Thorold Historical Museum

On July 7 we’re celebrating one of life’s sweetest pleasures — chocolate — with the date many historians associate with chocolate’s introduction to Europe in the 1500s. Chocolate began with the ancient Maya and Aztec peoples, who consumed cacao as a ceremonial and everyday drink long before it became the sweet confection we know today.

City of Thorold has a special relationship with chocolate, thanks in part to the iconic Laura Secord brand — named after the real Laura Secord, a heroine of the War of 1812 whose story is deeply rooted in the Niagara region. During the War of 1812, Laura Secord made a perilous 32‑km journey to warn British and Indigenous allies of an impending American attack. Her bravery helped shape the course of the conflict, and her story remains an essential part of Niagara’s heritage.

Laura Secord remains one of Canada’s most recognizable chocolate and confectionery brands. Founded in 1913 in Toronto by Frank P. O'Connor, Laura Secord Chocolates grew into Canada’s largest chocolatier, known for its premium candy and historical branding, Laura Secord Chocolates started making and selling candy in 1913. The first store was opened on October 20, 1913, at 354 Yonge Street in Toronto, Ontario, where founder Frank P. O'Connor began hand-crafting chocolates in the kitchen above his shop. Changing ownership several times and being acquired by Jean and Jacques Leclerc in 2010. It operates dozens of retail shops across the country, selling chocolates, ice cream, and specialty treats. Below we see a box from our own collection.

Why not take some time today to enjoy a chocolate treat, and even better if it happens to be Laura Secord.

Yesterday, June 30, is known as Asteroid Day, a United Nations–sanctioned global awareness event held every June 30 to educate the public about asteroids, their scientific importance, and the risks they can pose to Earth.

With space exploration and telecommunications satellites at the forefront scientific education and discovery, we look back in our collection to the 1940s.

This book represents the expansion of formalized science education in North American schools during the early to mid-20th century, when curricula increasingly emphasized observation, experimentation, and practical knowledge. It introduces foundational scientific concepts through structured lessons. Publishers such as W. J. Gage & Co. played a central role in producing standardized textbooks for Canadian classrooms. The structured format and graded approach of the text reflect broader educational reforms aimed at modernizing instruction and preparing students for a more scientifically oriented society.

Wimbledon starts today — and so does the nostalgia.

For 90+ years, Lemon Barley Water has been the quiet MVP of the tournament, keeping players refreshed since 1935. The "Robinson's" brand dates back to 1823, originally gaining fame for its "Patent Barley" used to make infant food and drinks for "invalids". In 1930, Mr. Smedley Hodgson of Robinsons mixed barley crystals, real lemon juice, and sugar. The drink became a courtside staple in 1935, earning its place on the umpire’s chair and in British summertime culture.

From our own collection, we have a tin container from the 1940's or 1950s'.