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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHomecoming '87, 1987-07-01, Page 10_Homecoming '8?_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Brussels welcomed railway in big way in 1873 Water power was used exclusively to power the flour and grist mill built by William Vanstone in 1859, but was replaced shortly afterwards by the new-fangled steam engine. The original mill was destroyed by fire in 1911, and replaced by the “Logan Mill” which still stands on the site beside the Brussels dam today. [From the Huron Expositor, Sea­ forth, July 4, 1873.] The Southern Extension of the Wellington, Grey and Bruce Rail­ way was formally opened to Brussels on Tuesday last, Domin­ ion Day. The occasion was one which will long be remembered, not by the people of Brussels alone, but by those of the whole northern country. The opening of this railway will signal the commence­ ment of a new era of prosperity in this section of country, and will open up new sources of trade and commerce which cannot fail to add to the wealth and prosperity of the entire people. The village was handsomely decorated with flags, banners, arches and evergreens. The main arch extended across Main street from Mr. Leckie’s store, to Hall’s Hotel. On the top of the arch, in handsome letters, wasthe word “Progress.” Suspended from the centre, and surrounded by a wreath of evergreens, were the letters, “W. G. & B. R.,” and on one side “Stephenson” and “James Watt”. Over the bridge, between the business portion of the village and the station, was another arch of evergreens, on which was a large banner, bearing the word “Wel­ come.” Thus handsomely decor­ ated, the thriving village present­ ed an imposing and attractive appearance, well calculated to inspire the admiration of visitors. At an early hour in the forenoon the stream of pleasure seekers came flowing in, until about 11 o’clock, when the streets were lined with a living mass, all impatiently waiting to gain a sight of the iron horse, many of the juvenile portion, probably for the first time. They were not long kept in suspense, for about 12 o’clock the shrill whistle of the engine was heard, and a general stampede was made for the station. The pioneer train, containing the President and Directors of the road, accompanied by many friends from Hamilton and intermediate stations, halted for a short time at the station. After a few cordial congratula­ tions were exchanged between the passengers and some of the leading citizens, the train again started westward for Bluevale. Arriving at Bluevale, the resi­ dents of that flourishing village turnedouten masse to welcome their honored visitors. After par- takingofrefreshments, and the delivery of addresses, a start for Brussels was again made. The train arrived at Brussels about 2 p.m. This time a large number of the people of Bluevale and surrounding country, who had availed themselves of the oppor­ tunity of having a first ride on the Southern Extension, accompanied the Directors and their party. As soon as all had alighted from thecars, an address of welcome was read by Mr. John Leckie, Reeve, on behalf of the residents of Brussels. Mr. McGiverin, Presi­ dent, on behalf of the Vice-Presi- dnt and Directors of the Company read a reply. At the conclusion of the address­ es, and a few remarks from Mr. McGiverin, the procession was formed. The procession was head­ ed by the Wellington Battalion Band. Following the band was the Brussels Volunteer Company, un- dercommand of Lieutenant En­ glish and Ensign Hamilton. After the volunteers was a carriage drawn by four horses, containing the officers and directors of the Wellington, Grey and Bruce Rail­ way. Next came a number of carriages, followed by the entire concourse of people on foot. The procession, which was well arranged and presented an impos­ ing appearance, proceeded to Mr. Vanstone’s new mill, where the banquet was to be held. The accommodation here pro­ vided was ample, and the building admirably adaptedforthe occa­ sion. The tables were spread in the second story of the building. The room, neatly decorated with ever­ greens, was large, airy and commodious. There were four tables extending along the entire length of the building, with one at the head of the room for guests. When all had taken their seats, all the tables were well filled. There was one feature of this entertainment worthy of special notice and imitation. A large number of ladies graced the occasion with their presence. After all had done ample justice to the bounteous feast provided, Mr. Leckie, Reeve of Brussels, took the chair, and Mr. N. M. Livingstone, the vice-chair. After the usual loyal and patriotic toasts were given and duly honored, the Chairman pro­ posed ‘ ‘The health of the President of the United States.” Mr. Blake, American Consul at Hamilton, responded to this toast in a neat and eloquent speech. The Foot Bridge. Maitland River, Brussels, Ont. The flour and grist mill [left] and sawmill built by William Vanstone in 1859 were the predominate industries in the village of AinleyvHle within a few years of the village’s original settlement. In this undated photograph, a wooden footbridge was the only means of access to the north side of the Maitland River. Members of the family of Philip and Matilda Ament stand in front of the family home in this undated photograph on loan from Adeline Campbell of Blyth. The family operated a planing and saw mill on the 25 acres surrounding the house, and at one time provided much of the employment in the village. Memories of life in Brussels 60 years ago Editor’s note: The following items are gleaned from the pages of The Brussels Postof February 23,1927, brought to The Citizen’s office by Bush Whittard of Brussels.] Cunningham’s Garage in Brus­ sels ran a display ad on page one urging local motorists to purchase their 1927 motor vehicle licences from A. G. Smith of Wingham, who had iust been re-appointed as agentfor the sixthyear in a row. The ad said “We must sell 2,000 licences or there will be no appointment made in this part of the county next season. All properly filled applications will be returned in the next mail. Indivi­ dual postage is five cents.***** In the Clothing Department of F.A. Hunter’s General Store, men’s all-wool underwear was on sale for $1,50, natural wool underwear suitable for early spring was $1.85, but men’s heavy fleece underwear was a real bargain at only 80 cents. Ladies’ silk bloomers could be had in two styles, on sale for only $1.50 and $1.85; and ladies’ corsets were at a 25 per cent reduction on all lines, “in order to reduce our stock, which is too heavy.” New Spring Coats for Ladies and Misses had just arrived, and they were “much nicer than ever before, and prices much lower than last season. ***** A Box Social was to be held under the auspices of the Ladies’ Guild of St. John’s Church, Brussels, at the home of Mr. David Smith of the 6th Line, Morris, on the evening of Feb. 25. “Those desiring conveyance” were urged to leave their name at Walker and Black’s before 5 o’clock Thursday evening, as sleighs would be leaving the Anglican Church Base­ ment at 7:45 p.m. Transportation was free.***** Ben Whittard of Brussels has been taking part in the Fiddlers’ Contest and concert, as a comed­ ian, which had been drawing large crowds at Teeswater, Gorrie, Mildmay, Clinton and Lucknow. “Ben is hard to beat at his job,” the item concludes. Movies coming to The Grand Theatre included The Road to Mandalay, with Lon Chaney; Battling Butler, with Buster Kea­ ton; For Heaven’s Sake, with Harold Lloyd; and The Night Cry, starring Rin Tin Tin.