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The Royal Court Entertainers were an amateur concert party consisting of nine members: Mary Hanson, Dorothy Sommerville, Hazel Phillips, Mary Grant, Ethel Morris, Frederick Davidson, Howard Wilson Jerome, Richard Fairs, and Leslie Sommerville. From 1937-1941, they performed old fashioned choruses, humorous sketches and dances for personal parties, garden parties and group events.

Founded in 1897 by C.L.M. Harris as the Hamilton Conservatory of Music (HCM), the conservatory provided higher education in music with focus in piano, strings, winds, organ and guitar, as well as art, physical culture, dance, musical kindergarten and elocution. The conservatory was originally located in the former home of Robert Steele, and in 1899, the conservatory moved to Main and Charles Streets. In 1904, the conservatory moved to its permanent home on James Street South with studio space on the first floor, a recital hall on the second floor, and a meeting room in the basement.

Under Harris' directorship, the conservatory was incorporated by the province of Ontario in 1902, and two years later was affiliated with the University of Toronto as a means to prepare students for the Bachelor in Music from the university. The affiliation ended in 1918, when the HCM began to offer a competing system of examinations. Harris was succeeded by J.E.P. Aldous, W.H. Hewlett, and Bruce Carey who oversaw the administrative functions of the conservatory and presented internationally known artists in the recital hall. After Carey resigned, Hewlett began the first principal of the conservatory.

On May 15, 1965, the conservatory received a royal charter and changed its name to the Royal Hamilton College of Music. During this process, the conservatory renamed its associate diploma (AHCM) in piano, violin, voice, speech arts and drama to ARHCM, and expanded to offer a licentiate diploma (LRHCM) and an honorary fellow's degree (FRHCM).

The conservatory expanded its program to include courses in Suzuki string method, jazz, theatre, and the visual arts. The conservatory also physically grew to offer five branches in the Hamilton area and maintained branches in Windsor, Leamington and Oakville, Ontario.

The college closed in 1980 due to financial problems.

In 1994, Goldshower Recording Company was created by Jean Paul Gauthier. Two years later, the company was renamed September Seventh Entertainment Ltd. The company hosted and produced concerts and events in the Hamilton area, and, most notably produced concerts for Daniel Lanois for over ten years. Under the direction of Jean-Paul Gauthier, September Seventh Entertainment Ltd. created the Hamilton Music Scene festival, the Hamilton Music Awards and the Harvest Picnic festival.

During and after the First World War, many soldiers returning from the front wounded in mind and body needed assistance to provide for themselves and their families. Social assistance programs were non-existent during this period, so returning veterans who struggled to reintegrate into civilian life faced extreme hardships and destitution, along with their families. The province of Ontario established the Soldiers’ Aid Commission on November 10, 1915, to address this emerging issue and to support the needs of veterans, who had given so much for their country during the war. The early mandate of the Commission was to provide emergency financial assistance to returning soldiers, with a focus on the sick and wounded. As soldiers began to return home it became apparent that their needs included more than just emergency assistance. What started as emergency financial assistance, evolved into various avenues of support that also included retraining, education, rehabilitation, employment assistance, childcare arrangements, and pension advocacy. Due to the large number of returning veterans, the SAC set up various branches across the province to provide local assistance.

The Hamilton branch of the SAC was established on January 15, 1917. The aim of the branch was to support veterans through various initiatives such as hospital visits, providing comfort to dying veterans, visiting soldiers and their dependents in their homes, providing for dependent or orphaned children of the servicemen, providing loans and other financial assistance, retraining and re-educating for new employment, helping veterans secure their former employment, and advocating for fair wages and for pensions. Overall, the SAC and all its branches championed the rights of returning veterans with various needs, and worked to ensure that the general public understood that the help received by the returning soldiers was not charity, but entitlement. The veterans had earned this assistance for their service and sacrifices. Although the various branches of the SAC are no longer in existence, the Soldiers’ Aid Commission continued to provide support throughout the Second World War and the Korean War, and continues to help Ontario veterans to the present day.

George Sorbara was a graduate of Westdale Secondary School found in Westdale Village, a suburb of Hamilton. He participated in high school activities such as stage productions and the football team. After graduation, George Sorbara joined the Hamilton Hurricanes, a member of the Canadian Junior Football League. He was part of the Championship winning 1972 team which defeated the defending champs Regina Rams in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

St. George’s Benevolent Society of Hamilton started as a fraternal organization that formed on April 17, 1843, and officially became incorporated in 1862. Its namesake was England’s legendary patron Saint George, whose piety and charitable works towards others were characteristics emulated by members. The purpose of the Society was to practice benevolence towards the less fortunate by assisting the poor and new immigrants from England and Wales, providing a social outlet for these newcomers, and promoting a sense of patriotism and national sentiment in its members of English and Welsh descent. Many members considered it an honour to be part of the St. George’s Benevolent Society of Hamilton, and its ranks included many prominent and elite citizens such as mayors, professionals, and influential men of commerce and industry. Other members had been previously assisted by the Society and wanted the opportunity to return the favour when their financial situations improved. The members believed very strongly in their duty to assist their countrymen from England and Wales, who struggled in their new home. Members were reminded of the difficulties and loneliness some of them or their ancestors faced when they immigrated to Canada and therefore, wanted to ensure a firm means of social and financial support for newcomers, so they could better adjust to their new country and city. Members donated money and volunteered their time to canvass funds among the public to provide relief in the form of “Christmas Cheer” baskets containing beef, bread, flour, sugar, tea and raisins, as well other essential items such as clothing, shoes, furniture and fuel needed throughout the year. At its peak, the Society was able to provide hundreds of baskets to deserving individuals and families annually, showcasing the generosity of the members and the public, but also the dire need in the community. Member volunteers thoroughly investigated cases of need before distributing money or Christmas baskets to ensure the need was legitimate and to ensure proper stewardship of funds entrusted to the organization by its members and the public. Initially, relief was provided only to those of English and Welsh origin, but by 1912, the by-laws were amended to allow for the provision of emergency relief to people irrespective of nationality. The humanitarian work of the Society and other benevolent organizations was very important and necessary as these organizations existed in a time before the availability of government assisted programs of support. Poverty was a constant presence for many people, especially immigrants to a new land, and the fear and shame of coming to rest in a pauper’s grave prompted the Society to also purchase plots in the Hamilton Cemetery on York Boulevard, marked with the Cross of St. George, to provide dignified burials for those who died penniless, or without family.

Before the First World War, the Society boasted a membership of well over 1000 active individuals, including a record 1219 members in 1907, who attended meetings and participated in various social events such as annual dinners, the Festival of St. George and Trafalgar Day Celebrations, as well as made annual public appeals for funds to raise money for the charity. Appeals were consistent every year except during and right after the First World War when little was asked from the public due to the hardships brought on by the conflict, and to the high unemployment post war. Membership and funds dwindled during the war as money was tight and members were called up or volunteered to serve, with some making the ultimate sacrifice. Although the charitable work diminished during the war, patriotic work increased with the Society providing comforts and care packages to the soldiers overseas, many of whom were former British citizens who had moved to Canada and enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force when England called. During the war, the Society promoted projects such as recruiting for the C.E.F., as well as raising money for the Save a Soldier Fund, the Patriotic Fund and the Red Cross. Even with fewer members and funds during the war years, minutes from 1916 reveal that the Society was still able to provide 85 Christmas baskets helping over 400 Hamilton residents, including 235 children who received oranges and candies. By the 1920s, membership was at half its peak pre-war, but the Society was still vibrant, and its impact was still felt through its charitable works. After the Second World War, a rise in government supported assistance programs and a shift away from the traditional ties to England impacted the Society’s original purpose. By the 1970s, membership lists indicate the Society had around 190 members. In 1985, the membership was open to women and in 1993, the first female president was elected. That same year, the members of the Society formed a Renewal Committee with the purpose of reviewing the organization’s mission and goals, and reflecting on whether its objectives needed revision given the changing nature of Canadian society. Although the focus at that point was still on the British roots and heritage of the organization, the membership opened to anyone of any nationality who supported the goals of the charity. Today, the St. George’s Benevolent Society of Hamilton operates out of Dundas, Ontario and has a smaller, but meaningful presence in the community by supporting local causes that enhance community well-being. The Society and its members support and promote health and wellness programs, educational programs that enhance opportunities for children and youth, and also support social services that help vulnerable populations, continuing a long and proud tradition of benevolence.

Peter Stevens (March 16, 1963 – February 25, 2015), was a freelance photographer, graphic designer, art director and magazine editor. Peter studied Graphic Design at Sheridan College and worked in the design and advertising field for almost 20 years. He served as Art Director with Wordsmith Design and Advertising (Part of the Pier 8 Group). Peter was a founding member of the Hamilton Photo Union and served the organization as a board member from 1982-1986. He was also the Photo Editor for Broadway Magazine (an alternative news source for Hamilton), Style Magazine and The Hammer Magazine. Peter Stevens spent 25 years capturing the essence of the arts scene in Hamilton and had a very large impact on the arts community. His work was exhibited at the Hammer Gallery, the b Contemporary Gallery, Broadway Gallery, Gallery on 4, the Photo Union Gallery and the Transit Gallery.

Peter Stevens (March 16, 1963 – February 25, 2015), was a freelance photographer, graphic designer, art director and magazine editor. Peter studied Graphic Design at Sheridan College and worked in the design and advertising field for almost 20 years. He served as Art Director with Wordsmith Design and Advertising (Part of the Pier 8 Group). Peter was a founding member of the Hamilton Photo Union and served the organization as a board member from 1982-1986. He was also the Photo Editor for Broadway Magazine (an alternative news source for Hamilton), Style Magazine and The Hammer Magazine. Peter Stevens spent 25 years capturing the essence of the arts scene in Hamilton and had a very large impact on the arts community. His work was exhibited at the Hammer Gallery, the b Contemporary Gallery, Broadway Gallery, Gallery on 4, the Photo Union Gallery and the Transit Gallery.

Henry George Gordon Strathy was born in London, Ontario 1846. He was the son of James Brakenridge Strathy. In 1835, James Strathy went into business in Dundas, Ontario owning various flour and paper mills. They moved back to London, where James Strathy became the District Clerk for the County of Middlesex.
Henry Strathy joined the Bank of Montreal in Hamilton in 1864. In 1866, he joined the 13th battalion to fight the Fenian Raids. In 1867 he moved to Montreal, where he married his wife and lived until his death in 1932.

Superior Engravers was founded in Hamilton in 1921. The company's primary function at that time was the production of pre-press acid etchings (a process that involved etching text and images onto metal plates) for use in the printing of posters, and newspaper and magazine advertisements. In the mid 1930s, the owners and four key employees entered into a court battle for control of the company. The employee group won, gaining control of Superior Engravers, and Harold Pitts was named works manager and William Van Sickle became secretary-treasurer. By the 1950s, Jim Pitts, son of Harold, and Jim Van Sickle, son of William, had joined the company, for which projects included the production of shopping catalogues for Eaton’s department stores. Harold Pitts became company president in 1960, and began embracing the technological change of the time, importing a scanner from Germany that could produce colour film separations at a rapid rate. Jim Pitts and Jim Van Sickle gained control of the company in 1971, and continued to embrace technological change, purchasing the first fully-computerized scanner in Canada in 1972. Harold Pitts retired from Superior Engravers in 1976, but remained a director of the company. John Pitts, son of Jim and grandson of Herald, joined the company in 1979, becoming production manager then sales manager in the 1980s. In 1986, John Pitts bought Jim Van Sickles' shares of the company and became president. John's father, Jim Pitts, remained company chairman until his retirement in 1996. In the 1990s, Superior Engravers was renamed Superior Graphics Communications. In 1994, John Pitts eliminated his title as president, and the company became a partnership, known as Superior Interactive Communications. Circa 1998, the company was renamed Brickworks Communications Inc., and Peter Earle, a former Defasco executive, was named CEO. The company continues to provide advertising and marketing support, with an increased focus on corporate and interactive communications. John Pitts is the current owner and president of Brickworks Communications, located at 270 Sherman Avenue North in Hamilton, Ontario.

Captain James Sutherland (1805-1857), was born in Hoy, Orkney Islands, Scotland to a sea-faring family. He began his sailing career at the age of seventeen starting as a low-ranking mate and climbing the ladder to captain. He immigrated to Toronto, Canada in 1831 and sailed the steamboat Queenston, owned by John Hamilton. He married Margaret Robinson in 1833 and moved to a house on Hughson Street in Hamilton, Ontario. During his sailing career, Sutherland commanded some of the newest and most prestigious steamers to sail the Great Lakes such as the Traveller and the Niagara. By partnering with wealthy Hamilton investors, Sutherland who was of modest means, was able to co-own and command a fleet of steamships, including his most notable steamboat the Magnet. He retired from sailing in 1853 to work for the Great Western Railway Company. On March 12, 1857, Captain James Sutherland became the most notable Hamiltonian to lose his life in a train wreck on the Desjardins Canal Bridge.

Captain James Sutherland (1805-1857), was born in Hoy, Orkney Islands, Scotland to a sea-faring family. He began his sailing career at the age of seventeen starting as a low-ranking mate and climbing the ladder to captain. He immigrated to Toronto, Canada in 1831 and sailed the steamboat Queenston, owned by John Hamilton. He married Margaret Robinson in 1833 and moved to a house on Hughson Street in Hamilton, Ontario. During his sailing career, Sutherland commanded some of the newest and most prestigious steamers to sail the Great Lakes such as the Traveller and the Niagara. By partnering with wealthy Hamilton investors, Sutherland who was of modest means, was able to co-own and command a fleet of steamships, including his most notable steamboat the Magnet. He retired from sailing in 1853 to work for the Great Western Railway Company. On March 12, 1857, Captain James Sutherland became the most notable Hamiltonian to lose his life in a train wreck on the Desjardins Canal Bridge.

Herbert Taylor was born October 2, 1892, in Hamilton, Ontario. He lived at 94 Burris Street and worked as a cutler in the Taylor Brothers Cutlery Company Limited located at 11 MacNab Street North, along with his brothers Arthur and Albert. The business was established in 1886 by his father Enoch Taylor, a cutler and grinder by trade, who emigrated from Sheffield, England to Hamilton, and set up a business that specialized in making, selling, sharpening and repairing knives and other sharp instruments. When he died in 1906, his sons took over the business. Before the outbreak of the First World War, Herbert had been working in the business while also serving as a band member with the 91st Highlanders Regiment for three years. In 1916, Herbert along with two of his bandmates, John Edward Hunter and Norris Arthur Hunter, enlisted as privates in the Canadian Expeditionary Force’s 80th Overseas Battalion on January 20, in Belleville, Ontario, sailing to England together that same year. Herbert and his bandmates were stationed in multiple locations in England for the duration of their overseas service. They played with various Canadian Divisional Bands including the 6th Canadian Reserve Band. The soldier musicians performed for civilians and dignitaries in places such as private residences, halls, hotels, parks and gardens across England, to maintain support for the war effort. They also played for wounded soldiers at convalescent homes and hospitals, and entertained soldiers of every rank on leave rotations in rear area Y.M.C.A. huts, to boost morale and keep up the fighting spirits of the men. Herbert and his bandmates did not engage in combat operations during the war, but they served their country through their music by boosting the morale of the allies and providing much needed entertainment to weary and homesick soldiers. All three men returned to Canada in 1919. Herbert continued as a musician, playing in city bands and orchestras, while working at his cutlery business until his death in 1955.

The Canadian Federation of University Women Hamilton is part of a national organization (CFUW) which has local clubs or chapters in different locations across Canada. It is also referred to as the University Women's Club of Hamilton and CFUW Hamilton.