The origins of the asylum in Upper Canada, 1830-1839: Towards an interpretation

Saturday, the 22nd of August, 1846 dawned “dull and unpromising” in Toronto. By the time the procession was ready to move off from old government house shortly after three o'clock in the afternoon, however, as the British Colonist recorded, “the sun's gladdening beams brightened all around.” Led by the band of the 81st Regiment, the large company slowly made its way out the Hamilton Road to the government military reserve. There, with a silver trowel presented by the building's architect, John G. Howard, Chief Justice John Beverley Robinson ceremoniously spread the mortar to set into place the “corner stone of the first building in Western Canada for the reception of Insane and Lunatic Persons.” Following an eloquent and heart-felt address by Robinson, the crowd, responding with enthusiasm, gave three cheers for the Chief Justice, the band struck up “Rule Britannia”, and the great gathering dispersed. The era of the asylum had officially begun in Upper Canada.