George Wright

Who was Mr George Wright?

Mr George Wright was a prominent Canadian businessman and philanthropist who made his fortune publishing international business directories. Born in 1849, he rose from humble beginnings to become a successful printer and publisher before the age of 30. Wright was known for his commitment to social causes, particularly in providing better housing for the working poor. Tragically, he lost his life at the age of 62 (sixty-two) in the sinking of the RMS Titanic.

Early Life and Origins

A Farmer’s Son with Grand Ambitions

George Wright is believed to have been born on October 26, 1849, in Tufts Cove, Nova Scotia. While there is some uncertainty about the exact date in historical records, what’s clear is that Wright’s origins were modest. As the son of a farmer, young George might have been expected to follow in his father’s footsteps. However, fate had different plans for this ambitious Nova Scotian.

The Birth of a Business Empire

How did a visit to Philadelphia change Wright’s life?

In 1876, a 27-year-old George Wright visited the U.S. Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia. This world’s fair would prove to be a pivotal moment in his life. Inspired by the global gathering of businesses and innovations, Wright conceived the idea of compiling an international business directory. This spark of inspiration would lead to the creation of Wright’s World Business Directories, a publication that would become indispensable to the corporate world across three continents.

From Printer to Publishing Magnate

Wright’s journey from concept to success was remarkably swift:

• By age 30, he had established himself as a successful printer
• He launched Wright’s World Business Directories
• The directories quickly gained popularity, becoming essential reference tools for businesses globally
• Wright amassed a considerable fortune through his publishing enterprise

A Man of Principle and Privacy

Despite his wealth and success, George Wright was known for being a private individual. However, this did not prevent him from having a significant impact on his community. Wright’s character was defined by:

• A strong social conscience
• Commitment to improving living conditions for the working class
• Innovation in urban planning and construction

Wright’s Lasting Impact on Halifax

George Wright’s legacy in Halifax, Nova Scotia, is still visible today:

1. He created one of the first subdivisions to integrate housing for both rich and poor
2. His personal residence at 989 Young Ave stands as a testament to his success
3. Two of his public buildings remain prominent landmarks in downtown Halifax:
   • The Marble Wright Building (1672 Barrington St.)
   • The Saint Paul Building (1684 Barrington St.)

The Fateful Titanic Journey

A Last-Minute Decision

In the autumn of 1911, Wright embarked on a European journey aboard the Empress of Ireland. While in Paris, he learned of the Titanic’s maiden voyage and made a fateful decision to book passage on the ill-fated ship. This decision was apparently made at the last moment, as evidenced by:

• His name not appearing on the passenger list distributed during the voyage
• The late booking of his ticket, priced at £26

Wright’s Final Hours

The details of Wright’s time aboard the Titanic are shrouded in mystery:

• No fellow passengers recall seeing him during the voyage
• He likely kept to himself, maintaining his private nature even at sea
• Friends speculated that, being a heavy sleeper, he may have gone to bed on the evening of April 14 and never awoken

The Tragic End

Sadly, George Wright did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. His body, if recovered, was never identified. The loss of this 62-year-old visionary businessman and philanthropist was deeply felt in Halifax and beyond.

Wright’s Enduring Legacy

George Wright’s life, while cut short, left an indelible mark on the world of business and the city of Halifax. His innovative approach to publishing, coupled with his commitment to social welfare, set him apart as a forward-thinking leader of his time. Today, the buildings he left behind in Halifax stand not just as architectural landmarks, but as monuments to a man who believed in using his success to benefit others. Wright’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the lives lost on that fateful night in April 1912, each with their own unique contributions to the world.