Great beginnings

David Warrick at the unveiling of the bust of Sir John A. Macdonald on the Regent Theatre stage in 2013.

County to celebrate Sir John A Macdonald’s time in Picton on Canada Day

The countdown has begun. There are just 34 days until the veil is pulled back on a major new County landmark. At 2 p.m. on Canada Day, the Ruth Abernethy sculpture of Sir John A. Macdonald will at last be revealed on Picton’s Main Street, not far from the tavern doors where the 18-year-old future prime minister found himself squaring off with a local doctor.

Not yet a lawyer, Macdonald had been sent to Hallowell (now Picton) to manage his ailing cousin’s law firm. Driven by youthful exuberance—and perhaps the need to bring the self-entitled down a notch—he crossed the doctor, whom he felt regularly propelled his horse-drawn buggy too quickly along the busy street. The doctor objected. Fisticuffs ensued, and both were made to answer before a magistrate for their indiscretions.

The doctor was fined. Sir John A, defending himself before the court, was acquitted. It is a good thing, as David Frum noted in 2012. Had Macdonald been convicted, he likely would have forfeited the opportunity to become a lawyer.

“Who knows how that would have altered the course of Canadian history,” wrote Frum.

It is a moment in that trial that Ruth Abernethy captured in this exquisite and unique work. Holding Court tells the story of the man before he became the most important figure in the history of this nation.

QUINTE BOY RETURNS
It happened in Picton. Macdonald’s time in here forms part of the rich history that has shaped this County. It is the artist’s wish, and that of the dogged volunteers behind the Macdonald project, that this bronze artwork act as a catalyst to greater discussion and celebration of history in this community.

David Warrick dreamed of this day many years ago. The retired humanities professor had wanted to do something to mark the 200th anniversary of Macdonald’s birth. In 2010, he gathered benefactors and politicians at the restored livery stables at Glenora.

He introduced Abernethy, best known for her sculptures of Glenn Gould and Oscar Peterson, to the gathering, and announced plans to commission Abernethy to create a sculpture of a young Sir John A. Macdonald, to be located on Picton’s Main Street.

He had neither the commitment for the money or a location upon which the sculpture would reside. He worked with the County Community Foundation, which set up and administered a fund specifically for the Macdonald project.

Now, nearly five years later, the funds have been raised, the location—in front of the Picton Armoury— is set, and the sculpture is complete. It was unveiled initially at a gala celebration at the Royal York in January of the 200th anniversary of Sir John A’s birth.

Among the highlights of that evening was a reading by actor RH Thomson of Sir Wilfred Laurier’s moving tribute to Macdonald, delivered in the Parliament shortly after his passing in June 1891. Thomson will reprise his role in Picton—once again delivering Laurier’s moving eulogy to Macdonald.

The ceremony will also feature the official transfer of the sculpture from the benefactors of the Macdonald Project to the municipality, represented by Mayor Robert Quaiff.

Warrick also hopes to use the event to highlight another historic milestone. It has been 400 years since Samuel de Champlain carved a path into Canada before landing on the shores of Lake Huron. Some historians believe Champlain likely trekked through the County on his way westward.

Patrice Dutil, one of Canada’s leading authorities on Macdonald and president of the Champlain Society of Canada, will act as master of ceremonies for the dedication ceremony.

“We hope this sculpture acts a catalyst for the development of a town centre,” says Warrick. “It is something we believe Picton needs. There are many stories that define this County but also form a draw for visitors and an economic opportunity.”

He is hopeful the County will pursue the development of a town square surrounding Sir John A. based upon a designed prepared by landscape architect Scott Wentworth. But all he can do now is cheer from the sidelines.

“Any future development is now in the hands of the municipality,” says Warrick. “It has been an enormous undertaking to reach this stage. We cannot take on that project.”

His voice has become more relaxed his speech less urgent in recent months. After years of cajoling, hard work and patience, the finish line is in sight.

“We are very pleased,” says Warrick. “We think it will make a great contribution to downtown Picton and draw attention to the great history of Prince Edward County.”

Mark your calendar: the statue will be unveiled July 1 at 2 p.m. in Picton.