Then and Now

Then and Now shares historical photos and personal stories of past people, places, and events and connects them to their significance today. They are made possible through the continued support of Dietrich Law as part of our Community Leaders Program.

Silver communion set is only 'evidence' of legendary love affair

Legend says Elora was the scene of a secret love affair between Rev. John Smithurst and Florence Nightingale

Jun 8, 2023 7:00 AM Read more >

Wellington County not immune to American-style crime

A look back at a prison escapee, robberies and a shootout with police

May 3, 2023 7:00 AM Read more >

Elora's connection to the discovery of insulin ... through marriage

X-ray technician Marion Robertson of Elora wed Toronto doctor on the discovery team

Apr 1, 2023 8:00 AM Read more >

Fergus man behind Shand Dam dubbed 'Father of Conservation in Ontario'

A dirty Grand River inspired Canada's first large-scale, multi-purpose structure of its kind

Mar 5, 2023 7:00 AM Read more >

MPP accused of trying to shoot someone in Elora ... in 1858

Dubbed 'The Elora Outrage,' incident captured peoples' attention throughout Canada and beyond

Feb 1, 2023 7:00 AM Read more >

When Beatty Bros. brought music to the ears of Fergus

In this Then and Now feature, Ed Butts looks at when Beatty Brothers paid to have a bandmaster come to town to run its 'well-organized factory band'

Jan 2, 2023 8:00 AM Read more >

Elora town crier was also its official bill-poster

'Professor' David S. Ritchie also brought first motion pictures to town ... in 1906

Dec 10, 2022 8:00 AM Read more >

Christmas dinner has evolved since early days of Elora, Fergus

While some food has changed, some things remain key to celebrating custom

Dec 4, 2022 8:00 AM Read more >

Remembering some of those who lost their lives during war

Brief insights into some of the people behind the names on the Elora and Fergus cenotaphs

Nov 1, 2022 7:30 AM Read more >

Born in Elora ... the Canadian khaki military uniform?

Volunteer Rifle Company of Elora found a fawn-coloured cloth (what we now call khaki) was 'the least conspicuous and the most economical'

Oct 2, 2022 7:00 AM Read more >

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