1914-09-16kak

“With the largest entry in its history, Hamilton fair will open at the Jockey club grounds today”

Hamilton Spectator.  September 16, 914

In fall of 1860, the Prince of Wales, as part of his official duties during his visit to Hamilton visited the fall fair taking place on the large property in west end to be known as the Crystal palace grounds.

The open area would be the site of fall fairs for over thirty years until it was put up for sale. After a by-law approved by Hamilton electors, it was decided that the city would buy the property rather than see it subdivided into residential lots. The area would be renamed Victoria park, and the Crystal palace itself would be torn down.

As there was still a desire to have a fall fair in Hamilton, the location where it was subsequently held were the grounds of the Hamilton Jockey club.

In mid-September, 1914, the fall fair took place even though, barely a month before, Canada had entered the war in Europe.

As described in the Spectator of September 16, 1914, it took a lot of work to put on the Hamilton fair, making its cancellation not an option:

“A large force of men has been engaged during the last few days getting things in shape, and the exhibits will all be in position for the judges to begin their duties.”¹

¹ “Hamilton Fair : Ring Attraction Promise to Be Exceptionally Interesting.”

Hamilton Spectator.   September 16, 1914.

The fair was scheduled to be run over the course of three days, September 18, 19 and 20, 1914.

The first day of the Hamilton fair in 1914 was called ‘Farmers’ day’ the highlights of which were described as follows :

“In addition to the judging of stallions, ladies’ saddle and harness horses, and best single turnouts owned by farmers’ sons, the following track events will be pulled off :

“Trotters, hitched to roundabouts, open only to members of the Hamilton Driving club; farmers’ trot or pace, 1 ½ miles, open to farmers or farmers’ sons actually engaged upon farm; best performance over six jumps; mounted sunbonnet race; running race, 1 ½ miles, and heavyweight hunters, four years old and under, over six jumps.”¹

The next day, Friday September 19, 1914, had the following events scheduled:

“The judging of heavy draught agricultural and general purpose horses will take place, also judging of single pony outfits, pony 11 ½ hands and over; single delivery outfits, two classes; pony outfits under 11 ½ hands; Boy Scouts’ exhibition of drilling, signaling etc., the best all-around troop to receive a challenge cup donated by Mrs. W. E. Sanford, also cash prizes for best Scout band, best exhibition of ambulance and first aid work, and best signaling patrol.

“The track events Friday afternoon will 9include 3.22 class trot or pace, 1 ½ miles; ladies’ saddle horses to be ridden by ladies; pacers hitched to runabout, open only to members of the Hamilton Driving club; trot or pace, 2.20 class; lightweight hunters, over six jumps; running race, 1 ½ miles and mounted potato race.”¹

The final day of the Hamilton fair, Saturday September 20, 1914 was titled “Citizens’ day” and the following horse events were scheduled:

“The judging of carriage roadsters and saddle horses and saddle horses will take place embracing the following events : Champion saddle horse; best single turnout; best lady driver; open running race, 1 ½ miles; night dress race; high stepping horses, 15 hands or over; best three-year old , suitable to make saddle horse or hunter; free-for-all, 1 ½ miles, in three heats; mounted obstacle race; hunters, carrying 175 pounds over six jumps; running race, halfbreds; gentlemen’s best saddle and harness horse; best pair saddle horses, ridden by lady and gentleman.

“The program on Saturday will close with a parade of all the running horses, ponies and cattle.”¹

Each of the three days of the Hamilton Fair in 1914 featured the following during the morning hours:

“The judging of cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry, geese, ducks, turkeys, field roots, garden vegetables, fruit, plants and flowers, dairy produce, domestic manufactures and women’s work, fine arts and china decorating will take place.”¹

The Spectator sent a reporter to the fair and the report filed for the September 18, 1914 edition of the newspaper read as follows, in part:

“The annual fall fair of the Hamilton and Wentworth Fair association got underway at the Hamilton Jockey club yesterday, when the judges completed the task of placing the awards on the various exhibits, while good program of horse racing, including trotting, running and jumping was run off in front of the grandstand.

“A large crowd took in the fair and showed keen interest in the program of sports, some keen racing and good jumping completing a most interesting program.

“The betting ring and the large quarters under the grandstand are the buildings utilized for the various exhibits and these have been nicely arranged.

“The poultry, possibly the best of all the exhibits from the standpoint of numbers and of general interest, is to be found under the grandstand, along with the vegetable exhibition, which has been well-looked after with a good number of entries.

“In the large building, to the east of the grandstand which is used as a betting ring when the H. J. C. meetings are held, is to be found the exhibits of dairy products, plants and flowers, fruits, domestic manufacturers’ and ladies’ work, fine arts, etc. The display of ladies’ work is large and of exceedingly fine nature, while the various lines of fruits are well-represented.

“In this building are also to be found a number of exhibits by local business concerns, the most interesting booth being that containing the Dominion government exhibit. The officials representing the agricultural department in the local district are in charge, and they were quite busy during the day.”²

²  “Crowds Flock to Fair Grounds : Keen Racing and Good Jumping Featured Program : Big Poultry Display Is Attracting Much Interest : Dominion Government and Local Firms Have Exhibits”

Hamilton Spectator.     September 18, 1914

After the third and final day of the Hamilton fair, Saturday September 20, 1914, the directors totaled up attendance and receipts and were quite satisfied with both results.

However, the 1914 Hamilton Fair would be put in abeyance because of the war conditions which dominated during the following three years. After the war, fall fairs would again become popular autumn affairs but not inside the city boundaries. Each township of Wentworth county would have their own fall fairs, but the times of city and farm interests gathering inside Hamilton would be a thing of the past.

1914-09-05aa

War fever was running high in Hamilton in the first few weeks after war had been declared.

One way some Hamilton used to express their patriotism and hostility to the enemy was via the medium of poetry.

In September 1914, the following two poems appeared in the Hamilton Spectator.

 

          RETRIBUTION

The mills of the gods grind slowly along

   While the horrors of war proceed,

And the ruthless troops of a tyrant, strong,

   Cause the innocent ones to bleed.

 

Slowly but surely the wheels move around

   A terrible justice to bring;

Though scant be the news from the battle-ground

   Retribution is on the wing.

 

Shall the ‘mailed fist’ with its wanton lust

   The rights of all others defile;

And our freedom be trampled in the dust

   By a murderous dynasty?

 

The British and French and the Belgian dead

   With their blood, have the issue sealed;

The flag of freedom must float overhead

   And the reign of oppression must yield.

 

From the crimsoned ground and desolate homes

   Of fair Belgium’s wasted domain,

The appeal for a righteous vengeance comes;

   In justice, remember Louvain!

 

The allies are bravely holding their ground

   And forcing the enemy back,

While the Russians are marching Berlin-bound

   The capital city to sack.

 

Let the Germans dread the slow, steady tread

   Of the Russians as on they move;

For the cruel bite of the Muscovite

   Will a just retribution prove.

 

With the Russian hosts and allies combined

   The foe will soon have to contend;

And swiftly flee if retreat they can find

   Their own fatherland to defend.

 

Should the war tide turn, the Cossacks may burn

   And pillage and plunder and loot;

They’ll grasp at the chance to handle the lance,

   Retribution is surely afoot.

 

The war will go on till freedom is won!

   Regardless of what it may cost;

Till Wilhelm is hushed and his armies crushed

   And the throne with its crown is lost.

 

                    Fritz Hermans,

                       Hamilton, Ont.

 

 

 

WHAT OF THE RECKONING

 

          ---------------------------

 

Dispatch : “The kaiser, standing alone, gazed for several hours through a pair of powerful binoculars at the opposing masses.”

 

Look well, O kaiser, see the blood spurt

   As the steel rams through and through;

Mayhap it is well that the thick, soft thud

   Of the gun-butt is not heard by you.

 

Look well and see o’er thense faces creep

   The ashen grey, as with laboring breath,

Men rush to the front rank, wild-eyed, eager

   To swelter in glorious death.

 

Ah, surely a madness is on them !

   The blood lust holding them fast.

Kaiser, by whose hand was it kindled?

   On whom shall revenge fall at last?

 

Shall the brain that willed it that such things should be

   Crumble with fires of remorse,

Or conceit of his bodily impotence

   Uphold with its deadly force

The thought that by God’s assistance

   The brute shall predominate still,

And all nations, relieved f their honor,

   Bow down to the kaiser’s will ?

 

O’er a path strewn with carrion, e’en to destruction,

   Your Goddess, Ambition, is beckoning;

But think, kaiser, think what your plea will be

   When your head bows down at the Reckoning.

 

Hamilton, Ont. September 21, 1914

1914-09-16as

“With but very little opposition, the city council last endorsed proposed expenditures to the extent of nearly $100,000.”

Hamilton Spectator.   September 16, 1914

$100,000 was a tidy sum in September 1914 to approve at one fell swoop.

Among the sums approved at the Hamilton City Council meeting of September 15, 1914 was $13,000 for the purchase of Beckett Drive,

Built as a private toll road connecting the head of Queen Street South in the lower city with what would become Garth street on the mountain, Beckett drive had never been profitable for the owner. By 1914, it was still a private road but used by many, even though it was not maintained in good condition.

The City of Hamilton had long desired to purchase the road but price and title to the property the road occupied proved to be obstacles.

When those issues had been settled, mostly, the council of the City of Hamilton was ready to approve sufficient moneys to complete the deal.

Controller Thomas Morris and Mayor John Allan were both pleased about the resolution of the Beckett Drive matter, and expressed their feelings on the decision :

“ ‘I can go home happy now,’ remarked  Controller Morris to a group of aldermen after the meeting. ‘I have been trying for over twenty years to induce the city to purchase the Beckett drive, and it makes me happy to think it has at last done.’

“ ‘I hope Controller Morris will have no reason to feel otherwise,’ said Mayor Allan, ‘but the decision of the council to purchase was conditional on a good title. That is what caused so much delay heretofore.”¹

¹ “Will  Purchase Beckett Drive : City Council Requires Good Title to Property.”

          Hamilton Spectator.    September 16, 1914.

The day after the council decision, the Spectator published an editorial in which the Beckett Drive acquisition was referenced:

“The acquirement of the Beckett drive has been a necessary element in the conversion of our mountain face into a magnificent park

“The only question has been one of terms. Varying views have been held, and prolonged negotiation has been found requisite to bridge the gap between them. At length, however, a settlement has been reached, to the satisfaction of all concerned.

“As the drive has heretofore been private property, its use by the public has been dependent on the indulgence of the owner. It might have been closed at any time. Now that it has become public property, there need be no feeling on the part of those who use it that they are trespassing, or availing themselves of it upon sufferance.

“To the whole community, the convenience it affords will be secured for all time. And, as part of a public pleasure ground, the drive, with its environment, will doubtless be made as charming as conditions will permit.

“If a thing of utility may become a much-prized asset, ‘a thing of beauty is a joy forever.’ ”²

² “Mountain Face”

Hamilton Spectator. September 16, 1914

With so many men out of work, the leaders at Hamilton City Hall felt that some work for the unemployed could be provided on the Beckett Drive as it was in very poor condition for the passage of vehicle whether horse-drawn or motorized.

However, hopes that obtaining title to the property might be complex, it was anticipating that it could be done relatively quickly.

Such was not the case :

“Work was stopped on the Beckett drive last night, thus throwing out of employment a number of needy men.

“For the past month or more, this work has been prosecuted in a relief measure, and it has been stopped only because the city has been unable to obtain a satisfactory agreement in regard to the ownership of the property.

“There are said to be fourteen different parcels of land in the drive, and the Becket estate has not yet been able to show a clear title to the property. Search is now being made for title at the registry office by T. B. McQuesten, counsel for the Beckett estate, and also by the City solicitor.

“At this morning’s meeting of the board of control, Mr. McQuesten was asked to make another effort to prove title, failing which expropriation proceedings will probably be instituted by the city.

“Expropriation proceedings being costly, however, the board desires to give Mr. McQuesten every opportunity to settle the matter directly with the city.”³

³ “City Waiting for Title to Beckett Land : Work On Drive Was Halted Last Night : Hundred Men Thrown Out of Employment : May Be Necessary to Expropriate Property”

Hamilton Spectator. December 2, 1914.

 

   

 

1914-01-28ak

As 1914 began, the city of Hamilton had a very high percentage of its population which claims Germany as their country of origin, or where their parents had emigrated from to come to Canada.

          A prominent organization for Hamilton’s German population was the Germania Club.

          On January 27, 1914, a special celebration was held at the Germania Hall.

          Coverage of that event in the Hamilton Herald follows :

          “A smoker was held last night in the Germania hall, the occasion being the birthday of the Kaiser.

          “George Scnabel presided and proposed the toasts, Der Kaiser was drunk enthusiastically, after which a speech on the kaiser was made by G. B. Dinkel. Mr. Dinkel is an old Bavarian soldier who served his country and distinguished himself during the Franco-Prussian war, and received a decoration there for distinguished service.

          “He spoke on the Kaiser as the ideal Christian, the first diplomat in Europe, and as a true family man. His speech, which was one of genuine patriotism, was applauded to the echo by his compatriots.

          “Mr Maich entertained the gathering by songs, and was followed by Max Stolpe, who was one of the chief entertainers.

          “The dinner was prepared by W. Kleman, manager of the club, and was greatly enjoyed. A vote of thanks was tendered Mr. Kleman for his excellent fare.”¹

               ¹ “Hoch Her Kaiser! : Germania Club Members Celebrated His Birthday”

          Hamilton Herald.   January 28, 1914.

          It was a convivial gathering at the Germania that evening. Those in attendance had absolutely no suspicion that in eight months’ time, the Germania Club would be forced to suspend operations, and many of those who had gathered to celebrate King Wilhelm’s birthday would opt to change their names to avoid any Germanic association.

          As for Kaiser Wilhelm, it is safe to assume that the dinner on January 27, 1914 would be the last ever held in Hamilton in his honor.

1914-02-11a

“Late in the year 1904, the Elgar choir was organized with Bruce A. Carey as its conductor, and early in the following year, it gave its first concert. It presented a program of part songs, motets and choral ballads, and in such a manner as to captivate all who appreciated good choral work, because never before had the people of this city heard a local chorus sing like that.”

          Hamilton Herald.      February 11, 1914.

          For its 10^th anniversary, Hamilton’s Elgar Choir, under the direction of Bruce Carey, performed Handel’s Messiah at the Grand Opera, on February 10, 1914.

          Although the Elgar started at a very high level of excellence, it had done nothing but improve over the first ten years of its existence :

          “The Elgar choir became Hamilton’s premier choral organization and what enabled it to go to Toronto and impress people who know what it is to hear the best in the art of choral expression. Since their first concert, Mr. Carey and Elgar choir have marched from victory to victory”¹

               ¹ Handel’s Messiah Magnificently Sung : Elgar Choir Under Bruce A. Care’s Direction Sang This Great Work in Superb Manner at Grand Last Night”

          Hamilton Herald. February 11, 1914

          The early programs sung by the Elgar choir usually consisted singing miscellaneous numbers but gradually the choir broadened its scope, until by 1914, it was prepared to take on what many regarded as the greatest of all choral compositions, Handel’s Messiah.

          The music critic with the Hamilton Herald vividly presented to the newspaper readers what he saw and heard at the much-anticipated Elgar choir concert:

          “Messiah was presented last night at the Grand Opera house before an audience comprised of the social and musical elite of Hamilton, and it is safe to say that that audience was surprised and delighted.

          “To the majority it was a revelation. The Messiah as a work is fairly well known to most persons who are found of music, but as far as Hamilton is concerned, it was a new Messiah that most of them heard last night, and a more impressive, more glorious Messiah.

“To this grand musical picture of the Christ, through prophecy and revelation, Mr. Carey bent his mind. It was a finished study of a sublime subject, and it was fully appreciated, as was indicated by the spontaneous applause that greeted the rendition of the magnificent and expressive choruses.”¹

The choir, numbering 128 singers, was accompanied by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.

Two Toronto newspapers sent music critics to the Grand Opera House, and both reviews were very complimentary.

The Toronto World review read, in part:

“Tonight’s performance served to emphasize the high standard set by Bruce A. Carey, the conductor, and to enhance the reputation of the choir as an upholder of their conductor’s ideals in delicacy of execution and sterling qualities of tone, precision and taste.

“With a choir of 128 voices, the same volume of tone cannot, of course, be produced as by double the number, but similar merits of purity of tone, unforced and artistic crescendos, and exquisite pianissimos, distinguish the Elgar choir performances. This was fully borne out by tonight’s singing.”¹

The Toronto Globe review, read, in part :

“Musical Hamilton was generally interested tonight in the musical event of the season, the production of Handel’s Messiah, by the Elgar choir, assisted by the Toronto Symphony orchestra.

“From a strictly musical point of view, the performance was eminently satisfying. The chorus of one hundred and twenty-eight voices sang with a beautiful quality of tone, whether in sections of the mass, their attacks and intonation were certain, and their shading delicate and well-graduated.

“But they were severely handicapped by having to sing at the back of the stage, a locale that smothered sonority, obliterated oratorical emphasis, destroyed vigor of attack, and reduced everything to a level of placidity.

“There were many visitors from Toronto present and their opinions, openly expressed, was that the sooner Hamilton gets a proper music hall the better it will be in the interests of her choral societies”¹

 For those who witnessed the performance of Handel’s Messiah by the Elgar choir on a cold February evening in 1914, the chill was eased by the warmth of their experience in the auditorium of the Grand Opera House.

 

1914-09-14aa

The proceedings of the Hamilton Police Court were always reported in Hamilton’s three daily newspapers.

          For the reporters assigned to gather the names of those charged with relatively small criminal breakings of the law, the work could get repetitive.

          Charges of public drunkeness, petty theft, and trespassing were frequently, if not daily, brought before the Police Magistrate.

          In the fall of 1914, there was, of course, considerable public consciousness about the war in Europe. So a Spectator reporter at the police court on Monday September 14, 1914 decided to write up his summary of that day’s proceedings creatively, using war metaphors.

          His report follows :

          “The siege of Liege was as tame as a revival meeting in comparison to the siege of booze in a vacant lot at the foot of Wellington street Saturday evening.

          “Word was flashed to central police station that oceans of perfectly good ‘licker’ were being destroyed by a thirsty throng of eleven.

          “Sergeant Lowery and a squad of braves stormed the lot, and by a clever flank movement rounded up the sippers of the horrid stuff.

          “The carnage was awful. Dead soldiers strewed the field, and two kegs that were in a dying condition were rescued by the minions of the aw.

          “The booze punishers paraded before throne, licked parched lips, pleaded guilty, and expressed penitence.

          “The magistrate, too, expressed himself. He jotted down eleven fines of five dollars per.

          “Those who contributed were Jacob Smyth, Peter Nelson, Peter Thompson, Barney Fagan, James Kelly, A. Dean, David Dodd, William Humphrey, Clarence Culp, James Phillips and Peter Clark.” ¹

               ¹ “Police Broke Up Hilarious Party : North End Gang Was Celebrating on Vacant Lot : Police Found Ground Strewn With Dead Soldiers.”

          Hamilton Spectator. September 14, 1914

 

1914-09-29asg

“ Joseph Tinsley, who has been on a visit to England for the past few weeks, returned to this city Sunday evening.”

Hamilton Herald.   September 29, 1914

 Upon his return to Hamilton from his overseas trip, Joseph Tinsley, aka Jaques, had a story to tell his colleagues at the Hamilton Herald and to his faithful readers

Between the time he left Hamilton and the time he returned, the Great War, as it was called at the time, had been declared. That fact had a profound impact on Jaques time in England and on his travel plans generally :

“Speaking of his voyage out on the Scotian, he had, it may be surmised, and experience tinged with excitement and military incident.

“Arrangements had been made to leave for Canada at an early date. Just before the day of sailing, an order from the government upset all plans made by shipping agents.

“In a few days, another berth was obtained.”¹

¹ “Jaques Tells of Trip Home : Passengers on Scotian Had Rather Exciting Time on Atlantic : A Description of Life on an Ocean Liner in War Time.”

Hamilton Herald.     September 29, 1914

Jaques did not question being bumped from the vessel which  he had bought passage on for his trip home:

“No one can complain about too much ‘red-tapeism by the authorities being used in taking boats from the shipping companies. Without notice, the vessel is taken.”¹

Finally getting another ticket for passage for Jaques and his wife on the Scotian, sailing from Liverpool, was obtained:

“At the docks the strictest examination was the rule. No friends were privileged to go on board with the passengers. Officers of the army, in addition to the other usual ship’s officers, were stationed on the landing stage, and all tickets and papers were closely examined as the men were passed.”

Jaques felt that there was hardly room in one Herald article on his trip across the ocean to enumerate what he called “the usual and unusual hitches and pitches incidental” to such a voyage:

“There were lots of those little upheavals to be witnessed everywhere.

“On September 22, one passenger was greatly surprised – an old lady passenger was alarmed – when the steward abruptly entered the room and at once proceeded to hang up curtains over the cabin window, at the same issuing a warning that the room must be kept as dark as possible.

“Naturally the question was asked why the change was made.

“The steward’s answer was: ‘I know nothing. That is the order issued.’

“The returning passage was well-acquainted with the fact that the government exercised great secrecy in war matters, but, up to September 22, 1914, had no idea that so much mystery surrounded the interior of a ship’s cabin.

“Well, here is an explanation. Jaques is writing this article, and what is herein  contained is written from personal experience..

“I though a visit to the deck would help out. When reaching the spot all was in total darkness. Waiting for a short time, a sound was heard. Soon a whispered was made to my question, and a decision was reached to repair to our rooms while all was safe – especially as one of the ship’s officers had ordered us to our cabins.

“All through the evening, dreaded sounds were heard. Once, it was supposed, a rocket was seen in the air. Then, one person averred the boat was being turned around. For what reason ? No one could reply. Wait till morning. And the passengers had to wait.”¹

Jaques accepted that he had to wait until morning to find out what was going, but it was indeed very early in the morning the next day that he was after an answer to his questions:

“On the decks, two at each end, were four six-pounder guns, some twenty-eight feet in length, and capable of throwing a shot five miles.

“ ‘Why, Mr. Jaques,’ said the purser, ‘you have, during the past two days, been asking questons and putting yourself in places that should have given all the news wanted.’

“ ‘How long have the guns been here? I never noticed them,’ I inquired.    

“ ‘Of course not. They were enveloped when leaving Liverpool with canvas, so hiding up the knowledge of their presence from spies.’

“In a few hours, arrangements had been made to hold gun exercises, under the superintendence of qualified men. The notice that gun practice was to be held on board had not filtered out to all passengers. Just try to think of the consternation experienced by those passengers who were in cabins or elsewhere on the ship when the first gun shot was heard! Women and men rushed to the drilling quarters, fully expecting to see a body of Germans in possession.

“After practice had been followed up, it was decided that the men behind the gun had done well.

“The next night the curtains were again drawn, and people sat listening.

“Upon inquiry it was learned that the Scotian was protected by a British vessel some twenty miles away. It was also authentically stated that a German cruiser had been on the trail of the Scotian, running as near as possible.

“For many hours, the captain was at his post, and his words were anxiously awaited for the next morning. On the evening of Friday, it was given out that the danger zone had passed, as we were nearing the St. Lawrence.”¹

While progressing up the river, passengers saw several troops ships heading in the opposite direction, carrying Canadian volunteers. Each ship was given a mighty cheer by the Scotian’s passengers, while from the troop ships, a chorus of many soldiers’ voices could be heard singing “Britannia Rules the Waves” in reply.

Unusually, for the arrival of a passenger ship completing an oceanic crossing, the ship was pulling into a dock at Montreal after the sun had gone down. It was 10:45 p.m, and it was raining heavily.:

“There was much indignation at the Scotian landing passengers in a strange place after nine in the evening.

“Pshaw ! What’s indignation of people returning home, of mothers with helpless children, of box hunters and box losers, what, I say, is indignation under such circumstance?

“The word had gone forth from some person that no person, except the crew, was allowed on board again that night. Moreover, the fiat had come from the war office that the Scotian must leave for Quebec that night to carry troops over the sea.”

Jaques ended his recounting of his adventure in typical Jaues style:

“Early Sunday, a C.P.R. train is taken for Hamilton. An interesting visit to England, when the capital was in war fever is shared by one who kept his eyes open. He is known as

                    JAQUES” ¹