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