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Ottawa, ON, K1P 5P6

PO Box 523, Station B, Ottawa, ON, K1P 5P6

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Pamphlets

Historical Language Advisory

Certain parts of the HSO pamphlet series may contain historical language and content that some may consider offensive, for example, language used to refer to racial, ethnic, and cultural groups. These items, their content and descriptions, reflect the time period in which they were created and the viewpoint of their author. The items are presented with their original text to ensure that attitudes and viewpoints are not erased from the record.

We are continuing the process of reviewing our historical documents. If you see text with inappropriate language or content that you think HSO should review, please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Please include as many details as possible regarding the language or content which requires our attention such as the pamphlet title or the permalink to the document. And kindly indicate "document review" in the title of your email. We welcome your comments.

 Select a pamphlet title from the list to view the contents online and/or download a copy and see any additional associated information.

Title Description Download
007. Profiles of Presidents of the Women's Canadian Historical Society of Ottawa 1898 - 1934
 1.69 MB
The lives of the Presidents of the Society from 1898 to 1934. Researched by Evelyn Taylor. Download ( pdf )
006. Bytown Memories: The Baynes of Bytown and/et Historique des premières églises catholiques de Bytown of Bytown and Les premieres Eglises Catholique
 1.83 MB
History of the Bayne Family who lived on Fuller Street and of their various homes. Written by Marion Plunkett. Historique des premières messes et églises catholiques jusqu'a la construction de la basilique-cathédrale Notre-Dame. Écrit par Georgette Lamoureux. Download ( pdf )
005. Ottawa's Heritage of Theatre 1837 - 1955
 2.58 MB
An overview of various theatres along with the actors, the plays, the managers, and the audiences that enjoyed them and the potential future (from the point of view of 1956) of theatre in Ottawa. Written by Roy McGregor Watt. Introduced & edited by Mrs. Knox Thomson. Download ( pdf )
004. Bytown's Own College
 2.02 MB
Early history of what was to become the University of Ottawa. Written by Edward P. Laberge. Download ( pdf )
003. The Genesis of Our Capital
 1.19 MB
Linking the foundation of Ottawa as the capital to the last conflict between the United States and Canada. Written by Hamnett P. Hill, K.C. Download ( pdf )
002. Stewarton - A Suburb of Ottawa
 1.72 MB
History of the part of Bytown/Ottawa which includes the Victoria Memorial Museum which was named after William Stewart. Written by Mrs. John C. Burns. Download ( pdf )
001. John Burrows and Others on the Rideau Waterway
 1.35 MB
Diary excerpts from engineer John Burrows describing fact-finding canoe trips down the Rideau Canal waterway from Hog's Back to Kingston commenced on Friday, May 11, 1827. Selection and introduction by Charles Surtees. Download ( pdf )
--- Yankies and Loyalists: Bytown to Kingston in 1830 New!
 3.77 MB
The diary of a journey from Bytown to Kingston in February of 1830 and the adventures of four young men on the way. An interesting glimpse into life in pioneer Upper Canada, focusing on the inns, the landscape and the influence of the builiding of the Rideau Canal. Edited with an introduction by Edwin Welch, member of the Historical Society of Ottawa. Preface by Flora M. Blais, president of the Historical Society of Ottawa. Download ( pdf )
--- Who Was Thomas D'Arcy McGee? New!
 1.5 MB
Brief, poetic biography of Thomas D'Arcy McGee with several photographs. Written by Mrs. J.C.Doyle. Edited with acknowledgements by Mary Anne Dancey thanking Glen Shackleton, Donald Carrington, Elmer Pilon and Evelyn Dancy. Download ( pdf )
--- The Commissariat: Survivor of the Bytown Era
 6.31 MB
A history of that fine old stone building sitting at the entrance to the Rideau Locks which now houses the Bytown Museum. Written by Forbes Hirsch. Foreword by Judith M. Burns. Download ( pdf )
--- Sights and Surveys: Two Diarists on the Rideau
 8.63 MB
The diaries of John MacTaggart and John Burrows, two of the men who surveyed the line of the Rideau Canal for Col. By. These two diaries, one never before published, give a fascinating insight into the difficulties of building a canal in the wilderness. Four surveys which include illustrations and a fold out map. Written by Edwin Welch with preface by Charles D. Surtees. Download ( pdf )
--- Love Thou Thy Land
 692.05 KB
Founded in 1898 with the motto "Love Thou Thy Land", the Women’s Canadian Historical Society of Ottawa evolved into the Historical Society of Ottawa. Written by Miss E.M. Taylor. Download ( pdf )
--- Lett's Bytown: Recollections of Old Bytown
 8.64 MB
Lett's father was one of the first settlers in the Ottawa Valley. Lett was editor of the Ottawa Advocate and City Clerk for 36 years. His poems and descriptions of early Ottawa are essential reading for local historians. Written by W.P. Lett with introduction by be Edwin Welch. Download ( pdf )
--- Le Lt. Colonel John By Colonel By | Colonel By and Bygone Days New!
 2.6 MB
[French language publication] Dans la première partie, il est question de l'oeuvre canadienne du Col. By. La deuxième partie traite des fêtes qui ont marqué le centenaire d'Ottawa en 1926 et des efforts soutenus de deux groupes soit des ingénieurs canadiens et plus particulierement la Génie royal canadien ainsi que la Société historique d"Ottawa en vue de permettre l'érection d'un monument commémoratif digne du bâtiseur du canal Rideau et du fondateur d'Ottawa. La troisième parti décrit l'aboutissement des espoirs et des rêves des deux groupes lors des cérémonies d'inauguration, en 1971, de la statue du Col.By, oeuvre de M. Emile Brunet, dans le parc de la côte du Major et des plaques apposées sur un des chaperons originaux du canal face à l'écluse numéro cinq. 1971. Par Mrs. E.S. Kelsey. Download ( pdf )
--- John By: Builder of the Rideau Canal & Founder of Ottawa 1779-1836
 14.92 MB
Written by Robert Legget with foreword by Judith M. Burns. Download ( pdf )