HomeMy WebLinkAbout205Collection of 10 articles clipped from various newspapers of various dates. Some are uncited.
"Geo. Parker, J. P., Passes Away.
The death is announsed this week of Mr. George Parker, of Dunbarton, one of the best known
and most highly esteemed residents of the Township of Pickering. Until a few weeks ago he
was apparently a strong man, and good for many years to come, but after a short illness from
typhoid pneumonia he passed away at his residence in the village of Dunbarton on Thursday
last in his 58th year.
Mr. Parker was a life-long resident of the township. His father, John Parker, was an Ayrshire
farmer who came to Canada in the forties of the last century, settling finally at Dunbarton,
where he carried on success-full a business as general merchant, postmaster and farmer,
also serving as township councillor and Justice of the Peace. Mr. George Parker succeeded
his father as merchant, postmaster and farmer, and also inherited a taste for public service.
In 1885 he was elected deputy-reeve and served until 1890. In 1891 and 1892 he was reeve
and after his retirement served as township treasurer till the time of his death. As reeve of the
township he became a member of the County Council and was a few years ago appointed
County Valuator. He was also for a time a member of the Connty Educational Board.
In politics he was an active and enthusiastic Liberal. On several occasions his name was
considered by the Convention as a candidate for Provincial or Dominion honors.
At the last nomination for the House of Commons in West Ontario he failed by only one of
securing the Liberal nomination. He persisted that he would not canvass for the position but
would do what his friends desired. Although a strong Liberal he never allowed his political
views to interfere with his friendships or duty.
As a Justice of the Peace he had a more varied experience than often falls to the lot of those
who are honored with the title. This was recognized at the late revision of the Commission of
the Peace and his services were retained by the present government.
In religion he was a Presbyterian, and the Dunbarton congregation, of which he was a member,
will lose an active supporter, a faithful leader of the choir, Sabbath school teacher and
Chairman of the board of management.
He was a member of the Chosen Friends, and also of Doric Lodge, A. F. & A. M.,
Pickering, who conducted his funeral on Sunday afternoon, at Erskine cemetery,
the service at the church being conducted by the pastor, Rev. A. L. Macfadyen.
His funeral was one of the largest ever held in the township of Pickering.
Mr. Parker leaves a widow, four sons and three daughters to mourn his loss.
"
"$125,000 F0R FRENCHMAN'S BAY ASK ONT. GOVERNMENT TO BUY
People of Bay District and Pickering Want Free Use of Beach
and Water Rights—May End Bitter Fight
PICKERING, Aug. 22.—(Special.) —Representations have been made to the Provincial
Government by former reeve, E. M. Croker, of Scarboro, asking them to purchase
Frenchman's Bay, the price asked being $125,000. Mr. Croker held a lease on the bay,
expiring when the owners, the Pickering Harbor Board, a private company, decided to sell.
This they have decided to do, and have enlisted Mr. Croker's services to put through the deal.
As a result he visited the Deputy Minister of Lands at Parliament Buildings yesterday, and he
recommended him to Write to the Minister.
The offer had been made to the Ontario County Council, which appointed a commission to
investigate. That body refused to make the purchase, at the same time recommending that the
Government should buy it, and give the people the free use of Pickering harbor.
Pickering harbor or Frenchman's Bay contains one mile land frontage with private water
privileges extending into Lake Ontario for 1,000 feet. The land surrounding the beach
comprises 174 acres, on which there are 80 residences, with a population of about 400.
During the summer four fishing smacks operate from the harbor.
The harbor company hold the right of ownership for ever, by a special Act of Parliament
passed in 1853. Should the Ontario Government refuse to purchase, representations will be
made to the Federal Ministers.
"
"Do you know, Mr. Editor, why it is called Duffin's creek ? If you will pardon me,
I will tell your readers if space permits. The man Duffin, whose name will perhaps ever be
associated with our beautiful stream as far as can learned through the memory of the be
""oldest inhabitant'' was a warm heated Irishman who left his native county (King's county)
Ireland, perhaps a little too suddenly as the Peelers wanted him for some moonshine raid.
As he did not happen to want the Peeller just then he, Duffin, like the Arab, folded his tent and
silently stole away with the best of Irish blood in his veins and some money in his pocket.
Being a keen sportsman and fond of nature, by chance he paddled his his canoe up the creek
as far as wh--- where our village now stands. -- was charmed with the surroundings and built a
log cabin on the site where the Reed smithy is located, and cleared a few acres supposed to
be on the site of the Logan homestead. Here he led a bachelor life, entertaining right royally
free of charge many a weary traveller with the best he had to give. Perhaps he excited the
enemy of the Indian for many a fine buck fell by his unerring aim, and many a salmon was
killed to grace his rude table. One day a traveller called found his door open, his cabin
ransacked with suspicious blood marks on the floor. As nothing was ever heard of Duffin
afterwards. It is supposed that he met the fate of one Cousins who was killed in the Township
of Clark and his body thrown into the marsh, if so perhaps the spirit of Duffin, like another naiad
still guards this beautiful stream that will bear his name, perhaps as long as the water runs.
"
"THE LATE BRERENTON BUNTING, J.P., OF PICKERING.
The late Mr. Bunting was one of the best-known citizens of Ontario County. He was born in
County Antrim, Ireland, September 19, 1819, and came to Canada in 1851, settling in
Pickering. He was appointed a Justice of the Peace about forty-five years ago, and was
re-appointed by the present Legislature.
He was a Liberal in politics and a Methodist in religion, being one of the old-time local
preachers in the days when they walked twenty-five and sometimes even forty miles in a
Sunday, preaching three times. He was a man of fine character and great influence.
"
—There died at his farm near Cherrywood, on Friday, the 19th. one of Pickering's oldest and
most highly respected citizens, in the person of James McCreight, J.P. Deceased was rather
of a retiring nature yet his good hard sense and clear foresight brought him forward and he was
for many years an honored member of the municipal council both as reeve and subordinate.
The name of James McCreight is inseperable with the earlier history of Pickering township.
For the past few years he has lived a retired life, contenting himself with looking after the
affairs of his farm. He was in his 82nd year. The bereaved widow and five daughters have
much sympathy in their hour of trouble. The funeral took place Monday and was largely
attended by old friends from various parts of the county. The remains were interred in Erskine
cemetery, 2nd concession.
"July 17 - Sat 1954-
Prof. and Mrs. W.B Dunbar were in Montreal over the weekend attending the wedding of
there eldest son, Mr. William A. Dunbar, to Miss Andrea Leger, only daughter of Mrs. Leger
and the late E. Leger of Lachine, Quebec.
"
"PICKERING HARBOR
The following transfers of the title to Lot 23, B. F. con., Pickering, now known as Pickering
Harbor, may be of interest. Patent granted to Capt. George Hill on May 6th, 1795; Oct. 20
Isabel, widow of the late Capt. Hill, to David Gardiner the whole of lot 38 F. F.; Richard
Gardiner to John Tool 24 acres, except 4 village lots, 2 to Isaac Brock and 2 to Michael Brock;
John Tool to John Palmer and wife 28 acres except 2 acres to the Pickering Harbor Co. on
June 12th, 1864; John Palmer to Thomas Palmer 28 acres; Thos. Palmer to Wm. Whiteside
19 acres. The opening of the harbor and the building of the piers was commenced in 1843 and
completed in 1845. The dredge used in opening the channel was an elevator worked by
horsepower. Among those who took part in the work were the late William Edwards, then a
young man of 20, and Wm. Henderson, then a youth of 17 both of Dunbarton. As far as we
know Mr. Henderson is the only survivor of the many who were engaged in the work of opening
the Pickering harbor.
"
"THE EVENING TELEGRAM, TORONTO, FRIDAY, JUNE 16, 1922
WILL FIGHT FOR RIGHTS TO USE FRENCHMAN'S BAY
City to Co-operate With Ontario County in Endeavor to Have Government Regain Control
IS NOW PRIVATE PROPERTY
Fee Charged for Camping on Beach—Residents Resent Restrictions—Many Torontonians
Affected
The popular rendezvous for summer mariners and lake shore campers, Fairport,
better known as Frenchman's Bay, and noted for its spacious sandbars, good fishing and
bathing, where for many years campers have enjoyed the free privileges of the
property and accepted the hospitality of the residents, has passed into the hands of
private ownership. It now displays a number of signs proclaiming that it is private property,
much to the disgust of the local residents. They offer various opinions as to what should,
could and might be done to bring about the happy conditions, of the past, when all dwelt in
harmony in an atmosphere of peace.
BEACH PRIVILEGES GONE.
""There is not a doubt in the world but what the Federal Government have released all claim on
Frenchman's Bay and given a clear title, not only for the bay itself, but the adjoining sandbars,
to the Pickering Harbor Company,"" said Fred Richardson, warden of Ontario County, to The
Telegram. ""With the title go the privileges of the people who have previously enjoyed the use
of the waters and the beach.
""How a member of the Dominion Parliament could sanction such a thing is beyond
comprehension, and it is our intention to have the matter fully investigated,"" continued
Mr. Richardson.
The fact that the bay and sandbars were private property has recently become known to the
residents of the district, and on the sandbars, which are well known to many
Torontonians, are posted signs bearing the words, ""Private property, for camping
permits apply at hotel."" The hotel mentioned is the property of E. M. Croker, Reeve of
Scarboro Township, who has leased"" the bay and adjoining beaches, and, therefore,
has the right to determine who may and may not use the property.
CAMPING FEES.
It is understood that permits will be granted to campers at the price of one dollar per week and
eight dollars for the season, whereas, previously, no charge was made.
James Hedley, who has been a resident of the district for over 40 years rented boats on
the bay, stat-years, rented boats on the bay, stated that Mr. Croker had spoken of charging
a toll of one dollar per boat yearly for the renting privilege.
""He told me I owed him six dollars because I have six boats."" said Mr. Hedley.
""I told him that I didn't owe anyone a dollar, and I have no intention of paying the tax, for if I
paid a dollar for each boat this year, what is to prevent him from charging me $15 or $20 next
year, besides we do not believe he has control of these waters.""
HISTORY OF HARBOR.
Mr. Hedley outlined the history of the bay and harbor, and stated that a number of years ago
the harbor was built by Joseph McLelland, who received $13,000 from the township of
Pickering and the rights of the harbor and 100 feet on each side. Before completing the work a
further $13,000 was loaned by the township to McLelland to complete the work, and secured
by mortgage. A few years later W. D. Matthews purchased the property by paying a sum to
McLelland and assuming a mortgage of $13,000 held against the property by the township.
It was stipuated in the deed that a coal chute erected by McLelland was to remain intact.
The said chute was torn down by Matthews, which, according to Hedley, was a violation of the
agreement and therefore the property reverts back to the township.
DRIVING PEOPLE AWAY.
T. G. Mansfield, general storekeeper, had also been informed that he would be called on to
pay for the privilege of renting boats on the bay. Mr. Mansfield stated that for many years he
had conducted a boat livery, having 35 boats, without paying a toll, and that owing to
restrictions placed on the harbor many visitors had been driven to other parts last year.
""Previous to this question of ownership we had always been under the impression that the
bay was a public place, and we dwelt in peace and quietness, entertaining the visitors and
encouraging them to use the bay for bathing and fishing,"" said Mr. Mansfield.
""Now we are given to understand that visitors as well as ourselves will be restricted and
forbidden the use of the sandbar unless we pay a fee.""
SQUATTERS' RIGHTS.
It is stated that the deed given for the property dates back to the days of squatters' rights,
and one resident was given $100 to relinquish his claim to the property. He accepted the sum,
but openly acknowledged that he was not aware that he had had any claim on the property.
Reeve Croker, lessee of the property, stated that he has no intention of charging a fee for
the boating privileges on the bay, but stated that a charge would be made for
camping privileges on the sandbars for the reason of conducting the place properly and
with a view to reserving the right to keep away any person not conducting themselves in a
proper manner.
""The place has never been properly supervised,"" said Mr. Croker,
""and my only desire is to keep down any rough element for the protection of my own
interests and of my property.""
SOLD BY GOVERNMENT.
According to Mr. Croker, the sandbar and bay were advertised for sale and sold by the
Government to the present owners about five years ago, and as lessee he has the right to
determine who shall be allowed to use the property.
It has been announced that the solicitors of the city of Toronto and Ontario county will
co-operate in determining on a course of legal action in the matter of bringing the harbor once
more under Government control.
The complaint made is not against any action taken by the owner to place restrictions on the
place, but the possibility of what may occur if the bay remains in the hands of private owners.
LETTER TO MAYOR.
The following letter has been sent to Mayor Maguire by Reeve Croker:
""Mayor Maguire, Toronto.
""Dear Sir,—I noticed an article in The Telegram headed 'Frenchman's Bay Sold.'
The Reeve of Pickering states that people are charged for boating privileges on the
bay, which is false and without foundation, as I am lessee of the place named.
No one has ever been charged for boating, nor can I see why the city of Toronto can take
up a case 20 miles east of the city. I might state that I was surprised to see your name
mixed in this false statement. Kindly have the statement made right and oblige.
Yours truly,
""E. M. CROKER,
""Reeve, Scarboro Township.""
The Board of Control decided to co-operate with Warden Richardson, of Ontario County,
after it had been pointed out that about 100 Toronto people had summer homes at the bay.
Mayor Maguire described the situation as an unwarranted sacrifice of public rights.
SOLICITOR ACTS.
W. J. Beaton, solicitor for the Township of Pickering, in a letter to Attorney-General Raney,
points out that in 1853 the Pickering Harbor Co. was incorporated and received
certain concessions from the Government, stating that the objects of the company were for the
purpose of constructing a harbor with the necessary piers, wharves, etc., with the consent of
the owners and occupiers of the soil and free-hold of the land adjacent to said bay, having
expended divers large sums of money in and about the making of a safe and commodious
harbor at Frenchman's Bay.
The corporate name of this company was the Pickering Harbor and Road Joint Stock Co.
Becoming financially involved, the assets of the company were vested in the
Hon. John Hilliard, by an Act of the Provincial Government, and by an Act of the Dominion
Government an agreement between Hon. John Hilliard Cameron and others was confirmed
and the name of the company changed to the Pickering Harbor Co., Ltd., and all powers of the
old company were vested in the new.
PAID $25 PER ACRE.
In 1914 the Pickering Harbor Co., Ltd., made application to the Minister of Lands, Forests
and Mines for a patent to certain water lots, and two patents were issued, one for 59 acres,
which, roughly speaking, comprises he western portion of the Bay; another for 87
acres, which includes sandbars and extends some distance into the lake along practically
the whole water front adjoining the bay. The consideration in both these sales was $25 per
acre.
In the application for the patents, which is signed by A. E. Osler, president of the company,
it states, that it is the intention of the company to extend the wharves and piers from a distance
of 650 feet to 1,000 feet from the shore, it also stated that, for many years the company had
maintained wharves and elevators, and that large sums of money had been spent on harbor
improvements, and that the company were prepared to make large expenditures with a view to
enlarging the basin of the harbor.
DID NOT KEEP PROMISE.
Residents contend that the company have not carried on active operation for a great many
years, and since the granting of these patents, not one dollar has been expended in
harbor improvements, on the contrary it is said, that the company permitted operations
to be carried on which are destroying the harbor, and are diametrically opposed both
to the objects of the company and the allegations contained in their petition for the patent.
Mr. Beaton states that he has been unable to find any returns filed by the company,
either at Ottawa or with the Provincial Government.
A company known as the Toronto Sand and Gravel Company, Limited, was incorporated in
1914, and during the summer of that year entered into possession of the harbor and
commenced to ship large quantities of sand from the beach, causing considerable damage
to the harbor. Residents of the district offer the opinion that there is a close connection
between the Sand and Harbor Company and that the application in 1914 was made,
not for the is purpose of improving the harbor, but for obtaining the control of important public
rights which the Sand Company intended to exploit.
Attorney-General Raney has acknowledged the letter from Mr. Beaton, but nothing has been
done.
RESIDENTS DESTROYED SIGNS.
Illustration: Protesting against Frenchman's Bay and Beaches becoming private property the
residents have destroyed the signs as shown above. James Hedley, a resident for 40 years,
refuses to pay for boating privileges.
AERIAL VIEW OF FRENCHMAN'S BAY.
Illustration: The above photograph taken by two returned aviators shows summer resort for
which residents are fighting. They do not want the beaches and sandbar privately owned.
"
"OLDEST RESIDENT DIES
William Taylor, Aged 96. Passes Away at Pickering.
Illustration: Wm. Taylor.
In the death of the late William Taylor, Pickering-loses its oldest resident. He reached the ripe
age of 96 years retaining all his faculties until the last moment of his life. He emigrated from
Norfolk, England, in 1836, being 18 years of age on arriving"" in Canada. Most of his life was
spent in the locality where he died. Mr. Taylor was the only surviving member of a family of eight.
He leaves one daughter, Mrs. Geo. Heron, of Scarboro, one grandson, W. T. Heron, of West Hill,
and one great grandson. He was a life-long reformer. In religion he was a Presbyterian filling the
office of elder in Dunbarton Church for years. His love of his church was most marked never
wearying to working for its interest."