September 28 – October 5: Compiled by Dave Humphrey from the archived newspapers held at the Cranbrook History Centre and Archives
How Ccpl. R. C. Brown died … September 1st, 1917 Mrs. Margaret Brown, Cranbrook, B. C. Dear Mrs. Brown:—I am very sorry to have to inform you of the death of your son, No. 116199, Cpl. Robinson Cyril Brown, of this Battalion.
He was engaged, with several others of his platoon, in a raid on the enemy trenches on the night of the 19-20th August. When the Lieut. in charge of his party had been wounded, your son immediately stepped into his place and took over the command, and after desperate fighting he, with the small party who were with him, cleared 200 yards of the enemy trench and attained the objective allotted to them. In doing so he was severely wounded, and was found by one of our search parties on the 20th and removed to our Aid Post.
While here he received the best medical attention possible before being removed to a hospital behind the lines.
I regret, however, that his wounds were serious, and that it was beyond human power to save his life.
It may be of interest to you to know that had he lived he would undoubtedly have received a Decoration for the very excellent work he did, for we are convinced that at least eleven of the enemy were killed and many more wounded by his party.
During the time he has been with us he always carried out his work with an optimism which had a very beneficial effect on all his comrades, and it is men of this type that we can ill afford to lose.
He was buried in a military cemetery in the vicinity of a historic battlefield, where a cross has been erected to his memory. Particulars of this Service, however, will be sent to you in detail by the Chaplain who conducted the Service.
His personal effects will be forwarded to you in due course through the Base, but it may be some time before they arrive in Cranbrook.
Permit me to extend to you, on behalf of all ranks of this Battalion, our sincere sympathy in the death of your noble son.
Yours sincerely, J. Allan, Lieut.-Colonel. O C, 7-2nd B attn. Canadian Infantry.
Flesh wound … Word has been received that Private Harvey Handley of the 2nd C. M. R’s has received a slight flesh wound in the arm. Harvey joined up with the Mounted Rifles early in the war but with his previous mining experience was transferred to the tunneling section, Royal Engineers.
Fort Steele News … Although last Saturday was the last day for the bars to remain open there was no excitement in Fort Steele; anyone who celebrated, did so quietly and no arrests were made. By Monday everybody settled down to 2 per cent.Swas the last day for the bars to remain open there was no excitement in Fort Steele; anyone who celebrated, did so quietly and no arrests were made. By Monday everybody settled down to 2 per cent.
Police notes … There was no rowdyism or disturbance on Saturday night last. Quite a number of people were in town to witness the last of the old order of things but everything went off without trouble. A few youthful imbibers, mostly from outside points, made a slight demonstration by shouting and “cat-calls” but on the whole everyone was happy and peaceful and inclined to treat the whole matter in a philosophical manner.
There were no Police Court cases on the Blotter Monday morning, nor has there been any so far this week.
On Monday the Police Commissioners and the Chief made a thorough inspection of all Hotels and Clubs, likewise an official visit was paid to Chinatown for the purpose of preventing or detecting any violation of the Prohibition Act. There are a few people who care to face from six to twelve months hard labor for the first offence against the provisions of this Act, therefore the Police anticipate little difficulty in enforcing the law. The Chief states that he will press for the full penalty of twelve months against any person convicted of selling liquor contrary to the Act.
Strul Rabinovitz, alias Charlie Smith, came up for trial before Judge Thompson on Monday last, the accused was found guilty and sentenced to eighteen months in Nelson Gaol. Rabinovitz had a bad police record, there being three previous convictions against him.
County court of East Kootenay … On Monday, before His Honor Judge Thompson, Russell Beeman was charged with two offences against a girl between the ages of fourteen and sixteen.
W. A. Nisbet appeared for the prosecution and G. J. Spreull for the defence.
At the preliminary trial the prisoner was only charged with the second offence and admitted it. This was corroboration as required by the code. The evidence however showed that previous offences had taken place and this proved the girl was not of previously chaste character. The prisoner was therefore acquitted on this charge for this reason. The prisoner was found not guilty of the first charge as there was no corroboration of the girl’s evidence.
His Honor in ordering the prisoner to be discharged stated that it was the worst case of which he had ever had experience either at the Bar or on the Bench and that the accused was undoubtedly guilty of the offences as charged but owing to the law as it now stood he was compelled to acquit the prisoner. It was a glaring instance of the need of the amendment of section 211 of the Criminal Code.
Died in England … A cable has been received by M. A. Beale announcing the death of Edward Elwell at Stratford-on-Avon, England on 30th September, from pneumonia.
Mr. Elwell was born in England in 1873. Coming to British Columbia in 1896 on a prospecting trip, he settled in Fort Steele and a year later accepted a position in the Government Office.
In 1899 he entered into a partnership with M. A. Beale in the Realty and Insurance business and was a member of the firm of Beale & Elwell at the time of his death.
He went to England in November, 1913 on a few months holiday trip to join his family, who had preceded him by a few months, and was arranging to return to Cranbrook in August, 1914 but upon the declaration of war he decided it was his duty to remain with his family, and entered the service of Lloyd’s Bank at Warwick.
Mr. Elwell was a member of the Masonic Order, a past master of Cranbrook Lodge and in 1909 he was the District Deputy Grand Master. He had an abiding faith in the future of the Cranbrook District and was ever ready to devote his energies towards the advancement of the city.
His sudden demise at the early age of 45 will be generally regretted and sympathy extended to his wife and two children and to his brother Archie, who resides in Cranbrook.
Mr. Pighin … Angus Pighin, Marysville’s most successful farmer was a visitor to Cranbrook on Saturday.
Mr. Pighin in a recent interview with the Herald man said his success as a farmer was mostly due to his fine herd of Shorthorn cattle; having sold to Joe Walkley of Cranbrook in the last month $1,000 worth of steers, “this a side issue,” his main income is from cream supplied to the Cranbrook Creamery which has for the last year, from 16 cows, averaged $80 a month; from these 16 cows Mr. Pighin has 16 fine calves born early in the spring and expects 7 more calves before new year from the same cows.
Mr. Pighin is full of praise for Mr. Amerman, Manager of the Creamery, and cannot understand why the farmers are missing the opportunity which the Creamery offers.
St. Marys lake … Hans C. Lund the popular proprietor of the St. Marys Lake outing camp, was in town on Friday. Mr. Lund intends to enlarge his camp for the 1918 rush and will in addition, build a dance pavilion which will be a great attraction for the dance loving public.
Notice to land owners … I have been conducting a publicity campaign in Southern Alberta during the last year, endeavoring to get the prairie farmers and cattlemen interested in grazing lands, etc., in East Kootenay. There is no demand for large tracts at present, but there are a number of people who are anxious to procure a piece of cheap land in the mountain district where the business, of raising livestock can be engaged in.
I am in a position to assist anyone in East Kootenay wishing to dispose of their land at a price that will justify its purchase for grazing purposes.—Address P. Lund, Box 188, Lethbridge, Alberta.
For sale … I will sell my property, The Maple Hall, with living accommodations which has bathroom attached and good cellar, cheap for cash or terms arranged. Apply to R. W. Edmondson, Cranbrook.
Rally Day … Rally Day was observed at The Methodist Church last Sunday when special features marked the services of the day and which were thoroughly enjoyed by the good companies that turned out.
The morning service was planned particularly for the children of whom there was a good attendance and when the pastor gave an object sermon upon guns which brought out some helpful advice and counsel to the boys and girls.
At this service Miss Ruth Simpson recited in a splendid manner a poem by Whittier entitled “The Angel of Patience.” A children’s choir rendered splendid service and Miss Lenore Little contributed a sweet little solo entitled “God’s Hand may be seen in the Dewdrop.”
The afternoon session of the school saw the building crowded and every item of the lengthy programme was good and enjoyed to the full. We would like to make personal mention of several numbers but space forbids.
The evening service was also participated in by the children who gave a good account of themselves. The pastor’s theme for the evening was “Neutrality in reference to Christian work and the inevitable opprobrium’s that attached thereto.”
There was a splendid success all through and a record offering was made by the school to be divided between Missions and The Department of Sunday Schools of The Methodist Church.
Cranbrook club to remain open … Owing to the Prohibition Act which came into force on 1st October, a general meeting of the members of the Cranbrook Club was held in the Club Rooms on Friday evening to discuss the advisability of continuing the Club.
After considerable discussion it was decided that the Club remain open at the discretion of the Executive Committee and that the President and Secretary of the Club arrange to discuss with the President and Secretary of the Cranbrook Board of Trade, the feasibility of continuing the institution as a commercial club.
Methodist church … The Rev. J. P. Westman, a former pastor of The Methodist Church of this city is billed to visit Cranbrook in company of Rev. A. Myers, Superintendent of Sunday Schools and Young People’s work of the Presbyterian Church.
Mr. Westman is field secretary for the same class of work for the Methodist Church in Alberta and British Columbia.
This joint visit is the initial visit under the cooperative system of several churches by which it is expected to accomplish a broader work and at less expense than formerly and without the overlapping that was inevitable under the denominational system.
These two gentlemen will visit Cranbrook on Thursday afternoon, October 11th, and will address a Sunday School Institute at which all the Sunday Schools of the city and district will be represented and to which all Sunday School workers are urged to come.
The Institute will be held in the Presbyterian School room and will commence with a supper which will be served by members of Baptist and Presbyterian Schools and will commence at 6.30 p.m. and the addresses and discussion will immediately follow.
Auditorium theatre takeover … Mr. E. Hardaker and Mr. M. Blackford, two wide awake and hustling young gentlemen of Lethbridge, have practically completed negotiations for the lease of the Auditorium Theatre on the 17th inst., when the present lease expires.
The new lessees contemplate making extensive repairs to the interior as well as exterior of the building in due time, but for the present the repairs will consist of a few alterations to the operating room, the painting of the front of the building in white and rearranging the heating system. It is their intention to spare no pains or expense to make the place as comfortable as possible for their patrons.
The new management will run moving pictures predominating with “Blue Bird Features” and book only the very best road shows available. No definite arrangements have yet been made as to the opening bill, but whether it be a moving picture or a road show the public may rest assured that it will be something out of the ordinary and well worthy of the undivided support of the theatre-going people of Cranbrook.
They have organized an orchestra of four or five pieces consisting of musicians who are artists on their respective instruments. The opening date and bill will be announced in due time.
