Hello there and welcome to the May 24th 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.
It is indeed Thursday already and once more you can start looking forward to another great summer-like weekend. While the coming version may be shorter than its predecessor, here will still be lots of sun for you to go have fun.
Right now, I need to get things started and that requires one more element into the mix so won’t you help me stir in our chief spokesperson, Gordie Cornforsale.
On this day in 1779, fur traders Benjamin Frobisher, Joseph Frobisher, John Ross and Peter Pond joined with Montreal merchants Isaac Todd, James McGill, Simon McTavish, James McBeath and Lawrence Ermatinger to founded the North West Company. The new business partnership would let the individual members balance their risk more effectively than they were achieving as independents so to better do battle with the Hudson’s Bay Company in Canada’s far west.
Born on this day in 1819, Kensington Palace, in London, Her Royal Highness Queen Victoria. The longest reigning of all the British Monarchs, it was she who chose to give Canada the gift of self-government on her 48th birthday in 1867. (It also may be interesting to note, that Queen Victoria’s father, the Duke of Kent and Strathearn lived in Canada from 1791 until 1800.)
On this day in 1856, the Conservative government of a United Canada was reformed under John A. Macdonald as the Attorney General and Etienne Paschal Tache as Premiere. All of those members who had resigned just days earlier returnm with the exception of Lewis Drummond and Sir Allan MacNab.
On this day in 1881, tragedy struck the town of London, On, when the ferry-steamer Princess Victoria sank on the Thames River near Riverside Park, with the loss of 181. The accident sparked an outcry that led to stricter monitoring of public modes of transport.
On this day in 1888, the first provincial park in Ontario, Queen Victoria Park was officially opened in Niagara Falls. The park was established in 1885 to help reserve the natural beauty of the rare natural wonder from the constantly encroaching heavy industries.
On this day in 1900, the first Empire Day was held in New Brunswick. On this day in 1901, a public holiday called Victoria Day was first celebrated in Ontario. The brain-child of a forceful Hamilton woman named Clementina Fessenden (mother of inventor Reginald), the holiday was nationally accepted the following year as a public holiday to honour the passing of the woman who had given ‘birth’ to our new nation.
On this day in 1918, Canadian women over 21, were given the right to vote and run for federal political positions as the Act to Confer the Electoral Franchise upon Women was passed. By this time most provincial districts had already granted women the same right but, because Quebec steadfastly refused to give women rights, it took longer at the Federal level. It was not until 1940 that women in Quebec were allowed the vote in provincial elections.
On this day in 1932, the CRBC was created in parliament by the R.B. Bennett Conservatives (today we know it as the CBC, which makes us wonder, if the Cons liked the idea of the CBC back then, why do you suppose they don’t like it now?)
On this day in 2000, a child and three adults in Walkerton, Ontario, died after town drinking water tainted with lethal strain of E. Coli bacterium. A thunderstorm on May 12 had washed bacteria from cattle manure into a poorly maintained town well, and people began complaining of feeling ill on May 17. By June 1, 2000, five others would succumb to the disease and over 2.300 people would be sickened by the coliform polluted water. A provincial inquiry will blame the disaster on two town water officials and provincial spending cuts by the Mike Harris Conservative government. (Who was the finance minister back then?)
From the world of sports on this day in 1980, Bob Nystrom’s overtime goal launches the New York Islander run of four straight Stanley Cups.
On this day in 1986, after some stunning upsets, a young Patrick Roy backstops the Habs to their 23rd Stanley Cup and on this day in 1990, the Oilers claim their fifth Cup in seven years by defeating the Bruins in five games.
Some notable Canadians who were born on this day include the world-renowned wildlife painter Robert Bateman; a sporting standout in the first half of the nineteenth century and a HHoF member since 1994 , Lionel Big Train Conacher; a man who won four Cups with Detroit, Kris Draper; a musician turned comedian/movie star/hemp hero, Tommy Chong and a winner of five Olympic (3 gold, 2 bronze) medals in short track speed skating, Marc Gagnon.
Today’s Juno Moldy Oldy, The Untouchable One, was inspired in part by the fact Rob Baker, the drummer for Red Rider was born on this day.
Born on this day in 1941, Tony Valentino of The Standells, which inspired us to ask when was the last time you heard Dirty Water? (What could we mean here?)
Today’s musical title, Just Like a Woman, drew some inspiration from the fact that Mr Bob Dylan was born on this day in 1941. (For good old Queen Vicky.)
It is at this point that I am obligated to release my grasp on your attention and permit Puck to close things off. Have a great day.
Also celebrating a birthday today are the former Mrs Elvis Presley, Priscilla (Naked Gun) and funny man John C. Reilly from Step Brothers.
On this day in 1875, the NWMP were assigned to rid the town of Swan River, SK of a snake infestation and roughly 1,500 of the serpentine pests were exterminated. On this day in 1876, the NWMP in Saskatchewan formed a band and begin performing (we think because there were no more snakes.)
On this day in 1913, Luther McCarty, the world heavyweight boxing champion, died from a single punch thrown by challenger Arthur Pelkey in the first round of their boxing match in Calgary. Pelkey surrendered to police, but was released on bail and later exonerated by a jury after an inquest was unable to determine the cause of death. Arthur was later awarded a victory and the World White Heavyweight Boxing title for his one-punch knockout.
Don’t forget that Robin McKee will be waiting to take you on another of his historical tours this Saturday at 11 am, at the Hamilton Cemetery on York Blvd, across from the castle. The topic this week is the Civil War and it is always well attended. We hope to see you there.
Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing some time with the gang. You’re welcome any time.
Until we see you again, have fun and be safe.
Nobody feels any pain…
