The years following the Great Fire were years of decline for Saint John. Although the city was rebuilt, the wealth of many of the citizens had been destroyed in the flames. Coupled with this loss was the waning of the wooden shipbuilding industry, a change which removed a major source of income. Moreover, industrialization began to undermine the importance of the skilled crafts which formed the base of prosperity for the city's tradesmen. The population declined, and the city began a lengthy search for a new economic role. Attempts were made to establish better rail service to central Canada in order to facilitate export trade through Saint John harbour. The search was long and difficult, and, for the poor of the city, the extended depression that was the by-product of these reverses was particularly arduous. Pictured in this photograph are some of those left homeless by the fire. They are receiving provisions on Barrack Green and looking towards a future which was not to be especially bright.
