Charlottetown in Queens County, Prince Edward Island — The Atlantic Provinces (North America)
Heralded Arrival… of the Circus
L’arrivée tant attendue… du cirque
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, July 8, 2014
1. Heralded Arrival… of the Circus Marker
Captions (English / French): (background picture) “(George Coles) made a respectful visit along side the Canadian steamer, seated on a unclean barrel and in full command of an imbibing oyster boat propelled by a paddle and an oar.” - Ross’ Weeky / «(George Coles) a fait une visite officielle respectueuse le long du vapeur canadien, assis sur un baril sale et aux commandes d’un bateau de pêche aux huîtres qui prenait l’eau et qui était propulsé par une pagaie et une rame.» Ross’ Weekly.; (bottom left) One lucky Canadian, George Brown, slept in luxury at Ardgowan - the home of Island politician William Henry Pope. . Un Canadien chanceux, George Brown, a dormi dans le luxe à Ardgowan - la maison de l’homme politique prince-édouardien William Henry Pope.
When a large steamer anchored in Charlottetown Harbour in 1864, few took notice of it or the politicians aboard. Charlottetown was preoccupied with another visitor to its little town: the circus. Drawing huge crowds and filling the city’s few hotels, the circus stole center stage from the visiting delegates - robbing them of a formal welcome, suitable accommodation, and proper publicity.
No vacancy!
That’s what John A. Macdonald and the other delegates from the Province of Canada heard when they arrived in Charlottetown for the historic 1864 Conference. Turned away with every knock, the Canadians were forced to sleep in their quarters aboard the SS Queen Victoria - the very steamer they arrived on!
French:
Lorsqu’un gros vapeur jette l’ancre dans le port de Charlottetown en 1864, bien peu de gens le remarquent ou remarquent les politiciens à son bord. Les habitants de Charlottetown sont alors préoccupés par un autre visiteur arrivé dans leur petite ville: le cirque. Ce dernier attire de grandes foules qui occupent les quelques hôtels de la ville; le cirque vole la vedette aux représentants politiques, sans compter qu’il les prive d’un accueil officiel, d’un hébergement convenable et de la publicité nécessaire.
Complet!
Voilà ce que John
this page online
Erected by Historic - Historique Charlottetown.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. A significant historical year for this entry is 1864.
Location. 46° 13.926′ N, 63° 7.317′ W. Marker is in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, in Queens County. Marker is on Great George Street close to Water Street, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 19 Great George Street, Charlottetown PE C1A, Canada. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. William Henry Pope (1825 – 1879) (within shouting distance of this marker); Great George Street Historic District (within shouting distance of this marker); Survey of the Gulf and River St. Lawrence (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); The Gainsford House (about 150 meters away); A Wet Warehouse in a Dry City / La sobriété avant tout (about 150 meters away); Railway Car Shop (about 180 meters
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, July 8, 2014
2. Heralded Arrival… of the Circus Marker
More about this marker. This marker is on the southwest waterfront of Confederation Landing Park.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on January 9, 2015, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 322 times since then and 6 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 9, 2015, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
