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Ottawa, ON, K1P 5P6

PO Box 523, Station B, Ottawa, ON, K1P 5P6

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Pamphlets

Historical Language Advisory

Certain parts of the HSO pamphlet series may contain historical language and content that some may consider offensive, for example, language used to refer to racial, ethnic, and cultural groups. These items, their content and descriptions, reflect the time period in which they were created and the viewpoint of their author. The items are presented with their original text to ensure that attitudes and viewpoints are not erased from the record.

We are continuing the process of reviewing our historical documents. If you see text with inappropriate language or content that you think HSO should review, please contact us at publications@historicalsocietyottawa.ca. Please include as many details as possible regarding the language or content which requires our attention such as the pamphlet title or the permalink to the document. And kindly indicate "document review" in the title of your email. We welcome your comments.

 Select a pamphlet title from the list to view the contents online and/or download a copy and see any additional associated information.

Title Description Download
027. Elizabeth Bruyere's Great Legacy: Health Care and Education in Bytown
 486.8 KB
Account of the contributions of Elisabeth Bruyère and the Grey Nuns of the Cross in establishing health care and education in the village of Bytown. Written by Vera Campbell, then director-curator of the Bytown Museum. Download ( pdf )
026. Ottawa - The History of Pediatric Health Care: The Three Children's Hospitals
 1.1 MB
A very detailed preamble followed by three chapters describing the various Children's Hospitals between 1885 and present (1988). With photographs. Written by Dr. Dominick J. Conway, M.D., F.R.C.P. (C) who was chairman of the Department of Pediatrics, University of Ottawa from 1953 to 1971, Staff Pediatrician from 1971-1985 and served on the Building Committee for the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario from 1964 to 1974. Download ( pdf )
025. Nicol Hugh Baird, August 1796 - August 1849: A Pioneering Scottish Civil Engineer in Early Canada  
 2.83 MB
Examination of the life of Nicol Hugh Baird, a Scottish Civil Engineer in Canada from 1828 until his death in 1849 and his work on the Rideau Canal as the Clerk of Works under Col. By. Written by D. Braid. Download ( pdf )
024. The Reverend Doctor Thomas Wardrope 1819 - 1914
 2.01 MB
Examination of the life of Reverend Doctor Thomas Wardrope (1819-1914) , an Scottish immigrant who grew to have a significant influence on early Ottawa grammar schools and the Presbyterian church. Written by Margaret E. Moffatt. Download ( pdf )
023. Doctor Thomas Porter
 1.48 MB
Examination of the life and work of Dr. Thomas Potter, a Ottawa family physician in the mid to late 1800s. Written by Evelyn Taylor. Download ( pdf )
022. The Uptons of Groveland (Based on the Diary of William Upton)
 2.06 MB
The history of Groveland (where the Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club now stands) along with the early history of the Uptons from Birmingham, England. Offers a vivid portrayal of life on an early farm. Written by Margaret E. Moffatt who is related to the Uptons. Introduction by Dorene J. Hirsch, Assistant Chairman of the Bytown Museum Board of Management. Download ( pdf )
021. The Artistic Legacies of John & Thomas Burrows
 1.52 MB
Brief biographies of these two engineers, surveyors and senior aides to Col. By along with several sketches. Written by Edward P. Laberge. Introduction by John W. Moody. Download ( pdf )
020. Bytown Museum Treasures
 1.88 MB
An overview of some of the most high-profile artifacts held by the Bytown Museum in 1985. Written by Vera Campbell (née Mottershead), former Director/Curator of the Bytown Museum. Download ( pdf )
019. Eva Gauthier - Mezzo Soprano
 1.64 MB
Biography of Ottawa-born singer of international reputation. Written by Herbert H. Sills. Introduction by Clare Grandmaison. Download ( pdf )
018. The Bytown Election of 1841
 2.15 MB
Description of the political mood of pre-Confederation Bytown once the Act of Union was passed by the Imperial Government in 1840. Written by Hamnet Hill K.C.. Introduction by E.P. Laberge. Download ( pdf )
017. Dr. Edward Van Cortlandt - Surgeon
 2.44 MB
Colourful story of a pioneer physician and surgeon in Bytown. Written by Margaret E. Moffatt. Introduction by E.P. Laberge. Download ( pdf )
016. Before and After Colonel By
 2.14 MB
Ottawa's early history up until shortly after Colonel By. Written by Hamnett P. Hill, K.C.. Introduction by Mary Margaret Thomson. Download ( pdf )
015. Wilfred Campbell - Ottawa Poet
 1.98 MB
Biography of poet William Wilfred Campbell with a focus on his friends, including William Lyon Mackenzie King. Written by Ruth McKenzie. With an introduction by R. Forbes Hirsch. Download ( pdf )
014. The Upper Ottawa Timber Trade
 2.3 MB
History of the timber trade identifying three major eras (1830 to 1852, 1852 to the turn of the century, and around 1900 to today). Written by R. Forbes Hirsch. Introduction by E.P. Laberge. Download ( pdf )
013. Ottawa Transportation - from Horses to Buses
 1.98 MB
This pamphlet follows the history of Ottawa’s public transportation starting with a horse-drawn car service in 1870, to electric streetcars in 1891 and ends with the introduction of diesel buses in the 1940s. Written by Society members, David Hendricks and Paul Philpott. Download ( pdf )
012. The Rideau River Loyalists
 1.6 MB
Brief overview of the early loyalists in the area and their families. Written by Lt. Col. A. Frank Cooper, C.D., UE. Introduction by Clare Grandmaison. Download ( pdf )
011. The House of History: The East Block of the Parliament Buildings
 6.41 MB
Whimsical history of the East Block focusing on its 1960s restoration. Written by R.A.J. Phillips. Download ( pdf )
010. Robert Harris - A Canadian to Remember
 6.06 MB
Biography of the artist who painted The Fathers of Confederation. Written by Miss Ruth L. Sutherland. With an introduction by Miss Elizabeth M. Gordon. Download ( pdf )
009. The Great Fire of Ottawa - 1900
 1.3 MB
This pamphlet examines the causes, spread and impact of the fire on both the residences and businesses in the cities of Ottawa and of Hull on the Quebec side of the River. Written by Edward St. John, a member of the Historical Society of Ottawa on the Great Fire of Ottawa in 1900. Download ( pdf )
008. The Chelsea Club
 2.69 MB
History of the Chelsea Club and it's historic building at 236 Metcalfe Street. Written by Dr. Charlotte Whitton. Download ( pdf )