1914-10-12ds

Even though the outbreak of war might have been seen as a good thing regarding increased business for many Hamilton factories, no significant improvement had been seen by October 1914.

          The commercial depression which had impacted Hamilton, among many other cities in Canada and the United States, was still very much present in October 1914.

          One way in which the federal government hoped to ease the impact of the dire economic times on homeowners was the suggestion that people not be thrown out of their homes because of inability to keep up with mortgage payments.

          As noted in the Hamilton Herald of October 12, 1914, there was considerable debate as to whether such a thing was acceptable or not :

“While some of the civic authorities and many business men have strong objections to the proposal to declare a moratorium  in Canada, there is a feeling in some quarters that a moratorium is needed. In this city there have been many mortgage foreclosures, and it is stated that the principal sufferers are steady workmen who have been thrown out of work”¹

                ¹ “Mortgages Foreclosed”

          Hamilton Herald.   October 12, 1914.

          A local response to the crisis of widespread unemployment and the human sufferings resulting from that situation, the Hamilton United Relief Association was an organization created to fundraise and distribute money to the needy of the city.

          A substantial goal had been set to be raised on October 10, 1914, the Saturday of the long Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Volunteers were organized to visit every Hamilton home to solicit donations to the fund.

The following announcement regarding the drive appeared in all three Hamilton newspapers :

Hamilton United Relief Association.

Facsimile of receipt to be given for envelopes:

No. 31597                                                     Official Receipt No. 21597

  Gum this to back of envelope,                       Your contribution to the Hamilton

  correct side up, and in center.                        United Relief association is

  Give attached receipt to contributor.               hereby acknowledged with

                                                                          Thanks.

 

          The boys who will collect envelopes on Saturday morning will wear an identification badge and will also give you in exchange for your envelope the right hand portion of the receipt shown above.

          The left hand portion will be stuck on the back of the envelope by the boy. You are asked to retain your receipt, and if your contribution is not acknowledged in the newspapers, kindly notify the relief headquarters by telephone, 6849, or 6840, or by mail to 52 King street east, giving the number of the receipt, your name and address.

          The envelops will be collected next Saturday between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., and if you will not be at home, please leave your envelope with a neighbor, who will be given your receipt.

          Contributors not wanting their names published will please at least give address for use in tracking missing envelopes.

          Re Envelope Subscription:

          There seems to be an impression that unless a family can give 50 cents for each member, their subscription is not wanted.

          The committee wishes to say that subscriptions of any amount will be gladly received. “

          Despite efforts to secure a sufficient number of volunteers to canvas every Hamilton home, the number of people required was not met, leading to the following announcement which was also placed in every Hamilton newspaper:

          “Hamilton United Relief Association

          “The committee regrets there were many homes at which no envelops were left, but wished to announce that those persons who have not had an opportunity to subscribe by such means are urged to either remit directly to W. S. Connelly, treasurer at the Molsons bank, or leave  subscription at collection headquarters, 52 King street, which will be open Monday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

          “Envelopes not called for by cadets on Saturday may be left at the above address.”²

² Hamilton Herald.  October 12, 1914.

The target had not been met but the leadership of the association were able to make a relatively positive announcement:

“The Hamilton United Relief association executive announced last night that the campaign for funds had resulted in about $50,000 being raised for the help of Hamilton’s needy this winter.

“The executive aimed to raise $100,000, but is satisfied for the present at least with the sum raised. The collectors gathered $15,700, the citizens gave $4300 in the envelopes delivered to the houses, and the city donated $20,000 and there is more promised”³

³ “Have $50,000 : The Sum is in Sight for Local Relief Work”

Hamilton Herald.   October 12, 1914