Members of Historical Society of St. Catharines may be available to assist with historical research requests within reason. In depth genealogical queries are better answered by a local genealogical group. If you have a question, please submit it to this page. Please ensure that your questions are very clearly stated, that you provide us with any supporting information possible and that you leave us with some contact information.
Time of response depends on the complexity of the question and the member’s time to conduct the research.
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The Historical Society of St. Catharines 
I am asking about a steam engine that was built in the city of st. Catharines around 1900. All t know about it is was called a Ross. And it was discontinued because of the out break of ww1. I do have a poor black and white picture of the engine my great grandfather ran till about 1930 but other than that I have no other information. Any information on these engines would be helpful
My name is Francis [Frank } Periard from Alexandria Ont. looking for information for Patricia Ann [nee Brunt] Gagnier, the widow of Pvt.Joseph,Leonard Raymond Gagnier,Reg.# SB7286 2nd.Division of the RCR Regiment wounded in action during the Korean war,then Died of his wounds on Sept.30/53 in St.Catherines Hospital. Raymond and his brother Rolland and I were schoolmates in the 40’s at St.Margaret’s school in Alexandria Ont.
I would certainly appreciate any help in locating Patricia Ann to offer my belated condolence in the loss of a dear and longtime friend. Raymond and I hadn’t seen each other since the Gagnier family left Alexandria for St.Catherines in the late 40’s.
If possible could you tell me the history of the building at 15 Wellington St before it became CHMA?
Thank you
I think it was the offices for the Catholic Childrens’ Aid.
Hello In researching my husbands grandfather Pte. William Marshall I discovered that he may be memorialized at city hall in St.Catharines on a bronze plaque for WW1 soldiers killed in action. We never imagined this was possible since he was born in England but came over to Canada to settle and work in St.Catharines as a sheet metal worker than sending for his family (my husbands grandmother, father and uncle) who lived at 18 McGhie St. I was also amazed to find out he may have served with the 19th Lincoln Regiment as stated on his military papers when he joined the CEF with the 4th CMR. He was killed in action at the very onset of the battle near the French village of Courcellete at 3pm on Oct.3rd 1916. I am wondering how I can verify the information about the bronze plaque and especially about his service with the Linc and Welld Regt since this is where my husband and I met back in 1987 when we worked at and were married at the unit in 1990. It seems we have quite a history with them as our daughter was also a member and both our daughters married members of the unit. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
I am looking into my family history and I am told that there was a hardware store called “Archibald Riddell & Sons” in St. Catherine sometime from 1861-1940. I would like verification that there was such a store with possibly a photo plus and information on the family members who owned this business.
Thank you,
Peggie Makowski
I live in St. Catharines and did a quick internet search. Here is a page that may interest you. https://canadianarchivist.wordpress.com/tag/st-catharines/
I am writing a history of Oberlin College’s involvement in the abolition movement. I am researching Hiram Wilson of St.Catherines and his role. I am hoping to come to StCatherines to research Wilson. I am planning a brief visit in early May and would like to know whether, in addition to the historical society, Brock University has holdings regarding Wilson.
Thank you, Arthur Holbrook
I have some scant information on Wilson. By chance, did you come across the name the Rev. Pelham Stanhope Aldrich (sometimes spelled Aldridge) associated with Wilson in any way? Will send along any info on Wilson I have, although it is brief.
J H Barnard
Mr. Holbrook,
This concerns Hiram Wilson of St.Catherines. How goes your research?
J Barnard
Hi..also does anyone have Historical Pictures of the old Pop Factory that was located at the end of Ontario st. and Lakeshore rd? It is now a Plaza..but i remember it as a child as i use to go find Full bottles of pop when it was Torn down..or Burned down?
I think this was discussed in the Vintage Port Dalhousie Facebook group. Wasn’t it a Crush factory? Check out the group.
Hi..i was wondering if anyone has any information about the old Haunted House on Church st? I remember as a child all the News in the Standard…things flying in the air..people being pinned to the walls..police detailed statements of what they seen.i no the Family eventually moved from the home and the Child was never Harmed again…does anyone have information on this?
Look up 237 church st St. Catharines……..check St. Catharines poltergeist 1970
Looking for any information about Martha Hurst, passed on about 1950. Husband was James Hurst. Thank you
Henry Musgrave Blight (Jan. 5, 1853 – June 20, 1931) was my great grandfather, from what I can gather, he was a book seller. As a child, I can remember a very old newspaper clipping of a brick building with BLIGHT painted on it (the clipping has since been lost). Further back, another great grandfather Blight and his brother came over from England, both were architects who designed a few buildings in the area. Does anyone have any clue as to when, where and what the building with my ancestors name on it was? And if anyone in the area is also researching the Blight family I sure could use some help!
Thank you in advance,
Margaret Wiedeman Smith