Category Archives: Archival Moments

Southern Cross Reported

Archival Moment

March 31, 1914

On March 31 or the early morning April 1, 1914, the SS Southern Cross sank while returning to Newfoundland from the Gulf of St. Lawrence, taking with it 173 men.

The last sighting of the sealing vessel was made by the crew of the coastal steamer SS Portia, passing the Southern Cross near Cape Pine, off the southern Avalon Peninsula. Although the Portia was headed for St. Mary’s Bay to wait out a worsening blizzard, the Southern Cross, low in the water with its large cargo of seal pelts, seemed headed for Cape Race. The steamer was not seen again, and because no wireless equipment was on board, communication with other vessels was impossible.

The Captain of the S.S. Portia, Captain Connors did have the Marconi wireless and on spotting the Southern Cross wired the owners of the vessel Messrs Bowring Brothers stating:

“Passed the Southern Cross, 5 miles W.N.W. of Cape Pine, at 11:00 a.m. yesterday (March 31, 1914) . It is supposed that she ran into St. Mary’s Bay and harbored at North Harbor.”

Captain George Clarke of the Southern Cross did not run into St. Mary’s Bay as supposed it is likely he pressed through the storm because he was anxious for the recognition and the small prize traditionally awarded to the first arrival back from the seal hunt.

The theory is that in the height of the storm the ship’s heavy cargo may have shifted capsizing the steamer.

Whatever the cause, the sinking of the Southern Cross resulted in more deaths than any other single disaster in Newfoundland and Labrador sealing history.

Recommended Archival Collection: At the Rooms Provincial Archives see GN 121 this collection consists of the evidence taken before the Commission of Enquiry regarding the S.S. Newfoundland. The collection includes the Sealers Crew Agreement and the evidence given by the surviving members of the crew. Evidence entered concerning the loss of the SS Southern Cross is also included on this collection.

Recommended Reading: PERISHED by Jenny Higgins, Boulder Press, St. John’s. (2014) offers unique, illustrative look at the 1914 sealing disaster through pull-out facsimile archival documents.

Home from the Sea Memorial, Elliston: Learn more about “Home from The Sea, Sealers Memorial” in Elliston, Trinity Bay http://www.homefromthesea.ca/

Grief Turned to Joy

Archival Moment

March 22, 1915

Grief Turned to Joy

Yesterday (March 22, 1915) the home of Mrs. Agnes Wheeler, Torbay Road which has been the scene of mourning and sorrow since the loss of the HMS Clan McNaughton was suddenly changed into one of joy. Mrs. Wheeler had been mourning the loss of her son Philip who was believed to have been on the missing ship when a letter from her boy came yesterday announcing the joyful news that he was quite safe.

Mrs. Wheeler, age 51, a widow, the mother of three children, had been mourning the loss of her son with her two other children, Peter, age 17; and Mary age 11 since early February.

The following is his letter.

Ward

Fizakerley Hospital, Liverpool.

February 26^th, 1915

My dearest mother.

Just a few lines, hoping you are keeping quite well as it leaves me at present. Dear mother, I am just writing to let you know I came off the Clan McNaughton before she went down and I am quite safe. I am in this hospital with pneumonia but I am glad to tell you I have got over the worst of it and I am progressing favorably and hope to be out soon.

I have no more to say at present hoping to hear from you soon.

I remain your loving son,

Philip.

Please mother; remember me to all at home.

Another letter was received from Sister Ryder (a nurse) of the hospital who writes as follows:

Ward F 4

lst Western General Hospital Fizakerley

March 1st 1915

Dear Mrs. Wheeler,

l do not know if your son Philip has written to you since he has been in this hospital but seeing his name amongst the names of those brave men missing from HMS Clan McNaughton I thought perhaps you would be relieved to hear he has been in this hospital since the 20th of January. He has been very ill with typhoid fever but is now doing very well and we hope that he will soon be up and about again.

Yours sincerely,

Sister H. Ryder

The gladness which these rays of heavenly sunshine brought to that humble dwelling on the Torbay Road yesterday (March 22, 1915) can better be imagined than described. The story of Philip Wheeler’s escape is a remarkable one. He was first drafted for the ill-fated Viknor but was taken ill and had to remain ashore. Later he joined the HMS Clan McNaughton and the rest of his story is told in the letter to his mother.

Mrs. Wheeler is a happy woman today but mingled with her happiness is a tender sympathy for those mothers who are still left to weep for the brave sons they have given in the service of the Empire.

History of the HMS Clan McNaughton

HMS Clan Macnaughton was a converted cargo passenger ship built in 1911. The vessel was hired by the Admiralty in November 1914. She was sunk during a severe gale (or possibly mined) off the NW coast of Ireland with the loss of all hands.

The true cause of her sinking has never been fully established. However, there has been some speculation that a combination of a bad Atlantic storm, coupled with a top heavy ship (due to the fitting of naval guns) may have contributed to her loss rather than a loose mine out in the Atlantic.

Stephen Dicker from Flat Island, Bonavista Bay, joined the HMS Clan MacNaughton on January 19, 1915 and voiced discontent about working conditions: “Anyone that has experienced a month at sea in a boat like this will say that the landsmen has got a blessing.”

On February 3, 1915, the HMS Clan MacNaughton was sunk with the loss of all 261 on board, including 23 Newfoundlanders. In total, during the war, 192 reservists and 117 merchant sailors from Newfoundland perished.

Those who died were:

BRYAN, Edward Smn 1284X of Elizabeth Tucker [formerly Bryan] and the late John Bryan Thorburn Road, St. John’s

BUTLER, Peter Smn 2174X of William and Anne Butler Harbour Grace

CHAFE, William Henry Smn 1283X of Henry and Hannah Chafe Forest Pond, The Goulds, St. John’s

COADY, Timothy Francis Smn 1293X of Anna Coady 22 York Street, St. John’s

CROCKER, Stanley Smn 2178X of John Charles and Jane Crocker Heart’s Delight, Trinity Bay

DICKER, Stephen Smn 1240X of22 George and Jane Dicker Flat Island, Bonavista Bay

DYER, William Gerrard Smn 2170X of Mrs. Helen Dyer Logy Bay, St. John’s East

HALLETT, Albert Smn 931X of Jonas and Sarah Hallett Flat Island, Bonavista Bay

KAVANAGH, Thomas Joseph Smn 217X of James and Katherine Kavanagh Logy Bay, St. John’s East

KEHOE, William J. Smn 2173X of Michael Thomas and Christina Kehoe Riverhead, Harbour Grace

KNIGHT, Thomas Smn 1297X of William and Annie Knight Pleasant Street, St. John’s

MORGAN, John Thomas Smn 1255X of Joseph Morgan Seal Cove, Conception Bay

MORRIS, Walter Smn 1282X of Mrs. Amelia Morris 63 Field Street, St. John’s

O’BRIEN, Patrick J. Smn 2172X of Richard J. and Matilda O’Brien

OSMOND, Gerald Augustus Smn 1287X H.M.S. Husband of Mary Osmond 121 Duckworth Street, St. John’s

PIKE, Francis Smn 2175X H.M.S. of Mrs. Susan Pike Water Street, Harbour Grace

RANDELL, Ralph Smn 2176X of John and Elizabeth Randell Elliott’s Cove, Random Island

SIMMONS, F. Eugene Smn 1285X of L.H. and Anne Simmons Spruce Brook

SNOW, Randell Joseph Smn 1256X of Mrs. Elizabeth Snow Mundy Pond Road, St. John’s

SQUIRES, Richard J. Smn 1280X H.M.S. of Richard J. and Elizabeth Squires St. John’s

STONE, Edward Smn 1295X of Edward and Isidorah Stone Bell Island

WATKINS, Jonas Smn 2177X of Henry and Ellen Watkins Summerford, Notre Dame Bay

(If you are friends with someone who shares the surname of one of these men – send them this post – it might be an ancestor.)

Recommended Archival Collection: At the Rooms Provincial Archives research the Newfoundland Royal Naval Reserve fonds . GB 1/3. This collection consists of 17 volumes of personnel records for the Newfoundland Royal Naval Reserve (1900-1919). Records include applications for enrolment, naval service ledgers and registers of payment and retainers. Includes an alphabetical listing of reservists. Microfilm reproductions are available for research. Reel content is provided with item level descriptions.

Photo Credit: The Rooms Provincial Archives VA-58-21, Reservist in complete uniform, HMS Briton, ca. 1916.

Did Johnny Burke design Bannerman Park?

Archival Moment

May 9, 1891

On April 11, 1891 the St. John’s Municipal Council posted in the Evening Telegram an advertisement (notice) inviting the people of the town to submit plans and specifications for the design of Bannerman Park.

The notice read:

“The Municipal Council being desirous of laying out the grounds of Bannerman Park in a tasteful and economical manner, invite plans and specifications for that purpose, and for the plan which they select a prize of $50.00 will be rewarded.”

The deadline for the completion was set for April 29, 1891 with all submissions being forwarded to W. KELLY, Secretary, at the Municipal Offices, on Duckworth Street.

The talk about the town was all about Bannerman Park and what it should look like in the future. Some of the questions that had been proposed included: Should there be a public hall in the park? Should some land lots be made available for housing? Should some of the park be allotted for the cricket teams? What type of trees and should the trees line the walkways or surround the perimeter of the park?

Those who entered into the design completion had only a short eighteen days to develop a concept and submit their proposal.

On May 9, 1891 the Municipal Council made known to the local papers the winner of the competition. Under the headline “A Laurel in Another Field” the Evening Telegram declared that:

“Mr. John Burke, Prescott Street, has been awarded the first prize ($50) for the best design of laying out Bannerman Park.”

John Burke was better known in the town as Johnny Burke (1851–1930). A Newfoundland songwriter and musician from St. John’s nicknamed the ‘Bard of Prescott Street’. Burke earned his living at a variety of service jobs (grocer, salesman) and amateur theatrical positions (talent show producer, opera producer); he was also the proprietor of a cinema, and on two occasions a theatre manager. He is perhaps best known for his songs, such as Cod Liver Oil, The Trinity Cake, and The Kelligrew’s Soiree, they all remain popular to this day.

No one realized that he had design talents, a laurel in another field.

Recommended Reading: Stories About Bannerman Park: http://www.bannermanpark.ca/stories/

Recommended Action: Support the Garden of Memories in Bannerman Park: People who enjoy the park can contribute to the park‘s revitalization through by sponsoring various fixtures, flower gardens, and commemorative granite stones, which will be used for the pathways in the Garden. For more information: http://www.bannermanpark.ca/the-garden-of-memories-open-to-the-public/

The prevention of cruelty to animals

Archival Moment

March 10, 1879

We Love Animals

On March 10, 1879 the St. John’s newspaper “The Temperance Journal” reported on the early development of a relatively new movement advocating for the prevention of cruelty to animals.

The editor of the local paper James Murray wrote:

“We observe that our thoughtful humanitarian Judge (Daniel W.) Prowse has projected an amended Act for the prevention of cruelty to animals.”

The Editor, with tongue firmly planted in his cheek continued:

“Now regarding the necessity of such an act we agree, but what about the necessity of an Act for the prevention of cruelty by animals. Anyone who has witnessed the tender cabbage sprout, that has been watered and watched, and saved alike from the early frost, and the early grub, only to be devoured by the ruthless goat, and a goat that doesn’t belong to you, at that, will understand us.”

Prowse and others did press on and in his lifetime he saw the establishment of the Newfoundland Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) in 1888.

The first work of this newly formed Society was mostly amongst horses, and the hardship they endured from pulling heavy loads up steep hills from the harbor.

Recommended Archival Collection: At The Rooms Provincial Archives: MG 593: 1912 -1927 consists of correspondence; complaint books, and investigation reports.

Recommended Website: For more information on the SPCA go to www.spcastjohns.org

The foundation for The Rooms Provincial Archives

ARCHIVAL MOMENT

March 10, 1879

The Rooms – Home to the Provincial Archives of Newfoundland and Labardor

The idea of an archive to house the history of this province of Newfoundland and Labrador (then a colony) was first suggested in March 1879.

On March 10, 1879 the editor of the St. John’s newspaper “The Temperance Journal” wrote

“let us have a bureau of history and statistics, where files of all our local newspapers shall be kept throughout the year for reference and then bound in yearly volumes. Where tables of our imports and exports, shipping, agriculture, and mines shall be kept, where meterorological registrations, and registers of births, marriages and deaths shall be kept.”

The Editor had some very definite ideas including suggesting a budget. He wrote

“Cost not to exceed three hundred per annum, including office rent, and everything.”

He also had some very particular ideas about the salary of the person who would take on the position. The Editor wrote

“Application for any “rise” on the part of the incumbent to be equivalent to instant dismissal.”

It would be some time before the voice of this local newspaper Editor would be heard. The responsibility for the safekeeping of these records was not delegated until 1898 when responsibility was given to the Colonial Secretary.

It was not until 1956 that a grant from the Carnegie Foundation of New York allowed a group of academics at Memorial University of Newfoundland to begin to collect, organize and describe various collections of historic government records.

In 1959 the Provincial Government passed the Historic Objects, Sites and Records Act which established the Provincial Archives of Newfoundland and Labrador (PANL). At that point the records were transferred to PANL located in theColonialBuilding onMilitary Road.

In 2005 the Provincial Archives Division was established in The Rooms.

Recommended Arccival Collection: From the luxury of your home explore some of the archival collections that are held at The Rooms Provincial Archhives. Read More: http://www.therooms.ca/archives/

(Thank you to the 22,285 visitors that came to www.archivalmoments.ca in February. I am happy to hear that you read and enjoyed the postings. The site is now averaging 796 visitors per day. Encourage your friends and colleagues to take a look. Let’s celebrate our history and culture. You can follow ‘Archival Moments’ on Twitter @LarryDohey)

David’s Day to be Commemorated, March 1

David’s Day to be Commemorated

Those of Welsh descent in Newfoundland and Labrador will have an opportunity to come together to commemorate St. David, patron saint of Wales, as part of the 4th Annual St. David’s Day events organized by the Sir William Vaughan Trust.

The first day of March was chosen in remembrance of the death of Saint David. Tradition holds that he died on that day in 569. The date was declared a national day of celebration within Wales in the 18th century.

This year’s activities will be held on March 1, 2015 at O’Reilly’s Pub on George Street, commencing with the Annual General Meeting of the Trust at 4:00 pm, followed by a reception and then an evening of songs and entertainment starting at 6:00 pm. The evening activities are a fundraiser to support the work of the Trust in the coming year with donations accepted at the door.

The Sir William Vaughan Trust was established in 2012 to promote awareness of Sir William Vaughan and his early plantation efforts in Newfoundland (1617-1630). The Trust’s activities include developing enhanced linkages between Newfoundland and Wales and engaging those of Welsh descent currently living in the province.

Since 2012, the Trust has undertaken archaeological field work at Trepassey’s Lower Coast, a possible location for Vaughan’s early plantation efforts. The Trust has also facilitated linkages between Welsh and other researchers at the University of Ulster and Memorial University on early plantation development.

For more information on St. David’s Day events or to become a member of the Trust, visit http://www.swvp.ca/ or Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/swvtrust/

For more information:

Carol Osmond, Sir William Vaughan Trust

carolosmond61@gmail.comv

(709) 730 -5999

Rhubarb Pie in Ice and Snow?

ARCHIVAL MOMENT

February 23, 1889

Subscribers to the St. John’s newspaper, The Daily Colonist on February 23, 1889 read that a “Newfoundland Rhubarb pie” had been served at the Atlantic Hotel.

Why did a rhubarb pie make the news?

There was much conversation in the town about the pie, it appears that it may have been the first rhubarb grown and served in Newfoundland during the winter season. The reporter wrote:

“The vegetable was grown by Mr. J.T. Neville, at Rae Island farm and tastes as succulent and nutritious as if pulled in June. The stalks are quite large and can be seen under their glass covers by visitors to Mr. Neville’s place on the Waterford – Bridge road.”

Mr. & Mrs. Neville leased a fifty acre piece of property that encompassed the Waterford and Kilbride Rivers that they named Rae Island Farm. It was at the farm where they experimented with growing vegetables in a hot house. Rae Island Farm is known today as Bowring Park.

The Atlantic Hotel, located at 102 Water Street was the most prestigious hotel in the city at the time. It was opened in 1875 by J.W. Foran.

The newspaper article concluded:

“Fresh rhubarb in Newfoundland in January! What will our friends across the water say to this? Those friends who have always looked upon Newfoundland as being covered in ice and snow three fourths of the year will certainly be surprised.”

Recommended Reading: Sean Cadigan, “The Staple Model Reconsidered: The Case of Agricultural Policyn Northeast Newfoundland, 1785-1855”, Acadiensis, XXI, 2 (Spring 1992), pp. 48- 71.

Foundation for choral music in Newfoundland and Labrador

St. John’s Choral Society

Photo Credit: The Rooms Provincial Archives. C 5 -6: The Athenaeum Hall, Duckworth Street, St. John’s was built in 1879, this 1000 seat theatre was central too much of this musical activity in the town.

On this day, (February 19, 1879) the local, St. John’s newspaper, The Temperance Journal reported:

“The first concert of the St. John’s Choral Society took place in the Athenaeum Hall on Wednesday evening (February 19, 1879) before a fair audience. We understand the “lovers of sweet sounds” were amply repaid for their evening excursion.”

The 200 voice St. John’s Choral Society was the focal point for a good deal of musical activity in St. John’s in the late 19^th century. The society put on performances of large scale oratorios and sacred cantatas. Among the major works performed were Messiah (1880, 1884), Judas Maccabaeus (1881) and The Creation (1882).

The founders of the Choral Society were Emil Handcock and George Rowe. Handcock served as the first director until 1883 at which time Rowe took the baton.

The site of this first concert was at the very prestigious Athenaeum Hall. Built in 1879, this 1000 seat theatre was central too much of this musical activity in the town. Located on Duckworth Street – the Athenaeum was also home to a Library and Reading Room. In 1892 in the great downtown fire, the Athenaeum was destroyed.

The strong tradition of choral music continues with Newfoundland and Labrador boasting some of the best choirs in the country. Including:

Shallaway: http://www.shallaway.ca Shallaway is dedicated to continuing its ever-evolving journey of exploring, connecting, encouraging, developing and celebrating cultural expression through the medium of choral music.

Lady Cove: http://www.ladycove.ca/ Lady Cove Women’s Choir is one of twenty-five choral ensembles in the world – and the only one from Canada — chosen to participate in the 9th World Symposium on Choral Music in Argentina in August 2011.

Newman Sound: http://newmansound.ca/ Newman Sound competed in the World Choir Games in Cincinnati, Ohio, (2012) achieving world champion status as the gold medal winners for male chamber choirs! They continue to hold to that high standard.

Les Ms: http://www.lesms.ca/ This ensemble is recognized for its high quality music and unique performance style. Delivering an eclectic repertoire that includes sacred music and spirituals to traditional, pop and vocal jazz,

Quintessential Vocal Ensemble (QVE): www.qve.ca Over the past 20 years, the Quintessential Vocal Ensemble (QVE) has become recognized as one of Canada’s most accomplished amateur choirs, bringing together more than 40 singers from the thriving musical community of St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador.

Cantus Vocum: http://www.cantusvocum.com/ Cantus Vocum Chamber Choir was founded in 1995 by their current conductor, Chad Stride. Cantus Vocum translates as “the musical sound of voices”. This twenty voice chamber choir has quickly been recognized and praised for their musical artistry. Cantus Vocum is continually producing innovative programming to cover a broad spectrum of musical tastes.

St. John’s Choir: www.stjohnschoir.ca For more than 50 years, the St. John’s Choir has been an active participant in and contributor to the musical life of the city, and has provided an opportunity for members of the community to come together with one voice.

The Philharmonic Choir of the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra. http://pcnso.org/ : The (PCNSO) is a community choir based in St. John’s, founded in 1987 as an oratorio choir specifically to perform Handel’s Messiah with the NSO, the PCNSO has broadened its repertoire substantially and now performs several concerts each season with a wide variety of music.

Take some time to explore each of these websites. Some have concert dates and special events posted.

Throw snow in the middle of the street

February 20, 1880

Archival Moment

Throw the snow in St. John's into the streets?

Merrymeeting Road, St. John’s, February 1921.

Great debates have been had in St. John’s about snow and what to do with snow.

There was a time in St. John’s, when residents were encouraged to throw snow from their sidewalks into the middle of the street. Not only were they encouraged to do this, they were often ordered to do this. The St. John’s newspaper, The Evening Telegram reported in February 1880:

“a policeman called on the various dwellings (in St. John’s) and ordered that all snow lying before their doors should be thrown into the middle of the street.”

One resident of Cochrane Street, St. John’s was not very happy with this arrangement. In February 1880 he wrote to the St. John’s newspaper:

“In most instances the order of the policeman to throw snow in the middle of the street was complied, with the result of which is that today sleighs driving up and down Cochrane Street encroach on the sidewalks to the danger of pedestrians.”

It appears that those with horse and sleigh wanted to take the path of least resistance and rather than take to the center of the road (now covered with mounds of snow) were more inclined to take the cleared sidewalks.

The frustrated resident of Cochrane Street wrote:

“If the magistrates have ordered the snow to be cleared from the sidewalks, it would be only right that they should cause all sleighs to keep to the center of the road.”

The policemen and the magistrates did begin to listen to the residents and actively pursued convicting carmen who were driving on the sidewalks. Judge Daniel Woodley Prowse took no sympathy on those that went before him in his court with the charge of ‘driving on the sidewalks.’ Among the many that were convicted were Patrick MacDonald of Portugal Cove Road and Matthew Doyle of Freshwater Road who were before the good judge in the court for “driving the quadrupeds (horses) on the sidewalk” were each fined fifty cents and costs.

Judge Prowse was squarely on the side of the pedestrians as having rights above all other traffic!

Oh, how times have changed!

Recommended Archival Collection: At The Rooms Provincial Archives Division read the old newspaper accounts that give great insight into the events of the past. http://www.therooms.ca/archives/

Recommended Web Site: City of St. John’s Snow Clearing: http://www.stjohns.ca/living-st-johns/streets-traffic-and-parking/snow-clearing

Recommended to Read: One for the History Books: The Winter of 2000–01 in St. John’s, Newfoundland by Bruce Whiffen. http://www.easternsnow.org/proceedings/2002/021_Whiffen.pdf

Definition: Carman, a driver of a horse-drawn vehicle used for transporting goods.

(If you know the street location and or the approximate date of this photograph please contact me.)

“Fast driving (dogs) on the public thoroughfares”

ARCHIVAL MOMENT

February 10, 1881

Photo Credit: The Rooms Provincial Archives. VA 15A-31.8; Boy with dog cart, St. Lawrence. NL

Dogs at one time were an integral part of daily life in Newfoundland and Labrador; traditionally the vast majority of dogs were “working dogs’ few had “companion dogs.”

The work that dogs did was important. Dogs were valued for their security, warmth, herding, and hauling. In Newfoundland it would not be unusual to see a dog in harness, tethered to a sleigh in the winter or small cart in the summer pulling firewood from the surrounding wooded country or pulling other heavy loads.

On February 10, 1881 a local paper (The Twillingate Sun) reported about the court trial of a young man and his treatment of his dog.

The newspaper reported a young man named William Pride, aged 19, a resident of David Button’s Cove, (Twillingate area) was summoned to the Court on the complaint of the Local Constable, “for furiously driving and exciting his dogs while drawing a slide. “

William admitted that he “made the dogs travel swifter than he should have done.”

His Worship, after due consideration, and no doubt taking into account the circumstances of the youth, (being very poor), let him off by paying one dollar or seven days imprisonment.

The owner of the dog, John Pride, was also summoned before the Court. It appears that the dog when stopped for “fast driving” tore the constable’s overcoat, causing the charge to also include “keeping furious animal.”

Mr. Pride satisfied the magistrate that he was not aware of the ferocious propensity of his dog, his “faithful friend,” and, told the court that as soon as he was made acquainted with the fact, he immediately terminated his dog’s existence.

The newspaper reporter concluded:

“It is to be hoped that this will be a warning to other drivers of the canine tribe, for should they come under the notice for furious driving they are most likely to be brought before the Court, where His Worship will be likely to inflict such “a fine as the dangerous practice of fast driving on the public thoroughfares may warrant.”

Recommended Archival Collection: At The Rooms Provincial Archives: MG 593: 1912 -1927 consists of correspondence; complaint books, and investigation reports.

Recommended Website: For more information on the SPCA go to http://www.spcastjohns.org/