American and Loyalist Blood to Mix at Upcoming Wedding Re-enactment

Love knows no bounds, as will be evident this coming Sunday, July 19, at Upper Canada Village, when an 1860s Lutheran wedding re-enactment unfolds for all to experience. The event is the second of four different “19th Century Weddings” being held this summer, each with a unique cast of characters from the past, making these social events among the Village’s most compelling and well-attended days of the season.

Upper Canada Village pays careful attention to details in recreating “the big day”, as each event is thoroughly researched. Peter Cazaly, Research Officer for Upper Canada Village who assists in the development of scenarios for the re-enactments at the historic attraction, explains, “This weekend’s wedding will portray the union of two fictitious characters of the Lutheran Church who are from both sides of the border: Alice Elizabeth Cook, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Cook of the Tavern and Albert William Hunton, an American nephew of the Reverend Mr. John Hunton of the Lutheran parish of Williamsburgh. The ceremony will take place on July 19th at 1.30 pm in the afternoon.

The entertaining story behind this re-enactment is that members of the Lutheran congregation are having a new church constructed at the corner of Church Road and the King’s Highway, and the wedding party have therefore planned their wedding to be performed outdoors at the Reverend Mr. Hunton’s residence (better known as the Pastor’s House at Upper Canada Village).

The character of Albert Hunton is a citizen of the United States from the town of Ogdensburgh. Although he is a Lutheran, as are the Cook family in this scenario, the fact that he is an American is a problem for the Cooks. Michael Cook’s father and grandfather are of Loyalist stock and not only supported the British cause during the American Revolution but fought to repel American forces during the 1813 invasion where they were defeated at Crysler’s Farm. The Cook family, in 1813, endured having their home seized by American forces and then looted and destroyed before they retreated to New York State. They have bitter memories of the brutality of the American troops and are not happy that their daughter has chosen to marry a Yankee.

The character of Mr. Hickman, best man and citizen of Ogdensburgh, will offer a toast to the bride and her sister, and will make several inappropriate comments which will not please the Cooks. Albert Hunton will do his best to smooth the waters and will try to please his new in-laws. The Reverend Mr. Hunton will pretend to ignore the whole matter and offer a prayer of blessing on the new couple as he says grace before the food is served. Refreshments will also be available to visitors joining the festivities that day as they join the wedding party in a family reception at Cook’s Tavern.

If weather and conditions permit, musicians will strike up a tune and some country dancing in the livery yard will bring the reception to an end as the carriage picks up the couple to take them to their new home in the United States.

Upper Canada Village will have hosted three other weddings before the summer is out this year, each unique and distinctive. The social event of the season will take place on Sunday, August 2 as the daughter of John Pliny Crysler marries an officer of Kingston’s Fort Henry Guard at Christ Church, beginning with a procession of carriages from the steps of Crysler Hall. Afterwards, Crysler Hall hosts a garden party, round of croquet, and country dances.

Sunday August 30 will see a Loucks family home wedding featuring a “mature” bride from the Loucks farm marrying a widower who needs a new wife to help raise his large family. The bride has taught school for many years and now gives up her career in order to take on the role of wife and mother.

On Sunday, June 28, the first wedding of the season portrayed a Methodist ceremony. Neither family was wealthy, but the McDiarmid ladies did their utmost to give their niece a proper trousseau as she set out in a new life with one of the young men who worked at the tenant farm.

“These 1860s weddings are very popular with guests, and they are an ideal way to attract new visitors to the Village,” explains Pat Macdonald, General Manager and CEO of the St. Lawrence Parks Commission which operates Upper Canada Village. “The special traditions of weddings provide a unique glimpse into 19th century social life and visitors become a part of the celebration.”

Visitors may attend these wedding ceremonies as part of their regular admission to Upper Canada Village.