A 200th birthday party needs more of a celebration than cake and a few balloons, especially if it’s for Canada’s first prime minister.
Celebrations have been taking place all over the city this month, providing Ottawa residents with many ways to wish Sir John A. Macdonald a very happy bicentennial birthday.
Macdonald was born on Jan. 10 or 11, 1815, in Glasgow, Scotland, where records are unclear about the exact date or birthplace.
Macdonald, the leading father of Confederation and prime force in the construction of the transcontinental Canadian Pacific Railway, spent almost half a century in Canadian politics and led six majority governments.
He also left a lasting impression in Centretown, where he was the dominant player in Parliament for nearly 25 years after Confederation in 1867. Macdonald also laid the cornerstone of St. Patrick’s Basilica in 1872. Today, his name adorns the former Ottawa River Parkway and old Bank of Montreal on Wellington Street.
The ongoing celebrations began before Macdonald’s actual birth date and will continue through the coming Winterlude festival, which features a special “kilt skate” paying tribute to Sir John A.’s Scottish roots.
On Jan. 9, the Ottawa branch of the Monarchist League of Canada held a sold-out social event at the HMCS Bytown Wardroom on Lisgar Street, more commonly known as the Naval Officer’s Mess.
More than 150 people accepted the invitation to “party like it’s 1867” in the historic building, playing games inspired by Canadian history and chatting with Sir John A. himself — as played by an impersonator.
Peter Kucherepa, the event’s chair and vice-president of social events for the Monarchist League of Canada’s Ottawa branch, says says the hands-on activities were fun and educational.
He says they help people gain a better understanding of important aspects in Canadian history.
“I find also people learn better when they are engaged in the hands-on activities than just reading a book,” he says.
“If we can have fun and celebrate at the same time, then it’s a huge success,” says Kucherepa.
The Royal Commonwealth Society was one of many partners that worked with the Monarchist League to put on the event.
A lot of Canadian pride comes from the commemoration of important historic events and “not necessarily just pure history,” says Gregory Evanik, the president of the Royal Commonwealth Society’s Ottawa branch.
“One of the things people personally attach themselves to are birthdays,” he says, noting that birthdays are important factors in society’s perception and understanding of Canadian history.
“It’s recognizing the people side of the nation,” he says.
On Jan. 11, tribute was also paid to Macdonald at the Elgin Street bar that bears his name, the Sir John A. Pub.
Owner Peter Abraham said the night was “an overall success.” The pub hosted a trivia night focusing on the life of its namesake and offered specials on menu items named after Macdonald, such as their Sir John A. club and Sir John A. craft lager.
“We were full Sunday evening,” says Abraham. “Normally, Sunday night would be one of our slower nights, but it was a great turn out.”
Although Macdonald’s birthday has passed, the celebrations are not over yet.
Along with the kilt skate, Winterlude — which runs from Jan. 30 to Feb. 16 — will include Macdonald-related activities at the Snowflake Kingdom in Gatineau’s Jacques-Cartier Park. Parks Canada is presenting these activities to celebrate the life of Canada’s first prime minister.