The tailor Richard J. McGrath arrived in Little Bay from St. John’s in 1886. His business’s first location in the mining town was found above the Redden Brother’s shop. He wasn’t satisfied with renting his workspace and had acquired his own location by 1888. It was located “on the ridge” in the Bight and double in function as his family’s dwelling. He employed several “tailoresses” and acted as an agent for Singer Sowing Machines. His tailor and outfitter shop offered “a full line of cloths, tweeds, and diagonals” and his service included the mailing out of “self measurement cards” for those looking to secure a great fitting suit. Mr. McGrath had a reputation for perfection and it was said he had as much work as he wanted filling the orders made to his shop in the Bight. He didn’t work all the time, however, and in his free time he enjoyed a competitive game of billiards. He stayed in Little Bay for six years before leaving in 1892 for Tilt Cove where his clothier business continued.
Sources:
- 1886: Marriage of Richard J. McGrath to Annie Josephine Redmond by Rev. O’Flynn at the Priest’s Residence (ET, Nov 29, 1886).
- 1887: Richard J. McGrath – Tailor & Outfitter over shop of Redden Brothers (TS, April 30, 1887).
- 1887: Richard J. McGrath – Tailer & Clothier offering “a full line of cloths, tweeds, and diagonals always in stock and orders promptly filled. R.J. Mc. has been appointed Sub-Agent at Little Bay for the Genguine Singer Sewing Machine (TS, June 25, 1887).
- 1888: M. McGrath played cricket (TS, Sept 15, 1888)
- 1888: R.J. McGrath – Tailor & Clothier at location “on the ridge” in Indian Bight at Little Bay Mines. The ad reads “Clothing made up at the shortest notice, and self-measurement cards sent by post to persons desirous of having a real good suit of clothing. A good fit guaranteed” (TS, Sept 29, 1888)
- 1889: R.M. McGrath participated in performances at the Pubic Hall in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day (SJC, April 17, 1889)
- 1889: Birth of a son to R.J. McGrath and wife (ET, Dec 10, 1889)
- 1889: R.J. McGrath donated to the Harbour Grace Cathedral Fund (SJC, Oct 11, 1889)
- 1891: Spinster Clara McGrath married Peter Fewer (Civ marriages)
- 1891: R.J. McGrath participated in the billiards tournament at Little Bay (TS, July 4, 1891)
- 1892: “with the help of tailoresses, as much work as he can get through, and from what I can learn, can make a suit of clothing to perfection” (SJC, March 3, 1892).
- 1892: For Sale: at Little Bay Bight Mines a dwelling house with shop, suitable for doing a small business, also the ground measuring 108 feet frontage, and 150 rearage. For particulars apply to R.J. McGrath, Tailor, Tilt Cove (TS, March 26, 1892).
- 1892: Mary Ann McGrath born to Patrick and Emily McGrath (Civ births)
- Singer sowing machine image from Google search