Receipt to Mr. S.D. Woodruff from Peter Cougle

Receipt to Mr. S.D. Woodruff from Peter Cougle for repairs to clothing, Nov. 12, 1846.

License no. 87 of season 1879/80 made out to S.D. Woodruff for 36 square miles in berth no. 192

License no. 87 of season 1879/80 made out to S.D. Woodruff for 36 square miles in berth no. 192, June 3, 1879.

Balance sheet for 14 months ending May 31, 1879

Balance sheet (1 page, printed) for 14 months ending May 31, 1879.

Understanding the Intersection of Reformed Faith and Dutch Immigrant Culture in Ontario Independent Christian Schools: Principals’ Experiences and Perspectives

In the aftermath of World War II, a wave of Dutch Reformed immigrants arrived in Ontario, many of whom joined the Christian Reformed Church. Following familiar cultural patterns, history, and their Reformed Christian faith, these immigrants settled in Ontario with remarkable institutional completeness (Breton, 1964). They quickly established independent, parent-operated Christian schools across Ontario. The primary purpose of the schools was to educate children through a comprehensive biblically based school program, yet this religious purpose often intersected with a Dutch immigrant ethnic culture. Van Dijk (2001) states that “the schools were the most important organization in maintaining the religious and ethnic identity of Calvinists” (p. 66). In this qualitative study I explore the intersection of Reformed faith and Dutch Canadian immigrant ethnic culture in Christian schools through the experiential and professional lens of eight retired principals. Employing a theoretical framework informed by Berger’s (1967) Sacred Canopy, I suggest that the intersection of faith and culture was experienced in the schools and was embodied by the schools themselves. Findings point to this intersection being located in the participants’ experience of (a) Dutchness, (b) the struggle for Christian education, (c) the ties that bound the school community together, and (d) the cloud of witnesses that founded and continues to support and encourage the Christian school community. The study offers insight into a Dutch Reformed immigrant group’s experience carving out a niche for themselves on the educational landscape in Ontario. This study also offers suggestions on how Christian schools can broaden their canopy and become more ethnically and denominationally diverse in the future.

Letter to the Honourable William Dickson at Fort George from Peter Hogeboom

Letter to the Honourable William Dickson at Fort George from Peter Hogeboom stating that he has recently bought a home and is in need of money, Dec. 2, 1817.

Indenture between The Honourable Peter Russell, His Majesty’s Receiver General and William Dickson

Indenture between The Honourable Peter Russell, His Majesty’s Receiver General and William Dickson 10 acres bounded by a Port, and a Military Reserve. This document is slightly torn and taped. This does not affect the text – instrument no. 6507, Aug. 22, 1798.

Province of Upper Canada Grant to the Honorable Peter Russell of the Township of Newark

Province of Upper Canada Grant to the Honorable Peter Russell of the Township of Newark. He is granted 150 acres in the Town of Newark in the County of Lincoln. This is registered in Liber B, folio 133. This was entered in the auditor’s office July 26, 1796. This document is held together with tape. The text is not affected, July 2, 1796.

Province of Upper Canada Grant (paper mounted on canvas) to the Honorable Peter Russell of the Township of Newark

Province of Upper Canada Grant (paper mounted on canvas) to the Honorable Peter Russell of the Township of Newark. He is granted 10 acres in the Township of Newark in the County of Lincoln. This document is mounted on canvas. This was entered in the auditor’s office Sept.29, 1797. Part of the paper document is missing but this does not affect the text, Sept. 1, 1797.

Province of Upper Canada Grant (vellum) to Peter McCollum of the Township of Grimsby

Province of Upper Canada Grant (vellum) to Peter McCollum of the Township of Grimsby, son of James McCollum, United Empire Loyalist. He was granted 200 acres in Lot no.12 in the 5th Concession in the Township of Scott in the County of Yorke. This was entered with the auditor on Nov. 17, 1809. There is a partial crown land seal attached to this document but it is broken, Nov. 16, 1809.