1892 - Our Eightieth Anniversary -- 1972

1892 - Our Eightieth Anniversary -- 1972 A PEEP AT THE PAST

The pictures reproduced here were taken from the original 8" x 5" glass negatives, still in the possession of the Society since the 1890's. They were taken in St. John's Anglican Church Hall, which was located on Sussex Street on land about where the Customs & Excise Building now stands.

The manila envelopes containing the negatives are very fragile, but quite clearly marked in pencil on one of them, the following information:

"Sweet Pea Exhibit

St. John's Hall

1895 Aug. 12, 6.15 p.m."

Presumably the other two photographs were taken at the other shows during the same year, 1895, in the same hall.

It will be noted that we had electric lights in Ottawa at that time. It is also interesting to note that this building, which was the Sunday 'School Hall of St. John's Church, was opened in December 1890 and at that time accommodated 322 children in 23 classes.

Underneath the hall, on the Sussex Street level, space was provided for two stores. Presumably this brought the Sunday School very close to the level of the Church, which was on the hill between Sussex Street and Mackenzie Avenue. No doubt this arrangement also provided needed revenue to help pay for the building.

Please contact the OHS or the author if you wish to republish these articles. © Ottawa Horticultural Society

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