GHS Journal: "Historic Guelph"

Background

"Historic Guelph" is a treasure trove of articles on Guelph history. Most of the articles were written by members of the Society. The history of the journal falls into two sections: 1961-1977 and 1978-present.

For the first 17 years of the Society's existence, some members would, on a rather ad hoc basis, prepare essays / articles on the history of Guelph. These would be delivered to fellow members, and would subsequently be mimeographed to provide a record of the presentations. Later, the copies were hole-punched and slotted into four duotangs, each of which contained four or five years of what may be termed "proceedings", the forerunner of "Historic Guelph" proper.

These four volumes (1-4, 5-8, 9-12, 13-16) which represent the years 1961-1964, 1965-1968, 1969-1972, 1973-1977 are now quite rare, but may be found at the Guelph Public Library and various archives. Fortunately, the articles in these volumes are to be word-processed.

It was volume 17 (1978) that marked the beginning of "Historic Guelph" as it is today. No longer mimeographed sheets of various presentations, but edited, footnoted, typeset essays bound into booklet form. These essays - usually four to six per issue - resulted from annual essay competitions for which financial prizes were awarded.

Index of "Historic Guelph" articles

One of the GHS members, former president Ross Irwin, has prepared an index of the articles printed in "Historic Guelph" from volume 17 (1977-1978) to volume 47 (2008). The index is available as a pdf.

Ross' index of articles from 1978 to 2004 was published in volume 44 (2005) of "Historic Guelph", pp. 83-89.

Laura Foltinek has prepared a "Nominal Index to 'Historic Guelph', volume 17 (1978) - volume 38 (1999)". These datasheets may be found in the Guelph Public Library circulation section (call number: 971.342 / GUE / INDEX / V.17-38). Note that this index contains only the names of people; the names of streets, buildings, events are not included.

How to obtain copies of "Historic Guelph"

With the exception of volume 25 (1985-1986), the Society has issues of "Historic Guelph" back to volume 17 (1977-1978). Current and back issues of the journal are available for sale at each GHS meeting. Members, through membership fee, automatically receive a copy of "Historic Guelph" each year. Issues of "Historic Guelph" are also available using the GHS online Order Form.

When ordering "Historic Guelph" online, be sure to state which volume(s) and quantity you request. When we receive your order, we'll notify you of the exact total cost.

Costs

The cost of the current issue of "Historic Guelph" is $15.

The cost of one back issue is $10; the cost of multiple back issues, regardless of year(s), is $6 each.

These prices include tax, but not shipping costs which will vary depending on quantity and destination.

Submit An Essay

The Society welcomes essays from members and non-members. If you would like to submit an essay on a topic related to the history of Guelph, please contact the president for particulars.