Page 32 - Giv'er Miramichi magazine - Summer 2017

From Goose Park to The Town Square

Notes on the Public Square, Newcastle, copied from the files visitors invariably speak in terms of praise of the beauty of
of the Union Advocate in The Old Manse Library, Newcastle, by Newcastle Square.
Simon Driscoll and E. MacDonald.
Advocate, July 3, 1889:
Advocate, May 19, 1870: The Dominion Day Celebration. As soon as it became dark the
The wooden fence around the Square is being torn down, to stores and residences were lighted up and made a fine appearance,
be replaced at an early date by a neat chain fence. This will be a detailed descriptions next week. Dancing (in the Square) was
decided improvement. While speaking commenced shortly after 9 p.m. and ended at 12 p.m. The Moncton
upon this subject, we would like to know Band provided music. A charge of 10
for information, whose duty it is to cents was made for admission to the
remove the pile of sawdust deposited in Square in the evening and was paid by a
the Square last fall for skating rink large number; those objecting to the fee
purposes. Will the gentlemen in charge of jumping over the fence. The refreshment
the Square see to it and have it removed booth was well patronized. Early in the
at once. I must be very annoying to evening the merry-go-round broke down
persons who have any regard for order under the weight of its load and that put
and cleanliness, to see the heap an end to that favorite sport of
remaining week after week, without any amusement. No one was hurt.
effort being made for its removal.
Advocate, June 28, 1893:
Advocate, May 19, 1880: A Fountain – Mr. P. Keating,
During the week the gentlemen in caretaker of the Park, has placed from the
charge of the Public Square have planted artesian well in the centre of the park a
a number of elm and other trees within pipe and rose which throws a small spray
the enclosure. We trust their efforts to of water all around it and adds to the
beautify that portion of the town once beauty of the park very materially. Its
known as “The Goose Park” will be The fountain in the Town Square, as it looks today. appearance this year does him credit.
seconded by the people in protecting the Photo by Anthony McLean
Advocate, August 14, 1895:
trees, fences, etc. from damage.
Some years ago an artesian well was sunk in the Newcastle
Advocate, June 19, 1889: Park (The Square) and a fine flow of water obtained, the intention
The drinking fountain has been placed in position on that being to have a fountain erected in the centre of the Park, but as
portion of the square facing the Post Office. The grass has been cut there is no fund to draw upon for necessary improvements and
down and with some cleaning up the Square will be ready in a day repairs that laudable intention has failed of completion. We
or two for the celebration of Dominion Day. If the citizens unite in understand that Mr. Thomas Russell has expressed his intention of
making the Garden Party a success the proceeds will be used for erecting a fountain and the contract has been given to Mr. C.E. Fish
the erection of a jet fountain in the centre of the Square which will who is proceeding with the work. The excavation is now being
make it one of the most beautiful spots in this locality. The Square made, stone for the fountain and a derrick are on the ground and
Committee for some years past have worked energetically to turn shortly, through the public spirit and generosity of Mr. Russell the
what was formerly ironically termed the Goose Park into an Fountain will be completed and throwing its stream of water into
ornament to our town and they have succeeded most admirably and the air to still further beautify this pleasant spot in the centre of the
town.

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