The Intelligencer February 21, 1917 (page 1)
“Patriotic Campaign Off to Grand Start. The three days’ campaign inaugurated in this city to raise $75,000 for patriotic purposes is off to a good start. This morning at nine o’clock, the members of the various teams started off on a canvassing tour of the city, buoyed with hopes of a successful mission. The bands of the 235th and 254th Battalion were also on hand and paraded various parts of the city discoursing suitable selections.
Last evening at the assembly room of the Y.M.C.A. the workers in the campaign were entertained to supper which was provided by ladies who are deeply interested in the campaign. It was a bountiful repast they provided and it is needless to state it was appreciated. The orchestra of the 254th band under the able leadership of Bandmaster Lieut. Hinchey was present and rendered some beautiful selections.
Mayor Ketcheson presided over the gathering in his usual affable manner. After supper, four brief addresses were made and all were of an optimistic nature. In opening this part of the evening’s programme, His Worship outlined the object of the gathering. … He felt confident that the $75,000 aimed at would be secured as it was for a most worthy object. (Applause.)
Rev. C. G. Smith, Pastor of the Baptist Church, joined with the Mayor in congratulation to the ladies for the bountiful repast provided. The campaign which will be commenced to-morrow, he had no doubt but that it would be successful. The churches of the city had done what they could towards this cause; which was a most just cause. …
Judge Wills said: ‘Where duty calls, all would be found ready for it. There was no grander or better work to be engaged in than in soliciting aid for the Patriotic Fund.’ …
Mr. Wm. Carnew, in his opening remarks, spoke eulogistically of the ladies and the noble work and sacrifices they were making at the present time. The campaign was a purely business proposition, and he had no doubt the $75,000 would be obtained. We did not, in Belleville, know what failure means. … He hoped the result would be beyond our expectation. This concluded the speech-making and the gathering adjourned.”
The Intelligencer February 21, 1917 (page 2)
“Semi-Military Funeral. With military honors the remains of the late Private John Wrightmeyer, who was a member of the 254th Battalion, were yesterday afternoon consigned to the tomb at Belleville cemetery. At his late residence, John Street South, Adjutant Ritchie, of the Salvation Army, assisted by Capt. Rustin, conducted a service, and also officiated at the grave.
The cortege was led by the 254th Battalion Band playing the Dead March in Saul. The bearers were fellow comrades of the deceased namely Sergts. Boyle, Bedford, Roe, Saylor and Rutherford, and Corporal Hill. Upon the casket were placed floral tributes.”
The Intelligencer February 21, 1917 (page 2)
“Sinclair’s Pictorial Review Patterns. With the coming of the Spring Season, every Woman is interested in Patterns, and Pictorial Review Patterns are of special interest, because they set the styles for the continent of North America.
Help the Patriotic Fund! Don’t Forget the Patriotic Fund.
Make Wednesday, Thursday and Friday Red Letter Days for Belleville. This may be your last chance.—Do your best and have no regrets.”
The Intelligencer February 21, 1917 (page 3)
“Patriotic Campaign Off with a Bang. Contributions Pouring in From all Sections of The City—Success is Already Assured.
BANG. They’re off and the Biggest Money raising campaign in the History of Belleville is off to a flying start. Never was such an enthusiastic meeting of workers held as that which gathered around the Festive Tables last evening in the Y.M.C.A., to a luncheon provided by the ladies of the Belleville Patriotic Association, and if high spirited enthusiasm and a set purpose to a man counts for success, then the $75,000 aimed at will be a reality long before the final count on Friday night. …
Bright and early this morning the canvassers took up their duties and they report a most encouraging and liberal response to their efforts and at noon the incomplete total amounted well up in the Thousands and why not? For the cause is most worthy and the need Great.”
The Intelligencer February 21, 1917 (page 6)
“It’s All or Nothing Now! Citizens of Belleville Read This!
‘It is all or nothing. Let us give all we have, as these give—our last penny, our last ounces of effort, our last drop of blood. We give nothing if we hold back part of the price. Whatever we have we owe to our country, and what she gave we give back to her. Take! Take! Old Mother! Let that be our cry! Take all that I have! Take me! Buckle on your harness, then! Whatever sacrifices are demanded of you, make them cheerfully, bravely. Be steadfast till the end.’ Harry Lauder.
Harry Lauder has given to his country the life of his only son, and has placed his entire fortune at his country’s disposal.
What are you going to give to-morrow to Canadian Patriotic Fund? $75,000 and We Need More!”
The Intelligencer February 21, 1917 (page 7)
“235th Battalion Ordered to Move. Rumors that have been circulating the streets regarding the removal of the 235th Battalion from this city to either Ottawa or Brockville, were dispelled this morning. Definite orders have been received at the battalion’s headquarters to move to Ottawa, and take over the quarters vacated by the 207th Battalion.
At present, the Capital City is without an infantry battalion, and as it is imperative that at least one infantry battalion should be stationed in the city, the 235th has been chosen for the purpose. This is an honor to the 235th, as it will take part in all government ceremonies, and form guards of honor, etc.
The battalion will leave this city not later than March 5th. The officers of the battalion are all sorry to leave the city, the hospitality of the citizens being greatly appreciated by them. All the officers are energetic and capable men, who have made hosts of friends in the city, and it will be with great regret that the citizens will part with the battalion.
Lt.-Col. S. B. Scobell, O.C., and five officers of his battalion, left at noon to-day for Ottawa, for the purpose of opening a recruiting office in the city, and to prepare the barracks for their men. The battalion will still recruit in this division, and expect to remain in Ottawa for at least two or three months before proceeding overseas.”
The Intelligencer February 21, 1917 (page 8)
“Ritchie’s. An Initial Display of Ladies’ New Spring Suits! In Our Centre Window.
$75,000 to the Belleville Branch of the Canadian Patriotic Fund in Three Days. Give liberally to this most worthy of all causes that the necessary amount may be a reality when the Curtain rings down on the final day.”
First World War Belleville 