Cigar manufacturing was never a large industrial concern in Guelph's early years. Imperial Tobacco's extensive plant and large workforce did not arrive until 1959. The small shops that operated in…
Caleb Chase (1838-1903) is recognized by Guelph political historians as one of the city’s mayors. He was elected to serve the 1863-1864 term replacing George Sleeman. Yet, Chase was more…
When it comes to burial, the choices have always varied. This is also true with the type of vessels chosen to hold the remains of the deceased. Cultural norms and…
Guelph has been home to various textile factories. Carter’s Royal Knitting Company, Zephyr Looms and Cartledge’s Knitting Company are a few examples. The Cartledge Knitting Company appeared at about the…
Samuel Carter (1860 – 1944) arrived in Guelph in 1882 after spending about a year-and-a-half in Philadelphia. He had been born in Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, England, a village where the…
Along with Blacksmiths, carriage and wagon makers and repairers played a significant role in the development of Ontario, physically and economically. Wagons and carriages were the main mode of transportation.…
Carriages were the main form of transport for individuals and businesses alike in Guelph during the 1800s. Blacksmiths were responsible for the horses that pulled them. They also made repairs…
Early Guelph offered something many companies could use – water power. It was particularly conducive for the operation of mills – not simply grist mills but woollen and carpet mills…
The making of carpets has only been a small cottage industry in Europe since around the 1300s. Before then, the true masters of the craft were found in China, India…
Guelph has many companies that remain a footnote in its history. While Raymond Sewing Machine Company, and Bell Organ and Piano Company are names people recognize, V.H. Canham & Company…