Weekly News, May 2, 1894

Cumberland Townsite

A forest two years ago, and exhibiting only blackened tree stumps last spring, but now a thriving town, showing marvelous growth during a period of remarkable depression elsewhere - A complete list of buildings to which is added a few of those shortly to be erected.

The new town of Cumberland is but an addition to the mining camp of Union. The superior quality of the coal produced here, yielding 17 percent more carbon for the same quantity than any other coal mine on the coast, has created a demand which, now large, is rapidly increasing, and is met of course by a corresponding output of the black diamonds. Those who have never visited Union should not imagine that it is nothing but a mining camp; independent of Cumberland it is a town of some importance, having the largest retail store in the Province, with sawmill, hotel, shops, etc.

But it is of Cumberland we started to write. It joins Union on the east and was, until about two years ago, a howling wilderness. It was then denuded of forest, but not of the blackened stumps which, except where it is built up, still renders it picturesque.† It lies on high ground, gently rising towards the north, somewhat rolling but sufficiently level for the purpose of a fine townsite.

Cumberland commands a view of the mountains - not far distant to the south, nestled in the bosom of which rests in tranquil beauty Lake Hamilton, which at no distant period may furnish its inhabitants by the gravitational system an abundance of pure water.

The elevation - 500 feet above sea level - gives to the air a tonic effect highly beneficial to those troubled with weak lungs.

But Cumberlandís growth!† Well, weíll take a look at it now.† Let us start at First Street and Dunsmuir Ave, facing east.† First Street is the division line between the Camp and the new town site.† Turning right we see the handsome two storey store building occupied by the McKims, general merchants.† This store, 24 by 60, owned by R. Grand & Co. was built last spring at a cost of $2,500, and was the first building erected in the new town site.† The McKims do a flourishing business here.

The next building erected was Grant & McGregorís furniture store, right opposite.† It has a modern front, is two storeys, 26 by 62, and cost $2, 500.† The business done by this enterprising firm extends throughout the district.† Moving a few steps up the avenue we come to J. Abrams.† This store might be considered a twin of the first one described except for that it came into existence a little later.† Mr. Abrams keeps gents furnishings and has a tailoring department under the charge of D. McLeod which is rapidly acquiring an enviable reputation.† The building cost about $2,500.† Next east, on the same side of the street is the Magnet store of Wm. Langton, two storeys, 22 by 50 feet, cost $2000.† Here one can get almost anything from a toothpick to a canary bird.† A step or two in the same direction brings us to the Union bakery of Adderton & Rowbotham.† It is one storey, 28 by 30, having a brick furnace oven with a capacity for turning two tones of flour per week into bread, cost $1,200.† On the next lot, same side of the avenue, is the two storey butcher shop of A.C. Fulton.† It is 20 by 30 and is provided with family rooms upstairs, cost about $500.† And a little farther still to the right is the fine livery establishment of Wood & Miller.† The building is 35 by 70 and cost about $1000.† In addition to the livery they do a general teaming business.† Right across the way is a new building designed for a drug store, very neat and costing $350.† it is now occupied by O.H. Fechter, tonsorial artist.† Then as we pass to the next block we do not need to have pointed out the Cumberland Hotel.† It is three storeys high and perhaps the most imposing structure north of Victoria.† It was build last fall by McDonald & Bruce, but has lately been sold to John Piket.† It cost $5000.

We will rest here a moment to get a cigar or glass of soda, just as our friends prefer, and then take a look at the cottages to the south of us, on Front Street.† Each has five rooms, and is 24 by 36 and cost $1000.† They belong to R. Grant & Co. Not far from these, on Second Street, are Wm. Mitchellís two cottages - one costing $600 and the other, a double tenement, costing something like $1,500.† Yes, and there is John Thompsonís one and a half storey cottage, about half finished, and will cost $1,200.† And we must not overlook the neat cottage, nearly complete on the west side of Second street, owned by R. Grant -- that one with an attractive veranda.† It will be occupied by Niel McFadyen and family, and cost $1000.

By the way we have overlooked the new customs office on First Street lately build to Geo. Roe the newly appointed official.†

We may as well pass up Dunsmuir Avenue and go north on Second Street. You notice, of course, those two neat one and a half storey dwellings upon which the finishing touches are now being applied - those to the left?† They cost $1000 each.† And just around the corner to the right, on Penrith Street is the new 24 by 26 cottage of D. Daniels which we may well put down at $1000.

And here we are right opposite the new Methodist church which has just been completed at a cost of $5000, and which to use the words of a recent visitor, would be a credit to a much larger place.† By following up this street (Second) and back to Maryport Avenue we come to the dwelling of James Carthew.† It is two storeys, contains seven rooms with a combination of bay window and piazza in front.† It is being nicely finished, and being on high ground commands a magnificent view - cost $2000.

Buildings To Go Up

Upon inquiry at the architects and builders we learned that the plans were out for a quite a number of new buildings upon some of which work will be commenced at once.† The most important of these is the new Temperance Hotel of A. Lindsay, the popular manager of the Cumberland Hotel.† It will be located just east of Grant & McGregorís furniture store.† The main building will be 32 by 65 feet, and three storeys in height: wash room, kitchen, and store room in the rear.† The first storey will contain ladiesí parlour, guests sitting room, dining room connected with sitting room by sliding doors, making a room when necessary of 40 by 60.† In the second storey there will be 12 bed rooms, some of which will be in suites.† In the 3rd storey there will be 12 sleeping rooms, all of good size,† The front will have a balcony along the second storey with a fancy rail.† Wide steps in front with double front windows, etc.† J.A. Mateer is the architect.† Will cost fully $4000 and be completed in June.

The next more important building to go up is the dwelling house of Alex Grant.† The plans should a building 2 1/2 stories and 30 by 40 with rear ell 22 by 36.† On the first floor there will be hall, parlour, dining room, bath and play room for the youngsters.† The 2nd story has four fine bedrooms, each a wardrobe.† The front is ornamented with a balcony and three mullion windows and a bay on the side.† Heavy cornice supported by fancy brackets.† Front is illuminated with sunburst.† Located on Maryport street.† J.A. Mateer, architect.

Mr. Adderton of the firm of Adderon & Rowbotham, bakers, will erect a $2000 front to their bakery.† It will be two storeys high and contain 20 rooms.† The first storey will be utilised as a shop and restaurant.

R Grant & L Mounce will erect three cottages on Front Street, each of which will cost $1000.

James McKim, senior member of Jas. McKim & Sons, will† build on Maryport Avenue an elegant cottage, 24 by 30 of 7 rooms to cost $2000.

Back of the furniture store there will go up shortly a building 20 by 30 two storeys and intended for upholstery and warehouse purposes.

And no week passes now without something new in the building line to record.