Elora Lightning Express
Most of the residents at the House of Industry did not personally record their experiences. Whether it was that they could not record it or did not want to record it is unknown. Other outlets did pick up some of their stories and brought them to the public. The most popular place to find their stories is in the local newspapers. The Wellington County Archives has a collection of House of Industry related newspapers in the reading room as well as microfilm copies of the original papers. Below are a few stories covered by the Elora Lightning Express.
Thursday, January 17, 1878
The author of this article was welcomed by Steward and Matron Parker and reported on the conditions of the House.
They reported that there was 30 residents, including 3 children at the time.
"Everything looks neat and comfortable...everything is in its place."
Based on their visit, the author claimed that "hard times no longer star the inmates in the face."
Thursday, February 4, 1886
This article outlined how William the most documented infant from the House was found and admitted.
An abandoned baby was found in the sitting room of Krausmann's hotel, resulting in charges of abandoning a baby for passing travellers. These charges were later dropped and the infant was admitted to the House.
There was a found letter with the baby that said "the mother was too poor to rear it, hoping someone would adopt it or send it to teh poor house."
At this point, he was only 10 days old and the author reports him being in expensive clothing.
Thursday, February 18, 1886
The baby was reported to be named William Fenwick.
Thursday, February 11, 1886
This article provided a more unique account of Palmer, a "coloured boy inmate" who had issues with poverty.
He was regarded by many as very attractive and was always seen around people, even befriending strangers.
Mr. Griffin, keeper of the House, caught Palmer with a stolen flute.
Palmer reportedly ran away from the House. A warning was issued to the reader stating "he is now probably disguised as a wandering musician looking for handouts."