100th Birthday at Dalhousie Lake

Mary Ferguson McIntyre

“Life, we’ve been long together!”

Mrs. Mary F. McIntyre Celebrates Her 100^th Birthday at Dalhousie Lake

(transcribed from Feb. 23, 1934, edition of “The Perth Courier”)

Showered with congratulations by neighbours, friends, and acquaintances, still healthy in body and mind.

“Lanark County’s grand old lady, Mrs. Mary Ferguson McIntyre, celebrated her 100^th birthday on Monday, February 19^th, at the home of her son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Geddes, Dalhousie Lake, when she was showered with congratulations by many of her neighbours, friends and acquaintances.  Mrs. McIntyre was also honoured when the news of her 100^th birthday was broadcast by radio from a Toronto station.

Mrs. McIntyre was born in North Sherbrooke Township, Lanark County, on February 19^th, 1834.  With the original settlers about 1820 came the representatives of two Scotch Highland clans, Mr. Duncan Ferguson of Argylshire and Mr. Alexander McDougall of Perthshire.  Soon after their arrival in the new land a son of Mr. Ferguson married Miss Violet McDougall and to them a daughter, the subject of this sketch, was born.  The parents could speak little or no English, only their native Gaelic, and the little daughter taught this in the parental home, could speak it fluently and in fact never wholly forgot it up to the present time.  Of course, association with lowland neighbours and teaching at schools brought a knowledge of the Anglo-Saxon tongue and this became her thinking language.  The first schoolhouse in North Sherbrooke was built at Elphin in 1834 and there Mrs. McIntyre received her early education. 

Her husband, the late Peter McIntyre died about 25 years ago.

During her long-life Mrs. McIntyre has seen the greatest growth in farm cultivation and improvements through many a year of hardship and privation of the early settlers until the original cabins have been changed into comfortable homes, and the very primitive log school houses succeeded by modern ones of frame and brick all over her native township.  The course of progress along life’s highway has been the history of her own life – the sickle, scythe, cradle and kindred working implements have all passed during her life on the farm to be succeeded by the more modern implements of the present time. In her girlhood days there were no bridges across the broad Mississippi River, and the way to the market in Lanark Village and Perth involved much hardship.  She often walked to Perth or rode on ox carts, horseback, rough sleighs, cutters and wagons.

At present, she is in almost perfect health, a slight difficulty of hearing being her only complaint.  It is a pleasure to know that in her daughter’s and son-in-law’s home she has found congeniality and affection in the evening of her long life.

The Reception

Relatives and friends from far and near in large numbers were present at the reception tendered in Mrs. McIntyre’s honour, those from a distance including Mrs. Sam Campbell, of Brighton, and Mrs. James Geddes of Powasson. 

The house was beautifully decorated with pink and white streamers, and in the center of the table was set the birthday cake with decorations in the form of an arch on which was seen a miniature moon, stars, and snow, and underneath the arch written in gold: “100 Years.”

Messages and congratulations poured in from friends at a distance, two in particular being of a novel and pleasing nature, from Mr. Thomas Nesbit of Chicago, a gramophone record of his own voice with greetings and good wishes to Mrs. McIntyre and the following verses composed by Mr. Wm. B. Nesbit of Swanson, Saskatchewan:

To Mrs. Mary McIntyre on her 100^th Birthday:

Oh come my muse my pen inspire,

A rhyme to Mary McIntyre,

Her natal day is drawing near,

She soon will reach her hundredth year;

And looking back down through the age,

What wonderous stories mark the page,

For five score years to live and move

Tasting sorrow, joy and love;

What memories must fill her mind

Of those whom she has left behind,

Who must have fallen by the way

Like flowers that blossom for a day;

Or like the leaves that fade and fall

Are buried by the winter’s pall,

Methinks I see far down the years,

Old Sherbrooke to my mind appears;

Unbroken wilderness around

No fertile fields that sow are found,

Bur pine and maple, elm and beech

Dense forests far as eye can reach;

And through the valley in between

Dark swamps of fragrant evergreen,

Now came the sturdy pioneer

From heather moors in Scotia dear;

McDougall clan, the Fergusons

The McIntyre’s all worthy sons,

And many more of Scottish birth

No better people graced the earth;

With axe in hand and labour vast

A clearance in the bush at last;

A wee log biggin’ hearth stone fire

And mayhap stone, a barn, a byre;

And as I listen I can hear

A lassie singing sweet and clear,

An axe blow in a nearby bush

As down the creek the waters rush;

An oxcart creaking o’er the hill

From Perth or Lanark or the  mill,

Or off to Bytown with potash

To sell and get a little cash;

To buy the tea or pay the tax

Or other needful new knickknacks,

Those were the days of frugal life

And thrifty ways for man or wife;

They were compelled to live that way

For things were scarce and far away,

And many a long and weary road,

Was travelled with a heavy load;

I often think that folks today

Do not appreciate the way

Their forebears used to toil and save

With hardships great and patience brave;

We often hear complaints today

But had we lived the self-same way,

Our present troubles would be less

Things wouldn’t be in such a mess;

The Lord’s been good, ‘tis man that made

Conditions bad I am afraid,

Our aged friend through life has seen

Development of the machine,

From sickle frail unto the hour

Of steam and gas and hydro power

Now cars go rushing here and there,

And airplanes fly through the air,

The telegraph and telephone

When she was young were quite unknown;

Now radio from everywhere

Brings news and music to the ear,

But I’m not sure in every way

That folks are happier today.

Now my best wish to her shall be

That she may have sweet memory

And happiness and peace serene

With naught of sorrow in between;

I often think I’d like to go

And see the faces that I know,

And if I’m spared perhaps I will

And come around by Watters’ mill;

These rambling lines I dedicate

To all who meet to celebrate

This wondrous anniversary

Best wishes to you all from me.

Written by: Wm. B. Nisbet, Swanson, Saskatchewan

published: Feb. 23, 1934, “The Perth Courier”

Obituary, “Lanark Era”, January 30, 1935

“Dalhousie Lake, 25^th Jan., Mrs. Peter McIntyre, in her 101^st year.  Born in North Sherbrooke 19^th February, 1834, the daughter of the late Duncan Ferguson and his wife, Violet McDougall.  On Feb. 17^th 1852 Mary Ferguson was married at Perth to Peter McIntyre by the late Rev. Wm. Bell.  Her husband died March 31^st, 1897.  Survived by one daughter, Mrs. Walter Geddes, of Dalhousie Lake (Violet); and one adopted daughter, Mrs. Roy Kilborn, of Renfrew (Alice).  Burial in Crawford’s Cemetery.”

Mary’s Memories:

An Excerpt from Elphin, McDonalds Corners and Snow Road Churches Centenary Book (1875-1975)

PIONEER DAYS OF NORTH SHERBROOKE

As remembered by Mrs. Peter McIntyre (nee Mary Ferguson), better known as Auntie Mary, who died January 14, 1935, aged almost 101 years

The township of North Sherbrooke was surveyed in 1820-21 and received its name from an officer of prominence in the French Colonial Forces whose name was Sir John C. Sherbrooke.

The first settlers belonged to a society formed in Scotland, named “Lesmahago Society”, and those were John Porter, Daniel Ritchie, Jas.  Gilmour, Anthony McBride, Ebenezer Wilson, Duncan McDougall, Archibald McDougall, Arthur Stokes, Wm.  Christelaw, Josiah Davis, James Nesbit, and Alex.  Young.

Elphin is a little village situated in this township, which was once called Mann’s Corners, after a man by that name.  As far as can be learned, Elphin got its name from an English General named Elphinstone.

The first school was a log building across the road from the present one, except down on the corner.  It was burned, and another was erected on the same ground our present school being the third built.  The first church was built where the Crawford Cemetery now is.  Then they built at Elphin the building known as the old Sunday School recently sold and torn away by Charles Stewart.  The present church was built in-1894. A few of the settlers were Baptists, and held service in a little church on the second line where a few graves still remain on the farm now owned by Haddon Wilson (now Delmer Paul).

The first store was situated on the property now owned by Mrs. J.H. Miller (now Fournier’s), opposite the spot where Charles Stewart’s (now Fair’s) house now stands.  This was run by Germans, Mendels and Silverstone.  Then Mr. Mann kept store on the old McFarlane property now owned by Alex.  Duncan (Wilmer Gemmill).  Then a store was built and run by Peter McIntyre on the property now owned by C.M. Stewart.  It was next run by Tom Crawford until the time it was burned.  Then the store where it now stands was built by Tom Crawford, and afterwards it was run by Charles McConnell, Isaac Allan, Mac McIntyre and now Peter McLaren. (Ted Oxtobee was the next owner-now it is an antique shop)

There was an old building across from where the hall now stands which was used as a blacksmith shop; but in later years Malcolm McIntyre built a shop on the property now owned by Alex.  Duncan (Wilmer Gemmill) which was burned about the year 1920.

The first male child born in North Sherbrooke was Bob Love, uncle of Thomas Love, and the first female child was Agnes McDougall, now Mrs. Hall of Perth.

In the house where Mrs. J.H. Miller (Fournier’s) now lives, a shoe-maker carried on a business.  One who in later years worked at this trade was Billy McIntosh

The farm now owned by Sam Larmon was first owned by Wm. Bryce, whose wife’s name was Christelaw, of English descent.  Next came Duncan Campbell, Duncan McIntyre, Alex McIntyre, and now Sam Larmon.

The first owner of the farm in the valley was Wm. Bryce Sr. who emigrated from Scotland.  His family was as follows-Wm.  Bryce, Jr., Jack Hugh (who married Margaret McDonald, daughter of John McDonald and Peggy Harrower), Lizzie (married Thomas Trimble), Jean (married Thos.  Donaldson at Oliver’s Ferry), David (whose first wife was Violet Howie of Iowa–issue two sons John and James; his second wife was Marion Love).  David Bryce succeeded his father in ownership and later sold it to Peter McIntyre whose wife was Mary Ferguson, daughter of Duncan Ferguson and Violet McDougall.  They had one daughter, Violet Anne, now Mrs. Walter Geddes, Dalhousie Lake.  Next owner was J.W. Munro (Boyd’s Settlement) who married Mary Rutherford, daughter of Wm. Rutherford and Anne Ferguson.  He sold it to Malcolm McIntyre, son of Duncan McIntyre, and who married, Tena Purdon, daughter of Wm.  Purdon and Lizzie McDougall. He is the present owner. (Arnold Long’s)

The next farm now owned by George Weir, having no tenant, was first owned by Geo. Harrower, then Donald McDougall and his wife Minnie Thompson, then by Eby. Geddes, and then Jas. Campbell.

The next farm owned and occupied by George Weir, was, first owned by Jas. McDonald, son of John McDonald and Peggy Harrower, then Walter Sim whose wife was Hannah Harrower of Perthshire, Scotland, then Laghlin McIntyre, then Hugh Weir and his wife Elizabeth Hodgson of Peterhead, Scotland and now George Weir and his wife, Margaret Delyea. (This farm is now occupied by Geo. Weir’s daughter, Mrs. Marjorie Closs)

The first owner of the next farm was Jas. Tweedle (Twaddle), then Duncan McDougall who married Jean Bain, daughter of John Bain of the stone house.  Next James Mann, then Robert Balfour, his son James Balfour, and now Alex McIntyre who married Annie Gilmour–issue one daughter Eva, and one son James. (Ray Purdon now lives on this farm).

The farm now owned by Wm.  Balfour was first owned by Robt. Smith, the next owner was Duncan McIntyre Sr., Duncan McIntyre Jr., then Pitchers and now Wm. Balfour, (Mary Brownlee) (now owned by Ken Brownlee).

The farm which now is Jas. McVean’s was first owned by David Wylie (Bella McVean’s), and the spring beside the road on this farm was always known as Wylie’s spring

The farm now owned by R.L. Brownlee was owned by a man by the name of Stockes (Stoakes and later Stokes)before the Brownlees of earlier days.  R.L. Brownlee married Edith McDonald, issue-four sons, Mervil, Gordon, MacDonald and Kenneth. (now Ken’s).

The old McConochie Homestead now owned by Peter McIntyre (Robt.  Ferguson’s) was first owned by Hugh McConochie and his wife Katie Ferguson of Argyleshire, Scotland, issue–Sandy (married Betty Sim, daughter of Walter Sim and Hannah Harrower), Margaret (married John Miller, son of Matthew Miller, soldier), Jean (married a Mr. Muir), Janet (married Jas. Colquhoun of Hibbert), Duncan (married Jeannie Ferguson), Katie (married George Wilson and lived on the homestead until sold, when they moved to Smiths Falls), Mary (married Robt. Wilson), Bella (married Tom Colquhoun of Hibbert).  The farm is now owned by Peter McIntyre who marred Catherine Corley, issue-one daughter Mary.

The next farm was first owned by Duncan Ferguson, nephew of Hugh McConochie, Strachur Ban, Argyleshire, Scotland.  He and his sister Mary sailed with the McConochie family.  Mary died in Perth where she was a maid at Rev. Mr. Bell’s.  Duncan married Violet McDougall, daughter of Alexander McDougall and Janet Clark.  His family consisted of, Mary (married Peter McIntyre, son of Duncan McIntyre and Ann Ferguson), Katie (married Ebenezer Geddes), Peter (married Mary Rutherford), Janet (married Robt. Lee), Alex (married first Katie Buchan, then Agnes Geddes), Maggie (married Robt.  Nisbet), Duncan (married Deborah Love).  David Nisbet now owns the farm but it is untenanted. (Murray Nisbet’s farm),

The farm now owned by Sam Cameron was first owned by Robert Sim, brother of Walter Sim, father of Jane Sim, who became the wife of Hon.  Alexander McKenzie, Prime Minister of Canada.  Then John McDougall and his wife, Mary McNicol, then Todd’s who moved to Minnesota, next Peter Ferguson who gave it to Duncan Stewart.  It is now owned by Sam Cameron and his wife Annie Adam, issue one son, Garnet.

The farm now owned by Sam Gordon was first owned by Duncan Ferguson and his wife, Barbara Currie, sister  of John Currie who erected and operated the first grist mill at the head of Dalhousie Lake and now operated by Walter Geddes, son of Adam Geddes and Jane Sim, Duncan Ferguson’s family were: Hugh who died a young man on board a boat coming East from the Great Lakes and was buried in Kingston; Barbara, Nancy, Dan, Jeannie and Duncan (twins), John, Katie, Sandy, Mary.  Barbara married Robt. Bain, son of John Bain who built the stone house later owned by John Ferguson and Catherine Stewart.  Nancy married Dan Geddes, son of David Geddes and Agnes Lambie, Dan married Katie Currie his cousin [probably error here: Donald, not Dan, married Katie Currie, daughter of his uncle John Currie], Jeannie married Duncan McConochie, son of Hugh-McConochie and Katie Ferguson, Duncan married Elizabeth Robertson, John married Bella Budd, Katie married Mr. Erskine, Sandy married Janet Gilmour, Mary married Jas.  Gordon in Minnesota.  The farm is now owned by Sam Gordon and his wife Nellie Campbell (deceased), issue–George (married Hilda Beatty), Sherman, Gerald and Florence.

McIntyres:

Duncan McIntyre Sr. (my husband’s father) had twin brothers.  John settled near Perth, Robt. a merchant in Renfrew also a member of Parliament, later owned a wholesale business in Montreal, had one son Peter who returned to Fortobella, Scotland.  Two sisters, Katie and Janet, married in Scotland and never came to Canada.  Among their best friends were the Ferguson family.  Duncan McIntyre Sr. married Ann Ferguson and came to Canada with their family: (Margaret married John Anderson of Beckwith) issue–one son Peter who emigrated to Ohio. (Elizabeth died young), Mary married John Gunn of Hopetown, issue–John died young.  Duncan married Margaret Gunn (no relation), Finley married a girl from Western Canada, George died young, Mary married Wm.  McKinnon, Peter married Mary Ferguson, issue–one daughter Violet who marred Walter Geddes, issue–Robt., Ada (deceased) and David.  Malcolm went to the United States and joined the army, he married over there but had no family, John married and lived in Lanark, Duncan Jr. married Jeannie Glenn, issue-Duncan married Tena Watson, Malcolm married Tena Purdon, Peter married Catherine Corley, Alex. married Annie Gilmour, Katie married Thos. Duncan, Maggie married John Trombley, Annie married Peter Anderson, Charles never married and died at the age of 63, John died at the age of 2 years, two infant girls died, the youngest of the family.

As remembered by Mrs. Peter McIntyre (nee–Mary Ferguson)

 Historical sketch of McDonalds Corners, Snow Road and Elphin, by Hilda Geddes; Kenneth McCaskill.

From: The Centenary of the Presbyterian Church in Canada, 1875-1975.

Mary lived a long life and saw many changes throughout her days on earth. From the earliest times of the Scottish pioneer settlement, through to the advancements of the mid-1930s. Mary would see transportation change from the ox to the horse and wagon, to the automobile. She saw the lands around her change from dense forests, to farmlands cleared and thriving with crops. Mary’s story and the celebration of her milestone birthday gives us a glimpse into days gone by, of a simpler time, a life well-lived, and roots reaching back to some of our earliest Scottish settlers in Lanark County.

Arlene Stafford-Wilson

Honorary Life Member, Lanark County Genealogical Society

Member, Association of Professional Genealogists

Lanark County Pioneer Families Humanitarian Award 2023

Author of : “Lanark County Kitchen”, “Lanark County Christmas”, “Lanark County Comfort”, “Lanark County Collection”, “Lanark County Calling”, “Lanark County Classics”, “Lanark County Connections”, “Lanark County Calendar”, “Lanark County Chronicle”, “Lanark County Kid”, & “Recipes & Recollections”

www.staffordwilson.com

Murphy Tragedy

There are only few visible reminders now, more than 150 years after the pioneer Murphy family suffered one of the saddest tragedies imaginable. Small traces, here and there, in the former North Burgess Township of Lanark County, like the sections of land where they farmed after arriving from County Armagh, Ireland.

A section of the former Murphy family land in North Burgess Township, Lanark County

Like many of the settlers, Francis ‘Frank’ Murphy (1797-1848), and his wife Margaret (Hughes) Murphy, (1800-1875), left the old country, hoping for a better life for themselves and their children. They set sail for the new world, as many did, at the height of the potato famine in Ireland. During those incredibly difficult years, so many from the emerald isle settled in the township of North Burgess, Lanark County that some called it, “the Irish invasion”.

a painting depicting an Irish family onboard a ship headed for the New World

A Death at Sea

At least a million people died in Ireland during what became known as the “Great Famine” between 1841 and 1851. Two million people emigrated abroad during and after the famine. Thousands more perished on the long journey, or soon after their arrival in North America. Frank Murphy was one of those who died at sea on his way to Canada, in 1848, leaving Margaret and their children without a husband and father in a strange new land. Frank’s death would not be the last of the Murphy family misfortunes, and some say it was a bad omen of things to come.

At the time of the 1851 Census of North Burgess Township, Margaret, age 50, and five of her children were living on the farm: Mary, age 23, Terence, age 19, John, age 18, Susan, age 17 and Betsy, age 12.  By 1861, only Margaret, Terence, and Betsy remained on the farm.

Frozen to Death

On February 6, 1874, Elizabeth ‘Betsy’ Murphy’s frozen body was found along the road in North Burgess Township, outside of Perth. Betsy, age 34, had traveled to Perth the previous evening with her brother, Terence, age 42, in their horse and buggy. When questioned about her death, Terence stated that his team of horses got away and he ran after them. He also claimed to be in an advanced state of intoxication and had little memory of what had happened on that fateful Friday evening on the way back from Perth.

Below, a transcription of an article (also below) which appeared in “The Perth Courier”, on February 13, 1874.

“An occurrence of a melancholy and somewhat shocking character took place in this vicinity within the past week, which calls for a close and scrutinizing examination by our authorities and court officials. We will briefly narrate the leading circumstances:

On Saturday morning last, the body of a young woman named Elizabeth Murphy was found dead by the roadside in the Township of North Burgess, about twelve miles from Perth, the unfortunate creature having been apparently frozen to death. The story of the sad affair is something like this.

It seems that she and her brother, Terence Murphy, came to Perth on Friday forenoon and started for their home again in Burgess in the evening – it is believed, somewhat intoxicated. The next morning, the body of the girl was found on the road, lifeless, with marks of violence about the face and head. Her brother professes total ignorance as to what occurred before and after this had transpired, pleading an excess of intoxication which deprived him of the power of observing what took place around him, or in fact to himself – save in one thing: he has, he says, an indistinct recollection of the horses running away. To those who are charitable enough to take cognizance of this fact, only, and leave out other circumstances bearing on…

the case, the running away of the team may sufficiently account for the bruises that appeared upon the body of the girl. But it appears that the brother was not so drunk as he endeavored to make it appear. Parties giving evidence at the inquest swore that they saw him looking for his horses after they had run away, very far from being so far gone in intoxication as his testimony made it appear; and his own mother testified that when he got home, before commencing the search after the runaway animals, he was sober enough to make his own tea. Though this does not establish anything, of itself, still it convicts him of falsifying his evidence; and goes to prove at least an amount of cold-blooded indifference as to his sister’s fate, after she was thrown out of the sleigh which confounds our ideas of humanity and fraternal affliction. It is probably that the charge of inhumanity in not looking after his sister…

…instead of searching for his horses, on that freezing night, when by the best of evidence he knew she must be injured, is all that will be brought home to Murphy. Still it is an affair that demands investigation.

On Sunday last, upon proper representation of the affair having been made, Dr. Howden of Perth, Coroner, set out for the place and proceeded to hold an inquest on the remains. After hearing the evidence of several parties knowing more or less of the circumstances we have given above, including that of Terence Murphy himself, the Jury, through their foreman, Mr. Patrick Dooher, returned the following verdict: ”The Jury upon oath find that the deceased came to her death on the night of 6th February, through injury and exposure – the result of being left on the road while driving in company with her brother, Terence Murphy on the aforesaid night, and the Jury are…

…further of the opinion that the said Terence Murphy was guilty of culpable neglect in not looking after the deceased, inasmuch as opportunity was afforded, and the evidence shown that he was not incapable through intoxication.”

On the Wednesday following, Coroner Howden issued a warrant for Murphy’s arrest, in order that the case might go before the Grand Jury at the approaching assizes, and, having been taken in charge by the constable, is now in jail awaiting the final disposal of the case.”

February 13, 1874, p. 2, 3, “The Perth Courier”

The hill where the tragedy occurred on the night of February 6, 1874

A tribute to Elizabeth, where she fell from the buggy and froze to death, on the McParland Road near Perth  

Photo – Kay Ingalls, g-grandniece of Betsy Murphy

Third Tragedy

While we will never know for sure what happened on that fateful night when Elizabeth Murphy froze to death, we can be sure that her brother Terence Murphy, would have to live with the consequences of choices that were made. Did he assume that his sister, being young and healthy, in her early thirties, would have been fine left on her own while he chased after their team of horses? Did the amount of alcohol he’d consumed in Perth earlier that evening have any bearing on his decision-making abilities on that tragic evening?

What we may be sure of is that Terence Murphy would have felt the heavy weight of scorn from the people of Perth and the surrounding areas. Residents of small towns and rural communities tend to have very long memories, and even on his death, at age 83, there seemed to be little sympathy for Mr. Murphy as his demise was announced in a cold and detached statement on the front page of the local paper:

Comes in Threes

There is an old saying that, “Tragedy comes in threes”, and it seems fitting for the Murphy family, having been touched by three very dreadful and unusual deaths. Frank, the head of the family, father and husband, dying at sea on his way to Canada, Elizabeth freezing to death on a lonely snowy road, and Terence, choking to death on a piece of meat.

The tragedy of the Murphy family serves as a reminder to us that not all of the Lanark County Pioneer settlers thrived. Some of the settlers didn’t even survive the voyage from their homelands to set foot on the shores of Upper Canada. Some were not suited to farming and struggled with clearing their land and planting crops and eventually gave up and moved on. Although the economic situation during the potato famine in Ireland was grim, starting over again in a new place, so far from their families, may have caused many to have second thoughts about their choices.

The marker on McParland’s Road, the lone reminder of the hill where Elizabeth Murphy met her fate, still stands, as a silent memorial to that tragic night. It also serves to remind us of the Murphy family, who left County Armagh so long ago, in search of a better life. Like so many of our Lanark County pioneer families, they too were brave souls, leaving everyone and everything behind, their hearts filled with hopes and dreams of a better life for the generations that followed.

Arlene Stafford-Wilson

Honorary Life Member, Lanark County Genealogical Society

Member, Association of Professional Genealogists

Lanark County Pioneer Families Humanitarian Award 2023

Author of : “Lanark County Kitchen”, “Lanark County Christmas”, “Lanark County Comfort”, “Lanark County Collection”, “Lanark County Calling”, “Lanark County Classics”, “Lanark County Connections”, “Lanark County Calendar”, “Lanark County Chronicle”, “Lanark County Kid”, & “Recipes & Recollections”

www.staffordwilson.com

House Features of Bygone Days

Have you ever walked through an old house and noticed a unique feature, maybe something from the past? Today, we’ll visit some old homes and discover some fascinating remnants from days gone by that have faded away into history…

Parlour

In the old days, having a parlour in your home was a sign of social status. It was a place to showcase the family’s best furniture, artworks, and and collectibles. The room was used specifically for entertaining guests, and was not normally used on a daily basis, but was kept in pristine condition so it was always ready for entertaining. The parlour was used for important family events, to receive guests after baptisms, weddings, and funerals. Tea was served in fine china cups, and alcohol was displayed in crystal decanters and served in heavy lead crystal glasses and stemware.

In some cases a parlour was kept closed when not in use, and furniture was sometimes covered in drop-cloths to avoid fading from the light coming through the windows, and to prevent dust from collecting on the upholstery.

Transom Windows

Transom windows are small windows built above doors in many older houses. We had several transom windows in our former house, on the 3rd Line of Bathurst, built in 1906, known locally as the Stafford house. This architectural feature was popular before central heating and air conditioning was available. These transom windows allowed the flow of air throughout the house, and were placed high above the the door so didn’t compromise the privacy of the occupant of the room. Some people used a tool to open and close the windows, known as ‘transom operators’, a long metal rod, made of brass, copper, or steel.

Servants’ Quarters

In large houses, the staff normally had their own areas where they lived and worked. This was common from the late 17th century up to the early 20th century. They could be located in the basements or attics, and in larger houses might be in a separate wing, or floor of the home.

Wash Basin & Pitcher

Before indoor plumbing was available, people had a pitcher of water and a basin in their bedrooms so they could wash up before coming downstairs and joining the family for meals, or before bed.

Some of the grand old homes had special wash basin stands, made of wood, to hold the pitcher and basin.

Coal Chutes

On the outside of homes, you may have noticed what appears to be a metal plate. These were coal chutes, and were located in the foundation wall, and were designed for coal deliveries, when most homes were heated with coal.

On the interior of the house wall, was the other side of the coal chute, which sometimes emptied into a large bin or holding box.

Coal was delivered once a week by a coal delivery service.

Ice Boxes

Before the invention of modern electric refrigerators, ice boxes were a common sight in houses, used to maintain the freshness of food. A large block of ice was placed in a compartment at the top of a wooden cabinet. The cool air would circulate inside the cabinet keeping the other sections cool. The cabinets were constructed with wood, and lined with zinc or tin which acted as an barrier, then the inner walls were packed with sawdust or cork to act as insulation.

Ice Delivery

In some towns and cities, ice was delivered door to door by an Ice Man, who came regularly once a week to replace the ice in the ice boxes.

Milk Doors

Some older homes have milk doors, that were used when milk was delivered daily, door to door. Almost every family had milk delivered daily before the electric refrigerator became common in most homes.

The milk doors were two-way, small, insulated doors built into the walls of homes and apartment buildings. The milk was kept cool, away from animals, and was easy access for the homeowner who could reach the milk without going outside.

Butlers Pantry

In stately old homes you might see a Butlers Pantry. These were common in large homes in the 18th and 19th centuries, and were usually located between the kitchen (where the staff would cook) and the dining room (where the family would be served). Silverware, serving dishes, china, and silver cutlery was kept in this area, and it was also used for polishing silver.

In some manor houses the Butler slept in the pantry in order to keep watch over the silver items, at one time these were sterling, so quite valuable to the family.

Dumbwaiters

It was common in Victorian times to have a Dumbwaiter in the home to transport items between floors.

The Dumbwaiters were small elevators manually operated by a system of ropes and pullies, then in the 1920s, many were equipped with electric motors. Most Dumbwaiters had a load capacity of 200 lbs or less and were used to move food, laundry, and other small items between floors, mostly operated by the staff.

Picture Rails

Picture rails were used to avoid pounding nails for picture-hanging into the plaster walls.

The picture rails were strips of wooden molding that ran along the ceiling and were common in Victorian times. Wires and hooks or nails were used to hang paintings from the rails. Plaster was very easily damaged, so the picture rails were not just practical to preserve the integrity of the walls, but also became a pleasing and decorative feature in houses of a certain era.

Preserving the Past

for the Future

There are many fascinating features and details in older homes, and some of them tell us an interesting story about the lifestyles of the occupants who lived there.

While many of these are a thing of the past because modern conveniences have taken their place, they remain an important part of our history, of who we were, and how we lived.

Arlene Stafford-Wilson

Honorary Life Member, Lanark County Genealogical Society

Member, Association of Professional Genealogists

Lanark County Pioneer Families Humanitarian Award 2023

Author of : “Lanark County Kitchen”, “Lanark County Christmas”, “Lanark County Comfort”, “Lanark County Collection”, “Lanark County Calling”, “Lanark County Classics”, “Lanark County Connections”, “Lanark County Calendar”, “Lanark County Chronicle”, “Lanark County Kid”, & “Recipes & Recollections”

www.staffordwilson.com

Revere Hotel

Revere Hotel (Revere House) – at the far right, 80 Foster Street, Perth, Ontario

“The Zoo”

In the heydays of the 1970s, the Revere Hotel was affectionately known as, “The Zoo”. It was the place to go for the best in country music, cold brews, and good times. Like any local bar there were the usual rounds of ‘boy meets girl’, a dash of forbidden love, and even the occasional rowdy exchange, mostly verbal, but sometimes physical. If these old walls could talk, they might share some tales of its long and storied history in the town of Perth, those early days when travelers pulled up at the front in their horse and buggies, the days of its first colourful owner, a Mr. Ferguson from Scotland.

Ferguson Family

Alexander Craigdarroch ‘Black Sandy’ Ferguson was born at Laggan, Perthshire, Scotland, son of Duncan Ferguson (1740-1784) and Helen Stewart (1754-1820).

This fine stone building was constructed in the 1820s first as a store, and converted into a hotel in 1835.

In the back of the building there was a a 40 gallon copper still, part of the licensed distillery run by a Mr. John Ferguson. Naturally, the distillery produced Scotch whiskey known locally as ‘Craigdarroch of Perth’ praised for its smooth taste.

In 1904, a third floor was added to the hotel providing space for an additional 15 rooms.

The building remained as a hotel, but changed hands many times; first known as the Black Sandy Ferguson Hotel, later the William Hicks Hotel and eventually the Revere Hotel.

Kehoe Family

In 1917 Peter Kehoe, son of John Kehoe & Catherine Byrne purchased the Revere House from William Flett. Peter had worked for William Flett at the hotel in the early 1900s, first, as a wine clerk, and later as a bartender. Peter also served as a Councilor for the Town of Perth, elected in 1922. He passed away in 1930, but his wife, Mary (Hogan) Kehoe continued to operate the hotel. The horse stables at the back of the hotel were removed in 1935 to provide space to park cars. In 1942, Mary Kehoe sold it to a Mr. Allen from Kemptville.

The lobby of the Revere Hotel, with Bartender, Peter Kehoe, who later became the owner. Photo from Perth Remembered.

Lake Family

Francis Albert ‘Frank’ Lake, (1911-2004), son of Henry Lake and Selina Slaney, and his wife, Laura (Martin) Lake (1917-2004) purchased the Revere Hotel, along with a partner, Harold Locatelli. Eventually the Lake family bought out their partner and were sole owners.

To celebrate the purchase of the hotel, Frank Lake was presented with an unopened bottle of 1916 Scotch Whiskey from McLarens Distillery in Perth. This ‘batch’ was said to be the last production prior to prohibition. This precious artifact is now in the possession of the Geroux family.

1916 Scotch

photo: Larry Geroux

Geroux Family

In 1959 Larry Geroux’s father-in-law, Frank Lake, bought the Revere Hotel, and after leaving the navy, Larry came to Perth to work at the hotel.

One of the highlights in the 1970s, was “Talent Night” at the Revere Hotel, with Suzy Barrie.

Voyageur Bus Depot

For over two decades, from 1960-1985 the lobby was used as the Voyageur Bus depot. On March 1, 1985, the Voyageur bus-stop was moved to the Video Connections store at Gore St. and North Street.

In 1983, the Red Fox Restaurant and Tavern moved in, and it remains there today.

An historic renovation took place in 2021, when the exterior of the building was restored, uncovering the original stonework which was parged over many decades ago.

And so, the memories and stories of this very special place continue today. Since the renovation, those old stone walls look very much as they did when the hotel opened for business…..so many years ago.

Oh, if those old walls could talk, I’ll bet they’d have some colourful tales to tell!

Arlene Stafford-Wilson

Honorary Life Member, Lanark County Genealogical Society

Member, Association of Professional Genealogists

Lanark County Pioneer Families Humanitarian Award 2023

Author of : “Lanark County Kitchen”, “Lanark County Christmas”, “Lanark County Comfort”, “Lanark County Collection”, “Lanark County Calling”, “Lanark County Classics”, “Lanark County Connections”, “Lanark County Calendar”, “Lanark County Chronicle”, “Lanark County Kid”, & “Recipes & Recollections”