In May of 1920, on the eve of Owen Sound graduating from being a town to a city, a local newspaper ran a contest searching for a new nickname for what had long been known as the Corkscrew City. Out of the hundreds of entries, one was chosen. It came from William Howey, a member of a distinguished Owen Sound family. Writing from the Byron Military Hospital in London, Ontario, Mr. Howey suggested the name “Scenery City,” pointing out “The word is general enough to include all our natural beauty; rocks, bay, hills, ravines, parks and river and will cover also our public gardens.”
William Howey argued, We think of no other Ontario town that can for a moment compare in its beautiful situation and surrounding natural scenery. Who not make use of this fact and tell it to the world? That is our distinctive element and we will do well to appropriate this part of our natural wealth.”
The ballots were all in when the new Council of the new City of Owen Sound sat down to deliberate. And, of course, they decided to form a committee to study the matter. The committee was not long inn announcing its choice. The Owen Sound Advertiser reported, “The Special Committee appointed to consider the hundreds of names was unanimous in its favour as best emphasizing Owen Sound’s most attractive features. Owen Sound is to be known hereafter as the Scenery City.”
The Advertiser went on to editorialize, ‘Now it is in line for the citizens to adopt the Council’s request and use the name on stationary, advertisements, everything that goes outside the City. The name is an attractive one and can be used to good advantage in making Owen Sound well known.” In October, 1920, the City Council of Owen Sound voted to call their new metropolis “The Scenery City.”
Originally aired September 17th 2016
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