In 1889, an American, Randolph Hersey (1829-1918) founded Page & Hersey Company in Montreal in partnership with E. N. and G. H. Page. It operated out of a then idle…
When people in Guelph talk about the “Pickle Factory,” they are referring to the Matthews-Wells factory - once located at Victoria and York. It opened in 1938 and closed in…
The Rowen family was well known in Guelph for their boot and shoe store on Wyndham Street. Daniel R. Rowen (1847-1927) operated his shop at 16/18 Wyndham during the late…
Joseph Oppenheim (1859-1901), a schoolmaster in Maria Stein, Ohio invented what is referred to as the first modern “widespreading” manure spreader. He undertook the production of this device in October…
When it comes to Guelph industries, the Ward has been home to several well-known ones. People still remember working at IMICO, Woods, the Pickle Factory (Matthews-Wells) and Biltmore Hats. They…
When hats are mentioned in Guelph, everyone thinks about Biltmore Hats. While the position of this company and its products is important, it was not the sole producer of hats…
During the last few years of the 1920s, Guelphites were beginning to feel quite optimistic. After the post-war slump, the economy was turning around. Companies were hiring and workers were…
The summer picnic was a regular component of working-class lives in Guelph. Although those of the 19th century - featuring parades, musical accompaniment and a promenade downtown, were more elaborate…
The partnership of AR Woodyatt and Charles Auld was formed in 1887/88 when they took over Guelph Enterprise Ltd. The company was located on Nelson Crescent where Market Fresh is…
Northern Rubber opened shop in a newly constructed five-storey factory on the corner of Metcalfe (Huron) and Alice Streets in April 1920 with 60 employees. Work on the building had…