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Then and Now

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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.


A look at some of the names on Elora, Fergus cenotaphs

A look at some of the names on Elora, Fergus cenotaphs

Engraved names represent people whose hopes and dreams cut short by war
Rivalry between Elora and Fergus included lacrosse melee

Rivalry between Elora and Fergus included lacrosse melee

Several members of the Elora Rocks and Fergus Thistles have been inducted into national and provincial halls of fame
Inventor of AM radio, world's first radio DJ, lived in Fergus

Inventor of AM radio, world's first radio DJ, lived in Fergus

Reginald Fessenden credited with 500-plus inventions, including primitive form of iceberg-spotting radar inspired by Titanic disaster
Abandoned rail lines turned trailways, Wellington has plenty

Abandoned rail lines turned trailways, Wellington has plenty

It is midsummer, the perfect season for hiking and biking through the countryside.
Meet two promising Fergus athletes who fell short of success

Meet two promising Fergus athletes who fell short of success

Unfortunate circumstances plagued the careers of speed skater James Forrester and swimmer Shirley Campbell
Silver communion set is only 'evidence' of legendary love affair

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
Wellington County not immune to American-style crime

Wellington County not immune to American-style crime

A look back at a prison escapee, robberies and a shootout with police
Elora's connection to the discovery of insulin ... through marriage

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

X-ray technician Marion Robertson of Elora wed Toronto doctor on the discovery team
Fergus man behind Shand Dam dubbed 'Father of Conservation in Ontario'

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

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

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