Galt and Dunlop
By James McIntyre
John Galt was the manager of the Canada Company's lands, and he was a Scottish Novelist. Dunlop was at one time an eminent British Journalist, but he finally settled near Goderich. The town of Galt is named after John Galt.
John Galt and Doctor Dunlop witty
They located and planned the city
Of Guelph, and they cut the first tree down,
The stump was the centre of the town.
From thence the streets radiate like fan,
And they projected on this same plan
The towns of Stratford and Goderich,
The last it stands near broad Huron's beach,
Conspicuous on a bluff so grand,
'Neath which doth flow the clear Maitland,
Of glorious view you may partake,
Gazing on Huron's mighty lake.
Poem Analysis:
James McIntyre's poem "Galt and Dunlop" celebrates the contributions of John Galt and Dr. William "Tiger" Dunlop in the founding and planning of the Canadian cities of Guelph, Stratford, and Goderich. Through its historical subject matter and commemorative tone, the poem highlights the pioneering spirit and vision of these individuals in shaping the landscape of Ontario. Let's explore the themes, imagery, and underlying messages of this ode to Canadian history.
Commemoration of Founders
At the heart of McIntyre's poem is a commemoration of John Galt and Dr. William Dunlop as visionary founders and planners of several Canadian cities. The poem acknowledges their instrumental role in the establishment of Guelph, where they "located and planned" the city and even "cut the first tree down." By honoring their contributions, McIntyre celebrates their foresight and determination in laying the groundwork for the development of these communities.
Symbolism of the Stump
A notable feature of McIntyre's poem is the symbolism of the tree stump as the "centre of the town." This imagery serves as a metaphor for the foundational role played by Galt and Dunlop in shaping the identity and structure of Guelph. The stump, representing both the physical and symbolic center of the town, reflects the enduring legacy of their efforts and the lasting impact of their vision on the community's growth and development.
Radiating Streets and Planned Towns
McIntyre's poem vividly describes the layout of Guelph, with its streets radiating "like fan" from the central stump. This imagery emphasizes the planned and orderly nature of the city's design, a testament to Galt and Dunlop's meticulous planning and urban vision. The poem also mentions their involvement in the planning of other towns, such as Stratford and Goderich, which were similarly laid out according to their visionary plan. Through these descriptions, McIntyre underscores the interconnectedness of these communities and the legacy of Galt and Dunlop's planning principles.
Natural Beauty and Grandeur
In addition to highlighting the urban planning achievements of Galt and Dunlop, McIntyre's poem celebrates the natural beauty and grandeur of the Ontario landscape. Descriptions of Goderich's location "near broad Huron's beach" and the "glorious view" of Lake Huron from a bluff underscore the picturesque settings of these towns. By weaving together elements of urban planning and natural landscape, McIntyre emphasizes the harmonious relationship between human settlement and the surrounding environment.
"Galt and Dunlop" by James McIntyre is a tribute to the vision, leadership, and contributions of John Galt and Dr. William Dunlop in the founding and planning of several Canadian cities. Through its commemorative tone and vivid imagery, the poem celebrates their role as visionary urban planners and acknowledges the enduring legacy of their efforts in shaping the landscape of Ontario. McIntyre's ode serves as a testament to the pioneering spirit of these individuals and the lasting impact of their vision on the communities they helped to establish.