Peter O'Reilly Diary - 1889
Date
1889
Authors
O'Reilly, Peter
Vancouver Island Local History Society
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
DIARY SUMMARY
JANUARY
Rhubarb planted on New Year’s Day – social engagements, working at the office, and letter writing – a fire at the Albion Iron Works.
FEBRUARY
Albion Iron Works, Victoria Gas Co, and Canadian Pacific Navigation Co meetings, dividends declared – home repairs and fence building - Ashdown Green lays out rose bed below tennis court at Point Ellice, Peter O’Reilly purchases thirty roses for the bed – no letters from wife Carry O’Reilly.
MARCH
Peter leaves for New York City where he meets Carry and daughter “Kit” returning from England after an absence of 15 months – return to Ottawa to consult with Vankoughnet and Dewdney about Indian matters – meeting with Prime Minster John Macdonald.
APRIL
Return to Victoria - forty roses planted in the garden – death of Robert Dunsmuir, “A sad & terrible loss to the Province”, “Dunsmuirs funeral the largest I have seen in Victoria” – Capt Lewis discusses building a steam launch for the IRC to use – Jubilee Hospital foundation stone laid – marriage of Flora Jenns to architect William Wilson.
MAY
Telephone installed – new steps to boathouse built – architect Wilson and Ashdown Green discuss alterations to house and new kitchen, work begins – plans for steam launch proceed - Queen’s birthday regatta, celebrations with friends and naval officers Heneage, Hammet, and Thynne – tennis and tea – cook stove shopping at Albion Iron Works.
JUNE
Death of BC Supreme Court Judge John Hamilton Gray, Peter O’Reilly is a pall bearer at the funeral – Indian Reserve Commission departs in steamer Douglas for west coast of Vancouver Island creating reserves on Nuu-chah-nulth lands starting at Ucluelet, travelling northwest to Opitsat, Ahousat, Hesquiat, Yuquot (Friendly Cove), Nuchatlitz, Tahsis, and Zeballos tribes and villages.
JULY
Reserve creation continues at Kyuquot and Quatsino – stop in San Josef Bay before rounding the northern tip of Vancouver Island to Fort Rupert and Alert Bay – travel northward to establish reserves at Hartley Bay, Kitimat, and Kidala Arm – return to Victoria.
AUGUST
Death of BC Premier Alexander Davie – Mary Cavill arrives from England to work as house maid – work on the new kitchen proceeds, workers paid – tennis parties and a tennis tournament – Sir Michael Culme-Seymour returns to Victoria and visits the O’Reillys.
SEPTEMBER
Inspection of bank building repair at New Westminster – “axe and chainman” hired twice for Point Ellice – preparations for IRC trip to Nicola region begin – departure for Nicola delayed by the illness of Ashdown Green.
OCTOBER
Eighteen-day trip to create reserves from Spences Bridge, along Nicola Valley, Quilchena, Douglas Lake, and Ashcroft, some old reserves enlarged – arrival of Governor General of Canada Lord Stanley and Lady Stanley in Victoria – return of Sir Michael Culme-Seymour to Victoria.
NOVEMBER
Ball and reception held for Lord and Lady Stanley – HMS Amphion runs aground near Victoria with the Stanleys on board – horse riding with Sir Culme-Seymour and “Kit” O’Reilly
DECEMBER
Dinner and tea with the naval officers – Point Ellice holly sent to Lady Stanley, Lady Macdonald, and friends – St Johns Church decorated with holly - house maid Mary Cavill departs to marry O’Reilly employee George Hick – Arthur Pinder and his new bride visit – fire at New Westminster.
Description
Transcription of the diary of Peter O'Reilly for the year 1889. The original document is housed at the Royal British Columbia Museum & Archives, O’Reilly Family Fonds (MS-2894), Microfilm Reel A01910, Box 2, File 17.
Keywords
Peter O'Reilly, British Columbia, Victoria (B.C.), Point Ellice House (Victoria, B.C.), civil service, history, 19th century