Photograph of James Franceschini driving a hackney four-in-hand at Ottawa Horse Fair, 1956

Black and white photograph of James Franceschini driving a hackney four-in-hand at the Ottawa Horse Fair, 1956.

James is wearing a light coloured suit with a top hat. He is holding a martingale in his right hand and the reins in his left hand. Two men in black suits and top hats are behind him, presumably marking his perfomance.  The seated crowd is shown in the background.

In 1912, James founded Dufferin Construction and became well known nationally. As the company became increasingly more successful, James was able to move into the construction of highways, provincial roads, rail lines and suburbs. Within three years – at the age of 25 – James became a millionaire.

On June 10, 1940, he was arrested and interned as a threat to the Canadian state.