My job often involves finding things. Usually little gems and the item below is no exception. Created on the 150th anniversary of the founding of Guelph, this work provides a historical overview of the establishment of the Guelph branch of the Red Cross. The book also lists the Guelph Red Cross executive from 1914-1977 and includes photographs of members and related activities.
At 51 pages long, this booklet includes sections covering their activities during the First and Second World War, programs related to their homemaker service, swimming and water safety activities, blood donor and first aid programs.
The Red Cross in Guelph can trace its origins to January 1900 when the first branch was formed in response to the Boer War. However, what I find most interesting is that the Guelph Red Cross operated a canning centre. The canning was done in the Royal Dairy building on Paisley Street now home to the Royal Plaza. Today several businesses operate from this location such as Simply Wonderful Toys and Market Fresh.
The photograph below illustrates three women working at the canning centre . According to the book above, the canning centre turned out thirteen tons of apply jelly, canned chicken, and pickles which were shipped overseas to hospitals. Although Remembrance Day has just passed, I thought this was an interesting fact to share. To view this work and any of our photographs, please visit the library or check out the local history section of our website.
Guelph: Then and Now 