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Waterloo Historical Society
NEWSLETIER
Waterloo
Historical
Society
clo Kitchener Public Library
85 Queen street North
Kitchener,
ontario
N2H 2Hl
Harold
Elinor
Debbie
Russell,
President
Rau, Secretary
Kroetsch,
Treasurer
744-2979
669-8890
747-3009
$~1996
FEBRUARY MEETING
AT
VICTORIA PARK PAVILION
SCHNEIDER AVENUE, KITCHENER
MONDAY
FEBRUARY 5
8:00 PM
Rych Mills will be guest speaker at the
WHS February meeting. Mr. Mills
claims that much of Victoria Park's
written history is inaccurate. He wants
to set the record straight during his
talk, "Myths and Myth-takes."
A replica of the bust of Kaiser Wilhelm ,
as well as photographs and artifacts,
will be on display.
VICTORIA PARK CENTENNIAL
REMINDER
This year's long party began with a
New Year's Eve celebration that kicked
off the park's 10ath anniversary.
Don't forqet the Grand Victorian Ball
on June 15; the anniversary festival is
scheduled for August 24 and 25.
The Joseph Schneider Haus gallery
exhibition begins on February 19.
The resurrected city hall clock now
graces the park.
1996 OPEN MEETINGS
ANYONE NEEDING A RIDECONTACT HERB RATZ AT 886-7855.
PRESIDENT'S CORNER
General meetings are scheduled for
February 5, May 7, and September 9.
The annual meeting will be held on
November 18.
QUEEN AND KAISER TOUR CITY
BRISK BOOK SALES
Spectators lining the streets of
Kitchener and Waterloo during the
November Santa Claus parade were
amazed to see Queen Victoria and
Kaiser Wilhelm I riding side by side in
an open carriage. They were
accompanied by the Kaiserin Augusta,
and HRH Albert, the Prince of Wales.
Their appearance served to advertise
the 1996 Centennial of Kitchener's
Victoria Park. Queen Victoria was
played by Dorothy Russell; acting
prince was Harold Russell; Lorna
Ferguson was the Kaiserin; and Willi
Ristau was acting Kaiser.
Sales of Waterloo Township Through
Two Centuries are going well. Copies
of the local history may be ordered
through the Grace Schmidt Room,
Kitchener Public Library.
LOST AND FOUND
A lady's brooch was found in the
Waterloo Regional parking lot,
Frederick Street, Kitchener, on
Saturday, October 28. Contact Helga
Hartman, evenings, at 885-0661.
SUDDABY TO ESTABLISH
VICTORIAN CLASSROOM
The Waterloo County Board of
Education has established a Victorian
classroom at Suddaby public school,
Kitchener. The "Ad Hoc Museum of
Educational History Committee" is
looking for donations of 1900 vintage
school furniture, pre-1920 text books,
and other materials, including an
authentic strap!
The classrooms, which may be viewed
by the public this Spring, was
established to develop students'
appreciation of past and present
education, and enhance heritage
curriculum studies.
Suddaby school was originally named
Central school. It was constructed in
Berlin, in 1857, and was designated as
a model school for teacher training. It
registered the first kindergarten class,
in 1882; it also housed the first high
school classes.
WHS members are being asked to visit
the classroom to offer suggestions,
anecdotes, or artifacts. Financial
donations can be sent to the WCBE
Foundation, and marked Children's
Museum Fund. Tax receipts will be
issued.
Volunteer teachers are needed to teach
four or five days per year.
For further information contact
committee chairman Marg Dickson, at
742-2218; Helen Koepke, at 884-9461;
or Mary Johnston, at 745-77036.
Other inductees include Milton R.
Good; A. Carl Rieder; the late Dr. G.E.
Duff Wilson; Bonita Rope; and Jim
Schoenfeld.
KITCHENER
REMEMBERED
Murray Fried was recently
photographed with Lord Kitchener, at
Kitchener City Hall. The photo was
taken in front of the portrait of the
latter's great--uncle.
Murray's relative, Elsie Master,
suggested the name in 1916. A story
on Murray appeared in the Ayr News,
on December 6.
HERITAGE SHOWCASE
WHS will join with over forty regional
heritage groups to celebrate a Heritage
Showcase on Saturday, February 17, at
Fairview Mall, Kitchener. Meet with
fellow history buffs and visit the
displays.
EARLY-BIRD MEMBERSHIP
WINNER
Winner of the Garden of Dreams book
at the annual meeting in Doon was
Catherine Meyer.
LAST CALL FOR MEMBERSHIPS
Late 1996 membership renewals of $20
can be sent to WHS membership
convenor:
Helen Hartman
547 Glen Manor Blvd.
Waterloo, Ontario
N2L 4T4
EXEMPLARY CITIZENS
WHS members will be pleased to learn
that "OUr' M. Grace Schmidt will be
inducted into the Waterloo County Hall
of Fame at Doon Heritage Crossroads
on Sunday, May 12, at 2 pm.
Editor: Vonnie Haner
656-2631
Waterloo Historical Society
NEWSLETTER
Waterloo Historical Society
% Kitchener Public Library
85 Queen St. N.
Kitchener, ON N2H 2H I
Harold Russell , President
Robert Wildfong, Secretary
Debbie Kroetsch, Treasurer
744-2979
886-7542
747-3009
April 1996
~CTORIAN CLASSRooM
General Meeting at
Suddaby School's Victorian Classroom
M
argret Dickson, Mary Johnston and Helen Koepke will
talk on the establishment of the historic classroom
project and in the restored room give us an insight into the
Turn of the Century education experience. As an added
incentive you can pick up your 1995 volume. If you can't
attend be sure to have a friend pick up yours to save the
postage cost.
Date:
Tuesday, May 7, 1996
Time: 8:00PM
Place: 171 Frederick St. Kitchener
(Parking at the rear of the school off Lancaster St.)
Huron Road Tours: May 30, June 4 & 6
M
ary, Helen and Margaret have done it again! After
declaring a sabbatical after their six heritage river
tours, they delighted the membership by announcing
a Huron Road tour this spring. The three trips immediately
sold out and there is a waiting list. Well done, ladies.
Regional Heritage Foundation
Representative
S
usan Hoffman has completed her term as
our representative
to the Waterloo
Regional Heritage Foundation. Susan
also served as president of the Foundation
and has done an excellent job.
James
Breithaupt,
WHS
Director, is the newly appointed
representative to the Waterloo
Regional Heritage Foundation.
WHS Donations
I
fyou are looking for ,:"ays to
save money on your Income
tax please keep in mind that
donations to the WHS are tax
deductible.
Heritage Showcase
1996
M
any thanks to the WHS
volunteers who helped
with
the
Heritage
Showcase held at Fairview Mall
on Saturday,
February
17:
Bertha
Thompson,
Rosanne
Atwater-Hallatt, Jim Breithaupt,
Harold Russell, Jane Fair, Grace
Schmidt, Mary Johnston, Helga
Hartman, Debbie Kroetsch and
Jack Eaton.
Everyone felt the day was very
profitable because we sold two
Waterloo Township histories,
thanks to the irresistible sales
pitch
of
Mary
Johnston!
Someone came into the GSR to
buy a copy of the book on the
following Monday because he
had seen it at the mall on
Saturday.
That makes it all worthwhile!
I
~eSident's
Corner
R
ecently new appointments were made to the WHS Board
and Council. LCol James Breithaupt, QC was appointed
First Vice President and Robert Wildfong took over the
duties of Secretary. Bob replaces Eleanor Rau who did a
splendid job and continues on the Board. New councillors are
John Clare of Cambridge, Mildred Trussler of Kitchener,
Norm Diemert of Wilmot and Ellis Little of Waterloo. Our
thanks for a job well done to retiring councillors Edna
Bowman, Agnes Reist, Norma Brenneman, Gerald Forler and
Jean Carter.
... Harold Russell
Hats Off To ...
J
ean Carter, eo-founder of the K-W Weavers and Spinners
Guild, who has been honored with a Lifetime
Achievement Award by the K-W Arts Council. She is a
former WHS councillor and widow of a past president.
Hunt For Your Autograph
W
atch in Volume 83 for an article about Schnurr's Hall
in Linwood. Written by the original owner's grandson,
Don Schnurr, and his wife Julie, who now operate the
business, it details the many activities that occurred in the hall
and on the stage from 1910-1960. The item of most interest
will likely be the accompanying list of names signed on the
dressing room walls. Some readers will be familiar wiTh
Schnurr's Hall from years ago or may find a name that they
recognize. If you wish to see the hall (which remains the
same today as when it opened in 1910) Don and Julie would
like to extend a warm invitation to visit Linwood on Friday
evening, June 14, 1996, 7-9 p.m. Please RSVP by calling
698-2194 (evenings) before June 12. The entrance is off John
Street at the rear of Schnurr' s Grocery Store. Please note that
the hall is reached only by climbing a steep set of stairs. The
Schnurrs are compiling a "book of memories" and welcome
stories and remembrances.
I
This newsletter was produced by ,
Rosanne Atwater-HaIIatt, Susan
Hoft'mantMarjorie Kohlit Grace·
Schmidt and'Kathrvn Lamb.
Waterloo Historical Society
NEWSLETTER
Waterloo Historical Society
% Kitchener Public Library
85 Queen St. N.
Kitchener, ON N2H 2Hl
Harold Russell. President
Robert Wildfong. Secretary
Debbie Kroetsch, Treasurer
669-2775
669-8890
747-3009
August 1996
)lARiHILL MEETING
T
he September meeting will be hosted by the Maryhill
Historical Society. At 7:00pm a tour of the historic
Edward Salter House will take place followed by our speaker
at 8:00pm.
Date:
Time:
Place:
Monday, September 9, 1996
7 :OOPM
St. Boniface School Gymnasium
Speaker:
Frances Hoffman, co-author of Much to be done:
Private life in Ontario from Victorian Diaries.
County History Draw
V
em Martin of Kitchener was the winner of a quilted wall
hanging in a draw sponsored by the Waterloo County
history committee. A second wall hanging and a Peter-sEtril Snyder framed print will be prizes in the October draw.
Two Centuries
Honored
R
ecognition of Dr. Elizabeth
Bloomfield's
Waterloo
Township
through
Two
Centuries
continues.
It has
received the Ontario Historical
Society's Fred Landon Award
"for the best book on regional
history in Ontario 1993-95."
Elizabeth has also received an
1996
Waterloo
Regional
Heritage Award for her work.
Fees Due in November
T
he November 18 annual
meeting will be held at
Wilfrid Laurier University
with
William
Fitzgerald
speaking on the excavation of a
Waterloo Mennonite home. To
support your Society, please
consider giving a tax-deductible
donation in addition to the $20
membership fee.
~------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Please complete the form below and mail it, along with your cheque for $20.00, to: Waterloo
Historical Society, % Helga Hartman, 547 Glen Manor Blvd., Waterloo, ON N2L 4T4, or if you
have questions call (519)885-0661. Please make cheque payable to: Waterloo Historical Society.
Name:
_
Address:
_
City:
_
Postal Code:-----------
Phone:
_
Your membership card will be ready for pick up at the Annual Meeting. If you cannot attend it will
be mailed to you with the next newsletter.
~esident's
Corner
W
ith this newsletter and at the September meeting you
will have an opportunity to pre-order a copy of our
exciting new history of Waterloo County. Since
December of 1993, a committee has been active in the
preparation of Waterloo County from J 852 to J 872. It is our
intention to have this book ready for the 25th anniversary of
Waterloo Regional government in 1997. Fran McIntosh chairs
the publishing committee; Walter Hackborn chairs the finance
sub-committee. Dr. Geoff Hayes of the University of
Waterloo history department is the selected author. The book
will set county political history into a wider social and
economic context. If you have insights to share with Dr.
Hayes contact him at 886-2804. Your invitation to order a
copy at the pre-publication price (which undoubtedly will be
a bargain) is enclosed.
••• Harold Russell
1871/1897 Peace Monument
A
s part of the centennial celebrations of Victoria Park, the
1897 Monument to the Peace Festival of 1871 is being
re-constructed. On May 2, 1871, the 3,000 citizens of
Berlin welcomed 10,000 visitors to a festival marking the
peace treaty which ended the Franco-Prussian War. In 1896,
a monument was designed and built as a 25th anniversary
project. It was unveiled on August 13, 1897, and included a
bust of Kaiser Wilhelm I. Event chair Jim Breithaupt reports
this important memorial from Berlin's history has been rebuilt
from Stanstead granite. It does not, however, include a bust of
the Kaiser. Unveiling and dedication will be Sunday, August
25, 1996, at 1pm near the original site in Victoria Park.
few months ago to look at
historical photographs in the
Grace Schmidt Room. Over 60
images were selected, copied and
framed
for the restaurant.
According to Susan, the result
was quite impressive.
Each
photograph credits KPL and the
WHS for their help. As a
member of the WHS you are
encouraged
to examine the
photographs whenever you visit
the Red Lobster. Staff have had
a great deal of positive response
from the public, and are very
pleased with the results of their
research.
WHS on the Internet
T
he WHS has a presence on
the Internet. This will be of
interest to WHS members
who use computers and who like
to "surf the net." Our World
Wide Web page is being pointed
to by several other organizations,
such as the City of Waterloo;
Sympatico:
Around
Town:
Kitchener- Waterloo from Bell;
and The Historical Society Page
which lists Historical Societies
in both Canada and the USA.
You can find us at
http://www.dcs.uwaterloo.cal
-marjlhistory/whs.html
A Day By The Nith River
I
Four bus tours to Goderich this spring weren't enough for our
indefatigable tour guides. In August they took three bus loads
of a Yorkshire male chorus and friends on a tour focusing on
Mennonite culture en-route to Elora for a history of the Grand
River and the geological formations there. Hosts for the
Canadian visit were members of the Schneider Male Chorus
which toured Europe last year.
he first production on the
Steckle Barn Stage will be
Working Hands performed
by The Heritage Singers, written
and directed by Laurence Martin.
Date: Saturday, September 14,
1996, at 7:30pm at the Steckle
Barn,
811
Bleams
Road
(between
Westmount
and
Strausburg). Donations will be
recei ved at the door and
refreshments will be served. Call
748-5719 for reservations.
Local History in a Restaurant?
R
ecently the Red Lobster restaurant on King Street East in
Kitchener reopened and Susan Hoffman was a special
guest at the ribbon cutting ceremony. What's the
connection? The staff of the restaurant approached Susan a
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Music Celebrating Work
in Pioneer Times
nresponse to numerous requests, the 1995 WHS bus tour
of the Nith River was printed and a few copies are still
available. If interested contact Marg Dickson at 742-2218
or Helen Koepke at 884-9461 or Mary Johnston at 745-7036.
•
-
T
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•
Waterloo Historical Society
NEWSLETTER
Waterloo Historical Society
% Kitchener Public Library
85 Queen St. N.
Kitchener, ON N2H 2HI
744-2979
886-7542
747-3009
Harold Russell , President
Robert Wildfong, Secretary
Debbie Kroetsch, Treasurer
November
JNUAL
T
he Early Years of Waterloo: Archeological and Historical
Glimpses of German Company Tract Lot 13 will be
discussed by Dr. William Fitzgerald and his associates who
have conducted excavations at Lucinda House (1838: Dr. J.
Good) and MacGregor School for insights into our 19th
century community.
Date:
Time:
Place:
Monday, November 18, 1996
8:00 PM
WLU New Science Building, Room NlOOl.
Parking in the campus lot at Bricker and King St.
(See ma on reverse.)
1996
of Excellence= Susan Hoffman;
Ontario Ministry of Citizenship,
Culture
and
Recreation:
Outstanding
Achievement
Award-- Kathryn Lamb; 25-year
awards--Mary
Johnston
and
Kathryn Lamb; lO-year awards-Margaret
Dickson,
Helen
Koepke, Debbie Kroetsch and
Bertha Thompson; 5-year award-Elinor Rau. Wilmot Township
Citizen of the Year awards-- Lou
Cull, culture-- Natalie Kroetsch,
youth.
Ontario
Heritage
Foundation award-- AI Junker,
chairman of Wilmot Township
LACAC.
Historic Hike
W
lease look for Grace Schmidt, Milton R. Good and other
1996 inductees to the Waterloo County Hall of Fame on
Doon Heritage Crossroads home page on the Internet.
The address is http://www/oceta.on.ca/region.waterloo/doonl.
arren
Stauch,
past
president of the WHS,
organized a Volksmarch
(people's
walk) on a sixkilometre downtown Kitchener
route. About 60 participated on a
sunny Sunday afternoon.
Librarian Honored
Collection Donated to
Hall of Fame on Internet
P
R
ev. Erich Schultz, librarian from 1960-1991 at WLU, has
been recognized by the establishment of the Erich
Schultz Endowment Fund by David Gray, treasurer of
the Friends of WLU. Interest from this fund will supplement
the library's acquisitions budget. Erich taught courses in
library science and theology and is a past president of the
WHS.
Congratulations
The
To Winners Of:
1996 Waterloo Regional Heritage Foundation Award
UW
he
extensive archival
collection of the
SchantzlRussell families
has been donated to the .
University of Waterloo Library
by Dorothy Russell and her son
Harold.
T
~resident's
Corner
T
he WHS' s membership has every right to be proud of its
significant contribution to local history since 1912. We
have been active in a variety of events of local historical
significance including tours, the International Plowing Match
and Victoria Park's Centennial. We have launched two major
publishing ventures. Yet none of this comes without a major
effort from the membership. For our Society to flourish it
must have constant renewal of the membership and
leadership. We must all seek out new members and offer to
serve as directors, councillors or on committees as our
situation allows. Please help us move towards the 21 st century
by giving your time and talents to the WHS.
••• Harold Russell
Map - New Science Building, WLU (see *)
urban development which will
affect access, parking, security
and the vista. A historic section
of the Huron Road will also be
affected. Local groups have been
able to get some modifications to
the original plans which will be
considered
by
Kitchener
planning committee on Nov. 12
at 7 p.m. WHS members,
remembering that the tower was
originally
a WHS-initiated
project, are encouraged to attend
Kitchener City Council meeting
on Monday, Nov. 25, at 3 p.m. in
the council chambers when the
committee
report
will
be
presented.
Victoria
Park,
Kitchener,
Finally
Celebrates 100!
A
Ready for Christmas
A
fter being out-of-print for several years, the awardwinning book, Kitchener: An Illustrated History by
John English and Kenneth McLaughlin, has been
revised. The new editions (paperback and hardcover) contain
more than 160 photographs and maps, most never before
published. Two annotated and illustrated Kitchener walking
tours are included. Once again the authors have been
privileged to use the resources of the WHS and many of the
photos have come from WHS collections.
Historic Site Threatened
T
he Pioneer Memorial Tower--the most noteworthy
heritage site in the Region ofWaterloo--is threatened by
beautiful summer weekend
- August 24 and 25 marked
the
longanticipated
100th anniversary
celebration of Victoria Park. The
WHS participated in many ways,
with hundreds of volunteer
hours. Many thanks, though, to
the members who helped with
the heritage display in the
Pavilion: Grace Schmidt, Elaine
Peterson, Helga Hartman, Jane
Fair, Lillian Daniels, Elinor Rau
and Jack and Margaret Eaton.
Your
smiling
faces
and
knowledgeable
conversation
about Kitchener' s past welcomed
many people to our display.
Grace, Jane and Elinor looked
particularly stunning in their
heritage
costumes.
Congratulations
to all the
Victoria Park volunteers!