Sudbury, 1891-1910: Ethnic interaction and community spirit

From 1891 to 1910 ethnic groups in Sudbury celebrated their distinct cultures openly on the streets, in the community halls, and in the parks of the town. Orangemen revered the Glorious Twelfth; French Canadians paid tribute to Saint Jean Baptiste; and Irish Catholics commemorated Saint Patrick. All took place in a cohesive community.

Early migrants built their homes in wards free of residential segregation. A large number of French Canadians lived nearby St. Anne's Roman Catholic Church, and next door to English-speaking Catholics and Protestants. Furthermore, occupation did not determine spatial relationships, for regardless of their vocation, people lived in mixed neighbourhoods.

Community cohesiveness was conducive to stability and prosperity. The only medium available as a barometer of tolerance or intolerance in the community for this study was the Sudbury Journal. A perusal through the issues published between 1891 and 1910 indicated an absence of overt conflict between Catholics and Protestants or English-speaking and French-speaking residents. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)