Curling and Pleasure SkatingAmong the more popular sports were curling and pleasure skating. They both could be played on either the Speed or the Eramosa River, provided they froze hard…
With the arrival of cooler temperatures, Guelphites could enjoy winter sports. While all classes could take part in the different pastimes, the working classes faced certain restrictions not applicable to…
Unlike other sports, ice hockey was slow to surface in Guelph. In 1897, the Guelph Royals became part of the Ontario Professional Hockey League. In the finals, they were defeated…
In July 2017, Labouring All Our Lives was fortunate to be granted a booth at Hillside Music Festival in Guelph. In this way, we were able to expand awareness of…
While people continued to work during the long, sweltering summer months, they did have one occasion to look forward to - the company picnic. This was a major event.Picnics and…
On May 1, 1906, Canada celebrated its first May Day. This workers’ festival originated in 1886 in the United States but did not seem to have an impact on the…
Some workers were not protected by the Factory Act. Particularly neglected were construction workers and civic employees. In the 19th century, there was no uniform requirement for erecting and maintaining…
The Great Depression spread across Canada, comfortably and unevenly settling in for the duration of the 1930s. In Guelph, some employers continued to employ workers. Yet, they did so at…
During both World Wars, the entire country became mobilized. Companies that once produced everyday items were retooled for war production. Guelph was no different than other communities across Canada. It…
Labouring All Our Lives First AnniversaryOn May 1st, 2016, LAOLs celebrated its first anniversary in style.The event was co-partnered by the Guelph Civic Museum. In attendance were local luminaries James…