LOCAL HISTORY

Exploring the enchanting tales and river adventures of Paris, and the legacy of Bobby West

In the heart of Paris, where the modernity of a new swimming pool at Lions Park coexisted with the allure of the river, as young boys and girls we found ourselves irresistibly drawn to the cherished spots that fathers and grandfathers had frequented before us. With names like "stinkers," "the vine," and "devil's cave," these places held a special place in our adventurous hearts, transcending the boundaries of time. The centerpiece of our escapades was the Nith River, which flowed through Barker’s Bush, providing a stage for countless thrilling activities and unforgettable tales.

One legendary tale that resonated through the town was that of the West family. William West, born in 1818 in Scotland, defied societal expectations by eloping with his employer's daughter, Jess. Disowned and cut off financially, William and Jess journeyed to Canada in search of a better life. Settling in Paris around 1860, they found solace in a small house overlooking Penman's West River Street mill pond, now Broadway Street West. William's passion for storytelling and the river shaped the destiny of his family.

William considered himself a skilled storyteller and poet in the tradition of his hometown hero Robert Burns. William became known as Wally West, the Bard of the Nith, and he founded the Nith River Navigation Company and the West Boat Works. He offered flatbottomed boats for fishing and cruising, supplementing his income as the Lower Town's lamplighter.

Carrying on his father's legacy, William's son Robert, known as Bobby, continued the family's boatbuilding tradition and became an extraordinary individual in his own right. Bobby's skills as a fisherman and his enthralling tales of fantasy and river lore captivated the town's youth. But it was his reputation as a rescuer that truly set him apart Bobby saved countless distressed swimmers from the treacherous currents of the town’s rivers, earning commemorative medals from the Town council and adorning his chest with stories of heroism and bravery.

Bobby West's boat-building prowess was renowned throughout the region. His vessels were crafted with care and ingenuity. Among his remarkable creations was The Pride of the Nith, a log-built passenger boat that he claimed could accommodate up to a hundred people. Powered by a fivehorsepower electric motor, the boat promised unforgettable river cruises, showcasing Bobby's craftsmanship and unwavering love for the river.

Above: Robert “Bobby” West dressed in one of his eccentric, exotic costumes

Photo below: Robert “Bobby” West adorned in medals for saving some 254 lives!

Above: William and Jess West Photos: D.A. Smith collection

LOCAL HISTORY

Robert “Bobby” West

Yet, Bobby's adventurous spirit extended beyond boat-building. Following the passing of his parents and the departure of his siblings, he found himself alone. Embracing his role as a community entertainer, Bobby recited poems, sang and danced, and even performed magic lantern shows and played phonographs He became an integral part of Paris' parades, carnivals, and Saturday night skates, bringing joy to the town's residents free of charge.

Despite living in poverty and loneliness, Bobby carried himself with dignity and remained respectful, tactful, and courteous. In his later years Bobby’s distinct attire included a bowler hat, blackrimmed goggles, and very old clothes He always wore a fresh white cheese-cloth scarf that he received daily from John. M. Hall.

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Recognizing his unique presence in the community, the town rallied to support him. Bobby received food from local grocery stores, found temporary shelter at the fire hall during winter, and even received assistance to rebuild his home when it burned down For the last two years of his life, he lived in the County Home for the Aged, no longer alone. Bobby passed away on 23-February-1941, in his early 80s. He is buried in the Paris Cemetery.

As the years passed and the town underwent changes, the townspeople embarked on a mission to clean up the riverbank in the early 1960s. Among the years' worth of garbage and debris, they stumbled upon a grassy knoll where Bobby's last shanty had once stood. Memories flooded back of the humble abode and its lookout tower that Bobby had constructed to gaze upon his Nith River empire.

To avoid confusion following the amalgamation into the County of Brant, the streets of Paris underwent a renaming process. Notably, West Street was transformed into Bobby West Street, serving as an everlasting tribute to the man who intertwined his life with the captivating Nith River.

Bobby West's story serves as a reminder of the deep connections we forge with our surroundings and the lasting impact we can have on those who come after us. The allure of the Nith River, the bravery of its swimmers, and the ingenuity of its boat builders have become part of the fabric of Paris, Ontario. The legacy of William and Bobby West, the Bards of the Nith, lives on through the tales told by the river and the echoes of his adventures that still resonate with the town's residents.

Robert West in the company shipyard c 1918 Photos are from D.A. Smith collection. Paris Museum & Historical Society

Robert West propelling his bicycle boat in 1917. The wharf of the Nith Navigation Co. was at the point marked 1 His residence was approximately at point marked 2.