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in the [map collection](https://www.trentu.ca/library/archives/maps) and in the vertical unpublished [research files](https://www.trentu.ca/library/archives/vertical_research_files).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

            305 Archival description results for City of Peterborough

            305 results directly related Exclude narrower terms
            86-011 · Fonds · 1984

            This fonds consists of 7 tapes of various lectures sponsored by the Friends of the Bata Library.

            Friends of the Bata Library
            John Marsh fonds
            03-002 · Fonds · 1971-1999

            Fonds consists of materials relating to conferences, colloquiums, and workshops in which Professor John Marsh was involved, and to courses taught by Professor Marsh at Trent University. Also included is miscellaneous correspondence, and reports, submissions, papers, articles, and books written by and edited by Professor Marsh. Included in the fonds are four photographs and six cassette tapes.

            Marsh, John
            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.

            96-008 · Fonds · 1974

            This fonds consists of transcripts of interviews with Peterborough and area citizens concerning their perceptions of the social, cultural, and political aspects of life in Peterborough from the early 1900s to 1974. There are also three cassette tapes forming one interview with Lorna Cotton-Thomas.

            94-001 · Fonds · 1831-1977

            This fonds consists of records from the law firm and practice of Hall, Gillespie, from its beginnings with Robert Dennistoun, to its termination with John Gillespie. This fonds consists of land search books, case files, estate records from probates of wills and succession of duty papers to surety bonds, and lists of assets and debts. It also consists of correspondence, the firm's written history, maps, deeds and associated papers, mortgages, debentures, bills of sale and other legal records. The records in this fonds deal primarily with people and places in the City and County of Peterborough as well as its surrounding area.

            Hall, Gillespie Law Firm
            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
            05-001 · Fonds · 1958-1991

            Fonds consists of financial records, annual reports, minutes of Board meetings, 2 photographs, and printed programs relating to the Peterborough Women's Christian Association (YWCA).

            Young Women's Christian Association
            97-002 · Fonds · [1930]-1993

            This fonds consists of Young Women's Christian Association scrapbooks from 1976-1993, and a photograph of the YWCA swim club "The Silver Finnettes" from the 1930's. Also included are several identified and unidentified photographs of YWCA staff and volunteers, and of buildings. There are also slides of the staff, and miscellaneous slides.

            Young Women's Christian Association
            85-001 · Fonds · 1908-1983

            This fonds consists of records relating to the history, administration and programs of the Peterborough Young Women's Christian Association (Y.W.C.A.).

            Young Women's Christian Association
            Leggott family fonds
            12-006 · Fonds · 1863 - 1980

            Fonds consists of correspondence, legal and financial documents, newspaper clippings, photographs and memorabilia relating to the Leggott family of Lakefield Ontario.

            Leggott family
            Fern Rahmel fonds
            88-003 · Fonds · 1944-1975

            This fonds consists of correspondence, radio scripts for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, book reviews and other written records by Fern Rahmel.

            Rahmel, Fern
            97-1024 · Item · [1986]

            This item is a 4-page photocopy of an 1869 deed of land of property on the east shore of Little Lake, Peterborough, now known as Beavermead Park, which indicates that the land was once owned by Canada's first prime minister, Sir John A. Macdonald. The property at the time of his ownership was valued at $310.00.

            Beavermead Park
            10-008 · Fonds · 1943-2007

            Fonds consists of records related to the Beta Sigma Phi of Peterborough, Ontario. Correspondence, minutes, notes, membership lists, treasurer reports, photographs, and newspaper clippings pertaining to the Area Council, the Laureate Delta Beta chapter, the Delta Chi chapter, the Epsilon Mu chapter, and the Xi Iota chapter are included. Also included are 13 photographs of inaugural activities of the Peterborough Beta Sigma Phi in the 1940s.

            Beta Sigma Phi (Peterborough, Ontario)
            06-001 · Fonds · 1986-2005

            Fonds consists of two boxes of materials related to the life and times of Spencer J. Harrison, artist and gay activist.

            Harrison, Spencer J.
            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
            Gerald Cantello collection
            05-007 · Collection · 1960-2002

            Collection consists of reports and documents relating to Canadian General Electric Nuclear Division, Peterborough, Ontario, collected by Gerald Cantello in the course of research for his M.A. thesis at Trent University entitled "The Roles Played by Canadian General Electric Company's Atomic Power Department in Canada's Nuclear Power Program...", 2003.

            Cantello, Gerald
            94-011 · Fonds · 1939-1989.

            This addition to the fonds consists of ledgers, annual reports, program information, and other records regarding the YWCA women's residence and nursery school. There are also many photographs, mostly from the 1960's, of events and of people, who were associated with the Peterborough Young Women's Christian Association.

            Young Women's Christian Association
            91-003 · Fonds · 1897-1991

            This addition to the fonds consists of original Peterborough YWCA incorporation documents from 1897, YWCA photographs, financial and business documents, and other records including audio cassettes with oral interviews and tea meetings.

            Young Women's Christian Association
            W.T.C. Boyd fonds
            01-019 · Fonds · 1878-1917

            Fonds consists of 27 diaries of William Thornton Cust Boyd dated 1878 through 1917. Five of the diaries, 1884-1888, include financial records. The diaries recount the private and public life of Boyd, and include references to his wife, Meta, and their children, and social activities with family and friends including boating excursions and picnics. He refers throughout to Richard Birdsall Rogers (1857-1927), superintending engineer of the Peterborough Lift Lock, in social and business terms, and the two often conduct business relating to the Trent Valley Canal. Activities which Boyd participated in regularly include yachting and boating (on the "Calumet", "Ogemah", and "Ajax"), curling, hunting, gardening, tree planting, playing cards, skating, canoeing, and attending the theatre. He recounts details of the illnesses, deaths and funerals of acquaintances and family members, including his step-brother, Mossom (Mossie) Martin Boyd. Boyd recounts in detail the building of his house by John E. Belcher ([184-]-1915), architect, civil engineer, and surveyor. This house is now operated as Case Manor Nursing Home. The diaries speak of local and federal politics, World War I, and the activities of the church. They also detail the activities of the Lindsay, Bobcaygeon and Pontypool Railway Company, the Trent Valley Navigation Steamship Company, and the day-to-day operation of the family lumbering and cattle/buffalo enterprises.

            Boyd, W.T.C.
            78-1001 · Fonds · 1958

            This fonds consists of three letters, two of which were written to William Hamilton Munro and Mrs. Angela Munro by Bessie [?] of Ottawa, Ontario commenting on the 1958 gas explosion in Ottawa, the Peace River Project and W.A.C. Bennett. The third letter is a carbon copy of a letter sent to Mr. Franklin R. Little, Editor of the Northern New York Publishing Company from Robert Moses, Chairman of the Power Authority of the State of New York. It is in reference to an article published by Mr. Little titled "Underground Leak at Power Pool Feared Threat to Seaway Hydro Energy." A carbon copy typescript of the article is included with the letter.

            Munro, William Hamilton
            97-1015 · Item · [1860]

            This photograph shows William Brownscombe at his potters wheel shaping a large stone jug with a narrow neck. Another jug stands on a shelf to his left.

            Brownscombe, William
            73-002 · Fonds · 1973

            The fonds consists of a photocopy of the history of the 57th Regiment, Peterborough Rangers from 1914 to 1916 written by Francis H. Dobbin. It includes an index. The history from 1946 to 1970 was continued by Major D.P. Pryde.

            57th Regiment, Peterborough Rangers
            85-002 · Fonds · 1982-1983

            This fonds consists of correspondence, media materials, funding information relating to Energy Savers Peterborough and a public awareness project.

            Energy Savers Peterborough
            Eugene F. Eggleton fonds
            89-1007 · Fonds · 1915-1924

            This fonds consists of a series of five documents relating to Eugene F. Eggleton. There is a sworn statement by his sister, identifying him, his honorable discharge papers from the U.S. Army, his marriage certificate with Elizabeth Ann Kelly of Peterborough, an invoice for the burial of Eugene P. Eggleton, and the notification of birth registration for their daughter Mary Patricia Eggleton.

            Eggleton, Eugene Fredrick
            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.