Local history on display in Harriston

HARRISTON – Throughout the summer the Harriston Historical Society has made an informal arrangement with the Minto Arts Council to set up a special display on the third floor of the Wellington County Library in Harriston.

The new exhibit showcases a great deal of history about the Town of Minto. As visitors enter the first room, they will see an exhibit that tells the story of the different phases of the three buildings of the hall.

The two earlier ones were made of wood, and both burned down.

The displays serve more like a gallery, with several spread out over three rooms. In the same room as the history of the three structures, there are also displays about the various departments and organizations that have been housed within the Town Hall walls.

Over the past century, council, police, the fire department and the Harriston Food Bank have all used the space.

In the second room, there is a gallery dedicated to the Grey Wellington Theatre Guild as a precursor to the 50th anniversary of the guild, which will take place in 2024.

These two rooms are being used in arrangement with the Minto Arts Council.

The Harriston Historical society also has its own room in the upstairs of the library as well. It showcases a multitude of Minto history, from the 1963 Midget ball team to the Street Days reunion in August to a history on the Crystal Dairy.

The exhibit is open on Tuesdays from 1 to 4:30pm, and Saturdays 11am to 3pm.

The Harriston Historical Society is also always looking for new things to showcase in displays and welcomes donations.

Anyone who has something to donate, or who wants information about displays, can contact: mark2641@gmail.com or willawick@wightman.ca.