Reposted by Capital History OttawaCapital History Ottawa @caphistottawa.bsky.social · 25/09/2026In the lead-up to #Ottawa's 200th anniversary, I'm re-sharing my past stories that cover the early years. After Bytown became Ottawa in 1855, & Queen Victoria named it the capital in 1857, William Notman showed up in 1859-60 to snap the first (known) photo set of Ottawa: apt613.ca/capital-hist... 084
Capital History Ottawa @caphistottawa.bsky.social · 25/09/2026In the lead-up to #Ottawa's 200th anniversary, I'm re-sharing my past stories that cover the early years. After Bytown became Ottawa in 1855, & Queen Victoria named it the capital in 1857, William Notman showed up in 1859-60 to snap the first (known) photo set of Ottawa: apt613.ca/capital-hist... 084
Capital History Ottawa @caphistottawa.bsky.social · 24/09/2026Colonel John By #colourized #Ottawa200 [colourized using AI - no other changes (original posted for side-by-side comparison)] 020
Capital History Ottawa @caphistottawa.bsky.social · 23/09/2026In the lead-up to #Ottawa's 200th anniversary, I'm re-sharing my past stories that cover the Bytown era (1826-1854). Next up, (John Sr., John Jr., & James) Rochester's Victoria Brewery (Part 1), initially est. 1829, & then re-est. 1847: www.ashleynewall.ca/2025/08/roch...ashleynewall.caRochester's Victoria Brewery (Ottawa), 1829-1900 (Part 1: 1829-65) 062
Capital History Ottawa @caphistottawa.bsky.social · 22/09/2026W/ this Sat. marking the 200th anniversary of #Ottawa, it seems like a good time to re-up this recent photo essay, in which I time travel through Ottawa history: www.ashleynewall.ca/2026/04/time...ashleynewall.caTime-Travelling Through Ottawa History 061
Capital History Ottawa @caphistottawa.bsky.social · 21/09/2026In the lead-up to #Ottawa's 200th anniversary, I'm re-sharing my past stories that cover the Bytown era (1826-1854). Next up, Nicholas Sparks' house, purportedly the first stone house built in Bytown: apt613.ca/capital-hist... 071
Capital History Ottawa @caphistottawa.bsky.social · 17/09/2026In the lead-up to #Ottawa's 200th anniversary, I'm re-sharing my past stories that cover the Bytown era (1826-1854). First up, The Pre-History of the Chateau Lafayette (Part 1), incl. the Stony Monday Riot, which occurred #OTD in 1849: www.ashleynewall.ca/2024/04/chat...ashleynewall.caChateau Lafayette Pre-History, Part 1: 1849-1863 040
Capital History Ottawa @caphistottawa.bsky.social · 16/09/2026New from Archives of Ontario on Youtube: "Ottawa - Canada's Capital (1976)" m.youtube.com/watch?v=o9J_...m.youtube.comOttawa - Canada's capital (1976)YouTube video by ArchivesOfOntario 110
Reposted by Capital History OttawaCapital History Ottawa @caphistottawa.bsky.social · 14/04/2026My “Sens Arenas of Yesteryear” blog post (2023) has just been updated w/ all new colourizations. (Prev. colourizations upgraded, + some new ones added.) www.ashleynewall.ca/2023/11/sens...ashleynewall.caSens Arenas of Yesteryear [Updated] 2112
Capital History Ottawa @caphistottawa.bsky.social · 14/04/2026My “Sens Arenas of Yesteryear” blog post (2023) has just been updated w/ all new colourizations. (Prev. colourizations upgraded, + some new ones added.) www.ashleynewall.ca/2023/11/sens...ashleynewall.caSens Arenas of Yesteryear [Updated] 2112
Capital History Ottawa @caphistottawa.bsky.social · 11/04/2026A great new colourization from the Glebe, 1938. From my latest, on my blog: www.ashleynewall.ca/2026/04/time... 260
Capital History Ottawa @caphistottawa.bsky.social · 09/04/2026Pic 1) Streetcar turning right from Dalhousie onto Rideau St., 1958. Pic 2) Streetcar on Sparks St. at O'Connor, presumably viewing east, undated (but appears 1950s). Pics via Halton County Radial Railway 0111
Capital History Ottawa @caphistottawa.bsky.social · 05/04/2026New on my blog: "Time-Travelling Through Ottawa History," a journey through Bytown & Ottawa's past, re-imagined w/ AI. www.ashleynewall.ca/2026/04/time...ashleynewall.caTime-Travelling Through Ottawa History 031
Reposted by Capital History OttawaCapital History Ottawa @caphistottawa.bsky.social · 03/04/2026New on my blog: www.ashleynewall.ca/2026/04/time...ashleynewall.caTime-Travelling Through Ottawa History 161
Capital History Ottawa @caphistottawa.bsky.social · 03/04/2026New on my blog: www.ashleynewall.ca/2026/04/time...ashleynewall.caTime-Travelling Through Ottawa History 161
Reposted by Capital History OttawaCapital History Ottawa @caphistottawa.bsky.social · 01/04/2026APRIL FOOLS! Alas, 1 of my grandfathers was a bus driver, & the other a reluctant lawyer, & both lived in the GTA. (The train/tunnel pic is AI, but pretty much how I presume the scene looked.) You can read my recent article on the Brading beer train & tunnel here: www.ashleynewall.ca/2025/09/brad...ashleynewall.caBrading's Brewery (Ottawa), Part 3: 20th Century & Beer Train Tunnel 042
Capital History Ottawa @caphistottawa.bsky.social · 01/04/2026My Grandad driving the famous Brading beer train in the tunnel under Lebreton Flats (sometime in the 1950s) 3140
Reposted by Capital History OttawaCanadian Geographic @cangeo.bsky.social · 23/03/2026Before Ottawa, there was Bytown — a gritty canal town built on an OG expression of “elbows up.” Look back at the birth of Bytown: bit.ly/3NiiLAE 📸: Archives of Ontario 073
Capital History Ottawa @caphistottawa.bsky.social · 17/03/2026Thanks to Michael Burke's early brewery on "Brewery Hill" (at the formerly extended north end of Bank St.), St. Patty's Day in Bytown in 1828 was a rousing success! From my recent article on the Rochester familly's Victoria Brewery: www.ashleynewall.ca/2025/08/roch... 241
Capital History Ottawa @caphistottawa.bsky.social · 14/03/2026With St. Patty's Day just around the corner, a reminder that the Chateau Lafayette was *originally* founded (ie. in 1849) by an Irishman! (Shocking, I know.) Full story: www.ashleynewall.ca/2024/04/chat...ashleynewall.caChateau Lafayette Pre-History, Part 1: 1849-1863 060
Capital History Ottawa @caphistottawa.bsky.social · 13/03/2026Bowles Lunch maintained consistent interior & exterior design styling / branding across all their outlets. 1915 photos (+ descrip.) here of Toronto King St. location similar to Ottawa locations, esp. Sparks St. outlet. New photo essay on Toronto Queen St. outlet: www.ashleynewall.ca/2026/03/bowl... 130
Capital History Ottawa @caphistottawa.bsky.social · 13/03/2026@torontoarchives.cityof.toronto.ca A new photo essay here (feat. a bunch of Toronto Archives photos) that you folks might enjoy: www.ashleynewall.ca/2026/03/bowl...ashleynewall.caBowles Lunch Toronto – Queen St. at Bay St., 1915-1957 031
Capital History Ottawa @caphistottawa.bsky.social · 05/03/2026My Bowles Lunch mini photo essay acoutrement blog post has just been updated w/ a few more photos: www.ashleynewall.ca/2021/05/capi...ashleynewall.caCapital History Ottawa (#colourized): Bowles Lunch 140
Capital History Ottawa @caphistottawa.bsky.social · 28/02/2026#OttMusic www.ottawalife.com/article/insi...ottawalife.comInside the Surge: How OMIC Is Rebuilding Ottawa’s Music Scene From the Ground Up - Ottawa Life MagazineBy Melanie Brulée The Ottawa Music Industry Coalition has become the hub for Ottawa’s music community. Today, we represent more than 500 members across the sector, from artists and managers to venue o... 020
Reposted by Capital History OttawaCapital History Ottawa @caphistottawa.bsky.social · 23/02/2026New on Historical Society of Ottawa website, for 2026 Bytown200 Bicentennial Storytelling Collection series: www.historicalsocietyottawa.ca/resources/by...historicalsocietyottawa.caAshley Newall – Nicholas Sparks’ House - The Historical Society of OttawaImagine spending £95 sterling to purchase 200 acres of what would one day constitute the heart of downtown Ottawa – a swath extending from Wellington Street to present-day Laurier Avenue, from Bronson... 142
Reposted by Capital History OttawaCapital History Ottawa @caphistottawa.bsky.social · 27/02/2026While no Ottawa Blacks served in the No. 2 Construction Battalion, Paul Barber Jr. (of mixed race) served in another labour unit in WWI, the Canadian Army Service Corps. Full story: apt613.ca/capital-blac...apt613.caCapital Black History: Newsie, motorcycle enthusiast, and WW1 veteran Paul J. BarberOttawa newsie Paul J. Barber (1893–1958) was everybody's favourite kind of person—a character. 011
Capital History Ottawa @caphistottawa.bsky.social · 24/02/2026Canadian Pacific train #1, the "Canadian", crossing Alexandra / Interprovincial Bridge [July 30, 1966]. This was the last westbound "Canadian" to use #Ottawa's Union Station (before station location moved to Tremblay)... 3113
Capital History Ottawa @caphistottawa.bsky.social · 23/02/2026New on Historical Society of Ottawa website, for 2026 Bytown200 Bicentennial Storytelling Collection series: www.historicalsocietyottawa.ca/resources/by...historicalsocietyottawa.caAshley Newall – Nicholas Sparks’ House - The Historical Society of OttawaImagine spending £95 sterling to purchase 200 acres of what would one day constitute the heart of downtown Ottawa – a swath extending from Wellington Street to present-day Laurier Avenue, from Bronson... 142
Reposted by Capital History OttawaCity of Ottawa @en.ottawa.ca · 23/02/2026With #MilanoCortina2026 coming to a close, we are bursting with pride for our incredible #TeamCanada! And a special cheer for our amazing #OttCity athletes, you have made us proud on the world stage. Congrats to Ivanie Blondin, Isabelle Weidemann, Paul Poirier, Rachel Homan and Emma Miskew! 1144
Capital History Ottawa @caphistottawa.bsky.social · 21/02/2026Rideau St., viewing east (across Rideau-Sussex), 1954. Bowles Lunch sign visible centre-right. My 2021 article on Bowles: apt613.ca/capital-hist... [Postcard via Ilia Ekchtout] 1162
Reposted by Capital History OttawaOttawa Road Trips 🇨🇦 @ottawaroadtrips.bsky.social · 20/02/2026Here's a sure sign that spring is on its way: sugar shacks in and around #Ottawa and #Gatineau are opening for the season! Bring on the taffy on snow, pea soup, pancakes and sugar pie, please. ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/02/28/o...ottawaroadtrips.comOttawa-area maple sugarbushes are opening for the 2026 season! - Ottawa Road TripsWant to visit a sugarbush or a cabane à sucre near Ottawa in 2022? Here are some maple syrup makers in Eastern Ontario and the Outaouais open this spring. 051
Capital History Ottawa @caphistottawa.bsky.social · 18/02/2026Minor update to my recent Brading's story... Ottawa's Capital Brewery doesn't seem to have been owned by Waterloo's Kuntz Brewery, even though a Kuntz owned Capital. This would explain why Brading's bought the breweries separately; Kuntz in 1930, & Capital in 1944 www.ashleynewall.ca/2025/09/brad...ashleynewall.caBrading's Brewery (Ottawa), Part 3: 20th Century & Beer Train Tunnel 120
Reposted by Capital History OttawaCapital History Ottawa @caphistottawa.bsky.social · 16/02/2026Thanks so much for filming & sharing that! (Looks like the model they raced against the iceboat in 1907.) The Canada Science & Technology Museum here in O-town has a Russell, but it's not on display. Here's my article on CCM's Russell Motors: www.ashleynewall.ca/2023/02/aemi...ashleynewall.ca“Aemilius Jarvis driving a car” – Famous Photo Explained 111
Capital History Ottawa @caphistottawa.bsky.social · 09/02/2026Here's a Black yachting history story I wrote a few years ago for U.S. sailing publication Scuttlebutt. (It doesn't cover any Ottawa history, but there's a major Ontario history element.) www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/2023/02/08/b...sailingscuttlebutt.comBlack Yachting History: McLaughlin & JarvisEvery February, Black History Month in the United States provides the opportunity to spotlight and celebrate the achievements of African Americans in the 130
Capital History Ottawa @caphistottawa.bsky.social · 07/02/20262025 follow-up to my 2024 apt613 article on #WWI vet, long-time newsie (@ Bank & Sparks), & motorcycle enthusiast Paul J. Barber. (Article format is pics & quick-hit newspaper clips.) #Ottawa #BlackHistory www.ashleynewall.ca/2025/02/capi...ashleynewall.caCapital Black History: Newsie & WWI Veteran Paul J. Barber (Part 2) 161
Reposted by Capital History OttawaCapital History Ottawa @caphistottawa.bsky.social · 19/01/2026Per Globe & Mail, "Ottawa’s original grand downtown train station under consideration for city’s high speed rail hub" My prev. apt613 article on such matters: apt613.ca/capital-hist...apt613.caCapital History: Ottawa's Union StationStep back in time with Ashley Newall's colourized photos of Ottawa's railway station through the years. 7102
Capital History Ottawa @caphistottawa.bsky.social · 19/01/2026Per Globe & Mail, "Ottawa’s original grand downtown train station under consideration for city’s high speed rail hub" My prev. apt613 article on such matters: apt613.ca/capital-hist...apt613.caCapital History: Ottawa's Union StationStep back in time with Ashley Newall's colourized photos of Ottawa's railway station through the years. 7102
Capital History Ottawa @caphistottawa.bsky.social · 16/01/2026My recent O'Keefe's blog post has been updated w/ a bunch of newly discovered pics & ads, including this gem from 1958. Full collection here: www.ashleynewall.ca/2025/10/okee... 140
Reposted by Capital History OttawaCapital History Ottawa @caphistottawa.bsky.social · 27/12/2025125 years ago today, Winston Churchill gave a lecture on the Boer War at #Ottawa's Russell Theatre. Afterwards, he cancelled his next tour stop & holed up at the Russell House Hotel. Full story: apt613.ca/capital-hist...apt613.caCapital History: Young Winston Churchill's Christmas Vacation, Ottawa 1900Sir Winston Churchill first appeared in Ottawa in December 1900 on a speaking tour, spinning the tale of his escape from the Boers, a highly publicized escapade that had just launched his political ca... 071
Capital History Ottawa @caphistottawa.bsky.social · 27/12/2025125 years ago today, Winston Churchill gave a lecture on the Boer War at #Ottawa's Russell Theatre. Afterwards, he cancelled his next tour stop & holed up at the Russell House Hotel. Full story: apt613.ca/capital-hist...apt613.caCapital History: Young Winston Churchill's Christmas Vacation, Ottawa 1900Sir Winston Churchill first appeared in Ottawa in December 1900 on a speaking tour, spinning the tale of his escape from the Boers, a highly publicized escapade that had just launched his political ca... 071
Capital History Ottawa @caphistottawa.bsky.social · 07/12/2025My de facto bio of Senator William H. Dennis - who founded the Int'l Fishermen's Cup (for which the #Bluenose was built) - has been getting some hits lately. As it happens, article recently updated: www.ashleynewall.ca/2021/03/sen-...ashleynewall.caSen. William H. Dennis: Partial Biography via 1920s Magazine Clips - Fishermen's Cup & Halifax Herald 020
Capital History Ottawa @caphistottawa.bsky.social · 02/11/2025At the foot of the locks, on or near location of 19th century wharf known alternately as Steamboat Landing, Fitzgibbon's Wharf, Canal Wharf, & ultimately Stirling's Wharf (then-home to George Stirling's (OG) Dominion Brewery). 271
Capital History Ottawa @caphistottawa.bsky.social · 27/10/2025New article on apt613 referencing my old/2022 article on apt613 about Henry Brading's Union Brewery (in the 19th century). Article re: Paul Weber's upcoming (sold out) launch party for his new album, "Ghost Beer Train"! apt613.ca/paul-webers-...apt613.caPaul Weber’s new album reveals some of Ottawa’s long lost historyLocal musician Paul Weber and his new album Ghost Beer Train showcase a hidden history, with Ottawa-Gatineau at its core. 130
Capital History Ottawa @caphistottawa.bsky.social · 18/10/2025Just happened across this Scott's Restaurant pic whilst searching for something else. Formerly on Rideau a couple doors east of Union Station, & prev. a Bowles Lunch. The other #Ottawa Bowles (on Sparks St.) ultimately became a Scott's Chicken Villa (KFC). Full story: apt613.ca/capital-hist... 2133
Capital History Ottawa @caphistottawa.bsky.social · 18/10/2025NE corner of Rideau @ Sussex, 1957. Tamblyn Drugs, F.W. Woolworth Co., & Freiman's. (New, lighter v. than originally posted.) 060
Capital History Ottawa @caphistottawa.bsky.social · 15/10/2025Note the horse-drawn tram in the pic. Chances are photog Topley asked the conductor to park it for the shot, + hid the horses behind the tree stump (since they would've inherently moved, & consequently blurred). Horse-drawn tram service in Ottawa began in 1866. 182
Capital History Ottawa @caphistottawa.bsky.social · 14/10/2025At the time, the plant was producing 12 million gallons of beer per year. The new wort tanks would increase that to 18 million gallons. 030
Capital History Ottawa @caphistottawa.bsky.social · 14/10/20252 new pics added to my recent Brading's Brewery story... 1) A giant crane lifts one of two 7000 gallon "wort tanks" to the top of O'Keefe's Ottawa brewery (prev. Brading's-Capital, present-day SW corner of Albert & Preston) as part of a three-year, $1 million expansion program. [Dec. 12, 1962] 181
Capital History Ottawa @caphistottawa.bsky.social · 12/10/2025Interesting 1960 pic of Alexandra / Interprovincial Bridge. What's interesting is structure in area of former Stirling's Wharf / Canal Wharf / Fitzgibbon's Landing / Steamboat Landing, where George Stirling had his Dominion Brewery, & where John Rochester Sr. may have (briefly) had his 1829 brewery. 271