Restigouche in History
The Campbellton Graphic
June 1, 1909

Natal Day

Why June 22 is Natal Day.

Mayor Murray explained circumstances leading to change in the day.

The 20th Anniversary

The Mayor in opening the public meeting last evening stated that on the 22nd of June, 1897 this town celebrated the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in a manner which would do credit to any town or even city in the province. One of the features of the day being the laying of the corner stone of the new brick school building, and on the 22nd day of June of the following June another monster celebration was held here which included a street parade, field and water sports, road races, fireworks, together with the Ferguson family of Athol to the Town of Campbellton of those historic cannon which have ever since occupied a prominent position on the school grounds and the formal oppening and Inauguration of the new school building by His Honor the Lieutenant Governor, the Superintendent of Education, the Provincial premier and other dignitaries. He explained that although no particular significance attached to the 22nd day of June in that particular year yet it was considered a more seasonable time for such a celebration than the Town's Natal Day, June 3rd, the anniversary of the day on which the Act of Incorporation of the Town came into force by proclamation (June 3rd 1889) owing of that date being considered too early for most of the events which made up the program of sports. He considered that for this year also it would be more practical to have our celebration either on the day already suggested the 22nd of June or on Dominion Day.

Committees were appointed to take care of the special day as follows : (names of people appointed are part of the article of June 1, 1909)

Parade, Publicity Bureau, Transportation, Decoration, Field Sports, Aquatic Sports, Music Committee. (It is to be noted not one single women was on those committees)

The Program

While it is early yet to draft a program, yet a number of attractions have been decided upon.
In the forenoon there will be a grand Polymorphian and trades procession.
In the afternoon an extensive program of fields sports including a road race for which medals have already been donated, will be run.

Immediately after supper water sports will likely be held including motor boat and canoe races. Later a band concert will be held.