Peter O'Reilly Diary - 1898
Date
1898
Authors
O'Reilly, Peter
Vancouver Island Local History Society
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
DIARY SUMMARY
JANUARY
Kit & Frank O’Reilly play in a golf tournament on New Years Day – the Jacksons and Rev. Barber leave for England – Peter O’Reilly attends a directors meeting of the Albion Iron Works.
FEBRUARY
Peter, Carry, and Kit O’Reilly attend the opening of the Legislative Assembly in the new government buildings – meetings regarding the Beddoe lease and note continue - Peter receives notice terminating his “services” as Indian Reserve Commissioner, spends two more weeks on the job and clears out his office, the job transitions to Arthur Vowell at month end – Albion Iron Works empowered to borrow $150,000.
MARCH
Steamer Amur makes its inaugural run from Victoria to Fort Wrangel, Alaska for the Klondike trade – death of Chief Justice Theodore Davie – Peter suffers from a heavy cold, attends board meetings.
APRIL
Point Ellice field ploughed and sowed with oats, timothy, and clover, carrots, mangolds, and potatoes planted – Carry supervises gardeners – dining room ceiling repapered – Fairfield in poor condition due to lack of maintenance.
MAY
Peter “shivering all the evening & through the night” – painters, paperhangers, carpet layers work at Point Ellice – Fairfield flagpole moved to Point Ellice – the Queen’s Birthday Regatta takes place, dinner with friends, observation of a sham battle at Beacon Hill – Ong begins work at $30 per month including lodging in the harness room – Rev. Grundy continues to substitute for Rev. Barber who is in England.
JUNE
Meetings with T. R. Smith regarding B C Corporation – croquet court laid out – Fairfield hay crop sold – tea party at the Barracks - Rev. Barber returns from England – Indian Reserve Commission under Arthur Vowell goes to the Skeena River with surveyor Ashdown Green.
JULY
Dominion Day outing at Hatley Park – general and provincial elections held - “Jack sworn in as Barrister, & Solicitor” – Peter makes his usual Sunday visits to the Thomsons – Donald Harris mortgages with Joseph Trutch foreclosed – Lieutenant Governor’s reception for the Governor General “a large & motley gathering - very inconveniently arranged”.
AUGUST
Possible loan of $10,000 to Odd Fellows fraternal order – Lieutenant Governor McInnes dismisses the John Turner government, calls on Robert Beaven to form a new government – favourable report of Victoria Gas Company operations, dividends paid – death of Charles Houghton whom Peter had known since 1866 – fire at the Victoria Chemical Co ignites acids, sulfur and niter.
SEPTEMBER
Forest fire smoke covers Victoria again – Jack frequently goes hunting – fire destroys much of New Westminster’s commercial area, “almost total distruction” – Peter, Carry, and Kit suffer from colds – a vote is taken on prohibition.
OCTOBER
Jack goes hunting seven times – Peter sees a dentist eight times – Jack begins working at the law firm of Drake, Jackson, and Helmcken – Peter gets legal advice regarding his mortgages and the mortgages he coordinates on behalf of Joseph and John Trutch.
NOVEMBER
Peter purchases $5000 of shares in Esquimalt Water Works Company – Peter snaps a leg tendon which causes much pain, Dr Jones advises bed rest, many visitors call at Point Ellice to see Peter.
DECEMBER
Peter sits outside in his chair for the first time in almost a month after his leg injury – Carry & Kit O’Reilly help organize a doll show as a benefit event for the Jubilee Hospital children’s ward – 35th wedding anniversary Peter and Carry O’Reilly - – distribution of Point Ellice holly to friends – Frank O’Reilly returns from Nelson, BC for a visit.
Description
Transcription of the diary of Peter O'Reilly for the year 1898. The original document is housed at the Royal British Columbia Museum & Archives, O’Reilly Family Fonds (MS-2894), Microfilm Reel A01911, Box 3, File 8.
Keywords
Peter O'Reilly, British Columbia, Victoria (B.C.), Point Ellice House (Victoria, B.C.), civil service, history, 19th century