Between 1886 and 1905, epidemics of diphtheria, smallpox
and scarlet fever
took their toll on both adults and children. Electricity had its slow beginnings.
Zippers were invented in the early 1900's. Money was to be made farming
turnips in Bayside and shipping them to the outside world. They were a favourite
in Boston and other parts of New England. By the schooner load they left the
St. Croix valley for those markets. Communities were coping with gas-drive
automobiles, a movement to have women vote in elections and greater feelings
of obligation to the poor and sick.
In 1894, Rollingdam was becoming a busy community. The Rollingdam
correspondent reported that the store of Henry T. Boyd was the scene of busy
operations in the fall.
Mr. Boyd carries a large variety of general merchandise and is a large purchaser of farm produce. His trade is constantly growing and his customers find his store an economical place at which to deal.
At this point it is interesting to note that
Alfred Nobel, a Swedish chemist and founder of the Nobel Prizes, had first
concocted dynamite in 1867. As fate would have it, it was also reported that
safecrackers employing the fruits of Nobel's genus, visited Mr. Boyd's store in
October, 1895. Ironically there was very little money, but some valuable papers
were taken which would be of no use but to the owner. Naturally, the whole
affair would have caused much excitement and talk for some time throughout
the community.
As far as personal family history is concerned, there are few entries in the
McGowan Bible other than family event documentation. However, one of these
is concerning bringing in the New Year on January 1, 1900. It was recorded
that "This century came in on Monday. Snowed all day." This was written by
Susan McGowan.
In Rollingdam (spelled as reported at the time), during March 1900, the
roads were in excellent condition and lumber was being hauled in large
quantities to the CPR and McCann's mill. On September 6, 1900, the first
turnips of the season were loaded at Hewitt's siding for Hartt and Greenlaw,
St. Andrews, for the Boston market.
BACK TO
| NEXT | PREVIOUS | HOME | McGowan Family History | Photos of Rollingdam History |