Carl M. Wolff fonds

The bulk of the materials consist of administrative records, minutes programs and publicity material for The Niagara Symphony Association, St. Catharines Community Concerts, The Brock University Fine Arts Committee and Brock University convocations.

Annual Variation in Bee Community Structure in the Context of Disturbance (Niagara Region, South-Western Ontario)

This study examined annual variation in phenology, abundance and diversity of a bee community during 2003, 2004, 2006, and 2008 in recovered landscapes at the southern end of St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada. Overall, 8139 individuals were collected from 26 genera and sub-genera and at least 57 species. These individuals belonged to the 5 families found in eastern North America (Andrenidae, Apidae, Colletidae, Halictidae and Megachilidae). The bee community was characterized by three distinct periods of flight activity over the four years studied (early spring, late spring/early summer, and late summer). The number of bees collected in spring was significantly higher than those collected in summer. In 2003 and 2006 abundance was higher, seasons started earlier and lasted longer than in 2004 and 2008, as a result of annual rainfall fluctuations. Differences in abundance for low and high disturbance sites decreased with years. Annual trends of generic richness resembled those detected for species. Likewise, similarity in genus and species composition decreased with time. Abundant and common taxa (13 genera and 18 species) were more persistent than rarer taxa being largely responsible for the annual fluctuations of the overall community. Numerous species were sporadic or newly introduced. The invasive species Anthidium oblongatum was first recorded in Niagara in 2006 and 2008. Previously detected seasonal variation patterns were confirmed. Furthermore, this study contributed to improve our knowledge of temporal dynamics of bee communities. Understanding temporal variation in bee communities is relevant to assessing impacts caused on their habitats by diverse disturbances.

Letter to William Collver or John Roberts, 1849

A letter to “my dear Mr. Collver and co.” The writer mentions the “circuit” that she has traveled, and a conference which she attended. In regard to the circuit, she talks about her interest in the Welland Canal. The references all seem to be religious in nature. She asks Mr. Collver how he likes the new preacher and says that in a letter that the preacher published in the newspaper he refers to the “breaking of Jordan Chapel”. She says that a society of teetotalers has been established in her town and they are known as “Sons of Temperance”. She also mentions “my man Brown” who was there but has left, leaving her to have the circuit by herself. She signs off with “I am yours affectionately [Eleanor Corman]. The second part of the letter is addressed to “my dear Mr. Roberts”. She asks him for some music that she would like, but cannot find in Kingston. She would like him to “come down and teach singing” this winter. She also asks him to give her regards to Mr. P. Beamer and family. She ends this part of the letter with “Nothing further yours affectionately [Eleanor Corman]”. There are 4 red postmarks on the outside of the letter and they are: Picton, July 31, 1849 Cobourg, August 2, 1849 St. Catharines, August 4, 1849 There is one other postmark which is too faded to be legible.

Photograph - Robert Houston

A Photograph of Robert Houston of Port Dalhousie. He died 6 December 1889 at age 44 years and is buried in the Anglican Cemetary of Port Dalhousie. The photograph was taken at Thos. Charles, Photographer on Ontario Street in St. Catharines.

Photograph - Mr. & Mrs. Michael Henry (nee Almedie Mann)

A photograph of Mr. & Mrs. Michael Henry (nee. Almedie Mann) taken by G.F. Maitland, photographer, St. Paul Street, St. Catharines.

Photograph - Mrs. John Denton Sr.

A Photograph of Mrs. John Denton Sr. of Port Dalhusie taken by photographer G. F. Maitland of St. Catharines, Ontario.

Photograph - Male Portrait 1892

A photograph of a male taken in October 1892 by Poole photography, St. Catharines.

Photograph - Maggie Buckbee

A photograph of a baby girl, Maggie Buckbee, taken at E.Poole Photographer, St. Catharines. The rear of photo states "Ordinary Entrance on St. Paul Street, Elevator Entrance for Children: Invalids and Ladies on Ontario Street. Awarded "Honorable Mention" Paris Exposition, 1878."

Photograph - Mrs. Buckbee

A photograph of Mrs. Buckbee taken by G.F. Maitland Photographer, St. Catharines, Ontario.

The 19th Century Tombstone Database Project Records, 1790-1890 (non-inclusive)

The 19th Century Tombstone Database project was funded by the program Federal Summer Youth Employment scheme in the summer of 1982 and led by Dr. David W. Rupp, a Professor at the Classics Department, Brock University. The main goal of the project was to collect information related to various cemeteries in Niagara region and burials that took place from 1790-1890. Data was collected and presented in the form of data summary forms of persons, tombstone sketches, photographs of tombstones, maps, and computer printouts. The materials created as a result of a research completed for the 19th Century Tombstone Database project are important as a number of the tombstones have been damaged or gone missing since the research was finished. Before Dr. Rupp retired from Brock University, he donated project materials to the Brock University Special Collections and Archives.

Hendershot & Brother - Vignette

A vignette of the Hendershot & Brother Store, "dealers of dry goods, groceries, hardware, boots & shoes, iron and steel, dealers in grain and farmer's produce". The proprietors are Paul H. Hendershott and Abraham Hendershott and the business is located in St. Catharines.

Taylor & Bates Brewery & Vinegar Manufactory - Vignette

A vignette of Taylor and Bate's Brewery and Manufactory, St. Catharines.. "Manufacturers of Taylor's Celebrated Amber Ale, Porter, also, White Wine Vinegar, Dealers in Malt, Hops, Barley, &c. &c." The names listed are James Taylor and Thomas B. Bate.

Grand Central Hotel Blueprints

Plans are alterations to store fronts and rear elevation.

George Upper collection, 1989, 1995, undated

George Upper is a Niagara area artist. His limited edition prints feature local scenes, many from Port Dalhousie, Ontario.

Post Card Album - Welland Canal

A collection of post cards (52 black & white and 47 colour) and photographs (26 black & white) of the Welland Canal. The photographs and post cards cover a range of years and locations, inlcuding St. Catharines, Port Colborne, Port Dalhousie; Humberstone, Thorold, Allanburg and Niagara Falls.