In May of 1894, there was a sudden melting accompanied by warm rains. The Harris Creek, which flows through central Ingersoll became badly flooded and three dams on this stream gave way.  As water rushed through a conduit on King Street East, it washed away the foundation of the brick building on the eastside of the stream on the north side of King Street. This building was part of the brick block formerly known as the Jarvis Block, but at the time of the flood, it was known as the Campbell Block.  When the floodwaters washed out the foundation of the building adjoining the stream, the brick wall fell into the water, which caused the floors of the building to slope to the stream. The building was occupied by James McIntyre. Coffins, rough boxes and much furniture fell into the rough waters and were carried down to the Thames River. The river was high at this time, and many boats were tied up to the trees along the shore. Young men got in the boats and took after the furniture and coffins. Much of the merchandise was pulled on shore at Paton’s Sighting, three miles west of Ingersoll. Upholstered chairs were seen floating down river as far as Dorchester. Water flowed over King Street and down Water Street a foot deep.

above, excerpt from Ingersoll: our heritage by Harry Whitwell

The Flood of 1937

The Flood of ’37 was the highest ever recorded on the Thames River, and was the most destructive of life and property. Five deaths were attributed to the flood, an estimated 1,100 homes were ruined, and property damage ran to $3,000,000. Nearly six inches of rain fell on Southwestern Ontario in five days.

above, excerpts from the Ingersoll Tribune, April 29, 1937

above, The Ingersoll Mammoth Cheese during its tour in Saratoga, New York in 1866.  James Harris is standing right of the wagon and on the left are Charles Chadwick and Hiram and Lydia Ranney [just visible over her husband's shoulder]

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To promote a cheese market in England and Europe a mammoth cheese was manufactured in 1866 at the Ingersoll Cheese Factory Company’s establishment one mile south of the town. Mr. Harris, Mr. Ranney and Mr. Galloway worked on this project with their cheese makers Robert Facey, Miles Harris and Warren Schell. The cheese was first made at each of the three factories, then moved to the James Harris factory. There it was cut up and put through a curd mill and ground into small pieces so that it could be evenly and properly salted to ensure perfect curing. It was then put into a large hoop manufactured by the Noxon Company of Ingersoll and so constructed that the immense weight of three and a half tons could be turned over, once a week. It took 35 tons of milk to produce a cheese six feet, ten Inches in diameter, three feet in height and about 21 feet in circumference, Six horses were needed to haul this huge cheese on a special wagon on August 23rd, 1866 to the Ingersoll railway station. It went first to the New York State Fair at Saratoga. Then it was loaded on a ship and sailed for England to be on display at the London Exhibition. It was eventually sold to a cheese merchant in Liverpool. This cheese achieved Its purpose, it was the forerunner of Canada’s export cheese trade. As a direct result of seeing this cheese at the London Exhibition, Albert and Enoch Tattersoll and Thurston Hargreaves moved their families to the new country.

above excerpt from, The Axe & the Wheel : a history of West Oxford Township

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above, a replica of the Mammoth Cheese made by The Ingersoll Cheese Co., for Ingersoll’s Centennial celebration in 1952

above, a postcard depicting the Thames at Ingersoll

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above, a postcard depicting the Thames River at Ingersoll

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above, a postcard depicting the Thames River

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above, a postcard depicting a Thames River tributary

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CANADIAN THAMES

Westward it winds past each town

Growing broader as it flows down

Onward it glides, never weary,

Meandering so soft and cheery.

The sunbeams on the water glance,

Skipping about in slivery dance,

From morn till eve the cattle feed

‘Neath lofty elms along the mead.

And on its banks, in warrior pride,

The brave Tecumseh fought and died,

Peace and prosperity now reigns

Along the fertile vale of Thames.

Now soon the waters meet and pair

With the wavelets of St. Clair;

As maids when wed do lose their names,

No longer is it called the Thames.

James McIntyre

1884

from Musings on the Banks of Canadian Thames

Jack Johnston, Noted Pugilist, Visits Ingersoll

On a summer night some time ago, there was a ripple of excitement among sports lovers of the town when the news spread that Jack Johnston, and his chauffeur, were guests at the McCarty House [Hotel], where they remained for the night. There was quite a rush on the part of those who were interested in ring celebrities and many who were in conversation with the World champion found him genial and unassuming with humour characteristic of his race. He was a huge man, standing six feet, one inch, with his weight in his prime ranging from 205 to 220 pounds. It has been recalled that at that time, Johnston was the owner of a then so-called high powered automobile, and that in making his trip east across South-Western Ontario he was fined in a number of places after facing charges of speeding. The accompanying picture taken on the night of his arrival in front the McCarty House [located on the west side of Thames Street, 1 lot north of the Grand Truck Railway tracks], includes at the front, Johnston and his chauffeur; the late Asa McCarty, proprietor of the hotel, and his late son, Nelson (Dandy) McCarty in the doorway.

above is believed to be from the Ingersoll Chronicle circa 1910

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Cycling

above, The Ingersoll Meteor Cycling Club, circa 1895, pictured on Frances Street

above, an excerpt from the Ingersoll Chronicle, May 23, 1895

above, from the Ingersoll Chronicle, May 5, 1894, depicting the bicycles for sale at F. Bowman & Co.  The 1890s saw a peak in the cycling craze and consumers were buying bicycles in record numbers — even though the cost of a typical bicycle represented one third of an average worker’s annual salary.

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Hockey

above, an Ingersoll Hockey team, circ 1950

Back Row: Mr. J. C. Herbert, ? , A. Pearson, E. Paddon, K. Campbell, W. Rodgers, M. Craig, R. Burrows

Front Row: H. Jones, A. Hargan, T. Johnson, A. Routledge, R. Beck

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above, Considered by some to be one of the best junior hockey teams Ingersoll ever had, in 1907, taken down at Smith’s Pond, their practice place. From left to right: Gordon Hay, cover point; Bev Gayfer, rover; Bud Kelly, left wing; George Gregory, centre; Charlie Woolson, right wing; George Beck, point; and Earl Noe, goal. This team went to the semi-finals, playing off with London, and losing. Each player received a gold watch. Ingersoll Tribune April 27, 1950

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above, and Ingersoll Hockey Team

Back Row: T. Wilson, T. Harris, M. Clark, W. Cook, C. L. Boles

Front Row: J. Payne, C. Craig, A. Thornton, K. Henderson, B. Cole

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above, an Ingersoll hockey team, 1914

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Baseball

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above, Ingersoll Baseball Champions, 1940

Back Row: Lefty Cade, Connie Ring, Hogan McKay [coach], Laurie Sommer [secretary], Cleworth Witty, Ted Shaddock

Front Row: Joe Story, Ron Bigham, Keith Mabee, Jim Warden, Don Shelton, Dave Daniels

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Football

above, Ingersoll District Collegiate Football

Back Row: D. Thurtell, L. Ranger, M. Haycock, L. Moon

Middle Row: C. L. Bole, C. Wilson, T. Johnson, J. McSherry, W. Cooper, A. Pearson, J. Butler, B. Owen, Mr. Guthrie

Front Row: T. Patry, W. Bayton, T. Mayberry, H. Yule, R. Glasser, L. Cole, D. Wolstenholme, H. Bowman, R. Swallow

Holding Ball: D. Hargraves

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above, The Salford Stars Football Team, 1902

Back Row: W. Foster, F. Quinn, S. Mitchell

Centre Row: H. Land, D. Poole, G. Poole [president]; J. Poole, Ed Todd

Front Row: H. G. Mayberry, Ross Mayberry, Fred Poole, R. Warren

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above, St. Charles Condensing Co. Football Team, City Champions, 1909

Standing at rear: W. Tilt [manager of the St. Charles Condensing Co.]; E. Noe [secretary-treasurer of the St. Charles Condensing Co.]

Back Row: R. B. Hutt, T. Fitzmorris, H. Land

Middle Row: C. Clark, J. Milne [Captain], L. Henderson, J. Cray, A. french

Front Row: C. Woolson, C. Smith, J. Clark, A. Clark, F. Houghton, E. Ellery

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above, Ingersoll Collegiate Football Team, 1939

Back Row: M. Walker, J. Smith, W. Anglin, J. Eidt, M. MacKay

Third Row: C. Eidt, R. Hall, B. Borland, H. Furlong, N. Kurtzman

Second Row: L. Staples, W. Stone, H. Adair, D. Bower

First Row: C. Wilson [Coach], L. Cade, C. Fuller, D. Stone, J. C. Herbert [Coach]

Seated: D. Shelton, J. Grieve

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above, Ellis Furniture Factory Football Team, 1912

Back Row: A. Stadelbauer [goal]; J. Martin [secretary treasurer]; S. Sherlock [manager]; C. Woolson [left back]; T. Hurford [spare]

Middle Row: J. Roberts [O. S. right]; W. English [right half back and Captain]; E. Cronk [centre half back]; B. Galloway [left half back]

Front Row: G. Target [I. S. right]; E. Chaney [centre forward]; F. Houghton [I. S. left]; F. Shelton [O. S. left]; G. Ellis [right back]

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Lacrosse

above, Dufferin Lacrosse Club, Ingersoll – 1889

The photograph shows the Dufferin Lacrosse Club, when they were Southern District champions in 1889.

From left to right.

BACK ROW: O. E. Robinson, vice president; C. Hollands, centre; J. Lowrie, defence field; W. Coulter, inside home; B. E. Swaizie, secretary treasurer

MIDDLE ROW: R. S. Malone, point; W. A. Smith, outside home; J. Vance, home field and president; F. Gayfer, defence field; J. McGachie, goal; A. Malone, c. point and captain

FRONT ROW: S. Gibson, defence field; J. Wight, home field; J. O. Matheson, home field. Ingersoll Tribune, April 7, 1949

above, the employees of Ingersoll Machine & Tool Company, September 23, 1929

1. Beulah Sandick
2. Percy Desmond
3. Harry MacDonald
4. Bill Randall
5. Fred M. Smith
6. Ralph ‘Babe’ Bowman
7. Jack Boynton
8. Jimmy Spaven
9. Melvin Sharpe
10. Art Nunn
11. George Harry Allen
12. Bob Wilson
13. ?, Hipperson
14. E. A. Wilson
15. Harry Whitwell
16. Ernie Webber
17. Gordon Warden
18. Alf Catling
19. Earl ‘Snooky’ Wisson
20. Fred Catling
21. Doris Bagnall
22. Charlie Sharpe
23. Russ Stringer
24. Percy Groom
25. James ‘Scotty’ Sannachan
26. Wilf Allen
27. George Waterman
28. Jack Laurenceson
29. Harold Wilson
30. Charles Dykeman
31. Tom Johnston
32. ? ‘Pops’ Olmstead
33. Charlie Pavey
34. Hugh Priddle

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The Ingersoll Machine and Tool Company

In 1913, a small factory was erected on the site of the present factory on King St., W., at the town’s limits. This small plant was erected by a company for the manufacture of a brand of soap called “Fun to Wash” soap. This company did not exist long and brooms were then made in the building, fore the plant was purchased by Messrs. E. A. Wilson and Chas. Shortt in 1914. In 1915, a company was formed and named Ingersoll Machine and Tool.  The size of the factory was extended to have a floor space of 8,000 sq. ft. This was a two storey building of solid white brick walls with steel. The plant, at various times, made additions until it has reached a floor capacity of over 80,000 sq. ft. Nagle and Mill, Ingersoll contractors, were the early builders of a large part of the factory. Starting with 30 employees, the business of this company steadily increased until the employees numbered 350. This company enjoys an international wide trade. It specialized in the manufacture of steering gear assemblies for many makes of automobiles and boats. At various times it specialized in car starters, steering gears, millimetre shells, truck axel parts, house trailer parts and machine parts. Mr. Shortt did not remain long with the company, but Mr. Wilson continued as president until 1952. When he retired, his son Harold became president and when Harold retired, is son Ernest became the general manager. In 1965, the company bought 3 acres of land from the town and added another 8700 sq. ft.

above excerpt from Ingersoll: our heritage by Harry Whitwell

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above, employees of the Ingersoll Machine Company depicted during a fundraising campaign in an effort to raise money for war bonds, 1917

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above, the employees of the Ingersoll Machine & Tool Company, circa 1952

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]]> http://ingersolllibrary.wordpress.com/2010/07/24/the-ingersoll-machine-tool-company/feed/ 2 ingersolllibrary imt_1929_big IMC.1917 IMT1952stitched.inorder http://ingersolllibrary.wordpress.com/2010/05/01/the-great-ingersoll-pond-hoax-of-1857/ http://ingersolllibrary.wordpress.com/2010/05/01/the-great-ingersoll-pond-hoax-of-1857/#comments Sat, 01 May 2010 15:37:46 +0000 ingersolllibrary http://ingersolllibrary.wordpress.com/?p=508 ]]> In May of 1857, Ingersoll was the scene of one of the biggest hoaxes in the life of the young village. Partlo’s Pond (Memorial Park) was the scene of muchactivity.  Day and night, men could be seen, some armed with shotguns, patrolling the pond. It was said their vigil was caused by a monster in the pond. At times, the quiet surface of water could be seen in violent turmoil as though some unseen force was stirring up a witch’s cauldron. For a brief period, the pond would be very still, only to be repeated in some other part. This gave the impression of something, a creature, moving under the water, but not revealing itself. Hence, the mystery of Partlo’s Pond.  In a matter of course, imagination and superstition filled the hearts of the people of Ingersoll who saw all the commotion. In fact, the matter spread over the whole countryside. This turmoil kept up   for months, almost everyone claimed to have seen the monster. Events became so interesting that several leading newspapers from several towns vied for the privilege of witnessing the capture or destruction of the mysterious monster.  It was decided that a public holiday would be appropriate, so a day was set aside to drain the pond and see what the monster was like. May 24, 1857 was the day set aside for the mystery and was looked forward to by thousands of people.  As the day drew near, strangers flocked to the village. Representatives of Canadian museums and a professor from a scientific institution in the United States came. The professor was prepared with literature and drawings of all known prehistoric creatures. He stayed at the Royal Exchange Hotel. He claimed the churning of the water was not the action of the supposed creature, but caused by the prey of the monster when attacked and devoured.  On the day before the draining of the pond, May 23, 1857, it seemed as if Ingersoll would burst at the seams. The professor and the press were given a special site in which to view the event. There were many field glasses and telescopes in the crowd lining around the pond. As the gates were opened, certain men stood ready should a live capture not be possible. A heavy raft with plenty of rope, piked poles and anything deemed necessary was made ready.  Finally the gates were slowly opened. The water slowly receded. The people became nervous and many of the women fainted from the expectation of what they would see. The gates were finally opened wide and the rush of water resembled a miniature waterfall. It was some time before the lowering of the pond water was diminished. Binoculars and telescopes were trained on the scene. The raft, armed by two young men got under way. At length, the water subsided, then an object came into view.  The professor had spotted it through his binoculars and declared it to be a hairy creature. The boys on the raft also saw the creature and steered their raft toward it. When they were close enough, they plunged the pike into it. One of them was getting the noose ready on the heavy rope, lost his balance and fell into the water. However, he hurriedly scrambled back on the raft, then with the help of his friend, succeeded in getting the noose over the monster. After some difficulty, they towed their victim toward shore. It was soon evident, the boys on the raft needed help and willing hands were ready to lend assistance. A heavy team was backed to the water’s edge and a heavy logging chain attached to the object and pulled from the water.  The professor took one look at it and turned deathly pale. A man nearby exclaimed “tis’ a hoax”. The hide of a two-year-old cow, stuffed with straw and filled with bricks to keep it under water emerged. “It is more than a hoax”, the professor exploded. “It is an outrage on the people here and in half of America”.  The representatives of the press sent here from great distances and expense agreed that this was an outrage by a contemptible Canadian town.  The professor wanted to lodge a protest and immediately embarked in a tirade of outrage and insults. Said the professor, “I intend to gather enough of my fellow scientists and compel you to make amends”. The councillor told the professor, “If you don’t take the first train out of our town, l will have you locked up”. Just as they had finished talking, the team of horses drove past, dragging the monster behind them. The professor took one look and walked away.  The explanation for all this excitement went like this: When the late John Stuart began making oatmeal in the mill, known as Stuart’s Mill, on Canterbury Street, opposite Centre Street, a certain amount of oat hulls and oat dust was swept out of the rear door. This went into the stream, which leads to the village pond. In the pond, these sweepings congealed in lumps, which formed a gas and rose to the surface causing large bubbles and disturbances in various places. This led to some of our local practical jokers to turn the event into a feature May 24th celebration.

The above is an excerpt from Ingersoll Tribune Centennial Edition by Byron G. Jenvey

above: The Ingersoll Packing Co. as seen looking north across the Thames River.

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above: an historic postcard picturing The Ingersoll Packing Co. formerly on Victoria Street

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above: an historic postcard picturing The Ingersoll Packing Co. on Victoria Street

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above: a photograph depicting a celebration on Thames Street looking north, including some employees of the Ingersoll Packing Company and featuring the Ancient Orders of Foresters Band

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THE INGERSOLL PACKING CO.

This is one of Ingersoll’s largest industries. It was established over fifty years ago by the late T. D.Millar, on a small scale, but it grew gradually. It passed into the possession of J. L. Grant & Co., and subsequently became the property of Thomas L. Boyd, of Liverpool, England.  It is located on Victoria Street west, at the intersection of Wonham Street, and covers an area of about four acres. The capacity of the establishmenthas been enlarged year after year till now it has facilities for handling about 4500 hogs weekly, over six times what could be handled twenty-five years ago. It gives employment to a large number of men, and vast sums of money are put in circulation monthly in wages, the purchase of hogs, etc. The large brick hog pen of four floors has accommodation for about 6000 live hogs. It is the largest in the world owned by anyindividual pork packing company,and cost $25,000. The main factory of five floors is subdivided into departments, and the entire process of converting the live hog into a food product ready for the table is carried on according to a well organized system for the division of labour, and the most scrupulous cleanliness is rigidly insisted on in every department.  This firm does not put up canned goods. Cooked meats are packed in open tin packages for displaying on the retail dealers’ counters.  Various kinds of sausages, boiled ham, etc., are turned out, besides the famous Beaver brand of hams, bacon, and other forms of meat generalized as pork.  A few years ago a complete refrigerating plant known as the ammonia process was installed at a cost of $45,000. The system includes eighteen miles of piping throughout the establishment. The firm has in contemplation new smoke rooms of the most modern type. A very complete system of waterworks has been installed with hose and tap in every room. The construction of the buildings is such that every convenience and facility is provided for handling the products in the quickest and most economical and cleanly manner.  A very large percentage of the products of this factory is exported to England, but the home market is exported to England, but the home market is not neglected. New and improved apparatus is used in the production of pure lard for domestic use. The shipping facilities are excellent, and the goods are packed in the most attractive manner with special care. Mr. C. C. L. Wilson has been the energetic and efficient managerof this industry for about twenty-five years. He has a very capable and popular assistant in Mr. H. C. Sumner, with a full staff of clerks.  The business offices are located in the east side of the main factory facing on Victoria Street, as shown at the left of the picture.  This firm and their products have been of vast benefit to Ingersoll and the surrounding country, not only in the large amount of cast put in circulation annually, but in the way they have advertised the town abroad, and it would indeed be a difficult problem to estimate the full value of such an important industry to this community. This firm also does a large export trade in cheese, and they have a capacious cold storage warehouse on the premises.  J. H. Thomas is the manager of that department, and he is thoroughly conversant with the dairying industry throughout Western Ontario.

excerpt above from Industrial Ingersoll Illustrated, 1907

above: a photograph of the employees of the Ingersoll Packing Company circa 1902

From left to right:

First Row: Mr. Huntley, Jeff Lewis, James Huntley, Mr. C. C. L. Wilson, Mr. John Podmore, W. D. Hook, George Hambige, William Crookston, C. H. Sumner

Second Row: Neil McPhee, Doc Chambers, Tom Garlick, Alex Fant, Jack O’Brien, Bob McMillan, Harry Smith, Alex Lewis, Bill Stevens, Peter Sherry, Eddie McPhee [insert Bill Podmore behind Peter Sherry]

Third Row: Fred Lockery, Dan McGinnis, Jim Cane, Bob Tweedy, George Bowers, Jimmie Watson, John Noe, Dave Ely, Charlie Morley, Bob Gemmell, Nig Kyle, Tom Dutton

Back Row: Billy Murray, Jim Lockery, Cuff Thompson, Dick White, John Lockery, Ike Smith, Puss Chambers, John [Pointer] McMillan, Benny McMillan, William McCrea, John Thompson

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above, an historic postcard depicting the Ingersoll Packing Co.

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above, the offices of the Ingersoll Packing Co., located on Victoria Street

A self-described compulsive historian, John Roberts, purchased this photograph at a tag sale in Vermont and began his search to reunite it with the ancestors of the individuals pictured.  He enlisted the help of the Ingersoll Library to aid in his efforts.

Reverse of photograph - Aunt Mary McLeod, sister of George MacKay Her sons — smallest drowned In mill-race at home in Ingersoll

John originally believed that the children pictured were both the sons of Angus & Mary [McKay] McLeod, who lived in Ingersoll at 59 King St. E, as indicated on the reverse of the photograph.  Angus and Mary had five children, Ruby, Neil, George Angus, and Catherine, Mary – as shown in the census of 1881, 1891, and 1901

We began by determining that W. H. Fowler, photographer, operated in Ingersoll between the years of 1888-1890, this small window of time served as a benchmark for ascertaining the identities of the children.

One of the first things John discovered is that a poem had been written about a near tragedy involving children of Angus and Mary McLeod by Ingersoll’s own poet laureate, James McIntyre, entitled ‘A Providential Escape’.  The poem indicates that both children escaped with their lives – contrary to the information noted on the reverse of the photograph.

A Providential Escape

by James McIntyre

A wonderous tale we now do trace,
Of little children fell in race;
The youngest of these little dears,
The boy’s age is but three years.

While coasting o’er the treacherous ice–
precious pearls of great price–
The elder Ruby, the daughter,
Was rescued from the ice cold water.

But horrid death each one did feel
Had sure befallen poor little Neil;
Consternation did people fill,
And they cried “shut down the mill.”

But still no person yet could tell
What had the poor child befel [sic];
The covered race, so long and dark,
Of hopes there scarcely seemed a spark.

Was he held fast as if in vice,
Wedged ‘mong the timbers and the ice,
Or, was there for him ample room
For to float down the narrow flume?

Had he found there a watery grave,
Or been borne on crest of wave?
Think of the mothers agony, wild,
Gazing through dark tunnel for her child.

But soon as Partlo started mill,
Through crowd there ran a joyous thrill,
When he was quickly borne along,
The little hero of our song.

Alas ! of life there is no trace,
And be is black all over face ;
Though he then seemed as if in death,
Yet quickly, they restored his breath.

Think now how mother she adored
Her sweet dear child, to her restored,
And her boundless gratitude
Unto the author of all good.

Swept through dark passage ‘neath the road,
Saved only by the hand of God,
No wonder Father now feels proud
Of little Niel McKay McLeod

from Musings on the Banks of Canadian Thames by James McIntyre

James McIntyre was a neighbour and perhaps friend of the McLeod family – Angus also being a Scots immigrant. McIntyre was likely a witness to the accident that befell the children — his undertaking and furniture business was located directly beside the mill-race.

After further research we now know McIntyre’s poem to be correct, both Ruby and Neil lived through their perilous accident – this was documented in an article in the Ingersoll Chronicle of February 21, 1884, shown below

A map of 1887 Ingersoll shows the area of King St. E. where these events occurred, below.

Upon further investigation of the Ingersoll Chronicle we discovered tragic news for the McLeod family.

The following is an excerpt from the Ingersoll Chronicle, October 2, 1884.

Discovering that Neil died in 1884, ruled him out as an occupant of the photograph, as the photographer did not begin trading in Ingersoll until 1888.

The McLeod’s second son, George Angus, born in 1885 then seemed to be a likely candidate for the younger child in the photograph, pictured in highland dress – who appears be between the ages of three and five.

We believe that the older child in the photograph is a girl, Ruby, the oldest McLeod daughter – according to our research boyish haircuts were often in vogue for girls during this era.  She was age nine in 1888.

Another tragedy was soon on the horizon for the McLeod family when fate took the life of wee George Angus, at the tender age of eight years.

An account appeared in the Ingersoll Chronicle, December 28, 1893, shown below.

Poor Georgie McLeod’s obituary, from the Ingersoll Chronicle, January 4, 1894, shown below.

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The Next Chapter – Looking for Ruby

John became convinced that the smaller boy in the photo was George Angus McLeod.

Relative amnesia could easily take the phrase “One boy fell in a mill race, and one boy drowned.” to “One boy fell in a mill race and drowned.”  Since both boys died in childhood, having no heirs, he decided to seek Ruby’s descendants to in an attempt to reunite them with the photo.

Once again we turned to the Ingersoll Chronicle for a clue to Ruby’s future.

Ruby’s wedding notice appeared in the Ingersoll Chronicle, March 10, 1910, shown right.  The notice goes on the say that Ruby has been living in Collingwood, Ontario

In an effort to continue with the story of Ruby’s life, we found that her mother, Mary, died shortly after her wedding on March 17, 1910.  Ruby was listed among the survivors. “Besides the husband, she leaves to mourn her loss, three daughters, Mrs. David G. [sic] Manson of Collingwood and Misses Katie and Mary.”

Her father, Angus, died July 18, 1913.  Again Ruby was listed, “The deceased who was aged 67 years is survived by three daughters, Mrs. D. Manson and Miss Katherine, of Collingwood and Miss Mary at home.”

Ruby’s Aunt Jean MacKay, her mother’s sister, died February 28, 1933.  “Surviving are three nieces, Ruby McLeod of Collingwood; May [sic] McLeod, Erie, PA; and Kate McLeod, Erie, PA.”

This is the last trace of Ruby in Canada.

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A Breakthrough

John Roberts enlisted the help of individuals at Forensic Genealogy.
He posted the mystery photograph and the details our search had thus far revealed.  American genealogists were able to consult the records for the border crossings into the USA, and as a result found that Mary McLeod (Ruby’s sister), moved to North East, Pennsylvania when she was age 17. On one of Mary’s (Ruby’s daughter) crossings, she listed her place of visit as her Uncle Fred Evans.  The 1930 USA census shows a Fred and Mary Evans and their children, a boy (George) and a girl (Marjorie), living in North East, Pennsylvania.

In 1943, David and Ruby [McLeod] Manson immigrated to the US (Pennsylvania) to live with their daughter Mary (Manson) Lee (born August 29, 1913). She and her husband Robert M. Lee lived in North East, Erie County, Pennsylvania.

The search continued through the line of Robert M. Lee [Ruby’s daughter’s husband], with the discovery again of a contact again at Forensic Genealogy that resulted in the name of a son, Robert D. Lee, born to Robert M. Lee and Mary [Manson] Lee.  This discovery allowed John to breakthrough to living descendants of Ruby.  It wasn’t long before he had a contact for Robert D. Lee’s daughter, living in Portland, Oregon.  Below is Kira’s response when John contacted her about the mystery photograph:

Hello John,

Wow. I found myself with goosebumps reading through some of the details you have found. It is fascinating and covers family history that I didn’t know anything about. I knew Rubene (my great grandmother), and I knew she came from Collingwood, but I didn’t really know anything before that. I talked to my dad (Robert D Lee in Colorado Springs) tonight, and read him your email and he was similarly moved. On the one hand, it is incredible the information and the references you have been able to fine. And on the other hand, it makes me sad that there is so much I don’t know about my family history. My dad was aware that Rubene had a brother that had died young (but only knew of the one brother – your research says there were two). He said that Rubene was the youngest of three daughters. I assume he only knew about the daughters because both sons died so young. Did you come across the other sisters in your research? Katie and… I can’t remember the other.  I have forwarded your email to my father and to a cousin of mine who has done some genealogical research, and even travelled back to Collingwood and Ingersoll.

I am looking forward to receiving the photo.

Thank you again, Kira

A satisfying conclusion to a mystery…

The Central School

The Central School

above, a postcard depicting the Central School

The Central School once stood on the site of Victory Memorial School.  The Central school is a spacious two storey white brick structure comprising twelve rooms besides the basement.  It is conveniently located on Thames Street, and has a large well kept play ground surrounding it. On the lawn in front two large grim-looking cannon, relics of the Russian War, occupy a conspicuous position, and in the foreground is erected a lofty flag pole.The Centralschool is a spacious two storeywhite brick structure comprising twelve rooms besides the basement.It is conveniently located on Thames Street, and has a large well kept playground surrounding it. On the lawn in front two large grim-looking cannon,relics of the Russian War, occupy a conspicuous position, and inthe foreground is erected a lofty flagpole.

a historical postcard depicting the Central School

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The Ward School / Princess Elizabeth School

The Ward School, situated on George Street, opened officially on November 26, 1909. In 1938, Royal consent was obtained, and in a ceremony, the Ward School was officially named Princess Elizabeth Public School.

above, Ward School, Kindergarten class, 1923

Back Row: D. LeFaive, V. Daniels, M. Cotton, B. MacKay, H. Neill, D. Houghton, H. Daniels, B. Fordham, K. McKelvey, A. Coxon, D. Fordham, J. McKee, L. Bitchener, V. Moore

Second Row: H. LeFaive, J. Hutchinson, K. Messenger, D. Dodd, I. Wurker, B. Murray, D. Rine, H. Wallace, E. Watson, M. Hutson, A. Kittley, M. Cotton, J. Clayton, P. Latford, V. Messenger, M. Clayton

Front Row: R. Green, J. Cornfoot, T. Turton, L. Cussons, L. Moon, R. Cussons, R. Ellis, J. Smith, J. Craig, J. Edwards, T. Shelton, P. Pearson, T. Dodd, C. Court

above, Ward School, Primer Year – 1924

Back Row: B. Fordham, T. Turton, H. Daniel, V. Daniel, D. Fordham, M. Clayton, H. Neill, B. MacKay, Miss Buttery [teacher]

Third Row: J. McKee, M. Cotton, M. Hutson, D. Dodd, E. Watson, A. Kitley, H. Wallace, H. LeFaive, A. Coxon, J. Hutchinson

Second Row: V. Moore, D. Rine, L. Bitchener, I. Wurker, B. Murray, O. Smith, J. Clayton, P. Latford, V. Messenger, D. Houghton

First Row: R. Green, A. Pearson, R. Ellis, L. Moon, R. Cussons, T. Dodd, J. Smith, J. Craig, J. Cornfoot, T. Shelton

photo, courtesy of Mr. Lorne Moon

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Victory Memorial School

Victory Memorial School was officially opened in September 1921.  It was built as memorial to those who fought in World War I and replaced the former Central School which stood on the same grounds.

above — The students of Victory Memorial School circa 1930

above, the staff and students of Victory Memorial School, 1933.  This image was made available by Ruth [Spaven] Belisle.  Mary Spaven is noted in the photograph.

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Ingersoll Collegiate Institute

Erected in 1874, on January 1, 1886, the high school reached the status of a Collegiate Institute by meeting the requirements of the Department of Education.  These were, to employ four teachers who were specialists, the erection of a gymnasium and provision for laboratory equipment for the teaching of science.  The first school principal was William Briden, B.A.  In 1895, a large addition was added to the front of the building.  This addition contained a large science room on the ground floor, above which was an assembly room.

excerpt above written by Mr. John K. Finlay [former IDCI principal]

above, the Ingersoll Collegiate Institute Literary Society, 1949

left to right:

Front Row: Dick Flenniken, Dorene Simpson, Jim Waring, Tom Douglas, Margery Clark, Tom Staples, Don Carrothers, Lorna Young, Joe Kurtzman

Second Row: Miss Baker, Sheila Morrison, Frances Horley, Olwen Allanson, Pat Tapsell, Margaret Quinn, Lilian Brewer, Jeraldeen Borthwick, Miss Carney, Mr. Herbert

Back Row: Mr. Clement, Murray Goldstein, Harold Crellin, Don Beno, Jim Miller, Jim Muterer, Mac Hyde, Edward Butt, John Petrie, Mr. Brogden

above, the Ingersoll Collegiate 1931 Hockey team.

Back Row: T. Wilson, T. Harris, M. Clark, W. Cook, C. L. Boles

Front Row: J. Payne, C. Craig, A. Thornton, K. Henderson, B. Cole

above, the Ingersoll Collegiate 1939 Football team.

Back Row: M. Walker, J. Smith, W. Anglin, J. Eidt, M. Mackay

Third Row: C. Eidt, R. Hall, B. Borland, H. Furlong, N. Kurtzman

Second Row: L. Staples, W. Stone, H. Adair, D. Bower

First Row: C. Wilson [coach], L. Cade, C. Fuller, D. Stone, J. C. [principal]

Seated: D. Shelton, J. Grieve

_______________________

above, Students and faculty of IDCI, 1949-1950

1. Harold Waterhouse
2. Stuart Pole
3. Earl Baskette
4. Jack Gibson
5. Alan Chamberlain
6. Bill McKay
7. Bob Yates
8. Bill Jarret
9. Jim Williams
10. Tom Staples
11. Terry Heeney
12. Mac Hyde
13. John McDermott
14. Jim Waring
15. John Walsh
16. Marge Clark
17. Lorna Baigent
18. Frances Horley
19. Phyliss Harvey
20. Doris Longfield
21. Irene Ruddick
22. Joan Loosemore
23. Joyce Muterer
24. Arlene Harvey
25. Dorene Simpson
26. Joy Burnett
27. Shirley Telfer
28. Evelyn Parsons
29. Joyce Turner
30. Barbara Elliot
31. Jean Hammond
32. Sheila Morrison
33. Theresa Kerwin
34. Marg Hanley
35. Joan McKay
36. Dorothy Alderson
37. Ruth Clark
38. Jean Gibson
39. Diana Sinclair
40. Shirley Pittock
41. Marion Hutchison
42. Doris Woods
43. Jean Munroe
44. Jean Hollingshead
45. Marjorie Martin
46. Tom Douglas
47. John Hooper
48. Greg Harris
49. Bill Montgomery
50. Bruce Fraser
51. Jim Chisholm
52. Jim Grimes
53. Babe Morello
54. ?
55. Harold Crellin
56. Jim Shearon
57. Fred Galpin
58. Joe Kurtzman
59. Leonard Fiddy
60. Ronald Hoare
61. John Sandick
62. Carl Langford
63. Earl Clark
64. Bill Zurbrigg
65. ?
66. Bill Phillips
67. Bob Rawlinson
68. Jim Pittock
69. John Johnston
70. Dorothy Callender
71. Dawn Martin
72. Pearl Wilson
73. Gloria Bigham
74. Lillian Brewer
75. Margaret Blair
76. Doreen Embury
77. Mildred Mansfield
78. Christine McKay
79. Sally Fleet
80. Agnes Smith
81. Hazel Wilson
82. Barbara Patience
83. Peggy Quinn
84. Martha Wright
85. Maxine Picard
86. Isabel Hutson
87. Mary McMillan
88. Irene Houghton
89. E. Baskette
90. Patsy Larder
91. Shirley Brown
92. Margaret Chapman
93. Doris Freeborn
94. Pauline ?
95. Grace Groom
96. Betty Rawlinson
97. Norah Clark
98. Shirley Munroe
99. Madeleine Currie
100. Marjorie Baigent
101. Alice Upfold
102. Yvonne Holmes
103. Jean Gr?
104. Madeleine Stathem
105. Marie McDermott
106. Donna Simpson
107. Geraldine Borthwick
108. Margaret Zurbrigg
109. Jacqueline Sinclair
110. Jimmy Millar
111. Maury McKay
112. Harold Catling
113. Lorne Groves
114. Fred Waring
115. Bill Newell
116. Don McNiven
117. Dale Wurker
118. Roy Sharpe
119. Donald Sherman
120. ?
121. Tom Moore
122. Bob Hutt
123. Sonny Williamson
124. Don Beno
125. Norm Mitchell
126. Orley Hamilton
127. Bud Garten
128. Bob Larper
129. Jim Longfield
130. Betty Ronson
131. Marjory Dougall
132. Edith Daniel
133. Charlotte Carr
134. Marna Ofield
135. Evelyn Hill
136. Edith Ruckle
137. Betty Jones
138. Jean Johnston
139. Grace Turnbull
140. Helen Heeney
141. Doreen Nievies?
142. Jean Somers
143. Janet Moon
144. Dorothy Knott
145. Shirley Mitchell
146. Marilyn Moffat
147. Mildred Fleming
148. Dorothy Cussons
149. Noreen Matheson
150. Helen Bisbee
151. Mary Stevenson
152. Marjorie Muterer
153. Edith Long
154. Dorothy Dykeman
155. Joyce Johnston
156. Mary Hill
157. Jean Millson
158. Bernice Nunn
159. Lorraine Bowman
160. Margaret Baigent
161. Yvonne Shannon
162. Donna-Jean Spencer
163. Mary Ruddick
164. Margaret Butterworth
165. Margaret Collins
166. Mary Nadalin
167. Ann Marie McLellan
168. Shirley Connor
169. Mike Kirwin
170. Wray Robinson
171. Jim Somers
172. Roger Smith
173. Bill Kerr
174. Tom Freure
175. Ken Moore
176. Jim Harris
177. Bill Turner
178. Ken Beno
179. Scott Martin
180. Jim Kirwin
181. Doug Flenniken
182. Ronald Shier
183. Beverly Stuart
184. Jack Harris
185. Jack McNiven
186. Keith McPherson
187. John Herbert
188. Barry Walker
189. Mr. Cooper
190. Murray Goldstein
191. Barbara Hollingshead
192. Grace Larder
193. Marilyn Mitchell
194. Margaret Shelton
195. Joyce Toomey
196. Edith Pole
197. Evelyn McDonald
198. ?
199. Ann Henderson
200. Dorothy Deluth
201. Mary Hunt
202. Betty Whitwell
203. Kay Winterhalt
204. Shirley Sherman
205. Velma Birtch
206. Shirley Mott
207. Shirley Benjamin
208. Jeanne Dodd
209. Norma Barnes
210. Frances Hart
211. Vera Johnson
212. Patsy Mahoney
213. Joyce Meckback
214. Joyce Foster
215. Pat Johnson
216. Mr. J. R. Cryderman
217. Mr. J. G. Clement
218. Miss Ethel Barber
219. Miss Jean Sutherland
220. Miss Lillian Baker
221. Miss Jean Shantz
222. Miss Estelle Carney
223. Mr. J. C. Herbert
224. Mr. Whiteman
225. Mrs. Fulford
226. Mrs. Jean Simpson
227. Miss Janetta MacDonald
228. Mr. D. B. Holmes
229. Mr. W. Currie Wilson
230. Beth McKay
231. Agnes LaFlamme
232. Dorene Lemp
233. Sally McKinley
234. Penny McCurdy
235. ?
236. Patsy Napthane
237. Barbara Brewer
238. Alice Crokin
239. Barbara Bradfield
240. Shirley Catling
241. Mary Collins
242. Doris Clendenning
243. Pam Catling
244. Jean Hanley
245. Joan Dodd?
246. Sandra Adams
247. Grace Ellis
248. Leota Brady
249. Betty Barker
250. Helen Allison
251. Grace Henderson
252. Harold Longfield
253. Ken Whatley
254. Irwin Haycock
255. Max Beemer
256. Ted Pittock
257. Ken Piper
258. John Thompson
259. Lloyd Ball
260. Keith Archer
261. Bill Pittock
262. Bill Stirling
263. Dave Stewart
264. Archie Steele
265. Sammy Somers
266. Rae Waring
267. Moran Fraser
268. Bob Simpson
269. Ted Ackert
270. Bob Smith
271. Lynn Johnson
272. Bud Warden
273. ?
274. Bob Wisson
275. Lonny Elliott
276. ?
277. Bill Smith
278. Ralph Welt
279. Glenn Baxter
280. ?
281. Ted Spratt
282. Keith Roberts
283. Don Martin
284. Ray Martinell
     
285. Lloyd Pellow
     
286. Norm Mott
287. Ken McCorquodale
288. ?
289. Ron Harrison
290. Gerald Heeney
291. Roy Johnston
292. Ralph Beemer
293. Watson Ball
294. ?
295. Doug Hutchinson
296. Ralph Sharpe
     
297. Peter Gazzolla
298. Ed Finucan
299. John Zurbrigg
300. Kenny ?
301. Lloyd Adair
302. John Keenan
     
303. Ed Baigent
     
304. ?

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above, Students and faculty of IDCI, 1950-1951

1. Bill Smith
2. Doug Hutchinson
3. Ron Harrison
4. Kenny Johnson
5. Sammy Somers
6. ?
7. Harold ?
8. Leigh Nadolin
9. Bud Bowman
10. ?
11. Sid Anthony
12. Jerry Clark
13. ?
14. ?
15. Dave Stewart
16. ?
17. Dave Dunn
18. ?
19. ?
20. ?
21. ?
22. Tom McKee
23. ?
24. ?
25. ?
26. Norm Young
27. Jacob Faber
28. ?
29. Bill Wark
30. ?
31. Don Baxter
32. ?
33. ?
34. ?
35. ?
36. ?
37. George Clark
38. ?
39. ?
40. ?
41. Alan Pittock
42. Bill Johnston?
43. ?
44. ?
45. ?
46. ?
47. ?
48. Ron Billings
49. ?
50. Bob Pittock
51. Tom Telfer
52. Homer Hammond
53. Doug McKenzie
54. John Zurbrigg
55. Gord Todd
56. Keith Roberts
57. Gerald Heeney
58. Bill Zurbrigg
59. Ray Martinell
60. Moran Fraser
61. ?
62. Bill Pittock
63. Lynn Johnston
64. ?
65. ?
66. ?
67. ?
68. Patsy Mahoney
69. ?
70. ?
71. ?
72. J. R. Cryderman
73. Dave Holmes [Phys Ed]
74. Jean Shantz [French]
75. ?
76. Jean Sutherland
77. Currie Wilson
78. Jeanetta MacDonald
79. J. C. Herbert
80. Estelle Carnie
81. Jean Simpson
82. ?
83. Pete Clement
84. Gus Brogdon
85. Miss Vanest ? [English]
86. ?
87. ?
88. ?
89. Pat Hanley
90. ?
91. ?
92. Doreen Uren
93. Margaret Start
94. Barb Thornton
95. J. VanNess
96. Joan Markham
97. Jean Watmough
98. Jean Statham?
99. ?
100. ?
101. ?
102. ?
103. ?
104. Jackie Carr
105. Mary Jane Churchouse
106. Pat Osbourne
107. ?
108. Virginia Spencer
109. ?
110. ?
111. ?
112. ?
113. Ed Mott
114. ?
115. ?
116. Bob Wissan
117. ?
118. Ted Spratt
119. Bob Simpson
120. Rae Waring
121. Peter Gazzola
122. Archie Steele
123. ?
124. Alan Hall
125. Harold Catling?
126. ?
127. Nora Clarke?
128. ?
129. Harold Waterhouse
130. ?
131. ?
132. ?
133. ?
134. Leota Brady?
135. ?
136. Norma Barnes
137. ?
138. ?
139. Edith Pole
140. ?
141. ?
142. Mary Collins
143. Vera Johnston
144. Fran Hart
145. ?
146. ?
147. Joyce Meckbach
148. Betty Whitwell
149. ?
150. Pat ?
151. ?
152. Doreen Lemp
153. ?
154. ?
155. ?
156. ?
157. ?
158. Pamela Catling
159. ?
160. ?
161. ?
162. ?
163. ?
164. ?
165. ?
166. Barbara Bradfield
167. ?
168. ?
169. ?
170. ?
171. Doris  Clendinning
172. June  Shapley
173. ?
174. ?
175. ?
176. Kathleen Rodwell?
177. Shirley Mott
178. ?
179. Marg [Peg] Caffyn
180. ?
181. Forabel Bartram
182. ?
183. ?
184. Ed Baigent
185. [Custodian]
186. Bud Warden
187. Bob Smith
188. Graham Hall
189. Bill Kerr
190. ?
191. Tom Miller
192. ?
193. ?
194. ?
195. ?
196. ?
197. ?
198. Shirley Munroe
199. Madeline Currie
200. Marjorie Baigent
201. Alice Upfold
202. ?
203. ?
204. ?
205. ?
206. ?
207. ?
208. ?
209. ?
210. ?
211. ?
212. ?
213. ?
214. ?
215. ?
216. ?
217. ?
218. ?
219. Dorothy Knott
220. ?
221. ?
222. ?
223. Yvonne Shannon
224. ?
225. Mary Ruddick
226. Marjorie Muterer
227. Donna Jean Spencer
228. Joyce Johnson
229. ?
230. Sheila Morrison
231. Arlene Harvey
232. ?
233. Joyce Turner
234. ?
235. ?
236. ?
237. ?
238. ?
239. ?
240. Donna Simpson
241. ?
242. ?
243. ?
244. ?
245. ?
246. ?
247. ?
248. Tom Wurker
249. Ray Sharpe
250. ?
251. ?
252. Tom Moore
253. ?
254. ?
255. ?
256. ?
257. Helen Heeney
258. ?
259. ?
260. ?
261. ?
262. ?
263. ?
264. ?
265. ?
266. ?
267. ?
268. ?
269. Ron Shier
270. ?
271. John Herbert
272. Pat Waring
273. ?
274. Don Sherman
275. Bev Stewart
276. ?
277. Glenn Baxter
278. ?
279. Eldon Alderson
280. Jim Longfield
281. Jim Harris
282. ?
283. Scott Martin
284. ?
285. ?
286. ?
287. Tom Douglas
288. Greg Harris
289. Joe Kurtzman
290. John Thompson
291. ?
292. ?
293. Shirley Telfer
294. Jim Chisholm
295. Keith Wilson
296. Bill Phillips
297. Bruce Fraser
298. Harold Crellin
299. ?
300. Jim Grimes
301. ?
302. Jim Pittock
303. Jean Hollingshead
304. ?
305. ?
306. Tom Freure
307. Jim Somers
308. Jim Harris?
309. Don Martin
310. Ralph Beemer

Churches of Ingersoll

A postcard depicting churches of Ingersoll, including the now demolished Charles Street Methodist Church

Charles Street Church

An Episcopal Methodist Church known as the Charles Street Church stood on the north side of the street, west of the armories. It was built in 1857.

A small white frame church proceeded this church. The Charles Street Congregation joined the King Street church in 1903.  There was a parsonage on the westside of the church and a cemetery on the rear of the parsonage lot. After the closing of this church the trustees placed an advertisement in the press asking all who had relatives buried in the cemetery to remove the bodies to the Ingersoll Rural Cemetery. A few were moved but most of the remains were dug up and placed in a common grave near the Canadian Pacific Railway trunk.  The church was sold to a local resident who had it demolished. The bricks were used for a couple of cottages, east of the armories and also for a store and an apartment building on Thames Street.

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Sacred Heart Catholic Church

above, a photograph depicting Sacred Heart Church, and to the left, the rectory, now demolished

Sacred Heart Catholic Church

above, a postcard picturing Sacred Heart Church located on Thames Street North at the corner of Bell Street

In 1847, John Carnegie, a Scotch Presbyterian, donated a lot in his survey for a site for a Roman Catholic Church on the west-side of John Street between Bell and Victoria Streets. On this lot a frame church was erected at a cost of $2,000. This structure was used for worship until a brick church was built in 1879.

_____________________

Saint Paul’s Presbyterian Church

After the union of St. Andrew’s and Knox churches in 1889, the congregation grew considerable. Rev. Hutt was ordained and inducted as first minister of the new St. Paul’s August 26, 1890. The seating capacity of the church was found to be inadequate and steps were taken to enlarge the building. An addition was made to the south side and a new pipe organ was installed.

_______________________

Saint James Anglican Church

A new brick church was built in 1868. The site for the construction of the new church was decided by a flip of the coin. The church was built on the corner of Oxford and Frances Street. Old style construction was used and the walls were three bricks thick. The building was 81′ x 50′ with a tower extending 95′ high. The tower was later demolished and replaced with an 85′ structure in 1953. The bricks for the church were made at Hagel’s Comer. The Christopher Bros. were the contractors. The corner stone was placed by Bishop Cronyn and the church was given the name Saint James at this time.

above, a postcard depicting Saint James Anglican Church

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Baptist Tabernacle

above, The Baptist Tabernacle constructed in 1899

above, an historic postcard depicting the Ingersoll Baptist Tabernacle

below, an excerpt from the Ingersoll Daily Chronicle, May 19, 1898, describing a devastating fire of the Baptist church constructed in 1890

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The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army came into Ingersoll in 1885. Previous to the erection of a Barracks, worship was carried on in a house on Charles Street. The Army in Ingersoll in its early days had a good band and held meetings on the street corners on Saturday nights. The mother of Aimee Semple McPherson played in the band.

Ingersoll Salvation Army Corps Songster Brigade

Ingersoll Corps Songster Brigade, 1931

Back Row: W. G. Rodwell, George Rodwell, R. A. Garland, B. Pilkerton, H. Smith, S. Pittock

Middle Row: Leta Garland, Plyna Purdy, Olive Diggs, Mrs. P. Groom, Mrs. R. Parrow, Mrs. W. G. Rodwell, Mabel Morrison

Front Row: Mrs. R. Wilson, Mrs. Ensign Morrison, A. H. Edmonds, Ensign W. Morrison, Mrs. A. Routledge, Mrs. F. J. Appleby

_______________________

Trinity United Church

King Street Wesleyan Methodist Church

The King Street Wesleyan Methodist Church, located on the north west corner of King and Church Streets was built in 1865. It was known as the “two tower church”. Later, after a union with another parish, it bore the name Trinity United Church. There was a parsonage in connection with this church on the north end of Duke Street, which was built in 1874.  In 1890, extensive changes were made to the interior of the church. The original had extending galleries on three sides. In 1906, the galleries were removed, the floor was elevated from the rear and a new front entrance was added. A new parsonage was built in 1909 on King Street, opposite the south entrance to Duke Street. This building was of red brick construction and had a modern appearance. In 1946, organ chimes were donated to the church by Charles Wilson. In 1958, the Trinity United Church erected a Sunday School building on Alma Street. This building was for the use of the children on the north side of the river.  At the rear of the church was a shed for horses. It had been in use for 98 years when it was demolished to make room for the Christian Education Centre.

all historical excerpts are from Ingersoll: our heritage by Harry Whitwell