The Heritage Gazette of the Trent Valley is the official publication of the Trent Valley Archives.
Current Issue
February 2026 | Volume 30 | Number 3
As we watch the snow fall a lot this winter, the Trent Valley Archives invites you to imagine summer on the water instead. Imagine being on Chemong Lake, where, in this issue, Mike Parnell guides us through the upper floor of the cottage formerly housing the Peterborough Rowing Club on Kelly’s Island, Mike Dolbey dives into the construction of the steamboat Sturgeon and its relationship to the Collemore family, and Elwood Jones plunges into a history of the steamboat Whistle Wing and brewer and steamboat operator, Henry Calcutt.
This issue also delves into the lives of Peterburians. Mike Dolbey delivers a beautiful biography of Iva Virginia Wells, a singer and pianist, and her husband, James Edgar, who was a Postmaster in Peterborough. Elwood Jones and Alicia Bertrand transcribe two fascinating memos from former General Electric Vice-President, Walter Ward, while he served as a radar specialist and Lieutenant-Colonel in the Royal Canadian Navy and Royal Navy (British). Those of you with British friends could discuss his letter on the dichotomy of British culture vs. Canadian culture during World War 2. It’s quite the conversation starter (or ender)!
This issue also examines the relationships between Peterborough residents and our spaces and places. Highlights include a 1948 letter from Frederick De la Fosse to Peterborough Examiner editor Robertson Davies about the Victoria Park fountain, and a book review of Peterborough: Spirit of Place, which describes the stunning photography of John McQuarrie.
Another book review, by Mary and Greg Conchelos, discusses The Kid from Simcoe Street; a Memoir and Poems, by James Clarke. This enduring tale of a young boy’s struggles, mentorship found in firefighters, and his eventual position as an Ontario Superior Court justice is also being adapted for the stage by Trent Valley Archives Theatre.
The TVA welcomes stories and records from citizens across the Trent Valley area. If you’d like to donate, we’d love to hear from you! Over the last year, we obtained numerous fascinating donations. TVA librarian Carol Sucee lists the new books, pamphlets, and other materials available to aid you in your research. Additionally, Elwood Jones describes the incredible new items added to our archival holdings, including photographs, stevengraphs, tabloids, maps, and much more.
As we plan the Spring edition of the Heritage Gazette, we welcome stories in the community regarding Black history, St. Patrick’s Day, Easter celebrations, and any other stories about the Trent Valley you may have. Until the warm weather returns, the Trent Valley Archives board and volunteers wish you a cozy and comfortable winter.
Alicia Bertrand, M.A.
Editor-in-Chief, Trent Valley Archives Heritage Gazette
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The information and opinions expressed are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of the Trent Valley Archives or its directors. Any copying, quoting or other use without the explicit consent of the editor is prohibited. Classroom use is encouraged, but please inform the Editor, Alicia Bertrand of such use.
Index Available for:
Dates ranging from March 2023 to current issue || Dates ranging from February 1997 to February 2022
Past Issues
| Volume 30 | ||
October 2025 | Volume 30 | #2
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April 2025 | Volume 30 | #1
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| Volume 29 | ||
December 2024 | Volume 29 | #3
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August 2024 | Volume 29 | #2
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March 2024 | Volume 29 | #1
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| Volume 28 | ||
December 2023 | Volume 28 | #3
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August 2023 | Volume 28 | #2
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March 2023 | Volume 28 | #1
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February - PDF 7.56 MB || Cover (.pdf)May - PDF 6.43 MB || Cover (.pdf)
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