James H. Hopkins Death (1927)

St. Thomas lost another worthy citizen early Saturday afternoon, in the death at his residence, 55 Stanley street, of James Henry Hopkns, proprietor of the Stanley Beach Casino, Port Stanley, and for more than 30 years a prominent photographer of this city.  Although Mr. Hopkins never entered public life so far as seeking municipal honors was concerned and was of a quiet, unassuming disposition. his death will be widely mourned both in the city and district for he was a man who possessed the rare facility of making many friends and retaining that friendship.  His long association with the photographic business brought him in touch with a great number of people while his activities in promoting clean amusements at Port Stanley widened his circle of acquaintanceship.

Mr. Hopkins' death was not unexpected.  Though not generally known, he had been ill for months but he refused to give up until a few weeks ago, when his condition became critical and he was forced to take to his bed.  It was just a last splendid display of his courage and unfailing genial nature.   He never talked about his afflictions to his friends on the street.   He talked about that which was first in his interest in later years, his business at Port Stanley.   Even on his death-bed, Mr. Hopkins thought of that and the reputation he had established for a high standard of summer entertainment.  He took pride in the fact that every summer since the inauguration of the Port Stanley Casino, he had maintained a record of continuous public service.   His casino had not been closed from the commencement of one summer season to the end and he requested those in charge to continue this record in the event of a climax.  He did not wish the Casino closed on ac- (Continued on page Twelve)

Mr. Hopkins was largely responsible for the excellent reputation the place has always enjoyed.   He permitted no rowdyism in the building; nothing that was indecent or otherwise objectionable.   His object in creating the Casino was to provide a place of amusement where the whole family might go and enjoy themselves.  He never failed in the carrying out of his ideals.

It can be said, truthfully, that Jim Hopkins was the father of Port Stanley as it exists today as a great centre for summer vacationists.  He was a man of vision.  He saw the possibilities of the place; he had faith in its future and he exemplified this faith by investing much of his life's savings there.  The name of Jim Hopkins will always be associated with Port Stanley as a summer resort.

Nor will his name be forgotten soon as a photographer.  For years, his attractive studio on Talbot street, opposite Elgin street, was the rendevous of young married couples, of family reunions, of graduating classes and proud young mothers with their first-borns.  When Mr. Hopkins retired from the photographic business about ten years ago, one entire side of the work-room of the studio was filled with negatives.  There were thousands and thousands of shadow momentoes of the people who had posed before "Jim" Hopkins's camera lens.

Mr. Hopins started in the photographic business as a boy of 14 years, apprenticing himself to the late W. A. Cooper.  Later he was with W. A. Cooper and following that he was a partner in the firm of Scott and Hopkins, the late T. H. Scott being his partner.  In 1883 he took over the business continuing until his retirement.  In 1893 his business had grown to such proportions that he found it necessary to provide larger and more convenient quarters and he erected the Hopkins Block, where the photographic studio of William Brown is now located.

About ten years ago Mr. Hopkins became actively interested in the Southern Loan and Savings Company and was elected to the board of directors.  He was vice-president of the company when it was acquired by the Huron and Erie Mortgage Corporation two months ago.

Mr. Hopkins was a native of St. Thomas, his parents being the late Henry and Mary Hopkins, early residents of the town.  Latterly he took great pride in his residence in Stanley street, renovating the house at considerable expense and converting it into one of the most attractive bungalows in the city.   His artistic temperament is to be seen in the site, overlooking the beautiful west ravine, and in the floral treatment of the grounds.  He created the home for himself and Mrs. Hopkins, to whom he was greatly devoted, but Mrs. Hopkins was removed by death about a year ago.   Her death undoubtedly hastened Mr. Hopkins' end.

Surviving him are two sons, Harry Scott Hopkins of Denver, Colorado, and Chester Hunter Hopkins of this city.

Mr. Hopkins was a consistent member of Knox Presbyterian church.  He was also a member of Rathbone Lodge No. 12, Knights of Pythias; the I. O. O. F., and the A. O. U. W.

The funeral took place Monday afternoon from the residence, Stanley street, to the St. Thomas cemetery, with services at the house at 2:30 o'clock.  Rev. J. M. Laird of Knox church officated.