Peter O'Reilly Diary - 1901
Date
1901
Authors
O'Reilly, Peter
Vancouver Island Local History Society
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
DIARY SUMMARY
JANUARY
Return to Point Ellice “very dreary & sad without our beloved one” – many visitors call on the O’Reilly’s – Canon Beanlands takes legal action against William Ward – death of Queen Victoria.
FEBRUARY
Memorial services for Queen Victoria held across the city of Victoria – director’s meetings of Albion Iron Works, Victoria Gas Company take place, dividends paid to Peter O’Reilly, Joseph Trutch, John Trutch, and Carry Hare – in England Joseph Trutch has a serious carriage accident.
MARCH
Frank O’Reilly returns to Point Ellice – contents of Fairfield prepared for auction – Peter O’Reilly arranges Fairfield lease agreement from Joseph Trutch – Kathleen “Kit” O’Reilly suffers from a bad cold – Peter’s will witnessed.
APRIL
Fairfield auction, everything sold – Trutch books and small items packed for shipment to England – Trutch property near Cook Street considered for sale – new oilcloth, carpets and gates installed at Point Ellice – Albion Iron Works considers purchasing BC Iron Works in Vancouver.
MAY
Peter O’Reilly purchases more shares in the Esquimalt Water Works Co for himself, and shares for daughter Kit – Canon Beanlands withdraws lawsuit against Christ Church trustees – Violet Ellis has an extended stay at Point Ellice – wood and coal sheds dismantled, new hen house, woodshed, and water closet built, also steps, veranda, and porches painted.
JUNE
Willy and Annie Pinder in a “deplorable state”, Peter pays eight months of their rent – Mrs Drake in hospital for hernia operation – Jack O’Reilly frequently goes yachting – death of Mrs Bryden, Peter is a pallbearer at funeral – Harold Twigg returns to Point Ellice for a visit, takes law exam – death of Joanna Tyrwhitt-Drake (Mrs Drake), “We have lost a good friend & kind neighbour”.
JULY
Peter inspects hay harvest at Fairfield and attends the usual director’s meetings – summertime croquet and tennis games – Kit O’Reilly goes to Vancouver to watch croquet – auction of farm animals at Hatley Park – James Leigh’s sawmill near Point Ellice burns down.
AUGUST
Albion Iron Works shareholders and directors approve purchase of B C Iron Works of Vancouver – half-year gas company dividends paid – horse “Nelly” very ill and requires visits from veterinarian Dr Hamilton – Peter purchases more shares in Esquimalt Water Works for himself and his daughter.
SEPTEMBER
Lieutenant Governor Joly de Lotbinière at Point Ellice for tea and croquet – kitchen and box room calsomined – field potatoes dug and stored in new “root house” - Albion Iron Works approves the issuance of $140,000 in bonds for improvements – Kit O’Reilly takes the Pinder children to Vancouver to attend Miss Gordon’s school.
OCTOBER
Peter buys more shares in Esquimalt Water Works - Albion Iron Works considers bidding on the new Point Ellice Bridge construction - Gisburn estate to be leased to Robert “Robin” Dunsmuir with option to purchase – Peter frequently deals with Albion Iron Works business affairs as a director – Jack goes quail hunting on Prevost Island – “Ping Pong” played with friends.
NOVEMBER
Peter meets with Robert Dunsmuir and architect Samuel Maclure agreeing to alterations to Gisburn – death of Captain Frank Garforth – Albion Iron Works submits $147,500 tender for Point Ellice Bridge – three Chinese employees quit, a new house maid and parlour maid starts.
DECEMBER
Peter continues to work on Albion Iron Works business matters – Kit and Peter visit Fanny Dodgson and Jane Shaw in hospital – Frank O’Reilly returns for a holiday visit – holly sent to friends – Dr Jones examines Peter’s hand.
Description
Transcription of the diary of Peter O'Reilly for the year 1901. The original document is housed at the Royal British Columbia Museum & Archives, O’Reilly Family Fonds (MS-2894), Microfilm Reel A01911, Box 3, File 11.
Keywords
Peter O'Reilly, British Columbia, Victoria (B.C.), Point Ellice House (Victoria, B.C.), civil service, history, 20th century