Peter O'Reilly Diary - 1895
Date
1895
Authors
O'Reilly, Peter
Vancouver Island Local History Society
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
DIARY SUMMARY
JANUARY
Frank, Kit, & Jack O’Reilly go ice skating at Colwood, and prepare for a ball in aid of the Protestant Orphans’ Home – Peter O’Reilly attends a meeting of the B C Corporation – “acacia” and apple trees pruned.
FEBRUARY
Peter attends shareholder meetings of Albion Iron Works “a most unsatisfactory shewing”, Canadian Pacific Navigation Company “very unsatisfactory
statement of accts”, and Victoria Gas Company “satisfactory” – Peter becomes a director of Albion Iron Works, continues to finance mortgages, and suffers from his leg condition – Jack plays football.
MARCH
Peter arranges lease of Fairfield fields at $15 per acre – the O’Reilly family continues to attend St Johns, St Saviours, and Christ Church Cathedral on Sundays mornings and evenings.
APRIL
Carry O’Reilly attends a maternity home meeting – Tenth anniversary of Peter and Carry’s carriage accident – potatoes planted in field at Point Ellice - James Campbell, employee, drunk and let go.
MAY
The Robert Jacksons arrive from England – Kit is photographed on her horse – Fairfield is prepared for the arrival of the Trutches from England - Lady Julia Trutch arrives first looking ill – Peter and Frank O’Reilly call on the naval officers at Esquimalt – Queen’s Birthday festivities - Sir Joseph Trutch arrives at month end.
JUNE
Peter attends meetings of the B C Corporation and Albion Iron Works – Julia Trutch’s health continues to decline, the doctor’s report not encouraging – Peter and Carry attend a lecture by the well-known journalist David Christie Murray “a very enjoyable performance” - Joseph Trutch must decide who should tell his wife Julia of her cancer diagnosis – Peter and Carry aid Julia and Joe.
JULY
Water closets, fixtures, and sewers replaced at Point Ellice – death and funeral of Julia Trutch – Joseph Trutch is depressed, suffers from indigestion, and contemplates returning to England, Peter stays with him at Fairfield – Jack takes his “Intermediate Exam”.
AUGUST
Albion Iron Works performance “unsatisfactory” – Robert Jackson leaves for England – Peter O’Reilly meets with Prime Minister Mackenzie Bowell to discuss Indian Reserve Commission matters – attends Mark Twain’s lecture, “a failure greatly disappointed” – IRC lays out reserves for Alkalai Lake Indians.
SEPTEMBER
Reserves defined for Canoe Creek Indians – Kit and Jack O’Reilly take a trip to Alaska – Peter declines an invitation to Government House to meet Quebec Lieutenant Governor Joseph-Adolphe Chapleau – the family attends the agricultural exhibition - Peter completes the IRC Annual Report
OCTOBER
Peter continues to lodge at Fairfield with Joseph Trutch – attends director’s meetings of the B C Corporation and Albion Iron Works – “Shooting season” commences and Jack goes hunting often.
NOVEMBER
Albion Iron Works operations remain “very unsatisfactory” – State Ball given by Governor General Lord Aberdeen and Lady Aberdeen – Peter and Carry attend a dinner for the Governor General at Government House for forty-two guests.
DECEMBER
Peter and Carry O’Reilly and her brother Joseph Trutch spend much time together during his final days in Victoria – death of Bishop George Hills in England, memorial service held at Christ Church - Trutch meets with lawyer Aikman regarding his will – Joseph Trutch, “greatly depressed”, departs for Kootenay and England – Kit, Frank, & Jack go to a dance at Government House given for Admiral Stevenson.
Description
Transcription of the diary of Peter O'Reilly for the year 1895. The original document is housed at the Royal British Columbia Museum & Archives, O’Reilly Family Fonds (MS-2894), Microfilm Reel A01911, Box 3, File 5 & Microfilm Reel A01912, Box 3, File 20.
Keywords
Peter O'Reilly, British Columbia, Victoria (B.C.), Point Ellice House (Victoria, B.C.), civil service, history, 19th century