Harry Ervin was born on Aug. 13th 1874. He started his career at the age of 16 as a crime reporter. He got the inspiration to collect money after he caught a glimpse of two poorly dressed children standing outside the MRA. "Dutch" had that scene etched into his head and could not rest until he did something about that Christmas changing scene. He then dipped into his own Christmas funds, got some help from a couple local funds and eventually raised 700 dollars! Then on that long ago Christmas Eve, himself, Charles Wilkins and Thomas Longdon delivered the Christmas gifts to the needy families of Saint John.
Mr. Harry "Dutch" Ervin
164 Princess St. which is the last residence of Mr. Ervin
Harry Ervin's Obituary in the Telegraph Journal, November 4th, 1940 on page 4.
The Department Store, MRA where it is believed to be where Harry Ervin saw the children looking in the window that inspired the Empty Stocking Fund 100 years ago.
Location of childhood home in Brooke Ward of Saint John, NB, which is the west side.
Harry Ervin's Death Certificate
Harry Ervin and Emily Gallagher's Marriage Certificate