Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee year was frequently recognized during the past year, and this column also referred to local celebrations of Queen Victoria's jubilee years in the 1800s.
In reviewing our jubilee files, we found some wonderful descriptions of the activities in New Westminster in 1897 during Victoria's Diamond Jubilee.
There were decorations on buildings, large and small, in the city, and "there was scarcely a house which had not a flag of some sort conspicuously displayed."
In Sapperton, J. B. Kennedy's home and Mr. Johnston's store were singled out. Downtown buildings had "strings of streamers . festoons of Chinese lanterns . (and) bunting at each of the many windows."
At the post office main entrance "a large picture of the Queen was suspended surrounded with flags." There were many salutes to Her Majesty on June 22, Jubilee Day, from different venues and in different forms in addition to the cannons - "the great guns at the park by no means enjoying a monopoly."
Sounds at noon loudly proclaimed the Jubilee: "Every steamer on the river, as well as the mills, blew their whistles" with the Automatic Can Company blowing its whistle "until the steam was exhausted.
"The various church bells, fire alarms, and bells at the convent and other institutions pealed forth their Jubilee salutes."
Far different from church bells were the sounds of cannons and firearms "and generally throughout the city bombs and firecrackers were fired."
The steward of the Royal Columbian Hospital, Charles Digby, a former Royal Engineer here at New Westminster's start in 1859, fired "a royal salute . with an old time musket."
At the penitentiary, "21 of the guards mounted the roof and fired their rifles in rotation."
There were bonfires throughout the district with one just across the river "which showed up well from this city" and another of note down river at Ladner.
This latter fire was apparently visible from New Westminster as noted, "though distant at least fourteen miles, it was in full view of the Royal City." That had to be a very large Jubilee bonfire.
A special procession included a fine old and highly respected ex-Royal Engineer and the description of his participation is wonderful.
"A conspicuous feature in the procession was Sgt. Maj. McMurphy, in his Royal Engineer uniform.
The old Crimean veteran's breast was covered with the decorations for bravery and distinguished service, while, in spite of the weight of years, he set an example in marching which others who were in the procession would have done well to imitate."
This whole event was filled with colour and music and marchers such as the Boy's Brigade. The city band played many national airs that "suffered not by repetition" and the city clerk added "brilliancy . in an officer's scarlet military tunic."
We learn that there were also flaming torches involved that included "about 93 bicyclists (taking part) in the torchlight procession."
