Paris Welcomes King George VI and Queen Elizabeth the 1st with Unmatched Enthusiasm 85 years ago

King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (later known as the Queen Mother) undertook a historic royal tour of Canada in 1939, which included a visit to the province of Ontario. This momentous tour marked the first time a reigning monarch had visited Canada, and its significance was not lost on the residents of Paris

In anticipation of this momentous day, the town of Paris learned that the Royal train would need to stop briefly at Paris to take on water and coal A hastily convened meeting of the Town Council, along with Principal John Fielding representing the Board of Education, and delegates from the Lions Club and Prince of Wales Chapter I O D E , took place to discuss arrangements for the royal visit. With unanimous agreement, it was decided that immediate action should be taken to ensure that Their Majesties would appear on the observation platform of the royal train during its planned three-minute stop at Paris Junction on June 7th. Afterall this would alleviate even more crowds and congestion in Brantford and allow more area residents and children the opportunity to see their King and Queen.

Led by Mayor Allan Scott, the council prepared a telegram to be forwarded to Dr Coleman, Under

Secretary of State in Ottawa, expressing the heartfelt request of the Paris citizens The telegram emphasized the desire for the children of Paris and the surrounding area to have the opportunity to parade under supervision at the railroad yards, welcoming and paying humble respects to Their Gracious Majesties during this brief but necessary stop.

On June 7, 1939, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth made their stop in Paris. The town enthusiastically demonstrated their loyalty and devotion to the royal couple as their train approached. Approximately three thousand

Parisians lined the route, hoping to catch a glimpse of their beloved monarch

The train arrived at Paris Junction at exactly 12:20 PM. The high banks surrounding the railway track provided a vantage point for the spectators, with the north side packed with excited schoolchildren and the opposite bank filled with gaily dressed ladies and gentlemen. Nearly 3,000 people gathered to welcome the royal couple, offering a fitting reception from this historic town. The children, numbering almost 1,000, sang "God Save the King" as soon as the train arrived. Continued on page 17