Epilogue
Douglastown in 1935 - 1937

Many years ago, those holding Government jobs, was controlled by change of Politics - Liberal or Conservative. Usually when the candidate for whom an elector voted, he would try to obtain and retain a position for a supporting of the party he represented. But in the present age, Civil Service committee controls the change of positions; such as light-keepers, customs collectors, post masters, etc. Particularily in the case of post masters, especially here in Douglastown; in reference to change of post masters be it well remembered the retaining of the post office here in 1935 was entirely controlled by the Knights of Columbus and Holy Orders. Politics was cast aside, ignored and the present P.M., Leo Kennedy is retained by personal favour and that alone.

Many years ago, a militia was formed was formed in the county of Gaspé and Bonaventure. In company division no.7 in Douglastown, was Captain Lieutenant James Kennedy, granduncle of Austin and Matilda Kennedy and great granduncle of Allan, Claribel and Sybil Kennedy (children of Austin Kennedy and Mary Condon).

The first merchant of Douglastown was William Kennedy, who kept a small supply of provisions for the fishermen who came here for the summer months. Second, as I have told, was a John Sanders, also on our about the same time as Davis; another John Bolt from Québec. They did a wholesale trade and had their establishment where C & X Kennedy's old store stands now. Competition starts, next comes Stephen's and Lindsay, who took all the customs from the Jews.

In between, I forgot to mention, Charles Veit, who had been a musician in some Military Bard in the British Army. He came here with his wife, Mary Morris, from Québec. They came here with a small stock of bug-infested goods, of some inferior goods; bought a small portion of land, lived for sometime in a stable hired from Peter Briand, or commonly called "Old Pierre". There, their first child, Fred, was born. Veit, being a thrifty saving German Extraction, rapidly with the help of his industrious and saving wife, they financially advanced and soon had a large business and possessed quite a lot of property. Strong wines and liquors were commonly sold in them days to customers, thereby, helping to swell the coffers. However, honest or otherwise, Veit soon became very rich, settling his sons and daughter comfortably. But today, the name is only mentioned as "Veit's Place". Not one remains.

Coming back to Lindsay and Stevens, as like Veit, they also came here possessing little, but very some became wealthy landowners. But Stevens, losing his health, was obliged to retire. Lindsay continued a large wholesale business, dying at an early age. The business fell to his son, Robert, who carried on for a while; he also died at an early age of cancer. The family vacated and moved to Gaspé, the home of Mrs. Robert Lindsay, who was a larendes. Today there is only Charlie, son of Robert. The stand once owned by Veit is owned by Kennedy Bros., Clarence and Patrick. The stand once owned by Lindsay is owned by the sons of C & X Kenneday, and one of the stores is rented to James Morris, brother-in-law of C.L. Kennedy. At the present day, we have three merchants: J.H. Rooney,

wholesale business and dealer in pulp; James Morris, also wholesale dealer and pulp; Kennedy Bros., who do the same business. All three are doing a very good business. J.H. Morris also owned a sawmill, operated only in the summer, but he runs lumber camps in the winter, employing a small number of men to cut and handle lumber during the early winter months. The sawing of that lumber during the summer months also gives employment to a few men. Employment and occupation for labourers are scarce. There are no steady jobs and no industries. Still, all considered, Douglastown is the most independent village in the county. The people are thrifty and saving. In the autumn of 1937, there was quite a few dollars earned by some in the Christmas tree business. The same companies are coming again in the autumn 1938. Many thousands of trees are cut and shipped by the railroad to different parts of the U.S.A. Just at present, there is a the Fir Balsam business. Many now are occupied in picking and sending away Fir & Balsam which is also a good paying business while it lasts. The people of Douglastown certainly avail themselves of every opportunity to make and save money. During the long winter months here, many of the girls and women are occupied in making hooked rugs, some very handsome ones, whose rugs are on display at the Antique Shops of Mrs. Fred Gaul and Miss Maria Kennedy. Many of these rugs are sold to rich Americans and other tourists. Some of them realize as high as $ 12.00. Of course, the antique dealer collects a commission on each sale.

I also have been told that Mrs. Ralph Gaul of Ralph's beach has sold rugs for different persons who had hooked them. Ralph's Beach, also, top of the hill are two of the up-to-date restaurants open here for the summer, but the coming season of 1938, Top O' The Hill only, as Mr. and Mrs. Ralph are only running an ice cream parlor as gas station.