APPENDIX C XLIX 
that the historic old Gage house, where Generals Winder and Chandler 
were quartered, and four and a half acres of land where the thickest of 
the fight raged, were about to be sold, secured it at once becoming per- 
sonally responsible for the purchase money until the society could take 
measures to pay for it. The citizens of Hamilton subscribed liberally 
towards this patriotic object, and now one thousand dollars has been 
paid on the property, and extensive repairs and improvements made to 
the house and grounds. The men of Stoney Creek turned out in large 
numbers with teams, etc., and converted the wilderness into an attractive 
park, with seats scattered about, rustic arbors, etc. It is interesting to 
note that Mr. Corman, one of the most active workers, is a grandson of 
Peter Corman who gave the American countersign to Col. Harvey, which 
enabled the British to surprise the Americans at Stoney Creek. The 
quaint old house is very attractive, and already many visitors from Can- 
ada and the United States have journeyed there to see it. The property 
has been placed in the hands of three trustees, Wm. Hendrie, Esq., John 
Calder, Esq., and A. T. Wood, M.P., who hold it in trust for the society. 
Last October the grand opening was held when Mayor Teetzel followed by 
the Countess of Aberdeen declared the park open. Speeches were made 
by Speaker Bain, Hon. Dr. Montague, Hon. O. W. Howland, Alexander 
Muir, H. Carscallen, M. L. A., and others. Later we were favoured with 
a visit from Sir John Bourinot, K.C.M.G., who gave a lecture under our 
auspices on “The U. E. Loyalists.” In Easter week we gave an 
“Olden Tyme Historical Entertainment” in the Drill Hall, which was 
very successful. We published a souvenir historical book and pro- 
gramme in connection with it which proved very popular. In April we 
had the pleasure of entertaining Hon. Dr. Borden, Minister of Militia 
and Defence, at Stoney Creek Park. On June 6th, the Ontario Histori- 
cal Society, which was meeting here, then adjourned the afternoon meet- 
ing to Stoney Creek, as it was the anniversary of the battle. Mr. Coyne, 
President, was chairman. Papers were read by Miss Minnie Jean Nisbet 
on “ The Story of a Wentworth Pioneer,” by Mrs. Munroe (Thorold) on 
“Our Indian Allies,” a poem by Frank Yeigh on “ Raise the Flag.” 
Miss Fitzgibbon gave an account of the battle of Stoney Creek, and 
pointed out the various spots connected with the battle. At the close of 
the meeting the visitors inspected the house and grounds, after which 
tea was served by the members of the Women’s Wentworth Historical 
Society. 
The membership was largely increased during the past year, and 
during the coming winter they hope to publish an interesting volume of 
Transactions, historical sketches, ete. 
R Proc., 1900. x. 
