Peter O'Reilly Diary - 1902
Date
1902
Authors
O'Reilly, Peter
Vancouver Island Local History Society
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
DIARY SUMMARY
JANUARY
Peter O’Reilly’s hand “very useless”, massage is helpful – Christ Church trustees, including Peter, consider selling lots from church property – Frank O’Reilly returns to his surveying work in the West Kootenay – Jack O’Reilly canvasses for the Conservative candidate Frank Barnard – Kit O’Reilly visits friends and pays bills.
FEBRUARY
Peter is re-elected as a director of Albion Iron Works, becomes the sole director of the B. C. Corporation – Peter’s leg very painful and his hand numb, remains in bed – possible amalgamation of Albion and Vancouver Iron Works – Kit and Jack attend a Navy League meeting.
MARCH
“Leg very painful awake all night” – Dr Jones makes daily visits to dress Peter’s leg – Nelly Drake massages Peter’s hand – Albion Iron Works directors meet at Point Ellice due to Peter’s bedridden condition – the neighbouring Drake family are frequent visitors – Fairfield hay taken to Point Ellice.
APRIL
Peter moves to the sofa and chair after lying in bed for six weeks, “very weak and tried” – “My eye very painful – cant read or write” – Peter hires two Chinese boys to work – potatoes, mangolds and carrots planted in the field – visits with Benjamin Pearse and Sir Henry Crease, both in poor health.
MAY
Mrs Hickling convalesces at Point Ellice after a hospital stay – Peter visits Benjamin Pearse who remains ill – Peter attends a trustee meeting for Christ Church and the archdeaconry – “Depressing state of business, & finance” at Albion Iron Works – Pearse admitted to Jubilee Hospital.
JUNE
Kit O’Reilly supports Mrs Pearse during the hospitalization of her husband – Peter buys shares in Esquimalt Water Works for Joseph and John Trutch – death of Benjamin Pearse, Peter is a chief mourner and Jack a pall bearer – visit with Philip Hankin – croquet frequently played.
JULY
Frequent Albion Iron Works meetings continue – Peter gives money to Herbert Dodgson to pay his bills – Twigg and Mrs Pearse are frequent visitors – Kit calls on friends frequently – fire at Fairfield hayfield – Jack and Kit play croquet and participate in tournaments.
AUGUST
Regarding Iron Works operations, “Everything unsatisfactory both here & at Vancouver” – coronation church service for King Edward VII – forest fires create smoky skies in Victoria – Jack wins the Vancouver croquet tournament cup – repeated visits by Mrs Pearse – Kit organizes a picnic “up the Arm” (Gorge Waterway).
SEPTEMBER
Albion Iron Works finances precarious - Annie Pinder “full of complaints” and seeks loans from Peter – Mrs Pearse leaves for England – more smoke-filled skies – Peter’s leg once again “very painful” and he remains in bed for the remainder of the month.
OCTOBER
Peter ends his two-week bed rest, but his eyes are “very bad” – Kit goes golfing and Jack goes hunting – Mr & Mrs Master stay for six days – Peter attends frequent meetings of Albion Iron Works directors.
NOVEMBER
Peter consults with real estate advisor Edgar Baker and lawyer Hugh Aikman about selling lots, leasing the fields and house at Fairfield – death of Mrs Frederick Seymour in London – two cooks quit – several Royal Garrison Artillery officers repeatedly call at Point Ellice.
DECEMBER
Another cook quits, also the house boy - Peter attends Mrs George Walkem’s funeral – three Ellis daughters and the Masters arrive for a visit – Kit sends Point Ellice holly to family and friends – Frank O’Reilly arrives from Nelson – Peter contracts a heavy cold – family, friends, and Royal Garrison Artillery officers gather on New Year’s Eve to celebrate Kit’s 35th birthday.
Description
Transcription of the diary of Peter O'Reilly for the year 1902. The original document is housed at the Royal British Columbia Museum & Archives, O’Reilly Family Fonds (MS-2894), Microfilm Reel A01911, Box 3, File 12.
Keywords
Peter O'Reilly, British Columbia, Victoria (B.C.), Point Ellice House (Victoria, B.C.), civil service, history, 20th century