We use old newspapers to gather information, find and research stories, seek out family backgrounds, and add simple colour and depth to our description of the local area in the past.
The following bits of town colour are taken from a single newspaper page in the New Westminster paper, The British Columbian, in mid-August 1915.
There were often little pieces of news about the governing of the town. In this case from 101 years ago, it appears that a bylaw was to be initiated by council to deal with a new form of passenger service – a jitney, a multi-seated motor vehicle, truly a recent innovation. This short item shows that things were moving slowly:
“Again held over – The projected bylaw to regulate jitney traffic appears to be in a state of suspended animation. Today the city council once more laid it over for a more convenient season.”
The fishing industry was a vital component of the economy and news of its successes was always well received – in this instance a large amount of canned salmon. “The steamer Westham … docked at the CPR wharf yesterday with 1,000 cases of salmon from the Scottish Cannery, Steveston, to be shipped to the east.”
A Professor Chandler was in town and gave a lecture on beer and its value. A short article noted his approval of the item and pointed out a way to get your own supply.
“He gave it his unqualified endorsement and his words showed that he had made an extensive study of this valuable food beverage. Phone for a case of our brand from your dealer or we deliver direct. Our number, 75L, Westminster Brewery.”
Not sure what these items were, but we’ll try to find out a bit more. “Oil of Joy mops; Come in and let us show you these mops. You will be surprised how they will save you labor. Oil of Joy wool mop, circular or triangle, $1.50.” Oil of Joy polish was also available at 25 cents a bottle.
This page of the paper featured two pieces about Mr. and Mrs. H Gregg who lived at 513 14th St. in the city.
One article talked of a surprise party that occurred “when a large party of their friends called on them to say farewell on the eve of their departure to the Old Country. Mr. and Mrs. Gregg will leave the city on Friday morning to connect with a steamer sailing from Montreal to Glasgow.”
It seems that this was not just a simple trip to see the homeland, as the second article on the page started off with: “Fred Davis will sell by public auction the household furniture and 40 head of poultry at Mr. Gregg’s, 513 14th St., on Wednesday, Aug. 18, at 1:30 sharp.”
Mr. and Mrs. Gregg were, clearly, heading home and leaving the banks of the Fraser for good. Could be an interesting story there.
