PEOPLE OF BELL ISLAND
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The People of Bell Island pages feature mini-biographies (in alphabetical order by last name) of some of the people who have lived and worked on Bell Island, or have had an impact on its history in some way. Much of the information comes from historical records and newspaper or magazine articles. Some will be from Census records and some from anecdotal accounts by people I have interviewed. It will always be a "work in progress," with information being added as it comes available. If you would like to add information for yourself or your family, or simply to have your parents or grandparents names added as a memorial to their life and work on Bell Island, get in touch by emailing:
[email protected]
To view the other biographies, hover your cursor over the People of Bell Island button in the menu at the top of this page, then choose from the drop-down menu of alphabetical listings.
Bios below as of March 2022:
John Burton Gilliatt (c.1880-1956)
Hugh B. Gillis (1881-1942)
J. Neil Gillis (1920-pre 2009)
Gerald Adrian Giovannetti (1916-2002) DDS: Dentist
Humbert Adrian (H.A.) Giovannetti (1879-1962) MD
Humbert Francis (H.F.) Giovannetti (1903-1979): Dentist
Julien Giovannini (alternate spelling: Julia or Julian Giovannetti or Giovanni) (1904-1997)
Israel (1866-1931) & Yetta (c.1870-1956) Goldstone
Harris Goldstone (1896-1974)
Henry/Harry Goldstone (c.1888-1968)
Joseph Goldstone (1899-1979)
William Sparrow Grammer (1861-1920)
Elizabeth Jean Gray (1912-2003)
Thomas (Tommy) J. Gray (1881-1954)
Wilson W. Gray (1906-1959)
J. B. Green
Joseph M. Greene (1890-1969)
Rev. J. A. Greenlees
[email protected]
To view the other biographies, hover your cursor over the People of Bell Island button in the menu at the top of this page, then choose from the drop-down menu of alphabetical listings.
Bios below as of March 2022:
John Burton Gilliatt (c.1880-1956)
Hugh B. Gillis (1881-1942)
J. Neil Gillis (1920-pre 2009)
Gerald Adrian Giovannetti (1916-2002) DDS: Dentist
Humbert Adrian (H.A.) Giovannetti (1879-1962) MD
Humbert Francis (H.F.) Giovannetti (1903-1979): Dentist
Julien Giovannini (alternate spelling: Julia or Julian Giovannetti or Giovanni) (1904-1997)
Israel (1866-1931) & Yetta (c.1870-1956) Goldstone
Harris Goldstone (1896-1974)
Henry/Harry Goldstone (c.1888-1968)
Joseph Goldstone (1899-1979)
William Sparrow Grammer (1861-1920)
Elizabeth Jean Gray (1912-2003)
Thomas (Tommy) J. Gray (1881-1954)
Wilson W. Gray (1906-1959)
J. B. Green
Joseph M. Greene (1890-1969)
Rev. J. A. Greenlees
On the right is the Company house on Bennett Street where it meets Bown that the Gilliatt family occupied during their years on Bell Island. Photo courtesy of Dave Careless. |
John Burton Gilliatt (c.1880-1956): Chief Engineer. He came to Bell Island in 1916 as Assistant Chief Engineer and was soon promoted to Chief Engineer, a position he held until he retired in November 1952. He authored at least two papers on the mining operation at Wabana:
"Folding and Faulting of the Wabana Ore Deposits," Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy Monthly Bulletin, No. 152, pp. 895-913, Dec. 1924; and Transactions, V. 27, pp. 616-634, 1925. "Method of Mining at Wabana," Proceedings: Part II Mining (Section A of Congress). Empire Mining and Metallurgical Congress, 2nd Triennial. Held in Canada, Aug. 22-Sept. 28, 1927. Edited by RPD Graham. Published 1928. He was involved in the community and participated in curling and tennis. Upon retirement, he returned to his former home in Annapolis Royal, NS, where he resided until his death, November 22, 1956. He was 76. Source: Submarine Miner, V. 3, No. 12, Dec. 1956, p. 7. 
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Hugh B. Gillis (1881-1942): Superintendent of Mines and Quarries for the Dominion Steel and Coal Corporation. He was born May 12, 1881 in Sydney, NS, the son of Isabella Currie and John Gillis, Registrar of Deeds. Hugh was educated in Sydney and at St. Francis Xavier University, where he received an Arts degree in May 1902. He graduated from McGill University, Montreal, with a Mining Engineering degree. He worked in western Canada for several years before moving back to Nova Scotia to begin working with DISCO around 1907. He married Mary F. Larkins, October 11, 1910.
Hugh Gillis visited the Wabana Mines regularly to inspect the DOSCO operations and was a familiar face to the miners as he went about his work. Aguathuna, the Company's limestone quarry on the Port au Port Peninsula, was also a regular stop on his visits to Newfoundland. He was traveling there from his home in Sydney on the night of October 14, 1942 when the ferry Caribou was torpedoed by the German U-Boat 69 just 25 miles south of Port aux Basques. His body was never recovered.
You can read more about the Bell Island connections to the sinking of the Caribou on this website at https://www.historic-wabana.com/caribou-sinking-bell-island-connections.html.
Hugh Gillis visited the Wabana Mines regularly to inspect the DOSCO operations and was a familiar face to the miners as he went about his work. Aguathuna, the Company's limestone quarry on the Port au Port Peninsula, was also a regular stop on his visits to Newfoundland. He was traveling there from his home in Sydney on the night of October 14, 1942 when the ferry Caribou was torpedoed by the German U-Boat 69 just 25 miles south of Port aux Basques. His body was never recovered.
You can read more about the Bell Island connections to the sinking of the Caribou on this website at https://www.historic-wabana.com/caribou-sinking-bell-island-connections.html.
J. Neil Gillis (1920-pre 2009): Superintendent of No. 3 Mine, Wabana, 1951-56; Manager of the Limestone Quarries at Aguathuna, 1956-19??.
Source: Submarine Miner, June 1954, p. 3.
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Sources: Submarine Miner, May 1956, p. 5; August 1956, p. 5.
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Gerald Adrian Giovannetti (1916-2002) DDS: Dentist. He was born May 14, 1916 on Bell Island to Dr. Katherine (nee Duscoll, 1887-1972) and Dr. Humbert Adrian Giovannetti (1879-1962) (See next entry.) He graduated from McGill University c.1941, and practiced Dentistry in Sydney, NS, where he served as President of the Sydney Kiwanis Club, Commodore of the Royal Cape Breton Yacht Club, and was a member of the Sydney Mines Legion Centennial Band. He retired after 38 years in 1979. He died May 21, 2002 in Calgary, AB.
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Humbert Adrian (H.A.) Giovannetti (1879-1962) MD: Physician and Druggist, Bell Island, 1913-1934. He was born June 12, 1879 in Port Morien, Cape Breton, NS, to Jane Harrietta Deason (1844-1927) and Nicodemus Giovannetti (1841-1882). Nicodemus had emigrated from Tereglia, Tuscany, Italy in 1866 and operated a general store in Port Morien. Humbert was three years old when his father died in 1882. His mother, Jane, raised her three children while running a hotel, and was able to see all of them through university. Humbert graduated from Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, in 1907 with a medical degree. His older brother, Louis, graduated Halifax Medical College in 1900, and their sister, Loretto, graduated from Mount St. Bernard with an education degree.
Because there were several doctors named Giovannetti in Newfoundland in the 20th century, and two with the same first name on Bell Island, I will refer to this Dr. Giovannetti as "H.A."
On graduation from medical school, H.A. set up practice at Bay Bulls, NL, where he also acted as Justice of the Peace and Stipendiary Magistrate for the area. He may have been attracted to Newfoundland because of the fact that his brother, Louis, was then Physician and Stipendiary Magistrate at Trepassey, and his sister, Loretto (now Mrs. Thomas Bown), was living on Bell Island, where her husband was Assistant Manager of the Dominion Company. H.A. continued serving Bay Bulls until about 1913, when he moved to Bell Island to set up practice and also opened the Bell Island Drug Store.
It was noted in the Daily News that "in the last week of May 1914, the Bell Island Co-Operative Store started business opposite the surgery and residence of Dr. H.A. Giovannetti." The Bell Island Co-Operative Store was located on the west side of Town Square almost directly opposite the intersection with St. Pat's Lane. The property at the northwest corner of St. Pat's Lane was directly opposite the location of the Co-Operative Store and would be the location of Fleming's Drug Store in the 1940s to 1960s. The photo of Town Square below was taken before the horse fountain was installed in 1933. (Most of the shops seen here were destroyed in the 1937 fire that swept through Town Square.) I believe the low building in the very center of the picture was the Co-Operative Store. Dr. Giovannetti's surgery and residence were probably the building across the street in the right of the photo with no windows on this side, and perhaps the building next to it with three windows. Photo courtesy of Michael Kennedy.
Because there were several doctors named Giovannetti in Newfoundland in the 20th century, and two with the same first name on Bell Island, I will refer to this Dr. Giovannetti as "H.A."
On graduation from medical school, H.A. set up practice at Bay Bulls, NL, where he also acted as Justice of the Peace and Stipendiary Magistrate for the area. He may have been attracted to Newfoundland because of the fact that his brother, Louis, was then Physician and Stipendiary Magistrate at Trepassey, and his sister, Loretto (now Mrs. Thomas Bown), was living on Bell Island, where her husband was Assistant Manager of the Dominion Company. H.A. continued serving Bay Bulls until about 1913, when he moved to Bell Island to set up practice and also opened the Bell Island Drug Store.
It was noted in the Daily News that "in the last week of May 1914, the Bell Island Co-Operative Store started business opposite the surgery and residence of Dr. H.A. Giovannetti." The Bell Island Co-Operative Store was located on the west side of Town Square almost directly opposite the intersection with St. Pat's Lane. The property at the northwest corner of St. Pat's Lane was directly opposite the location of the Co-Operative Store and would be the location of Fleming's Drug Store in the 1940s to 1960s. The photo of Town Square below was taken before the horse fountain was installed in 1933. (Most of the shops seen here were destroyed in the 1937 fire that swept through Town Square.) I believe the low building in the very center of the picture was the Co-Operative Store. Dr. Giovannetti's surgery and residence were probably the building across the street in the right of the photo with no windows on this side, and perhaps the building next to it with three windows. Photo courtesy of Michael Kennedy.
On June 17, 1915, H.A. Giovannetti married Dr. Katherine Theresa Duscoll (1887-1972), daughter of Catherine (O'Brien) and Jeremiah Duscoll, of Medford, Massachusetts. While Katherine also had a medical degree from Tufts University, she does not seem to have practiced medicine while living on Bell Island. The couple were the parents of five children, all born on Bell Island. (See the entry for their son, Gerald Adrian Giovannetti, above.)
In 1918, H.A. was one of three doctors on Bell Island battling cases of Spanish Influenza. The other two were Dr. W.L. Carnochan of the Scotia Company, and Dr. Lynch of Dominion Company. In November 1920, H.A. conducted the Council election for the Mines. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and was re-elected Grand Knight of Conception Council. His mother, Jane, who was a widow, was on Bell Island when she died on June 11, 1927 of "old age." It is not known if she was living with H.A. or with her daughter, Loretto Bown, or if she had been visiting them from her home in Port Morien, NS. She was buried in Port Morien.
When Constable John Morrissey was transferred from Bell Island to St. George's in 1928, H.A. purchased his house on Town Square. In 1931, he brought the first "small" car to Bell Island, a "Baby Austin." From 1926-1934, H.A. was the District Surgeon and Port Doctor for Bell Island.
In July 1933, Katherine Giovannetti and their children left Bell Island for Boston, with H.A. staying behind to sell their residence and drug store on Town Square. [This was purchased by Dr. Walter Templeman, who was just graduating with his medical degree and moving to Bell Island to set up practice.] H.A. left Bell Island in May 1934.
After practicing in Boston for several years, H.A. moved his family to Sydney, NS, where he set up practice. It is not known when (or if) he retired, but his death announcement in the Nova Scotia Medical Bulletin of August 1962 states that, "at the age of 83, Dr. Giovannetti was one of Nova Scotia's oldest and best known Medical Practitioners." His obituary noted that he was a member of the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, one of Nova Scotia's oldest Knights of Columbus members, and was a life member of the Royal Cape Breton Yacht Club. He died on July 7, 1962 at age 83 in Sydney, NS. Katherine died April 23, 1972 at age 84 in Sydney, NS.
In 1918, H.A. was one of three doctors on Bell Island battling cases of Spanish Influenza. The other two were Dr. W.L. Carnochan of the Scotia Company, and Dr. Lynch of Dominion Company. In November 1920, H.A. conducted the Council election for the Mines. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and was re-elected Grand Knight of Conception Council. His mother, Jane, who was a widow, was on Bell Island when she died on June 11, 1927 of "old age." It is not known if she was living with H.A. or with her daughter, Loretto Bown, or if she had been visiting them from her home in Port Morien, NS. She was buried in Port Morien.
When Constable John Morrissey was transferred from Bell Island to St. George's in 1928, H.A. purchased his house on Town Square. In 1931, he brought the first "small" car to Bell Island, a "Baby Austin." From 1926-1934, H.A. was the District Surgeon and Port Doctor for Bell Island.
In July 1933, Katherine Giovannetti and their children left Bell Island for Boston, with H.A. staying behind to sell their residence and drug store on Town Square. [This was purchased by Dr. Walter Templeman, who was just graduating with his medical degree and moving to Bell Island to set up practice.] H.A. left Bell Island in May 1934.
After practicing in Boston for several years, H.A. moved his family to Sydney, NS, where he set up practice. It is not known when (or if) he retired, but his death announcement in the Nova Scotia Medical Bulletin of August 1962 states that, "at the age of 83, Dr. Giovannetti was one of Nova Scotia's oldest and best known Medical Practitioners." His obituary noted that he was a member of the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, one of Nova Scotia's oldest Knights of Columbus members, and was a life member of the Royal Cape Breton Yacht Club. He died on July 7, 1962 at age 83 in Sydney, NS. Katherine died April 23, 1972 at age 84 in Sydney, NS.
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Humbert Francis (H.F.) Giovannetti (1903-1979): Dentist, Bell Island, 1934-1963. He was born September 24, 1903 in St. Jacques, NL, to Isabelle (nee Burke) and Dr. Louis John Giovannetti, who was the older brother of Humbert A. Giovannetti above.
Because there were several doctors named Giovannetti in Newfoundland in the 20th century, and two with the same first name on Bell Island, I will refer to this Dr. Giovannetti as "H.F." H.F. was educated at St. Bonaventure's College, St. John's, St. Francis Xavier University, NS, and Dalhousie University, NS. From 1931-33, he had a private dental practice in St. John's. He set up practice on Bell Island in 1934, the same year his uncle, Dr. Humbert A. Giovannetti, left Bell Island for Boston. He married Louise (nee O'Neill, 1901-1962), daughter of Arthur and Bridget O'Neill, in St. John's in July 1935. |
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When much of Town Square was destroyed by fire in January 1937, it was noted in the Daily News that one of the businesses that burnt was the Bell Island Drug Store with the residence of Dr. W. Templeman and the dental office of Dr. H.F. Giovannetti. This was the property that his uncle, Dr. H.A. Giovannetti, had owned while living on Bell Island and was now owned by Dr. Templeman. During the 1950s and early 1960s, H.F. practiced dentisty out of a small building on the east side of Main Street opposite the intersection with Church Road. The photo below shows the C.L.B. Armoury on the right. In the middle of the photo is Walter Squire's General Store. Out of the picture on the opposite side of Main Street from these buildings is St. Cyprian's Church. On the far left of this photo is the small building that served as Dr. Giovannetti's dental surgery during the 1950s until 1963. Photo c. 1959 by Tom Careless, courtesy of Dave Careless.
Louise Giovannetti, died February 4, 1962, and is buried in the Roman Catholic Cemetery on Bell Island.
After 29 years serving Bell Island, H.F. moved to St. John's in 1963 when he was appointed Dental Surgeon at the Waterford Hospital. He held that position until he retired in 1974. H.F. was presented with honorary membership in the Newfoundland Dental Association in 1973 and was made an honorary alumnus of Dalhousie University in the mid 1970s. He was a long-time member of the Knights of Columbus and the Murray's Pond Country Club.
While working at the Waterford, H.F. met and married Sarah Coady (1903-1993), who was teaching at the hospital. He died August 4, 1979 at age 75. Sarah died December 16, 1993. They are buried in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Mount Pearl, NL.
After 29 years serving Bell Island, H.F. moved to St. John's in 1963 when he was appointed Dental Surgeon at the Waterford Hospital. He held that position until he retired in 1974. H.F. was presented with honorary membership in the Newfoundland Dental Association in 1973 and was made an honorary alumnus of Dalhousie University in the mid 1970s. He was a long-time member of the Knights of Columbus and the Murray's Pond Country Club.
While working at the Waterford, H.F. met and married Sarah Coady (1903-1993), who was teaching at the hospital. He died August 4, 1979 at age 75. Sarah died December 16, 1993. They are buried in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Mount Pearl, NL.
In the photo above, Sister Julian is second from the left. Photo courtesy of Ramona Cahill. It is very likely that Sister Julian was a cousin of the Giovannetti families who resided on Bell Island from 1913 to 1963.
I found a few references to her on the "If You Grew Up on Bell Island" Facebook group: Sonia Neary Harvey remembered "walking up Town Square at Christmas [in the mid to late 1950s]. The snow was softly falling and all the shop windows were lit up. And in the new Immaculate Conception Church, Sister Julian was playing Christmas carols on the bells. (You could play the organ and the bells would ring out the carols.)" Johnena Quirke remembered the concerts that Sister Julian and Sister Catherine were responsible for producing. |
Julien Giovannini (alternate spelling: Julia or Julian Giovannetti or Giovanni) (1904-1997): Teaching Sister at Immaculate Conception School in the 1930s to 1950s. She was born Creusa Giovannini on April 23, 1904, in Burin, NL, to Margaret (nee O'Brien, c.1876-1906) and Gregory Giovannini (c.1877-1935) a general merchant of St. Lawrence. Her mother died of consumption when Creusa was 2 years old. In 1920, at age 16, she travelled to Halifax, NS, to attend Sacred Heart School.
Her names were spelled differently throughout the records that were found, so I will list the instances related to her with the various spellings from the documents: In July 1925, Lilia Giovannini of St. Lawrence, NL, in her will, mentioned her niece, Sister Mary Julia Giovanini, "now at Littledale Convent." In the 1935 Census for Bell Island, Julian Mary Giovanni was listed among the sisters of Immaculate Conception Convent. In the 1945 Census for St. John's East, Signal Hill, M. Julian Giovannini was listed, age 41, born Burin, teacher with the Sisters of Mercy. The 1955 List of Electors for Bell Island, listed Julian Giovannetti Sr., teacher. From her headstone in Belvedere RC Cemetery, St. John's, NL: Giovannini, Sister M. Julien, "died Dec. 29, 1997, aged 93 years." In conclusion: In July 1925, Creusa Giovannini, now Sister Mary Julian, was studying at Littledale College in St. John's. By 1935, she was a teaching sister at Immaculate Conception School on Bell Island. In 1945, she was likely teaching at St. Joseph's RC School on Signal Hill in St. John's. She was teaching again on Bell Island in 1955. She died December 29, 1997 at age 93 and is buried in Belvedere RC Cemetery in St. John's. |
Photo of Israel Goldstone is courtesy of his great grandson, John Marcus.
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Israel (1866-1931) & Yetta (aka Gerty, nee Laser, c.1870-1956) Goldstone: Merchants on Bell Island c.1901-c.1920. Both were born in Warsaw, Poland. Israel was born April 15, 1866.
On pages 31-32 of his 2016 book, From Miners & Fishers to Soldiers & Sailors, Paul Dwyer relates the following Goldstone family legend of Israel and Yetta's journey from Poland to Newfoundland. This story was told to him in 2003 by Sandy Feder, a great great granddaughter of the Goldstones: Israel Goldstone and his young wife lived in Poland, where Israel had been conscripted into the Polish army. His wife brought kosher food onto the military base to him three times a day. One evening she brought wine to the guards at the gate and, while they were distracted with that, she smuggled her husband off the base. They dressed as peasant girls carrying a picnic basket with their few belongings. They walked through the countryside and out of Poland. Eventually, they worked their way to Manchester, England, where their two eldest children were born and where Israel worked as a baker. Later, they emigrated from England to the USA through Ellis Island. Some of their siblings ended up with the name Gladstone, while others in the family continue to use the name Goldstone. They lived in New York in the winter and had a bakery there. In the summer, they would move up to St. John's, Newfoundland, to their summer home. Some of the later children were born in New York and in St. John's. |
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Click the button on the right for timelines for Israel & Yetta and for individual members of their family, plus where they lived and when, the location of their shops on Bell Island, and the sources quoted >>
Below is a synopsis of what I was able to find related to their life and work in Newfoundland and, more particularly, Bell Island. |
The Goldstone Family, 1891-1899
Manchester, England to Utica, New York
Manchester, England to Utica, New York
When the 1891 Census was taken for Manchester, England, Israel Goldstone was listed as a baker, age 26, born 1865 in Russia, and was head of the household. His wife, Yetta, was 23 and listed as Gerty (one of her nicknames). They had a son, Harry, age 3, and a daughter, Minnie, age 1. (Note: Harry's second name was Aron. In some documents he was listed as "Aaron" and in others he was listed as "Henry." To confuse matters even more, he had a younger brother named Harris, who thankfully seems to have always been referred to as "Harris." To distinguish them, I will refer to Harry as "Harry A.") Shortly after the 1891 Census was taken, they immigrated to the United States, arriving at Boston, MA, on May 20, 1891, aboard the Norseman. They settled in Utica, New York, where there was already an Israel Goldstone (born 1856 in Russia/Poland). This Israel was a "mill dealer" (feed and flour). He may have been an uncle of this younger Israel Goldstone. At any rate, they were both attached to the bread-making business. Yetta and Israel's daughter, Sadie, was born in Utica August 30, 1894. Their son, Harris, was born there November 30, 1896. Their daughter, Mollie, was born there December 1897. A biography of their son, Joseph Goldstone, in The Encyclopedia of Newfoundland and Labrador, V. 2, p. 548, gives his birth place as Bell Island in 1900. I have not found a birth record for him, but all records for him over the years say that he was born in Utica in December 1899. Nevertheless, information in the 1921 Census for Newfoundland indicates that Israel and Yetta emigrated to Newfoundland in 1899.
Goldstone Businesses, 1899-c.1920
St. John's and Bell Island
St. John's and Bell Island
It is not clear exactly when Israel Goldstone first began doing business on Bell Island, and when he actually lived on Bell Island. In her 2006 book, Salt Fish & Shmattes: A History of the Jews in Newfoundland an Labrador from 1770, Robin McGrath, states that Israel Goldstone "set up business, first on Bell Island and then in St. John's." McGrath did not cite where she got her information. It may have been passed down orally through the family.
The first documented reference I found for his work in Newfoundland says that he was a "trader" (probably a peddler travelling to outports selling small items) living at 21 Barter's Hill, St. John's, in 1904. In 1908-09, he was a homeowner at 54 Prescott Street, St. John's, with involvement in two St. John's businesses in partnership with Benjamin Moskovitch.
Israel's eldest son, Harry A., aged about 20 in 1908, was a boarder at 54 Prescott Street and a General Dealer on Bell Island. Commuting was not as convenient in those days as it is now, so his main residence was probably Bell Island and, being only 20, the business was likely his father's.
A brief note in the Daily News in June 1911 stated that "H. Goldstone had a number of workmen at his building and intended to convert it into two dwelling houses." (Perhaps this was when Israel moved to Bell Island on a full-time basis.)
By 1913, Israel Goldstone was still listed as the homeowner of 54 Prescott Street, but there was no mention of any business in St. John's. Israel Goldstone and Sons (General Merchants and Dealers) were now listed as operators of the American Bargain Store on Bell Island. Harris Goldstone (about 17) was listed as a Clerk at Bell Island. Henry Goldstone (Harry A.) was listed as a Grocer. The store was levelled by fire in February 1914.
In 1915, Israel Goldstone was still listed as the homeowner of 54 Prescott Street, St. John's, with his occupation as "Merchant, Bell Island," where he was Proprietor of the American Bargain Store and son, Joseph, about 16, was a clerk. Harry A. had the Central Cash Store (dry goods) on Bell Island and was also listed as being "of I Goldstone & Son." (Harris Goldstone was not listed in the 1915 Directory.)
In 1916, Harry A. Goldstone married Reba Wilansky in Philadelphia, PA. (They lived on Bell Island, where their son, Allan was born about 1918, until 1921.)
The first documented reference I found for his work in Newfoundland says that he was a "trader" (probably a peddler travelling to outports selling small items) living at 21 Barter's Hill, St. John's, in 1904. In 1908-09, he was a homeowner at 54 Prescott Street, St. John's, with involvement in two St. John's businesses in partnership with Benjamin Moskovitch.
Israel's eldest son, Harry A., aged about 20 in 1908, was a boarder at 54 Prescott Street and a General Dealer on Bell Island. Commuting was not as convenient in those days as it is now, so his main residence was probably Bell Island and, being only 20, the business was likely his father's.
A brief note in the Daily News in June 1911 stated that "H. Goldstone had a number of workmen at his building and intended to convert it into two dwelling houses." (Perhaps this was when Israel moved to Bell Island on a full-time basis.)
By 1913, Israel Goldstone was still listed as the homeowner of 54 Prescott Street, but there was no mention of any business in St. John's. Israel Goldstone and Sons (General Merchants and Dealers) were now listed as operators of the American Bargain Store on Bell Island. Harris Goldstone (about 17) was listed as a Clerk at Bell Island. Henry Goldstone (Harry A.) was listed as a Grocer. The store was levelled by fire in February 1914.
In 1915, Israel Goldstone was still listed as the homeowner of 54 Prescott Street, St. John's, with his occupation as "Merchant, Bell Island," where he was Proprietor of the American Bargain Store and son, Joseph, about 16, was a clerk. Harry A. had the Central Cash Store (dry goods) on Bell Island and was also listed as being "of I Goldstone & Son." (Harris Goldstone was not listed in the 1915 Directory.)
In 1916, Harry A. Goldstone married Reba Wilansky in Philadelphia, PA. (They lived on Bell Island, where their son, Allan was born about 1918, until 1921.)
In 1917, according to the Central Cash Store letterhead above, I. Goldstone & Sons had three stores. The third store was another Central Cash Store that was listed in the St. John's City Directory, 1919 at 336 Water Street with H. [Harris] Goldstone as manager. (The letter was written by Harris Goldstone to Richard Squires, a lawyer and politician in St. John's who served as Prime Minister of Newfoundland twice. Source: Squires Collection, A&SC, MUN Library.)
According to the Encyclopedia of Newfoundland & Labrador, V. 2, p. 548, Harris Goldstone founded the London, New York & Paris Association of Fashion Limited in St. John's in 1917 "on the proceeds of a successful sale of $5000 worth of American-made ready-to-wear women's clothing." The image below is from The Book of Newfoundland, V. 6, p. 631.
According to the Encyclopedia of Newfoundland & Labrador, V. 2, p. 548, Harris Goldstone founded the London, New York & Paris Association of Fashion Limited in St. John's in 1917 "on the proceeds of a successful sale of $5000 worth of American-made ready-to-wear women's clothing." The image below is from The Book of Newfoundland, V. 6, p. 631.
By 1919, 54 Prescott Street, St. John's was listed as being "vacant," and there was no one named Goldstone listed as a homeowner or boarder or renter in St. John's. Israel Goldstone, of I. Goldstone & Son General Dealers, was listed as "proprietor of American Bargain Store, Wabana." H. Goldstone (presumably Harry A.) had the Central Cash Store at Wabana selling dry goods, with Joseph listed as a clerk there. Both Harris and Harry Goldstone were each listed as Bell Island residents and as being "of I. Goldstone & Sons, Wabana." At the same time, H. Goldstone (known to be Harris) was also manager of the London, New York & Paris Association of Fashion, Milinery, Costumes, etc., Grace Building (on Water Street at the corner of Beck's Cove), St. John's.
By January 1921, Bell Island was experiencing a depression with much uncertainty about the future. There was a surplus of stock-piled iron ore and the mines were shut down until February, at which time they opened for only four days a week. This downturn in the Bell Island economy may have been the reason the Goldstones closed down their businesses there and relocated to St. John's and the United States.
There were no Goldstones listed in the 1921 Census for Bell Island. As seen below, Israel, Yetta and their children still living at home were living in St. John's when the 1921 Census was taken. That year, Harry A. Goldstone, his wife, Reba, and their son, Allan, immigrated to Chester, PA, where he had a ladies dress shop, and later a real estate business. Harry died there in 1968, at age 78, and is buried in Montefiore, PA. The Goldstones still owned property on Bell Island, however, clues to which were revealed in Israel's will and in descriptions (below) of the fire of 1937 that destroyed most of the businesses on Town Square.
By January 1921, Bell Island was experiencing a depression with much uncertainty about the future. There was a surplus of stock-piled iron ore and the mines were shut down until February, at which time they opened for only four days a week. This downturn in the Bell Island economy may have been the reason the Goldstones closed down their businesses there and relocated to St. John's and the United States.
There were no Goldstones listed in the 1921 Census for Bell Island. As seen below, Israel, Yetta and their children still living at home were living in St. John's when the 1921 Census was taken. That year, Harry A. Goldstone, his wife, Reba, and their son, Allan, immigrated to Chester, PA, where he had a ladies dress shop, and later a real estate business. Harry died there in 1968, at age 78, and is buried in Montefiore, PA. The Goldstones still owned property on Bell Island, however, clues to which were revealed in Israel's will and in descriptions (below) of the fire of 1937 that destroyed most of the businesses on Town Square.
Minnie (nee Goldstone, 1889-1969) and Samuel L. Levitz (1885-1969) on Bell Island c.1912-c.1918
In January 1912, Minnie Goldstone married Samuel L. Levitz, a wholesale merchant in dry goods. Their son, Maurice/Murray Levitz was born on Bell Island in January 1913. (In the 1915 McAlpine's St. John's City Directory, S.L. Levitz was a boot and shoe dealer on Bell Island. In May 1916, their daughter, Helen Rose Levitz, was born on Bell Island. Samuel was not listed in the 1919 Directory for Bell Island. By 1921, they were living in St. John's, where they continued to live at least until 1945. Minnie was proprietor of a beauty shop and Samuel had a dry goods business. They both died in Culver City, Los Angeles, CA, a few months apart in 1969.)
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Yetta Goldstone in 1936 with 3 of her daughters: Minnie, Bertha and Rose. Photo courtesy of Bertha's grandson, John Marcus.
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The Goldstone Family, 1921-1931
St. John's and New York
St. John's and New York
When the 1921 Census was taken, the Israel Goldstone family were living in St. John's on Leslie Street. The household consisted of: Israel, merchant, age 53; wife Attie (one of Yetta's nicknames), 49; daughters Mollie, saleslady, 24; Bertha, saleslady, 19; Rosie, student, 16; and sons Joseph, store manager, 21*; Charles, student 11; Louis, 5. Israel was still listed as a merchant in St. John's in 1924. At that time, his business interest seems to have been in the London, New York and Paris Association of Fashion Limited, as mentioned in his 1931 will. *Interestingly, in the 1921 Census, Joseph was also listed as a boarder in Burin, NL, where, according to the Encyclopedia of Newfoundland & Labrador, p. 548, "he had opened a small dry goods store with the help of his father following his graduation from school. After the store was destroyed in a fire, he joined with his brother, Harris, as a partner in the London, New York & Paris Association of Fashion Ltd., Water Street. Joseph served as store manager, while Harris [who moved to New York City about 1921] acted as the firm's buyer in New York, London and (after Confederation) Montreal. Joseph was as innovative a manager as Harris a buyer, and is credited with the introduction into St. John's of the 'money-back guarantee,' and with the invention of the London's popular logo, 'Scientific Hand-Built Clothing.'"
By 1925, Israel, Yetta (Etty), Louis, Bertha and Rose were living in the Bronx, NY. Israel applied for U.S. Naturalization in 1927. They were living in Brooklyn, NY, when the 1930 Census was taken.
Israel Goldstone, 65, died in St. John's on February 26, 1931. He is buried in Mount Carmel Cemetery, Glendale, NY. Yetta was living in Brooklyn, NY, (with sons Charles and Louis) when the 1940 Census was taken. She died at age 86 on October 31, 1956, and is buried in Mount Carmel Cemetery, Glendale, NY.
By 1925, Israel, Yetta (Etty), Louis, Bertha and Rose were living in the Bronx, NY. Israel applied for U.S. Naturalization in 1927. They were living in Brooklyn, NY, when the 1930 Census was taken.
Israel Goldstone, 65, died in St. John's on February 26, 1931. He is buried in Mount Carmel Cemetery, Glendale, NY. Yetta was living in Brooklyn, NY, (with sons Charles and Louis) when the 1940 Census was taken. She died at age 86 on October 31, 1956, and is buried in Mount Carmel Cemetery, Glendale, NY.
In the late 1950s photo below, on the right, Simon Levitz & Son Ltd. occupied the former Feder-Goldstone location for several years.
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Sadie Goldstone (1894-1984) and David Feder (1888-1951): Dry Goods Dealers, Bell Island, 1940s.
While the Goldstone business men seem to have all left Bell Island by 1921, daughter Sadie, and her husband, David Feder, had a business on Bell Island in the late 1930s and perhaps earlier. When Town Square was being rebuilt following the 1937 fire: David Feder was building a one-storey store on the land where the foundation of the Goldstone fortune was laid. Sadie married David Feder, a Hebrew salesman, on March 3, 1914, in St. John's, where they were living at 54 Prescott Street. David Feder had a dry goods company on Water Street in 1924 and was the homeowner of 54 Prescott Street, formerly owned by Israel Goldstone. They were listed at 62 Prescott Street in the 1935 Census, and had a daughter, Frieda, 20, and sons Herbert, 18, a dry goods salesman, and Aaron, 15. Their business was at 334-336 Water Street. When their son, Aaron, now 20, immigrated to the United States in 1940, he gave his last permanent residence as Bell Island, NL. David Feder, Proprietor, and Mrs. Sadie Feder, were listed in the 1948 and 1949 List of Electors for Town Square, Bell Island, and also in the 1949 Telephone Directory for Bell Island. David Feder died April 19, 1951, at age 62, of kidney disease. He is buried in the Hebrew Cemetery, Sydney, NS. Sadie died June 4, 1984, at age 89, in St. John's. She is buried in the Jewish Cemetery, St. John's. |
David Feder & Sadie Goldstone on their wedding day, 1914. Photo from "Find A Grave."
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William Sparrow Grammer (1861-1920): First Manager of Dominion Company at Wabana. He was born in Delaware, U.S., January 4, 1861 to Elizabeth and Julius Grammer, a minister of the Episcopal (Anglican) Church. Nothing is known of William's schooling. At the age of 19, he was working as a clerk in a store. According to Arthur House in his 1939 article "Early History of Bell Island Mines," in the spring of 1899, shortly after Dominion Iron and Steel Company purchased some of the holdings of the Scotia Company, W.S. Grammer came to Bell Island to serve as Dominion's first manager. House went on to say that, in the United States, he had worked with such men as Andrew Carnegie and Charles Schwab, and "a more conscientious and honourable man would be hard to find." He is mentioned in the Daily News in 1900 as being "manager at The Front," which is where the piers were located and where the main offices of the two mining companies were in the early years of mining. Dominion may have had another man overseeing operations at the mines themselves at the time because the newspaper had reported in 1899 that "Mr. Brotheron was representing the Dominion Company on the Island." A report from Sydney, NS, in 1903 stated that "Mr. Grammer, Superintendent of the Dominion Company's mines, was returning to Bell Island to close the mines until the following spring." W.B. Ford was said to have been the "resident manager" at that time. The 1904 McAlpine's Directory lists Wm. S. Grammer as Manager for DISCO on Bell Island. Grammer married Harriet Arnett McKennan (1866-1936) of Pittsburgh, PA, on October 3, 1904 in Delaware, and brought her to Bell Island one month later. (His parents had visited him at Bell Island in 1902.) House's article states that Grammer "suffered much from nervous breakdown," which he attributes to the fact that "he had gone through the Johnstown Flood [of 1889, in which more than 2,000 people of Johnstown, Pennsylvania lost their lives], and many cruel strikes around steel works, and was nerve shattered." He left the position of manager at Wabana quite suddenly in January 1905, at which time he and his new bride returned to the United States. In describing Grammer, House says, "He had a deep southern twang in his voice. He was tall and weighed about 195 pounds and looked robust with a strong southern expression. He never lost his temper and did not like to see one of us out of sorts. I could relate many noble traits of his character in this connection, he was sympathetic, abstemious and without guile. We all had great affection for him and looked up to him almost as a father, and we would have given a lot to save him. He started a debating club for us, taught us parlour games in the long winter evenings, and played croquet and pitched quoits with us at summer, interested us all in 'clay pigeon' shooting and wanted to see us at all times innocently happy. His Thanksgiving Dinner was always a treat. The evening meal was about the only one we took together, and each of us had to tell a story or relate an experience or something of the sort. We were like one big family." According to House, the head office in Sydney, NS, sent Reverend Greenless of the Presbyterian Church, who had been a close friend of Grammer's during his tenure on Bell Island, to Baltimore "to try and rally him, but all to no avail; he was irretrievably gone. He never did a day's work after." This does not seem to be quite accurate. At the taking of the 1910 Census, the Grammers were living in Leesburg, Virginia, at which time he was unemployed. At the taking of the 1920 Census, however, he was working as a clerk in a doctor's office. He died on September 29, 1920 in Maryland; Harriet died February 19, 1936. They are buried in Loudon Park Cemetery, Baltimore, Maryland.
More importantly in his 1939 article, House, who was working closely with him at the time, credits W.S. Grammer with conceiving the idea that the iron ore extended far under the waters of Conception Bay. He states that nobody owned the submarine areas until 1902, and that the generally accepted theory in the early days of Wabana mining was that the iron ore did not extend beyond the shores of Bell Island, so nobody except Grammer gave any consideration to the submarine areas that might exist. He says Grammer tried to interest Head Office in taking up submarine areas, but money was tight and the Dominion Company's shares had depreciated to the point where it looked "doubtful that the Company would pull through, so every expenditure had to be guarded against and there was no money for such doubtful speculations." According to House, "Mr. W.S. Grammer took out the first submarine areas, one mile off the land and three miles by the shore of the Island, in his own name and paid for them from his own pocket. Some time after that, Nova Scotia Steel and Coal Co. took areas outside of Mr. Grammer's, which they thought then was a gamble. Other disinterested parties years after took areas still further to sea, which was afterwards bought by the mining Companies and large sums paid. Any of us could have taken out the areas had we the money to spend for such a wild speculation, as it was considered. Grammer later transferred his claims to his Company for what it had cost him in rentals. This is how the Dominion Iron and Steel Company came by the areas the first mile off the Island and how it was that the Scotia Company had to drive through their area to test their own property which lay a mile further off shore."
When Dominion Range was being built about 1907-08, Grammer was commemorated by the naming of one of the streets in his honour. Unfortunately, because the Anglican Academy had been located in the building on the corner of Bennett Street and Grammer from 1918 until 1941, and then moved into a new building on the south end of Grammer Street, property it occupied into the 1960s, when street signs were erected some time in the 1970s, the street was assumed to have been so named because of the presence of the school and, thus, the sign incorrectly says "Grammar." Below is a picture of Grammer Street c.1960. Only the nearest two houses were still standing on that side of Grammer Street in 2018.
More importantly in his 1939 article, House, who was working closely with him at the time, credits W.S. Grammer with conceiving the idea that the iron ore extended far under the waters of Conception Bay. He states that nobody owned the submarine areas until 1902, and that the generally accepted theory in the early days of Wabana mining was that the iron ore did not extend beyond the shores of Bell Island, so nobody except Grammer gave any consideration to the submarine areas that might exist. He says Grammer tried to interest Head Office in taking up submarine areas, but money was tight and the Dominion Company's shares had depreciated to the point where it looked "doubtful that the Company would pull through, so every expenditure had to be guarded against and there was no money for such doubtful speculations." According to House, "Mr. W.S. Grammer took out the first submarine areas, one mile off the land and three miles by the shore of the Island, in his own name and paid for them from his own pocket. Some time after that, Nova Scotia Steel and Coal Co. took areas outside of Mr. Grammer's, which they thought then was a gamble. Other disinterested parties years after took areas still further to sea, which was afterwards bought by the mining Companies and large sums paid. Any of us could have taken out the areas had we the money to spend for such a wild speculation, as it was considered. Grammer later transferred his claims to his Company for what it had cost him in rentals. This is how the Dominion Iron and Steel Company came by the areas the first mile off the Island and how it was that the Scotia Company had to drive through their area to test their own property which lay a mile further off shore."
When Dominion Range was being built about 1907-08, Grammer was commemorated by the naming of one of the streets in his honour. Unfortunately, because the Anglican Academy had been located in the building on the corner of Bennett Street and Grammer from 1918 until 1941, and then moved into a new building on the south end of Grammer Street, property it occupied into the 1960s, when street signs were erected some time in the 1970s, the street was assumed to have been so named because of the presence of the school and, thus, the sign incorrectly says "Grammar." Below is a picture of Grammer Street c.1960. Only the nearest two houses were still standing on that side of Grammer Street in 2018.
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Elizabeth Jean Gray (1912-2003): Manager of DOSCO Staff House, July 1954-c.1968. She was born in Westville, Pictou, NS, in January 1912 to Catherine (1885-19??) and Thomas J. Gray (1881-1954), Superintendent of No. 3 Mine (see below). She moved to Bell Island as a child, about 1914, when her father was transferred there. She worked as a Saleslady in retail before becoming Matron of the DOSCO Staff House in July 1954, after Nellie Forward retired from that position. As Matron, she was hostess to and prepared meals for many dignitaries, including former Governor-General of Canada, Vincent Massey. The Wabana Mines shut-down in June 1966, but she was still listed as a "Hostess" in the Bell Island Voters' List for 1968. She was employed in Grand Falls at Carmelite House and/or Grand Falls House, and at Government House in St. John's until retirement c.1974. In St. John's, she was also a member of the Silver Chord Singers. She died at Glenbrook Lodge in St. John's on June 19, 2003, age 91. She is buried at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, St. John's.
No photo is presently available of Jean Gray. Above right is the Staff House built in 1912 by Dominion Company. Gray was Matron there from July 1954, and survived the fire that burnt it to the ground on May 20, 1956. She continued as Matron of the new staff house that was built on Bennett Street, immediately west of the Main Office. |
Click the button to read more about life in the Staff House.
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Thomas (Tommy) J. Gray (1881-1954): Superintendent of No. 3 Mine. He was born in Westville, Pictou, NS, in October 1881. He worked in the coal mines of Nova Scotia before moving to Bell Island as a ventilation expert about 1914. He became Captain of No. 3 Mine before 1921. On December 17, 1923, he and three other men, E.J. Kent, George Bugden and Edward Stowe, were burned by gas in No. 6 Mine while collecting ore samples for the British Empire Exhibition in London. The mines were closed at the time and they ran into an accumulation of gas in one of the headways while carrying open lights.
He retired in 1954 with 40 years of service. He died at the Grace Hospital in St. John's on July 3, 1954, age 73, and is buried in the United Church Cemetery, Bell Island.
In the c.1940s photo below, Gray is in the middle between Eric Luffman, who succeeded him as Captain of No. 3 Mine in 1946, and Fred J. Newton, who was Overman of No. 3 Slope, retiring in 1956 with 46 years of service. Luffman retired in 1967 with 51 years of service.
He retired in 1954 with 40 years of service. He died at the Grace Hospital in St. John's on July 3, 1954, age 73, and is buried in the United Church Cemetery, Bell Island.
In the c.1940s photo below, Gray is in the middle between Eric Luffman, who succeeded him as Captain of No. 3 Mine in 1946, and Fred J. Newton, who was Overman of No. 3 Slope, retiring in 1956 with 46 years of service. Luffman retired in 1967 with 51 years of service.
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Wilson W. Gray (1906-1959): Welding Foreman, DOSCO Machine Shop. Born July 1906 in Westville, Pictou, NS, to Catherine (1885-19??) and Thomas J. Gray (1881-1954), Superintendent of No. 3 Mine (see above). Wilson moved to Bell Island as a child, about 1914, when his father was transferred there. He became an Electrical Welder with DOSCO and then Welding Foreman. He died March 25, 1959, age 52, and is buried in the United Church Cemetery, Bell Island.
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J. B. Green: Chief Accountant with the Scotia Company at Wabana in 1908. Source: The Daily News, c. June 19, 1954.
Joseph M. Greene (1890-1969): DISCO Accountant; Liberal MHA for Bell Island, 1928-32. Born: May 14, 1890, St. John’s. Died: Dec. 17, 1969, St. John’s. Denom: Roman Catholic. Educated at St. Bonaventure’s College, St. John’s; started work in 1910 with the Dominion Iron and Steel Co. on Bell Island, where he was an accountant. Elected as Liberal MHA for Bell Island in 1928, defeated in Harbour Main-Bell Island in 1932. He then established a practice which involved travelling around Newfoundland to audit mercantile accounts. Well known as an athlete, he was involved with a wide variety of Catholic community organizations. Source: Journal of the House of Assembly.
Rev. J. A. Greenlees: Presbyterian Minister. Before mining started on Bell Island in 1895, the only religious denominations were Roman Catholic and Church of England (Anglican). Many of the Nova Scotians brought in by the Scotia Company were descendants of Scots, who were members of the Presbyterian Church. On May 7th, 1900, Rev. J. A. Greenlees arrived from Scotland to minister to the new congregation. Their new church, St. Columba, was being built that summer in Kavanagh's Lane and opened on August 16th, 1900. An observer at the time described it as "neat and comfortable." Greenlees was succeeded by Rev. James Malcolm, BA in 1903.