Walker Brothers Quarries Limited fonds, 1975, 1980-1981, 1984, 1987-1989

Serving the Niagara and surrounding areas for over 120 years, Walker Industries has made its impact not only commercially, but also culturally. Beginning in 1875 with the erection of a stone sawing mill on a property John Walker purchased from the Welland Canal Loan Company. One of the first projects Walker cut stone for was the Merritton Town Hall. In 1882 the business expanded to include Walkers children, changing the name to Walker & Sons. Eventually in 1887 the two eldest sons took control of the business operation and their partnership changed the company’s name to Walker Brothers, the same year the company began operating its first quarry. The quarry was conveniently located alongside the 3rd Welland canal, offering easy access to Toronto and Hamilton. It was also close to the railway system which allowed immediate access to Thorold and Niagara Falls and later access to parts of Ontario and Quebec. The quarry supplied stone to build numerous halls and armouries across Ontario. A use was also found for the ‘waste products’ of cutting the limestone. Leftover stone chips were sent to paper mills, where stone was needed as part of the sulphite pulp process for making paper. Beginning to supply the Ontario Paper Company with stone in 1913, meant not only long, hard, work, but also more profit for the company. Before mechanization, most of the loading and unloading of the stone was done by hand, taking 19 man-hours to load an 18 yard railway car. Mechanization followed in 1947 when the plant became fully mechanized making the work easier and increasing production rates. In 1957 the company moved from its original location and opened the St. Catharines Crushed Stone Plant.

Gainsborough [Presbyterian] Church records, 1833-1836, 1841-1846, 1855-1857, 1860-1864, 1866 [photocopy]

The Gainsborough Presbyterian Church was organized prior to 1833, but no records were kept until this date. In 1809, the church was lead by Rev. Daniel Ward Eastman. In 1833 the church became part of the Niagara Presbytery of the American Presbyterian Church. The records include transfer of membership, records of marriages, lists of subscribers and session minutes. Photocopies from originals were made in 1977 by E. Phelps, University of Western Ontario, prior to their deposit with the United Church of Canada Archives, Toronto, Ont.

Walker Hall - Vignette

A vignette of Walker Hall, John S. Walker, Esq. Clinton Township.

Indenture between Gilbert Anderson, Phoebe Anderson and John Picard

Indenture of bargain and sale between Gilbert Anderson the younger of the Township of Niagara and Phoebe Anderson (his wife) and John Picard of the Township of Niagara. The instrument no. is 6268. April 14, 1855.

Indenture between John Picard and Peter Servos

Indenture of mortgage in fee between John Picard of the Township of Niagara and Peter Servos of the Township of Niagara regrading part of Lot no. 113 in the Township of Niagara - instrument no. 6269. This is listed in book B, folio 33, August 17, 1855.

Note that John Brown has done grading in the section between Geneva Street and Slabtown [known as Merritton prior to amalgamation with St. Catharines in 1961]

Note that John Brown has done grading in the section between Geneva Street and Slabtown [known as Merritton prior to amalgamation with St. Catharines in 1961]. This document is badly stained and faded. It is signed by S.D. Woodruff, 1855.

Note that John Brown has graveled in the section between Geneva Street and Slabtown

Note that John Brown has graveled in the section between Geneva Street and Slabtown. This is signed by S.D. Woodruff, Oct. 18, 1855.

Note stating that John Brown has done grading in the section of railway between Geneva Street and Slabtown

Note stating that John Brown has done grading in the section of railway between Geneva Street and Slabtown. This document is signed by S.D. Woodruff, Dec. 12, 1855.

Port Dalhousie and Thorold Railway wages paid to John Brown

Port Dalhousie and Thorold Railway wages paid to John Brown (2 pages, handwritten) from Aug. 1855 – May 1856.

Letter to S.D. Woodruff from John Frazer

Letter to S.D. Woodruff from John Frazer of Fonthill stating that the cheques for engineer services are enclosed, Sept. 5, 1855.

John Kaethler

International Student Advisor John Kaethler at his desk.

Dr. John Lye

Professor of English, John Lye, walking through Mackenzie Chown A Block.

Dr. John Jackson

Professor of Geography.