Classic Poem

Lines read at a banquet at the Welland House, St. Catharines[sic],
where the brotherhood of Odd-Fellows, attending Grand
Lodge, were entertained.

St. Catharines [sic], famed for mineral waters
And for the beauty of her daughters ;
For some do worship at the shrines
Of the fair St. Catharines [sic].

St. Catharines [sic], your greatness you inherit
From the genius of the Merritt-
You still would be a village dreary
But for this canal from lake Erie.

For, on its bosom there does float
Full many a ship and steamboat,
Brings worlds commerce to your doors
And many gifts on you it pours.

Among its various great rewards
It gives you dry docks and ship yards,
To drive your mills, great water power
It doth give you as a dower.