At The Museum

The 1963-64 TPS Grade 7 and 8 History of Tavistock

Submitted by pbartlett@golden.net on

student history Tavistock

In January of 1964, a booklet entitled The History of Tavistock was published. It had been compiled by the Grade 7 and Grade 8 students of Tavistock Public School and was really the first comprehensive history of the town. The booklet included everything from the founding of the village by Captain Henry Eckstein written by his descendent Michael Eckstein to histories of most of the businesses and organizations of the town and stories of some of the vanished landmarks of the town.

Now there is a second travelling museum showcase

Submitted by pbartlett@golden.net on

The Tavistock and District Historical Society has had a display cabinet in the Library since 2022 to exhibit to the public Tavistock's rich history. The themes have been changed regularly every few months with the most recent one being "Christmas in Tavistock Through the Ages". TDHS now has a second travelling display case, currently located in the Scotia Bank. The current theme is "The Early History of Hockey in Tavistock". The Historical Society is reaching out to encourage an interest in history in the community.

Hmmmm Good

Submitted by admin1 on

Tavistock area people of a certain age all remember Ruby Quehl and the memories revolve around good smells and good food. For 20+ years Ruby operated a most successful catering business. From small events to big wedding dinners Ruby and her crew turned out food that was sure to please. Her best advertising was word of mouth. Occasionally one needs promotional items to hand out. Back in the day when many people smoked, an ashtray was a welcome item.

The Winner's Medal

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“The Eel Immortalized” (feature story on this website - June 2020) captures not only the many records set but goes on to state that he was “in many ways one of the most wonderful that the Standard breed has produced”. We are honoured to have in our collection the medal won in 1909 when The Eel set the Canadian half mile track record in Stratford.

Loyal Orange Lodge

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Tavistock L.O.L. It doesn’t immediately ring any bells for most people. The initials stand for Loyal Orange Lodge. First formed in Tavistock in 1924 the Lodge motto was “one church, one school, one God”. Gazette coverage reported the hope that the new Lodge # 2953 would flourish as they are fighting for the principles of true Protestantism with equal rights to all and special privileges to none. Just two years later the Lady Orange Lodge was formed in the village. Time passed and interest waned.

Smoking Allowed

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Artifacts, by definition, are from another era. This one proves that point.

It’s a matchbox from a time when most people smoked and did so anywhere and everywhere. It’s from the Oxford Hotel from the days when people went to the hotel for a delicious meal or a cold beer or a place to stay overnight. The phone number is 15, harking back to when you asked “Central” (the village switchboard operator) to connect you.

An 1874 Purchase

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One of the more delightful elements of our collection are the many receipts issued by Tavistock and area businesses over the years. This one, from Krug & Falk, speaks to the days of the general store. You really could buy everything you needed at a general store. This one, operated in partnership by Fred Krug and Adam Falk, was located at the five corners where Home Hardware stands today. This receipt, dated 1874, recorded a purchase made by August Asmus who we know was the local tailor. Mr.

The Band Played On

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This beautiful cornet dates from the 1880’s. In its prime it was one of the instruments featured in the Tavistock Band. If you should happen to have the Tavistock photo history book “Crossroads In Time” check page 125. You’ll see a picture of the Tavistock Band in 1884. This cornet and its owner at the time, August Schaefer, are in the second row.

Our collection has a wealth of information … pictures, instruments, uniforms, written records and more …. about Tavistock bands through the years.

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