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Join us for another fascinating dive into the history of St. Thomas, Ontario!
In this episode, Mike from St. Thomas Economic Development joins Councillor Steve Peters to explore the rich history of our city's parks. Did you know St. Thomas didn’t have public parks until the 1870s? From the early days of kids playing in Kettle Creek to the establishment of Waterworks Park in 1890 and Pinafore Park in 1898, our green spaces have played a crucial role in the city's growth. Discover how railways, community vision, and even a Gilbert and Sullivan play helped shape our beloved parks! 🏞 Highlights in This Video: ✅ How the railway movement led to St. Thomas’ first public parks ✅ The origins of Waterworks Park and its iconic lily ponds ✅ The fascinating history behind Pinafore Park and its baseball legacy ✅ The expansion of recreational spaces, from disc golf to pickleball St. Thomas is lucky to have such a rich parkland heritage, and we’re excited to share it with you! We are back on site at Yarmouth Yards next week!
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Join Mike from St. Thomas Economic Development as he is joined once again by Councillor Steve Peters for another deep dive into the history of St. Thomas!
This week, we’re exploring the city’s eastward expansion, the industrial land acquisitions that shaped St. Thomas, and the shift toward automotive growth. 🛤️ From the rise and decline of the railways to the city’s strategic push for industrial development, Steve takes us through key annexations—from 1922 to the modern-day expansion for PowerCo. 🔹 Key Highlights: ✔️ Industrial land expansion starting in 1922 ✔️ Transition from rail to automotive industry ✔️ Major annexations in the 1960s, 1990s, and 2023 ✔️ Steve’s personal connection to the city’s growth 📌 Don’t miss this fascinating look at how St. Thomas evolved into the city it is today! Join Mike from St. Thomas Economic Development and local historian City Councillor Steve Peters for an in-depth dive into the early history of St. Thomas, Ontario!
In this episode, we explore the origins of St. Thomas, from its founding in 1817 to its evolution through the 1800s. Discover how early settlers like Daniel Rapelje and William Mandeville shaped the west end, the importance of the Old English Church (1822–1824), and the vibrant commercial activity along Talbot Street. Learn about key milestones such as: The construction of the London and Port Stanley Plank Road (1844) The incorporation of St. Thomas as a village in 1852 The transformative impact of the London & Port Stanley Railway in 1856 Steve also highlights historic landmarks like the Metcalfe Block (1854) and the city's early fire and police departments. Stay tuned for future episodes where we’ll uncover the impact of the railway on St. Thomas! Join Mike from St. Thomas Economic Development as he takes you to the top of the St. Thomas City Hall clock tower for a behind-the-scenes look at one of the city’s most iconic landmarks! Alongside Steve Peters, we uncover fascinating stories about the clock, the bell affectionately known as "Big Frank," and the rich history of the building.
In this video, you'll discover: 🔔 The origins of "Big Frank," a massive 2,000-pound bell installed in 1900. 🔔 A quirky tale of how a local hotel owner chipped the bell while celebrating a victory. 🔔 The history of the clock mechanism is still ticking after more than a century. 🔔 Insights into the clock faces and a mysterious bullet hole with its intriguing backstory. 🔔 The legacy of the caretakers who once lived in the tower. Enjoy the view from 76 feet above the ground and hear the majestic toll of the bell as it strikes two o'clock. Don't miss this unique journey into St. Thomas's past, with stories that bring history to life. Join Mike from St. Thomas Economic Development as he connects with Councillor Steve Peters for a fascinating look into the early electrification of St. Thomas. In this episode, Steve shares the story of how St. Thomas became one of the first communities in Ontario to receive electricity in 1911, thanks to Sir Adam Beck and the harnessing of Niagara Falls.
Learn how electrification transformed the lives of residents and the community as Steve also highlights the industrial growth that followed. Businesses, including early companies like the Metcalfe Shoe Company and St. Thomas Metal Signs, flocked to St. Thomas to take advantage of the new electrical infrastructure. Don't miss out on this exciting piece of local history! |
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