The Monitor Volume 27, Issue 3 December 2011

memorable day, Mr. Phelps, who had left Burlington on Inside this issue: Travellers’ Lament at a trip to Boston, found that having mixed up the trains at An Open letter to the Friends 3 ~ Part 1 Essex Junction, he was back on the “Shuttle” returning Director’s Message 4 By Douglas N.W. Smith to Burlington. Giving full vent to his frustrations, Mr. Education Programming 5 In the latter portion of the Phelps ended the last two verses of his poem with the A Glimpse at Christmas around the World 6 nineteenth century, the Hon- following immortal lines: What’s New 6 ourable Edward J. Phelps “I hope in hell, Volunteers 6 composed a piece of dogger- His soul may dwell, Friends of the Brockville Museum 7 el, entitled “The Lay of the Who first invented Essex Junction.” Exhibits 7 Lost Traveller”, lamenting

Our Year at a Glance 8 the fate of the passenger These lines formed an epitaph for all railway pa- whose attempt to change trons whose journey included a change of trains at the Calendar of Events 9 trains at Essex Junction, myriad of railway junctions in North America. While it did not become as famous as Essex Junction, in 1907 Brockville was celebrated as a point to bring despair to the traveller desiring to transfer from the Grand Trunk to a Canadian Pacific train. Rather than compose a rhyme for the popular press, George Taylor, MP for Leeds, took his complaint to the House of Commons where his complaint was recorded in the pages of Han- sard. As the journeys of many of the Dominion’s highest politicians were affected, the demand for better connec- tions fell on attentive ears. Unlike today, when five trains per day whisk passengers from to without a change of trains, the traveller in 1907 found himself with very lim- ited options. At the time, no through trains were operat- ed. CP’s Toronto- overnight train included a Toronto-Ottawa sleeping car that was switched between Vermont ignominiously failed. In this small village, the trains at Smiths Falls. Coach passengers had to physical- Central Vermont Railway’s Montreal-White River Junc- ly change trains. The single day schedule between these tion main line and Burlington-Lamoille Junction branch points required a transfer at either Smiths Falls from line intersected. CP’s Montreal-Detroit trains or at Brockville from the Under the small train shed at Essex Junction, the GTR’s main line trains. Due to the limited number of traveller could be confronted by up to four passenger trains, any dabbling with their schedules was a serious trains destined to the four points of the compass at the matter to anyone having business in Ottawa. same time. The unwitting could step aboard a train only While the GTR had completed the first line be- to find himself heading off in the wrong direction. One tween Montreal and Toronto in 1856 and had subse-

1 quently developed an extensive network of lines in eastern portion of the Dominion. The earnings from Southern , the GTR was unsuccessful in se- the eastern lines would generate the income to carry curing its own access to the capital until after the turn the transcontinental line until the Prairie Provinces of the century. It was not until 1905, when the GTR became settled and traffic built to remunerative lev- acquired the Canada Atlantic, that it finally reached els. During the latter portion of the 1870s, Duncan Ottawa over its own rails. The CPR outflanked the McIntyre, a member of the syndicate, had acquired GTR during the 1880s and secured a firm grip on the controlling interest in the Central Canada and in Ottawa-Toronto travel until the completion of the the early 1880s in the St. Lawrence & Ottawa. The Canadian Northern’s direct line in 1915. Canada Central, which had almost reached Mattawa Prior to the advent of the CPR, the GTR had a in 1881, was amalgamated into the CPR that year to monopoly on rail service between Montreal and To- form part of the main line between Montreal and ronto. Two small and financially shaky lines, which Vancouver. The western division of the grandilo- were built to connect the St. Lawrence River to the quently titled Quebec, Montreal, Ottawa & Occi- lumber stands of the Ottawa Valley, provided con- dental Railway between Montreal and Ottawa was venient links between the GTR and Ottawa. The first purchased from the Quebec Government in 1882. rail line to reach the nation’s capital, the Bytown & With the completion of the Ontario & Quebec Rail- Prescott, arrived in 1854. Built to what was then a way between Smiths Falls and Toronto in 1884, CP “narrow gauge” of 4 feet 8 ½ inches, the Bytown & had its own Montreal-Ottawa-Toronto route. Prescott could not interchange cars with the broad Recognizing that its monopoly on traffic in gauge GTR which was built to then provincial stand- the Montreal-Ottawa-Toronto area was about to be ard of 5 feet 6 inches. The line was renamed twice broken, the Grand Trunk opened negotiation with the following reorganizations, becoming the Ottawa & bondholders of the St. Lawrence & Ottawa during Prescott in 1855 and the St. Lawrence & Ottawa in 1882-1883. However, with Mr. McIntyre firmly in 1867. After the Grand Trunk reduced its track to 4 control, the CP was given a 999 year lease on the St. feet 8½ inches in 1873 (which became the standard Lawrence & Ottawa in 1884. Once CP took over the for North American railways in the 1870s), it co- line, it rescheduled the passenger trains to avoid con- operated with the St Lawrence & Ottawa to provide a nections with the GTR at Prescott and ceased to stop sleeping car service between Ottawa and Toronto. at the GTR station. The second line to reach the capital from the St. Lawrence River was the Brockville & Ottawa – Canada Central Railways which completed their Brockville-Carleton Place-Ottawa route in 1870. Built to 5 foot 6 inch gauge, they interchanged cars with the GTR until the GTR adopted standard gauge for its tracks. Due to its poor financial position, it was not until 1880 that the money was available to start standard gauging the Canada Central. In 1881, the syndicate that would successfully complete the Canadian Pacific Railway took over the faltering transcontinental project from the Dominion government. They recognized quickly the importance Delays could be encountered for many reasons. Here a of developing a network of lines in the industrialized Grand Trunk express train has halted to have an overheated axle beneath the coach doctored. 2 An Open Letter to the Friends of the Brockville Museum

Dear Members,

I just want to express my appreciation for the support you have given to me in archives over the past year. Without this support I would not be able to continue the work that is done in con- serving and cataloguing the various donations that find their way into Archives.

This past year has been extremely busy and cost- The conductor and engineer discuss their orders before their ly with the addition of the McCormick Collec- Toronto to Montreal train departs the first Toronto Union tion, The Inniss Collection Station. This building was replaced in the 1920s by the and lastly, The Recorder present . and Times Collection. So far, we have preserved and recorded thirteen bankers’ boxes of negatives as well as seven bankers’ boxes of other relevant material from the Recorder and Times. There were also 14 bankers’ boxes of nega- tives from the Inniss Collection that have been preserved and catalogued.

The purchase of the computer and scanner for my use has enabled me to work from home and with the assistance of my wife, Carolyn, we are scanning and cataloguing many interesting pho- tos from the pages of the Recorder and Times from the 1950s to 1970s. When this project is The Grand Trunk station in Brockville opened in 1872, replacing a completed, I want to make several DVDs to ena- small stone station building from the 1850s. The Grand Trunk ble all to see a great photographic record of the became part of the Canadian National Railways in 1923 after the history of Brockville during that time period. Grand Trunk sponsored line to the Pacific Ocean ended in financial failure. Today the station is operated by Canada. Back in Thank you again for your support, the early 1900s, the Grand Trunk trains used the south side of the John Mack, Volunteer Archivist building, while the Canadian Pacific trains operated on trains built on the north side of the building. This view taken in the early 1950s shows the Brockville station before the brick was covered over. Source: Mattingly Collection, Canada Science and Technology Museum.

3 Director’s Message

Each year, around this time, I go back through museum becomes in the fall and winter months. Amy’s my day planner (yes, I still use a paper one) and look at school, hospital and nursing home programs get into all the activities we have been involved in, here at the full swing, bus tours continue into October, the Friends museum. We started the year with the adult lecture se- of the Museum’s major fundraiser, our silent auction, ries, The Friends Annual General Meeting, Flag Day and the beer tasting are all in the fall months. I should and Family Day. In March, we had a new fundraiser, also mention the Brockville Artists Studio hosts their ‘The Spelling Bee’, as well as the usual children’s annual show and sale, and the Brockville Farmers Mar- March Break programs. ket begins to have their indoor market here in the muse- um in November. In April we held a very successful ‘book sale’, had an Easter Open House and participated once again The next thing you know, Christmas is upon us in the Multicultural Festival. We look forward to the once again and the volunteers deck the halls. Brenda month of May as it brings our region’s annual Doors Foss and Renee Porter work with Amy to produce a Open Ontario program, with staff and volunteers on du- Christmas exhibit which is a focal point for Amy’s edu- ty at the museum, the tunnel and the caboose. This past cation programs. We are open seven days a week as the June we took a bus to the Lost Villages. It was a good Farmers Market is here every Saturday and Sunday dur- fundraiser, everyone enjoyed the delicious lunch and ing the first three weeks in December. learned a great deal about this most interesting part of our past. On June 3rd Amy and I had an opportunity to While all of this is happening, the many groups go to Fulford Place Museum to see the restored Mage- which call the museum home are coming and going, doma. We are quite familiar with the photos of the exhibits keep changing, the collections are catalogued Magedoma that we have in our collection but to actual- and maintained, research requests are answered, room ly see the yacht in all its splendour was a real treat. To rentals organized and the receptionists are greeting visi- celebrate the museum’s thirtieth anniversary we held an tors, answering the phone and selling items in the gift Open House with a ‘behind the scenes tour’ and every- shop. one received a copy of our booklet which Dolores Hen- Someone once said to me, ‘what a nice, quiet derson of Henderson Printing not only designed, but for job you have’. Our museum is anything but quiet. which she was able to find full sponsorship for the Aren’t we lucky? It is full of interesting things to see, printing. plenty of opportunity to learn and have fun and meet I always look forward to the summer months people from all walks of life who like nothing better when our students come on board. Our university stu- than to share their interests and expertise. If you have dent quickly became a team member who produced and some time to give to your museum, please call and find delivered fun and interesting programs for children, and out what opportunities there are for you to become in- the weekend receptionists were reliable and took their volved. jobs seriously. On June 15, Procter and Gamble em- I wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas ployees spent an entire day here at the museum, paint- and a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year. ing , weeding, and cleaning. They even cleaned and or- ganized the workshop. What a great gift to the museum.

One of the most common statements we hear is ‘things must slow down for you now that summer is Bonnie Burke over’. It is difficult to explain to people how busy our

4 Education Programming at children and an afternoon group for the older ones. The program was so popular from last year that we the Brockville Museum filled the morning session (24 children) and even had to start a waiting list! The afternoon group is also near ca- As many of you know, December is one of our pacity with 18 students. The success of this program busiest times of the year for programs. School groups allowed us to rent a school hamper from the historical from as far away as Lansdowne make the trek to the division of the Hudson’s Bay Company. This case in- museum to take part in our special Christmas exhibit cluded a wooden chest, Bay blanket, resource books, and accompanying program. The exhibit is on display beaver pelts and photos for use by both homeschool in the Annex for the month of December. classes. This year, our exhibit volunteers Brenda Foss The HBC hamper was also offered up to area and Renee Porter have put together a wonderful exhibit schools as a special version of our for the students and the wider community to enjoy. existing Voyageur Life program. What’s Under the Tree?” One class did take advantage of this explores gifts from our month-long offering. The program past that a lucky boy or was enjoyed by both the students girl might unwrap on and teacher – a nice envelope of let- Christmas morning. From ters from the students arrived the Viewmasters to stereo- week following their visit. It has scopics, dolls to race cars, also changed how I will present the Voyageur Life pro- toboggans, sewing ma- gram in the future based on their comments and inspira- chines and more; this exhibit will transport you back to tion the hamper’s contents provided. Christmases past. There is even a visit from Sinter Once again, the Children’s Corner in the Car- Klaas to look at gift giving in other places. riage Hall became a special exhibit for November. This Many volunteers will lend their hands assisting annual display includes posters, bookmarks, newspa- with the Christmas rush. A special advanced thank you pers and other items from Veterans Affairs Canada. It to them and to all the vol- also has colouring sheets (one of them was brought unteers that have helped back from Juno Beach by volunteer Ron Harley), post- with assembling crafts, cards and copies of posters from our collection. The wrangling children and bright colours surrounding the table attract people to baking goodies for our pro- this corner of the hall and teachers often take more of grams this past year. The the handouts than the children do! generous donation of your Looking ahead to 2012, I am currently seeking time has made our pro- speakers for our popular Adult Lecture Series held on grams high in demand Tuesdays in February and the first Tuesday of March. throughout the area and Not all the speakers have confirmed, but I can tell you made my life a whole lot that Brian Porter will be returning and a new speaker, easier! Tim Wood, will be talking about Species at Risk in the With regards to our regular programming, we Brockville area. have been able to offer a couple of new items. Our Once again I would like to thank all the museum monthly programming for the Brockville and Area volunteers for their help over the past year and I look Homeschoolers has expanded to include two sessions forward to seeing everyone at the museum in 2012. each month. We now have a morning group for younger 5 What’s New! A Glimpse at Christmas Around the World As some of you may have noticed we have had the Saint Nicholas front lobby repainted recently and we are very happy Saint Nicholas lived in Turkey more than 1500 with the colours. As well the Brockville Museum has years ago. Saint Nicholas became a set up a Christmas display in the Thousand Islands Bishop at a very young age and was Mall, in the rotunda. Feel free to go to the Mall to check often known as the Boy Bishop. For it out. There just may be a fellow in a red suit talking to more information on Saint Nicholas or the children. Sinter Klaas please visit the Brock Volunteers ville Museum or the Thousand Is lands Mall. Once again we had our annual Volunteer Luncheon which was held on October 12. Thanks again Saint Lucia to Museum Board Member Barb Healy and the ladies Saint Lucia celebration can be traced all the way of Wall Street United Church for preparing such a deli- back to the Middle Ages. Many different cious meal. There was a wonderful turnout and we are so happy to be able to have so many wonderful volun- countries across Europe celebrate St. Lucia on teers helping the museum. Those who received mile- December 13th. Part of the celebrations stone certificates for 2011 were: includes the youngest daughter of the house Elliott Parker 30 years being dressed in a white robe and a crown made of branches. Traditionally candles are put in the Helen Peach 25 years crown. There is then a parade to let the town Brian Porter 15 years know that the Light has come. Knecht Ruprecht Renee Porter 15 years Knecht Ruprecht originated in Germany. The Barbara Pollard 10 years folklore tells us that Jesus sent Knecht Ruprecht Hugh Campbell 5 years as a representative. As the years went by and the celebration of Christmas moved further Bronwyn Dawes~ Youth Award away from the birth, Knecht Ruprecht became Brenda Foss~ Senior of the Year harsher towards the bad children, and as his demeanor changed so did his appearance; he became a goblin.

Grandfather Frost Grandfather Frost is the gift-giver in Russia. He Hours of Operation was created by the Communists to help get rid of the old religion and all of its practices. The sto- Monday to Friday— 10:00am to ries tell of a young woman accompanying him, 5:00pm she is said to be his niece and is called the Snow Farmer’s Market Maiden. To help get rid of old traditions Grand-

December Saturday and Sunday father Frost gives out his presents on New Year’s Day. 9:00am—3:00pm

6 Friends of the Brockville Museum Exhibit The Friends of the Brockville Museum has This year we are very happy to be able to tell you that had a busy but good year. We had a very successful we will be have an exhibit from the Archives of Ontar- fundraiser this year, with the boat cruise on September io. “A Lifetime — Day by Day, Five Women and their 13. The ride was beautiful and we have only good Diaries.” We will have the exhibit for April and May. things to say about the outing. Amy, Viktor, and Doug A Special Thank You Smith shared some inter- esting facts on this part of Thank you to the Basket Weaving Guild for the river. their generous donation to the education programs at the Brockville Museum in 2011. The Gift Gallery has recently received a This year’s donation was used to purchase 6 makeover. We have new new tables for use in the classroom and 7 ice cream stock and have rear- makers to replace the ‘old coffee can model.’ ranged the Gift Gallery This means that everyone saving coffee cans to give it a new and fresh may now send them to recy- look. cling. These new ice cream Don’t forget to renew your membership if balls will save us a whole lot you have not already done so. Your membership of storage space and the dollars go a long way in supporting the Museum. A headache of looking for cof- Friends of the Brockville Museum Membership fee cans – and they can be would make a great Christmas gift for a loved one. washed in the dishwasher! The volunteers continue their work with the Thank you again to three large archival donations, namely the Ian Inniss, the Basket Weavers and to all my ‘can collectors’ Brockville Recorder and Times, and McCormick col- over the past few years. Goodness knows, everyone lections. The Friends have donated $6000 towards the loves ice cream (and clean tables)! archival materials that were needed to properly cata- Amy. logue and keep the collections. Why Our Community Museum is Important: The Friends also continue to pay for the sign- age along the 401 highway, as well as advertising and Plays a vital role in education, community devel- publications such as the city map and visitors guide. opment , heritage conservation and cultural This year there was a need to reprint the Museum’s tourism. rack card. In appreciation of Barbara and Harold Tells the stories of Brockville– who we are and Healy for all their work in keeping the flower beds where we came from. looking fresh and colourful every year, we continue to purchase needed plants and shrubs. Community hub that attracts visitors, and sup- These are just a few ways in which the ports culture and tourism employment. Friends have supported the activities of the museum Stewards of the city’s irreplaceable heritage col- this past year. We appreciate your support in mem- lections. bership, participation at our fundraising events, and Working to make history accessible through tech- private donations. We hope that you will continue this support in the coming years. nology.

7 Our Year at a Glance

8 Calendar of Events Adult Lecture Series your donations, please note that we will not accept en- Tuesday, February 7, 10 am - 12 noon cyclopedias, technical manuals, text books, or con- densed books.) Tuesday, February 14, 10 am - 12 noon Saturday, May 26, starts at 10 am Tuesday, February 21, 10 am - 12 noon Bicycle Poker Run: Tour Brockville on your bicycle as Tuesday, February 28, 10 am - 12 noon you put together that perfect hand! Prizes will be given Tuesday, March 6, 10 am - 12 noon to the participants with the best poker hands. A registra-

tion fee will apply. Monday, February 20, 10 am - 5 pm Saturday, June 9, all day Family Day (free admission): Special activities include Bus Tour of Wolfe Island: Enjoy a guided bus tour of children’s activities, refreshments, and a Family Photo Wolfe Island. Lunch included! Booth – come in for an old-fashioned photography ses- Friday, August 3 – Sunday, August 5 sion – period costumes included – only $5 per photo printed. Image-ine It! If you have any old photos or doc- Settler Weekend at Charleston Lake: Return to the uments that you think might be of interest to the muse- 1870s and enjoy an old-fashioned campfire, a day of set- um, the public is invited to bring in old documents and tlers’ activities, and a guided hike. These events are held photos they would like to share, either for digitization or in partnership with Charleston Lake Provincial Park and

for donation to the archives. the Friends of Charleston Lake Park. Tuesday, March 13 – Thursday, March 15 Saturday, September 8, all day 10 am - 12 noon Mystery Bus or Boat Tour: Enjoy a bus tour! Lunch in- March Break Program…There will be games, activities, crafts, and baking! For children aged 6-11. Fee per child cluded! Kingston? Glenn Lockwood? for all 3 days - $25 museum members’ children $30 for Friday, September 21, 10 am – 9 pm & Saturday, non- members’ children. Please register in advance with September 22, 10 am – 2 pm the museum by calling 613 342 4397 or email muse- [email protected]. Brockville Museum Annual Silent Auction: Cleaning out Wednesday, March 21, time tba your attic or basement? Thanks to everyone’s generous Easter Egg Workshop at the Museum: Learn the fine art support this annual fundraising continues to be one of of decorating eggs with talented local artist Anna Krak- our most successful. Once again the museum would ap- Kepka! Only $10 per person. Space is limited so please preciate your donation of antiques, collectibles, or mem- call ahead to reserve your spot. orabilia. Donations must be received no later than Fri-

day, September 14. Friday, March 23, 10 am - 12 noon Friday, November 24, evening Spelling Bee and Dinner: Let nineteenth century school- teacher Miss Crookshank guide you through an enter- “Raise a Pint to the Brockville Museum”: join us on a taining and educational evening of food, trivia and of crisp autumn evening for this very special fundraiser course spelling! which features tasting a variety of locally-produced sea- sonal ales, lagers, and other assorted brews. More infor- Monday, April 23 – Friday, April 27 & mation to follow. Monday, April 30 – Friday, May 4, 10 am – 5 pm Book Sale at the Museum: rummage through our annual Month of December book sale! Donations of books in good condition will be Special Exhibit – Christmas: enjoy this festive exhibit as accepted until April 15, the more curious and obscure we once again interpret Christmas in an informative and the book the better! (As much as we appreciate interesting way . 9 We wish you and yours, a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! From, The Staff of the Brockville Museum

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