Some Reminiscences of old Victoria
BY EDGAR FAWCETT
Toronto William Briggs 1912
Copyright, Canada, 1912, by EDGAR FAWCETT.
TO Sir Richard McBride. K.C.M.G. PREMIER, NATIVE SON AND PIONEER THIS BOOK IS INSCRIBED BY HIS HUMBLE SERVANT THE AUTHOR.
To My Readers:—
A preface is, as I understand it, an explanation, and maybe an apology, for what follows. If such is the case, I must explain several things contained in these Reminiscences of Old Victoria and its pioneers. Had I not been laid aside with the typhoid some eight years ago, it is likely I should not have thought of writing down these early memories, but many know what convalescing after a sickness is—how one longs for something new, something to do. I was at this time at the seaside, and all at once decided to pass my time in writing. Seated comfortably on the beach with my writing pad, I commenced A British Boy’s Experiences in San Francisco in the Early Fifties, and so have continued on from time to time during the last eight years.
I have been much encouraged, by pioneers and friends, to gather the result of these pleasant labors together, and I feel I have succeeded in a very imperfect manner; but, dear reader, consider how little I should be expected to know of book-making; therefore take faults and omissions in the product of my labors cum bona venia , for there are sure to be many imperfections. There are repetitions of which I am aware, and have decided to let them stand, as I think they fit in in each case. Had I been a man of more leisure I should not have had to apologize for so many of these imperfections.
I have to thank Mrs. Macdonald, of Armadale, the venerable Bishop Cridge, and Alexander Wilson, for valuable information, and also Mr. Albert Maynard and Reverend A. E. Alston for many photographs to illustrate the book. We all know that a book in these days is nothing without pictures. There are others who have helped me in other ways who will accept my thanks.
With these explanatory remarks, and in fear and trembling, I submit the book to your favorable consideration.
Edgar Fawcett
---
PREFACE
A SHORT AUTOBIOGRAPHY
CONTENTS
ILLUSTRATIONS
SOME REMINISCENCES OF OLD VICTORIA
CHAPTER I.
CHAPTER II.
CHAPTER III.
CHAPTER IV.
Public Departments of Vancouver Island for 1860.
Official List for Vancouver Island.
The Legislature.
Victoria Fire Department.
ORGANIZATION OF COMPANIES.
H. M. S. Ships of the Pacific Station.
Consuls at Victoria.
Municipal.
Educational.
Police Department.
CHAPTER V.
CHAPTER VI.
CHAPTER VII.
CHAPTER VIII.
Killing of Capt. Jack.
CHAPTER IX.
The Pioneer Engines.
CHAPTER X.
Story of the Scientific Expedition.
Mr. Norman’s Letter.
Translation from Catalogue.
CHAPTER XI.
Mrs. Edwin Donald.
Hon. Wymond Hamley.
Hon. G. A. Walkem.
CHAPTER XII.
The Jubilee of St. John’s.
CHAPTER XIII.
Bishop Garrett.
CHAPTER XIV.
CHAPTER XV.
Naval Corner.
Roman Catholic Section.
Victoria’s First Cemetery.
CHAPTER XVI.
Some Reminiscences.
CHAPTER XVII.
CHAPTER XVIII.
CHAPTER XIX.
CHAPTER XX.
CHAPTER XXI.
CHAPTER XXII.
An Incident of the Mystic Spring.
CHAPTER XXIII.
CHAPTER XXIV.
CHAPTER XXV.
CHAPTER XXVI.
CHAPTER XXVII.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
"Did the Thoroughfare Once Run Through to The Harbor? A Question of Records.
"Neither Bastion Nor View.
"View or Bastion or Both?
"The Bridge to the Reserve.
CHAPTER XXIX.
"Pioneer Pensioned by the Department—One of the Oldest Residents of the City.
CHAPTER XXX.
"Application for Citizenship.
CHAPTER XXXI.
CHAPTER XXXII.
Craigflower School House.
CHAPTER XXXIII.
CHAPTER XXXIV.
THE ROSTER OF THE "FIFTY-EIGHTERS" IN THE PROVINCE.
CHAPTER XXXV.
CHAPTER XXXVI.
CHAPTER XXXVII.
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
Hudson Bay Days.
CHAPTER XXXIX.
CHAPTER XL.
Indian Burying Grounds.
CHAPTER XLI.
The Metropolitan Methodist Church.
Laying Corner-Stone.
Transcriber’s notes.
Corrections to original printed text: