This week we celebrated Canada Day with activities in the park, on the waterfront, and in many homes.
Before British Columbia joined Canada, the town marked many events including the United States’ July 4th.
In 1866, July 4th was a big occasion for American citizens of New Westminster, an occasion that was shared wholeheartedly by the entire community.
We learn through a couple of newspaper accounts that the celebrations were large and enthusiastically enjoyed.
That year was the 90th anniversary of American independence “and was celebrated in this city … with rather more than ordinary éclat and enthusiasm.
“The American residents are not numerous but what they lack in numbers is made up in patriotic enthusiasm.”
The two people who were given credit for the day’s festivities were Capt. Fleming and J.T. Scott, both of whom were regarded as “the leading spirits of the occasion.” Among other things, they brought in a selection of fireworks from San Francisco “at no little cost.”
They were aided in the celebratory displays by the Seymour Artillery Company who “lent (their) guns for the occasion.”
The newspaper account informs us that the day started with a salute, and that this salute repeated at 6 p.m.
At the waterfront, the steamboat Lillooet (Capt. Fleming’s vessel) lay at the dock where she was described as being “in a perfect flutter of bunting, conspicuous amongst the numerous flags streamed the Star Spangled Banner.”
The day was filled with many amusements. Highlights were foot races and boat races, though the article emphasized that “the crowning entertainment was reserved for the evening,” when the townsfolk, along with many of the local First Nations, gathered at the waterfront.
Apparently a platform had been erected at Lytton Square from which the fireworks were to be set off.
Seats had been provided under cover on the wharf “for the accommodation of the ladies” and from which the New Westminster Band “played several appropriate pieces.”
“The fireworks, the first of any importance exhibited in these Colonies, were immensely enjoyed by the crowds who turned out to see them, not the least interested being the natives, some of whom betrayed their surprise in look and gesture.”
We are told that all went very well and much thanks was given Fleming and Scott “for having afforded the citizens generally so much amusement.”
There was however, full recognition that “all could not enter into it with the heartiness which characterized the American portion of the community.”
A separate short article reported on Cap. Irving’s arrival from Yale, noting that the river was running very high and that “the fourth was celebrated in grand style at Yale” as well.
They appear to have had everything from salutes to fireworks along with free luncheons at the saloons of Mr. Barry and Mr. Sutton. Big celebrations in our early town – sounds much like a few days ago.
