Phil Egan

The four Canadian provinces came together to create a new nation on July 1, 1867, and Sarnians were more than ready to celebrate that first “Dominion Day” in style.

Weeks before, notices were posted around town calling for a public meeting to discuss the party plans. The mayor, after taking a chair before a “very respectable gathering” of townspeople, called for a day of music, parading and uniformed marching men. A committee was struck to finalize the plans.

That morning of Sarnia’s first Canada Day dawned sunny and hot with a blue and cloudless sky. It was a Monday, but all work was cancelled. Flags flew from every public building and from ships moored in the bay. The town’s streets were dressed in bunting.

The celebration was fuelled by grants of $300 and $200 from county and town councils respectively,

As the sun rose, a huge crowd began to flood into the downtown from neighbouring regions and Port Huron across the river. Not since the Prince of Wales’ visit seven years earlier had so many people congregated.

At 10:30 a.m., two Moore Infantry Companies and the Sarnia Infantry and Artillery Company assembled at the Town Hall.  They marched to the parade ground under the command of Lt. Col. Davis, and the Sarnia Cornet Band. There, two Grand Trunk Rifle Companies from Point Edward joined them under the command of Major Wily.

Next came a display of military manoeuvres, after which the companies formed into line and the “feu-de-joie” was fired. This celebratory ritual involved each soldier firing into the air in succession. Three cheers went up for the Queen, and three more for the new Dominion.

From the parade ground, the progression headed down Christina Street, up George to Front, down to Francis (later Davis) Street, and then back by Christina to the Market Square.

Leading the procession was the Sarnia Band, followed by the Volunteers with banners flying, followed by the town clerk in a carriage bearing the Queen’s Proclamation.

Next came a carriage holding four young virgins dressed in white, each representing one of the four provinces uniting in Confederation.

More carriages followed with dignitaries from Sarnia and Port Huron, including clergy and veterans of the War of 1812, followed by the Port Huron and Sarnia Fire Brigades.

The official ceremonies came to a close with speeches by the mayor and Alexander Mackenzie, Sarnia’s favourite political son.

Some residents then adjourned to local hotels for a liquid celebration.