The Argyll Hotel (1881 -1892)
The Argyll Hotel
St. Croix Courier
May 19/1881
The Argyll Hotel. (long and excellent description; piece on beauties of St. Andrews)
Standing alone on an eminence at the foot of the town, near the railway station and steamboat landing, and commanding a magnificent view of the bay and its islands, of the town with its quaint and picturesque houses, of the inner harbour and navy island, of the St. Croix and the American shore, and of the mountains of Chamcook and Bocabec, this fine structure is one of the first objects on which the eye rests when approaching the town from any direction. Our reporter had the pleasure of being shown through the building one evening last week by the genial and gentlemanly proprietor, Captain Herbert. On entering he found himself in the large and handsome hall, which is finished with hard pine floor, and tinted walls and at night, is illuminated by light from twelve lamps, supported on two elegant chandeliers. Off the hall are the office, gentleman’s sitting room, coat and bath rooms, and two side halls, one leading to the commodious private apartments of Captain Herbert, the other to the kitchen and pantries. The dining room is also connected to the main hall by folding doors. We may safely say that his is one of the finest rooms of its kind in the Province. It is 54 feet long by 44 feet wide, with a ceiling 24 feet high. It is finished with a floor of southern pine, black ash wainscoting, and tinted walls, which are ornamented with several fine works of art. From the ceiling depends two chandeliers, similar to those in the hall, while to the walls are affixed six brackets, each containing a lamp. In the rear of the dining room is a billiard room, which will be furnished with two tables. The kitchen is large and conveniently arranged. It contains three sinks, a force pump to supply water to the sinks, and to the bath rooms upstairs, and one of Walker, Pratt and Co., wrought iron French cooking ranges, which is heated by two fires and in which are a broiler, two large ovens, and a reservoir capable of holding 100 gallons of water. A door opens from the kitchen into a pantry, 16 by 28 feet, in which are placed a large stove, bins containing flour, sugar, etc., and closets and drawers for the crockery and glassware. Passing again into the main hall, our reporter was ushered up a broad hall of southern pine, with banisters of black walnut and found himself on the second flat. Here are the ladies parlours, luxuriantly furnished, bath rooms and bed chambers. On the third flat are a number of large and neatly furnished rooms. In all there are 62 apartments ready for occupants, 39 of which have already been engaged. Orders for others are continually being received. Indeed, so encouraging has been the patronage accorded to Capt. Herbert that it has been decided to erect a south east wing immediately. three flag staffs have been erected on the roof, from which will float the flags of Great Britain, of Canada, and of the United States.
In the immediate vicinity stands a large stable which is under the charge of Mr. W. E. Mallory, whose well known ability to supply first-class turnouts to those requiring them need not be enlarged on here.
The hotel will be formally opened on the 24th of the present month. At 1 o’clock the magnates of the N. B. and C. R. R. will be served with dinner, and in the evening a ball, which promises to be one of the grandest social events ever witnessed in the shire town, will be held. Supper will be served at high twelve. A brass bank will furnish the music. No efforts will be spared to make it a success in every way. Guests coming from a distance and wishing to remain until next day, will find ample accommodation at the hotel.
In concluding this notice, we would say that we know of no more pleasant place than St. Andrews in which to spend the summer months. What could be more enjoyable than to wander over the gravely beaches and occasionally to plunge into the cool and health-giving waters; to recline on a green knoll, under the shade of one of the neighbouring trees, and read a page of a favorite author, or watch the white-winged boats as they flit to and fro over the blue waters; to embark and drink idly over the waves, or sail with swift keel on voyages of exploration along the coasts of the bay, or to the islands of the river in which dwell historic reminiscences of DeMonts and his crew of hardly Frenchmen; to cast a line into the depths and bring forth its treasures of mackerel and haddock and cod; to shou8lder gun and walk to the Narrows for ducks, or along the beaches for sand pipers and plover; to drive over the broad streets of the town . . . .
Pilot
May 19/1881
As Others See Us
A New Brunswick Watering Place
--St. John Sun
Summer after summer witnesses a greater tendency on the part of the inland population to seek the seashore. Men who are too busy to go themselves send their families, and those who can’t afford to pay fancy prices for board at hotels rent rooms in cottages. The Bay Shore houses were overrun last summer by people from Fredericton and elsewhere, and an increase of accommodation would undoubtedly be followed by a corresponding increase in the number of dwellers along the beach. Capitalists are very slow to recognize the signs and take advantage of them, or provision would be made at once for summer boarder, lodgers and bathers at the Bay Shore. Point du Chene attracts a great many by its good bathing and freedom from fog, and would undoubtedly attract more if its accommodation were better. But St. Andrews has taken the lead of NB summer resorts and is undoubtedly destined to become widely known as a watering place before long. It’s attractions are numerous and diversified. At the head of a beautiful bay, which is protected by an archipelago of picturesque islands, and at the mouth of a broad river, its facilities for safe yachting and bathing are unsurpassed anywhere. It’s waters abound in fish, the catching of which would afford endless amusement for amateurs with the line, and enchanting camping grounds may be found in any direction—on the islands and in the coves. There are numerous objective points for excursions of a day or two by land or water. Clam bakes and fish chowders, so fashionable and popular in Massachusetts and New York, are within reach of the residents of St. Andrews every day. Down the bay and up the river are equally inviting for the lovers of boating, and offer a great variety of attractions. Then there is Chamcook Mountain, the Mont Blanc of the country round about, from the bold brow of which one looks upon a landscape of diversified loveliness and loneliness. The roads are good, and afford the lovers of horseflesh an opportunity of driving in many directions. The town itself, with its regularity of plan, and its broad streets, is healthy and agreeable. Its air is free from the smoke of factories and the slumbers of people at night are not disturbed by the screaming of locomotives and the rattling of trains, for it is a railway terminus and trains depart and arrive at seasonable houses only. Besides the numerous pleasant houses in which boarders are welcomed, there are good hotels, and rates are always reasonable. The opening of the Argyll Hotel, under the auspices of the N. B. and C. Railway Company, opens a new chapter in the history of St. Andrews as a watering place, because it is an invitation to the weary and wealthy denizens of heated cities to go there in search of cool sea breezes and salt water bathing without any sacrifice of the comforts and luxuries to which they have been accustomed. This is a splendid hotel in a beautiful location. It has been elegantly furnished, and will present many attractive features of the tourist and health seeker. The charms of the old town and its surroundings have only to be made known abroad to ensure the prosperity of the Argyll.
“The situation of St. Andrews is a happy medium between the interior and the coast. The waters of the ocean reach it, but not its destructive billows. There is a sense of security afforded by the guardian islands, and a suggestion of something beyond. The yachtsman may skirt the rugged coasts of Deer Island and penetrate its deep inlets, haunted by many a treasure-guarding ghost; navigate the winding passages between the tree covered islands of the Latete group; and sail out into the open sea and watch the sun sink to rest in the waters. Any one bent upon killing time in a manner calculated to build up a debilitated constitution and expand the lungs, and substitute energy of lassitude, cannot do better than make St. Andrews a headquarter for boating, fishing and bathing in the summer months.
“Sir Leonard Tilley and Sir Charles Tupper had residences in St. Andrews, and they have made its attractions known to Ottawa people. We should not be surprised to find it in the near future, the summer home of a great many people from the Upper Provinces who seek for pleasant seashore residences in convenient and not too expensive localities.”
Pilot
May 26/1881
How the Queen’s Birthday was Celebrated in Saint Andrews
On Tuesday last, the 24th inst., the sixty second anniversary of the birth of Her most gracious Majesty the Queen of Great Britain and Ireland and Empress of India, was right loyally observed by the residents of the Shiretown of Charlotte county. The weather was as fine as could be desired, “traditional Queen’s weather,” the sun shone with his most brilliant rays, all nature seemed to rejoice; from the effects of last weeks’ rain the earth was decked with brightest green, the foliage of the trees was bursting into life and beauty. The water of Passamaquoddy Bay was as smooth as a mirror reflecting from its molten surface the resplendent blue of the heavens. The Dominion flag and the Union Jack floated proudly from a number of flag staffs in town, both alike loved and admired the former as the emblem of our Dominion, the latter as the representative of the glorious traditions of the mother land which are the common heritage of all loyal British subjects. Mr. Kennedy for the first time flew the Union Jack from the flagstaff on his new hotel.
The Argyll looked gay with its handsome new house flag of white bunting, on which in large red letters was the words “Argyll Hotel” flying from the staff on the tower, and from the roof the Dominion and the United States stars and stripes kissed the breeze, on terms of equality. At ten o’clock the steamer Chas. Houghton arrived at her wharf with a large party of excursionists from Calais and St. Stephen, accompanied by the Calais City Band under the leadership of Mr. Silverstone, the absence of bunting from the flag staffs on the steamer was generally commented on, the excursionists speedily disembarked, a number of them proceeded to the “Argyll,” some to Kennedy’s and the American House, a hotel recently opened under the management of Mrs. Murchie and Co., and others to the residences of their friends and acquaintances, while a large number promenaded the streets seeking the points of interest in the town, admiring its pleasant location, and surroundings. The Calais band formed on the wharf and marched up town, regaling the ears of the citizens with strains of choicest music.
At noon a firing party composed of the members of No. 6 Battery of N. B. G. A. under command of Lieut. W.W. Whitlock, fired a royal salute from the guns at Fort Tilley. [where was this?] At the request of the Lieut. The Calais City Band were in attendance who after the salute was fired played the British National Anthem, when three rousing cheers were given for the Queen and for the Calais Band, whom Lieut. Whitlock thanked for so kindly and promptly responding to his request to play for the Battery. The firing party then fell into marching order and headed by the Band marched to their quarters; while coming down Water St. the band rendered in fine style “Marching through Georgia.”
Meanwhile a second excursion party who came down the river in a schooner towed by the tug William Hinds and accompanied by the International Band of Calais under the leadership of Gordon Barnard, arrived at the wharf. This Band with their bright scarlet nodding plumes, made a fine show as they marched up the street; they halted in front of Kennedy’s where, to the delight of those promenading the streets, they played several airs. Mr. Barnard’s performance on the Cornet was much admired. The old Shiretown was almost taken by storm, and it was a new and pleasant feature to see our American cousins coming to aid in the celebration of our queen’s Birthday. In addition to the large number of arrival by steamer, several parties from up river drove into town by private conveyances.
The streets of the town during the day presented a very animated appearance, covered as they were with promenaders. The livery stable did a good business, and were taxed to their full capacity to provide turnouts for those wishing to amuse themselves by doing the many beautiful drives in the vicinity of the town.
The very best order and good feeling prevailed throughout the day, and nothing occurred to mar the general enjoyment. About 3 o’clock pm the U.S. Revenue Cutter “Woodbury” steamed up to the anchorage off the western bar where she came to. She made a fine display of bunting, and in honor of the day had the Union Jack at the fore; the compliment was noticed and appreciated by the residents of St. Andrews.
The great event of the day was the grand ball, in honor of the formal opening of the Argyll Hotel. It was held in the large and handsome dining room of the establishment, which was tastefully decorated. At the head of the room was the royal flag of England, on either side of which were draped the meteor flag of England and the star spangled banner, and suspended below were portraits of the Queen and of Albert the good; over the windows were small bannerettes, the music was furnished by Silverstone’s Quadrille band. Dancing commenced about 9:30 o’clock, P. M., the guests entering the room forming a grand march. Seventy-five couples were present, amongst whom were fair representatives from St. Stephen, Milltown and Eastport with a large number of the fair daughters of Sa, the toilets of the ladies were elegant and conceived in good taste, the dining room presented a beautiful scene, seldom is there assembled in one room a company of ladies so exceedingly beautiful as were those on the floors of the Argyll ball room, dancing was kept up with unflagging spirit until about 3 o’clock, a. m. The supper table was in the billiard room, the appointments of the ladies were first-class and arranged very artistically, the viands embraced the usual delicacies furnished on such occasions. . . . [list of guests here]
A large party of up river people held a social dance in Stevenson’s Hall, where dancing was kept up with much spirit until an earl hour, the music was furnished by the International band. The excursionists left for their homes at half past four o’clock Wednesday morning, no doubt delighted with the day’s outing at Saint Andrews.
The opening of the Argyll was under most favorable auspices, the sun shone upon it the first day, in the form of John Livingston, Editor in Chief of the St. John Sun, who was the first guest to register his name in the Argyll book, we hope that during the summer the house will be taxed to its utmost capacity to provide accommodation for its patrons. Mr. Herbert has made so far a very favorable impression as a host, and brings with him a fine reputation from Grand Falls where he was so popular a host of the hotel at that place, long may his flag wave over the Argyll.
Pilot
July 28/1881
As Others See Us
A “Hawkeye” View of St. Andrews
Roaming Robert
Under the banner of Her Gracious Majesty
Saint Andrews, New Brunswick, July 6
“The winter is over and gone,” the Jester said, “the time of the singing of the birds is come, and the voice of the turtle was heard in the land. And I am the turtle; old Turtle, of Turtleville, Turtle County, this state. I am at peace with all mankind. I sail with Captain Wren, and I drive with Mallory, I sit beneath my own vine and fig tree, with no one to molest or make me afraid, and Captain Herbert feeds me, and the man in all your blasted howling Yankeeland who says he is having a better time this summer than I am is a howling liar and my address is the Argyll hotel, St. Andrews. That’s the kind of a man I am.”
We braved the dangers of the briny deep in the good ship City of Portland, whereof Captain Pike, Major Martin’s old time friend, is master and on the way much we talked of Martin of Burlington and his old home in Lubec. We did not experience the “hardest storm the Captain had ever passed through,” but no matter, we can say we did. And it is just as easy to tell one lie as the other. I is the customary thing for people who go down to the sea in ships to encounter the “severest storm the captain ever passed through,” and my family shall not fall one pace behind the times if I can ascertain what society expects.
And we are now settled for the summer. We came back to New Brunswick because New Brunswick air, New Brunswick woods and New Brunswick waters are found, by practical experience, to be more beneficial to “her little serene highness” than any other place, inland or on the coast we have ever tried. And if St. Andrews will only deal as lovingly and with the same touches of healing as did St. John two year ago, we will give a candle to every saint in much sainted New Brunswick.
“there goes a whole ship load of candles,” says her little serene highness, who is better booked on the saints of New Brunswick than the jester. “Well, never mind,” he said. There is nothing mean about me, and candles are away down now, anyhow. If the saints do their part, they can draw on me for candles at ten days’ sight.
Saint Andrews, who is the patron saint of the wanderers for this summer, is the Shiretown of Charlotte county, and is old enough to be bigger than New York. It is really about the size of Danville, but it is plenty large enough for a summer resort. Its situation is beautiful, almost beyond description. Around us the blue waters of the bay dimple and smile under skies that are radiant with sunshine whenever Vennor gives them half a chance. And encircling the bay, the mountains, crowned with cedar and pines and hemlock, outline themselves in ranging shades and graceful curves against the sky. Old Chamcook, king of the mountains bald as the front seats at a Lydia Thompson benefit and bold as a man asking for a free pass, lifts his rocky head toward the clouds and overlooks all this part of the world, from Eastport to Saint Stephen. The sails of white winged sloops and schooners dot the smooth waters of the bay, the brisk little steamer makes regular diurnal trips between Eastport and St. Stephen, New Brunswick, and Calais, Maine, and the New Brunswick and Canada Railway adds variety to the scene with its flying trains. We look across the bay and see the thrifty farms of Yankee land—the slopes of the hill are covered with them; we go down to the block house and bathe, just after the tide has come in over an iceberg, and we find it very exhilarating—champagne isn’t a circumstance alongside of a bath in Saint Andrews bay, early in the season. Or we drive, you remember the old Nantucket proverb, that Nantucket was “Heaven for men, purgatory for women and hell for horses.” Well, a Nantucket horse, if he could only see a mile of the worst road in Charlotte county, New Brunswick, would lie down and die of sheer delight. Really, the best roads on this continent must be in New Brunswick. When they are in bad order, they are somewhat better than the best roads in Iowa. And when they are in perfect repair, you couldn’t make them much smoother with a jack plane and spot of varnish. And when we have a fancy for the water, we sail with Captain Wren. The bay affords the most delightful yachting, and you have old sons of Neptune who know the bay and the sky by heart to go out with you.
St. Andrews used to be a maritime town of no small importance. And there is good fishing in the bay. You can catch the codfish—the poor man’s turkey—in all his native unadornedness, before he puts on the flavor and perfume that makes him so omnipresent in a house of only ten rooms. He looks like a respectable, well conducted fish when you pull him out of the water, and as you look at him in all his natural purity, you wouldn’t think it of him. Indeed, you really wouldn’t.
And everywhere about us, are the pine woods. Everywhere the odor of cedar and hemlock and spruce and tamarack mingle with the ‘odor of brine from the ocean’. The woods grow right up to the doors of the Argyll hotel; you can hide yourself away in the shady canopies and nooks of the evergreens that cluster in the enclosed grounds of the hotel, and then down through the woods outside a delightful path, an old, disused, grass-grown road, leads you to the bay shore, down to the target and the firing range, down where you can take quite a dip in the early morning, when no one can hear you shriek; down where the restless tides rises and falls about twenty feet, for we are up in the Fundy region again you see. Oh, you’ll like St. Andrews if you’ll just come and look at it and live in it awhile.
“The most prominent building in the town is the Argyll hotel, a landmark that catches the eye from every direction, flying the flags of three great nations, Great Britain, the United States and the Argyll hotel from its turreted roof, and the greatest of these three is the Argyll. Captain William H. Herbert is a son of the sea; a native of Maine, who followed the sea long, long years until he had sailed into every port any Christian man every wanted to see or hear about, and then, having learned how to make everybody else as comfortable as himself, he opened the Grand Falls hotel, up at Grand Falls, this province, where we sojourned two years ago, and having managed that house into a big business and good reputation, he has this year taken the Argyll at St. Andrews a newly furnished house, the largest in the maritime provinces, within a stone’s throw of the steamboat landing and with a railway station of its own, with beach and woods at its doors, good living, good table, billiard room and all appurtenances thereunto appertaining, good fishing in the bay and the brooks, and good shooting in the hills and the marshes, good society in the town, good company at the house, and a good cook in the kitchen, good place to read, good place to thin good place to do everything, good place to do nothing, good St. Andrews. We haven’t found the inevitable Burlington man here yet—yes but we have too—Mr. Charles D. Corry, now of St. John, a relative of our Hendries; Mr. Corry lived formerly in council Bluffs, then he was in Peoria, for a year,--we were just talking of Charlie Allaire yesterday,--you can always ask for a Burlington man, no matter where you go. If you can’t find any one else, you can almost usually find—R. J. B.
Pilot
Aug 4/1881
Last week 71 guests at Argyll, 49 at Kennedy’s, 45 at American House.
St. Croix Courier
Aug 11/1881
The popularity of the Argyll Hotel is fully attested by the fact that they were obliged to turn away several applicants for rooms Saturday.
St. Croix Courier
Aug 18/1881
A party numbering about 35 from the Argyll Hotel, St. Andrews, embarked in one of the tugs of the Messrs. Jas. Murchie and Sons on Thursday last, and after sailing to Campobello and Eastport, came up the river and attended the races in the Calais Park, arriving there about 1:30 pm. They left again for St. Andrews about 8:00 pm.
Pilot
Oct 13/1881
A Summer Visitor’s Correspondence to the Norfolk Register, Randolph, Mass.
Part Two
“As your patience seems to be equal to the emergency in publishing my rambling jottings, I feel it to be incumbent on me to keep my promise of last week, while I try to give your readers a slight idea of the pleasures which are to be enjoyed by simply taking a vacation excursion, and stopping a short time in this delightful little border town. Of the two principal hotels which I promised to describe, the Argyll is the largest and most imposing in appearance situated in the extreme eastern part of the town but a short distance from either the N. B. and C. Railway or the Steamboat Wharf, on a large tract of land which, together with the sum of $5,000 in cash, were contributed by the Town of St. Andrews towards this enterprise, and has already cost the owners thereof about $25,000 to which is expected to be added a large wing on the southeast side which will give this fine building a grand frontage of about 300 feet, by 50 feet in width, to which is attached an ell running back on the northeast side, or rear, about 75 feet, making the distance from front to rear 125 feet, height three stories, with French roof, and tower or observatory, from which an excellent view of St. Andrews, NB; Robbinston, Maine; Chamcook Mountain, Passamaquoddy Bay, and all the islands of Charlotte County, both in Passamaquoddy Bay and Bay of Fundy, known as West Isles, may be had, which scene alone would compensate one well for hours of toil spent in striving to obtain it. The entrance to this building is large and airy, leading into a spacious hall 50 feel long, 14 feet wide at entrance enlarging to 30 feet at the rear, from which access is had to the dining room, which is a large hall, 54 by 44 feet, with a 22 foot ceiling, lighted and ventilated by eight large windows, four being one each side, and at night by handsome six light chandeliers. Adjoining the dining room is a large billiard hall, 21 by 44 feet, which like all parts of this house is newly furnished in the most modern style. . . . The range, which is one of the French wrought iron improved, has a cooking capacity for 300 persons. All the rooms are large and airy, being supplied with every convenience and excellent ventilation. The gent’s parlor which is on the right of the entrance is 20 feet square, and fitted with everything necessary for east and comfort. The ladies’ parlors, of which there are two, one being 22 feet, while the other is 17 feet square, connected or divided at will by folding doors, are richly furnished and carpeted, one being supplied with a Wedlock piano, the other with a Burdette organ. The basement is divided into five compartments, all of which are called into use daily. There is also a good livery stable in connection with the house, where good horses and carriages of the latest Provincial and American styles may be had a very moderate rates. Capt. Herbert, the proprietor of the Argyll aided by his wife, formerly of the Grand Falls Hotel, Grand Falls, N. B., will always be found about his business of which he is master, trying to make his guests comfortable and happy, in which he has attained a fair degree of success.
Pilot
May 4/1882
Capt. Herbert improving bathrooms at Argyll. “He is fitting up bath rooms on the second and third flats supplied with hot and cold water, the porters room is being converted into a gents lavatory, with basins and faucets of the most approved patterns. . . . Outside, the unsightly W. C.’s are to be removed from their present position and placed at the north-east end of the main wing.” [the W. C.’s—are they water closets, that is, outhouses?] Grand Ball to open Hotel on May 24
St. Croix Courier
May 11/1882
Capt Herbert will open the Argyll May 24 with ball at $2.50 a ticket. A rumour is afloat that the NBR Company is about to purchase the NB and C Railroad and thus have a through line from Quebec to St. Andrews and St. Stephen. We believe there is no truth to this rumour.
Pilot
Sept 14/1882
Argyll to close end of Sept. Good business has encouraged Capt. Herbert to hope to get a wing built for the next season.
Pilot
June 7/1882
Argyll Hotel now open and thoroughly renovated. New furniture, carpets. “A very large platform has been erected adjoining the eastern end of the main building, which can be used as a promenade, or for dancing.”
“Captain Herbert has also introduced, at great expense, a large steam heated carving table. Judging by the large stock of canned goods, the number of barrels of biscuit and other edibles, of which the storeroom is filled, the Captain expects a large number of guests.”
Pilot
Sept 27/1883
Ball at Argyll
“The dresses of the ladies in most instances were conceived in good taste and of elegant design. It is seldom that such a galaxy of fine woman and gallant chiefs, can be seen assembled in one room.” (The Argyll’s place as the most fashionable hotel in town was taken by the Algonquin)
Pilot
Oct 11/1883
We understand that Captain Herbert is so please with his success this season, that he intends purchasing the building, and grounds from the Railway Company.
Pilot
May 14/1885
Large numbers of rooms have been reserved at Argyll.
Pilot
June 11/1885
The Argyll opened yesterday. “In no previous year has such a large number of rooms been engaged so early in the season, as has been done the present season.”
St. Croix Courier
July 15/1886
Captain Herbert of the Argyll Hotel has purchased four acres of land on the Commons at St. Andrews from S. Ray, and a right of way thereto, from Elliott Hume, which opens into the St. john road nearly opposite to Mr. Blakeney’s gate. The situation is one of the most desirable of the many eligible sites in the vicinity of the town of St. Andrews. The captain intends to erect a cottage thereon, work on it to be commenced shortly. The price paid for the land was fifty dollars per acre.
Pilot
Aug 12/1886
Entertainment at Argyll, organized by Lady Tilley, raises $36.00 for lighting of street lamps. Maine State Orchestra, tableaux, duets, piano solos. Detailed program.
Pilot
Aug 12/1886
Mr. and Mrs. R. S. Gardiner registered at Argyll
Pilot
June 23/1887
Argyll to open July 1. Renovations almost done.
St. Croix Courier
June 28/1887
The Argyll Hotel at St. Andrews will be opened tomorrow for the season. The Maine State College band has been engaged and will play daily for the entertainment of the guests.
Pilot
Aug 18/1887
Argyll has been full for past 3 weeks.
People turned away. Praise for Capt. Herbert.
Pilot
Sept 15/1887
The Argyll Hotel has changed hands, having been purchased from the [Argyll Hotel] Co. by Captain Herbert.
Pilot
March 15/1888
Capt. Herbert gone to States to start up a joint stock company for purpose of enlarging and improving Argyll.
Pilot
May 31/1888
“1888”
The wintry sun at even went down
Behind the ‘Devil’s Head,’
As Keezer rang the evening bell,
To show the day was dead.
But every old inhabitant,
As he strolled home to tea,
Was conversing with his neighbour
Of the boom that was to be.
There was no doubt about it,
This was no ‘Argyll Sham,’
For companies were forming fast,
Led on by Mr. Cram.
For capitalists from Boston,
Have said, we’ll buy the town,
And millionaires from Calais
Have planked their money down.
Pilot
June 28/1888
Detailed description of Argyll’s interior.
On approaching the ‘Argyll’ the first thing that attracted our attention, was its outside adornment, consisting of anew coat of paint, color: on the main body of the building, a light shade of Greek grey, the mansard, straw-color, and the trimmings a rich gold olive. On entering the main doorway, evidence presented itself on every hand of the very thorough work done in the interior, the floors of the spacious hall, noble dining room and gents parlor, had been carefully scraped and oiled until they shone like glass, the walls and ceilings newly colored, and the woodwork painted. Accompanied by the proprietor, Captain Herbert, we ascended the stairway, which is of such easy grade as to make walking up stairs a pleasure, until we landed on the fourth flat, which, when we last visited it, was an unfinished attic, merely studded off, where now we found 12 spacious bedrooms, with ceilings fourteen feet high. Five of the rooms are connected one with the other by inside doors, so that when required they may be used en-suite to accommodate a family party. A door from each room leads into a roomy hall which is lighted through a large dormer window on the roof. Looking out of the windows of the rooms on the north east side the eye feasts on a birds view of St. Andrews or Passamaquoddy Bay, a second Bay of Naples, taking in Chamcook narrows and harbor, Minister’s Island, big and little Hardwood islands, one of which in days long past, was used as a quarantine station, and beneath whose sod lie the ashes on a large number of the sons and daughters of Ireland, who fled form the Emerald Isle during the famine that scourged the unfortunate bounty during the years of 1847 and 1848. . . . These rooms are furnished alike: the carpets two ply, woollen, ingrain colors, the bedsteads, dressing tables, wash stands, bureaus and clothes presses are of ash with walnut trimming, of neat design and finish, and were furnished by the firm of J and D Howe, furniture manufacturers of St. John. The bedsteads are fitted with the celebrated wire wove mattresses, while the bed linen is of the purest white, and finest texture obtainable. In a work these rooms are, in our opinion, the most desirable in the house, and like all the other, are first class in their appointments. We may here state, that each of the seventy-five odd rooms in the house is fitted with electric bells, and from each hallway and corridor there is telephonic connection with the office. We are pleased to state of the authority of Capt. Herbert, that the application for rooms so far this season, are in advance of previous ones, and anticipating a rush of summer visitors this year, he is prepared to meet such an emergency. . . . The grounds around the house have been very much improved, provision has been made for a lawn tennis court, and base ball players, while the underbrush in the woods lying in front of the hotel, has been cut out and the rods, swamped with the intention ultimately of making a park which will rival in natural and artistic beauty anything of the kind on the continent. In conclusion we have only to add, that Capt. Herbert will during he present as he has done in past season, provide a band of musicians for the entertainment of his guests, and that he will do all that can reasonably be expected of mortal man to do, in an effort to make his guests comfortable and happy.
Pilot
July 12/1888
Plans for Indian Point; need for hotel larger than Argyll. See photocopies and below. Work on park at Point proceeding at rapid rate.
St. Andrews’ Future
“Knowing something of the plans and purposes of the St. Andrews Land Co., we recognize the wisdom of the initiatory steps it is taking in its own interest, and for the good of the town. Composed as it is of business men, they do not seek at the outset to advertise the place as a ‘grand summer resort’ until something beyond climate and natural beauty of location exists. A substantial basis being laid—Indian Point Park with its cottages and bathing beach and bath houses completed, one important step will have been accomplished, for in this regard we hardly believe our citizens have appreciated the almost unanimous wish of visitors, that proper facilities for bathing might be found here, and that a pleasant, shady resort for ladies and children near the water’s edge existed.
The plans for a modern brick and granite building to be erected on the Robinson lot, corner of Princess Royal and Water Streets, will be in the hands of contractors for tenders this week. The high studded basement of the club is to be fitted up as a club and billiard room, thus providing a place of amusement and entertainment for gentlemen who enjoy such social intercourse as a private club affords. The Co.’s lands, beyond the limits of the town, have been in the hands of surveyors, and plans of the same are now being completed, so that the Company will soon have accurate knowledge of what it owns, and be in position to decide upon the most desirable locality for a large hotel, for until greater hotel accommodations can be had, it would be folly to attempt attracting the multitude to St. Andrews.
The ‘Argyll’ is an exceedingly pleasant and well kept house, but even with its 75 rooms it cannot accommodate more guests than will naturally and without any effort, come to it this summer. The boarding houses will as usual have as many as they can care for, therefore it seems not only desirable but absolutely necessary that an hotel than will care for 400 or 500 people should be erected, and as in the case of the ‘Ponce-de-Leon,’ opened at St. Augustine, Fla., last winter, it will attract such crowds of people here that the hotels which already exist will do a larger business than in the past.
To this end the Land Co. is now working, for it recognizes the fact that its property will only be made valuable according to the demand for it which may be created, and such demand will only arise through a large number of people being attracted here. The gentlemen interested in the Company have determined upon methods which seem to them most likely to result in permanent good, and to their own advantage, and when it is stated that voiding the usual course of ‘Land Companies,’ which upon small investments issue certificates of stock representing one hundred times the value of property purchased. The St. Andrews Land Co has not issued a share of stock or place encumbrance of any kind upon its property, it can be readily understood that as its members are furnishing every dollar necessary to carry out their purposes, our citizens will we are sure appreciate that these gentlemen whose efforts . . . .”
Pilot
Aug 23/1888
America to the Front
Some of our American summer visitors have been indulging among themselves in their good natured fun, and shown us some of the means they take at home and abroad to work off that surplus nervous energy which has made the American character what it is: an enterprising and successful race of people, as well as a people luxurious their tastes and habits. They must do something, and if it is not business then they go for fun.
The low dead axletree wagon or dray, called with us a solvent or truck cart, being an object of interest and having caused considerable comment and wonderment among the guests at he Argyll hotel, it was suggested one day last week by some of the leading spirits that they take a drive in this wonderful production of luxury, in imitation of the buck board so much in vogue at other summer resorts. the ladies, not to be outdone in fun, thought if they were to ride in this luxurious vehicle they ought to dress in keeping with the name solvent, so to the surprise of the gentlemen, some thirty or more ladies and children attired themselves in all kinds of fantastic and amusing costumes, and when the team drew up to the steps of the hotel, marched down—not in beauty arrayed—but certainly as their friends never anticipated seeing them, in other words, the ladies outwitted the gentlemen (as they always do) and three two-horse teams loaded with laughing humanity, started on the road for Joe’s Point, with blowing of horns hurrahing, singing and waving of bannerettes, etc. After half a day spent pleasantly the Point, they returned to won and were photographed.
Friday night was to bring to the hotel some R. R. officials and other friends by special train, and in order to give them a suitable reception, two gentlemen a the hotel were dressed up fantastically to imitate hackmen. Upon the arrival of the train at the depot, the hackmen with a dinner bell, and all manner of shouting in true Jehu style, gave the new comers a hideous reception, while others on the hotel plaza added to the general uproar by firing guns, blowing horns and beating drums, etc., which must have impressed the new arrivals with the feeling they were approaching a palace of demons or infernal spirits.
Saturday night a collection of trees, refuse wood and branches gathered in clearing out Indian Point, having been arranged in huge piles along the shore, were saturated with kerosene and set on fire lighting up the bay for mils. the following bill of fare was served at the hotel, and as one would supposed from reading, provoked considerable mirth. the local hits on a number of our local citizens are particularly good, as well as those on the visitors at the hotel, and matters that are discussed on the street.
Beacon
Oct 10/1889
The handsomest horse in town is being driven by Captain Herbert of the Argyll hotel. It is dark bay Morgan colt, with black points, and can show a fine pair of heels to most of the horses around town.
Beacon
Oct 24, 1889
Capt. Herbert, of the Argyll hotel, will have quite a respectable park of his own next summer if he is enabled to carry out all the plans that he has in contemplation. For several days past he has had a crew of men, with oxen and horses, cutting down trees, and removing stumps and stones from his property in front of the hotel. He expects to have the whole of his twelve acres clear when next summer arrives, and at the rate he is progressing now there is no reason why he should not have it done. The captain is a hustler, and mo mistake.
Beacon
June 5/1890
A New Livery Stable
The St. Andrews livery stable keepers, who have been trying with considerable difficulty to make buckle and strap meet during he winter, will have some of he cream taken off their summer business by the new livery stable which Mr. S. J. Watson, of Houlton, intends opening at the Argyll hotel on the 25th of this month. Mr Watson was in town on Thursday, and secured a lease of the barn attached to the Argyll hotel. He intends putting in about a dozen teams and doing a general livery business. Arrangements are being made to have telephonic connection with the Algonquin hotel. We hope Mr. Watson will do a good business—but not at the expense of the regular stable keepers of the town.
Beacon
July 3/1890
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.
Beacon
July 31/1890
From Montreal Witness
This is one of the most charming and restful spots in the Dominion and is destined to become the summer resort of many families from Montreal, Toronto and other Canadian cities, as it is now of not a few from Washington, Philadelphia and New York. The opening of the Canadian Pacific short line to the Maritime Provinces brings St. Andrews within fourteen or fifteen hours of Montreal at an expense of $15 for return first class tickets. The quaint old town is beautifully situated on a Peninsula in Passamaquoddy bay, and the scenery of the district is perhaps unsurpassed anywhere on the Atlantic coast. The air is bracing and salubrious, and the almost entire absence of fog, together with the odors of balsam which thickly stud the park on the beach, make it one of the healthiest places on the continent. It is difficult to imagine surroundings more congenial to restfulness and health. The drives in the vicinity are numerous and the roads all that could be desired. There is fishing in abundance in the bay and in the numerous lakes within easy access. There are daily excursions by steamboat to St. Stephen, Calais, Campobello Island, Eastport, St. John, Portland, etc., as well as by rail to St. George, Fredericton, Grand Falls, etc. The town has a population of about 1,500, with numerous stores and well appointed liveries, etc. There are five neat and attractive churches, the best known of which is the Presbyterian "Kirk," some 65 years old, with its high pulpit, which cost 500 pounds sterling, presented by a wealthy member of a former generation. There are several hotels, two of which are large and well appointed summer hostelries. One of them, "The Algonquin," is in the West End, with accommodation for some 150 guests. The other, "The Argyll House," has room for about the same number, and is situated on the border of the town park, having a railway platform on its own grounds for the convenience of guests. There are extensive grounds for the amusement of children, and the view from nearly every room is good. The rooms are large and airy, all carpeted and well furnished. The table is good, there being sufficient variety for any ordinary taste, and the cooking all that could be desired. The landlord spares no pains to make his guests feel at home, and good order and punctilious cleanliness are marked characteristics of the Argyll House. The rates are most reasonable, running from $7 to $10 per week, with a reduction for families.
There are several Montreal families in St. Andrews thus far this season, including those of Rev. Dr. Warden, Mr. J. S. McLachlan, Messrs. Jas. Burnett, R. Meighen and John Hope. Others are expected this week. The season continues till October, fever patients being here in large numbers in September and October. Hay fever cannot exist here, nor, apparently, can most other diseases, St. Andrews being one of the most healthy places, with a lower death rate than almost any other town on the continent.
#Beacon
Aug. 7/1890
Tennis court has been laid out at Argyll.
Beacon
Aug. 14/1890
Quite a large party from the Argyll chartered one of Haney and McQuoid’s barges and were driven out to Chamcook lake last Saturday. Their enthusiasm was unbounded, and the chorus of Oh’s and Ah’s of delight over each new beauty in the ever varying picture soon became a general chorus, the one undertone of regret expressed, being that there were no boats to be secured at the lake for a pleasant little row on its placid surface. Every individual member of the party, says one who was there, rather envied the fortunate possessor of the quaint and picturesque log-cottage in the pines, while the juveniles could scarcely be persuaded to leave that beautiful dolly-house. The driver won laurels for himself in his choice of roads, giving his delighted “bargees” such a variety of lovely views, as well as a drive right through the pine woods.
Beacon
Aug 21, 1890
"Fifteen hay-feverites are quartered at the Algonquin, and there is also a large number at the Argyll."
Beacon
May 21/1891
Death of Captain Herbert
In the death of Capt. W. H. Herbert, proprietor of the Argyll hotel, which occurred on Monday afternoon after an illness extending over a few weeks, St. Andrews has sustained a very heavy loss. Capt Herbert was a native of Wiscasset, Maine, and was 57 years of age. He was thrice married, but leaves no issue, his third wife surviving him. In early life he followed the sea, and for a number of years was a successful shi- captain. After abandoning sailor life, he went into the hotel business. He conducted the Grand Falls hotel for a period, and also the Junction House at McAdam Junction. Two [ten] years ago, when the Argyll was opened, Capt. Herbert became lessee; in that capacity he operated the hotel successfully for a number of years. He subsequently purchased the property, and year by year since then he has been developing and improving it. He was an ardent believer in the future of St. Andrews, and his hopefulness, good nature and genial presence made him welcome everywhere. Generous to fault, honest and straightforward in all his dealings, he was esteemed by all who knew him. In his domestic relation she was unusually happy. He was an excellent hose, and as landlord of the Argyll did much towards popularizing St. Andrews as a summer resort. We shall ever miss his kindly smile, his encouraging word and his honest, hearty grasp of the hand. The remains of the deceased were taken by train to “Richmond, Maine, on Tuesday for interment. We understand that arrangements have been made whereby the hotel will be operated this year.
Beacon
Dec 10/1891
St. Andrews hotel debentures, which were issued in 1871 on account of the Argyll hotel, mature on the 1st of January, 1892. The last assessment on this account was made this year.