Alexander Muir 1830-1906
This maple tree on the south-west corner of Laing Street and Memory Lane, is reputed to be the tree that inspired Alexander Muir to compose the song 'The Maple Leaf Forever' in 1867. For many years it became like a second national anthem before fading away. I have printed the words to the song at the very bottom of this page. Reading those words may give you some idea as to why the song is no longer popular. There are four plaques commemorating this composer. A 1958 Grand Orange Lodge of British America plaque is near the tree and reads as follows:
Principal of nearby Leslieville Public School who was inspired to write Canada's national song "The Maple Leaf Forever" by the falling leaves of this sturdy maple tree.
Location Co-ordinates: 43.663153 -79.327211
Photo by Alan L Brown - April 2007
Two other plaques can be found at Alexander Muir Memorial Gardens on the east side of Yonge Street. One, erected by the City of Toronto and the Toronto Transportation Commission, attached to the park gates says:
Alexander Muir Memorial Gardens originally constructed by public subscription A.D. 1933 west of Yonge Street near Lawton Boulevard and rebuilt on this site by the Toronto Transportation Commission as a tribute to the memory of Alexander Muir, B.A. Patriot-Scholar-Composer 1830-1960. Composer of our national song "The Maple Leaf Forever" re-dedicated to his memory A.D. 1952.
Location Co-ordinates: 43.721405 -79.401305
Photo by Alan L Brown - April 2007
The third plaque, part of the terrace at Alexander Muir Memorial Gardens, says:
This garden is a tribute to the memory of Alexander Muir author of our national song The Maple Leaf Forever and was made possible by public subscription. Originally built A.D. 1933 on a site west of Yonge Street north of Lawton Boulevard. It was reconstructed on this location A.D. 1951.
Photo by Alan L Brown - April 2007
The fourth plaque, apparently located at 9 Mackenzie Crescent, appears to be missing. According to Heritage Toronto, it's a 1981 Toronto Historical Board plaque and the text of the plaque says:
Alexander Muir (1830 - 1906) Schoolmaster, poet and the author of "The Maple Leaf Forever," lived here from 1891 - 1901. He was inspired to write the song in 1867 following a walk in Leslie Gardens, during which a Maple leaf is said to have fallen and clung to his sleeve. Muir was born in Lesmahagow, Scotland, and came to Upper Canada with his parents at an early age. He was educated in his father's school in Scarborough, and at Queen's University. After teaching in various centres, he became the principal of Gladstone Avenue Public School in 1888.
Location Co-ordinates: 43.647597 -79.425015
Here are the lyrics to 'The Maple Leaf Forever'.
In days of yore, from Britain's shore
Wolfe, the dauntless hero, came
And planted firm Britannia's flag
On Canada's fair domain.
There may it wave, our boast and pride
And join in love together
The thistle, shamrock, rose entwine
The maple leaf forever.
Chorus
The maple leaf, our emblem dear
The maple leaf forever
God save our King and heaven bless
The maple leaf forever.
At Queenston Heights and Lundy's Lane
Our brave fathers side by side
For freedom, homes and loved ones dear
Firmly stood and nobly died
And those dear rights which they maintained
We swear to yield them never
Our watchword ever more shall be
The maple leaf forever.
Our fair Dominion now extends
From Cape Race to Nootka Sound
May peace forever be our lot
And plenteous store abound.
And may those ties of love be ours
Which discord cannot sever
And flourish green o'er freedom's home
The maple leaf forever.
Here are the comments for this page. Write a comment for this page.
Posted July 14, 2008
I took my ESL class from Québec to visit A.M. Park...they were quite impressed, they even sang the "Maple Leaf Forever". Thanks for posting it on-line!
Posted June 27, 2008
I too am from Saskatchewan, and remember this song, although it was sung in our class in the 60s more as a curiosity piece, as it had come to be recognized as quite exclusionary. Nevertheless, it is an important artifact of our history, as well as being musically and lyrically interesting.
Posted May 29, 2008
I remember singing this song when I was in Grades 4, 5, and 6 in Wynyard Saskatchewan. And that was in 1954, 1955 and 1956. I wonder why this is not our national anthem, but after getting the words I understand. But I have thought for a long time that this should still be our National Anthem or at least the second one.
Elva Hooson, nee Elva Charlotte Holmes
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