April 1st has become traditionally known as April Fools’ Day. However the origin of April Fools’ Day is a bit murky. There are some who suggest the origin of April Fools’ Day connects to an early Roman Festival known as Hilaria (Latin for “Joyful”, and yes, the root of the word “hilarious”). The festival involved…
The Thompson family were staunch Loyalists, with strong military traditions. In 1808 Cornelius Thompson, Rebecca’s husband, travelled to York from New Brunswick with Stephen Jarvis, and applied for a land grant in Upper Canada. Cornelius received 480 acres in Toronto Township (historic Mississauga) – Lots 33 and 34 in Concessions 3 & 4, SDS. In…
I have always been inspired by women who were trailblazers or ahead of their time; those women who pushed through societal constraints and dedicated themselves to a cause or belief that was greater than themselves. One such woman is Jane Goodall who has dedicated her life to advocating for animals, human rights, and the environment….
Did you know that there are many types of water wheels and ways in which the mill can convert natural power (falling water) into mechanical energy? Mills have used different types of processes over time to convert flowing water into mechanical energy. The undershot wheel was the earliest and simplest, but least efficient form. The…
Welcome to our 42nd installment of “Ask a Historian”. Join Historian Matthew Wilkinson on our YouTube channel for our next episode of “Ask A Historian” on Thursday March 25, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. This week Matthew welcomes John Dunlop, Manager of Heritage Planning & Indigenous Relations at the City of Mississauga, as they explore the…
March 21 marked World Poetry Day. UNESCO first adopted World Poetry Day in 1999, with the aim of supporting linguistic diversity through poetic expression. World Poetry Day is the occasion to honour poets, revive oral traditions of poetry recitals, promote the reading, writing and teaching of poetry, and to foster the convergence between poetry and…
I have been inspired all of my life by incredible women that have crossed my path, or shared my journey. From my earliest recollections, strong, dedicated, caring women have been by my side showing by example, how to have my best life, full of bright moments, laughter and above all love of self and others….
Welcome to our 41st installment of “Ask a Historian”. Join Historian Matthew Wilkinson on our YouTube channel for our next episode of “Ask A Historian” on Thursday March 18, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. This week Matthew welcomes Lindsay Doren, Coordinator for Education and Engagement at the Museums of Mississauga, as they explore the history, stories…
There is a small rural church on the borders of Mississauga, which appears somewhat out of place amidst the modern suburban that has developed in close proximity. Located on the west side of Ninth Line, just north of Britannia Road, St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Mission Church has been a fixture here for generations, long before…
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Traditionally it is a time to gather and enjoy each other’s company – perhaps something that we have gained a new appreciation for over the past year. I remember St. Patrick’s Day last year. A small family gathering, green things, laughter, uncertainty as the news of the pandemic unfolded around us….