1971

Four days of festivities, highlighted by a re-creation of the event which resulted in the naming of Renforth, will mark the commemoration of the village's centennial, July 29 to Aug. 1.

On Aug. 23, 1871, four-man rowing crews - one from Tyne in England and the other from Saint John - competed on the Kennebecasis River in a world's championship.

James Renforth, stroke of the English Tyneside crew, collapsed during the race and died shortly after. The village, then known as "The Chalet" was subsequently renamed Renforth in his honor.

A feature of this summer's Renforth Centennial Regatta will see a four-man crew from Tyne again compete in a re-creation of the event, only this time their opponents will come from the North Star Rowing Association in Dartmouth, N.S.

The anniversary celebrations this year marks the second time "mammoth" plans were undertaken. In 1921, the 50th anniversary of the event, another huge celebration took place.

Approximately 15,000 people turned out on the banks of the Kennebecasis River that day in 1871, to witness the Tyne crew competing with a crew from Saint John "Paris."

In a recount of the event, a writer of the time recalled that after 200 yards, the Tyne crew had gained a half-length lead.

"Then something happened - the practiced eye of the riverside watcher could see that Renforth was in trouble. He was faltering and pulling out of stroke - unaccountable for the great Renforth.

"The irregular rowing continued and the Canadian boat slipped gently past. But still the English crew kept on its course. By this time Renforth was swaying and obviously in distress. Kelly called for a renewed effort, and a gallant attempt was made to catch up with their opponents.

"They could not maintain the added exertion. Renforth suddenly dropped his oar and sank in his seat. Turning to his friend Kelly, he stammered 'Harry, I have had something' and fell back into the boat.

"Piercy and Chambers rowed the boat back to Appleby's Wharf, where Renforth was found to be unconcious. He was driven a mile and a half to Claremont House, their training quarters, and a messenger was sent in search of a doctor.

"On regaining conciousness Renforth declared 'It is not a fit I have had - I will tell you all about it directly.'

"But no explanation came, he began to froth at the mouth and his limbs turned cold and pulseless. ‘What will they say in England?’ are said to have been his last words."

The tentative program for the four-day event also includes a giant regatta, old home week, barbecue, bands, para-rescue demonstrations, river excursions, Bavarian beer parlor, old timers reception, swimming and diving competitions, track and field events, Miss Centennial Pageant, games and concessions, bath tub races, school essay contest, teen and adult dances, canoe tilting, canoe racing, hovercraft, fireworks and sky diving events.

Festivities will get underway Thursday, July 29, with an old home week type, wine and cheese "kick-off party."

The second day will be devoted to youth. "Teen Day" activities will include a junior golf tournament, girls' softball tournament, pre-teen dance, a spaghetti and pizza supper, an open-air folk concert, as well as a rock concert.

For Sunday, religious services will be held. There will be band concerts and river excursions throughout that afternoon.