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Then and Now

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Then and Now shares historical photos and personal stories of past people, places, and events and connects them to their significance today. They are made possible through the continued support of Dietrich Law as part of our Community Leaders Program.

Here's the story of just a few local soldiers who gave their lives

Here's the story of just a few local soldiers who gave their lives

A look back at the ultimate sacrifice of Elora and Fergus residents during the First and Second World Wars
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Before founding Elora, William Gilkison considered living in Guelph

Before founding Elora, William Gilkison considered living in Guelph

He named new settlement after the ship his brother captained, the Ellora
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Truth known in Fergus: Americans didn't invent reaper harvester

Truth known in Fergus: Americans didn't invent reaper harvester

Scottish-born man Patrick Bell, who lived in Fergus for a while, created the machine but chose not to patent it out of belief everyone should benefit from it
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Murder or misadventure? The mysterious 1908 death of an Elora man's brother

Murder or misadventure? The mysterious 1908 death of an Elora man's brother

Was James German the victim of a tragic accident or gunned down in a Toronto rail yard by a police constable?
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Fergus man received medal of honour, but there's no record of why

Fergus man received medal of honour, but there's no record of why

Albert Peter Brindle decorated as a Member of the British Empire in 1944
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Elora man helped turn asylums into more hospital-like settings

Elora man helped turn asylums into more hospital-like settings

Dr. Charles Kirk Clarke grew tired of political interference when it came to treating people
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Founding fathers of Fergus had a complex relationship

Founding fathers of Fergus had a complex relationship

James Webster welcomed all settlers willing to work, Adam Fergusson wanted to keep out 'undesirables,' including Irish immigrants
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Elora's 'radical' thinker influenced pre-Confederation politics

Elora's 'radical' thinker influenced pre-Confederation politics

Charles Clarke owned a store, served in various political roles and worked with Fathers of Confederation
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Fergus-born Doug Rombough lived his dream of playing in the NHL

Fergus-born Doug Rombough lived his dream of playing in the NHL

After making a name for himself playing for St. Catherines, Rombough signed with the Buffalo Sabres, then played for New York Islanders
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Escaped American slaves urged to integrate into Elora community

Escaped American slaves urged to integrate into Elora community

Wanted in the U.S. for helping a fugitive slave escape jail, Samuel Ringgold Ward made an Elora stop on Ontario tour
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