At 8:00 a.m. on July 1st, 1867, the first of the cannons in Owen Sound let loose with a blast. The harbour cannons were answered by the battery up on the east bluffs. Then, according to newspaper accounts, the “bone and sinew of Canada” began to arrive in town. The paper reported in grand style that “stalwart yeomen, their buxom wives, daughters and sweethearts” were led by “gallant volunteers.”
Owen Sound’s first Confederation birthday celebrations were decidedly military. Men at arms marched to the parade grounds followed closely by 4,000 cheering men, women and children. Rank upon rank, the 31st formed up. Among them were the Owen Sound companies, the Meaford men, “South Grey’s chivalrous sons,” a company from Flesherton and the gallant Leith Rifles.
The colours with which they would be invested cost $130.00 . The funds had been raised by a promenade concert the week before plus a donation from Owen Sound town Council. The 31st Battalion opened its formation to admit the colour party. Two ensigns knelt and received the colours from Mrs. Pollard, wife of Lt. Colonel Polllard.
The crowd hushed to hear the speeches. The phrases that day were strong, the sentiments heartfelt. Owen Sound’s mayor delivered the world. “We shall possess all the prestige and command, all the respect to which our land and our bond shall entitle us. Our spirits stands for national independence and rights for all. It is the brightest day in our calendar.” And that is how Canada’s Confederation was celebrated in Owen Sound in 1867.
Originally aired December 12th, 2016
Comments