RSS 1.01. Archival Finding Aids
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These finding aids are meant to help researchers find information in the fond available at The Brock University Special Collections and Archives.
Recent Submissions
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Barton Family fonds, 1864-1911, n.d.Fonds consists mostly of correspondence written by and to Stephen Emory Barton. Much of the correspondence are letters written to his sister Ida as well as some other family members. There are also letters to Stephen from his friend George Ellsworth and daughter Ida Myrtis. Some of the letters from George Ellsworth mention the Fenian invasion in Canada in June 1866. Ellsworth was sent as a special correspondent for the Cincinnati Enquirer to report on the event. Some of Barton’s early correspondence to his sister were written during his career as a telegraph operator during the American Civil War. A few letters by his well-known aunt Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross, are also included.
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J.A. Léon Bassot fonds, 1864-1910, n.d.The fonds contains material related to the work of French geodesist and astronomer J.A. Léon Bassot. Most of the material is correspondence written in French to his wife while travelling for his professional projects from 1881 to 1884, including the Academy of Science expedition to St. Augustine, Florida to observe the transit of Venus in 1882. He travelled through New York, Niagara Falls and Montreal, and wrote a letter from the Clifton House describing his experience of observing the Falls. There is also a menu from the Clifton House. Several letters describing the transit of Venus are also included. Other correspondence covers his geodesic activities in Paris and Nice in 1881 and 1882, as well as his campaign for regional political office in 1884.
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St. George’s Lodge A.F. & A.M. No. 15 fonds, 1846-1985Fonds contains material about the activities of St. George’s Masonic Lodge A.F. & A.M. No. 15 in St. Catharines. Most of the materials are minute books that record initiation of new members, advancement of existing members, financial matters, funeral services for deceased members, charitable donations and social occasions. Some attendance registers and financial ledgers are also included. Some of the entries make reference to prominent community members who belonged to the lodge including Samuel Zimmerman, Dr. Theophilus Mack, W.H. Merritt (grandson of William Hamilton Merritt), Lucius Oille, William Bartlett Burgoyne, and several members of the Woodruff family. Some books have papers enclosed including annual reports, Treasurer’s reports, Secretary’s reports, membership forms, news clippings about Masonic events, obituaries for Lodge members, and annual programs.
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Mack Training School for Nurses collection, 1949-2017, n.d.The collection consists mostly of yearbooks for the Mack Training School for Nurses, titled “Mack Data”. Other materials include a graduation program, alumnae association booklet, a centennial program, and a book titled The Spirit of Mack, published for the school’s centennial.
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Letter to Messrs. Hamilton & Cummings, Queenston, from Desrivieres, Blackwood & Co., February 11, 1820A letter to Messrs. Hamilton & Cummings, Queenston, U.C. from Desrivieres, Blackwood & Co. The letter is one page and is dated at Montreal, February 11, 1820. The letter concerns the account of Messrs. Berthelot & Rolette. The writer apologizes for not writing sooner but waited to see Mr. Berthelot who had been out of town for some time. He adds that there are some inaccuracies in the account and “we annex a note of the whole and have carried the balance, being £87.12.5 Quebec Currency, to the credit of your Mr. Hamilton”. A second page contains a detailed statement of the account in both New York and Quebec currency.
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Rodman Hall Art Centre fonds, 1958-2019, n.d.Fonds consists of material acquired by Brock University during the time that Rodman Hall was owned and operated by the University and from the time that it was owned by the St. Catharines and District Arts Council. Much of the material concerns plans for the renovation of Rodman Hall and the fundraising efforts associated with those projects. This includes correspondence, financial statements, and minutes. Other material concerns the collections, exhibitions, and programming at Rodman Hall. This includes programs, news clippings, and promotional material. Information about the building and grounds are also included with some architectural plans and building specifications.
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Medieval Acts from Normandy, 1308 and 1365A pair of two 14th century Latin medieval acts from the Normandy region in France, handwritten on parchment in the years 1308 and 1365, from the reigns of Philip IV and Charles V of France. The charters have been stitched together. There is a small signum at the end of the first charter, and a larger, ornate signum at the end of the second. These charters have been written in a 34-line and 25-line format.
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Medieval Act for Gilles Dabelain, July 12, 1445.Medieval Act for one Gilles Dabelain, July 12, 1445. Two Manuscripts on Parchment. A mid-15th century medieval act, written in French and on parchment, being an original copy of the act sanctioning the division of Gilles Dabelain’s property between his children Hues and Jehanne, the latter being the wife of Jehan de Lannoy, written in the city of Lille, France, July 12, 1445. Attached to the act is a smaller, accompanying manuscript on parchment. There are three original seals at the end. The primary manuscript has been written in a 105-line format, and the attached manuscript an 18-line format.
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Medieval Charter, 1281A late 13th century Latin medieval charter from Spain, handwritten on parchment in the year 1281, from the reign of Alfonso X of Castile. There is a charming signum at the end of the manuscript. This charter has been written in a 15 line format.
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George Bukator poster, c. 1975A poster for George Bukator’s election as mayor. The poster reads “Let’s bring back Bukator. Citizens Committee to elect George Bukator Mayor”. The poster features a black and white photo of Bukator speaking into a microphone.
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Anti-Masonic party broadsides, 1830-1835Two Anti-Masonic party broadsides, 1830s. The first broadside it titled “A Disclosure” and contains Samuel Anderton’s account of the murder of Captain William Morgan. It is dated at Boston, March 15, 1830 and is taken from the Anti-Masonic Christian Herald. It begins “On Monday last (the 15th of March), Mr. Samuel G. Anderton of Boston, a Knight Templar, voluntarily appeared before a Notary Public and Justice of the Peace in the City, and in presence of several members of the State Committee and other Citizens assembled, made solemn oath to the following statement—disclosing a most barborous MURDER, of which he was an eye witness, in a Royal Arch Chapter of Freemasons! Immediately on the receipt of this document, several members of the Investigating Committee in Boston, to whom he was less known, took measures more fully to inquire, and satisfy themselves as to the character of Mr. Anderton, and particularly as to such facts, stated by him, which might be known here. They found upon inquiry a mass of evidence in support of his testimony…” This is followed by a numbered list of evidence substantiating Anderton’s claim. The affidavit of Samuel J. Anderton is also included. The second broadside is titled “Supplement to the Watchman and State Gazette” and announces the Anti-Masonic party’s meeting on October 19, 1835 in which they laid out their political views. It is written that “The Antimasons of Vermont, having deemed it necessary to make their opposition to Freemasonry political, and to organize a party for that purpose, have, in prosecuting the purpose of their organization, been brought into conflict with two other parties in the State…the Antimasons of Vermont would not have been true to themselves or their country, if they had failed to investigate them, and to make the result of their investigation, to some extent, the basis of their political action. They have, accordingly, freely examined the great questions involved in the present administration of the National Government. Its principles and policy have been made by them the subject of frequent deliberation, and their views have been frequently expressed in resolutions and addresses of their representative bodies. These views are well known; and would, under ordinary circumstances, need no reiteration. But inasmuch as the time approaches when the Antimasons of Vermont will be called on to act in an election deeply involving the welfare of the whole country, and in which their attachment to the principles they have avowed will be put to a severe trial, it would seem to be fitting they should re-examine those principles, and decide whether they will, with the firmness and constancy of Antimasons, and carry them out in the approaching contest. This is followed by a list of 17 resolutions made at the meeting. It is signed in print by Silas H. Jenison.
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Handwritten Letters Book, Canada West, 1862-1865A letters book belonging to John Rowe of Port Stanley and Hamilton, Ontario, 1862-1865. The book consists of handwritten duplicate copies of correspondence sent by Rowe. He writes to a variety of people including business associates, family members and friends. Rowe discusses romance, commerce, and war, specifically Canada’s attitude and involvement in the American Civil War. He regularly travels for business and this is reflected in the letters he writes that are dated at Amherstburg and Brampton. His correspondents include his cousin Sergeant Ford, 2nd Battal Sco Fusilier Guards Montreal, his sister in Devonport, Devon, England, Schell of Campbellton, and Grace Rosevear of Guelph.
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T.R.H. Jenkins fonds, 1946-1960The fonds contains material acquired by T.R.H. Jenkins during the time that he was employed with the English Electric Company of Canada in St. Catharines. Materials include correspondence, photographs, reports, and a book about Inglis Canada.
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Niagara Falls Suspension Bridge & Clifton Suspension Bridge collection, 1847-1861, n.d.The collection contains items relating to the early history of the Niagara Falls Suspension Bridge and Clifton Suspension Bridge including receipts, company shares, a circular, private bill, ambrotype, small photo album, and guidebook.
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Broadside by Alexander Smyth, 1812A broadside issued by Alexander Smyth from the Camp near Buffalo, November 10, 1812. The broadside is addressed “To the Men of the state of New York” and was issued during the War of 1812. Smyth hopes to raise support for an invasion of Canada led by him, and criticizes the efforts made in the war to date, noting that “the nation has been unfortunate in the selection of some of those who have directed it. One Army has been disgracefully surrendered and lost. Another has been sacrificed by a precipitate attempt to pass it over at the strongest point of the enemy’s lines, with most incompetent means. The cause of these miscarriages is apparent. The commanders were popular men, ‘destitute alike of theory and experience’ in the art of war”. He continues that “in a few days, the troops under my command will plant the American standard in Canada…They will conquer, or they will die…Advance then to our aid…but remember, that every man who accompanies us, places himself under my command…”
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Cross-written letters mentioning the Fenian raid, 1866-67Two cross-written letters dated 1866 and 1867, Stratford, Ontario. Both letters contain handwritten transcriptions. The first letter is dated June 18, 1866. The letter begins with news of the birth of a baby boy and asks that the recipient come for a visit. After this mention is made of the Fenian raids and the billeting of the “Queen’s Own” with local families. It is written that “We have been in quite a state of excitement here, the ‘Queeen’s Own’ we have two billeted & would have had six but for ‘Dots’ illness. Our neighbor had 13…some 6-10…I think the Fenian excitement is over and that the Land of our adoption will be quiet again. We were not thankful enough for peace, you may fancy what my anxiety was when I thought my son had joined the Volunteers but thank God he is safe. What a sad thing, the death of all those fine young men…” The recipient of the letter wrote a reply cross-written over the original letter. The letter is signed Kate Arthurton. The second letter is dated November 4, 1867. The first page has a black border and is addressed to Fanny. The letter opens with thanks for the kind expression of sympathy after “my darlings death”. This letter also contains cross-writing and is signed Kate Arthurton.
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Letter by Andrew C[aughey] to D.B. McCreary, November 25-26, 1863A letter by Andrew C[aughey] to Lieut. Col. D.B. McCreary, 145th Regt., Army of the Potomac, Washington, D.C. The letter is dated at Erie, PA, November 25-26, 1863 and contains 18 pages. The envelope the letter was mailed in is included. The letter was written during the American Civil War and mentions plans of a rebel attack from Canada. On page 5 Caughey writes “you have doubtless been told by some of your other correspondents of our great military preparations against a rebel attack by way of Canada and the Lake [Erie]. For about a fortnight our ‘streets re-echoed to the tread of armed men’, and our citizens took up the shovel and the pick-ax, and they did dig a ditch, and did throw up an embankment towards the North, even by way of the Block House bank, as thou goest to the Light House. And many people did work thus, both the young and the old and the middle-aged—the priests and chief men of the city, as well as the laboring man and the colored person. But the fortifications are finished, the soldiers are gone and we are at peace”. Caughey continues on page 6 “There was no doubt a plot concocted in Canada, originating at Richmond, to seize vessels on Lake Erie and then make a descent on Johnson’s Island and release the Rebels there confined; but the plot never took very formidable proportions, and perhaps would have amounted to nothing had the rebel force even attacked Johnson’s Island. But the alarm has had at least one good effect—it has given the Government an opportunity to put the Lake cities in a state of defence, so that they may be able to resist if not a Rebel, a British and Canadian attack, which will doubtless sometime be made”.
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Letter by Winfield Scott to John Haney, June 21, 1813A letter written by Winfield Scott, Adjt. Genl US Army, to John Haney, Dep. Adjt. Genl., British Army, dated at Fort George, June 21, 1813. The letter was written shortly after the Americans had captured Fort George from the British and concerns British prisoners. Scott notes that wounded prisoners will be returned to the British army by a cartel ship. It is also noted that although Lieut. Col. Christopher Myers will not be returned, the Americans will treat him well. The text of the letter follows: “Since writing the accompanying letters of this date Major Genl Dearborn influenced rather by considerations of humanity than the example of the Enemy, has consented to the removal in parole of such sergeants & rank & file prisoners at this place as have been maimed or otherwise badly wounded. As many of that description therefore as can be removed with safety will accordingly be delivered to Capt. Irvine on board the cartel. It is deeply regretted by the General commanding that considerations above suggested do not permit him to grant a like permission in the case of Col. Myers who would otherwise be entitled to every indulgence. However whilst this Officer shall remain in our hands no attentions towards him shall be pretermitted which it may be in our power to bestow.”
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Maid of the Mist broadside, 1852Maid of the Mist broadside dated 1852. Capt. Clark Andrews is noted on the broadside. It is stated that the Maid of the Mist “will ply during the season between the Suspension Bridge, Bellevue, and Niagara Falls, for the accommodation of Visitors and Travellers, who may wish a near and grand view of the great Cataract. This boat passes nearly two miles through the Gulf of Niagara, with the banks more than two hundred feet high on either hand. From the deck of this boat, all the great points of attraction are seen in a single trip”. It is also noted that omnibuses or carriages are available to take visitors to the boat and suspension bridge. The agents are listed as A. Murray and F. Thornton.
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Letter by Ella Reeve Bloor, c. 1918A letter by Ella Reeve “Mother” Bloor, prominent labour organizer and feminist activist in the United States socialist movement, addressed to “my dear children”. There is no date on the letter but it was likely written around 1918. The letter is written on Liberty Defense Union letterhead and is three pages. Bloor served on the General Committee of the Liberty Defense Union, which was a more activist alternative to the American Civil Liberties Union. The letter was written as she was travelling for meetings and speaking engagements, making stops in Beamsville, Ontario, Niagara Falls, Buffalo, and Olean, New York. Bloor apologizes for additional expenses incurred on her travels and comments on the difficulties of travelling and homesickness, noting that “I’m very joyful because I saw you—I needed you so couldn’t wait another day—some people call it “homesickness” when one gets into the condition I was in in Jamestown, some call it loneliness, but it was literally starvation for love”. She continues that “[I] am in a strange comrade’s home—The Mayor says we can’t have a meeting—but I guess we will have one for there is no ordinance against it, only the Mayor’s word”. She also comments on her friend Horace Traubel, writing that “I see our dear Horace struggling with age, poverty, and pain—and feel such a helpless longing to make his life brighter. I’ll be so thankful when I know that he is sitting in your back yard with Betty and the baby, and Mildred and Frank building up his soul, with loving care, then his body will surely be healed. We cannot, we must not, let him slip away from us—His life is worth more to the world than ever before, his power grows each day…” Traubel was a writer known for his friendship with Walt Whitman but was also a devoted Socialist. He suffered a stroke in 1918 and was cared for by family, friends and comrades until his death in the summer of 1919. The letter ends noting that “I’m very much afraid that I cannot get to the Whitman fellowship, but I’ve had my “Fellowship” with the real Whitman lovers over in Hamilton and now I must go out to fight the Mayor—isn’t it funny that we, who so love peace, have to fight—even have to fight for love”.
