Hello there and welcome to the May 25th edition of Hangin’ in the Hammer; where we take a quick daily look at some of the interesting people and events from Canadian history, sports and entertainment associated with the day’s date.
A great looking Saturday is headed our way and we know you don’t want to spend time indoors so we’ll get straight to the point and send in our power play specialist from the opening whistle; here’s Gordie Cornforsale.
On this day in 1826, former US citizens and naturalized residents of Upper Canada were given the right to vote and stand for election to the Assembly of Upper Canada. While it did not grant voting rights to everyone, this change did result in some more liberal types taking office to break the hold of the Family Compact.
On this day in 1874, Prime Minister Alexander Mackenzie’s Liberal government passed the Dominion Elections Act, which brought in the secret ballot process into how we vote. Federal elections were to be held on the same day across the country going forward and a person standing for office no longer had to be a property owner to prerequisite to be a member of parliament.
On this day in 1887, the powers at Westminster granted Canada some power to negotiate commercial treaties with foreign countries but, with British Privy Council oversight and on this day in 1898 that Canada has sole right to negotiate their fishing treaties and regulate their oceans.
On this day in 1940, a small flotilla of boats begins evacuating Allied troops from the beaches of Dunkirk. By June 3rd, nearly 400,000 men had been evacuated ahead of the on-rushing Nazi blitzkrieg. Many RCN vessels were assigned the task of rescuing the beleaguered troops during this operation.
From the world of sports, on this day in 1988, the Edmonton Oilers won the Stanley Cup in four (or was it five?) games over the Boston Bruins. Game four was halted by a power failure without an official winner being declared. It was the Oilers fourth cup in five years and the last for the Great One who was dealt to the Los Angeles Kings that August.
Some notable Canadians who were born on this day include Muriel McQueen Fergusson, who was the first woman to be speaker in Canada’s Senate; Grammy-winning opera singer Teresa Stratas; Robert Tait McKenzie, who won a bronze medal in sculpting at the 1932 Olympics; Brian Peaker, who rowed to a silver at the 1996 games and Harold J. Smith, better known as actor Jay Silverheels, who rode into many a sunset with the Lone Ranger as Tonto.
Our Juno Moldy Oldy today, Undun, was inspired in part by the fact that drummer Gary Peterson of The Guess Who was born on this day in 1945.
Born on this day in 1948, Ms Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac, which inspired us to ask when was the last time you heard Peacekeeper?
Today’s musical title, Stage Fright, was inspired in part by the fact that the late Levon Helm of The Band (a member of the CMHoF) was born on this day in 1940.
And that is all from me this morning so here’s Puck again. Ciao for now.
We want to remind you that you can make the Civil War–Stories In The Stones historical tour down at the Hamilton Cemetery if you get there before 11 a.m. and next weekend, you can witness the reenactment of the Battle of Stoney Creek, Saturday and Sunday at Battlefield Park.
It is perhaps fitting that one of the most famous cowboys of all time Marion Morrison aka John Wayne was born on the same day as one of the most famous of the movie native actors Jay Silverheels and they did make it to the silver screen together in one movie, True Grit.
On this day in 1969, John Lennon and Yoko Ono hold another bed-in in Montreal where they would later record Give Peace A Chance.
It’s going to be warm out there today so stay cool and be safe. Thanks for spending some time here with us today and we look forward to seeing you again soon.
See the man in the spot light…
