Book description
Sandford Fleming knew fame and many honours later in life, but the
path was not always easy. His beginnings are revealed in these early
diaries that record his thoughts as an eighteen-year-old leaving his
family home in Scotland for Canada.
After unsuccessful attempts to get work as a surveyor, he finally
made important contacts in Toronto, and through involvement with the
Mechanics' Institute and the (Royal) Canadian Institute, became
connected to the leading architects and engineers in the community.
His work on major projects, including an ambitious plan for the
Toronto Harbour and The Esplanade, ultimately led to his first big
railway appointment in 1852.
Best known for his role in mapping the Canadian Pacific Railway, he
also designed Canada's first adhesive postage stamp, the three-penny
Beaver; was an early promoter of the Pacific cable; and is recognized
around the world as the inventor of Standard Time. The recipient of
many honours, Fleming was knighted by Queen Victoria in 1897.
Jean Murray Cole has written a number of books and articles on
nineteenth-century Ontario history an dthe fur trade in the Pacific
Northwest. She is a past president of the Ontario Historical Society
and recently received an honorary degree from Trent University and the
Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship. She lives in Peterborough, Ontario.
