City of Peterborough

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Taxonomy

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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in the [map collection](https://www.trentu.ca/library/archives/maps) and in the vertical unpublished [research files](https://www.trentu.ca/library/archives/vertical_research_files).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
            12-004 · Fonds · 2003-2017

            Collection consists primarily of photocopies and emails with information pertaining to various aspects of Peterborough's history, from both the city and the county. Brief history of the town of Lakefield is also included.

            Lakefield Heritage Research
            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."

            Kenneth Brown fonds
            12-010 · Fonds · 1906; 1925; 2012

            Fonds is primarily comprised of copies of research material. Included are reproductions of genealogical materials related to the Brownscombe family of Peterborough, Ontario, beginning with William Brownscombe (1830-1893), a descendent of Kenneth Brown's wife, Kathleen Brownscombe. Also included is material related to the Haliburton Scout Reserve, the Canadian Canoe Company and the Wm. English Canoe Company.

            Brown, Kenneth
            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.

            Kathleen Bowley fonds
            20-008 · Fonds · ca. 1900-2010

            Fonds is comprised of photographs, letters, speeches, articles, newspaper clippings and historical research notes related to the life of Kathleen Richmond Barclay Bowley. Much of the fonds relates to Bowley’s interest and experience in the Women’s Royal Canadian Naval Service and her participation in the Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) Peterborough Club. Also included are dozens of Barclay family ancestral letters.

            Bowley, Kathleen
            Kanawa Canoe Museum fonds
            84-013 · Fonds · 1980-1983

            This fonds consists of minutes and correspondence of the Trent-Kanawa's Canoe Museum Committee concerning the feasibility study for the canoe museum.

            Kanawa Canoe Museum
            97-016 · Fonds · 1952-1978

            This fonds consists of typescripts of "Aids to Jury Charges (Criminal)" and "Aids to the Small Claims Court Acts" written by Judge Kennedy. Also included are miscellaneous documents regarding the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies and the Humane Killing Trap Development Committee; various certificates and appointments; a Judge Kennedy portrait; a photo of Judge Kennedy and Harry Deyman in the opening ceremonies procession at Trent University; and one photo of a courtroom scene with Judge Kennedy.

            Kennedy, Judge John de Navarre
            95-023 · Fonds · 1963-1988

            This fonds consists of the bench books of Judge G.L. Murdoch from the court sittings of a circuit court covering Peterborough, Cobourg and Lindsay areas. The books note the defendant and prosecution names, the case number, exhibit numbers and short comments on the cases as the witnesses testify. The books comprise an "aide-memoire" for the judge as he listened to the various cases. Twenty-five of the books were the bench books of Judge Harry R. Deyman (1912-1975).

            Murdoch, Gilbert L.
            Joyce Anderson fonds
            14-004 · Fonds · 1851-1954

            Fonds pertains to the Cairnduff family and McWilliams family of Nogie’s Creek, Ontario. Items include two photo albums, two Bibles, and a handwritten music book for violin. Also included are two envelopes, one containing postcards pertaining to Buckhorn and the surrounding area with postmarks dating from 1907 to 1949, collected by Clayton Grant, the other containing a newspaper clipping, photograph, and colour scripture book. Also included are two books: My Bookhouse Through Fairy Halls, and The Standard Horse and Stock Book.

            Anderson, Joyce
            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
            15-007 · Fonds · ca. 1940-1996

            Fonds consists of Professor Joseph Wearing's research materials, newspaper clippings, reports, and articles related to the Liberal Party of Canada, various Liberal Party conventions and conferences, the Peterborough Riding Liberal Association, the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada, government and Canadian federal cultural policy, Canadian federal elections of the 1960s and 1970s, and The Arts. Also included are miscellaneous notes and manuscripts, as well as materials related to the video “:30 Second Democracy” and Wearing’s book, The L-Shaped Party: the Liberal Party of Canada, 1958-1980. Included also in this fonds are programs, financial and administrative records, and minutes related to Peterborough Symphony Orchestra, 1970s-1980.

            Wearing, Joseph
            Joseph Wearing fonds
            98-011 · Fonds · 1966-1978

            This fonds consists of materials relating to Gilbert and Sullivan productions, the Coventry Singers of Peterborough, and the Town and Gown concerts of Peterborough. Also included are materials related to the Progressive Conservatives, the New Democratic Party, the 1975 election, and Peterborough voting patterns.

            Wearing, Joseph
            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
            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.
            20-006 · Fonds · 1926-2005

            Fonds includes letters between John Quentin Brown and family members and photographs primarily of Quentin and his immediate family. Also included is a copy of The Army’s Mister Brown: A Family Trilogy, 1941-1952.

            Brown, John Quentin
            07-001 · Collection · 1824-1975

            Collection consists of correspondence, surveys, notes, plans, and maps of Peterborough area surveyors John Huston, John Reid, Alfred J. Cameron, and John W. Pierce. Also included are speeches, newspaper clippings, biographical accounts of various local surveyors, miscellaneous published items re Peterborough, and documents and photographs relating to Pierce's survey of the Ontario-Manitoba border in 1921.

            Pierce, John Gourley
            John Merton Bowes fonds
            20-013 · Fonds · 1950-2020

            This fonds contains records of John Merton Bowes’ 70-year career as a real estate agent in Toronto and Peterborough. The records include photographs, reports, advertisements, and other paper records of his professional career beginning in the 1950’s up to his retirement in 2020.

            Bowes, John Merton
            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
            John A. Bradshaw fonds
            90-007 · Fonds · 1757, 1942-1965 ; predominant 1956-1965

            This fonds has extensive personal genealogical research material collected by John A. Bradshaw, Crown Attorney and Clerk of the Peace for the City of Peterborough from 1948 to 1974. The fonds includes correspondence with genealogists, notes, photocopies of related passages, poems, and chapters of books and other published material, photographs and a 1757 edition of The London Chronicle.

            Bradshaw, John A.
            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
            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.
            Jean Shearman fonds
            05-013 · Fonds · ca. 1840 - 2004

            Fonds consists of research materials relating to early nineteenth-century Irish immigrants, Thomas Alexander Stewart and Frances Browne Stewart, of Douro Township, County of Peterborough in Ontario. Included in the research materials are photographs (including 3 daguerreotypes), genealogical family charts, and articles and papers relating to Stewart family descendents and other Peterborough settler families. Also included is the personal correspondence of Jean Shearman.

            Shearman, Jean