilessly pelt with snowballs all those who are compelled to climb

          “Unprotected, these Canadian Alpiners have to stand the bombardment, and although they make haste to get to the attacking army, a retreat is sounded as they near the top, and all that can be seen are a number of small figures disappearing in the distance. The residents are complaining and promise, if one of the young rascals is caught, he will be made an example of.”³

               ³ “Great Sport : For Boys Who Snowball Mountain Step Climbers”

          Hamilton Times. January 15, 1914.

          The steps up the face of the escarpment were the focus of two further items in Times “Mountain” articles during January, 1914.

          The first concerned a pastime by youths that was considered to be hazardous:

“A policeman has been detailed to patrol the Jolley Cut at nights between the Ferguson avenue steps and John street to prevent people from bobbing. A young man sustained a broken ankle the other evening when a bob upset, and the police will prosecute anyone found sledding down the hill.”⁴

⁴ “Up the Mountain : Walter Harris Met With an Accident on Saturday”

Hamilton Times. January 19, 1914.

Finally, a potentially fatal incident at the bottom of one of the steps was narrowly averted:

“An act of a good Samaritan occurred on the steps on Saturday night. A prominent citizen of Mount Hamilton found another member of the same community lying intoxicated at the foot of the steps.

“As it was a bitter night, the man’s ears were both frozen. Failing to arouse him sufficiently to walk the steps, this gentleman hoisted him to his shoulders and carried him up the 540 steps to the top and thence to his home.

“This is a case where the Humane Society might well reward a medal.”⁴