100 Years Ago: Supplies to Belgium, Home Guard Poem

The Intelligencer October 15, 1914 (page 2)

“Four car loads of grain, produce, clothing and other supplies are being forwarded to the Belgiums from the County of Hastings from different points in the County via special steamship leaving Halifax on October 29th. The first car load is being forwarded from Stirling today. …

Throughout Hastings County the different municipalities have also collected considerable funds for the Patriotic Fund and it is contemplated to form a county organization in the near future to work in connection with the local organizations in the different municipalities.”

The Intelligencer October 15, 1914 (page 8)

Paving Front Street at Bridge Street East in front of New Balmoral Hotel ca. August 1914  (HC04214)
Paving Front Street at Bridge Street East in front of New Balmoral Hotel ca. August 1914 (HC04214)

“Belleville Home Guard. An original poem, composed and written by W. James Savage, a member of the Home Guard. …

O, haven’t you heard / Of the Belleville Home Guard, / With Colonel Lazier in command. / The tramp of our feet, / As we march the street, / On our new asphalt pavement, is grand. …

There are men in our town, / Who would rather go down, / To the pool-room, the show or the bar; / And squander his dimes, /  In these troublesome times, / When he ought to be thinking of war. …

Now just let me say / All who can’t go away. / To the scene where the strife has been stirred / Just do your next best, / And throw out your chest, / And drill with the Belleville Home Guard.”

100 Years Ago: Loyal Canadian, Gathering in Melrose

The Intelligencer October 10, 1914 (page 2)

“To the Editor of The Intelligencer. Sir — If I may trespass upon the space of a few lines in your paper, I shall feel obliged for the courtesy. I was watching the parade of our Home Guard last evening with deep interest and feeling. The few men did well, and it would be a most encouraging sign were a larger number to join their ranks. It is a shame and reproach to the male portion of our town (pardon, city) that we possess so few men on whom to depend should the army of Germans to the south of us elude the authorities holding them in check and invade Canada.

The silly creatures walking our streets, with hands in their pockets and pipes or gum in their mouths would be useless, even more so than at present. I was proud of those few men and wished I had some one belonging to me who could join their ranks. We do not need Carpet Knights who join for “social position.” We need a few men of courage. Every man who could shoulder a rifle should join our Home Guard. Loyal Canadian.”

The Intelligencer October 10, 1914 (page 2)

“At Melrose last night, in the Township Hall some very practical, and at the same time inspiring addresses were delivered to a large audience which gathered in this centre of the prosperous Township of Tyendinaga to complete the organization of the Township, begun at Shannonville, a short time ago, for the purpose of putting Tyendinaga in the first rank among the municipalities contributing to the Red Cross, the Patriotic and the Belgian funds. …

The Women’s Institutes were represented by the ladies in full force. …  Colonel W.N. Ponton appealed to Tyendinaga to furnish not merely money and materials but also manhood. …  A collection of about $60 was taken up and an organization was perfected to visit the home on every concession.”

100 Years Ago: Concert, Canadians Land, Home Guard

The Intelligencer October 9, 1914 (page 2)

“The Palace Theatre was well filled last evening with an appreciative audience desirous of contributing to the Patriotic Fund. His Worship Mayor Wills presided, and …  asked all to stand by the colors of the Empire, doing their duty in whatever capacity demanded.”

The Intelligencer October 9, 1914 (page 2)

“The announcement in London press that the first Canadian contingent was landing yesterday was disowned in all the official quarters. One result of the report was that the High Commissioner’s office was deluged by personal and telephone enquiries, but the invariable reply was, “No knowledge,” even to one fair caller, who tearfully begged for news.”

The Intelligencer October 9, 1914 (page 3)

“March on Front Street Attracts Much Attention – Kilties Band Renders Inspiring Music. The Home Guard Reserve parade last night showed at once the enthusiasm which pervades the members. The kindness of Pipe Major Johnstone and the pipe band in turning out with The Reserve contributed in making the march-out the great success it was.”

100 Years Ago: Red Cross Knits, McKeown’s Drug Store Ad

The Intelligencer October 8, 1914 (page 2)

“As there are several people who would gladly make articles for the Red Cross if they only knew the directions, it has been considered advisable to have the following directions printed in the daily papers. …  Wristlets—Grey or khaki, 4-ply fingering, No 14 steel needles. Cast on about sixty stitches; rib for nine inches. Cast off loosely. A hole for the thumb may be left if desired, so that the wristlet can be used as a mitt.”

The Intelligencer October 8, 1914 (page 2)

“The Rexall Stores of Canada …  have unanimously agreed to contribute to the Canadian Patriotic Fund FIVE PER CENT of their total purchases of all Rexall Toilet Goods, Rexall Remedies, and other merchandise manufactured or sold by the United Drug Co., Limited, Toronto, for the months from October 15th to December 31st. …

Rexall Goods are made in Canada and you can procure them in your town only from McKeown’s Drug Store.”

100 Years Ago: 15th Battalion Band, Day of Prayer

The Intelligencer October 7, 1914 (page 2)

“Editor Intelligencer. My Dear Sir,—Belleville has many things to be proud of. One of these notable things is the splendid band of the gallant 15th Battalion. Its excellence has not been obtained without a vast deal of labor and study, on the part of the talented leader and his men. …

They propose to give a concert upon Tuesday evening next, part of the proceeds to be devoted to the Patriotic Fund, and part to the maintenance of the band. Let our citizens give a bumper attendance and they will be delighted with the entertainment and be doing a good work. Yours truly, John J.B. Flint.”

The Intelligencer October 7, 1914 (page 8)

“To Belleville Citizens. Would it not look as if we had some love and sympathy for our neighbors who have boys and husbands at the front if there was a special day of prayer appointed for the guidance and protection of those who have sacrificed everything for us and for their country. A day of prayer would show that we still trusted in God for their safekeeping and their return. …  From an Old Believer, 90 years of age.”

100 Years Ago: On Board H.M.S. Saxonia

The Intelligencer October 1, 1914 (page 3)

“We completed loading on the 27th and are now anchored in mid-stream under the guns of the fortress of Quebec. The boys are enjoying their new quarters and are all in the best of spirits. There are 16 transports all anchored and ready to sail, when, we do not know. The Saxonia is a splendid ship. An aeroplane passed over the fleet today and gracefully circled around the fortress. Naturally it created considerable interest, and soon rumors passed around that it was a German, but we are glad to say it was one of the four which the contingent is taking for service.

The horses are in fine condition and very comfortable on board. We had no difficulty in loading them, as all they had to do was to walk up a gangway into their stalls on board. The boys of the 34th send their best regards to all before sailing. We hope to report again on our arrival in England. Spafford.”

100 Years Ago: Concert, Miss Geen Enlists as Nurse

The Intelligencer September 22, 1914 (page 1)

“An excellent cause, an excellent audience and an excellent programme can truly be said of “Our Boys” patriotic concert, held in the City Hall last evening. …  The result, financially, was most gratifying to the noble band of ladies who worked assiduously for success. …  With the programme was given a small Union Jack, and the ladies who disposed of them gathered in not a few shekels.

The object of this delightful entertainment was for the purpose of procuring sweaters for the brave volunteers from this city who are going to the front. …  The platform was most appropriately decorated with potted plants and flags, whilst a large Union Jack formed the background.”

The Intelligencer September 22, 1914 (page 2)

“Duty’s Call to a Belleville Lady. Miss Geen, daughter of Rev. A.L. and Mrs. Geen, having received orders from the Department, left today on the fast train for Quebec. She is a graduate of the Royal Victoria Hospital, among the first, at Halifax 2 or 3 years ago, which gave her the rank of Lieutenant. Miss Geen’s grandfather, who was a Nobleman of Italy, was Lieutenant in Napoleon’s Guard of Honor, that went to Russia. Her uncle died, while on military duty during the first Fenian Raid, her brother, Edgar de Fomeri, died from the effects of the South African Campaign.

A number, who knew the time of her leaving, were at the station to bid her farewell and God speed. The members of the Chapter of the Daughters of the Empire presented Miss Geen with a wrist watch, suitable for use while on duty. An abundance of gold coin came rolling in until her purse was filled.”

100 Years Ago: Crowds of Visitors at Valcartier

The Intelligencer September 16, 1914 (page 8)

“Valcartier: Large crowds of visitors were present in all kinds of conveyances, from a buck-board wagon to a $5,000 limousine, and hundreds on foot. Band concerts, foot ball and blanket tossing were among the entertainments for visitors. Many will remain over to witness the review to-morrow by Col. the Hon. Sam Hughes, of the overseas contingent, which is now complete, as regards equipment and efficiency.

Medical examination concluded on Saturday. Over five hundred men were turned down, some physically unfit, others being under age. …  The rifle ranges are a busy spot these days. The butts are at the base of the Laurentian Mountains. One would think by the rattle of musketry and the roar of the heavy guns on the range that we were in Europe. Spafford.”

100 Years Ago: Patriotic Meeting in Shannonville

The Intelligencer September 10, 1914 (page 3)

“Last night the large hall at Shannonville was filled by an interested audience of men and women from Shannonville and the neighboring parts of Tyendinaga listening to patriotic songs and speeches and organizing for work for the Duke of Connaught’s fund and for the Red Cross and local needs. About $125.00 was collected without any difficulty and much more will be obtained by the committees of workers who have the matter in hand. …

The 49th Regiment will receive many new recruits and a Rifle Association and Home Guard are being formed as the result of last night’s enthusiastic appeal.”