Ancaster Branch - Temporary Closure, May 5-31

From Monday, May 5 to Saturday, May 31, the Ancaster Branch will be temporarily closed due to a roof and HVAC replacement. During this time, service hours will be available at the Morgan Firestone Arena, 385 Jerseyville Road West, Ancaster. The last day to pick up your Holds is Thursday, May 1st. Thank you for your understanding.

www.hpl.ca/ancaster

1
Published:
Wednesday, April 16, 2025 - 11:00am
All Branches Closed for Good Friday

All branches closed on Friday, April 18, 2025 for Good Friday. This includes branches with Extended Access.

All Branches and Bookmobile Stops
Published:
Friday, April 11, 2025 - 10:15am
All Branches Closed for Easter Sunday

All branches closed on Sunday, April 20, 2025 for Easter Sunday. This includes branches with Extended Access.

All Branches and Bookmobile Stops
Published:
Friday, April 11, 2025 - 10:15am
All Branches Closed for Easter Monday

All branches closed on Monday, April 21, 2025 for Easter Monday. This includes branches with Extended Access.

All Branches and Bookmobile Stops
Published:
Friday, April 11, 2025 - 10:15am
Central Library - Microfilm Machine

The digital microfilm machines at Central Library are not working. A single analog machine is available, but it doesn't print. We aim to have the digital devices repaired as soon as possible. We apologize for the inconvenience.

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Affected Branch: Central Library
Published:
Thursday, April 10, 2025 - 3:30pm
Barton Branch - Roof Repair

Due to the ongoing roof repair project, noise and parking disruptions will continue until April 25. Thank you for your patience.

Published:
Tuesday, April 8, 2025 - 3:30pm
Sherwood Branch - Basement Renovation

The first phase of renovations will begin at the Sherwood Branch from April 10 to May 2. During this time, noise disruptions may occur throughout the branch due to a basement renovation. Parking, access to the building, and collections will not be affected. Thank you for your patience. www.hpl.ca/sherwood

Published:
Monday, April 7, 2025 - 8:30am
Phishing Scheme

Please be aware of online phishing attempts impersonating Hamilton Public Library and Library Staff. HPL does not solicit paid freelance opportunities through social media or other messaging applications. HPL does not request personal or banking information through social media or require financial compensation when reviewing job applications. Please report phishing schemes to communications@hpl.ca. If you think you are a victim of fraud, please call the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.

All Branches and Bookmobile Stops
Published:
Thursday, April 3, 2025 - 10:30am

Woodhouse Collection - Listing of Volumes 1-8

#8-1

Mr. Merrilees.

Wood-burning locomotive about 1877. H & NW Ry. Hamilton - Barrie

Front: left to right: 1.---; 2.---; 3.---; 4. James Hanes, Conductor, died 1923,

later in charge of G.T.R. yards Cannon & Ferguson; 5.---; 6. John Oneil, Engineer,

later was first engineer on Dundas Dummy.

In cab: left to right: 1.---; 2.---

 

#8-2

 

#8-3

Woodley Farm now Dundas Golf Club

About 1900

 

#8-4

 

#8-5

About 1905

 

#8-6

Accident on the Canada Great Western Railway, near Dundas

at Cramer's Lane, Apr. 1859

 

#8-7

T.H.&B. over H. & D. - Aberdeen Ave.

1896

Mr. Merrilees. maybe Dummy #2

 

#8-8

Sydenham Ravine Bridge in the days of the single track

C.N.R. bridge at Sydenham Creek about 1895

Note single track

 

#8-9

1895=The first T.H. & B. Trestle at Binkley's Hollow fell down

Jan. 9, 1895 while erecting another "A" frame, tie beams near the

Hamilton end split at the bolts and the whole structure collapsed.

3 men were badly hurt. T.H. & B. Ry Trestle at Binkley's Hollow.

 

#8-10

1895

T.H. & B. at Binkley's Hollow

 

#8-11

T.H. & B.

1895=The Binkley's Hollow Trestle was rebuilt after falling down

The Binkley's Hollow Bridge was rebuilt May 2, 1895

Today it is an earth fill

 

#8-12

May 1895.

The Ancaster Creek will flow through this culvert at Binkley's

 

#8-13

June 1895

The culvert finished the earth fill for the embankment is started

 

#8-14

 

#8-15

Hamilton & Dundas Railway Station, Dundas

NW corner Hatt & Foundry St.

left: 1st type of car; right: 2nd type of car

Dummy #2 about 1882.

People from left to right: George Holden, Joe Sweet - conductor, George C. Holden, J. Weatherston, C.J. Myles - lessor of the railway, Wyck Harrison - conductor, Jas. Sturrock - master mechanic, Len Nichol, Harry Nichol, P. Bird - engineer, John O'Neil - engineer, Eddie Kelk - clerk, John Healey, Pete Gallagher, The man leaning against the car and the man on the steps are unknown

 

#8-16

Note the tar sidewalk in front of skating rink - lower right

burned hard coal - no smoke - quiet

#1 & 2 condemned 1896 and #4 ordered

 

#8-17

Dummy #4 - The Last. The only one with twin cylinders. New car #20 The 3rd & last type

The car was originally #20, then #220, then #181. it finished up as a chicken coop.

Dummy #4 was used for stringing trolley wire on the Grand River Ry at Preston on the (then) Preston & Berlin Ry. It was later sold to John B. SMith & Sons, Ltd. lumber mfrs., Callander?, or to the South Western Traction Co (London - Pt. Stanley. maybe to both. In 1906 it was sold to Booth??

Dummies #3 & 4 crashed together Oct. 9, 1897 near the marsh x #3 was smashed, but Chas Sturrock rebuilt it. #3 sold in Mar 1899 to C. Beck Co Ltd. of Penetanguishene lumber dealers. used there for 25 years until 1924, then blocked up on ties near the mill at Penetanguishene. Total life 45 years. 1/2 million miles

from left to right: Nathan MacPherson, freight clerk;...;son of Jim Sturrock; Billy McDonnell, Eng'r & Cond'r 50 years; Hell Fire Jack Platt; Tom Newell = on back of car. Sect. Foreman operated gravel train, etc.; Jack Campbell son of Porky; John Bertram; John Fry; William Hall; unknown boys & in doorway Wick Harrison - cond'r; Mark B. Thomas, agent for lessees;---;---;Harry Perkins; Bill Norton; W.F." Porky" Campbell; Dan McIntosh behind the 7 boys; seven boys at right unknown

 

#8-18

#1 Dummy - 1879 - in the factory of the

Fulton Works, Philadelphia, Pa.

 

#8-19

[Dummy]

 

#8-20

Dummy #4

1. ---; 2.---; 3. Frank Nelson; 4. Bill Sheehan; 5. Alex Crooks; 6. John Fry; 7. Mark B. Thomas; 8. Louie (Lewis) Johnson; 9. Bill McDonald (Wm Alex) for 50 years Engr & Cond'r; 10. Tom Newell; 11. Wick Harrison; 12. Eddie Kelk; 13. Porky Campbell (Wm); 14. Charlie Brady says "I think that is me" Edick?

 

#8-21

[Hamilton & Dundas Street Railway]

 

#8-22

Dummy #4 with second type of cars

 

#8-23

Dec. 6, 1911

 

#8-24

Dec. 6, 1911

 

#8-25

The old Order changeth, 'tis true

But the Competition is keen.

Is this unfair competition at the

Half Way House?

Bus vs. Radials. Jim Grightmire started bus line

in Aug. 1923

 

#8-26

Ancaster

not a Canada Coach Line Bus

 

#8-27

Main St. W. Hamilton at West Hamilton

The Hamilton-Dundas Railway meets competition from

Jim Grightmire's Bluejay bus line,

Ham - Dund, 1922. Who's trying to put whom out of business

 

#8-28

1891

Just east of Sydenham Road Bridge

 

#8-29

1891

Just east of Sydenham Road Bridge

 

#8-30

1891

Just east of Sydenham Road Bridge

 

#8-31

 

#8-32

Master H.H. Pirie and his bicycle - the 1st "boneshaker" in Dundas

Niblett druggist had first

H. Pirie with the first "boneshaker" in Dundas

 

#8-33

Family Carriage of Hugh Moore

Dundas Grocer

1838-1882

 

#8-34

Archie Sturrock built this at Pt.Huron from Parts

& brought to Dundas

 

#8-35

Chas Spasking's Rambler. 1st car in Dundas. Sold 6-1905 to W.E.S. Knowles

 

#8-36

Entrance to Dundas Driving Park.

Dick Hyde, caretaker

 

#8-37

Dundas Fair at the Driving Park about 1898

[same as #5-14]

 

#8-38

Hindoo Koosh Picnic

1922

 

#8-39

 

#8-40

The log cabin is the "wigwam" formerly the property of

the Khan, moved here by Wm Lawson & G.C. Wilson

 

#8-41

 

#8-42

 

#8-43

 

#8-44

 

#8-45

 

#8-46

 

#8-47

Driving Park to Cemetery, Dundas

 

#8-48

 

#8-49

First movie theatre in Dundas. Memorial Square. 1909

Wonderland operated by Jack Sourbier. His son Herschel sang "illustrated songs"

Later this was brick veneered.

now John Forbes' Tinsmith Shop on west side of Memorial Square

The 1st movie in Dundas 1908-09

Sold to Thomas E. & Edward Paling

 

#8-50

Scarlet Fever Isolation Hospital. 1903.

Below the hill on the old Ancaster Road

Forsythe, Dundas (photographer)

Deaths: Tom McLaughlin; (Loveday) ---McLaughlin; ?Jim Visheau; Miss ____ Cochenour dau of Tom; ?Jack Wyckman lost 3 sisters did not die

1. Richard Hyde; 2. Mr. McLaughlin? caretaker; 3. Chief of Police Twiss; 4. Miss McLaughlin, dau of caretaker; 5. Nurse Hamilton (came here from Hamilton); 6. Wm Lawson, Mayor.