Fonds Number: 360

Title: Samuel Dickson fonds

Creator: Samuel Dickson

Dates of Material: 1866, copies 2012

Physical Description: 1 lithograph map, 1866; 4 copies 2012

Scope and Contents:
1 map, linen backed, “Map of the Mill and Water Power Property, Belonging to Samuel Dickson Esq. In the town of Peterborough, C. W.” by J. W. Tate, Civil Engineer, A. D. 1866. The map was lithographed by W. C. Chewett & Co. Lith, Toronto. Scale is 100 feet to one inch. The map shows the west bank of the Otonabee River from Hunter to north of London street. The map was prepared for the purpose of selling or renting water power lots No. 1 to 13 on the “Canal” or what was known to later generations as the Dickson Race. The map shows the Union or Junction Railway.
There are several interesting features added to the map. It notes that the “Fall at the dam, 12 feet. From the pond to the bridge, 22 feet.” The Hon. G. S. Boulton is shown on the property Lot 31, Concession 13, Otonabee. There are some references to buildings: stable, woodshed, “the old boarding house”, old saw mill, new saw mill, shingle mill, Foundations of buildings, flumes, etc. destroyed by fire 1866 A.D. Burnt Mill, mill pond, B. Reynolds (apparently running the hotel at the west end of the Hunter Street bridge, also shown), and H. Ruttan is shown on the properties on the south side of Hunter Street. The plan to extend the canal from Murray Street to Hunter Street is shown. The plan shows some areas with trees, but does not show houses in other areas.

Access Conditions:
Open to researchers.

Finding Aids:
None Available on site.

Accruals:
None expected.

Custodial History:
The map was donated by Doug Vaisey, Peterborough and was transmitted to Trent Valley Archives by his son, Robert Taylor-Vaisey, August 2012. Copies were made at Whatley’s Technical Supplies.

Biographical Sketch/ Administrative History
Samuel Dickson (d, 25 April 1870) was a native of Co. Cavan Ireland and came to Peterborough in 1830. He began the manufacture of lumber in 1840. F. H. Dobbin, in the Historical Index, said, “He built and equipped large saw-mills with a very expensive output. Built the Dickson raceway, or water power canal, which afterward supplied with power many local institutions. He amassed considerable property and expanded his business interests.” Dickson served on the town council. He died in the terrible flood of 1870.

Access Points:
Otonabee River