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The Wentworth County Agricultural Society was established in the mid-1800s to promote good agricultural practices and support rural communities in the region. Agriculture was essential to the success of the region and to the survival of the residents, so ensuring farmers were educated in the scientific principal of good agriculture, soil improvement, and the modernization of farm equipment, was of great concern and importance. The Society represented the smaller agricultural societies in the townships of Ancaster, Barton, Beverly, Binbrook, Dundas, East and West Flamborough, Glanford and Saltfleet, as well as the city of Hamilton, which paid membership fees to the larger organization. The Society elected officers and judges to organize and preside over fairs and exhibitions that showcased the livestock and yields of farmers, and awarded prizes for various categories including, but not limited to, best horse, cattle, sheep, poultry, fine wool, wheat and produce. The exhibitions were often held on the grounds of the Crystal Palace. The Society obtained revenue from grants from Hamilton City Council, membership subscription fees, booth, stand and stall rentals, participant entrance fees, and unclaimed prize money. The Wentworth County Agricultural Society is no longer in existence however, the Ancaster Agricultural Society still exists as of 2025, as do many fairs and exhibitions, which have endured and continue to be a mainstay of rural community life in the region of Hamilton-Wentworth, as well as Ontario.

The Wentworth Historical Society was originally established in 1889 as the Wentworth Pioneer and Historical Society. The membership consisted of a number of prominent Hamiltonians including former mayors Charles McGill and Alexander McKay, as well as notable residents whose ancestors were early settlers to this region, such as Thomas Beasley, Colonel John Land, John H. Land, and George H. Mills, the Society’s first President. Other notable members included businessmen Joseph Lister, William Eli Sanford and Thomas C. Watkins. The objective of the Society was to stimulate interest in and promote the study of history, archaeology and genealogy around the Hamilton region, and to collect and preserve that history. Some of the original members had personally witnessed historical events or heard memories of the events from their pioneer ancestors, and could recount the details for lectures and publications, including 11 volumes of the Papers and Records of the Wentworth Historical Society, published from 1892 to 1924. During its 36-year existence, the Wentworth Historical Society collected many books, papers and artifacts of historic value, some of which were housed at Dundurn Castle, as the Society did not have its own building. The organization was also instrumental in marking historic sites in the Hamilton area, as well as preserving several historic landmarks, particularly the site of the Battle of Stoney Creek. The Wentworth Historical Society was determined to have a monument constructed at Smith’s Knoll in Stoney Creek, which was generally accepted as the centre of the conflict, and where the remains of soldiers are buried. The monument was constructed in 1908 as a memorial to those who fought and died during the War of 1812. The Society also desired to construct a museum building for the public, as well as to house its growing collection of artifacts and documents.

The Wentworth Historical Society was the first historical society in Canada to admit women to its membership with the creation of the Ladies’ Committee on May 21, 1895. The Ladies’ Committee was organized to assist with the establishment of the proposed historical museum at Harvey Park near Dundurn Castle. The women organized and held a successful event that raised funds for this building. After the money was raised, some members of the Ladies’ Committee, including Sara Calder, granddaughter of James and Mary Davis Gage who had owned the Gage homestead and property (currently Battlefield House Museum and Park), felt that the choice of locations for the museum near Dundurn Castle and for a monument at Smith’s Knoll in Stoney Creek, were not appropriate, instead preferring the Gage homestead and grounds. The disagreement between these members of the Ladies’ Committee and other members of the Wentworth Historical Society, led to some of the women breaking away and forming the Women’s Wentworth Historical Society in 1899, with Sara Calder as the first President. Years later, the money raised by the Ladies’ Committee of the Wentworth Historical Society would be the subject of a legal dispute between the two groups that would see the Women’s Wentworth Historical Society triumph. Although both organizations were eventually successful in getting their separate monuments built, the dispute over site locations, the protracted legal case over money, along with declining membership and finances, forced the Wentworth Historical Society and the remainder of the Ladies’ Committee to dissolve in 1925. The books, papers and records of the Wentworth Historical Society were placed in storage with the hope that one day the organization would be able to revive itself again. That time came in 1944 when the Head-of-the-Lake Historical Society was formed and took possession of the records. This new generation of historical enthusiasts helped to breathe new life into the study, promotion and preservation of Hamilton’s history, and continues the dedication and work of its predecessor to the present day.

The Wesleyan Ladies' College was located at the corner of King Street East and John Street South in Hamilton, Ontario, in the building erected as the Anglo-American Hotel (1854), which declared bankruptcy in 1861. This location became the future site of the Waldorf Hotel (ca. 1901-1914) and then The Royal Connaught Hotel (1914-). The Wesleyan Ladies’ College officially opened in September of 1861, drawing students from across Canada and the United States, and housing both boarding and day students. Mary Electa Adams was the first principal (from 1861-1868), succeeded by Rev. S.D. Rice, who was principal until 1878. More than two thousand women were educated at Wesleyan, and the college produced more than two hundred graduates. The first degrees conferred by the college were MLA, Mistress of Liberal Arts, and MEL, Mistress of English Literature. Members of the graduating class of 1888 obtained honours in the first Bachelor of Arts Degrees ever obtained by women in Ontario. The Wesleyan Ladies’ College closed in 1897.

Thomas Harrison Wilkinson, a watercolour artist, was born in Bradford, Yorkshire, England in 1847. He studied art in London. In 1870, Wilkinson immigrated to Canada where he lived in London, Ontario. In 1872, he married Carrie O’Cochrane of Kingston and made a home in Toronto. During his career, Wilkinson traveled and painted throughout Canada from Muskoka, Parry Sound, Georgian Bay, Montreal, Quebec, Lake Louise, the Rocky Mountains and British Colombia. He also traveled to North Carolina, England, Italy and Spain. Wilkinson was best known for his landscapes, seascapes, pastorals and streetscapes, working in watercolor and oil. He spent the last twenty years of his life living in Hamilton. Wilkinson died in 1929.

The Women’s Wentworth Historical Society was established in 1899 by former members of the Ladies’ Committee of the Wentworth Historical Society, who had separated from the latter organization after a dispute over where to construct a public museum, as well as a monument to the dead from the War of 1812 Battle of Stoney Creek. The members of the original Ladies’ Committee organized a successful fundraiser that raised money for a proposed historical museum at Harvey Park near Dundurn Castle. After the money was raised, some of these members spearheaded by Sara Calder, felt that the choice of locations for both the museum near Dundurn, and the monument to the dead soldiers at Smith’s Knoll in Stoney Creek, were not appropriate. Calder, who was the granddaughter of James and Mary Davis Gage, owners of the Gage homestead and property (currently Battlefield House Museum and Park), along with other members of the Ladies’ Committee, felt that the Gage homestead and grounds were a more suitable location. When the Gage homestead became available for sale, Calder encouraged the Wentworth Historical Society to buy the property but was unsuccessful at convincing many of the members. The disagreement led to some of the women leaving and forming the Women’s Wentworth Historical Society with Sara Calder as the first President.

The objective of the Women’s Wentworth Historical Society was to collect and preserve historic facts and relics, conduct research into the history, archaeology and genealogy of Wentworth County, as well as promote the maintenance of historical sites, buildings and monuments, while fostering a spirit of patriotism in its members. In 1899, not long after the creation of the Society, Sara Calder purchased the Gage homestead along with 4½ acres of land around the house for $1900 and retained ownership of the property until the sale price had been raised by public and private funds. The property was then turned over to the Women’s Wentworth Historical Society and external trustees were appointed to administer the legal entity. The property was officially opened as a public park on October 21, 1899. The Society was the first private organization in Canada to own a historic site that was maintained as a public park. Annual membership fees and fundraising events helped pay off the mortgage on the property in 1907 and in 1910, an additional 13 acres were purchased, bringing the total park land to 17½ acres, with the goal of eventually making it a national historic site. Calder and the members of the Society worked hard to maintain the park and homestead, in hopes of procuring a monument by convincing the dominion government that the location was the most suitable place for the public museum and memorial, and that the Society and its members were the best stewards of such a significant site. The government agreed to provide funds to construct the tower monument, which was then unveiled on June 6, 1913, on the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Stoney Creek. To commemorate such a significant event, the monument was unveiled electronically by Queen Mary at Buckingham Palace in London, England.

Over the years, the money sustaining Battlefield House and grounds was raised by Society functions and events, membership fees and private donations, with the exception of rare government grants that helped maintain the property. Despite all the efforts, the operation of such a large site and the constant repairs to such an old building, were too much for the Society and its finances. After 62 years of ownership, the Women’s Wentworth Historical Society transferred the house and property to the Niagara Parks Commission in January of 1962. The Commission then purchased another 17½ acres of land for the now national historic site. Although the Women’s Wentworth Historical Society then turned its focus to assisting with the centennial restoration of Dundurn Castle, the real focus and passion had, and always would be, for Battlefield House. So when the Society noticed that the grounds were being well maintained but the house was looking neglected, members persuaded the Niagara Parks Commission to restore the house to its original condition on the understanding that Society members would fundraise to refurnish four rooms within the house to the 1790-1830 time period when the Gage family occupied the residence. The newly restored Battlefield House was re-opened to the public on May 15, 1976. Despite a fire the following year on August 8, 1977, the damage was limited to the roof and a second-floor room, so it was quickly repaired, and the house re-opened permanently the following season. The Society had persevered and ensured the preservation of Battlefield House, of which the members were very proud. Unfortunately, the achievement of this goal took a toll on the organization. After 83 years in operation, the dwindling finances and volunteers, the changing economic and social climates, along with the lack of a new preservation project, forced the executive of the Women’s Wentworth Historical Society to reluctantly inform its remaining members that it would have to disband. The members were invited to one more luncheon held at the Hamilton Thistle Club on September 14, 1982. This luncheon marked the end of an era for the type of passion and dedication exhibited in the preservation of historical sites. The hard work, determination and dedication of the members of the Society, especially the formidable Sara Calder, ensured that many generations of residents and visitors have been able to enjoy some of Hamilton’s most notable historic landmarks, along with future generations to come.

The Head-of-the-Lake Historical Society was established in 1944, when Lieutenant Colonel Charles R. McCullough convened a meeting of historically-minded residents of Hamilton to discuss the establishment of a new local history society to replace the former Wentworth Historical Society (1889-1925). The Head-of-the-Lake Historical Society exists to promote Hamilton’s history through its motto: Explore, Preserve, Relate. The Society holds regular meetings and annual Heritage Day dinner celebrations, as well as outreach activities such as lectures and day outings to local historical sites. The Society has collected and preserved historical photographs of the Hamilton area, many of which have been included in its publications on Hamilton history. In partnership with the Hamilton Historical Board, the Society has sponsored several historical plaques to commemorate important people and events in the city of Hamilton and the surrounding region. The Society has also been actively involved in restoring important historical landmarks such as the incorporation of the Old City Hall clock into the Hamilton Eaton’s Centre, and the Gore Park Fountain in downtown Hamilton.

The Head-of-the-Lake Historical Society was established in 1944, when Lieutenant Colonel Charles R. McCullough convened a meeting of historically-minded residents of Hamilton to discuss the establishment of a new local history society to replace the former Wentworth Historical Society (1889-1925). The Head-of-the-Lake Historical Society exists to promote Hamilton’s history through its motto: Explore, Preserve, Relate. The Society holds regular meetings and annual Heritage Day dinner celebrations, as well as outreach activities such as lectures and day outings to local historical sites. The Society has collected and preserved historical photographs of the Hamilton area, many of which have been included in its publications on Hamilton history. In partnership with the Hamilton Historical Board, the Society has sponsored several historical plaques to commemorate important people and events in the city of Hamilton and the surrounding region. The Society has also been actively involved in restoring important historical landmarks such as the incorporation of the Old City Hall clock into the Hamilton Eaton’s Centre, and the Gore Park Fountain in downtown Hamilton.

The Head-of-the-Lake Historical Society was established in 1944, when Lieutenant Colonel Charles R. McCullough convened a meeting of historically-minded residents of Hamilton to discuss the establishment of a new local history society to replace the former Wentworth Historical Society (1889-1925). The Head-of-the-Lake Historical Society exists to promote Hamilton’s history through its motto: Explore, Preserve, Relate. The Society holds regular meetings and annual Heritage Day dinner celebrations, as well as outreach activities such as lectures and day outings to local historical sites. The Society has collected and preserved historical photographs of the Hamilton area, many of which have been included in its publications on Hamilton history. In partnership with the Hamilton Historical Board, the Society has sponsored several historical plaques to commemorate important people and events in the city of Hamilton and the surrounding region. The Society has also been actively involved in restoring important historical landmarks such as the incorporation of the Old City Hall clock into the Hamilton Eaton’s Centre, and the Gore Park Fountain in downtown Hamilton.