Pieces of the Past

This year, Western Canada experienced drought due to low rainfall and high temperatures. Although global warming and climate change are very real problems, now being tackled by scientists, politicians and concerned citizens the world over, drought is not new to the Prairies.

A significant addition is coming soon to the Digitized Collections section of the Stratford-Perth Archives website. ‘Families of Perth County’ is a project that aims to locate, preserve and share photographs and associated documents related to the lives of several Perth County families.

Mirrors made of polished stone, dating back to 6000 BC, have been found in Anatolia or modern-day Turkey.

There was a time when animals freely roamed the streets of Listowel, as well as other communities in the area. Over time, it became necessary to create the position of pound-keeper in many communities. In Listowel, in the early years, the job of rounding up and impounding these animals fell to the v

One hundred years ago, the students at Millbank School (Mornington Township School Section #3)…

The first commercial mill in Tavistock was erected in 1876 by Klein, Kalbfleisch and Poehlman. The property consisted of a four-storey white brick building that was 36 feet by 48 feet, plus a three-and-a-half storey frame addition, and a free-standing engine house. At the time, it was said to be one

The first Royal Tour of Canada and the United States took place in the summer and fall of 1860. Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII, visited Perth County as part of his tour of Canada. He was born at Buckingham Palace on Nov. 9, 1841, and hadn’t yet turned 19 when he was sent on a

The executive of the Stratford Club of the Canadian Federation of University Women posed for this photograph in May 1960. They are, sitting: Mary Rayner (President and a founding member), and, Mrs. J.B. Lewis (Recording Secretary); standing: Mrs. D.B. Mackay (Second Vice President), Mrs. Ross Drake

One of Canada’s most famous judges of the early twentieth century, Supreme Court Justice John Idington had a deep connection to Perth County.

Shoes have a long history that can be traced back thousands of years. Whether for fashion, function or affordability – modern, savvy shoppers can seek out new footwear at local shoe stores. Three of those stores, located in Listowel, Stratford and Mitchell, who served their communities for many year

Wintario was the first lottery game offered by the Ontario Lottery Corporation in Ontario. Starting in May 1975, it was conceived by the Government of Ontario to raise money for worthwhile community projects.

The Junior Farmers clubs in Ontario were formed in 1914. According to the official website: “…30 young farmers huddled in a classroom in Woodbridge, Ontario for the final class of their six-week course to learn the “principles upon which everyday farm life are based.