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.

Andrew Bloomfield collection, 2006-2012

Andrew Bloomfield, and his twin sister Victoria, were born on May 6, 1968 in Auckland, New Zealand. The following year, the family moved to Guelph, Ontario. It became apparent from the time Andrew was 14 months old that he differed considerably from his twin sister, and he was subsequently diagnosed with autism when he was four years old. As a result, he lived away from his family for much of his early life in order to participate in programs for autistic people. Andrew found this very difficult, but also made some significant progress. He became able to relate to and care for his dog, and was able to express his thoughts with Augmentative and Alternative Communication, especially using Supported Typing. His twin sister Victoria was an important person in his life, and her untimely death in a car accident in 1996 devastated him. However, his network of friends and family have provided immense support and helped him build a fulfilling and meaningful life. In 2004 Andrew founded a group of other adult communicators who "type to talk" which he named "Bridges-Over-Barriers". They meet monthly in Guelph and contributed to the 2010 volume with accompanying documentary film on DVD. He lives in his own home in Guelph, guaranteed by a housing trust, and has written several books, including an autobiography, Bridges over Barriers in My Life with Autism.

Orderly book, Second Regiment of U.S. Dragoons, New York, 1812-1813

The Second U.S. Regiment of Light Dragoons was formed in January 1812. In March of 1814, it merged with the First U.S. Regiment of Light Dragoons to form the Regiment of Light Dragoons.

Letter written by Mahlon Taylor to Samuel Clarke commenting on US troops during Fort George occupation, July 26, 1813

Fort George, situated on the west side of the Niagara River in Niagara-on-the-Lake, served as the headquarters for the Centre Division of the British Army during the War of 1812. On May 25, 1813, the Americans launched an artillery attack on the Fort, destroying most of the buildings. Two days later, the Americans invaded the Town of Niagara and occupied Fort George. They remained in the Fort for almost seven months, but suffered defeats at the Battle of Stoney Creek and Beaver Dams. Only a small number of militia remained stationed at the Fort. Fearing an attack by the British, the Americans retreated back across the Niagara River in December, 1813. The Fort remained in British possession for the rest of the War.

Letter - Andrew Cowan to William Cowan

A letter from Andrew Cowan to his son William Cowan 29 Septemer 1841. The letter reads "Dear William, I have taken my pen the third time since I have received any word from you, my first letter was about the beginning of the year, and the second in the month of April with John Armstrong of Northhouse, he sailed from Liverpool the fifteen of that month with his sisters Jane and Jenny and their two children. I received a letter from him dated Cleavland in the State of Ohio the 6 of June. He did not intend stopping in that place. The leaves us all well for any thing that I know, but I have not heard from Andrew since March altho I have writen to him three months since your Mother and I are both sore faild altho we have tolerable good health for which we desire to be thankfull to the giver of all our mercies, which are new every day, that we may be found in Christs and clothed in his imputed righteousness at the last, for in him is only found true happyness. We have had another cold wet Summer and the crops is far back ------ not light, the price of -----is high and trade bad, but sheep and cattle are high. Cattle have not been higher since the French war, but the cattle trade is very bad at present and the opperatives out of imployment and consequently verrry badly of. If none of my former letters have reached you this will inform you that James is at Lanshawburn, and gets imployment all the year, he keeps a cow and five or six sheep, they have three children, Mary, Hannah, and Andrew; I was there after clipping time seeing them, they seem to be verry happy. James Lamb is well he was here the other night, he has got two letters from his son Adam this Summer; they are still in the same place and will finish their job this fall, and seem to be doing well, your Uncle Adam Scott and family are well. John was there lately there is little prospect of his getting to America as the money that was left him is not got yet and will not for some time, If ever this reach you, you must let us know how all the Scotch people that are near you, that went from this place of the Country are doing, as their freinds are anxious to hear from them, perticularly if you know what is becomed of Alexander Hoggs widow and family of ------hill, as I was desired to write to you about them - I got a letter from John Miller dated Gatt but I understand it is a long way from your place he was a gentleman and had the charge of a farm and seems verry ----- Now William if this ever reach you, you must excuse me for not filling this letter up, but if I receive an answer I promise to fill the next better, We all join in our love and respect to you and family. From your loving Father Andrew Cowan

Letter written by Mahlon Taylor to Samuel Clarke commenting on US troops during Fort George occupation - July 26, 1813

A letter written by Mahlon Taylor to his uncle, Samuel Clarke, dated at Marcellus [New York], July 26, 1813. Mahlon Taylor writes that he believes the mail he has sent out is not making it past Princeton, as he has not had a reply to any of his sent correspondence. He also writes that he has heard there are 3500 men at Fort George, 1000 are unfit for duty, and that there is skirmishing daily. He comments that the general opinion is that the troops will withdraw from Canada entirely. The letter is signed Mahlon C Taylor and is addressed to Mr. Samuel Clarke, no. 227 South Front Street, Philadelphia.

Orderly book, Second Regiment of U.S. Dragoons, New York, 1812-1813

An orderly book of the Second Regiment of U.S. Dragoons, New York, dated August 14, 1812-July 29, 1813. The book contains orders pertaining to day-to-day military matters, such as punishments for disobedience, court-martial proceedings, camp rules and regulations, and guidelines for interacting with civilians in the vicinity of the camp. The Regiment was stationed at various locations in upstate New York and Canada, including Greenbush, Albany, Sackets Harbor, Utica, Geneva, Fort Niagara and Fort George. General Henry Dearborn originally commanded the Regiment at Greenbush. Names noted in this book include:E. Beebe, Deputy Adjt. General; William King, Capt. 15th; John Chandler, General ;W. Gamewood, Major ;James Burns, Colonel;John Woodford, Major; Andrew McDowell, Capt.; Abm. Gustis, Major; C.W. Hunter, Brigade Major; Selden, Captain; Holland, Captain; Harris, Captain; Clarkson, Lieutenant; Johnson, Lieutenant; Robert Craig, Adjt.; R.G. Hith, A.A. General. Also included with the orderly book are a monthly return form, a contract for medical services, and a bonus pay voucher for Thomas Blunt. The monthly return form is partially completed and dated January 1813 at Greenbush, New York. It is signed by Captain Jonas Holland. The contract is dated May 20, 1812, between John Dodge, physician and surgeon, and Jonas Holland. The contract describes the services required of the physician and the salary to be paid. The bonus pay voucher is dated April 25, 1813, for $8.00 paid to Thomas Blunt by Captain Jonas Holland for 'enlisting into the army of the United States for five years'.

Act of Parliament Preventing Private Distillation, Scotland, 1824

The Act begins: "An Act to continue, until the Tenth Day of November One thousand eight hundred and twenty-six, certain Parts of an Act of the Third Year of His present Majesty, among other Things for the preventing private Distillation in Scotland"

St. George's Parish Church, St. Catharines. Jubilee Celebration and Historic and Centenary Review

Inside the front cover H.K. Woodruff has signed the book and there is a label with the name , Mrs. Percy C. Band of Toronto, Ontario. The book contains some images and also has a list of matrimonial records from the St. Marks Church Register.

By-Law no. 12

A by-law begins: "It was then moved by R.S. Kinner and Seconded by George Barnes that by Law No. 12 be read. Whereas by Identure bearing date thirteenth day of August A.D. 1873 made between one George Barnes of the first part thereof and Andrew S. Kinner and Charles Robert Murray of the second part thereof which said Identure was duly registered in the Registry Office for Lands for the said County of Lincoln on the 14th day of August A.D. 1880 in Book 4 for the Township of Louth as No. 1534 the said George Barnes granted and conveyed the Lands and premises therein described to the said Andrew S. Kinner and Charles Robert Murray and their heirs and assigns as joint tenants and not as tenants as common upon the trusts and for the purposes therein expressed. And Whereas the said Andrew S. Kinner died on about the 13th day of June 1877 A.D. without having made any appointment under the provisions of the said in part recited Identure.."

Indenture of Land Sold by David Secord to George Shaw, Richard Woodruff, Timothy Street, Josiah Brown, Henry Pope

Indenture regarding land sold by David Secord of St. Davids to George Shaw, Richard Woodruff, Timothy Street and Josiah Brown, all of Niagara Township and Reverend Henry Pope of York. The land includes part of Lot no. 90 in the Township of Niagara. September 5, 1820.

Indenture of Land Sold by George Shaw to Richard and William Woodruff

Indenture stating that George Shaw of Niagara sold 1 acre, 2 roods and 1 perch in the Village of St. Davids to Richard and William Woodruff. The price was 66 pounds - instrument no. 6926, June 9, 1824.

Indenture of Conveyance between George Shaw and Richard Woodruff and Company

Indenture of conveyance between George Shaw of the Township of Niagara and Richard Woodruff and Company, merchants of the Township of Niagara, all living in the Village of St. Davids for a share of water ("course of water running in a hole one inch diameter"), April 15, 1825.

Indenture between Stroughton Moore and George Jackson

Indenture of bargain and sale between Stroughton Moore of St. Davids and George Jackson of St. Davids for part of Lot no. 90 in the Township of Niagara - instrument no. 10.818, July 27, 1835.

Indenture between The Honourable George Moffatt and Samuel Street

Indenture (vellum) between The Honourable George Moffatt of Montreal and Samuel Street of Stamford for the sale of 200 acres in Lot no. 12 in the 4th Concession in the Township of Beverly, County of Halton, June 13, 1836.