Scottish Community in Greenwood
BY: BG EDITOR
Gathering of Scotsmen
Apr 25, 2020 — GREENWOOD, BC (BG)
Like all of Canada, Greenwood, British Columbia enjoyed a great deal of benefit from the many persons of Scottish descent who came here to explore and develop the land. Their business acumen was second to none, and many a sweet deal was made in the Boundary mining district by shrewd Scotsmen.
In April 1901, a very eloquent presentation was made by a member of the Scottish community in Greenwood, speaking to his fellow Scots. We'll present his address at length later on, but this excerpt is a fitting representation of the Scotsman:
"Now, take the average typical Scot and you find predominant in his character — determination — courage, devotion to duty, with a dogged, persistent, wont-be-beaten sort of nature tacked on to these already mentioned qualities. Here we have the chief cause of the success of Scotsmen. All the world over, they have been conspicuous in fighting their country's battles, they have been the most aggressive, persistent and determined pioneers of civilisation; the greatest missionary and explorer the world ever knew was a Scotsman. Scotsmen have through all time filled high and honourable positions in the empire's service; and have been in the lead in the progress of the world. What can we attribute this success to, other than these traits of character, which are found in a greater or less degree in every Scotsman, and which we find have been handed down to us through the example of the patron saint of our country.
Let us hope the Scottish character will ever contain these qualities, and then we will always be able to make light of the merest suggestion of the decline of the nation."
Let us hope the Scottish character will ever contain these qualities, and then we will always be able to make light of the merest suggestion of the decline of the nation."
Our local history pages are full of anecdotes about the grand Scots culture they carried with them and proudly distributed in Greenwood, in the form of music, dance, poetry, colloquial wisdom, drink, general merriment, and of course, Haggis.
Today we begin a three-part feature on the Scottish presence in Greenwood. Scotland is a topic close to heart, given that this writer's mother blessed us with the family name, Cunningham. Our clan seat is near the south end of Loch Lomand, and a fine place it is. Many of the Cunninghams in my family tree share a love of music, so not surprising that the first Scots-themed feature I did here in Beautiful Greenwood was the 2017 article on the Scottish ballad, Annie Laurie. The song has had a long history in Greenwood, and I joined the Greenwood choir in singing it for Founders Day that year.
Among the earliest references to Scottish music we find in local historic papers is a story about mining recorder, William McMynn who, in a strong Scottish accent, serenaded a group of frustrated miners in his office with the tune, "Will Ye No' Com' Back Agin."[1] This, and many other Scot ballads enjoyed by early Greenwoodites will be included in the final segment of this series.
In early 1900, the Scottish residents of Greenwood and surrounding camps formalized their community by forming a Scottish fraternity — a branch of the St. Andrews Society.[2]
"Wednesday evening there was quite a gathering of the Scotchmen of the city at the B. C. hotel. The meeting was called for the purpose of forming a club. The name given the organization was the Calendonian and St. Andrews Society."
In 1900, one of the topics of great concern to local Scotsmen were the dangers faced by their brethren in South Africa, where they were fighting in the 2nd Boer War. The Greenwood Weekly Times offered a lengthy recounting of the war, picked up from the London Daily News, about how the Gordon Highlanders at Thaba N'Chu had avenged their comrades and beloved general, who fell at Magersfouitein.[3]
"Charge, Gordons! Charge!" and the dauntless Scotchmen rushed on at the head of his fiery few." The Boer's heart is a brave heart, and he who calls them cowards lies; but never before had they faced so grim a charge..."
Here at home, the local Scots kept up a steady offering of local entertainment in the Auditorium and other venues, where they presented local and hired troupes of singers, drummers, pipers and dancers. (We'll cover these in Part Three of the series.)
In early December 1900, the St. Andrews Society put on the first of many St. Andrew's Night celebrations. The feast day of Andrew the Apostle, patron saint of Scotland, is traditionally observed on November 30th. The banquet and program of entertainments each year is an interesting read, and shows us the character of the mellifluous Scotsman.[4]
SCOTSMEN CELBERATE
St. Andrew's Night by a Successful Banquet
"Thirty Scotsmen celebrated St. Andrew's night at the B. C. Hotel. Led by their venerable chief, Thos. Miller, they made a splendid charge on the abundance of good things provided by the caterer, E. R. Kerfoot, and the other good things from the cellars of Mine Hosts Hagan & Flannagan.
The struggle last until the "Saxth Roun', when with "Anither drappie tae haud a doon," the Scotsmen surrendered. The dinner was excellent particularly "The great chieftain o' the puddin race" — the Haggis. Headed by a piper, the like of whose music was seldom heard even on the heather, the noble band carrying out the traditions of other St. Andrew's nights, followed the Haggis three times round the table and then attacked it with all the energy that Scottish enthusiasm brought.
The toast list was of course headed by the "Queen and Royal Family," which was loyally drunk and followed by the National anthem. Then Chief Miller sang a Scottish song that reached the hearts of his clan. Chief McLaren proposed the "Army, Navy and Volunteers," to which W. W. Howe replied in an eloquent address, bubbling over with loyalty and patriotism.
Jas. Birnie proposed "The Land We Live In," and H. C. Shaw responded. W. A. Galliher, who came after the public meeting, was given a hearty Scottish welcome and he responded in an appropriate speech to the toast of "Parliament and Bar." "The Land o' Cakes" was proposed by H. B. Munroe, and Clan Anderson, represented by Rev. Mr. Anderson and Jas. Anderson of the Bank of B. N. A., represented the old land. "The Town of Greenwood," proposed by Jas. Kerr, with reply by Duncan Ross and kindred clubs brought the toast list to a close. J. P. Harlan responded in an eloquent speech to the toast of United States and sang a southern song in his usual excellent style.
During the evening the rich voice of C. Scott Galloway was heard more than once in Scottish song. Mr. Birnie, Mr. Hodge, Mr. McMillan, Mr. Kerr, and Mr. McMynn also contributed a large share of the evening's entertainment. "Deoch and Dorris"' and "Auld Lang Syne," brought a successful gathering to a close."
Great Chieftan O' the Puddin' Race
In November 1902, the Times offered this introduction to the members of St. Andrew's:[5]
"Once a month a dozen or more otherwise staid and sober men gather together for the purpose of recalling fond recollections of bonnie Scotland, cherishing Scotch sentiment and other things. It is difficult to understand why it is so easy for Scotsmen to enthuse over the little bit of barren land that forms the northern half of Great Britain, but wherever two or three Scotsmen are gathered together a St. Andrews Society is sure to be formed and the traditions, heroes, poets, statesmen — even, the dew of its heather and exploited.
They are a clannish lot too and only those through whose feet courses Scotch blood can enter the charmed circle. But once a year Scotsmen are at home to all tongues, kindreds, and nations of the earth. St. Andrew may be honored by all. The local Scotsmen intend to mystify the good people of Greenwood — at least those who have the courage to tackle the supper and listen to the strang language of the true Scot.
Ordinary edibles will not be recognized by extraordinary titles in the caird o' the guid things for who but a Scotsman would recognize in Roastit Bubbey Jock, the everyday turkey? Then there is a fearful, awsome dish without which a St. Andrew's dinner is never complete — the haggis. A dish which moves Scotsmen to exclaim "Great Chieftain o' the Puddin' Race served in Tam O'Shanter style." "I hae a drooth, an awful drooth, an' water daes nae guid."
They have another habit that brings pain and tribulation to the telegraph operator. As we said before they are a clannish lot and they want to be united on St. Andrew's day. Miss McQueen is Scotch and will probably bear it for Auld Lang Syne but just fancy J. C. Helem's feelings when he gets some thing like this from Scotsmen in New York to Scotsmen in Greenwood: A wheen Scots at the yett hae Haggis, some Glesca' magistrates an' a case of Baillie Nicol Jarvie to honor St. Andrew's Day. Here's tae ye. May your lums aye reek.
Notwithstanding these pecularities Scotsmen are good fellows. They are none the worse citizens because they once in a while break through their natural reserve and fraternize together. Indeed there are noble inspirations in Scottish history and Scottish literature that are bound to make her sons better and braver men.
Thank God the heart of Scotland
Yet is with her valiant past.
When freedom fronted tyranny
And dared death to the last."
The published program for the December 1902 Saint Andrews celebration makes us feel as though we were personally present at the event. Attendees enjoyed the usual long list of toasts and eloquent rejoinders, and a meal featuring the Chief puddin' surrounded by many a delightful sidedish.[6]
SAINT ANDREW'S
Successful Dinner Given on Saturday Evening
BY THE LOCAL SOCIETY
Large Attendance of Enthusiastic Scots and Friends
"Come sit ye down my cronie,
An gie us yer crack,
Let the win tak the care
O' this worl on its back
Our hearts to despondency
We ne'er wull permit.
We've aye been provided for
And sae wull we yet.
So sang the members of the Greenwood St. Andrew's Society at the fourth annual dinner [it appears to have been only the 3rd annual, the society having just been formed in Feb 1900] at the Imperial Hotel on Saturday evening. This philosophical view of life extended to their friends present and every one of the cosmopolitan crowd joined lustily in the refrain and seemed to enjoy the Haggis and other Scottish things as well as their more fortunate brother Scots.
It was a great dinner worthy of the great occasion. From the time President Gordon took the head of the table and asked the Chaplain Dr. McRae, wi' anmonition due to ask a blessin' to begin wi', until Auld Lang Syne was sung there was not a dull moment. The brother Scots and gentlemen went there expecting to enjoy themselves, and they were not disappointed. ...
The dinner itself was perfect. It was well cooked and well served. The Haggis was the greatest chieftain o' the puddin' race. It was brought in to the stirring notes of The Cock o' the North played with the proper spirit by piper McRae. The caird o' the guid things follows.
Saint Andrew's Night Menu — November 30, 1902
Caird o' the Guid Things
~ ~ ~ ~
The Chaplain, wi' Admonition Due, Will Ask a Blessin to Begin Wi'.
OYSTERS FRAE NEW YORK
SOUP
Cockyleekie
Curly Kail
FUSIL
Sawmon Bilt
Herrin', new drawn frae the Forth
(A snifter o' the "Bailie" tae gie's mair smeddum
SMA COORSES
Smooked Brerst o'Birds
Shrimp Patties wi' Mushrooms
Celery
Tomaties an' Coocumbers Choppit
HAGGIS
"Great Chieftain O' The Puddin' Race"
Served in Tam O'Shanter Style
Partan Salad
Sautit Mandies
ATHOL BROSE
"I hae a drouth, an awfu' drouth
an' water does na gutd."
ROASTIT
Ribs O' Hielan' Stot, wi' Carse o' Gowrie bree
Bubbly Jock wi' berry broo' an champit tatties
Flower Kail
Bash't Neeps
A wee drap o' the Auld Kirk
Het Mince Pies
Lemon Tairts
Puddin' wi' plums in tilt
Trimlin' Tam
Shakin' Frummie, rid an' yellow
Parls o' Aitcake
Short Bread, wi' Sweeties
A Kerbuck frae Maclaren o' Perth
Nuts
Black Coffee
Raisins
A wee drap o' Glenlivat tae keep a' down
~~~~~~~~~~~~
"We thank Thee for these mercies a'
Sae far ayont oor merits:
Let Mistress Graeme tak aff the plates,
And Pat bring ben the sperits."
The toast list began with the King which was loyally and enthusiastically drunk. This was followed by a song by L. B. Hodge. During evening James Kerr, C. Scott Galloway, James S. Birnie, A. M. Whiteside, A. G. Simpson, W. G. McMynn, W. W. Howe, F. Finucane, and others contributed to the evening's entertainment, Mr. Nichol playing the accompaniments.
…Lack of space precludes any extended reference to any of the several excellent speeches [and toasts] which were made. The Boundary District and the Mining Industry was proposed by Duncan Ross and Duncan Mcintosh and John L. Retallack of Kaslo. The former gave reasons for the faith that is in him in reference to the Boundary and the latter expressed his pleasure at having the opportunity to attend a St. Andrew's dinner in Greenwood. He spoke hopefully of the mining industry generally.
The City of Greenwood was proposed by Finlay Fraser and F. J. Finucane and Duncan Ross responded. Mr. Finucane told the Scots to have as much faith in Greenwood as they had in their native land and the City would be better for it. All that was needed to make the city and district was confidence and more united effort. …
As is customary the Society sent greetings to sister societies in all parts of the continent and received numerous well wishes over the wire from the Scots in various cities. Below are the messages and replies."
Messages
Greenwood, B. C, Nov. 29th 1902, St. Andrews Soc. Chicago and New York:
"Wer'e howkin' Gloryholes in haggis and rin'nin' Whushey frae oor smelters can ye hae mair? Here's tae ye. "
W. L. C. Gordon, Prest. St. Andrews Soc.
Greenwood, B. C, Nov. 29th 1902, Seattle, Wn., Spokane, Wn., Portland, Ore., San Francisco:
"We hae driftit on the haggis and struck a strange stream o' Whuskey, She's nae dry yet. here's tae ye. "
W. L. C. Gordon, Prest. St. Andrews Soc.
Greenwood, B. C, Nov. 29th 1902, Nelson and Victoria St. Andrews Soc.:
"Oor glory hole is a' in Haggis an' oor smelters' rinnin' whuskey, wat wad ye hae mair? Auld Scotland an, her sons forever. "
W. L. C. Gordon, Prest. St. Andrews Soc.
Greenwood, B. C, Nov. 29th 1902, Rossland and Vancouver:
"We hae sunken on the Haggis an' we're noo pumpin oot the whuskey; she's nae dry yet. sae here's tae ye. "
W. L. C. Gordon, Pres
And more well wishes to & from the length of Canada, New York and Chicago:
"Oor ore's low grade' but our whuskey' high grade, an' we hae plenty O'baith. Here's tae yere aitcake."
"Oor mines are na sma and oor whuskey's gay bra Oor fusheaters sin' a greetin' hame."
"Greetings to our Brother Scots on this St Andrews Day."
"May ye a be bricht and cantie the nicht."
"Sorry for yer low grade, but man, Mackie's a gran' cure Tak' care an' dinna droon the miller."
"Frternal greetin's Blythe, and merry be ye at inspiring bowl, John Barleycorn what dangers thou canst mak us scorn, but dinna forget your devotions."
"The Day and wha honor it, again we pledge the toast an' we'll drink with you once more as we've always done of yore to auld Scotland and the heroes she can boast. "
"Many thanks for yer kind greetings may ye be bright and cantie the nicht."
"Goodwill on earth to man this day be Scotia's prayer."
"We hoop that ye will hae a guid nicht o' it; but dinna virst yer wames we' haggis and whuskey. Think that ye may buy the joys owre dear remember Tam o'Shanter's mare."
1903's St. Andrew's celebration was no less grand than the year before it, with many a ballad sung. One of the tunes offered that night was "The Irish Immigrant". Said the Times:[7]
"It was a night of song. Possibly in no small city on the continent is there a stronger aggregation of Scottish singers than right here in Greenwood, and their numbers are increasing."
The annual banquet of the St. Andrew's Society was a great success, with "Good Dinner, Capital Speeches and Spirited Songs", and not a few rounds of heartfelt poetry:
Friendship mak's us a' mair happy,
Friendship gie's us a' delight,
Friendship consecrates the drappie,
Friendship brings us here tonight.
— BURNS.
The dinner invocation that night:
Some hae meet that canna' eat;
And some wad eat wha want it
But we hae meet an' we can eat,
An' sae the Lord be thankit.
The Haggis received its own grand introduction:
Fair fat your honest sonsie face,
Great chieftan o' the Puddin' race,
We'el art thou worthy o' a grace
As langs my airm.
As can well be imaged of a banquet hall full of festive Scotsmen, there were likely more than a handful of serious hangovers the day after. This story was told about the 'day after' enjoyed by a few men from Greenwood:[8]
"All this happened on Wednesday. Tuesday day and night was spent in getting to Rossland and Monday night — well, it was St. Andrew's nicht. The condition of the delegates on Wednesday night after haggis on Monday and C. P. R. on Tuesday can very well be imagined. It can be taken as a positive statement of fact that they were not in a proper frame of mind to appreciate Damon and Pythias as exemplified by Harold Nelson and his clever company. But a Rossland invitation is never refused and to the show the delegates went.
Harold Nelson is always good and no more eloquent tribute could be paid to his ability than that the Scotmen had no desire to quarter him that night. Scotsmen led by the Grigor of Rossland exercised their gifts of diplomacy and they had Mr. Nelson presiding at the piano while they sang Loch Lomond and other Scottish airs. The contrast between Damon and Pythias and the singing of the Scots was marked but the latter were saved by his good natured graciousness and Harold Nelson made a few more warm friends."
News coverage of St. Andrew's was sparse the following year. Perhaps the social page editor was one of those who'd ridden the train to Rossland, and the memories weren't grand… This report was filed on page 8:[9]
"St. Andrews day was celebrated by several festive ones — Scotchmen and others — in a season of good fellowship at the Imperial hotel in the evening."
Coverage of the St. Andrews Society in the Times tells us that the annual banquet in 1905 was held at the Kootenay Hotel, Duncan Ross presiding. The program was informal, but traditional:[10]
"The annual telegraphic greetings from kindred societies in Canada and Chicago were read and the good wishes of the local society were sent by wire, the Canadian Pacific Railway company courteously placing its wires at the service of the Scotchmen for the purpose."
We find no reports on the St. Andrews Society's festivities in 1906 or '07, except for this item in the Times:[11]
"A "hairty" Scot has handed us the following: November 30 is the anniversary of Scotland's patron saint, St. Andrew. As the Greenwood Society has always celebrated the event with a big spread, it is hoped they will not let this year pass without doing justice to that grand old Scottish saint."
(To be continued…)
FOOTNOTES:
[1] Boundary Creek Times — Sep 04, 1897, p. 9
https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/bcnewspapers/xboundarycr/items/1.0170730
[2] Greenwood Weekly Times — Feb 10, 1900, p. 3
https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/bcnewspapers/xboundarycr/items/1.0172712
[3] Greenwood Weekly Times — Jun 30, 1900, p. 3
https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/bcnewspapers/xboundarycr/items/1.0172797
[4] Greenwood Weekly Times — Dec 06, 1900, p. 1
https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/bcnewspapers/xboundarycr/items/1.0172839
[5] Boundary Creek Times — Nov 07, 1902, p. 5
https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/bcnewspapers/xboundarycr/items/1.0170824
[6] Boundary Creek Times — Dec 05, 1902, p. 2
https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/bcnewspapers/xboundarycr/items/1.0171176
[7] Boundary Creek Times — Dec 04, 1903, p. 1
https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/bcnewspapers/xboundarycr/items/1.0171001
[8] Boundary Creek Times — Dec 11, 1903, p 1
https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/bcnewspapers/xboundarycr/items/1.0171005
[9] Boundary Creek Times — Dec 02, 1904, p 8
https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/bcnewspapers/xboundarycr/items/1.0171028
[10] Boundary Creek Times — Dec 01, 1905, p. 2
https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/bcnewspapers/xboundarycr/items/1.0171927
[11] Boundary Creek Times — Nov 15, 1907, p. 3
https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/bcnewspapers/xboundarycr/items/1.0171673
"Wednesday evening there was quite a gathering of the Scotchmen of the city at the B. C. hotel. The meeting was called for the purpose of forming a club. The name given the organization was the Calendonian and St. Andrews Society."
"Charge, Gordons! Charge!" and the dauntless Scotchmen rushed on at the head of his fiery few." The Boer's heart is a brave heart, and he who calls them cowards lies; but never before had they faced so grim a charge..."
SCOTSMEN CELBERATE
St. Andrew's Night by a Successful Banquet "Thirty Scotsmen celebrated St. Andrew's night at the B. C. Hotel. Led by their venerable chief, Thos. Miller, they made a splendid charge on the abundance of good things provided by the caterer, E. R. Kerfoot, and the other good things from the cellars of Mine Hosts Hagan & Flannagan.
The struggle last until the "Saxth Roun', when with "Anither drappie tae haud a doon," the Scotsmen surrendered. The dinner was excellent particularly "The great chieftain o' the puddin race" — the Haggis. Headed by a piper, the like of whose music was seldom heard even on the heather, the noble band carrying out the traditions of other St. Andrew's nights, followed the Haggis three times round the table and then attacked it with all the energy that Scottish enthusiasm brought.
The toast list was of course headed by the "Queen and Royal Family," which was loyally drunk and followed by the National anthem. Then Chief Miller sang a Scottish song that reached the hearts of his clan. Chief McLaren proposed the "Army, Navy and Volunteers," to which W. W. Howe replied in an eloquent address, bubbling over with loyalty and patriotism.
Jas. Birnie proposed "The Land We Live In," and H. C. Shaw responded. W. A. Galliher, who came after the public meeting, was given a hearty Scottish welcome and he responded in an appropriate speech to the toast of "Parliament and Bar." "The Land o' Cakes" was proposed by H. B. Munroe, and Clan Anderson, represented by Rev. Mr. Anderson and Jas. Anderson of the Bank of B. N. A., represented the old land. "The Town of Greenwood," proposed by Jas. Kerr, with reply by Duncan Ross and kindred clubs brought the toast list to a close. J. P. Harlan responded in an eloquent speech to the toast of United States and sang a southern song in his usual excellent style.
During the evening the rich voice of C. Scott Galloway was heard more than once in Scottish song. Mr. Birnie, Mr. Hodge, Mr. McMillan, Mr. Kerr, and Mr. McMynn also contributed a large share of the evening's entertainment. "Deoch and Dorris"' and "Auld Lang Syne," brought a successful gathering to a close."
St. Andrew's Night by a Successful Banquet "Thirty Scotsmen celebrated St. Andrew's night at the B. C. Hotel. Led by their venerable chief, Thos. Miller, they made a splendid charge on the abundance of good things provided by the caterer, E. R. Kerfoot, and the other good things from the cellars of Mine Hosts Hagan & Flannagan.
The struggle last until the "Saxth Roun', when with "Anither drappie tae haud a doon," the Scotsmen surrendered. The dinner was excellent particularly "The great chieftain o' the puddin race" — the Haggis. Headed by a piper, the like of whose music was seldom heard even on the heather, the noble band carrying out the traditions of other St. Andrew's nights, followed the Haggis three times round the table and then attacked it with all the energy that Scottish enthusiasm brought.
The toast list was of course headed by the "Queen and Royal Family," which was loyally drunk and followed by the National anthem. Then Chief Miller sang a Scottish song that reached the hearts of his clan. Chief McLaren proposed the "Army, Navy and Volunteers," to which W. W. Howe replied in an eloquent address, bubbling over with loyalty and patriotism.
Jas. Birnie proposed "The Land We Live In," and H. C. Shaw responded. W. A. Galliher, who came after the public meeting, was given a hearty Scottish welcome and he responded in an appropriate speech to the toast of "Parliament and Bar." "The Land o' Cakes" was proposed by H. B. Munroe, and Clan Anderson, represented by Rev. Mr. Anderson and Jas. Anderson of the Bank of B. N. A., represented the old land. "The Town of Greenwood," proposed by Jas. Kerr, with reply by Duncan Ross and kindred clubs brought the toast list to a close. J. P. Harlan responded in an eloquent speech to the toast of United States and sang a southern song in his usual excellent style.
During the evening the rich voice of C. Scott Galloway was heard more than once in Scottish song. Mr. Birnie, Mr. Hodge, Mr. McMillan, Mr. Kerr, and Mr. McMynn also contributed a large share of the evening's entertainment. "Deoch and Dorris"' and "Auld Lang Syne," brought a successful gathering to a close."
Great Chieftan O' the Puddin' Race
"Once a month a dozen or more otherwise staid and sober men gather together for the purpose of recalling fond recollections of bonnie Scotland, cherishing Scotch sentiment and other things. It is difficult to understand why it is so easy for Scotsmen to enthuse over the little bit of barren land that forms the northern half of Great Britain, but wherever two or three Scotsmen are gathered together a St. Andrews Society is sure to be formed and the traditions, heroes, poets, statesmen — even, the dew of its heather and exploited.
They are a clannish lot too and only those through whose feet courses Scotch blood can enter the charmed circle. But once a year Scotsmen are at home to all tongues, kindreds, and nations of the earth. St. Andrew may be honored by all. The local Scotsmen intend to mystify the good people of Greenwood — at least those who have the courage to tackle the supper and listen to the strang language of the true Scot.
Ordinary edibles will not be recognized by extraordinary titles in the caird o' the guid things for who but a Scotsman would recognize in Roastit Bubbey Jock, the everyday turkey? Then there is a fearful, awsome dish without which a St. Andrew's dinner is never complete — the haggis. A dish which moves Scotsmen to exclaim "Great Chieftain o' the Puddin' Race served in Tam O'Shanter style." "I hae a drooth, an awful drooth, an' water daes nae guid."
They have another habit that brings pain and tribulation to the telegraph operator. As we said before they are a clannish lot and they want to be united on St. Andrew's day. Miss McQueen is Scotch and will probably bear it for Auld Lang Syne but just fancy J. C. Helem's feelings when he gets some thing like this from Scotsmen in New York to Scotsmen in Greenwood: A wheen Scots at the yett hae Haggis, some Glesca' magistrates an' a case of Baillie Nicol Jarvie to honor St. Andrew's Day. Here's tae ye. May your lums aye reek.
Notwithstanding these pecularities Scotsmen are good fellows. They are none the worse citizens because they once in a while break through their natural reserve and fraternize together. Indeed there are noble inspirations in Scottish history and Scottish literature that are bound to make her sons better and braver men.
Thank God the heart of Scotland
Yet is with her valiant past.
When freedom fronted tyranny
And dared death to the last."
They are a clannish lot too and only those through whose feet courses Scotch blood can enter the charmed circle. But once a year Scotsmen are at home to all tongues, kindreds, and nations of the earth. St. Andrew may be honored by all. The local Scotsmen intend to mystify the good people of Greenwood — at least those who have the courage to tackle the supper and listen to the strang language of the true Scot.
Ordinary edibles will not be recognized by extraordinary titles in the caird o' the guid things for who but a Scotsman would recognize in Roastit Bubbey Jock, the everyday turkey? Then there is a fearful, awsome dish without which a St. Andrew's dinner is never complete — the haggis. A dish which moves Scotsmen to exclaim "Great Chieftain o' the Puddin' Race served in Tam O'Shanter style." "I hae a drooth, an awful drooth, an' water daes nae guid."
They have another habit that brings pain and tribulation to the telegraph operator. As we said before they are a clannish lot and they want to be united on St. Andrew's day. Miss McQueen is Scotch and will probably bear it for Auld Lang Syne but just fancy J. C. Helem's feelings when he gets some thing like this from Scotsmen in New York to Scotsmen in Greenwood: A wheen Scots at the yett hae Haggis, some Glesca' magistrates an' a case of Baillie Nicol Jarvie to honor St. Andrew's Day. Here's tae ye. May your lums aye reek.
Notwithstanding these pecularities Scotsmen are good fellows. They are none the worse citizens because they once in a while break through their natural reserve and fraternize together. Indeed there are noble inspirations in Scottish history and Scottish literature that are bound to make her sons better and braver men.
Thank God the heart of Scotland
Yet is with her valiant past.
When freedom fronted tyranny
And dared death to the last."
SAINT ANDREW'S
Successful Dinner Given on Saturday Evening
BY THE LOCAL SOCIETY
Large Attendance of Enthusiastic Scots and Friends
"Come sit ye down my cronie,
An gie us yer crack,
Let the win tak the care
O' this worl on its back
Our hearts to despondency
We ne'er wull permit.
We've aye been provided for
And sae wull we yet.
So sang the members of the Greenwood St. Andrew's Society at the fourth annual dinner [it appears to have been only the 3rd annual, the society having just been formed in Feb 1900] at the Imperial Hotel on Saturday evening. This philosophical view of life extended to their friends present and every one of the cosmopolitan crowd joined lustily in the refrain and seemed to enjoy the Haggis and other Scottish things as well as their more fortunate brother Scots.
It was a great dinner worthy of the great occasion. From the time President Gordon took the head of the table and asked the Chaplain Dr. McRae, wi' anmonition due to ask a blessin' to begin wi', until Auld Lang Syne was sung there was not a dull moment. The brother Scots and gentlemen went there expecting to enjoy themselves, and they were not disappointed. ...
The dinner itself was perfect. It was well cooked and well served. The Haggis was the greatest chieftain o' the puddin' race. It was brought in to the stirring notes of The Cock o' the North played with the proper spirit by piper McRae. The caird o' the guid things follows.
Saint Andrew's Night Menu — November 30, 1902
The toast list began with the King which was loyally and enthusiastically drunk. This was followed by a song by L. B. Hodge. During evening James Kerr, C. Scott Galloway, James S. Birnie, A. M. Whiteside, A. G. Simpson, W. G. McMynn, W. W. Howe, F. Finucane, and others contributed to the evening's entertainment, Mr. Nichol playing the accompaniments.
…Lack of space precludes any extended reference to any of the several excellent speeches [and toasts] which were made. The Boundary District and the Mining Industry was proposed by Duncan Ross and Duncan Mcintosh and John L. Retallack of Kaslo. The former gave reasons for the faith that is in him in reference to the Boundary and the latter expressed his pleasure at having the opportunity to attend a St. Andrew's dinner in Greenwood. He spoke hopefully of the mining industry generally.
The City of Greenwood was proposed by Finlay Fraser and F. J. Finucane and Duncan Ross responded. Mr. Finucane told the Scots to have as much faith in Greenwood as they had in their native land and the City would be better for it. All that was needed to make the city and district was confidence and more united effort. …
As is customary the Society sent greetings to sister societies in all parts of the continent and received numerous well wishes over the wire from the Scots in various cities. Below are the messages and replies."
Successful Dinner Given on Saturday Evening
BY THE LOCAL SOCIETY
Large Attendance of Enthusiastic Scots and Friends
"Come sit ye down my cronie,
An gie us yer crack,
Let the win tak the care
O' this worl on its back
Our hearts to despondency
We ne'er wull permit.
We've aye been provided for
And sae wull we yet.
So sang the members of the Greenwood St. Andrew's Society at the fourth annual dinner [it appears to have been only the 3rd annual, the society having just been formed in Feb 1900] at the Imperial Hotel on Saturday evening. This philosophical view of life extended to their friends present and every one of the cosmopolitan crowd joined lustily in the refrain and seemed to enjoy the Haggis and other Scottish things as well as their more fortunate brother Scots.
It was a great dinner worthy of the great occasion. From the time President Gordon took the head of the table and asked the Chaplain Dr. McRae, wi' anmonition due to ask a blessin' to begin wi', until Auld Lang Syne was sung there was not a dull moment. The brother Scots and gentlemen went there expecting to enjoy themselves, and they were not disappointed. ...
The dinner itself was perfect. It was well cooked and well served. The Haggis was the greatest chieftain o' the puddin' race. It was brought in to the stirring notes of The Cock o' the North played with the proper spirit by piper McRae. The caird o' the guid things follows.
Saint Andrew's Night Menu — November 30, 1902
Caird o' the Guid Things
~ ~ ~ ~
The Chaplain, wi' Admonition Due, Will Ask a Blessin to Begin Wi'.
OYSTERS FRAE NEW YORK
SOUP
Cockyleekie
Curly Kail
FUSIL
Sawmon Bilt
Herrin', new drawn frae the Forth
(A snifter o' the "Bailie" tae gie's mair smeddum
SMA COORSES
Smooked Brerst o'Birds
Shrimp Patties wi' Mushrooms
Celery
Tomaties an' Coocumbers Choppit
HAGGIS
"Great Chieftain O' The Puddin' Race"
Served in Tam O'Shanter Style
Partan Salad
Sautit Mandies
ATHOL BROSE
"I hae a drouth, an awfu' drouth
an' water does na gutd."
ROASTIT
Ribs O' Hielan' Stot, wi' Carse o' Gowrie bree
Bubbly Jock wi' berry broo' an champit tatties
Flower Kail
Bash't Neeps
A wee drap o' the Auld Kirk
Het Mince Pies
Lemon Tairts
Puddin' wi' plums in tilt
Trimlin' Tam
Shakin' Frummie, rid an' yellow
Parls o' Aitcake
Short Bread, wi' Sweeties
A Kerbuck frae Maclaren o' Perth
Nuts
Black Coffee
Raisins
A wee drap o' Glenlivat tae keep a' down
~~~~~~~~~~~~
"We thank Thee for these mercies a'
Sae far ayont oor merits:
Let Mistress Graeme tak aff the plates,
And Pat bring ben the sperits."
The toast list began with the King which was loyally and enthusiastically drunk. This was followed by a song by L. B. Hodge. During evening James Kerr, C. Scott Galloway, James S. Birnie, A. M. Whiteside, A. G. Simpson, W. G. McMynn, W. W. Howe, F. Finucane, and others contributed to the evening's entertainment, Mr. Nichol playing the accompaniments.
…Lack of space precludes any extended reference to any of the several excellent speeches [and toasts] which were made. The Boundary District and the Mining Industry was proposed by Duncan Ross and Duncan Mcintosh and John L. Retallack of Kaslo. The former gave reasons for the faith that is in him in reference to the Boundary and the latter expressed his pleasure at having the opportunity to attend a St. Andrew's dinner in Greenwood. He spoke hopefully of the mining industry generally.
The City of Greenwood was proposed by Finlay Fraser and F. J. Finucane and Duncan Ross responded. Mr. Finucane told the Scots to have as much faith in Greenwood as they had in their native land and the City would be better for it. All that was needed to make the city and district was confidence and more united effort. …
As is customary the Society sent greetings to sister societies in all parts of the continent and received numerous well wishes over the wire from the Scots in various cities. Below are the messages and replies."
Messages
Greenwood, B. C, Nov. 29th 1902, St. Andrews Soc. Chicago and New York:
"Wer'e howkin' Gloryholes in haggis and rin'nin' Whushey frae oor smelters can ye hae mair? Here's tae ye. "
W. L. C. Gordon, Prest. St. Andrews Soc.
Greenwood, B. C, Nov. 29th 1902, Seattle, Wn., Spokane, Wn., Portland, Ore., San Francisco:
"We hae driftit on the haggis and struck a strange stream o' Whuskey, She's nae dry yet. here's tae ye. "
W. L. C. Gordon, Prest. St. Andrews Soc.
Greenwood, B. C, Nov. 29th 1902, Nelson and Victoria St. Andrews Soc.:
"Oor glory hole is a' in Haggis an' oor smelters' rinnin' whuskey, wat wad ye hae mair? Auld Scotland an, her sons forever. "
W. L. C. Gordon, Prest. St. Andrews Soc.
Greenwood, B. C, Nov. 29th 1902, Rossland and Vancouver:
"We hae sunken on the Haggis an' we're noo pumpin oot the whuskey; she's nae dry yet. sae here's tae ye. "
W. L. C. Gordon, Pres
And more well wishes to & from the length of Canada, New York and Chicago:
"Oor ore's low grade' but our whuskey' high grade, an' we hae plenty O'baith. Here's tae yere aitcake."
"Oor mines are na sma and oor whuskey's gay bra Oor fusheaters sin' a greetin' hame."
"Greetings to our Brother Scots on this St Andrews Day."
"May ye a be bricht and cantie the nicht."
"Sorry for yer low grade, but man, Mackie's a gran' cure Tak' care an' dinna droon the miller."
"Frternal greetin's Blythe, and merry be ye at inspiring bowl, John Barleycorn what dangers thou canst mak us scorn, but dinna forget your devotions."
"The Day and wha honor it, again we pledge the toast an' we'll drink with you once more as we've always done of yore to auld Scotland and the heroes she can boast. "
"Many thanks for yer kind greetings may ye be bright and cantie the nicht."
"Goodwill on earth to man this day be Scotia's prayer."
"We hoop that ye will hae a guid nicht o' it; but dinna virst yer wames we' haggis and whuskey. Think that ye may buy the joys owre dear remember Tam o'Shanter's mare."
Messages
"Oor mines are na sma and oor whuskey's gay bra Oor fusheaters sin' a greetin' hame."
"Greetings to our Brother Scots on this St Andrews Day."
"May ye a be bricht and cantie the nicht."
"Sorry for yer low grade, but man, Mackie's a gran' cure Tak' care an' dinna droon the miller."
"Frternal greetin's Blythe, and merry be ye at inspiring bowl, John Barleycorn what dangers thou canst mak us scorn, but dinna forget your devotions."
"The Day and wha honor it, again we pledge the toast an' we'll drink with you once more as we've always done of yore to auld Scotland and the heroes she can boast. "
"Many thanks for yer kind greetings may ye be bright and cantie the nicht."
"Goodwill on earth to man this day be Scotia's prayer."
"We hoop that ye will hae a guid nicht o' it; but dinna virst yer wames we' haggis and whuskey. Think that ye may buy the joys owre dear remember Tam o'Shanter's mare."
"It was a night of song. Possibly in no small city on the continent is there a stronger aggregation of Scottish singers than right here in Greenwood, and their numbers are increasing."
Friendship mak's us a' mair happy,
Friendship gie's us a' delight,
Friendship consecrates the drappie,
Friendship brings us here tonight.
— BURNS.
Friendship gie's us a' delight,
Friendship consecrates the drappie,
Friendship brings us here tonight.
— BURNS.
Some hae meet that canna' eat;
And some wad eat wha want it
But we hae meet an' we can eat,
An' sae the Lord be thankit.
And some wad eat wha want it
But we hae meet an' we can eat,
An' sae the Lord be thankit.
Fair fat your honest sonsie face,
Great chieftan o' the Puddin' race,
We'el art thou worthy o' a grace
As langs my airm.
Great chieftan o' the Puddin' race,
We'el art thou worthy o' a grace
As langs my airm.
"All this happened on Wednesday. Tuesday day and night was spent in getting to Rossland and Monday night — well, it was St. Andrew's nicht. The condition of the delegates on Wednesday night after haggis on Monday and C. P. R. on Tuesday can very well be imagined. It can be taken as a positive statement of fact that they were not in a proper frame of mind to appreciate Damon and Pythias as exemplified by Harold Nelson and his clever company. But a Rossland invitation is never refused and to the show the delegates went.
Harold Nelson is always good and no more eloquent tribute could be paid to his ability than that the Scotmen had no desire to quarter him that night. Scotsmen led by the Grigor of Rossland exercised their gifts of diplomacy and they had Mr. Nelson presiding at the piano while they sang Loch Lomond and other Scottish airs. The contrast between Damon and Pythias and the singing of the Scots was marked but the latter were saved by his good natured graciousness and Harold Nelson made a few more warm friends."
Harold Nelson is always good and no more eloquent tribute could be paid to his ability than that the Scotmen had no desire to quarter him that night. Scotsmen led by the Grigor of Rossland exercised their gifts of diplomacy and they had Mr. Nelson presiding at the piano while they sang Loch Lomond and other Scottish airs. The contrast between Damon and Pythias and the singing of the Scots was marked but the latter were saved by his good natured graciousness and Harold Nelson made a few more warm friends."
"St. Andrews day was celebrated by several festive ones — Scotchmen and others — in a season of good fellowship at the Imperial hotel in the evening."
"The annual telegraphic greetings from kindred societies in Canada and Chicago were read and the good wishes of the local society were sent by wire, the Canadian Pacific Railway company courteously placing its wires at the service of the Scotchmen for the purpose."
"A "hairty" Scot has handed us the following: November 30 is the anniversary of Scotland's patron saint, St. Andrew. As the Greenwood Society has always celebrated the event with a big spread, it is hoped they will not let this year pass without doing justice to that grand old Scottish saint."
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