1914-07-15aak

 

    “During the past week many complaints have been made about motorists speeding along the Beach at night, and, unless steps are taken to put a strop to the practice, it is feared that an accident will result.”

Hamilton Times.  July 15, 1914.

As the Beach became a popular summer resort in the late 19^th and early twentieth centuries, access from the city to the cottages, the swimming areas, popular hotels and amusement centers was by horse and carriage or by railroad, either the steam railway or the radial electric railway. Automobiles were few and far between.

However, the summer of 1914 saw more and more automobiles appearing on the Beach strip, both during the daytime and nighttime hours.

On July 15, 1914, the Hamilton Times contained a report about automobile drivers causing problems:

“Every evening about 11:30, a heavy touring car shoots across the sand strip, blowing a death-disturbing siren and waking most of the residents.

“The Beach constable has seen it on two occasions, but has, owing to the fact that the rear light was invisible, has been unable to ascertain the license number.

“Last evening, it passed the canal about 11:45, and failed to slow up until making the turn north of the canal.

“This is not the only car that is complained of. Several other motorists have breezed along at a clip of from forty to fifty miles an hour.”¹

¹ “Auto Mystery : Police After Joyriders Shooting Across the Beach at Night.”

Hamilton Times. July 15, 1914.

Five days later, the Hamilton Times carried an article an article about the ever-increasing popularity of the Beach and the danger of automobiles in the area:

“Despite the cry of hard times, the Beach is more popular this year than ever before, both from a residential and pleasure-seeking standpoint.

“With half a dozen exceptions, the Beach is occupied, from the tumble-down shacks on the lake shore to the finer residences on the roadway.

“The fine weather of the past two weeks has made it a mecca for the seekers of cool air, and each afternoon, the pavilion and park at the canal are crowded with happy throngs of men and women and boys and girls.

“The extremely pleasant bathing has been a feature also this year, for never for several years back, have the residents known the bathing to be as good for such a length of time.

“Desirous that all motorists should keep within the limit of twelve miles an hour, the Beach Commission has arranged a number of large signs at intervals of two or three stations.

“This has been done in view of the many narrow escapes experienced by small children. They are in the habit of playing in front of their homes and are constantly in danger of being hit.”²

² “Boat Owners Now Complain”

Hamilton Times.   July 20, 1914