1902 - Report on Dundurn

As the one anniversary of Dundurn having been opened as a public park, the Times sent a reporter out to describe Dundurn as it was in May 1902 :

 “The old historical spot known as Dundurn Park is more beautiful and attractive than ever this year. Since the Parks Board became guardians of the grounds quite a number of changes have been made; but on account of the Activity of the Wentworth Historical Society, the historical features of the place, for the most part, have been retained.¹

¹  “What Can Be Seen at Dundurn : The Animals in the Zoo and the Curios in the Museum There”

Hamilton Spectator.    May 10 1902.

The first thing to be mentioned by the Times man were the archway and cottage close to the York street side of the park:

 “The old archway, which was originally the entrance to the grounds while the late Sir Allan MacNab resided there, and the battery cottage situated a short distance behind the archway, have been repaired, or rather renewed this spring. The archway and the battery have a great historical significance as have other places about the property. Many, many years ago, there were four cannon at the battery – two pointing east and two south.”

The long rumored tunnel in the park was described in some detail:

“A feature of the park, not generally known, is a subterranean passage from the battery cottage to a point in the ravine about sixty yards west of the castle. On the side of the bank may be seen evidence of this fact. Some months ago, a number of school boys undertook to explore the underground tunnel, and they claimed that after going fifty or sixty yards they discovered an iron door which was closed tight, preventing the boys going further. While sewer pipes some time ago workmen struck a brick tunnel, which is undoubtedly the one running from the cottage to the bay.

“There is a strong feeling among members of the Historical Society that the underground passage, which is about a quarter of a mile long, should be explored and a full report made of it.. The entrance to it is only about twenty inches square, but those who have gone in report that the passage is five or six feet high.”

The reporter was generally very positive about the changes at Dundurn although concern was expressed as to a few things:

“Since last summer much has been done to beautify the park, although it is doubtful if many will admit that the changes made by the Parks Board will tend to popularize the park as a place of recreation for citizens. The idea of the Board seems to be to have something to look at. About 500 young trees have been put in along the line of the driveways, and any number of ‘Keep off the grass,’ and ‘No dogs allowed’ boards have been put up. In addition to those signs, wire fences have been erected to keep people off the sward.

“The old baseball diamond has been filled in and flower beds laid out. The hollow, which contained the old dancing pavilion has also been filled up. This is a spot which has a place in the hearts of many men and women, now fathers and mothers, who used to trip the light fantastic there to the music of a string band in years gone by.”

As for the grand Dundurn residence, it had been closed to the public in the first year of its ownership by the City of Hamilton. That was about to change:

“The museum in the pack has not been neglected, and one will note even more changes there than in the grounds. A great many donations have been received in the past year by Mrs. Fessenden, the curator,

“Among the many hundreds of beautiful things the writer noticed several odd rosary beads – one made from the hair of a Russian hermit. A magnificent ivory fan. Two pieces of Spanish pottery from Costa Rica, over 100 years old. A screen from the palace of Li Hung Chang in Pekin. A set of armor used 200 years ago, A Japanese plaque of porcelain, containing over 25 distinct faces, and many other articles fully as old and interesting as those mentioned.

“Mrs. Fessenden g hopes to have the museum ready for opening on May 24^th. Her efforts to make the place attractive are certainly praiseworthy. “¹

Finally the Times article contained a glowing account of the work done by the superintendent who had been hired to take care of the property, including the addition of a zoo on the Dundurn grounds:

“Mr. Samuel Weaver, who was caretaker at the park when it was owned by Senator McInnes, is superintendent, and to him great credit is due for the fine condition of the place at the present time. Mr. Weaver works from sunrise to sunset, and takes more than an ordinary interest in the park. In addition to his ordinary duties, he looks after the zoo, and it may be correctly said that he is gamekeeper and animal trainer. The birds and animals, when quartered in the old barns include : two old black bears, known as Pat and Joe. Two young black bears, bearing the cognomens Judge and Buller. Two wolves named George and Vanderclip. Two raccoons who answer to the names of hill and Crockett. Two wild geese. A golden eagle. Golden pheasants, silver pheasants, Chinese pheasants, squirrels, hawks, guinea pigs, guinea fowls, owls, crows and doves.

“All the animals and birds have wintered well and are in fine condition.”¹

 

The 24^th of May, 1902 was coming close and after reading the Times article, many Hamilton made plans to go to Dundurn and check out the changes that had been made there.