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…
Tires became a hot commodity as first bicycles and then automobiles became popular. In Guelph, several tire manufacturers entered into the market intent on making a profit. The only one…
Machine shops are not a new invention. However, the term “machinist” dates back only to the early 18th century and the growth of the Industrial Revolution. These makers of machines and…
The automotive industry was one factor in driving the production of a variety of essential components in factories across Canada. Bicycles, also popular, required a variety of parts in order…
In the 19th century, Canada began to produce automobiles. The first Canadian-made vehicle was steam-propelled. This was the famous Taylor Steam Buggy built by Henry Seth Taylor in Stanstead Quebec. It…
In early Guelph, as with most pioneer communities, soap tended to be made at home. Lye and fat provided the basis for many cleaning products. Even with the addition of…
Townhouses are being built on the land at 249 York Road between Morris and Huron Streets. Beyond the tracks that subdivides the land is a parking lot. This property was…
Guelph has several companies that have vanished in mind as well as time. Among the forgotten ones is a firm that produced fine engines, including the Brown Steam Engine. Although…
Harter Metal Furniture Ltd. came to Guelph in 1955. An American branch factory, it moved into premises at 139 Cardigan Street. It remained here, just north of the Goldie Mills’…
Originally, the company was known as Wideman and Clemens. In 1894, the owners, Louis (later Major) Wideman (1851-1917) and Herbert A. Clemens, set up their business near the Eramosa Bridge…