Thursday, August 10, 2017

A Day For Colonel By

Two links before getting started today. I did a guest post for Molly Jo about the position of the Canadian Governor-General and Rideau Hall at her blog. And have a peek at the City Daily Photo home page, where yours truly was featured.

This past weekend was exceedingly busy in Ottawa, with the busker festival and Colonel By Day on the holiday Monday. Today we'll start looking at things, with the Civic Holiday. Here in the Ottawa area, the occasion is named in honour of Colonel John By, the British military engineer who designed and oversaw the construction of the Rideau Canal waterway, linking Ottawa to Kingston, from 1826-32. Today his achievement is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. What was first Bytown became Ottawa, and so he is considered the founder of the city. Here at the Ottawa Locks, where the Canal meets the Ottawa River, activities were underway.


This included a blacksmith showing the old techniques of the trade.


It also included Parks Canada tables, such as one with models of Ontario reptiles.


This traditional design canoe was close by, with animal shapes etched into the sides.


Walking down the pathway to the Bytown Museum, I paused to take in the view. There were re-enactors on the scene.


The Bytown Museum is housed in the Commissariat, the storehouse first built by By's crews as a headquarters and warehouse during the building of the Canal. It's a local museum, but because of its location in the shadow of Parliament Hill, parts of the national story can be found here.

28 comments:

  1. ...William, such lovely living history, the canoe is by far my favorite.

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  2. I like seeing the canoe, it looks great with the animal shapes.

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  3. It's fun to see how things are made "the old way", but I'm still glad we have modern conveniences! ;-)

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  4. Hello, interesting fesitval. I like the canoe and reptiles. The blacksmith has some great pieces. Happy Thursday, enjoy your day!

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  5. Followed the provided link, William, to see your photo and mention on CDP...kudos to you. Looks like the weather was very cooperative for this event, however the atttendees seemed very sparse.

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  6. @Linda: so do I.

    @Tom: it stood out!

    @Marleen: it does!

    @Halcyon: me too.

    @Eileen: I think iit might be the same blacksmith who comes in for the occasion each year.

    @Beatrice: appearances can be deceiving! I arrived shortly after opening, and the museum was busy during my visit.

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  7. Good to see so many celebrating William. The artwork on the canoe is excellent!

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  8. Looks like an interesting visit there William

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  9. It seems that Ottawa has a constant schedule of events to celebrate history of Ottawa and Canada.

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  10. What a marvelous history. You are wise to appreciate it

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  11. Thanks so much for this wonderful post! It was a real treat to see the forged reptiles & that canoe is amazing! It's a beautiful area too!

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  12. So good to see your photographs - the canoe just amazing.

    All the best Jan

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  13. @Grace: I was surprised to see the canoe.

    @Bill: there's a lot to do in that museum.

    @Red: this year has been exceedingly busy with photo ops!

    @Cloudia: thank you!

    @Christine: you're welcome.

    @RedPat: it definitely is.

    @Linda: thanks!

    @Jan: thank you.

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  14. i love the boat ... what a piece of art ... so cool!! happy Thursday! ( ;

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  15. Oh, man! The canoe! It's enough to make one drool. Oops! Sorry. :-)

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  16. I agree with Revrunner! That canoe is awesome!!! Love your banner photo William. You caught their motion beautifully!!!

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  17. Loved the reptiles. You make it sound like it is one continuous summer celebration.

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  18. The canoe is a treasure, so detailed. I love it!

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  19. That canoe is a real treasure. And how many blacksmiths do you see anymore? It looks like another great event.

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  20. A wonderful close up view of the canoe and beautiful carvings on the side of the canoe. Looks like a fun day with so many events going on. Have a great day!

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  21. Very nice post with wonderful photos.
    I always love that view over the Ottawa Locks.

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  22. That looks like a wonderful festival. I really do like the old arts and ways of life. Good to continue sharing them with society.

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  23. Cool festival. We have blacksmiths here, but I believe they use modern techniques at their work.

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  24. We're still grandie sitting, I've been neglecting my blog reading!!!

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  25. @Beth: that it is.

    @Revrunner: indeed.

    @Chieftess: thanks!

    @Mari: we have a lot of festivals.

    @Bill: so do I.

    @Kay: they're a rare sight.

    @Nancy: thanks!

    @Jan: thank you.

    @Tammie: it is.

    @Klara: I think most blacksmiths here either do so as re-enactors, or as a hobby.

    @Jennifer: that does happen.

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