New to BPL's Historical Archives
You may know BPL for our books, but did you know that we also preserve Burlington’s history? Through our archival collections, we collect and care for photographs, letters, scrapbooks, and other unique materials that tell the story of our community.
Thanks to recent community donations, several new collections are now available for research—and maybe even a nostalgic stroll down memory lane during Burlington Heritage Week, August 1 to 8!
Four Windows into Burlington's History
Available in the Burlington History Room and Burlington Digital Archive, here are highlights from our newest additions.
Burlington Horticultural Society
The Burlington Horticultural Society (BHS) was established in March of 1919. Burlington residents formed the society with the common goal of beautifying the town and assisting residents with horticulture.
A recently digitized scrapbook documents part of the Society’s history. The scrapbook includes projects like the planting of Central Library’s rose garden in 1979 and the creation of Burlington’s Honour Roll of Trees in 1983.
The scrapbook and other digitized records can be found on the Society’s collection page. For a complete list of records, view the BHS online finding aid.
May 1, Civic Tree Planting, 1984. BHS Scrapbook, page 61. Burlington Digital Archive
City Talk
Since 1998, City Talk has helped Burlington residents stay informed on local issues, services, programs, and community developments. The municipal newsletters offer a snapshot of how Burlington has changed over time.
Issues typically include messages from the mayor and members of Council, as well as updates on projects and services. Local milestones are recorded in the pages, such as the Summer 2013 issue celebrating the official opening of the Brant Street Pier.
In partnership with the City of Burlington, past issues of City Talk have been digitized and are available on the Burlington Digital Archive's City Talk collection page.
City Talk, Summer 2013 cover, The Pier is Here. Burlington Digital Archive
Education Collection
The Education collection includes photographs, school documents and memorabilia from Burlington schools and students. Recently digitized materials include this 1909 class photograph from S.S. No. 8, Nelson Township.
The school, visible in the background of the photo, stood on Appleby Line at No. 2 Side Road in the Zimmerman area. Built in 1873, it was torn down in 1929 to be replaced by a new school building.
For a complete listing of items in the Education collection online finding aid.
S.S. No. 8, Nelson Township. Burlington Digital Archive
John Moodie Fonds
John Moodie was a local businessman. He was well known as the owner of Hamilton’s first automobile and established the Hamilton Automobile Club, which later became a branch of CAA. Moodie lived in Burlington’s historic Lakehurst Villa in the Port Nelson area, now known as Roseland.
Recent additions to the physical archives include correspondence relating to the loss of whisky barrels from Moodie’s distillery aboard the S.S. Cymric. The ship was torpedoed and sunk in May 1916 by German forces. The letters provide an interesting glimpse into the impact of war on business and trade.
Items are available to view by appointment in the Burlington History Room; the collection is not digitized. For more information about this collection, visit the John Moodie fonds online finding aid.
Letter to The Insurance Company of North America, June 6, 1916. John Moodie fonds
Preserving Burlington’s History
At Burlington Public Library, we are dedicated to collecting, preserving, and sharing materials that shed light on the people, culture, history, and development of Burlington.
If you have materials you think would be a good fit for our archives, please reach out to our Local History & Digital Archive Coordinator. Your contributions help us preserve and showcase Burlington’s story.
Main image: Local History & Digital Archive Coordinator Kaitlin with items from the Education collection.
