Celebrating Canada Day is an event that has become part of our identity as citizens of this beautiful country. While browsing through our local history resources under the “Canada Day” subject heading, the word calithumpian captured my attention as a descriptor for the Dominion Day celebration of 1888. Just how did the fledgling communities of Port Arthur and Fort William celebrate this moment in our nation’s history?
Calithumpian - a group of people parading or playing music in a deliberate boisterous, raucous manner.
Before being renamed Canada Day in 1982, the Lakehead residents of 1888 couldn’t recall any planned Dominion Day events in the 21 years since Canada was federated in 1867. Excitement grew as the towns of Port Arthur and Fort William announced they would each host sporting events and competitions during the day, followed by the “event of the season,” and concluding with fireworks.
The evening prior, heavy rains had cast a grim outlook. Could weather spoil the day? At 6 am, the skies remained dark and threatening. However, the wind abruptly shifted, and the sun burst into view. Aside from a brief rain shower at 5 pm, the day proved unblemished.
Festivities kicked off at 11 am in Fort William with the Calithumpian procession, which paraded through the streets of Westfort. Described as a “motley gathering” of people of all ages—some on horseback, others pulled on large wagons—all were “bent on amusing the crowds.” After the prize was awarded for best-dressed calithumpian, attention turned to the baseball field for two-inning exhibition matches between the Bachelors and the Benedicts. Reports noted "much dirt-kicking" at the umpire over questionable calls early in the game.
At the other end of the Lakehead, residents of Port Arthur began their day’s festivities along the waterfront. For three hours, aquatic games on Lake Superior entertained the crowd as yacht and boat races brought cheers and triumphs.
In the afternoon, the focus shifted from water to land. Both towns hosted their own track and field contests, featuring running races of various lengths, high jumping, vaulting, and shot put. Competitors of all ages participated in hopes of winning a prize. One of the most intriguing competitions was “walking the pole.” In Fort William, contestants tried to capture a flag by walking across a greased pole suspended over the Kaministiquia River. Only one succeeded; the rest took an unexpected river bath.
As promised, the “event of the season” was held at the Queen’s Hotel in Fort William. Approximately 270 people from both Port Arthur and Fort William gathered for an elegant supper and ball. Guests enjoyed catered food and the music of the Boone Bros. string band. The evening was nearly complete—but not quite.
No Canada Day celebration would be complete without fireworks. In Port Arthur, a scow was anchored in Lake Superior between the docks and the breakwater, launching rockets that painted the night sky with spectacular bursts of light—thrilling young and old alike.
This celebration occurred 137 years ago. From morning through night, the Lakehead came together in a spirit of unity and joy, cheering one another on in celebration of a great country. The wholesomeness of an era long past still offers a sense of warmth and wonder today.
If you’d like to learn more about Canada Days celebrated in the Lakehead, or anything else local history related—contact us at research@tbpl.ca.
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