This fonds contains 25 personal diaries of Kent County merchant F. J. Mayhew, beginning with an 1863 trip to his birthplace in England, then following his daily activities back in Thamesville, Ontario and surrounding area, 1879-1905. The diaries are small, and the entries brief; some entries are “cross-written” (in which the diarist fills the available space, then turns the page at a 90-degree angle and writes another passage over the first). Mayhew comments on the weather, meals eaten, people he visited or received visits from, business activities, farming activities, and social or other events.

This fonds contains administrative records of the Sydenham Glass Company, of Wallaceburg, Ontario, 1894-1913. Included are Directors’ meeting minutes, by-laws, a few share certificates, and a small amount of correspondence.