Strathroy and District Historical Society

09/03/2026

On September 3, 2002, students, staff and alumni of Strathroy and District Collegiate Institute walked 3.2 kilometres from the old school site on Kittridge Street East to the brand new school building located at 361 Second Street, Strathroy.

This journey had also happened years before when Strathroy students walked to the brand new high school on Quality Hill (Kittridge Street East) in 1914. The new two-storey building included classrooms, laboratories, staff room and an assembly hall. The first principal was J. Sexton.

The students had made the walk from the original Strathroy High School located at the corner of Caradoc and High Streets. The building was built in 1874 and was used until 1914. The first headmaster was Mr. McMichael and he was assisted by David Maxwell and Alex McQueen.

08/31/2026

Strathroy, Ontario — Do you remember 1993-1994 Grade 9 students at Strathroy District Collegiate Institute? This yearbook arranges students in alphabetical order. The following page shows students with surnames "Thompson to Douglas."

Sara Thompson, Sommer Thompson, Wendy Thompson, Jessica Topping, Ryan Vanderheyden, Mark VanderHoek, Melissa Vanderjeugd, Carolyn Vandermeer, Jennifer Vandermeer, Amy Vanreveken, Shaun Vanderydt, David Van Geffen, Greg Van Geffen, Paul Van Geffen, Randie Van Gorp, Thomas Van Hoof, Sara Van Zanden, Andrea Veale, Leonard Venner, William Vermunt, Amanda Vidlin, Matthew Vollick, Matthew Wales, Hilary Walker, David Wain, Nicole Welch, Brad Whiteside, Corey Wilkins, Amanda Williams, Aaron Williamson, Chris Wilson, Tara Winters, Shelley Zavitz, Melissa Zinn, Eden Douglas.

Absent: Emanuel Aguiar, Robert Chambers, Sam Correia, William Gable, Victor Garcia, Richard Hall, Shawn Lane, Heather Locan, Trevor Rudavsky.

Photo from 1993-1994 SDCI yearbook

08/29/2026

Have a story? Have a question? Curious about our local history? Want to read some interesting stories of our vibrant past? Want to learn more about our September presentation? Come to the Downtown Market and say hello! We're here until 1:00pm

08/29/2026

WAUBNAKEE, Ontario — I learn something new about the Strathroy-Caradoc area every day. A few weeks ago, I learned about a place called Waubnakee, Ontario, that was probably just south of Melbourne, Ontario. I recognize the format and content of the image below. It’s from a book about the history of Ontario post offices; I have forgotten the name. Someone had scanned this entry and posted it on Facebook which is where I found it and saved a copy on August 6, 2026. I transcribed the entry:
“An S. Clarke became the first postmaster at this settlement in 1893. The office closed twelve years later, on February 1, 1905. Its location may have been on the Ekfrid/Caradoc Townline (Melbourne Road), south of Melbourne. Apparently, the name of the hamlet came from a local Native; his other name was Scobie Logan. The word "Waubnakee" is said to mean "people from the east."
The postal mark is dated “March 20, 1894”. If anyone knows more about this hamlet, please leave a comment.

08/27/2026

We continue sharing the stories of what progress was happening in the area in 1969 along with period ads.

Western Ontario Report – A supplemental insert published by The London Free Press, January 25th, 1969

PROPOSED HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AWAITS GO-AHEAD IN MELBOURNE.

MELBOURNE- Official opening of a new library was one sign of 1968 progress in this Caradoc Township centre on Hwy 2.

The Melbourne branch of the Middlesex County Library is ideally located on the main street next to the fire hall for many years. It was located behind a local store.

Mrs. Russell Mullins is in charge, assisted by Mrs. Minnie Gentleman and Mrs. Ann Annette. Melbourne Women's Institute presented a wall clock to the branch in May.

Modernization program of the Caradoc-Ekfrid Telephone Company continued. the Mt. Brydges area with 1000 subscribers is scheduled for dial changeover in 1970. Probably in early summer. An order for $600,000 in equipment has been placed.

The company has a total of 1400 subscribers. Melbourne and area was converted to dial in 1966.

A promising housing development for Melbourne awaits only the go-ahead of municipal and provincial officials,. Wendigo Construction Ltd., owned by Jack Evans, has proposed a 119-lot subdivision on the south outskirts of the village. The 100 acre site is located near the fairgrounds.

The firm had contact with Ontario Municipal Board officials last October. Tentative plans call for a number of two bedroom homes with allowance for a possible future room below ground level, along with the basement.

If requirements of servicing are kept at a reasonable amount, homes may be available in the $15,000 price range, a company spokesman said.

Starting date for building on any of the lots. Hinges on government and municipal moves.

Last fall, Caradoc Township Council took first steps towards adopting an official plan by agreeing to ask the Department of Municipal Affairs to designate Caradoc a planning area. Caradoc officials subsequently attended a special meeting of West Nissouri Township at Thorndale. West Nissouri last year set up its official plan and zoning by law.

There were two changes in business ownerships last year. Cochrane Hardware is now owned by Joseph Cochrane and managed by William O'Rourke. Previous owner was Harold Huston.

The active Boy Scouts of the area completed expansion of the fairgrounds. The building is also used at fair time for exhibits.

Source: Western Ontario Report – A supplemental insert published by The London Free Press, January 25th, 1969.

08/24/2026

Strathroy, Ontario — Do you remember 1993-1994 Grade 9 students at Strathroy District Collegiate Institute? This yearbook arranges students in alphabetical order. The following page shows students with surnames "Oliveira to Thompson."

Susanne Oliveira, Natalie Olivier, Andrew Ondrasek, Melissa Orosz, Roxanne Orrange, Jonathan Parish, Nathan Parker, Rebecca Pascuzzo, Tammy Paszternak, Amanda Pate, Rhonda Patterson, Jonathan Periard, Erica Perry, Jennifer Picanco, Charlene Pickett, Jody Pincombe, Veronica Pinto, James Plank, Lina Ponte, Luis Ponte, Linda Ponts, Alicia Pranger, Tiffany Pretty, Esteban Quintero, Natalie Ravenek, Jennifer Rempel, Adam Rice, Tammy Robertshaw, Diana Rodriques, Noemi Rondini, Suzanne Ryan, Shelly Ryckman, Faran Sabeti, Natalie Salomons, Emmanuel Salvador, Jenn Sanders, Christian Schenk, Adam Scherba, Chris Sears, Keri-Lynn Shelly, Adam Shirley, Kristy Silva, Susan Silva, Debbie Skinner, Adam Sobanski, Kimbak Som, John Stockdill, Melody Strathdee, Gregg Strobridge, Kimberly Stubbs, Cheri Taylor, Dustin Thomas, Sherri-Lee Thomas, Bonnie Thompson.

Photo from Tempus Fugit

08/20/2026

The clock tower building at the corner of Frank and Centre Streets in Strathroy was built in 1889 to be used as a post office and customs house. By 1957 town council was discussing replacing the building. In The Age Dispatch of August 1, 1958, it was reported that a representative from the Toronto office of the Planning Branch of the Federal Department of Public Works had been in Strathroy the previous Thursday, looking over the proposed sites for a new building to replace the cramped and out-moded building.

Four sites were considered including the present post office site, the St. John’s Parish Hall property, the Armouries property on Frank St. and the property of A.V. Wright and Sons, on Frank St. If the new post office was to be on the present post office site, it would mean the acquisition of several properties as the present property would not be of sufficient size for the type of building planned. They would also have to move the lane at the rear of the post office. A while ago, W.H.A. Thomas, MP, approached the town council to bring them into the picture on this possibility.

The final selection of the site was reported to rest with the Planning Board of the Department of Public Works and the Government, represented by the head of the Department, Hon. Howard C. Green.

In The Age Dispatch, September 11, 1958, it was reported that a petition signed by a number of Strathroy business people requesting the proposed new post office be erected on the site of the present building. The petition was presented to the local MP, W.H.A. Thomas. This was to be forwarded to the Planning Board in the Federal Department of Public Works. The committee that had circulated the petition, stated that 72 of 78 business persons asked, had signed the petition.

Finally there was an announcement in the May 30, 1963 edition of The Age Dispatch noting that a $144,350 contract for the new post office was announced. Hon. Jean Paul Deschatelets, Minister of Public Works said the contact was awarded to The John Hayman and Sons Company Limited of London, Ontario for the construction of a Federal building at Strathroy. The company submitted the lower bid of two. The work was scheduled for completion in 10 months.

The new post office was to be constructed at the corner of Frank and Centre Streets on the site which had previously been occupied by an apartment building. The location had long been a focal point of the town, being the site of the Prangley House, one of Strathroy’s oldest hotels. No announcement was made about the future of the present post office building, diagonally across the corner from the new building. It was anticipated that the present post office would be turned over to crown assets corporation for disposal.

The new building was to be a one storey structure with a partial basement. One wing would be about 66 feet by 78 feet and the other 34 feet by 38 feet. The building was to be of steel and concrete construction. It was to be faced with brick and limestone. Provision was made for a future second floor. Recessed entrances and the use of coloured glass was to be one of the features. Aluminum window walls and sashes were to be installed. A small raised garden or planter was to be located on the corner of the site which was to act as a base for a flag pole. Room was to be provided for the Post Office Department and the Customs and Excise Divisions of the Department of National Revenue.

Plans and specifications were prepared for the Department of Public Works by Frank A. White, Consulting Architect of London, I.M. Saunders, District Architect for the Department at Toronto was to be responsible for supervision of the work.

By August 1963, work on the project was going well. P.O. Franki Construction of Toronto was putting in the foundation for the building.

Finally in February of 1964, it was announced by the new Postmaster H.H. McDonald that the new post office was ready to open its doors on Monday, February 17. The new building held an office for Department of Agriculture official Ray Chowen, a well as Walter Grieve and the Customs office.

Postmaster McDonald said some persons and firms would have new box numbers and would be notified by mail. Everyone with boxes was expected to pick up their new keys on Monday. For the first time in many years, Strathroy had plenty of boxes for those who wanted them. Previously there had been a long waiting list.

Actual moving was to take place over the weekend. An official opening of the building was to happen at a later date. Post office officials were hoping people would assist in the move by picking up their mail Saturday afternoon. It was also expected that the post office would no longer open boxes for those who forgot their keys as there were now so many boxes in use.

The building was set back from the street with private parking in the rear. The front on Frank Street featured cement panels embedded in concrete, a coat of arms and an aluminum drop box and stamp vending machine. Behind the counter was a large mail processing room, a Postmaster’s office, and a section where the rural carriers could process their mail. There was also a staff room in the basement and modern washroom facilities. The building was heated with a coal fired furnace.

The Age Dispatch of February 20, 1964 informed the community that the opening went well.

* NOTE - all photos posted on this page which appeared in The Age Dispatch are available. Original negatives can be found at Museum Strathroy-Caradoc. If you are interested in obtaining a copy please contact the museum at 519-245-0492 or email [email protected].

08/17/2026

If you went to Strathroy Colborne Street Public School years ago and attended Grade 6, you most likely had Ms. Anna Phillips as your teacher. She recently passed away. May she rest in peace.

Anna Marie Phillips
1935 - 2026

Peacefully, as per her wishes, surrounded by friends, on Monday, August 10, 2026, in her 91st year, Anna M. Phillips of 17 James Street, Strathroy.

Predeceased by her father, Roy, in 1956, her mother Gladys (nee Beattie), in 1980, and her sister Edna, in 2003.

Anna leaves behind many fond memories, numerous well-trained students from 35 years of a devoted career teaching mainly grade 6 students at Colborne Street School in Strathroy.

Anna was actively involved with the Basset Hound Club of Canada of which she was a life member. She was also a life member of the Canadian Kennel Club. Anna enjoyed breeding, raising and showing numerous basset hounds to their Canadian championships. She was also passionate about sports, particularly baseball and hockey, reading and photography.

She is fondly remembered by cousins, friends, neighbours and colleagues.
Special thanks to the VON of London-Middlesex, Dr. Vanderzwan, Dr. Vandewalle, Annette, Jan, Vivian, and Payton, as well as her other dedicated caregivers.

Close friends, Elaine and Joe McKinnon and Jacqui McPhee deeply mourn Anna's passing.

Visitation will occur Thursday, August 13, 2026 at Denning's Funeral Home, Strathroy from 2:00pm – 4:00pm and 6:00pm to 8:00pm.

Celebration of Anna's life will be held Friday, August 14, 2026 at 11:00am at Denning's, with internment in Strathroy Cemetery afterward and reception to follow at Denning's.

As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to The Canadian Cancer Society, or to the charity of your choice.

08/17/2026

Strathroy, Ontario — Do you remember 1993-1994 Grade 9 students at Strathroy District Collegiate Institute? This yearbook arranges students in alphabetical order. The following page shows students with surnames "Klein to O'Flanagan."

Ulrike Klein, Deborah Knoll, Jacob Knoop, Brianne Kok, Brian Kroesbergen, Andrea Ladd, Tonya Laskey, Jerison Lawrence, Rebecca LeGras, Denise Lewis, Micheal Lima, Melissa Locke, Jeffrey Longstaffe, Jeana Lowes, Brian Lunn, Scott MacCharles, Andrea MacDonald, Erica MacGinnis, Sarah MacGinnis, Linda Maes, Mary Ann Mann, Sharlie Martin, Nelson Martins, Alycia McCaw, Ryan McChesney, James McCullough, Michael McCullough, Patrick McEachreon, Matt McKeen, Chad McLeod, Amy McPherson, Gregory McQueen, Paul McQueen, Marlene Melo, Jennifer Mendonca, Amanda Merrifield, Leanne Michelson, Robyn Miller, Christopher Mitchell, Kristy Mitchell, Sarah Mitchell, Bartholomew Moon, Alexis Moore, Jeffrey Moraal, Josh Morris, Kevin Morton, Adam Needham, Michelle Needham, Don Nemeth, Krista Noordhof, Nathan Nunes, Ellen Nyman, Fionn O'Flanagan.

Photo from Tempus Fugit

08/14/2026

Over the next few weeks we will share the stories of what progress was happening in the area in 1969 along with period ads.

Western Ontario Report – A supplemental insert published by The London Free Press, January 25th, 1969

ONE HOME A WEEK

Strathroy '68 big year for building.

STRATHROY - an average of one new home a week, plus school and hospital projects, contributed to a banner building year in Strathroy '68.

Fifty two new homes with an estimated total value exceeding $85,000 were constructed. A four unit townhouse also rose on English Street.

A $1, 092,000 vocational addition to Strathroy District Collegiate opened last spring. Of the total cost $736,919 was covered by federal and provincial grants.

Another $313,156 was raised through debentures by municipalities in the school area. The remaining $42,702 is covered by a federal tax rebate.

Building permits were issued for a $60,000 addition to Southdale Public School and $73,000 extension to Colborne Street Public School.

Strathmere Lodge, residence for elder citizens, was further enlarged when a $640,000 addition opened in June.

*Front Street West Caption: A prime shopping community for area residents, Strathroy provides a variety of well-stocked stores along it's main streets. Retail outlets line Front Street, above, while municipal offices and postal facilities are located on Frank Street.

*Strathmere Lodge Caption: Resident played an active part in ceremonies opening a $640,000 addition to Strathmere Lodge residence for senior citizens last June. The expansions boosts size to 246 beds, and provided a new library.

Source: Western Ontario Report – A supplemental insert published by The London Free Press, January 25th, 1969 See less