Although Canada as a nation was a mere 35 years old in 1902, much had been accomplished. The boundary now stretched from sea to sea to sea. A railway linked the east and west coasts with a ribbon of steel. Each year, the previously unsettled interior was attracting thousands of immigrants. The election of a new federal government in 1896 heralded a forward looking era in politics. Its eloquent leader, Sir Wilfrid Laurier (1841–1919) embodied a national sense of optimism with his famous proclamation: The twentieth century belongs to Canada.
Traces of the same buoyant mood were also found locally. This occured, despite the fact that the region was in transition. The Golden Age of Sail
was nearing its end. For the previous fifty years much of the prosperity and wealth generated, came from shipbuilding and coastal trade. With the demise of sail, new enterprises had to be found to complement those remaining.
The early years of the new century also witnessed far reaching advances in technology. In Sackville, the telegraph had already arrived; while telephone service and electricity were still in their infancy. On Dec. 12, 1901, Marconi received the first radio transmission (in Morse Code) at Signal Hill, Newfoundland; a foretaste of what might lie ahead. It was against this backdrop of local and national issues, that a meeting was called for the office of Senator Josiah Wood on Dec. 18, 1901.
The choice of location was no coincidence. Josiah Wood was then at the peak of a long and distinguished career. Lawyer, businessman, shipbuilder and politician; he had excelled in each capacity. Elected as a Conservative MP in the Liberal stronghold of Westmorland in 1882; he was reelected in 1887 and 1891. On August 5, 1895, Wood resigned his seat, to accept an appointment to the Senate. Although a strong Conservative, he had always enjoyed a measure of bipartisan support.
Of the 16 prominent citizens
who attended this meeting; (one suspects on his invitation and insistence) equal representation was granted to both Grits and Tories.
J.L. Black was asked to take the chair, with Charles D. Stewart agreeing to act as secretary. Obviously such a meeting did not materialize out of thin air. It had been under consideration for some time.
Within the Sackville community, the beginning of the century was also noteworthy for political turmoil. At issue was incorporation of the area as a town, and the concept cut across traditional party lines. Those of optimistic bent came out in favour of the idea; while the pessimists were dead set against it. Beyond this deep divide, both local newspapers, the Conservative Post and Liberal Tribune, were eventually to be supporters. Since their respective editors A.H. McCready and C.C. Avard never agreed on any issue, public or private, such consensus was nothing short of a miracle.
Briefly stated, opposition centered around the small population base
of the immediate area; and the fear that incorporation would mean crippling taxation.
Those in favour pointed to the crying need
for civic improvements such as water and sewage facilities, fire protection and policing. Furthermore, incorporation, it was argued; would encourage new industry to locate here.
During 1901 it became obvious to those who favoured town status that some vehicle
was needed, not only to help carry incorporation; but to act as a forum where both political parties might work together for the common good. Such an organization, it was suggested, might be a Board of Trade and this was the purpose of the meeting called by Senator Wood. The stage was set, and an agenda carefully orchestrated.
A guest, in the person of William S. Fisher of Saint John was invited to speak. In 1888 Fisher, along with a partner R.B. Emerson, had purchased one of Sackvilles two foundries. During the intervening years the new owners had turned the company (which became known as Enterprise Foundry) around.
It was, by this time, a major employer in the area. Fisher was also an active member of the Saint John Board of Trade. As a successful businessman, he was able to explain how a Board of Trade might enhance the economic future of a community such as Sackville. He pointed out that it was literally a businessmans parliament
and would help Sackville to grow in business, enterprise and wealth.
No time was lost. A motion was moved by W.C. Milner and seconded by F.B. Black: that this meeting proceed to organize an association to be known as a Board of Trade.
The only speaker was Senator Wood who urged its acceptance and the motion passed unanimously. In quick succession, two committees were struck. One to draw up a constitution and by laws and the other to wait upon the community to enlist new members.
All too soon, as it turned out, the question of incorporation was put to the test. A meeting of rate payers was held at Fords Hall on Feb. 20, 1902. Since this event was covered in a Flashback last August 14th; Ill merely record the result. The pessimists carried the day and incorporation was defeated by a vote of 151 to 108.
Why such a result? One reason was undoubtedly over confidence on the part of the supporters of incorporation. Further, the new Sackville Board of Trade, did not have sufficient time to make a difference. Also, some voters stayed home and did not vote. With deeply held political allegiances, they could not bring themselves to take a leap of faith.
As W.S. Gilbert so aptly expressed it in the then popular operetta Iolanthe: How nature does contrive/That every boy and every gal/Thats born into the world alive/Is either a little Liberal/Or else a little Conserv a tive!
This was especially valid in the Sackville of 1902. While obviously disappointed by the results, the optimists were not ready to concede defeat. They regrouped, and debate on the contentious issue continued to rage for another year
Meanwhile, on July 8, 1902 all legal formalities were surmounted and the new Sackville Board of Trade became a body corporate.
The first slate of officers makes for interesting reading. President: Senator Josiah Wood, Vice President: F.B. Black, Secretary Treasurer: Charles D. Stewart. This executive was backed up by a Council of eight members: A.B. Copp, Charles Fawcett, W.B. Fawcett, George E. Ford, W.H. Harrison, J.M. Hicks, H.C. Read and James Smith. If nothing else, the executive was a brilliant cross section, not only of talent; but of Sackvilles business and political life. The other charter members, comprised a further extension of the community’s Who’s Who.
Over the next few months the Sackville Board of Trade became a beehive of activity. Heres a list of some of their major accomplishments: Six committees were formed and put to work. They were designed to promote: Business, Agriculture, Railways & Shipping, Good Roads, New Industries and Advertising. The latter was charged with the responsibility of placing our given advantages before the public.
A motto — The Educational Centre of the Maritimes was adopted and a letterhead designed. The Board became affiliated with its Maritime counterpart, and sent a delegation to the 1902 regional convention in Sydney.
Once again the incorporation issue caught up with the Board. A second vote on the question was scheduled for Jan. 12, 1903. This time the optimists were well organized and incorporation carried by a majority of 30 votes; 167 in favour to 137 against. Following passage of enabling legislation by the province, a public meeting was held on March 5, 1903 for the purpose of naming a mayor and council.
To no ones surprise Senator Josiah Wood was unanimously elected as Sackvilles first mayor. It had been the wish of many that a slate of pro-incorporation aldermen might also be acclaimed. This did not happen for reasons explained in the earlier Flashback. Thus in the run off election, a total of eleven candidates contested the eight seats. However, the optimists
did very well, with seven of their eight candidates being elected. For the record, the aldermen who made up Sackville’s first town council were: Thomas Anderson, Silas Copp, Amasa Dixon, Thomas Estabrooks, Alexander Ford, Frank Harrison, Frederic Ryan and Albert Wry. On Saturday April 2, 1903, the first meeting of the new town council took place. The battle for incorporation was over.
Why this shift in public opinion in the space of a few months? Clearly the supporters of incorporation did a better job of presenting their point of view. In this task, the newly fledged Sackville Board of Trade played an influential role in marshaling public opinion. Without question, the official birthday of the Board, July 8, 1902, was an important milestone on the road to incorporation.
There were also external factors at work. The provincial government of Premier L. J. Tweedie was quietly pushing the move. This is underlined by the fact that no less than seven New Brunswick towns became incorporated in the years from 1903 to 1905. These were, in addition to Sackville: Shediac and St. Andrews, 1903; Sussex and St. George, 1904; Edmundston and Dalhousie in 1905.
During Sackville’s forthcoming centennial year, it is my hope to devote several Flashbacks to highlights of the past century.
If you have topics to suggest; or better still, material, photographs or information to share, please get in touch.
