100 Years Ago: Major-General Hughes Visits Belleville

The Intelligencer February 12, 1915 (pages 1, 8)

“The presence of Major-General the Hon. Sam Hughes, Minister of Militia, in the city today caused much interest in military matters. The Minister arrived in the city at an early hour this morning and was provided with apartments at Hotel Quinte. He was accompanied to the city by Sir Mackenzie Bowell.

At nine o’clock the Major-General, who is an active man, was about, and in company with Col. Ponton, of Kingston, commanding officer of the 39th Battalion, which will be mobilized here, Col. Marsh, commanding officer of the 15th Regiment, Col. Ketcheson, commanding officer of the 49th Regiment, and other officers who are connected with the Third Contingent, made an inspection of the Armouries, and also visited the canning factory building on Pinnacle Street, where the volunteers of the 39th Battalion will be quartered.”

100 Years Ago: Canning Factory Preparations

The Intelligencer February 11, 1915 (page 2)

“Enlisting continues, and within the past few days a number of new recruits have been added to the 15th and 49th Regiments. The work of clearing out the canning factory premises on Pinnacle St., which will be used for mobilization purposes, continues. Upwards of 25,000 cases of canned goods have been removed and today the removing of empty cases, empty cans and parts of packing cases was completed. The building is now in readiness for the preparation of the soldiers.

The ground floor of the Canning factory will be utilized for the dining room, and some 30 feet at the south will be partitioned off for a kitchen. The second and third floors will be utilized for sleeping apartments. Bunks are being prepared and plumbers are at present engaged in placing in lavatories and bath rooms. When completed the interior will be in an excellent condition for the men.”

Belleville Canning Factory (CABHC: HC03067 B20)

100 Years Ago: Ad for Wrist Watch, Red Cross Box to France

The Intelligencer February 8, 1915 (page 2)Military Wrist Watche

“Military Wrist Watche. That Friend of Yours Going to the Front will surely appreciate having a reliable time piece with him. It will be treasured in the future as a reminder of the donor. You get a complete guarantee and a free inspection and adjustment with every watch you buy at this store. This month we offer special prices to any one in service uniform. Angus McFee, Jeweler, Optician. The Store with the Big Clock.”

The Intelligencer February 8, 1915 (page 7)

“Off to France. The Red Cross Supply Committee has just sent a box containing the following articles to Col. Shillington’s Hospital at La Touquet (near Cologne), France, where Miss Ethel Ridley, a Belleville girl, is head of the nursing sisters: 20 sets of pyjamas, 38 pillows, 7 doz. pillow cases, 19 doz. handkerchiefs, 9 doz. bandages, 1 doz. scarfs, 25 pairs bed socks, 2 pairs of knee caps, 18 pairs socks, 6 large bars of castile soap, boxes of candy by private subscription. A nice donation was received from Albert College.

The work in preparation for the ‘Sick Shower’ goes steadily on. An excellent programme is being prepared, also refreshments. A good time is anticipated. Admission, a pair of socks, hand knit, factory knit, or cash equivalent.”

100 Years Ago: Official Opening of Madoc Armoury

The Intelligencer February 6, 1915 (page 7)

“Major-General Hughes and Other Cabinet Ministers to Deliver Addresses. The official opening of Madoc Armouries will be held on Friday, Feb. 12th at 2.30 p.m. by Major General Hughes and officers of the 49th Regiment of Hastings Rifles. Addresses will also be delivered by the Hon. C.J. Doherty, Hon. T.W. Crothers, A. Meighen, Sir Mackenzie Bowell, Hon. H. Corby and W.B. Northrup, K.C., M.P. It is not often that Madoc is favored with such an array of public men, and it is to be hoped that the armouries will be crowded to the doors on this occasion.

In the evening a grand military concert will be given in the armouries by the 49th Regimental Band, assisted by Mr. A.M. Chapman, of Belleville, and other artists. As the proceeds of this concert are to be used for patriotic work we trust the public will show their appreciation by a large attendance. Madoc Review”

100 Years Ago: National Songs of Allies Available

The Intelligencer February 4, 1915 (page 7)National Songs

“Airs of the Several Powers Now Fighting our Enemies in Europe. The Intelligencer has received so many inquiries concerning the National Songs, Hymns and Anthems of the Allied Nations now at war with Germany, Austria and Turkey. The Intelligencer is now able to offer its readers the opportunity of procuring them in a convenient book form, set to music for the piano, and in their own language and also English side by side.

The National Songs and Airs of the Allied Nations comprise those of Britain, France, Belgium, Servia, Russia and Japan, and, in addition, contain the two Canadian National Songs—’The Maple Leaf’ and ‘O! Canada’—the latter in both English and French. The cover is lithographed in four colors with the flags of each nation represented, and complete collection contains sixteen pages, lithographed on good paper and in every way first-class.

They are obtainable on and after Feb. 4th, at the counter of The Intelligencer for 10¢ each, along with heading of the page of any current issue of the Daily Edition, but, if to be forwarded by mail, 12¢ will cover all, which includes wrapping and postage.”

 

100 Years Ago: Shipment of Canned Goods

The Intelligencer February 2, 1915 (page 1)

“In order that the premises of the Canning factory, in this city, situated on Church street, may be prepared for the reception of the troops for the Third Contingent, it is necessary that 25,000 cases of canned goods be shipped away. The shipping of same has been left in the hands of Mr. T.H. Coppin, the genial and efficient G.T.R. station agent here, who is doing all in his power to have this large shipment taken away as rapidly as possible. The goods will be shipped westward, under the supervision of Mr. Coppin, who is in every way capable of superintending same. It will require, at least 25 cars to take the shipment away.”

[Note: G.T.R. = Grand Trunk Railway]

100 Years Ago: Third Contingent Recruits

The Intelligencer February 1, 1915 (page 1)

“Recruiting for the third contingent is steadily progressing in the city and the County of Hastings. …  Up to the present time two officers, Capt. W.H. Hudson and Lieut. P. Allen, and 68 men have enlisted under the banner of the Fifteenth Regiment. Five officers and 76 men have enlisted with the Forty-Ninth Regiment. They are from various parts of the county.

The new recruits, who have joined the two regiments, are a fine body of young men, and are rapidly growing efficient in drill. Drilling takes place at the Armouries in the morning, afternoon and evening.”

100 Years Ago: County Council Inspects 49th Regiment

The Intelligencer January 28, 1915 (page 1)

“Upon invitation of Col. W.G. Ketcheson, commanding officer of the 49th Regiment, the members of the County Council yesterday afternoon visited the regimental quarters on Church street. …  Col. Ketcheson in welcoming the members expressed his pleasure at their presence to see the headquarters and also the men of the regiment who had volunteered for the third contingent. This was an excellent opportunity for the Councillors to inspect the boys who were going to the front to assist in the fighting for the Empire. …

The 74 recruits were drawn up in line and were minutely inspected by all present, after which brief addresses were given. …  The proceeding closed with the singing of the National Anthem.”

100 Years Ago: Sacred Concert, Ad for War Song

The Intelligencer January 25, 1915 (page 2)

15th Battalion Regimental Band on stage at the Griffin Opera House ca. 1920  (HC05606)
15th Battalion Regimental Band on stage at the Griffin Opera House ca. 1920 (HC05606)

“A benefit sacred concert, was given in the Griffin Opera House last night by the Fifteenth Regimental band, and the house was filled to overflowing. Many were unable to gain admittance. Under the leadership of Bandmaster Hinchey, the band rendered selections, which were thoroughly enjoyed, as was also the number by the ladies quartette of St. Andrew’s Church.”

The Intelligencer January 25, 1915 (page 3)

“The Canadian War Song ‘When Jack Comes Back.’ This is the new Canadian Marching Song. Price 20 cents. …  J.A. Canadian War Song adGoodsell & Co., 316 Front Street.”

100 Years Ago: Military Display at Ketcheson’s, Flour to Belgium

The Intelligencer January 22, 1915 (page 2)

“The north window of Messrs. Ketcheson & Earle’s store on Front street is attracting much interest and attention just at present. It may justly be termed a “military window,” and some of the articles displayed are both antique and unique. In the centre is the celebrated British recruiting poster sent to Col. Ponton by his son, Lieut. R.D. Ponton, who is at present at Salisbury Plain, Eng. An old Snider rifle, used during the Fenian Raid is to be seen, and beside it is the modern Ross rifle of today. …  Epaulettes and spurs used in warfare in the olden days are to be seen. A 16-pound shell, as proposed to be manufactured in this city, and an old 60-pounder are certainly some size compared with shells used years ago. …  Some old swords and bayonets are also displayed. …  These most interesting articles, which make such a grand display at the present time, are the property of Col. Ponton, of this city, and it is needless to say, are highly prized by him.”

The Intelligencer January 22, 1915 (page 3)

“List of Contributions From Belleville Sunday Schools to the Belgian Flour Fund. The flour has been shipped to Montreal and will be forwarded to Halifax sailing from there for Belgium about the last of this month. It is being looked after by Hon. R. Dandurand, President of the Belgium Relief Committee, and is assured careful attention. …  Purchased 275 bags of flour, 26950 lbs. $885.00.”