1915-02-08ii

It was a story that was a welcome read in the coldest part of February 1915.

After prolonged negotiations, the City of Hamilton had purchased the former toll road which ran up the escarpment from the end of Queen street south.

Beckett Drive had not proved to be a paying proposition as a toll road, and had been more or less abandoned and unmaintained until it was purchased by the municipality.

Throughout the winter, the road was being repaired, with many out of work men thankful to be hired to work on the project.

On February 8, 1915, the Hamilton Times ran a story with information forwarded by a resident in the Queen Street South-Beckett Drive area:

“There were recently observed in a mountain ash tree on Queen street south, and all at the same time, six varieties of birds. They were Downy Woodpeckers, Finches, Grosbeaks, Bohemian Waxwings, English sparrows and one lone robin.

“The winter birds feed on the berries of the trees, and the Parks Board was evidently wise to that fact when it planted so many of the ash trees. The citizens, especially those who love birds, might follow that example to their own happy advantage.

“The Beckett Drive, now being cleaned and rebuilt offers a splendid natural home for birds. A pair of Blue Jays was also recently seen in this locality.”¹

¹ “Winter Birds : Six Varieties Seen in One TreeOn Queen Street”

Hamilton Times.   February 8, 1915.