This holiday weekend centres on Canada Day, July 1. In 1862, this was a time for celebration in New Westminster as well. But it was not "Canada Day" or "Dominion Day" or even July 1. Canada was still five years away (1867), and B.C. would not join that Confederation until 1871.
But 150 years ago, there were still fun and games as July 4 was, according to the local newspaper, "the anniversary of the American independence - celebrated in a moderate way by our American friends in this city."
J.T. Scott, owner of a cannon, apparently honoured the occasion by firing a number of loud salutes during the day - early in the morning, at noon and in the evening.
"The morning slumbers of the inhabitants were disturbed by Mr. J.T. Scott's big guns belching forth a hearty welcome to the day."
The ships on the river added to the festive nature of things with decorations flying from their masts and cables: "The shipping presented a gay appearance with numerous flags and streamers fluttering in the breeze."
Late in the afternoon the community gathered for sporting events, always an important part of any special occasion of those times. In this instance "a variety of sports were introduced such as foot races, sack races and jump-ing." One of the most popular events was trying to catch a pig by the tail which had been "shaved and greased."
Now, this being a festive event, it is safe to assume that a couple of other items, reported on by the local press, were part of the celebration as well - first of all were strawberries. "They were certainly quite equal to anything we had seen in California as regards size and superior in flavour."
The reporter apparently came back to the office to find "a mess of as fine strawberries as we remember having seen, accompanied by those delicious associations, cream and sugar." The berries were grown by local resident Captain Spalding who, it was noted, had been "most successful in the culture of strawberries, in common with garden stuff generally, this season."
It was a good day for the newspaper staff as they noted under "Decidedly Cool, Yet Exquisitely Delicious."
It appears that they had yet another treat, one that would certainly be a favoured addition to the local July 4 celebrations - this time ice cream.
A Mr. Allan, of the city bakery and coffee saloon, had brought in "ice cream of a most delicious flavour. "This made a great impression on the hard working scribes: "We would advise persons who feel oppressed with the present hot weather to step into his saloon and test the cooling qualities of his ice cream."
It seems like this entire event to mark July 4, 1862 would have been quite enjoyable for all (with the exception perhaps of the pig).
