Why Paris?

In 1864, Emperor Napoleon III decrees that an international exposition will be held in Paris, France marking the culmination of the Second French Empire. This exciting event will be a rowing regatta and would be held as part of the festivities. Rowers from around the world are invited to compete in the International Rowing Regatta of 1867.

Word from Paris made it’s way across the ocean and was announced in the local newspaper, “An international regatta on a magnificent scale will take place in Paris during the French Exhibition.” (Saint John Globe, January 1, 1867)

The article criticized the provincial government for not committing to send a New Brunswick contingent and challenged the citizens of Saint John to, at minimum, secure a representation at the regatta.

Within a couple weeks, the Mayor of Saint John invited all those interested in seeing New Brunswick represented at the regatta to attend a private meeting in his office. “Here is an opportunity that may never again occur to place St. John prominently before the world: therefore let all who take a pride in their country and its peerless oarsmen go to the Mayor’s office at 8 o’clock tomorrow, to encourage and assist the work in hand.” (Saint John Globe, February 21, 1867)

An image of a book titled Report of the Auditor General on The Public Accounts for the year 1867. A secondary image depicts that same book opened and highlights a particular entry in relation to the Paris Crew. Item number 305 in the ledger shows a $2,500 financial contribution was made to Sherriff J. A. Harding for entry into the exhibition in Paris.

New Brunswick Legislative Assembly Journal highlighting the Government of New Brunswick’s financial contribution toward the cost of sending the Saint John rowers to Paris.

Image of a book cover titled The Complete Official Catalogue of the Paris Universal Exhibition in 1867. The graphic of the cover is very elaborate and has many elements of the gothic style. There are also six flags on the cover showing the countries that participated including England, Canada, United States of America, Germany, France and others.

Paris Exhibition 1867, Official Catalogue.

The excitement surrounding the event led the citizens of Saint John to raise over $4,000.00 to enter a team and eventually pressured the provincial government to contribute an additional $2,500.00. Sheriff J. A. Harding, who was both an enthusiastic sportsman and respected city official, was appointed as the team’s representative. Despite the financial contribution from the province, they chose to send “no elaborate works of art, no specimen of ingenious handicraft at the exposition.” (Canadian Encyclopedia)

As often is the case in sport and life, timing is everything, and for the Carleton Crew they were the easy choice. The team would be Paris bound!

Click here to view the video with complete transcript.

The Team’s Formation The Journey