1914-09-11abc

All three Hamilton daily newspapers tried to attract readers from the residential areas above the escarpment by providing news items of interest for those on “the mountain.

          On September 11, 1914, the Hamilton Times had two such items which are quoted in full below :

 

      “ Although there is some talk of hard times on the Mountain top, activities show no signs of ceasing. Many of the people, indeed are in close circumstances, but the majority of the residents of that district seem to be fairly well-prepared for the coming hard times. In different sections, houses and stores are being erected, and all are of a construction which seems to belie the statement that money is scarce up there.

          “Throughout the Township of Barton much is being done to give the unemployed men work to do to keep them through the coming winter. On the mountain top in the east end, sidewalks are being laid, and quite a number of men are working there. The township has also started work on Concession street, east of the city limits, and is grading and levelling the road. Wellington street is also receiving a coating of crushed stone. It is hoped that this work will be continued for some time, as many of the residents of East Mount Hamilton will be in need during the coming winter, unless the township provides some kind of work for them.”¹

               ¹ “Mountain Top : Considerable Work Both in City and County.”

          Hamilton Times.   September 11, 1914.

 

          “Although there has been an agitation on the Mountain top for a long time past for adequate police protection from the city police force, nothing has been done and there are no signs of any activity in that quarter. Mr. Pratt has been endeavoring to get a force organized and have the city pay for the upkeep. At present the only protection there is of that kind is afforded by one county officer and a police officer who comes over from Dundas once in a long time to see that everything is all right. As it is at present, a person could commit crime and would have half a day to escape from this section of the country before any one would be put on his trail.”²

               ² “Police Wanted : East Mountain People Need Their Protection”

          Hamilton Times. September 11, 1914