1917-01-01tt

Sherman Avenue Police Station, pictured in December 1914.

As the year 1917 began, a reporter with the Hamilton Herald was able conduct an interview with a policeman he chose not name, a policeman probably stationed at the east end station on Sherman Avenue North. As noted by the reporter, few Hamiltonians, other than those who lived there, would have known much about conditions in the far east end of the city:

 “That section of the city in the east end, largely occupied by foreigners, is, to many residents, little known.”¹

^“Here are the impressions of one of the police officials in that district about the foreigners:

“ ‘During the year they have paid in fines about $4,000, mostly for the illegal sale of liquor. One of the remarkable things is the way in which all nationalities crowd together in one house, and yet seem to agree. The Board of health has done some very good work in getting the people to keep their places clean, and improve their way of living. Many of them take a pride in keeping their places clean, and use every inch of ground in the summer time for gardening. Others are too zealous and would keep chickens in their cellars if it were not for the city bylaws. Most of them are troubled very little with sickness.

“ ‘As the majority of the men are earning good money, they have pretty fair bank accounts, the post office being the favorite bank. Some few men are a little dubious about placing money in a bank, and carry considerable of it around with them. One man of this opinion a short time ago had his money in a belt, but was relieved of it by one of his countrymen.

“ ‘The man thus relieved of one burden took on another – by attempting to drown his sorrows in drink, which prevented him from giving much of a description of the suspected thief. When these men get away, it is very difficult to find them, but for the most part we have little trouble with them. They never dispute the authority of the police, and this has to be used in many ways. Most of the aliens are glad to be in Canada, and take a pride in giving to the Patriotic and Red Cross funds. Many have wives and families in the old country, and while most of them take a pride in sending their money home, a few take unto themselves new ties. About the only thing they are afraid of is a heavy fine by the police magistrate. This has the effect of  keeping peace and good order more than most people believe, as they do not like their purse to be touched or to be deprived of their liberty. The advent of prohibition has been a blessing as we have not had one case of assaulting with intent to wound since in came into effect, while previously it was a weekly occurrence.’ ”¹

¹ “A Policeman’s Impressions : Prohibition Has Been Fine Thing for Foreigners : Not One Assault With Intent Case Since”

Hamilton Herald     January 01, 1917.