Happy Canada Day!

Happy Birthday, Canada! Bonne Fête, Canada.

 Two years ago. I described a special Canada Day for me in 1983 when my parents and I were in Quebec City. I think that was one of the most memorable Canada Days for me, except perhaps for 1978 when my nephew Matthew was born. When he was little, we had some of his birthday parties at our cottage.

Today, to celebrate Canada Day, I attended the opening of the schoolhouse at Grey Roots (our museum). It was a beautiful day for the opening and a large crowd gathered. The building is a replica of SS #1 Derby. Some in attendance had either attended or taught in one room schools. I wasn't one of them, although I did teach school for two years. This building is a great addition to the Moreston Heritage Village.

Here are some photos that I took. I will return sometime on a tour to have a better look at the interior of the school house.

top photo - bandshell with the Owen Sound City Band; next the school house with people waiting for the opening ceremonies; refreshments following the opening and a view of the interior of the school house and the Union Jack flying high on Dominion Day.

© 2010 Janet Iles

Happy Birthday, Canada!

Happy Birthday Canada

On July 1, 1867, Canada became a country with the uniting of Canada East (Quebec), Canada West (Ontario), Nova Scotia and New Brunswick through the enactment of the British North America Act. (1867). The website Canada in the Making gives a good overview of the constitutional history of our country.

Many activities are planned in most communities. It is a beautiful day here in Ontario so the beaches will be busy.

I have no particular plans today. Today is my nephew Matt's birthday. I certainly recall the day of his birth and many of his birthday parties. Happy Birthday, Matt

What I want to reflect on is Canada Day, 1983. (From 1879 to 1982, it had been called Dominion Day.)

In 1983, my parents and I spent Canada Day in Quebec City. My parents were taking me to Trois-Pistoles, Quebec to attend the French Immersion Summer School operated by the University of Western Ontario. I combined my holidays and a leave of absence from the Owen Sound Public Library to attend classes for six weeks. It was my third time to attend. The other two times were in 1968 & 1969 and I had travelled down by train.

Quebec City is one of most favourite places in the world. I remember that the day was filled with lots of activities. We stayed at the Chateau Frontenac. We took a city tour in the morning. The hotel held a special party in the afternoon. Everyone gathered for a parade behind a large cake and walked to the ball room where there were a few speeches, special music and the singing of the National Anthem in the two official languages.

In the evening, boats of different sizes all decorated in lights, paraded along the St. Lawrence River. A fireworks display brought the evening to a close.

Quebec City is celebrating its 400th anniversary this year with many activities planned this week.

Happy Birthday, Canada! Bonne Fête, Canada.

Agnes Macphail website

The Agnes Macphail website with its digital collection is now available online. This is a project of the Grey Highlands Public Library. The following is the introduction to the website. I hope you will take time to look at this project that highlights a fascinating woman who played an important role in Canadian parliamentary history.

Welcome to the Agnes Macphail Website
Agnes Macphail was the first woman elected to Canadian Parliament. During her lifetime, she was a dutiful daughter and sister, a willful teenager, dedicated schoolteacher, and champion for equal rights and fair treatment for everyone. This website and the Digital Collection showcase not just her political life, but the personal side of Agnes Macphail as she lived in Grey County and explored the world at large.