The following description of Stamford Township and its villages is quoted from the Illustrated Historical Atlas of the Counties of Lincoln and Welland, Ont. Toronto: H.R. Page & Co., 1876.

Stamford is bounded on the north by the County of Lincoln, on the east by the Niagara River, on the south by the Welland River, which divides it from the Townships of Crowland and Willoughby, and on the west by the Township and Town of Thorold. The township was originally called Mound Dorchester, or Township No. 2. It took the former appellation from Sir Guy Carleton, who was the Earl of Dorchester, and the distinguishing number from being the second township surveyed in this part of the country, Niagara being the first. It received its present name in 1792, from Lieut.-Governor Simcoe, who at that date named it and other portions of Welland County after well-known places in Lincolnshire, England. The first actual settlement of the township has been generally ascribed to about ten families, who came into the district about 1784 with Butler’s Rangers. At that date the township no doubt received a number of settlers, but they could not claim the distinction of being the first to establish habitations in Stamford, for we have the best of proof that the ancestors of many of the present residents of various parts of the county lived in the township previous to that date. The frontier townships, from their geographical position, would naturally be the stopping place of the majority of those seeking homes in Canada in the early days of the Revolution, which drove so many citizens out of the older States. This fact prevents us from learning the names of many who were pioneer settlers of Stamford; there were, no doubt, Loyalists who located in the township and died without descendants to tell the tale, and others, who, after sojourning a short time along the frontier, moved westward without leaving any record from which even their names at this late day can be discovered. Among the first white people who dwelt in Stamford, were the Cooks and Durhams, who came from New Jersey as early as 1776. Soon after arriving in the township, James and Eve Durham became the parents of a daughter, who received a grant from the Governor in consequence of being the second white child born in western Canada. Rachael Vrooman, the daughter of Solomon Vrooman, was the first white child born in the district, and she and Catharine Durham, as well as a few more of the earliest sons and daughters of Canada, were rewarded by the Governor for starting on the journey of life where they would have to endure the many hardships incident to life in the Canada forests. Conspicuous among the names of the early settlers of Stamford are those of Charles Green, James Pew, Philip George Bender, William Biggar, George Garner, Robert Spencer, Wm. Lundy, Jeremiah Moore, Wm. Forsyth, John Wilson, Thos. McMicking, Samuel Street, Frederick Lampman, Obadiah Dennis, Solomon Hyatt, the Brown family, the Bowmans, the Thompsons, the Uppers, the Skinners, the Kilmas, and many others. The settlers of Stamford, while being subject to all the hardships entailed by clearing farms in the forest and dwelling in rude log houses, with none of the luxuries and but a scanty supply of the necessaries of life, fared better than many of those who established themselves farther from the frontier. Street`s mill, at the Falls, built in 1785, was within the boundaries of the township, and consequently none of the Stamford people had to go more than a few miles with the bag of corn on their backs to have it made ready for food, while the pioneers of Wainfleet who came to the same mill had to take a trip of twenty or thirty miles with their “grists” through the woods, or in canoes along the shore of Lake Erie and down the Niagara River via Fort Erie.

About the year 1791, the first church was built in Stamford by the Presbyterians, and in 1795, another one was erected by the general subscription for the use of all denominations. The first pastor of the Presbyterian congregation was the Rev. Jno. Dunn, who came from Albany, N. Y., in 1794, and preached the gospel to the people of Stamford for about two years, when he left the ministry to engage in mercantile pursuits. The pulpit of the Union Church was occupied by sever itinerant Methodist ministers, and occasionally divine service was performed by an Episcopalian clergyman.

The first municipal organization seems to have take place in 1793, when the following officers were elected; Assessors John Wilson and Benjamin Skinner; Wardens, John Wilson and Thos. McMicking; Clerk, Jeremiah Moore. The first by-law passed at a town meeting reads as follows: “It is unanimously agreed that a Fence shall Bee five foot high With Rails or Logs Sufficiently made.” In those days there was evidently some connection between the municipal affairs and the church, for we find recorded the fact that, at the town meeting held in 1794, James Thompson and Archibald Thompson were elected Church Wardens. At the same meeting Timothy Skinner and Peter Thompson were appointed Assessors, and John Upper, Collector.

The first road used by the settlers was what has from the early days been known as Lundy’s Lane. It was originally an Indian trail, and was much used and had several habitations along it before the official survey of the township was made. The survey provided for a road north of this Indian trail, but as it was more convenient for the settlers to use the road already made than to construct a new one, Charles Green, the owner of Lots 132 and 133, through the southern portion of which the trail passed, gave the land it occupied in lieu of the surveyed road at the north end of his estate. The road eventually took the name of Lundy’s Lane, from a settler named Wm. Lundy, who lived along it on the south side. It is impossible to state positively why the highway was named in honor of the Lundys instead of the Greens, from whose farm the road was taken, but it was probably in consequence of Wm. Lundy being a leading man among the settlers, and it also occurs to us that the people who first named the road made use of “apt alliteration’s artful aid” in selecting a title that would last for years. Whether the name Lundy’s Lane would be in common use yet, had it not been rendered historic by the memorable battle, it is hard to say, but there can be no doubt that the words beginning with two L’s are more euphonious than would be a name the initials of which are G. L., as Green’s Lane, and no doubt, would be used for generations after a title in which the figure of alliteration is wanting would be forgotten.

The war of 1812, of which an account is given in another chapter of this work, devastated the frontier townships to a greater extent than the more inland sections of Welland County, and in consequence it took considerable time for Stamford to recover from the effect of the bloody conflict that took place within her borders, and for the settlers’ homes, many of which were pillaged and burned by the Americans, to be re-built. By the year 1817, however, the population had increased to twelve hundred persons, and one grist and two saw mills existed in the township, while the land had increased in value from one shilling, the price at the date of the first settlement, to fifty shillings per acre. In 1850 the population had increased to upwards of two thousand five hundred people, and the township produced from the crop of that year 42,000 bushels of wheat, 32,000 bushels of oats, 11,000 bushels of Indian corn, 11,900 bushels of potatoes, 8,000 bushels of buckwheat, 9,000 pounds of wool, and 23,000 pounds of butter. In 1885, there were upwards of eighty thousand bushels of grain threshed; there were in the same year nine hundred acres of land in orchard, and two hundred acres planted with grapes. The population, exclusive of the Town of Niagara Falls and the Village of Niagara Falls, both of which formerly formed part of the township, is about two thousand. Stamford contains about twenty-two thousand acres, and in 1885 the value of real and personal property was upwards of one million five hundred thousand dollars. The soil in Stamford Township consists of clay and sandy loams, and has everywhere been found well adapted to the growth of wheat and other cereals, and a large portion is also adapted for the production of all kinds of fruit. Apples, cherries, plums, peaches, grapes, strawberries and other small fruits are brought to great perfection, as well as vegetables of every descrption.

Lundy’s Lane is lined on either side by comfortable houses, surrounded by gardens filled with fruits of various kinds. The soil here is sandy and very productive, and the small fruit industry promises to grow to great proportions. Already extensive vineyards have been established, and the locality has an enviable reputation in the metropolitan markets of Canada in consequence of the excellent fruit it produces. Table fruit is sent to market in baskets, containing about twenty pounds each, covered with gauze; wine grapes are shipped in hogsheads; strawberries, raspberries, etc. in crates; peaches are placed in baskets. The fruit is taken to the railway station every morning about eight o’clock, and forwarded to Toronto, London, Hamilton and Montreal. About five tons of fruit daily are shipped in this manner from one railway station in the vicinity.

The Village of Stamford is situated on what is known as the Portage road, about three miles north of Lundy’s Lane, in what was the earliest settled portion of the township. It was here that the first church in Welland County was built, in 1791. This edifice, erected at that early date by the Presbyterians, was probably the second building erected for Christian worship in western Canada. A writer, in describing this church, says: “The first church edifice, substantially and honestly built, had, in its day, few equals in this region, either for beauty of architecture or location. It stood until 1871, as a monument of the past, and as a memorial of God’s protecting care over people in a wilderness country and through the perils of war.” After the battle of Lundy’s Lane, the siege at Fort Erie, and the battle of Chippawa, the building was occupied as a sort of hospital. Not only was the old church rendered historic by being used as a hospital during the war, but at a later time it was the place of worship of the representative of the crown; in 1824 the Rev. David Goodwillie was the pastor of the Stamford congregation, and the Governor-General of Canada, who at that time resided at “the Cottage,” about a mile north of the village, attended the services. Among the ministers who have been pastors of the Stamford Presbyterian congregation, we notice the names of the Revds. David Goodwillie, D. H. Goodwillie, Dr. Russell, and James Magill. The present pastor, the Rev. Robert Acheson, was installed in 1874. Since that date the church membership has increased from about fifty-five to about eighty. The present church edifice was erected on the site of the old one in 1871; it is a model of neatness and comfort. Sir Peregrine Maitland, during his Lieut.-Governorship, on account of the unhealthy condition of Muddy Little York, took up his residence about a mile north of Stamford. The original house being small, always went by the name of “the Cottage.” As the Governor’s suite followed him, the building was enlarged for the convenience of the household, until it became a mansion of twenty-two rooms, situated immediately on top of the mountain, commanding a magnificent view of the valley of the Niagara, the lake beyond, and Toronto in the distance. The park covered four hundred acres. A sunken stone wall surrounded the house. Beautiful clumps of trees were scattered over the lawns. A weeping willow, which stood near the house, was brought by Sir Peregrine, when a slip, from Napoleon’s grave at St. Helena. For the first portion of his sojourn in Stamford, there was no English Church. Service was sometimes performed in a school house, and occasionally in the Presbyterian Church, when the minister of that denomination was absent. Mr. Dee, and old brother officer of Sir Peregrine, moved to Stamford in 1825. The two gentlemen immediately set to work to build a church, a work in which they received valuable assistance from the whole community. Chief Justice Robinson presented the pulpit, Lady Sarah Maitland furnished the communion place, and the Bishop of Quebec gave the communion plate. When the church was completed the following year, the Rev. Mr. Anderson was sent to fill the pulpit, but as the Rev. Mr. Leeming was already residing at Lundy’s Lane, the Rev. Mr. Anderson was sent on to Fort Erie. In 1834, a grant of some four hundred acres of land was made by Sir Jno. Colborne for the support of the minister. Trustees were Alexander Rorback, Peter Lampman, Matthew Ottley, Alexander Hamilton, (Sheriff), and James Gordon. The Village of Stamford stands upon these glebe lands. Among its earliest inhabitants was Jno. McMicking, who came in with his father when a mere child, shortly after the close of the American revolutionary war. Stamford was to have been the capital of the Niagara District, and timber was got ready for the jail and court house. Influence, however, caused the building to be erected at Niagara. Stamford Village has not made much progress, but it is a pretty place and is nicely situated. In addition to the two church already mentioned, the village contains a Methodist Church, a school, two stores, a post office, and the various other shops usually found in a small place. Near the village is Mr. Edward Lindner’s canning factory, an important industrial establishment. The country in the vicinity of the village is a very fine agricultural section, and is occupied by enterprising and progressive farmers.

A macadamized road extends through the township from the Niagara River, a little to the southward of the village of Stamford, to the town of Thorold and city of St. Catharines. This road is extensively travelled, and is bordered by many farms in a high state of cultivation.

Rev. J. Roberts was local superintendent of schools for the township from 1856 until the end of 1859. Rev. Mr. Goodwillie filled the office in 1860, and from the beginning of 1861 until the close of 1870 Rev. Geo. Bell was superintendent.

Niagara Falls Village

The word “pretty” cannot be more appropriately used in the description of any village than it can in speaking of the ambitious little town which occupies the battle ground of Lundy’s Lane, and which for so many years bore the named of the brave British Commander, Sir Gordon Drummond. The village is delightfully situated, with ten minutes’ walk of the Falls, and all of its streets are lined with thrifty shade trees, while nearly every house is surrounded by a small garden or orchard filled with fruit, flowers, and vegetables, for the cultivation of which the soil is especially adapted, and evidences of prosperity and comfort are manifest everywhere. Drummondville is a younger place than Stamford village, for we are informed by one of its oldest residents that in 1833, there were not more than a dozen houses where the thriving village now stands. At that date its business men were Adam Fralick, hotel-keeper; Samuel Faulkenbridge, merchant; Woodruff and Lowell, merchants; Wm. Garner, blacksmith; John Misener, wagon maker;--Culp, blacksmith;--Barker, butcher; Robt. Slater, hotel-keeper; Andrew Moss, cabinet-maker, Jas. Skinner, harness-maker. During the same year the building at present occupied by the high school was erected as a residence for Major Leonard. The builder was Mr. Wm. Russell, who still resides in the village. Wm. Lowell, another of those whose names appear among the list of early business men, is still living in the place, the progress of which he has watched from its early days. The growth of Drummondville was not rapid. It has never been one of those fluctuating places, sometimes springing ahead—mushroom like—and then suffering a reaction. Its progress has been slow but sure. A description of the place published in 1850 says, “Drummondville contains about five hundred inhabitants; a brewery and tannery and four church—Episcopal, Presbyterian, Methodist, and Baptist.” On the 13th of March 1882, the village became incorporated and its name was changed from Drummondville to Niagara Falls Village. Wm. Russell was elected Reeve for that and the following year, and Wm. Spence performed the duties of Clerk. George Shrimpton was reve for 1884, 1885, 1886, and 1887. John Robert, the present Clerk, was appointed in 1884. The corporation covers an area of about two hundred and ninety acres; it is bounded on the east by the Town of Niagara Falls, a narrow strip of territory composing part of that corporation intervening between it and the Niagara River near the cataract, and on all other sides by the Township of Stamford. The population of Niagara Falls Village according to the last revised assessment roll is nine hundred and seventy-nine, and the total value of real and personal property is upwards of one hundred and twenty-six thousand dollars. The public buildings are excellent, the roads easily maintained, and the village is out of debt, indicating that the present low rate of taxation will continue, and that Niagara Falls Village will sustain its reputation as an eligible place of residence for those who desire to live inexpensively in the vicinity of the great cataract. The Stamford Township hall is situated here. It is a massive stone building, possessing considerable architectural beauty, and is one of the chief ornaments of the village.

That beautiful spot on Main street, once known as the Buchanan residence, but now owned by Mr. A. Bunker and named “Bunker Hill” has quite an interesting and romantic history. At one time the residence of Lord Elgin, Governor General of Canada, stood in the centre of this picturesque plot. During the “reign” of this functionary, Drummondville was the scene of many notable social gatherings, and at one time no less prominent a personage than Jenny Lind, the world-famed singer, favored the Governor’s guests with the sweet melody of her voice.

The Presbyterian church is situated on top of the slight elevation which is described as the spot on which the hardest fighting was done at the battle of Lundy’s Lane. The church is a roughcast structure, erected in 1836-7 at a cost of about two thousand dollars. The builders were Wm. Russell and Wm. Pym.

The Methodist Church is a red brick building, situated on the north side of Lundy’s Lane, a short distance west of Main Street. The original church was built about the year 1845, at a cost of two thousand dollars. A wing has more recently been added at a cost of one thousand dollars. The ministers in charge at the date of construction were Revd’s. Messmore and Harper. The church now has a membership of about two hundred.

The Episcopalian Church, known as “All Saints,” is a large stone structure of gothic architecture, built at a cost of three thousand dollars in 1856. The congregation had previous to that date used a church that was built by the Baptists in the earlier days of the village. The late Rev. Chas. I. Ingles ministered to the Episcopalian congregation for the long term of thirty-seven years.

The British Methodist Episcopal Church has a congregation of about forty members. The church was built nearly half a century ago, by the Congregationalists, and purchased at a later time by the colored people, who have for many years worshipped in it. The present pastor is the Rev. Wm. Drake. In connection with the church there is a Band of Hope, whose members—about forty of the young colored people—have taken a pledge against the use of intoxicating liquors, tobacco and profane language.

Mount Nebo Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, meets Friday on or before the full moon of every month. In 1885-86 Dr. McGarry filled the position of Principal Z., and George Hyatt was Scribe E.

St. Mark’s Lodge, No. 105, A. F. & A. M., was instituted in 1858. It now numbers about sixty-three members. Wm. Depew is Worshipful Master, and Wellington A. Kennedy, Secretary.

Dufferin Council, No. 4, Chosen Friends, was instituted on 31st March, 1882. The present C. C. is C. Lacy; P. C. C., John England; Secretary, Walter Ker; Treasurer, H. G. A. Cook.

Maple Leaf Council, No. 3, Royal Temperance, was organized July 8^th, 1879, by W. H. Reece. The membership is large and the Council flourishing. The present S. C. is W. H. Wright, and R. S., Herbert F. Garner. Four deaths have occurred in Maple Leaf Council, and all the benefits have been paid.

Table Rock Division, Sons of Temperance, has a history reaching back for nearly forty years, it having been instituted as long ago as 1850; from that date until 1863, it flourished, and although it then dwindled down to a low ebb, it soon resumed its former condition, and now has a membership of about sixty. Its present W. P. is W. W. Whistler, and R. S. is W. D. Garner.

Park Lodge, Ancient Order United Workmen, was instituted November 14th, 1879, by G. R. Pennington. Among the first officers were George J. Duncan, P. M., Dr. McGarry, M. W., J. G. Cadham, Recorder. The present Master, P. M., and Recorder are J. Gallinger, Ralph Garner, and J. G. Cadham, respectively.

Cataract Lodge, No. 103, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, was instituted in 1872, and has had a prosperous career. The present Noble Grand is W. A. Kennedy, and the Secretary is J. C. Hull.

Drummondville Lodge, Canadian Order of Odd Fellows, was instituted in 1851. Among the charter officers were Jno. A. Orchard, William Prowse, Richard Henley, Henry Brown, Dr. Mewburn, and H. C. Mewburn. The principal officers at the present are P. N. G., J. A. Orchard; N. G., F. Dalton; Secretary, H. Skinner. The Grand Lodge of the order met in Niagara Falls South in June 1886.

Victoria Lodge, No. 2, A. F. & A. M. is conducted by the colored people. It was started by the colored people of St. Catharines a number of years ago under an ancient English charter, and about 1880 was moved to Niagara Falls South. Its Masters since the removal have been Simon Overholt, Burr Plato and Edward Smith.

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The Village of Niagara Falls, with its delightful situation, its natural beauty, and its historic reminiscences, is destined to some time become a large town, or perhaps to amalgamate with the Town of Niagara Falls, and rank as one of the cities of Canada. Before closing this brief sketch, we wish to express the hope that the memory of the greatest historic event—the battle of Lundy’s Lane—will be perpetuated by the erection of a monument in honor of the brave men whose ashes are there. Now that the two nations are living side by side in peace and harmony, why should not the grandsons of those who fought under Sir Gordon Drummond, and the descendants of the men who formed General Brown’s army, join together in erecting such a monument?

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Niagara Falls Town

Settlement of the Land

Philip George Bender, who came into Canada with Butler’s Rangers. Received the patent from the Crown of a large portion of the land on which the Town of Niagara Falls is situated. Here he erected the first frame house that was built on the territory comprising the present County of Welland.

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Village of Elgin

In 1846 it was decided, by a company formed for the purpose, to bridge the Niagara, so as to connect the Great Western Railway of Canada with the railway system of the United States. The first meeting of the directors was held on the 9th June 1846, and the bridge was completed, so that the first locomotive passed over it on the 9th March, 1855. Foremost amongst those whose enterprise caused the great work to go on, was the late Samuel Zimmerman, who may properly be called the father of the village that was started as a sequence of the great bridge building operation.

In the course of the year 1853, the village having become sufficiently populous, was incorporated. The place was given the name of Elgin, in honour of the then Governor-General of Canada, who had taken up his abode at Drummondville. In consequence of the enterprise of Mr. Zimmerman, who owned most of the land in the vicinity at that time, the place developed rapidly. A correspondent of the Fonthill Welland Herald wrote in October 1856, concerning the village: “Perhaps no place in Canada has made such progress in so short a period of time, and I believe in few towns of the same population is there a greater circulation of ready money. You are aware that the Messrs. Zimmerman were the proprietors of the land in the vicinity. A few months ago the unsold portion of the Zimmerman property was purchased by Messrs. Benedict & Company. Nothing has been wanting on the part of the new company to develop the resources of the place. A very large outlay has been made by these gentlemen in opening out new roads, planting ornamental shade trees, laying down plank sidewalks, and various other improvements. Their liberality in donating to the town a market lot, a site for a town hall, ground for erecting church, one of which has been built under the auspices of the Presbyterians, a beautiful brick structure, at a cost of from six to seven thousand dollars. The building of an Episcopal Church is now in contemplations, a donation of ground having a few days since been made through the liberality of the above named gentlemen, on a beautiful, elevated spot, close to the buildings now in course of construction by Martin Zimmerman, Esq. A considerable amount of money is on hand to assist in the good work, and as many of the residents are of that persuasion, it is hoped that a building commensurate with the wealth of the inhabitants will be put up. The Methodists also contemplate building a place of worship. Before another year passes away we will, it is expected, be able to boast of our places of worship, our market hall, now in course of erection, our school houses, and other public buildings. Thus from a place of obscurity, it has become an enterprising, brisk, busy and lively town, with upwards of one thousand inhabitants. A Year or two past, we had one grocery store—now about fourteen or fifteen, with upwards of twenty saloons and hotels, some of these equal to any kept in large cities.

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Town of Clifton

In 1856 the people of the village, being desirous of extending their boundaries in order to include the cataract and Table Rock, took advantage of a large excursion which swelled the population on the day the census was taken, and became incorporated as the Town of Clifton, on the 19th day of June, of that year. Since that date the town has included the territory extending northward along the bank of the river from a point immediately above the cataract.

The progress of the town was suddenly checked the following year by the occurrence of the terrible casualty at the Desjardin’s Bridge near Hamilton, in which Samuel Zimmerman, the foster parent of the place, lost his life. It was largely owing to the enterprise of this gentleman that the town was started. Mr. Zimmerman, who was only thirty-eight years of age when he met with his death, had risen from obscurity to great prominence. He had been one of the chief promoters of the Suspension Bridge enterprise, he built the first business places about the Falls, and established a banking business there. Speaking of the accident, the Toronto Globe of the following day said: “Perhaps the death of no man in Canada would be deplored as a calamity by a greater number of persons than that of Samuel Zimmerman. His business operations were on so extensive a scale as to bring him into close contact with a vast number of people. Connected with enterprises of the most important character sustaining them with much energy and success—infusing his own zealous spirit into all his associates—his death will paralyse many a well planned project. The busy brain that laid plans for the advancement of his own fortunes and those of those around him, in one short moment has been deprived of all its power. The man of great enterprise has become of no more consideration than the meanest of laborers who assisted in carrying out his schemes.” The death of a man whose loss was so great to the whole country, was a terrible calamity to the people of his own town, particularly since that town owed its very existence to him. The prediction that his death would paralyse many a well planned project was verified, and as Mr. Zimmerman’s darling project was the building up of a great town at the Falls, the reader may form some estimate as to what his loss meant to the place. Niagara Falls is now a prosperous, busy town but it is probable that the progress of the place was retarded at least a score of years by the death of Mr. Zimmerman. That gentleman, on the very day that he met his untimely end, had been attending a meeting of railroad men in Toronto, the result of which would quite possibly have been the immediate construction of the Canada Southern Railway, had not the most active man in the enterprise grown cold in death before the day closed.

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Town of Niagara Falls

In 1881 the name of the town was changed from Clifton to Niagara Falls by special Act of Parliament, at the instance of the corporation. During the same year the town separated from the county for municipal purposes, owing to a disagreement with the county officials respecting the equalization of assessments, contributing, however, a certain proportion annually for the revenue of the county as its share of the expense of the administration of justice and registry office. The proportion is variable, as fixed by arbitration from term to term of five years. The following gentlemen have held the office of Mayor of the town: 1856-7, G. W. McMicken; 1858, George Bender; 1859-60, Vincent Cornwall; 1861-62, F. J. Preston; 1863-4, John Burns; 1865-6-7, William Wiley; 1868-9-70-71, F. J. Preston; 1872, G. W. Taylor; 1873-4-5-6-7-8, W. W. Woodruff; 1879, T. Butters; 1880-1, R. F. Carter; 1882, John Coulson; 1883, Peter Flynn; 1884, John Waugh; 1885, T. Butters; 1886, Alexander Logan; 1887, John Bender.

The Post Office and Custom House building is one of the principal ornaments in the town. It is a massive stone building, situated on the corner of Park Street and Clifton Avenue, and was built by the Dominion Government in 1885, at a cost of about $30,000.

There is an excellent public market, and a commodious town hall, with a fire hall adjoining. The census of 1871, fixed the population at 1610. The returns of 1881 give it as 2623, while at present it approaches 4000. The value of the real and personal property is probably not much less than $3,000,000, and land is rapidly increasing in worth. On every hand new buildings are springing up. We predict that within a very few years this important railroad centre, with its hundreds of trains arriving a departing daily, will become a flourishing city. A street railway has lately been constructed, connecting, connecting the town with Niagara Falls Village, and which will also be carried across the Suspension Bridge.

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Wesley Park

This park contains about two hundred acres; about fifty acres of it is covered with large natural trees of all varieties. It commands a good view of the river, and is becoming a popular camp meeting place. It was organized by the Rev. W. R. Osborne, whose home at the park has been opened for a missionary training school under the direction of Mrs. Osborne. The park is under the direction of the Niagara Falls International Camp Meeting Association, of which the present President is the Rev. J. R. Daniels. The park has only been organized for about three years, but it has already become a very popular resort, not only for picnic parties and the transient tourists who spend but a day or two at the Falls, but cottages have been built and are occupied during the summer season by people who live in cities, and who desire a healthy and attractive spot for a summer residence, which combines cheapness, healthfulness and desirable social and religious surroundings. The property is no held by stockholders, but is managed the same as a church, by a board of twenty-six trustees, one-half of whom are of the United States, and the others of Canada. Upwards of $25,000 have already been expended in beautifying the grounds and providing comfort for visitors.

Wesley Park Seminary, in connection with Wesley Park, a private institution for the elementary and classical education of young ladies has been in successful operation since Sept. 1886, Mrs. Irvine, principal.

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Churches and Religious Institutions

St. Andrew’s Church, Presbyterian, was built in 1856. It is a large red brick edifice. In fact it is very large, considering the size of the village when it was projected. Although the congregation was very small at the time, Mr. Zimmerman pointed out to them that the place would grow, and advocated the construction of a church of a size and style commensurate with what the town would be rather than with what the congregation at that time required. He generously agreed that whatever was the expense over and above the amount raised by the congregation he would pay himself. The unhappy accident which caused Mr. Zimmerman’s death occurred before the arrangement was carried out, and the congregation found themselves saddled with a debt of $4,500. The first pastor was the Rev. George Bell, who was inducted in 1857. He set himself industriously to work to clear the church debt, and eventually succeeded. Mr. Bell preached to the congregation for the long term of eighteen years. His successor was the Rev. Mr. Symmes, and eloquent preacher, whose find delivery of excellent sermons attached a large congregation every Sunday. He only remained a short time. The next pastor was the Rev. James Gordon, who filled the pulpit for about ten years. Since Mr. Gordon left the place, the pulpit has been filled by probationers. There is a comfortable manse in connection with the church.

The Methodist Church at Niagara Falls is a brick building 50 x 35. Before its erection services were conducted in a hall in the Ward block, a building erected by the late Mr. Zimmerman. In 1868 a church began to be talked of, and in 1869 it was erected, its principal promoters being Messrs. Uriah Bowen and Thomas Ward. The church was completed so that the dedicatory sermon was preached on the 17th February, 1870, by the Rev. William Morley Punshon, the celebrated English divine who was on a visit to America at that time. The church was up to 1874 connected with the Drummondville circuit, and two ministers at a time were sent by the conference to supply the various pulpits. Revds. J. G. Laird and Peter Ker were the first who officiated at Niagara Falls; Rev. John Mills was the next superintendent, and he had with him successively the Revds. W. J. Ford, Jas. Awde, and Jos. Oderly; the last year that the charge was part of a circuit the Rev. Thomas Stobbs was the pastor and the Rev. J. V. Smith was his assistant. Since 1875 the pastors have been as follows: 1875-6, Rev. J. E. Lancely; 1876-9, Rev. William Kettlewell; 1879-80, Rev. J. Robinson; 1880-2, Rev. R. Millyard; 1882-5, Rev. G. W. Calvert; 1885-6, Rev. F. A. Cassidy. The present pastor is Rev. J. H. Hazlewood. The congregation is larger than the church can conveniently accommodate, and a new one is contemplated.

Christ Church, Episcopalian, a handsome stone structure, was built in 1865. The Rev. Canon houstone, M. A., is the present rector. Sunday services are held at 11 a. m. and 7 p. m. Holy Communion is administered every first Sunday of the month at the mid-day service, and at eight o’clock on the third Sunday morning of every month.

The Baptists hold their meetings in the old Free Methodist Church. There is no regular pastor, but the pulpit is supplied by students from McMaster Hall, Toronto.

St. Patrick’s Church, R. C., was built about the year 1858. The first pastor was the Rev. Father Mulligan. He was succeeded by the Rev. Father Jewel. The Rev. Father Feehan is the present pastor. The church is in a flourishing condition, the congregation numbering about six hundred. It is under the jurisdiction of the Carmelite Fathers. There is in the town a Roman Catholic Separate School, taught by the Sisters of St. Joseph.

Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Loretto Academy, under the direction of the Ladies of Loretto, Niagara Falls, Ontario, established in 1861, was primarily a gift of Archbishop Lynch, of four acres of land, on which was an old wayside inn. An additional four acres were purchased in 1866, by the community. The old hotel has been removed to the rear and refitted as an outbuilding. On an elevated plateau, free from the spray produced from the Falls of Niagara, and in full view of the grand cataract and the rushing, foaming rapids above, has been built an institution for the education of young ladies, large in design, and beautiful in construction and finish. The portion already completed is one hundred and fifty feet in length, with a depth in the main building of fifty geet, and a wing of one hundred feet on the north end, extending to the rear. It is contemplated to extend the building one hundred and fifty feet in front, making the total length three hundred feet, with a wing on the south end similar to that on the north. When this is done, accommodations will be afforded for three hundred pupils in the institution. The building is three stories high, the ceilings are lofty, and the ventilation perfect. Nothing is omitted to insure the health of the inmates. The careful training of the pupils under a staff of ten teachers, controlled by a superior and assistant superior, is creditable to the institution. During the past year seventy young ladies have been instructed in all the branches of good education, including French, at a charge of $150, with board. An extra charge is made for lessons in music and painting. The institution is supplied with all the facilities for obtaining a superior education, and has a cabinet of natural curiosities, which, although not large, has choice and instructive selections. To ten lay sisters is assigned the care of the household work. The establishment was first under the control of Mother Joachim, from 1861 to 1864. The following nine years, from 1864 to 1873, Mother Regis was superior. Following her for nine years as head of the institution was Mother Patricia, with an interval of one year by Mother Evangelista. The present incumbent of the office of superior is Mother Eucharia, who was installed in 1883. The Michigan Central Railway has a station, “Falls View,” immediately in front of the Academy, affording communication to all parts of the country.

Carmelite Monastery. This institution was founded at the desire of the Most Rev. J. J. Lynch, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Toronto, by the Carmelite Fathers in the fall of the year 1875. Rev. Ignatius Beerhorst was the first superior. In October, 1876, he was succeeded by the Rev. Pius R. Mayer, who, enlarging the building, which had until then only served as a priest’s house, established a novitiate and seminary of the Carmelite Order, to which he admitted a number of young men desirous of becoming members of this venerable and ancient religious society. The Carmelite Order is the oldest religious society of the Catholic Church, and derives its name from Mt. Carmel, in Palestine, the first home of this monastic institute. The Catholic Church numbers among its illustrious saints and doctors many members of this order. The present superior, the Very Rev. A. J. Smits, who came to Niagara Falls in July, 1882, has erected the monastery into the mother-house of the Carmelite Order in Canada and the United States. Therefore the monastery is now the residence of the general superior of the American branch of this order, which possesses, besides the monastery, two houses in Kansas, two houses in Pennsylvania, and one in New Jersey. There are at the monastery at present twelve students of theology and philosophy, and seven lay brothers. The Roman Catholic Churches of Clifton, Niagara Falls South, and New Germany, are attended by the priests of the monastery. There are usually six or seven priests there. The brothers also culrivate a large tract of land, known as the Archbishops tract, and raise cattle and horses. The monastery is most beautifully situated on the very edge of the river bank immediately above the Horse-Shoe Falls, and back of Cedar Island. The view of the Falls and the Upper Canada Rapids from the verandah at the back of the monastery is also unequalled.

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Societies

Niagara Falls Lodge, I. O. O. F., No. 53, was started on the 20th April, 1869, with charter members as follows: H. and P. Bender, William McFaul, John Murray, Thos. McKee, and Robert Strachan. S. D. Warren is the present Noble Grand, and J. R. Campbell is Secretary. The lodge, which meets every Tuesday evening, has a membership at present of about one hundred.

Niagara Falls Encapment, I. O. O. F., No. 23, was instituted on the 5th August 1874. Its charter members were John Coulston, John Murray, John Bowen, F. and H. Bender, W. McFaul, C. and W. Larey, J. R. Perkham, and Thos. Welch. There are at present about forty-five members. J. R. Campbell is C. P., and J. McNiven R. S.

Dominion Council Chosen Friends, No. 1, was instituted November 24th 1881. The charter members were M. C. McFarlane, M. P. Skinner, John Coulson, T. K. Wynn, R. F. Carter, Geo. A. McMicking, John Robinson, J. L. Dinsmore, J. R. Lundy, A. F. Preuster, R. L. Biggar, John Neil, C. C. Cole, George Coulson, J. T. Jackson, George Phemister, George H. Clark, M. Henderson, George Cook, Wm. McHattie, George Miller, J. Dennis, John McHattie, Gilbert Campbell, M. Macdougall, Thos. Goodes, N. R. Heighton, D. M. Keeman, J. S. McQueen, W. Pearcey, Edward Carter, Thomas Ward, Samuel Tilby, J. Worthington, C. W. Tossell, John Bartle, J. R. Tripp, W. P. Buckley, Jas. Chambers, M. M. Buckley, Alex. Sinclair. The Council has a present membership of sixty-five. Wm. Hoshal is W. C., and George A. McMicking is Secretary. But two deaths have occurred in the Council. The meetins are held on the first and third Mondays of each month.

Clifton Lodge, No. 44, Ancient Order of United Workmen, meets every first and third Wednesday in the month, in the Oddfellowsè Room. Uriah Bowen is m. W., and W. Duncan Secretary.

Court Pride, A. O. F., No. 7138 was organized 22nd Jun, 1884, with about twenty-two charter members. The present Chief Ranger is H. Wismer; J. e. Anger is Secretary, The Court meets every alternate Monday.

Court Clifton, No. 220, I. O. f”, meets every alternate Friday in the month, Robert Lawrence is Secretary.

Canadian Order of Oddfellows meet every 2nd and 4th Monday in the month, in Jepsonès Block.

Knights of Labor meet every Thursday evening in Jepson’s Block; James Donald, Secretary.

Clifton Lodge, A. F. & A. M., No. 254, meets every Thursday evening on or before the full moon in each month in each mont. The lodge room I in Howard’s Block, and John Wills is the present W. M.

Princess Louise Council, No. 164, R. T. of T., was instituted 30th Nov., 1883, with about thirty charter members. The present membership is about forty. Meetings are held every Thursday evening in Ward’s Block.

Princess Louise Council, No. 6, R. T. of T., select, was organized Dec. 1st, 1879, with fifteen charter members. It now numbers about twenty-two members, and meets every second Friday of each month.

The Women’s Christian Temperance union meets every second Tuesday afternoon at half-past four, at the residence of Mr. H. Biggar. Miss M. Henderson is Secretary.

Niagara Falls Mechanics’ Institute was organized in 1868. The library at present contains about 2500 volumes. The town council have generously voted a grant of $300 annually for the past few years towards the support of the institute, and members are only charged the nominal fee of 25c. yearly. The library, with reading room in connection, is kept in the town hall, and is open every evening. Mr. J. H. Howard is President, and R. Law Secretary.

“Catholic Mutual Benefit Association.” Branch No. 18, of this Association, was organized by Past Grant Chancellor Clifford, of Niagara Falls, N. Y., in August, 1882, with sixteen charter members. With Mr. James Quillinan as President, assisted by a zealous staff of officers, the membership soon ran up to 80; and considering the population of the town, the Branch bears the reputation of being one of the best in the Dominion. The members have a commodious and well-furnished hall in Mr. Rampfield’s block, on Bridge Street, opposite the G. T. R. depot. The chief officers so far have been Mr. J. Quillinan, during 1882, 1883 and 1884; Mr. T. K. Wynn, in 1884, and Mr. John Fay in 1885 and 1887. Mr. Quillinan is also chairman of the Finance Committee for the Dominion, and District Deputy, having charge of all Branches east of Hamilton. The Association has paid out, since it was organized in this town, $10,000 to the widows, orphans or relatives of deceased brothers. The object of the Association is to provide for the dependents of deceased members, to assist one another, and promote “brotherly love, unity and affection” amongst those who belong to it. There are at present 58 branches in Canada, having a membership of 2,500, and it is growing very rapidly, as its ‘advantages are becoming better known. In the States the membership is about 15,000, spread over eleven different States.