Glengarry County Archives
28 Kenyon St. E. K0C 1A0 Alexandria, ON, Canada

An Aerial View from the early 80s A view of Alexandria looking south. The Atlantic Hotel is upper left and to the far right just off Main is the Glen Motel. North End Garage and Lemire's Store are in the foreground. Allan MacDonald, County Archivist

A Great Book for the Local Historian

Remembrance Day, 1953 Starting out from Mill Square, Alexandria under the watchful eye of parade marshal Sgt.-Major Hughie Dan McCuaig, the parade of vets and dignitaries is on its way to the War Memorial at the north end of town. Gabe Aubry, Peter Charlebois and Dr. Bernie Villeneuve are among those taking part. Note: Glengarry Farmers Co-op occupied Priest's Mill from the late 1940s and Red McHugh had completed his renovations of The Hub. Allan MacDonald, County Archivist

October 1944 Archie Robertson from the 2nd Concession, Lancaster served overseas with the 421 Squadron, RCAF and saw action in Normandy, Belguim, Holland and Germany. Here he is at the Canadian base in Holland perched on jerrycans in front of a Spitfire. The archives is grateful to have his war diaries and photos, some of which detail the horrors of the Belsen concentration camp. They offer a stark reminder of why tyranny must be defeated. Allan MacDonald, County Archivist

So How "Scotch" was Glengarry? Here's a fascinating breakdown of the clans from the 1852 census of Glengarry. The county's population at the time was 17,596, of which almost one in five, unsurprisingly, drew from the Clan Donald. Some of the clans settled initially in one township and remained there for generations, e.g., the MacPhees, MacGillivrarys and MacCormicks of Lochiel; the Campbells of Kenyon; the Grants and McMartins of Charlottenburgh; and the MacGillises of Lancaster. As well, certain clans were known as Catholic clans, such as the Kennedys and the Chisholms. Allan MacDonald, County Archivist

What awaits...... An image of downtown Alexandria after a winter storm, ca. 1968. Note the Alexandria Hotel and Gerald Paddy Ranald Roy's barber shop, aka "The Senate". Allan MacDonald, County Archivist

Williamstown, 1920 An aerial view of the village with St. Mary's church in the background and the farm buildings and the vegetable garden of the Johnson Manor House prominent in the foreground. Allan MacDonald, County Archivist

The Roaring 20s After World War I Alexandria's armoury was a well-known venue for social gatherings such as the Thanksgiving Ball of 1927. Dance cards were, it seems, a requirement of the time. Without one in hand and filled in, it could well be a long evening. Isabel McDonell of the "Banker" and "Shoemaker" families of Green Valley records a misadventure on the way to the ball, yet makes up for lost ground with a full slate of dance partners. Allan MacDonald, County Archivist

The Roaring 20s After World War I Alexandria's armoury was a well-known venue for social gatherings such as the Thanksgiving Ball of 1927. Dance cards were, it seems, a requirement of the time. Without one in hand and filled in, it could well be a long evening. Isabel McDonell of the "Banker" and "Shoemaker" families of Green Valley records a misadventure on the way to the ball, yet makes up for lost ground with a full slate of dance partners. Allan MacDonald, County Archivist

An Aerial View of Alexandria, ca. 1962 Much to see in this image of the north end of town. Notably absent, however, are the White Rock Hotel and the development to come on Dominion Street and also west of GDHS. Do contact me if you have photos of Alexandria that you would like to donate to the archives. Allan MacDonald, County Archivist

An Aerial View of Alexandria, ca. 1962 Much to see in this image of the north end of town. Notably absent, however, are the White Rock Hotel and the development to come on Dominion Street and also west of GDHS. Do contact me if you have photos of Alexandria that you would like to donate to the archives. Allan MacDonald, County Archivist

Williamstown at the Turn of the Century A view from the bend in the river just east of the current bridge. Allan MacDonald, County Archivist

Up Went the Sign! Yesterday under Bruce Munro's direction our sign was installed. Big step forward. We had to deal with Lochiel stones; no surprise that. The archives is now open by appointment or by chance. Allan MacDonald, county archivist

A 60s View of Alexandria Much to comment on. The future site of the hospital is in the foreground. Note how undeveloped the park area is. Little development east of Bishop Street and west of Garry Fen. Allan MacDonald, County Archivist

South LA Finally getting back to archival work after a lengthy absence managing the renovation of Macdonell House. Here we have an aerial view of South Lancaster ca. 1920. Enjoy! Allan MacDonald, County Archivist

102 Days Later........ Henry Peeters and Jack Houde took on the job January 6th and saw it through to the end. The guys did outstanding work; I could not have asked for better craftsmen. What a transformation! Two power doors and a ramp are what remain. Now my attention is focused on the move of the archives from GDHS. Coming soon! Allan MacDonald, County Archivist

Coming Along.... The east wall of Macdonell House is almost covered and the south wall awaits. Chelsea Grey is the colour, which is a great fit with the limestone. Allan MacDonald, County Archivist

In Support of a Worthy Cause My wife, Rosemary, has been busy for several weeks producing masks, headbands and scrub caps, and donating these to Maxville Manor and the local hospital. Now that they are well supplied, she has turned to making fidget blankets. Each unique lap blanket gives sensory comfort and entertainment to those with dementia and can also be fun for young children. She has set up an online store to fund-raise for the Archives. Visit hillcrest-stitchery....com to see her creations. Use code Friend to receive a 25% discount for pickup or delivery in the Alexandria area. Allan MacDonald, County Archivist See more

The End is in Sight Today Henry Peeters and Jack Houde finished capping the windows at Macdonell House, the future home of the archives. Next week the board and batten goes on. What a transformation! Allan MacDonald, County Archives

Then and Now..... Transforming one of Glengarry's oldest buildings for the county archives. Almost there..... Donations would be welcome! Allan MacDonald, County Archivist