The catalyst for the development of this Society at the provincial level was J.J. Kelso, a pioneer in child welfare in Ontario. A number of local individuals responded to this initiative and set in motion steps to have the Society recognized.

In the fall of 1894, J.J. Kelso spoke in Belleville regarding the possibility of establishing a local Children’s Aid Society. Other areas in the province had begun the process in the interest of their community’s children. The meeting was a success and a local committee was established to explore the possibility of establishing this community’s own Society. The initial hope of the committee was that the Women’s Christian Association could be utilized to form the Society. The area covered was to be the ‘electoral district’. The W.C.A was seen locally as a viable option, given its existing objective of caring for neglected children and that it was already an organized body. The belief was that the women of the W.C.A. could carry out the responsibilities of the C.A.S. and be granted the powers of a Society by the provincial Lieutenant Governor.

The local establishing group sought the direction of J.J. Kelso on this direction. However, he did not support this approach, seeing it as too narrow based, and he recommended a broader non-sectarian approach. He recognized the W.C.A but felt that all the various organizations in the community should be represented. If this was not possible, he recommended that the local Humane Society would be the next best alternative. In the spring of 1895, the local formation group informed Mr. Kelso that the Humane Society would be used for the incorporation of the local Children’s Aid Society.

In early April of 1895, Letters of Incorporation were sent to J.J. Kelso with the request that the Humane Society be approved as a Children’s Aid Society with the powers of the Gibson Act (Act to Protect Children).

On May 5th, 1985 J. J. Kelso informed the local group that an Order in Council had been passed recognizing the local Society as entitled to exercise the powers conferred by the Ontario Children’s Act.

A copy of this 1895 Order in Council from the Ontario Archives is included below.

The Daily Ontario, a local newspaper, reported on May 10th that a Society has been set up.

“The Humane Society recognized as such by the Lieutenant Governor in Council and has the Powers of the Gibson’s Act

The following is a copy of an Order in Council approved by his Honor the Lieutenant Governor on Tuesday which was received this morning (10/05/95) by the Secretary of the Humane Society.

‘Upon Recommendation of the Honorable Provincial Secretary, the Committee of Council advise that the Belleville Humane Society be recognized and approved by your Honor as a Society entitled to exercise powers conferred by the Act for the prevention of cruelty and better protection of children (56 Vic., Chap 45) Certified

Signed J. Lonsdale Capreol, Assistant Clerk Executive Council’

It will now be the duty of the Society to see that every orphan or deserted child is provided with a place in some Christian family and that no child is allowed to be ill-treated or neglected in any way. To achieve success in the work, the Society must have the cooperation and assistance of the community generally.”

In reporting on the approval of the Order in Council, Mr. Kelso recommended that a letter be sent to the local judge and the police “stating the Society is the legally organized body for receiving and caring for dependent children...”

What happened with the work of the Society following this initial approval under the Humane Society was not evident given the lack of available documentation. The Belleville Humane Society was asked for its records from the time but none were on file. There was some consultation with a volunteer for the Humane Society who had been involved with the organization for some 40 years. She had no knowledge of this Humane Society’s involvement with the C.A.S. She did however speak with Tom Hughes in Toronto who was with the Ontario Humane Society for some 30 years. He indicated that he was personally aware that this Branch was involved with the C.A.S. at one point, as were a number of other Societies across the province. But he was unable to provide anything further. Whether or not any individual staff were hired or identified to carry out the work of the new Society remains unanswered.

Nick and Helma Mika published a book on the City of Belleville in the 1980's called “Belleville-Portrait of a City.” In their book dealing with the Children’s Aid Society, the Mikas note the following:

“Belleville’s Children’s Aid Society has come a long way since J. J. Kelso, founder of Children’s Aid in Canada came to Belleville in 1894 to address prominent members of the community at the time on the need to form some sort of societal organization to deal with the plight of neglected and physically abused children in the Quinte area. However, it was not until 1908 when a return visit by Kelso sparked new interest and enthusiasm that the city began to move on the idea of providing some kind of help for these children”

At the Society’s 1933 Annual Meeting, T. D. Rushton, then the Director, provided an historical perspective from documents he had available to him. He noted:

“In September and October 1894, a number of letters were received from J. J. Kelso who had recently been appointed director and organizer of Child Welfare in Ontario. The local people appealed to were Thomas Ritchie, J. J. B. Flint, Curtis Bogart, W. S. B. Armstrong and one or two others, concerning the desirability of having a Children’s Aid Society and Mr. Kelso offered to visit Belleville and give an address. On Nov 2, thirty nine years ago (1894), he came here and met the citizens. In the discussion those taking part included Thomas Ritchie, Robert Matheson, Rev. Robert Wallace, Rev. E. N. Baker, P. J. M. Anderson and Alderman Diamond. On motion of Mr. Ritchie, seconded by W.C. Mikel, a committee was arranged to organize, consisting of Mayor Walmsley, Alderman Diamond, Rev E. N. Baker, Re. R. Wallace, J. J. B. Flint, P. J. M. Anderson, W. C. Mikel and Curtis Bogart. For two or three years not much work was accomplished.”

In respect to the second incorporation of the Society, the archives of the Daily Intelligencer in 1907 note an effort to organize a branch of the Children’s Aid Society in Belleville and the County of Hastings.

It reports as follows:

“Wednesday, May 29, 1907

(An address was given by S.M. Thompson of Brantford on his experiences as an agent of the Children’s Aid Society in that area)

The Chairperson asked if the audience was prepared to organize a branch of the Society for Belleville and the County of Hastings.

The Proposal was heartily agreed to and recommendations to that effect were duly moved and carried.

‘The gentlemen will call a meeting at an early date when the remaining offices will be filled and the City and Council will then have an organization whose duty it will be to see that neglected and dependent children will get an opportunity to become good citizens who will in time become burden bearers and taxpayers, a source of wealth and assistance in the County instead of a tax and burden upon others.’ ”

Minutes of the Society report on the address by S.M. Thompson and note a motion of William Deacon and Hugh Walker: “...that we form a Branch of the Society for the City of Belleville and the County of Hastings.” Charles H. Emerson, Secretary.

A subsequent meeting was held on June 1, 1907 and officers are named as follows in a letter from Mr. Thompson to J. J. Kelso:

J. J. Kelso’s name again surfaces in the correspondence of the time. He wrote to Mr. Emerson, the Secretary that: “The next step in the organization of the Children’s Aid Society is to secure incorporation.” “...when the incorporation has been secured...I will have an Order in Council passed by the Government”

In June of 1907, upon recommendation of Mr. Kelso, Superintendent of Child Welfare, an appropriate Order in Council was signed to recognize the Children’s Aid Society of Belleville and Hastings County as fully authorized and entitled to exercise powers conferred by the Child Protection Act of Ontario.

At the end of June, Superintendent Kelso was informed by W.C. Mikel that “...the declaration of the Junior Judge of the County Court of the County of Hastings is now complete and has been filed with the Clerk of Peace for the County of Hastings so that incorporation under Chapter 211 is now complete.”

Minutes for the Society from a meeting on June 27, 1907 note that a Constitution for the Society, modeled on provincial documents, had been adopted. A. E. Checker was appointed Executive Officer of the Society with full powers to act. At the same time, a committee was appointed to approach City and County Councils “to secure adequate support for the Society.”

The Daily Intelligencer of June 28th reported as follows:

“The first regular meeting of the Board of Management of the City and County Branch of the Children’s Aid Society was held in Council Chambers yesterday.

Committees were appointed and plans for future aggressive work were discussed.

A. E. Checker was appointed the Executive Officer of the Society.”

In summary, there were two documented dates for the incorporation and approval of a local Children’s Aid Society. One was in 1895 under the sponsorship of the local Humane Society and the other in 1907 as a stand alone body for Belleville and Hastings County.

With the first approval in 1895, there are no subsequent minutes or documentation to indicate if any actual work was done following the first incorporation. Given the efforts and enthusiasm to establish a Society in 1894 and 1895 it is conceivable that some work took place to protect children.

It would appear from the information available in the late spring of 1907 that a new Society needed to be formed. Once again J .J. Kelso took an active role, this time as Superintendent for protection matters in Ontario. Mr. Kelso may have kept some papers on his work. If so, these might provide some additional information on the historical events both in 1894/1895 and in 1907.

With the incorporation in 1907, and the appointment of an Executive Officer, it would appear that the formal roots for the Society, as it currently exists, were established. Records flow from this time period and an historical record of continuity and activity is in place for the Society.

Interesting Items from the Minutes of the Society’s Board Meetings, and Other Related Documentation

From correspondence that has been compiled for the early years of the Society, you will note that the Society has rarely been without challenges. Here are a few items of interest discovered in the minutes of the meetings.

Mr. Albert Checker, the first agent of the Society, had been employed at the Marchmont Home. The Marchmont Home was operated by the Bernardo Homes. Dr. Bernardo brought thousands of street children from England. Some of them were boarded at the Marchmont Home, Moira Street West, Belleville before being placed in foster homes or adopted by families in this area.

Mr. Checker, on advice of the Board, engaged Mr. and Mrs. Johnson of Moira Street to take charge of any children taken by the Society. This arrangement proved not to be satisfactory.

In 1909, the City of Belleville donated the old Isolation Hospital on Moira Street West to the Agency to be used for a shelter. The old Isolation Hospital was at one time the Yeoman’s farm house. The opening of the Shelter was held on July 1, 1909. The guests of honour were entertained at a luncheon at the Quinte Hotel, prior to the opening ceremonies. The guests included: Lieutenant Governor J. M. Gibson, Sir Mackenzie Bowell, Mr. J. J. Kelso, Mayor Marsh and J. W. Johnson, MPP.

In October, 1909, Mr. Checker resigned as agent. Later in the month, two applications for the position of agent were discussed at an emergency meeting. A ballot was taken and the President declared Mr. Wrightmeyer elected.

In 1910, Mr. Ritchie, Chairman of the Board, purchased a cow, the thought prevailing that pure milk was necessary in order to give the greatest protection to the children. Mr. Wrightmeyer, Agent of the Society, was to find suitable pasture for the cow.

Mr. Canniff, a member of the Board, reported that he would be able to secure a first rate typewriter for $45.00. The matter was about to be laid over for future consideration when Miss Yeoman offered to pay the first $10.00. Before the end of the meeting $30.00 had been raised. At the following meeting, Mr. Ritchie contributed $15.00. The last typewriter purchased in 1986 cost $1500.00.

Mr. Wrightmeyer’s salary was increased to $35.00 per month. Mr. Wrightmeyer requested a telephone for his office in his home, and in 1911, he introduced the subject of some filing device for his home office.

The most important items on the agenda at each meeting were from the Shelter Committee, the Clothing Committee and the Agent’s Report.

In 1912, Mr. Wrightmeyer reported on conditions at the Shelter.

In 1914, the Shelter was condemned by a Government Inspector. At the monthly meetings held in the YMCA Parlors, Mr. Wrightmeyer pleaded with the Board for action regarding the conditions of the Shelter. Several options were discussed. Mr. Wrightmeyer also requested office space and a stenographer.

The Board agreed to purchase the Dunnett property in October of 1914. In November, a group of ratepayers denounced having a shelter in their area. A special meeting of the Board was called and the plan was abandoned.

Mr. John Elliott reported at the monthly meeting in February, 1915 that the Board could purchase the property lot immediately adjoining west of Belleville General Hospital for $1800.00. Moved by Mr. John Elliott and seconded by Mr. Ritchie, that said property to be purchased for said figure of $1800.00.

March 1, 1915, the Shelter Location Committee reported it had purchased the property from the Hospital Board at $1800.00 and as well, had purchased another lot, west of that transferred to the Hospital Board, for a like amount. The Treasurer was authorized to negotiate a loan to pay for the new Shelter location purchase.

Mr. Wrightmeyer’s report at the May meeting in 1915 mentions the death of an infant at the Shelter. It is interesting to note that the Children’s Aid Society first purchased Plot N, Section 27, Lot 29, Consecutive No. 317 on December 28, 1909 at the Belleville Cemetery. In November of 1915, Plot N, Section 17, Lot 28, Consecutive No. 314 was purchased. December 21, 1936, Plot C, Section 2, Lot 17 & 18, Consecutive No. 23 & 24 was purchased.

In August of 1915 a new typewriter was purchased for $80.00. The cow was sold for $31.00 and Mr. Wrightmeyer was granted a three week holiday.

On February 7, 1916 a matter of great importance to the Society that had been delayed for some time was finally discussed and disposed of in the following manner:

1. Moved by Dr. Farley and seconded by Rev. Hubley that we reorganize the Children’s Aid Society of Hastings County. Carried.
2. Moved by Rev. Hubley and seconded by Mrs. Vermilyea that the officers of the Belleville Children’s Aid Society be the officers of the Children’s Aid Society of Hastings County. Carried.
3. Moved by Mr. Wrightmeyer and seconded by Captain Ruston that the Children’s Aid Society of Belleville and the Children’s Aid Society of the County of Hastings be united for working purposes. Carried.

On March 6, 1916, communication from Mr. Ritchie regarding a donation for the erection of a new Shelter was read by the Secretary. Moved by Rev. Hubley and seconded by Dr. Farley that the offer be accepted and that the Secretary communicate with Mr. Ritchie and thank him for such a generous donation - $15,000.00. An equal amount of money later came from the County.

Mr. Wrightmeyer stated it would be necessary to resign his position as Inspector “on account of his services being required with the Battalion.” His resignation was effective April 1, 1916. The Inspector was instructed to place in the hands of the President all forms, communication etc. regarding Children’s Aid Society work. The same to be placed in a vault in Treasurer’s office. An “ad” to be placed in local paper asking for applications for position of Inspector.

On April 3, 1916 it was moved by Major Ketcheson and seconded by Mrs. Scantlebury that we hereby express our regrets at losing the services of such a valued Inspector as Mr. Wrightmeyer has proven himself to be during the past six years.

Proceed to elect new agent by ballot. Captain Ruston to be appointed as the new agent as a result of vote taken. His salary to be $1,000.00 per year. Captain Ruston was called and in a few words thanked the Executive for having chosen him and said that he hoped they would have no reason to regret the choice they had made. Apparently they never did. Mr. Ruston continued in this capacity until 1948 when ill health forced him to resign.

On December 4, 1916 a committee was appointed to arrange for the opening of a new building. Mr. and Mrs. Hart, new janitor and matron, were to live at the Shelter.

On December 18, 1916 a special meeting was held. The opening was to be postponed until January 15, 1917. The Executive was to assemble at the YMCA on January 2 and adjourn to the new building for the purpose of inspecting same.

County and City Council to be invited to inspect the new Shelter in the near future and lunch was to be served. All accounts for the old building were to be paid before moving. Arrangements were to be made by the committee regarding the sale of the old furnishings and building. Ladies should meet at the new Shelter to welcome the children upon arrival on Thursday, January 4 at 4:30 pm.

Problems continued following the opening of the new Shelter. There were conflicts between the matron, janitor and the nursemaid. Board members appeared frequently at the Shelter. The matron and her assistant would not work together and the matron was asked to resign.