150 years ago
February 17, 1876
The Cornwall Gazette says: “A year ago last summer some little excitement was caused in this neighbourhood by a report, oft repeated, that a strange water monster had been seen among the islands at the head of Lake St. Francis by Indians and others. Captain Smallman, of Dundee, reported that he had seen it several times near the entrance of Salmon River, but that on nearing it it invariably disappeared, causing a tumult in the water.. Some thought it was a huge serpent with a bushy crest, and others believed it was nothing more or less than a seal that had found its way up from the Lower St. Lawrence. … on Wednesday last, Dr Dickinson of Cornwall was hurriedly called to the riverside by young Mr Night to see some strange animals that were disporting on the icenear the foot of Cornwall Island. Dr. Dickenson procured a field-glass, and immediately came to the conclusion that the animals were genuine seals, enjoying the liberty which an air-hole in the ice had afforded them.”
125 years ago
February 14, 1901
HOWICK – A severe form of scarlet fever is very prevalent and some cases of diphtheria while influenza is prostrating whole families. In consequence of the numerous cases of children’s diseases the schools at English river and Norton creek have been closed.
100 years ago
February 11, 1926
BOTH ENDS AGAINST THE MIDDLE – One of the witnesses at a Royal Commission appointed to inquire into a case of alleged bribery in an election, stated that he had received $25 to vote Conservative, and in crossexamination it was elicited that he had also received $25 to vote Liberal. … “And for whom did you vote in the finish?” asked the astonished judge, throwing himself back in the chair. And the witness, with injured dignity in every line of his face, answered with great earnestness: I voted, my Lord, according to my conscience!” – Vancouver Province.
75 years ago
February 14, 1951
THIS MIGHT WELL BE THE FROZEN WASTES OF THE ARCTIC: No, you are not looking over the countryside of the North Pole, it is the result of the River Chateauguay on the rampage near Athelstan. The river overflowed its banks and then covered about 400 acres of farm land in the vicinity of George Boyce’s farm. … It was this that forced the Boyce family to evacuate their farm and with help they managed to rescue their stock, on Sunday.
50 years ago
February 11, 1976
WOULD YOU SAY that our January thaw is on its way – now that Feb. 11 has arrived? If so, and it arrives suddenly, beware of flooding conditions. We have plenty of snow ourselves… just imagine what there is in the hills around Chateaugay Lake where our Chateauguay River rises, to say nothing about the Trout River. AND – prenezgarde for the ‘flu bug’. He’s already around.