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Les origines (1874-1899)

Fils d'un fermier canadien, George H. et Egerton L. Ireland sont recensés, en 1881, à Cramahe, puis ils résident à Trenton, en 1891. En 1897, George obtient sa licence en pharmacie :

Department of Pharmacy.
The following candidates for the Degree of Bachelor of Pharmacy have succeeded in passing the final examination:
[...] G. H. Ireland.

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The Windsor Star, Windsor, samedi 5 juin 1897, p. 1.

Vers le milieu de l'année 1898, en collaboration avec son frère Albert, George Ireland va commencer une activité d'opticien itinérant.

Nanaimo Daily News, Nanaimo, samedi 16 juillet 1898, p. 2.	The Miner, Nelson, lundi 7 novembre 1898, p. 3.

Il offre également des consultations gratuites au cours de ses déplacements :

G. H. Ireland the Eye Specialist will return from Edmonton on Saturday Dec 17th, and will spead the following Monday at Maclean's Drug Store for Scientific Spectacle fitting. Those having weak eyes or failing sight should not miss this opportunity to have the eyes scientifically tested free of charge.

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Weekly Albertan, Calgary, samedi 17 décembre 1898, p. 8.

Il est possible qu'Egerton soit venu seconder son frère en remplacement d'Albert comme l'atteste leur présence comme "opticiens" à bord l'Orinoco qui les conduit à Halifax, en août 1899. Ces activités vont se prolonger jusqu'au milieu de l'année 1899. 

Le cinématographe (1900-1908)

Le "Biograph" (1900)

L'intérêt de George H. Ireland pour le cinématographe semble remonter au début de l'année 1900 lorsqu'il sollicite une concession pour un appareil cinématographique à l'occasion de l'Exposition Pan-Américaine qui doit se tenir à Buffalo en 1901 :

MEXICAN EXHIBIT
[...]
G. H. Ireland of Por Colborne, Ont. has applied for the biograph concession.

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The Buffalo Commercial, Buffalo, mercredi 17 janvier 1900, p. 8.

Pendant quelques mois, G. H. Ireland va exploiter un appareil cinématographique qu'il nomme "Biograph". L'utilisation de ce terme va lui causer des ennuis, car il s'agit d'une marque déposée par l'American Biograph. Dans une annonce publié dans les journaux locaux en mai 1900, on apprend que Stewart Houston, qui est le concessionnaire de la société pour le Canada, porte plainte contre G. H. Ireland :

Arrested at Barrie.
Barrie, May 19. - G. H. Ireland, the manager and operator of a moving picture machine, was arrested here this evening by Constable Beardsley, on a charge of infringement of the trade-mark "biograph." He was allowed out on bail until Monday, when the case comes up for hearing before Magistrate Ross. The complaint, was made by a Toronto gentleman who owns the right to the biograph for Canada.

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The Globe and Mail, Toronto, lundi 21 mai 1900, p. 4.

L'objet du différend est l'exploitation de vues de boxe de la société American Biograph par George H. Ireland

En fait, on apprend que Stewart Houston poursuit George H. Ireland pour avoir exploité des films de boxe:

MR. HOUSTON SUES:
He Asks $5,000 Damages for Infringement of His Pugilist Biograph Views.
Mr. Stewart Houston wants $5,000 damages from George Ireland, of New York, for infrigement on his biograph rights in Ontario. Exclusive right to exhibit certain pugilistic views are held by Mr. Houston, and he says Ireland has been showing them in the towns. An injunction restraining Ireland from further exhibition is also requested.

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The Toronto Star, Toronto, mardi 29 mai 1900, p. 2.

Peu après, on apprend que finalement qu'Houston a perdu son procès:

NOT THE BIOGRAPH.
Mr. Stewart Houston has lost his suit against Mr. Ireland, who, he alleged, was exhibiting pictures of boxers-the prize fighting variety-in the province, which the concert manager claimed were his exclusive right. The suit was for $5,000 damages and an injunction prohibiting further exhibition. Justice Robertson to-day handed out judgment dismissing the action. It seems that Ireland's machine is not a biograph-the instrument of which Mr. Houston has the exclusive right.

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The Toronto Star, Toronto, lundi 11 juin 1900, p. 3.

Le Waragraph (1900-1901)

HELP WANTED-Pianist to travel with the Waragraph moving pictures; must have neat apperance; no bad habits, and unquestionable reference. Young man who can sing illustrated songs prefer ed. State lowest salary and full particulars first lettre. I pay all expenses. Apply G. H. Ireland, Mgr. the Edison Waragraph Co., Fredericton, N. B.Telegraph-Journal, Saint-John, mercredi 14 novembre 1900, p. 3.

E.L. Ireland and G. H. Ireland, Toronto, are at the Queen hotel.The Evening Mail, Halifax, mercredi 19 décembre 1900, p. 5.

EL PUERTO
Entradas
En la mañana de hoy han entrado en este puerto:
[...]
El vapor americano "Olivette", de Key West, con correspondencia, carga y 88 pasajeros.La Lucha, La Habana, samedi 25 janvier 1902, p. 3.

HOTEL "TELEGRAFO"
Día 25.
Entradas.-Hasta las 11 de la mañana.
Señores [...] G. H. Ireland, E. L. Ireland, de Montreal.Diario de la Marina, La Havane, samedi 25 janvier 1902, p. 2.

HOTEL "TELEGRAFO"
[...]
Día 26.
Salidas.-Stres. D. G. H. Ireland, E. L. Ireland, G. S. Beaumont.Diario de la Marina, La Havane, 27 janvier 1902, lundi p. 2.

De origen probablemente norteamericano, los hermanos Ireland tienen montada una asociación, los Ireland Brother's Pan American Electric Carnival. Presentan, en Montréal (Canadá), en octubre de 1902, un cinematógrafo,

Pendant son séjour à Trinidad et Tobago, George H. Ireland en profite pour proposer des consultations de la vue aux habitants.

The Port of Spain Gazette, Trinidad, mercredi 11 mars 1903, p. 2.

y organizan una gira por el país hasta noviembre de 1903. En abril de 1905, la Compañía de Cinematógrafo Ireland Brothers se presenta en Caracas donde permanece hasta primeros de junio de 1905. Luego los hermanos Ireland organizan una gira por Venezuela, y presentan vistas en Valencia y en Puerto Cabello, y probablemente en varias ciudades más. Meses más tarde, en mayo de 1906, ofrecen algunas sesiones en San José (Costa Rica).

Trenton (Daily True American). saturday 13 août 1904, p. 8: merry-go round.

Early Popular Visual Culture, Volume 23, Issue 1-2 (2025)

Mirror: Trinidad Tobago.

1901

Egerton L. Ireland est recensé à Cramahe en 1901.

THE WARAGRAPH.
Company Arrives And Will Appeal At Theatre Royal To-night.
The Waragraph Co. arrived late last night on the delayed C.P.R. train. The company will appear to-night at the Theatre Royal. It came here direct from Winnipeg, where the press poke very highly of the pictures and special ties. "We have been playing to a good business in the east." said G. H. Ireland. proprietor and general manager, this morning. The company was book ed to appear on Dominion Day here, and many people were much disappointed that it was prevented from so doing. The company produces startling mechanical sound effects and specialties The battle scenes in the Boer and Chinese wars are said to be especially good. One can hear the roar of the artillery, crackling of the musketry and rush of cavalry as fierce battles are raging in plain view of audience. The battle of Modder river, the charge of the famous 5th Lancers, troop train crossing the veldt. capture of a Boer battery by the British. battle of Stromberg, a hot skirmish with the Boers near Kimberley, and scores of other humorous and exciting scenes are given. An eastern exchange speaking of the company said: "The town hall last night proved far too small to accommodate the crowd that sought admission to the Waragraph exhibition, which was given under the auspices of the Algonquin lacrosse club. Every seat in the hall was reserved and the crowd packed the aisles and the available space at the rear. A large number of people had to be turned away. The exhibition was a good one, and easily warranted the large attendance. The pictures of the Queen's funeral were exceptionally good, and created favorable comment amongst the audience. A number of scenes from the Boer war were exhibited, also a number of pictures of the heroes of the war. The Trip to the Moon interested the audience, and the funny pictures produced much laughter. Mr. Noel in his female impersonation made a hit. His songs and dancing were good."
The company includes C. H. Ireland. general manager: E. L. Ireland, musical director and lecturer; Chas. Law, baritone and soloist; N. J. Noel, lady impersonator and others. Tickets may be secured at Seymour's drug store, Hastings street. The City Band will play at the Theatre Royal to-night.Vancouver Daily World, Vancouver, jeudi 4 juillet 1901, p. 7.

G. H. Ireland, the proprietor, E. L. Ireland, the musical director and lecturer, and M. J. Noel, electrician, of the Waragraph company, arrived in the city last night for the purpose of holding an entertainment this eveing at Oak Bay park. As mentioned in a recent issue, the Waragraph moving pictures will be presented to-night and the evenings of Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. These entertainments have always been well received.The Victoria Daily Times, Victoria, lundi 8 juillet  1901, p. 5.

PAN-AMERICAN VIEWS
The Waragraph at Theatre Royal To-Night With New Pictures.
The Waragraph company came over from Victoria this morning on the Charmer for a return engagement to-night and to-morrow night at the Theatre Royal with a special matinee to-morrow afternoon.
The company have been attraction immense crowds in Victoria for the past few days and have just received a large collection of magnificent views of the Pan-American exposition, which will be seen to-noght for the first time in Canada, and no doubt the Theatre Royal will not contain the crowds that will turn out to see them.
Mr. G. H. Ireland, manager of the waragraph, has got ahead of all the transcontinental lines in cheap rates to the Pan-American, for he has photographed the exposition and shipped it to Vancouver, and charges but 25 c. and 50c to see it all, including many of the side shows. Those who go to the Theatre Royal to-night will see what those who go to Buffalo will pay extra for.
Mr. Ireland, in speaking to a reporter, said: "These moving pictures of the Pan-American exposition are the most marvelous accomplishment of the photographic art, and so clear an steady that one would imagine himself within the gates of the Pan-American. I have booked these views for Winnipeg, Toronto and Ottawa exhibitions this year, as a special attraction.The Province, Vancouver, vendredi 12 juillet 1901, p. 9.

Pan-American Electric Theater (Grand Rapids)

1902

TO LET, the Store now in the occupation of Ireland Bros. in vulcan Lane-Apply on the premises.Auckland Star, Auckland, lundi 1er septembre 1902, p. 8.

1903

Ireland Brothers Kinetoscope Co.

The Ireland Company

PONCE
(NOTICIAS DIRECTAS)
Julio 28
[...]
El domingo fue la última exhibición del cinematógrafo de los hermanos Ireland que funcionaba en el muelle americano.
Nos informan que han vendido el aparato a un vecino de esta ciudad, y que es fácil lo monten en otro local para continuar ofreciendo espectáculos al público.La democracia, Caguas, miércoles 29 de julio de 1903, p. 2.

Se nos informa que el Cinematógrafo de los hermanos Ireland fue vendido en ciento cincuenta dollars a un individuo de esta ciudad.
Los hermanos Ireland no están en Ponce ya: les fue bien en su negocio aquí.La correspondencia de Puerto Rico, San Juan, miércoles 29 de julio de 1903, p. 2.

Esta noche tendrá lugar en el Teatro una exhibición de los Cinematógrafos Lumiere y Edison: este último es el que pertenecía a los hermanos Ireland: el primero es el de Vargas, que hace días viene ocupando el Teatro. La exhibición es combinada con los dos aparatos.La correspondencia de Puerto Rico, San Juan, lunes 10 de agosto de 1903, p. 2.

1905

Passenger List.
[...]
SAILED.
[...]
Per s.s. Statia on Friday for Demerara:-Ireland Bros. co. (4) and 2 deckers.Mirror, Trinidad, lundi 9 janvier 1905, p. 10.

Ireland Brothers will give but four performances here as they intend leaving on March 29 by R.M.S. Severn for Caracas.The Mirror, Trinidad, martes 21 de marzo de 1905, p. 3.

pour des raisons techniques, ils doivent rester jusqu'au 1er avril 1905.

Passenger List.
[...]
SAILED
[...]
By the s.s. Prins Willem V for Carupano.-Messrs Ireland Brothers (3)...Mirror, Trinidad, mercredi 5 avril 1905, p. 4.

Posterij.
Lijst van onafgehaalde en enbestelbaar bevonden brieven:
[....]
A. E. Ireland (2).Amigoe di Curacao, sábado 1º de julio de 1905, p. 4.

In Colombia he spent some eight months on his last trip and he found it a marvellous place. He remained in Cartagena for a time and their went to Bogota. In the former place there is little that is worthy of note, except the church where Inquisitorial operations were at one time carried out in the generally recognised style of the gentlemen who sat in judgement on the unfortunate people who were brought before those tribunals of very summary jurisdiction. From Cartagena he dis a trip to Bogota, and a long journey was that. Up the river Magdalena he proceeded by steamer to Ladorado, and on that excursion had to carry bedding, provisions and even ice. Then from Ladorado he got to Horda by train, whence he went on to Bogota. It was a lovely trip, but a long one. The country through which he travelled was most interesting and varied in nature. Plenty of shooting was there on the river part of it and on the train ride he passed through a splendid country of large, rich savannahs. From Horda to a place rejoicing in the name of Facatativa which is the sort of half-way on the way to Bogota. At this village Mr. Ireland had the awful experience of sleeping on a stretcher and being almost [...]ten alive by several ravenous. Insects of the species [peulloo]. Even Keating's powder would be of little avail in that place, Mr. Ireland says. Mosquitoes are nothing to those beasts. A pile driver lit down on that bed might have had some good effect, but nothing less than that would have been of any use whatever -except it was a conflagration. At any rate, bad though it was, Mr Ireland survived the ordeal and got to Bogota, a distance of some sixty miles from Facatativa, by railway. This railway is owned by the Government and is well equipped in every way.

"Twenty-Six Hundred Dollars for a Suit", Mirror, Trinidad, lundi 13 avril 1908, p. 18.

La muerte de un mosquito en el río Magdalena. Exhibida por los hermanos Ireland en la ciudad de Medellín

1906

Les frères George et Egerton embarquent en Jamaïque, à bord du Trent, pour rejoindre New York où ils arrivent le 11 juillet 1906. Ils figurent comme "Theatrical". Ils résident alors à Kingston.

A NEW EYE FIRM.
A new business recently opened in the city that is attracting considerable attention is the Ireland Optometrical Company's store at 203 Jasper Ave.. on the corner of Third and Jasper. The company is composed of E. L. Ireland, Oph. D. and A. E. Ireland. Ref. D., both graduates of the Optical Institute of Canada, Toronto. Since graduation these optemetrists have travelled all over North and South America practising their profession. Seven years' close attention to both the theory and practise of the care of the eye has given them a knowledge of the eye has given them a knowledge of that treatment of that organ that has secured them success wherever they have travelled and brings them to Edmonton well equipped in every way to give satisfaction.
In addition to the practice of their profession they carry a complete line of jewelry and optical goods. In their optical parlors they have all the necessary appliances for the proper testing and treatment of the eye.
This week a new branch of the business will be opened when all kinds of watch repairing will be done. This branch of the business will be under the charge of F. Underwood. who has had thirty-live years' experience, and who for many years was official watch inspector for the Mexican National. Texas Mexican and the International and Great Northern Railways.Edmonton Journal, Edmonton, mardi 18 décembre 1906, p. 12.

Ireland Optometrical Co. (The Edmonton Bulletin, 27 décembre 1906.

1907

EDMONTON-MADE SPECTACLES
A lens-grinding plant will be installed in the spring by Ireland Bros. optometrists. The new plant will cost about $3,000. The nearest plant at the present time in Western Canada is in Winnipeg, and it has hitherto been necessary to send prescriptions there, or to some eastern city.
In order to secure the best machinery possible, E. L. Ireland will leave shortly for Chicago and New York, where he will place his orders [each] the largest manufacturing firms on the continent.Edmonton Journal, vendredi 11 janvier 1907, p. 5.

24 janvier 1907: George décède à Guayaquil (Equateur).

George Herbert Ireland (sépulture)
Salem Cemetery (Cramahe. Ontario. Canada).

The Ireland Bros. have suffered very heavily by the fire. They had a large and costly stock of optical goods and jewelry, and carried very little insurance. They have been in the city for about a year and were working up an excellent business.
E. L. Ireland, the senior member of the firm, is at present in eastern Canada. He is returning from Mexico, where he had gone to attend the funeral of his brother, who died recently.Edmonton Journal, Edmonton, mercredi 24 juillet 1907, p. 5.

Big Blaze in Edmonton
[...]
Ireland Bros, jewellers, lost their entire stock, the extent of which will reach several thousand dollars. It is in part covered by insurance.The Evening Chronicle, Strathcona, lundi 22 juillet 1907, p. 1.

1908

Egerton L. Ireland et son épouse Jennie quittent Trinidad, à bord du Suriname, le 8 juin 1908 et accostent à New York le 16 juin.

1907

Egerton L. Ireland passe la frontière à Detroit en 1907

1920

Egerton L. Ireland est recensé à San Francisco en 1920

1930

Recensement à San Francisco (1930)

1940

Egerton L. Ireland est recensé à San Francisco en 1940.

1950

Egerton L. Ireland est recensé à South Bakersfield en 1950

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