Wallaceburg and District Museum

Wallaceburg and District Museum Local Museum Highlighting Wallaceburg's Vibrant History. For research inquiries please EMAIL [email protected]

Local museum highlighting Wallaceburg's vibrant history.

Taking it back to December 23, 1927 with the Reo‑Bickle fire truck outside the Wallaceburg Fire Hall🚒Standing at the bac...
06/17/2026

Taking it back to December 23, 1927 with the Reo‑Bickle fire truck outside the Wallaceburg Fire Hall🚒

Standing at the back of the truck: Jack Ritchie, Casey Doan, Mr. Menall, Herb Alderson, Mr. Powell.

Back row (in the truck): Tom Fry, Calvert Stonehouse, unknown, John McCallum, Arthur Schmidt, Edwin Cousins, and a representative from the Reo‑Bickle Company.

Seated in the truck: Chief Clark Best and W. M. Steer.

If you notice any errors, or can help us identify missing names or details, we’d love to hear from you. Please send any updates to [email protected]!!

🛶If you’ve been waiting for a reason to get out on the river, this is it🛶Join the Wallaceburg Baldoon Paddle on Saturday...
06/16/2026

🛶If you’ve been waiting for a reason to get out on the river, this is it🛶

Join the Wallaceburg Baldoon Paddle on Saturday, June 27, 2026!

Choose your route:
20 km Competitive Race: Brander Park → Glasstown Brewing Company
5 km Recreational Route: Crothers Park Loop

Afterwards: music and prizes at Glasstown Brewing Company !

Don’t have a paddle or kayak/canoe? Whimsies Paddle Rental can set you up so you can still take part.

Register: https://wburgmuseumsite.wixsite.com/wallaceburg-baldoon

Frank Dymock (1931–2013)Frank moved to Wallaceburg in 1956 and became the person everyone counted on when skates needed ...
06/15/2026

Frank Dymock (1931–2013)

Frank moved to Wallaceburg in 1956 and became the person everyone counted on when skates needed sharpening. Over the years, he sharpened skates for generations of local kids, families, and players. But after the loss of a grandchild to SIDS in 1987, Frank turned his skate sharpening into a way to help other families. Instead of setting a price, he accepted donations and directed that money to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Chatham to support the purchase of apnea monitors and related needs. Through a simple act repeated thousands of times, Frank helped raise thousands of dollars for the hospital.

Here at the museum, we’re proud to have a display in our Sports Hall of Fame commemorating Frank Dymock’s work in our community! Come check it out — we’re open Tuesday to Saturday with admission by donation and hours are 10–4!

Did Frank ever sharpen your skates, or do you have a memory of him? Share it in the comments, we’d love to hear it!

We recently shared the story of Jack Lacey starting Wally Enterprises Ltd., and its  unexpected start as Canada’s first ...
06/14/2026

We recently shared the story of Jack Lacey starting Wally Enterprises Ltd., and its unexpected start as Canada’s first corn cob pipe factory.

But it didn’t stop with pipes, by the time the company was sold in 1966 to Hillerich & Bradsby Co., Wally Enterprises was already producing sporting goods, helping shape Wallaceburg’s sports manufacturing story, including locally made Wally hockey sticks.

That industry even brought NHL legends to Wallaceburg, like Gordie Howe!!

Pictured here: Gordie Howe with Jack Lacey in 1960, holding a Wally Enterprises hockey stick.

🍁VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR CANADA DAY IN WALLACEBURG!🍁It takes a community to create an unforgettable celebration, and we ne...
06/13/2026

🍁VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR CANADA DAY IN WALLACEBURG!🍁

It takes a community to create an unforgettable celebration, and we need your help to make this year’s Canada Day festivities a success!

We are looking for volunteers to assist with a variety of roles throughout the day, including:
🎯 Kids’ games
🏰 Bouncy castle monitoring
🍔 BBQ team
🎨 Face painting
🎟️ Information & ticket sales
🪑 Set-up and tear-down crews
…and much more!

Whether you can lend a hand for an hour or stay for the day, every bit of support helps make Canada Day a memorable experience for families in our community.

Interested in volunteering or have questions?

📧 [email protected]
📞 519-627-8962
📍 Stop by the Wallaceburg & District Museum and speak with our team or message us on facebook!

Let’s come together and make Canada Day in Wallaceburg the best celebration yet! ❤️🍁

We can't wait to see you all!

  Wayne Gretzky visited Wallaceburg as a youth for lacrosse?Shown here on June 22, 1970, Gretzky (Brantford P.U.C.) is p...
06/13/2026

Wayne Gretzky visited Wallaceburg as a youth for lacrosse?

Shown here on June 22, 1970, Gretzky (Brantford P.U.C.) is pictured receiving a trophy after a youth lacrosse tournament held in Wallaceburg.

Left to right: Don Wells (presenting the trophy); Wayne Gretzky; Tim Pratt (Ajax Kinsmen); Lee Leveille (Wallaceburg Red Devils).

Looking for a fun way to spend a summer day on the water? Come out for the Wallaceburg Baldoon Paddle on Saturday, June ...
06/12/2026

Looking for a fun way to spend a summer day on the water? Come out for the Wallaceburg Baldoon Paddle on Saturday, June 27, 2026. 🛶

The 20 km Competitive Race - Brander Park -> Glasstown Brewing Company

A 5 km recreational route - Crothers Park Loop

Post race fun at Glasstown Brewing Company with music and prizes!

Register: https://wburgmuseumsite.wixsite.com/wallaceburg-baldoon

As Wallaceburg’s lumber industry surged in the 1860s, shipping along the Sydenham River became essential for moving timb...
06/12/2026

As Wallaceburg’s lumber industry surged in the 1860s, shipping along the Sydenham River became essential for moving timber and supporting local growth. To meet that demand, Steinhoff became involved in the construction of vessels and also worked on the water as a captain. One of the largest vessels Captain Steinhoff operated was the Dominion, an enormous cargo-and-passenger vessel launched in 1867. It weighed 470 tons and measured 135 feet in length.

Pictured: The Dominion ship in an ice jam at the Duncan Street Bridge, January 25, 1874.

Temple Theatre to Alexander Theatre (1918–1954)The Temple Theatre, was at the corner of James and Creek Streets, opened ...
06/11/2026

Temple Theatre to Alexander Theatre (1918–1954)

The Temple Theatre, was at the corner of James and Creek Streets, opened in 1918 and quickly became a local hub for entertainment. It hosted singing and dancing, amateur nights, pantomime and magic acts, local productions, and more. It was also where Wallaceburg audiences first experienced silent films.

In 1930, the Temple Theatre closed and the venue continued on as the Alexander Theatre.

In its later years, it broadened its programming beyond film to include events like boxing, wrestling, and basketball. By 1939, sound equipment had been installed, allowing the theatre to screen “talkies” (movies with synchronized sound), meaning audiences could hear spoken dialogue, music, and sound effects right here in Wallaceburg.

The theatre continued operating until it closed in 1954. The building was later demolished in 1980s.

Picture 1: Temple Theatre circa 1910s
Picture 2: Alexander Theatre circa 1950s

Tomorrow night (June 11) at the Wallaceburg & District Museum (505 King Street): a community screening of The Coalition ...
06/10/2026

Tomorrow night (June 11) at the Wallaceburg & District Museum (505 King Street): a community screening of The Coalition by Sisters Strain Film Corp., raising awareness around intimate partner violence and human trafficking.

Doors open at 6:30 PM, screening starts at 7:00 PM.

PACE Inc.- Therapy, Counselling, Case Management and Consulting will be there with an information booth and resources/support for anyone who would like to speak with someone or learn more.

Address

505 King Street
Wallaceburg, ON
N8A1J1

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

519-627-8962

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Wallaceburg and District Museum posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Wallaceburg and District Museum:

Share