"A History of the Saint John Saint Andrew’s Society 1903-2012"
edited by Laurie Hossack
edited by Laurie Hossack
Gram had broken her hip before I was born. Her days of doing heavy housework were long gone but she still wanted to do her share. This morning she had the goose wing and was dusting in the parlour. Since she could not bend down, I was dusting the rungs of the chairs for her.
When she saw me admiring the beautiful carving of grapes on the back of the settee as well as the designs on the arm chair, she explained that those pieces of furniture had been in the family for many years. I was really surprised when she told me that horsehair was used in the seats.
Gram has been gone for more than fifty years. Her furniture found new homes with people who may or may not have appreciated the beauty. For all I know it may have ended up in the landfill or for kindling.
Not so for four chairs carved by John Rogerson that fell heir to his great granddaughters and ended up in New York. In 2012, they were offered to the Saint Andrews Society in Saint John along with an oak engraving of John Knox and Robert the Bruce.
At the Burns dinner, offers came in to have the chairs refinished and upholstered in a tartan of the choice of the donor.
In 1908, on the 110th Anniversary of the Society, Mr. Rogerson was commissioned to travel to Scotland to find twenty-six different pieces of wood from six regions of Scotland to construct the “Pres Chair.” It is interesting to note that the wood used to make the Lion Rampart in the Bruce Shield at the top of the chair is made from a holly tree on the original grave site of Robert Burns.
This information and much more, such as the contributions of the members of the Society to improve the life of our City, a summary of the annual celebrations held each year on November 30, the Membership Roll, lots of biographical information that a family searcher might look for days to find, coloured photos of artifacts and events, and the Society’s Executive is included in the book “A History of the Saint John Saint Andrew’s Society 1903-2012" edited by Laurie Hossack.
I. Allan Jack compiled the earlier history of the Society from its founding in 1798 until 1903 where the above-mentioned book takes over.
On October 6th, 1906, a special meeting was held at John White’s Store, 93 Charlotte Street where the Executive met to consider the invitation to attend the Burns monument unveiling ceremony on Thanksgiving Day in Fredericton.
It was decided the members would attend the ceremony wearing their silk hats and frock coats, with their badges suitably displayed. The officers were to wear their sashes. A special train was arranged from the CPR. The group met at White’s Store and was led by four pipers and a drummer as they marched to Union Station.
In 1909, a discussion was held on the constitution that restricted society membership to no more than grandsons of immigrants from Scotland.
The 1911 banquet at the Royal Hotel consisted of a very interesting menu including Cock-a Leekie Soup, Timbale of Chicken, Roast Dressed Ptarmigan topped off with a drink Benedictine Ice.
There were 220 members on the roll in 1914 and $12,780.92 was on hand.
Grocery bills were paid for various people in the city of Saint John in 1937, who were having a difficult time putting food on the table.
John Gibb, who was President for 1971 and 1972, was born in Hamilton, Scotland, and came to Saint John as a boy. He worked in his father’s Taylor Shop at Haymarket Square until the Second World War. After the War, he was named manager of the Simonds Housing Commission. Responsible for sale of the war time houses built in East Saint John.
W. P. MacMurray was elected Society Historian in 1976 and held this position for thirty years.
The Membership Roll of 1903 to 2013 gives a glimpse into the many family names in this area with roots to Scotland.
The great-grandfather of Laurie Hossack came from Scotland with his family in 1836 and settled along the Tay River near Stanley, NB.
“Like a good Scotch whiskey it is hoped the information gleaned herein and distilled from the Society’s minute books, treasurer’s account, newspaper reports, scrap books and from fellow society will provide enjoyment and informative reading” . . . Laurie Hossack.
“A History of the Saint John Saint Andrew’s Society 1903-2012" and the earlier history by I. Allen Jack 1798 up until 1903 can be purchased by contacting Laurie Hossack by email at lhossack@nbnet.nb.ca
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Query 1865
Newlands Hotel - Bustin - Anderson: I am searching for information on the Newlands Hotel which was built in Duck Cove (West Saint John) and burned down around 1915. I was brought up in a house built in 1937 by Garnet Bustin on lot #22 purchased from William Anderson ( now 990 Seawood Lane). As a child when digging in the ground to make a garden, I came across the dump for the hotel containing many tin cans, broken dishes etc. I was told the Hotel had been there for a short time and then burned to the ground. I have never been able to verify this story. I was also told that Lord Beaverbrook had stayed there at one time. Any feedback would be appreciated.
Contact Sandy Hazen Turner by email gmt@nb.sympatico.ca
Query 1866
Paulin: Felix Paulin was from upper Pokemouche, New Brunswick. His son Francois Xavier Paulin died about 1927 and his granddaughter Francoise Felicite Louise Paulin was born in Montreal on May 21, 1923. Seeking information on this family
Glynis Durrant, Salamander Bay, NSW Australia. Email wagd@bigpond.com
Query 1867
Bertin - Vienneau - Hickey: Who were the parents of Pierre Bertin born Bathurst area and his wife Lucy Vienneau who died November 10, 1904 in Bathurst? They were the parents of Marie Bertin born August 6, 1861 and George and Pierre Bertin. Marie Bertin married William Hickey August 7, 1883 at Nash Creek, New Brunswick.
Contact monicabannister@gmail.com
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