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in the [map collection](https://www.trentu.ca/library/archives/maps) and in the vertical unpublished [research files](https://www.trentu.ca/library/archives/vertical_research_files).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

            34 Archival description results for City of Peterborough

            34 results directly related Exclude narrower terms
            Spencer J. Harrison fonds
            99-010 · Fonds · 1962-2000

            This fonds consists of 4 boxes of materials related to the life and works of Spencer J. Harrison.

            Harrison, Spencer J.
            Robert Bowley fonds
            02-003 · Fonds · 1823-1998

            Fonds consists of papers, articles, and manuscripts of books written by Robert Bowley. Included is research material, photographs, slides, and negatives relating to the postal history of Smith Township, Peterborough, and the surrounding area. Included also are letters dated 1823-1878 of the Baptie family who were situated in Ida, Ontario, and extensive research material related to Captain Charles Rubidge, Sir Sandford Fleming, the Pengelley/Roche families, S.J. Carver, and local historic sites. This fonds is a tremendous resource for information related to Peterborough and area in general.

            Bowley, Robert E.
            84-006 · Fonds · 1978

            This item is a corrected carbon text of Peterborough's Architectural Heritage edited by Martha Kidd and published in 1978.

            Peterborough's Architectural Heritage was written by Martha Ann Kidd and published by the Peterborough Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee in 1978. The Peterborough Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee was established through a by-law made by the City of Peterborough after the Ontario Heritage Act of 1974 was passed by the Province of Ontario. Committee members consisted of Victor Barry, Edgar J. Boland, Teresa Bradburn, Eric V. Jackson, Martha A. Kidd, J.J. Overvliet, Eldon P. Ray, Jennie Spurway, Margaret Fleming and Betty Ross. The committee developed a number of guidelines for its activities and set out to compile a list of pre-1890 structures within the boundaries set by the Otonabee River, Parkhill Road, Park Street and Townsend Street. The list consists of photographs of the buildings and text containing information about the buildings architectural style and information about most of the homeowners. The list was compiled in order to aid Peterborough City Council in determining whether a permit for drastic exterior alteration or demolition should be issued for any of the properties. This list put the properties into the heritage designation category and was made available to anyone who wanted to see it. (Taken from: Kidd, Martha Ann. Peterborough's Architectural Heritage. Peterborough Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee, 1979.)

            Kidd, Martha Ann
            Munroe Scott fonds
            99-001 · Fonds · 1946-1996

            This fonds consists of various scripts and manuscripts, films, audio cassettes, etc., and related correspondence. Also included are photographs and personal correspondence.

            Scott, Munroe
            99-014 · Fonds · 1988

            This fonds consists of the manuscript of the publication "Historical Sketches of Peterborough" by Martha Ann Kidd and Louis Taylor. Also included are unbound sections of the publication, a newspaper clipping, and the invitation list for the book launching.

            Kidd, Martha Ann
            Linden Hall fonds
            89-008 · Fonds · [ca. 1910-1969]

            This fonds consists of one photograph album, dating from around 1910 to the 1960's. There are assorted programmes and flyers, mostly from Middlebury College, Vermont and this includes programmes for the Coronations of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. Also included in the fonds is a 1924 newsletter for Franklin Square House (Girls' Home) and the "Second Book of Verse" by Betsey Buttles with some loose greeting cards and poems.

            Hall, Linden
            87-017 · Fonds · 1981-1982

            This addition to the fonds consists of notes, correspondence and documents relating to the publication and sale of "Kawartha Heritage".

            84-007 · Fonds · 1980-1981

            This addition to the fonds consists of galley proofs and research notes collected prior to publication of Kawartha Heritage, 1981. The fonds also contains correspondence about the Kawartha Heritage Festival held the same year.

            87-005 · Fonds · 1977-1980

            This fonds consists of working papers, galley proofs and manuscripts of articles for the Journal of Canadian Studies.

            Journal of Canadian Studies
            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
            08-007 · Fonds · 1968-2006

            Fonds consists of manuscripts and research materials pertaining to Jean Murray Cole's biography of Chief Factor Archibald McDonald, entitled Exile in the Wilderness, and her published compilation of Archibald McDonald's letters, entitled This Blessed Wilderness. Also included are extensive research materials on Ranald McDonald (son of Archibald McDonald). Other research relates to Peterborough area settlers including the Strickland family (Catharine Parr Traill and Susanna Moodie), Frances Stewart, and Sandford Fleming. Materials encompass all aspects of research, correspondence with descendants, papers given by Cole, newspaper and magazine articles, maps, and photographs. The fonds also contains Cole's files on "Edwardian Peterborough" (a conference held in May 2005).

            Cole, Jean Murray
            03-009 · Fonds · 1968-2001

            Fonds consists of correspondence, manuscripts, published papers and booklets, and research materials relating to the many papers, articles, and books written by Jean Murray Cole

            Cole, Jean Murray
            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.
            80-034 · Fonds · 1869-1949

            This addition to the fonds consists of records created by Frank Morris. The fonds is arranged into the following series: correspondence, manuscripts and typescripts; postcards of the British Isles and Canada; photographs and negatives of botanical species from field trips; glass lantern slides of flowers, fine arts, museums, and scenes of Europe; and maps, mostly of Great Britain and Ontario.

            Morris, Francis J.A.
            Francis J.A. Morris fonds
            74-008 · Fonds · 1909-1950

            The fonds consists of the correspondence and manuscripts of the Peterborough author and teacher, Francis J.A. Morris, primarily relating to his interests in botany, entomology, and classical and modern literature. The papers include both prose and poetry selections, some of which are unpublished. Morris wrote for diverse journals, among them the Canadian Forum, and the Canadian Entomologist. Also among the papers are published copies of some of his works, and copies of the works of other authors, mainly in the field of natural science and botany or entomology. There are photographs included, some of which are reproduced here.

            Morris, Francis J.A.
            97-023 · Fonds · 1806-1887

            This fonds consists of correspondence, an early version of the manuscript of Our Forest Home, and a copyright document for Our Forest Home. Also included are drawings, a painting, and house plans.

            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
            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
            74-1006 · Fonds · 1816-1853

            This addition to the fonds consists of an original marriage license; photocopies of an abstract of marriage settlement; last will and codicils and attachments; and miscellaneous correspondence. The correspondence includes Stewart to Browne (March 11-13, 1823) - original belongs to Mrs. G.K. Browne of St. Andrews East, Quebec; Stewart to Browne (December 23, 1853) - original belongs to Dunlop Stewart of Oakville, Ontario; and F. Stewart to Sandford Fleming - original belongs to H.T. Pammett.

            Stewart, Frances Anne
            Frances Stewart fonds
            74-1005 · Fonds · 1823-1854

            The fonds consists of three original letters. Two are written to Harriet Beaufort, the third and last one to Maria Noble. Letter #1 (November 9, 1823-December 6, 1823), tells of mail received, the death of Frances' daughter Bessie, description of produce, and of difficulties in communication with Cobourg. Letter #2 (January 27, 1824-February 5, 1824), describes Frances' troubles with servants, of Tom's trip to Cobourg over the Rice Lake/Peterborough Road, and his getting lost on the lake, and her new baby girl. Letter #3, written from Goodwood, (April 11, 1854), tells of Tom's death, and her reflections on it.

            Stewart, Frances Anne
            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
            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
            10-002 · Fonds · 1887-2009

            Fonds consists of diaries, photographs, correspondence, certificates, play scripts and playbills, research material, speeches, short stories, reviews and critiques, genealogies, newspaper clippings and greeting cards related to the life of Fern Rahmel. Also included is a panoramic photograph entitled Sirmilik Hoodoos Panorama by Dr. Roberta Bondar, framed and presented to Rahmel by Trent University.

            Rahmel, Fern