Ruby M. Cusack
By Favourable Winds - A History of Chatham by James A. Fraser
Aunt Ethel had mentioned bringing me the book, “Little Women” when she came out this weekend. I kept pacing around the house and looking out the window but it was five o’clock and no sign of her so I was getting disappointed. Then I heard Pal give a friendly bark and the slamming of a car door. I rushed out to meet her and she handed me a paper bag.
I was so anxious to get reading the book, I forgot to thank her. I ran into the house and disappeared into the bedroom.
Within a half hour, I felt like I knew Jo, Meg, Beth, Amy, their mother Marmee and Hannah, who had lived with the family since Meg was born, and was considered by them all, more as a friend than a servant.
When I read about Mr. Laurence and his grandson, I became suspicious that the boy might play an important part in the story, so I turned to the last chapter to get a sneak preview.
The years have rolled away but some of my traits have not changed which I proved a few days ago when I started to read “By Favourable Winds” A History of Chatham by James A. Fraser. I found myself flipping the pages to the last chapter.
Wow! What a surprise I received as Chapter 9, had one hundred and nine pages with information on those who had been involved in the various business concerns of the town of Chatham from its earliest development up to the year 1900.
R. B. Adams took over the Metropolitan Hotel from John Jardine in 1884.
William Allan, a native of Glasgow began his ship and house ornamental carver and gilder in 1868.
David Armstrong was awarded first prize at the Fredericton Exhibition in 1851 for a spinning wheel he had made.
In 1879 Robert Bain shipped 36,480 pounds of canned lobsters to Great Britain.
Patrick Brannan announced in 1826 that he was beginning an auctioneer and commission business.
About 1880, George Cassady began a wood-working factory and shingle business. By 1886, as many as 20,000 shingles were cut each day.
John Davis, opened a bakery in 1831 in the house formerly owned by Adam Kerr. He expanded into the confectionary line.
William Forbes opened a drug store in 1844 in the shop formerly occupied by Charles Marter.
Daniel Green, maker of chairs, left Chatham in 1838.
Samuel Johnson, a native of Christiana, Norway, was a shoemaker.
John Jury, clockmaker and jeweller, returned to Chatham in 1831.
Theresa Kendall opened a millinery store at Haviland’s corner in 1894.
Alfred Kipps, portrait painter visited Chatham in 1859.
James Maher had a tailor shop in 1851 next to Joseph Spratt’s house.
William Rae manufactured tombstones on Upper Water Street in 1878.
George Staples advertised in 1880 as follows: “Tensorial Artist, Physiognomical Hair Dresser, Cranium Manipulator & Capillary Abridger. Shaves and Hair Cuts with ambidextrous facility”.
S. Waitt advertised seeds for sale in 1826.
In this book, you will also read about “The Founding of the Town”, “Chatham in the Days of Cunard”, “Good Times Return”, “Churches”, “Education”, “Societies” and other subjects.
“By Favourable Winds” A History of Chatham by James A. Fraser was published in 1975 and can be viewed in several research institutions in New Brunswick.
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By the way, contact rmcusack@nbnet.nb.ca if you wish to purchase a copy of “By Favourable Winds” A History of Chatham by James A. Fraser
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