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Alexander Muir 1830-1906

Photo by Alan L Brown - Posted July, 2013

Note: The tree was blown over in a wind storm in July 2013.
After the broken branches were removed, this is what remains.

Photo by contributor Wayne Adam - Posted July, 2013

Note: Here's what it used to look like.

Photo Source - Wikipedia

A maple tree on the southwest corner of Laing Street and Memory Lane, a block south of Queen Street, 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. A 1958 Grand Orange Lodge of British America plaque is near the tree and reads as follows:

Coordinates: 43.663153 -79.327211

Click here for a larger map

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.

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's a vocal version.

More
Arts

Here are the visitors' comments for this page.

> Posted February 8, 2019
Hello, my name is John Keith and my mother's maiden name was Edith Adeline Muir. I have a large presentation framed document presented RE: the Maple Leaf Forever to Alexander Muir. I have no idea where to donate it. I was told to give to the school and another said give to the Orange Lodge. I would appreciate any ideas in this matter.
Thanks, John. [email protected]

> Posted May 23, 2012
Muir was principal of Brock Public School in 1887-88. Located between Brock Ave. and Margueretta St. in the College-Dufferin area, the school is marking its 125th anniversary this year. Celebrations are planned for November 2012, including a fundraising dinner at Famous People Players. Contact Leo Darmitz for information on this and other events: [email protected] Leo is also working to identify students in class photos across the decades. If you're in one, feel free to get in touch with him. -Wayne

> Posted May 23, 2012
This song is a prime example of a colonial mindset in which Canada could only be celebrated insofar as it was British. While its author might be forgiven for having 19th century tunnel vision, his powerful music nevertheless cheated the nation for decades with lyrics referencing British symbols, battles, and monarchy. Such misguided patriotism toward Britain in a Canadian guise continues today for those insisting Canada retain a European monarchy.

> Posted March 19, 2010
I'm doing Canada for my historica fair and I'm also including the song The Maple Leaf Forever and all about Alexander Muir.

> Posted June 29, 2009
It's too bad that the song is out of favour. Obviously pro-British, but the interesting thing is it shows how three nationalities (which historically didn't always get along) came together to (help) make a great country - to the extent that the census doesn't distinguish between them today. The tune is catchy too.

> Posted May 23, 2009
I went to Alexander Muir School on Prospect Street in Newmarket Ontario from Grade 1-6 and everyday we sang that beautiful song "The Maple Leaf Forever". In the main hall way of our school hung a picture of Alexander Muir, this picture now resides at the museum on Main Street in Newmarket Ontario. I still remember the words and it still gives me goose bumps to read it , even to this day. I loved my years at this School and unfortunately couldn't go to their reunion years ago. I remember all my teachers names from Gr.1 -Miss Haines Gr.2- Mrs Dunstan Gr.3- Mrs Walker Gr.4- Mrs Eadde Gr.5-Mr Ford Gr.6- Mr Rennolds who was also our Principal. I Remember the tube fire escape from the Gr.3 Classroom. They were the best years of my childhood and the Maple trees that surrounded the school said it all.
Former Student Eileen Ryan 1959- 1967 [email protected]

> Posted May 11, 2009
I sang this song with a choir while living in Toronto. It would have been our second anthem during the early '50s. I loved it but upon reading it now I can understand why it has gone out of favour.
Janet Bathgate nee Marshman

> Posted January 18, 2009
This song just rocks, really!

> Posted December 8, 2008
I never knew that Alexander Muir has a connection to me. Alexander Muir was my grandmother's grandfather's cousin. My grandmother's maiden name is Muir. I called her up upon driving by Alexander Muir park on Yonge Street and asked if there was a relation and to my surprise and honour there was!

> 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.

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