John W. Fisher Fonds, 1937-1961, 1964-1989, 1993, n.d.

Norah and Fred Fisher welcomed John Fisher into the world on November 29, 1912, not knowing what an influential role he would play in shaping Canada's history. John Fisher grew up as the middle child of five brothers and sisters in Frosty Hollow, New Brunswick, close to today’s town of Sackville. Sackville’s main industry was the Enterprise Foundry which the Fisher family owned and operated; however, Fisher had no plans of going into the family business. He was more inspired by his maternal grandfather, Dr. Cecil Wiggins, who lived with the family after retiring from the Anglican ministry. Wiggins encouraged all his grandchildren to be well read and to take part in discussions on current events. There were often visitors in the Fisher household taking part in discussions about politics, religion, and daily life. Fisher forced himself to take part in these conversations to help overcome his shyness in social settings. These conversations did help with his shyness and also in forming many opinions and observations about Canada. It put Fisher on the road to becoming Mr. Canada and delivering the many eloquent speeches for which he was known. Fisher did not venture far from home to complete his first degree. In 1934 he graduated from Mount Allison University in Sackville, NB with an Arts degree. The same year Fisher enrolled in Dalhousie’s law school. During his time at Dalhousie, Fisher discovered radio through Hugh Mills. Mills or “Uncle Mel” was on CHNS, Halifax’s only radio station at the time. Fisher began by making appearences on the radio drama show. By 1941 he had begun writing and broadcasting his own works and joined the staff as an announcer and continuity writer. In 1936 the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation was formed, the first National radio station. Fisher joined the CBC shortly after it’s beginning and remained with them, as well as the Halifax Herald newspaper, even after his law school graduation in 1937. By 1943 Fisher’s talks became a part of the CBC’s programming for a group of maritime radio stations. Fisher once described his talks as follows “my talks weren’t meant to be objective. . . they were meant to be favourable. They were ‘pride builders’” He began his famed John Fisher Reports at CBC Toronto when he transfered there shortly after the war. This program brought emmence pride to the fellow Canadians he spoke about leading to approximately 3500 requests per year to speak at banquets and meeting throughout Canada and the United States. Fisher was a well travelled indivdual who would draw on personal experiences to connect with his audience. His stories were told in simple, straight forward language for anyone to enjoy. He became a smooth, dynamic and passionate speaker who sold Canada to Canadians. He became a renowned journalist, folk historian, writer and broadcaster. Fisher was able to reach a vast array of people through his radio work and build Canadian pride, but he did not stop there. Other ways Fisher has contributed to Canada and the Canadian people include: Honoured by five Canadian Universities. 1956, became the Director of the Canadian Tourist Association. 1961, was appointed Special Assistant to the Prime Minister of Canada. 1963, Commissioner of the Centennial Commission (the Federal Agency Responsible for Canada’s 100th birthday) 1968, received the Service Medal , a coveted Order of Canada. President of John Fisher Enterprises Ltd., private consultant work, specializing in Centennial planning, broadcasts, lectures and promotion. John Fisher continued recording radio broadcasts even after his diagnosis with cancer. He would record 3 or 4 at a time so he was free to travel across Canada, the U.S., Europe and Mexico in search of treatments. Fisher passed away from the disease on February 15, 1981 and he is buried at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Toronto.

Cemetery Committee Reports, Welland County, 1946

In 1946 the cemetery committee reported at least twice to the Welland County council. The reports included the state of cemeteries within the county boundaries and recommendations for grants to be made for their maintenance. The committee consisted of George F. Broadley, Chairman, and Herbert T. Guess, Irvin Edward Michener and Ellis P. Morningstar.

Brown Bess Socket Mount Bayonet

This original Brown Bess socket mount bayonet is vintage War of 1812. It was purchased in the Niagara area and likely has a long local provenance.

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.

Notice of Location of Grave - Wailly Orchard Cemetery

Two notices from the Director of Graves Registration and Enquiries, London, England noting the location of the grave as Wailly Orchard Cemetery near Arras. One of the certificates incorrectly notes the name as S.G. Woodruff while the other correctly has S. D. Woodruff. The number listed for Lieut. S. D. Woodruff's grave site photograph is CCM/9/4433.

Indenture St. Catharines Cemetery

Indenture with the letterhead “St. Catharines Cemetery” (this is a photocopy) between the rector and church wardens of St. George’s Church, St. Catharines and Ann S. Sanderson of St. Catharines. The deed is for 208 square feet commencing at a lot purchased by S.D. Woodruff in part of section P – cemetery deed no. is 134, Jan. 23, 1861.

Indenture St. Catharines Cemetery

Indenture with the letterhead “St. Catharines Cemetery” between the rector and church wardens of St. George’s Church, St. Catharines and Henry C. Woodruff of the Township of Niagara. The deed is for 538 square feet in Lots 1 and 2 in division no. 13 in section M of the St. Catharines Cemetery. The cemetery deed no. is 530, July 7, 1869.

Indenture St. Catharines Cemetery

Indenture with the letterhead “St. Catharines Cemetery” between the Town Council of St. Catharines and Joel Phelps of St. Catharines. The deed is for 108 square feet for Lot no.3 in division 3 in section P of the St. Catharines Cemetery. The deed no. is 847, June 11, 1874.

Indenture between St. Catharines Cemetery of the Corporation of the City of St. Catharines and Samuel D. Woodruff

Indenture between St. Catharines Cemetery of the Corporation of the City of St. Catharines and Samuel D. Woodruff, cemetery deed no. 1253, May 18, 1883.

Indenture between Victoria Lawn Cemetery of the Corporation of the City of St. Catharines and Samuel D. Woodruff

Indenture between Victoria Lawn Cemetery of the Corporation of the City of St. Catharines and Samuel D. Woodruff for 112 sq.ft. known as part of section P. This is deed no. 1905, Oct. 21, 1901.

Indenture between Victoria Lawn Cemetery of the Corporation of the City of St. Catharines and Hamilton K. Woodruff

Indenture between Victoria Lawn Cemetery of the Corporation of the City of St. Catharines and Hamilton K. Woodruff for 216 square feet, Lot no.2 in division 9, section G of the Victoria Lawn Cemetery. This is a handwritten copy. The deed no. is 1937, Jan. 6, 1903.

Indenture between Victoria Lawn Cemetery, St. Catharines and H.K. Woodruff

Indenture between Victoria Lawn Cemetery, St. Catharines and H.K. Woodruff for Lot no. 1 in the north part in section L which included 108 feet. This is cemetery deed no. 261, March 8, 1910.

Indenture Park Lawn Cemetery Co. Ltd.

Indenture between Park Lawn Cemetery Co. Ltd. of Toronto, deed no.2905 for Lot 91 in section H for 156 feet for burial ground paid by Percy C. Bands [Band], Feb. 24, 1926.

Indenture between St. Catharines Victoria Lawn Cemetery and Mrs. H.K. Woodruff

Indenture between St. Catharines Victoria Lawn Cemetery and Mrs. H.K. Woodruff for a perpetual care fund and $67.20 into a general care and improvement fund in respect to the southerly portion of Lot no.9 in section P of the St. Catharines Victoria Lawn Cemetery. The deed no. is 859. This is the S.D. Woodruff plot, Nov. 4, 1932.

Cemetery Sketches

Crudely drawn sketches including: Samuel D. Woodruff’s grave; a sketch which includes the inside of the [St. George’s] church; Lot no. 4 and Woodruff and Milton graves. One of the maps was dated Dec. 31, 1871, n.d.