The History of the Almonte General Hospital in 1970

Eighteen Historic Plaques from the Lobby of the Almonte General Hospital Thanks to Sarah More

July 1970

Almonte General Hospital continues a service to Almonte and surrounding communities which has been most significant over many years. A fully accredited publicly operated hospital, it was opened officially on May 31st, 1901, replacing the Rosamond Memorial Hospital, which had served these communities since 1907. Hospital service in this whole area really began as a result of the efforts of one, Mrs. Alex Rosamond in 1903. 

In that year, Mrs. Rosamond organized the Alexandra Club to assist the Victorian Order of Nurses in providing nursing care in the Town and District. The Hospital, called the Victoria Hospital, opened in 1904 with two private rooms and a ward with two beds. It was soon found that more care was necessary than what could be carried out in the Hospital and homes and the Cottage Hospital concept was developed. After several makeshift arrangements in homes the Rosamond Hospital was “created” in 1907. In organizing the Alexandra Club, Mrs. Rosamond made house-to-house canvases for young women as members. 

The Club was named in honour of Queen Alexandra, who was interested in organizing and working in hospitals A strong Executive was formed and again a house-to-house canvass was made for funds to “create” the hospital.

Memorial plaques from the Rosamond Memorial Hospital were transferred and mounted in the main entrance of the Almonte General Hospital. Prominent among these are two which testify to the early history of hospital services in this area. 

Eighteen Historic Plaques from the Lobby of the Almonte General Hospital Thanks to Sarah More

“In memory of Mary E. Cotton, died April 3rd, 1950, Wife of the late Alexander Rosamond. She was the Founder and Charter member of the Alexandra Club Club founded April 25th, 1903.  ‘Rosamond Memorial Hospital, Almonte.

 In connection with the Victoria Order of purses for Canada. Created A.D. 1907.” Two more recent plaques testify to the incentive and effort which resulted in the construction of the modern hospital in Almonte. ■ T he first campaign towards the new hospital was centred around the concept of a memorial to the Late Dr. Jam es Naismith and there is a plaque mounted in his ; memory. The Late Dr. John R. Fraser was Honorary Chairman of the Committee which led to the completion of the new building in 1961. 

Acting with him as Chairman was Col. E. D. Taylor with a committee including Dr. E. F. Johnston, R. A. Stewart and P. W. The plaque in the hospital in memory of Dr Fraser testifies to his optimistic enthusiasm which refused to hesitate in face of the many difficulties which faced the Committee at that time. The Women’s Auxiliary of the Almonte General Hospital carrier on the work so ably started by the Alexandra Club as a dream of one of our earlier pioneers. Community support is of vital importance in the continuing operation of a public hospital. Almonte and area have indeed been fortunate over the years to have such dedicated support as was given by the pioneers in the hospital service field and to have this support continued in the Interests of better service to the people of this community. 

Mr. Hugh Duncan, Chairman, and Mr, Doug Kells, Secretary, of the Board of Directors of the Almonte General hospital and Mrs. Caroline Tosh, Superintendent, would welcome a visit by anyone interested in seeing first-hand this modern facility which, in cooperation with our excellent Medical staff, provides first-class hospital care for the sick from this district.

The Almonte Hospital Hoopla

So What was the Almonte Cottage Victorian Hospital?

Union Almonte and Ramsay Contagious Hospital — “The Pest House”

Eighteen Historic Plaques from the Lobby of the Almonte General Hospital

Rosamond and Victoria Mill — Rosamond Journey from Carleton Place to Almonte

The General Hospital 1867-1929 Photos — Simpson Books

So Where are Carleton Place’s Comrie Signs? Thanks Jeff Maguire!

Some of you asked after I posted the Comrie/ Carleton Place signs this week where ours were in Carleton Place?

Well thanks to Jeff Maguire we have our answers. Thank you Jeff and Kathy!!

All Photos by Jeff and Kathy Maguire in this section.

Dear Linda:

    As promised, here are photos I took this morning of the Sister City sign on Town Line East. The sign faces people entering town from Almonte. As you will see in the first frame this particular sign is really too far from the road to be clearly seen (read). Not by motorists at least.

     The other two signs in town are located on Town Line West (entering CP just past Dulmage Drive (before St. Gregory elementary school) and on Franktown Road (on the left side as you enter town from Highways 7/15 and just past Alexander St.)

     The sign on Town Line West is easily the most readable for people in motor vehicles. Kathy and I went on a sign reconnaissance mission today, LOL!

      However, the sign on Franktown Rd. is currently totally obscured by overhanging tree branches and other growth (vines etc.). That material needs to be cut down as it is also obscuring many of the service club signs under the Sister City sign. (All three signs are mounted on the same type of frame which also supports several service club signs, as you see in these photos).

      I will say that the existing signs here have stood up very well (they’ve been there for many years) and they are in amazingly good condition. Whoever made them did a very good job.

      Still, that said, we really need much larger signs Linda. Our committee ( Sister City) has talked about that in the past but never acted on the idea. Also, in my opinion, there should be a fourth sign on McNeely Avenue, around the corner from Highway 7. Vehicles move relatively slowly at that location which means it could be easily read. I would also like to see three small flags emblazoned on each new sign – our Maple Leaf flag of course, the Scottish Saltire and the Stars and Stripes.

Photo in Comrie, Scotland

       Also here I have attached a good photo of one of the twinning signs in Comrie, Scotland which I took a few years ago. Their signs are the biggest and best Sister City signs I have seen anywhere Linda and there are four of them as I recall. Franklin, Tennessee has some signs up at entrances to the city as well. But they are roughly the same size as our current signs here. They aren’t very readable as I recall. TOO small! (I have pictures of them somewhere but I couldn’t locate them readily today unfortunately.)

       Anyway, there is a synopsis of our Sister City sign situation Linda. Hope this helps? Have a great Tuesday!

CHEERS – Jeffrey

Join the Carleton Place -Comrie Page-https://www.facebook.com/Comrie-Carleton-Place-Twinning-Page-104452721719583

Comrie Signs sent by our Carleton Place folk that visited Comrie.

Linda Seccaspina August 1 2022
Today is a special day in Carleton Place-It is our Twin City Anniversary–Carleton Place-Comrie Twinning 30th anniversary. We will be having a ZOOM call with them at 2 pm.
#Comrie #carletonplace #twincities #scotland

Donna Mcfarlane

friends of ours also posed with a sign .. We mentioned to them that my husbands ancestors came from comrie.

Jody Tubman
· Comrie, United Kingdom  · July 29,2022

After a day of leaving Skye, and exploring Eilean Donan Castle and the Highlands between there and here, we have arrived in Comrie!

Fáilte!
— with Ross Tubman at The Royal Hotel Comrie.

Jody Tubman–August 3,2022

  · 

Just a submitted photo that someone wanted to remain anonymous..

Jody TubmanThis handsome boy is Henry. He was with his mum and dad at the hotel’s pub, and he made so many friends that night! July 29,2022-
— at The Royal Hotel Comrie.

2022-August-OMG Happiness is Carleton Place… Thank you for doing this..
Christina Fex Nichols
Hi Linda – The last show for the 2022 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo was last night. Before heading home to Canada this week, we stopped by Comrie Scotland for a picture, enroute to Inverness!
Wesley Nichols, Christina Nichols, Victoria Nichols & Brady Fleming
#happinessiscarletonplace #Comrie #community

Jody Tubman Comrie, United Kingdom  · 



— at The Royal Hotel Comrie.

— at The Royal Hotel Comrie.

Jody Tubman
 Comrie, United Kingdom  · 


Join the Carleton Place -Comrie Page-https://www.facebook.com/Comrie-Carleton-Place-Twinning-Page-104452721719583

2001

The kids at Carambeck who wrote pen pal letters to our twin city in Comrie.. Mrs. McDiarmid teacher and I believe Joyce Tennant did the card as she was part of the Twinning Commitee

1980s visit to Comrie?

Sharing Carleton Place memories with Comrie Scotland our twin city–
Linda Berg–I was there 2 years ago…I went to boarding school in Crieff which is the next town. There’s no high school in Comrie so the exchange students go to school in Crieff which I consider my second home.
Join the Carleton Place -Comrie Page-https://www.facebook.com/Comrie-Carleton-Place-Twinning-Page-104452721719583

Comrie and Carleton Place

A Name on a Sign –Thomas J. Reid Almonte

Thomas J. Reid Clothing store sign on pole on Mill Street in Almonte sign on corner. Photo-Almonte.com

I was looking at a photo and in the corner of my eye I saw the T. J. Reid sign on the pole and decided to find out who he was. This is what I found out:

Photo-Almonte.com

Progress Since Dry Wave Hit Town 1918

In December of 1918 Thomas J. Reid, who had a men’s clothing and furnishings store on mill Street in Almonte said:

“Understand,” said Mr. Reid, “there is not so very-much credit asked for nowadays, but when it is asked for by men who used to spend their money on liquor, we feel safe, in giving it to them.”

Photo-Almonte.com

Mr. Reid is very much of the opinion that the local option has benefited in Almonte. In fact, he appeared to be one of the most enthusiastic local optionist in the town. He was told of what some of the others had said about local option.

“And I am quite willing to throw in my chip, too.”; he said. “I have been in this town for many years, and I know for certain that the town is a lot better! A lot better off without the licenses”. Mr. Reid observed that since local option was carried, quite a number of the citizens of the town appeared to be better dressed and he ventured to say–better fed.

He remarked that has since local option was carried he does a greater business than he did in the license days. Mr. Reid observed also that temptation in the liquor line is placed out of reach of the boys and young men. “What liquor is being brought here from Carleton Place,” he said, “is being consumed by the men who have such a thirst that they would go three limes the distance.”

almonte legion formerly bank of Montreal-

The Ottawa Journal
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada-29 Sep 1950, Fri

Thomas J. Reid is the first one back row on left-almonte.com

14281-23 (Lanark Co) William Kenneth BOLAND, 31, fireman, Bromley twp Renfrew Co, Pembroke Ontario, s/o Tobias P. BOLAND (b. Belfast Ireland) & Catharine Anne WICK, married Margaret Ann BRYDGES, 27, household duties, Ramsay twp, Almonte Ontario, d/o Charles Edward BRYDGES (b. Kinross Scotland) & Margaret Seth REID, witn: Agnes J. REID & Thomas J. REID both of Almonte, 5 June 1923 at Almonte..

There was Just Something About Gerald Poaps Photo — People of Almonte

Thomas Raines Almonte — US Confederate Soldier Mayor and Dentist– Biological Mystery!!!

George Eccles Almonte Hero!

Miss Eva Denault- Almonte 1911 Fire Heroine

Scrapbook Clippings of George Jones-The One Man Band from Almonte

You Simply Just Can’t Shut Your Eyes

“Little Manchester” Coleman Island, Almonte, Ontario — Memories by John Hudson

Glory Days of Almonte– Michael Doyle

Growing up on the Coleman Island in the 40’s and 50’s Marg McNeely

Signs Signs– Nothing but Roadscape? A Humorous Look at Election Signage

 

 

When the leaves begin to float down this year the local campaign signs will begin sprouting in population. It’s also the season when the partisans of various political candidates agonize waaaay too much over who has more lawn signs. In fact some campaigns think of little else but their signs—at the expense of the actual work of winning over voters.

The annual sign routine is predictable:

• • Candidate Joe gets his signs up first, causing the supporters of Candidate Jane to freak out.

 

• • Jane overcompensates by trying to put up twice as many signs as Joe, escalating the sign wars.

 

• • Now it’s Joe’s supporters’ turn to freak out, so Joe orders another 100 signs to catch up, making Joe and Jane roughly even.

 

• • Both teams suddenly realize that if they put TWO signs on each property, it looks like they have double the support! Then they realize that three is better than two. And four is better than three. (Five, however, makes the property owner look crazy.)

 

• • Jane’s cousin gets caught with a trunk load of stolen Joe signs, creating a bunch of bad publicity for Jane.

 

• • Meanwhile, the local zoning enforcement officer (a member of Jane’s campaign committee) decides to enforce a little-known local law, requiring Joe to take down his signs because they are 3.25 inches too tall.

 

After the first week of this annual ritual, voters stop even seeing the signs, as they become just another feature of the roadscape.

Finally, after months of sign wars, your local election occurs. The votes are tallied. Turns out that having more signs had nothing to do with who actually won. The outcome could be predicted as reliably with a coin flip. Because no one—well, almost no one—decides which candidate to support because of a sign. Or do they?  Maybe yes or maybe no… What’s your comment?

 

 

Vote for Linda Seccaspina

https://www.facebook.com/Vote-for-Linda-Seccaspina-Carleton-Place-Council-2018-1082255855285857/

 

 

So What Did We Find Out About this Photo from Lanark Village?

 

So what did we learn about this old photo from the Almonte Gazette and Carleton Place Canadian from the Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage Museum?

I thought these should be documented for future Lanark County humour..

Judy Arnott identified this photo— Lanark Village, replacing the old bridge on Main street.

1.Ken Barr— Isn’t that the walkway Terry Donaldson drove his Mini across?

Apparently Ken it was..

2. Folks noticed on The Tales of Carleton Place that the sign had acquired a few shots.

Apparently–A metal sign is a golden opportunity.

• It’s a solid target that won’t fall over If you shoot it
• You don’t have to pay for the target
• It is already set up for you, so you don’t have to walk to set it up nor retrieve it after finished shooting
• It is in an area where no one else is around before and after the target
• It is straight on from where you are standing
• It makes a loud rewarding ding when you shot it
• The 0 is a pre-painted bullseye for you

 

We also found out that it was taken in 1977–1978

 

Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage Museum Photo

 

Clipped from

1. The Ottawa Journal,
2. 04 Aug 1977, Thu,

 

 

Clipped from

1. The Ottawa Journal,
2. 21 Dec 1956, Fri,
3. Page 2

Come and visit the Lanark County Genealogical Society Facebook page– what’s there? Cool old photos–and lots of things interesting to read. Also check out The Tales of Carleton Place.

Information where you can buy all Linda Seccaspina’s books-You can also read Linda in The Townships Sun andScreamin’ Mamas (USA)

 

 

 

The Disappearing Street Signs of Carleton Place

The Woman Who Got the Dead End Sign Removed in Carleton Place

Things That Disappear in Carleton Place — Elgin Street and The Queen’s Hotel Sign

The Name Game– Changing Almonte Street Names

Sign, Sign, Everywhere a Sign–Dr. Winters 154-160 Bridge Street Carleton Place –Jaan Kolk Files

 

From Andy Graham–‎Lost Ottawa

 

This painted window screen has been in my family forever, likely found by my dad or one of his brothers or one of their “questionable friends”.  I’ve always been curious to know when and where (likely in the Glebe somewhere?) Dr. Winters had his/her practice. (edited by Linda to keep Dad’s legacy intact LOL–well done though Andy)

 

Well our amazing historian Jaan Kolk took up the challenge once again and posted this. The funny thing is I posted the same clipping last week, but in reality it was just another newspaper clipping until Jaan dug more information and now it is

brought to life.

 

 

 

Jaan Kolk added this.

I believe these two men were from Carleton Place originally. In 1898, dentist W.R. Winters is mentioned in the Carleton Place column of the Ottawa Journal (mostly for his hunting trips.) *Henry Winters is also mentioned in the same year as coming home from and returning to dentistry school in Toronto . Since the the sign does not identify which Dr. Winters, I suspect it was from W.R. William’s office in Carleton Place, when he was the only one. It may have been kept by W.R. as a memento when he moved to Ottawa. Here’s one for you, Linda Seccaspina!

Here’s a clip from the Carleton Place column of the Ottawa Journal Oct. 7, 1898. Apparently, false reports of the deaths of prominent people did not begin with internet social media!

 

 

Ottawa Journal Oct. 7, 1898

 

154-160 Bridge Street Carleton Place Circa 1885- Sumner Block

Valiquette’s hair dressing was in this building and later Dr. J.A. McEwen had his office
here. Max Movshovitz’s dry goods store was located in what was known as the
Sumner Building. Morbic Sumner operated a dry goods store also. The Sumner Building at 154-160 Bridge Street is on Lot 25, which is one of the larger lots on Bridge Street. In the 1960’s a large fire occurred and a parking lot took over where some of the businesses had been. So it is unclear based on land deeds if some of the businesses were located in the Sumner Building or at what is now the parking lot. Dr.  William Reuben Winters was a dentist here and lived on High Street. His practice was taken over by Dr. Smith an MD. Two Stanzel sisters operated a millinery store here also.

Marriage 1896

6947-96 (Lanark Co) William Reuben WINTERS, 27, dentist, Pontiac, Carleton Place, s/o Hector & Anna WINTERS married Ellen ELLIOTT, 21, Brockville, Carleton Place, d/o Johnston B & Abigail ELLIOTT, witn: John DAVISON of Carleton Place & Carrie WINTERS of Pembroke, 31 Dec 1896, Carleton Place

 

Clipped from The Ottawa Journal,  22 Jan 1904, Fri,  Page 3

 

I assume that Henry is the brother of William

Clipped from The Ottawa Journal,  07 Oct 1899, Sat,  Page 6

 

 

William R. had the older practice. . I see no mention of family for W.R. in Journal archives. Henry had a daughter Beatrice, mentioned in the Carleton Place column Sept. 12, 1898. May 16, 1917 the Journal reported Dr. Henry Winters’ daughter Beatrice had graduated for U of T, and another note in 1919 had Beatrice Winters on the committee for an Ottawa Collegiate reunion dance–Jaan Kolk

 

Clipped from The Ottawa Journal,  13 Aug 1901, Tue,  Page 2

 

 

Clipped from The Ottawa Journal,  14 Oct 1899, Sat,  Page 6

 

Clipped from The Ottawa Journal,  07 Oct 1899, Sat,  Page 6

 

William Winters
Canada Census, 1901
Name William Winters
Event Type Census
Event Date 31 Mar 1901
Event Place Lanark (south/sud), Ontario, Canada
Gender Male
Age 31
Marital Status Married
Nationality Canadian
Ethnicity English
Religion Methodist
Relationship to Head of Household (Original) Head
Birth Year (Estimated) 1870
Birthplace Ontario—

 

 

 

He Hailed from Carleton Place– Harold Box– The Forgotten Scientist?

Jaan Kolk Files—–

Please take the Devil Out of Me? Rev. James Wilson of Lanark

Did You Know we Once Had a Grand Hotel? The Grand Central Hotel

The Cholera Epidemic of 1911

The Ashton Hotel– Questions Questions Flemmings and McFarlanes

Benoit & Richardson Photo– a Mystery

Before there was Baker Bob’s There was The Almonte Bakery

Does Anyone Remember Cohen’s in Lanark Village?

The Children of Ross Dhu –Evacuation to Canada

CLIPPED FROM
The Lanark Era
Lanark, Ontario, Canada30 Apr 1902, Wed  •  Page 5

The Disappearing Street Signs of Carleton Place

 

 

A few Carleton Place folks called it the “Great Canadian Cover Up” in the 60s. Of course some say if you live with things long enough you just get used to it. Today if you asked the average resident where the location of Elgin Street or Little Napoleon Street was they wouldn’t know. A few years ago I finally found out the story of what happened to Elgin Street, and according to town officials those Carleton Place Streets just do not exist anymore.

Forgotten streets once existed, and they are now gone and really —that is the least of the town’s worries. But, did you know that in 1969 80% of the local streets had no signs? Former mayor Arnold Julian assured his constituents that most of the street signs were once there, but they had gained wear from too many years and fallen off.  Things were getting so testy about the subject that the man in charge of signs, traffic and a lot of whatever, Ted Tromanhauser, refused to comment on the subject.

As the townsfolk began to repeatedly call the town hall on the subject Mayor Julian decided that in the summer of 1969 things would change. New signs would be ordered, and instead of nailing them to corner houses they would think hard about mounting them on pole mounted signs.

As for what happened to some of those streets like Elgin and Little Napoleon Street they never really did vanish- they just went incognito under another name. Heck, someone just decided to change the name, and really, you can always change the name, or paint over it, but history always remains the same.

Sign, sign, everywhere a sign
Sign
Sign, sign

 

 

Come and visit the Lanark County Genealogical Society Facebook page– what’s there? Cool old photos–and lots of things interesting to read. Also check out The Tales of Carleton Place.

Information where you can buy all Linda Seccaspina’s books-You can also read Linda in The Townships Sun andScreamin’ Mamas (US

The Mystery Streets of Carleton Place– Where was the First Train Station?

 

The Woman Who Got the Dead End Sign Removed in Carleton Place

Things That Disappear in Carleton Place — Elgin Street and The Queen’s Hotel Sign

The Name Game– Changing Almonte Street Names

 

This is Our Town — Slow Down 2016

 

Last year we tried to begin a campaign for drivers to slow down in our town. Well, guess what– it’s the speedy driving season again.

So due to people identifying my sign as a game and hiding it all over the neighbourhood last summer it is now inside  the gates– but you sure as heck can see it when you go by.

Is yours out? Lynne Johnson’s is out!!

 

 

May I remind you what happened last year?  Let’s not have a repeat this year!

 

This is What Happens When You Race the Roads of Carleton Place

 

 

RELATED READING

This is Our Town – Slow Down!! Grassroots Challenge

What You Can Do to Slow People Down on Streets in Carleton Place

The Brotherhood and Community of Carleton Place

To the Vandal That Tore Down my SLOW DOWN Sign

Road Rage in Carleton Place

Road Rage in Carleton Place

My Slow Down sign is no longer in the ground and looks like this— even after it was fixed a few times. Every day I find it in a different location. Sandra Hurdis Finnigan even rescued it from Campbell Street. It is what it is- I just keep putting it in front of my fence. Eric Lockheart was my heroe and fixed it- but it was pulled out again.

We need to get these signs up as speed abuse and recklessness are re-occurring issues in Carleton Place and Lanark County since the beginning of time. Why not make a point and tell these drivers that we notice what they are doing and we don’t like it by putting up a sign. If we don’t do this- no one else will. We complain about our children having a  “laissez faire” attitude– yet we just sit back and let things happen, and then complain about it.

Get some signs up folks before the snow flies or this might happen..:)

Back to our scheduled programming and thank you..

Perth Courier January 1896.

The habit of furious and careless driving, particularly with empty lumber teams, is becoming quite too common in this neighborhood and in many instances is of such a nature as to endanger the lives of parties driving cutters; and it is satisfying to know that in two cases of this kind recently, the parties have come to grief.

Peter Keevers of Bathurst was brought before C. Rice, Esq., J.P. on complaint of Martin Maxwell for furious driving and for assault in running his team against Maxwell’s sleigh and upsetting him in the ditch at the foot of Stanley’s Hill, Armstrong’s Corners.  Keevers had to pay the $4 fine and costs.  Patrick Fleming of S. Sherbrooke was brought before the same magistrate on complaint of E. Morrison for driving against and smashing Morrison’s cutter and was ordered to pay $14 fine and costs or go to jail for two months.

Defendant refused to pay and went to jail but after three days’ exposure to jail fare he concluded to pay the fine and costs rather than spend the two months in jail working for his board.  We trust these cases will be a warning to teamsters who should bear in mind that the law compels them to give half way on the road when meeting or passing another team.

To the Vandal That Tore Down my SLOW DOWN Sign

Thank you so much for vandalizing the Slow Down sign in front of my home. I obviously have no way of knowing who tore it down, and if it wasn’t for my neighbour Kim coming home from work at the hospital, it wouldn’t be standing up anymore. Since 53 Colours put it in professionally, us womenfolk had a heck of a time getting it back in. Her husband has volunteered to put it back in tonight. Okay, let’s be honest- she volunteered him.

I am sure some of you say it’s okay. Everything is okay. But it is not okay. Like a band-aid that does nothing but cover the wound, the words, “It’s okay” don’t magically make it right. Just like cars speeding up and down our streets and a pet getting badly hurt this week–it’s not okay.

We all understand that who ever did this was in the wrong, but I feel the need to personally tell that person a few things. The fact you do not care about your town and the people who live here is exactly what you conveyed with your bad decision.

The next time you think about vandalizing that sign- think about how fast someone is driving through our neighbourhood streets. Think about families and fathers and mothers, and children and sons, and daughters and friends and random acquaintances that would be devastated by the loss of one of their own if someone got hit.

Maybe you made one bad choice in the middle of a lifetime of great choices pulling that sign out today. But, I hope no one in your family has to experience the unthinkable, the unmentionable, that a pet or sister or brother in your family gets hit by a speeding car in Carleton Place.

So, to the vandal that destroyed my sign: no, it’s not okay. Of course my sign won’t make cars slow down on the streets of Carleton Place–but it might go a small way to get people to think.

Let’s get those signs up!