Uncovering History : Cambridge, ON

LA Franks (Galt)

Now a delious hot dog shack, this buildng used to be part of the Turnbull Knitting Mill. The mill was partly torn down in 1974 to allow for the insulation of flood walls along the Grand River

Reid's Candy (Galt)

Reid's started as a specialty nut shop in 1948 and has since then become the top chocolate and confectionary destination in Waterloo Region

Galt Collegiate Institute (Galt)

Founded in 1852, GCI was originally an all-boys boarding school and has been known as one of the top schools in Ontario over the years

Galt Fire Musuem (Galt)

This building was built in 1898 to be the main fire station for the town of Galt. It now serves as the Cambridge Fire Museum which is a non-profit aimed at perserving history and educating children on fire safety

Galt Arena Gardens (Galt)

After builders breaking ground in 1921, Galt Arena Gardens has become one of the oldest continuously operating arenas in the world and has housed some of the best hockey players in history such as Gordie Howe

Hespeler Furniture Factory (Hespeler)

The Hespeler Furniture Co. was founded in 1901 by George A. Gruetzner who immigrated from New York to Berlin (now Kitchener) before moving to Hespeler and starting the company from scratch

Old Post Office (Galt)

The Old Post Office was built in 1884 to house the post office, customs and other governmental services. It is said to be haunted by a ghost named Emily who was a heart-broken mail clerk that fell in love with a married post master. The building was deemed a national historical site in 1983

Gore Insurance (Galt)

Gore Mutual is Canada's oldest property and casulty insurance company. The company first opened its doors in 1839, 28 years before confederation

Train Station (Galt)

Built in 1998, the Galt train station served as a main exchange point between electric and steam engines for the area and is partly responsable for the immigration of settlers to the area

Grist Mill (Preston)

The Grist Mill is one of the oldest industrial buildings in the area. Over the years, it has been home to many different companies including a vinegar company and Preston Carriage Works

Knox's Church (Galt)

Knox's, with its Scottish roots, was established in 1844 after the rise of religious controversy between Scottish and Canadian religous institutions

Middleton Pump House (Galt)

A new pump was proudly installed in 1940. The pump was made by Galt-based manufacturer Babcock Wilcox and Goldie which is still in business in Cambridge today

Peter Hay Knife Co. (Galt)

The company's first location founded in 1882 by Peter Hay, a Scottish blacksmith who immigrated to the area in 1861. The company is known for their shredder knives and is still a local business today

Waterloo Textile Factory (Hespeler)

Built in 1864, it became Dominion Woollens and Worsted Ltd. They were the largest mill in the British Empire at the time

Black Bridge Road (Hespeler)

The Black Bridge Road Bridge is the only single lane, pin-jointed steel truss bridge in Cambridge. It was built in 1916 and has been rated 6 out of 100 historical bridges in Waterloo Region