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Celebration of Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee

This is a black and white photograph of a gathering of people at the celebration of Queen Victoria's Jubilee in 1897. People are gathered outside in the midday sun. In the center of the scene, a man stands overlooking the crowd around him. In the background are some of the stately homes of Metis Beach.

Photograph

Celebration of Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in Metis, 1897

Library and Archives Canada

The Diamond Jubilee of the accession of Queen Victoria to the throne was celebrated across Canada and around the British Empire in 1897. After sixty years on the throne there was much to celebrate. No British monarch had enjoyed such a long reign – and no monarch had ever presided over an empire that had accumulated such wealth, power and prestige.

Canada was the British Empire’s senior dominion. Celebrations were held across the country. Metis was no exception. A handful of photographs from 1897 document the speechifying and patriotism that took hold of Metis when locals celebrated the remarkable longevity of the only monarch most of them had ever known.

Town residents assembled on the field in front of the Cascade Hotel. The mayor read a proclamation and delivered a speech. Everyone appeared in their best summer clothes for the occasion. What happened after the speeches ended? Fireworks, tea, more speeches? The historical record does not say. But we can pretty much guarantee that there was a collective “Hooray!” and a boisterous rendering of “God Save the Queen” sung by all in attendance.