Before social media, dating apps, and the exchange of phone numbers, the process of meeting a significant other often relied on introductions. This was especially true during the Victorian era when rules of conduct were very strict.
Pieces of the Past
William Finkbeiner and the business of ink blotting
Finkbeiner’s Hardware in Milverton gave out the eye-catching card accompanying this piece to promote sales of the Jewel line of stoves and ranges manufactured in Hamilton. Appealing to national pride, the “world famous” status of the stoves is credited to “Canadian Enterprise and Energy.” Symbols of
1967 dedication of Stratford’s Confederation Park
Turning back to 1967, the City of Stratford was abuzz with planning celebration events for the week of the Centennial of Canada’s Confederation and throughout the year
Renowned architect Cornelius Soule made mark across Canada
Many interesting people have passed through Stratford over the years, and one of those was architect Cornelius John Soule. When he arrived, an article was published in the Stratford Beacon Weekly, introducing and welcoming him to the city.
Hattie Baker worked tirelessly for Perth County boys
The book Water Under the Bridges: Fullarton Township, 1824-1997 tells the story of Hattie Baker’s Farm Centre for Boys and her devotion to housing and educating vulnerable youth.
The historic Woodham sawmill
Did you know there used to be a sawmill in Woodham? The accompanying photograph from Stratford-Perth Archives with this article shows some of the mill workers. They are, back row, from left: Billie Wynn, Joe Rinn, Creighton Wynn, Sidney Mills, and Alonzo Mills. Front: Mary Mills and Lula Mills.
1950 wild fires: ‘A weird, eerie sky of many colours at noon…’
To date, there have been well over 500 wildfires in Alberta in 2023. According to news reports, we currently have a haze from these devastating fires.
‘Ploughing bee’ displayed farm community spirit in 1870
Plog, pflug, ploh, plogr, or ploeg – these are old spellings for the word ‘plough.’ It is difficult to establish the origin of the word as it has been spelled differently throughout the world, but in Canada, we tend to spell it as ‘plow’ or ‘plough.’
PIECES OF THE PAST: Listowel’s first hospital opens doors
Did you know that Listowel’s first hospital was privately run? The hospital opened in 1910 and was based out of a house at 445 Wallace St. N. It was ran by two nurses, a Miss Tolton and a Miss Schneider. The house had been the private residence of Fred Ellis prior to its sale and conversion to a sma
Art of the wedding invitation
With spring around the corner, wedding season will soon be upon us. Brides and grooms will be getting ready for their big day. Dresses, suits or tuxes, flowers, and a venue will have all been chosen.
Earth Day over the last half-century
With the marking of the 53rd annual Earth Day this Saturday, April 22 comes the realization that since its inception in the United States in 1970, it’s become more important than ever for asking yourself what role you can play in protecting our planet.
Classic spring recipes are in the air
There has been a welcome trend in the last few years to promote locally-produced foods at grocery stores. Choosing freshly-harvested products from close to home is even more enticing in spring.
Many discoveries to be had down the archival rabbit hole
Why did the chicken cross the road? To get to the Knox Presbyterian Church in Listowel of course!
1903: Historic April Fool’s Day banter
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
Strolling down memory lane on the streets of Perth County
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
