Remembering a snowy day in downtown Kincardine

On this hot and humid summer day, we may be looking forward to the cooler temperatures of winter, but thinking of a snowy day is not likely to bring back memories of travelling by horse and cutter.

This postcard (below) shows my grandpa, Alfred Thompson Pollock, carrying out an errand in Kincardine. You will notice his outfit is well turned out with bells to add to the pleasure of the trip.



He often spent his evening polishing or repairing harness so that his drivers and teams would look their best when on the road. This might be “Stella” who almost always gave a dependable ride.

I can tell that they are on Queen Street in Kincardine, perhaps at the corner of Harbour Street, but I can’t be sure. Maybe a more informed historian can help pinpoint the time-period. I should do some research in the Scougall collection at the Archives.

It would appear to be early winter or late spring as there is no snow banked against the stores.

Grandpa might not have been obliged to travel over the ice on the lake to avoid difficult conditions on the Shore Road or Saugeen Highway. If the temperature were relatively mild, he would not have needed hot bricks to keep his feet warm.

“Stella” was a speedy driver, so the trip from Pine River would not have been long.

Ruth Anne Hollands Robinson
August, 2021