The Notorious Bridget McGee of Perth

From Perth Remembered–*see description below.Lots of snow on Foster Street c. 1880. Foster Street looking West from Gore Street to Wilson Street showing the north side of the street

Perth Courier, October 20, 1871

The “grocery” of Mrs. Bridget McGee near the post office has lately acquired the reputation which may be justly termed “notorious”.  This has been principally owing to the frequency and magnitude of the rows which have during the past fortnight developed themselves around that little nook.  One time, the windows were smashed from within by some missile of war hurled by the fair hand into the window at some rowdies outside; another time the glass was shivered from the outside by excited and indignant prowlers.  Last Sunday evening when people were returning from church, a lighted lame was seen sailing through the window like a falling star from the interior into the river below, aimed at some outside foe.  The damages to the windows are always promptly repaired the next morning.  The hotel de McGee has decidedly a hard name and must be a pleasant neighbor to others in that vicinity.

Perth Courier, August 9, 1872

On show day, a misunderstanding arose between Mrs. Kane, proprietor of a grocery stand at the entrance to the circus grounds, and the well known Mrs. Bridget McGee—the latter being the aggressor.  The affairs had to be finally settled by blows which was speedily done with the aid of a ginger beer bottle by Mrs. Kane.  Mrs. McGee, being expelled from the stand ingloriously,

Perth Courier, August 23, 1872

George Bourke, charges brought by Bridget McGee, fined 20 cents

Michael Bourke, charges brought by Bridget McGee, fined 20 cents

Bridget McGee, charges brought by Eliza Bourke, Jr. and Eliza Bourke, Sr., fined 20 cents

Perth Courier, Feb. 14, 1873

Maurice Enright, charges brought by Bridget McGee, fined $1

Perth Courier, June 11, 1875

Bridget McNee—The irrepressible Mrs. McNee, after raising a row in the streets a short time ago, for which she was sent to the lockup until she sobered up, was shipped off by the Corporation to other parts on Saturday last.  Chief Constable Corry was employed as a shipping agent and accordingly escorted his fair charge as far as Brockville but farther than that Mrs. McNee positively refused to go.  Accordingly, he had no other alternative then to let her stay where she was.  As all her earthly possessions—furniture, clothing, baby, etc., were shipped off with her, her return here is not anticipated for two or three days at least.  Since writing the above, sure enough, Mrs. McNee has got back again bag and baggage, and baby, having been taken with an attack of homesickness which necessitated her early return.

*Foster Street looking West from Gore Street to Wilson Street showing the north side of the street. The horse drawn sleigh/tram is for the Hicks House later the Perth Hotel, John WIlson, Prop., which was one of 7 hotels in Perth around this time between 1898 and 1899. There was the Albion Hotel on the north west corner of Gore and Craig Streets, Jas Young Prop., The Allan House on Cockburn Island, A Robinson, Prop., Barries’ Hotel south east corner of Wilson and D’Arcy Streets, John Wilson, Prop., Jackman House, north of Lock’s Bridge, George Jackman, Prop., Queen’s Hotel, south side of Foster between Wilson and Gore Streets, Frank Lambert, Prop. and the Revere House, south east corner of Foster and Wilson Streets, W.J. Flett, Prop.

In the distance where the Perkins Building is now situated could be Charles and James Gent’s Furnishings. To the right is A. Meighen & Brothers Gent’s Furnishings (men’s clothing). Between 1898 and 1899 other business on Foster Street: Sutherland’s Restaurant would be here on the north side of Foster Street near Gore Street as well as Rudd and Neilson Watchmakers this picture. Dr. R V Fowler’s office would be located on Foster Street. The Perth Expositor Newspaper was on the south east corner of Gore and Foster, C.F. Stone Prop. H T Noonan Grocers south side of Foster near Wilson. James Paterson Grocers south side Foster between Gore and Wilson Streets. Doyles Flour and Feed, Dickenson Brothers Dry Goods and Groceries south side Foster between Gore and Wilson Streets, F.L. Hall Chemists north side Foster Street and A Wilson Boots and Shoes on the north side of Foster.

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