The Algonquin Hotel, Part 1

The Algonquin Hotel

St. Andrew Bay Pilot
Dec 6, 1888
“Thursday last Mr. D. McNichol, general passenger agent, and Mr. C. E. McPherson, Boston passenger agent of the Canada Pacific Railway arrived in town by train. They were met at the station by Mr. L. M. S. Horton, Manager of the St. Andrews Land Co., who invited them to be seated in a carriage in waiting, and drove them to the different points of interest in, and in the immediate vicinity of the town, including the site for the Algonquin hotel. The gentlemen expressed themselves as well pleased with all they saw, and of the facilities St. Andrews appeared to be possessed of, not only as a summer resort, but for that of a deep-sea terminus as well. The objective point of their visit was to see what arrangements can be made as to the running of trains next summer to and from St. Andrews in connection with the C. P. R. It is proposed to afford all possible facilities for the residents of Montreal and other Canadian cities to reach St. Andrews, to place it on as favorable footing in reference to rates, car accommodation and speed, as other points. The run from Montreal to St. Andrews will be made in less than twelve hours, the fare the same as to Orchard Beach or adjacent points thereto in Maine. The gentlemen were hospitably entertained at Kennedy’s hotel. They left town by special train at 8:00 p. m. en route for Saint John. “St. Andrews is all right.”

Pilot
Dec 6/1888
Corner stone of Algonquin laid. Copy of St. Telegraph containing description of construction of bldg placed in cavity along w Bay Pilot. See photocopy and below.

Laying the Corner Stone
Monday last the 3rd inst., the foundation stone of the ‘Algonquin’ hotel was laid by Miss Carrie B. Horton, the accomplished daughter of Mr. L. M. S. Horton, Manager of the St. Andrews Land Co., in presence of a number of gentlemen of St. Andrews, interested in the work. In the cavity prepared for the purpose, was deposited coin of the Dominion and of the United States; a copy of the St. John Telegraph containing a description of the building in the process of erection. We purpose at an early day to publish an engraving of the hotel as it will appear when completed together with a full description thereof and its surroundings.

Pilot
Dec 13/1888
Work on the A hotel is being vigorously pushed under the superintendence of Mr. Robert Stevenson, master carpenter. . . . Upwards of forty men are employed.

Pilot
Jan 3/1889
First picture of Algonquin. See photocopy. Desc. of hotel amenities.
See photocopy and below.

“We present to the subscribers and readers of the Bay Pilot, on this our 1st issue of the year 1889, an engraving of the Algonquin Hotel, now in process of construction in this town, which will be admitted by all to be a sightly structure. The name Algonquin is taken from that of the tribe of American Indians, who in the days of Columbus, and for hundreds of years before his time, were the owners of the land and roamed through the forest primeval in quest of game, and caught in the ever beautiful Passamaquoddy bay fish, with which then as now its waters abounded.
            The Algonquin was designed by Reed [sic] and Taylor, Architects, of Boston, Mass., U. S., upon the most approved methods of construction; it will be replete with every convenience and luxury now demanded by the summer tourists. It is located on the highest point in the town plot, at the north west end of the ridge on the western slope of which the town is built, and in the immediate vicinity of Fort Tipperary, and is one hundred and fifty feet above high water. From its piazzas’, three hundred and forty feet long by fourteen wide, and its windows, is had a magnificent view of Chamcook Mountain, St. Croix river, Passamaquoddy bay, the Bay of Fundy, and the group of islands known as the West Isles, which divide the waters of the two bays, outside of looms up Grand Manan [sic] and the Wolves. Immediately in the foreground nestles the dear old town of St. Andrews, embowered in leaf and flower, while the view from the windows and piazzas is surpassingly fine, that from the tower will be grand, embracing an area of at least 20 miles on every hand by land, and seaward bounded only by the horizon.
            The drainage from the Algonquin will be by carefully constructed sewers with a descent of 7 ½ percent directly into the sea 2000 feet distant.
            The house will be provided with an elevator, salt and fresh water baths, a laundry and other modern requisites, together with a spacious dining room, parlors, reception, waiting and billiard rooms, etc.
            The Algonquin is intended to be a hotel of the very highest class, basing its claims upon its equipment and management. Mr. F. A. Jones, the well-known and popular proprietor of the Hotel Dufferin, in St. John, will have the management of the Algonquin, he being the lessee. This in itself is a guarantee of success, for every one who knows Mr. Jones knows that he is well qualified for the position.”
            LIST OF THE STOCKHOLDERS IN THE ALGONQUIN, PUBLISHED IN THE ROYAL GAZETTE
            The capital stock is $50,000, in five hundred shares of $100 each. Already $80,000 has been subscribed by the people of New Brunswick, Maine and Massachusetts. Messrs. W. A. Murchie, of Calais, Robert S. Gardiner, of Newton, Mass., and Eugene F. Fay, of Brookline, Mass., are named as provisional directors. The incorporators are: William D. Forster, William E. Mallory, George D. Grimmer, Leonard B. Knight, Herbert Street, M. N. Cockburn, J Russell Bradford, James Scallan, G. Herbert Lamb, James Cummings, F. Howard Grimmer, J. D. Grimmer, Michael McMonagle, St Andrews.
            William A. Murchie, Albert H. Sawyer, E. B. Todd, Calais. Eugene F. Fay, Roscoe A. Cobb, Daniel B. Claflin, J. Emory Hoar, Brookline, Mass. Robert S. Gardiner, DWS Bell, Newton, Mass. Abraham Avery, George L. Connor, Boston, Mass. Charles F. Lord, C. F. Bragg, Bangor, Maine. J. B. Coyle, F. E. Boothby, Portland, Maine. F. B. Noyes, Stonington, Con.,
            G. B. Dunn, H. T. Frisbie, Walter Mansure, Aubrey M. Smith, Charles P. Allen, James Phair, Houlton and Presque Isle, Maine.
            Fred A. Jones, Jas Manchester, Morris Robinson, T. Barclay R Robinson, James Robertson, William Greig, John Kerr, E. Fisher, J. C. Robertson, J. F. Dookrill, W. H. Thorne, J. R. Stone, J. S. Harding, Thomas McAvity, George Robertson, William Wheeler, George, W. Ketchum, Robert, T. Clinch, J. D. Shafford, Louis Green, Charles Campbell, Thomas Clarke, St. John. M. J. Hogan, Fred P. Thomson, A. F. Randolph, Thomas Temple, W. T. Whitehead, John A. Edwards, Fredericton. Frederick M. Murchie, John, D. Bonners, W. C. H. Grimmer, Charles H. Clarke, John D. Chipman, Julius T. Whitlock, Henry E. Hill, Frank Todd, Henry F. Todd, Wm. F. Todd, St. Stephen.
            Jabez B. Snowball, Chatham, NB. A. Markham, Markhamville. Fred. H. Hals, Woodstock. William Douglas, Moore’s Mills. George T. Baskin, McAdam.

Pilot
Jan 10/1889
Work on the A is going with a rush. Should the weather prove favourable the roof will be covered this week. The rooms are all studded and in a few days will be lathed ready for plastering.

Windows and door frames at Algonquin being put in. Also wires for electric bells.

Pilot
Feb 23/1889
From Boston Post:
The syndicate of wealthy capitalists, numbering several well-known Bostonians, who have undertaken the development of St. Andrews, NB, the pretty little seaport of Passamaquoddy Bay, as a summer resort, have already spent $100,000 in beautifying and improving the place. They have erected a superb hotel, the Algonquin, containing eighty-seven rooms, with every modern convenience, at a cost of $60,000, and placed it in charge of Fred. A. Jones of the Dufferin Hotel, St. John, N. B., a widely known host. A public park has also been laid out at a cost of $15,000, and numerous cottages erected. [not true] The scheme comprehends the laying of water pipes and electric lights in the near future. Climate and scenery being all that could be desired, distance from, the New England capital seemed the only possible obstacle to overcome. This has been met as far as practicable by the Boston and Maine, Maine Central and New Brunswick railroads undertaking to run through trains in twelve hours from Boston to St. Andrews, at very low rates, on and after the 1st day of June next. The fine boats on the I. S. S. Co., also offer a pleasant and cheap means of access to this Mecca of summer tourists. Of course under the forcing power of all this Yankee activity and capital, town lots in the little Shiretown are ‘booming.’ Eligible building sites are at 300 percent premium over last spring. The inhabitants of the provinces are also rapidly awakening to the possibility of development enjoyed by St. Andrews when it becomes one of the termini of the C. P. R., as it will in June next. The new line from Mattawamkeag Junction to Sherbrooke P. Q., through northern Maine, will be by that time open for traffic, with a schedule of fourteen hours from Montreal to Passamaquoddy Bay. The knowledge of this may have induced Sir Donald Smith, vice-president C. P. R. and Sir Leonard Tilley, governor of NB, to invest, as they have, in building lots. This line, as now constructed, is practically the old route as projected before the construction of the Intercolonial railroad, but decided against by the British government for military reasons. The traffic of the C. C. R. is sure to suffer heavily by the completion of the new line. A steam yacht is being built to enable visitors to explore the islands of the bay in comfort. There will also be excellent facilities for dancing, lawn tennis and fishing, both for trout and land-locked salmon.”

Pilot
March 21/1889
Pilot Valedictory.
The Algonquin hotel, the engraving of which we republish by request, is fast approaching completion. It is safe to say that no enterprise in this town has ever been so energetically prosecuted as that of the erection of this large and sightly structure, excepting we might say that of the erection of Kennedy’s hotel. The outlook from the A is of the most charming description, presenting a panoramic view of beauty by flood and field, seldom equalled and less frequently excelled. From the eyrie on the tower which is at an elevation of 105 feet from the ground, and 255 feet above high water mark, one sees the town of Sa, lying in all its beauty, the eye takes in the public buildings, churches court house, marine hospital, etc., together with the leaf embowered cottages, dotted here and there within its limits, while immediately adjoining lies . . .”

[April 8/1889--Eugene Fay to B. R. Stevenson MS3-Z-199: “I enclose to you deed of Robert S. Gardiner to St. Andrews Land Co., of the Hotel lot. As I understand the matter, you have examined the title, and made it satisfactory to Mr. Gardiner. If so, it will be only necessary I suppose, for you to place this deed upon record without any further expense.  Mr. Gardiner hands us deed David Green to Thomas Hipwell, and Thomas Hipwell to Robert S. Gardiner. Also William H. Herbert to Robert S. Gardiner. Also a discharge mortgage, John Erskine to Robert Ker. Also a deed, Mathilda Street to Robert Ker. These are all the papers in connection with the matter that Mr. Gardiner has, and I presume you have others that you will think desirable to send me in order to make the old deed complete.”]

Beacon
May 9/1889
First Algonquin ad, first issue.
This new and magnificent summer resort Hotel will be open for the season of 1889, July 1st.
Electric bells, Passenger Elevator, Lighted by Gas, Telegraph Office, Steam Laundry,
Everything new and first-class
No ref to hay fever nor any in Kennedy ad.

Excursion to St. Andrews
One of Raymond's Celebrated Vacation Parties Coming to the Town
One of Raymond's vacation excursion parties it to make a grand tour of nineteen days through the Maritime Provinces this summer, including a comprehensive round of travel through New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Cape Breton Island, with visits to St. Andrews, Fredericton, St. John, the Annapolis valley, and other interesting points in NB and NS. The party will leave Boston Friday, July 12, and will return Tuesday July 30. The journey to and from the Provinces will be made in Pullman palace cars.
            It is only natural that on entering upon Canadian territory, the first place the excursionists would visit would be the 'summer port' of Canada--SA. As some of our readers may be interested in knowing what they have to say about St. Andrews and the attractions it has to offer, we make the following extract from the elegant and comprehensive programme which the promoters of the excursion have sent out:
"Six miles east of Vanceboro, at McAdam Junction, are the shops of the New Brunswick Railway. The tasteful office and residence of Mechanical Superintendent Haggerty are just above the station, and the grounds are laid out in semblance of the deck and prow of a steamship. Two handsome natives of the forest, in the form of a pair of deer, are encaged near Mr. Haggerty's office. At McAdam we turn southward on a branch line of railway in order to visit St. Andrews, NB, forty-two and a half miles from that point. The road thither is through a wooded and sparsely settled region, but before St. Andrews is reached the scenery assumes a very picturesque character. Several forest-bordered lakes are seen, the largest of which is Chamcook.  Upon the opposite side of the lake rises Chamcook Mountain, a graceful wooded elevation nearly 600 feet high, which forms a prominent feature in the landward outlook from Sa, being only five or six miles distant. St. Andrews is found to occupy a narrow point of land which juts out into fair Passamaquoddy Bay. On one side flows the St. Croix River, here two miles wide, with the Maine shore on its farther side; while in front are several large islands. Navy and Minister's Islands are near the shores of St. Andrews, the former on the west side and the latter on the east side of the town. It is claimed that over seventy-five miles of shore line can be plainly seen from the verandas of the new and elegant hotel, the Algonquin, which has recently been erected upon the highest land in the town, and which is to be our abiding place until Wednesday. St. Andrews has about 1,800 inhabitants, and was handsomely laid out with wide and regular streets a century ago. The rise of St. Stephen robbed St. Andrews of much of its early commercial importance, but it still remains one of the most charming health resorts on the Atlantic coast. Art has now supplemented nature in the provisions made for the comfort and pleasure of the visitor, the Algonquin being a model hotel, with all modern improvements. The outlook from its pleasant verandas is superb, a charming and far-reaching view being presented on every side. There is sea bathing at the shore, and hot and cold sea-water baths within the house. The landlord of the establishment is Mr. Fred A. Jones, who has been long and favourably known through his connection with the Hotel Dufferin, in St. John, NB. The land syndicate, who whose enterprise the public is indebted for the Algonquin, has already done much to adorn the town, in and near which it has extensive and valuable possessions. The point of land by the waterside, beyond the town, has been converted into a charming little park."

"Work on the Algonquin hotel and its surroundings is proceeding apace, although there would seem to be a good deal yet to be done. The upper floors are all completed with the exception of handing the doors and painting the woodwork. The main floor is in a very incomplete state, but a month more will make a wonderful change in it. The same may be said of the basement. Mr. Stevenson is pushing things as fast as he can, and thinks he will have no difficulty in having the building ready by the first of July or earlier. Mr. R. J. Green, of St. John, who built the stairways, is through with his part of the work, and has gone away. He had made a good job. Messrs. G. and E. Blake's plumbers are hurrying through with the plumbing, and expect to have it finished up inside of three weeks. The masons have completed their work. Painting will be begun on the outside of the building this week. The shingles will be oiled and stained and the roofs will be painted red. The effect, it is thought, will be very pleasing to the eye. Outside the hotel building, the grounds are being graded and under the superintendence of Mr. L. M. S. Horton. This branch of the work will scarcely be completed in time for the opening. At the head of Kitty's [sic] Cove, Mr. Capen the Boston engineer has bored to the depth of one hundred and twenty-five feet to find water for the purposes of the hotel. He has found considerable water, but hopes to get more by sinking the shaft a litter deeper.  Favourable progress is also being made on the sewer, which is to be laid from the hotel to the water front of the town." [the Kitty's Cove indicates that Armstrong is not from St. Andrews, nor has been here long]

[May 14/1888--Robert Gardiner to B. R. Stevenson MS3-Y-319: “Yours 11th rec’d. MY only object in having nominal consideration shown in “Hipwell” deed is to avoid “booming” the town lot prices until we close all such as Mr. Osburn is working on. The ? as such will be attained by not recording the deed now, although I presume everybody knows the price at which it was sold. It will therefore ? for the present of send Hipwell’s deed to me by mail (registered). The expenses I will hand you next time I see you.”]

Beacon
May 30/1889
We have received one of two hundred and fifty thousand copies of a pamphlet which has recently been published on St. Andrews by the Land Company. It is printed on a finely finished tone paper and is profusely and beautifully illustrated. The first page of the cover bears a splendid picture of the Algonquin hotel, as it will look on the first of July with its broad verandahs thronged with guests. Among the illustrations are Joe’s Point, Chamcook Lake, St. Andrews light-house, an arm of Passamaquoddy Bay, St. Andrews from For Tipperary, the river front, a view from Chamcook mountain, scenes in and near Indian park, Welsh Lake, the old block house and a variety of other charming pictures. The letter press is written in a romantic vein and describes very minutely the advantages and picturesque delights which have made St. Andrews so popular a summer resort. Mr. Holman D. Waldron, of Portland, Maine was the writer, we believe, and he has done his work well. These pamphlets are being circulated all over the North American continent.

Beacon
June 6/1889
"The twenty-eighth of June--the day in which the Algonquin hotel will open--will mark the beginning of a new era in the history of St. Andrews. On that day it may be fairly said that St. Andrews-by-the-sea enters upon its career as one of the leading summer resorts of the North Atlantic season. The event, we humbly venture to express, is an important one for this community, and one that deserves recognition at the hands of the residents in some way or other. First impressions, we know from experience, are very often the decisive ones. The first impressions which our visitors form of the town and of the people will undoubtedly go far towards determining their future visits, or their disposition to locate their summer homes here. For this reason, it behooves us to have the conditions under which our visitors arrive made as favourable as possible. The question of how this shall be done we leave to the good judgment of the people themselves. The major part of the guests who attend the opening of the Algonquin will arrive in St. Andrews on the afternoon of the 28th, and it is the intention of a great many of the, we are told, to remain over until after Sunday. Something should be done to make their stay as pleasant as possible."

"The formal opening of 'The Algonquin' hotel has been determined for Friday, June 28th, a reception being given from four to seven, p. m., and dancing from nine to twelve o'clock. Invitations to be present will be extended to the Governor General Lord Stanley, Members of the Dominion Cabinet, Governor Burleigh of Maine, Lieut. Gov. Tilley of NB, Lieut. Gov. Rogers of Quebec, Lieut. Gov. Campbell of Ontario, Lieut. Gov. McAllen of Nova Scotia, Lieut. Gov. Macdonald of P. E. I., with their official staffs, members of the Dominion and Provincial Parliaments, representing Charlotte County, the Mayors of Boston, Montreal, Toronto, Kingston, Ottawa, Quebec, Portland, Bangor, St. John, Halifax; Fredericton, St. Stephen, Calais, Eastport, Houlton and Woodstock, the principal local government officials, Railway and steamship officials, Officers and stockholders of the 'St. Andrews Land Co.' and 'Algonquin Hotel Co.', and representatives of the press of the leading cities. IN each case, 'and lady' is incorporated in the invitation, for without the fair sex, the opening would lack the éclat befitting the occasion. The steam yacht of the St. Andrews Land Co. will make its initial excursion trips on the opening day, so that the invited guests may not only absorb the beauties of St. Andrews by land, but view the situation from our majestic bay, and picturesque river.
            Work around the hotel is advancing very rapidly. The plumbers have completed their task and will have all the gas fixtures in by the latter part of the week. The representative of the Detroit Heating and Lighting Company has arrived and is getting the gasoline tank in position and making connections. It is expected that water connection will be completed before the present week is out. The elevator tanks are in place, and the elevator will be in working order in a day or two. The painters are also making fast headway. The exterior walls are being colored a terra cotta shade; the trimmings will be bronze green. The laundry will be ready in a few days. The approaches to the hotel are being nicely arranged, and before the opening day arrives will be well in shape."

Beacon
June 27/1889
"The Algonquin Hotel may now be said to be in a finished state, although much remains to be done in the next few days to arrange the interior furnishing and fit the hotel for the reception of guests. The locks, which caused so much delay, arrived from St. John on Saturday, and the carpenters worked all night getting them on the doors, so that the painters might finish up their work. The engine and the laundry machinery were in working order the first of the week, and underwent a satisfactory test. The ranges and cooking apparatus, which are rather an extensive arrangement, were finished up last week by Messrs. Emerson and Fisher's workmen. The cooking utensils have arrived and fill a small room. The silver-ware and the dishes are also in the building and are being unpacked. The chamber-ware likewise stands ready to put in its place. The furniture for the bedrooms is constantly arriving and is being stowed away as quickly as possible. On Monday, Manager Jones and his help arrived and they have been working like beavers to get the hotel into shape for the guests on Friday. Mr. Jones recognizes that the task is a formidable one, but he is bending all his energies to it and hopes to get through in time.
            Outside the hotel, Superintendent Horton has had a vast amount of work done during the past few days. The gravelling of the walks has been completed and the grading of the grounds about finished. It is expected that on opening day two flag staffs will be reared in the grounds, one bearing the Union Jack and the other the Stars and Stripes. The twin ranger bears have had a habitation fitted up for them alongside the hotel, and they will doubtless form a source of attraction.
            Of the eight hundred invitations sent out for the reception and opening ball on Friday, the acceptances have been very numerous, so that an immense number of people will have to be care for.
            Music for the season will be provide by Robinson's orchestra, of Houlton.
            Mr. E. B. Temple, of Boston, who put the electric apparatus in the Algonquin hotel, dropped down on business on Saturday last."

800 invitations sent out for grand opening

Beacon
July 4/1889
June 28 opening ball described. See photocopy and below
"Nobody could find fault with the sample of St. Andrews weather we had today before the strangers who came here on Friday last to attend the opening of our magnificent summer hotel. It was charming, perhaps a trifle warm for the townspeople, but for the visitors from outside, who had emerged from almost torrid heat, it was like the breath of Paradise.
            It was almost 2 o'clock in the afternoon before the whistle of the locomotive at Chamcook indicated the approach of the train bearing the visitors. All the livery stables turned out their conveyances, and everybody else who could get there at all, hustled down to the station. The platform was crowded, as one of the handsomest trains on the N. B. R. rolled into the siding and the passengers began to emerge from the cars. Amongst the first to alight was Lieut. Governor Tilley, who had come straight from the West, connecting with the St. Andrews train at McAdam. His honor looked a little jaded after his long journey, but a few days in the pure St. Andrews air served to recuperate him greatly. Governor E. C. Burleigh, of Maine and staff, consisting of sixteen persons, and Col. Henry M. Sprague; Adjutant-General of Augusta, Col. F. E. Boothby, of Portland, and Col. W. A. R. Boothby, of Waterville, were among the distinguished visitors to follow Sir Leonard. Among others on the station platform were Robert S. Gardiner, vice-president of the St. Andrews Land Company, and wife, of Newton Center, Mass.; Eugene F. Fay, and wife; W. B. Sears and wife; Roscoe A. Cobb and Nelson E. Weeks, and wives, of Brookline, Mass.; H. D. Waldron, of the Maine and central Railroad, Portland, Maine; Mayor McCollough of Calais; A. B. Chaffe, jr., agent of the C. P. R. Montreal; W. S. Taylor, Treasurer of the C. P. R., and wife, also of Montreal; Ald. Robertson and Miss Robertson, Ex-Mayor Thorne; Hon. David McLellan; Alex. Finley; R. Keltie Jones; J. R. Stone; W. S. Fisher, and Mrs. Fisher, of St. John; W. E. Wood, of the All Rail line; Jas. L. Thompson, manager of the Frontier Steamship Company of Calais; J. Stewart, superintendent of the N. B. R., and wife, of Woodstock; G. A. Haggerty, Mechanical Superintendent of the N. B. R.; H. T. Frisbee; John C. McIntyre; C. H. Pierce; W. Mauser and wife; and John C. Madrigan of Houlton, Maine; W. W. Waugh, proprietor of the Home Journal, Boston; E. H. Crosby, of the editorial staff of the Boston Post, and wife; Benj. F. Priest, of the editorial staff of the Boston Transcript; George H. Brennan, of the Boston Globe staff; Rueben Crooke, editor Boston Traveller; Frank H. Davis of Bangor, representing the Boston Herald and Bangor Whig and Courier; Revel P. Smith of the Bangor News; E. P. Boutelle, of the Bangor Whig; E. H. Dakin, of the Industrial Journal, Bangor; Theo. Cary, of the Aroostook Pioneer, Houlton; J. E. B. McCready, editor of the St. John Telegraph and John Bowes of the St. John Gazette, and Mrs. Bowes.
            As quickly as possible everybody was whisked . . . Manager Jones and Chief Clerk Nason were waiting with open doors to extend to them a welcome. The visitors were charmed with the appearance of the hotel and its surroundings while those who stopped to feast their eyes on the scenery in the neighborhood of the hotel, admitted that they had ever dreamt that St. Andrews was half so beautiful. Mr. Jones and his staff had done wonders in the few days that were left to them, so that, with the exception of a few omissions that were scarcely noticeable, everything was in apple-pie order. The internal and external decorations were pretty and attractive, Chinese lanterns and bannerettes were suspended about the spacious piazza, while from the cupola, surmounting the 'eagle's nest,' the Union Jack and the Stars and Stripes floated side by side. The interior ornamentation was almost wholly floral, and was very effectively arranged. In the hallway, at the bases of the corner pillars, pots of rare plants were disposed, while there was a profusion of cut flowers about the mantles in the parlors and many of the other rooms.
            Lunch was served soon after the arrival of the guests, about one hundred persons sitting down to a rich and elegant repast. . . . Following the lunch came the reception, which was quite a swell affair, and which was attended by a large number of persons. In addition to those who came by train, quite a large party was brought here by Mr. Todd's private yacht from St. Stephen, and an especially large number reached here from Eastport in the steamer "Nellie Kane." St. Andrews also supplied its quota. Lady Tilley formed one of the reception committee, the other ladies being Mrs. Fay, Mrs. Gardiner and Mrs. Jones . . . .
            The guests were received in the beautiful parlors of the hotel, after which they had an opportunity of inspecting the building and the grounds, and of viewing for themselves those external beauties of which St. Andrews possesses such an abundance. For the building and its arrangements nothing but praise was heard, while everybody was enchanted with the delightful prospect that was spread before them as they climbed up to the 'eagle's nest' and swept their eyes around them. Charming, lovely, delightful, sublime, magnificent, grand--these were a few of the adjectives that were used, and even these did not seem to be sufficiently expressive. Quite a number of visitors took advantage of the lovely afternoon to drive about the town and its suburbs and view at nearer range the beauties that had so charmed their eye and their senses from the hotel. It was the unanimous verdict that as a summer resort St. Andrews stands unrivalled, and that as such she is bound to occupy a front rank among the famous watering places of the north Atlantic. . . .
            In the evening the Algonquin looked even more beautiful than in daylight, the glancing lights from the windows, and the brilliant illuminations on the piazza making it resemble a palace of the fairies, instead of a building comprised of wood and brick and mortar. The scene in the interior of the building was equally dazzling--the rich and magnificent costumes of the ladies, the gay uniforms of the military, and the luxurious furnishings of the rooms forming a picture that one rarely has the pleasure of seeing. Lieutenant Governor Tilley and Lady Tilley were present, the former wearing the Cross of the Order of which he is such a distinguished and honorable member, suspended from a ribbon about his neck. Governor Burleigh of Maine, and his staff, brilliantly uniformed, and the officers from Camp St. Andrews . . . greatly enhanced the effect of the picture by their presence.

Beacon
July 11/1889
Gay St. Andrews
The Old Town Shaken from Centre to Circumference
"The Saint Andrews people have been sighing for excitement and they have got it. Never in its history has the old Shiretown experienced such a season of gayety as during the past fortnight. That there is truth in the old adage, 'it never rains but it pours' has once more been clearly demonstrated. The first event to break the monotony was the arrival of the military. Since then St. Andrews society has been all in a flutter of excitement. The second event of importance, which followed close upon the heels of the first, was the opening of the Algonquin hotel, and the ball which marked that auspicious occasion will not soon be forgotten. Two or three little dances since then have served to keep the wheels of society in motion. On Thursday evening last another important society event transpired, the echoes of which can still be distinctly heard at intervals. On account of the official character of the opening ball, many St. Andrews people who would otherwise have been invited were not present. To allay any feeling that his action might have occasioned, Manager Jones, in his goodness of heart, thought it would be nice to tender a complimentary dance to the St. Andrews people, and at the same time invite the military officers to participate.  As the soldiers had but a day or two to remain in camp, there was no time for any formal invitations to be distributed. Mr. Jones accordingly impressed a committee of young ladies into his service, and verbal invitations were extended to a number of persons. It was given out that the affair was to be of a purely informal character, but instead of that, it developed into one of the most brilliant society events that the town ahs ever witnessed. Between sixty and seventy couples assembled at the Algonquin to partake of Mr. Jones's hospitality. The majority of the ladies and the gentlemen, too, appeared in full dress. Low necked dresses, short sleeves and claw hammer collars predominated. Those people who had been deluded into the idea that the affair was to be altogether informal, and who had not come decked out in ball costume, felt considerably nettled, but as the evening wore on, and the exquisite music of the orchestra tempted them into the mazy dances, they forgot their grievances and were soon enjoying themselves like the rest."

Beacon
July 18/1889
Beautiful St. Andrews
A Boston Journalist’s Description of us and our New Hotel
The course of the summer resort travels is one of constant change and ever widening circumference. It is but comparatively few years since the fashion of a changer of residence, became universal, and yet today there is no one, from the clerk up to the possessor of many estates, who some time during the summer does not feel as if it were a duty which he owned to health an custom to visit some place, which either natural beauty, wonderful air, or the expenditure of money, or the patronage of some celebrity, has made fashionable or notorious. Annually the growth of this custom has stretched its limits and gradually it has taken in one place after another. It is but a few years ago that Mount Desert was the utmost limit of the summer traveller, and when a visitor there was assured of plenty of room and freedom from a crowd, and exemption from the trammels of society. All that is past now. Fashion has reached that resort, and wealth and its allies have made life there very gay. Still the summer travellers kept ahead of fashion, and at last it reached the very jumping off place of the United States. This did not in the least deter them, and then this year the summer resort accommodations of this country have leaped the boundary line and taken up a place on the New Brunswick side of the line.
            The scenic beauty of this part of the country, and the quaint old country atmosphere have long been vaguely known to the eastern people, but he fact that it was hard to get there the comforts which are indispensable to us as a race have kept Americans from invading the region in any great numbers, but since a hotel company in which many Boston men have an interest have taken possession of one of the prettiest sites in the provinces and have built a first-class hotel there, the country bids fair to be at no late day well reconnoitred by us—and it will repay the trouble.
            St. Andrews is situated on a narrow point of land extending southward into the Passamaquoddy Bay, about twelve miles north of Eastport. Though on the New Brunswick side it is due north from the coast of Maine, and despite the nearness of the American boundary, the country, the people, and the town itself have a distinctly foreign air. Not only is the place picturesque in its surroundings, having a water view of great extent—no less than seventy give mils of coast being in sight—with the mountains of Maine on the one hand, and of NB on the other; bordering the vision on either side, it has a favor of romance about it, and is the ruins of a once lively shipping port now passed into a dream. The little town, which is on the extreme point of the narrow peninsula, has about seventeen hundred inhabitants, and is almost tree-embowered. The oldest inhabitant still tells tales of the days of his youth when its harbor was crowded with merchantmen, which lay so closely alongside of one another that one could walk from the lower end of the town to Joe’s point at the other on the decks of the vessels, stepping from one to the other. All this if it be true, is long gone by, and only a few decaying hulls, or pleasure craft and fishing boats are seen at its docks. The town, though dilapidated, is still attractive. It is doubly so, as the simple inhabitants are all fond of flowers, and as you walk its quaint streets you will see everywhere, even in the humble houses, pots of flowering plants. The town, which was an early French settlement, was named for a priest, Saint Andre, who first planted the cross of the Jesuits on that shore, and played an active part in the struggle between the French and English for the possession of the provinces. Above the town the land rises in natural terraces. This rise is so gradual that one can climb to the height of one hundred and fifty feet and hardly be aware of it until one looks back and sees the magnificent bay spread before one, and the town hidden in the trees at one’s feet. The point from which the best view is obtained is known as Fort Hill, and was selected as the site of the big hotel which has just been completed and named the Algonquin.
            Though we have driven the Indian from our soil, yet he still remains to remind us of his once free sway by the names which have remained behind him on the bosoms of our lakes and rivers, and hills, and of our free will we are constantly adding a reminder on our own account of naming a house or a club by some such name as has been given to this. The Algonquin has a view which can hardly be surpassed on the coast. Below is the town—so far distant that it but adds to the view, and its picturesqueness alone is visible. From every point of the compass one sees the water and beyond on three sides the view is guarded by the eternal Hills. Five hundred yards away is Fort Tipperary—now deserted and almost dismantle, though useless guns still mount guard on its grass-grown battlements, behind whose earth works no longer ago than 1866, during the Fenian troubles, the British regulars marched and countermarched to the sound of the drum and the fife, whose martial strains bade the residents of the odd little town, “have no fear.” Previous to that the only memorable time when the fort has been manned was during he “Trent Affair.”
            The new hotel which crowns this eminence is a structure in the old English style of architecture, and is liberally piazzaed, gabled, and turreted. It was built by the Algonquin land Company from plans by Rand and Taylor, and in a manner which in every way meets the requirements of this convenience-loving age. It has three hundred and fifty feet of piazza, and from them one can see Passamaquoddy Bay, Chamcook mountain, which guards the way at the north, the St. Croix river, the Bay of Fundy, whose famous fogs do not cross to this shore, and the picturesque, rock-bound and mountain-guarded shore of Maine. The scenery, which grows on one, is of itself enough to make the place popular; while its air, which is said to be a sure cure for insomnia, is so restful that tired nerves at once improve under its tonic. The surrounding country is most interesting. The drives are magnificent. The roads are made of the stone which comprises the shore, and which is a kind of cross between sandstone and slate. It is of the color of sandstone, and makes roads as hard as rock; while its porous quality and solidity are of a nature which makes neither mud nor dust. On rainy days the water runs right through it, and the surface is barely wet; on dry days not a speck of dust rises from it. . . . The extreme end of the peninsula is Indian Point, where, in the year 1770, Col. Church landed with his force to revenge the sacking of Deerfield, Conn. This point was a pretty bit of natural beauty, but upon it has already been spent thousands of dollars by the land company who have made of it a beautiful park. There are ten acres of land, on the extreme point which was given to the company by the town on condition that a certain amount of money would be spent on it, and the park deeded back to the town. A boulevard has been built around it at the water's edge, and serpentine walks thread their way under the shade of pine trees with whose health-giving balsam the air is redolent. An artificial lake, which is large and contains several islands, has been built, and about the park there are already surveyed a number of cottage sites.
            The Boston contingent are all very enthusiastic about the place, and there is no question but that the fact that it is across the borders, where they use the English stamp, and pounds, shillings, and pence, hold sway, and where the custom house is the gate-way, giving the flavour of foreign travel, will aid the real attraction of the place to popularity. The All-Rail line to St. Andrews is in every way a delightful trip. The train leaves Boston at eight o'clock in the morning and proceeds via the Boston and Maine and Maine Central roads, reaching St. Andrews at 9:10 on the evening of the day. The scenery, especially at the latter part of the trip, is delightful, while the service of the road is such as to enable one to make the journey with perfect pleasure and comfort.

Algonquin Gossip
News and Notes About the Summer Tourists
" . . . The 'permanents' at the Algonquin are increasing day by day. There are now considerably over one hundred permanent guests on the list, among them being Sir Leonard Tilley, Lady Tilley and family; . . . C. R. Hosmer . . ."

Yachting, deep-sea fishing, driving, bathing, tennis playing dancing--are among the pleasures that are daily engaged in by the guests.

Last Week's Visitors
Algonquin
Boston--largest section--about 25
Springfield, Mass.
Philadelphia
St. John
St. Stephen
Calais
New York
Montreal
Milltown
Hartford, Newbury
Southbridge
St. Paul
Toronto (all these about 4 to 5)

Beacon
Aug 22/1889
Sea-Side Gossip
Random Remarks About Our Summer Pleasure-Seekers
" . . . What peculiar property is there is St. Andrews air, or St. Andrews fare, which produces so much bad verse? Here is a sample, penned by a drummer who came here this summer:
Of many places I have seen
There's none excels the Algonquin
And those whose wanderings bring them here
Will get their fill of great good cheer;
Peace of mind and ease of body,
Can be obtained of Passamaquoddy.
The bracing air, the sea-girt shore,
And tables loaded with good things galore,
'Twere surely unkind to wish for more.
And when the summer's past and gone,
And again we are back in our city home,
We will look back with longing on St. Andrews town,
And sign for past pleasures which so quickly have flown.

Here's another rhyme, but there is method in this poet's madness:

St. Andrews is not foggy,
Though they sometimes have some fog,
St. Andrews is not groggy,
Though they take a little grog.
St. Andrews is not funny,
Though they often have some fun,
St. Andrews is not sunny,
Though I've often seen the sun.
But--Algonquin beds are easy,
Algonquin dinners good,
And the scenery so charming,
I'd not grumble if I could.

. . . The past week has been a whirl of excitement at the Algonquin. Each successive week appears to be gayer than the last.

Sir John MacDonald
The Conservative Chieftain and His Lady Visit St. Andrews
St. Andrews has been all agog the past week over Sir John and Lady MacDonald, who arrived here by special train from River du Loup, on Friday last. [this would have been Aug. 16] It had been known for several days previous that the Conservative chieftain was coming, but out of respect to his wishes, his advent was kept as quiet as possible, lest a horde of office and favor seekers should swoop down upon him and disturb the serenity of his repose. Sir John was met at Edmunston by Mr. Cram, General Manager of the NBR, who accompanied him to St. Andrews. On the arrival of the party here they were at once driven to the Algonquin, where Mr. Jones had rooms in readiness for them. As Sir John entered the corridor of the hotel, the orchestra played an overture--"The Red, White and Blue"--in his honor. He spent a very quiet evening, in the company of Sir Leonard Tilley and Lady Tilley, whose guest he was.
            On Saturday morning, Sir John and Lady MacDonald loitered about the hotel piazza, enjoying the beautiful scenery, and drinking in the pure, health-giving air, for which St. Andrews is so famous. It was generally remarked that both the Premier and his partner appeared to be in the best of health. In the afternoon Sir John had a drive with Sir Leonard, and in the evening he was present at the Algonquin hop. The hotel was brilliantly illuminated with Chinese lanterns in his honor, and a number of fireworks were sent off, all of which, he, no doubt, appreciated. Sunday, he went to church, like all good Christians, should, whether at home or abroad, and on Monday morning he was in excellent trim for a trip to Campobello in the fishery cruiser "Dream." He was accompanied on this trip by Sir John Leonard and Lady Tilley, Sir Somers Vine, of London, and Mr. Leonard Tilley. The party lunched at the Tyn-y-coed, and got back to town at a respectable hour. Sir John retired early on Monday night, so as to prepare himself for the return journey to River du Loup, which he took on the morrow. The premier and his party started off in the morning in a special train, a few minutes ahead of the regular express. Conductor Fred. McLellan, one of the trustiest and best-looking of the B. B. R. conductors, was in charge of Sir John's train, and deposited the premier safely at Edmunston. Harry Saunders drove the locomotive through. Sir Leonard Tilley and family went with Sir John. They propose to stop at River du Loup for a brief spell, and then go down to Dalhousie.

St. Croix Courier
Sept 12/1889
The Algonquin hotel, after a very successful season, closes on Saturday next. A large party of excursionists from Saint John arrived on Saturday last and returned home on Monday. A brilliant display of fireworks was exhibited at the Algonquin in the evening in honor of their visit. Since opening, the number of visitors registered at the hotel amounted to about fifteen hundred. Manager Jones is authority for the statement that the building of the proposed annex to the hotel will be begun in about two weeks.
            The inhabitants of the town are about to take steps to have the town supplied with water from artesian wells, the system to be owned and managed by the town, as soon as it shall be incorporated. The project is said to be feasible and the cost very moderate.

Beacon
Sept 19/1889
Summer Season Summarily Suspended
The Algonquin Hotel doors locked for Nine Long Months
The Algonquin is closed. On Tuesday last, Mr. Jones swung to the great front doors of the big summer caravansary, turned the key in the lock and departed for St. John, leaving the house to the mice and the rats, and the autumn breezes, which whistle mournfully around its broad piazza and deserted lawn, as if sighing for those merry spirits which have departed it.
            We shall miss Mr. Jones's bright and cheery presence: we shall miss the tuneful strains of the orchestra; we shall miss the jolly maidens who made the house ring with their merry laughter, and the parlor floor tremble with their nimble feet, as they tripped through quadrille, and germain, and waltz; we shall miss the youth with flannel suit and silken sash, who played tennis, and flirted with the girls the whole livelong day and half way through the night; we shall miss the little children and their innocent prattle; we shall miss the dudish waiter, with his three-storey-and-a-mansard-roof collar, gold eye-glasses, immaculate shirt front, claw hammer coat, and patrician airs. Yes and Tipperary shall miss him, too. All these things we shall miss, and many more, but we shall not be like those who sorrow without hope, for we have abundant faith they at they will return another year to gladden our hearts, enliven our streets, and fill our pockets.
            Closing a summer hotel means something more than simply discharging the help, and locking up the doors. There is a vast deal to be done before the key can be turned. Carpets have to be lifted and rolled up carefully; rugs taken from the rooms and stowed away; blankets folded and stored where mice or moths cannot reach them; mattresses and bolsters and pillows carefully arranged; window-blinds taken down so that they may not become faded; chamber ware neatly packed; furniture covered up; glassware and silver ware and dishes put into close cupboards; table linen and napkins and towels folded and put away; machinery oiled, and a vast amount of other work to be done, which nobody but a hotel-keeper would ever think of. For over a fortnight this work had been going quietly on at the Algonquin. As fast as a room became vacant, everything was carefully packed away, and sprinkled with motheline, to protect it from the moths. A week before the hotel doors were closed, the parlor carpet was lifted, and the room filled with the piazza and hall chairs. The lawn tennis court was stripped and the nettings housed on Thursday last. The dining room and kitchen were not touched until the last guest had gone. Everything has been done most systematically, so that when another season comes around, very little time or trouble will be necessary to place the house in habitable shape again.
            The season has been a most successful one for the hotel and the indications are that next season it will be even more successful, provided additional accommodation is furnished for guests.

Beacon
Oct 10/1889
Visit from Railway Magnates
Sir Donald Smith Makes a Hurried Inspection of the Future Winter Port
The air was full of rumours on Friday last, when it became known that a special train, with a number of railway magnates on board, was on its way to St. Andrews. "Van Horne is coming," said one gentleman, and as the refrain was taken up and spread throughout the town, speculation was rife as to the objects of his visit. Even when the train rolled into the station and it was learned that the CPR man was not among the passengers, speculation did not cease. The party was composed of Sir Donald Smith, Judge Bain, of Winnipeg, Mr. George Meighen, of Montreal, a brother-in-law of Sir George Stephen, Mr. Meighen's son-in-law and Mr. Cram, General Manager of the NBR. A barouche was in readiness for them, and the visitors at once started out for a drive. They circled the Park, and as the tide was ebbing, they had an excellent opportunity of witnessing the shore. After viewing the Park they drove to the Algonquin Hotel, where Mr. C. M. S. Horton, the Land Company's Superintendent, received them, and allowed them through the hotel from cellar to garret. They were all delighted with the hotel and the beautiful prospect that was to be obtained from it. Mr. Meighan said he would come down sure next season, and spend some weeks here with his family.  Mr. Hoar’s cottage was subsequently visited, and the party got out on foot and had a walk over the grounds. Sir Donald inspected the lot that had been chosen for him off the Bar Road, and he also obtained a glimpse of the lot the late Mr. Stephenson had purchased in the same neighbourhood. The party afterwards drove to Joe’s Point, after which they returned to their private cars and dined.
            Before dining, the Beacon reporter sought an interview with Mr. Cram, who very courteously informed him that the visit of Sir Donald and his companions had no significant whatsoever. They had been attending the meeting of the railway company in Saint John, and having half a day to spare they chose to spend it in visiting St. Andrews. This he said was the secret of the visit.
            About 4 o’clock, the special train which bore the visitors here, steamed away from St. Andrews, Mr. Cram going to Saint John, and the remained of the party pursuing their way to Montreal.

[Oct 30/1889--Eugene Fay to B. R. Stevenson, MS3-Z-435: “Will you aid the management of the “Algonquin” by sending us the names and addressed of all persons that you know, who are afflicted with Hay Fever, it having been thoroughly demonstrated the past season that Hay Fever sufferers will find at St. Andrews complete exemption from this disease. Circulars containing the strongest testimonials to this effect are being prepared. Hay fever people desire to remain away from home through September, and such a clientele means a months’ more business for our Hotel, and we urgently request your assistance to obtain the names and addressed of any sufferer from this disease (whether liable to go to St. Andrews or not), as by writing to them, we expect to get the names of other Hay Fever people of their acquaintance, who will be liable to go there.”]

Beacon
Nov 7/1889
It may interest our citizens to know that the landlord of the Algonquin paid to persons doing business in St. Andrews for supplies, etc., purchased between June 28th and Sept 19th, the sum of $4122.74, add to this over $8000.00 received by St. Andrews people for labour and materials up to the time the hotel was finished. IN addition to the above, the money expended by the hotel visitors in our stores was no inconsiderable sum, and would have been much more had our merchants, kept and exposed for sale, goods adapted to that class of customers. The foregoing is another evidence, that those who recognize that the procession of progress is moving, and are willing to keep step to the music, should lead in our town affairs.

Beacon
Deb 26/1889
Put Up or Shut Up
To the Editor of the Beacon—
Sir.—there appeared on one of your recent issues, a statement to the effect that, during the past summer season, there was paid to St. Andrews residents, by the management of the Algonquin Hotel, the sum of $4,122. I am informed that the truth of this statement is questioned by certain of your citizens. I do not care to take the trouble to prepare the proof, simply to satisfy the curiosity of idle gossips, therefore make the following proposition. Any one or more residents of St. Andrews, having reason to question the amount so stated to have been paid, shall, individually or collectively, deposit with either of your town councillors the sum of $100, I depositing in the same hands, a like amount. If I do not give you, for publication in the Beacon, a detailed statement showing to whom every dollar of the $4,122 as paid, and if necessary, adduce proof by the Algonquin receipts and accounts, as to every item on such statement, the $100 deposited by me shall be equally divided among the churches of St. Andrews to be used for benevolent purposes, and the other $100 returned to its depositors. But if I do furnish such statements and proof, the $100 of the doubters shall be divided as before named, and my money returned to me. A committee, consisting of any three of your clergymen, may decide upon the question of evidence produced.
Robert Gardiner

Beacon
Feb 20/1890
Ice for Algonquin now being harvested. Mr. Petrie has the contract for cutting it. About one hundred and fifty tone will be housed. Between fifty and sixty tons will be stored under the kitchen under the kitchen extension of the hotel. The rest will be stored at the barracks. Mr. Horton is arranging for the construction of another refrigerator in the lower floor of the hotel.

Beacon
May 22, 1890
The New Landlord
Mr. Charles V. Carter, the lessee of the Algonquin hotel, and Mr. Eugene F. Fay, secretary-treasurer of the Hotel company arrived in St. Andrews on Saturday afternoon. It was Mr. Carter’s first visit to the Shiretown.
            “I am completely carried away with it,” was the rejoinder Mr. Carter made to the Beacon on Sunday afternoon, when asked his impression of St. Andrews. “I had no idea it was such a beautiful place. Not only has it pure air and unrivalled scenery, but the roads are so good, and there are so may pleasant drives about it! Why, today I visited Joe’s Point and was driven around Chamcook mountain, and I was delighted. I am sure it will become popular as a summer resort.”
            Mr. Carter was equally pleased with the hotel and its situation. Asked with regard to the season’s prospects, he said they were excellent. He has booked between 20 and 30 rooms for the season and applications are continually coming in. Mr. Carter recently attended a Hotel Keeper’s convention, and none of the hotels had such a good prospect to report as the Algonquin.
            “There is one thing which surprises me,” remarked the new proprietor, “and that is the scarcity of garden vegetables here. I have talked with a number of farmers since I came here, relative to hotel supplies, and I find that there is scarcely one of them who cultivates small vegetables such as parsley, lettuce onions, and such like. There is always a great demand for such article at summer hotels, and I think it would pay your farmer to cultivate them more extensively. I want to get everything that is possible to be got in the town. Wherever I have been it has always been my practice to buy from the town in which I was located all that I needed, and it is my intention to do the same here, provided I can get what I want at reasonable prices. This is one reason why I would like your farmers to raise such vegetables as those I have mentioned.”
            Mr. Carter visited Saint John on Monday, and remained there until Thursday night, when he returned to Boston. It is his present intention to come to St. Andrews bout the 13th of June, so as to get everything in readiness for the opening on the 1st of July. There will be an orchestra, led by Mr. Ellis Ames, the celebrated pianist, at the Algonquin this season. There will be four pieces in the orchestra, vis., piano, flute, cornet and violin.
           
Beacon
June 5/1890
The Algonquin Hotel. Mr. Horton is pushing forward the additions to the hotel. Several sleeping rooms have been added, and an extension will be made to the dining hall, which will increase its size about one-third more.

Beacon
June 26/1890
The Summer Hotels
The Algonquin and Argyll Open for the Summer Visitor
The summer tourist season of 1890 ha snow fairly begun. Though it would seem too early to offer a prediction as to what the future has in store for Sa, we can at least say with truthfulness that the prospect is decidedly encouraging. Many of last year’s visitors, who were entranced with the beauties of the town, will come again this season, and will bring fresh recruits with them. The tide of summer travel eastward from the US is increasing year by year, and with the close connection from Upper Canada which the CPR now affords, the number of upper Canadian people coming to the lower provinces is gradually growing. As there are few places in the eastern provinces more charmingly situated for a summer resort, than Sa, there is little doubt that we will receive a large share of summer visitors. Beside there is something more tangle in the fact that t many person shave already secure rooms for ht season in both the Algonquin and the Argyll hotels. . . . (Details on Algonquin and Argyll here).
            Other Resorts: the hotel at Campobello is in full blast, and the cottages are rapidly filling up. A larger number of people will come to the island this year than last, if the weather is at all propitious. Summer hotels have been opened at Red Beach, and at the Devils’ Head, on the Maine side. But they cannot compare with the houses on this side of the line.
            St. George to the Front: For some time past a movement has been on foot to erect s summer hotel in St. George. Everybody who has visited the granite town knows that the scenery in its neighbourhood is of such a romantic character as to make it specially adapted for summer resort, that only the absence of a suitable hotel has prevented the development of the town as such. An American syndicate, of which Col. Neill, of Calais, is one of the leading spirits, has been negotiating with the owners of the Westmore property, and have almost concluded their negotiation for the purchase of a site for a summer hostelry. The location of this property makes it very suitable for a hotel site, and we hope that the idea may be carried out to it consummation.

St. Croix Courier
July 3, 1890
Mr. Carter new manager of Algonquin. Formerly of Eastman House at Hot Springs, Arkansas. Prior to that in the Raymond at Pasadena, California. Young man. Suavity of manner.
Staff: H. H. Field, of Taunton, Mass. Clerk
H. Sterling Morrison, of Saint John , cashier and telegraph operator.
Elva L. Blanchard, Housekeeper
George Webster, Head Waiter
F. H. Knapp, Steward
S. C. Lawrence, chef
Arthur Wilson, second chef
Maria Kelly, pastry cook
George A. Lambert, Barber
The substitution of female waiters for males is a great improvement. The young women when on duty appear in pretty white costumes, and as they all wear becoming head-dresses, their presence lends an additional charm to the dining room.

The orchestra will not be the same as last year. Ellis Ames of Boston will be the leader, and there will be four instruments, viz., piano, flute, cornet and violin.

July 3/1890
Algonquin Ad:
AN ABSOLUTELY EXEMPT HAY FEVER DISTRICT
"1400 Guests in 1889 pronounced this delightfully new Summer Resort on Passamaquoddy Bay Excelling in Attractions its Published Descriptions."
Salt and Fresh Water Baths, Elevator, Steam Heat, Western Union telegraph, Pure Artesian Well Water, Gas, Steam Laundry, Billiards, Tennis.

Dinner
Saturday, June 28/1890
Fish Chowder
Consommé a la Royale
Oysters a la crème
Boiled Salmon, Egg Sauce, Potatoes Julienne
Leg of Mutton, Caper Sauce, Beef Tongue, Tomato sauce
Ribs of Beef, Dish gravy
Spring Lamb, brown sauce
Loin of Veal, with dressing
Filet of beef, larded with mushrooms
Macaroni with cheese
Pine-apple fritters, Sauce Chablis
Mashed potatoes. Boiled potatoes
Stewed beets. String beans.  Boiled onions.
Mashed turnips. Stewed tomatoes.
Lobster salad. Sardines. Lazenby’s English pickles
Snow pudding. Apple pie. Cream pie. Charlotte Russe. Brandy Jelly. Angel Cake. Sponge cake. Frosted cake. Vanilla ice-cream
Assorted nuts. Layer raisins. Figs. Dates. Oranges. Bananas. Kennedy’s thin water crackers. Cheese
Coffee

Beacon
July 10/1890
When the sun is hiding, and great drops of rain are falling, the guests gather with their novels, or their newspapers, or their knitting, or their games, around the comfortable-looking fire places, and enjoy themselves as they would around their "ain fireside." And those who have neither novels, nor newspapers, knitting or games to amuse them, assemble in the parlor, and listen to the rapturous music of the orchestra. And then when the sun comes out again, and the clouds disperse, and bay and river, and island, and mountain and forest are revealed more beautiful than before, everybody is so enthused that they have not the heart to grumble even though there should be any cause for it.
            Mr. Carter has already demonstrated that he possesses the necessary qualities to make a successful landlord. Considerate of his guests, and considerate of his subordinates, courteous in his demeanour to all, ever watchful of the comfort of those who are under his care, he is esteemed by every one with whom he comes in contact. In the selection of his help he has been particularly fortunate. There is no jarring in the dining-room, no begging for "tips," everything and everybody moving along in perfect harmony. From clerk to bell-boy everybody is attending strictly to business, and there would seem to be no reason why this should not continue until the end.
            Now that the orchestra have arrived, and the house is filling up, Mr. Carter is casting about for some in-door amusement for his guests. He has decided that on Saturday night next the first hop of the season will be held. No formal invitations will be issued to the townspeople, but Mr. Carter desires it be understood that all who may choose to come will be made welcome. These hops will probably become weekly features at the hotel during the season. Donkey parties, bean parties, and other amusements of a similar nature, will be gotten up from time to time, so that there will be no lack of entertainment inside. On the outside, there is the tennis court, and all the varied amusements which those possessing health and vigor can take out of the open air.

Hanson and Grady have made very neat uniforms for the Algonquin bell boys.

Beacon
July 17/1890
#Among the Island
Racy Reminiscences of Deer Island by the “Beacon” special Commissioner

Lots of details on goings on at the Algonquin.
An offer apparently made to purchase the Argyll. Herbert not interested.

The first hop of the season of 1890 was held in the Algonquin on Saturday evening. Dancing was carried on in the ample parlour of the hotel, the carpet having been removed for the occasion. The music was enchanting and Mr. Carter did all in his power to start the ball a-rolling properly, but the majority of the guests being wearied after their long journey, retired early, and the dancers were not as numerous as they would otherwise have been.

Beacon
July 24/1890
Hotel Gossip
What we Have Seen with Our Eyes and Heard with our Ears Lately
Small Talk
Mr. Carter arranged a fishing party last week to McMaster's Island. About sixteen persons participated. They had a delightful sail across the Bay in the "Crusoe," and did some fair fishing. Before returning to the mainland, Mr. Carter prepared an excellent fish chowder, which was thoroughly enjoyed.
            The Algonquin orchestra gave a sacred instrumental concert to the hotel guests on Sunday afternoon. The selections were of a very high order, and were well executed. ON Saturday night last, the hotel guests on the hill had a charming little dance. The pleasure was heightened by some choice vocal selections by Mr. Tasse and Miss Kearns, of Ottawa and Mr. Fiske.
            A hop is on the boards at the Algonquin for next Saturday night. By that time the guests will be acquainted with each other, and the reserve which appears incident to the first few weeks of hotel life will have melted away, so that the hop ought to be a gay one.
Among the Guests
            The bean game was introduced to the Algonquin guests on Monday evening for the first time. And this is how they played it. Two captains were selected, Mr. Nazro, of Boston, and Mr. Tasse, of Ottawa, being the chosen ones. Each of these "chose a side," as the boys, would say when playing ball. These "sides," numbering about 15 persons each, were arranged opposite each other in rows. At the end of each row was a table, and on the head table of each was an equal number of bean bags. When the referee, Mr. Carter, gave the word "go," the captain on each side seized the bags one by one and passed them down the line, and as they reached the end they were placed on the table there. Any bags that were dropped by nervous players had to remain on the floor until all the other bags had passed, then the captain picked them up where they had fallen, and continued them on their journey. When all the bags had reached the foot of the row then they were started back, and the side getting them all back to the starting table first won the heat. The first heat was declared won by Capt. Nezro's side. Then Mr. Lewis, of Washington, assumed the captaincy of Mr. Tasse's side, but he had no better luck, for in the second heat, Capt Nazro was once more the winner. A third heat was declared a draw, and a fourth was won by Mr. Nazro, who thus captured the laurel wreath.

Beacon
July 31/1890
"Progressive Euchre engaged the attention of the Algonquin guests on Wednesday evening last. The party was held in the parlour, and proved highly enjoyable. . . . Bubbles light as air floated ceiling ward in the Algonquin parlour Friday evening. 'Bubbles' was the game, and so intensely amusing was it that everybody was bubbling over with good spirits before it was over. Master Burnett, a five-year-old cherub, blew the biggest bubble among the little folks, and got the first prize, while the second prize was won by little Olive Hosmer, who blew the tiniest bubble. Among the children of larger growth there was much good-natured rivalry as to who should wear the laurel wreath."

Beacon
Aug. 14/1890
“Cocoaine [sic] caramels” is the new dish that the printer sprung upon the Algonquin guests at Saturday’s dinner. We might explain for the benefit of those who are not acquainted with the dish that it is a species of nerve food, equally as good for hay fever people as for those who are not affected with the malady. Since its introduction there have been numerous enquiries among the guests for the recipe of “Carter’s Cocoaine Caramels.”

Seaside gossip
An Inkling of What is Going on Around and About Us
The editor of the Taunton, Mass., Gazette, who recently visited Sa, writes to his journal as follows:--
            I dropped into the Algonquin, the new and handsome hotel at St. Andrews, the other day, and met Best Field, there in all his glory as head clerk of the establishment. He welcomed me like a long lost brother. He was surrounded by everything calculated to make man forget home and country, but the sight of a familiar face brought out the genuine Taunton spirit of welcome and he offered up everything in his keeping upon the shrine of friendship. Truly there is no more charming place on the St. Croix River, or St. Andrews’ bay, than the Algonquin, and the new manager, Mr. Carter, a man of large experience, is apparently, thus early in the year, a great favorite with the summer saunterers. The Algonquin is perched on the highest point of land in the quaint old town of St. Andrews. Broad, very broad piazzas surround the house and from them the views are delightful and far-reaching. At the foot to the westward stretches the river of the St. Croix; to the south is the own lying along the basin. Beyond St. Andrews Bay and across the St. Croix can be seen the American shore as far as Devil’s head to the north, and within six miles of Calais and as far as the Indian village to the south, or within six miles of Eastport. (The Indian village is he reservation of a portion of the remnants of the Passamaquoddy tribe.) To the south can also be seen Deer Island, a portion of the British possessions, and to the east is the main land of NB cut up by rivers deep and winding, the shores densely wooded, the deep green waters of the bay sweeping along at the base of the fringe of trees. Swinging along to the north of the bay, on the east side of St. Andrews, is the Chamcook river, which sweeps by the bases of the Chamcook mountains and is a formidable rival in its multiplicity of charms, to the pellucid Chamcook lake, lying between the mountains, the home of the landlocked salmon and speckled trout and he consequent delight of sportsmen.

Beacon
Sept 11/1890
Complimentary Dinner
Tendered to Judge Emory Speer of Georgia by the Guests of the Algonquin
Delightful as have been the numerous social gatherings at the Algonquin this season, there has been none which contributed more genuine pleasure to the participants than the complimentary dinner which the guest of the hotel tendered to his honor Judge Emory Speer, of Macon, George, on Wednesday evening last, on the occasion of the forty-second anniversary of his birth.
            A circumstance which invested the event with additional interest was the fact that it was a complete surprise to the Judge himself. He had come to St. Andrews to escape a periodical attack of hay fever, and did not dream of being shown any more than the ordinary courtesies of a hotel.  While in conversation with one of he guests on Wednesday morning, he casually remarked that on the day of forty-two years ago he had first seen the light of day. The thought of giving the Judge a surprise suggested itself to the mind of his companion. Communicating the idea to Manager Carter, and the guest of the house they instantly fell in with it. Mr. Carter, with that alacrity which characterizes all his movements set to work to arrange matters, and in an hour or two everything was in train for the event. An elaborate menu, such as only the Algonquin can furnish, was arranged the parlor, halls and dining room, by the aid of wild flowers, ferns, catkins, and the like, supplemented in the banquet hall by Japanese lanterns of the most unique design were instantly transformed as by a fairy hand. In one corner of the banquet chamber an embowered space was reserved for the orchestra, who discoursed during the evening some of their choicest selections. Manager Carter, although greatly restricted by the few hours left him for preparation, did not f

 he conventional birthday cake, which is now speeding on its way to Georgia—a messenger of sweetness from the Judge to his household and friends far away. The guests, too mindful of the pleasures that come from giving as well as receiving provided a simple and unique coffee urn (hereafter to be appropriately engraved) with a set of delicate and elegant after dinner china coffee cups and saucers, which will it is hope bring frequent remembrances of the occasion to the judge, as the gift is utilized at his home in the distant south. These little tokens were placed in front of his plate at the table, beside a blooming bouquet of native domestic flowers.
            The Judge had been advised that the Lt. Governor and Lady Tilley would dine with him but of any further honor that was to be done him he had not the slightest idea. At the appointed hour, 7 o’clock, the ample doors of the dining hall were thrown open, the orchestra played a stirring march, and to the inspiriting strains the guests entered the festive chamber. Sir Leonard Tilley, who escorted Miss Speer, was the first to enter. Then came the guest of the evening, on whose arm leaned Lady Tilley. They were succeeded by Mr. R. S. Gardiner, vice-president of the St. Andrews Land Company, and Mrs. Fay; Mr. E. F. Fay and Mr. Gardiner. Mr. and Mrs. Charles V. Carter and the other participants.
            Judge Speer expressed surprise at the transformation the dining hall had undergone; he praised the taste which was displayed by the ornamentation of the room, but not until he had been assigned to the seat of honor and had glanced at the legend on the delicately printed menu cards did the true state of affairs dawn upon him. Then his surprise knew no bounds.
            Here, too, a strange coincidence was discovered,--not the fearful thirteenth table of which so many have a dread, but, corresponding with the years of the judge’s life, sat forty two grown persons, and the three graces were represented by three children who had been included in the invitation, the smaller children having dined an hour earlier.
            The tables were arranged in three sides of a square, the open side being utilized for the center piece, which consisted of a huge vase filled with wild flowers, ferns, etc. the guests were disposed in the order shown on the accompanying plan.

1. Judge Speer
2. Sir Leonard Tilley
3. Miss Speer
4. Eugene F. Fay, Brookline, Mass
5. Mrs. R. S. Gardiner, Newton Mass
6. George tiffany St. Logis, Mo
7. Miss Lunn, Montreal
8. Mrs. Dexter Tiffany, St. Louis, Mo
9. Miss Campbell, Montreal
10. Miss Meeker, NY
11. Fred. W. Meeker, NY
12. R. B. Van Horne, Montreal
13. Mrs. W. C. Van Horne, Montreal
14. Mrs. Hurd, Montreal
15. Mrs. Isaac Denby, Montclair, NJ
16. Mrs. C. F. Smith, Saint John
17. Mrs. George Innes, Montclair, NJ
18. Mrs. George Innes, Montclair
19. F. J. Lewis, Washington, DC
20. Mrs. F. J. Lewis
21. Mrs. M. P. Lewis
22. Miss Lewis
23. Miss F. A. Hensecker, Montreal
24. Dr. G. B. Orr, Cincinnati
25. Mrs. Orr
26. Mrs. Hensecker, Montreal
27. Dexter Tiffany, St. Louis
28. Miss Addie Van Horne, Montreal
29. Miss H. M. Campbell
30. Miss Van Horne [Sir William’s sister?]
31. Miss Hensecker
32. Mrs. Mercer, Newark, NJ
33. Dr. Mercer
34. G. Tileston Wells, NY
35. Charles G. Packer, Newark, NJ
36. Miss Dora Gardiner
37. Mrs. J. H. Merrill, Boston
38. J. E. Merrill, Boston
39. Mrs. Charles V. Carter
40. R. E. Armstrong
41. Mrs. E. F Fay, Brookline, Mass
42. Robert S. Gardiner, Newton, Mass
43. Lady Tilley

The menu, considering the short space of time in which there was to prepare it, did infinite credit to the Algonquin cuisine. The cards, too, were neatly printed, each one having four blank pages on which to record autographs. On Judge Speer’s card the autographs of all the guests had been written, and after the dinner, the guests were kept busy for an hour or more writing their autographs on each other’s menu cards. The following were the appetizing dished which Mr. Carter submitted:
            Cream of chicken a la English
            Consommé Prince Supreme
            Baked Savannah Shad, Sauce Claret wine
            Potato croquettes
Baked Devilled Crabs, Baltimore Style
Roast Young Turkey with Dressing, Cranberry sauce
Roast Tenderloin of Beef, stuffed with clams
Browned Sweet Potatoes
Lobster Croquets, Sauce Princess
Broiled Lamb Chops, with French peas
Timbales of Farina, vanilla sauce
New potatoes in cream
String beans, French peas, Mashed Turnips
Chicken on mayonnaise
Pickled Potatoes with Beets
Cabinet Pudding, Brandy Sauce
Green Annie Pie
Mince Pie
Coconut caramels
Angel cake
Dark cake
Citron cake
Orange ice cream
Grapes, pears, confectionary, layer raisins, figs, dates, edam cheese, Kennedy’s Thin Water Crackers, coffee

When all the viands had been duly considered,, Judge Speer arose, and in a brief, but very felicitous speech thanked the guest most cordially for the honor they had done him. He had not dreamt that he would be so highly favored on the forty-second anniversary of his birth and the occurrence was one that he would always look back to with feelings of the deepest pleasure. In this beautiful and will governed province, said he, that remorseless enemy Hay Fever, if it should come, would come to me in the guise of friend robbed of all its terrors. He spoke of the pleasure that he had experienced during his first visit to St. Andrews, and particularly that for he first time in nineteen years he was entirely free on his birthday from any symptoms of his remorseless enemy, hay fever. Continuing, he paid a well-deserved compliment to the place, to the Algonquin hotel and its management, gave expression to the hope that he would meet many of those present another year, and then concluded by an appropriate quotation from one of the poets, which gracefully ended the happy address.
            The Lieutenant Governor was equally happy and equally brief in his speech. He was glad to be present and do honor to such a distinguished gentleman as Judge Speer. He was pleased to be able to welcome the Judge to St. Andrews. Twenty one years had he (Sir Leonard) been summering here, and he felt like a permanent resident. If as is said, Nature abhors a vacuum, equally is it true also that the climate of St. Andrews abhors hay fever. The two cannot exist together. Time and time again has this fact been demonstrate. Sir Leonard, went to say that notwithstanding what was said by certain people in both countries, Canadians were desirous of living on terms of amity and peace with the people of the United States. He pointed out in a pleasant way the advantages St. Andrews has to offer to the American pleasure seeker, and then brought his speech and the festivities to a close by congratulating Judge Speer on the attainment of his forty-second birthday.
            The guest of the evening is the US district judge for Southern Georgia. While an ex-confederate soldier and a genuine Southern man in all of his sympathies, Judge Speer has been in the service of his state and of the National government almost without interruption since he was twenty-three years of age, a circumstance which speaks well for the breadth and sincerity of his devotion to his reunited country.

Miss Alice French, of Davenport, Iowa, who, is perhaps, better known to the world by the nom de plume of Octave Thanet, has been a guest of the Algonquin for several days, and proposes to remain for a few days longer. Not only is she a gifted and pleasing writer, but she is also a fascinating woman, with whom it converse is a real delight. She is enraptured with Sa, and it is probably that the locality may furnish material in the near future for her facile pen. After she has completed her visit here, Miss French will visit Saint John , Digby, Annapolis, Halifax and other points of interest in the lower provinces.

There was a jolly time at the Algonquin on Saturday night. Of course, the participants were not as numerous as during July, but they were jut as eager for fun. And they had lots of it. The orchestra contributed some of their sweetest and most fascinating dance music, and for a time the floor was well patronized by light-footed dancers. Miss Orr, of Cincinnati, who is a very graceful dancer, favored the spectators with some Highland and fancy dances, and Master Van Horne went through “the fisher’s hornpipe” very pleasingly. Then Mr. Denby set everybody laughing by two humorous recitations, and the laughter increased when she sprung a number of amusing charades upon the guests. But the most laughable feature of the whole entertainment, and one the sent everybody to bed with aching sides, was the “old Virginny” breakdown, by “Paul and Virginia.” Mr. Fay made an excellent “Paul,” and Mr. Carter as “Virginia” was mot bewitching.  Their costumes were ‘after the Oriental” a long way after, but they were so fantastic as to make everybody scram with laughter. The dancing was so good, too, that they we obliged to respond to a recall.

“Octave Thanet” demonstrated to the Algonquin guests and a large number of townspeople on Monday night that her accomplishments do not end with her pen, and that there are other ways of handling “characters” than through the medium of ink and paper. On the evening referred to she made her debut as an exhibitor of “was figgers,” and it is needless to add, with complete success. The “characters’ which her magic wand produced were most laughable, among them being the summer boarder, the hay fever sufferer, John L. Sullivan, the laughing girl, the tennis player, Apollo, the dancer, the singing girl, the baseball player, etc. Mr. Denby, Misses Van Horne, Miss Speer, Miss Lewis, Miss Orr, Mr. Carter and Masters tiffany and Cox took part in the exhibition.