(The architectural beauty of the former Kemp Tavern owned by Susannah Kemp and her son John. The home was built in 1868 by Mr. Scott of Richmond. The ‘essence of a time that once was’ is captured in this Perpetua Quigley watercolour sketch and Haiku. The former tavern is now the home of Cabotto’s Restaurant on Hazeldean Road in Stittsville, Ontario.)CLICK here..
Most people have an idea that, rightly or wrongly, in the old days of the stopping places along the country roads, the keepers of these places made a lot more out of whiskey than they made from supplying meals and lodging to the wayfarers.
But in the opinion of Mr. Wm. Scott, of Old Chelsea, the hotelkeepers could have made a living without the sale of whiskey at all. He points out that in the early days when railroads were scarce everybody had to travel by the roads and everybody had to have horses to travel with. These horses had to be stabled.
The stables were a great source of profit to the old hotelkeepers. The stables seldom had an empty stall. It will be remembered that in the early days the hotelkeepers used to advertise their “stable accommodation.” They advertised “good yard and stabling.”
The hotel tables also paid well then. The standard price for a meal was 25 cents and at that price a meal used to pay. All kinds of food, especially meat and farm produce, was cheap. Mr. Scott maintains that while the liquor the hotelkeepers sold also paid them well, they could have done without it and have made a living.
Innisville Hotel- stands stands private hotel When an ex-railroader was charged with trespassing in Mud Lake, the court was held in a room of the Innisville Hotel. The conviction was registered and later it was quashed. Why? It was soon discovered it was illegal to use a”pub” as a court house. Here come da’ Judge! Read Back Where I came From — Innisville
The early hotel keepers sold liquor, partly for the protit, out largely because there was a demand for it. There were few people who did not “take something” fifty, sixty or seventy years ago, and consequently the stopping places had a demand for it.
There were two distilleries in operation in Carleton Place for several years. One of these was owned by Mr. Caleb Bellows and was situated where the Canada Lumber Company’s large mill once stood, near the north end of the dam. Read- Down by The Mississippi River with The Jessops
Years ago when Mr. Code was a small boy living at Innisville, near Carleton Place, he had a somewhat unnerving experience. One summer night, rather late. Mr. Code, then a youth of about 18, and his mother were driving home from Carleton Place in a buggy pulled by the old family mare. They had reached the middle of Shepherd’s bush (it is still there, though not so dense) when the mare topped In her tracks and showed signs of nervousness. The whip failed to make the animal move.
As Mr. Code and his mother looked ahead they saw approaching what looked like a streak of white. It looked like what a ghost might be expected to look like. As they stared, it disappeared. But soon the white streak reappeared closer. The horse began to shiver and back up (a sure sign of ghost, the boy thought). The next time the white streak appeared it was only about twenty feet in front of the horse and to the left side of the road.
When it was seen again it was going by the side of the buggy and a gruff voice said brusquely, “Good night.”
The “white streak ghost” turned out to be a *Mr. Joseph Doherty who was a music and singing teacher who taught classes in schools, churches, homes and town halls, etc., and was on his way home. This Mr. Doherty always made a practice of wearing a long white linen duster. Once the horse got a close-up look at Mr. Doherty it ceased to tremble and went ahead quietly.
The story, Mr. Code says, shows that even so called occult senses of horses cannot always be relied on.
The explanation of the white streak being seen now and again in that dark overhanging bush was that there were short breaks in the bush, and where the music teacher crossed the moonbeams which filtered through the bush, he was momentarily illuminated and assumed a ghostly appearance.
in 1888 St. George’s severed the connection with Almonte and became united with St. John’s Church at Boyd’s now known as St. John’s Church, Innisville. And for the first time the records state “that St. George’s Clayton and St. John’s Innisville, were made into a separate parish under the rectorship of Rev. John Osborne.”
St John’s Anglican Church, Innisville. Church was built in 1911. Photo courtesy of Catherine and Joe Phelan, Perth, ON. File date is 29 August, 2009.Charles Dobie clickParish of Mississippi Lake October 23, 2017 · St John’s Innisville held a great yard sale this past weekend, with all sorts of treasures to be found. Thanks to Nancy, Jean, and Peter for their help and salesmanship!Parish of Mississippi Lake October 31, 2017 ·
On Sunday, St John’s Innisville hosted a fabulous concert by award-winning bluegrass band, Concession 23! Thanks to the talented musicians, faithful organizers, and toe-tapping audience for a great afternoon, enjoyed by all.
However in 1888 they severed the connection with Almonte and became united with St. John’s Church at Boyd’s now known as St. John’s Church, Innisville. And for the first time the records state “that St. George’s Clayton and St. John’s Innisville, were made into a separate parish under the rectorship of Rev. John Osborne.”
Perth Courier 1889
Innisville Inklings—Mrs. John Findlay and children of Deloraine, Manitoba, arrived to meet her friends last week in the County of Lanark, the place she was born and brought up. At present she is with her father John Kellough, Ramsay. She is a sister to Mrs. Sutherland, Boyd’s. Her husband was left behind but he sold his possessions in Manitoba and is now taking a trip to British Columbia. After he is through with his journeys he will return to meet his fair partner in life in this dear old home of his.
Innisville Inklings: Miss Murphy, a young lady of Wolfe Island, was visiting her brother-in-law Michael Grey for the past several weeks. She returned to her home last week. — Two boys of our own raising when called by name are Messrs. James Sullivan and Francis Lambert. These two sturdies have been farming near Grand Forks, Dakota for some years past. They give very satisfactory reports of their new home and claim that their success has been abundant. At present we are enjoying their visit but do not know how long they intend to stay.
Innisville Inklings: John Sutherland is this week visiting the place of his boyhood that is, in Gananoque. He was born there and I am sure he will feel small when he is shown the place where the notable event took place. — Mr. Samuel Rathwell, a young law student of Toronto University, son of John Rathwell, Esq., is now on his holiday visiting friends. — John Findlay son of John Kellough Ramsay, visited friends in this part last week. He sold his possessions in Manitoba and for the last several weeks was visiting at Gladstone, Man. He is now at Ottawa. — Arthur Jackson is for a spell freed from intense study and can now enjoy some relaxation. — Wesley Halfpenny, a relative to people in Boyd’s, is, I suppose, spending his vacation delightfully in the quiet part of the country. He is from below the capital.
Innisville Inklings: A grand time was spent last Wednesday, 26th Dec., in the hall at Innisville. The concert was got up in aid of the Sunday School of St. John’s and Trinity Churches. Mr. A. Code of Ottawa filled the responsible position of chairman and in a most acceptable style. The Messrs Bert of Almonte took part in the program. Beautiful choruses were sung by the Rathwells and Kinches; readings and recitations by Messrs R. Patterson, Carleton Place, T. Rathwell and F. Rathwell and many more taking part in the entertainment which proved a noble exercise.
Innisville Inklings: A happy evening was spent at the residence of J. Rathwell on New Year’s night. A large party of young folk were assembled together and had a splendid time. People cannot miss but enjoy themselves with our genial and illustrious reeve. He is so full of fun that he can make your sides ache laughing.
Innisville Inklings: Mr. John Sullivan sold his farm of 100 acres and all the stock except one team of horses to Mr. Thomas Ruttle, about a week ago, for $2,500.
Innisville Inklings: Mr. John Sullivan left last week for Harrisville, New York. The rest of the family left a week or so ago. The young folks of Ferguson’s Falls showed their love to the family by making some parties for them. We are sorry to miss friend Jack so if there is anything better on the other side of the line then what fair Lanark possesses then our ardent wish is that he may possess it. John was a good neighbor one who was always ready in time of need and one that we regret to lose.
Innisville Inklings: Mr. Thomas Willows has erected a rich and magnificent bronze colored Scotch granite monument to memorialize the departure of his beloved wife Mary Code Willows and his little son Milton Willows
Innisville Inklings: Mr. John Finlay, who has lately come from Manitoba and who has been visiting friends here and in other parts has, we understand, bought out the dairy business of Robert Lattimer, Carleton Place, and intends taking possession of said business on the 12th Feb. Innisville Inklings: Miss Murphy, a young lady of Wolfe Island, was visiting her brother-in-law Michael Grey for the past several weeks. She returned to her home last week. — Two boys of our own raising when called by name are Messrs. James Sullivan and Francis Lambert. These two sturdies have been farming near Grand Forks, Dakota for some years past. They give very satisfactory reports of their new home and claim that their success has been abundant. At present we are enjoying their visit but do not know how long they intend to stay.
Innisville Inklings: Benjamin Murdoch, a former music teacher in this county wrote a letter lately to one of his friends in this part and in it he states his intention as follows: that he and his wife (formerly a young lady of Clayton) will come across the ocean next summer to visit
Samuel Rathwell BIRTH 1802Bunclody, County Wexford, Ireland DEATH 26 Aug 1886 (aged 83–84)Innisville, Lanark County, Ontario, Canada BURIAL Saint John’s Anglican Cemetery Innisville, Lanark County, Ontario, Canada MEMORIAL ID 114973446 · View Source
Greg Drew sent this inquiry
Sam Rathwell of the Lanark Area do you know alot about him?–Greg Drew
Note..Bunclody (formerly Newtownbarry) is on the boundary of County Carlow and County Wexford. Current research indicates that Samuel may have been born in the Bunclody AREA, but in County Carlow.
Samuel Rathwell, son of William and Susanna Rathwell, baptized 13 February 1803 St. Paul’s Church Kildavin, Barragh, County Carlow Ireland.
Samuel Rathwell
Birthdate:
1802
Birthplace:
Bun Cloidi, Wexford, Leinster, Ireland
Death:
August 26, 1886 (83-84) Innisville, Lanark County, Ontario, Canada
Mr. Samuel Rathwell, a young law student of Toronto University, son of John Rathwell, Esq., is now on his holiday visiting friends. — Perth Courier December 28, 1888
Sherri IonaUsed to walk by on the way home to the farm at Montgomery Shores, and occasionally get a treat, from SS#1 Ramsey School.
Cheryl Claire DeforgeIt was our meeting place for my parents cousins then off to a wicked night of card games!When you went inside the door I believe there was a booth to seat in. Also there was a young boy about my age always running around?
John MontreuilI remember going there with my buddy Norm Brown to fill up his moms VW. She gave him $50 dollar bill and Norm told her he put $50 in gas in the VW bug. Norms mom knew it would only hold about $25 and docked his allowance the other $25
Lawrie SweetMy mom ,dad and sister would stop there in the sixty’ s for ice cream and candy ..even my son seems to remember going in early 80s is that possible? ..wish it was still there ..The Falcon.. wow glad to have a picture thanks
Cindy NewmanI can remember walking there as a kid.
Brenda Voyce MunroAfter the Mississippi we, would heard to the Falcon, for a feast , to soak up all that booze.. lol
Kurt BigrasSpent a lot of Friday and Saturday nights there .
Susan McNeely WaughFrank Quinn our bus driver would let us kids off the bus to grab ice cream for the drive home! Lots of memories!
Bentley HoltschneiderThe Lemieux family ran the Falcon in the 80’s…Allan served the pumps for fuel. He was the best!
Sherri IonaThe Falcon was the closest store to our farm growing up. When we hiked across the fields to school, it was the half way point.
Kathy LoweWe have fond memories of the Falcon. It was a wonderful service in the area. The McCreary factory was called the IXL because the farmer co-op who owned it wanted it to excell all other factories. Ray has remembers helping his dad to make cheese there.
Norma MorrowYes I remember Jim & Matilda. Matilda was a wonderful lady & a survivor of the Holocaust. She showed me the tattoo on her arm.
Drew SoikieThe Rathwell’s also ran it near the end
Dan WilliamsI remember leaving the Queens at last call on the night before duck hunting season opened and stopping at the Falcon for a bite to eat on our way to the blind in Cinch’s bay and then again on our way home.
Dave WhiteThey sponsored a hockey team in the Lanark Senior League back in the 60’s. The Falcons had players from Innisville, Scotch Corners and Carleton Place. Fun team in a rough tough league.
Lila Leach-JamesDave White did the Purdy boys not play for the Falcons… think I have an old photo around somewhere.
Llew LloydDave White I played on that team for a short time.The movie slap shot had nothing on that league
David McNeelyLlew Lloyd They sponcered a broom ball team as well.I think it was the early 70s.I think Charlie Purdy was on the team.
Dave White-Lila Leach-James I think they did. The guys I remember were Ron and Don Cummings, Doug Menzies, and Eddie Lafferty from Innisville, George Gardiner, Orville Cook, Doug Weir, Charlie James from Scotch Corners, Ken McNeely and Clarence Bowes. Fred Code I remember played with a green ball cap on.
Lila Leach-JamesDave White My hubby Alf played in Lanark and Brandt Purdy in early 70’s….Alf and Brandt both worked for Bell Canada but Charlie and Brandt both played hockey for The Falcon so they invited Alf!
Jacqueline BrandinoDave White my dad was Doug Weir.I absolutely love the pictures of him as a goalie, with his leather pads and wooden stick.Amazing!!And he was a great goalie from what I’ve been told
Dave WhiteJacqueline Brandino I went to the games with my parents as a kid. They had a great team and I remember your Dad making some amazing saves. Excellent goalie.
Ted WalshJacqueline Brandino That was ’69-’70, I was working in Kingston then and came up for every game. Back row was Dave (Skitter) Scott, Ted Walsh, Keith (Casey) McNeely, Clarence (Milt) Bowes and Lorrie Rintoul. Middle row had Punch McCullough, ???, ???, Brian Bigras, ???, ???..Front row was Jean LeBlanc, ???, Charlie Purdy, Doug Weir and ???…Can anyone add more names?
Tom EdwardsCharlie McVeigh had it with Durrell Stubinski at the end I think. Bill White myself and a couple others worked there for a summer and a bit.
Tom EdwardsThey used to bootleg. I remember my mom telling me one time that my dad thought he was calling Jim for a case of beer and he had called the police station. The numbers were almost the same lol.
Llew LloydThe Bollegraff family sp.? ran it when I was in my later years in High School. Carla was a cheerleader in 65.
Mary Ann GagnonLlew Lloyd yep! Carla, Jean and Joan Baker,Honey Blaine,Marsha Fournier,Melinda Doyle and me!
Llew Loyd-Mary Ann Gagnon Bonnie says Carla and most of the family moved out west when they sold the restaurant, but an older sister became a nurse in Ottawa
Joan StearnsJerry’s first job was at the Falcon Restaurant working for Jimmy and Matilda McFarlane when he was 15 yrs old, Donnie Wilson got him that job .
Bett WatsonMy husband and our best friends ate breakfast there on Sat Sept 26, 1970 the day we got married. We were out there a lot.
Merrill ElliottFalcon was our friday supper stop on the way to mccloughs camp ground as a kid
Dan RathwellI think it was a gas station/restaurant during my families run….I know my mom was a server there. I think the Trading Post came about after them…during the 80’s
Linda Seccaspina–The Book Galery was its last tennant and it burnt down
Tina LaRocqueI wanna say I think I remember something about books being there but I cant be 100% sure. Still too bad they tore it down.
The Falcon Carleton Place Memories—Approximately 50 years ago, my older Sister Beatrice Gibson, my younger sister, Carol (Gibson) Brownlee, and I worked for Shirley and Warner at the Falcon Restaurant near Carleton Place. If was first time summer jobs for Carol and I, and we really appreciated the generosity of Shirley and Warner. Quite often, they would drive us home to Lammermoor, after a full day of work on Saturday – not many employers do that. Shirley reconnected with Beatrice a few years ago, and Carol and I had a chance to visit her on one of those occasions. It was so nice to see her after so many years, and she was still her jolly self with lots of interesting conversation. Shirley was an amazing woman and will certainly be missed. Posted by Norma Ennis
Innisville Inklings—There died on the 6th Nov., at her residence in the vicinity of Ferguson’s Falls Miss Jennie Doyle, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Doyle and twin sister of Miss Lizzie Doyle. A few years ago the deceased taught school at Pembroke for two years and was dearly loved among her scholars, trustees and companions and all who knew her loved her as one of themselves. Just the day before her death one of the trustees came to see her and when taken into the sickroom burst into tears and sobbed out “poor Jennie, poor Jennie”.
After she stopped teaching at Pembroke she came home and attended for quite a while the Perth Collegiate Institute. A year ago last New Year she took charge of the school at Ferguson’s Falls in apparently good health but she did not teach long till she became afflicted with a bad cold that she could not get rid of but which brought on something else. She gave up school in April of that year and began doctoring. The doctor said that a matter had gathered in her left lung and had reached such maturity as to prevent it being taken away. She gradually became weaker and weaker until at 4:00 on Tuesday morning last when all was silent because she ceased to breathe any more. The funeral sermon which was most appropriate was preached by her priest the Rev. Father O’Donohue. Her sisters, brothers and parents say:
I descend from James McAlister and Mary More. James McAlister (Sr. or Jr.) had the west 1/2 of Lot 18, Concession 7, Ramsay Township.
I THINK James McAlister and Gavin McAlister (of the 8th concession) may have been brothers, and I believe that Janet McAlister, who married Robert Peacock, may have been their sister. Still working out that angle.
I’m also related to the Coburns of Pembroke, Lowes of Pakenham and McDowells of Shawville.) —KH McAlister
Feb 26 1909– Almonte Gazette
KH- I found these things and thought you might like them for your research
Vol 1, pg 289 – James ANDERSON, 26, blacksmith, Beckwith, Innisville, s/o Matthew & Fanny, married Mary MORRIS, 20, Beckwith, Innisville, d/o Thomas & Mary Ann, witn: Robert HUGHES of Innisville, 6 Nov 1869 at Perth
Innisville Ontario school students, 1888, in which there are several McCoy children named. “This picture was taken about 1888 at the Innisville School and includes some adults from the community as well as the regular school children and some younger ones who had not yet started in school. Standing on the platform: Fred Clifford, W.H. Churchhill, Mrs. Margaret Code, Kate Jackson, Eliza Code, Dorcas Butler, Kate Hughes, Emma Ruttle, Mary E. Code, Selena York, Rose Burns. On the Steps: Tom Dial, Stella Way, not known, Annabel Hughes, Carrie Hughes Lily Hughes, Ida Belle Crampton, Maggie Crampton, Verda Hughes, Maggie McCoy, – McCoy. Standing: Betty Dial, Esther Jackson, not known. Bertha Crampton, Eva Code, – Hopkins, the Crampton twins (Margaret & George). Front Row: Hugh McKim, Ernie Ruttle, Will Crampton, George Code, Eddie Martin, Lloyd Moore, – Lowe, Will Hughes, Gladys Code and her cousin from Perth, Jack Code (sitting), Norma Code (sitting), Arthur Code, Edmund Code, not known, Bertha Moore, 2 McCoy sisters.”
Hughes—Died at Innisville on Wednesday of malignant puerperal pock (?), Christy Ann, beloved wife of Mr. Robert Hughes, aged 22.
Hughes—Died at the same place and of the same cause on Wednesday the 1st inst., the beloved wife of Mr. John Hughes, aged 22.
Perth Courier October 17, 1873
Hughes—Died, at Innisville on the 2nd October, Christy Ann, beloved wife of Mr. Robert Hughes aged 22 years. At the same time and place, on 8th Oct., Catherine, beloved wife of Mr. John Hughes, aged 22 years. Cut off in the morning of life and much domestic happiness, the deceased (unreadable word) have left a blank in the circle of their relatives and friends; but the bereavement to their kindred is their individual gain, for full of glorious hope of immortality through Christ they have passed into endless rest. It was our privilege to witness day by day the gradual overthrow of their strength and beauty to the onset of that terrible disease, while a deep conviction forced itself upon us that at least death had no sting and we felt that it was good for us to be present. A hallowed scene awaited us at Katy’s deathbed and the impression left upon our hearts we acknowledge to have been indeed solemn and salutary. With a heaving breast we watched her patient endurance under much physical suffering; her calm fortitude when she meekly exclaimed when told when there was no hope of recovery “Thy will, not mine, be done” and as her gentle spirit hovered in the boundaries of another world and life and its attachments were fading fast from her earthly gaze, we saw it in fancy win its way through infinite space to join the band of ransomed ones around the throne. The last interview between Katy and her friends cannot lightly be forgotten. When the shadow of the dark valley was closing around her, when all that made life dear was becoming indistinct in the gloom of approaching dissolution—she breathed an eternal farewell to her friends, admonishing each one solemnly to meet her beyond the shining river in the New Jerusalem, where there is no more sorrow or parting—where God shall wipe away all tears and Christ shall be all in all.
Among other less typical and therefore newsworthy incidents of the liquor trade, a classic barroom news item is one recorded in the July 12th Carleton Place Herald of the summer of 1860, reported from the village of Clayton:
“An accident happened at Clayton on Monday last by which a young man named Andrew Waugh came near losing his life, and may serve as a caution against similar occurrences. Accident happened at the Hotel of Mrs. Sutherland in the village of Clayton. A newly emptied high-wines barrel was turned out in the morning and stood on end outside the barroom door.
In the afternoon the young man, who is the bar-keeper in the hotel was sitting on it and took out a match to light a pipe for another individual. The fire ignited with the gas or steam of the alcohol escaping out of the tap-hole of the barrel and caused it to explode with a terrible cannon-like report, pitching the young man and the barrel a considerable distance out on the street and severely burning one of his hands. Had not the lower end of the barrel burst out the consequences might have been serious.”
Andrew Waugh–The picture was sent to Darlene Page from her cousin Kerri-Ann Doe O’Rourke. and that it hangs in her home
So why did the name Andrew Waugh seem so familiar when I found the above story? Because, we were looking for more information on him in 2016. This is what Darlene Page had sent me then.
The photo above was done in metal–there were a lot of photos done in metal around 1870 until the late 1880’s when a carnival use to come to the local towns in the fall.
It is actually called a tintype and it was patented in 1856. Tintypes were seen as an improvement upon unstable, paper daguerreotypes and fragile, glass ambrotypes. In contrast, tintype photographs were exposed on a sheet of thin iron coated with collodion, which required less time to expose than albumen, but was still inconvenient inasmuch as the photograph had to be taken with the wet material on the plate.
Darlene had the Carleton Place Library help her out with dating the photo a few years ago and they are 99% sure that this man is Andrew Waugh, father of Samuel Waugh.
Photo- Darlene Page- Andrew Waugh with Elizabeth Cram
Darlene also thought also there was an article in one of the past Carleton Place Herald newspapers about “an Andrew Waugh” working in a local pub and a barrel getting blown up. He either lost his hand, or it was burned badly. The Waugh’s were living out near Innisville she thinks at the time before they moved to Carleton Place with his parents Alexander and Jane Waugh. She also thinks there may have been a family farm out in Drummond. but she hasn’t a clue where to find that info—if she could find that out—a lot of questions would be answered! So we found the story and hope to find more. You just never know until you are looking for something else I tell you and boom! it appears..
So who was Mrs. Sutherland?? Thanks to Rose Mary Sarsfield
Hi Linda:Mrs. John Sutherland was born Catherine Coulter in 1832. She was the daughter of James Coulter and Elizabeth Waugh. She married John Sutherland in 1854. He was the tanner in Clayton. I expect that they lived in the house beside the tannery. They had one daughter, Elizabeth. John Sutherland died in 1858. When he died he left all his worldly belongings to his daughter. Her affairs were to be managed by Timothy Blair, Thomas Coulter, (Catherine’s brother,) and Catherine. He appointed James Coulter her grandfather as her guardian and he was directed to rent out the property and the money collected was to be used to support his daughter until she came of age.
I expect the “hotel” mentioned would be the family home where it is known that she took in boarders. Then a single man, Ozias Banning arrived in the village in 1858. He bought the small store that was beside the present store and set up a business. In 1861 he married Catherine Coulter Sutherland. In 1864 they purchased the store across the river (later Halpenny’s) and spent the rest of their lives there. In 1866 James Coulter sold the tannery property to George McNeil and his son Charles. Catherine and Ozias Banning had four other children besides Elizabeth. Elizabeth grew up and married Abraham Code and they went to North Dakota. Rose Mary–author–Photo from Whispers from the Past by Rose Mary Sarsfield- available at the Clayton General Store, Mill Street Books in Almonte or email rose@sarsfield.ca
Aunt Lucinda May Raeburn is in the middle. My grandfather Charles is on the left next to his father James. Catherine (Ruttle) Finlayson is holding my Great Uncle Edgar. I hope to find the location of their farm and would like to know if the home still exists. _ Rick Finlayson (see history below)
Thank you to Rick’s wife Kathleen Finlayson for joining us together.
Text by Richard Finlayson
This all started with my 32 year old corporate attorney daughter visiting us this weekend. My 88 year-old mother, Gloria, had recently given me the Finlayson family portrait above which we believe was taken in 1917. That was a year that the Spanish flu was devastating North America and it allowed me to give my daughter a historical perspective and how it relates to Covid 19. She was to be married in Chicago in May but we have postponed the wedding to next year. I told her the stories of the people in the photo. Your home, Springside Hall in Carleton Place, was a prominent piece of May Raeburn’s (Finlayson) story.
(Editor’s note– there was a dry spell in 1913 only to have it finally rain on July 25, 1913 the day after the fire. On the 26th there was a hail storm but no damages recorded. “The dry spell has been broken”– Almonte Gazette July 1913 (see more in ‘history’) .
My grandfather, Charles Mitchell Finlayson was born in 1898 and grew up on a farm in Lanark. He was the oldest of six children. He left the Finlayson family farm and attended the University of Toronto graduating from the Ontario College of Pharmacy in 1922. At that time his goal was to be a doctor but he needed to study an extra year and did not have the funds to complete that extra year. He immigrated to the United States after marrying my grandmother, Gladys Rogers, who was working as a piano teacher and model in Toronto. I actually have some of her work from a Toronto newspaper. She really was quite beautiful.
They had one child, my father, Charles Albert Finlayson who was born in 1930. Gladys Finlayson passed away in 1952 and my grandfather was heartbroken. I have always felt a deep spiritual connection to my grandfather who passed away in 1961 from a heart attack after running his own pharmacy (with a soda fountain) in Detroit,Michigan.
I am one of three brothers and my memory of our grandfather was one of him being incredibly kind and he loved playing with us and sneaking chocolate Kit Kat bars when our parents weren’t looking. When he passed away, my parents learned from his customers that for years (especially during the depression) he would nurse patients in the back of his store who couldn’t afford to see a doctor. He had actually set some broken bones and in his own way was an urban country doctor.
As a child I remember visiting Carleton Place at least four times. My parents had a small travel trailer and we would camp on the shores of the Mississippi River. We would rent a boat and fish during the day. The fishing there was always phenomenal and my brothers and I were always in competition to catch the biggest and the most perch.
This photo was taken in the summer of 1948 by my father (Charles) who would have been 18 years old at the time. We think that is George Raeburn on the porch.
Your home Springside Hall on Lake Ave. East was one that leaves a lifelong impression. In my mind it was a mansion. The fine woodworking and huge porch with the large front yard was awe-inspiring! My Aunt May was a very prim and proper woman and she had dinners in the formal dining room. She would serve with fine china and silver and linen napkins (serviettes?) Our mother would give us instructions on how to be gentlemen, something we were definitely not used to! To be honest, it felt like we were visiting the Queen and King of England. I remember there being a secret stairway that was almost like a tunnel ( more on that tomorrow). For a child that house would be an amazing place.
I am a very recently retired Captain for American Airlines. My very first flight for American took me to Ottawa and I was amazed that there is an intersection on a primary airway named Lanark. I could feel the spiritual connection every time I flew over that intersection knowing that all of my Finlayson relatives are there. Every flight out of Chicago for the next 33 years on my way to London or somewhere else in Europe brought the memories of Carleton Place.
Carleton Place as Rick would remember it.. Photo Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage MuseumCarleton Place today Photo- Linda Seccaspina
In 2007 you ( Linda Seccaspina) and I came very close to meeting in person. I had taken a motorcycle trip of Ontario with a group of friends. We overnighted in Ottawa and my friends stayed up late in the Casino there. I got up early by myself and rode highway 7 in an attempt to find the cemetery where my relatives are all buried. My wife and I attended a family reunion in 1981 in Carleton Place and had visited the church where the cemetery was located. I could not find it. I stopped in a Mom and Pop gas station on the edge of town and filled my motorcycle. I asked the man who took my money if he knew of a church that is close by that had an adjoining cemetery . He said, “Yes, you passed one on the way in and it sits off the road at the top of the curve. Are you looking for a grave there?” I said, ” Yes, all of my relatives are buried there.” “Whats the last name?” I said Finlayson. He smiled and said,” Oh yes we know of them. That’s the right one.”
Boyd’s cemetery
I was amazed that he knew of my family. It made me feel instantly at home. I rode over to the Boyds cemetery and visited with all the members of my family buried there. I sat there on a beautiful sunny day watching the butterflies flying around the headstones and I could feel their spirits. My great Uncle Edgar (my grandfather’s youngest brother) had been buried there in 1991. I sat there for an hour contemplating. I then got on my motorcycle and rode in to Carleton Place. It had changed so much since 1981. I was determined to find your home if it still existed.
I knew that finding the railroad track was key to my finding Springside Hall. I found the track and parked my Harley and started walking. When I found your home I gasped. It was the home but it looked so different from my memory, the architecturally correct addition you had built was amazing. Of course the limestone fencing threw me for a loop. I walked slowly around the perimeter taking in the home. I stood at the front gate and admired your English garden and the front of Aunt May’s old home. I hadn’t noticed you gardening and when you stood up it startled me as I could tell I probably startled you. I uttered a quick hello and kept walking. An tall American standing and staring at a house in motorcycle garb could be disconcerting at the least. I went back to my bike and rode past your house once more. I told my wife I was a bit angry at myself for not asking the woman in the garden if you knew of my Aunt May and Uncle George. I am thankful to know that you do.
Kind regards,
Rick Finlayson
Tomorrow!!!–The Case of the Disappearing Back Staircase — Springside Hall — Finlayson Series
When we bought the house in 1981 it was important for me to know about the history and it has taken me years and years to find out. I was lucky to meet May Reaburn at the Fairview Manor with Muriel Simpson one Saturday afternoon in 1982. We did not have cell phones in the 80s and wish I had taken a photo– but we just didn’t do that in those days. I was having a tea at my house and I thought it would be wonderful if May came. Mary Cook and the neighbourhood ladies were going to be there and I knew she would enjoy it. Alas she got sick that day and could not come. I never saw her again, except when I went to her funeral. I was also fortunate to meet Edgar Finlayson a few times also. Thanks to Rosemary Sarsfield our local Clayton and Mississippi Mills historian and author of we found the farm. (author of Clayton history-Whispers From the Past-Clayton Store, Millstreet Books in Almonte and from rose@sarsfield.ca of we found the farm) Richard Finlayson
I believe this is a picture of my great grandparents farm home (James and Catherine Agnes FInlayson) in Ramsey, Ontario taken by my father in 1948. Richard Finlayson
Richard Finlayson We just put together that this must be the same house that my father took a picture of in 1948. Guessing that my grandfather must have grown up here. I hope this house still stands.
I hope to find the location of their farm and would like to know if the home still exists. _ Rick Finlayson
I found the original farm was lost in a fire in a 1913 fire. Clippings below
Almonte Gazette July 26 1913
Thanks to Rosemary Sarsfield historian and author of Clayton history-Whispers From the Past-Clayton Store, Millstreet Books in Almonte and from rose@sarsfield.ca of we found the farm
The one in Bowland’s cemetery would be my uncle Tom Finlayson. He was married to my father’s sister Annie Richards… I should know where they lived but will have to look it up. It was on the Old Perth Road but we were down there a couple of weeks ago and I could not see the old house. I actually was never there when I was young because my aunt was dead before I was born and I think Uncle Tom lived with one of his nephews. They only had one child Meda and she died when she was five.
So here is the land info:Charles and James Finlayson had WLot 8 Con 2 Ramsay and All of Lot !0 Con 2 There may have been two Charles, I am not sure, but Lot 10 went from Charles to James and then to Edgar who was unmarried. My uncle Tom was a brother of Edgar and Tom owned WLot 10 Con 3 Ramsay.–Thanks to Rosemary Sarsfield historian and author of Clayton history-Whispers From the Past-Clayton Store, Millstreet Books in Almonte and from rose@sarsfield.ca of we found the farm.
Ramsay Township, Lanark County, Ont. 1918 Directory
Names are listed in the order published — most of them are in alphabetical order by first letter only, but some may be completely out of order. Please use the “Search” function of your browser to look for all occurrences of a name. Obvious errors have been noted at the end of the line [in square brackets], but numerals, especially “5” and “6”, are sometimes impossible to tell apart in the photocopies.
SCHEDULE OF POST OFFICES
for
RAMSAY TOWNSHIP
1. Almonte
2. Appleton
4. Blakeney
5. Clayton
6. Carleton Place
NAME No P.O. DES. CON. LOT
Aiken John 1 1 O 12 2
Aikenhead Matthew 2 1 O 9 10-11
Aitken James Jr. 3 1 O 12 2
Aitken James 4 2 O 11 1
Aitken Duncan 5 1 O 10 14
Allen William 6 1 O 8 15
Anderson Wm. 7 1 O 8 12
Andrews John 8 1 O 9 13
Armstrong Wm. 9 1 O 10 21
Armstrong John W. 10 1 T 6 24
Arthur Orel 11 4 O 11 26
Arthur Thos. S. 12 1 O 8 5
Arthur James M. 13 6 O 1 5
Arthur Wm. G. 14 1 O 10 24
Bain Daniel Jr. 15 1 O 3 16
Bain Daniel Sr. 16 1 O 4 16
Baird Robert M. 17 2 O 10 3
Barr Thomas 18 5 O 2 23
Barker James A. 19 4 O 10 25
Barker Robert 20 1 O 7 21
Barker Alex. 21 4 O 9 27
Bell Edgar 22 2 O 8 3
Bellamy John E. 23 5 O 2 23
Bickford W. H. 24 1 O 9 13
Bingham Oswald 25 4 O 10 26
Black John 26 2 O 10 3
Black Daniel J. 27 1 O 5 10
Blaney Walter 28 1 O 12 9
Boaz Charles 29 5 O 2 22 [name might be "Boes"]
Bowes John 30 1 O 8 22
Bowes James 31 1 O 7 15
Bowes Thomas 32 1 O 7 11
Bowland H. M. 33 5 O 1 17
Bowland Wm. J. 34 6 O 3 1
Brydges Charles 35 1 O 12 10
Brydges Wllbert 36 1 O 12 12
Buchanan John A. 37 4 O 10 25
Buchanan G. W. 38 2 O 10 2
Bulger Justis 39 5 O 1 22
Burke Charles 40 1 O 8 19
Burns Wm. J. [?] 41 6 T 6 5 [possibly a second blotted initial]
Camelon James 42 1 T 7 16
Camelon Arch 43 1 T 7 17
Camelon David 44 6 O 4 6
Camelon David 45 1 T 7 19
Camelon John 46 4 T 9 24
Cannon John 47 1 O 7 12
Carnochan Wm. 48 1 T 8 21
Carnohan Robert 49 6 O 3 7
Cavers Edgar 50 2 O 12 4
Chapman Joseph 51 1 O 8 6
Chapman George T. 52 6 O 8 4
Cochrane Alex. A. 53 1 T 7 22
Cochrane Peter 54 1 O 6 23
Cochrane Wm. L. 55 1 O 5 24
Code Matthew 56 6 O 2 7
Coleman Wm. 57 6 O 8 6
Colquhoun Arch 58 1 T 11 21
Corkery James 59 1 O 3 10
Coulter Charles 60 5 O 2 25
Cox Wm. 61 4 T 9 25
Cox W. H. 62 6 O 7 3
Craig Thos. Sr. 63 1 T 8 18
Craig Adams 64 1 O 10 11
Cunningham John 65 6 O 7 1
Curtis Thomas 66 6 T 1 6
Darling Fred A.C. 67 1 O 11 16
Devine Edward 68 6 O 9 2
Devine Hugh B. 69 6 O 7 7
Dezell James 70 6 O 1 1
Doherty Ernest 71 1 O 10 13
Donaldson David 72 6 T 7 4
Doucett Geo. H. 73 6 O 3 5
Dowdall Jas. E. 74 2 O 10 3
Dowdall Hiram 75 6 O 3 6
Dowdall Charles 76 6 O 2 3
Drummond Sam 77 1 O 12 9
Drynan James 78 1 O 9 7
Drynan John 79 1 O 10 15
Drynan Wm. J. 80 5 O 3 27
Drynan James 81 5 O 2 26
Duncan Edmund 82 1 O 11 10
Duncan Alex. S. 83 1 O 10 11
Duncan Wm. J. 84 1 O 11 9
Dunlop W. G. 85 1 O 1 16
Elliott Philip J. 86 1 O 1 13
Erskine John L. 87 5 O 1 23
Evans Richard 88 5 T 2 22
Evans Abraham 89 5 O 1 20
Fenlon John 90 4 O 10 25
Finlayson Thos. W. 91 1 O 2 8
Finlayson Chas. 92 1 O 2 10
James Finlayson was born on May 9 1866, in Ramsay Township, Lanark County, Ontario, Canada. Catherine was born on September 21 1867, in Drummond Township, Lanark County, Ontario, Canada.Charles had 5 siblings: Verna Agnes Finlayson, Thomas Albert Finlayson and 3 other siblings.
Charles married Gladys Irene Finlayson (born Rogers) on Wednesday January 14,1925, at age 26 in York, Ontario. Gladys was born in 1906, in Bristol, Somerset, England.They had one son: Charles A. Finlayson.
1087-25 Charles Mitchell FINLAYSON, 26, druggist, Ontario, 51 Harcourt Ave., s/o James FINLAYSON (b. Ont) & Catherine Agnes RUTTLE, married Gladys Irene ROGERS, 18, music teacher, England, 34 Wiley Ave., d/o Albert ROGERS (b. England) & Daisy Lydia TONKIN, witn: James R. GARVIN of 85 Boulton Ave & Evelyn UNDERWOOD of 20 Earlscourt Ave., 14 Jan 1925
8260-97 John M. FINLAYSON, 33, farmer, Ramsay twp., Drummond twp., s/o Charles FINLAYSON & Mary SMITH, married Maria A. RUTTLE, 33, Drummond, same, d/o Thomas RUTTLE & Lucinda MARTIN, witn: Charles FINLAYSON of Ramsay twp & Emma RUTTLE of Drummond, 28 April 1897 at Drummond twp
6638-95 (Lanark Co): James FINLAYSON, 29, farmer, Ramsay twp., same, s/o Charles & Mary, married Catherine RUTTLE, 28, Drummond, same, d/o Thomas & Lucinda, witn: John M. FINLAYSON of Almonte & Maria RUTTLE of Innisville, 23 Oct 1895 at Drummond twp
#006650-95 (Lanark Co): Thomas R. WATCHORN, 23, yeoman, Lanark twp., same, s/o Henry WATCHORN & Nancy TAYLOR, married Mary A. FINLAYSON, 16, Lanark twp., same, d/o William FINLAYSON & Amelia CUNNINGHAM, witn: Ethel CODE of Carleton Place & Charlie FINLAYSON of Ramsay twp., 13 Nov 1895 at Lanark twp
In 1826, a long builting was found on Rea’s lot. Early teachers, Mr. Huggart and Joseph Rea, lived in a house in Greig’s field. James Greig sold one quarter acre on the eighth line, Lot 10, Concession 7, Ramsay for $4.00 and a frame building was put up. Andrew Greig sold another quarter acre of land in 1878 to enlarge the school grounds. Mrs. Pearl McCann created history when she became the first married female teacher in 1942. When S.S. No. 5 only had 5 pupils, the Board decided to amalgamate the two schools from 1945-1947. In 1963, the school was destroyed by fire and students had to temporarily attend S.S. No. 2 Ramsay. On June 30, 1960, many former students and teachers celebrated the 100th anniversary of the school. In 1970, pupils from S.S. No. 14 moved to Naismith Memorial in Almonte and the school property was sold to Edgar Finlayson for $4,500.
Finlayson – Richards(10 September 1924)A charming wedding was solemnized at St. George’s church, Clayton, on Wednesday of this week, the ceremony taking place at 5 o’clock in the afternoon. At that hour, Mr. Thos. W. Finlayson, a prosperous young farmer of the 2nd line of Ramsay, led to the altar Miss Alice Annie Richards, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E. A. Richards, who reside a couple of miles or so from the groom’s home. Mr. H. E. Goode, of Ottawa, was groomsman, while Miss Rath, a cousin of the bride, gracefully performed the duties of bridesmaid. Rev. Robt. Turley, incumbent of the church, tied the Gordian knot in the presence of relatives of both families and a number of personal friends. At the conclusion of the ceremony an adjournment was made to the home of the bride’s parents, where a sumptuous wedding dinner awaited them, which was done full justice to. At the conclusion a couple of hours or so were spent in pleasant social intercourse, and later the newly wedded couple repaired to their home, accompanied by the goof wishes of the company for a long and prosperous voyage o’er the matrimonial sea. The gifts to the bride, who is popular with a large circle of friends, were numerous, many of them costly, and all of them useful. Since the above was place in type a Clayton correspondent sends the following additional particulars; The bride, who was tastefully dressed in white silk with an over dress of point d’esprit and white hat to match and carrying a bouquet of cream roses, entered the church leaning on the arm of her father. She was followed by her bridesmaid, Miss Mildred Rath, who wore a pretty dress of white batiste trimmed with lace and insertion and large leghorn hat, and carried a bouquet of pink roses. The groomsman was Mr. Goode of Ottawa. After the ceremony the bridal party and guests, which numbered about fifty, drove to the home of the bride’s parents, where a sumptuous dinner was served. A toast was proposed by Rev. R. Turley to which the groom replied. The bride’s going away dress was brown eoline with hat to match.
Meda Finlayson
On Saturday morning, Jan. 1st., the brittle thread of life which binds the soul and body were severed and death took from our midst dear little Anna Meda (Finlayson), only child of Mr. and Mrs. Thos. Finlayson of Ramsay. She was only 5 years and 9 months old, and her sudden passing away was a tremendous shock to both parents and community, as she was just three days ill. She was a very bright, cheerful and cunning child, and a great favorite with those who knew her. Just before death she repeated every word of a little prayer her mother had taught her. The funeral took place Monday, Jan. 3rd, from her father’s residence to St. George’s cemetery. The service at the house was conducted by Rev. Mr. Merrilees and at the grave by Rev. Mr. Brunet. In spite of the inclemency of the weather there was a very large funeral over seventy carriages being in the cortege. The floral tributes were: Wreaths, from Mr. and Mrs. Finlayson, parents of deceased; spray, from Mr. and Mrs. Mack Richards, spray from Mr. and Mrs. Jas. Finlayson and James and Mack Richards, uncles of deceased. The sympathy of the community goes out to Mr. and Mrs. Finlayson in their bereavement. Tender Shepherd thou hast stilled, Now Thy little lamb’s brief weeping, Oh, how peaceful, pure and mild, In Thy loving arms ’tis sleeping, And no sign of anguish sore, Heaves that little bosom more.
wow glad to have a picture thanks
lindaseccaspina 