Mahone Bay Old School_A Life and Times_Bob Sayer

There were stories of ‘Hun Atrocities.’ Prime Minister Borden, head of the
coalition Union Government, pledged, December 1917: “ Canada’s Invincible
and Unalterable Determination.” to pursue the war.
Patriotic Parades
• As well as hearing the patriotic
talk from their ministers, parents
and teachers, Mahone Bay students
participated or watched the regular
patriotic parades and services that took
place in town. Harry Eisenhauer, Pat’s
great grandfather, the band master is
seated, with clarinet, on far left. Snyder
Slauenwhite, tall and with moustache,
is standing right with bass.
Photo of Howie Freeman: Courtesy
Anne Freeman-Mason
• The Town Band would play, the men’s
associations would march, flags waved,
hymns and songs sung, and appropriate
words preached.
• The Town band, also the Band of the 69th Regiment, was dressed
splendidly in red, and was known to enjoy a party. Veteran bandsman,
Snyder Slauenwhite, was convicted of bringing liquor into the Municipality
[Progress, February 03/1915]. It also reported 121 bottles of ale and a 2 gallon
jug of rum seized in Mahone Bay.
Band Photo: Courtesy Pat Eisenhauer-Veinotte The Town Band [Band of the 69th Regiment] 1915
• The July 21,1915, edition of the Progress Enterprise had a typical report:
‘The ninth of a series of Patriotic Services will be held at the Methodist Church on
Sunday evening. …Miss Amy Smeltzer will Sing ‘Land of Hope and Glory’…………..’
• Crowd Overflow at Patriotic Meeting The Wednesday, October 13th edition
reported:
‘The Patriotic Meeting on Monday evening was attended by such an immense
crowd that not more than half the people could gain admittance, and, on account
of this, addresses were delivered both in the Hall and on Zwicker’s balcony………
The speakers were the Recruiting Officer, Lieutenant Micklewright……Reverends
W. G. Nelson and H.T. Roe…The 69th band favoured the audience with a selection
of Patriotic airs’
• Empire Day in May always had a War Service at School The Progress, May
31st, 1916, page 5 reported:
‘Empire Day was observed by the High School Staff
Assembly
and pupils assembled in the large hall on the upper
floor. Excellent and appropriate addresses were delivered
by Rev. J McLean and Rev. E.A. Harris…and readings
Presentations
and recitations by the pupils…An Honour Roll
containing 77 names of former pupils… who have
responded to the call of their King and Country
Honour Roll
had been prepared..designed and executed by
Miss Gracie Mader…the large number of names speaks For King
well of patriotism…’
& Country
• Soldiers of the 219th Stay Two Weeks in Mahone Bay
Students would have been excited at the visit of 219th Regiment, to which
the Town Band was attached. The soldiers camped at the Parade Grounds. It
was a scene repeated several times during the war.
Progress, May 17 1916:
‘On Sunday morning the boys of the 219th paraded to the Presbyterian Church,
where service was conducted by Captain McKinnon, chaplain of the 219th.’
Progress, May 31st
‘..The boys have shown themselves gentlemen. The people of Mahone Bay have
tried to make their stay pleasant and they will take with them the well wishes of
the community…’
63