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The following excerpt is from: The Globe Monday, July 1, 1867, vol. 24, no. 156, supplement, p. 4, col. 2
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Confederation Day in Toronto -- The Programme of Rejoicings
Today, our loyal city will bear her part in celebrating an occasion destined in the future annals of these Provinces to be marked as a red letter day for all time. To-day, we assume the character of citizens of a DOMINION, and Toronto again becomes the Seat of Government of Upper Canada under its new name of the Province of Ontario. Toronto has bestirred herself to make the holiday befitting the occasion; and, although various circumstances have militated against the preparations, yet sufficient is announced to secure that the day shall be remembered among us as an eventful one in our history.
Ere this fairly reaches our readers, more than one item in the day's program will have become an event of the past. Hours before these lines are read, the bells of St. James' broke the midnight silence to convey the joyful news to the city that the important era had arrived; and at four a.m. a detachment of the 10th Royals were to assemble at the drill shed, and hoist the Union Jack on the new flag-staff erected in front of the shed. The 10th Royal regimental colours were also to be hoisted at the north end of the shed at the same time. The Union Jack will be saluted with 21 guns immediately afterwards.
At 6 o'clock a.m. an immense ox will be roasted by Capt. Woodhouse, of the barque Lord Nelson, at the foot of Church street. The animal, which was a very fine one, was purchased by subscription from Mr. Joseph Lennox, of Yorkville. The roasting will occupy a large portion of the day, and the meat will afterwards be distributed among the poor of the city.
At half-past nine, an interesting meeting will be held in the lecture room of the Mechanics' Institute. The meeting will be held under the auspices of the Toronto branch of the Evangelical Alliance, and Christian persons of all denominations are invited to attend at that hour to invoke the divine blessing on the new Dominion. Brief addresses are expected from the Hon. Vice Chancellor Mowat, President of the Alliance, and the Rev. Messrs. Baldwin, Dewart and others.
At half-past ten, a grand review will be held on the grounds west of Spadina avenue. The volunteers muster at their head quarters at 9 a.m., and are expected to be on the ground in time to receive the General, punctually at 10:30. The 13th Hussars, 17th infantry, two batteries of regular and one of volunteer artillery, Queen's Own, 10th Royals, and Grand Trunk Volunteer batallors, and Captain McLean's Fort artillery company, will take part in the review. Line will be formed prior to the arrival of General Stisted, and immediately on his entry on the field, a feu de joie will be fired by the infantry, and a royal salute by the artillery.
In the afternoon, a pic-nic and festival in aid of the building of St. Patrick's School House and temporary church on Dummer street, will take place on the Government grounds.
The Directors of the Horticultural Society have prepared a most attractive evening's entertainment. The bands of the 17th and 13th Hussars will be present, and a programme is arranged which will no doubt draw large crowds. After the concert, the bands will supply music for dancing.
About 9 o'clock in the evening, fireworks will be let off in the Queen's Park. The avenues leading to the Park will be illuminated with lanterns, and a band will be present to add to the enjoyment of the occasion. In addition to these doings in the city, the Great Western advertise cheap rates to different points on the road. The Northern advertise an excursion to this city from the different stations; and the steamer City of Toronto leaves at 7 o'clock, with a party of excursionists for Lewiston, the Falls and Buffalo.
The Rothesay Castle will make three trips around the Island, for the accommodation of excursionists favouring short lake trips, at one, two and three o'clock.
In addition, illuminations and fireworks will be indulged in to a considerable extent. The Post Office, Gas House, and other buildings, have undergone the gas-fitters' manipulation; while in front of the Queen's, and at other points, a number of fireworks will be displayed.
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