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Ed Butts

Ed Butts grew up in Guelph and is the author of more than 30 published books including Wartime: The First World War in A Canadian Town, which focuses on Guelph. He has written for numerous publications such as the Toronto Star and the Globe and Mail, and has contributed to Historica, the online Canadian Encyclopedia. Ed lives in Guelph with his daughter Melanie and grandson Austin

Recent Work by Ed

Founding fathers of Fergus had a complex relationship

Founding fathers of Fergus had a complex relationship

James Webster welcomed all settlers willing to work, Adam Fergusson wanted to keep out 'undesirables,' including Irish immigrants
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Elora's 'radical' thinker influenced pre-Confederation politics

Elora's 'radical' thinker influenced pre-Confederation politics

Charles Clarke owned a store, served in various political roles and worked with Fathers of Confederation
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ICYMI: Fergus-born Doug Rombough lived his dream of playing in the NHL

ICYMI: Fergus-born Doug Rombough lived his dream of playing in the NHL

After making a name for himself playing for St. Catherines, Rombough signed with the Buffalo Sabres, then played for New York Islanders
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Fergus-born Doug Rombough lived his dream of playing in the NHL

Fergus-born Doug Rombough lived his dream of playing in the NHL

After making a name for himself playing for St. Catherines, Rombough signed with the Buffalo Sabres, then played for New York Islanders
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Escaped American slaves urged to integrate into Elora community

Escaped American slaves urged to integrate into Elora community

Wanted in the U.S. for helping a fugitive slave escape jail, Samuel Ringgold Ward made an Elora stop on Ontario tour
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As Second World War raged, investigators sought Elora 'fire bug'

As Second World War raged, investigators sought Elora 'fire bug'

In 1942, there were three suspicious fire set in a matter of days, prompting a community meeting and special constables put on watch
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In early days of Elora and Fergus, Christmas presents were simple

In early days of Elora and Fergus, Christmas presents were simple

Children from the late 19th and early 20th centuries wouldn't recognize most of the toys given today
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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
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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
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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
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More work by Ed >