1914-11-17add

They were just two short items in the Hamilton Spectator of November 17, 1914, but they showed the impact that the war in Western Europe was having in Hamilton.

The first concerned a gathering at the city’s prestigious Hamilton Club at Main and James streets. A farewell dinner, attended by sixty men was held there for three prominent figures in the local medical community who were about to go to the front with the second contingent.

Major Farmer was going with the Field Ambulance Corps, andCaptains Jones, Silcox and Nicholson were going with him to serve on his staff.

Major Farmer was presented with a pair of field glasses, while the others were each presented with military wrist watches. Speeches were made which referred to the sacrifices the men were making to serve their country, as all of them had extensive practices which were being abandoned:

“The suggestion was made that the local doctors take over the practice of the men and not only give them the remuneration with they return, but also keep their practices intact. The idea met with the general favor of the doctors present, and it is likely that such some steps will be taken in the near future.”¹

¹ “Farewell Dinner : Prominent Medical Men Leave Shortly for the Front.”

Hamilton Spectator.   November 17, 1914.

The other story concerned the popular, high class, vaudeville theater on King street, the Temple Theater. It was announced that at the end of the week, after the appearance of the English comedienne Alice Lloyd, the theatre would be closed for an indefinite period :

“ ‘Thereis nothing else to do,’ said Will H. Stevens, manager of the house, discussing the matter this morning.

“ ‘Theatrical business all over the country is suffering as a result of the disturbed conditions caused by the war, and I don’t think any place, for its size, is harder hit than Hamilton.

“ ‘Our decision to close the house was only reached after careful consideration and following a heavy heavy loss on the company’s part. I think that the theatergoing public of this city will agree with me that the Temple has furnished vaudeville shows that compare with the best seen in the larger American cities. But the patronage has not justified the expense.

“ ‘Hamilton is a good show town, one of the best in the country when conditions are right, and when business becomes normal again, the Temple will reopen.’ ”²

¹ “Temple Closes for the Season : Won’t Reopen Until Conditions Are Normal.”

Hamilton Spectator      November 17, 1914