Cool your jets, Ayn Rand fans! I’m not talking about that John Galt.
This John Galt was a Scottish novelist who spent some time in Canada doing various administrative duties before being recalled for incompetence. The city of Galt (now part of Cambridge) is named after him, and he’s credited with the ceremonious “founding” of the city of Guelph in 1827. He tells the story in his autobiography, and it involved chopping down a tree and then having a drink. Since 2007 Guelph has celebrated the first Monday in August as John Galt Day. And before you ask if it’s a holiday, it was already a civic holiday anyway. Canadians love their days off!
Book: The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Canadian History by Ann Douglas
Alex Good 
Not just an ordinary idiots guide, but a complete idiot!
Happy Galt day!
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(Also Film Friday back today 😁)
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They were a knock-off of the “For Dummies” series. Actually not bad for kids. Or adults who don’t read too much.
I’ll check out FFF!
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So, do you all chop down a ceremonial tree in his honor? I’d like that kind of celebration!
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Not sure about the tree chopping. But some people probably have a drink.
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Just remember kids, alcohol and axes together are a big no-no.
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Better than alcohol and chainsaws!
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I think that falls under the Big No-no-no category.
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Here’s hoping all who celebrate have a great Galt Day! Drinks for all…save the trees, however.🌲
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Yeah, I think we’re more about planting trees now.
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I don’t know who founded Grapevine, but our mayor has served for 50 years (though he took three years off back in the 80s). First elected in 1973. And I still couldn’t pick him out of a lineup.
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Ugh! That’s not good. Hazel McCallion was mayor of Mississauga (part of Toronto now) for 36 years that made her a sort of institution/legend. I can’t imagine 50 years. You’ve got to wonder if they’re really doing anything. My own experience of municipal government is that they’re pretty corrupt with dealmaking, especially within families, and that nobody cares that much because nobody cares about local politics. After 50 years I can’t imagine how bad it could get.
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Here’s his “Golden Jubilee” press:
During five decades of steady leadership, he has guided Grapevine through many transformational milestones, shaping the once-farming community into an internationally recognized corporate and leisure destination with national and international headquarters, resorts and hotels, attractions, shopping, dining and wineries that welcomes more than 12 million visitors each year
I can attest to some of that. I really think he keeps getting elected because people like him, but I don’t really know. I fall into that “nobody cares about local politics” group.
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Sounds like he’s really transformed the city.
On the other hand, it’s precisely those development deals that usually involve all kinds of kickbacks. Commercial real estate development is one dirty business, I can tell you.
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