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Then and Now

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Then and Now shares historical photos and personal stories of past people, places, and events and connects them to their significance today. They are made possible through the continued support of Gilbert MacIntyre & Son Funeral Home as part of our Community Leaders Program.


'GET A HORSE!' Looking back at Guelph's early car days

'GET A HORSE!' Looking back at Guelph's early car days

In 1912 there were 151 registered automobiles in Wellington County, by 1919 there were over 3,000
At 6'10", was Guelph man the country's tallest First World War soldier?

At 6'10", was Guelph man the country's tallest First World War soldier?

Joe Lawrence slept on an angle in order to fit on his bed
First dose of penicillin in Guelph given to pneumonia patient

First dose of penicillin in Guelph given to pneumonia patient

First discovered in 1928, this anti-bacterial 'wonder drug' didn't make to Guelph until 1944
First BME reverend well-rooted in the struggle against slavery

First BME reverend well-rooted in the struggle against slavery

This edition of Then and Now looks at Junius Roberts, who connected the city with monumental events beyond its limits
Lights in the sky raised police, military concern during Second World War

Lights in the sky raised police, military concern during Second World War

Mysterious plane repeatedly spotted in the sky above Wellington County, spurring worries of spying
Speed River was popular with skinny-dipping boys despite dangers

Speed River was popular with skinny-dipping boys despite dangers

Prior to flood control, the river was no stranger to fast flows and drowning deaths
PoWs received care packages from Guelph and beyond for Christmas

PoWs received care packages from Guelph and beyond for Christmas

During the Second World War, various agencies collected community gifts and delivered them to prison camps
The strong Guelph woman behind Canada's 13th prime minister

The strong Guelph woman behind Canada's 13th prime minister

Olive Diefenbaker taught at Guelph CVI before marrying then-MP John Diefenbaker who rose to the top office
Thank the U of G for those great mashed potatoes

Thank the U of G for those great mashed potatoes

Yukon gold potato came from U of G breeder, produced by crossing a Peruvian 'golden egg' with a variety native to North Dakota
'In Flanders Fields' not the only wartime poem from Guelph

'In Flanders Fields' not the only wartime poem from Guelph

Royal Canadian Air Force colleague honoured the bravery of Sgt. Harold Thomas Penfold