From the Archives
Norma Baker
The City of Vaughan’s archives house more than 600 collections dating from the early 1700s to the present day. Within these files are the stories of how Vaughan evolved from the traditional territories of the First Peoples of Turtle Island to the bustling city it is today.
Let’s look back at our history and share the stories of the people, places and moments that helped shape our community over time. This month’s feature highlights Norma Baker.
Norma was a longtime Maple resident who helped support Canada’s efforts during the Second World War and later worked to preserve Vaughan’s local history.
As many Canadian men left home to serve in the military, women like Norma stepped into essential roles to support the war effort as well. She worked in a factory producing ammunition and other supplies for the Allied forces overseas, performing work that required skill, precision and a strong commitment to upholding safety. Like many women of her generation, her contributions behind the scenes played an important role in supporting Canadian troops and helping Canada meet the demands of wartime production.
Norma’s commitment to service did not end once the war was over. In her community, she continued to make a positive difference as a member of Vaughan's Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee, helping to protect and preserve the city's cultural and historical heritage for future generations.
Today, Norma’s story stands as a powerful example of how one individual can make lasting contributions to their country and their community. Through the City of Vaughan Archives, her legacy lives on, connecting residents to Vaughan's past and ensuring that the contributions of remarkable individuals like Norma continue to inspire future generations.
VIEW VAUGHAN'S ARCHIVES ONLINE!
Looking for more information about the history of Vaughan? The City's Archival Collection is on digital display for all to explore! The following galleries are available in the City's online gallery on Flickr:
From Township to City: The Evolution of Vaughan
Historical Families of Vaughan
Historical Photography
Past Mayors of Vaughan
Prohibition in Vaughan
Recollections of Rural Vaughan
The Great Depression in Vaughan
The Mary Wood Collection
The Way We Were: Representations of Vaughan's Past
Vaughan’s Forgotten Heroes
Vaughan Lodge Fonds
Vaughan Working Environments
Vaughan Through the Ages: Medicine, Music and Sports and Recreation
and more!
A personal Flickr account is not required to access the City's online gallery, which contains only a small selection of the full archives collection. If you are looking for a particular image, original file, primary source record or more, please visit the Archival Database or contact the City by calling 905-832-2281 or emailing archives@vaughan.ca.
By managing and preserving both City and community records, the City’s Enterprise Information Management Services team ensures that Vaughan's rich and varied history will continue to be available for future generations. Learn more at vaughan.ca/archives.
For updates and news as they happen, subscribe to Vaughan News and follow the official corporate channels on X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
