By Honor Neve

A Victorian Day Out

Ah Victoria Day weekend… the camping, the time with family, the rain.

If you’re familiar with the East Kootenay you’ll know that May long weekend is almost always a wet one. As I write this article on a sunny Monday morning the weather forecast is calling for rain this coming weekend. The predictable rainy weather doesn’t stop locals from going camping, attending the many weddings planned for this weekend, or coming for a day trip to Fort Steele.

Victoria Day has been celebrated in Canada since 1845. Traditionally a day to celebrate the birthday of Queen Victoria, it has become an unofficial mark to the beginning of summer in Canada. It may still snow but many families will determinedly begin planting their gardens, and breaking out the RVs and tents.

The 19th Century not only saw the progression of an Industrial Revolution that brought about economic and cultural changes but also a “Leisure Revolution.”

Many of our holidays and our modern day leisure pursuits can be attributed to this period. Governmental restrictions on working hours and the introduction of secular public holidays increased the amount of free time available for the development of leisure activities.

It was the years between 1837 and 1901 that saw the greatest change. Some of the working-class leisure activities included bowling, croquet, football, cycling, glee clubs, “free and easies” (the foundations of the music hall), amateur and professional dramatics, fruit and vegetable shows, flower shows, sweepstake clubs, and meetings of trades and friendly societies. The social change brought about by the reduced work hours and the increase in activities intended simply for enjoyment sparked an intense moral debate about the perceived weakening of work ethic.

For major holidays the Victorians, even in rural areas like Fort Steele, made the most of the day.

In 1897, Fort Steele hosted a celebration for Queen Victoria’s Jubilee and it was reported that fifteen hundred people attended! Our own Prospector newspaper described the beautiful weather, the appreciation of the spectators for all the events, and how lovely all the ladies looked in their “smart frocks, and pretty head-gear.” Events included horse races, a long jump competition, “wrestling on horseback,” a cigar race, and a “fat man’s race” in which our own William Carlin (of the Carlin and Durick general store) won second. Although the Jubilee presented a unique opportunity to celebrate on a grand scale, it would have been an important social event for the community to come together and enjoy a break from work and school.

This weekend I hope everyone is able to get outside and celebrate the time with family in true Victorian fashion. Maybe play a game of croquet, go cycling, or attend a festival! Whatever you choose to do, enjoy!

#ExploreYesterdayToday #FortSteele #VictoriaDay

– Honor Neve is Assistant Curator at Fort Steele Heritage Town

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