“Fifteen years ago
today, on Thursday, May 24, 1900, right royally did the citizens of this
Ambitious City celebrate the grand opening of historic Dundurn as a public
park. The day was also the 81st anniversary of the birth of Queen
Victoria”
Hamilton Times. May 24, 1915.
As the Hamiltonians of
1915 prepared to celebrate the 24th of May holiday, the morning
edition of the Hamilton Times that day shared reminiscences of a very eventful
May 24:
“The demonstration
was one probably never excelled as far as crowds and popular enthusiasm were
concerned. Ideal May weather contributed greatly to the success of the day and arrangements
for the entertainment of thousands of visitors, as well as the people of
Hamilton, were marvelously carried out.
“From sixty to
seventh thousand people participated in the jubilation. With clean streets and
a wealth of gala decorations, the city was able to present a decidedly gala
front and the event in its entirety was one of the most successful in Hamilton’s
history.”1
1 “Twenty-Fourth
in History of Hamilton : Fifteen years Ago One of the Greatest Days Ever Known.”
Hamilton Times. May
24, 1915.
The first of the
formal events of May 24, 1900 took place in the eastern section of Gore Park, between
Hughson and James Streets:
“In the presence of
cheering thousands on the Gore extension in the morning the ceremony in
connection with the presentation of the steel flag staff and a new flag to the
City Corporation by the Canadian Club commenced the day’s programmer.
“President Manning made the formal presentation,
explaining the club’s policy in erecting the staff. Ex-President Kirwan Martin
read the deed of gift. The Mayor accepted and replied suitably. Mrs. Teetzel
unfurled the beloved Canadian ensign to the breeze, and the band played ‘God
Save the Queen.’ ”1
With the Gore Park
ceremony completed, all through present prepared to march in procession:
“Mostly all the
visitors and visiting societies and bands had arrived, and the procession, one
of the greatest ever held in Hamilton, left for Dundurn Park.”1
The 24th
of May celebrations for 1915 would prove to be must less modest, but still, one
of the main locations of interest would be Dundurn Park.
Gore Extension, showing base of Canadian Club Flagstaff. Date of postcard unknown, NOT May 24, 1900
Image courtesy www.hamiltonpostcards.com
No comments:
Post a Comment