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October 04, 2008Dateline 1900: Cowichan fundraising for the arts
Ann Andersen
News Leader Pictorial
Although Duncan’s was little more than a few rows of businesses and houses surrounded by farms and bush 108 years ago, its residents and those of Cowichan could always be counted on to rally in droves for a cause.
In October, 1900, Some 300 people attended a concert, meal and dance that lasted well past midnight to help raise money for a new school organ.
“That Duncan’s and Cowichan appreciate a good thing in the way of an entertainment was shown by the very liberal patronage of the entertainment,” trumpeted the Weekly Enterprise writer who reported on the event.
The tiny paper recorded that the schoolboys in their drill looked very soldierly; the Shaking Quakers were irresistibly comic in quaint costumes and rhythmic shakings; Mr. Harry Brennan gave some very interesting reminiscences of the siege of Mafeking; and the white gowned figures of the little girls sang a sweet lullaby.
“Mr. McNeal gave his song in his usual comic vein. The piano duet by Mrs. and Miss Mildred Clark was received with great applause, as was the piano solo by Mrs. Prevost.”
The concert raised $90, and the school committee bought an organ considered to be one of the best on the Island.
1900 Holidays:
In Chemainus news, California was the destination of a holiday trip for Mr. D. W. Mainguy of Chemainus River, and Mr. J. Williams and Miss Clara Higgins attended a meeting in Nanaimo.
1900 Accidents:
In Somenos, Mrs. Kier, 87, met with a painful accident when she fell off the verandah of her home, and Harry Greaves was planning to run a stage from Somenos station to the Tyee mines.
1900 Weddings:
Mr. John W. King of Chemainus Landing School was married in Victoria to Miss Phelps of Chicago, who was looking forward to her “newly acquired kingdom in the Queen’s domain.”
