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Life and Scenes Among Kickapoo Indians Booklet
While patent medicine makers have always advertised and promoted their products heavily, the most colourful promotions were the travelling medicine shows. The most successful of the medicine show business was the Kickapoo Indian Medicine Company, which was founded in the fall of ... click to read moreWhile patent medicine makers have always advertised and promoted their products heavily, the most colourful promotions were the travelling medicine shows. The most successful of the medicine show business was the Kickapoo Indian Medicine Company, which was founded in the fall of 1881 in New Haven, Connecticut, by John E. Healy, sometimes known as "Doc Healy," and Col. Charles H. Bigelow, better known as "Texas Charlie." They sent out as many as 75 complete shows to provide entertainment and therapy, not only to local villages and hamlets, but to many cities of some size in the United States, Canada and abroad.
Healy, a second-generation Irishman, born in New Haven, had been a Civil War drummer boy who took a liniment down to Savannah in Reconstruction days. Temporarily sidetracked with a troop of Irish minstrels in 1879, Healy had been on the road selling liver pads. When the red spot on the pad was applied to an aching area, the warmth of the body released the medicinal qualities of the herbs, which penetrated directly to the ailment, affording instant relief. The liver pads were only a cloth bag stuffed with sawdust that had been treated to smell like a drugstore. The "red spot" was red pepper and glue which was released when the body started to sweat. Doc Healy's pads came in two sizes, $1 and $1.50. The larger contained more sawdust, more red pepper and more glue than the smaller size. Healy did an enormous business before he and Bigelow joined forces to think up the Sagwa cure, then to select the Kickapoos, which were a mix including Mohawks, Iroquois, Crees, Sioux, Blackfeet and braves of the Caughnawagas from the St. Lawrence River area above Montreal. As many as 300 Indians, including women and children, were hired and cared for.
Col. Charles Bigelow was born in 1855 in Massachusetts, and was a notable figure in Western pioneer times. In his earlier life he had been a warm friend to Col. William "Buffalo Bill" Cody, and was with him in many tours of the Western Wild Shows. Col. Bigelow had one of the most extensive collections of Indian relics in the United States. He witnessed many Indian fights and lived through the stirring scenes that go to make up the history of the romantic Southwest.
In quick time the Healy and Bigelow shows gained a reputation for all-round reliability. Several licensed shows, equal to small circuses in size, went abroad to Europe and Australia. In March, 1890, they were playing Rome, Italy. In the United States and Canada, the outfits played during summer months under their own canvas, and in winter booked into town halls and opera houses.
On August 17th, 1891, it was announced that the Kickapoos were coming to St. John's as a contract was signed by agent J.H. West for the use of the Star of the Sea Association Hall. Part of the troupe that was touring Europe arrived from Liverpool, England on August 27th under the management of John E. Healy. The well-known Mr. Healy, who was so favourably known to the people of St. John's as a caterer of the drama, had put on a show back in 1879.
It was advertised as the Kickapoo Indian and Wild West Show. The famous travelling troupe exhibited life on the great western plains of the United States. Four of their Indian chiefs, in full warpath costume of headdress of feathers, and tunic and trousers with coloured fringes, created a sensation as they passed up Duckworth Street on the morning they landed, followed by the gaze of the curious. Buffalo Bill's famous entertainments would be seen in miniature, and the manners and characteristics of the American Indians, such as heretofore had never been known, but only through books, would be seen and heard with painful whoops and brandishing their scalping knives. Nothing like it had ever been seen here. During the day, they gave no show, but their Museum of Indian curiosities and relics were exhibited free. Shows were held at 8 p.m. with a Saturday afternoon matinee for ladies and children. Admission was 10 cents for children and 25 cents for adults.
Their first performance was well-attended, considering the unusual hot weather, and consisted of Indian dances, sharpshooting, comic and sentimental duets, juggling, music, magic and a Wild West drama. Everybody went away well pleased. Over the next few days, a change of program was held, with an Indian drama called "trading fair," a medley of realistic and humorous exhibitions typical of life, in peace and war, amongst the American Indians. As the entertainment continued, the price of admission was dropped to ten cents, with a refund to all persons purchasing medicine. The show continued to draw large crowds, in spite of inclement weather and the new attraction of the drama "Nevada" held at St. Patrick's Hall.
The Kickapoo Indians went with the show usually, and stood around looking very healthy, and would say "ugh" when asked if they took their own concoctions. An Indian Chief with the manager was to be seen during the day, conferring with one or the other druggist in St. John's. This was a fine piece of public relations, as the Kickapoo remedies were not sold exclusively at the show. They could be bought from the local druggists, where the complete Kickapoo line was placed on consignment, thus making friends with the druggist, who otherwise might protest. Between the entertainments, the show would be interrupted by the Lecturer, like today's commercials, followed closely by sale in the audience of the remedies. Then suddenly, at the end of a lecture, war whoops from the Chiefs would shake the house, and down the aisles they came, each toting a basket stacked with bottles that were quickly purchased. "All sold out, Doctor!" shouted the redskin salesmen in pretty fair english, and the entertainment would resume.
The Kickapoo line of remedies was long. Sagwa was the leader, followed by Kickapoo Indian Oil, Salve, Cough Cure, Pills. Prairie Plant, Sage Hair Tonic, Soap and Worm Killer. Sagwa sold for $1 per bottle or 6 bottles for $5, Kickapoo Indian Oil sold for 25 cents per bottle, and both cures contained nearly 30% of alcohol.
In late September, the Kickapoo Company donated the night's funds to the widows and orphans of the crew of the wrecked barque Camellia, which was lost in a gale off Sydney, Nova Scotia. The company also donated a night's funds to the Star of the Sea Association. On October 3rd, the troupe again donated the night's funds of $13.50 to the widow and orphan fund. On October 5th, for their last show, the company gave a benefit entertainment to Messrs. Henry and Burton, the comedians of their troupe. These gentlemen had delighted thousands of people. On October 7th, the company left for Harbour Grace for a four-week show, and sold out many nights. Here they did as well with both medicine and entertainments as they expected. They completed their first Newfoundland tour with success.
The Kickapoo elixirs were now sold by every druggist in North America, and were available from the Trading Post on the Frontier to the fashionable drug stores of New York City.
The Kickapoo Medicine Company returned to St. John's from New York on June 17th, 1894, under the management of Mr. Will George, who also extracted teeth on the platform, free of charge, and could also drive rheumatism away in quick style. They pitched their camp on a vacant piece of land on Scott Street off Cook Street along the Freshwater Road. They gave a series of al fresco entertainments such as songs, dancing, magic, ventriloquism, and, of course, the Indian agent would lecture on life among the Indians, their medicines, etc. All persons suffering from rheumatism, sciatica, lumbago, neuralgia, earache, etc. were encouraged to give their names to the manager, in order to show the properties of the Kickapoo Indian remedies. One case was taken every night and cured free of charge, proving that when rightly used, the Kickapoo Indian remedies were the best. For their first night, they offered free entertainment; afterwards, 10 cents was charged.
Dr. Will George, the genial and clever manager, quoted that the first night's crowd "beats my wildest explanations." There was a centre platform, of a good height from the ground, from which Dr. George addressed his large audience, relieved his patients and entertained them right royally in the bargain. On either side were two small tents, one used as an office for consultations, and the other for a dressing room. Dr. George was possessed of a resonant voice, which was clearly heard on the very edge of the crowd,and being of pleasing address, besides possessing the happy knack of soon "gripping" his audience, his interesting speech detailed the ills of mankind, and the benefits from the use of his company's specifics, and was listened to by the crowd with the greatest attention. A most laughable sketch opened the evening's entertainment, entitled "The Baby Hospital," and evoked shouts and roars of laughter. Dr. George then invited any who were suffering from that blissful and fashionable complaint of toothache, to step right up and be relieved. Immediately there was a raid on the platform, and operation on the molars commenced. Quick as thought, the Doctor relieved the first applicant of five teeth, before he called "enough!" Two from the second, two from the next, and so on, right through the whole crowd of sufferers he went, until there were no more. Then he began to talk to them, and those who had been the witness of this effectual mode of obtaining relief. After this, Professor Alfred Walter, the well-known Magician and Ventriloquist, who was the possessor of a beautiful gold medal, which everyone had the opportunity of looking at and admiring, gave a really clever exhibition of his ventriloquial powers, assisted by two little wooden friends of his, a lady and a gentleman, much like Punch and Judy, which kept the audience in perpetual smiles. The Professor was also a remarkably clever magician and conjurer. Dr. George, after this, again addressed the crowd, stating that he could be seen every morning at the office for private consultation, and for the sale of the Kickapoo remedies, inviting all who were suffering to call on him. Another sketch, by the Professor and Mr. Charles Fox, concluded the evening's entertainment, and after a few closing words from the Doctor, in which he thanked his audience for their attendance, and stated his intention to remain at least a fortnight in the city, the large crowd, who had listened during the whole time with interest and enjoyment, gradually dispersed to talk over the Kickapoo remedies and the fun they had witnessed.
The company soon rented the West End Amusement Hall on Hamilton Street, with an admission of only 10 cents. On their last night, every lady in the hall was presented with a copy of the "Kickapoo Dream Book." There was a pretty full house, the quarter part of the audience being composed of young boys and females of various ages. There was a pie-eating match for the boys, that kept the audience in continual laughter while it was going on. There were prizes of money, lamps and bottles of Sagwa. After the performance, two large balloons were set up. Due to being one of the best shows ever in St. John's, they decided to stay an extra week.
However, not everybody had a good time that night; one irate citizen had written the editor of the local newspaper on how vile the performance was. He complained that the performance was of the loudest and most vulgar kind, and some of the jokes, songs and explanations were of such a gross and indelicate character that no one would use on a public platform but in the company of men only. He felt that the language of the gutter, though it might do for the Kickapoos, was not suitable for the inhabitants of a civilized city like St. John's.
On July 14th, the company gave their last performance for the benefit of the West End Amusement Club. It consisted of fancy sketches, songs, dances, feats in ventriloquism and magic by Professor Walters, and recitations. A Mr. Eagan sang "One leg longer than the Other." The entertainment closed with the sketch, "He wouldn't let me Marry," which kept the audience in continual laughter.
In early 1895, the firm of Healy & Bigelow, which now ranked as the fifth largest in the world engaged in the manufacture of proprietary medicines, was dissolved. John E. Healy sold his interest to F. N. Davis and J.W. Averhill of New York City, and they, with Charles Bigelow, who retained a controlling interest, organized a stock company with a capitol of $200,000. Healy moved to Australia.
In early 1901, the company spent thousands of dollars to create a demand for their goods and to bring customers into retail stores, supplying free books, paper dolls, trade cards and other printed matter for distribution to all druggists who would send for it.
In June, 1901, the company expanded into new, larger quarters in Clintonville, Connecticut, with a new and well-equipped laboratory. Chas. Bigelow then went out west in quest of Indians for the various shows.
In 1902, Col. Bigelow retired from active business and devoted his time to travel, visiting every civilized nation of the globe.
On Saturday July 2nd, 1904, the Kickapoo troupe returned for the last time, but this time they featured a grand show under the management of Col. Charles Bigelow himself, who promised to give a fine, high-class entertainment, free from coarseness or vulgarity.
Their first show was held July 4th at thee Temperance Association Hall with a special feature with Col. Bigelow giving illustrated Lectures on Egypt, China, Yellowstone Park, Mexico and the Indians, all finely illustrated by a powerful stereopticon and appropriate motion pictures. Col. Bigelow had a wonderful way of describing scenes and places, making his audience almost feel they were there, instead of listening to a lecture and gazing at the magnificent, dissolving views. The company also brought 30,000 feet of new, up-to-date moving pictures, which received great applause, including "Little Red Riding Hood," "The Attack on a Stage Coach," "The Royal George," "Driving Lucy," "Daylight Burglar," "The Queen's Musketeers," "Battle Scenes" and "The Great Train Robbery," which was very popular and requested often at the shows. Admission was 20 cents for the pit area, 30 cents for the gallery area, and 40 cents for the orchestra area.
With Col. Bigelow was 33-year-old Charles F. Endor, the famed magician and Irish comedian, and his beautiful wife Minnie, whose illustrated songs were among the special attractions. The Endors started in New England, from a little factory in which the medicine was made, and stayed with the company's shows for its 35-year run. Charles, a magician, chose the stage name, Endor, from the Bible of the Witch of Endor. His real last name was Knapton. When the curtain went up, Minnie would begin by playing the piano as an introductory for "Endor the Magician," "who learned his magic from the Witch of Endor's secret formulae booklet." Then Minnie would step to the stage; she was a licensed Doctor of Medicine, with a certificate to show, and began spreading the gospel of Kickapoo. She talked and sold until Charles returned as a blackface comedian, or a cowboy, or a German immigrant, or one of his various disguises. They both could sing and play a bit. They brought along a couple of actors, and would stage small playlets. In short, the Endors put on a show of some two hours; a highly entertaining show it was, too, and sold Kickapoo.
The shows attracted large audiences, and an entire change of program was held each night. The moving pictures exhibition was well-received, as were the performances of the Endors. Mrs. Endor's illustrated songs on finely coloured slides included "The Gilded Cage" and "Where the Sweet Magnolias Bloom," that often brought down the house. The Endors also performed a laughable comedy called "The Baby."
On July 6th, while coming from the Hall at 10:30 p.m., Col. Bigelow and Charles Endor came to the aid of a West End gentleman who was taken suddenly ill on Duckworth Street, near the foot of Bell Street, and fell heavily to the ground. The good Samaritans helped raise the man from the ground, and assisted him on his way home till he had completely recovered.
On July 8th, the company gave a free concert to a crowded hall, and then reduced their admission prices. A new feature was a biograph illustrating, in a very lifelike way, the working of a fire brigade in a large city. The Indian herb and root cures found ready sales. The audiences got so large that people were turned away at the door. The company had made many friends in St. John's by their first-class entertainments and excellent business methods.
On July 14th, Minnie gave a lecture to ladies only on the treatment of children, etc.
On July 22nd, a benefit program was given for Mrs. Endor on the occasion of her birthday, and she received the entire proceeds. The last show was held in St. John's the following day. At this show, the Kickapoos exhibited a tapeworm measuring 47 feet long, which was taken from a resident of Circular Road during the week. The medication was taken by the person at night, and the next morning, the worm was gotten rid of.
Col. Bigelow was so impressed with Newfoundland that he prepared a lecture on Newfoundland, and collected interesting pictures for illustration. This he proposed to use later in his travels elsewhere, for a future talk among his collection of exotic and interesting places.
The company then moved to Torbay for a few nights, where they had very successful concerts, and a special entertainment was given for the benefit of the Sisters at the Convent there. They then did a few shows at Wabana, then Holyrood, then Harbour Grace. At Harbour Grace, crowded audiences greeted the performers in St. Paul's Hall, and the residents were very pleased. The company then moved on to Carbonear, then Heart's Content, then Placentia, and Brigus. At Conception Harbour, they gave a benefit entertainment for Father Veitch's parish, but the next day, on November 22nd, there was a miniature riot at the R.C. Hall. A committee was in charge of the hall, and there was a plot to shut down the show. When the entertainment was in full swing, two men named Gushue walked up to the stage and demanded whiskey from a man named Costello. The constable, M. Sullivan, was asked to put the men out, but was powerless, and he was assaulted and badly beaten. With the help of some men, the disturbers were ejected, but outside these were again assaulted and badly beaten. The Gushues were fined $96 dollars and costs, or six months imprisonment, and five others were fined $2.50 for being drunk and disorderly, another was fined $10 for assault, and another $5. The fines were paid by most, but the Gushues were brought to St. John's and taken to the Penitentiary.
This completed the company's tour of Newfoundland, and they left for Halifax on November 26th. The company ran a series of 14 different advertisements in the Evening Telegram over the next year, praising the virtues of their cure-alls.
During their four-month tour of Newfoundland, many of the Kickapoo influences were adopted into the local dialect. People who were before the court under the influence of alcohol were often referred to as "having too much Sagwa." Drunks yelling and people upset were using "warhoops."
The Kickapoo Indian Medicine Company was sold in 1912 to a new corporation for more than $250,000. The travelling shows continued for just a few more years afterwards.
Much of the success of the Kickapoo Indian Medicine Company over its 35-year campaign was due to fine organization, superior showmanship, and what amounted to ethical standards in a business notorious for cynical con men and fly-by-night troupes.
Col. Bigelow married in 1910 at the age of 55, but had no children. He settled down in Liverpool, England in 1911, died December 30th, 1917 at Houston, Texas, and was buried in New Haven, Connecticut.
The Endors had a son that went by the name of Chick Endor, and became a famous nightclub entertainer and singer, with several records produced. He once said that he never touched the Kickapoo cures, as his mother believed in castor oil.
The last sales of Kickapoo products were though drug and general stores, and the company went out of business in the 1920's.
The name Kickapoo was immortalized by Al Capp when he introduced Kickapoo Joy Juice in his comic "L'il Abner" in 1934. Kickapoo Joy Juice was also a soft drink based on this comic and was introduced in 1965.
Occasionally a bottle that once contained Sagwa, Kickapoo Oil, or Kickapoo Cough Cure is found in the recesses of an old house or basement that once contained the famous cure-alls.
While patent medicine makers have always advertised and promoted their products heavily, the most colourful promotions were the travelling medicine shows. The most successful of the medicine show business was the Kickapoo Indian Medicine Company, which was founded in the fall of ... click to read moreWhile patent medicine makers have always advertised and promoted their products heavily, the most colourful promotions were the travelling medicine shows. The most successful of the medicine show business was the Kickapoo Indian Medicine Company, which was founded in the fall of 1881 in New Haven, Connecticut, by John E. Healy, sometimes known as "Doc Healy," and Col. Charles H. Bigelow, better known as "Texas Charlie." They sent out as many as 75 complete shows to provide entertainment and therapy, not only to local villages and hamlets, but to many cities of some size in the United States, Canada and abroad.
Healy, a second-generation Irishman, born in New Haven, had been a Civil War drummer boy who took a liniment down to Savannah in Reconstruction days. Temporarily sidetracked with a troop of Irish minstrels in 1879, Healy had been on the road selling liver pads. When the red spot on the pad was applied to an aching area, the warmth of the body released the medicinal qualities of the herbs, which penetrated directly to the ailment, affording instant relief. The liver pads were only a cloth bag stuffed with sawdust that had been treated to smell like a drugstore. The "red spot" was red pepper and glue which was released when the body started to sweat. Doc Healy's pads came in two sizes, $1 and $1.50. The larger contained more sawdust, more red pepper and more glue than the smaller size. Healy did an enormous business before he and Bigelow joined forces to think up the Sagwa cure, then to select the Kickapoos, which were a mix including Mohawks, Iroquois, Crees, Sioux, Blackfeet and braves of the Caughnawagas from the St. Lawrence River area above Montreal. As many as 300 Indians, including women and children, were hired and cared for.
Col. Charles Bigelow was born in 1855 in Massachusetts, and was a notable figure in Western pioneer times. In his earlier life he had been a warm friend to Col. William "Buffalo Bill" Cody, and was with him in many tours of the Western Wild Shows. Col. Bigelow had one of the most extensive collections of Indian relics in the United States. He witnessed many Indian fights and lived through the stirring scenes that go to make up the history of the romantic Southwest.
In quick time the Healy and Bigelow shows gained a reputation for all-round reliability. Several licensed shows, equal to small circuses in size, went abroad to Europe and Australia. In March, 1890, they were playing Rome, Italy. In the United States and Canada, the outfits played during summer months under their own canvas, and in winter booked into town halls and opera houses.
On August 17th, 1891, it was announced that the Kickapoos were coming to St. John's as a contract was signed by agent J.H. West for the use of the Star of the Sea Association Hall. Part of the troupe that was touring Europe arrived from Liverpool, England on August 27th under the management of John E. Healy. The well-known Mr. Healy, who was so favourably known to the people of St. John's as a caterer of the drama, had put on a show back in 1879.
It was advertised as the Kickapoo Indian and Wild West Show. The famous travelling troupe exhibited life on the great western plains of the United States. Four of their Indian chiefs, in full warpath costume of headdress of feathers, and tunic and trousers with coloured fringes, created a sensation as they passed up Duckworth Street on the morning they landed, followed by the gaze of the curious. Buffalo Bill's famous entertainments would be seen in miniature, and the manners and characteristics of the American Indians, such as heretofore had never been known, but only through books, would be seen and heard with painful whoops and brandishing their scalping knives. Nothing like it had ever been seen here. During the day, they gave no show, but their Museum of Indian curiosities and relics were exhibited free. Shows were held at 8 p.m. with a Saturday afternoon matinee for ladies and children. Admission was 10 cents for children and 25 cents for adults.
Their first performance was well-attended, considering the unusual hot weather, and consisted of Indian dances, sharpshooting, comic and sentimental duets, juggling, music, magic and a Wild West drama. Everybody went away well pleased. Over the next few days, a change of program was held, with an Indian drama called "trading fair," a medley of realistic and humorous exhibitions typical of life, in peace and war, amongst the American Indians. As the entertainment continued, the price of admission was dropped to ten cents, with a refund to all persons purchasing medicine. The show continued to draw large crowds, in spite of inclement weather and the new attraction of the drama "Nevada" held at St. Patrick's Hall.
The Kickapoo Indians went with the show usually, and stood around looking very healthy, and would say "ugh" when asked if they took their own concoctions. An Indian Chief with the manager was to be seen during the day, conferring with one or the other druggist in St. John's. This was a fine piece of public relations, as the Kickapoo remedies were not sold exclusively at the show. They could be bought from the local druggists, where the complete Kickapoo line was placed on consignment, thus making friends with the druggist, who otherwise might protest. Between the entertainments, the show would be interrupted by the Lecturer, like today's commercials, followed closely by sale in the audience of the remedies. Then suddenly, at the end of a lecture, war whoops from the Chiefs would shake the house, and down the aisles they came, each toting a basket stacked with bottles that were quickly purchased. "All sold out, Doctor!" shouted the redskin salesmen in pretty fair english, and the entertainment would resume.
The Kickapoo line of remedies was long. Sagwa was the leader, followed by Kickapoo Indian Oil, Salve, Cough Cure, Pills. Prairie Plant, Sage Hair Tonic, Soap and Worm Killer. Sagwa sold for $1 per bottle or 6 bottles for $5, Kickapoo Indian Oil sold for 25 cents per bottle, and both cures contained nearly 30% of alcohol.
In late September, the Kickapoo Company donated the night's funds to the widows and orphans of the crew of the wrecked barque Camellia, which was lost in a gale off Sydney, Nova Scotia. The company also donated a night's funds to the Star of the Sea Association. On October 3rd, the troupe again donated the night's funds of $13.50 to the widow and orphan fund. On October 5th, for their last show, the company gave a benefit entertainment to Messrs. Henry and Burton, the comedians of their troupe. These gentlemen had delighted thousands of people. On October 7th, the company left for Harbour Grace for a four-week show, and sold out many nights. Here they did as well with both medicine and entertainments as they expected. They completed their first Newfoundland tour with success.
The Kickapoo elixirs were now sold by every druggist in North America, and were available from the Trading Post on the Frontier to the fashionable drug stores of New York City.
The Kickapoo Medicine Company returned to St. John's from New York on June 17th, 1894, under the management of Mr. Will George, who also extracted teeth on the platform, free of charge, and could also drive rheumatism away in quick style. They pitched their camp on a vacant piece of land on Scott Street off Cook Street along the Freshwater Road. They gave a series of al fresco entertainments such as songs, dancing, magic, ventriloquism, and, of course, the Indian agent would lecture on life among the Indians, their medicines, etc. All persons suffering from rheumatism, sciatica, lumbago, neuralgia, earache, etc. were encouraged to give their names to the manager, in order to show the properties of the Kickapoo Indian remedies. One case was taken every night and cured free of charge, proving that when rightly used, the Kickapoo Indian remedies were the best. For their first night, they offered free entertainment; afterwards, 10 cents was charged.
Dr. Will George, the genial and clever manager, quoted that the first night's crowd "beats my wildest explanations." There was a centre platform, of a good height from the ground, from which Dr. George addressed his large audience, relieved his patients and entertained them right royally in the bargain. On either side were two small tents, one used as an office for consultations, and the other for a dressing room. Dr. George was possessed of a resonant voice, which was clearly heard on the very edge of the crowd,and being of pleasing address, besides possessing the happy knack of soon "gripping" his audience, his interesting speech detailed the ills of mankind, and the benefits from the use of his company's specifics, and was listened to by the crowd with the greatest attention. A most laughable sketch opened the evening's entertainment, entitled "The Baby Hospital," and evoked shouts and roars of laughter. Dr. George then invited any who were suffering from that blissful and fashionable complaint of toothache, to step right up and be relieved. Immediately there was a raid on the platform, and operation on the molars commenced. Quick as thought, the Doctor relieved the first applicant of five teeth, before he called "enough!" Two from the second, two from the next, and so on, right through the whole crowd of sufferers he went, until there were no more. Then he began to talk to them, and those who had been the witness of this effectual mode of obtaining relief. After this, Professor Alfred Walter, the well-known Magician and Ventriloquist, who was the possessor of a beautiful gold medal, which everyone had the opportunity of looking at and admiring, gave a really clever exhibition of his ventriloquial powers, assisted by two little wooden friends of his, a lady and a gentleman, much like Punch and Judy, which kept the audience in perpetual smiles. The Professor was also a remarkably clever magician and conjurer. Dr. George, after this, again addressed the crowd, stating that he could be seen every morning at the office for private consultation, and for the sale of the Kickapoo remedies, inviting all who were suffering to call on him. Another sketch, by the Professor and Mr. Charles Fox, concluded the evening's entertainment, and after a few closing words from the Doctor, in which he thanked his audience for their attendance, and stated his intention to remain at least a fortnight in the city, the large crowd, who had listened during the whole time with interest and enjoyment, gradually dispersed to talk over the Kickapoo remedies and the fun they had witnessed.
The company soon rented the West End Amusement Hall on Hamilton Street, with an admission of only 10 cents. On their last night, every lady in the hall was presented with a copy of the "Kickapoo Dream Book." There was a pretty full house, the quarter part of the audience being composed of young boys and females of various ages. There was a pie-eating match for the boys, that kept the audience in continual laughter while it was going on. There were prizes of money, lamps and bottles of Sagwa. After the performance, two large balloons were set up. Due to being one of the best shows ever in St. John's, they decided to stay an extra week.
However, not everybody had a good time that night; one irate citizen had written the editor of the local newspaper on how vile the performance was. He complained that the performance was of the loudest and most vulgar kind, and some of the jokes, songs and explanations were of such a gross and indelicate character that no one would use on a public platform but in the company of men only. He felt that the language of the gutter, though it might do for the Kickapoos, was not suitable for the inhabitants of a civilized city like St. John's.
On July 14th, the company gave their last performance for the benefit of the West End Amusement Club. It consisted of fancy sketches, songs, dances, feats in ventriloquism and magic by Professor Walters, and recitations. A Mr. Eagan sang "One leg longer than the Other." The entertainment closed with the sketch, "He wouldn't let me Marry," which kept the audience in continual laughter.
In early 1895, the firm of Healy & Bigelow, which now ranked as the fifth largest in the world engaged in the manufacture of proprietary medicines, was dissolved. John E. Healy sold his interest to F. N. Davis and J.W. Averhill of New York City, and they, with Charles Bigelow, who retained a controlling interest, organized a stock company with a capitol of $200,000. Healy moved to Australia.
In early 1901, the company spent thousands of dollars to create a demand for their goods and to bring customers into retail stores, supplying free books, paper dolls, trade cards and other printed matter for distribution to all druggists who would send for it.
In June, 1901, the company expanded into new, larger quarters in Clintonville, Connecticut, with a new and well-equipped laboratory. Chas. Bigelow then went out west in quest of Indians for the various shows.
In 1902, Col. Bigelow retired from active business and devoted his time to travel, visiting every civilized nation of the globe.
On Saturday July 2nd, 1904, the Kickapoo troupe returned for the last time, but this time they featured a grand show under the management of Col. Charles Bigelow himself, who promised to give a fine, high-class entertainment, free from coarseness or vulgarity.
Their first show was held July 4th at thee Temperance Association Hall with a special feature with Col. Bigelow giving illustrated Lectures on Egypt, China, Yellowstone Park, Mexico and the Indians, all finely illustrated by a powerful stereopticon and appropriate motion pictures. Col. Bigelow had a wonderful way of describing scenes and places, making his audience almost feel they were there, instead of listening to a lecture and gazing at the magnificent, dissolving views. The company also brought 30,000 feet of new, up-to-date moving pictures, which received great applause, including "Little Red Riding Hood," "The Attack on a Stage Coach," "The Royal George," "Driving Lucy," "Daylight Burglar," "The Queen's Musketeers," "Battle Scenes" and "The Great Train Robbery," which was very popular and requested often at the shows. Admission was 20 cents for the pit area, 30 cents for the gallery area, and 40 cents for the orchestra area.
With Col. Bigelow was 33-year-old Charles F. Endor, the famed magician and Irish comedian, and his beautiful wife Minnie, whose illustrated songs were among the special attractions. The Endors started in New England, from a little factory in which the medicine was made, and stayed with the company's shows for its 35-year run. Charles, a magician, chose the stage name, Endor, from the Bible of the Witch of Endor. His real last name was Knapton. When the curtain went up, Minnie would begin by playing the piano as an introductory for "Endor the Magician," "who learned his magic from the Witch of Endor's secret formulae booklet." Then Minnie would step to the stage; she was a licensed Doctor of Medicine, with a certificate to show, and began spreading the gospel of Kickapoo. She talked and sold until Charles returned as a blackface comedian, or a cowboy, or a German immigrant, or one of his various disguises. They both could sing and play a bit. They brought along a couple of actors, and would stage small playlets. In short, the Endors put on a show of some two hours; a highly entertaining show it was, too, and sold Kickapoo.
The shows attracted large audiences, and an entire change of program was held each night. The moving pictures exhibition was well-received, as were the performances of the Endors. Mrs. Endor's illustrated songs on finely coloured slides included "The Gilded Cage" and "Where the Sweet Magnolias Bloom," that often brought down the house. The Endors also performed a laughable comedy called "The Baby."
On July 6th, while coming from the Hall at 10:30 p.m., Col. Bigelow and Charles Endor came to the aid of a West End gentleman who was taken suddenly ill on Duckworth Street, near the foot of Bell Street, and fell heavily to the ground. The good Samaritans helped raise the man from the ground, and assisted him on his way home till he had completely recovered.
On July 8th, the company gave a free concert to a crowded hall, and then reduced their admission prices. A new feature was a biograph illustrating, in a very lifelike way, the working of a fire brigade in a large city. The Indian herb and root cures found ready sales. The audiences got so large that people were turned away at the door. The company had made many friends in St. John's by their first-class entertainments and excellent business methods.
On July 14th, Minnie gave a lecture to ladies only on the treatment of children, etc.
On July 22nd, a benefit program was given for Mrs. Endor on the occasion of her birthday, and she received the entire proceeds. The last show was held in St. John's the following day. At this show, the Kickapoos exhibited a tapeworm measuring 47 feet long, which was taken from a resident of Circular Road during the week. The medication was taken by the person at night, and the next morning, the worm was gotten rid of.
Col. Bigelow was so impressed with Newfoundland that he prepared a lecture on Newfoundland, and collected interesting pictures for illustration. This he proposed to use later in his travels elsewhere, for a future talk among his collection of exotic and interesting places.
The company then moved to Torbay for a few nights, where they had very successful concerts, and a special entertainment was given for the benefit of the Sisters at the Convent there. They then did a few shows at Wabana, then Holyrood, then Harbour Grace. At Harbour Grace, crowded audiences greeted the performers in St. Paul's Hall, and the residents were very pleased. The company then moved on to Carbonear, then Heart's Content, then Placentia, and Brigus. At Conception Harbour, they gave a benefit entertainment for Father Veitch's parish, but the next day, on November 22nd, there was a miniature riot at the R.C. Hall. A committee was in charge of the hall, and there was a plot to shut down the show. When the entertainment was in full swing, two men named Gushue walked up to the stage and demanded whiskey from a man named Costello. The constable, M. Sullivan, was asked to put the men out, but was powerless, and he was assaulted and badly beaten. With the help of some men, the disturbers were ejected, but outside these were again assaulted and badly beaten. The Gushues were fined $96 dollars and costs, or six months imprisonment, and five others were fined $2.50 for being drunk and disorderly, another was fined $10 for assault, and another $5. The fines were paid by most, but the Gushues were brought to St. John's and taken to the Penitentiary.
This completed the company's tour of Newfoundland, and they left for Halifax on November 26th. The company ran a series of 14 different advertisements in the Evening Telegram over the next year, praising the virtues of their cure-alls.
During their four-month tour of Newfoundland, many of the Kickapoo influences were adopted into the local dialect. People who were before the court under the influence of alcohol were often referred to as "having too much Sagwa." Drunks yelling and people upset were using "warhoops."
The Kickapoo Indian Medicine Company was sold in 1912 to a new corporation for more than $250,000. The travelling shows continued for just a few more years afterwards.
Much of the success of the Kickapoo Indian Medicine Company over its 35-year campaign was due to fine organization, superior showmanship, and what amounted to ethical standards in a business notorious for cynical con men and fly-by-night troupes.
Col. Bigelow married in 1910 at the age of 55, but had no children. He settled down in Liverpool, England in 1911, died December 30th, 1917 at Houston, Texas, and was buried in New Haven, Connecticut.
The Endors had a son that went by the name of Chick Endor, and became a famous nightclub entertainer and singer, with several records produced. He once said that he never touched the Kickapoo cures, as his mother believed in castor oil.
The last sales of Kickapoo products were though drug and general stores, and the company went out of business in the 1920's.
The name Kickapoo was immortalized by Al Capp when he introduced Kickapoo Joy Juice in his comic "L'il Abner" in 1934. Kickapoo Joy Juice was also a soft drink based on this comic and was introduced in 1965.
Occasionally a bottle that once contained Sagwa, Kickapoo Oil, or Kickapoo Cough Cure is found in the recesses of an old house or basement that once contained the famous cure-alls.
While patent medicine makers have always advertised and promoted their products heavily, the most colourful promotions were the travelling medicine shows. The most successful of the medicine show business was the Kickapoo Indian Medicine Company, which was founded in the fall of ... click to read moreWhile patent medicine makers have always advertised and promoted their products heavily, the most colourful promotions were the travelling medicine shows. The most successful of the medicine show business was the Kickapoo Indian Medicine Company, which was founded in the fall of 1881 in New Haven, Connecticut, by John E. Healy, sometimes known as "Doc Healy," and Col. Charles H. Bigelow, better known as "Texas Charlie." They sent out as many as 75 complete shows to provide entertainment and therapy, not only to local villages and hamlets, but to many cities of some size in the United States, Canada and abroad.
Healy, a second-generation Irishman, born in New Haven, had been a Civil War drummer boy who took a liniment down to Savannah in Reconstruction days. Temporarily sidetracked with a troop of Irish minstrels in 1879, Healy had been on the road selling liver pads. When the red spot on the pad was applied to an aching area, the warmth of the body released the medicinal qualities of the herbs, which penetrated directly to the ailment, affording instant relief. The liver pads were only a cloth bag stuffed with sawdust that had been treated to smell like a drugstore. The "red spot" was red pepper and glue which was released when the body started to sweat. Doc Healy's pads came in two sizes, $1 and $1.50. The larger contained more sawdust, more red pepper and more glue than the smaller size. Healy did an enormous business before he and Bigelow joined forces to think up the Sagwa cure, then to select the Kickapoos, which were a mix including Mohawks, Iroquois, Crees, Sioux, Blackfeet and braves of the Caughnawagas from the St. Lawrence River area above Montreal. As many as 300 Indians, including women and children, were hired and cared for.
Col. Charles Bigelow was born in 1855 in Massachusetts, and was a notable figure in Western pioneer times. In his earlier life he had been a warm friend to Col. William "Buffalo Bill" Cody, and was with him in many tours of the Western Wild Shows. Col. Bigelow had one of the most extensive collections of Indian relics in the United States. He witnessed many Indian fights and lived through the stirring scenes that go to make up the history of the romantic Southwest.
In quick time the Healy and Bigelow shows gained a reputation for all-round reliability. Several licensed shows, equal to small circuses in size, went abroad to Europe and Australia. In March, 1890, they were playing Rome, Italy. In the United States and Canada, the outfits played during summer months under their own canvas, and in winter booked into town halls and opera houses.
On August 17th, 1891, it was announced that the Kickapoos were coming to St. John's as a contract was signed by agent J.H. West for the use of the Star of the Sea Association Hall. Part of the troupe that was touring Europe arrived from Liverpool, England on August 27th under the management of John E. Healy. The well-known Mr. Healy, who was so favourably known to the people of St. John's as a caterer of the drama, had put on a show back in 1879.
It was advertised as the Kickapoo Indian and Wild West Show. The famous travelling troupe exhibited life on the great western plains of the United States. Four of their Indian chiefs, in full warpath costume of headdress of feathers, and tunic and trousers with coloured fringes, created a sensation as they passed up Duckworth Street on the morning they landed, followed by the gaze of the curious. Buffalo Bill's famous entertainments would be seen in miniature, and the manners and characteristics of the American Indians, such as heretofore had never been known, but only through books, would be seen and heard with painful whoops and brandishing their scalping knives. Nothing like it had ever been seen here. During the day, they gave no show, but their Museum of Indian curiosities and relics were exhibited free. Shows were held at 8 p.m. with a Saturday afternoon matinee for ladies and children. Admission was 10 cents for children and 25 cents for adults.
Their first performance was well-attended, considering the unusual hot weather, and consisted of Indian dances, sharpshooting, comic and sentimental duets, juggling, music, magic and a Wild West drama. Everybody went away well pleased. Over the next few days, a change of program was held, with an Indian drama called "trading fair," a medley of realistic and humorous exhibitions typical of life, in peace and war, amongst the American Indians. As the entertainment continued, the price of admission was dropped to ten cents, with a refund to all persons purchasing medicine. The show continued to draw large crowds, in spite of inclement weather and the new attraction of the drama "Nevada" held at St. Patrick's Hall.
The Kickapoo Indians went with the show usually, and stood around looking very healthy, and would say "ugh" when asked if they took their own concoctions. An Indian Chief with the manager was to be seen during the day, conferring with one or the other druggist in St. John's. This was a fine piece of public relations, as the Kickapoo remedies were not sold exclusively at the show. They could be bought from the local druggists, where the complete Kickapoo line was placed on consignment, thus making friends with the druggist, who otherwise might protest. Between the entertainments, the show would be interrupted by the Lecturer, like today's commercials, followed closely by sale in the audience of the remedies. Then suddenly, at the end of a lecture, war whoops from the Chiefs would shake the house, and down the aisles they came, each toting a basket stacked with bottles that were quickly purchased. "All sold out, Doctor!" shouted the redskin salesmen in pretty fair english, and the entertainment would resume.
The Kickapoo line of remedies was long. Sagwa was the leader, followed by Kickapoo Indian Oil, Salve, Cough Cure, Pills. Prairie Plant, Sage Hair Tonic, Soap and Worm Killer. Sagwa sold for $1 per bottle or 6 bottles for $5, Kickapoo Indian Oil sold for 25 cents per bottle, and both cures contained nearly 30% of alcohol.
In late September, the Kickapoo Company donated the night's funds to the widows and orphans of the crew of the wrecked barque Camellia, which was lost in a gale off Sydney, Nova Scotia. The company also donated a night's funds to the Star of the Sea Association. On October 3rd, the troupe again donated the night's funds of $13.50 to the widow and orphan fund. On October 5th, for their last show, the company gave a benefit entertainment to Messrs. Henry and Burton, the comedians of their troupe. These gentlemen had delighted thousands of people. On October 7th, the company left for Harbour Grace for a four-week show, and sold out many nights. Here they did as well with both medicine and entertainments as they expected. They completed their first Newfoundland tour with success.
The Kickapoo elixirs were now sold by every druggist in North America, and were available from the Trading Post on the Frontier to the fashionable drug stores of New York City.
The Kickapoo Medicine Company returned to St. John's from New York on June 17th, 1894, under the management of Mr. Will George, who also extracted teeth on the platform, free of charge, and could also drive rheumatism away in quick style. They pitched their camp on a vacant piece of land on Scott Street off Cook Street along the Freshwater Road. They gave a series of al fresco entertainments such as songs, dancing, magic, ventriloquism, and, of course, the Indian agent would lecture on life among the Indians, their medicines, etc. All persons suffering from rheumatism, sciatica, lumbago, neuralgia, earache, etc. were encouraged to give their names to the manager, in order to show the properties of the Kickapoo Indian remedies. One case was taken every night and cured free of charge, proving that when rightly used, the Kickapoo Indian remedies were the best. For their first night, they offered free entertainment; afterwards, 10 cents was charged.
Dr. Will George, the genial and clever manager, quoted that the first night's crowd "beats my wildest explanations." There was a centre platform, of a good height from the ground, from which Dr. George addressed his large audience, relieved his patients and entertained them right royally in the bargain. On either side were two small tents, one used as an office for consultations, and the other for a dressing room. Dr. George was possessed of a resonant voice, which was clearly heard on the very edge of the crowd,and being of pleasing address, besides possessing the happy knack of soon "gripping" his audience, his interesting speech detailed the ills of mankind, and the benefits from the use of his company's specifics, and was listened to by the crowd with the greatest attention. A most laughable sketch opened the evening's entertainment, entitled "The Baby Hospital," and evoked shouts and roars of laughter. Dr. George then invited any who were suffering from that blissful and fashionable complaint of toothache, to step right up and be relieved. Immediately there was a raid on the platform, and operation on the molars commenced. Quick as thought, the Doctor relieved the first applicant of five teeth, before he called "enough!" Two from the second, two from the next, and so on, right through the whole crowd of sufferers he went, until there were no more. Then he began to talk to them, and those who had been the witness of this effectual mode of obtaining relief. After this, Professor Alfred Walter, the well-known Magician and Ventriloquist, who was the possessor of a beautiful gold medal, which everyone had the opportunity of looking at and admiring, gave a really clever exhibition of his ventriloquial powers, assisted by two little wooden friends of his, a lady and a gentleman, much like Punch and Judy, which kept the audience in perpetual smiles. The Professor was also a remarkably clever magician and conjurer. Dr. George, after this, again addressed the crowd, stating that he could be seen every morning at the office for private consultation, and for the sale of the Kickapoo remedies, inviting all who were suffering to call on him. Another sketch, by the Professor and Mr. Charles Fox, concluded the evening's entertainment, and after a few closing words from the Doctor, in which he thanked his audience for their attendance, and stated his intention to remain at least a fortnight in the city, the large crowd, who had listened during the whole time with interest and enjoyment, gradually dispersed to talk over the Kickapoo remedies and the fun they had witnessed.
The company soon rented the West End Amusement Hall on Hamilton Street, with an admission of only 10 cents. On their last night, every lady in the hall was presented with a copy of the "Kickapoo Dream Book." There was a pretty full house, the quarter part of the audience being composed of young boys and females of various ages. There was a pie-eating match for the boys, that kept the audience in continual laughter while it was going on. There were prizes of money, lamps and bottles of Sagwa. After the performance, two large balloons were set up. Due to being one of the best shows ever in St. John's, they decided to stay an extra week.
However, not everybody had a good time that night; one irate citizen had written the editor of the local newspaper on how vile the performance was. He complained that the performance was of the loudest and most vulgar kind, and some of the jokes, songs and explanations were of such a gross and indelicate character that no one would use on a public platform but in the company of men only. He felt that the language of the gutter, though it might do for the Kickapoos, was not suitable for the inhabitants of a civilized city like St. John's.
On July 14th, the company gave their last performance for the benefit of the West End Amusement Club. It consisted of fancy sketches, songs, dances, feats in ventriloquism and magic by Professor Walters, and recitations. A Mr. Eagan sang "One leg longer than the Other." The entertainment closed with the sketch, "He wouldn't let me Marry," which kept the audience in continual laughter.
In early 1895, the firm of Healy & Bigelow, which now ranked as the fifth largest in the world engaged in the manufacture of proprietary medicines, was dissolved. John E. Healy sold his interest to F. N. Davis and J.W. Averhill of New York City, and they, with Charles Bigelow, who retained a controlling interest, organized a stock company with a capitol of $200,000. Healy moved to Australia.
In early 1901, the company spent thousands of dollars to create a demand for their goods and to bring customers into retail stores, supplying free books, paper dolls, trade cards and other printed matter for distribution to all druggists who would send for it.
In June, 1901, the company expanded into new, larger quarters in Clintonville, Connecticut, with a new and well-equipped laboratory. Chas. Bigelow then went out west in quest of Indians for the various shows.
In 1902, Col. Bigelow retired from active business and devoted his time to travel, visiting every civilized nation of the globe.
On Saturday July 2nd, 1904, the Kickapoo troupe returned for the last time, but this time they featured a grand show under the management of Col. Charles Bigelow himself, who promised to give a fine, high-class entertainment, free from coarseness or vulgarity.
Their first show was held July 4th at thee Temperance Association Hall with a special feature with Col. Bigelow giving illustrated Lectures on Egypt, China, Yellowstone Park, Mexico and the Indians, all finely illustrated by a powerful stereopticon and appropriate motion pictures. Col. Bigelow had a wonderful way of describing scenes and places, making his audience almost feel they were there, instead of listening to a lecture and gazing at the magnificent, dissolving views. The company also brought 30,000 feet of new, up-to-date moving pictures, which received great applause, including "Little Red Riding Hood," "The Attack on a Stage Coach," "The Royal George," "Driving Lucy," "Daylight Burglar," "The Queen's Musketeers," "Battle Scenes" and "The Great Train Robbery," which was very popular and requested often at the shows. Admission was 20 cents for the pit area, 30 cents for the gallery area, and 40 cents for the orchestra area.
With Col. Bigelow was 33-year-old Charles F. Endor, the famed magician and Irish comedian, and his beautiful wife Minnie, whose illustrated songs were among the special attractions. The Endors started in New England, from a little factory in which the medicine was made, and stayed with the company's shows for its 35-year run. Charles, a magician, chose the stage name, Endor, from the Bible of the Witch of Endor. His real last name was Knapton. When the curtain went up, Minnie would begin by playing the piano as an introductory for "Endor the Magician," "who learned his magic from the Witch of Endor's secret formulae booklet." Then Minnie would step to the stage; she was a licensed Doctor of Medicine, with a certificate to show, and began spreading the gospel of Kickapoo. She talked and sold until Charles returned as a blackface comedian, or a cowboy, or a German immigrant, or one of his various disguises. They both could sing and play a bit. They brought along a couple of actors, and would stage small playlets. In short, the Endors put on a show of some two hours; a highly entertaining show it was, too, and sold Kickapoo.
The shows attracted large audiences, and an entire change of program was held each night. The moving pictures exhibition was well-received, as were the performances of the Endors. Mrs. Endor's illustrated songs on finely coloured slides included "The Gilded Cage" and "Where the Sweet Magnolias Bloom," that often brought down the house. The Endors also performed a laughable comedy called "The Baby."
On July 6th, while coming from the Hall at 10:30 p.m., Col. Bigelow and Charles Endor came to the aid of a West End gentleman who was taken suddenly ill on Duckworth Street, near the foot of Bell Street, and fell heavily to the ground. The good Samaritans helped raise the man from the ground, and assisted him on his way home till he had completely recovered.
On July 8th, the company gave a free concert to a crowded hall, and then reduced their admission prices. A new feature was a biograph illustrating, in a very lifelike way, the working of a fire brigade in a large city. The Indian herb and root cures found ready sales. The audiences got so large that people were turned away at the door. The company had made many friends in St. John's by their first-class entertainments and excellent business methods.
On July 14th, Minnie gave a lecture to ladies only on the treatment of children, etc.
On July 22nd, a benefit program was given for Mrs. Endor on the occasion of her birthday, and she received the entire proceeds. The last show was held in St. John's the following day. At this show, the Kickapoos exhibited a tapeworm measuring 47 feet long, which was taken from a resident of Circular Road during the week. The medication was taken by the person at night, and the next morning, the worm was gotten rid of.
Col. Bigelow was so impressed with Newfoundland that he prepared a lecture on Newfoundland, and collected interesting pictures for illustration. This he proposed to use later in his travels elsewhere, for a future talk among his collection of exotic and interesting places.
The company then moved to Torbay for a few nights, where they had very successful concerts, and a special entertainment was given for the benefit of the Sisters at the Convent there. They then did a few shows at Wabana, then Holyrood, then Harbour Grace. At Harbour Grace, crowded audiences greeted the performers in St. Paul's Hall, and the residents were very pleased. The company then moved on to Carbonear, then Heart's Content, then Placentia, and Brigus. At Conception Harbour, they gave a benefit entertainment for Father Veitch's parish, but the next day, on November 22nd, there was a miniature riot at the R.C. Hall. A committee was in charge of the hall, and there was a plot to shut down the show. When the entertainment was in full swing, two men named Gushue walked up to the stage and demanded whiskey from a man named Costello. The constable, M. Sullivan, was asked to put the men out, but was powerless, and he was assaulted and badly beaten. With the help of some men, the disturbers were ejected, but outside these were again assaulted and badly beaten. The Gushues were fined $96 dollars and costs, or six months imprisonment, and five others were fined $2.50 for being drunk and disorderly, another was fined $10 for assault, and another $5. The fines were paid by most, but the Gushues were brought to St. John's and taken to the Penitentiary.
This completed the company's tour of Newfoundland, and they left for Halifax on November 26th. The company ran a series of 14 different advertisements in the Evening Telegram over the next year, praising the virtues of their cure-alls.
During their four-month tour of Newfoundland, many of the Kickapoo influences were adopted into the local dialect. People who were before the court under the influence of alcohol were often referred to as "having too much Sagwa." Drunks yelling and people upset were using "warhoops."
The Kickapoo Indian Medicine Company was sold in 1912 to a new corporation for more than $250,000. The travelling shows continued for just a few more years afterwards.
Much of the success of the Kickapoo Indian Medicine Company over its 35-year campaign was due to fine organization, superior showmanship, and what amounted to ethical standards in a business notorious for cynical con men and fly-by-night troupes.
Col. Bigelow married in 1910 at the age of 55, but had no children. He settled down in Liverpool, England in 1911, died December 30th, 1917 at Houston, Texas, and was buried in New Haven, Connecticut.
The Endors had a son that went by the name of Chick Endor, and became a famous nightclub entertainer and singer, with several records produced. He once said that he never touched the Kickapoo cures, as his mother believed in castor oil.
The last sales of Kickapoo products were though drug and general stores, and the company went out of business in the 1920's.
The name Kickapoo was immortalized by Al Capp when he introduced Kickapoo Joy Juice in his comic "L'il Abner" in 1934. Kickapoo Joy Juice was also a soft drink based on this comic and was introduced in 1965.
Occasionally a bottle that once contained Sagwa, Kickapoo Oil, or Kickapoo Cough Cure is found in the recesses of an old house or basement that once contained the famous cure-alls.
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The Kickapoos Are Coming (1 comments) While patent medicine makers have always advertised and promoted their products heavily, the most colourful promotions were the travelling medicine shows. The most successful of the medicine show business was the Kickapoo Indian Medicine Company, which was founded in the fall of ... click to read moreWhile patent medicine makers have always advertised and promoted their products heavily, the most colourful promotions were the travelling medicine shows. The most successful of the medicine show business was the Kickapoo Indian Medicine Company, which was founded in the fall of 1881 in New Haven, Connecticut, by John E. Healy, sometimes known as "Doc Healy," and Col. Charles H. Bigelow, better known as "Texas Charlie." They sent out as many as 75 complete shows to provide entertainment and therapy, not only to local villages and hamlets, but to many cities of some size in the United States, Canada and abroad.
Healy, a second-generation Irishman, born in New Haven, had been a Civil War drummer boy who took a liniment down to Savannah in Reconstruction days. Temporarily sidetracked with a troop of Irish minstrels in 1879, Healy had been on the road selling liver pads. When the red spot on the pad was applied to an aching area, the warmth of the body released the medicinal qualities of the herbs, which penetrated directly to the ailment, affording instant relief. The liver pads were only a cloth bag stuffed with sawdust that had been treated to smell like a drugstore. The "red spot" was red pepper and glue which was released when the body started to sweat. Doc Healy's pads came in two sizes, $1 and $1.50. The larger contained more sawdust, more red pepper and more glue than the smaller size. Healy did an enormous business before he and Bigelow joined forces to think up the Sagwa cure, then to select the Kickapoos, which were a mix including Mohawks, Iroquois, Crees, Sioux, Blackfeet and braves of the Caughnawagas from the St. Lawrence River area above Montreal. As many as 300 Indians, including women and children, were hired and cared for.
Col. Charles Bigelow was born in 1855 in Massachusetts, and was a notable figure in Western pioneer times. In his earlier life he had been a warm friend to Col. William "Buffalo Bill" Cody, and was with him in many tours of the Western Wild Shows. Col. Bigelow had one of the most extensive collections of Indian relics in the United States. He witnessed many Indian fights and lived through the stirring scenes that go to make up the history of the romantic Southwest.
In quick time the Healy and Bigelow shows gained a reputation for all-round reliability. Several licensed shows, equal to small circuses in size, went abroad to Europe and Australia. In March, 1890, they were playing Rome, Italy. In the United States and Canada, the outfits played during summer months under their own canvas, and in winter booked into town halls and opera houses.
On August 17th, 1891, it was announced that the Kickapoos were coming to St. John's as a contract was signed by agent J.H. West for the use of the Star of the Sea Association Hall. Part of the troupe that was touring Europe arrived from Liverpool, England on August 27th under the management of John E. Healy. The well-known Mr. Healy, who was so favourably known to the people of St. John's as a caterer of the drama, had put on a show back in 1879.
It was advertised as the Kickapoo Indian and Wild West Show. The famous travelling troupe exhibited life on the great western plains of the United States. Four of their Indian chiefs, in full warpath costume of headdress of feathers, and tunic and trousers with coloured fringes, created a sensation as they passed up Duckworth Street on the morning they landed, followed by the gaze of the curious. Buffalo Bill's famous entertainments would be seen in miniature, and the manners and characteristics of the American Indians, such as heretofore had never been known, but only through books, would be seen and heard with painful whoops and brandishing their scalping knives. Nothing like it had ever been seen here. During the day, they gave no show, but their Museum of Indian curiosities and relics were exhibited free. Shows were held at 8 p.m. with a Saturday afternoon matinee for ladies and children. Admission was 10 cents for children and 25 cents for adults.
Their first performance was well-attended, considering the unusual hot weather, and consisted of Indian dances, sharpshooting, comic and sentimental duets, juggling, music, magic and a Wild West drama. Everybody went away well pleased. Over the next few days, a change of program was held, with an Indian drama called "trading fair," a medley of realistic and humorous exhibitions typical of life, in peace and war, amongst the American Indians. As the entertainment continued, the price of admission was dropped to ten cents, with a refund to all persons purchasing medicine. The show continued to draw large crowds, in spite of inclement weather and the new attraction of the drama "Nevada" held at St. Patrick's Hall.
The Kickapoo Indians went with the show usually, and stood around looking very healthy, and would say "ugh" when asked if they took their own concoctions. An Indian Chief with the manager was to be seen during the day, conferring with one or the other druggist in St. John's. This was a fine piece of public relations, as the Kickapoo remedies were not sold exclusively at the show. They could be bought from the local druggists, where the complete Kickapoo line was placed on consignment, thus making friends with the druggist, who otherwise might protest. Between the entertainments, the show would be interrupted by the Lecturer, like today's commercials, followed closely by sale in the audience of the remedies. Then suddenly, at the end of a lecture, war whoops from the Chiefs would shake the house, and down the aisles they came, each toting a basket stacked with bottles that were quickly purchased. "All sold out, Doctor!" shouted the redskin salesmen in pretty fair english, and the entertainment would resume.
The Kickapoo line of remedies was long. Sagwa was the leader, followed by Kickapoo Indian Oil, Salve, Cough Cure, Pills. Prairie Plant, Sage Hair Tonic, Soap and Worm Killer. Sagwa sold for $1 per bottle or 6 bottles for $5, Kickapoo Indian Oil sold for 25 cents per bottle, and both cures contained nearly 30% of alcohol.
In late September, the Kickapoo Company donated the night's funds to the widows and orphans of the crew of the wrecked barque Camellia, which was lost in a gale off Sydney, Nova Scotia. The company also donated a night's funds to the Star of the Sea Association. On October 3rd, the troupe again donated the night's funds of $13.50 to the widow and orphan fund. On October 5th, for their last show, the company gave a benefit entertainment to Messrs. Henry and Burton, the comedians of their troupe. These gentlemen had delighted thousands of people. On October 7th, the company left for Harbour Grace for a four-week show, and sold out many nights. Here they did as well with both medicine and entertainments as they expected. They completed their first Newfoundland tour with success.
The Kickapoo elixirs were now sold by every druggist in North America, and were available from the Trading Post on the Frontier to the fashionable drug stores of New York City.
The Kickapoo Medicine Company returned to St. John's from New York on June 17th, 1894, under the management of Mr. Will George, who also extracted teeth on the platform, free of charge, and could also drive rheumatism away in quick style. They pitched their camp on a vacant piece of land on Scott Street off Cook Street along the Freshwater Road. They gave a series of al fresco entertainments such as songs, dancing, magic, ventriloquism, and, of course, the Indian agent would lecture on life among the Indians, their medicines, etc. All persons suffering from rheumatism, sciatica, lumbago, neuralgia, earache, etc. were encouraged to give their names to the manager, in order to show the properties of the Kickapoo Indian remedies. One case was taken every night and cured free of charge, proving that when rightly used, the Kickapoo Indian remedies were the best. For their first night, they offered free entertainment; afterwards, 10 cents was charged.
Dr. Will George, the genial and clever manager, quoted that the first night's crowd "beats my wildest explanations." There was a centre platform, of a good height from the ground, from which Dr. George addressed his large audience, relieved his patients and entertained them right royally in the bargain. On either side were two small tents, one used as an office for consultations, and the other for a dressing room. Dr. George was possessed of a resonant voice, which was clearly heard on the very edge of the crowd,and being of pleasing address, besides possessing the happy knack of soon "gripping" his audience, his interesting speech detailed the ills of mankind, and the benefits from the use of his company's specifics, and was listened to by the crowd with the greatest attention. A most laughable sketch opened the evening's entertainment, entitled "The Baby Hospital," and evoked shouts and roars of laughter. Dr. George then invited any who were suffering from that blissful and fashionable complaint of toothache, to step right up and be relieved. Immediately there was a raid on the platform, and operation on the molars commenced. Quick as thought, the Doctor relieved the first applicant of five teeth, before he called "enough!" Two from the second, two from the next, and so on, right through the whole crowd of sufferers he went, until there were no more. Then he began to talk to them, and those who had been the witness of this effectual mode of obtaining relief. After this, Professor Alfred Walter, the well-known Magician and Ventriloquist, who was the possessor of a beautiful gold medal, which everyone had the opportunity of looking at and admiring, gave a really clever exhibition of his ventriloquial powers, assisted by two little wooden friends of his, a lady and a gentleman, much like Punch and Judy, which kept the audience in perpetual smiles. The Professor was also a remarkably clever magician and conjurer. Dr. George, after this, again addressed the crowd, stating that he could be seen every morning at the office for private consultation, and for the sale of the Kickapoo remedies, inviting all who were suffering to call on him. Another sketch, by the Professor and Mr. Charles Fox, concluded the evening's entertainment, and after a few closing words from the Doctor, in which he thanked his audience for their attendance, and stated his intention to remain at least a fortnight in the city, the large crowd, who had listened during the whole time with interest and enjoyment, gradually dispersed to talk over the Kickapoo remedies and the fun they had witnessed.
The company soon rented the West End Amusement Hall on Hamilton Street, with an admission of only 10 cents. On their last night, every lady in the hall was presented with a copy of the "Kickapoo Dream Book." There was a pretty full house, the quarter part of the audience being composed of young boys and females of various ages. There was a pie-eating match for the boys, that kept the audience in continual laughter while it was going on. There were prizes of money, lamps and bottles of Sagwa. After the performance, two large balloons were set up. Due to being one of the best shows ever in St. John's, they decided to stay an extra week.
However, not everybody had a good time that night; one irate citizen had written the editor of the local newspaper on how vile the performance was. He complained that the performance was of the loudest and most vulgar kind, and some of the jokes, songs and explanations were of such a gross and indelicate character that no one would use on a public platform but in the company of men only. He felt that the language of the gutter, though it might do for the Kickapoos, was not suitable for the inhabitants of a civilized city like St. John's.
On July 14th, the company gave their last performance for the benefit of the West End Amusement Club. It consisted of fancy sketches, songs, dances, feats in ventriloquism and magic by Professor Walters, and recitations. A Mr. Eagan sang "One leg longer than the Other." The entertainment closed with the sketch, "He wouldn't let me Marry," which kept the audience in continual laughter.
In early 1895, the firm of Healy & Bigelow, which now ranked as the fifth largest in the world engaged in the manufacture of proprietary medicines, was dissolved. John E. Healy sold his interest to F. N. Davis and J.W. Averhill of New York City, and they, with Charles Bigelow, who retained a controlling interest, organized a stock company with a capitol of $200,000. Healy moved to Australia.
In early 1901, the company spent thousands of dollars to create a demand for their goods and to bring customers into retail stores, supplying free books, paper dolls, trade cards and other printed matter for distribution to all druggists who would send for it.
In June, 1901, the company expanded into new, larger quarters in Clintonville, Connecticut, with a new and well-equipped laboratory. Chas. Bigelow then went out west in quest of Indians for the various shows.
In 1902, Col. Bigelow retired from active business and devoted his time to travel, visiting every civilized nation of the globe.
On Saturday July 2nd, 1904, the Kickapoo troupe returned for the last time, but this time they featured a grand show under the management of Col. Charles Bigelow himself, who promised to give a fine, high-class entertainment, free from coarseness or vulgarity.
Their first show was held July 4th at thee Temperance Association Hall with a special feature with Col. Bigelow giving illustrated Lectures on Egypt, China, Yellowstone Park, Mexico and the Indians, all finely illustrated by a powerful stereopticon and appropriate motion pictures. Col. Bigelow had a wonderful way of describing scenes and places, making his audience almost feel they were there, instead of listening to a lecture and gazing at the magnificent, dissolving views. The company also brought 30,000 feet of new, up-to-date moving pictures, which received great applause, including "Little Red Riding Hood," "The Attack on a Stage Coach," "The Royal George," "Driving Lucy," "Daylight Burglar," "The Queen's Musketeers," "Battle Scenes" and "The Great Train Robbery," which was very popular and requested often at the shows. Admission was 20 cents for the pit area, 30 cents for the gallery area, and 40 cents for the orchestra area.
With Col. Bigelow was 33-year-old Charles F. Endor, the famed magician and Irish comedian, and his beautiful wife Minnie, whose illustrated songs were among the special attractions. The Endors started in New England, from a little factory in which the medicine was made, and stayed with the company's shows for its 35-year run. Charles, a magician, chose the stage name, Endor, from the Bible of the Witch of Endor. His real last name was Knapton. When the curtain went up, Minnie would begin by playing the piano as an introductory for "Endor the Magician," "who learned his magic from the Witch of Endor's secret formulae booklet." Then Minnie would step to the stage; she was a licensed Doctor of Medicine, with a certificate to show, and began spreading the gospel of Kickapoo. She talked and sold until Charles returned as a blackface comedian, or a cowboy, or a German immigrant, or one of his various disguises. They both could sing and play a bit. They brought along a couple of actors, and would stage small playlets. In short, the Endors put on a show of some two hours; a highly entertaining show it was, too, and sold Kickapoo.
The shows attracted large audiences, and an entire change of program was held each night. The moving pictures exhibition was well-received, as were the performances of the Endors. Mrs. Endor's illustrated songs on finely coloured slides included "The Gilded Cage" and "Where the Sweet Magnolias Bloom," that often brought down the house. The Endors also performed a laughable comedy called "The Baby."
On July 6th, while coming from the Hall at 10:30 p.m., Col. Bigelow and Charles Endor came to the aid of a West End gentleman who was taken suddenly ill on Duckworth Street, near the foot of Bell Street, and fell heavily to the ground. The good Samaritans helped raise the man from the ground, and assisted him on his way home till he had completely recovered.
On July 8th, the company gave a free concert to a crowded hall, and then reduced their admission prices. A new feature was a biograph illustrating, in a very lifelike way, the working of a fire brigade in a large city. The Indian herb and root cures found ready sales. The audiences got so large that people were turned away at the door. The company had made many friends in St. John's by their first-class entertainments and excellent business methods.
On July 14th, Minnie gave a lecture to ladies only on the treatment of children, etc.
On July 22nd, a benefit program was given for Mrs. Endor on the occasion of her birthday, and she received the entire proceeds. The last show was held in St. John's the following day. At this show, the Kickapoos exhibited a tapeworm measuring 47 feet long, which was taken from a resident of Circular Road during the week. The medication was taken by the person at night, and the next morning, the worm was gotten rid of.
Col. Bigelow was so impressed with Newfoundland that he prepared a lecture on Newfoundland, and collected interesting pictures for illustration. This he proposed to use later in his travels elsewhere, for a future talk among his collection of exotic and interesting places.
The company then moved to Torbay for a few nights, where they had very successful concerts, and a special entertainment was given for the benefit of the Sisters at the Convent there. They then did a few shows at Wabana, then Holyrood, then Harbour Grace. At Harbour Grace, crowded audiences greeted the performers in St. Paul's Hall, and the residents were very pleased. The company then moved on to Carbonear, then Heart's Content, then Placentia, and Brigus. At Conception Harbour, they gave a benefit entertainment for Father Veitch's parish, but the next day, on November 22nd, there was a miniature riot at the R.C. Hall. A committee was in charge of the hall, and there was a plot to shut down the show. When the entertainment was in full swing, two men named Gushue walked up to the stage and demanded whiskey from a man named Costello. The constable, M. Sullivan, was asked to put the men out, but was powerless, and he was assaulted and badly beaten. With the help of some men, the disturbers were ejected, but outside these were again assaulted and badly beaten. The Gushues were fined $96 dollars and costs, or six months imprisonment, and five others were fined $2.50 for being drunk and disorderly, another was fined $10 for assault, and another $5. The fines were paid by most, but the Gushues were brought to St. John's and taken to the Penitentiary.
This completed the company's tour of Newfoundland, and they left for Halifax on November 26th. The company ran a series of 14 different advertisements in the Evening Telegram over the next year, praising the virtues of their cure-alls.
During their four-month tour of Newfoundland, many of the Kickapoo influences were adopted into the local dialect. People who were before the court under the influence of alcohol were often referred to as "having too much Sagwa." Drunks yelling and people upset were using "warhoops."
The Kickapoo Indian Medicine Company was sold in 1912 to a new corporation for more than $250,000. The travelling shows continued for just a few more years afterwards.
Much of the success of the Kickapoo Indian Medicine Company over its 35-year campaign was due to fine organization, superior showmanship, and what amounted to ethical standards in a business notorious for cynical con men and fly-by-night troupes.
Col. Bigelow married in 1910 at the age of 55, but had no children. He settled down in Liverpool, England in 1911, died December 30th, 1917 at Houston, Texas, and was buried in New Haven, Connecticut.
The Endors had a son that went by the name of Chick Endor, and became a famous nightclub entertainer and singer, with several records produced. He once said that he never touched the Kickapoo cures, as his mother believed in castor oil.
The last sales of Kickapoo products were though drug and general stores, and the company went out of business in the 1920's.
The name Kickapoo was immortalized by Al Capp when he introduced Kickapoo Joy Juice in his comic "L'il Abner" in 1934. Kickapoo Joy Juice was also a soft drink based on this comic and was introduced in 1965.
Occasionally a bottle the once contained Sagwa, Kickapoo Oil, or Kickapoo Cough Cure is found in the recesses of an old house or basement that once contained the famous cure-alls.
My Minke Summer In the early 80s, we lived in Trinity, a small coastal community in Newfoundland. A few years previously, the Village Inn had been purchased by a marine biologist and turned into a successful whale watching tour business.
The Inn, which was near our little house, became a gathering point for both locals, or as one American so lovingly called us, natives (as in, "The Natives sure love baloney"), and CFAs, which was short ... click to read moreIn the early 80s, we lived in Trinity, a small coastal community in Newfoundland. A few years previously, the Village Inn had been purchased by a marine biologist and turned into a successful whale watching tour business.
The Inn, which was near our little house, became a gathering point for both locals, or as one American so lovingly called us, natives (as in, "The Natives sure love baloney"), and CFAs, which was short for "Come From Aways." These guests came from all corners of the world, and it was probably the first time in 500 years the town had harboured so many different accents and cultures.
Fran came as a guest in the early 1980s, with her kind, sun-weathered face, two short Pippi Longstocking pigtails, and the desire to study the minke whale. Minkes are as hard to track as mosquitoes. When they breach you can only see the tips of their dorsal fins. On a choppy sea, they look just like another wave, same colour, same height, and same variety. However, Fran chartered a 16' wooden boat, christened it the SS Merry Open Bottom, and hired its owner, Ephraim, to be the skipper. She offered me a place on the crew, taking notes of sightings as she scanned the waves looking for that elusive fin. The other member of the crew was Bob from Holland, who was smart and kind, and usually remembered to put film in the camera.
If our days were sunny and calm, we would drift with the waves, playing hide and seek with the minkes. Other beauties of nature would amaze us - schools of dolphins playing alongside our little boat, puffins bobbing on the waves, or underwater masses of tiny white jellyfish, puffing and panting their way through the clear blue water. Rainy or windy days would find us high on the bluffs above rocky coves, waiting for the humpbacks to follow the schools of tiny silver fish that would become their lunch.
Now I live in a city, where the street in front of our house sometimes overflows with screeching tires, honking horns, and wailing sirens, and our neighbours cannot seem to tear themselves away from their lawnmowers and weed-whackers in the evenings. However, we can hop in our car and within ten minutes, be at a beach, breathing salt air and listening to seagulls, the realities of our new life mingling with the memories of the old.
It seems every day we live, we are making memories for the future.
I sailed through the Narrows aboard the USS General Muir in April of 1953 for a two-year assignment at Fort Pepperrell; a 19-year-old farm boy from South Texas who had never been out of state; I was fascinated by the beauty of ... click to read moreI sailed through the Narrows aboard the USS General Muir in April of 1953 for a two-year assignment at Fort Pepperrell; a 19-year-old farm boy from South Texas who had never been out of state; I was fascinated by the beauty of Newfoundland. To make a long story short: I fell in love with Newfoundland, and with a Newfoundlander that has been my wife going on 58 years; once married, my tour was extended to three years.
Which brings me to the subject of my article: as I read "Bringing John Home," my father-in-law (George Roosevelt Nicholl) came to mind; 'Dad Nicholl' was born in St. John's and lived on Gilbert Street. And, as with John Crotty, his childhood was cut short with the death of his father, Leonard Nicholl, who was aboard the Florizel when it sank. His body was one of several that were not recovered. Ten-year-old George bid his father farewell, never to see him again; there would be no funeral, no grave to visit, no closure.
'Dad Nicholl,' the eldest of five brothers, became the sole support of a mother and four brothers; "Someone had to provide for the family, and as the oldest boy, the task fell on me," he said with a smile, "and I would do it again."
Delivering messages took him to all areas of St. John's, and often to ships docked offshore. There were no bicycles; messages were delivered by foot, or whatever means available. "I remember rowing to the Exotic and the Seabird on a borrowed dory; that was hard work, but fun as well."
During his long tenure of service, he worked as Messenger, Letter Carrier, Mail Sorter and Railway Mail Clerk; the latter position would take him to most outports.
Although he only possessed a 6th grade education, 'Dad Nicholl' rose "through the ranks" from messenger boy to Personnel Supervisor. He retired at age 66 with nearly 53 years of active service; the longest tenure of service in the Canadian Postal Service, not only in Newfoundland, but throughout Canada as well. On his retirement, he was recognized with a service award signed by Prime Minister Trudeau for his invaluable contribution to the Canadian Postal Service. "I was good to the Post Office, and the Postal Service was good to me," he was quoted as saying at his retirement.
When asked to share the secret for his long and successful career: "Always arrive on time and give your boss an honest day's work; it's as simple as that." Simple indeed!
Dad married Violet Pollet from New Harbour. They had five daughters and one son; sad to say that Mom Nicholl died in 1967. On becoming a widower, Dad became a world traveller, and avid photographer. His travels took him to Europe, Africa, many of the United States and Mexico.
No Tea in Tupelo
While visiting the birthplace of Elvis Presley, we stopped for a mid-afternoon tea. "Tea, please," Dad told the server. "Right away, sir," she replied, and soon returned with a huge glass of tea brimming with ice cubes. "But what I wanted was a cup of hot tea," Dad told the lady. "Sorry, sir, we only serve iced tea." Dad didn't get his tea in Tupelo, Mississippi...
Never Too Old to Learn
Though due to circumstances, hr was unable to attend school as a youth, he made up for it during his retirement years. He studied the French language at Memorial University, then spent summer with a non-English-speaking family in France; while visiting Mexico, he became acquainted with the culture and language.
Proud Newfoundlander
"My father-in-law is Canadian," I would say by way of introduction to friends. "Newfoundlander, Roger, I am a Newfoundlander; I may live in a Canadian Province, but I will always be a Newfoundlander," he would quickly correct me.
Faithful Man
Church was important to this hard-working, God-fearing family man. While inclement weather may have kept many at home, he would tow the younger children across the fields to church in a sled.
The trek from 265 Blackmarsh Road to St. Paul's United Church was a fair distance, but that did not stop him. "Didn't you find it difficult?" I asked him. "Yes," he said, "but we couldn't miss prayers." Dad left his descendants a legacy of faithfulness to God and service to his country.
On his retirement, he was quoted as saying, "I remember reporting for my first day of work on a beautiful sunny morning, and I still recall the delight with my new job and new-found wealth of 49 cents per day." As I look at my own thirteen-year-old great-grandsons at play, I marvel that one so young would assume such an important role; George Roosevelt Nicholl was truly a 'hardy Newfoundlander!'
Dad's tenure of service may have been surpassed by another Newfoundlander (Edgar Walters) who was still serving at the time of Mister Nicholl's retirement. That being the case, the honour of longest tenure of service will remain in Newfoundland. I am confident that there are countless numbers of individuals such as John Crotty and George Nicholl - boys that became men overnight, but succeeded in spite of adverse circumstances.
It was my privilege and good fortune to have become acquainted with George Roosevelt Nicholl as my father-in-law and friend.
I sailed through the Narrows aboard the USS General Muir in April of 1953 for a two-year assignment at Fort Pepperrell; a 19-year-old farm boy from South Texas who had never been out of state; I was fascinated by the beauty of ... click to read moreI sailed through the Narrows aboard the USS General Muir in April of 1953 for a two-year assignment at Fort Pepperrell; a 19-year-old farm boy from South Texas who had never been out of state; I was fascinated by the beauty of Newfoundland. To make a long story short: I fell in love with Newfoundland, and with a Newfoundlander that has been my wife going on 58 years; once married, my tour was extended to three years.
Which brings me to the subject of my article: as I read "Bringing John Home," my father-in-law (George Roosevelt Nicholl) came to mind; 'Dad Nicholl' was born in St. John's and lived on Gilbert Street. And, as with John Crotty, his childhood was cut short with the death of his father, Leonard Nicholl, who was aboard the Florizel when it sank. His body was one of several that were not recovered. Ten-year-old George bid his father farewell, never to see him again; there would be no funeral, no grave to visit, no closure.
'Dad Nicholl,' the eldest of five brothers, became the sole support of a mother and four brothers; "Someone had to provide for the family, and as the oldest boy, the task fell on me," he said with a smile, "and I would do it again."
Delivering messages took him to all areas of St. John's, and often to ships docked offshore. There were no bicycles; messages were delivered by foot, or whatever means available. "I remember rowing to the Exotic and the Seabird on a borrowed dory; that was hard work, but fun as well."
During his long tenure of service, he worked as Messenger, Letter Carrier, Mail Sorter and Railway Mail Clerk; the latter position would take him to most outports.
Although he only possessed a 6th grade education, 'Dad Nicholl' rose "through the ranks" from messenger boy to Personnel Supervisor. He retired at age 66 with nearly 53 years of active service; the longest tenure of service in the Canadian Postal Service, not only in Newfoundland, but throughout Canada as well. On his retirement, he was recognized with a service award signed by Prime Minister Trudeau for his invaluable contribution to the Canadian Postal Service. "I was good to the Post Office, and the Postal Service was good to me," he was quoted as saying at his retirement.
When asked to share the secret for his long and successful career: "Always arrive on time and give your boss an honest day's work; it's as simple as that." Simple indeed!
Dad married Violet Pollet from New Harbour. They had five daughters and one son; sad to say that Mom Nicholl died in 1967. On becoming a widower, Dad became a world traveller, and avid photographer. His travels took him to Europe, Africa, many of the United States and Mexico.
No Tea in Tupelo
While visiting the birthplace of Elvis Presley, we stopped for a mid-afternoon tea. "Tea, please," Dad told the server. "Right away, sir," she replied, and soon returned with a huge glass of tea brimming with ice cubes. "But what I wanted was a cup of hot tea," Dad told the lady. "Sorry, sir, we only serve iced tea." Dad didn't get his tea in Tupelo, Mississippi...
Never Too Old to Learn
Though due to circumstances, hr was unable to attend school as a youth, he made up for it during his retirement years. He studied the French language at Memorial University, then spent summer with a non-English-speaking family in France; while visiting Mexico, he became acquainted with the culture and language.
Proud Newfoundlander
"My father-in-law is Canadian," I would say by way of introduction to friends. "Newfoundlander, Roger, I am a Newfoundlander; I may live in a Canadian Province, but I will always be a Newfoundlander," he would quickly correct me.
Faithful Man
Church was important to this hard-working, God-fearing family man. While inclement weather may have kept many at home, he would tow the younger children across the fields to church in a sled.
The trek from 265 Blackmarsh Road to St. Paul's United Church was a fair distance, but that did not stop him. "Didn't you find it difficult?" I asked him. "Yes," he said, "but we couldn't miss prayers." Dad left his descendants a legacy of faithfulness to God and service to his country.
On his retirement, he was quoted as saying, "I remember reporting for my first day of work on a beautiful sunny morning, and I still recall the delight with my new job and new-found wealth of 49 cents per day." As I look at my own thirteen-year-old great-grandsons at play, I marvel that one so young would assume such an important role; George Roosevelt Nicholl was truly a 'hardy Newfoundlander!'
Dad's tenure of service may have been surpassed by another Newfoundlander (Edgar Walters) who was still serving at the time of Mister Nicholl's retirement. That being the case, the honour of longest tenure of service will remain in Newfoundland. I am confident that there are countless numbers of individuals such as John Crotty and George Nicholl - boys that became men overnight, but succeeded in spite of adverse circumstances.
It was my privilege and good fortune to have become acquainted with George Roosevelt Nicholl as my father-in-law and friend.
Roger Herrera
Photo: Dad Nicholl in Mississippi, posing next to a mail box constructed from a pot-bellied stove.
