Norfolk County Archives

12/23/2022

A Christmas postcard sent from Simcoe to Bloomsburg on December 12, 1912. The message is very charming, it reads: "Dear Mother, I am getting on just grand, I am nice and warm now and haven't got a cold yet. Will you bring my sweatercoat and also that whitecap of mine for [?]. Lizzy says she wants a jar of milk. Be sure and come in Town on Saturday. We are going to a concert tonight in the opera house. Hope you are both well. Bye-Bye. Myrtle"
Wishing you a safe and happy holiday season. Happy holidays from the Norfolk County Archives! Norfolk County Heritage & Culture

12/20/2022

WE DID IT!

In early 2022, our Heritage & Culture team began working towards merging our individual PastPerfect databases (the place we store all of the information about the objects, photographs, and archival materials that make up our museum and archives collections) into a single, web-based database. Whereas staff previously had to travel between the sites or rely on other staff at those sites to complete searches and research requests on their behalf, this new database will be able to be searched and edited by all members of the Heritage & Culture department from the comfort – and convenience! – of their own sites.

Before the data could be merged, however, staff had to standardize our terminology and formatting across all of the sites, and clean nearly 80,000 records. It was a gargantuan task, but we pulled together and got it done in the nick of time!

The most exciting piece of this project is that this new system will allow us to expand the reach of our museums and archives by sharing our collection records (images and data) through an online searchable database. This will increase public accessibility significantly, allowing web visitors from around the world to discover Norfolk County's history. Look for this new public collections portal to launch in 2023!

Norfolk County Archives Port Dover Harbour Museum Waterford Heritage & Agricultural Museum Delhi To***co Museum & Heritage Centre Norfolk County

12/10/2022

Happy Saturday! We hope you are warm and cozy and thought you might enjoy this puzzle with your cuppa. This photograph from the Norfolk County Archives is described as ... East side of Norfolk Street business area. Winter scene, 1896-97. Shows horses and sleighs. Sign says "Terry Culver, Dry Goods, Millinery & Mantles." Note on back says "This is a print I sent to a magazine in Honvers[?] Conn. They made quite a long article from it and others." Enjoy!

https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=1f82e21ac70f

12/07/2022

There is still time to sign up for this festive workshop hosted by the Delhi To***co Museum & Heritage Centre on Saturday, December 10 from 1 to 4 pm. Join Assistant Curator and artist extraordinaire Andrew Moore in making holiday themed Christmas Cards. You will learn how to design, carve and print your own linocut. Cost is only $30 and includes all supplies and light refreshments. Nothing says Happy Holidays like something handmade.

For more information or to register contact the museum by calling 519-426-5870 x8213

11/11/2022

Photograph from our ESB Moore collection. Private James Patterson with his family in Simcoe on September 2, 1916. Patterson migrated to Norfolk County in 1908 from Scotland. He fought in the 133rd Battalion in the "D" Company. He was wounded in 1917. Patterson survived WWI and lived in Simcoe until about 1945. He later moved out west.

11/11/2022

WWI soliders leaving from Simcoe Train Station circa 1915. Photograph from the Norfolk County Archives collection.

11/11/2022

Photograph from our ESB Moore collection. Private William Henry Earle with his family in Simcoe on August 28, 1916. Earle fought in the 133rd Norfolk's Own Battalion and served overseas with a machine gun unit. Earle was fortunate and survived WWI. He went on to have a large family and ran a General Store in Walsh. He died at the age of 72 in 1961.

11/10/2022

Norfolk County Archives will be closed Friday November 11 for Remembrance Day.

11/02/2022

An exciting project is underway...

11/01/2022

𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽
𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗨𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 𝗼𝗳 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬

It's November 1st and today Norfolk County Heritage & Culture launches our 2023 Membership Drive. More information below.

𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽
𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗨𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 𝗼𝗳 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬

It's November 1st and today Norfolk County Heritage & Culture launches our 2023 Membership Drive.

Join or renew before December 31, 2022 to enjoy a full year of member only benefits and privileges and receive the 2022 membership rate.

As an additional bonus if you join or renew by 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟱𝘁𝗵, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟮 you will be entered into a draw for a special gift basket full of Norfolk County’s best products.

𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗲:

Early bird registration on select workshops and programs.
10% discount on select programs and workshops for children, youth, and adults.
10% discount on gift shop purchases (some exclusions may apply).
Electronic invitations to exhibition openings, select events, and e-bulletins.
Subscription to the Norfolk County Heritage & Culture bi-annual publication 𝘼𝙍𝙏-𝙄-𝙁𝘼𝘾𝙏𝙎
Corporate Logo in 𝘼𝙍𝙏-𝙄-𝙁𝘼𝘾𝙏𝙎 (applicable to corporate members only)
1 hour of free long distance research at Norfolk County Archives

𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯: development of a members’ only website portal.

While your membership financially supports the museum(s) or archives of your choice, your membership privileges extend to the other Norfolk County Heritage & Culture sites. 𝟭 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽: 𝟰 𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲𝘀.

Upgrade your current membership to gain FREE access to 1000+ museums and cultural facilities across North America with the North American Reciprocal Museum Association (NARM) and the Reciprocal Organization of Associated Museums (ROAM). Simply purchase an Individual or Family Membership and make an additional donation for a total of $100. For a list of current participating NARM Institutions: https://narmassociation.org/members/

There are now 𝟯 𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘆 𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗷𝗼𝗶𝗻 - online, by mail, and in-person.

To purchase a 2023 membership online: https://bit.ly/3Hr8UQN
(please type the word museum into the keyword search to shorten the option list)

To access a 2023 membership form for in-person or mail in:

Norfolk County Archives: https://www.nca-ebdm.ca/about-us/memberships/

Port Dover Harbour Museum: https://portdovermuseum.ca/visit-us/memberships/

Waterford Heritage & Agricultural Museum: https://waterfordmuseum.ca/about/memberships/

Delhi To***co Museum & Heritage Centre: https://delhimuseum.ca/about-us/memberships/

Thank you for your support. 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗨𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 𝗼𝗳 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬.

11/01/2022

Part 4!

10/29/2022

"Cawston Ostrich Farm" This photo from the Norfolk County Archives, was taken by W. E. Cantelon, and it sure brightened up our day! We hope it brings a smile to your face too. Enjoy your Saturday Puzzle.
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=1783011e834a

10/28/2022

Part 3!

10/28/2022

Did you know that you can connect with the Norfolk County Archives online? You can Book a research appointment, sign up for the Heritage and Culture Newsletter, pay for archives services, or Support the Norfolk County Archives with a membership or a donation! Want to check it out? Click here: https://linktr.ee/NorfolkCountyArchives

10/27/2022

PART 2!

A Thrilling Robbery - Part 2

As you know, G. L. Darling's jewellery store has been robbed, rewards have been offered, a detective from Pinkerton's Bureau in Chicago has been hired and the Simcoe Reformer has a big story to report.

Simcoe Reformer, November 15, 1883:

"Since last week the great burglary of Mr. Darling's store has developed features most astounding to the people of this town. When it was first known that the store had been robbed, the work was by unanimous consent laid upon professional cracks from some large city, most probably the States. No one would have been believed had he asserted that any Simconian had a hand in the job. Little wonder is it then that the town was convulsed with excitement when it became known last Monday that Joseph Adams and Dan Almond had been arrested and lodged in jail.

The detective from Pinkerton's agency arrived here last Wednesday night and ever since he has been engaged, with a staff of local assistants in working up the case. Early in the hunt it was learned that three or four desperate looking characters had been seen around Wark's Hotel the evening before the robbery was committed, and during the week previous. Among those men were said to be a couple of hard characters who years ago lived in Simcoe. These men were seen in company with Adams and Almond previous to the robbery, and as soon as the detective arrived here he went to Almond and asked him to tell what knew of them and give him a description of the two - at the same time he had full description of the men in his pocket. Almond got mad, refused to give satisfactory answers and gave a false description. This aroused suspicions and he was at once placed under a strict surveillance that never ceased until he was lodged in jail."

Joseph Adams was the manager of the Simcoe Canning Factory and by all accounts held in great regard. Daniel Almond was a likable Irishman who had come to Simcoe from Hamilton some years back. He and his partner Thomas Moran opened a tinsmith shop on the south side of Robinson Street. At the time of the arrest he was described as 25 years of age, approximately 6' tall and 180 pounds. He was well educated had fine manners and was a first class mechanic. He was very well-liked and his popularity had a positive impact on his business.

Soon after the Cutting block was built on Robinson Street, Almond and Moran moved their business to a larger location. After Moran left the business Almond continued on his own. Under his supervision, the business continued to flourish and at the time of the robbery it was most successful.

It was certainly a surprise to Simcoe to hear of Almond's arrest. Detective Wing of Chicago was the Pinkerton detective that had been hired to investigate and according to accounts, Daniel Almond was arrested based on a letter he had written to a Dan Sullivan in Hamilton. Almond had given the letter to his friend Picton Brown to hand deliver. Brown instead took the letter to the authorities and upon reading it Detective Wing arrested Almond and Adams. The letter read in part, "They are on to the gang and have a full description of them; tell them to plant themselves or skip."

On the same day, Dan Sullivan and a man named John Long were also arrested. They were brought to Simcoe from Hamilton and were arraigned and remanded. William Lawlor, who was well known to the police and who had previously served a five year sentence was taken into custody. As it turned out, he was a "professional cracksman" and executed the "expert work" required at the robbery.

Check back in tomorrow for the 3rd installment of A Thrilling Robbery.

10/26/2022

Photos from Norfolk County Heritage & Culture's post

10/24/2022

Murder and Mayhem in Norfolk County? Oh my!

The archives contain records from Norfolk County including maps, plans, letters, reports, agreements, contracts, minutes, and directories documenting the history and growth of our communities. But did you know we also house some very interesting archival materials that tell the tales of murder and mayhem, like a wanted poster for the burglar or burglars of the G.L. Darling Jewelry Store in 1883?!?!

If you missed the walking tour this year, be sure to like and follow our page for future events.

Norfolk County Archives would also like to say Thank you so much to our volunteers for joining us on our Moonlight & Mayhem tours in Simcoe.

10/20/2022

Moonlight & Mayhem - Simcoe

Join us on a guided moonlight stroll to hear true local stories of dark secrets and deathly tales. Moonlight and Mayhem will run tonight, tomorrow and Saturday from 8 pm to 9 pm. Tour departs from the Norfolk County Archives promptly at 8 pm. $20 per person. Tickets must be purchased in advance, buy your tickets here: bit.ly/3Mbdxl0

Join us on a guided moonlight stroll & hear true local stories of dark secrets & deathly tales.

10/17/2022

Chronicles | Rum Runners, Part 1 | Episode 1 | PBS

Look for the Port Dover Harbour Museum and photos from their collection on Chronicles, a new docuseries about Lake Erie stories on WQLN PBS. The first episodes are about the Rum Runners and of course, Port Dover plays an interesting part! 🥃

When Prohibition tried to shut down access to alcohol, Lake Erie provided a path back.

10/08/2022

Today is puzzle day but did you know that seventy-four years ago at the Norfolk County Fair, a crowd gathered for the grand opening of a new bandstand? This event took place in October of 1948. The Norfolk County Fair is one of 12 fairs in the province which was established more than 180 years ago and has run annually ever since. Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!

https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=2105512fa97d

10/06/2022

Join us on a guided moonlight stroll to hear true local stories of dark secrets and deathly tales – Norfolk’s own murder and mayhem. Moonlight and Mayhem will run October 20, 21, and 22, from 8 pm to 9 pm.

Tour departs from the Norfolk County Archives promptly at 8 pm.
$20 per person. Visit Norfolk County Heritage and Culture on Facebook for more event details. You can purchase tickets online through Eventbrite now or in person at the Norfolk County Archives beginning Tuesday, October 11th.
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SIMCOE TICKETS
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/moonlight-mayhem-simcoe-tickets-433993605557
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Other dates, locations, and spooky tales: October 14 at Waterford Heritage & Agricultural Museum, and October 27, 28, and 29 at the Port Dover Harbour Museum.
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PORT DOVER TICKETS
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/moonlight-mayhem-port-dover-tickets-432929703397
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WATERFORD TICKETS
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/moonlight-mayhem-waterford-tickets-433990125147

10/03/2022

Photos from Norfolk County Heritage & Culture's post

09/29/2022

A few weeks ago, staff discovered a collection of photographs at the Norfolk County Archives that were attached to green bristol board. We believe that they may have been used in an exhibit in years gone by. The photos depict the village of Vittoria.
Staff created this fun video tour using the photos. Some buildings no longer exist while others have changed. We hope you enjoy our Google Street View version of Vittoria.

09/29/2022

Please note that the Norfolk county Archives will be closed tomorrow on Friday September 30th in observance of National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. If you would like to learn more, visit https://nctr.ca/

09/28/2022

A few weeks ago, staff discovered a collection of photographs at the Norfolk County Archives that were attached to green bristol board. We believe that they may have been used in an exhibit in years gone by. The photos depict the village of Vittoria.
Staff created this fun video tour using the photos. Some buildings no longer exist while others have changed. We hope you enjoy our Google Street View version of Vittoria.

09/21/2022

Book sale on now until Friday, September 23rd. Open 10 to 4. Starting $1, many $2 books, and lots of local publications.

09/20/2022

The 2nd Annual Genealogy Symposium was held on Saturday, September 17th at the Norfolk County Archives. Attendees enjoyed 3 guest speakers, a workshop, and a book sale. "Great Information" with a "Good Variety of Topics" for amateur genealogists was the common feedback from the event. Of special interest was the knowledge gained in caring for family photos and records. Archivist, Josh Klar, already has some great ideas of possible topics for next year including workshops, Using the Norfolk County Archives 101, and digitizing family records.

A very special thank you to our speakers Jennifer Robertson of Book and Paper Conservation Services, Melanie McLennen of Ancestral Tapestry, Dr. Fraser Dunford, and Emily Benedict, Conservator as well as our great volunteers.

We would also like to thank our gold-level sponsors, The Norfolk Historical Society and The Grand River Branch of The United Empire Loyalists' Association of Canada.

The book sale continues this week, Tuesday to Friday, 10 am to 4 pm.

09/20/2022

Prints, maps, books - prices start at $1

• Genealogy Research Books
• Local History Books
• Local authors and poets
• New and used books

September 20th to 23rd, 10am to 4pm

09/17/2022

From an old cigarette card, "The Princesses and their miniature house". Happy Saturday and Enjoy the puzzle! https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=19a5acd583bc

09/16/2022

Norfolk County Archives 2nd Annual Genealogy Symposium

Today is the last day to buy tickets for tomorrow's Genealogy Symposium! $20 per person gets you access to 3 speakers, 1 workshop, vendors and a book sale. Tickets are available online through Eventbrite: https://bit.ly/3eWRdyU or in person at Norfolk County Archives

Learn how to use municipal records in your research, how one researcher traced her family back to Ireland, & how to archive family records!

09/15/2022

Betty Hahn signs a book of condolence in honour of Queen Elizabeth II Wednesday at the Norfolk County Archives in Simcoe. Betty, who is a volunteer at the archives, was born in 1952 and named Elizabeth (Betty) Marie Dertinger. She was named after the then Princess Elizabeth. Stop by the Norfolk County Archives to sign the book of condolence, 10 am to 4 pm, September 14th -16th.

09/14/2022

Norfolk County continues to honour the life of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. A book of condolences will be available for Norfolk County residents to sign at the Norfolk County Archives from September 14th to 16th, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Norfolk County Archives’ volunteers were among the first to pen their condolences this morning.

Other locations and dates are:
• Delhi To***co Museum & Heritage Centre: Sept. 15 - 17, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Port Dover Harbour Museum: Sept. 14 - 17, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Waterford Heritage & Agricultural Museum: Sept. 14 - 17, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Norfolk County Public Library Simcoe Branch: Sept. 14 -15, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sept. 16, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sept. 17, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Norfolk County Public Library Waterford, Port Dover, Port Rowan, and Delhi Branches: Sept. 14 and 15, 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Sept.16, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; September 17, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• An online book of condolences is available for those who cannot attend in-person https://engagenorfolk.ca/queen-elizabeth-ii-book-of-condolence

09/13/2022

Spots are filling up but you can still register for the symposium in person at the Norfolk County Archives, Tuesday to Thursday, from 10 am to 4 pm, or online here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/391198765037 We are looking forward to seeing everyone on Saturday!

09/09/2022

The Norfolk County Heritage & Culture Department wishes to express its sincere condolences to the Royal Family and the people of the Commonwealth for the loss of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. We recognize the historic significance of Her Majesty’s life and her legacy of dedication. Throughout this week of mourning, the Norfolk County War Memorial, Carillon Tower will play a selection of hymns and musical arrangements beginning with the tolling of the Bourdon Bell 96 times – one for each year of a life we mourn and celebrate.
God Save the King.

The Norfolk County Heritage & Culture Department wishes to express its sincere condolences to the Royal Family and the people of the Commonwealth for the loss of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. We recognize the historic significance of Her Majesty’s life and her legacy of dedication. Throughout this week of mourning, the Norfolk County War Memorial, Carillon Tower will play a selection of hymns and musical arrangements beginning with the tolling of the Bourdon Bell 96 times – one for each year of a life we mourn and celebrate.

God Save the King.

09/09/2022

JOSEPHA OLVER HILL
Born December 21, 1821, in England, daughter of Francis and Annie Olver. Came to Canada by sailing vessel in 1835. Settled with parents in Township of Clark. Married EDWARD HILL, on October 21, 1844. Moved to Windham Township in 1850, where they farmed at Lot 14, Conc 6. Her husband died in 1872, and Josepha died in 1910. Both are buried at Vanessa. Photo from Mrs. J. Mason.

09/07/2022

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

Bring your own bag - prices start at $1

• Genealogy Research Books
• Local History Books
• Local authors / poets
• New and used books

September 20th to 23rd, 10am to 4pm

09/07/2022

The Norfolk County Archives would like to thank our generous Gold Level Sponsors of the 2nd Annual Genealogy Symposium being held on September 17th, 2022:

The Norfolk Historical Society and the Grand River Branch of the United Empire Loyalists Association of Canada.

You can register for the symposium in person at the Norfolk County Archives, Tuesday to Thursday, from 10 am to 4 pm, or online here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/391198765037