Scott's Mills 1820 Near this site, in 1820, the community's first resident Adam Scott (1796-1838), built a sawmill and grist-mill. The small settlement which grew around them was known as Scott's Plains until 1826 when it was renamed in honour of Peter Robinson. Although of primitive construction, the mills were of great benefit to the early settlers including the Irish emigrants brought out by Robinson in 1825. Scott relinquished possession of the mills in 1827 and, in 1835, they were destroyed by fire.

290 Water Street, Peterborough, ON, Canada

The Robinson Settlement 1825 In an effort to alleviate poverty and unemployment in Ireland, the British government in 1825 sponsored a settlement of Irish emigration in the Newcastle District of Upper Canada. Peter Robinson, later the province's Commissioner of Crown Lands, was appointed superintendent and, in May, 2024 persons sailed from Cork. A few settled elsewhere and disease thinned their numbers but by September the remainder were gathered in temporary shelters on the the site of Peterborough. Under Robinson's supervision, free rations were distributed until November 1826, cabins were erected and 1878 settlers successfully established in the Peterborough region.

Victoria Park, Water Street, Peterborough, ON, Canada

The "Grover-Nicholls" House An outstanding example of Greek Revival architecture modified in the Palladian manner, it was begun about 1847 by P.M. Grover, a well-to-do local merchant. A type of building rare in Ontario, it was probably inspired by a "design for a villa" appearing in Minard Lafever's "Modern Builder's Guide", 1833. The square pillars of this house are a classical Greek feature popular in North America principally because they were less costly to build than round columns. Robert Nicholls acquired the property in 1851, and it remained in his family, distinguished in Peterborough for public service and philanthropy, until 1906. Here the local Masonic Lodge held its meetings in 1849-53 and in 1950 the Masons purchased this imposing house.

415 Rubidge Street, Peterborough, ON, Canada

Peterborough Firehall 1908-1979 In 1908, the Peterborough Fire Brigade was replaced by the professional Peterborough Fire Department. This transition was marked by the opening of a new firehall on Aylmer street - the first building erected for the exclusive use of the city's firefighters. It was demolished in 1979 to make way for the construction of the present Peterborough Public Library. Pumper No. 1 is a 1927 American LaFrance in service with the Peterborough Fire Department from 1927 to 1956.

247 Simcoe Street, Peterborough, ON, Canada

Dedicated in memory of Michael James Porter the "innovator" of this project by the Porter family 1996

442 George St. N, Peterborough, ON, Canada

THE HONOURABLE J.J DUFFUS Peterborough, Ontario 1876-1957 Born in Otonabée Township, Joseph Jamës, Duffüs was selling cars very early and had an automobile, dealership on George Street by 1910 and on Simcoe Street by 1911. By 1917 he had the largest Ford Dealership in Ontario. Duffus Motors was built:on this site in 1925: 1t was among the most modern automobile service facilities of its time. A successful businessman dedicated to Canada and his community, Duffüs served as Peterborough alderman for six years and Mayor from 1916-1917. He worked tirelessly to attract and retain industry in Peterborough. When the Quaker Oats factory was destroyed by fire in 1916, Duffus responded decisively. Concerned that the company might relocate to another community, Mayor Duffus developed a modern fire department to protect industry and residents from similar disasters. He also championed plans for a larger and more efficient bridge across the Otonabee River. Building the Hunter Street Bridge and the new Quaker Oats factory, caused a major construction boom that helped the-city endure the recession that followed the First World War. J.J. Duffus was a long time organizer for the Liberal Party and won election to the House of Commons in 1935. In 1940, the Right Honourable William Lyon Mackenzie King appointed him to the Senate of Canada. As a Senator, he was a member of standing committees on Natural Resources and Canadian Trade Relations and advocated for improving Old Age Security. Duffus remained a member of Senate until his death in 1957

Corner of Water St and Charlotte St, Peterborough, ON, Canada