Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage Museum
267 Edmund Street K7C 3E8 Carleton Place, ON, Canada

It's Photo Friday! Can you help identify these women? The photo was taken in 1952, and is thought to be a group of workers from the Hawthorne Woollen Mill (also known as the Renfrew Woollen Mill). What we know.... Middle row far left: Bi McKim. Middle row far right: Jessie Stanzel... Front row, third from left: Marg Kingston See more

This fabulous photo showing the Museum building is a recent donation. The two ladies in the buggy are unidentified (as is the horse!). The photo was taken on George Street with the Victoria School in the background sometime after 1924. We know this as the windows on the north wall have been enlarged from the original vertical ones.

47 Rochester Street

It's Photo Friday! Denzil Baird (1925 - 2016) became a member of the Carleton Place Community Band in 1937 at the age of 12. He played the bugle in the CPHS bugle band, and in the "Royal Serenaders" group with his friends Tex Morris, Kel Dunphy, Jack Peckett, Del Blaine and Ber Stark. This photo of him was taken at the corner of the Mississippi Hotel about 1940. It's interesting to see the building's original double porches, and the garden wall and pillar at the corner of Lak...e Avenue and Bridge Street. Looking north down Bridge we can see two buildings. The taller one is on the site of today's Bistro Polo, a building that at one time housed the Salvation Army. Was this building destroyed, or does only the first story remain? To the north is the Levine second-hand store, which burnt down in 1986 and was replaced by a replica frame building - today the Thirsty Moose! In 1967 Denzil re-organized the Community Band and was Bandmaster for about five years. Denzil was a long time member of the Carleton Place Hospital Board and a 16 year member of the Carleton Place Hospital foundation. He was the finance manager of St. James Anglican church for 25 years. He was also a member of the Architectural Advisory Committee, and a member of the Police Board. Denzil was named Citizen of the Year in 1996. See more

Alligator t-shirts are here! If you ordered a shirt, they are ready now for pickup at the Museum at 267 Edmund Street. We're open today until 4, Friday 10 - 4 and Saturday 10 - 4.

We all used to have these "Birthday Books" to remind us of the birthdays of friends and family. This soft leather book was given to Jean Kellough by her brothers as a Christmas gift in 1916. Jean was born on Christmas Day, and turned 19 that year. The family lived in a red brick house at the north west corner of High and Joseph Streets. This photo of Jean was taken on the shores of the Mississippi River in 1921.

Lyle Dillabough recorded this music video in our main gallery back in 2014. He was always a big supporter of the museum and loved to share history - in this case his song about the Findlay Oval Woodstove! Sadly, Lyle passed away on January 30, 2021.This tribute to Lyle Dillabough was written by Historical Society President Rob Probert. "It is never easy to find the words to say goodbye to a friend. Carleton Place, and the Valley has lost someone who loved to explore and tel...l the stories around him. In that way, I think that Lyle’s book, Tales from the Troubadour is a fitting Epithet. He was a true Troubadour. Lyle was an easy read. He loved telling stories about people, both in his published works and in his extensive songs. Lyle had many challenges throughout his life and he never shied away from that, something we could all learn from. I had the pleasure of knowing Lyle for many years and I know that he will be missed. Whenever he told me of an upcoming radio appearance or a related trip you could tell he was happy. He was doing what he liked and what interested him. Not everyone could say that about themselves. Lyle overcame many health challenges in recent years. Sadly, this time was different." Lyle's book "Tales from the Troubadour" is available in our gift shop.

Did you know Museum members get discounts on our historical walking tours? Yep! We offer several different tours around town as well as cemetery walks! Buy or renew your membership before February 11th and you may win a free night’s stay at The Grand Hotel, along with a take out dinner for 4! Visit our website for details!

The museum is currently closed as we’re once again in lockdown. Did you know the museum building once housed the town’s lock-up? Built in 1872 as the Town Hall, it included a jail cell on the main floor. When converted to a school in 1879, the lock-up remained on site until the new Town Hall was built. There are stories of lawbreakers being dragged through the classroom enroute to the cell at the back of the building. Today, a mural by Mary Jane Lancaster on the rear wall commemorates the space. #carletonplace #lockdown #lockup #lanarkcountytourism #ontariojails #victoriaschool

Contest alert : Have you purchased your museum membership yet? Buy it before February 11th, 2021 and you will automatically be entered to win, not only a family meal from @thegrandcp, but also a night stay at the hotel. The museum appreciates the hotel’s support and generous donation. We can’t wait to see who will get to enjoy this fabulous prize!! Head on over to our website to sign up for our membership. http://www.cpbheritagemuseum.com/join-us.html #supportheritage #supportlocal #localsupport #carletonplace #beckwith #heritagematters #communitycares #carletonplacebeckwithmuseum #membershipdrive2021

266 Bridge Street.

We need YOUR HELP!!! Please join us as a member of the @carletonplacemuseum. By renewing or becoming a member, you are helping us preserve and protect our community’s heritage and culture for future generations. Our Society is a non-profit organization that relies on grants and donations to provide our services to the community. Your donations, including memberships, help us to continue with our mission. To sign up for your 2021 Museum membership please go to our website’s Join Us tab. *** If you join by February 11th, 2021, your name will be entered for a free nights stay at the @thegrandcp as well as one of their fabulous family meal deals. Thank you to Steve at @thegrandcp for the generous donation and for supporting local heritage. #contestalert #carletonplacebeckwithmuseum #supportheritage #supportlocal

Any crib players out there? This fun donation documents a game between Douglas D. Findlay and Nairn Findlay that happened exactly 59 years ago today!

While you are out walking during this month's lock-down, maybe you'll find this house for us!.....https://www.ontariohistory.org/carleton-place-1928.htm

Learn more about our town’s first (!) statue.....

Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New Year from the staff, volunteers and Board of Directors of the Museum and Historical Society. We thank you for your overwhelming support in 2020 and look forward seeing and meeting more of you in 2021.

Bernie Sanders swung by the @carletonplacemuseum to learn how to support local heritage. If you love hearing about Carleton Place history, one of the best ways to support the museum is to purchase a membership. Tomorrow, we will be announcing a wonderful membership drive contest. Stay tuned for details!!! #supportlocal #supportheritage #jumpingontheberniebandwagon #carletonplacemuseum #carletonplacebeckwithmuseum thanks to Joe Scipioni - A Funny Guy for the meme

Rob Probert found some more! He’s kindly donated another batch of cedar plaques to us to sell in the gift shop! Hurry in if you want one; we’re open today until 4.

Our little gift shop is open today until 4 pm! Pop in and see our selection of local history books, fun vintage items and local souvenirs. Shop is open December 17, 18 and 19th for last minute local shopping, and then we’re closing up till the New Year! Thanks to all for your tremendous support this year.

Have you had the pleasure of meeting the Campbells? Tim and Rosemary are two of the founders of the museum and continue to be consistent local heritage advocates. Their supportive involvement and passion for the museum helps us continue to share stories about Carleton Place & Beckwith. The Campbells were very generous in letting us use their gorgeous heritage property for our holiday themed photo sessions. They spent the day on hand, sharing stories about the history of the property and home. We appreciate these two so much for sharing their excitement and knowledge about our local heritage. #carletonplaceandbeckwithmuseum #communitylove #localheritage #historymatters #facesofbeckwith

UPDATE: SOLD OUT!!!!! NEW ITEMS in the gift shop today - a small selection of vintage Robbie Probert cedar plaques! $10 each. Get your 70s groove on!

@downtowncarletonplace had @terricumming create the most beautiful Santa’s workshop window on our Main Street. Santa and Mrs.Claus offered waves and high fives (safely through the window pane) to all the children who came for a visit. Some of our museum artifacts were featured in the display. We love when the community comes together to do magical things! #carletonplace #beckwith #carletonplacechristmas #livinginahallmarkmovie #carletonplacebeckwithmuseum #supportlocal #localheritage

Museum curator Jennifer shows off the new heritage panels on the OVRT train bridge crossing the Mississippi River. Thank you Carleton Place Recreation & Culture Department for the fabrication and installation!

Another snowy day in Carleton Place, long, long ago...

Midnight at the museum part 6: Funeral cards featuring local residents. Front and centre: James Wilson was an Irish labourer who together with wife Jane had 11 children. He was a member of the Protestant Orange Lodge, who arranged for the funeral to St. James Cemetery. He died in 1890. #carletonplacebeckwithmuseum #carletonplace #smalltownmuseum #peoplefromthepast #funeralcards : @kabcita

60 Emily Street

Midnight at the Museum Part 5. This rocking horse was used by generations of children in the Brown family. made about 1910 and covered with deer skin, the hide has shrunk over time, revealing the straw stuffing underneath. The dolls: circa 1930, made of celluloid by Reliable. Owned by Joan Hamilton, 1932 - 2018) who called her "Arabella". #midnightathemuseum #halloween #creepy #dolls #carletonplace #museum #donate #cpmuseum #cp

Midnight at the Museum part 4: Without a museum, this little birdie might have ended up as something odd you found in your Grandma’s attic. Although we captured it with the creepy factor for this series, the bird is part of the Bertha Mayhew Schwerdtfeger Collection. She was a talented milliner (hat maker) who opened a store in what is now, The Good as a New. She closed her business in 1900 just as controversy over how the hat business was affecting the bird population started to come into conversation. Feather boycotts began to pop up all over North America as 67 types of birds were at the brink of extinction. Come in and check out the museum to learn the history behind many of our interesting pieces. #fashionevolution #milliner #carletonplacebeckwithmuseum #carletonplacehistory #tweettweet #themoreyouknow : @kabcita

It's Photo Friday! Who recognizes this scene? The Baird and Riddell delivery wagon is parked on Mill Street, and we're looking north across the Mississippi River towards St. James Anglican Church. All other buildings in the photo (c.1920) are gone. They include the ydro plant along the shore, and two frame houses on Bell Street. The brick building to the left was part of the Brown Mill complex. Baird and Riddell opened their store about 1880 in the McDiarmid Block, later opening in the Taylor Block.

TELL US! The museum has an awesome project coming up but we need your help. What's THE iconic Carleton Place building? What building in town holds the most memories for you?

Midnight at the museum part 3: The Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage Museum live for a good ghost story. Whether you’re a believer or a skeptic, maybe you have an unexplained, goose bump inducing tale. Rumour has it that several Carleton Place heritage homes and buildings are home to some ghostly residents. We would love to hear if you’ve had an abnormal experience in one. Please share below!

Midnight at the museum part 3: The Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage Museum lives for a good ghost story. Whether you’re a believer or a skeptic, maybe you have an unexplained, goose bump inducing tale. Rumour has it that several Carleton Place heritage homes and buildings are home to some ghostly residents. We would love to hear if you’ve had an abnormal experience in one. Please share below!

Midnight at the museum part 2: These handcuffs were used by the Carleton Place Police Force until they were taken over by the O.P.P. in 2003. If only they could speak, we’re sure they could tell us a million interesting stories. The museum has all the record books dating back to the 1860’s, listing arrests, etc. We will be working on getting them transcribed. The museum was the home to the town hall and lock up until 1879 before it became home to the Victoria School until 1969. If you’ve never been to our museum, come visit us! You’ll be in for a treat (or maybe a trick ). #7postsin7nights #spookyartifacts #storiesuntold #treason #highwayrobbery #pillory

Thank you to Robert McDonald for these stunning photos of the Museum's gardens and murals! A huge thank you too to the Carleton Place and District Horticultural Society for their design and care of the garden.

Midnight at the museum pt. 1 was absolutely hair raising: Hair wreaths have been a keepsake by which a loved one or a friend is remembered. Hair wreaths and hair pictures were widely seen during the 19th century. Hair wreaths were constructed using crocheting or tatting techniques around wire. They were also braided or woven around tubes or knitting needles. The tubes would then be boiled and dried. The needle or tube would then be removed and the milder hair could be fashioned into jewelry or used in a hair wreath. The hair around the wire could be bent to make intricate flowers and leaves. Come in and check out other spooky artifacts. #7postsin7days #countdowntohalloween #carletonplacehistory #carletonplacemuseum

We are thrilled to have helped arrange the return of these oh so beautiful benches to the Carleton Place CPR Station on Coleman Street. It's always a good feeling to return things to their place of origin!

It's Photo Friday! If you've been to St. James Anglican Cemetery you may recognize these steps! St. James Cemetery can be entered off of Industrial Road or from the 8th Concession of Ramsay through the gate, or by climbing these elevated concrete steps. The cemetery dates back to circa 1834, the date of the founding of the Parish. Learn more on our guided cemetery walks at St. James Cemetery on October 24th!

Midnight At The Museum, Part 1... Human Hair Wreathes...

We went into the museum in the middle of the night. The results were terrifying.... 7 nights.... 7 terrifying posts... ending on Halloween night.... Follow @carletonplacemuseum if your brave enough... #carletonplace #cpmuseum #history #halloween #spooky #creepy #midnight #museum #dark #artifacts #cp #creepydoll #donate #smalltown #supportlocal

Come join us in the cemetery this afternoon!

The Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage Museum is feeling a little spooky as Halloween quickly approaches. The executive board and our fantastic curator decided to get into the spirit of things and do a little monster mashing around . Please make sure to follow us on Instagram @carletonplacemuseum and our Facebook page so you can keep in the loop on upcoming events. The museum is always looking for new fundraiser ideas and brains if you’re up for volunteering. Please PM us if you’re interested in sharing a thought or want to volunteer at an event.

Here’s a new take on our cemetery tours! This will be so much fun!

What a lovely idea!

Our 6th annual Vintage Clothing Sale last weekend was a big success! We send our huge thanks to Vicki Racey, who once again brought in her collection and transformed our museum into a fun, funky vintage shopping experience! The sale raised just under $3,000 for the museum and saw about 300 shoppers through our doors. THANK YOU VICKI! Thanks also to our dedicated volunteers for all their help, especially Carol and Pat Miller. THANK YOU!

It's almost that time!... A photo taken by Nick Boborchuk during one of our St. James Cemetery tours!

Love tea cups and tea parties? Check out this unique event! Learn about the history of tea parties AND create a masterpiece!

It's Photo Friday! Meet Geordie and Henry Willis, better known as "the rats"! This photo was taken on March 19, 1944. Geordie (1872 - 1951) and Henry (1875 - 1957) were the sons of Richard and Martha Willis. Richard was a steamboat engineer on the Mississipi River. In 1891, at the age of 16 Henry was working as a spinner in a local woollen mill. As adults, the two brothers worked odd jobs and lived on Frank Street. They never married and are buried at St. James Anglican Ce...metery. The men of the Willis family were known as "River Rats" as they were river men and steamboat drivers.