Victory Bonds, later known as Canada Savings Bonds, were introduced during the First World War and Second World War to encourage Canadians to invest and help the war effort.

Here, Merritton newspaper carrier Glenn Nelson (left) age 14 of 54 Canal Street, and delivery boy Billy Orser, age 12, of 9 Ball Avenue are pictured counting the interest coupons of one of their bonds.

The caption continued: “Two Merritton lads are setting a fine example by investing their earnings in Victory Bonds. Glenn has bought two $50 bonds and one $100 bond in the last three loan drives. Billy has bought a $50 bond in each of the last two campaigns.”

The newspaper carriers and other ‘about town’ young professionals appear as subjects in many of the newspaper’s photographs through the years, giving a rare glimpse into the lives of young people in the City.

There’s More to the Story

Check out the entire History InSite installation across Merritton, downtown St. Catharines and in Port Dalhousie.

About History InSite

A permanent, site specific installation, History InSite juxtaposes historical photographs with modern streetscapes by presenting the photo in, or close to, the place which it was taken.

St. Catharines has a rich photographic history and when compared to the changing streetscapes around the City, that history becomes much more meaningful, poignant, and relevant to our modern eyes.

The Downtown series was installed in July 2021. The Port Dalhousie series was installed in May 2022. The Merritton series was installed in May 2023.

History InSite is presented by the St. Catharines Museum & Welland Canals Centre.

Graffiti Report

If you spot any graffiti on our purple History InSite signs, please send us a message a