When Master Blacksmith John Owen Lynch (1793-1860) arrived from New York in Guelph in 1827, he faced a considerable challenge. This was a pioneer community. As the only blacksmith, he…
In 1917, Fried-Grills Hats operated out of Niagara Falls and Toronto. By 1919, the company had settled in premises located at 154 Suffolk Street. Thirty hands were at work producing various…
Bell Organ and Piano remains one of Guelph’s most recognized industries from the past. Together with Raymond’s Sewing Machines and Sleeman’s Brewery, it characterizes the early industrial character of the…
W.C Wood’ is best known as a manufacturer of freezers. Its founder, Wilbert Copeland Wood (1896 - 1987), relocated from Toronto in 1941, setting up shop on Woolwich Street. During…
Today the attraction of traditional circuses has faded. Gone are the days when Guelphites flocked to see exotic animals perform their tricks. However, circuses were common in the 19th century, with…
Guelph has produced a variety of agricultural implements throughout its history. It has had companies that produced such equipment in addition to their regular items. It has also had companies…
On the first Monday in September, Canada celebrates Labour Day the only statutory holiday created to celebrate the rights and interests of a specific group – the Working Class. Although…
Guelph has several hills. These include the ones down which Eramosa Road and Gordon Street run. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, children and adults took to sleighing or tobogganing. As…
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…