Description Pictou Parade

Pictou Parade
CORRECTIONS

I have heard from a former member of the 106 Nova Scotia Rifles, who called my attention to a note in a recent flashback in which it was stated that the 106 left for Trenton, Ont. Charles Fraser said that the item should have read Trenton, Pictou County. The unit in 1916 was stationed at Trenton, Pictou County, to guard the steel mills. Mr. Fraser also said that apropos my inquiry as to where the Recreation Center was in 1916, it was the upper floor of the CNR Station. Now, in 1977 and 1978, that upper floor is again being used for recreation purposes. The CNR Station now has heat in both the ground floor and the upper floor as two separate furnaces have been installed.

Mr. Fraser also told me that the 106 sailed from Halifax on the Empress of Britain on July 21,1916. He said that while stationed in Pictou the 106 was billeted in a huge building on the Market Wharf, which building later became a packing plant for McGee’s but since demolished.

He also commented on the friendliness and courtesy of the people of Pictou. He said the whole town staged a considerable amount of entertainment for the men of the 106 batn.

FRIDAY 13TH

Last week, Friday 13, I was featured on a program traced the background of the fear of Friday, 13th, by many people, and also covered the many beliefs and superstitions that people cling to.

UNIFORMS

With all the controversy over the RCMP, and the loss of respect for police, brings to mind the words of Rudyard Kipling. He wrote about the British Tommy, but his lines are applicable to 0our nation and local police forces, he wrote, “Making mock o’uniforms that guard you while you sleep, is cheaper than them uniforms, and they’re starvation cheap.

FOR FREE

I have quite a number of writers’ magazines, all fairly current and in good condition. I have read them, and disliked throwing them away, when they might be used to someone else. Anyone who wants, either the writer’s magazines, or the photo maganizes, can have them for the taking. Better phone first so I’ll be home.

DAWSON MEMORIAL
Last week I mentioned the renewed plaques on the Dawson Monument on Church Street, and the first Pictou Academy memorial corner of Church and Willow. The original plaque that was on the old house on Church street where Sir William Dawson was born is on the wall at Dawson School.

It was July 31, 1912, when H.R.H. The Duke of Connaught, then Governor- General of Canada unveiled the tablet on behalf of the Nova Scotia Historical Society, marking the dwelling where Sir William Dawson was born October 30, 1820. Ven. Archdeacon Armitage, Pictou, then president of the Nova Scotia Historical Society conducted the proceedings.

PICTOU ELITE

In the days when he was known as the Lumber King of Pictou, Edward Mortimer was often seen on the streets. He was easily recognized for he was a big man, with a big stomach, across which was draped a heavy gold watch chain. He had a serious face, a drooping moustache, thick, strong hands, large feet and a booming, blustering voice. Always, in his walks, he carried a tasseled cane with a gold knob under his hand.

PARTING THOUGHT

“Oh, Pictou was a pleasant place for them that’s rich and high, But Pictou was cruel place for poor folks such as I.”

By Roland Sherwood (D.LITT.)