Members of Elora’s High School Board did not know much about George Edgcumbe when they hired…
Valuing Our History
Epic political battle preceded 1956 Harriston school
Most of the towns and cities of Ontario constructed new schools in the 1870s, and Wellington County…
Village of Hollen enjoyed brief period of prosperity
Last October this column featured a brief outline of Hustonville, near the present…
1908 attack on farm woman raised area’s fears
When someone mentions economic depression, most people at once think of the 1930s. That was,…
Harriston dairy turned out ice cream 90 years ago
As snow piles up it is pleasant to think of hot summer days and a summer time treat: ice cream. In…
Child went to new home in messy 1892 domestic dispute
The abduction of a child is a fear of many parents, even though the vast majority of such cases are…
1925 tornado cut a swath across Eramosa Township
Every summer brings the danger of tornadoes. Wellington County has suffered from some severe ones,…
1918 influenza epidemic struck all corners of the county
Last week’s column described the appearance of Spanish influenza in the…
Innes, McIntosh guided Guelph Mercury for seven decades
Those of us with a fondness for newspapers sometimes lament the passing of the old-time…
Many small-town grocers affiliated with chains in 1920s
Last week’s column described some of the developments in retailing in…
Farmers political picnic in 1897 featured notable speakers
Today there are very few people who know of the Patrons of Industry, but in the heyday of the…
Several county hotel keepers were charged in 1897 temperance sweep
The temperance movement was a constant presence in most North American communities during the 19th…
Insufficient evidence to lay arson charges in 1864 Guelph fire
Note: This is the conclusion of the story of the fire at Guelph’s People’s Mills, the…
Robbers failed in 1947 attempt on Royal Bank in Grand Valley
Bank robberies have been comparatively rare in Wellington County’s history. Accounts of…
More details on the ill-fated Peoples Railway
Perhaps the most intriguing business venture proposed for this region of Ontario in the early 20th…