Victoria Day celebrations have been a proud part of this community.
In 1868, the decision was made to change the city that would be the capital, and it was re-established in Victoria and removed from New Westminster. Victoria Day did take place, but some strong words were in evidence as things moved forward. The editorial inThe British Columbian of May 13, 1868 made its point clear, that although the town and its residents did not like was had happened, the important day and those who enjoyed it should not suffer.
The editorial under the heading “The Queen’s Birthday” reads: “There can be no doubt that the loyalty of this community has recently been subjected to a most cruel test. Not only has Her Majesty’s government swindled the people of New Westminster and that in the most bare-faced way, but Her Representative with refined cruelty, has selected the Queen’s Birthday, a day which has always been so enthusiastically celebrated here, as that upon which to crown the perfidious act, by proclaiming ‘the selection of the Capital within the town which bears Her Royal name.’”
The writer continued that the show must go on in the following comments: “We do not see why the people should be cheated out of celebrating the 24th … or the 25th in this instance, seeing that the 24th falls on a Sunday … on account of what has recently happened.”
This entire event was a trying experience for those of this community, but there seems to have been equally strong feelings about Victoria Day and not allowing it to be damaged by the decision to move the capital status to Vancouver Island. The editorial went on a bit more: “Let us celebrate the day, by all means, and enjoy ourselves as best we may, under the peculiarly trying circumstances. We shall all feel the better for it.”
Victoria Day 1868 was a great success, with residents and visitors taking part in the festivities, games and competitions, and entertainment. So much was involved that they needed two days to fit it all in. A torchlight parade on land and water wrapped things up.
Come out on Monday for Victoria Day in Queen’s Park and see the continuation of this event that, in 2018, includes the Ancient and Honourable Hyack Anvil Battery. See you there.
