Our photo features Dunguaire Castle in Galway, Ireland which was painted by former resident and artist Margaret Peake Benton. Niagara-on-the-Lake has an interesting history in connection with Ireland. In fact, we had a whole section known as “Irish Town.” This area was located around Rye, Niagara, Green and Flynn Street. Many Irish immigrants settled here following their arrival in 1847 during the Irish Famine.

In anticipation of their arrival, the town council, known then as the Board of Police, received orders to appoint a Board of Health — many of the immigrants were arriving with diseases. The early minute books in the museum’s collection detail the physicians, nurses, pharmacists, medicines, groceries, coffins and gravediggers who would aid those with disease. It also listed information on over 200 immigrants who arrived here.

When the new arrivals docked at our wharf, the Inspector of Immigrants, Beaver Bonner, would visit the steamboats and report verbally to their conditions and needs. The sick were sent to a makeshift hospital while temporary lodging was found for those who were in good health. Unfortunately, a hospital wouldn’t be established here until after the First World War.

Many locals pitched in with donations of money, food and clothing. The Board of Health had a few rules for the new arrivals: No relief was provided for those who were in possession of more than $5, those who refused to work, anyone who was begging or who was found to be intoxicated.

Many of these refugees found jobs as labourers or servants for very low wages. The families who settled there included the Murphys, O’Briens, McManns, Flynns, Lynches, Campbells and the Fellows, among others.

We could go on with more history but we will let you get on with your Guinness instead. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!