Our History Through the Lindsay Post

Kawartha Lakes Museum & Archives

Masthead of the Thursday, September 26, 1861 issue of the Canadian Post.

The Canadian Post

The Canadian Post emerged as a beacon of information and thought to the small town of Lindsay. Founded in 1857 by the visionary Christopher Blackett Robinson in Beaverton, Ontario, the Liberal weekly paper served as a platform for disseminating news and opinions to its audience. Robinson (1837-1923) was born in Thorah Township, Upper Canada (now formally known as Brock, Ontario). He was a publisher, writer, and editor.

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Christopher Blackett Robinson. Canadian Printer & Publisher. 1892. Published in Toronto by the MacLean-Hunter Company.

Start of the Post

At the age of twenty, the Canadian Post was Robinson’s first career decision upon entering the field of journalism. He later moved to Lindsay and almost immediately forfeited his printing plant to the great fire of 1861. Still, this did not deter his sights on the town, and he set-up shop at the foot of Kent Street.

The office was placed between a music shop and a law firm labelled as ‘Britton’s Block,’ with banners that displayed “Canadian Post Printing House” on the front of the building.

  • “Two things helped me through the first year-"

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  • "A growing fondness for the work"

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  • "And that spirit of youthful optimism that nothing could discourage or destroy.”

    — Christopher Blackett Robinson

Intersection of Lindsay and Kent Street in Lindsay, Ontario. The Canadian Post is located between the Music Emporium and Charles Britton Law. The publication operated out of the Canada Post office for a number of years. ca. 1890s. (2016.85.7)

Few recall that Christopher Robinson sold the Post only a year into its establishment, to G. Cruickshank and Co. The company formed a partnership between George Cruickshank and John Duff Wallace, and together they ran the publication for another three years. Afterwards Robinson bought the Whitby Gazette from Senator Reesor, hoping that he might find success by continuing in the newspaper field.

Wallace wished to return to Ireland, and the partnership collapsed. In 1864, Robinson happily returned to his former “post” in Lindsay. On his transition back to the Post, Robinson would comment:

  • “I found the situation a difficult one.”

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  • “From a business standpoint the town was a poor location for even a second paper;"

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  • "The county officials were mainly Conservative and the Gazette was Liberal."

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  • "The other paper, the Chronicle, was long established, well conducted and strongly entrenched.”

    — Christopher Blackett Robinson

Robinson also encouraged those he knew to start their own newspapers.

He purchased the Advocate from Edward D. Hand and sent Peter Murray (foreman of the Post) to Orillia and provided both a press and plant from his recent inventory to create the Orillia Expositor. It was the first newspaper in that area. The publication began on May 2nd, 1867, under the name of the aforementioned title and the Orillia Expositor and North Simcoe Journal of the Times.

Newspaper article excerpt with a pop-up of photographer Alan Capon, as if he is taking a snapshot of the paper. There is a link which directs the user to the newspaper.

Column on Christopher Blackett Robinson from the Lindsay Daily Post. May 11, 1917.

Robinson was not only interested in the success of his own publication, but wished to see the entire industry expand. Unfortunately, Robinson discovered that not all newspaper proprietors desired each other’s success.

The Battle of Headlines in the Newspaper Industry

A fierce and captivating rivalry unfolded within the realm of newspapers in the late 1800s. As the presses rolled and ink flowed, a spirited competition materialized, predetermining the media landscape. The Lindsay Advocate, an independent newspaper published by Edward D. Hand had already taken roots in the area when Robinson arrived in the town.

In 1863, the Lindsay Herald (Conservative paper) joined the scene. Three years later, the Omemee Warder set itself amongst the others, however due to financial constraints it settled down in Lindsay as the Victoria Warder. There was also the Lindsay Expositor in 1869, published by Peter Murray and W.M Hale.

Original negative from editor Alan Capon’s personal collection from his career with the Post. March 28, 1963.

The Canadian Post newspaper. The headline reads "HAPPY NEW YEAR TO OUR READERS." This would be the last issue until its renamed to Lindsay (or Weekly) Post.

Last issue of the Canadian Post. December 30, 1898.

The problem that arose with multiple papers in such a small area came in the form of many differing opinions on the same reported events. Some papers may have welcomed an event in the town, others may have disapproved of the prospect. Either way, this era witnessed a clash of ideologies, journalistic prowess, and marketing strategies as newspapers fiercely sought to outdo one another.

Overall, only two newspapers continued. The Watchman-Warder and the Post were the earliest journalistic enterprises in Victoria County and the two publications that survived.

  • “I held my own fairly well, all things considered, for a couple of years…"

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  • "When Mr. Cruickshank asked me to again take over the office.”

    — Christopher Blackett Robinson

Fourteen employees of the Canadian Post in 1893, at the Lindsay Street location. From left: John Richards, John Moore, W. Ingles, John Bush, Hugh McDean, G.H. Wilson, J.V. McNulty, John Campbell, Wes Wright, Jas. Shannon, A. O’Boyle, F. Pearson, and H. Walsh. (2020.128.1)

Passing the Press

Christopher Blackett Robinson moved to Toronto and established the Canada Presbyterian, leaving the Post to be managed by George T. Gurnett, his brother-in-law. The Canada Presbyterian first started publishing issues in 1871 to the public. It was a religious-themed newspaper located in the business centre of the city on Jordan Street, Toronto. 

It was thought that Robinson established this paper in response to the division of Presbyterian bodies in Canada. It was noted for its criticisms of current affairs with a strong theological undertone. The success of this company would not have been possible without the decade of experience and influence that the Canadian Post exuded during Robinson’s time.

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Three years later in 1873, the publication was taken over by Charles D. Barr, night editor of the Toronto Globe. Barr continued this position until 1891. Barr’s career with the Post was described as such:

Masthead of the Thursday, September 26, 1861 issue of the Canadian Post.

  • "He brought a well-equipped mind,"

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  • "And a training received on the best papers on the continent, including the Toronto Globe, of which he was night editor,"

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  • "And the Post, under his management, ranked as second to none of the Weeklies of the Province.”

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Advertisement of services on behalf of proprietor Charles D. Barr from the Canadian Post. January 9, 1874.

Barr left the paper when he was appointed registrar of Victoria County. Between the years of 1861 and 1875, Christopher Robinson was also the proprietor of the Port Hope Guide for a number of years until it was sold to James Wilson. Robinson commented:

And so the torch was passed to another owner of the Post.

“It is an odd coincidence that the Wilson family -father and sons- should become proprietors of two papers owned by me - the Lindsay Post and the Port Hope Guide- both now dailies and weeklies.”

-Christopher Blackett Robinson

"A Souvenir.” Published by the Toronto Board of Trade. Toronto. 1893.

III. The Lindsay Post

Exterior of the Lindsay Post building, located on William Street in Lindsay, Ontario. Depicts large lettering between the windows on the front facing side.