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in the [map collection](https://www.trentu.ca/library/archives/maps) and in the vertical unpublished [research files](https://www.trentu.ca/library/archives/vertical_research_files).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
            F.M. de la Fosse fonds
            92-1007 · Fonds · Photocopied [between 1990 and 1992]

            This fonds consists a photocopy of a manuscript written by de la Fosse describing his brief experience in the Canadian West. There is a short introduction by Sylvia Boorman as well as concluding remarks. Two pages are missing and are mentioned by Sylvia Boorman in her introductory letter which accompanies the manuscript. The introductory letter is dated July 5, 1990.

            de la Fosse, Frederick Montague
            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
            83-1027 · Fonds · 1920-1940

            Item is an address by Dr. John T.R. Stewart"Our Peterborough Hospitals" which was given to thePeterborough Fortnightly Club.

            Fortnightly Club
            92-1002 · Fonds · 1854-1870

            This addition to the fonds consists of 10 letters (some fragments) written by Frances Stewart to her granddaughter and relatives in England, concerning her pioneer life in the Peterborough area. There is also one photograph of Harriet as young child which was photographed in London, England (biographical information is written on the back of the photograph).

            Stewart, Frances Anne
            94-1001 · Fonds · 1823-1856

            This addition to the fonds consists of two original letters written by Frances Stewart to relatives in Ireland. There is also an original invoice from a linen draper and haberdasher.

            Stewart, Frances Anne
            G.C. Gross fonds
            89-1050 · Fonds · 1879-1894

            This fonds consists of correspondence and 75 shares in the Peterborough Gas Company; correspondence from the Ontario Bank and by-law no. 8 from the Ontario Ladies' College at Whitby, Ontario.

            Gross, G.C.
            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
            96-1012 · Item · July 1893-Sept. 1893

            The grasses scrapbook was compiled by Catharine Parr Traill for her friend James Fletcher and given to him 12 January 1894. The inside cover has the following inscriptions: "Grasses from Stony Lake gathered and mounted by Cathe Parr Traill - Aged 92 years." These specimens are from the Island of Minne Wa-Wa and Otter Island. July-September 1893" and "With Mrs.Traill's kind wishes to her much valued and esteemed friend James Fletcher F.S.L.S. & etc. January 12th, 1894". The scrapbook consists of 20 pages, 18 of which have pressed grasses, from the Stoney Lake area of the Island of Minne Wa-Wa and Otter Island, glued onto them. Also included in the scrapbook is a specimen list of the grasses and a photocopy of an article, entitled "Grasses from Stony Lake Gathered and Mounted by Cathe Parr Traill - Aged 92 Years". The article was written by William G. Dore and published in The Ontario Naturalist in 1966.

            The framed mosses were gathered by Catharine Parr Traill in the Stoney Lake area. Prior to the Archives receiving this addition, the pages were taken apart, mounted and framed in two frames each containing three pages of mosses; one medium frame containing "Sedges & grass, with mosses, from the bank below the garden at Westove. Gathered and arranged for Katie. With Grandmother's dear love. Oct. 24th, 1889"; and one small frame with Traill's autograph.

            Traill, Catharine Parr
            Harold B. Rye receipts fonds
            96-1008 · Fonds · 1934

            This fonds consists of two receipts dated 1934, one of which relates to a license for Rye's Pavilion granted by the Canadian Performing Right Society, Ltd., and the other to fees charged by W.H. Cunningham for tuning Mr. Rye's piano.

            Rye, Harold B.
            Harold Reid collection
            97-1029 · Collection · 1880-1997

            This collection consists of a ledger dated 1880-1905 created by Robert Henry Reid which records transactions for goods sold or services exchanged for goods. The merchandise involved appears to be that of a general store or farm supply depot. Also included is a journal (and typescript) created by Frederick Reid describing his move west from Ontario to Edmonton between 1907 and 1909. A biographical note about Fred by his son is included at the end. Collection also includes a letter to Harold A. Reid from Florence Reid and two copy photographs: one of Fred and Louise Reid, 1949 and one of the school house which Frederick Reid attended, 1946.

            Reid, Harold
            Helen Anderson fonds
            89-1041 · Fonds · 1938-1944

            This fonds consists of two books of poetry by Frederick Montague de la Fosse, "Verses Grave and Gay" and "A Dream and An Allegory" which are signed by the author and given to Helen Anderson from him. Also included in the fonds are some poems, all signed by de la Fosse and letters to Helen Anderson from de la Fosse as well as two photographs of de la Fosse; one as a young man (signed on the back) and one of him as an older man.

            Anderson, Helen M.
            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
            J. Brown letter
            76-1001 · Item · Photocopied [ca. 1976]

            This item is a photocopy of a letter of J. Brown to his nephew Archibald Brown of Kittley, near Smith's Falls, Canada West, dated December 30, 1845. Comments on family matters, crops, number of shops, saw mills and foundries in Peterborough are written in the letter.

            Brown, J.
            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.
            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.
            J.J. Turner & Sons fonds
            83-1010 · Fonds · ca. 1895-ca. 1905

            This fonds consists of 68 photographs of commercial signs held in albums as catalogues of J.J. Turner & Sons company, Peterborough, Ontario. It also includes one 8 X 10 photograph and one photograph identified as George A. Cox (1840-1914) of the Colborne/Midland railway.

            J.J. Turner & Sons
            John R. Marshall collection
            97-1025 · Collection · [192?]; 1952

            This collection consists of a photograph of John R. Marshall, possibly in his late 30s or early 40s, and newspaper clipping memorials to Marshall at the time of his death in April 1952.

            Marshall, John R.
            95-1015 · Fonds · 27 Feb. 1940

            This item is a parchment document appointing Joseph James Duffus a merchant in Peterborough, to the Senate of the Dominion of Canada in 1940. The Great Seal of Canada is affixed to the document.

            Duffus, Joseph James
            Labour posters collection
            95-1010 · Fonds · [ca. 1909-1937]

            This collection consists of thirty-five labour posters printed in London, England and Budapest. There are also three charter certificates, one dated 1919, and two dated in 1937, which were issued to the Canadian Brussels Carpet Weavers Benefit Association and to the United Textile Workers Federal Union, both of Peterborough. Also included in the collection is a photograph entitled "Delegates to Twelfth Convention of the P.M.L. of N.A."

            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
            Margaret Love Bird fonds
            95-1002 · Item · Photocopied [between 1993 and 1995]

            This item is a 26-page photocopy of typescript of a letter of reminiscence written in 1910 by Margaret Bird, of Peterborough, Ontario, when she was an elderly woman. It tells of her abuse at the hands of her husband including one attempt to poison her. It describes her difficult life in late nineteenth-century Peterborough.

            Bird, Margaret Love
            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
            89-1054 · Item · 1923

            This item is a programme used by the Royal Arthur Lodge for an installation banquet at the Masonic Hall in Peterborough in 1923.

            Masonic Hall
            91-1025 · Collection · 1884-1979 ; (predominant 1884-1910)

            This collection consists of a number of photographs which include John Butcher, sexton of St. John's Church in Peterborough. There is one photograph of his family outside their home as well as one photograph of John at age 34. There are also a number of photographs of the Hastings Lock, Healey's Falls and steam logging and boat with log boom. There is also one photograph of William Dawson's house in South Monaghan from 1910; a photograph of "Strathormond" in Peterborough and the Champion soccer team of Fairview School from around the 1970's.