Recently, while looking for some early fire department equipment information, we came across a wonderful winter story we had not seen before.
Not only does this story incorporate a frozen section of the Fraser River in a specific location in a way we had not seen before, but it includes Government House, the governor, members of the community and a selection of clear “mental images” related to the pastimes of winter in New Westminster’s early days.
The time is the late days of January 1868 and the weather had been cold. A brief report stated that “the nights continued clear and frosty, though far from severe, and the days bright and pleasant … then it became thick and cloudy … on Monday night snow fell to a depth of about two inches.” The cold spell was apparently coming to an end with warming conditions, but for over a week it had been great.
In an article headed “A night scene on the ice” we are introduced to some of the marvellous details.
“The bay opposite the Camp has been the scene of many a joyous party during the past 10 days. Almost every day and every night crowds of persons, of all ages and both sexes, have been out upon the ice.”
So where had this all been taking place – where was the “bay opposite the camp”?
The camp referred to was the former Royal Engineers site with Government House at the downriver edge of the site. Today, this would be the portion of Fraserview residential area that overlooks Sapperton Landing Park. If you look out to the east and the Fraser River from this location, the “bay” that was the centre of all the 1868 activity is the broad sweeping turn of the river slightly left and upriver from your position.
There had been rumours that the governor had a bad cold and was confined to bed, but the article stated, “His Excellency the Governor has been out almost every day, enjoying himself with the rest.”
The reporter of this account of winter fun pointed out that while there had been much to enjoy, a recent Saturday night “was the most brilliant and picturesque” and elaborated with wonderful descriptive comments.
“An enormous bonfire cast its glare over the bay … torches, lit as if by magic, flashed upon the scene … the torches, borne by skaters, produced a very fine effect … to add to the enjoyment of the occasion, a portion of the Hyack Band played several pieces … fire rockets were sent up at frequent intervals … altogether the affair was a novelty and a treat, and went far to reconcile one to the pinchings of Jack Frost.”
The weather soon changed, but for a time in 1868, this “bay” on the local Fraser was the scene of great fun.
