A Strong, Rich Collection: The Middlesex Centre Archives
Established in 2013, the Middlesex Centre Archives (MCA) has one simple mission: To collect and preserve records of enduring historical value from the former Townships of London, Lobo, Delaware, and the Municipality of Middlesex Centre. “No two archives are alike,” Archivist Krista Taylor explains. “Archives are comprised of original documents, such as photographs, maps, ledgers and
journals. MCA’s collections—or fonds—are unique to our area.” When asked about her favourite collection, Past Chair, Board Member, and Volunteer Carol Small expresses a special fondness for MCA’s agricultural records. “Agriculture is the number one industry in the municipality, with a rich heritage,” Carol states. “Keeping records for agricultural groups such as 4-H, Cattleman’s Association, and the Ilderton Agricultural Society are very important.” For Krista, one of her favourite fonds relates to the Marsh Store and the three mills in Coldstream. “The store became the centre of the community,” Krista explains. “It was a general store. A library and the literary society met there. Eventually, it contained a telegraph which connected them with the rest of the world, without being on a rail line. The store and mill ledgers give insight into shopping habits, as well as what was being traded for goods, be it eggs, butter or lumber. It gives us a glimpse into rural life in the late nineteenth century.” Neither a Borrower Nor a Lender: The Komoka Library Look outside! Doesn’t it seem lovely out there? The golden sun beaming down from on high? The plants and the flowers in full bloom? The smells of summer dancing before your smiling face? Fortunately, our friends at the Komoka Library have added three lending kits to their collection, each one designed to help you and your family explore, create, and learn together. They are: • The Snowshoe Kit is perfect for outdoor winter adventures and includes one adult and one child set of snowshoes, along with walking sticks. • The Cricut Joy Kit supports creative projects and contains a Cricut Joy machine, Cricut mat, and tools. • The Birding Backpack encourages nature discovery and includes birding books, plus one pair of adult and one pair of child binoculars. As well, these kits were purchased with funds from the London Community Foundation grant. They may be borrowed for one
MCA recently received the telegraph key used in the store from one of the descendants of the Marsh family. MCA is currently open six hours a week and by appointment. The archives are utilized year-round by local residents and researchers from around the world. In addition, the MCA is always looking for new volunteers. “We are always recruiting new volunteers,” Krista states. “Especially for outreach as we go to several events throughout the year. For on-site volunteers, we always try to match tasks with the talents that our volunteers offer.” More information is available at www.middlesexcentrearchive. ca. In addition, the MCA can be contacted by calling 519-518- 5590 or reaching out to middlesexcentrearchives@gmail.com.
week at a time and must be returned to the Komoka Library when finished. Now get out there and start enjoying the sunshine! More information about the kits and the Komoka Library is available at www.library.middlesex.ca.
Page 18 KKD Villager July/August 2026
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