An 1860's Style Election
Candy Pollard

Taking place throughout the weekend of Saturday and Sunday, July 19 and 20, Upper Canada Village’s dramatic “1860s Election” re-enactment is based on the actual election of 1863 in the Province of Canada, and features two characters from the past standing for the riding of Dundas. Both historical candidates, Mr. John Sylvester Ross (Conservative) and Mr. James W. Cook (Liberal Reform) will be giving speeches, twisting arms, and talking to the public about the issues of the day. Election news will be posted throughout Upper Canada Village as votes are counted.

“One of the biggest issues of the 1863 election was distribution of seats in the legislature,” says Peter Cazaly, Research Officer of Upper Canada Village, ”Canada East (Quebec) and Canada West (Ontario) each had 65 seats in the House but the population of Canada West was much larger.” Canada East had been promised an equal number of seats to Canada West in the Act of Union of 1840. However, with the rate of immigration to Canada West, the population there soon outstripped that of Canada East. Visitors will see signs calling for “Representation by Population,” the rallying cry in Canada West in this election.

The event promises to be an entertaining way to see how elections were conducted over a century ago. “Not just anyone will be able to vote” said Cazaly. “Strict adherence to the process will be enforced by a Deputy Returning Officer, of course all in good fun.” Voting will take place both days at the schoolhouse. The male citizens of the Village will be exercising their vote. Visitors who fit the criteria (that is, male British subjects over the age of 21 who own property) will also be allowed to vote. Souvenir historical land deeds will be available for only $2 as “proof” of land ownership.

Although this is a re-enactment of an actual historic election, the winner will not be known ahead of time as Upper Canada Village is representing only one poll in the County of Dundas. Visitors can expect to hear where their favourite candidate stands in the race as results will be announced every hour on the hour, just as they would have been in 1863. Voters often waited until late in the second day of voting to join the winning side. The successful candidate will be declared on Sunday afternoon, followed by a victory celebration.

Upper Canada Village is one of Canada’s foremost award-winning living history attractions, featuring over 100 costumed interpreters and more than 40 heritage buildings on 100 acres along the St. Lawrence River. Considered a “gem” by AAA/CAA and the recipient of the “highest distinction” 3-star rating by the Michelin Travel Guide, Upper Canada Village immerses guests in 19th century life, with more than a dozen demonstrated trades, a working 1860s flour mill and bakery, cheese-making, and heritage farming, including 19th century plant varieties, as well as Canadian horses and Berkshire pigs, both rare breeds. Guests can travel by horse and wagon or by tow scow along the river.

For more information, call 1-800-437 2233 (613-543-4328 locally) or visit www.UpperCanadaVillage.com

For information on other news and upcoming events in Cornwall and Seaway Valley, click on the following links:

• Other Candy Reports
• Calendar of Events