Whether iPhone or Android, over 88% of Canadians have a smartphone. Half of those check their device at least every 30 minutes. We have witnessed the evolution of mobile computing technology firsthand over the past decade, and today’s smartphones are several multiples faster than current laptops. “Products to Cell”, explored vintage and antique items that have or almost been replaced by smartphones and corresponding apps. Internet access via a phone rather than a desktop or laptop is on the rise, and communication, fun and education are at our fingertips. Explore items that are a simple screen tap away in the present day.
This video is a brief overview of the exhibit, which officially opened to the public October 13, 2021. There were so many examples of technologies and artifacts over the years that now are all accessible via smartphone. The display also featured vintage advertisements and interesting facts about some of the items. We'll cover just a few featured items here.
In 1874 at his home in Brantford, Alexander Graham Bell first described the scientific principle that would convey the human voice over wires. By the second World War, Canadians led the world in talking by telephone. An interesting part of the past was party lines. Common in the first half of the 20th century, especially in rural areas and during WWII when copper wire was in short supply. A party line was shared by more than one subscriber, which meant no privacy. Anyone could pick up and listen in! If someone announced they had an emergency, it was mandatory for all parties to hang up - not everyone complied. Making connections today is far different than in the past. Phone numbers, once committed to memory, are now saved in a devices' memory instead. Texts are the more predominant way of reaching out, and seeing friends and relatives far awayis done through video chat.
The history of photography and moving pictures is long and can be extremely detailed. Nineteenth century portrait photography using daguerrotypes gave wayto more modern techniques. There are two photographers of note from Flamborough's history - William Reid and Stephen Sylvester Main. Both of these amateur photographers captured life in Waterdown and Sheffield at the turn of the 20th century. Many of Will Reid's photographs of Waterdown are in our image catalogue. Gone are the years of going to the pharmacy and waiting for our photos to develop - we carry cameras in our pocket that can capture live or still images in high definition. Editing software can easily change elements of a photograph, what was once a painstakingprocess.
Maps and atlases change throughout history, and as time moved on maps changed. What was once a large parchment or cumbersome atlas became a foldable paper kept in car gloveboxes for finding the next stop on a family trip. With the arrival of GPS, apps can now locate exactly where we are, whether there's traffic on the way, nearby restaurants, or show us what our destination looks like from the street.
It is said that the first paper produced in Canada came from a mill at Crooks Hollow just outside Greensville. This is just one of the many industries that built Flamborough and its numerous communities. Correspondence has come a long way throughout history. From ink and nibs to keyboards that predict the next word.
The QWERTY layout is attributed to an American inventor named Christopher Latham Sholes, and it made its debut in its earliest form on July 1, 1874
For so long as there's something to sell, there's been a way to advertise. What used to be contained in newspapers, catalogues and billboards is now communicated through whichever app we're using.
The brochure associated with the display can be accessed by download here. Want to support further Heritage Society events and exhibits? Donate today! Tax receipts issued for donations $25 and up. Thank you so much for your support.
