1

In 1891 the first meeting was held concerning the possibility of creating a glass factory in Wallaceburg. The planning session was led by three men, Captain James W. Steinhoff, David Alexander Gordon, and Captain James Taylor. These men envisioned an industry independent of the declining lumber trade. They were all involved in the lumber business, whether that was through stave manufacturing or shipping. They understood that the area's hardwood supply was declining and that it was only a matter of time before production ceased.

2

Public Meeting Announcement to discuss the opening of the Sydenham Glass Company
11 March 1891
Wallaceburg, Ontario, Canada

Credits:
Wallaceburg and District Museum
Wallaceburg Herald, March 9th, Pg. 1

3

D.A. Gordon, Father of Modern Wallaceburg
Circa 1910
unknown

Credits:
Wallaceburg and District Museum
986.221.1
P7495

4

James Wynard Steinhoff
Circa 1900
unknown

Credits:
Wallaceburg and District Museum

5

The idea to manufacture glass in Wallaceburg was credited to Taylor. An oral tradition of the events articulated that he was returning from a shipping venture down the Chenal Ecarte, a river just outside of town, when he noticed the large sand deposits along its banks. He assumed the sand would work adequately in the production of glass. Shortly after seeing this he brought the idea to Steinhoff, Gordon, and other elite community members.

Unfortunately, after the sand was tested, it was realized it would not meet the standards of glass production. The bad news failed to thwart the aforementioned leaders. They discovered a sand supplier from the United States that would deliver them the high quality sand they needed. In 1893 the Wallaceburg Glass Works Company Limited was incorporated. After only a year it became the Sydenham Glass Company and had over $3000 of investment capital.

6

Captain John William Taylor
Circa 1895
Wallaceburg, Ontario, Canada

Credits:
Wallaceburg and District Museum

7

Captain James Wynard Steinhoff on horse and buggy
Circa 1900
Wallaceburg, Ontario, Canada

Credits:
Wallaceburg and District Museum

8

In the proceeding storyline you will discover a number of original stock certificates from the Sydenham Glass Company. The stock owners located in the exhibit include, James W. Steinhoff, W. D. O'Grady, Martin Martin, Rose Gordon, Dr. George Mitchell, and the Village of Wallaceburg. In addition a page from the original stock ledger details the investments of D.A. Gordon. There is also an auditors report from 1895. It illustrates the capital accumulated up to that point and all the speculators involved. The stocks were chosen in order to give a representative example of the company's investors. Martin was indicative of the small business man, Steinhoff of the wealthy elite, Rose Gordon of women, Dr. George Mitchell of professionals, and the Village of Wallaceburg as an entity of its own. These examples prove that there were a diverse group of people that endowed money to the fledgling company. There were small businessmen, women, professionals, the wealthy, and groups of humble citizens that contributed to the cause. Steinhoff may have been one of the largest independent investors but it took support from all of the various groups surrounding Wallaceburg to make it successful.

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The Village of Wallaceburg Sydenham Glass Stock Certificate
29 May 1895
Wallaceburg, Ontario, Canada

Credits:
Wallaceburg and District Museum
2001.84.1

10

Captain James W. Steinhoff stock in the Sydenham Glass Company
27 January 1896
Wallaceburg, Ontario, Canada

Credits:
Wallaceburg and District Museum
2001.84.1ai

11

W. Dr. C. O'Grady Sydenham Glass Company stock certificate
17 December 1895
Wallaceburg, Ontario, Canada

Credits:
Wallaceburg and District Museum
2001.84.1

12

The reverse side of the Villiage of Wallaceburg Sydenham Glass Company stock certificate
29 May 1895
Wallaceburg, Ontario, Canada

Credits:
Wallaceburg and District Museum
2001.84.1

13

Martin Martin Sydenham Glass Company Stock purchased for his son
29 May 1895
Wallaceburg, Ontario, Canada

Credits:
Wallaceburg and District Museum
2001.84.1

14

Rose Gordon Sydenham Glass Company Stock Certificate
22 April 1895
Wallaceburg, Ontario, Canada

Credits:
Wallaceburg and District Museum
2001.84.1