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2016 London’s First Summer Resort The aW terworks Region in Springbank Park Marvin L. Simner Western University, [email protected]

Follow this and additional works at: https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/psychologypub Part of the Psychology Commons

Citation of this paper: Simner, Marvin L., "London’s First Summer Resort The aW terworks Region in Springbank Park" (2016). Psychology Publications. 116. https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/psychologypub/116 The London and Middlesex Historian Volume 25, 2016

London’s First Summer Resort The Waterworks Region in Springbank Park

Marvin L. Simner

uring the late 1800s The first phase, which only lasted the Waterworks region two years (1879 through 1881), was D immediately surrounding the associated with steamship travel down the pumphouse in Springbank Park had become from docks at the foot of an entertainment mecca where throngs of Dundas Street to the Waterworks. The Londoners would gather on spring and second phase started with the summer weekends and holidays. Prior to the Disaster on May 24, 1881, continued until development of this area, a common 1895, and was marked by a decline in the destination for those who wished to spend public’s use of the region. The third and time away from home was Port Stanley, final phase began in 1895/96 with the advent sometimes referred to as the “Canadian of the London Street Railway system and Saratoga”. The Port could easily be reached the growth of many popular activities by rail since the Great Western Railway and events in the Waterworks that appealed as well as the London and Port Stanley not only to adults but to teenagers and Railway typically offered regular rail children. This phase, however, also only service on weekends as well as a special lasted about two years for reasons explored excursion train on the Queen’s Birthday further in this article. In the aftermath of and Dominion Day. With the beautification this final phase a larger more diversified of the Waterworks, however, an attempt was entertainment complex emerged to the west made to entice the citizens of London to of the Waterworks, which then became remain at home rather than depart for London’s next summer resort. the Port. This was accomplished, at least in part, by referring either to the Waterworks or to Springbank in newspaper articles and in advertisements as “London’s Summer Resort,” and occasionally even as “’s Great Summer Resort.”

The purpose of this article is to trace the rise and fall in popularity of the Waterworks region at Springbank, which spanned the years 1879 through 1897. To accomplish this goal it is helpful to divide From , July 31, 1888, 6: 4. this 18-year period into three distinct phases. Courtesy of the London Room, London Public

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Phase I: Steamship Travel Every accommodation is provided at With the completion of the the Neebing Hotel, as it has been pumphouse in 1879 (for the controversy and named, and the lovers of the events that led to the need for the 1 Terpsichorean art (dancing) will be pumphouse see Simner ) the London Water able to disport themselves to their Commissioners provided a thoroughly heart’s content in the spacious room landscaped area around the pumphouse which has been set apart for them.2 referred to as the Waterworks region or the Waterworks Park. The Neebing was managed by Conklin 3 This region, which extended from and Moore, who were part owners of the river to Pipe Line Road (known today as the Tecumseh House in downtown London.4 Springbank Drive) contained not only the The illustration below shows an artist’s pumphouse and a number of related rendition of the Waterworks region with structures, but also picnic grounds and a Hotel Neebing on the far left, the building north of the pumphouse known as pumphouse on the far right, the Waterworks Hotel Neebing, which housed a popular Dam in the foreground and Pipe Line Road dance pavilion. in the background.

From the cover of the First Annual Report of the Board of Water Commissioners (1879). Courtesy of the London Room, .

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The spacious room in the Neebing, The Princess Louise and the Forest City mentioned above, measured approximately were scheduled to leave every hour from 9 40 x 50 feet and was on the first floor a.m. to 9 p.m. during the season with stops together with a bar. Although the building at Woodland Park and the Waterworks.10 In was referred to as a hotel, whether it actually addition to providing transportation, and as contained rooms for overnight accom- an enticement to travel down the Thames, modations is unknown. The few existing both steamers offered musical entertainment descriptions contain no mention of such throughout their voyages. rooms and since the second floor was “wholly devoted to the refreshment room Would these inducements, however, and a counter for refreshments”5 overnight be sufficient to overcome the ever present accommodations would seem unlikely. desire to visit Port Stanley instead of the Despite the lack of these accommodations Waterworks? This question became the Neebing appears to have been an particularly vexing for the city because, in extremely popular destination for many the spring of 1879 when the Thames Londoners in that its balconies were said to steamers were launched, a new steamer was be crowded with viewers when, in 1880, a also launched at the Port that attracted regatta was held on the Thames.6 considerable attention in London.

In addition to picnic grounds, dance A special train left this city facilities and other forms of entertainment, (London) yesterday afternoon the Waterworks region also contained (April 3) for Port Stanley, having another nearby feature that attracted many on board a large number of visitors. East of the pumphouse and at the citizens, the occasion being the base of Hungerford Hill, known today as launching of a new pleasure Reservoir Hill, a stairway which is still steamer. For a long time the want visible, led to an observatory at the top of of a first-class pleasure boat at the the hill that offered a panoramic view of the Canadian Saratoga has been felt, river and the surrounding countryside. and the Ellison Bros, and Mr. Thomas Fraser determined to build To celebrate holidays Londoners could (such) a steamer that would be visit the Waterworks, by horse or carriage, credit to all concerned…It is the by walking along Pipe Line Road, or by intention of the proprietors to run traveling down the Thames River on any of the boat in connection with the L & several steamships that made the journey. P.S.R, leaving her dock, near the The first steamship to navigate this route station of the arrival of excursion was the Forest City, launched on April 18, trains…As there will be a large 1879, and owned by the Thames Navigation space on deck devoted to dancing Company under the command of sailing and as food (along with) music is to master Thomas Wastie.7 The second be supplied, many will probably steamship, launched on May 19, 1879, was seek recreation in this manner. the Enterprise, which belonged to the For those who prefer to rest there London and Waterworks Line.8 On May will be provision made, a large 26th a third steamship, the Princess Louise, number of portable beds being was also launched by the Thames provided. A ladies cabin is to be Navigation Company.9 fitted up in first-class style, and

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all the other arrangements in the steamers when fully loaded only proportion. It is also intended required a depth of about 6-7 inches to to have frequent moonlight remain afloat, because the water level in the excursions, special trains being Thames was often quite low and had a arranged from London to St. number of sandbars along with other Thomas for that purpose. A saloon, obstacles, it was not uncommon for under the management of Mr. the steamers to experience navigational Thomas Fraser, will be provided on problems. For instance, when an early board, and to all who know that attempt to launch the Enterprise took place popular young gentleman, the bare on May 9th, it “ran into and stuck on a announcement will of itself be sandbar (as soon as) her stern reached the sufficient.18 water.”11 Later when a successful trip occurred the captain was given considerable Despite the enticing nature of Port credit “…due to (his) foresight in marking Stanley, during the forthcoming holiday all (the) dangerous places on the voyage (in season a large number of Londoners did advance of his departure).”12 As another indeed decide to remain in town. In illustration, consider what happened to the commenting on what happened during the Princess Louise on her maiden voyage when Dominion Day celebrations that July, the she encountered Griffith’s Dam, which was London Free Press noted that only 947 partially submerged and located near what is people traveled to Port Stanley, whereas today the bridge over the approximately 4,000 traveled down river on Thames. the local steamers. Thus, the financial investment by the city in the Waterworks The excursionists down the river region appeared to be quite successful. yesterday did not have an unmixed pleasure. The boat was too The Princess Louise and Enterprise crowded on one of its trips and (during their maiden voyages) were became stuck in (Griffith’s)dam crowded from their first trip in the and it was four o’clock this morning until their last one at nine morning before the last load of o’clock So thronged were the decks the excursionists reached the of the first-named craft during two city…Over a hundred walked up to of her trips in the afternoon that the city, but the large majority took many citizens were debarred from things as they found them and made participating in a sail. It is the most of it. Navigation on the estimated that fully 4,000 persons Thames has not yet reached a state visited Woodland Park and of perfection.13 Springbank during the day, and we are glad to say that no accident This accident at the dam is particularly occurred to mar the harmony.19 interesting because according to a news- paper account that appeared on May 20th, In spite of this initial success, however, which was six days before the Princess it soon became evident to those who elected Louise sailed, the placement of boards on to sail down the Thames that they would top of the Waterworks Dam next to the need to contend with several potential pumphouse was “… expected to raise the difficulties. The first difficulty resulted water (level) three feet six inches above the from the nature of the river itself. Although

10 The London and Middlesex Historian Volume 25, 2016 elevation of Griffith’s dam…”14 Therefore, passengers, who received a yet it was anticipated that the Princess Louise ruder shock when the vessel struck should not have run into the dam since, as the shore…Several ladies fainted, mentioned above, when fully loaded the ship and a scene of wild disorder ensued was said to require only about 7 inches of on board the Victoria. depth below the water line to clear any obstacles that it encountered. Nevertheless That, however, was not the end of the Princess Louise did collide with the dam it. When the Forest City was again and had to be removed in order to resume its returning to the Waterworks the voyage. While an earlier attempt had been delayed Victoria…gave the signal made to destroy the dam through the use of for the Forest City to go to the dynamite, the attempt proved unsuccessful.15 left…this signal should have been obeyed but it was not done in A second and possibly more significant time…and a collision was the difficulty surfaced the following year with result. The passengers got a bad the launch of the Victoria on April 29th, shaking up, and some were thrown which was also owned by Captain Wastie. from their seats…as the helms Here the problem centered on rivalries that, where turned one went ashore on on occasion, would erupt between the each side of the river…The captains of the different steamships. On the murmuring, which was loud and Queen’s birthday that year, a fierce long, began to grow into profanity competition took place between the Victoria when the steamer got off, reached and the Forest City near the site of Griffith’s the dock, unloaded and took on one Dam. of the maddest crowds that ever bought excursion tickets.16 It is to be regretted that the spirit of rivalry between those in charge of This level of rivalry between captains the Forest City and Victoria was had surfaced previously on May 25, 1880 manifested in such a manner as to and then again that September when the alarm the passengers and even Forest City collided once more with the imperil their lives. It was too Victoria. Although some claimed that the marked to be called an accident latter collision was accidental, others felt it and too flagrant to be treated with was intentional.17 In either case, due to the silence. On going down the river competitive nature of the captains, the the two vessels were side by side, overall safety of steamship travel down the and being of about equal speed Thames was always of concern. The final remained so for some little challenge to the safety of travel, however, time…The master of Victoria took place on May 24, 1881, with the claims that the master of the Forest sinking of the Victoria and the loss of some City deliberately forced the Forest 200 lives, including Thomas Wastie’s son City on to the Victoria and crowded Alfred.20 the later boat on to the shore.

Unfortunately a large tree overhung the steamer, and its big

branches raked the covering of the upper deck, terribly alarming the

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Phase II: The Victoria Disaster arrival of the steamer. Everyone was anxious to secure a place, and In 1881 the boating season began in a few moments every portion of with considerable promise. The Neebing standing or sitting room was fully was repainted, several extensions were occupied. added, and the grounds surrounding the hotel were said to be “in apple pie order.”21 James Drennan, in the employ In addition, the Victoria, which was of the Advertiser, was on the upper originally built and owned by Captain deck when the Victoria capsized. Wastie, was acquired by the Thames He gave the following account of Navigation Company which also owned the the dreaded disaster:

Forest City and the Princess Louise. All About half-past five we were three steamers were removed from dry dock th coming very slow by Griffith’s dam, around May 16 and were made ready and I went up to Captain Rankin through extensive repair for the tourist and remarked: “You have a big season which was to begin with the Queen’s th crowd to-day, Captain.” Birthday celebrations on the 24 of the month. Over $400 was expended on the “Yes, I couldn’t keep the people off. Victoria to repair her machinery, a small They would crowd on, although I cabin was erected on the upper deck to told them there were two more accommodate the ladies, all of her seats boats coming after.” were repainted, and her boiler was “shifted I left him then and had hardly five feet forward….to give her considerable 21 turned away when I noticed the additional speed.” The Princess Louise water rushing in down below over had her cylinders bored and along with the bottom deck. As I looked down the Forest City was thoroughly caulked. the stair-case I noticed the water A fourth steamboat, the Dodger, was also ankle deep down below. The crowd launched “as a tug, in case any of the boats seemed excited and kept rushing get stranded.”22 from one side to the other. Captain Despite the care that had been taken to Ranking told them repeatedly ensure the safe operation of all the to stand still and not crowd so steamboats, it was on the Victoria’s return much to the side. The boat now trip from Springbank to the Dundas Street commenced rocking and the people dock in the late afternoon of May 24th that all rushed to the north side, when the disaster took place. the boat went over on her side and a terrific crash followed, the whole It was about 5 o’clock in the of the upper deck coming crashing afternoon when the ill-fated around us. Victoria reached Springbank on her last trip. Both the upper and The Princess Louise arrived lower decks were crowded, and a soon after the catastrophe and large number of pleasure seekers moored against the north shore and remained on board to return on the close to the wreck. A gangway was same boat. As is usually the case projected from her deck to the at that hour, an immense crown shore, and at about 7 o’clock the was waiting at the wharf for the bodies, as fast as they were

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received, were ranged in sad array was the oldest victim of the disaster of the on the upper deck (which) was soon previous year, both the Princess Louise and covered….to such an extent that the Forest City were “lying high and dry in some instances the bodies of on the side of the river, the sun warping children and infants were placed their timbers, opening their seams, and on top of the adults corpses. The fast hastening their decay.”28 Despite the scene on the upper deck was a sight absence of the steamers, there was at least which sent a shudder through the some boat travel down the Thames that year spectators…23 because the Advertiser reported that a few

24 persons who visited Woodland Cemetery, A coroner’s inquest was held in June. did so by boat.29 Whether this was by row Although the cause of the sinking was never boat or some other craft, however, is fully explained, local historian Ken Mc- unknown since it was possible to rent Taggart cites a number factors that may 25 different types of boats from several boat have been associated with the disaster. For houses at the foot of Dundas Street. There example, the majority of witnesses testified was, of course, always the option of walking that the boat was overcrowded and that to the Waterworks along Pipe Line Road as many of the passengers seemed to enjoy well as traveling there by horse or carriage. rocking the boat which could have caused it to capsize. It was also suggested that a pre- It is also worth noting that while this existing hole in the hull may have led the region was rarely mentioned in the press boat to become “water-logged” which in between 1882 and 1887 both papers freq- turn may have been responsible for the uently listed many other sites within the city sinking.26 Regardless of the cause, it is that Londoners could visit during the two important to note that following the disaster holidays. For example, on the Queen’s no further ads appeared in either newspaper Birthday in 1883, the Advertiser listed “a for the remainder of the year concerning military review between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. steam-ship transportation to the Waterworks on Carling’s Farm (site of the present region, nor was there any mention of the Wolseley Barracks then outside of London) region itself. In fact, the only celebration followed by a march through the city via that took place in London that summer Adelaide, Dundas and Richmond Streets.”30 over Dominion Day occurred on the grounds In addition, there was a cricket match on the of the Mount Hope Orphan’s Asylum Asylum grounds (north of Dundas Street and attached to St. Joseph’s Convent on east of the present Highbury Avenue) at the southwest corner of Richmond and 10 a.m. and at Tecumseh Park (now Labatt Grosvenor.27 Memorial Park) there was a baseball game followed by lacrosse at 3 p.m. Little is known about the Waterworks On Dominion Day there was the annual during the years that followed the disaster picnic held at the Mount Hope Orphan since the park was rarely cited in the Free Asylum.31 Both papers also mentioned many Press or the Advertiser as a place to spend outside rail trips as well as trips to Port either the Queen’s Birthday or Dominion Stanley where “Londoners could enjoy the Day. While picnics did occur there from beach, board steamers for tours of Lake Erie time to time, how many Londoners actually or visit the Fraser House which featured visited the park is not clear since, according a band and liberal rates to families to London’s mayor, Edmund Allan Meredith who purpose boarding at this Hotel.”32 who visited in May, 1882 and whose father

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No doubt these other excursions had once await her return It is roughly again become popular following the demise estimated that Captain Foster of steamer transportation down the Thames. carried upwards of 900 visitors to Springbank during the day…since Because the Waterworks was seldom the inception of the City of London used throughout this period, to encourage its (Springbank) promises to be the use, in the latter part of 1887 the Free Press formidable rival of Post Stanley ran several editorials urging the resumption as a much patronized pleasure of river transportation to the park. 34 resort.

…When shall a steamboat be again Unfortunately, however, it seems that put on the Thames River. It is too this promise was never fully realized. bad that the citizens are not able as Although in 1888 both steamers left the of yore to enjoy a sail down the Dundas Street dock at 10 a.m., 3 p.m. and 8 Thames and spend a day at the p.m., featured bands that played during all of Waterworks or Chestnut Park as it the trips, and the Neebing was now under is called. Thousands used to visit new management, during the years that the park, but since the accident it followed the launch of the two new steamers has lapsed into its old obscurity.33 there was very little mention of the Water- Possibly in response to the editorials, in works region in either newspaper. In May, May, 1888, Captain David Foster launched 1889, the only reference to the park was in a two steamboats, the City of London and the column in the Free Press devoted to the Thames, that would depart from Dundas and Queen’s birthday: “At home it may be stated once more carry passengers down river to that Capt. Foster’s staunch steamers will run the park. to Springbank at intervals throughout the

th day.” Only one sentence below this brief At 10 o’clock a.m. (on May 25 ) announcement the following additional the decks of the City of London information appeared: “An excursion train were freighted with a large number will leave at 6 a.m. for Windsor and Detroit. of the more youthful part of the Another will be run by the G.T.R. to Port community, who were quickly, Stanley at 10 a.m. and at 10:30 a.m. the safely and pleasantly conveyed to (baseball teams) the Tecumsehs and Springbank…The boat returned, Rochesters will contest for supremacy on and about noon she was again Tecumseh Park…(then) In the evening Prof. merrily plowing her way through Hand will exhibit his fireworks on the Base the water with another consignment Ball Park and “Pete” Baker the comedian, of the pleasure seekers…The ticket will occupy the Grand Opera House…”35 seller (at the dock) soon reached By not referring to either the Neebing or the the limit (300 passengers), and the picnic area in the Waterworks, and instead gates were promptly closed by by emphasizing these other locations, it Captain Foster, who was deter- would seem that Londoners probably were mined to keep within the prescribed not electing to visit the Waterworks as long number of passengers which he is as it was possible to go elsewhere. In May permitted to carry on one trip, 1892 the Advertiser even used the following leaving several hundred spectators words to summarize the difference in traffic behind, who were compelled to flow to the Waterworks vs Port Stanley.

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Capt. Foster’s boats plied between One very strong objection citizens the city and Springbank for the first have had to going to Springbank on time this season on Tuesday. a holiday or public picnic is the Owing to the cold weather the conduct of a number of young patronage was smaller than toughs, who attempt to win glory usual…(On the other hand) the for themselves by getting drunk Port Stanley excursion season and using profane and insulting (also) opened on Tuesday. About language in the presence of ladies. eight carloads went from the city. Yesterday half a dozen of these Had the weather been fine the young hoodlums conducted them- crowd would doubtless have been selves in a most unseemly manner, much larger.36 and this morning warrants were issued for their arrest. The major- Thus, both papers were informing their ity of them are the sons of readers not only of other places to visit and respectable parents, but this is not enjoy aside from the Waterworks but that their first offence, and if Spring- there was a marked willingness on the part bank is to become the popular of Londoners to frequent these other places resort which its natural advantages instead of the Waterworks. Perhaps this is so preeminently fit it for, the why between 1889 and 1894 the only Magistrates should teach them mention of the steamers in the Free Press a severe lesson when they are were brief statements in a column labeled brought before them. High “Amusements.” In fact, by 1894 passenger Constable (Henry) Schram has trips along the river to the Waterworks had determined to put his foot on this declined sufficiently to prompt Captain thing in the future, and pleasure- Foster to withdraw the City of London from seekers may rest assured that they active service. Although the Thames will not be troubled on this score continued to run for several more years, it again.39 too was withdrawn in 1899, and purposely set on fire by Captain Foster near the Waterworks Dam, where it sunk.37 Phase III: The London Street Railway System McTaggart has suggested that the reason for the demise in the use of Despite the optimism that the Water- the Waterworks may have resulted from works region initially enjoyed following the “swimming becoming a popular pastime launch of the steamers, because of the many and Port Stanley’s waters were not polluted perils that soon became associated with river as badly as the Thames.”38 There is, how- travel, the region never fully realized its ever, another possible reason, namely, potential and its subsequent decline was hooliganism. Without the crowds that had undoubtedly hastened owing to a growing frequented the park prior to the Victoria lack of attendance. Then, in 1895/1896, disaster, young street toughs were able to in an effort to rejuvenate the region, have a dominant influence in this region and City Council approved several bylaws that their presence would often frighten others granted the London Street Railway System away. the right to construct an electric railway to run from downtown to Springbank. Specifically, the bylaws stated that the

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Railway could enter the Waterworks and At 7:10 o’clock last night a operate for six months starting on the 15th reporter boarded a car labelled of May and ending on the 15th of October, “Springbank Park” at the corner of Sundays excluded, each year through 1925. Dundas and Richmond streets. Council also granted the Railway permission Enough people were aboard to to give band concerts, firework displays, comfortably fill the seats, but as the and other attractions “which shall receive street corner was passed room in the sanction in writing of the Commiss- the car became a scarce quantity. ioners…provided no charge is made to the Ere long standing passengers had public.”40 overflowed from the aisles in among seats; feet trampled on feet, Needless to say, by including this last clothes and millinery were provision in the agreement, it was hoped that despoiled and tempers were rapidly the Waterworks would once again become a becoming ruffled. Soon Railway destination worth visiting. The trains began Street was reached, and the first to run on May 25, 1896, and it was troubles were speedily made to estimated that between 10,000 and 12,000 appear small. The car jumped the people visited the region that first day. track, and repeated the trick three Providing the public with convenient times before one hundred yards transportation seemed to create the incentive were covered…Passengers were needed to attend the Waterworks as the ordered out of the cars, and scheme was met with an overwhelming climbed back again in the hope that response. Unfortunately, however, although it was for the last time. And after 25 cars were used to carry the passengers, an hour had gone by, it really “the trip was rarely made with anything like did prove a fact that the car was pleasure.”41 speeding “Springbackwards” … The conductor was on his second The cars were always crowded to round by this time, and a murmur suffocation, every inch of space of disgust – sometimes a very was occupied…As early as two audible murmur – greeted him at o’clock in the afternoon fully 1,500 every turn. people, male and female, old and young were to be found at the While the Free Press was sympathetic different street corners between to the difficulties the company encountered Dundas and Richmond and during its first day of operation, never- Thames street waiting patiently for theless, the paper felt that the company’s the Springbank cars. No one in facilities needed to be substantially authority, at the points named, improved if the railway wished to deliver could satisfy their curiosity as to satisfactory service. No doubt the company when these might be expected was of a very similar mind; by mid-June along to convey them to London’s it had clearly improved its service. In a new summer resort. Fully an hour brief announcement on June 18th the elapsed before the crowds were Free Press reported that “The Street moved in a westerly direction and Railway Company…carried 5,000 people to every car and trailer attached was Spring-bank during yesterday and last densely packed with human freight. evening, and landed them all safely in the

16 The London and Middlesex Historian Volume 25, 2016 city shortly after eleven o’clock.”42 Then, In addition to these features, much approximately two weeks later, and as an thought also was given to the need for expression of the manager’s overall appropriate entertainment throughout the confidence in his system, he was quoted in Dominion Day weekend. A concert by the the Free Press as saying that “the citizens Musical Society Band was scheduled for the (of London) should not go abroad to spend afternoon and evening, and there was to be a their money. Let them stay in the city, board “base ball match, aquatic sports, lime-light a car, and go where all the attraction will be views, dancing, and a crowd, which, in − at Springbank.”43 itself, will be an attraction.” All of this was followed that evening by fireworks. Perhaps To illustrate the manager’s point, the most electrifying entertainment though shortly after the railway was granted was a “high diver from New York, who will permission to enter the park considerable make perilous drops from a high elevation, construction had taken place which was and turn somersaults en route” along with a amply documented in the same Free Press wire-walker who was scheduled to cross the article. A railway platform was built in Thames starting from the top of the 65-foot front of the pumphouse and the collecting pole mentioned above. Because many of the pond nearest the pumphouse had been activities had been scheduled to reappear enclosed and a promenade was placed throughout the summer, the park was now around it. On the south side of the pond finally in a position to offer substantial there were “two hundred and fifty incan- competition to Port Stanley. descent lamps…while eight 300-candle power lamps were at the top of a 65-foot As a further marketing strategy, the pole to form a tower light of sufficient following year the Railway opened the Park strength to illuminate the whole ground.” Theatre on the Waterworks grounds north of 44 the hotel.

The Waterworks Region, circa 1896. Courtesty of London Room, London Public Library. 17 The London and Middlesex Historian Volume 25, 2016

(Although) the building is not With all of these activities in the park a particularly prepossessing one now available to the public, it is not viewed from the exterior, but within surprising that on the Queen’s Birthday in it is charmingly comfortable…it is 1897 it was estimated that 10,000 people so constructed as to prevent traveled by rail to the park. injurious draughts, while all the cool air that the park can furnish The different street corners will be found within…. The stage between Thames street and the is a commodious one, having route of the Springbank cars were dimensions of 20 x 40 feet, with an thronged from one o’clock until opening of 26 feet. The scenery half-past three with crowds is new, and the stage is fitted with awaiting transportation to the a drop curtain…there will be new pleasure resort, and not two performances — one in the infrequently the cars were filled afternoon and the second at 8:30 before Richmond street was in the evening.45 reached…The wonder is that none of the more daring excursionists Of the various features that the park were not fatally injured. Dozens of contained at this point, one of the them were hanging on to the railing most popular was the theatre which provide of the cars unmindful of the fact a complete set of highly entertaining that the space between the cars and vaudeville acts. the beams on York street and Victoria bridges are not sufficient The new summer theatre was very to admit of a person standing in the largely patronized and the perfor- position they occupied without mances gave very general satisfac- endangering life.45 tion. Manager [Albert E.] Roote was careful to provide a thoroughly Despite the theatre’s popularity, how- clean and entertaining list of ever, and solely in anticipation of the specialties…Creago and Loring moral decay that the theatre’s vaudevillian were mirth-provoking in negro productions were likely to bring about, the melodies, songs and dances. theatre was strongly condemned by the city Emery and Miss Marlowe, in a clergy even before it opened. On May 3, bit of nonsense brought down 1897 the following article appeared in the the house. Mack and Elliott, in the Free Press. portrayal of domestic difficulties unhappily found in some house- For some years Rev. Richard holds, were very good. Carr and Hobbs, pastor at Askin Street, was Newell, in the policeman and tramp a farmer, and yesterday he act, were also good…Miss Rankin, announced that he would go back the star comedienne, was present in to the farm and chop wood if the evening, and her songs and he thought his preaching against dances called forth a number of the evils of the day had no effect. encores. 45 People might say it was none of his business to preach against the proposed theatre at Springbank,

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but he could not agree with them. Then on December 30, 1897 the hotel He was here to give a warning met the same fate. “The two-story frame wherever he saw it needful, and he hotel on the Water-works property at intended to do it. He repeated his Springbank was burned to the ground assertion that the majority of between eight and nine o’clock last night, the people of London were, he entailing a loss to the city of $3,500 ….The believed, on the side of the devil…It cause of the fire is unknown but it is does seem too bad that our probably the work of a firebug.”49 beautiful summer resort should be thus desecrated. Yes that is the word I am going to use in relation Aftermath to the perverted use to be made out of our lovely resort…now with With both the theatre and the hotel its theatre and dancing pavilion, gone, little remained to hold the public’s with its evils and evil tendency to interest in the Waterworks region. To take all who surrender themselves to its place a new entertainment complex, its fascinations, the charm of referred to in the Free Press as a “resort Springbank is gone forever.46 second to none in ,” shortly emerged elsewhere in Springbank as the result of a Shortly after Rev. Hobbs made this further bylaw approved by City Council on statement, a very similar statement was May 21, 1896. This new bylaw granted the Railway Company the right to lay additional voiced by Bishop Maurice Scollard Baldwin 50 and Dean George M. Innes of the Huron tracks far to the west of the pumphouse. Diocese, as well as by the Methodist Within two years following the passage of Ministerial Association of London.47 the bylaw, the Company erected the pavilion In view of such strong reactions, it is illustrated on the opposite page which opened to the public in time for the perhaps not surprising that no further 51 performances were held in the theatre. What Dominion Day celebrations. is surprising, though, is that on August 7, 1897, the building was totally destroyed by The site for the new pavilion in fire! While the cause of the fire was never relation to the pumphouse is shown on determined, the Free Press claimed that it the map on page 21. This site may have was probably the work of an arsonist. been selected because of its proximity to a nearby stone cottage, built by Robert Flint Hardly a stick is left of the building in the 1850s, which was remodeled to serve as a railway platform for those who that gave pulpits and church 52 boards a theme for discussion all wished to visit the pavilion. The map spring…No effort was made to put also shows the location of the railway out the fire. When it was first tracks along with a new summer theatre, discovered, the whole building was and an amusement park, both of which are described on page 22. ablaze….the theatre was a complete wreck. Even the floor is

burned up, and the offices adjoining went up with the rest. The piano and stage scenery was 48 also consumed…

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Springbank Pavilion. Courtesy of London the Room, London Public Library

20

Park, circa 1925, reproduced with permission by the Planning Department, City of London. of City Department, Planning by the permission with reproduced 1925, circa Park,

Springbank The London and Middlesex Historian Volume 25, 2016

Springbank Park, circa 1925. Courtesy of Planningthe Department, City London. of

21 The London and Middlesex Historian Volume 25, 2016

Although the pavilion was not officially on its own account, yet practically opened until July 1st, the resort itself making one great picnic. The ponds, received high praise in a lengthy article the pumps, the reservoir and all the in the Free Press on May 24, 1898, under points of special interest had their the following headline. quota of visitors, but the greatest number spent their time at the west

In the River Park London has a end…Several games of base ball and rare resort minor sports were conducted on the grounds. The band of the Musical Springbank was never prettier than Society gave an afternoon and an just now. As the seasons grow into one evening concert, and both were very another the beautiful river park greatly enjoyed. The throng of park becomes more charming. The annual visitors in the evening were also expenditure of time and labor, of treated to a very fine display of money and skill are combining to fireworks by the Prof. Hand Co….The make of Springbank a place of resort evening’s programme was concluded second to none in Canada. When at 9:30 o’clock, but the crowd did not the new pavilion is completed the all return to the city until some time later.54 crowds will gather at the railway terminus…The west end of the park affords greater space and is distant (On July 1st) The Street Railway from the pump house or other sign of Company’s lines were patronized to life other than nature’s own. The base the full extent of the carrying capacity ball park will be close by, and the of available cars. Springbank was games, the fireworks displays and the visited by thousands of citizens, with special attractions of whatever sort their families, and a constant will be here. The new pavilion will of procession of cars moved rapidly to itself be an attraction, both as regards and fro on the double-tracked line to its architecture and the protection and the beautiful river park. The new conveniences it will afford. There will pavilion was informally opened, and be up-to-date catering by the lessees.53 gave general satisfaction. At night it presented a pretty sight, with a couple of hundred electric lamps blazing Throughout the Queen’s Birthday as well along the promenade verandahs. as Dominion Day that year the crowds were Afternoon and evening the Seventh indeed immense. Band discoursed music from the upper promenade, and the concerts were (On May 25th) Trolley cars ran only much enjoyed. Many people spent the eight minutes apart during the whole day at the Park, others the afternoon and on even closer time afternoon, while the largest crowd after darkness had set in, yet there was present in the evening.55 were throngs in waiting for every car. It is estimated that from 8,000 to 10,000 people journeyed to the park on the holiday…There were many private parties, each holding a picnic

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Then, to further enhance the attractive- Finally to emphasize the overall ness of the park, around 1905 the Railway attractiveness of this new resort, the approached the Water Commissioners with Company even added the following words in a request to use a theatre, which the city had its brochure: “Considering the immensity, previously built near the pavilion.56 the artificial beauty interspersing the places Cognizant of the ire that the Waterworks of rugged grandeur, the ideal picnic Park Theatre had caused within the London facilities, the delightful river overhung with community in 1897, this time considerable trees, and the purest spring water of earth, care was taken to ensure that not only the Springbank is indeed a ‘Park of Parks’.” theatre building, but all of the theatre’s And to complete this picture, in 1914 a full performances would be above reproach, the scale amusement park with a Ferris wheel, Railway Company in a promotional roller coaster and fun house, opened across brochure made the following statement. the road from the park near the end of the railway system (see the illustration on the

The theatre is an open-air one, a opposite page). “Designed along lines of a delightful place to sit a few hours miniature “Coney Island” the amusement with the trees all about and the sky park attracted many of the soldiers who were training in London during the First above. The covered stage backs to 58 the river, and the rest of the theatre World War.” Given all of these features is on a hill making a natural together with the baseball diamond and the incline…This summer a change ease of rail transportation, it is not surprising was made and a repertoire that London’s first summer resort in the company (as opposed to a vaude- Waterworks region of Springbank was ville company) of extraordinary permanently closed and subsequently merit was secured and high-class replaced by this highly diverse entertain- plays have been put on to the entire ment complex that constituted London’s satisfaction of thousands of citizens second summer resort elsewhere in the park. who nightly visit the theatre.57

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Springbank Amusement Park, circa 1914. Courtesy of the London Room, London Public Library.

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Endnotes

1M.L. Simner, “The London Waterworks 20Victoria Day Disaster; Dan Brock, “Crew and Controversy: The Great Debate of 1875-1877,” Passengers on Board the Fatal Trip of The London and Middlesex Historian, vol. 24 the Victoria,” MS, May 30, 2015. See also Ken (2015), 21-31. McTaggart, London’s Darkest Hours (London, ON; Ken D. McTaggart, 1999), 1-79. 2London Evening Advertiser, May 27, 1879, 4:4. (Although In several previous publications the 21London Evening Advertiser, May 16, 1881, 2:4. Neebing Hotel was referred to as the Northern Hotel, it is unclear if this reference pertained to 22London Evening Advertiser, May 16, 1881, 2:5. the hotel’s name at one time or instead merely referred to the hotel’s location since the hotel was 23London Evening Advertiser, May 25, 1881, 1:4 in fact north of the pumphouse.) 24London Free Press, June 9, 1881, 3:3-4. 3London Evening Advertiser, May 27, 1879, 4:4. 25K.D. McTaggart, Victoria Day Disaster, 93. 4History of the County of Middlesex, Canada, reprint (Belleville, ON: Mika Studio, 1972) 393. 26London Free Press, June 10, 1881, 3:3-4.

5K.D. McTaggart, The Victoria Day Disaster 27London Evening Advertiser, July 2, 1881, 2:5. (London, ON Kenneth D. McTaggart, 1978) 28. 28London Evening Advertiser, June 29, 1882, 4:6. 6 London Evening Advertiser, July 9, 1880, 4:4. 29London Evening Advertiser, May 25, 1882, 3:3. 7London Evening Advertiser, April 18, 1879, 4:4. 30London Evening Advertiser, May 23, 1883, 4:4. 8London Evening Advertiser, May 26, 1879, 4:3. 31London Evening Advertiser, June 30, 1883, 3:3. 9London Evening Advertiser, May 27, 1879, 4:4. 32London Evening Advertiser, May 20, 1881, 4:1. 10London Evening Advertiser, June 30, 1879, 4:1. 33G.A. Onn, The History of the London Street 11London Evening Advertiser, May 9, 1879, 4:4. Railway Company (1873-1951) (1958). Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the 12London Evening Advertiser, May 26, 1879, 4:3. Master of Arts, The University of Western Ontario, London, Canada. [57] See also Ken McTaggart 13London Evening Advertiser, May 27, 1879, 4:4. and Paul Merrifield, The History of The Pumphouse and Springbank Park (London, ON: 14London Evening Advertiser, May 20, 1879, 4:3. Ken D. McTaggart, [2010], 26-27.

15London Evening Advertiser, May 9, 1879, 4:4. 34London Evening Advertiser, May 25, 1888, 1:3.

16London Free Press, May 25, 1880, 4:2. 35London Free Press, May 23, 1889, 8:4.

17 K.D. McTaggart, Victoria Day Disaster, 11-12. 36London Evening Advertiser, May 25, 1892, 8:3.

18London Evening Advertiser, April 4, 1879, 4:4. 37K.D. McTaggart, Victoria Day Disaster, 100.

19London Free Press, July 2, 1879, 4:2. 38K.D. McTaggart, Victoria Day Disaster, 98.

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39London Free Press, July 2, 1889, 3:3. See also Coombs, the owner of the mill site upon which the History of the County of Middlesex, 992-993. pumphouse now stands. It was Mr. Coombs intention to use it as a storehouse, but his property 40Proceedings of the London Municipal Council, shortly afterwards passed into the possession of 1895, 1896. the city, and the place was converted into a summer hotel and pavilion.” 41London Free Press, May 26, 1896, 3:4. 50Appendix to the Council Proceedings, July 5, 42London Free Press, June 18, 1896, 3:5. 1897, 161. See also Pat Morden, Putting Down Roots: A history of London’s Parks and River (St. 43The Free Press, June 30, 1896, 5:2. Catharines, ON: Stonehouse Publications, 1988, 13-1. 44London Free Press, May 20, 1897, 3:6. 51London Free Press, June 30, 1898, 5:5. 45London Free Press, May 25, 1897, 8:4. 52 Nancy Z. Tausky, Historical Sketches of London: 46London Free Press, May 3, 1897, 3:6. From Site to City (Peterborough, ON: Broadview Press, 1993), 54-55. 47London Free Press, May 5, 1897, 5:5; London Free Press, May 14, 1897, 5:3. For an earlier 53London Free Press, May 24, 1898, 3:4. example of London’s Protestant clergymen weighing in on what was immoral vs moral see 54London Free Press, May 25, 1898, 8:4. Frederick H. Armstrong, “Obscenity in Victorian London: The Lotto Davene Poster Trial,” 55LondonFree Press, July 1, 1898, 3:6. Simcoe’s Choice: Celebrating London’s Bicentennial 1793-1993, Guy St-Denis editor 56An Agreement between the Water Commissioners (Toronto & Oxford: Dundurn Press, 1992), 175- and the London Street Railway Company (1906), 192. 833-844.

48London Free Press, August 7, 1897, 3:5. 57London Street Railway Company Booklet (circa 1905). Box 201A, London Room, London Public 49London Free Press, December 30, 1897, 8:5. As Library. an interesting aside, this article also contained information on the history of the building that 58Alan Noon, East of Adelaide: Photographs: housed the hotel. “The building, which was commercial, industrial and working-class urban formerly St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, of this Ontario 1905 - 1930 (London, ON: London city, was removed from the city by the late Charles Regional Art and Historical Museums, 1989), 140.

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