St. Thomas (Poem by James McIntyre)

St. Thomas

1884

By James McIntyre

At time of Oddfellows Grand Lodge meeting.

Oddfellows once they had to trudge

O'er rough stage road to the Grand Lodge,

But now they town of metal seek

And find it on the Kettle Creek.

For industry it here prevails

As it was built by the steel rails,

And here the wide expanded bridges

Do connect the distant ridges.

No more need to stay at home as

There's lots of railroads to St. Thomas,

You pluckily did boldly venture,

Now you are great railroad centre.

Your city now it hath high hopes

From its great railway workshops,

And higher yet it still will rise,

This seat of so much enterprise.

When young man wants a wedded mate

He seeks Alma girl graduate,

And he loves her Alma mater

For the sake of her charming daughter.

Poem Analysis:

James McIntyre’s poem St. Thomas is a tribute to the Ontario city of St. Thomas, written during the time of an Oddfellows Grand Lodge meeting. The poem follows a simple AABB rhyme scheme, reflecting McIntyre’s signature style of celebrating Canadian towns and industrial progress through accessible, rhythmic poetry.

Industrial Growth and Progress

McIntyre frequently wrote about Canada’s industrial expansion, and St. Thomas is no exception. The poem highlights the transformation of the town, emphasizing how the arrival of the railroad has driven its growth.

For industry it here prevails

As it was built by the steel rails,

These lines underscore the role of the railway in shaping St. Thomas, turning it from a small settlement into a major transportation hub. The reference to wide expanded bridges connecting distant ridges reinforces the theme of infrastructure development, showing how the city became more accessible and connected.

The Importance of Transportation

McIntyre contrasts the past difficulties of traveling to the Grand Lodge with the convenience brought by the railways:

No more need to stay at home as

There's lots of railroads to St. Thomas,

This shift from rough stage roads to lots of railroads illustrates how advancements in transportation have not only improved daily life but also made St. Thomas a more desirable and accessible location.

Civic Pride and Optimism

The poem is infused with a strong sense of civic pride. McIntyre speaks of the city’s high hopes and predicts its continued rise as a seat of so much enterprise. This optimism reflects the broader sentiment of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when industrial expansion was seen as a marker of progress and prosperity.

And higher yet it still will rise,

This line suggests that St. Thomas is on an upward trajectory, reinforcing the belief in progress and economic success.

A Nod to Education and Tradition

The final stanza shifts focus from industry to education and social life, mentioning Alma girls—likely referring to graduates of a local school, possibly Alma College, a prestigious institution in St. Thomas.

When young man wants a wedded mate

He seeks Alma girl graduate,

This playful mention of romance and tradition suggests that beyond its industrial achievements, St. Thomas also holds cultural and educational significance.

Poetic Structure and Style

1. AABB Rhyme Scheme: The poem follows a simple and consistent AABB rhyme scheme, which makes it rhythmic and easy to read. This structure is a hallmark of McIntyre’s writing, designed to be accessible to a broad audience.
2. Narrative and Promotional Tone: Much of McIntyre’s poetry serves as a form of civic promotion, and St. Thomas is no different. By emphasizing the town’s industrial success, transportation advantages, and bright future, the poem functions as a celebration of local achievements, making it feel like a poetic advertisement for the city.
3. Straightforward and Descriptive Language: McIntyre’s style is known for its simplicity, and this poem employs direct descriptions rather than complex metaphors. Phrases like your city now it hath high hopes and now you are great railroad centre leave little ambiguity about his message of optimism and growth.

Historical and Social Context

1. The Rise of St. Thomas as a Railway Hub: During McIntyre’s time, St. Thomas was known as the Railway Capital of Canada, with multiple major rail lines passing through the city. The poem reflects this reputation, emphasizing how the railway transformed the town’s economy and accessibility.
2. The Role of the Oddfellows: The reference to the Oddfellows (a fraternal organization known for philanthropy and community service) adds another layer of historical context. The poem captures a moment when members of the organization, who once faced difficulties in reaching their Grand Lodge, could now travel easily due to improved infrastructure.
3. Alma College and Its Legacy: The mention of Alma girl graduates likely refers to Alma College, a school for young women in St. Thomas. Founded in 1877, the college was known for providing a strong education, and its graduates were often highly regarded. By including this reference, McIntyre acknowledges the city’s cultural contributions alongside its industrial achievements.

St. Thomas by James McIntyre is a celebratory poem that praises the city’s industrial progress, transportation advancements, and bright future. Through a simple yet effective rhyming structure, McIntyre captures the spirit of optimism that defined many Canadian towns during the era of rapid industrialization.

Beyond its focus on railroads and economic growth, the poem also touches on education, social life, and civic pride, painting a well-rounded picture of St. Thomas as both a thriving industrial hub and a community rich in tradition. McIntyre’s work, though often lighthearted, serves as an important historical snapshot of the aspirations and achievements of Canadian towns in the late 19th century.