John N. Jackson papers, 1960-1989, n.d.

John N. Jackson was born in Nottingham, England in 1926. He developed a passion for landforms and geography from his father, a high school math and science teacher who had studied geology. During the Second World War, he served in the British Navy. He received his BA from the University of Birmingham, and a PhD from the University of Manchester. After spending a year as a visiting professor at the University of British Columbia, he was hired in 1965 as the founding head of the Geography Department at Brock University. He taught at Brock for more than 25 years, immersing himself in the geography and history of the Niagara area. He became particularly interested in the history of the Welland Canals. He authored 20 books on various topics, including land use in Niagara, the history of St. Catharines, the Welland Canal, and railways in the Niagara Peninsula. He died in 2010, at the age of 84.

Erie & Niagara Railway Collection, 1864-1884

William Alexander Thomson (1816-1878) was a promoter and developer of railway systems in western Ontario. He incorporated the Fort Erie Railroad Company in 1857, purchased the Erie and Ontario Railroad in 1863, and incorporated the Erie and Niagara Extension Railway Company in 1868 (later renamed the Canada Southern Railway). Thomson was also elected to the House of Commons for Welland in 1872, and re-elected in 1874. He was known for his support of public management of the currency and is seen as a pioneer advocate of government monetary policy. He was also an advocate of radical agrarian economic doctrine, believing that Canadian laws favoured mercantile interests over those of the producers of goods, and that this hindered national development.

Royal Insurance Company Receipt - 1884

A receipt for Royal Insurance Company British and Foreign, dated 12 April 1884. The receipt reads" Royal Insurance Company British and Foreign Assets: Upwards of $27,000,000 No. 133848 Grimsby Agency, April 12th 1884 Received from Mrs. Adolphus Nelles the sum of Ten Dollars, being the premium for an Insurance against Loss or Damage by Fire, effected with this Company, to the extent of $1200.00 on Property described in Application of this date, for 36 months, subject to the "Statutory" Conditions (endorsed hereon) of the Policy which will be issued within Thirty Days unless the Application is declined within that period, in which case the amount received will be refunded, less the Premium for the time so insured. Premium $9.00 this receipt not valid unless countersigned by N.V. Hare Sub-Agt. Countersigned by David McLellan Agent.

Music Program for St. Mark's Church "Song of the Bell" - 1884

A musical program for a concert at Music Hall Niagara for the St. Marks' Church organ fund. The program consists of 27 numbers from Schiller's "Song of the Bell. The event is dated Thursday, April 17th, 1884 and admission is 25 cents, 15 cents for children.

Marriage Certificate - Thomas Cowan & Annie Easling, 1884

A marriage certificate for Thomas Cowan of Thorold and Annie Easling of St. Catharines. The certificate is dated October 8, 1884 and is witnessed by W. Ross and Jennie McElroy.

Letter - E.C. Schmon to Arthur A. Schmon, 11 April 1916

A letter from Eleanore Celeste Schmon to Arthur A. Schmon in the year 1916. She discusses her letter writing, a luncheon at the McCrackens and her work with the Red Cross. It is labelled the 84th letter.

Letter - E.C. Schmon to Arthur A. Schmon, 12 June 1916

A brief note to Arthur Schmon that reads: "Monday 10 P.M. My dear Artie, Gladys is out of town, and does not expect to return for a couple of weeks. Sorry. Anything else I can do? In haste, Lessie"

Letter - E.C. Schmon to Arthur A. Schmon, 18 & 19 August 1918

Two letters from E.C. Schmon to Arthur A. Schmon. The first letter is a poem titled "Mystery", the second recalls happy times together the previous year. She describes boating to Keansburg, dinner at a hotel, meeting family at Grand Central Station etc. It is labelled the 146th letter.

Letter - E.C. Schmon to Arthur A. Schmon, 6 January 1918

A letter from E.C. Schmon to Arthur A. Schmon discussing her outings and visits with friends and family. The letter is labelled number 39.

Letter - E.C. Schmon to Arthur A. Schmon, 1 May 1919

A letter from E.C. Schmon to Arthur A. Schmon which discusses her attendance at the Broad Theatre to see the play "Tiger! Tiger!". Mrs. Schmon also discusses an outing with friends. the letter is labelled number 269.

Letter - E.C. Schmon to Arthur A. Schmon, 25 & 26 October 1918

This letter discusses a piece of furniture Mrs. Schmon is debating whether to acquire. The letter is labelled number 180.

Letter - E.C. Schmon to Arthur A. Schmon, 26 January 1920

The letter mentions an operation for E.C. Schmon's mother. She intends to spend much of her time at the hospital over the course a few days. She discusses the weather, road development, friends and Christmas cards. The letter is labelled number 110.

Letter - E.C. Schmon to Arthur A. Schmon, 15 February 1917

A brief note to Arthur Schmon that reads: " February fifteenth. Dear, This is to let you see that I am not neglecting my duties as a member of the "cheer committee". Remember that the only thing that never goes out of style is a smile, so keep on wearing one. Affectionately, Lessie."

Letter - E.C. Schmon to Arthur A. Schmon, 15 February 1918

This letter discusses the long wait between correspondence due to the mail delivery. She also discusses the weeks plans. This letter is labelled 57th.