urbanicity | October 2014 by urbanicity

urbanicity

October 2014, Complimentary

I’M VOTING FOR FRED IDEAS | ISSUES | EXPERIENCES | EATING OUT | EVENTS / HAMILTON

Cocktails with KB Kristen Wood pg. 08

Feature Hamilton’s Mayoral Hopefuls pg. 12

Places Sandyford Place pg. 16

Haunted in Hamilton Jack the Ripper in Hamilton pg. 18

URBANICITY.CA

urbanicity EDITOR & PUBLISHER MARTINUS GELEYNSE editor@urbanicity.ca

M A N A G E R O F O P E R AT I O N S Kristel Bulthuis

FROM THE

EDITOR

P ROD U CE R Scott Summerhayes L AYOU T & DESIGN Jessica Johnstone A DVE RT ISING SALES Ashley Coles PRINTING Canweb Printing DISTRIBUTION THAAT Co-op Metroland Media Cover by Martinus Geleynse from campaign images of each candidate. urbanicity magazine is wholly owned and published by MGI Media. All content copyright © 2014 and all rights to distribution are reserved by MGI Media. As a forum for ideas, issues, and experiences, the views expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of the Publisher, Editor, other contributors, advertisers or distributors unless otherwise stated. P R I N T C I R C U L AT I O N 10,000 copies per month. Distributed throughout the greater city of Hamilton. 12 issues per year. One copy per reader. ADVERTISING INQUIRES (905) 745-0765 ads@urbanicity.ca www.urbanicity.ca

As I write this, there are only 25 days until the municipal election. It’s typically at this point that most media organizations release their endorsements. From what I understand, The Spectator is refraining from an endorsement this year due to their poor track record of picking winners. That might be hearsay, but I find it both entertaining and ironic. In any case, since urbanicity is 100% privately owned, I have no issue with endorsements. I will be voting for Fred Eisenberger for mayor of Hamilton. It is because I believe in what Fred Eisenberger stands for and offers Hamilton that I currently serve as co-chair of his mayoral campaign. I got to know Fred while campaigning for the Ward 2 Councillor position in 2010. We would frequently find ourselves killing time between the ward and mayoral debates, or at city-wide events with our respective campaign tables awaiting the voting public. Fred, of course, was a champion for the west harbour stadium — an ideal that nearly everyone in Hamilton now agrees was the right location for our Ticat/Pan Am stadium. Throughout our discussions, I found Fred to be one of the most pragmatic and honest individuals I’ve ever met. He spoke clearly about his vision, and about what he believed was needed in Hamilton, and he meant it all sincerely. He believed in the west harbour stadium, and he was willing to die on that hill. He lost the election for that reason. I respect that. It’s not often that we find a politician willing to lose office over something they believe in. With respect to the other leading mayoral candidates, I respect them both. Brian McHattie is a fine individual with a record of dedicated service in ward 1. He has a keen sense for urban design, and is a strong advocate for sustainable development. Brad Clark is a remarkably intelligent man with a truly human side that exhibits compassion and grace. As the right-leaning candidate, these qualities are frequently excluded from his resume. I will personally never forget receiving a genuinely empathetic bear hug from him before presenting at the General Issues Committee after a particularly difficult day.

All said, I want Fred Eisenberger to be the next mayor of Hamilton for a few reasons. First, he is a leader that the entire city can support and benefit from. Fred’s focus is on uniting Hamilton, and making this city work for everyone that is a part of it. This includes Stoney Creek, Binbrook, Ancaster, Dundas, Waterdown, downtown, the mountain, and everywhere in-between. Secondly, Fred understands government and the political process, and is able to achieve actual victories when he goes to bat for his city. Beyond that, Fred doesn’t say stuff he won’t do, or stuff he doesn’t believe in. He’s honest, experienced, and principled. He has learned from his time as mayor, and will be a strong leader for all of Hamilton. Beyond my endorsement of Fred, however, I want to acknowledge everyone running for office in this election. Standing for public office is tremendously difficult. For as much flack as our municipal leaders receive, they are tied to limited pay for unlimited responsibilities, and almost no thanks. Public service is, and should be, just that: service. Congratulate the candidates in your ward regardless of whether or not you’re voting for them. They are sacrificing their businesses, jobs, time, and energy to offer themselves to public life. It’s not glamourous or glitzy. Instead, it’s thankless and difficult. Running for office is a $20,000 interview for a job that you’ll have for a 4-year term if you’re lucky — during which time (if you’re so lucky as to win) you’ll be publicly scrutinized and criticized at every turn. Power and prestige indeed. Learn about your candidates for city council and for mayor. Cast your ballot confidently. An active democracy is a vital part of a vibrant city. Vote your conscience and your vision. Let us elect leadership that truly leads Hamilton into a new era of progress, inclusion, and prosperity for every citizen. As our city motto states, may we together aspire, together achieve. MARTINUS GELEYNSE ED I TO R

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04 | OCTOBER 2014 artist is whose piece is hanging on your walls. Treat yourself to a visit to any one of the greater Hamilton area galleries. Too many to mention here but go to hamiltonartscouncil.ca and you’ll find a comprehensive list of all the galleries in our area. There’s also the fabulous James Street North Art Crawl (every second Friday of the month) and the big kahuna of them all, the James Street Supercrawl (annually in September) that draw art lovers and art makers from near and far. Traditionally known as the fabric & textile district, Ottawa Street in Hamilton is gaining recognition for its arts scene as well. Earl’s Court Gallery continues to present new exhibits to whet our artistic appetites. Across the street there’s AllSorts Gallery, a vibrant artists’ cooperative where you’ll find the work of over 40 artists including fabrics, paintings, photography, pottery, jewelry, woodworking, glass and even clocks. You may also want to check out the Golden Horseshoe Woodturner’s Guild’s 1st Annual Woodturning Show & Sale at the Dundas Lions Community Center this October 4th and 5th (ghwg.ca). Admission is free, there will be live demonstrations and you’ll see the works of over 20 of the area’s best woodturners.

WEAR IT WELL

Handmade jewellery by Tracey Brailsford; an example of the one-of-a-kind art you can find in Allsorts Gallery, Hamilton.

IDEAS

A life less ordinary Living with more beauty through original art So many things in this world can make us smile. The more we surround ourselves with things (and people) that are beautiful, the happier we get. Sure we can easily get things that are mass-produced and look nice but so can everyone else. Selecting and owning (or gifting) works of art lets you express your individuality in a ‘one-of-a-kind’ way. When you bring original art into your day-to-day life, you invite something more special, something more beautiful, into your world. Somewhere between the artist’s concept, the finished product and your personal style there’s a connection… an inexplicable but wondrous ‘sweet spot’ where you feel something, something good, something that resonates with some part of you. So, if one piece of art makes you feel something good… then why not look for more ways to incorporate more of this ‘artistic-feel-goodness’ into your life? More than just a pretty Pot That first cup of coffee or tea in the morning can be even more wonderful when sipping it from a handcrafted mug. Feel the weight, feel the quality and know that it’s the only

one exactly like it… and it’s yours. It’s hard to get that same feeling from a mug that’s been made in the millions by some nameless company. Every potter has their own ‘recipe’ for shapes, colours, textures and glazes. Not only are these pieces beautiful but they’re also quite practical — many are dishwasher, oven and microwave safe. Check out over 100 potters at the Hamilton Potters Guild Sale coming up this November (November 7–9th) at the Dundas Lions Memorial Community Centre on 10 Market Street South (hamiltonpotters.ca). The featured artist is Greg Voisin. You can sneak a preview of his work now at AllSorts Gallery (Ottawa Street, Hamilton).

UP AGAINST A WALL Hamilton and surrounding areas are blessed with outstanding photographers, painters, sculptors, glass, wood, metal and fabric artists. It’s time to get to know them! How much more personal and satisfying it is to know who the

Of course I’m a little biased here but I have to admit before I started making jewelry myself I was quite content to purchase any shiny bauble that caught my eye, went with my outfit and, well (she blushes here) if it was on sale or dirt cheap, even better! Having learned more about the materials and the craft, I can now say that wearing a piece of jewelry that’s been handcrafted is definitely a more gratifying and meaningful experience. Unlike wearing one of millions that have been mass-produced, I’m wearing a work of art that expresses some part of me and will be treasured for years to come. What’s more, the one I’m wearing is the only one exactly like it because it’s been handcrafted - meaning no two will ever be exactly alike. Feeling funky or romantic or daring or colourful or bold? Search for the pieces and artists that help you express your mood, style and personality and you’ll soon find your personal favourites! Not a jewelry person? Scarves and handmade bags are another great way to incorporate art into your wardrobe and your life. Many artists will do custom work so you can have something made specifically for you or for a very unique gift.

ONE AT A TIME While it might be lovely to buy everything all at once (I wouldn’t mind experiencing that some day), it’s also a little like a treasure hunt to collect pieces one at a time and make them a part of our lives. Original art can be more expensive than mass-produced items but that stands to reason. When you purchase an original, you are doing so many good things… supporting a local artist buying one-of-a-kind expressing your individuality making your everyday life more beautiful surrounding yourself with quality pieces Hamilton is awash with so many talented artists and galleries. Get out there and get to know them. Once you start incorporating art into your life and your home, you’ll start to see and feel how beautiful life can be everyday. ELLEN OESTERREICH, RGD is a member of AllSorts Gallery (Mockingbird Design, jewelry) and a graphic design/marketing communications professional. www.AllSortsGallery.com www.oesterreich.ca www.mockingbirddesign.ca

06 | OCTOBER 2014 Can anything be done to make your money more effective? Where your cash flow is directed is a key to managing debt and complete financial health.

3. THERE IS HOPE – YOU CAN DEVELOP A PLAN TO MANAGE YOUR DEBT

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For a majority of people we carry debt in 5 areas: mortgage, car loan, line of credit, credit card, student debt. Going back to the first point, the interest rates on each of these areas is wildly different. Because of high interest rates our cash flow becomes consumed with paying across the various areas of debt, and there isn’t enough available to do what we would like to do. This is where debt consolidation comes into place. When it comes to managing your money something even more important than the actual amount of your debt, is the allocation of your debt load. Moving debt into one large pool, with manageable rates and monthly payments can be a major key in unlocking your financial future. This solution is not a complete one size fits all type of deal, but this is an area where I personally have seen the biggest impact in the lives of my own clients. If you’re carrying debt across three or more areas you should contact a financial advisor look into solutions.

4. DEBT FREE MIGHT NOT BE THE ANSWER ILLUSTRATION BY SAMURAI TOP / 123RF

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5. HOW TO MAKE MONEY WORK FOR YOU – EVEN MONEY YOU BORROW

FINANCE

(Crash) Course on Cash Five things school SHOULD have taught us about managing debt I am blessed (or cursed as the case may be) with a pretty detailed memory. I recall with clarity many things about school as a little kid all the way through to the Masters degree I’m currently embarking on. Of all of the things I learned, I know I didn’t ever have a class that taught me anything practical about how to be a “grown-up”, especially what to do with debt! Oh, I do recall how easy it is to acquire debt. OSAP is practically assumed, not to mention credit card companies handing out credit/debt like a crack dealer giving you a taste for free, all the while knowing you’ll be in his pocket in no time. If you did have someone teach you a little about credit, debt and what to do with it then you should call them and thank them. Today. Because if you’re like me you didn’t learn this stuff in school.

1. IT’S ALL ABOUT THE INTEREST

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Think back to your first loan. OSAP, Visa, car loan, line of credit… do you recall having an understanding about the implications of the interest rate they quoted? No one likes

People typically fall into one of two camps on this subject. Debt is something you have to deal with, or, they join the “Debt Free Revolution”. However, very often those with the highest net worth often carry large debt loads, strategically placed in order to generate the best possible use of interest rates, cash flow and returns. As a rule most people need to get a hold of their debt and get out from under the weight of it; however, once that is accomplished, a well placed, calculated amount of debt, at a good interest rate can actually be used as a tool to build wealth rather than an anchor to sink us.

to live with debt, but the understanding of the cost of that debt is rarely explained. The cost of borrowing money in the first place is ultimately what buries so many of us. Because the rate is what determines our monthly payments we all need to pay attention to what the rates are on each area of our total debt – perhaps even more than how much we owe as a whole.

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Think of the real estate developer who builds the new office building or condo project. Are these projects funded with cash they have in hand? Or the investment banker who manages and builds multi-million dollar portfolios. Think of how the government budgets and the banking system works! It’s all based on strategic allocation of money borrowed (aka debt). There are ways these principles can be applied to the individual so that, when done properly, they can mitigate risk and actually make money for you. There are risks involved of course, but I don’t recall a class in high school or my undergrad that taught me any of this.

2. C.R.E.A.M. (CASH RULES EVERYTHING AROUND ME)

Now, this is by no means a final word on this subject, but it is really designed to make us take a look at our debt. What are we doing with it? Are there other options for me? What can I do? What should I do? How can I learn more about this? As always, the best advice for you, is to go seek out some specific advice for you! You can always send me an email to ask any specific questions or share your thoughts.

Let’s face it, every month there is only so much money coming through the door. No matter how well you manage your budget, you’re dealing with a finite resource. Having enough money in the budget to take care of important areas beyond paying the bills is a difficult thing to do. Most of us can quote an approximate number relating to how much debt we carry while some of us are able to be more precise, but almost all of us are aware of our debt load to one degree or another. What I challenge you to examine is this; how much of your monthly income is swallowed by debt payments? At what interest rates are those payments?

AARON WEAFER has been interested in the world of finance since the days of Alex P. Keaton on Family Ties.So it makes sense that he grew up to work as a Consultant with one of the most respected financial planning companies in Canada. You’ll most often find him in one of Hamilton’s great local coffee shops engaged in conversation about one of his many passions or with his nose buried in a book. Have a question? Need some free advice? Email him at: aaron.weafer@investorsgroup.com

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08 | OCTOBER 2014

LIGHTNING ROUND ON A SCALE OF 1-10, HOW EXCITED ARE YOU ABOUT LIFE?

A niner. B EST G IF T YO U ’V E E V E R

A puppy. When I was about 6.

C O C K TA I L S W I T H K B

KRISTEN WOOD

00 | TK 2014

Owner of The Ten Spot

Kristen Wood stands at the door of her Hamilton location on James Street North.

One of my favourite things to do is have a cocktail with a friend, or someone who will become a friend by the time the glass is empty. Cocktails with KB is a monthly column that allows you to get to know some of Hamilton’s most exciting people! So, pour yourself a cocktail and enjoy! I got an email one day from a guy named Brady telling me that I needed to meet his wife Kristen for cocktails. “I think you and she would really get along.” Well, that was an understatement. Kristen Wood is the founder and owner of The Ten Spot, a unique brand of salon/spa for women (and men!). The company started out in Toronto and is quickly expanding with franchises across Canada. Over drinks (Dark and Stormy for her, New York Sour for me) at Two Black Sheep, we chatted, and quickly moved past the awkward “blind date” portion…that lasted about 5 seconds. We talked work, being a woman in business, family, music, TV shows, Gangsta’s Paradise and our much-loved city of Hamilton. Grab a cocktail, enjoy our interview and then book an appointment to treat yourself at the Ten Spot on James North! What is the best advice you’ve ever received? “The answer is always ‘no’ unless you ask.” That came from my dad. It usually came about because I would ask something and he would answer “No. But, the answer is always ‘no’ unless you ask, so, I’m glad you asked.” Why Hamilton? Because I met and fell in love with my [now] husband. He is from Hamilton and was working at St. Joe’s. He ended up moving in with me [in Toronto] for a while when we first met. After about two weeks, I was like; “I am not driving you to Union Station at 5 AM every morning, so let’s move to Hamilton.” For my job I can be more flexible, I’m not 9-5, so I can miss rush hour. I ended up really loving it here. I grew up in Winnipeg and it’s really similar in terms of the layout and the landscape and the lifestyle. Three words to describe Hamilton. Proud — I find Hamiltonians are very proud, which is very

nice to see. Hip — I find there are a lot of hip, cool businesses. Considerate of fellow men/empathetic — There’s a very over whelming theme in Hamilton. People feel it’s their responsibility to look out for other human beings. There’s a lot of charity in Hamilton. What’s the best thing about what you do? I think that it’s just that I get to make everything up as I go along. My day can be whatever I want it to be for the most part. Of course, there is a lot of stuff that I have to do, especially with franchising. I have to be accountable for a lot of things and a lot of people, but at the same time, I can kind of make things up as I go along. I started this when I was 24. I decided one night that I wanted a store on Queen Street, and I thought a good concept was an upscale nail salon. I was running my first location and I quickly realized that I wasn’t great at the day-to-day management stuff. I love to do things the first time, but once it becomes routine I lose interest. So, in terms of the day to day stuff; ordering supplies, scheduling, watching staffing levels, people calling in sick, the disciplinary stuff — it wasn’t my strong suit. Working on the business is what I prefer as opposed to working in the business. Writing policies and protocols, creating our manuals and working on strategy, marketing and expansion is what I thrive at. Our locations are mainly in Toronto, and then one here, one in Guelph, one in Oakville, one in Ottawa. We also have franchise partners in Kelowna and Vancouver looking for their spaces and are working on Winnipeg and Calgary in terms of franchise deals. By October 6th, we will have 14 operational locations with close to 200 employees. It’s exciting stuff knowing that I kind of just made it all up one night - and also to think of the flip side of it — that none of this would have existed if I hadn’t followed through on that idea that night.

PHOTOGRAPH BY SCOTT SUMMERHAYES

RE C E IV E D ?

HOW D O YO U L IK E YO U R CO F F E E ?

With a little bit of

cream. FAVOURITE BAND?

Right now: M83. Love that song Midnight City. FAVO U RITE SO LO A RTIST?

Jason Mraz although I don’t really listen to him anymore. I like 4 years ago Jason Mraz, circa 2009. A B O O K YO U P L A N O N

“One More Thing: Stories and other stories. By BJ Novak. My husband had it on the plane ride for our recent trip and when he fell asleep, I read a few [stories], so I want to read the whole thing when I have time! RE A D IN G ?

D O L P HIN S O R KOA L AS?

Dolphins. I don’t know anything about koalas and I don’t care. FAVO U RITE CO LO U R?

Black. L E AST FAVO U RITE CO LO U R?

Tawny. It’s in between brown and browny-orange. The only reason why I know this colour is because when I was in Brownies, the leader is Brown Owl and the second in command is Tawny Owl. I think it’s such a funny word and most people don’t know the colour. B EST WAY TO D E CO MP RESS?

Netflix. I’m watching Ray Donovan. IF YO U R L IF E WE RE A SO N G , W HAT WO U L D THE TITL E B E ?

Gangster’s Paradise, but not in any literal way. It’s just such a badass song.

What’s the worst thing about what you do? It’s the tough talks. Business, especially franchising, is all about relationships. I hate having to have sit-downs with people to have those unpleasant yet critical conversations. Also, I don’t enjoy reading legal documents. It’s dry material but also they are so important. You have to read a clause and think of what it can imply in a bestcase scenario and also in a worst case. Your business can hinge on what’s written on those pages and once you put pen to paper it’s a done deal and you have to live with it good or bad. What’s your motto? ‘High risks, high rewards.’ Another one from my dad, I think. However, as I’m getting a little older and have more responsibilities (ie: a kid) it’s getting a little harder to make those big leaps. I’m happy I started my business so young when I was so naive. It’s not as comfortable now knowing all the risks in taking out another loan of a couple hundred thousand dollars to try out a new location or a new venture, but blessing or curse I don’t have it in me to stop or slow down and I just keep coming back to that motto. I want to grow my business and my ambition is endless so I’ve got to be bold and just keep pushing forward.

“ The Hamilton location is one of my favourite locations ... Our girls there are so awesome; they are just so enthusiastic, professional and of course amazing at what they do.

” What’s the best thing about 2014? My son. Always, no matter what. He’s just awesome. He is 3 and his name is Jack. What has been the biggest learning experience of your life? I think it’s that it’s ok to just be normal and live life a little more grounded (which I can thank my husband for). I don’t seek out those extreme experiences like I used to when I was younger. For example, when I was about 26 I just decided to go to Thailand for the summer and booked the trip that day and didn’t plan a thing for it. I just showed up downtown Bangkok and thought I’d figure it out. It wasn’t till I got there that I found out there was some big festival and all the hostels/hotels/guesthouses were fully booked. I spend the next six hours (after a 23 hour flight) hot and exhausted, clawing my way through a sea of people trying to find a place to stay. So yeah, I‘ve learned not to put myself in situations that will cause me needless stress. How do you find that your business in Hamilton differs from your other locations? The Hamilton location is one of my favourite locations and I go here obviously, because I live here. Our girls there are so awesome; they are just so enthusiastic, professional and of course amazing at what they do. I love it because it’s a smaller location; we have about six people on staff there, which is lower than some of our other locations and there are less service stations — so it really has a neighbourhood feel to it. James Street North is also a really cool strip of town and it’s just getting better and better with more restaurants and shops opening up all the time. I think it’s going to be very different a year from now and then again two years from now.

KRISTEL BULTHUIS is the Manager of Operations for urbanicity Omnimedia, and the Assistant Director for the Hamilton 24-Hour Film Festival. Known for her energy and love of fine designer fashion, Kristel lives in Durand with Chanel, her shorkie. Get in touch at kristel@urbanicity.ca

10 | OCTOBER 2014

Ed Sculthorpe while working for Canada’s Armed Forces.

EXPERIENCES

A Life of Service Making the transition from soldier to civilian After spending your adult life serving your country, what’s next? Ed Sculthorpe can answer that question. In 1992, in Hamilton, he joined Canada’s Armed Forces as an Electrical Mechanical Engineer. Among other locations across Canada and the world, Sculthorpe spent a great deal of time at the Hamilton Harbourfront Armouries, becoming very familiar with Hamilton’s North End. At several times in his 22-year military career, Sculthorpe worked as a teacher for various subjects including leadership, equipment maintenance and recovery, advanced driving and occupational safety. Sculthorpe helped put together a nation-wide training model for the Electrical Mechanical Engineers and established a new campus for trades training. While serving on peacekeeping missions in the Balkans and the Middle East, Sculthorpe volunteered to re-construct playgrounds in war-ravaged Bosnian towns, also organizing fundraising events for a children’s cancer clinic in Israel and an orphanage in Syria. Sculthorpe’s final military assignment was leading an Integrated Personnel Support Unit in Ontario, helping soldiers with physical and/or psychological injuries. He worked with families and the wider community to help these wounded Canadians, many of whom had recently returned from Afghanistan. Sculthorpe explains, “With the Integrated Personnel Support Unit, my role was to supervise the soldiers who were transitioning out of the military into civilian life. I would work with case managers, medical staff, Veteran’s Affairs, family liaison staff, etc. to ensure that the

soldier was steered toward the best possible social and financial situation, post-release. Sometimes these soldiers were not as comfortable talking to civilian staff, so I found myself in a counselling or mentorship role ... It was a great way of connecting with comrades in a new way. I found it very valuable.” After helping some of his fellow veterans transition from military to civilian life, the time came for Sculthorpe to take the same big step. This year, he moved on from the Canadian Armed Forces. What’s next for Sculthorpe? His transition to civilian life has gone “very well,” he says, adding that the best part is “spending time with my family and being able to contribute more to my local community. Not being away as much, I feel more connected to my neighbourhood, more grounded.” Most important, he says, is being an active parent to his two sons, both in elementary school in Hamilton. He enjoys taking them to school in the morning and picking them up in the afternoon. Professionally, Sculthorpe is now translating his life-long passion for music into a small business, working as a homebased luthier: a builder and fixer of stringed instruments. Running an arts-based business is not easy, especially in this economy, but Sculthorpe says he thrives on the challenges, adding, “My experience in the military – being a planner, an organizer and an operations manager – has been a tremendous asset.” Sculthorpe also sees politics in his future. He is the chair of an Ainslie Wood community association that is

setting up a new recreation centre at the recently-closed Prince Philip School. He has also signed up as a non-partisan candidate to be the next public school board trustee for Ward 1 & 2. Sculthorpe’s platform – emphasising the arts, student and community engagement, health, walkability and green space – is at edsculthorpe.com. Sculthorpe says he wants to “use my experience to create a more community-centered culture at our schools ... I make my own schedule now and can dedicate myself to this and to seeing it through.” Adds Sculthorpe, “I still want to continue to serve.” In the near future - with the war in Afghanistan ending, and the federal government cutting the defence budget - there will be increased numbers of men and women going from military to civilian life. Some of them, like those Sculthorpe helped in the Personnel Support Unit, will find the transition difficult and will need society’s help. Others, like Sculthorpe himself, will make the transition smoothly, helping to improve society with their skills, discipline, courage and dedication to others. All veterans, having risked their lives for Canada and democracy, deserve our gratitude.

MARK COAKLEY lives in the Ainslie Wood neighbourhood in West Hamilton. He's the author of Tip and Trade: How Two Lawyers Made Millions From Insider Trading (2011) and Hidden Harvest: The Rise And Fall Of North America's Biggest Cannabis Grow Op. He blogs at markcoakley.wordpress.com

PHOTOGRAPH BY YING FANG JOHANNSON / 123RF

URBANICITY.CA

EXPERIENCES

The Mean Streets Reflections on innocence and tragedy Earlier this year I went for a walk through the streets of Hamilton. It was night, it was dark and I was alone. Six months ago it was meant to be a journal entry and a tribute to the rawness of Hamilton, yet at the core, the goodness of Hamilton. Recent events have changed that; it doesn’t seem to be so humorous anymore. It went something like this…. When I was younger and walked the streets, you had to show confidence; you had to walk with a strut, hunched over and look powerful, menacing, trouble. You had to look like you wouldn’t think twice about throwing the first punch. Forget tall, proud; look square, look low, look in the eyes and don’t blink. Not that I ever ran into trouble. Well, once was there an issue, but that was another story; a story of a misguided, troubled and confused youth. Was there never any trouble because of the way I walked? The way we walked, in safe numbers; in a pack? Or were the streets unbeknownst to us, actually safe? As an adult, I walked the streets tonight. With

confidence, with a strut, hunched over, looking menacing and like trouble. How did I slip back into that role? Is it my nature, human nature, or is it the dopamine from my cortex anticipating my need for fight or flight? And why is that? Survival is no longer left up to the warrior, the fighter, the hunter? Survival is easy. Easy if you are lucky enough to have a job, security, a home. So why was I looking menacing, dressed in black, with hands comfortably at my side, ready to swing the first punch? Down a dark street, loud voices, boots scraping; physical boisterous play coming my way and for a moment I was wary. Two amigos coming my way and I say ‘amigo’, because that’s what they yelled out to me. They smiled, there was no trouble, in fact there was mutual banter about the cold the dark, the wet, yet how in fact, it was a great night for a walk. Nothing menacing, not a hint of trouble. Is that because of me; the tough persona I can be? Not likely, the reality is, people are good, the streets are safe. A safe place to be “Walter Mitty”, both myself and my amigo friends.

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That’s how the story ended… Almost 50, you could almost call this comical; but the twist is perhaps it would not have been so comical 37 years ago when I was a 13-year old kid growing up in Hamilton. A twist because I was once a young 13-year old boy who did walk through the green space, brush and streets of Hamilton with my friends armed with pipes and baseball bats. We had no knives, but who knew if the other guys did? What if we actually met those adversaries our minds had created? Was it stupid — yes; innocent — yes; but tragic — as it turned out for me? No. The purpose of the original tale was to communicate that we all are in this together and we shouldn’t judge, we shouldn’t be short-sighted and of how good things really are. Was that story naive? What if the story didn’t have a happy ending, because even at 50 things can go bad, and someone else was writing a story about me? What if the spark necessary was actually provided? What if something that could be so innocent gets out of control? What happens then is what happened in Hamilton on August 19th, 2014. The reality is, this is Hamilton and it is a city and with all that is good, society still has its dark side, its underbelly coexists with the mainstream. On Tuesday September 2 of this year Riaz Sayani-Mulji (The Hamilton Spectator) asked all the right questions about how can the tragic stories like that of Jesse Clarke be a catalyst for positive change? I too wondered these things too given the multiple stabbings in Toronto the same week as Jesse. Youth with time, with swagger and looking for excitement with the encouragement of their friends, their ‘pack’, their extended ‘family’, will always be a tinderbox. Is there anything anyone can really do? I’m not sure - I’m sorry, it is true. I am not a social worker, a Pastor, a youth worker, a teacher; I have no credentials, I only have the stories of a kid, yes a kid, trying to fit in, trying to show some bravado while hanging out with friends, peers, ‘family’. We were not malicious, we were not bad; truth be told we were among the more responsible, the more mature and among the top of our academic class. I’m pretty sure we hadn’t thought things through. I’m pretty sure we didn’t expect anything to happen. I’m pretty sure neither did Jesse. Listen to those who know; trust those who are actively engaged; those who care and those who are trained. We all know it takes a community to raise a child, but do we ignore that it takes a community to raise a youth in the tough times of today as well?

S. JOHN THOMAS spent four years in England before moving to Hamilton and has been living within a 40 km radius of downtown ever since. While most of these years were spent on the fringe, he recently moved to the 'core' where he is immersing himself in the city with his wonderful wife.

12 | OCTOBER 2014

From Left: Stills of mayoral candidates Fred Eisenberger, Brian McHattie and Michael Baldasaro from video interviews with candidates. Full videos available on urbanicity.ca.

F E AT U R E

Hamilton’s Mayoral Hopefuls By Scott Summerhayes Recently, I heard someone say, “Every four years we tell ourselves that the election at the time will be the most important election Hamilton has ever had… but I think this one really is the most important one.” We have several very experienced public servants racing to be the leader of a city that has been displaying growing promise in the last eight or more years. There’s no doubt that how we vote will largely determine how our city grows. With that in mind, we wanted to give each candidate the opportunity to share their message in our October issue, as well as on our website. Unfortunately, only three were willing or able to participate.

FRED EISENBERGER This wouldn’t be Fred Eisenberger’s first time being Mayor of Hamilton if he were to win this October. Eisenberger was Mayor of the Hamilton from 2006 to 2010, after which he went on to be the President and CEO of the Canadian Urban Institute, an organization that strives to build and maintain healthy urban communities and development. While there, Eisenberger was commuting back and forth from Toronto to Hamilton a lot. “I would say that was the primary reason I decided to come back to Hamilton,” said Eisenberger. “It was either the decision to move to Toronto, or come back to Hamilton to figure out what I wanted to do, and it turns out that that is what I wanted to do.” “My passion is for Hamilton and I am going to do everything I can to make it better.” “The main issue for Hamilton is, and will be, and continues to be economic development,” said Eisenberger.” He says that if we are going to grow as a city, we can no

longer be as reliant on the residential tax base as we currently are, and need to see a significant shift again to a commercial/industrial tax base. “We’ve lost a awful lot of business, and an awful lot of jobs went with it and we need to get them back.” He also said he would like to see graduates from our colleges and university be employable in Hamilton rather than having to leave. “The next Hamilton is about the new generation jobs— it’s a mix of things,” said Eisenberger. He went on to make note of Hamilton’s history of advanced manufacturing and the difficulties of the zoning category along Burlington Street. “Let’s see if we can maximize the potential of advanced, clean, new technology manufacturing.” Eisenberger also sees advances in agribusiness for Hamilton’s, given that 75% of Hamilton’s landmass is agricultural, which could open opportunities for grow-local businesses as well as exporting. As for as downtown Hamilton, Eisenberger says it’s all about taking those big opportunities, and not letting them go to waste. “For me it’s how we manage the next growth spurt, making sure that we appropriately place on existing infrastructure new development, with some appropriate density so that we can also capture some additional revenue off those opportunities.”

BRIAN McHATTIE What some may not know is that this is, in fact, not

Councillor (Ward 1) Brian McHattie’s first time running for Mayor. He ran back in 1997 against Mayor at the time, Bob Morrow. “We’re focussed, to begin with, on stronger neighbourhoods. That’s something that I have had a lot of experience with over then last 11 years on council,” said McHattie who is on his way to completing a 100 days tour of neighbourhoods city-wide. “The diversity is just extraordinary.” McHattie also wants to work towards more jobs for Hamilton. “Back in the good old days, if it was made in Canada it was probably made in Hamilton, and we are very proud of that.” “We need to bring new jobs to Hamilton up in the industrial business parks, McMaster Innovation Park, the new industries—life sciences, health sciences, jobs for youths, and making it easier for entrepreneurs to start their own jobs.” “We’re not a rich city, and we need a much better deal from the province of Ontario and the federal government to help us financially,” said McHattie. He also made not that property taxes in the City of Hamilton are “pretty much maxed out”. “I think one of the things we need to do is to connect with resident a lot more strongly than we have,” said McHattie. In past years, McHattie along with other Councillor Farr of Ward 2 have taken an interest in participatory budgeting. “That a way of asking ‘what do you want to see in your neighbourhoods?’… and the budget process in this city should be run the same way.”

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McHattie said that in spite of our shrunken industrial economy over the decades, Hamilton’s main export is still creativity and innovation which would include advanced manufacturing. He wants the city to continue to be known as a creative, open city, and that open government is beginning of that, which is of big interest of his. As far as the downtown goes, McHattie is confident about the continuance of condominium project in the core, but also wants to see more jobs coming downtown and see office buildings like the Stelco tower fill up.

MICHAEL BALDASARO Michael Baldasaro has been running for Mayor of Hamilton every year since 1985 with exception of one year he ran for Mayor of Guelph, and he has no interest in stopping. “The next election I’ll be 69. If I don’t get in this one, I’ll get in the next one.” “When you stop working, you’re dying.” “When I was young, we had chickens… and beautiful gardens in our backyards,” said Baldasaro who exclaimed disappointment on the sustainability of our city. “We are not self sustaining. We are living off a system that is feeding off of tax dollars instead of the businesses…” Baldasaro, who has a background in labour work in all different areas of the city, including construction and manufacturing, also claims to have a background education in law. “It’s about time we had somebody that understood the law, could read the law, and can litigate, and I can do that.” “First of all I’ll take a third off my salary, and give it back

to the city. It’s ridiculous how much money everybody is getting, and austerity begins at home.” One of the main issues in Baldasaro’s eyes is the LRT, however he does not believe a line for McMaster to Stoney Creek is the answer, and would be much more interested in seeing “The Loop”, a line that would carry people North - South through downtown to the bay front. “Hamilton needs a heart, and that would be the heart.” Baldasaro got even more heated about the subject of Randle Reef. “Why don’t we get the people that polluted it to clean it up. That I don’t understand! Is it because it was Stelco and Dofasco that we don’t—?” As far as the downtown goes, Baldasaro thinks we are selling our buildings and land to Toronto investors too cheap. “They’re buying for pennies on the dollar, and ten years from now we could have make a heck of a lot more money,” said Baldasaro.

RICKY TAVARES Ricky Tavares is filled with piss and vinegar. Determined and on track. There is no doubt in his mind, “I will be the mayor of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada in the near future.” Tavares’ platform is simple — austerity. “I will be the first mayor of Canada willing and proud to work for a minimum wage salary.” Packed with natural confidence and a desire to lead, Tavares has accompanied himself with a team of colleagues to assist in a five-year plan that he says will generate $1 trillion in city coffers in just half a decade.

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“I will only be your mayor for one term,” said Tavares, sadly. “Because this city is too small for me to lead and guide into a productive population.” Tavares dreams of higher duties after serving his one and only term as mayor, moving to Ottawa to lead our country as Prime Minister.

MICHAEL PATTISON Michael Pattison is not satisfied with the current state of municipal politics — disenfranchised with what politicians have been handing us for years.” As Mayor, Pattison would seek to unify the city he loves, with his sights set on a more caring and determined Hamilton. Pattison talks a lot about galvanizing all of Hamilton’s wards into a unified voice for all, where everyone’s needs are heard. The greatest challenge in Pattision’s eyes for this city is the overcome any hindrance of becoming an “engaged citizenry”. “VOTE. Hamilton. VOTE.”

Brad Clark: Despite great efforts including multiple emails and phone messages, Mr. Clark did not respond to the opportunity to participate. Crystal Lavigne: Due to scheduling difficulties Ms. Lavigne did not have the opportunity to participate. Ejaz Butt: Mr. Butt did not respond to the opportunity to participate. Nick Iamonico: Mr. Iamonico was not approached due to lack of contact information.

14 | OCTOBER 2014

STYLE

Tie-ing One On Because fake ties are knot an option I must confess that I am a bit of an anomaly in writing for urbanicity. As the oldest author to be regularly published, new trends occasionally have me saying, “Here we go again.” Fashion, particularly men’s fashion is often cyclical. Today’s slimmer narrower suits, fitted shirts, and skinny ties are slightly different from, but very similar to, the styles that preceded the “mod” looks of the late 60’s. One of the secrets of fashion is that even though there is a rhythm to style it is usually different enough from previous iterations that vintage pieces somehow don’t look quite right. This time — not so much. Men’s wear from the 1960’s is very similar to today’s most avant-garde styles. In fact, I still have the first “expensive” ties I ever owned — over 50 years old, made in Italy by Brioni, pure silk ties less than 2 inches wide. I wore one the other day and the skinny ties worked well with newer tailored clothing’s slimmer silhouettes and narrower lapels. Men’s fashion tends to be “evolutionary” rather than “revolutionary.” The slimmer ties of the early 60’s were replaced with ties that grew wider and wider through the 60’s until the 4 ¹�²” belly warmers of the “Mod” era

— peaking around 1970. As time passed, tie widths narrowed and stabilised at more or less 3” for about 30 years. Many shops still offer this width, but the most forward fashion shops are showing 2” widths. But, won’t ties disappear? Does the current, far more relaxed, more casual, egalitarian dress code mean ties as an essential part of a man’s wardrobe are passé? I think not. Unless you are lucky enough to work for Google, a suit, shirt, and tie are still integral to a business or dress wardrobe. If you have the tie but aren’t sure how to tie it, you are not alone. The good news is you only need to learn two knots. (Well three if you want to wear a bow tie.) The easiest is called the four in hand knot. You use this knot with button down shirts and with “regular” collared shirts — anything other than a “spread’ collar. The illustration shows how simple this one is. The second knot you need is the half Windsor. (The full Windsor knot is similar but harder to tie well.) While the four in hand knot is tubular in appearance, a properly tied Half Windsor knot will have a “V” shape filling out the space in a spread or Windsor-collared shirt.

A dimple just under the knot makes the tie look better. Just form the dimple as you tighten the knot. Practice a couple of times — you’ll get it. We all have prejudices. One of mine is against pre-tied ties and especially against pre-tied bow ties. Bow ties are tricky to tie at first, but once you get the knack…well, I think they look sharp; and I love to wear them. You can wear bow ties with button downs, wing collars (usually found on formal shirts) or the “regular” collared shirts. While bow ties are de rigeur with tuxedoes, they lend a more relaxed, friendly, artistic attitude to the wearer. If you want to stand out, a bow tie should be your choice. One warning — there are hints of tab and pin collared shirts returning. Only a four in hand knot is suitable for those styles. What about patterns? The fashion gurus are calling for solid colours, muted paisleys, and neat small geometric patterns. Forget about it! If there is any excuse for a tie it is as an expression of the wearer’s taste and personality. (Although, in my case it also serves as a record of what I’ve been eating.) I believe anything goes. I encourage you to wear what you like. Well, except for pre-tied and polyester belly warmers.

MARVIN CAPLAN was the proprietor of Marvin Caplan Gentlemen's Apparel a forward fashion, high quality men's clothing store in downtown Hamilton from 1978 until 2003. He served on City Council representing Ward 1 for 9 years. He is now a Real Estate Broker with Coldwell Banker Pinnacle Real Estate where he works with his wife Judi as "the Caplan Team". Marvin can be reached at marvincaplan@gmail.com

FOUR IN HAND KNOT

HALF WINDSOR KNOT

ILLUSTRATIONS BY CHELSEY SIMMONDS

BOW TIE

PHOTOGRAPH BY RICHARD ALLEN

16 | OCTOBER 2014

The facade of Sandyford Place at it looks today.

PLACES

Sandyford Place Saved and Restored Through Collective Action Many regard Sandyford Place as the foremost surviving stone terrace in Canada. Today, it stands majestic and fully functional at the corner of Duke Street and MacNab Street South in Hamilton’s historic Durand neighbourhood. It’s become a risen phoenix that’s ours to appreciate. Yet the building’s story – which spans more than 150 years and includes episodes of splendor and neglect – reminds us of the need for collective action to realize effective heritage conservation and community renewal. It’s what saved Sandyford Place from the wrecking ball and it remains our best

tool to conserve what’s left of Hamilton’s heritage. Built by Freemasons in the late 1850s using local limestone, Sandyford Place is an example of terrace row housing. It features four attached dwellings, each with a separate entrance and stairway. This type of urban townhouse is common in Scotland yet rare in Canada aside from the Maritime Provinces. Through to the mid-20th century, Sandyford Place, like many other residential properties in the Durand neighbourhood, was home to affluent merchants and professionals.

This changed in the years following World War II – an era of aggressive urban renewal that saw wide swaths of our city’s core leveled to make room for concrete towers, parking lots and shopping malls. In the early 1970s, the Canadian government compiled a list of pre-1880 buildings in Hamilton. At the rate they were being demolished at the time, eighty percent would be gone within a decade. Demolition permits could be issued instantly and their records were inaccessible to the public. The Durand neighbourhood looked like a war zone. The

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SANDYFORD PLACE AT A GLANCE Terrace row housing built by Donald Nicholson, 1858-1860 Four main dwellings, three storeys Product of Scottish stonemasons who settled in Hamilton Finely cut stone façade with ashlar finishes Windows reflect aesthetics of Renaissance Revival Interiors retain many period elements Close interaction with street Privately owned Most comparable buildings in Hamilton have been demolished Heritage designation by provincial and federal governments

LESSON LEARNED IN HERITAGE CONSERVATION Leverage neighbourhood associations to engage the wider community Create political change through collective action and civic engagement Involve all levels of government (politicians and bureaucrats) Team up with other municipalities to build a stronger voice Promote the positive economics of heritage conservation and adaptive reuse Strengthen ties between heritage conservation and local tourism

magnificent Birks Building on the Gore was gone. Dr. Grant Head, founder of Heritage Hamilton, started thinking about establishing a corporation with both business and social goals. Important pieces of heritage architecture could be purchased, rehabilitated with attention to heritage elements, then rented or resold. Monies realized on one building could be rolled to another. The corporation could compete with the high rise developers in buying the houses because they were selling at land value only. It was determined that this concept could work in Hamilton and be sustainable. In August 1973, Fincup Ltd. and LaJolla Holdings Ltd. — then owners of Sandyford Place — announced plans to demolish the buildings in order to construct high rise apartments. This triggered a campaign, led by Dr. Head, his wife Brenda and other members of Heritage Hamilton Inc., to purchase and save Sandyford Place. It raised more than $90,000, largely from Heritage Hamilton shareholders, and resulted in a formal offer to purchase. The owner rejected the offer. Evidently, it would take larger sums of money combined with delicate political manoeuvring to finally seal the deal. The City of Hamilton Board of Control used a bylaw to delay the demolition of Sandyford Place. The bylaw required property owners wishing to demolish a building to submit documentation detailing future development plans. The Fincup/LaJolla team were not ready and/or willing to comply. This gave the local heritage community and its supporters more time to organize. Meanwhile, in December 1974, Alderman William McCulloch, chair of the City’s Planning and Development Committee, reported that there was legislation before the provincial government to help promote the preservation of historic buildings and archaeological sites across Ontario. He was referring to the Ontario Heritage Act that came into force in 1975 with the assistance of Hamilton West MPP Jack McNie, Mayor Victor Copps, Controller Anne Jones, and many others. Bert Lawrence — a provincial cabinet minister under Premier William Davis who would come to chair the newly-created Ontario Heritage Foundation - gave Sandyford Place top priority for preservation funds. At the invitation of local Aldermen Bob Morrow and William McCulloch, Minister Lawrence sat down to negotiate. Fincup/LaJolla offered to sell Sandyford Place for $446,000 ($20/square foot). Alderman Morrow called the asking price “ridiculous” and requested an independent appraisal. Minister Lawrence favoured a partnership model that would involve the City and the two upper tiers of government. This activity coincided with a closed meeting between the building owners and the Board of Control that generated little tangible progress other than further recognition of the property’s national significance.

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April 1976 was a turning point when City Council agreed to spend approximately $360,000 to buy Sandyford Place and when the Ontario Heritage Foundation promised $200,000 toward its purchase and restoration. Also in April, Sandyford Place received designation under the Ontario Heritage Act (the first in the province) and was declared a National Historic Site by the Government of Canada. The sale of Sandyford Place to the City of Hamilton closed on April 30, 1976. Soon after, Filer Consultants of Ancaster was hired to undertake the restoration. Monies and support from Heritage Hamilton Inc. helped make this work possible. Then in May 1977 the unthinkable happened: A fire gutted the upper floors of one corner of the building. It caused $11,000 in damage and reignited fears of demolition. Yet public support for restoration was significant, fuelled in part by The Hamilton Spectator, that wrote: “So much of what gave Hamilton its distinctive character has fallen to the wrecker’s hammer and been replaced by concrete rent machines and the harsh lines of utilitarianism that what remains of the unique should be jealously cared for. If for no other reason than its historic charm, the City should not be in too great a hurry to ‘spin off ’ Sandyford Place. Its restoration is almost as important as its purchase and should be done under the authority and supervision of the City. Its future can be decided after its restoration.”

“

Also in April, Sandyford Place received designation under the Ontario Heritage Act (the first in the province) and was declared a National Historic Site by the Government of Canada.

”

In time, through partnership and hard work, Sandyford Place was fully restored. Today the dwellings are all privately owned, occupied and maintained. Many people will recall the special ceremony in 1978 when Sandyford Place officially became a National Historic Site. Royal Mounties, in their distinctive uniforms set off by scarlet tunics — stood guard as the program unfolded. The Honourable Lincoln Alexander — future Lieutenant Governor of Ontario and future chair of the Ontario Heritage Foundation — officiated at the event and made us all proud. Just as the mythological phoenix obtains new life by rising from the ashes of its predecessor, the present day Sandyford Place looks as it did during the reign of Queen Victoria. It stands as a tribute to the many people who over the course of time contributed to its design, construction and ongoing evolution. Most important, it remains a unique and protected feature of our city. This article was commissioned by urbanicity as part of an ongoing series devoted to the history and future of the heritage conservation movement in Hamilton. A special thanks to Richard Allen of The Renew Hamilton Project for his editorial support.

DR. DIANE GOWER DENT 1972 founder Durand Neighbourhood Association; 19782008 board member Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee (LACAC — now the Municipal Heritage Committee MHC); 1978-present board member Heritage Hamilton Foundation; and most recently, member of MHC Permit Review and Education Subcommittees.

PHOTO BY STEPHANIE LECHNIAK; OPPOSITE PAGE COURTESY OF HISTORIAN NEIL R. STOREY

18 | OCTOBER 2014

The grave of Dr. Francis Tumblety in Rochester, New York

H A U N T E D H A M I LT O N

Jack the Ripper in Hamilton? The Strange Case of Dr. Francis Tumblety Hues of amber glow through a thick, hazy fog that swirls down the dark, lamp lit streets of a sleeping city. Slick brick walls contour narrow passageways while shadows resonate with faint echoes of water droplets rhythmically splashing in the puddles on the damp, cobblestone ground. It’s the perfect setting for a series of horrific crimes that gave birth to one of the world’s first and most notorious serial killers, Jack the Ripper. What you don’t know is that the scene I have just described wasn’t actually the Whitechapel district in Victorian London, but rather, the underbelly alleyways of Hamilton, Ontario, a city on the verge of an industrial transformation in the latter half of the 19th century. What most Hamiltonians didn’t know is that the elusive man known as Jack the Ripper may have very well practiced (and killed!) right here in Hamilton during that time!

“JACK THE QUACK” The year was 1856 and a man named Doctor Francis Tumblety strolled into town with elixirs to sell and potions to peddle. Hamilton was going through many changes during that time, and the self-appointed “doctor” took full advantage of it. In his time, Tumblety was labeled a “quack” of all sorts and Hamilton was one of the first places the Indian Herb Doctor stopped to set up shop. He was very clever and liked to use the media for attention. Ads for “Dr. Tumblety’s Pimple Banisher” cream, which sold for $1 per bottle, started appearing in the local newspapers. You can still see original copies of these in the archives on the 3rd floor of the Central Public Library. With a sorted history of odd encounters and criminal behaviour, his preceding reputation as a wacky, travelling salesman quickly turned into a household name and topic of discussion, even before the Ripper murders began. “A shameless, arrogant self-promoter; a man who found himself incapable of staying on the right side of the law; a doctor with no qualifications who fled from country to

country, selling worthless herbal remedies that were little more than coloured water (if you were lucky); and a man for whom everyday was a fancy dress party.”1

WHO WAS FRANCIS TUMBLETY? It’s very hard to trace his early life, but according to an 1850 U.S. census, Francis Tumblety was born sometime in 1833 in Ireland to his parents, James and Margaret Tumuelty (how it is spelled on the family grave), and was the youngest of 11 children. Even at the early age of 17, he was getting into mischief by selling unsavoury literature to longshoremen along the Erie Canal around Rochester, NY. In 1853, Tumblety left America and surfaced in London, Ontario where he spent a few years until finally coming to Hamilton in the spring of 1856. He stayed in Hamilton for several months and then decided to move to Toronto to set up practice until 1859. Certain circumstances caused him to flee back to the U.S. and spend time in New York, Jersey City, Boston, Pittsburgh and San Francisco before finally settling in St. Louis, Missouri for another couple of years. On May 5, 1865, Francis Tumblety was arrested in Missouri and taken to Washington on orders of suspicious involvement in the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. Tumblety was said to have been an acquaintance of David Herold, the conspirator who was captured as an accomplice with John Wilkes Booth. The end result for Tumblety’s arrest in the matter was simply a case of mistaken identity. One of his false, alter-ego names that he had used during his time in New York was “Dr. J. H. Blackburn”. Authorities were on the lookout for a “Dr. Luke P. Blackburn”. Tumblety wanted the entire world to believe he simply suffered from a habit of “being in the wrong place at the wrong time” and nothing more. He was upset by the thought of his reputation being tarnished (yet again!), but he also saw it as a useful marketing campaign and decided to self-publish his own promotional pamphlet with a goal to redeem

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“

There is a case list that runs pages long with reasons why Dr. Francis Tumblety could very well have been Jack the Ripper.

”

HAMILTON IN THE 1850’S Historically speaking, Hamilton went through many changes during the mid-part of the 19th century. The 1850’s brought a time of new inventions, medical philosophies, and epic political advancements. But these progressions also came with many tragedies. Here is a list of some of the most fascinating things to happen to Hamilton during this time!

1850 First lighting of streets by gas

1851

First land bought by the Board of Education.

1852 First Orphanage/Asylum opens, with a population at 10300

1854 The newly renamed Great Western Railway became Hamilton’s first functioning   railway, transforming Hamilton into a major immigration route from America.

Tumblety in 1875.

himself in the public eye. He called it the “Kidnapping of Dr. Tumblety: A Few Passages in the Life of Dr. Francis Tumblety, The Indian Herb Doctor.” You can read this original document in its entirety in e-book form, free online at archive.org.

Sir Allan MacNab (of Dundurn Castle fame) becomes the Premier of Canada West, the only Prime Minister of Canada that Hamilton has ever produced. A second wave of the cholera epidemic hits Hamilton (the first in 1849) with  more than 600 deaths.

A TRUE HATRED FOR WOMEN Francis Tumblety’s attitude towards women was nothing short of extreme bitterness, and he didn’t make an effort to hide his feelings either. Most researchers chalk this up to the fact that he discovered his own wife had been working as a prostitute behind his back. Perhaps one of the most disturbing recollections of an evening spent with Dr. Tumblety comes from a man named C. A. Dunham, a New Jersey lawyer who had spent some time with Francis in Washington. He described what seemed to be the perfect candidate for such a mind capable of carrying out the grotesque acts on those cold autumn nights in 1888, Whitechapel. While at a party hosted by Tumblety at his home, Dunham noticed that no women had been invited to the party and had asked the Doctor why. “I don’t know any such cattle, and if I did I would, as your friend, sooner give you a dose of quick poison than take you into such sin”, said Tumblety. It is said that the Doctor then launched into a tirade and “fiercely denounced all women, and especially fallen women”. He then led the lawyer, along with other party guests, into a room filled with wardrobes and cabinets that opened up to reveal a collection of glass jars in all different sizes, filled with anatomical specimens from “every class of woman.” “He is not a doctor. A more arrant charlatan and quack never fastened on the hopes and fears of afflicted humanity / When, to my knowledge of the man’s history, his idiosyncrasies, his revolting practices, his antipathy to women, and especially to fallen women, his anatomical museum, containing many specimens like those carved from the Whitechapel victims—when, to my knowledge on these subjects, there is added the fact of his arrest on suspicion of being the murderer, there appears to me nothing improbable in the suggestion that Tumblety is the culprit.”2

1855 Gore Park gets a sewer system, graded streets and planked sidewalks. Animals were banned from wandering freely on their own. Grand Lodge of Canada is formed in Hamilton. The National Office of the Supreme Council 33° of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry of Canada.

1856 First use of chloroform in Hamilton. Daniel C. Gunn engine shop on Wellington Street North produces first Canadian — built locomotives.

Tumblety’s promotional pamphlet.

REASONS TUMBLETY COULD HAVE BEEN JACK THE RIPPER Many authors, researchers and criminal profilers have come forward in the past 10 years with their own takes on who Jack the Ripper was. Some theories have been thought provoking, yet highly implausible. One that comes to mind just recently went viral on Facebook claiming that Polish immigrant Aaron Kosminski was the Ripper. Other claims have been outright laughable (Walter Sickert, the 19th century British painter... really??) There is a case list that runs pages long with reasons why Dr. Francis Tumblety could very well have been Jack the Ripper. I have made no secret in the fact that I firmly believe he was the Whitechapel Murderer. Too much evidence points his way, more so than any other suspect in the Ripper case. He was high on Scotland Yard’s list for a reason. Most notably, because he was right there in that one-square mile radius called Whitechapel at the exact time of the killings, taking up lodging at No. 22 Batty Street in the fall of 1888. One final piece of evidence came to light after Francis Tumblety died from heart disease at St. John’s Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri on May 28, 1903. Upon his death, an inventory of his personal items was taken. It was revealed that his usual jewellery and large amounts of cash that he was known to carry at all times, was in his possession. But there was something else that was found... two distinct and inexpensive brass rings! Why would Tumblety carry around these pieces of jewellery that to his respective character, would have been considered junk? Sentimental reasons perhaps? Or was it something more? It was soon realized that the Ripper’s second victim Annie Chapman had two exact same cheap brass rings stolen off her body by the killer the night that she was murdered. Take all of this as you will, but remember, one of the top five suspects in the world’s most talked about murder case, did in fact spend some time practicing right here in Hamilton! Sleep well and from all of us here at Haunted Hamilton, we wish you a Happy Halloween! Hope to see you at my Costume Ball on Halloween Night in the Grand Ballroom at the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry! It’s bound to be a spooktacular time! Boo!! Stay Spooky Hamilton!

1857 The Desjardins Canal disaster kills 57 passengers when a train derailed over the icy waters at Burlington Heights. The bones of a mammoth were found when the Great Western railroad rebuilt the Desjardins Canal.

1859 John Mitchell was the last public hanging in Hamilton. He was executed for the  Murder of Spouse Eliza Webb.

STEPHANIE LECHNIAK is Founder and Owner of Haunted-Hamilton, a strangely unique business that operates Haunted Tours and Bus Trips to spooky locations all over Canada and the US. Stephanie is also Host & Producer of “Haunted Hamilton’s Ghost Stories” on Cable 14 and “The Haunted Hamilton Radio Show” on 93.3 FM CFMU. She has also appeared on OLN’s “Creepy Canada” and YTV’s “Ghost Trackers”. www.Haunted-Hamilton.com www.facebook.com/HauntedHamilton 1. Charlies Revelle-Smith, “Francis Tumblety: A Man on the Run” 2. Col. C.A. Dunham, Special Interview to the New York World, December 1888

20 | OCTOBER 2014

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URBANICITY.CA

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The

URBAN DINING GUIDE

Bella of Ancaster Bella of Ancaster is Located in the Historic Philip Shaver House. We have a warm elegant atmosphere in a beautiful country setting. We offer a seasonally inspired menu utilizing the freshest ingredients which we source locally. We offer both lunch and dinner Tuesday to Saturday. Live Music Friday and Saturdays 1034 Garner Rd West, Ancaster 905-648-5225 Bellaofancaster.com | @dineatbellas Facebook.com/bellaofancaster

Fisher’s Eatery and Sports Lounge At Fisher's Pier we do it right: fresh food, friendly staff, and an atmosphere you'll want to come back to. Our newly renovated bar and dining room makes for a great experience whether you want to come with the family or watch the game. Come see for yourself! 544 James Street North (905)-526-9622 www.fisherspier.com

152 King Street West thegeorgehamilton.com www.facebook.com/pages/ The-George-Hamilton/ 355185164523936?ref=br_tf

Readers: We’re excited to offer you our new dining guide as a source of inspiration for those evenings you’re looking to try something new. If it’s on our pages, you can be sure we’ve vetted it, and that we’ve come away impressed! Restaurateurs: If you’re looking to promote your hot new spot to a large urban audience that likes to be out and about, here’s your chance! Not only do you get a generous printed ad for a low cost, you also receive an online profile on the new urbanicity.ca! For advertising inquiries please email ads@urbanicity.ca

Burrito Boyz Burrito Boyz is a fine Mexican restaurant located in gore park. They serve burritos and quesadillas and are open late night on weekends. The portions are big but the prices are small. The staff are friendly and fast, and the food is delicious. Accessible parking available in front of the Royal Connaught. 66 King Street East 905-529-2699 burritoboyz.ca

Bistro Parisien Located at 150 James Street South, Hamilton in the heart of the Durand neighbourhood, a transformed stone terrace home lends its graceful elegance to the Bistro. Chef Steven Soloduk leads our team of talented chefs as they cook authentic, thoughtfully prepared and beautifully presented bistro fare for lunch and dinner. Closed Tuesdays. 150 James Street South www.bistroparisien.com 905 546-0003

Two Black Sheep We offer light fare of oysters, with a variety of garnishes; charcuterie and salumi; a selection of cheeses; and other offerings of pickled vegetables and crisps. We have wine that you will love and cocktails that aren't typical. Our favourite beers are served by the bottle. 163 John Street South 905-525-1001 twoblacksheep.ca

The George Hamilton Affordable quality in the heart of downtown Hamilton. If you're sick and tired of pre-packaged franchise food at places with a pre-packaged franchise feel... welcome to your new home. The George Hamilton features quality, house-made food, a cozy atmosphere, and down-toearth prices. Cocktails at the bar? We do that. Casual dining? We do that. Office lunches? We do that. Family dinner? We have a great kids menu. Private room? How about a private bar? Yep, we do that too.

Baci Ristorante For those craving inspirational Italian cuisine you're in for a treat at Baci Ristorante is the place to indulge the senses. Masterful wood oven pizza, pasta and veal dishes will be complimented by a wide selection of premium Tuscan, California and Niagara wines. All five senses will be taken for a memorable adventure when you join us at Baci Ristorante! 1530 Stonechurch Road 905-381-9811 | baciristorante.ca

Visit urbanicity.ca for our full list of restaurants and reviews.

Made for You by Madeleine At Madeleine, our baking is delicious AND good for you. By stone-grinding organic grain on site, our unique process yields flour with all its natural nutrients and flavour. We invite you to visit our open-kitchen bakery for a treat! Take-away and catering available. 51 King William Street, Hamilton 289-389-5100 www.bymadeleine.ca

Acclamation Bar & Grill Enjoy fine dining with a Portuguese flare in our front dining room, or grab a beer and burger while watching the game in our sports bar! Offering a great menu of apps, entrees, pastas, salads, seafood, pizzas, and more, Acclamation has something for everyone. Free parking is available on-site!

Rapscallion At Rapscallion, we have a love for food and pushing the limits. Our skilled and passionate chefs will do it all, whether it's curing, salting, boning, stuffing, wrapping, charring, braising or just leaving the meat raw. We get a joy out of food and offer our guests menu items that they are unlikely to find at other local restaurants such as: oxtail, and pig's head. 61 Young Street 905-522-0088 rapscallionrestaurant.com

30 Days. 30+ Burgers Introducing the ultimate burger festival: Novemburger! Presented by urbanicity, Novemburger will see 30+ restaurants across the city add one special burger to their menu for the month of November. Try as many burgers as you can, get your passport stamped, and vote for your favourite at www.novemburger.ca!

191 James Street North 905-523-7269 www.acclamation.ca

For advertising inquiries please email ads@urbanicity.ca

22 | OCTOBER 2014 THE TEN LIST

HAMILTON FIRSTS Hamiltonians are fiercely proud of their city. We celebrate our waterfalls, sports teams, our vibrant arts scene, our proud industrial heritage, and our bright future. As the nickname “the Ambitious City” is once again being attached to Hamilton, here are a few more things to celebrate about our town — ten firsts that happened right here!

The Lister Block (first built in 1886, rebuilt in 1924 and restored again in 2012) was Canada’s first indoor commercial mall.

In 1878, Hamilton became home to the first telephone exchange in the British Commonwealth.

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Lifesavers (the candy) were invented by the Beechnut Company of Hamilton in 1933.

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Hamilton laid claim to the first public drinking fountains in Canada in 1914.

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Westinghouse in Hamilton was the first to manufacture electric air cleaners in 1944

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Canada’s first sewage treatment plant was developed in 1898 in Hamilton. By 1913, Hamilton had the largest sewage treatment system in North America.

9 McMaster University became home to the first privately owned nuclear reactor in Canada in 1959.

The first matches in the country were made by Hamilton’s Green family in the early 1830’s. Solomon Robinson, John Robinson and John Lewison produced the first ice cream cone in Canada at the King Street factory in 1908.

June 11, 1925 saw the first traffic lights in Canada go into operation at the Delta; where King and Main connect near Gage Park.

Image sources from left: “Phosphorus bottle pocket matches, 1828 - Joseph Allen Skinner Museum” by Daderot via Wikimedia Commons; Elizabeth Hudy, flickr.com/photos/elizabethhudyphotography; “Lifesaves fruit-candies” by Spencer Ayers-Hale via Wikimedia Commons; “Nuclear Reactor McMaster 2013” by JustSomePics via Wikimedia Commons.

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