Peter O'Reilly Diary - 1905
Date
1905
Authors
O'Reilly, Peter
Vancouver Island Local History Society
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
DIARY SUMMARY
JANUARY
Peter O’Reilly begins the year again with a cold, continues to attend director’s meetings of Albion Iron Works – the usual visitors call at Point Ellice throughout the month – first outing on January 24th with a visit to Mrs Sarah Pearse.
FEBRUARY
Kathleen “Kit” O’Reilly and friends go ice skating at Colwood and Langford Lake – business of Albion Iron Works “unsatisfactory” – meeting of Christ Church Cathedral trustees – “My cold very heavy, remained in bed” – Sir Henry Crease, whom Peter had known since 1860, passes away at age 82.
MARCH
Peter’s front teeth replaced - vegetable gardens and flower beds prepared for spring planting, early cabbage planted – Point Ellice property surveyed for the purpose of bringing in a new water line from Goldstream – Captain Herbert Lewis, whom Peter had known since 1859, passes away at age 77.
APRIL
Peter, Kit, and Jack O’Reilly work in the garden, employees plant potatoes in the field – Christ Church trustees meeting – Herbert Dodgson quits employment with Albion Iron Works.
MAY
Jeanie Dewdney, wife of Edgar Dewdney, in poor health - Frank and Kathleen O’Reilly call on Mrs Dewdney in concern for her well-being - family and friends go to the Gorge to enjoy Victoria Day festivities and fireworks.
JUNE
The family continues to attend church at St Saviour’s (Victoria West) and at St Paul’s (Esquimalt) – employee Thomas Varley quits and goes to England - death of James Allan Grahame, long-time HBC employee - Esquimalt Water Works to purchase 4000 additional acres to add to Goldstream watershed – first payments go out to beneficiaries of Joseph Trutch’s estate following his 1904 death.
JULY
July weather “roasting hot” - Peter attends meetings of Albion Iron Works and the Victoria Gas Company – friends and family play croquet - Jack returns to Vancouver to play in a croquet tournament - Peter sells his Gas Works stock for $9400 and receives $4000 from the Joseph Trutch estate - Kit works in her garden.
AUGUST
Christ Church trustees meeting - money deposited in the bank as a legacy for Kathleen O’Reilly - shingling of the house commences – visits with Mrs Pearse and Mrs Charles – August 20th - “Seedy all through the night, “Heartburn” – last diary entry written on August 21st.
Peter O’Reilly died from heart failure on September 3, 1905, at age 78.
Description
Transcription of the diary of Peter O'Reilly for the year 1905. The original document is housed at the Royal British Columbia Museum & Archives, O’Reilly Family Fonds (MS-2894), Microfilm Reel A01912, Box 3, File 15.
Keywords
Peter O'Reilly, British Columbia, Victoria (B.C.), Point Ellice House (Victoria, B.C.), civil service, history, 20th century