STC150: Dominion Day

When Canada became a country in 1867, a public holiday was declared and local St. Catharines citizens took time to celebrate the signing of the British North America Act. It wasn’t until May 1879 that Dominion Day would become an official Federal holiday.

Luckily, the local newspaper at the time described the celebratory activities that took place in 1867. According to the St. Catharines Constitutional here is an excerpt from the description of the day:

“The glorious First of July was observed as a holiday in St. Catharines, and although no formal programme of festivities was prepared, the people generally managed to enjoy themselves very well in various ways. The Dominion’s birth was announced by a thundering salute from Capt. Wilson’s battery of artillery, shortly after midnight, which was again repeated at seven o’clock a.m. As the morning advanced flags were hoisted from many buildings, and the citizens began to move around. About 200 persons availed themselves of the excursion to Toronto per steamer America, and large numbers organized themselves into picnic parties, proceeding to various shady nooks in the surrounding country.

"In the evening there was a Strawberry Festival in Montebello Gardens, under the auspices of ladies connected with the Canadian Presbyterian Church. The grounds were illuminated with coloured lanterns and an abundant supply of strawberries, ice cream & etc. was furnished at a small cost to all who wished to indulge in such luxuries, while the Town Band discoursed excellent music. We must not forget to mention that several private residences were beautifully illuminated.

"Rockets and other fire works were likewise exploded in various parts of town. Altogether, everyone seemed anxious to mark with becoming respect the birth of our new Dominion, and it is to be regretted that some concerted action was not had a few days before, that would have ensured a more marked and popular approval of so auspicious an occasion.”

This photo shows the former City Hall decorated for Dominion Day during the First World War. Note the Provincial flag – the red ensign - hanging above the 2^nd floor windows, the Union Jacks hanging above the door and the very large Victory Loan flag taking up nearly the entire side of the building. The building is also festooned with bunting to give it a festive atmosphere. (2007.22.331)