Prof Vicky: The Very First Canada Day (1867)

Fact: Canada became free of Britian, an independent country in the year of 1867. Unlike their American siblings, there was no war involved. It was a peaceful transition, one signed into law by the British government.

It was July 1, 1867. Representitives from Britian and Canada had met at Buckingham Palace. Today was the day, the day in which Canada would become it's own seperate country and no longer just be a colony! A monumentous day indeed.

Though not in the ceremony, and definetly not one of the signatories on the bill to make Canada independent, there was another person watching from above on that day. A young maid in Buckingham Palace, Jennifer McEarwen had been cleaning the room and had been instructed to continue the duties above them. And this was above them, though maybe not what they meant. Still, she could plead innocence and as one of the young Queens favourites, she wouldn't be punished - the worst of which would be firing

So she stayed quiet as she watched the dignitaries and bodyguards (who, except for the pure masculine attraction weren't nearly as interesting as the dignitaries), and of course, the Queen file in. Jennifer had to actively stop herself from squealing. The QUEEN! She might work and live in Buckingham palace, but that didn't mean that she met the queen very often. Or at all, actually. She had only met her twice, once on accident, and once when she was named the best maid of the quarter.

She gew quiet as the Queen and the leader of the dignitaries from Canada sat down and they signed the paper. It was official! Canada was it's own country! Her sister, now living in Canada with her husband, would want to hear it.

Quiet as a mouse, she snuck out and taking her lunch break, she went to the Western Union telegraph office. Sending off a quick telegraph to her sis - Can now country. Saw Vic. sign. Jenn - she went back to the office.

What an important day it was. A new country and she had seen it

#profvicky #jennifer