FROM THE SCRAPBOOK
March 1997
By Dr. Bill Randall
John Rutherford & Tweedside Kettle
When I first came to Harvey in 1954 Arnold Little was making some carpentry renovations to the Manse. I was delighted to hear the pronounced Scottish brogue, and of course asked him “How long have you been in Canada?” His answer surprised me, “I’ve lived here all my life. I was born in Harvey!” I was soon to find many others who had this delightful old country accent, and I began to discover words I had never heard before, but which had been in use for many generations.
For example, to me, the word kettle had always meant a cooking utensil, but for the people from Berwick on-the-Tweed it meant a picnic.
I found it interesting to read a Scrapbook item Jocelean Swan Hall has provided.
John Rutherford
John Rutherford, son of James Rutherford and his wife Isabella Russell, was born in 1831, and christened 14 Aug 1831 in Berwick-Upon-Tweed. (In the obituary for his father, James Rutherford it stated that James was a native of Tweedmouth, near Berwick-Upon-Tweed.) In June 1850, at the age of 19 years, John came to New Brunswick with his parents and they settled on a farm in Tweedside.
John married Elizabeth “Bessie” Wightman in 1854, and they had a family of nine children. In the 1861 census John is listed as a farmer/cabinet maker, in 1871 census he was a farmer, and in the 1881 census he was Station Agent. In the summer of 1871 he returned to his native England for a visit, and the following newspaper items document his visit.
3 July 1871 – Colonial Farmer, Fredericton
John Rutherford of Tweedside left here last Tuesday morn, for England to visit his native place.
28 Aug 1871 – Colonial Farmer, Fredericton
We have received the “Berwick Journal” of August 4 from which we learn that our friend John Rutherford of Tweedside, manners Sutton (York Co.), N.B., who is at present on a visit to his native place was present at the “Tweedside Kettle” held at Yarrow Haugh on the previous Wednesday. (See original)
Friday, Aug 4, 1871, page 3, The Berwick Journal and General Advertiser
Tweedside Kettle — This annual kettle was held at yarrow Haugh on Wednesday afternoon, and compared with former years was a decided success. There were upwards of 50 gentlemen present, among whom were three gentlemen, natives of Tweedside from America. Mr. Gray of the Pack Horse, Church Street, was the purveyor, and in saying that the provision of salmon, lamb, and the etcetera’s, was of first rate quality, and in great abundance, we are only endorsing the opinion of all who were present. Dinner was served at three o’clock, the chairman of committee, Mr. W. Jurden, presiding, and the vice-chairmen being Mr. J. Duncan and R. Craik. After justice had been done to the goods they provided the company adjourned to the green award, where quoiting and other games were engaged in with great spirit. An hour spent in this manner, and the company again assembled to the tent, where the usual loyal and patriotic toasts were given and enthusiastically drank. Mr. T.H. Pattison replying for the Volunteers. The chairman gave “Tweedside Kettle,” Mr. Duncan replying. “The Town Council of Berwick” was given by Mr. R. Craik, and replied to by Alderman Smith and Councilor Turner. Mr. Stafford gave “Both sides of the Tweed” to which Mr. John Russell replied. “The shipping Interests of the Port,” was given by Mr. R. Holmes, and replied to by Mr. Riddell, jun. “The Agriculture Interest” by Mr. Macgregor, replied to by Mr. John Marshall. “The town and Trade of Berwick” by Mr. J. Rutherford, replied to by Mr. R. Rutherford. “The Ladies” by Mr. John Russell, replied to by Mr. Geo Moor. “The Strangers” by Mr. Scott (Spittal), replied to Mr. T. Russell, from America. “Mr. Rutherford from America” by Mr. G.F. Stevens, replied to by Mr. Rutherford. “The Committee” by Mr. Turner, replied to by the Chairman. “The Press” by Mr. Holmes, replied to by Mr. G.F. Stevens, Berwick Journal; and “To our next Merry Meeting” by the Chairman. The Committee were re-appointed with the addition of Mr. Holmes and Geo Moor. A very pleasant day was spent.
Here’s a game for my readers. I am showing you ten words numbered from one to ten. I’m also showing you ten meanings of the ten words lettered A, B, C, etc. It is your task to associate the words with the meaning.
| Word I. Scud Kist Shelpy Croosey Squeamish Wangon Claggy Savagerous Spotchin Hippon | Letter | Meanings Stick (walking)Bad Storm Sick looking Snooping Clothes chest Light rain Looking to escape (Cow) A diaper Sick feeling Big lunch box |
Give yourself a score when you’ve matched the words with the meaning, keep it in a safe place, like on your refrigerator, and another month look for the matchup of numbers and letters. If you don’t score 50% you’ll need a Cluff-o-th’ -lug. Perhaps by now you are ramfeezled!
Source: Rev. Bill Randall’s “From The Scrapbook Vol. One.”
