Reminiscences of An Old Boy, Wednesday April 2, 2003

Exploring archives is an intriguing way to discover Dundas history. Each document contributes uniquely to our understanding of the community's past. Within the Dundas Museum's archives is Bessie Moss' scrapbook.

Bessie faithfully saved every column of the two year, weekly series 'Reminiscences of an Old Boy' launched February 10, 1921 by the Dundas Star. The editor wrote by way of introduction: 'These letters will appear weekly in The Star for some time to come - just how long we cannot say, but they may be expected until their author suffers from writer's cramp or runs short of reminiscences…While the writer makes no claim to historical accuracy, he has been blessed with an excellent memory and the letters will be of much historical value, for they will place in a form which may be preserved many facts about the town's earlier days which are now only know to the older residents, and which occasionally form a most interesting topic of conversation when two or three of them are gathered together, and their stories of olden times are eagerly followed by those of a younger generation who may be present.'

Filled with colourful anecdotes, 'Reminiscences of an Old Boy' were a hit. This excerpt is dated June 9, 1921: 'And now for the town hall. What memories cluster around this old building, built in 1848, always and still the centre of our municipal life and the dispensing of justice, and for many years the place where all community social activities were carried on. In my day it served the purpose of opera house, ballroom, debating platform, political assemblies, amateur theatricals. Once a year we still gather there to nominate the men who shall rule over our civic affairs, and if the old walls could speak what tales they could tell.
… The building has undergone many changes. Intended originally to be used not only for the purposes I have mentioned, but as a market place, it was surrounded by a broad plank walk and on market days the farmers would back their vehicles to the walk and then dispose of their food products to the citizens. The lower floor was entirely given over for butcher stables, and for sale of farm produce… I remember the old horse 'Jack' which was used for delivery purposes, and when the bell rang 12 noon 'Jack' left for home up the Hamilton Hill with or without a driver.
…The entrance of the basement where the cells were was on the east side. This was also the entrance to a saloon, which was also in the basement, and until comparatively a recent period the word saloon was quite conspicuous, being painted on the wall of the building. I often wondered why they allowed a saloon to be established there, whether it was for the convenience of the town clerks and officials, the councilors or the farmers, perhaps all three.
…Just inside the entrance was the bell rope for fire alarm purposes, and hereby hangs a tale. I remember one night when the hall was crowded upstairs that chimney fire broke out in a nearby building. And while I was busy ringing the fire alarm and thus causing a panic, the constable of the day suddenly appeared and kicked me down stairs. I was pretty sore, but the panic was averted.'

The final column appeared March 1, 1923. 'In commencing this series I was not sure just how they might be received and how much appreciated, and therefore preferred to sign them merely as 'One of the Old Boys'. I guess it has become generally known who has been their author, so in concluding I may as well sign myself as usual. W.H. Moss.' William Moss was Dundas Reeve, and former mayor.

Daughter Bessie saved each column, later passing them to the Museum. We now are the fortunate younger generations eagerly following these stories of olden time.

website updated June 23, 2010
web site design by Virtualimage.ca Dundas