1914-07-06aaffa

“The Hamilton Industrial Exposition, being conducted under the auspices of the Y.M.C.A., was given a most auspicious send off this morning when it was formally opened by Sir John Gibson, Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario.”

Hamilton Times.   July 6, 1914

It was not completely finished on Monday morning, July 6, 1914, as last-minute preparations were going on throughout the two big halls which comprised the armories on James Street North.

However, the important function of officially opening the Hamilton Industrial Exposition was scheduled and the distinguished guests had arrived, so the event went ahead :

“George H. Lees, chairman of the general committee in charge of the affair was the first to speak.

“When the strains of ‘God Save the King’ from the Ninety-First Highlanders had died down, he introduced Mayor Allan, welcoming the visitors and requesting that Mayor Allan welcome the gusts on behalf of the City.

“In a few well-chosen words, Mayor Allan emphasized the importance an exposition such as this was to Hamilton. He referred to the industrial expansion of the city, adding that it was second in Canada. He was of the opinion that an exposition was one way of advertising the product of local factories, and he believed that it encouraged other concerns to locate here.”¹

¹ “Industrial Exposition Was Formally Opened : Sir John Gibson, Lieutenant-Governor, Officiated at the Important Function.”

Hamilton Times.   July 6, 1914.

The main speaker of the gathering was Hamilton’s own Sir John Gibson, back in his native city. As the Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario, Gibson was given the honor of officially opening the exposition which he was to do after his remarks:

“He thanked the committee for honoring him with the duties of official opener. The success of Hamilton, he said, as an industrial center, was because every citizen took an interest in the work. He was glad to say that he was a resident of this city. Hamilton had always set an example to other cities, and he hoped that would always prove to be the case. Hamilton’s greatest asset was probably her location at the head of Lake Ontario, and the manufacturers were not slow to realize the and locate here.”¹

Handed a pair of shiny scissors, the Lieutenant-Governor cutting the cord that had been strung across the center aisle of the main hall, and declared the exposition open.

The Times reporter then took the opportunity to inspect the preparations that had already been made to transform the armories into the Industrial Exposition :

“All the exhibits have not been arranged fully as yet, but the committee expect to have everything in shape by this evening, when the exposition will be running full swing.

“The armory is beautifully decorated, a large sum having been set aside for this purpose, and it reflects great credit upon the committee in charge. A large platform has been erected in the center of the hall, and here the public will have an opportunity of hearing Guiseppe Creatore’s famous band.

“One of the features of the affair is the electric kitchen, which is being conducted by the Pastor’s Aid Society of First Methodist Church. Everything cooked is done by electricity, and meals may be secured at reasonable prices. This departure is quite a novelty in this city, and is attracting the attention of all those attending the exposition.”¹