In the fall of 1863, upon the dissolution of the Columbia Detachment of Royal Engineers, New Westminster witnessed the formation of its own militia group.
This group, over the following decades, evolved into The Royal Westminster Regiment of today. And in the spring of 1864, the new group, New Westminster Volunteer Rifles Company No. 1, was involved in the festivities and salute of its first Victoria Day. The newspaper account of the 1864 event shows that it was truly something special.
“Yesterday was indeed a great day in the capital. Hitherto the colonists have, under a cloud and without any encouragement from those in high places, been wont to celebrate as best they could the anniversary of the birth of a Sovereign who truly occupies a high place in the hearts of her subjects however far they may be removed geographically from Her revered person.”
“In the celebration yesterday His Excellency the Governor and staff took an active part. The levée and Indian reception over, they doffed their court habiliments and mixed with the people in the most courteous and sociable manner and assisted in every way to promote harmony and enjoyment.”
It seems that the levée was held for an hour leading up to noon when a salute was fired at the park.
This salute would have included the local militia, and the park in question would have been the ground cleared for gatherings and sports at the front ridge of today’s Victoria Hill development.
The day was filled with games, food, music, theatre, speeches and more. A fascinating highlight was the “Indian reception” at which 57 First Nations chiefs were in attendance, three of whom were chosen to address Governor Seymour and to receive his reply. The words moved from the language of the various tribes to Chinook to English and back again. This would have been incredible to watch and listen to, and the reporter noted: “this, if not the most interesting, was certainly not the least novel and amusing part of the performance.”
Gifts and special treats were given out to the First Nations people, all 3,500 of whom responded with a hearty three cheers at one point.
Some of the treats for the First Nations people in attendance included biscuits, molasses and tobacco, and we read that “ample justice was done to these delicacies” with a good supply taken away for the journey home.
This and a whole lot more made up the Victoria Day of 1864. Remember that Victoria Day for 2014 is coming up quickly on Monday, May 19.
The Ancient and Honourable Hyack Anvil Battery was not there in 1864 but will certainly be there this year to fire their 21-shot anvil salute to Queen Elizabeth II at noon precisely. Watch for more information on Victoria Day and plan to come out to the Stadium in Queen’s Park on the 19th.
