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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.


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
When Beatty Bros. brought music to the ears of Fergus

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'
Elora town crier was also its official bill-poster

Elora town crier was also its official bill-poster

'Professor' David S. Ritchie also brought first motion pictures to town ... in 1906
Christmas dinner has evolved since early days of Elora, Fergus

Christmas dinner has evolved since early days of Elora, Fergus

While some food has changed, some things remain key to celebrating custom
Remembering some of those who lost their lives during war

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