History Series at

Seniors Centre

by Anna Contini

In an attempt to stimulate interest in local history, the Guelph Historical Society is sponsoring an eight-part lecture series at the Evergreen Seniors Centre. Several knowledgeable instructors will lead the sessions which will cover a wide range of topics relating to Guelph’s fascinating history. Audiences are invited to participate by offering personal experience and information to augment the presentations. The course takes place on the last Wednesday of each month from 1 to 2 p.m., beginning in September.

 

Program Director Ross Irwin says: “We see ourselves as leaders in conversation and hope that people will contribute what they remember.” The course is offered by the Guelph Historical Society as one part of the organization’s contributions to the city’s Millennium Celebrations. The Society is also compiling a history of Guelph which is expected to be ready next April. The goal of the course, says Irwin, is “to educate local citizens about the beauty, history and economic importance of their city.”

 

The first workshop entitled From Indian Land to Cutting Down a Maple Tree takes place September 29. It will cover the period from the surrender of Indian lands to the felling of the first tree by John Galt in 1827. Participants will learn how Guelph and Puslinch Townships were formed and how the town was surveyed and subdivided. The second workshop on October 27 will focus on The Shape of the Town and will focus on the layout of the city based on geography, development, street patterns, railways, utilities, the river, bridges, subdivisions and planning. The first two sessions will be lead by Ross Irwin.

 

Future topics will address Industrial Growth for the City on November 24, and Main Street, Guelph on December 8. Workshops for the new year include the Market Square, the Churches of Guelph, The Corner Store, and Leisure Time and the Development of our Parks.

For more information or to register for the History Series contact the Evergreen Seniors Centre,

683 Woolwich Street, (519) 823-1291.

 

 

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