William Hutcheson McArthur

Alumni Type: Immigrant
Country of Origin: Scotland
Ship Name: Sylvania
Port of Entry: Halifax, Pier 21
Date of Arrival: March 13, 1964
Age on Arrival: 21

My Immigration Voyage from Scotland to Canada

At the age of 21, I made the decision to leave Scotland to get away from the religious conflict and provide a better life for myself. I was given the choice to immigrate to Australia, United States or Canada. I chose the latter believing it would be a permanent life changing decision. Canada was in need of skilled trades. I applied in 1963 to the Canadian Immigration for a Trade Permit and they paid for my travels to Canada. I boarded the Sylvania Cunard in Greenock arriving in Halifax, Canada on March 13, 1964.

My father was an electrician in the Royal Navy, HMS Victory, and passed away at the age of 22 in April 1943 , during WW2. I was 6 months old when I lost my father. I attended Rosevale Street Primary School, ranking 3rd in my class. As a young boy I played soccer in the streets of Partick. I completed a 6 year apprenticeship in plumbing (sanitary marine engineer) at Barclay Curle in Glasgow. I grew up a Protestant. As a child I remember the German’s dropping bombs hitting my preschool when I was age 4-5. My mum was a single parent raising an only child. She married my step-father, to give me a better life. He was my father’s best friend and promised to care for us and together they had my half-sister. We were on coupons but thanks to the Canadian Merchant Navy ships we were provided food. Many mothers were knitting and sewing clothes for the children. We did what we had to do to survive. We lived in Merkland St ., Partick in a three storey close with 5 doors on each landing and 1 washroom. Everyone took turns cleaning the stairs and washrooms. We children were raising pigeons in the washrooms until our mothers chased them out. But we had each other and made lasting friendships and memories. When the war came to an end I can remember there was a big celebration on the streets of Partick, Glasgow, dancing, waving flags, it was a great time for all of us children.

The night before our departure we all got drunk, partied and said good-bye sharing lots of hugs and kisses. Our voyage was long, cold, wet and miserable as we crossed the Atlantic during the winter months. Baggage was kept in the ship and 1 baggage in our cabin, A95. We were plastered the entire way, food was excellent, there were facilities onboard, entertainment, movies, and plenty of alcohol. I travelled with my best mate William “Billy” Oswald. We went from Halifax to Montreal by train, switched trains in Montreal to Toronto. Arrived on a Saturday at Union Station and I remember it was snowing. I didn’t bring a lot to Canada other than my tools, clothing, and self. I was terrified upon arrival after all I had travelled alone without my family to a strange land with only a suitcase where I was met by 4ft of snow at Pier 21, Halifax with not a soul to greet me. The people were hospitable, food and drink was plentiful. 10 cent drafts of beer. Billy Oswald’s brother took us to Branch 13 legion to watch the Maple Leaf’s. I had never seen a hockey game. I was sponsored by my mother’s brother John Gibson. I stayed with him for 2 weeks, then moved to Kennedy Rd in Scarborough with the Oswald Family, one of my mates who served alongside me during my apprenticeship as a welder.

I was fortunate to join UA Local 46, Plumber Steamfitter Union in 1964 where I remained employed until my retirement in 2007.

The first few years living in Canada consisted of partying, dancing, meeting ladies at the Maple Leaf Ballroom, Palladium Ballroom, and Locarno Ballroom, where I eventually met my wife, Cheryl. We were married in Toronto in 1965 and had 3 beautiful children.

A job became available to take a travel card with American Ship Building in Lorraine, Ohio. I applied for American citizenship and was accepted. When I got married I brought my wife to Fairview Park, Ohio, on the outskirts of Cleveland. My wife became pregnant and we returned to Toronto to be with her family.

I completed union training courses in night school. I wasn’t used to the multicultural food here in Canada. My mum, step-dad, sister, cousins, aunts, and uncles followed close behind me. I have returned to my home country several times reminiscing about my childhood and visiting those family members who chose to return to Scotland and/or remained behind. I never lost my thick Glaswegian accent. It was difficult for Canadians to understand and to this day they tell me to slow down when I speak or I love your language.

It was the best decision at the time and I have never regretted it. I met the love of my life, had 3 beautiful children, 5 amazing grandchildren, 3 adorable great-grandchildren, have met a lot of wonderful people, I had a rewarding career at the University of Toronto, was financially secure and able to travel extensively. On March 13, 1964, Canada gained a legend.

Billy “The Beatle” Hutcheson McArthur