Pieces of the Past

April Fool’s Day or All Fools’ Day is celebrated each year on April 1. This is a time for harmless practical jokes or hoaxes. Once the joke or hoax has been accomplished, the prankster usually shouts ‘April Fools!’ to the target. Although the origins of April Fools are unknown, there are lots of the

Streets and stories… Have you ever walked down a street where you used to live? Vivid memories of what happened there and the people who lived nearby seem to come to mind more easily. Volunteer Paul Wilker and his supporters have just launched a new website called ‘Streets of Stratford’ at www.stree

On Friday we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Traditionally, many wear green to participate in the festivities. Although St. Patrick actually wore blue, the colour green was adopted during a series of Irish rebellions in the eighteenth century in order to gain independence from England. The colour stuck

March 8 is International Women’s Day. First held in 1911, IWD is now an annual opportunity to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women around the world.

In December 1922, the big industrial event in Listowel was the opening of the Blackmore-Hamilton Furniture Company. It was located in the former Hibner Chair Factory, which was located on Main Street East.

The YMCA has been a large part of Perth County’s community for over 150 years. During that time, many clubs were formed for kids and young adults.

Earlier in Canada’s history, artists were mainly itinerant, moving from place to place and working to fulfill commissions from wealthy patrons. Most earned an income painting portraits.

On Feb. 18, 1927 the Stratford Mirror newspaper had a short article about a fundraising event for the city’s Young Women’s Christian Association – “The annual tea and home baking sale under the auspices of the board of directors of the YWCA was held in the beautiful home of Mrs. R. I. Whitman, 90 Wi

With winter upon us it is important to ensure that we are engaging our minds and keeping busy. Hobbies make us more interesting and provide a healthy outlet for various energies. Finding time in your day to do something you enjoy doing can reduce negative stress while promoting creativity.

Since the mid-1860s, cheese making in Perth County had been on the rise and quickly became a popular trade. It is reported in the 1871 census that there were 13 cheese factories in Perth County. By the 1881 census, the number had risen to 30.

Beer is one of the oldest drinks produced by humans. The first written records date to 4000 BC. Over the centuries, it was modified and perfected.

After this photograph was donated to Stratford-Perth Archives in 1982, the dapper gentlemen in it were identified by long-time local sports reporter Harold “Winger” Thomas as champion curlers from Stratford who won the Ontario Tankard in 1930. They are, front row from left: W.M. Binkley, H.A. Bruce,

On Dec. 29, 1932 at 7 a.m., a man passing by J.J. Crosier and Company Limited heard a large bang. A few minutes later, smoke began pouring out from the front door of the Stratford-based dry goods and clothing store.

As many readers know, Stratford-Perth Archives celebrated a special anniversary this year! We turned 50!

This is the 49th week in a series of articles celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Stratford-Perth Archives. This week we feature a very special pair of cookbooks.