Taking a look into the past
Archaology group launches a new book looking at the history behind downtown block
The Peterborough Chapter of the Ontario Archaeological Society has announced the publication of A Block in Time: Archaeology and History of the MNR Block in Peterborough Ontario. Proceeds from the book will support the chapter’s community outreach activities.
“It is truly remarkable what a detailed examination of the archaeology and history of one city block can reveal about the lives of the people who once lived and worked there. Beginning with the First Nations who occupied and passed through the site for thousands of years, to the present occupants of Robinson Place, home to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, this book tells some of their amazing stories!” states a press release.
The book includes Gordon Dibb’s original report of his company’s excavation of the site. It provides not only fascinating details about what he and the members of his team discovered, but also important early photos and maps of the beginning of what was to become the city of Peterborough.
The original report is supplemented by Gordon and Patricia Dibb’s reflections on changes in archaeological methods looking back 20 years; Kate Dougherty’s placement of the MNR excavations within the context of historical archaeology; Bill Fox’s review of the archaeological evidence for indigenous occupation of the area; Zhongping Chen’s account of the early Chinese presence in Peterborough; Kim Reid’s photos of artifacts recovered from the site and stored at the Peterborough Museum; Jeremy Ward’s introduction to the early documents from the Peterborough Canoe Company; Tom Mohr’s story of the railway in the area; Rita Granda’s account of the Peterborough Canoe Company’s history on the block; and Dirk Verhulst’s articles on Adam Scott’s first buildings, The Commercial Press, and the J.J. Duffus building.
Patricia and Gordon Dibb are both members of the Peterborough Chapter of the OAS and owners and senior researchers associated with York North Archaeological Services. Gordon has been involved in Ontario archaeological fieldwork since 1974; Patricia since 1978. Gordon completed his M.A. at Trent University in 1986, producing a fieldwork-based thesis on the Late Paleo-Indian occupation of the Keswick- Queensville area of south-central Ontario. He was first licensed by the Province of Ontario to conduct archaeology in 1978.
Patricia completed an Honours Bachelors of Science in Anthropology at Trent University and has been licensed by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture since 2005 and holds a Professional Archaeologist’s License.
This book is a joint publication of the Peterborough Chapter of the OAS, the Trent University Archaeological Centre, and the Peterborough Museum and Archives.
The project was made possible, in part, through a City of Peterborough grant.
The book which costs $20 is available at Chapters, Trent University Bookstore, Trent Valley Archives, and the Peterborough Museum. Copies can also be ordered from Dirk Verhulst at dverhulst@ cogeco.ca; Kim Reid at kreid@ peterborough.ca; and Yumi Pedoe at tuarc@trentu.ca.
Beef and auction
Grace United Church, 581 Howden St., extends to all an invitation to a roast beef and silent auction dinner Saturday, beginning at 5:30 p.m. (there is one sitting only). This dinner is a fundraiser for the church’s 2017 Honduras Build Project. This year the project will build an office and nursing station at the Nuevo intermediate school.
Tickets cost $20 for adults and $7.50 for children 12 and under. Tots five and under are free. They are available from the church office from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. daily, and following the Sunday service.
Beef Dinner
Emmanuel United Church (formerly George St. United Church) is holding a roast beef dinner Oct. 28 at 5:30 p.m. The food will be prepared by the AOTS Men’s Club to support their Kids to Camp program.
Tickets cost $17 each and must be purchased in advance at the church office at 534 George St. N., 705-742-4162.
Book yours now as seating is limited!