Summer Reflections from Sara and Sarah

By Sara H. & Sarah P.

This article was originally published in Fall 2022 Historical Happenings, the quarterly newsletter of the Oshawa Historical Society. Subscriptions to Historical Happenings are available for Oshawa Historical Society members. To learn more about membership, see the OHS website: https://oshawahistoricalsociety.org/become-a-member/

Hi! We are Sarah and Sara, two of the students who were at the museum this summer. One of the main projects we worked on was a partial inventory of artefacts stored in the Robinson attic. This was a great introduction to the collection as we were able to really immerse ourselves in the artefacts, learn more about the museum, and the history of Oshawa. When we were first introduced to the attic, it was a bit daunting as neither of us had done an inventory before, and there are a lot of artefacts in our section of the attic. But, being this close to artefacts and having a “behind the scenes”’ look at the collection was a great way for us to become comfortable with the inventory process and learn about collections care and management. We also learned about the deaccession process and made some recommendations for deaccession. From the Canadian Museum Association, “deaccessioning is the formal process of removal of an object from the collection of an institution.”

The inventory and deaccessions gives us more room and more opportunities to expand our collection and represent more of Oshawa’s history.

We started by mapping out the attic and labelling everything according to its row and shelf. We went through each row and labelled them with ‘super professional’ sticky notes that had their row and shelf number. We then organized our Excel spreadsheet in the same sections so that if someone else had to find an artefact it would be easy for them to look through and figure out what section of the attic it lives in. We started going through the rows that were easiest to access, the end rows 1 and 3. These rows contained a lot of farm and yard care equipment, such as rakes, shovels and even an interesting looking baby stroller!

Baby stroller purchased in Oshawa c. 1917 (977.018-500.1)

The middle row was more challenging to access; we had to move shelves around so we could access the objects that lived on each one. It was very EXCITING to see and work with objects made from different types of materials, from wicker baskets and suitcases, to tiny ceramic figurines, and even all sorts of metal tools. Working with this collection has opened our eyes to how large and different museum collections can be. There were many artefacts, especially in the farming sections, that neither of us had seen before, but we were able to understand their importance within the collection. Even though the Oshawa Museum is a smaller community museum, the collection tells such a big and important story about our community. As we immersed ourselves in this environment, we realized that we had our favourite artefacts in the attic that we hope will someday be displayed in future exhibits at Oshawa Museum. We were particularly intrigued by our discovery of a typewriter on the bottom shelf of row 1 as it was in fantastic condition!

Small duck and bird figurines found in the Robinson Attic

The photograph shows the typewriter that immediately captured Sarah P.’s attention, a Remington Noiseless 6 from 1925. Prior to this artefact’s home in our lovely attic in Robinson House, this typewriter was located at Landers Coal, which later became Landers Stark Coal and Company. Like many of the artefacts in the attic, this typewriter inspires a sense of curiosity within us concerning the people who have used this object over the years. Sarah in particular has always wanted to own an old-fashioned typewriter, as she believed it would make her a great writer. Sadly, she must continue her writing pursuits using modern technology!

Remington Noiseless 6 typewriter (004.18.1)

Before we began this project, we usually only considered how museums acquire and exhibit their artefacts. Still, as we end the inventory process, we have been participating in recommending objects for deaccession. At first, we thought it would be difficult to consider which artefacts could be removed from the museum’s collection. However, once we were comfortable with these artefacts, we began to analyze how particular objects may no longer be relevant to the mandate and collection’s policy, or if the condition had deteriorated to the point that it was not fit for display. We also noticed numerous repeats of artefacts that often had us looking at each other, wondering how many spigots were necessary for our museum to possess. Even though we are not the individuals to make the final decision about what is removed from the collection, it was beneficial for us to learn about this critical aspect of working in a museum that is often forgotten by the general public.

Our table of proposed deaccessioned objects

We also have to mention how appreciative we are of having this phenomenal experience of working at the Oshawa Museum. All of our co-workers have honestly been amazing, we have learned so much from each of them and have had a great time with them along the way! We both have gathered so many new skills and experiences that have truly helped us grow in our passion for history and pursuing a career in this field.

Wishing the best of luck to Sara and Sarah with their future studies!

The Night(mare) Tour

A story by Ainsley P.

It was a few days before Halloween and the Oshawa Museum was hosting a Halloween tour. People said that the houses were haunted but the staff knew that is wasn’t actually haunted. But little did they know that on the first few days and the last few days near Halloween that if you tell a spooky lie it comes true.

So, when the tour was over and the staff went to lock up, one of the staff, Sally heard a noise coming from Robinson House. Before locking up she went in to investigate. She then discovered that the story of the museum being haunted may have come true. She rushed over to Guy House to tell the other staff and her boss. They all agreed to not tell the visitors until they knew they could handle it. They all agreed that when they went home that night or if they even went home, they would all come up with some ideas to get rid of the ghosts. But that is when the doors and windows locked.

“Looks like were not going home tonight,” Sophie said.

But then Lily had an idea. If they could just find the ghosts they could tell them to unlock the doors and leave. But they all knew it wasn’t going to be that easy. They would need to come up with some ideas to be able to see or make sure to know where they are so they didn’t escape. They came up with many good ideas but Kasey’s was the best.

Kasey had the idea to get a bunch of paint or some kind of colourful liquid so when you hear them or feel them you can splash some paint on them, and to capture them you put them in a cage because these ghosts can only travel through pure wall.

That’s it!

That is the plan were going with.

Then they all hear the ghosts! They all start running. Then Lily calls, “I CAUGHT ONE. I REALLY CAUGHT ONE!”

Then Kasey caught one, then Sally caught one! Then by that time it was daylight. The ghosts agreed to open the doors and windows for tours to go on, but all staff had to be out of the building by 5 o’clock pm or else they are locked in for the night.      

The Month That Was – October 1870

Oshawa Vindicator, October 5, 1870, page 1

For Sale
A Brick House, 36 x 24, 2 ½ stories high, with stable, shed, driving house, &c., connected to the Lot on which they stand, being 58 square perches, the property of John Robinson, Port Oshawa. Terms liberal. Apply to either Ralph Robinson, Oshawa, or John Thompson, Paitley Mills, Whitby.

Oshawa Vindicator, 5 October 1870, page 1

Page 2
Whitby and East Whitby Fair
Every preparation is being made by the directors to make the Fall Fair to be held here on the 26th, better than any that has preceded it. Fifty three dollars have been collected in the town, as special prizes for equestrianship. Two of these are a portrait valued at $15, to be given to the best lady rider, and one valued at $8, to the best lady equestrian under fifteen years of age, both presented by Mr. JE Hoitt. The prizes for equestrianship have been divided into four classes, three prizes being offered to young ladies under 15, and three to boys under 16 years of age. Several new prizes have been offered in the photographic department, for the purpose of inducing a strong competition. Mr. J Porter offers for special prizes of $18, for suckling colts after Sir Walter Scott. The bills have been issued to the several directors and can be had of them.

Oshawa Vindicator, 5 Oct 1870, p 3

Died
In Oshawa, on the 4^th inst., Louisa, wife of JB Warren, Esq., aged 64 years. The funeral will leave the residence of her husband for St. George’s Burial ground, at 3pm to-morrow (Thursday).

Whitby Chronicle, 6 Oct 1870 p4

Oshawa Vindicator, October 12, 1870, page 2
As the funeral of the late Mrs. Warren was on its way to the St. George’s Burial Ground Thursday, it was met by the waggon of the Dominion Telegraph Company, which frightened some of the horses. In the fright, the carriages were backed upon each other, and one, that of Mr. Burk, of Bowmanville, was forced into the ditch and broken.

Mr. W. Rundle has a bill against the town of $17.50 for damages done to his horse by a broken street crossing. The hole is repaired now.

Wanted
A first-class servant girl, two kept in the family. Good wages given. Mrs. JO Guy. Port Oshawa, Oct 10, 1870

Oshawa Vindicator, 12 Oct 1870, p 3

Whitby Gazette, October 13, 1870, page 2
The Harvest of 1870
The following is the annual report of the GTR officials of the harvest in this locality: …

Oshawa – hay, very light and not an average crop; Wheat, very light crop, average not over 10 bushels per acre; Barley, average 15 bushels per acre; Peas, average 20 bushels per acre; Oats, an average crop; root crops good; Quality of grain very fine, having been secured in splendid condition.

Oshawa Vindicator, October 19, 1870, page 2
The schooner Kate, of this port, was blown ashore in the gale Monday night, near Cobourg. She was loaded with barley belonging to R & A Smith. The grain was insured. No one was lost.

In the same blow, a schooner loaded in the harbor carried off posts and a portion of the wharf to which she was fastened.

By the New York papers we see that Mr. Carswell is keeping up his old time reputation in that city. He leaves soon on a lecturing tour in the Southern States, under the auspices of the National Division of the Sons.

Stolen or Strayed
From Lot 6 2^nd Concession East Whitby, on the 2^nd Oct., a RED COW, with white spots on left hip and left shoulder, with star in her forehead, three years old. Anyone returing the same will be liberally rewarded.
Sarah Terry, East Whitby, Oct. 18, 1870

Oshawa Vindicator, 19 Oct 1870, p 3

Whitby Gazette, October 20, 1870, page 2
Masonic Charts – We have received from Dr. Vars, of Oshawa a sett of masonic charts, copies of which should be in the hands of every “brother of the mystic” in the country. The charts are magnificently engraved, and cleanly and neatly printed and, besides illustrating the different grades and forms of Masonry, are beautiful ornaments for the parlor at home. Parties can be supplied with the charts by Dr. Vars, Oshawa, or at this office.

Whitby Gazette, 27 Oct 1870, p 4

Oshawa Vindicator, October 26, 1870, page 2
Oshawa Fire Brigade – The following offices were duly elected at the regular annual election for 1871:

Brigade Officers – PH Thornton, re-elected Chief Engineer and Treasurer; Jos. Craig, Assistance Chief Engineer; R. Dillon, Brigade Secretary

Fire Co. Rescue No. 1 – Thos. Hall, Captain; R. Burdge, 1^st Lieut; T. Kirby, 2^nd Lieut; B. Robinson, 1^st Branch; E Martin, 2^nd Branch; ——- Best, 3^rd Branch; W. Trewin, Sec’y; T. Lukes, Treasurerl T Hern, Steward.

Hose Co. Rescue No. 1 – O. Manuel, Captain; G. Graham, 1^st Lieut; J Mitchel, 2^nd Lieut; Ed. Nickle, Sec’y; Geo. Wilson, Treasurer.

Dreadnought Hook & Ladder Co. – Geo. Kelly, Captain; C. French, Lieut; A. Cameron, Treasurer. Sec’y not elected.

All members in connection with the Oshawa Fire Brigade, are requested to meet at the Fire Hall to-day, at one o’clock, sharp. They will muster in the evening at the appointed time to form a torchlight procession, (weather permitting).

Oshawa Vindicator, 26 Oct 1870, p 3

Whitby Gazette, October 27, 1870, page 2
DEATH OF DR. ROLPH
Dr. Rolph died at Mitchell on Wednesday afternoon of last week, at the advanced age of 78 years. As his name and efforts have been very intimately connected with the history of Canada, it is but right that his death should receive more than a passing notice. He was a man of most excellent parts –in science and the law, as well as in politics. Referring to him, a contemporary, the London Free Press, says: He was a reformer that always had a “policy,” and the downfall of the family compact was due, in a great measure, to his exertions. Being implicated in the rebellion of 1837 intentionally or by mistake…, but after the subsidence of political troubles returned to it, and entered the government in 1851 under Mr. now Sir Frances, Hincks. During his day he aided in the settlement of the Clergy Reserves difficulty; saw Reciprocity gained; was present at the birth of the Railways in Canada; and witnessed Upper Canada rise from the condition of a wilderness to the dignity of a nationality. In later years he established the Medical School, in connection with the Victoria College, and labored assiduously and with much success as it Principal. He was a man of kind heart, and a sound head. His natural abilities were great, but were heightened by a wide culture. As an orator his eloquence was proverbial, and no man of the day was listened to with more pleasure and instruction by the people than the “old ma eloquent.” The flow of his language was steady and uninterrupted, his articulation sweet and distinct, and he always made a deep impression.

His life has been a most useful one ; devoted to his fellow-creatures rather than to himself, and his memory will be dear to all that knew him or were acquainted with his career. Since 1856 he has not taken any active prominent part in political affairs, though his counsel was not neglected. He leaves behind him an honored name an unblemished reputation, which will long live, and with may make the wise prevail, upon recounting his history, that there were more like “good old Dr. Rolph.”

Whitby Gazette, 27 Oct 1870, p 4

Page 2
THAT EARTHQUAKE – On Thursday morning last, between the hours of ten and eleven o’clock, Canada was visited by a slight shock of earthquake. The “quake” appears to have visited nearly every place in Ontario and Quebec, (if we are to believe the telegraph reports.) and to have shaken several towns in the United States. At Greenwood village, the shock was felt by Mr. Fred Meen, in his store, and by Mr. Samuel Green, while a person a few years distant in a hotel was entirely ignorant that there had been an earthquake. Again, some men working in a barn, a mill or so from Greenwood, were terribly frightened at the shaking of the building, and ran out, fearing it would fall. The shock appears also to have visited Whitby, and – a telegram to the Toronto paper affirms – lasted from three to five minutes. This startling item may be true, but, after diligent inquiry, we have not found the first person that knew a word about the earthquake, until the Toronto papers were received on the following morning. Nevertheless, the report MAY be true ; and of such be the case, the people of Whitby ought to be ashamed of themselves, to have a real live earthquake in their midst and to be ignorant of its whereabouts. It is really too bad. Where, we ask, were the police? We will candidly admits that, at the time mentioned, there was a good deal of shaking in town; but we really thought it was caused by the Court of Assizes, then in session. Most assuredly there was staggering, but, honestly, in our innocence, we believed that rot-gut played a lone hand in it. But we may have been mistaken, and a real earthquake might have been with us. If so, we are really sorry that we didn’t know.

Married
On the 19^th inst., at the residence of the bride’s brother, in East Whitby, by the Rev. Dr. Jeffers, John S. Larke, Esq., publisher and editor of the Oshawa “Vindicator,” to Miss Elizabeth Baine, of Oshawa.

50 Years of the Robinson House Museum

Today, October 25, marks Robinson House’s 50^th birthday of being a museum! To celebrate this anniversary, we’re looking back at the history of this home.

Robinson House is the youngest of our three museum buildings, constructed in the mid-1850s for members of the Robinson Family.  For many years, it was believed that the construction was overseen by John Robinson, the patriarch, however, research in the early 2010s has proven this to be untrue.  In fact, John may have never stepped foot in the home which is his namesake, having moved to Iowa and re-settling there sometime in the 1850s.  The original inhabitants of Robinson House were John’s wife Ruth, their daughter Eunice, her husband Richard, and their family.

Robinson House later was owned by Eunice’s brother Cornelius, arguably the Robinson with the strongest ties to the home and certainly well remembered by those in the community.  Douglas Mackie, a child living in Henry House in the 1910s, remembered Cornelius as such:

“The face and figure of Cornelius Robinson remain shadowy to me except for his long grey beard. But I do remember his lantern. He would walk from Robinson House, as it is called now, to our place in the evening, carrying this lantern. Our farm lanterns were ordinary everyday lanterns designed to shine light from all sides, but his was a beautiful red one, with one side shielded by a metal reflector, to light his way while walking.  He would talk and talk long after my brother and I were put to bed. Oddly enough, I can’t remember if he was married, had a family, or was a bachelor. If the thought ever crossed my young mind it seemed to me he lived alone.”

Dr. Hoig also paints a picture of this man, describing Cornelius as “a very dark man who wore earrings and lived in the white brick house where the road turns east along the water front.”

Upon Cornelius’s death in 1921, the house was passed to his daughter, also named Eunice.  After a number of decades, the house sat vacant, a shadowy place for children who grew up around Oshawa-on-the-Lake.

“It was more of a mystery to the kids of the area. We would dare each other to go into the Robinson House, because in the winter months no one tended to live in the house. We would climb up to the main level. For some reason on the main level of the house there was a pile of leather cuttings. The kids used to dare one another to get pieces of leather to prove their entry into the house. You were really brave if you brought back a piece of leather!” ~Douglas Mackie

“It was a place we didn’t go near for fear it would fall on us, or a ghost would appear.” ~Darlene Williams

“Once we discovered an entry into the house, it became our playhouse. We swept out the old kitchen and it seems to me that there was an old bed. I remember telling my Mom about the fun we were having over there. She told me not to go on the bed in case it had bedbugs. That was enough to scare us for a while. ~Linda Cory Bazowsky

Eunice died in Toronto in 1963 and the City of Oshawa purchased the home the following year with the intention of demolishing the then-derelict house and improving the park land.  The Oshawa and District Historical Society saw potential in the building and put forth a number of proposals to save the building; the City transferred ownership to the ODHS in 1965 for the purpose of restoration and use as a museum.  The society already operated the Henry House Museum and saw potential in Robinson House as being a Centennial project.

One of the largest stumbling blocks was fundraising for the restoration, however, this project was truly championed by Verna Conant who wrote letters, advocated, and truly spearheaded the fundraising initiatives.  A building permit was issued in 1967, and on October 25, 1969, the Robinson House Museum officially opened to the public.

One of the earliest exhibits in the Robinson House Museum was the tavern. For decades, it was believed Robinson House was once an inn and tavern, and this exhibit reflected that believed myth.  While it makes an interesting story, Robinson House was never an inn or tavern.  Other long-time favourite exhibits were the Children’s Discovery Gallery, the General Store Exhibit, and the one-room Schoolhouse exhibit.

Today, Robinson House is our exhibition space.  The upper storey is home to our permanent exhibit A Carrying Place: Oshawa’s Indigenous Story, while the bottom floor is used for feature exhibition space.  The Oshawa Museum celebrates the history of our city, and this history is certainly diverse! Past feature exhibits have included Tales from the Tracks: Oshawa Railway, Mourning After: The Victorian Celebration of Death, Community Health in the 20^th Century, Celebrating 60, and currently on display is The Vintage Catwalk.

For the last 50 years, Robinson House has been an important part of the Museum, and the house itself is one of our most important (and arguably our largest) artefact. Happy birthday, Robinson House Museum!

The History of Lot 6, Broken Front Concession

Guy House and Robinson House, two of our Museum buildings, reside on Lot 6, Broken Front (BF) Concession.

The recorded history of the lot begins on May 19, 1821 when the patent for 200 acres of land was granted to Charles Annis.

The patent to a parcel of Crown Land was granted to settlers who were successful in fulfilling their settlement agreement such as clearing the land in a specific time period.  The agreement had to be completed before the patent could be granted, and this process could take several years.

Just two years later, Charles sold the 200 acres to Levi Annis.  The complete 200 acre lot was sold two other times before it began to be divided up and sold.  On October 3, 1845 David Annis sold the north 50 acres to John Shipman.

The following year, Annis sold 58 square perches to John Robinson; this is just under half an acre.  It was on this parcel of land that Robinson House was built.

The Sydenham Harbour Company first appears on the land registry records in 1847, when David Annis sells 2 acres, 3 rods and 15 paces to the company.  Just one year later a portion of the land was then sold to the Grand Trunk Railroad.  In just under 30 years, the lot has changed from being farm land to the arrival of industry.

The Guy name does not appear in the records until 1861 when ¼ acre was sold to James O. Guy by Samuel Phillips and ½ acre was sold to him by Daniel Conant.

The end of the 1800s saw the arrival of another well known Oshawa business.  In 1894, the Oshawa Sydenham Company transferred through an agreement a part of their land to the Rathbun Company, who began the Oshawa Railway Company.

The Town of Oshawa appears on the registry in 1904 with a deal between the town and Thomas Conant.  The agreement is a sewer grant which permits the town to lay pipe underground on Conant’s property.

The annexation of Cedardale began with Gordon Conant granting part of the lot to East Whitby Township for $400 in 1921.  The following year, the annexation process was on-going and resulted in part of the lot now becoming the property of the Town of Oshawa.

The 1930s saw a by-law, #2034, passed that allowed part of the lot to be used for industrial sites.  The following year, the town also devised a plan to widen Simcoe Street, thus making use of part of the lot once again.

The transformation of the lot into park land began in 1951 when the lot, along with all residences and road allowances, was annexed to the City of Oshawa.