by Amy Zoethout | Feb 8, 2022 | Museum News
The Huron County Museum congratulates the Huron County Library for receiving the Ontario Library Association’s (OLA) Archival and Preservation Achievement Award for the Huron County Digitized Newspaper project.
Virtually presented to library staff at the OLA Super Conference on Feb. 2, 2022, the award recognizes significant achievements in the field of preservation and/or conservation for library and/or archival materials.
Beginning in 2014, the digitization project has been a collaboration between the Huron County Library, Huron County Museum, the County of Huron, and the local community. The project has resulted in the digitization of more than 350,000 local newspaper and magazine pages from microfilm and hard copies. This collection preserves more than a century’s worth of local history from communities across the County.
“The Huron County Library has always been one of the most modern and innovative library systems in the province.” said Huron County Warden, Glen McNeil, “The Digitization Project is just one example of its leaderful and progressive work. Congratulations to everyone involved in this project. The recognition received is well deserved.”
The online collection brings together newspapers and magazines, spanning from 1848 to 2019, in one convenient location that anyone can access, for free, from anywhere there is an internet connection. Over the past two years, as libraries and museums were shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic, teachers, students, researchers, historians, and genealogists could still easily access Huron County history from around the world. In 2021 alone, the digitized newspaper collection received close to 20,000 visits, making it one of the most popular online resources that the County of Huron offers.
“The digitization project serves as an important contribution to improving access to community history for researchers, historians and genealogists, who continue to expand our understanding of our rural past,” said Beth Rumble, Director of Cultural Services and County Librarian. “New content is being digitized and added to the collection on an on-going basis, further preserving our archival resources for generations to come.”
Support for this project from the community has helped shape the success of this project.
“We appreciate how the news of the day provides tidbits and notes of interest to many researchers and are impressed how this remarkable project has evolved to become a rich asset to our community,” said Rhea Hamilton-Seeger, on behalf of the Huron County Historical Society. “We are proud that this unique resource was made possible through the foresight of the Huron County Museum and Huron County Library and is used not only in Huron, but across the digital world.”
With members across Canada and the United States, the Huron County Branch, Ontario Genealogical Society (OGS), having access to this digital collection has helped those researching their families’ Huron County roots.
“Newspapers provide a snapshot into our ancestors’ lives that is not available in government records,” said Huron County Branch, OGS, Chair Debra McAuslan. Having these available digitially for much of Huron County is a unique resource for an rural area in Ontario and we are grateful to the Huron County Library and Huron County Museum for making this possible.”
The full collection can be accessed from both the Huron County Library and the Huron County Museum websites or by directly visiting https://pubdocs.huroncounty.ca/WebLink/.
Watch the award presentation on YouTube: Ontario Library Association Awards Ceremony 2022 (presentation to Huron County Library starts at 35:15)
by Amy Zoethout | Oct 21, 2021 | Blog
Google Maps, 2021
Although some travel is beginning to return, many people are not ready for a full European vacation just yet. But did you know that you can take a European city tour without leaving Huron County? The Huron County Museum’s acting Education & Programming Coordinator Dan Genis has put together a great fall road trip around the County where you can visit our local ‘European’ cities.
Postcard of Main Street, Brussels, ON. Huron County Archives
Brussels, Huron East, Huron County, ON: Founded as Ainleyville in 1855, Brussels was chosen by railway workers as the name for the new train station when the railway came to town. In 1872 the village was officially incorporated as Brussels and it quickly grew into a prosperous community with many industries, churches, and a main street of fine brick blocks. For more on the history of Ainleyville/Brussels, see Maddy Gilbert’s blog. Today Brussels features fantastic accommodations, delicious restaurants, and unique shops and studios. Take a Historic Walking Tour, stroll through the Brussels Conservation Area, or picnic by the dam in this enchanting village.
European version: Brussels, Belgium: The capital city of Belgium, the headquarters for NATO, and the de facto capital of the European Union, Brussels is one of the most important and multicultural cities in the world. The city is also lined with art galleries and cafes, with beautiful art nouveau streetscapes and a charming medieval town centre.
Better version? Brussels, Huron County – Too many politicians in the Belgian version.
Belfast, Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh, Huron County, ON: First called Newcastle, the name was changed to Altonville when the settlement was registered in 1858. Soon after many families from the north of Ireland settled in the area, and by 1879 the village name was recorded as Belfast. At one time Belfast had a post office, general store, blacksmith shop, hotel and tavern, and one of the first Orange Lodges in the county. Although only a few structures remain in this four-corner community, it lies in the centre of an oasis of quiet country and cottage life. Explore the picturesque countryside, check out the fall colours in the Lake Wawanosh Conservation Area (parking at 85442 Creek Line), or if it is the end of the day, enjoy a breathtaking Huron County sunset.
European version: Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom: The capital and largest city in Northern Ireland, Belfast has shaken off its industrial and troubled past to become known as a hip and vibrant party town. It also boasts a state-of-the art museum that tells the story of the ill-fated RMS Titanic, which was built in the shipyards there.
Better version? Belfast, Huron County – Huron County’s Belfast was in no way connected to the Titanic sinking.
“Just a Post Card from Varna…Too Busy to Write”, dated Feb 5, 1914. Black and white photo of Beatty’s store and the Sterling Bank of Canada. Huron County Archives, 2008.0032
Varna, Bluewater, Huron County, ON: Varna was named by settler Josiah Secord after the Black Sea city that was home to the French and British fleets during the Crimean War. Although there already existed a log school and tavern when Secord arrived in 1854, he opened the first store and post office in the village. It was not long before a cooper, hotel, blacksmith, saw mill, and Anglican church opened and Varna was a bustling community. Today Varna is home to an outstanding craft brewery, picturesque hiking trails at Bannockburn Conservation Area and the Varna Nature Trails, all within 10 minutes of beautiful Lake Huron.
European version: Varna, Bulgaria: Bulgaria’s third largest city sits on the Black Sea and dates back to Ancient Greek and Roman times. Part port city and part seaside resort, Varna has vast parks, large beaches, and an impressive archeological museum and Roman bath complex.
Better version? Varna, Huron County – The Black Sea is too salty.
Postcard of Goshen Street, Zurich, ON, dated July 4, 1910. Visible businesses P. Benders and Co. headquarters for Boots and Shoes. The steeple in the background is the Lutheran Church. Huron County Archives, A991.0052
Zurich, Bluewater, Huron County, ON: Zurich was founded in 1856 and soon boasted a mill, hotel, schoolhouse, and the Hay Township Hall. Known for its Swiss and German heritage, this influence can be seen in the impressive clock tower at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, which was designed by George Hess and was completed in 1878. Today it is one of only three “Canadiana Tower Clocks” in Canada still operating as it was designed to run. The nearby artisan boutiques, wineries, fruit markets, and craft brewery make Zurich a charming and unique stop.
European version: Zürich, Switzerland: One of Europe’s financial centres and the largest and wealthiest city in Switzerland, although not the capital (that would be Bern). Zürich manages to combine a historic city centre full of winding streets and churches with a modern hip and artsy culture.
Better version? Zurich, Huron County – Switzerland is notoriously hilly – no thanks.
Honourable Mention: Dublin, Perth County, ON: Founded as Carronbrook in 1854, settler Joseph Kidd changed the name to Dublin in 1878 after his hometown. When salt was discovered down the road in Seaforth, Kidd piped the salt brine to an evaporation plant he had built in Dublin. He also constructed a sawmill and a business block on the main street. Today, Dublin is known as “Ontario’s Furniture Village”, and predictably has some great shops selling furniture and housewares. Although technically just over the border in neighbouring Perth County, Dublin has historical ties to Huron County and gets an honourable mention here.
European version: Dublin, Republic of Ireland: From its Gaelic and Viking beginnings to its 18th century heyday, all of the medieval castles and cathedrals make Dublin feel like an open-air museum. It also features over 1000 pubs along with Guinness’ famous St. James’s Gate Brewery, and has a world class live music scene to boot.
Better version? Dublin, ON– Far fewer U2 cover bands here.
by Amy Zoethout | Oct 7, 2021 | Blog
If you’re out touring County Roads this fall, you may notice some new brown and white heritage signs marking Huron County’s historic settlements. The project was initiated by the County’s Public Works Department as a way to remember these communities that once existed in Huron. To date, 23 signs have been erected, including three signs marking communities that still exist, but under a different name. Our student Maddy Gilbert explores the history of some of these settlements.
Black and white photograph of a two story general store with wooden siding. Written on the back of the photo is: “Hillsgreen Store North Boundary Pt. Lot 11.”
Lady’s dress worn by Catherine (Clausius) Reichert, Hillsgreen, ON. M981.0027.001
Hillsgreen, which has also been spelled as two words, was located at the crossroads of Parr Line (County Road 31) and Kippen Road. It is on the route from Seaforth to Highway 21 and Lake Huron.
Hillsgreen was settled by the Hills family, and the hamlet kept the family’s name. The settlement had a population of 50 people by 1876, and was the community centre up until the advent of rural mail delivery.
Sir John Wilson was the most famous one-time resident of Hillsgreen, leaving to become the Chief Editor of the Toronto Globe. Sir John was knighted by His Majesty King George V in 1913, and received an honourary degree from Queen’s University.
The reason for the settlement’s decline came as the residents of Stephen and Hay Townships no longer needed to travel all the way to Hillsgreen to pick up their mail. With the ease of automobile travel, residents could pass Hillsgreen on the way to it’s larger neighbours, Dashwood, Zurich, Hensall, and Exeter.
Hillsgreen is just an intersection now, with nothing to show what once was, except for the historic sign to remember its past.
This Hillsgreen Town Plan was made by John W Smith, with help from Annie Consitt in 1973.
Sources:
- Hillsgreen Research from Jack Smith, May 1973. Kept in the Huron County Museum Archival Collection, 110 North St., Goderich, ON.
- Gibb, Alice. “Hillsgreen May Be Tiny, but It Had a Lively Store.” The Huron Expositor , 19 July 1971. From the Digitized Newspaper Collection at the Huron County Museum
by Amy Zoethout | Sep 9, 2021 | Archives, Blog, Investigating Huron County History
Kyle Pritchard, Special Project Coordinator for Huron’s digitized newspaper project, examines the types of content newspapers produced and how it changed over time to reflect the needs and demands of a growing community. You can search the newspapers yourself for free at https://www.huroncountymuseum.ca/digitized-newspapers/
In the age before smartphones and flat screens, newspapers served an important role in the functioning of communities. The Huron County Digitized Newspaper Collection began as Project Silas in 2014 to improve access to the enormous volume of local newspaper content previously only available on microfilm and in their physical format. Today, the digitized collection holds over 350,000 newspaper pages, which preserves a century and a half of local history. The papers were scanned and made searchable using OCR (optical character recognition) technology to assist researchers of all kinds to advance our understanding of the history of Huron County. Each of the newspapers in the digitized collection captures a unique vantage point of the past and is an invaluable tool for researchers in topics as wide-ranging as political, social, cultural and genealogical history.
Many newspapers have come and gone from Huron County, and only a handful have modern counterparts which have survived until today. Many publishers shut down, relocated, or merged with other news agencies to stay afloat. Those that lasted did so by pivoting to new audiences and revenue streams to keep the presses printing. By doing so, editors expanded the roster of sections their newspapers offered to retain their relevance and competitiveness.
High School News published in the Wingham Times, Feb. 11, 1909.
Local newspapers strove to build a sense of communal identity. Farmers and merchants relied on newspapers extensively for everything from rural news, to exhibition schedules, to weather forecasts. Business was so central to early newspapers that a review of local businessmen and their storefronts in the Brussels Post in 1893 filled the entire front page. (Brussels Post, Oct. 20, 1893, pg. 1). The personals column documented locals’ travel arrangements in and out of the county and informed them of visitors returning home. A defense of personals columns was reprinted in the Clinton News Record from the Listowel Banner after the editor received complaints that “they are silly and that they are not read.” They responded by referring to the personals in their own paper as being “one of the most interesting developments in modern journalism,” (Clinton News Record, Aug. 8, 1935, pg. 3).
By the turn of the 20th century, sections on politics, business and industry within newspapers were condensed to increase the space available for larger advertisements and new columns. This trend increased as newspaper readership grew more slowly over the course of the world wars with competition from radio and television. In response, editors endeavored to expand the reach of their newspapers to new audiences. Fashion, recipe and lifestyle sections were introduced in hopes of appealing to women, and cartoons and high school news were aimed at stimulating the interest and involvement of young people. Readers who perused The Seaforth News in 1962 could discover the new culinary marvel of pancake houses which were taking the United States by storm and try their hand at “African banana pancakes” and “New Orleans kabob hot cakes”. (The Seaforth News, March 22, 1962, pg. 2) Or, depending on the decade, they might serve their families an unsavory recipe for depression-era oyster stuffing. (The Wingham Advance-Times, Dec. 19, 1935, pg. 7) Just like readers in the past, these kinds of recipes are preserved today in the digitized newspapers just waiting for savvy or unsuspecting chefs to test them out in their own kitchens.
Newspapers were also an important medium for local teens to keep a record of events, communicate, and share high school gossip. Yet, it might be surprising to know that the oldest high school news column in Huron County started in 1909 in the Wingham Times. It was not really until after the Second World War that young people really established a presence in news reporting. (Wingham Times, Feb. 11, 1909, pg. 1) Introduced to fill some of the space left by wartime commentary, high school journalism was forward-thinking and allowed the opportunity for newspapers to attract and engage with a younger audience. The results of games played by local sports teams and club activities were a major highlight of these sections, which eventually came to fill a whole sheet in the newspaper. (Lucknow Sentinel, Dec. 18, 1947, pg. 3)
The Horrorscope as published in the Exeter Times-Advocate, Oct. 23, 1969.
Even small editorial changes which found room for community announcements, movie showtimes, advice columns and crossword puzzles were intended to position local news so that papers provided little bouts of day-to-day wisdom, small-town gossip and casual distraction. In an October edition of the Exeter Times-Advocate published in 1969, readers were treated to a horrorscope, an inverted horoscope which only offered bad advice. Pisces were told that “Long trips are not advised today. Neither are short trips. It might be well to stay in the house. Try not to think,” whereas Capricorns were reminded it was “A good day to pay off your bills, if you only had the money. Be thankful you have a roof over your head,” (Exeter Times-Advocate, Oct. 23, 1969, pg. 9)
The Digitized Newspaper collection is constantly expanding to include more local historical content. The database is free, searchable and easy to use. So, what are you waiting for? Whether a traditional, or not so traditional, recipe, a photograph of your high school sports team, or the latest in 1970s fashion, head on over to the Huron County Museum website and start exploring! Who knows what you might find?
by Amy Zoethout | Sep 1, 2021 | Blog
If you’re out touring County Roads this summer, you may notice some new brown and white heritage signs marking Huron County’s historic settlements. The project was initiated by the County’s Public Works Department as a way to remember these communities that once existed in Huron. To date, 23 signs have been erected, including three signs marking communities that still exist, but under a different name. These signs have the word ‘historic’ added to show their historic name, like Manchester, which is still a thriving community now known today as Auburn.This summer, our student Maddy Gilbert will explore the history of some of these settlements.
The Village of Manchester was founded in 1854 on the edge of the Maitland River where the Village of Auburn now sits. It was listed on a map from the 1860s as Manchester, but by 1879, a map of Huron County lists the village as both Manchester and Auburn. As recent as 1979, the official name for the community was the Police Village of Manchester, while Auburn was the name of the post office. But by February 1979, Manchester was no more as the village trustees voted to keep Auburn as the one and only name for the village. Since there was another Manchester located in Ontario, the change came to avoid confusion between the two communities.
This is an example of a log shanty, much like the one Eneas Elkin would have lived in.
Isabel Elkin, wife of Eneas Elkin
Eneas Elkin was the first settler to Manchester. He walked all the way from the City of Hamilton and built a log shanty. George Elkin, son of Eneas and Isabel Elkin, was the first baby born in Manchester on April 13, 1850. The first wedding in the village was credited to be between Anne (nee McDonald) and Joseph Tewsley. Annie passed away after only one year.
For the first two years after Mrs. Elkin joined her husband Eneas in Manchester, there was only a track between Goderich and Manchester, until the Canada Company opened what is now Huron County Road #25 in 1851. Until a bridge was built, Elkin ran a ferry across the Maitland River. The first two bridges crossing the Maitland were constructed out of wood and washed away in spring floods. The third bridge was constructed partly out of steel, until the concrete bridge was constructed a few yards upstream in 1954.
Eneas Elkin surveyed Hullett Township, which was amalgamated into the Municipality of Central Huron in 2001.
1975 Ink Print of the Auburn Bridge done by Jim Marlatt, a local artist. This bridge was in use until the new, concrete bridge was completed upstream in 1954.
By 1866, Manchester had a flour mill which shipped goods as far as Montreal. There was also a saw mill erected by John Cullis after he purchased the flour mill. The saw mill produced lumber from the logs that were cleared, to be sold as lumber for the barns being erected throughout the area. Cullis’ saw mill was destroyed by fire in 1893, and Cullis rebuilt a short distance away. The second mill was also victim to fire.
The Village had power by 1896 leading to the installation of electric powered street lamps. A.E. Cullis, who ran the grist mill, installed a direct current generator on his property and supplied power from dusk until 11 p.m. at the rate of two cents per light per night. Most villagers kept their costs down by attaching one light to a very long cord that they could move from room to room.
The Auburn CPR Station opened in 1907 with the delivery of a car-load of salt to W.T. Riddell. One delivery was a cow from Bracebridge. The station closed in 1979 and any deliveries made by train for people living in the village would have been left at the Blyth CPR Station.
The first brick bank in Manchester was the Sterling Bank of Canada, which eventually became a CIBC branch. On Nov. 14, 1930, Manchester suffered a terrible fire, which destroyed the hardware store that was located beside the bank. Mr. and Mrs. Carter were the first to notice the fire, and Mrs. Carter ran into the street yelling “fire!”. Mrs. Carter could have been the one who saved the lives of Mr. A.M. Rice and family, who resided above the CIBC, where Mr. Rice was manager.
Today, the Village of Auburn sits southeast of the intersection of Huron County Road 25 (Blyth Road) and Huron County Road 8 (Base Line). Auburn lies 20 km east from Goderich, 20 km north from Clinton, and 10 km west from Blyth.
Sources
Belden, H. “Map of Morris Township.” Illustrated Historical Atlas of the County of Huron, Ont., H. Belden, 1879.
Gropp, Bonnie, editor. “Police Village of Auburn: Settlement of Manchester Grows out of Wilderness.” The Citizen, 29 Dec. 1999. From the Digitized Newspaper collection at the Huron County Museum
Johnston, Tom. The Blyth Standard, 27 June 1979. From the Digitized Newspaper collection at the Huron County Museum
Bradnock, Eleanor. “Manchester No More.” The Blyth Standard, 27 June 1979. From the Digitized Newspaper collection at the Huron County Museum
“Craigs Took Over Sawmill in 46 .” The Blyth Standard, 27 June 1979. From the Digitized Newspaper collection at the Huron County Museum
“Eneas Elkin Walked from Hamilton to Establish Auburn.” The Blyth Standard, 27 June 1979. From the Digitized Newspaper collection at the Huron County Museum
“Isabel Elkin.” The Blyth Standard, 1979. From the Digitized Newspaper collection at the Huron County Museum
