An interesting article was sent to the Archives this year by Jim McVicker of Vancouver. It was published in the Napanee Beaver on July 1, 1959 and records a key event in the history of the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory: the issuing of the first cheque by the Band Council. Up to this point, as the article explains, bills had been paid by the Federal Government’s Indian Affairs Branch, through the local Indian Agents (based at the Deseronto Post Office). According to this article, the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte were the first Band to be granted control of their finances in this way.
The cheque was for fire services and is being presented by Treasurer Mrs Donald Green to James McVicker (Jim’s grandfather) in the photograph. James was Deseronto’s postmaster and fire chief for many years. The Deseronto Fire Department covered the town and the Territory until the establishment of the Mohawk Fire Department in the early 1970s.
November 16, 2011 at 7:29 pm
This is my grandfather not my Dad lol
November 17, 2011 at 6:59 am
Oops, sorry – too many Jameses!
November 29, 2011 at 8:40 pm
Bob Burkitt says to James McVicker III: Jim, I knew your grandfather when I was a kid. My father owned Burkitt’s Groceteria across the street from the Post Office when he was the postmaster. My family lived in Deseronto from 1959 to 1967. I also knew your great uncle, the doctor.
November 29, 2011 at 10:52 pm
Thanks for the comment Bob, i remember going into your store for penny candy, before and after your family owned it. The contributions that my family has made to Deseronto,(numourous) from my Grandad (Jim), Doc (Clarence), and his brother Leo(the barber) have largely gone un-noticed or neglected. Any photos, news articles, would be recieved with much gratitude. Thanks again.