1883-03-24rr

As the hints of warmer weather were getting stronger and stronger in late March, 1883, a reporter for the Spectator felt that the paper’s readers would appreciate an update on conditions at the portion of the city’s waterfront below Point Hill, Bay Street North:

“Now that the chilly winds of winter have flown and the soft breezes of spring try hard to persuade the ‘sick of winter’ people that it is time to throw off great coats and ulsters, jackets and fur-lined dormans and invest in clothing suitable for approaching summer, the sporting man begins to think it is time for him to throw up billiards and pool, swear off playing poker and set himself into condition for the season. He braces himself up and starts out to see what preparations are being made for the pleasure-boating season.”¹

¹ “The Boating Season : Preparations Are Being Made For Business and Pleasure”

Hamilton Spectator.  March  24, 1883.

The first place the reporter visited on his tour was Luke Thompson’s boat house, although approaching it was a challenge:

“Before he can get to it, he is obliged to wade through six inches of the muddiest muddy down the hill leading to the Grand Trunk Railway freight sheds.”¹

Mr. Thompson, when interviewed, expressed confidence about the prospects of the upcoming boating season:

“ ‘All that is wanted now,’ he said,’ is the bay clear of ice, and it won’t take long to clear it now. You see all around the shore, the ice is broken, and it is not very solid any place.’ ”¹

Down by Bastiens wharf, the reporter inspected the new quarters of the Leander Rowing Club which were still under construction:

“It is situated at the extreme end of Bastien’s wharf, with which it is connected by a gangway. It is to be a two-storey building, 55 x 35 feet. On the first floor will be the boat house proper. It will have eight racks for boats.

“In the front of the house will be two sliding doors, leading out to a wharf from which will extend a floating dock. A bath will be on or under the first floor. It is to be fitted out in the best manner with a sliding cage, which can be lowered and raised at the pleasure of the boater. This will afford the bathers the best means of having a good and safe bath.

“On the second floor will be the club room; a wide hall, gymnasium, dressing room, and a room for general purposes. The club room will occupy the front of the building and will be 35 x 20 feet. It is to be fitted up in fine style and will afford an admirable resort for the members . In front of this will be a verandah the entire length of the building.”¹