Peter O'Reilly Diary - 1886
Date
1886
Authors
O'Reilly, Peter
Vancouver Island Local History Society
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
DIARY SUMMARY
JANUARY
Peter O’Reilly continues to loan money for mortgages – ice skating at Colwood and Skinner’s Pond – Carry, Frank, and Kathleen “Puss” O’Reilly attend a ball given by the Admiral and fleet - parties at the Crease and Pooley homes.
FEBRUARY
Caroline “Carry” and Kathleen “Puss” O’Reilly visit ailing Fanny Bickford – Peter continues to recover from the 1885 carriage accident, sits outside in his chair and uses a crutch to walk – Frank O’Reilly gets two dozen small fir trees from the Gorge waterway to plant at Point Ellice.
MARCH
Asparagus bed established, fir trees and thorn hedge planted – piles driven for a boathouse and breakwater – Dr Jones, dentist, fills three of Peter’s teeth at home – tennis court grass cut and rolled.
APRIL
Peter returns to work at his office and goes to St John’s Church for first time since the carriage accident one year earlier – death of Dr John Ash – more Albion Iron Works shares purchased - Land & Works office approves most of surveyed Indian reserves.
MAY
Peter loans more money for mortgages – tries out and purchases horse “Mac” – consultation with John Trutch regarding enlargement of kitchen – six day trip to lay out reserves for Nepa Indians between Lytton and Ashcroft.
JUNE
Ashdown Green copies Church Missionary Society Metlakatla report - “The town of Vancouver burnt down” – Peter and Ashdown Green work at home on reserve reports and amendments to minutes of decision - Peter travels the west coast of Vancouver Island to establish reserves at Hesquiat, stops along the way for a crew to repair the Cape Beale lighthouse - Frank and Puss play tennis.
JULY
The family attends a Beacon Hill Park cricket match, a band concert, and a sham naval fight in Esquimalt where Peter is carried about in a chair – Peter visits with Sir John A Macdonald and Lady Macdonald at the Driard Hotel in Victoria.
AUGUST
Women’s tennis tournament hosted at Point Ellice – Sir John A and Lady Macdonald have lunch and high tea at Point Ellice, a regatta and torch light procession follow – a ball is given for Lady Macdonald - Carry takes Lady Macdonald shopping and to the naval cemetery – coastal reserves previously laid out approved, others not allowed – frequent tennis events and dinners.
SEPTEMBER
Inspection of boats at Esquimalt dockyard - dissatisfaction with Metlakatla reserve – Peter travels up the eastern side of Vancouver Island and along various islands and waterways to review previous surveys by Gilbert Sproat – new reserves for Fort Rupert and Nimpkish Indians.
OCTOBER
Reserve establishment continues, some reserves previously established by Sproat do not exist – back in Victoria Peter sends telegram to Sir John Macdonald regarding reserve situation at Metlakatla – further discussions ensue, naval ship HMS Cormorant sent north to Metlakatla – reserves recently laid out are approved.
NOVEMBER
Improvements to drainage of tennis court at Point Ellice, new sod, and reseeding – discussions about Metlakatla situation continue and include Indian Affairs Superintendent Israel Wood Powell.
DECEMBER
Arrangements made for 13-year-old Jack to attend Uppingham School in England – death of William Fraser Tolmie – officers of the HMS Cormorant call at Point Ellice - discussions with Joseph Trutch and surveyors regarding Metlakatla – Point Ellice holly decorates St John’s Church and is sent to Lady Macdonald.
Description
Transcription of the diary of Peter O'Reilly for the year 1886. The original document is housed at the Royal British Columbia Museum & Archives, O’Reilly Family Fonds (MS-2894), Microfilm Reel A01910, Box 2, File 14.
Keywords
Peter O'Reilly, British Columbia, Victoria (B.C.), Point Ellice House (Victoria, B.C.), civil service, history, 19th century