City of Peterborough

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Scope note(s)

  • Early sketches and drawings of Peterborough are located in the following fonds: 83-1022 copy of an 1828 sketch by Basil Hall made with the Camera Lucida; 95-1004 unknown engraving [Bartlett?] 1882; 95-1017 sketch of Government House by Mary Sanford 1832 (copy); 02-1002 composite panorama of Ashburnham from St. John's Church ca. 1874 (a representation produced in 2001); 89-1065 Peterborough, U.C. on the Otonabee River signed
  • Special Collections maintains an impressive collection of books relating to the City of Peterborough. The "Trent Collection" contains all the obvious published histories such as _Peterborough, Land of Shining Waters; Peterborough Scrapbook...1825-1975_ Poole's _A Sketch of the Early Settlement...of the Town of Peterborough_ ; Jones' and Dyer's _Peterborough the Electric City_ and Guillet's _Valley of the Trent_. These titles represent only the most obvious sources; all of these (and many more) are catalogued on [Omni](https://www.trentu.ca/omni) and are available, for reference use only, in our Reading Room.
  • We also hold many idiosyncratic items in the [pamphlet collection](https://archives.trentu.ca/index.php/pamphlet-collection), in the [map collection](https://www.trentu.ca/library/archives/maps) and in the vertical unpublished [research files](https://www.trentu.ca/library/archives/vertical_research_files). Also pertinent to the study of Peterborough are all the extant [newspapers for the area which are available on microfilm](https://www.trentu.ca/library/archives/newspapers). In addition, various citizens of Peterborough have written historical columns for newspapers. We have the papers here in the archives for some of these authors. Their research files and copies of their columns can be a rich source of information. See, for example, the papers of [Helen Marryat](https://archives.trentu.ca/index.php/69-001), [Richard Choate](https://archives.trentu.ca/index.php/86-027), [Howard Pammett](https://archives.trentu.ca/index.php/77-010) and [Wilson Craw](https://archives.trentu.ca/index.php/86-003).
  • One important source of information on Peterborough often overlooked is the "Dobbin Index." Francis H. Dobbin was a journalist working in Peterborough from 1864 until 1914. During this time he collected news items and also wrote brief descriptive essays. These are catalogued (F 5547 .P4D622) and are available to researchers in our Reading Room. Some of his longer pieces were published posthumously as Our Old Home Town. It too is catalogued (F 5547 .P4D6) and can be accessed in the Reading Room.
  • The subject headings for the "Dobbin Index" of newspaper references, synopses, notes and essays are: 1. Introduction 2. Biographies 3. Churches 4. Education 5. Events 6. Fires 7. Industries 8. Institutions and Societies 9. Military 10. Municipal 11. Politics 12. Railway 13. Trent Canal
  • It was in May of 1819 that the first settlers came to the region in Newcastle District which is now known as Peterborough. One of these settlers was Adam Scott (1796-1838), and he built a saw and grist mill on the west bank of the Otonabee River (at the location were King St. now crosses the river). This location, then known as Scott's Plains, was to become the City of Peterborough. The area had been previously surveyed by Samuel Wilmot in 1818, and at that time, he recommended to the surveyor general that land be set aside for the development of a town at the junction of Smith, Douro, North Monaghan and Otonabee Townships, along the shores of the Otonabee River. In 1825, the recommended townsite was surveyed again by Richard Birdsall and the creation of a town plan was undertaken. From 1819 to 1825, the only inhabitants of Scott's Plains were Adam Scott's family and a few hired men. This changed with the arrival of the Peter Robinson immigrants in 1825 who numbered close to 2,000 people. Many of them settled in the townships surrounding Scott's Plains, which was renamed in 1826, to Peterboro by Sir Peregrine Maitland, in honour of Peter Robinson. By 1827, there were 20 buildings located within the townsite, and in the summer of 1828, another 20 houses were built. Shops, taverns, schools and churches began to sprout within the town boundaries. Timber, and then lumber, dominated the Peterborough industrial base from 1825 to 1875. But this was not the only form of industry. Peterborough also had a tannery, three iron foundries, and several woolen and grain mills. The location of Peterborough along the shores of the Otonabee was extremely important in the development of Peterborough as a manufacturing centre. The river provided not only water power, but a means of transportation for both people and goods. In 1890, Edison Electric, later known as Canadian General Electric, set up a plant in Peterborough, and by 1892, it became the site of the CGE head office for Canadian Operations. In 1900, Quaker Oats also came to Peterborough. Not only did Quaker employ a substantial number of people, they also used locally grown grains in the production of their cereals. The period between 1875 and 1930 was one of rapid industrial growth in Peterborough. As well, the population was constantly increasing. In 1838, the population was between 800 and 900, and by the 1852 census, it had risen to 2,191. In 1871 it had increased to 4,611 and it became necessary for Peterborough to annex land from the surrounding townships. In 1872, 239 acres were annexed from Smith, 50 acres from Douro, and 581 acres from North Monaghan. After the annexation, the population was close to 7,000 inhabitants. Peterborough officially became a city in 1904 and continued to grow and by 1921, the population had increased to 21,000.

Source note(s)

    Display note(s)

      Hierarchical terms

      City of Peterborough

        Equivalent terms

        City of Peterborough

          Associated terms

          City of Peterborough

            100 Archival description results for City of Peterborough

            100 results directly related Exclude narrower terms
            James F. Dennistoun letter
            01-1000 · Fonds · [2001] photocopied

            Fonds is a photocopy of a communication written to James F. Dennistoun, President of the Auburn Woollen Mills, dated September 6, 1882. It was written by the employees of the company who welcome Dennistoun back after a period away due to illness. They also express sincere thanks for the kindness and courtesy which he has always shown them. Among those who signed the letter is James Kendry, manager of the company.

            Dennistoun, James F.
            01-1002 · Collection · 1930's

            This collection consists of 14 photograph negatives of Peterborough Normal School, undated, and portraying people and the grounds of the school. The negatives are enclosed in a J.J. Gilfillan, Orono, Ontario, photographer's envelope, with the name Calvin Hamm, Orono, Ontario written on it. Calvin Hamm was born on March 28, 1909 at Orono, son of Ernest Hamm and Florence Hughson. He was appointed Principal of the Morley Consolidated School at Stratton in September 1935 and received his B.A. at Western University in June 1943. He later taught high school in Fort Frances (taken from a typed information enclosure which accompanies the collection). Also included is a Peterborough Normal School Christmas Card, undated; a Peterborough Normal School Literary Society invitation, 1930; and a photograph of the "Floating Bridge, Bridgenorth, Chemong Lake, 1933."

            Peterborough Normal School
            01-1007 · Fonds · 1840, 1995

            Fonds consists of 7 watercolours done by Edward C. Caddy. Likely locale of some of the paintings was supplied by Professor Gordon Roper; these locations include Scotland (2), Gull Lake, Stoney Lake, Lake Superior. Two have no indication of location. Also included is a two section map showing Herriots Mill near Kitchiwannoe Lake, and a map (mockup) of Peterborough, Ontario entitled "Location of Built Heritage (demolished and standing) in relation to the MNR building site", 1995.

            Caddy, Edward C.
            01-1012 · Fonds · 1991

            Item is a Peterborough Ecology Strategy draft interim report, submitted by project coordinator Jean Greig to the Ecology Strategy Steering Committee for their review and comment, 1991.

            The Peterborough Ecology Strategy
            01-1024 · Item · 1875

            Item is a map entitled Romaine's Map of the Town of Peterborough and Village of Ashburnham. It is "Compiled from Registered Plans and Actual Surveys", and is "Published by Robert Romaine, at the Office of the "Peterborough Review", Peterborough, Ont., 1875". Further description follows: scale equals 4 chains to 1 inch, size 164.5cm x 116cm, original, mounted on linen, laminated, 1875.

            Romaine's Map of the Town of Peterborough and Village of Ashburnham / Robert Romaine
            02-1002 · Item · 2001

            Items are reproductions of photographs depicting a view of Ashburnham from the tower of St. John's Church, c.1874. The View was constructed from two James Little photographs located at Peterborough Centennial Museum and Archives. One item is a print identified as proof number 9/10; the other is a reduced copy of the View with attached legend showing the names of the buildings.

            View of Ashburnham from the Tower of St. John's Church c. 1874 / James Little Photographs courtesy of the Peterborough Museum and Archives
            02-1006 · Collection · 1970-2000

            Collection consists of photographs and slides of businesses, landmarks and sites within and near the city of Peterborough. Images include Peterborough Lift Lock, Little Lake, Petroglyphs, Peterborough Square, Fairhaven Home for the Aged, Edmison Heights Public School, P.C.H. Nurses residence, Queen Mary Public School, Kinsmen Garden Club, Zeidler farm house, Peterborough Courthouse addition, Sir Sandford Fleming College, Hutchison House, Art Gallery of Peterborough, St. Peter's Cathedral, Peterborough Centennial Museum, Peterborough Public Library, Comstock Funeral Home, Peterborough Theatre Guild, Victoria Park, Kaos Cafe & Revue Cinema, etc.

            Bruce LeCouffe CD
            02-1009 · Collection · 2002

            CD consists of the scanned 400-page letterbook of Walter J. Francis. The letters are dated 1898-1906 and relate to the engineering practice of the writer. Of particular relevance to the Peterborough area are letters concerning the building of the Peterborough Lift Lock.

            LeCouffe, Bruce
            Ivan Bateman fonds
            03-1002 · Fonds · ca. 1902

            The three photographs are of a logging crew, ca. 1902, a member of which is George Noyes, who helped build the Peterborough Lift Lock; George Noyes aboard the "Bob Hall" (boat); and the "Bob Hall" anchored at a dock. One additional photograph added in 2007 is an 8" x 10" photograph of a logging crew which included George Noyes in the back row, looking away from the camera.

            Bateman, Ivan
            04-1004 · Collection · 1960

            Collection consists of 13 Peterborough, Ontario postcards reproductions of scenes and buildings dated ca. 1940 - ca. 1955. Subjects include St. Peter's Cathedral, Western Clock Company Ltd., George Street, Civic Hospital, Trinity United Church, Quaker Oats Company Ltd., War Memorial, Peterborough Collegiate & Vocational School, St. John's Anglican Church, City Hall, George St. United Church, and St. Paul's Presbyterian Church.

            Peterborough City postcards reproductions
            Dunsford family tree
            04-1008 · Item · 1886

            Item is a rolled family tree with the title "Pedigree of the family of Dunsford." It was compiled in 1886 by George Lichigaray Dunsford of Exeter. The earliest information is dated 1631 and the latest 1884.

            Dunsford family
            05-1000 · Collection · [188-?]-[197-?]

            Collection consists of photographs of Peterborough Lift Lock, members of the Hugh MacMillan family, Premier Leslie Frost, the Roosevelts visit to Ottawa, and numerous unidentified men and women.

            C.W. Hedley diary
            05-1001 · Item · Photocopied 1989

            Item consists of a multi-page photocopy of the 1895-1896 diary of C.W. Hedley.

            Hedley, C.W.
            05-1002 · Collection · 1981; 1984

            Collection consists of an audio cassette tape and transcript of an interview with William G. Towns of Douro, Ontario, conducted by Professor Alan Brunger on 27 October 1981. Also included is an audio cassette tape of an interview with William Telford of Smith Township, Ontario, on local recreation history, conducted by Elaine Boothman for Professor John Marsh's geography 334 course in October 1984.

            05-1007 · Fonds · 194?

            Items include two George Stevens flyers and one envelope that advertise the export of Canadian unleached hardwood ashes, to be used as plant food.

            Stevens, George
            69-1002 · Fonds · 1839-1842

            The fonds consists of two photocopies of drawings of early Peterborough by Edward C. Caddy. The first is a drawing of Conger Hill, 1839-1842, and the second is a drawing of the Courthouse and St. John's Church, 1839.

            Caddy, Edward C.
            69-1004 · Collection · 1833-1933

            This item is carbon copy of a typescript history of St. Andrew's United Church titled "One Hundred Years' History of St. Andrew's Church, Peterborough 1833-1933." It was written and later published by E. Bruce Fowler.

            St. Andrew's Church
            70-1006 · Item · 1 Jan. 1854

            This item is a debenture-mortgage issued to Samuel Zimmerman, or the holder thereof, and used as evidence in a case involving John Fisken, and the executors of the Company's stock affairs, Wm. Proudfoot and T.G. Ridout, in 1868.

            Cobourg-Peterborough Rail Road Company
            70-1007 · Item · Photocopied [before 1970]

            This item is a photocopy of Dr. Hutchison's birth register of his patients, which he kept during his practice in Port Hope, Cobourg and Peterborough. It is taken from the doctor's lecture note-book, from his days as a medical student in Glasgow (1815). The birth register contains births from 1817 to 1846.

            Hutchison, Dr. John
            Benson Mills day book
            71-1002 · Item · 1 June 1848-28 Dec. 1849

            This item is an original day book from the Benson Mills (also called Creek Mills and Peterboro Mills) which describes work done, for whom work was done, and value of work done.

            Benson Mills
            Loyal Orange Lodge fonds
            73-1002 · Item · 1877-1923

            The fonds consists of the following three items: 1. an undated broadside with lines on Scott and Hackett who were murdered and the Right to Walk, an anonymous poem on the 1870 Riel Rebellion; 2. a broadside dated July 12, 1877, with poems on the Montreal Riots (of the same date) with the Murder and Funeral of the late Thos. Lett Hackett, by Ulster True Blue and; 3. a certificate of degree, dated March 26, 1923, of Norman Killenbeck, L.O.L. Peterborough #3.

            Loyal Orange Lodge
            73-1005 · Fonds · 1958

            The fonds consists of carbon copies of Surveyor's correspondence regarding a municipal drain dated November 6, 1958; and 3 undated identical maps for zoning in the City of Peterborough.

            Peterborough Chamber of Commerce
            Martha Ann Kidd fonds
            74-1002 · Fonds · Photocopied [between 1956 and 1972]

            This fonds consists of photocopies of addresses given by Martha Ann Kidd, local historian, sometime Chair of the Old Buildings Committee of the Peterborough Historical Society and member of the Peterborough Historical Society. It includes addresses on 1) The Quetico Foundation - Quetico by Car, CBC, 1956; 2) First Draft - The Heart of Old Peterborough, June 1971; 3) Second Draft - The Heart of Old Peterborough, October 1971: 4) Final - Peterborough Historical Society, The Heart of Old Peterborough, or, Old Buildings Lecture; and 5) The Heart of Old Peterborough, given to the Architectural Conservancy, October 26 1972.

            Kidd, Martha Ann
            Fortnightly Club fonds
            75-1004 · Fonds · 1975

            This item is a typescript of an address to the Fortnightly Club by Ralph C. Honey, describing the production of the Centennial book, "Peterborough: Land of Shining Waters." The address was written March 14, 1967.

            Fortnightly Club
            75-1006 · Fonds · 1964-1972

            This fonds consists of copies of papers written by J.E.R. and H.V. Munro of Peterborough, Ontario, on the following topics: The Shanleys - Pioneer Railway Builders, manuscript 14 pages, (London, Ontario); Katherine Wallis - 1945 address to Women's Art Association of Peterborough, manuscript, 9 pages; Women's Art Association of Peterborough through 60 years, 1965, 8 pages; Pioneer; A Chronology of Prince Edward County and the Early Pioneers, 1964, 28 pages; and The Village of Demorestville in the Township of Sophiasburg in the County of Prince Edward, Ontario, 1971, 23 pages and 6 pages correspondence from 1972.

            Munro, J.E.R. and Helena V.