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Thomas McIlwraith was born December 25, 1824 in Ayr, Scotland. As a youth, he was apprenticed as a cabinet-maker and was employed by a gas works company in Edinburgh. In 1853, he married Mary Park Forysth and immigrated to Canada, settling in Hamilton, Ontario. That same year he became the manager of the Hamilton Gas Works Company where he remained for eighteen years. He lived in a home called “Cairnbrae” on MacNab Street North with his wife and their four sons and three daughters. In 1871 he purchased a coal business and ran this operation until his retirement in 1893. McIlwraith served on the boards of directors of several banks and insurance companies, as well as serving as President of the Hamilton Mechanic’s Institute and as an alderman for St. Mary’s Ward where he resided. His prominence came from his devotion to ornithology (the study of birds). McIlwraith was a founding member of the American Ornithological Union and wrote extensively on the subject of birds, from his observations of bird species, nesting patterns and eggs. He was particularly interested in birds within the region of Hamilton and identified hundreds of species in the surrounding area. He published two books, including the Birds of Ontario (1886) and the Birds Observed in the Vicinity of Hamilton (1860). McIlwraith died at his home in January of 1903 and is buried in the Hamilton Cemetery.

Thomas G. McIlwraith was born December 25, 1824 in Ayr, Scotland. As a youth, he was apprenticed as a cabinet-maker and was employed by a gas works company in Edinburgh. In 1853, he married Mary Park Forysth and immigrated to Canada, settling in Hamilton, Ontario. That same year he became the manager of the Hamilton Gas Works Company where he remained for eighteen years. He lived in a home called “Cairnbrae” on MacNab Street North with his wife and their four sons and three daughters. In 1871 he purchased a coal business and ran this operation until his retirement in 1893. McIlwraith served on the boards of directors of several banks and insurance companies, as well as serving as President of the Hamilton Mechanic’s Institute and as an alderman for St. Mary’s Ward where he resided. His prominence came from his devotion to ornithology (the study of birds). McIlwraith was a founding member of the American Ornithological Union and wrote extensively on the subject of birds, from his observations of bird species, nesting patterns and eggs. He was particularly interested in birds within the region of Hamilton and identified hundreds of species in the surrounding area. He published two books, including the "Birds of Ontario" (1886) and the "Birds Observed in the Vicinity of Hamilton" (1860). McIlwraith died at his home in January of 1903 and is buried in the Hamilton Cemetery.

Thomas McIlwraith was born December 25, 1824 in Ayr, Scotland. As a youth, he was apprenticed as a cabinet-maker and was employed by a gas works company in Edinburgh. In 1853, he married Mary Park Forysth and immigrated to Canada, settling in Hamilton, Ontario. That same year he became the manager of the Hamilton Gas Works Company where he remained for eighteen years. He lived in a home called “Cairnbrae” on MacNab Street North with his wife and their four sons and three daughters. In 1871 he purchased a coal business and ran this operation until his retirement in 1893. McIlwraith served on the boards of directors of several banks and insurance companies, as well as serving as President of the Hamilton Mechanic’s Institute and as an alderman for St. Mary’s Ward where he resided. His prominence came from his devotion to ornithology (the study of birds). McIlwraith was a founding member of the American Ornithological Union and wrote extensively on the subject of birds, from his observations of bird species, nesting patterns and eggs. He was particularly interested in birds within the region of Hamilton and identified hundreds of species in the surrounding area. He published two books, including the Birds of Ontario (1886) and the Birds Observed in the Vicinity of Hamilton (1860). McIlwraith died at his home in January of 1903 and is buried in the Hamilton Cemetery.

The McAfee family members were United Empire Loyalists who lived in the Hamilton area (formerly known as Head-of-the-Lake), during the War of 1812. The region at the time was agricultural and consisted of various townships including Ancaster, Barton, Binbrook, Glanford and Saltfleet. Most residents were farmers, innkeepers, or labourers in trades such as pottery. These early colonial townships protected themselves with local militias made up of able-bodied men ages 16 to 60 from the nearby communities, who were required to serve as part-time soldiers if needed. These men would assemble for an annual muster call in preparation for a possible future military campaign. With war looming against the Americans in 1812, brothers Angus (1780-1832), Daniel (1791-1878) and Samuel (1793-1870) McAfee enlisted in the 5th Lincoln Militia. The two flank companies of this regiment were commanded by Captain Samuel Hatt and Captain James Durand, and also included Lieutenant Robert Land, son and namesake of one of Hamilton’s first settlers. The brothers saw action in various skirmishes and fought with Major General Isaac Brock during the Siege of Detroit. All three brothers survived the war and returned home. Daniel and Samuel took over a pottery business, and Angus became an innkeeper in Barton Township.

Graeme MacKay was born in 1968, and grew up in Dundas, Ontario where he attended Parkside High School. MacKay graduated from the University of Ottawa, majoring in History and Political Science. During his undergrad, MacKay became the graphics editor for the student newspaper, "The Fulcrum". In 1997, MacKay began his professional career at the Hamilton Spectator as a full-time editorial cartoonist. MacKay was President of the Association of Canadian Editorial Cartoonists from 2008 to 2010.

Love Your City, Share Your Stories began in 2014 and is an ongoing digital storytelling project featuring stories about Hamilton and Hamiltonians both past and present. Love Your City, Share Your Stories is an inclusive project with a focus of bringing together citizens and community organizations to build a collection of both personal and historically factual stories about the City of Hamilton. This project is led by the Hamilton Public Library’s Local History and Archives department and partnered with McMaster University, Hamilton Arts Council, City of Hamilton Culture Division, Hamilton Community Foundation and is supported by the Hamilton Future Fund and by the Ontario Trillium Grant. The initiative consists of four phases: Phase 1: Hamilton Cultural Icons and Music, Phase 2: Immigration in Hamilton, Phase 3: Water in Hamilton, and Phase 4: Hamilton’s Visual Art. HPL is now leading the digital storytelling project and the goal of the project is to capture individual and firsthand accounts of Hamiltonians by creating oral histories to preserve and make accessible Hamilton’s local history.

James (Jimmy) William Lomax (1943-2011), was best known as Hamilton's Santa Claus. As a child, Jimmy spent many Christmases in the hospital because of a lung disease that doctors originally diagnosed as likely being fatal. While in the hospital, a visit from Santa changed his young life. Jimmy survived his lung disease and it was this second chance at life that inspired him to become Santa to other less fortunate people, especially children. After attending Delta Secondary School, Jimmy worked as a steelworker at Stelco to support his family and to help support his volunteer job as Santa Claus. He and his wife Susan, who was often referred to as Mrs. Claus, would volunteer their time to a project they called Operation Santa Claus. Along with their young son Ryan, they visited thousands of children and adults annually, distributing gifts and holiday cheer. Jimmy's role as Santa began as a teenager in 1958 with a small bag of candy, a Santa suit and a big heart. Over the years, Operation Santa Claus grew to become a full-scale operation with numerous volunteers and donors. From 1958 until 2010, Lomax volunteered countless hours to fundraise for Operation Santa Claus, raising thousands of dollars annually to buy presents for those in need. The recipients of his generosity were mostly low-income families, children with intellectual challenges, hospital patients, group home residents, nursing home residents, and individuals living in shelters.

Jimmy's selfless dedication and generosity to his community earned him awards and recognition, including the Outstanding Young Hamiltonian Award, the Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship, the Queen's Jubilee Medal, as well as membership in the Order of Canada. Even after the death of his son Ryan in 1987, as well as his own health issues, Lomax's dedication to Operation Santa Claus never wavered until he was forced to retire the role in 2010 due to health complications, after more than 5 decades as Santa. Lomax retired from Stelco after 38 years and he died in 2011. The city of Hamilton honoured him by establishing the Jimmy Lomax Beach Boulevard Park near where he and his family lived. However, Lomax's true legacy as Hamilton's Santa lives forever in the minds and hearts of many Hamiltonians, who personally experienced his kindness and generosity during the holiday season.

James (Jimmy) Lomax was

James (Jimmy) Lomax was

William Alexander (1866–1933), son of Alexander Logie, was called to the bar in 1890, and entered into legal practice in the firm of Chisholm, Logie and McQuesten. In 1918, he was elevated to the bench. William Alexander wed Mary Hamilton Wylie in 1892 and they had one son and two daughters.

Major William Logie was born in Scotland in 1782. William married Mary McNair (1784-1818) in 1808. After the death of his first wife, he married Anne Smith (1784-1868), of Pitgair, Scotland in 1822. There were six Logie children: William, Alexander (1823–1873), James Alexander, Margaret, Mary, and Barbara, who died as a child in 1838. Major William Logie retired from the army in 1832, and the family emigrated from Scotland to Canada, leaving behind eldest son, William, who chose to remain in Glasgow. The Major and Anne Smith Logie lived near Kingston, Ontario in their home, Glenlogie, until 1852 when they moved to Hamilton. Major William Logie died in 1853 and Anne Logie died in 1868.

Alexander Logie, son of William Logie and Anne Smith, was born in Rosefield, Nairnshire, Scotland, in 1823. He emigrated with his family to Canada. Alexander was admitted to the Law Society of Upper Canada in 1843 as a Student-at-Law. He was called to the Bar in 1848 and practiced law in Hamilton, Ontario. On October 19th, 1854, he was appointed Judge of the County Court of the United Counties of Wentworth and Halton, where he served from 1854 to 1873. He married Mary Ritchie Crooks (1827–1900), from the town of Niagara. They had three children: Anna Barbara (b.1856), Alexandra Helena, and William Alexander (1866–1933). Alexander was for many years an Elder and Trustee of Saint Andrews (now Saint Paul’s) Presbyterian Church. He was one of the church leaders who personally guaranteed the loan for the building of the new church in 1854. Alexander Logie died December 10, 1873.

Alexander Logie, son of William Logie and Anne Smith, was born in Rosefield, Nairnshire, Scotland, in 1823. He emigrated with his family to Canada. Alexander was admitted to the Law Society of Upper Canada in 1843 as a Student-at-Law. He was called to the Bar in 1848 and practiced law in Hamilton, Ontario. On October 19th, 1854, he was appointed Judge of the County Court of the United Counties of Wentworth and Halton, where he served from 1854 to 1873. He married Mary Ritchie Crooks (1827–1900), from the town of Niagara. They had three children: Anna Barbara (b.1856), Alexandra Helena, and William Alexander (1866–1933). Alexander was for many years an Elder and Trustee of Saint Andrews (now Saint Paul’s) Presbyterian Church. He was one of the church leaders who personally guaranteed the loan for the building of the new church in 1854. Alexander Logie died December 10, 1873.

Robert Livingstone was born in Staffa, Ontario on February 4, 1889. He served in World War One as a Private in the 8th Field Ambulance of the Canadian Expeditionary Force. In 1917, Robert was wounded from shell shrapnel during the Battle of Passchendaele, and was deemed medically unfit for service. He was discharged from the military in 1918 and shortly after, he met and married his first wife, Margaret Jane Miller (also of Staffa, Ontario). They moved to Hamilton, Ontario and resided at 235 Sherman Avenue South. Robert was a civil servant (department unknown), for the City of Hamilton and kept time sheets for road and sewer work employees. Robert's wife died in 1936 and he married his second wife, Annie Mary Jones in 1950. Robert died in 1968 and is buried in the Staffa Cemetery in Staffa, Ontario.

The Lewis family of Hamilton, Ontario became well-known in the local community through their children. Thomas Lewis, a successful cigar manufacturer, and his wife Ann Arthur, a dramatic reader of Shakespeare, had 14 children, some of whom displayed an aptitude for music and theatre acting. In particular, their daughter Flora became an amateur theatre actress and their daughter Ida Lewis became the famous professional theatre actress known as Julia Arthur. Born in Hamilton in 1869, Julia began acting at the age of eleven, making her hometown debut as Portia in a local amateur theatre company production of Shakespeare’s “The Merchant of Venice.” In 1883, she made her professional debut in Shakespeare’s “Richard III.” Julia studied music and the dramatic arts in both Germany and England for three years and then moved to New York to work as an actress, landing a role in “The Black Masque” to much acclaim from theatre audiences. She returned to England and was invited to join the renowned Sir Henry Irving’s Lyceum Players Company. She returned to Canada in the late 1890s as one of the most popular and successful stage performers of her time. In 1898, Julia Arthur married Benjamin Pierce Cheney, a millionaire and prominent banker and real estate developer from Boston, Massachusetts. She retired from the theatre and began a short career as a film actress in 1908, acting in a few movie pictures, including some war propaganda films. By 1920, her husband’s financial empire had suffered such serious losses that Julia was forced to return to the stage to earn a living. Julia Arthur lived most of her adult life in Boston and died in 1950.

The Levy Brothers Company Limited was started by one of the first members of the Prussian Jewish community to come to Canada in the mid-1800s. Herman Levy, (1833-1902), emigrated from Germany in the 1850s and established a jewellery business in Hamilton in 1857. Within a few years, he had become successful and sent for his future wife Camilla Scheuer, and his brother Abraham (1835-1907), to join him. In 1862, his brother Abraham entered the business, and the company name was changed to H.&A. Levy, eventually becoming the Levy Brothers Company Limited in 1871. The company had a brief partnership with Herman’s brother-in-law, Edmund Scheuer, and at that time was located at 27 King Street East. By 1877, the company had a new location and a prominent presence in downtown Hamilton at 58-60 King Street East, remaining there for many decades. It was a four-story building with showrooms on the first floor and manufacturing on the upper floors. The showrooms featured jewellery pieces such as pins, brooches, rings, earrings, lockets, chains, and bracelets, available in silver, platinum, gold and white gold, as well as diamond rings and various other items such as pipes, ring cases, cutlery, and gold and silver bars.

Although there were many jewellery stores and manufacturers during this time, the Levy Brothers Company was the leading jewellery wholesaler and manufacturer of its kind in British North America, specializing in various jewellery pieces, watches, clocks, optical items, jewellery making materials and watchmaking materials. The company employed around 50 craftsmen who handmade the pieces. Some of these individuals started out as apprentices at the age of 14 and then spent decades with the company honing their skills and becoming experts in their trade before retiring. The quality of craftmanship made the Levy Brothers Company the standard of excellence throughout the country. By 1893, it became a joint stock company whereby investors could buy and sell shares in the business. Abraham took over as President and Herman as Vice President. When Herman passed away in 1901, Abraham ran the operations until he too passed away in 1907. Herman’s son Adolph took over the company at that time and then it was subsequently passed down to his son Herman Herzog Levy (1902-1990), who joined the company in 1923. During the Second World War, Herman H. Levy was appointed the Jewellery Administrator of the War Times Prices and Trade Board, and due to the excellent service he and his company provided during his term as Administrator, he was awarded an Order of the British Empire. In 1945, after 4 years of service as the Jewellery Administrator, he resigned his post and moved the company to its final location at 25 Main Street West. The company was still in business in 1957 to celebrate its centennial, but it is unclear as to when the doors closed permanently, ending over a century of excellent quality and craftsmanship in the jewellery trade.

Robert Lawrence graduated from high school in 1943 and together with his best friend, joined the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). In 1945, Robert was stationed as a mail clerk in Yorkshire, England with the RCAF’s No. 6 Group Bomber Command. During his time in the military, Robert began corresponding with Marion Beverly Mortimer of Hamilton. Upon his return to Hamilton, Robert began his sales career with Life Savers Company, travelling throughout southern Ontario. Robert continued to write to Marion throughout his travels. Robert and Marion were engaged in August of 1948 and married a year later. They were married for sixty years and had three children. Robert died in 2009 and Marion passed away in 2012.

The Hamilton Orphan Asylum was the creation of the Ladies Benevolent Society. The Society, which was established in 1846, consisted of prominent Hamilton women who were concerned about the welfare of the poor within the city, particularly women and children. The Society held its first meeting on May 25, 1846 to discuss how to best provide for the needs of those suffering from sickness and poverty. Beginning as a soup kitchen on John Street, the charity provided relief with the help of donations from prominent citizens, churches, lodges, and other benevolent societies. During this time period, the ravages of cholera and other illnesses left many families destitute, and left numerous children orphaned. The plight of the working poor also resulted in many parents being unable to care for their children. In 1848, the Society established a day school to assist with provisions and the education of these children. With an increase in donations, the Society was able to construct the Hamilton Orphan Asylum, which was completed in 1854 and existed until 1914, when care of the children transferred to other children’s aid organizations in the city.

The Aged Women’s Home was the creation of the Ladies Benevolent Society. The Society, which was established in 1846, consisted of prominent Hamilton women who were concerned about the welfare of the poor within the city, particularly women and children. The Society held its first meeting on May 25, 1846 to discuss how to best provide for the needs of those suffering from sickness and poverty. Beginning as a soup kitchen on John Street, the charity provided relief with the help of donations from prominent citizens, churches, lodges, and other benevolent societies. As more organizations emerged to care for poor and orphaned children, the Society began to solely concentrate its attention on aged and infirm women. Through volunteering in the community, members of the Society witnessed first-hand how elderly, poor and infirm women with few resources and family supports, were left destitute and unable to provide for themselves in their old age, due to a lack of pensions, as well as poor wages during their working lives that left little room for retirement savings. By 1877, the doors of the Aged Women’s Home on Wellington Street opened in downtown Hamilton in the former Hamilton Orphan Asylum, which was also established by the Society. The building transitioned from the care of orphans to the care of elderly women through renovations that altered and enlarged it to fit their specific needs. As donations and support increased over the years, a new residence was opened in 1958 and renamed Idlewyld Manor in 1963. In 2004, a new, modern building was constructed on the West Mountain, which still exists today, and which is now home to both male and female residents.

The Aged Women’s Home was the creation of the Ladies Benevolent Society. The Society, which was established in 1846, consisted of prominent Hamilton women who were concerned about the welfare of the poor within the city, particularly women and children. The Society held its first meeting on May 25, 1846 to discuss how to best provide for the needs of those suffering from sickness and poverty. Beginning as a soup kitchen on John Street, the charity provided relief with the help of donations from prominent citizens, churches, lodges, and other benevolent societies. As more organizations emerged to care for poor and orphaned children, the Society began to solely concentrate its attention on aged and infirm women. Through volunteering in the community, members of the Society witnessed first-hand how elderly, poor and infirm women with few resources and family supports, were left destitute and unable to provide for themselves in their old age, due to a lack of pensions, as well as poor wages during their working lives that left little room for retirement savings. By 1877, the doors of the Aged Women’s Home on Wellington Street opened in downtown Hamilton in the former Hamilton Orphan Asylum, which was also established by the Society. The building transitioned from the care of orphans to the care of elderly women through renovations that altered and enlarged it to fit their specific needs. As donations and support increased over the years, a new residence was opened in 1958 and renamed Idlewyld Manor in 1963. In 2004, a new, modern building was constructed on the West Mountain, which still exists today, and which is now home to both male and female residents.

Thomas L. Kinrade was a Hamilton, Ontario school teacher and served as principal at Cannon Street Public School from 1890 to 1909. Thomas had two sons and three daughters and lived at 105 Herkimer Street with his wife Isabel and his daughters. Thomas owned many rental properties within the city. The Kinrades were highly respected members of the Hamilton community and were seen as very generous. On February 25, 1909, his eldest daughter Ethel was shot dead when she opened the door to a stranger. The tragedy and the sensationalism of the murder took its toll on the family. Thomas retired as principal from the Cannon Street Public School that same year, ending a 34-year career in public education.

Michael Roderick Johnstone was born in Hamilton, Ontario at the Salvation Army Hospital. He graduated from McMaster University in 1969 where he served as the Student Cultural Affairs Commissioner and President of the McMaster Students Union. He was also involved with The Silhouette, McMaster’s University’s student-run newspaper as a writer from 1962 to 1963 and with the McMaster’s Film Board. Michael returned to school at Mohawk College for nursing in the 1980’s and worked at the Hamilton General Hospital as a registered nurse in the post-operative care unit for more than 25 years until his retirement.

Michael was involved in the founding of many gay and lesbian organizations in the Hamilton area. Prior to moving back to Hamilton in 1979, he was a member of Gays of Ottawa from 1976 to 1979. Michael also served as a secretary of the Coordinating Office of the Canadian Lesbian and Gay Rights Coalition that dealt with specific issues of federal jurisdiction. At this time, the Hamilton-McMaster Gay Liberation Movement group has been established. To expand outside of McMaster University and into the broader Hamilton community, core members of the McMaster Homophile Association formed Hamilton United Gay Societies (HUGS) in 1980. Michael was one of the founding members of HUGS and served in different executive committee roles such as secretary, treasurer and president from 1980 to 1982 and again from 1988 to 1991 when HUGS changed their name to Hamilton Gay and Lesbian Alliance (HGALA). Michael was the self-appointed archivist of the Hamilton-Wentworth Gay Archives which was founded in 1982 and was also involved in the Gay Phoenix (then The Phoenix/Hamilton Phoenix) newsletter, Lesbian/Gayline and Speakers’ Bureau.

Since its founding in 1986, Michael was as a member of the Hamilton AIDS Network for Dialogue and Support’s (HANDS) Board of Directors, was the president from 1991 to 1993, and a member of the Steering Committee. He was also involved in the AIDS Prevention Task Force Implementation Subcommittee of the Regional Municipality of Hamilton-Wentworth, the AIDS Working Group on Anonymous HIV Testing, and Regional Palliative Care Program Hospice Services Group.

At the Hamilton GALA Honour Roll Dinner in 1991, Michael Johnstone along with Anne Cassel were presented with the Honour Roll Award plaque to recognize their contributions to the LGBTQ+ community in Hamilton throughout the years.

In addition to Michael’s activist work, he was a part of the Social Justice and World Outreach committees of the Hamilton Presbytery of the United Church of Canada and was an active member of the Hamilton Group of Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East.

Michael passed away from lung cancer on July 26, 2018 at the Good Shepherd’s Emmanuel House hospice in Hamilton which used to be a housing residence for individuals living with HIV/AIDS.

Aidan Johnson served as Hamilton's first openly queer councilor for Ward One (Chedoke-Cootes area) during the 2014-2018 term. Aidan grew up in Westdale and Ainslie Wood and attended George R. Allan, Dalewood and Westdale Secondary schools. He studied at McGill University Faculty of Law, was a Fulbright scholar at New York University (NYU) and a graduate student at the University of Chicago. Aidan was a staff lawyer for Legal Aid Ontario, frequently contributed to Hamilton Spectator, was a Cootes Paradise Restoration worker and volunteered at the Hamilton AIDS Network. He is currently the executive director of the Niagara Community Legal Clinic and the chair of the Niagara Poverty Reduction Network.

The Bruce Trail Association, incorporated as a membership organization in 1963, aimed to complete a walking trail along the Niagara Escarpment in time for Canada’s Centennial in 1967. Construction of the trail began in 1963 and opened in June of 1967. The trail runs the length of the Niagara Escarpment from Tobermory to Queenston a distance of 720 kilometres (432 miles). In 2009, the Bruce Trail Association became known as the Bruce Trail Conservancy, which reflects the association's mandate to conserve the land on which the Bruce Trail is situated. The Iroquoia Bruce Trail Club, established in 1963, is one of nine clubs supporting the Bruce Trail Conservancy. The Iroquoia Club is responsible for the section of the Bruce Trail between Grimsby and Kelso. Its responsibilities include the maintenance and stewardship of the land, as well as public education and promotion.

The chapter was organized April 19, 1918 and named in honour of Col. Bertram Osmar Hooper (1879-1951), a Hamiltonian, who won high honours for his services during World War I. After some years, Col. Hooper asked that the name be changed to that of his wife, and the chapter be known as the Nina Louise Hooper Chapter [Nina (Barrow) Hooper died 1914]. However, this did not conform with the rules of the Order regarding the naming of Chapters, so on November 24, 1930, the name was changed to Wentworth Chapter in honour of the late Sir John Wentworth, who was Lieut. Governor of Nova Scotia from 1792 to 1808. According to The Hamilton Spectator: “During the First World War he originated and led the first daylight attack from trenches, a type of raid that later culminated in the Commandos of World War Two. Col. Hooper was also credited with inventing the box barrage, a precedent-making step in machine-gun warfare. For his bravery on the field he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order and the Military Cross. His contributions to tactics rank as great Canadian achievements" (Oct. 1, 1951). The chapter's motto was: "Keep Smiling." It was disbanded in 1985.

This chapter was named after St. Elizabeth (1207-1231), the daughter of the King of Hungary, who devoted her life to helping the poor and needy of Thuringia. The chapter's specific mandate was to support the Sanatorium, which opened at the same time they were founded. They also provided prizes for public schools and in 1958-1959 adopted St. Elizabeth’s School, Algoma Mills, in addition to supporting schools around the world. The chapter's motto was: "The Noblest Motive is the Public Good."

Established January 14, 1907, this chapter was named after St. Cecilia, the patron saint of musicians who was martyred in the 2nd Century A.D.
This chapter's motto was: "There is Nothing so Kindly as Kindness and No Other so Royal as Trust." The St. Cecilia Chapter was disbanded in 1977.

This chapter began as a COE (Children of the Empire) chapter in 1937 and became a primary chapter in 1943. This chapter was named after Stanley Baldwin, 1st Earl Baldwin of Bewdley (1867-1947) a British Conservative politician who served as Prime Minister from 1935-1937, the only premier to have served under three monarchs (George V, Edward VIII and George VI). The chapter's motto was "Love, Loyalty and Zeal."

The Queen Elizabeth Chapter was formed as a junior chapter composed chiefly of senior girls of the Delta Collegiate Institute on January 7, 1937. They were sponsored by the St. Elizabeth Chapter. At some point they became a primary chapter under the name Queen Elizabeth Chapter. They were named after Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother (1900-2002). The chapter's motto was "Deeds not Words." The Queen Elizabeth Chapter was closed soon after their last meeting of 1963.

First meeting took place October 31, 1934. The chapter was named after Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark (1906-1968), the bride-elect of Prince George of England. The marriage took place November 29, 1934. The chapter's motto was "Onward to Peace." The Princess Marina Chapter was disbanded in 1990.

The Princess Margaret Rose Chapter, which began as a children's chapter in 1936, became a primary chapter in 1941. The chapter was named after Princess Margaret Rose (1930-2002), sister of Queen Elizabeth II. The chapter was disbanded in 2011.

This chapter was formed in 1907 as a military chapter to assist veterans. The first meeting took place at the residence of Lieutenant Colonel Moore on Hess Street South. The chapter’s name refers to the Battle of Paardeburg, fought in February, 1900. It was the Canadians’ first engagement in the Boer War. Mrs. P. D. Crerar, regent of Hamilton Municipal Chapter, began the chapter with the goal of providing care for members of the armed force and their children. At that time, each member had to have a husband, son or brother in the Canadian Army or Navy. The chapter's first project took the form of band concerts. Money was used to purchase musical instruments for the Army Medical Corps Band and to aid South African War veterans and their families. Soon after the chapter's formation, Mrs. Gordon Henderson proposed that the chapter organize a girls’ club and boarding house in the east end of Hamilton for business girls from out of town. By 1908, efforts were underway. A charter was secured, allowing for the purchase of property by the Daughter of the Empire Club, Hamilton, Limited (1911-1996). Hamilton chapters shared the responsibility of funding The Daughters of the Empire Club boarding house and girls' club. From 1913 to 1950, the Paardeburg chapter presented a rifle to Central Collegiate for the best marksman. In 1915, under the leadership of Mrs. H. S. Griffin, regent, a hospital committee was formed. It made supplies and raised funds for Number 2 Hospital in France. Around this time, Paardeburg Chapter acquired its own chapter house when Mrs. W. B. Bruce offered the use of her old home at 17 Jackson Street West, a site later occupied by the Bell Telephone Company (1929). In April of 1919, the chapter house was closed. After World War I, an organization within the chapter called the Big Sisters of Paardeburg was formed to assist daughters of deceased Hamilton soldiers, the Little Sisters of Paardeburg. In 1937, Paardeburg sponsored the formation of the Rt. Hon. Stanley Baldwin Chapter as a junior chapter. During World War II, the Paardeburg Chapter raised funds selling ice cream, candy and soft drinks from a chalet in the Rock Garden. In November of 1996, the shareholders of the Daughter of the Empire Club, Hamilton, Limited voted to surrender their charter. The remaining money held by the girl's club, in the amount of $55,000 (after expenses), was donated to McMaster University for the establishment of a Bursary Fund in perpetuity. The amount was matched by the Ontario Government. The chapter's motto was: "Always Ready."

The Municipal Chapter was originally called Fessenden Chapter, from 1900 to 1902, when they petitioned to have their name changed to Municipal Chapter of Hamilton, which was granted. Their first meeting under the new name took place March 3, 1902. The inaugural meeting of the Municipal Chapter at Fonthill was on April 1, 1938. This was the first meeting at the house after it became the headquarters of the Hamilton IODE. The Municipal Chapter was disbanded in 2012.

This chapter was named after Margaret Gage (Mrs. Harry F.) Burkholder (1869-1927) and grew out of a group of girls who were sewing for the soldiers. Mrs. Burkholder brought them together as a chapter. According to The Hamilton Spectator: “When the Imperial Order of Daughters of the Empire was first conceived, in 1901, Mrs. Burkholder was one of the first members of the Municipal chapter of Hamilton. In 1906 she organized St. Cecelia chapter, now one of the most active chapters of the order in Hamilton. She was regent of this chapter from its organization until 1918, when, at her resignation, she was presented with the jeweled badge of the order. At the formation of the Provincial Chapter of Ontario, Mrs. Burkholder had the honor of being unanimously chosen its first president, an office which she held until her death…Mrs. Burkholder had been a member of the National executive for 12 years and, at the time of her death, was first vice-president of the National chapter" (Oct. 22, 1927). The chapter's motto was "Duty First." The Margaret Gage Burholder Chapter was disbanded in 1977.

Flt. Lieut. Malcolm Charlton Crerar (1898-1917) was the youngest son of Mr. & Mrs. Peter Duncan Crerar. He was educated at Highfield School, Upper Canada College and the Royal Military College. In May of 1916, he was given a commission in the Royal Field artillery but decided to take aviation. In September of 1916, he left for England and was attached to the Royal Flying Corps at Reading. After 3 months he was sent to Egypt and subsequently participated in the British drive through Palestine. He died on August 3, 1917 at 19 years of age of injuries received in a flying accident when in pursuit of an enemy aeroplane in the Gaza district, Palestine. His grave is D. 34 in the Deir El Belah War Cemetery in Israel. The chapter's motto was: "Per Ardu Ad Astra" [Through difficulty to the Stars]. The Malcolm Crerar Aviation Chapter was disbanded in 1949. The money in the treasury was given for scholarships in music to King Edward School and Queen Mary Collegiate.