First Council Meeting and the Mayor’s ‘At Home’ in New City Hall

Mayor David McPherson presided over the first council meeting in the new City Hall on Wednesday, 14 May 1890. After reviewing the history of the building’s construction, he expressed his “most fervent wish that the opening of our new City Hall will be remembered as the starting point for a time of great prosperity in the good old City of Halifax”.

City of Halifax Council Meeting - 1903
Courtesy of Nova Scotia Archives and Records Management
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Haligonians got their first opportunity to see inside their new City Hall when, on 22 May, Mayor McPherson held a levee or an “At Home”, attended by twelve hundred well-attired ladies and gentlemen. They approached through the Grand Parade, lined with Chinese lanterns, to a building brilliantly illuminated. At the entrance two policemen received their admission cards before they proceeded to the Council Chamber where Mayor McPherson formally welcomed them. All the offi ces were open to their inspection.

On the second floor, the band of the 63rd Regiment entertained, while on the third floor, decorated with fl ags, bunting and spruce bushes, guests could promenade and enjoy refreshments of ice cream and chocolate cake. The Morning Herald’s reporter believed everyone “obtained a new idea of the privilege of citizenship in Halifax”.

Next: First Marriage in New City Hall