Picture this: A humble farmer's son who not only toiled the land but also revolutionized how we navigate the bustling streets of our towns. Wesley Hill's story is one of quiet determination, transforming a sleepy city into a hub of modern progress—and yes, it all started with the glow of our very first traffic light! But here's where it gets intriguing; not everyone agreed with his vision, sparking debates that still echo today. Let's dive into the life of this remarkable figure and uncover the man behind the milestones.
Wesley Hill entered the world on April 24, 1897, in Prince Township, born to Ira Hill and Mary Jane Hill (née Wilson). Growing up on a family farm, he was deeply immersed in the rhythms of rural life, handling everything from planting to harvesting. When World War I called many to duty, Wesley was granted an exemption to stay on the farm and keep essential agricultural work going. Still, he committed to Reserve Force training, just in case his services were ever needed elsewhere. It was a time of sacrifice for all, and Wesley's choice to support the home front showed his early sense of responsibility.
At age 24, Wesley traded farm chores for factory work, joining Algoma Steel as a laborer. His career climbed steadily: he spent eight years as a heater in the coke ovens—those massive furnaces that turn coal into coke, a vital fuel for steel production—and then seven years in the Benzol Plant, where by-products like benzene were extracted from coal. Eventually, he rose to foreman of the coke ovens and, finally, to the prestigious role of General Foreman overseeing both the coke ovens and benzol operations. For beginners wondering about this, think of coke ovens as the heart of steelmaking; they're like giant kilns that bake coal into a purer form, powering industries and shaping economies. Wesley's hands-on experience here wasn't just a job—it was the foundation of his later public service.
But Wesley's true calling lay in civic duty. In 1932, he stepped into municipal politics as an alderman, serving on the City Council for a total of 11 years: eight representing Ward 6 and three for Ward 5. He even chaired the Public Utilities Commission, a key body overseeing essential services like electricity and water. And this is the part most people miss—Wesley was appointed as Sault Ste. Marie's first Traffic Commissioner under Mayor W. J. McMeeken. Under his guidance, the city's transportation system evolved dramatically. Streetcars, once the backbone of urban movement, gave way to buses, and crucially, the installation of the city's very first traffic lights brought order to chaotic intersections. Imagine the chaos before: horses, pedestrians, and early automobiles all vying for space without signals. Wesley's traffic lights weren't just metal and bulbs; they symbolized safety, progress, and a city's march into the modern era, preventing accidents and easing daily commutes for everyone from commuters to families.
Wesley wasn't content with just serving on the council; he aimed higher. He ran for mayor three times, though none were successful. His first bid came in 1946, and the last in 1961 against James McIntyre—a race he lost by a razor-thin margin of just 426 votes. And here's where it gets controversial: That narrow defeat in 1961 has fueled speculation for decades. Was it a matter of timing, policy differences, or perhaps something more personal? Some argue his focus on industrial and infrastructural reforms alienated certain voter groups, while others believe his outsider status in higher politics played a part. What if a few hundred votes had swung the other way? Could Sault Ste. Marie have taken a different path under his leadership? It's a debate that highlights the unpredictability of democracy and the 'what ifs' of history.
Wesley Hill passed away in August 1978 at the age of 81, leaving a legacy of dedicated service that shaped Sault Ste. Marie's infrastructure and political scene. His journey from farm boy to city innovator reminds us how one person's commitment can light the way for an entire community.
This piece draws from the invaluable Sault Star Archive Collection at the Sault Ste. Marie Public Library, preserving stories that might otherwise fade.
Each week, the Sault Ste. Marie Public Library and its Archives offer SooToday readers a window into the city's rich history.
Discover more about the Public Library's treasures at www.ssmpl.ca and keep an eye out for additional 'Remember This?' columns right here.
What do you think—did Wesley Hill's contributions get the recognition they deserved, or was his narrow mayoral loss a missed opportunity for the city? Do you have a different take on the controversies surrounding his career? Share your thoughts in the comments below; I'd love to hear your perspectives!
