The Month That Was – October 1870

Oshawa Vindicator, October 5, 1870, page 1

For Sale
A Brick House, 36 x 24, 2 ½ stories high, with stable, shed, driving house, &c., connected to the Lot on which they stand, being 58 square perches, the property of John Robinson, Port Oshawa. Terms liberal. Apply to either Ralph Robinson, Oshawa, or John Thompson, Paitley Mills, Whitby.

Oshawa Vindicator, 5 October 1870, page 1

Page 2
Whitby and East Whitby Fair
Every preparation is being made by the directors to make the Fall Fair to be held here on the 26th, better than any that has preceded it. Fifty three dollars have been collected in the town, as special prizes for equestrianship. Two of these are a portrait valued at $15, to be given to the best lady rider, and one valued at $8, to the best lady equestrian under fifteen years of age, both presented by Mr. JE Hoitt. The prizes for equestrianship have been divided into four classes, three prizes being offered to young ladies under 15, and three to boys under 16 years of age. Several new prizes have been offered in the photographic department, for the purpose of inducing a strong competition. Mr. J Porter offers for special prizes of $18, for suckling colts after Sir Walter Scott. The bills have been issued to the several directors and can be had of them.

Oshawa Vindicator, 5 Oct 1870, p 3

Died
In Oshawa, on the 4^th inst., Louisa, wife of JB Warren, Esq., aged 64 years. The funeral will leave the residence of her husband for St. George’s Burial ground, at 3pm to-morrow (Thursday).

Whitby Chronicle, 6 Oct 1870 p4

Oshawa Vindicator, October 12, 1870, page 2
As the funeral of the late Mrs. Warren was on its way to the St. George’s Burial Ground Thursday, it was met by the waggon of the Dominion Telegraph Company, which frightened some of the horses. In the fright, the carriages were backed upon each other, and one, that of Mr. Burk, of Bowmanville, was forced into the ditch and broken.

Mr. W. Rundle has a bill against the town of $17.50 for damages done to his horse by a broken street crossing. The hole is repaired now.

Wanted
A first-class servant girl, two kept in the family. Good wages given. Mrs. JO Guy. Port Oshawa, Oct 10, 1870

Oshawa Vindicator, 12 Oct 1870, p 3

Whitby Gazette, October 13, 1870, page 2
The Harvest of 1870
The following is the annual report of the GTR officials of the harvest in this locality: …

Oshawa – hay, very light and not an average crop; Wheat, very light crop, average not over 10 bushels per acre; Barley, average 15 bushels per acre; Peas, average 20 bushels per acre; Oats, an average crop; root crops good; Quality of grain very fine, having been secured in splendid condition.

Oshawa Vindicator, October 19, 1870, page 2
The schooner Kate, of this port, was blown ashore in the gale Monday night, near Cobourg. She was loaded with barley belonging to R & A Smith. The grain was insured. No one was lost.

In the same blow, a schooner loaded in the harbor carried off posts and a portion of the wharf to which she was fastened.

By the New York papers we see that Mr. Carswell is keeping up his old time reputation in that city. He leaves soon on a lecturing tour in the Southern States, under the auspices of the National Division of the Sons.

Stolen or Strayed
From Lot 6 2^nd Concession East Whitby, on the 2^nd Oct., a RED COW, with white spots on left hip and left shoulder, with star in her forehead, three years old. Anyone returing the same will be liberally rewarded.
Sarah Terry, East Whitby, Oct. 18, 1870

Oshawa Vindicator, 19 Oct 1870, p 3

Whitby Gazette, October 20, 1870, page 2
Masonic Charts – We have received from Dr. Vars, of Oshawa a sett of masonic charts, copies of which should be in the hands of every “brother of the mystic” in the country. The charts are magnificently engraved, and cleanly and neatly printed and, besides illustrating the different grades and forms of Masonry, are beautiful ornaments for the parlor at home. Parties can be supplied with the charts by Dr. Vars, Oshawa, or at this office.

Whitby Gazette, 27 Oct 1870, p 4

Oshawa Vindicator, October 26, 1870, page 2
Oshawa Fire Brigade – The following offices were duly elected at the regular annual election for 1871:

Brigade Officers – PH Thornton, re-elected Chief Engineer and Treasurer; Jos. Craig, Assistance Chief Engineer; R. Dillon, Brigade Secretary

Fire Co. Rescue No. 1 – Thos. Hall, Captain; R. Burdge, 1^st Lieut; T. Kirby, 2^nd Lieut; B. Robinson, 1^st Branch; E Martin, 2^nd Branch; ——- Best, 3^rd Branch; W. Trewin, Sec’y; T. Lukes, Treasurerl T Hern, Steward.

Hose Co. Rescue No. 1 – O. Manuel, Captain; G. Graham, 1^st Lieut; J Mitchel, 2^nd Lieut; Ed. Nickle, Sec’y; Geo. Wilson, Treasurer.

Dreadnought Hook & Ladder Co. – Geo. Kelly, Captain; C. French, Lieut; A. Cameron, Treasurer. Sec’y not elected.

All members in connection with the Oshawa Fire Brigade, are requested to meet at the Fire Hall to-day, at one o’clock, sharp. They will muster in the evening at the appointed time to form a torchlight procession, (weather permitting).

Oshawa Vindicator, 26 Oct 1870, p 3

Whitby Gazette, October 27, 1870, page 2
DEATH OF DR. ROLPH
Dr. Rolph died at Mitchell on Wednesday afternoon of last week, at the advanced age of 78 years. As his name and efforts have been very intimately connected with the history of Canada, it is but right that his death should receive more than a passing notice. He was a man of most excellent parts –in science and the law, as well as in politics. Referring to him, a contemporary, the London Free Press, says: He was a reformer that always had a “policy,” and the downfall of the family compact was due, in a great measure, to his exertions. Being implicated in the rebellion of 1837 intentionally or by mistake…, but after the subsidence of political troubles returned to it, and entered the government in 1851 under Mr. now Sir Frances, Hincks. During his day he aided in the settlement of the Clergy Reserves difficulty; saw Reciprocity gained; was present at the birth of the Railways in Canada; and witnessed Upper Canada rise from the condition of a wilderness to the dignity of a nationality. In later years he established the Medical School, in connection with the Victoria College, and labored assiduously and with much success as it Principal. He was a man of kind heart, and a sound head. His natural abilities were great, but were heightened by a wide culture. As an orator his eloquence was proverbial, and no man of the day was listened to with more pleasure and instruction by the people than the “old ma eloquent.” The flow of his language was steady and uninterrupted, his articulation sweet and distinct, and he always made a deep impression.

His life has been a most useful one ; devoted to his fellow-creatures rather than to himself, and his memory will be dear to all that knew him or were acquainted with his career. Since 1856 he has not taken any active prominent part in political affairs, though his counsel was not neglected. He leaves behind him an honored name an unblemished reputation, which will long live, and with may make the wise prevail, upon recounting his history, that there were more like “good old Dr. Rolph.”

Whitby Gazette, 27 Oct 1870, p 4

Page 2
THAT EARTHQUAKE – On Thursday morning last, between the hours of ten and eleven o’clock, Canada was visited by a slight shock of earthquake. The “quake” appears to have visited nearly every place in Ontario and Quebec, (if we are to believe the telegraph reports.) and to have shaken several towns in the United States. At Greenwood village, the shock was felt by Mr. Fred Meen, in his store, and by Mr. Samuel Green, while a person a few years distant in a hotel was entirely ignorant that there had been an earthquake. Again, some men working in a barn, a mill or so from Greenwood, were terribly frightened at the shaking of the building, and ran out, fearing it would fall. The shock appears also to have visited Whitby, and – a telegram to the Toronto paper affirms – lasted from three to five minutes. This startling item may be true, but, after diligent inquiry, we have not found the first person that knew a word about the earthquake, until the Toronto papers were received on the following morning. Nevertheless, the report MAY be true ; and of such be the case, the people of Whitby ought to be ashamed of themselves, to have a real live earthquake in their midst and to be ignorant of its whereabouts. It is really too bad. Where, we ask, were the police? We will candidly admits that, at the time mentioned, there was a good deal of shaking in town; but we really thought it was caused by the Court of Assizes, then in session. Most assuredly there was staggering, but, honestly, in our innocence, we believed that rot-gut played a lone hand in it. But we may have been mistaken, and a real earthquake might have been with us. If so, we are really sorry that we didn’t know.

Married
On the 19^th inst., at the residence of the bride’s brother, in East Whitby, by the Rev. Dr. Jeffers, John S. Larke, Esq., publisher and editor of the Oshawa “Vindicator,” to Miss Elizabeth Baine, of Oshawa.

The Month That Was – September 1868

All articles originally appeared in the Oshawa Vindicator

2 Sept 1868, Page 2

Runaway – On Wednesday last, a horse belonging to Mr. King, hitched to a light waggon, ran away. Mr. King was engaged in moving some rubbish preparatory to putting up an addition to his store occupied by Messrs. R. and A. Smith, when the horse walked off and became frightened by the load. Turning down Simcoe street, it tipped load and waggon against the horse and carriage of Mr. Morgan, hitched to a post. The latter was seized and quieted before it could make off, and further damage was saved. The damage to Mr. King’s waggon was slight.

Another Horse Shot – As one of the volunteers was practicing quick loading with a Snider riddle, in the rear of the premises of Messrs. Gibbs, Lobb & Co., the cartridge was exploded. The ball passed through the wood shed of Mr. JO Henry, into the stable of TN Gibbs, MP. It then entered the right shoulder of one of his carriage horses, a valuable blood made. Mr. Smith, of the Toronto Veterinary College, was telegraphed for and came down, but he could not find the ball. The mare is doing as well as can be expected, and may possibly recover.

Patents – The list of patents granted for the year past has been published. It is of unusual length, numbering 379. The following are those to persons in this county. They are all for fourteen years

No 2659, Joseph Dick, the younger, of Oshawa, Machinist, ‘A certain new and useful improvement in the rake, in ordinary use, in connections with the Reaping Machine, for removing the Grain, as cut from the table thereof, to be called ‘Joseph Dick’s Junior, Improved Harvester Rake.’ – (Dated 26^th June, 1868.)

Oshawa Vindicator, 2 Sept 1868, page 3

Advertisements
Photographs
Mr. JO Henry’s Photograph Gallery Will be opened on Saturday next, with every facility for a first class business. Oshawa, Aug. 26^th, 1868.

Page 4
Union Burying Ground
Near the residence of Rev. Dr. Thornton, Main Road
As these grounds are very desireable for location and beauty, parties wishing to purchase lots are respectfully informed that they may have an opportunity by applying to the undersigned or to the care taker, James Carruthers, on the premises.
Alex Burnet
Chairman of the Committee
Oshawa, March 2^nd, 1868

September 9, 1868, Page 2
Assault – On Saturday night about twelve o’clock, a stranger coming from Whitby was struck on the back with a large stone thrown by some person secreted near the bridge, over the creek. He was [seriously] injured and was found by constable Gurley lying upon the sidewalk. He recovered soon after and was enabled to walk off. The miscreant who threw the missle is yet unknown, although one or two are suspected, and a sharp eye is kept upon them, Had the man been struck on the head, his life would have been endangered.

Oshawa Vindicator, 9 Sept 1868, page 2

Mammoth Plums – The Vindicator establishment was favored with a basket of mammoth plums, from JO Guy, Esq., Reeve of East Whitby. – Twelve of them weighed nineteen ounces. They are the Duane Purple. We hope Mr. Guy’s trees may never be troubled with worm or robber.

16 Sept 1868, Page 2
Changed the Date – The Fall show of the Whitby and East Whitby Union Agricultural Society, will be held on Thursday the 15^th of October, and not the 22^nd as announced last week. This change has been made as it has been found that it will not interfere with the fair at Bowmanville, as nothing will be done there other than receiving a few entries, on that day.

Oshawa Vindicator, 16 Sept 1868, page 3

23 Sept 1868, Page 2
Whalen – Whalen has behaved himself in a less violent manner since the trial than before. It is reported that the reason for the long delay between the sentence and the date of execution, was to give the Local Government an opportunity to introduce and carry a bill to have all prisoners condemned to death executed in private. American papers, as well as Canadian, agree that the verdict of the jury is a righteous one. The American Fenians have indulged in a little threatening, but upon the whole are comparatively mild. The Doctors have examined Buckley, and report that his insanity is feigned. Eagleson and Enright have not yet been admitted to bail.

Note – this article is discussing the verdict of the Thomas D’Arcy McGee murder trial.  McGee was shot and killed in Ottawa in April 1868. He denounced the Fenian Movement, a group dedicated to Irish independence, and was found assassinated outside of his Ottawa home. Patrick James Whelan, a tailor, was arrested. He was found guilty and sentenced to death on September 15, 1868; the public execution took place on 11 Feb 1869. At the time of the initial arrest, 40 others were also arrested, including Buckley, Sir John Alexander Macdonald’s cabman, and Peter Eagleson, a tailor in Ottawa, likely who is being referenced in the article.

House and Lot For Sale
The House and Lot now occupied by Mr. Robinson, South Oshawa. For terms, apply to Mr. John Bone, South Oshawa. E Bone, Oshawa, Sept 16, 1868

Oshawa Vindicator, 16 Sept 1868, page 1

30 Sept 1868, Page 1
Dr. Clarke begs to announce to his friends that he has resumed the practice of his profession, and may be found, as heretofore, at his own Cottage, corner of Athol and Centre Streets, Oshawa. Nov 25^th, 1867.

The Month That Was – August 1932

August 2, 1932 – The Oshawa Daily Times
Garden Judging Not Completed
Winners in Competition to be Announced at Flower Show

Owing to the large number of flower and vegetable gardens entered in the Horticultural Society competition, and the extensive journeying around the city that the judges had to do yesterday to visit the different private gardens and school lawns, it has not been possible for the judges to arrive at their final decisions so that the winners may be announced in The Times to-day. By tomorrow, however, they will have completed their difficult task of judging and in the afternoon at the annual Horticultural Society Flower and Vegetable Show in the Genosha Hotel, the winners will be announced. The prizes will be given out in the evening on which occasion several officials of the Society and other prominent citizens in the city will deliver brief addresses.

August 2, 1932 – The Oshawa Daily Times
Traffic Was Heavy

Traffic was exceptionally heavy on Highway No. 2 over the weekend, particularly on Saturday and Monday. Last night, the westbound stream of cars was very steady, and at times there was a real congestion at the four corners as cars waited for the signal lights to change from red to green.

Canadian Statesman, 4 August 1932, p3

August 2, 1932 – The Oshawa Daily Times
Many Out Of City

The Civic Holiday was quietly spent yesterday so far as Oshawa was concerned, there being no outstanding events in the city. Many citizens, however, took advantage of the fine weather to go for motor trips. A large number from Oshawa attended the aquatic sports day at Orillia, while many were also seen on the roads to Lindsay and Port Perry. As usual, Lakeview Park was crowded all day, there being hundreds of cars from out of town at Oshawa’s lakeside resort.

August 3, 1932 – The Oshawa Daily Times
Court Officers Badly Confused
Found Usual Entry Blocked on Account of Building Being Fumigated

Some confusion was aroused on Wednesday morning when officials of the city police court sought to gain entrance to the Old City Hall by the back entrance from the police station. When Chief of Police Friend tried to open the door he found it tightly closed and resistant to all efforts to open it. The final result was that the magistrate, lawyers and press had to file through the fire hall and mount the front stairs of the building.

It was learned later that the members of the fire department had fumigated their sleeping quarters at the front of the building the night before and in order to make sure that no one would be asphyxiated, all doors had been locked and sealed. Members of the department in the meantime found sleeping quarters on the coils of hose on the trucks and in convenient chairs, in the fire hall. As the night was rather cold sweaters and rubber coats were much in evidence and even then some of the men were of the opinion that a bed was the nicest place to sleep on.

Canadian Statesman, 4 August 1932, p7

August 3, 1932 – The Oshawa Daily Times
Cargo Of Coke Is Brought To City

A substantial contribution to Oshawa’s fuel supply for next winter arrived at the local harbour yesterday afternoon when the steamer Coalhaven docked with a cargo of coke, consigned to the Canadian Fuels Limited. The shipment amounted to between 1600 and 1800 tons of coke.

Another large shipment of coke is expected in a week or ten days’ time, when the steamer Midland Prince, flagship of the Canada Steamship Lines freight fleet, will bring a load for the same firm. If this vessel is loaded to capacity, there will be about 7,000 tons in the shipment. Further advice as to the date of her arrival is expected later.

August 4, 1932 – The Oshawa Daily Times
Hen Mothers Cat, Kittens, At Port Whitby

A hen and a cat and little kittens might be considered strange companions, but at the home of Mrs. George Huntley, Port Whitby, this companionship has become a reality. Out in the barn, which serves as a chicken house, there is a cat with several little kittens, and on several occasions the old hen has played the role of mother by sitting on top of them and covering the feline and her brood with her wings, and there is not the slightest resistance. But this strange companionship goes even further, for the other day when the kittens were taken away from their mother the hen promptly scratched up some grain and carried it over to where the kittens were, just the same as if they were chickens.

August 5, 1932 – The Oshawa Daily Times
Parkwood Horses Winners at Sutton

Horses from the Parkwood Stables of R.S. McLaughlin played an important part in the events at the opening of the annual Sutton Horse Show yesterday afternoon. In two events McLaughlin animals were placed first, while in three events Oshawa horses came second. In the class for novice middleweight hunters, first place went to River and second place to Thackeray, both of these horses being entered by Mr. McLaughlin. My Delight, another Parkwood entry, was first in the class for saddle horses of 15.2 hands, while in the class for heavyweight hunters, Mr. McLaughlin’s Rathshamory took second place. In an open jumping class, over four-foot fences, with 35 entries, Mr. McLaughlin’s six year old jumper, Sahib, took second place.

Canadian Statesman, 25 August 1932, p4

August 6, 1932 – The Oshawa Daily Times
Noted Speaker Is Coming to Rotary

Oshawa Rotarians are due to have a special treat on Monday, when the speaker at their weekly luncheon will be Mel. Hutchinson, president of the Toronto Rotary Club, who, while living in Western Canada, was district governor of the 4th district of Rotary International.  Mr. Hutchinson attended the recent convention of Rotary International at Seattle, and will give an address dealing with the high-lights of the convention.

August 8, 1932 – The Oshawa Daily Times
Swimmers Camp Opened At Lake

Oshawa’s 1932 camp for marathon swimmers at Lakeview Park is now in operation, with Captain George Corson, internationally-known swimming coach, in charge. With him in the camp, so far, are his wife, Ruth Tower Corson, who finished second in the first women’s swim at the C.N.E.; Myron Cox, Californian long-distance swimmer, who has taken part in several of the marathon swims, and Gambi, the Italian champion, who is regarded as one of the outstanding aspirants in this year’s big race. Other noted swimmers are expected here within the next few days to join the camp, which is housed in one of the cottages on the road leading up to Bonniebrae Point.

August 11, 1932, p. 5 – Port Perry Star
For Rent

Farm of 100 acres at Oshawa Harbour. Good buildings, convenient location, in godo (sic) state of cultivation. Immediate possession to plough. Apply to GD Conant, Oshawa.

The Month That Was – July 1862

Content Warning – there is an article in this post, describing a death by drowning in a tub.

All articles originally appeared in the Oshawa Vindicator

July 2, 1862, page 3
Slavery– Mr JA Maitland, a highly talented gentleman who has for some years been literary editor of the Richmond Enquirer, and who was made his escape from the rebel capital about two months ago, lectures tonight in the Corinthian Hall, at 8:00 o’clock. He is an able speaker, an Englishman by birth has now seen slavery as it is, and will doubtless give the facts of the case.

Page 3
Yesterday morning, while Mr. James Gibbons, teamster to McElroy’s Hotel, was passing down street with a horse and waggon (sic), the horse became unmanageable, and when near Mr. Wellington’s Cabinet Factory, shied off into the ditch among some old buggies, &c., which were brought to the blacksmith’s shop for repairs. The driver was thrown out and had his collar-bone broken, besides being more or less bruised in various parts of his body. When first taken up he was quite insensible, but soon became conscious, and is now in a fair way of speedy recovery.

July 9, 1862, Page 2
Cedar Dale Factory
Decidedly the biggest thing in the shape of a pic-nic ever got up in Oshawa or vicinity, was the demonstration connected with giving to the new works of the Oshawa Scythe, He, and Fork Company the name which heads this article. Preparations were made by the committee upon a pretty broad scale, and numerous invitations sent out, the first of them only two days previously, but their calculations as to the turn out of people were exceeded by a hundred per cent. The company of citizens of Oshawa and vicinity, which took part in the celebration, numbered fully one thousand, according to the most careful estimates. To feed such a crowd of people a large supply of provisions was necessary, but abundance for the purpose was brought by those who participated , and all seemed to enjoy themselves to the full. Three tables, each running the whole length of the storehouse, were decked with almost everything in the shape of provisions which could please the appetite, and hosts of vases of flowers, to please the eye, while at the head of the center table stood a most gorgeous boquet (sic), presented to Messrs. Whiting & Tuttle by Mr. & Mrs. Corbet. Each table was set to accommodate eighty persons.

Page 3
Gone to Europe – Four young men from Oshawa started for the old world, by the Canadian steamer “Jera,” which left Quebec on Saturday last. – We allude to Mr. Samuel Pedlar, well known throughout Canada as the “Glebe agent;” Mr. George Blamey, for some years past in the employ of Messrs. WH Gibbs & Co, of this place; and Frank and William Gibbs, cousins, the former a son of TN Gibbs, Esq., and the latter of WH Gibbs, Esq. – They intend, as a matter of course, to see everything to be seen in the grand International Exhibition, if possible, and visit their relatives in different parts of England, returning in the fall.

Oshawa Vindicator, July 2, 1862, page 3

Property Unclaimed
Used at the late picnic, and now at the office of AS Whiting & Co.: – 11 white plates; 10 plates of different patterns and colors; 1 tea saucer; 1 tin plate. The owners are requested to call and claim their property. Thanks for their use. AS Whiting & Co.

July 16th, 1862, Page 2
New Style of Fanning Mill
Our advertising columns contain an announcement respecting a newly patented fanning mill, recently invented and now being manufactured by Mr. Martin, in Oshawa. The mill differs in appearance very much from the ordinary fanning mill, and the inventor claims that it differs equally in the quality of its work – effectually separating oats from wheat, for instance, by one run through the mill. The show is not half the size that it is in the common fanning mill, and does not shake violently, or sideways, by moves slowly and easily forward and back, without any jerking motion. In fact the whole machine is almost noiseless in its operation, and runs much easier than any fanning mill we ever took hold of. The crank is at the opposite end of the mill from the drum and fans, and the latter are operated by means of a belt, instead of cog wheels. Mr. Martin has built four of these mills, and is now at work on two dozen more, with some farther improvements added, which, he thinks, will render his mill so perfect as to run all others out of the market, upon a fair test of their relative performances.

Oshawa Vindicator, July 16, 1862, page 3

An Orange Celebration
The Orangemen of South Ontario celebrated the anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne on Saturday last, by assembling at Greenwood, with the exception of the Columbus brethren, who went to Prince Albert. A first-rate dinner was served up, shortly after their arrival, at both the hotels – Shaw’s and Stirling’s – after which an impressive address was delivered by the County master, Bro. J. Weir, in which, though standing on the portico of a hotel, he dealt some heavy blows upon what he justly considered the curse of the Order – the use of strong drink by its members.  He was followed by WF McBrian, of Raglan, in a very appropriate speech, also by HJ Macdonell and T Moody, of Whitby. An appropriate and interesting sermon was also delivered by the Rev. GB Viner, the English Church incumbent of Greenwood and Duffin’s Creek, in front of his own residence, which was listened to with marked attention. The different Lodges separated for home at an early hour, and the Oshawa brethren arrived about nine o’clock, well pleased with the manner in which the day had been spent.

Page 3
Child Drowned in a Tub – On Saturday afternoon the infant daughter of a man named McMillan, residing on King street west, was drowned by falling into a tub in which there was some water about five inches in depth. The mother left the child at the door of the house while she proceeded to hang out some clothes on a line for drying. On returning towards the house a short time afterwards, she discovered the child in the tub, and on lifting it out found it to be dead. An inquest was held on the body by Coroner Scott, when the jury after hearing the facts, returned a verdict of “accidentally drowned.” – Leader¹

July 23, 1862, Page 2
Wounded Canadians – the Saint Catharines Journal says: -Among the severely wounded in the recent engagements before Richmond, was Mr, AE Samson, son of Mr. Gilbert Samson, of this town (St. Catharines). Mr. Tenbrœck and Mr. H Wilson – both from this town – were in the same battles, but escaped unhurt. The latter took ten prisoners alone. Both are lieutenants in one of the regiments in Heintzelman’s division. In the list of wounded, in the late battle before Richmond, is the name of Lieut. Frederick G. Sanborn, of the 5^th Maine, late of Sherbrooke. His name also appears among the killed. Thomas Senior, formerly of Niagara, was wounded in the action before Richmond of July 1^st, and is now in the hospital at Annapolis.

An Ugly Picture
Almost in the heart of our village stands, or rather leans, just now, about the ugliest and most dangerous specimen of what was once a respectable building, which in the eyes of many of our villagers have ever been beheld. The store recently occupied by Mr. J Hyland, likely a good many useful buildings still standing in Oshawa, was once one of the best structures of which the village could boast; but as a business stands, it has lately been pretty nearly eclipsed by the more handsome and spacious structures of modern times period it stood, also, too much in the background, so its proprietor thought-it being several feet further from the edge of the sidewalk than some other buildings in the same row. So Mr. Hyland preceded to have it moved forward, and by the advice of some of his back-street friends, he was induced to place it plump out against the sidewalk, several feet closer up on the street then the general line of buildings to the east and west- leaving, in fact, not an inch of room for the erection of steps upon which to ascend to the front doors. The unusual encroachment upon the walking space of the sidewalk, and the inappropriateness of an old building occupying so extra prominent opposition, excited a good deal of dissatisfaction in the minds of the neighbors and people generally, and it is said that the keeping of a strict watch upon the building, was the only thing which prevented it being put farther out into the street. Some thought it ought to go farther out, and others farther in. Finally, it having been definitely asserted that the proprietor would neither move it in himself, without compensation, nor allow other parties to move it out- which it would seem they were prepared to do gratuitously- some of the leading businessmen prevailed upon him to allow them to hire the carpenters to move it back a couple of feet. This was done, at a cost two a few liberal minded individuals of the sum of $20, and the stone foundation was progressing, and in another day or two would have been completed. But on Thursday morning last, at a few minutes before 2:00 o’clock, a crash like that of the loudest thunder was heard by some who slept in the neighborhood of the building, and on rising in the morning, the first intelligence of the day was that the building which had been the cause of so much remark, had been tipped into the street! Crowds gathered about the now sorry looking wreck, at all hours of the day and evening, and discussed the manner in which it was, or might have been, upset, the reason it was done, the probable parties that did it and their number, the possibility of raising it again, etc etc; and much sympathy was expressed with the unfortunate owner, as well as with those who had invested their funds in moving it back for him. The building was not completely thrown down, so doubtless that was the intention of the parties who put it out of the perpendicular; yet, one corner of it being in the cellar, it leans over the sidewalk at a most unpleasantly dangerous angle.

So much for the history of the matter. And now that ever ready question comes up, what’s to be done? As the building now stands, and has stood for a whole week passed, it is liable to fall, at any moment, upon the heads of innocent passersby. Is it to be left there for another week to jeopardize life and neighboring property? Or will the Council put enforce the ordinance respecting nuisances, and obstructions upon the streets and sidewalks, or somehow see that the ugly and dangerous picture is removed? A fitting reward, also, should have been, ere this, offered for the discovery of the parties who upset, or rather down set the building under cover of darkness, for if such deeds are suffered to go unreprehended by our Village Fathers, there is no knowing to what dangerous lengths they may be carried.

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1. This incident unlikely happened in Oshawa as this article was originally published in a newspaper called ‘The Leader.’ The location of this paper is unknown at this time.

The Month That Was – June 1944

The Times-Gazette, 01 June 1944
Corvette Crew Is Welcomed

Gifts Presented At Civic Ceremony Monday At Peterborough

Peterborough, May 30 – “A sailor’s life is one of great hazard and whatever the fortunes of war may carry you, our thoughts and supplications will be with you. We hope that when the war ends you will come back to visit us, and meantime we will do all we can to help you,” said Mayor Hamilton, addressing the ship’s company of H.M.O.S. Peterborough at the welcoming ceremonies help in Riverside Bowl Monday evening.

There were six officers and 54 ratings of a crew that will eventually comprise upwards of 95 men present at the ceremony.

George McDonald, chairman of the Corvette committee, presented a box, of the same kind that every member of the ships company will receive, to one of the ratings called to the platform for the occasion, a sort of symbolic transfer of the equipment garnered by the committee to the men for whom it is intended. While many youngsters milled around the makeshift stand determined to be in on the unwrapping of the package, the sailor, a leading telegraphist from Verdun Que., proceeded to undo a large box of comforts which included face cloths, handkerchiefs, shaving soap, razor blades, toothpaste and toothbrush, comb, nail file, chewing gum, chocolate bars, tins of soup and still other gifts even unto woolen articles. While the sailor tried on a leather jacket, Mr. MacDonald commented humorously, “If it’s too large, he’ll wear it.” In a moment, however, he was able to announce with satisfaction, that the jacket did fit.

Canadian Statesman, 1 Jun 1944, p. 5

The Globe and Mail, 05 June 1944, 23.
Oshawa Public Schools

Require for Sept 5^th, qualified lady assistants for grade positions. Must have at least 2 years experience. Initial salary according to qualifications and experience. Applications giving full particulars of qualifications and experience will be received up to and including Sat., June 10, 1944. No personal applications unless requested. W. Gordon Bunker. Business Administrator. Board of Education. Oshawa.

Canadian Statesman, 1 Jun 1944, p. 5

Toronto Daily Star, 07 June 1944, 3.
Record RCAF Raid Helps Clear Path for Invaders

London, June 7 – (CP) – In a quick follow up to the great invasion-eve assault on the French coast, the RCAF bomber group set a record last night during its participation with the RAF in the attack on coastal defences.

Some 5,000 tons of bombs were dropped by the RAF and RCAF heavy bombers and at least 1,000 tons were dropped by the Canadians. Targets were roads, railways and bridges back of the beachheads, destruction of which would delay German reinforcements. …

The City of Oshawa squadron was the first back from the beaches in the morning. Group Capt. MacBrien led the first three Canadian squadrons, accompanied by Wing Cmdr. Lloyd Chadburn, of Aurora, Ldr. RA Buckham, of Vancouver, and Sqdn Ldr. Walter Conrad, of Richmond, Ont.

Toronto Daily Star, 7 Jun 1944, 8.
Robert beats, chokes him jeweler unconscious hour

Oshawa, June 7th- city and provincial police maintained a sharp watch over highways, rail and bus terminals last night and today for a man said to have been wearing the uniform of the US ferry command, who entered the jewelry store of Fritz von Gunten, 66. After beating and choking the proprietor the wanted man robbed the store of an undetermined amount of jewelry, police said.

Von Gunten is an awkward is in Oshawa General Hospital with cuts on his head and left hand and bruises about his throat and body. Police said he had been beaten over the head with a blunt instrument. Hospital officials said his condition was “improving.”

Inspector Wilbur Dawn of the Oshawa police said it would be impossible to assess the amount of jewelry stolen until the proprietor recovered sufficiently to check over his stock.

“We found Mr von Gunten lying in a pool of blood on the floor of his store.” Inspector Dawn stated. “His groans attracted the attention of the men in the lunch counter next door and they gave the alarm.”

James Edgar, who was painting the interior of the lunch counter, said: “ I heard an awful yell and came down from my ladder and looked into the Chinese laundry next door, but didn’t see anything.” Police said von Gunten was so badly beaten that he lay unconscious for over an hour before recovering sufficiently to call for help.

The jeweler told the police he had no warning of the assault. “The man came right in and struck me over the head and beat me before looting the showcases of rings and watches” he said.

*Note: This news event was also reported on by the Globe & Mail. They provided additional details such as the address to the store (125 King St.), and that the wanted man was seen boarding a TTC Bus for Toronto. It was Dr. FJ Rundle who gave details about the state of Mr. Von Gunten.

Canadian Statesman, 8 Jun 1944, p. 3

The Times Gazette, 17 June, 1944
Freedom Our Birthright

Tomorrow Oshawa will celebrate the 729^th anniversary of the signing of what has frequently been called, “the first Act of Parliament.” It was on June 15^th, 1215, that King John, one of England’s worst kings, unwillingly signed the 48 articles of a document that during the ensuing few days was still further documented into 63 chapters of the Magna Charta. There remain now by four signed copies of the charter, but they are jealously guarded as something of priceless sentiment.

Apart from the peculiar circumstances of its origin this charter has been regarded through the years that followed its dramatic signing in the meadows of Runnymede, as a charter of wellnigh sacred principles. This is not to be wondered at, for it embodies the highest ideals of English liberty. We use the word ‘English’ advisedly for it was in England that this enunciation of the principles of the rights of free men was so harshly wrested from an unscrupulous, despotic monarch. On the clauses of its various chapters, our modern laws are based. Many additional laws have since been contributed to our wellbeing; but Magna Charts remains the standard towards which all British subjects, wherever domiciled, may look if they desire, as is their due, to draw themselves up and say, “I am free born.”

We must hold fast to this our heritage. During the stress of war we have willingly though temporarily, yielded some of our hard won freedom. But when peace returns, we must make sure that these are restored. For example, let us make sure that no one can ever delay, or deny justice to our citizens. Let us do our part also to ensure that the Four Freedoms of the Atlantic Charter of 1940 based in great measure on the Magna Charta, are not just pious hopes and eloquent phrases. The path of our forefathers since 1215 has been rough and rugged. Perfection lies still far beyond our vision. It is well that we celebrate anniversaries such as this – lest we forget. Human nature being what it is, unfortunately, we forget too soon. 

The Globe and Mail, Jun 21, 1944, 4.
Lloyd Chadburn dies of collision injuries
By Allan Nickleson

London, June 20th (CP).- Wing Commander Lloyd B Chadburn, a fighter ace who ranked with Canada’s greatest airman, was injured fatally a week ago in a collision while leading his wing on operations over France.

His plane exploded on impact with another aircraft which crashed in flames and a subsequent RCAF announcement said that the 24 year old Aurora, Ont., pilot, holder of a double DSO and the DFC, “died later of his injuries.”

The tall, quietly spoken Chadburn had a record of 14 enemy aircraft destroyed, three probably destroyed and eight damaged but you never would learn that from this ace who rose from the ranks. …

Chadburn’s first squadron was adopted by the city of Oshawa, which name it now bears. That squadron had the best Canadian record at Dieppe where Chadburn shot down one of the four aircraft the squadron destroyed without last to itself.

Canadian Statesman, 29 Jun 1944, p. 5

Canadian Statesman, 22 Jun 1944, 1.
Dept. of Highways Post-War Program a Four-Year Plan

In the Ontario Department of Highways’ post-war program a four-year plan is being laid down by Minister George H. Doucett, calling for a total expenditure of $180,000,000 at $45,000,000 a year. Employment is expected to be given over the four years to at least 25,000 men.

It includes extensions to the existing Queen Elizabeth Way, east from Oshawa, ultimately to the Quebec boundary.

Work is now progressing east of Oshawa to Newcastle and plans are prepared to reroute the construction to fit in with the development of the St. Lawrence in Eastern Ontario…