1883-09-22oa

On Saturday, September 22, 1883, the last brick of the chimney at R. M. Wanzer’s new factory on Barton Street East, beside the Wentworth County Jail, was put in place.

“The chimney’s flue was five feet square all the way up. The entire height of the chimney was 126 ½ feet, not counting a 20 foot high stone base. An estimated 150,000 bricks were used in the construction of the chimney:

“Immediately upon completion, four brooms and the Union Jack were hoisted up, a broom being fixed in each corner, and the flag hoisted.

“The contractor, Mr. Hancock, then proceeded to climb up the iron ladder inside. He was followed by a Spectator reporter. After climbing about 40 step, the reporter began to feel tired, and putting his hand upon a step that felt a little loose, began to feel as if he would like to be at the bottom again, but others were coming up behind, and the only thing to do was go ahead.

“Up, up, 126 steps and the top is reached.”¹

¹ “The Last Brick : Of the Chimney of Wanzer’s New Factory Laid on Saturday”

Hamilton Spectator.    September 24, 1883.

When the party reached the top of the chimney, three cheers were given for R. M. Wanzer, “and the echo was caught up by people for blocks around and wafted onward.”¹

The party then retraced their steps downward and on reaching terra firma were invited by Mr. Wanzer to enter one of the adjoining buildings for a light meal.

Mr. Wanzer invited the contractor of the chimney, Mr. William Hancock, to say a few words. Mr. Hancock denied any credit for the successful completion of the structure, but said that every man who worked on the building, “from Pat, who mixed the mortar, to Hobbs, who laid the last brick.”¹

Mr. Hancock said that there was nothing to prevent the chimney being substantial and solid because Mr. Wanzer had told him to build a solid chimney, and to not worry about what it would cost.