Memorials and Things of Fame – February 15, 2023

Researched and compiled by Lorie Pierce

lorie@qctonline.com

February 15, 1823 – The Quebec Gazette

Astronomy

      London – The astronomers in Europe appear to have been actively employed during the present year in observing the three comets, which were first discovered by M. Pons . … From the north to the south of Europe, the journals are filled with observations and calculations relative to these singular visitors of our system. Every principal observatory, from Prague to Milan, appeared to have directed its attention to [these] three objects.

February 14, 1898 – The Quebec Morning Chronicle

Could Not Buy the Mayor and Council

      A certain railway contractor who deceived himself into supposing that Quebec had a Mayor and City Council who would sell themselves for filthy lucre, has lost some money in consequence of his erroneous belief and gained some experience. The railway man felt so certain that it was hard cash that was wanted to get through the Council a by-law for authorizing an exchange of bonds with the Great Northern Railway that he deposited $12,000 with a banker, then doing business here, but not in Montreal. The money was for influencing the action of the Council.

      The game did not work, however, and then came demands for the return of the money. At first our friend the banker was unable to produce the cash. Then he offered $7,000 in settlement of the transaction, claiming that $3,000 had been paid out through a prominent political lawyer. This left $2,000 to be still accounted for, and when it was insisted that this must also be paid, he was met by the reply that unless the amount offered was accepted, an accusation would be laid against him for attempted bribery. This threat had the desired effect. The Mayor tells that an attempt was also made to influence him in the matter. He was in fact offered $10,000 as a retainer to act for a year as counsel. This offer was promptly rejected. The Mayor has been led, he says, to make this expose, not only on account of the strictures of the press upon the Council for its failure to assist the Great Northern Railway, but also because of the alleged action of certain parties in falsely declaring that His Worship had been influenced in his action by the Canadian Pacific Railway.

February 14, 1923 – The Quebec Chronicle

Ski Masquerade Was A Hummer

      The Quebec Ski Club’s Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball was held at the Club House on St. Foye Road last night and was a delightful social event from every point of view. “A howling success,” was the expressive manner in which one member described it as he recounted the pleasant evening he had spent. There were upwards of one hundred members in costume and so attractive was the varied attire of both the lady and male members that the judges had a difficult task in selecting the winners.

      The first prize for the most beautiful lady costume was awarded to Miss A. Hamel who was costumed as “Dolly Varden,” while Miss Hurley, who appeared as a work basket, was awarded the prize for most original costume. Aime Lamothe appeared as “Daniel Boone” and won the prize for most attractive costume. … The Blue Bird Jazz Band was in attendance and rendered an excellent programme of dance music.

      The Club’s programme for today will consist of jumping at Sandy Bank. … Public are advised to take cars to [the] end of Vimy Ave. Ski Jump a short distance north from end of line. … Points will be awarded for Style and Distance only.

 February 16, 1963 – The Quebec Chronicle-Telegraph

Don’t Care PQ Drivers Tot Up Grim Statistics

      Things got so bad on the TransCanada Highway between Montreal and Quebec City last spring that Roads Minister Bernard Pinard threatened to close it. The 200-mile stretch accounted for 16 deaths in three weekends. “If such a death rate were attributed to some contagious disease, people would scramble to get vaccinated,” said Prudentia, a safety organization. … But there are hopeful signs that the 1962 toll is just a hangover from the post-war era when enforcement didn’t keep up with increase in traffic. 

Editor’s note: Articles from the archives are reproduced with the original vocabulary, spelling and punctuation. Explanatory notes may be added.