Life in 1850s Canada

In the 1840s, the French had been in Canada for seven generations.  Those of English, Scottish and Irish decent, like Rose in Rose’s Assignment, came to the new world for economic reasons.  They generally were young, ambitious, had some money saved, and were from a society too oppressive for upward mobility.  They may have been displaced because of economic difficulties but were not impoverished.

The exception was during the Irish Potato Famine.  People traveled on ships that normally were empty on the Canadian leg of the journey.  The Irish were in poor health, unprepared for their journey, and their arrival caused a stir in society.

Some quirks of life in the 1850s:

• Dueling was made illegal in the 1840s, but it still happened.
• Towns always had rival businesses, such as newspapers and hotels.
• Voting was public, and crowds cheered or jeered voters.

Farms

A large portion of the Canadian population still lived on farms in the 1850s.

Farm life hadn’t changed much since the start of the century.  Chores included clearing land, milking cows, feeding animals, cutting and splitting wood, building and maintaining fences, making jams and jellies, spinning, weaving, quilting, sewing, and candle making.

Square dances were one form of country recreation.

Temperance Movement

The Temperance Movement was a political and social movement that sought to make alcohol illegal.  Members believed this would solve many of society’s ills including domestic violence, neglect and poverty.

The movement began in Canada in the 1830s.  It was popular among Protestants who sponsored dances, picnics, suppers and sleigh rides to spread their message.

Prohibition went into effect in New Brunswick from 1850-54.  In 1856, another version was tried and repealed.

Medicine

During the first half of the 19^th century, Canadian children died of diphtheria, whooping cough, measles, typhoid and smallpox.

Cholera outbreaks were frequent.  One in June 1832 killed 9,000 people.

But it wasn’t all bad news in the world of medicine.  Ether and chloroform began being used in 1846, the first innovation that made surgery safer.

The Telegraph

The telegraph revolutionize 19^th century communication.

In 1847, the Montreal Telegraph Co. connected Montreal to Toronto, Detroit and Portland.

In 1858, the first trans-Atlantic cable was installed, but it stopped working.  It wasn’t replaced until 1866.

Rebellions

Rebellions were common in Colonial Canada as residents often disagreed with the government.  There are two that occurred during Rose’s youth.

• 1839 – 130 rebels are sentenced to the Australian penal colony for their role in a rebellion two years earlier after a series of bad harvests.
• 1849 – Parliament in Quebec burned along with records, paintings and a library.

In February 1841, an new constitution is adopted and Kingston becomes the capital of Canada.

Where to Purchase Rose’s Assignment

This post is a companion piece to Melina Druga’s historical fiction novella, Rose’s Assignment.

Rose excels at sweet talking.  Judith escapes north to Canada searching for freedom.  Two dissimilar women suddenly find their lives connected.  Available in eBook, paperback and hardcover.  Full list of retailers.