George Mathewson
The sun rose over Sarnia into a clear, blue sky on the morning of July 1, 1867.
It was the day the British North America Act would come into effect, forging Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick into the new Dominion of Canada.
It was the day parishioners would gather on Christina Street to lay down the cornerstone of St. Andrew’s Church.
And it was the day — much anticipated by the town’s nearly 3,000 residents — to gather downtown and celebrate with the very first Canada Day parade, or Dominion Day parade, as it was then known.
Reaching back 150 years to provide a glimpse of what life was like in Sarnia at the time of Confederation was the motivation behind this special publication.
By that first Canada Day, Sarnia had established itself as an up-and-comer on the St. Clair River, though smaller than Port Huron, Michigan across the water and dwarfed by the sprawling “Indian Reserve” to its south.
Much of that reserve was being obtained from the Chippewa through a series of shady land transactions to create a home on Native land.
The people of Sarnia on that day were still recovering from two disastrous fires that had destroyed parts of the downtown commercial district.
But they were about to embark on a period of expansion and prosperity, thanks to two recent rail lines, the bustling shipping trade at Ferry Dock Hill and a new oil industry taking root.
To tell the stories in this 32-page special edition we tapped a group of very talented writers, including The Journal’s own Phil Egan and Cathy Dobson and Aamjiwnaang historian David Plain.
For their input, guidance, photographs, corrections and sundry other help, we thank Glen C. Phillips, Pat McLean, Tom St. Amand, Steve Loxton, Wayne Wager, Ron RealeSmith, Randy Evans, and the kind and patient John Rochon.
Finally, a special thanks to our sales team, graphic artists and paper carriers, and especially to each and every one of our advertisers, without whom this special edition and The Journal itself would not be possible.