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PO Box 523, Station B,
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We are continuing the process of reviewing our historical documents.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
104. Our "Capitol Wrens"
 1.3 MB
The story of the Women’s Royal Canadian Naval Service in WW II – The Women's Royal Canadian Naval Service (WRCNS or "Wrens") – and how members maintained contact afterwards. With special emphasis on "Wrens" who served as wireless telegraphists and were associated with the Ottawa area. Written by Doris Grierson Hope who received the Bletchley Park pin for her service. Download ( pdf )
103. Loyalist Land Grants Along the Grand (Ottawa) River, 1788
 1.15 MB
Contains transcriptions of assignees’ names and acreages from Patrick McNiff’s 1788 survey maps of Loyalist land grants on both sides of the Ottawa River, east of Ottawa. Includes background on the land grant policy of the day and surveyor McNiff. By George Neville. Download ( pdf )
102. Martin O'Gara, Ottawa's First Irish Catholic Police Magistrate, 1863-1899
 1.03 MB
Widely respected as Ottawa’s police magistrate and a police commissioner for 36 years, as a founder of the University of Ottawa’s Law Faculty and of the Ottawa East community, Martin O’Gara was a pillar of the Irish Catholic community. Overlooked by history, his life and times have been meticulously researched and recorded by Elizabeth V. Krug. Download ( pdf )
101. Controversy, Compromise and Celebration: The History of Canada's National Flag
 117.23 KB
By Glenn Wright (this bilingual book is only available in print). Download ( pdf )
100. Canada’s Bletchley Park: The Examination Unit in Ottawa’s Sandy Hill 1941–1945 (Revised Edition)
 1.07 MB
When WW II broke out in 1939, the Canadian government had no foreign intelligence capacity of its own. Kept secret for many decades, this story reveals how a top secret code-breaking unit was set up in a Victorian mansion in Ottawa and identifies all those who worked there. By Diana Pepall. Download ( pdf )
099. A Mayor's Life: John Scott, First Mayor of Bytown (1824-1857)
 694.37 KB
Bytown’s first mayor, John Scott, was a prominent young lawyer and also the first Reform candidate elected for Bytown to the first Reform government in Canada. He was potentially a brilliant politician had he not died at age 33. Tyler Owens commemorates Scott’s previously unheralded role in Bytown’s formative years. Download ( pdf )
098. From Steamboats to the NHL: The Ottawa Valley's Cowley Family
 1.23 MB
Traces the Ottawa Valley history of the entrepreneurial and pioneering riverboat captain, Captain Daniel Keyworth Cowley and his descendants, from his arrival in 1836 to the induction of his great-grandson “Cowboy Bill” Cowley into the Hockey Hall of Fame. Also includes details of the Cowley family’s rich heritage in England back to the 16th century. Authored by Christine F. Jackson. Download ( pdf )
097. The Politics of Commemoration & The Failure of the Davin Memorial Project
 6.52 MB
Download ( pdf )
096. Griersons of Torbolton
 3.63 MB
Download ( pdf )
095. From Garden Suburb to Garbage Dump: Thomas Adams' Forgotten Plan for Old Ottawa South
 4.91 MB
Download ( pdf )
094. The Canadian Museum of Civilization: A brief history from its 19th century origins to its recent demise
 5.95 MB
Download ( pdf )
093. The Bate Brothers of Ottawa, Booklet 3: Sir Henry Newell Bate & Family: A Civic Legacy
 117.23 KB
By Ian Browness and Cynthia Coristine (available only in print). Download ( pdf )
092. The Bate Brothers of Ottawa, Booklet 2: Charles "C.T." Bate: Merchant, Mayor & More
 4.93 MB
Download ( pdf )
091. The Bate Brothers of Ottawa, Booklet 1: The Brothers' Circuitous Path to Bytown
 117.23 KB
By Ian Browness and Cynthia Coristine (only available in print). Download ( pdf )
090. Remember: England, France, Belgium (1914-18)
 8.88 MB
Download ( pdf )
089. Growing up in « La Colonia »
 3.5 MB
Download ( pdf )
088. To Be Continued... A Short History of The Historical Society of Ottawa
 117.23 KB
By Dave Mullington (this book is available in print only). Download ( pdf )
087. Some 1812 Richmond Soldiers/Settlers
 3.26 MB
Download ( pdf )
086. Early History of Ottawa's Sandy Hill
 3.32 MB
Download ( pdf )
085. The James Sutton Elliott Story: Turmoil and Tragedy
 4.9 MB
Download ( pdf )