The Intelligencer December 17, 1915 (page 8)
“A Letter from Santa Claus. Dear Editor:—I wish you would inform the poor children of Belleville that I have opened my supply house at No. 304 Front St., where I have a letter box and would be pleased to have them write me. The Band Men are working for me and promise to have everything ready so that when I meet you on Christmas day I will have a present for all whose name, age and address is sent in to me. SANTA CLAUS”
The Intelligencer December 16, 1915 (page 2)
“Christmas Dinners For the Soldiers. That the members of the 80th Battalion are thoroughly popular with the Belleville citizens was indicated by the very representative meeting called by the Khaki Club and the Military Y.M.C.A. to arrange for Christmas dinners for the men who will be spending Christmas in barracks.
Every church in the city was represented by two or more ladies and a committee was convened to attend to the details and supervise the serving of the dinner which will be at 11:45 on Christmas morning. The mid-day hour was found more satisfactory as ample help was available then and this hour would interfere in no way with the programme arranged for the evening by the Daughters of the Empire. …
The Khaki Club readily offered to attend to the decorating of tables as they were familiar with the arrangements to be made. Miss Campbell will supervise the serving and within a few minutes of volunteering for this work had plenty of offers of assistance. A list of provisions required was presented and it quickly vanished as one after another of the twenty-five present assumed responsibility on behalf of her church for portions of it. …
It was felt that a number of people in the country would be anxious to have some part in this work for the soldiers, and they are invited to communicate with Mrs. MacColl, phone 418, or Mr. Sharpe, phone 413, if they can assist in providing fowl, fruit, or any of the provisions necessary.
While the success of the undertaking is assured by the very capable committee selected, it will require the assistance of a lot of people, and the hearty co-operation of every one approached is solicited.”
The Intelligencer December 16, 1915 (page 7)
“15th Band Complimented. To the Editor of The Daily Intelligencer. Dear Sir:—Would you be kind enough to publish this letter for me. Last Sunday night I was invited to take part in the concert given by the 15th Battalion Band, in Griffin’s Opera House, for the poor children’s Christmas tree, and I was, as a professional musician, agreeably surprised at the class of music played, and the way it was rendered; one number especially, the second selection of Faust by Gounod. This very difficult number was well played, and the writer was also amazed at the way the band accompanied the singers, not as is generally the case, over blowing to drown them, but to let the voice stand out over the band. This is the art of accompaniment, and I certainly had an enjoyable evening, and I hope the citizens of Belleville will not only appreciate, but loyally support a musical organization, which in the opinion of the writer, can compare very favorably with many of the large cities.
Mr. Lomas, the bass player of our company, also played at the concert and he is of the same opinion as myself. Mr. Lomas for years was with the famous 13th Battalion Band of Hamilton and also with the Hamilton Symphony Orchestra. I remain. Yours truly, J.W. PRATT. Flute and Piccolo Soloist with ‘Birth of a Nation Company.’ “
The Intelligencer December 15, 1915 (page 3)
“Notice! On Friday, December 17th a Public Meeting for those interested, will be held in the Lecture Room of the Armouries, at 8 o’clock sharp, for the purpose of organizing a Company of the Reserve Militia in connection with the 15th Regiment A.L.I. The Company will be officered by a Major, a Captain and Four Subalterns.
All citizens interested in this branch of the Militia are requested to attend, details of which will be explained at the meeting. To assist the Officer Commanding, in making a selection of the officers, a vote will be taken.”
The Intelligencer December 14, 1915 (page 1)
“Christmas Dinners for the Soldier Boys. To have no Christmas dinner is about the most unfortunate experience that one could have and to be away from home at Christmas is almost as unpleasant. The latter is to be the case with about two hundred of the soldiers located here, but the former will not be if it is within the power of the citizens to avoid it. To this end a committee of ladies representing the various churches is to meet at the Y.M.C.A. on Thursday at 10.00 A.M. to arrange for a Christmas supper for the men in the Barracks on Christmas Day.
The scheme is being promoted jointly by the ladies of the Khaki Club, who have done so much for the soldiers, and the Military Y.M.C.A. which is bending every effort to help the men here and at the other points as well. As these two organizations have been closely in touch with the men since they came they are in a position to know just what is required on such an occasion and how best to go about it.
To provide supper for two hundred men on Christmas Day is a large order, but with the ready assistance of everyone it will be a burden on none. Here is the menu, 50 pies, 20 cakes, 15 puddings, 15 dozen oranges, 50 lbs. of nuts, 50 lbs. of raisins and 250 lbs. of turkey. Definite plans in regard to securing these items will be available before the end of the week. In the meantime enquiries or offers of assistance may be addressed to Miss Faulkiner of the Khaki Club, or Mr. Sharpe of the Militia Y.M.C.A.
Up to date nothing official has been received by the headquarters of the 80th Battalion here in regard to extras for the men at Christmas, which would be provided by the Government. This will assure us that there will be no danger of overlapping or double providing.”
The Intelligencer December 14, 1915 (page 3)
“Hospital Supplies. Since the last report the Quinte Chapter, I.O.D.E., has shipped the following hospital supplies and field comforts from the workroom, 62 Bridge St. W., Miss M.B. Falkiner, Convenor. Hospital bedpads, 151; mouthwipes, 3,500; bandages, 1,700; old linen squares doubled and sewn, 500; surgical sponges, 444; absorbent swabs, 2,126 … pipes, 32; Tobacco, 50 pkgs.; gum, 45 pkgs.; chocolate bars, 60; oxo, 32 tins; postcards, 192; cigarettes, 11,250; jam, 100 jars. …
A donation of $78.00 from the Belleville Philharmonic Society, the proceeds of last season’s concert, was greatly appreciated by the Chapter.
In addition to the work of hospital supplies and field comforts the Quinte Chapter is sending a sum of money each month, private subscriptions of members and others, to the Red Cross Society for the purpose of supplying Canadian prisoners in Germany, not otherwise cared for, with hampers of food and comforts sent fortnightly. Two dollars a month is sufficient for one prisoner. Returned prisoners say that without this food the suffering would be very great.”
The Intelligencer December 13, 1915 (page 7)
“Nov. 23, 1915. Dear Father, Mother and all—Just a line in answer to your most welcome letter. … I am getting around all right again. My cough sticks to me pretty hard, but will soon go away. … I have stayed in the hut pretty much.
Don’t you believe that I can come home when I like. If they think you should go home they will send you. They don’t wait for one to say that he wants to go. I may go to the front again before I go home, and I may not, but I do not want to go home yet, as I came with the first and I want to stay as long as the war lasts. When it is over they won’t be able to get me home quick enough, for I would like to see you all again.
It will soon be Christmas, and I am as far away from home as I was last Christmas, but I will have to make the best of it. I think if I live until Christmas I may take a trip to Ireland, but I am not sure; it depends on how long they give me. … I think I have said all I can think of for now, so good-bye. Answer soon. I remain, Your loving son, TOM.”
The Intelligencer December 13, 1915 (page 7)
“Material Reduction in the Rates of Postage to Soldiers at the Front. The Honourable T. Chase Casgrain, Postmaster General of Canada, has been successful, as a result of negotiations entered into with the Imperial Postal Authorities, in effecting an arrangement with the British Government whereby parcels from Canada for Canadian soldiers in France and Flanders will be carried at the same rate of postage as applies to parcels from the United Kingdom for the Expeditionary Forces on the Continent. …
This means a material reduction on the cost of parcels, and it is hoped it will be a source of satisfaction to the Canadian public. This reduction has been brought about by Canada foregoing all postal charges for the conveyance of these parcels in Canada and on the Atlantic.”
The Intelligencer December 11, 1915 (page 2)
“Poor Children’s Xmas Tree. Editor Intelligencer. Dear Sir:—The XV. Band are giving the poor children of Belleville a Xmas Tree, and are desirous of obtaining a complete list. Any information your readers can give, stating name, age and address of children who do not expect a visit from Santa Claus, will be thankfully received. CHAS. HANNA, Mgr. XV. Band, 102 E. Moira St.”
The Intelligencer December 9, 1915 (page 1)
“List of Officers for New Regt. Announced. The counties of Hastings and Prince Edward have already recruited enough men to form a battalion, but there are plenty of young men left in these two counties to form two or three more battalions if required. Lt.-Col. Adams and his officers are much pleased at the encouragement they are receiving and are confident that the 155th Bay of Quinte Battalion will be up to full strength long before spring. It is expected that many former residents of these counties will return and enlist with their old friends. The men will be billeted as far as possible in their own home towns. Kingston Whig. Dec. 8th.”
The Intelligencer December 9, 1915 (page 7)
“Billets For Recruits. Any person who can accommodate soldiers for the winter will leave name and address with Capt. Bleecker, recruiting officer for the 155th Battalion, at the Armouries. Rate 60 cents per day.”
The Intelligencer December 7, 1915 (page 7)
“Patriotic Meeting Held at Sidney. Wallbridge, the home of the Commanding Officer of the 80th Battalion C.E.F., gathered together last night ‘her beauty and her chivalry,’ and it was a night of rare enjoyment. The orchestra of the 80th rendered splendid music. Lieut. A.D. Harper and Sergeant Lafonde sang stirring solos.
F.E. O’Flynn occupied the chair most acceptably. Addresses which combined humour and pathos, comedy and tragedy, loyalty and determination were delivered by Captain Ketterson (Chaplain) Sergeant Sandford, C.E.F., Lieut. Nicoll, Colonel W.N. Ponton, K.C., and Lieut. Col. Ketcheson. Rev. Capt. Ketterson appealed to the sons of the sires to maintain the freedom and liberty won by years of struggle and now to be fought for again in this great conflict. …
Colonel Ponton urged subscriptions to the Red Cross, who turned everything into gold and life—and solemnly appealed to Canada to mobilize her manhood to keep our hearths and homes from future jeopardy.—’East, West, hame’s best.’ The flag is only good as the emblem of service. It is living men and trained men who count in this crisis.”
The Intelligencer December 6, 1915 (page 2)
“Sunday Recruiting Concert and Meeting. The recruiting meeting and concert given in Griffin’s Theatre Sunday evening under the auspices of the Alpha Club of the Tabernacle church attracted a very large audience which enjoyed every moment of the evening’s programme. A silver collection, which netted $50 was taken at the door. Half of it was turned over to the Alpha Club to be given to the Fund for poor children at Christmas while the balance is to be placed in the Battalion Fund of the 80th Battalion. The response was very pleasing and shows distinctly the support the citizens are giving not only for charitable but also patriotic work, the latter in the form of support to the 80th Battalion.
The speaker for the evening was the Rev. Ketterson, chaplain 80th ‘Overseas’ Battalion who made a most stirring appeal for men in this hour of the Empire’s struggle for the maintenance of democracy and world freedom.
Several selections were given by the 80th orchestra, under the direction of Armourer Sergeant Howarth, which were keenly appreciated, the musicians displaying extraordinary talent and evidence of careful thought in training.’Why Can’t A Girl be a Soldier’ sung by Sgt. Lafond and a chorus of fourteen soldiers, proved a big hit. Other numbers given by Sgt. Lafond and the chorus were also repeatedly encored. …
One of the best efforts of the evening was the ‘Soldier Chorus’ from Faust which a chorus of soldiers gave in stirring style, bringing forth all the pomp and beautiful wealth of harmony of Gounod’s masterpiece.”
The Intelligencer December 4, 1915 (page 1)
“Original Vaudeville by 80th Battalion. That the 80th Battalion is a body of men of varied talents, was demonstrated last night at Griffin’s Opera House, when officers and men gave an ‘Original Vaudeville.’ Owing to the rough weather there was not such a large audience as the excellence of the entertainment deserved. It well deserved the appellation of ‘original.’
Several pleasing choruses were rendered by the soldiers, some of whom have good voices. The most interesting one was the National Chorus, in which British, French and Russian platoons sang the National Anthem and songs of their respective countries in their own language. Private Burlette, a Frenchman, gave a sensational performance on the tight wire, walking from the stage to the gallery and back, his daring feat being watched with thrilling interest. …
During the evening the 80th Overseas band played some excellent selections, adding considerably to the pleasure of the audience, and during the interval two capital reels of comedy films were shown. A matinee is to be given to-day and another performance this evening.”
The Intelligencer December 4, 1915 (page 3)
“Liberal Grant to 80th Battalion. At the County Council proceedings yesterday afternoon, the request of Lieut.-Col. Ketcheson, commanding officer of the 80th Battalion for a grant for regimental purposes was considered at some length. …
Mr. Vermilyea, after reading from a circular in reference to the Government statement that everything for the soldiers was being provided, moved that no action be taken in the matter. Warden Ketcheson said he was placed in a rather peculiar situation, owing to the fact that Lieut.-Col. Ketcheson was his brother. However, he would have no hesitation of making a grant. Incidental expenses were incurred which were not provided for by the Militia Department. …
Mr. Tummon said that the Council had given $1,000 to the 39th Battalion, and now we are asked to give to the 80th Battalion, and possibly to the other battalion which will be raised in this and Prince Edward County. He moved that a grant of $1,000 be made to the 80th Battalion at this session. Mr. Clare seconded the motion. The motion to grant $1,000 to the 80th Battalion was unanimously adopted.”
First World War Belleville 